tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29552395713221863802024-02-07T02:41:16.864+00:00Useful Things, Beautiful ThingsBeautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-23522940366088645162016-05-23T21:33:00.000+01:002016-05-23T21:33:07.342+01:00Hello<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know. I've said this often but I really am back. Really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So many reasons as to why I haven't been posting. Work. Work. More work. One of the more exciting reasons, though, is because </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm in the middle of an Open University course, on how to write fiction which I'm </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">loving. </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's quite time consuming but definitely worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have many exercises to do and I've decided that I'm going to post those exercises here because I'd really value people's opinions, positive or negative. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These aren't full stories but rather observations. I'll post one per day so that it doesn't become overwhelming.</span>Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-25205290203003079482016-02-23T13:28:00.000+00:002016-02-23T13:28:04.955+00:00Reasons to be grateful, one to five.I'm struggling to get back into the blogging vibe so I thought I'd make a list of things I'm grateful for this week. A reminder of how lucky I am, if you like.<br />
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The first thing I'm thankful for is the fact that I'm still working. I know that sounds a bit strange but let me explain... <br />
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Last week I was doing a corporate job in one of London's grand hotels. There were major problems with the job, (someone had misread the plans, we were running behind etc) so everyone was under pressure. It was horrible, tempers were frayed. By the end of the rig day, I just wanted to go and find another job. But you know what? Everything was ok in the end. The job went off fine, the client was pleased and I'm happy to accept more work. The moral of the story is - it's never as bad as it seems. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://memegenerator.net/" target="_blank">http://memegenerator.net</a></span></div>
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The second thing I'm grateful for follows on from the first. It's my job. It's creative, it's practical and it allows me to see sides of London, of the world which I wouldn't have under normal circumstances. Recently, I was on a coach driving through west London, gazing out the window, as you do, and I realised that, through the years, I'd done jobs in an awful lot of places along the route, ranging from car parks to office blocks to theatres. I'm met some fascinating people too - celebrities, remand prisoners, royalty, refugees. The job drives me mad at times but it's a calling and I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
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The third thing I'm thankful for is my naughty little cat. She keeps me company, demands food when I'm trying to take important phone calls and is an ace at chasing rolled up paper balls. I love her. If that makes me a crazy cat lady, so be it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not my actual cat. Image via <a href="http://www.bandofcats.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/funny-cats_169.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.bandofcats.com</a></span></div>
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Fourthly, we're off to Spain soon!! I can't wait. We're going to Seville and Valencia. Any suggestions about things to do, places to eat, etc would be very gratefully received.<br />
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Finally, I'm bloody glad that it seems to have stopped raining! It's nice that popping out to Sainsbury's doesn't have to feel like you're on a North Sea trawler battling the elements. Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-42238310243409828842016-02-21T11:20:00.000+00:002016-02-21T11:20:00.483+00:00The one where I returnWell, it has been a very long time - about six months or so since I wrote anything on here. Boo!<br />
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I think I've sorted out the log on problems which I mentioned previously, so fingers crossed that I'll be able to post more often now. If I'm completely honest though, part of the problem was, that I just got out of the habit of writing regularly. Anyway, I do miss it and I want to carry on.<br />
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So what's been happening? Well, the long and the short of it is, I've been very busy work-wise which is both good and bad. Good because, you know... money and bad because everything else goes by the wayside. I've been doing a lot of corporate work which does pay well but isn't always the most creative. I had to turn down Fashion Week jobs this year because I already had stuff booked in. It was a shame but that's freelancing for you.<br />
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So, what's going to happen on the blog this year? I know <strike>no one really cares</strike> everyone's waiting with bated breath to find out. More beauty product reviews - I'm a beauty junkie. More fashion pieces. More musings on life. <br />
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I bet you can't wait. Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-42486694084811311542015-10-01T11:01:00.000+01:002015-10-01T11:01:13.377+01:00Logging into BloggerYea, I know. I haven't posted for <i>ages. </i><br />
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The reason is, I'm having a lot of problems logging into Blogger. In fact, every time I log in, I have to change my password!! This makes logging on so tiresome and time consuming that I just don't bother.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via <a href="http://www.sodahead.com/" target="_blank">www.sodahead.com</a></span></div>
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The problem seems to be that 'one stop log in' thing that Google introduced a while back. You see, I also have a gmail account and like any responsible internet user, I have a different password for that. Unfortunately this seems to throw everything into a spasm and won't allow me to log on and forces me to change my password.<br />
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I'm seriously thinking of transferring my blog to Wordpress. If anyone's done this, do let me know.<br />
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Anyway, enough of me. How are you all? Good summer, I trust?Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-65705316783308408452015-06-24T13:11:00.000+01:002015-06-24T13:11:56.161+01:00I'm back!It's been a very long time, hasn't it? <br />
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It's the usual excuses from me - busy, tired, slight illness etc...</div>
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We did go to Moscow in March which was fascinating and I am definitely going to write something about that. In fact, I've had an unfinished post about it languishing on Blogger for months - my bad.</div>
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I'm also going to post more product reviews. I like doing product reviews, primarily because it gives me an excuse to be a bit girly which is a complete antidote to the way I normally spend my days, (working with electricity, working at heights, carrying heavy stuff, rigging heavy stuff).<br />
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I've said it, so I have to do it now...</div>
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-31398270198014776682015-02-21T21:26:00.000+00:002015-02-21T21:26:00.850+00:00The funniest conversation I've overheard in a long time<div>
Yesterday, my boyfriend and I were on the train coming back from Purley making painfully slow progress through the grimness that is south London. We were seated at one of those double seats with a table.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Not the actual seats</span></div>
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When the train stopped at East Croydon, two girls got on and sat opposite us. They started chatting about this and that. I recognised one of them as a minor model from somewhere or other.</div>
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So far, so whatever.</div>
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The conversation then moved onto what food they were going to buy for a party. </div>
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I only hope that my writing skills can do this justice...</div>
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<b>Girl on the left:</b> I think I'm gonna buy a sweetcorn and mange tout salad. <i>(I think it was sweetcorn, can't be sure)</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Girl on the right: </b>Oh. (Pause) What's mange tout?</span></i></div>
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<b>G.o.t.L: </b>You dunno what mange tout is?</div>
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<b>G.o.t.R: </b>Nah, I've never heard of it.</div>
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<b>G.o.t.L: </b>You must know what mange tout is.</div>
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<b>G.o.t.R: </b>(whispers) Isn't that a rude word?</div>
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<b>G.o.t.L: </b>What mange? No, you idiot! You're thinking of minge.</div>
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<b>G.o.t.R: </b>Oh, yeah. (Pause) So what do they look like?</div>
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<b>G.o.t.L: </b>They're kinda flat and green. Like a really squashed bean but without the pods inside.</div>
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<b>G.o.t.R: </b>No pods! What's the point of that then? <i>(Fair point to be honest)</i></div>
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<i>Now I'd gotten to the point where I was biting the inside of my cheek to stop myself laughing out loud. I looked around the carriage and the three people who were sitting close to us were struggling to suppress their laughter.</i><i><br /></i></div>
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<i><b style="font-style: normal;">G.o.t.L: </b>(shows the girl on the right her phone) </i>That's what they look like.</div>
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<a href="http://www.bestinseason.ie/files/2009/06/pic_mangetout1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bestinseason.ie/files/2009/06/pic_mangetout1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Not the actual image she showed her.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.bestinseason.ie/">http://www.bestinseason.ie</a></span></div>
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<b>G.o.t.R: </b><i>(looks at phone) </i>Oh them! Mange <i>(rhyming with man - the adult male) </i>tout.</div>
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<i><b style="font-style: normal;">G.o.t.L: </b><span style="font-style: normal;">No, you fool. </span></i>Mange <i>(rhyming with man - the adult male) </i>is what dogs get.</div>
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Sadly by this point it was our stop and we had to get off. Just as well, really, because I don't think I could have contained my laughter for much longer.</div>
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My only regret is that I didn't lean across the table and go, 'Please can I be friends with you? <i>Please!'</i></div>
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-18624059844118348192015-02-16T17:25:00.000+00:002015-02-16T17:25:29.404+00:00The elusiveness of creativityWhat is creativity? Where does it come from?<br />
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I've been sitting here all day trying to write. Write more on a new script I'm working on. Write something witty/informative/engaging for this blog. Write an email to my freelance clients and let them know my availability. Write, write, write. Except today's output is just rubbish. Nothing 'flows'. It's trite and stilted junk, no matter what I do. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://newhottopics.blogspot.co.uk/">http://newhottopics.blogspot.co.uk</a></span></div>
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Usually I can write something personal and humorous to my clients when I'm looking for work - something that makes me stand out from the crowd. Not today for some reason. Today it was all, 'This is when I'm free. Call me if you need someone'. Urgh. <br />
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Where does creativity come from? It's raining today and it makes me feel like my spirits have been smothered under a blanket of grey skies and dampness. It's strange because I usually find rainy days intimate and introspective.<br />
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Perhaps creativity comes from good health? I'm not feeling very well today and I can't seem to concentrate. But that doesn't explain the myriad of artists like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honoré de Balzac, George Orwell and Chekov who had consumption. Yea... I can only dream about being in the company of Chekov and Orwell.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe it's about life experiences. I worked far too hard at the end of last year so I've awarded myself a little bit of 'taking it easy'. Nice but sleeping, eating too much and watching DVD's don't give much material to work on. Then again, I could draw on some of my experiences out on the road. I can scarcely believe some of the things I got up to. There was that time when I was on tour with a very, very famous band. We had a long drive from Warsaw to Dublin. Partying hard doesn't come close to describing it on that drive. All I really remember is standing in a puddle in Warsaw drinking vodka straight from the bottle then sobering up in Dublin watching a security guard chase the drum tech through the lobby of the hotel. True story. Yet, somehow, writing about that just seems like rock 'n roll cliche. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend has sent me a link to some TED talks which she watches when she needs inspiration, so I'm going to make a cafetiere of coffee, settle down and watch a few. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I should really go the gym but it's raining outside and inspiration is more important, right? </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right? </span></span>Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-77202072573370184092015-02-14T11:22:00.000+00:002015-02-14T11:22:27.591+00:00Musings on Valentine's DayI don't mind admitting that I loathe Valentine's Day. There! I said it.<br />
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I hate the fact that something as mysterious and wonderful as love is packaged up and resold to us in the form of tacky cards and teddy bears with 'I love you' on their paws. <br />
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Here is this person who you'd die for; who makes you laugh, makes you cry. Someone who rubs your shoulders when you've had a hard day. Someone who you genuinely can't imagine living without even when you want to throttle them for something idiotic they've done. So, how are you meant to celebrate this? Why, by eating mediocre, overpriced food in a heart themed restaurant with other awkward couples of course! And don't forget the red heart shaped balloons!<br />
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No, it's not for me. <br />
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Anyway, <a href="http://usefulthingsbeautifulthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/who-was-st-valentine.html">here</a> is something I wrote last year about the origins of Valentine's Day.<br />
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Happy Valentine's Day everyone!<br />
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<br />Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-38253998415942744132015-02-08T20:15:00.000+00:002015-02-08T20:15:47.856+00:00Book Review - Doris Lessing "On Cats"I think it's safe to say that I have a soft spot for cats. I wrote <a href="http://usefulthingsbeautifulthings.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/feline-vistor.html">here</a> about a neighbourhood cat who adopted us and <a href="http://usefulthingsbeautifulthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/why-ive-not-been-blogging.html">here</a> about getting our own cat. There's something about the vulnerable yet independent nature of cats that intrigues me.<br />
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Back in December, when I was Christmas shopping for my boyfriend, I absolutely did not buy this book for myself. No, I really did buy it for him and just happened to borrow it later. Yes. That is how it happened.<br />
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Anyway, I digress. Doris Lessing has always been one of my favourite authors after I read The Grass is Singing so I was interested to see how she approached such a potentially schmaltzy subject.<br />
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It's a tough read, the polar opposite of Lolz Catz. Doris Lessing is honest, brutally so at times. *Spoiler alert* There's a passage at the beginning of the book where she describes the culling of a large number of feral cats on the farm where she was brought up. This has been mentioned in many disgusted comments on Amazon etc but although I can't say I <i>enjoyed </i>reading it, I appreciated the fearless self examination. </div>
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<a href="http://www.dorislessing.org/oncats.html">This book</a> is a trilogy of three stories - Particularly Cats, about her childhood growing up on a farm in Rhodesia as well as Grey Cat and Black Cat who shared her home in London; Rufus the Survivor (which I don't mind admitting broke my heart) and The Old Age of El Magnifico, the story of the final years of the last cat to share her home.</div>
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I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes from the book...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 32px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> <i style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Cat walks across your room, and in that lonely stalk you see leopard or even panther, or it turns its head to acknowledge you and the yellow blaze of those eyes tells you what an exotic visitor you have here, in this household friend, the cat who purrs as you stroke, or rub his chin, or scratch his head.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">”</span></span></div>
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-26815799602318331252015-02-02T14:43:00.000+00:002015-02-08T20:27:21.867+00:00Update on my scriptI've heard back from the big shot producer I mentioned in a previous post.<br />
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He didn't take on my idea - his words were "It didn't have me on the edge of my seat. I'm not sure that there are any networks out there looking for this kind of thing at the moment"- but that's ok. Although it wasn't the response I was hoping for, obviously, I was happy with it. <br />
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I've always felt that honesty, no matter how brutal, is a form of respect. It's the insincere gushings that I find most difficult to deal with - "it's an amazing script but it's not for me", etc. I'm not going to go all X Factor, "No one's going to step on my dreams" but I'm not going to give up straight away because, after all, it's just one person's opinion. However, I don't want to waste my time on something that's not going to go anywhere. People have suggested filming it myself and putting it on YouTube but we'll see.<br />
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Watch this space...Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-40138204164648975942014-11-09T21:28:00.001+00:002014-11-09T21:28:34.074+00:00Remembrance SundayIn this centenary year of the start of World War 1, Remembrance Sunday becomes even more poignant. <div>
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The slaughter and the devastation of WW1 was incredible because it was a war fought using nineteenth century methods & twentieth century weapons. This footage from WW1, including the Battle of the Somme makes me cry. It's not just about the death of millions of ordinary people - it's about the loss of innocence, the dawn of what was going to be a horrible, brutal century in many ways and the beginning of the modern age.<div>
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Lest we forget...</div>
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-27254590534768835562014-09-30T11:08:00.001+01:002014-09-30T11:08:44.342+01:00Catching upWow, I cannot believe it's just over four weeks since I 'came out' to you guys and had my script reading!<br />
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The script reading went incredibly well - far better than I could ever have hoped for. By and large, everyone loved it. People were actually laughing at the funny bits! I was secretly hoping they would find it funny but preparing myself for everyone to snigger in disbelief and walk out. <br />
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It was incredibly hard sitting up there in front of a very tough crowd asking for comments on my work but I'm very, very glad I did because the feedback I received was absolutely invaluable. Someone actually said that it reminded him of the film 'The Artist'! I nearly fell off my seat!<br />
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Unfortunately almost the very next day, I launched into production - yup, 15 hour days, six days a week - for a show which, quite frankly, the less said about the better. I won't name names but really, technical preparation and simple good manners takes you a long way. This did mean that I was emotionally drained & physically exhausted by the time I got home every night and I couldn't find the time or the head space to work on the feedback I'd received. The show from hell is over now and it's looking like October will be a little slower so I'm hoping that I'll be able to get back in the zone.Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-2094639020779344362014-09-08T10:43:00.000+01:002014-09-08T10:47:46.145+01:00An invitation and a bit moreI've thought long and hard about whether to do this or not and I think the time is right... I'm talking about revealing my identity. I'm sure <strike>no one will really care</strike> everyone is fascinated so here goes...<br />
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*Deep breath* My name is Cathy Stewart. I'm a freelance entertainment lighting technician. I've worked in many different areas of the business - rock 'n' roll, TV, corporate events, theatre, fashion, parties and other rather strange, random jobs (I once lit a £3,500,000.000 necklace for a magazine launch). I started writing this blog as an outlet for that feminine side of myself that hardly sees the light of day when I'm wearing steel-toe capped boots, high viz and wiring into the mains.<br />
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The reason for the big reveal is this - I mentioned in my previous post that I'm having a professional rehearsed reading for my script. This event is open to the public and I'd like to invite you, my lovely readers. It's on the 8th of September, (today) at The Crown and Anchor at 22 Neal Street in Covent Garden (opposite Urban Outfitters). £3 entry - 7.15 start. If you do decide to come along, please find me and introduce yourself - I'll be the terrified one in the corner. If you feel so inclined to give feedback, I would really value your opinions. <br />
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Peace and love.Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-23842585069556676092014-08-23T17:45:00.000+01:002014-08-23T17:45:08.504+01:00Updates and some exciting news.Phew! It's been a while since I've blogged. <br />
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I haven't been lazy - I've been rewriting and rewriting <i>and rewriting </i>the TV script I mentioned in my previous post. I don't think I've worked so hard on a piece of writing in my entire life!<br />
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I think it's worth it though. I've been given a slot on the 8th of September to stage a rehearsed reading of my script with professional actors in front of professional and aspiring writers who then give you <i>very </i>honest feedback. I'll be frank, I am very nervous about it but it's a much needed step. There's only so far you'll get with your friends and family uncritically praising your work. I'll do any rewrites suggested, (if I think they'll work) then the next step will be pitching it to the networks. *Gulp*Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-40140429927890406412014-06-28T11:54:00.001+01:002014-06-28T11:59:04.000+01:00Why I've not been bloggingIt's been a while, hasn't it? I hope you've all been enjoying the summer. I know I have.<br />
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There've been a number of rather exciting reasons as to why I haven't been blogging recently. <br />
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Firstly - <i>We've got a cat!</i> It's been quite time consuming settling her in and adjusting our lives to accommodate her but we love her dearly already. Her name is Pearl because she purrs a lot. I wanted it to be Purrl but we flipped a coin and my boyfriend won. She's a rescue cat from Battersea Dogs and Cats so it's nice to feel we're doing our bit. There will definitely be <strike>lots more</strike> further on her to follow. In the meantime, if anyone has any advice on how to prevent her losing her collar, I'd really like to know. She's lost two in less than a month. <br />
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Secondly... I've had an idea for a TV show knocking around at the back of my mind for years which I've returned to from time to time. About six weeks ago, I took a course with the Raindance Organisation on how to sell your script. It was very inspiring because it was so practical - keep it cheap to produce, network, learn how to pitch, etc<i>. </i>I then got chatting to a mate at work who I later found runs a TV company on the side and to cut a long story short, he's agreed to act as my agent and sell my idea. Terrifying and exciting all at the same time!! I've actually signed a contract naming me as 'The Author'. <i>Me! </i>I want to workshop my pilot script before I start putting it out to potential production companies and then fingers crossed... who knows? <br />
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Wish me luck, people! *Scared face*Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-80990559229039532872014-06-03T11:28:00.001+01:002014-06-03T11:31:12.274+01:00Beauty review - Yes to Cucumbers facial wipes? Just say noI can safely say that these wipes are easily <b><i>the worst </i></b>beauty product I've ever tried. <i>Ever.</i><br />
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Within a couple of minutes of using them, my face started to feel like it was burning. My skin very quickly became red, inflamed and slightly swollen. I'm not exaggerating when I say it felt like a mild chemical burn. It took about a day to fully subside. I'm not the only person who's had this problem - about 80% of reviewers on Makeup Alley reported something similar.<br />
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They're advertised as hypoallergenic soothing facial wipes for sensitive skin but they're nothing of the sort. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that they're potentially dangerous for sensitive skin. Boots were very good about refunding me when I returned the wipes, (<i>thanks guys) </i>and the pharmacist was so concerned he encouraged me to call the Boots customer service to give my feedback (which I've done).<br />
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Any good things about this product?<br />
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Well, the packing was all cutesy and hippyish.<br />
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-54385718858207560062014-05-08T15:29:00.001+01:002014-05-08T15:29:43.816+01:0011 random facts about me - blog tag.Thanks to the lovely Ms. Madge of <a href="http://msmadge.blogspot.co.uk/">Chinwags and Tittle-Tattles</a> for the tag. It's my first ever blog tag! Apologies for the delay in posting - yet again I've had a crazy week at work.<br />
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Anyway without further ado... Here are 11 random facts about me.<br />
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<ol>
<li>When I was a teenager I used to win prizes for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_judging">cattle judging</a> at agriculture shows. I grew up on a dairy farm and my dad was keen that my brothers and I knew as much about farm life as much as possible.</li>
<li>As a kid I was a huge Abba fan. <i>Huge. </i>Yet years later when I had the chance to meet them at the first night party for Mama Mia in the West End, I chickened out. To this day, I'm still not sure why. I think it's because I'd built them up so much in my mind that the human reality could only disappoint. </li>
<li>I got the bug for theatre at the age of 11. My first show was a school play of Brigadoon. Thirty seven years later I'm still in the business.</li>
<li>My favourite thing to do (besides sleeping) is travel. I'm lucky enough to be able to travel for work so I've been fortunate to see a lot more of the world than I'd be able to afford under normal circumstances. My favourite places, so far, have been Berlin, Lisbon and Oman. I'm dying to go to the US.</li>
<li>I read Valley of the Dolls, (yup, the one about drug taking, sexual exploitation and suicide) by Jacqueline Susann at the age of 12. My mother and grandmother were horrified when they found out. I was a precocious child.</li>
<li>The smell of KP Dry Roasted Peanuts makes me gag.</li>
<li>I could eat Lindt's Chilli Chocolate all day.</li>
<li>The first perfume I bought was Chanel no. 19. I had to save for ages to afford it. I used it so sparingly that it went off. Even now the merest whiff of it takes me back to those heady days when I was first starting out in the world.</li>
<li>My great, great, great, great, great grandfather was expelled from the Royal Scottish Academy of Art for 'bringing the academy into dispute', (taking a day job). He went on to become a renowned artist.</li>
<li>I really don't like ice-skating. I like the <i>idea </i>of it but the reality of wobbling around on a pair of blades is frankly terrifying.</li>
<li>I love heavy metal and hard rock. For some reason, people always find this surprising.</li>
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I tag Sharron of <a href="http://www.styleateveryage.com/">Style at every Age</a>, Rosemary from <a href="http://www.nycstylelittlecannoli.com/">NYC, Style and a little Cannoli</a> and <a href="http://www.disneyrollergirl.net/">Disney Roller Girl</a><ol>
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-73657149849499744172014-04-24T21:43:00.000+01:002014-04-24T22:17:44.119+01:00Hero beauty product - Garnier Ultimate Regenerating Oil Anti-Age Skin PerfectorThere's something rather comforting about using oils on the skin so I must admit I was rather excited to find this Garnier body oil in my local branch of Boots. I've always used baby oil on my legs whilst they're still damp from the shower so I was looking forward to amping it up a bit with this.<br />
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It certainly didn't disappoint.</div>
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The first thing I noticed was the <i>gorgeous </i>smell - warm yet floral somehow. The smell lingers on the skin all day too which is rather nice. </div>
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It's easy to apply and a little goes a very long way. All I needed was one spray on the shins and two on the thighs to cover the whole leg. As a consequence it lasted an awfully long time. </div>
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It's a dry oil. I wasn't sure what a dry oil was until someone explained it to me like this...</div>
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You know how if you get olive oil on your hands, no matter how much you rub it in, you still have to wipe your hands? That's because it's a wet oil. Dry oils don't feel 'wet' to the touch and they rub in really easily.</blockquote>
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So that was me told.<br />
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My skin did feel wonderfully moisturised and supple for ages, especially if I applied it after the shower but I did find that I couldn't use it every single day because it wasn't quite enough long lasting moisture for my uber dry legs. It was a really good treat to use a couple of times a week or before a night out. <br />
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-52856182028997432432014-04-23T20:45:00.000+01:002014-04-23T20:45:45.464+01:00Music FestivalsMusic festivals are certainly popular. Every thing I'm reading on the internet at the moment, whether it's fashion or music or getaways is breathlessly commentating on them. <br />
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<i>The best festival fashion! </i><br />
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<i>Who's appearing at a festival near you?</i><br />
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<i>See what your favourite celebs were wearing at Coachella!</i><br />
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There seems to be a cultural yearning for an idealised urban version of the countryside which combines the best bits of city living, (music, fashion, cool people) with the best bits of a rural life, (open air, space, trees). <br />
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So I may be a little controversial when I say this...<br />
<i>I absolutely loathe outdoor music festivals! </i>Proper hate them. Really. <br />
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I think people assume they're going to be like this...<br />
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whereas I know from working on far too many festivals that they're actually like this...</div>
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In ten years of working on festivals, I can safely say that I remember <b style="font-style: italic;">one </b>mud free festival. <i>One!</i> Usually they're just a grim struggle against the odds. Just walking through the mud to catering requires herculean effort. It's a struggle to keep the rain off your equipment. It's a struggle to keep clean. Every simple task just becomes a monumental effort. </div>
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There was the notable time where I got stuck in the mud and I quite literally couldn't move. It was late at night and I'd finished work so I was on my own & the site was relatively deserted. It'd been raining heavily the previous two days but on that particular day the rain had stopped so the mud was starting to dry out and had become extremely sticky. It had been very hard work walking through this one field because it had been churned up by the heavy vehicles and the sheer amount of people moving through it. I reached a point where I couldn't actually move my legs. The mud was so deep and so sticky that every time I tried to move my legs, I fell forward onto my hands. Late at night, dark, no one around and I couldn't move - I don't mind telling you, I was scared. Thank god I had my phone in my back pocket and after a number of tries I was able to get hold of my crew boss who came & found me and literally pulled me out of the mud by my arms. </div>
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And that is one of the many reasons why I hate festivals. </div>
Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-30506407213058005442014-04-21T20:31:00.000+01:002014-04-21T20:31:14.457+01:00My favourite blogsSince I started this blog, I've become a voracious blog reader. I'm constantly amazed by the depth of talent and the breadth of vision out there so I thought I'd share with you my favourite blogs.<br />
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In no particular order they are;<br />
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<a href="http://www.styleateveryage.com/">Style at every age</a>.<br />
This is a fashion blog that's realistic. Sharron realises that we don't all necessarily have huge budgets or perfect figures but can still love clothes and want to dress well. Great for letting you know what discount codes are available too. She's a lovely lady as well who takes the time to comment thoughtfully on other blogs.<br />
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<a href="http://msmadge.blogspot.co.uk/">Chinwags and Tittle-Tattles</a><br />
Written by Ms. Madge. It's stuff we can all relate to - restaurant reviews, thoughts on pop culture, personal stories, tales of her travels - written in her warm, relatable style. She's a real sweetheart too who, again, takes time to comment on other blogs. <br />
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<a href="http://naomipicks.blogspot.co.uk/">Coulda Shoulda Woulda</a><br />
I love Naomi's quirky and often very funny view on things. My favourite features are the magazine reviews. Also excellent for interior design.<br />
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<a href="http://alliamaredhead.com/">All I am -a redhead.com</a><br />
A perfume blog written by Ines, a Croatian woman. I love her passion for perfume. She mixes perfume reviews with thoughts on pop culture and book reviews.<br />
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<a href="http://sirenvoices.blogspot.co.uk/">Sirenvoices</a><br />
A blog written by a serving paramedic. I am constantly awed by his ability to deal with situations which would send me into a tail spin. It's people like him, in the emergency services, who keep the rest of us safe. He has a beautiful evocative writing style<br />
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<a href="http://mrstrefusis.blogspot.co.uk/">Mrs Trefusis takes a taxi</a><br />
Written by Helen Brocklebank, who is, I believe, an important magazine person. She lives a life we wish we could all lead - glamorous media parties, cocktails and lycee educated children. It's written in a self deprecating style which makes you root for her.<br />
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<a href="http://myloveofoldhollywood.blogspot.co.uk/">My love of old Hollywood</a><br />
I adore old Hollywood films. She adores old Hollywood films. It's a blogmatch made in heaven.<br />
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<a href="http://www.misspandora.fr/">Pandora</a><br />
Written by a French art history student, Louise who posts fashion pictures of herself inspired by classical artworks. It's quite unique and rather special. Seriously, read it. Some of the text is only in French.<br />
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<br />Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-18880839888659907622014-04-18T22:09:00.000+01:002014-04-19T20:04:45.261+01:00On relaxingI've been working very, <i>very </i>hard recently. Weeks and weeks of 6 thirteen hour days in a row then one day off. <br />
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As a freelancer it's incredibly tempting to accept every bit of work offered to you because there's always a little voice in your head saying, 'Take it whilst it's there. Next month may be quiet'. It's gotten to the point, however where I feel I'm close to burn out so I decided that I <i>had to</i> have some time off. So I turned down work over Easter (eek!) and now I've got seven blissful days off. <br />
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I've been looking forward to it so much that I was surprised to find myself, pacing round the living room this morning going, 'What now? <i><b>What should I do now</b>?' </i>Yup, I've forgotten how to relax! I'm so used to meeting deadlines, having to be somewhere, working like the clappers to deliver a show on time that I've actually forgotten how to take it easy.<br />
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So I intend, this week, to rediscover the slow life. <br />
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<ul>
<li>Sit and read a book with Radio 3 on in the background.</li>
<li>Go to a film on my own. Probably the Yves Saint Laurent film.</li>
<li>Catch up with friends. I have an old friend from high school who I haven't seen since we came over to London together more years ago than I care to remember. We've been trying to arrange a meet-up for about six months now and I'm ashamed to say that it's always me who blows out because of work. </li>
<li>Bake. I love baking but it's time consuming so I haven't baked for ages. I want to try and make a good & gooey chocolate cake.</li>
<li>Work my way through the box set of Breaking Bad.</li>
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How do you relax? </div>
Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-29494143178455264812014-04-17T10:46:00.000+01:002014-04-17T10:46:18.062+01:00Hero beauty products - Superdrug facial masksMy Superdrug addiction crept up on me quite stealthily. I'd find myself popping in for cotton wool pads but somehow leaving with £20/30 worth of stuff. Before I knew it, I was shopping there almost every week. The problem is, the stock is just too well curated. It's the combination of niche brands and high street names, all very reasonably priced, that makes it so seductive and hard to ignore.<br />
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My favourite items are the individual Superdrug mask sachets, all priced at a whole 99p each. Yes, I could drop £30 plus on a high end mask which would last me about six months but my skin needs change and sometimes that particular mask wouldn't be appropriate. However with a stash of different mask sachets, all bases are covered. </div>
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Looking tired because you've had a stressful week at work with lots of early starts and no time to eat properly? The De-stressing mud mask will take care of that.</div>
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<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/441152/441152_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/441152/441152_l.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/">http://www.superdrug.com</a></span></div>
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Just done 6 thirteen hour days on the trot in a dusty theatre and no matter how much you clean your face at the end of the day, you still look slightly grimy? Look no further than the Deep Cleansing Fruit mask. </div>
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<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/442354/442354_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/442354/442354_l.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/">http://www.superdrug.com</a></span></div>
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Raisin face syndrome because you've done a long day teching a show and haven't drunk enough water because you can't keep running to the loo? The Anti-Aging Moisture mask is your friend here. The anti-aging bit is pretty handy too.</div>
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<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/440751/440751_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/440751/440751_l.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/">http://www.superdrug.com</a></span></div>
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My favourite is definitely the Detoxifying Dead Sea Mask. I adore the lavendery smell and it just perks up the complexion when you're looking a bit grey & dull. </div>
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<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/441153/441153_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.superdrug.com/content/ebiz/superdrug/invt/441153/441153_l.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">image via <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/">http://www.superdrug.com</a></span></div>
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<i>P.S. I wasn't paid to write this review. I just really like Superdrug.</i></div>
Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-21817435599200966512014-04-10T12:00:00.000+01:002014-04-10T22:49:49.060+01:00Hero beauty product - Kiehl's Fig Leaf & Sage Aromatic Mist perfumeI bought this perfume for myself as a reward after one of my crazy work-all-hours-god-sends periods.<br />
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It's an unusual one for sure. People either seem to love or hate it, but I really like it.<br />
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The packaging is clean & somewhat minimalist but retro. White background, black lettering and a picture of the bottle inside. No nonsense there. The bottle itself continues the same minimalist retro theme - simple shape, clear glass, the retro Kiehls font embossed on to it and a silver cap. With so much rather verbose, over the top perfume presentation around, I found this rather satisfying.<br />
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<a href="http://thegroomingguide.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2012-10-29-at-10.26.33-695x400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thegroomingguide.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2012-10-29-at-10.26.33-695x400.png" height="184" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://thegroomingguide.com/">http://thegroomingguide.com</a></span></div>
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The perfume itself is strong. The sweetness of the fig is counteracted by the sharpness of the sage. It shouldn't work but it does. Initially the sage is the foremost note but it settles into a rather warm, pleasing aroma. At the risk of sounding like a press release, it really did remind me of sitting in a Mediterranean garden on a hot day.</div>
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I also liked the fact that you can buy it in both small and large size. Sometimes you want to treat yourself but can't spend too much money.</div>
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I think it's a great perfume for (hopefully) warm summer days.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Edited 10/4/14</span></div>
Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-35266107245670821692014-04-09T11:39:00.000+01:002014-04-09T11:39:48.508+01:00Reflections on creativityIt's good to be back. <br />
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I've just been on one of those crazy production periods where you're working thirteen hours a day for six days a week. It's hard work but I do enjoy it - seeing a show come to life before your eyes. <br />
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It fascinates me watching the creatives at work. The starting point of a scene/show/piece of work is very different to the end product (inevitably lauded as something special). It's that development process which I find incredibly inspiring.</div>
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I was working with a very well respected director recently whose whole thing was to avoid what he called 'usual'. Not in a wacky, "I'm different, me" way but in an avoidance of mundanity and cliche. We'd build a scene (which inevitably I'd find amazing) but he'd pace around the auditorium musing on how it wasn't working because it was too 'usual'. He'd then spend ages on trying out discordant notes until he'd find something that worked. Often it was only something minor like a light flashing where you wouldn't expect it but it introduced a vague sense of unease.<br />
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Besides a feeling of pride at being involved in such an amazing production, it left me with a better feeling of how to be creative. I have lots of ideas but I often get frustrated because they don't seem to work. I realised, after working with him, that your first go doesn't necessarily have to be any good, it's just the starting point. I think the idea is to have knowledge of the 'grammar' of expressing an idea and know how to subvert it, or not, to tell your story.<br />
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Let me explain what I mean by 'grammar'...<br />
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We all know how to watch films/theatre etc. When the Lumiere brothers first showed their film of a train pulling into a station to an unschooled audience, people were terrified because they didn't know how to read it - they just assumed it was an actual train coming towards them through the screen.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1dgLEDdFddk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Over a hundred years later, we're so well versed in interpreting film it feels natural. If we're watching a film for instance, we <i>know</i> that it's not a real time narrative but we suspend our disbelief for the 90 minutes of the film. We <i>know </i>that the train is not going to emerge from the screen. That knowledge of the conventions of what we're watching is the grammar.<br />
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Knowing the grammar but choosing to subvert and <i>knowing how to subvert successfully</i> was definitely part of the Famous Director's schtick. I'm definitely going to try it in my own stuff. <br />
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Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2955239571322186380.post-69225620396589835282014-03-20T11:37:00.000+00:002014-03-20T11:37:47.099+00:00Hero Beauty Product - Eve Lom Intense Hydration SerumI wish I had more than a small sample of this.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.sephora.com/">www.sephora.com</a></span></div>
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It's one of those products that really worked for me right from the start. </div>
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It feels more like a gel than a regular serum - clear in colour, thicker and slightly sticky in the way that gels often are. I applied just like a regular serum by smoothing it over the face. As it dried, I could feel it tightening. For someone like me who has a droopy, jowly face this is a Good Thing.</div>
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I'd been through a tough stretch at work & my complexion was feeling particularly parched. I can safely say that after applying this serum just once, my face felt noticeably less dry. Not completely re-hydrated, because that would be impossible after just one application but that tight feeling you get with dry skin had subsided to easier levels. </div>
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The sample only had three applications in it but even so, people started commenting on how good I was looking.</div>
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I found it worked best if I exfoliated my face first.</div>
Beautiful Things - Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12037366136763465550noreply@blogger.com2