Good things come to those who....participate

I've been applying for jobs for a few weeks, and I'm not going to lie, it's tougher out there than Chisora high on post-match adrenaline. Yesterday I submitted my CV to a job that already had 80 applications, and that was only through one particular site. I have to ask myself, how am I ever going to land the dream role? Is submitting a generic application enough? Is even sending a tailored cover letter with a re-worked version of my CV going to hit the jackpot? Who knows! I can only hope. In the meantime, I've resorted to relying on karma to help me through.

By making sure I stay active in my current job, participating with enthusiasm in any extra tasks my manager throws at me, I'm hoping the laws of the universe will recognise this and reward me with atleast an interview. Of course, putting my all into applications is also of paramount significance, but by working hard where I am currently, I won't have any slackers guilt.

Fingers crossed it works......

Coral me happy

If, like me, you have near enough milk-bottle-white skin and brilliant red lipsticks make you look like the walking dead, try an orange-red hued lippy instead. I bought and would recommend Revlon's ColorBurst Coral, as it is still as striking as a traditional red, but gives you that warmer tone to balance well with pale skin and bring out the rosiness in cheeks.

This shade suits all hair colours and skin tones, and is ideal as spring is upon us. Pure reds can look too heavy and out of place in the warmer months, but the Coral shade is a sure fire hit all year round.

One of its quirks is that you can build up the colour to the gain the desired intensity. After experimenting, I found that you can slick on one layer for a glammed up day time look, or add a further couple as night hits for a more intense effect.

Best of all lips don't get dehydrated with this lippy; its oil free but adds moisture in a non-sticky, long lasting way. A definite staple for the make up bag at the bargain price of around £7.00.

The day I joined the culture club

I was sat at my desk this morning, checking emails and started thinking about plans for the evening. I'd spent the last two nights at home doing the same routine; dinner, TV, working, shower then bed and couldn't face another stint of run-of-the-mill manotony, so fired up on coffee and the spark of the idea entering my head, I Googled London exhibitions and found one at the Barbican by Cory Archangel. Reading the blurb it sounded quirky, different and a little bit cool, and if that hadn't sold it to me, the fact that it was free was enough to tip me over the edge.

Armed with my iPhone, the Barbican located on the Map app (haven't been there since First School), I made my way from work on the tube. Two hours and a grumpy Sarah later, I arrived at the Barbican (which is the most maze-like building I've ever seen) only to make my way up to the third floor where the art is housed. "No", said the man on reception, "you need to go to The Curve which is on the ground floor". About turn. Got to The Curve, which is a long and curvy room, so to speak, and was met with white screens with video games on, some sketchy music and a steward that looked like he was about to drop off. I walked along a bit, saw some old games consoles on my right and came to some double doors. Turns out that was it. What a let down. Never again. Next time I feel the pressure to be cultural I'm booking a trip to Italy to see some proper art.

Is that a butterfly in your eye?

One way of beating winter beauty blues and giving spring a helping hand is to buy these futuristic-looking paper lashes, now available at www.asos.com.

The eye decor, by Paperself, are a fushion of Chinese cutting techniques and contemporary designs and each come with a symbolic meaning. Choose from peacocks, to clowns and even more. They're easy to apply by trimming down to the size of your eye, adding lash glue and then applying to the top line of the upper lashes. Priced at £10 - £12, they're not going to rob you of all your entire monthly beauty budget, yet are original and unusual enough to make an impact.

Wear them out on a Friday or Saturday night, even if it's just to the pub. They'll brighten up even the most wintery of winter looks and you can guarantee to attract attention.