NEW YEAR: BUCKETLIST

Happy New Year everyone! I haven’t posted in a while due to being busy spending time with friends and family over the holidays. But I’m back with a brand new post for a brand new year! Im determined to make 2017 a good year for me, not because 2016 was a particularly bad year but lets just say it wasn’t the best, so here is my bucket list of things i want to do and achieve in the next 365 days. Disclaimer; this will probably be a very long post so be prepared, as i pour my inspirations and motivations into one place.

Im going to split my so-called ‘bucket list’ into 3 sections; Future, Health and Travel. The 3 main things i want to achieve and change in the next year. I also hope some of my goals will help to inspire you to have a happy and healthy 2017, so lets get started!

FUTURE

Lets start with the future. Im 18, so my future is a pretty important aspect of my life right now.

• Happiness:

 

It sounds super cliche, but this year i want to focus on my happiness. Not because i am not a happy person, i really really am. But i feel like i need to focus more time and energy on me and doing things that make me feel happy. 2016 was a rollercoaster of ups and downs. One minute i was super happy, and the next i was’nt. I am determined to make 2017 a happy year full of great memories. This co-insides with my health, as i know becoming healthier will add to me feeling better within myself.

• Relationships:

This is another thing that contributes towards my happiness. As i feel my relationships with people can really affect how i feel. This year i am focusing on spending time with people who make me feel more positive, as i believe that distributing positive energy into the world, will allow me to receive positive energy back. (Super cringy i know!) Therefore, the people i spend my time with can really affect how i feel. 2016 definitely taught me that you should only put your time and effort into people who really want the best for you, and who influence your mood in a positive way. Following on from this, i want to spend 2017 appreciating the genuine people i have around me.

• Career:

I am 18. To many people that age will sound so young with many years ahead of me. But since i was young, 18 has always sounded so old and mature, with everything figured out. 2016 has taught me that i do not actually know what i want to be when i am older, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although I spent many years throughout school being told that i need to know what career path i want if i’m going to be successful in life, i now know that i actually don’t need to have my life planned out just yet, and i am ok with that. Ive spent so long trying to figure out how my life is going to pan out, and for once, i actually don’t know. I hope 2017 will be the year of figuring things out, and as Kylie Jenner said about 2016… ‘realising things’. If that leads to me knowing what degree i want to do at university, what job i want to have in 5 years time, or if it leads me to something completely different, i know that i am ok with that. I am ok with not knowing. And, surprisingly, it actually feels quite good.

Health

Health is another important aspect of my life that i want to change in 2017.

Healthy eating: Like i said previously, i am 18. I am a teenager, or a ‘young adult’. I like to eat food that isn’t particularly good for me, and spend time with my friends where junk food is often the main priority. In 2016 i had re-occuring bouts of healthy eating. One month i would be so motivated to eat healthily, with no junk food or fizzy drinks or takeaways. But that wouldn’t last very long as before i knew it i would be sat with my friends eating a Chinese and watching Netflix. However, this year i want to focus on eating healthier not only to help me lose a little weight, but to make my body stronger and healthier in the long run. So, out go the carbs and in come the veggies, yum!

Exercise: Believe it or not, i actually enjoy exercise. I have had a gym membership since September, and i started exercising regularly back in May. But as healthy living is on my bucket list, and exercise is a part of that, i thought i would add this in here just for  little inspo to actually get my butt back into the gym after all of that christmas indulging!

Hair:

I know this is a bit of a weird one, as hair isn’t really related to health. But this year i want to go blonder. Recently i dyed my hair from a very dark shade of brunette, to a balayage style blonde. And as this is a new year, i feel i need to branch out and try new things, so why not get a completely different hairstyle! Hopefully 2017 will be the year i actually pluck up the courage to dye my whole head blonde, as its something ive wanted to do for such a long time now! Also, id like to find the time this year to actually take care of my hair, even if that means using 23682 different products on it to make it healthy.

TRAVEL

Finally, i feel like the biggest part of my 2017 bucket list is to travel. This year i want to explore the world. Travelling has always been something i have liked the thought of, but ive never actually looked into to. Hopefully at the end of this year, or very early 2018, me and one of my closest friends will be setting off to travel the world! Eeeeeek, scary i know. This is probably one of the biggest goals i have for this year, to actually book the flights and set off. But i also have other places i want to visit this year aswell, including all of the places i am hoping to travel to.

London: This isn’t a majorly exciting place for many, and honestly i can see why. But, as i am from England i feel like i should really take the time to visit its capital city, right? I mean i have been to London a few times when i was younger, but i never really took any of the sites in. So this year i would love to go back to this city and visit everywhere ‘touristy’. Also, London is the ideal place to go shopping and that is one of my favourite hobbies so it seems like a perfect match.

Things to do-

• Go on the London Eye
• Visit Buckingham Palace
• Madame Tussauds
• Visit Camden Market
• Oxford Street
• See ‘The Shard’

 

• Brighton: Ive wanted to go to Brighton for quite a while now, no not because loads of youtubers live there, but because it honestly looks like a beautiful place. I live near the seaside and there is nothing i love more than beaches and picturesque views, and Brighton seems to have it all. From the pier to the lanes, Brighton is the ideal place for someone like me who LOVES to take way too many pictures.

Things to do-

• Walk along Brighton Pier
• Visit the Marina
• Go to Stanmer Park
• Walk through The Lanes

• Amsterdam: I LOVE Amsterdam. It looks like the most beautiful city ever. The food, the canals, the sites to see, just everything about this place pulls me in. I desperately want to visit the Van Gogh Museum and take a tour of the Anne Frank House.

Things to do-

• Visit Van Gogh Museum
• Visit Anne Frank House
• Go to Dam Square
• Take a canal ride

• New York: This city amazes me. Im not 100% sure if i would actually visit New York in the next year as I’m 18 and don’t quite have the expenses to do so. But, WOW, New York. I would love to visit New York during the winter, and experience the rush of the city life. Honestly i have no words to describe how amazing it seems and how desperately i want to go there.

Things to do-

• Visit Times Square
• Visit Central Park
• Watch a broadway show
• Go to the Empire State Building
• Take a picture of the Statue of Liberty
• Go to the Rockefeller Center
• Visit Coney Island
• Botanical Garden

• California: I went to California in 2015 and it was the most beautiful place i have ever visited. The sun, the beaches, the palm trees. I LOVE California! I would definitely want to go there again some time soon, as it is a super fun state and the food there is A-M-A-ZING. Also, at some point in my life i would love to live there, whether its just for 6 months, or years. Theres something about California that i absolutely adore.

Things to do-

• Visit Disneyland
• Visit Universal Studios
• Hike to the Hollywood Sign
• Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame (again)
• Visit Huntington Beach
• Visit Santa Monica
• Take a sightseeing tour
• Visit ‘The Grove’

• Australia: Is is even considered travelling if you don’t visit Aus?! This is the number one place i am super excited to visit when i go travelling. Australia looks like the most beautiful and fun country ever. I can’t wait to experience the heat, the wildlife and the activities. From the Golden Coast, to Perth and Byron Bay, it is definitely going to be the trip of a lifetime. When in Aus, i am hoping to visit Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne and Perth.

Things to do-

• Surfing on Bondi Beach
• Sydney Bridge climb
• Visit Stradbroke Island
• Visit Currumbin wildlife sanctuary
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef
• Visit Fitray Islands

• Thailand: Another place me and my friend are looking to travel to is Thailand. Bangkok to be precise. This city looks incredible. The history and architecture is one thing, but also the culture. I can’t wait to tick Thailand off my bucket list and explore this other part of the world.

Things to do-

• Visit the Grand Palace
• Explore different temples
• Ride a Tuk Tuk
• Visit a floating market

Thats it for my 2017 bucket list, i tried to keep it as minimal and short as possible, otherwise i could ramble on for pages and pages! Hopefully this may have given you some motivation or inspiration for your 2017!

Skinny Christmas Hot Chocolate

Its that time of year again, where food and drink gets 10x more tastier and my waist gets 10 inches wider. One of my favourite things to drink during the winter is hot chocolate, with marshmallows and lots and lots of cream. This year, i decided to try and make a slightly healthier version of the ever so scrumptious warm drink. Im not saying we all need to be healthier over christmas, but for anyone who doesn’t want to add any unwanted lbs to the scale, here is a delicious festive hot chocolate that you can enjoy without feeling guilty!

YOU WILL NEED:

• Options Hot Chocolate ( I picked 3 festive flavours that you can choose from for your desired taste; Mint, Orange and Salted Caramel.)
• Marshmallows
• Anchor Whipped Cream ‘Light’
• A mug
• Hot water

Hot chocolate is all about the taste (obviously), so this year i have opted for 3 flavours that suit the festive season. I chose mint, orange and salted caramel as each of these flavours have a gorgeous taste. These hot chocolates only contain 39 calories per sachet, which is amazing! Especially if you use water instead of milk. By choosing a different flavour of hot chocolate, it turns the normal warm beverage into a festive one that you can enjoy throughout christmas! Im sure you all know how to make a mug of hot chocolate, but heres how i make mine, just incase you are interested.

1. I chose to make a Mint Chocolate hot chocolate, as i LOVE the peppermint hot chocolates from Starbucks so i thought i may aswell try to recreate my own healthier version. I poured the sachet into my mug and boiled the kettle.
2. Next, i simply poured the hot water into my mug and filled it to the top, then stirred. And there you have it, a super easy and quick but also healthier peppermint hot chocolate!
3. To add extra taste, i sprayed some light whipped cream onto the top of my drink.
4. I then added 3 little marshmallows on the top, as nothing tastes better than marshmallows dipped into hot chocolate!
5. And finally, i enjoyed my drink with some Terry’s chocolate orange cookies (recipe coming soon!), which i know aren’t the healthiest, but theres nothing wrong with a little treat!

I hope you enjoyed this small post, and let me know if you try this hot chocolate and what you think of it!

‘Golden Glow’ Eye Makeup

Ive recently started using eyeshadow a lot more as part of my daily makeup routine, so in todays post i thought i would share with you my favourite winter ‘golden glow’ eyeshadow. I use the Naked 2 Palette to achieve this look, and i personally LOVE it! I think this makeup suits the colder weather as it brings a warmth to my eyes and a slight shimmer, by adding a bit of glitter to an eye can make it look so much prettier.

I only used 4 shades to create this look: Foxy, YDK, Chopper and Snakebite. I added a bit of depth to a natural shimmer eye makeup look, making it look slightly smokier but also keeping it subtle and perfect for any daytime or evening event.

I absolutely adore these shades in this palette, and Chopper is definitely my favourite. The pigments are so strong, and each colour has a different tone of gold which makes my eyes POP. YDK is a darker shade of gold, with a slight copper tone. Whereas Chopper is a more rose gold/pink shade. Then Snakebite is a brassy gold tone, which helps bring together the whole look.

To achieve this natural, yet smokey golden glow, i use 4 steps. Firstly i take the shade ‘Foxy’ and cover my whole eye lid as a start base for the rest of the pigments. Then i take  YDK and apply that throughout my crease to give more depth to my eye. Next i cover the middle of my eyelid with ‘Chopper’ to create a golden tone that mixes well with my crease. I then blend both of these golden shades together so that my eye has depth and shimmer. Finally, i take ‘Snakebite’ and apply this to the outer corner of my eye to smoke out the look a little bit. Sometimes i also take a darker colour, such as ‘Half baked’ to give my eye a darker golden tone on the outer corners and create a smokier look.

So, thats it! My simple golden glow eye makeup look, let me know if you like this eye makeup or if you recreate it in the coming weeks, i know this will definitely be my Christmas day eye shadow!

Winter Favourites

Today I’m going to be sharing my winter favourites with you. Winter is definitely my favourite season, and I’ve been loving using these products during the past month. I don’t particularly love the weather during winter, but i am obsessed with the festivities that winter brings. The products i have been loving vary from beauty, to hair, to anything i use in my everyday life. So, lets get started with my monthly winter favourites!

Yankee Candle ‘Winter Glow’: £10.99

One of the biggest things I’ve been loving this month, and will continue to love throughout winter, is candles! Especially this one, as it has such a light scent but is also slightly sharp. Its hard to describe how this candle smells, so imagine cotton mixed with a small sprinkling of gingerbread. This candle is in my favourites because it makes any room feel so warm, and smell super fresh and cosy. I also love the packaging, as it isn’t like the usual Yankee Candles with the huge lids, instead it has a flat top lid making it look a lot prettier (in my opinion).

Yves Saint Laurent: Black Opium Perfume £87

This perfume is my favourite perfume ever ever ever. I know its slightly expensive, but aren’t all perfumes? Ive had this one since July and I’ve been using it everyday since then, and i LOVE it. Plus, this perfume lasts a really long time. The scent of is so feminine and classy. Its not too sweet, but not too musky either. I prefer more floral sweet smelling perfumes, so if you do to, then you should definitely consider buying Black Opium. Like i said, i use it every single day. When i run out i will for sure be purchasing another bottle and i think this perfume will be the one scent that will last me up until my 60s. Theres not much else to say, as this perfume is just so perfect for me and its smells amazing. Also, can we talk about how beautiful the bottle is?! Black glitter, with pink liquid and a silver top. Ah, i love it!

Zoella: ‘Hungry Hands’ Hand Cream £5

My next favourite for this month is Zoella’s hand cream. This stuff smells incredible! Its so cheap, but the bottle is pretty big and i can see this lasting me for quite a long time. It smells exactly like gingerbread and cinnamon, which is why I’ve been loving it this winter as it reminds me so much of christmas! Its so moisturising as well, which is perfect for the colder months.

Z Mug: Anthropologie £7.99

I bought this mug a few months ago, just because i wanted to own something with my initial on. I use it every single day (don’t worry i do wash it) and its my favourite mug ever! Its in my favourites because during winter i like to drink a lot more tea and hot chocolate, and this mug is so perfect for that. Not only is it super adorable, its also really big and holds a lot of drink inside it! I also love the Z and the shape of the mug all together, i think its so unique and definitely something i want to keep for a very long time.

Toni & Guy: Glamour Serum Drops £7.50

My next favourite for this month is a hair product. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I’ve recently dyed by hair from brown to blonde. This product has worked wonders on maintaining the quality of my hair, and keeping it looking glossy and healthy. I use this serum everyday on the ends of my hair, and it keeps my frizziness at bay and always makes all of my hair stay in one place which i think is amazing! I am loving this product, especially during winter as the weather is colder and windier, which makes my hair uncontrollable! But this serum helps to keep it looking somewhat presentable.

Sleek: Cream Contour Kit £10.99

I don’t remember when or where i bought this product, but all i know is in the past few weeks i have recently discovered this contour palette buried beneath all of my other makeup products, and i have fallen in LOVE! I have been using this product nearly everyday, and it completes my make up look. As you can probably tell, i only use the darker contour colours as i already have cream concealers that i love to use. But these contour colours are amazing, they give so much warmth and depth to my face, whilst defining my cheekbones. The product blends out so easily, and gives such a natural look. I will definitely be using the kit throughout the winter, and into next year as i am absolutely obsessed with it!

Mario Badescu: Acne Facial Cleanser £14

I’ve been using this face wash for a few months now, and i really really like it. For me, it works wonders! I have very sensitive and blemish prone skin so i am always very careful with skin products and usually stick to Dermalogica as its the only product i know that can clear my skin. But, this acne facial cleanser is honestly amazing! Ive had many breakouts over the last month, and this face wash clears any spots or blemishes away so quickly. Its also so soothing on my skin and doesn’t cause irritation, which is quite rare for me. I’ve been loving this product over the month of November, and it is definitely a winter essential for my skincare.

 

 

Everyday Makeup Routine

I LOVE makeup, I am in no way a makeup artist, but there is something i really enjoy about being able to transform my face. I thought i would do a post today showing you my everyday makeup look! I don’t wear makeup every single day, but on the days i do, i like to keep it relatively simple. I usually opt for a brown, slightly copper toned eye, with a nude lip. Im going to take you step by step through my everyday make up routine for anyone who wants to recreate this look, so i hope you enjoy!

Face

1. I always start off my makeup by using the Mens Nivea Post Shave Balm as a primer, and let me tell you, this stuff works wonders! Its like a glue for foundation, and keeps my make up on aaall day long.
2. I then apply the Maybelline Fit Me foundation in the shade ‘230’, i absolutely adore this foundation as it gives me a complete matte finish and super full coverage.

3. Next, i put the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer, in the shade ‘light’, under my eyes in a triangular shape, and on the high points of my face (nose, cupids bow, chin, forehead). Ive been using this concealer for YEARS and its the best one everrrr to cover under eye bags, but also highlight the face.

4.  Whenever i have any spots i always conceal them using the Nars Creamy Concealer in ‘vanilla’. Again this stuff is amazing, and has great coverage.

5. Once I’ve concealed my face and hidden any blemishes, i move onto contouring using my Sleek Contour Kit. I love this palette so so much, i only use it for the darker contour shades but it is so creamy and blends so easily with my beauty blender. I take the lighter shade on the left, and blend that onto my forehead and below my jaw to give me abit of bronze. Then using the darker shade i define my cheekbones by drawing a line from my ear where my cheek bones are. This gives the perfect definition.

6. After I’ve applied all the cream based products onto my face, i move onto powders. I use the Rimmel Stay Matte powder in ‘transparent’ all over my face, to get rid of any shine, as i personally like a matte finish.

7. Then i take my Hoola Bronzer and apply this where i put the cream contour, to give my face more definition and try to make myself look like i have some sort of cheekbone! If you’ve never tried Hoola by Benefit i definitely recommend it as the shade is so warm and matte, it looks so pretty.

8. For blusher i use the Benefit Rockatuer, this blush is the most gorgeous blush I’ve ever used. It has a slight sparkle to it, which mixes perfectly with the peach and rose pigments.

9. Next up, is HIGHLIGHTER. I love highlighter, its my favourite makeup product! Because of this, i often use 2 highlighters as i can’t choose between both of them. These are the Mac ‘Soft & Gentle’ highlighter, and The Balm’s, Mary-Lou Manizer. I apply the Mac highlight above my cheek bones for a warmer glow, and the Mary-Lou on my nose and cupids bow for a lighter highlight.

Eyebrows

10. For my eyebrows i use 3 products. I start by using the spooly brush, from Benefits Precisely My Brow Pencil, to brush through my eyebrows. (As the shade of the pencil it too dark for me).

11. I then use Soap and Glory’s Brow Archery in ‘medium brown’, to fill in my eyebrows. I use the crayon pencil to lightly fill in the start of my eyebrow as the crayon is quite light so doesn’t give a harsh overdrawn look. I then take the felt tip type of brush at the other end of the product to lightly fill in my arch and the rest of my eyebrows, using light brush strokes.

12. Once I’ve filled in my eyebrows i set them using Gimme Brow by Benefit.

Eyes

13. I love a brown/copper eye look during the winter, as it gives abit of warmth to my eyes. Also because i have quite big blue eyes, using warmer colours makes the blue stand out more which i love. I use the Naked 2 Palette to do my eyeshadow. Taking ‘Snakebite’, i define my crease. I then take ‘Chopper’ to go over my lid towards the edge of my eye. Then i take ‘Bootycall’ and put that in the inner corner of my eye to make them look brighter. On occasion, i will also take my Mac highlighter and put it in the middle of my eye to make them look bigger and more awake!

14. My favourite go-to mascara is the Too Faced Better Than Sex. This mascara makes my eyelashes look so thick and long which i loooove. As i currently have eyelash extensions i don’t often use this mascara, but i will sometimes apply it for added depth. When i don’t have eyelashes, i ALWAYS do winged eyeliner with this mascara, and it makes my eyes look so much bigger!

Lips

15. The last stage of my everyday makeup routine is my lips. I always wear these 2 Mac lip products. I start by lining my lips with this lip liner in the shade ‘Spice‘. I then apply my fav Mac lipstick in the shade ‘Velvet Teddy‘. These 2 colours go so nicely together and can be worn with any make up look.

SO, that is my completed makeup look that i do about 5 times a week! I hope you enjoyed, and let me know if you use any of the same products as me, or what your everyday makeup looks like!

X

5 Gift Ideas for Him // Under £10

I recently posted a gift ideas for ‘her’, so i thought why not post a gift ideas for him, to help anyone who is struggling to buy the perfect present for their partner, brother, dad or friend. I have found 5 gifts that i think are perfect to buy for men this Christmas, and they are all under £10! So, if you’re finding it tricky shopping for your family or friends, here are a few ideas that will hopefully inspire or help you to buy the best gift this Christmas!

Christmas Fairisle Beanie Hat: £10

Hats are the perfect gift for a man this winter. With the cold weather and festivities, there is nothing better than a beanie to keep you warm, especially one with a Christmas pattern to really get into the festive spirit. I love this gift idea, as this hat is super cool and the colour will suit anyone.

Basket Case Game: £10

This is a perfect gift for any impractical jokers in the family. Any man would love to receive a funny game to entertain the family on christmas morning, so why not whack a basketball hoop onto your head and get everyone to throw basketballs into the net? A humourous but also very fun gift to receive.

Jack & Jones Socks: £10

Socks are also a great present to receive, and they are even better when they suit the festive season with a funky pattern. These socks come in a pack of 4 different designs, suiting any man. Plus, the packaging of these socks is super smart, making it look like you put a lot of effort into choosing these cool socks.

Face Mats: £6

This is another joker gift, but it can also be fun for all of the family. I have seen these face mats all over the place in the last few months, and I’m sure any dad, husband or friend will really enjoy joking around with different facial expressions attached to them during the holiday season! So this is definitely a top pick if you want to gift someone with a fun and entertaining present this year.

Bulldog Protective Moisturiser SPF15: £9

The last gift is something affordable and suitable for all men, a moisturiser! Everyone needs to moisturise, so a moisturiser specifically aimed at men to protect their skin is the perfect gift! Its also the best stocking filler as it is a small gift, but very thoughtful.

 

5 Gift Ideas for Her // Under £10

Christmas is soon approaching! With only 5 weeks left i thought that this week i would upload some gift ideas, to help anyone who is struggling to buy the perfect gift for their loved ones! I have bundled together a range of 5 gifts for women, all from ASOS, that are under £10! SO if you’re finding it tricky shopping for your family or friends, then this post will give you a few inspirations or ideas to help you buy the BEST Christmas presents, at an affordable price!

Loungeable Cuff & Pom Textured Sock: £10

One of the easiest presents to buy someone this year, is SLIPPERS! Every girl loves slippers, especially in the freezing cold weather. These slipper socks are a perfect gift as they are super warm but also very stylish. Also, they are only £10, which means you could add a little extra gift on the side (maybe some chocolate), and it would look like you really put a lot of effort and thought into that person.

Capri Blue Velvet Moss And Jasmine Candle: £8

Most women absolutely love candles, i know the best gift i will receive from a friend is CANDLES! No matter what scent, candles can be used throughout the year and make the perfect present. This candle also looks super cute in its tin, the pattern gives a slight festive vibe, although its not actually a christmas candle, so can be used all year round!

Ciate Mini Paint Pots: £10

You can never go wrong with gifting a woman nail polish. This super cute set will be the perfect gift for anyone in the family. The festive colours and gorgeous packaging will look great underneath the christmas tree and plus, who doesn’t love Ciate nail polish?!

 

Paperchase Christmas Handwarmers: £8

I LOVE this gift idea. Not only are these hand warmers the cutest thing ive ever seen, but they are also the perfect present! Not many people think to  buy hand warmers as a gift, but these little mini bears will make any woman smile on christmas day!

St Tropez Luxe Oil 50ml Cracker: £10

The last gift idea is fake tan! Most woman love to fake tan so whats better than to receive a top quality tan product wrapped up in a christmas cracker?! The product and packaging are amazing, and will make the best gift for your girlfriend, friend or sister.