My favorite time of the year.
It is the hardest and most stressful build up that leads to a few days of joy, calm and love. Why do I get so worked up over the festive season? Because it is so worth it. Making myself extremely busy, just so I can take few days off and be with my family for Christmas. Spending all that time, figuring out the best presents for everyone, because it is so satisfying seeing their happy faces.
My family goes through a lot over the whole year. Work stuff, life stuff and all the other shit. For that reason it is very important for us to spend few days together to be thankful and stuffed with food.
As as hairstylist I am tempted to change my hair color almost every day. I know how to approach it and I myself create some good work. Still I decided to stick to some sort of blonde for about 2 years now. If there is anything people know about me, its that 2 years is a long time to be committed to one hair style. So change has been in the air.
A little while back I stumbled upon a fun place. Dockside Dining Club at Albert docks, Liverpool. I can not believe I havent been here before. It is so nice and kinda cosy there. As it was night time, all the lights seemed vibrant and the place was booming with people.
Hello lovelies! Guess what? As it is a new month, December actually, I have a massive inspiration board ready. Each month I try to show you few things that inspire me and helps me with fashion shopping and decorations. All comes from my favorite sources, pinterest and tumblr.
Last week I have gone for a day to Manchester with my dad. And it has all turned into a very different day, then I expected. To start up, I need to explain our original plan. My dad- being a man, was in need of assistance in getting Christmas presents for my mum and sister. Being the good daughter I am , I agreed to go Manchester (so I can get out of Liverpool city center, as this is where I am every day) and do some shopping. But also being the good blogger and photography enthusiast, I saw this as a great opportunity to take my camera and get some great shots. Plus I heard that Christmas markets have opened there already so a bit of festive spirit would be nice, right? That all sounded way too good. Which means something was about to go down.
Liverpool train station has been a mess lately as they are repairing some of the rails. This made our morning and trying to get the right train a little more hectic then expected. You' d think once we got to Manchester, we would cheer up a little. Nope. It started raining as soon as we arrived and dad decided to be a grumpy old man and tell me, he wasn' t in a mood for shopping anymore. Brilliant ay? As that was the whole reason we traveled there. I did not want any of that to effect our day. So I try to distract him by having him pose for me a little and giving him the camera to take few shots of me. You know, so I can show off my outfit on here. Worked! I managed to drag him into few shops and sneak in a little something for myself, into his shopping basket. As the tummies felt hungry we went to get some Italian at Bella Italia. My pizza was just so damn nice. I could have some every day, I swear. This is when the last drop of my patience ran out. I turned on the camera, as I wanted to connect to my phone to see if I can edit few shots. Perhaps show off over on instagram, how cool my dad is. None of the pictures has been saved. I mean they have been saved. They just wouldn' t show up. There was a major error with them. And this has not showed up once for me before. And it meant that about 5 hours worth of shots- really nice once may I add) have been gone. I felt like crying a little. This is when my Aperol spritz came and cheered me up a little.
Little walk later and a nice flat white at my favorite coffee spot in Manny, I was ready for bed. Over all, the day has been lovely. We even saw some sun once it stopped raining. And there is nothing better then the chats with my old man. It just really sucked that universe decided to screw me over with those few details.
Every story has a silver lining though. In this case it is the vlog I managed to create for you and actually saved and uploaded to the You and the Tube also known as YouTube.
I do hope you enjoyed the few photos I saved from my phone and the little vlog. I really love creating these little memories. Looking back at them few months or even years later is so lovely. Makes you very nostalgic doesn' t it. How have you started your festive season? Are you trying to just ignore it for now? Let me know over on the instagram (@DeniVev) perhaps.
Until next time, keep safe and live your life to the fullest
DeniVev
I spent a nice crisp day in Liverpool the other day with my friend. And oh was it lovely. The city finally has the right festive atmosphere and weather is getting a lot cooler. People around shopping for Christmas and everywhere serves special menus. Just nice.
Hello lovelies. If you are new to the world of journaling I will explain in a short cut what it is and why I decided to give it a go. It is a combination of keeping a diary and everyday organizational journal. It is a way to keep yourself organized, less stressed, creative, tracking your habits and day to day activities. You could use it to store some memories from traveling, organize your taxes and payments or even just to doodle. The range of options is huge!
So this year Liverpool celebrated Bonfire night for a few days and the big display of fireworks actually happened on a Sunday. A day early. Which means that the Albert docks have been crazy full. And I for once was between this bunch of people. I don' t like big crowds and pushing each other etc. That is a reason why I skipped any displays or big celebrations in the city for the last two or so years. Well I do tend to be busy on days when something is actually happening, but also the crowd thing. This time around I tried my best to stay calm and actually get my ass up and go. No excuses. And boy was it worth it. I forgot how nice fireworks can be. As much as I hated them a a kid.
Since I created this blog 10 years ago most of the years as soon as leaves turned into warm brown and orange I wrote this post. It has been a few years since sweater weather TAG or challenge has been created. I don' t think anyone knows at this point, who really was the original head behind this. For those who never heard of the tag, its a few questions related to autumn and you answer them as best as you can. Real simple and personally this has always put me in a nice mood as my candle burns and rain drops fall.
There are many sources for my inspiration. From influencers online to people watching while having a cup of coffee. Every now and again I like to share some of these with you all. See where my head is at i guess or what makes me go or perhaps what helps me when shopping.
This is an absolute and total first from denivev. I have never done a Man Crush Monday before so let's make history of the blog today. But as we are all, or mostly based on my stats- grown ups here, I think it is that time. These are new and old fine finds so get ready ladies and gents.
I will start off with a real treat. Not so known but sure growing model, originally real estate agent Donnell Blaylock Jr. or instagram known RealDonnySavage. He became famous after shooting a little clip of himself eating a chocolate bar. I know you are going to head and google that real quick, so I' ll give you a second before I continue with the post.
From chocolate to vanilla. Oh dear, is it even okay if I say that? Well I hope so. Here is mr. Stark, Leo West, David Budd, Romeo or Prince from Cinderella, this is Richard Madden. What a fine piece of royalty. I have been seeing this talented actor in many movies and shows, most recently in movie Ibiza. This is the film that made me realize how good looking the man is. Oh and his accent in Ibiza. I was definitely impressed.
Now for the third gentleman, Robert Christopher Riley. An actor who has been around but I havent known bout till Dynasty became my obsession. He has an amazing charisma and the bod.
Who are your MCMs these days? Any real life crushes? Maybe you have a funny or saucy story? Send it my way and maybe you will be featured in another post.
I am going to be honest with you all. Liverpool is nice, but it does get a little boring every now and again. Finding a new place to go to for a drink, coffee, party or just chill is getting a little difficult. Especially if you are someone like me, who is not too into all the most hyped up places. You still want something unique that not necessarily everyone knows about. Yeah, though task isn' t it? I did hear about a new cafe the other day though. And as you know from my other reviews, I do love me a nice cafe to go to for work, editing, chill with friends or family or even just for a me time.
So not only is golden hour my favorite time of a day (and so almost every photographers dream), but also probably my favorite shade of hair color at the moment. It has been around for ages, I only just realized how much I am lovin this shade on myself though. Goes nice with my skin tone and looks fab with brown eyes.
As summer is officially over and nights are colder and darker....
I have a little look back at my summer here. It has been full of ups and downs. Great memories and big chances. Even if they are not physical, I have changed. Some of my plans and ideas of future are different now. A lot of unexpected options have opened up and I am super excited bout them.
I have lots and lots of content planned for you all through fall and winter. Get ready for my little blogging comeback and now...
Let' s get a look back
One way or another, no matter how far away I go, Budapest is a place that is always in my heart. I seem to gravitate towards it. The vibe of this city is so free, calm and ... old? yeah definitely old.
No matter how many times I return, I still haven' t managed to cross everything off of my 'to see' list. But as you saw some of the spots, like the High Note sky bar I wrote about few posts back, are super duper worth it.
This time I decided to visit Buda and Pest with my friend, who has never been here. And in my nature I took loads of photos. So here you are and hopefully I' ll tickle your inner wanderlust .
For me personally it has always been super easy way to get to this city. The train from my hometown leaves every 2 hours I believe and its only an hour wait till you get there. My friend had to do a little longer journey but even she said, it has been well worth it.
There are plenty of things you could do or see here. Main touristic spots are definitely: Parliament, Riverside, St. Stephens Bazilica, Castle and Fishermans bastya, Hero' s square and few more. But then you have other places and little streets where I love wandering. You always find little hidden gems once you stop following the big tour groups and stroll on your own. Take those little streets and explore. You never know what you may find.
As far as Castle and whole surrounding area, WALK. It might be tempting to use funicular or bus that drives you all the way round the hill, but dont. If it is possible walk. You will not get lost, dont you worry. There is always plenty people walking past you so in case you are unsure, just ask them for directions.
One thing I love the most is that even the old city marks keep growing and changing. They keep it exciting for visitors. That way you can come even 4 times a year and you will have a little something new to experience.
Have you ever been to Budapest? Do you plan to or do you have a city you always keep coming back to?
Until next time, keep safe and live your life to the fullest
xoxo
DeniVev
Being high, like up high, on top of a building, and having a drink with one of your bezzies somewhere as nice as Budapest , should be on everyone's bucket list for this summer. And I am making it hella easy for you, as I will share the best place to do so.
High Note Sky Bar on top of Aria hotel in Budapest has definitely the best view. Yes you might be able to get higher then this and see the whole city, but sitting with a cocktail seeing the St.Istvan Bazilika right next to you, sunset on the other side and gorgeous rooftops all around? Come on. You can not beat that. I actually remember sitting there with a poppy seed whiskey drink in hand feeling like I was somewhere else. Sun was setting and shining in my face and Bazilika' s bells were ringing , yet I couldn' t believe I was on a rooftop. Every building around me felt like a backdrop or a prop. Pretty amazing.
I had been having so much trouble with my skin lately. The weather has changed, I traveled to little different climate, the airplane is not a big help and yes I haven' t been the best at hydrating myself. I had redness, spots, accidental scabs where I over waxed and took bits of skin off with the hair and dry patches. Does not sound good I know.
I have made a big change though. It is two or three weeks since I changed my diet to a lot of fruits, vegetables, no fry food or junk food. A lot less sugar, no alcohol and kept myself hydrated. I actually carry a tumblr cup with water around to make sure I always drink. Also my skincare routine has changed. Well not changed, I just actually created one. Was about time, ay?
And I realized or have to admit rather, that all the stuff people talk about, you know keeping hydrated, washing your face, moisturizer etc, ALL TRUE.
I love doing my make-up. I really can´t put together why I would let someone else do it for me when I am going out or for some special event. I like playing aroud and honestly who knows my face better then me?! I do obviously understand that there are people who don´t have the skill, patience, products etc. I am in no place to judge of course. I just mean that I am lucky enough to be able to somewhat fix myself up on my own. And I really enjoy it. So yay for me I guess haha. That is a reason why my make- up routine changes and you can always see me rock some other color of eyeshadows. I actually don´t think that I have ever worn the same combo of eyeshadows, like ever for two days in a row.
I also have tried lots of new products lately which switched up my everyday makeup and this is truly my fave so far. It is easy and quick.
Now I unlike everybody else in the universe do start with my foundation and "contour" and not eyebrows. As I am trying not to be too harsh I only use BB cream after I am done moisturizing. Currently I like using the one from ZIAJA. For framing a flattering my face I do slight contour using my new love- profusion highlight palette. I love to use the lightest and darkest shade. I have been struggling with my eyebrows so much receantly. Then one morning I accidently used Essesnce soft contouring lip pencil to fill in my brows (as it looks just like my brow pencil) and I felt little stupid at first. Then I noticed how perfect the color is on me and felt meh. It looked great. I always "seal the deal" with brow gel. My new fav is Fill+Tame by Beautanic Beauty. As I mentioned I don´t go for the same eyeshadow twice but I can assure you that 80 percent of the time it will be the oranges and pinks from shadow palette that I have loved so much in last year, I can´t even read its brand from the cover. Ops. Sorry. Eyeliner and mascara have been previously mentioned in my receant posts. Eyeko liner and Bad Gal mascara by Benefit. They last for ever. I find it as little challenge every night to take them off to be honest with you haha. Lippy is very different story. I do not have an every day shade. I find this to be a great ´cherry on top´ when it comes to whole outfit and final look. So play around and see what works best. Did you try any of these products before? Do you have any you think I should try? Let me know or go comment on my latest pic on insta and leave a recommendation x @DeniVev
Until next time, keep safe and live your life to the fullest
I have been wanting to change my hair for a while now. The whole smudged root thing has been in for som time now and yes it is real practical as it keeps me from having to touch up my roots 24/7. Now I am not saying that I suddenly have plenty of time to spend of doing my hair, but the change has really been needed.
Now even though I am a hairdresser myself and I tend to do my hair alone- help has been needed. So I used my holidays back in the hometown to get this blonde straw I call my hair sorted out.
The plan was simple. Get rid of the dark roots and make it all somewhat even with high/low-light situation.
Remember those times, when I had you have a look into my little brain to see what inspires me lately, as far as fashion and lifestyle things are? Well Im going to do that again. I have been using my pinterest a lot lately and wanting to try so much of it - fashion, home decor, makeup looks etc- I really wanted to share it with you and maybe have you go for it yourself.
If you have been around on my blog for a little while, you have noticed that winged eye liner has become a huge must in my everyday make-up routine. It makes your eye bigger, brighter and pop. If you can nail it, your whole look is just a bit more extra and makes you seem more put together. Always a bonus right?
For that you need a real good liner. Good product, bit of patience and practice is going to get you to that next level. As I am a bit of a freak for this little trend, i have tried far too many different products and brands, so I am kind of a know it all haha. Lately I have been having real bad luck though. Every product I had was either too runny, dried crazy quick or the brush was a whoooop. Nothing seemed to have worked. Then I received my latest birchbox and the winging game has been changed .
Do you live in England? Have you ever visited? Ever attempted to come during summer? Succeeded? Congrats. You made it to England during those magical 3-4 weeks of summer. If doesn' t always come in a row. Those few weeks are sprinkled around the year, as mother nature pleases. I was lucky enough to be able to somewhat enjoy the first part of British summer and it actually helped me fall back in love with Liverpool.
As I lived here for good few years, Liverpool became my home. Place where I work, live, have responsibilities and grown up shit to deal with. This type of places tends to start grossing us out after a little while. There is nothing you can do about it. It is just one of those things that happens in life.
In my case, I just got tired of being in the same place. Bored of doing same things and not having time or energy to do nothing more then I had to. The few sunny days charged me up though and I was able to go places and do thing that made me love Liverpool on first place. Meeting up with friends, getting food or few drinks, working in and outside of the salon and I even had time to chill and have little me time. Perfect way to remind myself why I live in this Scouse land.
One of my favorite features at anyone are the eyes. As a hairdresser it is something I have to notice on daily bases and making them stand out is pretty much my job. So you can imagine when I get to do my makeup- this is something I really like to focus on. As little girl I loved the Bratz dolls and I guess I am trying to take a little inspiration from them now that I get to doll myself up. Big eyes, bright and often colorfull. It really makes my face look all cute and dolly I guess.
One of the key things for this is a great mascara. The one I am pretty obsessed with is benefit' s Bad Gal. Makes lashes look longer, voluminous and gorgeous. Now it has one little thing , I am not sure about. Might be just my bottle, I will have to look into that, but it is kinda hard to take it off at the end of a day. It is pretty great though, when you think about it, just means it lasts well right?
Recently I had a chance to cross an amazing experience off of my bucket list. Thanks to my sister I got to go see Imagine Dragons live in Manchester. She came over so she goes there with me. It has definitely been worth waiting in freezing cold weather and having your lips turn purple.
Recently I have visited Manchester for the best concert I have been to so far. I am pretty sure that this experience will be very very hard to beat and will pretty surely stay in top 5 for a long time. You know it is one of those things where only things like, becoming an auntie, parent, endless love or solving a world hunger etc would make life better. But more about that in another post.
Here I wanted to share a different experience. Something that made my stay in Manchester better. As I stayed over for a night (traveled there with my sister) I needed a nice place to get breakfast. Sister is a huge coffee lover and little expert on the best of best. I am a known foodie. We stayed in Northern Quarter almost Picadilly Gardens area. So where should we go for breakfast that will make the whole concert experience sink in nicely?! Common!
Sweet little-ish place on Edge Street surrounded by plenty other artistic, as my sis says-hipster, cosy and very affordable, friendly staffed places. As you walk towards Common, there is no chance of missing the colorful entrance. Happy Hi and Hello from all sides as you walk in and warm feeling from the heaters we have been die-ing for.
RED.- One of the classiest lip colors, flirtiest and most valentine appropriate. I have loved red lip since I was an youngster. Tried different brands, shades and combinations. Currently I have one TOP mix of products and what a better time to share it with you, then on the Valentine' s day week?!
