LIFE: Brozer, Summer Shoes, and The Intern

So it's that time of the week again to round up a few of my favourite things from the last week. It comes around so quickly. I've been on my own a little bit this week with Scott working away so most of my spare time has been spent catching up on TV shows, watching movies and indulging into my beauty stash again.

First off, I've felt really productive this week. I've had some good days at work which left me feeling really good about myself and I've been tapping away at my keyboard a lot lately getting posts written which always makes me feel good, though I still need to get my pictures sorted at the moment something I always put off to the last minute and I'm not sure why because it's probably my favourite part of blogging.

I've been delving into the world of bronzing up this last week. So two products I've been loving is the Benefit Hoola bronzer which I picked up with my boots points at the beginning of the week. I've wanted this product for a while now but always put off purchasing it so when I had enough points I thought why not. Its the perfect shade as it's not too dark and it's matte so works well as a contour too. I can see why it gets raved about so much on the internet. There's a lot of pigment in it but blends really  nicely to create a natural bronze. I've also been tanning my legs ready for this event I've got coming up like I said yesterday. I'm not one to just fake tan as I know it'll end up in a disaster for me so I've been using the Palmers Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze whilst it does initially make you think what the hell have I done once it's dried and everything, once I had a bath it left me with a really lovely glow to my legs and a natural colour. The smell isn't brilliant but I think you find that with a lot of products, but I've found this to be the easiest self tanner that I've used. It doesn't leave you looking patchy either which is always a bonus.

Continuing on with the theme of tan, I've been loving wearing my New Look cut out shoes from about two years ago now (similar). I originally bought them in black suede and wore them to death but the tan leather look ones have lasted me so well. Though the weather has been a little awful this last week I've still loved putting these on. I have heel shields in the back of them to prevent blisters but other than that they are super comfy and go with pretty much any outfit.

Finally, I recently watched The Intern which has Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro in and absolutely loved it. It's a chick flick but even Scott enjoyed it. The two actors work so well together, it  had me laughing and welling up which to me makes the perfect movie. Definitely check it out.

♥

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FASHION: H&M and Whistles Bags

Last Saturday, myself and Scott decided to take a trip to Meadowhall in the search of an outfit for an event we've got coming up for Scott's work. I was in panic mode desperately trying to find a dress and not stick out like a sore thumb, and my nerves were going through the ceiling. However, now that I've got my outfit sorted I'm feeling a little calmer. Whilst I didn't pick up my dress on the day I did decide - mostly because the one I wanted was damaged in store - I did pick up a two other items that have me swooning.

Both items were inspired (copied a little) by Vivianna Does Makeup as I'd been watching her style video from Coachella before I went and fell in love with the H&M skirt she was wearing. I genuinely thought it was going to be some designer brand or from Topshop at the very least but it was actually only £24.99 from H&M. I tried it on and it fits me perfectly, I got my usually size 8. It's slightly high waisted and would look gorgeous with a loose t-shirt or cami tucked into it. I love the detail of the beading and the colours so it's perfect for summer. I love the green and gold shades in the skirt too, they're not something that I usually go for but think it looks really beautiful and summery. The skirt itself feels almost like a denim so I'm not conscious of it being see through or riding up at all. And with a tan (fake tan for me obviously) it looks amazing. I thought it was such a bargain at this price and know I will get so much wear out of it as soon as it brightens up.

I also picked up a Whistles clutch bag. Well, Scott bought it for me. We went  into House of Fraser and I never knew they stocked Whistles so when I saw the clutches I spent ages ogling them. I picked up a nude pink with a croc effect in the small clutch size to it as I thought it would go perfectly with some pink corts and some pink sandals that I already own and would brighten up the black dress from River Island that I'm wearing for this event. It looks really chic and stylish and I know I'm going to protect it like it's my child. I've been lusting after the Whistles clutch bags for a while now but the price tag has always put me off. Whilst I know they aren't the most expensive bags on the market they still aren't cheap, so for Scott to buy me it as a present it meant the world. I don't think I stopped saying 'thank you' all afternoon. I'm also really looking forward to going out now so I can use it.

♥

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BEAUTY: Rimmel Bestival Blue

I was in our local Tesco the other week with Scott and I was looking at the makeup stands in the search for a new nail polish. I haven't bought many nail polishes for a while and so a lot of mine are quite old now and are starting to go sticky and tacky and aren't applying very smoothly. I was on the hunt for a  new blue shade when I spotted the Rita Ora collection for Rimmel and found the shade Bestival Blue.

I really like this shade and alongside a Barry M nail polish these are the only two shades I've been wearing all month. It's a pale blue shade that pops on the nails. It's perfect for spring and looks really fresh. I'm so glad to be able to take off the berry coloured shades that always end up staining my nails despite a base coat. This applies really smoothly and you can get away with a single coat if you are in a rush. The polish dries really quickly too which is always a bonus and you don't then have to sit and wait ages for it to dry and are then in fear of smudging it. I've found I can get away with a couple of days without the nail paint chipping but I do have to take it off after 3-4 days. I haven't worn a blue shade in such a long time so I've been really loving wearing the shade. There's some really nice colours in the Rita Ora range so I might have to pop back in and have another look.

♥

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GYM: Adidas Gym Leggings

I've found it difficult to find a pair of gym leggings I really like. Some are see through which means you always have to wear a longer top - which I don't mind but some days I want to wear something a little tighter that isn't swishing around me. Some just go rubbish when you wash them. The struggle has been real for me. That's until I spotted these Adidas Response Tights.

I saw a girl wearing them at my gym and I thought they looked really cool. I've been after some plain black gym leggings for a while and I liked the Adidas stripes going horizontally across the knee and thought it looked different. I was then on the hunt for these leggings, I wanted to try them on see how they fit and ultimately see if they were see through. I found them about 2-3 weeks after my search at my gym on promotion for £29.99 instead of £40. After trying them on I knew I had to have them.

I bought a size small, and they fit perfectly. They have a drawstring tie inside to make them tighter around the waist if need be too. They're super stretchy so great for squatting and stretching in. They're also really lightweight in feel too, so you don't get too hot in them. My bum also looks amazing in them which is always a bonus. Though they're slightly more pricey that I would've intially thought about paying for some gym leggings I love them to bits and already have had my money's worth out of them. Definitely check them out if you're in the market for some new gym leggings.

♥

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LIFE: Stand Up, Even if its not Easy

Another Tuesday, another rambling post of what I've been thinking about lately. This week it's sticking up for yourself. Nobody is your worse enemy than yourself. It easy to look in the mirror and pick out the things that you don't like whether its physical things or things about your personality. I know full well how easy it is to be like this, especially with my personality. But it's worse when you see people taking advantage of these little things you wish you could change.

Anyone who has known me for years would probably describe me as 'quiet' and I really was. One lad used to call me, 'the girl who never speaks' and I was the kind of girl who wouldn't dare speak what was on my mind in case it hurt someone. It wasn't that I was ever thinking horrible things about people but if I didn't want to do something I'd still say  yes to make sure that person was happy. If someone had passed a rude comment about me I would simply let it slide. I found it easy not to say things in fear of letting people down or being judged.

Over the years I've slowly gotten fed up of letting things slide. Its easy to just pretend that things aren't bothering  you, but honestly its no good for you. Lately, I've been sticking up for myself or just saying the things that are on my mind, whether that's big or small. Some people are always going to expect a lot of people and if you say yes all the time then they're going to keep putting that pressure on you. I've learnt to say no or put my foot down in certain situations. It's okay to fight your corner. If it's your boyfriend that you don't think is treating you fairly call him out. If it's your best friend who keeps going back on her word or if your manager is expecting too much then just mention it. You don't have to have an argument just a discussion so that both parties know where they stand. I've also found you get a lot more respect by saying the things that are bothering. Obviously I'm not telling you to be rude to people. But people need to speak more about what's bothering them. There's no point in letting things build up and boil over, making everything messy.

At the end of the day, it's your life. You've got to do what makes you happy because that's what everyone else is doing too.

♥

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MUSIC: Lánre - Human EP

Lánre a british singer songwriter is releasing her latest new EP on the 29th April and I have been fortunately asked to review the album before its release for you guys. The EP is called 'Human' and captures Lánre as an artist beautifully. Each song is incredibly uplifting and inspiring, they also have a dreamlike magical feel to them.

Lánre uses her Yoruba heritage to influence her soulful style, with captivating storytelling and an acoustic feel to her songs, she definitely stands out in a crowd of music. The opening and title track of the EP, Human sounds more synthesized than the rest of the EP probably with a lot more production. 'Making the same mistakes over and over again, hoping that somehow it'll work out in the end', is the opening lyrics and the rest of the song talks about the bad things happening to make things better, with 'we're all broken so that the light can come in' being sung almost like an anthem throughout the song. Though it's a very delicate song until the bridge Lánre has such a silky voice that you get enticed in with.

Fire is next - which is probably my favourite - it starts more acoustic and folky than the previous song which is definitely more my cup of tea, It just sounds more authentic and natural to me, and its more moody, with lyrics like 'nothing lasts forever' and 'I did my best 'til the very end' it's very encouraging for you to do the same. The song has a much more moodier feel like I said before with the beats that it uses and Lánre lower tone being used throughout.

Dreams is very much dreamlike in sound and sounds like a daydream with Lánre silky and soft voice, her tone is gorgeous and completely unique to what I'm used to listening to. The song is kept very acoustic until the bridge towards the end when you can hear what sounds almost like a heartbeat, the song gets a bit more intense and grittier.

Finally, the EP ends with My Soul, with what sounds like a choir to open the track, it's a little faster with an acoustic guitar being picked at. 'You can't break my soul' is sung throughout the song again inspiring her audiences to 'keep living' and pushing forward to what you want to achieve.

Though the EP is very different to what I would normally listen to, I would recommend to check it out. Each song is very inspiring and makes you want to accomplish something more. Check out Lánre's 'Human' below. You can also preorder the EP here with an instant download of Human.

♥

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BEAUTY: REN Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel

As I've been trying to get into a proper skincare routine, I invested in the REN Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel in the hope that I would actually get into using eye creams and for once it's stuck. Maybe it was because the product is £20 (though there is 20% off at Feel Unique at the moment) and it's quite a lot of money to splash out on such a tiny product in my opinion.

I've been using the product pretty much every day and night for the past month. It hydrates the under  eye area and the gel helps to cool this area which is brilliant first thing in the morning to help  make you feel more awake. I've found the gel texture also helps to reduce puffiness under the area, so if I've been up late at night or just haven't had a good night sleep it helps reduce the bags that appear. The product also helps with dark circles. I have notice if I use it constantly that my dark circles do appear to be clearer and my under eye area does seem brighter but I do suffer badly with dark circles and nothing seems to get rid of it properly (any recommendations would be appreciated). Thought it's only 15ml of product, you only need a small amount so the product will last you ages.

I've been loving using this product lately, I can get a bit lazy when it comes to my skincare especially at night but I've been applying the tiniest amount under my eyes most nights and I have been enjoying the step in my skincare. It's quick and easy and I have noticed a difference in my skin. I no longer have that cakey look under my eyes when I've used this in the morning and then applied makeup which is always a bonus. Definitely check it out if you're looking for a new eye gel. I really like the REN as a brand and haven't been disappointed with any of the products that I've tried.

♥

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LIFE: NVQ's, Books, Psycho and Music

So it's that time of the week again where I round up what I've been loving this week. First up, Bates Motel. I started watching the program about 6 months ago and became obsessed, but the new season is out now and I am just as addicted if not more. I think Freddie Highmore who plays Norman is a brilliant actor and plays the character so well. If you're not sure what the program is about then a brief summary is, Norman Bates moves to White Pine Bay with his mum, Norma, and they open a hotel. Here they have to settle into the town whilst struggling with their own problems, it's based on the film Psycho. I was worried that I would find the program really scary, but it isn't. It's more filled with suspense, definitely check out if you're looking for a new tv show that's very gripping.

Next up, I've been reading a lot lately and started reading one of my old favourites An Autumn Crush by Milly Johnson. I can remember the first time I read it and loving it so much, so when I was looking for something to read and stumbled across this I was excited to explore the Floz and Juliet's life once again. Both of them are unlucky in love and Juliet needs a new roommate when Floz appears. It's incredibly romantic and funny and the characters are so lovable.

Music wise, I've been listening to Lauren Aquilina a lot lately. I'm especially loving her new single Kicks, it's different to what I'm used to from her which is probably why I've been loving it so much. It's a bit more pop and edgy than her usual soul ballad style. It's upbeat and just fun. Definitely a bit of a girl anthem and taking back your power. Check out the track at the end of the post.

This week my certificate finally came through for passing my NVQ in retail which I'm so happy about. It's felt like I've been waiting ages for it to come through so to finally have it made the whole completing the course and passing it feel really worthwhile and made me feel proud of myself all over again.

Finally, this week I've realised what's important to me. I've been so stressed out lately about different things that I forgot what I was stressing about. But with a Sunday off I managed to spend the day wrapped in blankets and cuddling with Scott watching Geordie Shore (I need help with this obsession, I swear). It was lovely to just relax and spend some quality time with my boyfriend and  not worry about anything. The pick 'n' mix helped a lot too.

♥

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FASHION: The Khaki Shirt Dress

I've been after a shirt dress for a little while now but I hadn't found one that really took my attention, however, I was at work the other day when this khaki shirt dress came in and I just had to have it. I've been really loving a lot that's come in at Dorothy Perkins lately and couldn't wait to share this dress with you.

Though it was nice a sunny when Scott took these pictures for me, it was still quite cold so I paired it with tights and kept it quite smart and grungy in style. However, I can't wait for it to warm up so I can go bare legged with some brown sandals. I like the gold detailing on the dress such as the buttons and on the end of the belts there is a gold hardware cuff to it. The dress is really flattering and comfortable (hides a food baby wonderfully). It's easy to dress it up or down depending on the occasion too.

Jacket - Miss Selfridge / Dress - Dorothy Perkins / Shoes - New Look / Bag - Topshop 

♥

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BEAUTY: Laura Geller 90's Lip Liner

I recently picked up a Laura Geller Beauty Pout Perfection Waterproof Lip Liner (that's a mouthful) from Feel Unique. After wanting to try out a brown nude shade which has been oh so popular lately I decided to pick this one up in the shade 'Petal'.

When I first started getting into makeup when I was about 12/13 I can remember loving a nude lipstick and whilst my mum was always looking for the pink shades I was obsessed with the brown nudes, but as I got older I didn't really go for these shades always opting for something brighter and bolder. However, when the trend came back I didn't get it. I didn't think it was very flattering but in the end gave in and decided to try it again. What can I say? I am obsessed. I've been loving wearing the lip liner all over my lip as a lipstick. The shade is quite neutral so isn't too in your face but it makes me look so much more tanned than I am - especially when I wear my Khaki Shirt Dress which you'll see on Friday.

(When Scott tells me to smile and this is the best I can do - this is what the lip liner looks like in person) 

The lip liner is obviously matte so lasts a really long time, I tend to touch it up once in a day after dinner. I've found that it doesn't dry my lips out but I apply a lip balm before applying the lip liner anyway. It doesn't drag on my lips when I apply it either, which is always a bonus and the pencil is also really soft. From a brand that I hadn't heard of before I've been really impressed with the product and will be trying out some of their other products in the future.

♥

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LIFE: The Topshop Crop/Sports Bra

Since starting the gym back in January I've been trying to build up my sports gear collection. As vain as it may sound I still want to look fashionable as well as being comfortable at the gym. I've been using the same sports bras I got about a year ago from Missguided since I started, however, as I've got more into going I didn't find these the comfiest thing to wear. Plus mine were very plain and not very flattering/well fitting and had quickly gone dingy.

My main issue however was the material. It felt more like a thermal/scuba material and when I was doing cardio, so on the bike or the cross-trainer. I simply got too hot. My chest would feel incredibly sticky with sweat and I didn't feel comfortable so I was in the market to find something else. I've had my eye on the Calvin Klein classic Bralet for a while but I think they're so expensive especially if you end up not liking them so when I went into Topshop and found they had some similar in style I had to pick one up and give it a try.

Oh my god, they are so comfy. They are quite thin so don't give you much support however I only have small boobs anyway so its not something that bothers me too much. Plus I tend to wear my sports bra with lower cut tops to try and hide some cleavage. They don't make me too hot like the previous ones were plus they're super soft and looks a lot more stylish. If you do want some support I've found wearing a strapless bra underneath is perfect, so you've got that support but you're covered from any boob mishaps at the gym. I have found they aren't very big and I haven't got the biggest boobs in the world, so maybe size up, I find that Topshop can be small in fittings anyway.

I've now got them in the grey and navy with the matching underwear because I loved the first one so much and tempted to buy them in the white and red too, I think they also do it in an animal print too. I would seriously recommend them, not only for the gym but at home too. I love putting mine on if I don't want to wear my normal bra, so if I'm just hanging out at  home all day as it's so much comfier than a normal everyday bra. At £10 I also think they're such a bargain.

♥

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LIFE: Social Anxiety Struggles

Something that is hard for anyone to talk about is when they have a problem. Whether that's something as simple as not being able to put up a shelf or if they have an illness, it's never easy to tell someone that something is wrong or you're incapable of doing something. One of the biggest taboo subjects in recent years has been mental health - which comes in all shapes and forms - and I wanted discuss my own issues with mental health today even if it helps a single person out there.

I've struggled with panic attacks since I was a kid, I can remember my first panic attack when I was sat in assembly when I was about seven years old and feeling overwhelmed that something bad was going to happen. I felt sick and my stomach was full of cramps and I was completely unaware of what was happening to me. Over the years my panic attacks became worse. As a result of my panic attacks I slowly struggled with social anxiety.

Social anxiety has stopped me doing an awful lot in my life. I struggled so much with anxiety when I was 18 that I deferred from university because the thought of having to go to a new place and make new friends terrified me, whilst I don't regret not going to university now, at the time I did a little bit. I got to the point where I would always reject offers to go out places in the fear of having a panic attack and when I did go out, even though I never did have a panic attack, I could never settle and was always on edge. However, when I didn't go out I was still worrying that I'd let my friends or family down and they were judging me for it.

Though I've learnt more about social anxiety and panic disorder it's still something that I struggle with. It's not something that you're going to get over in a day. I can go weeks without struggling with either but then I can go weeks really suffering from both, That's what provoked this post. Lately, I've been going through a tough time with anxiety/ Completely unprovoked, my anxiety hit me in the face one morning even though I had nothing really to worry about - and that's what annoys me the most, because I never know when it's going to appear again. If there's only one piece of advise I can give you it'd be to talk to someone. I always bottle up my problems and then I end up exploding, it's no good for me or the person I end up breaking down to.

Anxiety and mental health issues isn't a trend and it annoys me when people treat them like this. It's a serious issue for the person suffering from them and it's not something that you should be ashamed of or not discuss with anyone. The first person I told other than my parents about my anxiety was Scott several years before we got into a relationship. I was terrified about what he would think of me, but even now he's incredibly supportive of me. If I can't go somewhere because I'm too anxious he respects that. Find someone you trust and discuss these issues with them even if it's your family or a friend. If you're suffering I'd also recommend learning more about your problem. For me, learning more about panic attacks and social anxiety was just a relief and helped so much in itself. It calmed my nerves an awful lot. I know this has been a rambling mess but Tuesday and I like to ramble on about things that's been on my mind. But my main advise, DON'T LET IT CONTROL YOUR LIFE. It's so easy for it to control your life, but at the end of the day and as harsh as it may sound, most of the time it is just in your mind and once you realise that it's so much easier to deal with.

♥

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MUSIC: James Robb - Flamethrower

Today's music post, introduces British singer-songwriter James Robb to you with his single 'Flamethrower'. With a musical family, James Robb learnt from a young age to craft his song writing and musical style to what suits him best which is demonstrated beautifully in Flamethrower taken from his upcoming EP.

The song describes 'the horrible feeling when you know one of you cares more than the other' with lyrics such as 'you're love it hurts, why don't you want me now?' the song is heartbreakingly beautiful. Reminding me a little of Shawn Mendes but a little more broken hearted, James Robb's music has a pop/r'n'b feel and with his soulful voice he makes you feel everything that he's feeling too.

Having created a go to break up song with r'n'b beats which also has a soothing lullaby feel to it, James Robb 'Flamethrower' will help you through a tough breakup. With a topic that is so easy to relate to, be that being in a relationship where  you're being burned or dealing with unrequited love, this is definitely you're new go to song.

Check out James Robb's 'Flamethrower' below:

♥

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BEAUTY: Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

Lately, I've been attempting to get myself into a proper skincare routine. I'm tired of getting spots and my skin looking dull, so I thought getting into a skincare routine and using the same/similar products each day would help this problem out. I've been using the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic day and night after I've cleansed my face. Normally I would use the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish alongside it but I've been trying out a new cleanser this month and so I've used it alongside this. I pour a little bit of the product onto a cotton wool pad and smooth this over my face and neck.

I've been really loving adding this step into my routine. I've never really used toners before, to be honest, I never really knew what their purpose was for. I've found that it removes any dirt or makeup that has been left behind from my cleanser, therefore my pores aren't as clogged which results in less impurities. I've also found that my skin feels a lot fresher after I've used the toner. I hate that feeling after you've used a cleanser and you still feel like you have some product left on your skin, especially if its quite an oily based cleanser you've been using. However, the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic removes this problem for me. My skin also looks lot brighter since using this product. I've found that it just brightens up your whole face and leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturised. I then obviously go onto moisturise my skin afterwards which gives an extra hydration boost.

If you're suffering from dull or tired looking skin I would definitely try this out. My skin looks a lot more awake when I've used this product, my skin has also been a lot clearer and free from impurities since adding this to my routine. Though it's not the cheapest product on the market, and sits somewhere in the middle at £14.50 I've been using mine just over a month and there's still lots of product left. Well worth the money. The Instant Booth Skin Tonic also has a lovely scent to it of rose scented geranium, lavender and sweet orange pure essential oils. Sometimes I do have to be careful with scented products - like I've said a million times before - but I've found all the Liz Earle products are very gentle on the skin and I never come out in rashes like I have with some products.

♥

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LIFE: TV Shows, Leather Jackets and Camera Hunting

Now that I'm attempting to blog daily, Saturday's are going to be my little round up day. So anything that I've been loving lately, or anything that I'm lusting after I want to share here. A little bit like Vivianna Does Makeup, it's one of my favourite posts of hers each week. I like that little sneak peek into what she's been up to or interested in so here's my first post like this.

I've become obsessed with Geordie Shore. I only started watching it a few weeks back when me and Scott were looking for something to watch late one night and decided to watch this for an hour. I'm hooked, I'm following the stars of the show on instagram wanting to know more about them and what they're up to and I've even started watching it from Season 1 again. Plus Marnie was back this week. It's definitely my guilty pleasure at the moment.

I've recently fell back in love with my Miss Selfridge Faux Leather Jacket. I love a leather biker jacket and I've been eyeing up the leather jackets in All Saints for a couple of years now, but never managed to save up for one yet. Since the weather has been getting that little bit nice and I no longer feel the need to live in my parka I've been loving wearing my leather jacket again. It makes any outfit look a little edgier, plus it's super comfy.

After going to PC World last weekend the Olympus Pen E-PL7 has constantly been in my head. I love it in white and I've had my eye on it for a while but it's the first time I've seen it in person and once again become hooked on it. Definitely something that I need to save up for. If you could fall in love with a product, I may have to with this camera. It's sleek and stylish and so much easier to carry around than my big SLR camera at the moment.

Finally, I've been trying to get back on this healthy bandwagon. Since I've stopped eating beef at the moment ever since Scott told me that I've eaten a baby cow, I've not been going to McDonalds and I've been hitting the gym more. I've felt a lot better within myself because of it too. Though I'm not trying to lose weight, I can feel a difference in myself. I simply feel healthier and fitter.

♥

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FASHION: Oh So Smart

I love the smart casual look. Mostly it's because it's a style that can easily be transitioned from day to night. I love wearing a nice fitting blouse or shirt with a pair of jeans, when I'm working this is what I always reach for. Again, it's comfortable but it looks like you've put in a bit  more effort. At the moment it's still that little bit chilly so I've kept reaching for my Topshop Denim Jacket to keep me warm with its fur lining. I literally fell in love with this blouse from River Island when I saw it and know that I will get lots of wear out of it all year long, but especially spring/summer. Along withe the heeled shoes that are everywhere at the moment, the block heel makes it easy for me to walk in and are surprisingly really comfy and in the sale. Shot at Rufford Abbey by the lake, Scott definitely had a lot of patience with me on that day trying to get some shots of me smiling whilst I was catching a cold.

Jacket - Topshop / Top - River Island / Jeans - Topshop / Shoes - Dorothy Perkins / Bag - Topshop 

♥

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BEAUTY: Nude by Nature Perfecting Primer

When it comes to makeup I'm the kind of person who wants my makeup to look nice but not take ages to apply in the morning when I'm in a rush. This is one of the reasons why a primer has never stayed in my everyday makeup routine. However, since receiving the Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer as a free gift along with my FeelUnique order, I thought I'd give it ago not really anticipating much, but my views on primers have changed.

Before my experiences with primers weren't very big. Previously I've used the Maybelline Baby Skin, I used this for a couple of weeks but didn't really enjoy using the product, I simply didn't want to waste it. I found the product was very heavy and felt like silicon which I didn't want to apply on my skin. It just felt like it was clogging up my pores rather than helping them. I also found that my makeup wasn't lasting any longer than it had before either. I didn't try another primer for a year or so when I tried the Revlon PhotoReady Primer. Whilst I preferred this to the Maybelline, I didn't find it did anything for my makeup, so quickly discarded that one too.

I apply a pea sized amount into my skin just using my fingers for application all over my face after I've used my moisturiser in the morning. Once I've applied the primer I don't really see much of a difference other than my skin looking a little redder. My skin feels a little bit silky and smooth though. I also like the consistency and texture of this primer.  The Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer, however, looks more like a lotion and feels really smooth when applying the product. I've found that it blends into my skin but doesn't feel like I've applied anything at all. It doesn't feel like I've got lots of product on my face at all.

Since using the Nude By Nature Perfecting Primer Scott has mentioned that my makeup always looks flawless. I guess if your boyfriend notices a difference in your skin/makeup it must be good, right? He thought that I'd been using a new 'expensive' foundation, when in reality, the primer is the only difference in my makeup routine. I've found that my makeup is lasting a lot longer throughout the day. Before it was wearing off after a couple of hours and I would either have to touch it up or leave it looking a bit of a mess. But since using this my makeup lasts all throughout the day only a tough gym session (after I've finished work and I forget to take my makeup off) whichh causes  my makeup look anything less than perfect.

I've also found that it helps to make my makeup look more glowy and healthier. Throughout February and March I was struggling with my skin looking dull and looking even worse after applying makeup, but this product has managed to bring some life back into my face. Even after using a powder my makeup still looks very glowy which I'm really enjoying. I'll definitely be purchasing the full size bottle. Though it's not the cheapest product on the market at £22.00 for 30ml I've found that my 15ml has lasted me ages already and I've been using it daily. When something has made such a visible difference in my skin I don't mind paying that little bit more. However, if you have any cheaper alternatives feel free to recommend them to me. I'll also be checking out more products from the brand.

♥

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LIFE: Being a Gym Newbie

I've been considering joining the gym for around six months now and simply kept putting it down out of fear. I'm not particularly a sporty person and definitely not in good shape fitness wise, and it has been something I've wanted to change for a while. I've always started ab routines from YouTube and after a couple of weeks given up but this time I'm determined to use the gym and stick to it - if only because of the price of the gym membership. I'm not going to lie to you and say I'm going everyday because I haven't. But these last few weeks I've been getting into the gym more and trying different equipment I've also been changing what exercises I do depending on how I feel that day.

First off, nobody is staring at you at the gym. This was my biggest worry, I always get scared that people are watching me mess up or if I'm self conscious I automatically think that people are watching what I'm doing but in reality they aren't. My first time at the gym I did look around to see what everyone else was doing but I think that helps in learning how to do certain things correctly and also to gain some inspiration. You don't want to feel in a rut with your routines because it'll become boring. But I can reassure you, nobody is staring or watching you, they're more interested in themselves. 

Be comfortable in what you're wearing. There's nothing worse than not feeling good in what you're wearing and that does have an affect on you. I always tend to wear some leggings and a longer vest. I'm conscious of my leggings possibly being see through so I like to wear a longer top so that this isn't an issue. Also get some good trainers that are going to be suitable for the gym. I bought some Nike New Balance trainers from ASOS in the sale and they are really comfy and give me good support at the gym. 

I go to the gym with Scott, this is for two reasons. The selfish reason my gym is about an half an hour walk and I couldn't walk that far do a gym session and then walk home (that sounds really bad) so Scott is my set of wheels. Also, I don't have a clue what I'm doing there and I know I would lose motivation if I went on my own. I would suggest going with someone you're comfortable with or who knows what they're doing. If not gyms have personal trainers and the ones at my gym all seem really nice and willing to help you. Especially for your first couple of weeks I would suggest this whilst you get yourself into a routine and know how to use equipment properly/ get the form of positions right so you don't strain your muscles/  

Don't forget to take a bottle of water. I did this in my first gym session and I felt it immediately. It's nice to have that refresh after each set and in a weird way it helps to calm me down a little as well as cooling me down too. If you have asthma I would also recommend taking your ventolin with you. I suffered when I was younger and when I had this chest infection at the beginning of the year I was struggling with my breathing so this has been vital equipment for me. 

You will have to get used to seeing naked bodies at the gym. I'm a prude, I hate seeing people naked and I hate people seeing me naked so my first experience of this was a little strange, However, just stick your head in your locker and get out of their as quickly as possible if you're like me. 

Lastly. I would say don't get down on yourself. If you've not had as good a gym session, if you've had to move your weight setting down a little don't beat yourself up over it. Odds are you've had a busy day or your body is just telling you to chill out a little bit. You can always throw in an extra session or go harder the next time. 

That is my little bit of advice from the last few weeks of going to the gym. I'm hoping to get into it properly this month and try and work a little harder. Maybe I'll update yo with my progress throughout the year. If you're considering joining the gym I'd say go for it, most offer a free trial period and you can see what you like and what sort of things you want to do at the gym.

♥

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LIFE: Comparison is the Thief of Joy

It's easy to look at someone else's life and think 'wow, they've got it all'. Whether that be the job you want, the lifestyle, fashion, friends and family, the list is endless. But really, they're looking at someone else thinking the exact same thing and so on. Everyone at some point in their life has compared themselves to someone else, in fact it happens daily for most people, however this is no good for anyone.

The other night I had a massive meltdown to Scott because somebody else appeared to be doing what I want to do better. I simply assumed that their life was so much easier than mine without really knowing anything that's happening in their life. It's easy to get caught up in social media and think that everyone is living perfectly, that's only because we show people the highlights of our day/week. If I'm sad nine times out of ten I'm not going to share that with the internet. If I've had an argument with my boyfriend, my family or friends I'm not going to post that on the internet. However, I will post pictures of a night out with my closest friends, or me and Scott acting goofy or having some family time. That's what people do. We all feel like we have to compete with people sometimes, and sometimes that's the case for example trying to get a job. However, the rest of the time, we don't need to compare ourselves to the person next to us. 

For me, I often compare myself to others if I feel down about myself. So if I'm feeling bloated and I go to the gym and see a slim girl killing it on the treadmill, then I automatically tell myself that I'm not as good as her. I don't know if she's feeling the exact same way about herself. I also compare myself when it comes to careers. I'm at that age where a lot of my old friends are ready for leaving University and some of them will get really good jobs and others will get your 'normal' or 'standard' jobs until something more suitable appears. Even though I might not necessarily want that career that such and such person has chosen, I get jealous because to society their job appears better than mine, when really it doesn't matter. What I'm doing with my life doesn't affect anyone other than myself. If I chose to work in retail then that's okay, I've made wonderful friends that I know I'll have for years to come and I know that sitting up studying trying to become a nurse isn't suitable for me when I can't stand vomit or blood, so why do I compare myself to that person? 

The truth is I honestly don't know. As soon as I begin comparing myself to someone else my mood drops. One minute I could be incredibly happy and the next it's like a switch has been flicked and I'm really down about myself. So I'm trying not to let things bother me as much. Nobody knows what's really going on in someone's life apart from that person. Nobody else knows what someone else is struggling with. It's easy to say, but we should all try and be a little kinder and supportive of each other. There's no need to compare yourself to someone else because they're goals aren't the same as yours. As long as you're moving in the direction that you want to be in then it doesn't concern anyone else. As long as you're doing something that you love, does it matter what other people think or say? 

These are just a few things I've been thinking about lately. I know I can't be the only one. Even if only one person relates to this then I'll be okay with that.

♥

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MUSIC: Mariella West - Sober

Mariella West, a Brighton based singer has released her first single 'Sober' and is bringing back the 60's/70's in her style of music, creating something that's very unique to what's currently being released.

Mariella West has that classic retro sound to her voice and can switch from being very soft to strengthening in her voice effortlessly. Her voice is very sultry and sexy. The song sounds very sweetly and coy at the start but progressively becomes more passionate with more attitude and punch to it. Keeping a playfulness to the track throughout. 'Sober' is undoubtedly very catchy and will get you dancing. It starts very mysterious about leaving their loved one and leaving their dramas behind before starting again on their own. She tells her story without making it too personal, which leaves the song easy to relate to for her fans but also adds to that mysteriousness of  the song. I like this about the song as it leaves you wanting to know more about these characters that she's singer about.

To me, she mixes a soul and jazzy with a little bit of disco in the track and made them cool once again, reminding me a little of Sophie Ellis Bextor, with influences from Jill Scott and Lianne La Havas. West is a modern day jazz singer, leaving songs to interpretation for her fans, the singer has managed to create the blend of jazz and soul with a modern twist so swiftly, I'm excited to see what she has to release next.

Check out Mariella West's live version of 'Sober' below:

♥

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BEAUTY: My Pamper Evening Routine

Every week I like to have pamper evening to simply de-stress and take some time to look after my skin instead of ripping my legs to shreds quickly shaving them or bathing quickly. Instead I can take my time and just relax. I always find that once I've had a pamper evening I also sleep incredibly well that evening, in theory I'd love to have a pamper evening every night but spending so long in the bath each night just wouldn't be practical. So I thought I'd share with you what I like to use when I'm having a bit of a pamper evening.

First I take off my makeup, usually, I use the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and a muslin cloth but I, annoyingly, ran out that morning so just used some makeup wipes to take off my makeup. Following this I ran a bath using the Radox Muscle Therapy as I had just come from the gym that evening my muscles felt a little tight. I love this bubble bath, it says its for men, but I personally love the scent and it makes your bath have a pink tint, I would definitely recommend it and it's always extremely cheap in boots. Sometimes I use a Lush Bath Bomb, but just went for the bubble bath this time. 

Whilst the bath is running I like to wash my hair in the Tigi S Factor Diamond Dreams Shampoo at first I wasn't a big fan of this shampoo but I really love it now. Though it's not the cheapest product in the world I love how my hair looks and feel afterwards. I then use the Tigi S Factor Diamond Dreams Conditioner and leave this in whilst I jump in the bath and use it more as a hair mask/treatment. Next up I just cleanse my face with the Yes to Tomatoes Cleanser and then go in with my face scrub at the moment which is the Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator. I love this exfoliator, like the name would suggest its really gentle on the skin and my skin always looks really clear and feels soft afterwards. Sometimes I use a face mask, but simply forgot that evening. 

After relaxing in the bath for a while I then wash my body with the Yes To Grapefruit Body Wash before exfoliating my legs with the Yes To Coconut Body Scrub. I'm not a hundred percent certain I'm loving these products at the moment, but I've only used them a couple of times. I find the body wash is very runny and I feel like I waste a lot of product, As for the scrub, I always compare them to the The Body Shop Argan Oil Body Scrub which I love and I don't think this is quite as good. But I'm still only testing them out at the moment. 

Once I'm finished bathing, I step out into my cosy dressing gown and wash off the conditioner. Moisturising my body, I've been using my Lush Celebrate Body Butter which I've been loving lately. I find that it doesn't irritate my legs like some body butters or moisturisers can and the scent is very soft too. I then chill out for the rest of the evening, reading or catching up on a bit of TV. At the moment I'm watching Bates Motel and Younger, very different programmes but I love them both just as much. 

♥

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MUSIC: Joy Oladokun - Shelter

After a half 5 start this morning, I've literally just got in from work which was followed by a coffee and shopping with my friend, and at twenty past 1 I've sat down to write this review on Joy Oladokun new single, 'Shelter', which has been taken from her upcoming debut album 'Carry' set to be released on the 29th April and I am completely blown away. With little enthusiasm for doing much, from the first note I heard of 'Shelter' I was caught up in her world and her music and couldn't wait to start tapping away at my keyboard to share this talented artist with you.

Starting with a piano and a background vocal, I was captured. Then Joy starts singing and the tone in her voice is smooth and gorgeous, there's no doubt in her ability of being able to take a song and command a room. Showing off her vocal range, Oladokun has one of those voices that make your day feel brighter, simply oozing talent with just her voice. Joy has a classic soulful voice, similar to Emeli Sande meets Tracy Chapman, with so much heart and honesty there it's nice to hear this voice taking on a whole new style of music.

The song is talking to her loved one about giving in and trusting her and promising not to hurt them like they've been hurt before. It's incredibly optimistic not only in lyrics but also the feel of the music, if it doesn't paint a smile instantly on your face then I'll be incredibly shocked. Describing the song, 'a song I wrote about learning how to receive love, and fighting to give it without reservation'.

She's taken elements from rock music with some of the beats within the song, but tells a story like you'd find in folk/country music with a soulful voice full of honesty, the blend of these three genres is what makes up Joy Oladokun sound. It works incredibly well, and I absolutely love it, with two of my favourite genres having this new link that I've never heard before creating a wonderful pop song. 'Shelter' is such a formidable song, in the way that it's been written, produced and sung, it's also very catchy which I love.

I'm completely in awe of Joy Oladokun and the amount of talent that this lady has, I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of her album now, which she funded herself through a kickstarter campaign. I only wish good things for Joy and the album.

Check out Joy Oladokun's 'Shelter' below:

♥

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LIFE: Dealing with Stressful Days

We all have 'those' kind of days. It's not always easy to break out of those bad moods that we can get ourselves into, sometimes without reason. I'm not immune to these down days either. Especially lately, I've felt like I've had more than my fair share of them. It started for me when I got ill at Christmas, I'm so miserable when I have a cold and I could tell that I was bringing everyone else down with me. For one reason or the other I found that so far in 2016 I've felt really stressed which then makes me feel low. However, I thought I'd share with you how I get through these times.

I usually have a pamper evening or just some time to myself. I normally have a bath and wash my hair and have a little time just focusing on myself. Then, I usually get into bed with a film or a tv series and just try and relax a little bit by distracting myself. There's no point in focusing on all the negatives its much better to try and do the things that will cheer you up a little.

Spend time with loved ones always cheers me up too. Kind of the opposite to what I've just said but talking to people I really trust and getting things off my chest really helps. Some people say that I always seem to be moaning but this is kind of my release to not let everything get me down. Also I like watching movies with my family or going out shopping with them or walks with Scott. Whether its family, your friends/boyfriend or a colleague at work don't think that you're boring them with what's on your mind, most of the time they care about your happiness too.

Water really relaxes me. Going out and getting some fresh air makes me feel a lot better, especially if it's somewhere you don't get signal. You just feel completely relaxed and away from all your problems. I like going to lakes and rivers, though I can't swim and I panic if I have to, water really relaxes me. I like watching the ducks and I just feel like all my worries are washed away kind of.

As silly as it sounds, try not to worry quite so much, usually things will sort themselves out or its things that you don't really need to be worrying about. Most of my problems I've spoken to a family member or a friend and they've helped me to see the bright side of things. I know it's not always easy, trust me I'm such a pessimist, but having that support network is always good. Just remember you're not the only person who's going through something bad, everyone goes through stressful times whether they're putting on a brave face or not.

♥

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