'Home Sweet Home' Makeup :)

So I travelled back home to Birmingham last Thursday and stayed until Saturday. It was lovely to see my mummy and daddy. It felt like ages since I'd last been home :( Honestly this PGCE gives me hardly any free time and the time that I do have I just want to recharge my batteries for the following week!

Anyways, I had a nice time with the family as my brother and sister were also at home. On the Saturday we had a family get-together at our house with the WHOLE family as it was one of my cousin's birthdays. We actually had a pre- Xmas dinner - it was very tasty indeed!

After most of the preparations were done I retreated to my room to get some of my reading out of the way! This is a quick snap of my FOTD :) I kept it quite simple but added a 'pop' of colour on my lips with one of my fave lippies at the moment. Hope you like!

                                                                 Face:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

MAC Moisturecover Concealer (for undereyes)

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Translucent Powder

Cheeks:

TBS Baked Bronzer in 01

MAC Powder Blush in Margin

Eyes:

Collection 2000 Liquid Liner in Black ( can't rate this product enough!)

Manhattan Ultimate Curl and Lengthen Mascara in Black

Lips:

TBS Lip Butter in Papaya

TBS Lipstick in 048

Cranberry 'n' Crackle Nails.

                           
                         Rimmel 'Cranberry Fizz' and Boots 17 Crackle Polish in Gold



I actually painted my nails a few days ago but didn't have time to blog (sorry!)

I was working on my assignment and thought what better way to have a break and paint my nails. As I was feeling in the festive mood, I dug out my Rimmel I Love Fruities Nail Polish in the aptly named 'Cranberry Fizz' which I am loving at the moment. I then chose Boots 17 Crackle Polish in 'Gold' and applied this on both of my ring fingers and I absolutely loved the result. Then a slick of clear nail polish to seal and prolong and they lasted me a whole week until I decided to change the colour :P

*Make sure you apply at least 2 coats of your main nail polish for the crackle polish to stand out.

I'm BACK (again!)...

Hey,

First off, apologies for not blogging regularly. For those who don't know I am currently training to be a primary school teacher and boy has it been hectic. Although 4 months down, 6 to go!

aka my timetable for the academic year

I recently completed and passed my first teaching placement just over 2 weeks ago which is great news! I was teaching Y1 ( 5-6 yr olds) and I really enjoyed it apart from my collaborative partner (who was highly unprofessional)!

Then I returned to university for 2 weeks of lectures and seminars and I felt utterly drained as my body was trying to adjust to the time changes. I have only recently started to feel back on track!

I finished university last Friday and I have been attempting to write a 4,500 word essay on my teaching - proving to be hard as procrastination is trying to take over! I have been reading lots and hope to start writing it tonight...

Moving on to some exciting news though, on Friday I am flying to Istanbul with my family :) I am really looking forward to a break and I can't wait to check out all the beautiful architecture and of course pick up some unique pieces of jewellery.

I will try and post more before my second placement starts which is in February...but please bear with me as my workload is crazy!

Eid at Home...

 I hope those of you who celebrate Eid had a lovely day with your family and friends.

My First Jewish Wedding.

Almost two weeks ago, along with my sister and I attended our first Jewish wedding. It was held at the Landmark Hotel in Central London and it was such a beautiful ceremony.

I had spent the past 2 months deciding what I was going to wear and I think I would have been more organised if I wasn't studying as I didn't have much time to go out and shop.

*Here are a few photo's, enjoy :)

* There aren't any of the bride and groom as I have to ask their permission first).

Mazeltov to the newly-weds :) xx

A short and not so exciting update...

Oh my goodness, where does the time go? I know I was supposed to be updating my blog regularly but my workload has been so immense as of late - apologies to those who are following me :) xx

I was actually in the middle of doing some work when I felt the urge to blog aka procrastination :)

Well I am now 2 months into my PGCE course (it is a one year intensive teacher training course in the UK for those who are unfamiliar). It is actually 10 months long and I can't believe I only have 8 months left which I am sure will fly by. I am enjoying it very much, although I have to say it will be the hardest year of my education so far. The workload is just constant, there is research, reading, revision, planning, preparation and it can be quite overwhelming at times. I just handed in my first assignment yesterday which I was glad to get rid of as I just couldn't help re-editing it to make the quality of the content better.

I just have a mountain of paperwork and planning to do for next week. I aim to complete it by tomorrow or Saturday at the latest as I want to feel prepared for the following week.

I have recently started my first teaching placement which I was so nervous about! I am in a paired placement along with 4 other trainees from my university. It is nice to have some people who you know in the same school as you. As for my placement partner, let's just say he is thinks he is a 'know-it-all' and Mr Last-minute.com. I am trying to work at our professional relationship but he really does not understand the concept of collaborative. I want us both to get the most out of this placement but he doesn't seem to want the same. So, I'll see how it goes for a few days next week before I seek further advice from my mentor/tutor.

Other than that...one my my friend's is getting married this weekend. It is infact a Jewish wedding and I am SO excited. I spent weeks deciding what to wear and finally have a an outfit - will post photo's after the wedding :P I have gone for a colour that I would never normally wear as I thought it would be different for a change and also keeping my jewellery minimal which is quite a hard thing for me to do as I like all my ethnic pieces. I can't wait to show you all :) Just going to trial out my makeup later on and hair too...

Well I should get going as I have a massive 'to-do' list to get through :)

Take Care all,

Super-quick makeup post!

Ok girlies, unfortunately this is a super quick post as I just got back in from town and need to get on with my university work!

This morning I had to rush out and do a couple of jobs before I settle down to focus on my work. I was applying my makeup and just as I was about to apply my usual blusher(s) at the moment (Sleek Pan Tao & TBS Golden Bronze Bronzer), another of my blushers caught my eye. It was TBS Blushing Daisies Blusher in 02 :D It is a shimmery deep pink which gives you a beautiful, radiant glow, but if I am honest I probably haven't touched it in the last 6 months...So I dug it out and applied and LOVED! I kept my makeup simple as I was only popping out to the shops!

A Breakdown of what I've used:

Face: LM Tinted Moisturiser - Sand

LM Secret Concealer - No4

BN2B2BB Highlighter - Blazer

Cheeks:

TBS Blushing Daises Blusher in 02

Eyes:

BB Sable

Collection 2000 Liquid Liner

Avon Supershock Liner

Manhattan Curl Mascara

Lips:

TBS Lip Liner in Pink Brown (fill lips)

TBS Hi Shine Lip Treatment in Pink Cream

Hope you like :)

Inspired Makeup Look

So this is my second study day of the week, which technically means that I should be catching up on reading or preparing for other tasks. Boy, have I found it hard being at home...I mean I've got work done but not nearly as much as I could sitting in the library all day. There are so many distractions...mainly surfing the net randomly, going for walks, taking far too many breaks..you get the picture! So I have decided that from now on my study days will be in the library as everything I need is there.

Whilst 'taking a break' I was watching a makeover video on youtube and was inspired to create a bronze goddess type look. I played around with some colours from my Barry M and Sleek palettes and came up with this. I also applied fake eyelashes...yes for the first time in ages and I thought I did a pretty damn good job too :)

Makeup Of The Day

Here is a list of the products used to create this look:

Face:

LM Tinted Moisturiser Sand

LM Secret Concealer No4

MAC Moisturecover Concealer NW20

Cheeks:

MAC Powder Blush in Margin

BN2B2BB Highlighter in Blazer

Eyes:

Barry M Dazzle Dust 15 on brow bone

Barry M Dazzle Dust in Tan

Sleek Storm Palette Matte Dark Brown on outer corner of eyes

Manhattan Mascara

Avon Luxe Lace Supershock Eyeliner in Black

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black

Lips:

No7 Stay Perfect Lip Lipliner in Nude

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight

Rimmerl Vinyl Gloss in Take A Chance

Hope you like. Oh yeah I also dyed my hair at the weekend, a deep plum :)

I love going dark for Autumn/Winter.

What do you think? Have any of you changed your hair colour for this season?

Exhausted is NOT the word!

Oh my goodness this week has been quite overwhelming. I was supposed to post this yesterday but I was absolutely shattered!

I started my PGCE on Monday and although I was relieved as the wait was finally over, I felt a mixture of emotions. This week has basically been full of back to back lectures and seminars about the PGCE, subject knowledge and our placements. It is definitely full on and it will be a tough, challenging and sleepless year! I have been up and out of the house by 7.15am and I usually return by 6pm, have my dinner, exercise and then work until 12 midnight! Yep it is that hectic. There is always something to do such as reading. There is never enough reading that you can't do! Overall I am enjoying it and I am looking forward to my first placement but feeling a little nervous too. I have met some lovely people too and it has been really interesting finding out what people have been doing prior to the course and there different backgrounds. I have also encountered some people who seem think they know best when really we should all be learning from one another but you just have to take them with a 'pinch of salt' and get on with it.

Today I was looking forward to a lie in but I woke up early and to an aching body. It will take some getting used to but it will be so worth it in the end :) I then rushed out before my driving lesson to pick up som dividers as I am going to spend the weekend sorting out all my folders so I can find things easily and make sure all my paperwork is organised. I also need to organise my reading too. I need to stay organised!

I have been listening to this tune today and it makes me feel so laid back :)

G. Love & Special Sauce - Relax

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxIYuGsVCQ4

Enjoy,

My Journey To Become A Primary School Teacher Has Finally Begun...

Today I returned to university as a PGCE Primary Trainee Teacher. I was amazed at how many trainees filled up the lecture room, there must have been over 200 of us!

I didn't sleep much at all last night as I was so nervous but as soon I approached the room and sat down next to a girl I had bumped into at the entrance, everything seemed much more calmer. I pretty much had back to back lectures from 9am until 3pm and boy was I shattered at the end of the day! Well this is what it is going to be like for the next 10 months and whilst I am very excited, it is going to be a long slog. Honestly, it is. We were all given details about the course, our assignments and placement and evidence tracker and I will have no life for the duration of this course.

I will continue to blog as much as I can as it is agreat outlet for me to just talk about everything. But if I do disappear for a while it is due to my course and workload although I do hope to organise myself and maintain it throughout the year :)

I have even had to give myself a bedtime as I have to wake up super early to get the tube from North West London to East London. Crazyness but it will be worth it!

Well I need to go and remove my makeup and sort out my outfit for tomorrow as I can't afford to faff about in the morning...hehe :)

Barry M Pigment Palette

Yesterday whilst I was at home I took out my Barry M pigment palette and decided to experiment. I opted to wear Pink Gold on my eyes along with a slick of liquid eyeliner. It was a really radiant and glowy look ( I wish I had taken a photo!).

My Barry M Pigment Palette 

Today I was swatching some of the neutral colours I have pressed into pans and I realised how I have never worn Barry M's Mushroom pigment. It doesn't look very appealing in the pan but on the eyes, it looks absolutely amazing. It is a mauvey-pinky brown and is very wearable during the day. You could definitely smoke it up using Barry M's Charcoal for the evening.

Barry M Mushroom Pigment

Here is a list of all the products I used for this look:

Face: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Sand

        MAC Moisture Cover Concealer

        MAC Select Cover Up

     

Cheeks: Body Shop Apricot Shimmer Powder Blush

            B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Highligher

Eyes: Barry M Mushroom Pigment

         Collection 2000 Liquid Eyeliner

         Avon Luxe Lace Supershock Eyeliner

         Manhattan Long and Ultimate Curl Mascara

Lips: Body Shop Lipliner in Pink Brown

        Body Shop Hi Shine Lip Treatment in Pink Cream

Here are a few pics:

I love it and I am even thinking of wearing it tomorrow! (Back to being a student as from tomorrow too!)

Peace and Love,

Sarii Loves...

I've decided to start a new feature called 'Sarii Loves, Sarii Loathes' which will be to do with absolutely anything I choose.

This week I have chose makeup as my theme. I have selected a few products which I have literally been wearing pretty much everyday for the past few weeks.

(From left to right)

1. Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight - My fave nude lippy, a muted peach, it compliments most of my looks. I am on my third one so it just proves that it rocks my world!

2. The Body Shop Powder Blush in Apricot Shimmer - Absolutely LOVE this TBS blush. I used to wear it ALL the time when I worked there. It really illuminates my cheeks and makes me look radiant.

3. Be Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Cream Highlighter in Blazer (no longer available) - I rarely used to use a highlighter but this is amazing. It is a bronze/pink highlighter which I apply on my brow bones and cheek bones to uplift those areas

4. Manhattan Ultimate Long and Curl Mascara - A friend of mine from Bosnia sent me this as a gift and it is another product I am really liking. It is almost a jet black and really does curl my lashes.

5. No7 Perfect Lips Pencil in Nude - This is a product I continually purchase from No7. It is the perfect Nude lipliner that you can use soley by itself or with a lipstick/gloss. I like to wear this with Nude Delight and also MAC Cut-A-Caper for beautiful nude or coral lips!

6. Avon Luxe Super Shock in Black - This is my No1 black eyeliner to use these days. It definitely surpasses UD Zero. I just haven't reached for that in literally months. I find Avon to be super black (I love anything super black, jet black, you name it hehe) and longer lasting than UD.


So girlies what are you loving this month? Beauty, clothes, celebs, flowers....it could be absolutely anything :)

Haulage

Hey lovelies :)

Yesterday after enrolling at university ( yes I am officially a PGCE Primary student!) I popped into central as I needed to pick up a few basics for my work wardrobe. I also used it as an excuse to spend my John Lewis and H&M gift vouchers :)

I have combined an earlier haul too but more about yesterday :P

I popped into Peter Jones as I had reserved my favourite concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in 4 (I have been trying everywhere for the past month and finally got a hold of it!) It really is a lovely John Lewis store and the makeup artist was lovely too.

Afterwards I headed to Oxford Circus in search of some wide leg trousers. I went from Topshop to Zara to House of Fraser to Debenhams and yes I found the most comfy trousers from Debenhams ' Collection' brand even after trying on a load of others from various concessions. I purchased a pair of wide leg trousers for £35 which isn't too bad at all.

I admit the photo is rubbish but you can still have a peek!

H&M is probably where I did most of my haul. I picked up a pair of tan ballet pumps. I had originally wanted to purchase a pair from Dune but I couldn't find my size anywhere. I picked up four capped sleeve tops in turquoise, black, beige and navy, a black long sleeved top, a black cardigan, a yellow capped sleeve top and a beige jumper (which I think I might return for a smaller size) I was pleased with what I got from H&M and glad I finally have some new clothes to wear to my work placements when I am teaching.

I popped into Aldo to have a look at their jewellery, sometimes they have some really unique pieces. I actually saw these earrings a while ago and wasn't decided on whether to purchase them or not and was so happy when I went in yesterday and there were still there for a bargain price of £6!

As summer is pretty much over I headed to Boots to hunt down some autumny/dark nail polish shades as most of my polishes are summery/neutral colours. I picked up a No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish in a deep metallic damson (it is beautiful!) and I have been lusting over a midnight/dark blue. I used to own Barry M's Navy but I didn't like the fact you had to apply 3 coats and it looked quite flat. I saw this little gem in 17 and it really has a lovely metallic deep blue sea finish. I will definetly be sporting these this season - looking forward to bringing out my Winter Wardrobe.

Last and not least I went to M&S, now I don't usually shop in here at all but I was gifted a perfume by a parent when I finished my job as a teaching assistant and I fell in love. It is called ISIS and is part of the M&S Fragrance range which I have to say is pretty damn good. It is light, floral scent with notes of violet, rose and lily of the valley. When I first applied it my sister told me it smelt of a more expensive perfume called L' Eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake. It smelt both and it does indeed for a fraction of the price!

Mini Haulage

A few weeks ago I was in central, as I had a hair appointment. Afterwards I went along to Oxford Street for a mooch and purchased a few things..well jewellery to be precise.

I picked up a pair of purple boho earrings from New Look. I don't own many purple pieces of jewellery and really like the look of these. I then ventured into Forever 21 and have to say although I made a few small purchases I wasn't pleased at all. The store is tiny considering it is on Oxford Street. I much prefer the Birmingham store where they have a massive floor dedicated to just jewellery and accessories and there is so much more variety!

Anyways I picked up a chunky navy and gold raffia bangle, a wooden abalone shell ring and a pearlescent shell flower ring too. You can never have enough jewellery my lovelies :P

Enjoy :)

Henna

With Ramadan coming to an end, I visited my cousins to prepare for Eid celebrations. I love this time of year when it is Eid as I get to henna everyone in my family. Usually I make the henna pasta using a simple recipe consisting of henna powder, lemon juice, sugar and essential oils but this time I decided to order a tube from a henna artist online. I opted for the mini henna kit which included a cone of henna, henna seal spray and a glitter cone for decoration.

I created these patterns on my sister, cousins, aunty and myself... ( Some pics don't want to send to my laptop for some reason will try and post the rest soon!)

Henna after 6 hours

Henna after 24 hours

I am absolutely amazed with the results. Amazingly dark henna which looks beautiful!

How did your henna turn out? Do you create your patterns or go and get it professionally done?