Maybelline Super Stay 10h Tint Gloss

My first make-up review... here goes!

I recently went to Superdrug in dire need of some new foundation. I tend to leave it until I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel (figuratively, not literally) before purchasing more. Maybe the reason for this is because I have to use expensive foundation as they're the only ones that seem to do super pale colours that cover the worst and most visible types of freckles. My skin seems to believe I'm a redhead when actually I'm a brunette, it sucks. As an apprentice, I don't earn enough to stock up on this stuff, so I make the most of what I've got.

So it was a welcome sight to see a 2 for £10 deal on selected Maybelline products. On the display smack bang in front of the doors were mascara, foundation, a smoky-eye effect pencil and lip gloss. As usual, I spent about half an hour trying to decide what to get. Obviously I had to choose foundation, as I wanted to try out Maybelline's Dream Satin Liquid foundation anyway. It is a less expensive alternative to the No. 7 foundation I'm using at the minute. I do like the No. 7 product, but it really kills my bank account.

Always in search of decent coloured lip glosses and lipsticks, I went for the gloss. There were only a handful of colours to choose from and I already have about ten different reds, so I chose pink. I don't really like dark pink colours, they always turn out more red-coloured, so I tried to get the lightest one there. It looked and smelt nice, so I was already onto a winner in my books.

On inspection, the applicator is a pliable, soft, spongy paddle-type brush that's shaped a bit like a spoon. It's relatively easy to apply, though I had to practice a bit as I'm used to lip pens and lipsticks. It tastes as good as it smells, and looks lovely. It is exactly the same colour as it is on the packaging (surprised me, I have to say!) but isn't really light, so I'd go for normal lip glosses if you're wanting a bright pink.

It felt smooth and looked super glossy on my lips at first, but as it dried (like any normal lip pen) it lost a lot of its shimmer. It still looks glossier than lipsticks and feels nice and soft though. True to the advertising, it stayed on for a good few hours, even when I drank. It only came off when I decided to treat myself to a galaxy caramel McFlurry - oops!

I must say, I prefer it to other lip pens I've used, although they have tended to be cheap ones. I used to be forever applying vaseline as my lips felt tight and dry, but this one tries to keep my lips at least a little hydrated.

Have you tried this product out yet? Or are traditional lipsticks still your way to go?

Haworth

Bronte Country

I recently visited Haworth in Yorkshire to celebrate my first anniversary with my boyfriend. Fair to say, it was amazing! It really did live up to my expectations. I'd wanted to go here for a long time, mainly to visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum, but also to walk along the moors and see what inspired the Brontes to write such brilliant works.

We arrived around 1.30pm, so we had an hour and a half to kill until we could check into our hotel. This gave us time to explore a little and make the most of our first day, considering it was beautiful weather. We strolled along cobbled streets, past cute cafes and arty shops, then bought an ice cream from a vintage-looking ice cream van and chilled on the park for a bit. The views were spectacular from everywhere we went, we spent a lot of time over the weekend just sitting in the park and chatting, it was really relaxing. Our hotel was basically the best room I've ever been in.

The bed was a king size four poster. I love four poster beds, and there was so much room! The duvet and cushions were so snuggly too, I could have slept there forever. One of the most impressive things though, was our view! Just look how beautiful that is. Definitely worth the price. In front of the window (hidden from view of course) was a massive double-ended copper bathtub, which quite frankly stole my heart. It stood on a raised platform and came up to just above my hip - huge! I could stretch out in it and everything! I know I'm short, but even my boyfriend fit in it, snug as a bug, and he's quite tall! I can't decide yet whether lounging on the sofa (comfiest sofa ever!), lazing in bed or soaking up the view in the bath was the most relaxing. It was all so perfect.

We visited the Bronte Parsonage Museum and it was brilliant. It was quite small, which really gave it the feel of it being a house once. I could imagine people moving around in there, living normally. It was a bit weird to think the Brontes lived and some died there. Freaky. Anyway, we were given a tour map which told us about each room, it was so informative! There was a kitchen, dining room (where Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall were written!) Mr Bronte's study, Mr Nicholls' study, the servant's room, Emily Bronte's room (formerly the children's study), Charlotte Bronte's room, Mr Bronte's room, Branwell's studio and a couple of added rooms that house exhibitions. All of the relics and artifacts were amazing, I wanted almost all of the dresses! Most of them were worn by Charlotte, as well as jewellery, gloves and shoes, they were all so delicate and pretty. I'd definitely go again, there was far too much to take in on just one visit!

The gift shop was awesome too, they sold quills! I wish I was rich enough to buy my own, I've always wanted to own a quill. They obviously had all the books and DVD's, which were cool, there were also comic book versions of the books! I never knew they existed. All in all, there was too much there for a pauper like me to buy haha.

On our last day there we went for a walk to Bronte falls, which must have been over 4 miles! I refuse to acknowledge any other opinion. I only sat down once before we got there though, so proud of myself. The views were absolutely stunning, I couldn't take enough photos! I should have just recorded it. 

These are pictures as we were walking to Bronte Falls. The one on the right is a dilapidated old building that's in danger of falling down. I still thought it made a pretty good picture though. There were also loads of sheep! I got quite a few pictures of them because I thought it was cute that they were just wandering around haha. One of them below the path I was walking on, having a bit of grass for dinner on a farm, looked up at me just as I was taking the photo, it was brilliant! That one's my favourite.

The one on the left is the top of Bronte Falls. I had to walk all the way up to the top of the falls to take this photo, and clamber across the water and slippery rocks, so be grateful! The one on the right is the right-hand side part of the river. Yes, I know, not much of a river this side, but the other side was pretty lively. Isn't it beautiful? Me and my boyfriend spent a while sitting on a huge rock smack bang in the middle of the top of the waterfall just chilling and taking in the view. It was really relaxing, I could get used to it! I didn't like almost falling over trying to get to said rock though.

So this one's been a bit of an essay, but it was so hard for me to fit all the best bits in! I haven't even described how lovely the tea was there, or the ice cream! It was 100 times better than ice cream back home. A lot bigger too! And it went all the way down to the bottom of the cone, which I've never experienced before. That ice cream man had skills.

If you enjoy the Brontes or walking or even just want a relaxing, quiet and peaceful weekend (or even day!) away from the hustle and bustle, I definitely would recommend Haworth. It was quiet there, not too quiet, but a nice quiet. There were about three buskers at all points in the day which gave a nice ambiance, even if they weren't very good. One of my very best memories was just sitting, enjoying the beautiful sunshine, the spectacular views, and the peace. Oh, and the company ;) Stacey's town of the year 2012!

Now time to save up for that cottage with the view of the moors...

Commitments.

I guess that's a misleading title... it's not about what you think!


I've been trying my hardest to get back in to fanfiction recently. I've started up a new story and I really do like it, it's much better formed than my previous ones I think. The worst part is, I hardly have time to write.

My main priority should be writing my own book, the one that might one day get me famous! But most of the time it's so difficult to just get out one paragraph let alone another chapter. This is where fanfiction comes in. A lot of blank spaces have already been filled out for you, such as the characters, places and plot ideas. You know who the good guys and the bad guys are and what they aim to do - in Harry Potter (my choice of fanfiction) they aim to kill Voldemort. A very good back up plot if mine slows down some!

When I write fanfiction, it gives me a breather from writer's block with my own story. Sometimes, it'll even give me inspiration to write my own again. However, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Although I have a responsibility to finish my own story, when you write fanfiction, especially good fanfiction, you have another responsibility. Your reviewers.

I'm lucky enough to have some loyal readers who review every chapter, they always have good words or helpful advice, which I adore. They make me feel really good about my writing, which not everyone has. The one-time reviewer is just as valued, as they make me feel that people who just stumble upon my story love it too and they want a reason to come back and read it.

With such a busy and tiring schedule as mine, there isn't a lot of free time to write up new chapters. On nights when I don't see my boyfriend, I'd rather laze in bed relaxing and watching a film after a tough day at work than slave away at the computer. Don't get me wrong, I love writing, but my head would rather not have the extra work.

Sometimes it can be a two weeks or more before I update my story, and some reviewers really want to read the next chapter. I don't want to put anyone off by being slack, I want to be a reliable writer. So here it is. When you write fanfiction; beware. You will begin to feel an overwhelming commitment to your reviewers. Everyone likes to feel special, and these lovely people make me feel that way. For someone who's passion is writing, to have multiple people tell you it's amazing and they want more, you feel the obligation to provide.

I know it might seem selfish in parts, I write to get positive feedback, but it's not just that. I write for people to enjoy. That's what a writer's goal is, isn't it? To entertain. I may just have to invest in a netbook so I can write wherever I go! That's when I'm not stuck on £2.60 an hour...

Another reason is, if these people love my fanfiction, maybe I can build up a loyal fanbase for when I get my own literature published ;) haha, a girl can dream!

The Dark Knight Rises

In one word; amazing.


I really, really really, loved it! It's so hard to write this without spoilers being in every paragraph but it seriously was awesome. One of the few movies that actually lives up to the hype people give it! And I know that some of you may disagree and say, yeah it was alright, but it wasn't that good, and fair enough to you, everyone has their own opinions. But mine will always be that it was absolutely brilliant.

Christian Bale, despite being a bit of an arse, was wonderful as Batman, as always, and managed to tone down the glass-gurgling voice (it was still a bit rough though, makes me laugh every time he shouts) and the emotional bits were spot on. Scenes with him and Michael Caine in were beautiful, made me so sad in some of them!

I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt, ever since 3rd Rock from the Sun all the way to now, he's been awesome. He's so sweet too, even though he's all grown up, he's still a cutie XD I was a little unsure of him before I watched this film, but he was possibly my favourite. He had some great lines haha. He definitely deserved the role he got - and his storyline made the movie for me. Two words - THE ENDING! Like me, it might not come as a shock to you, but it will still make your heart do a flip and scream for another movie haha.

Yes, I know, Christopher Nolan isn't doing any more Batman films, this is his offering to the Batman legend, but no one's saying no one else can offer some more. Personally, I'd love to see a Batman and Robin film, I really liked the first one (might have had a bit of a crush on the actor though ;D) and there are loads more Batman villains to show their faces. He also said he wanted to see a Catwoman spin-off, Anne Hathaway's performance was superb as her performances usually are, and after the Halle Berry Catwoman - although I do like the actress - Anne Hathaway was a sight for sore eyes. She bought a bit of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman back, and that's still the Catwoman I adore. Still, as long as they keep true to the comics, a Catwoman spin-off would probably be welcomed with open arms.

Finally (saving the best til last) is Tom Hardy as Bane. I don't know what problems the critics had with their hearing, but I could hear every line just fine. Of course the mask made his voice a little more unclear than it would have been without, but it wasn't completely muffled. The way he played Bane was intense and seriously scary but utterly thrilling. As the film villains go, Heath Ledger, God bless him, did an absolutely wonderful performance as the Joker which is unforgettable and possibly unbeatable, but Tom Hardy did his best and, for me at least, he did an incredible job. Another ten out of ten for the gorgeous Mr. Hardy!

So, in conclusion, it is my film of 2012 so far. It was hard to beat Avengers, but it clawed its way up there to the top spot. It's one of those to buy when it comes out on DVD! I better start making a list...

The Stoning of Soraya M.

I watched the Stoning of Soraya M. last night. Incredible film, but also horrific to watch.

I'd still recommend it though. If you have a weak stomach or don't like the sight of blood, there is one bit you definitely want to turn away from. Sometimes I get a bit queasy watching those bits, but in this film, I simply couldn't turn away. I did flinch a couple of times, but it was one of those moments when what's on screen is so terrible you just can't take your eyes off it. I literally could not believe this was a true story.

Basically, it's about a young woman in 1980's Iran called Soraya. She's in an unhappy marriage with a man who wants a divorce so he can marry a fourteen year old girl. Soraya has four children to this man, two daughters and two older sons, the sons her husband has turned against her. That must be horrible enough, without him wanting to ditch her for a kid.

Of course, she wants to have the divorce, but for the sake of her two daughters, she can't. She doesn't have a job or any source of income and her husband does not want to pay support because he doesn't want to pay for two families. He doesn't care about what happens to her or his daughters, so long as he can get a divorce, take his sons to the city and marry a fourteen year old. The longer Soraya doesn't say okay, the more he beats her. It's terrible.

Her husband, Ali, unable to wait anymore, blackmails the Mullah (a religious official) to convince Soraya to go ahead with the divorce, but when this doesn't work, he resorts to a more malicious tactic that eventually turns her into a criminal in the eyes of her village and gets her stoned to death - hence the title.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you, it really is a heart-breaking movie to watch. Not like soppy romance films such as Dear John or Remember Me, a real heart-breaker. It makes you hate society, hate the people involved, and worry about the lack of common sense in such religious places. But, like I said before, it's one of those inspirational movies you have to watch. One of the greats. If you ever get a chance to rent it from somewhere, do it. I'd recommend getting a really happy film for afterwards, but trust me on this one and watch this film!

Huge thanks to my boyfriend for introducing it to me. I wasn't entirely sure if I was happy or not that he had, it was so upsetting! But now I'm okay with it, because it was a good film. The acting is brilliant too!

If you watch it, let me know what you think :)

Fanfiction

Yes, I write Draco/Hermione. No, I don't care if you have a problem with that.

♥

Personally, I think it's sweet and the basis for a really good plot! You can get boring, safe ones like Hermione and Ron or Harry, well, if it's Harry you can have the whole best friend dilemma, but seriously, it's boring. There are really weird ones like Hermione and Snape (WHAT?!) also, Ginny. Basically anyone. But if it's not boring, weird or simply uninteresting as a pairing, it's Draco/Hermione.

I've read some very creative, well-written ones and seriously fallen in love with the characters. On Fanfiction.net and a few other sites where this author's archived her work, there's a story called the Bracelet. I've read that so many times, and each time, I get so emotional haha. The author's planned it out brilliantly, she did a few chapters ahead and knew the plot right from the off, so there were no plot holes or anything. That's the writer I aspire to be!

So anyway, my new one is archived on Granger Enchanted, which is a cool website. Each story has to be authorized by an admin, so they make sure it's good quality. They can plainly say no, it's not very good, but tend to be nice and help you make it better. They will tell you if there's a problem with the plot, characterization or even grammar can stop it from being authorized. They're that strict. The submission rules are the most in-depth I've ever seen, so it makes a great website, because you can be sure that just about everything you read is first-rate (Also, mine was approved first time - woo! I'm awesome)

It's called If You Could Be Anywhere, which is, like my blog, a song by Tom Felton. It makes for a good title, shush. So far, the reviews I've had have said it's well written, well thought out and has a good plot. They've all said they want to read more! I'm so happy. I always reply to my reviewers, I try to make them detailed so the reviewer knows I love that they enjoy my story and I am super grateful for each review. All of their words are like literary motivation! :D

Here's a bit from the first chapter. If you like what you see here, don't be afraid to go to Granger Enchanted, search for Staceosaurusrex and drop a review ;)

He was stuck in limbo. Since the torture of Hermione Granger in his home during the summer, everything about his life had been turned upside down. Bellatrix Lestrange was beyond furious that a Malfoy would try to protect a Mudblood. He still had no idea why he did it. His father had beaten him senseless afterwards. His mother was only just able to rescue him and flee the manor before the Dark Lord came to deliver a worse punishment. 

Since then, Narcissa and Draco Malfoy had been under the protection of the Order of the Phoenix. Lucius Malfoy had disappeared. Draco had no idea what had happened to him, or whether the Dark Lord was punishing him for the mistakes of his wife and son. Draco shuddered to think of the torture. Her face appeared again. The pain in her eyes... he could never go through that. 

So he tried to live as normal a life as possible while being protected so he did not have to suffer that fate. He went to school and hung around with his friends, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini and the new addition of Theodore Nott. He was a seventh year Slytherin just like Draco, yet completely different. His father was a Death Eater too, one recently sent to Azkaban. Yet he did not attempt a vendetta, he instead seemed quite happy with the outcome. He was quiet, bookish and plain looking, with pale skin, brown wavy hair and dark eyes hidden behind glasses. The only reason Draco was obliged to have him in the group was the shining badge pinned to the front of his robes. Head Boy.

Draco turned his eyes to the window to mask the jealousy. He could’ve been Head Boy! If his school life had not been interfered with, if his father was still a member of the Board... no, even without that. He was a top student – was being the operative word – before last year, he was second in every class, top if you only counted boys. Granger always beat him to top spot. Then again, he sighed, he was somewhat glad he was not Head Boy. He guessed Granger was Head Girl. That was one pairing he could do without.

Haha, get it, "That was one pairing he could do without"? Dramatic irony, *wink wink* *nudge nudge* ;) okay, it's lame, I know, but it made me giggle. Right, so giggling at your own lame jokes isn't funny... oops. Moving on, that's a bit from the first chapter, I'm working on the third, it should be uploaded soon.

You never know, this might lead to better written fame than 50 Shades of Crap - I mean - Grey. It was based on a Twilight fanfiction, which was like a big, flashing 'do not enter' sign to me. If I transformed this into a novel, it would be decent, friendly with proper literature, and not written porn for people who need to find a better class of reading.

One day, I shall provide that better class. Just you wait. And review ;)

 

Barry M Magnetic Nail Polish

I'm growing my nails, so I thought I'd treat myself.

I splashed out and bought some new nail polish yesterday. I've been wanting some for a long time but always put it off. I've tried out one of them and it looks pretty awesome, so I thought I'd write about it!

Barry M Magnetic Nail Polish - Burgundy: £4.99

Popped into Superdrug, spent about 3 hours deciding what to buy, then saw this gem! I love how Barry M have come up with these instant nail effects, so I bought two. One is this magnetic one, which sounded a little tricky, but worth the effort.

This one gives a diagonal effect (I didn't realise until after I took the photo that it didn't include the picture of the effect on the lid - oops!) It's in burgundy, but you can get a variety of other shades with different effects. Neat!

The instructions are relatively simple. 1) Shake well. 2) Apply first coat, wait to dry. 3) Apply second coat, immediately hover magnet over the nail for five seconds. Wait to dry. For my first time, it didn't work so well, so I tried again and I found that holding the magnet over your nail for a longer amount of time works better. 4) Apply topcoat. Finished!

If you've done it correctly, it looks pretty cool. I think I'd use this for nights out, or maybe work. It's quite a dark, metallic colour so, depending on the outfit, I probably wouldn't wear it in the daytime. But everyone's different, if you usually wear darker clothes, this would probably suit you down to the T :)

Anyway, here's the finished effect:

It's not the best quality photo, but it was difficult taking it by myself! As you can see, there's a definite diagonal pattern there. In person, you can really see the metallic shade of burgundy. The dark lines also make it look a little 3D as they look like they're raised.

For a quick nail effect fix, I'd recommend this. It's easy to do (as long as you have steady hands for the magnet) and looks amazing. I'm definitely wearing this for my next night out!

Ciao!