It's the end of the world as we know it.

I first discovered the world was ending during my year 9 physics class.

Our then teacher, My Syrda - a man who once told my mother during parents evening that my knowledge of the male reproductive system was very below par (before any strange connotations along the lines of indecent student teacher relations are brought into question here, I feel it best to clarify he was our then sex ed tutor - lucky me), a man who kept an air rifle in a cupboard behind his desk which he brought out with relish upon some poor unsuspecting year 7 who hadn't completed a homework task to a sufficiently high standard - he informed the class at the end of lesson that at 12:35 a giant meteorite would, very unfortunately, be crashing into the pacific ocean, wiping out humanity. 

Now as a rational 13 year old I realised I was in a predicament. Did I continue to Mrs Bradwell's food technology class, in the knowledge that death would strike before lunch was over? Did I use these final hours as an anarchistic expression of the inevitable superiority complex humanity is embedded with; strip naked; run about the streets declaring 'Apocalypse nigh!'; call my mother and father, tell them I loved them; declare my feelings to my then school crush in the hope to achieve my first kiss, a pivotal moment in my youth for the first and very last time?

Safe to say as I am sitting here today and not behind the gates of a mental facility, that no, I didn't. Instead I went, begrudgingly, to Mrs Bradwell's class. Fortunately the end of the world postponed itself for that day. Oh and I managed to achieve my first kiss, teeth knocking and all, later on that year. Phew!

Needless to say Mr Syrda went on throughout my remaining school years to remind us at various points that the end of the world was always on our doorstep: usually through some nuclear accident, a cataclysmic space event, or more often than not the Russians. I'm unsure whether or not My Syrda has any up to date predictions, as I believe he was suspended from the school following an incident with the afore mentioned air rifle.

Then, just as I thought things were safe, the television seemed to want to inform me that time on earth for humanity was limited. There was an imminent disaster at Yellowstone park in America; a volcano, mega-moon, super-fantastic-hurricane, mega-wopping-faultlines and some other geographical thing somewhere under the sea, or possibly under a whole continent due to explode any day now. The television supplemented this news with horrifying CGI footage of utter devastation, hypothetical death figures, and talking heads from people wearing kooky t-shirts. I have always had a strong belief that people in kooky t-shirts would hold the key to understanding these sorts of events. I certainly wouldn't trust being left alone with them, but they do seem feverishly passionate about their causes. Take for example Thor Templar, the self titled "Lord Commander of the Earth Protectorate". He claims to have killed more than twenty aliens. (See Louis Therous weird weekends - Series 1, episode 2). He further claims that an alien super invasion will happen during our lifetimes. Now am I going to believe a man who has actually killed 20 - T-W-E-N-T-Y - aliens over whatever NASA inform me regarding extra terrestrial life and the upcoming super galactic warfare heading our way? 

However, and most frustratingly, Thor Templar and the other kooky t-shirt wearers must have got their dates mixed up, as I'm still patiently waiting for complete system shutdown.

Now, the newspapers must have realised what awful predictions the television had divulged to us mere mortals, because suddenly they were warning me about all sorts of awful things...terrorists...global warming...red wine causing cancer....chocolate causing cancer....terrorists causing cancer...cancer causing cancer....

If that wasn't enough to give you the heebie-jeebies, a machine called 'The Internet' (for detailed analysis and description see South Park, Season 12, Episode 6, Over Logging) told me the end was nigh in all manner of ways I didn't even see to think possible. I found out that there was a secret underbelly of society, a dark mysterious faction of people who know much more about the impending doom our poor world faces than anyone with a silly PHD or any other nonsense scribed in academic journals and the like. For you see these people have blogs. They have interactive forums.

Of first, I must admit, I was somewhat sceptical of these apocalyptic accounts, but soon realised that with the doomsday clock ticking, spending one's time arduously involved in thesis writing was a pointless exercise when one can set up a wordpress account in a matter of minutes.

Furthermore, no-one here will dispute the fact the internet is an entirely credible knowledge bank, the same as no-one would dare dispute that say, historical writings were nothing more than absolute factual records of totally true events. Of course there was a bloke, in fact a number of blokes a few thousand years ago that did a number of very wonderful things. Many ancient records have said so. It's not like anyone would try and convey an event in a manner as a means of propagandist scaremongering to influence people in a primitive and overtly superstitious society. If you ever find me evidence that they did, I would eat my hat. Although I wouldn't recommend the ingestion of headgear, as studies have linked such activity to cancer (see Daily Mail, vast majority of publications, for up to date list of cancer attributing activities).

Anyway, I digress. Back to the internet. Unfortunately I have found that single handed I am unable to bring you a complete record of all impending disasters and fascinating events and phenomena earth is facing through my studies. Where to start! There's Michael From Maui's Saturn earth connection, the study of Djinn Angels and Demons, the Mayan Calander and we haven't even got into the Biblical prohecies! (Details can be found at www.bible.ca/pre-date-setters.htm - unfortunately all of the 220 dates for apocalypse are outdated, but taking into account recent disasters I'm positive someone can convey a more accurate prediction).

With this vast and never ending stream of forthcoming disasters I keep uncovering, I can safely say humanity has never had it so bad. I'm sure you've been privy to the inconsequential numbers of catastrophes over the last few days, months, years and decades that have blighted humanity. All these, my friend are a sign. Of what? There's simply to many too choose from.

For example many of them do lead to a freaky correlation date wise with ancient calendar readings. If you add the co-ordinates of Mount Etna, the San Andres Fault and Pompei, divide it by 16, factor in the position of the moon, today's weather forecast and the menstrual cycles of Girls Aloud the reading is scary. Practically unbelievable. But at least it's comforting to know that as humans we are able to rationally apply patterns and provide justification of these events to a greater cause. The feats of the human mind are incredible, and I'm glad that we are masters of our own universe. Did you hear we've even manage to create flip flops to help lose weight? Incredible.

To summarise, I do apologise if I have given any of you readers cause for concern. I'm sure you now feel as confused as my poor 13 year old self; life it seems really is as vulnerable as ever. I may have triggered some form of existenialist ponderings upon the fragility of existence, the knowledge that as individuals, factions, humanity as a whole we exist nothing more as a mere moment, not even compromising specs of dust in an eternal sandstorm.

But either way, it's comforting to know that there any numerous theories and reasons to use as an emotional blanket to justify and reason what would otherwise be seen as the random and awe inspiring power and force of the Universe. I hate the thought of not being in control, thereby am thankful so many people can assure me of the certainty of events forthcoming. Even if they occassionally get it wrong.

But if you find the thought of all this doom and gloom talk too much to consider, I suggest you sit back, relax and continue as you were. All this need really be no concern. After all, who knows, today could be your last.

Sometimes, all is takes is a fancy lipbalm.

Just sometimes, when everything has gone wrong; work is dragging, lunch was a stale cheese sandwich and you just can't wait for the weekend where you can scoot off and see the Mr... sometimes, in these dire times,you've just got to say 'F**k it. I'm just going to go pay £20 for what is essentially a very nicely packaged lip balm.'

 

 Dior Lip Glow.

And you know what? I don't regret it one bit.*

*Unless I sit down and think CAT YOU STUPID BINT YOU JUST SPENT £20 ON A LIP BALM JUST BECAUSE IT LOOKS FANCY. But then again, I try not to spend too much time thinking.

Real life: Week 2, 3 and maybe 4 (aka most boring post in existence)

So as per usual, my plan to post exciting fun filled weekly updates on my life as a graduate has failed. No surprise there. I'm not sure what week of real life I'm in now, possibly 4? Either way there isn't a lot to report. Job situation still isn't great, any I've applied for (which granted, is only 2) I'm yet to hear a response from, which I'm told is a common thing in the current climate.

As of right now I'm still signing on every fortnight at the job centre, still browsing job sites daily and filling my time with watching Jeremy Kyle repeats and attempting to play piano and teach myself French. All in all it's nothing short of thoroughly depressing. I knew that it would be tough, but I never accounted for how disheartening it is being stuck without the hope of any employment in the near future.

This isn't so much for financial reasons; I still have some student loan left and JSA is enough to get by. But it's more the fact for many years throughout college and University you've been seen by your family, peers and those around you as a, well, success. Always achieving good grades, passing from levels of education with apparent ease. Then suddenly BAM, all that's behind you, you've no idea what you want, or where you want to go and there doesn't seem to be any beacon of hope in finding that elusive life plan anytime soon.

But, as everyone keeps telling me, I've got to try and stay positive. I'm not long into my job hunt and am in a much better position, both education, experience and financial wise than many others, which I know I don't appreciate half as much as I should.

And anyway, how knows what next week could bring?

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer...an end to my penchant for expensive haircare?

Hands up if you're a hair care snob? *Waves hands in the air frantically*. So imagine my delight in finding another high end product, the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 'intensive super-moisturizing treatment' hair mask, to spend my wonga on. According to the blurb it:

"Adds elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine"

Now I have no idea what 'elasticity' is, but heck, I want it. I want Chery Cole-esque full, shiny wavy locks. I want my hair to be so full of life and lustre people stop me in the street to worship and adore my beautiful mane. I want it so much I'll risk spending £25 (yes, £25 smackers) on 150ml of product. Oh and at that price you also get a sexy shower cap included. And who said I didn't have an eye for a bargain?

Now for £25 I was expecting miracles, and what did I get? Well, nice soft hair and a nice shower cap, but not a lot else. Oh no, there was one other thing; a burning hole in my pocket. Now don't get me wrong, I won't swap my kerastase shampoo and conditioner for pantene any time some, but when it comes to hair masks and the like, I think my penchant for expense needs to be reigned in.

In my, albeit humble, opinion, hair masks are one of those slightly gimmicky things; they might look nice in your bathroom, and no doubt this stuff does, but in reality, unless you're made of dosh a boots own £5 pot of the stuff ain't gonna do much less than anything Philip Kingsley can slap a massive price tag on.

But of course of you still fancy slathering your fine locks in this but without the massive price tag, it's avaliable in sample sizes for £3.50 in Harvey Nichols, which as a pampering treat is worth the small expense, but this certainly isn't a 'holy grail' product that'll magic your hair woes away. Although considering the price tag that might surprise you...

Social network me.

As I enter week 2 of real life I realise I have very little to do to fill my days. Jobs are pretty scarce so I don't have mass amounts of applications to fill out, and there's only so much world cup watching I can take. So please, if you have a twitter account, find me - swirledpeacat - and I will follow back. I feel that over the last few months I have lost touch slightly with the beauty community; not done my upmost to find and follow new blogs, or chat to more of you lovely ladies over the tweetverse.


Finally, and yes I am aware I have rather missed the bandwagon with this one, I have set up a formspring account here. Ask me anything you please; be it about University, graduating, make-up, or life in general.

Lord knows I need something to fill my days.

Cat
xx

Happy now, Mother?

Ever since the sun first made itself known a couple of months back (and subsequently went away on holiday to the Maldives again) my mum has been frequenting the same sentence; Cat, why don't you get a summer dress, you'd look lovely in one. She then started picking dresses out of catalogues, handily leaving them poised on the kitchen table for me to see. When that tactic was to no avail she starting thrusting said magazines in my face, alongside such phrases as: 'Order now dear, it's 20% /free delivery/it'll be here in times for grandads birthday' etc, etc. When that failed to spur me to slashing out on plastic, she used her trump card; asking me to go shopping with her.

Now I love my mother, don't get me wrong, and I'm partial to a bit of shopping too but Christ the two ought never mix. The day turns into her spending 4 hours in next, whilst I turn into a 14 year old teenager, moaning 'Muuuuuuuum, I want to go home'. Luckily for me, I have my own car and still have some student loan at my disposal. So whilst mother pottered about in the garden I sneaked off, popped into new look, took advantage of the 20% off dresses offer and popped straight out again with these two lovelies.

 
* All photos taken (badly) with my iphone. I do have a camera somewhere. And a cable to charge it. As well as a memory card. However the 3 items never seem to find them self in the same place. Due to this technical issue I'm afraid you'll have to put up with my paltry, fuzzy and unedited images.

Don't they look pretty, summery, girly and floaty? I thought so. I didn't bother trying them on because dressing rooms are my #7 fear in life. Mistake. When I did eventually try them on I made an awful discovery. My mum, whilst being caring in her sentiments, was entirely wrong; I do not look 'lovely' in a summer dress, but grumpy, fat and pale.

No I'm not showing you pictures of me in them, but if you want an idea of what I look like....

You see me, I'm not much of a girly-girl. I live in jeggings, ankle boots, vest tops and shirts. I don't do heels and might remember to wear a watch let alone bother with jewellery. And so when I slip on a dress I feel a. exposed, b. frumpy and c. well, not really...me. I see women of every shape and size who look beautiful in their floaty maxi dresses, but why not me? Perhaps it's a confidence thing, to quote Sophia Loren 'Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes.It is not something physical'. So maybe I need to 'feel' it, 'make it work' as Tim Gunn would say. Or maybe I should just stick to my jeggings, tank tops and shirts. After all, my mother may not be happy with my fashion choices, but y'know, I am.

And on a final note, because I can never make a decision, I want you to tell me what you make of these shoes. Another new look find for £16. I'm in two minds about them, I mean they'll go with most things, but at the same time are just a bit, meh. So tell me, should they stay or should they go?*

*Back to New look, that is.

Thank you for reading
Cat
xx

That's Miss BA with honours to you....

So Miss clever clogs here (that would be me....yes, really!) went and finished that big old degree. 3 years, a very rushed dissertation and probably more diet coke than leaked oil from BP later and I'm all done and dusted. Do I feel relieved? Kinda. Excited about the future? I suppose. Looking forward to life post-uni? Erm, I guess....

The truth is I don't quite know how to feel. More than anything I feel, well, odd. It still feels like this is my summer holiday, and I don't think it'll hit home til at least come September time that my life in education (and thus the long holidays, few timetabled hours during the week, free prescriptions plus 10% off topshop) has really ended. Even as I sit writing this I can't comprehend such a thing.

But nonetheless I have thrown myself into some kind of pseudo real life world this week. I officially ended my exams on the 3rd of June, but had a week and a half off with the Mr, plus my student card didn't end til the 11th, so I counted Monday as my first day of real life. So I thought as an easy way back into blogging, I'd note my day by day my venture into the big wide, scary world. Not because I think you'll enjoy reading it, although I applaud you if you do, but rather so in case my mum comes snooping round my blog she'll see I have actually been productive, rather than spending my time messing about on my laptop and napping.*

*These activities may have taken up a small (ish) amount of my time. But I feel I ought to be excused for this, after all, I have 3 years worth of uni habits to shed.

Real life week 1.

Day 1.

Firstly had a 4 hour drive from Essex back home after staying at the Mr's. However, tempted as I was to spend the rest of the day napping I threw myself into action, kinda. I sat on my bed while I called virgin to sort out Internet problems back at my student house in Manchester, and then spent an equally long time on the phone to the jobcentre organising setting up job seekers allowance. I then mustered up the energy to painstakingly fix up my CV, trying to describe in as many positive adjectives what my work experience as a dinner lady will bring to any further career I choose to embark on.

Day 2.

Went to Manchester to move out of said student house. Spend most of the day cleaning out my room, and 3 bags of oxfam clothes and a wheelie bin and a half of rubbish later, went out to network with uni friends. I say network, but really I went to the pub to watch the footie, but I can't help but think networking sounds far more grown up.


Day 3.

Hangover. Hangover not helped by having to repack all the stuff I packed up yesterday, as managed to pack away all toiletries and make up. Not a great start. Also 'networked' with a couple more uni friends at a pizza place in town. Oh and brought a new mascara and eyeliner, essential purchases in order to create a sophisticated interview make up look. Obviously.

Day 4.

Back in Shropshire for a jobcentre meeting at 9:40am, which apparently is a real time, something I didn't quote comprehend after 3 years of not waking up much before 12. I had never been in a jobcentre before, fish out of water doesn't begin to describe it. However they were surprisingly helpful, setting up my job seekers allowance details, as well as finding me some actual jobs to apply for.

Day 5.

Starting applying for jobs, which is likely to be the most tedious waste of time known to man. Not made any easier by a very dodgy Internet connection that likes to pewter out *just* as you're about to hit the send button and thus deletes hours of form filling. Luckily I didn't dwell on this too much, as went out to the pub to be made comatose by a mix of alcohol and the worst game of football known to man.


....And so week one comes to an end. I wish I had some wistful philosophical or sociological comment to make after my venture into the real world, but really all I have to say is that waking up at 8am is a bloody pain. Otherwise, and aside from all my moaning, life isn't going too badly at all. It's made even better by the fact that I get to see the Mr in 4 days time. Happy days.

Expect another update next weekend. Until then, wish me luck in week 2 of real life.

Cat
xx

Heeeeere's Johnny!

After a long peroid of absense, I'm about ready to get this blog back on track. Whilst I've given up fiddling with HTML and have stuck with a simple blogger template, I'm bursting with ideas and have the use of the mothers fancy camera. I'm about 3 weeks away from my final exam (can I get a eeek?) and once that's done I'll be a fully fledged philosophy graduate, expectant of a flood of employment offers landing in my mailbox every day..... Yeah right.

In the meantime expect posts as I procrastinate toward graduation.

Cat
xx

I can haz graduation now? Kthzbai.

I handed my dissertation in on Tuesday. Please refrain from any congratulations, it was possibly the single worst piece of writing my little brain has ever created.

Of course every time I give in a piece of work I think 'Yeah, I'll get back to blogging now'. However I usually get sidetracked. This time it's been by trying to update my poor excuse of a CV and deciding I would like to write a novel. Niether of which I see me ever completing.

But you never know, one day soon I may get sidetracked back into the blogsphere. I do hope so.

Cat
xx

Talon-tastic.

Stress and worry effect me in many ways; during my January exams I stopped eating, in previous 'episodes' I have found myself drawing odd pictures in the middle of the night or spending my time obsessively posting on student internet forums. However, my latest stress induced craze has been nails. One of my less destructive methods of coping, I have to say.

I have decided I need more nail polish in my life, so a couple of weeks ago I placed an order at the ebay shop http://stores.ebay.com/enchantedbeautyspot  and got me some essie and OPI, because at 2am on a cold Manchester morning, it seemed like the right thing to do.

Shades L to R: Coton Island Cotton Candy, Prima Ballerina, Mod about you,

St Lucia Lilac, My private Jet & Naked Truth

Now I know what you're thinking 'Well Miss Taylor, what a dazzling array of colours...'cos you didn't just buy 5 polishes that are all a very similar pastel shade now did you....??' Ok, ok so they are somewhat similar, aside from my private jet, but a girl can never have too many pastels. After all, they are bang in trend, darrrrrrling.


Now as ever my iphone doesn't take the most flattering of photos, so you'll have to trust me when I say thet St Lucia Lilac is my new favourite nail polish of all time. FACT. It's not surprising seeing as it's rather similar to MAC's cool reserve which did hold the top spot in my collection. This girl just can't get enough of her purple-esque shades...

Not to mention the formula of Essie polishes is just divine; no streaking, dries quickly and doesn't chip. Superb.

So who else is obsessive about nails right now? What colours have you drooling at the mouth, and do you recommend any other e-bay shops?

Cat
x

Oh gee, she's back. And she's come over all whimsical again.

Monthly blog posts are all the rage y'know.

So, let's have an update on last month.

Exam results came through, and I am yet to look at them. But as I have not been informed by the university that I failed any modules (and I looked it up, if I failed anything and needed retakes I would be sent a letter and email informing me so) and so I am going to happily presume I passed.

Dissertation still going disastrously. Discussion over.

I am down to three months til I finish. Well, four months til I graduate, but 3 til my last exam shall be done.

I'm still no clearer to having a life plan post-graduation. This is now starting to get a wee bit worrying. Most people seem to have some clue....be it law school, PGCE, internships, gap years....Then there's me. Me who muses, 'Oh I'm not worried, it'll be fine' whenever posed with that awkward question of 'And what do you plan to do with your life?' So today I plan on sitting down with pen, paper and mindmapping possible avenues I can go down. Then on Sunday having a nice old chat with the mother about my pipe dreams. Happy mother's day, please sort your daughter's life out, love you. Cat.

But of course it isn't all doom and gloom, I mean how can I be down about such things as being a broke, jobless graduate when my lecturers have started using lolcat slides?

Cat
x

Dublin.

In Dublin's fair city,
where the girls are so pretty,
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,
As she wheeled her wheel-barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussells, alive, alive, oh!"

"Alive, alive, oh,
Alive, alive, oh",
Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh".

She was a fishmonger,
But sure 'twas no wonder,
For so were her father and mother before,
And they each wheeled their barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

"Alive, alive, oh,
Alive, alive, oh",
Crying "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh". 

She died of a fever,
And no one could save her,
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone.
Now her ghost wheels her barrow,
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

I said I'd be away for a bit and I wasn't wrong. After finishing my exams (They went terribly. Discussion over.) I got horrifically intoxicated in Manchester, before jumping on a train, another train then a boat and getting horrifically intoxicated in Dublin for the weekend, before taking a few more days off and landing in Shropshire for some much needed rest, relaxation and a severe lack of getting horrificaly intoxicated.

I'd never been to Dublin before, going away for me is a rare occurance; I hate flying, don't have a valid passport, hate the sun as am terrified of aging and don't allow myself the time off anyway. I still sit and complain about the fact I don't go away, but that's not the point.

Nonetheless, going away was probably one of the best decisions I have made for a long while, and I would highly reccommend Dublin to anyone in the UK looking for a weekend away.Whilst the Euro isn't wonderful and so it's not the most economical city in the world; the atmosphere, scenery and feel are just spectacular. I'm not going to go through a step by step analysis of where we visited, as I'm sure you don't really care, but I would say if you every get the chance to visit then do stop off at the Guinness factory (and try to end up in the gravity bar at the very top just as the sun is setting) and also try and see the porter house bar, which is handily located just on the high street, to sample some of their own brews as well as the Fruli strawberry beer, which if you are a wimp like me and can't handle the black stuff is the drink to have.

Now I've been away however, I have come back with the awful ailment of itchy feet; if I had my passport I would probably be sitting in the departure lounge of Manchester airport waiting for to next flight to, well, anywhere, and so seeing as I have a dissertation to write (which is also going terribly. Discussion over.) it's probably a good thing I'm stuck up north for the time being.

So now I'm back, and I have four months left of my degree. A prospect which I'm equally daunted and overjoyed by. I still have no concrete plans of what I shall be doing once I graduate, but the prospect of what may await me afterwards keeps me motivated.

I know I did terribly in these last exams, and I don't imagine the final set will be much more of a success. It's not that I have not enjoyed university, rather the oppposite, but you get to the point where it just doesn't challenge you any more. And as much as I do have itchy feet, I also want to settle and make something of my life*. In the meantime you'll have to put up with my whimsical posts, as you may be able to tell I seem to be taking this blog into much more of a personal direction than it has been before, although fear not, a bit of mascara and other cosmetic chatter is sure to ensue shortly, after all, I am doing a philosophy degree so need something shallow to counteract me turning into much more of a self-absorbed twat.

Cat
xx

*Mother if you are somehow reading this, don't worry, there's no sign of grandkids just yet. 

Review: Rich orange and chocolate fudge.

I admit it's hard to get excited about fudge. It's usually associated with seaside holiday treats, or something your nan keeps in the car for long road journeys. I have quite a specific memory of fudge; every other week my mum would take me to the Friday market and we'd buy a pack from the Women's instuitute cake stall. It was handmade vanilla fudge, made by a lady called Mary, was sickly sweet and the lasting memory I have of it is a gritty sugar finish that was always that little too sickly.

Then, a few years ago I visited York on a weekend break with friends, and we stumbled over what I believe still is, the quaintest, most lovely shop I have ever visited: Jim Garrahy's Fudge Kitchen - link to the website here. The fudge kitchen handmakes it's fudge using a recipe that dates back to 1830, they have a range of wonderful flavours, and FYI if ever visiting they are more than happy for you to taste test them!

Now imagine my utter joy this morning when the postman dropped off a package from Lee, creator of the excellent chocolate review blog, link here, containing a full sized slab of rich chocolate and orange fudge.

 

And after my housemates getting hold of it...

Now, just to clarify I only had a very small amount myself! This stuff is seriously sweet a little goes a long way, but living with three guys they lobbed off huge chunks, and are now sitting on our sofa feeling rather full.

So let's get down to the best bit, taste test time.

According to the fudge kitchen website...

"when you bite into the outer crust, you’ll experience a mouth-watering soft chocolate fudge centre, with a fruity orange taste to savour."

And according to me...

The first thing you notice is the texture; it's like cutting through butter. As soon as it rests on your tounge a wave of fresh orange passes over your taste buds, then quickly followed by the dark chocolate, as the two meet they envelop into a pure taste sensation.

This is unlike any other fudge you will have tasted. It's wonderful smooth and creamy, and there is no artifical aftertaste or gritty sugary sensation. The high quality ingredients and handmade, loving process shines through in the flavour. As soon as it hits your tongue you are powerless to let it take over; you don't talk, don't chew, or think of anything else. Then, once it's gone you are left with a feeling of pure, well, 'wow'.

Lee puts it beautifully when he says this fudge "Consumes you...Its difficult to explain but literally it melts to hug every part of your mouth in all consuming delight."
 

I want to make it clear here that I have not been asked in any way to promote the fudge kitchen, but as I happen to be aware of it I have no qualms with making the point of how good it is! I have ordered from them offline once before, I brought a selection box which costs £14.99 filled with the double chocolate, caramel chocolate, vanilla and strawberries and cream flavours. Each of course, was as delicious as the next. I would say however only buy offline if you are buying something as a gift, or something to share between friends. I ordered offline because me and my previous housemates decided it would be a lovely treat to celebrate finishing our exams, of which it was :-)

I would like to thank Lee for letting me review this (still can't believe he sent me a whole slab!) and if you are like me, a chocoholic, then do check out his chocolate review blog. He clearly has a passion for the subject and an excellent palette.

On a slightly ironic sidenote, I'm going to be a late started to the lovely Cat's weight loss challenge. I would like this year to finally be the time I slip back into my size 10 jeans (which after having a very odd eating pattern during these exams, I am very close to doing so!) and I also think it's about time I started getting fit and healthy, and this seems like a great way to do so. Why do I mention this here? Well I'm actually a very keen cook, so plan on posting some recipes, food inspiration and perhaps the odd cooking video in the ear future.

On that note I must get off and continue with revision. Leave me a comment telling me what you thought of my reiew, and Lee's blog. Have you tried anything from the fudge kitchen before?

Cat

xx



P.S I'm really very sorry if I have disrupted anyones diet plans!

Grace under pressure.

I have exams this week. Finals. I'm pretty much screwed already considering my shitty semester and lack of motivation/laziness when it comes to revision. I have a bad case of third year blues. But nonetheless I'm giving it a final push, and shall probably be away for a week and a bit as after I finish I'm off to Dublin for a much deserved long weekend away.

As a little post exam treat to myself (not that I deserve it) I am planning on picking up a little something special. I spied this little beauty of a polish just a moment ago on Donna and Nadaz's blog, which I reccommend you go check out here now. Go do it!

Every girl needs a little chanel (granted I can only afford a nail polish) in her life.

To all those also suffering with the dreaded exam fever, I wish you good luck. If you are feeling stressed, low or pretty shit about the whole process (which I certainly am) then have a little listen to this glorious elbow track to uplift you.



Cat
xx

Review: Nude cleansing oil.

The other day I decided I needed a cleansing oil. I've seen quite a few posts of late raving about Shu Uemura’s and MAC's versions to name a few, but picked up NUDE's version after the lovely Mizzworthy mentioned on twitter that it was half price on spaceNK. It also happens to be made from completely natural ingredients (no mineral oil here, officer) infact the whole NUDE range don't contain any of the following nasties:  

parabens, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, propylene glycol, phthalates, GMO, mineral oil and silicones.

Not bad, eh.

The oil itself comes in a sexy little bottle (I seem to remember there was a court case with stella Mccarthy over packaging, either way I think it's very sleek and stylish). To use just pump a coule of squirts, rub into dry skin so it lathers up into a milky liquid, then rinse. Simples.

The idea of a cleansing oil is to remove make up effortlessly and leave skin super soft. So you ask me, does it do either? Well, yes and, yes.

I'm yet to use it on any heavy make up, but my usual mascara and wee flick of bobbi brown gel eyeliner (review to come soon) is gently swept away with 2 pumps, and my skin is left feeling as soft as a babys bottom. 1 pump would probably suffice on a non-make up day (like that happens...) and because it's so light I don't follow with another cleasnser (however I imagine if I was trying to remove heavy make up I would probably need to) -I simply tone and moisturise.

The only downside I have with this product is the heavy oilve oil-like smell that comes with it. I'm not overly fussed by it, but at the same time it doesn't exactly tickle the senses.

So in conclusion I am pretty satisifed with this product, I am tempted to try the MAC cleanse off oil once this is finished, because paying £28 for 200ml of oil kinda scares me a little. Yet I fully recommend this cleansing oil to anyone who is suffering from dry and slighly sensitive skin this winter.

Price: £28 (although still half prce on spaceNK.com)
Quantity: 200ml
Repurchase: Likely. Certainly if another half price offer was on!
Perfect for: Those with sensitive, dry skin, who want something gentle, light and effective.

Cat
xx

Bag envy: Mulberry Alexa.

 "Hi, I'm Alexa Chung, yeah I'm Vogue's best dressed female of 2009, a model, presenter, oh and have a lush boyfriend (did I mention he's in one of the most successful UK bands of the 21st century?). Yeah so Mulberry like totally designed a bag inspired by little old me, yeah life's pretty cool right now..."

I am so in love with this bag its unreal. I mean I like the Mulberry bayswater, it's such a classic, but this is like it's younger, more effortless cousin. It's got that used, school satchel charm about it. If that even exists.

It comes in two styles, a lepoard print (which is already sold out on the Mulberry site) and then this classic leather style - which is much more my cup of tea. There's something very old-school British about this design, it's ever so slightly Solane Square but with a cheeky school-girl kinda egde. Urg I'm so totally in love. Unfortunately it's £795, so unless I sell a kidney before it's released I don't think I will get anywhere close to owning it. But A girl can always dream.

However I can't be all doom and gloom, t'other week I did pick up this little satchel-type bag from ASOS,

Yeah ok, so it's no Mulberry, but it was £32, is big enough to hold my uni folders and has plenty of added pockets to store all my bits and bobs.

And if I had the money (and figure) heres what I'd ideally wear it with:

Tell me, what's your 'it' bag this season?

Cat

xx

Human rights, moral responsibility.

Article 1 of the human rights doctrine:

"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

Article 3.

"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person."

Article 5.

"No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

Article 25.

"Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control."
Souce from: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/


Gemma has set up a justgiving account where you can donate towards the disasters emergency committee, a charity which 'unites the leading independent Humanitarian Agencies in the UK in their efforts to maximise income from the British Public to mount an effective humanitarian response to major disasters overseas.'

To donate please visit http://www.justgiving.com/youtubersforhaiti - you can donate through your debit/credit card or through paypal.

Cat
xx

Tattoo today, tattoo tomorrow.

Tattoo inspration.

I have been thinking of getting a tattoo for a while, I know exactly what I want; a quote from William Blake's poem 'London'

The quote reads: 'The mind-forg'd manacles I hear.' (final line of second stanza).

I think I want it in Blake's style of handwriting, below is an image of one of the few slates he originally transcribed it to. I'm not sure where it would look best, I did think along my foot, but I'm now leaning towards having it along my upper body. What do you guys think?

Tell me your tattoo stories or inspiration.

Cat

xx

The best of...2009, duh.

Ok, ok so I'm behind on this. Can we blame exams? The weather? The last episode of Gavin and Stacey? Alright fine, I've been lazy. But I felt it would be a good idea to highlight some key products that have saved me throughout the year.

MAC nail paint in cool reserve.

This was limited edition released with the fall/winter collection. I am more than halfway through using this, which never happens with me. It's a beautiful dirty grey lavender and it just looks stunning on. The formulation is lovely, as this is my first MAC nail polish and it has tempted me to buy more. The only thing that worries me is that they won't re-lease this again for a while, cos it'll be a sad day when this is finished.


MAC unbasic white starflash shadow.

Yes, another limited edition purchase, this time from the love that look collection. I adore this shade for the inner corner, if I'm on a night out I always pop it on. This is my first and only starflash shadow, and I really do love the creamy, pigmented texture. I shall certainly be buying more when they are next released.


Bobbi brown skin foundation.

Yes, I know I talk about this stuff a lot. But seriously, it's the only foundation that I have ever repurchased (in fact I have just ordered my 3rd pot!). The coverage isn't fantastic but for everyday wear it blends beatuifully into my skin and the colour range is just fantastic, and of course in my case this is the only brand with a shade light enough to match my skintone! Hallileuigh!

 Kerastase resistance range.

A few months ago now I had a hair dye disaster. I went from blonde to brown, I had to put red in before the brown as I had bleached sections, and the result was very dark, very damaged hair. I was distraught and there was nothing the hairdresser could do except pack me off with these horrifcally expensive products, which is turn, saved my hair. I will never go back to high street hair products now, my hair is in such a wonderful condition.

Illamasqua eyeliner pencil - Sophie.

I have mixed emotions towards gel eyeliners. I have only tried MAC and sleek, but get a bit fed up with them drying out, looking cakey and being a bugger to apply. However the illamaqua pencil is one I reach to automatically when I fancy breaking out the liner. It's easy to work with, the colour is lovely and rich and it blends like a dream. Best eye liner pencil I am yet to try, hands down.

Benefit dandelion blush.

This is my fail safe blush. MAC well dressed comes a close second, but the cute packaging and lovely fresh smell seals the deal to this one. Because of my light skintone and rosacea I don't need too much in the way of blush, this isso fine and gentle I can get away with looking healthy, and not over-done.

Maybelline colassal volume mascara.

I got this at the garnier event and have since repurchased. I have been trying out the vibrating mascara thingy of late, but when that magically dissappeaed off the face of the planet I went back to colossal, and was reunited with an old friend (aww). As much as I hate the packagaing you can't deny this is a darn fine mascara, builds length, adds volume and is very nicely pigmented.

NOTD - Illamasqua rampage

 

My terrible application aside, this picture unfortunately doesn't do this nail polish justice. It's a beautiful rich sea-weed green, no shimmer or sparkle. I quite often find I want something dramatic on my nails, that isn't as harsh as black, for everyday wear. Eyeko has a very dark blue/purple 'vamp' polish that almost fits the bill, but I just find this colour a little more unusual.

I own two illamaqua nail polishes, this and baptiste. At the price (£12) they ain't cheap, and it makes me squirm somewhat when I think of it, but for me they do have some key colours that are so stand out it justifies the price tag. Added to this application is a dream, dries quickly, last for ages and you get plenty for your moneys worth.

Speaking of which,have you seen the colours for the S/S 2010 collection? I can haz now plz?

I am dying to try the one on the far right, caress. Any you would like to try?

Cat
xx