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?

♥   ♥   ♥

My Christmas Eve Routine! | CHRISTMAS 2014

Hello!

It's Christmas Eve and quite frankly I can't believe how quick it's come around.

I love seeing what others get up to over the festive period so I thought i'd share with you my Christmas Eve routine as of course it's different to any other usual day.

I'm not working this Christmas Eve, thank goodness! So I'm going to have a lie in this morning despite being super excited! Once i'm fully awake i'll laze around in bed watching Christmas YouTube videos and reading festive blog posts! I'll next somewhat find the courage to move out of bed and get ready for the day ahead, though i'll be staying in my pyjamas all day! I'll also have a quick shower to wash my hair as i'll usually have a Lush bath later in the day.

Also guys, what other way to celebrate Christmas Eve than having a snowman shaped crumpet for breakfast?

In my festive attire(aka Reindeer Pyjamas) I will make my way to the sofa with a line up of Christmas films, here are some favourites although there are many I don't have physical copies of so i'll watch them on the TV of what i've downloaded.

Today I plan on watching Home Alone 2, The Grinch, A Christmas Carol and Nativity, followed by many Christmas Specials.

Apologies for the changing quality of these photos, they were taken at different parts of the day and with my iPhone.

After endless amounts of chocolate and candy canes it's probably time to move and prepare for Christmas Day so i'll collate all the presents i've bought for others into neat piles ready to give to each person on Christmas morning. Probably one of the toughest decisions comes next, what to wear tomorrow!?
I'm thinking some black jeans, heeled black boots and a turtle neck- plain and simple but super comfy!
Next up is makeup! After a little while of experimenting I will probably opt for a shimmery nude eye look with a dark or even red lip.

I was planning on buying a burgundy or dark green turtle neck but I simply couldn't find one, hence the not very festive grey and white one(although I do love it)
Primark Turtleneck Top- £6
New Look Black Jeans(I can't remember how much as it was a long while ago)
Primark Silver Chain Link Necklace- £3

Late afternoon calls for a Lush bath and a face mask- both can vary but this year I've chosen Butterbear as it's supposed to be super moisturising and a Vitamin E Moisture Mask from The Body Shop(if you've not heard, I love the Vitamin E range)

You've probably guessed it, the rest of the day will be spent in my pyjamas and watching something festive but when other can you rock Christmas pyjamas and acceptably watch huge amounts of Christmas films!?

Just before bed is the time to put out a Mince Pie, an alcoholic beverage(naughty Santa) and a few carrots for the reindeer. Me and my siblings full well know that my mother will consume them minutes after we've gone to our rooms and will put the carrots back in the veg rack but it's a tradition not to be missed!

Lastly without fail i'll put on the Polar Express, it's my favourite Christmas film and is based on Christmas Eve so what else?

Just after brushing my teeth I will put my stocking which is rather large at the end of my bed and hope it's not filled will coal when I wake in the morning.

What do you do on Christmas Eve, do you have any traditions?

Let me know below!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas that is filled with happiness and have a great day if you're not celebrating!

Much Love,

♥   ♥   ♥

CHRISTMAS OUTFIT IDEAS | CHRISTMAS 2014

Hello!

Today I've felt really inspired to create different looks for Christmas, so that is what I've done after browsing a range of affordable high street and online shops. Here I've found and created outfits that you could accessorise to your desire to make the perfect Christmas Day or party outfit.

First up is a few dresses if you're feeling pulling off something more dressy and glam. If you're planning on making a statement then sequined dresses are the way to go! I love how glamorous sequined dresses look but I myself would never have the confidence to rock one, here's a couple that I love from boohoo.com in fact and oh so affordable both at £20.

HOLLIE SEQUIN SHORT SLEEVE BODYCON DRESS

IMOGEN OFF THE SHOULDER SEXY SEQUIN BODYCON MINI DRESS

If you're looking for something a little less out there then this next dress is perfect, again from boohoo.com! It could be the LBD staple in your wardrobe but I love it just as much in the berry colour, perfect for Christmas and only £15!

SARA PLUNGE NECK SKATER DRESS

The second look I've gone for is something i'd feel more comfortable in, casual but still lovely for Christmas! I'm loving the whole pelmet skirt and turtleneck trend, which can be worn together or on there own(of course with something else, just other than the skirt I mean!) I've found two skirts from Topshop that I love, one a classic leopard print and the other slightly edgy, a quilted leather look. I've teamed both with a turtleneck, the first in burgundy from boohoo.com and the other hard to find in bottle green from ASOS.

LEOPARD PRINT PELMET SKIRT -£38
JACKIE LONG SLEEVE TURTLENECK TOP -£8
ASOS JUMPER IN RIB WITH TURTLE NECK -£15
TALL LEATHER LOOK SKIRT -£38

As I've said you can simply pair a turtleneck with pretty much anything, here are a few pairs of jeans(all Topshop) that I love which would look great.

MOTO BLACK JONI JEANS -£36
MOTO BLACK RIPPED JONI JEANS -£38
MOTO BLUE BLACK BINX JEANS -£40

Last up is for ultimate comfort and the novelty(I'd be rocking something similar on Boxing Day). Christmas Jumpers and Onesies are the one for relaxing. Here's some of my favourites!

First is the cutest Christmas Pudding Onesie from Missguided at £19.99, how fun!

Next is this Rudolph Onesie from Debenhams at £32. 50- I mean how festive!?

I love this Christmas Jumper from River Island and it's on sale for £12! A bargain last minute pick up or to store for next year!

And that's it for my Christmas outfit ideas! I know this is last minute but I felt like putting this post together, even so you could create something similar of what you already have in your wardrobe to make an amazing outfit for Christmas!
This is not the last from me before Christmas, tomorrow I have a Christmas Eve routine coming but if you're not around then Merry Christmas! I hope you have a lovely day however you spend it!

Much Love,

♥   ♥   ♥

Where I've Been | South Devon

Hello! 
You may have worked out from my previous posts that I've been away and my last 2 posts were scheduled. Here i'm going to tell you a little of what I got up to, i'll try to be short and sweet but we know I like to babble. Last Saturday I set off to where I thought we were staying in Plymouth, but actually we stayed near in Dawlish which was absolutely lovely and I'm so glad we did.

The first day was spent in Dawlish itself where we had breakfast, then visited the small independent shops and walked the beach, it was lovely and so was the weather- I was in my element! Sun, shopping and being near the beach.

Comfy travel outfit, with the pebbles beneath my feet.

Selfie with my mother who indeed doesn't look too impressed and sporting my double or rather triple chin.

Cute little boats.

The sea, glistening.

On the Sunday we decided to visit the town called Torquay, it was gorgeous but looked like such an expensive place to stay or live! We spent the day shopping, of course I spotted the Primark! I picked up a couple of items that I'll show in a future haul i'm sure. Next we set off to play pitch and putt, and i'll hold my hand up and admit it, I am definitely not a budding golfer.

Clearly displaying I know not a thing about golf.

Monday was more of a animal packed day, it would be an understatement to say I was excited as we were to be visiting Plymouth, the place where i'm thinking about going to Uni. We went to the National Aquarium, apparently the best within the UK, so that's a reason to get pretty excited right? Then followed by walking around the harbor side town and treating ourselves to the ice cream van, a typical British thing right?

A pretty fancy backdrop for a photo right?

Of course, I had to take a photo of the Nemo's!

A rather 'hipster' looking ice lolly.

We next traveled to Dartmoor Zoo which we in fact have visited before, the Zoo was fantastic the first time we went as we hadn't seen the animals before but this time was rather short as we had seen it all before, I did however manage to see the bear this time which was hiding last time!

Next was another day of my family being typical tourist's in Exeter. I fell in love with Exeter town, it had such amazing independent sellers as well as larger more national stores. Again I found the Primark, and other stores that I already have in my town but I couldn't resist not having a browse! We were getting a little peckish and found the coolest, oh gosh I do not sound cool saying that. But we found a Cafe that appealed to me a lot, vintage! I believe it was called 'The Real McCoy' but I can't be for sure, it was a cafe combined vintage store. I found the sofa and the fashion book to accompany my milkshake!

Ideal short break, music, chocolate milkshake(probably the best I've had) and a fashion book that I may have to purchase myself!

Wednesday was purely for my mothers love, donkeys! We traveled a little further than we usually would to see a load of Donkeys, I have to admit I didn't mind at all! They were so lovely, I even came away with my own(not a real one, I wish!) but a teddy and an adopted one! My father gifted my mum with a donkey, how sweet! It was a Poitou Donkey, with large ears a shaggy coat who likes to be cuddled called Aramis, adorable. 

Again we visited the beach, this was in Sidmouth and I found my favourite coloured beach huts!

I didn't take any photos on Thursday which i'm kind of gutted about as I loved this town so much too! Teignmouth! Teignmouth has amazing independent shops with such gorgeous furniture, every time I've been I've had to come away not purchasing any as it wouldn't fit in the car, weeping! Although I did get my palm read on an arcade machine which shoots cards out at random but I as always, I couldn't resist. 

The last day was Friday as we traveled back on the Saturday, I have holiday blues even though I wasn't abroad but just love Dawlish so much! Spontaneously we went for a little drive, we found a nature reserve which I was not too impressed by, although we walked for about 10 minutes with me complaining as we were surrounded by fields and cows, I regret it. We came out to such a lovely canal and little pub, we had a drink and noticed there was a boat we could catch to another town, on we hopped and spent about an hour or 2 in Topsham, although there was very little there it was a beautiful area to spend the last day!

Orangina in the sun! 

How very nautical for a boat ride.

The Exe Estuary boat trip to Topsham.

So there's the quickest round up possible for me to let you know where I've been and what I got up to, I loved Dawlish as always and definitely wouldn't hesitate to visit again although I do hope my next get away will be abroad! 
Look out for my next posts that'll be back to school related, or rather back to college related as i'm going into my final year at college!

See you next time,

Amy X

The August Agenda

Hello!
I thought my next post would be a small update on what I plan to do this August, even though we're already 10 days into the month, oops! I've not got a hell of a lot planned this month in terms of events but there are a few things I do plan to get done. This is not a wish/bucket list as I've already done one for this summer, here on my blog, but here's what I plan to do in August..

Source:  Google- here.

• Spend time with family

Next Saturday to be exact me and my family are off down south to South Devon. We've been close to Plymouth before but if you didn't already know Plymouth is one of my uni options(although i'm still debating whether I want to go at all), so i'd like to see the uni and the area itself in general. Of course that's not all we're doing and why we're going, we're heading away for a short break and also plan to visit the zoo and beach! I must rephrase that, visit the beach to walk along- me and my families are definitely not beach bums and I don't expect the weather to be so great! Also I hate sand anyway.

• Catch up with friends

This is a must! Although I've just realised this is sounding a lot like my Summer Bucket List but i'm going to be more particular. My friend is away on holiday at the moment and has been for a short while, and me and other close friend don't get to spend much time together due to our work shifts. But this August i'd definitely like to spend time with them even it means just going for food or to see the Inbetweeners 2- how have I not caved and seen it already on my own? Haha, I joke that would be pretty sad.

• Cram(oops) last minute college work in..

I felt like I had done the work I had to do over Summer, but it turns out I've been emailed a list of what I need to do before I go back on the 5th September, eek so soon I may cry! So once i'm back from my travels I must crack on with that and just prepare to go back to college anyway. This means I sort out my life, aka my sleeping patterns, waking up early and do not wake up on the first day back and scurry around to find a pen in the morning! This means stationary shopping: note to self- do not leave this to the last minute(the day before you go back)

• Blog, blog blog. Oh and do an outfit/fashion post.

Obviously with being off college I've had a lot more time to blog, during term time my studies are my main priority(of course). I can already feel that this last year is going to be hectic with so much to do even before Christmas so I won't have much time to blog, not only that- I'll be tired! So as Summers coming to an end, this August I plan to write as many as I can to schedule for those times when i'm busy. 

Also this blog is supposed to be 'Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle', although i'm getting better with the Lifestyle sides of things, the fashion posts are lacking! I will be posting a clothing haul and i'm quite happy with some of my purchases so who knows, hopefully i'll get a fashion post up! Maybe an OOTD.

So there you have it, as I said this post wasn't going to be me listing events as I've just not planned that far in advance yet but in my head I have. I've got 21 days to complete each one of these things, hopefully things go to plan! Apologies if this post was a bit boring but this was sort of an update post to keep you guys informed!

See you next with my clothing haul!

Amy X