This is where the relief comes...

It's that time of the year again. The week where we stuff our faces with chocolate and run about singing songs about spring chickens. I particularly love the singing part! And as this time of year comes, school breaks up for two weeks- yay. I'm so excited as I couldn't think of a better time for this to come! I have a billion deadlines this week and once there done, I'm done with school for two weeks. Yes, I will spend them revising for other exams, but also hopefully I'll be able to spend some time with my friends. I feel like I'm constantly working at the moment and so I'm so looking forward to the holidays! I wish you all a very happy Easter holiday, remember to eat lots and lots of choccy! xoxo

This is where I find it hard to let go.

This is where I find it hard to let go of...technology?!?

Anyone who knows me knows that I have the oldest phone around! If there’s one thing I repel most, its technology. I bought my phone, mainly because it was pink! Perhaps not the best reason to buy a phone, and this was maybe three years ago. Now, I’m left feeling incredibly outdated, especially when my friends pull out their touch screen technology! I swear my fingers are too fat for touch screen anyway. Back to the point, my phone is dieing! I’ve made an attachment with my phone and find it hard to let go of things like this (mainly because I hate change) but this is particularly hard. I’m aware that my phone is old and battered, unsurprisingly since I’ve thrown it down the stairs several times, but do I really need an update? For once, I think I do! But, I’m hopeless when it comes to technology, any hints or tips of what makes to buy or avoid would be much appreciated! Or…maybe I’ll just cling onto my old phone. In a few years I’ll be able to call it retro, right? xoxo

DIY: birthday card.

It's one of those weeks. Everything that possibly could go wrong is going wrong and it isn't showing me in my best light, to say the least. But, the world goes round. It was Amy's birthday on Monday- happy birthday- and I had one of those moments when you go into a shop, walk back out and then remember what you went in for. Typical. So, I had to make a birthday card, and I'll be the first to say that it wasn't the best homemade card I've ever seen, but it's the thought that counts!
You'll need:
scissors
gossip magazines (I used heat)
glue
plain card
pen
A photo of the birthday person

What to do:
1. Fold your card into a real card shape! You can be as basic or as inventive as you wish, afterall it's meant to have a personal touch!
2. Flick through your magazine cutting out random things. I chose to cut out celebrities, random words and dresses.

3. Cut out the image of the person you chose.
4. Arrange them onto the front of your card until you're 100% happy with your design!
5. Glue them down
6. Write a lovely message in your card!
I hope you have fun trying this quick DIY- especially if you're forgetful like me! I'd love to know what you thought of this make-do card. Keep Smiling xoxo

Differences

Vogue

If you're a regular reader and follower of both The Red Flower and Cherry Blossom Beauties then you'll know about two of my closest friends and I. Our journeys through fashion are really quite different. I was flicking through the latest issue of Vogue recently and came across a group of ladies, better known as 'the Russian pack'. These women storm the streets together, each with a completely individual fashion sense. Elena's is a modern structured look, as modern as it is edgy. Vika's look crosses over into the Tom Boy world, whilst keeping a fresh feminity throughout her designs. Miroslava offers a clashing print that would be the envy of anyone, and then there's the style of Ulyana Sergeenko who I personally envy. Her style is so effortless, yet thought about and I love the way that all four of 'the Russian pack' bring old seasons into today with a new outlook.

How does this fit into Eli, Emma and myself? Well, relatbly, our styles are also completely different. We have different views on fashion- Eli's being a much more sarcasticly toned view- that somehow brings out the best in us. Eli's fashion sense is the edgy. Eli brings smart blazers together with Doc Martens, a look I'd never be able to pull off, but yet she pulls it off with a pop of lipstick and skinny jeans. And don't let me get started on those metallic hotpants...

Eli

Emma's style is a much more girly style with floral and fit 'n' flare dresses filling her wardrobe. Emma manages to use a mix of the new and what she feels comfortable in to bring out the totally glam.

Emma

Then there's me. I could never judge my own sense of fashion as I'm constantly looking for new ways to improve my outfits, but at the same time falling back a few years through my style. But, I will say that in the future I look forward to going way back to the 50s (I'm mainly reffering to my prom dress).

Me

We're all completely different, yet on our own pulse of fashion. Maybe Cherry Blossom Beauties will one day make a name for itself too. xoxo

Freedom

Sometimes we need to run...leave it all behind and breathe.

It's an oldie...but it's still got it!

DVD cover

Jess and Joe

I talk of course about the wonderful Bend it like Beckham. I honestly believe that I'm the only person, my age, that is still crazy about that film! We watched the trailer today in R.E (3.5 months left at school!!) and as soon as I got home I just had to indulge in a little Beckham! Admittedly, I'm not really a football fan- infact I'm not sporty at all. Although, I did play a little football in Primary school on the girl's football team, but I was sadly terrible and so it ended there! But, this film brings something back to me from those horrific days...I never said I didn't enjoy playing football, I'm just no good at it! I love how Jess follows her dreams and it all pays off! She gets the scholarship, the guy and the bezzie mate (personal joke- sorry). She doesn't only follow her dreams, but she ends up living them! What more can a girl ask for? Of course, this film wouldn't be what it is (even though it's still incredible) without Texas' Inner Smile. A song that literally makes me smile every time I listen to it. That would be my Dad's sense of music coming out in me. Whatever your dream, whatever your boundaries...push them...you never know it may just all pay off xoxo

Who are you?

Fashion. Fashion seems to be all around us, swallowing us up in a world of design and culture, but do any of us know what fashion is? Is it truly the materials that make up clothes or is it the skin that we wear? I believe it's what we choose. Whether we choose to be bright or dull. Long or short. Shy or mystical. We choose our fashion and that's what make us us. Our choices in life will take us down a million different paths, each one being perfect, as it shapes us. My definition of fashion is to speak through items. If I had to show my personality for a day, I know exactly what I'd wear. It would be a deep red midi dress with three quarter sleeves, along side a gorgeous netted hat - wore to one side of my head. Black stilettos and bright red lipstick. My outfit would be fun, but sophisticated. I'm not saying for one second that I'm sophisticated. I am simply saying that's what I aspire to be, but to never leave my cackle behind (I don't laugh, I cackle- it's awful) because we should grow, but never act our age. What's the fun in acting your age? Make your choice and express yourself! xoxo

Lost and found

I went off to town last Saturday for a drink with Megan from Oh Spiffing. It was great to catch up with Megan because although we go to school together, we haven't been out together in yonks! We did a little bit of shopping as well, I bought a new top from new look about New York (isn't that where everyone aspires to go eventually?) I also bought this months vogue, which I was very excited to find had four perfume samples in! I'm obsessed with vogue. It is fashion.

We were on the way home from out little shop when I realised that I no longer had with me my Dorothy Perkin's cardigan. I was devastated as it's one of those cardigans you can chuck on with everything!- and believe me I do. We had to walk all the way back into town to find it in the middle of the road with several tyre marks on! I was very excited to find it! My feet were in agony though, because I'd used my height as an excuse to wear my heals...today of all days! Tip of the day? Keep hold of your cardigans!!! xoxo

Style up!

This is the last 'Friday night post' so we're coming to an end! Before the makeovers began we raided Emma's wardrobe. She pulled out one dress and asked us if we liked it because she was never sure how to wear it. So I took it upon myself to style up that dress! I had such a good time. It was a gorgeous dress (unsure of where it was from) with a white jewelled detail around the neckline, but it was mainly a shift dress. Because of this, it looked like it lacked shape so we decided it needed a belt! I chose a skinny black belt from Emma's wardrobe so that it didn't draw attention away from the detailing, but at the same time I wanted to clash that detailing with something, so I added an elephant necklace, but Emma had to adjust it to make it sit where I wanted it too. Lastly, I rumaged through her shoe box to find some khaki brown brogues. I really liked it and suprisingly so did Emma! Success! If you're ever unsure of a dress, just style it up and try different things. You never know, you may end up loving it! xoxo
P.s these pictures are pre makeover so excuse the hair and makeup! xoxo

Before and After

I went to my friend's house last Friday, Emma, for a girly night in and had to share some photos. We did before and after shots of our makeup as Eli made us over! We stripped down our makeup, mortified, and took the before pictures. I never usually go without makeup in public, but it was for fun! I was planning on crimping my hair, but the crimpers were really testing my patience and I just couldn't wait a second later! Instead, Eli gave me a 50's makeup look and fluffed my hair up a little, holding it in place with hairspray! It was really quick, and I must say I felt a lot more comfortable with my makeup on! Eli also did Emma's makeup and hair, which also looked really nice. Once we'd decided on our outfits, we took a few photos for our blogs (I know, we're posers!) It was such a good night and enjoyed every second of it! We really ought to have makeover nights more often!

My dress is from Topshop, the belt is Emma's, the jumper is AWear at asos and the shoes are new look! xoxo

DIY: the perfect drink

I'm going to be doing a series of posts about my Friday night as we got up to a lot of fashion-y things! However, having said that, this post is really not fashion related at all! Whilst Em and I were waiting for Eli to arrive for our girly night of makeovers and films we had a drink...although Emma decided to make them into a carnival of a drink and they looked fabulous. So I thought I'd share our creation with you... note that we didn't actually make any of this, just chucked it together!!!
You will need:
Wine glasses
Pink Lemonade
Ice (preferably in smaller chunks)
Sorbet (we used raspberry/lemon)
Cocktail Sticks
Glacier cherries
Frozen Lemon slices
Where to chuck what:

Get out your wine glasses-the fancier the better- and shove them on the side! Next, get out your Pink Lemonade (I guess it doesn't have to be pink, but it looks girlier if it is) and poor into the glasses. I am aware that this all seems very obvious, but it's the small steps first! Then get your ice out of the freezer and pop about 5 chunks into each glass, unless you really hate ice, then 2 will do! Then choose the flavour of sorbet you'd like and scoop one scoop into each glass (the raspberry looked really cool) Get the cocktail sticks and stick a glacier cherry on each one and add them to the drink as well- cherry side up! Seperate the lemon slices and shove them in with the rest of the madness and voilah, there you have one super duper fancy drink! Enjoy!

We're all off to the theatre!

Yipee... I had a fabulous trip to The Octagon theatre yesterday in Bolton. It was a school trip- you know the kind- noisy bus that smells, sticking to a plan the whole day! I need a little freedom! But apart from that it was a great day. I went to see Macbeth...'is this a dagger I see before me?' It was really good, the witches were so spooky! It was all very believable and just amazing basically! I'm totally regretting not taking a outfit shot...I was wearing my really old nautical dress with my flowery cardigan and ankle boots with tonnes of necklaces. I have a picture of me and my friend Izzy though. Going back to school was awful today! Mainly because I was really tired due to yesterdays trip. 'Tis all worth it though, right? Whenever I normally go on trips it's normally going to see musicals, because I adore (literally love) a bit of cheese! Infact, I'm watching hairspray at the minute! Anyway, back to the point... Macbeth. It was really good with zero cheese! We even got to meet the director, David Thacker and have a photo with him for the school magazine, in which I am writing the article! Have a great Wednesday...even if I do hate them myself! xoxo

Another week, another party

Yes, that is another party! This week it was Emma's party who blogs over at if nothing goes right...go left. Her party was lots of fun and everyone had a great time! Happy birthday Emma! Also, it was Callum's birthday this week so I'd like to wish him a happy birthday as well! Wow...I think birthday season is almost over...which is great because I am exhausted! For Emma's present me and a couple of other friends, went in together to get her a phone. She's wanted a dial phone for ages and we have to visit it every time we go to meadowhall, so we bought it her. And no she can't use it yet...but in a few years she'll be able to! She did pretend to ring a lot of people though! It was a very good night and I really enjoyed it...

Also, I know I've already done my official '11 things' but emma posted one today and i reaaalllly want to answer her questions too! So, here is my second 11 things....(sorry)

1. What is your all time favorite Disney movie?
Disney!? ugh...not a disney fan...but I guess I like Araura!
2. What career would you choose if you could be anything you wanted to be?
Hmmm... tricky! Because I don't know. I'd have to say it would be ideal to be a fashion journalist...but that doesn't happen to everyone does it?
3. Where is the best place you have ever been?
Possibly Rosedale. It doesn't sound adventurous, but it's a tiny village which is pretty and the ideal place to live!
4. If you could dye your hair any colour what would it be?
Red! I reeeaaaallly want to dye my hair red!
5. What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
Hmm.... do I have a favourite? My new shoes! Do they count as clothes?
6. What would be your ideal lazy day?
Going out for a walk with my best friends and then partying the night away!
7. What is your favorite flower?
A Poppy....duh!
8. Who is your favorite band / singer?
I can't pick one! It'd have to be either Florence and the machine or Lana Del Ray or Coldplay or Snowpatrol or the script or the feeling...tooo many choices!
9. What do you look forward to everyday?
Putting my makeup on! I enjoy having a mini makeover and I hate going without it...I know...I'm vein!
10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Before, I'd have said yes, but now I would definetly say no. Love isn't something that hits you! It grows very slowly, but it's like a rush!
11. If you could do anything at all in the world what would you do?
I'd travel to Ireland, then Brazil....but anything? I'd fall in love! I'm cheesy!

Now, I promise that I will never bore you with my '11 things' obsession again, I just could not resist! Out to the theatre tomorrow! Yipee! Have a fantastic week! xoxo

Iffy picture of me.... and the birthday girl!!!!!

11 things...

I don't know if you've noticed, but there are a lot of these '11 things' things (terrible grammar-sorry) going around...and so I thought I'd join in! I follow Waking Life and Caitlin recently posted one and said that all of her followers or readers should have a go...so I guess here goes!
Here are the (official) rules:

1. Post these rules.2. Post a photo of yourself and 11 random things.3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post.4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.5. Go to their blog/twitter and tell them you’ve tagged them.

I know it's awful, but that is not the point!

My eleven random things...

1. I am tiny! I'm 5'3 and get pushed about all over the place...but secretly love it because I get to wear heals!

2. I sing...a lot! I'm not saying I can sing, because I can't at all! But I sing everywhere! In the shower, while im hoovering, at school! My friend's hate it!

3. I have a sister! I don't know if that's exactly random?!?

4. I'm currently learning to sew, which is pretty ambitious for me!

5. I hate trying new things...because I hate change! When my parents decided to move house I wasn't happy, even though it was just down the road!

6. I am such a worrier! Everything! I worry about being late to places, about upsetting people...everything!

7. I love the smell of London...I know, what is the smell of London? Well, it's very specific...the smell I relate with London is what I could smell when I went to see Grease! Which brings me to number 8.

8. I am obsessed with musicals! Don't you just love to go and watch something overly cheesy to cheer yourself up?

9. I adore wellies! Mine are pink with flowers on, and I wear them at any excuse!

10. I like to organise things! If me and my friends are going out I like to organise it, just to put my mind at rest... if not my worrying kicks in!

11. I'm obsessed with romance! Is that sad?

Caitlin's questions...

1. If you could magically play a musical instrument--but only one--which would it be?

Possibly the violin, just because I hate to listen to that instrument being murdered...so if I could play it myself I'd be very proud!

2. If you had a million dollars, what would you spend it on?

Is it shallow to say that I'd spend it on clothes? Okay, so I'd give I good wedge of it to charity...and the rest on clothes and my future University fund and driving lessons etc.

3. What is one thing you love about yourself?

My height! I love being small! It doesn't always work for me, but I don't care because that's who I am!

4. What would your ideal Sunday morning consist of? (I liked this one)

Lounging around in my pjs eating a lot of food... ben and jerrys or pasta preffrebly...oh and watching soppy films...I really want to see Casa Blanca!

5. If you could live somewhere else for one year, and money were no object, where would you choose?

Ireland! Without a doubt, I'd be heading straight there! I've always wanted to go and it isn't too far from home!

6. Who is your all-time favorite author?

That's a tricky one! I don't really have favourite authors because I don't tend to stick to the same author, but I do go back to Elizabeth Noble a lot because I like the way she sets out her books.

7. What trend are you most excited about for spring?

Florals! It is THE trend for spring...every year!

8. What is your favorite word?

I always say that it is prospire...but it might be popysmic, because it sounds like my name and has a really random meaning...:s

9. What is your most necessary accessory?

Ha! Um, rings! I always wear rings...I normally have about four on at least.

10. What is the most thoughtful gift you have ever received?

All the gifts I recieve are thoughtful! Is that cheesy?

11. What is your favorite snack?

Pot noodle at the moment! I have a tiny obsession!

My 11 questions for all of you to answer and leave me a comment so I can check it out too please!

1. Do you believe in soul mates?

2. What is your ideal outfit? (The one you always fall back on)

3. Do you have a favourite pair of shoes? If so, which ones?

4. What is your all time favourite musical?

5. What is your favourite season?

6. Why did you start blogging?

7. If you could holiday anywhere in the world for any amount of time...where would it be?

8. Favourite tv series!

9. Do you watch sex and the city? If so...which girl are you?

10. What was the best moment of your life so far?

11. Who is your favourite actor/actress?

Love for you to have a go, Poppy xoxo