Birdcages&&Buttons

Magazine heaven!

2012-07-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

If I'm completely honest... no other magazine out there can possibly come close to replacing COMPANY magazine as my favourite usually BUT *sense that I used Bold & Italics... this shit is serious* GLAMOUR magazine was better... yes, I did say better... this month! That's just my opinion though!

I only pick up GLAMOUR if it has someone I like on the front and it did! Kate Beckinsale is adorable and sexy! A pure, English rose. She comes across as quite intelligent too and has amazing style. Plus, she was a hot vampire in Underworld.

*phaw* The photography for this interview was so beautiful and sultry and... and... classy all at the same time!

Don't worry, Lily! Your ass got kicked by Charlize and Kirsten in the Snow White war but you're still an absolute stunner!

Ooh, two Lily's that I love in one post. I'm only desperate to buy one though. It'd be pretty awkward if you though the opposite of the one I'm thinking.

Lord, who is this model?! She is beautiful! This whole shoot was amazing! And those eyes and that ^ hair!

I hope everyone else loved GLAMOUR this month as much as I did! It was their best for quite a while!
It was so nice to relax with a magazine inbetween all the chaos in my life at the moment which I'm sure I'll talk about at some point in the future.
We'll see.

20 little things that are really big.

2012-07-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

She cries at her favourite U2 album because it's so amazing. The Joshua Tree.
She wants a huge tattoo on her back before she's twentysix.
She wants to be in love with Michael forever.
She loves to laugh and fight at the same time.
She always gets tempted to buy childrens' books.
She gets butterflies when she sees a new Tim Burton film advertised.
She adores zombies. Books, movies, figurines.
She loves to sit in the rain sometimes when she's stressed.
She loves walking around graveyards and reading the epitaphs.
She doesn't mind running through mud at a festival or rally.
She loves the smell of freshly cut grass, celery and cow manure in the countryside.
She loves old and foreign movies.
She talks to her cats and dog like they understand.
She has four cats.
She has one dog.
She has a bunch of fish.
She LOVES birds way too much. Birds printed on any type of clothing, birdhouses as ornaments.
She loves Bamboo and Maple.
She loves chai tea more than anything in the world. Yumyum.
She has really long hair.

POTD#3

2012-07-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

TE AMO Black Skater Dress

£26.99

Buy it here!

Black Orchid Cut Out Heels

£27.99

Buy them here!

Black Cross Strap Wedges

£24.99

Buy them here!

It's probably no secret right now that I love black, skater dresses and New Look!

I really only like to wear thick heels or wedges because I like to dress for comfort as well as cuteness! *technical word right there*

hush!

2012-07-09T07:18:00.001-07:00

hush have been sending me catalogues... well, not so much catalogues but little leaflets in with their offers for about two years now. They always inspire me and make me want to buy their whole collection!

Their clothes and such are definitely geared more towards the relaxed, calm but chic woman.

I guess the reason it appeals to me so much is because it just looks SO comfortable. Gorgeous.

The colours are mostly colours that I'd go for... very subtle, neutral shades. Grey, black, white, cream, khaki, navy... all of which are staples that go with 80% of other colours and patterns.

What I also love is that their outfits can be used for Winter or Summer. Just add an extra pair of leggings and gloves or a scarf and some riding boots and you're fine for a stroll on a Winter's day!

They do have the odd pattern on their items... mainly their dresses and pyjamas but if you read my blog... you'll know I LOVE anything to do with birds and my wardrobe mainly consists of bird-printed items or birdcages. I would love this dress above as it's very pretty!

Speaking of their pyjamas...

How cute! This is my favourite style of pyjamas! I love them so much! And as the weather is so humid here lately... those shorts are a MUST!

And yes, as you can see... they also do accessories, soaps, household items, chocolate, hot cocoa AND tea.

I'm in love with this site!

It does seem a bit pricey but believe me... it's worth it. They have a sale on at the moment so take advantage of it!

My next purchase will be those soaps and teas!

Visit it here and remember to click the X button at some point. I know it'll be hard to leave but your credit card or bank balance will appreciate it!

In good COMPANY.

2012-07-08T18:22:00.001-07:00

I actually missed the last Company and I'm absolutely gutted. I was just so busy and never went into a shop at any point. I think I need the subscription because I have a thing about collecting this magazine as it's so pretty!

This one... eh! I hate neon colours until they're on nails. It's just not my thing. And I really do not like yellow with one exception... mustard yellow. *yum* So this cover was a bit OTT for me. I'm not sure I like the image on the cover either. It's a lovely photograph, don't get me wrong... I just got so used to seeing all of my favourite stars on that I expected to pick it up and be like OH, NOW IT'S EMMA STONE TOO. AWESOMESAUCE.

But... the content was as amazing as usual so I was safe. I'd stopped crying, pulling my hair out and hyperventilating by then! Don't worry for me!

Jameela is talking about a cat but it is the truth.

Oh, lawd! A two page spread with Tom Hardy? AND he has a beard? *starts breathing funny again*

I do have a thing about men with 'gruff' or full on beards. I call it the Sexy Santa complex!

I love it when Michael doesn't shave for about a week. Rawr!

The drawing in this magazine... always the damn drawnings. LOVE.

Beauty section with two of my favourite bloggers! I love that picture of Lily Bee^ so cute.

Anyway, I do have to admit that this month's Company was as great as usual! Even if we had a tiff over the cover. You just set the bar so damn high. What can I do?

What. Can. I. Really. Bloody. Do?

Wet Day Wonderland!

2012-07-08T04:29:00.002-07:00

Michael surprised me *as he often does* with a little road trip. We've gone on two in the last 7 days and the first one was AMAZING but I didn't take my camera! I left it on the his bed in the morning but he promised to take me again so I'm happy!

This above is Windermere lake! I loveeeee Windermere. It's so beautiful! Rainy day or not!

He knows how much I love this place and he knows how much I love...

FLYING DUCKSSS. No, I joke... I meant Beatrix Potter!

They have a huge emporium dedicated to her art and her stories. It's so amazing!

The gift shop is my perfect haven. I would gladly live there!

You walk through this gorgeous little land of Beatrix Potter and look through windows and little holes into her books.

Mikey was desperate to buy me a little Peter Rabbit stuffed toy and it was sooo adorable and soft but I said no! I think it's best for us to come back with a thicker wallet when we have our own place! Ha. He agreed, thank gosh!

I hope you all have a lovely week too!

POTD... A Very British Summer

2012-07-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

Well, if you're from the UK or just live here... you know where I'm going with this outfit at the moment... note the Wellington boots and darker colours. Mmmhmm. Rain.

BUT I love it. I love wearing Wellies and I love all things England and rainy so it's all good in the hood!

This is my ideal outfit from start to finish. Cute accessories. Gorgeous nails. My favourite colours/shades.

I'd wear this right now if I could! If only I was Sabrina the Teenage Witch. 90s TV reference. Awesome sauce.

1. Black Peplum top from River Island.

£25.00

Buy it here!

2. Lock and Key belt from Romwe.

£ 10.06

Buy it here!

3. Nail Rock Heart Nail Wraps from ASOS.

£6.70 usually but on sale for £4.50!

Buy them here!

4. Gold-coloured Metal TaAccessorize.

£4.00

Buy it here!

5. Rabbit Across Body Bag from ASOS.

£20.00

Buy it here!

6. Dark Red Molly Jeggings from River Island.

£35.00

Buy them here!

7. Gold Tone Diamanté Dragonfly Headband by River Island.

£6.00

Buy it here!

8. Hunter Original Black Wellington Boots from ASOS.

£79.00

Buy them here!

I'd wear it with this make up! Oh, how I want them now!

Enjoy your very British Summer!

Shepherd's Delight.

2012-07-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

I won't deny that I wasn't excited when I heard that Kate Moss was releasing a bunch of cosmetics through Rimmel. It was pretty obviously she would eventually but I just had to go out that day and buy most of the lipsticks because as we all know... I'm a lipstick junkie!

I used to be obsessed with reds and couldn't find one to rival an Anew lipstick I got from Avon in Cranberry.

Until. I. Saw. This.

It's Shade 01 and it is the same exact colour as my Anew lipstick.

This is a beautiful colour. It's definitely a cranberry colour and matches a Rimmel nail polish I have to a T.
The smell of the lipsticks are addictive. I love it so much and I realise how strange that sounds but it's a lovely, sweet smell!
The packaging on these lipsticks is lovely. I usually hate the bright, metallic, cheap cases on their usual lipsticks but this one is chic and the Kate signature on the side just makes it even more amazing.
This lipstick itself is moisturising and it's longwearing but it does tint your lips so it can be hard to take off if you've have it on for a few hours.
The lipstick is a sheen-esque formula. It's a little glossy and looks lovely in pictures.

Overall, I'll give it an 8/10.

Two marks down for the plastic packaging still. I know it's a highstreet/drugstore lipstick but I just hate plastic.

It's more of a personal prejudice rather than an overall downgrade.

Buy it here!

It's only £5.49 which I think is a bargain. I also have shades 03, 04, 05!

The Rainyday Playlist!

2012-07-06T13:25:00.001-07:00

I often just sit and listen to music while I stare out of the window on a rainy day and as it's as wet as an afternoon with Pingu... here I am in my leggings and hooded sweatshirt. Looking as sexual as usual.

Wide Awake by Katy Perry
I love this song! It's so meaningful and the video is very Burton-esque.

Home by Gabrielle Aplin
This song is SO lovely. Indie/folk is definitely my favourite genre even though I love all music. Beautiful.

Rain by Patty Griffin
This is an all time favourite song of mine. It's so beautiful and so is this video. No more words.

All This Way by Amanda Fondell
If you haven't heard this yet... you need to listen to it! Her voice is amazing and the lyrics are lovely!

Now We Are Free by Hans Zimmer ft. Lisa Gerrard
Hans Zimmer has always been one of my favourite composers. His work makes a movie what it is most of the time. His sounds set the moods and his music make me feel relaxed or motivated! YouTube more of his stuff. He is truly amazing. And so is Trevor Jones! People often overlook the composers but a song without words can still say so much to your heart.

Quicker by I Blame Coco
I love this girl! The Constant is an AMAZING album. 10/10 for me and I love her videos. That voice!

My ultimate playlist always included Sigur Ros, Enya, U2, The Police, Mumford and Sons, Kate Bush, Anouk, Patty Griffin and Clannad.
I can't make a full playlist or I'd be here all day!
Have a good listen and tell me your favourite tracks for a rainyday!

Cath Kidston.

2012-07-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

I went into Waterstones a few weeks ago for a new book and I'd noticed that they had a new section of stationary from different brands and designers... Sanrio, Cath Kidston, Pip Studio and I almost died.

I'm a HUGE stationary junky. I label everything and I also scrapbook.

This book was full of labels and stickers all in the typical Cath Kidston design. My house will be filled with her stuff eventually. It'll be a cute Beatrix Potter and Cath Kidston medley! Lush!

Not only were the labels so adorable... some of them also came off like this^. It was such an amazing, little touch! They look great on things, especially boxes and glass jars.

If you're like me and desperately need to become normal but don't want to because lists and labels thrill you... go to your nearest Waterstones or log on @

www.CathKidston.co.uk

www.Waterstones.com

Happy shopping!

POTD#2

2012-07-05T06:38:00.002-07:00

Feather Print Lizzie Luggage Lock Bag

£35.00

Buy it here!

I am in LOVE with this bag. It's a classic design with a lovely pattern on it and everyone who has ever owned an Accessorize bag should know how sturdy and everlasting they are! I've had one bag since I was 14 and I STILL use it. In fact, my mum uses it too so it gets double the use and it's looking as brand new as it did 10 years ago!

I know some people say it's too expensive in that store but believe me... they're investments! There's that word again!

I love their designs too. They're often wearing British doodles or the Union Jack all over them but they also do a lot of your classy, block colour, sturdy, everyday bags!

Their clutches also last years and years without so much of a thread popping out of the side!

This bag is definitely me and I would love to have it in my collection!

I keep my wardrobe conservative so I love having a little fun with my accessories.

I also have A LOT of feather accessories so this will fit right in!

The List!

2012-07-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

POTD#1

2012-07-01T05:43:00.001-07:00

Parisian Navy Swallow Print Skater Dress

£19.99

Buy it here!

Parisian Stone Bird Print Skater Dress

£19.99

Buy it here!

The skater dress style has always been a must for me! I have an hourglass figure and I think these dresses are really flattering on me... I think they're flattering on all figures actually.

They're tighter at the waste so they create that curve and the skirt flares out so it can create hips or hide a multitude of sins. It's perfection!

I also love the high neckline. I do have a big chest and hate that every outfit looks trashy because my cleavage is front and central. I love that it looks relaxed and classy at the same time.

Effortless.

I've read some back reviews about New Look but I've never had a problem. It's cheap and cheerful. You just have to know what to look for.

My key buying point is to always invest. I tend to stick to key colours like neutrals or block colours because even if fashion changes... key colours are always in. Navy, black, creams, whites and greys are all sitting proud in my wardrobe.
I NEVER buy materials that are too flimsy or thick. I like to be able to wear my clothes all year round so I don't buy anything too Summery or too big for Winter. I love a dress that I can wear in Summer and then just add tights and a cardigan to for Winter.
DON'T buy products with a thread loose or a stain on. At least NOT for full price. Point it out or leave it on the rack. I don't believe in 'fixing' clothes that should be on sale or made perfectly by the manufacturer anyway.
DO buy pattern but make sure it's a pattern you know you'll love for a long time. Keep the word investment in your head at all times. I LOVE birds and animals so I know I'll always find the shirt or dress cute and me in ten years time.

Sex on legs.

2012-06-30T15:43:00.001-07:00

I absolutely LOVE Eva Mendes. She's is the epitome of sensuality

She is a gorgeous, sexy woman but she is classy at the same time.

What's not to love?

Meow.

MAC's Pink Nouveau

2012-06-27T15:35:00.002-07:00

MAC's Pink Nouveau was a complete on-a-whim purchase for me. I had gone in to get another Créme Cup and they were all out at the Liverpool store so I thought f*ck it, I'm on a pink journey lately so I'll buy the pinkest lipstick I can find and here we are!

MAC's satin formula never failed to amaze me. It's thick but nowhere near as thick as Illamasqua lipsticks. It's completely moisturising and it stays on my lips for a good few hours. It's a perfect lipstick. It's nowhere near matte but it's nowhere near a sheen supreme either... it's at that perfect place in the middle!

It's definitely a pink with blue undertones which makes your teeth look a lot whiter.

It also transfers a lot lighter on the lips, I find.

If you're looking for a Barbie pink... this is it!
Buy it online for £13.50 or in your nearest store!

Revlon's ColorBurst Lipstick in Carnation

2012-06-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

It's not secret that I'm a huge fan of Revlon and especially of their lipsticks BUT I have always just bought their Matte or Super Lustrous collection. One because they're amazing, two because I like my lipstick packaging to match in my lipstick slots and three because the ColorBurst lipsticks usually have some shimmer in there and I tend to avoid that.

I DO love this packaging it's a quilted design a lá Chanel so instantly my eyes widened and I love the block of the colour on top. Easy to see which I'd like to wear when they're stood up. I always love Revlon's packaging anyway.

I tried to catch the subtle blue shimmer in the lipstick but failed miserably, lol. It's a bright pink with a blue untertone and then some blue shimmer. You do notice it on the lips but only if you know what you're looking for!

It's in the colour Carnation and you can buy it here!

This lipstick is moisturising, non-greasy, vibrant... it's only downside for me is that it doesn't last too long. I went into town with my boyfriend for less than an hour... we browsed, got a Starbucks blend *which has a straw so...* and when we got back to the car about 50 minutes later... not a trace of it left!

It is £7.99 which is the higher end of the drugstore/highstreet make up scale but it's still just over half price of my beloved Illamasqua lipsticks so yes, it does fade quickly but you can apply it as much as you want at that price!

I do have my eye on a few more but this one is my perfect colour for now.

7/10!

The Body Shop Lip Butters

2012-06-26T06:35:00.003-07:00

I discovered the lip butters last year when my lips were dry and I'd had such a bad day. I remember because the lady in the store was so lovely to me when I was sopping wet and looking like a drowned rat. She really made my day and she gave me a hairband to tie my wet hair up and a wipe for my running mascara. Needless to say, I prefer waterproof eye products now and if there was a 'till lady of the century' award... I'd fight her corner all the way!

The Body Shops Lip Butters - £4.00 each

My prefer the Shea Butter version by a long shot! It's my kind of taste/smell!

The Mango smells absolutely disgusting to me! But then again I hate all Mango products. All of the scents are sickly when used a lot but if you just smudge a little on your lips then you'll be fine. If you're pregnant and your smelling abilities are at superhero level... avoid these, lol.

They do leave residue on your lips but because the Shea and Mango are less transparent so they show a lot more.

As you can see on the right >>>>

Personally I love these Lip Butters *ignoring the mango smell is hard*. I don't use them during the day but I love to slather them on at night so I wake up with a moisturised, soft pout in the morning.

It's one of those products that varies in reviews depending on each person's preference. It's not universally loved and it's not universally hated.

You're the judge on this one... this is just my two cents.

Here to relive your darkest moments.

2012-06-23T06:02:00.001-07:00

All About Me.

2012-06-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

All About Me was my third lipstick from Topshop. I'd lusted over it for a while but I wanted Brighton Rock more and then I wanted to buy a few nudes and I loved the look of Nevada *wish I'd bought this one instead*...

It is definitely the most vivid and yet the deepest lipstick I've come across after MAC's Girl About Town. It's a blue toned pink that makes your teeth glow white.

I'm very pale so it stands out like crazy. I think it'd suit all skin types as long as you dare to wear it!

The Topshop lipsticks are amazing to me as they're quite matte which I love. Their texture is lush and they're quite thick so one swipe would do!

It does stain a little so you have to scrub a little harder to get it off your lips but it's worth it if it lasts all day, right?

I think so.

9/10 for me!

It's scored down because it does cling a little to dry bits so I have to keep on top form with moisturising my lips!

Mary, mary...

2012-06-19T16:25:00.001-07:00

Instagram time!

2012-06-16T16:50:00.001-07:00

Mikey hates when I kiss him with bright lipsticks on especially MAC's Girl About Town as it stains a little, lol.
I dropped a WHOLE mug of tea right into my top make up drawer which holds most of my lipsticks and blushers and then all of my brushes and eye products minus my palettes. Thank gosh that only that one was open.
Found these shoes in the back of my wardrobe. Never worn and so lush. I usually stick to my wedges but these are delish.
Mummy dearest and I went to our favourite café. It's our favourite because all of the birds come so close to get crumbs. So cute.
Mikey took me to see this movie FINALLY. It was a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Right up my alley. Perfect.
He took me to dinner just before it too at Bella Italia... I love salmon. Yum.
Harry lounging around. Such a huge cat. My laptop is actually pretty big and it looks like a netbook next to him.
Teasing my hair. Always fun when I look like this.
Favourite eye of the moment. All Urban Decay shadows. Virgin, Busk, Sin & Zephyr.
We went to a steam rally and I got to hold an owl. They had eagles, hawks, owls and vultures. Gorgeous.

The colours of love...

2012-06-15T22:04:00.001-07:00

I'd always wanted to try China Glaze and only saw it on YouTube videos but I couldn't find it anywhere.

I love living in a small, rural city but that is the biggest downside... having to go to big cities just for a lipstick or a nail lacquer.

I nearly dropped dead when I saw a Sally's was opening and then I saw that gigantic OPI stand. That was amazing but I already tried OPI and then just to the left of it... there it was... the hallelujah music started and I almost let out a tear.

The first one I saw was Poinsettia. It's a bright red that stayed on my nails a whole two weeks before if even chipped once *top coat included of course*. It is on par with OPI. Neither better than the other for me. I just prefer the China Glaze price tag.

I paid £7 for Poinsettia and then got Rich & Famous and Skate Night on sale for £3.50 each. Bargain alert!

I am in love with Rich & Famous. It's my go-to polish if I'm unsure of what to wear. It brightens up my day whenever I look down and see that bright, beautiful pink!

Skate Night is definitely my least favourite of the three but it is a staple in Winter. It's a dark red with gold shimmer in it. It is very pretty.

Scents of Summer.

2012-06-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

If you knew ever walked into my bedroom... the first thing you would see is my fragrance collection. I have perfumes, scented oils, body mists. I just love to smell as good as possible and my collection is ever-expanding. These are the new scents on my wishlist!

Buy it here for £15.00!

What a bargain!

Buy it here for £42.00!

Don't miss out! It's Limited Edition!

T-t-t-t-t-tuesdayyyyy!

2012-06-12T16:06:00.001-07:00

1. Finding old picture of the furbabies.

Awww!

2. This idea.

3. My perfect retreat.

I don't think I'd get any reading done though... I love watching the birds!

Check them all out!

4. This tattoo.

5. YES.

It's a short one this week!

Stick-away!

2012-06-10T04:21:00.001-07:00

Do you hate using lipgloss?

Is lipgloss too sticky for you?

Do you feel sick at the smell?

Do you love the look but hate that your hair is stuck to your lips?

WELL,

HERE IS MY SOLUTION.

The Body Shop's Lip Roll-on!

Buy it here!

It's £4.00 and it even comes in 4 scents!

Rose, mint, orange and berry!

All natural smells!

It's literally just oil.

It's not gloopy, it doesn't stick to your hair when you're having a Pantene moment.

Here's how you can do it!

OH, THANK YOU, THE BODY SHOP.

YOU'RE SO SWELL.

The roller ball does pick up a lot of the lipstick but if you just roll it on your hand... it's all comes out!

Yippee!