The Body Shop Early Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub | An Ode To Products At Home

Why does everything always have such a long name? 

This is the second installment of this feature, in which I talk about the products I have at home and not here with me, that I miss greatly. 'Cos I'm sad like that. 

This week, yes it's another Body Shop product...but they're just so good! This is the Early Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub (because raspberry body scrub as a name was just too damn short). Firstly, if you haven't smelt this product, oooohmy do you have to. It literally smells like raspberry jam, and it genuinely makes me want to eat it. Not only that, but it looks just like jam. It has the seeds and everything!

This product is just so great. With body scrubs, I want one that has a lot of scrubby bits, but that's not too harsh. This has the perfect blend; it has the larger seeds and then smaller scrubby particles meaning that it does the job without making you feel like you've raked your skin in sand paper. It leaves your skin feeling soso smooth, and you smell good too!

(As a side note, one of my boy flatmates last year had to open this for me, got it on his hands, and as it smelt so good just rubbed it in; so really it's unisex too!)

I can't recommend this product enough. And as I have said before, It's The Body Shop, so you know you're getting good and decent stuff in there. 

You can get this here for £12.50
...and it seems you can't get this particular one in the US, but you can have a gander at the others here which are currently on sale for $12!

What are your thoughts of food-like products?

xoxo

Easy Like Sunday Blogging

I am currently making tea with the very last of my teabags from home which I have been saving for when I really need it. Tonight is definitely that time...

- So this week's segment isn't going to be quite the same. Some of you may have noticed my absence from pretty much everything...I haven't been on twitter, I haven't been on youtube, I haven't blogged, I even made some recent posts on Facebook private after realising I didn't want them to be seen. 

Overall, I have just lost a lot of motivation for near everything. A few things have contributed to this, which I won't go into, however every year pretty much around this kind of time I go into what I call 'hibernate mode'. I don't want to do anything, I feel completely useless and I just want to hibernate in my bed all day and night. This is pretty much what I have been doing the past few days...I have just been in my bed and binge-watched mediocre films on netflix and the current series of the Apprentice. 

When it comes to not blogging it makes me feel really rubbish, and I apologise for the lack of posts. I have however been planning some, and I didn't want to let this weekly post past me by. 

For the American readers out there (The Kazlight Anthem is hitting pretty much near every continent!), you will know that it's Thanksgiving this week. I am travelling on Tuesday to New Jersey to stay with my wifeyforlifey's family. I really want to vlog this experience, and always intended to, however I don't want to vlog something that is then just, meh. 

But hopefully a little break away will put the zest back into things! (zest? I don't know...)

*Please note* I am not making this post to just have a little moan about that I'm not feeling motivated to do stuff that I don't have to be doing, but when you run a blog, and have a readership, there is always an expectation and an unwritten promise that you are going to make content for those people. And so I don't want to suddenly just stop doing anything at all, but didn't want to leave you all hanging. I have a lot of negative memories associated with this time of year and always struggle in various ways around now; we all are after all, only human.

Thank you again for all of you that are reading and following; you are my favourite people, and I love you all.

xoxo

70% Meat and Potatoes, 30% Icing and Fluff

This was something which I read about here on WhoWhatWear and I just needed to share it!

'According to Kors: "70 percent of the clothes you own should be meat and potatoes. 30 percent should be icing and fluff—that's color, pattern, shine, and accessories. Too many women get the proportions the other way round, then can't figure out why they can't get dressed." '

Isn't this just great? Now I'm definitely going to find it easier to get dressed in the morning! 

What do you think?

xoxo

The Body Shop Camomile (Silky) Cleansing Oil | An Ode to Products at Home

Obviously given the title...these are products that I do not have here with me, thus I will not be using photos of the products, as I cannot photograph something I do not have! But really, this works better as then you don't need to deal with my shoddy lighting. 

This is a new feature that I've been planning for a while, seeing as there are a LOT of products from home that I miss. These aren't necessarily products that I can't get over here in the States, but they're just those which I know I have back at homehome and it makes me sad I can't use them. 

So today, for the first installment, I bring you The Body Shop's Camomile (everytime I write this I think I've spelt it wrong) Silky Cleansing Oil. This product is bloody good. Literally, amazing. It gets rid of all your make up so well and so quickly, it cleans your face so well and so quickly, it rinses off so well and so quickly...get my point? It's only £10, and I had been using this pretty much every day for months and am only about a third of the bottle down. You only need a little and it really goes a long way!

As it's The Body Shop, you know that you're getting a product that will be really kind to the skin and this most definitely is. I cannot recommend this product enough! 

You can get your hands on this wonder product here for $18; because I'm in America, America likes to redirect me on pretty much every website I use to the American version (mutters annoyances under breath). But it is definitely £10 in the UK here!

Have you tried this? If not...why not?!

xoxo

Easy Like Sunday Blogging

Easy Like Sunday Blogging by superkarina5 featuring Pier 1 Imports

These installments are seriously coming around toooooo quickly! Two papers due this week, a midterm, one midterm back, ten tonne of other stuff (currently only enrolled for one class next semester #awks), it's now Sunday evening and I still haven't done everything. Oh well!

- I have just spent the past four hours or so painting tiny dots on to my latest painting. My eyes haven't stopped twitching for a good half hour now...but it's looking good and can't wait to share my two latest canvases with you!

- Band Aid 30. Come on people. Band Aid 20 was bad enough, but now 30? Why can't we just make up a brand new song for good causes and charity? The original will always and forever be the best. That is not opinion, but fact. 

- I have watched Love Actually twice this week. That film remains one of the greatest films ever in the history of anything ever.
Let us all just take a moment to appreciate this classic Hugh Grant moment:

- It has been snowing here! It started to really settle last night. It made the Wisconsin Nebraska game much more interesting seeing as you couldn't see some of the field due to the snow... I am absolutely loving it. If anyone has suggestions of good snowboots, please let me know!

-I am still reading the bloody Goldfinch. I never take this long to read a book but I really am struggling with this one. I have seen so many people talk about it saying that they read books all the time so they didn't struggle. I am the same, so are these people reading something different to me? Anyone else had this trouble? 

I hope you all had a lovely week! Countdown to Thanksgiving: 9 days!

xoxo

Gold Eyeliner For Snowy Weather

If you watched my Autumn Haul video, then you will have seen that I bought the Cover Girl Ink It! Eyeliner in 235 Gold Ink. I really love this eyeliner! I love the colour, I love the texture, I love the applicator...ness of it. It's a twist up pencil, but it just glides on sooo smoothly and is pretty pigmented.
Yet it's subtle, so at first glance it's as if you aren't wearing anything..then you see the glimmer and it just catches the light in such a lovely way. I do think that this brings out flecks of colour in my eyes, which as you can see, are brown. However I do think this looks amazing on blue eyes as the colour contrast looks lovely.
I've received a lot of compliments on this eyeliner, with a few people telling me it suits me (justsayin') and whilst it is SNOWING here (if you follow my twitter, you can watch my snow excitement live), I think this is a really great way to whack out some colour in these colder days!

What do you guys think?

xoxo

p.s. have finally taught myself how to do French plaits! eeeeeeeee!

The Kazlight Anthem is 1 Year Old!

So, (has anyone else noticed how many posts I start with 'so'?), despite having missed the official birthday of my loveylovely blog, I still need to spread the Birthday love to everyone.

I had been planning this post for a while; essentially I just want to talk about the reasons why I started The Kazlight Anthem and just have a little emosh moment with you all. 

In my second term of first year, The Kazlight Anthem officially started. And I don't mean the blog that you are currently reading today. I'm sure if you wanted to put the effort and time in, you could easily find the original Kazlight Anthem, but you will see some horrendous Paint-made posts and webcam-taken photos. It was also very shortlived.
Not long after starting this first blog, appendicitis hit (as well as a whole host of other things), and I was bed bound for the next 6 weeks or so. I had to go back home and could barely do anything. My motivation for anything was extremely low and I slept pretty much all the time. Thus the blog dwindled out, yet my passion for reading blogs only grew. 

Then in November of 2013, The Kazlight Anthem was reborn! Now, aside from my wish to really blog this time around and keep it going, there were actually a whole host of other reasons for why I started to really and truly blog.
I was really unhappy. Second year of university was, I honestly believe, one of the hardest and worst years of my life. This is for a myriad of reasons, which I won't go into detail about, but looking back on that time now I feel like a completely different person to how I felt then. Reading blogs, and watching youtube videos was not only of the things that I found comforting, but it was one of the only things which made me happy at this point. (To give you some perspective, and to make it not sound like I was just being a wet blanket; at a house party, one of my housemates took me to one corner, sat me down and just said to me that I really wasn't happy and should just go home for a bit. This was also a fairly common feeling for second years.)
And so I thought I would give back to the blogging community what it gave me; a place where I could be myself and really enjoy it. And I truly believe that starting this blog was one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

It may have meant that I will spend more money on make up and beauty products than food, and that sometimes you have to take a photo then and there in the good light, or that you have to sacrifice some sleep to get your post up for the best time in all time zones that read your blog, but ultimately, it is all worth it. Because at the end of the day, I am part of a wonderful, ever growing and ever changing community which means a small part of the world to me. If that's possible.

To thank you all for having gotten through this post...I would like to share some of the aforementioned poor quality photos. Mainly for the sheer fun of it and just so you can see how The Kazlight Anthem has changed over time.
So without further ado...enjoy.

All photos from The Kazlight Anthem Circa. 2012

And with that, thank you all again for reading and following and being the lovely people that you are. I hope you enjoyed this post and are having a lovely week!

xoxo

The '1989' Inspired 'Ask Me Anything' Tag

We allllll know by now how much I love my girl Taylor, and so when I saw this tag, I couldn't not do it! (I do think you may find it weird if you do this tag not being a big Taylor fan as the questions will have a very different meaning to you; not hating or anything, just merely expressing my thoughts here!)

1. Welcome to New York. If you could live in any city, which would it be and why?
I have always said Chicago. I adore that city. However since living in Madison I could definitely see myself living in a lot longer. But also, London, because, it's London!

2. Blank Space. What is something that everyone thinks is true about you but is actually false?
Hmmm. That I'm really quiet! People often say this to me, and I really am not. I'm not even shy. I'm horrifically awkward, but once you get to know me, that'll be a whoooole different story!

3. Style. What is one item in your closet that makes you feel unstoppable?
My high heeled ankle boots. With sparkles. (Or 'booties' I guess they'd say over here)

4. Out of the Woods. What is one thing that you're afraid of?
My biggest fear by far is clowns. However, with that being said, I am one of the jumpiest people on earth. My nevers are honestly terrible and everything make sme jump; even if I don't physically 'jump' my insides do.

5. All You Had To Do Was Stay. Who is someone you wish was still in your life?
I don't reeeally think I have anyone like that. People that are longer in my life are that way because of good reasons and I really think that you shouldn't keep holding on to the past.  

6. Shake It Off. What is something you have had to shake off?
A hell of a lot of awkwardness. My day-to-day life is a constant struggle in some ways, and sometimes I often think 'Why do these things always happen to me?' Then I remember I just need to shake it off. 

7. I Wish You Would. What is something you'd like to happen right now?
Right now? I really wish it would snow. There has been, and I quote Lorelei Gilmore, flakes have been sighted; flakage if you will!

8. Bad Blood. Have you ever had someone stab you in the back?
I wouldn't exactly say stabbed me in the back. But some of my closest friends from times gone by have definitely done some extremely hurtful things, thus see 5. 

9. Wildest Dreams. What would you like to be remembered for?
My quirks. I have a lot of them, and I like to think that I have quite a big personality. The other day we were listing off things that each of us does often, and my list was soooo much longer! So definitely for always being myself I guess and not caring what people thought. 

10. How You Get The Girl. What is your favourite pick-up line?
Oh god I can't deal with them. They make me cringe inside and my replies are always just ':|' in mumble form. 

11. This Love. What is something you got back that you never thought you would?
I think my general love for life. My first year of university, and the general 2012 era was the best year of my life (so far), then my second year of university was most definitely one of the worst years of my life. When I look back to myself this time a year ago and think about how I was feeling then, I am in such a better place right now with how I feel about everything, and so definitely that. I wanna say my, joie de vivre!

12. I Know Places. Where is one place you always feel safe?
My bed. Whatever bed it might be, my bed at homehome, my uni bed, or just wherever I'm then napping at any given time...there. 

13. Clean. What is an important lesson you have learned in life, and how did you learn it?
I can't think of any one specific thing...however I did used to think that 'time heals all wounds' was not true, but it really. Humans are very adaptive beings and we can in fact adapt and adjust to just about anything. I also definitely believe that you do mature as you get older, and that certain things start to seem very childish as you get older and you just learn to let them go. 

I really enjoyed this doing this tag and I tag all of you!

xoxo

Easy Like Sunday Blogging

Easy Like Sunday Blogging by superkarina5 featuring a panda hat

We are already well on our way into November; the countdown to Thanksgiving being prominent! (16 days!) 

- Firstly, I have an accouncement. In what can only be described as typical me fashion, I missed my blog's birthday. That's right. On the 5th of November (bonfire night, who knew! And how DID I FORGET?!) I made my very first post. I cannot believe that a whole year has gone by since then, but thank you to all who have followed me since the beginning, or have just jumped on the love train that is The Kazlight Anthem. I am eternally grateful for all the support and if I could make you all a cup of tea I would!
Starting this blog was one of the best things that I think I have done and could ever have done and I absolutely adore it. Without my blog, I wouldn't have started my youtube channel which is something else that I love. 
And don't worry, there will be an obligatory birthday post coming up!

- Secondly, I am sorry if my posting has gotten a bit slower of late. Midterms have happened (where I made up Greek names... #winning), papers are currently happening, work is imminetly happening. Basically, a lot of stuff has been happening. I have also been in a bit of a blog dry spell; my blogging spirit has, like the temperature here dropped and with that has come the sense that I don't want to to just whack out any old post for the sake of posting.
So I apologise, but be thankful you aren't getting posts talking about how much I hate all of the essay prompts for my History of Ancient Philosophy paper. 

- Last Sunday night, after receiving a Beauty Insider email from Sephora, depicting the latest freebie which was available for a limited time only, a purchase was made. Damage was done. Yet I felt no shame, only that wonderful rush  of excitement and joy when you purchase something that you've been saving up for for weeks yet still can't reaaally afford. 
That's right everyone, I purchased the Sephora Favourites Superstars Set. And ooohmy. I love it. I have been experimenting with it today, whilst avoiding aforementioned philosophy essay and I must say: make up makes me so happy. 

- The Starbucks Red Cups are back!!!! If you follow me on Instagram, then you will have seen my obligatory selfie with me posing with said red cup. Sooo many people here did not know what I was talking about!! Madness!!

- I've been thinking about filming a video showing all of the beauty products that I brought with me from home, yet have been shying away from doing it with the thought that 'nobody cares'. But would you guys be interested? Let me know and maybe it will give me more motivation to actually film it, instead of keep talking myself out of it!

I hope you have all had fabulous first weeks of November! Remember those gloves everyone, it's getting chilly out!
xoxo

NOTD | Formula X - Alchemy

Formula X - Alchemy - Limited Ediiton

I mentioned this is my October Favourites video and just wanted to share what it looks like actually on the nails. I lovelovelove this so much and it is so unlike any over nail varnish I have! 

What do you think?

xoxo

Covered Knee Patches

This was something that I saw someone had the other day; she had glittery, sequin-covered Mickey, (or maybe Minnie?) Mouses over the corners of the knees of her jeans. And I really liked the idea; I wouldn't personally want the Disney theme, but the idea of having different colours, fabrics, or anything different over the knee I really like. 

I love the heart theme that seems to be going on with leggings at the moment. The chunky, rectangular block seen at Topshop is also kind of cool, and despite being bigger, it comes across as much more subtle. 

When I was looking up images for this, there were soooo many for children!! There were some really cool dinosaur ones that I would definitely love... 

I also love the fact that this is something you could easily do yourself! All you would need is some fabric, some shapes and some leggings, jeans, trousers, anything that has knees! 

It's like cool elbow patches, but less old man. Definitely going to be on the lookout for something like these!

What do you think? Are knee patches for you?

xoxo

Deodorant: Roll On or Spray?

It was either this picture or one of those cringey ones of someone in a white towel, putting on their deodorant and looking so happy that I just couldn't.

Now I know this seems a really really weird thing to post about, but I am genuinely quite intrigued! (I don't even care how sad this is all sounding).
I had alwaysalwaysalways used spray deodorants; the thought of using a roll on one, cream or otherwise, made me feel, to be quite honest, nauseous and they always said 'elderly' to me. Yet when I came to the States, the only deodorant that I had with me was a Nivea roll on. 3 months later and I'm still only 2/3 of it through. My sister always said how they last longer, and damn do they!

Yet... despite this, I still miss my spray ones. Although I feel the roll ones are better in  some ways? But I miss my Dove pink grapefruit spray; I miss the lovely fresh smell.
And now I am torn between my preferred option (I think still?) or the seemingly everlasting option. I also now feel that I need to give the cream ones a whirl; it's like I'm doing my own personal deodorant experiment! (#noshame)

So...what are your thoughts? What do you prefer? What do you think is better? Anyone? Recommendations? P.S. I do not smell. 

xoxo

Easy Like Sunday Blogging

Easy Like Sunday Blogging by superkarina5 featuring halloween pumpkin lanterns

I cannot believe that it's already November! October literally flew by; it really isn't long until Christmas now, or until I'll be homehome!

- I really feel that I have upped my video game this week! I was really happy with my Autumn Hair Styles video; especialy with the fact that I have made myself an end screen! I know for some of you this won't be interesting or exciting but it really was for me! I am so proud of what I am doing on youtube; and I don't care how sad that sounds.

- My first Halloween in the States was really something! We went out for actual Halloween night and then for Freakfest last night. I have vlogged the whole experience here. It was a lot of fun with some really great friends and I'm actually quite sad it's over!

- 1989. Need I say more really?

- I'm really happy with my artwork at the moment. I still have a second painting video to edit and upload, but it's my third one that I'm really excited about. I am really liking how it's looking right now and am really excited for it to not only be finished, but for all of you to see!

- Mother booked my flights home this week! I always knew that I'd be going homehome for Christmas, but having the flights actually booked is a really nice and comforting thought. I don't want to wish my time away here at all, but I can't wait to go home!

I hope you have all had lovely weeks and a grea Halloween! I hope that your first week of November is also great! 
xoxo