Author: ramblingmads

I am a thirtysomething from London, with a cat, a husband, bookshelves which keep threatening to crush me under their load and chronic health conditions. Basically your average over stressed millennial. Welcome.
life, politics, questions, thoughts

Oh America….

ramblingmads

This is my formal request for a refund for 2016. It has been a complete shit show and I would like a do-over.  

Reading the reaction of the black, Latina, LGBT, scared Americans to the election of the world’s first orange President, a man who has threatened to deport innocent citizens for the ‘crime’ of being immigrants, Muslim, Other. His running mate, Mike Pence believes that electric shock therapy can cure being gay, who thinks women who suffer miscarriages should be imprisoned. These are frightening times. 

Several people have drawn a connection through history, from the rise of fascism in the 1930s and what I am calling the new hate of 2016. From Brexit to this week’s election, fear mongering is up and being different is marking people out. 

But there is still hope, there is still love. Now is the time to speak up, to stand up and be counted. To show solidarity and support for those who find themselves victims of this new groundswell of hate and bigotry. I am reminded of the following poem. I for one will be speaking out because we cannot let anything like this happen ever again. 

books, reviews

Book Review: The Bees – Laline Paull 

ramblingmads

This book’s premise is really interesting, charting a year in a bee hive from the perspective of one of the bees, Flora 717. 

Born into the lowest caste of bees, the sanitation workers, Flora 717 is a rather unusual bee. She makes her way through the hive, navigating the strict rules and life of the colony from Spring through Summer and Winter, days filled with Devotion and service. She witnesses extreme tragedy as well as joy, saves a few lives and learns that sometimes standing out is better  than fitting in. 

The writing is strong and pacey, the narrative flows well and I found it quite compelling. 

To be honest I wasn’t sure about this book buy in the end I was really pleased that I had read it. 

hygge, lifestyle boxes, reviews, skincare

Moi-Meme – Hygge box

ramblingmads

The Danish concept of ‘hygge‘ is everywhere this winter, pronounced ‘hoo-gah’ it’s a sort of cosiness that’s pretty hard to describe but it’s meant to be the reason Danes are so happy. 

Moi-Meme is one of the pricier subscription boxes out there and only arrives every few months. The last one was a summer adventure box and this one is all about cosy comfort. 

The box smells delicious because of some of the treats inside. 

I get very cold feet in the winter – poor circulation is a pest, so these snuggly bed socks are perfect – although I can’t wear socks in bed, but hey they’ll be great inside boots or slippers. With a little dash of cashmere they’re so soft. 

From the same people as the socks is a little lavender bag, which can be popped under your pillow or tucked in a drawer to keep things fresh. Mine is heading for my knicker drawer – so I get a whiff when I open it in the morning. 

Two skincare products from Danish brand Nuori next – one of which is fullsize (thank you luxury box gods). 

First up the Vital Foaming Cleanser – made with Pomegranate enzyme and radish root extract this gentle cleanser stripy dirt and make up but leaves skin’s natural oils so it’s not drying. Perfect as I am literally scraping cleanser out of the bottle. 

Vital Eye Cream is lightweight and full of skin loving ingredients including shea butter, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. 

I like that Moi-Meme always includes an accessory of some sort. This time it’s a bracelet from Swedish brand Edblad. I got the yellow gold one, which isn’t really my style so I might take advantage of the Moi-Meme swap service and exchange it for either the rose gold or stainless steel. 

Finally there’s the candle for that all important hygge atmosphere. This one is from The Bath Candle Company and is available in a range of scents. Mine is Dark Pomegranate and despite normally preferring lighter scents, this is delicious. 

As always the box items will soon be available in the Moi-Meme shop along with others from the brands included. Subscribers get a discount on all items, which is great if you want to top up your box items or buy gifts. I’ll definitely be taking advantage of this as I have seen some gorgeous things in their shop that are perfect as Christmas gifts. 
As with the first box I love this, it feels really thoughtfully curated based on the questionnaire I filled in when signing up. The box might be a pricier one than many but the items cost massively outweighs it. 

beauty, beauty boxes, lifestyle boxes, my little box, reviews

My Little Brooklyn Box

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My Little Box has gone to the Big Apple – a city closely linked to France, who gifted the Statue of Liberty to the Americans. 

Brooklyn, a borough of New York famous for its hipsters and baristas has inspired this month’s box, as has coffee, and I hate coffee. 

However, I quite like this box. 

Inside are a whole host of goodies. 

The sticker has gone into my phone case as it makes me smile and will remind me to relax and not go to panic stations all the time. 

Firstly the beauty treats; 

Terrybly Crayon Kohl By Terry – this a gold eyeliner/eyeshadow crayon. I already love it. 

Tigi Catwalk Fashionista Violet Mask – specially formulated for blondes (there’s a brunette version too) this fullsize hair mask smells ok and is supposed to boost hair. Which is perfect as mine needs a lift. 

My Little Beauty Save My Nails Strengthening Treatment- stop reading my mind MLB. My brittle nails need some TLC so this is great. 

Also in the box are three lifestyle treats too. 

Enamel “Coffee Made Me Do It” mug – quite cute but I don’t drink coffee so it didn’t make me do anything! This cup is the perfect size for soaking my beauty sponges in however, especially as I just sorted and downsized our mug collection. 

Latte stencil – or in my case hot chocolate stencil. 

Pins – there is a doughnut pin and a matching pair of lapel pins – which I thought were earrings! Adding these to my pin collection right now. 

There’s an art print with a cute design by illustrator Kanako and a copy of My Little World magazine, which I will enjoy flicking through on my commute.

 The little cloth bags are really durable and can be used in all sorts of ways and as Christmas is slowly creeping one way is as gift bags for all sorts of treats. How do you use yours? Let me know in the comments below. 

beauty, beauty boxes, glossybox, make up, reviews, skincare

Glossybox October Unboxing

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This box has been put together with blogger Estee Lalonde as part of the promotion for her new book, which features heavily in the box card insert. Beyond that I don’t really see the connection as it’s the usual pink and black packaging, unlike previous collaboration boxes. 

Inside are five products and a bonus mystery item.  

Trifle Cosmetics Lip Parfait – the packaging on this is very cute but the actual lipstick is a really pale, almost translucent pink. To be honest I don’t know if I’ll get much use out of it as it’s several shades lighter than my actual lip colour so wouldn’t even work as a nude tone. 
Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigeuese- I’ve had this in so many boxes now it’s getting a bit silly. However as Christmas party season looms and I like glitter, the shimmer in this oil is a good look in my blonde hair or on my pale skin. 

Top – lip parfait, bottom – cheek/lip stain

Universal Beauty Cosmetics Secret Flush Soothing Cream Blusher and Lip Stain Duo – I used to be very into these two-in- one products and the pink on this would work better as a nude lip colour than the Parfait.  But there’s probably too much shimmer in there for a blusher. 

Bee Good Honey & Camomile Facial Exfoliator – I really like the lipbalms and moisturisers I’ve had from Bee Good so this gentle exfoliating mask, made with honey from British bees (and the company helps keep bees going – which is vitally important) is definitely being added to my bathroom stash of masks.

 

PS…Pro Illuminating Primer – so Glossybox supposedly is always full of premium brands right. Well this primer is from Primark’s own range. It just seems an odd addition. 

The bonus secret item – mystery shampoo. Possibly a Head & Shoulders number  (due to bottle design) this will be revealed on Estee’s blog at some point. It seems a pointless exercise for a travel bottle of shampoo. 
To be quite frank this was supposed to be my last Glossybox, I was cashing in the points for a freebie but due to a glitch in the system, that will now be November’s box. While this box wasn’t as bad as some have been, it wasn’t the best ever.

 

inspiration, life, wedding

Wedding Wednesday

ramblingmads

This week – are you traditional or modern? 

I’m having a traditional church wedding and then a massive knees up after with kareoke and a photo booth. 
The church is one I went to as a kid, my mum’s still a member of the congregation. Which is how I get to marry there – you have to have a connection to the church and parish. There’s a rather scary looking legal form to sign to this effect. 

We’re not overly religious but both come from church going families and I like the idea of the traditional ceremony and legal bit all tied together. 

It helps that the church in question is over 150 years old and beautiful. Perfect for photos and full of history. 

We went to a friends’ wedding a few months ago and they had had a civil ceremony the day before at the registry office and then a more public do the next day. It was really lovely and personal, full of touches that were very them. The groom’s late mother collected hourglasses and as part of their wedding the couple poured sand into an hourglass, uniting their lives symbolically. 

I’ve been to weddings on boats, in barns, hotels and temples. I don’t think there is a right way or wrong way to do it as long as it means something to both of you. 

But I won’t be saying the traditional vows – definitely taking the promise to obey out of there. 

I also don’t really want speeches or a first dance. The speech thing really bothers me- the bride’s father, groom and best man all talk and the bride just sits there. 

It harks back to when marriage was a business contract and a woman was property and it makes me squirm. 

As for dancing, we’re not the most coordinated of people and having wiggled into am expensive fancy dress I really don’t need the Mr running it over with his grubby wheelchair wheels (apparently suggesting he go through the car wash is mean). 

I don’t actually like being the centre of attention or having my picture taken so that in itself is a bit anxiety ridden. 

I’m still looking for the perfect party venue for after the church. We know what we want it’s just finding it. No sit down meal of lukewarm food that nobody really enjoys, no trying to guess what our guests will enjoy. 

We want a buffet of nice tasty treats, maybe a chocolate fountain, definitely a pick ‘n’ mix station and a fruit salad bar. Drinks for those that drink and tea and coffee on tap (we’re both from families of tea fiends). 

There should be a dance floor for the jukebox/kareoke machine we’re hiring filled with our favourite party tunes, we’re having a photo booth so our friends can take silly snaps, and if there’s some outdoor space a few lawn games, like giant jenga and boules; perfect for our more competitive guests. 

Casual, relaxed and informal, perfectly balanced against the traditional ceremony before hand. 

Even more exciting are my planned vendors – but you’ll have to wait and see next time. 

life, thoughts

The Temp Guide to Life

ramblingmads

Since the end of last year I’ve been temping, having quit my job of six years in an effort to restore some equilibrium to my life, here’s what I’ve learnt. 

1. You will receive little to no training so get used to figuring stuff out. 

2. Be on time, time is literally money when you’re paid by the hour. 

3. Get your agency onside – if they like you, you’ll get sent on nicer assignments. 

4. Have your interview patter down – know what you’re going to say and have examples. 

5. Scope out the lunch sitch as soon as you can, is there somewhere to eat your packed lunch or does everyone eat out. 

6. Plan your route, and if you live in London or another city, add extra time to accomodate delays. 

7. Be friendly but remember they are not your friends, it’s unlikely they’ll remember your name in a few weeks time. 

8. Getting paid weekly might sound great but it can wreck havoc with your bill schedule, hold onto your money to make sure your rent gets paid. 

9. All skills are transferable. Yes, even those ones. 

10. You will hate some temp jobs, just think of the money. 

11. You can give your all, but they won’t offer you a permanent role – aka the dream. 

12. You will encounter some really lovely people and some utter arseholes. Your interpersonal skills will be exemplary. 

13. All databases are basically the same – cheap, crap, utterly hackable. 

14. You will never earn enough per hour to put up with some of the utter bullshit in some offices. So don’t. 

15. Admin jobs basically equal office dogsbody, however they dress it up. 

16. You won’t get a leaving gift after three weeks, you might get a ‘thanks’. 

17. There is no holiday or sick pay – but you will still throw the odd sickie because your bed doesn’t judge you for breaking the printer printing off job descriptions to peruse at lunchtime.

18. Make the most of the free internet access and find your next job, polish your CV, fill in application forms etc, you’re probably only being given the shit jobs anyway – ‘make work’ or just tidying cupboards. I don’t get around to tidying my own cupboards so why am I cataloguing your stationery?

19. Get the Wi-fi password, fill the twiddling thumbs time with Twitter polls and trying to work out who that person is in all of your friend’s Instagram posts. 

20. You will become insanely good at filling empty time so you don’t get sent home early, you need the full day’s hours on your timesheet. 

beauty, make up, reviews

Doing the Dupe Shoop…

ramblingmads

For a while I was a bit of a snob about buying dupes, thinking it was always better to buy the fancy, expensive version. 

But buying dupes allows you to try the product before spending your hard earned pennies on the premium version. 

EBay and Amazon marketplace are a dream for dupe hunters – ok so the quality isn’t 100% but at these bargain basement prices it’s hard to argue.  

Shipping is often from China and pretty cheap or even free so while it does take a whole to arrive, it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg just in postage. 

These are some of my favourite dupes so far. 

Kabuki brush – Sal Ummbaby mentioned this a while ago and I had to give it a go. It’s probably my favourite dupe item ever – and despite being cheap as chips it’s lasted really well and washed nicely, holding its shape and not shedding much – better than some of my pricier brushes have. 

Beauty Sponge – I wanted to try a sponge but didn’t fancy paying 10 quid for one so these beauties were a great alternative. They last a while and wash ok, although be gentle when washing them as the sponge shreds if you’re too vigorous. 


Brush Egg – I saw a very expensive brush washing mat on a blog post somewhere and wanted something a bit less pricey to get my brushes properly clean and this little gadget does the trick. You swirl the brush over the ridges and the grime shifts (I use a little blob of gentle shampoo and warm water too). 

Oval brush – these seemed to be a big thing and once again a bit pricier than I was willing to pay to try it out.  I don’t think they’re for me.  And it didn’t cost much to find that out. This was OK as cheap brushes go, fairly soft and stiff, washed well without too much shedding. I just prefer my sponge blender. 

Rainbow highlighter – I think it’s wanting to be a mermaid/unicorn/pirate/spacewoman/superhero/princess that attracted me to the idea of a rainbow highlighter. Swooshing colour across my cheeks. I blame Rainbow Brite. Again this was expensive and almost impossible to find. But this cheap and cheerful knockoff was easy and simple to buy and while it isn’t the fanciest packaging ever, it’s good for a bit of the ol’ I’m a rainbow shimmy. 

Nail Polish holder – this is pretty ingenious, although the original is more than some of my nail polishes. It sits on your fingers and holds the polish bottle so if you haven’t got a flat surface (or surprisingly firm and well balanced thighs) it keeps the polish from spilling. 

I haven’t written about high street dupes because they’re everywhere and I think most of you know about them, but feel free to suggest them, or any other clever alternatives in the comments. 

adventures, wedding

Wedding Wednesday 

ramblingmads

I went to a wedding fair with the Mr and my Best Woman at the weekend. It wasn’t the big fancy kind but a small one at a local hotel/venue. 

I mostly took pictures of cakes, because cake. 

I also collected about a million business cards and fliers. 

We met a Toast Master- which is a thing. I don’t quite get it. 

Ate a load of free canapés, cake samples, sweets, and played how much of this chocolate fountain can I get on a little piece of pineapple before I end up covered in it. 

We went looking for ideas and inspiration for our wedding. We found plenty and also a potential reception venue as the hotel itself was gorgeous and ticks a fair few boxes. 

The Mr was very keen on hiring some slightly mad things like a giant connect4 and a bouncy castle – I think he was joking. But you can never be sure. 

There was a fashion show in one of the rooms but we were due to have Sunday lunch with my aunt and uncle so we didn’t stay for it. Which considering my aversion to wedding dresses is probably a good thing. I have no idea what I’m going to wear.  Pyjamas are totally acceptable right?? 

It was really useful to see what options are available and meet some local businesses who we might be able to use. I now have 3 potential reception venues to view including this one, which is great as I was feeling a little bit lost after my dream venue turned out not to be. 

I suggest going to wedding fairs, this one was free and 10 minutes from us, or open days as you can get a sense of the place and also what’s on offer where you are. Even if you don’t go with the vendors there, you might get some great ideas. 

beauty, beauty boxes, my little box, reviews

My Little Mademoiselle Box

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This box opens like a book, tied with a ribbon, which is rather neat. Collaborating with Freddy My Love & Claudie Pierlot this box isn’t the most packed ever but it does feel super French. 

Soft leather embossed envelope purse from Claudie Pierlot. 

Erborian Ginseng Shot Mask 

My Little Beauty Audacious Volume Mascara Mademoiselle 

Yves Rocher Perfume 

My Little World magazine