"I'LL BUY YOU A DIAMOND RING MY FRIEND, IF IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL ALRIGHT"

Listening to: Can't By Me Love- The Beatles.

Later than usual, but here is yet another DIY post!

Today I made two awesome studded headbands! I've been fascinated by studded headbands lately (and I;m sure I'm not the only one) but rather than buy one I wanted one that was 'me' for just a fraction of the price (I think mine cost  a grand total on 1 pound!).

esty headband, Rocknrose,  Topshop and ASOSMarketplace

I took left over eBay studs, and 2 elastic headbands from Tescos.

Then if you 'half-stretch' the headband when you add the studs the headband won't be either too tight or too loose.

I love them and can't wait to were them out!

So  sorry about the rubbish phone photos, but despite changing battery's about 4 times my camera just wont work :( Also sorry about covering my face- serious panda eyes going on (and wild hair!) and my skin is awful after a weekend of heavy eating; I mean look at the dinner my boyfriend made yesterday!

A mountain of roast potatos, peas and carrots, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, veggie gravy and veggie hot dogs. Although this is nothing compared to my boyfriends mountain of meat!

He cooked epic meals all weekend (or whenever we eat together really) and they taste so good I eat them all (even though I burnt my tongue on a potato).

What do you think of the inspiration at the beginning of the post? I  thought it would be a nice way to show you what I get inspired from.

Jodie x

(P.S. I've just won a fantastic pair of velvet trousers on eBay- woooo!)

"IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO FIND OUT, AND I FOUND OUT"

Listening to: Day Tripper- The Beatles.

Some rubbish phone pics of my lace DIY shorts that I promised to show you included in an outfit.

 Shorts: DIY

Velvet bodysuit: Primark

Belt: New Look

Tights and socks: Primark

Creepers: eBay

Tattoo necklace: eBay

Coat: New Look

I love this outfit, from the shorts to the bodysuit. I was fortunate enough to find a tattoo necklace (which I've worn every day since its arrived) which reminds me of ones I wore in my early teens. I love it! and I think it balances off the lace in my shorts to bring together my outfit. I can't wait for the summer so I can were these shorts more- I've had quite a few compliments on them, with people asking me where I bought them and not believing me when I tell them they are home made- they look much better quality then shown in the pictures. Despite being there when I made them my mother, boyfriend and sister seems to think I bought them from some sort of vintage boutique- surely they don't look that good?  Also being made from jeans a few sizes too big means they are really quite high in the waist so feel great to were.

I cannot get enough of velvet clothes lately- I've always been a massive fan of  the material but until recently I didn't have the confidence to were it other than this bodysuit until now but I can't seem to stop buying velvet clothes. I've had this bodysuit for about 2 maybe 3 years now but I still were it  just as often as when I first bought it.

I have loads of post ideas coming up, including DIY and perhaps a giveaway (!) and I'm found my camera again so hopefully no more phone pictures. There is honestly going to be a LOT of posts- so if there is anything you like seeing so far, or would like to see me try let me know. I love and respond to all the comments I get- and check out every blog who comments over and over again, so drop me a message or question.

Jodie x

"ALL THE WORLD WILL BE YOUR ENEMY, PRINCE WITH A THOUSAND ENEMIES, AND WHENEVER THEY CATCH YOU, THEY WILL KILL YOU."

Reading: Watership Down- Richard Adams.
Fantastic news! I have won Dami from StyleandBeautie giveaway! Shes a great girl with a fantastic blog- so check her out!

I've never won anything before in my life, and to be honest I never expect to I just like the excitement of having a go. Dami kindly allowed me to choose any lipstick I wished from MAC so I choose the Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Extended Play- a beautiful red lippy I've had my eye on for a few months now. I feel so special! It is a fantastic end to the long slog of dissertation writing.

I've done very little these last 3 days, and I would be fast asleep (as I have the morning off) but I'm an early riser so was wide awake at 7:30. Oh well I can always try again at the weekend. Other than work I've just been in a state of relax (mostly asleep or wedding talk with my sister), but I have had time for some self-love.

I've had the chance to cover myself in LUSH Love Lettuce mask. I'm probably the only 22 year old in the world with the same skin problems I had when I was 12- I'm very very prone to breakouts -more so on my back :( - but the last 3 months I've used LUSH products and my skin has improved 1000%.

I've probably tried everything from prescriptions, over the counter, antibiotics and different contraception and nothing had worked like LUSH products. So when I get the time to add a mask to my body (face, neck, shoulder, chest and back) its makes me a very happy girl. I would encourage anyone to try out the products- the shampoos and amazing and last FOREVER and the soap leaves a fantastic scent on your skin for hours. Plus the products are all either vegan or vegetarian!

I've also caught up on some much needed reading. Although I do have a kindle, it got into a little bit of trouble and I've had a replacement delivered but yet to upload any books. Fortunately I  have my favourite in paperback (I love paper books!) so have been reading Watership Down. It's in my top 3 all time most loved books, and if you haven't read it yet I urge you to give it a go.

I've been enjoying all this time off (well the few hours I get to myself after work) and promise to throw myself into blogging from now on- so check back again soon! I'm thinking about a giveawy as well- I'm just not sure what yet- but I want to say a massive thank you to eeveryone who checks out my blog and follows me somehow.

Jodie x

"I SIT AND WAIT, DOES AN ANGEL COMTEMPLATE MY FATE?"

Listening to: Angels- Robbie Williams (played as the first dance everyone got up to, and the only time me and the boyfriend have danced relatively sober).

My dissertation has been submitted- now just for the anxious wait until I get the marks (aiming for the 40% if I'm honest, I know my limitations and my limitations is anything research based).

I'm really glad its out of the way, but pretty upset that due to a few last minute problems (have you ever heard of a spelling and grammar checker to not actually check anything!?) I've missed my friends birthday BBQ :( But I did get to celebrate at a wedding reception last night -big mistake drinking so much wine- though my head was going to leak brain fluid earlier. Ive got incredibly old. I think its how I've got into the habit of healthy living ( I say habit I love healthy food, hate fried food and don't eat meat) and the temple that my body was becoming was not happy with this attack. A coffee/ fizzy drink buts me worse for were I don't know how I convinced myself wine was a good idea.

I realised getting ready for the party that I don't own anything wedding suitable, and as a result ended up going out in this outfit (I've had more than my fair share at this point so sorry about the quality).

Skirt: Vintage

Top: Primark

Boots: The brand in 'Grasp' bought from ssomewhere in Lakeside

Belt: New Look

Bag: Gift- River Island.

I was pretty sure leopard print might not have been the best thing to were to a wedding but I felt comfortable and at least I wore a maxi skirt (was shocking how many women were in mini skirts!). I LOVE this maxi skirt, But it pales in comparison to my furry bag- from the boyfriend for my 21st and its the greatest birthday present anyone has ever bought me.

How do you think I did? and does anyone have a suggestion for a summer wedding- as I have two to go to in June and  July?

But for now my thoughts are turned to applying for a job, and as such I've got my 5 year plan all sorted (and my 10 year plan too- noticing like being ambitious).

A massive thank you for everyone who check out my blog in this break- I feel so special.

Jodie x

"SLASH AND BURN, RETURN, LISTEN TO YOURSELF CHURN."

Listening to: It's The End Of The World- R.E.M.

I love my dark purple MAC lipstick!

Its just the greatest thing I have ever had in or around my mouth! Feels silky, brilliant colour and lasts. Its brilliant! I even use it as liner using a small brush! I'm so in love with this colour that I don't allow anyone to even touch the tube (it remains in its case if not on my face) and ware it at least once a week  ( considering I work everyday and can't were lipstick to work this is quite a feat); and I quite often have to get changed a million times as I refuse to go out without this on- and trying to get a white top on over this is asking for trouble.

But this is where the question is- Does anyone know of a lip tint in this colour? However much I love this, tea cups/ wine glasses/ the rest of my face/ my boyfriends face does not. So if anyone know where I can get something in this colour that non-transferable such as a tint please let me know.

Jodie x

P.S. sorry about how rubbish this post is- I'm at the hardest week of my nursing education: the last week before my dissertation is due. So other than working I don't really have much time for anything else. But I would really like this colour in a lip tint and if someone could point me in the right direction I might be able to were it to a Wedding I'm off to this weekend.

Jodie x



"SHE SAID LIVING WITH ME IS BRINGING HER DOWN, YEAH"

Listening to: Ticket To Ride- The Beatles.

I LOVE THE BEATLES.

I think they are one of the few bands I could listen to all day everyday- and I can't think of a song I don't like. I love them so so so very much! But don't ask me if I'm a Lennon or McCartney fan- how can I choose? (Especially when there is also Harrison and Starr in the mix).

I could spend hours writing about how much I love the Beatles and which songs are in my top ten and why (and recounting the dream where I had 4 sons named after the band) but this is purely a side note to my DIY of the weekend.

I choose today (because I couldn't get them out of my head for most of the week) to wear my customised Beatles top (it's just a mens shirt from Primark I cut the sleeves and neck off).

 

 Top: Customised from Primark

Jacket: H&M

Shorts: Customised

Tights & Socks: Primark

Shoes: eBay.

Hat: H&M

I seem to be physically unable to were any tie-up shoes or shoes that cover the majority of my feet without socks, be it these creepers, converse, boots, plimsolls -anything! I know it properly looks really silly but I just feel uncomfortable without them (I'm so strange)! But this is about my latest DIY piece, which I was spurred into doing by wearing these jeans today.

It's another pair of denim shorts from an old pair of jeans.

Once again  - very simple DIY. I drew the length I wanted onto my jeans, cut, and turned my hair inside out to stitch a hem.

Using lace with some beautiful rose print, I cut out the sections I wanted to add lace affect to leaving a border that I folded over to make a slightly neater edge.

Here they are.

I really like them- They didn't take nearly as long as I thought they would. What does everyone think?

Jodie x

"EVERY SMILE YOU FAKE, EVERY CLAIM YOU STAKE, I'LL BE WATCHING YOU."

Listening to: Every Breath You Take- The Police.

I'm guessing you have all seen my very indulgent post about my weight loss; don't worry I'm not going to repeat myself- but I am going to add that (now I realise I had completely forgotten) I didn't do a single piece of exercise.

Not a single second was spend in a gym, running, or doing any sort of DVD ect. Perhaps this goes to show how very easy it is to lose weight, but that's not what this post is about. This post is about my arms.

Although I'm blessed with a job I not only love- it also keeps my legs effortlessly muscular, but fat does not drop off leaving muscle behind. Thus leaving me with a wobbly stomach and arms.

Now I couldn't care less about having a belly full of jelly (my irrational fear of people seeing my belly button results in me never showing it off), but my arms are weak little sausages (I can't open jars/ undo bottles/ pick up boxes- anything that requires arm strenght); and are going to be flashed about everywhere  now they have ink on them (not that my bingo wings are going to stop me if they remain)- today the toning starts!

This is where this little gadget from my boyfriend comes in (he uses it to stop his hands from cramping from playing bass so often and general arm strenghtening).

My usage of this is pretty appalling- I've been trying to use it all evening but unlike my boyfriend (who can use it for 30 minutes non stop without a sweat) I can only do about 4 reps then needed to stop for some orange squash for the night. Its hard! But by the end of this week I'm aiming to do 10 reps with either arm without stopping!

I guess its only fair I tell you where this new ambition has come from- Buying this super amazing new shirt! (Sorry about my awful hair- had a nightmare with it today and I promise it looked 100 times better in real life- although I just couldn't stop having to rearrange it into to my Heidi hair all day).

Shirt: Charity shop.

Leggings: Primark

Boots (not shown): DMs

Necklace: ASOS marketplace

I've always held back from buying sleeveless tops before- being too worried that the cut would accentuate my chest and just make me look even broader and boxy, but I'm glad I gave it a go. I  want to cut off all my sleeves now! So expect a few more DIY pieces.

On the topic of DIY what does everyone think of what I post? Any constructive criticism or suggestions are welcome.

Jodie x



"WHEN I WAKE UP, IN MY MAKEUP, IT'S TOO EARLY FOR THAT DRESS".

Listening to: Celebrity Skin- Hole.

Another weekend means another DIY project. This time I tried my hand as customising a Bustier top.

Originally bought from a charity shop (for the grand price of one whole pound!!!) although I hated the beaded fringe- I could see its potential.

So after cutting off the beads around the top, I placed pins around where I wished the studding on the 'cups' to go to (i.e. to make a cupped look), and pushed through studs from eBay in this attractive pattern.

So what do you guys think? I'm personally very happy with myself, and can't wait to were this out. I'm sorry about the massive amount of boobies on show- I was freezing cold so I just got my boyfriend to snap these quickly so didn't have the chance to arrange myself properly; and hes too engrossed in Space Angry Birds to take any more (his excuse is that I look beautiful).

Jodie x

"ALWAYS BE A GOOD BOY, DON'T EVER PLAY WITH GUNS".

Listening to: Folsom Prison Blues- Johnny Cash.

This post is an entirely self indulgent post- so feel free to completely ignore it all. Yesterday was an AMAZING day, and so far today is  pretty awesome too!

Yesterday I woke up feeling like a million dollars, I'm not exaggerating- I felt absolutely fantastic! The Goddess aura was well and truly glowing.

My shower was the perfect warmth, and my LUSH soap and shampoo (which has now unfortunately run out) remained on my skin the entire day at double strength. And don't get me started on my hair!

Super proud of my effort with this (in fact I have my hair in the exact same style today). Its very close to Heidi braids, but I put my own personal stamp on them; rather than tucking my fringe into the braid for a soft romantic look- I pulled them back into a gentle quiff.

The most super awesome of news- I've reached my goal weight!!!

Its been a grand total of 5 months and 3 weeks (or 23 weeks as I've worked out... or even just 161 days!) since the start of my weight loss mission and  I've dropped 2 stone!! So in less then 6 months I've lost 2 stone and dropped 2 dress sizes! I've lost 2 stone. Have you heard- I've lost 2 stone. Sorry for rubbing it in but I'm very proud of myself; and regardless of my mother comment to "keep going" I'm happy where I am.

Dress: New Look.

Necklaces: Gifts from the boyfriend, and ASOS marketplace.

Bracelets: Links of London, and Thomas Sabo.

Tights: Primark (not shown).

Shoes: ASOS (not shown).

Feeling like the Goddess I am I stupidly went out wearing just my dress (it was amazingly sunny as I was getting changed- my dad was working outside my no t-shirt on) but it got freezing very quickly, and caused me to buy a cardigan from Primark. Can't believe I forgot one- I'm ridiculously chilly person I don't know how I was stupid enough to leave without one.

Anyway because I felt super amazing about reaching my weight goal, I got the tattoo I promised myself when I lost weight (I've wanted it for ages but I'm so fussy about tattooing myself I have to think about it for MONTHS and then give myself a good reason to get it, such of my next is waiting until I qualify) and once I take off all the clingfilm and give it a good clean I'll take a picture to show you all.

In fact I might take a picture of all my tattoos and show you them all, if that would be something anyone would be interested in?

I hope everyone else has had a good Easter weekend so far.

Jodie x



"HOW MANY SEAS MUST A WHITE DOVE SAIL, BEFORE SHE SLEEPS IN THE SAND?"

Listening to: Blowin' in the Wind- Bob Dylan.

I finally know whats going on uni wise- looks like I'm back on another placement full time :( very very angry about this but at least I know what I'm doing now; and my tutor has arranged that if i get everything done super quick I can cut my placement short. Now all I have to do is sort out funding and I'm back on a ward as a student nurse (which although is a bit of a pain in the bum- I am looking forward too).

It seems like stress brings out my DIY skills as I finally got round to turning a pair of old jeans into shorts for the summer.

They were incredibly simple to make! So here is what I done (in case you wanted to do the same).

I simply mixed 1 part normal bleach too 3 parts with water (I used quite thick bleach so I watered it down well to make it soak through evenly), hung the jeans in the solution upside down for a few hours (don't worry the bubbles did disappear), than left the jeans to soak in baking powder and water for an hour (to neutralise the bleach- otherwise the bleach will continue activating with the fabric and the best result would be lighter colours, the worse the fabric will start falling apart), then put them through a wash in the washing machine.

The  Using fabric pens (as they leave a nice clear mark) I measure where i wanted the shorts too go and cut them. The most difficult part was fraying the edges- it took a while but I gently pulled at the seems with a pin.

 
 
 




















My boyfriend suggested to me to encourage the edges to fray I should wash them in a cool wash, so (along with a few other denim pieces) I chucked them into a 30 wash. They look fantastic!

Shorts: DIY

Cardigan: Topshop

Tights, socks and top: Primark

Creepers: eBay.

I don't know how a man with a normal sized head can fit in so much knowledge! He's an absolute genius and knows how to make me happy. Not once did he try to take over the whole time I was making these (or any other DIY) until I needed his help which he gave without me even asking.

I don't know any other man that gives me  this MASSIVE box of chocolates then eats all the one I don't like (even if hes not really a fan) so I don't accidentally eat the praline ones with bits of nut in them.

Then eats all the strawberry creams (his favourite) only after I say that I don't want them- such self control, Much more then I have. 

What is everyones favourite/ least favourite chocolate? And what does everyone think of the shortss?

Jodie x