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 

Twenty-One facts about Lauren Marie

Good Morning Everybody! I woke up this morning feeling a bit emotional to say the least; I mean, it’s been a tiring old week and I think sometimes, everything just feels like it getting on top of you and some 'me time' is in order. So I've spend the morning browsing through the big World Wide Web, reading blogs and doing a little online retail therapy (again!) and whilst, I've been browsing I came across a few interesting blogs entitled 'Facts about me'; so I thought that I would give it ago… Here are twenty one facts from a twenty one year old girl, called Lauren Marie: 

1. My star sign is Leo. 
2. I'm a dog person, not a cat person. 
3. I have one brother. 
4. I hate being late, it makes me extremely anxious {I always leave more time than I need too because I am always worried that I am going miss something and I panic}. 
5. I love 'Shabby Chic' themed products and items with my initial 'L' on. 
6. Wearing fluffy socks, under a blanket with a good book and cup of tea is my idea of a perfect evening in. 
7. I treat all my mistakes as lessons to be learnt from in the future {Never have regrets, life is too short!}
8. I did Gymnastics for over ten years. 
9. Autumn is my favourite season; the beautiful colours and the crisp leaves under foot when stolling through the fields or on a footpath. 
10. I passed my driving test first time! *cue the applause*
11. I'm afraid of snakes. 
12. 99.9% of the time, I will cry at a (romance) movie {I'll even cry if I have seen the movie before - Marley & Me will always be a heartbreaker}. 
13. I love Chinese food {Lemon Chicken… So Tasty} 
14. Although, I love my Birthday; Christmas is one of my favourite occasion. 
15. I wish want to travel the world and see places, whilst I am young; I am such a daydreamer. 
16. I don't like lifts; I don't tend to use them unless I really have too but even still, I don't like them. 
17. My favourite animals are Turtles {They're just so cute!}
18. I love to bake! 
19. I don't have a favourite colour but I do love Burgundy in Autumn and Pastels in Spring and Summer {Seasonal colours are the best!} 
20. I am extremely organised {I'm not even being modest!}
21. I am known for focusing on my flaws too much and never on my positives {Remember! What you don't like, someone else just might…} 

Until the next time, Au Revoir! 
Love,
Lauren xo

Blogs Worth Bookmarking #1

Up until about six months ago, I suffered from blogging ignorance - I know, it's a pretty serious condition - anyway, I had never really read any beauty blogs, or any blogs to be honest (apart from a few of my friends wrote) and I was really unaware of how good some of them were but oh how the tables have turns. All I can say now is I am hooked, borderline obsessed and now my Saturday mornings are reserved for nothing more than coffee, croissants and a few hours of harmless blog bookmarking. So, I thought I would start another series on the blog called 'Blogs Worth Bookmarking'; sharing all my recent new blog finds, which are actually worth reading and you'll never know what you'll find out:  

1. Pint Sized Beauty 

If anything this blog has saved my life, her tips on 'rescuing dehydrated skin' were golden and her reviews are something that are worth a daily read. 

2. Charmed Charlee

My only regret is, I should of found Charmed Charlee sooner. If you haven't already guessed any blogs that promote skincare suggestions is ace in my books and is definitely worth bookmarking. 

3. Fox on the Hunt

If you want kick-ass, boohoo style guides, top tips for getting that perfect summer glow (even if Summer doesn't arrive when it should) and an extensive list of what body scrubs and moisturers to try then this is the blog for you. 

4. The Love Cats Inc

Her lifestyle tips and bakes are to die for - don't believe me; try the Lindt Chocolate Brownies.

5. Thumbelina Lillie

Okay, who wouldn't love a blog with a name like this? 

6. Ugly Face of Beauty

Initally, the name was a bit off putting but when I started to read, I just found each word inspiring and real; I would recommend this blog to everyone.  

Until the next blog bookmarking session, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

September Soundtrack

Even though Summer is over (I don’t know, if it actually arrived to be honest), and Autumn is well and truly on the way; soon we’ll all be in our chunky knitted jumpers and accessorizes, sipping on a regular sized hot beverages, favoured with those beautiful Autumn spices. Starbucks, pumpkin-spiced latte, come at me! Anyway, with the change in seasons, I thought there was nothing better than to put together a September Soundtrack, which I can play on those long Autumnal walks, road trips with friends and maybe, some cosy nights in too. Here are my chosen September Soundtrack tunes – ENJOY! 

1. One Direction – Drag Me Down 

(Big love for this tune!)

2. Justin Bieber – What do you mean? 

(Okay, I'm not normally a fan of JB but in this case, it’s becoming a slight guilty pleasure *insert monkey with hands over eyes emoji here*)

3. Sigma ft. Ella Henderson – Glitterball

4. Don’t be so hard on yourself – Jess Glynne

5. Kygo ft. Ella Henderson – Here for you 

6. Flashlight – Pitch Perfect 2 Soundtrack 

(This has been on repeat, since the soundtrack was available back in June… on Spotify anyway)

7. Olly Murs - Beautiful to me

8. Can’t feel my face – Weeknd

9. The Fight Song – Rachel Platten

10. Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift

11. Black Magic – Little Mix
12. Dear Future Husband - Meghan Trainor 
13. Diana Vickers - Cinderella 
14. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride - Now Disney "From Lilo & Stitch Soundtrack"
(Yes! I know this is a Disney song but ever since, I got my birthday present from a good friend, I haven't been able to stop watching the film or listening to it.) 
15. Olly Murs ft Travie McCoy  - Wrapped Up 
(This guy - *emoji with heart-shaped eyes*)
16. The Vamps - On the floor
("Bang her on the floor, bang her on the table" - I think we thought the lyrics were didn't we girls… Oh the memories of doing uni work on a besties floor for several hours)
17. Locked Away - R. City Ft. Adam Levine
18. Confident - Demi Lovato 
(To Be Noted: Great workout song as well!)
19. Poison – Rita Ora
20. Olly Murs - Seasons
(It seems the perfect song choice, since Autumn is on the way!)

Okay, so everyone has different types of music that they're into; some like rock, others heavy metal… Me? I just love good old pop music, I mean, I do listen to a bit of Arctic Monkeys now and again and Twin Atlantic but nothing  beats, singing 1D at the top of your lungs - especially in the car? Okay, my ultimate love is Olly Murs, just be thankful that my whole list wasn't Olly. Is this your perfect playlist? Or maybe you need a few changes?

Love, 
Lauren xo 

Bedtime Beauty Routine

Good Evening All! I always find other people's bedtime routines interesting; I mean I think it says a lot about someone, from the products they choose to what they keep near to them at nighttime on their bedside table. Sometimes, I have a glass of water by my side; other times, I have a packet of sweets or a snack from earlier that evening but I will always have my bedtime beauties next to me. I always think of my bedtime routine, as my go-to items that I really love and I am happy to spend a little bit more on than I would usually on skincare. I tend to keep my bedtime routine simple though as I don't want to overcomplicate things before going to bed; also I love using these products as a reminder to NOT go to bed with my makeup left on, so I need to keep it simple, otherwise it is just a huge effort. I always find that a good bedtime routine, helps me to unwind and relax from the day that I've just endured and sometimes, I enjoy doing it; especially when I have a good book to conclude the evening with and a hot beverage waiting for me - hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream… Tasty!

For my bedtime skincare routine, I tend to use a lot of Body Shop items as I find that their products are light, refreshing and affordable. I love to do my bedtime routine, just before I read my book for an hour or so then afterwards I would settle down for the evening; my skin feels refreshed and it allows me to unwind. Perfection! 

BEDTIME BEAUTY PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

FYI, these products are in order, I tend to use them. 

The Body Shop, Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator - £11.00 

(I tend to use this product in the shower as I find it easier!)

Superdrug, Deep Cleansing Facial Sheet Mask - £1.29

The Body Shop, Seaweed Night Treatment - £13.00 

The Body Shop, Aloe Soothing Night Cream - £13.00 

Feel Unique, Garnier Nutritionist Caffeine Eye Roll - £6.19 

(I've literally just run out but it is always on my repurchase product list and I tend to use this in the mornings as well!)

Superdrug,  Nivea Lip Butter - Blueberry Blush - £2.25 

(I've also tried the Coconut one as well - I would definitely recommend these lip butters; I've never looked back) 

This isn't all of my bedtime routine products, as some products I use after I've had my shower and other times, I don't use all my products but these are definitely some of my go-to favourites for bedtime. 

Do you have a bedtime routine that you keep near to you as a reminder to take you makeup off in an evening? 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Bonus Exclusive Skincare#1: 

The Body Shop, Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask - £24.00 

I haven't purchased this whole product yet; I got a tester from The Body Shop to see what it was like as £24.00 is a lot to pay, if you don't like something but I LOVE it and I'm waiting for my order to arrive - like the other products from The Body Shop, it's light, refreshing and soothing and it's a good replacement for any moisturisers or face masks. 

Bonus Exclusive Skincare#2: 

Superdrug, Deep Action Pore Cleansing Nose Strips x4 - £2.69

I only tend to do this twice a week as otherwise my nose is extremely sore but actually they are absolutely brilliant; it does exactly what it says on the tin (or the box). 

Dare to be Different…

I thought this picture was relevant; I mean, riding a bike around Holland was an achievement for me, even if it was a small one.
{FYI, Holland is very hilly; don't listen to your bestie when she says that it isn't}

As a passionate advertising graduate, every now and again I do love to stalk venture into a brands' social media and watch their latest advertising unfold, especially with Christmas on the way; however it is only officially Christmas when you see the Coca Cola advert for the first time. Recently, I have come across GAP's new campaign 'Girl', featuring Ellen Degeners (one of the most inspirational people on our television screens, by the way!), who has just designed a new clothing range for GAP Kids and it's just as awesome as she is. 

Anyway, this got me thinking… The world that we live in today is a scary place and one that many girls in the 21st century fear. With the growth of social media these days, it gets harder and harder to escape from the media and the negative influences that girls - like me and you - are surrounded by each day. I mean, I know that I've only just turned twenty-one (33 days ago to be exact!) but even at twenty-one years old, I feel the need to please EVERYONE; I know this shouldn't be the case but have you ever made a decision just to please someone? Or do you ever feel like the pressures of making a decision is even harder because you have people around you telling you what you should or shouldn't be doing. Well, this campaign breaks the ice, and reassures girls that you can be whatever you want to be and celebrates all the things that make people different. If you want to compete at the Olympics, then you can. If you want to be the top stylist at London Fashion Week, then you can. The important thing to remember in all of this, is that the world is your oyster and at the end of the day… It's your life and you have the power to do anything you want to do. Unfortunately, during your journey to power, there will always be curveballs that you have to dodge or mountains that you have to climb because life isn't that simple but with plenty of determination and confidence, you can achieve magical things. 

When I was in secondary school, I struggled with a lot of subjects and I never really found my 'niché' or anything I was good. Sport? No. Science? No. English? Definitely not. I mean, I didn't know where I really fitted when it came at being good at something and I definitely NEVER thought that I would go to university and meet some of the greatest people ever (and achieve a First Class Honours) but I stuck with it because I knew I wanted to achieve something in my life. Yes, there were plenty of times that I wanted to give up and hide under a rock but my passion towards things is probably one of my best attributes; I mean, I don't like giving up especially without a fight and believe me when I say that there were plenty of times that people discouraged me along the way or someone said something hurtful or very unmotivational. At times, I would listen but as you get older, hopefully, you'll realised that any discouragements that you might get along the way, should only make you stronger and prove those people wrong. What is it they say… "you don't know until you try". 

Believe it or not, every girl in the 21st century at times probably feels scared or has plenty of self-esteem issues… your not alone but the biggest message that I have probably got from this campaign is "never give up" because if you don't try you will never succeed and succeeding at something is a wonderful feeling and something everyone should get to enjoy. 

Remember! If you love it, do it! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Goodbye & Farewell Angels

As I announced on here a few weeks ago, I am starting a new job tomorrow and I am super excited but I am slightly nervous also. Although, it will be wonderful to start my after-uni adventure, meeting loads of new people, initiating myself into a routine working 9am - 5:30pm everyday and putting my knowledge to the test; but it does come with a price… it is my time to depart from my fellow Heart Angels and bid you all farewell {I would like to think you're all still crying about my departure - only teasing!}

I have worked as a Heart Angel for over two years now and I have loved every second of it (even when we were out in the pouring rain, looking like drowned rats, we made it fun and kept the energy going!) I have met some amazing but most of all bizarre and mad people, that you could ever meet but they are all pretty damn awesome and I love them all dearly; I mean, who wouldn't miss memories of three girls trying to lift a heavy sofa through the office window; or women trying to rugby tackle the team, down to the ground during a Race for Life Pretty Muddy shift or even the task of trying to get rid of what feels like an endless amount of Burts crisps by throwing them through the windows of truck drivers because they feel 'mildly peckish' apparently.

It's all about those Heart Angel #Selfies on shift - Thank you girlies (+ Alex)

All in all, I have loved working as an Angel but it's time to start a new chapter and see what the future holds; in all honesty, I hope it holds something pretty damn awesome for me. Fingers crossed!

Thank you Heart Angels, you've been amazing and I will miss you all dearly. 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

P.S. Just Remember… I am always up for a sleepover and Disney movie marathon the following day.