Tania Michele: August 2016

Monday, 22 August 2016

A little chat and a break...

I've managed to some how keep my blog going for two years, non-stop without a break. I done a whole year of posting pretty much five days a week, and since January, I've been doing 3 days a week.

But I am burnt out.

I started the blog back when I was on a 12 hour week contract with no over time, to being on the same contract - but doing full time 3 out of 4 weeks a month. Or sometimes a whole month. I've managed to work, do my blog, run my YouTube channel and do a whole host of things all at the same time. But for the past few months, I have really struggled.

I'm on full time for the next two weeks and with the 6am starts and 10pm finishes, it's got a little tricky for me to find a spare day to sit down and do three posts for the week, so I've had to draw the line and just take a step back for a second.

So until September 5th, I'm taking a two week blog break as of today - and also two weeks away from my YouTube channel.

I'm still going to be around on twitter, and likely will be sharing posts from my 2016 archive so far - as I've done so many! But I just want to spend 2 weeks not worrying about the blog and panicking that the content is shit.

I'd rather do good posts when I can, rather than half-assed ones because I'm in a rush, and the same for my videos. I have 2 blog post commitments for companies to do, so they will be done ASAP when I get back!

Hope you can all understand, and I'm sorry if I'm moaning a bit! Can't wait to catch you all up in a fortnight with new posts, and I'll hopefully be feeling a lot better! It's been ages since I had a blog break, and I've done my best to keep going, but I've had to wave the white flag and surrender on this one...

Thank you for reading this super long winded post and hopefully you all understand why I'm vanishing for a little bit!! I love you all - and as usual, hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

See you in two weeks! x
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Friday, 19 August 2016

NO7 Extravagant Volume Mascara Review

If you remember back in December, NO7 from Boots done an advent calendar for £38 and I bought it so I could test the brand out? So far I've tried out the body wash, exfoliator and day cream... I've been underwhelmed to say the least. I've also tried a makeup product out, in the form of the eye makeup remover - but didn't like it - and a Lovely Lash Mascara, which I liked!

I decided to try the Extravagant Volume mascara next - which you can buy for £12.95, which is expensive for a mascara in my opinion - but actually worth it. Yes, I've just basically said I like a NO7 product right off the bat here.

Madness.

For an expensive-ish mascara, it's not in my top three, but has made it's way into my top 10. Keeping in mind this isn't quite the full size, it's lasted ages so far.

I've not taken a picture of the spoolie as I've used this so much that it just looks a mess and it's almost ran out now, so I've been a bad blogger and skipped the image. Soz.

It gave a good coating of product on the lashes and is a nice black, so it makes your eyes look really pretty. I already have naturally long lashes, so there wasn't a massive improvement in length, but still looked pretty good. It's also waterproof, so perfect for when working out, when it's raining, or when you're crying over a super sad death in OITNB.

I'd personally not go out of my way to buy this, as the price as it's far too overpriced for me, but the results are good if you don't mind the money. Overall I didn't mind it, and it's the best NO7 product I've tried out so far - and probably will ever be.

Have you tried any of the NO7 range and what did you think? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)
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Wednesday, 17 August 2016

Emma & Ed's Wedding!

If you've been following on Twitter or Instagram, you've probably seen a few pictures from a wedding I attended at the end of July! I've been so excited about this wedding since January, and cannot believe how fast it came around!

Emma is the lovely sister of my friend Cam, and having been to her Hen Party at the start of July, it just made me even more excited! I've only known Emma and Ed for just over a year! But even though it's only been a year since I met them both, I was still so excited and will admit that I teared up a few times during the day.

The wedding was held on July 28th at the Chilston Park Hotel here in Kent, and if you'd like to see some of the pictures from the professional photographer, you can check those out here. And here are some of my pictures and a little chat about the day!

*Warning: Pic heavy post!*

We started the day at a hotel nearby, before moving to Chilston to get things set up, and for the ceremony at 1pm. Emma had given a few of us a schedule so we knew what jobs we needed to do and when - I love organisation! I managed to break my heels while marching about the hotel trying to help set things up, but it was so worth it as we managed to get everything arranged before the ceremony started - and there wasn't a cloud in the sky all day!

After the ceremony, the families done some group photos, and then we all sat down for speeches and food! The speeches made me cry and laugh, as some anecdotes were hysterical! You can see some of the speeches in the vlog at the end of the post.

Can we just take a second to look at how awesome the new Mr & Mrs look in their pictures??

After the food it was time for the first dance and the party! We watched the first dance, and then we joined in with some songs, but spent most of the night in the photobooth, walking around the grounds or our accidental 30 minute rest in our hotel room when I was changing into my flats for the night! Our room was the Evelyn suite and it was stunning.

At the end of the night we finally went to bed at 1am-ish and the following morning we up ready for breakfast nice and early! We saw off the happy couple after lipstick graffiti-ing their car!

It was a lovely day and so glad to have been able to see it! If you want to check more of the day out, take a peek at the vlog from the day!

Sorry this was so long with the pictures, but hope you liked it! Are you off to any weddings this year? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Monday, 15 August 2016

Last Year I Was... Tag

I've done this tag before, a little over a year ago, but thought I'd like to revisit it for an updated version! I've tagged some lovely bloggers at the end, who I'd love to take part! Enjoy :)

What was the best thing to happen to you last year? What was the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Last year the best thing that happened to me was getting back into my blog and enjoying it a lot.

The best thing this year has to be being moved off of the checkouts at work, and onto the deli coutner area! I hated the tills for so long, but now I'm really enjoying work again!

What was your fashion sense like last year? What is it like this year?

Last year and this year is still pretty much the same, albeit more dresses and skirts! I'd just started to brave dresses a little last year, but now I'm happy to slip one on and head to town! I've got a lot more body confident as the year went on! I've also braved wearing heels out a little more now.

What was your makeup like last year? What is it like this year?

Last year I was in the full swing of a full face on each day, as I was still learning what was right for me and how I liked to look each day. Fast forward a year and I've figured out the whole eyebrow thing, and I very occasionally use a blusher now as my own form of contouring - but only for big events and nights out! Plus my makeup collection hit over 300 items so that should give you an idea!

What was your hair style like last year? What is it like this year?

Nothing has really changed with my hair! It's gotten a fair bit longer, and I've had blonde highlights put in, but other than that, it's the same. I've ventured more into curled and wave styles, which has been nice!

What were your ambitions like late year? What are they this year?

Ambitions are not something I really think about to be honest! I've got a better idea of blog, life and job goals now, but not a concrete idea. I like to be fussy over these sorts of things, and I love planning it all out. I'd like to make more changes as the year goes on, but I'm mainly focused on work right now!

What was your fave song last year, compared to this year?
If I'm doing this as of right now for 2015/2016, then this is what they are!
2015 > Little Mix - Black Magic
2016 > DNCE - Cake By The Ocean
I remember having Little Mix on for the whole 2 weeks I was in Cornwall on holiday. And I mean THE WHOLE 2 WEEKS. I just had it on repeat and drove my Dad insane! And the DNCE song is a new fave (even though it's 9 months old..) which I'm a week into on repeat, so I love both these songs!

Tagging
Sarah
Lisa
Kat
Danielle

Hope you enjoyed this, and if you've done this tag or want to do it, I tag you! Let me know with a comment below if you've done one so I can check it out. Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

Friday, 12 August 2016

Superdrug Travel Minis Haul

I may not be going away on any holidays this summer, but I've had a few weekends away recently - and I have more coming up! I love buying mini travel sized beauty products, as it saves on space, and as they're smaller... You can fit more in!

I've been running down my collection over the past few months, and it was due time I restocked and bought some new bits and pieces for my going away bag! Here is a little (see what I did there!?) mini travel haul that I've picked up recently from Superdrug.

Venus Snap Razor

Quickies Deodorant Wipes

Colgate Plax Mouthwash

Colgate Flip Toothbrush

Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo

Herbal Essences Hydration Shampoo

Herbal Essences Hydration Conditioner

Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel

Orange & Satsuma Shower Gel

Strawberry & Raspberry Shower Gel

The best thing is that all of this only came to £14.17 after all the deal prices were taken off! Not bad going for a set of minis that will last me a few months or more.

Like any of these, or own them yourself? And which minis are essential for you when you go away on holiday? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Wednesday, 10 August 2016

Wishlist 27

I'm quite loving online shopping and the convenience of it, now that I'm working full time! Even though I'm in saving mode for a few things, it's not stopped me adding things to my wishlists and the occasional shopping spree, albeit small ones!! Here are few of the things 'geeky/nerdy' things I really want to get when I get paid next month!

Like any of the above items? And what's on your wishlist this month? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Monday, 8 August 2016

August Playlist

I've been listening to a lot of music over the past month month, so thought I would create this little list off all the songs I am loving right now! Click any of the titles to get taken to a YouTube video, so you can check them out for yourself :)

DNCE - Cake By The Ocean
Fifth Harmony - Flex (All In My Head)
Alexandra Stan - Lemonade
Elle King - Ex's and Oh's
Missy Elliott - Work It
Adele - Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
Reggie N Bollie - New Girl
Missy Elliott - Get Ur Freak On
GRL - Ugly Heart
Fifth Harmony - The Life

Like these songs? Let me know on Twitter! What songs gave you been enjoying recently? Hope you have a great weekend and keep safe :)

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Wednesday, 3 August 2016

L'Oreal Super Liner Gel Intenza | Review

I love eyeliner.

Like, a lot.

I'm a massive fan of the felt liners from Collection, and the chunky ones are my favourites. However, I recieved this beauty in a subscription box near Christmas last year, and have been using it for the past four months to try it out at last!

You can pick this up from Amazon for £5.32! This is shade 02 Golden Black, as it has small flecks of gold in the formula, which gives it a nice sparkle for an evening look!

The pot is quite small and has a decent amount of product in, and it comes with it's own liner brush. The brush is quite sleek, so you can be precise with it, and get close to mirrors - as it's not so long that you'll bump up against it!

It took me a while to get the hang of how to apply it, but when it's done, it looks amazing, and last for hours! In fact, I was naughty and slept with it on one night, and it was still unmoved (if a little faded) the following morning! I have even been able to do winged eye liner for the first time in history with this, which is great!

The only issue I've had is that the little brush bristles have started to splay a little bit, so I'll have to use my Real Techniques angled brush when it finally breaks, but other than that, it's a very good product for an amazing price. Plus the quality is amazing, and works a lot better than another gel liner I've recently tried. The colour is a decent black, so I've worn this for a lot of nights out, or days where I know I'll be gone all day. It lasts a decent 12 hours at a time, and takes a good wash of Micellar water to remove it.

Have you tried this before, and if so, what did you think? Plus, which gel liners do you like and can recommend? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

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Monday, 1 August 2016

Emma's Hen Party - Day Three

So in this post, I explained what the Hen Party was all about, and how well day one went, and then I shared day two with you. Now we're onto day three! Here we go...

After the busy day the day before, I'd managed to sleep for 9 hours straight, and woke up while everyone was already having breakfast! I got myself dressed and ready, and then helped clean the kitchen before we all had to start packing up! We had to leave the house by midday, so we spent an hour all rushing to pack and tidy up the house!

Pretty much everyone left between 11:30 and midday, so all that was left were the family members, the bride herself, Alice S and myself. Once everyone else had departed, our little eight member group headed back to the car to put away all our things, before we headed back to the beach and pier for our day out!

It was so hot along the coast, and I seriously regretting wearing jeans! We walked along the seafront to the pier and then headed inside to play in the arcade. Between all of us, we managed to get just over 500 arcade tickets - 120 for Emma to use for the Wedding, 30 for me to scrapbook with and a few other spares were left for the other girls - and then we managed to get a few more and eventually had 406 to get a prize with! Emma picked out some Brighton shot glasses, so we got five of these so five of us could have them!

Then Alice O, Emma, Vicky and Kelly had a go on the dance mat inside the arcade, before we headed back out into the sunshine for a walk onto the beach!

We picked up some chips from a nearby shop and sat on their decking to eat them, while watching some kids try out the Human Catapult fun fair 'ride' next to us. They were all screaming and we spent most of the time watching them all in fear of their lives!!

After this, we walked along the promenade and peeked into some shops, before stopping at a vendor and getting some doughnuts to go and sit on the beach with. We spent about an hour sat on the pebbles, watching the waves coming in and relaxing in the sunshine!

We then all headed back to the cars so we could quickly go to Kelly and Fitz's house, so we could have a quick drink and drop Kelly back before heading home. Thankfully we didn't hit a lot of traffic, and I was home by eight in the evening - with sunburn!

And that's it for the final day of the Hen Party!! And, if you've not watch it yet, here is the vlog from the whole weekend, including the Bollywood dancing from day two, if you want to have a giggle at it!

Hope you enjoyed a little peek into what we got up to in day three, and have enjoyed the posts about the great weekend we had! And thank you to everyone who's watched the vlog so far! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)
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