Getting Crafty! Inexpensive Boho Bracelets

I was watching missglamorazzi's GIY Wrap Bracelet video the other day and I was inspired to start making my own bracelets again. I looked up some craft stores in my city (a surprising lack of them!) and then I hopped, skipped and danced my way down to one to snap up some materials. 

Along with some old charms I had bought from Hong Kong last year, I incorporated missglamorazzi's braiding technique and came up with something a little unique!

 From the craft store, I bought some craft cord, suede cord, gold beads and some bracelet closures. They're very inexpensive from craft stores or you can probably buy in bulk on ebay but you won't get the pleasure of seeing the sizes and colours in person.

I added those little star charms that I bought from Hong Kong last year and I think it turned out pretty well! I'm going to research some different ways of braiding the cord so I can make some more and stack them on my wrist!

I love this style of bracelet because you can mix and match them and stack them up with different styles! They would also make perfect gifts for friends or family! Because they are homemade, they will cost you a fraction of the price you would pay in the high street stores, plus you will have fun making them!

What do you think? Have you tried making your own bracelet's before?

Vanessa

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Sunday Summary #13: A Wedding Edition

This week I was away in North Berwick in Edinburgh for my cousin's wedding! If you follow me on Twitter (@ParisianOrchid) you will know that I stupidly didn't get any outfit photos so I'm going to snap some photos later this week for you :)

It was a long day that started at 7am for me as we had to drive 3 hours down to the ceremony but the location was a beauty as it was right on the coast of the Firth of Forth. It was great seeing all my extended family again and I was introduced to my new baby cousin whom is a beaut and a half! I obviously ate and drank far too much, hey ho! I haven't been dieting for 3 weeks for nothing!

The next day we went down to the 'Beauty Spot' of North Berwick and I snapped some lovely photos before we made the journey back up North. I also sampled some delicious North Berwick lobster and it was yummy in my tummy!

Can't believe that is July almost over! Where has the time gone? But I'm looking forward to the next few months as I will be down in London at the end of August and I start my new job at the beginning of September! 2012 has been fantastic so far!

What have you been up to this week?

Vanessa

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P.S. Whilst reading Gillian's blog from elevatormusik, I found out that there is a Scottish blogger meet-up being planned for next month! Head over to Scottish Bloggers for more information if you are a Scottish blogger! I love this idea! As a fairly new blogger, I'd love the opportunity to meet with other bloggers and just have a little natter!

50 Followers Giveaway Winner...

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A big thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway! I'm so privileged to have such amazing readers and who leave amazingly lovely comments! I'm pleased to announce that through the powers of random.org, the winner is...

Kristy from Kreamiblush

I'm going to be sending you an email soon! 

Sorry if you didn't win this time, but keep a look out because I hope to do some more giveaways soon!

Vanessa

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FOTD: Cinema Night

I really don't know how you gals manage to take photos for FOTD posts! I really struggled, so this is my best offering! But I promise that I will improve for next time! But anyway, let's get going!

I went to the cinema last night to see The Dark Knight Rises (my inner geek was so giddy!) and I decided to take inspiration for my make-up from Zooey Deschanel. I love Zooey Deschanel and her style but her make-up is always so simple and incorporates that oh so famous winged eyeliner with her doll-like eyes (cue beads of nervous sweat as I applied my eyeliner!).

Strangely enough, one of my eyelids is more mono-lid than the other so I always look lopsided when I apply eyeliner and I tried my oh so hardest to make them even! Luckily enough, I was going to be in a very dark room with my glasses on so this was really more for my benefit!

I really didn't go crazy with the make-up products but I hope I managed to capture even a little bit of Zooey Deschanel's infamous look!

What do you think? How do you fare with gel eyeliner?

Vanessa

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The Liebster Blog Award

The other day, the beautiful Beth at Beauty Thrill nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award (go send her some love on her blog!) and this is such a great way for you to kind of get to know me better! 

This is what happens – you get nominated, then you reply with your post, and tag other bloggers who have under 200 followers to do the same. Simples.

Rules:

1. You must link back to the person who gave the award to you!
2. Post eleven things about yourself
3. Answer the questions the person giving you the award has set for you.
4. Create 11 questions for the people to answer that you have given the award to.
5. Choose people to give the award to and link them in your post.
6. Go to their blog and tell them.
7. You can't give the award back to the blogger who gave it to you!

Let's get started!

11 Things About Me 

1. I enjoy the simple things in life.

2. The first ever CD I bought was 'Steps' (still love them!)

3. I'm a real bookworm.

4. I often go to the cinema by myself.
5. I never completed the full 6 years of secondary school.
6. I was born and raised in Scotland so that makes me a BBC (British Born Chinese)
7. I speak Cantonese.
8. I play(ed) violin up to Grade 4/5 level.
9. I used to play for my university's netball team.
10. I would love to own a persian shorthair cat.
11. I'd love to InterRail around Europe sometime in my life.

11 Questions For Me To Answer

1. What is your favourite beauty brand?

Oh, this is difficult, there are so many brands that I like! There are some beauty brands that have products that are great and others not so much so my make-up bag is a real big mix!
2. What/where is your favourite place in the world?

I love Hong Kong when I go over to visit family, but I wouldn't want to live there permanently! Although I'm a city girl, it's too much of a city there! I also love Scotland, obviously!
3. Do you like reading? If so, what’s your favourite book?

I [heart] reading! I'm the only person in my family that actually reads books! I have several favourites: Pride & Prejudice, The Hunger Games Trilogy, Game of Thrones, One Day...
4. What sort of blogs/posts do you most enjoy?

I like reading lifestyle and beauty blogs as well as baking blogs! I love reviews because I trust the blogger's opinion more than reading about a specific product in a magazine where their opinion could be tainted.
5. If you could have any hairstyle, what would it be?

Long hair with natural beachy waves *sigh*
6. What is your dream job?

Either a criminal solicitor or doing litigation work in court. Or any kind of court work!
7. What other hobbies do you have other than blogging?

I love baking, photography, reading, playing music...the usual :)
8. What is your favourite make-up look?

The natural no make-up look. Just a light layer of foundation, blush, concealer and a quick lick of mascara!
9. What is your least favourite make-up look or trend?

Bright neon eyeshadow! Something about bright colours weird me out!
10. What does your ideal Saturday night consist of?

A huge pile of DVDs to get through, a take-out and junk food galore. Oh and someone to cuddle with of course!
11. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Over-thinker, funny and passionate


11 Questions For You To Answer
1. What made you start blogging?
2. If you could only keep one make-up item in your makeup bag, what would it be?
3. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you take?
4. What is your most treasured possession?
5. What do you always order when you eat out?
6. What is something you always splurge your money on?
7. What blog post do you enjoy writing about the most?
8. What are you hobbies?
9. Would you change anything about yourself?
10. What is your favourite makeup look?
11. What would be the first 3 words on your dating profile (if you had one!)

I nominate Mariam at [insert witty title here]


Vanessa

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Sunday Summary #12: Changing Times

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So you might have noticed a few changes going around on my blog, namely the name of my blog! I have been thinking a lot about my blog lately and I decided that I wanted to change the name now rather than later. Although I loved 'A Thoughtful Sunday Blog', it just wasn't a name that I was happy enough telling people about and with it being one of the most important parts of a blog, it needed a lovely new over-haul! So, introducing 'Parisian Orchid'! 

I've spent the best part of today changing things over, getting a new email address, making a new banner (for the interim) etc. and although I've tried my very hardest to change everything...some things still carry the 'A Thoughtful Sunday Blog' title so bear with me whilst I under-go some construction work!

I thought it would be nice to let you know about these changes as if you don't follow me on Twitter (@ParisianOrchid), you would have been very freaked out indeed!

So what do you think of the new name? 

I hope you're all having a delightful Sunday!

Vanessa

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Joliebox: July 2012 Edition

Feels like yesterday that everyone was raging at Joliebox for the late delivery of the June box but July's box came as a surprise as I hadn't even had an email telling me the July box had been dispatched. I love surprises like that!

I (somehow) managed to avoid any spoilers as to what was in this month's box as the 'bigger beauty bloggers' always seem to get their's a week or so in advance and I always can't help myself to take a sneaky peek! But this month, I actually 'oooooh-d' when I opened the drawstring bag! Big thumbs up!

So...what did I get this month? (Again, please don't read any further if you don't want any spoilers!)

Etat Pur Biomimetic Skincare B-09 Express Purifying Mask

'This intensive mask purifies the skin by absorbing toxins, impurities and excess sebum in the skin'

I was literally thinking this morning that I wanted to try using face masks in with my skincare routine and this really hasn't come at a better time. Can't wait to try it!

Jane Iredale  Tantasia Self Tanner

'A moisturising gradual self-tanner for the face and body that provides instant, healthy looking colour'

First off, I don't use self-tan so this product is pretty void for me but even if I did, it's the tiniest sample ever! Not quite sure how long it'd last you.

Nailgirls Two mini-polishes from the Medal Collection, inspired by the Olympics

'Gold, Bronze or Silver, these metallic polishes are sure to get you noticed this summer'

I'm so glad that Joliebox included 2 mini polishes rather than one big one. Who actually manages to get through an entire bottle? I got gold and bronze, can't go wrong with nail polish!

Wen by Caz Dean Sweet Almond and Mint Cleansing Conditioner

'Bursting with natural herbs and botanicals, this single-step cleansing conditioner leaves hair looking and feeling deeply cleansed and nourished at the same time'

Okay, this was actually the product that made me smile the most. I'm a bit obsessed with haircare products and if you don't know by know, I love mint so this is right up my street! Not sure how I feel about the 'single-step' idea but I'm willing to give it a go!

SPECIAL EXTRA

KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray

So as an apology from Joliebox for the late delivery of last months box, they included a little something extra. I'm glad they've taken the time and effort to address the situation and trying to make up for it by throwing in something extra so...greatly appreciated at this end!

I was considering cancelling my subscription after this month but now that I have this month's box, I'm kind of re-considering. It's actually a pretty brilliant box and I'm quite excited to give the products a try. You have a hold of me this time Joliebox! Keep it up!

What did you get in this month's box?

Vanessa

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*50 Followers Giveaway!* CLOSED

Welcome to my first ever giveaway on 'A Thoughtful Sunday Blog'! I reached 50 followers over GFC and HelloCotton put together (I'd never even imagine that one person would want to follow me!) I know 50 followers doesn't seem like much, but it really does mean that much to me that anyone would take the time to read and comment upon the ramblings of the insane! 

So...what can you win?

Korres Lip Butter in 'Guava'

Collection 2000 Nail Polish in 'All That Jazz'

Collection 2000 Shimmer Shades in 'Blushalicious'

HOW TO WIN:

(Sorry, but this is a UK only giveaway as I'm not sure I'm allowed to send nail polish overseas. I will do an international giveaway soon!)

1. You must be a follower of my blog either via GFC or HelloCotton (new followers welcome!)

2. Leave a comment below with an idea for any upcoming posts you would like me to do. Make sure you leave your email address in the comment as well so I can contact you if you win.

4. Winners will be chosen by random.org to ensure fairness!

5. If you are under 16 years of age, please ask permission from your parent/guardian because I will need your address to send the prize to you if you win.

This giveaway will end on the 25th July 2012 and the winner will be announced shortly after.

Good Luck!

Vanessa

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