PRETTY WILD THINGS

Top 4 Resource websites for graphics

2021-07-03T20:35:00.003+01:00

I've been a self employed graphic designer for over 10 years now and finding new places to source free and paid resources can be hard. Sometimes they're ridiculously expensive and sometimes the quality is terrible. Here is a breakdown of my top 4 (free sign up) sites that that I personally use to grow my extensive collection of graphics and elements!
1. FreepikFreepik is a brilliant site for both free and premium graphics (you can even search just for free items which is great!) They have near anything you can think of and can be saved as PSD & AI files that make them perfect for editing in adobe illustrator! It's one of my top go to sites that I visit daily.
2. Design BundlesI use Design Bundles every month when they have their famous $1 deals! They have multiple resources on sale for just $1 which is brilliant. It's the perfect way to start your design jorney if you're low on money and want to grab some items you can use!
3.The Hungry JPEGThis site also has $1 deals but they change out monthly rather then only being available for 24 hours like Design Bundle. Another perfect place to pick up some bargain graphics.
4. Creative MarketI used to use Creative Market a LOT when I first started out but is actually the last place I try when looking for something specific now as it's a fair bit more expensive then the others and may be the same graphics. Having said that they are a brilliant website for fonts so if you need something very particular for a project it's a great place to start.

four easy d.i.y christmas decorations

2021-01-02T10:43:00.017+00:00

Like most people, as a child Christmas was the most exciting time of year, there's no real way to explain that feeling of excitement for Christmas Day, knowing Santa was only hours away and that all your family would sit around a table full of amazing food (yum) telling awful cracker jokes, wearing those sexy paper hats, and watching all the Christmas specials on TV.

One of our family traditions is that we go out about a week before Christmas Day, pick a lovely real fur tree and then my sister and I would spend the afternoon decorating it, first lights, then tinsel and then the decorations. Sadly this year will be the first year we spend without my sister Daniella as she is doing an internship in Spain and isn't allowed leave over the Christmas Holiday (boooo) That means that I will have two trees to decorate, the one at my house, and the one at my dads.

I've always been a sucker for Christmas decorations, probably the over use of glitter and sparkly tinsel! But being a lover of all things craft, you can't beat a good DIY decoration. So I have FOUR DIY Christmas Decoration tutorials for you to have a go at!

First of all is the completely adorable Light Bulb Penguins.

What you will need: -Cheap Light bulbs. -Black, white, yellow and green acrylic paint. -String or ribbon of your choice. -A glue gun or superglue.

STEP ONE: Take your light bulb and paint one half white.
STEP TWO: When dry paint the other half black and extend the paint onto the white side creating the outline of a penguin like in the image above. It's up to you whether you paint on some wings.
STEP THREE: Once that is dry, use the yellow to paint on a little beak and the green (or colour of your choice) to dot on two eyes.
STEP FOUR: Use blue tack to stable them and allow them to dry, usually takes about five minutes, or use a hair dryer on cold to blast it dry.
STEP FIVE / SIX: Once that has dried, take your desired ribbon or string, make a loop and glue to the end of the light bulb so that you can hang it on your tree! DONE!
Next is a more vintage shabby chic themed decoration (right up my street) The Teacup Bauble. Do note these can be rather heavy so either choose a lighter china, or be sure to hang on more sturdy branches!

What you will need: -A light Teacup. (you can buy them from dotcomgiftshop here) -A bell. -A Drill (optional) -A glue gun or superglue. -Ribbon or string of your choice.

STEP ONE: This step is optional! if you know someone who is handy with a drill (don't go in willy nilly and hurt yourself!) you can get them to drill a small hole in the center of the base of the teacup, I however just used my glue gun and it worked great, didn't peel off!
STEP TWO: (If you drilled it) Feed your string or ribbon through the hole, tying the bell on the inside and making a loop on the top. If you didn't drill your teacup you can superglue a loop of ribbon on the top and glue a little ribbon on the inside with a the bell attached to the end. Wait for it to dry overnight before attempting to hang it. DONE!
Next on my easy decorations list is a super fun little DIY, the Bottle Cap Snowman.

What you will need: -Three bottle caps per snowman (I bought a bag of 50 on eBay for £3) -White spray Paint. -Black and orange acrylic paint. -Ribbon. -String or wool.

STEP ONE: Take your bottle caps and lie them flat side down on some newspaper in a ventilated space (or outside) Spray paint them white and leave to dry completely.
STEP TWO / THREE: Lie down a strip of ribbon 5cm longer then the length of three bottle caps and starting at the bottom, glue three bottle caps onto the ribbon and create a loop at the top by folding the ribbon back on itself and gluing the end to the back of the top bottle cap. (might be best to lie them the other way down to let the glue dry without your caps getting stuck to anything else!)
STEP FOUR / FIVE / SIX: When the glue is dry use the black acrylic paint to create eyes, a smile and buttons on the caps, then use the orange to create a little carrot nose. Then use a piece of ribbon or wool between the first and second bottle caps to create a scarf and glue shut. DONE! Finally the last DIY I have to show you is another vintage inspired make, The Vintage Bauble.

What you will need: -Polystyrene ball (I got mine from hobbycraft) -Newspaper -Silver / Blue Glitter -PVA Glue. - Bobby pin. -Ribbon

STEP ONE/ TWO:

Rip up sections of newspaper and dip into watered down PVA glue, then place all over the bauble / ball like you would if you were paper macheing a balloon. Build up the layers until you have a somewhat even surface around the ball. This Christmas SVGs website has lots of festive options!
STEP THREE/ FOUR / FIVE: Poke two small holes next to each other with a pair of scissors then feed a piece of ribbon through the bobby pin and push the bobby pin into the two holes you made until the curve reaches the base, this should secure the ribbon.
STEP SIX / SEVEN / EIGHT / NINE: Mix the blue and silver glitter in the remaining PVA, glue the end of the ribbon together to make a loop and paste the glitter over the ball then leave to dry, I hung mine outside to dry in the sun. DONE!
Which of the four decorations do you like the best? Let me know if you attempt any of these DIY's by posting your photos onto instagram and tagging me (@serenasprettythings or @pretty_wildthings) so I can see them :) If you aren't an overly messy person but still want a go at making your own decorations without the hassle of a glue gun, or the pouring of glitter you can buy these adorable owl decoration kits from dotcomgiftshop.com. (awww)

I hope this post has given you some inspiration and got you in the mood for Christmas! Only 363 days to go! Good luck!

Credit for ideas: Light Bulb Penguins | Teacup Bauble | Bottle Cap Snowman | Vintage Bauble.

TOP TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SKIN SHINE THIS SUMMER

2019-05-16T10:16:00.002+01:00

There’s nothing quite like the feel of the sun on your skin. However, that lovely sensation is also (sadly) going to cause damage, unless you take the right precautions. That’s why it’s so important to look after your skin before you venture out on a summer’s day.

Thankfully, it’s pretty simple to keep your skin in tip-top condition. Here are a few handy hints.

Why does it matter?

Most people are familiar with the risks involved with being out in the sun. However, it’s not just the risk of developing skin cancer that should deter you. Dried-out, dehydrated skin is also more prone to wrinkles and dark spots over time, which probably aren’t the look you’re going for!

Caring for your skin

Layer it. We’re not talking about layering your clothing (especially now it’s warm). Instead, this is all about getting in the habit of layering your skincare. First, apply a moisturiser, then a UV protective gel. Next, your primer and foundation (if you need it) can go over the top. This ensures that your face is well protected from the sun.

High SPF sunscreen. It’s time to ditch the factor 10 or 15 (unless you’ve got the sort of skin type that genuinely doesn’t need too much protection). Slap on the highest SPF you can tolerate – after all, you can easily fake a tan at a later date.

Wear a sun sensor. Sun sensors are little gadgets that can be stuck to the skin. They measure sun exposure and let you know when it’s time to retreat to a shady spot.

Don’t forget the lips. It’s so easy to forget your lips when you’re slathering on sun protection products. A simple dash of SPF lip-balm ensures that you don’t get burnt in this sensitive area.

Don’t forget the hair! Yes, it’s not technically your skin, but it’s another part of the body that gets neglected in the sun. A protective serum or spray can make the world of difference, or alternatively, wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Perfecting the summer look

Here’s some guidance on how to shine in the sun:

Skip the shimmer, go for bronzer. The shimmery look isn’t quite right for a day on the beach. Instead, lightly dust your cheekbones with bronzer.

Hair serum. A dab of serum can smooth down flyaway locks, giving you a sleeker, glossier look.

Get the scent. Perfect summer style isn’t just about appearances. A fruity, lively perfume will complement your look well; sites like Copycat Fragrances have ‘inspired by’ designer scents that aren’t too expensive.

Wear primer. Primer helps to hold your make-up in place, which is especially useful if it’s a hot day.

Wear less. Summer is all about embracing natural beauty. It’s the ideal time to give your skin a breather from all that foundation, and to have a break from eyeshadow and lipstick. A dash of eyeliner and a hint of blusher might be all you need – depending on what you feel comfortable with.

*sponsored post

Titanic The Musical | A Review

2018-05-09T12:03:00.004+01:00

This was the first production I've been able to see this year due to bad timing and the beast from the east, so I was happy to be back at the Lowry for another exciting evening! I must confess I am not a massive fan of Titanic the movie, which was just as well as Titanic the musical is not a take on the movie, but on the real life events that occured on the 14th April 1912 .

Every character in the production was named directly after someone who was aboard the RMS Titanic in memory of their life. In the final hour of 14th April 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and 'the unsinkable ship' slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic and infamous disasters of the 20th Century. 1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Maury Yeston and Peter Stone's stunning musical focuses on their hopes and aspirations. Unaware of the fate that awaits them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the newly-enfranchised Second Class dream of achieving the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and the millionaire Barons of the First Class dream of their mastery lasting forever.

It was so refreshing to see a tragic event be portrayed as just that, and not slapping a romance over the top to fluff it up and make it seem like a fairytale with a not so happy ending. The excitement and wonder of the guests as they entered the Titanic was palpable and so was the fear when they realised the ship was going down. The musical aspect I admit at first I felt was a little 'high school musical' (not the film, but an actual musical in a high school) but as it went on it seemed to settle into a good groove and stepped up it's lyrical game.

I loved the set design with a two layer deck and moving ladder to show the different level of the ship, and the fact that we were shown the story from all three levels of class. We were also shown exactly what happened that led to this disaster, from weaknesses in the design (the Titanic originally was designed to carry 64 lifeboats. To save from cluttering decks, the ship ended up only carrying 20) to the owner forcing the captain to go faster than was safe and the captain ignoring 7 iceberg warnings due to the pressure from the owner.. let's just say the owner had a lot of faults here, his last being taking a place in one of the twenty lifeboats available just to save himself. I learnt that most of 3rd class went down with the ship due to being locked down there and being unable to get to the top deck at all.

A lifeboat drill had been scheduled for the morning before the ship sank, but was cancelled, allegedly because the ship's captain, Edward Smith, wanted to deliver one last Sunday service before he went into full retirement. Smith had ordered his officers to put the "women and children in and lower away". However, Murdoch and Lightoller both interpreted the evacuation order differently; Murdoch interpreted it as women and children first, while Lightoller interpreted it as women and children only. Lightoller lowered lifeboats with empty seats if there were not any women and children waiting to board, while Murdoch only allowed a limited number of men to board if all the nearby women and children had already embarked. This had a significant effect on the survival rates of the men aboard Titanic, whose chances of survival came to depend on which side of the ship they tried to find lifeboat seats. Boat 7 was the first to be launched, at about 12:40 a.m., under the supervision of First Officer Murdoch, supported by Fifth Officer Lowe. It had a capacity of 65 persons but was lowered with only 28 aboard. That's right, some lifeboats left with empty seats.. more people could have been saved!

Later testimony at the U.S. Senate inquiry into the disaster stated the ship's officers believed the lifeboats were at risk of buckling and breaking apart if they were lowered while fully loaded. They intended that once the boats reached the water they would pick up passengers from doors in the ship's side or would pick up passengers in the water. The first did not happen at all and the second only happened in one instance. In fact, the lifeboats had keels reinforced with steel beams to prevent buckling while in the davits (although most of the crew was not aware of this.) Moreover, Harland & Wolff's Edward Wilding testified that the lifeboats had in fact been tested safely with the equivalent of a full load of passengers. However, the results had not been passed on to the crew of Titanic.
I really enjoyed the musical and I actually learnt a lot about what really happened that night rather than seeing two fictional people fall in love in 3 days. This is such an insightful production, and handled so respectfully, I readily recommend anyone to go and see it!

ELF THE MUSICAL | A REVIEW

2017-12-12T19:10:00.000+00:00

Elf is one of (if not THEE) most loved Christmas film (and can you believe it came out in 2003!) of all time - personally my fave is The Greatest Store in the World - and when I was invited to see the musical on the 28th November, I could think of nothing more perfect to start my Christmas!

Based on the Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

West End star and ITV ‘Superstar’ winner Ben Forster will reprise the key role of Buddy the Elf, a role which he originated in the UK premiere in 2014 in Plymouth and continued to perform throughout the record-breaking 2015 Christmas run in the West End.

There were a few differences in storyline to the movie, but only to make sense for the stage, for example Buddy doesn't have one Elf Father, he's just raised by all the elves. And the whole story is told by Santa as a narrator. Of course the musical was full of laughs, brilliant songs -one was called SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley- and finding Christmas spirit! One added storyline is that Michael and Emily don't believe in Santa and they slowly start to believe.

I have to say I was really pleasantly surprised by the musical, the first act with Santa starting to tell the story (and making a cliche Trump Joke - which I feel was very unneeded) had me a little on the edge of my seat as to whether or not I would enjoy the show but I quickly relaxed and the laughs flowed. It is a really easy watch with tons of laughs, songs and dances which definitely put me into the Christmas mood. I also thought the set was incredible, so many props and they all really set the scene of the moment. The set for the department store was amazing! So many decorations and the throne was magnificent!

I think my favourite part of the whole musical was the ending (and not because it was over!) The finale was spectacular! Not only did it snow.. inside! But the sleigh flew out over the audience and turned the whole way round which totally confused and amazed me! An absolute must see musical for all the family!

The Kite Runner | A Review

2017-10-05T14:49:00.001+01:00

The Kite Runner, a (fictional) book that I first read in college for my AS Level English and Literature Exam. It wasn't a farce to read as I really enjoyed the story... and although we were meant to give the book back at the end of the year.. I didn't (shh.) It's still on my bookcase now! When I heard that the production was coming to The Lowry this October I knew I had to see it.. and I'm so glad I did.

Let me give you a short summary of the story if you aren't familiar. Amir, a well-to-do Pashtun boy, and Hassan, a Hazara who is the son of Ali, Amir's father's servant, spend their days kite fighting in the hitherto peaceful city of Kabul. When a horrific event happens it causes Amir and Hassan to drift apart before the Soviet Union military intervenes in Afghanistan and Amir and his father flee to Pakistan before becoming refugees in San Francisco. As Amir grows up he has continued guilt about Hassan and the event that he could have prevented. After Amir's father dies of cancer he received a message from an old friend from Kabul and goes to visit him in Pakistan. When some revealing information is given to him Amir goes on the hunt for Hassan's son and ultimately has to save his life.

The play begins with an amazing musician who plays the music for all the scenes and sits proudly on the side of the stage. Amir dips in and out of present time while narrating his story of his childhood to the audience. The story portray a range of emotion from happiness, jealousy, guilt, anger, grief and sadness. In fact I left the theatre with a slight headache from all the facial expressions I think I made during the play, I physically noticed myself raising my eyebrows at surprising moments, squinting at the bullies and rolling my eyes.

I have enjoyed many plays, but none moved me as much as The Kite Runner, it had been a few (ahem) years since my last read and so I wasn't totally fresh with the story in my mind meaning I was shocked and saddened by events all over again. Amir wept, and I held back the tears. It was hard to watch at times but also you couldn't look away, and that's the best kind of acting. There was not one stumble or mistake that took you out of the immersiveness of the story. It really felt as if you were watching a movie rather than a live action which sounds devoid but I think it's because I was so drawn into the story. I've never heard an audience so silent the whole time, no chattering in the back and hardly any of that chain coughing you always seem to get when a venue goes quiet.

Overall, I think this is the best put together, moving, stage show I have ever seen and I urge you to go and see it! It's been two days since I saw it and I'm still thinking about it which I think shows how deeply I felt for the story. Absolute 10 out of 5 stars from me!

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL

2017-09-09T13:00:00.000+01:00

Of all the plays / ballets / operas / musicals I have been lucky enough to see this year, The Addams Family Musical was the one I was most excited for - for several reasons. Firsty I absolutely LOVE The Addams Family 90's films. I watched and rewatched them as a child, teenager and adult and when I heard that there even WAS a musical I really wanted to see it! Secondly I am a huge fan of Carrie Hope Fletcher, this is probably expected as she is a fabulous human being but I actually only discovered her on youtube this year! Another person I am a huge fan of is Emma Blackery and when I saw her tweet to Carrie back in January I checked out her channel and became hooked. I think I went back and watched all of Carries videos in about 3 days (no shame) and have been up to date ever since.

When I heard the news Carrie would be playing Wednesday in TAFM I was even more excited as I had already wanted to see it and now Carrie was in it! A third roll of excitement when I heard it would be coming to The Lowry meaning I could go and see it! I took my dad with me and we made a night of it, heading to Harvester before hand for some Tea (chicken stack anyone?!) I wore my black skinny jeans, red velvet boots and superbly matched skull jumper with lace collar which screamed Addams Family in my opinion.

Let's get onto the musical itself. It is an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams (Carrie Hope Fletcher) the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with the sweet, smart young man Lucas Beineke (Oliver Ormson) from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father that they wish to be wed and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

The story is both sweet, hilarious and full on amazing songs and dances. Every character brings massive energy to the story which means it's super hard to pick 'your favourite. Gomez is quite frankly every dad out there with jokes and charisma; Morticia is dark and sexy; Lucas is sweet and caring; Wednesday is complex and confused; Grandma is mysterious; Fester is a great narrator of the story and Lurch is.. Lurch.

There are two other 'main characters' in the form of Lucas's parents Alice Beineke and Mal Beineke who have their own storyline of marriage troubles and finding their old selves again. Then there is the Ensemble cast. Who have so much work to do! They are the ancestors of The Addams Family and are summoned by Fester to help Wednesday and Lucas stay together. Now if you DO watch Carrie's youtube channel you will know of Scott Paige who is just so bubbly and really reminds me of my best friend. He plays the Roman Emperor Ancestor and is just SO good. Whenever he was on stage I just watched him having the time of his life.

I don't want to give TOO much away about everything so I will stop waffling on now but it is really worth a visit because it has everything from laughter to serious, love to hate and of course amazing songs! There are nine more theaters on the tour so plenty of opportunity to go and see it. If I could go again I totally would. Thankyou again to The Lowry for inviting me to come and see The Addams Family Musical!

♥ IT'S A DATE | Kaspas ♥

2017-08-23T16:57:00.000+01:00

August 21st was my boyfriend and I's 2nd year anniversary together, we didn't want to plan anything too fancy so we decided to go to the Liverpool World Museum where they had some awesome mummy's on display (the museum was one of the first dates we went on when I came to visit him in Liverpool 2 years ago) have a delicious dessert at Kaspas King of Desserts* and follow up with a little shopping day in Liverpool and then head to Ed's Diner for Dinner (I call it tea, he calls it dinner.. it's a constant struggle!)

The World Museum is conveniently just across the road from Kaspas so once we'd finished ooing over mummy's and ewwing over the large spider that dangles from the ceiling we headed over to Kaspas for a tasty treat. Neither of us had been here before despite seeing it on our bus journey into liverpool every single time and saying 'we need to go there' well two years is the charm and we finally made it to dessert central. If Kaspas is the king of desserts then just call me the queen because I was in my element!

The whole place screams YUM, the smell of pancakes, the stunning glitter walls that I tried to convince my boyfriend we needed in our 'future home' and the selection of ice creams which made me so happy because they did Pistachio flavour which not a lot of dessert places do! The whole aesthetic of the place just instantly made me happy ok?! And I can't not mention the staff. They were so friendly and my boyfriend brought up several times how impressed he was that the manager Steve was 'getting stuck in' with the rest of the staff and not just standing there as you notice in some stores! He showed us to our table, told us how to order and then didn't hover which I really appreciate!

Let's talk about this beast of a menu! I knew there was options, but wasn't quite prepared for HOW many options and if you know me personally you know I am awful at decision making! I flipped back and forth between a crepe, waffle or apple crumble and finally decided I wanted a waffle with nutella, strawberries and whipped cream! Kenneth went for a white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake with ice cream and we both had a bottle of coke (we couldn't stomach having a rich smoothie as well as a huge dessert) I hopped up to the front of store, popped my order in and took our cokes back to the table. There was only about a 5 minute wait for our desserts to arrive and I was so ready for it! As soon as Steve brought the desserts over I think my mouth started to water. I don't think you can appreciate just how big this waffle was but I was in heaven!

I've actually never had a waffle before! I always opt for crepes if there is the chance but I'm so glad I went for waffle because it was so thick and light and just went so well with the nutella and strawberries, and they don't skimp on toppings either! I was in heaven from first bite until last and what really surprised me was that it wasn't heavy or stodgy so I didn't feel full or sick afterwards (I just wanted more to be honest!) Writing this now I can actually feel my mouth watering at how tasty it was! And it's not expensive either, both our desserts and drinks together came to only £13 so it's a really nice way to treat yourself after a hard week!

I asked Ken to rate his dessert out of ten and before I'd even finished the question he gave it a big fat ten. He LOVES white chocolate anything and cheesecake too, so this was basically his dream dessert! Whilst I'm not too fussed on cheesecake I couldn't deny it looked and smelled incredible!

I think we can see that I enjoyed my trip to Kaspas and I can 100% say I will be going again! Though I'll have to try not to go EVERY time I visit Ken as I think they may have to roll me out eventually! Overall I was so impressed with no only the food but the staff and the cleanliness of the whole place. Yes I did a toilet check and it was spotless so would I recommend Kaspas? Hell Yes! It's perfect for first dates, 2 year anniversary dates, friends and family visits. Just be prepared to be staring at the menu for a while trying to decide! Check if there is a branch near you here. Thank you to Kaspas for paying for Ken and I to celebrate with two delicious desserts!

NEW SUNNIES & 50% OFF @ GLASSESSHOP.COM

2017-06-17T15:53:00.004+01:00

I was long overdue a new pair of sunglasses, and unlike most of you lucky lot I can't just pop down to Primark and pick up any pair I like. Because I wear eyegalsses I need prescription sunglasses as I can't stand swapping from sunglasses to glasses on and off all day so that I can see things and I don't enjoy wearing contacts. My last pair of prescription sunglasses were three whole years ago and thankfully my prescription has stayed relatively the same during this period meaning I didn't have to get a new pair every year. I always get my glasses online because it's so much cheaper so I was surfing the web for prescription sunglasses about a month ago as I am going to France at the start of July and very randomly I received an email from GlassesShop.com asking if I would like to review a pair, it couldn't be better timing!

GlassesShop.com are perfect for purchasing both glasses frames online and sunglasses online. They have a large range of frames that you can choose to use as either glasses OR sunglasses (or both if you choose transition lenses) The frames are all around the £25 mark and then the lenses are free - £15 depending on what extras you add on! The super lovely people over at GS.com have given me a 50% OFF all Eyeglasses & Sunglasses frames with FREE lenses code (full price products only) to share with you, use GSHOT50 at the checkout to redeem!

I chose this pair of thick rim Wayfarer style sunglasses that are a dark navy - clear ombre with a mirror finish (I love mirror finishes on sunglasses) and I love them! I always go for this type of style / shape as I think it suits my face more than the super fashionable cat eye or thin frames. They are the perfect 'opposite' pair to my pastel purple sunglasses meaning I will have a pair that suits all my summer outfits!

They arrived in about 12 working days shipped from China and are brilliant quality. In fact they are so good my mum has decided to buy herself a pair too! It is currently 27 degrees outside as I write this. 27 degrees.. in Manchester.. it's like a miracle so these sunnies are so very much needed! Be sure to check out the site HERE and use the code GSHOT50 for 50% OFF frames with FREE LENSES! Don't worry those of you who don't wear glasses, you can just buy a normal pair of sunnies and use the code too! What do you think of the style I chose? What's your favourite style of sunglasses?

primark wishlist may

2017-05-15T20:27:00.000+01:00

ONE: Blush floral kimono £15 TWO: Unicorn flipflops £2 THREE: Pink coverup £5 FOUR: Floral bikini top £6 FIVE: Floral bikini bottoms £5 SIX: Pineapple playsuit £8 SEVEN: High neck floral playsuit £6 EIGHT: Paisley hair band £1.50 NINE: Floral Cap (from Asda) £5 TEN:Sequin pusheen top £8

BEE GOOD | NECTA PERFECTA BEAUTIFYING 4-IN-1 MASK

2017-05-02T07:30:00.000+01:00

This is a gorgeously packaged 4-in-1 mask that you can use on your face, scalp, dry skin and hands! I have been using this for about a month and a half now (mainly on my face and dry elbows) and decided it's time to share my thoughts! Here are all the claims:

Exfoliate, rejuvenate & transform skin with this youth enhancing 4-in-1 face& body enzyme mask.

FACE REJUVENATOR

Refine & improve suppleness whilst actively targeting the signs of ageing.

WEEKLY SCALP TREATMENT

Stimulate cell renewal & promote overall skin and hair health.

SOS REPARATIVE MASK

Cocoon sore, dry or challenged skin on elbows, knees and feet.

HANDS RESCUE REMEDY

Moisturise & restore vitality to hands and cuticles.

As you can see from the photo it's a thick waxy consistency not unlike the Emma Hardy amazing face (which I love!) after I have removed my makeup I slather this over my face and it melts almost into a thick oil, I leave it on my face for about 3 minutes or whilst I clean my teeth and then I rinse it off with a hot muslin cloth. It leaves my face incredibly soft, clean and happy. I then use my coconut oil and apply a thin layer to my face which has been helping with my acne scarring. I am yet to try it on my scalp as I tend to just use a leave in conditioner if I want anything special. I would give this two big thumbs up as it seems to be lasting me forever! You can buy it here.

Jane Eyre the Production | Review

2017-04-22T20:49:00.003+01:00

I have been incredibly lucky to be invited to several plays already this year but I was most excited about going to see this production of Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is one of those stories I love to see depicted in different ways, I've seen pretty much every film adaptation of the story so it seemed only right to see it on stage too! It was a collaboration between the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic and began it's tour at the Lowry in Salford (where I went to see it.)

The production was stunningly choreographed and the use of the set and stage made the small cast seem huge. There were several ladders and platforms that created different layers to the play. It follows the original story pretty solidly with only one difference that I saw (she didn't inherit the money from her dead uncle in the stage show) It starts with her parents dying and her being handed over to her aunt and uncle to be raised. Unfortunately her uncle (blood relation) dies and she is left in the hands of her aunt who does not like her at all. From here she goes to a boarding school.

At several times in the play the other cast members became her thoughts so we could hear what she was thinking and this let us into Jane's world in such a clever way. They also ran on the spot to give the illusion of travelling between destinations. There was even an on stage band made up by some of the actors who played at crucial moments but didn't take away from the action.

The final scene of the play when Jane comes back to Thornfield when she finds out there was a fire.

Another example of a wonderful use of props - this is a scene when the cast were her thoughts.

The production wasn't all serious, there were several laughs, especially with one cast member who played the part of Mr Rochester's dog. He would bounce around the stage barking, panting and slapping his thigh with a belt as a tail. It was so funny. But there were also sad moments! Jane's first friend dying in the boarding school, Jane falling in love only to believe Mr Rochester wants to marry someone else. There is then of course finding out Mr Rochester is already married, the fire and the final kiss. Someone pass me a tissue!

Stunning visuals during the scene where Jane gets ready for her wedding to Mr Rochester.

This is one of the best plays and adaptations of Jane Eyre I have ever seen. The use of set and props added so many dimensions to the story and I would even go and see this play again! To find out where Jane Eyre is travelling and book tickets head here.

RETRO MINI RADIO - EMMA BRIDGEWATER

2017-04-11T16:04:00.001+01:00

For ages I have been looking for what I call a 'kitchen radio' something I can use in my kitchen but also matches and blends in to my other kitchen wares like the kettle, my cake stand mixer etc. This Emma Bridgewater designed MYVQ Retro Mini* has that perfect vintage style and stunning rose design which is actually printed leatherette (there are even a couple of hidden bumble bees in the pattern.)

The radio has a built in DAB radio and also connects to your devices via Bluetooth meaning you can play your own music too! I love the easy to use buttons on the front and that I can program in my favourite stations so that I can go straight to that with the press of the star. I do think it would be even better if it came with a little remote but knowing me I would probably lose that anyway!

See the little bee?!

This is the perfect little radio for a kitchen, living room or bedroom as it can run on batteries or mains meaning you can take it out into the garden in summer perfect for bbq's and parties! There are 20 colours / designs to choose from several of them are Emma Bridgewater designs which I adore. The sound quality is really good especially for a smaller sized radio! To find out more and purchase your own, head here.

RED NOSE DAY 2017

2017-03-17T19:25:00.001+00:00

Thanks mum for willingly wearing this wig!

Friday the 24th March is RED NOSE DAY. All money raised for this amazing charity go to incredible projects in the UK and in Africa that have found effective ways to tackle poverty and injustice. Your money means they can choose the best projects and then fund them. As well as a fu Friday night of TV, plenty of schools, clubs and supermarkets get in on the action. You can head down to your local TKMAXX to purchase a Rankin t-shirt (..omg Rankin!) or apron like I'm sporting, or head to Sainsburys to get your red nose and deely boppers. Let me know below what you're doing this red nose day and how you're raising money! I will be donating on the night and also have bought my red nose!
Find out more about the amazing projects that RND helps.

Hansel & Gretel | A Contemporary Opera

2017-03-09T13:31:00.001+00:00

Contemporary. A word thrown around to mean modern, of the time and new age. When I got invited to see Hansel & Gretel the Opera, I was imagining songs in Italian, German or French. Rich heavy outfits, long high notes and lots of stuffy wigs. But this was no traditional Opera. It wasn't until I was sent the press release the day of the show that I saw the press photos and realised I had it all wrong. This was modern, a small cast. Set in one room, two grown women (yes Hansel was played by a woman - it was international womens day after all!) playing the parts of small children, a witch clad in a fur coat Pat Butcher would be jealous of and the use of a hand held camera that was giving me serious Blair Witch flashbacks!

The Opera starts with at least 7 solid minutes of orchestra music; now I don't know if this is normal for an Opera or if the cast just weren't ready yet but when the music swelled as if the curtain was about to rise.. nothing happened, and after the third time of me thinking 'oh.. not yet' I was getting a bit bored. The music was gorgeous don't get me wrong.. but i was just eager to start the show! Once the curtain finally rose we were met with a run down kitchen, boxes full of Christmas decorations and cleaning items everywhere like some kind of market stall challenge on The Apprentice was about to go down and two rather tall children.

I was firstly surprised by the fact there was a gentleman stood on the right hand side of the stage providing sign language for all the singing (which was so lovely to see) and two TV screens on either side of the stage with the words on so you knew exactly what they were saying. Which leads me onto my next surprise, it was in English. I don't know why I assumed it would be foreign but hey, I don't know much about Opera, this was my first experience! Hansel and Gretel started to sing about how hungry they were, how they were bored and longed for their favourite food, rice pudding. As they were running around the kitchen playing their mother came home, and she was no best pleased.

I really enjoyed the character of the mother as she reminded me of Ruth Jones! The mum and dad were both that sort of stereotyped poor, alcoholic parent but who still love their children. Unlike in the original story where the father takes the children into the woods and leaves them there, the mother has sent them out to pick berries and the father sings about the witch that lives in the wood and how they need to go and find the children before they get eaten!

There is a really interesting scene where they used the hand held camera and props around the kitchen to project a scene onto the walls and roof that transported you into the woods, it meant you knew where they were going without them really needing to leave the room or change sets. I thought that was really clever! Once in the woods the children realise they are lost and basically start to freak out! The sandman visits them giving them a huge teddy bear and sending them to sleep where they have a long dream that is projected onto the wall of two (real) children having a fun day at the beach! This is where we cut to the interval.

When they awake they find a house made of candy. This was such a clever set decision, the fridge in the kitchen swings open and is FULL of sweets, they set the camera down and project one of the shelves around the walls and roof of the set giving the whole place a candy house effect! From here the story introduces THE WITCH who is played by the same woman as the mum. The Witch was probably the funniest character of the Opera, her rhyming songs were on point and the way she used an electric whisk as her wand was genius. As sh*t goes down we see the children push the witch inside the oven which they then also stuff with fireworks and we see a big explosion.

I don't want to spoil the end for you as it's rather unique so let's jump into my final thoughts. The orchestra was beautiful, it complimented the whole comedy aspect of the Opera, the singing was faultless, some of the lyrics were a bit dodgy but the singing itself was wonderful and you could tell the cast were all really talented. The Storyline... let me down a little bit. I felt the first half dragged on a little and I have to be honest that the lady sat next to me (not my mum) actually nodded off and only awoke with the applause at the end of act one. The second half I enjoyed much more as there was more action and comedy. Would I see this Opera again? No.. but it was a good experience and was really eye opening to the types of Opera out there, it's not all wigs and capes!
To find out more about Opera North, click here.

CINDERELLA | THE BALLET

2017-03-06T21:40:00.002+00:00

Having been years since I saw my last Ballet I was excited to be visiting The Lowry for the second time in as many months, this time to celebrate my birthday (I turned 24 on March 2nd) with a wonderfully choreographed ballet and a romantic night out with my gorgeous boyfriend Kenneth. Cinderella, a visually stunning performance with extremely talented performers and an amazingly designed backdrop. I laughed, I teared up and I think my jaw dropped at some points. It's odd getting used to no talking when you are expecting the cackles of the ugly sisters or the booing of the stepmother, but be warned, this is no pantomime.

Lets take a moment to talk about the costumes! Intricately detailed, light catching sequins and gems, heavy and rich fabrics yet the dancers make them look feather light as they swish, swirl and jump around the stage. The story begins in a graveyard. Cinderellas mum has just died and the evil stepmother takes but seconds to swoop in and cling onto her new fella. Sadly Cinderellas dad then passes away leaving her in the hands of step mum and the ugly step sisters. She is banished to the Kitchen to clean and serve the family, the only solace she has is her secret box with a photograph of her ma and pa and a pair of silver studded slippers.

After a silver invitation arrives to the house the ugly sisters - who are hilarious by the way - start to prepare for the ball. One sister is called skinny who is stick thin has long black hair and is definitely the meaner sister, the other is called Dumpy and believe it or not she was wearing a fat suit and kept chicken wings in her tutu. They go through hilarious etiquette training (in the form of ballet) which Dumpy couldn't seem to master and Cinderella is left even more lonely when she imagines herself at the ball dancing around her kitchen with a broom.

A rag clothed woman appears in the kitchen barefoot and hungry. Cinderella being the kind hearted woman she is feeds and clothes (with her only possession - the silver pumps) and sets her on her way. She is repaid with a visit from her fairy godmother who dresses her in a a gorgeous silver tutu through a range of gorgeous dances provided by spring, summer, autumn and winter! She is then given back her silver pumps which complete her ensemble. On comes two lizards, a toad and two adorable mice who scutter around the stage and deliver Cinderella to the Ball.

Typically the ball is fantastically over the top, amazing choreography from the party goers, laugh out loud blunders from the ugly sisters including a dance where Dumpy chasing a plate of cakes around the stage (totally relatable) and of course the entrance of Cinderella where we see the Prince set eyes on her and fall in love. Queue 15 minutes of stunning ballet as the two meet and fall in love. Tragedy strikes as midnight arrives and Cinderellas clothes start to return to her rags. This is when the set gets insane, a huge clockwork clock comes down from the sky and starts ticking down and begins to charm. She runs off stage and leaves a silver slipper behind.

After a 20 minute interval (where we had chocolate chip ice cream) the prince begins his search for the foot that fits the slipper. Several women try to force the slipper onto their foot including the stepmother! Eventually Cinderella steps forward and the slipper fits! This leads on to several gorgeous scenes where the Prince and Cinderella meet again, dance under the stars and live happily ever after. The photos above are from my favourite scene, the stunning silver costumes glinted under the stage lights and the dance was so on time i was like watching magic happen before your eyes.

Both my boyfriend and I had a wonderfully magical evening and I can't end this review without talking about the orchestra. I forgot there would be a live orchestra and they were simply amazing. I would love to see more ballet's this year as they are just so beautiful and it's wonderful seeing such talent and grace in front of you. It's amazing how light on their feet they are!

If you want more info about the Birmingham Royal Ballet or what's on at The Lowry then click here.

ootn | the theater

2017-02-10T07:30:00.000+00:00

Two weeks ago I headed out to The Lowry Theatre with my mum to see The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night Time, and I took it as a chance to dress up. I don't go to many places so when I do I love to whip out my favourite pieces, curl my hair, wear some lippy and enjoy myself.

I was so stoked when I found this navy and white stripe body con dress in an M&S outlet for £12 as it reminds me of my 17-19 year old self who was obsessed with all things navy or nautical. It's a super thick fabric which kept me warm and also made me feel less self conscious about not wearing 'hold you in pants.' I paired it with this stunning silk feel reversible bomber jacket that I got for a bargain £10 in the sale at Primark. It has gorgeous cherry blossom and bird embroidery on the front and back and I just think it is gorgeous! I then just wore some white frilly ankle socks and my white and navy converse. This is such a me outfit and it felt great to be 'in my own style' again as working from home I generally just throw on leggings and a t-shirt most days.

Let's talk finishing touches; I wore this pastel and gold skull necklace which actually has a really interesting story behind it. I purchased this necklace when I was 17 in a Topshop sale for around £4 and wore it all-the-time. I took it away with me to Spain and sadly on that holiday we had our suitcases stolen from the boot of our car whilst we had some lunch before heading to our villa (super traumatic experience) anyway, I lost the necklace (along with two cameras and all my favourite clothes.) When I got home I spent months trying to find the necklace on eBay and Gumtree and never found anything. A year later I was just casually on eBay when I saw the necklace, never been worn, amazing condition and I snapped it up! I think I only paid about £2 this time and I was so ecstatic. Who knows, it could have even been the very same necklace for all I know! I then curled my hair which is my favourite way to style it (if I have the time) and did a natural smokey eye and wore a collection cream lip. Overall I was really happy with this whole outfit and whilst I'm no fashion blogger I was happy I got some snaps to show myself I can scrub up OK when I put some effort in haha.

alice in wonderland - gift set

2017-02-04T08:30:00.000+00:00

I am a huge fan of Alice in Disneyland so I was so delighted to receive this absolutely gorgeous wash bag for Christmas. It's the Alice in Wonderland collab with boots and I adore the whole kaleidoscope design. It's on a corduroy feel material with muted pastel colours. It came with three mini body products and a pink bath lily.

I will absolutely be using this wash bag for any future travel as it's really roomy and perfect for all my wash bag needs, it's silky lined inside so easy to wipe clean!

It came with a mini body wash, body lotion and hand cream all in the scent Ginger Pear which is so delicious! I have a larger version of the body wash from another Alice gift set and I have been using that in the shower, it makes your body so soft and smell amazing!

Even the packaging of the minis are so cute I almost never want to throw them away!

lee stafford argon oil anti-frizz spray

2017-02-02T08:30:00.000+00:00

This came in my amazing £20 goody bag from the clothes show live. I have already used up the shampoo and conditioner that I got, and I am absolutely loving this argon oil anti frizz spray! I spray it on my wet hair before drying, and my dry hair after styling. It keeps those fly aways down and makes my ends super silky.

The thing I love most is how fine the mist is on the spray. It means that I don't have to use loads each time as one spray covers most of my hair, it also have a really lovely warm scent that stays on my hair for a long time which I can still smell when I move my head around, absolutely love this stuff!

original source quick dry oil spray

2017-01-31T08:30:00.000+00:00

This. stuff. is. amazing! I picked this up on a whim whilst in Savers getting more hair dye for £1.99. I was looking for something to quickly spray on my body when I get out of the shower that would absorb quickly and allow me to redress without feeling sticky. This is even better then I was hoping for. Not only is it super affordable and the matching brand to my shower gel but it sprays in a really fine mist that dried almost instantly on contact but allows just enough time to rub in. It doesn't leave you feeling greasy or sticky which is something I hate about body lotions & butters.

And have I mentioned the smell?! Watermelon and Jojoba which creates a really fruity holiday vibe and I imagine this will make a fabulous tan extender in summer! If you are into your dry oils or just want to try something new, this is a must have! I will definitely be repurchasing this again and again!

skincare | tropic super green boost serum

2017-01-29T08:30:00.000+00:00

2017 the year I am determined to banish my adult Acne. I have a range of new skincare to try out that you will be seeing soon and the first of them is this Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum!

WHAT IS IT?

A shot of healthy greens that boost your skin’s natural defences and nutrient levels.

WHO IS THIS PRODUCT FOR?

This serum is especially effective on skin that is irritated, red, sensitive, blemished and tired looking, and is perfect for those regularly exposed to polluted environments, such as city commuters or those who travel on the motorway every day.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?

A bright, healthy looking complexion that’s full of vitality!

HERO INGREDIENTS

● Superfoods chlorophyll, kale and maca root extracts deliver essential vitamins and minerals to the deeper layers of your skin, to boost skin health and its natural defences.

● Soothing African marula and kendi oils (which are incredibly rich in fatty acids) help to calm skin irritation and redness.

● Tamanu oils accelerate skin repair and reduce blemishes.

● Green coffee extracts contain caffeine which energises the skin and brightens your complexion.

I have been using this every night before bed because honestly, I don't like the smell. It smells just like a green smoothie that you are putting onto your face. After I have washed an cleansed my face I place a few drops onto my face with the pipet, rub it in with my hands and then wash my hands. Then climb into bed. I have noticed my skin is smoother and my acne has lessened in redness which I'm hoping is a good sign. I've been using it about a month now so I am pretty pleased with the results so far and hope they only improve in future. It costs £42 (currently on sale for £31) but I have barely even used 1/8 of the bottle in a month so I see it lasting a really long time! You can purchase it here.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME | THE LOWRY

2017-01-26T18:41:00.002+00:00

Last night I had the absolute pleasure of attending the book adapted play of 'the curious incident of the dog in the night time' at The Lowry in Salford, Manchester. I had a plus one and so took my mum with me as we had both read the book many years ago and had been wanting to see the stage play for a long while. Here is a quick summary of the plot: "Christopher, a fifteen-year-old boy with an autism spectrum condition, lives with his father. Christopher discovers the dead body of the neighbour's dog, Wellington, speared by a garden fork. Mrs Shears, the dog's owner, calls the police, and Christopher comes under suspicion. When a policeman touches him, he hits the policeman, and is arrested, then released with a police caution. He decides to investigate the dog's death, despite his father's orders to stay out of other people's business. Throughout his adventures, Christopher records his experiences in a book, which he calls a "murder mystery novel". During his investigation, Christopher meets people whom he has never before encountered.." and this is when the story gets interesting.

I've always loved going to The Lowry, and have been there several times for various plays and events, the stunning architecture and puzzle of stairs never ceases to amaze me. When we first arrived we headed down a blue carpet to pick up our tickets from the lovely Rachel with whom I had been corresponding over the past week, and then made way to our seats. We were sat in the middle of Row M which is only 11 rows back so basically PRIME place to get a good view of everything. It's going to be hard to tell you all about the play and my thoughts without giving away too much so bare with as I try to get across my thoughts! I will say, when you first walk into the theatre you are greeted by a large gridded cube which is where the whole play is set, and set in the middle of this is a dead dog (don't worry it's not real) with a large garden fork sticking out of it's chest. It was funny to hear the exclamations of every person as they made their way into the room and noticed the dog.

Once the play started it didn't take long to become totally involved in Christopher's journey and I was physically on the edge of my seat in the second half. The cast sit on benches around the edge of the stage but you don't really notice as you are paying too much attention to the current scene. It was amazing how they created such imaginative scenes with a few props, some wooden crates and a train set. The music and monologues were spot on in creating the world Christopher lives inside. There was not one moment of dodgy acting or confusion over what was happening meaning you were never taken out of the bubble of the story.

There were some absolutely incredible scenes when Christopher is telling us about how he wanted to be an astronaut when he is flown around the stage by the cast members and it is magical. The play is hilarious, moving and so well adapted for stage. Without giving anything away there was a moment at the end when the whole audience simultaneously went 'AWWWWWW'. If you know me personally (which most of you don't so just take my word for it) I don't usually well up at movies or TV shows but I physically had to hold back tears at the end of this play and gulp a few times. As soon as the cast came back we were all on our feet for a massive round of applause. Oh.. and stay behind after the play ends for an extra scene (marvel style.) Weather you've read the book or not, this play is an absolute MUST SEE. It will touch every emotion you could have and you will leave gushing about how fabulous it was!

little mix gold magic Eau De Parfum

2017-01-25T08:30:00.000+00:00

I got this gorgeous roll on perfume for Christmas from my boyfriend. I had been wanting a roll on perfume for ages to throe into my handbag. This is the Gold Magic scent by Little Mix. Here's what The Perfume Shop say about the scent : the fragrance itself delivers against the bands strong desire to create a scent that never stops surprising the senses. Opening with a burst of playful hints of fruit, the captivating powdery velvet heart, pretty violet tones and more aqueous watermelon are both refreshing and sophisticated. The base is musky and warm but also sweet and hypnotic.

Top notes : Lemon Meringue, Raspberry, Red Apple. Heart notes : Watermelon,Powdery Note, Violet. Base notes : Ambergris, Blonde Woods, Musk. I am a huge fan of Lemon Meringue watermelon and wood scents so this is the absolute perfect scent for me. I don't know if it's because it's in roller form or because it's an Eau De Parfum but it is a super strong scent when you first apply it and as it hits the air it settles out into a gorgeous scent. I would love to own the bottle version! You can get this roller version here.

what i got for christmas | unicorn brushes

2017-01-20T15:59:00.002+00:00

I got two gorgeous unicorn brush sets for Christmas, one 5pc rose gold set with pink bristles off my lovely boyfriend and a 10pc iridescent white bristled set. Both are absolutely stunning and so incredibly soft! I sell both of these sets on my depeop account (@serenasbeautyboutique) and decided I needed both for myself as their so gorgeous so my family ordered some for me!

When I first saw them I couldn't actually believe how shiny and shimmery they were - the photos don't do them justice - and I daren't use them at first. But soon after I was using them to apply my blush and powder. They are 100% synthetic and so so soft that powders just glide onto the skin totally flawless!

I am yet to use them with any liquid foundations as I have a brush that I really like to use for that but

I will give that a go soon and let you know my thoughts on it. There is one particular brush that works wonderfully for contour, it's a short but fat brush (first on the left in top photo) that fits the cheekbone perfectly! - what do you think of these brushes?

Clothes Show Live 2016 - Birmingham N.E.C

2016-12-07T14:10:00.002+00:00

What's that.. two Birmingham N.E.C events in a row? Yes! And this time it was Clothes Show Live, my sister and I have visited every December for the past 5 years and this time it was super special as it's the last ever Clothes Show live held in Birmingham. Next year marks the start of a new chapter, the beginning of the British Style Collective held across 5 venues in Liverpool City Center. This is actually perfect for me as trains to Birmingham are £90.. trains to Liverpool are £17, plus my boyfriend lives there! It will also now be held in July (summer) rather then December which is pretty cool! Anyway, here is a post full of photos from the theater show, expect a haul coming soon and also some footage from the show so you can watch how amazing it was!