Wednesday, 29 June 2016

BEAUTY: Clinique Smart Night Moisturiser

I've recently been using the Clinique Smart Night Moisturiser just before I go to bed and I've been loving the product. I've been taking all my make up off and then applying this before I go to sleep and I've been enjoying how my skin looks and feels afterwards.

The product is quite thick and heavier than other moisturisers I've used from the brand however I tend to find that night creams are a lot thicker anyway. The product sinks into the skin really quickly and doesn't feel sticky or tacky on the skin at all. My skin also feels super soft after applying it. I've also found that with a combination of  using the Smart Night Moisturiser and the Moisture Surge in the day that any dry patches that I usually get are non-existent. My skin is also looking a lot brighter and glowing. One thing I don't like about the moisturiser is the smell. I do find it quite strong and a little like antiseptic cream but I can ignore that fact if its making a difference in my skin.

The product isn't the cheapest. Mine was in a Bonus Time Gift so I've just been testing it out, but at £48 I do think it's expensive. I'm going to keep testing it out over the next month or so and I'll get back to you on whether I would repurchase it. I do think it's been amazing but I'm not sure if I'd part with that much money for it yet.

Have you tested the Clinique Smart Night Moisturiser before? Let me know what you think?


Tuesday, 28 June 2016

BOOKS: Charlotte Crosby - Me, Me, Me

I am a massive Charlotte Crosby fan. I'm not going to lie this time last year I hadn't a clue who she was but a late night Geordie Shore marathon when nothing else was on made me fall in love with her personality. She just seems so genuine and is incredibly funny. I asked Scott for her book (Me, Me, Me) for my birthday and he managed to pick me up the paperback version with an added chapter in the back (woo-hoo).

Firstly, I couldn't put the book down. I'm not one to read autobiographies or memoirs normally. I've only read a handful before from women that I really look up to and admire. With Charlotte Crosby's book I just wanted to know more and I knew it would be an hilarious read. If one thing is for sure I wasn't disappointed. The book is broken up into sections of her life, or incidents that have happened in her life. The chapter titles really make you want to keep reading. Every time I finished a chapter I'd read the name of the next and I'd be like, 'oh god, what did she do next'. I just couldn't put the book down.

You learn more about her family life and I think it's amazing how supportive her family has been about her career choices and lifestyle choices. I know if I passed out on my roof, my parents would probably kill me. I love that we learn more about her friends growing up as well as her Geordie Shore friends. But the main thing I liked about the book is the way its written. It's literally like you're sat with her and she's just chatting away and telling you all these stories. I think that's what made me keep reading. She comes across as a down to earth - if not eccentric when drunk - person and I guess that's from how she's been raised. Fame just doesn't seem to have faced her especially when you read the sections about her being star struck over meeting celebrities.

If you're a fan of Charlotte Crosby's or you're looking for a down to earth book that will keep you laughing, I would definitely check out her Me. Me, Me book. It's now available in paperback with an extra chapter in there too. Have you guys read her book? What did you think? Also, have you tried out her workout DVD's and are they any good, I'm really tempted to give them a go.


Monday, 27 June 2016

MUSIC: REL - Factory

I was recently introduced by LA based singer REL and her latest single 'Factory' which I think sounds like a summer anthem, especially for clubs and parties. I had never heard of the artist before but was surprised by how she managed to capture my attention and keep my interest. With a genre of music I don't usually listen to, it definitely stood out to me as having the potential to be a massive success.

There's a unique sound to the track that I think works incredibly well, it sounds like there's a party going off which I can imagine it being played in clubs an awful lot. It's a song that definitely gets you up on your feet and moving. REL's music radiates passion and emotion embodying what she calls 'evoca-pop' - music which makes you think and feel.

The song itself is about a young feminist in the 21st century, throughout the chorus she's constantly asking questions such as 'what's your thing? What you do? What's your brand? Who are you?' it's almost like she's talking directly to her audience. However my favourite lyric and the one that got me thinking the most is the very opening lines of, 'the choice is yours if you know its yours, you wear pink to be that girl, was that your choice or the world's?' I just think these are amazing lyrics that are very thought provoking.

REL has an amazing style to her music, it's very pop/alternative/R&B, like I've said very much a club song, I like the mix of the genres. I also like how she almost raps the song but she also has a very sultry beautiful voice. I really loved the track and I can't wait to hear more from the artist.

Check out REL's 'Factory' below:


What have you guys been listening to lately?


Saturday, 18 June 2016

FASHION: My Current Wishlist

Seeing as the weather has been rubbish where I live at the moment, I haven't fancied venturing outside for half an hour to try and get some shots of an outfit this week. But instead of missing my fashion post this week I thought I'd share with you some bits that I've been lusting after in the shops lately. Whilst I've been eyeing up a lot of gym clothes lately I'm going to keep this strictly to what I would wear everyday and maybe put up the gym wish list next week. So here goes.


 
 


Anybody who knows me, will also know I am a shoe person. I don't mind bags and I have got a fair few but I love shoes. Whether they hurt me or not I can't help picking up a pair of shoes. Sometimes I stick them in the wardrobe and never wear them because they're uncomfortable but that doesn't bother me because I just adore them. I've been after some brogues or loafers in a pale blue almost grey shade for awhile now and saw these on ASOS. I really like the look of them from the pictures and I've been so tempted to purchase them for a while now. I just think they're so pretty and are great for dressing up an outfit but still looking really casual at the same time.

I've been looking at this playsuit from Topshop for a couple of weeks now. I was hunting for an outfit for a night out and I became obsessed with this playsuit but at the time they only had it in Petite which would've been way too short. But now that it's in the regular length I am incredibly tempted to pick it up. I love the pattern on the playsuit and the cut out detailing, however I am unsure whether the colours would suit me.

I saw a girl in a pair of trousers similar to these from River Island the other day and they looked so nice on. She looked effortlessly put together. I thought they looked incredibly smart on but like you weren't in a power suit either because of the tie around the waist. I've got a pair similar in Navy and wore them so much for work last summer so I'm thinking these may need to be bought.

The final thing that I'm lusting after is this black floral dress from Urban Outfitters. I love the racer back with a lattice lace up detailing, and the wrap around skirt. I think it's just perfect for summer and going on holiday. I'm all about black floral dresses in the summer if I'm going to wear dresses. I also found v-necks are really flattering on me lately too and it looks like a light material to keep you nice and cool in summer.

What have you been lusting after lately?


Thursday, 16 June 2016

BEAUTY: The Pinita Colada Collection

I love a good The Body Shop Collection and their summer collections are always something I'm drawn to. This year the collection is Pinita Colada and it smells just like summer. It smells really light and fresh with the pineapple and coconut scent you're left smelling like a tropical holiday, which I personally love.

I picked up the Pinita Colada Shower Gel and Pinita Colada Body Sorbet, both products I've tried before in different fragrances and really love. Firstly, the shower gel. You can never go wrong with the shower gel. It's really gentle on the skin and leaves you feeling incredibly fresh and clean. It's a shower gel so there's not much to say about it to be fair. I do however, really love the packaging. The bottle is slightly different to their usual shower gels and I think it looks really cute sat on your shelf.

The Pinita Colada Body Sorbet is amazing, especially if you've caught the sun a little bit. I love the sorbets if I've been sat out in the sun or been in the sun a little too much. I hate that tight feeling your skin gets if your feeling a little sun burnt or tanned, so I love to apply the sorbets. I find they help get rid of this tightness and also helps to cool the skin. Though the sorbets aren't really moisturising like the body butters I find they're perfect for the summer as a little top and boost of hydration to the skin. When you apply this product, the scent is so strong I feel like you don't have to apply perfume. I would highly recommend. I really wanted to pick  up the Body Scrub in this fragrance too, but at the time I went to buy it they were all sold out. It's definitely my favourite collection since the Wild Argan Oil range.

Have you tried out The Body Shop's new Pinita Colada range yet? Let me know what you think?


Wednesday, 15 June 2016

GYM: Getting Back in the Gym

So for two weeks I didn't go to the gym a single day. I realise how bad that is, especially when I finally got back in the gym I was knackered after about ten minutes. With Scott being away in Birmingham for a few days I didn't go and then when he was back I was so busy trying to have content to upload when I was away that I simply forgot to go and then I had my birthday. There was that much going off around my birthday, that again, I ended up missing another week.

Last week, we decided we needed to get back in the gym. We were both feeling a little on the stuffed side from probably eating too much whilst we were away and to be honest I did kind of miss it (I know, I must be crazy for missing the gym). Anyway, coming back to the gym hasn't been easy. Whilst I had hoped I'd be able to pick off right where I had left that wasn't the case. Any signs of my abs felt like they had disappeared so trying to do sit ups, crunches and leg raises left me feeling completely drained. Cardio left me feeling sick and I felt a little depressed when I couldn't lift weights on the same setting as what I had previously.

Despite this little downfall of getting out of going to the gym and feeling my confidence knocked a little bit by having to take it a little easier, I also feel incredibly motivated. I know that I can have abs and lift heavier weights so I feel motivated to get back and exceed what I was at. Whilst my cardio  and general fitness has never been perfect I also feel motivated to make sure that I do become fitter, especially as I've been given the all clear from my doctor that my heart is working properly (long story) and I am safe to do more exercise - though I will still take it easy anyway.

What do you do to get/keep you motivated for the gym?



Monday, 13 June 2016

MUSIC: Jonny Carroll - Leaving On The Light

I was introduced to Jonny Carroll's debut album 'Leaving On The Light' set to be released on the 17th June and after listening to a single song I couldn't wait to tell  you guys what I think. The US singer has created a wonderful folk album with pop hooks. The album is heart-breakingly beautiful. Written at the time when the artist was struggling with a broken engagement, you can hear in his songs the pain that he's suffered and how he's struggled.

The seven track album demonstrates Jonny Carroll opening up about his feelings whether that's at the beginning of a relationship with 'Sound of Falling' with lyrics like 'I was gone as soon as you saw it in my eyes, its the sound of falling in love' which is an incredibly romantic track. Or a slower and more tear provoking song like 'Words Unspoken' where he sings 'if you've give up hoping just let me believe'. 'February' is definitely my favourite slower track on the album, even though it's upsetting I feel like it's much more heart breaking than the rest as it's talking about the good times in their relationship and how that's now ended, 'just remember February was the best month of my life' and you realise how much pain the singer must be going through.

'Leaving on the Light' is also the name of the single from the album, this a little more upbeat in music than the rest of the album. With a more optimistic approach to lost love and not dealing with it and still wanting to stay loyal to his previous partner, 'throw away those numbers, like you through away our plans'. To me, the song is hoping that they will return with the lyrics, 'I'm staying sober and I'm leaving on the light'. But towards the end of the track it's almost as if they've come to terms with the end of the relationship, 'I'm staying sober and I'm calling it a night - wishing you goodbye'. This is probably my favourite track on the album as I just like the message of the track. The opening track, 'Painted Jars' is another upbeat track on the album with the music. In style its very typical of folk and country music with hand claps and the tone. However, again, the lyrics are still quite sad with lyrics like 'all the broken pieces on the ground'
.
'When I'm Alive' is very guitar driven, and demonstrates well, Jonny Carroll's tone. He uses a very deep and sultry tone with a lot of grit behind it before switching to a much softer and gentler tone. I really like this balance and it suits the song perfectly.

The final track is 'Joshua' and I think this is the perfect end to the album. It's incredibly powerful track, in my opinion, and written beautiful as well as sung wonderfully too. I love the lyric of 'we are puppets clinging to our strings' because I feel like that's how life can get you sometimes too'. I would recommend listening to Jonny Carroll's album, 'Leaving on the Light' when it's released on the 17th June. It's a powerful album, full of heartache and will leave you feel really emotionally if you're anything like me.

Check out Jonny Carroll's lyric video for 'Leaving on the Light' below:



Sunday, 12 June 2016

BEAUTY: Zoella Beauty Sweet Inspirations

Youtube and Blogger, Zoe Sugg, has just released her third collection for Zoella Beauty and I think it may be my favourite yet. I've only tested two of the products but the scent is by far my favourite. It's sweeter but not sickly either, Zoe, herself has said the scent is based on macaroons and sweet almond. It's perfect for this time of year as it's really light and sweet, they've definitely managed to find the balance of creating a sweet scent without it being too much.

When the products were released I picked up two products as I didn't know whether I'd like the fragrance so didn't want to invest in the entire collection. I picked up the Bath Latte and Sweet Inspirations Body Mist. So, the body mist smells amazing. Like I've said the balance of sweetness is perfect. I tend to get a little spray happy with it but I don't ever find that it smells to over powering like some perfumes or body sprays can when you apply too much. The smell lasts a long time before you have to reapply it too. Plus the packaging is amazing. I love the 1920's theme that she's gone with for the collection.
Definitely going to have to repurchase this, I'm obsessed. 

I was so excited for the Bath Latte firstly, I love the name. Secondly, the packaging is amazing, I think the milk bottle look of it is so cute and you could use it after you've used it up and washed it out to put a flower or plant in it (mine would be fake because I can't keep plants alive). I pour a small amount into my bath as it's running and allow for it to create bubbles, I normally just swish my hand in the bath water to make sure that it's foaming up and creating a good amount of bubbles too. I love to have a soak in the bath with this product as my skin comes out feeling really soft. I was really impressed with this product, I know sometimes these products don't always foam up or they don't feel like they're benefiting your skin in anyway but this really does. This collection is definitely one that I've been the most excited about and I will be popping into Superdrug tomorrow to have a nosey at the other products too. I'm excited to try out the Double Creme Body Lotion and the Sugar Dip Scented Bath Salts too.

Have you tested any of  the products yet? Let me know what your favourite is.


Saturday, 11 June 2016

LIFE: Prints, Books and lots of TV

So, it's Saturday again and it's that time of the week where I roll off the things I've been loving in the last seven days.
Peaky Blinders, myself and Scott have been watching Peaky Blinders from season 1 over the last couple of weeks. My mum has watched it since it first aired and always mentioned how good it was but I'm not really into my period dramas if I'm honest. But Scott wanted to watch it and we both became a little obsessed. We've just finished season 2 and are waiting for the latest season to be released so we can buy it and stay in our room watching it all weekend. Basically, the program is set in Birmingham after the war and follows the Peaky Blinders, a criminal gang, lead by Tom Shelby (Cillian Murphy). There's a lot of violence a little bit of local politics and romance in the program, it's definitely not for the faint hearted though, if you're not good with blood, you may want to give this one a miss.

I've also been loving Zoella's 'Girl Online' & 'Girl On Tour' books. I'd been meaning to read them ages ago but never seemed to get around to it but finally started reading Girl Online about two weeks ago and couldn't put the books down. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen to Penny Porter (the protagonist). The book is about Penny Porter trying to deal with her anxiety and challenge it. She also has an anonymous blog which she is constantly updating, I really liked this element as you were able to read her blog posts and got to know more about how she was feeling. Both books tell the story of Penny's and Noah's relationship. It also shows how in your later teen years how you start growing up and growing apart from old friends. I would definitely give this a read. It's quite light-hearted but wonderful and I can't wait for the next part.

I made Scott buy me this print whilst we were away in Blackpool from Primark. I absolutely love it. I love the 'Wild and Free' quote and I love the skeleton of it. The colours really go with my room but also helps to brighten up the wall of prints that I've got it on too. Most of them are just black and white so this really helps to make it look brighter. It was also such a bargain at £3. Primark is really good for little homeware pieces, in my opinion, I just wish my local Primark stocked more of the homeware.

Finally, myself and Scott finally got around to watching 'Dirty Grandpa' the other night and I loved it. I can be a bit funny with Zac Efron films, whilst I like him and his acting I haven't always liked all his films. The film also has Robert de Niro in and together they are brilliant. It's hilarious and heart warming and Robert Mulroney plays Zac Efron's dad in it (weirdly I have a massive crush on him). The film is about Zac Efron's character taking Robert de Niro home, and along the way they get themselves into a bit of trouble. Definitely worth watching.

What have you been loving this week?




Friday, 10 June 2016

FASHION: Summer Walks

I picked up this stripe swing top from Dorothy Perkins yesterday and just think its the sweetest cami to exist. I had  a few similar to this in style when I was younger and I would live in them all summer so thought that this top would be a nice staple for my summer wardrobe. It's lightweight and the peplum style of the shirt makes it really cool to wear on hot days. I paired it with some Topshop Jeans and perhaps the comfiest shoes I've ever walked in (also from Dorothy Perkins). They have what feels like a cushion under the inner sole which makes them really comfortable to walk in for flat shoes. So here's what I wore today.


 Top - Dorothy Perkins / Jeans - Topshop Leigh / Shoes - Dorothy Perkins / Hat - Primark / Bag - ASOS 


What are your summer staples? 

Thursday, 9 June 2016

BEAUTY: Nars The Multiple

I've wanted to try some Nars products for a couple of years now so when I went into Space NK about two months ago now I went in specifically to pick up a lipstick but as they didn't have the colour I wanted I came out with The Multiple in the shade 'Orgasm'.
I'd heard a few beauty bloggers talking about the product and obviously, the Nars powder blushers have always been raved about so much, so I was really intrigued. So I've been using the blusher non-stop since I picked it up and I'm obsessed with it. It's a cream blusher in a stick form which I find really easy to apply. The blusher is incredibly creamy so it's very easy to blend, it's also really pigmented but I find that it's so easy to use that you never end up looking like a clown. The product also has a bit of shimmer in it so it can also act as a highlight if your careful with how you apply it. 

I absolutely adore this product, it's a perfect pinky shade that looks like a natural flush too. I keep meaning to pick up a different shade and I think they do an actual highlight so I need to get to my nearest Nars counter soon. 

Have you tried Nars The Multiple yet? Let me know what you think. 

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

FASHION: 'Bra-blems'

I was recently introduced to the company Third Love and wanted to participate in a project they're running called 'bra-blems'. Bra-blems addresses bra problems many women face along with solutions that are quick, easy fixes. There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable bra whether its the band pinching you, the straps slipping down your shoulders, the 'quad-boob', Third Love have got you covered with some easy tips and tricks that may help. They also have an app that you can download which helps you find your perfect size fitting bra without having to be measured up by someone in the shop, which can be a little awkward. So today I thought I'd share with you some of the problems I struggle with my bras and how you can fix them.

For me, there is nothing worse than the band of  your bra feeling like it's pinching you. Especially when you've got a full day at work or you're out and about and there's literally nothing you can do about it. It's probably an obvious solution but try going up a band size, remember if you go up a band size you need to go down a cup size (and vice versa). Remember that you want to be able to fasten your bra on the loosest fastener and then this way you can then make the bra tighter as you stretch the bra out.


There is literally nothing worse than your bra straps slipping down your shoulders. Sometimes I've gotten that used to it that someone else has had to point this out to me. It's not a good look for anyone and it's incredibly annoying. To avoid this try tightening your bra straps every month or so. As you wear your bra, you stretch it out this includes the straps, so tightening them every so often may help. If that doesn't help, try a different style of bra such as coverage and convertible bras, these have thinner straps that sit on your shoulders, where as balconete bras and plunge bras have wider straps that can slip off your shoulders more easily if you have narrow or sloping shoulders.

Another issue I can face with bras is cup gapping, this particularly happens when I try out a different brand of lingerie as I find brands can vary in there sizing a little. It's not attractive and if you're wearing a low cut top I always end up feeling like everything is on show especially when I'm at work bending over to do deliveries. Firstly, try tightening your straps, this can help the bra to fit a little better. If this doesn't work you may need to go down a cup size. Third Love also offers a half cup so if you don't feel like you're an entire cup size smaller you could try out their half cup options and see if these fit better.

I would seriously recommend checking out Third Love they do some incredibly pretty bras along with your normal everyday t-shirt styles. You can also receive 15% off with with the promo code 'BRABLEMS' at the moment too. Third Love also offer amazing advice and tips on their website too so click here, if you're facing any other problems that I haven't mentioned on here.

What are 'bra-blems' do you face? Let me know below.





Tuesday, 7 June 2016

FASHION: Date Night by the Sea

So you might be getting sick of me posting about Blackpool now and it might be a sign of relief to hear that this is the last post about our little break. On our final night (after so much walking) myself and Scott decided to pop out for some dinner and go around the arcades a final time. We ended up at The Albert and The Lion (Weatherspoons) again, just because we like the food there.

When we were walking back to the hotel, we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous sunset. Now that Blackpool has put in steps by the beach instead of all the rocks that used to be there, as long as the sea is calm (which it was all holiday) you can walk down the steps and sit on them whilst the sea is in. The entire situation was incredibly romantic and a perfect way to end our holiday. Here's a few pictures that Scott got on my phone (we left the big camera at the hotel by accident) of what I wore for our date night.
Jacket - Miss Selfridge / Top - Dorothy Perkins / Skirt - Primark (similar) / Sandals - H&M / Bag - ASOS 










Monday, 6 June 2016

MUSIC: Nicky Davey - Oxygen

Nicky Davey are back with their unique soulful pop sound with the first track off their upcoming album 'XXX' set to be released later this year. The single is called 'Oxygen' and sounds incredibly romantic. The track has a very sensual flow to it which is also depicted in the music video starring Tosha Eason.

Nick Green said 'I wanted to be honest to myself and others about the way I felt. I feel like as songwriters we all write songs in some shape or form about out love interest/inspiration'. This definitely shows in the track, like I said its incredibly romantic and perfectly describes the first stages of falling in love. It's exciting and fresh and new. With lyrics like 'I'm catching butterflies' it's clear to see that this a new relationship that they're nervous but excited about. The lyrics also, to me, shows that they're just enjoying their time with lyrics like 'head up in the sky' it's like nothing could bring them down from their high.

They have a very unique sound to their music. It's incredibly soulful due to Nick Green's voice. But they have a very cool R&B style to them too, the more old school sound of this genre. It's very cool and feels like they aren't trying. They would definitely be making your knees go weak with their slick sound.

Check out Nicky Davey's music video for 'Oxygen' below:


Saturday, 4 June 2016

LIFE: Exploring Blackpool

I feel like growing up, most people have a place that they always go to on holiday, even if its just for a weekend. For me, Blackpool always felt like my second home. We went every summer and sometimes in October for the illuminations. This year it's been my second time in the seaside town but stopping for two nights meant that I could show Scott around Blackpool a little more than I had the first time.
On the first day we just did a little shopping and picked up a few bits that we thought we'd need for the couple of days (basically Scott forgot half his toiletries). We then popped into town and got a little bit of dinner at Coral Island, I always used to come here for fish and chips growing up and I honestly think they may do the best I've ever tasted. Because the weather was so lovely and looked like it was going to stay that way, Scott picked up a hat to try and avoid getting sunburnt and I picked up a Khaki maxi skirt and some sandals. Despite it being warm, it was still a little windy so I wanted a maxi skirt to avoid any Marilyn Monroe incidents. After going around the arcades for a little while and wandering down central pier, a couple of teddies later we headed back to our hotel around 10pm. Both shattered from the travelling.

I love how they have the names of everyone who's ever performed at the Tower on tiles outside with their famous catchphrases/sayings. 

The second day and our final day in Blackpool before going to Trafford Centre the next day, we decided to stay in Blackpool and explore. We walked on the beach from the hotel we were staying in (The Bromley - I would reccomend, incredibly friendly owners and nice rooms/food) all the way up to the Pleasure Beach and South Pier just because it was a nice morning and we couldn't decide if the weather was going to be nice or not. As it stayed clear, we then made a walk to Blackpool Zoo. Scott hadn't been to a zoo in years so it was nice to see him getting a little snap happy with the camera at all the animals. It had changed a little since I had last been too and the baby lemurs were gorgeous. Plus, they now have wolves which I love.





On the walk home, I took Scott through Stanley Park, and if you read yesterdays post you'll know how much I love the place. It's so beautiful and relaxing. I've wanted to show him the place for such a long time because it's where I'm the happiest.

After showering and having a little rest at the hotel we went back out for dinner at The Albert and The Lion the poshest Weatherspoons I've gone in before going around the arcades again. I also managed to beat Scott at air hockey five games in a row, before he decided that he'd had enough of losing (sorry, but I had to). Walking home and taking selfies together (and some smashed rock later) we found ourselves sat on the stairs on the beach with the sea in and calm. Another photoshoot later (check out Monday's post) we decided it was time to call it an evening. All images were taken by Scott Ingham who's so much better using my Nikon camera than me, for now, I'll stick to my iPhone.




Friday, 3 June 2016

FASHION: Sharing My Hideaway

This week, myself and Scott went on a little break to Blackpool for a couple of days. It was my 21st and we both fancied just getting away. We've never been on holiday together and even though it was just a couple of days we had an amazing time. Firstly, the weather was awesome which is always incredibly rare. Plus, we were just able to do what we wanted whenever we wanted.

On Wednesday we walked over 13 miles around Blackpool and to say we were knackered is an understatement. After walking the 2 miles up to the Pleasure Beach and South Pier we decided to go to the Zoo (checkout next Tuesday's post). But my favourite part was that I could take Scott to my favourite place - Stanley Park. I don't know what it is about Stanley Park but I just feel incredibly relaxed there. It's incredibly pretty with a boating lake - and you can rent out a boat for a while. We also made a friend and played with someone else's dog for about half an hour, I wish we could've kept it. Anyway, we took a few pictures on the beach but we also had a little impromptu photo shoot in the bandstand. I did have to change my shoes half way through the day because all of that walking did cause some blisters.

Jacket - Miss Selfridge / Dress - Dorothy Perkins (old) / Leggings - F&F / Shoes - H&M / Belt - Missguided / Bag - ASOS Brown Shoes - Head Over Heels by Dune







Thursday, 2 June 2016

BEAUTY: My Travel Skincare

As I said at the beginning of the week I'm going away for a couple of days so I thought I'd share with you a few skincare bits that will be accompanying me on the trip. It might seem a little excessive but I also don't want to breakaway from my usual skincare that I use at home.

I've got my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish just to take my makeup off in the evening and to wash my face in the morning. I love this product and even though I've tried similar products I always return to this one. I'm also taking my Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator just because I want to use it up and it makes my skin feel incredibly soft after I've used it.

I'm taking my Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes just in case I fancy being lazy one night to remove my make up. I'm taking my Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic with me, which I'm praying doesn't leak like it did the other day. I love this as it just instantly brightens up my skin. I've then got my Yes to Tomatoes Daily Moisturiser, I tend to use this night and day. It's quite a thick cream that I just apply all over my face and neck. I've been using it for a couple of months now and I'm really enjoying it. For eye cream I'm taking my Ren Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel which is really cooling and keeps the are moisturised well. It's also helps for my concealer not to crease here. Finally I've got my favourite and only lip balm I tend to use, the Nuxe Reve De Miel.

For my body I've just got the Original Source Shower Gel in Vanilla and Raspberry with me, I obsessed with the fragrance of this stuff, even if I do smell a little bit like a yoghurt afterwards. I'm taking my Korres Bergamot Pear Body Milk which I've fallen in love with again. I've just picked up a random hand cream from my stash which is the Rituals Ginkgo's Secret Caring Hand Balm so I'll be testing that out whilst I'm away.

What do you pack to go away with?


Wednesday, 1 June 2016

GYM: My Pre-Workout Snacks

I've noticed that I always feel better at the gym if I've had a little pre-workout snack. I'm not one to have pre-workout shakes or protein shakes, but after you've been at work all day I need a little pick me up before heading off to the gym. I normally try and have something about half an hour before going to the gym just so I don't feel sick when I am there. So today I thought I'd share with you my three go to snacks before I workout.

First, I tend to reach for the Walkers Sunbites Wholegrain Popcorn. I gravitate towards the sweet & salty flavour the most. These contain a lot carbs which just helps give me a little boost, its not too sweet either that I'll feel incredibly sick whilst working out. They're also not too filling that I feel bloated they just have a nice balance to make me feel a bit more motivated.

My naughty snack - which is definitely not the best for you - is a Mars Bar. I know you probably shouldn't have that much sugar before you workout but sometimes I need a kick of sugar to get me going and these are perfect with the glucose that they contain in them. I feel sometimes at the gym I can't start to feel a bit faint and I feel like a need a bit of sugar so having a Mars Bar helps to avoid that situation.

Finally, I tend to take a Lucazade Sport with me to the gym. I just find this helps to waken me up if I feel really tired before the gym but also helps to give me a little bit of a boost at the gym also. I tend to have lucazade when I'm doing weights rather than doing cardio however.

What do you tend to reach for before going to the gym?