TGIF // Friday Favourites

There's a definite Autumn/Winter theme to today's Friday Favourites. I just bloomin love A/W.

This tote bag is from Waterstones, the illustration is by Quentin Blake, it's a total throw back for me so when I saw it I snapped it up right away. It's smaller than your average tote bag and I've been using it to transport my lunch to and from the office every day. It's the perfect size.

I've been lucky enough to have some how managed to have a cold for a month straight now, this ginger cordial has been a total life saver for me. This cordial is the only reason I've not lost my voice/ torn out my throat in annoyance or curled up in a ball and tried to hibernate.

I have these pyjama trousers as part of a set from Primark. There is nothing more wintery (is that a word) in my mind than a set of red tartan pyjamas. Every time I wear them it makes me happy. My sister and Bekah also have the same set because I made them get them and we are that cool. Jealous? I thought so.

My sister got me this lipstick last year and I love it. It's really dark and probably as close to black as I will ever be brave enough to wear. Plus, could the packaging get any nicer?

I picked these boots up from Ebay for £16 and oh my am I in love. They are so comfortable and they don't make the clip clop noises (the two things I value most in a heeled boot).

What are some of your favourites during the Autumn/Winter seasons?

Kate // SK

TGIF // Friday Favourites

I've not done a Friday favourites in a while, most of my favourites recently have been birthday presents and I'm doing a blog post on my presents.

I just finished reading this book and if you're looking for a quick cosy read this is perfect. Plus if you know me you know I love a book about books!

TGIF // Friday Favourites

This nail polish has been a favourite of mine for years. It's the perfect nail polish for those days that I can't make a decision about what colour to wear. Depending on the light and angle the polish can look blue, green or purple on the nail.

TGIF // Friday Favourites

First off I would like to apologise for the awful quality of these photos. I used my good camera but the battery was crazy low and I think that screwed it up. I'm pre writing blogs for when I go away for a month and re-taking photos is not really an option. Sorry!

 I love love love this bag from Dorothy Perkins, it's the perfect black bucket bag. The clasp at the bottom of the bag lets the strap slide easily out and lengthen without messing about with pulling material through a buckle.

 So everyone always says I'm a hat person, and I don't disagree BUT I hardly ever wear hats because I feel over dressed when I do. But as I'm going away to Romania for a missions trip to do a lot of outdoor work I needed a hat, and I just don't feel like I pull of a cap. This was the ultimate cheap and foldable hat option. It was from the Dorothy Perkins sale and I kind of love it.

 These shoes from Boohoo are my absolute saviour. Finally black shoes that are mega comfy. It's real love.

 So this is the point where the camera quality takes a nose dive. I had a lot of waiting around to do the other day and I picked this up to read. The articles are so varied that if one isn't to your taste the next will.

I am ashamed to say that I am utterly obsessed with DoDo Pop on my phone AND my laptop. I'm currently stuck on level 95 on both devices. Someone help me!

What are your current obsessions?

Let us know @SimplyKarah10

Kate // SK

How-To // Survive Summer - Tanning

Okay okay I know, tanning is not particularly essential to surviving summer, but it helps. I am not one who tans particularly well, not unless I get unbelievably burnt, and even then I think most of the colour comes from all the new freckles that crop up. I'm very British okay!?

Over the past couple of years I have had the odd fling with fake tan but I've never settled into a committed relationship. I think this year we're going to have summer romance and see how that goes before I think about going long term.

Once I found a tanning brand that seemed to work for me I stuck with it. No way am I risking using a different brand and it going horribly wrong! I use a brand called St Moriz (which I'm guessing is a St Tropez knock off), it's pretty inexpensive at around £6 per bottle.

There are two main types of tan that I use (both by St Moriz):

Fast Self Tanning Mousse

and

Tanning Mousse in Medium

High End Make-Up | First Impressions

I'm not one that tends to go for the high end products of make-up. Mainly because I can't afford it and think that spending a whopping £40 on foundation is a bit OTT.

However, last month I had quite a bit of my paycheck leftover so thought I'd just splurge and treat myself.

I hesitantly made my way to feelunique.com and went to the makeup section. And stayed there, because once make-up was in my basket I couldn't face looking at other beauty products that would burn an even bigger hole in my wallet.

TGIF // Friday Favourites

So I decided it was about time I made myself switch from my normal ginormous handbag to something a bit smaller and more colourful for summer. So I chose this bag from New Look. It's orange and small and that's about all I needed to know to buy this. I wouldn't say I'm loving using a small bad, I find it means that I spend half my day playing tetris trying to fit everything I 'need' into it, or bringing a tote bag with me so I can bring my laptop etc,.

I bought a pair of white trainers from Primark, this pair is the most similar still available. I have a pair of Stan Smith's which I love but I needed a cheap pair that I wouldn't mind wrecking. These are super comfy and cheap enough that I don't feel bad if they get ruined quickly.

I picked up this fake tan from Boots the other day. Usually I buy the St Moriz one where it develops over 6 hours and then you wash it off but I thought I would give this one a go and wash it off after 1 hour for a light tan. It came out really well and not at all streaky. Although I think next time I would leave it on for a wee bit longer.

I have been loving these Precious Metal and Solstice palettes from Sleek. As soon as I have even the slightest tan I go highlighter crazy. And these two palettes are gorgeous!

So there we have it, my Friday favourites all of which I'm coincidentally wearing/have used today.

What are some if your current favourites?

Kate // SK

TGIF // Friday Favourites

Time for another Friday favourites. This time I've based it around a "normal spring look" for me. I haven't put trousers in but obviously I do wear trousers....black skinnies (duh).

Monthly Favourites | APRIL

I missed Decembers and January's and February's oh and March's monthly favourites! I'M SORRY!

There's no excuse...apart from I've been working. But what kind of excuse is that?

I'll just get straight into this months favourites.

1. Loreal True Match Foundation. I have a small feeling that I used to own this when I first started Uni but I really can't remember. Anyway, when I first got paid I decided it was time to start buying makeup that was a little bit more pricey, purely because I'd never owned any and I wanted to see how my skin would take to it. Priciest drugstore makeup is technically Loreal. I love this foundation! It's slightly watery but blends really well and has great coverage. You don't even need a lot, just a couple pumps and that's it. Definitely recommend.

TGIF // Friday Favourites

 Spring has sprung for this Friday Favourites, anyone who knows me is probably surprised by how much pink is in this post. Usually I am so not into baby pink but apparently when it comes to ginormous mugs, magazines and blusher I'm a pink girl!

TGIF // Friday Favourites

I would first off like to complain about the photos in this post. It was an unbelievably grey day and my camera was not in a cooperative mood. So sorry!

A blog favourite for the last month or so has definitely been BohoBerry. Kara's entire blog is perfection but I've especially loved her Bullet Journal posts. I've not found anyone else who makes such a simply, effective and beautiful bullet journal!

TGIF // Friday Favourites

 Some of you may know that I've given up diet coke for lent. If you know me you'll know how much diet coke I'll drink, I don't want to be dramatic but oh my goodness do I miss diet coke. So now I've discovered Ice Tea, I'd only ever had peach tea before and I hate peach so I assumed I didn't like iced tea. Man was I wrong.

BLOGMAS DAY 20 // Favourite Festive Lipsticks

I am a tad obsessed with lipstick. My collection is unhealthily large for someone with no money. I wear lipsticks all year round but when December hits and the Christmas parties roll around my lips are hardly ever without a good ol' bold red or berry. These are just a few of my favourite lipsticks!

When it comes to the perfect lipstick I expect a lot. I want inexpensive. I want it to stay on my lips no matter how many coffee's I drink and I don't want a lipstick stain on my coffee cup. I don't want my lips to get dried out but I don't want it to stay sticky and have to keep peeling my hair off my lips. I mean really am I asking too much?!

 Rimmel London Apocalips - 304 Eclipse

Loreal Paris Color Riche - Blake's Pure Red

Loreal Paris Color Riche Matte - 430 Mon Jules

Soap and Glory - Pom Pom

Maybelline New York Super Stay 10 hr Tint Gloss - 540 Endless Ruby

I haven't found my perfect lipstick (yet) but these are few that got close. If you're interested I'll be doing full lipstick reviews in the new year.

What are some of your favourite lipsticks?

Tweet me any recommendations @SimplyKarah10

SK x

BLOGMAS DAY 4 // A/W 2015 Nail Polish and False Nails

As previously mentioned in I think it was a weekly favourites post I can be incredibly lazy when it comes to beauty and hair etc, BUT one of the few things I'm pretty good at is doing my nails. I usually have fake nails on which I paint using my own nail polish. It's way cheaper than going to a nail bar and so much less effort!

I thought you guys might like to see some of the many (and I mean many) nail polishes and fake nail sets I like to use in the autumn/winter time.

These fake nails are from Primark, they're only £2 and I think they're so cute! I'm saving these for closer to Christmas. Primark fake nails tend to be a really good fit for me as well as being an alright length.

 These nails are also from Primark. These ones are definitely more wearable throughout winter and I can't wait to put them on! I'm actually currently wearing these and they're a perfect length. I've also had sooo many compliments. People keep thinking I've drawn them on myself (not going to lie I've been very tempted to pretend I'm all nail arty) which I'm guessing shows that they look pretty natural!

Metallics

 Firstly these bottles are IMPOSSIBLE to get a good picture of because they're so reflective. I gave up. This is as good as you're getting!

I absolutely love these nail polishes from Models Own. From left to right we have Chrome Grey, Chrome Copper and Chrome Rose. There are loads of others in the range but these are my favourite. Models Own nail polishes tend to be £5 each.

Glitters

 Glitter nail polishes are a must have for Christmas time, these are just a few of my favourites. Left to right: MaxFactor - Red Bronze, Sally Hansen - Mermaids Tale, GOSH - Frosted Plum, BarryM - C Limited Edition and Seventeen - Suede.

Greys

 Love a good grey, I think it adds a sophisticated touch to a simple outfit with very little effort on your part. Models Own - Everyday Grey, Topshop - Easy Peasy and Revlon - Ace of Spades.

Burgundys

 I never know what to call this colour - Burgundy? Purple? Whatever the colour is I love it. Ciate - Wait Until Dark, Bourjois Paris - Violine Hypnotique and MaxFactor - Ruby Fruit.

Reds

 It's festive and bright, what more could you want? Bourjois Paris - Rouge Poppy, Models Own - Red Lustre, Robin Red and Marsala and Topshop - Dress Up

Oranges

 My personal favourite. If you know me you'll know that orange is my absolute favourite colour, these are just a few of my many orange nail polishes! Rimmel - Oragasm, Revlon - Long Shot, BarryM - Mustard and Topshop - Stage Dive.

Blues

 Always a good option if you're wearing golds or silvers, a good blue can set the whole look off perfectly! Models Own - Pitch Purple, Rimmel - Royal Blue, No7 - Blue Patent and GOSH - Denim Delight

Greens

 What's more festive than having nails the colour of a Christmas tree? MaxFactor - Aqua Marine, GOSH - Lazy Green, Bourjois Paris - God Save The Green (the most perfect name ever!), BarryM - Racing Green and Models Own - Deep Sea.

Nudes

Another one that I have no idea what the colour is. This is a bit of miscellaneous category! It's also very hard to photograph. The camera gets very confused with all the off white shades, poor thing!

Models Own - Nude Beige, BarryM - Vanilla, BarryM - Like A Nude (also a great name) and Revlon - Checkmate.

As you can probably tell from my choices, I'm a big fan of Models Own and BarryM, but I like to try all different types. One day I shall have the ultimate nail polish collection. I'll probably end up drowning in them.

So there we have it, my ultimate guide to nail polishes for the winter months.

What nail polishes do you recommend?

Tweet us suggestions @SimplyKarah10

SKx

Monthly Favourites // NOVEMBER

Before we get into to the swing of some monthly favourites, we have a little announcement.

Simply Karah is participating in 24 days of advent, or Blogmas. Plus, we're going to be giving you all a little Christmas Day post as a treat!

Today, you're going to get TWO posts as this one was really meant to be put up yesterday - oh you lucky ducks! So, shall we crack on with some favourites?

This month has probably been one of the best months of the year. First, the temperature dropped - a lot - which means it's time for the cosy winter clothes to make an appearance, and I can honestly tell you that this makes me extremely excited. Secondly, I graduated. Thirdly, I feel this month I have grown closer to my friends and got to know them so much more. If getting pied by youth - planned, of course - with three of your friends gives you some strange special bond then so be it, we're closer.

And fourthly, it's so close to Christmas! Which means the Christmas jumpers can come out the wardrobe and the Christmas tunes can be BLASTED!

It was so difficult to pick my monthly favourites as I have quite a lot but I've narrowed it down to seven.

*Note, most of these favourites are gifts from people. So, I will try my best to link them*

1. Tartan scarf. The temperature has decreased and I'm loving it. It means I can wear my massive scarfs, which makes me feel super cosy when outside (and inside). Paired with boots, cosy knee high socks folded over the boots (yes, this may be my signature look), a baggy jumper and winter coat, I am sorted. And no, the scarf isn't tartan just because I'm Scottish. Don't start with the stereotypes. I genuinely LOVE, some, tartan patterns. I have three of these scarfs now - it's not sad, I swear - and they're massive, which means bonus accessory piece! You can fold them out to be blankets and curl up if you're feeling the cold - I may or may not have done this at the cinema the other night.

2. Woodwick Spiced Eggnog Candle. This was a graduation gift from my parents and oh my goodness this candle is amazing. Maybe, even my new favourite ever! Spiced eggnog is such a Christmassy scent, it's a sort of sweet cinnamon smell or y'know cinnamon and whatever eggnog smells like. To make this candle even more amazing the wick is made of wood - get it, WOODWICK. It crackles when it burns and sounds like a fire burning but a lot quieter.

3. Copper Star Fairylights. Again, a graduation gift from the other half of SimplyKarah. For me these are perfect because, a) I love copper, b) They're battery operated (yas, no plugs), c) They remind me of Christmas, and d) They're just super cute!

I have heard though that these are extremely popular and are selling out super fast. So grab them while you can.

4. Rose Gold Studs. Yet another graduation gift from my parents (last one, I promise). I . FLIPPING . LOVE . ROSE . GOLD . I couldn't decide what I wanted for my graduation, so my parents decided to take me into Edinburgh to pick something. We all decided jewelry was the best option and it was either going to be earrings or a bracelet. And when I saw these bad boys it was a no brainer. They're super cute and pretty and I just love them.

5. Urban Decay Naked Palette. I've had this palette for a good year now and it never disappoints. I don't normally wear eyeshadow, I'm quite minimalistic when it comes to makeup, but this is something that I always go to if I'm going out for a special occasion or when I'm just in one of those moods when I want to wear a little bit more makeup. The colors blend so well with each other and it stays on all night which is fab because there's nothing worse than coming home after a night out to find all your makeup gone from your face.

6. Bourjois Paris Sourcil Precision. I'm an eyebrow pencil kind of girl. I don't like gels, and always end up with extremely dark brows if I use shadows. I feel like this eyebrow pencil was some what of a revelation to me. For ages I was buying the shade recommended for brunettes - my hair is a chestnut color so getting a pencil that matches the color of my eyebrows is hard -  and every time I used them my eyebrows were just too dark. Even applying some shadow over the pencil wouldn't make it lighter and I'd just end up rubbing half of it off. Until, I thought "Maybe I should buy the lighter shade that's recommended for blondes" and holy moly this was a bold move! I will never buy a brown eyeshadow pencil again.

7. Soap and Glory Thick and Fast Mascara. If you want thick, voluminous eyelashes then I totally, 100% recommend this mascara. I normally use two mascaras so my lashes are extra long and curly but with this I don't need to use a second one. Just apply a few coats and you have big lashes. What more could a girl want?

What are your November favourites?

We would love to hear.

Twitter: @simplykarah10

SKx

A Week Of Favourites (Non-Beauty)

Monday: Harry Potter knitted jumper from Primark – I think I may have a new favourite harry potter clothing piece (and that’s saying something because I have an awful lot). I absolutely love that it's knitted and quite thin. It makes it more wearable and much easier to layer up with!

Tuesday: The Simple Things Magazine, November issue – when I went on the newsstand to buy a copy of the latest blogosphere magazine I spotted this. The most current issue (November 2015) is issue number 41 and I have know idea how I haven’t heard of this magazine before. Seriously, it’s called the simple things. It’s beautiful and simple (funnily enough) and inspiring. I even went so far as to purchase the October issue to read too!

Wednesday: Emma by Alexander McCall Smith - As some of you may know a recent project called The Austen Project is on the go. Basically various authors are taking the different Jane Austen books and rewriting them. A modern retelling. Now I love Jane Austen books and wasn't going to pass up on a modern retelling. This isn't the first retelling I've read. I've got reviews of the ones I've read on our Goodreads account. I gave this one a 3/5. It was a good bit of light reading on a rainy day.

Thursday: Adidas Stan Smith Trainers - I'm not a trainer person. I'm more into my boots or flats. For some reason I have always loved these trainers. When my mum asked me what I wanted for my 22nd birthday I decided to just go for it. I was lucky enough to have small enough feet that I could get the children's version which are the exact same but cheaper (score!)

Friday: Fentimans Ginger Beer - I had a really bad cold this day and as I said in our previous post I spent the day in the car. Usually when I have a cold I make myself a hot toddy; hot water, whisky and honey. This is not practical in a car so I grabbed this in the hope that it would soothe my throat. It did. If you like ginger then you'll like this. And if you have a sore throat maybe give this a go anyway!

What are some of your recent non-beauty favourites?

SKx