Choose Happiness. Choose Confidence.

Happiness is a choice. Happiness is something, we can all feel but sometimes, you just have one of those days where nothing seems to be going right… Sound similar? Here is the thing, life isn't about pleasing everyone; it's about doing the right thing and pleasing yourself. Recently, I've had one of those days where I woke up and felt like the world was on my shoulders; not to mention, I've been an 'agony aunt' to so many over the last few weeks, which made me realise that actually you should grab every opportunity or chance that you get in life and sometimes, you can be mistreated but it's how you overcome and choose happiness and rebuild your confidence. 

Be happy. Be yourself. If others don't like it, leave them be because for every minute you're sad or upset, you lose a minute of living your life and being happy. I know it isn't as easy as just saying "be happy" but you always have to look at the bigger picture; sometimes, I have those days where I want to change everything about my life and myself but when a stranger comments on how beautiful your confidence is, you must smile and think if you don't like something about you, someone else just might.

One of the keys to happiness is confidence. Just think if you have the courage to stand up in front of people, admit when you're scared and take the responsibility, everyone thought you couldn't achieve; it is everything you need that helps you along the way to a healthier and happier state of mind.

You have to begin everyday like you ended your last… Happy! Here are a few tips to choosing happiness and building your confidence; to make yourself the best you can be: 

Choose… to be the best. 

Choose… a good attitude. 

Choose… to look at what you do have, not on what you don't have. 

Choose… the right people. 

Choose… to smile! 

Choose… to embrace everything that life hands to you. 

Choose… to be honest. 

Choose… to do something you love. 

Sometimes, looking at your life from the outside, in tends to be a better option than looking from the inside, out. I mean, you need to look at everything that you don't need or has an affect on your life; take control, sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. 

Choose Happiness. Because it's your choice to do so. Not everybody else's. Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

Wanderlust Traveler

I would have to say that travelling is a gift rather than a goal; I mean, I have been lucky enough to get to few places abroad over the years but I have always wanting to fly and spread my wings a little further - so to speak. Social media is great for keeping in touch with friends and seeing what the world is up to but sometimes, where there is social media, there is jealousy. Recently, I have seen a number of my friends fly off to foreign lands or I've seen status which include the terms "planning" or "booked" which all conclude with a holiday or the fact they're going travelling; I've always wanted to jet set but after reading multiple travel blogs - I want nothing more than to see what wanders this world holds. 

I would definitely say that I am a traveller not a backpacker, I want to see all the beautiful sites of this world; from the concentrate jungles to the outbacks and stunning sunsets, I've just been itching to hop onto a plane and get exploring. So, I decided to put together a small, travel bucket list of places where I would like to tick off - maybe 2016 might be my year to see the world but who knows what the future holds: 

1. New York City - The city that never sleeps! 
For as long as I can remember, New York City has been at the top of my traveling list. It's always been a dream of mine I suppose. Standing on top of the Empire State building taking in the concentrate jungle from a view, having breakfast at Tiffany's (literally), visiting Central Park zoo, trying various new Starbucks favourites that don't seem to make it across the pond and the possibly of saying Hi! to lady liberty is the dream of NYC. I know its not going to be cheap but one day, I would like to think that all those things and more are going to happen to me.  

2. Barbados 
The soft, golden sands and amazing blue oceans is only one thing that I dream about when I think of Barbados; there are plenty of other things that I reckon this island holds. I love turtles! And I've always wanted to swim with them and I believe Barbados is the place to do so. Maybe one day I'll visit. 

3. Los Angeles 
LA otherwise known as Tinseltown. The long, golden beaches, the cliché selfie with the 'Hollywood' sign, walking the walk of fame and just being able to say that I am in the zipcode of one of my favourite TV shows will be a dream come true - for anyone not guessing what TV show I'm on about, its 90210. Yes! That's right Beverly Hills. Bring on LA! 

4. Europe - Switzerland, Belgium and Italy 
Don't get me wrong I've seen some places in Europe but I've never been to any of these places. I mean, most of the time when you go to Switzerland, you have the intentions to go Skiing but I don't think I will be doing this as I am a little bit clumsy from time to time; but I hear Switzerland has some beautiful views (and the food is pretty awesome to!) - very picturesque! Belgium is known for its beautiful architecture and not to mention, its delicious chocolate; also Italy for its history and culture. 

5. Australia 
Where do I start with Australia? Aside from the extremely large reptiles and creepy crawlies, Australia sounds amazing; from the beautiful views and extraordinary culture - it sounds like my perfect destination - not to mention the beautiful, golden sand beaches and amazing opportunities to could hold. 

6. Iceland 
Out of all my choices of destinations, this one has to be the strangest. I mean, its not particularly warm, it doesn't exactly have glorious food and amazing markets but apparently the culture and the geography behind Iceland is amazing - from the volcanos to the geysers I think it would be an amazing destination. 

7. Rhodes, Greece 
I've never been to Greece but if I went, I've always fancied Rhodes. Apparently, its beautiful. Not to mention, Greek food is to die for. From the culture-saturated towns to the sandy beaches and vivid sunsets, I want to see it all and I bet a picture in Rhodes is worth a thousand words. Beautiful. 

Judging by my choice of destinations, there seems to be a theme emerging; it seems all the destinations I have chosen, have to be picturesque and Instagram friendly and has to have amazing food as well! Obviously, my stomach and photogenic ways lead my life. 

What destinations are on your travel bucket list? 

Until the next time I find myself wanderlusting, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

Rugby World Cup 2015 - Italy vs Romania | Sandy Park, Exeter

First things first, if you get anything out of this post, I would like it to be this… If you ever go somewhere where you know that you're going to be standing for a long period of time in one spot - believe me 80 minutes is a long time - wear the comfiest pair of shoes you have and be prepared to have a sore, achy back for a few days afterwards (maybe the sore back part doesn't happen to everybody but prepare for it anyway). 

I spent the best part of 80 minutes cheering, shouting, waving, jumping, wining that my feet and back were aching, cheering, cheering and cheering some more - I am very surprsied that I woke up with a voice on Monday morning to be honest. But honestly, it was the most fun I've had in ages. Yes! By all means, if you saw a crazy girl wrapped in a million layers, waving an Italy flag in one hand and a Romanian in the other manically on TV, that was 99.9% probably me. But I don't care, I had a great time after all. 

After venturing to Sandy Park (home to Exeter Chiefs), we quickly made our way to that noisy place in the corner that everyone seemed to gathered around. The bar. The sudden realisation that I shouldn't of wore so many layers set in and whilst I began to drink, I also began to sizzle. But of course, I played it cool. I mean I had a chance (a very slim chance) to meet an international rugby star, so I thought that playing it cool was the safest option to go with. As kick off time was fast approaching we made our way into the stadium, found our spots and waited for the National Anthems to be played and the kick off whistle to be blown - FYI the Italian National Anthem is rather jolly and I am deeply surprised that they don't have a dance to go with it but that didn't stop the Italians dancing, who were stood behind us. 

As someone who has grown to love rugby, I went into this match as a mutual party; otherwise known as the person who sits on the fence and then supports the team which happens to be closest to winning at full-time as my brother likes to put it. However, I don't think I was the only mutual party at that game, I think a few people were to be honest. But believe me when I saw, watching a match live at the stadium compared to on the TV is completely different. I mean, Italy gave Romania a run for their money but Romania fort back - especially in the second half, they came back fighting - unfortunately it wasn't enough for Romania to take the win. The atmosphere during a rugby match is completely different to any other sporting match that I've been to; I mean, fans became one and supported both teams until the final whistle was blown; when Italy scored the stadium erupted with cheers and loud stamping noises, likewise when Romania scored it erupted again. 

Although by the end of the match my feet and back were aching, it was worth every second. Not only was my day made by a great sporting event and friends but the fresh Autumnal weather, which included the sun beaming down on Sandy Park was to die for - amazing!  

Until next time an international event comes to England and I happen to go, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

The Simple Things | Autumn

The evenings are starting to get longer, the weather is getting colder day by day and the winds and colours are changing; this all means one thing… it's officially Autumn and I am super excited. The satisfaction of jumping into colourful, crisp leaves like a big kid and wearing wellies with practically any outfit become socially acceptable; not to mention the brisk early morning walks (or sprint, if I happen to be walking the dog) and the beautiful Autumnal colours, not only on the trees but in beauty and fashion items as well, which complete almost every Autumnal outfit is something to favour in this season. 

Anyway, with Autumn well and truly under way, I thought that I would list ten things that I  just love about this delightful and colourful season and pretty much some up, why Autumn is just damn awesome: 

1. Jumping into crisp, colourful Autumn leaves. 

Yes, I know this sounds like something that you would only do if you were twelve years old but guess what… It's still fun to do - I'm like a big kid at heart. 

2. Golden Eyes and Berry Colours.  

I love wearing warm, golden tones for my make up look this time of year; I mean, I don't where this as my everyday look but sometimes on the weekend I like to make an effort. Also, I love warm berry colours; especially in nail polishes and on the lips but unfortantely I don't feel confident enough yet to wear the dark berry colours on my lips - maybe one day? 

3. Cinnamon. Cinnamon. Cinnamon. 

This is a truly simple things that I just love during this season. I have cinnamon in or on everything; from cereal to porridge, from candles to cakes {Cinnamon Swirl from Starbucks… Try one, I dare you; you'll never look back}. 

4. Chunky Scarves.

Having a chunky, warm scarf is a must and something every girl should have; I mean, don't you just love wrapping yourself up in a warm scarf and coat on a Autumn, frostbite morning. 

5. Flushed Rosy Cheeks. 

Most of the time when the cold, refreshing Autumn weather sets in, rosy cheeks are people's pet hate but I love having flushed, rosy cheeks; I have no idea why, I think it just looks so nature. 

6. Evenings In {with Hot Chocolate and a movie}. 
When the cold evenings set in, there is nothing more satisfying than wrapping yourself up in a blanket with a hot drink, a movie and a scented candle burning - perfection! I mean, I am all for going out but sometimes those evenings in are the best. 

7. Wellies. 

Those long, chilly, Autumnal walks wouldn't be complete without those brightly-coloured and Khaki green wellington boots. 

8. Red Cups.

Any Starbucks lover will know that Autumn isn't just a time for pumpkin-spiced lattes; it is also the official countdown to the Starbucks Christmas red cups launch. 

9. Fireworks. Sparklers. Bonfires. 
In all social calendars there is one night a year, where everybody dresses up in the winter woolies, put on their warmest shoes and heads out to celebrate Guy Fowke's night otherwise known as Bonfire night. On this night the temptation to grab a sparkler and write your name as many times as you can before it burns out is something that everyone loves to do - even if you're an adult! 

10. That Christmasy Feeling… 
Autumn means one thing, Winter is on its way and that means Christmas is too. Although, it annoys me that radio stations start playing Christmas songs in November and card shops get there Christmas cards out as early as September, sometimes August; it is one of my favourite times of the year and with the cold weather setting in, you just get that ultimate Christmasy feeling, especially when Halloween and bonfire night are over. 

Until next time when another seasonal change occurs, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Blogs Worth Bookmarking #2

These last three weeks, the world has gone a bit cray, what with the Rugby World Cup starting; the launch of the ‘The Vampire Diaries, Season 7’ trailer, which I am super excited for FYI; and the mega amount of photo uploads that Facebook has had to deal with from the thousands of Fresher’s that have finally made their way through the notorious Fresher’s week and the flu that comes with it – I’m only a little jealous, I promise. *Insert eye rolling emoji here* Anyway, during this last three weeks; between working full time and tolerating the mind-boggling experience that is the Rugby World Cup, I’ve made time to find a few blogs, which are definitely worth a read and maybe even a bookmark:

1. Career Girl Daily 
I love this blog, it makes me feel so grown up reading it and it offers so much advice; especially if you're someone like me who has just entered into the world of work and need some of that friendly, need-to-know advice. 

2. Milk Bubble Tea 
I always find that this blog is always nice to read 

3. Flora Shedden 
Since this week has been all about the Great British Bake Off, especially here on the blog, I thought it was only fair to mention Flora's blog. If you love food and drink recipes, then this is the blog for you. To be honest, there are some really good recipes on here, which I cannot wait to try. 

4. Keep Dreaming
If you like products reviews then this is the blog for you. When new products are launched, I am always nervous about buying them. 1) because you never knew what they are going to do to you and 2) sticking to what you know is always more appealing. But this blog actually gives you good reviews, which are hard to come by when beauty and skincare products are concerned. 

5. I Heart Organizing 
As a girl who loves organisation - seriously I am pretty good at all - and someone, who is redecorating their spare room, this blog was perfect for me. 

6. Dizzy Brunette 3
This is such a cute blog and I love the lifestyle tips and the travel vlogs and blogs; however it is just making me want to go traveling or visit places even more now. 

Until next time I surf the internet for more interesting blog finds, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Great British Bake Off 2015

Over these last ten weeks Twitter as gone insane, what with kitchen interiors and accessorizes that we can only simply admire, the hundreds of dessert bakes that make you want to grab the biggest piece of cake you've ever seen and eat in within a second (insert heart-shaped eye emoji here) and finally, the fabulous faces that Flora has given us over the last few weeks, whenever she has made a mistake… Yes! I am indeed talking about the Great British Bake Off. 

As an newbie Bake Off addict and with the final only days away, I thought that it was only fit to do a Great British Bake Off blog. Since the Great British Bake Off has started favourites have been chosen, mistakes have been made - who decides to make a mousse thinking that it will set in an hour. Madness. - and heartbreaks have happened when you thought someone was safe but they really weren't.  

So in the words of Sue Perkin and Mel Giedroyc "It's time for the Great British Bake Off": 

1. Who is your favourite baker?
Honestly, from the start it has been Tamal. #TeamTamal all the way.

2. What has been your favourite week from #GBBO 2015?
As a lover of cheesecake, I would have to choose: *drumroll* Dessert week. Tamal's Mango, Hazelnut and Rosemart trio of cheesecakes looked mouthwatering; not to mention the other awesome looking desserts that were created on that glorious, calorie-filled day.

3. What are your must-haves for watching #GBBO?
Fluffy socks, cup of tea and preferably a tasty snack - popcorn is the favourite choice - you have to eat something while watching bake off, it just really difficult not too. 

4. Who do you want to win #GBBO?
#TeamTamal or #TeamNadiya. I don't mind who wins out of those two, I think they both deserve it. 

5. What has been your favourite moment on #GBBO2015?
Flora's facial expressions for one whenever she made a mistake. 

6. What are your other favourite cooking shows?
Come dine with me. 

Until next time when we all sit down with a bake off recipe and a cup of tea to read one of Lauren Marie's blog posts, 
Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo

September Favourites

In my eyes, October means it is officially Autumn and whilst September was an exciting month for me; I mean I started a new job and I finally planned the long awaited reunion with my besties from uni (It's time to put our best foot forward for our Great Gatsby Graduation ball) I just can't wait for October to begin! First things first though, it is time to say Hello October, as we welcome you with knitted jumpers, knee-high boots and a regular sized pumpkin-spiced latte. Now October is here, we are another month closer to Christmas - exciting - I think I may be a little bit too over-excited for Christmas though, as I am currently sat here writing this post in my Christmas pyjama's, with my Christmas 'Cranberry Ice' Yankee Candle burning, whilst looking at Christmas presents for everybody (I think I just said Christmas way to many times in that sentence). 

All in all, September was a good month of starting new adventures, whilst saying goodbye to the old ones but I still managed to come up with a few favourites in September: 

1. La Roche Posay Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin 
Okay, this stuff is a miracle cure. This is something that I would recommend to anybody, who has regular breakouts and sensitive skin; I mean, it is so gently and soft on your skin and it doesn't feel oily either. Also, if you're someone who suffers from blemishes or you scar after getting a spot, this product is for you as it's free from all those harsh chemicals; although at £11 a bottle (well at Boots anyway), it may seem extensive, it was worth every penny that I spent on it and from now on, it will forever be on my re-purchase list and will continue to be a favourite.  

2. My Fitness Pal App 

A good friend (Cheers Sal!), actually recommended this app to me and I've never looked back. It allows you to add what you had for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks in-between counting each calorie as you go; I mean, I don't want to loads of weight but this app gives you plenty of meals to try and just monitors what you eat, helping you cut out snacking and become healthy, which is my ultimate aim to be honest. 

3. You're the one that I want - Giovanna Fletcher
I love spontaneous buys and this was one of them; I mean, I do love a good book and Giovanna Fletcher, so this was the perfect buy. The book is so easy to read and I just can't seem to put it down and it reminds me so much of my childhood friendships and those first-time crushes. I can't wait to read her other books, they are already on pre-order. 

4. Maybelline 'Keep It Classy' Colour Drama Lip Crayon
Normally, I am not one for a dark lip but when I saw this colour, I thought it was perfect and I just had to buy it. Is it bad that I mainly bought it because of the colour, not because I wante to wear it? Anyway, this colour is gorgeous and with it in the form of a lip crayon, it just makes it so easy to apply quickly and out and about. The name 'Keep it Classy' reminded me of a friend, that always use to (and still does) tell me to stay classy when I was off on a night out.

5. Apple and Cinnamon Crisp Cereal 
Don't get me wrong, I love cereal but after a while, it gets really boring, eating the same thing day in, day out. So I opted to try something new. This was the perfect find; I mean, I love apple and I love cinnamon, what cereal could be better than this. Now, every morning I look forward to waking up, sitting on my sofa with a bowl of this delightful cereal, topped with vanilla yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Devine! 

7. Jack Wills Holecroft Sheer Shirt
This shirt is perfection! That's all I can say. I have worn this time and time again over the last few weeks and I am tempted to  buy another one, just in case it rips or gets damaged. It's so soft and goes with anything because it has both black and navy on it and it is perfect for my office job and any meetings. 

Until next time, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo