Ten Gorgeous Mid Year & Academic Diaries…

It’s that time of year again gals… when school bags are filled with shiny new goodies & mama’s (like me) get a chance to enjoy the silence of an empty house, as our off-spring tootle back to the classroom. But’s it’s not for that reason that I get super duper excited – it’s also the time of year I go diary shopping *excited air punch* Yes, I am indeed one of the many that opts for a mid-year/academic style planner. As always the decision is a toughie from hours of browsing through a multitude of utterly gorgeous designs and layouts.

However fear not indecisive shoppers, as I’ve scoured the interweb to bring you a selection of some of the sassiest little organisers you’ll be proud as punch to plan with. So get yourself comfy and let’s take a peak at my mid-year top picks to suit all budgets…

Kikki K Mid Year Mindful Colouring Diary

It’s so important to remember to take a mindful moment to pause and refocus. Take the opportunity to do just that with this unique Mindful Colouring Diary. With yearly, monthly and weekly pages, it’s so easy to get organised. Write down all of your thoughts, to dos and reminders on-the-go and use the mindful colouring pages to inspire you to live your best life.

Current Price: £24.00 now £19.20

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Busy B Floral Academic Diary

Trying to balance two busy lives? You need an organisational genius. And hey presto! Here it is. This clever diary lets you manage two schedules side-by-side, turning your thrillingly busy life into a brilliantly organised one.

Current Price: £9.99

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Tiny Me Personalised Mid Year Diary

Tinyme Personalised Mid Year Diaries are the cutest way to get organised. Plan your next adventure, book in milk and cookies with friends or document your extremely deep musings…

Tinyme Personalised Mid Year Diaries start from 1st July 2016 and continue through to 30th June 2017.

Personalised diaries come in 2 different sizes and allow you to select from 3 different internal layouts.

Current Price: £19.99

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Mint Green Lace Diary

Elegant and stylish, this polypro mid year diary with a white floral lace design will add a touch of class to your desk or bag and keep you organised and up to date for the academic year. Diary runs from 27th June 2016 to 27th August 2017. Features include sturdy polypro covers, soft pink wiro binding, soft pink elastic closure and a mint green inner paper lining. Includes a plastic wallet so that you can keep your receipts, tickets and to do lists in! Also contains personal information page, blank timetables, yearly calendars for 2016, 2017 and 2018, yearly planner, international and useful information pages, deadlines and exam note pages, address and note pages.

Current Price: £8.99

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Amelie Turquoise Butterfly Academic Diary 

This elegantly designed mid year diary from the Amelie collection is perfect for noting important engagements and plans in style! The hard back turquoise covers feature a pretty pattern of colourful butterflies complete with teal foiled detail. This day to page diary runs from 30th June 2016 to 31st August 2017. Features a jazzy pink zig zag inner paper lining as well as a pink ribbon page marker, so that you don’t lose your place! Also contains a personal information page, blank timetables, yearly calendars for 2016, 2017 and 2018, yearly planner, international and useful information pages, deadlines and exam note pages as well as address and note pages.

Current Price: £9.99

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Vintage Blue  Academic Diary

Plan your year ahead in this stylish vintage blue mid year diary! The soft linen covers feature an elegant striped blue and white china effect pattern. This diary runs from 30th June 2016 to 31st August 2017. The day to page layout means that it can be used as either a journal to store your thoughts or simply as a diary to note your appointments. Features include a stylish blue paper inner lining as well as a coordinating blue ribbon page marker. Also contains a personal information page, blank timetables, yearly calendars for 2016, 2017 and 2018, yearly planner, international and useful information pages, deadlines and exam note pages, forward planner as well as address and note pages.

Current Price: £10.99

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Scribble Slipcase Academic Dairy

This eye catching A5 diary which features colourful graphics and a protective plastic slipcase filled with white scribble catchy words is sure to make planning your year ahead more enjoyable! This week to view mid year diary runs from 27th June 2016 to 27th August 2017. Features include stylish rounded corners as well as an inner turquoise paper lining. Also contains a personal information page, blank timetables, yearly calendars for 2016, 2017 and 2018, yearly planner, international and useful information pages, deadlines and exam note pages as well as address and note pages.

Current Price: £9.49

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Kraft Gold Spots Academic Diary

Keep track of your appointments and exciting plans with this stylish gold foiled spotty mid year diary on kraft. This day to page diary leaves plenty of writing space for your daily activities. Diary runs from 30th June 2016 to 31st August 2017. Features include a sturdy board cover, a pale gold ribbon page marker and kraft inner paper lining. Also contains personal information page, blank timetables, yearly calendars for 2016, 2017 and 2018, yearly planner, international and useful information pages, deadlines and exam note pages, forward planner, address pages and note pages.

Current Price: £9.99

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Tropicowl A5 Diary

This cute and very practical A5 diary will help keep you organised. The flexible plastic cover features colourful owl characters on branches with the ‘2016-2017’ printed at the top. It contains a 12 month academic year diary (July 2016 – July 2017) in a week to view format as well as monthly calendars in handy lists, blank timetables and blank pages for notes and contacts.

Current Price: £8.00

*Click title for link to webstore*

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Slogan ‘Ziplock’ Vinyl Mid Year Diary

This cute and very practical mid year diary will help keep you organised. The vinyl sleeve style cover features a silver foil ‘Two Thousand and Sixteen – Seventeen’ title in a cursive font and is printed against a pretty watercolour-effect background.

It contains an academic year week to view diary (June 2016 – July 2017) as well as monthly calendars, year planners, blank timetables and pages for notes and contacts. The handy zip-lock wallet at the back and card slots on the inside covers finish it off nicely.

Current Price: £7.50

*Click title for link to webstore*

Can you guess which one I picked? What one’s your favourite? Whatever your thought’s I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by to say a quick howdy lovelies 

Cheerio Chums…

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Aloha Beauty Chums…

How’s your weekend been? Have you been up to anything exciting? It’s been pretty hectic here – in a good way thankfully, as Emma’s been working hard on her summer tests, we’ve been shopping for wall paper (I’ve taken a notion to spruce up a few rooms in the house) and it’s been nail art galore as I’ve been working hard on creating some fun new styles and testing out new techniques. Today I’ll be creating some gorgeous encapsulated styles in prep for a client who’s loving the idea of having roses under clear acrylic, hopefully I’ll get some reveal shots up pretty soon!

As always, for those of you taking it easy this sunny Sunday, why not check out some of the shenanigans that’s been happening on Confetti & Curves this past week… and if you have a blog post you’d like me to check out by all means leave it in the comments below – I’d love to stop by and have a read 🙂

Off now to top up my coffee cup and get started on some nail art – see you’s all soon…

Seventeen Stay Time Foundation

After weeks of super light makeup (thanks to the summer heat) I finally delve back into the realms of full coverage again by testing out the Seventeen Stay Time Foundation. Girls beware… you can safely put you concealers away with the formula! Check it out and don’t forget to let me know if you’ve tried it too 🙂

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The Nail File: Summer Shenanigans 

Vibrant colours, fun designs and eye catching free hand is what this week’s batch of nail art is all about as I showcase some of the crazy accent nails I’ve been designing over the past few days! Don’t forget to check pop over and hit the ‘like’ button @LiquidGlamourByKaren on Facebook where you can check out all my latest nail news ❤

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July Favourites & Exciting News

As we welcome August, Fridays post was a chatter showcasing some of my monthly favourites – and being my birthday month I’ve a few unusual little goodies to share with you lovely lot. Also, some exciting news that I’m pretty sure most of you girls will love so be sure to check it out! Don’t forget… *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload!

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As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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July Favourites & Exciting News….

Howdy Beauty Buddies…

And so yet ANOTHER month whizzes by, which can only mean one thing – Monthly Favourites time! I’ve lined up what I’ve been most lovin’ these past few weeks and showcased them in one handy dandy video – so do pop the kettle on and have a catch up. Also, if you haven’t already subscribed to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel then why not *Click Here* and hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss an upload!

Also… I announce some very exciting news regarding a very special chummy of mine that I’m pretty sure and certain you gals will LOVE!! So grab your cuppa and get yourself comfy as I chatter all about my July Favourites ❤

 

Wishing y’all a fabulous weekend ahead; don’t forget to stop by and say howdy in the comments below! I’ll see y’all Sunday for my usual catch-up

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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The Nail File: Summer Shenanigans…

Considering the sun seems to be in hiding these days I’m barely clinging onto the final weeks of summer, hopeful that there’s still a few rays of sunshine to come our way. But of course all these rainy afternoons hemmed up Confetti & Curves HQ can only mean for one thing… nail art galore. And this week has been no exception as I’ve been trying out some fun freehand styles that have really helped put me back in the holiday mood. Check this fun bunch out…

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I love this swirly/marbled gel effect using two of my favourite colours for summer – hot pink and turquoise blue. I just adore how the black adds a whole other level of contrast and makes the colours pop… of course all topped off with a dollop of bling 😉

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What could be more symbolic of summer than a big juicy strawberry… on your nail! What fun this design is for a cute accent nail on the fingers or tootsies. Never the less it’s just a bit of fruity fun that’s put me right in the mood for a strawberry daiquiri *nom*

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Life’s a peach – sorry just couldn’t help myself to another cheesy cliche 😉 However this cute little peach accent nail was super fun to create and surprisingly easy to design. Simple, chic & a bit of cheeky fun!

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As much as I loved creating this fun watermelon nail I’m utterly gutted about how blue the tip came out on the image as in reality it’s a beautiful bright shade of green. Maybe it’s just my dodgy laptop screen but in real life this is such an eye catching contrast of summery hues!

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I completely forgot about this design until I stumbled across it again last night, this was my attempt at a glittery galaxy nail that I created a few weeks ago. Although the camera isn’t capturing the sparkle too well this really glistens in the light and just looks like a mesmerising galaxy on the nail. This would be the perfect accent nail for a solid purple, blue or glossy black gel polish!

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Don’t forget to head over to my Facebook page @LiquidGlamourByKaren and hit that Like button so you can keep up to date with all my latest nail art goings on!

Do you have a favourite design as well as any fun suggestions for me to try out next? Whatever your thought’s I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by to say a quick howdy lovelies

Catch you’s on Friday for another YouTube chatter!

Cheerio Chums…

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Until I Met You: Awesome Things About Being A Mum…

Whoever suggests being a parent is easy is either in complete state of denial or 5 years old & cuddling a Tiny Tears doll. I’m convinced of this not just from my own experience but from also watching my own mum raise 4 children of her own. Okay, so I admit she made it look a little easier than anticipated… even during those days when I’m pretty sure all she longed for was a one way ticket to an undisclosed desert island with a suitcase full of her favourite tea bags & four finger Kit-Kats. Needless to say I adore her for everything she unknowingly taught me about raising a little person of my own. Nothing was sugar coated – she’s real, honest and fiercely protective of “her wee chicks” as she dotingly called us.

Yep, I know – this post seems totally out of the norm from my usual beauty rambles, but having spent the last few days cooped up & recharging the batteries back to some kind of normality it’s got me feeling all smushy about just how much I wholeheartedly appreciate my own little girl. As much as I could sit here and roll my eyes about every tiny little nuisance that us parents put up with, on the contrary I’m reflecting on all the things I love about having a daughter. All the things that make me smile, those little moments your heart captures and you think to yourself “this little person will never truly understand just what they mean to me”.

I’m sure many of you who are mums (or dads) will already get what I mean – there are days that you can literally feel the arrival of countless grey hairs, but then there’s the other days when you just know you’re beyond blessed to have such an almighty purpose in your life. Well for me, today is one of those days… the blessed kind. And so thank you Emma for everything you do; the morning hugs, always telling me I’m beautiful, asking me if I’d like a cup of tea, kissing me on the cheek as you run outside to play in the garden, breaking my mood by erupting into cheeky fits of giggles when I’m angry, making me little hand drawn cards, putting your absolute heart & soul into revising so darn faithfully for your upcoming exams – even though it’s your summer holidays!!! You deserve everything you wish for, not because you want it but because of the patience & strength you pour into working for it. At only 10 years old you’re inspiring your mum beyond measure. I thought I had determination, until I met you.

 So, what’s your plans for today? I’ll be having giggles galore spending time with my daughter, then afterwards I’ll call my mum and tell her all about it 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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I’ve Had Better Days…

I really do feel like I’ve a HUGE apology to make chums… I know many of you have left such lovely comments & email catch-up’s over the weekend, most of which I haven’t had a chance to even glance at yet let alone muster up the energy to reply too. Unfortunately I’ve been cooped up since yesterday with my chronic pains flaring up to the point I had to bum shuffle down the blooming stairs in sheer agony *sobs* but also the summer lurgies has been bestowed upon me. I assumed all my sneezing and wheezing on Saturday evening was a kick-ass dose of hayfever (something I’m no stranger to living in the country) however by Sunday lunch time I knew it was so much more than that, and so as I type I’m half buried under a mountain of tissues, nasal sprays, cough relievers & cold remedies. I sound a right bundle of fun, eh?! *aahhh choo*

It was only as I was wrapped up under a blanket yesterday afternoon that I thought back to the days when I was a little girl – feeling sick was soooo much nicer as my gran would have made a big pot of vegetable soup, brought me a bottle of Lucozade (you know the 80’s glass dimpled bottle clad in the orange cellophane wrapping) and of course the obligatory punnet of seedless grapes. Cartoons were put on & you just lay there feeling so comfy whilst being fussed over *happy sigh*

Needless to say I’m a mama now, and so lying about for too long isn’t an option as there’s my own little lady to take care off – who I must say is  such a sweetheart to me. Steve has made the yummiest pot of stew I’ve ever tasted and for the entire day I was ordered to rest up whilst they tackled tidying up, housework and topping up my glass with much needed fluids… not to mention the occasionally pineapple ice lolly 🙂 I’m blessed to have such a great wee team who muddle together and allow me to feel sorry for myself for a day or two.

So please bear with me chums, I promise I haven’t forgotten about replying to you guys nor am I ignoring your emails, I’m just simply out of order for a few days until I’m feeling a little more able to stay on the computer for a longer period to chat with you all!

Really hope everyone had a lovely weekend and that you’re all keeping as well as can be… and if you’ve a few minutes to spare say hello in the comments below – the virtual company would be lovely and it’s always a treat hearing from you guys!

Cheerio Chums…

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy Chums…

Have y’all had a fab weekend so far? Mine has been lovely, really really lovely. Not gonna lie this past few weeks have been a slight test of character but having spent a wonderful night in with great friends I’m smiling from a night of laughs and great banter. Best of all, I won’t end up with a banging headache considering I’ve spent the night sipping on organic elder-flower spritz to was down our yummy takeaway. It’s nights like this I thoroughly enjoy, no dressing up, no tottering around the town in aching heels and no waiting in the cold for taxi’s. Just slipper socks and great company! Maybe I’m showing my age but I adore nights in waaaayyy more than nights out – a sign I’m getting complacent or comfy? Who cares… as long as I’m having fun, right? 😀

As always, if you fancy catching up with this weeks shenanigans on Confetti & Curves then why not check out a few of the posts below! If you’ve a blog feature you’d like us to check out then by all means feel free to leave the link in the comments too…

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10 Things I’ve Learned About Beauty Blogging

My little virtual baby will be 3 years old this October… here’s just a few of the things I’ve learned from my time as a beauty blogger (and self confessed makeup hoarder collector)

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Creating An Aquarium Nail

This week I make my first attempt at creating a fun Aquarium nail, filled with floating glitter and sparkles! Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload.

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Get To Know Me

Fridays post was a fun question TAG all about getting to know me. Fancy giving it a go? Then why not check it out… I’d love to read your answers too!!

As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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Get To Know Me…

It’s FRIIIIIDAY…

There’s always a jolly feeling about Fridays, I love it – if only that could be bottled and sprinkled on some of the other days it would be bliss 😉 So the weekend is here, what are your plans? I’m (hoping) to dust off the barbecue and bask in the glorious sunshine – under my parasol of course! hehe Keeping fingers and toes crossed that this glorious flip-flop weather continues chums ❤

However onto today’s shenanigans… a huuuuge thank you to our lovely Laura over at Polka Dot Teapot for nominating me to take part in this fun questionnaire/tag. It’s been many moons since I’ve tackled one of these, so to get back to what feels like retro blogging I thought I’d give it a go. Why not eh? I’ve also nominated a few special blog buddies of my own to take part 😉

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What is your middle name?

Heidi

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What was your favourite subject at school?

English Literature. I had the most loveliest teacher who was both smart and funny – plus, we got to read books for most of the class. What could be a better way to pass an hour?!

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What is your favourite drink?

Overall Coca Cola, however if I’m indulging in a little tipple I’d most certainly opt for West Coast Cooler, which is a very yummy fruit flavoured spritzer!

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What is your favourite song at the moment?

I’m shocking when it comes to keeping up with music trends, though the artists I listen to most would be Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Ray & Taylor Swift. Love a catchy wee tune to warble along too.

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What’s your favourite food?

I looooove Chinese. Noodles with veg are most definitely my thing!

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 What is the last thing you bought?

A pack of heavy duty kitchen rolls. Yes, my spending habits are that exciting.

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Favourite book of all time?

Oooh this changes so often but I reckon pretty much anything from Marian Keyes – in fact I’ve just finished Under The Duvet and it was fantastic!! Hilarious!! She’s the only author that can make me laugh and cry all in one chapter.

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What is your favourite colour?

Although I keep *trying* to convince myself it’s ‘raspberry’ I notice that pretty much everything I buy is white or neutral. I’m clearly colour confuddled.

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Do you any pets?

 A beagle boy called Toby, a Tuxedo moggy called Gomez and a Mainecoon kitten called Boris!

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Favourite perfume?

Has to be DKNY. Beautiful, fresh and very distinctive.

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Favourite holiday?

I find that really hard to narrow down as every holiday I’ve been on has been special for different reasons. However I’ve whittled it down to a few:

Portrush: This is where we went as children every year with mum & dad. So many happy memories with my siblings… just a regular seaside town with amusements & souvenir shops, but as kids we thought it was amazing.

Disneyland Paris: Again another family holiday & the first time my gran travelled on a plane. Paris was freezing cold & eye-wateringly overpriced but it was worth it for the experience.

Ibiza: My first ‘girls only’ holiday. Needless to say we stayed away from the notorious San Antonio. A whole week of feeling totally chilled out, shopping at hippy markets & enjoying cocktails on the beach. Amazing.

The Lake District: Our honeymoon spot. The sun shone for all 7 days we were there and only started to rain when we were getting ready to drive back home! What a week sight seeing in gorgeous rural England.

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Are you married?

Yep, and very happily at that too 😀

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Have you ever been out of the country, if so how many times?

Just a few times on holiday, otherwise I’m a home bird.

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Do you speak any other language?

A teeny bit of French… but that’s dating back to GCSE so it’s beyond rusty now.

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How many siblings do you have?

I’ve two fantastic brothers (Curtis & Kirk) and my lovely little sis Leah!

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What is your favourite shop?

Boots. Or pretty much anywhere that sells makeup for me to gawp at for a few hours.

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Favourite restaurant?

Blue Chicago. It’s a rather funky American diner that sells the yummiest burgers and an awesome choccie fudge cake!

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When was the last time you cried?

This afternoon… I tend to hit low points and get so fed up trying to cope with chronic pain and how life altering it’s been. It’s tiring and wears you out every single day in so many ways.

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Favourite blog?

There’s just too many –call me a whimp but I just can’t choose. You’re all amazing!!! 😀

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Favourite movie?

Sex And The City – I NEVER get tired of catching up with the gals!

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Favourite TV Shows?

I’ve such a bizarre eclectic mix but… The Undateables, Ghost Hunters, Street Outlaws & Keeping Up With The Kardashians (don’t judge… it’s my guilty pleasure!) and Canal Journeys. Yep, I’m being totally serious.

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PC or MAC?

I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’d love a MAC!

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What phone do you have?

Wait for it…. An Apple iPhone 4. Yes I’m one of the few still using them but it works like a charm and I’m oddly attached to it. That little phone has been through a lot with me!

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How tall are you?

5ft 11” bare foot

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Can you cook?

Abso-fricken-lootly.

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Thanks again to the lovely Laura over at Polka Dot Teapot! My nominee’s are:

Traci Ann Loves

Galit – Coffee n Notes

Emma – Puddleside Musings

Icy Sedgwick

Anne – Doves & Roses

Jo – Pores For Thought

Rachael – Helpless Whilst Drying

Chanelle Hayley

Sangeetha – Lifestyle Bites 3

Country Girl Em

& YOU!!!

Just to be clear there’s absolutely no pressure whatsoever ladies – in fact for me, this was just a breath of fresh air & fun as it’s been soooo long since I’ve published anything like this! So if the Get To Know Me Tag sounds like your kinda thing then why not give it a go. We’d love to check it out!

Wishing y’all a fun filled weekend & I’ll see you all Sunday for a quick catch up 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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Catch me on:

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10 Things I’ve Learned About Beauty Blogging…

There’s an old Chinese proverb which states ‘The journey of a thousand mile starts with a single step’. Isn’t it beautiful? These words have always rung true throughout the many journeys I’ve been on, some of them great and others not so much. But after stumbling across this little proverb over the weekend again it’s made me reflect back on a few journeys I’ve been through, am still going through & those yet to come. One of the most inspiring journey’s I’ve been on is blogging. Not only has it helped me manage my anxiety immensely, but the fun I’ve had and the friendships forged have been totally unforgettable. So with that in mind today’s post is simply a light hearted reflection on a few of the things I’ve learned since taking my first ‘virtual’ footstep with Confetti & Curves almost 3 years ago…

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Hoarding becomes normality…

No, really it will. Say goodbye to your trusty little zip-up makeup bag and hello to a room dominated by skyscrapers of muji drawer sets and decorative Ikea plant pots crammed with makeup brushes. Of course that’s ONLY the cosmetics… your bathroom shelves, bedside cabinets, kitchen table and handbag will become a breeding ground for skincare, moisturisers, lip balms…

There’s no such thing as free time…

If you’re a busy little blogging bee who hits the ‘publish’ button multiple times per week then the likely hood is that your free time is spent scrawling down post ideas, making mental notes of points to mention, scouring beauty magazines, responding to PR companies, replying to comments, attempting to keep up with social media, recharging your camera batteries, cursing the lack of natural daylight, typing into the early hours of the morning – oh, and juggling your job/life/kids/family commitments into the mix too 😉

“But it’s for the Blog”…

Payday should be everyday when you’re a beauty blogger with a wish list as long as a fresh loo roll, but it aint, so funds needs to be juggled with care and the mightiest of resistance to splurge. However there’s always that delicious moment when birthday & Christmas rolls round and you’re handed cards filled with gift vouchers for your favourite beauty havens *happy sigh* In the mean time you’ll keep convincing yourself that every item you pop in your basket is all in the name of beauty blogging. What a selfless trooper you are! 😀

Nothing gets used until your camera says so…

And I mean absolutely nothing. The thought of applying a fresh tube of lippie before it’s been photographed almost makes the eyeballs in your head roll back in horror. And heaven forbid an eye shadow pan gets disturbed or a new makeup tool gets used BEFORE it’s had a photo shoot.

There’s no such thing as “Just popping in”…

Are you serious? When was the last time you actually ‘just popped in’ to any makeup store? When you’re a beauty blogger avoiding the makeup aisles is virtually impossible. We have miniature magnets entwined into our DNA that simply doesn’t permit us to casually dander past a wall of beauty goodies but instead be drawn helplessly towards them. We’re goin’ in and we ain’t coming back out until our forearms resemble a patchwork quilt of many many many colours.

EVERTHING gets critiqued…

Even things your friends and family treat themselves too , you’ll more than likely find yourself saying “Ooh, very nice, but you really should try…” Oh yes, you become obsessed, not only with your own stash but also with the stash of others too. Not to mention the almighty moment of “YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS… No, really you HAVE to, I insist, in fact let’s go RIGHT NOW and buy it for you. Yes NOW!” You become delirious when you find a mascara that does what it promises or a drugstore lipstick that puts your favourite Mac to shame.

The guilt, oh the guilt…

Oddly enough I had this very conversation with a blog buddy quite recently, when we were discussing the waves of quilt from the very thought of not posting. It’s remarkably amazing just how much effort goes into maintaining a blog, including sticking to a routine. Sadly many of us often get swamped into feeling pressured to fulfilling that day in day out. Remember, we’re only human, we need our blog breaks, holidays and time away to recharge our batteries. Blogging should be fun, breaking the guilt is tough but it has to be done to realise that there’s a life to live away from the laptop too.

You’ll have an all year round need for fairy lights…

Your new slogan will be ‘fairylights aren’t just for Christmas..’ as you’ll soon discover that there’s an all round yearly requirement for obtaining that perfect background bokeh effect to woo the eyeballs of your readers with. Yes, your room will partially resemble Santa’s grotto 356 days of the year… 366 if it’s a leap year. Just saying.

Lighting becomes your enemy …

Summer time is a blessing but winter is just a plain old pain in the virtual arse cheeks. With gloomy grey skies and sunlight disappearing faster than your patience cares to admit, you’ll possibly find yourself timing your photo shoots to day-light perfection as you huddle eagerly beside your biggest window… until you spend your entire savings on ring lamps powerful enough to flood light Wembley Stadium.

You’ll become besties with people you’ve never met…

This is by far the best bit, the community spirit. When I started beauty blogging my misconceptions were that it would be a ferociously bitchy place full of ‘Makeup Experts’ just waiting to correct your every damn opinion. How wrong I was. In fact, it’s the total opposite. I’ve met people that will remain friends for the rest of my life, people who have built my confidence, encouraged me, supported me and even spent the time selflessly promoting my little corner of the interweb.  These are the people who lift you up on the crappiest of days, they’re the ones that make you feel  a very special part of one big cheery internet family. Thank you ❤

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What have you learned from beauty blogging? Do you relate with anything mentioned? What’s been your favourite or most challenging thing about blogging? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by and say a quick howdy!

Wishing y’all a fab day ahead 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

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Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy Chums…

How’s your weekend been? I’ve been cracking on with my to-do list and shockingly managed to finalise the nail room with the arrival of my workstation… I’m slightly gutted that my original desk area didn’t work out but Emma seems over the moon considering that it’s found a new home in her bedroom! Thanks to hubby it’s now looking like a fabulous little salon that’s perfect for what I need! I also managed to squeeze in a little bit of a cosmetic spree (thanks to some Boots gift vouchers my brother & sister treated me to for my birthday) so keep a look out for new reviews etc popping up very soon… I’ve some great budget finds to show you guys!

In other news I’m tackling my very first aquarium nail design today as well as testing out some new Moyou London stamping plates using their marshmallow stamper. Excited, is an understatement so keeping fingers crossed it all goes swimmingly *excuse the pun* 😀

What’s your plans for today? Are you doing anything exciting or simply spending a relaxing day at home? If you fancy catching up with this weeks shenanigans on Confetti & Curves then why not check out a few of the posts below…  as always, if you’ve a blog feature you’d like us to check out then feel free to leave the link in the comments too!

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No 7 Lift & Luminate Foundation… the Secret to Dewy Skin?

I roll up my testing sleeves and get to work on putting the No & Lift & Luminate Foundation through it’s paces with my quest for the perfect dewy and hydrated skin to combat summer dryness… but is it really worth the £16.50 price tag?

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The Nail File… Nail Art Inspiration

Disney, Tribal & Baby Boomer is just a few of the fun nail art designs I’ve been getting up to this past week as I test the steadiness of my freehand skills 😀 *Click Here* to check out & follow the Liquid Glamour Facebook Page

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Get Ready With Me: Summer Peachy Makeup Look

This week’s YouTube chatter features one of my favourite looks for summer using soft peach tones – great for warming pale complexions, if you’re as translucent as I am you just might love this look as much as I do! All products featured are mentioned on the blog post… just incase you feel the need to extend your shopping list by a few items 😉

As always, thank y’all so much for the support, comments, re-tweets, shares, likes & just darn right loveliness. You lot really are an awesome bunch. Do feel free to pop a favourite link from your blog in the comments below for the rest of us to check out, otherwise do stop by & say a quick hello!

Cheerio Chums…

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