Twenty-One facts about Lauren Marie

Good Morning Everybody! I woke up this morning feeling a bit emotional to say the least; I mean, it’s been a tiring old week and I think sometimes, everything just feels like it getting on top of you and some 'me time' is in order. So I've spend the morning browsing through the big World Wide Web, reading blogs and doing a little online retail therapy (again!) and whilst, I've been browsing I came across a few interesting blogs entitled 'Facts about me'; so I thought that I would give it ago… Here are twenty one facts from a twenty one year old girl, called Lauren Marie: 

1. My star sign is Leo. 
2. I'm a dog person, not a cat person. 
3. I have one brother. 
4. I hate being late, it makes me extremely anxious {I always leave more time than I need too because I am always worried that I am going miss something and I panic}. 
5. I love 'Shabby Chic' themed products and items with my initial 'L' on. 
6. Wearing fluffy socks, under a blanket with a good book and cup of tea is my idea of a perfect evening in. 
7. I treat all my mistakes as lessons to be learnt from in the future {Never have regrets, life is too short!}
8. I did Gymnastics for over ten years. 
9. Autumn is my favourite season; the beautiful colours and the crisp leaves under foot when stolling through the fields or on a footpath. 
10. I passed my driving test first time! *cue the applause*
11. I'm afraid of snakes. 
12. 99.9% of the time, I will cry at a (romance) movie {I'll even cry if I have seen the movie before - Marley & Me will always be a heartbreaker}. 
13. I love Chinese food {Lemon Chicken… So Tasty} 
14. Although, I love my Birthday; Christmas is one of my favourite occasion. 
15. I wish want to travel the world and see places, whilst I am young; I am such a daydreamer. 
16. I don't like lifts; I don't tend to use them unless I really have too but even still, I don't like them. 
17. My favourite animals are Turtles {They're just so cute!}
18. I love to bake! 
19. I don't have a favourite colour but I do love Burgundy in Autumn and Pastels in Spring and Summer {Seasonal colours are the best!} 
20. I am extremely organised {I'm not even being modest!}
21. I am known for focusing on my flaws too much and never on my positives {Remember! What you don't like, someone else just might…} 

Until the next time, Au Revoir! 
Love,
Lauren xo

Blogs Worth Bookmarking #1

Up until about six months ago, I suffered from blogging ignorance - I know, it's a pretty serious condition - anyway, I had never really read any beauty blogs, or any blogs to be honest (apart from a few of my friends wrote) and I was really unaware of how good some of them were but oh how the tables have turns. All I can say now is I am hooked, borderline obsessed and now my Saturday mornings are reserved for nothing more than coffee, croissants and a few hours of harmless blog bookmarking. So, I thought I would start another series on the blog called 'Blogs Worth Bookmarking'; sharing all my recent new blog finds, which are actually worth reading and you'll never know what you'll find out:  

1. Pint Sized Beauty 

If anything this blog has saved my life, her tips on 'rescuing dehydrated skin' were golden and her reviews are something that are worth a daily read. 

2. Charmed Charlee

My only regret is, I should of found Charmed Charlee sooner. If you haven't already guessed any blogs that promote skincare suggestions is ace in my books and is definitely worth bookmarking. 

3. Fox on the Hunt

If you want kick-ass, boohoo style guides, top tips for getting that perfect summer glow (even if Summer doesn't arrive when it should) and an extensive list of what body scrubs and moisturers to try then this is the blog for you. 

4. The Love Cats Inc

Her lifestyle tips and bakes are to die for - don't believe me; try the Lindt Chocolate Brownies.

5. Thumbelina Lillie

Okay, who wouldn't love a blog with a name like this? 

6. Ugly Face of Beauty

Initally, the name was a bit off putting but when I started to read, I just found each word inspiring and real; I would recommend this blog to everyone.  

Until the next blog bookmarking session, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

September Soundtrack

Even though Summer is over (I don’t know, if it actually arrived to be honest), and Autumn is well and truly on the way; soon we’ll all be in our chunky knitted jumpers and accessorizes, sipping on a regular sized hot beverages, favoured with those beautiful Autumn spices. Starbucks, pumpkin-spiced latte, come at me! Anyway, with the change in seasons, I thought there was nothing better than to put together a September Soundtrack, which I can play on those long Autumnal walks, road trips with friends and maybe, some cosy nights in too. Here are my chosen September Soundtrack tunes – ENJOY! 

1. One Direction – Drag Me Down 

(Big love for this tune!)

2. Justin Bieber – What do you mean? 

(Okay, I'm not normally a fan of JB but in this case, it’s becoming a slight guilty pleasure *insert monkey with hands over eyes emoji here*)

3. Sigma ft. Ella Henderson – Glitterball

4. Don’t be so hard on yourself – Jess Glynne

5. Kygo ft. Ella Henderson – Here for you 

6. Flashlight – Pitch Perfect 2 Soundtrack 

(This has been on repeat, since the soundtrack was available back in June… on Spotify anyway)

7. Olly Murs - Beautiful to me

8. Can’t feel my face – Weeknd

9. The Fight Song – Rachel Platten

10. Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift

11. Black Magic – Little Mix
12. Dear Future Husband - Meghan Trainor 
13. Diana Vickers - Cinderella 
14. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride - Now Disney "From Lilo & Stitch Soundtrack"
(Yes! I know this is a Disney song but ever since, I got my birthday present from a good friend, I haven't been able to stop watching the film or listening to it.) 
15. Olly Murs ft Travie McCoy  - Wrapped Up 
(This guy - *emoji with heart-shaped eyes*)
16. The Vamps - On the floor
("Bang her on the floor, bang her on the table" - I think we thought the lyrics were didn't we girls… Oh the memories of doing uni work on a besties floor for several hours)
17. Locked Away - R. City Ft. Adam Levine
18. Confident - Demi Lovato 
(To Be Noted: Great workout song as well!)
19. Poison – Rita Ora
20. Olly Murs - Seasons
(It seems the perfect song choice, since Autumn is on the way!)

Okay, so everyone has different types of music that they're into; some like rock, others heavy metal… Me? I just love good old pop music, I mean, I do listen to a bit of Arctic Monkeys now and again and Twin Atlantic but nothing  beats, singing 1D at the top of your lungs - especially in the car? Okay, my ultimate love is Olly Murs, just be thankful that my whole list wasn't Olly. Is this your perfect playlist? Or maybe you need a few changes?

Love, 
Lauren xo 

Bedtime Beauty Routine

Good Evening All! I always find other people's bedtime routines interesting; I mean I think it says a lot about someone, from the products they choose to what they keep near to them at nighttime on their bedside table. Sometimes, I have a glass of water by my side; other times, I have a packet of sweets or a snack from earlier that evening but I will always have my bedtime beauties next to me. I always think of my bedtime routine, as my go-to items that I really love and I am happy to spend a little bit more on than I would usually on skincare. I tend to keep my bedtime routine simple though as I don't want to overcomplicate things before going to bed; also I love using these products as a reminder to NOT go to bed with my makeup left on, so I need to keep it simple, otherwise it is just a huge effort. I always find that a good bedtime routine, helps me to unwind and relax from the day that I've just endured and sometimes, I enjoy doing it; especially when I have a good book to conclude the evening with and a hot beverage waiting for me - hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream… Tasty!

For my bedtime skincare routine, I tend to use a lot of Body Shop items as I find that their products are light, refreshing and affordable. I love to do my bedtime routine, just before I read my book for an hour or so then afterwards I would settle down for the evening; my skin feels refreshed and it allows me to unwind. Perfection! 

BEDTIME BEAUTY PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

FYI, these products are in order, I tend to use them. 

The Body Shop, Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator - £11.00 

(I tend to use this product in the shower as I find it easier!)

Superdrug, Deep Cleansing Facial Sheet Mask - £1.29

The Body Shop, Seaweed Night Treatment - £13.00 

The Body Shop, Aloe Soothing Night Cream - £13.00 

Feel Unique, Garnier Nutritionist Caffeine Eye Roll - £6.19 

(I've literally just run out but it is always on my repurchase product list and I tend to use this in the mornings as well!)

Superdrug,  Nivea Lip Butter - Blueberry Blush - £2.25 

(I've also tried the Coconut one as well - I would definitely recommend these lip butters; I've never looked back) 

This isn't all of my bedtime routine products, as some products I use after I've had my shower and other times, I don't use all my products but these are definitely some of my go-to favourites for bedtime. 

Do you have a bedtime routine that you keep near to you as a reminder to take you makeup off in an evening? 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Bonus Exclusive Skincare#1: 

The Body Shop, Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask - £24.00 

I haven't purchased this whole product yet; I got a tester from The Body Shop to see what it was like as £24.00 is a lot to pay, if you don't like something but I LOVE it and I'm waiting for my order to arrive - like the other products from The Body Shop, it's light, refreshing and soothing and it's a good replacement for any moisturisers or face masks. 

Bonus Exclusive Skincare#2: 

Superdrug, Deep Action Pore Cleansing Nose Strips x4 - £2.69

I only tend to do this twice a week as otherwise my nose is extremely sore but actually they are absolutely brilliant; it does exactly what it says on the tin (or the box). 

Dare to be Different…

I thought this picture was relevant; I mean, riding a bike around Holland was an achievement for me, even if it was a small one.
{FYI, Holland is very hilly; don't listen to your bestie when she says that it isn't}

As a passionate advertising graduate, every now and again I do love to stalk venture into a brands' social media and watch their latest advertising unfold, especially with Christmas on the way; however it is only officially Christmas when you see the Coca Cola advert for the first time. Recently, I have come across GAP's new campaign 'Girl', featuring Ellen Degeners (one of the most inspirational people on our television screens, by the way!), who has just designed a new clothing range for GAP Kids and it's just as awesome as she is. 

Anyway, this got me thinking… The world that we live in today is a scary place and one that many girls in the 21st century fear. With the growth of social media these days, it gets harder and harder to escape from the media and the negative influences that girls - like me and you - are surrounded by each day. I mean, I know that I've only just turned twenty-one (33 days ago to be exact!) but even at twenty-one years old, I feel the need to please EVERYONE; I know this shouldn't be the case but have you ever made a decision just to please someone? Or do you ever feel like the pressures of making a decision is even harder because you have people around you telling you what you should or shouldn't be doing. Well, this campaign breaks the ice, and reassures girls that you can be whatever you want to be and celebrates all the things that make people different. If you want to compete at the Olympics, then you can. If you want to be the top stylist at London Fashion Week, then you can. The important thing to remember in all of this, is that the world is your oyster and at the end of the day… It's your life and you have the power to do anything you want to do. Unfortunately, during your journey to power, there will always be curveballs that you have to dodge or mountains that you have to climb because life isn't that simple but with plenty of determination and confidence, you can achieve magical things. 

When I was in secondary school, I struggled with a lot of subjects and I never really found my 'niché' or anything I was good. Sport? No. Science? No. English? Definitely not. I mean, I didn't know where I really fitted when it came at being good at something and I definitely NEVER thought that I would go to university and meet some of the greatest people ever (and achieve a First Class Honours) but I stuck with it because I knew I wanted to achieve something in my life. Yes, there were plenty of times that I wanted to give up and hide under a rock but my passion towards things is probably one of my best attributes; I mean, I don't like giving up especially without a fight and believe me when I say that there were plenty of times that people discouraged me along the way or someone said something hurtful or very unmotivational. At times, I would listen but as you get older, hopefully, you'll realised that any discouragements that you might get along the way, should only make you stronger and prove those people wrong. What is it they say… "you don't know until you try". 

Believe it or not, every girl in the 21st century at times probably feels scared or has plenty of self-esteem issues… your not alone but the biggest message that I have probably got from this campaign is "never give up" because if you don't try you will never succeed and succeeding at something is a wonderful feeling and something everyone should get to enjoy. 

Remember! If you love it, do it! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Goodbye & Farewell Angels

As I announced on here a few weeks ago, I am starting a new job tomorrow and I am super excited but I am slightly nervous also. Although, it will be wonderful to start my after-uni adventure, meeting loads of new people, initiating myself into a routine working 9am - 5:30pm everyday and putting my knowledge to the test; but it does come with a price… it is my time to depart from my fellow Heart Angels and bid you all farewell {I would like to think you're all still crying about my departure - only teasing!}

I have worked as a Heart Angel for over two years now and I have loved every second of it (even when we were out in the pouring rain, looking like drowned rats, we made it fun and kept the energy going!) I have met some amazing but most of all bizarre and mad people, that you could ever meet but they are all pretty damn awesome and I love them all dearly; I mean, who wouldn't miss memories of three girls trying to lift a heavy sofa through the office window; or women trying to rugby tackle the team, down to the ground during a Race for Life Pretty Muddy shift or even the task of trying to get rid of what feels like an endless amount of Burts crisps by throwing them through the windows of truck drivers because they feel 'mildly peckish' apparently.

It's all about those Heart Angel #Selfies on shift - Thank you girlies (+ Alex)

All in all, I have loved working as an Angel but it's time to start a new chapter and see what the future holds; in all honesty, I hope it holds something pretty damn awesome for me. Fingers crossed!

Thank you Heart Angels, you've been amazing and I will miss you all dearly. 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

P.S. Just Remember… I am always up for a sleepover and Disney movie marathon the following day. 

Pick of the Week: Shearling Darling

These days nail polishes tend to chip so quickly; it's kind of upsetting and honestly, I can't stand it when I or anybody else has chipped nail polish on their fingers or toes, I think it just looks so untidy (lame, I know but I am a slight perfectist at times). Painting your nails is such a task anyway, but having to repaint them almost twice a week, just becomes one of the biggest challenges a girl has to face (okay, I am being slightly melodramatic but it is a hard task to paint your nail and for them to chip, just two days after). 

After painting my nails for many years, I have never discovered a nail polish that doesn't chip as soon as you've put on the top coat; annoying right? But the fact that I've finally found a nail polish that doesn't chip after just two days (even after many long hours at work) is a miracle and one I have to share; this nail polish is simply gorgeous, from the name choices of each colour to the ultra shine it leaves when you've finished painting. Essie is a brand, I've always wanted to try but price has always put me off; I mean £7.99 for a bottle doesn't seem overly expensive but I refuse to pay for something that doesn't do it's job properly… I think that's fair enough, isn't it? 

The formula is so great that you only really need one coat but if you do want that extra shine on your nails, a second coat would be the best idea; I usually apply two coats anyway as I always think two coats is better than one, which in this case is every true. To make this nail polish even better, it is quick drying and something you can do when you're in a hurry or you decide to make a last minute nail polish decision. 

The size of the brush is PER-FECT! It fits perfectly into your cuticle nail bed as it is the perfect shape to fit on your nails and paint without making a massive mess; believe it or not, as twenty-one year old girl, I still can't paint my nails without getting polish everywhere.

As the seasons are changing, its time for the Autumnal colours to take pride of place in my nail polish collection; whilst 'Shearling Darling' isn't a traditional Autumn name, its a beautiful colour and I really love how warm this colour is; especially when it comes to matching it with Autumnal outfits and accessories. I am so happy that I have found this colour; not only has it lasted longer than three days but it still has high ultra shine and still as warm as ever. 

You can buy 'Shearling Darling' or any other Essie colours at some Superdrugs, Boots and online here!

Have fun painting! 

Love, 
Lauren xo 

The Simple Things | What makes me happy?

Smile! It's the simple things that make life great… 

Hola Chicas! Down in the South West of England, the weather is glorious, the sun is out, the wind is light and it is the weather that we were waiting for in August but unfortunately it just never came. So, whilst I am sat here with the rays in my face and the birds tweeting away, it got me thinking…. Recently, I have been loving so many different things and appreciating all the little things, which just happen to make life great; so I've decided to start a regular series, here on the blog, called "The Simple Things". 

"The Simple Things" is going to consist of all the things that make me happy, that I might take for granted and generally things that I love; however I didn't really know what to write about for this first post, so I thought that I would start by listing all the things what make me happy (especially on days like today)… 

1. Fresh bedding. 
2. Walking through crisp, colourful Autumn leaves on a cool, refreshing morning. 
3. Puppies! 
4. Clear, natural looking skin. 
5. Cuddling into a blanket or my bed, when the rain hitting the windows on a chilly evening.
6. When you get an unexpected compliment. 
7. Buying new clothes (which are in a smaller sizes, than you normally are). 
8. Eating healthy - Strange, I know! But I always feel great if I eat really well. 
9. The sun peeking through my blind, first thing in a morning. 
10. My dogs. 
11. Burning scented candles. 
12. The smell of fresh, baked goodies! 
13. Taking my make-up off at the end of the day. 
14. Smiling! 
15. Hugs. Hugs. Hugs. 
16. 1st December - It is officially the month of Christmas! 
17. Waking up to a lovely text message in the morning. 
18. Surprises! - For anyone who doesn't like a surprise, what is wrong with you? 
19. Payday! 
20. Friends - I miss my uni friends so much. 
21. Organisation - having a clean, tidy house is the best feeling ever! 
22. The smell of microwaved popcorn. 
23. Going on holiday - to be honest, I think this makes most people happy. 
24. Flowers - I never get flowers; so if anyone is feeling lovely… 
25. Chunky winter scarves. 
26. A good cry at a movie. 
27. A good book - I am very into romance novels at the moment. 
28. BBQ on the beach (with friends). 
29. The first day of Spring. 
30. Sunsets. 

There are so many more things that I absolutely love but I could be here all day listing them for you, so I will leave it at that for now. Is it the simple things that makes you happy? If not, what makes you happy? 

Love,
Lauren x 

Chapter One | The New Job

Bonjour! Sorry, I am currently sat here with a Pain au Chocolat and my morning coffee, hence the French welcoming. Anyway, today is an exciting day because I am pleased to inform you all that I am now officially an employed person! Hooray! I mean, I wasn't exactly an unemployed person before, I had a part-time job but this is my first full-time job, where I will be working 9-5:30, Monday - Friday; I can now join in complaining about the busy morning 'rush-hour' or 'school-run' traffic, the Monday morning blues after a brilliant weekend or working in an office when it is glorious sunshine outside {luckily, we're heading into Winter now, so hopefully we won't be having too many sunshine filled days for a while}

I am now officially a "Digital Marketing Executive" and I am super excited to start my new job adventure in two weeks time and find out what my soul purpose is. After weeks of looking and applying for several jobs, it's time to put my knowledge and skills to the test - hopefully, I can remember everything I've learnt and impress the socks off my new boss *insert monkey with hands over eyes emoji here*.    

Anyway, here is to the next chapter in my life and I am rather excited to see what the future holds; check back for some more exciting content coming your way soon.

- Lauren xo

August Favourites

Hello September! I can’t believe how fast this year is going; we are now reaching the end of summer and getting closer and closer to Christmas - one of my favourite times of year, by the way - it’s crazy to think that twelve months ago, I was heading back to Southampton for my final year at university and now I am an BA (Hons) Advertising graduate (sorry, I had to throw that in there) IT’S SCARY! How time flies though…

August has been a month filled with celebrations and adventures; however some of my favourite moments have to be between:

   1. Being offered my first full-time job since finishing university.

   2. Turning the big 21! I am now officially seen as an adult in every country in the world.

   3. Although, this wasn’t an achievement as such, the reality of graduating set in when I ordered my cap and gown for the big day in November.

All in all, August has been a hectic month but don’t worry, I’ve managed to come up with a few things that I have absolutely loved this month of August:

1. Our Own Candle Company “Country Pancakes and Syrup” Candle

Seriously, this is amazing – my parents aren’t so keen though. This was none other than a birthday present; however it is now a keen favourite and takes pride of place in my bedroom. Initially, I thought this would be quite a sickly scent; oh boy how wrong I was! I definitely think it is more of a Autumn/Winter scent than an a Summer scent but that’s just my opinion. Imagine a  fresh winter’s morning, where you have a thin layer of ice on your car windows and it's so cold, you can see your breath; well this candle would be perfect to burn... The warm smell of fresh pancakes, drizzled with hot syrup (I’m getting rather hungry right now) is perfect for those cold Wintery days.

2. Urban Decay “Naked 2” Eye Shadow Palette

I’ve never found any really good pigmented eye shadows; normally I end up getting something that loses its colour the second that I put it on my eye lids. However, this palette is amazing, it has a range of different colours, some light and others dark but most importantly, it has a colour to suit every occasion; from everyday work looks to night-time outings and shopping sessions with friends. Although, this palette isn’t the cheapest; it was definitely worth every penny I spend on it.

3. Netflix {Pretty Little Liars}

The month of August held the answer to the question; every Pretty Little Liars addict has been waiting for… “Who the hell was A?” After five years of waiting and wondering, it was revealed - SPOILERS ALERT! - that CeCe Drake was A and in fact, was part of the Dilaurentis family all along. *cue the dramatic and shocked faces*

{Pretty Little Liars Post - Check out my previous ramblings here!}

4. Rimmel London Feel Good Glows “01 Notting Hill”

IMPULSE BUY! After spending the last three months trying to put blusher on right, I decided to give up until I came across this… The Rimmel Feel Good Glow “Notting Hill.” Some blusher works as a highlighter at the tops of your cheek bones, others just add a little bit of colour to your cheeks; however this is a shimmer that can work along side bronzer (or not!) to add a natural sheen and grimmer to your cheek bones, so when the light catches your cheeks it gives you a natural looking complexion and it is super easy to apply. 

5. Micheal Kors Watch

B-E-A-U-T-I-FUL! I can’t say anymore than that; other than, this was a 21^st Birthday presents from my beloved parents and it will always been one of my most treasured and favourite possessions. Thank you Mumma and Poppa Bear!

6. L – Cushion

After a few years, your cushion become flat and are never as comfy as when you first bought them; it also doesn’t help when your dog sits or chews them every other day. Anyway, this was an impulse buy and added that little something extra to my bedroom; although you’d think that a cushion doesn’t make much difference, it just adds a little something extra and I love things with my initials on!

7. Barry M "Elderberry" Gelly Nail Varnish 
This is an old favourite, which I have been reunited with and loving throughout August. In the past, I've found the Barry M Gelly nail varnishes to be pretty good; they don't tend to chip and the colour doesn't fade and look horrible. Everytime, I paint my nails I have the same problem question… "What colour?" I have so many to choose from and sometimes, I have no idea which one to choose and it is even harder, if I have an occasion to attend as well because I have to make sure it matches my outfit. Anyway, this colour goes with absolutely everything and is a colour that can be worn all year round. If you haven't already I would definitely reccommend trying the Barry M Gelly Nail Varnishes. 

8. Herbal Essence Bee Strong Hair Mask “Apricot and Honey”

If your someone like me, who loves to try a new shampoo and conditioner every three months – you will love this next favourite!? This Herbal Essence ‘Bee Strong’ Hair Mask is a new find for me this month; my hair has been feeling a bit dry and damaged the last few weeks (it doesn’t help with the horrible wet, windy and wild weather we’ve been having) and I wanted something that was going to help repair and strengthen my hair. After a month of using this, you would not believe the results – I love it; I use it once a week and I find my hair smells beautiful from the ‘Apricot and Honey’ scent and my hair feels so soft and silky. All you have to do, is wet your hair and put it on, working it into your roots through your hair and down to your ends; leave it on for half an hours and rinse. Your hair will be soft, silky and smell glorious for ends – this is one product I would definitely recommend!

With August over and September just beginning, in no time at all it will be Christmas – is it too early to start Christmas shopping now? Or can it just be seen being super-organized? Anyway, here’s to September, a month where I can hope to start my new adventures and begin life after university; although I will miss all the wonderful memories and favourites that the summer months have held {Thank you, Heart Angels!} here is to the rest of 2015!

- Lauren xo