FASHION // If Chicago is the windy city, what is Perth?*

Monday 21 December 2015

Hello there!
Whilst I'm trying to leave uploading my photos from this trip until after it's over (they'll need editing and I do have my Masters research report to do...priorities) I couldn't help but upload these photos. I've spent the past week in Perth, gotten up to lots of cool stuff and seen lots of beautiful things. I even bumped into one of my friends from secondary school/sixth form which is completely insane! 

Anyway, last Saturday my family and I decided to drive into Perth itself and see the city. If you ever get the chance to visit Perth you have to go to Kings Park and Botanical Gardens. The views of the city are to die for and your parking is free whilst you're there! We took in the landscape, had a walk around and found a treetop walkway. There is so much to do in the park, but you'll want your walking shoes - that's for sure. 

LIFESTYLE // Your Christmas, Your Rules with House of Fraser

Saturday 19 December 2015

Hello my lovelies!
I hope you're all enjoying these few weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm currently attempting to not get sunburned whilst I'm in Australia (fyi - it's not going well!) but before I flew out early last week I decorated my home so it would look like Santa's grotto when I flew back. Every year we bring out our upside down Christmas tree in my household and it gets decorated in as many baubles and ornaments as we can squeeze on. I've written a post all about my tree and it's on the House of Fraser blog right now! Yes, you've got it, RIGHT NOW. If you want to read a little more into how I do Christmas, then click on this link here, or this one (or this one....okay you get it). 

LIFESTYLE // Secret Santa: £10 and under

Monday 7 December 2015

Hello!
Christmas is so darn close and I could not be more excited. The house is decorated. I'm listening to festive songs in the lab. I'm drinking far too much mulled wine and cider. I haven't watched one film over the past weekend that wasn't Christmas themed. Okay, maybe that's a bit much considering there's still one week of university left but we'll ignore that.

Anyway, alongside Christmas comes the event of gift purchasing. It's fun to shop for friends and family but there is one Christmas tradition that fills me with fear - Secret Santa. Whether it's a work/friend/flat occasion, I feel the pressure so much. When your gift is the only one received I really feel like it needs to be just right and a mediocre bottle of wine and cheap chocolate just won't do. So, if you've left it a little late and have some last minute gift buying to do, hopefully this post will be even slightly helpful.

TRAVEL // A weekend in Nottingham

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Hello!
How are we all doing? Somehow between research, writing a 20 page introduction, coursework and trying to be funny 18 hours a day, I managed to find the time to take a trip to Nottingham. I went to go see my dear friend Sam (you know it) and see the one, and might I add only, Mumford and Sons. Yes, they were fantastic as always (as you can see here on my Insta!). Anyway, not only did I get to see Mumford, I had a little wander around Nottingham too. It was raining and seriously windy so an OOTD post was pretty much impossible but you have got to admit that Nottingham is pretty darn cute.


LIFESTYLE // Let's get Nakd*

Monday 23 November 2015

Hey there!
Whilst all of the coffee shops are bring out their Christmas drinks I have been trying (and failing….) to introduce healthier items into my life. From more fruit and water to less convenience food, I have been attempting to get myself in shape for my trip to Australia over Christmas. Unfortunately, too many vanilla lattes and socials have not helped out one bit but I have found a new favourite thing for when I am feeling like I want to make a healthy choice. Yep, you guessed it – the Nakd bar.

TRAVEL // London in the rain

Monday 16 November 2015

Hello!
If you didn't know, it was my birthday last week! I'm now the ripe old age of 22 I and use that as an excuse to sing Taylor Swift lyrics at every convenience. In what was a very busy day, I ended up popping to London for a few hours with my friend Chris on Saturday. It poured down with rain pretty much the entire time but my excitement over my new 50 mm lens got the better of me and I couldn't help but take photos of everything. Sorry not sorry.

LIFESTYLE // Halloween

Monday 2 November 2015

Hey there!
How is it possible that it's now November? Where on Earth has this year gone? This weekend has given me potentially the last Halloween I'll ever celebrate as a student. It might sound like a strange thing to say, but, never again will it be so convenient to celebrate such a fantastic holiday. When again will you not have arguments as to who wants to go where, or who wants to dress up as what because, at the end of the day, Halloween at university always seems to be simple.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a few snaps from the evening. I had a few friends (ahem graduates - how strange!) come up from home and I spent the entire evening doing their hair and make-up somehow. Although I perhaps didn't have enough time to get myself ready (ha!) we still had a fabulous night out. Isn't it just lovely when people compliment your outfit? Well, it always make my night!

LIFESTYLE // The Bullet Journal

Friday 30 October 2015

Hello!
Like I mentioned last week in my university organization post, I have been using a bullet journal as my go-to planner this academic year. I have tried traditional planners in the post and always forget to use them. Even when I do, I either have to write the bare minimum in them or pay extortionate amounts of diaries with a whole day per page (which doesn't particularly make it easy to see the week as a whole - it's a nightmare!). Anyway, after my summer Pinterest obsession, I decided to work with the bullet journal. All you need is a notebook - any notebook - and a pen. It's a much simpler way to plan and, for me, I have found it works wonders.

BEAUTY // Max Factor Miracle Match Foundation (40 Light Ivory)

Tuesday 27 October 2015

Hey there!
There is nothing I dread more than trying to find a new foundation. My skin is the most horrific combination of dry, sensitive and very pale. As a result, finding a suitable foundation is not easy. I spent about 2 weeks in Boots mingling with the various brands in hopes that I could find a new base for my face. In the end, and on an impulse I may add, I ended up picking up the Max Factor Miracle Match Foundation. In short, it's a little pricey but I like it more than I expected.

STUDY // University organization (and the dreaded dissertation!)

Friday 23 October 2015

Hello!
Hands up if you've got a research project or dissertation due in. Hands up if you're freaking out because it's nowhere near finished and the deadline is lurking ever so closer. Hands up if you know you'll have to do one and are freaking out for this time next year. Okay, you get it. Every university student has to do one at some point - a really, really long piece of work that will take a ridiculously long time and you'll be so fed up with by the end that life won't be worth living anymore. However, don't fret! With the start of my research project (ooh keen!) I have come across with some seriously handy tips that may make your life that little bit easier. Feel free to read on if you want my tips/want to procrastinate some more. Honestly, either is fine.

LIFESTYLE // Autumn things that make me happy

Monday 19 October 2015

Hello there!
After a weekend filled with CV writing and job searching (blergh, and double blergh) I decided that my Monday needed to be filled with as much positivity as I could find. Therefore, I wrote a list, as a brilliant procrastination tool, of the things that make me happy during Autumn. Whether it be cold, crisp days, mellow music or the return of hoodies without strange looks - there is just so much to love about the months coming up to Christmas.

(Original image source)

BEAUTY // Clinique Christmas Gifts

Friday 16 October 2015

Hello there!
Is it just me, or doesn't it feel like all is right with the world when Christmas gift sets come out in store? Sure, it's only October and I feel bombarded with holiday festivities (too early my friends!) but I cannot help but have a little look at the gift sets on offer. The one thing I have noticed this year is just how many amazing value sets keep popping up. When I had a browse around my local Boots I didn't want to leave and ended up buying myself a Christmas Clinique set because - well why not!

LIFESTYLE // University desk tour

Monday 12 October 2015

Hey there!
There's nothing better than a pretty desk to get you motivated to do some work - am I right? I have really tried to make the most of my desk this year. However, this is more easily said than done considering that blu-tack is not allowed in my house - #rentalpains. This meant the next best thing had to be buying the largest cork board I could find thanks to Rymans. A few hours later (imagine a movie-style montage) and my desk was complete!

BEAUTY // It's all so Lush

Thursday 8 October 2015

Hey there!
I love Lush. I wish I could exist in a constant state of relaxing in a Lush bubble filled with beautiful scents and colours. Since trying my first face mask (see what I thought here) I have wanted to try more and more products. I had a little look on the website and my basket just kept increasing until I almost wanted to cry from all of the prettiness and cost. It has been far too long since Student Finance has come through and so this collection will soon be a distant memory but a girl can dream eh?

FASHION // A little Autumn Haul

Monday 5 October 2015

Hello there!
What is it about student finance coming in that makes you go absolutely bonkers and buy everything within a 3 feet distance? My spending has been out of control recently due to me thinking 'oh no - I have no going out shoes' or 'what am I going to wear tonight?' etc. etc. etc. Well, that must mean that I have a few new things to show off, and so here they are!

STUDY // New Semester Goals

Thursday 1 October 2015

Hey there!
My last year at university has officially started. How?! Whilst I have been freaking out a little bit recently, I have decided that some things are going to change this year. I know, I'm probably not the first or last person to say this but I really do mean it. There's so much I want to do and I always make excuses but you don't know how much you can get done until you do it. It's tough having 4 months off but, hopefully, once I sit in my first lecture I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the entire year!

TRAVEL // Corfu Travel Diary Pt. 3

Monday 28 September 2015

Hello my lovelies!
Today comes the last post in my travel diaries regarding to Corfu. As I'm sure you've seen in the other two posts, it really is a beautiful island full of views to die for, culture and greek food. This post is focused around my favourite spot we found on the island - Paleokastritsa. It's on the west coast and pretty built up with plenty of coves and small beaches. Fortunately, quite a few have reasonably priced loungers and parasols (3 loungers and 1 parasol generally got $11). Anyway, like I said in an earlier post, if I returned to the Corfu, this is where I'd stay - no doubt.

Corfu

FASHION // My go-to travel outfit

Thursday 24 September 2015

Hey there!
When I pack for a holiday I like to be prepared. I want clothing for every occasion, even if I'm only taking hand luggage. I have found that, for me, this involves swing dresses a plenty. They are light and flowy, so perfect for hot climates with a pair of cycle shorts underneath. They can also be paired with tights, a leather jacket and boots for when it's that bit colder. I packed no fewer than 4 swing dresses for my recent trip to Corfu but this one is my favourite.

Corfu

I got this dress three years ago from Primark and have worn it like crazy since. The colours are lovely and bright and I cannot say no to an aztec-esque print. This one is a nice light cotton which looked so much more expensive than it's £13 price point.

Corfu

I paired it with my new New Balance 574 trainers for exploring Corfu Town. They are super comfy and perfect for navigating cobbled streets and stairs.

Obviously sunglasses aren't optional in 35 degree heat and my RayBan Clubmasters were on my face all day. Lastly, I used my new fold over leather clutch from Topshop as a day bag. It was the last one hidden in the stockroom at my local store - how lucky!

What are your go-to outfits when you're travelling? Let me know!

BEAUTY // L'Oreal Color Riche La Palette Eye Shadow Riche Rose

Monday 21 September 2015

Hello there!

Today I share with you a single purchase I made on the plane when I went to Corfu. I was tempted by the big reduction from the RRP to find that it isn't actually sold for that much on the high street but I got it for an okay price anyway so it doesn't matter! I have had a little obsession with eye palettes recently (see my collection here, here, here and here). I like the rose gold tones in the Naked 3 palette but I have quite a cool complexion and it doesn't seem like the type of colour palette that would suit me. However, this rose toned palette was a much more purse friendly and I thought 'hey - why not try something new!'

TRAVEL // Corfu Travel Diary Pt. 2

Thursday 17 September 2015

Hello!
Today I'm sharing with you a few more snaps from my trip to Corfu at the end of August. We decided to do an island tour excursion (The Grand Island Tour as it goes. The company we chose was completely unorganized and it was just a downer but it did show us some beauty - that's for sure). The tour took us to the Achilleion Palace to see plenty of beautiful art and gardens. If I could live in that building I could. With views for miles and plenty of history, it's definitely worth a see.

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STUDY // Thoughts of a final year student

Monday 14 September 2015

Hello!
My final year of university is fast approaching and, of course, I cannot stop thinking about it. I like to write lists and so I thought I'd right a list. Soon enough my lists will be of deadlines and to bin the dodgy milk and that's something I'm not looking forward to. Either way, if you are starting to feel this way, let me know!

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LIFESTYLE // A new blog schedule

Sunday 13 September 2015

Hello my lovelies!
I do hope you're having a good Sunday. I know what you're thinking. It's probably something along the lines of 'a Sunday post? Oh my, has she gone mad?! She never posts on a Sunday' or perhaps 'Ergh, it's Monday tomorrow. Can I have a time machine please'. Either way, I'm posting today just to give you all a little heads up on how my blogging schedule is going to change.

image2-4 As you may know, I am a university student and I find it incredibly difficult to keep up with my blog during term time. I'm starting my Masters year this year and so will be in the lab lots, as well as studying, and I expect that my free time will be equal to about zero (± 5 minutes). However, in an attempt to keep this up, I'm cutting down the number of posts to just 2 a week.

I know what you're thinking - 2 posts isn't really much of a reduction - but we'll see how it works. I've been spending a lot of time coming up with blog post ideas and scheduling them with dates from now until the near future. If you want to see how I've done this, let me know! I'm happy to share!

Anyway, posts will now be going live on Monday and Thursday at 9am.

That is all for this little announcement. Happy Sunday!

FASHION // My Favourite Swimsuit

Friday 11 September 2015

Hello!
What is it about swimwear that makes us all go ERGH and go squeal in the corner as if there is a 20 foot tarantula in the room? Last Summer I wrote a post here about how to find swimwear because I, somehow, have quite a large collection. I look here, there and everywhere and really am quite open minded when it comes to styles. I'm not a size 8 and I know that a skimpy plunging swimsuit with lots of cut outs isn't going to suit me. However, if I want a plunging neckline and mesh detailing it is possible. I just need to find the right cut for me. That's where this bad boy comes in. At just £18 in Sainsbury's it was everything I wanted and more.

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TRAVEL // Corfu Travel Diary Pt. 1

Wednesday 9 September 2015

Hello!
As you may have noticed on Instagram, I have just come back from a trip to Corfu with my parents. I had never visited Greece or any Greek islands and it seemed like the right time to go. We hopped on a plane and made our way to the tiny island filled with cats, expensive diet coke and Greek food a plenty.

We arrived at about midday on our first day and decided to use that day to relax and have a little wander around our hotel and surrounding areas. We stayed at the Ariti Grand Hotel, who had the most lovely staff, and beautiful views of Kanoni. Of course, wine was flowing due to the whole 35 degree thing. Our hotel was just 10-15 minutes from Corfu Town on the bus and a 5 minute walk from a beach. Can you talk about convenient?

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FASHION // NEW IN : New Balance

Friday 4 September 2015

Hey there!
For so long (okay 18 months) I have wanted a pair of New Balance sneakers. I have been a Converse girl since I was 12 and haven't varied far from that trainer-wise. I have a pair of Vans and Toms but the New Balances seemed that bit more expensive (coming from the girl who has never paid full price for a pair of Converse).

Anyway, my trusty stars and stripes Converse that got me through the entirety of undergrad labs got completely and utterly ruined after getting stuck in a thunderstorm and I was in need of a new pair of lab shoes. I decided that now was the right time to invest in some NB sneakers. It just felt like the right move.


Drama aside, I ended up ordering a pair from Urban Outfitters in their sale. I have rather large feet and so I ordered the Mens version of the 574 which fit perfectly. There are some perks to having abnormally large feet it seems.

BEAUTY // My first Lush Face mask

Monday 31 August 2015

Hello!
Is it just me, or is the entire blogosphere obsessed with Lush right now? I have had friends whose lives depend on Lush products and seeing all the positive reviews out there I went and bought my first ever item of their skincare range - a face mask. I originally wanted Cupcake but it appeared to be for oily teenage skin which is the opposite of my dry/sensitive skin which gets the occasional breakout. Instead, I opted for the absolutely delicious smelling Oatifix mask which is meant to be an intense moisturizer for dry skin.

FASHION // Job Interviews: 1 shirt, 3 ways*

Thursday 27 August 2015

Hello you!
We've all been there. We've all had a job interview and thought 'oh dear, what am I going to wear?!'. I personally hate having to choose an outfit for an interview because there are so many variables and who knows what your future employer is looking for. Do they want me to show my personality? Do they want me to show my professionalism? Surely they won't recognize me if I turn up in the same black suit as everyone else will they?


Whilst I'm not graduating and looking for jobs yet, a lot of my friends are and surely enough, they are going through this dilemma of what to wear. I didn't want to think about my workwear wardrobe until I was contacted for a company called City Calling. Whilst they have made it easy to browse a wide variety of jobs online whilst watching Netflix in your pyjamas, there still is that issue of what to wear if you get that all important interview. However, after looking over at some of the jobs online with City Calling, I have been inspired to start preparing my workwear wardrobe. After all, if I want that all important Graduate job, I'm going to have to look good.

BEAUTY // How to never pay full price for High End Makeup

Wednesday 26 August 2015

Hello!
I love high end make-up. I mean full on LOVE it. I really wasn't into the whole expensive beauty thing up until about a year ago and I got my first MAC lipstick. From then on I have been unstoppable on my mission to fill my make-up bag with items I never thought I could afford in my wildest dreams. Well, on a student budget it doesn't seem quite right to spend £40 on an eyeshadow palette when I can get the same tones for £5 in Superdrug. I don't quite like the idea of spending £16 on a lipstick when there are plenty of dupes on the high-street. However, the majority of my make-up that I use on a daily basis is a little on the pricer side and I have not paid full price for one item. Isn't that the dream?

So, I thought I would share my tricks of the trade and perhaps help you save a little money when it comes to buying your favourite high-end brands. Sound good?

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LIFESTYLE // Something old, Something new tag

Monday 24 August 2015

Hello there!
First off, thank you to the lovely Bianca at Ditsy Sprinkles who tagged me in her new tag: Something old, something new. It's just a simple tag to help share some happiness and favourite blogs, both new and old.

BEAUTY // Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish

Friday 21 August 2015

Hello!

Recently I have really been interested in skincare. It's a summer thing generally. I'll actually moisturize and occasionally exfoliate and get 8 hours of sleep a night. However, this time round I have lasted a whole month of cleansing every day and I'm proud. I will not lie to you. The reason I have kept up with my new skincare routine is because of this cleanser. Yes, I know. That's a big statement but I can tell you that I am being 100% honest. I absolutely love this cleanser.

TRAVEL // Hawaii Disposables

Wednesday 19 August 2015

Hello!
During these rainy days I just keep reminiscing about my trip to Hawaii in February (see original post here). All I want to do is go back and spend all day on the beach, eating pineapple and getting stranded on the side of the street because the bus timetable doesn't exist. Thankfully, I realized that I never actually shared the snaps from my disposable camera. It may have annoyed people to no end but, not gonna lie, my favourite photos 100% came from it.

BEAUTY // MAC Velvet Teddy

Monday 17 August 2015

Hey!
Remember that post saying I bought two MAC lipsticks? Well, that was not a lie and the second baby I bought was the one, the only Velvet Teddy. I once said that if I ever saw it in stock in a store that I'd buy it but, when I got it for half price online, I had to give it a go. My friend Louise (aka Fern) had it and I was pleasantly surprised when I tried hers out. I'm not the sort of person who can work nudes, especially brown toned ones, but this lipstick could not look more different on, in comparison to the tube, if it tried.

FASHION // Breakfast with BooHooPlus

Friday 14 August 2015

Hello!
The other day (it was a sunny Wednesday) I attended a lovely breakfast with some of the lovely girls at BooHooPlus. I walked past the beautiful flower display at Liberty's and towards a breakfast full of pastries, mini cupcakes and, of course, coffee. Myself, along with the other wonderful bloggers, had a good chat and look at some of the new BooHooPlus A/W collection. There is plenty of glitter, sparkle and fur coming up and man, I am super excited!

BOOHOO+

BEAUTY // Urban Decay: Naked Smoky

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Hello!
Man, my blog has been pretty beauty inspired recently. After working for a couple of months I feel like I can finally spend money again and with deals here, there and everywhere, keeping my purse strings tight is very difficult right now.

Anyway, today's post involves a new #myprecious in the form of the new Urban Decay palette. I had one look at this palette and knew it needed to be mine. I was going to get the Naked 1 but decided that was far too similar to the 2 (which I already own - see review here) and when Feel Unique were offering £10 off when you spend £30 I couldn't buy this fast enough. For £28 I am very, very happy with this palette! £38 is just too much for me - that's the price of a fancy dress (which I may have just bought from ASOS - oops!).

STUDY // Let's scrap the stigma on clearing

Monday 10 August 2015

Hello!
I have a confession to make - I got into my university through clearing.

I hate that students believe that by getting into clearing is a bad thing. Sure, it's a stressful thing, a tearful thing and probably the most traumatic experience of my life but, for me, it wasn't because I saw clearing as a bad thing. I was stressed because my offer got sent to the wrong email and I ended up then calling lots of other universities trying to get offers but, ultimately, I didn't feel like they were the university for me.

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Anyway, yes - clearing is stressful but can lead to you going to a better university than you have ever thought. Everyone has reasons for not getting their target grades in their A Levels whether it be pressure, illness or clashing exams (I'm still not over it okay). There's a surprisingly big jump between AS and A2 and so your AS grades may not be representative of your A2 grades. If you are no longer getting those A's and start getting C's all you can do is work - but that isn't always enough for the examining boards who see 75% as a B.

STUDY // What to pack for your study abroad

Friday 7 August 2015

Hello!
So, you're leaving for your year abroad eh? You're probably sitting in your room, looking at a pile of 8 pairs of jeans and pondering how you'll cut your selection down to just 3 pairs. If you aren't yet, you will do soon and I suggest you do this sooner rather than later - y'know - just in case. You don't want to pack the day before to find your favourite jeans have a massive hole in them and the shops close in 10 minutes (not personal experience AT all).


Anyway, when I went on my year abroad I scoured the internet looking for help with what to pack. I didn't find too much that I didn't already know and so found I was horrifically underprepared. Okay, maybe that is an overstatement. However, I thought I'd share a few things with you that just may make the transition easier and you'll be so glad you packed.

BEAUTY // MAC girl about town

Wednesday 5 August 2015

Hello!
Is it just me, or when there is an offer on MAC lipsticks, it is impossible not to make a cheeky purchase. I had a voucher from Amber for MAC at Debenhams and, with the £5 off of two lipsticks thanks to my favourite holiday of the year (ahem National Lipstick Day), I got two lipsticks for the price of one. Can I just say HELL YES. I have not paid full price for a MAC lipstick yet and I will not in a hurry.

LIFESTYLE // Scrapbook Update #3

Monday 3 August 2015

Hey there!
Here is the final instalment of my scrapbook updates! It has been finished for a little while and I'm onto my next project (such a creative one me - not!). This book sits on my coffee table and I smile at it like a proud mother as I actually finished it. Either way, here we go!

LIFESTYLE // I've Been Pinteresting

Friday 31 July 2015

Hello!
Yes, that was a very vague Beyonce reference. I'd have repeated the phrase to make it more obvious but then I would look like a full on Beyonce fan and I am not that. Anyway, I have really been enjoying Pinterest right now. I have just started a few new boards and just love to scroll through them and feel inspired. In celebration, I thought I'd show you some of my favourite new pins!

 (Sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.)

BEAUTY // Current beauty faves

Wednesday 29 July 2015

Hello!
Since working, I find I have a lot more time to spend on my face. I have gotten back into my skincare regieme, spend more time on my make up in the morning and find it impossible to leave the house without a spritz of perfume. It doesn't help that the general public will see me for 4 hours or so a day and I wouldn't mind showing a nice face. I'm not in 8 am lectures anymore!

Following on, I have found I am almost dependent on a few new products that I am not leaving the house without. Me, the girl who leaves the house for lectures at 7:30 with nothing but mascara on so I can get Starbucks, spending a good hour of the day on beauty products. Who'd have thought?

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LIFESTYLE // Scrapbook Update # 2

Monday 27 July 2015

Hey!
As I sit here typing I can say that my scrapbook is officially finished! There a few titles I need to write in and dates I need to confirm but other than that - IT IS COMPLETE. I am so proud of myself that I have actually finished this scrapbook. To be honest, I have never finished one in my life and it makes me think the money spent is completely worth it. I have taken photos of a few of my fave spreads and pages and will share them in probably one other post. Like I have said in earlier posts (e.g. here and here) I am no scrapbooking goddess. I am just a girl who spent a fortune on photos and fancy papers who wants to document her time with a little bit more personality than Facebook gives.

Anyway, let's go!

BEAUTY // New do

Friday 24 July 2015

Hey y'all!

That's right - it's gone! It's all gone! I have gone and cut my hair. I got my hair cut last in December and whilst I had asked for a lob, that's not really what I got. It was more of a mid length cut, which I liked. However, as soon as I got it cut, I had wished I'd gone shorter. On Wednesday morning I decided 'screw it - I'm going to the hairdressers and getting a hair cut' and that is what I did. I was worried it would be a bit short but I do quite like it. It took a litte getting used to but I'm happy I went for the chop!

BEAUTY // Introducing Little Ondine*

Wednesday 22 July 2015

Hello there!
Today's post is focused on a brand just launching in the UK called Little Ondine. They have designed nail varnishes with a non-toxic formula consisting of purified water, resins and colourant. There are none of those nasty chemicals, such as toluene and formaldehyde to name a few, in these polishes. I am always intrigued by natural cosmetics - being a curious chemistry student who works with these nasty chemicals on a daily basis. Come on girls, I'm wearing thick rubber gloves when I'm working with what goes in these nail vanishes. What are we putting on our fingers?!

Anyway, when they offered to send me a couple of varnishes to review I did not hesitate. Natural varnishes that dry quickly and peel off? Yes please!

STUDY // What my year abroad taught me

Monday 20 July 2015

Hello there! 
Can you believe that I have been back from Canada for about 2 months now. Where has the time gone? I really, really wish I knew. I have been working, I've been seeing friends, I have been house hunting (I FINALLY have one and it sounds perfect!) and, of course, blogging! Still, with results being posted (although mine still aren't...grrrrrr) I thought it would be nice to do a little post on a few things I learned during my year abroad. 

LIFESTYLE // Scrapbook update #1

Friday 17 July 2015

Hello!
Recently I have been spending a lot of time (and money!) on scrapbooking. I used to do it a lot as a child and now I have all this spare time in the evenings and a lot of photos to do something with. I have already posted one post (here) on my scrapbook beginnings but thought it was time to do a little update. I'm over half way through my first book and it really looks like I should finish it. When I do, that'll be a proud moment.

Either way, here's a post demonstrating some of my more interesting spreads. I'm working with a simple £2.50 Hobbycraft 8 x 8 scrapbook - it's nothing fancy! If you want to see the sorts of materials I'm working with just check out my earlier post - pictures of everything are right there!

SCRAPBOOK UPDATE #1

TRAVEL // Universal Studios Hollywood

Wednesday 15 July 2015

Hey there! 
This is the final post covering my trip across Canada and the States. It has taken me a little while to get this one up -  I will not lie. I was posting a lot of travel posts and thought you guys deserved a bit of a break from my face all of the time. 

Anyway - I got to LA late in the evening and the first thing I did once we got to the motel was book Universal tickets. I love a theme park and really wanted to do Disney (like really!) but my sister wasn't too keen and it was much easier to get to Universal anyway. We booked online and got a small discount before heading to bed - super excited for the day ahead!

We started on the rides. We didn't go for opening (we got a little lost - the metro station wasn't the easiest to find) but still got there relatively early and there were hardly any queues all day. Hooray for going during the week in May. There was almost no-one around.
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FASHION // Rad Tees

Monday 13 July 2015

Hey there!
Who doesn't love a good slogan tee? I was sorting through my wardrobe and found lots and lots from my GK days and asked myself why I stopped wearing them. Slogan tees look super cute with shorts, skirts and jeans and here they are, sitting in my drawer, unworn for a good 2+ years. It does seem like everyone is raving about RAD right now and I dared to have a look at their website. Let's just say that  I wish I hadn't because I now want more than 2 tees - that's just dangerous.


FASHION // Purse Wishlist: The Designer Edit

Friday 10 July 2015

Hey!
If you have been catching up on Instagram, you'd have seen that I have treated myself to a new bag. I FINALLY have a Cambridge Satchel Company satchel in my life. I know right - I'm so happy right now. However, now I have a new bag I would really like a new purse. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who likes a designer purse. I'm sorry, but a £5 Primark purse (or £20 River Island purse) will not work on me anymore. I have had my DKNY purse now for 4 years and it is still going strong.  There is a little bit of wear on the zipper pull and logo but apart from that it still looks brand new. I think that's what I love about it most - it's old but it's still working it like it's the new girl on the block (and that it is not!)

LIFESTYLE // I've started a scrapbook!

Wednesday 8 July 2015

Hey!
I have been looking on Pinterest and been in awe over creative people and their beautiful scrapbooks. Obviously, the majority of people who post Pinterest photos are scrapbooking geniuses who have massive supplies but it has inspired me like crazy. Of course, I then ran to Hobbycraft and bought half of the store, not realizing it would take over a week for my photos to arrive. I got there eventually!

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