My Month Through Instagram; August 2014

1.Skiathos island view from the plane| 2. The best cocktails I've ever had| 3. Dinner with a view| 4. Re-reading TFIOS on the beach| 5.Celebratory meal with my bestie| 6. Movie date with Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant accompanied by tea and biscuits.| 7. Chilled Saturdays| 8. Sundays are for musicals and copious amounts of tea| 9. Sweet treats| 10. Happy to be reunited with my bestie| 11. Another picture of tea featuring my new pretty ikea teacup.| 12. Re-kindling my love for both Mary Poppins and Emma Thompson by watching Saving Mr Banks.

The month of August has been a great one. The first two weeks of August were spent on the sunny island of  Skiathos (aka Paradise). If you haven't seen it already, I did a post all about my trip here. On the Saturday after I got back I went for a lovely meal with my best friend, Kim, to celebrate our AS results; she's the best. Other highlights of the month include many film nights, over indulging on biscuits and sweets, and, as you can see, a lot of cups of tea! You can follow me on instagram here.

Hope you've all had a lovely month. I must admit, although I go back to Sixth Form in September, I'm excited for autumn to come. I love wrapping up in jumpers and watching the leaves change colour on the trees; definitely my favourite time of the year. Are you looking forward to September?

A Journey to Paradise

You may or may not know that on the 1st of August I jetted off to the sunny island of Skiathos in Greece for two whole weeks. I had always wanted to visit Greece; I really didn't mind which part because everywhere looked so beautiful, and when we settled on Skiathos I was so excited as I knew it would be the ultimate relaxing holiday, and it was exactly that.

1. Skiathos Island| 2. The pool at the apartment.| 3. Kourkounaries beach

4. Elias Beach| 5. Walking down to Agistros beach| 6. The sea at Agistros

The main reason for why Skiathos was such a beautiful destination is all due to the true blue waters and white sandy beaches. Whilst we were in Skiathos, we visited a total of 4 beaches; Koukounaries, Elias, Agistros and Lalaria. Out of the four, Koukounaries had the best sea/sand, however it did get very busy with the locals. All beaches we went to were absolutely stunning, with thick blue waters and white, grainy sand. We visited Lalaria beach when we went on the Mamma Mia! boat trip (more on that later) and it was the most stunning beach I've ever seen. It's only accessible by boat, meaning it was very quiet and serene, the most tranquil place I've been to in a verrrrry long time.

7. The Clock Tower| 8. Ready for dinner and drinks| 9. Long Island Iced Tea

Other than the beaches and boat trip, this post would be nothing without mentioning the food.....ah the food. Being so close to sea, we were offered fresh, locally caught fish every night. We dined at a few of the tavernas near our apartment; worthy mentions go to Elias for some seriously equisite food, and Augusteras for the best cocktails you'll ever have.

On the Monday of our second week we decided to book the Mamma Mia boat trip. For obvious reasons, I couldn't come all the way to Skiathos and not visit Skopelos/the Mamma Mia church. It was everything I imagined it to be and the beach surrounding the cliff where the church was was equally as beautiful as the ones on Skiathos island. The climb up to the church was, to put it mildly, a very tough struggle. The steps were very steep, and it was about 35 degrees, and we were without water. Great. It was all worth it though because the view from the top was incredible. It was such a bizarre experience to be stood where they'd filmed Mamma Mia and it was a day I'll never forget.

10&11. On the boat, ready for the Mamma Mia trip| 12. Lalaria beach| 13. The Mamma Mia cliff| 14. The view from the top| 15. The Mamma Mia church in all its glory| 16. Lalaria beach (aka the most beautiful beach I've ever been to| 17. Chilling by the beach| 18. Boats by Kourkounaries

This is mostly just a post for me to look back on my holiday and give me a serious case of the holiday blues but nonetheless I hope you've enjoyed having a little insight into my holiday. I really would recommend Skiathos for people who want a really relaxing holiday. All the locals were very friendly, and it was definitely one of the best holidays I have had.

Sorry, again, for the lack of posts, I will hopefully be getting back into posting more frequently. The combintation of being on holiday and being completely uninspired has unfortunately resulted in an absence around here.  Would you be interested in a 'What I Wore' post from when I was on holiday? Let me know. Have any of you done holiday posts? If you have, be sure to link them in the comments! Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

How to get motivated

I, more than anyone, know how it feels to be completely unmotivated and lethargic - especially around exam season. We all have those days where we just want to stay in bed all day and then we regret it and feel guilty afterwards - been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and worn it pretty much all year. However, if you have work to do or even jobs that need doing around the house, it is often hard to get that bit of motivation to get started. Fear not, I've got a few tips that may just help...

Create a list

Write down a list of all the things you want to do and the date that you want/need to have done them by. Whether it be that wardrobe you said you would revamp last summer or that homework piece you keep putting off, scribble it all down. This will help you see what exactly you need to do and just how long you have to do it.

Prioritise

Once you've made your list, prioritise your tasks. You could use one colour to underline things that need to be done asap, and other colours for things that can wait a little longer (although that doesn't mean you don't do them at all!) 

Be realistic

By this I mean don't  tell yourself that you're going to complete all your tasks in one day - this will only make you stressed and more unmotivated. Instead, set yourself realistic goals that you can achieve- you'll feel much happier being able to tick off one thing that you put all your effort into than ticking off several things you rushed and did half heartedly.

Get in the zone

When I have things to do I often make a music playlist on spotify to listen to whilst I'm doing it - it makes the task that bit more endurable. For example, when I need to tidy my room, I'll listen to some music as I go along - pick up beat tunes, it'll put you in a happier and more motivated mood. If you need to do homework or something that requires your full concentration then music is definitely not one for you. Instead, you could give yourself a reward. For example, you could tell yourself that once you've completed that piece of homework you will sit down with a cup of tea and watch your favourite film. Not only does this make you more motivated to complete your work, but it also gives you some relaxation time in between tasks where you can just forget about work for a while and enjoy some 'me-time.'

Tick off your tasks

As you go along, tick off the tasks you've completed. I don't know about you, but I find there's nothing more satisfying than scribbling the hell out of things I've completed. My exam timetable is a prime example!

I hope this helped some of you. I often find that when I have a lot to do I just see it as one big task whereas confronting each task individually makes the process a lot more bearable. 

Let me know if you'd like to see more posts like this!

Beauty Wishlist #2

My beauty wishlist is progressively starting to resemble a scroll. Calling it a list is a tad - and by tad, I mean colossal - understatement. There are just so many things I want/need to get my hands on. 

First up, Nars Sheer Glow

I'm sure you've all heard about this foundation. If you haven't then...how's that rock you're living under? I have wanted Nars Sheer Glow since the beginning of my makeup addiction and it's about time I saved up my pennies and made a trip to Selfridge's.

Stila One Step Correcting Primer

I haven't really seen that many reviews on this primer but a few weeks ago my favourite online magazine, Nouvelle Daily, posted a full review of this which you can see here. Anything they review has me scribbling it down. I don't really have that much interest in primers as my skin is on the drier side, but even their post had me wanting to make a sneaky online purchase.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square

I want this. I need this. It will be mine. No more need be said.

Charlotte Tilbury Palette in the shade The Vintage Vamp

For ages I lusted after the Dolce Vita Palette but I was recently perusing the Selfridge's website and came across the shade Vintage Vamp. It's fair to say it was love at first sight. At a gasp-worthy price of £38 the palette is obviously on the higher end of things, but it is beautiful and it is less than the Chanel Quad that is similar so therefore, in my books, it is fully justifiable. 

Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Perfume

A big massive YAY for this one. I'm so happy this is being relaunched on the 1st of May. I wanted this perfume desperately last year but my student budget just didn't agree with the price tag. Needless to say I'm still on that budget but I'm willing to save for this one.

I know all these products are high end but they are things I've wanted for a looooong time. Do you own any of these products? I'd love to see what's on your wishlists, so please leave comments to posts you've done.

Skincare Wishlist #1

Pixi Glow Tonic

I know nothing about skincare. And by nothing I mean I know that the three steps to a standard routine is cleanse, tone and moisturise. What can I say, Caroline Hirons would be ashamed at my lack of knowledge. Talking of Caroline, I remember reading her post on this toner ages ago and well if it is good enough for the queen of skincare it's definitely good enough for my chops.

Clinique Take the day off cleanser

I've heard a lot of good reviews about this stuff. I've never actually tried a balm cleanser, I tend to use my trusty Bioderma or a cream cleanser, so I'm intrigued to try this to see whether I prefer it.

Hydralauron

So this is probably the smallest serum I have ever seen. I remember seeing an opened box in boots one time and actually gasping that the full-sized serum is actually smaller than something sample-sized. That aside, it must be incredible stuff as it always pops up in people's skincare routines on YouTube.

Origins Drink up intensive overnight mask

I've wanted to try origins skincare for so long now and I have heard so many good reviews on this mask. I have combination skin at the moment but in the winter my skin is very dry. This may just be my savior come winter.

Origins Ginzing Moisturiser

I really need to try this moisturiser. I think it will be perfect for fresh and awake skin for summer. Origins look out.

Are there any skincare items you're lusting over lately?

Goals for June

Can we all just take a moment to sit in amazement that it's already June? Okay moment over. Looking back at the month of May I can honestly say that it hasn't been the best of months for me. I've had so many exams and have lived a very stressful life for what seems like forever. The month of May aside, I thought I'd set myself a few goals for June in order to have a more positive and happy month in June. So without further a do..

Getting Healthy

I know this is one of the main goals everyone has at the beginning of the year and admittedly it was one of mine but unfortunately I'm not one of those gals who can't eat anything when they're stressed instead I comfort eat (damn you domino's and your student discount). For the first two weeks in August I'm jetting off on holiday to Greece with my family and it's the ultimate relaxing holiday which means beaches which means bikini's which means a whole lot of toning up is needed. So, in a bid to get my beach bod on I'm going to start eating more healthily and doing more exercise over the next nine weeks. Don't get me wrong, I'll still have the odd treat, this isn't going to be one of those fad diets where all I devour are slim fast milkshakes - no thanks, I just want to be more healthy in what I eat and get into a fitness routine that works for me. I'll keep you updated on that one (if you never hear from me again I've gone into hiding with endless tubs of ice cream).

Finish exams

You may know that during the month of May I sat nine of the ten exams I have this year and I can honestly say it has been a very stressful time and I may even cry with joy when it's all over. On 12th June I shall be sitting my last exam which is typically a Maths exam (talk about going out with a bang). Oh and whilst we're on the subject of typical, the day after my last exam I have to go in to sixth form and start next year's work, JOY. And yes that is a Friday and yes they really are making us go in. Number for child line anyone?

Save Save Save

I'm one of these people who saves for ages and then has hardly anything to show for it. It seems like I've been saving for weeks and I currently have about 28p in my purse. My bestie and I  are going to London in July and we're trying to save so we can have a good old splurge on Oxford Street. As you can tell from my thrifty 28p purse, it isn't going all that well.

Get Tidy

I am probably the messiest and most unorganised person you'll ever meet. I've recently moved rooms in my house and there's just piles of stuff in every corner of the room. I'm making it my mission in June to tidy my room and get more organised. What's that phrase, clear space makes for a clear mind?

Sort Wardrobes out

This kind of carries on from my previous point about being more tidy. My wardrobes are overflowing with so many things that either don't fit me anymore or I simply don't wear. Time to follow Lily's Spring Cleaning video  and get those wardrobes clear. Ebay I'm coming for ya.

Do you have any goals for June?

Life Lately #1

Cheeky little selfie on Easter Sunday.

So shall we just skip the apologies for my absence? Yes? Ok I'm  fine with that. Life lately has been pretty hectic; I've had lots of mocks and revision for exams, with the addition of  a pile of homework that's as tall as the Empire State building. Hence my reason for not posting. I've also finally had my room decorated which means all my camera equipment is packed away in a box somewhere in my living room. Anyway, life problems aside, I decided to start a new series on this blog called 'Life Lately.' Although I have a love for beauty, I want this blog to be one that covers a whole spectrum of topics; from the latest beauty purchases to my latest Mary Berry inspired bakes in the kitchen. I also thought it would be a good way for you to get to know me a bit more rather than just my opinions concerning makeup. So here goes...

Being an A level student I am constantly working. Wait, let me rephrase that...being an A level student means I constantly have work to do (whether it gets done or not is another story.) A couple of weeks ago I had mock week which meant a week of highlighting just how much I don't know. Thanks to the wonderful Michael Gove (he's not wonderful in the slightest) we no longer sit January exams meaning there's no chance to resit...thanks Michael, thanks a bunch. I have three weeks until my first exam *insert sick-faced emoji here* and I just cannot believe how quick this year has gone. Am I really having to sit exams again? sigh.

Anyway, I shan't bore you with my hatred for both Mr Gove and A levels, instead I'll bore you with the details of my Easter weekend. The last couple of days I've have chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't judge me I know you've all done the same. On Sunday we had my grandparents over for lunch and it was really nice to just spend the day with family. We had a lovely meal and rounded the day off with a game of scrabble accompanied by tea and hot cross buns....we know how to live.

In other news, I'm having my hair cut on Wednesday. For those of you that don't know, I only have my hair cut about once a year and even then I only have a couple of inches trimmed off the ends. However, lately I've been getting very bored with my hair and want a change so on Wednesday I'm going to have a few inches cut off and have a fringe put in. Given my previous experiences with fringes (apart from when I was little and it looked cute) this is more than likely going to look awful but I can always pin it back if I don't like it.

Not the most exciting of posts - more likely the most boring - but I wanted to write about things other than beauty. If you've made it to the end of this post then give yourselves a jolly good pat on the back from me.
Would you be interested in seeing a post on my room when it's all finished? I know room tours are popular on YouTube but I thought I could show you a few snippets from my new room as well as a few storage/bedroom decor ideas? Let me know what you think.

Hope you've all had a lovely Easter weekend.

Topshop Wishlist #1

1 2 3 4 5 6

I've been perusing the 'New In' section on the Topshop website A LOT lately, and I've been lusting after so many pretty items. I have wanted gingham print trousers and a skirt for SO LONG and these two from Topshop are super cute. Seeing as we're heading in to Spring, these hot pink cigarette trousers are the perfect addition to brighten up your wardrobe. Oh and let's not forget those adorable heart-print slipper-style shoes. 

What have you been loving lately?
Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

Ps: I've made a few Avon purchases recently, would you be interested in seeing a haul?
PPS:if you have less than 200 followers and haven't been nominated for the Liebster Award let me know! x

Non-beauty February favourites

In my previous post I threw in some self-praise for doing a mid-week post and then I didn't blog for ageeees, fail. Nevertheless, I am back with a favourites post inspired by all the things I've been loving throughout the month of February that aren't beauty related. 

The App

This month I've been trying to get a lot more organised (which clearly hasn't been reflected in my blog) and so I downloaded Wunderlist. Wunderlist allows you to organise your tasks, in addition to creating to-do lists. You can separate your lists under various categories such as work and personal, as well as allowing you to create your own categories. It's been super handy to note down any ideas I have for blog post etc. 

The TV Show

Silk is back people *does a cringey dance move* - I don't think anybody understands my love for this show. For those of you who don't watch silk, it basically revolves around a set of barristers in London; in particular Martha Costello who is played by Maxine Peake. Each week Martha takes on a different case. As well as providing a story of the case Martha undertakes, Silk also follows the life of Martha herself, showing her to be a very independent and sassy woman. Let's get this clear - I want (need) to be Martha Costello.

The Film

This month I watched Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. The film is based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the hijacking of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama - the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. The film does drag a little, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Needless to say that Tom Hanks' performance was utterly moving, and well worthy of an oscar (I'm still bitter he isn't nominated.) Having said that, Barkhad Abdi who plays Muse, the leader of the hijacking crew is nominated for an Oscar in supporting-role and he is completely deserving of it. His performance was outstanding. The fact that the film is up for best picture says it all...I highly recommend giving it a watch.

The Album

This month I discovered Alex Winston after hearing Velvet Elvis on an advert. After some searching, I found her on spotify and gave her King Con album a listen. It is now my new favourite album. Her voice is so unique and her songs are really up-beat..perfect to have a little dance to. Some of my favourite songs from the album include Fire Ant, Velvet Elvis, Locomotive and Host. Her single 101 Vultures is also my new favourite song - it's always on repeat. 

What have you been loving throughout February? Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

PS: would you be interested in fashion posts? I'm thinking of doing a haul post and maybe a few fashion-inspired posts soon? I also want to start a baking series on my blog...thoughts?

Handbag beauty essentials

Look at me doing a mid-week post..impressed? I thought I'd show you my top things beauty-related to take in my makeup bag to touch-up throughout the day.

Lipstick/ Lip balm

Now, if you're a huge lipstick lover like me, you'll know that having a lipstick (or three) in your makeup bag is essential. I try and limit the amount of beauty products I take out with me but I always end up having about five lipsticks rolling around the bottom of my bag (anyone else share this problem?). Lately I've just been sticking my carmex in my bag and my lipstick that I'm wearing that day. 

Hand Cream

I always make sure I have my Soap and Glory Hand Food hand cream on me. Especially in these winter months my hands get so dry and the non-greasy formula doesn't leave your hands feeling sticky..winner. The gorgeous fruity scent combined with the pocket size tube makes this perfect for your handbag.

Powder/ Powder brush

I always take my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder and a little Eco Tools brush with me so I can touch-up throughout the day. My skin type on the whole is dry, however I've noticed that lately I've been getting a little oily around my nose. This translucent powder just takes away any shine without being cakey and heavy on the skin.

Perfume/ body spray

I always keep a body spray or sample size of perfume with me just to freshen up throughout the day..because why wouldn't you want to smell nice? If you only have full sized perfumes you can buy a Travalo which allows you to pour your perfume from a full sized bottle into a friendly, travel-sized bottle that you can easily keep in your bag.

Mirror

I keep a mirror with me so that I can see what I'm doing when I re-apply my lipstick or powder (don't worry I'm not that vain that I stare at myself all day). It's also really handy to have in case one of your friends has a makeup emergency.

What are your handbag beauty essentials?