Hello December

This time of year is so manic. It's been a little while since I posted but I'm back now and that's all that matters right?

Well it's fine of year, that time of year and we can finally start talking about the C-word. Christmas is just around the corner, are you ready? I'm not even nearly ready but I've got a few shopping trips planned so hopefully I'll get it all done in good time.

December is my favourite time of the year. Not only is it Christmas and my birthday but largely everyone seems so happy and jolly. Probably because everyone's indulging in mince pies and Terry's chocolate oranges at every given opportunity. 

No but seriously December is a great month and I'm really looking forward to enjoying this time of year and just not worrying about projects, resolutions or anything else I just didn't quite get done. This was my first year back at home after two years away and really I just enjoyed doing that, being at home. So maybe 2017 will be the year for kicking projects in the butt, but maybe not and that's ok.

I hope you all have a wonderful December.

Until next time,

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Christmas gifts for people who have everything

Credit

We're half way through November now so I think it's acceptable for Christmas related posts to start appearing here in this little corner of the internet.

Apart from the general festive cheer, the good food and Christmas jumpers my favourite part of Christmas is deciding what to get my loved ones, going out and getting it and then wrapping it up to stick under the tree. I love giving gifts and I think as you get older it becomes a really rewarding and fun part of Christmas. 

However, choosing the right gift can often be a bit tricky. Eventually CD's, socks and books get a little boring and it often feels like people, especially parents and grand parents have everything. So I thought I'd share a few ideas that are a little more thoughtful that a generic gift and also perfect for those people who seem to have everything. 

Sleepover with the Lions

For those people who love adventure or love animals a sleepover at London Zoo right near the lion lodge would be a perfect gift. Included in the price is dinner and breakfast, tours, free parking and entrance to the zoo for two days. It is a little pricey so this would be an extra special gift but definitely something that would be greatly appreciated by the right receiver.

Luxury treatment

Even if someone's got everything, we often forget to pamper ourselves. People always appreciate being gifted a spa treatment and Champney's offer some great options at a reasonable price. Even a 25 minute neck and shoulder massage can be just what the doctor ordered for the person in your life who needs some time out to relax and some time to focus on themselves.

Cooking lesson

If you've got someone in your life who loves to cook why not treat them to a cooking lesson and Jamie Oliver's cooking school. It's something different, something that a person is unlikely to do for themselves and also a bit of fun. They offer a variety of different classes and things you can learn to cook so you can really tailor this to your loved one.

Floral subscription

A house is always more lovely and fresh when there's fresh flowers in the house. However, they can be expensive and a bit of a last minute thought. There's plenty of flower subscription services out there but Bloom & Wild offer some lovely bouquets and heaps of variety. I just think this would be a really lovely gift for someone who loves having flowers in the house.

If you want more ideas check out my Pinterest board for Christmas where I've been adding things pretty regularly.

Let me know what you think are good presents for people who have everything.

Until next time,


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SKINSTITUT Final Thoughts

It's been two months since I received my Skinstitut products from RY and started adding them to my skincare routine. I figured, seeing as I said I'd let you know how I was getting on with them after a month, now was a good time to check back in and let you all know what my thoughts on the products were after using them for a good amount of time.

By far my favourite product from the range was the Even Blend Serum. I felt like it did exactly what it said on the tin. It made my skin tone look a lot more even, faded a bit of scarring and just generally made my skin look a lot fresher. I also feel that since using it my skin has felt a lot more hydrated and just generally healthier. This is the first serum I've used so I have nothing to compare it to but I'd definitely recommend it if you suffer from uneven skin tone, dark spots or scarring.

The L-Lactic Cleanser and Enzymatic Micro Peel are products I really liked and would consider going back to. They definitely made my skin feel cleaner and more fresh and my skin has been clearer for using them. Also the cleanser seems to be lasting for ages so it's definitely worth the money.

The only product I wouldn't go back to because I didn't like it and didn't feel was right for my skin was the moisturiser. I received the Moisture Defence Oily Skin and it just wasn't right for my skin. Although my skin can get oily in places I still like a heavy duty moisturiser as it just makes my skin feel better. Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you shouldn't use a really hydrating moisturiser it just means you don't want to over do it in oils. This moisturiser missed the mark for me. It wasn't hydrating enough for my skin and I wouldn't go back to it. 

The Age Defence SPF 50+ was a nice product but at bit OTT. In the morning, which is obviously when you'd ben using an SPF, you want something east and quick to absorb and this wasn't that. It felt sticky on my skin for a long time and the formula was very quick for an SPF. Personally I prefer a light day moisturiser that contains SPF as a second moisturise in the morning so this wasn't for me but it's not something I'd write off completely.

All in all the range was pretty good. There is definitely a few products I'd go back to as my skin does feel good for using most of them daily some twice daily and it's also been clearer (until an annoying hormonal breakout that nothing could control). I'd recommend for people in their twenties or thirties who are battling an occasional breakout but it would be too much for teenage skin I think. However, Skinstitut and RY offer a huge range or products so I would definitely check them out if you're looking for something to fill a hole in your skincare routine. 

Until next time, 

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Thought of the week #36

There's some things, it doesn't matter how many times you try you just can't seem to get it right. You keep burning the cake you've been working on, you can't write the blog post that you feel could be the best post you've written in ages, you can't seem to pass the test. It can begin to feel like you're failing every time you try and don't get the result you want. However, every time you try again it's not failure, it's experience. Every time you learn something new and can build not that to make next time better and closer to the success you are looking for. So don't give up, keep experiencing and keep learning. You'll get there.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

I've never had a Pumpkin Spice Latte for the one reason I am not into sweetened, syrupy coffee. However, Pumpkin Spice as a concept is right up my street. So, when carving my pumpkin this year i decided to save the flesh and make it into a scrum cupcake take on pumpkin spice to enjoy with a strong coffee or tea which ever takes your fancy works. 

You will need:

12 hole muffin tin

12 cup cake cases

200g caster sugar

200g sunflower oil (or oil of your choice, I haven't tried it but I think coconut oil would work really well)

3 large eggs

1 cup of pumpkin puree either fresh or tinned

200g self raising flour

1 tsp of ground cinnamon

1tsp of ground nutmeg

280g of cream cheese

50g butter at room temperature

80g icing sugar 

1tsp cinnamon

How to do it:

Preheat your oven to 180C/356F/Gas Mark 4 and place your cupcake cases in the holes of your muffin tin. 

Put the caster sugar, sunflower oil and eggs into a large mixing bowl and mix gently. Add the pumpkin puree and fold it in. At this point it will look vile but trust me, it will be fine.

Add the flour and spices and gently fold them in. 

Once everything is combined distribute the mixture evenly between the cases and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. 

Whilst your cakes are cooking you can make the cream cheese, cinnamon, frosting.

Simply put the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl and combine. This is easiest done with a fork. Sift in the icing sugar and cinnamon and fold into the cream cheese and butter mixture. Set the mixture aside once it is all combined for when the cakes are cooled.

Once the cakes a cool distribute the frosting between the cakes and spread across the top of them. I drizzled mine with Clark's caramel sauce because I'm too lazy to make my own and some chocolate sprinkles. 

The are delicious and although they might seem festive for halloween these are great all through Autumn and into Winter, basically whenever you can your hands on a pumpkin these should be made.

If you decide to give this recipe a try let me know.

Until next time, 

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Hello November

It's the second day of November and I already have stinking cold - typical. Winter is well and truly setting in, it's dark by 4.30pm and Jack has finally let me put the bedroom radiator. I mean, it's on 2 but it's better than nothing.

October was, as October always seems to be, a lovely month. October always feel so fresh and new and I find it's always a great time to crack on with some projects, which is exactly what I did. I got underway with the Australia photo book and dug out the memory sticks with the GoPro videos on to start editing those into something people might want to watch. 

It was a busy month with a couple of birthdays and a visit from Jack's family in France. But we just managed to squeeze in carving a pumpkin and making some pumpkin spice cupcakes the recipe for which will be up soon. They're the perfect autumn evening treat.

Being a month til Christmas time November promises to be a busy, fun filled month and I'm looking forward to just taking the month pretty easy and slowly preparing for Christmas.

Jack and I are off to Center Parcs with my family next week so we've got the perfect relaxing start to the month which I think is just what the doctor ordered.

Until next time,

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Thought of the week #35

It's nearly the end of the year , the clocks have changed and winter's really setting in so it feels like a good time to give up on the new year's resolutions you made, what seems like, forever ago. Don't -stick with them, even if it's not a new years resolution maybe you just feel like giving up on something that's getting a little hard. Don't, keep going, keep working at it, keep pushing for the end goal and keep dreaming. Look back at the end of the year and know you didn't give up, you gave it your all and when it got hard you kept going and you'll do it all again next year. 

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On the other side | A Review

This book has a lot of buzz surrounding it in the online world, mainly because the other had huge following on her YouTube channel. However, I went into this knowing very little about Carrie Fletcher but loving the sound of the book from the blurb alone, and it didn't disappoint. 

The story follows Evie Snow as she tries to make her soul light enough to pass through the door to her heaven. It goes back in time to Evie as a young woman as she learns more about love and life than she thought she could and we witness her as she slowly un-burdens her self of the three secrets that have weighed her down throughout her life. 

The book is a wonderful addition to the magical realism genre. Fletcher's writing is stunning and very well crafted. The characters are beautiful and well developed. I felt a real connection with Evie and although the love story between her and Vincent was really enjoyable and compelling, Evie's attitude to life, her willingness to always see the good in things and people and her general positivity was what really drew into the book.

Carrie's representation of LGBTQ+ characters was really good and refreshing. Often in novels such as this representation of LGBTQ+ can be lacking and not only where there several characters openly gay, bisexual, pansexual but they also weren't folded into any stereotypes which can too often happen.

The book has been criticised as it is not clear what era it is set it but I think that's part of the beauty of it. It's magical realism and it's as much about what the other brings to the reader as what the reader brings to the book themselves. The era is left to the readers to decide. There are elements that contradict each other in terms of era, but it's magical realism so if you can not get too hung up on that fact you'll be fine.

It is a bit sweet and over the top at times and not all of the writing is exceptional but for the most part it's great. If you don't like magical realism this wouldn't be for you because it is very heavy on that element.

Overall this book was really enjoyable and I'd recommend it for anyone who needs a bit of magic and happiness.

Until next time,

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Thought of the week #34

Being cautious and anxious can often mean you say no to opportunities and experiences that come your way. At the time it seems like the best decision but afterwards you can often feel like you've missed out and feel a bit regretful. Life is too short to regret not taking chances that came your way. You wouldn't want to look back or regret something, particularly the chance to do something exciting or try something new. Next time you get the chance to do something, or think about doing something or trying something but aren't sure - go for it. It doesn't matter who you are, at least you can say you tried no matter what the outcome. 

Until next time,

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Autumn Walks

I recently got given some apples fresh from an apple tree. Of course when this happens there is nothing else to do but make a crumble. I decided the only thing that could make it better would be fresh blackberries. So of Jack and I went to Slindon woods on the hunt for Blackberries. Unfortunately we couldn't find any, I think we were just a little to late for them this year, but we had a lovely autumnal walk in the woods nonetheless. The woods, for me, are the perfect Autumn setting. All the multi coloured leaves, the bright blue Autumn skies peaking through the trees and the conkers littering the ground sum autumn up perfectly for me. Hopefully we'll have a more fruitful walk next time.

Until next time, 

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Check your melons

So back in August I found a lump in my armpit. It was the main reason I was so anxious and stressed throughout the month. At the beginning of September I had an ultrasound and it's all fine, in fact it's just a bone and the rest of my tissue is normal. I can't tell you how relieved I was. I cried in the specialists room when she told me.

However, October is Breast Cancer awareness month I thought I'd talk about the importance of knowing your own body and checking your breasts regularly. 

Thousands of women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. One of the keys to breast cancer prevention is body awareness. It's so, so important to know how your boobs feel so you notice any changes in how they feel or look. 

If you check your breasts thoroughly at the same time every month you should notice any changes. Any lumps in the breast tissue, up to the collar bone and into the armpit, changes is size or shape, changes in your nipples and any unresolved rashes are all things you should go to the doctor about as soon as possible. Never write your symptoms off for any reason or think you're wasting a doctors time. It's important to get anything checked if you're concerned about it as it could save your life.

The majority of lumps are benign, cysts, fatty tissue or bone in my case, but sometimes they're not and the finding cancer early makes treating it easier and more likely to be successful. 

Don't let the doctor write you off because you're young. If you're concerned your doctor isn't taking you seriously ask for a second opinion.

The thought of going to the doctor and then getting referred for a scan is scary, I know. But it is better to be 100% sure than left with doubts. After being scanned and being told my tissue is normal I felt so much better in myself and have gone back to checking my boobs once maybe twice a month from nearly everyday before I had my scan. It's terrifying not knowing what you're going to be told but it is always best to get things checked if you're not sure about something or if something has changed.

I would really recommend checking out CoppaFeel. They're a great charity making they're mission to ensure women check they're boobs regularly. They've got some great information on their website and will also send you monthly reminders to check your boobs which I'd recommend if you tend to be a bit forgetful.

As this is breast cancer awareness month I'd really love you to share this post and spread the word about boob checking. Share Coppa Feel's page as well and make sure you tell all your girl friends to check their boobs!

Until next time,

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Thought of the week #33

This one kind of speaks for itself. Wake up everyday and smash it. Try and leave any negativity or doubts behind and focus on getting through your to do list and owning the day. Some days you just can't be bothered and give everything half the effort you know you really should, this week give everything your all. Wake up every day and be extraordinary. 


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Hello October

It's getting chilly! It feels like not so long ago I was getting excited about the sun coming out and the days getting warmer and longer. But here we are at the beginning of October, nights drawing in, frosty mornings starting and Halloween around the corner. 

October is one of my favourite months of the year. It always feels so fresh and new and I love the excitement that's starting to build ahead of winter and Christmas. Autumn is my favourite season and I cannot wait to dig out the chunky knit sweaters and scarves. And Halloween of course.

September was a pretty good month. After a very average August I was ready to get into the new month full steam ahead and I did. Apart from the last few blog posts which for some reason are picture less, sorry about that, working on getting that fixed, the blog feels good to me again and I'm enjoying it. I'm looking forward to ending the blogging year on a high with lots of posts planned for the next few months.

I FINALLY ordered pictures from Australia to make a start on the picture book which I want finished by the end of the year so I can do it all over again next year for 2016 photos. It feels good to be a bit creative and also to look back on the photos from what was the most incredible experience of my life. It's a project I want to make sure I do annually so my photos no longer sit on a memory stick but are something we can look back on and remember the good times we've had and all the things we've done. 

Going forward this month I just generally want to be more relaxed and put less pressure on myself. September has been really good for that and I've felt so much better for it so I want to keep it up going forward. 

I hope you all had a great September and have a wonderful, and down right spooky, October.

Until next time, 

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Thought of the week #32

Being creative is a great release of stress and pent up emotions, writing, painting, singing, anything. But sometimes being creative feels a bit of a mess and your mind feels a jumble. That's ok. Create through it and create to make sense of it and get it out. Feeling on edge about potential creativity will only make you feel down let it out and express yourself however you feel best and enjoy to buzz that comes from it.

Until next time,

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Currently | September

After a rubbish August and a mediocre start of the month September has ended up being, on the whole, a good month. I can feel changes in the air and I'm so excited for Autumn to come. So, as with the end of every month, here's a few things I've been loving this month. 

Food

This month I've been making a conscious effort to try and keep my lunches meat free. There's no real reason but I really like experimenting with food and I feel like I always think of meat as a staple but there's no reason it should be. Vegetables are so versatile and so tasty, not to mention really good for you. I've made lentil bolognaise, spicy chickpeas and veggie burgers all of which will be up on the blog soon for you to try.

Reading

I haven't started and finished a book this month I just haven't been in the space for it. But at the beginning of the month I finished 'On the other side' by Carrie Hope Fletcher, which I loved. It was magical and beautiful and a great all round story. I'll have a full review up soon and hopefully more book related things next month. 

Lifestyle

I have been loving my Skinstitut products, and I'm not just saying that because I got sent them. I think they're great products and have done my skin wonders. I'll have wrap up of all of them next month once I've been using them for a full month but, spoiler alert: they're great. I also picked up some Epsom Salts last month to add to my baths and was a little skeptical but every time I've used them I've felt genuinely relaxed and renewed so I'm definitely going to be continuing to use them. 

Travel

As you're reading this Jack and I are off in Dorset for a long weekend which I'm really looking forward to it. I really love Dorset but haven't been in a while so expect a post about that soon. I've just been generally enjoying get out and about locally this month and feel like it's been really good for me. Sometimes it's good to get out and appreciate what you've got at home first and foremost. 

What have you been loving this month?

Until next time,

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What's in my makeup bag?

Today I thought I'd share with you a few products that I'm loving right now. These are products that, at the moment, I'm using everyday and loving. Some of them are old staples that I've re-purchased but there are a couple of newer things that have wormed there way into my everyday makeup bag.

Base

I don't wear a proper foundation everyday. I find it's too heavy and just unnecessary for day-to-day. Instead I use Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream. I find for everyday it's just what I need. It brightens my skin and makes me look more alive as well as evening out my skin tone. If you want a lot of coverage this probably isn't going to be enough for you as it's very light, also if you've got oily skin and don't like shine steer right away. 

I've also been using the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer underneath my eyes and in any spots that just need an extra lift or a bit more coverage. I love this concealer for any dark shadows under my eyes and really is brightening as well as giving good coverage. If I've got a spot brewing I'd use the 17 Phwoarr Paint as it's got better coverage for things like that but is definitely to heavy for a large area of uneven skin tone.

If I've got a day when I know I'm going to need makeup to last a little longer I'd also use Maybelline's Matte Maker Mattifying Powder which I've only been using a week or so but really like. It's not so matte that it doesn't let a bit of highlight through but it takes off any excess shine and just makes my make up a little more durable.

Cheeks etc.

If you've been reading this blog for a while you will know that I've been using the Body Shop Baked Bronzer for a LONG time. I love it. I find it subtle, not too orange and perfect for my fair skin. It add's a touch of sun kissed-ness without making me look like I've had a fake tan accident. It also works really well as a subtle everyday contour. 

In a recent goody bag from Clinique I got a Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm and was excited to try it. I've been using it ever since and love it. It's such an easy blush to use, you can blend it out so it's really sheer or apply it heavier if you prefer. I like it really sheer just on the apples of my cheeks for a rosy tint. It's also really glossy to gives a nice highlighty glow. 

Eyes

I picked up the NYX dream catcher shadow pallet in Dusk til Dawn a few weeks ago on a whim. I like it, I don't love it but it's got a nice variety of natural shimmer and matte colours that are easy for everyday. The matte colorus aren't as pigmented which is a shame  as I'd use them more if they were as pigmented as the shimmer shades. 

I have a love hate relationship with eyeliners. I use pen ones because they're easy to use and quick but they dry out so quickly. I'm currently using Maybelline's Master Precise and it is easy to use and precise which is great. At the moment I'm loving it but we'll see how long it lasts. 

For eyelashes I'm using Benefit's They're Real and I love it. It gives volume and length without being clumpy. It's my perfect mascasra and I will definitely be re-purchasing. 

Lips

For everyday I tend to avoid lipstick as I haven't got time to keep an eye on it that it's not fading or flaking, or to keep topping it up. For that reason I tend to use a Clinique Chubby Stick in the morning and top it up if I remember but if not just use Lucas' Paw Paw ointment (which I haven't found to buy anywhere in the UK - crying face) to keep my lips from getting chapped.  The chubby sticks are great for a pop of colour without maintenance and Paw Paw ointment is the best lip rescue I've found so will definitely be re-purchasing. 

What products can't you leave the house without at the moment? Have you tried any of these or got any eyeliner recommendations for me?

Until next time,

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Thought of the week #31

It's a simple message be whoever you want to be, do whatever you want to do and don't let anyone tell you, you can't. Sometimes it's easier said than done society and people important to you can make you feel like being you isn't enough or isn't right. It is though and it's up to you to do you 100%. It will make you happier and in the long run that's what matters most.

Until next time,

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