Goodbye 2012 I won't miss you at all !!!!

It has been a mixed bag of a year for me personally with some fantastic times, great jobs, working with some fabulous people doing work that I am really proud of. But it has been a year that has *challenged* me beyond anything I could ever imagine and in some ways it has been the *toughest* year of my life and for that I can't wait to say *Hasta la flipping vista* to 2012. But through the bad times you learn and grow and that I will *take with me* into the next year.

The world was predicted to end (which obv didn't happen, as I type this on the 29th of Dec) but it has been almost like the human race was imploding anyway helped with a swift kick up the derriere by nature. All we have needed were the riders of the apocalypse (or it felt like that) at certain points. There have been so many instances in the news that have driven me to tears/frustration because of senseless violence, carnage, abuse *scandals*, severe, vile and *evil* behavior towards fellow humans.

What a year!!!! Goodbye and close the door on your way out.....!

But.....a huge surprise for me was the source of where some of my favourite moments of the year came from: Sport......this is from the person who lived to avoid Games/PE at ANY costs, I never tried my hardest, never gave it my *best* was always a bit *crap* actually and I suppose the worst thing, was always a little bit proud of being a bit crap ( as it was testimony to my outsider/alternative status).

I like everyone else was gripped by Olympic fever literally from the opening ceremony, the sheer admiration for these people that showed raw talent, dedication, commitment. They weren't *celebrities* in a vacuous and talentless kind of way, these were people that were bonafide *role models* who will inspire a generation of children. The messages from the Olympics & Paralympics were about never giving up,how hard work & talent will prevail over botox, extensions, fake tan and teeth that are so artificially white they can be seen from outer space.  In short it made me proud, emotional and elated in equal measures and long may it last.

Andy Murray too, what a flipping year for him too!!!!

Here are some of my favourite moments so many more could be added:

Goodnight  & Goodbye Patrick Moore, I used to watch him avidly as a child  a very interesting character  who one said "A catless house is a soulless house" :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Moore he became interested in astronomy at the age of 6 and it was his great passion til the day he died at the ripe old age of 89.

On a frivolous and lighter note, 2012 was also the year that I realized that Bruce Springsteen was HOT! Seriously when did that happen???

If you ever get the chance............go to Coworth Park.

Yes little monsters are allowed.

Coworth Park is a place of wonder nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Berkshire/Surrey border. It is in Ascot but very close to Virginia Water and Sunningdale.
It is a 17th century manor house that has been turned into a beautiful boutique hotel with considerable va va voom! Elegant and chic, the original manor house has been transformed into a sumptuous hotel that is incredibly chic but...........children are more than welcome, in fact the little blighters are treated like the most important visitors. The golf buggy that transported us to our room in the Stables really set the tone of our stay as it whizzed round and collected us again in the morning for breakfast.
Few places have the balance so right as somewhere fabulous for the parents and so super cool for the childrenz. As Coworth Park is part of the Dorchester Group the service is incredible, so attentive but never, ever stiff or invasive. We will definitely be back as it was just incredible.

I will post my own photos 1st and then some of the official ones as nobody needs to see pictures of my son bouncing on the bed (in glee) totes lowering the tone. Next time, we will even take Dad ha ha ha!

The beautiful grounds.

The bath in our room (there was a HUGE shower room/wet room  too)

Dave & Pikachu were very settled.

His & Hers :)

The reaction to..........

The best ice cream sundae in history :)

Mitchell and Peach- all important bottles of lotions & potions in the bathroom.

There is an amazing spa, a Kid's club, acres of grounds, an equestrian centre with Polo ponies, bikes to use and so much that we didn't have time to do.

The main entrance

Interior

Kid's club room

The spa

Woo hoo!

Afternoon tea Coworth Park style (forget flipping Gangnam).

Anyway, it was literally bliss, so that's it, lottery tickets weekly from now on, if I win I am moving in.....:) Must find out if cats are welcome too :)

http://www.coworthpark.com/

Colour crush... Brown. Inspiration Dior Smoky Brown shadow..

A trio of brown shades .

This Trio is so universally flattering and can be kept soft & delicate or sultry Dior Smoky brown  trio £34.00

A look I created with the Dior trio and a glaze of nude colour on the lips # 432 Dior Addict gloss

• Use the mid shade as a colour wash across the lid, 
• *Pop* the eyes with a touch of the lightest shade at the very inner corner of the eye (tap the excess of the champagne colour off the brush and brush very lightly under the brow to just reflect the light slightly).
• Take the darkest shade and initially line the eyes with a *push* liner, now blend out (this will create extra definition and allow you to see just how much deeper you need to go on the lid.
• Gently map out the *feline* shape elongating the eye by gently blending the colour outward and above the contour of the eye.
• Blend the shades together with a circular movement to *polish* the pigment for a flawless effect.

Blumarine & Loewe showcasing the smokey brown eye look.

The Smokey Brown Trio with liquid liner on me (all other make up pared down).

The perfect accompanying shade for lips: Dior Addict gloss in shade: 432 £21.00

I know, may be too close to Christmas for all of these *chocolate* shades but they are delectable.

The make up equivalent of delicious chocolate.... Pixi Nude shade Wardrobe £18.50

A great nude blusher for Fair to Medium  skintones: Bourjois  #85 Sienne

A great nude blusher for Medium to deeper skintones: Bourjois #92 Santal

Bridal make up.....Fulham Palace Wedding.

The beautiful bride.

Vintage Hollywood feel.

Photography: Julie Kim  Hair: Rose Magnall  Make up: Me

I do make up for  3 or 4 weddings a year, the people who contact me are normally word of mouth recommendations, clients of photographer Julie Kim or people within the beauty/fashion industry that I know already. So, I am in the very lucky position where I work with brides that I *click* with. Bridal make up needs to be something that the bride will love quite literally forever so a trial is essential so that you can ensure that everything is seamless on the day.

The continuity of hair and make up is so important and Rose and I discussed in advance what both were doing and photos were passed between us so that we knew that we were on the same page.

Catherine the bride looks beautiful and the quintessential glowing bride. With a vintage Hollywood feel- perfect!

PS: I don't think that there is a typical bridal make up and neither should there be, if you are a bride and you have a *signature* look eg: flicked liner, red lip, rosy cheeks, berry lip shade that you love, then try it in the trial, the days of a 1 size fits all approach to bridal hair and make up is gone...........

Contacts: Julie Kim Photographer , Rose Magnal Hair

Lip lust...........my favourite red lip product for winter.

Pixi Suculent Lip twin- Poppy Red £12

I LOVE this product, literally obsessed by it, I have been using it so much on shoots and even on myself. it is such a universally flattering red and fab to mix with other shades to customize and create a unique shade. In the lid is a *nub* of pure pigment that is a stain for lips and cheeks and in the tube there is a pigmented gloss for a full gloss finish. Fab ingredients too: like shea butter, lavender, avocado, mango seed butter etc Layer up or use individually for juicy lips.

Stain and gloss for 80's inspired glamour.

Used just as a stain.

Mixed with the peony pink lip twin.

Just a slick- me.