Book Review 9/35 | curlsandcuppas

Hello again 🙂 I’m back with a book review (check out my last few here and here) I apologise for the lack of posts, but the past 6 weeks have been very hectic! I left home and moved to University, so I’ve been settling and sorting out my new life!! Let me know if you’d like any uni-themed posts… 🙂

This is my 9th book of the year and I loooooved it. My goal was 35 for the year, but that’s not going too well so far you never know, I might make it!

“What if you had the chance to live your life again and again, until you finally got it right?

During a snowstorm in England in 1910, a baby is born and dies before she can take her first breath. During a snowstorm in England in 1910, the same baby is born and lives to tell the tale.

What if there were second chances? And third chances? In fact an infinite number of chances to live your life? Would you eventually be able to save the world from its own inevitable destiny? And would you even want to?”

I adore this book, full stop. It is complex and not always easy to follow, but the concept is incredible. The protagonist, Ursula, is likeable and relatable and her constant reliving of the same life is exhausting but impressive.

Reading this really made me think about the importance of the little things, and made me re-evalute the significance of my actions – sounds intense I know, but I had a good think.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

I love that there are so many different storylines in this novel, but the only reason it didn’t get 5 stars from me was because I did struggle at some times to remember which storyline I was in. This is definitely a novel that needs to be read without too many breaks, it would be much easier to keep focused if I had read it over just two days.

Thanks for reading 😉 I hope you enjoyed, let me know if you’ve read this book! What are you reading at the moment? Let me know…

Until next time… x

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Image not mine – courtesy of beniceorleavethanks

3 Summer Smoothie Recipes | curlsandcuppas

Despite the lack of glorious weather here in England, it is summer. That means many things (getting a tan, picnics, ice cream, beach trips… etc.) but for me it also signals the smoothie season. – the chance for me to blend my favourite fruits into gorgeous glasses of coloured mush. Nothing better 😉

Today I thought I’d share my 3 favourite summer smoothie recipes so you can love smoothies and smoothie’ing (totes a word) as much as me…

01. Soft and Sweet Pink

Ingredients: 1 Banana, 2 Handfuls of Green Grapes, 1 Handful of Strawberries

 

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02. Tangy Berry

Ingredients: 1 Banana, 2 Handfuls of Green Grapes, 1 Squeeze of Lemon Juice, 2 Handfuls of Frozen Berries, 2 Handfuls of Frozen Strawberries/Bananas

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03. Sunny Tropical

Ingredients: 2 Rings of Pineapple (add more for extra sweetness), 1/2 Orange, 1 Banana, A Dash of Orange Juice

 Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Tell me your favourite smoothie recipes in the comments…

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Until next time… x

High Street Makeup Wish List… | curlsandcuppas

Hello again lovely readers 😉 Today I thought I’d do a lil ramble about what I’m lusting after right now… Just a quick post, but I always find these very fun to read – even if they do make my own list eeeeven longer!

 

01. Anastasia Beverly Hills – Modern Renaissance Palette

This palette is damn gorgeous, and I’ve seen every Youtuber and their dog using it. To be honest, I’m green with jealousy. So I need to get it asap, before I go crazy…

02. RealTechniques – Bold Metals 100 Arched Powder Brush

Ever since this range has come out I have been gazing at it with longing. The metallic brush handles, the crisp white brush air, just aaaaahhhhh – such beauty ❤

03. The Body Shop – All-In-One BB Cream

I don’t wear skin makeup on a daily basis, so I don’t tend to buy those kind of products much at all. But when I saw this in the shop, I was very intrigued by the light formula and subtle finish it’s meant to give – so I’d love to try it out.

04. Sleek – Matte Me Lipstick

Since the crazy Kylie Lip Kit obsession that most of the internet seems to have succumbed to, I have been trying to find a range of actually reasonably priced matte lip products that are more liquid-based than matte lipsticks.

05. NYX – Jumbo Eye Pencil

The whole idea of these pencils makes me really happy. I don’t know why. They just seem heavenly to me, such an easy product to get a really lush eye look from.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! What products are you wanting at the moment?

Until next time… x

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My To-Read Pile | curlsandcuppas

Hello all 🙂 I’ve loved reading since forever – there’s nothing better than curling up under a blanket with a cuppa tea and a good book…

I thought I’d show you a few of the books that are on my ‘To-Read’ pile at the moment, that I’ll be reviewing as I read them 🙂

A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh

“ After seven years of marriage Lady Brenda Last was mildly bored with country life in the Victorian Gothic mansion that was the symbol of her husband’s family pride. The affair she drifted into with a wholly worthless young man began as a diversion fashionable in her class and generation – and became a vortex of ironic calamities. “

I’ve never read any Evelyn Waugh novels, but so many people have recommended her novels to me, so when my English teacher gave this to me as a goodbye present ❤ I knew I had to read it!

1984 by George Orwell

Newspeak, Doublethink, Big Brother, the Thought Police – the language of 1984 has passed into the English language as a symbol of the horrors of totalitarianism. George Orwell’s story of Winston Smith’s fight against the all-pervading Party has become a classic not the least because of its intellectual coherence. First published in 1949, it retains as much relevance today as it had then.

I saw an incredible adaptation of this incredible classic last year at the theatre, and ever since I’ve been meaning to read it. I know the basic story already, but I cannot wait to finally read it.

Le Soleil des Scorta by Laurent Gaudé

Their lineage condemns the Scortas to shame. In Montepuccio, a small village in southern Italy, they live in poverty. But the family vowed to pass their heritage down from generation to generation. Away from the modest family tobacconist, their wealth is immaterial as experience, memories, wisdom, and a spark of joy.

^My iffy translation of the blurb in French 😉 ^

My best friend gave this book to me to read before our French A-Level, but I didn’t get round to it So now it is on my pile to get through ASAP…

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Abandoning his mordant criticism of modern men and morals, Huxley switches to the future and shows us life as he conceives it may be some hundreds of years hence. Written in the thirties when – whatever the immediate outlook may have been – people believed that ultimately all would be for the best in the best of all possible worlds, this novel is a warning against such optimism.

This one seems kinda similar to the concept of 1984, but I love reading these type of novels where the author has, in the past, predicted the future that is now the present – confusing right? But they are just so interesting to read, and always make me think a lot

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! I’d love to know what books are on your pile, lemme know in the comments 😉

Until next time… x

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Book Review 8/35 : Half Of A Yellow Sun | curlsandcuppas

Hello again lovelies 😉 This time I’ve got another book review for you!

This is my 8th book of this year, my goal is 35, but I got summer so I got hella more time to bury my nose into a good few novels…

“In 1960s Nigeria, a country blighted by civil war, three lives intersect… their loyalties are severely tested as they are pulled apart and thrown together in ways that none of them imagined.”

I had heard such great things about Adichie’s other novels Purple Hibiscus and Americanah but I hadn’t heard of this one, until I got given it for my birthday at the end of last year. I worried that it might be a little too historically detailed for my taste, but Adichie expertly manages to create a storyline that is so enticing, whilst also shedding light on the real horrors of the Nigerian civil war in the ‘60s.

I literally could not put this down, and finished it with such a crazy mix of emotions: sadness at the tragedy of the truth it reveals, happiness at the human ability to return to normal life after such horrific events, and bereavement at my own personal loss of the characters – I got so attached to them!

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

I would recommend this to anyone and everyone – it’s an enthralling read that will make you smile, laugh, rage and cry (cliché but true)

Thanks for reading! If you’ve read this, let me know what you thought? What are you reading at the moment? Let me know…

Next book review will be on Life After Life by Kate Atkinson 🙂

Until next time… x

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Three Summer Outfits | curlsandcuppas

Hello again! I spent the first proper week of the UK summer in my favourite place – St Ives, Cornwall. It’s a gorgeous little nook in the very south of Cornwall and has become my second home after going there 16 times 🙂

Given the beautiful weather, I thought I’d show you my three favourite outfits from my week in heaven.

Shirt: Primark £10

Jeans: Topshop £36

Cardigan: New Look (can’t find it anywhere?!)

Flip Flops: Accesorize £15

Top: H&M (not sold anymore…)

Shorts: Boohoo £10

Sunglasses: Little Shop in St Ives £5.99

Hat: Seasalt £25 (currently £17.50 online!)

 Vest: H&M £3.99

Skirt: Primark £10 (similar)

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Leave links to your latest outfit posts I’d love a read ❤

Until next time… x

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A Good Kick Up The… Positive Thoughts | curlsandcuppas

Felt like a chatty post today, so I *borrowed* this idea from the lovely Rhianna at http://bit.ly/29y1qiN – hadn’t seen this idea before, and I bloody love it…

The last few weeks have been a little disjointed for me. I finished A-Levels so was suddenly thrust into freedom, and embraced it wholeheartedly. Then I had some time to recover from all the crazy celebrations of our school days (say whaaat??) and here I am now. Relaxed and happy, but a little unsure what to do with myself.

So I’m hoping this lil’ post will kick me into action and stop me wallowing in boredom and laziness. We’ll see eh?

Things I’d like to do less of:

1. Nothing. Confusing I know, but I want to do less sitting around in a fug (word of the moment) Carpe diem and all that.
2. Worry. I’m not a seemingly anxious person, but I do get overcome by feelings of anxiety when faced with certain situations. It wastes time when I could be getting excited for things, and everything seems to end up ok in the end…
3. Restrict myself. I’m not incredibly adventurous, and I like to know exactly what I’m doing and when. So, I tend to avoid certain situations because they unnerve me. But I really want to do stuff that I didn’t think I could do, even the little things, like travel more…

Things I’d like to do more of:

1. Dance. I have rediscovered my love of dancing through finally being able to let my hair down with my best friends and just go crazy to the cheesiest tunes – Golddigger, Low and Hips Don’t Lie are personal faves.
2. Laugh. I am a pretty laughy person – to be honest I spend a lot of energy trying not to laugh in inappropriate situations – but I sometimes forget how therapeutic it is. I feel liberated, happier and just reassured whenever I’m laughing.
3. Spend time with the people I love. I’m going away to Uni in September, and although I won’t be too far away, I know my homebody self will miss the people I care about a lot. So in the next two months before I’m off, I am determined to really make the most of the time I have with them, so I don’t feel I wasted my summer once I get to Uni – #noregrets

Thanks for reading! What things would you like to do less/more? Tell me in the comments ❤ Leave all your links as always, I’d love a nosey 😉

Until next time… xx

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Products I Always Repurchase | curlsandcuppas

 

Hello again! On rather a more positive note than my last post, I am waffling about my staple products that I simply cannot live without…

Garnier ~ Micellar Water

I know I talk about this beauty of a product a lot, but it deserves it. It takes off my makeup so effectively, with barely any rubbing and no irritation! It’s just downright perfect really.

Clinique ~ High Impact Mascara

I have never actually bought one of these amazing things, but my mum gets them free for her incredible loyalty to Clinique, and I have 3 in reserve – thank the lawd! I use this every single day as my first mascara, and then switch up whatever I pop on over the top. I just love the reasonably dry formula because there are no clumps in sight 🙂

Rimmel ~ Kate Eyeshadow Stick in 100 Rose Gold

This is a slightly surprising item to always repurchase, but I’m honestly in love with it. I can make an easy but frickin’ gorgeous eye look by just sweeping this on my upper and lower lashlines as a soft liner. With big fluttery lashes it looks incredible, but is so easy! A no-brainer methinks…

Soap&Glory ~ Brow Archery

Soap&Glory ~ 2-In-1 Brow Sculpting Crayon and Setting Gel

Since planning this post I tried to repurchase this gem and discovered that it has been replaced by the new 2-In-1 Crayon and Setting Gel. I picked this one up in the hope that it’s as good as its beloved predecessor. I shall let you know of course 😉

Collection ~ Lasting Perfection Concealer

This is a total makeup staple in my collection and has been for years. It’s high coverage, long-lasting and blends beautifully. I am always trying new concealers to experiment, but this remains my favourite and I always go back to it.

Seventeen ~ Miracle Matte Skin Primer

I use this very strong primer as an eye primer to combat my oily eyelids. It leaves no residue, totally mattifies the lid and makes my eyeshadow stay put all day. Basically, it’s bloody brilliant.

The Body Shop ~ Tea Tree Oil

Last but not least, is this tiny but powerful lil’ product that has been my ultimate skin saviour for the past two years. I’ve talked about this many a time (read more here and here) but it really does deserve all that airtime for its incredible powers. Magic, just saying…

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! What products do you always repurchase? Tell me in the comments, and we can have a little chat ❤ Don’t forget to follow my blog to stay up to date, and leave all your links below as always 😉

Until next time… xx

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Products I Regret Buying | curlsandcuppas

*I’m looking to have some guest posts on here soon so please drop me an email at curlsandcuppas@gmail.com – I’d love it!*

Hellooooo 😉 I’m doing a different kinda post today which I’m pretty sure I haven’t done before. I normally like to focus on the products that I LIKE, rather than those I DON’T like, but what the hell…

Miss Sporty So Matte Perfect Stay Pressed Powder in 001 Light

A few summers back I wanted a portable powder that would keep ma sweaty face under control – pleasant I know. I’ll be honest, I picked this up in quite a hurry, it’s only £3.49 and I was desperate, but I was not expecting a lot. After actually putting it on my face, I laughed out loud at my Oompa-Loompa-esque complexion. Although this is the lighter of the two shades in the range (and I have a medium/olive skin tone) it was way too dark, and completely ridiculous! Such a shame, as I’m sure the product itself is fine, just a lack of shade diversity.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers in Luna and Stellar

I bought these right in the middle of the flurry of excitement they caused, but I was thoroughly disappointed. I find the colours garish, the scent is artificial and too strong, and they applied so streaky! I really wanted to love these, but they just weren’t for me – loads of people still rave about them, so maybe I’m just unlucky.

Soap&Glory It’s About Prime Eyeshadow Underbase in Bright Light

This is exactly what I don’t like in an eye-primer. It’s shimmery to the max, doesn’t combat my oily lids and makes my eyeshadow look hella strange. I normally love Soap and Glory products, but this one failed me unfortunately 😦

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Back Spray

I struggle with spots on my back and shoulders and, although I’m fortunately a pretty confident person with my appearance, my skin problems do really affect me… I bought this in the desperate hope that it would help clear up my body acne and make me feel totally fierce with my back and shoulders on show, alas it wasn’t to be – if anything this makes it worse!

Thanks for reading! Hate to be negative, but thought it’d be an interesting post?! I’ll see you lovely lot on Thursday for another post 😉 As always, leave me all your links below – Insta, Bloglovin’, Pinterest and Twitter… 

Until next time… xx

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Review: Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette – Girls on Film (with swatches) | curlsandcuppas

Hello again 😉 I’m not being smug, but 4th post in a row!! *pats self on back* Anyway, today I’m talking about the Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette in Girls On Film – which I am in love with.

I have heard so many great things about this brand, and from this palette I am totally in agreement. But I do want to try some of their other products, so let me know which you’ve tried!

What I noticed first about this palette was the variety of shimmers and mattes. I do love my shimmery shades in the summer, and sparkly bronzes are great for winter parties too, but matte shades are so much more versatile and wearable. This palette has a great mix of both kinds of shadows which makes it the only palette that I own that I can use exclusively for one look – great for when you’re packing light!

The pigmentation is pretty good, but it is a little weaker on the shimmers. They’re really easy to blend which makes them all the more effortless to use! The mirror in the palette is also frickin’ huge and good quality, so even better for travelling!

So overall…

PROS

• Pigmentation of Mattes
• Variety of Shades
• Big Mirror
• Easily Blendable

CONS

• Pigmentation of Shimmers

So, as you can tell, I really love this palette and I don’t have many bad things to say about it! This gorgeous palette is currently retailing at £6 on the Makeup Revolution website – which is amazing value!!

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! I’ll be back again tomorrow with another post, so don’t forget to follow so you don’t miss out on any posts 🙂 Leave me your links below as always, I’d love to find some great new reads ❤

Until next time… xxx

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