New

What's new this week?

1. Actually writing a blog post.
2. Moving back home and getting a new job (start next week!).
3. Books & reading (using Goodreads more)
4. Perfume samples from Alkemia on Etsy - they smell so good.
5. Jeans from the Gap sale.
6. Flowers
7. Feeling relaxed and happy.
8. Enjoying the quiet.
9. Clearing out my room (bit by bit).
10. New bike and bike rides.

frankie x
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When it's too hot to wear makeup (but you want to)

Not that I'm complaining, but recently in England it's been pretty warm. That kind of humid heat where you definitely don't want to feel a layer of makeup on your skin. In these situations I am devised a fool proof way of incorporating makeup into my routine without it ending up smudged all over my sweaty face by the end of the day (nice image ey?).

New lipsticks for summer

I thought I would treat myself to two new lipsticks in some nice neutral everyday colours ready for the summer months. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon is a cream formulation in a lovely rosey pink colour and Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya is a sheer orangey-coral in a moisturising and glossy formula.

I picked this up in a 2 for £10 in Boots.

Have you got any new lipsticks recently? Any recommendations?

frankie x
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Alternative Father's Day ideas (that don't cost the earth...)

If you are fed up with all the stereotypical Father's Day gifts...

1. Cook him a nice meal and eat together (maybe World Cup themed if he likes football)
2. Buy him a selection of second hand books - one that he knows and loves and a choice of your own (write nice messages inside the cover)
3. Make him a playlist, or an old school mixtape/cd.
4. Watch his favourite film together and make some yummy snacks
5. Frame your favourite photo of you together/with family or make a calendar/photo book.
6. If he is an outdoorsy type - go for a walk together and collect things from your adventure as reminders
7. Go on a mini road trip together and take a picnic

Just spend some quality time together.

What are your plans?

frankie x
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My summer wishlist

Zara Lace Top // Monki Denim Shorts // Dr Bronner Organic Liquid Soap //New Look Black Floral Print Playsuit // New look sundress

I want to own a lot more lace covered things. And combine them with denim. Oh, and for it to be sunny in England.

frankie x
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2 in 1 - Blusher + Highlighter combos

Day-to-day I tend to wear either blusher or bronzer and maybe both (if I am really feeling crazy...). I don't really tend to bother with highlighting or contouring unless its a special occasion. Blushers that both add a bit of colour but also a nice glow are really up my street and I wanted to share some of my favourites with you today.

Plimsolls, Pumps, Sneakers

Whatever you want to call them, I've got my eye on these right now....

river Island gold glitter plimsolls // zara floral print plimsolls // h&m leopard print pump // h&m red sneakers // asos pineapple print plimsolls // dunlop navy lace up trainers

I can't believe I don't own a pair of plimsolls, they seem to be everywhere at the moment! Now just to chose which ones to get.

Do you own a pair? They look like they would be super comfy and practical

frankie x

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happy things

Life has been a bit mad recently. Starting a new job, commuting for 4 hours a day and finally moving house. I am now living in the big city, and to be honest, I'm a little scared! But, I'm also incredibly excited and very happy that it now only takes me about 30 mins to get to work. Relief.

Not only did I not feel I had the time to write on this blog but I also lacked the ideas and creativity. I felt very drained. That will take a while to fully come back I am sure but in the meantime I wanted to share some things that have been putting a smile on my face.

Reasons to be cheerful #8

I collection of things that have been making me happy this week.

Watching, Reading, Wearing #1

Birthday and other updates

So life has got in the way of blogging lately, It was my birthday on the weekend and I've just been pretty busy generally.

I got a new camera for my birthday so wanted to share a few snaps I had taken with it already.

Some birthday presents :) Notice a theme involving thing with cute animals on?

Loving lately

The best budget neutral eyeshadow palette?

Reasons to be cheerful #8

Weekly happies.

 1. Breakfast at Bill's. So good. // 2. SUN

Sunglasses

I don't think you can ever have too many sunglasses. Well, that is my excuse for my ever expanding collection.

My sunglasses in age order: Oldest at the bottom, newest at the top.

Quick Fix: Apivita Express Beauty Face Masks

I discovered these face masks while browsing the beauty hall of Marks and Spencer - this was one of those big Marks and Spencer with lots of different beauty brands. I had heard of Apivita before but I had never tried anything from them. After some research I have discovered they are an Greek company specializing in natural and organic products with a holistic philosophy.

Spring Picks: Jackets

Because I will never stop going on about spring...

It may be spring but in Britain that doesn't mean no rain, however I'm not sure I would mind so much if I was wearing this floral rain jacket from forever 21. I don't own a denim jacket but I am determined to get one this spring/summer, love this h&m one. Stripes are my current obsession and this monochrome stripe blazer is right up my street. A lightweight parka is a great option for a casual jacket when the weather gets a bit warmer but you still want to cover up and Leather jackets (or faux leather) are great all year round but I especially like the idea of a softer brown colour for spring.

frankie x

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Reasons to be cheerful #7

Just my usual weekly happy list.

1. Waffles last weekend

2. Trying out the Collection nude eyeshadow palette

3. Cuddles with Tigger

4. Beautiful flowers

5. New Revlon Matte balm

6. Sunset from the train

7/8. Day in leeds with the boy, this church looked really pretty in the light but it was hard to capture on my phone

Also:

It is 17degrees today! Will be going for a dog walk later to enjoy the sunshine.

Buying my favourite magazine, Oh Comely.

frankie x

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Hopes for March

If you follow my blog you may have noticed that I haven't done a weekly resolutions posts this week. I have been having doubts about these posts for a while, they felt a bit too forced, I liked the idea but keeping it up every week just seemed a bit too much. I wanted to keep the idea of having some aims and resolutions integrated into my blog but every week just wasn't working for me.

My new idea is a "hopes for..." series and I plan to do this every month. This gives me a little more flexibility of when to post and means I can be a little bit more in depth and thoughtful, if I want, or brief, if not. Don't want to put pressure on myself because then I wont enjoy doing them!

So, March. March could be a potentially big month for me. Not only do I turn 23 this month but there are a few other things on the horizon. 

My hopes are...

• Changes. There could possibly be some big (good) changes this month and I would quite like them to come to fruition (please).
• Feeling more spring like. Not only do I want for more spring weather, more spring clothes, more spring makeup, I would also like more spring feelings (how many times can I say the word spring in a sentence...). The weather may be out of my control but I would love to feel more "spring-like" in myself (if that makes any sense?).
• Read more. I got to off to a good start with my reading goals this year but have let things slip a bit in February. I aim to get back on the reading wagon this month.

I think they are the main things I am looking forward to/aiming for in March but I would love to know yours! Share them in the comments if you would like.

frankie x

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Wishful thinking

Just a few things on my wishlist. It's my birthday soon so ya know (hint hint to anyone I know reading this...).

the balm mary lou-manizer // clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brigtening Toner // Clinique superprimer colour correct redness // mint green sandals // evelyn amethyst necklace 

Can you tell I really want an amethyst necklace? This one my oh my clumsy heart is gorgeous. I've had my eye on the Clarins toner for a while and the Clinique primer is something else I really don't need... but do want. Maybe the sandals are wishful thinking at the moment but come spring I think they will be lovely. The mary lou-manizer is definitely a product inspired by essiebutton and I do love myself a shimmery highlighter. 

frankie x

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Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

I am a big fan of the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation so when I saw that they had released a CC cream I had to try it out. I've not used a CC cream before, BB yes but CC, no (confusing eh?) so I wasn't really sure what to expect from this offering. The consistency is quite thick and creamy, offers good coverage (more than a BB cream I would say) but doesn't feel heavy on the skin. I'm not sure about colour correcting but it does a good job at hiding the redness on my face (from which I suffer a lot). I use the lightest colour and it is a really good match for my skin, as usual with most drugstore foundations if you are super pale or dark then you may struggle to find the right colour. I have tried applying this with my fingers and also with a brush (the real techniques expert face brush) and find they both work just as nicely.

With this line, they have also released a CC Eye Cream. This is a very similar consistency to the original CC cream but I offers a little more coverage. I like this as an under-eye concealer but it does have the tendency to crease a little so a setting powder is useful.

If you are in the market for a light/medium coverage base product then I definitely recommend this! I think it will be great come summer time as well when a lot of people want to wear lighter makeup.

Bourjois CC Cream £9.99, CC eye cream £7.99

frankie x

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Reasons to be cheerful #6

My weekly happy list

1. Going for a nice long walk on Saturday in a place I haven't been before. It was up high and there was amazing views.
2. Muji Log Fire candle. 
3. Cuddles with my little cousins.
4. Taking photos with my film camera.
5. Eating lots of vegetables.
6. Trying out new face masks - keep an eye on the blog for an upcoming post.
7. Wearing my hair natural and wavy (it desperately needs a cut though).
8. Home made peanut butter granola - using the recipe by a girl called jack.

frankie x

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Favourites on a Friday

I haven't done one of these posts for a while but I really like doing them. Just sharing some recent favourite things! I also have a bit of an update at the end as well :)

Love this video by Gillian (elevatormusik) on old makeup! Sounds like a weird topic but bought back so many memories of horrible makeup I used to buy/wear. Very funny

I am after a natural gemstone necklace and this amethyst one on etsy is gorgeous.

This floral milk bath by Fig + Yarrow sounds like it would be lovely and relaxing!

This article on xoVain about the sampling service on BeingContent has got me very interested, will definitely be taking a look. 4 samples for £3 and free deliver, count me in!

One of my favourite TV shows is Gilmore Girls (I definitely want to be Rory) and this reading challenge based on the show is right up my street.

If the tube map told the truth - made me laugh out loud.

Hope you enjoyed my friday favourites and just to let you know I now have a Facebook page! Yay! You can "like" my page if you wish, I will be updating it with new blog posts, photos and other goings on.

frankie x

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Spring Ready Makeup

Today is all about that spring feeling, yes I am completely in denial of the fact that it is still February. Spring is my favourite season, the sun, the flowers, the warmer air, and one way I am celebrating is my getting spring-ready, make-up wise.

Two new purchases have made their way into this post. The first being the Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning, this is an amazing makeup base that not only adds instant warmth and evens the complexion but also adds a more long lasting gradual tan to the skin. I have used this a couple of times and there is definitely no need to worry about becoming oompa-loompa like with this one. Its gorge. The other new product is the Revlon Photoready Skinlights illuminator in Bare Light. Again a base product but more of a glow giving one. It has a very light tint and just helps to inject a bit of life into your skin. The two old favourites come in the form of a blush and a lipstick. The blush is my Topshop cream blusher in head over heels. This is a gorgeous bright pinky peach colour that really livens up your face but isn't too out-there. The lipstick is one of my favourite red lipsticks, Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter butter in candy apple. Its such a lovely bright red glossy colour - perfect for when the flowers start to come out. 

I'm now in a spring daydream, time to buy more daffodils and hope that the sun stays out for March...

frankie x

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Budget Night Cream from Tesco

excuse my horrible nails!

Today I'm talking about the Pro Formula hydrating night cream from Tesco. I picked this cream up on a bit of a whim whilst I was doing some food shopping. Having been after a new night cream for a while when I saw this for £3 I had to give it a try. I haven't heard much about this range from Tesco so I wasn't sure what to expect but I am really impressed. I don't know loads about cosmetic ingredients but this doesn't contain mineral oil which I know can be something often found in cheaper skincare products and it contains Hylaronic Acid which is really good for dehydrated skin. This is a thick (almost balm like) cream that feels really hydrating on the skin but not greasy. Just as a disclaimer my skin type is dry/normal (more dry) so if you do have oily skin then this may not be right - they do, however, have a radiance and clear skin line within the Pro Formula range

For £3 I think this cream is fab and will definitely check out other items in this range next time I am in Tesco.

Have you tried this cream or anything else from the Pro Formula line? What did you think?

frankie

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Weekly Resoltion #5

The past week has not been too exciting. My mum has been off work so I have fell out of routine a little but back to normal now. Mostly enjoying there being a little more sunshine around to be honest. This next week (and onwards) I am definitely going on a bit of a health kick. The last few days have not been great food wise (pizza, nachos, cheese...) and I aim to eat a lot more fresh veg and salads in the upcoming weeks. 

My resolution for last week was to finish reading two books. I thought this would be relatively easy but it turns out it wasn't! I did finish reading The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and I have nearly finished the No1 Ladies' Detective Agency so not a complete fail but I do feel I should have done better..

Reasons to be cheerful #5

Another week, another list of happies. I can't believe I am on number 5 already!

1. Making some sneaky new skincare/makeup purchases including some Clarins products. I am sure that some will be featured soon on this blog so keep your eyes peeled.

2. My mum was off work this week and doing more of the cooking, she's a fab cook so I'm very lucky.

3. The sunshine! It's come out a bit more in the last few days and I like it a lot. Spring is getter closer (and my birthday).

4. Fizzy red wine. Nice.

5. Finally started reading The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

6. Putting the film in my parents old SLR camera and started taking a few photos. 

7. Tidying mybedroom - it needed it.

8. Divine 70% dark chocolate with ginger and orange - the nicest chocolate ever?

I'm currently trying to fight of the first signs of a cold so making this list has cheered me up a lot. 

Share your reasons to be cheerful in the comments!

frankie x

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Alternative uses: Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Permanent Taupe

I.e the best contour/eyebrow product that isn't designed to be a contour/eye brow product (but that was a bit of a long title).

I love the Maybelline Colour Tattoo cream eyeshadows (on and on bronze has to be the favourite) but I've had the permanent taupe shade in my collection for a while and not used it an awful lot. I found the shade too cool to use on my eyes and it has mostly been sitting unloved in my makeup drawer, that is, until now. I found some alternative uses for it, and thought they may be useful for people like me that couldn't find a use for this shade!

Ways to wear: Shift dresses

Today I want to talk about, what I think is, a highly multi-purpose, easy to wear, figure flattering dress type; the shift dress. There are many options - long sleeve, short sleeve, colour, monochrome, print...the list goes on. I feel like this dress type can be both casual and smart depending on how you wear it and I wanted to share some of the ways in which I might style a shift dress for different occasions. 

blue textured shift dress - warehouse // black snake print clutch - newlook // loafers - h&m // 

antiqued metal necklace - h&m

Charity shop book finds

Just a quick one today to share a mini book haul with you. I recently found these for bargain prices in local charity shops.

The first is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This is one of those books that I had heard a lot about without really knowing much about what the story actually was. When I saw it for £1 I had to pick it up. Looking forward to reading this one (the film is out soon so hoping to read it before then) - I think I'm gonna like it.

Secondly I bought The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson (for 70p!). I kind of got this on a whim and after looking at the reviews on Amazon I am a bit amiss as to if I will like it or not (the reviews are very mixed). However, it was a great price and I helped a local charity in the process.

Have you read either of these book and what did you think of them?

frankie x

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Weekly resolution #4

This week has been spent mostly been spent at home doing job applications and blog posts (as per). On Friday I travelled to my boyfriends and yesterday we went out to the theatre for our valentines celebration. We're so sophisticated...

Reasons to be cheerful #4

My weekly happy list (plus a few favourites)

1. Visiting Oli for the valentines weekend. Ok, it doesn't make it more important that it's valentines but it leads me on to number two...
2. Going to the theatre for a "valentines day" themed show. Now, Oli and I have never normally do anything for valentines day itself but I saw that there was a performance on in Leeds and we both agreed it might be fun! It's called From Paris with Love and I'm excited.
3. Feeling positive this week.
4. Appreciating the local countryside a bit more.
5. Not being flooded like some of the poor people nearby. Crazy weather at the moment.
6. Teddy. My boyfriend's dog. A super cute westie.

Favourites of the week

Blog post: Kate's post on using social media to promote your blog. Really useful and well written.
Song: The Wire - Haim
Video: This super cute home video posted by Hey Natalie Jean. Squeeee
Beauty Product: Re-discovering the Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paints.

frankie x

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Will you be my valentine?

Happy valentines day everyone :). I'm not a massive fan of the over commercialised parts of the day but secretly I love all the cheesy heart shaped food items and cute cards.

Isn't this the cutest thing ever? (found on pinterest)

I hope you all have a lovely day whether you are free and single/all loved up/celebrating/not celebrating! Let me know what you are up to.

frankie x

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Friday's feature: beauty oils

This Friday I am talking all things oils. That is, face, body and hair oils.

Having dry skin, I have always been a lover of oils. I understand they can seem a bit daunting for some (the word greasy springs to mind) however I have it on good authority that the right kind of oils are good even for those with more combination/oily skin. Today I want to share my favourites and how I use them. NB. I'm not an expert in any way these are just my personal thoughts!

3 product smoky eye

for the life of me I could not get a great photo of this - hope you will forgive me!

I haven't done a beauty post in a while but today I wanted to share my go-to quick smoky eye look. I wouldn't say it is as full-on as a "proper" smoky eye but it only involves three products which is a huge bonus when you haven't got loads of time to spare. As an added bonus they are all super affordable and easily available.

some nice things

A mid-week post just to share a few photos I've taken so far this week.

 If you follow me on instagram (mankiefray) you will have already seen this. It's my favourite smell. So good.

Ankle Boots: Under £25

from top-left: dark red open side zip ankle boots - £14.99 // chocolate chelsea gusset boots - £25 // lace up ankle boot - £16.99 // f&f panel ankle boots - £18 // brown zip side ankle boots - £14.99 // black lace up ankle boots - £19.99 // western booties - £22.90 // patent flower print lace up boots - £19.99

I think out of all shoe types I love ankle boots the most (I will probably have changed my mind come summer time). I wear them all the time and think they are so versatile. I know that buying boots can be expensive but I think I found some great booties that are a bargain at under £25! I really want some lace up "work-style" boots - I think they would be a great casual alternative to a trainer.

Hope you like my selection!

Weekly Resolution #3

I can't seem to write blog posts on Sunday, so again this post is a little late.

Last weeks resolution was about sending more regular messages to friends. It was a pretty successful resolution, not only did I achieve it but it also led to me meeting up with a friend on Saturday who I hadn't seen for ages. We had a really fab time in London and it was just what I needed after a pretty boring week.

Anyway, a new week begins and it's back to the full-time job hunt. I'm feeling positive though so excited to see what a new week shall bring.

Reasons to be cheerful #3

Excuse the multiple pictures of my cat (I can't resist)

1. Having a fun weekend in London and seeing 3 of my friends - yay!
2. Blogging every day this past week, didn't think I could ever do that.
3. The sun finally coming out for a bit! Ok, it's not warm yet, but it had been dark and grey for so long.
4. Eating avocado - yum.
5. Catching up with the Gilmore Girls - I love this show and have many episodes that I have recorded on the TV.
6. Receiving the two pigments I ordered from the Illamasqua sale (such a bargain). Haven't had a chance to properly try them yet but I have heard great things.

What has made you cheerful recently?

Things to Remember

Bit of a deep (/cringe?) post today. I was thinking about things yesterday and came up with this list and wanted to share them on here. Maybe I should print them out and put it on my wall? There is probably loads more I could of added to this list but these were the ones that first came to mind and 10 is nice round number.

Sometimes you just need to remind yourself of certain things I think.

Maybe some people out there can relate to these? Or maybe I'm just a bit odd...

Feel free to share your personal lists in the comments if you so wish :) 

Layers and Lace

lace panel leggings // lace trim skirt // lace side top // lace trim slip dress // grey knit jumper // denim shirt // maxi skirt // grey slouchy top

I'm not sure if this is exactly a "trend" but I have seen a lot of lace in magazines recently. This is definitely a look I'm going to enjoy in the spring months (if only they would arrive a little quicker).

Recently Read

I know i first started this blog as a mainly beauty blog but along the line it has taken more of a general lifestyle turn. I'm enjoying having more freedom in what I am writing about so hopefully you enjoy reading as well! I thought today I would share some books I have been reading lately and give you a very brief overview of what I thought about them.

Current face base favourites

On days when I am wearing makeup (not every day at the moment) this is most likely to be the selection of products that are being slapped on my face.

Weekly Resolution #2

**Recap: If you haven't read my blog before I am trying to keep different resolutions for every week in 2014. See previous post here.**

Last week I said I would get up and be dressed for the day by 9am every morning and I am pleased to report that I managed it. I ended up having a productive week so it must be working. My new resolution comes a little late this week, I meant to write this yesterday but my boyfriend was visiting and we spent the whole day in London (I would say that is a good enough excuse). I also have taken a bit longer to figure out what my resolution will be for this week (I want them to be meaningful and useful).