Saturday, 5 September 2015

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 
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Wednesday, 2 September 2015

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
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Tuesday, 1 September 2015

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 21st 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
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Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Lauren's Declassified Festival Survival Guide



With the summer festival season in full swing, my Time-Hop reminding me that two years ago, I attended Reading Festival and the consideration that you might want to attend a few festivals this summer; I thought I would pass on a few helpful hints and tips that I’ve learnt over my time at festivals, which will ensure you get the best experience possible!

PRACTICALITY VS. STYLE… 
In the past I’ve made the big mistake of getting all ‘done up’ for a festival but I quickly realized that it wasn’t the smartest idea, especially when the bad weather sets in. Putting ‘Festival Outfits’ into Google images isn’t the best idea either because you end up styling yourself in uncomfortable, non-practical clothing, which you end up layering up with jewellery and a tonne of accessories. Although adding style to your outfit is lovely, practicality is a must; remember stay basic with clothing that allows you to move freely and have a good time.

TOP TIP! Festival Fashion is all about comfort and being practical! 

IT’S NOT A CRIME TO DRINK WATER.
Everybody knows that at a festival the alcohol will be flowing; however it is important to also stay hydrated because you don’t want your festival experience to be ruined by de-hydration. Most festivals have free refill water stations, so you have no reason not to staying hydrated; just remember to take a plastic water bottle with you. 

#FESTIVALESSENTIALS.
Firstly, don’t take a suitcase to a festival, a travelling backpack is best suited and is easier to transport around rather than a suitcase.

Your #FestivalEssentials can either make or break your experience at a festival. Your must-have essentials must include: ID, money, suncream, painkillers, hairbands, plasters, toilet rolls, hand sanitizer, babywipes or make up wipes, dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste. Something else that I would suggest is a back up battery pack for your phone, you can get portable chargers these days, I would definitely get one as a festival can get pretty busy and you can't always find your friends in the crowd.

For the overnight festival experience, essentials must include: a warm jumper as it can get a little chilly in the evenings, warm fluffy socks, sleeping bag and pillow.

One thing that is making a come-back is 'fanny-packs'. Although, some aren't the most fashionable things to accessorise with, they are handy to have as you can keep everything in one place and know it is all safe; you can even get one that lie flat on your stomach that you can hide under your clothes and no-one will know you own a 'fanny-pack'.


Own your 'fanny-pack', like Jonah Hill would own his. 
There is a whole load of #FestivalEssentials, that I could unload on you but the essentials that I’ve mentioned are the important things not to forget; however one thing that I would say when you’re finding your #FestivalEssentials is not to overpack and ask yourself could you actually do without it just for one weekend?

Good Luck Packing!

PLANNING IS NO JOKE.
At most festivals across the UK you have the chance to see over one-hundred artists but unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to catch every single artist, unless you want to be running around the arena like a mad-person, I suggest planning. Planning what acts you want to see before you go isn’t a bad thing, it is actually a rather sensible thing to do; after all you don’t want to miss your favourites.

REMEMBER! WE LIVE IN BRITAIN.
In Britain, you can’t predict the weather and it is safe to say that even in the middle of summer, you’re more than likely guaranteed to get rain. Having soaking wet clothes all festival isn’t fun; make sure you pack a waterproof poncho, resealable plastic bags to keep your phone and money dry, keep away from the canvas-style shoes and stick to rocking those wellies.

STRANGER DANGER.
At a festival staying together with your friends is difficult but try and make sure your phones are charged and you know where you’ve set up your base camp for the weekend. People are friendly at festivals but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down; don’t accept drinks and food from strangers, as you don’t know what could be in them and be aware of your surroundings.

LET LOOSE AND LIVE! 
Some of the best memories I have come from music festivals, so live it up while you’re young because everyone should experience at least one festival in their lifetime; even if you only visit for the day, enjoy every minute of the experience. Remember, stay safe, keep hydrated and leave your worries at home for the weekend.


- Lauren xo



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