Well...

Here I am again, starting yet another post with an apology about the lack of posts. This time it has been a year. Almost exactly. The truth is, I'm not that sorry at all. It has been a pretty hectic year by my standards anyway and my focus was not on writing. It would have make no sense to force myself to write just for the sake of it. I'm not going to make any promises or put pressure on myself to post here because that doesn't work for me. We shall just wait and see what happens in the future.

Until I feel inspired to write something more interesting, here's some more about me.



1.Do you have a middle name? Elizabeth (My initials are JEN)

2. What was your favourite subject in school? Art, also Craft and Design. They were the things I was best at.

3. What’s your favourite drink? Non-alcoholic - Dr. Pepper and Mango juice (not together). Alcoholic - Southern Comfort and Lemonade.

4. Favourite song at the moment? Slight Return - The Bluetones. Getting back into Britpop as I've been watching My Mad Fat Diary again.

5. What would you name your children? If I were to have children I would probably take forever to name them as I'm very indecisive. I have always liked the names Skye and Isla for a girl, quite like Alex and Rory for a girl too. Not sure on boys names anymore, change my mind all the time.

6. Do you participate in any sports? I pretty much hate exercise. Last week I went to a pole dancing class and I did like it. Although my arms have been in agony for about 4 days.

7. Favourite Book? Friends Like These - Danny Wallace.

8. Favourite Colour? Teal, Purple, then Black. Though I wear black more than anything.

9. Favourite Animal? Cats and Sloths.  

10. Favourite perfume? Don't really wear perfume often, but Beyonce Heat is quite nice. I prefer musky scents. White Musk from The Body Shop is amazing too.

11. Favourite holiday? I couldn't pick just one, I've been lucky enough to go on several brilliant holidays over the years. Highlights would be Hong Kong, Toronto, Prague, New York, Salem, LA and Las Vegas. Florida is always so much fun as well.

Favourite Albums | Part 1

Time for something different, I feel I want to incorporate some of my other interests into my writing. I've become somewhat lax with my beauty followings recently. Be prepared to see more music, photography, fashion and travel posts here in the future.

Once again I have been very lazy in keeping this blog up to date with it being 5 months or so since my last post. A lot has been going on in my life, or so it feels. More on that later!

I've been planning this post in my head for the longest time. I really love talking to people about their music tastes and finding out what they are into. I used to love seeking out new and upcoming bands, but these days I'm more into really getting to know the music and the artists I've been listening to for years.
Don't get me wrong, I'm open to new music, though there's nothing better than hearing a song or even an entire album that takes you back to a specific time in your life; making you feel that nostalgia and the way you felt at that precise moment. Bliss. I have so many albums that remind me of people and places from the past and the present, as I'm sure we all do.
So that's exactly what I want to write about here, my favourite albums! I've narrowed it down to 30 odd - which means this is going to be a series of posts as I couldn't cram it all into one, that just wouldn't be fair.

Kicking things off with a popular one by The Killers, released 10 years ago, almost to the day, Hot Fuss. Really can't believe it's 10 years old, wow. It's their first album and was released June 7th 2004. This really is a flawless album, all the songs are fantastic in their own way. Some may say that Somebody Told Me and Mr. Brightside are overplayed, which is true but it doesn't take away from the fact they are brilliant songs.
This album reminds me of high school, specifically my 3rd and 4th year art class. Our teacher would let us bring in CDs to play and this was a favourite. So summery, it almost made it bearable to be in school and made me love art all the more.

Highlights - Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, Glamarous Indie Rock & Roll, and Smile Like You Mean It.

Now, this isn't a studio album, it's a compilation - the only one on my list, but I couldn't exclude it just because of that! It's Incesticide by Nirvana, which is a mixture of demos, covers and recordings from radio shows. Released December, 1992 when I was only 3.
This was one of the first albums by Nirvana (other that the obvious) that I really got into when I was about 12. My parents had always played them in the house, especially my mum (who was even lucky enough to see them, so envious), so I grew up listening to most of their albums (there are a few on this list).
What I love about the songs are how raw they are, I think the whole album encapsulates the vibe and the sound that was Nirvana. I won't say much more about this album, I just urge you to listen to it, especially if you're into Nirvana and you haven't given it a listen before.

Highlights - Molly's Lips, Son of a Gun, (New Wave) Polly and most importantly Mexican Seafood.

Grammy Awards 2014 | Favourite Dresses.

Sometimes I feel that the attendees of award shows are remembered for their fashion choices rather than the awards they are nominated for. I must say I am usually mostly excited to see what people are wearing, but it does depend on the award show. When it comes to the Grammys I'm never all that bothered about the awards, and looking through the list of winners I'm not all that inspired. Anyway, here are my favourite gowns of the evening. I don't like to post my least favourite as I think it's cruel and everyone has their own opinions!

Lets kick things off with Queen Bey. She looks stunning as ever in this Michael Costello lace creation. I absolutely love anything lace and this is so flattering. The sleeves are amazing and I love the whole shape of the dress. Doesn't she look fantastic?!

TMI Tag.

♥ What are you wearing?..

At the moment I'm wearing Topman lounge pants that have a junk food print on them, my work shirt and a huge cardigan. Kind of a weird mixture...

♥ Have you ever been in love?

Yes, I am at the moment :)

♥ Have you ever had a terrible break up?

Not really a bad one, I was young and at the time heartbroken even though it was mutual. Looking back it wasn't a bad break up.

♥ How tall are you?

5"9ish.

♥ How much do you weigh?

Not really sure 11st maybe? Been a while since I've weighed myself.

♥ Do you have any tattoo's?

I have one on my hip, it's of a bird. I would love more, lots more.

♥ OTP?

Erm, Dean and Cas? Haha. Rory Gilmore and Jess Mariano from Gilmore Girls for sure.

♥ What is your favourite TV show?

It will probably always be Friends, but at the moment I'm loving American Horror Story, Parks and Rec, and Supernatural along with many, many others! 

 

So, it's been a while...

Where to start? Happy new year I guess! Even that seems a bit redundant now seeing as it's almost February. How is everyone? Healthy and happy I hope!?

As you may be able to tell I slipped out of the whole blogging thing for quite some time...around 7 months I'd say. Perhaps this was to do with my new job completely stressing me out to begin with. Thankfully it's calmed down and I'm glad Christmas is out of the way. Working in hospitality is no fun at that time of year, or so I believe. A lot of people seem to really enjoy it, I guess I'm just not as enthused by it all. Got my head down and working as hard as I can though. Most of the time anyway!

A few of my friends got married and/or engaged at the end of this year and also right at the start of 2014. Everyone seems so loved up at the moment, it's been very exciting! That being said I'm starting to feel like I'm getting older and should have my life planned out. I still have no idea what I want to do career-wise. I'm open to suggestions!

I do plan to get back into the swing of things on here - that's my first goal for 2014. I would love to be more proactive, do more rather than just think or talk about doing more! Does that even make sense? Work on sentence structure, that could be the next thing...

Perhaps some photos now, these are personal photos. Mainly social gatherings and nights out. That seems to be all I've been doing this month with 5 nights out in one month. A little more than usual.

Candles at Katie and Pauls Wedding.

MUA Blusher in Bubble Gum | Review + Swatches.

It's been a while! Time to catch up on some reviewing and some reading too. I must say I've kept up with a few of my favourite blogs, but it's not the same.

This is a product I bought a long time ago. MUA has been a firm favourite since Superdrug launched it back in around 2010. So affordable, most items are only £1 and they are surprisingly good quality. Their blushers are my favourite. I love that you can try out a different shade for only £1 and it doesn't matter if it doesn't suit you because it was only a pound and you can always pass it on to a friend of family member. Their lipsticks are also amazing for only £1.
Needless to say I was excited when they released some new blushers. This is one of the shades I bought, Bubble Gum.

ELF HD Blusher in Diva | Review + Swatches.

ELF have always been one of my favourite brands for cheap and cheerful make up products. I also like that they have their bargain products, and there is also the studio range which is slightly more pricey (but still very decent) and a bit better quality so there is a huge range of products to choose from.

In my last haul I bought one of their HD Blushers from the studio range and costs only £3.75, told you the prices were still very decent! The shade I bought is called Diva. This was the shade I chose as most of the others were sold out, but it's still a gorgeous colour. On the website the only one that is still in stock is Encore, this shows how popular these blushers are.

On to the actual product! It comes in a cute little 10ml plastic bottle with a pump dispenser. This blusher is so pigmentent it's insane, a little goes a long long way! You have to be really careful when dispensing it as you only need the tiniest amount. I tend to use my finger to apply it but a stippling brush would work well too.
I love this blusher because I have dry skin and it doesn't pick up on my dry patches as much as most powder blushers do.

Update.

Hello! I'm just here to write another quick post to let you know why I've been absent for this past month. I don't really have any specific reasons. Maybe it's work, maybe it's laziness but all I know is I've not been inspired to write lately. Hopefully in the future that desire will return, and I do hope it's soon. I got some horrible news last week as well so that's probably a contributing factor.

I really hope all is well and that everyone is taking care of themselves!

Tag | Disney.

1. A scene in any Disney movie you wish you could experience.  

Hmm, there are so many! Probably the lantern scene in Tangled, I think that it's so beautiful. I would say the magic carpet ride in Aladdin if I wasn't scared of heights.

2. An unforgettable experience moment you've had at the Parks.  

When I was 9 I was at Disney World and I was picked to be in the parade, but I didn't actually realise until afterwards. I was a very shy child and I doubt I would have wanted to anyway.

Going on Space Mountain for the first time and none of my family realising it was a rollercoaster, that was hilarious. I also loved being there after dark and going on Tower of Terror and watching the show and fireworks.

3. What Non-Disney song(s) that reminds you or brings back memories of Disney and or the Parks? 

I can't actually think of anything at the moment...

 

4. When was the first time you went to a Disney Park?

November 13th 1998, I had just turned 9.

5. If you could choose any of the characters to be your best friend, who would you choose?

Hmm, I always enjoy characters like Archimedes, Pascal and Maximus, so I'd probably have an animal sidekick!

6. Who are your favourite Disney Princesses? 

Aurora, I've always loved her hair and clothes. A dress that changes colours would be amazing! I also like Ariel even though I've only seen The Little Mermaid a couple of times.

7. Name a scene/moment in a Disney movie that never fails to make you cry.

I don't think I cry at Disney all that much. The lantern scene in Enchanted the first time I saw it, but that's pretty much it.

8. What was the first Disney movie you remember seeing?

The Jungle Book or Cinderella I think.

9. What is your favourite Disney movie? 

Sleeping Beauty and The Sword in the Stone.

10. Share a video or photo that shows your love for Disney  

That's the only one I could really find, I took that photo back in 2009.


I tag everyone who loves Disney to do this tag! I'll hopfully have more time to get back into regular posting soon. Work is just hectic and I'm so exhausted. I hope everyone is well and whatnot! :)

It's Glow Time! Get Bronzed by 17 | Quick Review + Swatches

Something a little different today, this is a 'Get The Look' set from 17 that I won in a tombola. Strange I know, lucky too as it was the reason I wanted to play it in the first place! So happy I won it.

What does this set contain I hear you ask?! Well it contains 3 items, a lipgloss in the shade In The Nude, an eyeshadow in Statuesque and a cream bronzer/blusher. The reason I wanted this so badly is that it was coming into summer and I wanted to get a bit of a healthy glow going. That being said, I am very pale so it has to be subtle. I don't intend to get any colour over the summer, but a bit of a glow would be nice!

Photo Post | Random Selection.

These photos don't tie together in any kind of way, I just wanted to do another photo post and use Photoshop some more. Still getting the hang of it after around a year of not using it!

Some of these are from Newcastle, others are from Canada, and the US as well as one from Scotland. Can you guess which one?

FOTD | Simple.

Time for a wee FOTD post, not done one of these in quite some time. This was from a few weeks ago, you may notice that I used the first photo as my new blog icon.

Wishlist + Discount Code | Motel Rocks.

Motel Debbie Off Shoulder Dress in Blue Paisley + Motel Dana Crop Top in Blue Paisley.
Collage by me.

Today I decided I wanted to write about fashion instead of beauty. It's not often that happens, but believe it or not I've always been more into clothes than make-up. It's only recently I've taken such an interest in beauty and the like.

So I'm going to share one of my favourite clothing brands with you - Motel Rocks. Most of you are probably very familiar with this company, they have been around for years and they have some ahh-mazing pieces! My first Motel purchase was back in around 2006 - 7 years ago, can you believe it!? All of my dresses are still in great condition and are also still wearable today. That's one of the things I love most about their clothes, as well as their comfort.

Sometimes I find them a little on the expensive side, and I rarely buy anything full price, but it's easy to find a bargain on their website. They always have a sale on and plenty discount codes floating about! Speaking of discount codes if you use my code jeneralrambling you can get 20% off, any time.

Motel Long Sleeve Off the Shoulder Crop in Black Waffle, Motel Savvy Cold Shoulder top in Black and White, Motel Galaxy High Waist Matte Skinny Pants in Charcoal.
Collage by me.

They have something for almost everyone, at the moment there are lots of 90s inspired pieces as well as pretty, feminine prints for summer. I love to mix up my style so it's perfect for me. Geez, you'd think this was a sponsored post with all the gushing I'm doing but seriously I love Motel Rocks, a lot. A LOT. I have around 8 dresses, 4 pairs of trousers and a couple of tops. Probably not as much as some people but I spend a lot of time deciding and deliberating about which things to buy!

A couple of downsides I've discovered is that they don't cater for sizes above 14 (which I am in trousers, so if I size up I won't be able to fit them!) and if you're tall then their mini skirts/dresses are waaay too short (which I also have to watch out for). Lastly if you have a long torso their playsuits are too short (embarrassing cameltoe much?!) Sucks.

Have you ever bought anything from Motel Rocks? If so what, or what do you have your eyes on? Anyone have trouble with their sizing, or something else? Let me know!

ELF Contouring Blusher + Bronzer Duo in St. Lucia | Review + Swatches.

Over a month ago I picked up some more bargains from ELFs online store, they were having up to 50% off and I think the delivery may have been free also. They're always having amazing sales!
I picked up a few things, one of these was the St. Lucia blusher and bronzer duo (£3.75), I'd read that it's a dupe for the NARS Laguna and Orgasm duo. This wasn't the reason I went for it though, I just think the colours are pretty. I'm easily pleased. If you were looking for this to be a dupe then you'd be out of luck. This bronzer isn't matte and the blusher is too light and too pink when blended.

The packaging however is reminiscent of the NARS packaging, slightly rounded and rubberised casing (not quite as rubbery though, so doesn't get so mucky). It's quite large, but not so large you wouldn't be able to carry it around and you can't really complain though as it's housing two products!
I'm not sure but I had a look on the website again and I can only find this duo in the cream version now.

Accessorize Baked Merged Blusher in Diva | Review + Swatches.

Good evening! It's time for yet another review, starting to feel like I'm getting nowhere with them. Give me strength...
Today's review is on a blusher I bought in Superdrug, it's by Accessorize and it's called Diva (£3.99, I think). It's a merged baked blusher, which is something I'd never tried before. I've always thought they are very pretty!

This shade is mainly made up of pink and peach swirls with a bit of lilac thrown in there. It's rather pearly and shimmery, which I don't tend to go for (pearly anyway). Super pretty to look at!

It's quite toned down which I like, always nice to get a subtle glow going. You can build it up a little if you like, but overall I'm disappointed by the pigmentation. I had my doubts when I first saw Accessorize had a make-up range. I'm not sure on the packaging either, it feels a bit cheap. These two problems somewhat confirm my suspicions about this brand. What do you think?

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in 110 Ivory | Review + Swatches.

Time for another review! Getting through them slowly but surely. This review is about Revlons Nearly Naked foundation (£8.99). I'm sure you've heard about it by now, it's huge in the blog world at the moment, or it has been in the past couple of months. As usual I'm a little behind!

I bought one of the lightest shades, Ivory. There was another light one called Shell but I thought this one was better suited to my skin tone. It matches pretty well which was surprising as most drugstore brands don't tend to have light enough shades for pale folk. The only other one I've found is Rimmels Match Perfection in 010 (review here).

So straight away I liked it because it matched my skin tone, great start. It also applies easily and quickly when using my Real Techniques Buffing brush. My skin is still very, very dry at the moment and I found it accentuated it even more. The Rimmel foundation does this too, rather annoying. Even if I exfoliate my skin beforehand it makes little difference.
Other than that I really like the feel and look of Nearly Naked. It is light to medium coverage which I like because my freckles still show through a little. It also feels nice and light so you don't really notice you're wearing make up. I'd say it lasts all day, but I tend to have to touch up sometimes because of my dry skin.
The thing that most people have an issue with is that it doesn't have a pump, but I don't find that to be a problem. You just need to be careful when you're pouring it out.
To see me wearing it click here.

BarryM Textured Nail Effect Polish in Ridley Road | Review.

Once again the weather is strangely glorious. This time I actually went out in the sunshine, alas it was only to do some leafleting for work. At least I was being paid to wander around in the sun.

The nail polish I'm reviewing today is perfect for Spring and Summer. It's a beautiful pastel turquoise colour called Ridley Road and it's from the Textured Polish range by BarryM (£3.99). As you're probably aware I'm awful at explaining colours but I'd describe it as a pastel mint colour that leans a little blue (so in my mind, turquoise).

I love the name, Ridley Road is in Dalston, which is very near to the area in London where I was born (Stoke Newington). My mum used to go to the Ridley Road market all the time and the last time we visited London we went shopping there. There's the most amazing fabric shop there, as well as copious amounts of fruit and veg stalls.

I've never worn a textured nail polish before and I must say I wasn't all that sure beforehand. As soon as I tried it though it was love. The 4 colours in the range are all beautiful pastel shades, but they still pack a punch as they are a little brighter than your average pastel. I do wish there was more of a shade range but maybe there will be in the future.
This shade took two layers to be opaque and build up the texture a bit.

The Good.

Beautiful colour.
Interesting texture.
Only £3.99.
Opaque after 2 coats.
Lasts for a couple of days without chipping.

The Bad.

Limited colour range.

Safe to say I love this nail polish, I really want to get the other shades too. Have you tried any textured nail polishes before? What are your favourite polishes for Spring/Summer?

Collection Volume Sensation Lipstick in Satin Bow | Review + Swatches.

Another review on a Collection product today! This one is a lipstick in the shade Satin Bow (£2.99). In my review of their felt tip liner I mentioned that I picked up a few other items by Collection, this is one of them. I'm very glad I bought this lipstick, it's lovely.

As the name Volume Sensation suggests it's one of those lip products that tingles slightly when you first put it on, I thought this would put me off but it's not too bad at all. I rather enjoy it actually! I can't say that it gives my lips any extra volume.

I would describe this shade as a very pretty soft pink colour, but it's not too nude. This is prefect for my skin tone, I find it hard to find a light pink colour that doesn't wash me out. In the photos it comes across as slightly brown in tone but it's more pink in person. It's glossy and feels a little moisturising as well as tingly. I'd say this lasts about 3 hours max on me, that's without eating or drinking.
To see me wearing this look here.

Wednesday Waffle Weeks 20, 21 + 22 | Supernatural, Dior, Johanna Basford + New Job.

Wow, it's been a busy 3 weeks. I started my new job on the 26th of April and have been training since then! All hands on stuff and learning on the job, but it's been intense. I'm so tired constantly and every spare moment at home has involved Supernatural. I've become obsessed, strange considering I thought I probably wouldn't like it. I've halfway through season 2, I love that I've still got 6 seasons to watch! Still got two seasons of Gilmore Girls to go as well. Another show I've started is Sons of Anarchy, only seen the first episode but digging it so far. That's right, digging it.
Any show suggestions?

Last Friday I went to the opening of the latest exhibition at the DCA. The exhibition is by Johanna Basford, she mainly does black and white illustrations which are amazing. She graduated from the same art college as me, and when we had our degree show she designed our invitations.
Check out her work here, it's beautiful!

In other news I picked up my glasses today. I had a bit of a splurge and bought Dior ones! They are amazing, I'm in love with them. I'll take some photos soon probably, I'm still getting used to my reflection. For now here's a link to them.
Drooool.

Ok, so that's basically it, nothing else to report! Just wanted to check in and keep up with these posts (yes, I'm aware it's been about a month since my last one, oops).


One last thing, Cosmopolitan are taking nominations for their 2013 Blog Awards. If you think I deserve it I would be eternally grateful if you would recommend me in the Best New Beauty award!? It only takes a minute! Shameless self promotion going on here,

Real Techniques Brushes Core Collection | Review.

What a glorious day we're having! I hope it's been nice and sunny for everyone?
It's time for another review that I've been meaning to do for weeks and weeks! Terrible I know, but I'm just way behind on everything at the moment.

This review is about the Real Techniques Core Collection of brushes. They are by Samantha Chapman of Pixiwoo. This set cost me £21.99 from Boots and had been on my wishlist for a good two or three months before I caved! The main reason I wanted this set was because of the Buffing Brush and as far as I'm aware it can't be bought separately. I'd read so many rave reviews about this brush and I was looking for a new foundation brush so I set my heart on this one.

L-R Contour, Pointed Foundation, Detailer, Buffing.

The other brushes included in this set are the Contour brush, Pointed  Foundation brush and Detailer brush. You also get a little case that turns into a stand. I think it's handy but isn't very sturdy feeling.
I really like using the Contour brush with my Sleek Face Form contouring powder, they work so well together! The Detailer brush is great for using with concealer, especially around my nose and on blemishes. I'm still trying to find something to use the Pointed Foundation brush for as it's too small for foundation. I also find that the Buffing brush is the only thing I need for my foundation application. It's brilliant, slightly smaller than any foundation brush I've used before but you get used to it after a couple of uses.

The Good.

4 brushes + case for £22.
Great quality.
Buffing brush + Contour brush are fantastic.
Easy to clean.
Soft bristles.
No shedding.

The Bad.

Case feels flimsy.
Can't buy brushes separately.

I would probably buy this set again, but to be completely honest if I could have bought the Buffing brush on it's own I would have. They are great quality, but I don't have a use for the Foundation brush as it's an odd size.
Do you have this set, or any others like this?

One last thing, Cosmopolitan are taking nominations for their 2013 Blog Awards. If you think I deserve it I would be eternally grateful if you would recommend me in the Best New Beauty award!? It only takes a minute!