Monday, October 31, 2011

Monday's Moments - 31/10



Oooh, Halloween... Wherever you are, hoping this day finds you well. As Monday's go, Bank Holidays are my favourites, no blues here but I so still have 5 moments of rockage that need to be shared. Read on, if you will...

1. Lemme see those Jazz Hands!


As any of you, not living under a rock or that live in Ireland will know, this past week Dublin saw some of it's worst flash flooding in years. No, that's not my moment, my moment came when leaving my Mother's I glanced down the side street and spotted a young lad no more than seven. It was pelting with rain and this young lad was walking along the footpath singing at the top of his lungs, stamping his foot into an enormous puddle to the beat and breaking his heart laughing. 

There was no one around, just him in his own little world entertaining the bejesus of himself (& me). Fair play, kid, fair play. 


2. Ehm, that's not a Smile!


At an event during the week I got talking to a lovely lady (who shall remain nameless) about how we react to photographs. I shared the story of how every childhood photo of me basically looks like cousin IT in a headlock by my loving father, so loathe was I to get into the shot. (True Story). I recalled a story of another lovely blogger who has the belief that she turns into Chandler when the camera snaps, you know squinty, hilarious Chandler. She doesn't. 

Lady in question proceeds to tell me that she can't quite help throwing shapes, full on, tongue out, eyes crossed shapes. What? We're all mad? She explained that her lovely little girl does it too. Couple of days later a snap of her little princess shows up in my timeline. Complete with crazy tongue out pose. I snorted coffee down my nose. Yup, we're all mad. 


3. Excuse me, Sir, Could you Repeat your Middle Name?

We know by now that my gawjus new nephew is called Cillian, right? Do we also know the rest of his names? My number 3 moment comes this week following a mms of his birthcert sent by my Sis. 'Cillian Richard Susan Stone'. I'm absolutely chuffed and honoured, future him is absolutely gutted. I have little doubt that he will break all records such as the one above when he realises. 

Until then, how cute? Eh? 

4. Silver Lining, Anyone? 


I spent the guts of last week being sick. Strep throat to be precise and it wasn't pretty. What a waste of sick leave, eh? Normally though, because I'm contactable by work mobile my sick leave or annual leave or any kind of leave is never, ever paid attention to. 

Not so with strep throat, it was physically impossible to answer the phone. I'm not talking Kelly ringing X Factor and speaking through her sleeve, I'm talking no croak, no voice, no nothing. After the initial panic of 'What will they do without me?!' Came the zen state of 'Let's see, shall we?'. 3 days incommunicado = bliss. (Apart from the lurgy)


5. No Glenroes here!


Finally my number five, which should really be number one. If you're in Ireland and not working shift you may be able to relate to this one. Today is our Bank Holiday. Yarrgghhh.

This is a moment that kept on giving last night. As the opening tune to every Sunday night programme I watch starts, so too, usually, does the sinking feeling of another Monday looming. Several times I remembered afresh. 'Ahhh'. Don't get me wrong, I love the job and, for the most part, I love to start a week fresh but I'd have to be a loon NOT to love a Bank Hollier. And I'm no loon. (Mostly)


So that's me, still in my bajamers and eating rings around ourselves, thems the rules for days off. What's been tickling your funny bone this week, folks? 

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Cherry Pick of The Week - STAND - Olivia



This week my pick is from the gentlemen that provided the soundtrack to my misspent youth. If you haven't heard of STAND before then please, press play and prepare to fall in love.

Consisting of 4 of the soundest chaps from Tallaghtfornia (or anywhere else) you're likely to meet, Neil, Alan, David & Brian make up STAND  & are pretty much the only band that have ever turned me into a groupie. They were my first taste of live music & how good it could be & I've pretty much stalked their live shows ever since. (Told you, groupie)

There are no words for how much I love their work or how totally chuffed I am that they're finally getting their hard earned due.

They are both the pajamas of a cat and the knees of a bee. Get on this.


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Mah Top Ten Movies - Right This Minute




Following a conversation on the Twidder with the lovely lunatics Karen, Paula & Dee t'other night about our fave films I got to thinking about my top 10.

I can't say my top 10 of all time because even making this list more were coming to mind. This 10, however, are films that I have watched several times and would again.

If you're at a loss this weekend, check out one o' these bad boys, you won't be disappointed.




10. Scream (The original of its genre)


9. Stir of Echoes (Creepy and riveting, right to the end)


8. Frequency (Fantastic story)




7. Napoleon Dynamite (There are no words)



6. Garden State (Zach Braff = Genius)(Kick Ass soundtrack too)



5. Fallen (Tiiiiiime is on my side)



4. Amélie (So much love)



3. Tell No One (Based on Harlan Coben's novel. So bloody good!)



2. El Orfanato (Terrifying and touching. Del Toro is the Master!)



1. Drive (Just Wow)



As I say, these are the top ten as of today, that could change in half an hour. I is nothing if not fickle. 

Have you seen any of these? Or, more importantly, have you a different top 10 (or 3, or 1) that you think are well worth a goo?

Do share in the comments, Lovelies. This long weekend isn't going to fill itself y'know? 


Friday, October 28, 2011

NYC - Cheaper than Chips but just as Tasty!



Have you seen the latest from NYC budget beauty brand yet? If not, you're in luck!

I had the very lovely honour to be invited along to the swanky Morrison during the week to check out some of their new range and celebrate the fact that this fab affordable brand is now available in Penney's. Be afraid, Essence, be very afraid.

Some of the new After Dark range


First up we have the new shadow palettes IndividualEyes, which cater specifically for your eye colour. Green, Blue or Brown. These palettes for €3.99(!) contain all you need for a custom smokey or more subtle look. They include a primer and highlighter and a nifty how to guide on the back of the box for the less shadow abled amongst us. 


IndividualEyes are only available in Ireland and a definite must have if you're wanting an affordable way to play about with the 'Colour me Beautiful' ways of Smashbox et al for complimenting shadows with súiles. Have to say I likes 'em. The Gals over on Beaut.ie managed to get a couple of shots of  a finished look using them so be sure to check that out




Next, the much anticipated Creme Blush Stick. These come in two shades (Plaza Pink & Big Apple Blush) for €3.49. They're a soft and blendable formulation that's really easy to work with. One swish for a subtle colour or they work brilliantly as a blush primer for your own favourite powder blush. Big Apple Blush + Benefit's Coralista = Da Bomb. Fact. 




The ShowTime Glitter Eyeliners looked a little bit glittery for my office wearing ways but once applied are nothing like I'd thought. The silver glitter particles act more as a highlight than all out bling. Of course they can be built up & smudged for a more dramatic look but for now this navy baby is replacing my beloved Essence pencil. 
Lip stain swatches, the morning after the Evint! (Purposely not washed, naturally)
Finally from my press bag of pretty we have the Lip Stains in Persistent Pink & Berry Long Time. There's great colour payoff here. I'm not a huge fan of lip stains, having been let down badly by Revlon and a puckered mess by Smashbox but these I'm liking. The lighter pink two days later did seem a little dry but the colour is still very pretty and wearable. 






The fact that nothing in the range is over €3.99 is a huge bonus considering the quality of product for the price. I know I'll be picking up a polish or two when they hit the Pennés shelves. (wha? It's me!) You could easily fill a makeup bag for €20 and what girl doesn't want that kind of stocking filler, eh?

So what do we think, lovelies? Anything here catch your eye?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Adventures of Tin Tin - Review




From directorial powerhouses Steven Spielberg & Peter Jackson with voices of some of Britain’s acting and comedy elite comes the Adventures of Tin Tin. Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell, Pegg & Frost and Mackenzie Crook have joined forces on this production and all add to the gravitas of these directors. Though you would be hard pressed to decipher which actor had been assigned to which character, which was refreshing and allowed the movie to be judged on its own merits.

Thanks to the ever generous ladies at Mummypages.ie the Gorgebags & I got to head along to the Irish Premiere on Sunday. Thanks, folks!


Any Good?

My real bugbear with 3D offerings of late is the colour and unfortunately those issues are present here. The vibrant colours are almost washed completely by wearing the glasses. Even with their addition for effect the backgrounds were blurred and unfocused, which made some shots a little distracting. I did notice several audience members forgo the glasses altogether. The character animation, however, is a triumph. The comic is brought to life with an engaging cast and constantly changing scenery. Captain Haddock is a stand out here and surprisingly witty, his mannerisms and personality adding to the comedy each time he’s on screen.


Snowy the dog is given his due and developed as a character in his own right, I have to mention the Rottweiler scene too as the penman behind this obviously has one of those soppy brutes at home. (As do I). What could have been a scary scene was turned on its head and the delighted reaction of the audience showed they appreciated it. Tin Tin himself is likeable but is somewhat overshadowed by Captain Haddock.






Although historically Tin Tin is more of an adult comic strip there was an abundance of under 10s in the audience. I did think the plot a little difficult for them to follow but the gales of laughter from the, often slapstick, humour proved me wrong. My own lads are 14 & 15 and didn’t take their eyes from the screen once, evidence that this production has mass appeal.







Spielberg and Jackson have taken Tin Tin and made him accessible; the visual chances they’ve taken here have paid off, for the most part, though I’m not convinced that the 3D was a necessary addition. The running time at 107 minutes feels a little long for an animation but again the audience didn’t seem to grow restless at any time. For me this won’t match the blockbusters of the year, nor will it stand up as an option for solely adult audiences unless they are Tin Tin fans to begin with. But is certainly an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours with family.

Rating?    

Monday, October 24, 2011

200 Follower Giveaway!!


Those more eagle eyed amongst us will notice that although I'm not yet at 200, we're a hair's breadth away! 

I'm hugely grateful to each and every one of you for reading but I'm also a spendaholic and sure shopping for giveaways doesn't count, right?

No doubt most of you have heard about this Holy Grail mascara by now from Benefit, if you haven't please check out my recent post telling of my grá. 

Fancy a slice o' this action? Sure you do!


To Enter:   This one's over, Lovelies but there's an Estée Lauder FB Giveaway until Friday!

1. Firstly, you must be a follower of the blog (new followers vay welcome) via Google Friend Connect. (I'll be checking). If you're not following yet, get clicking on the GFC box on the right, with the quickness! (If it's missing, please hit refresh, it can be temperamental) 

2. For a second entry, follow yours truly on Twitter @ItsCherrySue. You should see my tweets! Which you will if you follow. 

3. Third entry? You gotta give my Facebook page a big blue thumb up! You can find me here or by using the ickle FB box on the right. 

4. Lastly & completely optionally, for all you Twidder lovers,  Tweet the following 'Win They're Real with @itscherrysue o'er on http://cherrysuedointhedo.blogspot.com.


You must leave a comment on this post to tell me how many entries you are entitled to. Please include your email address/Twitter username/FB ID & GFC name. The giveaway will close on the 7th of November, that's a fortnight, folks. Aaand it's open Internationally

Winner will be drawn by random.org to keep things fair. If you are under 18, please get your parent or guardian's permission to enter. 


Monday's Moments - 24/10


Jaypers the weeks are flying, wha? Let's dive right in shall we? My top five moments that make Monday suck it...


1. Cycle Safelyyyyyyy

(Yet another) Part of my job is to examine children cycling. I love it. As part of that I visit schools for their practical exam. Usually this goes without incident. This week, however, there was an over eager candidate, she was bursting to get going and not listening to a word I said. Off she blostered at a rate of knots and I knew it couldn't end well.

Reaching the 'roundabout' she misjudged her speed & went straight into the bushes, bike an' all! Now, of course, I ran to help while the whole class promptly fell over laughing. Worried we might have witnessed the birth of an Emo I pulled her out. She couldn't be controlled with laughter. Would have been rude not to join in, right? She calmed down and did it again. The thought of wild abandon on that's child's face has made me chuckle. All week long.



2. Give Ps a Chance



On Tuesday I was added to the Paramount Press list for blogging and reviews and such, awesome enough in its own right. Tickled pink I texted my Sis with the news: 'I've been picked for the Paramount Press list for premieres & previews! Piggin' brilliant!' immediately she replies 'Perfect, Pongratulations!'


So much love.



3. That's Gas, isn' ih?



Apparently God decided Ireland had enough of the blistering heat of the summer and thought it best to hurtle us straight into winter this week. It's not so bad, comfy cardis, wooly slipper socks and leopard skin slankets, these are a few of my favourite things.

I do dread, however, the turning back on of the heating! Casa Cherry is fairly new so insulated well & has little need of heat during the summer months. I put in the card fearing a €70 deficit but no! €27 credit, isseh?! Now, I know the next €50 credit will, in all likelihood, be inhaled by the hateful machine but for now? Chuffage, toasty, toasty chuffage.



4. No, No, Thank You!



Continuing on a theme of 'machines gone waild', coming home from a wine tasting event on Friday evening with a pal we were doing the Mrs Doyle & her mate act (10 mins in) about paying for the parking. I had €20, she had €10. She threw in the €10 but the machine must have heard the argument.

'It's not accepting it', 'It is', 'It's not, look there's the tenner', 'Well, eh, there's the ticket & 40c change, it says Paid!'. LEGGIT!! No we're not really that bad but come on, how many times does a multi storey pay you to use their facilities? Hmm? That's what I thought. Made 40c out of it. Winning.


5. Sorry, I was what?



It's not often people second guess me, well not vocally anyway but these past couple of weeks an issue has cropped up again and again. Suffice to say my blood was more than boiled when it seemed I wasn't being listened to. No, I don't have all the answers but some of them I bloody well do.

You know that moment when someone comes to you and shrugs because they don't want to say the words and all it takes is you to raise your eyebrows because they don't need to? Yeah, that. Hell, yeah that, Bitches!


Sooo, what's been going on with you lovelys? Apart from the ever awesome Shardinn getting engaged this week, what's the happy haps?


Sunday, October 23, 2011

Cherry Pick of The Week - Wherever You Will Go - Charlene Soraia




Loving this weeks Cherry Pick of the Week with the muchness! A revamp on the 2001 hit and reality TV show makers' favourite Wherever You Will Go by The Calling.

OK, I'll admit it, the only reason I've found this song is because of the achingly beautiful (that good) new ad from Twinings.





This is the first time in  aeons that an ad has literally stopped me in my tracks to watch, well played Sirs!

The visuals, the music and the sentiment behind it? Marketing genius. Though in fairness I would have like to see her give herself dig in the belly, a headlock or two and then the tagline read 'Don't Beat yourself up about it'. But that's just me.

Tis an undeniably beautiful rendition of a fantastic song. Specially the 'Whewevvuh' at the end. 

Saturday, October 22, 2011

New Shoooooes?



World, meet my mah new shoes, mah new shoes, meet world.

Managed to get my mitts on these beauties during the week and as any of you following me on the Twidder will know they were worryingly cheap but reassuringly comfy. The seller has assured me they're legit and having inspected 'em over and over they appear so.

Maybe it's the dubious side to me that can't understand how they could be such a bargain. Either way, the proof is in the teetering so I will have to wait to try 'em out (other than in my bajamers online)

Be Afraid Ann Summers, be very afraid...
Christian Louboutin, the man who has spent 20 years perfecting the heels du jour, said in an interview this week with the Sunday Times that 'Putting your foot in a heel, you are putting yourself in a possibly orgasmic situation.' He maintains that 'Shoes for men are about elegance or wealth, they are not playing with the inner character, that is why women are happy to wear painful shoes.'

Ehm, I'm not so sure, big man, have to say what men will think is not a huge factor in my mind when buying brogues, more, how gorgeous I think they are, how many OOTDs they're going to go with for the price and lastly, how crippled I'm willing to be (Not very).


What do we reckon girls? Are you all about the toegasms or is this man a deluded genius? 

Friday, October 21, 2011

Paranormal Activity 3 - Review





Doesn't that movie look awesome? And pee your pants scary?!

What a shame that's not the movie that was screened. The majority of those scares and scenes were left in the trailers and didn't make it into the end product.

Paranormal Activity 3 is the third (obviously) in the franchise and a prequel to the others. From the makers of the 'Seriously?' documentary Catfish. The film is set in 1988 and attempts to explain the previous two.

Normally when I watch horror movies I watch them on x2 so the music doesn't freak me out but this film, like Cloverfield, took the brave step with silence. No music, no background sound but ominous shuffling and silence. It worked. I was on edge for the duration. The most original concept here though was for them to mount the camera on a makeshift oscillating fan in an attempt to catch the phúca. As the camera panned excruciatingly slowly back and forth you never knew what was awaiting you on its arduous return. Genius.

The story focuses on Kristi, the youngest child, and her connection to Toby, the resident poltergeist in his cloak of invisibility. Both she and her sister Katie bear the brunt of the heebie jeebies here. Great little actresses.

My big, no huge, bugbear with this film is mentioned above, yes there are some genuine frights but they're few and far between. There is subtle tension right the way through and the final scenes are fairly ominous but they're no Kill List.


If you like the Paranormal Activity shizz chances are you'll like this, I was genuinely on edge for its entirety but that's mostly because I believed the trailers and virals and was waiting for those scenes. I feel duped. 



Rating:

Thursday, October 20, 2011

We Gots a Winner!




Apologies Folks, this should have been up on Toosdy but without further ado...

The winner picked by Random.org & verified by the youngest Gorgebag (as my phone has gone kaput tonight, meaning no pictures) was number 26!


Yep, I realise that means nothing to you, so the correlating lovely is....



Mell61!



And the crowd goes wild *Yarrrggghhh*


Mel's use for EA was: 'I'd use it on my elbows, without this cream they are positively pre-historic - T.Rex has nothing on my winter elbows for dry scaly skin!'


Just as well you won, Mel, can't have no Reptar hinge joints walking about! Please send me on your address for postage, my scaly pretty. 


Everyone else, again, Fanks a Fousand for reading and supporting me. As a daycent thank you & following on from a great response to this post when we reach 200 followers there will have to be a Benefit Giveaway, yeah? Yeah! 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

MAC Primed & Ready!



I've been waxing lyrical about my need for an eyeshadow primer for quite a while now. There's much love for ELF and it's pricier Urban Decay counterpart but finding myself in possession of a BT voucher, it had to be MAC. Painterly Paint Pot, get in mah bag!

I've heard some good reviews about these little fellas and for €21 a pop I'd like to think so too.



It's a creamy, malleable, ehm, cream..

Here we have (much loved) MAC Earthly Riches without & with the Paint Pot
You can see from the shot that Painterly instantly gives you much better colour payoff. You can detect shades there that are impossible to see without the primer. Good, eh?

No, not a stonking bruise


Not only did I leave both swatches in place for an hour, while making the din dins. This pic is also taken after several rubs with a tissue. It ain't moving!

Would I recommend? Without a shadow of a doubt, yes indeedy. It's a little pricey but the pot is deceptively deep, I've been using this for roughly 3 weeks now and as you can see from the swatch shot, it's barely touched.

Anything that can take me from a 7am site visit, through a day's slog and to my Mother's for late tea at 9pm to be asked 'Are you going out?' gets a huge thumbs up from me. No retouching, no creasing, no faffing about. Love.


Do you use a primer? What are you loving?


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

5 of the Best Lash Batters!



I don't have the best history when it comes to falsies but apart from that, my lashes aren't too bad. They're not Jersey cow level or even Jersey Shore, but I do OK.

I'm always seduced by the claims of new mascaras though, despite the dubious lash insert adverts or the bizarre marketing ploy by Maybelline for 'Cat Eyes'. Ehm, Mr Maybelline? cats don't have the best lashes, K?

Anywho, my top five lash batters that actually do live up to the hype are:

 
1. Big Great Lash Mascara from Maybelline


The big fluffy brush on this Maybelline offering is fantastic for multiplying your lashes. Great one for those with sparse or short hairs. 


2. No7 Lash Adapt


This new offering from No7 claims to bring you from day to night depending on the amount of coats you use. And you know what? It actually works. Its unusual to find a buildable mascara but this is definitely one o' those. 

3. L'Oreal Lash Architect 4D

(Taking this photo reminded me of the dreaded teapot eBay scenario so shiny is it's casing)


Lash Architect 4D from L'Oreal has taken the top five spot from right under Hypnoses schnozz. This is a great offering for volume and longevity. It provides a great curl but is probably best suited to those with mid to long length lashes. 

4. La Roche Posay Respectissime Waterproof Volumizing (for sensitive eyes!)


Yes these photos look out of place, you know why? It's been pilfered by the Mamito! So true to their word are La Roche with their claims on this one it's actually the only mascara the mothership has ever been able to wear for more than half an hour without scrubbing the súiles of herself. It's gentle, volumizing and waterproof with huge bang for your €17 buck. If you're the sensitive type, this is deffo the one for you. 

5. Benefit - They're Real


Last & by no means least is probably the Mac Daddy of all mascaras. Benefit They're Real goes on easily and is buildable up to 3 coats once you work fast. I have never before used a mascara that's made such a huge difference in one application. And yes, within the first hour of wearing I was asked twice 'Here, are they real?!'. The only draw back with this formulation is the reluctance to leave your lashes, you're talking heavy duty remover but Man, they're worth it. For the falsie averse or cack handed amongst us this is highly recommended. 

What do we think? What's your top lash batter of the moment?