Mid-Season Sales Haul!

Hi everyone,

I was meaning to do a proper video about all the lovelies I've accumulated during the mid-season sales.
BUT my camera was out of battery, and the audio does not link up when I use my webcam.

So I've had to do this silent film-style!

(All links to websites/online shops are on the YouTube video, so give it a clicky-clicky!)

Also - PLEASE excuse some of "my" spelling errors.
Stupid Movie Maker kept deleting random letters!

Remember, the 450 Followers Giveaway (although there's over 500 of you now which is so wonderful!) ends this Sunday - so this week is your last chance to enter!

Oh, one more thing: my current phone provider has been bleeding me dry over the last few months - so I changed this week, and for £5 more per month I got a fancy schmancy Blackberry Bold 9700:

I've never had a really nice phone before, so I'm rather in love!
Plus it's SO much easier to keep on top of my emails and Twitter - be sure to add me if you haven't already!

Muchos love,
MessyCarla

PS: Notice anything different? I've given this blog a bit of a makeover, thanks to the help of Illustrator and artiste extraordinaire Lucy Farfort!
Check out her work via LucysHappyPlace.com, but I'll be posting an interview with her next time!

An Abundance Of Geekery!

Hey everyone,

I'm a glutton for anything a little on the dorky side, and here's some stuff from TEH WISHLIST:

T-SHIRT: TruffleShuffle, £21.99
GAMEGIRL NECKLACE: Junkie Lovers, £6.
GLASSES: New Look, £4.
NINTENDO NECKLACE: Culture Vulture, £14.99.
CAMERA NECKLACE: Punky Pins, £10.
CASETTE NECKLACE: Heidi Seeker, £10.

I think however much people try to deny it - there's always something they like to geek-out over.

(NOTE: Links include spoilers!)

A few years ago I was involved in a good few fandoms, most predominently with Gyakuten Saiban/Ace Attorney, which is a series for the Nintendo DS.
I fell in love with the story of well-meaning lawyer Phoenix Wright, and his friends Maya Fey and Miles Edgeworth.

I also found it interesting how a lot of the online communities seemed to be run by female gamers. When I asked them why, a lot of them replied it was because the game features a lot of powerful but beautiful women, such as Mia Fey and Ema Skye.

I'm always fascinated with gaming, the internet, social networking and why people love it so much - I even took a class in my first year of University called Introduction To Cybercultures.
Our lecturer Rob walked in and said "Welcome Newbies to STUDY OF TEH INTARWEBS!"
It was honestly the coolest class ever. His first slide even read "A/S/L?"

What do you guys geek-out over?
I always love to hear what makes you tick and go all fangirly!

*Squee-out!*

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Mid Week Nails: Berry Ice Cream.

Hey everyone,

It's that time of the week already:

This week's colour is another Barry M nail paint - and it's 308/Berry Ice Cream.

I know, I know. I can hear you all yelling at your screens - "Oh Carla! Don't you know there are actually other brands of nail polish?!!"

Well, I hear ya. But Barry M is one of my favourite makeup brands (without a doubt my favourite 'drugstore' brand) and their nail paints are always fantastic.

I've been getting bored of mint green, but not quite ready for bold oranges and yellows.
And I was quite lucky to pick up this colour as it's sold out a lot of places, including online.

It went on lovely (although as usual - I put too much on so it went slightly gloopy) and as my new job entails a lot of typing, it wore of pretty quickly at the tips.

But I do love love love it!
This is my first lilac nail polish, as I've always prefered dark purples. But I think I'm converted!

There's going to be slightly less posts that usual at the moment because as I mentioned, I've now started my new job, and getting used to the routine.
It used to be: Doss about in pyjamas all day, think about doing essay nap, plan essay, write blog instead, sleep. Heh.
Now it's get to Sunderland for 9am (forgot how much I hate early metros...), work hard all day, go home at 5pm, watch Buffy, sleep.

In exciting news, I'm having a new banner made by local illustrator Lucy Farfort.
I came up with the concept, but as everything I do on this blog is made on MS Paint I needed a helping hand.
And I saw a rough draft yesterday and it looks fantastic - I can't wait!

I love the banner I have (made by the gorgeous Janis) but to be honest I'm sick of the sight of my own face when I click this blog. Plus I have red hair now.

Finally my laptop decided it needed to be formatted last night, so I thought I'd lost everything. However, the clever thing has been secretly backing up without telling me, so I still have MOST of my music and pictures. Whew.
I'm NOT going to enjoy having to catagorise my Itunes again - I'm a bit OCC that everything is labelled correctly. Plus I had some great playlists that I was going to make into mix CDs (one for Claire from French For Cupcake, whose is LOOONG overdue!)

Blog-wise I have some events coming up that I'll be telling you guys all about.
Rachel from Mon Polka Dot Cheri managed to score us tickets to a 1940s Victory Celebrations event, which is so our cup of tea! There's going to be warsongs, everyone in vintage clobber and cupcakes.
Then on the evening is a rationing-style meal, with a menu including potted crab, rabbit in cider and Victoria sponge cake. How fun?
If you'd like to go, you can buy tickets from the The Next Big Event's website.

As for what I'm wearing - I'm re-watching Brief Encounter (one of my all-time favourite films) for some inspiration!

Then later on in August I'm meeting the girls from British Style Bloggers.
I haven't been with them for very long, so it's going to be lovely getting to know everyone.
There's even going to be a summer Secret Santa, and I'm quite glad I don't know the girl who I'm buying for as it'll be a bit of a challenge. And I do love a shopping challenge.

As for me, I'm going to Edinburgh next month with Daniel to see the adorable Michael Urie in Celebrity Autobiography.
Marc St James is one of my favourite TV characters, so it's going to be très exciting to see Michael - I'll have adorn my asthma inhaler in sparkles so we match!

Don't forget to enter my 450 Followers Giveaway - two themed sets of lovely items to be won, from some of my favourite shops including - Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins.
(Also I was asked if I bought all the prizes myself, and the answer is a resounding YES!)

Sorry this entry has been talk talk talk for the most part. Back to normal soon, I promise!

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Outfit Post: Nothern Pride

Hey everyone,

Happy Pride Day to my lovely locals. Here's my Outfit Post for today:

DRESS: New Look, £30. (Limited Edition range)
JACKET: River Island, £17. (sale)
LEGGINGS: Primark, £2.50.
NECKLACE: Miss Selfridge, £2. (sale)
BELT: New Look, £2. (sale)
SHOES: Office, £15. (sale)
POINT OF FASHION: Off to Nothern Pride!

I absolutely LOVE my new River Island jacket - it was just too pricey for me at RRP, but I found it in the sale a few days ago.
Me and Daniel call it my Graham Norton jacket!

Today was Northern Pride – a LGBT event covering the Newcastle/Sunderland/South Shields and surrounding areas.

My favourite clubbing destination has always been the Newcastle’s gay scene.
It’s so funny when people who aren’t regulars come in and stare, as really nothing surprises me now.
Please don't ask me to explain what goes on in the cellar of 'The Eagle'.

There’s something both seedy and comforting about the scene.
Especially mine and Daniel's favourite destination, The Bank bar.
Such as, the drag queen will wave cheerfully at you when you enter, but (no matter your gender or orientation) chances are you will be felt up at the bar.
As I once explained: “It’s like Cheers with free condoms.”
Daniel's blog entry goes into better - and funnier - detail about our escapades!

Back to Pride!
I've also been lucky enough lately to be involved with the lovelies at Pride Radio - so I took some rainbow cupcakes over to our station manager Tony when he was doing the outside broadcast.
They got rave reviews! A bit squished after being in tupperwear for a few hours, but still very yummy.

Vanilla sponge, with chocolate sponge in the middle and massive chocolate chunks.

If you want to try making them yourself, this is what you'll need:

Carla's Rainbow Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups all purpose/plain four
1//2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup softened butter.
3/4 cup granulated sugar.
2 eggs, room temperature.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
2/3 cup milk. (Room temperature)
As many chocolate chips/chocolate chunks as you can handle!

Makes 12 large cupcakes, or 19 smaller cupcakes.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees/Gas Mark 5.
2. Line a cupcake tin with wrappers.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. In another bowl beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended.
6. Beat in vanilla.
7. Add the flour mixture and milk. Combine, but do not overmix.
8. Separate your mixture into three bowls. In one bowl add red food colouring, in another bowl add chocolate powder (The darker the better), and in the third add green.
9. Mix together until combined, then gently stir in your chocolate chips/chocolate chunks.
10. Add a teaspoon of mixture to each cup until they are 2/3 full.
11. Bake for 18-24 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
12. Cool completely and frost/ice.
I was both lazy and wanting the icing to be a talking point - so instead of regular frosting, I used Ann Summers' Vanilla Body Icing and decorated with sprinkles and gold glitter.

Anyhoo, hope if there's a Pride event in your area you go along and wave that rainbow flag!
I'll try and pop some more pictures from Nothern Pride onto my Facebook page.

Finally, Thank you thank you if you've entered my 450 Followers Giveaway! And if not - please do!
Muchos love,
MessyCarla

Mid-Week Nails: Barry M's Blue Glitter

Hey everyone,

To brighten up our mid-week blues I'm introducing a brand spanking new series here!

Every Wednesday will feature a lovely NOTD (Nails Of The Day) post.
And it's going to be called:

Ta-dah!

Right, to kick everything off - this mid-week's nails is Barry M's 297/Blue Glitter polish:

As much as I'm loving my pale nails at the moment, I will always have a soft spot for glittery polishes.
They remind me of the ones I used to adore as a kid.

I just got this yesterday so I can't comment too much as yet of the wear-and-tear.
It covered beautifully after just two coats (and a base coat underneath).
Although my fingertips needed a bit of a touch-up, as you can see in the picture.

I really do adore Barry M's nail paints - I'm sure you'll be meeting more of them in the coming weeks!


In other news I haven't been able to blog much this week as I've been SUPER busy, especially over the past few days.

Saturday was my friend Megan's surprise birthday party.
I was DYING to make a reference to it on Twitter or something, but Megan has great intuition, and I reckon she would have figured something was up.

It was organised by her fabulous mam, Diane (or as we all call her Absolutely Fabulous Mother - AFM for short!) and was at a lovely Italian resteraunt in Sunderland.

BACK (L-R): Sarah-Jane, Jayne, Alexandra, Megan (birthday girl!), David and Drew.
FRONT (L-R): Hattie, me, Diane/AFM and Paul.

Teehee we made poor Megan cry! But good tears.
For her present I'd bought her a Dundie Award when I was in New York as she got me into The Office, and it's all her fault I'm now a rabid fangirl.
They're such a warm, lovely group of people - I only met Paul on Saturday, and when he spotted me in town today, he came over to chat.

Also, on Monday I finally graduated from university.
It's been a long three years, and there's been a good few times I've considered throwing the towel it.
It's definately not been easy or particularly enjoyable for the most part, but it was nice to say goodbye to everyone properly, and celebrate a period of my life ending.

Carla Benstead: Media Production (Television & Radio) BA Hons. 2.1.

I know, I know. My outfit isn't very interesting - especially compared to a lot of girls who went all-out in cocktail dresses.
But I wanted a fairly classic combination of white shirt and black skirt so my official picture would be as timeless as possible. I'm getting that in a few weeks.

My favourite lecturer Martin came over to chat to me and my family after the ceremony and said some rather lovely things.
He's trying to convince me to come back in a year or so do to a Masters in Radio.

I can tell I'll be back to university in a few years to do something when I realise that real life is a bit boring and I can't have lie ins anymore.
But doing what exactly - I'll just wait and see.

The favourite thing Martin said was "Carla is always full of surprises."
My mam replied "She's been surprising me for twenty-one years" which may have been a bit sarcastic, but I'm letting it slide.

This is the beginning of my unofficial gap year (or Gap Yah) - I'm not planning on doing anything particularly exciting for now, but really I'm just finding my feet - trying new things (including courses, work experience and placements hopefully) and deciding what I want to do for the rest of my life.
I'm going to be working full-time until I'm at least 65 - I'm going to make this year count.
And yes, I've got a few holidays planned. Teehee.

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

About Me

Hello, I'm Carla!

Hello, and welcome to my little corner of the internet!

I've run Droogette.com for over a decade, from my life as a university student, to just another Geordie girl in her 30s.

I've collaborated with brands such as Simply Be, New Look, Yours, The Body Shop, Rose & Co. as well as independent brands and creators.

I've also attended London Fashion Week in collaboration with Look Magazine and worked closely with them to launch their online blogging platform.

My hobbies - besides talking to myself on the internet - include video games, fashion history, Asian cuisine, watching drag performances, live music and I can often be found in the stalls of the theatre (never the circle, dahhling).

I also run a Japanese blog over at TheGeordieGaijin.com documenting my time living in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you blog full-time?

No, I have a BA in Television & Radio Production, but I worked in the travel and tourism industry from 2010-2019. I now work in education.


What camera do you use?
A lot of photos in older posts use my Nikon DSLR, now I just use my iPhone. 

Can I interview you for my blog/article/school project/dissertation etc.?
I get asked this a lot during deadline season, but you are very welcome to contact me via the form on the sidebar. 


Can I write a guest post for you?
Please get in touch via the form on the sidebar to discuss options. 

How do you get started/gain followers?
I was unhappy in my final year at university and wanted a creative outlet outside my media degree. Over ten years later, here we are...

Is this blog PR friendly?

Absolutely! If you are interested in advertising, product placement or a review, please email me to discuss.

Disclosure:

Sponsored Posts: 
Sponsored posts are clearly labeled at the bottom of the individual blog post for full transparency. Items sent for consideration are clearly identified. Views are always my own, and I would never promote a product I did not love myself.

450 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY!!

CLOSED!!

Winners announced 01/08/10!

Hey everyone,

(The super-cute drawing of me was a gift from Rai of Blargle Fargle!)

It's finally here - the 450 Followers Giveaway!
Just like last time there are two sets of prizes to be won:

The Ditzy Floral Parcel is inspired by the florals and pastels trend this Spring/Summer.
Dainty and feminine items - perfect for a Summer picnic with tea, sandwiches and cupcakes.

• Pink rose earrings from Topshop.


• Pearl and hearts bracelet from Miss Selfridge.


• Corsarge (can be worn as pin or hairclip) from Dorothy Perkins.


• Cupcake tissues from Peacocks.


• Pick 'n' Mix sweets from Topshop.
  
  

The Sweetheart Parcel is a Rockabilly love story wrapped up with a big lipstick kiss. Stereotypical Valentines-style items - as "the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself" - Carrie Bradshaw.

• Set of heart and arrows earrings from Topshop.


• Red bow hairclips from Dorothy Perkins.


• Love pin from Miss Selfridge (sorry I had to remove the packaging - it was practically destroyed!)


• Kisses tissues from Peacocks.


• Pick 'n' Mix sweets from Topshop.
  
  

"So Carla! How can I be in with a chance to win these lovely prizes?" I hear you cry.
Funny you should ask:

This giveaway is open to all followers - it's because of you guys I love doing what I do here!

If you leave a comment here: 1 vote.
If you tweet about the giveaway on Twitter: 1 vote.
If you post about the giveaway on your blog: 1 vote.
If you have a permanent link on your blog for the duration of the giveaway: 2 votes!

Just let me know in the comments the link to your tweet/blog/entry if you promote.
You'll also be automatically entered into both draws!

The 450 Followers Giveaway will close on Sunday 1st August at 12noon GMT.
I do hope you all enter - and best of luck to you all!

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

Product Love: Resurrection Style Dust

Hey everyone,

You all know I love my hair products, and am usually loyal to the ones I know and love.
But I'm always happy to buy new additions for the family.

Due to a week of hot sun, humidity and being seperated from my heat protector sprays, I had worse split ends than Worzel Gummidge (remember my hair is bleached too, under the red)!
I was definately due a haircut.

Usually, after my cut, I have my hair blowdried in quite a sleek way - but I asked my stylist (Shout-out to Chris who always keeps me from looking like a hot mess) to add more volume to my fresh, chunky layers.

And he came back with this product:

Oh yes. THAT'S a volumizer.

It's completely different to a mousse or volumizer spray. It's DUST!
All you have to do is shake it up, sprinkle a little onto your roots, rub it in, scrunch and watch your hair expand!

It's really cool when you shake it up, the dust fills up the whole bottle, then slowly settles again.
That's how clever it is:

I thought at first it was going to be the same consistancy of dry shampoo, which I have never really liked. My hair always feels weighed down and limp.
But the texture is very light, and slightly grainy, like very very fine salt. But it doesn't leave any residue in my hair.

The dust does work best if you like that big messy hair look, like I do. It's especially brilliant if you have a lot of layers as it can really give them a kick.
But if you like neat, chic hair with that extra oomph, it may be best to give this one a miss as it gives a bit of a bed-head look.

The only downside is that you can really 'feel' this working in your hair.
Personally I like that matte feeling of texture, but it really grosses some people out.

What I like best is the fact that with this, I'm able to eliminate several harmful processes to my hair.
Such as to get the same look I've had to add a volumizer, blow dry the opposite direction to my hair growth, pile on the hairspray and backcomb. My hair is crying out in pain, I tell thee!

With this, I just have one easy process - sprinkle and scrunch!
No backcombing or hairspray needed.

Sorry for the appauling webcam picture (my camera's battery is currently on charge) but this is how my hair looked TEN HOURS after the initial application:

My hair has never looked this decent at 11pm after snugging under my duvet for a few hours with series 5 of Buffy The Vampire Slayer (God, I could never stand Dawn!).

And if my hair got limp throughout the day, I just gave it a bit of a scrunch and joozjh - and it was massive again!
It's a miracle I tell you!

You can buy Label. M at all Toni & Guy salons or there's plenty of places online if you do a quick search.
Label. M Resurrection Dust costs £10 for 3g and about £15 for the 7g (which I got).


How about you guys?
Have you ever tried a product that was a bit off-the-wall?
Did you love it or hate it?

Muchos love,
MessyCarla.

NOTE: I paid for this product with my own money, and all opinions are my own. I was given no compensation for writing this review.