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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Year in Glitter World

Aloha Sprinklerinos.

As this year draws to a close, I have been looking back over Sprinkle of Glitter and I thought I would give you a small recap of what 2011 has been to me.


January was the start of my quest for perfect skin and the beginning of my love for Liz Earle products. I also reviewed a new Collection 2000 range and told you all about my Christmas MAC purchases. January was also the month Baby Glitter's nursery was debuted and I continued to whinge about feeling sick in my seventh month of pregnancy. I was still working in my temp job for the council and I recall having a bit of an addiction to Crunchies. I made some lovely chums at that job (hello Daniel and Emma if you are reading!) and all in all was a merry little soul.

February was my most busy blog month, with 22 posts in the 28 days- I was on Maternity leave! I left my little temp job half way through the month because I was utterly exhausted and after a false alarm at my desk, I decided enough was a enough and called it a day. Also in February I chatted about the IMATS (which was at the very end of Jan) and had a brilliant time at the MAC LFW event (best. goodie. bag. ever.).
My chum Ceri threw me a brilliant Baby Shower complete with little baby cupcakes and fun games. We had so many lovely gifts and I remember February being a fabulous but tiring month.

March was a month of waiting. Baby Glitter was due, but alas, didn't want to pop out until April. I spent the month doing a lot of lifey posts as well as professing my love for more cosmetics (Liz Earle, Topshop, Avene and Tisserand all featured). As a blog post request I also invented a lush product of opal fruit scented face wipes which lots of you enjoyed. I remember being a little blue in March because I was so huge and uncomfortable and just wanted to get on with everything.

April- It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. April saw me give birth (after a long and traumatic delivery) to beautiful Darcy Jane. Whilst I was overjoyed to have my own bundle of joy, we were in and out of hospital (I didn't dwell too much on this at the time but Darcy had a few little health problems and is fit as a fiddle now), I had the baby blues, my recovery was slowed due to stress and lack of sleep, I ignored my own birthday, felt sad for my late Mother's birthday, made the mistake of having my long hair cut short and all in all found this month quite a struggle.

May was a better month by far. Baby Glitter slept a bit better, her feeding improved and Mummy and Baby had found our footing. My chum Ceri and I attended the Beauty UK exhibition in Birmingham and I hotfooted it to London for the MAC Baftas Event, where I met the lovely Muhsine of Bubblegarm and stroked her lovely baby bump (she now has beautiful Esra, aww). This was a much more sunny month and I started to feel good again. Yippee!!

June was explosive, but not in a good way- on the day I was supposed to attend the L'Oreal event, my boiler decided not to used the little gadget that controls the gas and combusted...loudly. Cue fire engines, police and an ambulance, neighbours all out in the street and my standing barefoot crying and there you have it. Aside from the boiler debacle, I enjoyed playing with and reviewing Sleek, Liz Earle, OPI, 2True and MAC and showing you a few FOTD's. Baby Glitter was featured wearing my Dad's specs and also sporting an adorable mauve tutu. June was happy.

July was another fun month. Matt went off on his travels to do charity work in Costa Rica (that wasn't too fun for me I must admit), but whilst he was doing that, I kept myself busy with visits from friends, playing with Baby Glitter and Mindycat in the garden and reviewing more lovely makeup. I showed you step by step how to create a vixen red lip, chatted about MAC's Haute and Naughty dual wand mascara and marvelled at the new intense pigment Bourjous Pots. Also, remember those amazing cribs I found on weheartit? I still want to recreate those!!

August was a month of drugstore brands. I went crazy for Garnier, Sleek, Beauty UK, Gosh and Soap & Glory. I discovered the HD Brow Kit (and haven't looked back since) and of course, Glitterbits with Marie was born! August was also the month I stopped helping out at Fanx HQ after my 12 week stint there. I feel a bit like this month went by in a blur of coral lipstick and cuddles.

September was a GREAT month. Baby Glitter was sleeping through for 12 solid hours, my Dad and I went to Miami and Orlando on business and I had my first taste of Sephora. Also, I had a swanky treatment at Hensmans Hair Salon, reviewed a lovely Sleek Palette, celebrated my blog's second Birthday (ooh it's a toddler now) AND celebrated my first wedding anniversary. I could go on and on for this month because I think it was the best, best, best of the year!

October saw Sprinkle of Glitter hit the 4,000 follower mark and I was over ze moon and zo stars. I've decided that if this little patch of internet hits the 10,000 follower mark, I was throw a party in it's honour (haha, I'm so sad!). This month I went all profesh and had a photoshoot with Baby Glitter in an Autumnul setting, attended the GlossyBox and Illamasqua events, got a new jazzy camera, met the Liz Earle, delved into the world of charity shopping and talked about nail wheels! Oof, I was busy!!


November was the month Baby Glitter and I rocked our Crown and Glory sparkle crowns. I still wear mine and on occasion, I wear hers too, tehe. Zoe and I had a whirlwind of events and attended shindigs for Look Beauty, GlossyBox and Superdrug, as well as having a little slumber party and doing the macarana to Christmas songs. As you do. I also shared with you some ideas for storing cosmetics and jewellery and a simple lips FOTD.

And here we are in December. It's been a month of beauty boxes, glitter nail polish, christmas crafts and a commemorative post to my Mummy and the month isn't over yet!

What a year it's been! It has been so much fun writing this blog and sharing my life with you all. I have found so much love and support through this glittery portal and really think of you as friends. In dark times you provide me with great comfort and in happy times I enjoy sharing the fun with you all. I hope you have had a fabulous year and that 2012 is even more bright.

If you would like to vote for Sprinkle of Glitter to be best Beauty Blog according to Marie Claire magazine, please do (if you don't want to that's completely fine too). I would love to be nominated and it would mean so much to me. All the details are HERE.

What has been your greatest moment this year?

Toodlepip!

xx

goodbye, hello


...goodbye 2011, hello 2012...

Sunday, December 25, 2011

merry, merry

Skirt: ASOS. Chambray Shirt: Jcrew. Plaid: Jcrew. Shoes: Zara (old). Bag: YSL. Belt: Vendor Sample. Jewelry: YSL, David Yurman, Micahel Kors, Gap, BR, Jcrew. Lips: YSL. Necklace: Banana Republic (old).

All photographs were taken by the talented Bess Friday...visit her blog here!

Friday, December 23, 2011

ready

Shorts: Topshop. Top: MinkPink. Shoes: Theysken's Theory. Jacket: Zara (sadly sold out). Tights: Hue. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Bag: Chanel. Jewelry: YSL, Michael Kors, Gap, Pomallato.

Christmas Crafts :: Chocolate Star Trees

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A couple of weeks ago, I made a huge culinery mess delightful little Christmas Tree out of rice chocolate crispy cakes cookie cuttered into star shapes. It didn't really turn out as spectacular as I would have liked but it was cheap and cheerful so I'm still happy.

I must confess, I can't take credit for the idea, I saw it on a Kirsty's Homemade Christmas a couple of years back and thought I would give it a whirl. It's the perfect last minute craft and a great activity for little hands if you have the kiddies round on Christmas Eve.


To make mine I used:

Rice Crispies
Chocolate
A big bowl
A microwavable bowl
A tray
Spoons
Star cookie cutters in graduated sizes (I bought mine from Hobbycraft)
Glitter, choc drops, sprinkles, whatever you fancy to adorn your creation. You can buy edible glitter online from a variety of sites (ebay it if you're lost) but mine came from Hobbycraft and I opted for an opal green shade. It's Christmas after all!


This craft isn't rocket science. Melt the chocolate, add the crispies, spoon out onto a tray, leave in the fridge to set, cut out star shapes, stack, decorate, eat!


There is something far too inviting about molten chocolate. Mmmmm.


Tada!! I will just say- I don't think chocolate crispies are the best mixture for this, they crumble EVER SO EASILY. If you are a better baker than I (which wouldn't be hard), try biscuits or gingerbread for a more visually pleasing tree. If you want fun and speed, go for crispies!


There were a lot of 'crumble casualties' and someone had to eat them all which was such a shame. I didn't want to eat handfuls and handfuls of it but you know, waste not want not and stuff. Tehe.


If in doubt, call it abstract. ;)


If the tree doesn't tickle your pickle, or you have a fair few folk to feed (oof, try saying that fast), make individual star crispies and bejewel with sweeties to make even the oldies smile.

Are these something you think might creep into your home this weekend?

Merry Christmas!

xx

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

19 Years Missed

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A sad one today.

Today is the 19th anniversary of my Mother's death. After a 2 year battle with cancer, she slipped quietly away around 6.15am and made her journey up to heaven. I like to think of her up there with my Gran, Ginge the cat, God, Jesus and the angels, all relaxing and eating their favourite foods (no calories in heaven- woop woop) and nattering away about the good times on earth.


(This photograph of me and her sits in my lounge and watches over our family)

19 years is a really long time. Long enough to move on you might think. To an extent, you'd be right. I don't get cut up when I hear people on the phone to their Mum, I don't want to cry when I see Mothers holding their children's hands and I don't break down when I listen to my friends whinge about how hard the Mother-Daughter relationship can be. It's normal, I'm used to it.

What does eat me up is that it's Christmas and I'm a Mummy now. A Mummy to the most wonderful baby you'll ever meet, and my own Mummy won't be here to see the smile on her face when she delights in ripping open her presents, when she tastes her first piece of turkey, when she wears a colourful christmas hat from a cracker and when she falls asleep in my arms because the day has been so full of excitement and magic.

She'll never get to hold my baby in her arms and enjoy watching her grow. She won't get to spoil her like my Gran did with pocket money for sweets from the corner shop. She won't ever sing to her, tell her jokes, kiss her knee when she topples over or listen to me babble on over the phone about the new things she's done that day.

On top of the loss I feel for Darcy, I feel another layer of my own personal loss. It was hard not having her (or anyone) see me come last (haha I'm so lame at PE) in sports day. It was rough not being able to run up to her with my A-Level results in hand, saying, "I'm going to uni! I'm going to uni!", and it was heart breaking planning my wedding and living out the big day with a Mum shaped hole. But having a child and experiencing Motherhood from the other side is the hardest.

Mostly I'm fine, wrapped up in a world of baby groups, tiny pairs of tights and onsies, bottles of milk and mind numbing musical toys. But then there are they days when I'd love to call her and ask her over for a piece of cake and a chat about nothing. And I can't. I never will.

There is a poem I found a couple of years ago, by an unknown author that I think is lovely and very apt.

If Tears Could Build A Stairway

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say "Goodbye".
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.

My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you -
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today~
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.


This little inconsequential spot on the interweb is dedicated to Diana Jane Pentland, who was and is My Mother.

x

take it easy

Jacket: Malene Birger. Denim: Current/Elliott. Shoes: Zara. Chambray Shirt: Jcrew. Bag: Celine. Sunglasses: Burberry. Sweater: Jcrew Mens. Nails: Pop 'Radioactive'. Jewelry: David Yurman, YSL, Jennifer Zeuner c/o, Pomellato, Michael Kors, Gap, BR.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Amazing Advertisers :: December 2011

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I couldn't be feeling festive more if I tried. We've not long come in from a carol service where I had my first mince pie of the year, our candles are lit, the fairy lights are on, Michael Buble is crooning away on the telebox.

I thought I'd take this moment of peace to tell you about my Amazing Advertisers this month.

Tumblr_lwf81h7hsv1qmw440o1_r2_500_large
(Image: weheartit.com)

Laura is a 20 something fashion journalist with a penchant for makeup, nail art, Downton Abbey (tehe me too!) and of course, fashion! If you'd like some nail inspiration, tips for whiter teeth (that was a good'un) or even bargainous designer shoe dupes, Laura is your gal! Click on her name or the ad to the left and check her out.

Ellie is one of my regular amazing advertisers over here and it really is a pleasure to have her. Her blog is jam packed full of makeup hauls, style inspired wish lists and fun tags- I really want to do her 'How much is your face worth' tag. If you fancy a girlie read that'll make you want to hit the shops, check her out!

Faye and I go waaaaayyyyy back. We met in freshers week at university in Liverpool 8 years ago (wow I feel old) and that first meeting (in a lift!) lead to years of adventures. Dancing in the flood water of her flat, numerous cheese toasties, insane nights out, games like 'Five Item Dress Up' and the time she saved my life by shouting, "DON'T PUT YOUR KNIFE IN THE TOASTER!!", are a few reasons why I love her.
Recently Faye has started a blog all about her life as a domestic goddess. If you're into baking, making, mini breaks and generally nosy-ing into someone else's life, Faye is your gal.

If you would like to advertise on Sprinkle of Glitter, please do send me an email with the link of the blog or small business- I only accept genre suitable sites. Now taking January bookings, limited spaces available.

Do any of these lovely ladies float your boat? Are you following them?

Toodlepip!

xx

Saturday, December 17, 2011

stripes & sparkles

Sweater: Jcrew (old). Skirt: Topshop. Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti. Jacket: F21 (old). Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Nails: Chanel 'Black Pearl'. Jewelry: Michael Kors, David Yurman, Pomellato, YSL, Lydell NYC.

Can I ask a favour please?


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Apologies for the lack of posts this week, I keep starting them but then life gets in the way and they don't get finished. I perhaps have a bumper day on Monday (I'm baby free) and pop a few up- yay!

(Yeesss, I knooow, it's a tiny picture but if I blow it up it bluuurrss)

Until then, please can I ask something of you?

Marie Claire are doing like Cosmo and allowing readers to vote for their favourite blogs. I'm not sure if there is a prize, for me, if I won, it'd be the pride of winning.

If you do enjoy this blog, I would really love it if you would hope on over to their SITE and vote for me. It's much quicker than the Cosmo voting jobby, just a few clicks.

I'm fairly sure my chances of winning are slim, but I'd love to be nominated :)

Hope you're having great weekends- One week til Father Christmas comes! Eeeeee!!

Toodlepip!

xx

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas Table Extras


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

For me, what makes Christmas isn't huge presents and grand gestures (although if you have a huuuuge present for me Father Christmas- thank you very much!), but the little touches that add glitz and magic and merriment to all.

This year we're cooking for nine (why oh why?) and this is my chance to really make a splash. I've picked out a few of my favourite things that you could scatter round the home or table, to entice and excite.


(Image taken from ebay and listed below. If I had made it bigger, it'd be uber blurry-sorry!)

These Iridescent holographic Party Poppers would be sure to start Christmas morning off with a bang.

Scatter these cheery little guys over the children's table (how much did you used to hate being relegated to the children's table by the way? I used to get such a sulk on hahaha), to add frivolity, or sprinkle in cards and wrapping papered gifts.

To break the ice with the other half's parentals, try these. You'll be having fun in no time. And if not, at least you'll have a conversation starter!

Sprinkle these edible gold stars into your glasses of bubbly to add zizz to your fizz and look ever the domestic goddess.

I have a couple of Christmas Craft posts coming up with DIY items that you can make as well as a whole album of saved weheartit pictures of magical wintery scenes. I really am getting into the spirit of it all!

Are you?

Toodlepip!

xx

pretty pastels

Denim: Jbrand. Sweater: Jcrew. Shoes: Pour La Victoire. Jacket: Zara. Bag: Celine. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Faux Fur Shrug: H&M. Pin: Chanel. Jewelry: Michael Kors, Gap, BR, David Yurman, AE, YSL.