Artful readers club

The Artful Readers Club #5

Thursday, May 30, 2013


Hello Lovelies, 

The fifth instalment of The Artful Readers Club. I've read a couple of books this month. The first book I read was the book I intended to review but I honestly can't remember anything about it! 

The second book I read I really enjoyed. (Shock Horror I know!) 

Sophie Hannah - Hurting Distance. 


I think I've read all of her other books but this was one we came across in Sainsbury's 2 for £3 a couple of weeks ago. 

My only real problem with this book is that i've read them out of sequence (User error not the author) So I know what happens next and was thinking oh stop being so wet! 

This book also answered some questions for me as in later books they refer back to "an incident" and I think this book was the missing link!

If you are not aware of Sophie Hannah books you might know her work through the TV Series Case Sensitive. 

The general premis is detectives Charlie Zailer and Simon Waterhouse work together for Cullver Valley police and are in a will they won't they type relationships which in this book is more she loves him, he loves her not (or he might but isn't in the right place)

These books are not love stories but psychological thrillers. There are always elements of  weird and in some cases sick and twisted elements. 

I find them very readable and while I do guess most of the endings it is a good journey. 

This book is set round a Single woman having an affair with a married man that goes missing. She reports him missing but the police don't take her seriously especially as his wife stays he isn't missing. 

The woman then lies to the police to get them to "take her seriously!" 

I can't really go into may more details without giving it away.

I'd say this book is not for the feint hearted or prudish person. 

It touches on abuse, rape, abduction, bad holidays, bad choices, sundials, murder and other not so nice topics. 

If you like British crime books then please read this and all of her other books. 

Although the stories them selves are stand alone there is a lot of background stories that continue from book to book so it is worth reading them in order. 

Art - as I write this I haven't thought about it properly. Hopefully by the time we post I'll have done something! 

I'm pleased to report I have done Aprils Art. I did it a while ago but haven't taken a picture. Fingers crossed I can post both together

Finally some art. This is it in a WIP stage. I have singe gone a bit crazy with a camera stamp and a couple of others that I think relate to the story 

Brooch

OOTD Skirt and dress

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Hello Lovelies, 

I just wanted to share with you an outfit I wore last week. 

When my new brooch arrived I decided to wear it on my black H&M dress, however this dress is a lot shorter than I thought was even with leggins was indecent for work. 

I grabbed my relativity new skirt from Monsoon (I bought it at TK Maxx so must be old stock) 


The colours in the skirt match the brooch really well. 

It was a good idea wearing the skirt over the dress as the skirt is quite see through but it has buttons and pockets. 

I got the skirt in a 22 as it was the only size I had and its really too big but I'd ripped all the tags off it before I realised. 

52 Facts

52 Things about me #12

Tuesday, May 28, 2013


I love buying shoes and I own lots of pairs however I don't like wearing shoes. 




I could quite happily always be barefoot!

Saddleworth Band Contest 2013

Saddleworth Band Contest

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Hey Lovelies,

This post may only make sense if you have seen the film Brassed off, if you haven't why not? 



Every Whit Friday there is Brass Band contest in Saddleworth and surrounding villages. 

Every Whit Friday come rain or shine (mostly rain) everyone comes out to support the competition. 

For those who are not local this might not sound very interesting or  much fun but it really is. 

Bands travel from all over the world to compete and there is a wide range of prizes. Sadly I didn't get a programme this year so I don't know what they are. 

In my village Bands march up the high street then move sound to the bandstand in front of the Library and play again. and are marked in secret (The Judges are inside the library) 

I just wanted to share some pictures I took with my camera. I have also put loads of other photo's on Instagram. Mainly of my friends sweet shop! (It's amazing!) 


How amazing are the Yorkshire Tea Ladies? (Marsden Silver Band) 

Do you have anything like this where you live? 

Brooch

Pookledo Goodies and Discount Code

Friday, May 24, 2013

 Hey Lovelies, 

You may remember a while ago in my Day at the Races Fatshionologie post I showed you a brooch I'd been gifted from Sarah who runs Pookledo. I love that brooch so much and I've been meaning to buy something from her for a while. 

She tweeted that she'd made a Cat brooch an I feel in love, I left it about a day almost hoping someone else had bought it as I'm trying to save up. 

It was still available (mwhaha I knew it would be mine) 
Brooch £6
Brooch £1


The brooch is beautiful, had stitched beads onto a felt backer and the brooch pin is sewn on. 

 I also browsed the sale section of her site as I love a good sale and spotted this cute fruit salad kilt pin brooch for £1

I think this will be worn on my denim jacket. 

 Sarah also sent me a free gift of this cute button ring. I do love buttons 


I hope you like what I bought, I love everything. They also arrived in super quick time which is a bonus for me as I'm super impatient! 

Sarah as also very kindly given me a discount code to share with you all:

SPOTS 

enter this at the checkout for 20% off all purchases, but not p&P & is valid until 14th June.

Peacocks.

Shrug it off

Friday, May 24, 2013

Hello my lovelies, 

I thought I'd show you the shrug I bought a couple of weeks ago. I've been looking to replace a few of my old worn, holey but well loved Cardies. 

I used to wear shrugs when I was 18 and had an amazing bright pink one from Dotty P's when I went on nights out. But they are not something I'd ever look twice at.

Kathryn from Miss Kathryn's MissTakes is a lover of the shrug and when I saw this one in peacocks I decided to follow her and buy one for myself.



It was £10 and I really like the back as it's a little bit different. I've worn it to work for a couple of times and it really fits the bill. It can be a little chilly in my office and I always want something to keep my arms warm.


I also wore my peach heart print dress from New Look as I felt like I needed to wear something cheerful and colourful in this drab weather. 

Do you own any shrugs? What do you think?

Curvissa

Curvissa Review - Green Denim

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Hello Lovelies,

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be sent this lovely Green Denim Jacket. Sadly I've only had the chance to wear it twice since I got it as the weather still hasn't improved.


It is really strong and vibrant green colour, I love green and wear it a lot. This Jacket is a really soft denim and has a slight stretch to it. 

I asked for a 22 as the cardie I have from Curvissa is a 22/24 and is miles too big but I was worried with the jacket as I always have to size up and I was pleasantly surprised that it fits.   


At first I was a bit afraid of the colour and didn't have a clue what to wear it with as I'm not a fan of double denim.  I love Denim jackets with dresses so decided that was the way to go. 


I love this dress as well from Tesco It has a slight amount of green which is picked out with the jacket. 


I also wore my new brooch, sadly the photo doesn't do it justice. Once I take some better photos of it I'll do a post on it! 

What do you think? Do you like it? It is also available in blue. 

#OMCZ

#OMCZ 7 - Geek Chic

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Hey Lovelies, 

It's time for the 7th #OMCZ challenge. This time it was Gails Choice. 


1. Date Due:  Wednesday, May 22nd
2. Time Due prior to noon your time.
3. Challenge: Geek Chic


Thick framed glasses, satchels, video game related stuff...you know the deal.

Hope that's ok with everyone?!

I had the perfect outfit planned in my head but I can't find what I wanted to wear. I have also ordered some new glasses which would have been perfect. 

As the clock crept round to 9pm on Tuesday night I decided I had to find something. 


While I haven't worn this outfit out of the house I feel like i've cheated but I didn't want to not post. I will wear it (well most of it out of the house at some point this week)

I look like i'm concentrating hard on my game but sadly the battery is dead and the "game" in the back is learn to speak french! 


Top - H&M - Birthday Present
Skirt - H&M - Birthday Present
Tights - Primark
Socks - H&M
Tiara - Primark
Braclet - Twisted Siren
Nails - MUA Mud Pie

This outfit for me is OMCZ because I would never wear a sheer top without a vest underneath. Nor would I wear knee socks but I kinda like it! 

52 Facts

52 Things about me #11

Tuesday, May 21, 2013



I like free pens.

You know the ones with company logos that you some times get given in shopping centres or other places 




organise

Organise

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Hey Lovelies, 

I thought I'd do a quick post to show you how I'd organise my blog the old fashioned way. With pen and paper. 

In my real life I'm quite disorganised my desk at work resembles a skip and covered in postit notes and often juggle 8 things at once. 

Blog wise i'm a bit more organised. 

I take part in a few challenges, do some regular posts just to keep my blog ticking over and I don't want to duplicate too much too often. 

I got a diary from the pound shop but it fell apart my February. 

I got this spotted diary from Tesco sale for about £2. this is also falling apart but have "fixed" it with some Hello Kitty Sticky Tape.

This meant I lost the day by day planner at the from front of the Diary but this didn't have enough space. I found a Template on Excel that I modified to  suit me. 

I use this to plan my month and generally helps me get a post in most days. 


At the start of the month I try and be organise my month in to posts I know I am going to be doing and put them in Pink:

  • Seeing Spots In...
  • 52 Things about me
  • #OMCZ
  • Magnificent 7th
  • Fatshionologie
  • ARC
  • Charity Shop Challenge
I then put in any social life type events in light blue.

The normal blue pen is when i've scheduled a post I write it in so I know what day's i've got free to post on.

I also scribble round the edge posts I want to write or Ideas's reminders. 

You will usually find bit and bobs of notes written on the back as well. 


I also try and remember to make a note of the days post in the diary and for the challenge posts, where the theme is known in advance this is jotted down and as I try and make some notes about what I've worn. 

I know a lot of people like to be spontaneous in there posts but as I'm at work Monday to Friday and I love taking part in challenges and where I can I like to take the pictures in advance and do like to schedule a few posts at once and by keeping my diary I know where I'm up to. 

This is also why when any of the #OMCZ ladies ask when the next post is due I can always answer.  

Are you organised?  or do you blog off the cuff? How do you keep track of challenge posts? 

MUA

NOTD Koala Bear

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Hey Lovelies, 

If I didn't already have enough nail polish already I treated myself to 3 more MUA polishes. (3 4 2 @ Superdrug) 

I decided to try the Koala Bear colour which in the bottle is a lovely shade of grey (Not  50) 

This is not a one coat polish, it isn't even a 2 coat polish - the below picture is 2 coats.


4 coats it took to get it this deep and I feel like it needed another one but didn't have time.


However saying that I am impressed at its staying power. I usually chip my nails within mins of applying and the below picture was 3 days later. 

One nail ripped, then chipped and then I started picking the polish off!

I'm looking forward to trying the other colours. I hope they go on a bit thicker!

Vintage 55

Friday, May 17, 2013

Hi Lovelies, 

As you know I've taken part in a Charity shop challenge and will be doing another one at the end of the month. 

I wanted to share with you some photo's I took of my favourite local charity shop. 

Vintage 55. 

This is a vintage shop with all proceeds going to Age UK


I want pretty much everything and I got 3 brooches and some buttons. 

Sadly they had no clothes in to fit me but I will keep popping in. 

Love this shop x

MUA

Mua addiction

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Hello Lovelies, 
This post is inspired by Shona who had the opportunity to Blog on the MUA blog itself. 

Shona shared her her top 5 MUA Items. I thought i'd share all (Most) of of MUA Collection. 


I don't wear makeup very often, I feel very self concious when I wear it as people tend to comment on it. (Not the you look nice kind of comments but more like who are you trying to impress / got a date (snigger) kind of comments) 

I am also an eye rubber so eye make up is a waste of time one me. 


It doesn't stop me buying it and what I like about MUA is the quality Vs Price. I've tried buying more expensive high street brands and can honestly say MUA is one of the best. 

The colours of foundation match me better than any other brand. 


I haven't used the lip liner yet, i'm a bit scared of it. 


Just a few nail varnishes. I think there are more (ops) In my defence 5 of them were free!


Lippy. My favourite is shade 11. 


Fa(t)shionologie

Fatshionologie

Wednesday, May 15, 2013


Hey Lovelies,

It's time for another Fatshionologie, this months theme is Formal Office / Interview wear.

It's been a couple of years since I started at my current job and I haven't had an interview since.

My day to day office wear is smart casual (Smashual) I don't really go to important meetings or meet clients so I'm fairly laid back and you have seen most of my day to day work outfits on the blog.





As you can see it's not very Smart.

What I would say is wear something you feel comfortable in. 

For my current job I had two interviews. 

For the first interview I wore Black Trousers, a black spotty top (Possibly the one in the photo above) and a Navy jacket (Not a suit Jacket) I felt OK but the trousers were a bit too tight and slightly too long and I felt conscious. 

I got told the second interview was with the same people so I knew I needed to to wear something different.

I spent ages trying to find a suit, but they just don't fit me. In the end I decided to go with something I would wear if I actually got the job. 

I wore a Navy abstract floral Jersey wrap dress which was actually from TJ Hughes! 

I felt smart, comfortable and not worrying about tripping over my hems. 

Do feel like you have to wear a suit to be smart and  wear suits and tailors pieces. I'm sure being comfortable and confident in what I was wearing got me the job far more than wearing a suit that I would have been fidgeting and not felt like myself. 

I hope this was the actual theme and I've not totally gone off point 

52 Facts

52 Things about me #10

Tuesday, May 14, 2013



I watch too much TV. I couldn't pick a favourite. 

Some of my favourites are:

Bones
Celeb Big Brother 
The Big Bang Theory
Scott and Bailey
Great British Bake Off
Doctor Who

To name a few 


gift swap

Summer loving had me a blast

Monday, May 13, 2013


Hey Lovelies, 

You may remember a while ago, I signed up to Summer Lovin' Gift swap organised by the lovely Kim



I'm not going to talk about what I sent as I'm not sure if we are doing a big reveal as yet, or if the person knows it is from me. 


My gift arrived on Saturday 11th May and the only clue I have is the postmark. No I only know of one participant in Scotland and she said it's not her! 


Whoever you are Thank you! This person either knows me pretty well, is really good at buying presents, stalked my wish list or all of the above! Look a button. I love buttons!




How cute it the flower.


I also adore Russian Dolls, this is no secret I have a whole Pinterest Board dedicated to them!


It is a very cute hand made purse! it is currently looking after my Birthday Money. 

Thank You Elf! I hope I find out who you are soon xxx

Did you take part? have you blogged yet? Send me Links xxx

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