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

An Alternative Arabesque Wedding Gift

Hello my lovelies :)

Yes blogging twice in one day is something! I feel like I am on a role with my planning too!

This is a much belated wedding gift to a friend of mine who got married last year ( yes I am very embarrassed and sorry about the lateness of this gift) I started it before her wedding and then I commenced my teacher training soon after and I did neglect it due to the sheer volume of work I had. Initially I was stuck on what to purchase her and her husband for their wedding. So I decided that because her favourite colour is turquoise I would create a unique, piece of art work using turquoise and a range of colours for her and I am really glad I did.

Earlier this week I ordered a beautiful frame with mount from ebay (bargain!) and was over the moon when I received it this morning. I literally couldn't open the package fast enough and place the piece of art work I made into the frame. I am so pleased with it and really hope she likes it too.

I am not sure if I mentioned in my blog before but I studied Mixed Media Fine Art at university and during my time there, I developed an interest in Arabic/Geometric art. I like to choose the patterns I use carefully as well as the colour of silk threads.

For each piece, I use cardboard and  measure out the dimension of how big/small I want the artwork to be and then I choose my Arabic pattern. Then I peel away the surface of the cardboard so that it has more texture and a feel of rawness. Afterwards I print out the pattern on to clear acetate and carefully glue it onto the cardboard. Next comes the toughest and most challenging part, sewing into the pattern using silk threads. I tend to sew in the morning when the natural light is at its best and try to keep going for as long as I can. I do have to take a break though as it can be quite harsh on my hands - although I do find it quite relaxing and therapeautic. After the pattern has been fully sewn I may use clear tape to ensure the threads are secure and then it is ready to be framed :)

I really want to start making small collections of my art work and framing them as I just the love the intricacy and vibrancy of them. I really want to attempt a piece of art work with tropical colours like bright oranges, pinks and purples.

What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions for the colours I use?

Lots of love, Sara xx

Rose-Bronze Look & A Tresemme Blowdry

So as mentioned in my previous post, I have been experimenting more with my makeup (when I should be planning, tut tut!) Anyways, usually I don't tend to wear makeup if I'm home all day but I wanted to create a fresh-faced bronzed glow today and I think I succeeded. Well I do like the look and it will be something I will try again soon :) Although this post was actually about my new Tresemme Ceramic Hot Curl Brush which I am getting the hang of. My aim was just to blow dry my hair in with a slight curl and after faffing about with my hairdryer I finally got there! I think I should have sectioned my har better and need a lot more practice holding my brush and hairdryer lol ( for those of you who may know me, I rarely use my hairdryer as I prefer to let my hair dry naturally).

Here you go - I have listed the makeup used too :)

Hair products used:

Wella Enrich Split Ends Elixir (love this product as it keeps my ends looking healthy)

L'oreal Liss Control Tecni Art Smooth Control Gel Cream ( been using this for YEARS!)

Makeup used:

Face/Cheeks: 

LM Tinted Moisturiser in Sand

MAC Moisturecover Concealer in NW20

Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzer in 51

Sue Moxley Baked Bronzer in Bali

Eyes:

Bourjois Eye Kohl Pencil in Black

UD Deluxe Eyeshadow Palette - Scratch as base and Snag blended on top

No7 Eyelash Curlers with Dreamlash Mascara in Jet Black

Lips:

Natural Collection Moisture Lipstick in Rose Petal

Hope you liked :)

Love Sara x

Holidays, Jobs and Smokey Eyes...

This week is half term, infact it's almost the end of the week but I have enjoyed the break.

I spent the long Jubilee weekend back home in Birmingham with my family which was nice although I wish I could have stayed for the rest of the week. I had to return to London to get on with my planning which I have gradually been getting done.

Other than that I have been experimenting in my breaks lol with my makeup collection and I have been enjoying creating smokey looks. Yesterday I created a dark blue smokey eye look and today I created a deep turquoise smokey eye look. Have a look at the photo's below :)

Face:

LM Oil Free Primer

LM Tinted Moisturiser in Sand

LM Secret Concealer in 04

MAC Moisturecover Concealer in NW20

Eyes:

Collection 2000 Liquid Eyeliner in Black

MAC Fluidline in Siahi

GOSH Eyeliner in Blue Grass

Bourjois Kohl Pencil in Black

No7 Eyelash Curlers with Dreamlash Mascara in Jet Black 

Barry M Fine Glitter Dust in 98 (Gorgeous black, teal, purple glitter)

NYX Eye Pencil in Milk (blended on brow bone)

Cheeks:

TBS Baked Bronzer in 02

Lips:

No7 Perfect Lips Liner in Nude

Rimmel Lipstick in Nude Delight

Rimmel Vinyl Lipgloss in Take a Chance

I think those are all the products - hope you like!

Today has been crazy...I spent most of the day out doing my food, toiletries, school resources shopping and finally my laundry. Boy am I tired! I am finally sitting down now, relaxing for a bit before I start my work. ( I'm currently painting my nails with GOSH 'Miss Sweety', a gorgeous pastel peachy shade).

I repurchased a few beauty items today that aren't so extravagant but items I really like.

1. Boots Natural Collection Nail Polishes in Crystal Clear and Peach Manicure

2. No7 Perfect Lips Liner in Nude ( this must be my 4th or 5th pencil now - uber love!)

Whilst I was in Boots, I thought I would try and search for a dupe for the much loved but discontinued Rimmel Volumizing Lippie in Foxy ( a gorgeous nude pink with peach undertones). I was in luck after swatching a few shades from a range of brands, I came back to Boot Natural Collection (yes!) a brand that I rarely go for, for makeup. I ended up purchasing their Moisture Lipstick in Rose Petal and it is such a pretty colour  - will update you all on it though!

I also bought a non-electrical ceramic hot curl styling brush by Tresemme. Every two months I go to this Japanese/Korean hair salon near Tottenham Court Road where they cut my hair beautifully and so skillyfully too. Whenever my stylist Mika styles my hair, she uses this large ceramic barrel brush and curls my hair ever so slightly but so smoothly too. I tried my hand at styling my hair with my mum's brush at the weekend and loved the results. My hair looks simple but chic, so I decided to invest in this brush and I can't wait to use it!!

I haven't really gone shopping properly but my birthday is a few weeks ago and hopefully I will be going on holiday next month so I may use those events as an excuse :P

But to be honest there isn't anything that I'm like blown away to purchase. I love wearing my maxi dresses and skirts in the summer, so perhaps invest in one of those. Makeup-wise, hmm again there is nothing out there that I am lusting after...

I better get back to my work now as my break time is up!

Hopefully will blog soon :)