Stationery | LAMY Set

Another stationery post, I know this is becoming a habit! Regardless I wanted to share what I've picked up recently, a set of LAMY goods. Ideally I wanted a fine nib fountain pen, alas all the stores only seemed to have medium but the lady in the store I went to said they sold the nibs separately so I managed to get a medium and a fine nib. I thought I'd found the elusive 2015 orange inks but sadly they only really had red but I got that as I dislike blue inks for the most part but I didn't want to go with black.

I really love the Graphite Black style of the pen itself, I'm excited to get writing with it. The body is matt and a great length for optimal grip even when the lid isn't posted on the end. I'm a big fan of the big clip for attaching the pen to notebooks and cases. Despite the very reasonable price tag (£16.50) for the pen I find this pen to be of a wonderful quality, the fine nib was £5 and I'm chuffed with it.

Stationery | Hobonichi Techo Royal Stewart Zipper Case

I've been waiting patiently for this parcel to arrive, or rather impatiently. As I mentioned in an earlier post I have been using the Japanese planner 'Hobonichi Techo 2016' for daily journaling and although I had made a case for it I felt the need for something to fully protect it if I was to use it everyday wherever I was. Hobonichi offer a wonderful delivery service where everything comes in a big yellow bag with a turquoise box and a leaflet about life journalling. If you buy the journals from the official site you get a free four colour pen and a tissue holder. 

My order was just the zipper case as I had the planner already. I'd been waiting for the Royal Stewart Lochcarron case to come back into stock as I'm a big fan of tartan, it is timeless and goes with just about everything. The brown leather and gold zip with the red tartan remind me of Scotland (being that it is Scottish haha). The inside of the case has several spaces to store cards, post its and all kinds of notes or accessories along with two fabric book marks with leather tips. The net storage section is great for easy access to important notes or cards as you can see everything in there. 

The only downside was being that I live in the United Kingdom there was a hefty customs charge (which is fair enough) but be aware I ended up paying £21 and my case cost £46 so almost half of the original cost just to receive it. Seeing and feeling the quality of the case I'd say it was worth it for sure.

101 in 1001 Catch-up

It feels pretty surreal knowing that it is only just over a week until Christmas, it seems to take forever to get to this time of year then it flies by in a flash. 2015 has been super productive, so much in that I graduated with my BA Hons., left the United Kingdom for the first time in 2 years and generally smashed through much of my 101 in 1001 list. Here is a summary of what I achieved so far this year from the list.

I moved house so this was an ideal time to post a snippet of my new abode.

It may have felt like an eternity doing this but I finally got it done and did really well too.

Visited the Bridewell and the Castle Museum for University projects, learned so much about my home town.

Amazing book, Cycling Home From Siberia. Reading really helps grow your vocabulary and offers a great mental stimulation.

Was a strange one but I always wanted a day bed and I got a beautiful one.

This was the comedy gig, it was amazing I really loved it.

My new running trainers which are hard to miss with all the bright colours, need to use them more in 2016.

A delightful chip into what it is to be Danish, I adored this insight into a great culture. 

I may have ended walking along the Southbank for two hours but this was a great way to see the big city.

The Design Museum I put into the gallery category as much of the work was new. So much eye candy and innovative design. They had a brilliant exhibition of women's fashion over the past century.

I ended up eating at pretty much all 5 this year including the ramen restaurant Shoryu, absolutely recommend this place.

Took the dive and bought a FOSSIL bag, I don't expect to spend over £100 on a bag every day but this was a great new go-to article in my closet. 

Speaking of closets I gutted much of my closet in an attempt to create a capsule closet. Unfortunately storage is very limited at home so this kinda failed. Maybe try again in 2016.

Radio 1's Big Weekend was intense, Taylor Swift was incredible and I went from not fussed by her to adoring her.

Not sure if this is classed as a museum but it felt like one dedicated to all things HP. Harry Potter Studios was one of my favourite things ever. A wonderful anniversary gift from my super generous boyfriend.

This is looking ahead really but I purchased the Hobonichi Techo 2016, a day to day planner for all my memories next year. I am stoked to start writing!

Me and my sister took an impromptu visit to Berlin for the Christmas Markets, a great way to close the year really.

Other mentionable events which didn't get their own posts (yet?);

Career - Branded my freelance work, applied for jobs in the creative industry, reproduced refined work, photographed my work, made a website, made an online portfolio, cleared out old paperwork.

Travel - Went to the Westfield Centre.

Creative - Knit a scarf, made labels for my storage, organised stationery, organised all loose cables (nightmare).

Shopping - Got cute book ends, bought all Christmas presents before December (99%  at least).

Personal - Finished 4/5 video games, reconnected with old friends, watched another movie in gallery at the cinema, got a new hair style.

BOOK// CYCLING HOME FROM SIBERIA

"Cycling Home From Siberia tells the story of Rob’s three-year bicycle ride from northeast Russia back to London, via Papua New Guinea, Tibet and Afghanistan. Along the way he camped at minus forty, was robbed at gunpoint, and hitch-hiked on boats across the sea."

Reading books is something I don't often get around to doing as I feel guilty for not doing work, alas what can be more inspiring than reading! Rob Lilwall's book 'Cycling Home from Siberia' was so captivating it took me barely two days to finish and I struggled to put it down. The quote above from his website here is a great shorthand of what this book encapsulates but without so much of the depth or emotion from the book itself. 

Lilwall endures horrendous temperatures and heated tensions with his co-cyclist as he embarks throughout Siberia and onwards across several countries, with very little former experience on cycling vast distances. His writing style allows you to experience the journey too, reading as if he was telling a friend or someone that may be considering embarking on the adventure themselves. Reading about his strong faith and the kindness of almost strangers definitely made me consider how I treat others and also how genuinely blessed my life is (deep revelations here I know). 

I felt envy as he trekked through Japan, a country that seems to always remain captivating to myself. Lilwall instilled a curiosity in me about places I had never really considered visiting before but now would love to go see, though perhaps not on bike. If you're a keen traveller I think this book would be a real treat for you to enjoy (maybe on a long flight). 

I have his next book 'Walking Home from Mongolia', though I am putting it aside to read something a little different for a bit as I feel if I finish that too I'll be left with no more of his wonderful antics. If you're interested in his books they're very reasonably priced online or are available at Waterstones where I picked up mine.

LIFESTYLE // THE EDGE OF TOMORROW REVIEW

It is no secret that I am a bit of a geek, I love Sci-fi and video games, so when the UK student movie offer 'Slackers Club' offered free tickets to see 'The Edge of Tomorrow' in 3D I grabbed one straight away. I had read the book and found it extremely enjoyable and one that I could not put down. 

The story is based on the book 'All You Need Is Kill' by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, it obviously has some variation to make it appealing to the Western audiences but generally fits the same plot. Tom Cruise plays Major William Cage, in the near future where large parts of Europe have been taken over by an Alien invasion. Despite his lack of combat experience he is forced to go into combat and ends up reliving the same day over and over, days in which he finds Emily Blunt's character, Special Forces soldier Rita Vrataski and he has to work towards stopping the infinite loop of the same day dying and reliving over and over. 

Initially I was concerned as I had been disappointed with Ender's Game movie rendition and I thought this would be another rushed movie but in fact the special effects were immense, the casting was spot on and the soundtrack made the emotion of the movie so fluid. Emily Blunt was so brilliant as the 'Full Metal B**ch', she mixed both touching sadness with stoic and heroic emotion.  

 I would recommend this movie to any one, even if you're not a big Sci-Fi fan it has a bit of everything; action, drama, romance and comedy. The movie harnesses the true brutality of Japanese action with the strength of the Hollywood triple A films. Overall a 10/10. 

Review: Espirit Eyeshadow Palette

Hey lovelies, today I have a little review of an eyeshadow palette by Espirit. I bought this from, dare I say it, a pound shop. I know that sounds insane and you may fear your face could fall off using this but knowing it was ESPRIT I figured I'd give it a go. The blue was a lovely aqua and the other shades pretty neutral so on my student budget I decided to go for it.

Here is the palette, nice large pigment areas and a little sponge applicator. I personally prefer to use a blending brush than the little applicators that come with these things. 

This is the swatches using the little applicator. 

1. The brown actually came out a lovely shimmery golden brown which I was pleased with, the powder was very smooth and quite opaque. 

2. The aqua blue shade is a lot paler than I thought it would be but an appealing iridescent shade none the less. 

3. The yellow/gold is nice but I definitely wouldn't combine this with the blue. 

4. You can barely see this as it is very close to my skin tone, it is a very light pinkish shade, more for blending than actual pigmentation. 

The back of the packaging shows a guide to applying these colours, personally I wouldn't use them all together as it isn't a very complimentary combination but it is always nice to have these for ideas. 

Over all the quality of this was good, very much drugstore quality but the colours are enjoyable and the price tag is clearly going to reflect on this. I probably won't buy this again since it was just a one off and likely a discontinued palette but I am pleased I gave it a shot. 

Review: Garnier Intensive 7 Day SOS-Repair Hand Cream

A little while back I had a problem with really dry hands, pardon the details but they were dry and peeling and just overly uncomfortable. This was very unusual for me as I tend to have soft hands with very little problems. I tried a few creams and some Sudocrem to try and clear it but really wanted something with a nicer texture that would work faster. 

I purchased this Garnier Hand Cream in the hopes it would improve them and luckily they did. Although this says 7-days I don't think it works that fast, the improvement was rather slow but I definitely feel this made me more comfortable and hydrated. The scent is non-offensive and not strong at all which is great since I had to use this whilst at work and don't want to smell like a perfume shop. 

Over all I would recommend this product, it was only £3 (reduced to £2 at the moment in Boots). It is value for money and it works, just don't expect miracles. 

Skin-Clean Mint Green

Liz Earle Skincare Try-Me Kit

Purchased at John Lewis in Newcastle for £23.25.

I have been admiring Liz Earle's products for a while now, having previously used the Exfoliator and the Hot Cloth Cleanse & Polish. I bought this set after deciding I would like to try a few more products but without spending loads on full size products. Here I've written a little summary review of the set, I hope you enjoy :).

This is the neat little beauty carry bag it comes in, a lovely light mint colour. The bag contains 2 muslin cloths. 

These are the products from the set; Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml, Instant Boost Skin Tonic 50ml, Skin Repair Moisturiser 15ml and Brightening Treatment Mask 15ml. I think the size of these is ideal for taking on holiday, none of them is above the 100ml for taking on a flight and the little bag carries all of them. 

1. Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

Consistency: Creamy but not oily. 

Scent: I thought it smelt a little of tea tree oil. Not overbearing. 

Overall: I liked that you only needed a small amount to spread across your face. It felt fresh and not oily at all. For those not familiar with the hot cloth cleansing you apply this to your face when dry, rinse the muslin cloth in hand-hot water and smooth the cloth over your skin removing excess cleanser. I've found using this makes my skin feel fresh and clean, where previous cleansers have clogged up my skin. 

2. Instant Boost Skin Toner

Consistency: Clear liquid, like water. 

Scent: Oddly like play dough. Nice and not overbearing. 

Overall: A great product, made my face feel smooth and supple. It compliments the cleanser very well. 

3. Skin Repair Moisturiser

Consistency: Creamy but not oily. 

Scent: Fresh smell, bit of Aloe Vera. 

Overall: One of the best moisturisers I've ever tried, my face feels great all day through, even hydrates it well when wearing make-up throughout. I tried the Normal/Combination skin version which suits me well with my dry but sometimes oily complexion. 

4. Brightening Treatment Mask

Consistency: Creamy, a little oily. 

Scent: Fresh. 

Overall: I love this, it really made my skin feel flawless. It didn't leave my face feeling sticky or like I'd had any products on it at all. I would recommend this. 

I'll definitely be buying these products in their full size, I think the Toner & Moisturiser were my favourites in this. I do feel you are getting value for money with this, it is also a great price if you want to give it as a gift. I'd love to try more of the sets in future, but for now I'm enjoying using these. 

Have you tried any Liz Earle products? Please comment with your views :)