I choose you

So these are just some things I think that need a shout out - whether it be because they are un known or just receive my seal of approval!

 Skincare Product

The lush face masks - I mentioned them in my previous post but you don't often here about them and they are all natural and work on a specific issue so you can tailor them to your needs and they smell amzing and I cannot reccomend them enough!!

 Makeup Product

Now this product is definetely not under rated because nearly every beauty blogger in town owns it but the 'Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer' cannot be not in your essientials. It is a miracle worker and literally the only concealer that has really worked and really impressed me! 

 Beauty Tool

I am not very up to date with beauty tools I have a pack of fcuk brushs which are nice and then I bought the qvs dual ended foundation and concealer brush which I love - I prefer the concealer end but an all round good egg if you ask me!

 Nail Polish

I am currently your nude kinda gal I think Topshop nail varnishs are fab and I just think Topshop make up is sometimes forgotten and that makes me sad because it is so nicely packaged and the colours are to die for. The nail varnish I want to shine the spotlight on is Topshops 'Big Smoke' soooo pretty!!

 Haircare Product

Now those of you super savvy savers will be pleased with me here!!! I am showing you this product as it is 99p and better than any other hair mouse I have tried!!! It is the Alberto Balsam Intensive Conditioning Treatment with honey and almond extract. It smells gorgeous, it leaves your hair so so so soft and it is a BARGAIN!!! If you live near a poundland or family bargains or savers run run run and pick up this bad boy as it is too fabulous to be ignored!!

 Scent

I picked this scent as I don't think that people would think to look here for I scent. I picked the body shops coconut body mist and I know for me the body shop is a bath and shower and I just wouldn't link it to actual perfumes but I was in an outlet and it was on sale and omg I cannot stress how yummy it smells. I love it and I wouldn't want it to be forgotten because of its home!!

Food

Now I do not think these are world wide but simply reserved for British mouths - however if you are from the UK please do not forget how good kids cereals are!! Screw healthy options go all out! My personal recommendation would be coco rocks as they are quite simply heaven in a bowl!

Book

I don't know how many of you will of even heard of this series but if you like trashy teen books which for me is an essential if I am relaxing and I don't want anything to deep as they are are an easy read, funny and always have a cute friendship and relationship not far from you own then I would recommend The Mate, Dates series by Cathy Hopkins!

Music

I don't think you will have heard of these guys but I went to a gig last year and they were amazing!! So please check out little comets! If you like Bastille then they should be up you street!

Film

Ooh I know! So near me there is a super duper cheap dvd store ( do not fear it is legal ) but the films are a few years old and it is 3 for £5 and we picked up the most hilarious film! It is called baby mumma and it is really funny, not tooo chic flicky but still a hint of rom com to make it my kind of movie! I would defiantly recommend a watch!

Laugh
The sloth section on the Ellen show - I cannot help but cry with laughter everytime I watch it!

 Photo

Ahaahahha I found it lost within the depths of a comedy blog!! If someone breaks your heart always remember this!!

Quote

'Don't kill yourself today, wait, let this be a reason to wait for things to get better'

So I hope I have inspired you to check out some of these things you may not have even heard of before! I tag you all to do the same!

lots of love

Soph

xox

Make-up snooping.....

On Wednesday night, I was supposed to be staying in our flat in London... however I had no windows in my bedroom due to them being in the process of getting replaced.

Therefore I popped over next door to stay with one of my bestest friends (I cannot tell you how perfect it is to live next door to your best friend).

The next morning she left rather early so I did a very very cheeky little snoop across her dressing table and documented a few of the things I was tempted to steal.....


I am slightly obsessed with her Urban Decay NAKED 2 palette. I am in love with it. Just look at the pretty colours I could play with it all day!!! 

It is definitely the product I am most jealous of... and she knows it. I will admit I had a little go with one of the colours, 'Chopper' - it's a perfect shimmery gold AND I WANT IT!!!!

She has a very beautiful nail polish collection, so I just chose my two favourites to show you. OPI 'French Quarter For Your Nails' and Topshop 'Stolen Sapphires".

The OPI is a gorgeous light stone grey. I thought it was a slightly unusual colour but I can imagine that it looks really nice on - I am a big fan of grey shades!!

I only own two Topshop nail polish's but I adore them and so when I saw this deep blue shade I felt heavenly. I know that these polish's work well and don't chip too quickly and it is such a pretty colour, omg I might just have to go out and buy it.


The last thing I picked out (she does have a lot of lovely stuff could I just add), was this foundation brush from Stila. 

I found a little collection of these: for liner, eyeshadow, power and lips too, I think. I love the colour of the handles and the brush tip as well. I don't actually own a foundation brush but I am very very tempted now that I have seen this.

I know that my dear best friend reads this blog - she will either love me or kill me now... but nonetheless I enjoyed my snooping immensely.

On a different note I have made an account on "We Heart It" and am love love loving it!
I think I may be a bit late getting this but for those who don't know it is basically like tumblr. If you would like to add me as a friend, my username is: minkas_world  (Soph also has it: soph_29 and her tumblr is naturu-l.tumblr.com)

So if you would like to enjoy looking at photos of cute animals, marilyn monroe, make-up, shoes, fit boys and other pretty things, do add me! 

Have a wonderful day,

Minka x

What's in my bag?

Topshop Clean Bowling Bag - £40

I always watch Youtube video's of "Whats in My Bag" so I thought I would do my own on here! This bag was a recent buy and I believe it comes in a couple of colours. It has a a phone holder inside, and a small zipped pocket too. 

Pink Umbrella 

Urban Outfitters fingerless gloves - I love love love these, they keep my hands super warm as they have a fleecy lining and they look so cute!

Paperchase Travel Card holder 

Topshop purse - I bought this a while ago, I just adore the Topshop purses I would buy them all if I could.

Paperchase Pencil

Kleenex Tissues - I do not go anywhere without a packet of tissues.

Earphones

Topshop sunglasses and floral case - I like to be optimistic and prepared for all types of weather... I do realise it is not likely to be sunny in winter months yet these live in my bag.

Red Diary - this is such a lifesaver. My Dad gave it to me as he got given it for free somewhere and didn't want it. I will be buying one exactly like this for next year because it is so useful.

The pages  look like this so there is plenty space to scribble lists and notes relevant to the week, as well as an address book at the back, and even more plain notes pages. Diary, I love you xxxxx

This little 'essentials pouch' lives in my bag - it contains stuff I might need whilst out and about and I will add to it the lipstick I'm wearing that day or some spare concealer if my skin is not behaving.

Carex Antibacterial Hand Gel - I am the tiniest bit OCD

Les Divines Alcoves Amoureuse In Love Stick Perfume - there is more about that in my perfume post:  click here to read it.

Mini nail file

Olbas Oil - I am a bit obsessed with this at the moment as I am suffering with a blocked nose due to my tree pollen allergy. I adore the smell of it (though it is really quite strong); I put some on my pillow at night which is especially useful.

M&S Peppermint Breath Spray - I don't like to chew gum so this is my alternative to having a nice minty taste all day long

Accessorize Love Compact Mirror

Glasses Wiper - this looks like a very strange contraption... in fact it is for cleaning the lenses of your glasses!

Cath Kidston Honeysuckle Hand Cream

Nivea Lip Care Pearly Shine - this is a lip balm but comes out a very light glossy pink on your lips. A nice subtle alternative to lipstick (which often makes my lips quite dry)

The final thing which you would normally find in my bag is a book:

I have just finished this (hence it not being in my bag), and it was really good, though I do love the Jodi Picoult books. It's quite emotional and hard hitting but a good read nonetheless. 

Jodi Picoult - Handle With Care

And that's all folks! I must depart as I have English Coursework to be doing (*silent tears fall from my eyes*).....

Hope your day is full of sparkles!

Minka x

P.S.... I have found this mini version of my bag IN PINK. I am desperate to own it!!!

Colour Wheel: BLUE

Hello hello!

I am so sorry I didn't do my colour wheel post yesterday - I had an extremely hectic day!!!
Anyway, here is my last colour post (for now), BLUE......

The most important thing I you will find in my wardrobe is these jeans.. I wear them an awful lot (probably too much), I have tried buying leggings etc and I do wear them but I always come back to my trusty jeans...

(Promise they are a dark shade of blue!) These are J Brand jeans, which my Mum very kindly bought me from America, and they are definitely worth it for me because I get so much use out of them. I am also petite with skinny legs so find it hard to find perfect fitting jeans.. but these do the job!

Next is a Topshop shirt I bought last spring / summer:

(please excuse my camera quality I was in a rush!!). I love the pink floral pattern on this and it's a lovely light material so perfect for warmer weather!

BRACELET: I bought this bracelet two years ago on holiday in Thailand. It is such a beautiful shade of blue and is a fab accessory for summer outfits.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN: If you're a regular reader you will know that I love this film and I would die if Eddie Redmayne fell in love with me. It is such a beautiful film and Michelle William's performance as Marilyn is outstanding. 

NOTEBOOK: I got this as a Christmas present and it is a beautiful notebook from Venice. It has a really unusual pattern / effect on the front and is too gorgeous that I am yet to use it because I'm so scared I'll spoil it. I want to use it for something special... any ideas?

See ya soon!

Minka x

Colour Wheel: GREEN

Hello hello! Time for another colour wheel post, and today's colour is green!
Now, I should probably say that overall I am not the biggest fan of green but I've tried my best here!

The first item is this Barbour style coat which I wear the whole time. It's fairly light but I've also been wearing it through winter with cosy jumpers and lots of layers. Believe it or not I got this from Boden. I also love the flash of colour inside which is nice and cheery!

The next two are both Topshop buys from a while ago:

This is just a simple sleeveless green shirt which I sometimes wear on it's own or I might wear a top underneath it and wear the shirt like a jacket.

I won't lie to you, this is actually multicoloured but I think it gives off a green effect over all. This is my baggy, lazy day jumper (it's quite long) it's so cosy :)

Ok some random stuff now:

GREEN TEA LIGHT HOLDERS:

I got these in IKEA a couple of weeks ago after I became a little bit obsessed with tea lights. I have them on my desk in my room and I think they're nice because they're a little unusual and it also means the flame can't set anything alight which is obviously a benefit....

AGATHA CHRISTIE: THE MURDER ON THE LINKS:

Something you should know is that I am a huge Agatha Christie fan (yes I know thats not very girly compaired to my usual style...). I have been trying to sneak one into a post and now I can because as you can see, it is green! I get through these books so quickly, as they really suck you in (I won't put it down.. even at the dinner table) and they aren't too long either. Another pro is that they are small books, in size, so they are perfect for sunbathing... I find it too difficult to read a great big hardback sized thing when lying down.

If you aren't a bookworm, then watch some of the TV episodes - there are loads and loads and they are excellent!

Have a wonderful day!

Minka x

Pre-Summer-Over-Excitement Syndrome

Hello y'all,

Oh my gosh did anyone else look out of their window this morning, saw it looked like a summer's day and got oh so excited?! Well I did. To celebrate this turning point I thought I would share with you what I know I will be using over the summer (I'm worried that I've gotten so over excited about a season that my expectations are far too high for what the reality will be... hence the title).

CLOTHES

I just love a pretty summer dress, I can't think of anything nicer. I have two new ones ready for this year, from Topshop and Superdry:

 This is the Topshop one, and I bought it in the sale at the end of last summer for a bargain price... which I have forgotten...
Anyway, I have only worn it once so far on a holiday over Christmas so I can't wait to be in it more often. You can wear it in the day just as it is or add some more glam accessories and makeup to go out, so it's really versatile. I also like the criss-cross detail on the back, just makes it a bit more interesting.

I bought this on Friday, so it really is brand new. I should probably point out that this is not a photo of me wearing it... I just found it on the website!!! It's made of a really soft cotton, so comfy for everyday wearing. I like the fact it's simple and easy to wear and again you can accessorise it up a bit. 

Now, I appreciate it is slightly odd to add a jumper to a summer post but I have good reasons!:

This is from Jack Wills, and it's a knitted white 'holey' sweater with slightly short sleeves and pink lines. Because of the holes it doesn't keep you particularly toasty, so it is perfect for summer as it adds a layer on top just for if it's windy or if you get cold very quickly like me.

Also from Jack Wills, a summer necessity.... A bikini!

I lost the bottoms to my favourite frilly black bikini over last summer so I decided to treat myself to a new one. I haven't owned a floral bikini before and had been after one for last summer but I'm very petite so couldn't find something I liked which also fitted. But finally my search has come to an end!

BEAUTY

(sorry if you don't feel nail polish should count in a beauty category but I do)

from the left:

MODELS OWN BEETLE JUICE AQUA VIOLET

Seriously this is such a cool one, it looks bluey-purple in some lights and sort of grey-blue in others. I just think it's so funky. 

ESSIE NICE IS NICE

Last summer I got quite into pastel colours and this was my fave. It's a very light lavender lilac and I find it's a really nice base for nail art too.

MODELS OWN NORTHERN LIGHTS

This was a Christmas present from la blogmate because she knows I love pink and sparkles. I often find sparkles in mass amounts can get too OTT and look a bit garish, as much as I love them - but because of the really light pink shade of this polish it's perfect.

TOPSHOP DAYDREAM

If you want to read more about this, look back to my February Favourites post... it was the winner of the random category and I expressed my love for it there and won't bore you by doing it again here.

NATURAL COLLECTION CORAL SHIMMER LIPSTICK

Again, I wrote about this in yesterday's post "Getting Glam" so refer back if you're interested!

ACCESSORIES 

from the left:

ASOS GOLD LEAF HEADBAND

I bought this two years ago (I think) from ASOS for a wedding, to accessorise my hair a bit. I was pleased to re-discover it when clearing out a draw a couple of weeks ago, because it looks so pretty on and jazzes up the hair-in-a-very-messy-bun sort of look I often end up going for. The only downside is, it's rather hard to get off my head because it gets stuck very easily and can result in a painful situation... but I shall suffer to be beautiful.

RIVER ISLAND PINK DAISY EARRINGS

A new buy from River Island for £5. I was looking for some big, statement stud earrings but none took my fancy until I found these! And I was pleased to find that they don't feel too heavy on my ears at all - something which has put me off big earrings in the past.

SILVER BANGLE CUFF BRACELET

I have no clue where this is from I'm afraid as it was a birthday present. Because I am a January birthday, I have been living in winter clothes since owning this and have found it a bit difficult to coordinate with a baggy jumper. Therefore I am looking forward to wearing it all summer long.

Now that I have written this it's dark again outside which has rather saddened me because I was enjoying listening to the birds tweeting outside my window with the sunlight streaming in but never mind.

Minka x

Feb Favourites!

Hello one and all!

My dear blogmate is still on her trip in London, and has been making me incredibly jealous, what with going shopping yesterday and the One Direction concert tonight - I have therefore made her promise she will do a post on it all when she is back home with some proper internet!
I thought I would do a February Favourites post in the meantime to keep you entertained. I'm hoping to do one each month, and hopefully la blogmate will too, so you can compare and enjoy our favourites (don't get too excited). I have made a few categories (yes I have a lot of spare time), to keep it consistent and also easier for me to choose what I'll write about...



SONG

I thought it would be a nice idea to start with this so you can listen to it as you read on. This month I have been loving Valentino by Diane Birch. It just sounds so happy and summery which is a nice thing when its artic temperatures outside:

PRODUCT
My favourite product which I have been using constantly is the Jack Wills English Velvet Body Butter.

I have tried a few body butters over the years but never found a really good one that I could call a proper favourite. But this stuff is amazing... firstly it smells so nice, it's soapy but a little floral (quite a hard one to describe) and it has the perfect thickness to it. The major benefit is that it's in a large tub so you can get so much use out of it. I've been using it a lot since Christmas time and it looks like I haven't made a dent in it!

ITEM OF CLOTHING

I was in Topshop a few weeks ago when I spied these shoes...

I do not regret spending £70 on them. They are amazing... you can wear them with anything and because I am so short I can get away with wearing them in the day and not look too dressed up, whilst gaining some extra height! They are so comfortable and unlike some of my other boots they are easy to get on and off - you can't see in the photo but they do have a zip on the side so there's no need to bother with the laces.

MOVIE

Recently I thought to myself "Omg I have never seen a Marilyn Monroe movie! I will buy some!" so I had a bit of an Amazon splurge and bought about 7... I have now fallen in love with these old movies and my favourite so far is The Prince and The Showgirl. If you have seen My Week With Marilyn , The Prince and The Showgirl is the film Marilyn and Laurence Olivier are making in that movie (MWWM is such an amazing film, one of my all time favourites and what introduced me to the wonderful world of Marilyn Monroe... and Eddie Redmayne -*faints dramatically*). 

I loved it so so much because it's funny, its girly, and it has some of the biggest stars of the time in it.. and it is set in London just to make it more exciting! Here's the old trailer:

If you have seen it or plan on watching it - my favourite scene is where she does a little dance infront of the sofa (it is also in My Week With Marilyn though thats obviously Michelle Williams version).

RANDOM

And in the random catagory this month, the winner is a Topshop nail polish. You will soon find out that I am a nail polish addict however I was lacking in pink shades and had been on the hunt for a while. I then came across "Daydream" when I was on a mini Topshop spree:

As with all Topshop make up products I love love love the packaging and I have to say it is quite good quality (I didn't have much experience with them before I purchased this) and the colour comes out amazingly after just one coat.

I also tried it out as half moons against a nude (Topshop - Nice n' Neutral) and it came out like this which I thought was cool (my hand looks like it belongs to a ghost because of the flash, sorry!):

And there we go.

Hope you had a good little dance to Valentino, feel inspired to watch a Marilyn Monroe movie and try out some body butter amongst other things!

Expect a post from the blog mate sometime soon, as explained above ^^^

Until next time,

Minka x