Queen B is back!

So this week Beyoncé dropped her surprise new visual album onto iTunes with no prior warning and lets just say it's took the world by storm.

We all know Queen B already ruled the music world however this latest release sets the bar SO much higher. Bey lays herself bare through the 14 new songs, 17 videos allowing the world just a bit more of an insight to her world. But just how did she keep it secret? I feel sorry for the person sorting all that  non-disclosure paperwork, but what B wants, she gets.

'Yonce' is the sassy new alter-ego making 'Sascha Fierce' seem rather tame. The whole project really shows that Beyoncé really does do what the hell she wants with the track Flawless  telling 'bitches to bow down' and ' Don't think I'm just his little wife' proving that she really is an independent woman.

The album includes collabs with Pharrell, Drake and of course Jay-Z.

The power couple show that they've still got it. Partition, Rocket and Blow are all X-rated giving pretty in depth details about the couples sex life. Very different to Crazy in Love that the couple released together 10 years ago. The lyrics of Partition 'Driver roll up the partition please, I don't need you seeing Yonce on her knees'. But when Beyoncé sings about it, it's empowering and makes Kayne's Bound 2 video ft. Kim K look pitiful and down right embarrassing.

The self named album is a real family affair with even Blue Ivy making her debut in the track Blue. I suppose Beyoncé and Jay-Z are just preparing her for when she's Queen of the world. Heaven is another extremely emotional track and video on the album. The lyrics 'No heaven couldn't wait for you So go on, go home' suggest that the track could be about Beyoncé's previous miscarriage although this is not confirmed.

The 32-year-old, of course, looks absolutely flawless in every video and it does consist of the traditional Beyoncé inspirations tracks, such as Pretty Hurts, telling girls to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams.

 

This is most definitely THE album of 2013 if not of all time. If you haven't already downloaded it, then it's a must. It leaves you feeling jealous of Beyoncé's perfection and satisfied that you know a little bit more about the Queen herself.

Review: Remington Silk Ultimate Styler

Girls gather round, we no longer have to burn our finger tips while trying to create curls as bouncy as Cheryl's.

As promised here's my review of the Remington Silk Ultimate Styler that I promised.

I received these as a gift for my birthday from my girl friends. I'm a big lover of waved/curled/bouncy hair and this product does just that.

The styler can create 4 different styles: loose curls, tighter curls, waves and can be used as a straightener to curl under those layers. To change the style that you create you simply remove a silicone sleeve or put it on, depending on the style you desire.

I've only used the irons a few times now but I'm extremely happy with them. I can curl my entire hair in around 10 minutes and it remains in place for hours with just a spritz of hair spray. 

They come with a protective glove to ensure that you don't burn your fingers however avoid touching your hair with the glove if you have fine hair like me as it can cause static.

The temperature goes up to 230 degrees in 30 seconds meaning you can have perfect curls even when you're in a rush! 

They're a really great product and a perfect gift if you've got a special lady to buy for. I'm unsure of the price as they were brought as a gift, but however much the cost, she's worth it.

I rate them a 10/10, I don't know what else they could offer that would make them any better to me.

Have you used these or feel like you have a product that rivals them? Let me know.

Zoe xo

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

So this time in two weeks the pressies will have been opened, the dinner devoured and we'll all be dozing around the fire. Then it'll all be over for yet another year.

I am such a sucker for Christmas and love buying people presents. So while I can't yet blog about the presents I've brought I can tell you all about the wrapping and the preparations! 

Cute wrapping paper is a must! I looked everywhere for the vintage style brown parcel paper but stumbled across this cute brown paper with tiny red reindeers on whilst doing my food shop.

At just £2 for 3 meters at Tesco I just couldn't resist. It's super thick which makes present wrapping so much easier,  No longer will sharp edges year through my paper! 

To make my parcels extra cute I brought red polka dot bows and ribbon which came together in a pack and plain brown parcel tags from Paper Chase. All together it came to like £4 which I think it a bargain as my presents look extra festive. 

 I placed a piece of the ribbon onto the gift tags just to make them less plain.

And finally my Christmas cards are Minnie and Micky and cost £1 for 10(!!!) from Primark.

I think I'll be a bit upset when my friends and family rip these little works of art ha! 

So have you got any tips and tricks for wrapping? Let me know.

Zoe 

Xx

The BIG 20!

So I haven't blogged in a while, I've been a bit busy with exams, moving home for Christmas. As well as this on the 7th it was my birthday!

I turned 20, and felt very nervous about doing so. I'm no longer a teenager, which is heartbreaking. I had a lovely day and I was showered with lots of beautiful gifts from friends, family and my boyfriend. 

Here's just a few:

Top left: I received these killer heels from my mum and dad, believe it or not they're Matalan! I'm yet to wear them so I'll report back on just how comfy they are.

Top right: This is a gorgeous Fiorelli long chained pendant necklace from my grandma. It's really classy and different and I've not took it off since Saturday.

Bottom: These two are again from my parents, a cost mohair jumper from Topshop along side a pair of their Mom jeans in black. I've been after a pair for ages, they're so comfy yet a great look.

I was also really spoilt by my friends who brought me a gorgeous tan satchel from Zara, green tartan skirt from New Look and a statement necklace from Primark. The girls also got me Remington Silk Ulimate Styler which is a 4 way curling iron for my hair. These are great and I definitely will be writing a separate post about them.

But Tom spoilt me the most! He had this beautiful cake handmade for me, which is so thoughtful.

As well as this is brought me a Pandora ring and a tartan scarf.

I apologise for such a long post but I just wanted to share the lovely gifts I've been given. 

Being twenty isn't that bad after all! 

Zoe 

Xo

Check out Student Soc

I've recently started writing for Student Soc which is an online hub style website. 

Students from both Nottingham Trent and University of Nottingham provide short, jovial articles for the site.

My first was published last week which I was extremely excited about! I wrote about the things you have to do before leaving Nottingham Trent.

I'm really enjoying writing these articles as they're away to escape Uni work and remind myself of the fun things about Uni.

So check out my article: http://www.studentsoc.co.uk/blog/things-leave-nottingham-trent/

And like them on Facebook! 

Zoe xo

Beauty review: Soap and GloryFlash Extensions Effect Mascara

So I don't usually do beauty reviews but after coming across a new make up bag must I thought I should share my find.

It's not very often a find a mascara that I'm satisfied with so when I found myself in Boots this weekend I thought I'd have a look for something a little different.

Cosmetics is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Soap and Glory. They're better known for their scrummy body and hand lotions and moisturisers. However they do have a vast make up range on offer in Boots stores.

Soap and Glory: Flash Extensions Effect Mascara is £10.50 and comes in one of the brands signature quirky boxes.

I thought I'd show you a before and after picture of the mascara in the colour 'Wicked black': 

Left: no mascara

Middle: one coat

Right: two coats

One coat is ideal for a daytime, natural look. The mascara also comes in other shades if black isn't your colour.

The box recommends adding a second coat for 'extra intensity' which I think looks ideal for a night time look as it gives a great amount of length and volume without being clumpy and feeling heavy.

I'd give this mascara a 8/10 as it's long lasting and easy to remove. However is loses points as it takes a while to dry which is never handy when you're in a rush. But other than that it's a great purchase, so girls put down those falsies and buy Soap and Glory: Flash Extensions Effect Mascara now! 

Bound 2 make you vom!

So this week Kanye released his video for his track Bound 2 from his latest album 'Yeezus' and of course it's extremely controversial.

If you haven't already seen it it basically consists of Kanye and a naked Kim Kardashian riding a motorcycle whilst really enjoing each other's company. Kim is sporting her new blonde locks and looks flawless throughout.

Of course Kanye is a lyrical genius however I still haven't made my mind up on my opinion on the video. Yes- its undoubtedly a huge declaration of love. White horses galloping, the majestic setting, the waterfalls however Kim dry humps him whilst he raps about how hard he's gonna fuck her. Who said romance is dead? 

 Surely Kris Jenner is going to see this video but I suppose the act her daughter is engaging in did make the Kardashian family what they are today. What about their newly born daughter? When she's old enough to understand, she's not going to think 'wow what an artistic video' she's going to be sick in her mouth and scarred for life. 

Nobody likes couples, especially celeb couples, who PDA and this is no exception. So while giving your fiancé a starring role in your new music video is very thoughtful, maybe leave what happens in the bedroom in your gabillion dollar mansion. 

Watch the explicit vid here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2I8Uxi3HMus