tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80675521748194233262024-02-18T21:11:18.247-08:00Happy-happy Joy-joyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-365422544451875952011-06-18T14:49:00.000-07:002011-06-18T14:49:25.994-07:00I'm back (or am I?)Yep, I'm still alive and kicking. Did you even notice I was gone? I'm sorry for dropping off the face of the blogging world. I'm still unsure whether I'll be back for good... <br />
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It can't just be me - do any of you just completely lose motivation for blogging? I've been wondering these last few months why exactly I should carry on. Just what is it all for? What do I hope to achieve from it? Let me just stress that I'm not in it for the free samples (which is good coz I've never been contacted by a PR company and do not expect to!) or the thousands of followers (simply not interested in Twitter). I do enjoy writing and I definitely enjoy reading other people's blogs, I follow almost a hundred and read them pretty much every day. In fact I'm so in awe of some, I feel rather feeble in comparison. How do some people find the time to do so many posts in one day?! How do they take such gorgeous pictures?!<br />
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I've been so busy the last few months, between work and seeing family and friends. Hubby and I have attended no less than 6 weddings - 4 weddings & a birthday in May (wow that was an expensive month!). So it's not like I haven't been inspired to write anything - often I think something would make a great topic. I guess I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall, to steal one of my mum's expressions. Don't get me wrong, I'm not attention seeking and I'm by no means blaming others (I'm so grateful for each and every one of my 21 followers!) but I kinda thought it would be different, more responsive. Although I'm definitely being hypocritical as I rarely leave comments any more, although I highly admire so many of yours. I guess it works both ways so I'm going to try and make an effort over the next few months, see if it makes a difference!<br />
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To end on a positive note, I've gotta say I'm so glad I discovered the blogging world (via Muhsine's fabulous Bubblegarm!). I've been so inspired for the past year or so and my love for food, fashion, make up and photography has soared. I hope my motivation will return soon!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-11249123160800262662011-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:002011-03-01T13:02:00.246-08:00Taking you back to 28th March 2007<h2 class="post-title">Day 12</h2><article class="post-body"><br />
<div class="mood">Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/happy.gif" />cheerful</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's Wednesday morning, a week since my last blog. I know I've been slacking but I really haven't had much time or energy to write in my diary, let alone make the effort to get to an internet cafe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What have I been up to? Thursday we had the day off and Grace went with Lorena downtown to go and give blood. Why didn't I go? Because I'm a wimp, I don't like pain or needles and I've never given blood before - it's probably not a great idea for the first time to be in a completely different country where I would probably faint from the heat! Excuses, excuses I know... Anyway, the doctor wasn't there and Grace had to go back yesterday when they told her they couldn't accept her blood anyway because she's had a tattoo in the last year. She was a bit disappointed as she had planned to donate the blood to the orphanage as the staff said they are getting a bit low.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we went downtown and had lunch, then I bought a couple of tops from the department store - it's SO cheap here, I bought a T-Mac (basketball) t-shirt for 295 pesos (about 2 pound 95pence) and a Lakers vest top for 59pesos (about 59 pence). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the evening, we had dinner at the store and hung out there for a bit. Nana Marlin's brother-in-law came and spoke to us for a little while and seemed fine at first, he was fairly good at English. His family is a homestay but they have no volunteers staying with them at the moment. Then he invited Grace and I back to his house to look at his photos from when volunteers were here. Shy-shy came with us, and brought her friend as well. But he was showing off his home like it was much better than Nana Marlin's, which was pretty insulting I thought but let it go. Then, because he studies history of different cultures, he kept lecturing Grace and I on history of Britain, such as how Oxford university was first set up by people from a different country and stuff about the royal family - and then laughing hysterically when he saw our blank faces, and then he'd shout "but you don't know that". I can be pretty tolerant and was smiling politely at first - but he must have done that about 50 times, no joke and our patience was wearing pretty thin. Grace even snapped back "Oxford's not actually in London - so YOU didn't know THAT!" and eventually made our excuses and escaped, dragging Shy-shy and her friend away as well. Lol.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Saturday after working at the orphanage in the morning, we came back to the house where Nana Marlin and her husband John were holding a party as it was their 32nd wedding anniversary. Filipinos love karaoke and we had an 8 hour karaoke fest until we went to bed that night. Yes, I sung several songs including "Heaven" by DJ Sammy/Bryan Adams, "Build Me Up Buttercup", and "Let me love you" by Mario; even Grace reluctantly sung a few! And we weren't even drunk - although we had drunk a few glasses of tuba (which is coconut wine I think). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Sunday we got up early and did some touristy things with some of our family and Ethel and the a couple of other volunteers Evan and Al - we went to a shrine (just a nice mansion), climbed a massively steep hill (and nearly died of dehydration) and then we went to the beach where I got a bit burned because I was in the sea for so long, teaching Twinkle and Shy-shy how to swim. Filipinos swim in their clothes but I really wanted to just wear my bikini so I would get brown but i felt so uncomfortable I had to put my top back on. At this rate, I will be coming home paler than when I left - so much for coming home black! Dammit...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far this week, we've been going to work in the morning and chilling out in the afternoon. Yesterday we went downtown and ate lunch at Guiseppes, an Italian restaurant. I think my stomach has shrunk as I could barely eat dinner last night as I was still full from lunch! When we came back, Grace went to the house to chill out and I sat by the basketball court to watch the guys play. Then the local girls that we have made friends with, wanted me to watch them practise for the dance competition - they're really good dancers. My sponsor kid, Hazel is dancing with another girl her age Mia, and two guys, one of which is the teacher. They're dancing to a remix of a Backstreet Boys song that goes into Twista's Sunshine (with a sample of the old song "Lovely day"). The rest of the girls (about 6 of them) are doing a different dance to Beep by the Pussycat Dolls. But this morning, we heard it's been cancelled. I'm really disappointed, I was looking forward to that! So now we have a few hours free as we told the orphanage that we'd be going in this afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bit more detail about the kids at the orphanage as I can't take pictures there: I'm definitely getting attached to them and, yes, I do have my favourites even though I know I'm not meant to. I like some of the older boys who are about 8, 9, 10 and 11. I was reffing a 3 on 3 basketball game in the playground on Saturday morning, and Eric is really good! He's 11 and can read, write and speak English well and is really bright. But yesterday I noticed he wasn't there and asked his friends where he was - I was told that he's gone home to his family. But I'm not sure whether they meant to his own family or whether he was adopted - as they can be adopted after they've been there longer than 6 months. I think. That's what I can gather from what one of the orphanage staff have told Grace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's Jobert, whose eyelashes are sooooo long I actually did a double take when I first saw him. They're about 3cm long, no joke! He's older, about 10 I think. Very intelligent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's Ronnel and Ronneil - twin boys who are about 9 or 10. I can't really pronounce the difference in their names as they're so similar so I kinda just call them both the same name! They're very smiley boys who love bball and I think it's good that they're in the orphanage together as at least they have each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's Francisco and Rafael, two more older boys who are both quite light skinned and very cute. They're about 8, I think and Rafael is one of the lucky ones that is allowed to go to school in the mornings. Yes that right, going to school is a priviledge here...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a smaller boy called Jesu (around 3 or 4) who I have given the nickname "cheeky monkey" which he says now, whenever he sees me. I've also taught him to say "I'm funny" in a sing-song voice!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's another set of brothers, one is about 4 or 5 and the other one is 2 or 3 and still in the baby group. The younger one's name is Michael but I haven't figured out the older one's name yet so he's another "cheeky monkey" to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then there's Thomas. Probably my absolute favourite. He's soooooo cute, in a naughty kind of way. He's got a mischevious grin and does bite the other kids (and me in the first few days) but I overlook that because he's so cute! I think he's about 2 or 3 but most of the kids here are small for their age, compared to the UK. So he's probably about the size of a 12-18month old. He's not clingy but does like his cuddles and I've managed to get him to sleep a few times (a very good feeling, I can tell you!). If I was going to bring a baby back in my suitcase, it would be Thomas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've noticed that I tend to prefer the boys as I think they're funnier and more entertaining, and the girls are usually quite clingy and whiney. Grace on the other hand, usually prefers the girls and has one favourite who she wants to adopt!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so tempting to constantly pick up these kids as soon as they demand attention by holding out their arms to you, tugging on you or simply wailing their little hearts out. But I'm starting to see that that is not going to be a good thing in the long-term, as the kids will get used to all the attention and cuddles that we're giving them, and as soon as we go home, they'll suddenly be without all that attention as the staff there just do their job and don't often play with or properly interact with them. I'm starting to dread my last day at the orphanage as I will probably cry as I won't want to leave them there. Well, maybe some of them - the more naughty ones!</span></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-62454858859939733502011-02-21T11:55:00.000-08:002011-02-21T11:55:45.386-08:00Taking you back to 22nd March 2007<h2 class="post-title">Day 5</h2><article class="post-body"><div class="mood">Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/tired.gif" />tired</div><div class="mood"><br />
</div>We've been working at the orphanage for 3 days now. We work from about 7.30-8am until the kids fall asleep at naptime after lunch - about 12-1ish. That feels like a day in itself, it's that tiring, and the afternoon is a new day where we do what we want. Monday and Tueday afternoon, we spent hours preparing colouring sheets with both the Waray-waray and English words on it, and wordsearches, after the panic from one of the orphanage staff telling the children to sit down and listen to Ate Joy and Ate Grace! We had nothing prepared that first Monday morning and both stood there speechless. It's pretty hard to communicate with the kids when they don't know much English and I know very little Waray-waray (the local dialect). We've had a couple of Waray-waray lessons at the centre with Ethel and Lorena so have learnt a few phrases such as "good morning", "you're good!", and some necessary childcare words such as "don't!", "no!" and "stop!". Anyway the colouring sheets and wordsearches have been going down a storm and have kept them entertained for about an hour or so every day.<br />
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I've just realised that I haven't yet mentioned the bathroom situation just yet... Well, remember I said I would have to prepare for a tub and a bucket? It's worse than that. The bathroom is a simple small downstairs toilet with tiles on the floor and a dim light. A low down toilet with no seat/cover - and, more importantly, no flush! The shower (I use that term very loosely) is a bucket underneath a low down tap and a small scoop. This doubles as the flushing system - you have to put 2 or 3 scoops of water down the toilet after you've been... For a shower, you have to brave the cold water (well you didn't think it would be warm water did you??!) and just pour it over you. It certainly wakes me up in the morning (and Evan, whose bedroom is above the bathroom, can probably hear me yelp) but in the afternoon, it's really nice and cools me down after sweating buckets at the orphanage.<br />
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Other news:<br />
Natasha has left the Philippines and returned home to Dubai after having to go to hospital with stomach pains. Hopefully she gets better soon and continues her travels in Cambodia etc later in the year...<br />
Oh and we're getting the hang of the jeepneys! I can confidently pay the driver, tell him where to turn left and when to stop!<br />
And I finally had pancit yesterday, hooray! My favourite...<br />
</article>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-74514317253723442512011-02-19T17:23:00.000-08:002011-02-19T17:23:51.618-08:00And they lived happily ever after...As mentioned in my earlier post, my sister recently found one of my favourite childhood books amongst the stacks of ancient Ladybirds that had been handed down to my niece. I was distraught when I thought it had been lost forever - particularly when I saw how much they are being sold for on ebay! Not that I'd ever sell it, it's a classic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfr1rOGkVbaXHtYpG-aNUhEyTz_22ZXcK5ADHZx2mBormZHcAv6Md3kWdQJnsbi1s9NzBdTqoENx4ZhxRzdNRLyElD-vKlmiMbSGacntT7Bl246w75K5FnQTtegcq7oJffzrHsy3rdZQ4/s1600/P1010553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfr1rOGkVbaXHtYpG-aNUhEyTz_22ZXcK5ADHZx2mBormZHcAv6Md3kWdQJnsbi1s9NzBdTqoENx4ZhxRzdNRLyElD-vKlmiMbSGacntT7Bl246w75K5FnQTtegcq7oJffzrHsy3rdZQ4/s320/P1010553.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Here's why I liked it so much: Cinderella got not just one fabulous dress in this particular fairytale. She got THREE! Plus her wedding dress!<br />
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</div><div align="left">Oh and of course they lived happily ever after!</div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-80465703383968631782011-02-19T16:25:00.000-08:002011-02-19T16:25:42.233-08:004 days and counting...I must spend 3 weeks every month, browsing ASOS, ebay and various online stores looking at all the pretty dresses, shoes, bags etc I can't afford but vow to get once I've been paid. Then the highly anticipated day arrives and do I get everything I've been hankering after? Hell no... I'd have to be a highly paid executive to fund my shopping habit. I end up getting a few pieces that ultimately do not excite me. What is up with that?! <br />
<br />
Here are the bags I've been oohing and ahhing over this evening (and no I don't work for Dorothy Perkins!):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2273778&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Ochre chain cross body bag"><img alt="Ochre chain cross body bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18521543_thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
This sunny ochre chain cross body purse - I also have strong urges to buy it in all the other colours: berry red, green, and camel! 18 pounds is a bit of a steal but maybe not when you multiply it by four!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2273771&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Berry chain cross body bag"><img alt="Berry chain cross body bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18521516_thumb.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2257554&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Green chain cross body bag"><img alt="Green chain cross body bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18521511_thumb.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2273780&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Camel chain cross body bag"><img alt="Camel chain cross body bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18521554_thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2262242&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Coral twist lock bag"><img alt="Coral twist lock bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18522016_thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
Coral Twist Lock Bag (also with a chain to be worn across the body)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2286131&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Cream and coral twist lock bag"><img alt="Cream and coral twist lock bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18522000_thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
Cream & Coral Twist Lock Bag <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2287833&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Blue croc twist lock bag"><img alt="Blue croc twist lock bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18522021_thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
Blue Croc Twist Lock Bag (again, with a chain to be worn across the body - sense a theme??)<br />
<br />
Ok, a different style:<br />
<a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33053&storeId=12552&productId=2219119&langId=-1&sort_field=Price Ascending&categoryId=208725&parent_categoryId=208607&sort_field=Price Ascending&pageSize=200" title="Coral tab corner clutch bag"><img alt="Coral tab corner clutch bag" src="http://media.dorothyperkins.com/wcsstore/DorothyPerkins/images/catalog/18521716_thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
Coral Tab Corner Clutch Bag - this is oversize and I'm a big fan of oversize bags and clutches as I read a while ago that the bigger the bag, the smaller you look. I need all the help I can get, especially when I go out with my super slim friends! I do see some logic in it though, with the proportions - I can hide my belly behind a large clutch and a tiny wrist purse is only going to make me look larger. I have a couple of Dorothy Perkins oversize clutches and I love them so I think this will be number three in my collection. Adore the coral colour and suspect it will be used often in the summertime!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-79242268830681098202011-02-19T16:21:00.000-08:002011-02-19T16:21:25.344-08:00Forgotten smilesI have been a bad bad blogger recently, with no posts to speak of. Truly sorry ladies. I'm sure some of you can sympathise: going to work when it's dark, getting home when it's dark therefore no light for taking photos and no sunshine for inspiration!<br />
<br />
So what IS making me smile at the moment? My new Blackberry Torch for one...<br />
<img class="rg_hi" data-height="185" data-width="272" height="185" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQBntA4wC9KcVDQwhdN1BsDSRx2AKyg4dnB0dpiO9EoTyt7YfHW" style="height: 185px; width: 272px;" width="272" /><br />
<br />
My gorgeous little niece who I'm babysitting tonight...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEVCaogAMunhGNB_muQN56oGqhATdlVMsKTQkFP5KpNMxKavB_g7TZCtoZZcmN9KkLYFm43DXGGP7aVZ-Qi83mgSDgZ4QKWqn7E36W21I42nggME2iDvuqggnHhemeCeh6rVZ92T6Q6Q6/s1600/P1010658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEVCaogAMunhGNB_muQN56oGqhATdlVMsKTQkFP5KpNMxKavB_g7TZCtoZZcmN9KkLYFm43DXGGP7aVZ-Qi83mgSDgZ4QKWqn7E36W21I42nggME2iDvuqggnHhemeCeh6rVZ92T6Q6Q6/s320/P1010658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Making my hubby breakfast in bed on Valentine's Eve (we make a point to celebrate not on Valentines Day!)<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/169059_10150096160983237_571928236_6634259_7659868_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Being pampered for a day at Whittlebury Spa with the girls, for part 2 of my friend's hen do...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGcsJEhpz-Hnp9H5vOVZQ9wjbrsBTaXCSIXTTyLsZhWDMVZtKvbHmPBScZDPIxdEqRMyxyMNy1tBGEqCRplBJ8_uix-2NAFcriDEC59oHfS8yJNwe-49PCH9t3P8OWNCtJXnPmFx9kvzV/s1600/P1010422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGcsJEhpz-Hnp9H5vOVZQ9wjbrsBTaXCSIXTTyLsZhWDMVZtKvbHmPBScZDPIxdEqRMyxyMNy1tBGEqCRplBJ8_uix-2NAFcriDEC59oHfS8yJNwe-49PCH9t3P8OWNCtJXnPmFx9kvzV/s320/P1010422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Finding one of my favourite childhood books that I thought was lost forever...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw25KJnN9SvPpi0Hb2Lqrt5D8saNUnl9lWvyT_LznqDdXrIpdDFmaJMqaXHKnRUj96Bdx1K6pZLJXmvM50myxwxEvTTaSibqygPqRjmhiAbLYnn2-KHhb4XsLEkM1oP0bJ8tB9IWWBnSn/s1600/P1010553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOw25KJnN9SvPpi0Hb2Lqrt5D8saNUnl9lWvyT_LznqDdXrIpdDFmaJMqaXHKnRUj96Bdx1K6pZLJXmvM50myxwxEvTTaSibqygPqRjmhiAbLYnn2-KHhb4XsLEkM1oP0bJ8tB9IWWBnSn/s320/P1010553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The return of The Good Wife...<br />
<img height="242" id="il_fi" src="http://www.dishnetworkshop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/The-Good-Wife.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
and the introduction of a new character, the delicious Michael Ealy (from Barbershop and more recently Flashforward)...<br />
<img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/good-wife-season-2-premiere.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">And the anticipation of PAYDAY! Cha-ching!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B3_A809YUEmMoa8B2bGWR0avaCsqfgfMl3qUl8cbtMWgJhn1Dj6PzhhDX77PY9BMor8npD3Z7DI14Tjy_-4uZer7Swed2cwCfcpJZN8C9IVdXz2CMQO-_q1faIlem8iRWTZ1utTjT93c/s1600/HPIM3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B3_A809YUEmMoa8B2bGWR0avaCsqfgfMl3qUl8cbtMWgJhn1Dj6PzhhDX77PY9BMor8npD3Z7DI14Tjy_-4uZer7Swed2cwCfcpJZN8C9IVdXz2CMQO-_q1faIlem8iRWTZ1utTjT93c/s320/HPIM3056.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-29511313751683192672011-01-31T15:26:00.000-08:002011-01-31T15:33:38.467-08:00Pop the champagne open, I've won my first blogger award!Trumpet fanfare please - I've won my first Blogger Award. I was reading through my hundreds of blogs on Google Reader and spotted my name... I was shocked, I can tell you! I was like "OH! It's me... is it me? Yes, it's me... Are you sure???" <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_a0mSGyuNzkIJqqM6a4JcJ-2N03afgyN-Q1HXLcnDx0IMnqwnOkvr3PxjwXh1W2Z1q5Ug9moq6DVgfoyqXfcdWeAWZAuSyNr4gXLJV7Y5MVE0sPLN1uYZXWjKjcvMEDRB6JuomnYwSj8/s1600/blogaward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_a0mSGyuNzkIJqqM6a4JcJ-2N03afgyN-Q1HXLcnDx0IMnqwnOkvr3PxjwXh1W2Z1q5Ug9moq6DVgfoyqXfcdWeAWZAuSyNr4gXLJV7Y5MVE0sPLN1uYZXWjKjcvMEDRB6JuomnYwSj8/s320/blogaward.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But before I start digress into an Oscar-style speech, let me introduce the <em><strong>gorgeous</strong></em> "<a href="http://prettyinthedesert.blogspot.com/">Pretty In The Desert</a>" who was the stunning sweetie who gave me first award - I love her blog! When I first discovered it, I was immediately hooked and read her entire archives too. Her style is so easy to read and feels like she is an old friend just chatting away to you. I particularly love her quick tips and her cat Bowie is super cute too! Much love and appreciation hun! I'd award her right back if I could!<br />
<br />
Not long after winning my first award, I was also lucky enough to win my second! This time from "<a href="http://the-e-girl.blogspot.com/">The "E" Girl</a>" whose blog is extremely informative! She puts so much time and effort into each post. Thanks so much!<br />
<br />
Renee's award requires me to tell you 7 things about yourself and as I'm a fairly new blogger and could come across as a bit of a closed book so far, WHY NOT!<br />
<ol><li>Born in Chelmsford (yes I’m an Essex girl), I'm half Filipina, half English but my dad actually grew up in Kenya. His grandmother was from Barbados so apparently I'm part Barbadian, but you'd never tell just by looking at me!! </li>
<li>I don’t have a sense of smell. And yes I can taste. Trust me, I would be a size 6 if I couldn’t taste – I’d live on lettuce leaves. </li>
<li>I know dance routines to some very cheesy songs that I should be embarrassed about, eg. most of Five and A1’s songs, Spice Girls… </li>
<li>I like cooking but resent it if it’s expected of me. I make some mean chocolate brownies! </li>
<li>I was in Miami when Versace was assassinated there. </li>
<li>I have a weird phobia of buttons. I don’t wear clothes with buttons, except jeans/trousers. I don’t know why. Lol! </li>
<li>I would like my career to be based in charity and non-profit organisations and hope my mortgage doesn’t force me to veer away from this.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OK, so there are a few rules that came along with this award:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Post about the award and copy the rules</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Link to the person who gave you the award</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Choose 3-5 blogs you would like to give the award to and link to them as well. Leave a comment ontheir blog to let them know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Important: The award is for unknown and/or new blogs only!</div><div></div><div>Here are the blogs that I've "discovered" and think deserve this award, however I would not describe them as unknown as they nearly all have more followers than I!<br />
</div><div></div><div><a href="http://samsroundtheworldtravels.blogspot.com/">Sam's Round The World Travels</a><br />
</div><div></div><div><a href="http://miss-lv.blogspot.com/">Miss LV</a><br />
</div><div></div><div><a href="http://dearjoy8.blogspot.com/">Dear Joy</a><br />
</div><div></div><div><a href="http://briantomlinsonphotography.blogspot.com/">Brian Tomlinson Photography</a><br />
</div><div></div><div><a href="http://boutique73.blogspot.com/">Laura & Boutique 73</a> (I wish Laura would blog more as I don't often have time to pop into her shop which is tres cool!)<br />
</div><div></div><div>My last award would have been to another Laura whose blog <a href="http://www.youaresoprettylaura.com/">You Are So Pretty Laura</a> I discovered a matter of weeks before she decided to depart from the virtual world... Sad times. I'd read back through her archives and had really enjoyed them, she seems like my kinda person, plus she's from the same town as me. But I can relate to feeling uninspired sometimes, I often feel overwhelmed by the talent and interesting lives of other bloggers. Fingers crossed she misses blogging soon and returns!<br />
</div><div></div><div>Thanks again for my awards, I will be feeling very chuffed for quite sometime! Very very happy right now!</div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-45736663135231555842011-01-16T14:10:00.000-08:002011-01-16T14:12:14.183-08:00Hoping for the Jimmy Choo perfume for Valentine's DayTamara Mellon, co-founder and president of stiletto mecca Jimmy Choo, is now bringing us another fabulous accessory: perfume.<br />
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<img height="213" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR-g-JPRcKanrxHR1satXVyMOJZtNmL4PFBf-Xmk_EPkjs3hs-PQAiQ1aJVqo3pPkrCh18-d3ROR3FcRqaIOCHkKivnDgnqXeoEEUfe0K2VMDUHRdHpC2Wy_qg3b9SQRcTEfDdB4ZxYXx/s320/jimmy+choo+perfume.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
This latest accessory, following handbags, sunglasses and scarves, has been on the cards since a 12 year worldwide license agreement was signed with Inter Parfums, who also distribute Burberry and Paul Smith perfumes. Tamara features in the ad herself and describes the scent as "feminine and empowering, with a lot of sensuality to it".<br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="183" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3-CyqtVj2UHi6-WXKBxCZKFX6NnEfZDxWnQp4N0v0Oya9iHVv" style="height: 183px; width: 275px;" width="275" /><br />
<br />
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The new stylish scent is described as a fruity fusion of green top notes, exotic tiger orchid and orange blossom, with a touch of toffee to add a twist. Sounds gorgeous!<br />
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The textured bottle, inspired by Murano glass, is tres pretty but simple and I would even resent throwing away the purple snakeskin box! I'd like the large bottle that she's clutching in the ad please! Unless The Hubby decides to treat me to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes (unlikely!), I would be very happy with this instead! Much more affordable since prices start from <span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">£</span></span>38.50.<br />
<br />
Rumour has it, Tamara is also intending to expand into jewellery, watches and men's "choo's". This woman has serious ambition! Her shoe and handbag empire is already worth <span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">£</span></span>500 million, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (whatever that means!) and an ambassador for UK business.<br />
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BTW, <strong>loving</strong> the Jimmy Choo Uggs:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jimmychoo.com/content/ebiz/jimmychoo/invt/105starlitsta2/103starlitsta2_large_1_chestnut.jpg" onclick="Venda.ProductDetail.doPopup('',this.href,0); return false;" title="Large image of Starlit - opens in a new window"><img alt="Starlit" height="314" name="multi" src="http://www.jimmychoo.com/content/ebiz/jimmychoo/invt/105starlitsta2/103starlitsta2_large_1_chestnut.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jimmychoo.com/content/ebiz/jimmychoo/invt/105mandahsrs/103mandahsrs_large_1_black.jpg" onclick="Venda.ProductDetail.doPopup('',this.href,0); return false;" title="Large image of Mandah - opens in a new window"><img alt="Mandah" height="314" name="multi" src="http://www.jimmychoo.com/content/ebiz/jimmychoo/invt/105mandahsrs/103mandahsrs_large_1_black.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.jimmychoo.com/content/ebiz/jimmychoo/invt/105kaiazsh2/103kaiazsh2_large_1_char.jpg" onclick="Venda.ProductDetail.doPopup('',this.href,0); return false;" title="Large image of Kaia - opens in a new window"><img alt="Kaia" height="313" name="multi" src="http://www.jimmychoo.com/content/ebiz/jimmychoo/invt/105kaiazsh2/103kaiazsh2_large_1_char.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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(pics taken from Jimmy Choo website)<br />
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Way out of my price range - maybe I'll just experiment with a few embellishments on my cheapo ones instead... ;-)<br />
<br />
So Hubby - if you're reading this: you have no excuses for not knowing what to get me for Valentine's Day!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-10437169443963863152011-01-14T13:18:00.000-08:002011-01-16T14:23:50.499-08:00Soap & Glory Fantastic Value BundleI was gutted at missing out on the Soap & Glory deal Boots offered before Christmas. So when I spotted on Money Saving Expert that they were bringing out another deal, the Soap & Glory Fantastic Value Bundle, I vowed to make the same mistake twice! They delayed the deal from Monday (I even set myself an alarm) to Wednesday so I was chomping at the bit and finally cheered a "hurrah" when I clicked the buy button.<br />
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And it just arrived an hour ago!<br />
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<img height="220" id="il_fi" src="http://gyazo.com/75d8a3210464ceb7b4dc0e6cf1ae8c02.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /><br />
The bundle consists of 10 treats:<br />
<ul><li>Soap & Glory Marvelips, 4.53g (a lip crayon)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Clean Mary, 180ml (cleansing milk)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Wash Almighty, 500ml (body cleansing gel)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker, 7ml (lip plumping lip gloss)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Slimwear, 190ml (puff-draining peptide balm)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Return to Slender, 200ml (intensive body-contouring gel)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Touch & Glow, 75ml (moisture lotion with micro-bronzer beads)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Eye Lift, 15ml (eye cream)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Mighty Mouth, 9ml + 2 x 4g (lip stick and lip shine)</li>
<li>Soap & Glory Wizard of Flaws, 1ml (line filling luminizer & concealer)</li>
</ul><br />
Woop woop! Fingers crossed I will have in one month's time, Angelina Jolie lips, a wrinkle-free face, a skinny bum and cellulite-free thighs! Hmmm. The RRP for this is a whopping <span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">£</span>80.98, but the offer was for <span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">£</span>30.63! Bargain!<br />
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December's deal sold out quick but this month it is still in stock two days later, not surprisingly since everyone's always broke after Christmas and New Year. So grab this bargain while you can!<br />
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I will try to remember to do some reviews but I will probably give some of these items as gifts. Shame it didn't come in a nice vanity case or something!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-30183864785953023612011-01-14T12:36:00.000-08:002011-01-14T12:36:19.853-08:00Taking you back to 18th March 2007<h2 class="post-title">Day 2</h2><article class="post-body"><div class="mood">Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/scared.gif" />nervous</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Woke up extremely early this morning after finishing my last entry at <time hour="22" minute="0">10pm</time> last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone goes to bed early here, about 9 or 10 but it gets dark earlier than I thought, about <time hour="18" minute="0">6ish</time> so it feels much later for some reason!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roosters owned by our homestay are kept underneath our window – and they are so noisy!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don't "crow" at sunrise like they're supposed to, nor do they make a simple "cock-a-doodle-doo" – these roosters start crowing late at night and don't stop until we get up and leave the house, and they sound like their necks are being strangled mid-squawk!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Anyway, following on from my last entry last night, Lorena and Natasha rode in the jeepney with us, asking questions and telling us about themselves.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lorena: 23 year old Filipina; works for the agency we paid to come here, Volunteers for the Visayans (VFV) and is Ethel's assistant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Natasha: 23 years old, apparently Australian but she told us she's originally from <city><place>Dubai</place></city> and she also talks with an American accent – confusing…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has been here 2 months already and stays with the same homestay (host family) as us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We jumped off the jeepney about 10 mins later and were surrounded by people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 guys took our suitcases – another volunteer, Alan, took mine and a Filipino guy picked up Grace's large and extremely heavy suitcase and held it above his head like it was empty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were led along some dark lanes, passing a basketball court along the way, until we arrived at our homestay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stepping past a barking dog on the porch, we were greeted by our "mother" who we are to call Nana Marlin and about 10 children/grandchildren, all different ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Including a 4 month old baby boy with the cutest big eyes and is so strong that he can almost crawl already; "Shy-shy", a 9 year old girl who is anything but shy; and "Twinkle", an 11 year old girl who is chatty as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nana Marlin had prepared us a meal which was ready and we were ushered to the table to eat rice, vegetable dishes and some chicken and rice for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No pancit, I was disappointed to see…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">After finishing our meal and watching tv with the family for a while, Natasha and Shy-shy took us for a walk to show us a nearby internet café that would prove useful to us for the next few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Forgot to mention – also staying with us in our homestay is Evan, a tall 27 year old Australian guy who seems pretty friendly so far and has built up good relationships with the family in the 2 weeks that he has been here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a good rapport with the kids and they seem to love him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he looks half-Filipino or has a mixed ethnicity, but Grace disagrees, and I haven't asked him about it yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Back to todays events, we were taken for breakfast at the store, which our homestay family own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sell Filipino dishes such as pancit that Nana Marlin makes herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This store is also where the majority of the family sleeps although I haven't seen any bedrooms – they must be up the ladder that I spotted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nana Marlin told us that everyday she gets up and goes to the market for food at <time hour="3" minute="0">3am</time>, and cooks by the time we even get up (<time hour="7" minute="0">7am</time>)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast was rice and vegetables again, with a bread that I think tastes like Madeira cake.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">After breakfast, we went to the centre for our induction and Ethel (volunteer co-ordinator) just told us about the history of the agency, about our placement and homestay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were also informed that we each have a sponsored local kid for the next few weeks who we have to pay special attention to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met mine, Hazel who is eleven, straight away, downstairs at the centre where the kids were eating and watching tv.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Then for the majority of the day, we were taken on a tour downtown in Tacloban city by Lorena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Busy, confusing and HOT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was feeling pretty skeptical about being able to figure it all out without any help – and we were to catch a jeepney the next day to the orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dropped by the orphanage to meet Sister Mystika (the orphanage is run by nuns).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily Matt, another volunteer who works at the orphanage, later offered to meet us at the centre, which is just around the corner, at <time hour="7" minute="30">7.30am</time> and go with us as we're more than a little afraid of catching a jeepney by ourselves!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This evening, after a long nap (not sure if it was jet lag or lack of sleep due to those damn roosters), we had dinner at the store and sat by the bball court so I could watch the local guys play a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of little girls befriended us, so many names in such little time – I hope I remember them all in the morning.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Anyway off to bed, early start tomorrow!</div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-9281420950389409112011-01-05T14:16:00.000-08:002011-01-20T13:18:06.804-08:00Home Sweet Home: CushionsWhat is it with us girlies and cushions? It's totally a female thing, The Hubby is totally uninterested in pretty cushions, cosy throws etc.<br />
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I've spotted this cutie on the John Lewis website:<br />
<img class="imageForZoom" height="400" id="MainImage_imgMainImage" jquery1294258767981="6" src="http://s7v1.scene7.com/is/image/JohnLewis/000114256?$fash_product$" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /><br />
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It's perfect for me - happiness, love, romance, home, amore, hope, life, affection and of course my own name, JOY! <br />
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Of course, sod's law, it's out of stock. Will have to keep checking back and checking instore for it. It will go perfectly with the H&M cushion that I bought in the online Christmas sale (a bargainous 7.99) and arrived today:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-19a2MYYdyqeru4YN6WAJtvOdWcIZQMR0R3lZZT9jX0sFJSOAZS-8rHOK4GR3TR89a4bYdiBmyJM81EQUUmIANtT_irEuGX2P0g6bPcz9FPtZNVFEHaH-1vLDceZL3FfgJuXgzC7S3Wv/s1600/P1010376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-19a2MYYdyqeru4YN6WAJtvOdWcIZQMR0R3lZZT9jX0sFJSOAZS-8rHOK4GR3TR89a4bYdiBmyJM81EQUUmIANtT_irEuGX2P0g6bPcz9FPtZNVFEHaH-1vLDceZL3FfgJuXgzC7S3Wv/s400/P1010376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi_EqJEpQRyklsi4V-qYgyeSEhyphenhyphengsBiWOVdUWdbnNEOeoBJJUpsBj8dxKceLxKZwwOgnXKmGV4JZDChhQj1FGXOYPqQFhjlhgwJ0pHkujaSd6_Q634r5HinMD-sdnnBaozTN6fNP1T9uv/s1600/Cotton+twill+cushion+with+sequin+motif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi_EqJEpQRyklsi4V-qYgyeSEhyphenhyphengsBiWOVdUWdbnNEOeoBJJUpsBj8dxKceLxKZwwOgnXKmGV4JZDChhQj1FGXOYPqQFhjlhgwJ0pHkujaSd6_Q634r5HinMD-sdnnBaozTN6fNP1T9uv/s1600/Cotton+twill+cushion+with+sequin+motif.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It is still available on the H&M UK website, in both red and black. I already have 2 black sequin cushions that sometimes sit on the bed so I chose this for a pop of colour!<br />
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H&M have got some nice home stuff in their new spring range:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GUWeRS_Sz3iZ9rn5ftcqnU5w5e3-f0s8-nXyVyzjarsDSZ1tBbD7C6bOmfRxQBegP3s7DJiCTVrdMRs8NsPuL8awwkZ7sorXwa7jEYjiRdyZV-7kip7sqtzvriS8yGDKSYQAfvOHZa-X/s1600/H%2526M+Sheer+Romance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GUWeRS_Sz3iZ9rn5ftcqnU5w5e3-f0s8-nXyVyzjarsDSZ1tBbD7C6bOmfRxQBegP3s7DJiCTVrdMRs8NsPuL8awwkZ7sorXwa7jEYjiRdyZV-7kip7sqtzvriS8yGDKSYQAfvOHZa-X/s400/H%2526M+Sheer+Romance.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1FrnNFjPBFJVLuvUKXBBhprBxIEoIW_u_ysGv3d1sp3mnxbcUW6P66R2LHsrXmpXmkpvTY-k1Qo0qgdNXOH6Lyb0xr-KGzcaEnh7JciAxrIa2Hf0G5QsRZiHoTzv63q4-kIVywgQra4F/s1600/H%2526M+Sheer+Romance+-+country+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1FrnNFjPBFJVLuvUKXBBhprBxIEoIW_u_ysGv3d1sp3mnxbcUW6P66R2LHsrXmpXmkpvTY-k1Qo0qgdNXOH6Lyb0xr-KGzcaEnh7JciAxrIa2Hf0G5QsRZiHoTzv63q4-kIVywgQra4F/s400/H%2526M+Sheer+Romance+-+country+style.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><br />
I like the aqua throw on the bed in the top picture (although the duvet set reminds me of a garish yellow number my mum's had for at least as long as I've been alive!) and the Cath Kidston style fabric used for the table runner and accessories in the second picture. Nothing inspires me enough to buy it full price though! I'm a sucker for anything in the sale! ;-)<br />
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Personally I love TK Maxx and BHS for their home departments, particularly BHS's Maison Vintage collections:<br />
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<span class="mainProduct"><img height="258" id="il_fi" src="http://www.bhs.co.uk/mall/bhsstore/customerimages/dept/feature_homevintageshop.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span class="mainProduct"><span class="mainProduct"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/mall/productpage.cfm/bhsstore/977765/236334"><img alt="Liberty flush ceiling light" height="400" src="http://bhs.scene7.com/is/image/BHS/977765_a?$product154x214$" width="287" /></a></span></span><br />
<span class="mainProduct"><span class="mainProduct">How gorgeous is this lampshade!</span></span><br />
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<span class="mainProduct"><span class="mainProduct">Ohhh how I hanker after my own house. Hubby and I are desperate to trade our top-floor apartment for a cosy house we can start our own family in. Fingers crossed 2011 will be the year!</span></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-37864298049195568112010-12-27T11:53:00.000-08:002010-12-27T11:53:09.585-08:00Body Shop Body Butters just got SUPERSIZED!I don't know anyone who doesn't love these body butters - there's a scent for everyone and I often stock up when there's a promotion on, for myself and for gifts for family and friends. I've never complained about the size of the tub, they've always seemed generous to me (tell a lie, I have complained but it involved me being extremely silly, forgetting hand luggage regulations at airports, and me sobbing as I had to throw away my Almond tub, no longer made).<br />
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The Body Shop have now gone one step further on the good value path and SUPERSIZED their body butters. Not by an extra 10%, not even by 50%, by a whopping 100%! That's 400ml of glorious goodness just waiting to be snapped up and slathered on!<br />
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<img alt="Special Purchase 400ml Body Butter now available for just £12.50 >" border="0" height="231" src="http://images.postdirect.com/master/10/1046458/mango.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
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That's right girlies, it's the SAME price - <span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">£</span>12.50! <br />
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And they didn't stop there:<br />
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<img border="0" height="267" src="http://images.postdirect.com/master/10/1046458/coco2.jpg" style="display: block;" width="178" /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxSSAckjZVA8ppH5bBgu7b6asNWBEsMZ9yJQzya5XI64pZiQk0Bux5I7aUSgSa2GwCT_u2rnwo1rImGV3kSfJ5nn83TwCH017HdwYxYDPpGeAZpR0wXO7WqPpBrXhVk1YzgXmBudqhYM6/s1600/ShowerGels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxSSAckjZVA8ppH5bBgu7b6asNWBEsMZ9yJQzya5XI64pZiQk0Bux5I7aUSgSa2GwCT_u2rnwo1rImGV3kSfJ5nn83TwCH017HdwYxYDPpGeAZpR0wXO7WqPpBrXhVk1YzgXmBudqhYM6/s400/ShowerGels.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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A large 750ml bottle (with pump) of shower gel for <span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">£</span>9.50 - available in Strawberry, Coconut, Moringa, Olive, Satsuma and Pink Grapefruit.<br />
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Sadly, the supersized body butters are only available in Coconut, Shea, Satsuma and Mango. I was sorely tempted by them all, particularly when the sales assistant informed me that they were offering "buy 3 sale items, get the 4th free". But I managed to resist and plumped for the Mango one, as I'd not tried that before. Also you would have thought that they'd have had the same scents in the large shower gels as the supersized body butters but unfortunately not!<br />
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But these big treats are still getting a big thumbs up from me!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-80412700587181766962010-12-21T12:55:00.000-08:002010-12-21T12:55:54.840-08:00Taking you back to 17th March 2007<h2 class="post-title">Day 1</h2><article class="post-body"><div class="mood">Current mood:<img src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/blog/moods/iBrads/devious.gif" />hot</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We arrived in the <country-region><place>Philippines</place></country-region> with a bump, jostling us awake from the first good sleep we'd had in hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up at <time hour="5" minute="30">5.30am</time> on the Friday to straighten my hair for the last time for 3 weeks, I still hadn't managed to get 40 winks, even on the 12 hour 45 min flight from Heathrow to <country-region><place>Singapore</place></country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The journey hadn't exactly got off to a good start; almost as soon as we walked into the departure lounge at Heathrow, Grace heard a café staff member dressed as a clown telling people that everyone needed to evacuate the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not exactly a very funny clown-like thing to say, Grace thought, and we carried on wandering through a crowd of people before realizing that the fire alarm was ringing and we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> meant to be walking in the opposite direction to evacuate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shops were closing their shutters and I reminded myself that I really must listen to the messages they put over the tannoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People didn't seem to be panicking so we simply followed the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 mins later of going in one direction, we stopped a woman who worked at the airport and she hadn't a clue that we had all been evacuated – I came to the conclusion that the fire alarm had probably been set off by burnt toast in one of the cafes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we went back and straight to our gate to avoid any further confusion!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So from Heathrow to <country-region><place>Singapore</place></country-region> we had gone and from <country-region><place>Singapore</place></country-region> to <city><place>Manila</place></city> – all without a hitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><country-region><place>Singapore</place></country-region> airport was more than immaculate, with a toilet attendant literally waiting outside my cubicle so she could clean it the moment I stepped out to wash my hands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn't see lots of men with guns, as per a friend's warning but I did see free internet, free ESPN (not showing bball…typical!) and a sign pointing us in the direction of free massage chairs in the "Oasis" – unfortunately we didn't manage to go there as we were short of time but definitely a must for on the way back!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city><place>Manila</place></city> is where the trouble started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing we had only 2 hours to get off the plane, wait for and collect our suitcases, find and get a taxi to a different terminal (in a language we can't speak – not easy!), check in and actually board the next plane, Grace and I were ready for action as if we were about to start a race!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, baggage collection seemed to take forever but we were getting into a taxi outside the airport within 45 mins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we realized that the driver didn't have enough money to give us change from a 1000 peso bill for a 150 peso fare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of our money was in 1000 peso bills so it was the smallest amount we had!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The driver obviously didn't want to rip us off and take the money and people at the new terminal were no help – so we ended up giving him a 200% tip (350 pesos) but soon got over our feeling generous after realizing how little that is actually worth in sterling (1000 pesos is about the equivalent to a tenner)!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Inside the terminal, it seemed pretty clear – on the screen it stated our flight number and check-in desks 17-25 so we queued for desks 17-18 as they looked like the shortest queues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 14.55 we were finally at the front of the queue after waiting for about an hour (and the plane estimated time of departure was 15.10) we were informed we had missed the last call and had to go wait in another queue to speak to a girl in charge. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Then baggage was overweight and Grace had to go wait in a THIRD queue to pay for it and wait for the check-in girl to write a long hand-written receipt, whilst <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood my ground at the other check-in desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally given boarding passes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Then we had to pay 200 pesos each at another desk, for some official reason that I can't recall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Finally dashed into the departure lounge to look at the screens to find out what gate to go to…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And the plane was delayed for another hour and ten mins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We actually had to wait for 1hr 15mins before we were even allowed to board!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that time we experienced our 1<sup>st</sup> black out – it only lasted several seconds but after our panicking earlier, we could only laugh rather than join in with the collective gasp that sounded the lounge.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Being separated on the final flight wasn't worrying as it was only for about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sat next to an old Filipino lady (btw I was one of about 5 white passengers, not something I usually notice or care about but it's quite strange for me to see that many Filipinos all on one plane!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old lady did attempt to speak a few words of English to me – and the guilt that I had been dreading for weeks of not learning the language of the country that I'm visiting washed over me, it's pretty shameful that I can only say a couple of words and I hate my own ignorance…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">At Tacloban airport we were accosted by several men who wanted us to pay them to dive into the crowd that was fighting to get to the heap of suitcases that had been dumped in the middle of the terminal – no baggage carousel here! A sign saying WELCOME JOY & GRACE was held up outside in the dark, by Lorena and Natasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Introductions were made and then we were taken for our very first ride in a jeepney…</div></article>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-74018643542329181432010-12-21T11:51:00.000-08:002010-12-21T11:51:30.028-08:00I wish......I had learned how to do a fishtail plait in my hair before I got it all chopped off last month!<br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="211" data-width="238" height="211" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQZS_5mfBlrEWcyp2s3cJCA2eVRxMpQ5I1-ghQycQwRfg_2hw6_" style="height: 211px; width: 238px;" width="238" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTM49TwSFMFAC_T6l4m2ciQF209v_7KD9-Dl8_xfDk9M5ynXMq4" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="268" data-width="188" height="268" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQhAYAMvkYptcItI4MYAp4UqHXSQBuIYwdz1s6m6nEIjf8ok--U5w" style="height: 268px; width: 188px;" width="188" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="272" data-width="185" height="272" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR867gzzndtxBCakDwSFr6ofrF40v6Y7GQK5a-5GLI0zyHmoPKsWA" style="height: 272px; width: 185px;" width="185" /><br />
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<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuncqAdVDHdagaqP1EJ5K8YnufPNxrrqJo8hi8GypZY2XZWrJn2GWWTlkBIQsu9s6FCDxqbWTrTxXcfRP53AAqs2O2PFue457-hjRbQnCjezCnEYdfArm4pLo8o51Xt7FLwdns9vbRi8Mj/s400/2ee8c95e9c14b28a_diane-6.xlarge.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="214" /><br />
<br />
They're very boho, I love them! I think they would work better on longer hair - and I had almost waist length hair until last month when I had 6 inches chopped off! <br />
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Are they very difficult to do?<br />
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I watched a few YouTube videos and discovered FoxyLocksExtensions - she does fab tutorials, and is super stunning!<br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQf7R1a4GD4Wke9Z0W5NwawqkY4eSvYdqHxQZ0J8WdVPynwP1yBbg" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /><br />
<br />
Diane Kruger's hair in the last picture doesn't look <em>very</em> long - I may be able to have a go in several weeks!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-28579781233530440972010-12-20T14:30:00.000-08:002010-12-20T14:30:59.966-08:00Accessorize With Love Gift Set £4.99Superdrug are currently offering this Accessorize gift set for £4.99 - half price!<br />
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<img alt="Accessorize With Love Cosmetic Gift" name="large" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/236374/236374_l.jpg" /><br />
It contains an palette of 12 intense eye shadows, false eyelashes, and a lipgloss. Unfortunately the Superdrug website doesn't tell or show you what colours are in the palette so it's a bit of lucky dip - there is a picture in an advert in the paper today but it's difficult to make the colours out.<br />
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I think it would make a nice little gift for someone - perhaps you're doing Secret Santa for someone and have a fiver limit?<br />
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Also, it's 3 for 2 and there's a large range to choose from, it's not just Accessorize items. I also like the look of these:<br />
<img alt="Thai Spa Luxury Gift Box" name="large" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/207883/207883_l.jpg" /><br />
Thai Spa Luxury Gift Box WAS 19.99, now 9.99<br />
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<img alt="Eylure Girls Aloud Eyelashes Set" name="large" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/214001/214001_l.jpg" /><br />
Eylure Girls Aloud Eyelashes Set WAS 19.99, NOW 14.99<br />
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<img alt="Naturals Coconut & Shea Butter Biscuit Tin" name="large" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/207817/207817_l.jpg" /><br />
Naturals Coconut & Shea Butter Biscuit Tin WAS 6.99, NOW 4.99<br />
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<img alt="Butterfly Lights" name="large" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/207855/207855_l.jpg" /><br />
Butterfly Lights 7.99<br />
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I'm starting to wonder if the early bird always <em>does</em> catch the worm, when it comes to Christmas present shopping! Do we just catch a pricier worm?!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-26573706526298098682010-12-20T13:22:00.000-08:002010-12-20T13:23:32.499-08:00Mad Men - Has it passed by anyone else?There's been a lot of buzz around Mad Men in magazines and blogs, and glowing reports of a "real woman" with curves starring in this 1960's New York drama - but I have never managed to catch an episode. Not only that, I've never even seen a trailer for it so that I don't even know what channel it's on! From what I can gather, it's looks super stylish and has inspired a lot of vintage-lovers. I just love the fact that it's starring Christina Hendricks, a voluptuous redhead - much more authentic, in my opinion. I liked her in Kevin Hill, a legal drama starring the gorgeous Taye Diggs, which was cancelled after the first series. It is likely that she will become one of my style icons! Watch this space!<br />
<br />
Here's some Mad Men images that intrigue me:<br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="194" data-width="260" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSkHXmpFmN9xkGeigcCiVTNgo1-lvqHnmIk4xa-zqEdb23603LG3Q" style="height: 194px; width: 260px;" width="260" /> <br />
<img class="rg_hi" data-height="174" data-width="290" height="174" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEynK2m2VfC_4byWLSwBalYNbBf_ahYEmfq_FF3qzjyhI7dJmefA" style="height: 174px; width: 290px;" width="290" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="180" data-width="240" height="180" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFqEg37PKVTzhF402-LH25TDozr5fG6et6jE4zMf9soXetMgKbvg" style="height: 180px; width: 240px;" width="240" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="178" data-width="284" height="178" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTo01Rg_cDie-kvBTwoGsB7RTIR4Ko91GGZIMZf5j2Jc9bA0Xd-" style="height: 178px; width: 284px;" width="284" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="190" data-width="265" height="190" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTXA0l4PCtoq2ogl71_eVhBuaiH9PMNdCKXPXNk95HKa3h8NnY2" style="height: 190px; width: 265px;" width="265" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="174" data-width="290" height="174" id="rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSjY1rrYt2HYr5P_8XFnBkaq5eyspLxnsxh4Hg_aeFOvXh0Cx0bkA" style="height: 174px; width: 290px;" width="290" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="201" data-width="251" height="201" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTYZj0VuGCmwN8lT1IOxdB7f-o5RBkT6jpqJEsZaoVS6WZT8h8rww" style="height: 201px; width: 251px;" width="251" /><br />
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<img class="rg_hi" data-height="195" data-width="259" height="195" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLH34tDNMhSvI-XJEwo4LAqA6qd7r1TPEdtis25ueFJ26-UYQj" style="height: 195px; width: 259px;" width="259" /><br />
<br />
Has anyone actually caught an episode of this? Have I missed out on something special? Somebody please tell me when it's next on!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-90009999744229829542010-12-20T12:28:00.000-08:002010-12-20T12:30:45.983-08:00Sales Secrets of a ShopaholicIt happens all too often, I'm hoping I'm not the only one. A week after payday - bank balance zero... Or worse, it has that dreaded minus sign before the figure.<br />
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Fortunately, all my Christmas presents had been purchased over the past few months so there would be no last minute panic buying on the early payday two days before Christmas.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the minus bank balance + 2 1/2 weeks till the next payday = no shopping for me. =DISASTER! I am feeling some withdrawal symptoms of steering clear of the stores and feel most weepy as I mournfully browse ASOS, knowing I cannot proceed to checkout.<br />
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I <em><u>cannot wait</u></em> until the sales! But unless I want to quickly revert back to the minus in the long 5 week month of January, I must have a gameplan, and I'm going to share my tips with you girlies:<br />
<br />
<strong>1. Set yourself a budget</strong><br />
Boring, I know but it's easy to get carried away then, before you know it, back into debt from those spontaneous splurges. Set yourself a limit and draw out that amount of cash - research has shown that it's harder for us to hand over the physical cash, than hand over a credit/debit card.<br />
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<strong>2. Early bird catches the worm</strong><br />
That old saying has a lot of truth to it. I'm sure the people that get up to go to Next sales at 5'o'clock in the morning get some right bargains. Personally that's a tad too early for me, but the principle is important all the same. And no dithering! Your first instinct of "oooooh, that's nice" is a strong reaction - if you umm and ahhh too much and leave it while you look around and have a think, you will miss out! And if you're anything like me, you'll obsess about it and kick yourself for weeks to come about that one that got away.<br />
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<strong>3. Plan your route</strong><br />
I don't mean get a list of directions off the AA website, I mean have a think about which shops you want to go to first and what they're closest to so you're not going back and forth and wasting time trying to make your way through the crowds. Get to your first choice before the shop opens so you can quickly nip in as soon as possible, get your shoes (see no. 4 below!) and get to the till so you can move on to the next shop.<br />
<br />
<strong>4. Shoes, glorious shoes!</strong><br />
As a standard UK size 5, sometimes 6, I almost never find decent shoes in the sales. Has anyone else noticed shoes in the sales are pretty much either a teeny size 3 or a large size 8? 5's and 6's must be the first to go. My tip is to go try the shoes you have your eye on a week or so before the sales start, so that as soon as the shop shutters raise, you can make a beeline straight for your correct size and don't have to faff about with taking a seat, taking your socks off etc - you can take them straight to the tills before anyone else grabs them. Remember, the best time to try shoes on is in the evening as your feet tend to swell slightly as the day goes on.<br />
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<strong>5. Dress accordingly</strong><br />
I personally hate trying things on instore - the changing rooms in high street shops can be grotty to say the least, with chewing gum stuck to the walls, with not enough hooks to hang the many items you've grabbed on the shop floor, no stool, unflattering lighting and mirrors, and the pungent smell of sweat in the air (hmm, clearly I don't shop in high-end stores!). If I am forced to try something on, I make sure I'm in and out and not wasting too much time getting undressed and dressed again. Therefore, tights are out - they take me too long to put on! Leggings and jeans are ok. You want to be warm in the cold January air but not roasting hot when you're in the crowded shops. Don't wear too many layers but equally don't wear a big heavy coat that you may have lug around when you start feeling too hot. Shopping in New York last January when it was freezing cold outside and sauna-hot in the stores was not an enjoyable experience!<br />
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<strong>6. Invest in the trends for next season</strong><br />
Research the upcoming trends for next season by reading fashion magazines. Of course, don't go and buy heaps of bright orange items based on one magazine feature, particularly if it's not your colour! Use your common sense and stick to things that suit you, and things that you will actually wear. Chances are that they may have got that one wrong, then you're stuck with looking like you've been tangoed...<br />
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<strong>7. "But when will I wear it? I've just had my Christmas do."</strong><br />
What about next year's? There's ALWAYS going to be parties and countless office do's. It happens every year. So why not think ahead and buy a fabulous outfit now, while it's on sale instead of scouring the shops next winter looking for the perfect yet affordable dress and settling for something not quite as fabulous? Glitz and glamour never goes out of style. Gold, silver and sequins will always be on trend in the run up to Christmas.<br />
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<strong>8. Don't buy it just for the sake of it.</strong><br />
We've all done it. I was a victim of it when I first discovered Primarni - buying something just because it's cheap: "TWO POUNDS?! I'll have it!". Often, the alluring low price tag will cloud your judgement of whether you actually <em>like</em> the item. I have to keep thinking "Would I still like it if it was full price?" - if you wouldn't buy it at full price, don't buy it now it's in the sale.<br />
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<strong>9. Aim to get the best quality that you can afford.</strong><br />
I'm not big on designer, often because I feel they do make clothes only for the size zero models that stalk down their runways, but I do appreciate that often (but not always!) the quality of the material or the cut of the item is better. For many of us, designer clothes are not normally in our price range but in the sale, it's a different story - that skirt you've been wishfully gazing at in Vogue is suddenly within your reach. So instead of buying countless high street items that are likely to fall apart or shrink over the next few months, grab that better quality item that will last a whole lot longer! When else are you going to be able to afford it?<br />
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<strong>10. That's soooo last year.</strong><br />
Don't buy something that is instantly recognisable as being "the" item you should have been wearing last year. You're entering 2011, don't look like you're stuck in the past. That being said, sometimes trends can last over a few seasons, coming back each year - for example, maxi dresses. I think I bought my first one in 2007 and I've worn it every summer since. This winter I've noticed that they've made the transition from being summer only, to a winter item that can be layered with knitwear. Chunky knitwear will always be around (jumpers are always a necessity), shift dresses always stylish, and you can't go wrong with block colours. If you know it suits you, and it is likely to make an appearance again in the coming year, by all means, buy it.<br />
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<strong>11. Check the refund policies</strong><br />
Most major stores will refund you as long as you have your receipt so if you're not entirely sure about something, buy it anyway (see No.1 re no dithering!) and if you decide it's not quite you when you try it on again at home, you can return or exchange it for another item or a credit note. But be aware, some shops do not do refunds or will only exchange sale items. And keep your receipts safe!<br />
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<strong>12. Stock up on presents</strong><br />
Sales are great for buying presents in advance for birthdays in the coming year. Don't think of it as spending your money at once - you're saving money in the long run.<br />
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<strong>13. Timeless classics</strong><br />
This is an obvious one. I shouldn't even have to write it, I'm sure you all know it anyway but I'm going to drum it in one more time. White shirts, black t-shirts, a camel coloured coat or mac, cashmere jumpers, tan boots. Season after season, year after year, you WILL wear these! So why not grab them while they're in the sale?! In fact, with some of the cheaper items (t-shirts), if you find the perfect classic t-shirt, buy in bulk! Earlier this year, I bought about seven of the same t-shirt, in black, white, and grey because I <em>know</em> I will them until they fall apart - and they were only 7 quid each!<br />
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<strong>14. Do it online</strong><br />
Finally - if you can't bear facing the post Christmas crush, take advantage of the world wide web and hit the sales online instead. You can jump the queue to get some banging bargains, you're likely to be able to find a discount or free delivery code via moneysavingexpert.com - and all from the comfort of your cosy couch.<br />
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<strong>Sales dates for your diary:</strong><br />
<u>23rd December - </u><br />
New Look online<br />
Schuh<br />
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<u>Christmas Eve - </u><br />
River Island<br />
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<u>Christmas Day - </u><br />
House of Fraser online<br />
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<u>Boxing Day - </u><br />
Debenhams<br />
New Look in store<br />
House of Fraser in store<br />
Peacocks<br />
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<u>27th December - </u><br />
John Lewis<br />
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Do you have some other top tips for us fellow shopaholics?Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-26659669559320814042010-12-16T15:50:00.000-08:002010-12-16T15:50:04.295-08:00Unii Palette review<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anything in my early morning beauty routine that shaves a few dozen seconds so that I may savour a few more precious moments cocooned inside my warm cozy duvet is a winner with me.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was eager to find a palette that would hold my few daily essentials but I had not seen many, and the two products I had seen were just not right for me, either being too flimsy, or too structured so I wouldn’t be able to fill it with the products I wanted.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I learned of the existence of the Unii Palette.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCGyCPoFedZB-Zk83CgL-BmZojejHxmy1ziKWSPCFPIGWRUod4Fxghhpqq_99zflJMPHvagSJ2zti7Gug6Xc2B8kaZPNHjZIS6NfSifbXEH0uhWU5GuXyCS2Z09L5yfuLdoY6oGLs6pJc/s1600/unii+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCGyCPoFedZB-Zk83CgL-BmZojejHxmy1ziKWSPCFPIGWRUod4Fxghhpqq_99zflJMPHvagSJ2zti7Gug6Xc2B8kaZPNHjZIS6NfSifbXEH0uhWU5GuXyCS2Z09L5yfuLdoY6oGLs6pJc/s400/unii+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1dg4c-ULi1xx3LD7TwIhlopC_Fs38nBkyRh-Q0pDp38lCra6hqSE-BeJOZJSJ08IAfKlWA1W5Dl9AEpbQxg3tdxKWmvqD0Hht7kvRMhaivC-hW4_xhpE7UJD_DdjXrTvDLmmu5hGEQmN/s1600/unii+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1dg4c-ULi1xx3LD7TwIhlopC_Fs38nBkyRh-Q0pDp38lCra6hqSE-BeJOZJSJ08IAfKlWA1W5Dl9AEpbQxg3tdxKWmvqD0Hht7kvRMhaivC-hW4_xhpE7UJD_DdjXrTvDLmmu5hGEQmN/s400/unii+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOAdqDDjvElWCz7719jArkAJtS_DvXIHbt4lm71YdvxMdHhjy_QADgAlmwXMuCOBuA09z3iRgPty4ojV2Hj6UrqSs2-_NQv2wZo18uVjM_LQdcjRkbUu4vd-vK7YxonXp-QWvi_dWnWB_/s1600/unii+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOAdqDDjvElWCz7719jArkAJtS_DvXIHbt4lm71YdvxMdHhjy_QADgAlmwXMuCOBuA09z3iRgPty4ojV2Hj6UrqSs2-_NQv2wZo18uVjM_LQdcjRkbUu4vd-vK7YxonXp-QWvi_dWnWB_/s400/unii+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sturdy, wipeable, not too big for me to shove into my handbag without it weighing me down, but not too small for it to store the required products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And available in a range of pretty colours!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, I must stress that I don’t have a huge or even medium to large makeup collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My make up bag before discovering fabulous </span><a href="http://bubblegarm.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Muhsine</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">’s and adorable </span><a href="http://pearlsandpoodles.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Milly</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">’s blogs left something to be desired, to say the least!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this included a frosted white No. 7 eye shadow that I purchased when I was 16 (ten whole years previously!), that for some reason I’d hoarded away but still had barely touched!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eeeewww!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A change was well overdue!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Unii website was great – clear, well-explained, easy to navigate and supported with bright pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Unii Palette <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">can store not just one but multiple brands of make-up: Mac, Bobbi Brown, Stila etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how it doesn’t limit you to a brand or a certain size product. It </span>uses magnets to store your makeup pans so they don’t fall out, contains a large mirror which is handy for when you’re on the go, has a thumb grip that you can place wherever you want, and a rubberised seal to prevent leaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An adhesive magnetic sheet with writable labels is also provided with each palette.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I quickly realised that I would not be content with just one palette – however would I decide upon just one colour when there was a choice of six and I wanted them all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After much deliberation, I selected Lemongrass (greeny-yellow colourway), Eggplant (dark purple) and Pomegranate (pinky-red) with the intention of the latter being a birthday present for my best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly 3 months later, I still haven’t given the palette to her, as I am extremely reluctant to let it out of my clutches (aren’t I selfish?!).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unii's newly launched colourway is the gorgeously dark Coal... I tell ya girlies, I would not be disappointed if Santa decided I was a naughty lass in 2010 and left me a this lump of Coal in my stocking!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIiq9EEgUFmZyjQ4_ZlyGupuOF-hACsyz5YJu15Q4MbdT14s54IM85S-U5s0UnuzvzNmnP-Y3eA5IrBve1I9-9RFJQc0G4UrkVxZ_inyz03ly-DeG-IcoA5018C6jeV9ImyDy5dx8HSB6/s1600/unii+coal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIiq9EEgUFmZyjQ4_ZlyGupuOF-hACsyz5YJu15Q4MbdT14s54IM85S-U5s0UnuzvzNmnP-Y3eA5IrBve1I9-9RFJQc0G4UrkVxZ_inyz03ly-DeG-IcoA5018C6jeV9ImyDy5dx8HSB6/s640/unii+coal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The palettes’ packaging is well thought out, and when I viewed the video on the website, I was amazed by the amount of work that went into just the shape of the box!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instructions on depotting for the use of the Unii palette were also included on this box – eco-friendly me was glad there was no excessive packaging (ignoring the airmiles the Palettes had clocked up on their journey to me :-S<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ooops)</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A newbie at depotting, I was keen to give it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prepared my working area rather naively with a single sheet of the Daily Mirror; I had underestimated my powers of destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On my cream carpet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eeeeeeeek!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 broken bronzers and 4 shattered eyeshadows later… Tadaaaaa!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial503XbanqWe3Rq-MVkU4OD5Wfpc6Oe7fW3aotf9VScFe2svrINaXiCWDpXUIfMb2TtweterPBeFS22plYn-ZSGcBKI31YmS5-WVQ8twQzvsK666DcyU4HRFpvJUQxbpOR7Axkaz6nMa2/s1600/P1010201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial503XbanqWe3Rq-MVkU4OD5Wfpc6Oe7fW3aotf9VScFe2svrINaXiCWDpXUIfMb2TtweterPBeFS22plYn-ZSGcBKI31YmS5-WVQ8twQzvsK666DcyU4HRFpvJUQxbpOR7Axkaz6nMa2/s400/P1010201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXXc-iAn21meA7mmgx1QcnBgkB5nEAw8t9XMi6eZEXDLBexXhhiEYmLWe1fAJcS4DHLHGg9um9Zlxdr9sK5SMxjUakSEadDUnRNse7beDovRAgrAYzp8RQL3ejxWwcd9nM1zsSjdEF8R0/s1600/P1010193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXXc-iAn21meA7mmgx1QcnBgkB5nEAw8t9XMi6eZEXDLBexXhhiEYmLWe1fAJcS4DHLHGg9um9Zlxdr9sK5SMxjUakSEadDUnRNse7beDovRAgrAYzp8RQL3ejxWwcd9nM1zsSjdEF8R0/s400/P1010193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My 2 palettes complete but not quite as pretty and uniformed as the palettes <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I aspire to:</span></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisplgAL4OH8nzq_qhC20yCiQKDC9-gwML4usBPp0-l51qyiCRbCY1bisArWfIIL5Tx1kPFKRuuCevEBF-04iSocBCy0KDFFdxlZvk8n6bL-qnXnkWHl2NH0OArgWKuZMjvbv707WyS4YQi/s1600/empty%252520makeup%252520palette%252520Viel%252520M%252520Glendale%252520CA%2525202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisplgAL4OH8nzq_qhC20yCiQKDC9-gwML4usBPp0-l51qyiCRbCY1bisArWfIIL5Tx1kPFKRuuCevEBF-04iSocBCy0KDFFdxlZvk8n6bL-qnXnkWHl2NH0OArgWKuZMjvbv707WyS4YQi/s400/empty%252520makeup%252520palette%252520Viel%252520M%252520Glendale%252520CA%2525202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_ZalsSswTlSRH_u-qgj_qe65DVUkkxr6HFCohpu-EUqNGuJTXfK8z9KQWDuGSumTnF1ho6-O0Gi_x3qKOGXf_I5V1XHDqXEQlaQqO9mIj8zPnFZggZMI7BnlW6gTxxOTJuHgcQ-dHy3M/s1600/empty%252520makeup%252520palette%252520discojing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_ZalsSswTlSRH_u-qgj_qe65DVUkkxr6HFCohpu-EUqNGuJTXfK8z9KQWDuGSumTnF1ho6-O0Gi_x3qKOGXf_I5V1XHDqXEQlaQqO9mIj8zPnFZggZMI7BnlW6gTxxOTJuHgcQ-dHy3M/s400/empty%252520makeup%252520palette%252520discojing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nPuOKcsexA9b4HRF1v2MKihwr_TgQ-a05pt98392wmi9TcOBcDoTvCj_pqUa4phXu3GfNQhVnOV7BkFGU9SLft3lDmnB5JUeexyE8U0H8Rs9HM4RlqU7Ftbb9H088kblgq33THJB7Ym3/s1600/SusanC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nPuOKcsexA9b4HRF1v2MKihwr_TgQ-a05pt98392wmi9TcOBcDoTvCj_pqUa4phXu3GfNQhVnOV7BkFGU9SLft3lDmnB5JUeexyE8U0H8Rs9HM4RlqU7Ftbb9H088kblgq33THJB7Ym3/s400/SusanC3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Pics taken from Unii "what's in your Unii" gallery)</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I intend to use the Pomegranate (pink) palette when my make up collection expands:</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlmoemyYInVI95O0quI1_r5ou5g6LWLcjsRfwPMFhGypqyTMuRqarasTsWltyx3uH-woZnj9_du8DZbnWLP3ZqyBqYnVrQPD6Z5MUfF1h3FJwjLk54xnV50EGpmYcJkJvU5RhIkjk2c3M/s1600/P1010207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlmoemyYInVI95O0quI1_r5ou5g6LWLcjsRfwPMFhGypqyTMuRqarasTsWltyx3uH-woZnj9_du8DZbnWLP3ZqyBqYnVrQPD6Z5MUfF1h3FJwjLk54xnV50EGpmYcJkJvU5RhIkjk2c3M/s320/P1010207.JPG" width="314" /></a></div><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have since bought Urban Decay’s Naked palette which I looooooove – there is no way (and no need) for me to attempt to depot that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I’m hoping to collect the remaining colours sometime in the future – Twilight, Snow and Coal.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Final verdict?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had them almost 3 months now and I’m super impressed with the quality and design of the palettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Durable and colourful, I wouldn’t be without it, I use my Lemongrass one everyday - it has my Boing concealer, my Loreal Infalliable pressed powder and various eyeshadows, mainly from my Too Faced Natural Eyes Kit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My eggplant also has the concealer and powder but holds darker eyeshadows so I try to remember to pop this into my bag if I'm going out for the evening or just out and about at the weekend when I wear more makeup. The palette fits perfectly in my bathroom cabinet, but also looks great when I pull it out of my bag for touchups. You can even store eyeliners or slim brushes inside. </span>The Hubby even commented on the difference in time it takes me to put on my face before work (not that I wear much) – it takes me about 2-3 mins to quickly apply my essentials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer have to faff about opening and closing different products as they’re now all in the same place (bar my Garnier Concealer Roll-on and my mascara).</div><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I am very happy I invested in these!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The <a href="http://www.uniicosmetics.com/">Unii</a> palette is priced at $29 each / $56 for two / $27 for three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can pay via PayPal which I found useful, but you can also checkout through Google or Amazon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s available in 6 different colours.</span></div></span></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-27785916439703554752010-12-05T11:14:00.000-08:002010-12-05T11:14:04.172-08:00BARGAIN! Elemis 5 Piece Exotic & Nourishing Face & Body Skincare CollectionHaving experienced my first spa day for part one of my hen do about 4 months ago, and then being spoilt rotten on my birthday with another spa day with The Hubby, I have only recently been aware of Elemis. But so far, I like!<br />
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I had a fabulous facial on my birthday, a real treat and desperately needed as my skin has not been great as of late. Why is it that I get TONS more spots now then I ever did when I was a teenager - I smugly thought I'd got away scot free until the last couple of years... Grrr<br />
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I came away from the spa feeling very chilled out, clutching my bottles of Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser and Balancing Lavender Toner with the hope that they will provide the miracle ingredients to clear up my skin.<br />
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Well, I'm not too good at remembering to use them daily... but when I do use them, I do appreciate that they're good products. The skin hasn't cleared up just yet due to my lack of dedication - must try harder...<br />
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Both times at the spa, I had my eye on the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt but found the cost a little pricey, especially when The Hubby had just forked out for my Cleanser and Toner - didn't want to look too cheeky by asking for this as well!<br />
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I was thrilled when I spotted on Friday that QVC were planning to offer the Moisure Melt as part of their Today's Special Value Product today!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" class="main" name="LargeImg" src="http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/uk/2/66/223066.001?$ukmoreviewmain$" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This face and body collection consists of:</div>A 35ml bottle of the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt. I plan to use this after a shower for maximum effect and also as a hair treatment - god knows I need some moisture in my tresses!<br />
A 125ml tube of Elemis's newest product, Melting Cleansing Gel, an "ultra purifying dual-phase cleanser perfect for challenged, tired and stressed skin". Tick, tick and tick!!!<br />
A 300ml limited edition super size bottle of Skin Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion.<br />
A 30ml tub of Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.<br />
A 200ml tube of Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath and Shower Cream.<br />
AND a lovely silver bag to keep it all in:<br />
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All for the bargain price of 39.96! Wow, I am impressed. Obviously it was popular as getting through the online checkout was a long and frustrating process in which I thought I'd lost out at the last step, which made me give up and go to bed. To my delight, when I checked my email this morning I had in fact completed it all successfully as I had a confirmation - woop woop!<br />
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I reckon this would make a brilliant present for someone who deserves some pampering! However, this is my Christmas present to myself, ho ho ho!<br />
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Will revert back when I've had a chance to use the products!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-73965325461448519882010-12-03T14:57:00.000-08:002010-12-03T14:57:32.038-08:00Mally - anyone tried this brand?I am always glad to see the Philippines or Filipino people in the media. There are many full or part Filipino celebs that I proudly declare "They're Filipino, you know!": Manny Pacquiao, Vanessa Hudgens, apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas, Cassie, Vanessa Minnillo, Bruno Mars...<br />
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Mally Roncal is the first 'famous' Filipino I've seen in the beauty industry. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-eIYShKdLGLEti0RjhBi4B_gCXlXRciaNAFnJfqsDLhXk_eoodG_DrwwwbTxnnHlmjpzhkxI0kqqBcs2ceXAH8Z3irzYv9TaTpmDspjmTX50PaXoxR_Ocu6mq9z3Ox2QZxKO6UiRk-8g/s1600/qvc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-eIYShKdLGLEti0RjhBi4B_gCXlXRciaNAFnJfqsDLhXk_eoodG_DrwwwbTxnnHlmjpzhkxI0kqqBcs2ceXAH8Z3irzYv9TaTpmDspjmTX50PaXoxR_Ocu6mq9z3Ox2QZxKO6UiRk-8g/s320/qvc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Previously when I've looked into her products, they weren't really available in the UK however I've just spotted her range on the QVC website.<br />
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Looking through 58 products, the first thing that struck me was that nothing was jumping out at me as being a Must Buy. If my eye was drawn to something, the price pushed it away again, or the product reviews made me doubt that the product would be worth me spending that amount. For example:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a cmimpressionsent="1" href="javascript:ViewOptions('zoom','229103');" title="(opens in a new window)"><img alt="Mally Volumizing Mascara Duo" border="0" class="product" src="http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/uk/2/03/229103.001?$ukproddetailmain$" /></a></div><div align="center">Mally Volumising Mascara Duo, QVC Introductory Price 19.79 GBP </div><div align="center">Mainly good reviews but the last two described it as so clumpy therefore have had to return.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div>It's such a shame, because I really do want to support my fellow Filipinos! Maybe if I could see the actual product, I'd have a change of heart?<br />
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Has anyone else tried this brand? What did you think? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-eIYShKdLGLEti0RjhBi4B_gCXlXRciaNAFnJfqsDLhXk_eoodG_DrwwwbTxnnHlmjpzhkxI0kqqBcs2ceXAH8Z3irzYv9TaTpmDspjmTX50PaXoxR_Ocu6mq9z3Ox2QZxKO6UiRk-8g/s1600/qvc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-66645283121901069402010-11-15T12:45:00.000-08:002010-11-19T13:31:40.833-08:00Taking you back to 2nd March 2007<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>2 weeks to go!</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>Current mood: Excited</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>Friday 2nd March 2007</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>"Two weeks to go! I'll soon be jetting off to sunny Tacloban City!</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>Strange to think that in just a matter of days, I'll be on the other side of the world, staying with and working with strangers and trying to communicate in a language I can't speak. The cultural difference is going to be amazingly, and I don't think anything is going to prepare me for the poverty and conditions I'm going to experience, both at the orphange and in "my new family's" home.</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>Details of my new family arrived in my inbox a few weeks back. The agency place all volunteers with nearby families so can fully experience Filipino life. Whilst I think this is a great idea, I might not have been so keen had I been travelling alone instead of with Grace!</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>The family we are staying with are called the Llanto family. It's a large family compared to our standards - 9 people living in one 4 bedroom house! This includes the Mother, Father, Daughter, Son, Son's wife, Son's baby, 2 granddaughters, sister-in-law, niece and 2 nephews. Phew! And if that's not enough, another volunteer will also be staying with the same family! The more, the merrier eh?! Anyway, I've been informed by the agency that the house DOES have running water and electicity and all family members can understand and speak English. However, showers rarely exist out there - I am to expect a tub and a bucket. Washing my long thick hair is going to be a nightmare!</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>I've been racking my brains for weeks trying to think of a good present for my hosts. Novelty teapots in the shape of London double deckers, tea towels with a map of Britain on it, that kind of thing. The agency suggests in my pre-departure information packet that something from my home town is a good idea - a book from my town, special 'candies' or delicacies, foods from my hometown etc. Now, as far as I know, I don't think Milton Keynes has any delicacies! So I was considering typical British food - baked beans, tomato ketchup, Yorkshire puddings, tea, Marmit! However, I'm not convinced these would go down too well so I may stick to good old chocolate! So plenty of Cadburys, Galaxy etc will be going into my suitcase, particularly Easter eggs!</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong><em>Anyway, back to packing (remember Joy, less is more)..."</em></strong></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-33705703718497740792010-11-13T15:55:00.000-08:002010-11-13T16:28:59.098-08:00Forever 21 UK and general clothes haul!At the beginning of the year, my fiance-now-husband and I flew to New York for 5 days, fully expecting to spend a fortune in supposedly <em>THE</em> fashion capital of the world. After 3 days of flicking through rail after rail of dull-as-dishwater middle-aged or market stall quality clothes, and eagerly peeking round each block corner hoping to find a store that excited me, I found Forever 21. The only decent high street shop I could find, other than the usual H&M, Gap etc that I could find at home. It was fab! And affordable! My suitcase could finally be filled!<br />
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So I was thrilled to discover that Forever 21 was opening a store in Birmingham, UK on my birthday weekend, when I had already planned a shopping trip to that very city! <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once I had navigated my way out of Selfridges, after a getting momentarily distracted and pausing at the Mac counter, I raced excitedly to the new store location in the Bullring. Oooooooh so pretty!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Adorned with chandeliers, this light and airy shop is HUGE! 3 floors of lovely tops, dresses, jumpers, leggings, shoes, bags, scarves, jewellery... Luckily they were handing out large shopping bags so that us girlies could comfortably toss in the many items that would weigh us down!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the first time in years, it did cross my mind that it's lucky that I'm not a slender size 10 - as I probably would have wanted to buy the entire shop, I have no self control - I see, I like, I want! Here's what I picked up from the regular section:</div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3nkBsWutRiKFUhEKr14p9zu1y14iP4_jMDefOKFyOZN7nTivux4Gvzx7ExZxVGjujMT8QH64ly03Q2Uf9HPJ1yBBGjfnst6SdnXWyp79Sl5oMjWsyrzrMcuHhXcNS8ioKSKm_gEa1rCm/s1600/P1010102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3nkBsWutRiKFUhEKr14p9zu1y14iP4_jMDefOKFyOZN7nTivux4Gvzx7ExZxVGjujMT8QH64ly03Q2Uf9HPJ1yBBGjfnst6SdnXWyp79Sl5oMjWsyrzrMcuHhXcNS8ioKSKm_gEa1rCm/s320/P1010102.JPG" width="128" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Wooly Leggings with Silver Flecks- <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£20.80</span></td></tr>
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<tr><><><><> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FtAofImd_xPzJv-EX3VJ3SHwujBcxhFrdDBaTBwItirHXxisfUdru_ey0rFztz1xMWtaecJhjzVRoPKmWZdWtMQMqWutzV7fIIOWth2QPqUNDQ7PTgjjBEzRL0CxTOTo88lIkn13U4CG/s1600/P1010097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FtAofImd_xPzJv-EX3VJ3SHwujBcxhFrdDBaTBwItirHXxisfUdru_ey0rFztz1xMWtaecJhjzVRoPKmWZdWtMQMqWutzV7fIIOWth2QPqUNDQ7PTgjjBEzRL0CxTOTo88lIkn13U4CG/s320/P1010097.JPG" width="262" /></a> </></div></></></></><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyUc1maXwi3Li_VQpwyybNe3yqRtEtjxVG6BVfetE5r-5LlDRUBaajOigcDrG8MCuGPtskdYO2pLn-HH4hGmuSr3kVyio4xbmRa_KifQWYw-NNwbP0cY0ixc-EyGsp64pMuBrEnyA3uhr/s1600/P1010093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyUc1maXwi3Li_VQpwyybNe3yqRtEtjxVG6BVfetE5r-5LlDRUBaajOigcDrG8MCuGPtskdYO2pLn-HH4hGmuSr3kVyio4xbmRa_KifQWYw-NNwbP0cY0ixc-EyGsp64pMuBrEnyA3uhr/s320/P1010093.JPG" width="225" /></a></td><><><><> <div></div></></></></></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Long Length Jumper with Gold Sequinned Cap Sleeves - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£</span>22.80</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA09scBQ4CMmy8uSeB9a_kvi5pTzllUabNISqFc493y8I3Rt0EC7PLtDp1HcYfQfSJthXkd07yd8NOcsot2IMWJzTJmj3POWpw6YLQV8uh59uLZR_0Z7u3K3ZJGrjmCktZu0t6n2wSVUu-/s1600/P1010092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA09scBQ4CMmy8uSeB9a_kvi5pTzllUabNISqFc493y8I3Rt0EC7PLtDp1HcYfQfSJthXkd07yd8NOcsot2IMWJzTJmj3POWpw6YLQV8uh59uLZR_0Z7u3K3ZJGrjmCktZu0t6n2wSVUu-/s320/P1010092.JPG" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Adore Vest Top - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">£14.80</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eWeWCv_oTvVTSjDvO1SNc99DubfB0B5PhhRky43erPnFGuT8Lnd75b5ulAmnTg59vWfFJYNQPmhnezcylRtiQ5ZGTyDc7TdVwhmmMhbe2vNt9ZxUtWss2AVTH8Y8FDfqqiwG_1aYxGaJ/s1600/P1010090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eWeWCv_oTvVTSjDvO1SNc99DubfB0B5PhhRky43erPnFGuT8Lnd75b5ulAmnTg59vWfFJYNQPmhnezcylRtiQ5ZGTyDc7TdVwhmmMhbe2vNt9ZxUtWss2AVTH8Y8FDfqqiwG_1aYxGaJ/s320/P1010090.JPG" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Black Sparkly Drape Cardigan - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£27.80</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLVas_-PUPHyMo0Yg6LOLpHIKewEWK6htwrZFWAEZTWHE2PkQSU_XEt_Gy5bHDl7D834RfjMHnHosxm6z4eO4RZZNsHlqCg2oPljFP3EolNYdoG93eq34ATyIToNvwVaOgCvIw-9qDWCO/s1600/P1010096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLVas_-PUPHyMo0Yg6LOLpHIKewEWK6htwrZFWAEZTWHE2PkQSU_XEt_Gy5bHDl7D834RfjMHnHosxm6z4eO4RZZNsHlqCg2oPljFP3EolNYdoG93eq34ATyIToNvwVaOgCvIw-9qDWCO/s320/P1010096.JPG" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Charcoal Grey Maxi Skirt - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£22.80</span></td></tr>
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Elsewhere I also bought:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijNXXIJYVvPJ2oQRDsRoHG8jj6JeK8javmBMqRi0sRVuFHGmPrlfvfo52aP3ewDPiKy3c7H4PzJKEj4J39eLzLOH_11Sn8qS_ZIvewOaKVZh68c_U0Hjg9ZbtXh1qsv5jiZ37_ia2D72A/s1600/P1010094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijNXXIJYVvPJ2oQRDsRoHG8jj6JeK8javmBMqRi0sRVuFHGmPrlfvfo52aP3ewDPiKy3c7H4PzJKEj4J39eLzLOH_11Sn8qS_ZIvewOaKVZh68c_U0Hjg9ZbtXh1qsv5jiZ37_ia2D72A/s320/P1010094.JPG" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vero Moda - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£7</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_wR053pMqwDgKV6S3NswgCcXvUK-2e2ZOlKOwLBzyq6GWBhQ33IX2cqGDOWAa1F7W8kDTdpWbR1kTbBq3LoIo7auonHJQSVy3RBzP9lZRoRkWGgR-Evh2Srdkx4ucYDSLt9SytvJX53e/s1600/P1010099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_wR053pMqwDgKV6S3NswgCcXvUK-2e2ZOlKOwLBzyq6GWBhQ33IX2cqGDOWAa1F7W8kDTdpWbR1kTbBq3LoIo7auonHJQSVy3RBzP9lZRoRkWGgR-Evh2Srdkx4ucYDSLt9SytvJX53e/s320/P1010099.JPG" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M Gold Jumper - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£</span>24.99</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">H&M Silky Shorts - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£14.99</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm planning to wear the H&M gold jumper with the above shorts and these boots:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priceless Shoes Nude Lace Up Boots - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£25</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And if you were starting to think: This girl has no colour in her wardrobe!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWaU-1yT1seCjsF8EsxhSjpO9i7yFWISYgY5fBjAtIwNmxpVEvTcmc89TghNhp0lKibGnc7Zdn2V5akvVB-Y-eF9nsqee4nUCrju1WwKlhxRY5YaJrPl7wIuQTw5HEdvBonwXmQp1z8kD/s1600/P1010098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWaU-1yT1seCjsF8EsxhSjpO9i7yFWISYgY5fBjAtIwNmxpVEvTcmc89TghNhp0lKibGnc7Zdn2V5akvVB-Y-eF9nsqee4nUCrju1WwKlhxRY5YaJrPl7wIuQTw5HEdvBonwXmQp1z8kD/s320/P1010098.JPG" width="157" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Norman Grecian Dress - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£30</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38_XN_6ht02nkrJocldFumzMkTdCg2TvsWV-LFzAezXCJ7OJj7_fS-m5KLaRQhTj7oNmQv722oLOzT-qv2jFV8S5X2te44c6kYRyf-9mB9wSlV6mTNJSW4ZRMzFmz0V1etqk9SD20rctu/s1600/P1010095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38_XN_6ht02nkrJocldFumzMkTdCg2TvsWV-LFzAezXCJ7OJj7_fS-m5KLaRQhTj7oNmQv722oLOzT-qv2jFV8S5X2te44c6kYRyf-9mB9wSlV6mTNJSW4ZRMzFmz0V1etqk9SD20rctu/s320/P1010095.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M Green T-Shirt - <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">£7.99</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love bright colours but don't tend to wear them together, it's usually 1 vibrant item mixed with black/grey, hence the mainly dark items!<br />
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In Forever 21, I also picked up a couple of hairbands and a string of dusky pink pearls that will match my favourite earrings at the moment - gold & dusky pink pearl dangly ones. I plan to wear these with my gold H&M jumper, silky shorts & nude boots.<br />
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I have to admit, it wasn't all great. Unfortunately the corner of Plus Size at Forever 21 wasn't "all that"; Hubby didn't seem all that inspired by the men's section and I was disappointed to learn that there was no Home section as I'd seen some pretty cake stands and home items filled with sparkling accessories. But hey, you can't have everything!<br />
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Did any of you girlies do any shopping today? Have you visited a Forever 21 shop? If so, what did you think?<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-81404659517542815732010-11-10T14:13:00.000-08:002010-11-10T14:43:18.124-08:00Taking you back to 12th Feb 2007Feeling a little tired and lazy this week as work is super busy but I would like to post every few days so I thought I would post a blog that I wrote a few years back when I was going to the Philippines, a sort of get-to-know-me post and a little insight into my travel experience. I will put up the rest of the posts over the next few weeks and mix them in with regular posts, I hope you enjoy them - this trip meant a lot to me.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>"Monday, 12th Feb 2007</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Current Mood: Nervous</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>"If you ever went back to the Philippines, would you take me?" my 12 year-old older olive skinned sister asked my mum.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>"Yes, probably. If you wanted to go."</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>"Would you take me?" Eight-year-old me asked, expecting the same answer.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>"No."</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>"Why?!" I was outraged that she thought I was too young.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>"Because you're white."</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>My mum wasn't being harsh, and she didn't mean to be nasty. But my mum who was born in the Philippines and came over to the UK to be nurse when she was 18, and she knew that white people were treated differently over there - and being white would mean "the bad guys" would automatically think that I was rich. And that could mean anything from kidnapping to mugging.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>But I <u>am</u> going to go, in 4 weeks time - finally, at the age of 23. Luckily my skin has got darker as I've got older but my sister Grace still looks much more like a Filipina than I do.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>This trip all started because of Grace. She was planning a trip, going to the Philippines first, then around Asia a bit before going to Australia and New Zealand, and finishing up in the States. She put me down a a character reference when applying to volunteer in a Filipino orphanage, and I was really interested in it. I looked at the website and testimonials of some people that had volunteered there before and thought it was a really good, interesting thing to do - and all for a good cause. I said in passing that I'd like to do something like that, quickly got caught up in her excitement and, before I knew it, I was going!</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Persuading my mum to help me out with paying for it was another matter. I'm 23, work full-time and don't live at home so she could easily have told me "no way". But my sister and I went for the 'safety in numbers' approach and she realised that she would feel much better if Grace and I went to the Philippines together, than letting her go by herself.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>The volunteer organisation that we are going with is called Volunteer for the Visayans. They're a non-profit organisation who, not only place foreign volunteers in community projects, but also raise money for local projects. They're helping to support a new facility under construction, which will be used to house the street children and they collect donations and basic necessities such as used clothing, to distribute to these children. VFV also collects educational resources to distribute to rural schools where basic books and school supplies are not available.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>There are a number of different volunteer programs to choose from - teaching English, working with the Social Department/City Nutrition Office/Community Health Clinic, working with street children. I immediately chose the orphanage, as I'd previously worked in a nursery and had childcare qualifications.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>I was quite surprised that we had to pay to volunteer [2010: Naive little me!] but they can't keep running on kindness alone, and they do provide the accommodation. Volunteers are placed with Filipino families, close to the placements. This is going to be a challenge for me, as I'm fairly shy with new people and can't speak the language!</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>My only experiences of Filipinos are occasional visits to my mum's cousins who live in London, and house parties of one of my mum's friends - both of which, were years ago when I was much younger. And the annual Filipino Festival that is held in Campbell Park in Milton Keynes - I've only been 3 times, despite living here for 21 years. So from what I can remember, Filipino people (I can only really comment on the women) are extremely friendly and are always encouraging you to eat! I only know one word in their language, which I'm told is Tagalog - "pancit" which is my favourite dish, noodles with vegetables and meat! My mum always spoke English at home but her relatives/friends mainly spoke Filipino and still had the accents - maybe because they were around each other more, and regularly visited home. A few years ago, my little cousin came to visit me and, although being 14 and living in London all her life, she knew much more about the country and culture than I did. I felt quite regretful and ashamed that I never knew the customs or language, and yet I still call myself half-Filipina.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>So that's one of my main aims for my trip. To see my mother's country and learn about the culture."</em></strong></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-12065224478167911802010-11-08T14:19:00.000-08:002010-11-08T14:43:04.067-08:00My style icon's new book!Ooooh! I'm so excited! I've just spotted this on Amazon - I didn't even know she'd done this book! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2vX91QUWklXCqR4hOWJpOMUUE5YzsXEIj4aatnqO-3DkQubu1snurkHiHieQ84HOSc-Nw4-EynPkC6KbIKxgtQYEhWl0R5Azu-9ZiUkWQ7MvsMBji1Uea0nM27tlq5ur8JfjwuqG8Bsn/s1600/lauren+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2vX91QUWklXCqR4hOWJpOMUUE5YzsXEIj4aatnqO-3DkQubu1snurkHiHieQ84HOSc-Nw4-EynPkC6KbIKxgtQYEhWl0R5Azu-9ZiUkWQ7MvsMBji1Uea0nM27tlq5ur8JfjwuqG8Bsn/s320/lauren+style.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I loooove Lauren's style! She wears gorgeous clothes that I can only dream about (due to my small amount of change forever in my purse and my large waistline!) and seems to suit everything! I am a big Hills fan and this is "right up my street!" (to quote Cheryl Cole in her Geordie accent!). I frequently make a passing comment about a top or dress that I see whilst shopping with The Hubby that it's similar to something Lauren has worn (usually French Connection as she does wear that brand often, but sometimes Kookai and the other day H&M). And the biggest compliment I think I've actually accepted from him is that I "look very Lauren today"!<br />
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She seems to favour block colours, especially mid-dark blue. Personally I thought she looked awesome when she stepped out of her comfort zone both on the episode when the Hills posse threw her a birthday party on a boat and the 2009 MTV Movie Awards and she rocked a darker look complete with red lippy:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj5IHYeR2GXPo0JEuQBMHO1jeIaJAONPW1sVmJhGsmM8vstUfVxrTNV-5Luam_L-CMLL6VBS61NXt5y-GzkPBNV-t7O1GgItgWRoXnM1y4g5O8Ua3xJHIB85uNNdFkwMCkTURpabZSXnh/s1600/lauren_conrad_88085383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj5IHYeR2GXPo0JEuQBMHO1jeIaJAONPW1sVmJhGsmM8vstUfVxrTNV-5Luam_L-CMLL6VBS61NXt5y-GzkPBNV-t7O1GgItgWRoXnM1y4g5O8Ua3xJHIB85uNNdFkwMCkTURpabZSXnh/s320/lauren_conrad_88085383.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br />
I've never bought anything from Lauren's line though. If they were more widely available over here, I would probably succumb but even without the extortionate shipping fees, they seem a tad overpriced for basic jersey dresses. What do you think? Am I wrong?<br />
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Favourite Lauren Conrad dress:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxRpSFrc9JUrtOsI6qgnjgVAVIpVU_G2DT3X5EQDggubJz10iVaXciIRMVNlIa0IgMKj9ev_TOYOYka3zX0Q-Eta9VJ5_ASZOTGVBHWu8JyWfFSe-DGzTXhhV_PORRSk3DIZWFVNrLoBR/s1600/lauren+yellow+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxRpSFrc9JUrtOsI6qgnjgVAVIpVU_G2DT3X5EQDggubJz10iVaXciIRMVNlIa0IgMKj9ev_TOYOYka3zX0Q-Eta9VJ5_ASZOTGVBHWu8JyWfFSe-DGzTXhhV_PORRSk3DIZWFVNrLoBR/s320/lauren+yellow+dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Love the shape and fit of the dress, love the mustard yellow shade, love how she's teamed it with a simple tan belt and tan heels (not seen), love the simple gold jewellery, love the tan, love the hair... Love, love, LOVE IT ALL!<br />
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Anyway, back to the book...<br />
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I was originally going to look at the reviews of her second novel, Sweet Little Lies. I read her first one, LA Candy, earlier in the year and wasn't very impressed, to be honest. And you may have gathered from the above that I am a big Lauren fan so that confession was hard to admit! But I am entirely aware that it is very likely that she didn't actually write the book, that some unnamed person actually penned it, basing it largely on the early Hills storylines and that Lauren just had to pout for the cover photo and do the PR for it!<br />
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In addition to the Style book, I also discovered that there is even a third novel, Sugar and Spice. "Lauren" <em>has</em> been busy! Hmmm...<br />
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But, who am I kidding, I'm probably going to buy them all anyway!<br />
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Can't wait to get this Style book! Apparently, Lauren "offers tips on exactly how to create your own beautiful, unique look – ensuring you look your gorgeous best for every occasion, without breaking the bank.". I will be savouring each word and picture! If I can absorb just a teeny ounce of Lauren's style from the pages of this book, I will be happy! I've even bought a second one for my best friend as she's a big Hills fan as well.<br />
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(obsessed much?!)<br />
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Will keep you posted!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067552174819423326.post-24141791009045549592010-11-03T13:50:00.000-07:002010-11-03T13:51:14.368-07:00Fave "Happy Song" at the momentJust The Way You Are by Bruno Mars<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisiigNuYbTk0RyEYXmBx2ttT-uTO2OxSnTRmjB-W5k04Cxm9GW-Y_jM8rGAXDdQK4N0VQwA1fKW_L94hMhJDQBd_kA8mJJ313BqljiwH3Wn5gNuK5syGRLiHeeBfz-2rtJKXY6mlsJvyV/s1600/bruno-mars-y100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisiigNuYbTk0RyEYXmBx2ttT-uTO2OxSnTRmjB-W5k04Cxm9GW-Y_jM8rGAXDdQK4N0VQwA1fKW_L94hMhJDQBd_kA8mJJ313BqljiwH3Wn5gNuK5syGRLiHeeBfz-2rtJKXY6mlsJvyV/s320/bruno-mars-y100.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
This is such a gorgeous song, with a beautiful tune and amazing lyrics! Brings a smile to my face as it's the kinda sweet stuff my new hubby would say, even after 10 years of dating... aww... :-) <br />
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It may be a tad cheesy but love is a little bit cheesy! It makes you feel and say all the things you vowed you'd be too cool for!<br />
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And Bruno is of Filipino of descent (as am I) - which I looove!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12937885266888083949noreply@blogger.com0