September Goals; How Did I Do?

Back at the very beginning of this month (which feels ages away now!) I wrote down some goals for myself for the whole of September. They were a random collection of things I wanted to achieve this month, or just a way of injecting some fun wherever possible. So let's see how I got on...

7 Biggest Beauty Regrets

Whether it's regretting your choice of makeup from your school days (if you wore any), or cringing over a look that you thought was great last year; we all have beauty regrets. Some are worse than others, as some people are a little braver with their experimentation (that's right, I'm labelling my emo days brave!), but I think we can all relate to that awkward 'Oh my god, what was I thinking?!' moment.
Here are some of mine...

35 Things To Do On A Rainy Day

It's officially Autumn now, Google recently told me so. I am in my element to be honest, this is the one time of year I'm almost always happy everyday. Awesome. But I understand that a lot of you might not be so happy to see darker days and rainy weather; so this post has you in mind. I'm here to give you some ideas of things you could do on those rainy days, when you're stuck inside. So here we have it, 35 rainy day activities!

1. Paint. Grab some brushes (or use fingers!) and just start adding paint to paper without thinking. Paint the rainy day scene outside your window maybe?
2. Make a magazine. Nothing flashy here. I'm talking those old school scraps you used to put together as a kid (just me??) full of word searches, a collage of your fave fashion, write a column on a topic that interests you, and best of all, an awesome front cover. This is seriously so fun.

Friday Five #10

Five tattoos I want; 1. My thumb tats; a crescent moon and a planet on each. (I'm getting these for Christmas!) 2. Adventure time characters down my legs 3. A kawaii/My Little Pony mash-up. 4. A cute ghost (probably on my thigh). 5. An alien (not sure where yet).

My Art Essentials

I've always considered myself one of those people happy to let my creativity flow in any medium it may take. So whether that be through photography, collages, paintings, installations, clay making or even makeup; I'm happy to try it! There are definitely some art supply essentials though that I always need in stock, and make a mad dash to my local Cass Art* to buy as soon as I see that I'm running low. They're my tried and tested little babies that I can't bear to part with; so I thought I'd share some of them with you today.

How I've Been/Life Lately

So I'm sitting here enjoying a strong cup of coffee with the cosiest hoody on, with my candles lit and some chilled out tunes on the go; when I thought it'd be as good a time as any to give a little life update for you all.

Autumn Style Inspiration

If you were to ask me my favourite type of fashion at any point in the year, I would always say anything Autumnal. So boots, scarves, hats, big chunky jumpers... all that good stuff! In fact, even though I have a Pinterest board for everything Autumnal, I actually pin Autumn fashion all year round anyway, because I love it so much.

*Image taken from Tumblr.

Meet The Babes

The thing no one told me before I took on blog advertisers, is how attached you get to people. I always check out each blog before I agree to let people advertise on Dorkface, and I think it makes the experience all the better (or I hope), because they are really considered. Then once they're lovingly popped on my sidebar for the month, I make sure to always keep up with what they're doing to update my own readers. To be honest with you, I do always make a point of doing more than it states in my advertising packages too. So yeah it says I'll do three retweets for example, but I always do about 5 or 6 for person in the end (so long as they update enough for me to do this!).

(*This pretty patch is from here.)

I can't help it though, I always want to make each advertiser feel loved, appreciated and left with a good feeling once the month is over. After all, supporting me in this way is amazing, and I don't want to ever take that for granted. Keeping that in mind, I just wanted everyone reading this to know that these girls mean a lot to me and I'd really, really, really love you guys to check them out. They deserve a click and a moment of your time, if you have it :) So let's meet this month's lovely advertisers!

Fiona.

This girl is one of the most supportive people I've come to know through blogging, and continues to be a ray of sunshine. She writes about beauty, lifestyle, books, fashion and recipes. There's a little something for everyone, packed with a lovely blogger behind it all too! Read her recent post about the Beauty Blogger Box! (Also supporting another blogger here, amazing!)

Jess.

Meet Jess! Her blog Cake Crumbs & Pages is a combination of book reviews, recipes, lifestyle and adventures.  A lovely lady of many talents who is an absolute dollface! Her recent post about some of her favourite Instagram accounts was a fave of mine, as I adore these posts!

Jessica

Jessica's blog is a wonderful combination of beauty, fashion, life and much more! She posts amazing photos and always add her personality to each post. She recently posted her top 10 tips for fighting flu season, definitely one to check out as the colder months set in!

Uncia & Tigris

Uncia and Tigris is the blog of Clare; someone I've followed for a while now. As well as having an awesome personality, always honest, thoughtful and funny; she has an awesome blog to match. She posts about life, food, craft, art and beauty. She takes the most beautiful photographs and always has something thoughtful to say with every post. Quality with every single post! Check out her recent post on how to get a better nights sleep.

The Vegan Taff

Kelly is one of my absolute favourite people I've gotten to know from Twitter/Blogging, and she has an amazing blog as well! She posts all things cruelty free, beauty and lifestyle and has photography I regularly fawn over! Seriously, go take a peep. She's one of the kindest and loveliest bloggers around, and I thoroughly recommend everyone follow her. I love her beauty reviews as they are always so honest and refreshing. Check out her recent Manicure Monday post where she has the perfect shade for Autumn nails!
BECBEC

Becky is a blogger who posts about all things lifestyle, travel, book reviews and recommendations, social media and much more! She writes with passion and care about the things she is interested in, and offers something for everyone! She recently posted about about the Channel 4 Pop Up Day she attended, go give it a read!


And these are the amazing advertisers I've had for Septemer; what a lovely bunch! I love how different they all are, but equally passionate about the subjects they write about. Let me know if you like any of these lovely ladies as much as I do! :)

If you'd like to be one of my advertisers in future months, visit my sponsor page.
Thanks guys!



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The Farewell Tour

This week you may have seen that Funeral For a Friend announced their farewell tour for 2016, which will be their last one ever. Now to be honest, they've basically been off the scene for years. But FFAF represent a huge, gigantic, emotional, painful, wonderful and crazy part of my life. I knew I had to get tickets. 
Hearing their music instantly takes me back to my first year of college, and it was basically the best time of my life so far. That's not to say I'm not happy now, or experiencing the most amazing things in my life; I am! You better believe I am now more honest, creative, true to myself, open and wise than I ever could have been back when I was 16. 
But the thing is... how fucking awesome was it being stupid/naive/angry/delirious with the world?
My sixteen year old self was so different to my current self in almost every way; some good, some bad. She thought she was fat (she wasn't) but still had the most confidence ever, she had time to just lie on her bed and play albums over and over on repeat, talk on MSN, write in her diary, talk on the phone for hours and draw. She would cry over boys, wear band tshirts, colour her hair and daydream about being a writer (even though she was studying Art). She would go out EVERY Thursday night with a huge group of friends, the same friends every week, and always making more. She would get piercings and be silly at 3am with those same friends and be convinced she was going to die young (I'm not sure why.. but I was always convinced).
These days I'm up until 3am a lot still; but it's always sat in my office still working, or in bed watching Netflix. If I'm at a park at 3am or out on the streets... something has seriously gone wrong. The only band tshirts I have left are for sleeping in, and well... in a way I never imagined; I am a writer. And an artist and a crafter and a social media manager (my sixteen year old self would find it mental that social media is big and important enough for people to pay you to do it for them). Yeah I still colour my hair, and my tattoos are now a part of me. Twitter is the new MSN, except without the emo screen names and 'oops, sorry wrong convo' shames. I barely have the time to sleep, let alone lie around on my own just to listen to music. I have to schedule seeing friends weeks (even months) ahead of time, and no one can be spontaneous any more. 
It's almost breaking my heart a little bit to write all that, because that was my time growing up; and I loved it. I'm very lucky, I had the best teen years and early twenties anyone could ask for. If I could go back and do it all again... yeah, I'd do it. I'd party a little harder, I'd love myself a little more and I'd bring in as many sunrises half drunk with a friend as possible. (And I'd start blogging a lot earlier...)

As much as it breaks my heart missing so much about that time, having no responsibilities and feeling like the world was mine for the taking; there's a lot I have now that I could never have imagined back then, and I wouldn't want to give up for the world. I have a boyfriend who treats me like an actual princess every single day. No, not pretty nice. No, not generous or kind every now and again. Every single day. A partner who tells me how beautiful I am, every day we've been together. Someone who asks about my passions, and remembers things I've said in passing. Someone who supports my dreams and encourages me to grow. Someone who puts up with my shit. Because I can be quite shit. We have a place we live together, that I pretty much love. It's not perfect and it's not particularly glossy; but it's ours, and we love it. I have dreams I'm chasing, I have amazing opportunities and I have friends all over the world. I'm so fucking truly blessed.
So the thing is, I love sixteen year old Jemma. God, I adore her. She still makes me laugh and I envy so much of her life. But she's got a lot of shit to learn too. These days, at the age of twenty seven I find myself wanting the best of both worlds. I think that's why I wanted to get these tickets this week so bad. Seeing a band I so prominently resonate with my wreckless youth is important to me. 
It might be the band's farewell tour, but I'll also be saying goodbye.
I'm gonna stop mourning the past, and I'm going to accept that I can't be sixteen forever. I'm going to accept that I have responsibilities, life can be shit sometimes and I won't always see my friends everyday. But I'm going to remember the fucking spirit and passion I had back when I was sixteen. I'm going to remember how important it is to just take the time to lie down, immerse yourself in the music you love and forget the world. I'm going to remember how much I just really never ever gave a fuck what anyone thought. I'm going to remember how much fun I put into every single day.
So I'll say goodbye to certain things, sure. But I'm hoping this blast from the past will remind me to stay young at heart.
...And maybe to see in a few more sunrises drunk as hell.

Here's to the farewell tour.



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Six Blog Posts I'll Always Stop & Read

Since I began working from home, believe it or not has meant I'm busier than ever and barely have any time to chill out and read blog posts for hours, like I used to. That being said, I always make time to stop and scroll through my Bloglovin feed for good reads, or catch up with my most favourite blogs that I have bookmarked. 
With this lack of time on my hands, I've had to be a little more choosy with what posts I indulge in, and I've found that there are six types that I always click on.

1. DIY/Anything creative. If you post a step by step guide on how to get something done; you can guarantee I'm reading it, and also saving it for later. Same if it's anything remotely creative; whether you're sharing your scrapbook, paintings or creative writing I'll be loving it. I enjoy saving posts like this to my Bloglovin collection for later, as a source of great inspiration. So thanks guys!

2. Weekly round ups/Life lately. I love lifestyle blogs more than anything, and feeling like the blogger is having a chat with me. So if you're just updating us all on what you've been upto, I'll be there. Whether it's just sharing your life through your latest Instagram photos, or writing down everything you've done, I absolutely love it.

3. Instagram Faves. Oh Instagram, I'm so fucking addicted to you. If a blogger does a 'best of Instagram' style post, I'm an eager beaver. I love knowing everyone's faves, and getting new suggestions for people to follow. I adore themed ones more than anything, as I like getting inspiration from collections of photos. (If you have a post like this, link me in the comments please!)

4. Lists. There's something absolutely addictive about a good ol' list isn't there? Hannah Gale is the QUEEN of this, and she does it well. There are loads of people who do this (I'm doing it right now..) because we all love lists so much. But I've yet to find a blogger who does it as well as her; she keeps me entertained for hours!

5. Organisation. So you can tell me the best way to stay focused on a daily basis? Oh you have tips on organising my makeup collection? What about how to organise my organiser??! Then you are my new BFF. I will read all of the things.

6. So you're a bit of a geek huh? Fangirl and proud? I will love you. Love collecting Funko Pops, stickers, Tsum Tsums or basically anything cute and kitschy? Yep, I'll be reading these blog posts. I don't mind what it is you're into either to be honest; as long as it's something you're passionate about then it's awesome. A blogger who does this perfectly is Heather.


So that's my top six fave types of blog posts, what are yours? Let me know and I'll try to do more! :)




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Friday Five 9#

I hope you guys all have fun plans for the weekend! :) I'm probably going to be working my ass off, but that's not a bad thing. Today's Friday Five is a bit of a mixed bag... let me know what you think.

*Want this card? Buy it here in my Etsy shop!



Five things I wish I was better at;
1. Amazing impressions (great party trick, no?)
2. Being classy (because I'm just really, really, really not.)
3. Maths.
4. Writing humorously, eloquently and effectively.
5. Saving money.

Five things I hate;
1. Bitchy people.
2. Worrying about nothing important.
3. Wet socks,
4. People who moan about things they have the power to change.
5. The dentist.

Five goals for the next week;
1. Take some time away from the computer.
2. Sort my outfit for the bloggers blog awards.
3. Plan something absolutely amazing for someone (can't go into it, they read this blog.)
4. Make someone's day.
5. Get really ahead of schedule.

Five confessions;
1. I have no idea what I'm doing.
2. I hate my appearance so much.
3. There's still lots I like about myself though.

4. I cheated once. (I hate even typing this one. I HATE that I did this.)
5. I hate even more how good it was. (I'm hoping people don't hate me now. This was years and years ago and I'm just being brutally, painfully honest here).

Five inspirations this week;
1. http://www.san-smith.com/
2. http://hannahdelacour.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://www.twodifferentworlds.com/
4. http://zoelondon.com/
5. http://www.elliesfavouritethings.com/
Two or three of these have been named before; but for damn good reason. Check 'em out!

Have a beautiful week, make someone smile, take care of yourselves.



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Midweek Slump

Hello lovelies :] Today I'm feeling a bit rubbish; not awful or anything. But just not great, y'know? I can't even pinpoint what's wrong specifically, just a few things here and there which aren't making me smile. Like the fact that I need to do so much tidying around the flat today, urghh. Or that when I stopped for a break from designing people's headers, I found myself comparing my work to other people who are a million times better and left myself feeling crappy.
If this were anyone else in this situation, I'd be giving them all the encouragement I could muster, and telling them to do a few things to bring a smile back. So I guess I need to take my own damn advice really. Which is why I'm writing this post. Writing blog posts of the chatty kind always clear my head and make me feel better; so here we are. 
There's a few other things I've got planned to get me out of this slump too. Tonight, I've invited a few friends round for drinks and I haven't seen them in absolutely ages, so I'm really happy about that. Tomorrow Gary and I have been invited along to a a new restaurant in Liverpool (with a few of my fave local bloggers!) to give them a try, so that's cool. I've got some extra creative designs lined up; where people have asked me to do something a little different (which makes me so happy). I'm gonna have a pamper afternoon later, and indulge in some of my Lush stash and new makeup.
I'm also really trying to be a little kinder to myself. I've found that I tell myself the worst things when I look in the mirror on a daily basis, which really affects me. I don't see this being easy to fix, but I'll try. Although the upcoming blog awards have got me so terrified of looking like a mess in front of all these pretty lovelies. Hmm..

Anyway, that's me this Wednesday. How are you guys?




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Clarins Big Beauty Gift

Today I wanted to share with you a super helpful gift offer that House of Fraser* are running on Clarins products until this Saturday! (19th).
If you're anything like me, then you're the type of person who only thinks about Christmas in the middle of December; and thus the panic shopping begins. However, this year I am determined to turn things around. I've already bought two Christmas gifts for people! - I know, I'm showing off now *insert smug face emoji*. Also, I'm really sorry for saying the C word so early, before it's even Halloween! I really am, I know those people are annoying. But guys, I'm sick of being that stressed out person in Primark; Christmas week, wanting to murder someone. I absolutely refuse to do it this year. And so this is the beginning of me being super prepared and ready this year.
...and it seems like House of Fraser are being helpful little sods with their latest offer. When you buy two or more Clarins products (one to be skincare) you'll get a trio of beautiful treats worth £36; for free! Score. So basically, you fancy trying some Clarins products?; you'll get a lovely gift set with it too, which you can use as a Chrimbo pressie for your mum. She'll love you forever.
In the trio you'll get the Clarins Tonic Body Balm, Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream and the Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel.
I'm definitely going to be a really good girl and keep this set for someone special for Christmas. Even though that Body Balm does look amazing... and it's coming into the colder months... and my bod could use some moisturing... Oh dear.
So, make the most of this offer! You have until Saturday to spoil yourself and someone else (or y'know.. just double treats for you. You deserve it!) and let me know if you get anything extra special.
Cheers guys. I'm off to plan my whole Christmas list, get my deccies ready and count down the days. Bring it on!


*Collaboration with HoF. All views my own. See my disclaimer.




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This Changes Everything...

If you're very well acquainted with me through this blog, you will probably already know how I am with skincare. I adore trying new products, but I'm so fickle and non-committal. I'm like a cheeky skincare 'player'(lol); constantly dodging from one product to the other, and enjoying my time doing so.
However, I finally got my hands on Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate*; which is something I'd been wanting to try in forever. I'd heard so many good things about it and was so happy to finally try it out myself. I'd describe my skin type as combination; I have generally oily skin, but then I suffer with dry patches that have literally bugged me for SO LONG. Especially on my nose and around my mouth/jawline. These are the places I always notice is hardest to get a flawless finish with my makeup. Primers definitely help, and I see a big improvement; but it never solves the problem, and it's always a battle applying makeup without it being patchy. Hell, basically! I'll be honest, it's the one thing I've always been paranoid about when meeting other beauty bloggers too, because I'm constantly worried they're judging my makeup and just think I'm terrible at applying it.

As soon as I started using Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, I fell in love with the smell. Made with essential oils including Lavender, it really gives an amazing sense of quality as soon as you open the bottle. This elixir (I love that word, makes it feel like magic, which it is!) is used with a pipette, so that you can use just a few drops to cover your whole face; four drops was plenty enough for me.
I've been using this every single night (even when I couldn't be bothered, go me!) before bed, and waking up with the softest skin ever. Like a baby's bottom, only much, much better. The best bit though? My makeup applies like a dream, because my skin is now evened out! I could cry with joy! No more dry patches, and no more oily build up! It's amazing, because you'd think with something so moisturising I'd be battling the oil; but those clever skincare gurus are right, when they bang on about oil combatting oil. It seems to have stopped my skin producing too much oil, as I'm nourishing it regularly now; so there's no need. Brilliant!
I have no problem in saying I can see myself buying and using this product always now. Whatever other products may come and go, Kiehl's and I are now true BFFs... and just in time for Winter too! Winner.
If you'd like to try this for yourself, you can now take advantage with the House of Fraser Beauty Confidential offer, that's on until 22nd September! Get £10 off one of your favourite products, when you buy one of theirs! Amazing.

Let me know if you've tried this, and what you thought!

*Product sent for review, all views are my own.

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Eight Things I've Learned About Blog Events

2015 Was my first year going to blog events, and it's been a crazy good, eye opening experience. I've gone to around seven or eight now I think (that's actually pretty good considering we're only in September eh?) and each one has been different, fun and lovely for a variety of reasons. I feel like I've learned a bunch of things about blog events/meet ups now that might benefit any newbies or anyone who has yet to attend their first.  So sit back, enjoy, and let me dish out all the details for ya...

1. Everyone is in the same boat.
Whether it be fretting about your outfit, feeling nervous, or worrying about not knowing anyone beforehand; everyone feels the same! The amount of times I've been at events and got chatting to people, only for them to say, 'Oh I'm so relieved people are so friendly, I worried about being alone!' or something along those lines is countless now. It's reminded me each time that we all share the same silly little worries, so try to enjoy yourself! It'll all be fine.

2. Not everyone is gonna dress like they're doing an OOTD.
This one was a major one for me. I was like, 'oh god everyone's gona look so stylish and I'll be boring'. Don't get me wrong, people always look nice, and I make an effort myself; but nobody looks like they've just dropped out of a magazine, so calm down! Whether you're comfortable in jeans and a tee, a pretty dress, or you wana rock a jumpsuit; it's all good. In fact, bloggers are probably the most understanding/diverse crowd of fashion examples.

3. They're probably the most fun thing ever.
I've now gotten to the point where I'm actively looking for new events/meet ups to attend all the time! I enjoy meeting other bloggers and having these new experiences so much that I'll go out of my way to travel to them too. When I started this blog, I didn't realise just how social it would make me; which is pretty surprising. You get to meet people you've spent months chatting to on Twitter, go to fun places, chat with brands, and even go home with a fab goody bag sometimes!

4. You will forget someone's name.
It's something we all dread, but at some point you will find yourself in conversation with someone whose name you have totally forgotten. Oops. Don't worry about it! Honestly, we have all had this unfortunate incident happen to us. Either be 100% honest and just say, 'Sorry what was your name again, I'm totally crap at names and feel awful!' - this one actually goes down alright and usually gets a laugh, or a nod of understanding. OR, you could just carry on the conversation avoiding saying their name, and hope you can ask someone else ASAP (or check their twitter/blog!).

5. You feel really comfortable with these 'strangers'.
This one's so weird, but awesome. After all you are technically strangers to any new bloggers you meet, but if you've followed each other on Twitter/Bloglovin/etc for a while; it doesn't feel like that. You already know a little about them, and because you share the same hobby you've always got something to talk about which is so helpful. There's a connection there you know you already have with everyone else attending, and it really helps you feel at home. Because of this I've happily agreed to drinks/going for meals with these people I've only known an hour; and isn't that just sort of amazing really?

6. Time goes so quick.
Three hours feels like one to me, at almost every event I've been to so far. Where does the time go?! One minute I'm all, 'Hi Im Jemma!' the next I'm waving goodbye as I wander off with my goody bag. You'll probably won't realise how quickly time goes at these things if you haven't been to one yet, but they do!

7. You should make the most of this opportunity.
Meet ups and events are a chance to really connect with other people just as passionate about blogging as you are, and a great way to make lifelong friends. Not only that, but a lot of the time brands are also at these shindigs too, and chatting with them is a fabulous way to network, and get your blog out there. Sometimes it's just a way to improve your confidence when talking to brands, other times it's a way of ensuring you're on their radar. Make the most of this opportunity to make a personal connection with them!

8. You'll be left feeling brilliant.
Once you've got home after any event, you'll realise just how awesome it was that you got to do this. You'll have done something really brave, interesting, most likely had fun, made new friends and established yourself a little more into the blogging community. Well done you! 


So there you have it, my pearls of wisdom so far when it comes to blogging events. Have you been to any events yet? Let me know! You can also read about my most recent blog event here.
Thanks guys!

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Friday Five 8#

Five comedians I love;
1. Louis C.K 2. Chris Rock 3. Amy Poehler 4. Russell Howard 5. Billy Connolly

Five things I need to buy;
1. A Winter coat 2. Autumn tights (think reds, mustards and purples!) 3. Jumpers (yay!) 4. A play tunnel for Luna (she'd love it!) 5. Lush goodies.

Five characters I'd like to be friends with;
1. Clementine - so kooky & unique!(Eternal Sunshine) 2. Chandler - for all the lolz (Friends) 3. Lisbeth - Because just wow (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) 4. Sherlock Holmes - It'd be fascinating! (In the BBC 'Sherlock' version) 5. John Luther - Because YUM and also WOW. (Luther)

Five current interests;
1. Orphan Black - I'm on S1 and loving it. 2. Everything Autumn - Fashion, weather, DIYs. I'm just so happy it's here! 3. Beauty - Not that I went off it, but I'm just reaallllyyy back into my makeup. 4. Stationery - because always. 5. The Girl In The Spiders Web - My current read; which I've waited years for!

Five blogs that are awesome!;
1. http://www.illustratedteacup.com/ 2. http://www.brooke-elise.com/ 3. http://www.twodifferentworlds.com/ 4. http://www.littlefickle.com/ 5. http://moderngirlblitz.blogspot.co.uk/


Have a great weekend!



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Tsum Tsum Update

I haven't done a Tsum Tsum post in ages, eek! Truth be told I haven't bought any in a few weeks; sacré bleu! I know. I'll be rectifying this by buying lots more every week now haha.

Recently I got given these three new Tsum Tsums by one of my besties, Laura. How nice is that??! We have Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas (almost Halloween, eep!), Lucifer from Cinderella and Sven from Frozen - yay! Three absolutely fantastic choices Lauz, nice one girl ;)

I have to say I think my ultimate fave here is Lucifer! Just look at that adorable face. Plus I have to be honest, I hadn't seen a Lucifer one around before! So I was totally surprised and thrilled when Laura gave me this.

And now I'm wondering what ones I should buy next, and I thought I'd ask for help from you guys; with a little vote, yay! I've listed a couple of faves I've had my eyes on, so click below and let me know which one you think I should get first (I say first, because I will be getting them all at some point!).

Which of these Tsum Tsums should I buy next?!

Minnie Mouse

Donald Duck

Roo

Jasmine (Aladdin)

Genie (Aladdin)

Alice in Wonderland

Cinderella

Elsa

Sally (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

Poll Maker

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Why I Can't Have A Blog With A Niche

Sometimes I find myself admiring blogs that have a clearly defined niche, so much so that I end up a little jealous. Their perfect blogs with a perfect theme, not to mention this can really help with followers and popularity. No, I'm not saying that blogs with a niche only do well because of this, or that it isn't deserved (this should be obvious), but it does have benefits.
So why haven't I ever taken the plunge and made Dorkface the home of just beauty, lifestyle or craft posts? Quite honestly; because I don't have that dedication. I totally respect how much harder that must be, and I certainly wouldn't last that way. But also, an absolutely huge reason is that I just don't see myself as a one subject kinda person.
I have so many different aspects to my personality, hobbies, habits and loves; I couldn't squish it all into one neatly packed niche blog. My greatest joy with this blog is the fact that I can share everything that excites me or interests me in some way. I love feeling like this is 'home', where I can take you along all my little adventures with me. Whether I want to write about new beauty products I've bought, a recent trip to Lush, some cute crafts I've tried out or inspire you in some way; I can do it all!
I just thought I'd write this, in case there are some bloggers out there who think they need to have a niche. It's just not true guys. If you want one, yay! Go for it. But don't feel like you have to restrict yourself in any way at all. 
Make your blog a place that inspires you, where you can share your passions.





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Bareminerals Complexion Kit With House Of Fraser (Plus offer!)

Bareminerals are one of my favourite brands, ever since I first tried one of their face powders a few years ago and fell in love. So when House of Fraser got in touch with me offering me the chance to review the Bareminerals Complexion Kit*, I jumped at the opportunity.
This kit is priced at £39 and consists of 'Prime Time' Primer, Original Foundation Powder, Matte Foundation Powder, Warming face powder, Mineral Veil Illuminating Finishing Powder, Flawless Application Brush and keepsake Makeup Bag. So for £39, I already thought it was quite impressive. But do the products match up?

Starting with the primer, I immediately loved how smooth and silky it left my skin feeling upon applying. It made my usual foundation an absolute dream to apply and help minimise my pores, especially on my nose which I find is my most problematic area. But would I buy this primer again? This retails at £22 for 30ml usually (which just shows how amazing this complexion kit is at only £39 for the lot!) and while it is absolutely perfect for me, I don't think I'd buy it on it's own. I have alternative primers I've found in the past that are just as good, but half the price. This is a shame as I genuinely can't fault this product at all, but I just couldn't justify paying that much when I don't need to. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone wondering if it's any good though!

Next up, the foundation powders, in original and matte. To be honest, I was cynical about these to start with. I'm a girl who loves a high coverage foundation, that'll cover and mask every imperfection and stay on for hours on end (my fave is Double Wear!). So will a powder foundation be able to match up for me? In short, no. But don't let that immediately put you off these beauties. While these foundations in powder form just don't offer the coverage I'm after; they do have the most beautiful formula, meaning they apply a light and even coverage. This means they are perfect for anyone who doesn't like the feel of liquid foundation, or doesn't need much coverage. To be honest, they'd be perfect for me when I'm away on a summer holiday. I can't do a full face of makeup when I'm away sunning myself, but I could certainly wear these powders and feel instantly prettier.
I then tried the all over face warming powder and found this was a little too bronzed for me. You can choose to use just a tiny amount, and it gives a beautiful all over glow. However for someone as pale as me, it didn't look quite right. I did try this on a friend who is a little darker than me (aka someone who isn't transparent!) and it sat glowing on her skin for that perfect sun kissed look.
Finally, one of my favourite products of the bunch; the illuminating mineral veil finishing powder. Oh my god it's gorgeous. Sorry for lack of a better explanation there. This subtle pot of beauty gives an amazing highlighted glow, with just a small amount swept across the cheekbones. I felt like an angel. The powder is so super soft, you can't even feel it and yet you come away with the perfect finish on top of your foundation. This retails at £21 at House of Fraser, and I can honestly say I already know I'll be replacing this baby in a heartbeat! Also, I found that the face brush provided in this kit was perfect for use with this mineral veil powder.

So overall; the bargain of this kit is amazing. Not every product in there was for me; the bronzer was just not good for my skin tone. However, I would use the foundation powders again; although I would use them over the top of my usual liquid foundation, rather than my base. Then there's the primer and mineral veil powder, which both really impressed me and I'd happily recommend to others.
Now the good bit! House of Fraser have an amazing offer on RIGHT NOW until the 22nd September, which means you can get £10 off one of your favourite products when you buy one of theirs; pretty awesome right?

There are loads of fab products included in this offer too! Think certain Naked palettes...
What are you waiting for? Let me know if you take advantage of this amazing offer!



*Items provided for review, all views are my own.



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#NWMeet Blogger Event

As a lot of you may have already read from my recent post, I had quite a hectic time on Saturday getting to and from the #NWMeet blogger event in Liverpool. However, I had an absolutely amazing time while at the event, all arranged by the brilliant Sam & Katy by the way. The girls thought of everything to make this event perfect, and I know everyone had an awesome day. (Sorry this is gonna be long and photo heavy!).
The event was held at The Secret Warehouse in Liverpool, and was beyond beautiful! The décor throughout the whole place was stunning from the moment we walked in. It had a beautiful, spacious feel about the whole place, kitschy items on the walls, a meditation room, and a rooftop terrace. AMAZING. We didn't have any clue the event was being held here, and we were just given a set of directions to follow from Sam & Katy (of which I ignored and just followed everyone else, as you do). Once arriving at this huge, brick building; we had to give in our top secret passwords into the intercom (soz can't share the password, too secret!) to be allowed upstairs.

FACEB4 - From Makeup Revolution

Makeup Revolution are one of my personal favourite brands out there, and they have shaken up the beauty world in the past year or so, for good reason. Known for their high quality products, and exceptionally affordable prices, I was very excited when I heard of their new range of skincare products, under the brand 'FACEB4*'. A new face wash and serum duo to combat breakouts, at only £14.99 each - I was definitely keen to give them a try as soon as possible!

The antibacterial face wash is a combination cleaner and toner with a dual pump that disperses together, to give a soft and gentle foam. I've been applying this gently over my whole face, especially concentrating on areas prone to break outs (for me this is my jawline/chin) and then ringing with warm water. I haven't noticed any scent at all with this formula, which is nice. The last thing I want is to feel like I'm putting something on that will irritate my skin. This formula is super gentle, and leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. I'd consider this a very gentle cleaner though, so bear that in mind if you feel you need something a little stronger.

Afterwards when I had dried my face off, I used the FaceB4 Antibacterial Serum to moisturise. I noticed I only needed a very small amount, which was more than enough to cover my whole face and neck. So it's definitely a budget friendly product! Only £14.99 and will last forever. It settled into my skin nicely, and left it feeling moisturised without being oily at all. I actually really liked this! I do tend to have an oily t-zone especially, but this felt as if it 'evened out my skin' effectively, if that makes sense? The only downside to this product for me was the packaging. It just all seems a bit clinical for me. I'd have loved this to just seem a little more luxurious, especially since I found the actual products so nice. Try not to let this put you off though, as I really do think this would be a great gentle product for most skin types. Let me know if you've tried this yet, or if you plan to? At the moment Makeup Revolution have an introductory offer on; when you buy the face wash, you get the serum free too! Bargain. Hurry though, this offer is only on until 28th September. Thanks guys, have a great day! :)
*Products provided for review, all views are my own. Please read my Disclaimer for more information.

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