ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ Blackpoppies.com

Saturday 12 December 2015

New Lush Products


I picked up these three items in Lush last weekend. It was a successful trip as I managed to get in and out of there without too much interrogation from the staff ʕʔ. The main reason I dived in there on a Saturday was to pick up the I Love Juicy Shampoo...so let's start off with why I did that...


My scalp the last few weeks has been a bit gross. I've been finding that after washing and whilst even in the middle of drying that it feels sticky and waxy around the crown. Which has been getting me down! I read up online about it and it could have been a build up of the chemicals you get in your usual high street shampoo's (sulphates, parabens etc) I was using Pantene at the time (get in the bin).

People recommend rinsing with Apple Cider Vinegar which helps break down that build up and get it out. I wanted a natural shampoo to make sure I wasn't putting any build up back in. I trust Lush to sort this and this is what came up! My scalp was fresh and clear after the first wash *angels singing* Sometimes I still spray some ACV as a rinse too as it makes my hair shiny giving me a halo effect around crown *beyonce singing*

It's known for being strong and stripping the hair so this is my no.1 shampoo right now.

Lush - I Love Juicy Shampoo


Next up I came across the Yuzu & Cocoa Shower Cream. This might be a seasonal one off product but ... the smell. Theres a sort of coconut/ liquorice scent in there somewhere I think (for me anyway). Its an alarmingly thick yellow substance and the scent stays with me the first half of the day. I want to drink it. I did a little research to see what other products you can get in this scent and they used to do a perfume. I would lap that up if it still existed. Please bring that back someone. Just look at that blob.



Finally I picked up a new daily cleanser Lush Ultrabland. My skin is quite irritable this time of year. It seems the weather change makes my forehead really itch and welt up. So I'm up for trying oil based products to help keep that soothed (even though I have oily skin) Can I not have all the skin types plz! I find oil cleansers are good at breaking down make-up gently too so this makes a really nice soft night face wash. The texture is like soft creamy cupcake icing.


So yeah pretty happy with this lot ʕᴥʔ

Saturday 21 November 2015

Furry Tarantula Coat







H&M Trend Faux Fur Coat  - It's since disappeared off the site but I've seen a few in the Brighton store, its part of the 'Trend' department so keep an eye on that search filter online

I went for a UK 8 as furry coats can bulk up a bit, its really soft and priced pretty well (£79.99) for the amazing quality. Topshop would probably stick this in the boutique range and call it £500, respect to the H&M's!

Brown hat is from the H&M summer range 2015

Rose Gold Shell Bag is from here

Alien make up bag is current H&M too 

Black beret is an old one of eBay



Tuesday 3 November 2015

Monki Gingham Dress








Monki Gingham Smock Dress - Asos 
(I went for XS as I find the sizes big)

Black Leather Satchel - & Other Stories 
(second hand on eBay)

Nails - Elegant Touch

Gloverall Vintage Duffle Coat - eBay

Ankle boots - Primark 

I love this Monki dress, its so easy to just throw on and walk about in ꒰⑅•ᴗ•⑅꒱

Saturday 24 October 2015

Halloween Black Magic Cat Melt




For my birthday I received one of these Yankee Candle wax burners and quickly got obsessed with finding different wax scents/ tarts to melt on it. ヽ(๏∀◕ )ノ

I find the scent a lot stronger using wax tarts as opposed to scented candles. So far I think the most effective wax tarts are from Candlewick Greens. I've bought wax melts from various shops and they aren't always very accurate or strong when burnt. CG has been the best so far.

However I did find these black magic cat melts on eBay and the scent on these is pretty good too. They are really intricately shaped for a handmade product *hats off to the seller*

Whenever I put one on I get Little Mix's Black Magic stuck in my head though (⊙_⊙’)

I think the seller has since sold out but will link to the original listing



Also check out Candlewick Greens

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Upcycle: Ikea Barometer Desk Lamp


I've had my Ikea Barometer Desk Lamp (in red) for a while and wanted to update the colour.  


I thought this post might be more helpful as a point of reference when seeing how this particular colour and spray brand turns out IRL. I find there aren't enough 'results' pictures when you are looking at paint colours so posts like this can help when you are perusin' google images. 



I did buy the Rust-Oleum white primer spray too but that didn't turn up so in the end I went without using a primer because I'm impatient and I had everything set up dammit!

You might need...

A cheap tarpaulin if you are spraying indoors. These are great, they are strong and so cheap. You get ripped off in DIY stores so get one on eBay - £1.79 including postage (!)

A face mask to cut down on inhaling the fumes

Windows open 

Sand paper

First I put some masking tape on the inside to cover the holes so the paint doesn't go inside near the fittings



Then I gave the whole lamp a bit of a rubdown with some sandpaper so the paint will stick. Well...at first I did try and cheat and just put the paint straight on... but that wasn't working so I gave in and did my sanding duties *sigh*



Now it was a little rough I could shake the can and get spray painting *tissssssssss* 
Do wear a mask if you are doing this indoors and make sure its in the middle of the room (my phone did get caught in the crossfire) Make sure the windows are open as the spray can make you feel a little sick and light headed. Its touch dry in 20 minutes and solid dry in 24hrs. It didn't turn out too bad considering I tend to ruin everything I touch when it comes to DIY. 




I tried the spray on this 50p ceramic Oradd Ikea plant pot too (no sanding necessary)




Thursday 8 October 2015

Moomin Cafe - Tokyo

I was having a little TBT in my head and realised I never posted any pictures from my trip to the Moomin Cafe in Tokyo, what! (ノ・ェ・)ノ 

I think part of the reason I didn't was because I had a bit of a bad experience...none of the cuddly toys wanted to sit with me. Considering this cafe was initially marketed as a place for lone diners to not feel alone...I was the only person there alone... and without a toy to sit opposite the message was loud and clear: even stuffed toys don't like you ʕʔ But I am a strong, sassy, independent female lady and I made the most of it. 


There was a little 20/30 minute queue to do outside but this was ok as its within a shopping centre that has a ROLLER COASTER so I was mildly entertained while I waited (it was operating empty, but still). You get your menus outside so you don't waste no time deciding what you want once you get in there. This is the fab outside area.


Once inside I was seated with my back to a window on a two seater table facing out into the restaurant. Here I could gaze upon all the happy families, children, couples, friends etc. smiling…laughing…talking. I became acutely aware I was the only lone diner in this "anti loneliness cafe" 
(the loneliness of lonlinesses) (╯•﹏•╰) Plus out of about 8 toys hanging in the cafe none of them made it to my table in the time I was there, guyssssss.


so I took this awkward photo of everyone else having a good time


The food was fab though and there was lots of FREE BREAD all different kinds, it was a bread buffet! I think thats chicken meat in the katsu curry, I'm vegetarian but had to order the most instagramable looking meal even if it goes against my dietary requirements. I skipped those bits and ate the sauce and rice. I think the orange stuff was soup. Of course the rice is pure moomintroll. 


When you pick a desert you get to keep the little moomin cup it comes in. I knew I would not like the taste of this particular custardy desert but FREE CUP.



I probably spent an hour or so at my table so you don't feel rushed which is nice. Time especially goes slow when waiting for your bill...alone... with no wifi 
*looks at photo's on phone for 8th time* 
*contemplates meaning of existence* 
Oh yes the bill! 
*waits for them to come back to collect the cash*
*Tries not to stare at people*

Next door is a Moomin Bakery and shop! You cannot fault their skills: everything looks fab and classy like Moomins. Tokyo really does theme cafes well! I forgive you Moomin for not being able to sit with me, you are a busy man I get it. 

It's located in the LaQua Shopping Centre, Tokyo Dome ʕʔ


Sunday 27 September 2015

Bow Blouses

I needed some bow blouses in my life and the shops weren't stocking any reasonably priced ones
┗(•̀へ •́ ╮ )

This turned out to be a good thing as two of the blouses featured are in fact off eBay and cost me a few quid instead. Take that £400 Topshop Boutique range! (・`ェ´・)つ

At the bottom of this post there are some tips on finding blouses like this on eBay.
The black cord dungaree dress is an old Primark one (they tend to float about on eBay too)


I've nicknamed this one 'Wendy Meakin' you will only understand this reference if you watch Four Rooms, if not, you can call it Alexa Chung. Found on eBay It's by a brand called 'Lexicon' (if you want to try find this exact one). Its a structured white shirt with a front ruffle and a built in skinny bow. I like the fact its not see-through, don't want anything to distract from the bow yo.
This cost £9 including postage (^▽^)

Also found on eBay this one reminds me a bit of an air hostess or someone selling popcorn in a cinema. Its soft and light and the bow is also built into the collar really well. Great quality and it actually smelt really nice for vintage. Again not see-through! Celebrate!
This cost me £5.50 including postage (^▽^)



This blouse is a current high street number from Zara. The print reminds me of William Morris wallpaper and I love the colours. I think Zara are quickly becoming my fave high street shop at the moment, they seem to do all the right things and don't always charge as much as perhaps Topshop would try and get away with. The Suede pinafore in red is also from Zara.
This cost £29.99 and is available here  (^▽^)



eBay tips

eBay initially will show a lot of new items from Asia. I prefer to buy second hand high street brands as I'm familiar with their fit and quality and delivery will be quicker. Filtering is pretty necessary to cut out the thousands of generic items from international dealers. I often use the eBay app as its just easy to dip in and out of if I get an idea in my head.



1. Name it: If you are looking for a bow blouse for example it might be keyworded in different ways, terms like "vintage" "ruffle" "peter pan collar" "bow" "60s" "victorian" "lace" might help. Often the bargains are found with the fewer keywords as no one else finds them!

2. Refine it: This is where filtering comes in handy. So you search "bow blouse" or even just "blouse" then go to "Refine" and choose these options to cut out the amount of international listings showing up:

Sort by: "Ending soonest" (it's about to end, woo!)

Condition: "Used" (cuts out all the brand new generic buy it now listings from dealers)

Buying format: "Auction" (theres a good chance you might nab something at the starting bid)

Item Location: "United Kingdom only" eBay is sneaky with this one. It defaults to "On eBay.co.uk" this does not necessarily mean the item is actually in the UK. International sellers want you to buy and will make the item appear to be in your country when really it is in China.

Price: You can narrow the results to show you anything under a fiver for example.

3. Watch it: Add what you like to your 'Watch List' or if there is nothing there for now you can "follow the search" and it stores it in your "Following" section so you can check up on this result and get notifications if something specific you are looking for is listed.


4. Snipe it: Most mornings I check my Watch List and see whats ending that day, if I still like it I will add a snipe to the auction so my highest bid is put down in the last 3 seconds, without me having to be present. I use a snipe app called "ibidder" which is available on android. Fully supported by eBay and never lets me down! Its like having a little assistant to put your bids down in the final moments, which is the best time to do it. Don't show your cards too early!