Travel Diary: Disney Dreams..

At the beginning of December.. I was lucky enough to visit Disneyland Paris. I had distant, happy memories of when I first visited at the age of 7, but that was 15 years ago and I had to relive the experience as an adult! (Although, I'm sure I behaved more like a child this time around..) Visiting at christmas time made it all the more magical, and our stay at the Radisson Blu hotel was also incredible. Some of these pictures made it to Instagram, but it didn't feel right not to share them on this blog, which I hope this year will be a place where I can share any trips I'm lucky enough to embark on, or places I'm lucky enough to visit..

x

Long Time, No Blog..

There are no excuses to explain why I haven't blogged since May.. University, work, acting and life in general got in the way and I lost my urge to write for a while. However, Christmas has passed and its a brand new year. I'm feeling more inspired than ever, and one of my 'goals' (I'm steering clear of the word resolution) is to blog more, write more and just enjoy it instead of feeling like I have to post regularly just for the sake of it. If the few people that ever read this blog enjoy it, then that's great, but I want to enjoy it personally. Here's to 2016, and hoping it brings lots of travel..

x

Spring/Summer Essentials Series: Accessories

THE STATEMENT NECKLACE

For a statement necklace lover like myself, this Miss Selfridge piece is the dream. The lilac and creamy nudes are two of my favourite shades, and I can see this see myself wearing this with THE perfect white summer dress.

THE SUNGLASSES

These sunglasses from Jeepers Peepers are literally everything I love in a pair of sunglasses, from leopard print to cat eye, the best thing is, they are super affordable, and I won't be taking them off this summer.

THE HEADPIECE

Whilst this isn't a new buy, head chains and pieces are always on the top of my summer accessory wish list. They're the perfect piece to transform any simple summer outfit, and this one I picked up from Topshop in the sale, will go with everything.

THE EXTRA LITTLE BITS & PIECES

After years of searching, last year I finally managed to get my hands on one of the YSL arty rings in the much coveted turquoise colour. This is the perfect summer statement ring, and the colour will also match this Hamsa chain bracelet. An impulse buy from a little market in Prague, I love thin bracelets that you can layer up if you're wearing a more simple outfit, and if they've got some colour in them, its a bonus.

This New Look ear cuff has made a few appearances in my outfit posts before, and I had to include it here too. For an ear cuff, its so easy and wearable, its silver nature and flower design mean it goes with anything, and with beach waves in the summer, its the perfect finishing touch.

I literally can't wait to wear all of these over the next coming months.

What are your favourite pieces for the s/s months?! 

x

Five Motivational Quotes On A Monday..

source 

Its grey, its wet, its a Monday and recently I've become even more obsessed with motivational quotes, especially those tumblr-esque super inspirational ones. I often see many Monday quotes floating around on Instagram, but more often than not they tend to be more negative than positive. So for a little mid Monday pick me up, here are five of my favourite quotes to brighten up your day...

'Nothing is impossible, the world itself says 'I'm possible'

-Audrey Hepburn

'Worrying won't stop the bad stuff from happening, it just stops you enjoying the good'

'When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top'

'See the glass half full, then fill it the rest of the way'

'One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day'

....

So there we have it, five quick quotes to spread the positivity and happy vibes for a Monday dinner time.. Read these aloud and start your week off right.

What are your favourite quotes to keep you happy and motivated? 

x

Spring/Summer Essentials Series: Beauty

Even though we aren't exactly blessed with great weather in the UK, yesterday was an unexpectedly warm day, and got me thinking all about summer and what I'll be wearing and using over these next coming (hopefully sunshiney) months. I thought I'd put together a few posts detailing all these essentials, ranging from fashion and beauty. Today I'm talking beauty, and as I rarely find products I reaally love, I can't wait to talk about them, so lets get started..

Scholl Express Pedi Velvet Smooth

I've had this for about a year now and despite worrying I might have to replace the little roller, I've had no such problem. Did I mention I'm super lazy? This really is the perfect product for that, and when it's not always convenient to get a pedicure, or you're making the transition from winter to summer, its so easy for transforming your feet ready for summer time.

Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Scrub

ANY body scrub is usually on my summer essentials list simply because I love to have fresh, smooth skin before I get in the sun. I received this as a gift in a set for Christmas, and it hardly looks like I've touched it! I love the fresh, yet not overpowering scent, and the fact that it isn't harsh or abrasive like some body scrubs.

Essie-Mint Candy Apple Nail Varnish

I'm a huge fan of all things Essie, and this colour is no exception. My go to colour in the summer from any brand, is usually mint green, I literally can't get enough. This Essie one is perfect, lasts for ages and gives the most gorgeous glossy shine. It also looks extra pretty with a top coat of glitter.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

This is my number one essential all year round, its a necessity for me in summer just as much as it is in winter. The sun can sometimes dry my lips out, and this is the NUMBER 1 lip product that lasts forever, moisturises them and just works wonders. It's also great for general dry patches and little burns, perfect for the summer months.

EOS Lip Balms

For the days when I'm taking a super small bag, or clutch, my eight hour cream isn't the most practical, so when my lips are in pretty good condition, EOS lip balms are my go to. This 'Summer Fruit' one, smells just like that, a mixture between melon, fresh berries and fruity drinks. It smells yummy I almost want to eat it.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask.

I definitely suffer from the dreaded increase in oily skin over the hotter months, and whilst I try to control it by wearing minimal make up, cleansing well and exfoliating on a regular basis, I definitely need this deep cleansing mask to keep the problem at bay. Even just applying it to my t-zone only leaves my skin looking a lot clearer, fresher, and just more even, so this is definitely a summer staple for oily skin sufferers.

MAC Lustre Passion Charge Lipstick.

When the warmer weather hits, I'm definitely more of a balm and a gloss person, but if I had to choose a staple summer lipstick, it would be this. It came in my cute little 'All about coral' set I got for my birthday, with a similar matching gloss, and both of them are perfect for day time, giving just the right amount of colour, but nothing to matte and over the top.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser.

Another Liz Earle product perfect for the summer months and #oilyprobs. I love thick moisturisers, but come summer I like something a little more light that doesn't leave my skin feeling overly greasy. It's still important to moisturise so my skin doesn't produce even more oil, but I definitely prefer a lighter consistency like this one. 

I'm keeping these spring/summer series' coming over the next few weeks, make sure to check back for more of these, alongside regular posting again! 

What are your spring/summer beauty essentials?

X

P.S apologies for any blurry pictures, I think Blogger is having a few pic problems! x

Weekly Favourites..

Due to the end of year dread that consists of finishing all my uni work on time, blogging has taken a little bit of a back seat *slaps wrist* but armed with a new blog layout and some new favourites from this week, I couldn't wait to start writing again. The first product I've been loving is Benefit's 'They're Real' mascara. This definitely isn't a new product, and it's made its rounds among the blogosphere many a time, but after a slightly disappointing Dior mascara purchase, I wanted something different. I didn't want to opt for the new 'Roller Lash' just because of the mixed reviews, so I went for this one. Having never tried a Benefit mascara before, I'm seriously hooked, it gives volume AND length, and whilst it's a teeny bit hard to get off, it's nothing good old Bioderma can't fix...

Finishing a semester of Uni often results in me reading a lot more than I normally do, so I love including a book amongst my favourites at any time. 'Me Before You', by JoJo Moyes, has definitely proved why it's a bestseller and has warranted an upcoming film adaptation. For me, it was more of a slow burn than a hooked-straight-away type of read, but it was amazing nonetheless, and had me shedding just a few tears after it was over..

 Sometimes I find it disturbing just how lazy I am when it comes to beauty, and hair in general. I'm too lazy to want anything other than a quick fix, and this Macadamia Deep Repair Maque is definitely it. I'm in quite a desperate need of a hair cut, so this product is definitely getting me through this particularly difficult time until I accept defeat and go and get the ends chopped off. I've had this masque for a loooong time now, and I haven't even used a quarter of it. Even applying a generous amount to the ends and it doesn't even look like I've touched it. Throw the most heavenly smell, and it's a must have product, especially for long locks like mine. It's not the most affordable brand, but there's always a product or two lurking amongst the shelves at TK Maxx, which is where I initially picked this beauty up..

Did I mention I like quick fixes? This is another one for the lazy people out there like me. I used to lust over this product when I was younger, simply because I love Bliss products in general, as well as their quirky names. Lack of exercise and too much chocolate *guilty* isn't exactly kind to my thighs, neither is my super sensitive skin and eczema. I finally got this in a little set at Christmas, and since I've started body brushing again, when I apply this, I can definitely see a difference. I'm not saying it's a miracle cure for the dreaded c, but it definitely leaves my skin feeling smoother, softer, and diminishes the awful bumpy dry patches I tend to get, which is good enough for me.

This Lyn Harris perfume has been a firm favourite of mine for a while now. I think it's a little better suited to the Autumn/Winter seasons because it's quite a strong, deep scent with notes of tuberose, gardenia, musk, and my personal favourite, vanilla. I always get compliments on this scent and find that it has amazing staying power, I can still smell it the day after, (it lingers in my hair!) and I'm still going to be wearing it come summer, because the smell is so divine. I also own the candle too, which is just as amazing, as are sets of this brand available in M&S.

I can't wait to post my next weekly favourites.. What are some of yours?

 x

A Brunch Date With LA MODA..

Last week I was lucky enough to win an invite that meant I got to attend the LAMODA blogger brunch. Any Instagram fans will know the brand for their cute shoes, quirky accessories and love of all things 90s, which was clearly visible as soon as I walked through the door of Bill's in Manchester. Cute polaroids, pictures of their gorgeous models and ice cream bubble blowers were scattered amongst the table filled with some of their must-have accessories. The day was filled with all things girlie and gorgeous, from hair styling to glitter painting, to temporary tattoos, my 10 year old self was in heaven..

As soon as we arrived, the lovely LAMODA girls snapped a polaroid pic, and we grabbed a pink lemonade and sat down with the other bloggers to start decorating our frames to be judged in a competition. I definitely went for the 'less is more' look..

The talented Lou Dewar MUA, got to work on everyones faces, and sparkles and gems seemed to be the pick of the day. I went for a hamsa hand tattoo and silver gems, which I think might be the start of a new obsession of mine...

\

These amazing pink soda floats were handed round whilst we got to work on our picture frames..

  

Mini sausages, pots of fries, afternoon tea and endless amounts of pink lemonade were on offer for us to enjoy throughout the day, gotta keep up the strength to get that hair and makeup done..  

In terms of hair,  Keash braids were the ones to make it happen. Styling everyones locks all day, it was as simple as take your pick from 'The Menu' and adorn it with whatever you want, everything from hair rings to amazing indian inspired headpieces were on offer. I went for a simple side braid with a pink band and glitter, Britney style..

After the competition results, eating way too much food and having as many gems stuck on my face as possible, all that was left to do was enjoy a piece of this Home Sweet Home cake (seriously, the best EVER), grab a goodie bag and say my goodbyes. 

Thank you so much to the LAMODA team for having me, looking after everyone and infusing the day with sparkles and way too much sugar ;) xxxx