The Art of Living

To the next chapter

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

I decided to do a post on my bedroom, as soon I will be moving out and I suppose it's an end of an era in a way.

I guess I have a random collection of stuff, but it's my stuff and most of it I keep for memories and sentimental value.

Might I add - house hunting is tedious.

It's been a while...

2012-01-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

So I've finally got round to blogging again. There's a lot happened in the past month with Christmas, New Years and Birthdays too. Rather than bore you all with the ins and outs, I thought I'd do more of a photo diary, starting with this amazing cake made for my best mates sisters 18th birthday!

I've got a really bad snowball addiction forming! I've had one every night this past week!

To finish, a picture of me in my new onesie, bought as a Christmas present off a good friend. I always complain that I'm cold (apart from when I'm wearing this!)

Last month I got my iPhone 4S, so with that I've jumped on the Instagram bandwagon. If anyones on it, follow me @jenkiln :)

I can't get over how great the picture quality is! It's great having a backup when I'm not carrying my heavy SLR around.

Time out!

2011-12-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last updated! So many Christmas related events and not enough hours in the day.

Anyways, amongst the rushing around like a headless chicken, I managed to make a few new winter purchases, including my new hat from Miss Selfridge that I paired with my fail safe Vivienne Westwood jacket.

I also got a new wallet from Marc by Marc Jacobs

And lastly, a new MAC lipstick. It's more of a vivid violet tone than it looks in this pic, called Up The Amp.

This weather is so miserable! I went out to take some photos and ended up getting saturated. A brew and some home made cookies are definitely in order!

Pre-Christmas detox time?

2011-12-05T07:40:00.001-08:00

This is how my weekend started...

(I used my blue foam by the way!)

On Saturday we (me + the bf) for his works Christmas do. We got there about mid afternoon and found a nice little cafe to get a bite to eat. Then went back to the manor place to drink mulled cider. Personally I can't stand cider so decided to drink a few Soco + lemonades instead to keep warm. After that I got changed and ready for the meal which started at 7, but the food wasn't served til about 9ish. By then (bad idea for an open bar) it's safe to say I was pretty far gone.

So Sunday was interesting. When will I ever learn...

It started to snow just as we were leaving!

Aww, I'm so chuffed about this! I'm definitely going to plan a trip up to Edinburgh to visit them! Maybe towards summer when it's not deathly cold!?

Recent purchases

2011-12-01T04:37:00.001-08:00

A few things I've bought over the past week. Some essential (and non-essential) items in the midst of Christmas present shopping!

I bought these shoes from Miss Selfridge. They're not super high but do have a concealed platform, so comfortable enough to walk in! I always buy too-high or unsensible shoes that get left at the back of my wardrobe so I'm not making that mistake again. These should go with most party outfits over the festive period!

How cute is this little bag from Urban Outfitters!? They had a 20% off event so it was a perfect excuse to buy it AND it was on sale at £12! Bargain.

The best cleanser in the world hands down! I've been using this for 3 years now and won't be switching anytime soon. I only have to buy it once a year (that's how long the 450ml bottle lasts using it every night).

I used to suffer from really bad skin in high school and it was a massive insecurity to me. The amount of 'anti-blemish' products I used to buy was ridiculous! I've always been really cautious of what I use on my skin so when I was first introduced to cleansing oils, I was really skeptical about putting oil on my oily skin! Seemed so wrong, but in fact oil is the best cleanser for an oily skin type. It cleanses thoroughly and takes makeup off brilliantly, but doesn't strip the skin.

Even though I realise I've naturally grown out of having spotty skin, since using this my skins never been better. There's different formulations for all different concerns and skin types.

Ahh when I saw this I was so giddy!

When I went to Amsterdam a couple of years ago I did a tour around the House of Bols, and every time I see them in bars or in the supermarket it reminds me of that nice memory! On the tour, you get to 'see', 'hear', 'touch' and 'taste' different flavours, and at the end they make you a customised cocktail based of your taste preferences.

I've bought a few different flavours over the years (if any of you don't already know, they do 38 different liqueur flavours!) but I've never seen a foam version before! This will serve me well for all Christmas cocktail making. I love experimenting with cocktails, maybe I should become a bartender hah.

And lastly, I bought these fab House of Holland tights! Gone are the days of nights out with bare legs!

Lazy Sunday

2011-11-27T13:47:00.001-08:00

Here's a few pics I took whilst wandering around the German markets. There's way too much tempting things to buy and eat! Including a slice of triple chocolate slab which left me feeling queasy... it doesn't follow sushi and liquorice very well!

This is my favourite stall by far. I could actually live off liquorice!

I got some feather hair extensions! What do you guys think? They're very subtle. You only get 7 feathers per pack (not all of them are visible in the photo) I'm super bored of my hair and needed something to jazz it up without being drastic!

I got this ring today from a local vintage+textile fair for £4. I rarely wear rings so it's nice to find one I really love.

I bought small sizes of all the ingredients to make long island ice teas at home! (Coke's in the fridge) I'm experimenting with the quantities at the moment haha.

Chilling with the animals

2011-11-24T04:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, me and a friend went to take a few photos at an animal sanctuary type place near where he lives. To get to it you have to walk down a public footpath, where you come across a small few different divided fields. I have no idea who they belong to but it was on public ground. Thank god we took our thermos flasks! It was so cold my feet went completely numb which made driving home interesting.

This pony was the sweetest little thing! He came over as soon as he saw us and wouldn't leave. Think he just wanted some attention (I'm presuming it was male!)

I met a friend for a Starbucks the other day and she bought me this adorable little Christmas tree ornament. For now it's sat looking pretty on a shelf. Can't wait to get the tree up!

At the moment I'm in the process of making my best mate a Christmas box. I've made her a box (always from Paperchase) up for Birthdays and Christmases for the past few years now. It's great for collecting little bits and bobs in. I threw in a couple of hand bag sized Soap+Glory products (her fav), some penguin socks (another Xmas tradition!) earrings, sweeties, a hair mask, lipgloss and a primer. I know I'll end up finding loads more things between now and Christmas, it's always the way!

I love parcels!

2011-11-23T04:32:00.001-08:00

Oooh my parcel arrived from http://www.americansweets.co.uk, filled with lots of nice treats (not all for me, but mostly).

I can't explain my obsession with American sweets. Most of them are so artificial tasting... which reminds me of how the sweets in Britain used to be when I was young, before they started using natural flavourings and whatnot. Nothing wrong with trying to make us healthy though I guess!

Plus, it's one of my favourite places in the world. I have family there and always have such an amazing time when I go over. So I guess it's a kind of comfort thing to have treats that remind me of those good times.

Don't know if anyone remembers Pretzel Flipz? I loved them as a kid, but they sadly vanished off our shelves here!

I've always been a massive fan of the regular dots, so thought I'd give these ago. They didn't taste anything like candy corn. Very dissapointing!

Most delicious tasting lip balm ever!

A random picture from my trip across the pond over summer!

Also, a little package arrived from http://www.proopticals.com/

I love the skull feature at the side! Gives them a certain edge.

Geek chic? Debatable haha. Being a fellow spec wearer before having my eyes lasered, I hated wearing them. Having to rely on them to see well was annoying and inconvenient. So it's great to now have the option of wearing these as an accessory rather than necessity. Also, I'm a massive Ray-ban fan, and these have similar frames to the wayfarers.

Getting into the spirit

2011-11-19T15:25:00.001-08:00

Arghhh my internet's been down a couple of days! Very frustrating. Anywho, it's currently up and running and I'm writing this post from my new MacBook Air! (yay) It's so lovely and light. And super fast compared to my old lappy. Very impressed to say the least.

It's taking me forever to transfer all my music and photos over though. I'll be much happier when that's all done :)

This week has flown by! Amongst working, shopping for pressies and having a nice stroll around the Christmas markets (oh and spending forever in the Apple store trying to get served to buy my shiny new MBA!), I can't say I've really done anything productive.

I intended to take my camera to the markets with me but ended up rushing to leave. I'll probably be back next week though I'd imagine. It's hard to resist. One thing I did learn though was to go on an empty stomach (not full to burst on Nando's). Sausages, crepes, waffles, cookies, macaroons... you name it, they had a stall for it! I did cave into some liquorice, a slight addiction of mine.

In my mug I had orange punch with rum! (Was supposed to be Jager but they were out) Pretty sickly sweet, but warming which is always good.

I have these pair of tights, which are long over due the time they needed throwing out, but I can't seem to part from them. They're only from Accessorize (I think, maybe in the sale too) and there seems to be no suitable replacement. It's annoying me now! So yeah, ignore the massive ladder in the bottom ;)

Out with the old...

2011-11-15T09:19:00.001-08:00

Why is it that we get so attached to material items? It's so ridiculous but it just happens. 2 years ago I got my very first Macbook, but it's come the time that I fancy an upgrade. I feel really sad to part from it even though I'm basically just replacing it. And since they no longer make the iconic white Macbook, I've decided on an Air. Which suits me better and wont give me leg ache after it's been sat on my lap for a while! I had the same feeling when I got rid of my first car (it was REALLY old and didn't run very well, must be a sentimental thing right?)

Time to hit up eBay! Unless anyone wants a new laptop, or knows anyone that does!? It needs a nice loving home! Geez I sound like I'm selling a puppy or something. I also need to get rid of my old camera. Too much to do!

I recently went with my friend to get her tattoo, which has made me really broody for another! I said to myself when I got my last one over 2 years ago, that that was going to be the last one! I already have 3 (which are all easily hidden) which I know isn't a lot, but I just don't want to end up regretting them as I get older. I'm mulling over it as I have no idea what I would get, but I'm pretty sure I know where I would get it. Either on my ribs, or on the inside of my upper arm. I'll end up looking at designs later I just know it...

This is the last one I got. I have a thing about birds, I just love them.

I've just made spicy butternut squash and sweet potato soup again. I'd make it everyday if it didn't take to long!

Has anyone seen the Carte Noire adverts? Me and a friend keep posting them back and forth on Facebook to each other! This is the latest one I've seen. If only Mr Cool existed in real life aye?

Sunday!

2011-11-13T12:25:00.001-08:00

I've been lazy with my posts recently, so I'm gonna do a biggish one to make up for it.

Firstly, here are some pics of the Christmas light switch-on the other day. It was pretty traumatising to say the least. Everyone was so rude, pushing and shoving. I didn't think it would be anywhere near as busy. Then I had endure performances from Tinchy Stryder and Nicola Roberts. Not really my cup of tea.

Finally after being crushed for over an hour an a half, the lights came on, followed by lots of lovely fireworks! Really impressive ones at that. Made up for all the standing around.

Our usual Saturday night chill out spot was unfortunately hired out for a private party, and there's not many local back-ups that are good for a social drink (as opposed to dancing for hours like a crazy person) so we ended up at TGI's. After a few cocktails and some shots of Patron, we asked the bartender to make us all a balloon hat! Never too old eh?

My new look in my new jumper!

This week I'm looking forward to the start of the Christmas markets! The stalls are always so amazing!

Pressies!

2011-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

My Mum just got back from a trip down to Cornwall and brought me back a couple of bits + bobs. The first one is the Yves Saint Laurent colouring book, which is really sweet! It's a little pocket book full of beautiful prints and patterns. The designs are so unique.

Secondly, is some Oreo Jell-o! I can honestly say I've never tried real Jell-o before, even after numerous trips to the States. I mean, I've had jelly obviously but I'm guessing it's not quite the same?

Well this is more of a pudding than a normal jelly. It's sets in just 5 minutes whereas jelly feels like it takes forever to set!

Lets just say it tastes a lot nicer than it looks!

A very cheesy (and cringey) picture from the Tinie Tempah gig last night! Had such a fun night despite being elbowed several times. Another bonus is I managed to smuggle in my hip flask, so I only had to buy one extortionately priced coke to mix with it! Extremely cheap night!

I decided to wear my sheer blouse which I'm really thankful for, as it was ridiculously hot in the arena!

Thursday, I'm going to watch the Christmas light switch on in Manchester. I've missed it every year so nothing's stopping me this time! I hope it's not a let down now ;)

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I can't feel my feet

2011-11-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

So Bonfire night was fun. Me and some friends went to a local firework display. We lit sparklers and drank mulled wine. I took some photos of the fireworks which didn't come as good as I'd hoped, but it was enjoyable all the same.

This would have turned out nice if it didn't have my mates head peeking in the corner!

I found a horse friend... y'know, as you do.

And it's that time of year again, when Starbucks bring back my much loved gingerbread latte. And it was buy one get one free, so it's the perfect excuse :) I also bought a pack of their Christmas blend which I've yet to try!

Hair Mare

2011-11-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

I can never decide how to have my hair. I've had the same style for ages and it bores me. Yet I've not got the courage (or should I say balls) to do something crazy and get it chopped off (well, some of it) So I guess the easiest way to update it is to style it differently.

I'm not used to wearing my hair up, but at the moment it's necessary as my fringe has almost grown out and it's at that annoying in between stage.

I've not had a centre parting since I was about 12... it really doesn't suit me at all. I feel too exposed as well if that makes any sense at all. I dunno, it's fun to experiment I guess. And at least it can easily be put back into place. Unlike all the dye related disasters I've had over time.

Annnnd normality is restored.

I created another set. I love the colours, a bit of a tropical vibe going on. Perhaps not appropriate for Autumn but then maybe an injection of colour wouldn't do any harm...

RAW by jenkiln featuring skull earrings

Saying that, there are some lovely colours around right now. I took this from out of the window earlier today. The contrast between the greens and reds is beautiful :)

Candlelight

2011-11-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

So this is my Halloween pumpkin, well a joint effort with my friend! They sold out when I got down to the supermarket so I was a little disappointed! The wig was my mates from the other night! She's a bit creepy looking... I think it's the eyelashes ha.

Anywho, I decided to make good use of my 25% off American Apparel voucher in last weeks Grazia. Couldn't resist buying a stars+stripes print tote bag. I have about a million totes, but none as good as this! I also got a cute burgundy top. I'm just about over the fact I used to wear it everyday for school, so I can finally wear burgundy again... or maybe I should call it 'wine'... yeah, that doesn't seem so bad now.

I now have a stars+stripes canvas holdall, tote bag, jeans, jumper, crop top, knickers, socks, trainers... I think this is bordering on obsessive.

It really bugs me when the clocks go back. I hate going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. Also, it makes you feel like you should be in your pj's by like 7 o'clock! Or maybe that's just me and I'm getting old. I do love my panda pj's though, I feel like they were made for me. And it's nice curling up with a cup of tea in front of the tv with some candles burning in the background. xo

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T04:59:00.000-07:00

Think I have finally recovered from Saturday fancy dress night out! Having only had about 4 hours sleep the night before due to a nasty eye infection then spending the day in work looking ridiculously lob sided with my freaky red, puffy eye, I'm surprised I had any energy left.
Anyway, all in all, it was a really good night!

I took a few pics before going out...

My mate idolises Nicki Minaj - hence the outfit! I think there was 2 pillows used to create the arse!

My slight obsession with baseball decided my outfit! Was such a nice change to go out in comfy clothes and trainers instead of heels! Made dancing a lot more fun.

My bf decided to go as Mario. Which went down quite well, turns out everyone wants a photo with Mario!

We met with some friends, who were dressed as normal Halloween characters like zombies and pirates, complete with fake blood and messy hair. We decided to do Halloween American-style instead haha.

Now I need to dash to the supermarket to find a last-minute pumpkin and buy some sweeties! Better get deciding how to carve it too. xo

New converse!

2011-10-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have a slight obsession with all things stars and stripes. So it was only natural for me to purchase some stars and stripes print converse! Right now they are way too 'new' looking. I prefer the more lived-in look (similar to my cream ones I've had 5 years) I have some major wearing in to do!

I made a few 'looks' on polyvore. The first one (below) is quite a feminine, soft collection, lots of neutral and pale pink tones. I do tend to stick with the whole jeans and trainers look (sometimes a bit messy and grungy), but for night time I think its nice to dress a little prettier.

Romantic Blush by jenkiln featuring pearl jewelry

In contrast, I've made one thats a little more daytime and slightly more me.

Meet my cat, Maki! And yes that is a lid on her head... which, surprisingly she didn't seem to mind wearing as hat.

I need to go and find some navy shorts for my halloween outfit! It's a lot harder than it sounds, and I don't want too spend much as it's silly if I'm only going to wear them once.

I miss summer!

2011-10-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

In other news, I got my Tinie Tempah tickets in the post today!

They were a birthday present for a friend, which I ordered in March! I was beginning to think they were never gonna come.

Oh and I made the most delicious spicy butternut squash and sweet potato soup! A definite must as the days are getting shorter. Which I will be adding to my Moleskine recipe book (geek).

Now I'm off to go for some food and watch Paranormal Activity 3!
Sorry for the short post! xo

Fallen Leaves

2011-10-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has passed by! I do love Sundays though, so nice and chilled. I'm just waiting for my lemon drizzle cake to cool so I can ice it, whilst watching Ace of Cakes :)

I saw these halloween themed oreos in the supermarket and couldn't resist! I'm super excited for halloween. I've bought my pumpkin, but I'm not sure how I'm going to carve it yet! Got a week to find some inspiration.

Few pics from last year! (I'm not sure why I've got a cat face, it was no fancy dress occasion. Possibly too much punch!) I have this tradition with my best mate, where we always carve our pumpkins together and light sparklers ect. Child at heart I know! xo

Hello Autumn!

2011-10-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

I did eventually find a maxi skirt. Not really in the colour or material I was hoping for, I guess I just settled in the end. I saw some lovely autumnal shades, but unfortunately they only had a deep chocolate brown in my size. Typical, I really wanted a burnt orange! Anywho, I'm going to check out some in American Apparel next week, so fingers crossed they'll have what I'm looking for.

I've got a list as long as my arm of new bits and bobs I want for winter. A new coat would be nice, but I'm annoyingly fussy when it comes to coats. Shoes however...

I'm in love with these Liberty for Nike Dunk High trainers. The plane print is really cool!

And also these lined Converse. I reckon they'll look good with some tall, thick socks and tights.

One day I might start wearing practical footwear but until then...

I've noticed there have been some really beautiful sunsets lately. This was one I snapped last night :) xo

Berries

2011-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

I've recently warmed to berry lips which is unusual for me. I go for corals, reds and occasionally pinks. But nearing halloween and all that, it seems fitting. I've found the perfect berry shade for me. It's super sheer and easily buildable. For the daytime, one stroke is definitely enough (as not to scare)

And for a stronger, more striking look... a few more layers!

The shade I'm in love with is a Nars lipstick called Fast Ride. Okay, it looks a scary, but does come out much sheerer!

(However, the only downside is that it doesn't stay on for very long)

Anyway, I'm off for a shop. Hopefully I'll find some inspiration for some Christmas presents. I'm not being overly keen, but it's good to get ideas as I hate leaving things 'til last minute!

A pic from the beautiful gardens I found the other day! xo

Winter is coming

2011-10-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

Despite the cold, cold weather, this weekend it was quite pleasant. The sort of weather, if you wrap up well, its perfect for a stroll. The winter sun is so harsh though. Not that I'm complaining! Wont be putting my sunnies away just yet.

At least I got to wear my new snood!

There's something so relaxing about baking on a sunday. I decided to make lemon cupcakes and then I cut out a small groove in the top and filled it with lemon syrup.

And finally decorated it with lemon buttercream (I know lemon overload!) And some sprinkles. They turned out pretty tasty :)

Now I'm off to nibble on one with a cup of tea.
Also if anyone knows where I can buy a nice full length maxi skirt from, then please send me a link! I've been trawling the shops for weeks and I'm yet to find a decent one. xo

Friday feeling

2011-10-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

This week's gone super fast!

This is my latest look. When I say latest, it's actually from about a month ago. Its no where near warm enough to go tightless.

I'm actually a bit gutted that summer is over. Well not that we had a proper summer in England. But the slightly warmer weather was a bonus! I was in denial of it getting chillier for a while, but now I've decided to embrace the cold weather. Look forward to the little things like the christmas markets and gingerbread lattes instead. And I also bought a snood.

From Urban Outfitters. I love their accessories. And I'm a little bit obsessed with navajo print still.

So glad its Friday! Enjoy your weekend! xo

WAVES

2011-10-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

So as I said before, I was going to tell you about my new Babyliss Waving Wand. It's similar to an ordinary curling tong, but the barrel is slightly flatter, not quite as spherical, which is great if you want loose, natural sort of waves, rather than corkscrew curls.
Don't get me wrong, I do love curls, but waves are so much more low-maintenance. And you don't have to be to careful when using the wand. In fact, the messier the better, I reckon!

<< I know its not easy to tell, but you can sort of make out the shape of it!

The easiest way to do it is to point it downwards like you'd do with a curling tong.

There are 5 different heat >> settings, ranging from 155 - 200 degrees.
I usually use the highest heat (even though it's so bad for your hair) just because its quite thick and it's quicker to use on this setting.

You do get a lovely (cough) black satiny heat-proof glove. I'd say when you get the hang of it, you wont need to use the glove anymore.

Only downfall there is though, is that the power button is basically a click-on, click-off one... and a few times whilst I've been holding it, I've turned if off, which is slightly irritating.

I must admit, they stay in pretty damn well, and I wasn't even wearing hairspray!
An idea of the waves, from a walk in the woods yesterday! >>

Anywho, this is my latest look...

I better dash, I've got my 3 month eye check-up since I had them lasered. Super excited to know the final result! If they tell me I have x-ray vision, then y'know, its a bonus.

xo

Happy Wednesday

2011-10-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I last posted on Lookbook. I don't take it too seriously, I'm not one of those girls who can buy a new outfit everyday and spend a long time on editing photos unfortunately. But all the same, its a bit of fun.

I decided to post a pic of one of my outfits on a recent trip to Milan anyway (below)

Such a great trip! Which was spontaneously booked 2 days prior to flying. Can't say I've ever booked anything that last minute before. I wasn't 'wowed' by the food like I thought I would be. Slightly disappointed if anything! (minus the gelato, which was to die for) I did have a slight (understatement) obsession with the Vespas. I can't explain why, I mean, I don't think I have the confidence to scoot around on the roads, ducking and diving between cars! But every time I saw an attractive looking one I had to snap a pic (sad, I already know!) This one is my desktop background...geez I need help...

Anyway... one thing easier (and not to mention cheaper) to change rather than an outfit, is one of my vices - nail varnish! Im a bit of an addict to put it fairly. So I've picked out 5 of my favourite colours to share. They're all quite different to one another, which I like. I get bored easily so rather than dying my hair every other week (which i shockingly used to) its much better to just paint away!

From left to right:
1. Nars - Dovima
The perfect pillar box red! (The photo doesn't do it much justice if I'm honest!)
2. Nails Inc - Jermyn Street
An easy to wear shade of greige. Probably the colour I wear the most. There's pretty much no outfit it doesn't go with.
3. Chanel - Riviera
Perhaps not my favourite colour, but suits perfectly when I'm in a pink mood.
4. Rimmel - Ultra Violet
Love, love, love this colour! Its a bit unusual but it's amazing how easy it goes on (and a brilliantly cheap price!) I prefer varnishes with wider brushes.
5. Gosh - Forest Floor
At first I thought, hmm green? But its grown on me loads since then. In fact it's the colour I decided on wearing today :)

Also, I recently purchased a new electrical gadget - Babyliss Waving Wand! It's an alternative to curling with my straightening irons, and I absolutely love it, so much so I will post pics of how my hair has turned out later on.

Ciao! xo