Getting a tattoo in Hong Kong

Since I last posted on here, I got a tattoo! 

Although now I love it and sometimes even forget it's there, due to it being behind me...literally. It took quite a bit of time and some panic to get used to it. 5 stages to be exact. 

Almost backing out 

Making the artist draw it out at least 5 times until it was 100% acceptable for that needle to even come near me.   

Panic stage 1 

The moment I stood up from the chair I suddenly realised this is forever, there's no going back now. 

Panic stage 2  

Once unsupervised, I somehow had to make sure this tattoo didn't turn into a blob.(A tattoo blowout as they call it) 

Relief 

After the 3 days of stress, I could finally take that *now* gross bit of tape off and see the results of my care.

Acceptance

After a couple of days of being taken aback and scared by my own reflection, I finally forget about its whole existence. 

Where to go 

I tried to do as much research as possible before choosing a place, but to be honest there's only so much I could understand about the tattoo lingo. As long as it looks good and I don't die from it, it'll do. I chose Star Crossed Tattoo in TST. 

Although I booked the appointment 2 weeks in advance, they seemed to have forgotten about my entire existence when I walked in. After waiting (and panicking) for half an hour someone finally bothered to show up. 

While I wouldn't say it was the best service, my tattoo came out perfectly and with pretty minimal pain - the most important element. 

Other shops recommended around HK 

Zinc Tattoo shop  

Blackout Tattoo

Dragon Lair Tattoo 
  

Top Tips 

• Since you're not allowed to go swimming for a few weeks after, it's better to ink up in the cooler months to avoid being a sweaty mess. 

• Choose an artist who's style is similar to what you're looking for. A shop that specialises in sleeves probably won't be able to give you the tiny tattoo of your dreams. 

• Try not to go on a hike or anything too sweaty during the 3 days of wearing tape, you'll constantly be worrying about it. 

My Life In iPhone Cases

Life is full decisions, some are a lot harder then others. Choosing the perfect iPhone case that matches your personality, makes a statement and is practical can be a modern day nightmare! (I wish i could say I'm joking, but i'm just that sad.) 

You can tell a lot about someones personality from what case they choose to put on the thing they carry around with them constantly. So I thought it would fun to take a trip down memory lane and go through all my embarrassingly tacky iPhone cases and what I thought about them at the time. 

Obviously I was going through cases like they were going out of fashion at the time (which they probably were never in). So i'm keeping it to just the main competitors. 

The Stash (2011)

Remember when everyone had that obsession with moustaches? Well I thought I was the coolest cucumber with this case because if you put it up to your face you could give yourself a moustache...... genius! I brought this before I even got my first iPhone, thats how keen I was for that stash. 

Quirky Kitty (2012)

I thought this made me look really quirky and cute but now I think I just looked like an idiot or worse a Myspace emo. But when you're a big fan of cats it's only normal to add some ears to your phone....right? Although this was probably one of the most impractical cases, unless you consider having ears sticking out your pocket a good thing.

The Fake (2013)

I used this case when I was 17 and wanted a more "grown up" appearance being a senior and all that. At the time I thought everyone would think it was real and I was a total rich bitch, but yeah it was defiantly fake. Who buys real cases anyway? geez. 

The Instafamous (2014)

I used to see this case all the time on Instagram and it had the little straps on it so you could wear it as a bag. I knew it was tacky but still to this day it's my favourite case. I got so much attention for it when I put it through the scanner at airports. Only problem was everyone kept pulling the top thinking it would open... 

What The Duck (2015)

If I told you  this case didn't give me hours of fun I would be completely lying. Yes everyone thought I was a child but they still wanted to play with it, so whose the real winner? Only problem was that it was like a brick so my bag was 5x heavier....but soooo worth it! 

All Scream For Ice-cream (2016)

When I finally got the iPhone 6 for christmas I was unleashed into a world of all new cases. It was a little overwhelming to choose one if I'm completely honest. But nothing beats food and googly eyes (all the ice-creams had eyes before SOMEONE picked them off....but i won't name names ) 

Cool Cacti (2016)

And finally onto the newest case in my life. I tried to pick something new and original but it's just something about those eyes....And of course cacti are every basic bitch's dream. But welcome to the family!

Hope your cases are just as cringey as mine and please appreciate the names i've given them because they amuse me greatly. 

xx

Outfit Of The Month | August | Back in the +852

Life Update 

As you might have guessed already by the title or the fact that i've been here pretty much a month already but, IM BACK! I'm a bit love/hate with this city sometimes but after living away over the past 3 years it's taken me a bit of time to settle back in here. Hong Kong can be a bit wearing at times, from the crazy night life and dramatic events (i.e. getting hit in the face) to the many lunches and brunches. All while I attempt to get my life back together here, which includes a new job! Look at me being all adult... a very rare event indeed. But there's no denying I do love it here really.

I thought it was only fitting to do my first outfit of the month back home with Hong Kong's most iconic backdrop. 

Top: Mong Kok Market 

Skirt: Urban Outfitters 

Shoes: Kurt Geiger 

Necklaces: Forever 21 (choker) Topshop (pendant)

Outfit 

Due to the hot and humid temperatures in the middle of summer here,  it's a little difficult to keep your style without sweating it through. But an off-the-shoulder top makes a great alternative from tank tops which I find myself in almost everyday. I've paired it with two layered necklaces, which have been a theme a lot this month because one just doesn't cut it! I would suggest getting a fancy pair of sandals to live in for the hotter months here as they can be dressed up or down without giving you a load of shoe drama. 

See you in September 

xx 

Drunk Girl's Guide To Getting Free Drinks

Somethings about being a girl really suck. But somethings are pretty great, one of those things being that we somehow can always get a free drink or free entry on a night out. 

It may be a mixture of our good looks and a guys desperate attempt to get our attention but a free drink is a free drink right ladies? 

But for those nights where drinks aren't handed to us like we own the club, here are some of the techniques that i've tried and successfully tested to guarantee you always get things your way... 


The Flirt and Ditch 

This is by far the best technique, so I put it at number 1. It's pretty self explanatory, but strike up a conversation with someone while you're at the bar and before getting served. It does help if you inject a little flirtyness by complimenting them and stuff. If they are remotely interested in you they will ask you if you want a drink. Once you've got that drink make some excuse to meet your friends and ditch because you don't need no hangers on in your life. 


Befriending the Bartender 

The bartender is your key to getting any drink in the first place, they have control over who gets served first and just how much alcohol you get in your drink. Befriend them (if it's not too busy) by chatting or just helping them out. For example the girl serving me last night out got her hair caught in her zip so we attempted to help her get it out. She rewarded us with 2 drinks and 2 shots and pretty instant service for the rest of the night. If that's not a good deal I don't know what is! 


Become Your Friends, Friend 

Most of the time when your friend runs into someone you don't know it can be really awkward and you just stand there with the world's fakest smile. But if you get a little confidence and introduce yourself, you'll be included in their next round of drinks. (Just make sure you "happen" to be in the toilet before your round comes)


Eye Sex Across The Bar 

I hope you all know what I mean by eye sex and don't think it's some weird fetish of mine. For those who don't, it's when you catch someones eye and hold their gaze rather seductively. If it works, they will ask to bartender to give you a drink (which they pay for of course). Smile and take the drink and then disappear into the crowd. If they find you later pretend to have no idea what they are talking about. 


Be Blunt AF 

This is one to try when you've already had some of that liquid courage. Just stand next to someone while they are ordering and ask "what are you getting me then?" mostly likely they'll be a little taken back/attracted by your confidence and get you that drink. It also helps greatly if you're looking smoking hot and they think you might be interested. But just collect your drink and leave like nothing ever happened.....so much mystery. 


Be Annoying 

The more you ask for something the more people will get annoyed, to the point where they just want you to go away. So if you're feeling in a really "I don't care what you think of me" mood, hound someone until they buy you a drink just so you'll go away. You're only giving up a little of your dignity..but you still get that free drink and thats what counts! 

Hope this saves you some $$ xx 

Maintaining Your Inner Zen

I don't know about you, but I'm quite an energetic, overemotional, stressful person on the inside which is quite unhealthy because, well you're with yourself constantly and need to make sure your mind has some time to relax. 

Little things like how many likes your selfie got or whether you embarrassed yourself that one time 3 years ago, they are such unimportant thoughts but yet they always hover around you while your trying to relax or sleep. Unless your part of the lucky few who can turn off their thoughts at night, then you can spend hours getting lost in all these silly memories. 

Now I'm not writing this to tell you how to "switch it off" if that is even possible, because if I knew trust me they would be off permanently! But since I'm at the point in my life where i've stopped and thought "wtf am I doing with my life?"  I had to find some ways to calm myself before I internally combusted. 

Music 
I don't mean throw on some Tyler Swift and dance around your room, but if that makes you feel better then why not? I mean some calming mixes that help you concentrate when you're studying. Music is a very personal preference though so I won't expect you all to like this, but I find this mix really helps to calm me down. https://www.youtube.com/watchv=ysx9BVYlUY4&list=LMgYo6nGCPuYn-kYlZWQxmJw

Light Candles
Theres just something about watching the flickering of fire thats really soothing to your mind, so well as an amazing smells and the conscious idea of warmth... just perfect.

Avoid Getting Angry/Frustrated 
This is honestly the most difficult one but if you're pissed off about something just sit down and calmly think about it because if you get angry it'll just fuel your inner fire, which you may regret later. 

Have A Happy Place
I don't want to sound like I'm crazy here, but you know when everything just seems to be getting way to overwhelming and you feel out of control. Distancing your mind from all that negativity and tension really makes you think a lot clearer. Although don't think about anything sad because then you'll cry and have a mental breakdown making you even more overwhelmed. 

No Toxic Thoughts
This is the second hardest one to do, we all know everyone can't resist a good bitchathon, but after a very long time i've realised what you say about others really does reflect on how you're feeling deep down in the inner core of your mind. And also you have the constant fear that you're gonna get caught out. 

Breath To The Rhythm of the Ocean
Just reading that title makes me cringe like I'm some wanna be guru. But seriously it works, the slow rhythm makes your heart rate slow down while your mind is distracted with thoughts of blue waves crashing down, you honestly just pass out within 3 minuets. 

I hope this kinda helps if you tend to be a little bit of an overthinking like myself xx 

Hong Kong Rugby 7's Survival Guide

The Rugby Sevens is one Hong Kong's few big events, especially for expats and is a weekend people look forward to all year! From flying beer jugs to people dressed up as every character you've ever known, the sevens sees a new crazy each year. 

Now I'm not really a sports loving kinda girl, but I never want to miss out on a great excuse to get drunk and party all day. So I thought I should make a survival guide to all of you out there who are more in it for the party then the actual rugby. 

1. Dress Up 

About 30% of the fun is seeing everyone in crazy costumes, taking pictures and laughing, if you don't dress up you'll feel like you're missing out on some of the fun. Try and be as creative as possible but if you've left it a bit too last minuet theres always that one halloween costume i'm sure you can wear. 

2. Prepare To Lose Your Voice

Whether you're screaming at the game or you're trying to talk to your friends over the music one way or another your voice will be gone by the Sunday night. Everyone ends up sounding rather similar to Darth Vader on Monday morning. 

3. Grab Some Drinks at 7/11 Before 

Unless you come to the sevens with an unlimited supply of money, you will use it all up halfway through the day. With overpriced Pimms and food being the only thing you can get in the stadium, you will burn a hole in your pocket much faster then you think. So on your way to the stadium pop in to 7/11 and down some drinks to give you a pre game buzz....who cares if its only 10am!? 

4. Prepare not to eat 

This may just be me but when it comes down to the decision of food or alcohol, alcohol always wins, Vodka is made of potatoes is it's not too bad right? Back to my point about the overpriced food, if you want to pay double the price for a McDonald's then be my guest. 

5. Get To The South Stand Early 

The South Stand is the most exciting, wild and fun stand in the whole stadium, which is why so many people want to get in and there can be almost an hour wait in line on the more popular days like Sunday. You have to be 18 and show your ID (only HK Id's are excepted) or your passport to get it. But once you're in you won't want to leave for the rest of the day but you can't really leave anyway because you will have to queue up to get back in. 

6. Don't spend the whole time trying to get on the screen 

It's like being famous for 5 seconds, the whole stadium will see you. But seriously though don't waste so much time dancing in front of the cameras to get on the screen because the moment you stop trying to get on, you'll get on, it's just how things work! 

7. Prepare to run into everyone you've ever met 

Especially if you are an international school kid, you will pretty much know everyone there because almost every expat goes to the Sevens. So be ready for lots of catching up and maybe some awkward encounters with your "favourite" people... 

8. Stick With Your Crew

It's so easy to get lost and loose people and with loud music and busy crowds. Attempting to hear anyone on the phone is a challenge so stick together or at least mention where you're going, unless you are all dressed the same then it might be a little easier to spot each other in the crowd.  

9. Going Out After Will Be Packed 

If you still have enough energy after a day of drinking and dancing to hit Lan Kwai Fong or Wan Chai afterwards, be warned it will be crazy busy and attempting to walk is hard enough, let alone trying to dance. 




10.Enjoy Yourself 

The sevens only comes once a year and if you live abroad, you might not get to go for a while. Drink, party and let loose and if you have time maybe watch a little bit of the actual rugby.... ;) 

xx

50 Shades Of Pink Valentines Makeup

Whether you've got a hot date planned with your bae or you're hitting the town with the girls valentines day is a great excuse to pink it up! Whether that be with a bold new pink dress or just some subtle heart patterned knickers it's hard not to get caught up in the day of love. 

I thought i'd show you a quick valentines themed makeup look that will melt anyones heart. 

Firstly start of with applying just your usual concealer, foundation and power to make you look flawlessly fabulous. 

 Now add a little highlighter, I used the Benefit Whats Up! highlighter and blended it into my cheeks, nose and under my eyes, to help with that glowing "in love" look. 

 

A touch of light pink blusher adds a final glowing touch to your look, I used Benefit's Dandelion blusher. 

Please excuse my "i look like I'm sleeping" look, I honestly don't know that other girls show their eye makeup without looking awkward. Anyways, first put a light pink or white shimmer around your whole eyelid and under your brown. Then add a more pinky colour on top and finally with a dark pink/browny pink, define the crease in your eyelid. This gives your eyes an ombre pink look, the shadows I used were all from Urban Decay's Naked 2 Pallet: Bootycall, Chopper and Tease. 

Then it's time to sort out them brows girl! If you want to know how I do my brows check out my other post "Brow Down To Me". 

Nothing scream sexy like some killer winged eyeliner, but since this makeup is more for a date rather then a night out, subtlety goes along way. Thin with a tiny flick is a way to go, just make sure you have a steady hand! 

Now add your usual eyeliner to your waterline and mascara to give you some flirty lashes. 

I was debating on whether to use pink lipstick or a nice hot red, but personally i thought pink went better with this look. I used Mac's Please Me lipstick (The perfect name considering 50 shades of grey just came out ;) ) 

To make my lips look kissable and cute, I added a pink shimming gloss over the top of the lipstick. 

And finally, Valentines day can't be Valentines day without some sexy red thrown in there. Dab a little red along your cheekbones to define them as well as add a final touch of romantic colour to your look. 

The final look! If you want to add a final touch to your look add some cute curls to give you a relaxed but pretty look. 

Happy Valentines Day! Hope this gives those of you out there still stressing out some tips

 xx 

TOPSHOP Grunge Stick and Molten Eyes Review.

I've never brought anything makeup or beauty related from Topshop before, because I tend to not trust brands which specialise in clothes, makeup line. But while I was having a little dig around in the January sales yesterday, I found these products for only a pound. When somethings a pound you really can't go wrong. So I thought i'd give them a go and create some new styles which i've wanted to try for a while. 


It's easy to get stuck into a makeup routine, daytime makeup, night out makeup. I am always wearing the same makeup for the same outings, but recently i've felt like mixing my look up a little. A little more of a grungy, I don't care look which you actually do care about because you spend so much time doing it. 

These colour and shimmer makeup sticks are like soft eyeshadow with lots of shimmer, which is always perfect for a night out. 

First up is the odd one out, the Molten Eyes in the shade Pocket Money (when makeup has a cute name it just makes it like 10X better) 

This colour is such a shimmery silver with lots of pigment. If you only want to use a little bit its best to apply it with a small eyeshadow brush otherwise a lot goes on at once. 

I applied this colour to the top of my eyes instead of my usual winged linger as it gives a more modern futuristic look that will defiantly freshen up your usual routine. 

Grunge Stick- GoGo (still such a cute name) 

This colour is a gorgeous shimmery aqua which reminds me of mermaids and all things magical. Since the tip of this is much thinner then the Molten Eyes you can apply it straight from the stick and just use a makeup brush to smudge it in. 

I feel that the aqua colour really brings out the blue in my eyes so it'll be perfect for anyone with blue eyes. I applied it to the bottom instead of the top because it emphasises the shape of your eye and its a little more of a grungy "I just rubbed my eyes with makeup on" look. 

Grunge Stick- UNKEMPT (not such a cute name)

Now for my holy grail that is black liner. The colour isn't pure black, it has a coating of shimmery silver as well, can you get a more perfect combination? This will give you the ultimate smokey eye. 

It's a little bit of a hot mess look, but I honestly love it and it has got to be hands down my favourite look. After I took these photos I kept this makeup on while I did my washing because I just can't bare to take it off. It's a perfect look for those days when you just feel like being a badass and kicking some ass! 

-

Overall I'm pretty impressed with these makeup sticks, they give you an effect that no power eyeshadow or liner can do. My favourite colour has to be the aqua (GoGo) because i've never used or seen such a powerful but not in your face blue. 

Swatches up to down. Unkempt (black), Pocket Money (Silver), GoGo (aqua) 

These colours are from TOPSHOP's metallic collection and will sell out pretty quickly so make sure you grab one quick! But you can also get the same effects by using cream eyeshadows and smudging them with an eyeshadow brush. 

Honestly I'm not sure if I would have paid full price for these makeup sticks but the sales are always a good time to buy products you wouldn't usually buy. 

Which look is your favourite? xx