February Goals

It isn't very often that I sit down and think about the month that has just been and gone but after January flew by so quickly and things that I did manage to do seem like a distance memory, I thought that it was about time to plan out my February Goals. With February 2016 bringing us the wonders of an an extra day - Happy Birthday 29thers - Harry Style's 22nd birthday, Pancake Day followed by Ash Wednesday and Valentines Day (which I have a bitter relationship with); nonetheless it is time to start prioritising my February 'To-Do' list and where better to start than the things that I should of crossed off in January. Awkward. *Insert monkey with hands over eyes emoji here*: 

1. Budget. Budget. Budget.
Did I mention that I just booked a holiday with my bestie (for the best part of eighteen years) to Florida? Although we knew that we wanted to go away, Florida was a rather spontaneous choice - originally we were thinking Europe, god knows how we got to America from Europe. Anywho, budgeting is going to be rather difficult what with Disney tickets needing to be purchased and long-haul flight must-haves everywhere I look but I promise to try my hardest to budget. Budgeting is difficult but if you start with the small things like taking your lunch from home instead of buying it, stopping your mass intake of caffeine from Starbuck and Costa Coffee and not buying things that I don't actually need, then budgeting can work. I'll let you know how the February budgeting went in March, when I have miserably failed. 

2. Drink more water.
Staying hydrated isn't just good for your body but it is good for your skin, your postivity and it is good for a health kick and detox. Bring on the H2O - so far, I've been pretty good at it, so it is time  to keep it up. 

3. Get out of South West for a weekend.
I miss home friends (who aren't at home anymore) a lot. I miss my university friends a lot too. So it is time to get out of the South West for a weekend and visit friends up and down the country but I think that the most important question to ask is... Where do I start? Cornwall? Surrey? Wiltshire? 

4. Work on my Fitness.
With time ticking away ever so quickly, Summer will soon be upon us. So it is time I stop thinking about how much food I've eaten over the Winter months and embrace the fact that it is time to think Fitness and stop feeling so sluggish. I work in an office. Behind a desk, infront of a screen, five days a weeks. So doing fitness needs to be a must! 

5. Prepare for my Spring Clean.
Technically Spring is another month away but it is never too early to start a Spring-Clean; however with the weather like it is, it's making it increasingly difficult to get in the mood for Spring. Since May 2015, when I returned home from university and I tried ever so hard to squeeze two rooms into one, I have fail miserably. Stuff Overload! My bedroom has felt cluttered and not organised in the slightest; so it time for the detox and de-cluttering to begin. 

6. Forward planning for my Holidays. 
I am fortunate enough to have two holidays this year, normally I am lucky to get one but this year I have two - Success! Anyway, forward thinking and planning when it comes to deadlines and holidays is my forte; yes, I am one of those people who writes out a list of what I need to take and a 'Don't Forget' list to go with it but actually it works, so guess what I am going to be doing in February... 

Until the next goal making and hopefully keeping session, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

January Favourites

January always feels like a really long month (especially where payday is concerned) but these last thirty-one days have flown by in the blink an eye and we are now welcoming February in with open arms. Although its February, we'll all still be in our knitted jumpers, winter coats and boots holding on to our seasoned lattes whilst we still can, battling what seems like every storm in the English alphabet - February is a time of love with Valentines Day just around the corner and although I haven't got a boyfriend, there is nothing better than a single girls Valentines day treat - Ben and Jerry's come at me. However with one month down in 2016, it means that we are:

A) One month closer to Summer (which includes the month of my birth)
and...
B) My holiday is getting closer and closer, which means it will soon be time to start shopping for it.

January has been a whirlwind month for me and sadly its been all work and no play at times - is this what life is like as you get older? - I mean my next holiday is in September (well as far as I know; watch this space) and before you know it, Spring and Summer will be nowhere to seen and we'll be back celebrating the New Year again. But until that time, let's celebrate the year ahead by finding more things each month that I've been loving:

1. Aussie Winter Miracle Shampoo and Conditioner
Okay this stuff is amazing. I've heard people talk about Aussie saying 'how brilliant and nice smelling it is' but I've never actually used it myself. Until now. This is something that I recommend to everyone, especially people with dry, lifeless hair that these storms keep causing; I mean my hair feels extremely nourished and smells gorgeous and with this product, a little goes a long way. Aussie can seem expensive but it lasts ages and is definitely worth while - especially if you get the bigger bottle. Top Tip: Once the conditioner gets half way, add a little water to the mixture and shake. It lasts a lot longer. 

2. Base + Barley 
If you don't have a Base + Barley near you, go to a place that does. I was recommended this place by a work colleague, so I thought that I would give it a try, I mean what was the worst that could happen. It was tasty, fresh and great quality for money; twelve inch woodburn oven pizza with amazing flavours and the best part was the pizzas didn't have any weird names, which I couldn't pronounce (like I always struggle with in Wagamama's) they were labelled Number One, Number Two, Three etc - it makes life so easy after a long week of work! 

3. Ciaté London x Olivia Palermo Nail Polish (Nantucket)
My lovely bestie, who knows me so well, bought me this nail polish for Christmas and I wear it constantly because it just doesn't chip or lose its colour like some nail polishes. Although it isn't a traditional wintery colour, I love how bright and finished my nails look when painted with this colour - it is definitely going to be my go-to colour for the Spring and Summer months. 

4. Yankee Candle Bundled Up Wax Tart 
I do believe that this was in my December and Christmas Favourites but honestly I just can't get enough of this scent; I mean it is such a warm, inviting and homely scent, I light it every evening especially when it is cold, raining and horrible outside and I am tucked up inside with a blanket, a good book and a cup of tea. Bliss. 

5. Jack Wills Fernham Super Skinny Jean 
I don't know about anyone else but I find such satisatifion when I find the perfect pair of jeans that actually fit. No belt. No rolling up the trousers. The perfect fit. These were a bit of a spontanrous purchase I saw them in the January Jack Wills sale for £75 £24 and I jumped at the chance and I haven't looked back since. Next stop black jeans... 

Until the next time a month goes by quicker than a flash of light, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

My Everyday Look

Although I like to try new things, I am more or less a creature of habit when it comes to my make-up routine. I tend to keep my make-up quite simple during my 8:30am - 5pm working hours. No crazy contouring, highlighting, brusher or bronzer (well sometimes I do like to use bronzer depending if I have either been on holiday or I look as white as a sheet). I like to keep my face simple but have fun with my eye make-up but not all the time if I am heading for a day or night out. When I find products I like, I use them all up before moving onto something new; switching between foundations or powders on a daily basis doesn't really appeal to me - my skin is temperamental enough without adding more confusion of new products everyday. 

I do change my style of make-up according to the season but I don't tend to change my core foundation or powder products unless I am looking really tanned and Ivory foundation, just doesn't cut it. High-end, drug store, it doesn't matter to me as long as the product works on my skin I don't mind but sometimes I do think that paying a bit more for products can be better for your skin in the long run but if drug-store works, then don't changed for the sake of high-end. Here's a look at what I've been loving in my everyday make-up lately: 

Face 
Every girl knows that finding the best, most suitable foundation for your skin type is a must; whether its powder, liquid or a mousse form foundation you need to choose what is best for your skin oppose to choosing the brand. For a while now, I have been using Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Foundation in No. 51 Light Vanilla (but in the Summer months, I tend to go for No. 52 Vanilla).  It’s one of the most beautiful silky foundations I’ve used; its undertones are peachy with a hint of yellow, it has even coverage and it is very buildable. This looks incredibly flattering on my skin tone, adding just a hint of soft glow, rather than a crazy shimmer, which makes it a great option for a day-time look. 

With dark circles under my eyes and red belmishes on my skin, my face wouldn't be set without a good concealer and powder; I tend to go for Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory and the Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder in Peach Glow. 

Cheeks (Not normally included in the 'everyday look')

I don't tend to use Bronzing Powder or Blusher in my 'everyday work look'. I feel that when adding bronzer and blusher to your make up look, you need to have a bit more time than I do because if you add to much of either to your look - the results can be disasterous! But on the weekend, whether its hitting the town on a night out or lunch with a friend, I add either a bronzer or a blush to my look, here are my products of choice: 

• Bourjois Paris Bronzing Powder - No. 51 Peaux Claires (It looks slightly like a Chocolate bar) 
• Bourjois Paris Blusher - No. 48 Cendre de Rose Brune (Ashes of Roses) 

Eyebrows 
I tend to use two products for my eyebrows; one for the outline and the other to fill in the brow itself. I opt for the Collection (which I always thought was called Collection 2000 but clearly they've dropped the 2000 part) Eyebrow kit in Brunette to outlined the brow and the Maybelline BrowSatin in Medium Brown to fill it in the brow - these products work extremely well together and are so easy to use, which makes my brows so easy to do, especially when I am half asleep.

Eyes 
I love adding a splash of colour into my eye make-up but I like to keep it natural at the same time, my product of choice is the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. It is one of my favourite Urban Decay eye palettes, with both neutral and smoky colours, this palette allows you to create both everyday and evening looks. 

I tend to use Foxy or Bootycall (light vanilla colours) all over my eye lids but really focusing on the inner corners of my eyes; however on the outer corners and throughout the eye lid crease I like to lightly add Chopper (smoky copper/pink), so that my blue eyes pop but the colour isn't overwhelming to look at. This colour looks incredible together and if you want to make this into an evening look, you can add YDK (shimmery brown) onto the outer corners and into the crease; but to complete this look no matter whether its day or night, I get a liner brush and add Blackout to my lashline as it makes your eyelashes look bigger. To complete this look, I use my DiorShow Mascara in Black, which helps to open up my eyes and makes my eyelashes really long. 

Lips 
There isn't much to say about my lips, during the days I like to keep them hydrated and looking fresh with my secret weapon - Nivea Lip Butter Caramel Creme - on a night out I will live it up with a bright coloured lipstick; red, pink, nude or peach. 

Brushes 
I have tonnes of make-up brushes; big, small, flat and fluffy but here are my brushes of choice for my everyday make-up look:

• Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - Foundation 
• Real Techniques Blush Brush - Powder/Blusher
• The Body Shop Eye Shadow Brush - Base Eyes 
• Real Techniques Shading Brush - Eye Shadow
• Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection: 201 Pointed Crease Brush

I don't know about you but I feel there was a pattern emerging between Bourjois Paris and Real Techniques but until the next time, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

How to make Winter Mornings more bearable?

I hate mornings. Well I don't hate mornings if something is good is planned for the day - going on holiday, visiting friends or frankly doing something that I love but sometimes those types of mornings don't tend to happen where Monday to Fridays are concerned. However, I think that we all can agree that getting up on a cold, wintery morning can be somewhat difficult, even if you have something planned. I mean your bed is warm, comfy and desirable - this is probably why getting up in a morning is so damn hard and who doesn't love sleep. 

I haven't always been a morning person but when you start working 8:30am - 5pm, it kind of a given that you have to start becoming a morning person but on the plus side being a morning person can be a good thing too.  Lately, I have been looking at different ways to become a successful morning person; instead of walking downstairs at 7am, half-dressed, my hair looking like I have been electrocuted and sounding like a zombie. So here is what I've come up with so far...

1. Let the morning in 

Okay, so during the winter months this is slightly impossible what with it still being dark when us 9-5er's get up and go to work. But in summer? There is no excuse! However as a tip for the winter months, I still feel that opening your blinds is a good place to start and the light will eventually shine through but whilst it is still dark using table lamps (or fairy lights) and candles because they aren't as harsh as ceiling lights which no-one wants to look at in the morning. 

2. Refresh your skin 

The first thing I do when I wake up is wash my face, it instantly makes you feel refreshed and 'awake', once completed finishing the routine off with a cool moisturiser is bliss. Sometimes after I finish washing my face, I splash a quick blast of cold water on my face - so if I wasn't feeling 'awake' when I finished washing my face, I do when the cold water hits. 

3. Have a 'hearty, healthy' breakfast

I never used to be a lover of breakfast but now... It's the one meal that I look forward to the most and I generally don't understand people who feel the need to skip it. I mean, how are their stomaches not screaming at them to be fed first thing in the morning? During the working weekend, I tend to stick with either cereal (Cheerios or Special K), smoothies or cinnamon porridge with fruit (mostly apple). However on a weekend because I have a little extra time, I tend to treat myself with something like scramble eggs on toast, or pastries. Yummy. 

4. Wind down in the evening 

Give yourself at least an hour to wind down, before going to bed is a must, otherwise your sleep will be restless and your morning will feel a lot worse than it needs to be. Chances are, you have been extremely busy during the day, running around trying to complete what feels like an list of endless tasks and your mind is working overtime; which is why it's so important to try and wind down at night. Whether you wind down with a good book, try a calming chamomile or de-caffinated tea or listen to music (I would stay away from the heavy metal and loud music though); the most important thing to remember is turn off or put down your technology a bright screen isn't good for a night-time routine. 

5. Do something you enjoy, first thing in the morning. 

I know getting out of a warm bed doesn't seem like a positive or very enjoyable but to help make your morning (and day) a success, doing something that you enjoy first thing in the morning can set you up for the rest of the day. Whether that is waking up to the best breakfast, arranging to meet a friend after work for dinner or planning your favourite dinner for after work, doing something you enjoy can set you up ready for the day ahead. 

6. Get going, as soon as you open your eyes. 

Who doesn't love sleep? Or their bed? Especially in a morning, when it's all warm, toasty and cosy. This is why a lot of us fail before the day has even begun; as soon as your alarm goes off, we mute it and go back to sleep and then panic station - we are running late! This is why it's so important to get going as soon as possible, giving yourself the chance to flop back down into bed is a disaster waiting to happen. I find that once you've made it out of bed to the bathroom, going back to sleep is out of the question. 

7. Socks or cosy slippers? The choice is yours. 

I hate having cold feet. One of the main reasons that I refuse to get out of bed in the morning is knowing that I am going to get out of a warm, toasty bed into a cold, icy bedroom. So, before I go to bed I always make sure that I have either a warm pair of socks on my bedside table or my cosy EMU slippers on the floor by my bed; when I hear my alarm clock go off, the first thing I do is put on either my socks or slippers - the comfort just makes getting out of bed ten times easier. 

Until the next top tips and advice post, Au Revoir! 

Love,
Lauren xo 

Songs I can't stop listening to

Since beginning my 8:30am - 5pm job, I didn't really realise how good morning radio was; I mean I have listened to morning radio before but when your doing it Monday to Friday, it starts to get pretty damn awesome. Seriously. I get into my car every morning (Fearne the Fiesta to be exact) switch on the engine and allow Capital London's Dave Berry to blast out the best morning jukebox possible. Bliss. Each morning I have tried to ease myself into a stress free morning routine, so I don't drive to work feeling tired or grumpy and to help ease those tiredsome mornings, there is nothing better than finding a few songs that you just can't seem to stop listening too. 

But of course, when fabulous tunes blast their way through my speakers the only thing one can do is sing; however note to self: when you're sat at traffic lights doing your best Beyoncé impression or having a mega sing-along to your favourite songs and a cute guy spots you in the car in the next lane. Awkward. Always play it cool... Just smile and wave boys. Smile and wave. 

1. Stitches - Shawn Mendes

2. Secret Love Song - Little Mix ft Jason Derulo

3. Good Times - Sigma ft Ella Erye 

4. Coming Home - Sigma ft Rita Ora 

5. What Do You Mean? - Justin Bieber 

Honestly J.B really out did himself in 2015.

6.  History - One Direction 

Actually if I am totally honest, I can't stop listening to the whole Made in the A.M. album. Yes! I entered 2016 as a fully loyal directioner, even if they are taking a hiatus. Sad times. 

7. The Sound - The 1975 

8. Air Guitar - McBusted

It's McBusted. Hello. Who wouldn't love these tunes at 8am?

9. Sax - Fleur East 

10. Don't Be So Hard On Yourself - Jess Glynne 

11. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber 

I am now officially 100% a #Belieber 

12. Wasn't Expecting That - Jamie Lawson  

Until the next time, I am caught singing songs which I can't seem to get out of my head whilst sat at a set of traffic lights, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

Blogs Worth Bookmarking #5

Apparently, January is meant to be 'National Staying Healthy Month', which I suppose makes sense after the majority of the population gained an extra fifty pounds (and the rest) in December what with Christmas and New Year but I have to say I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself as I feel like I have been pretty healthy this January compared to previous years. I mean the last two weeks have been somewhat hectic, but in the middle of everything and my healthy eating, I have still found time to find a few blogs to bookmark... 

Hearting 

As a girl who loves nail polish and just can't get enough - seriously I think my collection is bigger than an average Superdrug - this is definitely the blog for me, with bold colours and new brands to try I just can't get enough. 

The Private Life of a Girl

I love trying new products. Well unless my skin goes all bi-polar and has a serious break-out,  it's probably not a good idea to try new products until it sorts itself out. Anyway, I think the product reviews on this blog is what court my eye - honestly finding a good product review can be difficult and sometimes I don't always consider them to be real.

Peanut Butter Fingers

Food. Food. Food. You know what they say, the way to a girl's heart is through her stomach, especially on this blog. To be honest I stumbled across this blog by accident when I was looking for alternative breakfast ideas that I could prepare myself in a morning ready for a day at the office. Thank you Google Search! 

Fleur de Force

Who doesn't love visiting a well-known blogger's/vlogger's blog every so often?! 

Anthropologie

After being bought a number of gifts at Christmas by friends and family from Anthropologie, I started to browse around the website alot more, finding more cute things that I could add to my bedroom which is already bursting at the seams; when I stumbled across their blog and to be honest... the rest is history. I just can't get enough. 

Until the next blog hunt, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo 

New Year, New Me 2016

TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTEEN. I mean where did two thousand and fifteen go? I love doing this type of motivational posts - they're not only fun to write but I always think that it is a good thing to set yourself some goals and aims for the year ahead. Although I have to admit that the title of this post is probably one of the most cliché sayings of all time; I mean the clock strikes twelve on New Years Eve and the majority of the population will (or have already) come up with a list of New Years Resolutions but within a month they are back to their usual old self and those resolutions are broken. I am one of those people. 

Anyway, it's no secret that I am a big fan of setting goals, aims and milestones. I felt that last year's New Years Bucket List was rather successful and many were crossed off in 2015 but some have come with me into 2016; so over the next 366 days - yes, 366 days folks because don't forget it is a leap year - I want to complete this bucket list and within the year be the best possible version of myself that I could be but aside from that, I want to... 

1. Do something spontaneous
You could argue that most things that you do are 'spontaneous' but I want to do something that is both risky and spontaneous; not a road trip or a weekend away that I haven't planned (nothing like living on the edge) I mean something different and daring. 

2. Wear less make up 
Sometime wearing make up all day everyday makes me feel.. yuck! I can't even describe it to be honest; I mean some days I would like to just let my skin breathe appose to making it look/feel cakey. 

3. Pick and choose my 'sassy' moments
Sometimes I feel like my 'sassy' moments go a bit too far, so something I need to do this year is ultimately control the sass. 

4. Drink more water
It's a new year, so that means it's time to start a new challenge and drinking more water in 2016. My skin looks and feels really good when I drink the recommended amount of water and not only that I feel really good time; so with the happy of my trusty app I am ready to take on the challenge. 

5. Visit two different countries this year
I think it's about time I see the world while I am still young. I am already going to one place this year but another destination is definitely on the cards... 

6. Learn the star constellations
Looking up at a clear night sky with twinkling star looking back at me, I find rather therapeutic and it is something that is rather fascinating. 

7. Take the next step in my career path
Don't worry I am not one of these people with a five year plan that I am ultimately going to stick to but it is always nice to have a goal or direction of some sort that I would like my future to go in. Even if I get a pay rise, change job title, take on more responsibilities etc it is still another next step on the career path. 

8. Read more books
I really got back into reading towards the end of last year and honestly I forgot how much I actually missed sitting down at the end of a long, busy day with a good book to enjoy. 

9. Be Healthier
Yes I know that everyone says this at the start of January and by the end of January they've broken it but I am not turning into one of those people who goes on a mad health kicks and hits the gym everyday; I just want to be more proactive and stop snacking etc. I think that should be quite simple (once I've eaten all the chocolate I got for Christmas it should be). 

10. Reunite with my university friends
A reunion is definitely in order, I am starting to get separation anxiety. Seriously. I miss my weekly coffee, cake and catch up at Starbucks or a cute little café with the girls where we mindlessly about PLL or the dramas of university. Even if we meet somewhere in the middle (which we worked out was somewhere called Mere, where even is Mere anyway?), make our way to a spa or a cocktail bar or have a road trip to the zoo or beach again; this reunion  will happen. 

11. Step outside my 'comfort zone'
I think this one is rather self-explanatory but I think its time to do something but different and daring; something that I wouldn't necessary think of doing. 

12. Start saving 
To be fair I think that this is a goal for anyone, who has just come out of university with thousands of pounds worth of debt and no savings. I have future goals and they all require money, so it's time to start saving! 

13. Look after my skin
My skin is rather temperamental at times. One minute it is fine and the next, well it isn't good. However since 2015 I think I have found my perfect solution for having well moisturised and balanced skin; so hopefully 2016 will be a good year. 

14. Be Balanced
At the moment, I am all work and no play but that will soon change. I am determine to have a balanced work and social life because without this balance, my life will be pretty damn boring, if I am all work and no play. I deserve to have some fun - I'm twenty-one after all! 

15. Text People Back
I am terrible at this! Apologies for anyone who has been waiting a week (or more) for me to reply to a text but honestly I just don't know why I don't text people back but from this day forward, I promise that I will text you back as soon as possible. Finger my heart! If I don't please tell me off or a reminder text would be good too. 

16. Worry less and be happier
I spend a lot of time worrying. A lot more time than I need to. Honestly I want to change all of that and spend more time being happier and worrying less, which is going quite well at the moment. The key thing is not to let anyone get your mood down, if they do pick it straight back up by doing something you enjoy or love. 

Happy New Year Everyone! 2016, LET'S SEE WHAT YOU'VE GOT! 

Love, 

Lauren xo