You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.

So today I went on an outing with my manfriend and his bassist to help out by taking some promo shots for them. Now, I am no professional by any stretch of the imagination, in fact I don't even claim to know alot on good photography, but its something I like to experiment with and well, I love a challenge. 

Off we set to the castle grounds were there are all sorts of interesting surroundings to take pictures, with not to many people around. Light wasn't really my friend as it was incredibly dull out, but regardless we got some good shots outside. 

On the way back to the car we stumbled across an exhibition that was open, but completely empty. So we wondered in and had a nosey around. The room was beautifully lit and it seemed like the perfect setting for an impromptu snap or two of the lads. Not to mention it was an interesting exhibition for any music lovers, which we definitely are. Here are just a few of the pictures taken today.

Doesn't he look dapper in his suit!

I recently got a bridge camera, fuji finepix, which is what I used today. To be honest, its not fantastic. I thought it might fill a void for me as I pine for a DSLR, which I just can't afford right now. I'm sure it will be good for a beginner like me though, and something I want to do this year is take alot more pictures!

Hope you all had a lovely Friday!

Shell vs Cool Bone

I went into town recently for my quarterly Estee Lauder Double Wear replacement run. So I approached the counter with confidence and asked for my usual shade. Much to my complete horror, the girl uttered those words you never want to hear "Shell is a shade that is no longer". To say I was gutted is an understatement. Any one who has used Double wear will know how great its coverage is, and in my opinion there is no other foundation that really compares to it. On top of coverage, it was seemingly the only foundation that catered to us celtic (read: ghostly) skinned ladies. So with a deflated heart and a handful of testers, off I went, dragging my feet behind me.

I have learnt now that they are actually bringing Shell back due to the volume of complaints, but it is yet unknown when this might be. Among the testers there was a supposed replacement shade for Shell called Cool Bone, it even had the same code (1C1 - which means its the lightest shade, with pink under tones). I tried it out for several days and while it isn't bad, it just isn't the same. It is alot peachier than what shell was, and a lot more noticeable along my jaw line. Of course it all depends on your own skin tones, but if you were previously matched to Shell, you might find similar disappointment in Cool Bone as I did. As for the other light shades I was given, Ecru and Ivory Nude, they were more yellow toned, which is the main problem I find with other brands - making Shell the god send that it was.

I spent a good hour going around Debenhams trying out lots of brands, but none offer the same coverage as Double Wear, and most/all the lighter shades were yellow toned. So this really just leaves me hanging in wait for the return of Shell, which by the sounds of things will be taking its time to return.

Any pale skinned ladies got any fab finds? Foundation or other? I would love to know!

Blog Giveaway - Win a Pair of Gorgeous ViaBloomfield Shoes

What better way to start the new year off on the blog than a give away. And more than that, but its hopefully the first of many here on the blog! For the entire month of January you will be able to enter the give away to win a pair of ViaBloomfield originals! Choose between these two fabulous designs...

Winners can choose either the fabulous Wonder Woman Flats or the Bat-tastic Batman Flats, in a size of their choosing.

There are 5 easy ways to enter this giveaway;

1. To qualify you must follow ViaBloomfield Blog using Google Friend Connect (click 'join this site' on the right side bar)

For added entries:

2. Follow me/the blog on twitter @surah_elle

3. Tweet about the Giveaway using the quote provided in the Rafflecopter.

4. Like Viabloomfield Boutique on Facebook.

5. Blog about the Giveaway, including a link back to Viabloomfield Blog.

All you have to do is fill in the Rafflecopter form below. Winners will be drawn at random by the rafflecopter and announced on Febuary 1st! 

Goog Luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodbye 2012, hello 2013!

Although I spent ringing in the new year in a slightly different manner to previous years (bed ridden with the dreaded bug that's been doing the rounds), I still embarked on the same journey of what 2012 was to me, and what 2013 may be. I think its only natural to take a quick look back and recap, and at the same time look forward and try to assess what the future holds. 

2012 Recapped

• Made a debut onto radio, which also teamed up with being my first paid journalism related work. Something I never seen myself doing, and I am extremely proud of myself for grabbing the opportunity and running with it.

• Continued to write and get published for several publications.

• Bagged some interviews with bands and had them published.

• Went for 2 Journalism job interviews, didn't get the job(s) but was very pleased to get to interview stage.

• Went to some truly amazing gigs! The stand out ones being General Fiasco, Snow Patrol, and Blink 182 took the prize!

• Quit my full time role as a nanny and went part to allow me to pursue other things.

• Booked another trip to NYC for 2013.

• Started to write 3 of my novels.

• Started ViaBloomfield Boutique and enjoyed watching it lift off the ground. Overwhelmed and delighted by its success.

• Started an internship at Irelands Homes Interiors& Living Magazine, and absolutely love it.

All in all, I am pleased with my little achievements in 2012, its been a fantastic,life changing year in ways. I have big hopes for 2013!

2013, the plans!

• Continue my internship at IHIL magazine for as long as possible.

• Get some-what fitter and healthier, shed a few of those extra pounds, and feel all round better about myself.

• Get back on to the radio, and bag some more interviews.

• Complete my Diploma!

• Go back to NYC and have the time of our lives.

• Move house, and make a home with Chris.

• Make significant progress in at least one of my books.

• Bag myself a full-time job in journalism.

• Watch ViaBloomfield grow some more.

• Make lots of happy memories.

Wishing you all a happy and ambitious 2013, hoping all your dreams and expectations come true!