Va-Va-Voom

Another post for girls... kind of.

Sometimes you just need to give yourself a boost of Va-Va-Voom... am I right?

Today I woke up and thought You know what? I'm going to make an effort!
I'm not doing anything other than going shopping and then going out for a coffee, but I spent probably an hour doing my hair and makeup just for such a non-important day. I'm not going out at night, I'm just watching a movie with my family and boyfriend, but I just thought... Why shouldn't I try to be glamorous, just for myself.

I am so lazy when it comes to fashion, looking good and generally making an effort. In my head I am a glamourpuss. I love fashion, I even have a fashion related blog on Tumblr, and I love makeup... hello... makeup artist! But, I never use these feel-good things in my day to day life. I go to work in my regular clothes as we don't have office wear. I just throw on jeans and a top and trainers and sometimes I put on a bit more makeup than usual but my hair is always thrown into a boring pony tail. I hate that I look so casual all the time. I want to make more of an effort just for me, because I do feel more attractive and confident when I've thought of how I want to look in the day and I've achieved said look. It's a state of mind, isn't it? Putting your face on, well in my case anyway, is a direct show to the world of what mood I'm in.
If I wake up in a grumpy down mood and feel like a destroyer of things (I often feel like a destroyer of things, like I could just walk into work and rip all the computers off the desks... pent up rage?) I wear a lot of black eyeliner and probably some sort of dark top. When I'm feeling girly and cute I will do a flick of eyeliner and try to wear something a little bit lighter and whatnot. I don't think anyone notices these outward expressions of my emotions but I do, so I think trying to make an effort to feel good might actually work in a backwards way.

If instead of letting my mood influence what I wear and look like, I let what I wear and look like influence my mood, surely I'm onto a good thing?

Right? Does anyone else do this or just me? Do guys do this?!

The Popularity Forum

It makes me giggle to see which of my posts are 'popular' at the moment.

For the past week or so it's been the one entitled 'Let's go back to the 80's, man!'

And I can only assume people click on it by mistake due to the images I have attached. But still, it's had a butt load of views recently (still, viewer count hasn't gone up so I'm not winning subscribers! Come on people, help my ego out!).

The reason I think people have been heading on over this way is because, like many of the things I like, 80's fashion and makeup is going to make a comeback. What? It's not? People are just googling for 80's makeup because it was Halloween? Damn. And I just bought a sequin jacket with shoulder pads and some denim looking bicycle shorts. Wow... that was a strange mixture of clothing. Sorry!

What was I saying? Oh yes - I'm going to be uploading some special effects make up pictures soon. I have the actual silicone pieces, I'm just waiting on my adhesive to arrive. I had to order it this week - thought I had some in the shed. I don't. Bah!
On a plus note - my new makeup brush set arrived at the best time, so now I can try out my new brushes simulating blood and gore. Yesssss!

Right, I'd best get back. I have an assignment to start and a novel to crack on with. Oh... and I need lunch. Spaghetti hoops, here I come!

Toodles!
Sam
x

Lets go back to the 80's, man!

Totes! I think the 80's should make a come back, and not just in the editorial world. sure, you see 80's tributes in magazines, and on the catwalk, but no one is gutsy enough to bring it back in 'real life'. Not even I. Although one day I will do it, I just need a few drinks first maybe? :) I was googling 80's hair and makeup, because I like inspiration. I love big hair. I try to get my hair big before I go out - not stupidly backcombed big, like those girls who don't fully comprehend WHY you backcomb hair, but big in a sense of its volume, curls and personality. Hair should have personality!

When I'm talking about 80's I'm not meaning over the top hair and makeup a la Joan Cusack.

And I'm certainly not talking Madonna 80's - which is just messy!

No folks, I'm talking styled, colourful and fab! Perfect makeup, great hair. Debbie Harry is a great inspiration:

And if we're bringing it into the here and now I really LOVE the way Drew Barrymore plays with colour and volume:

But if all else fails, forget the 80's and just go Anime extreme. Which is what I plan to do. If I could ever pull this look off! haha!

Keep on truckin'

Sam

More Fashion and Makeup

YO!

So, I have noticed a trend in the blogs of mine that get the most views. It's the ones that have the coolest pictures! hehe. I am not all about getting views, but the knowledge that some 40 odd people have looked at my last fashion blog just this week is pretty cool. So I thought I'd do a follow up. Sorry guys... this one might be for the girls... unless you like scantily clad women... oh.. you do? Well stick around then! Jeez!

What with my gradual weight loss I have been thinking more about future wardrobe choices. As I am somewhat a casual bird - jeans and tops. And I live in my converse sneakers! But with my losing weight I feel that soon I will one day be able to comfortably take a dip in the nice fashion pool. I love dresses, but hate wearing them as I don't feel comfortable, but one day this year I will wear a nice dress and that's that! So, here are some pictures of some clothes I like.

Another topic I wanted to discuss is makeup. As some of you know I am a make up artist of sorts. And there are some great looks on the runways at the moment. (see below). I am not one to preach about products as its a totally personal preference. But I swear by Benefit. I love all their products.

This was the look stomping down the runway at Roberto Cavalli's show. You'd think this was simple and done to death, but getting someone to look like this is pretty difficult if you don't have the right face/tools it just won't work! I have tried to do this makeup on myself before but my eyes just won't take that much makeup. It doesn't look good on everyone sadly!

This is an Estee Lauder look - loving the almost copper eyes that are coming in. metallics are back baby!

Oh China Fashion Week... you tease me! You should google China fashion week. The stuff they come up with is SO good.

*Regular day blog to arrive on Tuesday after Slimming World weigh in.*

Sam

Is it just me, or did it just get really cold?

Brrr.

Its insane how cold its gotten over the past few weeks! Mental!

I never remember where I was up to on my previous blog, apart from the fact that it was mostly about the name of the business me and my sister are setting up. Which is sorted. We have a name. Although its not the name I wanted, I just thought best go with it, because I couldn't come up with anything else. So its all sorted. And my certificate came through today, confirming I am a make up artist. 5 months or so later. Jeez. Talk about waiting around for a piece of paper. But is all good, now all I need to do it get the insurance sorted and I may possibly register with Mac. Once I get back into doing makeup again, as I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to practise, I will probably start up a new blog page (another? I know... I just can't help it), to show off pictures... (I'm still undecided about doing this though... good job I no longer have to make my own decisions)

October was a great month by the by... Halloween. Woo. I put on such a good party. I never like hosting anything because the event is never as good as I imagine it will be. Too much pressure to be good usually means I can't enjoy. But this time it worked out so well and it was better than I thought it would be! Picture of me in my outfit below:

Well... not a full picture. But that's basically it. Me as Alice in Wonderland. Although I'm sure Alice didn't drink this drink. If I recall... was part of the punch I made diluted with gin. Why do I do it?? In case you are wondering. The clown looking thing in the back ground is my boyfriend... clowns!! I'm sure he did it just to freak me out. Nasty!!!

Things have been going quite well recently. Although I do have the urge to quit my job. My brother went to Australia a few months ago for travelling/ working fun. And so I don't have a brother around. However, one of my brothers friends works with me, and for a while he was my surrogate little brother (depressing when a little brother is 21 years old...). But now HE has up and left me to go to Australia. So I'm feeling all itchy feet'ed to start something new, or just do something fun. As per usual. But I never know what! That's my life I guess!!!

I haven't been to the cinema that much this past month... I did go and see An American Werewolf in London on the 30th of October at the cinema and it was brilliant! On the big screen!!! I love it when the cinema does a classic movie every once in a while, because you don't get stupid kids sitting in the row in front of you being loud and annoying! Mainly because the only people who go and watch these things are fans of the film already. If that makes sense?

I'll tell you what I did see though. Jennifer's Body. I don't know why I had any kind of hope for it being a good film, because it was the same writer as Juno (Overrated), but it really fell flat on its face. And it wasn't even Megan Fox who ruined it. She wasn't that bad... really! But its just the script. And the lingo. Why this woman who writes these things thinks she has to come up with slang words that no one would ever use is beyond me. I can only imagine she is hoping one of these lame, idiotic phrases or words is going to catch on and do what the word 'fugly' did for Mean Girls. But it really ain't gonna happen! Ranting. Always ranting!

I am already excited about the New Moon movie. I am not watching any of the trailers though, because they aren't teasers any more, they are **spoilers**. And I hate spoilers. So I have literally been sitting in the cinema with my eyes closed, hands over ears, humming. Just so I don't see or hear anything that would ruin the film for me. I'm a huge fan. Although not a band wagon fan. I liked it before the movie. (yeah, I said it!) Which is why I seriously can't go to see it in the first 2 weeks, because sitting next to annoying girls throughout the film would only damage my calm. And my calm is the only thing that keeps me from smashing the room up sometimes.

I'll leave you with no thoughts or anything. Although... I strongly urge you to watch Let The Right One In if you like vampire movies. It totally reinvents the genre if you ask me. Its subtitled, but don't let that put you off. Definitely one of the top 3 films that's been out this year.

Toodles!

Sam

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Well..

Its not, but today I had that Christmas-y feel. I can't be the only one who gets that... its like, a feeling... that's specific to a certain time of year. I guess I felt goodwill to all man or something. Except I didn't, because I was at work at the time, getting trained on something... voluntarily. Yes, I said it! I volunteered to be trained on this subject. Wowzer. Maybe that's what brought this feeling on.. maybe I am more bookish in the winter months..? It could be true. Just yesterday I looked outside and saw it was raining, and so I thought to myself "Sam (Yes, I speak to myself like I am not myself), Sam (I said), Maybe its time you started that new Stephen King book you bought the other day, you know, the one you bought even though you said you weren't going to buy anymore books until you have read every last one of the ones you bought previous to this internal discussion...?"

Of course, I chose to ignore myself, because at the end of it all, I didn't feel like reading at all (trust my internal dialogue person to butt into my music listening, email writing time!!). But that must be it! When the weather isn't so savory, I want to bury my head in knowledge. Perhaps knowledge is the kindle to the souls fire, and if the soul is warm, so is the body? Yeah. A load of old crap. But hey! They pay me to make this stuff up on the spot.

Ok ok. So I don't get paid... damn it. I should get paid, right?!

Listening to music is once again my main focus in life. But I am in the age old spot of what to listen to. I was shown this music programme the other day and I haven't looked back. But as it turns out, the blessing is also a curse. Too much choice isn't always good for you. Especially when you don't actually KNOW what you want to listen to. Bring back Internet radios, that fine tune your listening and suggest artists you might like... what? They are still out there? Phew! Ok! I will still keep good old Jango in my favorite toolbar!

I was given a postcard of an artist yesterday by a friend, Just Lianne, and honestly, this guy is a great artist. Just check out his site. I love finding cool little arty things through other people - so thanks, Li-Li, for ripping the post card out of the book for me, and wrecking the perfectly kept cards - I will treasure it forever! Sadly, I can't find the one I have in postcard form on the website, but hit the link for James Jean and be away with yea!

Sorry for all the links. I am just in a linking mood right now! HA!

Life has been super mad-hectic recently. I don't even know why, but I have been busy pretty much every night of the week for the past couple of weeks. Which A. isn't like me, and 2. Isn't like, me. (you have to imagine me saying the last point with an American twang, like, totally...)

I am such a lazy bugger, I love staying in 60% of the time, and then thinking about going out 40% of the time. But I haven't had a choice. I have been trying to squeeze seeing friends into the week, as well as squeezing in seeing the B'f. I ain't complaining, because I do actually like the fact that I have stuff to do, but please... just a few days off? I really need a holiday. I dream of fiji... *sigh*, although I don't want to go back to Fiji.. its Aaaages away. I need a break from work etc. I really need to go back to America for a while, and I really want to hit the Cannucks side of things at some point too! Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah. Busy, busy, busy. But its all good.

I have been putting make up skills into practise - already have 1 wedding under my belt, and I have another one on Saturday, only thing is, its not just a show up, throw some make up at some faces, and go and get in the bath... no... alas, this is a friends wedding! So, I have to be up and out for 9 and then that's me out for the rest of the night. no rest for the wicked it seems. I have to take all my own stuff and get ready on the road (not literally outside, on the road.. can you say Brrrr?). I like home comforts when I am getting ready. But I guess i can make do. It wouldn't be so bad if my car was available, but my brother basically killed it. I would be madder, but I am just glad my brother is OK, so I can't be 'mad' mad about it, but it does put a slight damper on the whole freedom thing. I have to get lifts everywhere.. this wedding being one of them, and yes. I have already been through the ordeal of having to get a new outfit for the wedding. Today, Actually.

I hate shopping with a firey passion. Not because i hate clothes, but because nothing looks good on me. Ever. I just hate putting clothes on and feeling crap, and that's what shopping is for me. But in the end of a painful 2 hours shop, I got a canary yellow dress (which will be re-used for any other wedding I may attend, if I make it through this one alive), with some cute little black shoes, with purple on them (yellow and purple.. its ALL the rage!). I guess its not so bad. I can afford to spend however much I spent - luxury of living at home, although I have decided just recently that I COULD live without such luxuries - and plan to go through all my expenses and see how much goes out each month, and on what... I might have to cancel some subscriptions (the charity can go, but I am keeping my cinema pass) - and now I have a new car on the way, I have to see what that will set me back, but the final decision of the past week has been that I need to move out. And find a job I actually like.

The joys of being at the decision stage of my life. Luckily I have a good support system with my friends, and my new (ish.. is he still new? I don't know anymore), fella. Still, I will miss my Just Lianne - Just keep in touch, and let me know when you have a new place. I am SO coming to see you!

And that's all she wrote!

Sam

On a P.S note - I saw Harry Potter the other day... it was OK - except the lack of actual story and the sexual innuendos..... trust me, that wasn't a spoiler.

Oh the times they are a changing

Woosh.

What a busy few weeks. I can't really remember where I left this, but once again I failed miserably to blog anything. I have been rushing around like mad of late, and its definitely wearing me down. A few updates are probably needed.

Make up course - its going well, its uber fun but tiring. I don't know what I will do when it finishes, because it will be up to me to pursue it as a career if I want to, which is a scary concept. I don't know, I am still in two minds, because I want to do it, a lot, and I want to get into film or TV, but its hard work and I am bad when it comes to getting into something that's hard work. I want to do it, but I need someone to shove me into it. We got our assignment on Saturday, and its a right old bastard of an assignment. I don't know what the hell I am supposed to do, but I am hoping mine comes out OK. I have taken to being the master photographer for the girls on the most, because I have the most expensive and best camera. Ha ha, like I need an excuse to take pictures. Its been a fun time, getting people to pose in their makeup etc. And emailing them to everyone. The creative monster in me likes to get out every now and then. I will try to put a picture or two up here now they are on my laptop. Here to hoping no one minds their face being plastered on the Internet... Eekers.

I have been a little under the weather over the past...oh, I don't know... 3 weeks. Feeling exhausted and sick all the time, having no appetite and having shakes. Like I'm cold, when I'm not. I finally had to go to the doctors today and get felt.. I mean, checked. Blood tests came next. I have never had my blood taken, so I was left in the waiting room for about 40 mins stewing in fear and hypochondria. Everything that could be wrong with me going through my head. It might be gall stones. Hmmm. I won't google it, because I am sure I will be scared and I KNOW it involves an operation. Ah! No. Not for me, I don't think I will have that. I also have to do a pee pee sample. They have given me the tiniest container. I have no clue how I am going to aim into it. As gross as that sounds.. aiming into something is not my idea of fun. I have yet to find out how i manage on that front.

The latest hot gossip is that I had a first date with a guy yesterday. My sisters boyfriends brother to be exact... which, I know, sounds weird.. but as we discussed yesterday, it happened in Twins (the movie), so I guess its OK. Right? I know.. weird. Oh well. He is really nice though, and sweet and funny, which is good. Its all a bit new right now obviously, but he seems really 'into' me.. which doesn't happen... ever, so I am a bit taken aback by it all. I am useless with emotional stuff, dead inside some say, so its really hard for me to be like that with him.. I don't know, I'm trying to be nice but it doesn't come easily. Plus its hard spending time with someone when you feel sick all the time. Oops. haha.

I have been going to the movies a lot. Knowing - hmmmm... don't miss it, but don't expect it to be the best film. I really want people to see it, so they can be as disappointed in it as I am. that's mean, I know, but who cares? Haha. Marley and Me was OK.... I can't think of much else I have seen now. I just can't keep all these memories in my head, which goes to show that I need to blog more.

Right now I am looking forward to the weekend. I have cinema trips planned, a games night (Risk and Mario Kart) and date number 2, along with Easter - meaning I might eat some chocolate and get to drink my beloved Lucozade drink again. As I gave it up for Lent. And I'm also going shopping. All this on top of finding out my blood work results on Wednesday. Lord, give me strength. I know I shouldn't, but I am preparing for bad news. I have had a good run.. almost 24 years without having to go to hospital. I knew I couldn't be this lucky.

Sam

X

Just have time..

So...

I just have time to post a quick blog. My useless blogging of late has left me feeling a bit annoyed with myself, because I like ranting to myself... and when I don't blog I just speak all the stupid thoughts I have in my head out loud, and then people look at me funnily. Oh well, if they aren't used to it by now, then screw them! Yeah, I said it!

I have watched a few really good films of late. A couple at the cinema; which, thanks to my new shiny Unlimited pass, means I no longer spend £7 per showing- and a couple of DVD's.

Cinema excursions of late have included heart wrenching factual based dramas like Confessions of a Shopaholic, and straight to the point documentaries like The Curious Case of Forrest Gump... I mean, Benjamin Button. How could I get those 2 mixed up? What a foolish mistake!

Please note the sarcasm... please.

Of course, DVD's are just as entertaining. There is sometimes nothing better than sitting in and watching something you have never seen before. The other day I watched Rain Man. I have no clue how I hadn't seen it before. I mean, I know some of the lines etc. But I have never watched the film. It was damn good. I am so late into these things...

If I can make one recommendation that I know people will listen to and then hate me for later, its a film called The Hunger, with David Bowie and Susan Sarandon, amoungst others. Its a vampire film, but not as you know it.. no, there is no singing and crotch thrusting, like you would expect from D.B... which I was sad about, but its a really good tale about 2 vampires - slightly more appealing to men may be that there is quite a few lesbian scenes in it - but other than that, its quite a good story. I can't really elaborate any more, because its easier to watch it than it is to hear about it and THEN watch it... I have been lent a couple of other Vampire films to watch, so can't wait to get stuck in. If you know of any that are good - please let me know. I do like a good vampire tale. :)

Nothing much more to report on in my life I don't think. Make up is going well I think - although I have a tendency to feel a kind of dull aching panic when I am doing someones face. I feel like the n00b of the class, but I do really enjoy it - and I think I am quite good at it, in the end... during the procedure I am very messy, get stuff everywhere and just rely on luck for my 'looks' to be achieved, but they always look good in photos, which is what its all about. Also got my brush kit and brush belt, so I am like a fully kitted out make up artist. Hell yeah. I will try to put some pictures up soonish - if I ever manage to make the time to get them onto the computer.

Another furiously busy week - got to go out to meet friends tonight - the cinema tomorrow (Watchmen, Woo!) and my mothers birthday on Wednesday - what to get her though? What do mums want?

Right - I have just been text a location and time to meet some people. Its like a damn espionage film. I shall put on my trench coat and glasses and get in my inconspicuous car....

adieu.

Sam

For the record, there was no abandonment going on..

Oi!

I didn't abandon my blog, I just couldn't recall my password and it wasn't worth hurting my brain getting back into the site. I just remembered it though. Just now!

Thats the pain of having the same password for EVERYTHING, but just different variations. That's right hackers out there, crack one password and you have a chance of logging into ALL my facebook/Myspace/Empireonline/Forum/Blog pages. I know, the oodles of information that you could acquire is endless... my name, my likes/dislikes.... Yes, for the cleveruns out there. Only the same passwords for the non confidential things. Good lord, I ain't a pudding you know! *MMmmm pudding*

Anyway, I don't have anything to blog about of interest. I haven't been on here in a few weeks, so totally behind on the people I watch too. Which I am annoyed about, because I don't have the patience to catch up. Which is probably why I never did well at school... off for 3 days and that's my entire educational career outta the window.

I got news today that one of my friends (younger, may I add, the bitch) is getting married... now, usually, someone in my position would be confused about this. I love her to pieces, but, well... this is her 3rd boyfriend in possibly just over a year. No joke. And I don't want to doubt their love, but well, back story is that she was with a guy we worked with for about a year, kind of secretly, as he was engaged to someone else - who was pregnant.... but that didn't work out. Shocker. Even though he left his fiance... and then she got with one of her old 'fooling around' guy friends... which, shock horror, didn't work out. I don't know whether it was because he cheated, but I am pretty sure he did, as he did on all his other girlfriends... once with my friend. If that makes sense? and now she is engaged... to HIS BROTHER. Love it. Soap opera heaven. She can do what she wants. A good friend would be worried about her. A better friend would be worried about herself. And so, selflessly, I am. :)

Everyone I know is basically getting married. What's going on? I must be getting to 'that age' - when everyone I know grows up. OOps, looks like I forgot. I have never been in a serious relationship before. Its never been something I was looking for. And how dare all my friends make me feel guilty and left out because of it. Honestly. What's a girl to do?! *Don't worry, I am not really angry, just ranting*

Anywho, for quick update purposes, I have started my photographic and fashion makeup course. Its fun, well, we have had one 8 hour lesson and it was good. I think its going to be something I enjoy. We get our makeup kits and brushes next week. Makeup artistry, here I come. Maybe one day I will figure out what I will do with my life, eh?

Ramblings of a lunatic.

Sam

Infinite playlist...

So.

I just watched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist... and it was brilliant. My sort of film. It is one that I laughed out loud to, cringed at, and also sighed at. Why can't I meet a nice, dorky boy? hmmm? exactly.

I am now set on trying to make my very own infinite playlist - which will include many a crap song from the 90's, 80's and maybe even before then... before then? I hear you cry... yes. Yes indeed. 'Strangers in the night' has always been a favorite song, and that music that's mostly heard in elevators... bum bu bum bu bum ba di dum di dum, la la la la la la lalalala... hmm hmm hmm hmmmm hmmmm doo doooooo... something about when she passes and something someone goes 'ooooh' - right? You know the one I mean...

I will do it soon. No more than 20 songs.

What else, what else? Since my last blog, I have had my hair done (not as blonde as I wanted it), I had to get glasses as I have an eye that doesn't want to look forward when I want it to, and so my muscles pull it too hard to keep it in line which makes my eyes go ouchie... I didn't know there was a condition like that, I thought every ones eyes felt like they were being pulled back into their heads when they were tired? no? Huh, go figure.

I have decided to do a course in photographic and fashion make-up. Its something I like to do when I am bored - fun over the top makeup... so, I might as well pay to do it, right? yeah. I thought so too. it makes SO much sense.

And I got an Unlimited pass for the cinema near me.. all in all, this week is expensive. and I have to book my holiday next week, and pay for a hen do that's already costing me over £100 just for accom. and event tickets (excluding train tickets to get there and food and drink money), plus there are about 4 30th birthdays I am attending this month coming up, AND now the course. crap. I need to make more money. (good one Sam, who doesn't?)

I was thinking of setting up my own photography site, but I need to get more pictures for it, and hopefully offer canvas prints, as I can do that in the comfort of my own home (make a buck), and not have to rely on a company to do it for me (oh the joys of having a dad who is a professional printer), but I am unsure how to go about it. I have the site template in mind that I want to buy, but... I don't know... I should really do it.

Does anyone have any tips on how you set up advertising, or just setting up a site in general?

I could google it, but I just skim read coz I get bored easily...

I am tired.

Night night!

Sam