Hello RYL! This is the sparkling new edition of the eZine – the first one of the year! I know I’m very late in saying this but Happy New Year! I hope the year has been wonderful to you so far and that it continues to bring you nothing but happiness and laughter. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for how long it’s been since the last issue was published. We have undergone some changes at the eZine which has slightly caused this delay as we wanted to get things sorted and organized before we begun the issue as we wanted this year’s eZine’s to be absolutely wonderful! Some of the changes that have happened is that we have lost a few members ofthe team, due to several reasons but they will be missed a lot and we thank them for their wonderful contribution to the team – we have loved working with them! The second changed that has happened is that myself and Natalee have swapped roles, I am now the Editor and Natalee is Assistant Editor – the decision was made by Natalee due to several personal reasons which are understandable – She has been an absolutely fantastic editor though! We hope you enjoy this issue of the eZine – we have covered three months for you so there is plenty to read and hopefully something for everyone! As always – please let us know anything you would like to see – or even contribute to – in future editions or any ideas or themes you may have, and of course we would love to hear what you have to say about this edition. Happy Easter. Amy (GlitterTrashDoll) Editor
January 2012 was a hard month for me. I was at one of the lowest places I've ever been and I couldn't see any way out of the despair I was experiencing. My life was falling apart whilst I sat there holding the selfdestruct button. I had my friends around me but I struggled to talk to them and let them know what was going on. RYL was my refuge, it helped me to start to see hope again and to believe that I could be somebody. I don't think my friends knew how much they helped me but because of wise words they said and love they expressed I began to engage and work with my therapists. I look back and wonder if I've actually progressed since this time last year. The answer is I have, I am still the same person in many ways but now I have people in place to be there when I feel myself slipping again and I am engaging with my doctors and wanting to recover. There is still a long way to go, I'm still scared and I still doubt myself but I know that my friends love me and this time a year ago that wouldn't have been enough but I've come a long way over the past twelve months. I'm not the person I was back then. A year ago if you had told me that in Jan 2013 I would be a song writer, on track for a 2:1 in my degree and finally understanding who I really am, I would have said you're wrong. I was blind to the future, I couldn't see how I could do anything good or how I could achieve my dreams and ambitions. This month last year I was a burnt out, broken, lonely girl, this year I'm still burnt out and I'm still broken but I'm accepting to love myself and allow others to love me. I'm not who I once was. I'm thankful for the past 12 months because it's made me stronger and despite all of the bad times I did have a pretty awesome year.
Ami (On.My.Way)
In January, Australia Day was celebrated around Australia. Here is some further information for those who are from other countries and don't know what Australia Day is. I have also included a colouring in sheet. Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day, and ANA Day) is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia (then known as New Holland). Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. It is an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia and is marked by the presentation of the Australian of The Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Honours List for the Order of Australia and addresses from the Governer-General and Prime Minister. With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia.
Andrea (Akita.)
So here we are, another year, a new beginning. I don't know about you but I'm not the biggest fan of New Year. I don't enjoying going out, staying up and cheering when it turns midnight. I'd much rather have a few close friends over and spend New Years eve chatting, playing games, a nice relaxed evening. New Years is not just about the start of another year, it's the time for New Year Resolutions - promises people make in the hope to be disciplined enough to stick it out through the year. Most people won't keep the promises and many will make the same one year after year, hoping that this time they'll have found the discipline to follow it through. I gave up making resolutions a few years ago. I don't see New Year as our one new beginning, but I see each day as a new beginning, a fresh start. Jean-Paul Sartre said: 'There is only one day left, always starting over: it is given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk.' I think there is so much truth in what Sartre has said here. Every day is a gift, I'm sure we have all heard the saying: The past is history, the
future's mystery, the present is a gift, that's why it is called the present. It's very clichĂŠ and cheesy but it's true. Today is a gift which we have been given to enjoy. We have a new beginning, a fresh start. Every time you wake up, you have a new day to start over. When I was in my second year at University I went away to Stoke-OnTrent for a week as part of one of my modules. One of the first things we had to do was go for a walk and look at the city. When I was walking I found the brick in the picture above. I took this photo because when I looked at this brick, I saw the old and the new together. The old broken down brick but the new life growing on it. To me this symbolises new life being created out of the destruction of years previous. You might see yourself as a broken brick, as a broken down, destructed being, someone who can't create anything new, anything beautiful. That's a lie, you can - there is always something beautiful that can be created. There is always a new beginning waiting for you. So what are you going to do with your day? Of course there are always daily, mundane jobs which need doing but there is always the opportunity to do something great. It could be a step towards recovery, it could be deciding to make a dream become reality, maybe it could simply be doing a random act of kindness to a friend or a stranger. Whatever it is that you choose to do, be proud of yourself. It is so much easier to just stay at home or stay in your comfortable, familiar daily life rather than step out and try something. It's so much easier to do things we know we can do than to give something new a go and run the risk of failing. In my opinion, I think we fail ourselves when we don't try. Trying and it not working isn't failing, it's discovering that your way of doing it doesn't work - pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. Tomorrow is a new beginning. Tomorrow is a new beginning - don't waste it. Take a step, take a risk.
Ami (On.My.Way)
Every month we look around the RYL forums in search of our favourite signature. This months Signature of the Month belongs to..
Palladion We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We love this signature because it's simple, straight to the point, and most importantly, true. No matter what situation in your life, you don't need to thing it won't get better. It will - everything is fixable and it will get better, everything has a resolution, it sometimes is just harder to find than other times. Just don't lose hope because good things are just around the corner and the bad situation won't last forever. It's wonderful to see such a wonderful and positive message around the boards. Never lose hope. ~ If you want to be in with a chance of being next months Signature of the Month, then get creative! Remember, it doesn't need to be busy and full of colour to win. It can win because it's funny, inspiring, creative or just shows off your personality! Remember as well, when it comes to signatures, they also help other members remember who you are because they remember a phrase or a picture in your signature! Have fun getting creative!
Amy (GlitterTrashDoll)
I first heard about SpiritHoods back in September 2012 when I was browsing through Temporary Secretary’s blog, I love her fashion posts and couldn’t help but be drawn to her post about SpiritHoods. The SpiritHood she has on is a wolf one, which I fell in love with for a few reasons. I love wolves, I love the print that she has inside her hood and it’s all for a good cause! I’ve liked SpiritHoods UK page on Facebook and the day I ordered my SpiritHood was the same day they announced their sale on the UK website. I jumped straight onto my iPad to browse which hoods were in the sale and decide which one I would order. I didn’t really get anything for my birthday this year so I decided I’d treat myself. After looking for a while I finally decided to get the Mystic Wolf hood with HB3 tech. This means it has headphones inside the hood, so I can listen to my music whilst keeping warm! However I love the sound that my beats earphones give me so I’ll probably still continue to use those, I’ll see how I feel though. The hood was in the sale for £69, down from £99. Now a lot of people would say I was mad for paying this much, but I had wanted it for months and I knew I wouldn’t find one this cheap again and if I do I’ll probably buy that one too! I know I haven’t had this one long but I already want another one! Righto I think it’s time to show it off!
Mystic Wolf Powerful Fierce ClairvoyantMystic Wolves are messengers of truth and travelers between worlds. They are highly aware beings, able to see through facades, and travel the darkness unscathed. Those with this spirit exude a confidence that can be seen and felt.
The paws on this hood are amazing and are often photographed by people who own a SpiritHood.They have the SpiritHood logo on the palm so you’ll know if you have a genuine one. As well as that, they have a texture that has some sort of grip too it, great when walking on a moving bus!
My hood has a gorgeous knitted inside to it which is black and white and a sort of Aztec/fair isle pattern which is lovely as well as fashionable for winter! Of course can’t have a picture of a SpiritHood without a picture of me wearing it.
This is what SpiritHoods have about the Mystic Wolf hood on their website: Play music everywhere your SpiritHood goes! Just plug-in your mp3 player or phone to the cord in the pocket and hear your favorite music through the speakers in your hood. Sewn into the hood are built-in washable speakers, yes you can wash them http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/...?m=1129645325g Works
with most mp3 players and mobile phones, speakers are not removable and should not be put in dryer. The hood itself is so toasty and warm you don’t want to take it off! I wore it out when we had the snow and it was amazing, it was heart breaking having to take it off to walk inside a shopping centre, but I hung the hood behind my hood, just like you would do with a hoodie or a coat with a hood on it, keeping the paws hanging down still. Or you can just take it off, your choice really. I got some weird looks walking around but I wasn’t bothered, I was warm at the end of the day! Like the hood, the scarf and mittens part of the hood are also warm and kept my hands toasty as I walked to more shops and back to the car. The fur does malt a little bit but not enough to bother me and a simple roll over my coat and clothes with a lint brush sorts it out. The fur on this is fake, nothingreal whatsoever! That being said the fake fur is lovely and soft and even resting it against your body it makes you warm. I have it on my lap right now and my thigh is really warm, can’t complain! On the scarf part of the hood it has a pocket on the left hand side where the headphone socket is for the headphones, as well as a pocket to stash your iPod, phone, etc. I’ll be keeping my lip balm in here as I’m forever using it when out, especially in this cold weather! Will be great to keep bus and gig tickets in too in future. On the right eat there’s a little loop that you can stick feathers or even an earring through to make the hood look that little bit more tribal. I intend to buy a blue feather earring soon to stick through the loop to make it look a little bit more funky. You can buy feathers from SpiritHoods website but I think they’re a bit pricey and plus I want one I like, I don’t like the ones they have (they only have three). When I was wearing my hood it reminded me of something you would see native red indian americans wearing in Western films and I love that, SpiritHoods are doing something so unique and everyone loves it, including celebrities! I know Jared Leto loves the brand and has even created his own hood to sell. So for £69 I am in LOVE with my hood and I don’t regret paying the price I did, I saved £30 which doesn’t seem like a lot but it does to me when I wanted one for three months.
I hope you liked this post and if you have a SpiritHood why don’t you share which one you have? I love looking at people all toasty and warm in their hoods, as well as seeing which ones they own. Natalee (Field of Paper Flowers)
New Year is the oldest of all holidays, as it was first observed in ancient Babylon as many as 4000 years ago. Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's Eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. $2,419.95: The average amount an American pack-a-day smoker could save by quitting smoking this year. (If you quit smoking and bought a gym membership, you'd still save to the tune of $1,000.) 49 million: The number of bubbles in a bottle of Champagne. According to statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more vehicles are stolen on New Year's Day than on any other holiday throughout the year. In Colombia, Cuba and Puerto Rico families stuff a life-size male doll called Mr. Old Year with memories of the outgoing year and dress him in old clothes from each family member. At midnight he is set on fire - thus burning away the bad memories of the year. Jodie (Bellatrix)
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Andrea (Akita.)
A Review of Les Misérables Les Misérables, released late in 2012, was highly anticipated and a long time in the making. Based on a much-adapted musical version of a novel, it featured such well-known actors as Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried, which may draw an audience even amongst those outside of the phenomenon. For those familiar with it, however, the film may come as somewhat of a disappointment due to its brevity – despite a runtime over two and a half hours, fans will note that it skims over many aspects of the original story. Despite that, the film has received largely positive reviews, critics praising its sincerity, emotion, and commitment. The music is suitably dramatic, with lyrics to evoke emotions ranging from sympathy to indignation to an indescribable urge to plunge headfirst into the revolution with guns blazing and flags waving. From the very first rousing chords, the audience is bound to be hooked, hardly even noticing the many minutes passing by. For those unfamiliar with the story, it’s set in 19th century France amidst a growing revolution, and follows several people caught up in a world rife with poverty and injustice. It deals with such wide-ranging topics as religion, slavery, class systems, and love. The main storyline follows a man named Valjean, who was arrested for stealing a loaf of broad, and the efforts of Javert, the officer in charge of tracking him down after he breaks parole. After Valjean seemingly repents due to an encounter with a kindly old priest, he forges a new life, including taking on the care of an adopted daughter, Corsette. The story begs (and, in its own way, also answers) the question: ‘Can a man really change?’ The film (and its cast) has received several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Hugh Jackman), and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Anne Hathaway). It remains to be seen, however, if the film lives up to its high expectations. By Frankie (Wakeful Dreamer.)
Why, hello there RYL! As you may be aware, these past three months I've been scouting around for who should be theMember of the Month for our March edition of the eZine. We at the eZine team took on board comments, and decided that the Member of the Month should be decided by...well, the members of RYL! It's been difficult to decide - at one point we even had a 3-way tie! However, all votes have been cast, and I'm very proud to reveal that RYL's March Member of the Month (Gosh, that's a tongue-twister) is...
Jenna (Narcissa)! Here's what some RYL members had to say about our darling Jenna: 'I wanted to nominate Jenna/Narcissa for member of the month because she's always ready to support people despite her own personal stuff, she's being inspirational in her recovery despite some really difficult times and she's six months self harm free.' 'I nominate Jenna (Narcissa) because she's always there for people when you need a funny conversation or some advice or some SRS BSNS talk. And she does that all while dealing with her own troubles.' A special mention goes to Jodie (Bellatrix), as one member said: 'Bellatrix/Jodie and Narcissa/Jenna's combined work of a progress chart made by Jenna allowed Jodie to start working on achievements in recovery' Other mentions go to: talaiporia, Charlie (squirrelspit), passedexpectations, Katy (Orangutan the Penguin), Belle (Shine.), Beckie (Senator Aardvark), and of course, anyone who's ever asked for/given support on RYL. You're all brilliant. If you know someone who you think deserves to be RYL's Member of the Month for the next eZine, keep your eyes peeled! Everyone's vote counts! DrWatson
Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Tuesday, Pancake Day, Mardi Gras, and Fat Tuesday) is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is linked to Easter, so its date changes on an annual basis. Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs. Shrove Tuesday is exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday, a moveable feast based on the cycles of themoon. The date can vary from as early as 3 February to as late as 9 March. Shrove Tuesday will occur on February 12th 2013. Mixed Berry Pancakes:
Ingredients
1 cup (250g) self-raising flour 1 egg 1 1/2 cups (375ml) buttermilk (see note) 40g butter 200g frozen mixed berries 1 cup (250ml) maple syrup 1 vanilla bean, split Mixed berries, extra, to serve
Method Place the flour in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the egg and buttermilk and stir until well combined. Set aside for 30 minutes to rest. Melt half the butter in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spoon 1/4 cup (60ml) of pancake mixture into the pan and sprinkle with mixed berries. Cook for 1 minute or until bubbles appear on the surface and pancakes are golden underneath. Turn and cook for 1 minute or until golden underneath. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Repeat with remaining batter and mixed berries, greasing pan between each batch. Place the maple syrup in a small saucepan. Use a small, sharp knife to scrape the vanilla seeds into the maple syrup and add the bean. Place over low heat and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until heated through. Place pancakes on serving plates and top with extra berries. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve immediately.
Andrea (Akita.)
In January I decided to do some baking. Since getting my job I haven’t been baking much at all, which I miss as I used to love it. So I’ve decided this year that I will bake more, especially the red velvet cakeI have been meaning to bake for years! So I decided it would be blueberry muffins as I knew we had a packet of blueberries that needed to be used. Perfect excuse, huh?
The recipe I got from one of my recipe books* was meant to be low-fat but the ingredients we had in the house and in our local shops didn’t have any low-fat, so I’ll give you guys the low-fat recipe anyway, and what I used in italics. What you’ll need for this recipe: 225 g/8 oz plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp allspice 115 g/4 oz caster sugar 3 large egg whites 3 tbsp low-fat margarine (I used normal margarine) 150 ml/5 fl oz thick low-fat natural yogurt or blueberry-flavoured yogurt (I used normal natural yogurt) 1 tsp vanilla extract 85 g/3 oz fresh blueberries (I used more than the stated amount as I didn’t feel there was enough) What you need to do: 1. Place 12 paper muffin cases in a muffin tin. 2. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and half the allspice into a large mixing bowl. Add 6 tablespoons of the sugar and mix together well. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites together. Add the margarine, yogurt and vanilla extract and mix together well, then stir in the blueberries until thoroughly mixed. Add the fruit mixture to the dry ingredients, then gently stir until just combined. Do not overstir the mixture – it is fine for it to be a little lumpy. 4. Divide the mixture evenly between the paper cases (they should be about two-thirds full). Mix the remaining sugar with the remaining allspice, then sprinkle the mixture over the muffins. 5. Bake in a preheated oven, 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5, for 25 minutes, or until risen and golden. Remove the muffins from the oven and serve warm, or place them on a wire rack to cool c ompletely. * Recipe taken from “Baking 100 Everyday Recipes” by Love Food.
I hope you guys try this recipe as the muffins tasted amazing and I know I’ll be making them again I future, possibly as a cake to mix it up a little. Gook luck and have fun!
Natalee (Field of Paper Flowers)
In Finland Valentine's Day is called Yst채v채np채iv채 which translates into "Friend's day". In the Middle Ages young men and women drew the names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned on their sleeves for one week. This was done so that it becomes easy for other people to know your true feelings. This was known as "to wear your heart on your sleeve" In olden times some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on the Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire. Many believe the 'X' symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn't write their names signed in front of a witness with an 'X.' The 'X' was then kissed to show their sincerity. Physicians of the 1800's commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love. A leap year is also known as an intercalary or bissextile year. A person born on February 29th can be called a 'leapling' or a 'leaper'. Being born in on February 29th has the potential to create problems for leaplings, who will have been alive for almost eight decades before they enjoy their eighteenth birthday.To avoid confusion, the law allows that someone born on February 29th will attain the age of 18 on March 1 of their eighteenth year.
Feb 29th isn’t the only extra time added to the calendar. In 2008 an extra second was added to the end of the year.
Jodie (Bellatrix)
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Wild swans by Jung Chang Wild swans is the autobiographical story of a young Chinese woman's life, and that of her mother and grandmother. Each of these extraordinary women lived through dangerous and dramatic changes that rattled China to the bones, but still managed to live, and love and find a way to adjust to an ever changing society. The book begins with the story of Chang's maternal grandmother, who belonged to one of the last generations to practice the tradition of binding women's feet, which involved breaking the bones of the feet when the women were young children, then binding them in cloth to prevent them from growing, small feet being considered vital for a young bride. Chang tells of her grand mother's place in a China ruled unevenly and tentatively by an emperor or royal family, whilst most of the country was in actual fact ruled by war lords, and how she became a concubine to an official to bring her family status and riches. It later explores the life of a
concubine once their 'husband' is deceased and what becomes of them in society. Later the pros explores the many twists and turns and ups and downs of the life of the author's mother, who's name as given by a step father was De-hong, the hong meaning wild swan, whilst Jung Chang's original name before being changed during the revolution meant second swan perhaps providing the name of the manuscript which contained such fascinating and varied lives. De-hong's life is the story of the tyranny of Japanese rule, the emergence of a new corrupt Chinese ruling authority and finally the rise of the Communists and subsequently the rise of Mao, a party which seemed at first to represent decency, honesty and equality, a far cry from the previous reigning forces of China. It then looks at the ever controlling and maleficent nature of the developing Communist party and it's roll in the making, and breaking, of China, and explores the impact the party's history still retains to this day. A fantastic read for anyone of a political turn of mind, and a touching memoir which will remain in the heart of the reader long after it has been discarded.
Katy (Buttons.)
1. Simple 12 hour hydrating Light Moisturiser. Using a moisturiser is important to keep your skin hydrated and soft. They help with dry skin and help improve skin tone and texture. However, it is important to use the right moisturiser for your skin type. This moisturiser is one that would suit most skin types, it's light and fresh feeling and gently soaks in to your skin leaving you with the most beautifully soft skin after just the first use. It smells clean and fresh and you definitely feel the effects of it straight after use. It does live up to it's name too - it lasts. You only need a small amount of this product, and it really does last all day and helps your make-up sit wonderfully. If you have a problem that your foundation goes flakey or look cakey after a few hours wear, you probably need to invest in a moisturiser - or an alternate one. This one works, it stops the flakeyness and will help your skin look smooth and clear all day. 2. MUA Lipstick. (Shade 10, Shade 11, Shade 6, Shade 2, Shade 1) UA Lipsticks are surprisingly creamy and feel lovely on the lips! I think the most creamy one, is also the most pigmented and you get such a good
coverage on one swipe - and that's shade 1! A lovely blue based red. There is a lipstick shade for everyone - from nudes to bright and bold colours - and the best part, they are ÂŁ1 from Superdrug, an absolute bargain! They last and feel beautiful and such a great little product to have in your makeup bag. 3. MUA Liquid Eyeliners! (Shade 2 and Shade 3) Another product from MUA, They are both vivid colours - the blue is bright and striking, and the gold is leaning more towards the bronze side of things, but still a lovely colour. Just like the lipsticks - these products last, after scrubbing for a while to get the makeup off, the blue stayed! And again - these little babies, are only ÂŁ1! There are a few other colours alongside your browns and blacks too. Definitely worth giving a go! 4. MAC Brush Cleanser. I think sometimes people forget how important it is to clean your makeup brushes - just think how many times you've used them, all the products they've been in. They soon build up dirt and bacteria that you can't see, so it's very important to wash them. MAC have a Brush Cleanser that is absolutely wonderful - it gives them such a good clean and they are so fluffy and soft afterwards, you'll be so amazed how much products come off - even if you think your brush is clean. And considering this is a MAC product, it is actually very affordable too considering the amount of product you get. It doesn't smell either which I think is important when in comes to brush cleansers - you don't want your brushes smelling after all! 5. Illamasqua Cream Blush in Rude. A lovely coral shade - absolutely perfect for Summer. You only need a tiny amount of this product and dab it on your cheeks and blend for a wonderful splash of colour. This is quite pricey, but there are plenty of dupes on the market - not only of this, but a lot of high end brands. This product is a lot like MAC lipsticks - it smells like Vanilla. The product itself is smooth and in a sturdy black plastic case to make sure it isn't going anywhere. An absolutely wonderful product! Amy (GlitterTrashDoll)
As I mentioned in my February wish list that I had my eye on some of the items from the Archie’s Girls Collection from MAC and after having a look at the yesterday afternoon I decided to buy something. However upon looking and swatching at all the lipsticks and lipglasses I only seemed drawn towards this shade, Daddy’s Little Girl.
MAC describe Daddy’s Little Girl as a mid-tone pink violet and it’s a satin finish. As well as the lipstick being beautiful, the packaging for the collection is cute and quirky, perfect for Valentines Day, especially if you don’t have a Valentine (like myself). The print on the packaging isn’t a sticker and isn’t going to scratch or rub off after time, which is great of course!
The above pictures were taken with flash on as I didn’t feel like without it the colour was showing true to life. It’s a gorgeous light violet pink, which will look gorgeous on every skin tone.
When I swatched and tried in on in MAC it reminded me of Rebel, which I own (and was also the first MAC lipstick I bought) but after talking with one of the lovely make up artists/sales assistants for a while and swatching both the products together (I wore Rebel that afternoon too) I realised that Rebel is darker than Daddy’s Little Girl, which is great as it means I can wear this to work with no problems. I love satin lipsticks by MAC, they feel so creamy on my lips and last a really long time, especially when blotted. I wore this all day at work today and I only needed to apply a little whenever I went for my breaks and when I came home it was still on my lips. As well as this lipstick feeling and looking beautiful, it also smells and tastes yummy! As ever MAClipstick lover knows, they smell like doughnuts. I’m so glad I purchased this lipstick, I was debating getting any of the collection at all after swatching everything, but changed my mind when I tried this one last. For £15.50 and it being part of a collection I’ve been excited about for months, I’m so pleased that I bought this lipstick! I can’t wait to wear it all over again tomorrow, I still have it on now and it’s so creamy and gorgeous. If you haven’t checked out the collection yet, head over to Selfridges as they’re selling the collection early at the moment and it’s also stocked in MAC stores within Selfridges, which is where I bought Daddy’s Little Girl from. Super excited to head back there on Saturday with Poppy to check out the collection together! P.S. apologies for no pictures of me wearing this, I took these pictures before I headed to work this afternoon and I was looking rather rushed. I shall get one in the near future!
Natalee (Field of Paper Flowers)
Super Mario Land 3D – 3DS/3DSXL
If you were one of those lucky people to get a 3DSXL from Santa then this was one of the games available for free from Nintendo during their promotion. I decided to try Mario out as it’s a game I have not played since a child (and do not feel the need to spend £30 on to try!). The story of Mario is the same story we all know, Bowser kidnaps Peaches and Mario sets off to find her (although you would think after all this time Peaches would learn how not to be kidnapped). The difference in this game is the 3D function, which adds an extra dimension to the games visuals and allows the game to be more in depth and brighter - It feels like playing a 2D game in a 3D world. As for the game play, well it’s the same as other Mario games in which we collect coins and go through different levels. All of the levels are timed and the aim is to collect the three golden coins and complete the level in time, oh and collect coins and power ups. The power ups in this game include the standard Super Mushroom, the Fire Flower, the Boomerang
Flower, and the return of the Tanooki Leaf, along with clocks that can be found along levels giving extra time. Collecting the three golden coins in each level will help open up extra levels at points in the game so it helps to collect as many as you can. The game doesn’t take a lot of time to complete, as most of the levels are pretty short, and at the end of each world in the end level, which is either a castle or ship with a boss battle. After you complete the first eight worlds another eight worlds appear however these are just harder versions of worlds you have just played though with a few new ones added in. The good point is Lugi comes along for a visit and to unlock the last level you must play through the game as both characters and do everything in the game. Depending on how you feel about platformer there is not much reliability in the game so it may be better to rent or buy second hand than paying £30 for a new copy, however it is a fun little game to play to pass some time.
Virtue’s Last Reward - 3DS/ PS Vita
If you played the prequel 999 then you already know what this game is about, if not the best way to describe it is a mixture of Saw, a pinch of Battle Royal and a good dose of The Happening. The result is a game that’s impossible to put down until you complete it all. I should mention
this game is a mixture of puzzle based segments and novel segments making this game one of those interactive novels, so if they are not your thing then this game wont be for you but if you can forgive that then its worth a try. The concept of the game is simple, you control a character that had been kidnapped by zero along with eight other people and been forced to play the nonary game, a game, which involves betrayal and trust. The only way to win the game is to escape through the number 9 door when you have enough points, in order to earn these points you have to play a game where you can either ally or betray the other contestants. By doing this you can win or lose points depending on what the other player picks, although if you go to negative points you die as zero has fitted you with a bracelet that will release poison and kill you. Oh and the number 9 door will only open once, so who can you trust to make sure you can escape? Because of this there are a number of storylines in the game, each choice you make will bring you to a different conclusion and in some you live and some you die, and in each road you take the story opens up more and you learn more things as different events happen. Out with the novel sections we have the puzzle rooms, which you have to complete in order to progress. As someone who likes puzzle games I have to say the ones in these games where difficult and I did use a guide for most of the game as they can be outside the box and complicated, although there is an easy mode you can switch to in order to get hints. This game isn’t like Heavy Rain where you do actions and the game ends and that’s your ending, in order to fully understand the story in the game you are meant to complete the whole game and go down every path possible to get the true ending and the true events of the game. The game is long and there is a lot of play time in this especially for a handheld console, my final play time was around 40 hours but once you do complete the game fully there is not much replay for it. This game is addictive and there are so many questions to be answered: who is zero? Why are you here? Who can you trust? Will you live or die? Welcome to the Nonary Game: Ambidex Edition!
Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove – 3ds
I always liked the look of the front cover of the game so I managed to pick it up second hand rather cheaply and decided to give it a go. As the title suggests the game is a rhythm game where you have to tap to the beat of the music to allow Gabrielle to dance. Poor Gabrielle has sneezed too hard and ended up out of her body, the only way to become human again is to go to monsterville and learn the ghostly groove to earn screams so she can go home. The game is rather simple and does not take very long to complete at all, obviously as its more directed at children that can be forgiven. I do feel the novel sections of the game could have been better, but again it is more aimed at children, which is a shame because they could have created a good story. It can also get tedious reading through the novel portions of the game as it tends to go on for a bit. Other aspects of the game include a few mini games (some are really hard even for me), a dress up section and of course replying the songs you have unlocked during the game. The music isn’t anything exciting either mostly using classical songs that some people may be familiar with some original creations. Overall it’s a fun little game to play from time to time but not worth buying unless you can get it for less than £10 so may be worth renting instead, if you like rhythm games then it will be worth checking out.
Mari (Bleeding Angel)
I remember as a child, going to my polish grandparents house with my sister, brother and parents, having a easter hunt and lunch after going to church that morning. My aunt on my father's side use to dye eggs in all sorts of colours as i think it was a custom thing to do in their polish background from when they still lived in Poland and they continued it when they moved to Australia. I don't remember many of the things they did as I was quite young when they died but i do remember the traditions of Easter they had. I have included a recipe for you to make, that looks quite yummy and also a colouring in sheet
Caramel-filled chocolate eggs:
250g packet plain sweet biscuits 1 x 180g block dark chocolate, chopped 395g can sweetened condensed milk 2 x 125g packets caramello Easter eggs, foil removed 190g bag hundreds and thousands Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Place biscuits in a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl. Place chocolate in a heatproof microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high (75%) for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds with a metal spoon, or until melted and smooth. Add melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk to biscuits. Stir until well combined. Place hundreds and thousands in a small bowl. Working quickly and using one tablespoon mixture at a time, gently mould biscuit mixture around one Easter egg to form a ball. Roll ball in hundreds and thousands and press to coat. Place on prepared tray. Repeat with remainingbiscuit mixture, Easter eggs and hundreds and thousands. Serve. Andrea (Akita.)
July is the most popular birth month Tuesday most common day for babies to be born There is a custom of wearing flowers in southern USA on Mother's Day. If a girl or woman is seen wearing a pink or red flower, it is assumed that her mother is alive. On the other hand, a white flower stands to signify that the girl or woman's mother is dead. Carnation is the official flower. The custom of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back to Egyptians, Persians, Gauls, Greeks and Romans, to whom the egg was a symbol of life. On average, each person in Britain eats approx. 10.2kg of chocolate per year. The Ivory Coast in West Africa is the world's leading producer of cocoa supplying 43%. The largest chocolate rabbit was created in South Africa in 2010 by artist Harry Johnson. The rabbit was over 12 feet tall and weighed 3 tons. After being exhibited in a specially constructed chilled Perspex box it was eaten by 250 disadvantaged children. Jodie (Bellatrix)
1. What kind of horses go out after dusk? Nightmares! 2. What did the policeman say to his tummy? I've got you under a vest! 3. Q: What do Easter Bunny helpers get for making a basket? A: Two points, just like anyone else. 2. Good Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Easter. Bad Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Xmas 3. Q: How can you find the Easter bunny? A: Eggs (x) marks the spot.
Louise.
The past 3 months have seen some amazing achievements in the Moving Forward board. A big congratulations for: Jazz (imperfectionsrme) who is over 18months self-harm free, has a job and has bought her first home Katie (when.will.it.end) who has found a voluntary job working in an area which she enjoys, which she'll start in May. Sarah (thumbelina) who has been given permission to return back to practical lab work at university. Nat (Natz) who is over 1 year self harm free Carly (xXx_freedom_fails_xXx) who is a year free from B/P behaviours, self harm and is no longer on anti-depressants. Lizz (Bumf31) who hasn't self harmed since 29th Dec 2012 Pallidon who has a job working as a wildlife rehabilitation intern insignificant_one who is 21 months self-harm free daisy-star who is 5 years free from self-harm
Robyn (Imperfect) who is also 5 years free from self-harm A huge congratulations to everyone who is both mentioned and not mentioned, who is stepping forward in their recovery. Keep fighting and believing, remember to take it one day at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Ami (On.My.Way)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A) Category: Fantasy, Action & Comedy. Ideal for: Fans of Fantasy and Lord of the Rings fans. Trigger factor: Almost none. Violence is mostly implied. Rewatchability Factor (Out of 10): 8. Overall Rating (Out of 10): 9.
Review (No spoilers): The film is the story of a young Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman). Despite having a more adventurous personality as a child, he has grown up to prefer a more quiet, gentle existence. Despite this, Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) chooses Bilbo to become the burglar of Thorin Oakenshielf (Richard Armitage) and company, a group of 13 dwarves that want to get their city of Erebor back from the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). However, what starts off as an adventure for Bilbo, quickly becomes something that will change his life, and the lives of countless other people, forever. Because The Hobbit was a book for children, the tone of the film is an overall much lighter and more colourful one, especially in comparison to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There are plenty of laughs to be had, particularly with some of the dwarves and their contrasting personalities,
and there are scenes that will leave you laughing and smiling time and time again. However, the film also has more darker, brooding moments which it does just as effectively. The flashbacks about Erebor, the Dwarfish city, and the dwarves’ struggles are especially dark. None more so than the leader, and majestic king, Thorin Oakenshield. During his scenes, the viewer cannot help but sense the overwhelming feeling of loss that radiates from him, mixed in with the stubbornness and determination of any dwarf. You find you want him to succeed and to claim back Erebor, even if on the surface he often appears to be an unlikable character. And to truly get as much out of his character as possible, the viewer must focus on his subtle changes in personality around certain people, which makes for a realistic, multi-layered character. The other characters, especially Bilbo and Gandalf, have this level of realism as well, which can be difficult to do for a story based on a book, especially when the book has a large focus on scenery and description more than characterisation. Martin Freeman brings Bilbo Baggins to life, a role which it appears as though he was born to play. And people of every age will find at least one dwarf to their liking, whether it’s Fili and Kili (Dean O’Gorman and Aidan Turner, respectively), the young nephews of Thorin, the wise Balin (Ken Stott) or the more gruff Dwalin (Graham McTavish). Their unique personalities meld well together and allow the film to have a sense of camaraderie and friendship that subtly develops between them all, as the film progresses. The backgrounds to the films are visually stunning, and it is often almost impossible to tell what was CGI and what was a set. Particularly Rivendell, the home of the Elves, was a visual masterpiece. The attention to detail took the film to a whole new level, and it allowed the viewer to feel as though they were transported directly to Middle Earth. The biggest issue with the film is that most of the dwarves have few speaking parts, if any at all. You see their reactions to things, and their names are known, but there is little in regards to character development. Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bombur, Nori and Dori are mere background characters for a majority of the film. However, it would be impossible to have all fifteen characters be main characters, and there is a chance for more characterisation of them in the next two films, so it is more of a niggling
irritation, rather than a criticism. Also, if you are looking for the film to be exactly like the book, then you will be disappointed. There are numerous changes to canon throughout the film, and although the changes were often necessary or added to the character development, some people may not like these changes. So, to conclude, this film exceeded all expectations. The acting, particularly by Richard Armitage and Martin Freeman, was utterly superb, the costume designs looked real and brought fictional races to life, and the plot was fantastically done. At its heart, The Hobbit book is about a simple Hobbit being put in extraordinary circumstances and showing that anyone can be a hero, if they put their minds to it, and The Hobbit film showcases this beautifully. Although there are some changes, this message still underpins the entire thing, and that is why this film is definitely worth seeing. Short Review: 路 Plus sides: Great plot, interesting characters, beautiful scenery and CGI and keeps the message of The Hobbit book at its heart. 路 Down sides: Most of the dwarves get little screen time and Tolkien purists will not enjoy the changes made.
Gabriella (Lucius.)
Madness, A bipolar life by Mayra Hornbacher
Madness, A bipolar life is a gripping memoir by Mayra Hornbacher about her life coping with Bipolar disorder type I, a serious mood disorder characterised by manic episodes (although sufferers will experience depressive episodes as well). She vibrantly recounts her experiences with violently unstable moods even from a very young age leading her to selfmedicate with alcohol, drugs, self-harm and the deathly grips of anorexia. Hornbacher writes candidly about the dizzying heights of her mania in such an emotive way, you can’t help but feel your own head spin. You can almost see the dark, destructive force of her illness as it leadsher into disorientating madness which blows away her friends, family, job and even the roof over her head. Despite recalling painful memories of situations her illness had landed her in, she still retains a sharp wit and you can't help but laugh at loud.
Equally as powerful are the crippling depressions, which although not as frequent as the manic states, render her catatonic, hopeless and trapped inside her own body. This book truly gives you a rare insight into the highs and lows of one living with mental illness and the devastating impact it can have on you and everyone you love. Although, I would highly recommend this book it would also be wise to use caution when reading as it can be triggering in regards to substance abuse, eating disorders and self-harm. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be on the lookout for her other work, excellent read. Emma (LavaLamp.)
Newton Faulkner - Write It On Your Skin 1. Pulling Teeth 2. Soon 3. Brick By Brick 4. Clouds 5. Pick Up Your Broken Heart 6. Long Shot 7. Write It On Your Skin 8. In The Morning 9. Against The Grain 10. Sugar In The Snow Newton Faulkner's long awaited third album was released in July 2012. After a three year break Newton returned with this album, Write It On Your Skin, and he did not disappoint his fans. This album was written with the intent to be played live, rather than to be recorded, per se. The whole feel of the album is very different to Faulkner's other two albums, Write It On Your Skin has a very upbeat, happy vibe. This album is a hidden treasure amongst the music industry. Despite reaching the UK Album #1 spot, many have not heard this incredible
album. The opening song, Pulling Teeth, is a very uplifting song. It's about simplifying things, not letting stuff get on top of you and being true to who you are. When I listen to the songs chorus: 'We make it so hard When it's so simple underneath If we just stroll on The ground is right beneath our feet It's taken It's taken so long Oh it's been like pulling teeth I got it wrong Instead of pushing back I'll pull you into me' I instantly find myself relaxing, thinking about situations where I've over complicated them and I realise that a lot of life is so much simpler than we make it. I'm sure we've all had situations which have been made more complicated than they needed to be. We've all pushed people away as an act of defence instead of being honest and admitting we need some help or we're scared about something. This song, along with the whole album gives me hope that life doesn't have to be this way forever. Write It On Your Skin is a beautiful musical masterpiece with stunning melodies, lyrics, riffs and techniques. Newton Faulkner is an incredible songwriter, musician and singer. His lyrics are heartfelt, emotional, catchy, raw and honest. This album is one that I'll be listening to for years, and is certainly worth a listen if you've not heard it yet.
Ami (On.My.Way)
Chocolate, pictachio & nougat semi-freddo
This traditional Italian ice cream bar is the perfect solution for an effortless frozen, creamy dessert Serves 10 Preparation and cooking times Prep 25 mins Cook 5 mins plus freezing Butter and line a 900g/2lb loaf tin with cling film. Bring a pan of water to a gentle simmer. Put the sugarand eggs in a heatproof bowl, then place over the simmering water and whisk until pale, thick and doubled in volume. Remove from the heat, plunge the bottom of the bowl into cold water and continue whisking until the mixture is cool. Melt the chocolate in the microwave on Low, stir, then fold into the egg mixture. Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold into the chocolate egg mixture with the nougat and pistachios.
Pour the mixture into the loaf tin, smooth the surface with a spoon, then cover and freeze until firm. This can be done up to 2 weeks ahead. To serve, turn out onto a serving dish, remove the cling film and leave in the fridge for 15 mins to soften slightly before slicing.
Louise.
Amy (GlitterTrashDoll)
Considering I’m posting this issue on April fool’s day, it would be wrong of me not to include some pranks..
Girlfriend Fake Head Scare: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptpl68MPqCg Girlfriend scares boyfriend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LJnwGBpaIg How to make your boyfriend poop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcVbLSsHReU Air horn prank on boyfriend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3osL4QmOL8 Toothbrush in Toilet prank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAZ8IMrLl7c Stanley Cup Ruined: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t7k-EOpwZw Wet T-Shirt prank backfires: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqEDk22NSjc Chick eats Wasabi sandwiches: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH7NRA1muWE Surprise Haircut on Girlfriend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWKDYMShIew “I’m Pregnant” prank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCzQL7eo400 Firecracker battlefield prank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRRLyf2sywA Girlfriend caught cheating prank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3L2K0EsD8Q Spaghetti and Meat Bugs prank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5nyQLr2zjc St. Paddys Day Face Dye prank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eZE5I4Komw
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All pranks are done by Jesse and Jeana (aka PrankVsPrank on YouTube, or their side channgel BFvsGF on YouTube)
Amy (GlitterTrashDoll)
Alien by Thierry Mugler
For ages I’ve been meaning to buy myself a bottle of this beautiful perfume, but alas I always bought something else instead like clothes or make up. I was randomly chatting away with my Mom about perfume when we came to talking about Alien. I then remembered back to a few weeks ago from when Amy had mentioned that Debenhams were having a sale in store and online, so I decided to pop on their website to have a look at what they had in their sale. Finally I decided to look for Alien and there it was, in the sale! I’d missed out by days after Christmas in the huge sales to bag an Alien gift set and instead went home with an Angel one Instead, not that I’m complaining! Now I can happily say I have two Thierry Mugler perfumes! They had Alien in a gift set called the Vanity Collection for £45, reduced from £50. Before I bought it I had a look around online for some possible better deals, but I couldn’t find anything better, I even checked to see if the bottle was cheaper on its own, but it was just the same price as buying the gift set. So I bit the bullet and ordered this bad boy!
Due to being a Beauty Club card holder and member I was entitled to free delivery, as well as some points! Although it was free the delivery was really quick and I was rather surprised! I ordered the gift set on Saturday night and it arrived on Tuesday morning. I couldn’t wait to use it, so I used the shower gel when getting ready for work and used the perfume during my late shift at work. I’m so happy to finally have my own bottle of Alien instead of having to steal a spray or two from my Mom’s bottle, even if she doesn’t mind it’s nice to have my own to take out and about with me for on the go. Okay! So down to some information about the gift set itself!
The gift set came in this lovely box, which was left a little dented on the side whilst making its way to me, but it was wrapped up in loads of bubble wrap so it was alright, which I’m pleased about, big, double thumbs up to Debenhams on that, alongside the speed of the delivery. The box comes with a special code inside of the lid that the buyer can use to access Thierry Mugler’s VIP section. I’ve already registered with the code I got with my Angel set, but I’m still going to try to use this code to possibly get more benefits from being a VIP.
The wash/cosmetics bag you get with the gift set is lovely, just perfect for using when traveling for your make up or any wash stuff. It’s white with
purple detailing on the zip and the handle, which looks rather futuristic and very typical of Thierry Mugler! I’m not sure what I’ll be using this for yet, but I’m sure I’ll soon decide.
Inside the bag you’ll find your bottle of Alien perfume, shower gel, body lotion and body cream. They’re so small and perfect for traveling, which might be what I use them for in future. The shower gel is 30ml, body lotion is 100ml and body cream is 15ml. The body cream is in a cute little tub, which I can throw into my handbag for nights out if I fancy a touch up throughout the night, as well as smelling lovely. As mentioned above I used the shower gel when I was getting ready for work and the scent lingered for ages.
So here it is, the bottle of Alien.It’s a gorgeous dark purple stone with gold detailing. Thierry Mugler who created this is famous for his first scent, Angel as well as for Alien and Womanity. You get a 30ml refillable bottle in this set, which is great as you don’t even need a lot of Thierry Mugler perfumes to get a good pay off, so this will last me ages! The top notes contain jasmine sambac, middles notes contant cashmeran wood and the base notes contain white amber. This gives the perfume a floral, yet woody scent but that being said I think it’s a very unique perfume and I haven’t smelt anything else like it, not even remotely close. Alien came out in 2005 and I remember it well from the advertising. I remember my Mom getting a copy of Cosmopolitan and I was flicking through it out of boredom and came across this advertisement for it.
As you can see it’s just very futuristic and very Alien like, which I found fascinating as a child and begged my Mom that we needed to check it out. We did and we both fell in love with it, only finally receiving or buying them of late. I still have the advertisement for this perfume in my room, I can’t part with it as I love Thierry Mugler’s scents so much! A lot of people might be thinking that £45 is a lot, but for a Thierry Mugler perfume it’s a bargain and one that only a silly billy would pass up. Alongside Gucci, Thierry Mugler is my favourite for perfumes. They’re strong, unique and beautiful and I know plenty who will agree with me on that one. I’ll wear this throughout the year as it works well as a warm scent in both summer and winter.
Natalee (Field of Paper Flowers)