beauty, beauty boxes, look fantastic, reviews, skincare

#LFPamper Look Fantastic Box 

ramblingmads

This box contains: 

Oskia Renaissance Mask – passion fruit, grape, lemon, Papaya and grapefruit extracts to exfoliate and decongest skin. 

Mio Liquid Yoga – a bath soak infused with Epsom salts, lavender, arnica and mandarin to ease achey muscles and relax. 

Polaar The Genuine Lapland Cream – a lipbalm free from parabens, fragrance and colour. Contains polar berries, blackberries and lingonberries.  

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel – a blend of Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C and Indian Figurine to protect against free radicals. 

Laura Geller Pout Perfection Waterproof Lip Liner – creamy lip liner with jojoba oil and Vitamin E to condition. Shade; Cabernet (pinky mauve).

Alterna Caviar Moisture Intense Treatment- pre-shampoo treatment to rehydrate frazzled hair with Caviar extract. 

As winter starts to loom more ominously and the temperature drops skin needs more moisture and protection from the elements.  This box has some good bits in it to offer some support to skin and hair during the upcoming cold snap. 

books, reviews

Book Review: Crooked Kingdom – Leigh Bardugo

ramblingmads

If you haven’t read the prequel, Six of Crows, go do so and come back. 


Has Kez Brekker gone too far this time? After being double crossed at the end of Six of Crows he and his gang are after revenge.  

An elaborate scheme to get what they’re owed and then some, but with enemies piling up and short on resources, can Kez and Co pull it off? 

This is a read it in one sitting book, rip roaring alone at some pace and peopled with the characters I loved in the first book. Nina the Grisha Heartrender and her stoic Fjerdan love Matthew, fast on the draw Jesper and clever but illiterate Wylan.

This definitely needs to be read after Six of Crows, so much of the plot depends on knowing the first book. 

I don’t want to say too much or spoil the book so I’ll post this very short almost a review. 

If you love fantasy and thrillers, read Six of Crows and then read Crooked Kingdom. 

inspiration, life, wedding

Wedding Wednesday

ramblingmads

An occasional series about planning my wedding. 

This week – inspiration 

Wedding planning is slowly taking shape and I’ve been collecting ideas and inspiration from all sorts of places. 

Pinterest – this is the biggy, there are hundreds of ideas and images shared here, so I’ve been looking at decorations, venues, dresses, flowers, cakes, everything basically. 

Etsy – there are lots of fabulous things to buy here, from decorations to dresses, cake toppers to thank you cards. I’ve built a shopping list of my favourites to buy once I’ve got the budget sorted. 

Bloglovin/blogs – lots of other bloggers have written about their weddings and happily share their thoughts, photos and vendors, which is a great way of finding inspiration. 

Being a wedding guest – lots of my friends have been getting married recently and I’ve been inspired by their ideas, one of my recently married pals is even giving me some candle holders to use. 

Wedding magazines – to be honest these are a bit of a ripoff as they’re mostly adverts but if you find one in a hairdresser’s or dentist’s have a flick through. 

Wedding fairs – there are the big expensive ones in convention centres that cost a lot to go to, and then there are smaller ones hosted by venues, that are often free, and are a great way of seeing what’s available where you are. I’m off to one on Sunday just to get some more ideas. 

Specialist websites/apps – I came across Guides for Brides, which is basically a directory of wedding venues and vendors.  They also have a free app you can download to help keep track of your vendors and budget. There are loads of other wedding planner apps too. 

Have you got any suggestions from your own wedding planning or just things you’ve come across? Something you really liked at a wedding you went to? Share in the comments below. 

books, reviews

Book Review: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

ramblingmads

I got this in my last Illumicrate and for some reason put off reading it till now. I think I just wasn’t sure about it. Foolish me. This book is a right cracker. 

Mia Corvere was once a pampered daughter of a wealthy and important man, now she is a creature of death and shadows.  

She wants vengeance for the deaths of her family and will train in the ways of the Red Church to get there, if it doesn’t kill her. 

The writing is strong and the characters are fun, from a horse called Bastard to the shadow-cat only Mia can see, they’re richly drawn and as the plot thickens and gathers tempo I found it harder and harder to put it down. 

The first in a planned trilogy Nevernight is set in an alternate world, with three suns in the sky and warring gods whose squabbles are echoed by their believers. 

adventures, fun stuff, geek out, life

Feel The Force

ramblingmads

On Saturday we hopped in the car and went to Peterborough for the third annual Feel The Force Day. A comic con designed for disabled people. 

Batmobile

There were lots of cos players, including most of the cast of Star Wars, a few Disney princesses, most of the previous incarnations of the Doctor, and several Harry Potters. There were also several cats, from my favourite musical as a kid; Cats. Meow. 

Convention Cats

My favourite was a little boy dressed as Matt Smith’s Doctor whose wheelchair had been turned into a Tardis – it was imaginative and fun. 

Chewie & Leia

There were stalls to buy collectibles from – including Funko Pops and other figures. 

Dancing Baby Groot

The convention centre was huge and I think I probably missed a few rooms because I kept getting lost. A sense of direction would have been useful. 

Batbear with Bat signal

I had several nice chats with people in costume and at several stalls. Everyone was friendly and warm. 

Some lost Confederate time travellers

Even though it was pouring with rain there were so many people there, and according to the Mr the longest queue for was for the disabled loo. 

K9 in the Doctor Who room

We were there to promote the Peterborough Phantoms – a sledge ice hockey team, the Mr is a team member and it’s one of the only fully integrated sports – for disabled and able bodied players of all genders. 

Wall-E

I also cuddled a gorgeous Alaskan Malomout assistance dog, who were so chilled out despite all the people and chatted to a man with an owl. Because animals are better than people. 

BB8

Mr Oogie Boogie gave me a hug and later a high five, he’s not so mean. 

Baymax hanging out with Tink and Swamp Thing

The Mr’s beard was very popular, mostly with men including Jack Sparrow who asked to stroke it. Beardmance is real. 

The Mr & Barf from Space Balls
The Mr & Jack – Beard friends for life
The Monsters Inc crew
Movie cars

There was some yummy food (the hot food was a big yes in the cold and wet) and musical entertainment. You could listen to a wizard reading stories, there were craft and art activities, and a few (very) minor stars signing autographs.

R2D2

R5 Astromech Droid
RC-1262(delta62) Scorch – Star Wars
Creepy Doctor Who villain
The Doctor and friend
Department of Ability

One of the things that I was really excited about was the Department of Ability – a comic where the superheroes disabilities are their superpowers. Due to be published soon, Stan Lee is a big fan. 

Are you my mummy?
I collect Venetian masks but these ones are creepy
Another beard lover – U.N.I.T soldier

All in all it was a really enjoyable day and really interesting to explore. 
I may have been a little naughty with my pennies and as well as adding Dancing Groot to my growing collection (he may just be my favourite hero) I also picked up two Totoro themed cushions for the flat. I love Studio Ghibli very much. 

The many faces of Totoro and soot sprites
beauty, beauty boxes, love me beauty, make up, reviews, skincare

Love Me Beauty – The Sundown Edit

ramblingmads

I haven’t done an order from Love Me Beauty for a while. But I heard they had a few of the soon to be in Debenham Kat Von D products, so I thought it was time to have a look at their boutique again. 

Every month you get 60 credits to use and you pick your products. Recently they’ve scaled back the options and shrunk everything down to sample size, which is a bit disappointing when everything used to be fullsize. 

You can buy top up credits if you want more treats from the selection. 

I picked five items which arrived in a stripy make up pouch. Gone are the boxes. 

Omorovicza Budapest Copper Peel – this two part at home facial uses minerals from the healing waters of Hungary. Combining a blue copper paste and a lactic acid activator. My skin’s not too happy at the moment, between commuting on London’s Underground and the cold brewing in my head, so hopefully this will strip out some of the gunk and cheer it up. 

Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Rose Skin Toner – refreshing and cooling to tone the skin after cleansing. I haven’t been using toner recently but I read a few articles recently from beauty writers I trust and look up to saying it’s a good step to look after skin so using this tiny bottle for a bit to see the difference before committing. 

Omorovicza Budapest Deep Cleansing Mask – this Hungarian brand seems to be the pick of the boutique and this clay mud mask is full of minerals to deep cleaning skin. 

Kat Von D Studded Lipstick in  Magick – a pinky nude tone with a hint of sparkle, this is quite a nice everyday shade. The tube is studded and looks quite fun in my collection. 


Kat Von D Ink! Liner – I am so rubbish with eyeliner but this superfine pen is supposed to be one of the best on the market and easy peasy to use.  


Swatches

I really liked this selection and the new edit style of options in the boutique. 

It will be interesting to see what the next selection is and whether they bring back full size items. 

Do you subscribe to Love Me Beauty?? Thoughts? Let me know in the comments below. 

Uncategorized

Ignorance on the internet

ramblingmads

TW/CW: rape, sexual violence, domestic abuse 

I try to avoid debating certain topics online but sometimes you just get dragged in. 

A blogger had posted a twitter poll about rape – whether it was always a violent act. I pointed out that by definition (legal and literal) it always is. 

The original poster and some random jumped on this, insisting it isn’t.  I used to work for a charity that supports rape victims, I’ve had training, spoken to survivors and read around the subject. I do know a lot about this topic.  None of it is cheering. 

The law is very slow when it comes to sexual and domestic violence. Rape in marriage has only been illegal since 1992 in the UK. Rape convictions are ridiculously low and the government’s endless cuts often end with victim services disappearing.  

Coercion is something that is only just being added to the statute books. This includes forcing someone to have sex with you with threats. 

Which is violence – pure and simple. Whether it is a threat to the person themselves, their children, other family members or even something like saying they’ll burn the house down- the spectre of violence is there. 

Saying, oh rape isn’t always violent, it can be – what, gentle?? Is ignorance, bordering on rape apology. 

It’s a bit like saying murder doesn’t always leave a dead body. It’s willfully ignorant.  

Then they (Twitter persons) said but the victims might not see it as rape so somehow that makes it ok?? Now that is rape apology. 

A victim may not immediately know they’ve been raped but they usually do know something wasn’t right. And even if they don’t seek help straightaway most do eventually. 

Rape isn’t about sex – it’s about power and control – having sex with someone without their consent is rape. Full stop. Even if they consented earlier, but withdrew it, even if you’re married to them, even if they’re drunk or wearing a short skirt. 

There is no way to claim rape isn’t an act of violence – there really isn’t.  Someone is violated (from the same root word) and their consent taken away. 

There are a lot of books written around the subject, a lot of research undertaken, and none of that ever suggests or states anything else. 

Basically if you think you want to discuss this topic, or any other, educate yourself first, do some actual research and not just ask Twitter. 

beauty, beauty boxes, make up, reviews

Little Known Box – Face Firsts

ramblingmads

This month’s box is all about trying new things as it’s a new season (autumn!)

Peeks Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in shade Quick Sand. This is a matte brown-y colour which to be quite honest is not really my thing. It would probably be good on someone with a darker skin tone but not on my ridiculously pale face. 

Lash Unlimited Strip Lashes – another dud for me, I have naturally long, very pale lashes, so I’ve never bothered with falsies, but I do think they can look amazing.  

Nanshy 4-in-1 Marvel Blender – this is more my speed, I’ve really got into using a sponge blender so a spare is always welcome. 

Siskyn Skincare Oils Frankincense & Jasmine Night Facial Oil – this scented oil is a blend of 18 botanical oils to soothe, replenish and rejuvenate skin while you sleep. I am starting to get quite into oils – especially the new generation that neither dry you out or leave you looking like an oil slick. 

Epic Blend Vegan Lip Balm in Wild Berry – petroleum and gluten free lip balm. Added to my stash already. 

books, fun stuff, lifestyle boxes, reviews

The Bookish Box – Literary Ladies 

ramblingmads

September’s Bookish Box has arrived and it’s all about the ladies. 

LeviosA earrings from J&Co Jewellery – silver feather studs

Kimmy Scmidt magnet from Jar of Buttons “Females are strong as hell” 

Pride & Prejudice tea from First Edition Tea Co – citrus and roasted mate tea

Katniss Arrow Pen & Highlighter holder from Nonies Custom Creations 

Thrones of Glass watercolour bookmark from Lexy Olivia 

The Bookish Box Bookworm highlighter & Matilda sticky noted

Appraising Pages Hermione t-shirt 
Chapter sampler from The Call by Peader O’Guilin 

Some really lovely things in this box, really impressed at how the team behind this box find so many lovely literary things every month.