BOOK REVIEW: John and George: The Dog Who Changed My Life by John Dolan

Recently I have enjoyed reading books about homeless people who improve their lives. Which sounds odd when I say it!  I started off reading these sort of books by reading  A Street Cat Named Bob: How One Man and His Cat Found Hope On The Street. This book was a present from my Nan and I remember thinking how childish it sounded but I loved it! So much so that I asked for the sequel The World According to Bob: The Further Adventures of One Man and His Street-wise Cat for Christmas!

I originally brought John and George: The Dog Who Changed My Life  for my sister as it seemed like an easy read and she really loves dogs. However as she is permanently attached to her phone she never read it! So I did.

I was pleasantly surprised. From a psychology students perspective I found it interesting reading about the trigger factors in John Dolan's life which possibly lead to him being homeless. I as a person I felt sorry for him growing up. I found it heart breaking the way he talks about his childhood.

However the book is not all doom and gloom! Once George the Dog comes into the pictures John's life start to improve. The one constant in John's life was his passion for art. As he begins to sketch on the street whilst begging his luck begins to turn and slowly but surely he is starting to find his way as a street artist and as a person. After reading about his childhood you really want John to do well for himself.

The way John talks about George is humorous and can be related to by anyone who has a pet dog or any pet for that matter. Their relationship lightens the mood of the book and helps the reader relate to John on a personal level.

The book was an easy read so great to read just before bed or on the bus! I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to read a light hearted yet encouraging story.

What is your favourite book at the moment?

Bumble xx

The Beauty Scenario Tag

I don't have a You Tube channel but I still wanted to do this tag as I've loved watching/reading other peoples responses to the tag. So here it is! As normal I've added links to products I have mentioned when possible.

1. You have to get rid of all your foundations and can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep?

I personally don't wear foundation for several reasons;
a) I find it incredibly hard to mach my skin tone to foundations as I'm to pale for the medium tone shades but not too pale of the lighter shades. I also find foundations can be orangy on my skin and I have a pink complexion.
b) I have no major problem areas apart from dark circles under my eyes and the occasional spot which can be fixed with concealer.
c) I simply don't feel comfortable wearing foundation. My skin feels like it suffocating!

2. You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or completely ignore it?

I would approach the subject if it was a solo interview but in a casual way. I'd probably say "I don't mean to cause a fuss but you have a little bit of lipstick on your teeth. Don't be embarrassed, it happens to everyone!" In a group interview I wouldn't say anything as I would be too shy to say in front of the group.

3. You're not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which lipstick do you put on to make yourself feel beautiful?

If I'm not feeling myself because I'm ill I apply my Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti because the colour counteracts the pink tones in my skin as I often go very pinky when I'm ill. Also lets face it the name sounds happy so just saying "Tutti Frutti" makes me smile!

If I'm just having a down day I apply my 2true Colour Drench Lipstick in the shade 10 which is an orange toned red which brightens my complexion making me look and feel instantly better. At only £1.99 I would say this lipstick is a great dupe for Topshop Lips in Infrared.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently? 

I am a teenager but sadly for not much longer! However I would tell my younger self not to wear black liquid eyeliner as it is far too harsh for you blue eyes and fair skin!  I was going through a teenage rebellious stage though so I can forgive myself and let's face it, it could have been a lot worst! I would also have my hair shorter as I have learnt that it suits me better but my hair was nice when I was younger!

5. You ask the hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott haircut but they hear wrong and give you a pixi cut. Do you; 
a) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your mum hysterical. 
b) Cry in the chair and things get awkward. 
c) Complain to the manager and demand a refund. 

This question has made me nervous about getting my hair cut today! I would want to cry in the chair but instead I'd pull myself together, ask for a refund, then call my Mum and be hysterical. Basically all three options! You never know though a pixi cut may suit me and I may end up loving it! Who knows!

6. Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which 'do it all' palette do you pack in your makeup bag?  

I would take my MUA Heaven and Earth Palette, the white colour I would use as a highlight. I would use the darker shades as eyeliner. There is a wide range of neutral tones so I could effortless take my makeup from day to evening. Plus it's also compact and at only £4 it wouldn't be the end of the world if something happened to it!

7. Your house has been robbed, don't worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What's the product you really hope is safe? 

Probably my Sleek Au Naturel Palette one because it was a present for my 18th Birthday so is very special to me. I would also panic if someone took my lip balms especially my Maybelline Cherry Me as it adds a sheer red tint to my lips. I have dry skin so when my lips aren't moisturised they look like  prune! Nice!

8. Your friend borrows your make up and returns it in awful condition. Do you; 
a) Just pretend you haven't noticed. 
b) Ask them to repurchase it. 
c) Secretly do the same to something of theirs 

I would pretend I haven't noticed as I shy away from confrontation. I would be upset that it happened but it is just makeup which can easily be replaced.

I tag anyone who wants to do that tag. Please leave your Beauty Scenario Tag link in the comment I would love to read or watch them!

Apologies for this post being late I had some technical difficulty.
Bumble xx

Autumn Nail Varnish Collection!

Autumn is by far my favourite season of the year! Just to name a few reasons why cinnamon scented candles, relaxing evenings at home with a blanket and a hot chocolate, bubble baths, warm snugly jumpers and golden Autumn leaves! As Autumn has officially arrived, Its time to share my Autumn Nail Varnish picks with you.  I will put links to the nail varnishes online if I can and prices if I can remember!

The Metallic's!

Metallic Nail Varnishes are perfect for Autumn and Winter particularly during the Christmas Party season. (yes I said the C word!)
1. Technic in Gun Metal- a perfect dusky silver.
2. No 7 Gel- Look Shine Nail Colour in Golden Sands- Boots £7- a shimmery taupe colour.
3. Collection 60 seconds Hot Looks in Aztec Gold- a perfect dusky gold.
4. Collection 60 seconds Hot Looks in Scorched-  reminds me if Autumn leaves!


Both the Collection nail varnishes are quick drying and long lasting time.Ideal for those of us who are short of time!

The Greens!
5. Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish in Block Your Green - £2.99
A nice mossy colour.  (nice!) Don't forget to use a base coat, I forgot once and dyed my nails blue! Oops!
6. Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Watermelon -£3.99
A high shine nail varnish which when applied looked almost identical to my friends professional gel nails, for a fraction of the cost! Only thing is it takes a long time to dry so put on a TV program and sit perfectly still when its drying!

The Purples and Pinks                                                  

7. MUA Nail Polish in Plum Noir - £1! A Bargain in my opinion! The colour is opaque and with the right top coat lasts for a long time.  

8. The Natural Collection in Black Cherry- a burgundy colour which screams Autumn to me! 

9. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Pomegrante- £3.99 Just cause its Autumn doesn't mean you can't wear bright colours occasionally and I think this nail varnish is the perfect way to do this! 

What do are you looking forward to in Autumn? and What Nail Varnishes are you loving at the moment? 

Bumble xx

The Battle of the Natural Drugstore Palttes! (Both under £10)

MUA- Heaven and Earth vs Sleek- Au Naturel 

MUA Heaven and Earth- £4 

This palette has a mixture of shimmer and matte colours. The shimmer is only a hint though so no need to worry about looking like a disco ball! The pigment it is incredible, especially for the price. I would say the pigment matches some more expensive eye shadows I've brought. I often use this palette for an everyday look, sweeping a light shade across my eyelid and working a darker colour into my crease giving me subtly defined eyes. One thing I would improve about the packaging is the absence of a large mirror other than that it is slim and compact, perfect for travelling.

Sleek Au Naturel- £8 

This palette just like the MUA palette has a mixture of shimmer and matte colours without the 80's disco effect. I would say the pigment is stronger than in the MUA palette but this is to be expected as you are paying double the price. The packaging is also compact and feels luxurious to hold but unlike the MUA pallet has a huge mirror perfect for applying your make up on the go. To me the only negative comment on the packaging is it does show finger prints easily but I think that's just a personal bug bearer! As the shade are slightly darker than the MUA palette I find them too dark for everyday wear but perfect for natural evening making up. When you want something a bit bolder but still using natural tones and shades. 

What palette do you enjoy using? Which palette do you prefer in the battle between MUA- Heaven and Earth and Sleek- Au Naturel? 

Bumble xx

Time for some Bling!

Statement necklaces are a key part of my wardrobe accessories simply because they can make an everyday outfit look put together or dress up an evening outfit. I started wearing them as I'm slightly pear shaped so wearing a statement necklace balance out my body shape, giving me a perfect hourglass shape effortlessly!

My four favourite statement necklaces at the moment are shown above. All of my necklaces are £5 or less! Bargain! I recommend buying statement necklaces from Primark and Ebay. Both of them particularly Ebay involve a bit of searching to find the necklace your heart desires but its worth it! Often with Ebay I've ordered my necklaces from China this means the postage takes a little longer than normal with Ebay but as the postage has been free for all of my purchases I can hardly complain! As a result the necklaces are unique to the ones found on the British Highstreet. Primark jewellery as with the majority of Primark can be a bit hit and miss. Sometimes the necklaces available are really tacky and other time they are just perfect.

Necklaces from Ebay

This necklace cost just £2.50! The intricate detail on the body of the necklaces makes it appear more expensive. I've worn this necklace a couple of times out and those who asked me where I got it from thought it was far more expensive than it is.

This necklace cost just £1.99! I love the pastel colours which makes it perfect for Summer! I wore this necklaces at Sixth Form and received several compliments on it. The pearl and diamond detailing makes it feel luxurious.



Necklaces from Primark - Both £5


This necklace looks tribal with the feather detail in a dusty bronze colour making it perfect for everyday wear. Surprisingly it is not heavy, no one wants to have a sore neck from dragging around a heavy necklace!

This necklace is the newest addition to my collection. I love the mint green suede material woven through the body of the necklace. The triangles gives the necklace a hint of a tribal feel which I adore. I'm looking forward to wearing this necklace for a meal out with my family to celebrate me getting the grades I needed at A Level to go to my dream university! I plan to wear this with a navy dress to jazz it up a bit.


So whats your favourite piece of jewellery and where do you like to purchase your jewellery from?

Bumble xx
                                         
                                                 

A Bronze Metallic Eye Combination!

Well, now Autumn is creeping in it is time to adjust your eye make up from Summer to Autumn. Metallic eyes is suppose to be in a new trend this year. I personally like to wear bronze eye shadows as it helps to make my eyes appear bluer and draws the attention away from any redness on my skin however as I have pale skin which normal means the bronze look far to dark! Basically my eyes look like they have upside down dark circles. Yep that's attractive! But to my delight I have found an eye product combo which provides me with a subtle bronze eye which is perfect for every day wear! Best of all it is so quick and simple you don't need to use make up brushes, just your finger!

The two products I use for this eye look is; Maybelline 24hr Colour tattoo in the shade 35 On and on Bronze and a No 7 limited addition eyeshadow which sadly you can no longer buy. But don't worry, its a champagne taupe colour with a hint of shimmer. A dupe I would suggest would be Aurora in the MUA Heaven and Earth eyeshadow palette.

As you can see my No 7 eyeshadow is well loved! 

To start off I dip my finger in On and on Bronze and sweep it across the whole of my eyelid. I like to just keep the bronze on my lid but you could take it further up if you prefer of course! I then dab my finger in the No 7 eyeshadow and press gentle on the inner eyelid and work out until the centre of the eyelid. Take a clean finger to blend. That is it! Just don't forget to repeat with the other eye of course!

I like to line my upper eyelashes with Rimmel Scandaleyes waterproof kohl pencil in 012 Bronze just simply as it makes my eyes "pop!". To top of the look I curl my eyelashes and then applying Natural Collection Lash Curl mascara on my upper eyelashes.

Not only does this eye combination looks elegant it's so quick to do which is great for days when your rushing out the door but still want to look like you spent hours getting ready! Let me know what your favourite eyeshadow combination is at the moment.

Bumble x
Links to products;
Maybelline 24hr Colour tattoo in the shade 35 On and on Bronze
MUA Heaven and Earth Pallet
Rimmel Scandaleyes
Natural Collection Lash Curl Mascara 

Barry M Genie Lipstick

When I first saw this lipstick I told my Mum that the Barry M lipstick in Genie, a green lipstick, must be for Halloween! I then told my friend about it, on the way to our shopping trip for University supplies. She had heard that the lipstick changes colour on your lips!! Me and my friend then headed straight to the nearest pharmacy and tried it out. On me the lipstick turned a cherry pink colour and on my friend in turned baby pink! Apparently it changes colour by adapting to the alkaline on your lips but I would like to believe it is by magic like the name suggests!

The colour on me makes me eyes brighter by enhance the blue in my eyes. My complexion seems brighter without any other makeup on! The blue undertone of this lipstick helps my teeth to appear whiter which is always a bonus when wearing a slightly bold lip.

The formula is creamy almost like a lip balm in texture. Though despite this I would recommend moisturising your lips before you apply the lipstick to help give an even finish. Barry M claims the lipstick lasts up to 8 hours. I wouldn't say it lasted for 8 hours but it is certainly long lasting. As it stayed on through me drinking water and eating spaghetti lady in the tramp style! That is impressive especially as it was under £5!

The packaging is compact making it the perfect size to carry in your handbag. I find  the packaging of the lipstick bright and cheerful though some may find it tacky! The case feels smooth and comfortable to hold when applying the lipstick.

I had never used a Barry M lipstick before this one. I now can't wait to buy a another one! I'm thinking of buying a plum toned lipstick for the autumn and winter which is slowly creeping in! Whats your favourite make up brand for lip products and what is your favourite shade?

Bumble x

Genie on Barry M website