tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56506516991848491252024-03-18T07:28:14.773+00:00NFPIrish Beauty Blog with a Healthy Dose of Books, Lifestyle and the odd Rant!Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.comBlogger690125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-24070713398982276252018-12-02T23:17:00.000+00:002018-12-03T22:00:19.729+00:00Bedroom Makeover Plus Our New Leesa Mattress! <div style="text-align: center;">
(I was not compensated for this post but our mattress was provided for free, for review, in collaboration with Leesa. More in disclaimer at end of post)<br />
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We're renters. We have been for some time, and the way Dublin house prices are going, we will be for some time more. We're also savers, but until we can get a deposit together to make our own mark on a house, we can do gentle updates on the 100 year old house we're currently renting!</div>
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If my landlady happens to be reading, those updates <i>do not </i>include drilling holes in the wall, promise. </div>
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Those gentle updates started this month; we cleaned out our long suffering spare room and gave away about 13 bags and boxes of clothes, books, bags, shoes and household bits and bobs to charity or to the recycling centre.</div>
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We got a new TV for the bedroom to make cosy nights in that extra bit cosy.</div>
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We finally framed prints that we've bought over the years that have just been gathering dust (in the aforementioned spare room) and have hung some of them. Some are still languishing, waiting for me to buy more Command strips (no holes drilled here, remember!) and I found a glass and metal, grey touch lamp in Next that adds to the general snug feel of things.<br />
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Most importantly though, we got a new mattress. I've always included mattresses in that list of things you should spend money on; winter boots, a good coat, skincare, an umbrella, and mattresses. If you're putting it on your face, you're hoping it'll get you through bad weather, or you're trusting it with the care of your back, spend a bit more and make it an investment.</div>
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Weirdly, we had been talking about getting a new mattress a few days before I got an email asking me if I'd like to try a Leesa mattress for the blog*.</div>
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I've had a dodgy back for years; over a decade of nursing and midwifery have taken its toll and about five years ago I had back surgery on one of my discs. Since then, I've thankfully been good in that department but I have to take care of it; walking and yoga help, as do supportive shoes but I had been thinking about how often you're supposed to change your mattress. The Internet tells me 7-10 years, but that depends on how well you look after it. We moved into this house five years ago and the mattress had already been in the house a good few years at that stage. So, it was time for a change!</div>
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Leesa are an American brand that have recently launched in Ireland. Apart from rave reviews of their mattresses, I also really appreciated their brand ethics. There's a 100-night risk-fee trial period, so if you don't like your Leesa after sleeping on it for 100 nights, they'll collect it and take it back no problem. Amazingly, they also donate one mattress for every ten sold to charitable causes. So far they've donated over 30,000 mattresses, which is pretty cool! If you're interested, you can read more about that <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.leesa.ie/pages/one-ten">HERE</a></span>.</span> They do good work.<br />
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So how do you go about getting your mattress? Firstly, we measured our base. Ours is a King size (sizes range from Single to Super King). I placed the order, which takes on average 6-9 working days to build each one from scratch and get it delivered directly to your door. It arrived in a massive box that confused me slightly as this was not what I was expecting! I got Himself to lug it upstairs and unbox it; it's tightly rolled up and vacuum packed, so you unroll it and take off all the plastic covering. As soon as you do it starts to puff itself back up, as if by magic! We left it a couple of hours to fully re-inflate and also opened all the windows as recommended in the instructions- there's a strong enough chemical smell, kind of like glue, when you first use it. That smell initially eases but was still faintly there a few weeks after so it takes time to go completely. And then there nothing left to do but go to bed!<br />
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It honestly wasn't until we slept on the new mattress that we realised just how bad the old one was; bumpy with a dip in the middle and overall, it had started to lose its structure. I don't really know how we were managing on the old one, except that the electric blanket must have masked a lot of the problems.</div>
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There's three layers with the Leesa; a base foam layer that provides dense core support, a middle memory foam layer that provides relief from pressure and a top layer of cooling Avena foam designed to provide a better airflow so you don't overheat and adds a nice added bouncy-ness! After sleeping on it for four weeks now, these are my findings:</div>
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(puts on lab coat and exchanges glasses for more scientific looking goggles)</div>
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We both have found our respective old-crock issues (mine is my back, Himself's is his knee) have overall felt better and I think this is down to the increased body support we have for 8 hours (wishful thinking) each night.<br />
Also, and this might be just a novelty thing cause it's still new to us but every night feels like staying in a hotel. Not just any hotel, but one of those fancy ones with those massive comfy beds that you refuse to leave. The other difference I've noticed is that I'm not waking up during the night feeling really warm or sweaty (sorry for the TMI), which I hadn't connected to the new mattress until I read on the site that the top layer is designed to be cooling! It all makes sense now!</div>
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So if you're furnishing a new home or renting like myself, I'd suggest being good to yourself and getting a new, properly supportive mattress. Even better, Leesa have given me a €100 off discount to pass on, using the code NURSEFANCYPANTS. You can have a look for your own<span style="color: magenta;"> <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.leesa.ie/">HERE</a>.</span></span></div>
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Wishing you all a comfy nights sleep! (smug, well-rested voice)<br />
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*I'm not being paid for my review, or to talk about it on my social media sites. I was provided with the mattress, free of cost and asked to give my unbiased, honest opinion on it, with no input from the brand on the content of my post. I think it's important to highlight this as I am always honest in my reviews and this is no different! I get asked regularly to review products or to accept sponsored posts, but I rarely do, unless it suits me and the blog. I made an exception for Leesa because I love the ethos behind the brand and the reviews I read online about the mattress made it obvious that it was a really good fit for us and the lifestyle section of Nurse Fancy Pants.Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-33869928857127998682018-10-14T20:08:00.000+01:002018-10-14T20:08:22.689+01:00Come, Look At My Trash #8!<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my second empties post of the year, which sounds about right. I usually do one every six months after saving all my empty beauty products up. I photograph them, clean and dry them, then recycle. Then I tell you what I thought of them and whether I'd get them again. I find people usually look at the photos, then scroll through and find a product they're interested in.<br />
It's basically a bumper review post!<br />
Let me know if you've tried any of these and what you thought of them!</div>
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<b>Facial Skincare:</b><br />
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<b>Pixi & Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse</b>: I love this fragrance-free, half oil, half-milk cleanser. This is super gentle on the skin and really does what it says on the tin. If you want to try double cleansing, but aren't sure where to start, try this. More info on it in <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.com/2017/07/pixi-caroline-hirons-double-cleanse.html#.W8OPAi_Mzq0"><span style="color: magenta;">THIS</span></a> </span>post.<br />
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<b>Clarins Double Serum*</b>: My beloved Double Serum. My skin loves this, I love this, everyone should love this. I wrote a post on it <a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.com/search?q=clarins+double+serum#.W8OPXC_Mzq0"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>. I'll be buying a new one in the sale, cause this is hella pricey.<br />
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<b>Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm minis x 2:</b> This is my all time favourite cleanser. I finally bought myself a full size this year (no regrets case it's nowhere near being finished) but these two were in advents calendars, I think. Full review of the cleanser,<span style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.com/2018/04/emma-hardie-amazing-face-moringa.html#.W8OPjS_Mzq0"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a></span>, if you want to know more!<br />
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<b>Laneige Water Bank Essence and Moisture cream:</b> These were part of a set with a full size Laneige Water Sleep Mask, which I'm still working my way through. I got it in the states for about $22, which is bargainous! These are really nice, and perfect for warmer weather. Coming into the Winter, I feel they'd be less useful but if you like your skincare to feel light, like water on your skin, this is a good option.<br />
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<b>Essano Rosehip Serum:</b> This is a bargain I found in <b>TK Maxx</b>. Essano are a New Zealand based cruelty-free, vegan-friendly company that utilise a lot of natural ingredients for their skincare. I'm a big fan of rosehip, so I had to give this a go and I was very impressed! It feels so comforting on the skin and provides a great base for moisturiser and primer. I absolutely loved it and I've been scanning TK Maxx's shelves for it ever since!<br />
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<b>Clinique Moisture Surge</b>: I got a double pack of this in the airport earlier on in the year for next to nowt (for Clinique anyway) and had heard such good things that I had to try it. Clinique skincare often involves layering moisturisers with other moisturisers depending on your skin type which might explain why I found this a bit too light for me. It was perfect during our very warm Summer as it actually felt quite cooling on, so I'll be saving the next pot for the good weather again next year!<br />
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<b>Belif The True Cream Moisture Bomb:</b> Another Sephora purchase, I had tried a sample of this and really liked it. It's a slightly heavier cream than anything I've mentioned so far ere, while still being light enough to be easily absorbed. They make a big fuss about how moisturising this one is and it is very nice, just probably not the bets I've ever tried.<br />
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<b>Korres Wild Rose Advanced Repair Sleeping Facial:</b> This was another advent calendar find and I really like this. I love a good sleeping mask anyway and I'm a big fan of Greek company Korres. I probably wouldn't get a full size of this though, there was nothing wrong with it per se, I've just used other sleeping masks I've preferred.<br />
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<b>Korres Wild Rose Facial Oil:</b> This, I loved. I bought it on sale in Crete and I loved every drop of it. That was until it promptly went out of date and had t be thrown our. Wah. Full review of it <a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.com/2017/04/greek-beauty-haul.html#.W8OP9C_Mzq0"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>.<br />
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<b>Kinvara Rosehip Face Serum:</b> I wrote about this one <a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.com/2015/08/get-glowing-skin-with-these-3-products.html#.W8OQIy_Mzq0"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>. I liked it, just not as much as the Essano serum!<br />
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<b>Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil:</b> Unlike the other two Rosehip's here, this is an oil so it does different things for the skin. I find I need a good oil in the evening over my moisturiser, otherwise my skin feels tight. This is a great option and probably my second bottle of this. I'd get it again.<br />
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<b>Farmacy Hydrating Coconut Gel Masks:</b> I loved these. Farmacy are hard enough to get here (these are from Sephora). If you're stateside, have a look at the brand cause they're really good. I'd definitely buy these again!<br />
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<b>Body:</b><br />
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<b>Kiehl's Creme de Corps:</b> This is an old one that I recently found in amongst my beauty stash and made a concerted effort to use up. It's a fairly decent body moisturiser; if you have dry skin, this is excellent. It's also unscented, so if you have sensitive skin, it's a good choice. It just didn't set my world on fire!<br />
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<b>Chloe Love Story perfume:</b> Looking at this now, I think I may have already done this in my last empties post and just forgot to bring it to the glass recycling bin...either way, it's gone now and I'm sad cause this is a really beautiful perfume. It's my second of this particular one and I think it's probably my favourite of the whole range. I would definitely get this again!<br />
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<b>The Body Shop Frosted Plum Body Butter*:</b> This is a Christmas edition of the brand's famous body butters and this is a beaut. Some of their festive ones are only really useable at that time of year but I found this was lovely all throughout the year! I'd absolutely get it again.<br />
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<b>Bellamianta Self Tanning Tinted Lotion*:</b> Another winner here, this is a really good, streak-free, bronze-finish tan. It's easy to apply and looks great on. I'd highly recommend an would definitely get again.<br />
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<b>Shower & Hair:</b><br />
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<b>Kevin Murphy Angel Wash Shampoo:</b> I've used this and the accompanying conditioner a few times, it's great when you're freshly dyed your hair. They're also paraben and sulphate free so if you have a sensitive scalp, these are a good shout.<br />
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<b>The Body Shop British Rose, Mango Shower Gels:</b> I liked both of these, the mango has a bit left cause I was using to for travels and forgot about it!<br />
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<b>L'Oreal Professional Volumetry Shampoo & Conditioner:</b> I've also gotten this range a few times. I really like these too, my hair is quite fine so these add volume without weighing it down. I'm already using new ones!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Make Up:</b></span></div>
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<b>Collection Concealer:</b> You know the one. Every so often I pick one up, there cheap, and do the job well. I'll always repurchase this!</div>
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<b>Maybelline UnderEye Eraser concealer:</b> Also this is about my tenth of these. This is a great under eye concealer. The first time it's ever broken down half way through it though- no more will come out, with or without the sponge! </div>
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<b>Estée Lauder The Illuminator Primer & Double Wear Light:</b> The primer was fine, I got it cause it was on offer but I probably wolf;t get it again, I think you can get better for less. Double Wear Light is one of my favourite foundations- it's a classic for a reason.</div>
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<b>Isadora Cover Up Foundation*:</b> I used every last bit of this- I scraped out every drop! I was surprised by how much I love this, as it's definitely a more matte finish, which I don't always gravitate towards. This just always looks so good on me! I'll definitely be buying it again. </div>
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<b>Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Balm:</b> This is a lovely, gel-like balm that has that iconic 8 hour area scent. I really liked this- I used it very night and it was a nice treat for my lips!</div>
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<b>Benefit That Gal Primer: </b>Again, this was in a set but I've used a full size of it before and really, really liked it and I'd happily buy it again. It's a lovely illuminating primer that provides the perfect glowy base for your make-up.</div>
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<b>Buxom Plumping gloss:</b> These free samples really do work- this was a gift with my Sephora card and I ended up buying a full size when I got home! Love it! It reminds me of the old school <b>Pout lip glosses</b>. It plumps the lips and smells like mint/vanilla with a gorgeous pink sheen. Beaut. </div>
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<b>Mascaras:</b></div>
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<b>Flormar Spider Lash Volume:</b> I got caught rotten on my way to Limerick and realised I had forgotten my make-up bag so I stopped and bought this (you can see what else I got <a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.com/2017/08/emergency-flormar-purchasing.html#.W8OR4i_Mzq0"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>). I liked the bristles, which weren't spiky plastic but I didn't like the finish it gave, which as expected is spidery. </div>
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<b>Too Faced Better Than Sex:</b> I really liked this- loved the brush and there's a great finish. I would buy again but I'd question that name!</div>
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<b>Bourjois Push Up Volume Glamour:</b> This was grand, if you're stuck it's good pharmacy brand mascara. </div>
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<b>YSL Shocking: </b>My favourite of ALL the mascaras. I've mentioned this many, many times. It provides so much volume and length- pure black lashes. I have of course, got a new one on the go already!</div>
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<b>YSL Babydoll:</b> In the same family as Shocking, I also really like Babydoll, although probably not quote as much as Shocking. There's slightly less drama with this one, if you prefer that. </div>
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<b>Lancome Hypnose: </b>This is a good'un too. It's has a really bendable applicator so even though it's the dreaded plastic applicator instead of the brushes, I like the finish. It's easy to apply and get into all the small lashes. </div>
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<b>D&G Passioneyes*:</b> I liked this one too, the brush is curved to give you a curled finish. This does have my hated little jabby plastic nibs as part of the applicator though, which I found a little uncomfortable. </div>
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<b>Eyeliners etc:</b></div>
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<b>Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz:</b> I've gone through many of these, it's the perfect shade for my brows (I get Blonde) and the applicator means you can apply it really precisely so it looks like natural hairs. A winner! I already have a new one! </div>
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<b>Flormar Kohl liner in Brown:</b> I go through a lot of brown liners. This is fine but the fact that it had to be sharpened pretty much every time I used it means I'll never buy it again!</div>
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<b>The Body Shop Skinny Thin Felt Eyeliner: </b>This has a very skinny nib and bends really easily when you're trying to use it. Which can be annoying when you're trying to get a straight line! it's a no from me. And Simon Cowell, apparently. </div>
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<b>Seventeen Make Your Mark Precison Eyeliner:</b> The Nib on this is quite thick but sturdy, with a narrow tip, so actually it made it easy to apply a thin, clear line. </div>
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<b>NYX Retractable Eye liner In Brown:</b> My preferred type of liner is a retractable one cause I don't think you lose as much product. I liked it but I used it up really fast, like <i>really</i> fast! Which makes me think there wasn't much of it in there in the first place. </div>
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<b>Sephora Glide Liner in Brown Chestnut:</b> I loved this one! Again I didn't lose any product and it provided a good kohl line that could be smudged but didn't budge then. I've already bought another two!</div>
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And that's the lot! Have you tried any of these?</div>
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*indicates product was provided for review. This post is not sponsored and as always, all opinions are my own. </div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-13382574522081588862018-09-16T19:34:00.002+01:002018-09-16T19:34:16.726+01:00Recently Read: June<div style="text-align: center;">
Lookit, I know. I'm miles behind on this but that cursed blogging break I took has completely messed up my book posts. Hopefully I'll have gotten around to reviewing everything I read during the Summer by Christmas. Who knows though, maybe not! </div>
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Anyway, I read so many great books over the last few months that all deserve a proper review, so here we are.<br />
Let me know what you're reading or if you've read any of this lot!</div>
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<b>Braving the Wilderness</b> by Brené Brown</div>
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Celebrated by the likes of <b>Oprah</b>, <b>Reese Witherspoon</b> and the late great <b>Maya Angelou</b>, Brené Brown is the current queen of self-help. An international bestseller, she has the academic chops to back up her knowledge on human behaviour - she's a research professor and has spent the past sixteen years studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. </div>
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<em><b>Braving the Wilderness</b> </em>is peppered throughout with her own lived experiences but also references her research to show us that we are, as a species, experiencing a spiritual disconnection, living as we do in an age of increased polarisation. In <em><b>Braving the Wilderness</b></em>, she introduces four key practices to reconnect ourselves and others.</div>
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And I get all that, but aside from a few interesting paragraphs, this failed to do a huge amount for me. I thought it was helpful to consider my social media usage more closely than I have been and I definitely did that after reading this but really I came away from it questioning what the point of it actually was.</div>
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<b>Conversations With Friends</b> by Sally Rooney</div>
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Set in Dublin, Frances is a twenty-one year old college student, aspiring writer and occasional spoken-word-poet. She performs her poetry for audiences with her best friend Bobbi, who is also her her former lover. It's at one of their shows that journalist Melissa spots them, takes an interest, and asks to interview them. </div>
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From there, Frances and Bobbi get drawn into Melissa's world; her sophisticated home, handsome husband, and pretence at insouciance are attractive to both young women in different ways and Frances, lacking stability in her life, increasingly loses control over her feelings and actions. </div>
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I loved this book. At times, it reminded me of the characters TV show in <b><i>Girls</i></b>; twenty-somethings who have firmly jumped aboard the self-introspection train, to everyone else's detriment. There's something much more realistic about it in <i><b>Conversations With Friends</b></i> though. I don't think I've read such an insightful look at tangled relationships like this before and there'll definitely be lots of women reading it who can relate, at least in part to some of Frances's thoughts and/or actions. </div>
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Rooney is an excellent writer, I'm really looking forward to reading her next novel. </div>
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<b>The Immortalists </b>by Chloe Benjamin</div>
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Four siblings sneak out of their New York building in 1969 to discover their fortunes from a travelling psychic. Each hears the disconcerting news of the exact date they will die and after that, their lives are changed forever. </div>
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From that fateful day, we're swept along on an epic journey, through the AIDS epidemic in 80's San Francisco, flashy Las Vegas magic shows in the 90's, the life of an army doctor post 9/11, right up to modern-day research labs where the boundaries are tested between science and immortality. </div>
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Each era is told from the perspective of a different sibling and it's hard not to become attached. I loved this book. I was going to say I cried, I laughed etc. but mostly I cried. </div>
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It's a great read, you'll be absolutely hooked from start to finish.</div>
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<b>The Surface Breaks</b> by Louise o' Neill</div>
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This is Louise O' Neill's second novel of the year but this one differs from her previous works by being a modern-day adaptation of The Little Mermaid. That's the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale version by the by, not the Disney one. As this is YA, it's aimed at a slightly (ahem) younger market than I would be in so I did find the writing to be more simplistic than I've come to expect from O' Neill, even with regard to her other YA novels. </div>
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Off the Irish coast, lives Gaia, a young mermaid who dreams of escaping her controlling father, who happens to be the ruler of their under-the-sea (bet you're singing it now) community. He's overtly misogynistic and treats his daughters like his own personal belongings; the better looking they are, the more they get shown off. He also decides all of their romantic futures, really, their futures in general. No one is allowed speak of their mother, who years earlier chose to leave the ocean to be with a two-legged man on the land. </div>
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Gaia desires more than anything to follow in her mother's (literal) footsteps but is she prepared for the sacrifices she will have to make? </div>
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The answer is of course, no. This isn't a happy story, if anything it's quite dark. If I was a young teenager, I think I would have enjoyed this more but I felt the feminist theme of the book was awkwardly wedged into the storyline in places and didn't sit well with my reading of it. Even though I appreciate the overall message of the book, it just wasn't for me, but again, for a younger audience, I'm sure the opposite would be true. </div>
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<b>Girls Will Be Girls</b> by Emer O' Toole</div>
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Described as a mix between <b>Caitlin Moran</b>, <b>Lena Dunham</b> and <b>Germaine Greer</b> (not sure how happy she'd be about that last one), Emer O' Toole is an Irish journalist and feminist. </div>
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<i><b>Girls Will be Girls</b></i> is a journey through her own life, reassessing why she does and says certain things. Where it looks like gender conditioning might be to blame, she explores it further in an attempt to break us out of our gender stereotypes. </div>
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This involves but is not limited to; cross-dressing, full-body waxing, choosing not to wax, going on national television and waving hairy armpits about the place to the disgust of <b>Eamon Holmes</b>, head-shaving, and going full-on glamour. She's learnt lots of lessons in doing all of this, so you don't have to, and in the process she hopes she can open up all of our minds a little bit more. </div>
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This is a fun read, her conversational style of writing means it flows along nicely and it's always interesting reading about people's personal experiences rather than just theories. I'm interested in anything feminism-related anyway, so if that's your bag you may well appreciate this too.</div>
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<b>The Outsider</b> by Stephen King</div>
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I've enjoyed most of King's recent books and this was no exception. </div>
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The Outsider is about a horrific, unspeakable crime that occurs in a small American town. A young boy is found dead, having been brutally assaulted first. Seen in the area at the time is local English teacher and beloved little league coach, Terry Maitland. Without really thinking first, the detective on the case orders an immediate and very public arrest of Maitland, confirming his guilt in front of the entire town, his wife, and two young daughters. He protests his innocence but there's DNA evidence at the scene of the crime, plus the eye-witnesses. </div>
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There's a catch though; Maitland has an ironclad alibi and the further the detectives delve into the case, the more unlikely and bizarre the whole thing seems. At its heart this is a detective story that dips in and out of the supernatural but it also touches on the phenomenon of accusing someone of something that will destroy their life if you're wrong- something we see more and more of on social media these days. This was a good read; creepy with a slowly building sense of tension and fear from the very start, as only King can, but it's also a cracking crime/thriller, if that's your thing!</div>
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<b>Tangerine</b> by Christine Mangan</div>
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This had been on my radar for a while and looked like it was set to be a big seller. Young British woman, Alice Shipley has moved to Tangiers with her wayward husband but has struggled to settle in; being an introvert, she hasn't ventured out into bustling Morocco that much. That is until her old friend Lucy Mason arrives. Alice and Lucy haven't spoken after an incident between them a year ago but outgoing Lucy might be just what Alice needs to get accustomed to her new home and soon they fall back into their old rhythms. That is, until Alice's husband goes missing and she begins to fear Lucy's controlling nature again. Set in the 1950's, this was marketed as a gripping psychological literary thriller in the style of The Talented Mr Ripley. Unfortunately it missed the mark for me. I spent a lot of it willing Alice's character to sort herself out, I struggled with the notion that anyone was as slow on the uptake as she was and found her extremely frustrating. Equally, Lucy's character is awful too, so I couldn't really root for any of them and I also didn't care that much about the storyline so it was a struggle. I wouldn't bother with this one.</div>
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<b>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 & 2</b> by John Tiffany</div>
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Picking up where the last book left off, with Harry and Ginny's son going to <b>Hogwart's</b> for the first time, this is a play (written as a play; 'exit stage left' etc.) that deals with themes of disappointment, family struggles, and good versus evil (as per usual for Harry, am I right?). </div>
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I really enjoyed this, and I know there have been negative opinions about it and about the stage adaptation, but for me, it felt like catching up with old friends. </div>
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We get to see what Ron and Hermione, Neville, Hagrid and all the other favourites have been up to all this time while Harry struggles with the fact that his son is not quite what he or anyone else expected him to be. </div>
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There's also some nostalgic time travel back into the original books! If you're a fan, you'll love this, but if you have the option of seeing it on stage instead, I'd go for that over reading it!</div>
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****</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-54552670489190882262018-09-03T21:15:00.001+01:002018-09-03T21:15:09.791+01:00Clarins Joli Rouge Velvet Lipsticks<div style="text-align: center;">
These have been my personal favourite beauty product over the last month. They've been out since May but as is typical with me, I'm slow to getting around to becoming fanatical about a product and then feeling the need to write about it. These are pure beauts to apply; smooth, richly pigmented, matte, but not drying. </div>
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In short, these are the perfect Autumnal lipstick. I know what you're about to say, "but Chloe, isn't this just you being obsessed with Autumn?" and yes, you have a point, but actually these have everything you need for this time of year; firstly colour- russets, warm nudes, corals (there's ten shades in the range), presented in a perfect soft matte. </div>
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A matte that's slightly blurred around the edges, like you've had your lips around one too many cups of pumpkin spiced latte (that sentence could have gone in a very different direction. I know you were thinking it too. Durtbirds.) </div>
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To add to it's perfectness, Clarins have mixed in <b>organic samphire</b> to<b> hydrate</b> and <b>apricot oil </b>so your lips are softer, rather than bedraggled, as mattes usually leave them in colder weather. </div>
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Wearing Soft Berry in both of theses selfies. Going full Liz McDonald on the left- ready for a night out/serving Hot Pots. Glasses, hair tied back and a jumper on the right. It's a very versatile lipstick, is what I'm saying. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUAMofEvodU/W42VGbkkF7I/AAAAAAAAM_E/X-R8VGzEhCweoJRZjUTAmeAyjQ1qphOdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clarins Joli Rouge Velvet Lipsticks" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUAMofEvodU/W42VGbkkF7I/AAAAAAAAM_E/X-R8VGzEhCweoJRZjUTAmeAyjQ1qphOdgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0110.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may want to buy more than one lipstick but you'll technically only <i>need</i> one. And that lipstick is, <b>Soft Berry </b>(below photo on the right). I've been wearing this with a luminous <b>It Cosmetics CC Cream</b> base, <b>warm copper eyeshadow</b> and a <b>dusky rose blush from Bourjois</b>. </div>
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It's Autumn in a face, baby! </div>
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Having said that, I'll also happily be wearing the other shades I have; <b>Grenadine </b>(a slightly darker pink but still really wearable for daytime as it has a bit of brown in there), <b>Pink Cranberry</b> (a brighter pink, slightly more in your face. I often feel pinks like this don't suit me that well but I can for sure see its appeal), and <b>Joli Rouge </b>itself (a very flattering shade of red that you'll want to wear all the way through Christmas...I'm sorry but it's September, I'm surely allowed say it now?!).</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WK92d3fBEw/W42RRuIIoEI/AAAAAAAAM-s/MnPU0nx46b0KjuTs8Avx1wD5q3-7JNU5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0141-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clarins Joli Rouge Velvet Lipsticks" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WK92d3fBEw/W42RRuIIoEI/AAAAAAAAM-s/MnPU0nx46b0KjuTs8Avx1wD5q3-7JNU5gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0141-2.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can find these anywhere there's a Clarins counter, but here's a link to them on <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.brownthomas.com/beauty/make-up/lips/lipstick/joli-rouge-velvet/2356434.html?channable=e20979.NDV4MTc5NHg4MDAzMjg3OA&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7PcBRBbEiwAfwfVGFfbqKkyFI9d5WJwoboSAgA6HTL1cK8CPrqb9aSQdK6nkcndP8D65RoCKlcQAvD_BwE"><span style="color: magenta;">Brown Thomas</span></a>,</span> nonetheless. They're €24 each, but the cost per wear makes them excellent value!</div>
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Have you tried any of the Joli Rouge Velvets? If not, why not?! I jest! </div>
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Let me know what your favourite Autumnal lipstick is!</div>
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*Products in this post were provided for review. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own, as always. </div>
Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-51251224692421287342018-08-15T18:39:00.001+01:002018-08-15T18:39:34.050+01:00Recently Read: April & May<div style="text-align: center;">
I took a blog break so I've a fair bit of catching up to do. A lot of excellent books have passed through my hands over the last few months, I'm excited for what Autumn and Winter brings, reading wise, as Summer has been so kind. </div>
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<b>I'll Be Gone In The Dark</b> by Michelle McNamara</div>
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I'm a big <b>My Favourite Murder</b> fan and when they mentioned this <b>True Crime</b> book by journalist <b>Michelle McNamara</b>, I had to read it. The GSK (<b>Golden State Killer</b>, also known as the East Area Rapist), committed 12 murders, over 50 rapes and 100 burglaries in California between 1974 and 1986. Up until very recently he had never been caught, in spite of a wealth of evidence, including DNA. </div>
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Bizarrely, I started reading this the week before the GSK was caught, which made it even creepier finishing it. McNamara sadly passed away before this happened but it's partly due to her that he was found- she coined the moniker "Golden State Killer" and really brought his crimes and his victims back into the public conscious. She actually died before she could complete the book so the last third reads a bit disjointed- it's put together by other people with her notes. I obviously don't hold that against her but it does make it a less cohesive read. </div>
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There's also quite a lot of repetition when it comes to his M.O. I felt a bit like, we understand how he committed these crimes and reading the details of his cruelty over and over again was really unpleasant. I more felt like she did that for each victim but it still was difficult to get through. </div>
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Having said that, if you're a true crime fan, then this is one you'll definitely want to read.</div>
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<b>Everything I Know About Love</b> by Dolly Alderton</div>
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This has been on a lot of people's "must-read`' lists this year, so I had to get it when I spotted it on <b>Audible</b>. I generally like these sort of books; self-introspection with a side of light heartedness. <b>Dolly Alderton</b> is a journalist/columnist in her late twenties and I felt like that really came across in her memoirs. You know the way the TV show <b>Girls</b> was heavily focused on the self obsession of twenty-something year olds? That's how this felt to me, and being in my mid-thirties, I feel like I've moved on from that and so struggled a bit with some of the chapters in <i>Everything I Know About Love</i>. </div>
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It took me a while to get into the first half of it. I thought the parts where she touched on her issues with alcohol and disordered eating were on the verge of being insightful but that really only became prevalent later in the book. </div>
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There was much about her jealousy of her best friend finding love and happiness and that was a difficult read, to be honest. I suppose it was brave of her to include it as it doesn't reflect well on her at all, but it wasn't enjoyable to read. </div>
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The chapter on her going to therapy was well written and the heavy focus on female friendship was excellent. It was a stand-out for me actually, reading this book. </div>
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Similarly, the chapter on Florence, her friend's little sister was heartbreaking and beautifully written. Like a lot of books in this genre, there was some filler thrown in, with some of her old columns shoved in there and overall, I didn't laugh as much as other people seem to have reading it. That might just be me being cantankerous though.</div>
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<b>The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle*</b> by Stuart Turton</div>
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This is one of my favourite books of the year so far. Described as a mix between <b>Agatha Christie</b>, <b>Quantum Leap,</b> and <b>Inception</b>, this is a murder mystery set in a big old country house, but with a twist. There's lots of literary tropes you'll recognise here; the aforementioned country house for one, a murder victim with many potential culprits, old school clothes and weapons (it's set in the 1920's) but the author meshes that all together with some sci-fi thrown in, making it feel new and fresh. </div>
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Our narrator wakes up in a forest, in someone else's body, covered in blood. He makes it back to the house where he finds out that his name is Aiden Bishop, there's going to be a murder and he has 8 chances to solve it. 8 chances meaning 8 days, each day will be the same day (Groundhog Day thrown in for good measure too). </div>
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Each day he'll wake up in a new host's body; some are helpful to his cause; young and agile, while others deter him further; old and immobile, drugged, psychopathic etc. </div>
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Lots more obstacles are placed in his path as he slowly begins to unravel the mystery and find out why he's there in the first place. If he doesn't solve the case, he's stuck there forever, so the heat is very much on. Practically every page has some new twist so I did find it slightly confusing at times and it can be quite dark. Having said that, it's probably the most original story of this genre that I've ever read and it was a real treat for someone like me, who loves a good murder mystery. </div>
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I'd highly recommend this one. </div>
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<b>Heartburn</b> by Nora Ephron</div>
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I've read a few of the late, great <b>Nora Ephron's</b> books before (and of course, I've seen the films), but <i>Heartburn</i> kept popping up on those "books you have to read" lists and so I found it on Audible, read by <b>Meryl Streep</b> (who also acted in the film adaptation). </div>
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Rachel is a cookery writer, she's seven months into her pregnancy with her husband Mark, when she finds out he's cheating on her. It's narrated by Rachel so we hear all her thoughts- whether or not to take him back, to kill him or forgive him, all mixed up with her favourite recipes. </div>
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I enjoyed this and I really liked Rachel but I think that was definitely helped by the amazing Meryl on audio.</div>
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<b>Watch Me*</b> by Jody Gehrman</div>
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<i>Watch Me</i> is a tale of obsessive love gone very badly wrong, but with a twist. Kate Youngblood is a creative writing professor, intent on getting tenure in the college where she works.</div>
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Lately she's been feeling somewhat isolated; her best friend has had a baby, leaving their friendship on hold and her husband has left her for a woman ten years younger than her. Added to that, her second novel has failed to garner any of the praise or success of her first, and overall she feels like she's losing at life.</div>
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The one glimmer of hope is the weird intensity of her budding friendship with her student, Sam Grist, who is both an excellent writer and can apparently see right into her soul. He can see right into her soul because he's stalking her and has been in her house and through her things, but Kate of course, doesn't know that.</div>
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As Sam's obsession grows, Kate senses something is not quite right but in her vulnerable state, almost refuses to see it. Parts of this psychological thriller seemed slightly ridiculous to me but then when I finished the book I thought long and hard about the nature of loneliness and what we'll do as a species to feel connected to each other. The portrayal of Kate as an insecure, ageing woman, on the surface glad not to face catcalls from men anymore, but secretly missing the attention, did feel realistic, even if some of her actions were really difficult to countenance.</div>
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<b>The Last Mrs Parrish</b> by Liv Constantine</div>
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I try and be measured with book reviews. I don't like to be overly negative; one woman's trash is another's treasure after all, but I struggled with this one.</div>
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The first half of this book is unbearably slow. I pushed through on holidays and got to 50%. Then I gave up, cause as I always say; life is too short for bad books.</div>
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However, I then began spotting this book everywhere; it was picked for <b>Reese Witherspoon's book club</b>, loads of people on <b>Goodreads</b> were saying "push past the first half, it's SO worth it!", and so I did. To be fair, I finished the second half in a couple of hours and it did flow much better than the first, but that ending. Oh lord no.</div>
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Daphne Parrish seemingly has it all; married to the handsome and wealthy Jackson, with two beautiful daughters, a stunning home and a group of similarly rich friends at her beck and call. And Amber wants it all. Posing as a plain Jane who wants to help with Daphne's charity work, she soon worms her way into the Parrish's life, with a view to usurping Daphne and becoming Jackson's new wife. Amber's awful internal monologue is the entire first half of the book. No one is that evil; people are shades of good and bad, never just one or the other. It's poor form to write a character who has literally no redeeming qualities, but that aside, she's also not a very interesting person to read about for 300 or so pages. Daphne is certainly a more enjoyable read, and she takes over for the rest of the book, thankfully, although her experiences contain unpleasant subject material that was difficult to absorb.</div>
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That twist though (cause you know there's always a twist). I won't give too much away but I had figured it out for the most part. As despicable a character as Amber is, I was really horrified by the ending of this book and the message it sends about violence against women. I can't say anymore than that but really that tipped me over the age to hating this one, if the ending had been better it could have redeemed itself, but as it stands, it's a firm no from me (insert <b>Simon Cowell</b> gif).</div>
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<b>Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life From Someone Who's Been There</b> by Cheryl Strayed</div>
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I read <i><b>Wild</b></i> last year and really enjoyed it, so when I heard <i>Tiny Beautiful Things</i> being discussed on <b>My Favourite Murder</b> (I get my book suggestions from other places than there, promise!), I had to get it. The audio version is read by Strayed herself, and she has a really calming, gentle voice, which is so pleasant to listen to. </div>
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Sugar was an online anonymous columnist that became incredibly popular, thousands of people turned to Sugar for her brilliant life advice. It's since been revealed that Sugar was of course, <b>Cheryl Strayed</b>. This is a compilation of some of those letters and replies from Sugar, many of which stopped me in my tracks. Cheryl shares a lot of her own life experiences in her replies, which at times felt a bit like she was saying "hey look, I've had it worse", but somehow she still manages to turn it around with some really sterling, life-changing advice. I also cried more than once, it's an emotional rollercoaster and definitely worth a read!</div>
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<b>My Brilliant Friend</b> by Elena Ferrante</div>
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Translated from Italian, the <b>Neapolitan series</b> are four books (this is book one) about the lives of two friends, Lila and Elena, from childhood onwards. Both have very different personalities and we follow them as their lives veer off into different courses in the poor neighbourhood in Naples they are growing up in. I read this while we toured around the <b>Amalfi coast</b> so I have a bit of a soft spot for it, but as I didn't really like any of the characters, I'm not feeling a major sense of urgency to read the next three in the series. Although I probably will at some point, even if I need to go back to <b>Sorrento </b>a further three times (any excuse) to do so.</div>
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And that, is that. June and July get their own months cause I was a reading machine throughout so I'll be getting on to writing up those reviews soon. </div>
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Have you read any of these?</div>
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What are you reading right now?</div>
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*Denotes that books were provided for review, in this case by <b>NetGalley</b>. I was not paid for these reviews and as always, all opinions are my own.</div>
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<br style="caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-15318020350766837572018-08-09T21:08:00.001+01:002018-08-09T21:08:10.828+01:00Clarins Summer 2018<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer is almost over (I know, I know, I'm sorry) but the sun is still inexplicably shining brightly over Ireland and you can still get your hands on the rather beautiful Clarins Summer 2018 collection. I'm here to tell you why you should. </div>
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Every year I look forward to the Clarins Summer releases- this year is no different. They epitomise Summer for me; bronzers, bright lips and slicks of eyeliner, pops of aqua coloured mascara. It's all you need for the freshest face at the warmest time of year (apart from sunscreen, obvs. Get it on ya!).</div>
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With that palm tree adorned gold packaging, the <b>Supra Mascara</b> screams Miami to me. I love that shade of green and I was really excited to use this, but I find it only works for me when I apply it over black mascara, and it really needs a few coats to build up. This fella is €26. </div>
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Stationery fiends, assemble! You're gonna want the <b>4 Colour All-In-One Pen</b>, a clickable, retractable</div>
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eye and lip liner pen. </div>
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There's one lip liner; a fuchsia. This is a lovely bright pink, ideal for this time of year. </div>
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The other three are for the eyes; an aubergine, turquoise, and a black. </div>
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I tend not to wear purples a huge amount on my eyes, as they don't accentuate my blues as much as I'd like, but I've been using the green and the black lots. I love that turquoise for a slick of colour, it feels really fresh in a market that's saturated with nude eyeshadows at the minute. </div>
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Plus, how handy is it to have this in your bag- four colours in one for €36.</div>
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Next up, the <b>Water Lip Tints</b>. I have three of the shades; <b>Violet Water</b>, <b>Rose Water </b>and <b>Red Water</b>. There's one more that I don't have, <b>Orange Water</b>. </div>
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All four are designed to be as light as water, but tint your lips with a punch of colour, hence the name. Up to now, we've had similar ideas from Clarins and lots of other brands too; lip oils or lip stains (that dried the bejaysus out of your lips). </div>
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This is unique in that it feels like a good mix of the two. I always loved lip stains for that beautiful water colour effect it provides, but I can't stand how dry they left my skin. </div>
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These however, are really comforting on. I wore one of them all day at a wedding with regular touch ups after food, Prosecco, smooches etc and my lips felt perfectly soft afterwards. </div>
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These are definite winners. </div>
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They need some attention during application; you can't just lash these on and go. I apply, then blend with a finger, making sure it's not giving me an added lip line that I don't want. You can build these up from the lightest hint to a fuller hit of colour. I usually put on one or two layers, then add a balm over it. </div>
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I love how this looks- it's so very pretty. </div>
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Like you've been lying in the sun eating raspberry ice pops. </div>
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See? Perfectly Summery. </div>
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My favourite is Violet Water, because I gravitate to those shades naturally. On me it comes out like the aforementioned raspberry, while the Rose Water looks like a neon pink, and Red water is an orange/red on me. </div>
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I like all of these, at €21 they'll last you well and I find them to be quite versatile. </div>
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Have you tried anything from Clarins Summer 2018?</div>
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Anything catching your eye?</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-47479737093568257112018-08-08T09:16:00.003+01:002018-08-08T09:16:13.806+01:00Sephora Hauling (European Edition)<div style="text-align: center;">
Great news! Both Copenhagen and Malmö have Sephora! Stockholm does too but I didn't check that one out. I have a rule; if I find a Sephora on holidays, I must find products we don't have at home, and I must purchase those products. It's an imperative really. </div>
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Scandinavian Sephora had lots of brands we have here, including some fancy ones we don't; mostly the Sephora own brand and lots of very cool K Beauty. </div>
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These lipsticks are from the <b>Sephora</b> own brand, they're called <b>Lipstories</b>. The packaging on these are what sells them; each has a theme that matches the shade in the bullet. The outer tube is a firm card while the case the lipstick is in is plastic, it kind of reminds me of Paul & Joe. Anyway, they combine three finishes; matte, metallic and satin. These both have a satin, cream finish but give the full on colour of a matte. I really like these- I bought the red in Copenhagen, wore it and had to get another shade in Malmö. <b>No. 24 Deep Water Bay</b> is a <b>classic blue toned red</b>, so it's flattering on, while <b>No. 3 Oui! is a nude/pink</b>. My go-to nude is <b>Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk</b>, and this is similar but with slightly more brown in the mix, which is still really lovely on. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUUdgewwtJw/W03ds6GFj_I/AAAAAAAAM6g/Dp6iGtrwpRs1QvdxwAeSA5qRDeoTOmXlwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9585-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GUUdgewwtJw/W03ds6GFj_I/AAAAAAAAM6g/Dp6iGtrwpRs1QvdxwAeSA5qRDeoTOmXlwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9585-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd heard a little bit about <b>Nudestix</b>, an American brand of multi-use make-up crayons. These are their <b>Nudies </b>(I'll take this opportunity to advise you not to type either "nudestix" or "nudies" into google); an all over face crayon that you can use on your eyes, lips and cheeks. </div>
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I got <b>Bare Back</b> (don't type that in either), a mauvey/pink that looks natural and really flattering on. I find it a bit too pink on my eyes on it's own but it's perfect as a blush and lip colour. There's a little stippling brush at the other end of the tube, which is really handy for travel but I always find these a bit weird in make up products as they can be hard to clean. You can also just blend the crayon out with your fingers. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8usm52AlY0/W03eA41X8VI/AAAAAAAAM6o/WFwkPTCONwQAp7nuoAcSucEVsTGn8zNjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9577-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8usm52AlY0/W03eA41X8VI/AAAAAAAAM6o/WFwkPTCONwQAp7nuoAcSucEVsTGn8zNjACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9577-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've wanted to try<b> Lipstick Queen's Frog Prince</b> for a while. I enjoy a gimmick, I just didn't want to spend the money on a full size when there was a chance it could be a lip balm in fancy packaging, so I got the mini version in Sephora's aisle of doom (i.e the shelves along the queue for the tills. Designed to make you want to spend more. It's very effective.). The idea with this is that you apply the green lipstick and it transforms into a plummy pink shade on contact with your lips. I like it! It is a total gimmick, there's literally no reason why you couldn't spend way less and get a tinted pink lip balm instead, but you do you.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OopYzQ6O2eQ/W03eRi808aI/AAAAAAAAM60/02eSZsvBCyYS6tKwjrqtXw0cYmKQSGUoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9590-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OopYzQ6O2eQ/W03eRi808aI/AAAAAAAAM60/02eSZsvBCyYS6tKwjrqtXw0cYmKQSGUoACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9590-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've previously only tried the<b> Sephora</b> face masks so I decided to branch out and try a moisturiser. This is the <b>Intensive Instant Moisture+ Cream</b>. Packed with <b>Hyaluronic Acid </b>for those of us with permanently parched faces. I like this, it's not too heavy, not too light, and it sinks in nicely.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj4_NyyTSYY/W03eiTqD-hI/AAAAAAAAM68/tAjQMuYN2Vc1PyqVaDWdLOoopuViCIAVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9573-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj4_NyyTSYY/W03eiTqD-hI/AAAAAAAAM68/tAjQMuYN2Vc1PyqVaDWdLOoopuViCIAVQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9573-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love <b>Gucci Bloom</b>; it's a powdery, floral, feminine perfume that has vintage vibes but still manages to feel modern. I also love the rollerball section of Sephora- we tend not to get rollerball perfumes as freely in Ireland as they do elsewhere and I find them ridiculously handy for throwing in your bag-they don't take up much room and they're a great way to try out pricey perfumes for less. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLsB8SQDq3A/W03e-OoyRaI/AAAAAAAAM7E/eVoTs3azCRwQaQK4Xbyzz6rTTohlYGjMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9579-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLsB8SQDq3A/W03e-OoyRaI/AAAAAAAAM7E/eVoTs3azCRwQaQK4Xbyzz6rTTohlYGjMQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9579-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alright, put aside the fact that this is called "<b>Avocado Soup</b>", which granted, is disgusting, and focus on the fact that this is a really effective <b>Sleeping Mask</b>. Sleeping Masks are my favourite Korean skincare finds. It feels like you're doing something special, but really you're putting on a slightly thicker night moisturiser. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKgfSUwofvY/W03e_5-cdQI/AAAAAAAAM7I/SSDgQayOZ_YfCf1O_b6ghiuf5S7TFfB1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9587-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKgfSUwofvY/W03e_5-cdQI/AAAAAAAAM7I/SSDgQayOZ_YfCf1O_b6ghiuf5S7TFfB1QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9587-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It smells really good and feels soothing on. I like. <b>Skinfood</b> have a whole range of these kind of products, but I'm all about the moisturising so I kind of ignored the rest.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_9J1z8zUY4/W03fX1K26NI/AAAAAAAAM7U/HRic11yzWxMFfPsFhNMwaM7qi6nlW-BIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9581-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_9J1z8zUY4/W03fX1K26NI/AAAAAAAAM7U/HRic11yzWxMFfPsFhNMwaM7qi6nlW-BIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9581-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz</b> is a repurchase. I've gone through a few of these (in the shade blonde), it's probably the best brow product I've ever used.</div>
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I go through brown kohl liners like it's no ones business. I use them instead of black cause it's a bit more flattering with my skin tone and eye colour and I generally smoke the line out with some shadow. I hadn't tried the <b>Glide Liner</b> from Sephora's own brand before, so I said I'd give it a go. I really like it; it's a twist up, so you're not losing any product with sharpening, it glides on and works equally as well with a fine line as it does smudging it. </div>
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Hurrrah!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc8yusL_7XM/W03fo0m9i2I/AAAAAAAAM7c/vFn8XpTiqE0uJjAk9KdBJihkZRwP0vq2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9583-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc8yusL_7XM/W03fo0m9i2I/AAAAAAAAM7c/vFn8XpTiqE0uJjAk9KdBJihkZRwP0vq2gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9583-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was actually a purchase from a Scandinavian budget shop called <b>Normal</b>. It's kind of like Dealz; beauty, house stuff, sweets etc. They had these <b>Revlon Color Care and Shiine Color Bombs</b> for cheap and in my shade, so although we can get these at home, I had to pick one up. My hairdresser recommended this to me before for brightening up your blonde. It's kind of like a purple shampoo but isn't drying at all, so it conditions and adds shine as well as freshening up the colour. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntbD7b2iFms/W03gK8UXzhI/AAAAAAAAM7k/8qkZwlnyC8E1xFWiuSy5eZvODzIZEfTIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9600-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntbD7b2iFms/W03gK8UXzhI/AAAAAAAAM7k/8qkZwlnyC8E1xFWiuSy5eZvODzIZEfTIgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9600-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hadn't tried anything from <b>Zoeva</b> and got suckered at the aisle of doom again with this super cute mini palette. This is the<b> Cocoa Blend Voyager palette</b>. All of these shades are stunning on blue eyes, but personally I'd get rid of Bitter Start (top left) and add in a dark shade. </div>
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Anyway, as the name would suggest, this will be very handy for travel. It's also worth noting that this fella is just over a tenner, if you want to try Zoeva without buying a full size palette. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mfSg3yaaK9Y/W03gprTf7LI/AAAAAAAAM7w/7JME_MQ2i7cEWmkt36eh96YpmKGsOJRMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9603-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mfSg3yaaK9Y/W03gprTf7LI/AAAAAAAAM7w/7JME_MQ2i7cEWmkt36eh96YpmKGsOJRMQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9603-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm an absolute sucker for face masks, although I've since stopped buying them as much lately for environmental reasons. Much packaging for little product. Both are eye patches because I have lots of ones just for the face and my eye bags are large and unseemly. I love <b>Tony Moly</b> but the <b>Panda's Dream Eye Patch</b> were a bit weird. They felt like a strange black cloth over my eyes and didn't feel particularly comforting. I'm not sure they helped my skin much either.</div>
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<b>Too Cool For School Coconut Eye Serum Patches</b> are designed to hydrate around your eyes. These were definitely a lot nicer to use (they also smell delicious) and my skin felt incredible afterwards! Super soft and smooth. I'd definitely buy more of these if I found them. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1D1BU4V1i0/W03gtC6rinI/AAAAAAAAM70/myTNgLNB8to22ki2soTZ6-UoJ3pyaiohwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9602-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1D1BU4V1i0/W03gtC6rinI/AAAAAAAAM70/myTNgLNB8to22ki2soTZ6-UoJ3pyaiohwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9602-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that is that. </div>
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Have you tried any of these?</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-32812141382497632172018-06-27T09:02:00.002+01:002018-07-04T13:03:11.515+01:00A Face Full of Isadora!<div style="text-align: center;">
Having only recently visited Sweden, I have an even greater fondness for its premier make-up brand, Isadora now. I actually originally fell in love with it when I was in college and treated myself to an eyeshadow palette containing bright yellow, green, pink and blue shades.<br />
And yes, I wore and loved all of them. Isadora has had a bit of a renaissance in the last decade and now regularly feature on the bestselling product lists for their Blush & Bronzer wheel. </div>
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I attended an event a while ago and have been trying these products out since. Overall, they've been a massive hit for me.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eF8Z0gUnxfw/WzJVOkBuKjI/AAAAAAAAM3E/RtjlvLKdX08ESmdHyUzFZd7ZQXA5Sm1wwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9990-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eF8Z0gUnxfw/WzJVOkBuKjI/AAAAAAAAM3E/RtjlvLKdX08ESmdHyUzFZd7ZQXA5Sm1wwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9990-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As someone with perennially dry skin, I tend to avoid foundations whose containers mention </div>
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full coverage, long-lasting, mattifying etc., so truth be told, I probably would never have tried the <b>Cover Up Foundation & Concealer </b>if I hadn't been given it to review. </div>
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Lo and behold, I am obsessed. </div>
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There's two tubes in the photo; 62 is a good match for me and I've used every last drop. By that, I mean of course that I have squeezed every bit out of it to the point where it is the extreme definition of empty. The mini version there is a handy new thing Isadora are doing where you can buy mini sizes of all their base products to try them out, bring on holidays, throw in your bag etc. Such a good idea. The reason why I like this one so much is the amazing coverage that you get without drying your skin out; it's really an excellent foundation. I won't be happy til I get a new one.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4I0JyOavtsc/WzJaQVJv2eI/AAAAAAAAM3U/rb0fYnUppbQSPHa-ACD21n1C0DRvnIByACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9973-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4I0JyOavtsc/WzJaQVJv2eI/AAAAAAAAM3U/rb0fYnUppbQSPHa-ACD21n1C0DRvnIByACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9973-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <b>Stretch Lash mascara</b> has also been an absolute winner for me. </div>
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As I've mentioned many, many times, I'm a loyal fan of <b>YSL's Les Effet Faux Cils Shocking mascara </b>and I have to say, this is probably the first time in a really long time that I've found a mascara that matches my esteem for Shocking. </div>
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This fella has one of those twisty gadgets on the lid that lets you alter the width and length of the brush, for a different effect on your lashes. Truthfully, I can't say I ever actually do that. I keep it at its thickest for maximum lash coverage and it does the job perfectly. The bristles are comfortable on my eyes (I can't do hard plastic bristles) and it gives a properly dramatic effect. No messing around with this one.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8WQjNdXTIE/WzJaYG36rUI/AAAAAAAAM3Y/Qem6YivhHoox5pSysebuv1ADKu09g-xeQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9974-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8WQjNdXTIE/WzJaYG36rUI/AAAAAAAAM3Y/Qem6YivhHoox5pSysebuv1ADKu09g-xeQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9974-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <b>Blush & Go Draping Wheel</b> is one of their most loved products and comes with four shades of blush (one that can be used to contour in a pinch) and a highlight. This a really handy multitasking product, another great one to bring on holidays with you. All the shades are super pigmented and beautifully flattering on!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IuMamNSOmE/WzJakRPHU2I/AAAAAAAAM3g/ZBcaxFWxe5k_XJnAx2reMruikmE7EwnLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9979-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IuMamNSOmE/WzJakRPHU2I/AAAAAAAAM3g/ZBcaxFWxe5k_XJnAx2reMruikmE7EwnLgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9979-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I had a Liquid Lip Cream to try out. This one is an orange-toned, super bright red. I love how vibrant this shade is; I wore it on a night out in San Francisco and felt like I was properly dressed up, even though I was probably only in jeans and a t-shirt. This lip cream looks like you've made more of an effort than you have and I love that. It's the lazy girls dream lip product. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2_kYl8ucrQ/WzJbPnssbKI/AAAAAAAAM4I/Ared2UC1wFkrH8_k0bXBkCeHQ3OLoDw1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9975-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2_kYl8ucrQ/WzJbPnssbKI/AAAAAAAAM4I/Ared2UC1wFkrH8_k0bXBkCeHQ3OLoDw1ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9975-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And of course, on my actual face, it looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvP2FSXJkks/WzJeCP5hYVI/AAAAAAAAM4U/MhkAEbSZoz006t1onOYlfTTdHVlQYngfgCLcBGAs/s1600/BeFunky-collage-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1600" height="546" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvP2FSXJkks/WzJeCP5hYVI/AAAAAAAAM4U/MhkAEbSZoz006t1onOYlfTTdHVlQYngfgCLcBGAs/s640/BeFunky-collage-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As well as buying a new Stretch Lash Mascara and Cover Up foundation, I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the range. </div>
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Have you tried and loved anything from Isadora?</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-25252546935155567572018-06-06T13:57:00.000+01:002018-06-06T13:57:19.621+01:00Glossier in Ireland; What You Should/Shouldn't Buy<div style="text-align: center;">
You might have heard recently (from my many Instagram stories/posts on it) that fancy US beauty brand, <b>Glossier </b>is now available to buy online in euros and ship to Ireland. Up to now, we either had to buy it in store in the states or parcel motel it from the UK. No more! And when I say we can get it shipped to Ireland, I mean no nasty custom charges at your front door. You pay a fiver for postage & packaging, or you spend over €40 and get free delivery, which is far too easily done.<br />
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I attended the recent launch in Dublin where I received three of the <b>Lidstars </b>(liquid eyeshadows) to try out but other than that, everything I have in this post was purchased by myself online. The website is really easy to navigate and delivery took two days only.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tv-CKxTlJZ8/WxfV9asnjtI/AAAAAAAAM08/XsioaJOMKq05s6w_dR-SsI8cwSj4yCUZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glossier blog review" border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tv-CKxTlJZ8/WxfV9asnjtI/AAAAAAAAM08/XsioaJOMKq05s6w_dR-SsI8cwSj4yCUZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9227.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Milky Jelly Cleanser</b></div>
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I really like this. It's one of the brand's bestsellers and I can see why. It reminds me of Oskia's gel cleanser, texture-wise. This has no scent and works slightly differently, in that you don't add water to emulsify it. I use this on dry skin and find it's great for removing most make-up, except for mascara. It's also really nice to use this as a second cleanse as it really does feel like it's cleaning your skin without stripping it.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8J20VXKgYI/WxfWRL6JyrI/AAAAAAAAM1E/AOSMGGJNg-4xmO55h7-moYFkQHRMKTuKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glossier priming moisturiser" border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8J20VXKgYI/WxfWRL6JyrI/AAAAAAAAM1E/AOSMGGJNg-4xmO55h7-moYFkQHRMKTuKgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9223.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Priming Moisturiser</b></div>
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I like this, it's a light but comforting moisturiser that sinks in easily and works well under make up. I'm not sure how much of a priming quality it has and I really think they could have put an SPF in there, but otherwise, its been a nice addition to my make up bag in the morning.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nt1BqKwHII/WxfWcuOnKDI/AAAAAAAAM1I/uotQ8gHPjv4QrsDKXT6lvlO08kDZzKU2gCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cloud paints" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nt1BqKwHII/WxfWcuOnKDI/AAAAAAAAM1I/uotQ8gHPjv4QrsDKXT6lvlO08kDZzKU2gCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_e86.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Cloud Paints in Beam and Puff</b></div>
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I LOVE these. If you're getting anything, let it be these. I love everything about these; the packaging, the texture of the blush, how it applies and how it looks. Firstly, it's like the perfect liquid gel, it blends in so easily and doesn't stain the skin like some other liquid blushes. And speaking of other versions of these; cloud paints are by far, the best liquid/gel/cream blushes I've tried. They're so flattering on.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xumoZE7cuTg/WxfYvJe3R_I/AAAAAAAAM14/pcGRMLDfO0cd8tnV2NQ6tXRuSEjISixZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xumoZE7cuTg/WxfYvJe3R_I/AAAAAAAAM14/pcGRMLDfO0cd8tnV2NQ6tXRuSEjISixZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9241.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YETupx-5Fwk/WxfWprpqhEI/AAAAAAAAM1Q/SQM0CgUDVQ8hPHxWMHpUkomaONOfTK7ewCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glossier boy brow" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YETupx-5Fwk/WxfWprpqhEI/AAAAAAAAM1Q/SQM0CgUDVQ8hPHxWMHpUkomaONOfTK7ewCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_e8c.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Boy Brow</b></div>
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The whole internet seems to be in love with this fella. What I like about it; it has a very small brush that makes it incredibly easy to apply and brush through your brows. I have the shade blonde which is a good match for me, but really my brows are too bedraggled and sparse to get the full benefit of this. I have to use a spoolie <i>plus</i> a brow product first to get the correct shape and fullness and then I can apply boy brow over it. If you have full, healthy brows, you could just use this and you'd be good to go though.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HivG2Mzwyfw/WxfW0QiZN2I/AAAAAAAAM1Y/NipydQV5y28sn2jZzcYEFUWOW3f3Al65wCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birthday BalmDotCom" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HivG2Mzwyfw/WxfW0QiZN2I/AAAAAAAAM1Y/NipydQV5y28sn2jZzcYEFUWOW3f3Al65wCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_e89.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Birthday BalmDotCom</b></div>
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This is a universal skin salve- a balm that you can use everywhere. It comes in a few different shades but this appealed to the cake enthusiast in me and I wasn't disappointed. It positively screams VANILLA FROSTING every time I apply it and I'm not mad at that. I've only used this as a lip balm and I really like it. I've found that applying a Clarins Water Tint and then this over it gives the perfect summery finish. And yes, I know, this contains petroleum (the main component of Vaseline) which is a cheap ingredient but you know what, that doesn't bother me, I just really like this.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-064DzKqIBjs/WxfW_XZ0yXI/AAAAAAAAM1g/1BKZqXSq2gI684zcWHN1cDdqvl1MPW_pgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glossier lidstars" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-064DzKqIBjs/WxfW_XZ0yXI/AAAAAAAAM1g/1BKZqXSq2gI684zcWHN1cDdqvl1MPW_pgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_e8f.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Lidstars in Herb, moon and Lily</b>.</div>
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These are quite sheer liquid eyeshadows, that require a bit of building up to get a full-on effect. If you want a light sheen of colour, these are ideal. Again, I love the packaging and these would be perfect for travel but otherwise, it might be too much faffing to fully entice me.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gXFiGjEw4s/WxfYdTzKhTI/AAAAAAAAM1w/JK8sCyoSGI4a-9KOSo7X41Erg7V89hnAwCLcBGAs/s1600/BeFunky-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gXFiGjEw4s/WxfYdTzKhTI/AAAAAAAAM1w/JK8sCyoSGI4a-9KOSo7X41Erg7V89hnAwCLcBGAs/s640/BeFunky-collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photos taken after using the <b>Primer Moisturiser</b>, <b>Boy Brow</b>, <b>Cloud Paint in Beam</b> & <b>BalmDotCom</b> (over the aforementioned Clarins Water lip Tint).</div>
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<b>Products I would Go Back & Buy</b>:<br />
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<li>The <b>perfume</b>, <b>Glossier You</b>, is really lovely, I'd quite like a full size.</li>
<li>I'd buy all the <b>Balmdotcom</b>'s. I know there's petroleum in there, which is considered a cheap ingredient but that doesn't really bother me. They're a lovely product on the lips.</li>
<li>I really like the Priming moisturiser but the P<b>riming Moisturiser Rich</b> looks like it would be the perfect night time treat for dry skin.</li>
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<b>Products I would Avoid</b>:<br />
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<li><b>Invisible Shield</b>- their <b>SPF, </b>which is only 35 and is way too low for me. I'm surprised it is so low for an American based company but either way, I only wear factor 50 on my face.</li>
<li>The <b>Lash Slick</b> <b>mascara</b> is very much a daytime mascara and I'm just all lash drama, all the time.</li>
<li>Both the <b>Skin Tint </b>(foundation) and the <b>Stretch Concealer </b>are light coverage and that's just not really my thing. Glossier as a brand are very much about that <b>minimal make up look</b>, but I like make up to do it's job, otherwise I'm very happy just not wearing any at all, if I'm having a particularly good skin day, for instance.</li>
<li>The three <b>serums</b>; <b>Super Pure, Super Bounce and Super Glow</b> (<b>Super Bounce</b> is supposed to be the best of the three fyi), are all designed to target different skin woes and look very nice but regardless, they're €28 for 15mls, which seems a bit overpriced to me.</li>
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That's that for the time being, although I can't guarantee I won't be back for more!</div>
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Have you tried anything from Glossier?</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-35038948581350979662018-05-22T20:27:00.002+01:002018-05-22T20:58:28.133+01:00Mademoiselle Azzaro EDT | Review<div style="text-align: center;">
Newly launching this Summer is the latest fragrance from <b>Azzaro Paris;</b> <b>Mademoiselle Azzaro L'eau Tres Belle</b>, a violet-macaroon base, bursting with blueberry and jasmine. </div>
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Before you try that though, I have the original <b>Mademoiselle Azzaro*</b> eau de toilette to show you, and it is a beaut.</div>
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Designed to make you think of <b>Paris </b>with every spritz, this is a floral, elegant scent, housed in the prettiest bottle. </div>
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Would you look at the bow!!</div>
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This is for sure aimed at a younger market than myself (you can picture me wrapping a shawl around myself now if that helps), as it features notes like <b>mandarin blossoms</b> and <b>peach</b> but then it adds in some subtle accords like <b>iris wood</b> and<b> syringa flowers </b>that balance it to ultimately leave an impression that's quite sophisticated. </div>
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Bottom line; It's sweet, floral and fruity but with an underlying warmth that makes it last well on the skin.</div>
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If you're a fan of <b>Miss Dior/Miss Dior Cherie</b>, M<b>arc Jacob's Honey</b> or <b>Dolce & Gabbana's The One</b>, then I think you'll like this. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5pdnkT3XS0E/WwRlBwPf_8I/AAAAAAAAM0Y/JuQtf9L40YUs-aGQuedzm2IzDjY6lTNiQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5pdnkT3XS0E/WwRlBwPf_8I/AAAAAAAAM0Y/JuQtf9L40YUs-aGQuedzm2IzDjY6lTNiQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This comes in a 30 ml (€48) and 50ml (€68) size, and is available in Arnotts, Debenhams and selected pharmacies nationwide.</div>
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If you like this version already and are looking to try Mademoiselle's even more romantic Parisian sibling, <b>L'eau Tres Belle</b> is also now available. </div>
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*Indicates products in this post were supplied for review. This is not a sponsored or paid for post. As always, all opinions are my own!</div>
<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-14234193030196837602018-05-13T23:16:00.006+01:002018-05-13T23:16:46.482+01:00Recently Read: March.<div style="text-align: center;">
I know, this is good and late but here we are. I didn't get through as many books as usual in March because one in particular completely monopolised my time. Helter Skelter, while interesting in parts, took ages to get through.</div>
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<b>Helter Skelter</b> by Vincent Bugliosi</div>
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This is the <i>very</i> detailed account of the Charles Manson murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others at her LA home in 1969. The book relays the lengthy investigation that led to the arrest of most of the Manson "family" and the subsequent trial. As it's written by Vincent Bugliosi, the prosecutor in Manson's trial, there's a huge amount of legal details in there that I really felt I had to wade through. That took away from the overall story for me, which I've always found intriguing and in fairness, the sections of the book that focus on the cult itself and Manson's background were engrossing, I just felt that other parts of the book could have easily been shortened without detracting from the essence of the book. If you're a fellow fan of true crime you'll enjoy this anyway, or if you're just interested in reading up on a historical event you'll also appreciate Helter Skelter. For me, this was one of the most fascinating parts of this book- I felt like I was fully immersed in the atmosphere of the time.</div>
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<b>The Rules of Magic</b> by Alice Hoffman</div>
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This is the prequel to Practical Magic, which I just read in January of this year and loved. Set in 1960's New York, it brings us back to Franny and Jet's (the Owen's sisters aunts in PM) teenage years, along with their charismatic brother Vincent. Their mother Susanna has set down certain rules for them that they have to live by; no wearing black, no candles, no magic books, no walking in the moonlight and most importantly; no falling in love. If an Owens falls in love, a family curse set in 1620 means that harm will come to their beloved so all three valiantly try to avoid love but soon realise they can't escape it forever. I really love the way Alice Hoffman writes and especially how she immerses the reader in this world of magic, which is so different from anything else I've read. I loved both The Rules of Magic and Practical Magic and I don't think you need to have read one before the other to enjoy them. I'd recommend both of them!</div>
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<b>The New Mrs Clifton</b> by Elizabeth Buchan</div>
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Set just after WW2, British Intelligence Officer Gus Clifton arrive home to London to his two sisters with his new wife in tow, Krista, a German woman he married in secret. Krista has been broken by the war; she's malnourished and unwell but is also traumatised by the horrors inflicted upon her. Her relationship with Gus is strained and his sisters cannot understand why he married her in the first place. Their bitterness over the war and prejudice against the Germans doesn't help. Gus has also deeply disappointed his originally intended wife, Nella, who lives nearby, and her brother who now holds a grudge against Gus, who he plans to get revenge on. Both of Gus's sisters are struggling to cope with what they had to do to survive the war, Tilly in particular is very much on the edge. Full of dark secrets and betrayals, this is a really good angle on WW2 that I've never really come across before. Well worth a read. </div>
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<b>The Woman In The Window</b> by A.J. Finn</div>
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This is one of those thrillers that gets the "for fans of Gone Girl and Girl On The Train" written on the front of it. As with most of this genre of books, the connection there is the psychological thriller, massive twist and "difficult female protagonist". </div>
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Anna Fox is an agoraphobic psychologist and mother of one. Something catastrophic happened to her six months ago that's left her unable to leave her home. She has figured out how to survive in her current predicament; she sees a therapist online, she has a downstairs tenant that doubles up as a handyman and for entertainment, she drinks wine and watches her neighbours. </div>
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She's particularly interested in the new family that have moved in across the road and so starts watching them intently, that is until she sees something she shouldn't have. </div>
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This leads to Anna questioning everything she believes to be true, including her own mental faculties. Anna is your classic unreliable narrator so I also questioned everything she said and did but that aside, she's a difficult character to spend an entire novel with. </div>
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Like the protagonist in Girl On The Train, Anna has an alcohol dependency problem and so I spent a lot of the book telling her to "stop doing that!!". It's frustrating but real life is like that, I guess. </div>
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One thing I would say is there's two fairly major twists (as there is with all of these sorts of books) which I had guessed well in advance. The clues are there and are easy enough to spot, if you're looking out for them. </div>
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Overall, I liked the undertones of film noir and Alfred Hitchcock throughout this book but I felt it was drawn out and somewhat lacking nonetheless. </div>
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<b>Almost Love</b> by Louise O' Neill</div>
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Practically known now for her "unlikeable characters", Louis O'Neill has created perhaps the most unpleasant female protagonist of all with Sarah, a young art teacher living in Dublin, sacrificing everyone else in her life for the man twenty years her senior she is seeing. Sarah hopes Matthew will realise some day that he in fact loves her and can't be without her but that seems extremely unlikely to even the most casual observer; Matthew is married, is a narcissist and uses Sarah for grotty sex in a grotty hotel room. But, and here's the catch, he does tell her from the start that he doesn't want a relationship. That doesn't and can't excuse his behaviour but still, Sarah plays a part in her own undoing, something you couldn't have said about Emma in Asking For It or Frieda in Only Ever Yours (O'Neill's two previous books).</div>
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This, if anything makes Almost Love <i>more </i>thought provoking. A common cry after reading this book has been "God, I wish I could go back and give this to my teenage self", such is the recognisable and clumsy attempts at love from a young woman trying for a breezy "oh I don't want a relationship, I'm a cool, easy going girl, just like a guy really", of her actions and words.</div>
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The storyline is non-linear; we get flashbacks to when Sarah was in art college and first meets Matthew, very much at the expense of her best friend Fionn, right up to the present time, where she is in a relationship with a new man, Oisín. Sarah can't seem to get any element of her life right and you could say she's her own worst enemy, but equally she's a painfully damaged character, with a sad past. My feelings for Sarah are so complicated; she's difficult and extremely unlikeable but also, she really needs help. At times, I wanted to slap her, other times I wanted to reach in and hug her and give her the name of a good therapist.</div>
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I still don't know how I really feel about Almost Love, but I can say it's an addictive read (I finished it in an evening) and it certainly got me thinking. Thinking about my own behaviour when I was younger, about the expectations and the roles placed on women by society and about the different types of love.</div>
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A difficult book to read at times but without a doubt, it's an unflinching look at obsessive love and quite unlike any other book on the market right now.<br />
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Have you read any of these?<br />
What are you reading right now?<br />
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-59055550436328317722018-05-05T11:06:00.003+01:002018-05-05T19:09:55.060+01:00This Midwife Is Voting Pro-Repeal; Here's Why You Should Too<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hi there! You may still be pondering how you plan to vote in the upcoming referendum to repeal the 8th amendment of the constitution and I am here to tell you why you should vote YES. As the title of the article would suggest, I am a midwife and a nurse and have a whole wealth of knowledge and experience that means I am qualified to speak on the subject of women's health, as well as having my own personal opinions on the matter.<br />
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You may have read plenty on this being a "divisive issue"and that both sides are "as bad as each other" but there are some really basic facts here that are unavoidable and that don't involve convoluted and intentionally confusing and emotive language.</div>
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<li>The <b>8th amendment is about more than just abortion</b>. Women's health is hampered by this law that equates the life of a woman to that of an embryo or a foetus. This is both bad medicine <i>and</i> bad law. Doctors and midwives are forced to withdraw certain care based on this amendment- women who may need scans, analgesia, antibiotics, anti-psychotic medication, radiotherapy, surgery etc. cannot be treated properly because of this law. <i>Non-pregnant you</i> gets emergency treatment in the case of sepsis, a mental health emergency, the flu, a cancer diagnosis etc. <i>Pregnant you</i> will be assessed but if your treatment is deemed in any way teratogenic (harmful to the foetus), you'll have to wait until you've given birth. By which time, your condition may not even be treatable anymore. Doctors can intervene and terminate a pregnancy if and only if the mother's life is deemed at immediate risk but as has become painfully obvious over recent years, there's no hard and fast rule that tells doctors exactly when to intervene. Each individual case is different and being forced to make complex medical decisions under the weight of potential legal retribution while trying to save a life is terrible medical practice. Women's lives are forfeited for that of a potential life- picture your sister, friend, colleague, classmate, cousin, mother or yourself. Picture your grown-up, adult life with all of your hopes, plans, likes, dislikes, favourite songs, memories, quirks, responsibilities, loves and losses and now compare that to an embryo that has just the <i>potential</i> to have your full life. The two should not be on an equal footing. Women deserve better.</li>
<li>So it's <b>not <i>just</i> about abortion, it's about overall healthcare but it <i>is</i> also about abortion</b>. This part is a contentious issue for a lot of people but abortion is a medical procedure, it has by its very nature accumulated an added moral weight but as a health care professional, if this is a medical procedure that a woman needs, as decided by her and her doctor, then that's the best course of action. You'll have by now have heard of the so called "difficult cases" associated with abortion; rape/incest, a diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality and in cases where the mother's life is at risk but abortion also is a necessity for women who have social, mental, emotional, fiscal and physical reasons why they can't continue a pregnancy. Women do not use abortion as a form of contraception. This is a fallacy created to paint women as flighty, fickle creatures when the reality is abortion is not something any woman truly wants- the same way I never want to have back surgery again (and didn't want it in the first place) but am grateful that it exists because I so badly needed it when I slipped a disc that time. </li>
<li>We need to <b>trust women</b>. As a country we have an appalling track record when it comes to how we treat women and girls. Mother and Baby homes, forced adoption, forced c-sections, forced episiotomies, forced symphisiotomies, women working in the public sector forced to give up their jobs upon marriage up until the year 1973, "churching women" (the church making women "clean" after the birth of a baby) up until the year 1967 (if not later), contraception illegal until the year 1980 (with restrictions), marital rape legal until the year 1990, the morning after pill only legalised in 2003 (and only available without a prescription in 2011), the gender pay gap (still a thing and still increasing, as per the most recent CSO figures), a ban on women priests (still a thing), and then of course all of the victims of the 8th amendment; Savita Halappanavar, Miss X, Miss Y, Miss P, the C Case, Ann Lovett, Amanda Mellet, Michelle Harte, and Sheila Rodgers, to name but a very few. Let me make it abundantly clear here; we are in violation of women's human rights as per the World Health Organisation, the European Court of Human Rights, the United Nations Human Rights Committee and Amnesty International. A reminder that women's rights are human rights, as Hillary Rodham Clinton once (many times) said. </li>
<li>You might then be wondering about the <b>planned legislation for providing unrestricted abortion </b>access up to <b>12 weeks gestation</b>. There's a couple of reasons for this that I can see. Firstly, a <b>foetus is not viable outside of the uterus until 23/24 weeks</b>. If a miscarriage occurs, it more than likely will occur in the the first trimester (which is the first 12 weeks but actually that translates to ten weeks in reality; your estimated due date is based on the first date of your last monthly period and conception takes place two weeks after that date, hence 10 weeks). The Oireachtas Committee on the 8th amendment was particularly clear that this 12 week mark was important for cases where rape has occurred- it would be virtually impossible to legislate for women to choose abortion in this situation if there was a restriction in place based on a trial outcome or on an ongoing police investigation. In these circumstances, time is of the essence and our court system is notoriously difficult for victims of rape to navigate. Lastly, medical abortion requires pills to be taken only up to 12 weeks. As women are already illegally obtaining abortion pills up to 12 weeks without medical supervision, it could only become safer to legally provide for medical abortion in these circumstances with GP supervision. </li>
<li>Lastly then, and trust, I could go on all night about this, <b>if you don't want an abortion, don't have one</b>. That old chestnut. It's true though; abortions will continue to happen if you vote no. They will continue to happen if the 8th is not repealed. Women's lives will continue to be put at risk with illegal, unsafe and non-medically supervised terminations. Women will still be forced to travel to the UK and other countries to receive compassionate reproductive healthcare that they should be receiving at home, provided by their own doctor and surrounded by their loved ones, if they so wish. Close to their own home and their own bed with no terrifying taxi and plane journey to get through, risking bleeding out or blacking out from pain and blood loss. There's a pro-choice slogan of "stop punishing tragedy" and it makes me well up every time I hear it. I'm angry and personally devastated that we have sent so many women in need away from us when we should have been looking after them here. I want to put right that terrible wrong. </li>
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Abortion will happen anyway. The 8th amendment was a bad law in 1983 and it's a bad law now in 2018. Please vote YES on the 25th of May and allow us to look after the women of this country with the care and dignity they deserve.<br />
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*the views discussed here are my own and not those of my employer*</div>
Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-14884638885625832102018-04-11T22:30:00.003+01:002018-04-11T22:30:21.929+01:00Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm | Review<div style="text-align: center;">
I've tried a lot of cleansers in my time (serious auld one vibes here) and at various times I thought the <b>Eve Lom Balm Cleanser</b>, the <b>Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser</b>, the <b>Pixi Double Cleanse</b> or the <b>Oskia Cleansing Gel</b> were my favourite (they are all winners, in fairness) but for me, the <b>Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm</b> blows them all out of the water. It's been around for years now so this post is fairly late in the general scheme of things but sometimes a product is so good, it's still worth shouting about, years after its first release. </div>
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I tried this initially when I got a mini pot in my<b> Marks & Spencer advent calendar</b> two years ago. I got another one last Christmas. Both pots were used up until there wasn't even a microscopic fragment of balm left and I eventually treated myself to a full size. I say 'treated' because this fella is pricey. I got the 100ml size from <b>Cult Beauty</b>, which set me back £47, or about €53 (I got a deal though, so it's OK!!). </div>
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Eep!</div>
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Let me tell you why it's worth it though. </div>
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<li>Firstly you only need the tiniest amount to clean your whole face, so you'll have your 100ml pot for ages.</li>
<li>It's super comforting; it's packed with <b>wild sea fennel</b>, <b>rose oil</b> and <b>vitamin E</b> that beautifully cleanse your skin while leaving it soft and radiant. It feels like a treat to use. </li>
<li>The smell lads. I can't. I'm not far off standing up in a circle and saying "Hello, my name is Chloe and I'm an addict. I can't stop inhaling Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm". So there's a few essential oils in there and that's apparently what's causing my olfactory overload. Extracts of <b>jasmine</b>, <b>bergamot</b>, <b>orange</b> and <b>sweet almond oil</b> combine together to give the most heavenly home facial, but every night! It's glorious!</li>
<li>It's easy to use; massage onto dry skin, it turns into an oil that breaks down make-up, dirt and all the other crap that's attached to your face throughout the day, then cleans off easily with a warm, damp muslin cloth. You don't even need to do a double cleanse with this fella, but you can if you want to, of course.</li>
<li>The brand also suggest using this as a face mask for 10 minutes while you take a relaxing bath, which I hadn't considered doing but am now totally on board with.</li>
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And that's your lot. I'm looking forward to using my brand new pot tonight, that's if I can stop myself from eating it all first.</div>
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Have you tried Emma Hardie's Cleansing Balm?</div>
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If not, why not?!</div>
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XX</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-70163151724255295772018-04-08T20:44:00.000+01:002018-04-08T22:11:20.170+01:00The Best of March<div style="text-align: center;">
Mostly so far this month I've heard a lot of "I can't believe it's April already, where's the year gone?!" and in fairness, it has flown by!</div>
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March was a good month. We had our trip away to Galway in the midst of Snowmaggedon, lots more great beauty products tried out and more great food, great books and great podcasts.</div>
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<b>Glenlo Abbey & Dinner on the Orient Express (kinda)</b><br />
We headed off to Galway to celebrate a big anniversary as soon as the roads were drivable during the big snow storm. We try and make a trip to the West once a year as we love it here. Glenlo Abbey is a fantastic hotel; the rooms are beautifully decorated, the staff are helpful and friendly and the food is delicious. Speaking of which, there's a carriage from the original Orient Express on the grounds of the hotel and we had one of our meals here. As <b>Agatha Christie</b> fans, we both loved this!<br />
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<b>Clarins Eye Mask & Lip Balm</b><br />
I've been dealing with undereye bags and very dry lips lately so these couldn't have come at a better time. Review <a href="https://nursefancypants.blogspot.ie/2018/03/clarins-hydra-essentiel-eye-mask-lip.html#.WspwH2YZNmA"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>.<br />
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<b>Afternoon Tea in The Merrion Hotel</b><br />
I spent a lovely afternoon here recently with my female in-laws, sipping prosecco and eating dainty sandwiches. Always such a treat.<br />
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<b>Cheese & Wine Festival @ Eatyard</b><br />
Eatyard in Portobello reopened recently and have been running themed festivals at the weekends. I went with friends for the wine and cheese festival, which was excellent. A tenner in gets you €10 worth of tokens (I got myself a full Irish cheese board) and a free glass of wine, although I went back to one of the independent sellers for another glass later. They just did a gin festival, which I missed but I'll be keeping my eyes open for more of the same.<br />
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<b>Meeting Louise O'Neill and Marian Keyes (again..I love her) with my book club</b><br />
<b>Tatler</b> hosts excellent events every so often with authors like the above in conversation with each other. Previously I attended one with <b>Lindy West</b>, which was also brilliant. For your €35 ticket, you get a glass of champagne, nibbles, a goody bag, a chance to meet and chat with the authors and in this case, a signed copy of Louise's new book, <b>Almost Love</b>. I went with some of my book club, and we loved chatting with Marian and Louise (we're all on first name terms now, obviously). A great evening and we read Almost Love for the club this month!<br />
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<b>Grief Is The Thing With Feathers</b><br />
This is the <b>Enda Walsh</b> adapted play, starring the ludicrously talented <b>Cilian Murphy</b>. We managed to get very last minute seats and in spite of not sitting next to each other and me barely being able to breathe with a dose of sinusitis, we enjoyed it in the end! The acting performances were outstanding, as were the set pieces. It's a brilliant play, albeit quite grim and surreal. More of an experience than anything.<br />
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<b>The Backlash Against the Result in the Belfast Rape Trial</b><br />
The only possible good thing that could come out of the absolute horror show that was this very high profile trial was the resulting outcry from women and some men online to the jury's decision of not guilty. I won't go into that further here, but it was somewhat comforting to see so many #IBelieveHer posts on Instagram and Twitter. And I still do believe her. I hope she's recovering with her family and knows how supported she is.<br />
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<b>Hush: A Buffy Podcast</b><br />
I feel like I've mentioned this way too much on my Instagram stories but I started listening to a new <b>Buffy The Vampire Slayer</b> podcast; <b>Hush</b> is created by a married couple living in Ireland. Both are of course big fans of the Buffster (they even named their daughter Willow, which is really cute) and are going through each episode in detail-it's a nice trip down memory lane. I haven't watched the full first series in years so I'm enjoying it.<br />
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And those are just some of the highlights form the last month. </div>
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Are any of yours on here?</div>
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XX</div>
<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-55228772763848879842018-03-28T23:23:00.000+01:002018-03-28T23:23:53.380+01:00Clarins Hydra Essentiel Eye Mask & Lip Balm | First Impressions<div style="text-align: center;">
As a long-time haver of dry skin, I'm already a big fan of the <b>Clarins Hydra-Essentiel</b> range, in particular their moisturisers. You can only imagine how happy I was to see that they've added an eye mask and a lip balm, two areas I tend to struggle to keep from drying out completely. </div>
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<b>Moisturising Reviving Eye Mask*</b></div>
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There's a discrepancy in opinions on the benefit of eye creams/gels etc but personally I like a nice light under-eye moisturiser, prone as I am to dark circles and generally looking exhausted at all times (I'm not sure any eye cream can help with dark circles thanks to them usually being caused by genetics and/or dehydration. I do like to help out the dry skin from the outside where I can though). This is a cooling, melting cream that feels like a gel. You can use it in two ways; as a mask that you leave on over night (my preference) or for a quick 10 minute boost (you take the cream off afterwards. I think this is a waste so I leave it on, even when I use it in the morning. And yes, I put my make-up on over it but it's a moisturiser so it all works out well for me). I've been using this pretty religiously twice a day for about two weeks now and I'm loving it. I've noticed a definite plumping to my under eye skin and even better, it's noticeably softer. This is a lovely treatment; it's comforting, cooling, moisturising and sinks in almost immediately. </div>
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<b>Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm*</b></div>
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If like me, you find yourself permanently battling dry lips, you need this fella. My ultimate lip balm, Nuxe Reve de Miel usually sits on my bedside table and I wear it as a lip mask every night. I finished my last pot of that sometime last year however so I've been in need of a new, hard working lip balm and this is the one! What sets it apart is the addition of <b>blue lotus wax to nourish</b> and <b>cocoa extract to stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the lips</b>. There's also a shot of rosy pink in there for a flattering, natural glow. I've been using this as part of my nighttime skincare routine and occasionally during the day too. It's a <i>really</i> good balm; moisturises, comforts and is non-sticky, non-slippy and almost mattifying, so there's very little chance of your hair getting stuck to your lips. Hurrah! </div>
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Price wise, the eye mask is €33 and the lip balm is €21. I know that sound like a lot, and trust me I balked a bit when I saw the prices first myself but having used them, I cam see why they are the cost they are. They're full of good quality ingredients with all of Clarins' skincare knowledge and innovation packed into each tube. I've noticed a definite change with both and that's often hard to tell with skincare products. Both are available on counter form April the 16th.</div>
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Will you be checking these out?</div>
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*indicates these products were provided for review. This post was not sponsored or paid for and as always all opinions are my own </div>
<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-84624131617185422352018-03-26T23:32:00.003+01:002018-03-26T23:32:40.597+01:00Recently Read: February<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, I read some great books last month! You can follow me along on my goal to read 70 books this year, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17998352-chloe"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a> on Goodreads. Let me know if you've read any of these and of course, what you're currently reading yourself!</div>
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<b>Still Me</b> by JoJo Moyes</div>
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I was one of those people that absolutely loved <b>Me Before You</b>; the story of Louisa Clarke, a young woman who's lost her way a bit and takes a job looking after Will, a former finance manager left paraplegic after a road traffic accident. <b><span style="color: red;">SPOILER ALERT</span></b> but they fall in love and Will eventually makes the heartbreaking decision to opt for euthanisation, in spite of the happiness Louisa brought to his life. I raced through it, fell a bit in love with Louisa and Will myself, and cried my eyes out at the end. The sequel to that, <b>Me After You</b> is about Louisa trying to pick up the pieces of her life after this tragedy and it, perhaps understandably, didn't live up to its predecessor. <b>Still Me</b> sees Louisa finally taking the jump Will would have wanted her to- she moves to New York, takes a job working for a wealthy family and tries to find herself again. This was a real return to form for this character- new friends, new romantic prospects, new career opportunities, new adventures with the same great personality she had in the first book. I really enjoyed this, it was nice walking in Louisa's shoes again and the story flowed along so well. I almost hope she doesn't write another one though, it's a good ending to a trilogy.</div>
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<b>Bad Feminist</b> by Roxanne Gay</div>
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I love Roxanne Gay's writing. I read <b>Difficult Women</b> last year and decided on the spot that she was now one of my favourite authors- searing, shocking, insightful, beautiful prose that stayed with me for a long time afterwards. Bad Feminist is a collection of essays organised under different headings; <b>Gender and Sexuality</b>, <b>Race and Entertainment</b>, and <b>Politics, Gender and Race</b>. Although it was only written a few years ago, parts of it feel a bit outdated already; mentions of Bill Cosby and not in a "he's a rapist" kind of way, for instance. Having said that, I thought it was really interesting and found myself wanting to keep reading on to the next essay. </div>
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<b>The Dry</b> by Jane Harper</div>
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The Dry is a thriller set in the Australian countryside- think depressing, practically empty small-town, rather than community-friendly <b>Home and Away</b>. Aaron Falk is now a federal agent but he has to return home after his childhood friend Luke has been found dead, apparently by his own hands, along with his wife and two children. When they were teenagers, Luke gave Aaron an alibi after their friend was found dead but the townsfolk never believed it and so Aaron finds himself facing a lot of hostility on his return. He refuses to believe that Luke would have hurt his family, however and sets about finding their killer. This was a really good thriller. Yes, I guessed one of the bigger twists but getting to that point was still exciting and I loved the setting of the story- most thrillers out at the minute are set in America or the UK so this was refreshingly different. </div>
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<b>About Face- The Smart Woman's Guide To Beauty: Your Essential Skincare and Make-Up Bible for the Changing face of Beauty</b> by Aisling McDermott and Laura Kennedy</div>
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When original Irish beauty blogger and all round ledge Aisling McDermott passed away recently, I felt it would be a fitting tribute to her to read the beauty bible she co-wrote with journalist Laura Kennedy. I took my time flicking through this one, there's separate sections for skincare (and subgroups within that), and then make-up broken down into foundations, eye make up etc etc. I mostly skipped the parts that weren't relevant to me; oily skin, mature skin, teenage skin etc. This is a lovely book for beauty lovers; full of gorgeous product photos and lots of great tips and product suggestions. </div>
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<b>The Witchfinder's Sister</b> by Beth Underdown*</div>
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Set in Essex, England in 1645, Alice returns to her her childhood home widowed, pregnant and alone with no prospects and forced to live with her stern brother, Matthew. In her time away he's become wealthy and powerful and uses that influence to elevate himself to the position of chief witch hunter. Thanks to a lack of education and a fear and suspicion amongst the townspeople, Matthew becomes all-powerful and can torture and abuse any woman he decides is a witch, with complete immunity. Worse still, knowing how precarious her position is, he forces Alice to help him but she has other ideas and vows to escape his clutches. Can she stop him before he destroys them both and kills more and more women? I really enjoyed this book, it's so atmospheric and although it's disturbing at times, it's so well written, you'll be completely absorbed by it. Plus it's based on real people and real events and I personally find that time in history fascinating, especially after visiting Salem a couple of years ago. Oh and that ending! My jaw dropped! </div>
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<b>Stay With Me</b> by Ayobami Adebayo</div>
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This was our book club choice this month but I flew through it in February in early nerdy preparation! Set in Nigeria in the 1980's, this was for sure a very different setting than books I've read previously. Yejide and Akin are happily married and have been in love since they met in college. Unlike other couples in their community, Yejide has her own business and a car, even though Akin has a good job in the bank. Also unlike other couples, Yejide is the only wife in their marriage, that is until it is decided by their families that Akin will marry another woman in the hopes that she can provide him with a child, something Yejide has not been able to do so far. This is a devastating blow for Yejide and she goes to desperate measures to keep Akin all to herself. This was a really interesting book and an insightful look into the way things were in Nigeria at that time. It also spoke to me (and my all female book club) about the expectations placed on women and the presumption of what their place in society is. It touched on so many topics; infertility, tradition, chronic illness, motherhood, love and family amongst many others. </div>
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<b>Grist Mill Road</b> by Christopher J. Yates*</div>
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This has been billed as one of the bigger thrillers for 2018 and to an extent, it didn't let me down. The book opens with a shocking scene- a young teenage girl tied to a tree, bloodied and broken, two of her male friends nearby, one holding the weapon used to torture her. Twenty something years later, their lives have changed more than they could ever have imagined. The three meet again in New York, with devastating consequences. I think while the book started out incredibly strongly, and I was really intrigued by what their futures would hold, I felt it waned slightly with a lot of talk of food blogging (which I mostly enjoyed...nom!) and the origin of a cement factory, which went on a bit longer than I would have liked. I really appreciated that we got to hear from more than one of the characters in flashback form, telling their version of the story years later and then also the conversations between the characters. It felt like we got a well rounded view of the events depicted in the book. All of those points of view converge later on but it wasn't the dramatic ending I expected. Personally, I had a very different idea of how the book was going; I thought the character of Hannah was doing an <b>Amazing Amy</b> on us at one point and honestly, I was totally there for that! In spite of all of the "read this if you love <b>Gone Girl</b>" book recommendations over the last few years, it really felt well-suited to this book because it had a similar <b>Gilian Flynn</b> vibe. That's probably my own fault for going off on a mental tangent though! Overall, it's slow paced but simmers with tension. I loved Hannah's character and would gladly have read more from her. </div>
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<b>Magpie Murders</b> by Anthony Horowitz</div>
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Susan Ryland is an editor sitting down to read bestselling author Alan Conway's latest manuscript. She's worked with Conway for years and is fond of his reoccurring character, Atticus Pünd, a German detective post-war, finding himself solving murder mysteries in a sleepy English village. Susan states with a certain amount of doom that this book will change her life irrevocably, and then we get to read the book for ourselves, stopping just before the big reveal and bringing us back to the real world, where Susan is. She stops because the last chapter is missing and begins to suspect that the disturbing murder depicted in the book has a link to a real life crime. She then sets about solving the mystery herself. I'm a big <b>Agatha Christie</b> fan, so I really enjoyed the Atticus Pünd book and was actually a bit put out when I didn't get the solution to the mystery when I was expecting it! I also really enjoyed following Susan around on her quest for the truth. In general, this was a really good read; if you like murder mysteries, thrillers and whodunnits then this is for you!</div>
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<b>Paper Girls Vol 3</b> by Brian K. Vaughan</div>
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This is obviously the third in this series- a beautifully drawn, super vibrant graphic novel series about four kick-ass teenage girls in 1980's America, battling against giant monsters, time travel and various past and future versions of themselves. It's very cool. </div>
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And that's the lot for now! I'm currently reading some really good thrillers, I'll be back with more reviews soon!</div>
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* indicates books that were provided for review. This is not a paid for or sponsored post. All opinions are my own, as always!Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-16727266496059393652018-03-18T13:22:00.001+00:002018-03-18T13:31:21.123+00:00The Top Recommended US Drugstore Beauty Products- Reviewed!<div style="text-align: center;">
I find shopping in <b>Sephora</b> and US Drug stores confusing, if I'm honest. Even when I've prepared myself and made a list of things I want, I always find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed; there's just too much beauty stuff.<br />
The gap between what we can't get here and what you can only get in the states has definitely narrowed, but there's still the few items that most Irish gals will be on the lookout for when beauty shopping in America. The last time we were over (November 2017), I knew exactly what I wanted from Sephora but hadn't thought a huge amount about budget beauty so I found myself scrolling through "the top ten drugstore beauty products you need" articles online in our hotel room one night and sure enough, I made my way to a<b> CVS</b> the next day.<br />
These were all recommended by various magazines, I haven't tried them all yet but they didn't cost the earth so I thought they'd be worth a go! (there was also many more products recommended, that either didn't suit me, wrong hair or skin type etc or else products that I already have/have tried).<br />
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<b>E.L.F Hydrating Face Primer</b></div>
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This is part of a series of face primers from the budget beauty brand E.L.F (Eyes. Lips, Face). I have dry skin so this seemed a no-brainer and every online magazine raved about this one in particular. If memory serves me correctly, it cost less than $6. It has no fragrance to speak of but I do notice a slightly chemically scent that does wear off as you wear it. It's clear and looks a bit like Vaseline when you pump it out. I've only used this once because I just didn't love it. It is somewhat softening and provides a base in the same way a silicone-heavy primer would. On me, it felt a bit greasy and unpleasant. I'll give it another go but for the moment, I'm not a big fan. I would save your $6 and put it towards<a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.ie/2018/02/clarins-sos-primers-new-release.html#.Wq5l9bZ0fq0"><span style="color: magenta;"> this one</span></a> instead.</div>
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<b>Aveeno Positively Radiant 60 Second In-Shower Facial</b></div>
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This was hailed as a new miracle product and one that I sense will take me a good long time to finish. This idea with this is you pop it on your wet face while you're in the shower, leave it on for 60 seconds and gently massage in a circular motion, then wash off. I like to do this while my conditioner is doing its thing. It has a little bit of grit in there (gentle grit, there's no plastic beads in here) but it's mostly the <b>alpha hydroxy acid </b>(AHA) that does the exfoliating. I've used this a few times now and have noticed my skin is nicely smooth afterwards and my make-up applies well after using it. I've since found out that Aveeno test on animals so I won't be buying from them again but for now, I'll use this up. It's good.</div>
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<b>Almay Healthy Glow Makeup + Gradual Self Tan</b></div>
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This is a medium coverage foundation that supposedly perfects your skin while you wear it; when you take off your make up, you have a natural glow. This has a pump function and two separate chambers that combines the self tan and the make up together when you press down. I got the shade light, which was the lightest there was. There's also an SPF 20 in there, which is good. I've only tried lip products from Almay, which I liked and again, there was great excitement online over this fella. This is a reasonably good colour match for me, if not slightly darker than my own skin tone. It does have that fake tan scent to it, which is never nice but goes fairly fast once it's absorbed. I also quite like the coverage of this; it's buildable but looks natural. So far, I like!</div>
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<b>Carmex Daly Care Moisturising Lip Balm </b></div>
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I love Carmex and didn't need any encouragement to get this three pack of lip balms. I usually use either the tubes or pots of Carmex but I haven't tried the stick version, plus this was only a few dollars. There's a <b>cherry</b> (my fave), <b>strawberry</b> and <b>wintergreen</b> and they all have an spf15.</div>
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<b>Covergirl Outlast All-Day Concealer</b></div>
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This is a concealer with a soft-tip applicator, designed to erase the appearance of dark circles and blemishes. It's oil-free and doesn't clog the pores. I got the shade fair. I think this is Covergirl's version of <b>Maybeline's under eye eraser</b> concealer yoke (that I also love and also featured in every top drugstore beauty product article out there). I wouldn't say this is as good as the Maybelline. It's quite a light formula but feels a bit drying. I also don't think it covers my particular dark circles as well as other concealers do. </div>
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<b>CoverGirl Ink It! All-Day Eye Pencil</b></div>
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This is a twist up pencil that glides on like an ink but with the crease and fade-resistance of a kohl pencil. It's also waterproof. I got the shade<b> Charcoal Ink</b> cause I wanted a liquid eyeliner effect. When I opened it I didn't think I'd like it based on how the top of the pencil was packaged but actually, it applies really nicely. I would say; it's not the blackest of the black liners but I can get over that. It's not a super messy liner but you can smudge it if that's your thing (it is mine). Overall, I like!</div>
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<b>Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Oil</b></div>
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I love Burt's Bees so of course, I had to get this. These are supposed to be moisturising and comforting on the lips while providing a shot of natural looking colour. I wanted a more nude shade but they were all sold out, so I got <b>Crimson Breeze</b> instead. I LOVE this and I need more shades!! I was surprised by how much I like this shade too, I was worried it would be too dark but it's more of a flattering pink plus it feels so lovely on! The only flaw I can see is that it wears of fast but I find that happens with all oil-based lip products. But I like that it's a light gloss and the oil means that it's softening on the lips. So good!</div>
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<b>CoverGirl Melting Pout Gel Liquid Lipstick</b></div>
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Pretty sure these are a rip off of the Too Faced ones but at a fraction of the price. I got this in the shades <b>Don't be Gelly </b>and <b>Evan-Gel-Ical</b> (I can't find that one to take the photo, it's more than likely in the bottom of a bag somewhere). This has a soft tip for application. The formula of these are nice but the quality of the overall shade application varies according to each colour. I like these but having not tried the <b>Too Faced</b> ones, I can't make a proper comparison. </div>
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That's my take on the top recommended drugstore beauty products. Have you tried any of these? </div>
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Thoughts?</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-28247175721864071162018-03-05T21:45:00.000+00:002018-03-06T17:27:42.497+00:00(Possible) New Favourite Beauty Products<div style="text-align: center;">
There's doubt in that title purely cause some of these have only just come into my life and as yet have to be tried out but there's also new beauty bits in here that I can confirm that I'm loving! </div>
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The make-up pouch (<b>Bath & Bodyworks</b>) is somewhat misleading, is what I'm saying, but isn't it pretty?! </div>
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Yes, you <i>can</i> spot seven lip products there. I am a lip balm/lipstick fiend. </div>
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First up; my thing with these creepy <b>sheet masks</b> doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I will try every brand, as long as it suggests <b>hydration</b> as an outcome. I just finished off a box of <b>Farmacy</b> ones that I got in the states that were fab- more from that brand later. For now, here's a <b>Boscia Deep Hydration</b> <b>Mask</b> I also got in America, which I have yet to use. I'm a beauty horder. We are however just coming to the end of a <i>very</i> cold snap here so I'll be popping this on this week! </div>
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The <b>Ariel</b> one is by a company called<b> Made Beauty</b>, I previously got a <b>Chip and Mrs Potts lip balm</b> set from them, which was frankly, adorable. This mask is infused with <b>cucumber to cool, hydrate and moisturise the skin</b>, which sounds ideal but who knows what it'll actually do. I got this on <b>Asos</b>, where you'll find a selection of<b> Disney Princess </b>masks!</div>
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I'm a marketing persons dream. I saw the <b>banana range</b> on <b>The Body Shop</b>'s Insta, along with their new lip balms (below), so of course, in I popped to get them for myself. I used the banana shampoo and conditioner way back in the day and guess what?! They still smell the exact same!! Hello nostalgia! </div>
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I went for a <b>hair mask</b> this time, purely to add in a little <b>hydration</b> and it's honesty a divine experience. I put it on this morning after shampooing, put a shower cap over it, left it for five minutes then washed off. My hair has been super soft all day and maybe I'm imagining it, but a little more <b>voluminous</b> too! Plus, that smell! Love it!!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySHbFxpycIU/Wp2f3v53UGI/AAAAAAAAMtU/KDIEqCHL52UxlXrBfJiHoBO3OQ18lg3ygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySHbFxpycIU/Wp2f3v53UGI/AAAAAAAAMtU/KDIEqCHL52UxlXrBfJiHoBO3OQ18lg3ygCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And these are the aforementioned <b>The Body Shop lip balms.</b> These are the <b>Lip Juicers</b>; <b>100% Vegan</b>, <b>moisture-boosting</b> balms with <b>smoothie-inspired combos</b>. They look a little like the top of a giant pencil and aesthetically, remind me of <b>Eos</b> a bit but other than that, these are far superior from a moisturising perspective. My favourite is the <b>Coconut/Carrot/Passion Fruit</b>, which both smells fantastic and gives the lips a nice colour but they were buy one get one half price, so you know what happened next. I also got <b>Strawberry/Pomegranate/Aloe </b>which I like too but the scent isn't doing it for me as much. </div>
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In between them is the <b>NYX Turnt Up! Lipstick</b>. I have this in the shade <b>French Kiss</b>, which on the website (this was part of a "I've put my back out, I'm feeling sorry for myself" purchase) didn't look quite this pale a pink, which I'm not sure suits me all that much. Anyway, I've mixed it with other shades which seems to make it work better and it's a lovely <b>moisturising formula</b>.</div>
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Ive mentioned this here before and on Insta and Facebook cause it's so damn good. I got a sample of this in Sephora, having never tried anything from <b>Buxom</b> before and fell for it big time. It's a <b>cream gloss</b> that <b>plumps the lips</b>, <b>tingles</b> a little, smells like <b>vanilla/mint</b> and makes my lips look INCREDIBLE. Himself has actually said "that lip thing you have on is really nice on you". SO YOU KNOW IT'S GOOD. I have the shade <b>Rose Julep </b>and I got it in Debenhams. Also worth noting that this is the lip gloss I keep going on about cause it reminds me of the long gone gloss from <b>Pout </b>that came in those vacuum packs and were beloved by all. WHY did they leave and never come back?!!</div>
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Lookit, I know, it's another <b>lip balm</b> but this one was bought last November and I was waiting 'til I finished my <b>Elizabeth Arden</b> one, which is almost gone so it's time for this fella to shine. I love <b>Fresh</b> products, especially the lip balms, which are really soothing. I normally get the <b>Sugar Rose</b> one but this <b>Sugar Lip</b> <b>Caramel Hydrating Balm</b> was new and I'm also a sucker for new products, so here we are. And yes, it smells unbelievably good.</div>
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I was harping on about spending the end of a <b>Brown Thomas</b> gift voucher on a 30ml size of <b>Jo Malone's Peony & Pink Suede Blush</b>, when lo and behold, the loveliest gal by the name of Samantha pm'd me on instagram and told me she had a bottle she wasn't going to use and would I like it?</div>
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Of course I said yes and in the end we resurrected the old <b>Beaut. i.e Swap Siopa </b>just for the two of us, which was lovely. Anyway, this is a truly beautiful fragrance. It's delicate but not sweet, powdery and floral and an utter classic. I adore it! Thank you again Samantha!</div>
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I got a set of these <b>Darkness eyelashes</b> in <b>Korea town</b> in LA for $4 and I wish I had bought more. They're quite natural on so they don't look overly dramatic but they still add a little sumthin' sumthin' to your eye make up. Plus, and this is very shallow but, I like the packaging rather a lot.</div>
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I got a gorgeous <b>Rifle Paper Co.</b> set from <b>L'Occitane</b>, free with a sale order just after Christmas and I'm getting around to using the contents now. There's a <b>Shea shower oil</b>, a <b>micellar water</b> and a few other bits as well as this <b>Light Comforting Cream</b>. This is designed to be a <b>non-greasy</b> and <b>comforting face cream</b> with <b>5% Shea</b> to <b>moisturise</b> for up to 48 hours. I just started using this a couple of days ago but I think the scent is possibly too strong for use on my face. It's a nice face cream though, so I'll give it another go. </div>
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This was a mini freebie with the points I built up on my <b>Sephora </b>card and is from the previously mentioned <b>Farmacy</b>, known for cultivating their own ingredients, for a "farm-to-face" philosophy. I've liked anything I've tried from them and my sister is a big fan so I was looking forward to trying <b>Honey Potion</b>; a <b>warming antioxidant hydration mask</b> with <b>echinacea greenenvy</b> (their star ingredient) <b>honey</b>. You apply this after cleansing, massage it with your fingers to warm it up and then leave it for ten minutes. This really does warm up, and gets a little tingly. Once you've washed it off it's supposed to restore moisture levels and repair stressed complexions. I've only used this once and I'm still not really sure how I feel about it, or if it made a difference. I'll keep testing! </div>
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These aren't anything new but Himself bought me the full <b>Crayola box</b> set of the <b>Clinique chubby sticks</b> last year (I couldn't get them anywhere and he presented them to me on anniversary. He's kind of a legend) and I've been using these two a little more than the others of late. <b>Red Violet </b>is a <b>plummy</b> shade while <b>Mauvelous </b>is a <b>perfect nude pink</b> for daytime. These are both nicely moisturising with a slick of colour, if you don't like a full-on lipstick, these are perfect for you. </div>
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Any personal favourites amongst this lot?</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-61563941929920228992018-03-02T18:43:00.000+00:002018-03-06T17:33:31.470+00:00The Best of February!<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, we may be in the middle of a snow storm right now, but it's nice to look back on the parts of the month that did not result in me being forced to stay indoors, watch the <b>Tom Cruise</b> version of <b>The Mummy </b>and eat the only snack foods that were left in my local petrol station (you can imagine) after Snowmaggedon set in. </div>
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<b>West Cork </b></div>
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I think the country and its mother listened to this Audible original podcast this month. Based on the ongoing investigation into the mid 90's murder of French woman Sophie Toscan du Plantier in West Cork, it's similar to the <b>This American Life</b> podcast <b>Serial</b> but possibly even more interesting as it's so close to home. Chief suspect Ian Bailey is interviewed throughout and although he comes across as a terrible person, it's still hard to know whether he's actually innocent or not. It's a weird one but definitely worth a listen! If you don't have Audible, you can get a free trial and an audiobook of</div>
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your choice to try! </div>
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<b>The Dry</b></div>
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I'd had this on my to-read list and my kindle for a while but even though I read lots of good books this month, I'm specifically recommending this thriller set in the Australian countryside where a cop has to return to his oppressive hometown after his childhood best friend and his entire family have been killed. They shared some dark secrets from their teen years about the death of one of their friends that neither of them have ever quite moved on from. It's very atmospheric- well worth picking up, even though I read the entire thing in my head in the voice of several characters from Home & Away. </div>
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<b>Black Panther</b></div>
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We'd been waiting for this one for a while and it didn't disappoint (not completely anyway). The character of the Black Panther and pretty much every woman in this film are just brilliant. The women are all warriors- not something you always find in a Marvel movie, or any film for that matter. Plus the exploration of various African tribal costumes, cultures and traditions were really well depicted. There is a but, however. I felt it was too long. Like, could-have-been-a-half-hour-less-too-long and I would happily watch more scenes with <b>Danai Gurira</b> kicking someone's ass. Extra points for <b>Michael B Jordan</b> though. Swoon. </div>
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<b>Hey Donna</b></div>
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We've been planning to go to this new restaurant in <b>Rathmines</b> for a while now. It's where <b>Jo Burger </b>used to be and is owned by the same people. Since the changeover, it's really bright in there, there's books, plants and light everywhere so it's a nice place to go with friends or for a very pleasant date night! Plus, <b>Lebanese food</b> is always a winner. I would suggest the roast aubergine, the labneh, the roast potatoes and the apricot gin cocktail. Himself recommends the lamb! I also went there for lunch with my sister another day and had an excellent chicken salady wrap thing.<br />
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<b>Buxom Lip Cream</b></div>
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I had originally picked up a tiny sample size of this with my Sephora rewards card when I was in Vegas, wore it for the night of our vow renewals and quickly became obsessed with it. It's like the original <b>Pout lip glosses</b> if you remember them? </div>
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Pure cream (No shimmer), a tingly sensation that puffs the lips up a bit, a minty-vanilla scent and a gorgeous flattering pink shine. This is the perfect gloss. I bought a full size and some on-sale <b>Paddywax candles</b> from Debenhams online when I was feeling sorry for myself after putting my back out and I have zero regrets. I love it! (the candles were also a winner). You can find the lip cream <a href="http://www.debenhams.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10052_10001_156060000099_-1"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>, on sale, although the shade I got, <b>Rose Julep</b> is low in stock. </div>
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<b>Halo Hair</b></div>
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I finally got my hair reblonded after leaving it be for the last 4 months. I tend to let my roots grow out as long as possible cause my own hair colour is pretty light but every so often it's fun to go super bright blonde. It felt appropriate coming in to Spring but what wth the snow I guess I'm looking more like an Elsa tribute act now. Anyway, the blonde is courtesy of the wonderful Alison in Halo Hair on Drury st, to book find them online <a href="http://halohair.ie/about.html"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>. </div>
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<b>The Start of the Snow</b></div>
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Look, we all got excited there at the start of the last week in February when we found out we were getting some snow. Of course, it's turned out to be so bad that people have lost electricity, some have had holidays cancelled, have had injuries, can't get to work, or worse (in the case of a lot of my colleagues in the health service) have had to sleep in work or nearby hotels. Zero craic. It was beautiful to begin with though. Snow make everything pretty. </div>
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<b>Contributing to Happy Magazine</b></div>
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I was delighted this month to be asked to be a contributor by the lovely Holly, formerly of <b>Sweet Like Cinnamon</b> blog and now editor of <b>Happy Magazine</b>, a site created to provide daily positivity for people going through cancer in Ireland. I'll be sharing my book reviews there and there's some excellent articles to be found on it, so if there's anyone you know who you think would like Happy Magazine, you'll find it<span style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://www.happymagazine.ie/"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a></span>!</div>
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<b>Beautiful New Shoes</b></div>
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These are from the <b>bridal collection</b> on <b>asos</b> but that did not stop me. I've been practically stalking these shoes and they kept selling out while I weighed up whether or not to get them until they got them back in stock recently and I said feck it and bought them. They are very high and extremely fancy but I am nothing if not a trier so I'll make the extra height work and as you may be aware, I am myself, <i>very</i> fancy so I think I can pull these off...Find them<a href="http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-papaya-bridal-embellished-heels/prd/7235002?clr=nudesatin&SearchQuery=bridal%20shoes&gridcolumn=4&gridrow=10&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=104"><span style="color: magenta;"> HERE</span></a>. (I'll show these in more detail on Insta, the photo here is small and they deserve more of a spotlight ;)</div>
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And that's the lot for February. </div>
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How was your month? </div>
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Do we have any overlapping favourites?</div>
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I'm guessing West Cork could be in there somewhere?!</div>
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Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-57954752851760899312018-02-27T15:04:00.001+00:002018-02-27T15:10:14.734+00:00Recently Read: January<div style="text-align: center;">
Man, did I read some truly excellent books last month. I have a thing about the first book of the year that I read- it has to be good, otherwise I feel like it's a bad reading omen for the year. It's probably nonsense but it fills me with great joy when I read a brilliant book in the first few cold days of January!</div>
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<b>Practical Magic</b> by Alice Hoffman</div>
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And here it is, the excellent first read of 2018. This is what the 90's film of the same name, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman was based on. I also loved that film and kind of jumped at the chance to read the book when it popped up on my Borrowbox (library ebook/audiobook app). Gillian and Sally have had an unusual upbringing. Their parents deaths left them orphans in the care of their two elderly, unconventional aunts. The other kids bullied them for being weird and the rumours of witchcraft followed them around everywhere they went. They're both desperate to escape this life and as soon as they're old enough they do just that- one of them runs away and lives a very wild life, while the other settles down and marries. It looks like they may never see each other again, until dark forces (and let's face it, a bit of magic) brings the sisters back together again. I really loved this book. The descriptions are beautiful; it's romantic and witty, dramatic and fantastical and it flows along wonderfully. Hoffman has a very unique style of writing that I haven't come across before. I've already checked out the sequel, <b>The Rules of Magic</b> from the library and I cannot wait to start it!</div>
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<b>The Mother of All Questions</b> by Rebecca Solnit</div>
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I've mentioned before my love for feminist author Rebecca Solnit (<a href="https://nursefancypants.blogspot.ie/2017/12/recently-read-august-september.html#.WpV0n7aca9Y"><span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>) and after buying <b>Men Explain Things To Me</b> while in Boston, I had to get The Mother Of All Questions when I saw it in a San Franciscan book store. This is actually the third in this series, so it looks like I'll need another stateside trip to get the second one and complete the tradition! This is a collection of essays with feminism at their core and with the central theme being "the mother of all questions", i.e if you have children, if you don't, why not and are you selfish for not having them? Questions Solnit and many women are all too familiar with. I really enjoyed this, I couldn't put it down and I found her discussions on misogynistic violence, women who refuse to be silenced, the gender binary, rape jokes and the fragile masculinity of some of the "great male authors" were incredibly insightful and well thought out. Several times I found myself reading a section aloud to Himself. Loved it. </div>
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<b>Fierce Kingdom</b> by Gin Phillips</div>
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I read about this book last year and the premise; a mother with her son on a day trip to the zoo, forced to fight for their survival when they come under attack, left me so intrigued that I had to get it! I listened to this one, again on my Borrowbox app (honestly, save yisserselves a fortune and get a library card lads). It starts out pretty innocuously, Jane is in the play area of the park with her young son and becomes aware of how late it's getting. She starts to gather him and his toys up, hurrying hm along to the exists when she hears some loud noises, confused as it's too early in the year for fireworks. When she finally realises what it is- a terrorist group have taken over the zoo and are shooting everyone in sight, Jane's adrenaline kicks in and she has to use all her strength to keep her and her son safe, outwitting the killers. This was an interesting take on the thriller genre, considering most of what's around at the minute is very much your domestic noir, this was refreshingly different but at the same time, relevant to the society we live in where these sorts of attacks are becoming more and more commonplace, particularly in America. </div>
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<b>Little Deaths</b> by Emma Flint</div>
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This was another Borrowbox read and this is <i>not</i> an ad for Borrowbox, I swear! Set in an oppressively tight-knit working class community in Brooklyn in 1965, Ruth Malone is a single mother of two, working as a cocktail waitress at night and seeing different men in her spare time. She wakes one day to discover that her two children are gone- missing from their beds. No one saw anything but because of Ruth's unconventional lifestyle for the time, all fingers immediately point to her. The police decide she did it and nothing can change their minds. Meanwhile, a young journalist becomes obsessed with the case and with the beautiful and tragic Ruth. Did Ruth kill her children or is she a victim of misogyny and the public court of opinion? I was astounded by this book- I felt at times like I couldn't read on but then I was so gripped by Ruth and her plight that I had to. It's really beautifully written and so evocative of the time. It made me feel angry and sad and devastated, all at the same time. I both highly recommend this book and advise caution; if you have children or you're of a particularly sensitive disposition lately, I would avoid!</div>
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<b>Killman Creek</b> by Rachel Caine</div>
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This is the sequel to <b>Stillhouse Lake</b>, a thriller I read last year and loved. This was provided for review, so thank you to <b>NetGalley</b> for that! Gwen Proctor is living a secret life. She used to be Gina Royal, wife and mother of two until her husband was revealed to be a prolific serial killer. She had to change her name and those of her children, bringing them on the run, moving at a minutes notice, if it looked like the internet trolls who stalked them had found their whereabouts. In the first book the family had managed to find peace at Stillhouse Lake; that is until the bodies of young women began to turn up nearby, murdered in the same gruesome method as Gwen's ex husband was known for. While that turned out to not be the work of Gwen's ex, he did escape his prison cell at the end of the first book and so now Killman Creek is about their survival again; can Gwen track him down and kill him before he finds her? I love Gwen's character; she's strong and resilient but human too. As her close knit support circle begins to dwindle she has only herself to rely on and she has to find the strength to keep going, even in the face of utter horror. It's unusual to find a female protagonist like this and I'm really hoping there'll be a third book!</div>
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<b>Women & Power A Manifesto</b> by Mary Beard</div>
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This was a super quick read- just two short essays from professor of classics and feminist Mary Beard. Sick of the online misogynist trolls, Beard decides to examine the origins of this behaviour and finds that it traces right back to Ancient Greece. Here, she dips in to the classics to compare the treatment of women in Homer's Odyssey and works or art to how Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren and other prominent women are treated in society today. Beard also reflects on her own experiences of sexist abuse online, examining the power structure between men and women. I found this to be a really interesting read and focused on an area of feminism I hadn't concerned before. </div>
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And that's the lot for the minute. I'll have February's books up soon but until then, have you read any of these? What are you reading right now?</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-42369125368955379572018-02-12T11:10:00.000+00:002018-02-12T20:04:47.466+00:00Come, Look At My Trash #7<div style="text-align: center;">
Alright, these have been building up for a while now and everyone loves a good empties post, so here we go. I'm gonna empty out my box of beauty trash and let you know what I loved, what I didn't and what I would buy again. It's one of my personal favourite types of blog posts actually cause it's almost the best type of review- you liked something enough to use it up and now you can properly give its pros and cons! Yay!</div>
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<b><u>Make Up:</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4P6AWNVuQ/WoBbyZzPAoI/AAAAAAAAMrE/iM7UJSp3TUAenr_UVFDUQRKKvd45ofCsACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8218-2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4P6AWNVuQ/WoBbyZzPAoI/AAAAAAAAMrE/iM7UJSp3TUAenr_UVFDUQRKKvd45ofCsACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8218-2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>YSL Le Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara x3. </b>Yeah...I really like this mascara, clearly. I usually pick up a double pack when I pass through duty free cause it's better value. This mascara is just high drama, no fallout, pitch black. I haven't found its match and I've tried a lot of mascaras! Do you even need to ask? I've another waiting to go!<br />
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Speaking of!<b> Bourjois Mascara Effet Push Up Volume Glamour*</b>. This was a good little mascara actually. Not quite on a par with my all time fave but a good, cheaper option. Would buy again.<br />
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<b>Benefit's They're Real Macara</b>. This is a mini that I got in a set. I've never been a huge fan of this mascara, I don't like the hard plastic bristles. I do love mini mascara though, so handy <i>and </i>adorable!<br />
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<b>Bourjois Brow Design Mascara*</b>. This is in a brown shade that might have been slightly too dark for me, but I liked the formula and how thin the brush is, which is important for a brow product like this. Would buy again!<br />
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<b>Flower That's So Kohl Brown eyeliner</b>. I freakin loved this!! This is Drew Barrymore's make up brand. I annoyingly bought only one of these and it's brilliant. It's a thick kohl pencil that smudges really well with the sponge at the other end. I couldn't find this brand when we were in the states again last November, and I was raging!<br />
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<b>Maybelline Master Prime by Face Studio Blur & Illuminate</b>. I really liked this primer. It provided a nice, glowy base, good for dry skin. It also has an spf of 30. I got this in the states, not sure if they have this one here but even if they do I have two or three other primers to use up first!<br />
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<b>Revlon double ended eye cream</b>. Again, an American purchase. On one end is a beautiful taupey silk shimmery shade that I used every last drop of. On the other is a matching glitter cream, which I liked but just didn't use. I'm kind of past the all out glitter shadow look at this stage to be honest. I would buy again but I'd love to just get that one shade on its own!<br />
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<b>Maybelline Anti-Age Eraser Eye conceleaer</b>. This is probably my third one of these. It has a little sponge at the top, you twist and then pat it on under your eye. This is a great concealer. I've already got another one on the go!<br />
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<b>NYX Concealer</b>. All of the packaging has come off of this so I'm not sure what the actual name of this is but it was grand. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. I probably wouldn't buy it again.<br />
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<b>YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation</b>. Love this. Probably my second or third bottle but they have changed the formula, so I'm not sure about getting another one..<br />
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<b>Bourjois City Radiance Foundation</b>. This is a really light weight foundation, more like a BB cream than anything. I like it though, it's nice for days where you don't want that much coverage but you still want a little summin' summin'. I have a new one ready to go!<br />
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And my most impressive beauty empty of all time is the<b> Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel</b>. So this took maybe three years for me to use up. it didn't go off and stayed perfect that entire time. I often used this as a make up base to give an extra healthy glow and sometimes I blended it out as a bronzer over foundation. It's a good product but I got sick of using it if I'm perfectly honest! I would buy it again but I might leave it a while!<br />
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<b><u>Shower & Hair:</u></b></div>
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<b>Korres Almond & Cherry shower gel</b>. I got this plus the body lotion further down in here on offer last January from Debenhams. This smells beautiful and lathers well. Korres are one of my fave brands- they use mostly natural ingredients, are cruelty free and can be hard to find here which gives them a nice elusive quality ;) Would buy again.<br />
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<b>Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub</b>. Sweet baba Jay, the smell of this. I could eat it, honestly! And I would too except that I always stop myself in time (I jest). Anyway, this is an excellent body scrub. When I'm prepping for tan, I use it dry first, then hop in the shower, add water and scrub some more. It's good. Would def buy again.<br />
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<b>Kevin Murphy Angel Rinse & Angel Shine</b>. I love this range. it's great for damaged hair, which mine is. I've gone through a few of these and although they're pricey, I'd definitely buy them again. They work.<br />
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<b><u>Skincare:</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqWhOp82l0s/WoBZSFHC34I/AAAAAAAAMqg/cx5bBSfjhjYkcXD3TmB0Empq1XKyXkwJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8225-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqWhOp82l0s/WoBZSFHC34I/AAAAAAAAMqg/cx5bBSfjhjYkcXD3TmB0Empq1XKyXkwJwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8225-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water</b>. They sell these smaller sizes right by the counter in Penneys and I get suckered into buying them every time. This is grand. It's a micellar water like, they're really just for removing the top layer of your make up before you go in with a proper oil cleanser to do your second cleanse. Or you know, when you're too tired to get out of bed and the bottle is right there. I probably will end up getting this again for handiness sake if nothing else.<br />
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<b>Korres Almond & Cherry Body Milk</b>. This is the partner to the shower gel above. This was gorgeous too. Keep an eye on Debenhams sale online for the Christmas sets like this. I got the two of these for about €11, if memory serves correctly. I'd absolutely get this again.<br />
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<b>Aveeno Skin Relief Cooling Menthol Moisturising Lotion</b>. I think I got this on special offer where it was half price in some random pharmacy so I said I'd give it a go. I found this great for the drier skin on my legs. It's not the most luxurious of body creams- I use them on my arms and chest to get the most out of them and this is very much just for legs, elbows, knees, other dry patches etc. I have a new one ready to go!<br />
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<b>Burt's Bees Ultimate Care Body Lotion with Baobab Oil for Very Dry Skin</b>. I bought this in New Orleans the October before last and every time I smelt this since, it reminded me of our very cool Airbnb apartment, beads, gators and being both very warm and very drunk. Great times. It's also brilliant for dry skin- super moisturising. They didn't have this exact one the last time I was in the states (I can never find this exact product in Ireland either) so I bought a different scent for dry skin, hopefully it'll be as good!<br />
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<b>Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado, Olive & Basil Body Butter</b>. Oh, I loved this. It's so moisturising and sinks in so well but it also smells just like Summer. It's gorgeous. I definitely want more of this in my life.<br />
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<b>Ren Express Make Up Remover*</b>. This was a nice milk cleanser. It did the job well but I suppose it was nothing special. I wouldn't be against using it again but I wouldn't actively seek it out again.<br />
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<b>Korres Wild Rose Brightening & Line Smoothing Serum</b>. I bought this in Greece because the Korres products are way better value over there. I used this every morning, under my moisturiser and it was an absolute joy. My skin felt soft and comforted plus you can't beat a shot of vitamin C to your skin! It also smells really good (are you sensing an olfactory pattern here?) And yes, I want more!!<br />
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<b>Nivea Double Effect Eye Make Up Remover*</b>. This is one of those half oil, half water yokes that you shake up before applying onto a cotton pad. If I'm wearing a lot of eye make up/heavy mascara, I hold the cotton pad over my eyelid for a few seconds and it desolves the worst of it. This is a really good, non-stingy and non-costly option. I already have a new one on the go!<br />
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<b>Fresh black Tea Firming Overnight Mask</b>. I've actually been using this since I bought it in New York two years ago. It took that long to finish, and not because I didn't love it (because I did) but because a little goes a long way. I'm also big into overnight masks and the smell of tea so this was a win-win for me. Who knows whether it actually firmed my face or not but I will say that it is intensely moisturising. My face always felt softer and less parched the morning after using it. I'd definitely buy it again but it costs $60 so I'm using up everything else I have first!!<br />
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<b>Rituals Magic Touch Body Cream Ritual of Sakura Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom</b>. Another beautifully scented body lotion. I also found this one to be really good for dry skin and I would 100% buy it again. It feels very luxurious when it's applied.<br />
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<b>The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Butter*</b>. I brought this to California as it's such a handy size, so now yet again the smell of this will always remind me of that trip. This is from a limited edition Christmas range that comes out every year- I'll definitely get it next Winter because it's a great moisturiser, smells sweet but with a gorgeous hit of spice from the cinnamon to warm it up.<br />
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<b>Botanics Hydration Burst Hydrating Day Cream*</b>. This was really more of a very light gel and while it did the job in the warmer months, I really need a thicker moisturiser throughout the colder parts of the year (so that's September through to March, then. Thanks, Irish weather). I probably wouldn't buy it again for that reason.<br />
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<b>The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Body Butter*</b>. I brought this to California as it's such a handy size, so now yet again the smell of this will always remind me of that trip. This is from a limited edition Christmas range that comes out every year- I'll definitely get it next Winter because it's a great moisturiser, smells sweet but with a gorgeous hit of spice from the cinnamon to warm it up.<br />
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<b>Lancome Renergie Multi Lift Cream</b>. This is quite a thick, heavily scented cream. It says it's for all skin types but if you have sensitive skin, I'd probably avoid it to be honest. It does have an SPF of 15 which is good but I wouldn't buy it again, I felt like it needed a lot of work to move it around my face and the smell is a bit overpowering.<br />
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<b>Kinvara Rosehip Face Serum</b>. I really liked this, it did feel quite intensive on the skin but I didn't run into any problems like some people with more sensitive skin have reported with it. I probably wouldn't get this again, purely because I've used serum I've preferred more since.<br />
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<b>Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm</b>. One of my all time faves. This is probably my fourth tub. I'll absolutely buy it again!<br />
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<b>The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover</b>. Not such a big fan of this one. It actually stung my eyes, which is strange for a gentle eye make up remover. That might just be me. Anyway, this then leaked all over my toiletry bag so it finished itself off in the end. Wouldn't buy again.<br />
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<b>The Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream</b>. I liked this one, it's thick enough that it feels like you're giving yourself a nice nighttime face mask. I much preferred this to its day cream counterpart. I'd get this one again.<br />
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<b>Clarins HydraQuench Cream</b>. Not a huge fan of this, again it has a very overpowering perfumed scent that feels a bit smothering on. Won't be getting it again.<br />
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<b>Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm</b>. I'm obsessed with this stuff. It's the best cleanser I've ever used- you apply it to dry skin, add some water to emulsify and the oil/balm melts your make up and cleans it all away with a warm muslin cloth. I love the smell. Love it!! I've another mini one on the go but I'm getting a full size as soon as that's finished (treat yo'self etc), even if it is horribly expensive! Eep.<br />
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<b>Korres Damask Rose Overnight Mask for fatigued skin</b>. God knows I need this! As I've mentioned, I loved the overnight masks, this was lovely. Possibly a little greasy so I probably wouldn't get it again.<br />
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<b>The Body Shop Oils of Life Sleeping Cream</b>. I loved this!!! It felt so luxurious, especially when used with the Oils of life facial Oil. Would buy both of these again, for sure.<br />
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<b>M&S Beauty Formula Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream</b>. This promises it'll make you look like you've had 8 hours sleep..I'm not sure if that's true but I know I really liked this and I'd buy a full size!<br />
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<b>Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil light</b>. This is a really gorgeous facial oil- it sinks in really well but provides the same nourishment as a heavier oil might. I got this in the states and I'd definitely get a new one the next time I'm back!<br />
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<b><u>Other:</u></b></div>
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<b>Cocoa Brown Instant Tan Bronzing Gel Shimmer</b>. I'm a big fan of instant wash off tan, always have been. Back in the day I was all about the Rimmel Sun Shimmer. I liked this one, there was no streaking, easy to apply, nice glow. I would get it again but I'm currently using a really good one from St. Moriz.<br />
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<b>Chloé Love Story Eau de Parfum</b>. This is my second bottle of this that I've gone through. I love this perfume, possibly more than the original Chloé. This is a delicate floral but not overly sweet- it has a powdery feel to it too and it lasts really well on the skin. Love it, would love more of it!<br />
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Phew! That was quite a lot; probably a years worth of beauty trash! Are any of these your favourites too?</div>
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*Denotes that the product was provided for review but this is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, as always.</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-70346671430941201502018-02-07T14:18:00.000+00:002018-02-07T14:36:54.654+00:00Recently Read: October, November & December<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't be put off by the amount of months there, I slowed down a bit towards the end of the year so there's not as many books here as I'd like, plus I will make a concerted effort to be more brief than usual! My plan for the year ahead is to read 70 books. I'm 9 in. I can do this! </div>
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*book reading montage*</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Nasty Women</b> by Ink 404</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This is a collection of essays written by women from different backgrounds, ethnicity's, sexual orientations, educations, etc. about being a woman in the 21st century when intolerance, misogyny and political turmoil seem to be on the rise. The name refers to the now infamous quote from Trump, referring to Hillary Clinton, which has become a badge of honour for some women in the states. I really enjoyed reading this, the different perspectives on a variety of topics kept it </span>fresh and interesting and I kept wanting to read on to the next essay, regardless of how tired I was at the time!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>The Other Girl</b> by Erica Spindler</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Miranda Rader is a detective and a good one at that. Her kidnapping and attempted rape as a teenager, left her determined to make something of herself and put her into a position of authority where she can help other women. No one believed her when she was a teenager, about her own attack or about the girl who was taken with her and who was never found. Miranda has for the most part put this behind her, that is until she and her partner are called to a murder scene where the victim had a newspaper clipping detailing Miranda's kidnapping. He has been brutally murdered and by his injuries, it looks like a woman could be the perpetrator. Then Miranda's prints are found at the scene and things start to look very bad for her indeed. This is a great little thriller that kept me guessing thanks to a few twists and turns and the odd red herring thrown in for good measure! I really liked Miranda's character and the love story/steamy sex scenes didn't do any harm either!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>The Betrayals</b> by Fiona Neill</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This was a book club read and not well liked by any of us if I recall correctly. The story is told from several different perspectives, giving it an uneven, jumpy quality. None of them are reliable narrators by the way, so you spend the entire book wondering what really happened. Anyway, Rosie and Lisa used to be best friends. They shared everything, went on holidays together and their children were best friends too. That is until Lisa betrayed Rosie. After years of silence, Rosie receives a letter from Lisa, exposing long held secrets and asking for help. The letter will cause Rosie's family to unravel even further. Nothing really happens in this book. You're lead to believe the whole way through that there's going to be some dramatic reveal but there really isn't. It felt a bit dragged out to me and the content doesn't match how it was marketed- it <i>looks</i> like and the blurb <i>reads</i> like a domestic noir thriller (that are all the rage at the minute) but don't be fooled- it's not. It moves along at a snails pace. On the plus side, there is a very realistic portrayal of OCD in there that I haven't seen as well written in any other novel. Overall though, I'd avoid. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Little Fires Everywhere</b> by Celeste Ng</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I featured this in my top 5 books of the year <a href="http://nursefancypants.blogspot.ie/2018/01/favourite-books-of-2017.html#.WnsGKLZ0e9Y">(<span style="color: magenta;">HERE</span></a>). It was another book club read but much more successful this time. Elena Richardson is a journalist and mother of four, living in an affluent suburb of Cleveland. She is wealthy, successful and respected in her town, which she thinks is down to playing by the rules, something she's prided herself on her entire life. That all gets shaken up when free-spirited artist Mia and her teenage daughter Pearl move to the area; Elena's four children immediately becoming obsessed with them both, which makes Elena uneasy and envious. A local adoption involving Elena's best friend turns into a vicious custody battle that makes enemies of Elena and Mia and Elena decides to use her journalistic skills to uncover secrets about Mia's former life in an effort to destroy her. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">I've had a few people say they started this (on my recommendation..eep!) but found it quite slow moving. It is a slow burner, for sure, but it's beautifully written and atmospheric. The characters feel like real, flawed humans and I could understand their motives, even when they did terrible things. If you're looking for a quick, easy read, this isn't it but stick with it, it's gratifying in the end. Promise!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Recipes For A Nervous Breakdown</b> by Sophie White</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This is part </span>memoir, part self-help book, part recipe book. I enjoyed <i>all</i> the parts. Sophie White was a regular gal, living a regular life until she took a tablet at a festival which led to the worst trip of her life and a knock on effect of debilitating mental illness for the next few years. The book covers that time but also her recovery, how she met her husband, their travels together and how she became a chef. The recipes throughout coincide with these times in her life, along with "meals to eat when..." you're pregnant, hungover, in love etc. I loved this book. It gave me so many recipe ideas, beautiful food photos to look at, good life advice and overall an interesting life story to read. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Under The Dome</b> by Stephen King</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">This is your classic King; small town Americana full of good and bad people who must face an un-fightable force of evil in order to survive..if the bad guys don't kill all the good guys along the way first, that is. A clear barrier descends over a small town, landing directly on the town borders. Nothing can pass in or out without annihilation and it cannot be destroyed. The longer it's there, the worse the oxygen levels become and the more likely it is that the town's resident mini dictator/murderer will destroy all the townsfolk. This was so gripping and as with all King books you get completely engrossed and attached to the characters. So many times I got annoyed and could be heard exclaiming "WHY? WHY HIM?!" etc. It's long, so you really have to like your King to take this one on- it's not his best but that's a pretty high bar anyway. I enjoyed muchly. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>The Couple Next Door</b> by Shari Lapena</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">This is one of the bigger bestselling thrillers from last year. It seemed at one point like everyone was reading The Couple Next Door. Two couples are at a dinner party, one of the couples have a baby daughter who they've left </span>unattended in their home next door, with the baby monitor on. They check on her every half an hour. When they at last leave the dinner party it's been an hour since they checked on her and to their horror, find she's not in her cot- she's been kidnapped. No one is beyond suspicion; the couple themselves, their neighbours, their family etc and the book is really just about figuring out who took her and why. There's a few twists and turns and overall it's a really quick and entertaining thriller, without a huge amount of substance. </div>
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<b>This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor </b>by Adam Kay<br />
Adam Kay is a comedian that originally trained to be a doctor and got quite far too until a tragic event at work made him completely change careers. This is his account of being a junior doctor in the NHS; from the very bottom of the rung; med student and intern, right up to senior house officer and registrar. Health care professionals LOVE telling you all of their weirdest and most wonderful hospital stories. I should know, I'm a nurse and a midwife and I'm married to a doctor. We regularly try and out-do each other with our work stories (no names mentioned, obviously. All very confidential) because that's what doctors and nurses do to relieve the stress we feel from the responsibility our jobs demand from us.<br />
Adam is no different here and for the most part this is a funny read. At the heart of it though, is an expose of just how hard junior doctors work. They miss family events, can't maintain a relationship, work 24 hour shifts, sleep at work instead of going home cause sometimes it's easier and that's all before you add in the abuse from the public and the constant fear that they may make a mistake due to sheer exhaustion. I really enjoyed reading this because it all rang so true for me. I've experienced a lot of what Adam mentions (although I still think most of my hospital stories are better) and I would highly recommend everyone reads this, health care professional or not. It's an eye opener for most people but also, it's really very entertaining. I laughed, I winced and I cried loud, gulpy sobs. </div>
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<b>Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race</b> by Reni Eddo-Lodge<br />
Reni Eddo-Lodge originally wrote an essay with the same name, which garnered so much interest she was asked to expand on the topic and write a novel, and here it is. The first quarter of the book explores the origins of racism in the UK and what role it currently plays in modern Britain. Here, she discusses whitewashed feminism, the connection between class and race and her suggestions for how we can acknowledge and counter racism when it occurs. This is a huge issue right now with modern feminism branching off between intersectionality and those who well, don't understand the actual meaning of feminism I guess?! I enjoy reading and learning as much as I can about feminism and how I can practice intersectional feminism and be a more inclusive and supportive feminist while acknowledging my own privilege, and I found this was a really astute perspective that would be helpful to most feminists.</div>
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<b>What Happened</b> by Hillary Rodham Clinton<br />
I mean, we all want to know the answer to that one, am I right?? Hillary taking the blame squarely for it herself in this book about her run and subsequent loss of the US presidency. Also to blame of course are misogyny, sexism, the Russians, those damn emails, the head of the FBI, a feeling amongst Americans that there needed to be a change in the status quo and the inexplicable popularity of Donald Trump. I'm not a blind follower of Clinton, I'm well aware of mistakes she has made throughout her 30 year career in politics (I still can't reconcile the fact that a woman with 30 years experience in the job lost to a male reality TV show host), which she also addresses in this book. She holds her hands up and admits to things she would not do the same if she had a second chance. But she also makes the valid point that male politicians regularly make huge errors of judgement that effect millions and their careers aren't tarnished forever more. For me, this book provided a lot of food for thought. I had been following the US election so I was interested anyway but I also think hearing from the first major female presidential nominee after her defeat is an interesting read! I listened to this on audible cause HRC reads it herself so it fees more authentic that way, even though she can be a little stiff sometimes in her delivery. There's a lot of political discussion in here- what she planned to do if she had won etc. that isn't particularly fascinating but overall I enjoyed it and felt like I learnt a lot more about her as a person- and she is an interesting woman. If you're interested in politics and feminism and how those two coincide then you'll enjoy this too. </div>
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<b>Mindhunter; Inside The FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit</b> by John E. Douglas<br />
This is the book that the recent Netflix series Mindhunter was based on. There's some minor changes between the two but it's the same basic gist. I feel like I learnt more about the life of John Douglas (the main character in the show) from reading this and there's definitely far much more detail on the crimes featured in the series in here, as well as plenty of crimes that aren't (season 2 anyone?). There's also a lot more information about profiling itself, which I find compelling. Overall, an insightful read that kept me captivated, once I got past the first few chapters (those were a little slow). If you like True Crime, this is a good'un. </div>
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OK, I lied, I was not brief but it's hard not to gush about books! </div>
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Tell me, have you read any of these? What are you currently reading?</div>
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Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-91699600946610707262018-02-04T20:34:00.002+00:002018-02-04T20:34:48.188+00:00Clarins SOS Primers | New Release!<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the nicest things about the new year is all the lovely Spring beauty releases.<br />
Pastel nail polish, floral notes in perfumes and peachy lip shades all make a reappearance and it starts to feel like there might just be an end in sight to the misery of Winter.</div>
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I've been lucky enough to try out one such lovely new release; the <b>SOS Primers</b> from <b>Clarins</b>. You will by now have heard of these if you're a beauty fiend. They've been all over <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nursefancypants/">Instagram</a> </span>and I'm mostly talking about my own instastories there- I love this primer!</div>
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A quick description of these fellas: there's six in the range with each one taking care of a different skin issue. I have two to try out; <b>Universal Light</b> to <b>boost radiance for dull skin</b>, and<b> Lavender</b> for <b>brightening sallow skin</b>. </div>
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Also in the range is <b>Rose</b>, which <b>minimises signs of fatigue</b> (I kinda feel like I could do with this one too if I'm honest!), <b>Peach</b>, which<b> blurs imperfections</b> for a flawless finish, <b>Coral</b>, which <b>minimises</b> <b>dark spots</b> and <b>Green</b>, which <b>diminishes redness</b> (a good one for anyone dealing with Rosacea).<br />
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So as well as doing what primers are meant to do, i.e provide a good base for your foundation, they have the added bonus of tackling whatever skin issue you've been struggling with.<br />
Thus, killing two birds with the one, smoothing stone. Hurrah!</div>
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I've been using <b>Universal Light </b>for the last three weeks. I wear it under <b>Isadora's Cover Up Foundation & Concealer</b>. That particular product is medium to full coverage, which I don't normally wear thanks to my dry skin but, if you add it to an illuminating primer you balance the two out perfectly. I liked that foundation anyway but I <i>love</i> it with this primer. Rarely does a day go by when I wear the two together that I don't get complimented on my face, which is always enjoyable! :D</div>
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I've tried out Lavender and can see the pigments in it, clearly, but as I don't have sallow skin, I'm not the best person to trial it! It has the same consistency though, which is a wonderful base for your foundation- leaving you with a smooth and prepped surface that'll help your make up last longer. </div>
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It's a good'un.</div>
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The SOS Primers are available now and are €31 each.</div>
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<br />Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-22087654632490021962018-01-31T15:16:00.000+00:002018-01-31T15:16:33.701+00:00The Best of January<div style="text-align: center;">
At last, January is coming to an end. My least favourite month of the year, and probably most other people's also. Christmas is over, it's dull and dark. Dreary, cold and wet. </div>
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No more sparkly lights, nights out or continuous opportunities to drink Prosecco.</div>
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Somehow though, we still managed to make the most of it!</div>
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My month in review is a simple concept but it's a nice way of stepping into a new month with a bit of positivity. I'm gonna do this in bullet points cause otherwise I'll write an essay and no one wants that. </div>
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<li><span style="text-align: center;">We went to see our favourite painting (and if I'm being a knob I'll say "our wedding painting" also) </span><b style="text-align: center;">The Meeting On The Turret Stairs</b><span style="text-align: center;"> in the </span><b style="text-align: center;">National Gallery's Burton exhibition</b><span style="text-align: center;">, which was wonderful.</span></li>
<li>We finally got to <b>Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri</b>. I still haven't clarified in my own mind how I feel about that film as it's so multi-layered but I definitely can recommend it.</li>
<li>I read some brilliant books and got my years goal of reading 70 off to a great start. I read 6 books this month with favourites including; <b>Practical Magic</b> (Alice Hoffman), <b>Little Deaths </b>(Emma Flint) and <b>The Mother of All Questions</b> (Rebecca Solnit).</li>
<li>Mostly we stayed indoors to hibernate and watched the feck out of <b>Netflix</b>. <b>The Crown</b> season 2 was enjoyed with a healthy dose of anti-colonialism and we've also been binge watching <b>Elementary</b>, which is surprisingly entertaining.</li>
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<li>I made my triumphant return to my <b>pilates class</b>, which may or may not have crippled me but we'll worry about that in February. </li>
<li><b>Nollaig na mBan</b> (Women's Christmas) was spent with family in <b>The Westin</b> eating tiny sandwiches and sipping prosecco, which was a lovey treat (I lied about the lack of prosecco opportunities in January).</li>
<li>We booked our <b>Copenhagen/Mälmo/Stockholm</b> trip for May. You should know by now that I had nothing to do with that- it was all Himself (I did buy a swimsuit for our trip to the <b>Amalfi Coast</b> though so that's kind of the same thing as <b>holiday planning</b>, if you think about it)</li>
<li>We helped <b>christen our beautiful nephew and godson</b>, Tom. </li>
<li>We finally got to try <b>Hang Dai</b> for <b>Himself's birthday</b>; a fancy and very cool Chinese restaurant that had been high on our list of Dublin spots to go for food. We will be back.</li>
<li>Beauty wise, I loved trying the new <b>SOS Primers from Clarins</b> and the <b>MAC Lunar New Year lipsticks</b>, which Himself has described as looking like tampons. Thanks, Himself. </li>
<li>Lastly and most excitingly, Leo Varadkar has announced that a<b> referendum to repeal the 8th amendment </b>will go ahead this year and in May, no less. Got to get the old campaigning boots back on and also possibly organise a flight home for a day to vote from the previously mentioned trip to Sweden! </li>
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Phew! That feels better! I think I demonise January a bit too much, lots of good things happened! How was your month? What lovely things did you do to make the start of the year a bit more bearable?</div>
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Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650651699184849125.post-37056832558862096802018-01-17T08:51:00.001+00:002018-01-17T08:56:30.717+00:00Favourite Books of 2017!<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm finally getting around to this and being a bit kinder to myself by only doing my top 5 books of 2017, instead of my top 17...mostly because I'm writing this on Blue Monday (if it's <i>actually</i> a thing), I'm exhausted and also because I don't think anyone reads posts that are that long anymore. I do, if it's something interesting to me, like books, but I know not everyone can spare the time, so here's my condensed version of 2017 book faves. </div>
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If yisser lucky (joke) I'll still get around to popping up my fave beauty products, but only if January hasn't forced me into a full-on productivity downward spiral altogether.</div>
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<b>Himself</b> by Jess Kidd</div>
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This was the first book I read of 2017 so it's apt that I start with it now. I have a thing about the first book of the year being a good one; of course I'd prefer if they all were but that's not possible. That first fresh read of January though. It just <i>has</i> to be a good one because it sets up my entire reading for the year. I'm not superstitious about most things but that's one I do hold stock with. Anyways, the book itself is about a swagger-y young fella called Mahony who shows up in a small town in Co. Mayo in the 70's, on a mission to find out what happened to his runaway teen mother who disappeared almost straight after she gave birth to him. All is not as it seems; the locals are not happy to see him and it looks like everyone has a secret to hide, or tell, depending on how much they fancy Mahony. Thrown into the mix is the sometimes help/sometimes hindrance that is Mahony's ability to communicate with the dead. It sounds strange but it's actually brilliantly written; very witty, clever, extremely Irish, and yes, very creepy. Loved it!! Jess Kidd has a new book out soon that I cannot wait to read.</div>
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<b>When Breath Becomes Air </b>by Paul Kalanithi</div>
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This is the memoir of neurosurgeon and cancer patient, Paul Kalanithi. Paul had previously studied English and Philosophy so the book reads quite philosophically, unsurprisingly. He describes how drastically his life changed; going from an extremely hard working neurosurgeon, saving lives daily to being vulnerable and fighting for his own life, his marriage and to get back to the person he was before his tumour changed him irrevocably. I know some have felt the book was too sad but I found it positive and uplifting also. Paul lived his life to the fullest, he loved his family and changed how he practised medicine based on his experiences of being a patient himself. On a personal level, I found his comments about his career and how it affects who he was as a person particularly emotive. Because of these reasons, I think this would also be a great read for health care professionals, as well as everyone else.</div>
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<b>Life After Life</b> by Kate Atkinson</div>
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This is from 2013 and I've seen constant references to it in book blogging circles so I eventually got around to reading it this year and it was a revelation. Ursula Todd is born one snowy night in 1910 but doesn't take a breath and dies. In another 1910, Ursula Todd is born again on a snowy night but lives, which means little as she will continue to live different lives and die different deaths from then on. The varying lives Ursula leads are expertly woven together and left me bereft every time something bad happened to her (which happened a lot). It sounds grim but it was unlike any other book I've read and it has many uplifting moments. I didn't enjoy the sequel, A God In Ruins, however. I found it slow moving and I connected less to the characters but I really loved Life After Life.</div>
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<b>Little Fires Everywhere</b> by Celeste Ng</div>
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This was a late contender and a book club read that I became completely emerged in on our flight to LA. </div>
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Elena Richardson plays by the rules; in her job, her community and her own home, so she's more than a little put out when enigmatic artist Mia and her daughter Pearl arrive in Elena's affluent suburb, looking to settle down. All of Elena's children become involved in Mia and Pearl's life on some level, obsessions starting in some cases. It's not until Mia's role in a local adoption case comes to light, effecting Elena's best friend, that Elena decides they are in fact enemies- she doesn't trust Mia's motives and begins to dig into her history, uncovering long buried secrets which will have a devastating effect on all their lives. This is a really well written book. It's atmospheric and engaging and the characters are easy to visualise and relate to. Looking forward to reading more from Celeste Ng this year. </div>
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<b>Difficult Women</b> by Roxanne Gay</div>
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I hadn't read Roxanne Gay before and so I was very excited when I saw this collection of short stories on my local library shelf. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Every story has a woman as its protagonist and they're all full, rounded people with flaws and secrets, good and bad traits. I was crying by the end of the first story while others left me completely bereft and others, fuming with anger. I still think about some of the women's stories from time to time. This for me was one of those times when you come across something so new and so different that it floors you a little bit- I'm still not quite recovered. Trigger warning for rape/child abuse if you are thinking of reading it. I need to read everything else she's ever written this year. </span></div>
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Honourable mentions go to <b>The Princess Bride</b> by William Goldman (the book of the famous film, the book is also well loved and for good reason), <b>The Break</b> by Marian Keyes (Marian at her absolute best. Loved this story of a marital break, a family in crisis and a woman holding it all together), <b>Stillhouse Lake</b> by Rachel Caine (a sucker punch of a thriller- main character Gwen is in hiding from her serial killer ex but must use her considerable talents to protect herself and her kids from a copycat killer) <b>Eleanor Oliphant is completely Fine </b>by Gail Honeyman (a funny, poignant, tragic and sweet story of Eleanor; not really socially capable but in need of love),<b> Final Girls</b> by Riley Sager (a horror movie within a thriller, with a twist), <b>Under the Dome</b> by Stephen King (classic King- an epically long read that'll keep you gripped throughout) and <b>The Roanoke Girls</b> by Amy Engel (a creepy, atmospheric read about family secrets).</div>
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Dishonourable mentions go to <b>The Breakdown</b> by B.A Paris (extremely predictable and slow moving), <b>Into the Water</b> by Paula Hawkins (I didn't care about any of the characters and stopped reading halfway through. It was pretty blah), <b>Behind Her Eyes</b> by Sarah Pinborough (a drawn out thriller with a preposterous ending), <b>Nine Folds Make A Paper Swan</b> by Ruth Gilligan (a complicated and muddled mish-mash of depressing stories in one, a terrible book to read in January).</div>
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And that is my lot. Did any of these make it into your top books of the year? What were your least favourite?</div>
Nurse Fancy Pantshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02988437672649266129noreply@blogger.com0