tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054543893151266972024-02-07T04:42:20.285+00:00francescasophia.co.uk | UK lifestyle blogFrancesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-45482623740531820162018-01-01T19:49:00.000+00:002018-01-01T19:49:00.381+00:00The One With the Goals | Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...can you tell I've been rewatching Friends all day, since Netflix launched all 10 seasons? I feel the post title might've given me away a little.<br />
2017 was a year of big changes, and although I'm starting 2018 in a really good place, I'm doing my best to set myself up with some goals that'll help me grow a little more for the new year, and I figured I'd share mine, just in case any of you have a had a hard time thinking some up this year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. THE ONGOING ONE: BEING KINDER TO MYSELF</b></div>
I've been trying this for a few years, but I'd like to take it a little more seriously in 2018. Between <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2017/12/5-ways-to-leave-toxic-relationships-in.html" target="_blank">leaving toxic relationships behind</a> in 2017, and trying to take some of my <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2017/12/6-changes-to-make-for-more-self-love-in.html" target="_blank">tips for more self-love</a> on board, I think I've set myself up to be a little less hard on myself, this year. Here's hoping, eh?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. THE ONE I SHOULD HAVE DONE YEARS AGO: GETTING OUT OF DEBT</b></div>
Okay, so maybe that's a little harsh...I'm not particularly 'in debt', but I do have a couple of credit cards that I'd like to cut up by the end of about March, and I'd like to get some savings together so I don't constantly use my overdraft as a 'safety net' - yeah, I know that's not a healthy way to see it. Plus, it leads me on to my next goal pretty well...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. THE ONE I'VE BEEN DIGGING MY HEELS ABOUT: SAVING FOR A MORTGAGE </b></div>
Ugh, as much as I <i>loathe</i> having to think about this kind of thing whilst in my head, I'm still 19, in reality, I'm 25, and if I ever want to get on the property ladder in my lifetime, I'm going to have to start thinking about it properly, this year. Let me know if you'd like a blog post on this in the near future, as I know I find it confusing AF, so if anyone else is, I'd be happy to do a roundup!<br />
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<b>4. THE ONE I ALWAYS SAY AND NEVER DO: TRAVEL MORE. A LOT MORE</b></div>
With everything that happened in the last year, I ended up not having the time nor the money to travel as much as I'd have liked. This year, I have a list of about 10 city breaks I'd like to manage, but ideally, I'm hoping for more <strike>as long as I don't lose anymore jobs</strike>.<br />
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<b>5. THE ONE I'M OPTIMISTIC ABOUT: BLOG MORE OFTEN</b></div>
I've finally learned to be a bit more adventurous with my content and branch out a little more, and I've finally started to reach out and let friends/fellow bloggers/my fella photograph me, without falling into a self-loathing mess at the results...so I think this year might be the one where I hop back on the blogging train for the first time since I blogged from my university bedroom as a 19 year old psychology student.<br />
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What're your plans and goals for the new year?</div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-88655541824945339832017-12-30T17:47:00.000+00:002017-12-30T17:47:02.581+00:006 Changes to Make for More Self-Love in 2018 | Wellbeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always been pretty open about my mental health stuff over here: from chatting about <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2016/01/6-things-people-with-depression-wish.html" target="_blank">things people with depression wish you knew</a> to discussing some of my <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2015/10/on-mental-health-life-lately.html" target="_blank">personal mental health conditions</a>, I'd daresay the people I know online know more about what's going on in my head than the people who know me IRL. But there's one thing I <i>don't</i> always find easy to talk or write about, and that's how little I've been able to commit to self-love, ever. I guess it's just never been on my list of priorities, or I'd never realised how important it was, until now.<br />
<br />
But, I'm learning, and here's how I intend to start loving myself a little better in the new year. Maybe you could, too.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE</b></div>
For some of us, self-love simply isn't natural...but it <i>is </i>natural to love the people we care about, and to treat them well - and it works the other way round, too. Looking at yourself through the eyes of someone who cares about you is truly one of the most uplifting things you can do...so do it more often. Go for a mate date and rant about everything you need to, watch a movie in your PJs, try on fabulous dresses that you can't afford, whatever makes you laugh with someone who thinks the sun shines out of your rear end. Or, hey, even if they don't, it's a fun mental picture.<br />
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<b>2. BE IMPOLITE</b></div>
Bear with me on this one: how many times have you taken on too much work, committed to a social event you have no interest in, or found yourself frazzled because you've been interrupted mid-flow by an unexpected phone call or question? And how many of those could've been avoided if you'd dropped the paranoia you'd had that someone would secretly hate you forever if you hadn't helped them? Chances are, they won't, any more than you'd secretly resent someone who was just too swamped to help <i>you</i> out. As for the social events? Just be honest if it's not your kind of thing. Life's too short.<br />
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<b>3. UNFOLLOW, UNSUBSCRIBE, UNFRIEND, BLOCK, DELETE</b></div>
I've been a real stickler for this one, lately, and it's genuinely improved my wellbeing so much. I've unfriended those people I never really liked from jobs I detested, I've unfollowed bloggers whose Instagram posts are triggering or just plain make me feel rubbish, unsubscribed from YouTubers who say damaging things, and blocked or deleted people whose reactions to what I choose to share fill me with anxiety. Social media is, for a lot of us, a daily thing; for some of us, it's a job, too...and with that much time spent around it, seeing content that makes you unhappy the whole time? It's not worth it.<br />
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<b>4. BE HONEST...</b></div>
...with yourself. Are you going through a tough patch, or is there something going on with you that's making you feel so much worse? I tend to keep a journal, or just try to write one or two lines in my planner about how I'm feeling every so often, because sometimes it's hard to see a pattern in your day-to-day life. And yes, that can hurt your self-worth. This year, I was stuck in a job I <i>hated</i>, that cost me all my extra hours, gave me no free time, and made me question everything I'd thought I liked about myself...and it took me a while to see it. Now, in a job I like and feel good at? I'm mending, slowly.<div>
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<b>5. GIVE BACK</b></div>
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I'm sure you probably don't need another reason to do something good for the people around you, but whether it's fundraising, volunteering, doing some random acts of kindness, or just doing something good for the people you love, it's not just them who might feel a little better because of it. </div>
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<b>6. SWITCH IT UP</b></div>
I'm a pretty firm believer that we've all got that one 'thing' - the change in hair colour, the tattoo we've been wanting, the dating profile we've been meaning to make, the trip we've been planning but couldn't quite find the time. Do it. <i>Just go</i>. You have just as much right as everyone else to occupy space, to do something for yourself. You might just like the change. <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
What about you? How are you going about loving yourself a little more for 2018 & beyond?</blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-6084824178055068232017-12-21T22:33:00.000+00:002017-12-21T22:33:00.310+00:005 Ways to Leave Toxic Relationships in 2017 | Wellbeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2017 pushed me too far; whilst I've pretty much been a people pleaser, when it comes to friendships and relationships, something switched this year. I found myself dreading seeing one too many people, inwardly groaning when a certain someone came up on my Instagram feed, and sighing when I saw my phone flash with certain names...you know the feeling, I'm sure. So, I took the plunge, and started refusing to give any more time or energy to people who don't make me happy, and it's genuinely improved my way of life massively...so I decided to share a few tips on how I did it, and how you can get started, too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. HAVE A REALITY CHECK</b></div>
Some friendships stand out straight away when you're thinking about unhealthy relationships (you're thinking about one right now, aren't you?), but some are harder to identify. The best way to spot a toxic relationship is honestly just to ask whether it makes you happy or not; nine times out of ten, a truly toxic friendship or partnership will be draining more than it is joyful - you'll find yourself focusing on past happiness and not anything that's currently pleasing you. Don't dwell on how great it used to be - focus on how little you're getting out of it, now.<br />
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<b>2. GIVE THEM A CHANCE</b></div>
There's a big difference between a friend who's going through a tough time and one who's bringing you down - the first will respond with love and understanding when you tell them you're missing them or not getting the support you need - the second will make an excuse, best case scenario, and will tell you it's all your fault, in the worst. At least you tried.<br />
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<b>3. QUIT 'EM</b></div>
Once you've decided you don't want someone's brand of toxicity in your life, it's pretty simple: stop accommodating them. Cut them out. Run away. Throw scrunched up paper at them until they get the hint...you get the idea. You don't have to make it into a huge confrontation, or create animosity; it could really be as simple as deleting a phone number.<br />
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>4. RECOGNISE YOUR WORTH</b></div>
It can be really easy, especially around this time of year, to find yourself reaching out for toxic or unhealthy relationships, just because you're lonely. The thing is, you left that person in the dust for a reason, and chances are, welcoming them back into your life could be pretty terrible for your mental health. Before you pick up that phone, make a mental (or actual!) list of all the reasons you sacked them in the first place. Chances are, you're better off.<br />
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<b>5. UPGRADE</b></div>
We <i>all </i>have relationships that aren't as beneficial as they could be, at some point - but most of the time, chances are you have some that are pretty damn awesome, too. It can be really tough getting away from someone who's harming your wellbeing, but good friends and family, and a little love and positivity coupled with the occasional glass of wine and some good, gutsy laughs will get you through. Promise.<br />
<br />
So, those are my 'top tips' for getting rid of the emotional drain that comes from a truly toxic relationship for next year. Personally, I've cut three or four people out in 2017, and although it was hard, and I had to be pretty strict with myself...I can't remember the last time I felt so damn good about the people I'm surrounding myself with.<br />
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-976172618180803132017-12-10T20:38:00.000+00:002017-12-10T20:50:03.055+00:005 Ways to Turn Your Day Around | Wellbeing<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"articleBody" : "So, it's been a weird few months. I lost my job just before my 25th birthday (the second job I've lost this year), and was unemployed for a while (I've since started a new job, which I really like, thankfully), and keeping on top of my weird mood swings has been probably the most challenging aspect of that.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nNow, before I start this post, I'd like to just say one thing, by way of disclaimer; this post is in no way targeted at depression. As someone who's been on anti-depressants for most of my adult life, and someone who studied depression and worked with mental health sufferers at university, I am in no way suggesting that you can 'turn around' your depression. This post is entirely about turning around a <b>bad day</B>. If you're worried about your mood in general, please go to your GP.<BR/>\nThat being said, if you <i>are</I> having bad day, these are my top tips for turning that around - or at least, how I handle mine!<BR/>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">
\n<BR/></DIV>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">
\n<b>1. GET OUT</B></DIV>\nWhether you're at your desk and need a walk, or in a room full of people and need 15 minutes on your own, just <i>get out</I>. Personally, I've taken to getting off the tube a stop early and walking the last 10-15 minutes to work in the morning, and repeating the process on my way home - having this time to myself first and last thing really helps me reset, and get out of a negative mindset.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">
\n<b>2. DISTRACT YOURSELF</B></DIV>\nIf I really can't get myself out of a funk, I tend to pick up a book or do a little yoga (although, given that I live in a tiny box room, yoga isn't as easy as it used to be); you'll be focusing so much on your activity of choice that you won't have time to let those negative thoughts spiral, or at least won't get as much attention for a while. Sometimes, that's all you need to reset.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">
\n<b>3. EAT</B></DIV>\nIf you're anything like me, you tend to let your own health go out of the window when you're not feeling 100%; either by not eating enough, not eating anything at all, or eating foods that make you feel sluggish and low-energy. For me, the best way to get past this is sitting down, eating a decent, healthy, meal, and resetting. You can't run on no energy, and it's important to try and make sure your body has what it needs to get by.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">
\n<b>4. MAKE AN EFFORT</B></DIV>\nThis, for me, comes in many shapes and forms; if I've been stuck at home in my own bad energy for a couple of days, I might force myself to get up, put some make up on, and do some housework. If I've been running on auto-pilot because I'm stressed out, I'll reach out to some friends and arrange a mate date.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">
\n<b>5. BE HONEST</B></DIV>\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">
\nYou're having a bad day. You're not on your a-game, you're distracted, you're irritable, or you just <i>don't feel like it</I>. Just let the people around you know - whether it's your colleagues, your family, your SO, whoever it may be. Chances are, they'll understand, cut you some slack, or at least just give you some space. And then you won't be spending two hours the next day wondering whether you offended anyone (just me?)",
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So, it's been a weird few months. I lost my job just before my 25th birthday (the second job I've lost this year), and was unemployed for a while (I've since started a new job, which I really like, thankfully), and keeping on top of my weird mood swings has been probably the most challenging aspect of that.<br />
<br />
Now, before I start this post, I'd like to just say one thing, by way of disclaimer; this post is in no way targeted at depression. As someone who's been on anti-depressants for most of my adult life, and someone who studied depression and worked with mental health sufferers at university, I am in no way suggesting that you can 'turn around' your depression. This post is entirely about turning around a <b>bad day</b>. If you're worried about your mood in general, please go to your GP.<br />
That being said, if you <i>are</i> having bad day, these are my top tips for turning that around - or at least, how I handle mine!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. GET OUT</b></div>
Whether you're at your desk and need a walk, or in a room full of people and need 15 minutes on your own, just <i>get out</i>. Personally, I've taken to getting off the tube a stop early and walking the last 10-15 minutes to work in the morning, and repeating the process on my way home - having this time to myself first and last thing really helps me reset, and get out of a negative mindset.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. DISTRACT YOURSELF</b></div>
If I really can't get myself out of a funk, I tend to pick up a book or do a little yoga (although, given that I live in a tiny box room, yoga isn't as easy as it used to be); you'll be focusing so much on your activity of choice that you won't have time to let those negative thoughts spiral, or at least won't get as much attention for a while. Sometimes, that's all you need to reset.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. EAT</b></div>
If you're anything like me, you tend to let your own health go out of the window when you're not feeling 100%; either by not eating enough, not eating anything at all, or eating foods that make you feel sluggish and low-energy. For me, the best way to get past this is sitting down, eating a decent, healthy, meal, and resetting. You can't run on no energy, and it's important to try and make sure your body has what it needs to get by.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. MAKE AN EFFORT</b></div>
This, for me, comes in many shapes and forms; if I've been stuck at home in my own bad energy for a couple of days, I might force myself to get up, put some make up on, and do some housework. If I've been running on auto-pilot because I'm stressed out, I'll reach out to some friends and arrange a mate date.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. BE HONEST</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You're having a bad day. You're not on your a-game, you're distracted, you're irritable, or you just <i>don't feel like it</i>. Just let the people around you know - whether it's your colleagues, your family, your SO, whoever it may be. Chances are, they'll understand, cut you some slack, or at least just give you some space. And then you won't be spending two hours the next day wondering whether you offended anyone (just me?). </div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-52053247609287070522017-11-20T20:59:00.001+00:002017-12-03T21:34:40.460+00:00How I Maintain my Rose Gold Hair (and keep it healthy!) | Haircare<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"articleBody" : "As any of you who've been following me on social media for more than about 3 days probably already know, I have <i>major</I> commitment issues when it comes to <strike>relationships</STRIKE> my hair colour (we can probably chat about the other thing some other time); I've been ginger, I've been blonde, I've been eight different shades of brunette; I've been purple, red, and, for one <i>very</I> disturbing period, I had what can only be described as tiger stripes.<BR/>\nAnd, what's worse is, throughout most of that time, I paid about zero attention to the damage any of the bleaching, dying, straightening, and curling was doing to my hair...in fact, until very recently, as I was removing what might have been the world's first self-aware tangle from my hair, my haircare routine mostly consisted of 'whatever shampoo my housemate/parent/boyfriend buys'. <i>Yeah</I>, I'm regretting it now.<BR/>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\">
\n<a href=\"https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEnioRX_QmAGkCKl5ITYrbsdRYmZoK4-TDxbzjIc8x-QEyo8IC0LCgbMY-g5OyRvXf-nku1nu2V4WMpVv9AZRHV5Q9LvQmlE1DSMO3kGookQG5d0cJasH4EKqSJ6Mz9pAGSsKmBcWj_g/s1600/29651744_Unknown.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"\"><img alt=\"aussie miraculously moist shampoo and aussie miraculously moist leave in conditioner, with aussie three minute miracle reconstructor, alongside a green dye bowl and brush, on a faux fur throw; a teal cushion and gold star wreath sit beside them, along with l'oreal colorista washout pink hair dye\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"901\" data-original-width=\"1600\" src=\"https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEnioRX_QmAGkCKl5ITYrbsdRYmZoK4-TDxbzjIc8x-QEyo8IC0LCgbMY-g5OyRvXf-nku1nu2V4WMpVv9AZRHV5Q9LvQmlE1DSMO3kGookQG5d0cJasH4EKqSJ6Mz9pAGSsKmBcWj_g/s1600/29651744_Unknown.jpg\" title=\"\" style=\"width: 100%;\"/></A></DIV>\nIn the past few months, I've tried it all: keratin-replacing shampoos and hair masks, coconut oil, hair 'elixir', hot oil treatments, and home remedies (hello, smelling like olive oil for a week!), and <i>eventually</I>, I found the three products that work for me: <a href=\"http://shopstyle.it/l/nZ1e\" rel=\"nofollow\">Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo</A> & <a href=\"http://shopstyle.it/l/nZ1p\" rel=\"nofollow\">Leave In Conditioner</A>, and their <a href=\"http://shopstyle.it/l/nZ1G\" rel=\"nofollow\">'3 Minute Miracle' Reconstructor</A>. I'm hooked! My hair is shiny, soft, and tangle-free, for probably the first time in about a decade.<BR/>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\">
\n<a href=\"https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMaBTsMlJn0uPd-bzLVHLX0Y2dytLWHU4SAcp6O4wrl7tE2y-vPqHHnD1iTvBUvra3aUTzSwrj8CtcXtoo9YkG1Ufb3fpU1uArYv0Agvw1xYAo3irJRpU2GiysX3-pdVACzcF-Wn9hAA/s1600/29652160_Unknown.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"\"><img alt=\"aussie three minute miracle reconstructor, alongside a green dye bowl and brush, with an intense pink cream solution in the bowl, on a faux fur throw; a teal cushion and gold star wreath sit beside them, along with l'oreal colorista washout pink hair dye\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"901\" data-original-width=\"1600\" src=\"https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMaBTsMlJn0uPd-bzLVHLX0Y2dytLWHU4SAcp6O4wrl7tE2y-vPqHHnD1iTvBUvra3aUTzSwrj8CtcXtoo9YkG1Ufb3fpU1uArYv0Agvw1xYAo3irJRpU2GiysX3-pdVACzcF-Wn9hAA/s1600/29652160_Unknown.jpg\" title=\"\" style=\"width: 100%;\"/></A></DIV>\nKeeping the pink tones in my rose gold locks? Well, that's a different matter altogether, especially now I've promised myself <b>no bleach or permanent hair dye for at least 6 months</B> - finding an intense, semi-permanent pink that doesn't go streaky is difficult, to say the least. Luckily, I've managed to create a bit of a DIY solution: 2 parts<a href=\"http://shopstyle.it/l/n0Q0\"> L'Oreal Colorista washout hair colour in pink</A> to 1 part <a href=\"http://shopstyle.it/l/n0RQ\" rel=\"nofollow\">Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor</A>, mixed thoroughly, and left to sit on the hair for half an hour; it leaves a gentle, multi-tonal pink on my bleached locks, whilst leaving them soft, silky, and tangle-free.",
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLzMfX7aKFPpDGRURirmwjTcMosQiGDd2Cx-FIHTMvH_qzOgwFvMfhSLwttlD6WBGQK4WxAMy8WZqxpuxdDc_9sqp5ei337QqX9B7fGI6fdGnWzfWaIOrAjM1k1uN5xoqjdivmeynj4Y/s1600/28860480_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blogger francesca sophia smiles at the camera, whilst shaking out her rose gold hair and looking straight down the lens; girl with pink hair smiles at the camera" border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLzMfX7aKFPpDGRURirmwjTcMosQiGDd2Cx-FIHTMvH_qzOgwFvMfhSLwttlD6WBGQK4WxAMy8WZqxpuxdDc_9sqp5ei337QqX9B7fGI6fdGnWzfWaIOrAjM1k1uN5xoqjdivmeynj4Y/s1600/28860480_Unknown.JPG" title="" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As any of you who've been following me on social media for more than about 3 days probably already know, I have <i>major</i> commitment issues when it comes to <strike>relationships</strike> my hair colour (we can probably chat about the other thing some other time); I've been ginger, I've been blonde, I've been eight different shades of brunette; I've been purple, red, and, for one <i>very</i> disturbing period, I had what can only be described as tiger stripes.<br />
And, what's worse is, throughout most of that time, I paid about zero attention to the damage any of the bleaching, dying, straightening, and curling was doing to my hair...in fact, until very recently, as I was removing what might have been the world's first self-aware tangle from my hair, my haircare routine mostly consisted of 'whatever shampoo my housemate/parent/boyfriend buys'. <i>Yeah</i>, I'm regretting it now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEnioRX_QmAGkCKl5ITYrbsdRYmZoK4-TDxbzjIc8x-QEyo8IC0LCgbMY-g5OyRvXf-nku1nu2V4WMpVv9AZRHV5Q9LvQmlE1DSMO3kGookQG5d0cJasH4EKqSJ6Mz9pAGSsKmBcWj_g/s1600/29651744_Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="aussie miraculously moist shampoo and aussie miraculously moist leave in conditioner, with aussie three minute miracle reconstructor, alongside a green dye bowl and brush, on a faux fur throw; a teal cushion and gold star wreath sit beside them, along with l'oreal colorista washout pink hair dye" border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEnioRX_QmAGkCKl5ITYrbsdRYmZoK4-TDxbzjIc8x-QEyo8IC0LCgbMY-g5OyRvXf-nku1nu2V4WMpVv9AZRHV5Q9LvQmlE1DSMO3kGookQG5d0cJasH4EKqSJ6Mz9pAGSsKmBcWj_g/s1600/29651744_Unknown.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
In the past few months, I've tried it all: keratin-replacing shampoos and hair masks, coconut oil, hair 'elixir', hot oil treatments, and home remedies (hello, smelling like olive oil for a week!), and <i>eventually</i>, I found the three products that work for me: <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/nZ1e" rel="nofollow">Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo</a> & <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/nZ1p" rel="nofollow">Leave In Conditioner</a>, and their <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/nZ1G" rel="nofollow">'3 Minute Miracle' Reconstructor</a>. I'm hooked! My hair is shiny, soft, and tangle-free, for probably the first time in about a decade.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMaBTsMlJn0uPd-bzLVHLX0Y2dytLWHU4SAcp6O4wrl7tE2y-vPqHHnD1iTvBUvra3aUTzSwrj8CtcXtoo9YkG1Ufb3fpU1uArYv0Agvw1xYAo3irJRpU2GiysX3-pdVACzcF-Wn9hAA/s1600/29652160_Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="aussie three minute miracle reconstructor, alongside a green dye bowl and brush, with an intense pink cream solution in the bowl, on a faux fur throw; a teal cushion and gold star wreath sit beside them, along with l'oreal colorista washout pink hair dye" border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMaBTsMlJn0uPd-bzLVHLX0Y2dytLWHU4SAcp6O4wrl7tE2y-vPqHHnD1iTvBUvra3aUTzSwrj8CtcXtoo9YkG1Ufb3fpU1uArYv0Agvw1xYAo3irJRpU2GiysX3-pdVACzcF-Wn9hAA/s1600/29652160_Unknown.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
Keeping the pink tones in my rose gold locks? Well, that's a different matter altogether, especially now I've promised myself <b>no bleach or permanent hair dye for at least 6 months</b> - finding an intense, semi-permanent pink that doesn't go streaky is difficult, to say the least. Luckily, I've managed to create a bit of a DIY solution: 2 parts<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/n0Q0"> L'Oreal Colorista washout hair colour in pink</a> to 1 part <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/n0RQ" rel="nofollow">Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor</a>, mixed thoroughly, and left to sit on the hair for half an hour; it leaves a gentle, multi-tonal pink on my bleached locks, whilst leaving them soft, silky, and tangle-free.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/hZYufUr.jpg" width="218px" /></span></div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-65051500221970827552017-10-27T23:56:00.000+01:002017-12-03T21:40:24.331+00:00#MeToo | Let's Talk (TW: Rape/Assault/Abuse)<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"articleBody" : "Much like my <A href=\"http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2015/10/on-mental-health-life-lately.html\" target=\"_blank\">mental health post</A> from a while ago, I never thought I'd write this. Even when #MeToo became a regular feature on my timeline, even when I <A href=\"https://twitter.com/francescasoph/status/920568764701335552\" target=\"_blank\">tweeted about it myself</A>, I didn't think I'd ever quite be in a place where I wanted to share my story.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nWhen I was 15, I was raped. I was at my best friend's funeral, and a 'friend' spiked my drink. I didn't remember much the next day, but he was happy to fill me in on what I'd missed; he seemed to think he'd done nothing wrong, so I figured I was just being 'sensitive'. Unfortunately for him, I have a bit of a weird reaction to drugs/medication, so I'd also thrown up all over him. He said this made us even. I figured he was right.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nI let it pass. I figured I was wrong, for drinking too much, for being sad, for not realising there was something in my drink that I didn't recognise.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n4 years later, it happened again. This time, by the person I thought was the love of my life. He'd never laid a hand on me, until I'd broken up with him. Then he laid every hand he could on me. He tracked me down when I moved to university. He stalked me. He made me feel unsafe, no matter where I was.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nWhen I finally moved back to London, he called my job to find out where I was. He hacked into my Facebook account and messaged the guys he thought I was seeing, to 'scare them away'. It worked, for the most part. To this day, very few of the people who were around me at that time believe it was anything other than a 'hysterical' message from me. I lost two of my very best friends over it.<BR/>\nIt culminated in me being part of a court case. Until he visited my house and beat me so brutally I thought I'd die. <BR/>\nI didn't even tell my mother until several months later, when the wounds had healed. Even now, I shy away, pretend the incident was less than it was. Even now, I look at the people who love me, and question <I>how they could</I>, when I am so clearly deserving of less.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nI will spend the rest of my life checking who's walking behind me. Wondering if it's better not to join in with social events at work or outside of it, because I might 'give the wrong signals'. I will live in fear, for what these people thought they had a right to. And I will wonder, always.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nBut for now? I will simply say #MeToo",
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Much like my <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2015/10/on-mental-health-life-lately.html" target="_blank">mental health post</a> from a while ago, I never thought I'd write this. Even when #MeToo became a regular feature on my timeline, even when I <a href="https://twitter.com/francescasoph/status/920568764701335552" target="_blank">tweeted about it myself</a>, I didn't think I'd ever quite be in a place where I wanted to share my story.<br />
<br />
When I was 15, I was raped. I was at my best friend's funeral, and a 'friend' spiked my drink. I didn't remember much the next day, but he was happy to fill me in on what I'd missed; he seemed to think he'd done nothing wrong, so I figured I was just being 'sensitive'. Unfortunately for him, I have a bit of a weird reaction to drugs/medication, so I'd also thrown up all over him. He said this made us even. I figured he was right.<br />
<br />
I let it pass. I figured I was wrong, for drinking too much, for being sad, for not realising there was something in my drink that I didn't recognise.<br />
<br />
4 years later, it happened again. This time, by the person I thought was the love of my life. He'd never laid a hand on me, until I'd broken up with him. Then he laid every hand he could on me. He tracked me down when I moved to university. He stalked me. He made me feel unsafe, no matter where I was.<br />
<br />
When I finally moved back to London, he called my job to find out where I was. He hacked into my Facebook account and messaged the guys he thought I was seeing, to 'scare them away'. It worked, for the most part. To this day, very few of the people who were around me at that time believe it was anything other than a 'hysterical' message from me. I lost two of my very best friends over it.<br />
It culminated in me being part of a court case. Until he visited my house and beat me so brutally I thought I'd die. <br />
I didn't even tell my mother until several months later, when the wounds had healed. Even now, I shy away, pretend the incident was less than it was. Even now, I look at the people who love me, and question <i>how they could</i>, when I am so clearly deserving of less.<br />
<br />
I will spend the rest of my life checking who's walking behind me. Wondering if it's better not to join in with social events at work or outside of it, because I might 'give the wrong signals'. I will live in fear, for what these people thought they had a right to. And I will wonder, always.<br />
<br />
But for now? I will simply say #MeToo.<br />
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-19416549506489468712017-09-22T00:50:00.000+01:002017-12-03T21:42:26.691+00:00Five TV Shows I'm Recommending To Anyone Who'll Listen | Life<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"datePublished" : "2017-09-22",
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"articleBody" : "Since making the change and leaving my previous job, I <I>actually </I>have some free time on my hands at the end of the work day, which means I've finally been able to have some one-on-one time with my beloved Netflix account & TV (which, sadly for me, isn't <I>quite</I> <A href=\"http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/televisions/4KTV.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">4K TV Panasonic</A>).<BR/>\nAs a result, I've been catching up with (and discovering!) a few new TV shows, so I figured I'd share my top ones.<BR/>\n<B>Obvious Trigger Warnings are in bold, but please check before you watch, as I may have missed some! </B><BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n</DIV>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n1. STRANGER THINGS</DIV>\nOn the incredibly slim chance that you haven't given this a go yet, please do - it's low on gore and jump scares, but it's <I>creepy</I>, with a satisfying 1980s-era-setting. The soundtrack is exceptional, the story is intriguing, and Winona Ryder is back on top form. A couple of my friends were hesitant to watch this because the central cast were so young, but it's engaging, from the word go.<BR/>\n<I>Available on Netflix</I>.<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<BR/></DIV>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n2. THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE</DIV>\nBased on a <A href=\"http://amzn.to/2xkvvLx\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">science fiction novel of the same name</A>, 'The Man in the High Castle' is an 'alternate history' series, based on life after Nazi Germany and Japan won WW2, and took over the US. It's heartbreaking, hopeful, and thoughtful, all in one go, and terrifyingly...believable. If you're a history buff, you'll <I>love </I>this, but it's pretty emotive, so be careful.<BR/>\n<I>Available on <A href=\"http://www.amazon.co.uk/tryprimefree?tag=france09a-21\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Prime Now TV</A>.</I><BR/>\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n3. AMERICAN VANDAL</DIV>\nThis mockumentary is <I>the one</I> if you're into Serial and Making a Murderer; it's essentially about a boy getting expelled from high school due to graffiti-ing penises on his teachers' cars. But did he really do it? And can Pete and Sam, the unlikely sleuth-documentarists, work it out, before it's too late? Watch and find out!<BR/>\n<B>TW: Drug use.</B><BR/>\n<I>Available on Netflix</I>.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n4. TIN STAR </DIV>\nThis is one of those shows that I never thought I'd watch - despite Tim Roth and Christina Hendricks shining throughout the entire season - because it seemed a little 'grittier' than my usual choices. But one episode in, and I was sold. It's a tale of revenge, at its heart...and murder. And pretty much every conspiracy theory you can imagine. It'll keep you guessing, in the most exquisite way.<BR/>\n<B>TW: torture, alcoholism. </B><BR/>\n<I>Available on Sky Atlantic & Now TV</I>.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n5. OZARK </DIV>\nI genuinely never thought I'd be able to take Jason Bateman seriously, in a role that wasn't comical - 'Arrested Development' has always been one of my favourite shows, and him being in a tense thriller? Mind blowing! Ozark is, at heart, a series about money laundering, in the drug trade. But it's something so much more; it's about family, and betrayal, twists and turns throughout.<BR/>\n<B>TW: torture, drug use.</B><BR/>\n<I>Available on Netflix.</I><BR/>\n\nWhat are your top TV shows, lately? I'm always looking for new ones!",
"url" : "http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2017/09/five-tv-shows-im-recommending-to-anyone.html"
}
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Since making the change and leaving my previous job, I <i>actually </i>have some free time on my hands at the end of the work day, which means I've finally been able to have some one-on-one time with my beloved Netflix account & TV (which, sadly for me, isn't <i>quite</i> <a href="http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/televisions/4KTV.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4K TV Panasonic</a>).<br />
As a result, I've been catching up with (and discovering!) a few new TV shows, so I figured I'd share my top ones.<br />
<b>Obvious Trigger Warnings are in bold, but please check before you watch, as I may have missed some! </b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. STRANGER THINGS</div>
On the incredibly slim chance that you haven't given this a go yet, please do - it's low on gore and jump scares, but it's <i>creepy</i>, with a satisfying 1980s-era-setting. The soundtrack is exceptional, the story is intriguing, and Winona Ryder is back on top form. A couple of my friends were hesitant to watch this because the central cast were so young, but it's engaging, from the word go.<br />
<i>Available on Netflix</i>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE</div>
Based on a <a href="http://amzn.to/2xkvvLx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">science fiction novel of the same name</a>, 'The Man in the High Castle' is an 'alternate history' series, based on life after Nazi Germany and Japan won WW2, and took over the US. It's heartbreaking, hopeful, and thoughtful, all in one go, and terrifyingly...believable. If you're a history buff, you'll <i>love </i>this, but it's pretty emotive, so be careful.<br />
<i>Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/tryprimefree?tag=france09a-21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prime Now TV</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. AMERICAN VANDAL</div>
This mockumentary is <i>the one</i> if you're into Serial and Making a Murderer; it's essentially about a boy getting expelled from high school due to graffiti-ing penises on his teachers' cars. But did he really do it? And can Pete and Sam, the unlikely sleuth-documentarists, work it out, before it's too late? Watch and find out!<br />
<b>TW: Drug use.</b><br />
<i>Available on Netflix</i>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. TIN STAR </div>
This is one of those shows that I never thought I'd watch - despite Tim Roth and Christina Hendricks shining throughout the entire season - because it seemed a little 'grittier' than my usual choices. But one episode in, and I was sold. It's a tale of revenge, at its heart...and murder. And pretty much every conspiracy theory you can imagine. It'll keep you guessing, in the most exquisite way.<br />
<b>TW: torture, alcoholism. </b><br />
<i>Available on Sky Atlantic & Now TV</i>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. OZARK </div>
I genuinely never thought I'd be able to take Jason Bateman seriously, in a role that wasn't comical - 'Arrested Development' has always been one of my favourite shows, and him being in a tense thriller? Mind blowing! Ozark is, at heart, a series about money laundering, in the drug trade. But it's something so much more; it's about family, and betrayal, twists and turns throughout.<br />
<b>TW: torture, drug use.</b><br />
<i>Available on Netflix.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
What are your top TV shows, lately? I'm always looking for new ones!<br />
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*This post contains sponsored content.</div>
</blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-76132315304745086652017-09-18T17:30:00.000+01:002017-12-03T21:45:17.205+00:00The New & Improved University Checklist | What to Take to University <!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"datePublished" : "2017-09-18",
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"articleSection" : [ "It's that time of year; you've just got into university, and in the rush to say goodbye to all your friends, sort out accommodation, and plan your Freshers' events, you're pretty sure you've forgotten about twelve different things that you're supposed to be packing to take to university with you. Luckily for you, I've been there, done that, and got the foam-encrusted Freshers' t-shirt to show it, and this is my new and improved, freshly updated, 'What to Take to University' checklist! Everything below is organised into sections, and all the ones I've linked are available for free next day delivery if you want to take advantage of the free Amazon Prime for Students (which I'd 100% recommend because it saved my butt on many occasions).", "Making your bedroom comfortable and homely is one of the most important parts of the 'big move', so I'd definitely recommend a tonne of fairy lights, photographs, and trinkets, as well as the essentials: Bedding - most universities will require you to bring your own duvet & pillows, as well as a duvet cover and blankets; here is the duvet that lasted me all three years at university, and here are the pillows. Don't forget at least two duvets (you'll be washing your own) - Tesco have some great ones at pretty friendly prices. Doorstop - a lot of uni halls have heavy doors which shut automatically, so a lot of people tend to wedge theirs open so housemates know they're home. Because of this, door stops are always sold out in university towns for the first few weeks of term, so stock up on yours before you go! This is a good heavy duty one. First aid kit - this is pretty important, for obvious reasons, but also keep in mind that you will get Freshers' Flu, and you'll need all the cold remedies you can find. This is the first aid kit I have, here, Check out my tips for keeping yourself healthy here. Hangers. Get a bulk pack, you'll need them, but try and get them closer to your halls rather than bringing some from home. They're bulky! Hot water bottle/electric blanket - personally, I feel the cold a lot, and university housing is notorious for having pretty awful heating, so stock up on something to keep you warm. Laundry bag/basket. I had a couple of these, which would then double-up as storage for moving, too. Noticeboard - some university rooms come with these, but make sure to bring pins - they were sold out everywhere for a good few weeks at the start of term near my campus, nobody had remembered them! Room spray - you won't be allowed candles on campus, and it can get pretty stuffy. Wall calendar - although a lot of universities give this out during freshers'. Waste bin - for those tricky assignments. White tac - the normal blu tac can stain walls, so white tac, here, will protect your precious deposit!", "I was in self-catered accommodation when I first went to uni, but if you intend on paying for your meals, you obviously won't need the cooking utensils. Baking trays - you'll need at least 2, because someone will inevitably steal one/ask you to put some food in for them/throw it out the window. I swear by these silicone ones because they're super durable and easy to store. Bottle opener - no one else will bring one. Seriously. I'd actually recommend a Wallet Ninja, which has a bottle opener, screwdriver, phone stand, and a bunch of other cool things you won't realise you need. Dishware - bowls, side plates, dinner plates, glasses and mugs - you probably don't need a full set of four, depending on how often you plan on having your family visit, but I'd recommend about 2 of each, in case you break one! Cutlery - buy a huge set. I started with 16, and ended up coming home with about 5. Something like this is probably a good idea. Can opener. Colander. Flask - for early morning lectures across campus in the freezing cold. Do it. I still have this one from when I was in uni, it lasted me well! Cake tin - in my experience, having a few treats around to offer people never hurts. Frying pans & saucepans - you don't need to invest too much in these, but a basic variety like these should see you through, especially if you want to try my cheer me up tacos! Pyrex dish - pretty optional, but I used to make a big pasta bake or casserole on a Sunday, then keep some leftovers for evenings I had late lectures. Plus, if you can bake, brownies are a sure fire way to make your new housemates love you! Spatula Tongs Wooden spoon Knives - when it comes to knives, buy a few good quality ones, instead of a cheap knife block you'll never use. They'll fall apart in a hot minute and you'll be left desperately searching your uni shop to see if they stock them. I've had these since university! Chopping board. Pizza cutter - I went without, and found myself saying 'I wish I had a pizza cutter' at least five times throughout the first term. Tupperware - get a tonne of these, in various sizes. You'll use them more than you'll realise. This set is one of the best options out there. Oven gloves. Tea towels. Food bags & clips. Any dried food you can take with you - in case you don't get to shop on the first day!", "I managed to nab an en-suite whilst I was at uni, so this is a pretty extensive list; if you're sharing, just be aware that you won't have as much bathroom storage! Towels - two bath & two hand towels, I'd suggest. You might also want old towels for if you bleach/dye your hair. Cosmetics, skincare, bodycare products - these go without saying, I'm sure, but bare in mind if you're moving to a campus-based university that it won't always be easy to pick up your favourite products. Razor & blades - do yourself a favour and get these in bulk, you'll thank yourself later! Shampoo & conditioner. Toothbrush & paste. Shower caddy/bag - if you're sharing a bathroom, you'll need something like this to carry your stuff to the shower.", "You know, that thing you're technically at university to do? The campus shops will sell out of stationery pretty quickly at the beginning of term, so it's best to take the most vital things with you. Academic diary - you won't be reminded of your deadlines anymore, so you'll need one of these. I swear by the Dodo Acad-Pad. Folders/binders - keeping the 200 lecture slides you're printing out a week safe and in one place as you go is going to save you a lot of stress down the line. Highlighters - do yourself a favour and get the printer-safe variety. Post-its - if I could dedicate my degree life to one specific item, it would be the humble post-it. I love them, and am obsessed with them, and they come in a cat-shaped dispenser. Printer & spare inks - I got an all-in-one printer from Amazon (here), because it worked out cheaper than paying 5p per sheet at the campus library - some lecturers expect you to take lecture slides to make notes on, so it's a worthwhile investment! USB sticks - take a tonne. You'll lose at least three and have nothing to save your essay on. Superglue - it sounds stupid, but someone will break your stuff/their stuff/fixtures in your apartment and you'll be glad to have it.", "These are just a few extra bits and pieces that might make life as a Fresher in a new city a little easier - not essential, but worth the extra effort! Copies of your CV - if you're wanting a little part time work during your first year, it's so often first come first serve, so getting in there early with your CV could be a good idea! Exam certificates - they'll probably want these for enrollment, so bring 'em along. Housing contract - this'll have info about your rent and any deposit you put down. Passport - a lot of people leave this at home, but you'll probably need it for applications.", "If you'd like to download the printer-friendly version of this checklist, you can do so above - hope it helps, and have a blast!" ],
"url" : "http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2017/09/uni-packing-list.html"
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBgo2V8J9mAlLCLISrBb9lYLV_I4Ap6rCjOzLGdc3IvXV5Vaw95yjoB67i5UsuYTbKUVvgQ9mGsaqDMaQDrFI171y-Dg2QpzVTKfgBrMUk3KElcs01UOoKhDt62ERo-UmPonjWN84at0/s1600/unichecklist2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What to Take to University | Free Printable List; a first class honours degree in psychology from the University of Kent " border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1414" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBgo2V8J9mAlLCLISrBb9lYLV_I4Ap6rCjOzLGdc3IvXV5Vaw95yjoB67i5UsuYTbKUVvgQ9mGsaqDMaQDrFI171y-Dg2QpzVTKfgBrMUk3KElcs01UOoKhDt62ERo-UmPonjWN84at0/s640/unichecklist2.jpg" title="What to Take to University | Free Printable List" width="640" /></a></div>
It's that time of year; you've just got into university, and in the rush to say goodbye to all your friends, sort out accommodation, and plan your Freshers' events, you're pretty sure you've forgotten about twelve different things that you're supposed to be packing to take to university with you.
Luckily for you, I've been there, done that, and got the foam-encrusted Freshers' t-shirt to show it, and this is my new and improved, freshly updated, 'What to Take to University' checklist!<br />
<br />
Everything below is organised into sections, and all the ones I've linked are available for free next day delivery if you want to take advantage of the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/joinstudent?tag=france09a-21" target="_blank">free Amazon Prime for Students</a> (which I'd 100% recommend because it saved my butt on many occasions).
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="the word bedroom written in gold" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-R7RJqbPhq6saxAZ0neb4eKD6Und__XLcUl6fdFmL9nS1SCv9uDavD16hJ2J9V2i113ZtWzt7mgfCPY17TjZzTuD9LocHrLjpsURymA4POTFJ5WKB0lQc9GhK-4fTxeKeRDRXS4wXz0/s320/bedroom.jpg" title="" width="300" /></div>
Making your bedroom comfortable and homely is one of the most important parts of the 'big move', so I'd definitely recommend a tonne of fairy lights, photographs, and trinkets, as well as the essentials:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bedding - most universities will require you to bring your own duvet & pillows, as well as a duvet cover and blankets; <a href="http://amzn.to/2fg21GY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> is the duvet that lasted me all three years at university, and <a href="http://amzn.to/2fg21GY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> are the pillows. Don't forget at least two duvets (you'll be washing your own) - Tesco have some great ones at pretty friendly prices. </li>
<li>Doorstop - a lot of uni halls have heavy doors which shut automatically, so a lot of people tend to wedge theirs open so housemates know they're home. Because of this, door stops are <i>always</i> sold out in university towns for the first few weeks of term, so stock up on yours before you go! <a href="http://amzn.to/2xiwk9u" target="_blank">This</a> is a good heavy duty one.</li>
<li>First aid kit - this is pretty important, for obvious reasons, but also keep in mind that you <i>will </i>get Freshers' Flu, and you'll need all the cold remedies you can find. This is the first aid kit I have, <a href="http://amzn.to/2fgtwjy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, Check out my tips for keeping yourself healthy <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2016/04/stop-getting-sick-self-care.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>Hangers. Get a bulk pack, you'll need them, but try and get them closer to your halls rather than bringing some from home. They're bulky!</li>
<li>Hot water bottle/electric blanket - personally, I feel the cold a <i>lot</i>, and university housing is notorious for having pretty awful heating, so stock up on something to keep you warm. </li>
<li>Laundry bag/basket. I had a couple of <a href="http://amzn.to/2fiYGqH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these</a>, which would then double-up as storage for moving, too.</li>
<li>Noticeboard - some university rooms come with these, but make sure to bring pins - they were sold out everywhere for a good few weeks at the start of term near my campus, nobody had remembered them! </li>
<li>Room spray - you won't be allowed candles on campus, and it can get pretty stuffy. </li>
<li>Wall calendar - although a lot of universities give this out during freshers'. </li>
<li>Waste bin - for those tricky assignments. </li>
<li>White tac - the normal blu tac can stain walls, so white tac, <a href="http://amzn.to/2w5R6ty" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, will protect your precious deposit!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcJZQWhv81oKCvrShixdeCsb9QV-waXFib0XYU29rIs5PFlPsSF2cKuEfWH3_ux2yxqGn3ZhjfdKTpBEAAZG408eAlr-KNpZAHsrZN2r8Xql9vBvUGpKIO0laJft0hZ3hsNeRTA54zTQ/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the word kitchen written in gold" border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="595" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcJZQWhv81oKCvrShixdeCsb9QV-waXFib0XYU29rIs5PFlPsSF2cKuEfWH3_ux2yxqGn3ZhjfdKTpBEAAZG408eAlr-KNpZAHsrZN2r8Xql9vBvUGpKIO0laJft0hZ3hsNeRTA54zTQ/s320/kitchen.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
I was in self-catered accommodation when I first went to uni, but if you intend on paying for your meals, you obviously won't need the cooking utensils. </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Baking trays - you'll need at least 2, because someone will inevitably steal one/ask you to put some food in for them/throw it out the window. I swear by <a href="http://amzn.to/2xYYfsf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these silicone ones</a> because they're super durable and easy to store. </li>
<li>Bottle opener - no one else will bring one. Seriously. I'd actually recommend a <a href="http://amzn.to/2x09di0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wallet Ninja</a>, which has a bottle opener, screwdriver, phone stand, and a bunch of other cool things you won't realise you need. </li>
<li>Dishware - bowls, side plates, dinner plates, glasses and mugs - you probably don't need a full set of four, depending on how often you plan on having your family visit, but I'd recommend about 2 of each, in case you break one!</li>
<li>Cutlery - buy a huge set. I started with 16, and ended up coming home with about 5. Something like <a href="http://amzn.to/2filXJ7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> is probably a good idea. </li>
<li>Can opener. </li>
<li>Colander. </li>
<li>Flask - for early morning lectures across campus in the freezing cold. Do it. I still have <a href="http://amzn.to/2w7P4t3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one</a> from when I was in uni, it lasted me well! </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Cake tin - in my experience, having a few treats around to offer people never hurts.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Frying pans & saucepans - you don't need to invest too much in these, but a basic variety like <a href="http://amzn.to/2wbOEC5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these</a> should see you through, especially if you want to try my <a href="http://on-thebias.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/cheer-me-up-tacos-low-calorie.html" style="color: black; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;" target="_blank">cheer me up tacos</a>!</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Pyrex dish - pretty optional, but I used to make a big pasta bake or casserole on a Sunday, then keep some leftovers for evenings I had late lectures. Plus, if you can bake, brownies are a sure fire way to make your new housemates love you!</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Spatula</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Tongs</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Wooden spoon</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Knives - when it comes to knives, buy a few good quality ones, instead of a cheap knife block you'll never use. They'll fall apart in a hot minute and you'll be left desperately searching your uni shop to see if they stock them. I've had <a href="http://amzn.to/2wcHFIU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these</a> since university! </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Chopping board.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Pizza cutter - I went without, and found myself saying 'I wish I had a pizza cutter' at <i>least</i> five times throughout the first term.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Tupperware - get a <i>tonne </i>of these, in various sizes. You'll use them more than you'll realise. <a href="http://amzn.to/2jwpGqU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This set</a> is one of the best options out there.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Oven gloves.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Tea towels.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Food bags & clips.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Any dried food you can take with you - in case you don't get to shop on the first day!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qA7Z3rkwgYtHdtxgr_E0IhOZflPYuW4jgIXcCMO33b61IJsf5iVd2RJ0jMIQLktqkIhLDfx_E5eD6HYbE0OKWO1bX-T3BLNPiFvsFEhf93KQubQVLXkBap8Db1X9ZhjCtr6q60XFgfU/s1600/bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the word bathroom written in gold" border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="624" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qA7Z3rkwgYtHdtxgr_E0IhOZflPYuW4jgIXcCMO33b61IJsf5iVd2RJ0jMIQLktqkIhLDfx_E5eD6HYbE0OKWO1bX-T3BLNPiFvsFEhf93KQubQVLXkBap8Db1X9ZhjCtr6q60XFgfU/s320/bathroom.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
I managed to nab an en-suite whilst I was at uni, so this is a pretty extensive list; if you're sharing, just be aware that you won't have as much bathroom storage!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Towels - two bath & two hand towels, I'd suggest. You might also want old towels for if you bleach/dye your hair. </li>
<li>Cosmetics, skincare, bodycare products - these go without saying, I'm sure, but bare in mind if you're moving to a campus-based university that it won't always be easy to pick up your favourite products. </li>
<li>Razor & blades - do yourself a favour and get these in bulk, you'll thank yourself later!</li>
<li>Shampoo & conditioner.</li>
<li>Toothbrush & paste.</li>
<li>Shower caddy/bag - if you're sharing a bathroom, you'll need something like <a href="http://amzn.to/2jCIXY0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> to carry your stuff to the shower.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaCgHIHdQRZCd-a5FAcJKQ6UyQPMtV7xByKGFqDg0Tu-8bD1fCrZ5kXT4Rk4y-f3-X3kIlQKWonsGInCkxzHo06oJdRY43ecbDRW8-CA-oznoyAG9AbElpqQt4rs0ZrTXexpZ6qIBt0A/s1600/studying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the word studying written in gold" border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="624" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaCgHIHdQRZCd-a5FAcJKQ6UyQPMtV7xByKGFqDg0Tu-8bD1fCrZ5kXT4Rk4y-f3-X3kIlQKWonsGInCkxzHo06oJdRY43ecbDRW8-CA-oznoyAG9AbElpqQt4rs0ZrTXexpZ6qIBt0A/s320/studying.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know, that thing you're <i>technically</i> at university to do? The campus shops will sell out of stationery pretty quickly at the beginning of term, so it's best to take the most vital things with you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Academic diary - you won't be reminded of your deadlines anymore, so you'll need one of these. I swear by the <a href="http://amzn.to/2fsrr46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dodo Acad-Pad</a>.</li>
<li>Folders/binders - keeping the 200 lecture slides you're printing out a week safe and in one place as you go is going to save you a <i>lot </i>of stress down the line. </li>
<li>Highlighters - do yourself a favour and get the <a href="http://amzn.to/2xINjmr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">printer-safe variety</a>. </li>
<li>Post-its - if I could dedicate my <strike>degree</strike> life to one specific item, it would be the humble post-it. I love them, and am obsessed with them, and they come in a <a href="http://amzn.to/2f4gjtN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cat-shaped dispenser</a>.</li>
<li>Printer & spare inks - I got an all-in-one printer from Amazon (<a href="http://amzn.to/2xbgWdg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>), because it worked out cheaper than paying 5p per sheet at the campus library - some lecturers expect you to take lecture slides to make notes on, so it's a worthwhile investment!</li>
<li>USB sticks - take a tonne. You'll lose at least three and have nothing to save your essay on. </li>
<li>Superglue - it sounds stupid, but someone will break your stuff/their stuff/fixtures in your apartment and you'll be glad to have it.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e47NG8fq7qUbWKjN_rrp8s8AA7Bxp4URXVV4CHDNcoUpOr1el6KV8m-Tjbo9c8WFA5d0yZlQfNBNijbaljG6KKdrsKtN1rIGW-LQRfxR5mn72cw7ULaUocvmbSGYYrhlzjDfsJnm6G8/s1600/etc..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the word 'etc.' written in gold" border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="624" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e47NG8fq7qUbWKjN_rrp8s8AA7Bxp4URXVV4CHDNcoUpOr1el6KV8m-Tjbo9c8WFA5d0yZlQfNBNijbaljG6KKdrsKtN1rIGW-LQRfxR5mn72cw7ULaUocvmbSGYYrhlzjDfsJnm6G8/s320/etc..jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
These are just a few extra bits and pieces that might make life as a Fresher in a new city a little easier - not essential, but worth the extra effort!</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Copies of your CV - if you're wanting a little part time work during your first year, it's so often first come first serve, so getting in there early with your CV could be a good idea!</li>
<li>Exam certificates - they'll probably want these for enrollment, so bring 'em along.</li>
<li>Housing contract - this'll have info about your rent and any deposit you put down.</li>
<li>Passport - a lot of people leave this at home, but you'll probably need it for applications. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://www.box.com/s/2c9510eb97d7630dcc8f" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="a university checklist pdf" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q945hwa5367gxAAF29GHnHGpljj1YuJlJocfD3us00qdUDlY-nzs8-ZDAxYDbpDsPBfNN-n42i7lzyU33nERvu-Lu9WeCtjqpOSuAWAcrhlnPwxlO3L81OU2mjycs52Sy3ICHmOSBjw/s1600/uni8.png" title="" /></a><br />
If you'd like to download the printer-friendly version of this checklist, you can do so above - hope it helps, and have a blast! </blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/hZYufUr.jpg" width="218px" /></span></div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-70765245940615623582016-10-25T13:21:00.000+01:002017-12-03T21:48:04.652+00:00Getting a Job in Social Media (for Bloggers!) | Tips & Tricks <!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"articleBody" : "I know what you're thinking; 'Fran, didn't you <A href=\"http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2016/05/how-not-to-get-job-work.html\" target=\"_blank\">write that post about how badly you did at an interview</A>? Weren't we all surprised when you got that job?'...and the answer to both is clearly, yes.<BR/>\n<I>But</I>, in the two years postgrad that it took me to get to that very bad interview, I <I>did</I> finally manage to get the application part right, and I know a <I>lot</I> of us want to break into social media and marketing, so I'm going to share what I learned, and hope you make more use of it than I did.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<B>1. SHOW OFF YOUR BLOG</B></DIV>\nWith the debates that have been happening in social media, lately, it can be easy to feel as though bloggers still aren't taken seriously by the marketing (or journalism) industry, and a lot of us still don't list 'blogging' on our CV, or glaze over it. The truth is, though, that blogging and running your own social media accounts to fit your blog's image - conducting yourself in a relatively professional manner online, or working to a 'theme' - seriously shows the kind of skills that those recruiters are looking for. Having that kind of hands-on practice of keeping your social presence consistent is something that can't be taught, and shows that you can adapt to your audience.<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n</DIV>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<B>2. LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE</B></DIV>\nStating the obvious, much? But hear me out: there is so much that we do as bloggers, but take for granted. Do you use SocialBlade? Check your DA rank every time it's updated? Have a basic grasp of SEO? Know how to schedule tweets, and check how successful they were? <I>These are all skills they need!</I> This is hands-on, real life, knowledge of analytics.<BR/>\nThe same goes for those blog photo editing and layout skills - whether you're doing them on Photoshop or PicMonkey, most companies are glad to have someone who can edit photos quickly on their social team.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<B>3. KNOW YOUR BRANDS </B></DIV>\nThis is probably one of the most important tips I can give; as a blogger, whether you've worked with brands or just read a lot of blogs that feature campaigns, you have a lot of insight into which brands are doing it <I>right</I>. Those brands whose social campaigns seem to be everywhere for weeks at a time? That one event that <I>everyone</I> seemed to be invited to, and took over your entire Instagram feed? <I>Those</I> are the ones you want to make note of. Literally. Get a notebook and just jot them down whenever you can, so you have a list of references ready to go, when it comes to a trial task or an interview. It'll put you above and beyond so many other candidates, and show you have your finger on the pulse.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<B>4. SPRUCE UP YOUR LINKEDIN!</B></DIV>\nI am the first to admit, I never really took my LinkedIn seriously until a few months ago, but it's probably the best online tool for finding vacancies in any field, let alone social media and marketing. <BR/>\nThe great thing about LinkedIn is that you can upload presentations, articles, blog posts, pictures, and videos of things you've worked on - whether at your day job, internship, or on your blog - and we all know visuals are a <I>big plus</I> when it comes to this industry.<BR/>\nHosted a cool event? Post a video or some pictures! Worked with some great brands? Leave a link to the posts! It all really helps give a well-rounded idea of your achievements.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<B>5. USE THOSE CONNECTIONS</B></DIV>\nIt's a bit ballsy, but it works - I know at least 5 bloggers who have tweeted or emailed brands they've worked with in the past for internships or vacancies, and have been taken on by the team. If a brand's worked with you, and has been left with a good impression, there's no reason they wouldn't at least <I>consider </I>you for a social role, and the same goes for PR or marketing agencies who're familiar with your work, too. Can't hurt to try, right? <BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<BLOCKQUOTE>\n<I>What are your top tips for using your blog to bag that job?",
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0ZvfVYtpNvCMgnovdlWSDg0PQHv7cIm0xo5SykFBJVOKOEAVqTY33dssNToTQsaBuOTTpMpl0tbUnPONKH4wYmhxAfU0DM-0mYUBbJsHon6SD2jxK50HJsSqOv0gEU9pBlSYLep_lGM/s1600/socialmedia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a pink notebook with a gold heart and gold spiral binding lying on a bed, next to a panda pen; the words 'getting a job in social media' written in script across the picture in pink and white" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0ZvfVYtpNvCMgnovdlWSDg0PQHv7cIm0xo5SykFBJVOKOEAVqTY33dssNToTQsaBuOTTpMpl0tbUnPONKH4wYmhxAfU0DM-0mYUBbJsHon6SD2jxK50HJsSqOv0gEU9pBlSYLep_lGM/s640/socialmedia.png" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
I know what you're thinking; 'Fran, didn't you <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2016/05/how-not-to-get-job-work.html" target="_blank">write that post about how badly you did at an interview</a>? Weren't we all surprised when you got that job?'...and the answer to both is clearly, yes.<br />
<i>But</i>, in the two years postgrad that it took me to get to that very bad interview, I <i>did</i> finally manage to get the application part right, and I know a <i>lot</i> of us want to break into social media and marketing, so I'm going to share what I learned, and hope you make more use of it than I did.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. SHOW OFF YOUR BLOG</b></div>
With the debates that have been happening in social media, lately, it can be easy to feel as though bloggers still aren't taken seriously by the marketing (or journalism) industry, and a lot of us still don't list 'blogging' on our CV, or glaze over it. The truth is, though, that blogging and running your own social media accounts to fit your blog's image - conducting yourself in a relatively professional manner online, or working to a 'theme' - seriously shows the kind of skills that those recruiters are looking for. Having that kind of hands-on practice of keeping your social presence consistent is something that can't be taught, and shows that you can adapt to your audience.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE</b></div>
Stating the obvious, much? But hear me out: there is so much that we do as bloggers, but take for granted. Do you use SocialBlade? Check your DA rank every time it's updated? Have a basic grasp of SEO? Know how to schedule tweets, and check how successful they were? <i>These are all skills they need!</i> This is hands-on, real life, knowledge of analytics.<br />
The same goes for those blog photo editing and layout skills - whether you're doing them on Photoshop or PicMonkey, most companies are glad to have someone who can edit photos quickly on their social team.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. KNOW YOUR BRANDS </b></div>
This is probably one of the most important tips I can give; as a blogger, whether you've worked with brands or just read a lot of blogs that feature campaigns, you have a lot of insight into which brands are doing it <i>right</i>. Those brands whose social campaigns seem to be everywhere for weeks at a time? That one event that <i>everyone</i> seemed to be invited to, and took over your entire Instagram feed? <i>Those</i> are the ones you want to make note of. Literally. Get a notebook and just jot them down whenever you can, so you have a list of references ready to go, when it comes to a trial task or an interview. It'll put you above and beyond so many other candidates, and show you have your finger on the pulse.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. SPRUCE UP YOUR LINKEDIN!</b></div>
I am the first to admit, I never really took my LinkedIn seriously until a few months ago, but it's probably the best online tool for finding vacancies in any field, let alone social media and marketing. <br />
The great thing about LinkedIn is that you can upload presentations, articles, blog posts, pictures, and videos of things you've worked on - whether at your day job, internship, or on your blog - and we all know visuals are a <i>big plus</i> when it comes to this industry.<br />
Hosted a cool event? Post a video or some pictures! Worked with some great brands? Leave a link to the posts! It all really helps give a well-rounded idea of your achievements.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. USE THOSE CONNECTIONS</b></div>
It's a bit ballsy, but it works - I know at least 5 bloggers who have tweeted or emailed brands they've worked with in the past for internships or vacancies, and have been taken on by the team. If a brand's worked with you, and has been left with a good impression, there's no reason they wouldn't at least <i>consider </i>you for a social role, and the same goes for PR or marketing agencies who're familiar with your work, too. Can't hurt to try, right? <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<i>What are your top tips for using your blog to bag that job?</i></blockquote>
</div>
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<br />Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-12726565632757303792016-09-26T12:53:00.000+01:002017-12-05T22:25:59.665+00:00Too Faced Candlelight 'Rosey Glow' | Beauty Review & Swatches<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"articleSection" : "I consider highlighter to be one of my 'basic' products. As in, I'll do a coat of mascara, some concealer, and highlighter if I'm just running to the shops for some emergency jaffa cakes (yes, that is a real thing). However, being super pale means that I find it really difficult to find a highlighter that...well, highlights. Besides which, I'm a sucker for sparkle, so I tend to go for the most obnoxious glittery ones I can find. I'd been umm-ing and ahh-ing over the Too Faced Candlelight Glow in 'Rosey Glow' online for about 2 weeks when I finally came across it in a Sephora a few months ago, and was instantly captivated as I swatched it on my hand."
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"articleSection" : "As you can (hopefully!) see in the above pictures, the Candlelight palette is a duo, and comes with a frosted champagne shade, as well as a rosy pink shade. I always opt to swirl my brush around the palette to get a bit of a warmer glow, but the champagne shade works really well as an eyebrow highlighter on its own, too. The formula is creamy, so easily blendable, but also has some serious staying power - I never reapply, and stay sparkly all day. A word to the wise, though: it's not a subtle option, in the slightest, so if understated contouring is your kind of thing, Candlelight Glow might not be for you. If you are a glitter-fiend/wannabe mermaid, however, go grab it, now! I've had my palette in my every day make up bag for nearly a year and it's only just hit pan, so you won't be sorry, despite the price tag."
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW2PpV4TS-k9HZ8Fe0eiYF2SdQvAYXBxnUGamq8qox0oTd_TT7bhJjuv7ZRTSWUG7RkpHSRMZEvX20j1EGeWKoA__6lqKTCi4oct-EnSXtnYWINEzhKdTmp03y1V4vu0R61Z_I3y85sI/s1600/candlelight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="too faced candlelight rosey glow lying on a bed next to the zoeva fan brush " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW2PpV4TS-k9HZ8Fe0eiYF2SdQvAYXBxnUGamq8qox0oTd_TT7bhJjuv7ZRTSWUG7RkpHSRMZEvX20j1EGeWKoA__6lqKTCi4oct-EnSXtnYWINEzhKdTmp03y1V4vu0R61Z_I3y85sI/s1600/candlelight.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
I consider highlighter to be one of my 'basic' products. As in, I'll do a coat of mascara, some concealer, and highlighter if I'm just running to the shops for some emergency jaffa cakes (<i>yes, that is a real thing</i>).<br />
However, being super pale means that I find it <i>really</i> difficult to find a highlighter that...well, highlights. Besides which, I'm a sucker for sparkle, so I tend to go for the most <strike>obnoxious</strike> glittery ones I can find.<br />
I'd been umm-ing and ahh-ing over the Too Faced Candlelight Glow in 'Rosey Glow' online for about 2 weeks when I finally came across it in a Sephora a few months ago, and was instantly captivated as I swatched it on my hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW67oRreFKwFIBWxZwveo3bi8rbVlsQOoh5S4ltz9fei6zCg0wd7bc6_q8WNN4BHqubK6slpqk1R9YTrEa8QNDQ42Abi0m9V8r_nOFrHTfrkvrSelmH1ttVyUD1_uNzOG-W88oSuAzME/s1600/candlelight2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="too faced candlelight rosey glow swatched on an arm, which sparkles and shimmers in the light" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW67oRreFKwFIBWxZwveo3bi8rbVlsQOoh5S4ltz9fei6zCg0wd7bc6_q8WNN4BHqubK6slpqk1R9YTrEa8QNDQ42Abi0m9V8r_nOFrHTfrkvrSelmH1ttVyUD1_uNzOG-W88oSuAzME/s1600/candlelight2.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
As you can (hopefully!) see in the above pictures, the Candlelight palette is a duo, and comes with a frosted champagne shade, as well as a rosy pink shade. I always opt to swirl my <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m8Wp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">brush</a> around the palette to get a bit of a warmer glow, but the champagne shade works really well as an eyebrow highlighter on its own, too.<br />
The formula is creamy, so easily blendable, but also has some serious staying power - I never reapply, and stay sparkly all day. A word to the wise, though: it's not a subtle option, in the slightest, so if understated contouring is your kind of thing, Candlelight Glow might not be for you.<br />
If you <i>are</i> a glitter-fiend/wannabe mermaid, however, go grab it, now! I've had my palette in my every day make up bag for nearly a year and it's only just hit pan, so you won't be sorry, despite the price tag. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Too Faced Candle Light Glow in 'Rosey Glow' has an RRP of £25, and is available from Selfridges, <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m8Xg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </b></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-34614279982197792372016-09-19T10:14:00.002+01:002017-12-05T22:30:42.618+00:00How to Survive your First Holiday with Friends | Travel<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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A holiday with friends can be one of the best, or worst, experiences of your travelling life, depending on how you play it. Some of it's down to luck - do you ever <i>really </i>know someone until you've shared a hotel room with them for 10 days in the stifling heat, with crappy dance music blasting you from the bar downstairs? No, probably not.<br />
<i>But</i>, there are a few sure-fire ways to get the best out of your trip, regardless, and I'm sharing them over on Sophie's blog, today, whilst she's off on her trip of a lifetime.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
Head to my guest post, <a href="http://www.sophie-rose.co.uk/2016/09/how-to-survive-your-first-holiday-with.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, for my tips, and be sure to leave your own! </blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-88774184156463686112016-09-07T11:43:00.002+01:002017-12-05T22:36:51.358+00:00What I Wish I'd Known as a Fresher | Student Life <!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"articleBody" : "It's the time of year where I start to envy everyone who's making that big, scary, life-changing step; moving to university. Don't get me wrong; making the move to university was one of the scariest things I've ever done, but it was one of the best, too.</SPAN><BR/>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">That being said, it isn't easy, by any stretch of the imagination, and it doesn't come with any kind of handbook, so I figured I'd through together a few pro-tips - things I wish I'd known, in advance!</SPAN><BR/>\n\n<BR/>\n<DIV class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\">\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\"><B>1. WHAT TO TAKE</B></SPAN></DIV>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">I think I must've googled about a million 'what to take to university' lists when I first got my UCAS results, but I was never quite happy with what I found - so I wrote my own, <A href=\"http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2017/09/uni-packing-list.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</A> - my 'What to Take to University' list, which is still my most-read post, to date (shameless self-plugging aside).</SPAN><BR/>\n\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\"><B>2. YOU'RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT; USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE</B></SPAN></DIV>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">I know, it's a cliché, but clichés tend to be clichés for a reason. If you're moving into halls with a bunch of strangers, they're in the same position, and you can use that uncertainty to build bridges.</SPAN><BR/>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">Unpack with your bedroom door open and your favourite band playing. Have an excursion to the city centre to get that one vital item everyone happened to forget (doorstops...they sold out in my university town within the first three days).</SPAN><BR/>\n\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\"><B>3. GO TO EVERYTHING IN FRESHERS' WEEK...</B></SPAN></DIV>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">Not just the mandatory events, but the naff ones like the 'treasure hunt' that your academic department thinks will teach you the weird room system (it won't, you'll get lost on the way to <I>everything</I>); you can bond with the people on your course about how you'd rather be doing anything else. </SPAN><BR/>\n\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\"><B>4...AND DON'T SKIP THE SOCIETIES FAIR</B></SPAN></DIV>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">This is sometimes billed as 'Freshers' Fair - Day Two' or something similar, but it's actually a showcase of the societies that are available on campus. A lot of people skip this, but it's a great way to hear about the societies you never would've known existed (gaming society, anyone? Forensic science society? Acapella group?).</SPAN><BR/>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">My one main tip, though? Try not to sign up for anything just because you've started chatting to the society president, or they're giving away freebies and you feel guilty not signing up to their mailing list. You'll end up being emailed a hundred times a week, all the way into third year.</SPAN><BR/>\n\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\"><B>5. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A PARTY ANIMAL </B></SPAN></DIV>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">Whilst drinking<I> is </I>likely to help you deal with that annoying housemate who <I>just won't take out the bins</I> (I'm not still bitter about mine, clearly), you don't have to be the kind of person who goes out every night to make friends; some of the best nights I had at uni were just sitting in our flat, watching movies, baking, or cooking communal dinner.</SPAN><BR/>\n\n<BR/>\n<DIV style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\"><B>BONUS: JUST GO WITH IT</B></SPAN></DIV>\n<SPAN style=\"font-size: small;\">Being a student was one of the best times of my life...and one of the hardest. There'll be sleepless nights, bad flatmates (and accommodation), a few breakdowns, and the odd hangover, but it'll all be worth it in the end."
}
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<span style="font-size: small;">It's the time of year where I start to envy everyone who's making that big, scary, life-changing step; moving to university. Don't get me wrong; making the move to university was one of the scariest things I've ever done, but it was one of the best, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">That being said, it isn't easy, by any stretch of the imagination, and it doesn't come with any kind of handbook, so I figured I'd through together a few pro-tips - things I wish I'd known, in advance!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. WHAT TO TAKE</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I think I must've googled about a million 'what to take to university' lists when I first got my UCAS results, but I was never quite happy with what I found - so I wrote my own, <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2017/09/uni-packing-list.html" target="_blank">here</a> - my 'What to Take to University' list, which is still my most-read post, to date (shameless self-plugging aside).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. YOU'RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT; USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I know, it's a cliché, but clichés tend to be clichés for a reason. If you're moving into halls with a bunch of strangers, they're in the same position, and you can use that uncertainty to build bridges.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Unpack with your bedroom door open and your favourite band playing. Have an excursion to the city centre to get that one vital item everyone happened to forget (doorstops...they sold out in my university town within the first three days).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. GO TO EVERYTHING IN FRESHERS' WEEK...</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Not just the mandatory events, but the naff ones like the 'treasure hunt' that your academic department thinks will teach you the weird room system (it won't, you'll get lost on the way to <i>everything</i>); you can bond with the people on your course about how you'd rather be doing anything else. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4...AND DON'T SKIP THE SOCIETIES FAIR</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">This is sometimes billed as 'Freshers' Fair - Day Two' or something similar, but it's actually a showcase of the societies that are available on campus. A lot of people skip this, but it's a great way to hear about the societies you never would've known existed (gaming society, anyone? Forensic science society? Acapella group?).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">My one main tip, though? Try not to sign up for anything just because you've started chatting to the society president, or they're giving away freebies and you feel guilty not signing up to their mailing list. You'll end up being emailed a hundred times a week, all the way into third year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A PARTY ANIMAL </b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Whilst drinking<i> is </i>likely to help you deal with that annoying housemate who <i>just won't take out the bins</i> (I'm not still bitter about mine, clearly), you don't have to be the kind of person who goes out every night to make friends; some of the best nights I had at uni were just sitting in our flat, watching movies, baking, or cooking communal dinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>BONUS: JUST GO WITH IT</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Being a student was one of the best times of my life...and one of the hardest. There'll be sleepless nights, bad flatmates (and accommodation), a few breakdowns, and the odd hangover, but it'll all be worth it in the end. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<b>What's the one thing you wish you'd known whilst at university?</b></blockquote>
</div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-60112313430319677932016-08-24T13:16:00.000+01:002017-12-05T22:39:36.733+00:00That's So All In One Protective Dry Oil Spray & After Sun | Review<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
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"datePublished" : "2016-08-24",
"image" : "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy38V0XFOG4QcAJ7n8VHBCv7yFlPFGdosI_CW0bngMsN7gv1YE_1EKD06qEqSuxUi_lyT9bu8WnMH521W_Ie_JGq6todH6-51z1F9rD1H4mLDvbvJmh2MZW-PfgXk6RZZpdwCOsXmAVk/s1600/thatssopuresunfinal.png",
"articleBody" : "The weather in London has been <I>gorgeous</I> lately; proper sunshine - the kind that makes you wish you didn't have a 9-6 job. <BR/>\nNaturally, all I've wanted to do is go for evening walks, visit cute little beer gardens, and lounge at roof top bars with a glass of wine. It would have usually been a bit of a struggle, with my fella being the <A href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/BIe95jyDCE6/\" target=\"_blank\">world's palest human</A> (the kind that burns on a cloudy day. In Cornwall), and me having Mediterranean genes that pretty much mean I <I>never burn</I>. Between us, we've had to spend a fortune on varying SPFs and varying levels of after sun. It's made me question our entire relationship, to be honest.<BR/>\n<BR/>\n<I>That's</I> when I found out about <A href=\"http://www.thatsoskincare.com/index.php/pure-sun/all-in-one-spf.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">That's So 'Pure Sun' All in One SPF</A> & <A href=\"http://www.thatsoskincare.com/index.php/pure-sun/all-in-one-after-sun.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">After Sun</A> (*). The premise of the SPF is that one bottle will provide you with anywhere between 20 and 50 SPF; simply spray one layer for 20 SPF, wait 3 minutes, spray a second layer for 30 SPF, then wait another 3 minutes and spray again for 50 SPF protection. Sounds too good to be true, right? But here's the thing: <B>it works</B>. I sprayed my fella with three layers, and did one myself, and it was <I>perfect</I>. I caught a nice summer glow, he stayed Caspar-pale. We were impressed.<BR/>\nIt's a dry oil spray, which means it wasn't sticky, and it didn't leave any suspicious-looking stains on our clothes. It goes on pretty much transparent, too, which is exactly what I look for in my SPF, personally.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nMy favourite out of the two products, however, has to be the after sun - I'm really picky about my after sun skincare, because I <I>hate</I> peeling (who doesn't), and get so overheated if I use anything too thick. The 'That's So' after sun, however, is <I>cooling</I>, sprays on in a thin layer, and feels <I>so</I> incredibly moisturising. It contains Aloe Vera, as well as Inhiphase, which are both anti-inflammatory and soothing, and honestly, I couldn't recommend it more.<BR/>\n<BR/>\nThe price points are a little steep, for me, so I might not repurchase the sun cream, depending on what the London weather does, but the aftersun is safely in my online basket, awaiting payday"
}
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy38V0XFOG4QcAJ7n8VHBCv7yFlPFGdosI_CW0bngMsN7gv1YE_1EKD06qEqSuxUi_lyT9bu8WnMH521W_Ie_JGq6todH6-51z1F9rD1H4mLDvbvJmh2MZW-PfgXk6RZZpdwCOsXmAVk/s1600/thatssopuresunfinal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="that's so all in one protective dry oil spray and aftersun, in bright yellow and pink packaging, lying on a bed" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy38V0XFOG4QcAJ7n8VHBCv7yFlPFGdosI_CW0bngMsN7gv1YE_1EKD06qEqSuxUi_lyT9bu8WnMH521W_Ie_JGq6todH6-51z1F9rD1H4mLDvbvJmh2MZW-PfgXk6RZZpdwCOsXmAVk/s1600/thatssopuresunfinal.png" title="" /></a></div>
The weather in London has been <i>gorgeous</i> lately; proper sunshine - the kind that makes you wish you didn't have a 9-6 job. <br />
Naturally, all I've wanted to do is go for evening walks, visit cute little beer gardens, and lounge at roof top bars with a glass of wine. It would have usually been a bit of a struggle, with my fella being the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIe95jyDCE6/" target="_blank">world's palest human</a> (the kind that burns on a cloudy day. In Cornwall), and me having Mediterranean genes that pretty much mean I <i>never burn</i>. Between us, we've had to spend a fortune on varying SPFs and varying levels of after sun. It's made me question our entire relationship, to be honest.<br />
<br />
<i>That's</i> when I found out about <a href="http://www.thatsoskincare.com/index.php/pure-sun/all-in-one-spf.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">That's So 'Pure Sun' All in One SPF</a> & <a href="http://www.thatsoskincare.com/index.php/pure-sun/all-in-one-after-sun.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">After Sun</a> (*). The premise of the SPF is that one bottle will provide you with anywhere between 20 and 50 SPF; simply spray one layer for 20 SPF, wait 3 minutes, spray a second layer for 30 SPF, then wait another 3 minutes and spray again for 50 SPF protection. Sounds too good to be true, right? But here's the thing: <b>it works</b>. I sprayed my fella with three layers, and did one myself, and it was <i>perfect</i>. I caught a nice summer glow, he stayed Caspar-pale. We were impressed.<br />
It's a dry oil spray, which means it wasn't sticky, and it didn't leave any suspicious-looking stains on our clothes. It goes on pretty much transparent, too, which is exactly what I look for in my SPF, personally.<br />
<br />
My favourite out of the two products, however, has to be the after sun - I'm really picky about my after sun skincare, because I <i>hate</i> peeling (who doesn't), and get so overheated if I use anything too thick. The 'That's So' after sun, however, is <i>cooling</i>, sprays on in a thin layer, and feels <i>so</i> incredibly moisturising. It contains Aloe Vera, as well as Inhiphase, which are both anti-inflammatory and soothing, and honestly, I couldn't recommend it more.<br />
<br />
The price points are a little steep, for me, so I might not repurchase the sun cream, depending on what the London weather does, but the aftersun is safely in my online basket, awaiting payday.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<b>The <a href="http://www.thatsoskincare.com/index.php/pure-sun/all-in-one-spf.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">That's So 'Pure Sun' All in One SPF</a> & <a href="http://www.thatsoskincare.com/index.php/pure-sun/all-in-one-after-sun.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">After Sun</a> (*) are available on the <a href="http://www.thatsoskincare.com/index.php/pure-sun.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'That's So' website</a>, and both retail for £18.95.</b></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-46058228684292895812016-08-19T17:54:00.003+01:002017-11-07T15:35:33.659+00:00My Deaf Boyfriend | Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhlyWjoi1THcHLvnncge2YCPlPCsfmszlwuC00yTZaQnho4dHe2Vx23xaDeRQCZ6qgLW9Zji1MvJu9zqRqlgmMEDXc3P0Igcqbs-jmBixHnOMtac2wyGSQPM6ZFrikgDHQvfztIiduRE/s1600/13631395_10154372263096081_1838502035671497322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhlyWjoi1THcHLvnncge2YCPlPCsfmszlwuC00yTZaQnho4dHe2Vx23xaDeRQCZ6qgLW9Zji1MvJu9zqRqlgmMEDXc3P0Igcqbs-jmBixHnOMtac2wyGSQPM6ZFrikgDHQvfztIiduRE/s1600/13631395_10154372263096081_1838502035671497322_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>I apologise for the crude-sounding title of this post, but...well, it's what it's about, so...</i><br />
<br />
I had a blog post planned for today. It was about eyeliner. And then I got a message, at about 12.45pm, that turned my blood ice cold, and made me pack my things frantically, telling my boss I'd had an 'emergency' and twirling out of my office as fast as my tiny little legs would carry me.<br />
<i> </i><br />
The message that had my heart pounding? It was from my boyfriend, telling me that his speech processor wasn't working; that he could <b>no longer hear</b>.<br />
<br />
George and I have been together for nearly 8 months, but we've known eachother for slightly over 10. It took him two weeks to tell me he was profoundly deaf; that, without the cochlear implant he'd had fitted at three years old, and the speech processor that attached to it, he was unable to hear anything at all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSrFAuEbeC_U7iUBKNM4FonSsA9xyO3Cu6o5Ov7DmeMnPUKGsfEULmZGch85Jp89mcm1Wj3Zkw0v81xE54pb724pIWQ-Y90rIbX1KwAS21XgXYJSDtX21nhfGIoFNtTxEUZJPL_-yulI/s1600/image1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cochlear implant scar and speech processor" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSrFAuEbeC_U7iUBKNM4FonSsA9xyO3Cu6o5Ov7DmeMnPUKGsfEULmZGch85Jp89mcm1Wj3Zkw0v81xE54pb724pIWQ-Y90rIbX1KwAS21XgXYJSDtX21nhfGIoFNtTxEUZJPL_-yulI/s640/image1.PNG" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The speech processor George has to wear, which magnetically connects to the cochlear implant in his head, and his scar from the surgery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE PROCEDURE </b> </div>
George had just celebrated his third birthday when he contracted Tuberculous Meningitis; he spent his third Christmas in a coma. When he eventually awoke, his father noticed he wasn't reacting to loud sounds, it emerged quite quickly that the TB Meningitis had effected his inner ear, leaving him deaf. A few months later, he had the cochlear surgery, during which an electronic device is placed inside the ear, replacing the function of the inner ear. The speech processor connects to this, on the surface, which means George is able to 'hear' through his left ear, whilst wearing his processor.<br />
<br />
Luckily, George was able to have this operation on the NHS, through the Nottingham Auditory Implant Programme; The <a href="http://www.earfoundation.org.uk/" target="_blank">Ear Foundation</a> was able to provide support for his parents, as well as accommodation during the procedure. He has a wonderful family, and although it was hard, he has grown into a wonderful, understanding, kind, and balanced man. He is lucky, and I am lucky to know him.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIVING WITH IT</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
George doesn't know sign language (although I keep bugging him to come and learn it with me), but he can lip read. When there's a problem with any of his tech, we make do with enunciation and the occasional text message. We go to the cinema; <a href="http://genesiscinema.co.uk/GenesisCinema.dll/Home" target="_blank">Genesis</a> in East London has excellent acoustic, and often has subtitled screenings. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have subtitled options on all of their shows. We meet friends, go out, have fun. He's come to gigs with me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hold his hand in the dark, because he has no balance. He spills things. Occasionally, the tech malfunctions. If I'm annoying him, he can whip his speech processor off, and ignore me. We had to download the transcript of the <a href="https://serialpodcast.org/" target="_blank">Serial podcast</a> so he could read it, instead of listening. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is not easy, but through the work of so many organisations, it is possible.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<b>Donate to the Ear Foundation, <a href="http://www.earfoundation.org.uk/donate" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-49900800118227411592016-08-15T12:10:00.000+01:002017-11-12T04:12:47.268+00:00Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade: Worth the Hype? | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_u30HgeRyfT5sXZzYQay8yDAjykJdt5e6AEjy8_9hFVGz0Ca3klpnird6zvkt13je6-yPEkc-t4qnotIGn6HgM_Ix1Pszq6Tday3ujoq1xBoIxs_BqP2Ib7EfvEwPCrabo17GjJUoBw/s1600/dipbrow.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="an open pot of anastasia beverly hills dipbrow pomade in 'taupe' lies next to the anastasia beverly hills dipbrow pomade brush and an eyebrow comb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_u30HgeRyfT5sXZzYQay8yDAjykJdt5e6AEjy8_9hFVGz0Ca3klpnird6zvkt13je6-yPEkc-t4qnotIGn6HgM_Ix1Pszq6Tday3ujoq1xBoIxs_BqP2Ib7EfvEwPCrabo17GjJUoBw/s1600/dipbrow.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Is it just me, or is blogger 'hype' not much of a thing, any more? When I first started blogging, everyone had their 'Holy Grail' products, and it seemed that four of five of them would be on everyone's lists. Nowadays, there seems to be a lot more diversity in the products that get reviewed - we're spoiled for choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, Anastasia Beverly Hills' Dip Brow Pomade is one of the few products that<i> has</i> had a bit of a hype surrounding it - all over YouTube, Instagram, and the Blogosphere, and with a dozen copycat versions, at least. Obviously, as a big believer in good eyebrows being a necessity for, well, <i>everyone</i>, I had to pick some up when I was in New York.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Worth the hype?</b> Yes. It's waterproof, but blendable, and unlike a lot of the cheaper copycats, it's not at <i>all</i> drying. No flaky eyebrows here, thanks. It's also available in twelve shades, which means it's pretty easy to get one that matches your own (the one pictured here is Auburn). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And <i>yes</i>, £15 seems a little steep for such a tiny pot, but I've used mine daily, for 9 months, and I'm not even halfway through the pot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>One word of advice:</u> I've used it both with a<i>nd</i> without the Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo Brush, and you're going to want to invest in one. It's soft, but dense, which makes blending so much easier, and gives a really natural final look.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Go, buy. Now. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<b>Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade is available from Beauty Bay, RRP £15. <br />The</b> <b>Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo Brush is available from Cult Beauty, RRP £14.</b></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-8644751234545067482016-08-06T15:00:00.003+01:002017-11-12T04:16:08.110+00:00Zara Martin x Skinny Dip Kitty Headphones | New In <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NN7qraW5ToiyYEaM7ZSSgvF4TZcsqkO55ylzwKmKquhImatt9lGbl-JvqCAxhVNcq9Yk8VaS8HK4ZnJge9_2_e54l3osYBiTq2LSKaU6P6xnqdMIxFwjIJrzFT74cNTealH-nDkrx5s/s1600/kitty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Zara Martin x Skinny Dip Kitty Headphones in their packaging on a floral duvet" border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NN7qraW5ToiyYEaM7ZSSgvF4TZcsqkO55ylzwKmKquhImatt9lGbl-JvqCAxhVNcq9Yk8VaS8HK4ZnJge9_2_e54l3osYBiTq2LSKaU6P6xnqdMIxFwjIJrzFT74cNTealH-nDkrx5s/s640/kitty.png" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Every once in a while, I come across items online and immediately scream 'I must have it' (much to my family/friends' annoyance), and these Skinny Dip x Zara Martin headphones from the 'Wild' collection were exactly a case of that. They're <i>cat ears</i>. In <i>rose gold</i>. How could I not want them?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1YbT5rhwokw7OlQ5s2bStCIarQMpEdmYaj04DeEjDPRHqUytPTWAFimo2zNob9UzZtpgIumzewTGxn7MHdHktqJJdz21NX0k3P7bykbW1FpS8r1wbCUmtdSduMirTPynNGWbnr7WdQc/s1600/kittyw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Zara Martin x Skinny Dip Kitty Headphones out of their packaging and on a floral bedspread" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1YbT5rhwokw7OlQ5s2bStCIarQMpEdmYaj04DeEjDPRHqUytPTWAFimo2zNob9UzZtpgIumzewTGxn7MHdHktqJJdz21NX0k3P7bykbW1FpS8r1wbCUmtdSduMirTPynNGWbnr7WdQc/s640/kittyw.png" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Just to clarify, I am the furthest thing from an audio nerd - the whole 'Beats' thing flew right over my head, and I could not even start to tell you why Sennheiser are better than Bose - but the sound quality of these has <i>blown me away</i>. Whilst I did initially nab these for the style, alone, I have been so impressed with them that I've started recommending all Skinnydip headphones to anyone who'll listen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">You probably couldn't take them to the studio, but you <i>can</i> look pretty awesome on the underground. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<b>SkinnyDip x Zara Martin headphones are available on their website, <a href="https://www.skinnydiplondon.com/products/zara-martin-rose-gold-kitty-headphones?variant=11703219719" rel="nofollow">here</a>, or instore from Urban Outfitters, RRP £35. You can browse the rest of the SkinnyDip headphone range <a href="https://www.skinnydiplondon.com/collections/gifting/headphones" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</b></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-6783564128198486192016-06-17T16:13:00.001+01:002017-11-12T04:17:27.629+00:00NYX Lingerie Lipstick | Review & Swatches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6A3O_vQnNQyGO8OQeN3vWCv4MiWEhflLNwNOy3xBSiVb6Kjy3r5EiYAP2JHNc2B7UTyH9o4yrXkIOfQjoFCSZNAMLXrJm1bphZ7Yo9OZ8M17ToNomzP-jEBCICkkbOCL9kI5CGB_t4k/s1600/nylingerie1.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="NYX Lingerie Review and Swatches; lace detail, bedtime flirt, and exotic packaging" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6A3O_vQnNQyGO8OQeN3vWCv4MiWEhflLNwNOy3xBSiVb6Kjy3r5EiYAP2JHNc2B7UTyH9o4yrXkIOfQjoFCSZNAMLXrJm1bphZ7Yo9OZ8M17ToNomzP-jEBCICkkbOCL9kI5CGB_t4k/s1600/nylingerie1.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I think we all know by now, I am obsessed with a good matte lipstick. And, as anyone following me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/francescasoph/" target="_blank">my Instagram</a> knows, I finally <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BE_vwwzIoWz/" target="_blank">bragged that I'd found my new obsession</a> in the form of a new shade from NYX. You're welcome in advance.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The premise of the NYX 'Lingerie' lipsticks are that they're all somewhere on the 'nude' colour scale (some shades are less 'nude' than others), and that they all have a super matte finish. There are twelve shades available in the range, and I'm quite convinced there's something for everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMi1mtI_a5Th7WNKOMwU9eBceujWpfy-BMUZsfzYx3KVCt6UER1dlDZJH4bKdyOYUnJ5ItQBRUyvxcctsuJ-W08S2gB-sONi09osIE0bne8cuYy5vAojhKbAjlZhSuK5lcWwraMQzsi8/s1600/ny2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NYX Lingerie Review and Swatches; lace detail, bedtime flirt, and exotic swatches on an arm" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMi1mtI_a5Th7WNKOMwU9eBceujWpfy-BMUZsfzYx3KVCt6UER1dlDZJH4bKdyOYUnJ5ItQBRUyvxcctsuJ-W08S2gB-sONi09osIE0bne8cuYy5vAojhKbAjlZhSuK5lcWwraMQzsi8/s1600/ny2.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I grabbed three shades from the range, after umming and ahhing over them all for about 3 days:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>LACE DETAIL</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hands down, my favourite shade of the three - it's a 'my lips, but better' shade, for me, and the slight pink undertones add a subtle splash of colour. I'd go for this one if you're quite pale and want a truly 'nude' lip.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>BEDTIME FLIRT</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If 'Lace Detail' is 'my lips, but better', then 'Bedtime Flirt' is 'my lips, but browner'. It's got a really warm cinnamon undertone to it, which is great for anyone who has a warm skin tone - I'd really recommend this shade for anyone who's wanting to try incorporating something a little darker into their everyday lip kit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>EXOTIC</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This has fast replaced the red lip as my 'going out' look for 'summer' (as I write this, there's a tiny monsoon happening outside my window). It's a rich plum shade, perfect for a bold lip, and the one I <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BE_vwwzIoWz/" target="_blank">mentioned over on Instagram</a> a few weeks ago. Again, it's got a slightly brown undertone to it, so it's great for warmer skin tones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECU8xwSayQoBc_MLjgX177xQhCtNAmZsrE2eXYiKPdAazzKDLecLNLM2lDfwk1jpSp8M9IN1dXZBaM6Xb28niKQettP3GoX3TP9SbqbIeYjheDvAktU-I5OyUYwFrpVjIATeWWxz10Z4/s1600/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NYX Lingerie Review and Swatches; lace detail, bedtime flirt, and exotic applicatiors pictured" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECU8xwSayQoBc_MLjgX177xQhCtNAmZsrE2eXYiKPdAazzKDLecLNLM2lDfwk1jpSp8M9IN1dXZBaM6Xb28niKQettP3GoX3TP9SbqbIeYjheDvAktU-I5OyUYwFrpVjIATeWWxz10Z4/s1600/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Like most matte lip products, the NYX Lingerie lipsticks <i>can</i> leave your lips feeling a little dry, but it <i>doesn't</i>, in my experience, do that hugely unflattering thing of clinging to any dry patches on your lips (I have more than I'd care to admit).As for the applicator, it's a slightly 'flatter' version of the normal doe-foot applicator, and it actually makes evenly applying the colour without a brush about 100 times easier. I honestly love the formula and application so much, that I might just buy all the shades (slowly, of course, I'm not made of money).
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<b>The NYX Lingerie Lipsticks retail for £6.50, and can be bought from Boots online, <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mEJh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmGo62ZeJHE04whpCGP78gJA2Dp0BoXvL2HgdF1A3J4jvqymeiBZUDnbh-ouZece4h0jtB_unHWaNvoznZWckDC1htQW-G-IXU0PJFrFkTR_MSd6q9rjG0DA5d3ll2GIzcguBSrtHUtQ/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/syF3UPA.png" width="218px" /></a></span></div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-71576974782327589822016-06-04T18:33:00.000+01:002017-11-12T04:21:49.852+00:00Quick & Easy Glitter Bowl | DIY <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMR9CcS6egS92VbOdIylV1IOsIpc3NySkmVUBJNJCijXE2vpIuPN0pChcQKXW9Ir55r6hMeJPwmDUwHKbTXqm400m4lHL9YkLPZ8G0-1pQGZTtdkHETEDmyNzLPTfeXnCt3_Y8B0XH78/s1600/coverbowl.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="a gold glitter bowl sitting on a soft white blanket; text reads easy do it yourself glitter bowl" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMR9CcS6egS92VbOdIylV1IOsIpc3NySkmVUBJNJCijXE2vpIuPN0pChcQKXW9Ir55r6hMeJPwmDUwHKbTXqm400m4lHL9YkLPZ8G0-1pQGZTtdkHETEDmyNzLPTfeXnCt3_Y8B0XH78/s640/coverbowl.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">You know the feeling; it's late at night (or, if you're me, early in the morning), you're lying in bed and <i>should </i>be sleeping, but instead, you're browsing Pinterest. You come across one of those fun DIY graphics, and you think 'ooh I could do that'. Then sleep hits, and - oh no! - you haven't pinned the DIY. You search and search, and you just can't spot it anywhere...but the creativity bug is raring to go, so you grab some supplies, and you give it a try, anyway. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseDktD1dPPZC_SwUaWVv88EK9EhZtwXig_zZ6Ntb8SHzfZQTvexWhQyvUAnslOiKN1aSoURqClorAq5Y1DFFqZknITYHBAX97IhmGN6cbGxN-g0ypaDBalkzDd2x0mH3XkLWhLm6VnJE/s1600/bowl1.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="a selection of supplies for a DIY glitter bowl, including matte mod podge, multicoloured balloons, a wide brush, a tub of gold glitter, and a silver foil takeaway tray" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseDktD1dPPZC_SwUaWVv88EK9EhZtwXig_zZ6Ntb8SHzfZQTvexWhQyvUAnslOiKN1aSoURqClorAq5Y1DFFqZknITYHBAX97IhmGN6cbGxN-g0ypaDBalkzDd2x0mH3XkLWhLm6VnJE/s1600/bowl1.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, this glitter bowl was one of these late-night discoveries, and I already had everything I needed to do it, at home (is it weird that I always have a stash of balloons for craft-related stuff?).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">All you'll need to give this a go is some Mod Podge, some medium balloons, a thick paint brush, and some chunky glitter. It's optional, but I also use these silver takeaway containers to mix things in, whenever I'm crafting, because it makes clean-up a <i>lot </i>easier. </span><br />
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<img alt="a silver foil take away tray filled with mod podge and gold glitter; unmixed" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-gqcAGJ6HziKVsigrH8AWeI7LPjTBEXeFPSXoIfCDrdgGZGCCUG0lf2QEPBlUonQHa1kYJHZM3_bMGoQQDSb9nTw2Ztz5Wzqw9YSzgnAhjMsMWfuB1YwUw9YsPnXTwC6DED0aNvx9vM/s320/43B6DEB1-0142-4BF8-9B25-D8D978E42214.JPG" title="" width="350" /><img alt="a silver foil take away tray filled with mod podge and gold glitter; mixed" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6lXgIodT8lUUj661tD8fYT16vBjrWAGpWVX2ZT9NlnkDkBCvfNWWonvnNKrf8uLIdZwhafOC3fZk7LU5uzrpPFRdf5bZKnnQVS_1NMZpl5vXp4a0q4u6QtpgZGR6Ti0X8Su7MJYjphQ/s320/52A10211-2E7C-46DE-8B0E-067E24B9C8C3.JPG" title="" width="350" /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">It's a super simple process, from here; whip about two tablespoon's worth (that's a guess-timation, don't go ruining your silverwear) of glue with about half the amount of glitter. Depending on the glitter you're using, you might need to adjust this slightly, but the goal is to get the consistency like the photo above.</span><br />
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<img alt="a red balloon blown up, sitting in a red bowl, with a tray of gold glitter and mod podge mixed, sitting next to it" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPsF4s1Ae8RLb047wckODf8_RBrk9I42qces2o7ooU5kKmayCK9QKkzqCXLM3yXC-8ORH9eshXjib52XfSI86cnnGd6IFOx5fdZZHE5ebXueFHsk52Iwt1LloVonIKyrZ8YiO4y1XO7M/s320/27F05263-0EB3-4F70-96F7-3C4083254D8D.JPG" title="" width="350" /><img alt="a red balloon blown up, sitting in a red bowl, covered partially in a mixture of gold glitter and mod podge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietcnwqW08Y9Q_XS-IArKlA84d_uoyTlqpzlwY9JZw7HwC7KOo8TMxl5O8awCLoA6h2ngbF79zSOda9rHQ6yoOJI1Qp86-_cu2YxU5lTIFKbhZ0P2JnczbUXRwpGFTBloaWKkg8Wa4SNY/s320/7F97FE18-AB53-4F10-ABA1-69EA4E78B16E.JPG" title="" width="350" /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Once you've got the consistency right, you want to blow up your balloon to about the size you'd like your bowl to be, and then sit it in an old mixing or serving bowl to hold it still. Then you simply have to paint the balloon with your glue mixture; don't worry too much about keeping it even the whole way round, it's part of the charm of this DIY that it's not quite even.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6mnuzB_Zw1beKqT7Igjusgzhq-MGDBkHy1p44I7tZPUV7LJNp7InAaOw3dm9g0L8Swbb2vVCO_EH_jvE5XjuKVr7BX7QCwdtniUPSVQqNPBDxT61ZpfKBJX4o_MCGX0PirEt3tg2aNs/s1600/bowl3.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="a DIY homemade gold glitter bowl sitting on a soft white blanket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6mnuzB_Zw1beKqT7Igjusgzhq-MGDBkHy1p44I7tZPUV7LJNp7InAaOw3dm9g0L8Swbb2vVCO_EH_jvE5XjuKVr7BX7QCwdtniUPSVQqNPBDxT61ZpfKBJX4o_MCGX0PirEt3tg2aNs/s320/bowl3.png" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Sit the balloon to one side to dry (preferably overnight), and when the glue's gone completely clear, break out your nearest needle/safety pin and pop your balloon. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And there you go! Your very own glittery balloon bowl. I recommend sitting it on your desk and filling it with sweets, because who doesn't work better with a delicious incentive? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<b>Will you be giving this fun DIY a go? And what's your favourite Pinterest-inspired project? </b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmGo62ZeJHE04whpCGP78gJA2Dp0BoXvL2HgdF1A3J4jvqymeiBZUDnbh-ouZece4h0jtB_unHWaNvoznZWckDC1htQW-G-IXU0PJFrFkTR_MSd6q9rjG0DA5d3ll2GIzcguBSrtHUtQ/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/syF3UPA.png" width="218px" /></a></span></div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-83448868933464493122016-05-27T13:01:00.002+01:002017-11-23T21:41:27.297+00:00Nuxe Crème Fraiche 24hr Moisturising Mask | Beauty Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXhkKKhPbQC_Xtfw2jzDje-tQVZppRUGpR4SvwS4izmseLJ6-_w7GhsecB4YQYpSaOZGusxVvUXX7-gcc8YwNG93vcK5BFyNmCAWHBHrM9h8tyk8FkHsQR9TeZqx26Boxz27qwpVN00E/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="nuxe crème fraiche 24hr moisturising mask next to its original box, sitting on a white desk" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXhkKKhPbQC_Xtfw2jzDje-tQVZppRUGpR4SvwS4izmseLJ6-_w7GhsecB4YQYpSaOZGusxVvUXX7-gcc8YwNG93vcK5BFyNmCAWHBHrM9h8tyk8FkHsQR9TeZqx26Boxz27qwpVN00E/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" title="" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Am I the only one who gets intensely dry skin, year-round? It used to be a problem I only had in winter, but whether my impending 24th birthday (ew, let's not mention <i>that</i> again, I'm still a student, at heart) is the reason for my sudden change of skin type, or just a sign I need to up my skincare game, the whole Deadpool look isn't really for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">After intense research (read: checking reviews on Selfridges and Feel Unique), I finally decided that the <b>Nuxe Crème Fraiche 24hr Moisturising Mask </b>might just be the thing to save my skin - and I haven't looked back since.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The formula of this mask is super thick, but not at all sticky, and it's so easy to use; you simply apply a thick layer over your face and neck, leave it to sink in for 10-15 minutes, and then massage the remaining mixture in (or, if you're going out, you can remove the residue with a tissue). <i>And that's it</i>. It's that easy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Now, I don't know if I'd go as far as to say it really provides 24 hour moisture, but it does definitely keep your skin hydrated for a good few hours, and using this just before bed guarantees you'll wake up with silky smooth, dewy skin. And, as I mentioned in <a href="http://www.francescasophia.co.uk/2016/04/stop-getting-sick-self-care.html" target="_blank">my 'Stop Getting Sick' post</a>, this is a great soothing mask for anyone who's feeling a little run down, too - the smell of fresh jasmine is one of the most relaxing to exist, after all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Has it cleared up my dry skin? Yes, surprisingly. I wasn't necessarily expecting long-term effects, but having used this twice a week since January, I really <i>do</i> feel like my skin is more hydrated, and I couldn't recommend this more. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<i>Nuxe Creme Fraiche 24hr Moisturising Mask retails for £18.50, <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/oyQA" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmGo62ZeJHE04whpCGP78gJA2Dp0BoXvL2HgdF1A3J4jvqymeiBZUDnbh-ouZece4h0jtB_unHWaNvoznZWckDC1htQW-G-IXU0PJFrFkTR_MSd6q9rjG0DA5d3ll2GIzcguBSrtHUtQ/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/syF3UPA.png" width="218px" /></a></span></div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-76798721837118437272016-05-18T20:39:00.000+01:002017-11-12T04:23:26.995+00:00How Not to Get the Job | Work <span style="font-size: small;">I had an interview, yesterday. Let me set the scene; the kind of job I've been <i>dreaming </i>about in the two years since I left university (<i>how</i> has it been two years?!). Am interviewer who had bent over backwards to accomodate my schedule (I'd been finishing out my notice period for the job I've just left). I'd done my research. I'd come up with at least three interesting ideas for ways to move the company forward. The interview was only 20 minutes from my house, and I got there fifteen minutes early. It should've been perfect, right? Oh, so wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7IRekKz6EArPHzYEn0sYs8QugWCLRVgXJnW7DYNcdXDXwiBku_uVZuU_l5SS_cUvcdMlo9WfItP3TnPNlpnCH_3V4lbHPDFZBOe1wtI1DEa1GmPFLz7z69BAmToPzzj8lGTDqI5lrEc/s1600/IMG_2876.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a pink notebook with a gold heart and gold spiral binding lying on a bed, next to a panda pen; the words 'getting a job in social media' written in script across the picture in pink and white" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7IRekKz6EArPHzYEn0sYs8QugWCLRVgXJnW7DYNcdXDXwiBku_uVZuU_l5SS_cUvcdMlo9WfItP3TnPNlpnCH_3V4lbHPDFZBOe1wtI1DEa1GmPFLz7z69BAmToPzzj8lGTDqI5lrEc/s640/IMG_2876.png" title="" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>My Top 5 Tips to Not Get the Job:</u> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. Get to your interview at least fifteen minutes early. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Don't go inside, straight away, though. Stand outside and continue the furious text fight you're having, just so you'll look too scared to go in if anyone's watching you on CCTV.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Research the role.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">...and then promptly forget to mention all of the relevant information you have stored away. I worked with the company that was a template (and had the same co-founders) as the one I interviewed for yesterday, as a blogger. Did I mention that? Of course not. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. Be prepared for anything.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Except, you know, if your interviewer asks you about what your friends would say about you. Then you should probably freak out and say the first thing that comes to your mind. I referred to myself as 'uptight'. I have never, <i>ever</i>, been accused of being uptight <i>in my life</i>. An hour before my interview, I was still sitting at home in my underwear. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. Ask intelligent questions. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The highlight of my interview was definitely 'well obviously I want to know if you're going to give me the job?' *awkward laughs on both sides of the terribly chic Shoreditch perspex table*. Did I ask something intelligent, about targets? What about my CV made him feel like I'd be a good fit for the brand? No, of course not. Don't be silly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. Come with suggestions.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Is the company you're interviewing for looking to grow? Branch out? Refine their customer-base? Reach out to influencers? You should have some ideas for how they could do that. No, don't <i>share</i> them. Just keep them awkwardly in your head and seem as if you've thought of nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Suffice to say, I'm not expecting a call back. </span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>What's the best interview tip you've ever had? And what's the worst interview you've ever had?</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmGo62ZeJHE04whpCGP78gJA2Dp0BoXvL2HgdF1A3J4jvqymeiBZUDnbh-ouZece4h0jtB_unHWaNvoznZWckDC1htQW-G-IXU0PJFrFkTR_MSd6q9rjG0DA5d3ll2GIzcguBSrtHUtQ/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/syF3UPA.png" width="218px" /></a></span></div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-14997928699792919242016-05-09T11:10:00.001+01:002017-11-12T04:24:29.936+00:00My New Favourite Shoes | New In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwpB-nEqJj5btAuljIwlZfJ54SFrZ6yaCE4HvY7GLUZde9X-PcGWqleKkBuolfJbEEpTti5xFsXk3G4NKuyMG3EY7WgZYxsYAb3KnLUhW2r9OAs6GLJt2Tgxy-wKUUD6EIOHJwLbLoS4/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="ultragirl twin bow pumps by Melissa" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwpB-nEqJj5btAuljIwlZfJ54SFrZ6yaCE4HvY7GLUZde9X-PcGWqleKkBuolfJbEEpTti5xFsXk3G4NKuyMG3EY7WgZYxsYAb3KnLUhW2r9OAs6GLJt2Tgxy-wKUUD6EIOHJwLbLoS4/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I don't know if I've mentioned it (read: I've mentioned it every single day for at least two years), but right now I work in retail. And not just any retail, I'm a lingerie fitter. I fit people into bras, for a living. Which means I spend about 8 hours per day running around on shopfloors, up and down stairs, and in and out of stock rooms (think a shoe shop, but...lacier). Needless to say, comfortable, durable shoes are the most important investment for this kind of job.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Enter: UltraGirl Twin Bow pumps by Melissa. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymsqnLfaIRZ1OFNMHhCi3Z4saena5HDHLq3t0DD2bqEqIieCQr6GVV3ZeSUsBRcW4H2IKP9JxdBZC_A8K4kQuSjym20sz0lKXUre9vEsBoMf0ACDwVG4vSgInS9EAclw6bgB0JnVTy5w/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="close up of the ultragirl twin bow pumps by Melissa" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymsqnLfaIRZ1OFNMHhCi3Z4saena5HDHLq3t0DD2bqEqIieCQr6GVV3ZeSUsBRcW4H2IKP9JxdBZC_A8K4kQuSjym20sz0lKXUre9vEsBoMf0ACDwVG4vSgInS9EAclw6bgB0JnVTy5w/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Okay, so they're obviously gorgeous, but they're also <b>the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn</b>. They have built-in padding on the bed of the shoe, meaning you're pretty much walking on clouds, <i>and</i> they're <b>scented</b>. Yep, you read that right. The insole of the shoe smells like <i>bubblegum</i>, so you get an occasional whiff whilst you're dashing around. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxzOK9pCUGFJnSSq3Ao8_7yHKuCWC6_-rml86iHFHKgjl2q6ta9NjjWvy9MXD67OjeTmurqOIP6umFTX8E9HkM5i_ShyphenhyphenOPq3uAnj3TCQ-3WWpgkIq24yY5INu6W0kbgNFnkCHGzih__o/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="ultragirl twin bow pumps by Melissa" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxzOK9pCUGFJnSSq3Ao8_7yHKuCWC6_-rml86iHFHKgjl2q6ta9NjjWvy9MXD67OjeTmurqOIP6umFTX8E9HkM5i_ShyphenhyphenOPq3uAnj3TCQ-3WWpgkIq24yY5INu6W0kbgNFnkCHGzih__o/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">They're made by the brand that makes Vivienne Westwood's Melissa pumps, so they've got that same plastic/rubber texture, which I <i>know</i> makes them sound like the last thing you'd want to wear for the summer, but honestly, with the tiny little peep-toe detail and the extra padding, they are genuinely no hotter than any other shoe. Plus, they're way prettier. </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote>
<i>You can view the full range online at their official UK retailer, NonNon, <a href="http://www.nonnon.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</i></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-69344283630129462232016-05-03T17:21:00.003+01:002017-11-12T04:27:31.424+00:00Bourjois City Radiance | Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynZacZB78M9Om1Q9_aJcbP9o-askaaunsguU1Vbljg6b-ype9yyiM7xxWuMIK9MF5TWOEpl7E9bdnUQZyKqqfwbTThRu7BgjqZkRJUehHThUygRGTzazNkn7y0mXzZdgr4YPt6MhTYlA/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Bourjois City Radiance foundation packaging lying next to a real techniques buffing brush" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynZacZB78M9Om1Q9_aJcbP9o-askaaunsguU1Vbljg6b-ype9yyiM7xxWuMIK9MF5TWOEpl7E9bdnUQZyKqqfwbTThRu7BgjqZkRJUehHThUygRGTzazNkn7y0mXzZdgr4YPt6MhTYlA/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" title="" width="700" /> </a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm forever trying to find the 'perfect base'; being the most pale Greek/Italian hybrid in history means that finding a foundation that doesn't leave me looking like I've been Tango'd is always a struggle. I have to say though, Bourjois has always been one of the brands that I feel offers a better range of shades for the 'pale girl', so when I spotted their latest offering on my lunch break - '<a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mEBO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">City Radiance foundation</a>' - I practically dashed for the palest shade ('Rose Ivory'), and could barely contain my glee as I headed back to work. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://fave.co/1rRnJ8e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mEBO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">City Radiance</a> has SPF 30, and is sold as leaving the skin looking radiant and keeping it hydrated for 24 hours; Bourjois also claims it has an 'anti-pollution formula', that stops Carbon adhering to the skin - perfect for city life, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">As always, I applied this with my go-to foundation brush, the <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mEzK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Real Techniques Buffing Brush</a>, and my first thought was 'oh my gosh, this stuff smells <i>amazing</i>!' - not something I'd ever really cared about with a foundation, but a nice bonus, anyway - my second thought was how <i>smoothly</i> the product applied. I needed a tiny amount for my face, because it's super blendable. In terms of<b> coverage</b>, it definitely takes the redness out of your skin, but if you're like me and have occasional flair ups of bad skin, you're still going to need a good concealer. However, the <b>durability</b> was what most impressed me about this foundation; I wore it on an 8.5 hour shift at work, and despite having super-shiny skin, naturally, this stayed <i>flawless</i>, and I didn't need to reapply or touch up my powder once, and my skin looked really healthy, and much brighter than usual, throughout the day!<br /><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Would I recommend it?</b> Yes, if you fall into one of the (slightly limited) shades that Bourjois offer, go for it!</span><br />
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<blockquote>
<i>Bourjois City Radiance foundation retails for £7.99 and can be found in most Boots stores, or on their website, <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/mEBO" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmGo62ZeJHE04whpCGP78gJA2Dp0BoXvL2HgdF1A3J4jvqymeiBZUDnbh-ouZece4h0jtB_unHWaNvoznZWckDC1htQW-G-IXU0PJFrFkTR_MSd6q9rjG0DA5d3ll2GIzcguBSrtHUtQ/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/syF3UPA.png" width="218px" /></a></span></div>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-27318795554947459622016-04-27T11:40:00.003+01:002017-11-12T04:41:12.220+00:00Stop Getting Sick | Self Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6EEFRuz2OU6qaJY26p0rL6Ic-yMA19ofzg3gBWqIAbOmyahkMsq67o8S8ONGND5p-iorr4YnlM5YNcVfEMJ-uLNMY-bVgXWVTspH50pBbO4xESJjgnlT4sqRvlIYHBKmRt6tYYhdaAo/s1600/IMG_2935.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="a bottle of lucozade, nuxe moisturising mask, tiger balm, vicks first defence, bath and body works pocketbac, a sephora eye mask, and some ginger ale, lying on a bed" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6EEFRuz2OU6qaJY26p0rL6Ic-yMA19ofzg3gBWqIAbOmyahkMsq67o8S8ONGND5p-iorr4YnlM5YNcVfEMJ-uLNMY-bVgXWVTspH50pBbO4xESJjgnlT4sqRvlIYHBKmRt6tYYhdaAo/s640/IMG_2935.JPG" title="" width="700" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I've worked in retail for nearly two years, now - that's two years of close quarters with hundreds of people from all over the world, day in, day out (you think I'm exaggerating, but I work on Oxford Street, the busiest shopping location in London). Obviously, germs are a fun bonus for this kind of wild lifestyle, and picking up every weird cold, bug, and virus going is inevitable...<i>but</i>, there are some ways you can prevent yourself from being bed-bound for three days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. HAND SANITISER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Invest in one that smells nice, so you don't constantly smell like the inside of a doctor's surgery, and you've won half the battle. Ideally, you should use it at least every time you eat or drink anything, but forcing your nearest and dearest to use some every time they cough or sneeze is always a good idea, too. My favourite is the <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/c/hand-soaps/pocketbac-hand-sanitizer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PocketBac</a> range from Bath & Body Works, but The Body Shop do a <a href="https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/search?text=hand+cleanse" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">great range</a>, here in the UK.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. THE BEST DEFENCE IS A GOOD...DEFENCE?</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">So, the worst has happened; you can feel your throat getting scratchy, your sinuses are swollen, that last cough sounded a <i>touch </i>too 'chesty'. There's still hope! My assistant manager at work recommended <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m85G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">First Defence by Vicks</a>, which is this handy little nasal spray (eww, I know), which kills the virus setting up camp in your body <i>before</i> it has a chance to do any damage. Sounds too good to be true, but it actually works (unless your boyfriend nearly chokes on it...but that's a story for a different day). Pair it with some <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m85I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tiger Balm</a> before bed (think Vapour Rub, with a nicer smell), and you just might wake up cold and flu free.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. WHEN THE WORST HAS HAPPENED...</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">So, despite all your best efforts, you're ill. Keep using the nasal spray and balm, grab yourself some <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m85N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Night Nurse</a>, and <i>keep hydrated</i>! Drink as much water as you can stomach, but if you need something with a bit of flavour, sugary drinks like Lucozade can be a good idea, especially when you're struggling to eat. And, if you're feeling sick, ginger beer or ginger ale should settle your stomach nicely. Aside from that, my personal recommendation would be chain-watching a new series on Netflix, or playing video games that involve lots of mindless shooting - good for blowing off steam.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b><b>4. THE AFTERMATH.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">So, you've moped for a few days, wrapped up in your duvet with tissues never too far away. And then, blissfully, your sense of smell returns, along with your appetite. You can keep your eyes open for more than an hour without the need to have a disco nap...everything seems to be going well. And then you catch sight of yourself in the mirror - bloodshot eyes, dry skin, post-flu-puffy face - it's all just one big hot mess. Find yourself a good moisturising face mask - my favourite is <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m85T" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nuxe's 24-hour Soothing mask</a> - and an even better eye mask (like Sephora's <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m84P" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lotus eye mask</a>), and you'll be as good as new by the time you have to venture out in public, I promise.</span><br />
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<blockquote>
<i>What are your top tips for avoiding (or getting over) viruses?</i></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-49318335039417615512016-01-24T15:46:00.002+00:002017-11-12T04:35:09.090+00:006 Things People with Depression Wish You Knew | Mental Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2T7v_3sMhQUdm8C_lg30fOWdrG-fFbl1XXTSFtSoPl6I3-wUQjBtaQxqguB1-PqpA86q8Vr1PZcT38_EdqzR_JnVZoF5VMIdUgEIc4VlGIdlFavfMnTE0medG6ZYoGsIZ37I8ownE6g/s1600/dep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="muted black and gold background with white capitalised text, reading '6 things people with depression wish you knew'" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2T7v_3sMhQUdm8C_lg30fOWdrG-fFbl1XXTSFtSoPl6I3-wUQjBtaQxqguB1-PqpA86q8Vr1PZcT38_EdqzR_JnVZoF5VMIdUgEIc4VlGIdlFavfMnTE0medG6ZYoGsIZ37I8ownE6g/s1600/dep.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. WE GET LONELY. A LOT.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In a room full of crowded people. Late at night. During the working day. Sometimes, it just hits us, for no reason at all...but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate you checking up on us, spending time with us, and just generally being around. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. WE BLAME OURSELVES. FOR EVERYTHING.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If someone doesn't respond to our message in the group chat? We said something stupid. If we don't get included in plans with friends? No one wants us around. That time our drink got spiked and we threw up in the back of a cab? How could we possibly be so stupid? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">No, it doesn't make sense, and yes, basic logic would deduce a million reasons why we weren't to blame, but we'll still find a way. We're not looking for attention, we're genuinely worried we've done something wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. WE'LL PROBABLY BE A PAIN TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, we just need to not talk to anyone, to have a little time alone. No, it's not always healthy to isolate ourselves, but sometimes it's the only way to cope. The best invitation in the world, be it our best friend's birthday, an interview, or the wedding of the century, probably won't pull us out of our cocoon. It's nothing personal, and it doesn't mean we don't care about you. Honestly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. WE NEED REASSURANCE. A LOT.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">'Are you sure it's okay?', 'how about this bit?', 'really?': we're not fishing for compliments, but if we did well, we really need to know. And we probably need to check, at least 5 times. Whether you're a colleague, a friend, our SO, whether you have to explain a thousand times that we haven't screwed up, why you love us, or why you keep us around...just be patient. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. SOMETIMES, WE SNAP. IT'S NOT PRETTY.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Depression can do weird things to our perception. We'll bottle things that bother us up for <i>months</i> - things that we maybe know are irrational - and eventually, it gets too much, and we explode. That comment you made 6 weeks ago, that thing you didn't invite us to, last month? It all bubbles to the surface, and our hurt feelings all come out, at once. It's not because we've been building a case against you, or harbouring resentment, we just try to tell ourselves it's all in our head, sometimes, and it doesn't always work. We know it's wrong, but it's just how we cope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>6. WE CAN'T 'SNAP OUT OF IT'.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We wish we could. We know it hurts you, too. We know we don't always handle things well, and that we don't have the healthiest of coping mechanisms. If we could just 'get over it', we would. </span><b> </b></div>
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Do you have depression, or know someone who does? What do you wish you could tell people about it?</blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105454389315126697.post-92210485581456876522016-01-18T16:04:00.001+00:002017-11-12T12:32:10.634+00:00Charlotte Tilbury Colour-Coded Eyeshadows | Beauty Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofAhvV2ZTpTtcvDd9Us6vAAYcLnRl8HA0ZJZwBG-zJpyTbEoJXf1LMdaK_IGpyE5x9cMJVx70ygyIDV0Y34MnU5KmvKIgVbNFN6C8fVuEOEAmJgEwZZ2EOLuOZNdjtx_6kK9g5LRGbVk/s1600/ctilbedit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charlotte Tilbury Colour-Coded Eyeshadows in glamour muse, golden goddess, and vintage vamp, lying open on a dresser, next to an urban decay eyeshadow brush" border="0" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofAhvV2ZTpTtcvDd9Us6vAAYcLnRl8HA0ZJZwBG-zJpyTbEoJXf1LMdaK_IGpyE5x9cMJVx70ygyIDV0Y34MnU5KmvKIgVbNFN6C8fVuEOEAmJgEwZZ2EOLuOZNdjtx_6kK9g5LRGbVk/s640/ctilbedit.png" title="" width="700" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I've been raving about how much of a Charlotte Tilbury convert I am on <a href="https://twitter.com/francescasoph" target="_blank">my Twitter</a> for a couple of months, now, and in last night's <a href="http://bbloggerschat.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">#bbloggers</a> chat, I couldn't stop raving about the colour-coded eyeshadow quads...which is around about the time I realised a review was <i>long overdue</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmKBXpUkEikCYUxQOTqocKPQlkhHTkZ4gmbuph8HpijuPO-4B2azVuaTVJHtmS_SnnThaCdWipDS723Ocp3Bd4gJMZDwRpoV0RK9AzI6aBfTWNLTV7Uk_1IzjW5hD4_zV7fkuFi5WCCA/s1600/vintagevamped.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CHARLOTTE TILBURY COLOUR-CODED EYESHADOW in The Vintage Vamp, on a dresser, next to a Smashbox duo eyeshadow brush" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmKBXpUkEikCYUxQOTqocKPQlkhHTkZ4gmbuph8HpijuPO-4B2azVuaTVJHtmS_SnnThaCdWipDS723Ocp3Bd4gJMZDwRpoV0RK9AzI6aBfTWNLTV7Uk_1IzjW5hD4_zV7fkuFi5WCCA/s1600/vintagevamped.png" title="" width="700" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>THE VINTAGE VAMP</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This was the first Charlotte Tilbury product I ever bought, and it really kick-started my obsession; maybe I'm just a giant blogger stereotype, but anything rose gold has me ready to declare my undying love, and this was no exception; it's a nice twist on a classic smoky eye, without being so pink that it makes you look like you just need a good night's sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m9SC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BUY IT HERE</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhRTnqpkkptlujtzJZV_ljgrKld4m9VIF_3oaYdWTSaC6L1sV-GNGVsWh4M_aFrgwFNX58_k_szQOCydsfjQyhVHA7mw90lp4JKhz3OTBoY8JsVjp6aBc06hkK0aILef2CzmJNiWgr0A/s1600/glamourmuseed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CHARLOTTE TILBURY COLOUR-CODED EYESHADOW in The Glamour Muse, next to two closed Colour-Coded Eyeshadow palettes on a dresser; a brief glimpse of Smashbox's duo eyeshadow brush is just visible in the bottom right corner" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhRTnqpkkptlujtzJZV_ljgrKld4m9VIF_3oaYdWTSaC6L1sV-GNGVsWh4M_aFrgwFNX58_k_szQOCydsfjQyhVHA7mw90lp4JKhz3OTBoY8JsVjp6aBc06hkK0aILef2CzmJNiWgr0A/s1600/glamourmuseed.png" title="" width="700" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE GLAMOUR MUSE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">From my first palette to my newest; this gorgeous purple-hued palette is the latest purchase I've made, and it's probably one of the best I've made, too. I was a little intimidated by the vivid tones in this selection when I first saw it - I like quite subtle shades, on my eyes (one too many run-ins with the old Barry M 'Dazzle Dusts' when I was younger - not cute!) - but having swatched it in-store, it's a <i>lot</i> more subtle than it looks, and <i>super</i> wearable. Think smoky eye, with a purple overlay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m9Ue" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BUY IT HERE</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg22rXvnvv0OVd3comyu41EFeAu-d8Rb-VCsZy9fOoJN609aDpmeQyhcZorlFcTQVyBa03rO6xbD-Kcls-0AVZE_CNYwUfr0Ken2deNvT1gA-Ba3G2lp7f5eGUaNYbYSlqPVLMJkw3eI/s1600/goldengoddessed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CHARLOTTE TILBURY COLOUR-CODED EYESHADOWS in The Golden Goddess with two closed Charlotte Tilbury Colour Coded Eyeshadows stacked adjacent on a dresser; the smashbox eyeshadow brush is visible in the bottom right corner" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg22rXvnvv0OVd3comyu41EFeAu-d8Rb-VCsZy9fOoJN609aDpmeQyhcZorlFcTQVyBa03rO6xbD-Kcls-0AVZE_CNYwUfr0Ken2deNvT1gA-Ba3G2lp7f5eGUaNYbYSlqPVLMJkw3eI/s1600/goldengoddessed.png" title="" width="700" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> THE GOLDEN GODDESS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Last, but by <i>no means</i> least, my absolute favourite eyeshadow quad, possibly ever. Doesn't sound like much of a claim, until you see how many I actually own...but trust me, there are a <i>lot</i> of contenders. 'The Golden Goddess' lives up to its name, perfectly. It's not that bright, brassy gold you used to pair with your electric blue mascara during secondary school summers (just me? Oh, that's awkward), it's deep gold, verging-on-brown, but with the gorgeous shimmer that'll take you from day to night, when you need it to. I can't recommend this one, enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m9Uf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BUY IT HERE</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>OVERALL</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I can't recommend the Charlotte Tilbury colour-coded eyeshadow quads enough. They're obscenely long-lasting (I fell asleep with my eye make up still on after the work Christmas party, and I was still channeling 'vintage vamp' at 7am the next day...whoops), and have really buildable shades. Plus, the back of the palette reminds you exactly what each shade is for (prime/enhance/smoke/pop), which is great if you're going from work to drinks or dancing. <i>Yes</i>, they're pricey. Very pricey, when you're living that #brokelife, like I am, but honestly, I'd rather have one or two of these than all of my Naked palettes, combined. </span><br />
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<blockquote>
<i>Charlotte Tilbury Colour-Coded Eyeshadow Quads retail for £38, and can be purchased <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/m9Uj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></blockquote>
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Francesca | francescasophia.co.ukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03652247637691295109noreply@blogger.com8