Music to my ears #2

1. Royksopp: What Else Is There?

Someone posted this on my Facebook news feed this week. I remember seeing this video late at night on MTV2 a few years ago and being absolutely entranced. It was not the style of music I usually liked, the video was weird and I'd never heard of Royksopp before. I listened to this song for weeks and then promptly forgot it until now. 

I love rediscovering old, forgotten songs and this is definitely going back on my iPod.

2. Chris Malinchak: So Good To Me

Finally a song from the Top 40 in my list. I just think this song is great. It's so chilled, for some reason it reminds me of being on holiday, and the lyrics are really uplifting. It's a funky little love song that I can't get out of my head.

3. The Avalanches: Frontier Psychiatrist

Another oldie but a goodie. This song reminds me of being on placement in Romania. A couple of friends and I found this cool little cocktail bar on a boat and this song came on. It brings back some good memories.
Although this video absolutely absolutely terrified me when I was younger. Even now as grown woman it still give me the willies. It's just so trippy and random!


4. Song of the Lonely Mountain- Neil Finn

I've been having a bit of a Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit binge at the minute. Listening to this song makes me want to get my sword and defeat a dragon!


5. Joni Mitchell: Case of You

Joni Mitchell is a goddess, that is a fact. The first time I heard this song was through the film Practical Magic. Intrigued I looked up the singer, listened to a few of her songs and that was it. I was hooked! Her album Blue is one of the few albums I can listen to over and over again without getting bored of. The emotion of Little Green, the whimsy of Carey and the quiet despair of River are song which are etched on my heart forever. But if I were forced to choose just of her songs to listen to forevermore it would be Case of You. This is the song that first introduced to me Joni Mitchell and is therefore irreplaceable in my life.

Night At The Movies: Behind The Candelabra review

Who doesn't like going to the movies? Meeting up with friends to gorge on chocolate and popcorn while getting lost in a different world. I personally love going to the cinema, if I was brave enough I would even go on my own. I'm just not quite confident enough yet.
I usually try to go to see a new movie at least once a month but, as always, life usually gets in the way so it has been a long, long time since I last went. Seeing as I'm off for two weeks and free as a bird I texted a couple of friends and arranged to go see Great Gatsby.
We showed up at Movie House on the Dublin Road with about fifteen minutes to spare and were greeted by a huge queue. On Tuesday nights Movie House have their Crazy Tuesday promotion where all tickets are £3. It's always been popular but I've never seen it as busy as this. As we ended up being too late to see Great Gatsby we just got tickets for the  next show that was available, Behind the Candelabra.

The story, based on the book by Scott Thorsen, tells the tale of Thorsen's relationship with the legendary pianist and performer Liberace. Directed by Steven Sodehiem this movie  follows their tempetuous relationship over six years, charting the highs and lows and it's eventual demise.
Before viewing this movie I knew nothing about Liberace. I vaguely knew he was a flamboyant performer who revelled in gaudy and OTT glamour but had no clue about any of his personal life or what he was actually famous for.

In fairness if I were as rich as he was I'd probably blow all my money on diamond rings and golden bath tubs too

I think this may have had impact on my feelings about the film, I found the main characters extremely unlikable! Usually the point of films is for the audience to really root for the protagonist but with Behind The Candelabra I couldn't help feeling that the two main characters seemed extremely selfish and manipulative. Whether this is what Liberace was like in real life I do not know but it's how it came across in the movie.

I do feel that the two lead actors, Micheal Douglas and Matt Damon, gave amazing performaces. Seeing as I  don't know what the real Liberace was actually like I can't comment on whether Douglas was able to accurately depict him. A special mention also has to go to Rob Lowe, with his turn as plastic surgeon to the star Dr Startz, who provided some real moments of comedy.

All in all a grand movie. Quite long and I wouldn't be rushing out to buy the DVD so I give it 3 stars! Also I highly recommend you do not see this movie with your parents, there are some scenes that would make for awkward viewing.

Jeez movie reviews are hard, I don't know if I'll make this a regular occurrence!

Let me know if you've seen any great (or not so great) movies recently

Love

S x

C-c-c-cinnamon lips (AKA cinnamon buns)

I'm on the second day of my annual leave and I am bored out my mind! Don't get me wrong I have a thousand errands to do and my room looks like a bomb site. But I won't let those little things distract from my boredom so I decided to procrastinate by doing a little baking.

I have to say I never, ever bake. I am not a baker, it does not interest me. Just give me the finished cupcake I don't want to have to work for it. But I had a real craving for sometime sweet and cinnamon-y. A quick Google search brought up this recipe for quick 45 minute cinnamon buns. I substituted the cream cheese frosting for just regular old icing. Et viola

They are by no means perfect. In fact that big one at the bottom kinda looks like a big turd! But I am very proud of these. I baked these with my own fair hands, maybe I'll give up my job and open a cute little bakery. There'll be mismatch teacups and cool art on the wall. Everyone will know me and I'll have a romantic moment baking cakes with my hot waiter.... alright maybe I'm getting carried away myself.

Are any of you guys into baking? Any recipes to share? I still have two weeks off to fill so anything to fill my time.

Love

Sho x

We're all going on our summer holidays!

Well it's  not really a summer holiday, but I have just booked to go to Portugal at the end of September with three friends. It's odd, I've never been away on a proper girly holiday before so I am muchos excited. Cocktails by the pool, topping up my tan on the beach. Wine soaked dinners and nights out dancing. I could almost burst with anticipation.

Obviously I have spent all morning online looking up bikinis, I'll probably wait until the end of the summer because they'll all be on sale. But for now here are some of my favourites.

1. ASOS Mirror Tropical Print Plunge Halter Swimsuit/ £35

I think it's always good to have a proper one piece swimsuit while away on holiday. I always go to waterparks, I love them they're so much fun. But on more than one occassion I have been in the situation while flying down a slide that I go one way and my bikini top goes another. Cue me desperately covering up my jubblies while trying to quickly tie it back on again. The only problem with this swimsuit is I think it may give me some odd tan lines. And how do your boobies stay in? Do I need tit tape?!

2.Kelly Brook stripped bikini at New Look/ Top £16.99/ Bottoms £10.99

3. Kelly Brook Black Polka Dot Bikini at New Look/ Top £16.99/ Bottoms £10.99

4. Kelly Brook White Postcard Print Halterneck Swimsuit at New Look/£24.99

How good is the Kelly Brook range of swimwear from New Look? I think the retro designs and quirky patterns are gorgeous. I am completely in love with this halterneck swimsuit and might just have to buy it now rather than wait for the sale. But is it just me or are all these a little expensive? I remember being able to get a full bikini for a tenner now it costs that just for the bottoms! Then again it's been a long time since I've had an excuse to buy swimwear- damn inflation!

5. River Island Urban Chevron Bustier Bikini Top/ £16/ High Waisted Bottoms/ £12 

I'm not sure about this style of really high waisted bottoms. On one hand it could look quite classy and retro, on the other it could just look like you've worn your Bridget Jones knickers to the beach. I do like how this material look quite sturdy and structured. It will also over up my unfortunate muffin top. If this appears in the sales I may purchase it just to try it out.

6. ASOS Water Colour Floral Cupped Peplum Suit/ £35

How flipping gorgous is this swimsuit? Make it a little longer and I would wear it as a playsuit. I am serously considering getting this. Yes it's a little on the pricey side and it is so pretty I would never want to actually get it wet. But I think I'd be the best dressed sunbather in town!

7. Vero Moda France Bikini/ Bandeau Top £19/ Hipster Bottoms £12

We all know the best way to show off a tan is with a white bikini. I'm not sure how this bandeau top would hold up my D cups but it's cute, the little gold cut outs add a nice little touch.

So what's your favourite style of swimwear? Do you always stick to the same style or are you thinking of being a little more adventurous?

May all your holidays be whatever you dream off

Love 

S x

Music to my ears #1

Do you ever get just a wee bit obsessed with songs? Like you find a song you really like so listen to it over and over and over again? Then after a while you end up completely sickening yourself to the song and pretty much never want to hear it ever again? Yup me too!

This is hopefully the first of a weekly occurring post about the songs I've been obsessing over this week. There is absolutely no reasoning behind these song choices. They might not be cool or current but they have been my head all week.

1.Florence Welch and Dev Hynes: I Love It (Cover)

I really liked the original version of this song. Last week when I was out with Jenna we had a wee mini disco on the way home listening to this song. But add in a bitta Florence and you've struck gold.
With her sultry voice you could be forgiven for thinking this song has a lot more lyrical substance than it actually does.


2. Ed Sheeran: Wish You Were Here(Cover)

Every once in a while I'll be getting along with my life then I'll suddenly get a random line from a song stuck in my head. I then spend the rest of the day racking my brain trying to remember what song it is from until I'm able to go and look it up online.
This happened to me the other day. I think the line was 'So you think you can tell, heaven from hell?' so off I toddled to Youtube and stumbled upon the Ed Sheeran version of this song. I must have been the only person not to have watched the Olympic closing ceremony because this was the first time I'd heard it.
While I love the Pink Floyd version I think this is a pretty great cover, what do you think?

3. Taylor Swift ft Ed Sheeran: Everything Has Changed

Yes I admit it, I am a Taylor Swift fan! I only have one of her albums, Red, but I really like most of the songs on it. They're catchy and cute. I think she gets a serious amount of grief because of her very public love life and most people overlook the fact she's a pretty decent song writer. Also how cute is this video? And this is the second song Ed features in on the list. What can I say? I love the ginge!

4. Passion Pit: Carried Away

I'd never heard of Passion Pit before but I follow quite a few Sophia Bush blogs on Tumblr so when this video popped up I had to watch just out of curiosity and I ended up really liking the song. The video is amazing, it's honestly like a mini movie. Is it weird it kinda makes me want to be a relationship? And the outfits Sophia wears in this are gorgeous, I'm having serious envy.
After watching the video about a thousand times I decided to download Passion Pit's album Gossamer, I've only listened to it once though. I can't wait to get my car back from the mechanics so I can properly blast it out!

So what do you think of this week's picks? What's been tantalising your earbuds this week?

Love

S x

Welcome to my world

Do you hear that sound? That is the sound of me scrapping the barrel for things to post about. I really haven't been up to much recently and I keep forgetting to take photos for outfit of the day posts. So I have decided to give you a little peek in the place where I spend most of my time. My wonderful bedroom. I live with my mum and brother, when my brother went to university about eight years ago I quickly moved in and stole his room. He has since moved back but there is no way he is getting this room back I have made it my little haven.

This is my favourite place in the world, my bed! Yes I am a big lazy lump on my days off and I love nothing more than getting cosy and having a boxset marathon. My bed is my study, my reading nook, my dining table on occasion. This is where I am blogging from right now

This is my little bedside table, I hate it. It like waxed pine and really old fashioned looking. I would really love to sand it down and paint it white. Absolutely none of the furniture in my room matches and it's really beginning to annoy me. I'm taking two weeks annual leave soon and I think my new project is giving my whole room a revamp.
This pile of books is my current reading list. I'm forever starting books then not finishing them. The bottom one Chloe I don't think I'll ever finish, it's just not engaging me at all. How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran is a really interesting read and is making me think about my views on feminism and women's rights.But it's not a heavy read, it is actually really funny.

This is one of my favourite pieces in my room, my mum got me it for my birthday a few years ago. I think it was from Next. It's so handy just being able to throw my necklaces on there or else I'd be forever losing them. I just need to get something for my rings and earrings as I always misplace them.
I love accessorising outfits with a little bit of bling. If I'm wearing a plain outfit jewellery can really add a bit of ommph to it.

Every once in a while my mum and I get drunk on wine and make vision boards. This is my latest one, do I believe it works? Hmmm not too sure a lot of stuff I have on my vision board should happen anyway but it's nice to take time and really focus on what I would like in the future. As you can see there is nothing under my purpose heading. I really don't know what my purpose in life but for now I'm happy just focusing on getting my career and personal life in order before looking at the big picture.
Below you can also see my perfume collection. I really don't have too many I think I might invest in a couple of new ones. To be honest I always forget to put perfume on so it tends to just sit there for years.

I love to surround myself with pictures of my friends and family. Looking back at these always puts me in a good mood and reminds me of good times. These are all quite old now I really must get round to printing some more out.

The piece of paper at the back with my name on top is from my placement in Romania. I was there with 12 of my university friends and on the last night we all had to write a wee message for each other on how they made the trip special. It's a really nice idea and a lovely momento of an amazing time in my life.

Finally my wardrobe, it's quite cool and big. The only problem is there no drawers and storage is quite limited in my room. I put a wee Ikea bookcase in to put my t-shirts and jumpers on. I am forever clearing out my wardrobe. I always seem to have clothes I never wear or are too small now. I like to keep it as streamline as possible otherwise it gets far too crowd and the clothes get all squished.

As you can my room is hot pink and orange, at the time I thought this was amazing but now I'm a bit older I fancy sometime a big more elegant and calming. I'm planning on painting my room blue and cream and clearing out a load of the old furniture.

So this may not have been the most interesting post but it's a little insight into my life

Love 

S x

Queen of Westros

Hello, my dears. Sorry for the long spell without posts. To be honest my life has been pretty boring at the minute so I've had nothing to write about.  This is just a quick post about a delightful evening I had with one of my good friends Jenna.

I am a huge fan of the HBO show Game of Thrones, a very basic outline is that there are several families within in the fictional land of Westros battling for the Iron Throne and the right to rule. There are dragons, beheddings, scary zombie things. Hot men, beautiful woman and political intrigue. The costumes are wonderful and the scenery is magnificent. A lot of it was shot in here in Northern Ireland so I love trying to figure out where certain scenes have been filmed.

In honour of this a Game of Thrones exhibition was held in the Titanic building in Belfast and my fabulous friend got us tickets. Even better was the fact tickets were free!

So I got my glad rags on and hurried down on a rainy Thursday evening to claim my rightful place on the Iron Throne.

(Top) I will take what is mine with fire and blood! (Left) Me with Cersei's costume, Lena Headley has a teeny, tiny waist (Middle) Champion archer at the Battle of Blackwater (Right) The beautiful Jenna

It took about thirty minutes to wander around the exhibit, it wasn't massive and if I had to pay for a ticket I probably would have been disappointed. But it was good fun and the best bit was getting pictures on the Iron Throne. I tried (and failed) at doing my best HBIC face but I definitely think I suit being there. Or maybe the power has just gone to my head.

Afterwards we went to The Galley restaurant for dinner. This is an adorable little bistro on the Belfast Barge down by the Waterfront The food is ah-maz-ing, I had a lovely goat's cheese salad with some homemade bread and Jenna had the club sandwich with chips. It's quite reasonably priced but the true selling point is the location. Floating on the Lagan it really shows off the beauty of Belfast.

Deep in thought while waiting for dinner

Of course no girls night out would be complete without cocktails so we hauled ourselves over to Alley Cat on Church Lane for their tea cup cocktails.

I highly recommend the Cup of Joe and Stray Dog, they are yummy. So that was my fun little night out. Sorry for the photo heavy post but I actually remembered to take pictures so I figured I might as well use them.

I hope you all have a better week than the Starks

Love

Sx

Websites of interest

Titanic Belfast

Alley Cat

Belfast Barge and Galley Cafe

Week one: DERMAdoctor KP duty scrub and moisturiser

As I have previously mentioned in this post I have the skin condition Keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin). I've had this for as long as I can remember and it's never really annoyed me but within the past couple of years I've really begun to notice how different my skin is compared to my friends.
Yes it is quite a trivial thing but it does sometimes get me down when I have to cover my upper arms all the time and fake tan never looks right on my legs.

Nobody wants to see this in a vest top

I did a little bit of research and the products by DERMAdoctor were recommended again and again. I managed to find them on Amazon but they are pretty pricey. The moisturiser is £24.50 and the scrub is £29.75 not including postage costs. But I decided to bite the bullet and just go for it, I rarely buy products for my skin so a little splurge can't hurt. I recieved my package the other day and have to say I was impressed the size of the scrub. From the looks of it I can imagine it will last me a good few months.

Pound per pound probably costs more than pure gold

The mosituriser, on the other hand, is quite small. 120mls and I really don't think it will last more than a month. You're meant to apply it twice a day which means it could last even less. The scrub you have to apply on dry skin then rinse off twice a week.

So far I've used the scrub about three times and the lotion once a day for a week. This is how my skin looks now.

(Top) Lower arm, (Bottom) Shin, (Right) Upper arm.

Sorry for the rubbish pictures it's hard to take pictures of your own upper arm!

So there really hasn't been much improvement at all but I live in hope. My graduation is in a couple of weeks and I have a gorgeous capped sleeved dress I would love to be able to wear without a jacket.

Are there any other KP sufferers out there? Does anything work for you?

Love you all, no matter how your skin looks

S x