an april to do list

1. Have another beauty clear out. I noticed the other day while searching thru my beauty drawer, that I own quite a lot of make-up and skincare! I think when I have a whole weekend free, I will throw away the expired bits, passing on some unused bits to loved ones and only keeping those that I use often and love.

2. This month I will be going to Brighton for Sean's birthday with our close friends for a camping weekend and I am so excited. So my goal is to save money for activites that we will be getting up to and a lil bit because of all the cute shops I don't have back home.

3. Keep my bedroom clean and tidy. One thing I can't seem to keep up with is the dust on my shelves in my bedroom. Nothing I hate more than dust! So I will be cleaning my bedroom as much as possible and re-arranging a few things here and there.

4. Go to Yoga classes on weekends. When I have a Sunday off work, I would love to start attending Yoga classes as much as I can. I love doing it at home but I much prefer having a professional show me some new moves and It gets me out of the house.

5. Eat a little better. It's time to cut down on my sugar intake and take more of a healthier approach. I have been loving having Graze boxes again delivered to my door. If I ever want a nicer snack, I will go straight to my box and pick out something. Also, carrying them around in my handbag helps aswell if I get hungry while on the train or out and about.

6. Re-stock on my bath stash. I only have one or two bath bombs left so I will need to go to Lush soon and pick up some new bits.

7. Try some different kinds of teas. Recently ordered a box of Marrakesh Tea for my coffee machine and I am so excited to give it a try.

8. Pick up this lovely buttoned shirt from Topshop that I saw on Kate Lavie's YouTube video. After watching her style it, I just need it in my wardrobe. I love a good buttoned up shirt, especially if it has tortoise shell buttons.

9. Celebrate mine and Sean's three year anniversary at our favourite place in Stoke On Trent (where we first met) The Whitmore Tea Rooms for afternoon tea and explore the best garden centre I have ever been to!

10. Find myself a new floral scent for Spring. I have my eye on the Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede after smelling it weeks ago in Selfridges.

spring home snippets

Spring is offically here and I am so incredibly happy. I'm looking out of the window to a lovely sunny day and can see all the daffodils popping up. One thing I love especially about Spring is all the home decor and getting organised. Coral and pinks start to appear from my make-up drawer and darker tones are put away.

I decided to give away some old books that was catching dust and make room for some newer ones. I'll be waiting for the new J.K Rowling book to come out. I'm thinking of treating myself to a kindle so I can extra space on my shelf for trinkets and candles.

While tidying up my bedroom, my Roberts Radio that I got for Christmas is always on and sync up my Spotify account to it so I can listen to all my favourite playlists.

Adding some greenery can brighten up a room and in Primark I came across this lovely plant ceiling hanger at a bargain of £8 and I have it hanging just by my book shelf with a cacti framed picture that I also got from Primark a while back. For flowers, I also found this cacti vase from Primark very recently and it was only £4.

For candles I like to go for fresh, floral scents to burn in Spring. Sean got me this Yankee Candle for Valentines Day and I have had it lit every day. It looks really nice on my bookcase aswell.

Bedding, I found this throw from Wilko's the other day and I am so in love with it. Perfectly light weight for the warmer evenings and it has pom poms! It goes nicely with my duvet from Ikea.

   

  

  

last minute mother's day gifts

As Mother's Day is fast approaching, I thought I would share with you a few last minute gift idea's in case you're struggling to find that perfect gift for your mum or nan. First of all, you can't beat a lovely make-up set and I love this one from Ted Baker. Their gift sets are so gorgeous with hints of rose gold and peonies. The bits of make-up that you get inside the bag are even more dreamy.

Onto fragrance's and I had to add two in that my mum personally chose herself to be included in my post. Starting with 'Lovely' by Sarah Jessica Parker. I sometimes like to borrow this because it smells so good. It works for any occasion and lasts all day.
Another one that is my mum's favourite is 'Intimately' by Victoria Beckham. This is a gorgeous fragrance and get asked a lot what it is that I'm wearing. The bottle is so pretty aswell.

Jewellery is a sentimental gift to get somebody you love and Pandora is the perfect place for that. From charm bracelets, to rings and necklaces, you will find that gift for your mum for mothers day.

Below I have added more idea's for Mother's Day :

  

  

 

mothers day at lush

 I was recently lucky enough to receive some of the new lovely bits from *Lush's Mother Day range. Starting with *Mother Of Pearl which has a marble effect. I always find the floral scents a little overpowering for me, but this however is very gentle enough for me to thoroughly enjoy. The scent reminds me of freshly washed bed sheets, so I could imagine that when I get into the bath it will be just like slipping into a freshly made bed. I'm looking forward to giving this a try.

This cute bear shaped massage bar intrigues me. *Honey Bear smells divine! I actually used him after my shower yesterday morning and my skin was nice and soft. Didn't feel greasy as I did expect that from a massage bar, but it felt lovely to use.

Not going to lie, when I saw this bath bomb called *Madame President, the first thing I thought of was the ball that is in Toy Story. But back to bomb, I'm not sure on the scent of it but I can't wait to see the colours it will make my bath water.

Lastly is this soap called *Purple Loosestrife, you have to agree that this is a gorgeous soap. The design is so pretty, makes me not want to use it! I always wanted to try a lavender and violet scented soap because they are some of my favourite, relaxing scents. Looking forward to giving this a try in the evenings.

a march to do list

1. Pick up some home decor pieces for Spring. I have my eye on this Gold Tealight Holder that I saw on Megan's Instagram story.

2. Get my hands on some Pixi skincare - after hearing so many great things about their glow tonic, I feel like now is the time to try it!

3. Make some delicious healthy smoothies. Time to dig out my blender and buy some colourful fruits. I used to love having a strawberries, raspberries and blackberries with some oats in my morning smoothies.

4. Spring clean - move around some bits on my dressing table and throw out some things. Give old books to charity, put away the winter clothes and bring out the Spring scents in candles.

5. Invest in some pretty daffodils and tulips to make my bedroom feel fresh and brighter.

6. Bake some Rice Crispy Cakes (recipe here) love adding mini eggs because why not?

7. Book myself in for a new hair do for Spring/Summer.

8. Paint my nails in some pretty neutral colours. Essie's Eternal Optimist is a gorgeous blush pink.

9. Buy this lovely blouse from Topshop before it sells out again!

10. Continue to eat healthy. Loving Linda McCartney food range especially the leek and cheese plaits.

what is in my valentines make-up bag

Seeing as tomorrow it is Valentines Day, I thought I would share with you what is in my make-up bag for the occasion. The bag in the photo is from Ted Baker which I got for Christmas and I am in love with it. I don't have any plans for the day, except maybe watch a film and cook a nice meal!

Face
Prime my face using the Too Faced Hangover Primer.
Apply the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in the shade 'Ivory'.
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer & Benefit Boi-ing Strength Concealer.
Finish the base with the Glossier Wowder Setting Powder.
Apply the Becca Highlighter in 'Champagne Pop' to the tops of my cheeks and down my nose.
Brush on the Glossier Cloud Paint in 'Puff'

Eyes
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Prime Potion
Nars Long Hot Summer Eyeshadow Palette.
Black liner using the GiGi Maybelline Liquid Liner
Long lashes using the GiGi Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Brows
Shape my brows using the Benefit Cosmetics Ka Brow in 'No3'
Set my brows using the Glossier Boy Brow in 'Brown'

Lips
Clinique Lip Colour & Prime in 'Love Pop'
NYX Soft Matte Lip in 'Antwerp'
Ted Baker Lipstick in 'Red'

Set all the make-up with a setting spray. I love the Kat Von D 'Lock It' - Urban Decay Setting Spray. I actually got this for a bargain from TK Maxx!

spring home wishlist

I feel a hint of Spring in the air, tulips and daffodils blooming, I suddenly have the urge to Spring clean my room and buy all of the dreamy Spring pieces that have been slowly creeping into shops. Here are my top home picks for spring!

   

  

  

a february to do list

1. Make the most of the cold Winter days before Spring arrives by having Lush baths, lots of coffee and cosy knitwear.

2. Find the perfect pancake recipe ready for pancake day on the 13th. I am SO excited for the usual lemon and sugar. What's your favourite pancake topping?

3. Pick up these ASOS Peachy Pyjamas.

4. Use my beloved Unicorn Horn from Lush in a late night bath.

5. Organise everything. From make-up to clothes.

6. Hunt down some Cadbury's Mini Eggs.

7. Treat myself to a milk frother for my coffees. I have my eye on this Nespresso one.

8. Get a Spring scented candle for my bedroom. This one from Yankee Candle sounds amazing.

9. Continue to eat the Linda McCartney Cheese & Leek Plaits which are SO good!

10. Splurge on some Too Faced products now they are on Cult Beauty.

what i have been loving

As we are now in February, I thought I would share what I have been loving. From music to movies. It was hard to narrow it down to just five as I have discovered so much since the start of the new year.

The Greatest Showman Soundtrack
I have been obsessed with the film and the music ever since I saw it for the first time with my friends. It is the same love I had for La La Land. The cast, choreography, story line and music just mesmerised me to the point that as soon as I got into the car to go home, I was already playing the soundtrack from Spotify. I did see it for a second time and hoping to go to the sing-along version at my local cinema because then at least I can show off my knowledge of the songs and don't care if I make a fool of myself.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S On Netflix
Of course I couldn't forget that I have been watching Friends every single day on Netflix. Although I have the full boxset on DVD, I could not just leave it un-watched on my account. My boyfriend is currently watching them all with me (for the first time) and he is suddenly understanding all the reference's I have made in my every day life from the show. I've become obsessed with the 90's fashion and just want to re-create some of the girls looks.

Learning To Drive
One thing I did not think I would enjoy and that is learning to drive. I took lessons a few years ago and honestly, I never enjoyed them. Now with my new instructor who is so fab and patient, I am loving the driving life. I have tackled my fears of roundabouts and parking, which both of them I am now very comfortable with doing. I can't wait for the day I pick up for my first car and have a driving license.

Pampering My Skin
Every evening I have been giving my skin that extra bit of attention, leaving my skin so soft and glowing in the morning. I have been using the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser after I have used my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. Both products make my skin so happy!

Re-shuffling My Bedroom
I wanted to make my bedroom a little cosier during the colder months. I added books to shelves, scattered candles throughout my room and added green plants. I'm very happy with the turnout and every time I am now in it, I feel relaxed and calm.

valentines red & pink lips

Valentines day is just around the corner and I have been reaching for my favourite red and pink lipsticks. My plans for the day is at home, with a movie on Netflix and sweet treats. Maybe if we're feeling adventurous than we will find a nice homemade meal to cook from Jamie Oliver's cooking book. But to mark the occasion, I tend to wear a pink or red lip for the day. I thought I would share with you my top picks if you're on the look out for that perfect date night lip for your look.

Pinks!
A new favourite that I have been reaching for is Smashbox Just Hit Play Matte Lipstick which is a brighter, medium pink with subtle, warmer undertones and a satin finish. It has good pigmentation that applies without tugging on the lips, as the texture is creamy with a light slip.

I picked two from my NYX Soft Matte collection, starting with 'Antwerp', a very bright pink with undertones of orange. Lastly from the pinks is 'Tokyo' which is very bold yet a very fun colour to wear during spring and summer.

Reds!
For the reds I always tend to reach for my Clinique Matte Lip in 'Ruby Pop' as this is by far the best red lipstick I have ever tried. Deep pigment, long lasting, non-drying and I can't recommend this anymore!

Lastly is a lipstick I have had for a long time and is my go to date night lip. Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 01 is a fab red lipstick as it is a very deep colour. It glides on your lips perfectly and lasts a long time. For a drugstore lipstick, this is the perfect one to get your hands on.

january pink favourites

I have picked up a few pink things this month and these are all of my favourites. While I was in Jack Wills the other day, I picked up a few of their bralet's as they were on sale. I picked up this blush pink one which is super comfortable and I have been wearing it under a slouchy jumper. For my coffee's in the morning, I have been going back to this mug from Homesense that I got a while ago now, but I'm still obsessed with it.

There is no surprise that I wouldn't forget to add some Glossier products. I came home to the Solution Skin Protector that I ordered a few weeks ago and I am loving it. A full review will be coming very soon if you are interested. Another from Glossier is there Wowder Setting Powder that has been added in my make-up routine. I'm so impressed with it's staying power and it's ability to not making my skin look dull and flat.

For beauty, the Too Faced Hangover Primer has been a huge life saver over the cold frosty weather we have been having. This particularly hydrates my skin and stops my make-up from clinging to my dry patches on my skin. The Maybelline Gigi West Lash Sensational Mascara has been giving my eyes great definition and length to my lashes.

Lastly, I placed a cheeky Antropologie sale order and in the box contained this very cute coaster with a fawn on. This looks dreamy on my bookcase alongside my books.

What were your favourite products in January?

10 things to do this weekend

This weekend I'm off to Devon and I honestly can't wait for the sea air and the amount of fish & chips I will be eating. I thought I would share with you what I will be getting up to whilst I'm there.

1. Bake a batch of cookies, I'm planning on trying to make these chocolate crinkle cookies.

2. Have a splurge in the biggest Primark in Plymouth.

3. Go and see the new Maze Runner movie. I'm going to tempt to have a big marathon of all the others before we go and see the newest one.

4. Paint my nails in a Spring colour. I'm thinking Essie's Mint Candy Apple.

5. Go for walks along the pebbled beach early in the morning and in the evening.

6. Visit the small cafe close by for their giant pancakes.

7. Take a trip to Rockfish which is the best place for fish and chips in Dartmouth. You get endless supply of chips and free water.

8. Pick up some fresh flowers on the journey back home.

9. Visit the amusements and get as many tickets as we can to get the cheesiest prize.

10. Try and take some outfit photos while I'm down there for Instagram.

staying happy in winter

I think that everybody has the January Blues at the moment. I've decided to pull together a few things that have helped to cheer me up this month, hopefully these can help to pick you up if you're feeling the January Blues like myself.

Lush's The Comforter Bubble Bar.
This bubble bar is the ultimate mood boosting treat. You only have to break off a bit of the bar under the running water and you suddenly get a fruity foam. The cassis absolute gives a long blackcurrant fragrance, while bergamot adds an uplifting note.

A Good Book.
I'm currently reading a new book that I picked up a few weeks ago and that is The Night Circus by Eric Morgenstern which I had heard so many great things about. I am a few chapters in and I am so hooked. I love to read this in the evening with the fairy lights on and a few candles lit.

Treat Yourself.
Whether it's some new comfy loungewear, fresh flowers or make-up, sometimes a new luxe treat can help to cheer you up and make you feel that little bit happier. I'm tempted by the new Loccitane collection with Rifle Paper as it all looks so dreamy.

Plan Events.
This could be meeting up with a friend for a coffee, planning something exciting can help to keep you focused on the positives. I absolutely love planning and organising. Searching for a Summer holiday is definitely going to make me super happy!

Go For Walks.
Nothing worse than staying inside even if it is cold outside, I love to go for a brisk walk around the block early on a frosty, sunny morning as it helps to wake me up and motivates me for the day ahead. I'll be going to Devon pretty soon and going for walks along the beach excites me.

how to get glowing skin in winter

During the colder months my skin tends to lack radiance and can look quite dull. I try to include brightening products into my make-up routine and skincare routine to help my skin look dewy and fresh. I thought I would share with you products I swear by when wanting radiant skin during the Winter months.

Mask Up
Facial masks are one of my favourite ways to treat myself all year round, but in the Winter, face masks are a great way to hydrate your skin, whilst making it glow from the inside out. I have been obsessed with the Glossier Moon Mask as it adds a blast of hydration to my skin. I love to put either a thin to normal layer on and wear it to bed. I wake up feeling refreshed with soft, supple skin! You can get 10% off this by clicking onto this link.

Oil Up
Recently I have loved applying the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil at the end of my skincare routine every night. I wake up and my skin is glowing! You can really see the difference when you first start using this product. I currently have the sample size but I may have to wait a while to purchase a full product as it is expensive...

Exfoliate & Exfoliate Again
One thing that I notice more of during the Winter seasons is the amount of dry patches on my skin, whether that can be on my face or on my body. A good exfoliator is necessary for smooth, glowing skin all year round. Liz Earle Cleanse And Polish, one of my favourite facial exfoliators is fab for smoothing the skin and making sure that my make-up goes which is important.

Highlight
I use highlighters to purely achieve a subtle glow to the skin rather than a face that resembles a disco ball. I have discovered that less is definitely more when it comes to highlighters or just products with 'glitter' in them. The Becca Champange Pop Highlighter adds a dreamy glow to the skin with a light sweep of a brush. If your skin is looking dull or is in need of a little pick me up, then this is the one for you. I apply this all over my face using my Spectrum A10 highlighter brush.

Glow Under Make-Up
Before I apply my foundation, I love to apply the NYX Born To Glow Illuminating Primer. I sometimes use this on it's own or on top of hydrating primer. It has a nice subtle glow that I am so into. It gives a healthy radiance to skin and makes non light coverage foundations look less dull.