Blogs Worth Bookmarking #6

In the past few weeks, we've seen Adele dominate at the Brits Awards picking up a total of four awards (including Best British Single and Best British Female - hell to the yeah!), and One Direction's Liam Payne and Cheryl are now apparently dating - I don't think anyone saw that one coming to be honest - anyway all in all it has been a busy old week for our musical celebrities. But with Spring well and truly on its way - seriously it needs to hurry up, it's just too cold - it is time to get excited for my up and coming holidays, which means some new holiday essentials and the countdown is officially on but what better way to find some holiday and long-haul flight essentials than browsing through some blogs. Enjoy! 

Giovanna Fletcher

I love this family. They are the cutest and they've just welcomed the arrival of Buddy Boy Fletcher to their super awesome family. I've read a lot of her blogs over the year and I've recently moved on to read her books; the way she writes is very engagment and keeps the reader interested with plenty of twists and turns. 

Shay Holly

Francesca Eloise

Hope Engaged

Wander with Laura

If I didn't want to travel the world before then I do now. This has inspired me to visit more places around the globe. 

Cupcakes and Cashmere

My outfits for the Spring are sorted. Thank you Cupcakes and Cashmere. 

Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins

The two things that every girl needs in her life; coffee beans and bobby pins - who wouldn't like a blog with a name like this. 

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

Book Review #1 | Chasing Daisy by Paige Toon

As some of you may know, one of my New Years Solutions was to read more books in two thousand and sixteen; my aim was to read at least one or two books every two weeks. Sounds a bit crazy, right? Yeah, that's what I thought since we are reaching the end of February and I've only read one and a half books since the new year started. Oops. I am mainly blaming my failure on my lack of time, laziness and swapping books for Pinterest - so 21st century. Yet slightly addictive. Anyhoo, since the last few weeks at work have been somewhat hectic, I thought it was about time that I switch off Pinterest and turn to a good old fashioned book (on a Kindle). 

I stumbled across this author when I was reading a few blogs during one evening; I've never read any of Paign Toon's books but I've heard a number of good reviews about them, so I thought that I would give it a shot. I really enjoy romantic, heart-felt stories where the reader can really relate to the characters in the book; there is nothing worse than reading a book with no emotion or storyline. 

Chasing Daisy revolves around a young girl called Daisy, who is twenty six years old and works as a front-of-house girl (or bun tart) for Formula One with her best friend, Holly; however her past doesn't belong to growing up in a happy family and having successful relationships. Just as the F1 season kicks off, she not only builds new friendships but falls into a relationship with a boy who's heart belongs to his childhood sweetheart. Daisy's world soon come crashng down but someone who has been there from the start is ready to save the day and repair her broken heart. 

I pretty much read this book within three days. I didn't mean to but once I really started to get into it, I couldn't stop - I even found it difficult to put it down when I went to work for eight hours. Having never read a Paige Toon book before, I didn't know what to expect but the first part of this book had such an intense build up, it was filled with sexual tension and new insightful relationships that kept me on my toes and thinking over and over again... "Who actually is Daisy and what is she hiding?" As the story starts to unfold, the excitement and tension starts to build and although you knew when they went back to the house or hotel that something was going to happen, the twists and turns along the way kept me guessing right until the very end. 

I found this book a pretty easy read; not too complicated or boring. If you're heading off on holiday, going on a long-haul flight or are having a relaxing and lazy day; I would definitely recommend this book as it is a light-hearted love story which relatable to every women, who has ever had a crush and/or a complicated relationship experience. 

Until the next time a book needs reviewing, Au Revoir!

Love,

Lauren xo 

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