Book/Comic Review: Strong Female Protagonist

Starting originally as a web series, Strong Female Protagonist was backed by many on KickStarter to get it in print. Alison Green is one of the most powerful superheroes around, with incredible strength. She used to fight the bad guys with her other superhero friends under the name MegaGirl when she was a teen, but things got overwhelming and after publicly unmasking on tv, everyone knows her real identity. But now Alison is in college, trying to get good grades while also trying to fight crime at the same time. 

Now that everyone knows the real face of MegaGirl, its hard for her to have a burger in peace without people wanting autographs or shouting abuse at her on the street. No one really understands that being a superhero doesn't automatically mean you can fix everything for the world. Even her collage professor is failing her because of a personal grudge against her powers. As Alison lives life, she somewhat learns to come to terms with the positives and negatives of being a superhero. But the process is genuinely heartbreaking in places and this is - hand over heart - one of the first comics I might have shed a tear while reading. (And I've read some intense heart ache comic scenes.) Theres a real appeal to a superhero with amazing power and strength thats got lots of flaws too. - And a mom who calls at bad times when your in the middle of something important. 

 However at the beginning I found it dragged a little and there was nothing particularly attention grabbing. I think this is partly due to not knowing anything about the back story before starting it (which I soon found out was pointless in moaning about as the back story is wonderfully explained through out the comic, just at the right times) and partly because I was reading it from a digital copy on a crappy adobe reader. But stick with it, the best part was not only the main character being female with some fantastic minor characters, but I especially loved the funny foot notes that give back story, commentary on the characters, deconstruction of the panels or random jokes to add a giggle. On one page the author pokes fun at their attention to detail of chocolate bars. In short, the footnotes please me greatly and Brennan Mulligan is being bought a drink by me if he ever pops over to Ireland. Gas man altogether.

Theres so much back story that you become privy to as the story unfolds and even thought I had never read the web series, I never felt lost with the story. There is something for everyone to relate to with family, friends, relationships and even Alisons struggles with super villains. A Buffy mix with a little destructive She Hulk, this is the type of comic I will be a regular to in future. And of course, not leaving Molly Ostertag out, I found the drawing simply and easy to enjoy. There was no colour needed, with each panel flowing well and the occasional insert an added bonus. (Inserts in single panels can confuse the hell out of me. If I get any worse I'll need it numbered. Now that would be a sad day.) Theres no fussy extreme attention to detail and Molly seems more interested in telling the story, not distracting from it. 

Yup, all round big thumbs up from me. I got this from NetGallery, but I'll be getting a physical copy to add to the collection. I'll also be following them online, which you can find over here.

Sleek: Dancing Til Dusk Eye And Cheek Palette

I think its pretty clear how much I love to use Sleek makeup, (as you can see here!) So when they announced their new eye and cheek palettes I was very excited. (The highlighter palette also has my name on it.) How pretty does this *Dancing Til Dusk one look? I'm such a sucker for pretty packaging and this ticks all the right boxes. Four eye shadows from the au-naturel palette and two blushes. There was also two different types of travel size brushes in the set, but I never use them so they grew legs and are hiding on me now. I'll admit that I took a billion photos of this before I touched it, but when I came to write this post I hated them all so had to do it again. I know, I broke the first rule of blogging! 'Thou shalt not swatch until photos are taken!' Soz.

I like that this is the sort of palette you can use in the morning and then darken it up for the evening. I'm a big fan of shimmers and two of the eye shadows and a blush are shimmery, while the other three are matte. Theres really a little something for everyone. I'm not really sure what you would do with a orange blush, but I like to use it as an extra eye shadow, to give the browns a pop of colour. All Sleek products that I've ever tired have been super pigmented, easy to blend and long lasting. Theres nothing different with this palette, when I use any of the shades, they stay put all day. 

Its got really great sturdy packaging, with a magnetic closing (ugh the satisfaction of magnetic closing makeup) lid and a big handy mirror. Its a little different to the normal Sleek style packaging and I like it much better then the older ones. The amount of times this has been fecked into my bag or accidentally dropped on the floor without any of the product smashing is worth picking it up alone.

There is another Sleek palette in this collection that is presented the same called See You At Midnight. This is a darker selection of purples and its very pleasing to the purple part of my heart. (purple hair, purple tattoo, purple makeup.. Purple life). The price of this varies depending on where you pick it up, but you can get it for €11.99 on the Sleek website - the cheapest I've seen it so far.

 *I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here.

Sexual Sunday: Soho Capel St.

If your a regular here, you'll know most Sundays I write about Dublin sex shops and all things sex in general. Since the start of the year I've been making my way around the sex shops reviewing them so you can find the best ones out there and know which to avoid. Capel St. is the home to 3 sex shops, several Chinese restaurants and a bundle of pubs (but the pubs are expected every corner you turn in Ireland). If you have the same interests as me, then Capel St. is one of the best places in Dublin! This Sunday I'm going to pick Soho and who knows what I'll find across the Liffey for next week.

Appearance of outer shop: 4 stars - Not an obvious in your face sex shop with a lovely display window and big well designed shop name.

Appearance of inner shop: 3 stars - Clean, well laid out and some fancy wallpaper.

Friendliness and helpfulness of staff: 1 star - Major downfall here. 

Price range of toys: 3 stars - Not amazing but not the most expensive either.

Selection of products/Specialists: 2 stars - Not a great selection but specializes in costumes.

Soho was a shop I'd never ventured into as its in the middle the sex shop row. Don't ask me how or why all three shops are on top of each other, but at least your bound to find what your looking for in one of them. The outer appearance of the shop really pleases me. Its a big clear sign that doesn't immediately scream sex shop and the window display is well laid out and classy. No half naked manikins, dusty boxes or falling down lights here. Soho has changed hands a lot been called many things over the years. It only has its most recent name since 2014 and the only reason I can see it sticking to that for the foreseeable future is that its now owned by a chain of sex shops in Belfast, Dublin, Galway and Athlone. However Dublin seems to be the only one from the chain that I can find to not be called 'Soho Books'. It makes me wonder why books is included in the title, are they trying to legitimate the business by not stating its a sex shop? Gave me a giggle anyway!

When I walked into the shop, the door was open but I did notice that it had a latch and buzzer to get in, so there are the means in place to secure privacy. They just weren't enforcing that day it seems. The shop itself is a long narrow one. One your left is a long clear glass counter that holds some glass toys, cuffs, lubes, condoms and other small toys. Behind the counter has shelves stocked with about five different kinds of poppers and some mirrors. The entire shop walls are decorated in a grey background with black embossed designs, something that gives it a classier feel. However a lot of the paper is covered with rows upon rows of costumes in packets. To begin with I momentarily thought I had walked into one of those pop up Halloween shops. I sadly didn't see anything I couldn't have found online for less. Normally I compare prices only with other shops I've been to as its not fair comparing online prices, but this is the acceptation. There wasn't anything kinky, unusual or that could only be found in a sex shop gracing the walls. 

Walking the length of the different and quite expensive costumes, I came to the back of the shop that houses a few toys like flesh lights, penis pumps, some vibes and dildos,

along with a small but good selection of porn DVDs. I noted that none of the DVDs were over €40, which is the only shop on Capel St with those prices. - Though I can't say that for all the shops in Dublin. I can't get over the average price of porn is about €60, it just baffles me. (Clearly I'm cheap and haven't the understanding or appreciation for wonderful porn DVDs, but thats just me. Maybe I'll develop a taste one day. In the mean time, try to forgive my ignorance,)

The shop has some seriously good points and if you would rather pay more to physically see a costume then wait for it in the post, this would be a great shop to go to. Sadly the one major downfall of this shop that will most likely make me avoid in future is the staff. I approached a man behind the counter to inquire about sizing and ask if he had particular items in the shop. I was met with unhelpful comments and was told that he only works there. He seemed to have broken English as well which made it next to impossible for him to properly help me. His English suddenly stopped altogether when I told him if he would like to speak to me for my blog or pass on my information to the owner (who has still to return to me). Even before explaining who I was, as a customer who had a genuine interest in the products being sold, I came away with no answers and would have gone to the next shop hoping they would be able to help. It was disheartening and frustrating too. If this had been my very first sex shop, it would totally tarnish my views. I spent a few minutes on my phone to look up reviews and information on a few things instead - thank goodness for unlimited data!

Overall despite how bothered I am about the god awful unhelpful staff memeber, I enjoyed the shop and its specialised stock. However I wont be back as it has nothing to offer me personally and there are better stocked and friendlier shops in Dublin. After having a good poke about all Sohos online presence, I can tell you that their website is the way to go if you came away from their Dublin shop empty handed. Its one of the better and more professional sites I've seen for sex shops so far. Unfortunately all their prices are in pounds so you could feel the pinch of the conversation rate, but if your buying from the North or the UK, happy days. They also have a Facebook and Twitter, but with no real information or following on either.

P.S. Clear As Mud Face Mask

Can we get real for a second? I'm sorry, this was meant to be posted yesterday but House Of Cards was released and well. I watched every single new episode of season 3. I know, what am I thinking depriving myself for months without new material to watch, but it just happened. So feel loved knowing that I dragged my sleep deprived ass over to blogger to talk all about these masks this morning. Theres nothing I wouldn't do for the lot of ya! (Hugs and cake all round).

Penneys (Primark) has really brought out the A game the past year. Make up, perfumes and lots more, you can really get everything beauty related you could ever need. So when I say these face masks making an appearance on the shelves a few months ago I was intrigued. I had a root around the internet but there never seemed to be any in depth reviews of them, only passing comments of having bought them. But them only being €4, I thought I'd get them and have a go anyway.

There are 4 mask packets in the box, with the minimum amount of green product in each. I was sorely disappointed to find such little product in them and it works out at €1 per packet, something you could get in Boots for less. None the less I opened one and slapped it on - after spending 10 minutes trying to squeeze out enough product to cover my entire face.

In short, it didn't smell great and didn't work to help 'purify' anything. My skin felt tight and sore after taking it off and over the next few minutes I started having a reaction to it. It felt ok while it was on my skin, but it had a chemical/plastic scent. For €4, I think I'd rather put it towards a lovely mask from Lush or the Body Shop in future. Great value doesn't always mean its a great product and I found out the hard way. I'll be sticking to Penneys comfy jammies and some earrings in future!

Lush Mothers Day Haul

Special days and occasions means theres a new range in Lush! This is some of the mothers day limited edition products that are out and I'm really excited about some of them. I went in a week or two ago and picked up some bits, but had to go back in and pick up more when I was handing in my 5 empty black pots in exchange for a fresh face mask (oh how I love doing that!). I've had a go of everything so this is a show and tell, mini review of the bits above. 

First up is the massive rose bombshell bath bomb. It smells lovely and has rose wood, Turkish rose oils, orange flower and bits of actual rose petals stuffed into it, so you have things floating around the bath with you. This is a really nice bath bomb, but I think it might have been the size of it and novelty of not having used one in ages that has me bias here. I didn't think it was too nourishing or moisturising like some of the Lush bath products are, but the lingering rose scent on my skin after made up for it. This is €4.50 and although I don't think I'll be picking this one up for myself again, its one that I'll be getting for the mammy as I know this is something she would love.

Bubblegrub is meant to be a cute little fella with eyes and antenna but the one ones they had in the shop looked much like my scary one above. He would be better for the Lush Halloween collection looking like that! None the less, bubbleroons and bubble bars are my number one favourite things to get, so I had to pick up the half battered guy. I cut him in two (what a dreadful end, I know) and got a lovely bubbly bath out of my first half. This isn't the type of scent I'd normally go for as its an earthy smell of sandalwood, vetivert and some softening shea butter in it. I wasn't a fan of the colour it turned the water either, a kind of brown yellowy murky shade. I know loads of people will love this one, but for €3.75 I'll spend it on something else instead.

Now onto the things that really tickled my pickle. Yummy mummy is a shower gel that smells like Jesus in a bottle as I described it to himself when I suggested he buy some and save it for my birthday - its that lovely! Floral with orange oil, lilac, geranium oil and tonka absolute its one that you will either love or hate. Personally I'm all about the sweet floral smelling purple things. This little bottle is what makes showers long and all the hot water disappear. Really recommend giving this a sniff if your passing a Lush shop and like sweet smells. This same scent also come in the yummy mummy body conditioner  which is super moisturising and divine, but pricey at €24 (- If I can remember the price right!) I doubt I'll pick it up, but for the 100g bottle of the shower gel at €5.95, I think more is needed in my life.

Lastly here is the cute looking rose bubble bar. This one is right up my street and smells as good as it looks. It has Turkish rose absolute, fair trade cocoa butter and rose hip oil packed inside this tiny swirly rose. The one bone I have to pick with this is the size. Its so small and makes lots of lovely bubbles and leaves skin so soft after, but its pricey at €3.75. I think if it was a little cheaper I'd be a happier bunny. 

Theres two other bubble bars, a bath bomb and a soap in this years collection. I'm going to naturally be back into Lush in the near future to have a poke at the rest of the range and maybe pick up a few more things. I had a sniff of the mother superior bubble bar and it smells lovely but reminds me a little of my all time favourite dorthy bubble bar. Maybe a comparison post will go up on twitter or instagram, keep the eyeballs open for it!

Butter London: Top & Tails

Butter London is not a brand that you would see me using, its something of a serious luxury for me to fork out for nail varnish this expensive. So when I was given the chance to try out two of their best sellers, I jumped at it. This is a really gorgeous set called *Tops&Tails that comes with a nail foundation base coat and a hardwear P.D quick top coat. The packaging of this set alone is enough to catch my attention and want to have another look at it.

So lets start with the foundation base coat. I put on one layer of this and it drys extremely fast which is super handy and impressive. It drys matte with a colour of your nails but better. On the occasion that I want something on my nails but don't have the time to layer on and wait for my nail varnish to dry, I use a quick coat of this and it makes them look great. This claims to cover up imperfections or ridges on the nails, just like make up foundation does, making it easier to put your nail varnish on. I can't say that I've noticed that happening when I use it, but its still nice none the less. Its also suggested that men who want an invisible but perfect manicure use it and I'd have to agree, it would be perfect. I've not been able to hold any male friends still long enough to get them to try it out, but one day soon!

When using the foundation base coat I notice that its a little easier to get off glitter nail varnish. I use a lot of different base coats in the hopes that my glitter will lift easier, but not until I started using Butter London did that happen. Its really impressed me and I'm more likely to wear my favourite glitters now without the dread of setting aside an hour to try and get it off.

As with the foundation base coat, the quick dry top coat drys just as fast and impressively. If I'm really impatient then I'll blob a few drops of this on still slightly wet nail varnish and it will make it dry faster. This is a shiny see through top coat that protects your varnish from chipping for a lot longer then with other top coats I've tried. 

Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't suggest these are must have products and you need to fork out the €22.95 each for these bottles. But if you are in the market for them, I'd highly recommend picking them up. You wont be sorry. Even go to Boots or Avoca and test them out to see how you get on, then decide. They would make an amazing present for someone who loves perfectly manicured hands (and it will save a fortune on all those expensive salon sessions) or those who love doing nail art. I'm genuinely shocked at how long these keep my nail varnish from chipping (counting day 6 now). Butter London suggest using their polishes with them, but I'm currently using a wet'n'wild one and its holding up perfectly well. These are ones I'll get again when they run out, now thats saying something!

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here.

Sexual Sunday: Ann Summers Vibrating Bullet

Sunday is the day dedicated to all things sexy. I might not post every week (even I need time out from sexy things) but Sexual Sunday was born with the idea that I would tour the sex shops of Dublin so you don't have to. And thats what I've been doing all this week, you'll be pleased to know. But I'm going to save another shop review and this week instead talk about an Ann Summers sex toy. (You can read my review of Ann Summers on O'Connell St over here.)

Now don't gasp, yes we all know that I'm not the biggest Ann Summers lover. But that doesn't mean they don't have some really good qualities about them too. This week its all about a deadly looking shiny pink bullet vibrator. 'Cheeky clit slim that no handbag should be without', or so it says on the back. Its lightweight, palm sized and waterproof  with one speed. 

This is like any other bullet, theres really nothing overly impressive about it. I like that the battery - 1x N (LR01), comes with it and that the packaging opens up to explain in detail about the product and how to care for it. The packaging itself isn't over the top and dare I say even classy. This comes in other colours, but I'm a big fan of the shiny pinky shade. Its a simple press on and off button at the top of the bullet and you are good to go.

But lets get to why were all here. Does the thing actually work and if so, how well? In short, I've bought way better and cheaper bullets from Ann Summers before. It was one of my first ones and it rocked. (Until it gave up the ghost and I almost cried) This has only one setting, an extremely powerful one at that. Holding it in my hand for under 5 minutes and I could feel it starting to hurt and go numb, which is never a good sign considering its meant for your delicate bits. I find toys that have a few speeds are much easier to deal with, so you can work your way up through the more intense vibrations and not almost leap out of it when the toy makes contact with skin. That said, if you can deal with really powerful vibrations, you might be alright.

Another thing that bothered me was the hard plastic. It bullet is shaped so the main focus is the tip that you hold to your clit. This was just too hard and I found it a little painful (not in the good way) so I tended to use the length of the bullet instead. I know Ann Summers stock bullets with silicone topped tips, so I would recommend looking out for these instead if your shopping for a new bullet. 

Overall for €15 I don't think its worth it. It looks cute, is fairly quiet on the grand scale of loud toys, but its vibrations are too intense for my liking and the hard plastic tip caused more pain then it did pleasure. (But naturally I can't speak for everyones tastes.) I have to pass on this, but I'm not ruling out all Ann Summers bullets as I know they have some really good ones. I might even replace the one I had years ago, just for the craic!

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here.