I've always been a big fan of Take Me Out, so when a charity 'Take Me Out' event was being held in my new hometown, I wanted to go! I went out with 3 people altogether, my sister-in-law included...it was for a good cause; Children's Medical & Research Foundation, in Crumlin, Dublin.
This is me, ready to go out & dance (& raise money for charity!)
I wore my top/dress thing with tights, a lace kinda skirt thing & wedges! :)
Basically, they wanted 40 single women & 10 single men to take part. Obviously, I didn't take part as I'm not single, hahaha! I sat in the audience & we drank (I was on the OJ all night!) It was a fun night, even though I didn't win anything in the raffle, boo. But I did dance my ass off, until my feet KILLED! It was really good, because I usually drink before I dance, but not this time. I did encounter a few pervs, & I was tempted to throw a glass of water over one...but I didn't! :)
These are some pictures from the night...awful quality, taken on my BlackBerry!
My hand, stamped!
The girls coming out...and an almost-bald head in the way!
First guy's talent: drinking all the beer... 1. Getting excited for it. 2. Drinking! He got 2 turns...& failed to drink it all, hahaha!
Not sure what was happening here...I guess he was just chatting to the girls!
A new 'lady' came out...'she' was called Susan Boyle, & had never been kissed. Hilarious!
So as you can see, I didn't take many pictures. The quality is so bad (didn't bring my proper camera) & people's heads were in the way a lot, grr.
After the show, all the chairs were taken from the 'stage', & from the audience floor (?) so people could dance...& I did just that! It was a good night & money was raised for charity, yay!
I thought I'd share with you, some little bits I've bought/ordered recently...I'm still addicted to shopping, argh!!
If some items were sale items, I will clearly state it.
Nautical Friendship Bracelet Pack - ASOS - €5.43(half price, originally €10.86)
So pretty & delicate...it looked bigger in the pictures, & I actually thought it was all one bracelet, but they're all separate, so there's 5. Adorable :)
2 x Intimates Solutions minimiser bras - www.littlewoods.ie - €23(originally €30)
So comfortable, & they actually work!!
South Petite Ruffle Cotton Maxi Skirt - www.littlewoods.ie - €16(originally €39!)
Love love love it! The blue is just a stunning colour.
Monsoon blue/green bead detailed top - charity shop - €2.50
Didn't go over my massive chest, so I gave it to my sis-in-law, & it really suits her!
Nikka floral top/dress with big bow - charity shop - €3
My favourite purchase in a long time, love it! Can be worn as a dress, or tucked under as a top too.
I wrote this a while ago, and posted it on an older blog. I've just been reading over it again...so I decided to share it with you again, so my new followers can read it. This is the most personal post I'll ever write, I'm sure.
I've been contemplating this for a few days and I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it...
It's been on my mind and I've been putting it off.
But it's almost 2am and it's quiet, so why not...
To my wonderful Nanny and Grandad,
If I'm honest, I don't know how I've coped without you both. I miss you both like crazy...
I remember when we would pop over for a visit, us kids would be pushing and shoving to get to the door first. Then we had to wait for you, Nanny, to come out in your big shoe! Bless you, we used to giggle at it and you'd giggle with us. We knew you slipped on a banana skin when you were 7 and had to wear a big shoe. But we still giggled, you didn't mind. When you answered the door, we would rush in, give you a kiss and a hug and run into the living room, where Grandad was doing puzzles. We'd give him a kiss and a hug and run out to the back porch... There was the most AWESOME swing EVER, which Grandad had made. That's what we were in such a rush for. We all took turns on the swing, but, being kids, we all wanted to get there first. We couldn't do much when Bear, the dog, came into the porch. He wanted to play so we'd play out the back or out the front with him. He was such a gorgeous dog, but getting old.
Another very fond memory I have, as I got older, was turning up with my mam and little brothers for a visit. Grandad, you would give us money to get sweets in the shop around the corner. We'd come back and the boys would play on the swing, and I'd sit on the sofa doing puzzles with you. If I didn't know it, you'd help me and then when I got the answer, you'd pat me on the back and say "see, you do know it". We would sit for hours doing puzzles while my mam and Nanny sat in the kitchen, yapping away and drinking endless cups of tea. When we were gone, you'd flick through the newspaper while Nanny did puzzles in her crossword book.
One night, Nanny, you asked me did I want to stay over. I decided I did, but when I went upstairs, I kept my eyes closed. On the landing wall, you had the biggest, freakiest picture ever. It was of a young girl, crying. It had an eerie feel to it and none of us kids liked it; it scared us. I stayed that night and as we were near a main road, I could hear cars all night and the street-lights flooded into the room. The thought of that picture right outside my room was terrifying. I missed home and spent hours crying. Now, I'd give anything to have another moment with you both.
Some years back, Bear died. You were both devastated, because he was there for so many years and it gave you both something to do, looking after him. You were kept busy though, as there were grandkids, nieces, nephews and children going to see you both. Time passed and we didn't see you both as much, as we had moved to another part of the country. We still saw you, just not as much. Then, in August 2006, my aunt died. It tore you both apart, as it was your daughter. She didn't have an illness; it was a stupid hospital mistake, which made it worse. I think it hit you especially hard, Grandad. You were in bits. In April 2007, you passed away. I'll never forget it when my mam told me. She had to ring as I was 5 hours away. I was on the way to Tesco with my boyfriend. My mam told me and I fell to my knees in the middle of the street and screamed. I couldn't stop crying for days on end. You had died of a heart attack. I think you literally died of a broken heart...
When we went to visit, we would miss you sitting in your spot on the sofa (it was basically your sofa, Nanny sat in her armchair!), I'd miss doing puzzles with you, miss your tight hugs and stubbly kisses on my cheek. Missed you calling out to Nanny in the kitchen, 'Rita, pop the kettle on love!'. When you were in a mood, you would call her Margaret. It was her real name, but she was always known as Rita. When you were gone and we went to see Nanny, we would ask if she was okay. Silly question, I know. She would say 'Ah yeh, I'm fine'. We know it was heartbreaking for her, you were her soulmate. She'd try to stay strong, but sometimes, we'd catch her looking at your seat. She'd notice us looking at her and she'd just shake her head and say 'I do miss the oul'fella pottering around the house.' She used to ALWAYS call you the oul'fella. Of course she missed you, she had spent decades with you. In January 2010, I got a tattoo in your memory on my shoulderblade. It says 'I'll See You Again'. I know I will, I know you're up there waiting for me, puzzle book at the ready!
In December of 2010, Nanny, we got a call to say you were in hospital. You'd had some strokes in your sleep and my cousin had found you. We thought you would be okay... My mam, me and my aunt went to see you on January 6th this year. I'll never forget as I walked into the ward and saw you. You didn't look like my Nanny at all. You were so skinny and your eyes had kind of sunken in. I took some pictures to remember you by, and I'm glad I did. I have something to remember you by. I wanted to cry but I didn't, I kept strong for my mam. We rubbed moisturiser into your hands and brushed your hair. You loved your hair being played with and your hands kept soft. We talked to you but you couldn't respond. You had some brain damage, caused by the strokes. We stayed with you for hours, and all the while, we tried not to cry. I saw my mam gulping hard a few times, to stop herself from crying. It was heartbreaking. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose my mam. She's my whole world. You were her whole world... We left the hospital that evening, not knowing if we would see you again.
We went back up to you the next day. You seemed much chirpier, you were sitting up a bit and you ate a spoonful of porridge. It was something. I held your hand and told you to squeeze it if you knew I was there and if you knew who I was. You gave me a tiny squeeze and I almost cried. I looked into your gorgeous green eyes and you gave me the smallest, yet most amazing smile ever. I was so happy, we all were. We thought you were getting better.
You went downhill again and we finally knew we were going to lose you. You wanted to be with Grandad and your daughter, and you didn't have any will to live, so we couldn't force you. It didn't make it any easier knowing that you would be gone soon. On February 17th, I looked at the clock at 8.10pm. Suddenly, I got a text from my brother. It said 'Nanny's dead :( '. He was there with you, he held your hand. Just two minutes before, he held the phone to your ear, and my mam had said 'I love you'. She was the last person to talk to you. When I read the text, the tears started flowing immediately. It was totally heartbreaking, but in a way, it was relief as you were where you wanted to be. You were with Grandad and your daughter, and you were finally at peace.
I'm not sure how I've coped without you both. I think about you constantly, but I know you're together again, where you belong. Nanny, I'm getting a tattoo in your memory soon. I have to decide exactly what yet, but I have a nice quote in mind. I miss you both like crazy, but I know I'll see you soon. I love you both more than words can express. You're both together again, so look after each other for me, and I'll see you on the other side...
Love always and forever,
Joanna ♥
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
- And now, I'm glad I didn't know, the way it all would end, the way it all would go...
Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance ♥
Whilst browsing through some blogs, I came across a post talking about make-up which had passed it's expiration date, asking do we still use it etc. This is my take on it...
If you know me (or if you don't), you'll probably know by now that I'm a hoarder! Beauty products in general, but mostly make-up.
Beauty products & make-up products have expiry dates - some last for 3 months, some last for 36 months, maybe even more. I don't usually go by these dates, becauseif the product still looks good/clean, smells fine & does it's job, why not? I know the expiration dates are there for a reason - if we use something after it's expiration date, I suppose it's our own fault if we get an infection from using it...? Whatever the reason, I'm sure most people will still use some things after the expiration date has passed.
Admittedly, I do use most make-up products after their expiration date; eyeshadows, lipsticks, face powder etc. It's probably really bad, but with some things I've spent a lot of money on, parting with them is hard when they're still so full.
Another thing I will use after the expiration date is...mascara! I know, you may be thinking 'ew, that's so disgusting!'...but yep, I do it quite a bit. After 3 months, we're supposed to throw mascaras away, as they can breed bacteria. But to be honest, I don't see how the bacteria gets in if it's only touching your lashes (which we clean using eye make-up remover anyway) I know the pumping action is bad, but like I said, if it's still in good condition & does it's job, why throw it away? If it's totally dried out, it's different, I'll throw it away then, as it's totally useless. Or, if it smells bad, or starts to hurt my eyes, it's time for the bin.
I've had some mascaras for over a year & they're still perfect...still lengthen my lashes, give volume & best of all, they don't infect my eyes. I wear contact lenses, & I do have pretty sensitive eyes. Even though I use old mascara, I've never once gotten an eye infection, or 'pink eye'.
I don't know about body creams/washes, as I tend to use them up pretty quick. They may still be okay after the expiration date, but I don't know yet so I can't say.
What do you think? Do you ever use products after they have 'expired'?
The Bourjois Effet Smoky eyeliner was a firm favourite of mine for quite a while. It's so black, & lasts all day without needing touching up. I think I paid €7.99 for it, but I've found an even cheaper one...
Catrice's Kohl Kajal could seriously give the Bourjois pencil a run for it's money! It's really black, soft & long-lasting. I paid around €2.49 for it, which is amazing! If you're looking for a proper black long-lasting liner, try the Catrice one. You can't go wrong for such a good price.
The only thing is, the Bourjois pencil has a little brush on the end to smoke out the eyeliner for a smoky look (hence the name of the pencil!) but I've tried another eye makeup brush with the Catrice pencil & it gives the same effect....yay!
As for storage, I just store them in the lid of my Ugg boots box, in a drawer! Inside the lid, I made a separate little compartment for polishes that need using soon colours that I wish to wear during the Summer...
In a little wire tray thing, I store my nail stickers, wheels, brushes, separators, stamper, glitter polishes, basecoats/topcoats etc.
I've posted about this before...but this is kind of an 'updated' post, I guess!
I'm still using my 120 palette, & I still love it as much as ever. I use it loads & it's STILL going strong. I love the blues, browns, pinks...all of it!
The colours are so pigmented & last all day without creasing, with a base. You can see some of the swatches & how pigmented they are...that's without a base! They're a mix of shimmer & matte, & even some marble colours, which look amazing when applied wet or dry. The colours in this palette are silky smooth, which is pretty amazing for the price!
I highly recommend it, it's beautiful. I think I bought mine for around €7 with free P&P, but it became so popular, I think the price went up a little. It's still worth it though! You just need to type '120 palette' into eBay, & loads will pop up!
A couple of weeks ago, I picked up a black hair dye. Only...when I got home, I realised it was semi-permanent! I went ahead & dyed it. It wasn't fully black, & it started to fade even more after the first wash. I just dyed it last night again, so I'm officially a BLACKHEAD (hahahahahahahaha). Again.
And after...yay, back to black!
It's so black! I love black hair, it's so shiny & I think it looks sophisticated. Besides...brunettes do it better, right? ;) haha, everyone has their own opinion on that. Although, I was tempted to go blonde but I don't think my hair could handle it.
This is the dye I used...
L'Óreal Féria by Préférence in 20 Blackest Black.
I love it! It's made my hair so shiny, & it comes with a 'luscious high shine oil', to make your hair stay shiny for longer. The little oil is so cute, you just pour it into the colour mix before you shake the crap out of it.
People sometimes ask how I keep my skin clear, & what products I use. Firstly, I take off all my make up at night! And I do drink a good bit of water.
I'm a sucker for beauty products, so I've compiled a little list of my favourite scrubs, washes & masks.
I also include my favourite nose strips, wax strips & wipes.
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Scrubs
L-R: Bioré Blackhead Fighting Cream Wash | Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It | Tea Tree Facial Scrub
Bioré Blackhead Fighting Cream Wash - [I call this a scrub as it has little microbeads in!] Smells slightly fruity, warms when it comes in contact with water. Makes my skin feel really squeaky clean.
Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It - Smells a little bit minty, which I love. It gives a nice deep clean. Can be left on for a couple of minutes more as a mask.
Tea Tree Facial Scrub - Favourite scrub, makes my skin feel so clean, moisturises & obviously, smells like tea tree...mmmnn!
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Washes
L-R: Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Cream Wash | Johnson's 3 in 1 Refreshing Facial Wash
Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Cream Wash - Reduces my pore size, skin feels so clean, smells gorgeous!
Johnson's 3 in 1 Refreshing Facial Wash - Smells really refreshing, love it. Cleanses, tones & makes skin feel so soft!
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Masks
L-R: Mineral Care Peeling Mask | Avon Clearskin Pore Penetrating Clay Mask | Natural Sea Beauty Mud Mask
Mineral Care Peeling Mask - I find it crumbles more than peels, but I still love it. Soft supple skin.
Avon Clearskin Pore Penetrating Clay Mask - best mask! My face looked better after first use, skin is soft & refreshed, reduces pores.
Natural Sea Beauty Mud Mask - Amazing! Cleanses skin, feels amazing & the smell reminds me of talcum powder!
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And the rest...
L-R: Derma V10 Deep Cleansing Nose Strips | Boots Facial Wax Strips | Boots Simply Sensitive Face Wipes
Derma V10 Deep Cleansing Nose Strips - Nose feels really clean afterwards, blackheads seem reduced.
Boots Facial Wax Strips - remove all hair (keeping eyebrows/upper lip in good shape) lasts quite a while, great for my sensitive skin.
Boots Simply Sensitive Face Wipes - removes all traces of make up, skin feels soft & refreshed.
