Weekend Morning Routine | Autumn 2015

I love routine videos, so I thought I would convert one of my favourite types of videos into a blog post. I decided I would share my weekend morning routine with you as I don't really have a work morning routine, most of the time it's just a huge rush to get out of the door. However, on the weekend I like to take it easy- it's much more chilled out.

I usually wake up naturally around 8:30-9am, although I always set my alarm for 10am the night before. I hate waking up past 10/10:30, it makes me feel so gross and lazy! When I was in my mid-teens, most weekends I woke up past 12, which seems crazy now! After a good roll around and when i'm a little more alert, the first thing I do is go to the toilet, wash my hands, brush my teeth then carry out my morning skincare routine.

Cue apologies for poor lighting, therefore poor quality photos. I'm sorry!

My morning skincare routine usually consists of The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Wash. This is perfect for the morning as I find it's quite cooling on the skin, the scent wakes me up and it fights against spots as Tea Tree has anti-bacterial properties. 

While my pores are open, i'll move onto the Garnier Fresh Refining Toner. At first, I wasn't fussed on this as I was used to a Simple toner and this is very strong in comparison- it smells so strong of alcohol so I haven't even attempted putting it near my eyes. I focus this mainly on the pores around my nose and on the forehead as this is a mattifying toner.
To finish up I will use the Garnier Fresh Essential Day Cream, I bought this as it looked similar to my much loved Garnier Moisture Match and I wanted to try something different. I love this equally as it is very hydrating, it's like your skin has had a huge glass of water!

I allow this to sink in while I head downstairs for breakfast. On the weekends I usually opt for toast or cereal, i'm definitely not adventurous with my breakfast. However, on this day I decided to have a toasted bagel and a cup of lemon green tea in my new mug. How cute is this!? I got it this week from Sainsbury's.

Whilst having my breakfast I will laze around a little bit on the sofa, I will either be catching up on TV programmes missed throughout the week, usually Release The Hounds like i'm doing now, haha! Or I will be catching up on YouTube or some of my favourite blogs via Bloglovin.

Around 11am I will decide it's time to get up and get ready for the day. My makeup, hair and outfit totally depend on what i'm doing that day. If i'm just catching up with friends and shopping, i'll opt for my everyday makeup routine and just add a neutral eye look and a dark lip during the Autumn. However, if i'm staying in I won't put any on my face. If i'm going out my hair will usually be down and a bit wavy, I use my curling wand for this and if i'm stay in, up in a bobble it will go!

On this day, I opted for black high waisted jeans, a mustard jumper and my favourite camel and navy checkered scarf. Comfy and casual!

I'll usually head out the door around 12pm and get on with my day!

ARE YOU AN EARLY BIRD?

♥   ♥   ♥

September Favourites | Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle

When it comes to favourites post, almost everyone seems to highlight the fact that the month has gone by so quickly, for me September has dragged! I used to dislike September as it meant back to school or college, but this September was different- I wasn't going back to education so it marked new beginnings which was exciting! I've not been trying much in terms of beauty this month so I thought i'd share some of the fashion and lifestyle bits I've been loving too! 

First, I shall get the beauty bits out the way. I got my hands on one of Fleur De Force's lip glosses, this is in the shade Written in the Stars which was described as a 'your lips but better' kinda shade. This is definitely how i'd describe it, unlike most drugstore lip glosses this is highly pigmented which is perfect to effortlessly pop on when you're in a rush to get out the door. These are exclusive to Feel Unique at the moment and are £6.99 which is pretty reasonable!

My skincare favourite this month has been Lush Mask of Magnaminty which is a face and body mask. I haven't used this as a body mask yet but I've been really enjoying using it on my face once week, usually on a Sunday to pamper my skin at the end of the week. I recently reviewed this so you can see my full thoughts here.

You may have seen this jumper in my latest haul, I mentioned that I believe they're supposed to be slightly cropped so I got mine in a larger size so that I could wear it to work also. This has been so ideal for those days where I can't be bothered as I can throw this on with a pair of cigarette trousers or over a smock/skater dress and i'm good to go. Also this was only £7.99 so I picked it up in the mustard colour too, i'm tempted to go back for the khaki colour!

I thought i'd mention a food favourite this month, it's Kaspas an ice cream and dessert where I live. I believe Creams in England is similar though! This is a bit of a cheat as I've only been once but I've wanted to go back ever since! I had a waffle with fresh strawberrys and chocolate drizzled over and whipped cream on the side, I dread to think how many calories that were in it, but it was goood!

Finally I thought i'd also mention a lifestyle favourite. This month I started a new job with an agency doing supply work as a Teaching Assistant. It's been so nice to get back out there doing what I love, gaining experience to either go to university next year or find a full-time job. Of course it's also been lovely to be earning, especially when Christmas is on it's way- just under three months people!

And there you have it, a run down of what I've been loving this month!

I'd also like to apologise as I've been lacking inspiration on the blogging front recently, seeing that it's now autumn and lots of festivities are ahead, i'm hoping to get my mojo back! I would really appreciate any post suggestions in the comments below. Let me know what you'd like to see from me!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LOVING THIS MONTH?

♥   ♥   ♥

The Sunday Edit #8 | Appointments, Shopping and Catch Ups!

I didn't have much planned for this week so I was sort of taking every day as it came, I did have a few lazy days but I thought i'd share my week with you anyway!

Monday, not a lot was done as the weather wasn't too great and it looks like Autumn is coming- hence why I wore a chunky scarf and not a lot of colour. I woke up early and booked my doctors appointment. My sisters text me to say that they were coming around my house so I was quite excited as I hadn't seen them both much in a little while. We spent the afternoon nattering away about anything and everything- it was so nice to have a good catch up! My mum then decided to drag me to B&Q with her, yawn! We also popped into Asda to buy some fruit so that I could make some smoothies and juices in the week. I then persuaded my mum to take me to McDonalds which was super naughty! As if we didn't have enough takeaway while we were away.

Tuesday was the day I had been dreading for a little while, I had to go to the doctors to have a Meningitis vaccine. I've had quite a few needles in the past few years but for some reason I was really nervous, it didn't help that the person before me was screaming the place down while having theirs done. The nurse was lovely though and it was over within two minutes. Again I went shopping with my mum and we got a free packet of Disney Princess cards for spending over a certain amount- woo! 

I spent the evening watching Educating Cardiff and if you weren't aware I'm actually from Cardiff myself. It was cringe worthy but it made me miss high school a lot!

On Wednesday, I woke up early well at least it was earlier than I have woke up in a while. I love the summer holidays! To start the day I had a pineapple, apple and carrot juice and got ready for the dentist. I was scared that i'd have to have another filling but no, all went well thankfully! I then popped into the agency I've started working for, for a meeting then went to visit my friend in work. Although I am trying not to spend at the moment, I couldn't resist a browse in town as I had two vouchers for Topshop (and other stores within the same group) and Boots. I was a left a little disappointed when I didn't manage to spend my Boots one, shock horror! I just wasn't really feeling anything. I did however pick up a pair of new pointed boots for Autumn/Winter from Dorothy Perkins and I love them!

MMM!

Not much was done on Thursday, except blogging! Me and my sister decided to pop to IKEA on Friday though, she is a teacher so was in need of a few bits for the classroom but I couldn't resist a trip to IKEA as i'm a lover of all things home ware! I didn't need anything so I didn't get anything, apart from Pick N Mix which I never have so I allowed myself. Last minute me and my friends decided to go out for food, we went to Las Iguanas again which was lovely! It was really nice to have a good catch up too!

I've not got much planned this weekend so i'm going to leave it there, however if something drastic happens i'm sure I will update you! I'm not sure if you'll see a Sunday Edit from me next week as it's Back To School week and i'll be busy sorting out things for work for when I start, however you shall see other things from me! 
Happy Bank Holiday Weekend!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO THIS WEEK?

♥   ♥   ♥

July Goals Update | Life

Seeing as there are only two days left of July, I thought i'd update you on my July Goals(here) as promised. I'm also planning on doing a favourites this month so keep your eyes peeled for that on Sunday. Lets see what I've managed to complete this July then...

1. Finish college and my work placement. 

Check! College and placement done and dusted, I completed my diploma in Childcare and Education and came out with an A which i'm super pleased about! I also finished my last days experience in a local primary school and although I was sad to be leaving. I was so excited to start my summer holidays. I also received some lovely gifts from the children and staff, including a gorgeous personalised photo box and beautiful flowers-  which may I add are surprisingly still alive, 2 weeks later! You can see these on my Instagram (@xtracesofmythoughts)

2. Get a job interview. 

I finally got a job interview after handing in many applications to fill the role as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school. The interview didn't go too bad, besides not getting it- I received some good feedback! I am also in the process of enrolling with teaching agencies so hopefully I can get on doing supply work in September!

3. Complete a Paediatric First Aid Course. 

I am now qualified in Paediatric First Aid, woo! Not only will this help me in search for a job but this is also a skill I think everyone should have some knowledge of. I was surprised how little I knew but now I know what to do if someone started choking or was unconscious and not breathing- hopefully those situations never arise though!

4. Spend more time outside.

The weather hasn't been too amazing the past couple of weeks but at the beginning of July we were experiencing a mini heatwave. When the weathers been ok I've tried to sit in the garden and get some much needed vitamin D but I've also tried walking places more to save money and keep fit.

5. Spend more time with family.

I've been to a couple more family gatherings, it's been so nice to catch up with family I haven't spoken/seen properly in years and I hope to visit more often throughout the month of August.

6. Exercise more.

I was going to half cross this out but I thought i'd better not cheat. I was planning on going running a couple of times or more a week, that hasn't happened as my friends been busy and has been fitting her fitness in before/after work at the gym. I however, well I've been walking a lot more so that sort of counts right?

7. Choose healthier options.

For the majority of the month I've been trying to prepare healthier meals, sweet potatoes have become my best friend as I cannot stay away from carbs and they're a little healthier than your regular white potato. I've also been trying to encouragement salad/veg to every meal(except breakfast) and I've been making smoothies/juices with our new blender. I'm also trying to cut out the snacks after 8pm, which i'm doing quite well at!

8. Give my room a little makeover.

I've not had chance to do this unfortunately. I did however pull everything out, hoover, polish and basically spring clean my room. I have a net above my bed which i'd like to take down but i'm stuck on what to put there instead as i'll just have plain white walls which will look a little odd.

9. Give myself a little makeover.

Another, I've unfortunately not been able to achieve. I wanted to do something with my hair like dye it or get a new style but i'm too scared to dye my hair again as it takes for ages to grow out and I really don't know what to do with my hair. 

10. Blog more.

My blogging schedule before July was posting once a week on Sundays. However, I wanted to up my game and blog more often as I enjoy it so I've been posting on Wednesdays and Sundays. As I've been getting more ideas recently, I may post once or twice more throughout the week in August. Very exciting!

Overall, July hasn't been that bad. I do not have to wake up before 7:30 for the time being and I've been a lot happier! I'm very much looking forward to August as i'm hoping to see more of my family, there are a couple of birthdays and I may be going away for a few days to South Devon so watch this space as i'm sure there will be travel related posts to come if I decide to go.

What are your plans/goals for August?

Let me know!

♥   ♥   ♥

July Goals | Life

Today's post will be short and snappy. I'm going to share with you a few of my goals for the month of July.

1. Finish college and my work placement. 

I believe I've mentioned this before but I have to complete a work placement along side my college course to gain experience working with children. My last day is on the 10th of July and although i'm a little gutted to be leaving as I love it so much, I am very excited to start my summer properly.

2. Get a job interview. 

Recently I've been applying for jobs to start in September, working full-time. However, I've not been very successful in my search but i'm hoping something will crop up that I can attend an interview for or even secure a job. Fingers crossed!

3. Complete a Paediatric First Aid Course. 

I found out that a centre near me will be running a First Aid Course this month and though i'm yet to book- I plan on doing it. Not only will this help me in my job search and when working with children, I also feel this is a very handy skill to have.

4. Spend more time outside.

It is well known that the sun can really help to solve skin problems such as spots or acne. I always try to get my daily dose of Vitamin D but i'll be trying extra hard to step outside and just enjoy being outdoors whether that be in my garden or out and about with friends.

5. Spend more time with family.

You may have seen my previous post: here, where I mentioned I met up with family that I haven't seen in years. I'd like to continue to do this so my plan for this summer, starting now is to visit family on a regular basis.

6. Exercise more.

I feel this occurs in a lot of peoples goals or resolutions but I really mean it. I'd like to loose weight but more importantly become healthier and fitter. Me and my friend have tried to go for a run at least once a week and we've decided to step it up a notch and go every other day or whenever possible.We'll see how that's gone at the end of the month.

7. Choose healthier options.

I'm constantly trying to eat healthier and shift a bit of weight but who can resit a couple of biscuits with their cup of tea!? Instead of just jumping to the junk food, i'm trying to consider and eat healthier options. Goodbye bread, hello crispbread and salad.

8. Give my room a little makeover.

I've never really been completely happy with the area at the end of my bed so I've decided to ditch the bed net, you know those mosquito nets that you see quite often on Tumblr and maybe add some clear fairy lights or just go completely simplistic and have a shelf with a few bits and bobs on.

9. Give myself a little makeover.

Nothing too drastic don't worry, I just mean sorting my hair out. I haven't dyed my hair in about 3/4 years but i'd like to change it up a little. I'm not entirely sure what colour i'd like but I shall have a think and get back to you on that one. If not I may just have a restyle!

10. Blog more.

Last but not least as I soon shall be off for summer, i'll have more time to blog so i'd like to get up at least two posts a week- if not more! I'd really appreciate if you could leave some post suggestions for the summer below in the comments!

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THIS JULY?

♥   ♥   ♥

The 'Me Time' TAG | Pamper Night

Hello!

I was tagged by the lovely Nicole from Thrifty Vintage Fashion, here- to do the Me Time TAG! I haven't done a TAG in a while so I thought i'd get this one done today! Without further-ado here goes...

1. What do you watch or read during me time?

I've got to be honest as I've said before I don't enjoy reading which is a shame. But I do tend to spend a while watching my YouTube subscriptions, I love everything from beauty, fashion to homeware and lifestyle.

2. What do you wear when you are having me time?

Anything cosy, usually oversized t-shirts or jumpers and pyjama bottoms. 

3. What are your me time products?

I don't enjoy baths which is annoying seeing as all the LUSH bath products appeal to me. But I do love having long showers using Soap and Glory's Scrub of your Life, Argan Oil hair masks and any face mask I have lying around.

4. Current favourite nail polish.

I've recently started painting my nails again so had a little nail polish shop. I love this dark red/purple colour from the Rimmel Lycra Pro range in Hypnotise especially now it's Autumn.

A tad messy, oops

5. What do you eat/drink?

I simply love a cup of tea and biscuits, or if i'm really feeling it hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows!

6. Favourite candle.

I love both Yankee Candle tarts in Pink Sands and Sunlight on Snow. I'm sure you've heard of Pink Sands which is a really sweet rose scent but isn't too overpowering and Sunlight on Snow is actually from the Simply Home collection which just smells really clean and fresh.

7. Do you ever have outdoor me time?

I wish I did, I'd love to just take myself somewhere near by and beautiful to just take my mind off things. I get quite anxious when it's dark though and just generally being alone so unfortunately I don't have that.

8. Would you ever go and see a movie by yourself?

I've contemplated it but probably not, I always feel sorry for the person I see on their tod in the cinema!

9. Favourite online shop.

I love both boohoo.com and ASOS, boohoo for the basics usually and ASOS is usually quite affordable and has a huge range.

10. What else do you do in your me time?

Following on from the last question, online shopping or just browsing and also catching up on blog posts that I haven't yet read on bloglovin, you can also find me here.

And that's the tag complete, I actually really enjoyed doing this TAG so thank you to Nicole for tagging me.
I tag:

IT'S ME NIAMH ALICE- here.

RACHEL COCO- here.

COLE OF THE BALL- here.

What TAG would you like to see me do next?