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