2015

Day 1 of 2015 started off pretty rock & roll. Just kidding, I ended up getting the dreaded flu type cold and am currently looking drop dead gorgeous (minus the gorgeous).

Looking back, that's what we all do right? In last years post I decided I was going to stay hungry, exercise and see more. I accomplished that to about 85%, falling short on the exercise front mainly. Here's what I'm focusing on for the hopefully glorious 2015...

Learn a new language
I've always wanted to speak more than one language and my shaky German GCSE is not really cutting it. My grandparents live in Spain and I've just never motivated myself enough. This is the year. I'm booking some lessons and hopefully will be able to tick this off the bucket list by this time next year.

Get at least one ab
I only want at least one ab, is that too much to ask? I go through real phases with fitness regimes where I'm super into it and then I'm lazy for weeks on end. I'm hoping to find something I'm really into and actually get some abs by the time I'm 25 #Mid20sCrisis

Stick to a routine
Currently, I wake, snooze, wake, snooze, wake, run around, forget something, run some more and jump into my seat at work and start typing. Please tell me you do this too? Having a real routine sounds like bliss. You know those people that do a morning workout, eat some berries and think about life before they casually get to work? I'm hoping that will be me. Wish me luck.

Happy new year all! 

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What I got for Christmas

Can't believe 2015 is upon us. Time definitely goes quicker when you get older and not to get deep, but the older I get the more I realise how something can suddenly just be a moment or blip in the grand scheme of it all #ShitJustGotReal

Whilst we wave goodbye to two-kay-fourteen, here's a sneak peek into what I got for Christmas this year. I was totally spoilt and got tons of gifts, so thought I'd just mention the beauty ones else we would be here all day.

Naked Flushed Palette - Love this! My brother gave me a replacement for my current one. Bro points.
Dior Addict Mascara - This is amazing, super long fluttery lashes and it feels very luxe.
Dior Nail Polish (limited edition) - Oh my gawd, this packaging. Heaven. Haven't used it yet, but will report back.
Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Cream - Dior face creams are so luxurious. I'm not sure if it's just the packaging and the brand, but there is something about expensive face creams that draw us all in. I got this cute little sample, so currently trying to squeeze every last bit out.
Pure Moisture Mask - I was really excited when I saw these Pure products in my stocking. I've used the hot cloth cleanser before and been really impressed. They are all natural and so affordable. Plus, made in the UK. Well done M&S.
Pure Hand Cream - Again, I'm so chuffed to have my hands on these products. Geddit? Hands...
First Aid Beauty gift set - Been using this so much, the exfoliator pads and cream are becoming real favourites.

The Body Shop Hand Cream - Love these hand creams, especially as they aren't gigantic tubes.
The Body Shop Shea Lip Butter - These are great. You have to keep watch they don't leave a residue of lip butter in a line on your lips though. Not a good look!
This Works Dream Team - Use these all the time, perfect for anyone who can't sleep.
Urban Outfitters Nail Polish - Haven't used this yet, but its a beautiful metallic purple, very wintery.
Kate Moss Lipstick - I really like the Rimmel lipsticks. If you're just starting out your makeup collection or strapped for cash, these are a great little treat (more bro points here too!).
The Herbs Moisturiser - I think this is from TKMaxx. I'm a lazy moisturiser, so having a big pump means for some reason I do it more often. I'd recommend TKMaxx if you're not too fussed about which on you get.
Lush Snow Angel Bath Melt - This smells amazing. I don't normally buy lush products as I'm not a huge bath lover and the shop gives me a bit of a headache after a while! However, I think I might get converted...
Calvin Klein Reveal Perfume - Salt, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper, White PepperLush are the top notes in this perfume apparently. It's like 'sexy skin', either way it's worth a spritz.

Hope you all had a great Christmas with your family and friends. I'm starting 2015 a stone heavier and with no regrets. Let me know in the comments how you'll kick off the next adventure.

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BOXING DAY SALE

Asos shoes
Stripe top
M&S ladder shelf
Zara dress
Laura Mercier brush set
Kiehl's gift set

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For the one who can't sleep

Slippers
Notebook
Candles
Bath Soak
Eye Cream
Eye Mask
Dream Believers

Shopping for gifts over the festive season can be a challenge. There are so many factors to consider beyond the persons likes and interests, like budget, style, what they already own, what other people are getting them...the list goes on. 

I personally find it easier to think about the type of person I'm buying for and my tip would be to force yourself to think of the top 5 things they love to do/use/eat/see etc. Once you've done that, you can look for gifts that fall into that category. 

If it all sounds a bit daunting, have no fear as I will be putting together some gift guides for you, starting with 'the one who can't sleep'. We all know one. Here's what they need:

Comfort

One of the reasons we get a bad night's sleep is because we just don't get ourselves comfy enough. Ill-fitting pj's, not enough blankets and a dodgy mattress are top culprits. Of course, you aren't going to buy your mate a new mattress (are you?) and pj's can very much be a personal taste type item. However, an eye mask and/or some slippers can make for a cosier transition into a blissful sleep and a super cute gift. 

Environment 

"It's just so not zen enough." said nobody, ever. Maybe they should of though, because the right environment can get both your body and mind into the zone. Having a tidy clean space (the dream) where you can light your favourite candle or spray a spa-like scent on your pillow is just perfect. These are also inexpensive, but luxe gifts that you don't think to buy yourself. 

Relax

If you're not relaxed, no amount of ylang-ylang scented anything is getting you off to dreamland. A great way to clear your mind is to relax your body first. Having a hot shower or bath, a chilled skincare routine or some light exercise can really help (again, the dream). The Body Shop have some equally delicious options to square up to any higher end products. 

Another great gift, is a notebook. If you're stressed, physically writing down your to-do lists or whatever mental dream you're having really helps remove it from your busy mind. Stationary for the win. 

When all else fails...

Fake it. Drink loads of water, apply lots of eye cream and wear sunglasses indoors like a celebrity. 

Hope you liked this gift guide, let me know in the comments if you have any 'types' you would like to see covered in a post.

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Brighton, a Choc-oma & a Sausage dog

That is the name of my new book. I joke. Here's what I've been up to recently. Grab a cuppa because there are quite a lot of pictures.

I went to Brighton! Which I have never been to, I know controversial. There was shopping, eating, drinking, sightseeing and we even squeezed in a trip to see Interstellar.

Amazing breakfast from Cafe Coho, which I can't recommend enough. I would also hugely recommend Curry Leaf Cafe which was hard to get a table at (be warned), but incredible Indian street food, unique beers and ales and the best staff.

I might have treated myself....

I also took a break from London for some real air up in the Forest of Dean to see some friends. One of which has a little puppy sausage dog called Lola. If you haven't been to the forest, you must. Stunning.

She's so tiny, it was genuinely hard to get her in a picture where she's visible!

And then because I clearly don't treat myself enough (cough, cough), here are some notable indulgences you should try if in London. The first? An overpriced, yet glorious doughnut. It was £2.40, but injected with 7 (approx, might be more) lots of real Belgian chocolate. Say what. You can find these bad boys (loads of flavours) in Piccadilly Circus tube station. Avert your eyes if on a diet.

7 injections of Belgian chocolate are enough right? No, way. I've also been to Said Chocolate which is a chocolate shop/maker and cafe. I had a large milk hot chocolate with cinnamon and whipped cream. Tips? You don't need a large. Choc-oma will proceed, so write off your afternoon.

This time of year just gets so crazy and all I keep saying is 'How is it almost Christmas?' What have you all been up to?

"I'm not afraid of death I'm afraid of time." Interstellar

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Spirit of Christmas

It's November, but I'm one of those people. When my friend told me she had tickets for Spirit of Christmas at Olympia I was like urm...yes. It's basically a Christmas fair with loads of stalls of gifts, christmas decorations, food and general Christmassy goodness. I thought I'd share some pics to force you all into the spirit too.

Honestly, if only you could smell that candle and all the Christmas spice from the orange zest. Heaven. There were some lovely stalls with show discounts like 20% off Green & Spring. I managed to tick a few people of the list and get myself a few presents like that incredible Swarovski crystal print from Counting Stars.

Are you getting up to anything Christmassy soon?

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Review: Garnier Miracle Skin Cream

There are loads of makeup/skincare hybrids around lately and to be straight up honest, I'm not sure if I'm convinced on mixing everything up. Part of me just thinks, can one product do two things that well? Unfortunately, I don't think so.

Don't get me wrong, the Garnier Miracle Skin Cream is a good option for those no-makeup-just-popping-to-the-shop days but it's not a product you can quickly rub in like a normal face cream. To get a good finish you need to work the product into the face with circular motions, else you get a streaky effect. I also find it flakes away if you have too many other products involved like an eye cream or serum. 

After all that, I kind of just think a BB cream or lighter foundation would have been less effort and a similar price. Plus, you can't use this in the evening as it does contain makeup. Overall, this just didn't thrill me. Is this just me or have you experienced the same 'meh' feeling too? 

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