31 December 2010

Things that make you go Oooooo (December 2010)

Alice in Wonderland by FUNKYAH
Today is my favourite day of the whole year, a time to look back on the fun times, to see how much you've achieved, a time for self improvement, a time for fresh new start and of course a time to party like it's 1999! I'm so excited that a new year is coming all fresh and full of possibilities, 2010 has been a wonderful year to me and I'm determined to make 2011 ever better!

Your permission slip from the universe - because we're all awesome and deserve it

35 Lessons in 35 Years

How to Create An Amazing Group of Friends - Friendship is one of the greatest things we can ever experience and it's important to surround yourselves with people that you truly love and respect.


10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job - If you're pondering making that big change but you're too scared of the consequences read this, it's not an easy road but it's entirely possible to live out the life you want.

The Freedom Experiment

How to Love Yourself in 17 Ways - Make it your mission this year to love yourself stupid!


Eating Your Way to a Good Nights Sleep - It's really amazing how a simple change in diet can make you feel so much better.


Beauty Tips for Good Skin - because when our skin feels good then we feel even better!

Birthday Girl by Yumna
LeechBlock - If you're like me and you get easily distracted from doing those things you should then this app for Firefox could be your saviour, you can specify which sites to block and when to block them so you don't have to worry about wasting hours on the internet when you should be working!


100 Tips & Thoughts for Better Self-Esteem - We all suffer from it at some point or another so here are some great tip on how to overcome bad self-esteem.


Me, Myself and I: They Joys of Being Alone - Being alone isn't scary it can be one of life's greatest pleasures!


4 Life "Rules" Which Are EXCELLENT To Break - I love these and it's so true you shouldn't feel you have to follow convention to have a successful life.


Feng Sui Tips to Turn Your Bedroom Into a Retreat - This is something I'm implementing into the Batcave, although I'm still in phase one de-cluttering!


On Being Single - I totally agree with everything said here. Single is definitely not a bad thing, don't feel like you have to be in a relationship in order to validate yourself.

There is no explanation by Victoria Zeoli
10 Inspiring Women Share: What Makes Me Feel Beautiful - I just love hearing what other people do to make them feel beautiful it could be something to try out yourself.


Things That Make Me Happy - This list makes me happy, let's all make happy lists and share them!







Big Hugs & Much Love
Cate
xoxo

Farewell 2010

Watchers 3/5 by Drew Levin

Dear 2010,

Thank you for the best year of my life, I know it wasn’t just you it was me but thank you for making me realise that I’m not such a terrible person after all.

Thank you for letting me follow my dreams, for giving me the courage to travel and for all those amazing times I had whilst I was away. You’ve made me realise that dreams aren’t just dreams they’re plans and they can be achieved and that out of every negative experience you learn something positive about yourself.

Thank you for making me realise that a career isn’t all about the money, it’s about finding your passions and something you believe it. Sometimes you have to take time out of the rat race to really find something you want to do in this world and although I may not be at the end point yet I’m enjoying all those new experiences and finding out what it is I truly want to be.

I know now that being alone isn’t scary and shouldn’t hold you back and that in some ways it can be better because you can play the game according to your rules and do the things that others may think are ridiculous and really enjoy them. I never struggle for company anymore because I am my own best company and nobody knows me better than myself right?

Thank you for my friends and family. Wow are they an amazing bunch of people and although they’re scattered throughout the world I’m grateful that they are part of my life in some way or another, lets grab a coffee sometime soon okay?

I’m sad that this it’s soon to be over between us, I really wanted it to last but I’m glad you’ve made me much more confident about the future. I’m happy to face all those challenges my head held high and embrace all the wonderful things life has to bring.

I’ve laughed and I’ve cried but I’ll always look back on our time together with fond memories.

Goodbye 2010 I'll miss you...

Love Forever
Cate
xoxo

21 December 2010

Daily Outfit: Black on White


The snow is back just in time for Christmas, which is always nice although I must admit after this cold winter I'm ready to migrate to Australia! As pretty as the snow is I love the heat much more.


It's been a while since my last outfit post as I never seem to give myself enough time to take pictures before I leave the house and by the time I get home it's already dark! But I've made a promise to myself to document my outfits more often in the new year as it's always interesting to see how your style changes throughout the year.


One of the things I noticed lately is since my hair has gone brighter and more colourful my outfits have gone darker. Black has always been one of my key wardrobe colours and I love the fact that it pretty much matches every colour.


I used pink as my accent colour in this outfit as I always like to dress my outfit up with a few key colourful accessories and I guess since adding the pink and blue streaks my hair has become one of those accessories to.


Hair Clips - Heidi Seeker
Cardigan - Forever21
Necklace - Tarina Tarantino
Dress - Zara
Bracelets - H&M
Tights - Primark
Boots - Whooga

Love & Sparkly Hugs
Cate
xoxo

16 December 2010

Inspirational Quotes #9

Fashion fades, only style remains the same. - Coco Chanel

12 December 2010

On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...


As it's the holidays I decided to treat myself to something sparkly so of course I turned to my favourite jewellery designer Tarina Tarantino to get my fix. This pendant has all of my favourite things Hello Kitty, pink hair, sparkles and Gothic Lolita fashion I just adore it, it's so cute and so me.

I wasn't expecting this till much closer to Christmas but I'm so happy it arrived early as now I can wear it out to all my Christmas parties.

I ordered it from a US based company called Regencies who stock a whole load of Tarina's designs as well as my other favourites Disney Couture and Betsey Johnson along with a plethora of other amazingly cute and adorable jewellery designers. I ordered this necklace from them on the 2nd December and it was shipped the next day and arrived at my door on the 7th which is a very impressive super fast delivery time considering the time of year and everything was securely packaged and send wrapped up in a sturdy box so you don't have to worry about your precious jewels getting damaged in transit.

So if you're looking to get yourself (or someone else) a cute and sparkly gift this Christmas I fully recommend you visit Regencies

Love & Sparkly Hugs
Cate
xoxo

03 December 2010

What's in my Bag #4


I love Betsey Johnson, her designs are always so much fun. I bought this Betsey Telephone bag when I was in San Diego last year and it's one of my favourites and also the one that gets the most compliments, everyone loves to play with my kitschy Telephone bag!


I don't have a lot in my bag this month as my visits outside have been brief with all the snow, ice and cold weather so I've just been carrying around the basic essentials although a few random extras seemed to have snuck into there...


Hello Kitty purse
Mobile phone
Givenchy glasses
Keys
Airwaves
Soothers
MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipstick
Tiny pack of card
Pink hairclip
BATMAN LIVE TICKETS
Miss Kika tote


Love & Big Warm Hugs
Cate
xoxo

30 November 2010

Things that make you go Oooooo (November 2010)


Winter is here and the days are much colder which means I've been spending less time outside and more time curled up under a blanket with a hot water bottle and a good cup of Chai. I can't believe that December starts tomorrow and another year is almost over, it's crazy! On that frightening thought here's what's been keeping me amused all through November.

Halfway Somewhere - Did you know one of my favourite bloggers Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky sings? She has such a beautiful voice definitely worth a listen.

Giant Gummy Bear on a Stick!

Still Life, Still Alive - Such a great concept wonderfully executed it really is amazing to look at!

Violet Darkling - I am head over heels in love with her jewellery, there is not a single piece in her collection I would not wear, now I just need to organise that bank heist so I can buy it all, who's in?

You're Already Perfect

Indian Spiced Pita Pizza - This is the perfect quick and easy recipie for one of those chilly days, it'll warm you right up!


3 Reasons Why Betsey Johnson is the Coolest Grandma on the Planet - She's just too awesome, I love her.

Fashion & Beauty's Greatest Inventions for Womankind

Welcome to Doe Deere's Unicorn House - such an adorable place and very creative I love it!


Sith Princesses - My inner geek is delighted at this mix of Star Wars and Disney, I've always thought the Sith's are the more stylish side which is reason enough for me to join the Dark side.

18 Absurd & Frivolous Designer Items

Noir Jewelry - I love LOVE their designs especially their rings and the Disney series is a dream. I'm also ecstatic to hear that they'll be making some Batman themed designs soon.


I Want To Be... A Crochet Queen! - Gala Darling interviews one of my favourite crafters and biggest inspiration Twinkie Chan, some great advice in there for my fellow crafters.

Grandma's Superhero Therapy

Thrifty with $50: Fashion on a budget - Some great advice here from the lovely San Smith on how to create a cute look on a budget. I agree with everything she said planning your look before you hit the shops is a great way to stay focused and keep on budget!


11 Amazing Fake 'Harry Potter' Books Written in China - Hilarious stuff, although I'm not a Harry Potter fan I'm quite tempted to give these a read.

The Top 100 Tutorials of 2009

Personalised Photo Diaries - I'm so tempted to get one of these for my Filofax it's such a cute way to personalise it and it would make an awesome Christmas gift for someone to.


The Emotional Effects of Overconsumption - Something to consider with the month of consumption and excess upon us!

31 Things I've Learnt in 31 Years

Biscuiteer - If you still can't find that perfect Christmas gift for someone then cute biscuits is your fail-safe!







Love & Icicles
Cate
xoxo

26 November 2010

Beauty Blitz: 5 Winter Beauty Remedies

It might be winter outside... by Nicole Simoes
Winter has to be the worst time of year for my skin and spending most of my days indoors with the heating on high is not having a good effect on me but I've found some great products which are working well at keeping my skin looking healthy and fresh.

Gac Fruit Soap
What the heck is Gac fruit I hear you ask, well I'm not entirely sure myself all I know is that it's one of those so called "superfruits" that has massive healthy benefits. Recently I've been suffering from eczema and I haven't been able to use many products but after washing with this soap my skin was healthy and fresh again. I bought this on a whim from a market in Thailand and I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy anymore because it's great stuff, so if you ever stumble across it then stock up!


My hair has been a little on the dry side with all the bleach I've been using on it recently but after using this, my hair has never looked healthier! This is total value for money to as it comes in a big fat tube which will last you for months and sometimes you just need to use a little on the ends to perk your hair up a bit.


Loofah Soap
No need for a separate loofah anymore as this soap already has it! This stuff is great for getting rid of all that icky dry skin and you don't have to worry about the inevitable "loofah mould" as you get a new one in each bar, YEY!

I've been using this for a long time now and it's still the best cream in my book for dry skin not to mention that it smells absolutely delicious. What I love most about this is that it doesn't aggravate my eczema and does a super job of soothing my dry skin this is a must for me during winter and recommend it to everyone.

Fruit Tea by Luciana
Fruit Teas
Because what you put into your body is just as important as what you use on the outside! Winter is flu season so it's a good idea to keep your vitamin stocks up and fruit teas are a perfect way of doing that. Try making your own fruit blends by getting a few packs of different dry fruit putting them in a teapot and adding some hot water to them.

Does your skin suffer in winter to? What do you do to solve the problem and what are your winter beauty best buys? Be sure to comment and share them with us.

Love & Tea
Cate
xoxo

20 November 2010

She Howls at the Moon in the Midnight Hour


I feel my style is evolving into something much more dark and sinister, my inner wolf has been let loose on my wardrobe and what remains is a sea of black with a splash of blood red. I've always thought of the Werewolf as a good metaphor for the evolution of fashion and style, with each new moon it gets stronger and sheds its old identity becoming something new and greater than imagined.

The Magic Wolf
"Midnight is upon us, the moon is high and the time for fun about to begin."
 Dress - Zara
Feather Cape - New Look
Tights - ASOS
Shoes - Ironfist


This is just a simple co-ordinate I put together which I thought I could wear to dinner or a party, something classic and magical but fierce and strong at the same time, I think my inner wolf would approve don't you?

 Cosmic by Eyeko
Off with her Red by O.P.I

I thought some blood red nails would add the great finishing touch to this outfit and it's really easy to do for all those nail art beginners like myself.

So what do you think, would you let your inner wolf out for a night of fun?
Full Moons & Wolf Howls
Cate
xoxo

16 November 2010

Inspirational Quotes #8


Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, they'd just walk around naked at all times. - Betsey Johnson

11 November 2010

D.I.Y Tutorial: Sparkly Bone Necklace


A while back I saw that Audrey Kitchen was selling a bone necklace in her Tokyolux shop and instantly fell in love, I really wanted one in my life but being the ever resourceful girl I am decided I wanted to save my money and make my own rather than buy one.


I had planned to make my own bones out of Fimo clay but then spotted this necklace, which I'm pretty sure is identical to the one Audrey Kitching is selling, in a costume shop for about a tenth of the price! I have to admit the necklaces are pretty cheap and nasty looking so I picked up a few with the intension to make them more wearable and less costumey.


I dismantled the necklaces throwing the cheap elastic cords away and my next task was to remove the "Made in China" stamps from each one of the bones (tacky!) which I did by using a small nail file, it also gave me a slightly rough surface which made a good base to stick the jewels on.



I didn't like the look of the original plastic beads so decided to use some nicer gemstone beads I had instead namely Black Onyx and Haematite, I also used some black Stretch Magic elastic cord I had to make the necklace as I've found it to be more durable and stronger than other elastics.


I found that the necklace was getting heavy from using the Onyx beads so decided to use some of the original plastic ones in the back so it wouldn't weigh as much, I also decided to use less bones than the original so I could make myself another one meaning I could get two necklaces for the price of one!



The best thing is that I now have two awesome bone necklaces to wear for a third of the price of the original one I wanted and I even have one necklace spare to play around with. Chances are you might see these in the Halloween sales so if you fancy making your own get one as it's so easy to turn them into something special.



Love & Sparkly Skeletons
Cate
xoxo