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.

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!

Half Way There…

So here we are, half way through 2018. I can safely say that this has already been one hell of a year. There have been some incredible highs, and some serious low’s, but I’m still fighting. I just thought I would let you guys in on what is going on in my head at this current point in time.

1. I fell out of love with blogging
   I know this happens to a lot of people, but I’m serious. I originally started my blog so that I could write about the things that I love, and hopefully find people that would listen and contribute about the topics I love. I felt like I was making some serious headway in the blogging world, and then I realised that I had failed to take off. I know that people say it is somewhat of a cut throat game, but sometime’s it really hurts when you have put time and effort in to a post, for it to only get a handful of views. And this seems to be the same on Instagram. Regardless of how many hastags you put on a post, the reach just doesn’t seem to be there anymore. This is why I’m intending to come back bigger and better than ever after my holiday. I am hoping that two weeks away will give me some motivation to push on harder than ever.
2. I’ve had to work on my health, both physical and mental
   This year has seen me suffer possibly the worst illness I have ever had, and I’m still not quite right. I’ve ended up on quite a few different tablets to try and get me back to full strength, but it’s taking a while. Physical illness can have a massive impact on mental illness. Recently, my anxiety has sky rocketed which is another reason the blog has taken a back burner. There are good days and there are bad days, but it’s getting easier.
3. I’m coming back to the blog, because I have realised just how much I still love music and fashion
   My inner 15 year old has reared her head recently. I’m discovering new music, and still trying to find my place in the world. I would love nothing more than to end up working for a record label, or a fashion magazine or high-street brand. At almost 22, in this scary world, I’ve almost began to feel like I’ve missed my chance to achieve these dreams. I know that the city I live in is limited in regards to the two industries, but so much work is done online and remotely now that in some ways it is becoming less and less of an issue. So, this is my first step towards my new dream.

 

This may sound like a slightly random post, but it was something I felt like I had to get off of my chest. Maybe nobody will read it, but then again maybe it will be my post with the highest views, who knows. But, I’m ready to work my butt off to get there.

 

xo

March Review!

Hi guys!

Apologies for the awful lack of posting this month, it’s been a strange one! However, I have discovered some truly amazing products this month, not just necessarily beauty products!

Essential Oil Diffuser:

So I was talking to a friend last month about the fact that I am struggling to sleep a lot. I had tried a few things like lavender pillow spray, however none of it seems to work. I was told that these things work magic, and to be honest, I wholeheartedly agree! I bought my one from Avon on a whim, for £15 – but then I found a much better, brighter one on Amazon. I love the fact that it also has a mood light built in! I ordered a bottle of lavender essential oil from Amazon which was only £3! Honestly, this has made the world of difference to my sleep!
This is the link to the one I bought from amazon:

The one below is my one;

Elegant Touch Nails:

I bought these as a matter of desperation because I needed a quick fix before going out! I ran into Boots and bought these for £7.46. This shade is Chrome 2.0 Violet Vixen. I am obsessed! They are super easy to apply, and all you need to do is file the very tip of them down as they are a little bit rough. These are the most gorgeous shape and shade and these are supposed to last 10 days so I will update when I see how long they last!

Marble Handled Make Up Brushes:

These were actually bought at the very end of last year, but I had completely forgotten about them. However, I needed a new brush for a new product the other day, so I pulled one of these out. They are completely synthetic, but they do not feel horrid, they are super soft on your skin and they transfer product really easily. They’re £8 for the set of 10 with the travel bag.

Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara:

I first heard about this product prior to its launch due to a fabulous vlog from Jamie Genevieve. Then I received a sample of it in the March Birchbox. I have honestly never been so obsessed with a mascara! I don’t have particularly short lashes and never wear false lashes, but this gives you such long, individual eyelashes, it is incredible! I am fully intending to buy the full size product!

These are just a few of the things I am loving at the moment, however I am on somewhat of a spending ban at the moment in an attempt to save money!

xo

The 70s vibe

Hi guys!

So I thought I would start to branch out into fashion a bit more. Here we are!

The fact that this 70’s, boho vibe is making a reappearance is making me super happy! I would have loved to have experienced 70’s fashion first hand, but alas, I was 20 years too late. I adore the style and the themes so I am so excited to get into this trend! I have only just realised that I unintentionally pre-empted the trend as I picked up the pieces I already own a few months ago!
Item’s I already own:

George – swing dress – I bloody adore this dress! It was such a bargain, and it is so cosy and comfy, making it an effortless choice for work.

New Look – embroidered,bell sleeve top: I picked this up in the Boxing Day sales – it is such a lovely fit and a simple top for a night out.

George – Fringed, faux leather biker jacket:

I found this entirely by accident, and I am so glad that I found this in Asda! For £30 I thought it was just perfect, the fit is lovely and I cannot wait to get so much use out of it during the spring – summer season.
Item’s I’m lusting over:

Red Embroidered Mirror Smock Top:

This is totally my vibe! I adore this colour and I love the little mirror detailing, I just think it’s so unique!

New Look – Mustard Bell Sleeve Jersey Tunic Dress

This dress is just so me! I adore a good bell sleeve, and mustard is a colour that really suites me!

I hope you enjoyed this little insight into my fashion sense!

xo

What I got for Christmas!

Hi Guys!

I know this is late, but I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and I hope that you’ve all had a lovely time. I thought I’d take the opportunity to give you a little insight into some of the gifts I had. The most precious gift was my promise ring off my boyfriend which I adore!

Acer R11 Laptop:
This was something that I desperately needed. My old Acer (which was fabulous for uni) has officially given up, it was the reason that I was barely blogging, it was just too stressful. Anyway, this little beauty is a dream. It’s a convertible one meaning that it is so much easier to use because of the versatility of it. The graphics and keyboard are fabulous – I will still be using my external hard drive, because let’s face it, I would be lost without it. Honestly, this little laptop is the best one I have ever had!

Clothes:
I got a fair few items of clothing for Christmas (see below), including some gorgeous jeans! Most of the items are in fact from Asda, and the I’m not entirely sure where the one gorgeous jacket is from (sorry!). These boots are also from Asda, who have started doing wide fit boots, which I think is brilliant! These are super comfortable but it wasn’t the best idea to wear them in the rain yesterday.

 

Lush Products:
I was also gifted the Merry Christmas LUSH box which is incredible. I love the LUSH Gift boxes because the gift wrapping is always so gorgeous! This box includes; Christmas Sweater, Shoot For The Stars, Golden Wonder (I think I have a new fave!) and Thundersnow. I have already used one Christmas Sweater this festive season, but it is so gorgeous and comforting, it’s definitely a winner in my eyes. However, my favourite festive bath bomb has to be Golden Wonder. This was not what I expected! It is so colourful and luxurious! It also smells incredible! However, must warn that it leaves a very obvious layer of gold glitter in your bath afterwards! I have yet to use Shoot for the Stars and Thundersnow but they both smell incredible!

Light-up Speaker:
This was something that I have wanted for a while, and oh my goodness this is incredible! It’s a blue-tooth speaker that lights up and “dances” to the beat. Honestly, this is brilliant! I’m a bit of a music nerd so I have to have a good speaker, which seems to be a rarity nowadays. Honestly, this speaker is definitely the best I have ever had in terms of bluetooth sound systems! It’s also incredibly easy to connect to, you switch it to “BT”, make sure your bluetooth is on and then it beeps at you to confirm that the connection has been established, super straight forward.

Danielle Nicole “Tinkerbell” Purse:
This was a present that I totally did not expect! I know how difficult these were to get hold of, they were selling like crazy! I am so happy that I got this and it is honestly so beautiful! I’ve seen a few people posting that they have received Danielle Nicole items for Christmas, and honestly, I think they’re a fabulous gift for any Disney fan! I’m almost a little bit too afraid to use it! Think it will stay in the box for a while to keep it looking so beautiful!

Other things:
The other things I got included: Ted Baker Make Up set, DKNY perfume (still a solid favourite) gift vouchers, cocktail recipe books, and lots of (Pink) gin to name just a few.  I will be reviewing the Ted Baker products later in the month along with some other products that I picked up in the Boxing Day Sales (keep an eye out!).

I hope this was at least a little bit interesting to some of you. I would love to know what some of you guys got for Christmas!

Here’s to this new, fantastic year. Let’s make it the best yet.

 

xo

2017: A Review

So, I’m writing this in a rather strange mood. Having been for coffee with some friends and bringing each other up to speed on our lives, it makes you reflect on some of the weird and wonderful things that have happened in the past year. 2017 has been one of those years that I will be glad to see the back of, yet in other ways it has been a truly fantastic year. Let’s put it this way, 2017 has exhausted me.

There has been all sorts of tears and triumphs. Graduating with a 2:1 in History and Theology, getting a 1st for my dissertation (just the fact that I wrote a dissertation amazes me sometimes), getting a new, full time job, turning 21 (gosh, I’m getting old), getting a new car, going on two holidays, making incredible memories with my other half and beginning to discover who I really am. This post may be a bit deep but I think it needs to be. But, on the other hand, there have been some horrific moments. I’ve spent more time this year in hospitals than I ever care to revisit, I’ve doubted my own abilities and lost all faith and courage in myself. I’ve neglected my blog, and I admit that it was because I doubted anyone was really reading it or that I was contributing to anything in any sort of way. It’s been an incredibly long year.

But, here we are, full circle.

I have so many plans for the next year. For my personal development, my career, my personal life and the places I want to see, things I want to tick off my “bucket list”. With that in mind, there are things that I desperately need to remember. It’s okay not to have your shit together, or to be “skint”, to not want to go out every weekend. It’s okay to take time for yourself, to heal yourself. To improve yourself. I have regrets, who doesn’t? But I don’t let them hold me back. I’m a firm believer in fate and that there’s a reason for everything, so you take the experience on board and allow it to shape you into the person you want to become. I’m definitely still trying to find my place in the world. Mentally, I’m tired. Physically, I’m tired. But that’s okay, because I know why, and I’m going to fix it.

Enjoy your life and the rest will fall into place.

Let’s make 2018 our year!

xo

 

 

 

My First Trip to Sephora

Hi guys!

So, this is the exciting post that I thought I would save some of my other purchases for. I had never thought I could get so excited by a shop, oh boy was I wrong. We were actually forced into Sephora due to the rain, much to my boyfriends displeasure. I have honestly never experience such awesomeness! I had intended to go to Sephora to purchase something in particular, which I’ll be reviewing later, but I think it’s worth reviewing the store itself.

Honestly, I know Floridan’s are renowned for their customer service, but this was exceptional! I wish Boots staff in the UK were as attentive as Sephora employees. Sometime’s it is lovely to have a professional opinion from someone as opposed to trying to just guess your way through a purchase. These ladies were brilliant!

I think it’s brilliant that there is such a range of brands, ensuring that there is something for everyone. I went into Sephora to purchase something in particular. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner.

Now this product whas something that I had heard brilliant things about thanks to the wonderful Helen Anderson. Now I will be reviewing this product in full, I am hoping to get a faves/every day face post up in the next few weeks.

Anyhow, I was having a browse around and discovered some brands that I had never seen before. What an eye opener. The sales staff are beyond helpful in Sephora,which resulted in me becoming a Sephora Insider…

An Insider card is like a clubcard, you earn points when you spend and then you cash them in for rewards. From what I understand, there are different rewards for different amounts of points, and its a point per £/$ that you spend, which is brilliant as some places do not give you fair points per spend.

Now this is the bit I really loved. Even though I had only signed up that day, they ask you when your birthday is for your account. My birthday is the 4th August and by this point it was the middle of September. This didn’t matter, they still give you a birthday gift which I think is a beautiful little twist!

There were two options, and unfortuntely I can’t remember what the second option was, but I chose the Tarte Contour Kit. I will be reviewing this product at a later date as I am trying to run my Soap and Glory Contour kit down before I open the Tarte one.

Honestly, I think Sephora is one of, if not the, best store I have ever experienced. Everyone needs to have a Sephora experience. Oh, and you can order online! Win win situation, huh?

Anyway, that’s my views on Sephora, what are your experiences with Sephora?

What I bought in Orlando

Hey guys!

I would like to start by saying I am so sorry for it taking so freaking long to post this! I have been in such a whirlwind for the past month that I have really lost my way with the blog. But I’m back!

Anyway, I save all year so that I can splurge when I’m in Orlando, and I did not let myself down this year. Of course, there was the typical mugs and key rings, food and trinkets. Let’s have a look at some of the stuff I bought!

Levi Jeans:

I love these Denizen jeans because they are “curvy cut” and to be honest, these are exactly what I need (trousers that fit my hips/thighs are always too big on my waist). I have these in this pale blue and black, but already have them in two other shades of blue as well as a dark blue bootleg. These are purchased from Target and were $27 a pair, which is incredible compared to buying them over here. I don’t even understand how it works!

Daisy by Marc Jacobs:

I’ve always been intrigued by this perfume, mainly because of the bottle, but have never actually bought it. I was struggling to find a new perfume so asked for a sample. I always buy a new perfume whilst I’m on holiday because then the scent reminds me of the holiday. Anyway! I think I picked this up for about $48 which I thought was brilliant. I adore the flowery bottle lid and think it is a perfect representation of the scent. It’s such a light and floral scent which is why I loved it so much for my holiday, it isn’t too heavy for daytime wear. I would recommend this perfure to anyone who is after a feminine, fun scent.

Flowerbomb by Victor and Rolf

So, I actually got this because Daisy was on offer. I had seen Helen Anderson raving about this perfume and was super curious about it. This was the first time I had actually smelled it and it was incredible! It’s definitely a new favourite, however it’s more of a special occasion perfume as it is a little bit heavier than Daisy but I still adore it!

Star Wars Airbounce Adidas:

Well, these were the deal of the century. My boyfriend and I were after new trainers, which resulted in us getting 3 pairs for $130! One pair of his alone should have been $100! Anyway, these were such a lucky find! They are actually Teen trainers, but I can fit into a 6.5 (UK) size, so these were a done deal! I adore them! They are the most awesome print and they are super comfy. They’re my new gym trainers and were so comfy for walking around the parks, these are definitely one of my favourite pairs of trainers, ever!

Pumas:

I have had Puma Suedes since I was about 15, so they are a pretty essential staple for me. They’re comfy, smarter than a standard trainer and so easy to wear. I live in mine to be honest, I even wear them to work quite regularly! These were $43 which is a pretty significant saving on what I have seen them for over here. I’ve been going to America for that many years that I honestly cannot bring myself to buy trainers of any sort in the UK anymore because of the price difference.

Guess Handbag and Purse:

Handbags are a down fall of mine. I genuinely think I have a shopping issue, I had bought this set within two days of being in Orlando! This is a super sensible bag for me, but I thought it was the perfect size for everyday and work use. I really adore this and got the set for $60 which I thought was a total bargain! This is the third Guess handbag I own…

 

There are some other things that were purchased, but I’m wanting to save those for another exciting post… I wonder what that could be!

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed seeing just a small chunk of what I bought on holiday!

Lanzarote Look Book

Hi guys!

So normally I only go on one holiday a year, most often than not Florida, so I don’t have a very “dressy” holiday wardrobe. This meant I had to do a lot of shopping for my Lanzarote holiday at the end of June. If you follow me on instagram then you have probably already seen most of these outfits, but I thought it would be cool to put together a look book of these outfits.
Outfit 1:

So this cute little playsuit is so adorable and super comfy! I picked it up from Matalan for £12 and it was perfect for popping into the restaurant for lunch. It has a lace up detail at the back, but I didn’t take a photo of it as I altered it because of the size of my chest (it wasn’t suitable). Honestly, such a comfy, simple yet stylish outfit, and so easy to wear.
Playsuit: Matalan (£12) 
Sunglasses: Primark (£3)

 

Outfit 2:

I have this dress in two colours, red and black, I wore the black one a lot last summer, but never felt brave enough to wear the red, as it makes my already pastey self look even more pale. But I loved it once I finally got it on, and due to it being a “Peasant” dress, it’s so light and airy. I really love this style as I found it really flattering and comfortable – it’s also nice to have something a little bit more covered up without being too warm, as the dress is cotton. Also, these shoes were a go to on holiday. They have a super chunky platform, which takes all the height out of them, but they’re super light and flexible making them perfect evening shoes for our evening meals and entertainment.
Sunglasses: Primark (£3)
Choker: H&M (£7)
Dress: Asda (£12)
Shoes: Asda (£18)

 

Outfit 3:

Now, I spotted this and fell in love with it instantly. However, I’m planning on getting it altered after having worn it for an afternoon. Notice the detailed cut of the shorts at the front? It can be a little chaotic, especially for someone with thick thighs like myself, as the one half of the shorts dissapears up my thigh whilst walking or moving. Apart from that, this is super comfy but rather thin, so you have to wear a bandaue bra underneath. Apart from that, it’s a super comfy outfit and I can’t wait to wear it again once it’s been altered.
Choker: H&M (£7)
Playsuit: Tesco (£18)

 

Outfit 4:

This was, unfortunately, my travelling home outfit. Not the best idea when you’re landing back at 12am into the British rain, but hey ho. This is made up of some items that I’ve had a while and somethings that were brand new. All in all it was a super comfy outfit for travelling. The Tshirt is actually a dress but is way too thin to be worn as a dress. Also, my Birkenstocks. I don’t have the standard, cork soled ones, these are all rubber. These are the comfiest flipflops I have ever owned! We walked 7 miles the one day into Playa Blanca and my feet were not sore, at all! Honestly, worth every penny!  I actually have a new pair, identical, to take to Florida with me in September!
Choker: H&M (£7)
T-Shirt/Dress: Primark (£10 I think – was bought last year)
Shorts: Matalan (£11)
Kimono: Target ($20 I think – this was purchased in Florida two years ago)
Shoes: Birkenstocks (£25-30) from Amazon

 

Outfit 5:

This dress felt incredible! It was such a cheap little purchase, that I actually forgot I had in my wardrobe – I found it whilst looking for the black version of the red dress above. It’s super stretchy cotton, in a straight line design, which is great for Lanzarote as it’s an incredibly windy island, especially at night. As you can probably imagine, there were a few near misses with outfits and the wind! Anyway, I am a little obsessed with navy at the moment, it’s like my summer version of black, and it was paired with an adorable pair of yellow, flower sandals from Primark.
Choker: The same H&M one
Dress: Asda (£12)

Outfit 6:

This had to be an absolute favourite! My qote of the day whilst wearing this was “I’m a gothic fairy princess!” because the mesh actually twirls like a princess skirt! It was super cheap, and the vest top came with it, but it’s super good quality and fits really nicely. I love the fact that it has a sligght empire line to it in order to allow it to twirl!
Sunglasses: Primark (£3)
Top: Asda (£14)
Shorts: Matalan (£11)

I hope you guys like some of these outfits and items. Let me know what you think!

Have fun! xo