Something for the weekend

SFTW: Insomnia, sunshine and an art gallery

June 14, 2015

It’s been one of those weeks for me where I’m struggling to remember what I’ve done, and certainly what day it was when I did it and whether it was this week or last. This has been mostly driven by work but also the new unwelcome feature of my existence which arrived about a fortnight ago and shows no signs of disappearing: being unable to get to sleep. I think the earliest I have managed to drift off in the past two weeks has been 1.30am. This is wreaking havoc on someone who hitherto had no problems sleeping and is pretty damn fond of a routine.

To combat the lack of sleep and in recognition of the sun finally showing up in the North West, I have been hitting the cold coffee pretty hard, both the home-brewed stuff and iced lattes when I’m out and about. As I hinted in my New York City post, I really dig an iced, caffeinated beverage.

With the sunshine came the reminder to protect my skin from the damage it causes. I normally rely on the SPF in my foundation/moisturiser (I know this is wrong but I don’t know exactly why so someone please do tell me in the comments),  but at the moment I am continuing to use the sunscreen I bought to take to the US. It takes a bit of work to rub in but it leaves absolutely no greasy residue and make-up sits on top of it no problem. It definitely doesn’t feel as though I am adding a layer to my base. It’s also perfect for oily skin or just anyone who wants to dial down the shine.

Insomnia, sunshine and an art gallery

Although rain disrupted play at around 5pm on Friday (obvs), it had cleared up by yesterday afternoon – just in time for a family trip to the newly(ish)-reopened Whitworth Art Gallery to celebrate my Mum’s birthday. We enjoyed the children’s activities they had on and a decent lunch in the beautiful café, which was rounded off with salted caramel & peanut butter (YES, you read that correctly) ice cream for the adults and some old-fashioned sweeties for my niece. We then we had a good go on the playground in the adjacent park including an amazing double swing.

Insomnia, sunshine and an art gallery

Before the gallery, I had to go to work – weekend working being an occasional obligation of my job – and thought of Nicky’s ode to work. Her post actually really struck a chord with me. For all the stresses my job entails, I think I probably share more of her sentiment about working than I realised. I have honestly thought for a long while that if I did win the lottery I would carry on working but just be better dressed and chauffeur-driven to the office. How about you?

While we’re on the subject of work, my favourite office wear is without a doubt a classic black pencil skirt – and I picked up an absolute beauty from Banana Republic while I was in New York. There’s a similar one here and – even better – it’s on sale!

The real highlight of my week has been a television find in the form of Peaky Blinders. I didn’t catch this when it was first on the BBC, but the first season is now available on Netflix. I’m not ashamed to admit it clean broke my heart. Even the extreme violence (which at times had me squirming, closing my eyes and turning down the sound), couldn’t put me off Cillian Murphy’s mesmerising performance (his range of non-verbal emotion is incredible), and bits of dialogue like this will keep me watching (and crying):

Tommy Shelby: Will you help me?
Grace Burgess: Help you with what?
Tommy Shelby: With everything. The whole fucking thing. Fucking life, business. I found you. And you found me. We’ll help each other.

In other TV news this week – the Gilmore Girls reunion every super-fan has been dreaming of and the return on Orange Is the New Black, which is probably how I’ll spend the rest of today.

I know I’m the last person on earth to try a Beauty Blender, but after using it for a week, I think I can safely agree with everyone that they are the absolute best for getting a seamless finish to your base. They’re especially good for under the eyes and when you are layering up foundation/corrector/concealer.

How was your week? Can you explain to me why I should wear sunscreen every day as well as a foundation with SPF? And have you tried that ice cream? Let me know by leaving a comment!

P.S. What I was up to three weeks ago, my favourite foundations if you’re on a budget and some great ideas for a 30th birthday present.

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2 Comments

  • lizziewoodman@gmail.com'
    Reply Lizzie Woodman June 15, 2015 at 9:15 am

    I don’t wear foundation, but I always use this facial sunscreen from Clarins – http://www.johnlewis.com/store/clarins-uv-plus-anti-pollution-spf-50-day-cream-30ml/p1799528?navAction=jump&_requestid=4570760
    It’s the best I’ve come across and it’s incredibly light and non-greasy.
    Sorry to hear you’ve had trouble sleeping – it’s so miserable when that happens. Have you tried Valerian tea before bed?
    Lizzie x

  • Reply Rose June 15, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    Thanks so much for the recommendations. I bought some of that tea today and I’ll let you know how I get on xo

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