New Years Resolutions

The hype of setting New Years' Resolutions can be overwhelming around this time of year, but people have actually been setting them for thousands of years. Did you know that the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts; that the Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named; that in the Medieval era, the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

I have only three resolutions this year. They are much more simple than my past resolutions, and  I have also included one blog-o-lution, just as a little extra challenge.

I took this from the top deck of the Eiffel Tower in 2011, but I would love to go back.

To go to Paris. I have visited Paris 7 or 8 times before, but the last time I went was February 2011, and I miss it. Before when I've been to Paris I've always wanted to go to Disneyland or do touristy things, but this coming year I would love to really explore Paris. I would love to be dropped off somewhere in the city and wander around with some money and a camera and see what I discover. Also, I really feel that my beginner French could blossom with a long weekend?!

Eat Healthier. I know that this has probably made everyones list, but I really do want to eat healthier food in 2013. I eat rubbish and I know that it isn't benefiting my body or my already breakout prone skin. Some of my favourite foods are already fruits(um, watermelon, anyone?) and vegetables(see brussel sprouts and broccoli). I don't have a goal to lose weight or a plan to diet, but by eating healthier in the coming year, I hope to get my body to somewhere better than it currently is, like a fruit salad paradise.

Get moister! I know that this one sounds really weird, but my whole body has been feeling really dry lately, especially my face and hair. I don't know whether this is due to the fact that we are in Winter, or if my skin/hair has been dry for a while and I just haven't noticed. Anyhow, it has to stop. In 2013 I have made it a resolution to moisturise as often as possible and try and do a hair mask or a hot oil treatment at least once a week. However, as much work as this resolution sounds  I will have an excuse to try out as many hand and body creams as I like.

My Blog Resolution:
To take better swatch pictures. I really need to improve the quality of my swatches. Whenever I swatch on my hand and take a picture, it always ends up looking like a dodgy crippled hand, and the swatch is usually blurred or not visible, and not true to the product. I will be avidly googling and testing out different ways to take better swatch pictures for you guys, thus making it my Bog Resolution for 2013.

Have you made any resolutions for 2012?
Jennifer xx

Happy New Year! 2013 Anticipations

WOW, 2012 is over already? Well, I guess it's time to say welcome to 2013! And what better way to welcome the new year than with a post all about my greatest anticipations for this year. These are all of the things that I have been waiting for 2013 to be released!

Fashion;
Minnie by Giles. We all loved Giles' bird inspired creations(and that swan hat) in 2012, but guess what his inspiration for the 2013 ranges are: Minnie Mouse. An avid Disney fans delight! I can't wait to see what he brings us!

Makeup Line;
MACs Lovely collection looks so delicately girly that I just have to have it! This collection, due to be released  in Spring of 2013 features numerous products in the most beautiful shades of baby pink and pastels. This range is sure to be a good one. I am also excited for Maybelline's Colour Whisper. This is set to be released in the spring too, and it follows the trend of L'Oreal's Rouge Caresse, and Revlon's Lip Butters- a glossy part coverage lip stick balm. Very excited to see how these compare to their already on the ark competitors.

Books;
Obviously the third in the divergent trilogy! This book still remains untitled, but is rumored to be released by the end of September 2013(I can't wait that long!). I am super excited to read this book as I want to know what will happen with Tris and Tobias, and the end of the second book, Insurgent, was such a cliffhanger! The other two books were so good that I'm sure Veronica Roth will not dissapoint.

TV Show;
Without question, Sherlock. This show is coming back to the BBC for a third(and rumored last) series, and I sure am glad that it is. I freaking love this show! I really can't say much more than that, except:watch it!

Nail Polish Collection;
It was tough to choose just one nail polish collection here, as I was torn between this one and OPI's Oz Collection, but then I realised: why would I want to buy something that had been made for the sole purpose of marketing an unnecessary Disney remake of the already brilliant Wizard of Oz movie? Anyway- The Essie Madison Ave. Hue collection seems right up my street for 2013. This collection features six new colours, all with great names, and their bright and uplifting tones will be great for Spring. I like the bright and brilliant 'Avenue Maintain, 822' the best.

What things are you looking forward to in 2013?
Jennifer xx

New Year Glitter Nail

I cannot fathom the fact that we are in a different year to the one that we were in a coupe of hours ago. It's a crazy thought. I want to wish all of you, my gorgeous readers, a very happy new year. I truly hope that 2013 is great for you, and everything turns out amazingly in your life in this coming year.

I actually welcomed the new year with the crowds in London. It really was incredible to party with 200,000 people to ring in the new year! What did you guys do to celebrate the new year?

On a more jovial note, as it is New Years Day, I thought that I would show you guys what I wore on my nails on New Years Eve. I painted my nails with a bright but dark(if you know what I mean) fuchsia with a glitter ombre effect. The pink polish is a Maybelline one in Pink Orchid, and the glitter polish is Barry M's amethyst glitter. The glitter ombre effect is SO easy to do, but if you need a little help, this blog is very useful. Here it is, my New Years Eve/Day ombre glitter nail;

 Did you have a nice New Year? What have you got planned to make this year special!
I wish you all a happy and healthy new year!

Jennifer xx

2012 Favourites; Bloggers and Youtubers

Many people in the world have discovered the joy that is blogging, however, everyone has favourites. I have definitely gotten much more into reading other blogs and watching youtubers talk about beauty and their lives(I'm just a wee bit nosy) since starting my own blog. There are quite a few that I read/watch everyday, and I thought perhaps you guys would like to see what they are. If you have a blog/youtube channel that you'd like me to check out, please leave it n the comments, and I surely will!

 A Little Obsessed - blog

I love this blog for nail posts and outfit inspiration.

One Nail To Rule Them All - blog

Nail art is done magnificently on One Nail To Rule Them All. Every post gives me a tonne of inspiration for my own nails.

Pearls and Poodles - blog

 Love Love Love her outfit of the day posts, and her lipstick swatches are so beautiful.

What I Heart Today - blog - youtube

Probably my favourite youtube/blog discovery on 2012. This London girl does great makeup and always talks about interesting topics.

Vivianna Does Makeup - blog - youtube

The way that she writes is very sophisticated and elegant, but still manages to remain casual and entertaining.

Essie Button - blog - youtube

OMG, this girl is hilarious, and the funny thing is, she doesn't even try to be! Amazing beauty and great personality, love watching her.

The Sunday Girl - blog

The BEST swatches, and she blogs, like, three times a day!

And an honorable mention;

Jim Chapman from YouTube. This guy is so entertaining to watch! While he obviously does not do beauty videos, I love listening to his take on whats going on in his life, and it always certain to make me laugh.

Who are your favourite bloggers from 2012?

Jennifer xx

New Years' Eve; Walking In Heels

The daunting task of donning a pair of sky high heels to 'pull your outfit together' for New Years' is something that awaits most women at this time of the year. However, it's the actual steps that are more worrying than slipping your feet into the shoes.  But most women can agree that knowing they look great in a pair of heels would be all the more satisfying if they didn't have to fret about falling over, or breaking the stiletto off (eek!). As we all know, although it's embarrassing to ask for help, a few intelligent tips can go a long way, maybe long enough to ensure that you dance the New Year away, still wearing your heels.

Choosing the right heels is step one. Obviously stilettos are harder to walk in than platforms, and shoes with no strap could fall off more easily. I would suggest this; if you have never walked in heels before, go for a wedge. They are the most stable type of heel, and you are less likely to fall over in them.  For the semi-experienced heel wearer, i.e. the girl who buys heels and only wears them occasionally, go for a chunky heel. By wearing a chunky heel, you reduce the risk of falling as the shoes stable, but unlike the wedge, chunky heels normally have more height, or are platforms. An über experienced heel wearer obviously wouldn't need me to tell them what type of heels to wear; however, I hold the view that: if you've got it, flaunt it. If you find that you can walk in skyscraper heels, why not wear them? My favourite style of the moment is a dark, velvet platform, in burgundy or emerald, for example.

A wedge, a chunky heel and platforms.

It doesn't matter whether it's Compeed or Sainsbury's basics, layer up those blister plasters like there's no tomorrow. While it may not be the most scientific tip, it certainly works. By cushioning your feet, especially where you're prone to blisters, with an effective layer of 'fake skin' made of plasters, you are protecting your actual skin from getting rubbed and hurt. This is my go-to plan every time I wear heels, and it actually works. I feel that I can keep my heels on for a least a couple more hours if I put plasters on before I go out. Cushioning gel pads for your shoes also work well if you don't want to waste plasters (the Compeed ones can get quite expensive!), and you can re-use them.

Walking with confidence sounds like such a simple task, but in reality? Not so much. Walking with confidence will actually lower your chances of falling over (you know where you're going, and with purpose), and the impact of your gorgeous heels will be enhanced by your gorgeous body language. My tip for confident walking? Think about something else. If you spend the whole time while you're walking worrying about falling over or embarrassing yourself, then you probably will embarrass yourself, and you certainly won't be having a good time. Think about how great you feel in your heels, think about what cocktail you are planning to order when you reach the bar, even think about how fantastic your crush(yes, we have been momentarily transported back to primary school) will think you'll look.

But probably my most important tip is this; only wear heels if you want to! If, five minutes after you're supposed to have left for that party, you are sitting on your bed, sick to the stomach nervous about wearing heels, don't wear them. There are thousands gorgeous pairs of flats on the market,  and you can still look just as gorgeous in a pair of comfy flats than an ominous pair of heels.

Enjoy your New Years' ladies!

Jennifer xx

2012, where did you go?

2012, where have you gone?   Literally filing a missing persons report.

I cannot fathom how fast 2012 went by. I can still remember what I was doing on certain days in 2011! But I must accept that the year is nearly over, so I thought that it would be great to document what I've been doing. Who knows, I might want to know this stuff in the future?!



I am going to share my favourite things about this year with you guys;
FAVOURITES
Beauty;
underdog beauty product of the year
Mua plumping gloss in 'Candy Pink'. These lip glosses are not really talked about a lot, but they really do plump your lips, and at £2 each, these are definitely an underdog that I've been loving.
favourite hair product discovered this year
GHD Obedience Cream for Frizz-Free Styling. I'm pretty sure that this product has been discontinued no, but I did buy it this year. I put it on my hair when it's damp, and it prevents my hair from going completely frizzy and spastic- total lifesaver!
best magazine freebie of the year
Benefit's Cha Cha Tint. This was such a bargain from a magazine, and it is the most beautiful coral tint for your cheeks. It stays for hours too!
overall favourite nail polish of the year
Nails Inc nail polish in St. James.

Life;
best thing you've done
Started this blog! I started this blog at the end of February, and wrote my first post on the 26th. I love writing on my blog soo much, and honestly don't know what I'd be like wihout it. Bored, probably.
what are you most proud of completing this year
In England, people from the ages of 14-25 have the opportunity of completing their Duke of Edinbourgh Award. This is basically an award which challenges yourself, and provides 'rewarding opportunities for personal development'. Some friends and I did our D of E in July, but we worked really hard at it for 9 months before then. It was really hard, but I'm glad I did it(looking back-I wasn't so happy during it!)
most proud of this year
In June I took some exams with my college, and I got result which I am sooo proud of. I worked hard, and I was thrilled when I finally got them and they were that good!
favourite trip
In July I went to the Warner Bros Studios to see the Harry Potter set with my family. Having visited the Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in Orlando in 2011, obviously the set tour couldn't compare. However, it was amazing to see how they filmed some of the scenes. I had a great time!

Pop Culture;
favourite tv show of the year(english)
Downton Abbey, Series 3. Call me an old bat, but this show has twice as much drama than about 10   episodes of Hollyoaks combined, and about a million times more class.
favourite tv show of the year(american)
90210. Aired in January, and I can't wait for the next season to start. Hunks and backstabbers are so entertaining, and Naomi is just hilarious.
film that you saw in the cinema that you liked the best
American Reunion. This film made me laugh soo hard! Hunger Games was a close second though.
best book you read this year
Divergent. This book is sheer brilliance; enough said.
favourite album released this year
Do I even need to say this? Red by Taylor Swift. Obviously.


And, just because good should be balanced by bad, I thought that I would include some of my 'hated' things about this year. Only a few though, so you don't get too depressed!
HATED
beauty product I spent lots on, then regretted buying
I paid about £10 on a Soap and Glory 'Thick and Fast' black mascara, but when I started using it, it was super clumpy and way too thick to use. I even tried heating the bottle with my hairdryer to make the mascara more fluid, but it was useless. I totally regret buying this product.
event that was way overrated this year
London Olympics. I am sick and tired of hearing about what heros all of the athletes are. Sports is not the only place where people can excell, you know.
tv programme 2012 would have been better without
Without question, X Factor. The hype and publicity around this show is completely out of control now. Whatever happened to people wanting to win because they were passionate about music?

How has your 2012 been? Tell me what your favourite thing about this year was in the comments!
Jenny xx

Midweek York Adventure

On Boxing Day I ventured up to the City of York to visit family that I had, unfortunately, not been able to see on Christmas Day. And while I was there, I obviously had to visit the sales in the city centre. For those who haven't been, York is an average sized city about 5 hours away from London. To be honest, the city is quite boring, but the architecture is amazing, and the shopping is just as good! When I walked to the main shopping streets, I had to pass thorough a huge Fenwicks(not dissimilar to Selfridges), and I was literally standing between a gorgeous collection of Mulberry Alexa bags and a massive MAC counter: heaven.

I thought that I would share some of my pictures of my visit with you guys;

 Have you ever been to York? What did you get in the Christmas sales?

Jennifer xx

What I Got For Christmas

In no way do I mean to brag or show off in this post, however, I really wanted to show you guys what I received for Christmas! If you're not into these sorts of posts, then by all means, don't read it!

Obviously, though I thought that I should mention it, I am extremely grateful to everyone who is in my life, and everyone who bought me a present this Christmas. I had a great Christmas, and I am thankful to have such nice, and generous, friends and family.

 Why have I not purchased more from Lush?

 So many new books! Ahh! Be expecting a good few reviews in the near future.

 Fearne for Boots beauty box, can't wait to try this stuff out!

 Big barrel curlers; thanks Tabs!

 Finally got Sherlock!

 The forever lusted over Body Shop brushes that came as a totally amazing suprise!

 I do love me some candles!

 My family knows me too well; spoilt for lipbalm choice!

A couple of cute scarves and a pair of fluffy socks later and my 'Christmas Haul' has come to an end. I got some money as well from more distant relatives, and I am very excited to spend that- on beauty products, probably.

Did you get anything nice for Christmas?

Jennifer xx

All pictures are my own.

Merry Christmas from A Sprinkling Of Euphoria!

Hi everyone!
Just a quick post to say MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas, but to those that do, I wish you a truly magical and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!

I thought I include in this post things to do on Christmas Day! I know from my own experience that after getting up super early and opening all of my pressies, Christmas day afternoon can get really boring, and a bit depressing. So, here are a few ideas to keep you and your family entertained this Christmas Day!

-Play charades!
-Go on a walk with your family
-Pick some festive holly and make a table decoration
-Play Headbandz(the game where you put a sticky note on your head with a name, and you have to
-Help your family to make the Christmas dinner
-Watch Christmassy movies
-Watch Christmas TV
-Drink hot apple cider or mulled wine
-Listen to Christmas music really loudly
-Wish everyone you see, and call up all of your family and friends and wish them a Merry Christmas
-Play consequences with your family and friends!

I wish all of you a very Merry and Happy Christmas
Jenny xx

Books For Christmas Day

It's getting pretty obvious that my blog is being consumed with the Christmas spirit, and that it pretty evident in my recent post. However, there is only one more day until Christmas, and the posts will cease then. Although, I am tempted to show you what I got for Christmas, so that may be coming up...

MUA Eyeshadow Review; Shade 24

I cannot tell you how long I have wanted a colour like this! Too long.

It's so pwwetty...

Anyway- back on planet Earth again- today I am going to review a new MUA eyeshadow that's I recently purchased. It is in the shade 24, and I would describe it as a beautiful metallic dusky pink colour wih a hint of everybody's favourite: plum.

Christmas Nails!

Hi guys!
This post is long overdue, but worthy of talking about.; my favourite Holiday nail polishes!

December Beauty Wishlist

Hi everyone! As Christmas is coming up, I thought that I would do a wishlist, but make it a 'beauty edition'- there are so many things on my list, so I will only include what I really want!

1. I really badly want the Urban Decay Naked palette, but I cannot bear to part with £36 hard earned cash to get it, so I will settle for a dupe palette. The MUA Undressed palette is supossed to be an exact dupe for the Naked palette, and at only £4, it is definitely on my 'need-it-now' list.