Starting the blog back up!

Hello!

So, 3 years after writing my last blog post I have decided to come back to this little corner of the internet and start posting again!

I’m hoping to find some interesting topics and see where it takes me. A lot has changed in my life, but I’m really looking forward to 2018 getting back into it!

Speak soon
Kirsty
x

My Day Out: Leeds - Kirkstall

I had a day off work on Tuesday and decided that I really wanted to do something nice with it... or at least something full stop! Often I have a day off and end up having a lie in, not getting dressed and ready until the afternoon, pottering around and before I realise its already getting to the evening and I have pretty much wasted the day. So, with that in mind, I am trying to make my days off more activity-based and a bit more interesting!

I have lived in Leeds around 6 months now and haven't really explored anywhere other that the area that I live and the city centre, so we decided we would walk along the Leeds-Liverpool canal and head to Kirkstall (home of Kirkstall brewery and Kirkstall Abbey - if you were interested)

It was a fairly nice day, not too hot for walking and not raining, so we headed along the water's edge. The walk itself is around 4 miles and at a leisurely pace only takes an hour or so.
Our desination at the end was The Bridge Inn at Kirkstall, where we stopped for lunch before heading back. I would definitely recommend the framboise (raspberry beer)

It was just a really pleasant afternoon and felt really good to be outside, getting some fresh air and exploring our local area. Leeds itself is a busy, hectic city, so it was really nice to see a bit of nature and 'countryside' without having to travel. Also, it costs nothing to go for a really nice walk!

I've added some pictures for you to have a little look at.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully I will be able to plan some more interesting days off and write them up too :)

Speak soon
Kirsty x

My first MAC lipstick - 'Diva'

This is a short post about the very exciting thing that happened today...  I bought my very first MAC lipstick! (Actually, first MAC product altogether)

I had wanted one for ages, but after a night out with a friend where we were both wearing red lipstick, I knew I had to get one. Basically, I spent the night touching up the colour after drinks etc, whereas hers stayed on all night. The quality was just so much better.

So, when I was in town, I took a trip to Harvey Nichols to the MAC counter and picked one up. Originally, I had planned to go for 'ruby woo' or 'russian red' but when I got there and swatched a few, I opted for 'diva' - I love it!!!

It is a really deep purpley/red colour - I will put the link in to the MAC website for it, but bear in mind I don't actually think the colour represents what it truly looks like. So definitely go and see for yourself!

Here: MAC - Diva lipstick

Its a bit of an indulgence, but because it feels like such a treat I know it was worth it - and it will be a rare ocassion that I venture back there. Also, its not actually as expensve as other high end brands...

I would love to try out other MAC products when I get the chance, so if you have any recommendations then I'd love to hear what you think! :)
Or maybe any other dupe products that are a bit more budget friendly!

Thanks for reading
Speak soon
Kirsty x

Night out make up look and new lipstick!

I thought I would share my look for a recent night out, including my new favourite red lipstick... Unbelievably, its just £1 from Make-Up Revolution. Absolute bargain.

MUA 'matte perfect' foundation
MUA eyeshadow in 'enchant' and 'starshine'
Eyebrows: MUA eyeshadow in 'fir'
Rimmel liquid liner in 001, black
Avon 'Color trend' powder in 'translucent'
Collection 'super size fat lash' mascara
Make up revolution lipstick in 'rebel with cause'

I really liked this look and like I said, I am really impressed with the lipstick, it stays on really well and only needed occassional touch ups

Thanks for reading!
Speak soon!
Kirsty x

My lazy Saturday night

I never usually get the chance to have a night at home on a Saturday as I work until 11pm 5 days a week, but this week I've been on holiday (not *holiday* unfortuantely... just holiday from work!)... so I was looking forward to some nice relaxing evenings just chilling out at home.

My Saturday night consisted of:

* A lovely bath
* Soap and Glory 'The righteous butter' moisturiser and Boots No. 7 'Youthful eye-serum'
* Snacks! (Sliced apple for the healthy part and of course a few biscuits as a treat!)
* Getting cosy in bed and watching Pretty Little Liars

and...

* A cup of tea :)

Thanks for reading :)
What does everyone else to do relax on a night off??

Speak soon!
Kirsty x

No Spend Day!

Today I thought I would do a blogpost on something I do at least once a week: 'No spend day'

It is literally as it sounds... a day where I don't spend a single penny.

I do this because, firstly, like a lot of people I don't make a fortune in wages *sob sob* snd secondly, it is really satisfying to spend the day not wasting money and actually using up things I have in the house.

There are a few ways in which I do this:

* Walking to and from work:
It takes me around 30 minutes to walk to work, which isn't too bad. I like to put some music on my headphones and its actually really nice to get some fresh air and exercise. The bus is £2.30 for a single fare or £4 for a return, so that is already money saved!

* Take a packed lunch:
We always have something in to make as a packed lunch, be it bread for sandwiches, soup or vegetables to use up and make some pasta and sauce, again its really satisfying to make my own lunch and this can save anything from £3 to £8 depending on what I would have bought!

* Cut out the coffee:
Well, not cut it out exactly, just don't buy it from a coffee shop. If I really fancy one I just make myself one at home, or when I get to work. That saves another £2.50 and you get to have it in your own mug :) (I love the cute one in the picture, I got it in Paris)

It might not sound like much but it could save you around £12 a day and if you do that just one day a week that adds up to over £600 a year!

I hope this was helpful!

Thanks for reading
Speak soon!
Kirsty x

Are primers worth it?

I've never really seen the appeal of using a primer... I just felt like it was a bit of a waste of money, a bit of a 'buzz product' and I didn't really think it would make much difference to my overall make up look or feel.

I saw this MUA 'Pro Base Primer' in Superdrug for around £5 and thought that it was cheap enough to try it out and see if it was any good.

I have been using it for around 2-3 weels now and have to say that I am pleasantly surprised with the results.

My first impression was that it has a really pleasant smell to it, which is always nice. Going into using it, I applied a small amount to clean skin, with the intention of then putting foundation over it. I have to say that after waiting 30 seconds for it to absorb into my skin it left my face feeling really fresh and it made applying my foundation quite a lot easier.

My make up has been lasting all day, which I think is another positive feature and I just feel like for the price it is a very good product.

I am not sure if I am sold on the idea of primers in general, as some of them can be very expensive, but I was happy with the results and I think I would repurchase this.

What do you think about primers? And do you have any suggestions or recommendations for me to try out?

Thanks for reading
Speak soon!
Kirsty x