Currently Loving - August

I cannot believe how far we are through August already, it's flying by. I've been working hard the last few weeks in my little office on the set up of Three Little Búhos Stationery ready for the approaching launch- more about that next week- and I've found that there have been a few things that I have just been loving.

What do we have here then?:

Ohh Deer Black Cacti A4ish Notebook:
How pretty is this notebook?! I got it as part of my monthly Papergang subscription a few months back and have been saving it for something special. It turns out that the something special would be the start up of my little business. It hasn't really left my side since I started planning nearly a month ago. The pages are grid pattern so I've been able to use them for jotting out sums clearly as well as filling with mind maps, plans and stock ideas. You can pick one up for £4.95 *here*.

Staedtler Triplus Fineliners 36 Pack:
These are actually on offer in the back to school section of Asda at the moment for £9 which is a total bargain. I've always liked to write in fineliner and as a leftie with bad pen grip, these are perfect with their triangular barrel. I'm using these daily at the moment and colour coordinating different types of stock with different pens (I'm a sucker for a pretty page!) and the fact that the packet also contains 6 neon pens is just an exciting bonus.

Dream and Explore Pen:
Hands up, I snaffled this from my stock when it arrived because its so pretty. It's just a simple black ink gel pen but it writes beautifully. I also love the purple twilight colours and stars. Its hard to see from this photo but it also says "dream and explore". It's pen love. These will be available shortly from Three Little Búhos Stationery.

Ohh Deer Mini Bird Scissors:
These are another Papergang subscription item, they may have even come in the same box as the cacti notebook, but these little scissors are great for my planner as they can just be slipped in to one of the pockets, they are the right size for cutting washi tape and just really cute. They aren't on the Ohh Deer website at the moment but I saw on Instagram that they will be soon.

Heidi Swapp Glittered Hole Reinforcement Stickers:
I get through so many of these! If you follow me on Instagram *here* then you'll have noticed that I reinforce all of my holes with these. They're so pretty and also nice and thick meaning I won't be able to accidentally rip my pages from the rings. I picked them up from one of my favourite stationery shops; Bonbons Kawaii *here* for £2.20 in the sale. I think I have like five packets of them stashed away now haha!

Small Town Washi Tape:
This is another item that I am going to be stocking when I open Three Little Búhos Stationery. I had a roll that was a slight second so I wrote it off and I've been finding lots of uses for it. It's just so cute! I ordered it because I fell in love with the sleepy little star lit town and it's just as beautiful in reality.

Tesco Free From Choc Bar:
Not stationery but definitely planner fuel! I've recently had to cut out gluten, soya and hugely reduce dairy from my diet due to being under investigation for endometriosis and that's pretty tough on a chocolate lover! The Tesco free from chocolate is my favourite alternative that I've found so far. It actually tastes like the real deal!

Phew, this has turned into a really long post. If you made it this far then well done :) What have you been loving in August?

Annie x

June Favourites 2014

So, I'm currently propped up in bed ill, with not enough energy to really allow me to do much more than watch Netflix and browse Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/lampysplace/ if you're interested in beauty, home decor and recipes). At least Lolly the Grumpy Kitty is enjoying having some company.

I've been a bit naughty lately and treated myself to new products from some of the limited edition MAC collections as well as a Hugo Boss Deep Red perfume, however, I'm trying not to feel too guilty because they have all become instant favourites, alongside several golden oldies that I have been loving lately.

I've mentioned the Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid foundation (review *here*) many times before and it is a foundation that I still keep returning too when I want a nice even coverage that looks natural yet hides a multitude of sins. I went back to using this lately after the madness I had with the Seventeen Miracle Matte Foundation (review *here*) and have fallen right back in love with it.
The first of my little MAC purchases was from the Disney Maleficent collection in the form of the sculpting powder in shade Sculpt which is a tan matte powder perfect for contouring along cheek bones for a defined look. Whilst it is now out of stock, the closest MAC bronzer I can find is *here*.
Its unfortunate but just an accepted fact that I sometimes have trouble with spot prone skin. I don't know why because I eat healthily, take care of my face and don't have excessively oily skin but I guess it's just one of those things. Nothing works as well for me as the Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel (review *here*)which has been getting a lot of use during the last month as my skin grumps about the hot weather.
When the weather is warm I tend to avoid too much eye makeup because I find that it tend to smudge a little and just end up looking less pristine than I would like. This summer, instead, I have been sweeping on a couple of coats of the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara* (review *here*) which never fails to impress me with its results. It coats and lifts eyelashes instantly mking them look fuller and longer and the result lasts all day without smudging or clumping. Its a firm favourite.
My other naughty MAC purchase was the Mineralise Skinfinish Duo in Jolly Good (review in the next couple of days) from the Kelly Osbourne collection which is still in stock in a lot of stores so you can grab it if you're quick! This soft bronze powder is perfect for fair skinned girls like me who want to add a touch of warmth but nothing too dark. I either use it lightly all over for a glowing look or pair with the Maleficent powder to contour my cheek bones.
Finally, a perfume that I wanted for a long long time and finally bought myself a few weeks ago. Deep Red is a really warm, yet soft and sensual smell which is womanly without being overly sweet. Right now I can't get enough of it!

What have been your favourites recently? Have you tried any of these products? What were your thoughts?

Annie xx

February Favourites 2014!

February has felt like a month of recovering from winter and getting excited about spring this year and I've found myself reaching for spring ready makeup more and more in the last couple of weeks and I think this months favourite products really reflect that.

I love a nice flawless base and I find that the lovely fresh weather we've been having lately suits the Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation perfectly. It is a good coverage for building up a medium level of coverage with the smallest amount and where the formula has been whipped into a light mousse it still lets skin breath. I've been pairing it with a beautiful coral pink baked blush from Accessorize for a glowing, light flush of colour. The small amount of shimmer hits the light and gives a sheen that enhances cheekbones.
I've also been focusing on bold eye makeup lately, giving some less tried out products a trial so lips have been kept nice and simple. I've found myself reaching regularly for my Brave lipstick from MAC which was actually the first MAC lipstick I ever owned. It is a pinky nude shade that is barely there but gives lips a beautiful definition and lasts for hours. On drier lip days I've been whipping out a little piece of Lush history in the form of the Snow Fairy Lip Tint which combines the benefits of a lip balm with a slight wash of colour. It also tastes just like their Bubblegum Lip Scrub. I'd say that whilst this is no longer available to buy it is very comparable to the Maybelline Baby Lips products.
To complete my spring ready vibe I've been dousing myself in my all time favourite perfume; Moschino Funny which has been my signature summer scent for years now. Its full of beautifully bold fruity notes and to me just sums up so many happy years.
Finally, because no matter how much I try to deny it, it is still kind of winter out there and so my skin is still annoyingly dry I've been treating it to a daily helping of the rich and deeply moisturising Ambre Vanille Souffle Body Cream. I cannot get enogh of this stuff! It works wonders on my skin and smells completely out of this world. It's such a sophisticated, sensual smell- nothing like your average vanilla scent.

What products have you been loving during February? Have you tried any of these before? What did you think?
Annie xx

January Favourites 2014!

Suddenly it seems that February is upon us, which is crazy since it feels like January has only just begun, but here we are.
It's been a month of rediscovering old favourites rather than purchasing new especially since I'm not currently working so I've been shopping my stash and have fallen in love all over again with products that I've owned for a while.

First up is the very first perfume I ever owned and I can't actually remember where or how I got it but I rediscovered the Britney Spears Curious perfume just before Christmas and have been loving it ever since. It's such a warm, long lasting scent made up from light fruits and florals held to the skin with a base of vanilla and sandalwood. Usually I'm not a fan of celebrity fragrances but believe it or not, this one is actually really sensual and sophisticated.
Who doesn't love Nars blushers? I bought Orgasm around this time last year and loved it for months before moving on to bronzer for the summer. I used this during the pantomime season to add a pop of coral glow and since then haven't been able to get enough of it, especially now I have my fringe back so I'm going for an almost doll like look with pale skin, pink cheeks and bright lips. Beautiful!
Illamasqua is without a doubt one of my favourite makeup brands. The products are beautiful and the ranges are always so unique. Sparce is a baby pink speckle effect polish from the I'mperfection collection. I also have Speckle which is the same effect in purple which I use fairly often but the other day I picked up Sparce as a change and remembered just how pretty this mini egg reminiscent shade is!
I've raved a lot recently about the Clinique Spot Treatment Gel and oh my goodness I've needed it in this last week or so especially! After a few too many late nights my skin rebels but this works wonders to keep it in check and back to normality super fast.
Finally is the Rumble in the Jungle palette from Catrice. I picked this up when I was last over in Mallorca along with a few other bits to try out the brand. I adore all four of the colours and they work so well together. I've been using either the purple or light green along with my Naked 3 palette to add colour along the crease and just above to liven up the look a little because we all know how I like colour!

What have been your favourites during January?
Annie xx

November Favourites

November has been a strange month for me. The beginning was all about base makeup and creating the ultimate flawless look then after my operation makeup was taken completely off the menu and skincare became king.

A big part of creating a flawless base is a good combination of primers-I actually use more primer and concealer when building up a look than anything else- foundation is usually just a tiny amount blended in to finish airbrushing the look. My first product is always the gorgeous Nivea Express Hydration Primer (£4.99) from the Daily Essentials range which acts both as a light as air moisturiser and is a wonder for smoothing out any dry or oily patches all in one go. On top of this I've been really loving dabbing a little of the MAC Prep and Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer Illuminator (£23) which works beautifully to diffuse light, minimise the appearance of blemishes and create a lovely glowing complexion :)
My Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (£9.99) has been getting a lot of love lately. Its perfect for blending concealer, buffing foundation and contouring cheekbones so without fail I've been reaching for this every day and cannot recommend it enough.
For a long time, because I am so fair skinned I shied away from bronzing products, assuming they'd sit ridiculously dark on my skin and look a little muddy but now winter is here and the tan has worn off I've been loving the Soap and Glory Solar Powder (£11) very lightly applied to contour the face and give a very slight warmth without being too heavy. I literally swirl a blush brush through the product before tapping away any excess so I can be nice and light handed and just create a gentle glow.
My love for Nuxe has just been growing and growing lately and the product that started the love affair and gets the most use has to be the Miceller Cleansing Water with Rose Petals (£14.50) which I use daily, morning and night with a cotton pad to melt away any makeup effortlessly and refresh and soften the skin. I am a sucker for lazy but effective skin care so this is my number one product for keeping skin looking great without hours of foaming, scrubbing and general faffing.

So those are my most loved products from this past month. What have you been loving? If you'v written a similar post then link me up :)

Annie xx

A Few Favourites- My Photography

Hello,
Firstly I'd like to say hi and thank you to my new followers, I'm so happy that you like my blog enough to keep coming back :)
I've realised today that despite my huge love of photography, I've never really shared any of my work on here. I took photography as an A level and loved every minute of it. I especially love portrait photography, and fashion and editorial portraits at that.
I really enjoy spending hours applying make-up and finding the perfect place to take photos and I'm lucky enough to have a willing model in the form of Kassi who is one of my best friends.
Anyways, here are a few of my favourite photos, let me know what you think.

I love all four of these photos for various reasons, especially the last one. We had great fun playing around with the henna :)

My next big photography project will be at the iFabbo Bloggers Conference where I will be taking the official photos. I can't wait! Come and see me there.
What do you think? Should I post my photos more often? Would that be something you would be interested in seeing more often?
Annie x

A Few Favourites- Wedges

Hello,
How are you spending your sunday? I'll be on my way back to Bath in a little bit and have just enjoyed a lovely lunch cooked by Daniel.

It's no secret that I'm rather obsessed with wedges. I love how they look on and it makes me so happy that they aren't as painful on the balls of your feet as other heels. Here are my current favourite wedges that are on the market. Aren't they just gorgeous?!

1. These striped heel wedges are from Asos, and are (somewhat temptingly) in the sale at the moment. Ilove the cute colour on the heels.

2. These strappy wedges, also from Asos will be perfect in the summer with a pretty dress of uber short shorts.

3. Aztec prints are set to be huge this season and these Steve Madden wedges are an amazing aztec statement piece.

4. I adore these Miss Selfridge cream wedges. They are the perfect pair to dress an outfit up a bit.

5. These black wedge booties from Office simply must find their way into my wardrobe. How amazing are the colourful jewels?

6. I love the quirkiness of these Urban Outfitters orange lace up wedges. I think they'd look amazing paired with thick black tights and a vintage style dress. Yum!

7. Everyone loves their gladiator sandals in the summer and these royal blue wedges will be great for adding colour to a summer outfit. And they'll look great against tanned skin.

8. These bright red wedges from MissGuided just scream my name. I adore the colours and I love the striped heel.

Its shoes like these that make my little fashion world go round. Long live wedges I say.

Annie x

A Few Favourites- Photos

Hello,
I'm sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days, I was making the most of the last few days of my holiday. I have also been doing some thinking about my blog features and would love your opinion. My question to you is whether you would like to see me continue with the Sunday feature; From the Scrapbook, or would you be interested in a weekly favourites post or a weekly "get to know Annie" post? I'd love some help choosing what to do about my sunday post because from the scrapbook is currently my least visited feature. I want to keep you lovely readers interested so let me know what you'd like to see!

Anyways, today I want to show you some of my favourite photos of the moment. I found these all on pinterest (you can find me *here*) I think they're pretty fabby :)

One

 

Two

Three

Four

Five

Oh how I love photography  :) Maybe one day soon I'll share some of my more serious photos :)

Annie x