tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22563005568605230082024-03-14T06:58:18.705+00:00Swiftheart loves youartist-lolita-blogging newbieMichelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-86443090940209807962012-09-21T19:30:00.000+01:002012-09-21T19:30:01.852+01:00My 10 favourite MAC eyeshadow colours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I started writing this blog, I listed ten of my favourite <a href="http://swiftheartlu.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/10-beauty-items-i-cant-live-without.html" target="_blank">make-up and beauty products</a>. At the time, I promised to list my favourite MAC eyeshadows. At last, I have honoured my word and dusted off my keyboard. <br />
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I present my top ten favourite MAC shadows, and my favourite ways to use them...</div>
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10: FILAMENT - lustre - "Platinum silver"</div>
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Cerubic, glitter-packed and innocent.</div>
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Perfect for: risking-up natural looks without adding sex appeal</div>
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Pair it with: <a href="http://www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com/draconis.html" target="_blank">resinous perfume</a> and soft lashes - play up the angelic look with a devilish scent.</div>
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9: ROMPING - frost - MAC description unknown </div>
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(A C-shock limited edition resurrected in the Hello Kitty Too Dolly quad. I wasn't going to include any limited editions, but I use this too regularly to skip it!)</div>
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Perfect pink with lilac sparkles - cute and sweet!</div>
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Perfect for: injecting some pink into blander outfits. Remember to avoid matching your eyeshadow to your outfit outside of fancy dress and fashion shoots!</div>
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Pair it with: cream waterline eyeliner to tone down eye redness. Red eyes are exaggerated by pink eyeshadows.</div>
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8: NEHRU - matte - "Muted bluish-black"</div>
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Wearable black-tone; like a black hole.</div>
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Perfect for: smokey eyes, blending out the edges of eyeliner.</div>
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Pair it with: hyper-strength glitter-tastic lipgloss, like Urban Decay Stardust in <a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/stardust-sparkling-lip-gloss/313,default,pd.html" target="_blank">"Andromeda"</a>.</div>
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<span class="s1">7: TILT - frost - "</span>Violet w/blue-green pearl" </div>
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The perfect peacocking for blue-eyed (or grey-eyed!) beauties.</div>
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Perfect for: adding an extra dimension to brown looks (my favourite), or to accent blue eyes - just blend, blend, blend.</div>
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Pair it with: soft pink lips, stained with Benefit <a href="http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/posietint" target="_blank">Posie Tint</a>.</div>
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6: SATIN TAUPE "Taupe with a silver shimmer"</div>
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Copper-toned gold with a subtle glow.</div>
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Perfect for: brown smokey eye looks, socket colours and glitzing up day-time looks.</div>
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Pair it with: deep, sexy plum shadows to equip yourself with a 'fuck me now' glance.</div>
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5: BITTER - velvet - "Vivid green with a shimmer"</div>
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Jaundiced, putting the creepy into creepy cute.</div>
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Perfect for: sallow goth looks without resorting to black.</div>
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Pair it with: a good concealer - I rate <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/complexion/concealers/~/concealer?d=true" target="_blank">NARS</a> - you need to even out any redness to carry this colour off!</div>
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4: BEAUTY MARKED - velvet - "Black-red w/sparkle pearl"</div>
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Gothic, burlesque and glamour. Delicious glitter.</div>
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Perfect for: dressy smokey eye looks and all-over-lid for gothic looks.</div>
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Pair it with: thick, smudged eyeliner å la Taylor Momsen.</div>
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3: OMEGA - matte - "Soft muted beige-taupe"</div>
Subtle, soft earthy beige - one I've bought twice!<br />
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Perfect for: everything. This is my perfect base-shade and I nearly always use it before building up with other colours. I'm usually prefer drawing attention to my eyes rather than my lips (I have a scar on my lip that I hate!) and this is quite dark for a base colour but it's perfect for me and what I like.</div>
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Pair it with: white waterlined eyes for a bright-eyed glow.</div>
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2: YOGURT - matte - "Soft pale pink"</div>
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So good I've bought it twice!</div>
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Perfect for: base tones and vintage cutesy looks.</div>
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Pair it with: graphic shimmer eyeliner. Mix up the styles, but remember to blend out something between the two, like MAC "Phloof!" eyeshadow.</div>
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AND THE WINNER IS...</div>
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1: WOODWINKED -veluxe pearl - "Warm antique gold"</div>
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True gold, true glamour.</div>
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Perfect for: highlight - light cheekbone highlights are awesome with this. Tap it on, then blush-brush it off. A little goes a LONG way! Same for a cupids-bow highlight with nude lips.</div>
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Pair it with: bronzed skin for a beautiful glow. So much fun to play with!</div>
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And they're not MAC, but I can't live without them...<br />
Urban Decay Stardust eyeshadow in <a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/stardust-eyeshadow/226,default,pd.html" target="_blank">"Diamond Dog"</a>.<br />
<span id="goog_209369618"></span><span id="goog_209369619"></span><a href="http://www.barrym.com/" target="_blank">Barry M fine glitter dust</a> and Dazzle Dust in 98 and 24.<br />
Urban Decay <a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/Naked-2-Palette-by-Urban-Decay/282,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Naked2 palette</a>, in it's entirety, but in particular, YDK, Suspect and Snakebite.</div>
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It's been a while, but I still love you.<br />
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xoxo</div>
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<img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></div>
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Product images from the <a href="http://plasticprincesses.blogspot.com/2011/08/brand-spotlight-baby-ribbon.html">MAC website</a>.</div>
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All other images my own.</div>
Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-13872502273287409992012-05-07T18:00:00.000+01:002012-05-07T22:25:55.072+01:00What I wore 05.05.12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a while! I've started a new job and finally had the chance to buy one of my 'dream dresses'; Fantastic Dolly. Needless to say, it is made by angels and from fabric made of marshmallows. That said, I've never really thought of what to wear with it so this outfit is very cookie-cutter but I love it all the same. I wore this for the V&A meet-up that was affectionately nicknamed the "<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23frillytakeover" target="_blank">Frilly Takeover</a>" on Twitter. It was so so good to see everyone after so so long, and all in one place. We had a count and there were 113 of us! It must be a record!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is as close to a detail shot as I think I did all day? Thanks to Luna for bringing a camera along; I need to get myself a little point-and-shoot for meets as my phone battery life just doesn't cut it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot BELIEVE my hair stayed in place all day. Kudos to <a href="http://lovelylor.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Lovelylor</a> for her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc5sgRRZZfo" target="_blank">tutorial</a> - it works! I used slightly different clips but I can't imagine the Hell I would have been in should I gone with my original bobbie-pin plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As always in London, we ended up at London Photosticker Club and did some purikura, which I shall leave you with. I, as always, can't these photobooths seriously!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">JSK: Angelic Pretty</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Tights: Primark</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Hairbow: Angelic Pretty</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Cardigan: New Look</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Shoes: Secret Shop</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cutsew: Angelic Pretty</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coat: GLP</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Accessories: Ribbon Groupie, Angelic Pretty, Sex Pot Revenge, Luxestudio, <a href="http://patisseriepink.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Patisserie Pink</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bag: Angelic Pretty</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">xoxo,</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-54962120741070783912012-02-24T13:00:00.000+00:002012-02-24T13:00:14.404+00:00What I wore 04.02.12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was the day I tried my gravity-defying pigtails! I LOVE that I don't have to wear a wig to get this effect; it's all my hair in pigtails, then weave clipped over it. It made me so tall!<br />
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This photo of me and Emma dolled up for the night makes me RIDICULOUSLY happy.<br />
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JSK: Angelic Pretty<br />
Socks: Angelic Pretty<br />
Shoes: via Clobbaonline<br />
Hairbow: Angelic Pretty<br />
Cardigan: TU at Sainsburys<br />
Bag: Angelic Pretty<br />
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I was basically a walking advert for AP, but I love it. This was another REALLY comfortable outfit. This dress is so forgiving and really soft - I recommend it!<br />Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-31205168626537997182012-02-23T13:00:00.000+00:002012-02-23T13:00:18.426+00:00What I wore 02.02.12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really liked this outfit; it was so comfortable in the cold, windy Wales weather! I also wore my pink coat over the top, but had to keep taking it off in the hot bars and screening rooms.<br />
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The lighting in the bathroom kicked ASS but my phone didn't manage to keep up with it.<br />
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JSK: Angelic Pretty<br />
Bolero: Kohls<br />
Hairbow: Angelic Pretty<br />
Necklace: Handmade<br />
Wristcuffs, Bangle: Angelic Pretty<br />
Hairclip: Bonjour Honey<br />
Shoes: via Clobbaonline<br />
Bag: Angelic Pretty<br />Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-49805201438024260962012-01-15T12:00:00.000+00:002012-01-15T15:11:37.589+00:00What I wore 14.01.12<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I went to an Oxford Lolita meet yesterday and the theme was Teddy Bears. Of course, I jumped at this theme as I love bears even though I don't have a bear print... yet.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">JSK: Angelic Pretty</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Cardigan: TU at Sainsburys</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Coat: G.L.P.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Socks: Angelic Pretty</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Shoes: Secret Shop</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Accessories: Minty Mix, Angelic Pretty</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/IMAG0793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/IMAG0793.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Creepy cliche from-above pose! <3</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">xoxo,</span></span></div>
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;" /></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-10552861942509020302012-01-12T13:30:00.000+00:002012-01-15T15:11:47.143+00:00What I wore 11.01.12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I'm sorry for the photo quality; the long nights make it difficult to get photos as I usually wear Lolita in the evenings.</span></div>
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxnr47CR7N1qcohmco1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxnr47CR7N1qcohmco1_500.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">JSK: Angelic Pretty</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Bolero: Kohls</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Shoes: Secret Shop Tea Parties (black) - not shown as I was in my house</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Accessories: Cardboard Robot, Angelic Pretty</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">This little bolero makes an appearance again! Can you tell I love it?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Does anyone have any tips to combat wig-shine? I bought this wig as it was the same model as my super blonde one, but it's so much shinier and it looks plastic-y. Other than that, I love it and it's very versatile (I wear it with street-wear too) so I'd love to fix my shine issue!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">xoxo,</span></span></div>
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;" /></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-66731399921626416782012-01-11T16:23:00.001+00:002012-01-15T15:11:23.866+00:00Brief note;I'm so sorry for becoming quiet; I know it's totally not in my nature! I've been really busy dealing with a redundancy and all the hassle it entails but I hope to become a more frequent poster very soon!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-83081625999333302422012-01-01T09:00:00.001+00:002012-01-15T00:25:35.027+00:00DREAM WARDROBE: January - All I want for New Years is AP<b style="text-align: left;">Jessy</b><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Picture21-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Picture21-1.png" width="399" /></a></div>
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(JSK: Angelic Pretty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /> hairbow: Angelic Pretty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /> blouse: Angelic Pretty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> tights: Jonathan Aston</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> boots: Angelic Pretty</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> jewelry: Disney Couture</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">) </span></div>
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<b>Delilah</b><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Picture23-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Picture23-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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(JSK: Angelic Pretty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> hair clips: cherryredboutique.com<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left;"> blouse: Angelic Pretty</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span"> socks: Angelic Pretty</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span"> boots: Secret Shop</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span"> jewelry: Angelic Pretty </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> bag: Angelic Pretty) </div>
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<b>Katie </b></div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Picture24-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Picture24-1.png" width="387" /></a></div>
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(JSK: Angelic Pretty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> hairbow: Innocent World<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> bolero: Angelic Pretty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span"> tights: Betsey Johnson</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span"> boots: Innocent World</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span"> jewelry: Angelic Pretty</span>) </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-65707945904345524302011-11-24T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-24T09:00:03.786+00:00Things I love Thursday<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">American-style bacon and Mickey Mouse pancakes to start the day!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Positive job interviews</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Beautiful Christmas window displays</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Paperchase's <a href="http://www.paperchase.co.uk/shop/christmas-2011/icat/oechristmas2011/" target="_blank">Christmas decorations</a> - I love my new packing foam snow-globe bauble</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> SPACE BOOTS! </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Having less than 8 hours screen-time a day for the first time in years</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> French manicures in soft colours</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Gingerbread men</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> Christmas presents arriving from the US </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> Being the only people in the cinema laughing when we should be swooning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> Highlighting with cute metallics</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-63449669679754174482011-11-17T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-17T09:00:07.206+00:00Things I love Thursday<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(image via Tumblr; Source unknown but please tell me!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Spending the day shopping in Oxford with my Lolita friends </span></span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> The new lease of life brunette hair has allowed me!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Being excited about my art again</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> New wrapping paper to add to the collection</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Bronze and old gold </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Re-watching Gossip Girl</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> <a href="http://www.lipsticksandlightsabers.com/" target="_blank">Lipsticks and Lightsabers</a> - why have I only just found this nerdy make-up blog?!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Cultivating my Barry M collection</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Clearing space for the Christmas tree!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> Vanilla coffee - as black as my heart </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> L+ sized<a href="http://clobbaonline.com/index.php?p=1_28" target="_blank"> Secret Shop Engineer boots</a> pre-order! </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Cream and rose-pink</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"> 13.5 tog duvets on cold mornings</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-85777134077378071302011-11-10T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-10T09:00:11.147+00:00Things I love Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(image via <a href="http://paradisaea-decora.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Paradisaea Decora</a> on DeviantArt)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Wearing cute underwear until a million layers and only you knowing about it! </span></span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> Choosing new hair colours (and going back to natural tones)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> The art of <a href="http://www.samgibbons.net/" target="_blank">Sam Gibbons</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> The annual invasion of the Gingerbread Lattes!</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Re-watching Nightmare Before Christmas </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> ...and Hocus Pocus</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> My friend Kyra's new jewellery line; <a href="http://patisseriepink.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Patisserie Pink</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Skeleton-themed EVERYTHING</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Cute and spooky fashion</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Having new ideas for my patchwork quilt (ancient project that needs reviving!) </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Glitter nail polish </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Angelic Pretty new <a href="http://www.angelicpretty.com/newarrival/sugarhearts/index.htm" target="_blank">Sugar Hearts collection</a> - so hard to choose a favourite colourway!</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Agent Provocateur premium collection now available <a href="http://www.agentprovocateur.com/collection-slideshow.html?theme=soireegold" target="_blank">online</a> (for drooling purposes only with the state of my wallet </3)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Christmas excitement is BUILDING!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-18260389788770195602011-11-07T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-07T09:00:14.392+00:00Charming and cuteI've recently been bought a simple silver tennis bracelet with a heart clasp and it was bought with the intention of my making it into a charm bracelet. Straight away, I bought a few different charms; a letter 'M', a tiny Cinderella carriage and a little pink hamster. At home, I found a couple more; a slightly larger crown, a heart of diamantés and an envelope and I found that my charm bracelet was taking shape.<br />
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I'm building my bracelet with aesthetics in mind but charm bracelets were originally just that; charms. Miniature talismans and wishes to be carried around. There are many different meanings for the different charms, and some are good ideas that I'd like to incorporate;
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Four-leaf clover:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">the first leaf is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Heart padlock:</b> faithful love</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Horseshoe:</b> attraction or "drawing" luck</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pyramid:</b> improving work habits, increase energy, improve psychic awareness, attract good luck</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Unicorn:</b> chastity and protection, used to promote fertility, increase sexual magnetism, pierces the plans of enemies, keeps the wearer safe from evil <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">forces.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I also love the infinite customisation opportunities on these bracelets. The lobster-clasped charms can be removed and rearranged at will and I can't wait to grab a few Christmas charms to add on for the Winter months. I can just imagine my bracelet with a few extra candycanes!</span><br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/charms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/charms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The charms on my wishlist; 1-2, 4-5 from <a href="http://www.juicycouture.com/">Juicy C<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">outure</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, 3 from <a href="http://www.heavenlytreasures.com/268fc-276.html">Amore la Vita</a> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-13378361561070228382011-11-04T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-04T09:00:13.062+00:00Lolita; wardrobe basicsYou've fallen in love with Lolita. It's OK. There are people here for you; it's happened to all of us.<br />
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Whether you've run out and bought a beautiful brand print item because you can't live without it (that's how it happened to me) or you're just taking your first baby steps and daydreaming while searching through website after website, you're probably wondering where on Earth to start. As with every fashion wardrobe, you should start with the basics...</div>
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<b>Examples of basics</b></div>
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I've focused on Sweet Lolita for the examples and the majority are from Angelic Pretty but you're really looking for the shapes and styles. I've also put them in order of priority (in my opinion).</div>
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Skirt/JSK</div>
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A plainer, non-printed skirt or JSK is a great choice for a starter-lolita. It will probably be timeless and carry you through different seasons as well as being a good mix-and-match items in your growing wardrobe.</div>
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Petticoat and bloomers</div>
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A cupcake-shaped petticoat is a must to hold your new skirt in shape. Without it, the silhouette looks flat and frankly, wrong. Invest in a good petticoat in a basic white (or black for those building a wardrobe based on that colour) and you can wear it under most of your outfits-to-come. Choose some comfy bloomers too to preserve your dignity!</div>
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Blouse/cutsew</div>
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You'll want something to go with that JSK or skirt, and that is where blouses and/or cutsews come in. Look for a simple shape with minimal fussy details so it will suit most outfits. Peter-Pan collars are popular for Sweet Lolita and one with detatchable sleeves will carry you through the seasons.</div>
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I'm a bit of a heretic. I often wear simple high-street tops under my Lolita clothing and I think it looks fine.</div>
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Shoes</div>
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Shoes in your main colour are a must. High-street shoes can clash with the style of Lolita so be careful when coordinating with them but it CAN be done which is why I've put these as a low-priority item. A simple Mary-Jane style shoe suits most styles of Lolita.</div>
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Socks</div>
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A simple pair of over-the-knee or knee-high socks in a coordinating colour to your shoes will help to add the finishing touches to your outfit. Again, choose a simple style so they can be worn a variety of ways. A lot of places carry a simple lace-topped sock and these are usually best.</div>
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Hair accessories</div>
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I've put these last on the priority list as people generally have a few already! Bows, clips, headbands; anything will do as long as it matches with your outfit and looks pretty. That said, bows are the standard for Lolita and are definitely the 'crowning glory' of your outfit. Although crowns are good too!</div>
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<b>General advice</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Steer clear of eBay until you know what you're looking for.</li>
<li>Keep a journal to note down the things you see that you like, wishes you want fulfilled and definitely what you have already, with pictures if possible. This will make choosing new items and filling in gaps in your wardrobe super easy.</li>
<li>REPLICAS: I say if you're new to Lolita and are still finding your feet and your personal style, buying a replica isn't the worst thing you could do. </li>
<li>Pick a main colour for your skirt/JSK, shoes, hair accessories and petticoat. Choose a secondary colour for your blouse/cutsew and socks. Good main colours are pastel pink, pastel blue (sax), black and red. Good secondary colours are white (for any main colour) or co-ordinating pastels.</li>
<li>If you've chosen a printed item for your skirt/JSK, choose a secondary colour that's in the print.</li>
<li>Flat shoes are best for a first choice so you can get miles out of them. If you choose heels, be prepared to walk in them at meets and in daily life.</li>
<li>Consider getting a matching bag for your outfit that can hold all of your things. Mis-matching bags can throw off the whole look.</li>
<li>Keep you choices multi-seasonal with layers and breathable fabrics so you're not stuck with clothing you can only wear a few months of the year.</li>
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A few proven places for buying reasonable Lolita basics;</div>
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<a href="http://www.bodyline.co.jp/bodyline/" target="_blank">Bodyline</a> - Good for blouses and basic JSK/OPs. They do sales and/or free shipping every so often so worth checking back every now and again if they don't have current offers. ($1 AIR shipping until 31.11.11)</div>
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<a href="http://www.annahousefashion.com/" target="_blank">Anna House</a> - A lot of items can be made-to-measure and are good value.</div>
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<a href="http://egl-comm-sales.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">EGL Community Sales</a> - Basics are often listed here and you can snap up brand pieces for a fraction of the cost of new.</div>
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<a href="http://www.qutieland.com/index2.php" target="_blank">Qutieland</a> - Again, a lot of items can be made-to-measure (there can be a long wait for the items to be shipped, however) and they offer brand replicas and brand-influenced pieces as well as carrying lower price-bracket brands like KidsYoYo and Rose Melody. Also great for shoes.</div>
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<a href="http://clobbaonline.com/" target="_blank">Clobbaonline</a> - Similar to Qutieland, Clobbaonline acts as a buyer from the Chinese site TaoBao and is a great place to buy shoes, bags and Dream of Lolita brand replicas.</div>
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<br /></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-90654967389051376632011-11-03T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-03T09:30:08.202+00:00Things I love Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(image via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/crush_images/3981133347/">Chris Morrow</a>)</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Code-fiddling making the blog easier to read </span></span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Improving the landing page for all!</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Lemsip saving my life </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> OMG HALLOWEEN-TIME IS SO MUCH FUN!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Game of Thrones and it's third watch-through</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Theon Greyjoy owns my heart</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Direwolves x a million</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Winter furs and witchy boots</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://fireextinquisher.tumblr.com/post/11147446772/ghost-hello-kitty">Angelic Pretty x Hello Kitty</a> ghosties!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> E</span><span class="Apple-style-span">nough leaves on the floor to get in good leaf-kicking sessions!</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Baby-sitting for best friends</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> <span class="Apple-style-span">TOTALLY CUTE</span> <a href="http://capsicum.deviantart.com/gallery/4792634">Care Bear fanart</a> <span class="Apple-style-span">by Capsicum </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Charm bracelets and hamster charms! </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Trips down memory lane </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Coming close to finishing my first cross-stitch project in YEARS </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="color: #444444;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Planning the next one!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-88434742347664601402011-11-02T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-03T09:30:38.614+00:00Learning to be the girl that knows her own styleThe girl with a hundred dresses. The girl who always rocks offbrand.<br />
The girl with the amazing eyelashes. The girl with all the Angelic Pretty.<br />
The girl that loves bunny prints. The girl that's always in green.<br />
Feel lost yet?<br />
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With so many styles and so many choices, it sometimes seems difficult to make an image your own or stick to one thing. So many people seem to have strongly defined taste and almost trademark style and they tend to be well known for just that; their image. It can often seem difficult to define your OWN image but often it's just a case of rinse and repeat!<br />
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(image thanks to Kyra)</div>
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<b>Build on strong foundations.</b><br />
It might be that you want to start all over again with your personal style, but odds are that you already have one. Build on it and what you're comfortable with and you may be happier than starting from scratch. You will be more comfortable in your style if it's something you're accustomed to and it'll be you wearing the fashion, not the fashion wearing you! Maybe you need to <a href="http://swiftheartlu.blogspot.com/2011/09/rejuvenating-your-closet.html">rejuvenate your closet</a> before you start to build on it?<br />
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<b>Stick to your guns and be yourself. </b><br />
Your favorite shoes might not be the most popular design, your socks might not quite reach your knees and your hair may not suit a particular style but it's YOUR style and YOUR choices. Don't let anyone dictate what you should wear; make yourself happy and others will notice your smile!<br />
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<b>Don't be afraid to get what you LOVE not what's popular. </b><br />
There's an old adage of 'Fashion is what's available, style is what you choose from that' which I believe will always apply. It's easy to choose an outfit from clothes that are available, but it won't be your personal style. Mix in things that you love and bring your style to life.<br />
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<b>Know your style, but don't be afraid to step outside it. </b><br />
I always think of one of my friends as always looking beautifully elegant in Moi Meme Moitie dresses, jewel tones and roses strewn through her hair but I know that she also has a lot of sweeter than sweet pastel frocks. Just because you choose to dress in different styles doesn't mean that the main impression people get from you should be diluted. Rock your personal style to it's fullest and it will translate to the masses.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-49566443950447081662011-11-01T09:00:00.000+00:002011-11-01T09:00:09.708+00:00DREAM WARDROBE: November - A touch of colour in the grey cold<b>Violet </b>regretted not grabbing her coat as she ran out of the door, but didn't regret deciding to join her friends on the Ghost Walk through the ancient parts of the city. The roads were still haunted by the memories of Halloween just gone; fake blood stained the pavement and every now and again, some toilet roll still clung to the branches. Her bag was just big enough to hold the hipflask of whiskey that she was sharing with her best friends as they were told about murders, suicides and deaths under mysterious circumstances and by the time the tour was done, they were starting to feel the effects of the drink and the bars were just starting to get busy...<br />
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(skirt: Hollister<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> sweatshirt: Listen Flavor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> bag: YesStyle.com<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> jewelry: hh-candy.com<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> tights: Jonathan Aston<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> shoes: Listen Flavor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;" width="12" /> hairclips: Kreepsville 666) </div>
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<b>Jessy </b>leant against the wall by the door of the party and glanced around. All of her parents friends were here and her cheeks had started to ache from forcing a smile all evening. She caught her mothers eye; the woman waved and Jessy forced another smile. She swilled the last of her cola in the bottom of her glass and finished it in one mouthful, putting the glass on the windowsill. Headlights of a car pulling into the car park caught in the glass and she looked up, trying to get a look at the driver when her phone buzzed in her bag.</div>
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"You said SOS?" read the text. </div>
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She glanced around once more, slipped out the door and ran for the car.</div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/jessy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/jessy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(stole: Juicy Couture<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> JSK: Baby, The Stars Shine Bright</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> bag: Sanrio</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> jewelry: Juicy Couture</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> tights: WeLoveColors.com</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> shoes: Iron Fist</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> hairgrip: Innocent World) </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Katie</b> fiddled with the buttons on her phone and found herself looking through recent snapshots; friendly cats she'd walked by, food she'd eaten at restaurants, silly self portraits of her and her boyfriend. Her boyfriend. She was still getting used to that. That boring boy, the son of one of her mums friends from the WI. The one she was waiting for outside of his office on the high street. That was the call she was trying to avoid making. She finally found the number in her address book and hit the dial button.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Mum..." she said, pausing. "You were right."</div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Katie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Katie2.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(shirt: Miss Selfridge<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /> trousers: MILK<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /> bag: MILK<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> jewelry: Betsey Johnson, Forzieri</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> socks: Angelic Pretty</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; text-align: -webkit-auto;" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> boots: Forever 21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-67409574960444262142011-10-31T13:20:00.000+00:002011-10-31T13:20:00.674+00:00HAPPY HALLOWEEN!I'm really sorry for the lack of posts in recent days; I've had some real-life issues that needed sorting out and my e-life had to take a break! I have some fun things queued up now and hope to back under full steam shortly.<br />
Most importantly, have a GREAT SPOOKYDAY and stay safe! <3<3<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-88023402675960635862011-10-21T09:00:00.000+01:002011-10-21T09:00:04.809+01:0040 ways to beat the Winter Blues<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The nights are getting gloomier, the Autumn seems wished
away in the run-up to the holidays, and the dreaded SAD is already rearing it's
ugly head. Make the most of the shorter days and beat the Winter Blues...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lr2azqHFNC1qhivyzo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lr2azqHFNC1qhivyzo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(image from Tumblr; source unknown)</div>
<br /></div>
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<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /> <b>Get the lights on in the AM.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If it's as dark inside as it is outside, you're not going to
want to wake up. Not wanting to wake up first thing will start your day
off with a negative vibe. Shed a little light on the situation!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Get the coffee on.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As well as lights, the smell of coffee can stimulate you in
the morning to make sure your get-up-and-go doesn't get up and go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Stroke a cat.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or hamster. Or dog. <a href="http://www.best-cat-art.com/stroking-your-cat.html">It's good for you.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Get outdoors and enjoy some natural
light.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It might be cold, but getting some sunlight on your skin
makes Vitamin D in the best way possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Get something green growing.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Introduce a little greenery into your life. It's not
in their natural blooming period, but indoor roses are beautiful in Winter and
with a little TLC they can be kept in bloom if bought when they're budding.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Write your goals for the Winter on a
page and stick it somewhere visible.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you write something down, you're more likely to remember
it and if you see your goals in front of you every day, you're more likely to
strive for them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Get yourself something frivolous.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"To Me, Love Me"</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Watch "Love Actually"</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Appreciate the love in your life, and then go appreciate the
fact you have better things to do in your life than chase tail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Buy next years planner.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Put in birthdays, plan breaks and highlight special
occasions. Mark in direct debit dates, rent payments, the days your wages
go into your account. Make 2012 the most organised year yet!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Start a project.</b></div>
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The more all-consuming the better. Be passionate about
something different for a while for distraction and a change of viewpoint.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Write down everything you need to do
today.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Screw up the paper and throw it out of the window.
Enjoy your stolen day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Start a journal.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or write in yours more regularly. Make lists, write
down your loves. Draw charts, track your constellations. Doodle to
your hearts content.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Look at your diet and cut out the
rubbish.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feeling gloomy often comes from within so cut out excessive
sugars, carbs and fats and replace them with healthier alternatives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Make recipes you can't get away with in
the Summer.</b></div>
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Pumpkin pies, heavy fruit cakes, casserole dinners and stew
and dumplings are all fantastic Wintery foods perfect for hibernating through
the coldest months.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Eat some bananas.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They contain serotonin (upping your serotonin levels is also
something that Prozac does!) and dopamine (which tickles pleasure sensors in
your brain) so they really are the happy food!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Drink enough water.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You're probably sick of hearing it but you need around 8
glasses of H2O a DAY. In the Winter, it's not so warm and you might not
feel as thirsty so make sure to glug some down!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Soup.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warm, delicious and nutritious. It's perfect for the
colder weather so eat up. (I like Souper Douper, even though it's miles
away.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Sort out a box from your childhood.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unless you've gotten rid of it all, of course. Spend a
few hours sorting through your old Barbies and My Little Ponies, cleaning them
up and brushing their hair and re-boxing and hiding back in the loft.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Do something on the way home.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Break the monotonous cycle of home-work-home and go DO
something straight after work. Meet friends, treat yourself at the shops.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Buy yourself some flowers.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Houseplants may be falling back and it's all dead outside so
a bunch of flowers could brighten your room(s).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Get dressed up.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's so easy to lapse back to "It's warm and it's
comfortable" for your style choices but this can often make you feel
frumpy. Get dolled up and dress to impress yourself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Plan a Winter break to somewhere sunny.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even if you can't afford to go, plan a trip away.
Somewhere hot, ideally. Think about the places you'd visit and the
sights you'd see and note it all down for the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Get taken along for the ride.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take up a friend on their offer to introduce you to a hobby
they love. Roleplaying, go-karting, gallery-visiting... try something new
that someone you love loves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Go visit your Mum.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or Dad. Or best friend. Call them and arrive on
their doorstep. Chat, laugh, cry. Benefit from their wisdom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Trade mixtapes.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or <a href="http://www.suck.uk.com/products/mixtapeusbdrive/?category=gifts">flashdrives </a>if
you want to be one of the cool kids. Find someone with music taste you
appreciate and trade themed mixes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Hit 'submit order' on your online cart.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We've all got one somewhere. A website you love with a
car stuffed of cute stuff we don't REALLY need but we do REALLY want. Be
sensible about it, but hit that order button (as long as you can afford it!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Churn.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least that's what someone in my family calls it.
Sort through your stuff and rearrange some furniture. Just because
it's not Spring doesn't mean you can't sort and clean for a fresher life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Decorate your walls.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tear down your old posters and replace them with your
favourite art, words you love and photos from your most treasured memories.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Stay away.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Book a hotel for you and your best friend or boyfriend.
Stay up all night and get breakfast in bed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Note down your dreams as you wake up.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Research their meanings, spot patterns. The nights are
longer so find out what your mind is going through while it gets through them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Enjoy something delicious.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two words; <a href="http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/">Hotel
Chocolat</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Finish a project.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It might be putting the finishing touches on , it might be
finishing a drawing or it might just be actually filing papers in the filing
system you started a year ago. But choose a project you keep putting off,
and finish it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Have a
pampering evening.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether you invite your best friends to join you or not, a
night spent pampering could never be a night wasted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Stay away from The Pessimist.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone has one. The friend that runs you down but
you've known forever, or just can't get away from. But try your hardest
too, please. Save the pessimism for when you can take it on the chin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Take Winter for all it's worth.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Otherwise known as 'Drink Gingerbread Lattes until you feel
sick'. Leap in head first and enjoy start your Winter the way you mean to
go on - wear the cutest scarves, make the Christmas decorations, cut out the
snowflakes and kick the snow about while you can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Get your make-up done at a department
store.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go in fresh-faced and come out feeling like a diva.
Extra kudos for glitter before lunchtime.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Embrace an alter-ego</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buy yourself a wig and be someone else for the day; someone
that LOVES Winter and smiles at strangers and eats vegetarian and wears heeled
boots to kick leaves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Have sprinkles.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is worth the sprinkles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Admit defeat and overcome it.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's easy to let yourself drop into murky waters but it's as
easy as you let yourself make it to ask for help.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><b> Know that Spring is always just around
the corner.</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span></div>
</div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-17826072450947975452011-10-20T09:00:00.000+01:002011-10-20T09:00:00.087+01:00Things I love Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dwTPjaicop8/TpxMQ9NThXI/AAAAAAAAADw/ERjceYT-9gs/s1600/swiftheart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dwTPjaicop8/TpxMQ9NThXI/AAAAAAAAADw/ERjceYT-9gs/s400/swiftheart.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Code-fiddling making the blog easier to read</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Improving the landing page for all!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Lemsip saving my life </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> OMG HALLOWEEN-TIME IS SO MUCH FUN!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Game of Thrones and it's third watch-through</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Theon Greyjoy owns my heart</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Direwolves x a million</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Winter furs and witchy boots</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://fireextinquisher.tumblr.com/post/11147446772/ghost-hello-kitty">Angelic Pretty x Hello Kitty</a> ghosties!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> E</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">nough leaves on the floor to get in good leaf-kicking sessions!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Baby-sitting for best friends</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> <span class="Apple-style-span">TOTALLY CUTE</span> <a href="http://capsicum.deviantart.com/gallery/4792634">Care Bear fanart</a> <span class="Apple-style-span">by Capsicum </span></span></span></span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Charm bracelets and hamster charms! </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Trips down memory lane </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Coming close to finishing my first cross-stitch project in YEARS </span><img height="12" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ks6LxGhxQc/TpbkaNu_eII/AAAAAAAAAC0/_cT_ejXhWjQ/s1600/heart.GIF" width="12" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Planning the next one!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-4943830688654579752011-10-14T09:00:00.000+01:002011-10-14T09:00:07.081+01:00Lolitas at Halloween; DOs and DON'Ts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsjg9vrX1R1qh8ie3o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsjg9vrX1R1qh8ie3o1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, you're a Lolita and you love Halloween. You want to wear your beloved fashion on the big night but you know that there are a lot of Lolita/Maid Halloween outfits available and you don't want your fashion to get confused with costume. So where do you draw the line?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #993399;">DO</span></b> wear Lolita if you want to wear Lolita!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993399;"><b>DON'T</b></span> just wear a normal Lolita outfit - it's a costume with Lolita stylings, not a Lolita costume. If you don't want people to mistake your fashion for a costume, don't wear it as one!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #993399;">DO</span></b> make sure your 'theme' or 'style' is obvious - this is the night that you can't be too over the top so really push the boundaries!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #993399;"><b>DON'T</b></span> choose a costume that borders too closely with Lolita and could get confused - maids are OUT.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #993399;">DO</span></b> choose a costume that the shape of Lolita can suit. Lolita Vampires could look amazing but Lolita dead Cheerleaders aren't going to be believable.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #993399;"><b>DON'T</b></span> just wear animal ears with Lolita. Animal ears go with LINGERIE.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #993399;">DO</span></b> make sure your clothes are suitable for your destination. You may be coming into contact with fake blood, wet loo roll, eggs... Keep this in mind before choosing your finest clothes.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993399;"><b>DON'T</b></span> cross too many themes. Zombie-geisha-Lolita might sound like a great costume idea but very few people are going to distinguish what you were going for. Keep it simple, stupid.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #993399;">DO</span></b> ensure you have somewhere to hoard all that candy or hide those beer bottles!<br />
<br />
<br />
If you're stuck for ideas;<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.parfaitdoll.com/2008/10/50-easy-halloween-costumes-for-lolita-chan.html">50 Easy Halloween costumes for Lolitas</a> at <a href="http://parfaitdoll.com/">parfaitdoll.com</a><br />
AND<br />
<a href="http://www.parfaitdoll.com/2009/10/50-more-easy-halloween-costumes-for-lolitas.html">50 MORE easy Halloween costumes for Lolitas</a> too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and most of all;<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #993399;">DO</span></b> remember to enjoy your night of Ghouls, Ghasts and Goblins!<br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<div>
xoxo</div>
<div>
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /><br />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq409g4a31qcfn0j.gif" />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq401AfEW1qcfn0j.gif" />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq3zosjso1qcfn0j.gif" />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq3zlx2wj1qcfn0j.gif" />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq409g4a31qcfn0j.gif" />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq401AfEW1qcfn0j.gif" />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq3zosjso1qcfn0j.gif" />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsq3zlx2wj1qcfn0j.gif" /></div>
</div>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-80874400186671951782011-10-13T09:00:00.000+01:002011-10-13T10:14:31.263+01:00Things I love Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Night-time Ghost walk through Oxford</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Surprise Krispy Kremes!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Winter furs and animal hats</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">One of the newer Oxford Lolitas not realising I was wearing a wig!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥ </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Nearly finishing Mass Effect, and choosing my next game (The Last Remnant?)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Usamimis in Primark for £1!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Atom and his Package still being on my iPod</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Using Winter as an excuse to wear metallic and/or glitter EVERYTHING</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Shopping for Christmas decorations already at <a href="http://www.paperchase.co.uk/online-services/our-christmas/page/christmas/">Paperchase</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Moving furniture about for optimal distance from window and heaters ready for another cold Winter in Oxfordshire!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Halloween co-ordinates, not just costumes!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-11551693726146911272011-10-07T09:00:00.000+01:002011-10-07T12:58:44.925+01:00What I wore 01.10.11<br />
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Shelly_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Shelly_01.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I wore this to Beaus birthday party. I forgot to ask for photos until later in the night so I had them done in Beaus mums TOTALLY CUTE kitchen. Seriously, this photo does it NO justice; there are cupcakes everywhere and Cath Kidston everything. </div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Shelly_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Shelly_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Skirt: was a Bodyline JSK!<br />
Top: modified H&M kids pyjamas<br />
Shoes: New Look<br />
Cardigan: Kohls!<br />
Necklace: Hot Topic<br />
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I'm in love with this cardigan and necklace combo - can you tell!?<br />
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BIG THANK YOU to Beau for the photos <3</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></div>
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<br />Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-61208953140885049602011-10-06T09:00:00.000+01:002011-10-13T10:14:41.688+01:00Things I love Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(image via Tumblr) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Birthdays!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Unexpected warm weather meaning all evening spent outside at the prettiest garden party</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Scones and clotted cream</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">OCTOBER</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥ </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Halloween planning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Ghosties, ghouls and goblins!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">The arrival of my </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/mercilessterror" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Merciless Terror</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> CD and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/unnaturalselectionband">Unnatural Selection</a> badges </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Finally playing Mass Effect</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> Homemade brownies at work </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">3 for 2 makeup at Boots!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥ </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Cute snugly clothes on the high street for A/W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">♥ </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Going swimming at 6AM </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">♥</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">xoxo,</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Michelle <3" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/michellesignature2.jpg" /></span>Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-51897471911992798502011-10-03T11:30:00.000+01:002011-10-05T14:02:23.060+01:00DREAM WARDROBE: October - Halloween SPOOKtactular<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jessy</b> took Olivia's hand as gave in to being dragged up the road to every front door on the street. They'd set out for Trick or Treating after Olivia had come home from school already dressed as a ghost with one of their mums white sheets over her head.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">They knocked at each door in turn and were given handfuls of sweets and chocolate; they were even given some pennies by the woman at Rose Cottage who had forgotten which day it was and felt too guilty to turn them away empty handed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jessy was getting bored of Trick or Treating when Olivia knocked at number 95 to find a party going on inside. The boy that opened the door looked her up and down, smiling.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Trick of Treat?" Jessy asked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"A little of both." was the answer.</span></div>
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<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Jessy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/takecyanide/Jessy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">(JSK: Angelic Pretty - Blouse: PREEN - Bag: Angelic Pretty - Eyeshadow: MAC - Jewelry: hannahzakari.co.uk - Socks: sockdreams.com - Shoes: Angelic Pretty)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Emily</b> drags her jumper over her head as she steps out of the light of the cars headlights and into the darkness of the woods. Screams are heard in the distance and she can see the shadows moving through the trees ahead. She crotches at the foot of a tree and waits. The minutes drag by and she hears a beep. Checking her phone, she sees a new message.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"I can see you..."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There's a rustle behind her and suddenly she's dragged into the foliage, kicking dead leaves up and screaming as hard as her lungs could handle. She punches up and hits soft flesh, catching her attacker off-guard. She gets free and runs. Runs and runs; str</span>aight into his friend. Emily throws up her arms over her head in defense as she's hit in the stomach with a chainsaw made of card and foam, ending up on the floor, laughing.<br />
"Your turn to be Leatherface." says Chloe, with a smile.<br />
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(Dress: All Saints - Shirt: shopthetrendboutique.com - Tights: Jonathan Aston - Boots: Debenhams - Ring: Ayaka Nisha - Ring 2: asos.com - Usamimi: Dorothy Perkins)</div>
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<b>Anya </b>buckled her shoes and picked up her clutch as she headed out the door. Every year since she was 8, she'd been invited to a house down the road for their Halloween party and every year she'd gone and been the brunt of the jokes; being shut in coffins, covered in gunge and made to eat spaghetti and eyeballs. She looked up at the cob-web covered door of 95 and caught a glimpse of her friend walking down the street towards her.<br />
"Do you mind taking a photo for me?" she asked, holding out a polaroid camera.<br />
She leant on one hip and stuck two fingers up to the front door as Iona took her photo from behind. She got out a marker and scrawled 'What you're missing, assholes. xo' across the bottom of the shot and pushed it through the letterbox and kept on walking, arm-in-arm with Iona, down into town.<br />
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(Playsuit: Miss Selfridge - Tights: Topshop - Jewelry: Violet Darkling - Bratop: found on Tumblr.com - Clutch: MILK - Shoes: Angelic Pretty)<br />
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xoxo</div>
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Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2256300556860523008.post-35664223060794602732011-09-28T16:00:00.000+01:002011-09-28T16:00:09.000+01:006 ways to share a small living space<div>
Living in the UK and being part of a generation of renters sometimes means that you have to cope with living in a space that isn't big enough for your lifestyle, and even worse, often you have to share it. This article is specifically aimed at living with your Significant Other as that is what I am coping with right now, but it can be applied to best-friend house mates, room mates in University, even siblings still under your parents roof.<br />
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<b>1. Look at what you have and what you need.</b></div>
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It's best to do this before starting to share your space, but it can be done at any time you feel overwhelmed with belongings. Look through the things you have and try to minimise what you have to live with.</div>
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There are plenty of different methods of sorting out what you need in your house and your life and if you're like me, you love every item you own. It's tough to donate things or chuck them, but there are a few questions that I ask myself when I look at things that I'm unsure about throwing them away that may help you;</div>
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<li>Do I really LOVE it; does it have fond memories and/or sentimental value?</li>
<li>Do I need it and do I have a use for it in the future?</li>
<li>Is it going to be hard to replace if you do need it later in life?</li>
<li>Can I see myself using it in the future; does it fit the life I WANT to lead?</li>
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If you're still swimming in clutter after sorting through your belongings, maybe you can look at storage but it is very expensive and it's equivalent to just throwing money away if you don't store wisely. If you don't use the things after keeping them in store for over 6 months, maybe it's worth running them through the questions above.</div>
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<b>2. Look at your in-house storage options</b><br />
Closed bookshelves, inbuilt cuboards, wasted space in the kitchen; all of this can be used to your advantage. Try to make the most of the space given to you. Places such as Ikea have plenty of solutions for even the most awkward hidey-holes and soon, all of your things will be hidden away.<br />
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<b>3. Try to do things together where possible</b><br />
If you can, eat together. Clean together. Wash clothes together. Not only will this create a unity in your home, but it means that you don't get in the way of each other doing clashing tasks. If one of you cleans the kitchen while the other does the bathroom, you won't be getting dishsoap in the others baked goods or hoovering up half-painted wargaming miniatures!<br />
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<b>4. If you can't respect personal space, respect personal time</b><br />
As much as you may love being together, everyone needs their time. Let the other person have an afternoon with the home to themselves and ask that they do the same for you. Pamper yourself on your 'afternoon off'! Light some candles, put on music they don't appreciate but you love, do some crafts that take up the whole living room for once. It's your time; enjoy it and don't just do the dishes while they're out of your hair.<br />
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<b>5. GET OUT!</b><br />
It may seem obvious, but it wasn't to me for a while. Although it's probable that they majority of your incoming money is going on your home and if you're like me, you want to get your money's worth, sometimes it is best to ignore it and go out. Go out every evening for a week and come the weekend, you'll cherish that tiny space and will have missed the person you share it with.<br />
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<b>6. Love your home</b><br />
It can seem like a cell, but make it YOUR cell. Decorate with mutually acceptable designs, keep it clean, fill it with things you love and make it your own. It's easy to love a small space when it is somewhere that you enjoy being. Decorating a rented space can be a nightmare, but there are plenty (probably hundreds) of websites that have tutorials, hints and guides, such as (most from the beloved Apartment Therapy - have a browse!);<br />
<a href="http://freshome.com/2009/01/22/designs-for-rent-5-tips-for-decorating-your-rental/">5 tips for decorating your rental</a><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/marketplace/10-temporary-removable-fussfree-products-for-renters-shoppers-guide-138010">10 temporary, removable products for renters</a><br />
<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/bedroom/small-cool-dorm-rooms-114035">Small, cool dorm rooms</a><br />
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I hope you can find something that can help you from these tips; they're certainly hard-learned!<br />
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xoxo</div>
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Michelle Swifthearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17242166682744467709noreply@blogger.com1