Summer Lust List

Perusing the internet is a favourite past time of mine. I spend hours browsing the virtual aisles of Topshop, New Look, H&M, Urban Outfitters and many of my other favourite shops. I click and re-click on the things I love the most and often add things to my ‘favourites’ list, in the hope that one day I will be able to mentally tick them off as I buy each piece. Unfortunately, reality is not so kind and my bank balance never raises enough that I can justify buying yet more clothes, bags, jewellery etc. My current favourites list is filled with summer goodies that I would love to snap up in time for my summer holidays (they may be in Devon and Scotland, but hey they’re holidays!) It would also be helpful as all of this grand, sunny weather has taken it’s toll on the few summer pieces that I have circulating in my boyfriends wardrobe. I thought I would share with you my lust list of lovelies (try saying that 3 times fast)

Dress - Topshop £70 

Dress - Matalan £14

White tee - New Look £6.99

Skirt - New Look £19.99

 Kimono Shrug - Wallis £30

Bag - New Look £24.99

Mary Kate & Asley Olsen 'Influence' Book - £13

Blackberry clip-on case - Amazon £2.49

Umberto Giannini 'Backcombe in a Bottle' - £5.61

Mac 'Blackberry' eyeshadow - £11.50

I have finally finished ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (are you proud Emily?) I’ve been reading this book on and off for about a year. I found it quite hard to get into this book, but once past the first few chapters I couldn’t put it down. I have the next book in the series packed away somewhere and cannot wait to crack it open! Think that will be my summer read this year…..

A little bit of good in the world

Last Thursday I finished my temping stint at the publishing company, after 9 long weeks. I must say I’m relieved. Physically, I don’t think I could take anymore and the supervisor? Let’s just say she wasn’t the nicest person and we did NOT get along.

In my following days off, I made some jewellery, sewed buttons onto various clothing items, painted my nails and caught up with Jeremy (Kyle).

Whilst I was elbow deep in yellow material (more on this later), the lovely lady at the agency phoned me explaining that she had found some more temping work for me. It was in the business park on one of the university campuses. The company had had some new software and needed a temp to check over some of their clients’ details, to make sure everything matched up. Simple enough. There wasn’t much work to do so the company would only need me for the last 3 days of this week. Not ideal but hey, it’s money. So, today was my first day. It was… interesting. I arrived 35 minutes early as I misjudged the traffic, hoped that someone would be in reception as I wasn’t sure if I had parked in the right area, and found there was not a soul to speak to. So I headed back to my car, ate my apple and banana that I’d bought with me for breakfast and passed time by inspecting what the students were wearing.

When 8.50am came, I headed into the building once more. Again, there was no one about. Where were their employees I asked myself? Luckily I heard someone coming up the stairs, and pounced. He looked slightly bewildered but was helpful enough to bring me into reception and said that he would let the boss know that I was there. After 10 minutes of watching BBC News24, a lovely girl came in and escorted me through the call centre. It was huge and full of people who all turned to stare at me as I walked through the doors - very intimidating. But it made me wonder; where had all these people come from, I had parked right outside the main doors and had seen hardly anyone go into the building….

Once I had passed the stare-happy employees, I was plonked on a desk at the end of a row and told to ‘keep myself busy’ while they find me some work. Errr keep myself busy with what? So I sat twirling in my chair and twiddling my thumbs for 50 minutes until the girl came back with a pile of papers, some basic filing which kept me happy until lunch. I had an hour for lunch so headed out into what was now a sunny day, with plans to go to the union shop (as I’d forgotten my lunch). But on the way past my car I noticed something. Something bright yellow stuck onto my windscreen – a parking ticket. Great. I ripped it open and luckily it was only a warning. Apparently I needed a permit to park in that space. So after lunch I harassed another man on the stairs and asked him where I was supposed to park. He explained that I could get a temporary permit for free next door, that was one thing less to worry about.

After lunch I spent another hour twiddling my thumbs waiting for some work and at 3.50pm they told me I could go home as there wasn’t anything else to do! Brilliant. I’m back in tomorrow at 9am. Maybe I’ll bring a book… or a board game.

Anyway, enough about work. On Saturday I have a birthday party to attend, its fancy dress. I’m going as Noddy. The only thing I have so far is some rather fetching red shoes. Looks like I’ll be heading into town tomorrow for late night shopping (leaving it far too late, as usual). I went to the haberdashery on Monday to find some yellow and red fabric to make my Noddy scarf. I was hoping to find some scraps as I only need a very small amount but they seemed to have stopped selling scraps of fabric there. Oh well, I’ll think of something.

Then on Sunday I’m heading home to see my best friends as it’s one of their birthdays too. We’re celebrating by going to the Emma Bridgewater Tea Party!!! I’m so exited and as far as I’m concerned, this weekend can not come quick enough (more so than usual).

Just before I finish up this post, I would like to make a request. Some of my friends are doing the most amazing things for charity. My best friend Emily (who’s blog I mentioned in my last post) is doing the race for life on behalf of Cancer Research UK and she is training so hard. Another friend (Carla, the one whose birthday we’re celebrating on Sunday) is abseiling down a building to raise money for The Stroke Association. Lastly, Emily’s brother and cousin are doing a sky dive to raise money for John Radcliffe Hospital. Please click on the links below and read their stories. They are truly inspiring and they are such brave people. If you can, sponsor them. Whatever you can give, however large or small your donation, it will make a difference.

To read Emily’s story click here

To read Carla’s story click here

And to read Tim’s amazing story click here

It's nice to spread a little bit of good in the world...

Thank you

x

Spring Preperation

First of all, does anyone know where the sun has gone? It was such lovely weather last week. By this I mean mildly warm and sunny, the way people were dressed (topless boys and strap-topped girls) you would think it was 30 odd degrees outside! Here in Staffordshire we seem to have regressed back to the wintry winds and bitter temperatures of January. I was just starting to get into the mood for spring and planning my new wardrobe when Pow back to Winter we go! Speaking of Spring wardrobes, My darling friend Emily has just written a lovely piece on her blog about S/S fashion which you can read here.

I’m just aching to dig out my sandals but before this can happen, I must carry out my annual ritual of preparing my feet. After all, they’ve been hidden beneath layers of socks, tights and boots over the winter months. This ritual allows me to indulge my feet with lotions and potions ready for their unveiling to the public. Of course I shall need an on trend nail colour to crown them with and I think a lovely coral shade such as Barry M’s ‘Peach Melba’ will be perfect.

'Peach Melba' by Barry M - £2.99

I have managed to break free from the mundane cycle of the 9-5 this Friday. I plan to spend it drinking coffee in various coffee-selling establishments and having a good old rummage through the haberdashery. I have so many ideas for items of jewellery floating about in my head and I need to get them into physical form. I bought myself a little sketch pad so that I could jot down ideas as and when I have them. It makes me feel like a student again, carrying around note pads and sketch pads.

In other news, I treated my fellow motorists to a cracking rendition of Lady Gaga ‘Born this way’ today. I like to think it brightened their days.



Me & Primark? We're on first name terms....

Now that I’m a grown up (I use that term very loosely) and working the 9-5 (a la Dolly Parton) I don’t often have enough time to fit in my terrible shopping addiction. Luckily the local shopping centre empathises with this and is open late on a Thursday. So once I had finished work, I headed down with the sole intention of buying presents.

Unfortunately for me and my bank balance, everyone has decided to have their birthdays in the space of 2 weeks - 5 people to be exact. It’s also Mothers Day. Great.

I’m someone that loves buying for others, but even I am struggling with 5 people.

The thing is, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to get anyone. I had no ideas in mind and ended up aimlessly wandering around until I came to a very familiar set of doors. Yes, Primark called my name (we’re on first name terms).

Long story short, I bought far too much for myself in Primark and not enough presents. This is the outcome of my selfish (although deserved) shopping trip.

This bangle and set of 3 bracelets were both in the sale!

Pack of 3 rings.

This necklace is so sweet! I LOVE the little pendants.

Hair Slides.

I also thought I would show you these lovely head scarfs that I got a few weeks ago in a charity shop. Both for £2!

Well that's the majority of what I bought. Hope you enjoyed looking in my shopping basket!

Make-up Review: The Perfect Gel Eyeliner

So last weekend I headed down to Superdrug to pick up a few bits and pieces. I came away with a primer, a gel eyeliner and an eyebrow pencil. Today I decided to let you know what I thought of them.

I’ve been looking for a really good Gel Eyeliner for months. I had my eye on the Bobbi Brown one but it’s not quite in my budget. I had a £5 No7 Boots voucher to use up so decided I would try out their Limited Edition Gel Eyeliner. Unfortunately it was sold out (except for the turquoise, but that’s hardly an ‘everyday’ colour now is it) and the No7 lady told me that as it was Limited Edition they were not sure when they would be getting it back in stock, if at all. Disheartened, I trudged out of the shop. My hopes of ever finding the perfect Gel Eyeliner on a budget had been dashed. As I headed into Superdrug and strolled down the make-up aisle, it hit me. I had seen an advert for the new Maybelline eyeliner in one of my magazines the day before. I hadn’t paid much attention at the time, but as it stood there in front of me, my hopes began to rise once more. ‘Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner’ - The photo on the box was pleasing, the description matched what I was looking for AND it was on offer at an introductory price of just £5.99. Jackpot.

What do Maybelline say about it?
• Oil-free formula holds highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base
• Smudge-proof and waterproof for 24 hours
• Most intense line for lasting drama                                                  
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested
• Contact lens safe

-          www.maybelline.com

I have used it several times since and can honestly say…. It’s the one. It’s blacker than black, it lasts all day, its easy to apply with the fabulous little brush (that comes with it) and it’s a reasonable price - even without the introductory offer. It also comes in 3 other colours (which I imagine I will be snapping up very soon).

I also purchased the ‘Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer’. I have never used a primer before but recently I have been more and more intrigued by them. I tested both the L’Oreal primer and the GOSH Velvet Touch Primer on the back of my hand. Although the GOSH primer was cheaper, I much preferred the feel of the L’Oreal one. It is rather expensive for just a small pot BUT I only use a tiny bit each day so would imagine it should last for quite a while. It also helps that it’s a rather lovely shade of pink.

What do L’Oreal say?

“This primer masks wrinkles and uneven textures in the skin, making the complexion incredibly smooth with a velvety touch. Skin feels soft as if resurfaced.”

I definitely agree with this description. My skin felt so soft after applying this Primer and my foundation lasted all day with that ‘freshly applied’ look. I am officially a convert to Primers.

Lastly I purchased an eyebrow pencil from Collection 2000, a make-up range I haven’t used since I was 14. What drew me to this pencil in particular? At a price tag of just £2.99 it was a steal but the main reason was for the colour.

I have naturally dark hair and I find eyebrow pencils often don’t match my colouring very well. They’re either far too dark, making it look like I have mistaken my eyeliner for my eyebrow pencil or they’re far too light. Like Goldilocks before me, I found my perfect colour in the ‘dark brown’ supplied by Collection 2000. It matches up so well and looks so natural which is exactly what I want.

Well that’s my little review of these 3 products. Of course this is just my opinion. After all, what I want from a Gel Eyeliner or Primer may not be your cup of tea. Having used all 3 products and being wowed by all 3, I thought I’d share my thoughts with you. Sorry there are no pictures to demonstrate but my camera’s broken :/ Hope this has helped some of you, let me know if it has!

Confessions of a Temp…

When I graduated from university in July 2010, I was all set to enter the world of work. I went from being a student to being a ‘Customer Service Advisor’ at the head office of a well known mobile phone retailer. I was there for just 2 months before I simply could not take anymore. It was a soul destroying job (this is a strong statement but it’s true). Endless calls from mean people who wanted nothing more in the world than to scream down their receiver at me. I was offered the Customer Service position just before I graduated, so naively assumed that I would jump straight into the next job without a hitch. Unfortunately, that’s not how it worked out. I went for 5 long months without so much as flicker of interest from any prospective employers. I sent out hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of CV’s and application forms but to no avail. I signed on with an agency just after the New Year and they soon found me a temporary position in the administration department at a publishing company. A small, beige room filled with cardboard boxes. Not the most thrilling place to work but it gives me a bit of money and something to do during the days. Although an ‘admin’ position, the job basically consists of packing up letters and orders. Sadly my hands are taking the brunt for me braving a bit of manual labour. I have paper cuts on top of paper cuts, my nails haven’t been painted in 2 months as they chip within 5 minutes of walking through the door and I have to save my nice clothes for the weekends.

Last Wednesday the company told me and the other temp that we wouldn’t be needed anymore. I was a little bit relieved, it had already been 2 weeks longer than I was originally told and I was starting to wonder whether I would ever find a permanent job. 1 week, 5 re-runs of ANTM and 4 Costa Coffee’s later, I received a call from the agency. The publishing company had called and had another couple of weeks work if I was interested. Although it means waiting even longer for a permanent job, it’s a few extra pennies to spend in the charity/coffee shops that fill my life with such joy. It was my first day back today and there wasn’t really that much work to do. I definitely can’t see it lasting 2 weeks anyway.

On a lighter note, with the time off that I had I managed to get on with some jewellery making. I headed down to the local haberdashery and picked up some Nylon thread, some pink pearls, a pack of 3 earring posts/backs, a bag of alphabet cubes and some little flowers all for £6. So far I have made a bracelet and 2 pairs of earrings which I’m rather pleased with.

Sorry about the terrible photo quality, these were taken on my Blackberry :/

It’s payday tomorrow so I think I’ll have another rummage at the weekend to see what other goodies I can pick up. Let me know what you think! More photos soon :)

A little introduction...

The sun is shining, my coffee is brewing and I feel delightfully like Carrie Bradshaw.

I have never written a blog before so I’m not sure how this is going to go. I’m not even entirely sure what I’m going to write about. I have a rough idea but I tend to go off on a tangent at a moments notice, so no doubt that will soon change.

Let me give you a bit of background information to help set the scene. I graduated in July from a Film course into a harsh reality of unemployment. Like many graduates I expected to finish my course and be snapped up into a full time job. As we all now know, this is not the case. I have had a few temporary positions with various companies but these short periods of employment have not provided me with as much money as I would have hoped. I now spend most days sitting by the phone, waiting on yet another rejection call based on my ‘lack of experience’ or sitting at my laptop sifting through job sites. Neither of these things bring a great deal of joy to my life and to be perfectly honest, I’m getting rather tired of it all.

However, in the past few months I have had an epiphany. I have always enjoyed making my own jewellery, just a few bits and bobs to match to my outfits when Topshop didn’t have quite what I was looking for. Recently though I have decided that this is what I would like to pursue. I have made some samples to see how they go down with friends and family and as much as I would really love to make a go of this, I need some money to do that.

This blog shall document an amateur jewellery designer, on a journey through temp jobs, haberdasheries and everything in between.

Welcome to Teecey’s World!