Keeping Up With Karen…

Wow, what a week it’s been here at Confetti & Curves HQ! Firstly thank you all sooooooo so much for your kind congratulations and lovely messages in regards to my 2nd blogiversary. It’s been a fantastic journey so far and I’m hoping there’ll be many more blog birthdays down the road to celebrate. Also, a huge thanks to all who have participated and shared the exciting international giveaway I’m currently running – Win a Kat Von D Eyeshadow palette of your choice. If you haven’t already entered, never fear there’s plenty of time to get your name down as the competition closes at midnight (GMT) on 31 October! *yippee*

In other news, I’ve spent much of the weekend deliberating over various colours of paint to revamp the kitchen with. Here in N.Ireland, the kitchen is always the heart of the home, as it’s the one room we seem to spend most of our time in…. chatting, drinking tea, eating dins, discussing how our day went etc. So I’m eager to make it as cosy & fresh looking as possible. As much as I love neutral walls I’ve opted for a soft pistachio green; well, actually the colour is called French Vine but you get the idea gals 😉 The only thing I’m not looking forward to is the chaos that’ll be caused in my kitchen over the coming week – but hey, as long as the tea bags and kettle are accessible I’ll stifle my grumbles.

Talking of kettles, why don’t you flick the switch on yours, put your feet up for five mins and check out some of the shenanigans that’s been happening here on Confetti & Curves this week…

.

GIVEAWAY: Win a Kat Von D Eyeshadow palette of YOUR choice

Monday’s post saw the return of my blogging vacation with by celebrating two exciting milestones with a fabulous international giveaway as we reached a whopping 2000 subscribers and celebrated a 2nd blogiversary ❤ Woo hoo!

.

The Nail Tech Haul

Wednesday’s beauty chatter showcased some of my recent nail art buys that clients have been loving lately. Glitters, stamping plates, stamping polishes and gorgeous gels is what to expect – not forgetting a little mention of the giveaway too! Don’t forget to  *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload!

.

Seven Spooky Shadow Designs for Halloween 

Are you looking for inspiration when it comes to dressing up your eyes this Halloween? If so then look no further than Fridays post as I uncover some of the most genius creations from makeup addicts around the interwebs! How cute is that little hand painted kitty?

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…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Celebrating 2000 Blog Subscribers!!!!!!!!!!!!

2000 Subscribers?! How the HECK did that happen?!

When I first started Confetti & Curves never in my dreams did I imagine I’d be celebrating a whopping 2000 subscribers of my blog… in fact I still remember the rush of adrenaline when I hit my first 100 followers – I literally couldn’t believe that amount of people would want to check out my little corner of the interweb.

This blog has been such a lifeline & to me for so many reasons; it’s helped me through days I’ve felt totally broken, it’s kept me focused on putting my energy into something positive when I’ve been riddled with anxiety, I’ve made friends from all over the world that will indeed stay friends for many years to come, I’ve worked with some fantastic brands, tested some great (and not so great) beauty products, but most importantly I’ve been SO warmly welcomed into such an amazing online community.

So from the bottom of my heart… THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU – not just for hitting the subscribe/follow button, but for hanging around to say hello, checking out previous features, for leaving me the most uplifting & encouraging comments and just being an amazing bunch of online buddies.

SO….. keep your eyes peeled for a super duper giveaway to celebrate as a great big thank you for hanging around… don’t forget you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload too! I’m also on a sprinkling of social media too if you’d like to pop by and say howdy elsewhere (links featured below)

Thanks again y’all for making Confetti & Curves the little online haven that it is!

Cheerio Chums…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy beauty chums…

Oh it’s been a jolly few days here at Confetti & Curves HQ as little one is on the brink of turning 11 years old!!!!!!! May not seem as shocking to you lovely lot, but being her mama I am AHHHMAAZED at just how quickly the years have flown in… it certainly doesn’t feel like a decade ago that I was changing nappies and filling my washing machine with drool soaked bibs! Needless to say, Emma had a fabulous time at home with the clan for a ‘make your own pizza’ party followed by a girly slumber party with her bestie… much giggling and whispering to late makes for a pair of very tired girls this morning munching their way through cereal.

What’s your plan for today? Are you having a quiet one or are you looking forward to something special? After a week of battling with horrific Sciatica pains, I’m taking it easy – terrified to move as in case something gives up and I end up howling in agony once again! So my apologies for being a little late in replying but I’m afraid no position was comfy enough for me to handle an hour in front of the laptop – thank heavens for scheduled posts *phew*

As always, feel free to leave a link to any posts you’d like me to check out today!

.

No7 ‘Lovely Lips’ Lip Balm in Parisian Pink

Fancy treating your lips to a little luxury balm that feels high end without the pocket pinching spend?! Then look no further chums, in fact click on the link above and you might just meet your new autumn/winter lip-kit essential ❤

.

Building a Beauty Room: The Reveal

Wednesday’s post was a bit of a YouTube chatter flashback as I re-posted the finished look of my new beauty room! It’s so much fun to look back on older posts and videos from time to time and this was most definitely one of my favourite videos to film!

.

Autumn Inspired Makeup: Purple Smoky Eyes

Friday’s Beauty chatter was a fresh new upload featuring one of my favourite looks for fall, a gorgeous purple smoky eye and deep berry lips. What’s your favourite makeup look for autumn? Don’t forget you can *CLICK HERE* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload!

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…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Autumn Inspired Makeup: Purple Smoky Eyes…

There’s few words that can truly portray just how excited I get for the arrival of fall… it’s undoubtedly my favourite time of the year! The gorgeous rich colours of the landscape, crunchy brown leaves tumbling to the ground, warm cosy scarves, boots and of course – makeup up to match *happy sigh*

In this week’s video I showcase (one of) my favourite looks for fall… a purple smokey eye and dramatic rich berry lip. Those fabulous colours never fail to get me in the mood for a spiced pumpkin latte and gingerbread cookie – not to mention dusting off my fairy lights and seasonal candles.

So if beautiful berry tones coupled with moody mauves is your kinda thing too then sit back & hit the play button. My entire makeup look is a cocktail combination of super affordable drugstore finds, so it’s just as pretty on your pocket as it is on your face 😀

Don’t forget – you can subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel by *Clicking Here* – and if YOU have a look for autumn that you’ve been blogging or vlogging about recently do leave the link in the comments below, I’d love to check it out!

 

Cheerio Chums…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy chums,

Arre you all having a fabulous weekend? I done something I haven’t done in a looooooong time this weekend – went on a movie night with the gals. Yep, it was the Belfast premiere of Bridget Jone’s Baby on the big screen and we hit the town for a quiet night of giggles and chatter! How good is it to get out with the gals for a bit? After a yummy pizza, we made our way to the cinema and sat back in our leather recliners and watched in style. I think it’s safe to say our future cinema trips will certainly be VIP style for sure… so a huuuge thanks to Shelia & Kerry for such a fun night out! And yes blog buddies, the movie is a hoot – so if you haven’t seen it already make sure to treat yourself! Erm…. how hot is Patrick Dempsey?! *swoooon* 😉

As for today, I’m afraid it’s at home for me as I’m really battling through a tough run of pains, headaches and complete exhaustion – on a brighter not my appointment with the Rheumatologist has come through sooner than anticipated so I’m clinging on with hope that things may look a little more positive once I’m in his care. This is by FAR the toughest health issue I’ve been through, but I’m fighting it – one day at a time. So thanks to all you guys who are always so supportive and just an utterly fab bunch that never fail to keep my spirits up.

As always, I’ve posted below what’s been happening this week on Confetti and Curves! Don’t forget you’re more than welcome to leave links to blog posts you’d like me to check out too – I don’t always get to see what pops up on my blog WordPress reader so do paste your link below and I’ll be chuffed to pay you a visit 🙂

.

Bourjois Smokey Stories Quad Palette

Monday’s post showcased the Bourjois Smokey Stories quad palette that’s been high on my shopping list for a few weeks now! But was it really as good as I hoped for? Check out my review and finished eye look for yourself… have you tried it yet?

.

Using Cream Highlighter To Make Your Eye Shadow POP

You guys should know by now how much I adore dressing up my lids – so when I discovered a cream highlighter that has spurred a wealth of compliments I had to share it with you guys! It makes SUCH a different to so many shadows – and is perfect for this time of year too! Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YoutTube channel so you never miss an upload 🙂

.

My Top Tips On Getting Your Article Published In A Magazine 

Do you dream of seeing your work featured in your favourite beauty or lifestyle mag? If so then Friday’s re-post of my top tips is definitely something you should check out… writing for a glossy mag could be a little easier to achieve than you imagine!

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…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy chums…

What a busy little week it’s been here at Confetti & Curves HQ – what with nails, catching up with chums, getting cuddles from my bestie’s new born baby boy & prepping for lots more shenanigans coming up next week; I kinda feel like I haven’t had a moment to sit down and chatter with you lovely lot… until now that is! So my apologies if replies are running a little later than normal this week, however I’m afraid time is precious and I truly wish I could magic a few more hours into the day. Anyone else battling with a busy schedule? On top of all that lot my aches and pains have been through the roof *sob* and even typing today I feel like I’ve been through the wars – oh to be living with Fibro, the pain is a nightmare but never the less there’s always someone much worse so I’m trying to stay as positive as can be without getting too moany.

As always, for those planning on spending a few moments catching up with some blog reading – here’s a quick snippet of a few fun features that have appeared on Confetti & Curves this past week. Don’t forget, if you have any blog posts you’d like me to check out you’re welcome to leave the link in the comments below and I’ll be sure to stop by for a chatter.

Okay, off to pop the kettle on again – wishing you all a fabulous Sunday whatever you’re up to 🙂

.

10 Photography Backdrop Ideas for Budding Beauty Bloggers

Are you on the hunt for some perfect backdrop ideas for your beauty snaps? If so then check out Mondays post as I share a few of my favourite tips for easy peasy backgrounds that are most likely lying around your house or very close to hand – yep even the great outdoors gets a mention. What’s your favourite backdrop to use? Let me know in the comments!

.

HUGE Autumn Inspired BOOTS Beauty Haul

Wednesdays YouTube chatter was all about sharing a few of my recent purchases from one of my favourite UK Drugstores – Boots! Armed with a ton of ‘advantage points’ I pretty much raided the makeup shelves for a much needed Fall haul. Have you tried any of my new beauty goodies already? Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload!

.

Cocktails, Cake & Celebrations

In Friday’s feature I held up to my promise of sharing a few wedding piccies of the newly married Mr & Mrs Smith’s big day! Take a peek at some of the great memories we made – such a great day ❤

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…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Huge Autumn Inspired BOOTS Beauty Haul…

Hola Chummies…

As my favourite time of year vastly approaches it’s no surprise that a haul is in order to celebrate it’s imminent arrival. And with the gorgeous colours of fall looming, my creative side works overdrive looking for fabulous new shades of cosmetics… along with a sprinkling of decent anti-frizz hair care to smooth my wavy locks from the damp & drizzle that Ireland so generously produces.

Needless to say, with a ton of points on my advantage card (and a list of products I’ve been lusting after) I’ve hauled myself right into fall with a bag full of new makeup and hair care goodies to help celebrate my favourite season on the calendar… autumn!

So grab your biggest cup of hot chocolate, put your feet up for a few minutes and check out some of the fall inspired makeup purchases I managed to grab from the shelves of my local Boots store! Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss an upload – and I’ve a few exciting videos planned over the next number of weeks so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

What’s on your ‘lust list’ for fall? Have you treated yourself to any recent makeup spends for the impending season? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by for a quick chatter 🙂

Cheerio Chums…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Keeping Up With Karen…

Howdy Chums…

How’s your weekend been? It’s been non stop here at Confetti & Curves HQ as we’re now just a few days away from wedding no 1 *EEEP* In other news, I finally managed to find a great deal on some new travel luggage, got creative with nails and spent my entire Saturday evening making cute little ‘Eat Me’ tags for the wedding favours that my sis is currently in the throws of making. Think I may just take the camcorder along and attempt a little wedding type vlog 😉 Could be fun, right?

As for today I’m taking it easy and recharging the batteries! If you’re doing the same and fancy a bit of blog reading whilst you’re doing nothing then why not check out the fun shenanigans that’s been happening on Confetti & Curves this past week – don’t forget to leave a link to any blog posts you’d like me to check out too!

.

The Nail File: Bridal Nail Art Designs

On Mondays post I showcased a few of my recent bridal nail designs – there’s everything from glitter, freehand to stamping. Why not check them out and let me know which one you like best! Don’t forget you can follow my nail studio, Liquid Glamour, on Facebook too by *Clicking Here*

.

Ten Gorgeous Mid Year & Academic Diaries

Ooooh I do love a spot of stationery shopping, don’t you?! Especially when it comes to picking a brand new mid year diary *excited air punch* So after browsing for what seemed like hours I painstakingly whittled down my top tem choices to suit all budget… perfect for back to school or a new organisational treat to schedule all your exciting blog posts in 😀

.

First Impressions: The L’Oreal Brow Artist Kit

You know me ladies… always on the hunt for pocket friendly purchases – particularly ones that claim to get my brows looking tip top. How could I resist? So this week’s chatter is a first impressions of the much acclaimed L’Oreal Brow Kit. Is it really as good as the reviews suggest?!

Don’t forget, you can *Click Here* to subscribe to the Confetti & Curves YouTube channel so you never miss a future upload!

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…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

First Impressions: The L’Oreal Brow Artist Kit…

There’s absolutely no denying it – I’m a sucker for a decent eye product. So of course after spotting a recent TV commercial for the L’Oreal Brow Artist Kit, I took to the interwebs to sniff out a little more info. Needless to say I was hit with a full 5 Star rating on the Boots website out of 80 reviewers – that’s not too shabby I must say.

Naturally my interest peaked further and so with mucho excitement I trawled myself around a number of stores to find this much raved about little kit. Thankfully store number 3 had the very last one in my colour *happy sigh* – as you can imagine I almost skipped to the counter (well, hobbled in a happy way) to part with my cash and bring home my new brow baby.

So how did it stack up to the glowing reviews? Was it really worth the £9.99? I guess you’ll have to push play and find out ladies 😉 Talking of which, thank you sooooo very much to my new subscribers for stopping by – I’m over the moon you guys choose to hang around & watch my chatters. Don’t forget, if you haven’t done so already you can *Click Here* to subscribe so you never miss a future upload!

Hope you enjoy the first impressions gals, it was great to finally dust off the camcorder again and get filming after last week’s break!

Have you tried the L’Oreal Brow Artist Kit? What’s your current favourite brow product? Whatever your thought’s I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by to say a quick howdy lovelies  Wishing y’all a fab weekend!

Cheerio Chums…

…

Catch me on:

Twitter   /   Instagram   /   YouTube   /   Facebook

Have We Met?

Not gonna lie this week has been a killer gals & needless to say I’ve been a human cocktail of emotions to match – heck I’m pretty sure there’s even a few extra grey hairs setting up camp *sob* Needless to say I’m on the wind down so between all the general life shenanigans mixed with some terrifying dental work *ouch* which means I’ve had to skip this weeks YouTube chatter *sigh* However I’m aiming to dust the camera off this weekend so an upload shall be on its merry way very soon!

Bizarrely in the interim of all the madness I’ve noticed a boom in followers *friendly wave* & so lovely to meet y’all 😀 So it only seems right to say a huge thank you for stopping by and taking the time to follow, say hello and I’ve even received a few truly inspiring emails – the blogging love is much appreciated, what an awesome community we have going on here ❤

As with all my wonderful new inter-web chums, there are soooooo many others platforms we can reach each other on… and as I love chatting and getting to know you all so much here’s a few of the others places you can find me noseying around throughout the morning, afternoon, evening (& occasionally) middle of the night.

Do pop by, say hello & hit a like button if you haven’t done so already. Just click on the links & you’ll be digitally transported right to me… yeeehaaa!

.

Twitter: @KarenHeidiRees

.

YouTube: Confetti & Curves

.

Instagram: karenheidirees

.

 Facebook: @LiquidGlamourByKaren

Don’t forget to say a quick hello and if you’ve any social media accounts you’d like me to check out or follow you on do feel free to pop the links in the comments below… it’s always a treat meeting new beauty buddies!

Cheerio Chums…