CELEBRATIONS... (well, after Ramadan :p )

Last month I finished my PGCE in Primary Education, which is basically a 1 year intense post-grad course in teacher training. Boy, did it fly by?! I've had amazing, challenging, rewarding and stressful learning experience! I've made lots of friends, met a few inspirational practitioners, worked with the most fabulous of all the children,  as well as learning a great deal about myself.

I found out a few days ago that I passed the course so I am officially a Primary School Teacher as well as a Mixed Media Artist :) I graduate in November and can't wait!

But the most exciting news is...

I got a JOB!! Yes, I GOT A JOB! Honestly, I was losing hope as I'd applied for SO many jobs and had quite a few interviews but it was always 'Oh you were our second best candidate..' I didn't let it get me down at first but after a few then it got me down. My last two schools were the last chances I had to get a job before the end of term (well that's what I thought).

I won't tell the whole story as not to bore you but I signed up with a few agencies for supply work in September.  One agency set me up with an interview literally the day before and I had HOURS to plan a lesson - which was stressful at first but when I knew pretty much what I wanted to teach it all fell into place. The observation lesson went well and interview too, and later on that day the school offered me the job. I was so relieved and happy but most thankful to God. I learnt a lot about myself in those 48 hours, the most important was to never lose faith and also learn trust yourself more.

So as from September I will be a Year 1 teacher (teaching 5-6 year olds). Eek I am SO excited but also nervous too! I will be in and out of school this summer, cleaning, sorting and making my classroom welcoming to my new class :)

Since it is Ramadan, it's a bit awkward to celebrate with Iftar opening late so I intend to celebrate afterwards inshallah! Bring on the shisha, lol.

Ramadan Mubarak to those who are fasting! Alhumdulilah, I have been able to keep the first 4 fasts and they have gone well :) Honestly, I was thinking they would be really difficult to keep but all good so far! I hope they are going well for you all too.

Right, I am going to do some work for my **new class** :)

Love Sarii xx

P.S. Remember, believe in yourself and don't give up! The best things come to those who wait :) xx

An Arabian Eye Makeup Look

Today, because I have SO much free time ( I literally do) I thought I would try and use and experiment with makeup I don't usually use. I would say this is more of an Arab Makeup look that I would wear to an event/wedding. Btw this is a picture heavy post!!

                  

                 
Face:  Superdrug Vit E Illuminating Cream mixed with a smidge of LM Tinted Moisturiser
         MAC Moisturecover and Studio Finish Concealer to hide blemishes
         LM Translucent to set

Eyes: UD Primer Potion mixed with BN2B2BB Highlighter
         UD NYC Palette Eyeshadows: Maui Wowie all over and under eye, Suspect outer,
         Smog in crease - blend, blend blend!!
         Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black
         UD Primer Potion with No7 Dreamlash (discontinued) in Jet Black
         Collection 2000 pigment in Heavenly as brow and inner eye highlighter

Cheeks: Sleek Blush in Suede
            Mac Blush in Margin
            Sue Moxley Baked Bronzer aka Highligher in Miami swept over cheekbones

Lips: TBS Lip Liner in Pink Brown 10 to fill lips,
        Natural Collection Lipstick in Rose Petal
        TBS Hi Shine Lip Treatment in Pink Cream

Brushes/Tools used: GOSH Face and Body
                     GOSH Blusher
                     MAC 217 blender, 239 eyeshadow, 219 pencil
                     GOSH Eyeliner
                     Models Own Eyelash Curler (LOVE THIS CURLER!!)

Katrina Kaif Makeup Look

So, a new film called 'Ek Tha Tiger' is due to be released next month around Eid time and I somehow stumbled across it. For all of you out there who are unfamiliar with Bollywood, the two main actors are Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.

I watched one of the songs for the movie and loved Katrina K's make up, it was so radiant and so natural looking. She is a newcomer to the Bollywood industry and receives a lot of stick for her roles. Ok, actingwise she is okay but give the girl a chance she's young and has so much to learn and also Hindi is not her first language.

I am just thinking I am sitting here typing away about Bollywood when I am not actually a fan. I watch the odd movie now and again, although I do have to say the genre you typical Bollywood film has changed and developed so much. I am not sure if I will watch Ek Tha Tiger, if I do it will only be because of the songs!

Back to Katrina, I think she is one of the prettiest actresses in Bollywood and I mean she looks amazing without makeup too (ahem ahem Bipasha Basu :S) I found this picture of Katrina online from her recent movie and decided to experiment and come up with my own K Kaif inspired look. I hope you like it - let me know what you think :)

The Look

                  

What do you think?

Peace and Love,

Sarii xx

Nails, nails, nails...

Hello lovelies,

Lately I have been painting my nails quite regularly to brighten up my day (damn this depressing weather!) I wish the sun would come out and shine properly or that it stopped raining!

Anyways so yes I have been trying out more of my nail polishes lately because:

1. I am trying to make use of the colours I have as I continuously keep purchasing colours to my collection :S

2. I like to experiment with different combinations and looks :)


I have bought quite a few nail polishes recently through the various offers that have been on and vouchers I have received. Below is the collection I have purchased within the last 2-3 months. I have tended to sway towards more pastel-summery colours. I also took the plunge, after being wowed by designs on the 'Wah Nails' website I bought the 'Models Own and Wah Nails' Nail art pen in White ( I felt I would use white more out of all the colours available).

L - R: No7 Cheeky Chops, So Simple, Rimmel 60 Seconds Princess Pink, Rimmel I Love Strawberry Fizz, Misty Jade, Miss Sporty Electric Blue and Models Own/Wah Nails Nail Pen in White.


Cheeky Chops is a recent purchase after I had 2 No7 vouchers and was unsure of what to purchase as I had already stocked up on my absolute favourite lip liner in Nude. I reviewed it online through a number of blogs and thought it was quite a pretty shade. I have yet to try it so will update when I have.

So Simple is a re-purchase and honestly the perfect nude nail colour. It has such a subtle shimmery finish which you barely notice and is lovely for day to day wear.

Princess Pink was purchased to use a natural manicure shade. I usually opt for a peach shade for a natural manicure but I was keen to try pink. It is quite pretty on and really enhances your nails.

Strawberry Fizz reminds me of Barbie pink :) I used it 2 weeks ago to do a manicure and I love it. It is vibrant but not the tacky kind as it has more of a pink pastel base.

Misty Jade is an amazing colour in the bottle and on the nails ( that is after about 3-4 coats). I am not impressed with the formula and consistency of this polish as it is quite watery and very streaky. I painted my nails with 3 coats and it could have done with one more but I decided not too. Such a shame but it is a gorgeous green and will look fab on tanned skin :)

Electric Blue was a recent purchase afte many a time I picked it up and popped it into my basket and then decided not to purchase at the til. Yes indecisive I know! It wasn't until I read an old post on Bubblegarm's blog and saw Muhsine's swatches that I knew I had to buy (Thank you Muhsine!). It looks really amazing on and it really is a different kind of blue again with a more cool toned pastel base. I have yet to try on properly so will update when I have!

Nail Art Pen - so I had been umming and aahing about whether or not to purchase this as nail art does take time and I didn't want to buy and then it takes place in the back of my drawer :S After looking at Wah Nails website and some nail art blogs online I decided to buy and I have been enjoying using it so far. It is quite easy to use there is pin type nib for fine and intricate designs  and then a paintbrush in the bottle which is for thicker line designs.  I think it is because I have finished my studies and because I have not secured a teaching post for September I am pretty much free, there fore I have A LOT of spare time!

Okay so moving on below are a few pics of the nail polishes/design I have used within the last 3 weeks. I am still currently wearing Rimmel Misty Jade with a 'Ring Finger' nail art design :)

No7 So Simple with Rimmel Strawberry Fizz

Rimmel Apricot Punch with Models Own/Wah Nails White Pen

Rimmel Misty Jade with Models Own/Wah Nails White Pen

Hope you enjoyed reading :)

Peace and Love

Sarii xx