We all just love to shop, don’t we? There’s nothing better than falling in love with something at first-sight & it’s in your budget. And they have it in your size & you try it on & it fits. And it’s just perfect— immense euphoria! Deep, sparkling & glittery, bliss & rapture!
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So, how would you like to meet up with me & experience the glee of shopping, together?* And win up to £60 of vouchers for clothing store, JoY?
Somewhere in my online environment (this blog, Twitter or Flickr), I’ve hidden a miniature Ford Ka (hint: look a little to your left!) & all you have to do is find it, comment on this post to tell me it’s whereabouts & answer the following question:
You’ve just got your hands on a lush new Ka— & it’s hot. You’re the envy of all your friends & strangers alike! You’ve been given the opportunity to furnish it exactly how you’d like it, both inside & out, & also pick a perfect playlist to pump through the stereo— & I want to know every single juicy detail! So tell me, what does it look like & what can I hear?!
The deadline for entries is 12 noon Tuesday 1st September (GMT), so make your entry amazing, exciting, brilliant, funny & creative!
Good luck!
*The private(!) shopping event will take place at the Bankside London JoY Store on the evening of 3rd September 2009 (so please make sure you’re available before entering!), where you’ll be able to shop with other bloggers & their readers! I’m not 100% sure I’ll be able to make it (although fingers crossed!), but Ford & JoY have kindly said that I can send a second reader in my place. That means two of you may get the chance to win! Yay! To win up to £60 of JoY vouchers on the night, you just have to find Ford Ka miniatures around the store. Easy peasy!
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Filed under: Giveaways and Competitions |
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Image by michaelpickard
In between the big moving house extravaganza, I managed to miss the last Friday Feeling post that I had to make, in order to complete a goal on my 101 list, “make a Friday Feeling post every week for 6 months”— but I’m not about to fall at the very last hurdle, so consider this bumper post a completion of no.074! And as you can imagine, what follows is mostly about my new home! This post was brought to you by a week of excitement at living with my partner, sorting out bills, food & generally being a domestic goddess. Normal posting will commence again soon— i.e. no more raving on about boring bills & bath towels & being a housewife!
Our pad— Obviously, right?! It’s all coming together nicely & we’ve only got the study to sort out & a few bills, then we’re done & can actually start enjoying the place properly. Hooray! It surprisingly feels like home already, with our new pink towels & media centre & throws & cushions on the sofa & our gorgeous kitchen!
Driving to work— I’m loving driving through the back lanes at the national speed limit (although getting up to 60mph when it’s so narrow & bendy, is impossible!), with my windows down & the radio blaring. And no more parking hassle when I get home & rows with neighbours, as I’ve got my own space!
Economy Gastronomy— I’ve always been one for trying to get a bargain anyway, but now I’m being fully self-sufficient, it’s more of a need! As I’m also a big foodie too, I think the BBC’s Economy Gastronomy is amazing! It has some great tips on how to make your food & your budget go further. We’re planning to grow a variety of chillies & herbs ourselves now, although whether I’ll remember to water them is another matter! And it may just be common sense, but it’s so true about planning ahead & buying only what you need for the coming week— we haven’t had any waste or mouldy food at all!
Honourable mentions— the hottest day of the year so far(!) & the lovely week of weather; little Dexter, our downstairs neighbour; Sainsburys Basics chocolate (SO good & SO cheap); just seeing treetops & blue sky from the window; burning scented candles; hearing from old school pals; getting involved in haircare promo’s; strawberry yoghurt; my lovely little en-suite bathroom & the massive power shower in it; being economical; afternoon naps; chocolate chip cookies; making bbq chicken; updating my 101 in 1001; making shopping & to-do lists; sorting out my iCal!
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Filed under: Friday Feeling, Regular Features |
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Thea-Kate is an all-singing, all-dancing, aspiring actress & model, but you might know her as YouTube make-up tutor, xrubyredlips. I think most people love her or hate her— & I certainly know which side of the fence I’m sitting on! I caught up with Thea recently & she kindly answered a few questions for me, about her life, loves & the fact the she– shock horror– doesn’t like cake! I know, I was unnerved too…
How might you describe yourself in less than 50 words?
I’m quirky & my own person- I believe I have my own style & do not copy anyone else! I also don’t care what anyone says about me! I love my life & I love to talk & sing. I’m caring.
I love your YouTube tutorials! When & why did you get started?
In July 2008, I was watching Panacea81 all the time & one day I was a little bored & decided to do my own video tutorials.
Do you think you’ll ever look back at some of your first vids & regret them?
Yes! A lot!
Anyone watching one of your videos for the first time, might be astonished to learn that you’ve just recently turned 13 years old. I know you receive a lot of comments about your age & some people think you’re too young for make-up, so how do you deal with such comments?
I personally don’t think 13 is too young for make-up. I was 12 when i started the videos and i have worn make-up for a long time, because I perform & sing & I’m constantly in shows & competitions, so I have to wear make-up. I learnt about make-up from a young age. People are entitled to their own opinions & that is fine. I certainly don’t take it to heart!
Do your friends at school know about your channel? If so, what do they think about it?
Yes they do. Some have subscribed, but I don’t mix school & my singing or performing or anything & do not go on about it— I never mention anything! I like to keep it totally separate.
Personally, I think it’s fab that you can do what you do at your age! When I was 13, there was no YouTube & make-up tutorials on the internet weren’t a big phenomenon, so a girl only had magazines to work from! Where do you get your inspiration for your looks?
I get the inspiration from my mum and nin (grandmother) & from watching other make-up artists on YouTube, & also watching shows like Britain / America’s Next Top Model & also from magazines.
What’s been your favourite look so far?
My ariel look. (see below)
What are your current 5 must-haves in your make-up bag?
Mac cream blush in liliscent, Urban Decay eyeshadow palette, Mac bronzer in golden, Soap & glory sexy mother pucker lipgloss & Maybelline colossal volume mascara.
Are there any other girls doing the same thing on YouTube that you admire or look up to?
There are really no other girls on YouTube that I look up to or admire. I have subscribed to some girls who are just starting out, but I seem to be the only girl with so many subscribers.
What’s your fav cosmetics brand?
Mac!
What makes you jump-in-the-air happy, besides make-up & singing?
Dancing, clothes and shopping! And holidaying— I have just been to Paris and went to the Chanel shop— that made me happy! My friends and family also make me happy. Oh & going to the theatre!
You’re a multi-talented girl, who acts, sings & models, as well creating online cosmetics tutorials. If you could only choose to do one of those for the rest of your life, which would it be & why?
Singing because it is my life— I have been brought up with music & if I could not have music & singing in my life, I would be so depressed!
What’s next for Thea-Kate? Where would you like to be in 10 years time?
Singing to millions of people on the West End, a famous film star, or a presenter on nationwide or worldwide TV, having my own range of clothes & make-up & RICH! Oh, & happy!
Quick fire round: What’s your fav…
Shop: Six, Topshop & Primark
Book: A Child Called It and Anne Frank’s Diary
Website: Facebook
Season: Summer
Band / Artist: The Script, The Naughtys & Michael Jackson
Food: Chinese
Cupcake flavour: I DON’T LIKE CAKES!
City: Paris
Thanks for talking to me Thea!
Do you have a shop, blog, brand, website, a hidden talent or something else you’d like to shout about from the rooftops, in the Aimee Marie Loves series? If so, please contact me!
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Filed under: Aimee Marie Loves..., Regular Features, Style and Beauty |
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Have you ever felt like you’re just waiting for your life to start? Like right now, you’re just existing & looking forward to the future of love, careers & family, but the ball just hasn’t started to roll, yet? Me too!
But, remember when I said I had some life-changing events happening for me? Well now that it’s all confirmed, I can reveal that my ball is rolling. Infact, it’s excitedly tumbling & bouncing down the big, pink, glittery hill of life, into complete euphoria! Yes, I’m completing number one on my 101 in 1001 list & moving out with my boyfriend! You might be lucky enough to already be in the place that we’ve dreamed our lives would be, for years— so hopefully you’ll know how exciting this is. It’s a big step! A big deal. It’s not like flying the nest as a student who’s off to university— this is about us & the future. I can’t wait!
On Saturday, we’re picking up the keys to our new life. No more ‘what-ifs’, no more ‘when’, no more dreaming— just living!
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Filed under: 101 in 1001 |
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Image by Ooh Food
I strive to write about things on this blog that are affordable & available to the vast majority of people & stay within the realms of reality— so here’s introducing a new feature titled “Life On A Shoestring“. It’ll cover everything from how to budget your monthly expenses, to where to get the best shopping deals, so you can live a great life without feeling like you’re in debt or going without luxuries.
If you know me, you’ll know that I have an appetite for aesthetic pleasure. I could (begrudingly, of course!) take or leave music, but I have a weakness for anything visual & derive great adoration from photography & film, graphic design, typography, fashion & style and more recently, interior design. I love great, unique furniture, little knick-knacks, colourful textiles and weird tins & boxes, as well as coloured or patterned home appliances!
Not everyone can afford to spend £190 on a cushion & kit out their pad with furniture from expensive vintage boutiques & antiques, as some magazines & blogs would suggest (I know I can’t!) But it is possible to have a lush apartment with good quality items, without shelling out all your life-savings— you just need to look in the right places!
IKEA [+]Sells: Mass-produced, contemporary homewares, from essential kitchen utensils, to sofabeds.
Flaws: Everyone flocks here & people tend to buy the same items, so just purchase a few key pieces of furniture at IKEA & shop elsewhere to textiles & decorative objects, if individuality & originality is important to you.
I love: The Expedit series!
If you like this, you might like: Amazon— & be sure to check out the marketplace for secondhand items!
DEPARTMENT STORES & SUPERMARKETSSells: Everything from CD/DVD racks to beanbags & bathroom towels! Shop around to find the best prices & don’t forget to look at reduced sections, to pick up a bargain— items can go down by as much as 75% just because of damaged packaging!
Flaws: They don’t always carry a large amount of each line (supermarkets especially), so if you’re looking to bulk buy, order ahead of time to guarantee you’ll get what you want.
I love: Lipstick Pink towels from Next & sequin cushions from M&S!
If you like this, you might like: Next, M&S, Debenhams, Littlewoods, Argos, Target, Macys, Barneys & supermarkets such as Sainsburys & Tesco.
EBAY [+]Sells: Everything, ever— one mans trash is another mans treasure! When searching for specific items, try misspelling keywords, to find a gem that no one else has bid on!
Flaws: Dodgy sellers, fakes & high delivery charges for bulky items. If in doubt, don’t do it!
I love: Using FatFingers.com to find bargains that no one else will!
If you like this, you might like: Car boot sales, antiques fairs, auctions, TK Maxx & TJ Maxx.
URBAN OUTFITTERS [+] Sells: Quirky & colourful items to brighten up your home.
Flaws: Some things can be a little overpriced, considering the amount of use they actually have— nose dispenser anyone?! But they’re usually so cute / weird / wonderful that it’s worth it!
I love: The Burger phone, as seen in the film Juno. You can now get a Packet of Fries phone too! Awesome.
If you like this, you might like: Cath Kidston, Very.co.uk, Kitsch.co.uk, Bombay Duck, Sanrio, Muji, Paperchase
FREECYCLE [+] Sells: Could this not be the most amazing idea, ever? I think so. Everyone’s going green these days & more people are thinking about the amount of waste that’s sent to landfill. By logging on to FreeCycle, you could prevent items that you want & need from being thrown away when they’re in perfectly good working order! Simply type in your location & see what’s available— there’s everything from ironing boards & kitchen appliances, to beds, door handles & (weirdly) china dolls. And the best thing? It’s all free, free, free! You just have to pick it up from the ‘seller’.
Flaws: If your area’s a popular one, items will be ‘taken’ fast, so make sure you sign up for the Daily Digest email! Also, when going to a strangers house, don’t go alone.
I love: …everything!
If you like this, you might like: The side of the road! Junk yards! Skips!
So, tell me, where are you fav place to shop for homewares?
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Filed under: Articles, Inspiration, Life On A Shoestring, Life and Love, Regular Features, Shopping |
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Image by Ishkamina
My little Katie— Aaah, I get so mushy around little folk!
Long baths— My brain is doing so much overtime recently, that I’m finding it hard to sleep (& I usually have absolutely no problem in this department!), so long hot baths with lots of bubbles & glitter are doing the trick, nicely!
Planning— Life = mad exciting right now!
Blogging— Bit of an obvious one, no? I realise things have been very quiet on the Aimee Marie front recently, but I’ve got a lot to do over the next few weeks, all of which shall be revealed very soon! However in between life’s manic & hectic moments of complete & utter madness, & wandering thoughts, I’ve managed to put pen to paper (well, more like finger to keyboard) & I’ve started 5 different posts/articles for you! I’m starting to get back into the swing of things. Hello to new readers— I know you’re out there!
Debating— Yes, she’s successful. Yes, she’s an inspiration to many. No, she’s not groundbreaking. No, I won’t be taking her advice of breaking the speed limit, as a top 50 thing to do before I die. No, I don’t really care about how her lifestyle is funded. No, she doesn’t have Copyright on colours & therefore I will use pink & blue simultaneously if I so wish. No, just because I’m a blogger doesn’t mean I (or any other blogger for that matter), want to be a carbon-copy of her. Yes, we (& other bloggers) share similar interests– no, we wouldn’t be reading her blog if it wasn’t anything we were intrigued by. Yes, we will probably therefore write about the same kind of things.
There’s been a whole big debate recently over a pink-haired, unicorn-loving, cupcake-eating journalist & I’m sure you know who I mean. I know my feelings & thoughts on the matter (as well as She Who Shall Not Be Named in general), but I doubt I’ll be publishing an article about it anytime soon (although never say never), as I don’t think I’d like it if people wrote about me in the same way either, constructively or not. That’s my two cents on the matter, but if you’re interested, read articles from Poppy Gallico (& article no.02), a Love & Sequins review from Cupcakes & Mace & this, the article from Cut Out + Keep that’s sparked the recent debate, Vixel’s take on it at Sparkle & Glitter & also this.
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Filed under: Friday Feeling, Regular Features |
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Introducing my gorgeous little niece, Katie, who was one on Sunday! Ah, I love her so much. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was getting impatient, waiting for her to be born. She’s already so clever, giving her dummy on demand & stealing my lens cap & trying to put it back on (even if it was back-to-front!)— a photographer in the making, I think!
Here we are at her birthday party— she loves being in front of the camera!
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Filed under: Life Through The Lens, Photography, Regular Features |
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