Haircut, Edition #1

Hi, 

So today I'm going to tell you all about my haircut experience, which I'm thinking of turning into a series.. kind of.

For the last few times I've had my haircut it seems to be more and more dramatic, which has led to this. I just needed to a change and to be honest my hair was so dead from bleaching and dying this has done it the world of good.

I originally found my inspiration from Doctor Who's most recent assistant, Clara (Jenna Coleman). Her hair is longer then what I ended up going for but she really pulls off a shorter cut whilst looking so feminine and cute.

When I want a new hair cut I always pop over to pinterest for ideas, I just popped in the words 'short haircut' and so on and pressed search. This is a great website without unreal expectations, unlike magazines where (lets be honest) you'll never get your hair that perfect. 

I also decided to go a little darker so I picked up the Schwarzkopf Colour Mask in the shade 400. Now this has come out a lot darker (almost black uh oh) than I expected but I'm sure I'll be able to work around that. Next time I'll probably just go for a deeper brown than my natural colour. 

Overall I am happy with how my hair has come out and at the end of the day it will grow back. I am going to keep my hair in a lot better condition than I did before because it would just break off so easily and was basically dead. I hope you've enjoyed this new type of post and I'll try to keep these up when I get my hair cut! 

Thanks for reading,

Poppy xx

DIY: Halloween Cupackes

Hiya!

Today I'm going to do something a little bit different, but who doesn't love to bake? I'm going to give you a method and link you to the butter cream method I used (which worked amazingly)!

Cupcake Ingredients:

1. 115g (4oz)  softened butter
2. 115g (4oz)g (4oz) sugar
3. 2 medium sized eggs
4. 115g (4oz) self raising flour

Cupcake Method:

1.  Set the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5. Then lay your cupcake cases in your baking tin.
2. Put the butter and the sugar in a mixing bowl. Then beat them together until light and creamy.
3. Beat the eggs in a bowl with a fork. Add them to the butter mixture a little at a time, using a wooden spoon.
4. Add the flour to the mixture, also a little at a time, folding it in gently.
5. Spoon the cake mixture into the cupcake cases (as evenly as you can so they all cook through at the same pace). Leaving them to cook for 15-20 minutes.
6. The cakes will be done when they are firm and golden brown. Another tip is to put a knife into one of the cakes and see if any cake mixture is left on the knife, if so they need more time in the oven! Take them out of the tin and move them to the side to cool down

Butter Cream Ingredients:

1. 300g icing sugar (sifted)
2. 150g softened butter

Butter Cream Method:

1. Beat the icing sugar and butter together.
2. Add any colouring or favouring if using.
3. Then fill a piping bag or spread across cupcake until you find your desired effect.

and enjoy!

I added green food colouring to both my cupcake mix and butter cream which I know wish had come out a little darker, but you live and you learn. I also decorated them with Halloween toppings from Marks & Spencers, Poundland and Tescos. The Cinderella one was for my mum and not exactly Halloween themed but I added it because it looked cute!

I hope you enjoyed this change of blog and will give these festive cupcakes a go yourself (if you do send me a picture or link below)!

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx

Inspiring Art Print

About a month or so ago I had to edit some photographs of mine for my photography A level research. This is one of the final pieces and I really quite like it and it was so simple to edit. They are two different photographs of the same people, then I cropped out the eyes from one and edited them on top of the other. I uploaded my work onto all of my social networking sites.

A girl under the name of @msvalroids on instagram asked if she could use my work as inspiration which I was absolutely delighted for. I love art and to help, or inspire someone else makes me so happy. Her work is absolutely gorgeous so when she was done with the piece I got in contact with her. She sells her work online at Society6 under the name vanessalizeth, I quickly purchased a print.

It's absolutely lovely and seeing it in my bedroom everyday makes me smile, I got the frame from Urban Outfitters a year ago. Having something personal like this is incredible.

So thank you very much for my print, I love it to bits.

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx

Piercings & Tattoos, Part 2

Hiya!

So most things are pretty much the same since my last post (here), actually maybe I have gained and lost a few things...

Piercings I have are pretty much the same. My helix, both ears and second on my ears. 

I swapped my nose piercing for a septum. Basically I had a lot of problems with my nose piercing and it would never heal, whereas I have always wanted a septum piercing but have wimped out because of the pain factor (which was complete rubbish). I went to my local piercers called Abstract Armour Tattoo and it was honestly such an easy piercing. My eyes didn't even water whereas they did when I had my nose pierced. Plus it healed soooo quickly!

Lets move on to the most exciting thing (well I think so anyway)! I am now 18 and I have got my first tattoo which reads "open your eyes! I got this tattoo at Madame Butterfly's Tattoo Parlour, which was so nice and they treated me so well (I would definitely recommend it). I decided on the font as I wanted to be able to read it from a distance, instead of the swirly stuff which can be tricky to understand. The tattoo didn't take long at all and healed so quickly, I am so happy with it.

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx 

My Go To Base Routine

Hi,

So today I am going to do my go to base routine, this is what I use on a regular basis. 

First things first. I use a set of brushes which I got from an Asian website but I'm pretty sure they are the same as these eBay ones. They are incredible and I really urge you to get them if you haven't got them already.

I start with my LOreal True Match foundation on my flat top eBay brush with a patting motion. I then layer this where I need more coverage. I then go in with my collection lasting perfection concealer on any more red or inflamed areas and under my eyes. I usually use my fingers, but occasionally I use the slanted eBay brush to dab it in place. I sometimes use the Rimmel stay matte pressed powder (more so over the summer as I become more shiny) but I don't need it as much in the winter. 

It's a very simple and effective routine as you can see in my before and after images above. I'm now going to enter some photographs when I have all of my make up on. For you who don't know I am really into photography so this picture below are more self-portraits then anything else but I thought it was about time you saw my work.

Thanks for reading, 

Pops xx

New Pets!

Hi!

WE HAVE BUNNIES!

We know own two male mini lops and they are so adorable. They will be turning 11 weeks old on the 17th September 2014. We have named them Bobby and Teddy. They are just so cute. They have such a goo temperment unlike rabbits I have owned in the past. Anyway I thought I'd give you an update and then maybe do more in the future! 

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx

My Favourite Eyebrow Products and Routine

Hi, so today I'm going to talk you through my favourite products and routine. I thought I'd combine the two and just make a longer post then maybe in the future (if I find different products I like), make two separate posts.

Here is a before and after so you can see what a difference my make up makes. I like to keep my brows as natural as I can, I don't want slugs on my face (if you know what I mean).

These are my favourite products and the brushes I like to use to apply them. The MUA Pro-Brow (£3.50) is very similar to the ELF Eyebrow Kit (£3.95). Except the MUA palette as 3 brown shades and a clear gel and the ELF kit has one colour and one brown gel. I love them both and can't decide which is my favourite, they both last all day and suit my skin tone well. I always apply the gel first (with my red Revlon brush) and then apply the appropriate colour with the black brush. I normally brush this out quite a lot with a spooly so the make up isn't caked on but more natural looking. 

I then go over with the Benefit Gimmie Brow (£17.50) or the Maybelline Brow Drama (£4.99). I never buy high end make up unless it is truly raved about so the Gimmie Brow was  treat to myself and I really am loving, it add more colour and texture then the Brow Drama. However if you are on a budget the Brow Drama is still amazing and has a great staying power. I still use both! I just add which ever I choose over the rest of my brows. I am normally left with quite a messy look so I tidy my brows up with some concealer and my look is complete.

Thank you for reading,

Pops xx

Back To College Essentials 2014

Hi, so I thought it was time I did something back to school related even though everyone is pretty much dreading it. These are just a few things that I know will help me get through the year...

• Popper document wallets - I have a few of these in bright colours that I know will help me keep sheets all neat and organised (unlike I was last year).
• Pencil case - This is an essential (especially for an art student) and it's just too cute.
• Cute accessories - A way to any animal/food lovers heart, these super cute and colourful rubbers are a goo way to keep anyone smiling (and they are super cheap).
• Hair ties - I absolutely love these for the one and only fact that they don't leave a bump in your hair after you've had it up for hours. I know when I'm working I can quickly become aggravated by my hair touching face, so these will be handy for sweeping those loose bits back. 
• Concealer - This is the one make up essential I will always carry (and lip balm of course). It's handy for a lot of things, so just grab your favourite one and plop it in your bag for easy retouches. 
• Diary - This is a major essential for anyone (I know a lot of schools give you one for free). I use mine for scheduling my days to writing in homework and they are so handy.
• Music - This is more for the journey to or from college (as I get the bus) and this can put me in such a good mood. Sometimes we are allowed to listen to music in our lessons too. So grab your favourite upbeat songs and stick some headphones on. 
• Water bottle - Having a water bottle is great, as well all know drinking water has so many health benefits. I'm also thinking about getting a flask to carry warm drinks or even food (such as soup) to college. 
• The Bag - Last but not least an all important bag. I've been looking for one long before we broke up for the summer but I just couldn't find the right one. Then as the Topshop sale was ending I stumbled across this one. It should do just the trick and is a really cute colour. 

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy these type of posts.

Pops xxx

The Fairytale Tag

Snow White - Do you consider yourself beautiful?

I don't know about 'beautiful' as such but I am happy with the way I look. Don't call me vain, I mean of course I would love to change things about myself but if I was really that bothered I would get up and sort myself out and I don't. 

Sleeping Beauty? - How many hours do you sleep at night?

Normally around 7.

Cinderella - Do you have a curfew?

No.

Rapunzel - Do you love being outside?

Yes, of course. More so in the summer.

Red Riding Hood? - Do you trust strangers easily?

Yes, until they give me a reason not to.

The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids - Are you easily fooled?

No, well I don't think I am.

Beauty and the Beast - What makes someone beautiful in your eyes?

Someone who is confident and is happy a lot.

The Little Mermaid - What would you sacrifice for love?

I guess a fair amount but it's not something I would know until the situation came about. 

The Frog Prince - What do you find disgusting?

Sick, someone throwing us is the one thing I can not stand.

Jack and the Beanstalk - Do you have any plants?

Yes, a cactus.

Puss in Boots - Do you have pets? If not, do you want them?

I have four cats; Maisie, Tiger, Angel and Bailey.

Bluebeard - What is your weak point?

I'm not so sure on this, I mean I must have one but...

Pinocchio - What is your biggest wish?

To be a photographer and live a happy life.

Peter Pan - What is your mental age?

I'd say my mental age is my actual age, 17.

The Star Money - What is your most valuable possession?

Probably my first toy which I remember begging my mum for, which is is a Bear Factory (before it was called build-a-bear). It's a pink elephant called Amy and I know that if I lost it I would miss it and it just couldn't be replaced. 

Gold Mary & Pitch Mary - Are you a hard worker or a lazy one?

Hard worker, if something has got to be done I will do it. Unless it's homework then I'm procrastination princess! 

The Snow Queen - Who is your best friend? What would you do for them?

I have a couple and I'm not sure, probably a lot but it depends on the situation and what was going on.

The Princess and the Pea - Are you sensitive? 

I am to some things. For example 'The Fault in Our Stars' made me cry.

Godfather Death - What qualities make you a good parent?

I guess a few things, but you'll never really know until you're put into the situation. 

The Twelve Dancing Princesses / The Worn Out Dancing Shoes - Do you like parties?

I love parties!

The Emperors New Clothes - Do you care a lot about your clothes?

I care about how I dress myself and there is the odd sentimental piece in my wardrobe (my prom dress for instance).

The Brave Little Tailor - Do you consider yourself brave? 

You can be brave for many different reasons like it is said in Peter Pan "There are many different kinds of bravery. There's the bravery of thinking of others before one's self. Now, your father has never brandishes a sword nor fired a pistol, thank heavens. But he has made many sacrifices for his family, and put away many dreams."

Thank you for reading,
Poppy xx

Top Ten Guilty Pleasures

1.  Cheese. Dare I say more? Cheese boards, melted cheese, cheese sandwich.. the list could go on.
2. A pyjama day. Who doesn't enjoy a pyjama day? only then realise you've spent a whole 24 hours on your bum laughing at badly scripted jokes in over dramatised children's movies.
3. Online shopping. This critically effects your bank account, so just don't go there. 
4. Reading trashy magazines that are 99% lies and all of the products you cant afford.
5. Dancing to cringe worthy yet awesome songs in your bedroom aka Mambo No 5.
6. Wasting half of your life watching a series then obsessing about it for months after. 
7. When you walk out of the hairdressers and feel your oh-so-soft new 'do'.
8. Orange juice. I could drink this all day.... 
9. Watching cute animal videos on the web... then embarrassingly realise you are cooing at them in public.
10. Last but definitely not least. Alcohol. Yes that's right ladies and gentlemen I am now 18 and I have felt the side effects of the liquid magic (I definitely would not call it this the next day). This has almighty bad side effects and I almost immediately bloat, so it's not something I do regularly at all! 

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx

What is your guilty pleasure?

Cheese.

Pyjama day.

Online shopping.

Trashy magazines.

Dancing to cringe worthy songs.

Obsessing over a TV series.

The feeling of a fresh haircut.

Orange juice.

Cute animal videos.

Alcohol.

Poll Maker

I got the chop.

Hi, yes it's what you're guessing I got my hair cut off. Okay, maybe I'm making it sound more dramatic then it is but oh does my head feel light. I've chopped off a good half of my hair and I'm so glad I did. A) My hair wasn't in the best condition and it got to the point where I just didn't care any more.  B) I felt that having long hair is a major trend at the moment and sometimes it's nice to step out of the circle (if you get what I mean). 

My hair now feels amazing and it's so easy to style. I haven't had that long to test loads of styles yet but I don't feel I need to. I feel that getting a haircut it's such a better way to re style yourself without damaging your hair (like dying it).

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx

Guest Post Feat. Jenny's A/W wishlist 2014.

Hi, my names Jenny and I blog over at freyasfashionchapter. Poppy and I decided it would be fun to do a guest post on each other’s blogs! For some reason it has taken us ages to come up with an idea and actually start writing (I'm basically at home all day every day so have no excuse!) but we finally decided on doing a wish list based around all the autumn winter lines which have started to hit the shelves… despite it only being August? Not that I'm complaining, wrapping up and layering is my favourite thing and I can't wait for it to be acceptable to wear jeans everyday again!

First on my wish list is a midi cardigan. These two are from Topshop although New Look sells them too and probably for about half the price! They look so cosy and can be styled casually or not like in these pictures. For some reason I am drawn to them whenever shopping, I guess having one would just be really handy and different to chucking on a hoodie.

Another clothing item- I'm in love with these check cigarette trousers! I think the pattern is so wintery and I can imagine myself wearing these on Christmas day (too early to be talking about Christmas?) Also it’s nice to change things up a bit as I live in skinny jeans. These trousers are so fitted it’s a good compromise.

Lastly on my a/w wish list is a pretty blanket. I’m going to university in September which honestly I'm not looking forward to that much! However getting all my home décor/supplies has been fun and I think a patterned blanket will help my room feel more homely. These ones are from H&M, their range of home décor is really great and it isn't too pricey either.

Hope you liked this post!

Jenny x

July Wishlist 2014

I'm going to try and do a wishlist at the start of every month, at the moment there isn't much I would like in materialistic matters. Especially seeing as it is coming up to summer I'd rather spend my money on days out. The first three things are music, something I spend a lot of my summer listening to whilst relaxing. 

Then there are the Barry M nail varnishes. I already own one which I bought in the autumn so the summer isn't very summery, but I absolutely adore the formula. They matte ones dry super quickly and don't budge for 5 days (on me is pretty good as I wash up a lot at work). However compared to my other colour these are a lot brighter and are way more summery. 

I have then added in the l'oreal super liner. I'm on the prowl for a new eyeliner as I still haven't found 'the one'. I have heard many good things about this one though so I thought I'd give it a go. Carrying on with make up is the Bourjois Bronzing Primer. Something I have heard a lot about and I am just really intrigued.  

Last but not least the very popular Juju Jelly shoes. I have wanted to get some of these since last summer but I just never got round to it.I think they are really playful but seeing as there is a small heal they will also help define your legs, I really want to get my hands on a pair! 

Thanks for reading, 

Pops xx

Guest Post Feat. Ellie Whiting with Top 5 Summer Products

I'm Ellie, let’s talk a little about my blog (http://ellenawhiting.blogspot.co.uk/) not too much, I don’t want to bore with details. My blog features a variety of fashion/style and beauty posts, and along with these posts I include music, I hope that adds a nice little spark to them.

Anyway, onto the post. Here are my top 5 summer favourites. Hope you enjoy.

Benefit High Beam

Summer approaches and along with the sister product – Sun Beam, this highlighter seems to be raved about. I now understand why.

I purchased this product a month or so ago and it quickly ventured into having a permanent place in my daily makeup routine. I tend to swipe it under the arch of my eyebrows, along my cheekbones and then a little dab on my cupids bow and that seems to hit all the points without going overboard.  

The lightweight liquid glides on the skin super easy and with a little buffing gives you a natural looking glow that, I’m sure, most of us fancy. The highlighter is a pearlescent colour, so great for us British that aren’t blessed with sunkissed LA skin, although, if you happen to be one of those that are blessed with sunkissed skin, despite the fact I haven’t tried it personally, I’d recommend Sun Beam over High Beam, as the colour is more of a bronze, therefore probably so much more suitable for your skin tone.

This may not be the cheapest product for its size but I would say it’s worth trying.

MAC Lipstick (Shade: Retro Matte, All Fired Up)

This one was a recent duty free buy. Having a looksy in MAC at duty free is a must, and the product you purchase there always leads to become the one product you wore endlessly on that holiday.

This fuchsia matte lipstick I certainly made the most of on holiday and also have been since I got back. It’s the summer alternative to MACs Ruby Woo. The lipstick you use on a lazy outfit day to jazz it up. That’s the one great thing about the bold lipstick colours. Another great thing about this lipstick is that due to it being a matte lipstick, it lasts forever – really, it does. 

Chloe Eau De Parfum

Perfume is a difficult thing. Some people like to switch it up, some like to be that person with a signature fragrance and some like to change it up with the seasons. I think I belong in that category, I find it extremely difficult to discover a product that works for both winter and summer. Although, contradicting what I just said, until recently I would say I came under the signature fragrance category, I soon abandoned that after repeatedly sneaking a squirt of this Chloe perfume on my trips to Boots. It changed my mind.

There’s just something about this perfume, it smells so, fresh. It’s the smell you would imagine an effortlessly chic Parisian women, sitting at a cafe in the Louvre gardens for breakfast smelling of. That may sound unusual but we all desire to be like that chic woman at times.

 Enough about the connotations of the smell. Let’s talk about what it actually smells like. It contains the following scents; rose, lychee and honey. The perfect feminine twist for summer don’t you think?

In My Shoes by Tamara Mellon

With summer comes reading. Chilling at the beach with a book is always a good choice on a warm day. So here’s a book I have discovered that is fashion related and not just full of a few pages of writing like most fashion books. I may not have read this book yet but I can’t wait to start it. Written by the co-founder of Jimmy Choo, this looks like an inspiring, interesting and exciting book that explores the highs and lows of being influential in fashion.

Stolen Dance by Milky Chance

We all love a summer song. If chart topping pop isn’t your idea of summer music then here is a possible alternative.

Milky Chance – Stolen Dance

Enjoy! 

And thank you Poppy for the guest post.

 xoxo

Clyppi Fingernail Clippers Review | AD

Hi,

So today I will be posting my first ever sponsored post. Now this in no way means I will biased because I was given them, because I would never expect anyone to do that. I know as an individual I would be upset to fund out that a blog I followed was biased, and what's really the point? at the end of the day if I do like the product I do, if I don't I don't. 

Anyway I will be reviewing the Clyppi Fingernail Clippers.

The packaging it came in was nice and sturdy, but it also was easy to get into (so no need for loads of scissors to get into this product). The packaging is nice and fresh, the colour white really reminds me of clean and sanitised things and the green reminds me of fresh things so a lovely all round colour scheme.

I didn't think these would be any different to the average nail clippers, but how I was so very very wrong. They allow you an easy grip and they feel very nice and sturdy, the fact they are stainless steel also gives them a nice amount of weight so they feel quite pricey. The actual cut it makes across the nails is unbelievably smooth with no tugging or rips in the nail. There is also a small and handy nail file built into the lever, so these will be great for travelling! These are very easy to use for the opposite hand. For example I am right handed, but the Clyppi makes it easy for me to be able to cut my nails on the left hand. Not only do they work amazingly but they do look very swish.

Thank you for reading,

Pops xx

Topshop Mini Haul

After getting paid this month I decided to take a ponder into Topshop where I very excitedly saw they had a sale.  I was lucky enough to even find something that I have been eyeing up for ages! I've been saving for a car for a while now so getting to spend my money on things like clothes is feeling a bit weird to do again....

Scrunchies have made a comeback, I remember going into Woolworths when I was little buying a blue and white gingham dress with a matching scrunchie and frilly socks. Here I am again 10 years later doing the same thing in Topshop. I wanted one that would stand out a little in my hair but that I could pair with a lot of outfits, this little scrunchie was down to £2.

The first thing was this plain tank top, it was down to £5 and will be a great essential for summer. The jewellery is some of my favourite bits, I think they make great but subtle statements especially when placed against a contrasting colour like black. The necklace was down to £5 and the earrings to £2.50.

This next piece caught me eye but in a way that made me uncertain if I could pull something off like this. Then I thought to myself, I like this shirt so I am going to get it and pull it off! I love the difference in spots to change things up a bit, I can't wait to dress this up and down! This was down to £18.

Now I left the best till last. I saw this a few months ago and immediately fell in love but at the price of £38 I couldn't justify it. Then I saw Velvetgh0st wearing it on her channel and wanted it even more.

It's quite a subtly yellow but it brings such a hint of summer to any outfit, plus the detailing on the shoulders is just gorgeous and feminine. It's such a good layer for the summer evenings when there is a cool breeze. The best part is it was down to £25. It's one of the best Topshop sales I have enjoyed yet and just to top it I get student discount on top!

Thanks for reading, 

Pops xx

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm Review

I was on the hunt for a new lip balm and this one caught my eye, not only have I heard great reviews for the moisturiser but I love the smell of cocoa butter. Plus Palmer's lip balm has SPF 15, which is great if your lips burn. The packaging isn't the normal shape but is more of an oval with a winder at the bottom, I think this is a reason why I like it because it's a little unusual. I have never been so happy with a lip balm from the first use, it keeps my lips hydrated long after I've applied it and sinks in super duper quick. I have been applying this once in the morning and once before bed, unless I am out and about a bit more. This does the trick though and I don't feel like I need to constantly re apply the product. I think I've finally found my dream lip balm!

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx 

Maybelline Colossal Volume Review

This is possibly my favourite mascara, besides Benefits 'They're real'. Let's be honest though paying £19.50 for They're Real isn't always the cheapest of options, so this is my next best. Maybelline Colossal volume express is amazing for just £7.19. It get right into your lashes with no clumping and no transfer or crumbling. It lasts me all day (which is normally from around 7am to 9pm) with no problems whatsoever. In a mascara I look to make my eyelashes more voluminous more that anything else and you will definitely find it in this. I have also used the waterproof one before which is amazing for any soggy scenario. The packaging is good, screw on so no leakages and bright so I can always find it straight away. 

Safe to say this is my high-street go to mascara... for now.

Thanks for reading,

Pops xx

Bonjour

So it seems I have been a little absent lately, sorry about that! There could be a thousand excuses I could make up but what's the point, I'll give you some updates then I will try my best to get into a routine again! 

Where do I begin? The most exciting thing would have to be my car! Yes I have completed one of my New Years resolutions and bought myself a car, how cool. 

Talking of New Years resolutions I have also pulled myself together and joined the gym which I am thoroughly enjoying. 

Not much else has gone on from my last upload to now. Something which I have been doig very frequently is buying and selling on depop, it's so addictive! 

I've been requested to do a few more beginners make up looks, plus if like to do some tutorial of my own. Plus some reviews which I want to share with you all! Anyway, I will get on it and start posting as often as I can, thanks for sticking by! 

Poppy xx