October Favourites | Moments

I can't believe October is over already. I mean where did it go. Today marks the day that we say goodbye to October and hello to November, welcoming reunions, Starbucks red cups and chillier evenings. Not to mention, that November is a rather exciting month for me, I finally get to graduate - hell to the yeah - after months of seeing Facebook filled with graduation pictures, it is now my turn to walk across that stage and get my hands on my 1st Class Honours certificate (hoping that I don't fall flat on my face, whilst doing so. Awkward!) 

October was a good month but it didn't consist of that many favourites - to be honest, I think most of my favourites were similar to the products I mentioned in my falling for Autumn essentials blog. So I thought instead of doing my usual monthly favourite products series, I would do my eight favourite October moments instead:

1. Rugby World Cup 2015 - Italy vs Romania
When a once in a lifetime opportunity comes to your country, it would be rude not to attend. Even though, I barely knew the rules of Rugby (I mean I knew the game consisted of scrum, a converted try and penalities - which is pretty good going for me to be honest) I  still had my brother and work colleague doubling checking whether I knew what just happened 99.9% of time; it was a great atmosphere and one of the best afternoons I've had in a long time. 

2. Hitting the one month mark at my new job - boy, have I learnt a lot in the space of a month. 
To be honest, I think I am nearly on the two month mark now but it was a big achievement nonetheless and I've loved every second of it and look forward to the future. 

3. Graduation plans with the besties - Southampton, here we come! 
After finally getting my results (about a month after every other uni, might I just add) back in July, Graduation seemed like so far away but now it is finally my turn and I can't wait to celebrate with my lovely girlies. Look out Southampton, a mass of people with funny looking hats are coming back on the 17th November! 

4. Reuniting with old friends
There is nothing better than meeting up with old friends and having a laugh over a drink or two - it really brightens the end of your week. 

5. Christmas Candles
The seasonal senses of mulled wine, cinnamon and turkey (yes! I found a turkey and cranberry scented candle; needless to say I didn't buy it) are back. I've got them all lined up ready for festive season to begin. 

6. Starting the Christmas Shopping 
I am a freakishly organised person, so for anyone who knows me it probably won't surprise you that I have already started my Christmas shopping - to be honest, I think I bought my first present back in September. Holla to all the organised people out there! Okay, so Christmas shopping is manic, what with people everywhere and you can't move but it's the atmosphere I enjoy, from the twinkling lights to the cute Christmas markets - I love Christmas. 

Until the festive season is upon us and another favourite series occurs, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

The Truth about Living with a Dog that’s Mad #1

Yes! It's the same dog and yes, she is sat on a chair. She does that! 

Over two years ago, a Golden Retriever pup that now goes by the name of Poppy (well that's her name, until she feels like ignoring you) entered into our lives. Since that day, there's not a day gone by when I haven't opened my laptop and searched into Google "why does my dog…". I mean, I know all animals have their 'weird' habits - like humans do, I suppose - but there is some weird explantations out there on the Internet; one website said all dogs calm down by the age of two. Well clearly that hasn't true because she has calmed down at all. Another suggested to use a squirt gun to spray water at her, when she misbehaves. No, I don't think that's the right answer either. Sorry Internet, I'm breaking your theories and putting the world to right about living with a mad dog because your theories simply don't work with this dog - she… ummm, unique to say the least. 

Two years have gone past so quickly and each day is never the same; either something different is destroyed each day or she does something, which still surprised me - honestly I thought I would be surprised by the things she does anymore but I still am. Anyway, the world needs to know, what it's really like to live with a dog that's mad:

This dog does not understand that owners need their sleep.
When she decides it's time for everyone to get up, that's it. It's time to get up. She will purposefully walk and climb all over you or tap punch you with her paw until you are awake; sometimes she'll even sit on you, until you get up - it doesn't matter if its 5am, 6am or 7am, if she is getting up, everyone is up. Yet, when she has got everyone up and finally had her breakfast, it is only then she decides that its time to go back to sleep, whilst all owners continue to get on with their days. How is this fair? 

This dog does not understand that what's mine, is not hers.
You can buy Poppy all the toys under the sun but if she wants something that you've got, that's it she finds away to get it. I can't tell you how many of my cuddly teddies, socks and slippers she has stolen, run down the garden with and claimed. Ridiculous. Basically, if it's not nailed down its hers. Those are the rules of Poppy. 

This dog loves causing mischief.
Whenever she is quiet, you should be worried. It either means A) she is up to no good or B) she has done something and she is now hiding; most of time its both. Whether it's rolling in mum's plants until they look dead or sleeping on the new clean bed sheets that have just been put on the bed; there is always something on that dog's mind. In times like these, I wish I could read minds, it would be so much easier to know what she is thinking. 

This dog likes cuddles (but she is not a lap dog). 
She is a bit BIG to be lap dog to be honest but if she wants cuddles, that's it. You can be sat minding your own business, busy around the house or sleeping and the same rules will still apply. Don't get me wrong, I love cuddles as much as the next person (or dog) but normally she wants a cuddle at the most inconvenient time, normally when you're extremely busy, it is only then she decides to sit on you. 

This dog takes up all the room. 
I know, she is a big dog but does she really have to take up all the room. Whilst my parents were away for two weeks, she decided that sleeping on her bed was overrated, so joined me in the land of luxury on my bed - just to say, I didn't agree to this - but Poppy has a tactic, during the course of the night, she pushes her way into the middle of the bed until you're practically sleeping on the floor. One morning, I got up two hour earlier than I needed too because I had been pushed out of bed. Not cool. 

This dog like to chew things (that aren't hers). 
Honestly, I can't tell you how many cuddly toys I have with no noses or eyes because she decided that they shouldn't be on them or how many socks that didn't have a pair because she decided to chew one into bits. Sometimes it was humorous. Like the time she decided to chew her bed and my teddy into bits - honestly it looks like a sheep had been murdered, there was that much duvet stuffing everywhere. It looked like a massacre. Believe me when I say she was quite happy with herself, sitting there wagging her tail whilst I cleaned up the mess. Thank you Poppy. 

This dog loves attention.
Apparently dogs are independent. Well, I guess this dog missed the memo… Because she wants everyone's attention, all the time. I come home from work, she is dying to go out within minutes she is back inside wanting everyone's attention. Peace is shattered. 

This dog loves food (and not just dog food). 
I don't think that there is anything this dog doesn't eat - apart from Banana, which I found out the other day when I dropped a bit on floor; she quickly spit it out. But apart from that, this dog will eat ANYTHING. If you cutting up vegetables, she's there right by your feet and if you don't give her any she crys and gives you 'the look' with those big brown puppy eyes. 

This dog is man's best friend.
Although, this dog is mad. She's got your back. She's definitely got a character about her. If she considered someone a threat, she'll stand her ground. 

Poppy may cause madness and chaos, wherever she goes but believe me when I say, I always have a story to tell about her and I wouldn't change her in a million years. But I wish she would stop running off with my things; running up and down the garden in my pyjamas to get something back isn't my idea of fun at 7am. 

Until the next episode in the series of "The truth about living with a dog that’s mad", Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo   

How to get a good nights sleep?

I like sleep. I like my bed. A lot. So, you can imagine my excitment when the end of British Summer Time happens because it means a whole extra hour in bed. Hooray! Don't get me wrong, I'm quite good at getting myself out of bed in a morning; I mean I love mornings because its a another day. Another day filled with opportunities, adventures and new things to try. But when the clock "fall back" happens, it means the mornings feel a lot darker and gloomier, which sometimes makes getting out of bed hard work. For some people its easy; I mean if I get a good solid eight hours sleep the night before, I'm as fresh as a daisy when it comes to the morning, any less than eight hours, let's put it this way I wouldn't cross my path until I've had coffee. A lot of coffee.

However, I feel like the only way to beat these "getting out of bed blues" is to try and get a good nights sleep; so, here are my eight tips on how to get a good nights sleep and to make the most of that extra hour in bed (whilst we can):

1. Getting the right amount of sleep for you. 
Firstly, don't do what everyone else is doing; some people can handle going to bed at 1am and getting up again at 7. Not me. As a rule of thumb, I like to get at least eight hours sleep, it makes me feel refreshed and less groggy in a morning (unless I have a cold, I feel no amount of sleep helps with that). You've got to do what your body wants, at the end of the day if you can't cope with loads of late nights then don't. Do what's best for you! 

2. Being comfy is a priority! 
Nothing beats fresh bed sheets and clean pyjamas. It's fact. But unfortunately you can't wash your bed sheets every night, that's a bit mad to be honest; so I try and make my bed as comfy as possible. Having comfy pillows and warm, snuggly bedding is the way to go; if you're sleeping on something horrible and rough, it might be time for a change!

3. Technology blackout time! 
This is probably my top tip, and I have to admit that I was useless at this. But last week, I waved goodbye to technology and blackouted at a reasonable time and opted for a good book instead. The bright light, be it from your phone, laptop, TV, iPad or whatever doesn't help your brain shut down like it should and I'm sure everyone can give up their phones for at least an hour a day, right?

4. Avoid sugar and think calming drinks. 
Falling asleep on a full stomach is not good. I don't tend to eat past 7pm unless I am out for a meal or something. Avoiding sugary, caffeinated drinks and foods before bed is the best thing, in order to get a good nights sleep. Try a calming drink, some people like herbal teas but me I opt for Ovaltine or warm milk. Bliss.

5. A good book can be the difference between a good and a bad nights sleep.
I tend to read a chapter or two before going to bed, I find it just helps my mind to shut down before bed; helping me to fall asleep a lot quicker. Finding a time to read during the day isn't easy - I'm sure most people will agree with me there - but half an hour or so before bed is perfect to help you get a good nights sleep.

6. A bedtime routine is a must! 
Having a bedtime routine might sound like a childish thing to have but it's not. Going to bed at the same time everyday helps your body to prepare and recover ready for the next day. Once you're in that routine, falling asleep quickly just becomes easy.

7. Make sure your not sleeping in an oven. 
I don't know about anybody else but sleeping in a sauna isn't my idea of fun and it takes me ages to get to sleep. Make sure your room is the perfect temperature for you. Open a window, turn on a fan, open your door, try a lighter duvet - the temperature of room has a lot to do with how good your nights sleep is.

8. Try an eye mask. 
It doesn't work for everyone but using an eye mask can help to eliminate any lights that might keep you awake at night - eye masks are really good for light sleepers or anyone who happens to get disturbed by the smallest bit of light.

Until tomorrow after my eight hours of sleep, good night and Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

Falling for Autumn Essentials

One of my favourite things about Autumn is the beautiful seasonal colours that come in around this time of year; especially in beauty and fashion collections. Autumn is pretty damn awesome in my eyes - I even wrote another post about it! - and when I think of Autumn, there are numerous things that spring to mind, most of which I have included in this post. With the nights getting colder and darker, it means more cosy nights in under a blanket watching a classic film or catching up on the latest series on Netflix - I am currently loving Once Upon a Time! It also means more hot beverages with tasty syrups, berry lips, golden-toned eyes and warm, chunky scarves - I mean, who doesn't love a warm, chunky scarf in Autumn!

With the days and evenings starting to get longer and colder, I have started looking after my skin a little bit more than I usually would; I mean, I look after my skin anyway but during these colder times, my skin starts to feel really dry, dehydrated and look lifeless to be honest and I tend to use a few more hydrating products than I would normally.  From face masks to hand creams, you can't be to careful when this cold weather sets in; its better to be safe than sorry. I always keep hand cream and lip balm in my handbag, just in case. 

Also when the seasonal colours are changing, it is always a great time to change up your makeup bag and nail polish collection; by getting creative with darker, Autumnal tones and berry lips but it is definitely all about those golden and amber tones – especially on the eyes. Although, I don’t use this makeup look on an everyday basis, it is a fairly simple and straightforward look that gives your makeup look a warm, Autumnal feel to it. I mean, I am not normally a lover of a dark berry lip but this year, I am starting to wear them more and more. 

Autumnal accessorizes are a must! I can't actually tell you exactly how many scarves, hats and pairs of boots I own, there are just too many - believe me when I say it makes life really difficult when choosing an outfit because I just want to wear it all. But with the end of British Summer Time upon us (I don't even think we saw Summer, did we?) knitted socks and boots are perfect for keeping your feet warm on chilly, Autumnal days. 

What are your favourite Autumn essentials? 

Autumnal Essentials Include:
Miss Selfridge - Black Faux Fur Luxe Parka - £95.00 £76.00 (with discount)

River Island - Burgundy Check Tasselled Blanket Scarf | £22.00 £17.00 (with discount)

Schuh - 6-Inch Timberland Boots  | Shhh! It's just too much.  

Superdrug - Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Crayon – Keep it Classy | £4.99

Boots - Essie "Cocktail Bling" | £7.99

Superdrug - Tanya Burr Hollywood Eye Palette | £5.99

The Body Shop - Almond Nails and Hand Cream  | £5.00

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

Superdrug - Nivea Lip Butter Tin | £2.25

Primark - Knitted Socks | £2.50 

Until the next seasonal change that happens to need essentials, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

9 Things to Remember when you're having a Bad Day

When you least aspect it, BANG! A bad day hits you. Don't get me wrong, one or two really bad days out of 365 (or 366 in a leap year) is pretty good but sometimes, those really bad days make you feel like the world is about to come crashing down around you. Sucks, right!? When everything feels like its going wrong, here are few things that I like to remember: 

1. There is probably someone having a much worse day than you. 
When you're feeling rubbish, it's hard to believe that someone is actually having a worse day than you are. But don't forget there will always be someone in a worse situation than you making your bad day not seem as bad as you thought. 

2. There is always a lesson to be learnt from a bad day. 
When you have a bad day, they tend to be out of your control. If being stuck in traffic for ages or making a mistake at work has caused you to have a bad day then all you can do is learn from it and make that bad days into a lesson to be learnt. If it was traffic that caused your bad day like me, then leave 10 minutes earlier then you normally would; I mean getting to work on time is one thing but going to work in a great mood is even better. Often, bad days can lead to life-changing epiphanies. Well sometimes. 

3. There are only 24 hours in day. 
Don't forget your day has to end sometime. It's not going to last forever, there are only 24 hours in a day. Before you know it, you'll be in the comfiest pyjamas you own, with a cup of tea, watching a rom-com or chick flick under a blanket; happy that your day is over. 

4. Social media is your frenemie on a bad day. Not your friend! 
Jumping onto social media at the end of a bad day is not good. You end up getting upset about what don't have or you see something that someone has put, which makes you even more annoying. Believe it or not, turning off your social media on a bad day is a good thing. 

5. Crying is not a crime. 
Crying is not a sign of weaknesses. Sometimes its good to let it all out and even if you don't know exactly why your crying its obvious you need too. Believe me when I say crying sometimes really helps. Such a relief. 

6. Life isn't perfect. 
Never compare your life to someone else's, it isn't worth it. After all, comparing your life to someone else's carefully selected highlights on Instagram isn't going to make you feel any better. Life has it's ups and downs but its how you deal with them, which is important. 

7. There has to be something that makes you happy. 
Whether its coming home and putting your pyjamas on, eating your favourite meal or simply sit down with a good book - thinking of something that makes you happy can help you to focus on something else rather than your bad day. 

8. Sometimes having a bad day can be a good thing too. 
Imagine if everyday was perfect, it would be pretty boring after a while. Having a really rubbish day will make you appreciate all the other days and little things in your life and sometimes, it makes the situation seem much better. 

9. There is nothing a cup of tea can't solve! 
A cup of tea isn't everyones cup of tea - ha, see what I did there - anyway, sitting down with a good book and cup of tea makes me feel 100% better in no time, in my eyes solves everything. Bliss. 

Just remember a bad day doesn't last forever. Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

Choose Happiness. Choose Confidence.

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

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

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

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

Choose… to be the best. 

Choose… a good attitude. 

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

Choose… the right people. 

Choose… to smile! 

Choose… to embrace everything that life hands to you. 

Choose… to be honest. 

Choose… to do something you love. 

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

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

Wanderlust Traveler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What destinations are on your travel bucket list? 

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