Sunday Favourites #65

Morning guys,

Who's ready for a little Sunday inspiration?

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This bunny tattoo, which I imagine is inspired by a Beatrix Potter illustration, is absolutely adorable!

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Would you just look at this gorgeous little sealion pup! He was rejected by his mother and shunned from his colony for his unusual appearance. He has red fur caused by a build up of iron, and lopsided blue eyes which are almost entirely blind. Who couldn't love that face? Can I adopt him, please?

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Dior, can I have this in size fat, please?

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Perfect hair and funky make up!

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I'm in LOVE with this whale tattoo!

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I really couldn't love green eye make up more.

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Here's a great tutorial showing you how to make an elastic waist skirt and how to stencil on to fabric. A friend of mine has the Peter Pan silhouettes for a tattoo, and it made me think of her!

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Just a guinea pig riding a Capybara...  I have no idea what is going on here.

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I love these gradient nails, although not the Miley Cyrus face- (not a fan), which is who inspired this gorgeous nail art.

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I must give a rainbow cake a try some time. I've always wanted to make one.

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I'm really liking the pastel coloured furniture, and the wallpaper in this image.

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It really is! Embrace who you are!

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One perfect ensemble!

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This guy handed in his resignation on a cake...

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Have you heard about Bikers Against Child Abuse International, a group of male and female bikers who volunteer their time and money to help child abuse victims feel safe again? These guardians use their 'intimidating stature' to help the children feel protected. Anytime the child feels scared- at home, at school, in the court room- the bikers will be their standing guard in their leathers to keep them from harm until they feel safe. I bawled reading the story.

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This is a remnant of the Kepler's Supernova; and it's so beautiful!

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The bearded man who played Mama duck... Click the source to read the story!

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I agree!

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I watched The Sound of Music for the first time in ages last night, and once again, I want to go to Austria! It looks so beautiful.

♥ Sian of Forever Fabulous in Bows spoke up about the recent spate of online body bashing against plus size bloggers on the Facebook pages of fashion brands. Shockingly, the majority of the trolling is being caused by other plus size ladies. 

♥ Betty of Pamper and Curves was one of the ladies targeted by these trolls for 'daring' to wear disco leggings. She fought back against the negativity and the notion that fat ladies shouldn't wear certain things with a post called F*ck Flattering!

♥ Naomi of Diamonds 'n' Pearls very bravely and admirably opened up about the years of bullying she endured for simply being the 'bigger girl'. I read her words with tears streaming down my face. Make sure you grab the tissues before you read her inspirational post.

♥ Callie of From the Corners of the Curve wrote a great post about body confidence earlier this week, and shared her tips for improving confidence and self-image. I only wish I could go back and show this post to younger me, as I'm sure it would've helped me.

♥ Some of the fabulous outfits I've been enjoying this week: Idda Van Munster in a gorgeous vintage ensemble; Alissa at Stylish Curves rocking tweed and cobalt; Natalie of Extra Large As Life breaking the rules in style; and this unknown lady (?) mixing a gorgeous faux fur coat with polka dots.

♥  I was sickened to learn that a permit to hunt and kill an endangered African black rhino was auctioned earlier this month in Dallas- and sold for $350,000. The shocking twist is that the money shall go towards protecting the critically endangered black rhinos! I'm disgusted that anybody can justify this.

♥ The recent storms have unearthed the wreck of a tug boat near St. Michael's Mount in Penzance, Cornwall. It's the second old wreck that was discovered in Cornwall in a week! Crazy.

♥ There's something oddly fascinating about Kaylah of The Dainty Squid's collection of animal skulls.

♥ I love this DIY post for DIY Movie Night Candy Bags. These would be so fun to make for a girl's night in!

♥ 10 Reasons No One Is Following You On Instagram. I don't agree with all ten, but this did make me laugh.

♥ And if you're a Cath Kidston fan like I am, you might enjoy ogling at some of the new season products, previewed by Heart Handmade UK. I already love the s/s14 prints, and can't wait to see them in the flesh!

Have a great day!

The 5000 Question Survey: Questions 151-175

It's been quite a while since I last posted an update for The 5000 Question Survey which I (rather foolishly?) chose to challenge myself with last Autumn. I've had this portion of questions sitting half-completed in my drafts for a month or two now, and I'm so glad to have it completed so I can send it on its merry way. Not that I expect anything better with the next twenty-five questions... but, y'know, it's a relief to remove this one from my drafts.

This week, I'm answering questions 151-175 of the 5000. You can catch up on the previous 150 questions via this link, if you would like some more reading material. This week you can find out what the coolest job I've ever worked is; what changes I'm afraid of; and which CDs I could listen to non-stop for a week.

151. What is louder and more annoying: 200 adults talking or one four-year-old screaming? 

Definitely the screaming child. It's easily one of the worst noises in existence; especially from a stranger's child.

152. Do you believe the stories about planes, boats and people mysteriously disappearing into the Bermuda triangle? 

I can't say I've ever given them much thought, but I'm not sceptical about the stories. Who's to say the sea didn't consume them in a giant whirlpool, or that there's some type of natural force or substance out there to blame that's not yet been discovered by man? 

153. Who are you the most jealous of? 

I'm not jealous of anyone that I can think of.

154. What is the happiest way you can start your day? 

Waking naturally (not by my alarm) to blue skies and bright sunshine beaming through the curtains, and turning up one of my favourite uptempo tunes. I'd be even happier if I was waking up on the day of a concert because on those days I always awake giddy with excitement, and nothing can spoil my mood on those days.

155. Do you ever have moments where you feel like everything is all right in the world? 

No, because there are constant reminders everywhere I turn that show me the world is far from all right. Even if my life feels perfect for a moment or two, I know that billions of other people are going through hell every day.

156. Who thinks that you are offensive?

My mother.

157. If you had to teach a class in something, what would you be able to teach people?

Hmm, I doubt I know enough about anything to teach... I could teach you all you need to know about caring for pets (my strong areas are rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs, and fish). I could teach you a bit about visual merchandising and various computer-y things, too.

158. Have you ever had a spiritual experience (an experience that cannot be explained by science)?

I've been known to dream something before it's happened. I don't mean anything poignant or useful like predicting a plane crash or a natural disaster, just that I often dream of random little every day moments that then happen word for word and action for action a week or two later. I always get a little weirded out when the moment arrives, and remember dreaming it.

159. Do you believe that this experience was truly mystical or do you think there is some scientific explanation for it, only you don't know what it is?

I've never really given it much thought, only that I might have a little psychic ability.

160. Do you get offended easily?

I don't think I do these days, but I am offended by the way society treats fat people. I'm offended by anybody who makes a fat joke at someone's expense; by anybody who mocks, taunts, bullies, or threatens a person for simply being fat. I get offended when I see / hear a fat joke on TV, and get so angry that it's still an acceptable form of discrimination / entertainment. 

161. Would you still love and stay with your significant other if he or she had to have a breast or testicle removed? 

Of course I would! The loss of a body part would never change the way I feel about a person I truly love. It doesn't matter if he has one less testicle (none, three, whatever...); if I really loved the man I would be there to support him and help him through what ever illness or circumstance required the removal in the first place.

162. Do you believe in fate or free will? 

As much as I'd love to truly believe in fate, I don't believe our lives are shaped by it. I believe it's our own decisions and actions in life that map out our lives minute by minute, and that it's up to us to make life happen. We have to work hard to get what we want from life. It doesn't just get handed to us on a platter.

163. Do you believe that only boring people get bored?

Mostly, yes, but there are times when it's out of our control. (Say, waiting for a bus without a book or an iPod). There's always a way of fighting boredom, if you just use your imagination or make use of what's available to you.

164. Can life change or are we all stuck in vain? 

Life can change in an instance, in both good and bad ways. Some of it's out of our control, but we can also take the reins and change our lives, too, if we want to. We just need to take those steps and work hard to achieve most of them.

165. What changes are you afraid of? 

I suppose a part of me is afraid that my current situation will never change; that I'll have to deal with what I'm going through now with my disc injuries for the rest of my life. I'm sure if that turned out to be the case, I'd make peace with it and just live my life as best I could one day at a time, as I do now, but a small part of me, somewhere deep inside, is afraid that the pain and limited mobility will never change.

166. Are you a day person or nocturnal? 

I always used to be a day person; I lived for the day light and never slept in past 8am... Now because of pain and medication, I've turned nocturnal. I'm awake all night and sleep from dawn in to the afternoon. I've tried to correct it, but the pain just doesn't let me sleep.

167. What one CD could you listen to for an entire week (no mixed CD’s, it must be an album)?

I'll happily listen to any album by Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Boyzone, or Ronan Keating non-stop for a week. I honestly can't decide on just one album, so give me an album by any of these guys and I'm set for the week.

Other possibilities: Snow Patrol Eyes Open; Arcade Fire's Funeral; Michael's Jackson's History, Madonna's Immaculate Collection, and The Beatles #1s or 1967-1970.

168. Which is worse, working in retail, food service, or an office?

I've never worked in an office, and honestly, the thought of being stuck behind a desk all day sounds awful. I like to be hands-on; as much as I'm good behind a computer screen; I prefer to do practical work. I did an hour clearing tables in the cafe in the department store I worked in, and it was hell on earth. I never want to work in food service; it's hectic as hell and clearing up other people's food grosses me out. I worked in retail for nine years or so and it's definitely not the most pleasant or easy of jobs either. I'm sure most people who work or have worked in retail will tell you that it's not for the faint hearted. Getting paid minimum wage to work your arse off doing the work load of three people whilst getting treated like shit by customers and treated as a baby-sitting service can be absolutely horrible.

169. What's the coolest job you ever had? 

Well, this was technically work experience, but the two weeks I spent working at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park back in 2003 was pretty cool. I got to work alongside zoo keepers looking after all kinds of birds (tropical, birds of prey etc), chimpanzees, seals and sea lions, an assortment of animals in the Children's Farm, and elephants. I got to fly a Harris hawk, go for a walk with three elephants and give one a shower, feed Ribena to a chimp, do tricks with a fully grown sea lion, and handle macaws and African Grey parrots. It was amazing.

170. What is one central idea that your thoughts seem to come back to?

That if I'm ever able to do manual work again, that I should pursue animal care (again), because I was extremely content looking after animals. I never felt that way working in retail. I know I wasted four years when I settled in to retail instead of finding a new role in animal care, and I want to give it another shot.

171. Have you ever wanted to be an actor/tress? 

No, never. Never never never! I've always been extremely self-conscious and shy, and I couldn't imagine much worse for me. I hate having all eyes on me, and talking in front of a crowd- no matter how small. Drama classes at school were always met with dread and fear.

172. If you had the power to control one person and make this person do anything you wanted for a whole day, who would you pick and what would they do? 

Right now, I would pick Hugh Jackman, as The Drover in the film Australia, and well, I'm sure you can guess the rest ;).

173. What star sign are you and what is your sign like? 

I'm a cancer. Cancerians are often said to be: imaginative, over-emotional, moody, loyal, loving, overly-sensitive, devoted, pessimistic, suspicious, born naggers, nurturing, strong-willed, like to get their own way, easily hurt, sympathetic, affectionate, quick to avoid others, and like to avoid confrontation, I can confirm it's all true. I'm the quintessential Cancerian.

174. Did the Blair Witch Project scare you? 

I've never seen it.

175. Are you in constant fear of death?

Not at all. The only time I really become anxious about dying is when I'm out on the road, and even then, it's only every now and then. Ever since a teenage colleague from my last retail job died in a car crash a few years ago, I've become so aware of how quickly life can end from one wrong move. It happened just moments after he left work, and he was just eighteen. The fact that something so tragic happened to somebody I knew, made me realise just how fragile life was and that it could happen to any one of us at any moment. That thought has never really gone away.

Best of the Sales: Soap and Glory Make Up Haul

Soap and Glory is a well renowned favourite with beauty bloggers and beauty savvy ladies alike, but until a few months back, I didn't realise that they made make up as well as toiletries. Where have I been?

They had some fantastic sets available in Boots this Christmas, and eager to try them, I was fortunate enough to snap up a few sets in the sales with some Christmas money. When I saw them in store on Christmas Eve, they were 3 for 2, but I bought them online the same day where they were all half price.

I couldn't choose between the sets available, and ended up buying all four. Oops.

First up is one of my favourites: the Crazy Sexy Khol set which is a tin containing five waterproof khol eye liners in a range of colours (Super Black, Cocoa Bean, Aquabat, Blue My Mind, and Grapevine), and three complimenting eyeshadows (Aubersheen, Smokin', and Dandy Plum). I'm already in love with the khols, but haven't tried the eyeshadows yet and I'm itching to give them a try! It was originally £18.00 but on sale for just £9.

The Eyes Box is a set which I shall be putting away in the present stash, which is why I've left the plastic on in the photos. It's contains a full size Thick and Fast Super Volume Mascara; a Smoulder Kohl Waterproof Eye Liner in Superblack; six Lid Stuff eyeshadows in Vanilla, Wild Blue, Smokin', Minky, Dandy Plum, and Black Gold; plus a mirror and a double-ended eyeshadow brush. It's a great set of eye essentials that could be used for a variety of neutral, smokey, and colourful looks and only cost me £8.00 instead of the RRP of £16.00. I would love to keep it for myself, but I know somebody who's going to appreciate it more.

Powder Trip is a beautiful set of three dust on pressed powders to bronze, brighten and luminize the face, and I can't wait to try them out. Don't they look gorgeous? The set includes a multi-shade powder bronzer in Solar Powder; a multi-shimmer blushing powder in Love at First Blush; and a luminizing face powder in Glow All Out. The set also includes a blusher brush and a large mirror. It was on sale for £10.00, and was originally £20.00- obviously a fantastic and very tempting bargain!

Be Your Own Gloss is, as you can see, a set of five 'Sexy Mother Pucker' lip plumping glosses. The name makes me chuckle, is that sad? Included are shades: Punch Bowl, Half Naked, Clear, Candy Gloss, and Yummy Plum. I've yet to give them a test drive, but they look lovely. The set originally retailed for £14, but was on sale for £7. I'm afraid this one is also sold out online, but there is a new set of 3 lip glosses called Super Colour Sexy Mother Pucker which is available full price, which could be a lovely substitute.

I'm sorry that most of the sets are now sold out online (they went so fast), but you might still be able to find them in store, so it could be worth paying a visit to your local Boots. If you're unlucky, Boots sell most of the items featured in these sets singularly on their website, and no doubt in store, too. You can browse the selection available online from here.

I'll be sure to review each of these sets once I've tried everything out and can give you honest reviews. 

Did you get your hands on any of these Soap and Glory make up sets this Christmas or in the sales? 

If you've tried Soap and Glory make up, tell me what you think! Is there a particular make up item you love best?

Wednesday Wish List

Prints and patterns feature heavily in my every day style; I wear them at least ninety-nine percent of the time, and I still can't get enough of them.They're definitely a defining characteristic of my personal style, and one of my favourite vices in life. 

I own a plethora of patterned clothes and accessories- foxes, penny farthings, daschunds, cats, raccoons, and flamingos to name a few; but I'm always on the look out for more to add to the collection. This week, I've stumbled up on about a gazillion gorgeous printed dresses and tops that I've gone crazy for, and want need to add to my wardrobe. And today I've got ten of my favourites to show you.

Simply Be Horse Print Dress £35 (Sizes 12-32)

Horse prints have been circulating in the fashion world for the last few years, but I still don't own a single piece covered in those four-legged galloping stallions. I'm tempted to change that with this gorgeous day dress. The style is so wearable, and there's not a pink pony in sight. 

Simply Be Dog Print Skater Dress £35 (Sizes 12-32)

This monochrome skater dress mixes my signature print (polka dots, obviously), with the pooch all the cool kids are currently going crazy for: the French bulldog. I personally think the little gremlins are adorable, too, and the print on this dress is amazing. Aside from the fantastic print, the reason I love the look of this dress is because it has sleeves (which can be adjusted) and pockets! More dresses need those features. I need to get me this dress!

ASOS Curve Skater Dress in Cupid Heart Print £22 (Sizes 18-28)

I have a couple of heart print items of clothing in my collection, but none with cupid's arrow entwined within them like this lovely dress by ASOS Curve. I've not seen many heart prints like this one, either, but more should be like it. I love the relaxed, grunge feel to this skater dress, and you know the sleeves are a winner in my eyes.

New Look Black Daisy Print Crew Neck Cardigan £14.99 (Sizes 6-18)

Ah, cardigans. A girl can never have too many. I wear them over almost anything for warmth, or admittedly, to hide the upper arms I'm still not confident with baring in public. (I'm working on it). I got quite excited when I saw this black and white daisy print crew neck cardi by New Look, since daisies are one of my most favourite flowers, and it's so pretty. I could wear in with so many of my dresses.

ASOS Cat Print Top £25 (Sizes 4-18)

If you asked me, I would always tell you I'm more of a dog person than a cat person, but I love cats, too, and I'm going crazy for this cat print top. To me, the print looks like Siamese kitties (it's the shape!), and in between the cats are ditsy little hearts. Adorable. I really like the unusual shaped collar, too.

Simply Be Drop Shoulder Glasses Print Jersey Top £16 (Sizes 12-36)

The fifties has always been one of my favourite decades for fashion, and I know so many of you ladies enjoy the mid-century styles, too. This top gives a nod to those days, with a retro cat-eye glasses print all across it. It's such a quirky pattern and one which I'm certain will gain lots of attention (and compliments!) It's very well priced, too.

New Look Inspire Monochrome Polka Dot Long Sleeve Dress £19.99 (Sizes 18-28)

A girl can never have too many polka dots in her wardrobe, and this long sleeved number is a great classic piece. It could be dressed up or down in a wide variety of different ways, and for less than £20, it wouldn't even break the bank. You just can't go wrong with black and white polka dots.

Joe Browns Dotty About You Dress £35 (Sizes 14-32)

Ditsy polka dots are my favourite kind of spots, and even more so when the fabric is red. I love this fit and flare dress; the shape is classic, and one that never dates. I know if I manage to add this to my collection, I would be bringing it out year after year until it fell apart.

Joe Browns Twit Twoo Retro Tunic £30 (Sizes 14-32)

Joe Browns have some beautiful frocks in this season's collection, and one of my favourites has to be the Twit Twoo Retro Tunic. It's a pretty shade of powder blue (although they're calling it 'duck egg', which it doesn't appear to be in this image), and as the name suggests, it features an owl print. The owls are different colours and patterns, and although the owl trend has been so over-done that I'm getting tired of it, I'm in love with this print. I'm in love with this tunic!

Simply Be Tartan Print Dress £35 (Sizes 12-32)

Tartan has been one of the biggest trends this Autumn and Winter, and I've been embracing. I can't get enough of it. This dress features one of the best tartan patterns I've seen all season, and combined with the grunge-feel, and relaxed style of the dress, it's one fabulous dress. Can it magically appear in my wardrobe, please? I've been ever so good!

So, those were ten of my favourite patterned garments of the week. I could've shared more, but I made sure to restrain myself. 

Which one was your favourite? What quirky prints are lurking in your own wardrobes?

This Year...

With the turn of a new year, so many of us take the time to reflect and reevaluate our lives. We see a new year as the opportunity to start afresh and make changes that we're certain will make us happier; more fulfilled, and a better version of ourselves. We look for what it is we want, we set our goals, and with some new found hope and motivation, we take our first steps towards achieving them. Some of us see them through to the end, but far more give up before they get there. I don't know why that is, exactly; I'm no expert, but perhaps some goals are just a little unrealistic or unattainable in the short-term.

I don't make resolutions, instead I favour setting goals that I can achieve at my own pace. I find I achieve far more this way. So, when I came across a new year challenge on Pinterest recently, I couldn't resist taking it on, and coming up with my own answers for each of the nine questions. They're all aimed at improving different areas of our lives, like learning a new skill, dropping a bad habit, and  bettering ourselves at something, and I personally think these are achievable goals worth committing to!

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This is what I hope to achieve before the year is through...

A bad habit I'm going to break:

I am going to stop dipping in to my overdraft for non-essential items. It's a habit that I don't want to have or encourage, and I'm going to avoid doing so as much as possible. I'm not going to die if I have to go without leave in conditioner or a magazine for a few weeks.

A new skill I'd like to learn:

There are many things I would love to learn to do: crocheting, patchwork quilting, card making, making candles out of tea cups... to name but a few. For the last couple of years I've repeatedly expressed an interest in jewellery making, and I hope 2014 will be the year I start trying. I've little interest in turning it in to a trade, but I would love to be able to make my own accessories out of quirky little trinkets... say, turning a Sylvanian Family figurine in to a necklace.

A person I hope to be more like:

I hope to be more like my best friend, Angela. She is such a strong, hard-working woman who will take everything that's thrown at her with her head held high, and a smile on her face, even when she's going through hell. She handles everything with such grace and dignity. She never moans or rants about her life in public for all to read / hear, instead she remains so positive. Instead she focuses on the good in life. Her son, her friends, her family. She works extremely hard to give her son the best in life, even if it means going without herself, and she always put others before herself. I wish I could be more like her. I wish I had her strength, dignity, and outlook on life.

A good deed I'm going to do:

This is a hard one, as so many good deeds require more mobility than I have at the moment. I can't go and help an old lady with her shopping, or roll up my sleeves to help somebody whose home has been flooded. I can't even do all the house work to give the rest of my family a break... I want to do more random acts of kindness, though, like secretly sending my best friend something frivolous she has her eye on, or letting people cut in front of me in the queue at the supermarket. I'd like to work on being a kinder, more thoughtful person.

A place I'd like to visit:

Since the odds of me being in a fit state for a holiday or any form of major travel are slim, it's unlikely that I'll be able to get away for a break this year, otherwise I'd be answering with Italy or New York. The latter because I'm dying to return, and the former because I've always wanted to visit it. Instead, I've been thinking of local places I'd like to aim to visit.

I hope to manage a walk around my local wildlife park (zoo) which is just a few miles from home. As zoos go, it's small, but it's one of my favourite places which I've been visiting since I was a baby, and the grounds are so lovely to wander around. (Plus they have tapirs!) I plan to attempt a visit this Spring / Summer, and my reasoning is: if I only manage to view a small section of the park before I have to admit defeat, it will be worth it. I've missed not being able to go for the past two and a half years. 

A book I'd like to read:

Just one? I have at least 60 books waiting to be read on the shelf, and more than 300 to get through on my Kindle! (Most of them were free Kindle books, FYI; I'm not a book-buying addict!)

I would like to finally get around to reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which I've been meaning to read for years now. Everybody's been raving about it since the film was released (which I've also not yet seen), and I'd like to see what all the fuss is about.

A letter I'm going to write:

I want to make a habit of sending hand written letters to my best friend again, from time to time. We used to write each other on a regular basis, before social media and email grew in popularity and became easier and more efficient- and before life's commitments got in the way. It's become so much easier and faster to keep in contact by text message, email, and Facebook, but I'd like to send her letters every now and then when there's no occasion involved. Just because. 

A new food I'd like to try:

Not a food exactly, but I'm going to go with coffee. I've never tried a single cup of coffee, and I think 2014 should be the year I finally pop that cherry. I like the idea of trying a seasonal flavour.

I'm going to do better at:

Keeping on top of emails and blog comments. I've fallen so behind in recent months, and I know the length of time it's taking me to respond to them is absolutely atrocious. I appreciate every comment and message left for me, and I assure you I always read them. They make me smile! Taking weeks to reply to them is unacceptable. Once I've caught up on the back log over the next few days, I'm aiming to keep on top of them and respond within a couple of days at most.

Well I know what I want to achieve in 2014. What about you? What do you hope to achieve this year?