Book Review: Billy and Me

Posted in Books, In your 40s by Joanna Malefaki

I went to WHSmith the other day and got my first summer read. I actually picked this particular book up, saw the title “Billy and Me” and thought to myself, ” Hey a book about ❤ <3. I might wanna check this out”. Then I put it down again cause it had a picture of Zoelia (popular 20 something YouTuber). Me talking to myself again, ” Hmmm will I really like this?”Anyways, I ignored the fact that this was part of Zoe’s book club (just to be clear, I have nothing against her. I actually like watching her videos, but was a bit skeptical about having the same taste in books). Anyhoo, 500 words later, I am telling you that I actually got the book Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher and will be reviewing it today.

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Plot

This is book about a girl who works in a coffee shop, loves Pride and Prejudice, and meets a boy who is actually a famous movie star. They fall in love and yeah. Basically, boy meets girl, they fall in love, have a fight and…….

Key questions about the book

Was it a page turner?

Hmmm well, I read it in about 5 nights, so I guess I can say, “sure!”

What did I like about the book?

Well, the interview of the author was great. I loved it even more than the actual book. The book is an easy read. What I mean is, you read it and relax. A bit predictable. There is a ‘secret’ which makes you wonder when/ how it will play out. I did not laugh whilst reading though nor was I extremely anxious about what would happen next.But it was a fun read, so let’s put it in the category of beach reads.

What did I not like about the book?

The fact that it was a bit more light was not a problem. I was actually wanting that. I did put my ‘teacher hat’ on though and in the beginning could not get over the fact that there was poor editing and the punctuation in the first chapter was so bad (loads of commas missing in conditional clauses- yeah… dorky reader, I know!).

Should I get the book, Joanna?

Yeah! Sure! Go for it! It is not Chomsky, but it is fun for the summer!

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So, there you have it. I have bought a few books, so I will be reviewing them during the summer. If you would like me to check out your book, feel free to email me (check the About page).

Coming up or a peek at my UK bookshelf

Reviews pending (really looking forward to reading the Amy Cuddy book).

Subscribe to my blog if you liked what you read. It does put a smile on my face. Maybe give my Facebook page a ‘like’ so you can get notifications of when I post? Connect with me on Pinterest / Twitter/Instagram/Google+.

Talk soon!

Joanna

14Jul2016

Makeup tips for gals who have ‘bad eyesight’

Posted in Beauty, Being colourblind, In your 40s, Thoughts by Joanna Malefaki

Hi!!!

Today I am going to share with you some makeup tips on how to apply makeup if you have difficulty seeing. I have various eye problems. I am colourblind, I am short sighted and a few more things. All this makes my vision quite problematic, but I have found solutions to help me wear makeup even though I cannot see that well. You see for many years, I did not wear eye makeup or contoured cause I was scared I’d look like a freakin clown, but now I am more comfortable wearing it, and I do do quite well!! So, here goes. My words of wisdom!

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Tip Number 1

Sure, you don’t want to be asking for help all the time when shopping but you kinda have to, so this is me giving you a nudge and telling you. Also, the beautician/ sales assistants job is to help you choose makeup

You need help, so don’t be shy. Just ask.

Tip Number 2

A friend in need, is a friend indeed. Go makeup shopping with someone you trust and a girlfriend whose makeup look you like!! She will deffo be able to give you good advice on what to buy and if it suits you or if you are applying it well. I have D for that. I always go makeup shopping with her!!!

OK!! If you are shy and do not want to ask for help or if no one is around, then time for tip number 3

Look up reviews of whatever you are thinking of buying then and there (Deirdre taught me that too!!). What d I mean? True story: I was in Boots today and saw a lipstick by Rimmel called Vintage Pink, so I thought, “OK! It is pink (dah!!) and vintage (?!?!?!?!)” So, I went online in Boots and googled Rimmel Vintage Pink reviews and loads of stuff came up. What I needed came up as well. The actual description of the colour (mauve), so I got it. Google was my bestie in this case!!

Practice makes perfect

When you are home and have some makeup on, try out the new looks you want to try. That way you will have a trial and see if a look works for you or if you will totally mess up. Trying the ‘new look’ before an important date etc. will save you from a lot of misery if something goes wrong on the actual time you will need this look.

Also, use Pinterest to find makeup looks you like and then blow up the pictures so they are bigger. Same of course applies to blog posts with pictures.

Get your makeup done professionally and learn

Whenever I hear that a makeup artist can do my makeup for me, I go for it. I ask them what they use on me and if I need anything I buy it. They also give great tips and some times guide you on how to do your makeup yourself!

Applying Makeup

Keep it simple

Sure you like to use loads of stuff on your face and imitate what you see online, but it is not that easy. That’s why I always choose simple makeup looks that don’t require a lot of combinations and blending.I also avoid shades that are too dark because mistakes are not forgiven in these cases. Extra tip: Applying makeup on the eyes is harder than other stuff that’s why I focus more on the lips. Bolder lip and simple eye look.

Get your makeup done by a professional (here: Burberry did my brows/ eyes)

Measure

If you decide to use different eye shadows on your eyes, it is a good idea to ‘measure’ where one shade stops and the other begins. That way you will avoid having too much of one shadow on one eye and less on the other. I use my iris as a compass or even like a little ruler/pencil something to give me a sense of length. Applying makeup is like maths. I have also found counting brush strokes very helpful. So, I apply a bit of blush on one cheek and apply the same on the other one. If I use my blush brush two time on one cheek, I use it two times on the other.And again ‘measuring’. Where did I stop with my blush? Where did I use bronzer. Loads of geometry!!

Some people use sticky tape, a post-it note or a business card where they want their eye makeup to stop. You can try that and see if it works for you (I don’t do that).

A magnifying mirror may also help cause it gives you a close up of whatever you are doing to your face!! It is also great when you are ding your brows!!

Extra tip: I also use eye shadows that are in sticks/ pencils. They do not have fall out like eye shadows do. You will not have eye shadow under your eyes! Brands that do this: Lancome, Clinique, Makeupforever, Bourjois, No7 and many more. Makeup forever, Lancome and No7 make eye-shadow pencils that do not budge. They are quite permanent.

For the CB gal

CB (aka Colourblind). Well, apart from everything else I have mentioned, something I do is I label all my makeup products and write the colour on the packaging. Sure, the lipstick looks a bit odd but it is very helpful!!

Also, do a bit of research into your colours. Find out if you have a cool or warm skin tone and what shades match your skin. Once you have that information, go shopping :).

Brands that are good with colour descriptions

Well, I bought a TooFaced Contouring palette that has the colour written on top, so I know which shade is dark and what is light. There is also a pamphlet that shows you what you are supposed to use where.

palette

Clinique does some eye shadow pencils that have the name of the colour on them. So does Bourjois. You may want to check them out. Number 7 at Boots has single eye shadows and some of them have the proper name on them, others don’t.

pencil

Unfortunately, makeup companies do not really care about us colourblind girls and insist on naming their products with random names instead of the proper ones, so girls,hope these tips help you out. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.

Me against cosmetics companies

I feel like a gal on a mission :). I have sent loads of tweets to the biggest cosmetics companies regarding their products and how they name them, but nothing has come of it. Unfortunately, I do not have a zillion followers, so I do not count. It is kind of a discrimination, don’t you think?

BUT

I did approach Essie (they actually replied!) and asked if they would do a line that would name the nail polish based on the colour like red for…. red! But nothing happened. L’oreal Mexico made a lipstick commercial that focused on the CB male who saw his partner’s red lippie for the first time which is quite cool, of course when I asked what about the cb gals? Nothing.

FYI I have not found a single company that gives great colour descriptions. If you have, please let me know in the comments below! I will keep trying!!

So, there you have it ladies some ideas/ tips on how to wear makeup when your eyesight is not that grand. Do you have any other tips?

Happy makeup-ing ❤ ❤

*In the mood for shopping makeup? Check out Beauty Bar

FREE 1-2 Day Delivery on Orders $49+ For All Customers

(This is an affiliate link. You do not pay extra for your purchase, you just help me keep this blog going xx Thank you xx)

Joanna

9Jul2016

June (ish) Favourites: The UK edition

Posted in Hauls, In your 40s, Uncategorized by Joanna Malefaki

Hi everyone!!

Time to talk about all the things I loved in June and I am going to focus on the things I liked in the UK cause well, that’s where I am and will be for quite a while. So, without further ado, let’s do this!!

June Favourites

Beauty/Fashion

Sleek Matte lip creams

I really liked them. I have two and I reviewed them here.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Multi Palette

I got this palette a while ago and have been using it all month. I use the blush and the bronzer a lot. It is quite subtle and excellent if you tend to be a bit heavy handed. I ❤ it!

Palette

Too Faced Cocoa Contour

I love it. I have been contouring for quite a while now and I do not go anywhere without contouring first. So, this was definitely worth the money. I tend to use the contouring shade and the banana shade a bit more than the other two.

Bag

I got this really nice bag from Oasis. It is black suede and then there is a bit of black leather as well. It has a silver chain. It is a lovely bag and it fits all the necessary things!

The mug

My flatmate got me this cute mug from poundland and it is really nice. The ‘label’ says it all. I, of course, drink coffee!

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Top

I got the Jasper Conran top from Debenhams. It is a bit loose and with an interesting shoulder. I love it!

Whilst in London

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Oxford circus. I stayed for 2 nights and paid 155 pounds for both nights (twin room-breakfast included). It is right behind Debenhams on Oxford Street. Great location. I also got the concierge service and was picked up from the airport, so no hassle with luggage or trying to find the train etc. etc.

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I also visited the National Portrait Museum while in London. You really should check it out. I was a bit hesitant in the beginning, but I really liked it.There are a lot of interesting portraits and a dj was playing music so it was really great! The coffee shop in the museum is really nice as well.

Uber

My friend and I took advantage of the my Uber partnership and started using Uber. It is really cheap and in fact the price for a taxi was almost the same as the price for the underground! So, if you sign up for the first time, you are entitled to a free ride up to £15.
The code is MYPINKRAMBLES and you sign up here: www.uber.com/invite/mypinkrambles Uber is available in London, Sheffield, Newcastle, Bristol, Birmingham and all major UK cities.

MYPINKRAMBLES

TV show I have been watching

This is interesting. I watched the Girlfriend experience which is about a law student who decides to become an escort. The director is Soderbegh. There is some nudity etc. but it is very interesting to see the character development and the direction is another reason I liked it.

Song

Sia Cheap Thrills. It’s a beat. I like it!

So, that’s about it. I could go on forever with this post, but I cannot cause I want to write other posts!!! Let me know if you have tried any of these products or if you have anything to recommend!!

June Favourites

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to follow my blog or connect with me on my social media. Check my sidebar and see how we can become ‘friends’.

Have a nice weekend.

xxx

Joanna

29Jun2016

Interviewing Sombras Blancas Art & Design & 20%Off Promo Code

Posted in Blogging by Joanna Malefaki

So today I am interviewing Cris from Sombras Blancas Art & Design and she tells us about her website and Etsy store. She has also kindly given my readers a 20% Off promo code which you may want to use this code to design you log or website, read ahead!!

Promo Code

Hi Cris! Can you please tell me a few things about yourself?

Hi! My name is Cristina, I’m 26 years old and I am from and live in Spain. I studied industrial design and classical guitar and I started learning the basics of graphic design at college. I’ve never stopped since then.

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What kind of services do you provide?

I offer branding services for small businesses and startups at an affordable price, mostly logo and website design but also marketing graphics and custom illustrations.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to make banners/ cards / digital designs like you and was starting a business now?

Start before you are ready. There is no better way to learn all those things you have no clue how to accomplish. Researching and planning are great but they will never give you as much experience as trying by yourself.

What inspires you?

I look for inspiration EVERYWHERE: from an ad I see on TV to a song or a children’s book. Recently, I’ve been using Pinterest as a source of fresh ideas almost every day.

Can you share an example of your favorite work and tell my readers about it?

It is difficult to pick just one project but I’ve recently created a logo for Inked Regards and I’ve really enjoyed both the design process with Melissa and the final result. You can see it at http://inkedregards.com

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Is there some kind of offer you would like to make to my readers?

Yes! They can use the code JOANNA20 to get a 20% discount until July 20^th both on my website and my Etsy shop.

Where can people find you?

Website: www.sombrasblancasdesign.com

Etsy shop: www.sombrasblancasdesign.etsy.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sombrasblancasart

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sombrasblancasdesign

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sombrasblancas

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sombrasblancas

Art shop: www.sombrasblancas.etsy.com

So, do check out her website and store if you are look to jazz up your website, or buy anything. Cris is very talented and I am sure you will be able to make use of the promo code!!

If you have a website/Etsy store or would like to be featured on my blog, feel free to contact me (check my About page).

So, that’s all for now!!!

Have a lovely day, evening!!

xxx

26Jun2016

Makeup and toiletry (UK mini haul)

Posted in Beauty, Hauls, In your 40s by Joanna Malefaki

Hi Loves!

Back with another mini/not that mini haul.I have been in Sheffield for a week now and since I will spend all summer here, I need stuff (or so I tell myself). I did a bit of makeup/ toiletry shopping and I am going to tell you what I got and first impressions.

L’oreal

I repurchased Infallible (mattifying foundation). This is my 3rd tube. It is long lasting (although you may need to touch up after some hours) and it has good coverage. It is my go to everyday makeup. I love it. I also got a new mascara. This one is called Hippie and it is supposed to give me ultra mega giga volume (waterproof). I like the L’oreal mascaras and I always buy new ones to try them out!

Super Facalist by Una Brennan

My friend Deirdre bought me this pre-cleansing stage facial oil because I really like rose- scented products. You put the oil in your palms, rub your palms a bit and then apply to your face. You give the oil some time to start breaking your makeup and then remove it with a damp towel. I have only used it once. It feels nice, but I need to give it a few more tries before I have an opinion. Deirdre really likes it and I always agree with her on makeup, so I think this one will be a winner (also the reviews online are great!).

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Deirdre also got me a nail polish from Rimmel in the colour Rose Libertine 405 (beautiful rose/ pink) and those really cool nail polish remover pots where you pop your finger in the pot and the nail polish comes off! It’s from Boots.

Aussie

I got the Miracle Hairspray volume and hold. Another friend recommended this,. I haven’t tried it yet, so no idea if it gives volume. According to S., it does, so let’s see!! I have tried Aussie products in the past and in general I like them.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

People have mixed feelings about this one, but for me it works fine. Yes, it may leave a bit of white residue, but if you rub or move your hair a bit, it goes away. I got the scent cherry and I use this dry shampoo when my hair is a it oily and needs some jazzing up.

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Sleek lip creams

I am still loving them. You can read the full review of the lippies here.

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Bourjois

I got a single eye shadow to use as a base all over the lid. I got the shade Ingenude 01 which is a cream/beige/subtle gold hue.

Organic Surge

I went to TKMaxx and got a more fancy body wash. This is by the brand Organic Surge and I love the scent. It is supposed to be an invigorating body wash and the smell is so nice. Citrus Mint. That’s all I have to say. I really like it. 20160626_114118-1 (1)

So, that’s all!!Have you tried any of these products? Any thoughts? Any suggestions on what I need to try whilst in the UK. I have at least 3 months of shopping ahead <3<3 . I will be back with a new post some time soon (clothes and home-wear haul).

Time to beg for followers. Subscribe to my blog if you liked what you read. It does put a smile on my face. Maybe give my Facebook page a ‘like’ so you can get notifications of when I post? Connect with me on Pinterest / Twitter/ Instagram/Google+.

Have a lovely Sunday!!

Talk soon.

xxx

24Jun2016

Going to the #BloggersBall

Posted in Beauty, Blogging, Thoughts by Joanna Malefaki

Hi everyone!!

Today’s post is about my first Bloggers ball/meetup/ convention or whatever term you choose to use. It is basically an event with a lot of bloggers, brands and exhibitors.

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So, let me tell you all about it. But first, a bit of background info! I am in the UK now (as I said in my last post). I arrived last Friday and stayed a couple of days in London. I had a really good time in London. I went for some nice meals in China town an in Kingly court.

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I got to check out Liberty ( a store in London that sells designer brands and more eclectic makeup). I went to the National Portrait Gallery (which is amazing).

As I said at the beginning of this post, during my stay I also went to the Bloggers Ball and it was a very interesting experience. Let me start by saying that this was my first Bloggers ball/convention/ meetup.

How I found out about the Bloggers Ball

Easy. I googled “blogger events in London” and it showed up. I went to the website that had details about the event, bought some tickets, and went to the Ball.

Why I wanted to go

I wanted to meet people who do the same thing as I. I wanted to see what it’s like to talk to brands and I live in Greece and these things do not happen on my little island, so I am deffo gonna take advantage of any opportunity I have whilst in the UK.

The Bloggers Ball

The dress code was formal/semi formal. I got dressed up (just a bit) and went. There was a cloak room to leave any clothing/ extras (aka umbrellas). Once I entered the venue, I realised this event was packed and there were loads of things to see. There were many exhibitors from different brands. I learnt a lot about brands I had never heard of before, got to speak with people from these brands and also got samples.

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They had lots of stands and they were exhibiting their products/ services. I got to give them my business card which was great.

I didn’t talk to any bloggers though! So, I will try to be a bit more sociable next time. You see I went with a friend and I was chatting with her and not really talking to other girls there.

I think this was a great event and I wonderful opportunity to get in touch with brands especially if you are a small blogger like me.

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I will be attending events in London and Sheffield in July and I am really looking forward to that. I will also be posting mini reviews about some of the free samples I got in my next posts so stay tuned!!

So, that’s all lovelies!

Talk soon

20Jun2016

Product Review:Sleek Matte Me Lip Creams

Posted in Beauty, Hauls, In your 40s by Joanna Malefaki

Hi everyone!!

I am in the UK at last!! No more hot summer weather!! I will be working hard, but will have some time to pop onto here and share with you guys all the lovely stuff going on in England. So, let’s begin. Last weekend I was in London with my friend D. We ❤ ❤ makeup and always end up buying loads of makeup we do not need of course! We were staying close to Oxford street and on Oxford street there is a very big Boots and we went in. My friend D. noticed that one of the sales assistants was wearing a really nice lippie and asked her what it was.

Sleek

said the sales assistant and both D and I said,

Sleek does lipsticks? We need to check them out!

and we did. I got two Mate Me lip creams. One is called ‘Birthday suit’ and it is a nude/pink/peach. I also got ‘Shabby chic’ which is a plum colour. They cost 4.99.

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Time to review

Let’s see what Sleek says about this product.

Matte Me is a matte finish liquid lipstick that glides on in one smooth application

Yes, it is matte, it does glide on, but I did need more than one application.

The light as air texture provides you with comfortable wear for hours, that doesn’t cake, flake or dry out, ensuring long lasting colour all day.

It feels drying on the lips after a bit. It doesn’t cake or flake. I want to point out though that Birthday suit, which is the nude colour, needed reapplying and did fade away after some hours. Shabby chic on the other hand, was more long lasting, so maybe this has to do with the colour/ formulation of the products.

Other random info

Packaging

The lip cream comes in a plastic container. You can see the colour of the lip cream. It does not look that expensive. The dope foot is just the right size and I like it!

They sell quickly

Now this is interesting.We walked into Boots in the morning and I got ‘Shabby chic’ only. Later on in the day, I tried ‘Birthday suit’ I wanted it, so I had to get it! We went back to Boots in the afternoon and they were almost sold out!! These beauties sell quickly!!!!

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Would I repurchase?

Yes, especially if Sleek comes out with new shades.

Would I recommend buying it?

Deffo!!!

So, that’s all lovelies!

Talk soon

9Jun2016

To the woman who calls her leg a troll (NOT cool)

Posted in Beauty, Thoughts by Joanna Malefaki

Today I am going to talk about something very difficult for me and something I have never shared before and I am going to do so because I am upset and kinda disappointed.

I had the dumb idea to search the hashtag #lymphoedema on Twitter last night and while I did read some lovely stories, I also came across an article that was supposed to ‘inspire’ me. Guess what? It did, but in the wrong way. The article was the story of a woman who got lumphoedema out of the blue, and is now trying to deal with it. To cope, she gave the affected limb the nickname ‘troll’.

Troll? Really? That makes me mad. I am going to TRY to compose myself though and write a post that makes sense. So, I will start with some background info and then share my thoughts.

Struggling with Lymphoedema

What is Lympoedema?

My explanation will be nice and simple because I am not a doctor, but a patient. This is how I understand it. So, lymphoedema patients have a problem with their lymphatic system. The lymph vessels do not work properly. They cannot move the lymph in the blood, so it builds up and that leads to swelling. The swelling can be mild or severe depending on how much damage there is to the lymphatic system. The end product? A big leg, hand or whatever. It is incurable, but manageable. In order to treat your lymphoedema you wear compression stockings, get lymph drainage (massage) and wrap your legs with bandages (kinda Flinstone-ian- I know). Of course there is more treatment available, but the purpose of this post is not on how to treat your oedema.

Someone who does not know about lymphoedema, may think it’s only a problem that has to do with your appearance, but you can get very bad skin infections, when it is hot, it hurts, and the psychology of patients with lymphoedema is not always ‘oh what a wonderful world this is’. You see, you look at your health problem every single day. It is there. You see it. It does not go away and that is why I have a problem with the word ‘troll’ and using it to describe a lymphodema leg/hand (especially if it is going to be in a public platform and ‘disguised as an inspiration’. There are teenagers who have lymphoedema reading. It’s not OK.). When you have lymphoedema, you do not feel pretty. Trust me. I know. You feel insecure. So why ‘lymphoedema shame or leg shame?’.

My life

Well, if you see me, you can see my lymphoedema. I have lymphoedema of all four extremities. Hands and legs. I also have a bit in the face. I am a ball of swollen-ness (that is not a word) and I look overweight (which I am), but there is a part of my big-ness which has to do with oedema (it’s not all kit kat folks).

Every day I wake up and wear my compression stockings. For 16 years my stockings have been my second skin. When it is 40 degrees, I wear the damn stockings. When I go to the beach, I wear the stockings. I have to, because when I don’t, my legs swell more, and I am in pain.

I haven’t worn a short dress since I was 8. I do not wear shorts and I don’t go to crowded beaches. I cannot deal with the comments/questions and stares.

What’s wrong with your legs?

Why do you need to wear those (those as in stockings)?

Or worse ones like

You need to lose weight

Lympoedema is not an easy thing. And to have someone call the affected leg a ‘troll’ as a nickname? Is that supposed to be funny? No. Not cool.

To the writer of the article

You must think I am nuts. I have gone all cray cray on you. You may be saying, “I am allowed to call my leg whatever I want to”.

You are actually.You can do whatever you want to cope with this big change, but please don’t consider it something that is horrible. I know this was not your intention, but don’t drag me down as well. Please don’t give your oedema such a negative name. You say you call it ‘troll’ because it is not like it is part of you (you are slim everywhere else). But it is part of you and it’s not a troll……

But

I am going to give you thumbs up for having the guts to take pics of your leg and share them. I cannot. I feel insecure. I cannot do it. So good on ya. You have actually pushed me to share this. You have also pushed me to provoke you. Is this ugly? Do you think I should call my hands my two little trolls? Do you like hearing me say it?

This is me

I have been dealing with this crap all my life and I cannot have someone who knows how I feel, consider a part of themselves or myself (by association) ugly, even if it is a joke/ a coping mechanism (if you wish).

I am trying to understand though. It must be very difficult to go from a fine, pretty leg to a swollen one. But your leg is not ugly. It is just not healthy anymore. You will not be able to cure your lymphoedema, but you will be able to manage it. There will be days where you will hate it, and you will ask ” why me?”, but you will get over it. You will get out of bed, kick yourself in the butt, and just go on about your daily chores and you will feel fine.

I know I will always have lymphoedema. I am OK with that, but please don’t associate your lymphoedema, my lymphoedema with a troll. My post is not inspirational. It is a long rant, but bear with me.

For more on Lymphoedema, press here.

The article that got me fired up.

I am sorry if this post is all over the place. If you want me to tell you how I get treatment or my journey, let me know.

8Jun2016

Around the Web Wednesday: post 2

Posted in Around the web Wednesday, Thoughts by Joanna Malefaki

This is my second Around the Web Wednesday post where I talk about 8 things I came across and loved (there are nine in today’s post!). Everything has to do with the world wide web.

PicMonkey Collage

Learning opportunities

I am a teacher. I love learning! Coursera is a website where you can go and find courses that are held online. Some are free and others have to be paid for. If you have time on your hands and want to do something over the summer, do check Coursera out.

Pod cast

I found this cheesy pod cast about love and I liked it. Why? Well, first of all, I could listen to it whilst riding my bike. What was it about? Well, an actress read a story that was about love but published in the New York times.The narrative was then followed by an interview of the writer of the story and the NYT editor. It was all about love. The thing I didn’t like was the dry shampoo ad, but if you ignore it, it is a light podcast you can listen to while working out!

YouTube Videos

Just like last time, I loved this tutorial by Jordan Liberty. He does quick videos that are very informative to the point. I really enjoy watching his tutorials and this week he uploaded this little gem. Do subscribe to his channel if you haven’t.

Ms Goldgirl

Marnie talks about her favourite highlighters. I like watching Marnie cause she is honest. You should subscribe to her channel if you haven’t already.

Elle Florence

Elle gives ideas on what to wear from Monday to Friday at work. Do check out her channel and subscribe.

Random articles

I have been watching a lot of videos and reading articles about gender pay gap. This one is really interesting.

How much would you pay for a Hermes bag?

For bloggers

Places to get free images for your blog.

One extra: If you are colourblind like me or need help with colours, you can check out this website. You name the colour and you get the hex code. This is very useful if you use picmonkey.

So, that’s all for around the web Wednesday!Let me know what you think. Do you have any suggestions should check out?

Talk soon

7Jun2016

How to make a Business Card for your Blog

Posted in Beauty, Blogging by Joanna Malefaki

Hi everyone!

I decided to get a business card after a lot of thought. I say after a lot of thought because the whole idea seemed silly to me. Why silly? Well, I have a small blog, not that many followers and I spend most of the year in Greece. I blog in English. I mean, how many chances will I have to actually use the card? Then, I was asked to supply a media kit, got taken on as a writer, I got my first actual partnership with Uber UK, and I will be actually living in the UK for the next 3 months, so I started thinking more seriously about the whole business card business. Then I realised that I will definitely need one since I will be attending a bloggers’ ball in June, a bloggers’ conference in July. I took the plunge and made my card.

Business Card vs. Media Kit

I have a media kit, which is 2/3 pages long. That’s too much paper to carry around. A business card is more practical and you can give it to anyone who wants your contact details. Then , you can email your media kit.

My thought process behind my card

Step 1

I googled bloggers business cards and saw what other people put on their cards. Unlike a media kit, a business card is more about connecting you to whoever wants your contact details.

Step 2

Decisions, decisions, decisions: One-sided or two-sided?

I went with two-sided. One side would have my face, my blog’s address and what I like to write about. The other side would have my social media handles/ details on how to find me.

Step 3

Design

I wanted something fun, girly but chic. My blog has the word PINK in it and polka dots, so that was going to be my theme. Now, this is where it gets tricky. I am colourblind, so I cannot really tell the difference between pinks and what matches with what. So, I needed to get my card made by someone who I trusted which is where Irini (the card’s designer) came in. I was very specific with my colour palette. I said,

I want pink and white polka dots (I actually sent her the digital paper I wanted her to use) and I want the rest of the card to have shades of grey, pink , white and black. I want you to choose the shades and how they match.

I wanted to use the Lucinda handwritten font. I also found some royalty free social media icons I liked and said that I would like to use these. Irini put everything together and this is the result.

You can find Irini on Facebook, by pressing here. She speaks English so feel free to contact her if you like her work. She is great to work with! She makes lots of things (cards, pamphlets, wedding invites etc.).

On hindsight I realise that there may be a bit too much of a match-y match-y polka dot theme going on (my blouse matches the polka dot background by mistake), but I like it. It’s me. So, that’s how I cam up with my business card. You can read about my media kit here.

Talk soon!

xxx