FOLLOWING ON FROM THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF CARE..

Self care, self love etc.. everyone talks about it these days there are now negative connotations around it. People say it anytime, for anything and it starts to not actually mean anything at all. Personally, I think the importance of it all still stands. Self care leads to self love, but what actually passes as self care? To some people that would mean painting their nails or buying themselves a new lipstick. Referring back to my last post; taking time out to read a book, having a bubble bath or meditation is my version of self care. 

More recently, I've been thinking of other ways to treat myself (you deserve it, hun) in a more in depth way. A few months ago I went for my first spa day in Bath and oh my god, it was incredible. If I could, I would go on a spa day every month but.. I can't. What's the next best thing? Bringing that luxury to your own home. 

When there was the option of having a full body massage in the comfort of my own home, that seemed even more appealing to me than a spa day. I work in an office all day for 5 days a week, so annoyingly I do slouch and I don't get enough exercise which then results in me feeling achey. Additionally, I hold a lot of stress in my shoulders and in my head, so I do suffer with bad headaches and a lot of tension in my shoulders.  

My amazing friend Tash is a massage therapist who has her own massage therapy business (it's who you know, not what you know!)... She suggested the idea of me booking in a massage with her to help de-stress and treat myself. 

We decided to do it in my front room. She set everything up, including putting candles around the room which made the room smell gorgeous. She also put some relaxing 'spa' music on which added a very zen feeling. I popped myself onto the massage bed (she even put a huge hot water bottle type thing on the bed for me to lie on, it was so good), I closed my eyes and let myself be completely pampered. 

(Just before my massage, YAS)

She used amazing massage oils which smelt amazing and as soon as she started the massage I just felt all of the tension slowly start to melt away. The whole experience was a dream, I felt so good afterwards and literally had the best sleep of my life that night. After she finished, we had a chat about how I was feeling and spoke through where she felt tension which was really interesting to hear. 

Tash made this experience completely perfect for me, without her little touches it wouldn't have been the same at all - the music, the candles, the incredible scent from the oils and her knowledge of massaging and the science behind it. It's been a few days since now and my body still feels great. I've been making a conscious effort to stretch every morning and evening to help with any aches I get which has been helping as well. 

(Dairy-free cupcakes from the amazing Tash - how incredible is she?!) 

I cannot thank Tash and her incredible hands enough. I'm going to be making sure to be booking in massages with her at least once every 8 weeks now as it's an amazing way to look after yourself. Amazingly, Tash will travel to your home (she covers London and the outskirts of London), she does couples, pregnancy and babies as well - if you would like to treat yourself you can contact her on nacstherapies@gmail.com for more info - I hiiiiiighly recommend! 

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPENDING TIME ON YOUR OWN

I think people often associate spending time on your own as a negative thing, or that you're a loner/have minimal friends. I mean, that may be the case but what's the problem there anyway? I find spending time on my own to be a great place to clear your head and look after yourself. Don't get me wrong, sometimes if I spend too much time in my own company, I crave human interaction and spending time with good people can keep you sane. But i'm not focussing on that on this post, I'm focussing on spending time by yourself.

I think that spending time alone, you learn more about yourself, how you think and what you want to do with your time. It's important to know yourself properly before anyone else does. Go for a coffee by yourself, go shopping by yourself, go for a walk by yourself. All of these things allow you to get to know yourself. Sometimes it can be difficult to actually pluck up the courage and confidence to go out by yourself. I often feel anxious before going out alone, anxious that people will judge you for being out alone or that you won't know what to do in your own company. 

I love going out for coffee by myself. Mostly because I just love going out for coffee, but also because I've learnt to enjoy sitting by myself, either people watching, reading or just staring into space and letting my mind wander. I find it so refreshing, and I usually feel so much better after doing it. I also love meeting friends for coffee and chatting for hours, so it's good to try and balance doing both. 

Also, I hate going shopping with other people (other than my mum). I like wandering around the shops, not feeling guilty for trying 16 items on in Zara, and then going back and trying on another 5. Stopping for a tea and a croissant, and then stopping again for a hot chocolate and sandwich 45 minutes later without someone saying "you're hungry again? Don't you want to wait a while?". Feeling rushed while shopping is the worst, shopping is therapy and having the wrong company while shopping is just stressful. 

I'm not saying that spending time on your own is more important than spending time with others, but you need to find that balance. Spending time with friends and family keep you grounded and happy, and seeing those people regularly is so important. However I also think making time for yourself and spending time on your own is just as important. 

THE LUXE BOMBER.

So now I've finished uni, I seem to have a lot more free time (yaaay!). I decided to go into London with my lovely mum and visit her friend at her art gallery and have a little wander around borough market. When I'm walking around London I want to be super comfy but still reasonably stylish.. also, it's still pretty chilly in the UK so thats another factor to consider.

I recently bought this gorgeous Asos Luxe Bomber and i'm a bit in love with it. I'm so late to the bomber hype but when the trend first came about I wasn't so sure and there are so many crap cheap looking ones on the high street. But I am really happy with this one and I think i'll get a lot of wear out of it this spring/summer. 

Also, I picked up those snakeskin boots from Zara in the sale and I loooooove them. You have to wear them with a plain outfit but they are so gorgeous. 

What do you think of the bomber jacket trend? 

THE LIEBSTER AWARD..

So, the lovely Maddie from the amazing blog - gemstones.wordpress.com (check it out, she's gorgeous and has the best blog!) has nominated me and some other bloggers for The Liebster Award which i'm super flattered about. The Liebster Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers, especially new bloggers just starting out and trying to grow their audience. I think it's so amazing that their is an award out their supporting smaller bloggers and helping them get more noticed in the huge world of blogging..

So there's a set of rules that must be followed..

1. You must mention and thank the blogger who nominated you for this award
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger created in their awards post
3. Then you get to nominate some new bloggers that you feel deserve it
4. Lastly, you create 11 new questions for your nominees to answer

So, the questions that the lovely Maddie asked me are.. 

What social media platform do you spend the most time on?

It would have to be Instagram. I am completely obsessed.. I am constantly scrolling through, finding new people to follow, getting inspiration from brands, or just stalking.. 

Nate or Chuck?

Chuck. Always. 

If you could spend the day as a different person, who would it be?

This is such a difficult question. In the morning when I wake up I would choose to be Beyonce as you would look and feel amazing first thing and that would motivate me for the rest of the day. In the afternoon I would be Alessandra Steinherr, the beauty editor at Glamour because she has the coolest job ever and I would love to experience her day to day life. Then in the evening I would be Alexa Chung, because she always seems to have fun.

What is your favourite season?

My favourite season is that in-between spring and summer phase, because thats probably when it's warmest in the UK. The summer is usually a bit crap.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That is SO hard. I tried deep fried mac 'n' cheese for the first time the other day so maybe that.. or crisps and houmous. 

Favourite lip colour?

Always a browny nude lip. My favourite at the moment is Mac - Velvet Teddy. 

What drink do you order at Starbucks?

Usually its a chai latte. But if not, just a standard latte works well for me.

What is your favourite accent?

I find the Irish accent very attractive.. oh and the Welsh accent. Or I actually really like the proper London Cockney accent. 

What has blogging taught you?

Hmm. Blogging has taught me that if you are passionate about something that it is really great to write about it and express your passion for it, however you shouldn't just expect to be a successful blogger just like that. I think it takes a long time to get anywhere, and you shouldn't just start blogging for the freebies and the thought of becoming well known in the blogging world, because you won't get very far. 

What is your favourite Disney film?

Its definitely either The Lion King or Cinderella. They are both just so good. 

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

I think it would be Barcelona, I've heard so many amazing things about it and I'm desperate to go and explore. 

I would like to nominate some bloggers that I think deserve it..

Nicole Coltman from www.nicolecoltman.blogspot.com

Lauren from www.intothewoodsstyle.com

Here are my questions..

1) Favourite make up brand?

2) Favourite high street store? 

3) If you could only wear one make up product for the rest of your life, what would it be?

4) If you were stuck on a desert island, what are the three items you would have with you?

5) Favourite social media platform?

6) Do you prefer online shopping or shopping in store?

7) How did you get into blogging?

8) What is your ideal holiday destination right now?

9) What do you see yourself doing in 10 years from now?

10) Do you prefer reading blogs or watching Youtube videos? 

11) If you had to choose one last supper before you die, what would it be?

Enjoy! 

ADDING TOUCHES OF COLOUR..

So spring is kind of (hopefully) round the corner and by adding little touches of colour to an outfit makes me excited for warmer weather! This grey primark coat is a staple for me at the moment and I love how it just adds that minimal vibe to an outfit. I'm really into pink at the moment, and I bought the dusky beige pink ones in Topshop sale last year, and they are super flattering on. Pairing them with this bright tartan scarf from Topman really adds an uplifting touch to an outfit. Also, pink and grey go so perfectly together! 
Luckily, this beautiful street that these blog pictures were shot down really helped me get in the spring mood..One day I will live in a street like this! (Fingers crossed). 

NEW HAUL VIDEO..

So I've recently uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel. It's a huge haul video including some sale pieces i've picked up and some full price items. I also show what they look like on so you have an idea of how they look. Please go and give it a watch.. Also like and subscribe! 

JO MALONE TREATS..

I was lucky enough to get some Jo Malone bits for Christmas this year and this excites me a lot. I have lusted over Jo Malone for about 2 years now, but their perfumes definitely aren't affordable and I couldn't justify treating myself and spending that much. 

I received the Wood Sage and Sea Salt set, which include the 40ml perfume, a body and hand wash, and a body cream. They smell incredible. I would describe the scent as fresh, slightly masculine and it reminds me of the seaside. I am in love with the products. I've been wearing the perfume for the first time today, and i've been able to smell it on myself all day. This was such a lovely, luxury gift that I was so grateful to receive and I would definitely recommend buying this as a gift for someone, I feel that any girl would love this!

Jo Malone have so many gorgeous, different scents that I love. I also adore the Peony and Blush Suede, Pomegranate Noir and Dark Amber and Ginger Lily... They are so different from anything i've smelt before, and I love that about the brand. I recommend going to the nearest Jo Malone store and smelling everything in sight! 

A WEEK AWAY IN THE SUN..

So i've just recently got back from a week away in Menorca and let's just say i'm feeling slightly depressed to be back in cold dark England. It was so lovely to escape from my everyday routine and chill all day everyday. We often went into Mahon during our visit, which is the capital of Menorca. It is a really lovely city (its absolutely tiny!) with so many gorgeous little boutiques and shops. It was also slightly cheaper over there..which means I may have bought a few new bits..

I've just got to add as well... the coffee out there was so so good! So if you're ever in Menorca definitely try the coffee because its incredible! 


WHAT I WORE: 
Top: Zara
Cullottes: Zara
Trainers: Adidas Stan Smiths
Bag: River Island 
Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters 

CURRENT BEAUTY FAVOURITES

So I've decided that after every month I will have a review of what my favourite beauty products have been. They change so frequently and I'm always trying out new make up items and skincare products. During September, I was still clinging onto looking slightly summery. So using light, sun kissed blushes and lots of highlighter was a must.. 

I'm so happy I purchased the Make Up Revolution Blush Palette in Hot Spice. Everytime I went into Superdrug it seemed to be sold out, and I completely understand why. All the shades add a lovely, healthy glow to your cheeks. The two end shades can be used as highlighters also. Additionally.. this palette was only £6.00. It can't get much better. 

I've had this Nars Highlighter in the shade Albatross for a while now. Sometimes I forget about it, and then I rediscover it about in my make up stash and love it all over again. It looks quite white/silver, but on the skin it adds such a gorgeous, slightly golden glow. It looks so good on the top of the cheekbones.

As you can see from my favourites, I've been loving highlighters this past month. This Topshop Glow pot in Polished is slightly different. It's a cream highlighter, so it looks more natural and dewy on the skin. During the day I would just lightly pat this on the tops of my cheekbones, on my brow bone and down the centre of my nose. However on nights out, I will put the Nars Highlighter in Albatross on, and then dab a bit of this on the top for an extra glow. 

This fragrance is beautiful. It is so difficult to describe perfumes in a written description, but if you like musky but fresh and slightly floral scents.. then you will love this. It's been the scent I have been wearing everyday this summer, but I will carry on wearing this through the autumn and winter months. 

This YSL 'kiss and blush' in shade 12 is the perfect nude. It is a typical 'your lips but better' shade. I usually line my lips with the Mac Soar Lip Liner, and put this over the top. It is such a lovely creamy texture. You do need to top this up throughout the day, but definitely worth trying out. 

This Mac Lipliner in Soar has been a favourite of mine for about a year.. so I thought I'd give it a mention in this post. It is such a lovely colour, that can be built up to create quite a dark plumy pink shade or you can wear it as a neutral shade underneath a nude lipstick. Definitely a must have in everyones make up bag.. 

TOUCHES OF DENIM

Denim is really in this season, and I love pairing a denim piece with an all black outfit. It really makes it stand out, but also adds a more relaxed look to the outfit. This denim shirt is from New Look and it has a really cool distressed look to it. I think this adds a more unique touch to just a normal denim shirt. 

I am so in love with my Zara suedette fringed vest. As it's still reasonably warm in England I can still get away with wearing it. I'm not massively into the 70's trend, but I don't mind adding touches of it into my outfits, and this top does that perfectly. 

CURRENT AW15 WISHLIST

With the app Polyvore, I created my current AW15 wish list. It contains mostly pieces from Zara, as I think they do Autumn Winter the best. I love wearing basics during the colder months, and layering with cool accessories, outerwear and shoes. 

I think the Zara coat is an amazing statement piece. Its a similar dupe to the Acne Shearling jacket which is triple the price! This jacket will be a must item for seasons to come, and it definitely won't be leaving my wish list anytime soon. 

Zara turtle neck top
£26 - zara.com

Zara top
£8.40 - zara.com

Zara top
£8.40 - zara.com

Zara beige jacket
£125 - zara.com

Zara trousers
£26 - zara.com

Adidas white leather shoes
£69 - mytheresa.com

Zara crocodile handbag
£115 - zara.com

Marc Jacobs bracelet jewelry
£115 - overstock.com