Showing posts with label lifestyle post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle post. Show all posts
I was lucky enough to get a hamper from the lovely team at Antidotestreet.com which included this gorgeous face serum from Yours Truly Organics, and I instantly fell in love!
I'm really fussy about the products I use on my skin, particularly my face as this can be quite sensitive. I basically judge when my hair needs washing on whether I'm having a mini break out! So when I was sent this product that was natural and organic, I wasn't scared to try it out.
I love the phrase 'true beauty starts with being yourself; I really think that it's important to look after your skin and hair, because what happens if one day there's a zombie apocalypse and we can't get any makeup products? Yeah so I'm basically preparing!
This product is the Fix me! Repairing Serum. It's a little steep at £28, so I must admit, I use it sparingly. When my skin needs some TLC or I am feeling extra oily, I use this particularly on my T-Zone and it works wonders.
Yours Truly Organics says it smooths, repairs and tightens your skin with this oat kernel enriched serum, so it does exactly what it says on the tin!
I apply this with a cotton wool pad before my face moisturiser, it smells super fresh and like I've really made the extra effort!
I was lucky enough to get a hamper from the lovely team at Antidotestreet.com which included this gorgeous face serum from Yours Truly Organics, and I instantly fell in love!
I'm really fussy about the products I use on my skin, particularly my face as this can be quite sensitive. I basically judge when my hair needs washing on whether I'm having a mini break out! So when I was sent this product that was natural and organic, I wasn't scared to try it out.
I love the phrase 'true beauty starts with being yourself; I really think that it's important to look after your skin and hair, because what happens if one day there's a zombie apocalypse and we can't get any makeup products? Yeah so I'm basically preparing!
This product is the Fix me! Repairing Serum. It's a little steep at £28, so I must admit, I use it sparingly. When my skin needs some TLC or I am feeling extra oily, I use this particularly on my T-Zone and it works wonders.
Yours Truly Organics says it smooths, repairs and tightens your skin with this oat kernel enriched serum, so it does exactly what it says on the tin!
I apply this with a cotton wool pad before my face moisturiser, it smells super fresh and like I've really made the extra effort!
I love Valentine's Day! So what if it's a money making scheme, I just love a reason to celebrate. This is the second one me and my boyfriend have spent together, he took me to Mr Cooper's House and Garden in Manchester's Midland Hotel. We went there last year for my birthday, so it was really nice to go back now that we live in the same city! I'll do a full blog post on my visit, but I'd highly recommend this restaurant for somewhere to go for a special occasion.
You know when you get a new item of clothing and you don't remember what you ever wore before it? Yep that's how I feel about my new (faux) leather skirt. Excuse the mess in the background, I didn't plan this blog post! This skirt goes with everything and I can wear it to work or on a night out!
I bought this one for just £14.99 from H&M, the only negative thing I would say is that the sizing is ridiculous. I had to go 2 sizes up, so i definitely wouldn't recommend buying a skirt like this online.
I went to see Hidden Figures last week and it was amazing. I'm not usually that excited about dramas, I'm into psychological dramas mostly - but this film was so inspiring! If you haven't seen it I would recommend it, it really explains the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic!
I went out on three nights out in February (RIP bank account) and this was my favourite outfit! It's a satin playsuit from Boohoo.com. I love this colour and I thought it would be great to style down with tights, boots and a leather jacket or with trainers or sandals when I go on holiday this summer.
What did you love in February?
I love Valentine's Day! So what if it's a money making scheme, I just love a reason to celebrate. This is the second one me and my boyfriend have spent together, he took me to Mr Cooper's House and Garden in Manchester's Midland Hotel. We went there last year for my birthday, so it was really nice to go back now that we live in the same city! I'll do a full blog post on my visit, but I'd highly recommend this restaurant for somewhere to go for a special occasion.
You know when you get a new item of clothing and you don't remember what you ever wore before it? Yep that's how I feel about my new (faux) leather skirt. Excuse the mess in the background, I didn't plan this blog post! This skirt goes with everything and I can wear it to work or on a night out!
I bought this one for just £14.99 from H&M, the only negative thing I would say is that the sizing is ridiculous. I had to go 2 sizes up, so i definitely wouldn't recommend buying a skirt like this online.
I went to see Hidden Figures last week and it was amazing. I'm not usually that excited about dramas, I'm into psychological dramas mostly - but this film was so inspiring! If you haven't seen it I would recommend it, it really explains the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic!
I went out on three nights out in February (RIP bank account) and this was my favourite outfit! It's a satin playsuit from Boohoo.com. I love this colour and I thought it would be great to style down with tights, boots and a leather jacket or with trainers or sandals when I go on holiday this summer.
What did you love in February?
I think everyone is in agreement that January was a trial month, February was the shortest month ever (thank goodness, I really couldn't take another 300 day month) and March is already flying by. I've had a great start to the year with my first promotion, making new friends and just fun times all round, but I want it to continue this way.
I no longer think it's necessary to make New Year resolutions in January, it's been much more useful settling in to the year a bit, but now we are a few months in, here are four things I want to do more in 2017.
SAY YES
When you move away from your home town and work full time, it's hard to meet new people and even harder to find people similar to yourself. I've learnt that just saying YES to going for a meal, or a drink will open new doors up to new people. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet, what's the worst that could happen?
SAY NO
I've got quite a few things I want to do this year and guess what - none of them are free! But that's life. Sometimes you just have to say no to that night out, or that trip because you want to put yourself first, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's important to make time for friends and family, but it's never too soon to invest in your own happiness!
STAY POSITIVE
It's easy to get caught up in everyone else's drama and the negative things that might be happening around you. Take a step back and think, do I need to comment on this? Does this affect me? You might just realise that no, it doesn't. Have a pamper evening to yourself and think about all the good things you've got going for you. Sounds a bit self indulgent, but guess what? IT IS.
STAY TRUE TO YOU
This sounds a little more complicated than it is. By this I mean I want to go back to church and reconnect with people, I want to take more time out for my hobbies such as blogging and reading. I want to make the most out of my skills and turn those into much more. But not everyone needs to know your ambitions, I'm just getting on with it!
What do you want to do more in 2017?
I think everyone is in agreement that January was a trial month, February was the shortest month ever (thank goodness, I really couldn't take another 300 day month) and March is already flying by. I've had a great start to the year with my first promotion, making new friends and just fun times all round, but I want it to continue this way.
I no longer think it's necessary to make New Year resolutions in January, it's been much more useful settling in to the year a bit, but now we are a few months in, here are four things I want to do more in 2017.
SAY YES
When you move away from your home town and work full time, it's hard to meet new people and even harder to find people similar to yourself. I've learnt that just saying YES to going for a meal, or a drink will open new doors up to new people. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet, what's the worst that could happen?
SAY NO
I've got quite a few things I want to do this year and guess what - none of them are free! But that's life. Sometimes you just have to say no to that night out, or that trip because you want to put yourself first, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's important to make time for friends and family, but it's never too soon to invest in your own happiness!
STAY POSITIVE
It's easy to get caught up in everyone else's drama and the negative things that might be happening around you. Take a step back and think, do I need to comment on this? Does this affect me? You might just realise that no, it doesn't. Have a pamper evening to yourself and think about all the good things you've got going for you. Sounds a bit self indulgent, but guess what? IT IS.
STAY TRUE TO YOU
This sounds a little more complicated than it is. By this I mean I want to go back to church and reconnect with people, I want to take more time out for my hobbies such as blogging and reading. I want to make the most out of my skills and turn those into much more. But not everyone needs to know your ambitions, I'm just getting on with it!
What do you want to do more in 2017?
Where do I even start? These last 2 months have been an absolute whirlwind of extremely high points and some quite low points, I think that's what you get when you are going through a transition point in your life and even though everything can be going great, sometimes there are can be a random moment when you realise how big the step you have taken is, and it can be a hell of a reality check.
After speaking to a couple of my friends who have been and are still going through the same experience, I thought I would share my experience of finishing university, graduating and entering the big bad world.
Finishing University
After this, I was floating about in a limbo period where I didn't know where I was going to be living, although I had my heart set on moving to Manchester to work in the field I had studied, Marketing and Public Relations. but even when I got a job, with a couple of months to wait before I started and my savings rapidly depleting, I felt like I couldn't enjoy the moment and wanted to just get started with the rest of my life.
I was so shocked and proud of myself when I received my results and found out that I had achieved a first class degree classification. I still feel like every all nighter, every time I refused to be sociable because I had deadlines and every time I turned down a shift at work to do my dissertation was worth it now, because at the end of the day money and nights out come and go all the time - and an achievement like this can stay with me forever.
Working full time
At the end of May, I had secured my dream job located in the trendy Northern Quarter in the heart of Manchester, at an award winning PR Agency. The location and the office are perfect, and I get to work with great clients including a huge beauty brand. I work with a small group of experienced and ambitious women and that's a great way to kickstart any career. On a side note, the office walls are pink and that totally sold me!
Fast forward to nearly two months at work and I still love it, every weekend I think how lucky I am to have a job in the field that I studied in. However I've realised that it's important to remember that you don't get jobs through luck, I did work hard to get the right work experience for a job like this. I spent money I didn't have to travel from Birmingham to Manchester for interviews for roles that I didn't get, and took more than the recommended time out of studying to go to assessment centres and prepare my answers for interviews and researching companies. This meant I was stressed and tired and didn't have much time for myself, my relationship or to work.
There is a huge jump from the relaxed schedule at university to working full time. Luckily I had already worked full time for a year in a placement role as part of my degree, so some habits I picked up quite easily. One thing I would recommend is focusing on one thing at a time. I focused on settling in first. I turned down invites to go back home because I knew I needed to make this feel like home sooner rather than later.
If your job is 9-5 don't turn up on your first day at 9am, thats just not how it works in a professional environment and expect to stay after 5pm to get what you need to do done, if thats how your office operates. At the end of the day, you're no longer in your part time job where you can literally clock out and run (sprint in my case) out as soon as your shift ends, you're forging a name for yourself in your industry.
Just because you might be starting a job at entry level doesn't mean that you aren't important. for all you know you might have beaten hundreds to get that role, and being in a skilled profession is a great accomplishment, so don't doubt yourself!
Moving to a new city
Even though I haven't moved particularly far, it's about 80 miles and a 1.5 hr drive between Derby and Manchester, it is still a big adjustment as it's not like you can just pop round to your grandma's for a cup of tea and cake anymore, everything takes planning and giving people notice, which is one of the hardest adjustments I've had to make. Although I didn't live at home for university, Birmingham never felt like home as I was just there to study, but now I'm in Manchester for the foreseeable future and have to start making roots.
It's very expensive to move, no matter whether you are staying in the same city or moving. You need a deposit which is often the same amount as your first month's rent, plus first month's rent upfront.
You may also need to pay an application fee if you are moving through an estate agent which for me was around £60, but it can be much more if you are moving somewhere like London.
If you are coming straight out of education its very difficult to make this type of money fast, so consider whether you want to delay applying for jobs elsewhere until you can afford to move!
I lived with my boyfriend for a month, basically the first month until I got paid, as there was just no way I could afford to move before I had my first pay.
I will probably do another blog post on moving and finding a place to live as it is quite a lengthy subject!
Another thing I wanted to talk about was making friends in a new city. This isn't student days where you can be friends for life with someone just because you sat next to each other on the first day.
It is really hard to meet people in your twenties and this is what I am currently trying to do. I am 23 in two weeks and it feels like I am starting all over again! People already have their friendship groups and routines and working full time, you generally don't want to go out EVERY night. I have bills to pay now babes!
At the moment I'm looking for sport groups to join, social groups and just the old fashioned connecting with old friends that also live in Manchester. You will be surprised to know that a lot of people are in the same boat as you and I have just come to face up to the fact that it's not something to be embarrassed about! If you don't ask you don't get so from now on I am just going to put myself out there. Try apps like Meetup and Citysocialiser to find people with similar interests to yours and pay attention to free taster sessions for events and groups.
Overall, finishing university and starting a new chapter is something not to take lightly, even though thousands of people do it every year. Everyone takes a different path.
Where do I even start? These last 2 months have been an absolute whirlwind of extremely high points and some quite low points, I think that's what you get when you are going through a transition point in your life and even though everything can be going great, sometimes there are can be a random moment when you realise how big the step you have taken is, and it can be a hell of a reality check.
After speaking to a couple of my friends who have been and are still going through the same experience, I thought I would share my experience of finishing university, graduating and entering the big bad world.
Finishing University
After this, I was floating about in a limbo period where I didn't know where I was going to be living, although I had my heart set on moving to Manchester to work in the field I had studied, Marketing and Public Relations. but even when I got a job, with a couple of months to wait before I started and my savings rapidly depleting, I felt like I couldn't enjoy the moment and wanted to just get started with the rest of my life.
I was so shocked and proud of myself when I received my results and found out that I had achieved a first class degree classification. I still feel like every all nighter, every time I refused to be sociable because I had deadlines and every time I turned down a shift at work to do my dissertation was worth it now, because at the end of the day money and nights out come and go all the time - and an achievement like this can stay with me forever.
Working full time
At the end of May, I had secured my dream job located in the trendy Northern Quarter in the heart of Manchester, at an award winning PR Agency. The location and the office are perfect, and I get to work with great clients including a huge beauty brand. I work with a small group of experienced and ambitious women and that's a great way to kickstart any career. On a side note, the office walls are pink and that totally sold me!
Fast forward to nearly two months at work and I still love it, every weekend I think how lucky I am to have a job in the field that I studied in. However I've realised that it's important to remember that you don't get jobs through luck, I did work hard to get the right work experience for a job like this. I spent money I didn't have to travel from Birmingham to Manchester for interviews for roles that I didn't get, and took more than the recommended time out of studying to go to assessment centres and prepare my answers for interviews and researching companies. This meant I was stressed and tired and didn't have much time for myself, my relationship or to work.
There is a huge jump from the relaxed schedule at university to working full time. Luckily I had already worked full time for a year in a placement role as part of my degree, so some habits I picked up quite easily. One thing I would recommend is focusing on one thing at a time. I focused on settling in first. I turned down invites to go back home because I knew I needed to make this feel like home sooner rather than later.
If your job is 9-5 don't turn up on your first day at 9am, thats just not how it works in a professional environment and expect to stay after 5pm to get what you need to do done, if thats how your office operates. At the end of the day, you're no longer in your part time job where you can literally clock out and run (sprint in my case) out as soon as your shift ends, you're forging a name for yourself in your industry.
Just because you might be starting a job at entry level doesn't mean that you aren't important. for all you know you might have beaten hundreds to get that role, and being in a skilled profession is a great accomplishment, so don't doubt yourself!
Moving to a new city
Even though I haven't moved particularly far, it's about 80 miles and a 1.5 hr drive between Derby and Manchester, it is still a big adjustment as it's not like you can just pop round to your grandma's for a cup of tea and cake anymore, everything takes planning and giving people notice, which is one of the hardest adjustments I've had to make. Although I didn't live at home for university, Birmingham never felt like home as I was just there to study, but now I'm in Manchester for the foreseeable future and have to start making roots.
It's very expensive to move, no matter whether you are staying in the same city or moving. You need a deposit which is often the same amount as your first month's rent, plus first month's rent upfront.
You may also need to pay an application fee if you are moving through an estate agent which for me was around £60, but it can be much more if you are moving somewhere like London.
If you are coming straight out of education its very difficult to make this type of money fast, so consider whether you want to delay applying for jobs elsewhere until you can afford to move!
I lived with my boyfriend for a month, basically the first month until I got paid, as there was just no way I could afford to move before I had my first pay.
I will probably do another blog post on moving and finding a place to live as it is quite a lengthy subject!
Another thing I wanted to talk about was making friends in a new city. This isn't student days where you can be friends for life with someone just because you sat next to each other on the first day.
It is really hard to meet people in your twenties and this is what I am currently trying to do. I am 23 in two weeks and it feels like I am starting all over again! People already have their friendship groups and routines and working full time, you generally don't want to go out EVERY night. I have bills to pay now babes!
At the moment I'm looking for sport groups to join, social groups and just the old fashioned connecting with old friends that also live in Manchester. You will be surprised to know that a lot of people are in the same boat as you and I have just come to face up to the fact that it's not something to be embarrassed about! If you don't ask you don't get so from now on I am just going to put myself out there. Try apps like Meetup and Citysocialiser to find people with similar interests to yours and pay attention to free taster sessions for events and groups.
Overall, finishing university and starting a new chapter is something not to take lightly, even though thousands of people do it every year. Everyone takes a different path.
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup
Mini Marshmallows
125g of Unsalted Butter
300g of Milk Chocolate/White Chocolate
4 Digestive Biscuits
I am no baker, I love eating cakes but quite frankly I can never get it quite right myself. For a quick sweet treat that is easy and fun to make without even needing to turn the oven on , I would definitely recommend whipping up a homemade Rocky Road!
All of these ingredients I got from Tesco and altogether I spent around £9 (face palm). Next time I make this I will probably get cooking chocolate and you could even get a cheap non branded chocolate, however this rocky road tasted really creamy and went down a treat! Most people add nuts or raisins to their Rocky Road but I left those out.
First of all I preheated the pan on a low heat as I was scared to burn it! You will be surprised how easily it melts. I put all of the butter in and melted that down, then added all of the chocolate. When all of that was melted I took out half of the chocolate and put it in a mug and put that aside.
I then added 3 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup. Next up, I put the biscuits into a bag, a clean plastic bag will do just fine if you don't have any freezer bags, then I just bashed that around until there was a mixture of crumbs and bigger chunks of biscuits.
I then added the biscuits to the mix. Next I added a large handful of mini marshmallows. If you can't find mini ones, Im pretty sure you could cut up some bigger ones and sprinkle them in, as they all get melted anyway!
I then mixed it all, but don't let it go to mushy as you still want some biscuit pieces. I then turned off the heat and put it all into a medium size pyrex dish.
I then poured the rest of the chocolate that was in the mug on top.
To finish, I put it in the fridge for 2 hours.
The best thing about this recipe is that you can choose whichever chocolate you like and add as many or as few marshmallows and biscuits as you like.
PS. Be careful when cutting it up as it is very tough after setting.
If you have any suggestions of desserts that don't require baking please do let me know!
Enjoy :)
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup
Mini Marshmallows
125g of Unsalted Butter
300g of Milk Chocolate/White Chocolate
4 Digestive Biscuits
I am no baker, I love eating cakes but quite frankly I can never get it quite right myself. For a quick sweet treat that is easy and fun to make without even needing to turn the oven on , I would definitely recommend whipping up a homemade Rocky Road!
All of these ingredients I got from Tesco and altogether I spent around £9 (face palm). Next time I make this I will probably get cooking chocolate and you could even get a cheap non branded chocolate, however this rocky road tasted really creamy and went down a treat! Most people add nuts or raisins to their Rocky Road but I left those out.
First of all I preheated the pan on a low heat as I was scared to burn it! You will be surprised how easily it melts. I put all of the butter in and melted that down, then added all of the chocolate. When all of that was melted I took out half of the chocolate and put it in a mug and put that aside.
I then added 3 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup. Next up, I put the biscuits into a bag, a clean plastic bag will do just fine if you don't have any freezer bags, then I just bashed that around until there was a mixture of crumbs and bigger chunks of biscuits.
I then added the biscuits to the mix. Next I added a large handful of mini marshmallows. If you can't find mini ones, Im pretty sure you could cut up some bigger ones and sprinkle them in, as they all get melted anyway!
I then mixed it all, but don't let it go to mushy as you still want some biscuit pieces. I then turned off the heat and put it all into a medium size pyrex dish.
I then poured the rest of the chocolate that was in the mug on top.
To finish, I put it in the fridge for 2 hours.
The best thing about this recipe is that you can choose whichever chocolate you like and add as many or as few marshmallows and biscuits as you like.
PS. Be careful when cutting it up as it is very tough after setting.
If you have any suggestions of desserts that don't require baking please do let me know!
Enjoy :)
I'm a complete product junkie and I have always been in to makeup, but recently all my hoarding has been focused on hair products. So I thought it was time to start revamping my makeup collection slowly and surely. I say surely, but I got all of this over 2 days!
Below are my first impressions of the products and at the bottom I have included links, where I can find them of the products online. I got everything in River Island, Boots and Selfridges.
1. Lashes by Samantha - These lashes are so fluttery and natural looking for any occasion. I stumbled upon these in River Island and really liked that they didn't have a thick black strip like others do.
2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Shade Spice - This foundation is so amazing! I mix mine with Loreal True Match Foundation to give it more of a dewy brown colour and I have had so many compliments since I have been wearing it. It was a great experience purchasing it also. I got mine from there kiosk in the Trafford Centre and had my colour matched.
3. Nyx Matte Finish Spray - This really does work considering how cheap it is! I have a really oily T zone and wanted to have a matte finish so I gave this a go with the finishing powder and it holds for hours. Working as a waitress it even holds during my shifts!
4. Nyx Liquid Suede - This is the best nude lipgloss I have used in a long time, if ever. It is notoriously difficult to find a nice matte lip gloss when you have darker skin so I took a chance on this and I love it. It goes on 'liquid' and dries matte. Separate review coming soon...
5. Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner - I don't really believe in spending a lot on a liquid eyeliner. This is because every time I have spent a little extra on one it seems to dry out, or get lost! So I am sticking to collection eyeliners. Once sprayed with the finishing powder it stays on all day and is super sleek and black, you wouldn't guess it was less than a fiver.
6. Nyx Liquid Illuminator - This product is such an easy way to get a bit of a shimmery highlight. It comes out as a liquid and you only need a tiny drop. The golden tint is perfect for darker skin tones.
7. Nyx HD Finishing Powder - I was going to invest in the Laura Mercier setting powder, but at £29 I thought I would look for a cheaper alternative first. I tried this out and so far I love it, it is translucent and you only need a small amount to keep your makeup in place without that grey ashy look. It stops me from getting oily but doesn't mask my makeup.
8. Maybelline Lash Sensation - This isn't a new product for me but it is a staple for my every day makeup, I love it. It makes my eyelashes thick and elongated instantly and it is really affordable.
Lashes by Samantha - £5
Ester Double Wear Foundation - Shade Spice - Around £30
Nyx Setting Spray - £7
Nyx Liquid Suede - Matte Lipgloss - Sandstorm £6.50
Collection - Fast Stroke Eyeliner (Boots - Approx £2)
Nyx Liquid Illuminator - £7
Nyx HD Finishing Powder - £7
Maybelline Lash Sensational - £7.99
I'm a complete product junkie and I have always been in to makeup, but recently all my hoarding has been focused on hair products. So I thought it was time to start revamping my makeup collection slowly and surely. I say surely, but I got all of this over 2 days!
Below are my first impressions of the products and at the bottom I have included links, where I can find them of the products online. I got everything in River Island, Boots and Selfridges.
1. Lashes by Samantha - These lashes are so fluttery and natural looking for any occasion. I stumbled upon these in River Island and really liked that they didn't have a thick black strip like others do.
2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Shade Spice - This foundation is so amazing! I mix mine with Loreal True Match Foundation to give it more of a dewy brown colour and I have had so many compliments since I have been wearing it. It was a great experience purchasing it also. I got mine from there kiosk in the Trafford Centre and had my colour matched.
3. Nyx Matte Finish Spray - This really does work considering how cheap it is! I have a really oily T zone and wanted to have a matte finish so I gave this a go with the finishing powder and it holds for hours. Working as a waitress it even holds during my shifts!
4. Nyx Liquid Suede - This is the best nude lipgloss I have used in a long time, if ever. It is notoriously difficult to find a nice matte lip gloss when you have darker skin so I took a chance on this and I love it. It goes on 'liquid' and dries matte. Separate review coming soon...
5. Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner - I don't really believe in spending a lot on a liquid eyeliner. This is because every time I have spent a little extra on one it seems to dry out, or get lost! So I am sticking to collection eyeliners. Once sprayed with the finishing powder it stays on all day and is super sleek and black, you wouldn't guess it was less than a fiver.
6. Nyx Liquid Illuminator - This product is such an easy way to get a bit of a shimmery highlight. It comes out as a liquid and you only need a tiny drop. The golden tint is perfect for darker skin tones.
7. Nyx HD Finishing Powder - I was going to invest in the Laura Mercier setting powder, but at £29 I thought I would look for a cheaper alternative first. I tried this out and so far I love it, it is translucent and you only need a small amount to keep your makeup in place without that grey ashy look. It stops me from getting oily but doesn't mask my makeup.
8. Maybelline Lash Sensation - This isn't a new product for me but it is a staple for my every day makeup, I love it. It makes my eyelashes thick and elongated instantly and it is really affordable.
Lashes by Samantha - £5
Ester Double Wear Foundation - Shade Spice - Around £30
Nyx Setting Spray - £7
Nyx Liquid Suede - Matte Lipgloss - Sandstorm £6.50
Collection - Fast Stroke Eyeliner (Boots - Approx £2)
Nyx Liquid Illuminator - £7
Nyx HD Finishing Powder - £7
Maybelline Lash Sensational - £7.99
It's that time of the academic year where organisation is everything. I truly believe that sometimes being organised outweighs actually being smart 'clever' so all these notebooks better help me out!
Also, that is just another one of my excuses to have a pretty bookshelf.
Most of these things were gifts but they are definitely things I couldn't live without now
First of all my MacBook Pro is actually my life. Until recently I hadn't been into using an electronic/online calendar but it now I like to use both for practicalities, as it can be quite heavy to carry my laptop AND diary to uni (First World Problems) and because I get a reminder on my phone and on my laptop.
To the right is my week planner, this is great to write down shifts at work or blog posts or your gym schedule! This was a gift from John Lewis, you can find it here.
Next up is my Cath Kidston Pencil Case. All the Cath Kinston stuff you can see here my boyfriend bought me for my birthday, I can't believe he spent that long in there! I guess you could say a pencil case is a bit childish, but a lost memory stick is no laughing matter, so I like carrying around my essentials in this. I also keep lip balm, earphones etc in there. This is the 'Billie Goes to Town' Pencil Case.
My Pen came in a box which makes for a great gift and is so pretty... too nice to use for scribbling notes at uni! I couldn't find the exact one but here is a similar version .
The notebook is great to use as a diary. It is hardback and doesn't have any dividers so not the best for university, but great for blog ideas or just general life notes! Here is a similar one.
I don't quite know how I coped without a wall calendar before this! It's so handy if someone asks you if you are available last minute, and you can just glance at the wall. Also, it's great for me to see when my deadlines are due so I can see how close together they are and cry plan accordingly.
I couldn't find a link to where this was available online as you can imagine (It is February!).
But you could probably get one discounted now which is even better!
Last but not least is my 'Life Book' it says that is for organised mums ha! But it is actually so helpful, there are pages for you to write down your budget, and just about anything you can think of.
So I have a bit of a stationery addiction and it seems like everyone knows it!
What are your favourite ways to stay organised?
It's that time of the academic year where organisation is everything. I truly believe that sometimes being organised outweighs actually being smart 'clever' so all these notebooks better help me out!
Also, that is just another one of my excuses to have a pretty bookshelf.
Most of these things were gifts but they are definitely things I couldn't live without now
First of all my MacBook Pro is actually my life. Until recently I hadn't been into using an electronic/online calendar but it now I like to use both for practicalities, as it can be quite heavy to carry my laptop AND diary to uni (First World Problems) and because I get a reminder on my phone and on my laptop.
To the right is my week planner, this is great to write down shifts at work or blog posts or your gym schedule! This was a gift from John Lewis, you can find it here.
Next up is my Cath Kidston Pencil Case. All the Cath Kinston stuff you can see here my boyfriend bought me for my birthday, I can't believe he spent that long in there! I guess you could say a pencil case is a bit childish, but a lost memory stick is no laughing matter, so I like carrying around my essentials in this. I also keep lip balm, earphones etc in there. This is the 'Billie Goes to Town' Pencil Case.
My Pen came in a box which makes for a great gift and is so pretty... too nice to use for scribbling notes at uni! I couldn't find the exact one but here is a similar version .
The notebook is great to use as a diary. It is hardback and doesn't have any dividers so not the best for university, but great for blog ideas or just general life notes! Here is a similar one.
I don't quite know how I coped without a wall calendar before this! It's so handy if someone asks you if you are available last minute, and you can just glance at the wall. Also, it's great for me to see when my deadlines are due so I can see how close together they are and cry plan accordingly.
I couldn't find a link to where this was available online as you can imagine (It is February!).
But you could probably get one discounted now which is even better!
Last but not least is my 'Life Book' it says that is for organised mums ha! But it is actually so helpful, there are pages for you to write down your budget, and just about anything you can think of.
So I have a bit of a stationery addiction and it seems like everyone knows it!
What are your favourite ways to stay organised?
I love a good bargain but I don't often skimp on hair and beauty products, I'd rather wait a while and then buy what I really want or just ask for it for my birthday or Christmas. HOWEVER These £1 nail varnishes by MUA, available in Superdrug or online here are so good!
It takes just 2 coats for full thick coverage which is about the same as any normal expensive nail varnish and the brush isn't like those cheap nail varnishes you can get with the thin wispy brush that can end up painted on your nail!
What do you think of this brand?
I love a good bargain but I don't often skimp on hair and beauty products, I'd rather wait a while and then buy what I really want or just ask for it for my birthday or Christmas. HOWEVER These £1 nail varnishes by MUA, available in Superdrug or online here are so good!
It takes just 2 coats for full thick coverage which is about the same as any normal expensive nail varnish and the brush isn't like those cheap nail varnishes you can get with the thin wispy brush that can end up painted on your nail!
What do you think of this brand?
I love layering on the mascara, I think it makes your face look softer and more feminine. Especially during the colder weather when you can end up looking a bit washed out, its a great way to make your features stand out.
In the past I usually used the Loreal Lash Sensational mascara to separate and lengthen my eyelashes before using a thicker mascara, but I find that these mascaras apply well and still make your lashes look lengthy. I still swear by Loreal Lash Sensational but these are two new additions to my makeup bag that can add that extra oomph during a dull January.
This mascara is called Thick and Fast by Soap and Glory. If you want big thick black eyelashes this is one for you my friend. With just one coat my eyelashes really stand out, and with two I look ready for a night out. The formula is thick, but doesn't feel heavy on the lashes, and Im sure it will last me a very long time! You can buy it here but I suggest getting the Whole She Bang Kit in Boots which is now just £18 and includes this and a load of other products too!
This mascara is the Clinique High Impact Mascara. The product pictured is just 3.5g, great for carrying in your handbag or for travelling. I got this in the Clinique Bonus Time Gift Set, but you can get the full one here. With this product you can build a really volumised lash, but if you want a more natural look you can achieve this with less application. I find that it isn't too hard to remove either, unlike the Thick and Fast mascara.
What are your favourite mascaras for full looking lashes?
I love layering on the mascara, I think it makes your face look softer and more feminine. Especially during the colder weather when you can end up looking a bit washed out, its a great way to make your features stand out.
In the past I usually used the Loreal Lash Sensational mascara to separate and lengthen my eyelashes before using a thicker mascara, but I find that these mascaras apply well and still make your lashes look lengthy. I still swear by Loreal Lash Sensational but these are two new additions to my makeup bag that can add that extra oomph during a dull January.
This mascara is called Thick and Fast by Soap and Glory. If you want big thick black eyelashes this is one for you my friend. With just one coat my eyelashes really stand out, and with two I look ready for a night out. The formula is thick, but doesn't feel heavy on the lashes, and Im sure it will last me a very long time! You can buy it here but I suggest getting the Whole She Bang Kit in Boots which is now just £18 and includes this and a load of other products too!
This mascara is the Clinique High Impact Mascara. The product pictured is just 3.5g, great for carrying in your handbag or for travelling. I got this in the Clinique Bonus Time Gift Set, but you can get the full one here. With this product you can build a really volumised lash, but if you want a more natural look you can achieve this with less application. I find that it isn't too hard to remove either, unlike the Thick and Fast mascara.
What are your favourite mascaras for full looking lashes?
Conditioning is more crucial than ever during Winter, it is more likely that the crisp weather will dry out your hair which will lead to breakage and no-one wants that! My hair goal for this year is growth, so here are just two of the products I will be using to ensure that I reach that goal and get through these Winter months.
Cantu Shea Butter - Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream.
As you can see from the image, the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner is well used in our house. It's a product that me and my mum just cannot get enough of! In fact you could go as far as to say that it is my favourite Leave In Conditioner of all time. First of all it smells great. This is a real essential for me at the moment as I am trying to refrain from using heat on my hair, and having nice smelling hair is one of the bonuses of giving the straighteners a break.
Secondly it is a really vital product at this time of the year, as it locks in moisture to prevent breakage. At this time of the year with the cold weather it is more likely that you lose hair due to the frosty weather that can dry it out. It's all about conditioning and moisturising.
Thirdly it is affordable at around £3.99 and it does contain quite a lot of product in the tub. I like the fact that you just put your hand in and scoop it out rather than having a pump that you have to press hundreds of times to get enough product, especially if you have thick hair like me.
Cantu Shea Butter - Daily Oil Moisturiser.
It smells amazing and is ideal for untangling hair after a long day of it being open to the elements. I would say that this product can be used everyday if you use a small amount, but a little goes a long way and I guess that depends on how well your hair soaks in the product. It isn't too heavy so that it ruins your style and it is also very affordable at around the £4 mark.
I have seen a lot of controversy around the use of mineral oil in this product, but personally for me it works great!
What are your favourite hair moisturisers for Winter?
Conditioning is more crucial than ever during Winter, it is more likely that the crisp weather will dry out your hair which will lead to breakage and no-one wants that! My hair goal for this year is growth, so here are just two of the products I will be using to ensure that I reach that goal and get through these Winter months.
Cantu Shea Butter - Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream.
As you can see from the image, the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner is well used in our house. It's a product that me and my mum just cannot get enough of! In fact you could go as far as to say that it is my favourite Leave In Conditioner of all time. First of all it smells great. This is a real essential for me at the moment as I am trying to refrain from using heat on my hair, and having nice smelling hair is one of the bonuses of giving the straighteners a break.
Secondly it is a really vital product at this time of the year, as it locks in moisture to prevent breakage. At this time of the year with the cold weather it is more likely that you lose hair due to the frosty weather that can dry it out. It's all about conditioning and moisturising.
Thirdly it is affordable at around £3.99 and it does contain quite a lot of product in the tub. I like the fact that you just put your hand in and scoop it out rather than having a pump that you have to press hundreds of times to get enough product, especially if you have thick hair like me.
Cantu Shea Butter - Daily Oil Moisturiser.
It smells amazing and is ideal for untangling hair after a long day of it being open to the elements. I would say that this product can be used everyday if you use a small amount, but a little goes a long way and I guess that depends on how well your hair soaks in the product. It isn't too heavy so that it ruins your style and it is also very affordable at around the £4 mark.
I have seen a lot of controversy around the use of mineral oil in this product, but personally for me it works great!
What are your favourite hair moisturisers for Winter?
Happy New Year!
I turned 21 in September 2014, and it was a funny age, you're definitely not a teenager anymore, but you still feel like you can ask for help with everyday life decisions.. such as 'Mum will I die if I drink milk a day after the best before date?'
Most of the changes stem from my placement year which came to an end on the 31st July, in which I had a lot of major ups and downs. But overall, I do think it was an experience that toughened me up and truly taught me the meaning of independence.
I lived alone for the first time,
Flew alone for the first time,
Took on work important work tasks alone for the first time..
Pretty big stuff!
It was also the first year where I thought that decisions I start to make now will most likely effect my life, particularly long term decisions such as relationships, new friendships, career decisions and I also entered my final (EVER) year in education.
So although some of those things may not be important for some, it was a bit of an awakening for me.
Goals for 2016...
I am a little apprehensive when it comes to setting New Year Resolutions as I hate failure, so I have the tendency to avoid certain things altogether if I can't see a quick, or good result.
However, this year I would like to:
Work on my health and fitness
Make more time and effort for certain friends & family
Achieve a 2:1 Grade or higher in my degree
Get a graduate job
Blog more
Learn how to drive
Use less heat on my hair
Wish me luck!
Happy New Year!
I turned 21 in September 2014, and it was a funny age, you're definitely not a teenager anymore, but you still feel like you can ask for help with everyday life decisions.. such as 'Mum will I die if I drink milk a day after the best before date?'
Most of the changes stem from my placement year which came to an end on the 31st July, in which I had a lot of major ups and downs. But overall, I do think it was an experience that toughened me up and truly taught me the meaning of independence.
I lived alone for the first time,
Flew alone for the first time,
Took on work important work tasks alone for the first time..
Pretty big stuff!
It was also the first year where I thought that decisions I start to make now will most likely effect my life, particularly long term decisions such as relationships, new friendships, career decisions and I also entered my final (EVER) year in education.
So although some of those things may not be important for some, it was a bit of an awakening for me.
Goals for 2016...
I am a little apprehensive when it comes to setting New Year Resolutions as I hate failure, so I have the tendency to avoid certain things altogether if I can't see a quick, or good result.
However, this year I would like to:
Work on my health and fitness
Make more time and effort for certain friends & family
Achieve a 2:1 Grade or higher in my degree
Get a graduate job
Blog more
Learn how to drive
Use less heat on my hair
Wish me luck!
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