10 Modern Folk Treasures

Over the last six months or so, I've got into folk music in a big way. I've started to explore the genre, listening to 60s and 70s folk, through to modern folk bands. I was lucky enough to see some great acts at Wickham Festival (and posted about it here). It was really hard to compile a playlist of only 10 modern folk tracks that I love, but I managed to whittle it down eventually. So click here for my '10 Modern Folk treasures' playlist.

 

Roll the Woodpile Down by Bellowhead: 

Bellowhead are an eleven-piece folk band who source traditional folk songs and writings to turn into dynamic masterpieces. They were amazing live and this song was even more uplifting than the album version. This song's origins lay in the Southern states of America, coming originally from the songs of African slaves. Bellowhead's CD inserts are really fascinating to read as they tell you where their tracks are sourced from and how far they might date back; it makes you realise how powerful the folk narrative and song tradition is, and how important it is that we are keeping it alive by participating in the traditions today, in one form or another. 

Many of the picks from my playlist inspire this notion in a far more powerful way than I could ever put it.

Make-up Palette storage solution: white filigree

I am a fan of acrylic storage and own quite a lot, but today's post is focused on palette storage. On the right you can see the letter rack that I have been using for my palettes for quite some time now. I like the white filigree design with butterflies and it fits well with the rest of my (acrylic) storage. The beauty of this is that you can bend the metal partitions to allow for more width in particular sections where you want to store a few palettes together. I believe I got this from Wilkinsons, but you could find this sort of thing in many shops selling stationery.

Review: Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo

I picked this relatively new dry shampoo from Boots about a month ago. I love Aussie as a brand, especially their Three Minute Miracle Conditioners. The products smell delicious and I was thrilled to see that they had branched out into the dry shampoo market.
I chose the Mega Instant version for normal to greasy hair. It is also available in a formulation for coloured hair and one to give volume. 
The price is really competitive (little more than £3 when I picked it up), so I felt I had nothing to lose. 

Sweet treats at IKEA!

Topshop: Metallic make-up and berry tones for Autumn

Topshop have some gorgeous new metallic lipsticks and cream blushes in, ready for Autumn. I went to investigate and picked up Armour lipstick and Pulse cream blush. Both are beautiful and on trend for the new season.

Portsmouth in Pictures (and a few words!)

I moved to Portsmouth to go to university in 2002 and remained living there for the following ten years. As soon as I stepped off the train at Portsmouth and Southsea and walked through Guildhall Square, I knew it was the place for me; the streets are bustling with all walks of life and there's always something to see or do, whether it be a walk by the sea or a look around the shops.
I had lunch with a friend at Gunwharf Quays today, so I took some pictures on my way to meet her. 

My Limited Edition Mac Lipsticks

Left to right: Peachstock, Innocence Beware! , Betty Bright, Red Racer, Love Goddess

I posted about my Mac lipstick collection back in March, deliberately leaving out the section of limited edition shades that I own. I wanted to do these separate because, with the exception of Peachstock which I believe is now part of the permanent collection, the colours are not available to buy. Saying that, we all know that Mac has so many lipstick shades available, so you are bound to find a permanent shade that is similar.
Here are the shades I own, modelled on my lips for your entertainment!

My 100th Post!

Just a quick one to say:

I started this blog in 2012 after being inspired by the blogs and youtube channels of so many talented people. I also have had a love of writing since I was a child and wanted to take this up as a hobby.
I didn't find the commitment for blogging until earlier this year and since April, I've been kind of addicted! I'm also nearing 100 Bloglovin subscribers, so to get nearer to this number on the day of my 100th post would be magical! 
Even though my blog is still a work in progress, I'm so grateful to everyone who has taken time out of their day to read it: friends, family, fellow bloggers, the wonderful Bloglovin community and anyone who has stumbled across it by chance. Thank you, it means a lot to me. 

Review: Burberry Light Glow Blush in Misty 08

Looking at my blush collection, I thought it was about time to put the spotlight on Misty by Burberry. For any avid readers, you may have seen me post on my Burberry purchases before (if not, click here!)
If you haven't, I'll tell you a little bit about Misty:
The shade is most appropriate for light to medium coloured skin as it is a paler pink with slight cool undertones. This is probably what drew me to it, although I have to admit that compared to some of the more vivid and vibrant colours on offer, Misty does somewhat seem like the 'wallflower' of the collection on first glance. Despite the soft  and unassuming colour of this blush, it really packs a punch in terms of pigmentation. the swatch I did for this post is just one swipe, and you can build it up nicely to a very pretty shade of pink.
This is a matte blush, so perfect for everyday wear, and it applies beautifully, lasting well throughout the day.

3 budget-friendly, fun and vibrant lipsticks

Today's post is in protest of the ever-nearing end of the Summer! I know, I know, we've still got plenty of Summer sun left, I'm sure, but I'm looking out the window at clouds at the moment and needed to cheer myself up! Hopefully these budget-friendly lippies will have the same effect on you!