November Favourites

A November favourites blog post can only mean one thing... It's almost Christmas. YAY! Yes that's right its almost that time of year where I can light my Christmas scented candles without judgement, decorate my house to look like Santa's Grotto - blue and white themed Christmas decorations are just so beautiful, don't you think? - and it's acceptable to hear Christmas songs on the radio and sing them at the top of your lungs - even if your in the office working. Oops! I am in full festive mode, ready for Christmas to begin and today is the day that it does.

So let's get down to business, with a mince pie in hand here are my November favourites. Enjoy!  

1. All Butter Pineapple, Coconut & White Chocolate Cookies {from Marks & Spencers}
Who doesn't love cookies? I mean don't get me wrong I do love the traditional 'Double Choc Chip' and 'Milk Chocolate' cookies but these are something else. AMAZING in fact. I picked these up on a whim because well, I'm going to be honest I liked the look of the packaging so I bought them. You would think that cookies with fruit in would be somewhat gross but actually these are the best but what can I say "It's not just food; It's M&S food." #AdvertisingGraduate 

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Intense Moisturiser 
This bi-polar winter weather is doing nothing for my skin. De-hydrated and dry is an understatement. But thanks to the Black Friday sales in The Body Shop I have found the perfect moisturiser for my skin helping me to conquer this horrendous British winter weather that we've been having. My skin is very temperamental especially around this time of year, its dry one minute having a mad breakout the next, so I needed to see results; I use this every night just before I go to bed and with this moisturiser I find that less is more, you only need a little on your finger and your face feels silky soft in no time. 

3. Mulled Wine Candle 
Christmas. Christmas. Christmas. Yes, its almost here and there is nothing like the smell of Mulled Wine to get you in the mood for this festive season. Now, I don't like the taste of Mulled Wine but the smell is divine and one that makes the whole house smell like Christmas. I tell you what there is nothing better than sitting on a Sunday afternoon in comfy joggers whilst watching a Christmas film on SkyMovies - FYI they've had an amazing choice of Christmas films on this year - and the smell of a Mulled Wine scented candle filling the room. Bliss. 

4. Graduation Dress 
You know how some women want to wear their wedding dress over and over again after getting married - or is that just Monica, Rachel and Phoebe in F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Anyway this is what I want to do with my Graduation dress, I want to wear it day in, day out (call me sad, I don't care) but Graduation day was a day that I'll always remember; from the 70mph winds and rain to my surprise 'Digital Marketing Foundation Award with Digital Excellence' Award that I received on stage. One of my favourite dresses for one of my favourite days. Say hello to Lauren BA (Hons) - First Class. 

5. The Little Blue Notebook 
You've heard of a girl having a 'little black book' well this is my 'little blue book' but don't be fooled this doesn't hold the same information as a 'little black book' does; in fact it is totally opposite. I was bought this little blue book by a friend for my 21st and I couldn't decide what to do with it until now. 

Just think the next time a 'Monthly Favourite' blog comes around, it will be 2016. Scary where the time goes. Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo

What I learnt on Graduation Day?

After four months of waiting, last week marked the end of my time at Southampton Solent University and what a send off it was; from giving my parents a well-deserved tour around Southampton - well, West Quay Shopping Centre anyway - to celebrating with a obligatory mortarboard throw and a glass of Prosecco with my besties at the end of the Graduation ceremony - it was a day I won't forget very quickly. I now officially have 'Graduate' status. To be honest, I think I've had 'Graduate' status since getting my results back in July but until you've nervously walked across a stage in 6-inch heels on your own in front of hundreds, I don't think you can officially say you've graduated. Having never been to Graduation day before, I didn't know what to expect - I'd read all the handbooks and blogs I could find but nothing prepares you for the day ahead; not even walking around in your pyjamas the night before in your heels hoping that you will look flawless in them the next day. I can always hope. So here is what I learnt on Graduation day, which may just help you to prepare for yours: 

1. High heels are your frenemies! 

What seemed to be a good idea to start with turned into days of nursing my feet back to health. Yes, I took the bold move and wore heels for the entire day of Graduation. Ouch! Whilst legs may of looked pretty damn good (if I do say so myself) in photos, my feet were hating every second and regreted it for days after. Once the ceremony was over and it was safe to do so, the heels came off. One bit of advice that I would give to all your girls is to keep a pair of flats with you, just in case your feet take a turn for the worse. 

2. Capture every moment {with a camera and plenty of selfies} 

I still think one of the most impressive things that happened on Graduation - aside from not falling flat on my face in front of everyone - was my Dad's awesome photography skills. Hats off to the teacher that taught him everything he knows - that's me by the way. Anyway, one thing I would say about Graduation day and if it isn't obviously already take loads of photographs of you and your besties graduating together. Just think in a few years time, I can look back and see where our student life ended and adulthood began. *cue to smallest violin in the world* 

3. Always check the weather forecast. 

To be fair, I did check the weather. But unfortunately, we live in Britain and Storm Barney was feeling particularly angry on Tuesday 17th November; the rain began to pour and the winds were wild but that didn't stop us. If I could give anyone a bit of advice it would be this: plan your hair accordingly, if you know that your hair goes frizzy in the rain, be prepared before you become disappointed. 

Obviously if your Graduation is in July like most 'normal' universities you might not have to go through the drama of the wind and rain but don't forget we do live in Britain and British weather never stops surprising us. 

4. Don't forget safety pins and hair grips.  

I found the gowns and mortarboards pretty... awkward to be honest. The safety pins were a god-send keeping my gown and sash in place for the duration of the day but with 70mph winds, not even six hair grips can keep your hat on your head - I wasn't the only one running around outside the o2 Guildhall after their hat. 

5. Don't fear the Graduation stage!

Surprisingly I was totally content about walking across the Graduation stage; yes I had a few butterflies but I was quite calm. Until... the tutor at the bottom of the stairs said "if you're going to fall over at any point, now would be a good time to do it because they aren't filming this bit" - thanks for that bit of advice, if I wasn't scary before I am now! Anyway, it is easier said than done but don't fear the Graduation stage, it isn't as bad as you think and as a great friend, Eleanor Potter, 2015 once said "own it like Sharpay Evans from High School Musical". Pro-advice Eleanor! 

Until next time on Lauren Marie, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

End of an Era: Graduation Day

Tuesday marked the end of an era! 

Yes, that's right... I finally Graduated! 

On Tuesday 17th November, I officially graduated from Southampton Solent University with a 1st Class BA Honours in Advertising. But the biggest surprise of all was being awarded a Digital Marketing Foundation Award with Digital Excellence - *insert shocked face emoji here* - despite the 70mph winds and rain, it was such a special day and I got to celebrate it with family, friends and my wonderful tutors. 

Looking a little windswept I must say! 

A little blurred but I couldn't of done it without these girls. Jump for joy! 

After seventeen years of education; eleven GCSE'S, three A-Levels and a 1st First Class Honours degree with the inclusion of a 10,000 word Dissertation, I've finally completed my education! Over the last three years there were so many times that I thought about throwing in the towel; from the early morning starts in the library and the agoniser number of deadlines that came at the what felt like the end of every day to coming up with 100+ ideas for one advertising campaign and making sure that you knew of every new advertising campaign that hit our screens. Oh the woes of an Advertising student ay! 

But I got there in the end, and with only a couple of grey hairs! 

Honestly going to university was always a goal for me, even though I kept changing my mind about what I actually wanted to do there. I knew I wanted to do something in Media, that was it. I went from Graphic Design, through all media courses until I found Advertising. When I packed up my life and headed down the open road to Southampton, I realised that this was the right thing to do for me. And now three years later, after a few ups and downs, University is over and was one of the best things I think I'll ever experience. 

I must say the weather was awful on Tuesday (Storm Barney hit us with a vengeance) and I felt like and looked like a drowned rat and the line "why did I bother doing my hair?" was used alot but it didn't dampen my spirits - no pun intended. I was a Graduate. 

During the run up to this day I was pretty calm and filled with excitment. It wasn't until I stood waiting to go up on stage and the tutor stood at the bottom of the stairs said "if you're going to fall over at any point, now would be a good time to do it because they aren't filming this bit" - thanks of that advice I really appreciated it. Not. But walking up onto the stage and across it (in high heels. #Brave.) was one of the most nerve-racking yet exciting times, I'll ever experience. But I have to say my goal for Graduation Day was achieved, I didn't end up falling flat on my face on stage in front of everyone. Even if my dad and besties' dad were taking bets on which one of us would most likely fall over on stage first. Cheers Guys. So much faith. 

Graduation is an experience I'll never forget. Even if I am nursing my feet back to health after taking the bold move to wear my high heels all day in the rain. Ouch! But it was definitely worth the pain. 

Until the next memory-filled and nerve-racking experience that I share, Au Revoir! 
Love,
Lauren xo

BONUS: What I wore on Graduation Day? 

Dress (in Blue) | High Heels | Clutch Bag | Nail Polish | Eyes

12 Things that I Miss about my University Friendships

You might of caught on by now but we do love a good photobooth or Selfie! *Insert monkey with hands over eyes here*

There isn't a harder goodbye than the one between you and your university besties; even if you reunite for a holiday to Portugal or a 21st Birthday party, saying goodbye is hard. After practically spending three years in each others pockets, creating some of the best memories and arguing over who makes the best pancakes, when you're meant to be studying - oops! - the friends you make at university are for life (well, I would like to think the ones I've made are).  I think nearly every conversation we had consisted of the statement "Remember that time when..." normally it was finished with an embarrassing story about one of us on a night out.  

With Graduation just around the corner and the reunion that I've been waiting for months. It got me thinking... What is it I really miss about my university friendships? So in light of this, I've compiled a list of twelve things that I miss about my university friendships. Let's begin:  

1. We spent 45% of our time talking about where to go for coffee but always seemed to end up in the same place with the same order, 28% of our time we spent talking about the thing-that-shall-not-be-named {Dissertation}, 12% of our time we spent in the library doing our work whilst deciding who had the smelliest sandwich {was it Tuna or was it Egg?} and the other 12% we spent dancing like raving 'loonies' to One Direction and S Club in PopWorld. 
2. The regular coffee and cake dates to Starbucks that the girls and I went on just to get out of writing our dissertations and  to argue over who got the last Cinnamon Swirl. 
3. Coming back at 4am and not worrying about waking up the whole house because my housemates were all out with me anyway.
4. Not worrying about getting a lift home because you had your friends to push you home in a trolley. 
5. Taking a #Selfie with a Selfie stick was always allowed, no matter where you were {including the Park outside university, when we finished our dissertations and photos just needed to be taken} 
6. No matter how much work we had in November, planning Secret Santa and a Christmas meal with your besties was a top priority. 
7. Knowing that we were going to see each other again after going home for the holidays but now I have to wait months - in fact it feels like years! 
8. Coming out of Turtle Bays drunk at 4pm, buying pizza and failing at dance mat can only be done with your university besties.
9. Scheduling study sessions, which later turn into gossip and cake eating session - classy! 
10. There is nothing you can't share with your besties. Honesty is always the best policy in our eyes and they will never judge you {well, until you do something daft} 
11. You have inside jokes and memories that make no sense to anyone else but you just don't care. 
12. Even though you haven't seen each other for ages and you live miles apart, when you're reunite it is the best feeling in the world. 

Until November 17th when the reunion happens for real, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Blogs Worth Bookmarking #3

These blogs are a little more 'travel-focused' than normal because with the New Year just around the corner, everyone seems to be planning their gap years or traveling adventures around the world whilst I am stuck in little, old Devon. With everyone's imaginations running wild day-dreaming about traveling; I've had this sudden urge over the last few weeks to get as much money together as I possibly can and book a once in a lifetime opportunity. Sometimes I worry that the my life is slipping through my fingers to quick but then I stop and think I am only twenty-one... 

World of Wanderlust

If you want packing tips and advice then this is the blog for you. I don't know about everybody else but I have this habit of re-packing my same suitcase over and over again until I have made my packing look flawless - some people may call this OCD or incredibly high-maintenance but for me, it just good sense. 

Flying the Nest 

I've now decided that this blog makes me want a relationship more than wanting to go travelling. Call me sad but this blog is the cutest. 

Global Roaming 

If I had a travel blog, I imagine that mine would be very similar to this. It's so opportunistic. I love it. 

Suitcase and Sandals 

Honestly when I first came across this blog, it was the name that I was attached to more than what it was about but since starting to read it, I just can't stop. But don't you agree that Suitcase and Sandals is such a cute name for a blog? 

The Elle Next Door

This is an all-rounder blog. Lifestyle. Beauty. Fashion. You name it, its got it. I would definitely recommend this blog, its such as good read especially in an evening. 

Until the next time, I browse the Internet for blogs and not shopping, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo 

Mince Pie Making

First things first, I have a confession to make. I didn't make these mince pies. My mum did. Oops. But I can make them nonetheless. Anyway, I know what you're thinking, 'it's still November, why are you making mince pies?' Well, there are three reasons behind these actions actually: 1) It will be Christmas before we knew it; 2) Mum loves making batches of mince pies before December, which she then freezes ready for the big day and 3) Baking is fun! 

I think there good enough reasons for making mince pies in November, don't you? 

I am definitely one of those cliché individuals that thinks as soon as Halloween and Bonfire Night are over and done with, that Christmas should begin. I've even started sorting my 2016 Christmas Spotify playlist - that just shows how keen I am for Christmas. Anyway, if your getting into the Christmas spirit early like me; here is a simple and classic mince pie recipe for you to try. I warn you they are delicious: 

Equipment you will need: 

Large Mixing Bowl 

Scales 

Baking Tray 

Rolling Pin 

Wooden or Metal Spoon 

Medium Round Cutter 

Small Round Cutter 

Scissors 

Ingredients for Twelve Mince Pies: 

16oz Self Raising Flour 

8oz Margarine

1oz Castor Sugar 

1 Egg 

Water to Mix*

1 Jar of Mince Meat 

*These measurements might vary. Caution: Add water little by little, don't add it all at once. 

Method: 

1. Weigh out 16oz of self-raising flour and add to large mixing bowl 

2. Add the 8oz margarine into large mixing bowl with the flour - mix together with hands until the margarine and flour goes into breadcrumb texture.

3. Once mixed, add and stir in 1oz of castor sugar. 

4. Add water to the mixture - a little at a time until the mixture creates a pastry dough.*

5. Once mixed all together, sprinkle a little flour on the workshop and roll out the dough until its 1cm thick. 

6. Use the medium round cutter to make twelve circles. 

7. Place the mince pie bases into the baking tray. 

8. Once all the mince pie bases are in the baking tray fill each open with a spoonful (or so) of mince meat. 

9. Once all the mince meat is in the bases, roll out the rest of the dough you have left and use the small round cutter to make twelve circles, which will be used as the lids for the pies. 

10. Place the twelve lids gently on top of the filled mince pies. 

11. On each lid cut two snips with scissors and glaze with egg. 

12. Put in oven at 160 degrees for twenty minutes.

13. Take out the oven and leave to cool for an hour or two.

14. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with double cream. 

* If you add too much water, add a bit more flour to help with the wetness of the dough. 

Until the next batch of Mince Pie making, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

5 Things you should always have Scheduled in your Diary

It's no lie, organisation is my forte. Planning. Organising. Scheduling. It's what I do best, I just love it. I mean planning isn't all about being organised, it's a way of looking forward to things as well having something planned for two months time or next September in my case - FYI, I'm going on holiday for two week. Only 319 days to go! It's a goal that you can work towards. To be honest, I think I spend most of my time looking forward to things, it just helps the week along and gears you up for something special. Like right now, I've got my Christmas Apple Cinnamon candle burning, a fresh homemade vanilla latte in my favourite mug whilst I am sorting my 2016 Christmas playlist on Spotify and finishing my Christmas shopping - I told you I was organised, Christmas will be here before you know it! 

Sometimes it's so easy to get stuck in the same 'day in, day out' routine and you forget to make plans, which means you have nothing to look forward to in the long-run. So go out buy yourself a diary and get planning before it's too late! Here are few ideas that you should have scheduled your in diary, just to get you started: 

1. Girl's Getaway 
At a time when you're at your most vulnerable, your girls are there to pick you up. Even if your friends are scattered across the country like mine, it's a tactical mission (and an incredible amount of planning) to bring us all back together. But when we finally come together, it's like we've never been apart. Seriously. Bringing friends back together is the best feeling in the world; A) it's something to look forward too B) Where there is a reunion, the cocktails always seem to be flowing. 

Girls, look out! November 20th some serious planning is going to take place. 

2. Date Nights {Food & Cocktails included}
First things first, you don't need a boy to have a date night; just grab your best pals and hit the town for a bit of downtime. When you've had a bad day, there is nothing better than having something to look forward too - by the way, your date night don't just have to consist of going out on town; why not have a quiet night in with friends with wine and plenty of chick-flicks. 

3. 'Me Time' 
After a hectic week at work, there is nothing better than having some 'me time'; whether that is settling down with good book, snuggling with a blanket watching a film or going for a stroll around your local park - it's important to unwind and treat yourself every once in a while. 

4. Exercise 
I am always in the gym. Scratch that, I wishfully think about going to the gym but it just never seems to happen but I suppose thinking about going is a good start. Don't you think? Anyway, exercise can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes; I mean I don't go to the gym religiously or even exercise as much as I should but I still embrace the outside world like walking the dogs it still counts as exercise - seriously, when I walk my dog for 20 minutes or so, I probably burn twice as many calories as someone who goes to the gym, just because  we sprint round, not walk.  

5. Pamper Night {Complete with candles, hot chocolate and face masks}
This is Sunday evening territory. I don't tend to do it during the week because I just never seem to have enough time. So, Sunday evenings are the nights that all my beauty products - face masks, exfolitators, hot oil hair treatments - come out to play. Even the products that I am not sure what they do or why I bought them even come out. Hair cream volumizing bath boost mist. I mean what it that? To be fair, I think I go that in a set one year. 

Anyway, having a pamper night is must and having it on a Sunday, just helps to set me up for the week ahead. Schedule this in - take the time to treat your hair with care or let your nails dry instead of waiting two minutes and smudging them. 

Do it all! It will be make you feel awesome afterwards. Why not throw a cheeky bar of chocolate in there too, just go all out! 

6. HOLIDAYS! 
Let's be honest, this one is pretty obvious to schedule in but I thought I would throw it in anyway. Unfortunately, we can't all afford 5* hotels all the time but have a realistic goal that you can save up for; even if its a 4 day weekend away in London or you go to a Spa for the weekend, 20 minutes away from where you live - its still a break! 

I'll be honest, once I get a holiday idea in my head that's it, I am all up for booking it and I'll worry about the money later, hence the traveling wish list I came up with - probably not the best example of how to be a mature, sensible adult. Oops! *Insert monkey with hands over its eyes emoji here*

Until the next scheduling in my diary, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo