Life Lately #4 | The Next Chapter…

Is there a better way to help you start writing an introduction to a new blog post than with a cup of tea on one side and a Rolo Cookie Blondie on my other? No, I thought not! Also, you can’t catch up on life without a cup of tea or coffee present. It’s just not right. 

Anyway, let’s been frank… It’s been a while. And whilst these last nine months have literally flown by and I’ve been super busy, I have had time here and there to dot down a few blog post ideas that I am going to start working on. I wish I could tell you that my life has been all glitz and glamour (well it was for a week) but the moral of it is, I have been extremely busy with just normal life. Mainly working and trying to play adult – which at twenty-three years old, I thought I would have mastered by now but then suddenly, life throws one of its curve ball at you.

So instead of going into all details, because you’d literally be here for hours I thought I would dot down a quick and simple bullet point list about what has been happening with me over the last nine months. 

So, here it goes… (In no particular order) 

• I turned twenty-three. That’s right twenty-three. I should be getting better at this adult thing by now, right? 
• I got a new job and moved to Bristol in March. From a small seaside town to a quirky, up and coming city – it was quite a change at first but I think I’m settling in nicely now. 
• My new job is totally awesome and so diverse. No day is the same. 
• I drove combine harvester. That’s right a combine harvester. Just FYI – I don’t work on a farm as part of my day job, one of my client to linked to the fresh produce market – so we went checked it out! 
• I went on holiday to Monaco. Its super glamorous, has a beautiful historic story and it’s own royal family and plenty of super yachts. And when I say super yachts, I mean ‘super yachts’ – they were like floating mansions on the water with multiple helicopter pads and cars on board, ready to hit the open road when they docked. It’s my new favourite place. 
• I walked the entire Formula One Track whilst I was in Monaco, which was pretty cool. 
• I went on holiday for a week abroad with hand luggage only. For anyone that knows me, I’m a major over-packer. How was that going to work? But I tell you something it is surprising how much you can actually fit in those small suitcases. Now I’m officially all about the hand luggage when I go on holiday. 
• I reunited with my uni gal-pals. There was bowling (we get rather competitive, I must say!), shopping, lunching and plenty of Prosecco – no surprise there! 
• I had someone in my life, who would not take ‘NO’ for answer to something. 
• I learnt that even when you think everything is sorted and will be okay, life still throws you some surprises.

FIVE THINGS THAT HAVE MADE ME HAPPY IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS

1. I turned twenty-three, which meant that more celebrating (and Prosecco) was required.
2. Having fresh flowers in the flat and being able to open all the windows and doors. I miss being able to do that in the winter!
3. Reuniting with my uni gal-pal – hopefully we won’t leave it as long next time.
4. Find my love for health and fitness again. Time to hit the gym!
5. Spending quality weekends with my mum. Now I live in Bristol, she’ll come up and spend weekends with me, just shopping and catch up.

Until the next time. 

Revisiting 2016

Oh 2016, what a year you've been! The world went a little shit-crazy this year over the news that Brexit was happening; Donald Trump actually made it to Presidential status after plenty of mud-throwing; the Great British Bake Off waved goodbye to BBC1 and is heading over to Channel 4, leaving Mel, Sue and Mary Berry behind (shredding a tear or two down my cheek). Oh and Cruz Beckham released a Christmas song which I think is beautiful but sent social media into meltdown. Not good meltdown either. 

Overall it has been a crazy old year in more ways than one - well for the world it is has been - but for me, it's been pretty average. 2016 has had it's highs and it's low memories for me, so I think it's about time that I revisit 2016 and see what I did (and didn't) complete on this years bucket list and what my highlights and discoveries were along the way:

What was my 2016 bucket list and did I complete it?

1. Do something spontaneous

I can't remember what I did but I'm pretty sure that I did something spontaneous this year. I suppose booking a holiday to America on a whim was quite spontaneous, one morning we were looking and the next we had booked it. I think I find doing things spontaneous difficult because I love planning and organising things. 

2. Wear less make up 
Yeah, I didn't stick to this. I tried, I really did but I don't feel myself without it. I did definitely start wearing less than I usually did, so I suppose I kind of kept to this. I think it's really difficult to give something up when you're use to using it all the time.

3. Pick and choose my 'sassy' moments
I definitely calmed down the sass. Thank you adulthood!

4. Drink more water
Yes, yes and yes! I did achieve this and I'm still achieving this. I try to drink at least two litres of water a day, more if I am on the go all the time. 

5. Visit two different countries this year

YES! I achieved this. I visited DisneyWORLD in Orlando, Florida and Costa Adeje in Tenerife as well - both beautiful places and incredible memories were made. I am planning now for 2017... 

6. Learn the star consolations

Truthfully I never got round to this, I've been so busy with work and everything else I didn't have time. I think I wanted to learn about them even more when I was sat in a hottub and looked up to a clear sky with twinkling stars. It was beautiful. Definite one for 2017. 

7. Take the next step in my career path
I've definitely expanded my knowledge and experience but I feel it's time to take another step and broaden myself even more.

8. Read more books

I have definitely achieved this and I've enjoyed every second of this. I forgot how much I missed reading until I spend evenings picking up a book of a real paper turner. I want to read so many more next year and I already have a list as long as my arm including every book I'd like to read. 

9. Be Healthier
I would definitely say that they've become healthier. I've change my diet, habits and lifestyle; I think all I need to work on now is my fitness and exercise level in my life. I need to do a little more.

10. Reunite with my university friends
This happened. Twice. I think we're already planning for 2017 - no doubt it will be even bigger and better than this year. Hopefully with even more uncontrollable laughter as well.

11. Step outside my 'comfort zone'
2016 has been extremely jam-packed for me, so I wouldn't say I've done too much out of my comfort zone but I have a list of things that I'd like to try and do outside my comfort zone, so let's see if 2017 can help me to achieve them.

12. Start saving 
I've done quite a lot of saving (and spending) this year. I've save quite a bit but I think I need to be a little more strategic when it comes to saving in 2017. The one thing I'm really proud of is I sort out my bank accounts opened ISAS and better saving accounts to help to save for the rest of my life. Prod adult right now.

13. Look after my skin

As some of you may know my skin is rather temperamental, which is super annoying, so I need to make sure my skin care is on point so I'm ready for any occasion. I think I have pretty much nailed down my skincare routine and I have pretty much got my skin under control but there will always be one to two surprises. It's never perfect. 

14. Be Balanced
Yes I didn't get very good at the whole - work/social life balance things. Work kind of took over a little but I'm improving slowly but surely. I just love to give all I can to my job.

15. Text People Back
Um I wish I could say I have majorly improved in this but I can't; otherwise I'd be lying. I have got better thought, just not a lot.

16. Worry less and be happier 

I think you worry regardless but it's how long you worry for and how you take it that counts. I've learnt that I need to take everything on the chin and use to either make me stronger or push it to one side and forget about it. Worrier doesn't help to improve your lifestyle, it just makes it static. 

Top Five Highlights of 2016

• Getting to go to DisneyWORLD in Orlando, Florida with one of my best friend. It was incredible, so many magical memories! 
• Getting to have best reunions with my university best friends {hopefully there will be bigger and even better ones to come}. 
• Taking the next step forward in my career, being given more responsibilities. 
• Getting a brand new car {I feel like a really responsible and full time adult now}. 
• Reuniting with my best friends! 

Top Five Things I Discovered in 2016 

• Things don't always go the way you think that they're going to go {No I'm not talking about Brexit or the US electron}. 
• True friend will make the time for you and pull you back when you're feeling as low as low can be. 
• I am 100% a true #Mixer now. Little Mix are just goals and their new album is incredible. *insert emoji with heart eyes here* #PureSass 
• I have a new found love for the Hygge Lifestyle and Baking. 
• There is always going to be better, richier, thinner or prettier than you but it's how you better yourself that counts the most. 

With our time in 2016 almost over, it's time to bid farewell to 2016 and say hello to 2017 {hopefully 2017 will be a better year for everyone}.

Book Review #2 | The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo

It's that time again where I happen to put down my technological devices and pick up a physical book. To be fair I didn't have a lot of choice to be honest, when you're abroad internet is expensive and there is only so much you can do when you're lying on a sunbed. I did plenty of reading whilst I was topping up my tan but this book has really stuck in my head and helped me to change my lifestyle for the better - I suppose the 'life changing' clue king of gives it away in the title. Literally.

After reading countless reviews and being recommended this book by multiple friends, I bit the billet (so to speak) and bought it on a whim on the off chance that I'd get to read it whilst I was on holiday. When I started I couldn't stop {I don't think I put it down for more than 5 minutes} I found it really intrigued and relatable - I knew tidying was important but I didn't realise how a tidy and clutter-free space could transform your lifestyle and make you a much happier person. This book explains that transforming your home and spaces in the correct order can help to distinguish between what you truly love and an object that is just a object but you just kept for good measure. I'm pretty annoyed at myself actually, this book was sat on my bookshelf for six months before I picked it up and read it - I wish I read it sooner! 

Marie Kondo is a Japanese cleaning consultant - let's be honest, if anyone can do minimalism and tidy, it's the Japanese - and she has taken tidying to a whole new level. She promises that if you organise your home once properly, you'll never have to do it again. Don't worry I didn't believe it to start with either. Most people will tidy room-by-room or little-by-little which just means that you pick away, it goes on forever and you end up reorganise old clutter oppose to decluttering and then organising. However KonMari method, is a lot SIMPLER. 

This book gives you every tool you need to truly tidy up and change your life. It's magic, I swear. If I had to take five things away from this book it would be these:

Optimal organisation doesn't happen in a day.

Miracles don't happen overnight. Fact. The KonMari method recommends that you take at least six months to slowly work and deliberate your way through your home. If you're like me and you're still living at home, start on your on way space before passing on the method to others around you. When you think of everything else you tend to do in a day, six months to declutter and reorganise your home isn't a bad timescale, it's surprising how time flies. All I'd say is to think about where you want to start and work outwards - don't do too much at once. 

Declutter by category, not by room.

Instead of saying you'll start organising your bedroom, the kitchen etc; the KonMari method insists that you sort through categories rather than rooms as otherwise you're bound to miss something. By categories I mean all clothes, then papers, then mementos - always work on the broader categories first and the leave your sentimental items until last. Each categories she recommends you break down into sub-categories, for example clothes would break down into tops, dresses, jumpers etc. Everyone will find their own way to sort through the categories but Marie Kondo suggests putting everything on the floor for you to see in order for you to see what sparks joy. Don't forget everything in that categories needs to be in eye sight when decluttering that includes everything in that category including coats in the cupboard downstairs, in the wardrobe wherever. 

Keep the things that spark you joy only!

I love this bit of advice and it has helped to change my purchasing habits as well. Before I used to buy something because someone else had it or I just like it but now I look at it and think "do I actually need it?". I think this is a really valuable piece of advice from the KonMari Method, although I found it extremely difficult to do when it came to my wardrobe because realistically not many clothes 'spark joy' because you kind of need them otherwise you might get arrest. Awkward. Anyway, the KonMari method suggests you look at it in an alternative way; for example if I am keeping a fur coat in my wardrobe because the fashion world says that it is a must-have - but I am always pushing to the back of my wardrobe because it's just not me - this is the perfect excuse to say, in Marie Kondo's words, thank you and goodbye. Whilst it's a potentially a fashion must have, it's not for me. Sounds strange but there is something so refreshingly simple about asking yourself whether an item sparks joy and just genuinely makes you happy. 

You have to declutter everything before you can truly organise everything.

I think this is where a lot of people (including me) have gone wrong when they've tried to reorganise something. It's easy to just to reorganise everything but not actually get rid of anything (believe me when I say I've done that a few times) you end up just keeping the things that a) you don't really need or b) find stuff that you haven't wore/used in months but just keep it as a 'I might wear or use this one day' when the likelihood is, you're never going to. Remember have a day or more of decluttering before you just go and reorganise. 

Stop hanging! Learn to fold in the right way. 

I am guilty of this. I hang everything I possible can. I think this is one of my favourite pieces of advice from Marie Kondo's book of wisdom - arrange your clothing vertically when folding as you can see all items of your clothes more easily. The aim is to be able to see everything at a single glance rather than riffling through stacks of clothing just to find what you want. I don't know about anything else but opening my draws to find perfectly organised items of clothes is rather appealing to me! Utilise your space and don't just hang, organise and fold to make your life easier.

BONUS TAKEAWAY

Start with a vision of what you'd like your home or space to look and feel like, so you can keep your eyes on the end goal - especially if you lose tidying momentum. With items of clothing or objects everywhere, sometimes you just can't quite see the light at the end of the tunnel. Have a vision to help to bring you back on track again. 

If you haven't read this book, what are you waiting for? It will change your life for the better. 

"Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on new lifestyle." 

- Marie Kondo. 

Until the next time, remember to ask yourself "Does this spark joy?", Au Revoir.

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Life Lately #3 | I'm back, baby!

So, does anyone know where the last six months went? One minute I was happily writing some posts but then all of a sudden, it's December. Yes that's right, I've been totally MIA for a while (okay, for a long while). I don't know want to dwell on that too much but over the last six months, my life has had more twists and turn than a fairground ride. So, what has been happening in my life over the last several months? I feel like I need  to have a big ol' catch up before I start diving back in to my super-long list of blog ideas that I've been coming up with but not had chance to write. Well let's start with what HASN’T happened in the last few months?! Only joking. My life has honestly been pretty average - unfortunately my life is no 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' series quite yet... 

TURNING TWENTY-TWO! 
In amongst my crazy life, I managed to find the time to celebrate a birthday - a 22nd birthday if you hadn't already guessed from the title. I think one of the most exciting reason to turn twenty two is that you can sing Taylor Swift's infamous song "I'm feeling 22!" - if anyone says that they don't sing it on their 22nd birthday - they're lying! Anyway my 22nd was pretty ordinary; got up, went to work, a birthday cake was presented and I got to spend time with some incredible family and friends. 

BECOMING A TIDYING NINJA... 

For anyone who truly knows me, tidying and organising are my forte. Yes that's right, I'm a bit of a clean freak - I like things in order and to be tidy. There is nothing wrong with that, right? Inspired by a book that I read whilst I was on holiday, I've since become an even bigger tidying ninja than before. The book is called 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying' by Marie Kondo and it is my new bible - it's incredible. 

The book talks about how millions of people love to keep things because they think they mean something to them but truthfully most objects are kept because people feel bad about getting rid of them. In truth when tidying you need to do it in categories oppose to randomly and each object ask yourself 'Does this spark joy?'. If there is one thing that this book has taught me it is that tidying isn't about getting rid of items that you might not want, its about making a change to your lifestyle bringing joy in everything you do. The student tidier has become the master tidier - said no one ever!

AMBITIOUS BAKER!  

Inspired by the latest series (and last series on BBC - *emoji with tears entered here*) of the Great British Bake Off, I've become quite an ambitious baker over the last few months. I find it as a good way to relax and unwind after a long week at work and what's not to love about baking; you get to try lots of new things, ingredients and you get to be the ultimate taste tester! From flapjacks with yogurt topping to truffles and brownies, my amateur baking skills are definitely improving and with the big day fast approaching look out for lots of festive treats! 

UNIVERSITY REUNIONS

I think one of hardest things about finishing university was leaving my best friends behind but whilst we may live a fair few miles away from each other, reunions make that distance all worth while. Two reunions happened in summer - one in Portsmouth and the other in Devon but one thing was clear, these places weren't ready for us. One was busy catching Pokemon, another was hoping not to get lost in a place they'd never been before and the other we needed to distract from purchasing the whole of Ralph Lauren. Whilst the reunion was a blast and we couldn't control our laughter for more than 10 minutes at a time, there were some valuable things that we learnt along the way:  

1. Bubbles do count as alcohol, no matter how much or little you drink.
2. Rosé is NOT our friends {I think it should come with 'Warning! This will make you stupidly drunk and feel rubbish in the morning when you drink with friends.'} imprinted in big letters on the bottle.
3. Spontaneous evenings are the best especially when you're with your best friends.
4. Looking at every restaurant menu in hope that what we want to eat will jump out at us doesn't actually work {you just end up going back to the first one you looked at - just pick one! I think we were walking around gunwharf quay for 45 minutes looking for somewhere to eat}
5. Playing games when you've had one too many to drink always ends in uncontrollable laughter. 

SIX THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY! 

1. The sound of traditional Christmas songs playing no matter where you go. 
2. The smell of mulled wine, cinnamon and pine during the festive season. 
3. Reconnecting with old friends.
4. Spending the evening wrapped up in a fluffy blanket on an chilly and frosty evening reading a good book with a homemade Christmassy treats.
5. Bonne Maman Caramel Spread. That's all!
6. Planning holidays for 2017! :) 

FIVE THINGS THAT HAVE MADE ME SMILE IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS:

1. Reuniting with my best friends from university {I think we can all agree that Rosé is NOT our friend}
2. Booking West End tickets to see Mamma Mia in the New Year. 
3. Buying new Christmas decorations {I know this is small but it just makes me feel super festive} 
4. Celebrating that I'm twenty two! 
5. Getting a new car... Say hello to Aly Audi! 

Until the next life catch up or blog post (hopefully it won't be as long until the next one)... Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

Blogs Worth Bookmarking #8

Seeing as everyone seems to writing seasonal content (don't get me wrong, I am definitely not complaining; I've got some great Spring outfit inspiration for some of these blogs); I thought it would be fun to do a 'blogs worth bookmarking' based around Springtime posts. Sitting in our airport waiting to board your flights can be somewhat dull - especially when you've looked around all the duty-free shops and your arm is about to fall off because your hand luggage is super heavy. So, whilst I spent half my time watching Lilo & Stitch and getting super over-excited about the fact that I was waiting to board a flight to DisneyWORLD, Florida; I delved into BlogLovin' and found some rather interesting reads and blogs worth a bookmark... 

Lauren Ellen

This was a recommended blog that I found on another blog, when I was working my way through BlogLovin, one blog at a time. Definitely a new favourite and one that I am certainly keeping in my bookmark folder. 

Carly Grant
I've taken plenty of fashion advice and inspiration from this blogs; I'm loving the Springtime outfits - #goals

Poppy Deyes
Every person needs a 'go-to' lifestyle blog and this is mine...

Pack Your Passport
This lifestyle yet travelling blog is great but it is kind of super bad for me to keep reading; I mean, not in a bad way; on one hand it is an incredible read and there is some great advice within these posts but it is just encouraging reminding me that I should go out and travel/see the world, whilst I'm still young - #travelenvy 

Nettle and Blackberry
How cute is the name of this blog? Seriously? With incredible product reviews and lifestyle tips and guidance; this blog is a must-read on a weekly basis. 

Until the next bookmarking session, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

Life Lately #2

Just to give you a sneak preview of what's happening in my life currently; whilst you're reading this imagine two twenty-one year old girls running around DisneyWORLD, with a pair of Minnie Mouse ears on their heads. Such cool kids, right? Anywho, as we are currently loving life in Disney; here a just a few other things (including Disney) that I've been up to lately... 

NEW PLACES TO SHOP
Addicted in an understatement. Seriously, I'm surprised my bank haven't got in touch with me yet to about how much I've been purchasing from Oliver Bonas & Esty recently. If you want something there is no doubt that Oliver Bonas and/or Esty has got in stock; I think the problem is I tend to find things on there that I don't really need but actually I just convince myself that I need it and I will find use for it. Recently I've purchased a large number of trinket dishes, make up brush pots and quoted frames; yeah I think I need to take a break. Oops. 

THE HOLIDAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED! 
It's finally arrived and my excitement is about to erupt like a volcano. After waiting three months since booking this holiday, there is nothing more excited than meeting up with one of my best gal pals before heading to Gatwick to fly to Disney, Orlando. Ekkkkk! Whilst you're reading this post, I'll no doubt be running around Disney with a selfie stick in hand and Minnie Mouse ears on my head - yes I'm twenty-one and no I don't care! No doubt you'll hear all about my Disney holiday very soon! 

HEALTHY EATING 
Since my last 'that's life', I've been really into getting healthy and eating healthy - no doubt that will be straight out of the window, when I get to America - anywho, I've been really good lately; no snacks, unhealthy meals and I've been hitting the gym regularly. Everything I bake has had a healthy/fruity twist to it; seriously cinnamon and berry granola and apple flapjack are now my two go-to bakes for Summer 2016, I just can't seem to get enough. 

FIVE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

1. When a client tells you personally that you've done a good job! 
2. Having fresh flowers in the house.
3. Being able to have the windows open all day without the risk of freezing to death. 
4. Everyone being incredibly happy and friendly because the sun is finally out. 
5. Finally being able to be in complete holiday mode! 

Until the next time, once again that's life; Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

What's in my Hand Luggage | Long-Haul Edition

Guess who is finally off on their holidays! That's right, me! Whilst you're reading this I am currently sat in Gatwick airport waiting to board my flight to Florida - thank goodness for blog schedulers! Finally after three months (I know three months isn't a long time but it certainly feels like it when you're waiting for a holiday) my best friend and I are jet setting - via Virgin Atlantic - across the pond for ten full-filled, Disney packed and Americanisation days in Orlando, Florida. *Air Grab* It's going to be strange having not seen much sunshine since my last holiday back in June, when I headed off to Portugal with my university chicks for seven whole days of cocktails, sunshine and the high life since we had just finished university. When heading off on holiday, I think the worse possible thing to try and work out is what you're going to wear on the flight; mainly because it's normally freezing in England and boiling wherever you're heading.

Any who, since this is my first long-haul flight across the pond; I instantly turn to our good old friend, Google, to look for what hand luggage essentials are must on a long-haul flight. There were a few essentials that I take with my on every flight; no matter if it's long or short, I go nowhere without the latest technology and painkillers by my side. Oh and no flight would be complete without a tube of Pringles or two - Sour Cream and Onion to be exact.

Here a few things that I will be chucking into my hand luggage, to keep me occupied during my nine hour flight to Florida:

The Beauty Must-Haves

• Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes
• Nivea Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant Roll On 
• Carex Aloe Vera Antibacterical Hand Gel 
• Hairbands 
• Nivea Smooth Nourishing Hand Cream: I love this stuff, it would've have unexpectable for me to leave it behind. 
• Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion: Aeroplanes make my skin so dry. 
• Vaseline Lip Balm - Rosy Pink: There is nothing worse than having dry skin and lips. 
• Garnier BB Cream: Easy to apply, and adds a little colour, so I don't standout as a pale English man. 
• Bourjois Paris Healthy Balance Powder - No. 53 
• Powder brush 
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste: A fresh breath is needed when you've been on a nine hour flight! 

The Entertainment and Technology

• 2-in-1 Neck Pillow 
• Sony Headphones: Sometimes, in-ear phones get a little comfortable. 
• In-Earphones: Suitable for a nap when needed. 
• Eyelashes Eye Mask: There always seems to be one person on the aeroplane, who like to have the light on when you're trying to sleep - so I'm coming prepared! 
• iPad: Including Pitch Perfect & Tangled - Classic movies, if I do say so myself!
• Books: 'All The Bright Places - Jennifer Nixon' and 'Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty' 
• Fluffy socks: There is nothing worse than cold (especially cold feet) on an aeroplane because it takes forever to warm up again. 

The 'Can't Leave Home Without Otherwise You Really Won't Be Going On Holiday' items 

• Travel Wallet: (including US Dollars, Passport, Train Tickets, ESTA and Disney & Universal tickets) 
• River Island Purse 
• iPhone 6: Uploaded with kick-ass tunes and plenty of memory space for selfies. 
• Principle Sunglasses: Need to be prepared when I land across the pond; bring on the sunshine! 

Until I've landed across the pond, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo