Essex girl in Paris continues...

6 months!!! I have been living in Paris for 6 months! It seems so unreal, but the good sort of unreal. I am starting to realise how much I have done, and what I have achieved since I've been here and also how difficult it has been. 

I've managed to find an apartment, 2 jobs and many friends. I've visited a variety of places. Eaten and drunk alot! Had a shitty time and an incredible time. Begun to learn a language which six months ago I could say nothing and now I can have conversations. I'm probably more confident but definitely none the wiser!

Here are some pictures to show you some of my life in the past few months...

Difficult to see but this is me and 2 girls in the Galerie des Glaces  at the Chateau de Versaille. It is beautiful there and I really recommend going! It is the room used when the Treaty of Versailles was signed to end WW1 and also in the J'adore Dior advert with Charlize Theron.

Outside view from the Pompidou Centre. Interesting art and a back drop of the city!

The Eiffel Tower by Delaunay at the Pompidou

Me as 'art' at the Pompidou

Another Delaunay at the Pompidou

Eiffel Tower from Pompidou

Sculpture outside the Pompidou

From Pont Bir Hakeim

A street carnival near Nation in July - lots of noise, music, dancing and people!

Fun fair in the tuileries!

Me and my friend outside Odeon for Fete de la Musique - It's a free musical event all over the city where people fill the streets play music and drink! It is packed and I recommend attending one year. A city full of partying!

Cocktails were needed at Fete de la Musique!

Relaxing in the Luxembourg Gardens

An almost beautiful view... If only I could see where I work!

Luxembourg

Me and my friend in the Luxembourg

Sunbathing at Paris Plage!

Many people at Paris Plage and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Great idea but not so good for relaxing!

Work aka Montparnasse Tower - The tallest and ugliest building in Paris!

Me at Paris Plage

The Arc de Triomphe on my way to work!

Night out with work colleagues!

Dancing and drinking at Tino Rossi by the Seine - Perfect

I had been drinking!

Crazy dancing man!

 So... there you go. A few pictures of the many things I have done so far in my little adventure. Who knows what the next 6 months will bring...?

Hair and Make up - Keira Knightley inspired! OOTD

I had been reading this months Glamour magazine, which I love, when I saw this little picture of Keira Knightley in the beauty section (below). I love how she looks here, even if she isn't smiling, it seems quite classic and I think she looks really pretty.

As I mentioned before I'm moving to Paris for a while in a few weeks so last night my little sister had arranged a family night out before I leave. We had a meal in Cote restaurant on Tavistock Street in London then went to a comedy night in Covent Garden near Embankment Station. It was so much fun! We had french food, champagne and then cheap beers at the comedy. We were front row and of course got picked on! I laughed so much though!

Anyway, I used this night to have a go at creating my own version of this make up look. I just wish I had a lighter pink lipstick - does anyone know of any good ones?

I used my Rimmel gel liner to create the winged liner look. I had to lengthen and check the shape as I went, at first it was much to short. I suggest doing the same though as you don't want to make it too long then ended up smudging it all over your face trying to get it off. The lip colour I used is the Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar. I love this colour as it's so bright, brighter in real life though, the pictures make it look darker.

For my hair I used many many many kirby grips and buckets of hairspray. I made sure it was clean, and dried it straight then used my ghd's to go over any kinks or frizz so that it was smooth. I then got a section from the top on each side and twisted it back and pinned it. I then did another 2 sections underneath and pinned it at the back. (To be clearer I twisted and pinned 3 parts on each side at the back.)

I then picked up the hair, like I was going to put it into a bun and twisted it round. Then, instead of using a hair bobble I pinned it all in place using around 20-25 kirby grips. Once it was secure I used hairspray all over and then repeatedly sprayed the back about 5 more times before I went out. It managed to stay in all night from about 3pm to 1am so I was impressed, I just had to rejig the pins every now and then if any started to slip.

My outfit was a black and white print dress from Mango, Green Blazer (one of my favourites) , leggings, Grey Stiletto ankle boots from Forever 21 and a white and green small handbag.

Let me know what you think of the look and if you have tried any beauty or hair from celebs or magazines for inspiration. Post any links below.

Maria xx

What happens next?

Hi, this post is all about what is currently going on with me and my life. As in jobs, houses etc. On Friday it was my last day in my job. For the past 4 1/2 years I have been a primary school teacher in Kent and London. However, I had to move back in with my Mum and Dad in September after having not lived with them since I was 18. I'm 25 now. So 7 years of independence was amazing and I was not looking forward to going back. Because of this I have done a short term job and like I said I recently left.

The reason for leaving the job is because I'm also moving again. I took some time to think about where I wanted to live and what I wanted to do with my life. Living and working abroad has always been something I have dreamt of, put on new years resolutions, and planned. I never thought I'd be brave enough to do it though until now!

I have decided to do a TEFL course then look for a job as a TEFL teacher. (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This way I can travel/live abroad and still work as I'm in no way a position to fund an undefined amount of time travelling.

The country I have decided to train and teach in is France and I'm heading straight for Paris! I can't wait!!! I have been a few times and have fallen in love with it through these visits and in films (what's not to love about Funny Face?). Working there will be so surreal and, for me, the bravest thing I have ever done. I have a few weeks before I go and will be busy seeing all my friends and family, packing and doing a little work. The hardest bit is that I have no idea how long I'll be away. Could be as little as 4/5 months, could be as long as forever. That's the bit that's the scariest! (That and the Del-Boy amount of French that I can speak - mange tout mange tout)

Anyway, I'll still be carrying on the blog, the lifestyle part might takeover for a while. But I am looking forward to new adventures, new beauty and new fashions! Paris!!!! Argh!!

Everyday Make Up Look

Everything I used.

Hi, another day in the snow!! I thought I'd post my everyday make up today to see what you thought, (feel free to comment, as long as you're not here to be too mean!). This is the look I go to when I'm in a rush as I know exactly what to do so it takes very little time but I think I still end up with a natural but polished look. 

The overall look.

How I did it...
Firstly I made sure my face was cleansed, toned a moisturised of course. Every girl needs a clean base to start with. Then I used Rimmels wake me up concealer under my eyes and on my blemishes. It would be ridiculous to pretend I didn't have them and unfortunately, depsite my best efforts I still get the occasional breakout. I find this concealer gives good coverage without looking like it's been put on with a shovel.

Next I used one pump of Rimmels wake me up foundation. I applied with my fingers, blending all over to make sure I didn't leave any marks. Using a hand held mirror as well as a dressing table mirror furhter away helps me with this. That way I can see as close up as possible and also what people who aren't invading my personal space are seeing!

Next was Benefits High Beam on my cheeks and between the brows. I also used a very tiny amount under my eyes to brighten them. I have seen people use lots of highlighter under their eyes and I think it just looks too bright, white and if I'm honest - mental!

Now my face has good even coverage and an almost look of flawlessness I use Bella Bamba blusher from Benefit to give me some colour. I really like this colour for my skin tone and complexion. Then I use Rimmels waterproof gel liner in black. I make sure I follow the lash line carefully and slowly and then finish with small flicks upwards for the day time. Flicks and liner that are too big need eye-shadow and false lashes on me otherwise it all looks out of proportion! This gel liner is really easy to use, it's not like a pencil which can be too dry and it's not as slippery as liquid liners which I can get into a bit of a mess with, and nobody wants that.

This is followed by a quick coat of Scandaleyes mascara in black, I've lost my benefit They're Real - HELP!! This gives a nice colour and can lift they eyes for a subtle look. I then finish by using Rimmels Lasting finish lipstick in heart breaker. I apply it with a brush for the day so it's no too intense. 

That's it! Takes toughly five minutes and in my opinion makes me look less scary than a bare face! Just because I feel tired doesn't mean I need people to know about it, especially in my job.

 

The lips up close looking very subtle but not too plain. I look a bit washed out if I have nothing on my lips at all. The necklace is new too. I bought it in the Dorothy Perkins sale for £3 on Friday  A bargain and very cute, a statement necklace, which I love.

Close up of my eye, lined with black liner and a quick and simple coat of mascara. Of course there are some concealer products here as well, no ones perfect after all and I don't use photoshop so it's needed!!

The finished look again. Subtle make up but I feel more confident and look less tired. Might be time to go and play in the snow now and build a snowman. I'll then need a large coffee, a sofa and a movie to warm up. Might even make casserole for dinner later. Perfect winter day!

Maria xx

Golden Globes 2013

Was looking through the golden globe pictures today and thought I would share with you my favourites and also the ones I found the worst. Essentially, I'm not too worried about the films. I like watching them but get to the cinema so rarely it is hard for me to form an opinion. Mostly though my favourites are the classics  Breakfast at Tiffany's, Casablanca, Some Like It Hot, Dirty Dancing etc. Anything else I see which happens to be more 'critically acclaimed' and I like is just a bonus!

Favourites:

Jennifer Lawrence looked beautiful in this dress. It is simple yet very effective, her waist looks slim, her boobs look good (not too in your face) and the skirt is just the right size and not too big and in the way. The colour and coordinating lipstick also look incredible. Simple, beautiful... I'm jealous!!

Jessica Alba was probably my favourite of the dresses I've seen. This is a beautiful colour on her olive skin, I'm not sure \i'd have liked it on someone who was paler. She's lucky to have an amazing figure that looks great in this dress, very classic. The necklace is also completely fabulous, and I should hope so as I hear it cost £9 zillion (approximately). Overally her hair is well done but doesn't distract from the necklace and dress combo. I love this look!

I always think Adele dresses well. She gets some stick for being 'fat' but I think she looks lovely in this. She has dressed for her size, she's a new Mum on a night out with her Mum friends and it's beautiful  Simple with some embellishment and flattering for her figure.

Isla Fisher looks lovely also! Simple dress design with lots of sparkle and my favourite hairstyle on the night. Overall the best thing abut this is that she looks very confident, what more could you want when being watched and photographed by so many people?

Emily Blunt looks very chic in this. Shows her her figure nicely and is a beautiful colour on her. Again - simple and elegant but not in a boring way.

Least Favourites (worst):

The flower embellishment on Sienna Millers dress just don't do it for me. It looks a bit childish for my taste. Not so sure the shape does wonders for her figure either...

I think Taylor Swift looks a little too grown up in this personally... or too young. I can't decide! It's either a 15 year old wearing a debenhams dress to the leavers ball or an older women (who I actually think could look lovely in this - like Helen Mirren) looking classy and sexy without being trashy. 

I don't think the colour suits Jessica Chastains' skin or hair colour. I don't think it flatters the figure at all either... I think she could have chosen some lovely colours to match that hair as well...

Alyssa Milano is only 5' 2" and I think this dress swamps her a little. The ruching at the empire line also makes her look larger than she is around her stomach. Love the earrings though!



Let me know what you think of the Golden Globes Fashion choices. I also thought the men in their Tom Ford suits also looked very handsome and Bradley Cooper always looks beautiful!

xxx

My wardrobe

Have started the year well! Lazy day on the 1st to make up for going to bed at 6am was of course needed. The 2nd started slow but I made some lists, tidied and sorted and feel much more ready for the year. I even managed to paint my nails in a lovely nails Inc varnish called Victoria. It's dark red/burgundy and is on its own for a change. No glitter, nail art or stickers today.

I have also started my exercise and diet routines for the year. I know it's only my second day but I feel like I will make some good progress this time. My attitude feels different this time, I have more determination to lose weight and have a healthy body and lifestyle.

To give myself an additional boost however I went through my wardrobe to pick out things that don't currently fit me. (I would normally say no longer fit me so I'm positive thinking!) I found a lovely lipstick red, boned, tulip, strapless dress from French Connection. They used to be very popular styles in the store and I absolutely adore mine. The only problem is that at the moment it doesn't fit. I look horrendous in it. Like I'm trying to stuff myself into something Victoria Beckham owns. This is now my inspiration - I MUST fit into this dress again. It hasn't gone out of fashion and I love it so it seems perfect. Everytime I consider missing a work out or heading to Starbucks for a lemon poppyseed muffin I'll think of the red dress. The red dress will help me!!