Monday 12 August 2013

I've been going sew crazy!

So, recently I've been getting to grips with a sewing machine again and it's been AMAZING! I love being behind a sewing machine being able to create something that I can call my own, and being able to say "Hell yea I made that!" :).

It all started off about 10-11 years ago give or take a year when I used to visit my nan and she would have me sitting there practicing some knitting, she even tried to get me to crochet but I've definitely not grasped that yet!. Anyways I then started to get bored of knitting, I wanted to get down and dirty with a sewing machine ;). You see my nan is a seamstress and designs and makes costumes for shows, wedding dresses, christening gowns, you name it, she makes it. So you can see that knitting a scarf compared to making an awesome outfit on a sewing machine is no contest :). So she used to give me little tasks to do on a little sewing machine even though I wanted to use the big loud industrial one she had in her work room! :)

Ever since then I've used the sewing machine on and off but recently I've really got into and I'm loving it! I'm having to borrow a sewing machine at the moment and it's really not the best one but I've made a few basic pieces on it and everyday I'm trying to think of what else to make :). I love redesigning band shirts and its so handy on a sewing machine! And Alex has been whining on about me making him some stage clothing, which I'm really excited about but at the same time I find it stressful/nerve wracking making things for other people. Because I know what I like and what I have in my head so making something for myself is fine but making something for someone else just sends me a lil bit cray cray :). But I'm sure ill get over that once I gain more confidence with the sewing machine.

Here's what I've made with the borrowed sewing machine so far -

Nappy/baby wipes bag (not perfect by any means but I'm happy with how it came out considering I'm no pro and this was the first "pattern", even though it was tweaked slightly :).

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Bean bag (I didn't follow any pattern for this, just looked online for an idea of what to do and some inspiration but yeah I totally freestyled it and it came out ok for a first attempt :)

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So yeah, I can't wait to become a total pro on the sewing machine. The only thing holding me back really is the price of fabric. It's so damn expensive! The material I used for the above items was quite reasonably priced, it was about £1.80 a yard. But that was in Essex, here in Leicester the same material is £4.00 a metre say whaaaaat? And on Leicester market they have such awesome material but it's like £6.00 a metre, which makes it cheaper just to go and buy something similar from the shops. I know it doesn't come with that satisfaction of making it yourself but damn it's also not giving me that satisfaction that I'm saving money either like it used to do when fabric was way cheaper. Hmmm I guess I'll just have to shop around, but it is really frustrating when you have all these ideas and creativity whirling around but you need to spend a butt load of money to get the fabric :(.

Oh well, I still have some really awesome skull materials I picked up in Essex that need to be made into something awesome :) so back to the drawing board I go! :D

Kylie xo

Monday 5 August 2013

SEVENTEEN Miracle Matte Foundation *Review*

Ok, it's taken me a while to get round to writing this review but here we go!

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Ok so, I'd never heard of let alone tried the brand 'seventeen' but I decided to give it a go as the packaging caught my eye and so did the purse friendly price. But what a mistake that was.

I prepped my face for the foundation - cleansed, primered etc. and then when I added the foundation to my face it didn't spread well at all. It just kinda smeared on, looking patchy all over and the patches were orangey which was also bad considering I had purchased the foundation in the lightest shade available named 'fair'. Fairly orange more like. I wasn't able to blend it at all as it was too thick, like a paste. I was so disappointed but I decided to give it another go but this time without using any primer, as I thought it might have been causing the bad blending. But even with no primer it went on exactly the same. My boyfriend even had a little laugh when I came downstairs with it on, how embarrassing! :).

To say this foundation was awful would be an understatement. I know that sounds harsh but I really don't want anyone making the same mistake I did because it was truly a waste of money. I like to take risks and try out new products but sometimes it really is worth sticking to what works for you and paying out that little bit extra for quality.

Thursday 4 July 2013

Leibster Blog Award!

Hey guys!

I have just been nominated for the Leibster awards by the gorgeous Paula Piranha! Thanks again!

So...

The Rules:
You must link the person who nominated you.
You must answer the 10 Liebster questions given to you by the nominee.
You must pick 10 bloggers with under 200 followers to be nominated for the award.
You must come up with 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
You must go to their blogs and notify your nominees.

Here are my answers to Paula Piranha's questions.

1. The best and worst foundation you have ever used and why?

The best foundation I have used so far has got to be Maybelline dream satin, it gives a nice even finish and its easy on the purse too!
The worst...I can't say I have come across a really bad foundation. Natural collection foundation smells awful though!

2. What is your favourite nail polish brand and why?

I would have to say Barry M. They are always coming up with innovative ideas and have really made nails more popular! They are also very high quality but also quite reasonably priced.


3. Are you a drug store girl or high end?

Not ashamed to say it, I'm more of a drug store brand girl! But I do very occasionally treat myself to more high end stuff. You have to really don't you ;).


4. What is your favourite cosmetic brand and why?

Right now, it's Urban Decay. I love love love it! I don't get to buy it very often because it is very expensive but when I do get to buy some I'm like a kid at Christmas! :). The eyeshadow primer is amazing and after using it, I'll never go back! And the eyeshadows are beautiful! The colours, the way they blend - everything! If you're like me and can't afford the high end stuff I recommend you invest in an urban decay palette, it will keep you happy for a very long time! :)

5. How many blog posts, do you post a week?

Not as often as I should do!


6. Who is your favourite beauty you tuber/guru and why?

I have always admired Kandee Johnson. She started off making these awesome little beauty tip videos and now she's interviewing Simon Cowell and travelling the world! Yet she remains really humble and sweet!


7. The best and worst thing about blogging and why?

The best thing is that it's your own little space where you can be yourself and write whatever you want and if you're lucky enough people like to be part of that little space! The worst...not reaching anyone!


8. Which beauty regime do you find to be a chore and why?

All of them! Haha um I would have to say dying my hair. It's such a long process and it damages my hair so I have to do conditioning treatments etc. So yes dying my hair is definitely a chore!


9. If you could work for one cosmetic brand, which would you choose and why?

Again Urban Decay, freebies, staff discount yes please! Haha no it would be amazing to work for a brand you really admire and be part of helping it continue to thrive.

10. What is your favourite shade of lipstick?

I don't really wear lipstick, but the last one I did use was Barry M - sunset and it was very nice. An amazing bright red colour, very poppin'!

My nominee's are -

Lydia at Cut Throat Beauty

Emma at The Pro Make-Up Blog

Boots at Sincerely, Boots

Selby at Selby's beauty blog

Mali at Maliberry Make Up

Hailey at Hailey's Beauty World

Gemma at Miss Make Up Magpie

Nicola at Strawberry Skulls Illustration

Mia at Teenage Beauty Blogger

Krystel at Krystel Couture



My questions for the nominees are :

1. What is the one beauty product you can't live without?

2. How long on average does it take do your make up for the day/night?

3. Favourite song of all time?

4. Which celebrity has the best style?

5. What is your favourite eyeshadow?

6. If you could choose to have either the perfect hair style or perfect make up for the day/night which would you choose?

7. Who inspires your "look"?

8. What was your latest beauty bargain?

9. Fake tan...yes or no?

10. The best place on earth is where?


Sunday 21 April 2013

Pro:voke Touch of Silver Twice a Week Brightening Shampoo&Intensive Treatment Conditioner *Review*

Ok, so for the past 3 or 4 weeks I've been slowly bleaching black hair dye out of my hair trying not to damage it by bleaching loads. I tried doing that a few years ago (will I ever learn to stop dying my hair black :p) and I ended up with a frazzled mess that I had to get cut very VERY short. So I have been living with what I can only describe as a orange, yellow and platinum mess :). The good thing is that it's not in terrible condition but will need a trim for sure. Anyways so I went to boots searching for something that would calm and tone down the yellow&orange. And I came across this stuff:



So I decided to give it a go. Now baring it mind my hair is at least 3 different shades right now it was pretty damn good. I mean it didn't help with the orange at all but I didn't really expect it to but it certainly toned down the yellow and turned the lightest of the yellow platinum! So it definitely does what it says but it also isn't a miracle provider so don't expect really orangy/yellowy tones to disappear, sorry guys :). But for yellowy blonde hair this works a treat!

I have 1 more bleaching session to go before I'm getting a hair revamp :) I'm pretty excited and I hope the image I have in my head translates well to my actual hair :D eeek!

Friday 19 April 2013

Eyebrow Threading - What's the hype?

So...I get a lot of people asking me about my eyebrows. And when I tell them I get my eyebrows threaded I get a lot of "what's that?" or "oh, I couldn't do that, it looks too painful". But I always tell them it's so worth getting done.



Threading if you didn't know is -

"When a thin cotton thread specially designed for threading is doubled, then twisted. It is then rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair at the follicle level. Unlike tweezing, where single hairs are pulled out one at a time, threading can remove short lines of hair." (Source:wikipedia)

Sound painful? Well I've been having my eyebrows threaded now for about 7 years and I must say it doesn't hurt at all anymore. I remember the first couple of sessions it was quite painful and my eyes watered lots but now no watery eyes and no wanting to jump off the chair and do a runner :). Also it depends on who does it, go to a professional and you'll be fine.

Eyebrow threading is particularly useful for people with fair hair like myself. I get lots of little white/blonde eyebrow hairs under and around my eyebrows and even in the right light I miss them and they are hard to grab with the tweezers. With threading you're guaranteed that they can get every last hair for an awesome smooth finish, the perfect base for rockin' some awesome eyeshadow.

Another plus is that it is really cheap to get it done depending on where you live. In most cities I've visited I've seen it advertised for under £3. I personally used to pay £2 in London, but since I've moved to Leicester it costs me £2.50. That's a bargain and a great investment in yourself :). And it's not something that needs to be done once a week either. I usually get mine done once a month and I just use tweezers in the month to pluck away strays :).

It might sound silly but getting my eyebrows threaded really lifts my mood and makes me feel more confident with my face. Don't underestimate the power of your eyebrows, they totally frame your face and can actually transform your look.

Look at this before and after picture



So suck it up and take the plunge. No pain, no gain right? :)

Kylie xo

Thursday 4 April 2013

Crash-fucking-diët!

Just got back from a job/short break in London with Acey. Whenever I go to London it always feels like I never left, such a warm, amazing feeling.
Ok, let's talk about music..
So I'm getting really geared up for the Crashdiët gigs in England, I'm so damn excited! They always play an amazing show and it's been like over a year since I saw them last :O Also I can't wait to hear some tracks off the new album live. It's a really fucking good album, there's not 1 disappointing song on it. So go buy it already if you haven't!

My personal favourites from the album are 'California' and 'Circus' check 'em out -


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Awesome, right? ;)

Check out crashdiet.org for their current tour dates. I'm for sure going to the Nottingham gig but am also looking into going to the London one too! I only really enjoy weekend gigs :p

So in a run up to the gig/s I'm trying to get my hair ready, it's all different shades of blonde and red (orange!haha) at the moment. Still holding onto that ombré dream <3
I was also thinking of creating some gig make up/hair tutorials? We'll see ;)

For now, stay awesome ;)