Halloween Fun: What I've Been Upto

Have I not mentioned how Halloween is basically my favourite holiday of the year? Oh I have. Well I've certainly gotten in the spirit this week (see my post on Halloween movies to check out!) and I'm keeping the fun going as much as possible!
It's a little strange for me to admit that I've never actually carved a pumpkin/Jack O' Lantern until this week before, considering I love this holiday. My Mum and Dad never really got into the whole Halloween thing (maybe that's why I overcompensate), and so it just never really happened. So I decided to rectify that this week and have a go at carving my first one, along with Gary. He hadn't ever done one either!

His is the left one and mine's the right. I think it's pretty obvious we're new to this haha! But we loved it and it was fun to do. The only part I really didn't like was seeing all the seeds inside the pumpkins. It totally set off my Trypophobia and made me feel sick. Luckily Gary got rid of them very quickly and distracted me until I calmed down. I think these guys look pretty awesome and make the place look all Autumnal.

Also this week, I've been practising my Halloween makeup for Friday. I should say usually I go all out and dress up crazy. I love having an eye catching outfit and wild hair/makeup, see last years example -

So yeah as you can see I really like to make the effort haha :) However this year my friends, Gary and I aren't going out partying all night. We're having a few drinks and possibly getting a little tipsy, and then seeing a late showing of John Carpenter's Halloween at the cinema. Which will be awesome, obviously. But nobody's dressing up and I didn't wanna go totally all out on my own. But seeing as I still have a real love for getting involved in Halloween as much as possible, I want to do something.
Enter JemCat.

This is one of those typical girl Halloween things isn't it? Put on some cat ears, add whiskers and a pout. This isn't me usually, but it'll do! I'm quite happy with the simplicity for once and I still feel involved haha. Plus this will be easier to get away with while all my friends are looking normal!

So yeah that's what I've been up to and my plans for Friday night. What are you guys be doing this Halloween? Either way I hope you all have plenty of fun!

10 Fun Halloween Movies

It's that wonderful time of year again; when the leaves are falling, the rain is pouring, and we're all inside watching movies by the fire. I especially like that it's getting dark so early now here in the UK. There's nothing I love more than cosy Autumn/Wintery nights.
Now as much as I am a huge fan of horror movies and a scare fest every so often (John Carpenters Halloween will forever be my fave!), I think it's nice to make time for the other movies that seem perfect for around Halloween too. As long as it's related to the spooky or the magical, you get all the Halloween fun without the scares. Lovely for anyone a bit timid!
So here's my list of top ten fun Halloween movies :) !


Hocus Pocus Sabrina The Teenage Witch Edward Scissorhands The Addams Family Harry Potter Corpse Bride Practical Magic Beetlejuice Scream The Nightmare Before Christmas

Now, the only one I was a bit unsure to include was Scream, as it does get a bit gory. But I definitely wouldn't class the Scream films as horror, they aren't scary to me. They have jumpy moments sure, but I love them for basically being a bit thriller-y and still having a good story (in my opinion!). Definitely not appropriate for children, but if you are an adult and you can get past the blood and stabbing, you'll be fine!

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and a fantastic Halloween! I know I will :)

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation

Bit late to the game trying this one aren't I? Please forgive me, we'll call it fashionably late. Anywho, I recently (and finally) gave this foundation a little trial run after seeing a 3 for 2 offer in my local Superdrug, and used it as an excuse to try find some new bargains. I spotted the 25 Hour promise and was more than excited to try it. My skin seems to repel foundation; unless it's reaaaally good. I basically live in Estee Lauder Double Wear. And as amazing as that is, at almost £30 a pop my purse really feels the strain of it. So onto the challenge of finding a drugstore foundation almost as good. 
First impressions means a look at the packaging. For me, it's okay but nothing to shout about. It's a good size and a sleek design. I'm very happy this comes as a pump though, as I always find I can apply the perfect amount onto my brush this way. In fact, that's one way it has the upper hand than Double Wear - Estee doesn't have a pump, disappointingly. 

The formula itself is quite scented, so that might be a turn off for some people but I didn't mind to be honest and didn't notice it after a while. This foundation claims to be full coverage, transfer resistant, lasting 25 hours without signs of fatigue. I decided to give this a trial, applying it very early in the mornings on busy days without reapplying it at all. I liked the lightweight feel to it when it sat on my skin and found it blended and applied quite easily. I definitely wouldn't agree that this is a full coverage foundation, more like medium. But it's easily buildable and I'm happy with how it covered my dark circles, red blotches and general discoloration, for the perfect base. 

Over the days I used this on I was really impressed with how long it lasted. From applying at around 7am, and finding it only needed topping up at around 10pm at night - this amazed me! However, I know this is only 14/15 hours and the makeup promises 25. I just don't think it would last that long, and so some people may be really disappointed. To be honest though, I'm still quite impressed with this for a drugstore brand. Estee Lauder Double Wear is much better in many ways, but admittedly I don't like to use that just any old day. This Rimmel one will provide good coverage and a lasting finish I can feel confident in. I'm happy to use this everyday and I'm really happy to add this to my collection.

Baking: Vanilla Cupcakes

Not to give false impressions if you're new to my blog; I'm not one of those perfect, fancy baker types who is talented enough to post regular baking masterpieces. I quite simply had a good baking turnout for once this week, and thought I'd share if with you guys. I love baking, and try new recipes often enough, but admittedly they always fall flat in some way or another. Whether the taste isn't quite right, I burn something, or it just generally looks a mess; you can always count on me to fail, haha.
So this week I tried out a very simple vanilla cupcake recipe, and they actually turned out really good! They made for soft, fluffy, sweet little things, and I even decorated them adorably.   

So here's how you make these bad boys quickly and easily:
- Preheat your oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. - Line a muffin tin with paper cases, or use silicone cases like I have. - Cream 110g butter and 110g of caster sugar together until pale. - Beat in two eggs and mix well. - Stir in 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract. - Fold in 110g of Self Raising Flour until it's of dropping consistency.  - If needed, add a tablespoon or two of milk as you go. - Once completely mixed, spoon mixture into the cupcake cases until they are half full. - Bake in the oven for between 12 - 16 minutes, or until golden brown. - Leave to cool for at least 10 minutes.
Now, this is the part where I cheated. I bought tubes of icing rather than make my own, in true crappy baking Jemma style. I recommend you take the easy route and do the same ;) If not, there are hundreds of really simple icing recipes online.
- So next I added my two different types of icing, as neat as I could (lol). - Now the fun part! Decorate with edible glitter, chocolate stars, sprinkles, whatever you like!
- Enjoy! xx

The Self Love Tag

I was kindly tagged by the gorgeous Danielle over at Underland To Wonderland to do this, and it seems like quite a different and fun tag to do! Happy to give it a go, so let's get started! :)

1. What does self-love mean to you?

It means appreciating things about yourself and being as positive as you can be towards yourself. I definitely need more of this..

2. What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?

I love a nice hot shower/bath, with lots of candles everywhere. Then to lather myself in pretty potions and creams. Then a cosy night in with my boyfriend watching movies, maybe a glass of wine. I feel quite pampered then :)

3. What are your three favorite hobbies/pastimes that make your soul feel on fire?

1. Creating my own art, in whatever way I feel like. Whether it's photographing something, painting, making a collage. It puts me in my happy place.
2. Having a really fun night out with my friends. Whenever we go out for a few drinks, it always turns into a really hilarious night and makes me so happy. I have the best memories from random nights out.

3. Going to live music gigs. Whether big or small time bands, I love it. Small gigs are much better and more intimate, but I don't mind if it's worth squeezing between thousands of people to catch a glimpse of my favourite music artists. Sharing that experience with other fans is awesome.

4. What movie always puts you in a good mode when you're not in the greatest mood?

The Little Mermaid, Without a Paddle, Harry Potter (any), Bridesmaids, Role Models, anything funny.

(I have other absolute faves of all time, but they aren't necessarily 'feel good' films)

5. Who do you trust so much that you would easily believe in anything and everything they said?

Gary and my very, very closest friends.

6. What quote totally motivates you?

'Live as if you'll die tomorrow, dream as if you'll live forever'.
Sums it up perfectly for me.

7. When was the last time you took yourself on a date? What did you do?

Last night :) I got cuddled up in bed by myself (Gary was in work), made myself a hot chocolate and watched The Fault In Our Stars. Cried a lot! haha.

8. What make-up or beauty products makes you feel like a million bucks?

Any lipsticks! And highlighters always perk me up and make me feel princessy haha. I love when my nails are done pretty too. And if my hair is having a great day, I am too haha. Not a specific product for that, but yeah..

9. What is the last thing you did for someone else that made you feel amazing?

Well I won't say amazing by any means, but I felt nice posting a little birthday card to Danielle (who tagged me in this!) and I feel lovely to have swapped addresses with another gorgeous blogger too, who I consider a friend. I like sending things in the post to people, especially if it makes them smile. Oh, and I didn't do this with the intention of anything - but when I wrote my 'When Your Best Friend Is Gay' post, it made my friend Charlie really happy and she was so sweet about it. So that was lovely. I'd say that felt amazing.

10. Do you feel comfortable with and without make-up on?

Nahh not really. I feel naked without it haha. I will do it, I'm not overly obsessed with it. But if I have the time to put makeup on, I certainly will.

11. What piece of advice would you give a child about to grow up with the pressures of today's media and its crushing expectations?

Be yourself, and love others for who they are as people. You can't go wrong. I'm gonna shower my kids with love and teach them to love themselves in a healthy way too.

12. What song puts you in a good mood every time?

I actually have one specific song I call my 'Happy Song', and if I say to Gary to play my Happy Song, he knows which one I mean. It's The Cure - Just Like Heaven. This song brings back SO many happy memories for me with specific people, at a fantastic time in my life. If I could go back and live in that year (around 2006/2007 I think) I would be happy forever. I was SO chilled out and had no anxiety issues, and the bestest friends who I seen EVERY DAY. And it was before I got screwed up by horrible boys, before my Dad died.. everything. The only bad bit is I hadn't met Gary yet. But dear god otherwise that song basically captures the best time of my life.

13. What is the best advice someone gave you or you realized about life?

I can't think of specific words of advice but I know that being around certain people has inspired me and shaped me so much. When you surround yourself with good people, you always learn from them. You learn who the real good people are in your life and they continue to teach you and help you grow over the years.

14. Who makes you giggle like a giggle monster?

Gary and Charlie.

15. What is something about society that bugs you that you wish didn't?

I can think of lots that bug me. But it's harder to think of ones I wish didn't.

I seriously can't think of an example! There are lots of things that bug me, but I think they're totally justified.

16. What is one of your favorite things to do on the weekends?

Well weekends mean Gary is in work so my favourite thing is to hang with friends :) Chill out, have lots of laughs and feel silly.

17. What is something you're really proud of that you've done?

Oh god I dunno :( I'm proud of all the times I've been brave and done something I'm scared of, even if it's small and insignificant to others.

18. What is one of your favorite memories with one of your friends?

I was talking about favourite memories with someone the other day, and we ended up laughing for like an hour at some. There are so many! I value my time at College a hell of a lot, I had the funnest memories with so many friends during that time. Parties, birthdays, nights out - my favourite memories usually revolve around these.

19. What advice would you give someone who needs a boost in confidence?

Hmm. I'm probably not the best person to ask for advice with this. But you know what? Fuck it. Fuck everything that makes you feel like crap, YOU ARE AWESOME! Everyone has something unique about them and something that people value, so remember that when you feel down. Whenever I feel a bit low or self conscious, I remember I have a hot and loving boyfriend, friends who seems to love me and who are awesome, and a very lucky life sometimes. It's not perfect but nobody's is and you have to remember you are important, and loved.

20. Lastly, how do you plan on investing in self-love?

Reminding myself as often as I can, that I am worthy of love. Being kinder to myself :)

I tag Aisling, Claire, and Rebecca - IF they want to do this of course.

Or feel free for anybody to use this tag! :)

I really enjoyed doing this tag!

3 Steps To A Better Me

I often think about the future and wonder where I will be in a few years time, and what I will be doing. If I'll be happy? Will I have kids? Where will I be living? It's nice to plan ahead, hope and dream for the future, but sometimes I get so wrapped up in plans I forget to live for the now. We've all heard it before, 'Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans' and it really is true. So many of us forget to stop looking ahead so much, and take notice at what's going on around us right now. After all, what we do today will influence tomorrow anyway.
So with that in mind I got to thinking about what kind of person I want to be today, tomorrow, ten years down the line.


1. Fun Okay this probably sounds lame, but hear me out. I worry that I'm not fun, spontaneous or exciting enough in my day to day life anyway with Gary and my friends. I hope I am, but I always wonder whether I could be happier, chattier, ..more interesting? I'm probably being self conscious for nothing, which doesn't help. But I do want to be the best I can be without my anxiety or insecurities holding me back with the people I love. Also when I picture having children in the future, one of my biggest hopes is that I'm a really fun mum. Not in a, 'I'm a cool mom!' way, haha. Just a relaxed and understanding mum who spends lots of quality time with my kids doing 'fun' things.

2. Strong When I look back over times I've been ashamed of myself, or done things I regret, it's usually because I haven't been strong enough. I'd like to think of myself as a strong person in various ways, and find it within me to overcome things that I find hard. Whether it be standing up for myself (which I am awful at), sticking by things I believe in, or knowing that I have the courage to overcome anything. I would love this more than anything, and hope I gain this quality as I grow older.

3. Kind Kindness is something I strive to be all the time of course. But sometimes we forget that we can go that extra mile for others, or we fail to see the everyday kindness's we are capable of. I would like to constantly improve on this and be kinder to myself and others around me. The people I admire most are always kind people and it truly is an important quality. So whether it be helping out someone as I go about my business, sending a random card/gift to a friend, or even just telling someone they look nice today; I know I'll be trying to spread a little kindness.


Have you thought about the kind of person you are or how others see you? What qualities do you most value in a person? Let me know in the comments please guys :)

Art Journal: Textures

My favourite aspects of these are the polka dots included in both, and the 'neat' rectangle quality. I know the collages are pieced together with rips in places but I still think there's a strong sense of order and neatness within these two, and I really love that. I hope I'm making sense with that. It was a happy accident, but one I will try to make again!
These took me no more than 15 minutes each. It just shows sometimes the simpler the better. Well, for my preferences anyway.

Thanks for stopping by guys :) See the rest of my journal here.

My Least Used Beauty Product

We've all bought beauty products that we feel we really need at the time, or lust after beyond reason. Sometimes we think if we just buy that one certain product, it will fix everything. For me, there is no better example of that than the Too Faced Brow Envy Kit I got around five or six months ago. I was filled with instant happiness at my new purchase, and was sure this was the product finally going to fix my brows. We were going to be besties. In fact, the photograph taken above is the very first photo I took of it months ago, all shiny and new. I kept it as I just knew I'd end up doing a review of it after a few uses, and reporting back my findings.
Little did I expect though, we didn't end up being BFF's. In fact we were more like those friends you run into occasionally while you're busy doing other things. You always promise to try make time for each other and you really mean it, but it just never quite happens. I tried out the Too Faced Brow Envy kit expecting it to transform my brows from barely there to showstopping power brows. You know the ones. I regularly feel envious of Sarah's brows over at 'And Beauty Or Something'. She has those babies. Unfortunately the kit and I just never quite bonded that way. 
Let me start on a good note. I was instantly in love with the packaging of this kit. It's such a handy all in one product, perfect for popping in any bag to take around with you. All the essential tools you need to take care of your brows at any time. No muss, no fuss; Lovely. The tweezers provided work fine and grab even the peskiest of strays, and the highlighter provided a subtle lightening where I needed it. 
That's about all the good I can say for this kit. The brow powders provided just weren't right for me. There is a blonde and a brunette option, and neither is close to the shade I need. Too Faced also advise that you can mix these shades to create your own custom one if needed, but that wouldn't have worked for me as I found the brunette powder to have a slight reddish undertone to it. I needed it a little cooler, and ever so slightly darker now that my hair is a very dark brown, almost black. And as for the setting wax? Well I can't say anything bad about it, it was okay. It did seem to keep my powder in place throughout the day, but I didn't like the feeling of it if I'm honest. It felt a little gloopy, and stiff. I have found better success with other products promising the same result, so I don't think I'll be missing this much.
Overall I'm left kind of disappointed. I really feel like this kit just missed the mark off becoming brilliant, it didn't quite get there. If these powder shades are perfect for someone else though, I could understand how they would see this product in a much more favorable light than me. The convenience of this product could be amazing.
So for the past few months this product has sat at the very back of my makeup storage, just waiting for someone to be friends with it.
.. I promise to keep in touch, really. We'll talk.

Instagram Lately

@ladybeemo

1. Sorry. Double selfie.
2. I received the BEST gift in the mail from a friend. She altered this book to personalise my name in it, embellished it and crafted a paper flower from some of the pages. It is simply amazing and I couldn't be happier I have such talented and lovely friends. I will probably post about this soon with much better photos, and also info if you'd like to buy one!
3. Adorable stickers! I wanted some for my latest Postcrossing cards :)
4. Kind of in love with this guy.
5. A random purchase of the cutest milk bottles ever. I blame Pinterest. 
6. Because Autumn.
7. The first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season for me! Yum.
8. Snippets of my art journal :)

Daily Doodles

Practise practise practise. Trying to get to grips with a graphics tablet for the first time in years and well, obviously I'm not great. I enjoy it though, and I hope to keep improving.
Loosely inspired on the gorgeous Cat from Pro Rebel :)

Postcrossing

As someone who has always been a fan of handwritten letters, cute photos and postcards, or anything that comes in the post that isn't a bill to be honest; Postcrossing founds it's way into my world a few years ago and I loved it immediately. 
Basically Postcrossing is all about sending and receiving postcards from all over the world. You get to experience the writings and cards from people hundreds of miles away, different ages, races and cultures. The idea is that each time you send a card, you receive one back. Postcrossing generates random users for you to send a card to, and in turn a user will be randomly assigned to send you a card also.
I have loved being involved with this idea and over time have received more than 50 postcards so far. I have received a card from an elderly woman in Eastern Europe, I have received cute Kawaii cards from Asia, and I have received a card from a very young Italian boy learning to write English. Each one that pops through my letterbox is a joy to read and it feels wonderful to have such an eclectic little collection.
I wanted to share this idea with you guys, as I think it's really fun and I wanted to see what you thought. Are you interested in getting involved? If you can sign up here, and let me know if you do! :)

Halloween Nails

Just a quick one to show how simple Halloween nails could be done in five minutes :) Simply get some orange and black nail polish, and use a toothpick, a sewing needle, anything sharp and small to draw on your pumpkin faces. If you have an actual nail art pen, go you, you win at life. I however do not because they never work right for me.
Looking forward to Halloween! ^__^

Late Night Drawing

Sometimes I really enjoy drawing on the computer and making little images like this. For some reason I didn't use the graphics tablet to draw, I just randomly began doodling with the track pad. So unfortunately it means this came out shaky. I'll get the tablet out and do more properly tomorrow I think.
Hope you don't mind me sharing, but I want a little collection of these here on the blog :)

10 Reasons I'm Not Cool

This list could also be called, 'Why do I even have friends?'

1. I use the word 'cool'.
2. I don't own anything from Apple, and never have.
3. I'm so socially awkward it's actually unbearable.
4. I hate talking on the phone, even to friends. I'll snapchat you, text you, whatevs. But you aint getting me to actually dial and open my mouth unless it's an emergency. You better answer too. Even though I never do. I have actually ignored a call from a friend once, then TEXTED saying 'Whats up?' haha! And they know I do it. Sorry.
5. I hate Sushi. All the cool girls like Sushi. 
6. I only ever go out drinking on rare occasions. I love it when I do, but then I hibernate for months and must recover from so much 'people time'.
7. I talk to myself a lot. Like a lot. When people catch me I get my phone out quickly.
8. I hate Summer, I hate sunny days, heat, 'nice' weather and the beach.
9. I avoid eye contact with almost everybody.
10. I can relate to this;

Art Journal: Modern Love

'Modern Love Walks On By'

A little nod to Bowie there. And another addition to my journal. I've been very inspired by Holly's blog & her work lately which is just amazing, seriously go check it out. She uses mixed media to make beautiful, thought provoking collages which I find so interesting. I hope to have my own collection as good and as challenging as this soon.
Today I kept it pretty simple and positive. And I loved it.
What do you guys think? Also I know I post Art journal entries so randomly sorry, there's no real schedule anymore as I find I just wait to feel inspired and I don't force it. Hope that's okay and you enjoy them.
Also, give me a little follow on bloglovin? :) xx