The Illusive 'Virtual Domination' Palette

Just over a week ago it was my 20th birthday (I know it is only 20 but in my head that is older than I want to be... I have self proclaimed myself a teenager until the day I die) Anywho, I was truly treated and spoilt by family and my boyfriend, to whom I am so grateful for the gifts so close to Christmas which was expensive enough!

One gift in particular that I was very excited about, after chasing around after it since before Christmas trying to get my hands on it, is the NARS 'Virtual Domination' Cheek Palette. It was something on my christmas wish list, as I had seen it on the Space NK website as one of their exclusives, so went on a crazy man hunt in the stores to try to get my hands on it. Close to christmas as I was still looking it had completely sold out, so lost hope with that.

A month or so later, I found it on the NARS website, slightly to my surprise after seeing it as a Space NK exclusive. Nevertheless, my wonderful mum ordered it as one of my birthday presents, and after more hassle trying to get it here for my birthday, it finally arrived in time to my mums relief.

And it was definitely worth the wait...

The shades in the palette are Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush Powder, Deep Throat Blush, Laguna Bronzer, Sex Fantasy Blush and Final Cut Blush. All of these shades I think will cater to many different makeup looks, and will suit looks all year round from heavier in the Winter and lighter in the Summer.

The palette costs £45 and I think for the amount you get in the palette, it really is worth the money. However this palette is currently out of stock on the NARS and Space NK websites, so keep your eyes peeled if you are interested in getting your hands on one!

A change of scenery

Well, over the last few weeks everything about my daily routine has changed. On the 19th September, my parents and I packed up the car with all of my things, and plugged Nottingham into the sat-nav. Slightly teary after saying goodbye to my sister, we headed off, bound for the place I was going to be calling my home for the next three years studying a subject I love: Photography.  I had finally started university.

The thought that I am sat here writing this in a completely different area, house and bedroom shows just how much things can change so quickly, and how even though I thought I could never do it, finally leaving that home - wrapped comfort zone is some what refreshing.

This last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster (excuse the cliche); there have been some really great times (the notorious freshers week really lived up to expectations, as it was GREAT) but also some very difficult times getting to grips with living with complete strangers and learning to adapt to this new environment. I am a fully fledged 'I love my home and family and typical comfort zone of life' type of girl, so that first night and for a couple of weeks after arriving the transition was HARD. However don't take that as me saying I want to leave university, as living independantly is pretty refreshing once you get into it, and let me just say that I have taken a liking to cooking which my mum thought would never ever happen.  So maybe you will get some food snaps on the odd occasion, who knows!

If any of you reading this have just begun university, keep up the good work and I hope you are enjoying yourself! I hope to continue this blog as it is a reminder of home to me but also as I develop through my university adventure.

Rea x

Entering Autumn

So despite the incredible blue skies today clinging on as apposed to our usual grey and glum weather, Autumn is undoubtedly on our doorstep. This season, is one of my favourites. Many of you may be thinking how could you say that!? after the beautiful summer us Brits have just had (and believe me I am whole fully grateful) but there is something about Autumn that just gets me every time. 

The weather in Autumn, I think, is like marmite. Some hate it and and some love it. I personally love it, because you can enjoy those sunny mornings where the sky is blue and clear but you also get those days where you are forced to snuggle up inside all day (in fear of that transitional-to-cold-weather freezing numb face, but really it's an excuse to fill up on tea and cakes and lounge on the sofa) 

Some of my favourite things about Autumn include:

• The weather, as stated above
• The clothes. Topshop in particular becomes a beacon of guilt at this time of the year for me, because everything is just way to perfect. And so because of the change in temperature, without those new extra layers *trying to justify purchases*, well you may freeze . And no mum, you wouldn't want that...
• Candles. Those heavenly warm scents are back and there is no problem in filling your house with those smells even if someone else doesn't like them.
• Food. Hearty portions of typical pub food are back on the menu after the 'summer salad' phase. Oh how I've missed you...
• And obviously, with the arrival of Autumn, means not far behind it, is Winter. I don't think I need to tell you what that means... *Que Michael Buble serenading the hearts of every British woman*

So those are some of the reasons I am ready for Autumn this year, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the season and what your looking forward to also!

This Weeks Pic's

The perfect accompaniment of a mint green clutch with gold detailing from Accessorize

A perfect day at my Nans' Cousins house for a family reunion 

There were many little hidden gems among the gardens

I fell in love with the colours of the 'Primrose: Early Colour Photography In Russia' exhibition at the Photographers Gallery, London

Which was then followed by Eds diner Cajun Vegetable burger. I think it was well deserved after all the walking...