Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea *SPOILERS*

Hi everyone,

I'm back!

I follow the YouTube channel Booksandquills : https://www.youtube.com/user/booksandquills 

 She has recently done a whole week of videos dedicated to Jane Eyre so I was inspired to create my own post in a similar style.

As stated in the title, there may be possible spoilers only because it isn't really possible to discuss 'Wide Sargasso Sea' without giving away some spoilers. If you would like to read 'Jane Eyre' and/or 'Wide Sargasso Sea' and haven't done so already, I suggest you don't continue reading this post. 

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre follows Jane's life through her own perspective. The novel starts with a young Jane Eyre talking about living with her aunt and three cousins who she feels inferior to and she becomes very isolated.

The novel follows her journey for independence and freedom through a harsh school she attends called Lowood where the children are made to eat burnt porridge and not wash their dresses more than once a week because the very religious Mr Brocklehurst thinks that otherwise the children will be spoilt and their immortal souls will suffer.

Jane leaves Thornfield and eventually moves to Thornfield hall where she meets Mr Rochester. He pays her 30 pounds per annum for being a governess. She finds herself falling in love with him but he has a few secrets that make Jane question is love if more important than her principles.

This novel brings up many questions about social hierarchy and marriage during that time period. Men would have all the power and control in the marriage instead of relationships being built on equality. Jane Eyre falls in love with someone above her station who she is dependant on largely going against social conventions.

Wide Sargasso Sea 

Jean Rhys decides to write from the perspective of a character in Jane Eyre who is mentioned to prevent Jane ignoring her principles. Rhys decides that she wants to give this character a context by writing about her life.

This novella is split up into three main sections. The first section is from the perspective of this particular character.  Section 2 is from the perspective of a particular male character Mr Rochester, though he is not named. 

'Wide Sargasso Sea' is particularly disjointed in the narrative which can make it hard to follow but it's a really good read once you give it a chance.

It is important to consider ......

I'm studying both of these texts for English Literature which means I initially read these books because I had to analyse them instead of being my choice.

There are several film adaptations of Jane Eyre. I have seen the 2011 version and I'd recommend reading Jane Eyre before watching this as the film follows the sequence of events in a different order.

I have read both of these which means that it is very hard to think about 'Jane Eyre' without remembering what happens in 'Wide Sargasso Sea'

Overall..

I preferred Jane Eyre to Wide Sargasso Sea as the narrative was so much simpler to follow.Saying that, Wide Sargasso Sea has a very interesting storyline.

I hope you enjoyed this type of post.

I will be back to my usual more light hearted/ beauty posts in the near future

Thanks for reading,

Mcsophwar xoxo

IT- Alexa Chung Review

"Boys say they don't mind how you get your hair done. But then they leave you for someone with really great standard girl hair and the next thing you know you're alone with a masculine crop crying into your granola" 

I brought the paperback version from Waterstones on Saturday after giving into the temptation that although I didn't need it, I extremely wanted it and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. The book is a beautiful dusky pink colour and beautiful in design with patterned pages and gorgeous pictures featured inside. It only took me an hour to read after making a cup of tea and putting on the fairy lights.

This book is written in a simplistic but interesting style. Each page or two talks about a topic or person sounding like you're sat in a room with Alexa whilst she shares her views on society,music, fashion and more. She seems to be very fresh and honest too.

Overall, this book is great in design and as a quick read. I wish it could've been a little longer because I love Alexa Chung.

If you like fashion or just interested in having a quick afternoon read from the perspective of this lovely lady, I'd recommend buying it.

Let me know in the comments below or by submitting your opinion in the box on the left if you enjoy these type of posts.

Have you read this book or want to buy it?

Mcsophwar xox

Thanks for reading

Selling their soul for money.

Hi everyone,

Hope you've had a brilliant week. I thought I'd post about a more serious topic today which is very close to my heart- animal testing. I realised that this was going on but I thought that what I was buying was cruelty free.

I was very wrong and all of my products are being replaced with cruelty free ones. Although now some cosmetics are allowed to not be tested on animals in China, the law has been that every new cosmetic product released into the Chinese market has had to be tested on an animal first.

It is your choice if you buy these products or not. The Leaping Bunny is a registered trademark to show that a product is cruelty free. I have emailed several companies who all gave very vague answers to their animal testing policy or very long emails which were hard to figure out.

The popular response is something like "we do not test on animals except where it is required by law"- this means that the company still tests in places where it is a legal requirement such as China.
To figure out if a company is cruelty free, check for the leaping bunny but remember if they don't test themselves, they may be getting a third party to do it for them, they may test their ingredients on animals when they say they don't test their finished products and vice versa. PETA and The Leaping Bunny can help you to shop cruelty free.

There are also companies that are not cruelty free though they don't test on animals. The Body Shop is an example because their parent company/ they are owned by L'oreal that tests on animals. It is up to you if you feel comfortable buying from those companies but please consider that profits from that company may go to the parent company.

Also remember to check if products are vegan/ vegetarian. I was told that some foundations are not vegan because they contain wool from Sheep.

Note: Remember to look out for cruelty free cleaning products too. LUSH sells fresh homemade cosmetics that are cruelty free and all of them are vegetarian. Some are vegan.

AVOID (these brands test on animals)

L'oreal 

Estee Lauder 

Revlon

Bumble and Bumble

Nivea

Garnier 

Avon 

Dove

Sally Hensen 

YSL

Bobbi Brown

M.A.C

Herbal Essences

Johnson and Johnson 

Air Wick

Aquafresh

Clinique

Procter and Gamble

Tom Ford

Vaseline

Useful websites:

companies that test: http://www.thevegetariansite.com/ethics_test.htm

PETA: http://www.peta.org.uk/

Animal ingredients: http://www.peta.org/living/beauty/animal-ingredients-list/

PETA's "bad list": http://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/cruelty_free_companies_search.aspx?Donottest=-1&Product=0&Dotest=8&Regchange=-1&Country=-1&Keyword=

Cruelty free companies:http://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/cruelty_free_companies_search.aspx?Donottest=8&Product=0&Dotest=-1&Regchange=-1&Country=-1&Keyword=

Animal aid- encourages a cruelty free lifestyle including vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

Thanks for reading and I'll post soon

Mcsophwar xox 

Thoughtful Thursday 2

Hello and welcome to the second instalment of thoughtful Thursday. I've tried to make a more concious effort to think about the little polite gestures I could do and even the larger things.

Normally I want to do a lot of opportunities but I decide that I have to say no because I'm anxious or fearful over getting something wrong. But one thing I've learnt is, even though you make a mistake,  it is worth it because you learn to appreciate when something goes well but with each mistake you're closer to getting it right. Don't be afraid to try something new to help both yourself and others.

Here's 5 more ideas that all of us can do on this thoughtful Thursday and beyond!

1)Help another person with something that they are stuck with and offer advice.

2)Have a pamper night with your friends or family members and treat them.

3)Leave a nice message on your friends Facebook/Twitter wall

4)Pick litter up etc in your local area.

5)Donate things you don't use.

Thanks so much for reading and I hope you've liked this mini series.

Mcsophwar xox

A week off...

Hi everyone,

I just thought I'd take this moment as an opportunity to update you on what i've been doing. Last thursday I wrote but completely forgot to publish my second week of the Thoughtful Thursday series so I will be doing that tomorrow (oopps)

Despite the fact it was over a month ago, I'm editing my Sundown Festival Vlog ready for upload too and planning some Halloween themed blog post for the end of the month.

Happy October!

Mcsophwar xox

Memories: The Script Live 2013

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all having a lovely weekend. I was so excited when I found out that The Script are doing a UK tour next year! It inspired me to look back at my experience of seeing them live at the V Festival 2013.

I would strongly recommend seeing them live at some point because they really get the audience involved and sound brilliant too (as always). They made 6 hours waiting in a field and having a sore throat for the next week totally worth it.

Enjoy the video. I've included 3 songs from their set  and If this is well received, I will strongly consider doing a second blog post. (There is a small amount of Hall of Fame also included cause the rest of that song footage sadly got lost).

Helpful links: 

Official site: http://www.thescriptmusic.com/gb/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thescript
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCafVZzwtU8XUWbXGs4LYtdg
Their recent BBC Radio 1 live lounge appearance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dvd6CIOqQQ

*There is some obscene language during these performances*

Note: I filmed the whole video. I do not gain any profits. Used for entertainment purposes. The picture in this blog post is not mine and full rights go to the owner. 

I will see you next week with a new post.

Mcsophwar xoxo

Thoughtful Thursday

Hi everyone,

Seeing as this week is already in full swing, I thought It would be the perfect time for some reflection. In this post I'd like to include little things that you can do to help others on thoughtful Thursday (or any day in fact).

I hope you like this new style of post and I'd love to hear from you about what you've done to help others recently.

Little things take up a few minutes in your day but can really make a difference to others.

"It's not about your resources. It's about your resourcefulness"-Tony Robbins

Until writing this post I had never even heard of Tony Robbins but I found this quote to be very inspirational and easy to apply though it is about larger things rather than small gestures:

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you"- John Bunyan

There are a number of many ways that you could make someone smile today and it's made me think that I should be doing more because it is just so easy!

1- Cook your family/ friends/ partner their favourite dinner- It will allow them to relax for a while and show that you've thought about them.

2- Smile at someone today- A smile is infectious and it's hard to not smile back when someone smiles at you.

3-Hold doors open for others- Simple but polite.

4-Send someone you care about a lovely note- It could be anything from I hope you have a brilliant day to a list of things that you love about them. Your own words mean more than what you think.

5- Say Hello to friends that you haven't spoken to for a while and invite them to meet up with you or ring them- This may just cheer them up when they need it and they'll be grateful you've made the effort.

6-Volunteer for a charity or take part in fundraising- This can be harder for someone who lives an especially busy life or is short of money but offering your time or donating your old belongings to a Charity helps. You can even text to donate even £1 to charity. Do you need that expensive magazine this week or could you donate the money to someone less fortunate.

7-Bring cookies or something with you to work or school and pass them around.

8-If you've got a full trolley at a supermarket, let the person behind with only a couple of items go before you.

9-Make someone you care about a CD full of their favourite songs or a treat box with some of their favourite treats in.

10-Compliment someone.


   

Some inspirational/ thoughtful quotes:

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another"- Charles Dickens

"When we harm others we harm ourselves; when we help others we help ourselves" - Bryant McGill

"If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better" - Will Smith

Thanks so much for reading and I will post as soon as I can,

Mcsophwar xox

Non- Beauty Favourites

Hi everyone,

After a very busy week, I'm back (I've missed not be able to write a blog post twice a week). When I looked through my make-up collection this weekend, there was nothing I felt that was good enough for me to put into a favourites video. I've also included many beauty related posts such as What's in my weekend away make-up bag and Shop my stash.

As a lifestyle blog, I know that many people aren't interested in make-up and I'm sure we all have those days where the last thing we want to do is cover our faces in products.

Instead I decided to do a non- beauty favourites for the past few months and I really hope you enjoy it :)

1- Veggie Percy Pigs: 
http://www.marksandspencer.com/bright-pink-percy-piggy-bank/p/p60052276


At the end of August as many of you will know I went to Norwich for the Sundown Festival (Images and a vlog will be up shortly). I picked up these sweets at Marks and Spencer's after loving  them during my childhood. I made the decision to stop eating meat and similar products several weeks ago (I am reluctant to call myself vegetarian already) and I've found it very difficult to find sweets that are suitable for a vegetarian lifestyle. They were on offer at 2 for £1.50 and the same deal also applied to the Original Percy Pigs. They're great to put in your handbag or eat as a treat if you fancy something sweet tasting. If you're near a store I would recommend that you give them a try. 

Note: Veggie Percy Pigs are not suitable for vegan diets.

2-The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rh7O4IDc0
http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/stephen+chbosky/the+perks+of+being+a+wallflower/6273971/

It is a story told by a 15 year old freshman named Charlie who has little friends and always felt a bit of an insider. The novel progresses with him explaining about his own struggles whilst trying to find a social group where he can feel as if he belongs. I don't want to give too much away but he does become friends with two seniors who help him to experience many things. If you haven't read this I would recommend it as an easy read. It's about 200 pages long so you could read it within a day, Sadly I don't have a photo of the book as I've given it back to the library I borrowed it from but I'm really looking forward to watching the film adaptation that I purchased a few weeks ago.

3- Company Magazine
http://www.company.co.uk/

When I was about thirteen, I started to become extremely interested in fashion and make- up. I wanted to find a magazine or book that I could buy that wasn't too large and 'grown up' for me but also not like the children's magazines that I felt that I had grown out of. This magazine is the perfect handbag size (A5) and has much more text and information than Vogue and Elle etc. The back page is usually an unlikely style icon for example a teapot and below it is a feature of brightly coloured clothing that you can buy to follow the style. I don't remember to buy this every month and it could also get quite expensive too, but you can read some things on their website and download the magazine on your iPhone if you're travelling. (I know this is a beauty type magazine but I hope it still counts as a non- beauty favourite)

4- The Very Best of The Stone Roses CD

I know they are not to everyone's taste especially as they are not in the 'current' music scene but I've been listening to this album non stop throughout the summer, What I love about music is how you can relate and interpret the music differently to another person. This album has many summer memories attached to it because It was always on repeat and I'm not fed up of it yet though it's not the type of music that I normally listen to.
The track listing:
1) I Wanna be Adored
2)She Bangs the Drums
3)Ten Storey Love Song
4)Waterfall
5)Made of Stone
6)Love Spreads
7)What the World is Waiting For
8)Sally Cinnamon
9)Fools Gold
10)Begging You
11)Elephant Stone
12)Breaking Into Heaven
13)One Love
14)This Is The One
15)I Am the Resurrection

5- The Script #3

The Script were absolutely amazing live when they played at the V Festival 2013. I've had this album for a long time but I've played it so much more since I download it onto my iPhone.
The track listing:
1)Good Ol Days
2)Six Degrees of Separation
3)Hall of Fame
4)If You Could See Me Now
5)Glowing
6)Give the Love Around
7)Broken Arrow
8)Kaleidoscope
9)No Words
10)Millionaires

6-Staedtler Triplus Fineliner (pack of 10)

This is my third pack after buying them again because I went back to Sixth Form at the beginning of September (I keep worrying that they will run out but none of them have yet). I think they cost around £6 and stockists include Amazon, Tesco and Asda. I used them whilst taking notes for revision as the tip of the pen is as thin as an ordinary writing pen and the colour doesn't smudge or show onto the other side of the page unlike felt tip or marker pens. You can buy the larger packs but this size is perfect for your school bag, office desk or locker. One criticism though is that you can't really write with the yellow pen as it would be very hard to read but it works brilliantly as a highlighter on documents with miniature font!

7-Gummy Bass Boost Headphones in Peach Pink
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Staedtler-Triplus-Fineliner-Pen-Pack/dp/B000SHSN04

I brought these for £10 from HMV and I've previously owned the green and purple ones, I often use these instead of the Iphone headphones as they don't break as easily. I wish I could find some of similar quality, that are long lasting but also have the skip and volume button on the cable.

Lastly I have to mention my favourite youtuber and blogger known as Essie Button! She runs a youtube channel and a blog but I've been mostly loving her vlog channel that features her boyfriend Aslan and their lovely greyhound Reggie, In August they went on a road trip and daily vlogged but also filmed their reunion with Reggie when they returned. Please check her out and subscribe because she is so funny and sweet. I'm sure you'll love her.

Her blog: http://www.essiebutton.com/
Her Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/essiebutton
Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/essiebuttonvlogs

I'm afraid that is it for my non- beauty favourites post. Please keep checking back as I am trying to post on a more regular basis.

Let me know what your favourites have been and any recommendations or comments that you have for future posts.

Thanks so much,

Mcsophwar xox

Note;I do not own or get profit from any links or pictures on this post that don't belong to me. They are used for entertainment purpose only. I use my own pictures where necessary. I am not sponsored.

Back to School: What helps me

Hi everyone,

In the UK, many students including me have returned to or started their A levels last week or this week. I have already done my AS level year and I thought I'd share a few tips that I found useful whilst studying.

Most of these points are generic and not specifically for people just taking A level qualifications.

Tip 1: Make the most of revision sites such as The Student Room where you can discuss almost anything with other students.

Using this website and others really helped me to find people who were studying the same subjects as me so that I could ask for or share study tips and advice. However, there are posts about pretty much anything so try not to get distracted.

Tip 2: Ask for help as you go along.

Please don't be scared to ask your teachers or friends for help. It is less stressful to go to your teacher after the lesson and ask them to explain the topic or the homework again than worrying about several topics during the lead up to exams because you never understood the concepts and learning them all at the last minute.

Tip 3: Don't be afraid to get something wrong or not get the grade you want first time.

It doesn't matter if you are in your first year of Secondary/ High school or studying for A levels, getting things wrong is the way you learn and can get the help you need. Practice makes perfect. Sometimes grading is very different from GCSE meaning your grades may be very low for one assignment but high for another. There's no need to panic

Tip 4: Read over your notes at the end of the week and check you understand everything you've studied.

Reading over your notes at the end of the day or the school week is really useful to refresh your mind for the next week or to help with any homework. We all have days where we think back to a lesson and struggle to fully remember what happened (I know i do). If something you've done confuses you, please ask for help.

Tip 5: Keep on top of your work load.

Leaving work to build up for a long time is very stressful and means you have to rush to finish tasks. If you can't complete your homework the day it is set, plan out your free time so that all your homework from the week is completed before the next week starts. This really helped me as you can start Mondays with a clean slate and only focus on what is given to you on that day, instead of still trying to work through the work you were set several days before.

Tip 6: Take regular breaks

Going out with your friends, watching your favourite television programme or just taking time away from school work to get enough sleep is vital. Working yourself too hard will make it hard for you to concentrate and you really won't enjoy yourself. It's all about balancing your time.

I hope this post was useful. Let me know what you'd like to see on my blog in the future.

Mcsophwar xox


Useful Links:
( I do not own any of these sites used below. I'm not sponsored neither do I receive any reward or recognition from any companies for linking their sites on my blog)

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education

Sundown Festival Day Two & Coming Home

Hello,

Sorry this post is a little late as Sunday was the last day of Sundown 2014 and I returned home on the Monday. I believe that the second day was the best though waiting for the major acts such as Ellie Goulding and John Newman was too long!

Back to what I said in the previous post, security was so good as police officers were there and removed those people that were causing trouble with the help of security.

Hotel Room View

I did try the vegetable burger from the vegetarian and vegan stand on Sunday (It was so yummy). I just found the whole festival experience at Sundown quite exciting but also relaxing. It was lovely to be at a festival that’s less crowded compared to larger ones like V Festival and Glastonbury and be with minimal internet for the few days I was away from home. I even enjoyed the egg free mayonnaise with my burger and the brick toilet building was bearable for most of the weekend.

On the way back, we stopped at Kings Lynn for some shopping and a spot of lunch. I’ve included a couple of pictures from the second day though my memory ran out before Ellie performed.

On the way back, we stopped at Kings Lynn for some shopping and a spot of lunch. I’ve included a couple of pictures from the second day though my memory ran out before Ellie performed.

Overall, I had a fantastic time and I would go again next year depending on who is performing. Although I don’t have the full festival experience by camping, I like to come back to a warm shower, a proper bed, television and electricity after a long day of fun.

Enjoy and my August Favourites will be posted very soon

Mcsophwar xox

Sundown Festival 2014: Day One

Hello,

                                                            

Writing this blog post marks the end of the first day of the Sundown Festival. Despite the queue to get in being very long and not moving until 20 minutes after the opening time, both me and my sister both had a lovely day.

When we arrived, we shared some Spanish Doughnuts with cinnamon sugar and melted chocolate to dip. Throughout the day we also had a freshly made pizza and I discovered the vegetarian and vegan food stall.

 The organisation and safety at the event was also very good. I thoroughly enjoyed the food and little clothing stalls as much as the acts themselves (we both brought a flower ring and a bandana). The rain did dampen our spirits but we had to laugh about our rain coats that looked like giant rubbish bags.

 

Foxes, Katy B, Tinie Tempah and Chase and Status were some of the acts that performed today and my favourites by far were Foxes and Tinie Tempah. After becoming very cold and tired, I’m glad to be back at my hotel to get ready for more fun today and of course the headlining acts John Newman and Ellie Goulding.

Throughout this post I have included some of my favourite pictures taken yesterday.

Enjoy,

Mcsophwar xox 

Norwich, Shopping & Percy Pigs

Hello,

As I’m typing this, I’m sat with a warm cup of tea with the view of Norwich Riverside right infront of me. My family and I packed up and arrived at 1pm today ready for the excitement of tomorrow’s Sundown festival. Me and my sister went last year too, and preferred the smaller site with a large variety of food stalls, funfair rides, shopping tents and two main stages. The acts performing during the weekend include Ellie Goulding, John Newman and Katy B.

Today we had lunch at Nandos (I opted for the Beanie Burger) and picked up a few bargains whilst shopping. Norwich is a fantastic shopping area as it has individual shops but also shopping centres. I managed to buy new tops, a backpack from Primark and a few more essentials.

I have also recently taken the choice to stop eating Meat, Fish or any products that involve animals losing their lives for. I used to have a massive fetish for Percy Pigs from Marks and Spencer’s and I was happy to find that they have veggie ones (they contain pea protein instead of gelatine)

I’m looking forward to the festival atmosphere after a year since I last went to a festival. I will try my best to post blogs throughout the festival weekend and some vlogs of some of the acts performing at some point next week.

Thanks again for reading and I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Mcsophwar xox

Shop My Stash

Hi,

Below is my blog post shop my stash. If you are unfamiliar with what this is, it is where you look through your make-up/ beauty collection and pick out things that you would like to try more.

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in the shades Pinched (100) and Charmed Enchantment (150)

I rarely use cream blush but I’ve tried these ones and I loved the formula and colours. Pinched is a very natural colour and charmed enchantment is more of a deeper pink. I hope to bring these out more during the autumn and winter.

Maybelline colour tattoo 24hr eyeshadows in the shades 75-24K Gold and 65-Pink Gold

I always use these eye-shadows but in the shades Permanent Taupe and On and On Bronze. However, I’d like to be more ambitious instead of always going for neutral eyes. I think the Gold will be hard to wear but I hope that I can use these shades somehow in the near future.

Bright Lipsticks-Topshop lipstick in Brighton Rock and Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti

I’m going to try very hard to wear these in the next few weeks as I think they should be worn during the summer. The Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti is a very bright orange lip butter that is very moisturising but I find that it sometimes spreads on to the face. Brighton Rock is a bright pink which is more matte compared to the lip butter.

Borjouis Délíce de Poudre Bronzing Power in 51

Many bloggers have raved about this bronzer but quite rightly too. It is a very nice bronzer with a light bronzer. It smells of chocolate also. The only reason why I haven’t been using this recently is because I purchased The Body Shop Honey Bronzer and have used it ever since.

Thanks for reading. I will be back very soon!

Mcsophwar xox

Busy Bee

Hello,

Sorry I've been so busy trying to get everything organised, that my posts have been late. I will be posting today's blog post tomorrow instead.
August favourites, festival vlogs and the sister tag will be coming up along with many more exciting things!
I'd love to hear your comments or suggestions too.

Thanks so much,

Mcsophwar xox

Would You Rather (Beauty Edition)

Hi,

Sorry I’m a day late posting but I’ve decided to do the would you ever tag (beauty edition). If you do this tag please comment or tweet me the link because I’d love to see your answers to these questions.

Would you rather only ever wear eye makeup or skin makeup?

This is really hard but I would say skin make up. I suffer quite badly with spots which I’d hate if I couldn’t cover up! Also there are so many products you can use on your face such as foundation, blush and bronzer that would make me look natural without the need for anything on my eyes.

Would you rather cut off all your hair, or never cut your hair again?

I would prefer to never cut my hair again, A few years ago I had a straight fringe and bob cut that made me look like a boy. Ever since I have grown my hair and only had the split ends trimmed. Though I’d have to find a way to wear my fringe so I can still see once it has got very long!

Would you rather always wear your clothes too big, or too small?

TOO BIG! I’d rather wear clothes that are loose fitting and comfortable rather than being uncomfortable in tight clothing which wouldn’t look too nice on me. Oversized all the way.

If you were given £1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or make-up?

Despite the fact that I am obsessed with make-up products, I have far too much and have so many gaps in my wardrobe and I think £1000 would really help for me to buy myself some wardrobe staples.

Would you rather wear lipstick as eyeliner or eyeliner as lipstick?

It depends on the colour because you can get bright pink eyeliners and things like that. If I had to choose, I would buy something such as the Revlon lip crayons in a dark plum/ purple colour and I would use it with an angled eye shadow brush and smudge it slightly. I’d find a way to work with that.

Would you rather wear MC Hammer pants or Biker Shorts in public?

Frankly, biker shorts are very tight and I don’t really like my legs, so I would wear the MC Hammer pants with a neutral top and they would look so much cooler.

Would you rather never be able to fill in your eyebrows or only fill them in using a sharpie?

I don’t always fill in my eyebrows but I couldn’t go without filling them in all the time. I would use a small brush to get a small amount of the sharpie onto my eyebrows and I’d use the brown colour.

Would you rather never pluck your eyebrows or never shave your legs?

I would pluck my eyebrows otherwise I’d end up with my brows joining in the middle and that wouldn’t look pretty! I would wax my legs or use another method of hair removal.

I hope you enjoyed this post and thanks so much for reading

I will be back very soon

Mcsophwar xox

Making Tanya Burr's Cookies & Tips

Hi,

I’m back already because today I attempted to make the milk chocolate and white chocolate cookies that Tanya Burr uploaded in her most recent baking video. I didn't expect them to expand as much as they did so I ended up making VERY large cookies which made it hard to see when they needed to come out of the oven. The cookies are easy to make except the ingredients kept getting stuck in the whisk (I gave up and mixed them with a wooden spoon instead).  It allows you to put as little or much chocolate in as you want and it is simple enough to change the size of your cookies or even add more chocolate!

After around 15 minutes my cookies were ready to be taken out the oven to cool. They are delicious if you be careful on how long to cook them for. They taste lovely if you make sure the chocolate has just melted nicely and even better when they are slightly warm! (I couldn't wait for them to cool!)

If you have any spare time I’d recommend baking some of her white chocolate and milk chocolate cookies or any of the other cakes and cookies she has made recently. She has also made some chocolate brownies that are both gluten and dairy free. Depending on your budget, you can buy pretty much any brand of chocolate and it would work. (I used Tesco’s own white chocolate and Galaxy milk chocolate as shown above).

Thanks for reading,

If I don’t post before, I’ll be back on Sunday.

Mcsophwar xox

Disclaimer: This is not my recipe. The picture of Tanya and her cookies is not mine and used for entertainment purposes only. Please check out Tanya Burr’s blog or youtube channel for details on how to make her cookies.

What's in my weekend away make-up bag & review

Hello Lovelies,

For the blog post today, I thought it would be good to show you what I would typically take with me make-up wise for a weekend away and I’ve included my opinions on some of the products too.

I hope you like it and I would love to know what your favourites are.

Make-up

Face:  

>Makeup Academy Pro-Base Primer-(flawlessly evens out complexion)

I’ve used this product many times but I don’t think it is that great. I normally use the Nivea primer which I featured on my mini haul post, but as it comes in a round glass pot, I use this primer whilst away because it has travel friendly packaging. Not the worst I’ve tried but there are so many more on the market that would be better.

>Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation-(radiance reveal 16hr. I have the shade No51 light vanilla)

This is one of my favourite high street/ drugstore foundations of all time. This foundation isn’t cakey, is natural looking and gives a dewy look to the face. This foundation wouldn’t suit people with very oily skin but it lasts all day and isn’t heavy on the face. A little powder on the T zone is required.

>Collection Pressed Powder-(I have the shade 01 Candelight)

This powder has already hit pan and I’m sure I will be buying another when it runs out. It isn’t my favourite but as I use powder so much, this one is great if you’re on a budget.

>Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (I have the lightest shade)

This is my favourite concealer at the moment. It doesn’t crease and is perfect underneath the eyes but also on blemishes and spots too.

 

Sleek Blush Palette

>Sleek blush by 3 Palette-(Intensely pigmented matte and shimmer blushers)

I love, love, love this palette but I’ve only used it a handful of times because the shades in this palette are so bright. It contains the shades Lantern, Squash and P Pie. There is a deep red shimmer blush, a bright pink matte blush and an electric coral orange matte shade too. These blushes are surprisingly super pigmented (the smallest bit goes a very long way). For around £10 it will last a very long time and the colours really transfer onto the face properly. The packing is very slim and has a mirror making it perfect to take on the go.

>Topshop Powder Blush in the shade Good Girl

I picked this up when I was in London and it is my very first and only blush from Topshop. I’ve heard many good things about this brand but I’ve been quite sceptical as they are normally known for lovely clothes and not for their make-up. However, I was proven wrong! This shade is a light pink shimmer that is perfect for every day make up. The packaging is so cute and also has a little mirror. I will be extending my collection as soon as I can.

>The Body Shop Honey Bronzer (I have shade 01)

This bronzer is beautiful and I will continue purchasing this until The Body Shop discontinues it. It comes in three shades and doesn’t have shimmer either. It gives the perfect natural bronze to the skin.

 Eyes and Eyebrows:

>Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr Cream Eyeshadow (shade 35- on and on bronze)

I own four of these but this is by far my favourite. In a rush I apply this with my finger and it lasts all day on its own but I’ve also used it as a base. At £5 each, they are more than worth it. I’ve already got my eye on more of them to buy.

>Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

This palette is so cute and has a full length mirror. It contains the shades Venus, Foxy, Walk of shame, Faint and Crave. The colours range from light/ champagne to dark brown and black making it so versatile for natural day looks and can be used at night or when creating a smokey eye. It isn’t the cheapest palette but Urban Decay eyeshadows are by far one of the best and are very highly pigmented.

>Revlon eyelash curlers

>Rimmel Wonder’full Mascara

I’ve only tried this once and I’m not sure if I like it yet. I wish it gave more volume but it was perfect at separating the lashes. I will have to try this for longer to give a better opinion on this product.

>Beauty UK Simply Define Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown

>Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

It is a 0.4mm thick tip. I don’t have much to say but it is so easy to create a winged eyeliner look and I use this all the time.

Lips:

>Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick in the shade 03

I love this nude lipstick! It lasts a long time but doesn’t dry out the lips.

>Revlon Colourburst Lip Stain in the shade 001 (Honey Douce)

>Tanya Burr Lipgloss in Smile, Dream, Sparkle

These are my favourite lip-glosses. You can buy them in Superdrug for under £10. They smell like Sweets and the applicator allows for easy application.

>Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balm (SPF 15 with Vitamin E)

>Topshop Lipstick In Brighton Rock (A gorgeous bright pink)

Brushes:

I try to take the minimum whenever I go away so I have included my 5 most used make-up brushes.

 >La Cross Permier Blush Brush

>Royal Enhance Eyeshadow Brush

>Royal Enhance Angled Eyeshadow Brush

>Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

A staple and a must have for blending foundation. The real techniques brushes clean easily, don’t shed and stand up on their own too!

>Real Techniques Powder Brush

I use this for both Powder and Bronzer. It is incredibly soft and large for even application.

Thanks so much for reading. Please comment below if you have any recommendations or favourites you would like to share

Mcsophwar xox

Get to know me on twitter: @mcsophwar