Here We Go Again… Version 2.0

Hi guys!

So here we are again, with another what I’ve been up to/where I’ve been post.

Life has been crazy. I’ve been sorting my life out, reading a lot, thinking about my life long goals and trying to rediscover my love for writing.

I’m thinking of reassessing what I write about. Yes, I love beauty and make up, but I’m not entirely sure that is where my writing fits the best. On the other hand, I have always had a massive passion for reading fiction. A few months ago I joined a book club at work, and it is one of the best things I have done this year. I have also downloaded the Good Reads App. I have used this to set myself a “Reading Challenge” for the year. My initial target was 15 books for the year. As it stands I am already at 11 books for the year. As well as our book club books, I am reading 1-2 books extra a month. This is so much more than I have been reading over the past 12 months and it is so good for my mind. I cannot stress the positive impacts of reading enough!

I am hoping to start reviewing some of the books I have been reading, as well as looking more at the music scene as this is something else that I am missing massively! I’m super excited to get back into writing and music. I think part of the issue behind my lack of writing recently is due to the fact that I feel like no-one is reading my posts and that I feel like I can’t find my “place” (That sounds awfully cringe worthy, I know).

So this is basically an open letter to myself to say that eventually something will give, but I have to put the time in if I expect to ever gain the readership that I would like.

Here’s to a new version of the blog.

Current Hair Faves

Hi guys!

I haven’t done one of these posts in a very long time! I think the last one may have been when I first started dip-dying my hair… Anyway, lets get into the products that I am loving at the moment!

Bleach London Rose Collection;

 

Surprise surprise, these products are still up here! I have been dying my hair the rose shade for a good 18 months solid now, and my hair is still in such good condition, but I will discuss that in a little bit more detail below. The Shampoo and conditioner are great! They are perfect for when I don’t particularly have time to dye my hair but it gives you a lovely rose hue. You have to leave both on for approximately 5 minutes each ideally (It’s perfect for lazy washing your hair in the bath, whilst watching Youtube videos!). The dye is lovely. I generally leave it on for roughly 30 – 45 minutes depending on how bright I want the pink to develop. Highly recommend wrapping yourself up in tinfoil… Trust me. I also love the dye because it doesn’t leave a horrible smell in your hair and it also leaves your hair feeling pretty soft as it almost feels like a conditioner when you are applying it. All in all, I love these products as I can purchase all three for roughly £18… I do believe that Bleach are currently altering their colours, so I think I may have to go over to their Fuschia dye moving forward, as their Rose has lost its pink tint in my opinion.

Shampoo: https://www.boots.com/bleach-rose-shampoo-250ml-10239299

Conditioner: https://www.boots.com/bleach-rose-conditioner-250ml-10239293

Dye: https://www.boots.com/bleach-london-rose-gold-super-cool-colour-10250219

 

Schwarzkopf got2b Happy Hour hair spray

I cannot tell you how long I have been using this hairspray. I think I found it by accident… Anyway, it is super cheap, at £3 a can. It smells incredible, literally like sherbet and not that horrible acidic hair spray smell that other sprays have. I only use hair spray when I am curling my hair, even then it is sparingly. However, this is a perfect product for my hair as it is super light weight and brushes out really easily.

Hairspray: https://www.boots.com/schwarzkopf-got2b-happy-hour-24-hour-hairspray-300ml-10173662

Dry Shampoo:

 

Now, as an ultimate lazy girl who loves a good life hack, dry shampoo is a fundamental part of my life. My hair takes a good hour to blow dry and even longer to leave to dry naturally, so I have to really commit when I’m washing it. But honestly, some days it just isn’t feasible, and I certainly can’t wash it prior to work or if I have to go out too early in the day. With this in mind, I have had a stable favourite dry shampoo for a good few years now, and that  is Not Your Mothers. I tend to bulk buy this when I go to the US, or generally when ever anyone I know is going I ask if they can bring me some back. Yes, I can get it on Amazon (see the link below) but I am not willing to pay over £20 for a single can when I pick them up for $4 a can! So I’m always desperately searching for a way to make four cans last 12 months. It’s safe to say that I was super excited when I heard that Soap and Glory were bringing out a hair care range. I have always loved soap and glory products so it was guaranteed that I was going to be checking out their hair care. Let me introduce you to The Rushower (see the Rush Hour pun there, one of my fave films). This is the closest UK equivalent that I have found to the Not Your Mothers one. It doesn’t dry my scalp out of leave any of that awful white residue on your scalp. At a maximum of £4, The Rushower is definitely becoming a firm favourite. I have just checked the Boots website and it is currently out of stock…

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Your-Mothers-Clean-Shampoo/dp/B01L09XO0M/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1549295457&sr=8-5&keywords=not+your+mothers+dry+shampoo

Walmart Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Not-Your-Mother-s-Clean-Freak-Refreshing-Dry-Shampoo-Spray-7-Oz-Unscented/52619225

SoapAndGlory: https://www.boots.com/soap-and-glory-the-rushower-dry-shampoo-200ml-10254080

Violet Shampoo (and Conditioner): 

Being a natural, and partially fake blonde, I am constantly looking for a way to try to take the yellow tone off it. I am currently loving the slightly more ashy tone on myself with my pink tint, so I’m heavily into the violent shampoo trend. The first one I started using was the Avon set, and it was definitely a winner – it has kept my hair such a lovely, warm, ashy colour. Here we are again at the launch of the Soap and Glory hair care range. The range also includes a violet shampoo, do we see what’s going on here?! The Avon one definitely does a good job, but I did notice a massive difference in my own natural colour after using the N-Ice and Bright product once. My hair is not dyed all over and I do think the Avon system struggled more with lightening my natural colour which is more of a dirty, dark blonde.  I have also been using the Soap and Glory Wonditioner.  Both Soap and Glory Products have, what I call, the typical Soap and Glory smell, which makes them even more appealing to me.

 

Soap and Glory N-Ice and Bright Link: https://www.boots.com/soap-and-glory-n-ice-and-bright-toning-shampoo-250ml-10259682

Avon Link: https://www.avon.uk.com/product/7850/advance-techniques-colour-correction-violet-shampoo?cb=-1564333026

Soap and Glory Wonditioner: https://www.boots.com/soap-and-glory-wonditioner-hair-mask-300ml-10259688-

 

Honestly, if you are a blonde, natural or not so natural, or even just someone with curly hair I would highly recommend these products to anyone!

I’m intrigued, what are your favourite hair care products?

xo

How To Survive The Winter In An Office Job

Hi Guys!

So, unlike some fashion bloggers, I still have a full time office job, which is often why my posts are sporadic at best. Being able to find a balance between my love of fashion and being work appropriate can sometime’s be a little difficult, but that is why I thought I would take you through a few of the key pieces within my work wardrobe…
Check Culottes:

These. Are. My. FAVE!

I wear these trousers at least once a week, and have in fact bought a second week in case of a catastrophe. They’re super comfy and have a paper bag waist which is super flattering. I generally pair these with either my Dr. Marten boots or my star ankle boots (both faves also) and a simple cold shoulder t-shirt. There are a lot of variations on this pattern, like a more straight forward, cigarette trouser (which I also have).
Cold Shoulder Tops:

Now, I know a lot of women/girls love to wear a good blouse with a strong pair of trousers. I can’t stand blouses. I just don’t find them comfortable and if I’m honest, I find them rather bland. That is why I love a good cold shoulder tee instead. A tee is way comfier, and the little shoulder cut away helps me bring a little bit of my fashion edge to my work wear wardrobe. I don’t own the above tee, but am now totally lusting after it now that I have seen it. As a rule, I do find that New Look and Dorothy Perkins are way up the charts in terms of these tops, as they seem to get the proportions and materials just so right.
Trusty Dresses:

Someday’s you just want to make a bit more of an effort, or in my case you have stomach ache and can’t face the thought of trousers. In comes a few trusty, comfortable, preferably slightly A-line dresses. I love a good A-Line dress because it stills shows off my waist whilst hiding the bloat that is normally going on underneath. I am lusting after both of these dresses, both have a very 60’s vibe, and I am loving the collar on the Dorothy Perkins dress. As you can probably tell by now, I do tend to stick to a rather monochromatic wardrobe throughout the winter, but I would love to do another version of this in the summer. Oh how things change…
Some Good Shoes…

Now, I may work in an office, but I cannot think of anything worse than wearing a pair of heels day in day out. That’s why I have a few safe bets that I absolutely adore.

Rockport Brogues:

Now these may not be the most gorgeous shoes, but they are so flipping comfortable! They have a flex sole in so they make a day at work so much easier!
Ankle Boots:

These boots are flipping gorgeous! These are not the one’s I own however I have featured mine a few times on my Instagram (go check them out!) I love anything with a star pattern on, I can’t explain it, it’s just sort of my thing…

Dr Marten’s:

By now, you should have realised that I’m not your typical power female dresser, and yes I do regularly wear Dr Marten’s to work, they’re my thing. I would live in them if I could. Once they’ve been broken in they are so comfortable and I just think they look so smart. And in this case, you really do get what you pay for!

It’s safe to say all of these items, or those similar to the ones listed here, have had more than their fair share of wear this winter. I am an outfit recycler, what can I say? Once I find something I love, I wear it and re-wear it.

Hope you’ve enjoyed!

xo

Amsterdam: January 2019

Hi guys!

This was the first city break we had been on and I think this could definitely become a “thing” for us. We were scrolling through Voyage Prive (this is not an ad) when my other half suggested paying for each other to go away somewhere early in the New Year as our Christmas presents for each other. We booked the trip, which included flights and accommodation for £300. Now we are fully aware that this was a complete bargain, but I thought I would talk you guys through what we thought was a relatively cheap and thoroughly enjoyable city break.

Flights:

Our flights were included in our package deal, however we did have some options to choose from in terms of flight operator. The options available to us where Flybe, Lufthansa and KLM. This will vary depending upon where you are flying from and to. We opted for the Birmingham to Schipol flight on New Years Day. I paid extra to pre-book our seats and for a single piece of checked in luggage between us. To be honest, I was sceptical of Flybe beforehand, however I was thoroughly impressed! We left Birmingham on time and the flight is only between 45-50 minutes (shortest flight ever!). I would certainly fly short haul with Flybe again!

Accommodation:

The hotel included in our package was the Elements by Westin. The room that was included was a queen suite, which was perfect for us. It was an incredible size room considering the cost! It had an incredible walk in shower within a huge bathroom (with incredible lighting), a kitchenette and, I kid you not, a cloud disguised as a queen size bed! The package also included a continental breakfast which was great for us as my other half isn’t a huge fan of eating a massive breakfast at 8:30 in the morning. A little side note that I loved about this hotel was that for everyday that you refused house keeping, you gained a €5 credit for the convenience store in the lobby. Also contained within the lobby was The hotel restaurant/bar. Breakfast was served in this restaurant and we also got two free drinks vouchers for being Voyage Prive guests (what a lovely little gesture). All in all the hotel was incredible insecurities a little way out of the centre, so I think we may look for something a little more central next time as the walk back from the tram stop at 11pm was painful after being out all day!

Museums and sight-seeing:

Now, we had our ideas about what we wanted to see, and we did pretty well in four days, however there are certainly a few places that we missed. Oh well,it looks like we will have to go back! I would like to point out at this point, that Amsterdam is not all Space Cakes and Red Lights (if you catch my drift). There were two places we visited that I would recommend to everyone; Artis Zoo and The House Of Bols.

Artis zoo is honestly turned zoo I have ever been to. It was a lovely crisp morning when we went and we spent a good four hours wondering around at our own pace. They have such a side range of animals there, from penguins to giraffes and some small creatures that I haven’t even heard of before to the most incredible aquarium building. It truly is worth every cent.

The House of Bols is technically a museum, but not the type that smells of dust and you get shushed. This is the history of the cocktail and Genever company. When you pay for the tour you are handed a small listening device, a token and a miniature bottle. The device registers which room of the tour you are in and talks you through the exhibit, whilst the hotel token is for a complementary cocktail in the Good bar after the tour. The miniature bottle contains a liquor which is to be consumed at a point during the tour but I really don’t want to give away the secret… But trust me it is worth it!

Prior to our trip I had seen someone post on Instagram about Glow Golf and we were determined to find it. We love a good game of mini golf! Now this course takes crazy golf to a whole new level! You enter through what looks to be a normal pub, only to find that the golf course is in the cellar! You’re then handed a pair of 3D glasses, clubs, balls and a score card and sent on your way. I have honestly never experienced a course like it and have also never giggled so much whilst playing golf!

On our final full day, we ventured out to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! I have never experienced one of these before, but I absolutely flipping loved it! It’s quite difficult to find, but if you can find Madame Tussauds then you will find this place!

To be honest, there are quite a few places that we didn’t get around to seeing, so we will definitely be going back!

Food!

Brasserie Sent: this place is a little gem! My other half had found this place online and we made a reservation as it was highly rated for their steaks and I would deck Italy recommend it to anyone who is a fan of steak!

The Seafood Bar: this was easily our most luxurious meal of the trip. We ordered what was essentially a platter of hot and cold seafood, all completely fresh! It was absolutely incredible and took us over an hour to eat… But it was totally worth the €80 price tag. The platter contained things such as lobster, prawns, crayfish, crab, razor clams, mussels, cockles and so much more!

The Pig and Punch:Now considering we have been to America, this was definitely some of the best barbecue food we have ever had! We went here after having been to the ice bar experience which was incredible. We had a sharing platter which included ribs, sausage, black pudding and various other things as you can see. They also do some of them most bizarre drinks. It was great value for money and thoroughly enjoyable!

 

So, all in all I think it is definitely safe to say that we will be going back to Amsterdam (I’d love to go back again this year…). There is so much left to see in this incredible city, and it really isn’t just all about the sex and drugs! I’d love to know if any of you guys have been and if there are other restaurants and activities that you would recommend?

Review: Body Positive Power – Megan Jayne Crabbe

Hi guys,

This is the first of, hopefully, many book reviews that will be coming your way in the foreseeable future. I’ve powered through quite a few books in the past six months, however this was one that took me a while…

This is nothing to do with the way that the book is written, but the topic that it covers. I think this book is such an important read for any young women. This is the point at which I would normally say “regardless of whether you have been affected by…” but this covers topics that are impacting the lives of every human on earth! To name but a few, Megan goes into great detail regarding;

• media manipulation
• social media (and it’s misconceptions)
• the flawed diet industry
• mental health and the long term implications

I have always thought that I was pretty aware of social media, and it’s “highlight’s reel” functionality, however the further I got into this book, I realised how easily people, including myself, have been and are being dragged into the social media “claims”.

This book, amongst others that will get their time in the spotlight, have helped me step into the new year with a completely different mindset. Now, this isn’t some “new year, new me” crap. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I’m learning to love the real me, as I am. No more caddy weight loss incentives or fitness challenges. The more I read, the more I realising how much have been affected by the diet culture from a relatively early age and feeling term effects that thieves had on my life,mental health and outlook on life.

In this book, we are being taught not to apologise for taking up space in the world, or for our thoughts, feelings and views. This is a book that, I feel, every young person who wants to change their world should read.

I implore you to order this book and add it to the top of your to be read pile.

xo

New Year, New Me…But Not As We Know It…

Hi guys!

I know it’s been a while, but I have been incredibly busy in the run up to Christmas and with various family occasions. I’ve also been doing a fair amount of “soul searching” (gosh, I hate that word). I’ve got a lot of blog posts in the pipe line, I’m planning to write a lot of books reviews. Basically, I am turning a new page, my gosh to cliche’s are rolling out today.

Basically, my 2019 will be the year of being more financially responsible/stable, more enjoyment and the year of me. I’m intending to completely overhaul my view on life and make more time for my own well being and enjoyment. This isn’t a commitment to a “diet” or some faddy fitness regime. This is working on my own outlook and lifestyle for good.

My mental health took a hit in 2018, it felt like the longest yet fastest year of my life. I sure am glad to see the back of it. I am feeling incredibly optimistic about this year. We started the year as we mean to go on. On New Years Day we flew out to Amsterdam for five days. This was the first proper city break we have been on together, and it was incredible. I think I have well and truly fallen in love with this city, and we will be back soon!

This will be the first blog post coming up this month, an Amsterdam guide.

Thank you to those of you who are still following me after so many false starts, but I really am hoping to stick to it this year.

xo

Here We Go Again

Hi guys,

Here I am again, back to writing some rough explanation of where I have been for the past who knows how many months. It’s been a difficult time, this year has been difficult. But here I am, still swimming. There is always a light at the tunnel, no matter how dark it seems at the time.

So, what have I been doing with my time if I haven’t been writing?

• Eating at restaurants
• Reading
• Rediscovering old music that I adore
• Spending time with loved ones
• preparing for Christmas
• Dealing with things that are far from fun.

This year, has been an odd one. I have become old very quickly, gained a lot of stress, responsibility and possibly even the odd grey hair. This year has also taught me to value what you have in the here and now, you never know what tomorrow will bring. I have seen death, I have seen people leave, I have seen people lose the most important of things in their lives.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading. This year has seen me dive head first into the self help/motivational book realm, and honestly it has been invaluable. The last post I wrote began to review just a few of the books that I had read this year, since then I think I have read another 2 or 3. This has been more difficult than normal, because my concentration has been zapped. This has affected my every day life and some of the things I enjoy the most, like reading and even my make up!

This is all very rambly, but what I am trying to say is that I am trying to make a come back. I am trying to fix things for myself, because nobody else can.

I promise I am coming back, whether anybody is reading or not.

xo

What I’ve been reading…

This year I have changed the type of books I have been reading. I have been sitting on the outskirts of the Body Positive movement on Instagram and had seen a lot of these books mentioned. I started stock piling ready for my holiday and it is safe to say that I did a lot of reading whilst I was away. I honestly think this is one of the best ways for me to completely relax. It’s safe to say I have learned a lot about myself whilst I have been reading these books.

What I’ve already read:

The Goddess Revolution – Mel Wells
This was the first of these books that I read. I had seen so many people say that this book had completely changed their relationship with food as well as their own body. It made me realise a lot of things about myself that I think I had shut away. I realised that I desperately needed to make peace with my body and begin to be more aware that the things we see on Instagram and Youtube are snapshots of people’s lives, which are often edited. Shock horror, I know! Mel has a way of writing that genuinely makes it so much easier to consider a different way of viewing the world. I definitely think this is the best place to start with these sort of “self help” books, it’s a good first stepping stone.

Healthy Is The new Skinny – Katie H Willcox

This was actually the first of these books that I gained, it was gifted to me for my 21st last summer. I had been meaning to get around to reading it for quite sometime, but generally lost my interest in reading. Reading this book made me realise so much. There is not a one size fits all to body confidence and happiness. There certainly is not a quick fix to repairing the damage that the media may have caused to your relationship with your body. It’s okay to not have it all worked out, you know your body best and it is all about learning to listen to it. Katie Wilcox is a fabulous role model for young women following so many years of the “perfect body” message, we are finally beginning to be taught that everyone will find their own “perfect”.

Happy – Fearne Cotton

Happy is easily one of the most important books I have ever read. The term “happy” is such a flippant term nowadays. Everyone believes they have to be happy, that people expect them to be happy. Fearne has such a unique way of discussing depression and various other conditions. This makes it so much easier to feel less isolated. When you can read about someone of such high status, and many of her famous friends, having suffered with similar conditions

Body Positive Power – Megan Jayne Crabbe

Even though the content of this book is very similar in some ways to Healthy Is The New Skinny, I did find this a lot more difficult to get into. With that in mind, I do believe that part of this is not being in the right head space to be reading to be honest. I have found this book revolutionary as it is lovely to see the Body Positivity movement from a British point of view. I also adore the contributor essays that are featured within this book, it really creates a sense of unity amongst the readers and contributors of the book. I have loved it.

And Finally, What I have left to read…Light is the new black – Rebecca Campbell and Calm – Fearne Cotton. 
I fully intend to write a review of these books, I just don’t entirely know when I will get around to reading them, and I didn’t want to hold off posting this anymore.

 

I’m really intrigued to know whether you guys have read any of these books, or if there are any books like these that you would recommend in order for me to continue on my journey.

Thanks! xo

 

Holiday Essentials

Hi Guys!

I know I’m dragging this whole “I’ve been on holiday” vibe out now, but honestly, I spend most of my days wishing I was back on my sunbed with a cocktail in hand… hey ho, another year of working and saving! I thought since we’re hitting peak holiday season, that it would be useful to show you guys some of the products that I think are an absolute must when going away!

Aussie Gold SPF 30 with Instant Bronzer Gel 
My mom has sworn by this sun cream for so long, and I finally bought some myself this year, as I am finally beginning to tan! It smells incredible, it isn’t greasy and it doesn’t stain clothes. It definitely helps you to achieve a lovely, golden glow, even on the fairest of people like me.

Aloe Vera Gel/Aftersun
Now, it’s not something that I am proud of, but I do regularly burn/go an iffy shade of red. This year, it was whilst quad biking, not even sunbathing. Anyway, Aloe Vera gel is easily the most popular health/cosmetic product on the island of Lanzarote, it is literally in every shop you enter. I had after sun with me, but it wasn’t really doing the trick, and I have used Pure Aloe in the past. Honestly, if you’re fair, or even just want to retain your tan for longer, I would highly recommend using a product similar to this. It smells lovely and fresh, however they can be a little bit sticky and I wouldn’t recommend trying to get dressed for a good half an hour after application. Honestly, this sort of product is to thank for my tan this year.

A Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
I am a proper water baby, even at 21. So, as a semi unnatural blonde, my hair suffers in the water and sunlight. This is why I always take a deep hydrating shampoo and conditioner away with me. My favourite two at the moment are Aussie Miracle Moist or Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Water . Both of these products work really well on my hair, and prevent it from looking and feeling like straw!

Packing Cubes

A friend of mine told me about these a couple of years back, and I honestly think I would be lost without mine now! They make packing and unpacking so easy! I tend to co-ordinate what is in each pouch, as they are various sizes. I have ones that are small enough to handle my hair products and face products, right up to ones that I use to pack Short and t-shirt/vest combinations, even playsuits end up in them. It honestly makes life so much easier!

Birkenstocks – Arizona 
I’m virtually certain I have featured these on the blog before, but honestly they are the comfiest shoes I have ever owned. I know that Birkenstocks are a little bit pricey in comparison to other shoes on the market, but they are completely worth the money. Think of them as an investment.  These are quite a bold shoe, but you can get them in far less out there colours. They do feel rather tough at first, but they do mould to the shape of your foot eventually, which is what makes them so flipping comfortable!

 

I’ve included links to everything I can or similar products, so I hope you’ve found this useful!

What are your holiday essentials?

xo

Lanzarote Look Book 2018

Hi Guys!

I hope you are well and making the most of the summer! Now is the time that most of us have pretty packed social calendars and/or are preparing to go on holiday. I love nothing more than seeing what other people are wearing during the run up to and throughout the summer. I find summer fashion so much easier to work with! Now, I’ve called this a look book, but have rapidly realised that most of it is from Asda and so this should probably have been a George haul instead… It’s incredibly hard to link George stuff because they rotate what they have in so often that even though alot of this was probably only bought 6 weeks ago, they have already disappeared off the website! But I’ve seen a lot of similar stuff all over the high street.

• Mustard Jumpsuit- George at Asda
• Black and White Floral Jumpsuit – George at Asda
• Khaki Dress – George at Asda
• Black and White Striped Trousers – New Look (2017)
• Coral Dress – George at Asda
• Black and White Large Dot Jumpsuit – Simply Be
• Orange Piped Trousers and Kimono – both George at Asda
• Purple Floral Playsuit – Matalan (2017)
• Black and White Polkadot Jumpsuit – George at Asda

I hope this post has inspired your summer looks! Let me know what your key summer staples are in the comments section!

Enjoy!