5 Fascinating Female Protagonists in Fiction

Here's my guide to five of my favourite female protagonists in fiction: from the headstrong, to the downright disreputable:

Bournemouth in pictures

Bournemouth is a coastal town in Dorset, in the South of England. It's a lovely place to visit all year round- hence my visit in November on a rare, rainless day. I could tell you more, but I think I'll let the photos do the talking...

Patisserie Valerie, Post Office Road

New Nude Skincare Products

Left: Omega Cleansing jelly                                                       Right: Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash

I love Nude skincare. Love it. Years ago I discovered their amazing eye cream, which was discontinued, but have since fallen in love with their current formulation too. When I saw that they had released some new, innovative products, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. So here's my take on the Omega Cleansing Jelly and Brightening Fizzy powder Wash after trialling them for a week or so:

Changing Face: Should we opt for surgery as we age?

We live in a funny old world, don't we? From the day we are born we are genetically programmed to age, embracing it as teenagers, desperate to be part of the adult world where we will presumably be respected and enjoy the freedoms that come with being a grown-up.
Some of us abuse our bodies somewhat in our teens and twenties, maybe even beyond those early years, thinking that wrinkles, rotten teeth and weight gain won't happen to us. But of course its happening at that very moment when we're enjoying those carefree drinks, eating that chocolate cake or smoking those 'cheeky' ciggies.
And then we start to see those signs of aging and it's a shock to the system somewhat! So what do we do? We try and fight it of course. We pile on the creams, lotions and potions (which can't work the miracles we're after), we sulk, then we get over it and accept that we are no longer a young, fresh-looking spring chicken!

Making a House a Home: Tips for Personalizing your Abode!

 My home is certainly not an ode to Instagram or Tumblr-worthy, but I like to think my partner and I have given it some quirky little touches over the last few years to make it, well, ours. I spent most of my 20s living in basic rented accommodation (i.e. bedsits and small flats), therefore I know it can be difficult to make a white-washed, clinical space, or an out-dated rental into something that feels like it's personalized to you and your tastes. I still don't own a place, so it is important to me and my partner that our rented home can at least feel like it belongs to us, even if we can't decorate it how we might want.

This post is dedicated to those that want some tips to make their room or home look cosy and personalized:

A few of my Favourite Things #8 (October)

AA Cable Knit Pullover in Blossom;
Topshop Joni Jeans 

Currently wearing

 Cable knit

I took a big spending plunge with cable knit recently and purchased an American Apparel Cable Knit Pullover. Then I might have been really naughty and purchased a second one! After spending years buying cheap clothing, I now value 'investment pieces' so much more. The quality of these knits are great and the cropped fit suits my petite frame. I prefer a high content cotton mix because I feel these are more hardy and long-lasting than acrylic. These cable knit sweaters go with absolutely anything and can be made to look smart for work with a pencil skirt or suit trousers. I am so happy I paid a bit more because these are going to be staples in my wardrobe for years to come.

Products I've used up: Autumn 2014

 I've got through a lot of hair stuff recently. I'm always on the hunt for products to keep the condition of my hair as healthy and protected as possible. Redken is a brand I keep returning to and for good reason: the products get on very well with my thin, fine, dry and highlighted locks. The Blonde Idol shampoo is one product I will definitely re-purchase at some point. It soothes the scalp and has a light, creamy texture to treat dry, coloured hair. What it doesn't do is tone the brassiness in blonde hair, but I have other products to do that.

The Extreme conditioner is also a lovely treat for my hair type. It smells sweet and gives hair softness and protection. I like it so much that I'm planning to try the deep conditioner in the tub next for maximum hydration.

Where I've been lately and a few comments on blogging...

So there's been a blogging drought recently. I've been on half term and have been proactive with marking, but less so with this hobby of mine. I've started to think about why, but all I can think is that sometimes we all need to recharge our batteries. Although blogging is hugely enjoyable for me, I've actually just enjoyed taking a break from it.

Mac for all seasons: Lipstick Picks

I've been wanting to do this post for a while now and purchased a couple of new colours months ago with this in mind. Mac lipstick comes in so many colours and I love the idea of having a lippie 'wardrobe' for all year round. It's also quite an appealing concept that lipstick can change any basic look to suit a season or mood. In the photos above, I am wearing mascara, a smidge of eyeliner, a sweep of neutral blush and powder: the lip colours therefore become the focal point of the make-up. 
Here are my favourite Mac lippies for the four seasons:

Side by Side review: Urban Decay Naked Basics vs. Naked 2 Basics

Top: Naked Basics       Bottom: Naked 2 Basics 

I just purchased the Naked 2 Basics palette by Urban Decay. Being a make-up hoarder of sorts, I've cut back on purchasing cosmetics a lot recently. It hasn't actually been very difficult because I love the products in my collection and really enjoy using what I have. Having said that, this recent purchase was a no-brainer: I had to have it!
Here's my take on the two wonder-palettes, side by side: