How to Battle a Bad Skin Day?

It's no secret that my skin is rather temperamental at times. Despite my best efforts, a bad skin day is inevitable for me. Whether it's due to stress, the environment you're in or hormones - I think we can all agree that battling bad skin days can be difficult and make you feel quite self-conscious and crappy at times. Whenever my skin flares up, I feel like all eyes are directly on me (my skin flaws and spots to be exact) and all I want to do is run and hide away. But thanks to my 'go to' guru that is Caroline Hirons, I've learnt from great tricks and tips along the way. 

Over the years I've learnt that some things help, whilst others hinder the quality of my skins complexion. I think I have probably tried most of the products out there that say 'prevents acne' or 'reduces blemish and remove blackheads' - both high-end and high-street skincare products - but truthfully the products I use depend entirely on whether my complexion is fresh and glowing, dull and bumpy or a mixture of oily and dry. Skin changes all the time. But one of the key things that I've learnt over the years is... what works for one person, may not work for you - all skin types are different. 

Here are some of my 'go to' skincare products and top tips for when I'm having one of those days (my battle plan, so to speak):  

Daily Skincare Regime 

My daily skincare regime is simple but effective (and a little costly at times). I do it daily - day and night - and I never miss a step. There are a few things like spot treatment, face masks and exfoliating that I don't always do on a daily basis because I don't always need to do but I've listed them below anyway. 

1. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
   I heard a lot about this brand, and in particular this cleanse and polish before I thought I'd give it ago. But without a doubt, I wouldn't be without it ever again. 
2. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo CreamAhh, here's to my blemish fighting bestie - without you, I'd be nothing. 
3. La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Fluide Cream
   Finally a moisturiser that doesn't hate my skin, that actually isn't greasy and just is incredible for combination skin. Where have you been?! You can't go wrong with La Roche Posay, you pay a little more but well worth it.

Added Extras to my Daily Regime 

So I don't use these everyday, some when I need to, others I use once or twice a week depending on the product. 

1. Origins Face Mask - 10 Minutes to Rescue Problem Skin
   My lifesaver. My everything. If I need quick skin rescue this is the face mask I wouldn't be without. I tend to use this after holiday when I've been slapping on suncream left, right and centre or if I've been wearing make up for a long period of time. Highly recommend. 
2. Origins Face Mask - Retexturizing Mask
   Definitely an all year round, and one that I use if my skin has decided to be my best friend rather than my enemy. It gives you a healthy glow, and really refreshes your skin. You really notice the difference when using on your sun-kissed skin! 
3. IT Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC Cream
   I've thrown this in as a bit of an extra - no make up than skincare - but again something I wouldn't be without. My friend put me onto this and I haven't looked back, it's lightweight, glowing, really refreshing and just builds on coverage! It's a little more expensive than most foundations, but a little goes along way. 

Twelve Ways to get Clear Skin and Battle Bad Skin Days!

1. Know your skin type and properly treat it. Don't just buy products because they're popular or your friends use them, choose them because they're right for your skin type. 
2. NEVER go to bed without taking your make up. You're asking for trouble. 
3. Wash your make up brushes and sponges on a regular basis.
4. Try not to keep touching your face throughout the day without washing your hands first {just think how much bacteria and dirt is on your hands that you can transfer to your face and clog your pores with, resulting in breakouts}. 
5. Don't touch or pick. Apply a bit of tea tree oil to the inflamed area for a natural spot treatment to quickly dry it up. 
6. Keep your skin hydrated, not only through moisturisers, serums and oils but by drinking plenty of water as well. I noticed a huge difference to my skin by just drinking water. 
7. Limit your intake of sugar and caffeine. According to research out there, sugar and caffeine can trigger breakouts; I'm not saying cut it out all together but instead of having four coffees a day, have two - I notice a huge difference doing this. 
8. Don't use old make up past their expiration date. Throw them away and buy new; normally make up last between six - twelve months. 
9. Sleep your hair out of your face. Platt it, tie it up in a bun, clip your fringe up - whatever is easiest for you, just as long the oil in your hair is out of your face. 
10. Once or twice a week, use a clay face mask to draw out any impurities from your skin. 
11. Gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove any dead skin cells. 
12. Don't scrub your face when you're cleansing, toning, exfoliating etc; make sure you apply all products gently.

Do you have any tips and tricks or products to help achieve a clear complexion and battle a bad skin day? 

Why Autumn is the best season?

It’s an objective fact (not just my opinion) that Autumn is the best season of all. Its only a matter weeks until the clocks ‘fall back’, which means we enter into longer evenings, seasonal movie marathons, the start of the Christmas festivities and the burning of even more cosy candles that release all kinds of Autumnal scents. Is there anything better than that seriously?

Now, snuggle up with a blanket and venture into why Autumn is the best season with me…

• Cinnamon spiced EVERYTHING. Coffee, baked-goods, candles. Enough said!
• Cosy Knitwear. A jumper put together with a pair of jeans and boots; Autumn is definitely the easiest season to dress for. No fuss and you always look great.
• Bubble Baths. I know that you can have a bath anytime of the year, but when it’s cold outside, why not relax in tub filled with bubbles and coloured bath bombs. Autumn is where bubble baths are at.
• Blanket Scarves. Because why not be all snuggled in a huge scarf when it’s cold outside.
• Boots. Boots. And more boots. Because you can’t have an autumnal outfit without boots; knee high, ankle, heeled, black, brown or grey – boots are the must-have in Autumn and you can never have enough pairs.
• The colour palette. Is there anything better than deep burgundy’s, mustard yellows, burnt oranges and forest greens? No I didn’t think so - it’s the ultimate colour combo in fashion, beauty, in everything Autumnal.
• Bundling up with layers. Layering up is the way to go in Autumn - all warm and cosy during your walk to work.
• Candles. I burn candles all year round but there is something about Autumn and Winter scents that are just incredible.
• An Instagrammer’s paradise. Because everyone’s Instagram feeds are full of takeaway coffees, golden autumnal colours, beautiful scenery and pumpkin/cinnamon baked goods.
• Conkers. From the age of six, seeing conkers just meant that it was officially the season of Autumn.
• Fresh Autumnal morning. Those crisp autumnal morning where you can see your breathe and the early morning sun is just amazing.
• Wellies. Where there are country walks, there are wellies. I may be twenty-three but I still enjoy jumping in puddles.
• The start of the festivities. You can buy anything for yourself and claim it is ‘an early Christmas present’. Ultimate justification. Also, Christmas homeware is just to die for – you can never have too many decorations.
• Snuggling up with a blanket. I think that there is nothing better than snuggling under a blanket, whilst it is raining, windy and cold outside. Instant cosy feeling.
• The season of reading. I’m all for curling up on the sofa or in bed with a good book.
• An ‘easy’ excuse for staying in. Because when you leave work at 5:30pm and it’s dark, this excuse counts 100%.
• Crunchy leaves falling from the trees. Strolling through crunchy leaves instantly makes me feel like a kid again!
• Homemade Soups. Hot homemade soup on a rainy, cold day – is there actually anything better?
• Seasonal movie marathons. Staying in your pj’s and watching back-to-back films, just because ‘It’s Autumn’.
• Apples. Apples. Apples. I don’t know what it is but apples are just the best this time of year; you can make pies or crumbles with them, dip them in caramel sauce or just have them plain. When I think Autumn, I think apple crumble and custard. Yumm.
• Fireworks and Sparklers. There is nothing better than waving around sparkling sticks of light trying to write your name and standing in a field with a crowd of people saying ‘woo’ and ‘ahh’ as we watch brightly coloured sparks explode in the night sky. Get your wooly hats and blanket scarves at the ready.
• Country Walks. Going for an Autumnal walk is just perfect. Crispy leaves, changing colours. Beautiful.
• Lush’s Autumn and Winter collection. Sparkly bubble bars for all – it’s the best time of the year seriously! 
• Coffee. Hot Chocolate. All the hot beverages. Caramel mochas, Pumpkin spiced lattes, White hot chocolate melts, Toffee nut lattes and plenty more; I mean it is really Autumn if there aren’t 101 different coffee flavours for you to enjoy on a daily basis? Nope, I didn’t think so either.

Autumn is officially the season of the year! What’s not to love?

When things don't go your way

We all have those days and weeks where it feels like the walls of the world are collapsing in on you - actually I think that they might just be called Mondays. However sometimes, when these days happen, it is difficult to imagine that those things are going to turn around. But being my usual optimistic self, they will turn round eventually, it's just knowing how to deal with it. 

When thing aren’t going your way, it is obviously much easier to crack open a bottle of wine, watch Bridget Jones in your loungewear and drown your sorrows sit and just dwell on it, but that isn’t the right way forward really, is it? So how can you turn it around?

Take a breath

When things get tough, take a step back and just pause for a moment. Sometimes when you dwell on something for too long, it just becomes even more complicated and you just get even more worked up. Sometimes just stepping back, making yourself a cup of tea or going out for some fresh-air can make a lot of difference.

Start with the problem

What is the problem? Identifying what’s wrong is the first thing to do in order to be able to work out what you need to do next and how best to resolve it. 

Find your approach

When you’ve identified the problem, ask yourself ‘what am I trying to achieve?’ Take a moment to think about how you can reach the end, avoiding all the issues that you’ve addressed before.

Talk it out

Talking it out can certainly help – it certainly helps me anyway – as another person can really help to provide you with advice, solutions and motivation to move forward. 

Find something to look forward to

If things are going bad, find something to look forward to. It could be a smallest thing, like having your favourite meal for dinner or something that you’re doing at the weekend. It is important to power through and pin it on something to motivate you.

Positivity

A positive attitude goes a long way. Don’t let stress take you down. Keep your chin up. 

Ask for help

Asking for help isn't seen as weak; in fact it is one of the biggest mistakes that you’re making by not asking for help. 

Learn

Don’t waste this opportunity to take note and learn from it.

How do you take approach to a bad day?

How to spend Valentine's Day alone?

Valentine's Day. Known as day for every couple to celebrate their love, whilst us singletons usually get left out of all the fun. Well, not this year. I'm using this years Valentine's Day to spend sometime on my own (hold all sympathy and ahhh's until the end) but life lately has been pretty hectic, and I just haven't had anytime to do anything for myself. I don't remember the last time that I put on a face mask or spend an entire day unwinding and having a pampering "me" day. 

Whether you're a single girl hanging out with your friends today or spending this day alone, don't turn into someone who extremely stalks their Facebook feed for twenty-four hours because you keep seeing Facebook friends post pictures of romantic meals or engagement rings because you've got the green-eyed monster within you, just embrace the love. So, here is a single girl's guide to Valentines, if you're a single girl like me:

1.Take yourself on a movie date 
Today is the day that you stick on your favourite movie, cry if necessary, and have a mega-bowl of Popcorn all to yourself because after all who doesn't love popcorn. 

Today's Movie of Choice: That Awkward Moment 
(hello! Zac Efron can make anyone feel better, no matter what mood you might be in this Valentine's Day) 

2. Unwind and Pamper
No excuses this is something that every girl needs to do on Valentines Day. So put up your feet, paint your nails, put on a face mask; whatever you need to do to make yourself feel relaxed and unwind, this is your chance to do it. 

3. Read a classic novel - Romance if your feeling up to it. 
If you need to escape your lifeless love life thoughts, then there is nothing better than an inspirational book; however I am kind of loving my romance novel at the moment - Jojo Moyes: Me Before You - sorry but it's  good book. 

4. Give yourself an at-home mani and pedi
Pastels are my go-to colours.

5. Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate. 
Lindt Excellence White Vanilla Chocolate. Heaven in bar-form. Bliss. 

6. Treat yourself with something you've wanted for ages... 
Whether it's a new dress, top or handbag (or holiday in my case), your allowed to treat yourself every once in a while; you don't have to wait for someone else to treat you because your the one who works hard after all. 

7. Light some candles
Yankee Candle Bundled Up. Cosy. 

8. Get on your comfiest clothes 
Joggers and fluffy socks; the best way to spend a Sunday. 

9. Buy yourself some flowers 
My choice of flower is an Orchid - beautiful. 

10. Friend-Dates 
There is nothing better than friend-dates, I mean spent the whole of yesterday, watching Disney movies, painting my nails, drinking coffee and gossiping with a good friend - we are like to twenty-something grannies, who love cofee and going to bed at 9pm. No biggie. 

11. Family time
If anyone can make you feel better about being single, other than your friends, it's your mum. 

12. Turn off social media
Getting a little jealous from time to time is natural, so turn off your social media and focus on yourself for a change; however if you don't want to turn off your social media for Valentine's day, I don't recommend putting on statuses such as: "I hate Valentine's Day and being single. Uhhhh." - Seriously I've seen five of those already today. Just turn it off. 
Until the next socially awkward day event in our annual calendar, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo

Life Lately #4 | The Next Chapter…

Is there a better way to help you start writing an introduction to a new blog post than with a cup of tea on one side and a Rolo Cookie Blondie on my other? No, I thought not! Also, you can’t catch up on life without a cup of tea or coffee present. It’s just not right. 

Anyway, let’s been frank… It’s been a while. And whilst these last nine months have literally flown by and I’ve been super busy, I have had time here and there to dot down a few blog post ideas that I am going to start working on. I wish I could tell you that my life has been all glitz and glamour (well it was for a week) but the moral of it is, I have been extremely busy with just normal life. Mainly working and trying to play adult – which at twenty-three years old, I thought I would have mastered by now but then suddenly, life throws one of its curve ball at you.

So instead of going into all details, because you’d literally be here for hours I thought I would dot down a quick and simple bullet point list about what has been happening with me over the last nine months. 

So, here it goes… (In no particular order) 

• I turned twenty-three. That’s right twenty-three. I should be getting better at this adult thing by now, right? 
• I got a new job and moved to Bristol in March. From a small seaside town to a quirky, up and coming city – it was quite a change at first but I think I’m settling in nicely now. 
• My new job is totally awesome and so diverse. No day is the same. 
• I drove combine harvester. That’s right a combine harvester. Just FYI – I don’t work on a farm as part of my day job, one of my client to linked to the fresh produce market – so we went checked it out! 
• I went on holiday to Monaco. Its super glamorous, has a beautiful historic story and it’s own royal family and plenty of super yachts. And when I say super yachts, I mean ‘super yachts’ – they were like floating mansions on the water with multiple helicopter pads and cars on board, ready to hit the open road when they docked. It’s my new favourite place. 
• I walked the entire Formula One Track whilst I was in Monaco, which was pretty cool. 
• I went on holiday for a week abroad with hand luggage only. For anyone that knows me, I’m a major over-packer. How was that going to work? But I tell you something it is surprising how much you can actually fit in those small suitcases. Now I’m officially all about the hand luggage when I go on holiday. 
• I reunited with my uni gal-pals. There was bowling (we get rather competitive, I must say!), shopping, lunching and plenty of Prosecco – no surprise there! 
• I had someone in my life, who would not take ‘NO’ for answer to something. 
• I learnt that even when you think everything is sorted and will be okay, life still throws you some surprises.

FIVE THINGS THAT HAVE MADE ME HAPPY IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS

1. I turned twenty-three, which meant that more celebrating (and Prosecco) was required.
2. Having fresh flowers in the flat and being able to open all the windows and doors. I miss being able to do that in the winter!
3. Reuniting with my uni gal-pal – hopefully we won’t leave it as long next time.
4. Find my love for health and fitness again. Time to hit the gym!
5. Spending quality weekends with my mum. Now I live in Bristol, she’ll come up and spend weekends with me, just shopping and catch up.

Until the next time. 

It's Okay To...

Life is interesting. Sometimes it throws everything at us all at once; other times it dip-feeds us problems that we have to deal with head on. One day this week, I was mining my own business purchasing my usual medium-sized beverage, flavoured with either Cinnamon or Vanilla - believe it or not that life or death decision of what coffee syrup to purchase, comes down to a moment of spontaneity. Anyhoo during my purchase, I overheard two girls discussing life and the most important fact of the day was that Girl A (let's keep it anonymus - more fun that way) needed to buy that skirt from Topshop because Girl A and B needed to fit in with Girl C at school as she was popular, especially with the boys. But it got me thinking, how did I ever survive secondary school? But more importantly, it got me thinking why is it so difficult to be different these days and the fact is that it is okay to things that make you different. 

So here are a few thoughts that went through my head, when thinking about what it's okay to do:

1. Cry over nothing at all. 
2. Laugh uncontrollably at things that no one else finds funny. A little awkward at times though.
3. Stay in on a Friday night. Disney DVDs and Chocolate anymore? 
4. Talk to your pets. I'm pretty sure that they understand you. 
5. Not wanting to go out on a wet and windy day. 
6. Be happy. Never let anyone drag you down. 
7. Put all your DVDs into alphabetial order. It doesn't make you strange, just extremely organised.
8. Look at the desserts on a menu before looking at the mains when you go to a restaurant. 
9. Be a #Directioner.  
10. Cut out those who doubt what you can really do. 
11. Quote F.R.I.E.N.D.S or Mean Girls on a daily basis.
12. Not have a boyfriend. 
13. Treat yourself every once in a while. 
14. Hold your hands up and admit you may of made a mistake. The important thing is that you learn from it.
15. Enjoy a colouring book as a adult. It's very therapeutic! 
16. Still sing every lyric to a Disney movie. 
17. Act confident; even if you're shaking like a leaf inside.
18. Be proud of achieving a goal, big or small. It's your life. 
19. Think that you look great. Definite confident booster. 
20. Only take 5 mintues to do your make-up, who can tell anyway?
21. Not to like the same things as everyone else. 
22. Take your time in facing the world.
23. Be honest when giving out any advice. 
24. Not have a favourite colour.
25. Be you. 

Is there anything that you think it's okay to do? Anyway until the next time, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

Fifteen Thoughts from a Flu-Filled Individual

If you haven't guess it already by the title of this post... Yes that's right, I am the flu-filled individual that everyone dodges like a bullet, so they don't become ill as well - I've got to say, it kind of hurts my feelings a little; I mean I don't want this cold anymore than you do. Nothing makes me feel more like the epitome of health than having someone tell me that "I'm looking rather rough and ill today" or breaking into a cough or sneezing fit whereby everyone in the room turns and gives you daggers. Yes, I know I sound congested and gross but I am just having difficulty breathing right now... 

But with plenty of Vitamin C and cold and flu tablets on my side, let me just take you through a thought or two that a flu-filled individual made have: 

1. I can't wait to breathe again properly. What is it even like to breathe properly? 

2. Oh god! If my congestion wasn't bad enough, now I've got a sore throat. I feel like I'm swallowing razor blades. Hand me the ice cream, so I can pity myself whilst trying to sooth my sore throat. WINNING. 

3. Why is it every time I sneeze my head feels like it is going to explode or fall off?

4. Great! Now I look like Rudolph the reindeer because I've been blowing my nose every 5 minutes.

5. I've just pulled a muscle, which I didn't even know I had, from coughing so much. Wait, is that even possible? 

6. I'm pretty sure I've drunk more orange juice than what an average supermarket stocks within a week. 

7. Why has breathing become so painful? 

8. When someone asked what you would like for dinner and your automatic respond is boiled egg on toast. Yes I know I can't taste anything but I know this is the go-to food when you're ill.

9. Why is it I can't taste anything but when someone gives you honey and lemon, you can really taste how disgusting it actually is? 

10. Why is staying in bed on a weekend so appealing but when you're ill lying down in bed its your worst nightmare. Cough. Cough. Cough. 

11. Opening your window is such a big decision when ill; to freeze or not to freeze that is the question? 

12. Going to work with congestion and watery eyes to face a computer screen all day. HELL NO! 

13. There are plenty of people worse off than you in this world, I mean you've only got a cold. Time to get up! 

14. Remember, if you're going to have a coughing fit at work try and not do it when you pick up the phone to an important client. 

15. Yes I know I look like complete and utter rubbish but I've tried to make an effort, surely that counts for something? 

Until the next time cold and flue strikes, Au Revoir! 
Love,
Lauren xo 

Time to Revisit 2015

This year has, for the most part, been pretty awesome and I've accomplished a lot looking back on it. I wouldn't say 2015 was completely 'my year' but I would have to admit it was certainly a good one - I mean, I graduated from university, made some what I hope are life-long friendships and created some pretty-awesome memories along the way; all whilst I tried to complete my 2015 New Years Bucket List. Just call me Busy-Bee Lauren. 

Looking back, 2015 was a good year but thinking about it, there is still so much more fun and adventures to be had but for now I think it is time to revisit 2015... 

What was my 2015 New Years Bucket List and did I complete it? 

1. Find my 1st (proper) full time job
   Yes! Yes! Yes! I definitely completed this and I am loving every minute of it. 
2. Drink more water
   If I am honest, I started really well with this and then it slowly started to slip but I will be back on the 'Drink more water' resolution in 2016. 
3.  Visit (at least) two different countries
   I only visited one country this year - sad face - which was Portugal with my university friends and had the best time; cocktails, sunshine and laughter, what's not to love. 
4. Start to read more books
   Since finishing university, I've got back into reading and I am always up for any recommendations of any good books - I didn't realise how much I missed reading until I read four books in the space of a week, whilst on holiday. #Bookworm. 
5. Start saying 'Yes' to more opportunities
   I feel like I definitely started saying 'Yes' to more opportunities and it will be continued in 2016. 
6. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
   Unfortunately I didn't get to visit it this year but I am looking ahead to 2016 Winter Wonderland. 
7. Visit Harry Potter World
   This was achieved! I went with my good friend, Leonie to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and it was indeed every bit as magical as the film. 
8. Go on another spontaneous road trip with friends
   To be honest, you could count the mega-48-hour London experience I had to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Capital FM Summertime Ball with Leonie; although we had to book and buy tickets, we hadn't a clue what we were doing when we got to London - we thought spontaneously, you could say! 
9. Start a scrapbook
   I've only been saying it for the past two years but now I've been saying it for three years, I will get round to it... When I find the time, there just aren't enough hours in the day. 
10. Graduate - You bet I did and without falling over on the stage too! Success. 
11. Visit all my uni friends in the summer
    I did't visit absolutely all of them (and to be fair, one of them was in America all Summer, a bit far to travel, don't you think?) but Birthdays and reunions did happen with the university friends. 
12. Take better care of myself
    I've taken it day by day but I have definitely started looking after myself more. In 2014,  I suffered with bad skin, so 2015 I made a change and luckily that change was a good change for my skin. 
13. Do a good deed for someone
    There have been a few good deeds completed in 2015. 
14. Go a whole day without ANY technology
    This is one that I really really want to complete. No phone. No laptop. No technology. But it is extremely difficult when you work in a digital agency but I want to achieve this in 2016. 
15. Complete the 30 day abs challenge - I don't even think I started this to be fair. Oops! 

Top Five Highlights from 2015

1. Graduating with a 1st Class BA Honours in Advertising and achieving the Digital Marketing Foundation Award with Digital Excellence - one of the best days I've ever had. 
2. Taking selfies (with a selfie stick, obvs) with my university friends in the middle of the park, when we finally finished our dissertation before hand-in. 
3. It is always acceptable to play dancemat (badly) whilst eating pizza, drinking Cava and still drunk on 2-4-1 cocktails that you had at 2pm with your university friends in Turtle Bay. 
4. Drinking 'Sex on the Beach' cocktails with my besties in sunny Portugal, whilst a number of different Portugese men linked our  'Sex on the Beach' cocktails to sexual innuendos. Yuck!
5. Learning that your true friends are there for you, no matter where they are or what they are doing in your time of need. 

Top Five Things I discovered in 2015...

1. I am 100% a #Belieber and #Directioner (even if One Direction are taking a break - sad face!)
2. There is always someone that is going to be better, richer, thinner or prettier than me but being positive is just as good if not better than all of those things. 
3. I have a new found love for Wagamamas. 
4. Over thinking and worrying is a waste of time and doesn't help you move forward. 
5. True friends will automatically know when its time for a coffee, piece of cake and a catch up/cheer up session.

Well that's it for 2015 folks, see you in 2016 with a whole load of new resolutions (which hopefully I will keep a lot better than 2015), Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

What I got for Christmas?

Office - Suede Brown Easter Buckle Knee Boots | HMV - Disney DVDS (including The Jungle Book and 101 Dalmations, my favs!) | Olivia Palermo Nail Polish in "My Haute Vacation Coral" | Cath Kidston Billie and Friends Cream Stanley Mug | The Body Shop - Christmas Scented Shower Gels (Frosted Cranberry, Frosted Plum and Glazed Apple) | Kindle PaperWhite | Boux Avenue Fleecy Pyjamas | Frozen 'Olaf' Pyjamas | Christmas Yankee Candle Melt Warmer (with lots of Christmas scents to go with it - Bundled Up my new favourite scent!) | Personalised Heart-Shaped Photo Garland with bestie photos included | New Look Super Skinny Indigo Jeans | Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate | Olly Mur 2016 Calendar (Christmas wouldn't be the same without an Olly Murs calendar) 

Christmas. A time where we all eat too much Chocolate, consume a few too many glasses of Prosecco and the entire nation complains that they've put on too much weight and they promise that they're going to hit the gym in the New Year - a promise which half of us say but never do! 

Yet again, I have been well and truly spoilt this year; after getting over the fact that a twenty-one year old still like Disney, my parents gave me a number of different Disney films - including The jungle Book, my fav! -  a new Kindle Paperwhite, and not to mention the cutest pair of boots I've ever recieved (*insert heart shaped eye emoji here*), along with plenty of pyjamas (which seem to be the 'in-thing' to get people for Christmas these days along with plenty of shower gels and other smellies). Getting new pyjamas for Christmas is the best though, don't you agree? With regards to the 'token smellies' that you always seem to get at Christmas time, well I think my family must of empty the shelves at The Body Shop with the amount of shower gels and facial washes that I have stored in my bathroom right now - don't get my wrong being topped up with shower gels and smellies is what Christmas is all about but I think I'm going to need a bigger bathroom shelf.

It is scary how well my university friends know me; to be honest I think they know me better than I know myself at times. 101 Dalmations is now on repeat constantly whilst my room is filled with beautiful scented candles and I munch on some Christmas choccy - thank you! 

However, where there is Christmas, there are Boxing Day Sales just around the corner, don't worry I am not one of these people, who get up at 5am just to queue outside a store to get the best bargain and fight with another shopper over one item, I do it 21st centure style, yes that's right, I visit the online shop where manic shoppers and stressed out shop assistants are nowhere to be seen and I can do it all whilst in my pyjamas, snuggled on the sofa with vanilla latte and comfy slippers. Bliss. Watch this space for Boxing Day sale treats post...

Another Christmas over and done with; I mean it's scary to think that we are almost in 2016, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo 

The Best Life Lessons to take from 2015

Life is constantly teaching us lessons and 2015 has been another year where the good and bad lessons of life have helped me to be even stronger than I was before. 2015 has been a rollercoaster of a year for me what with writing a dissertation, graduating with a 1st class honours in Advertising, getting my first full-time job and not to mention the normal stresses and worries every twenty-one year old gets from time to time - relationship status, social life, spot breakouts and that awkward transition from a young night-out loving adult into the adult that works full-time and has to seriously think about her future - life lessons of 2015 can be hard for a twenty-one year old.

Whether the life lessons that I've learnt from 2015 are good or bad; here are the best ones that I am going to take from this year into the next: 

1. It's the small yet simple things like friendships and family that you should treasure more than anything. 
2. Fighting for what you want isn't always easy, it can be extremely challenging but it is vital for your survival. 
3. Suffering alone might seem the easier option but confiding in someone can be the even easier option.
4. It is never too late to do anything in life, you just have to want it. 
5. Over thinking and worrying is a waste of time and doesn't help you move forward. 
6. A little bit of confidence goes along way. 
7. It is not embarrassing to be a #Directioner or #Belieber anymore - Loving these tunes at the moment!
8. Your happiness will help you through all your bumps and upsets that your future journey might hold.
9. If your not happy about something. Fix it! Only you can make yourself happy.
10. People who judge you for being yourself aren't worth getting to know. 
11. Perfect is boring. What even is perfect anymore? 
12. It's better to be single that in a relationship that doesn't make you happy.
13. There is always someone that is going to be better, richer, thinner or prettier than you but being positive is just as good if not better as all of those things. 
14. True friends are the ones that drop everything and support you no matter what or where they are. 
15. Things do happen for a reason, the good and the bad. 
16. Sometimes making sacrifices now can help with your future. 
17. Being mentally strong is better than being physical strong. 
18. Your biggest strength comes from not giving up and succeeding. 
19. Your work life shouldn't take over your social life - there should be an equal balance. 
20. Team work makes dreams work - cliché saying but it is true! 

Until the next time there is a lesson or two to be learnt in life, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo