September Goals

September Goals

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

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September! Oh September! I could write a love letter to this wonder, wonderful month! I know I'm probably alone in this, but I'm SO happy that summer is finally over and we're now in Autumn. Autumn is my favourite time of year. I love it! In fact,I've been so busy enjoying the past month that I haven't had a minute to sit down and write a post. But I'm back now and with a post I originally meant to upload three weeks ago. Oops. 

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Reading is, and has always been, one of my favourite ways to spend my time. From when I was a really little girl and memorised all the words to Dear Zoo so I could read it to myself, right up until I chose to do a degree in English Literature, and essentially murdered my love of reading. It’s no fun reading book you have to read! Especially when one of those books is Moby Dick! But recently I’ve read one or two INCREDIBLE books - Promising Young Women by Caroline O’Donohue, I Stop Somewhere by T.E. Carter and Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton -  that have completely reignited my love for reading and books. I also read a piece in The Times, cuz I’m so fancy, by Laura Freeman that was completely incredible. She argued that immersing yourself in books and art and music is actually better for mental wellbeing than meditation. And I completely agree. Meditation has never worked for me, my heads not a particularly safe place for me to be, but reading has always settled my mind, and calmed me. So for both my mental health and just my general development as a human I’m going to be hitting the books pretty hard this month. 

Up my guitar game

I've been playing guitar for over two years now and I've totally plateaued. I can play and I sound alright but I want to be really good. It doesn't help that I've let life totally got in the way of me playing, I used to play everyday for hours but lately it's more like a couple of times a week, if that. I want to learn at least one new song before the month is over, and *whisper it* try Drop D tuning. All the best songs are in Drop D. 

Book driving test 

I passed my theory test back in July and have been throwing myself into my lessons because I just want to be able to drive now! It's been two years! This is the final hurdle and I'm terrified but it's about time. 

Start packing/declutter

Big news folks! I'm moving! I'm not sure when because I'm moving into a shared house, but I'm pretty sure it will be sometime in October/November. Which means I have some serious clearing out and packing to do. Better get started! 

Gym 

I'm ashamed to admit just how long it's been since I last went to the gym. It was May. I need to go back. I sleep so much better when I'm exercising, I feel better both physically and mentally and it's just a really good thing that I need to make sure I'm doing. 

Not much new for this month, which I suppose is good because we're literally three weeks into it but they're all still worth a try and manageable. What are your September Goals? 

The Summer Foundation Smackdown

The Summer Foundation Smackdown

Wednesday, 15 August 2018

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L-R: L'Oreal True Match, L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover, CYO Lifeproof

Welcome ladies and gentleman, boys and girls to the Summer Foundation Smackdown! Where I explore three foundations to see how they hold up in this unbearable heat. Hint: It's not well!

August Goals

August Goals

Wednesday, 1 August 2018

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Another month has just completely flown by. This time in a blur of intense heat, near constant sweating, all of the birthdays and if I’m honest one too many twister ice lollies. July was a busy but really good month, but I have to say I’m really glad we’re into August. It feels like we’re finally on the home stretch people! Just one more month and then summer will be over! I can’t wait. 

Live better

I know, I know, this, or some variation of this, is a goal every single month and yet I continue to be a nightmare human. I don’t sleep enough. I don’t drink enough water. I don’t eat particularly well and some days I just exist on Jaffa Cakes and Hula Hoops. And it’s catching up with me. I’m perpetually knackered, knocking back endless mugs of tea and bottles of Coke Zero - which is way worse for you than normal Coke by the way, but has less calories - just to keep myself awake and honestly, I look and feel like shit! So my main goal this month is a fairly simple one: Drink more water, get more sleep and maybe eat some vegetables. I swear one of these days I’m actually going to achieve this goal, and on that day I will go to sleep promptly at 10:30 and get up at 6:30 feeling refreshed and human, whilst starting the day with a hot water and lemon. Maybe that’s a bridge too far....

Get motivated/work harder

Lately I’ve lost my mojo a bit, and with it my motivation to do anything during the day. I blame the recent - and hideous - heatwave! (I’m not a summer person, can you tell?) It’s melted my brain! It’s miserable. Luckily, and perhaps for the first time ever, my blog hasn’t suffered but the rest of my life has. At the moment it feels like I’m stuck on a treadmill and getting absolutely no where. It feels like I’m achieving nothing between the hours of 7am and 10pm. I know that’s not the case, but it’s a really shitty feeling. Something definitely needs to change. 

Stop people pleasing

This goes hand in hand with working harder/total lack of motivation. I want to, and do, work really hard but I want to do it for me, not for other people. So much of my life and my working day is doing things for other people that I shouldn’t be doing and don’t have time to do. It is, quite frankly, exhausting. I can’t please everyone and trying to is a waste of my time and energy! 

Take no shit! 

Just no more. I don’t need anyone else’s bull shit. I have quite enough of my own, thank you very much! 

What are your goals for the month? x

Mini Supermarket Beauty Haul

Mini Supermarket Beauty Haul

Wednesday, 25 July 2018

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On a recent trip round Sainsburys I was shocked to discover that their beauty offering was looking really rather good, it looked better than I'd seen it look in ages as a matter of face, and there was a whole host of brands, that I'd never normally associate with Sanos, that I was desperate to try. Naturally, I couldn't stop myself from having a rummage and before I knew it I was at the self-checkout, debit and nectar cards in hand, shouting IT IS IN THE BAGGING AREA, YOU BELLIGERENT BITCH! Anyway, here's what I bought.

Mane 'n Tail The Original Body Shampoo and The Original Moisturiser Conditioner - £5/£5

Originally developed for horses, no I'm not joking, Mane 'n Tail promises longer, stronger, thicker and fuller hair. And I want all of those things! It also smells lovely. Now, I'd  been wanting to try these for a while, I've heard very good things about the leave-in conditioner, which they didn't have, so when I saw the range in Sainsburys - I went in for Gyoza and came out having spent £60 on beauty products and haribo! - I snapped them up. BUT after having a quick peruse of the ingredients I'm slightly concerned as the shampoo contains 'high lathering cleansing agents' which means that it definitely isn't SLS-free, so might actually be quite drying, which I really don't want. However, the 'micro-enriched protein formula', whatever that means, also contains moisturisers and emulsifiers, so I'll just have to try it out and report back. The conditioner claims to leave the hair looking visibly thicker and healthier after just one use and contains natural oils to nourish the hair and scalp, as well as moisturisers to prevent drying and protect the hair from sun damage. Honestly, it all sounds great but I'm a bit dubious, blame it on the SLS-es, but have you ever seen a horse with bad hair? Apart from the one on the internet who was given a really dodgy haircut, obvs. Poor thing.

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash - £10

I've been looking for a new everyday face wash, after finishing my Skin Regimen Anti-Pollution Facial Wash, which I loved, when I spotted this jaunty, orange offering from Super Facialist. Designed to brighten the skin and boost radiance whilst gently cleansing the skin, this daily facial wash is formulated with vitamin C, antioxidant-rich ferulic acid and plant-based micro beads to remove dead skin cells, as well as dirt and impurities to reveal 'a fresh, glowing complexion'. It has a light gel-like texture, which I really like, and an absolutely incredible citrus-orange scent, which smells almost exactly like the Mandarin soap from The Body Shop. Very excited to try this, which I will be first thing tomorrow morning!  

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil - £11

As a beauty journalist by day and a beauty blogger by night I'm in the very lucky position where I sometimes get sent beauty products. So its very rare for me to repurchase things, because I have a lot of unused skincare, just waiting for its moment in the sun. I think that says a lot about how much I like this facial oil, because I did repurchase it and I bloody love it.  Part of Super Facialist's Vitamin C+ Brighten range, so it has that amazing orange scent, Skin Renew is formulated with vitamin C (duh), olive, grapeseed and rosehip oils, as well as vitamin E and passionflower and cucumber oils to gently cleanse the skin. Once worked into the skin it transforms into a milky emulsion which leaves the skin feeling smooth and hydrated, but most importantly, clear of any make up, dirt or impurities. I strongly recommend this if you like cleansing oils because its one of the best I've come across. Second only to the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, which will always have a very special place in my heart. 

What have you been buying lately? xxx

Managing My OCD at a Festival

Managing My OCD at a Festival

Wednesday, 18 July 2018

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I’d like to preface this post by saying that one of my biggest pet hates in life is people, who don’t suffer with OCD, saying "Oh I'm a bit OCD" or just casually referring to their 'OCD' like it's nothing. It's not nothing and it fucks me off like nothing else. Liking things to be a certain way does not mean you have OCD, maybe you have OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder) but casually referring to a real illness as though it's no big deal, or something to be laughed at really sends my blood boiling. It's the only area of my life where I have no sense of humour, because it's not fucking funny.

5 SONGS I'M CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH

5 SONGS I'M CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH

Wednesday, 11 July 2018

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If you've met me like ever or even briefly glanced at my instagram stories then you'll know that music is a major (not sorry for that pun) part of my life. Always has been. I love it and because I have excellent taste, in my opinion, I thought I’d share just five of the songs that I'm currently obsessing over. Enjoy

Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac

I've been a fan of the 'Mac since I was 14 and my Dad told me I looked like Stevie Nicks (I don't, but it's still the nicest thing he's ever said to me), but I've only recently discovered this song, after watching 1997's The Dance. Written by Nicks, originally for the band's iconic Rumours album, Silver Springs is an angry, sad and bittersweet look at her epic and effed up relationship with Lindsey Buckingham. It's incredible. Gorgeous and brutal. I love it. 

Strong Enough (Sheryl Crow cover) by Haim

As obsessed as I am with the original, and trust me I am, Sheryl Crow is a goddess, I think Haim's cover might actually be better. I know, I know, I didn't see that one coming either, but it's an incredible cover, and the arrangement is awesome! Having said that it is just a great song, Haim cover or no, the lyrics are stunning and powerful, and my god they're so relatable. If the future Mr Lauren is reading this, I doubt it but you never know, then listen the hell up because this song explains everything you need to know about me! Also Haim's cover of Shania Twain's That Don't Impress Me Much is awesome and you should definitely listen to that too! 

Rut by The Killers

After I saw The Killers in November last year, after waiting about 10 years, I completely fell in love with their latest album, particularly this song. On the right/wrong day, usually one when I'm PMSing, Rut has the power to reduce me to a sobbing mess. It is beautiful. And sad. And hopeful. And I fucking love it! 

After the Party by The Menzingers 

I first came across The Menzingers at the backend of last year, when I was in Florida and I heard them on the radio while I was in the back of an Uber, and they've become one of my very favourite bands. They haven't knocked Biffy off the top spot yet, but they're up there. Anyway, I love and repeatedly listen to most of their songs - being basically in love with the Rented World album which is incredible - but lately I've been listening to After the Party, both the album and the song, loads. After the Party is nostalgic and wistful and completely fucking awesome!  

God Only Knows (Beach Boys cover) by Biffy Clyro

You weren't expecting to make it through this entire list without at least one Biffy mention, were you? Their cover of God Only Knows is perfect. It's emotional, heartwarming, joyful and utterly gorgeous. It is all of the heart eyed emojis and then some! 

What songs are you loving right now? Any recommendations for me? xxx

July Goals

July Goals

Wednesday, 4 July 2018

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It's July now, which means three things: 1. This year is flying by at a rate that I'm not comfortable with. 2. We're more than halfway through the year now, 3. We're that little bit closer to Christmas! How exciting?! This month is set to be a good 'un, with me and my friend Steph heading to the British Summertime Festival in Hyde Park in two weeks time, to see Paul Simon and James Taylor, and all of the birthdays. It's going to very busy. So let's set some goals.

The Elemis Travel Set of Dreams

The Elemis Travel Set of Dreams

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

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Summer holiday season is upon us, and even though my poor passport is gathering dust, with no plans of jet setting on the horizon (sob!), I can still appreciate a good travel set, because travel minis are one of my favouritest things. Really. They're just so cute. Speaking of cute, this Elemis x Lily & Lionel luxury travel collection is the very definition of the word, and is packed full with bloody lovely skincare bits to keep your skin in tip top condition while travelling. Let's have a closer look. 

To create this, quite frankly stunning,  travel set, Elemis partnered with Lily and Lionel, a UK-based fashion house known for creating beautiful and quirky prints. Think Cath Kidston, but way cooler. Called Daydream, this Elemis-exclusive print is pretty and cool, and just screams summertime, with its pastel geometric shapes and cute, kitschy badges. It’s such a pretty print, and I love it that much that I'm actually tempted to use it as a handbag. BECAUSE LOOK HOW PRETTY! If I was a little bit cooler I could even get away with it. Want to know the best part? The bag isn't even the best part. Oh no, this travel bag of dreams contains even dreamier skin care!

June Goals

June Goals

Sunday, 10 June 2018

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I've got quite a few goals this month, so instead of banging on about how fast this year is going - I don't want to think about it! - I'm just gonna dive in. Swimming caps and goggles at the ready!

Appreciate things more

For the last couple of months I've been feeling... stuck. And it's a rubbish feeling. I've realised recently that  I'm in almost the exact same position I was when I was 17. I still live with my mum, I'm still single, not that that matters but yeah, I still can't drive and somedays I feel really trapped. It's a shitty feeling, and lately it's kind of taken over my entire life. The absolute WORST thing about it, is that it's so reductive. It basically reduces all of my achievements from the past 10 years to nothing, and I've done a lot in the last 10 years. I've done a lot in the last 10 months. But when I get down, and I think it's pretty obvious that I'm feeling a bit down at the moment, I tend to focus on all the negatives, but there are lots of positive things in my life. I have a good job, I have a place to live, a wonderful family, good friends, and an amazing yet completely ridiculous dog. I'm very lucky, and I need to start acknowledging that, becauseI really think it would make me feel a lot better about the things I'm not so happy about.

Take a break

Or should I say give myself a break. I’m really tired, and instead of giving myself time to rest and recover I get all stressed and put a load of pressure on myself to get shit done. Then I get even more stressed and tired, which makes me useless and nothing gets done! Basically,  I’m a nightmare human, and I really struggle to relax. What I really need, I think, is a week on a beach with my kindle! There’s an idea...

Declutter/ Destress

At the beginning of the year I made it my mission to declutter, and rid myself of everything that was weighing me down. I got rid of so much stuff, and it felt amazing! But lately that’s all fallen by the wayside and stuff has been creeping back in. I think a good sort out is definitely in order.

Redecorate  

When I finished uni - three years ago now, eeek! - I moved in to my step-dad’s man cave at my mum’s house. It was supposed to be a temporary situation while I saved up for my own place, but it’s become more permanent than I’d like, and the room is still very much a man cave - it has textured wallpaper, for fucks sake! - except with my stuff in. My mission this month is to strip and plaster the walls, ready for painting, and rip up the carpet. It’s going to be hard work but I’m actually quite excited! 

Book theory test

Purely for the reason that I can’t complain about not being able to drive if I still haven’t booked my theory, let alone passed it. This has to be a priority! 

Get more sleep

I'm exhausted. I'm never not exhausted. Don't really have much to add to this one.


What are your goals for this month? xxx