Now This is Fun

I still need a new black handbag!

xanthia — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:03:32 +0000

I had an email yesterday that drove me crazy. Tabitha Handbags are having a sale on their sale items. Yes, you read that right. Four of their sale items have been reduced by a further 50% for two days only. And, what’s even worse, is that they are nice handbags and not the crap bags that nobody wants. The icing on the cake? Right now, I can’t even justify spending money on them, as much as I want to.

So when my house is sold (or if I get the new job that pays oh-so-much-more) I’ll wait for the next sale and get myself something lovely. Until then, I’ll have to console myself with my £18 green leather handbag from Primark, or the £10 Chloe Bay-alike from Matalan.

The bags on sale at Tabitha that I’m really liking are:

Quinny in Olive (it’s so dark it almost looks black) Sale Price £100

Tabitha Bag in Black (it’s quite big!!) Sale Price £180

Soldier bag in Black (they also do it in a lovely red, which I love. But it’s just not that sensible) £60 with coupon code (on sale for £127 without)

Or, could just hold out for:

Quilted Quinny in Black, £235

Venus bag in black, £238

I’m guessing these will eventually (hopefully!) go on sale.

Until then, I’ll pick up one of these today

Matalan, £10

Dr. Theopolis

xanthia — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:19:15 +0000

I received a CD for from my sister in Portland, OR yesterday. It was a birthday present. My birthday was actually two weeks ago, but I’ll let her off. Especially since I was so wrapped up in my problems this year during her birthday that I didn’t send her anything at all!

Anyway, she sent me a Dr. Theopolis CD. They’re a Portland based funk/rap band, total throwback to Parliament with a touch of Snoop Dog (gone a bit 70′s), but totally addictive. I am totally surprised at how good they are. For those who missed the 70′s (I’m barely old enough myself to remember it, and what I do remember is from a child’s perspective), this is a great way to feel the funk and understand why it all started here. Yes, for some, Parliament is a bit “too much”, and something that your parents listened to. But for some reason, this comes across as fresh. Since they’re young, it’s also far cooler.

Visit their website here: Dr. Theopolis

Download their albums on iTunes. Fabulous would be a great starting point.

Trivia bonus point: They’re named after a character from Buck Rogers.

Ooop, I did it again.

xanthia — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:15:01 +0000

I placed another order from MMU/MMS Cosmetics, even before I’ve received the first one. You see, the last day they’ll be open for ordering for the remainder of the year is the 2nd of November, and they’re not coming back until the 11th of Jan. So, I figured I’d take advantage of a 20% off voucher and by some presents – for myself and others!

These are the scents I’ve purchased this time around. With so much to choose from, it took me AGES to narrow down the choices.

Fluffy Pink Slippers

Remember that scene in Grease where the Pink Ladies are having a sleep over, and the scene is all girly and pink, and oh so powdery good!? Well, this scent concoction is what we always imagined the Pink Lady sleepover bedroom to smell like, minus the smoking, of course! Lemon Heaven Accord, Pink Sugar Accord, and Powdered Almonds make up this gorgeous, sweet, and girly girl scent! ~EMS

Baked Alaska

Holiday Wonderland Collection! ~Limited Edition~ Baked Alaska is a mouth-watering dessert made of ice cream and lined with slices of Sponge Cake and topped with meringue. The entire dessert is then placed in an extremely hot oven just long enough to firm the meringue. Our wearable version blends notes of Cherry Ice Cream and Lemon Meringue, with a generous middle of Sponge Cake Accord.

Mistletoe Kisses

Holiday Wonderland Collection! ~Limited Edition~ This energized, fruity-floral fragrance starts with luscious fruity notes of ripe Blackberry and Boysenberry, followed by Peach and Raspberry. A floral middle of Jasmine and Rose Maroc add femininity, and White Musk and Vanilla Absolut give it its final girly-girl appeal!

Pink Clouds

Like a bouquet of cotton candy, caramel, and sweet nothings, this wonderful harmonious whiff is sure to conjure up many wonderful memories of leisurely days, and tender romances. (Yes, this is that dupe — Aquolina Pink Sugar and it is right on! The search is over!)

Mysore Sandalwood

One of the absolute best Sandalwoods we have ever sniffed! This one is intoxicatingly gorgeous! An amazing woody heart unlike any Sandalwood, with wonderful, rich Oriental hints and an incredible warm and slightly sweet musky depth of the Sandalwood. Fabulous beyond words!

Un Bois Vanille

Feminine, seductive & elegant this scent is all about confidence and shouting at the top of your lungs, “I am Woman, modern Woman that is!” Gorgeous notes of Coconut Milk, Vanilla Absolute, Beeswax, Caramelized Benzoin, and Licorice, and blended with bitter Almond paste, Gaïac wood, Tonka Bean, and Sandalwood Vanilla. A Serge Lutens dupe!

Baked Vanilla Cake

If you’re looking for a pure and luscious, Baked Vanilla Cake sniff without the heavy butter-y notes, look no further. This is a sweet, decadent true baked Vanilla Cake scent with a Vanilla Icing accord. A Vanilla sniff like no other! Made with the ‘real deal’ Vanille Absolut, and 3 other Vanilla notes to make this Vanilla sniff pretty darn special! Warning: People may want to lick you with this sniff on!

Mitten Weather

A refreshing scent kissed with Peppermint Oil, Buttercream, and the sweet touch of Marshmallow.

Pink Snowflake

This wonderful Holiday inspired sniff combines our almost famous Pink Clouds with a sweet dollop of Vanilla Bean Noel. Slight additions of Buttermint and Marshmallow finish this sweet scent off just right!

Temple Of The Goddess

Warm, sensual, and embracing, this captivating scent is for those who are helplessly charmed by Patchouli’s seductive side. Vanilla and Black Raspberry melt into Patchouli like they were meant to be together, forever! He’s just not into you, you say? Nonsense!, ..sighs of utter delight by your hot guy-du-jour are to be expected when wearing this intoxicatingly beautiful scent!

It shouldn’t be much longer until I get the first parcel, as it was despatched last Wednesday. I’m expecting sometime the week after next. Yes, there TAT is very long. But, everything is made to order, and it’s small operation, so I think it’s totally worth it.

Check them out at http://www.mmucosmetics.com.

Thought of the Day

xanthia — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:06:39 +0000

Today’s been an emotionally rough day, and I’m not entirely sure why. I know I shouldn’t miss the future ex-husband, but I do. And what hurts the most is that he doesn’t miss me. But that’s just how it is, and I have to accept it.

So, in light of it all, I’m trying to think of the good things right now in my life.

I have a job interview on Thursday! I’m not saying where, but the job pays £3000/year more than my current one, so that’s very good. And it’s a small office, so that means less political crap then I currently have to deal with.
My house is likely to sell for more than I thought it was. No, I don’t want to sell it, but I can’t afford it on my own.
I found a new perfume that I like! It’s Guerlain Insolence, and it smells like Parma sweets. For some reason, I find it sweet and lovely and not headache inducing. Will buy it as a reward if I get the job. If I don’t get the job, I’ll buy it as a consolation present to myself!
I’ll eventually have my own flat, decorated by me and me alone! Hurrah! And I’ll be the only one with the key (apart from whoever I rent it from, but that doesn’t count).
I have enough money for petrol for the week. I know it’s simple, but it’s such a relief!

Wedding Photos

xanthia — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:34:06 +0000

It’s almost ironic that my first project (the wedding) coincided with my pending divorce.

It’s turned out to be a good experience, and I’ve learned quite a bit from it. One major warning: when shooting posed shots, make sure no-one is shooting while you are. It’s not because you have to be so careful about your “image”, but because everyone will look a different direction. It’s so bloody annoying.

Anyway, here’s a few:

and finally, a normal one:

I also took loads of your standard shoots, but I won’t bore you with those.

If anyone wants to hire me, I’ll take the work!

Somedays are better than others

xanthia — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:28:17 +0000

As I edge closer and closer to the end of an era (or at least my marriage), I sometimes get overwhelming flushes of sadness. They don’t last long, but boy do they hit my by suprise. And I hate admitting it, before this “happened”, I wasn’t the over emotional type. Sometimes I suprise myself.

Some things I’ll miss, and it makes me sad:

1. Listening to music in bed on a weekend morning (together of course).

2. Knowing that he’ll be at the airport waiting for me when I get back. The thought that it won’t happen again just kills.

3. Portishead. I can’t listen to them anymore, only I just found out. It brings back memories of a great time in our relationship. I’m sure in the future that’ll be a good thing, but right now it’s just too fucking painful.

4. Turning him over when he starts snoring (as long as it’s not a drunk snore). Turning him over means cuddling, and that doesn’t seem like it’ll be happening again.

5. Mindless phonecalls that go on forever. Used to have loads. Now we can’t manage speaking at all. Or at least he can’t.

6. Holidays together doing nothing, but having a great time doing it.

I should stop this now, dwelling on it isn’t making me any happier. And for Christ’s sake, I need to put on some happier music.

Now Reading

xanthia — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:17:34 +0000

Watched the TV show with Billie Piper (who is suprisingly good), and decided to pick up the book – this is actually the sequel to the original. It was on sale for £3.99 at my local Borders, so how could I not? So far, I’m enjoying it. It has it’s pretty graphic moments, which I don’t mind, although it feels odd reading it at work at lunch. I feel like I’m reading porn at work, only I’m not. But it’s not that I’m really bothered.

I’m not far into the book, but so far it’s lightweight and enjoyable.

My Asprin Mask

xanthia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 21:51:35 +0000

For those who don’t already know, the home-made asprin mask is one of the best ways of reconditioning your skin. For almost no money. Asprin is a variation on salicylic acid – the stuff found in loads of skincare for exfoliation and/or acne care.

Normally, I do this with Asprin alone with a small amount of water (in the summer, when when my skin is acting up), or Asprin with honey all other times. And I’ll also add oatmeal when I want more gentle exfoliation.

But tonight, as I sat there looking in my kitchen at a banana that was going to “turn” at any minute, I had a bit of an epiphany. Bananas are good for the skin, right? I had some new stress spots (zits) coming in, and I need to do anything in my power to zap them.

So tonight, I made my Banana, Honey and Asprin Mask.

Banana, Honey, and Asprin Mask Recipe

6 uncoated regular asprins, quickly passed under the tap one by one.

2tsp local honey

1/3 of a medium banana

Crush the damp asprins at the bottom of a bowl with the back of a spoon (they should crumble with no effort). Then, peel and cut up the banana into chunks, add to bowl. Start mushing this into the asprin. When the banana is mostly mushed, add your honey. Mix/mush until as liquid as possible. Apply to freshly washed face, and leave for 20-30 minutes. Wash off with warm flannel/washcloth.

I can’t imagine this mix working for particularly sensitive skins. No reason you can’t do it without the asprin, though.

My face felt so smooth, and my skin seemed firmer (and it’s not even saggy!). And it’s glowing. I highly suggest it for combination skin, especially before a night out. However, I would try this first on an evening you’re not going anywhere, just in case of any sensitivity issues.

I had plenty left over, so I’ll do it again tomorrow (if it doesn’t seem “off”).

RANT WARNING

xanthia — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:04:31 +0000

Men are dicks. Immature, childish, self centred, egotistical pricks.

After this is said and done, I’m never getting married again. I’ve come realise that many men have more emotional baggage then women, and they hide that shit well. Women just seem like they have baggage, but that’s just because in general they’re more open about it. But men are too much work.

When this is over, I don’t want a proper relationship for a long time. I’m not saying sex is out of the question, but I don’t want to deal with someone else’s drama. I’ve got enough of my own.

(and no, I don’t hate all men. I’m sure this is just a phase. I hope so)

Lush Handbags

xanthia — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 07:22:58 +0000

I have a love-hate relationship with Lush Handbags (www.shoplush.com). For those who aren’t familiar with Lush, it’s a manufacturer of own-branded knock-offs. Nothing illegal, and the bags aren’t 100% identical to thier original. But sometimes the prices are so cheap, that you can’t help but buy something. I think of it as a “try before you buy” type thing. Why spend £500 on a bag that you may not end up even liking, when you can spend £70 (or less) for a decent version of it to get the idea? Do you want a Mulberry Roxanne, but not too sure as the bag sure does look heavy? Well start off with one of Lush’s £50 version and see how you do.

But like I said, it’s not all love. I have four Lush bags. A teal spy, a silver miu miu a-like, a blue Balenciaga motorcycle bag (small), and a brown woven bag. The spy is fine, no problems except for the fact that it’s big and doesn’t sit comfortly over my shoulder. The silver bag was my favourite, but the handle started ripping off the bag after being manhandles at the airport, the brown woven bag’s zipper fob broke on the 2nd use, and the Balenciaga’s glue seems to be darkening with age. But yet, I am not completely put off as I don’t buy bags from them that I expect a lifetime of use. And with the exception of Motorcycle bag, all the damages can be repaired.

I’ve never bought direct from Lush yet for myself (have sent gifts to the US though), but have bought from www.mybestbag.co.uk and ebay. I was dissapointed with www.mybestbag.co.uk as they took a long time to ship even though the bag was apparently in stock, and when I complained that my silver bag had ripped, they couldn’t even be bothered to respond. So, unless they have something VERY cheap, I’ll start dealing direct.

So far, I own (representative of style, not colour)

I’m considering these two (but not quite yet, I like to ponder for a while)

This is the Lush version of a Jimmy Choo bag (Mahala, maybe?). Everyone needs a black bag, and this one looks quite nice.

Genuine leather
· Sturdy golden hardware
· Front working double zippered pockets
· Top magnetic closure
· Double Top Handle Strap
· Inside has zippered pocket, button pocket and 2 small coin pockets
· Measurements: 14(w) x 10(h) x 10(d)

And then there’s this:

I have no idea what inspired this, but there’s something about it I really like. Yeah, it’s a bit flashy, but that’s what I like about it. The clothes I wear for work are usually pretty plain, so this could make it all that much more interesting!

·Made of snakeskin
·Double clasped pocket
·Top Magnetic Closure
·Silver hardware
·Inside has a zippered pocket, cell phone pocket
·Measurement: 14(w)x 13(h)x 4.5(d)

In a perfect world, I’d just buy the real thing and get it over with. But considering I don’t live close to anywhere that physicaclly has any of these bags, and that I’m as close to broke as it gets, I’ll have to settle for designer inspired.