An Oliver Bonas Bedside Table

My bedside table has become a mini advert for Oliver Bonas! I was lucky enough to visit their Press Show Room recently for a sneak peak at their A/W collection, and I fell in love with, well, nearly everything. 

I came home with a very generous goodie back - but the hand cream & candle were the highlights for me! The hand cream is white tea & verbena scented, making it fresh, sweet and not too strong. The consistency is super thick and hydrating, but it doesn't leave your skin feeling at all sticky or greasy. It's a generous sized tube, I can see it lasting me a while! 

I'm not usually a fan of fig scents, I find them a little strong, but the Exotic Fig scent from Oliver Bonas is just delicious. Not too figgy, there's just enough lightness in the scent to stop it from being too much. It reminds me of late summer, drinking wine in the garden as the sun goes down. It burns really clean and really fills the room with scent, so I'll definitely be investing in some more OB candles in the future! 

Have you tried anything from Oliver Bonas? 

Pub Lunching

I've spent a lot of time back in Bournemouth recently - so I've had to give up my usual lunch go to's of Chipotle, Flat Iron and Yo Sushi, and find something a little more country. 

Connor and I have recently become real advocates of the good old fashioned British Pub Lunch recently, and have been checking out a few different locations around home, in search of perfect pub grub.

We spend a lot of time out in the New Forest, it being where we met and where Connor's family live, and we've driven past the White Hart a thousand and one times and never been in. We rectified this on a warm afternoon a couple of weeks ago, where we pulled up a chair in the gardens and settled back for a slow afternoon lunch.

I opted for the Pie of the Day - craving comfort food, whilst Con can never resist the call of a good burger. I'm pretty sure he let out a little groan as he bit into the burger, which was stacked high with salsa, cheese and bacon. He said it reminded him of homemade barbecued burgers which can only be a good thing, right?

Meanwhile, my ham, chicken and leek pie was hitting the spot lovely, served with fresh seasonal veg and a mountain of mash. It left me full but not bloated, and was exactly what I needed! 

I think I need to take more time out for leisurely lunches, they're becoming a favourite of mine!

Currently Digging

The thought of doing a monthly favourites this month just felt a bit wrong. Perhaps it's because this month really hasn't been a favourite - in fact, it wouldn't be an overstatement to call it the worst month of my life. But I do want to talk about a few beauty products that have been a part of my (rather minimal) daily routine recently, and share my thoughts on them! 

Firstly let's chat about Benefit's new Goof Proof Brow Pencil. This was a little freebie in this month's Elle magazine, and whilst I was skeptical, I actually really love it. It's thin, angled and super precise, so it's easy to keep things looking natural. The shade is a good match for my brows, and I find it stay's put easily. The real draw is just how easy it is to use - I'm all about fuss-free products right now. 

Speaking of fuss free - I've been skipping over lipstick in favour of a Burts Bees Tinted lip balm in Hibiscus. A slick of colour with lots of hydration - it's easy to apply on the go, and it's a great everyday shade. 

My under eye circles have reached peak darkness this month, so I've been relying on my Makeup Forever HD Concealer to keep things looking bright, happy and less like I've spent half the day crying. This isn't quite as drying as the Ultra HD concealer, but it does a great job of giving coverage that brightens without creasing or caking. 

I've also been loving the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea foundation brush - I don't normally go for double ended brush but this one is just bloody great. One big buffing brush end to smoothly apply foundation quickly, and one slightly denser, angled end which is perfect for pressing in concealer for high coverage. A great one to have in your arsenal for everyday!

Four easy to use products, but all get top marks from me! 

What have you been loving recently? 

Twenty Sixteen - Take Two

Honey, I'm home! 

Thank you for bearing with me whilst I took some time out - your support and kind words have meant the world.

I'm still getting my bearings, and trying to get back into the swing of 'normal' life, still feeling a bit numb and a bit strange about things. I'm hoping that by throwing myself back in to work, I'll start to feel normal again. We can hope, hey.

Since my Grandad died, I have spent a lot of time wondering around with my camera, capturing little things that make me happy. I've filled up four memory cards with snaps of sunsets, beach scenes and woodland walks that have made me smile. I'm not entirely sure what to do with all these photos, but perhaps I'll try and organise them into a few posts. 

It feels like we are at something of a transitional point now anyway - with the result of the EU Referendum promising big changes we can't be sure of, now feels like the perfect time to start fresh, concentrate on my business and on my own happiness. The events of the last six months have taught me nothing if not it's SO important to be happy.

I hope that July brings change, and with it sunshine, happiness and excitement. For so long I've been plodding through the weeks with no plans or things to look forward to, so that's something I want to change now. I no longer have to worry about being home to help out my parents, or spending time at my Grandad's side, I'm free to explore, and grasp every opportunity I've had to decline over the last six months.

And I've kind of started to do that already! The wonderful Farfetch team treated me to a luxury manicure & pedicure at DryBy last week - not only was two hours of indulgent pampering just blissful, I also feel a bit more human now. It's been so long since I've done something like that just for myself, it felt like such a treat. The colours I picked were both from Nailberry, and I was so impressed with them that I may pick up a couple of shades this month.

I'm hoping to get back to regularly scheduled programming now, so let me know if there are any posts you'd like to see! 

A Fresh Start For 2016

I've started writing this post a hundred times and still can't quite find the words. 

So I'm just going to jump in I think. 

My wonderful grandad passed away peacefully on June 9th, after a brave and tireless six month fight with the tumour in his head. In his final moments he was comfortable, at peace, and surrounded by so many people who loved him, and that's exactly what he would have wanted. He fought til the very end, and he still had his sense of humour too. He leaves behind a family that's devastated, but also so very proud to have known him, and to have been affected by the happiness that followed him wherever he went.

I want to thank my wonderful friends and readers, for all their love, support, and eternal kindness, in the past weeks, but really, since his diagnosis in December. This has been the hardest six months of my life, and having the support and love of you guys has meant the world. 

I find myself now in something of a transitional period. The last six months have revolved solely around being there, not just for my grandad but my parents too, being unable to travel or make too many plans, because we just didn't know how long we had left. Flipping open my diary, I have not one single plan, event, meeting or trip, and it feels kind of strange. 

I thought after he passed, I would throw myself back into work, but in all honesty, I still can't think of anything but him. Writing about fashion, beauty, or even life seems pointless and trivial. And so in all honesty, I feel a little lost. When you have no plans and can't think about work, what do you do?

And I know, that I don't have to be back in the starting blocks right away. I know I'm allowed to take time to grieve and adjust. But it feels weird. Is that normal? I don't know, I've never lost anyone before. 

The 23rd of June will see me attending my first ever funeral, and the thought makes me feel positively sick. Due to uni commitments, Connor won't be able to be there, and the realisation I was going to have to do this alone bought on the first panic attack I've had over the last six months. I've been so proud of the fact that throughout this awful time I've for the most part, kept my anxiety at a manageable level, but this one fact kind of pushed me over the edge. I know my family will be there, and that they will need me there, but whenever I think about it, I just want to hide. I hope the day won't be as awful as I'm building it up to be in my mind. 

I have a new planner, and it starts the Monday after the funeral, so in my mind I'm setting this as a goal for a fresh start. A time to take on a positive attitude, make plans for the month ahead, and tackle the second half of 2016 head on. My grandad would be horrified if he thought we were all moping around, and not making the most of life, so whilst right now, I'm taking some time to be sad, I'm looking forward to a fresh start, and bringing a little happy back into my life. 

My grandad was one of the happiest people I have ever met. He never complained or grumbled, he made the best of every day, and was never spotted without a smile. I'll remember him for the way he made everyone happy around him, and could always be found at the centre of a party, buying everyone another round. I only hope that when my time comes, I am surrounded by as many people, and as much love as he was in his final hours. 

Thank you again for your love and support. You guys are my little happy. 

Inside My MAC Palette

I realised that in all the time I've had this palette, I've never given you guys a walk through! My palette is home to an assortment of shadows from MAC, Benefit & Makeup Geek, and I love them all. I had a lot more but I did a big cull of the shadows a few months back and now I'm left with my absolute favourites!

Top Row:

MAC Hush: A champagne pink shade with a fine silver shimmer.
Benefit Call My Buff: A basic soft cream shade.
Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie: A soft, dirty peach shade.
Makeup Geek Creme Brulee: A warm toned mid brown.
Makeup Geek Preppy: A matte caramel brown.

Second Row:

Makeup Geek Latte: A warm matte chocolate brown.
Benefit Guilty Pleasure: A light brown with golden shimmer.
MAC Cork: A mid toned matte brown.
MAC Mulch: A warm shimmery chocolate brown.
MAC Shale: A taupey purple with a sheen.
MAC Club: A duochrome purple with a green sheen, that looks more like a deep purple.

Third Row:

MAC Quarry: A light purple matte taupe.
MAC Satin Taupe: A sheeny taupe shade.
MAC Blackberry: A matte purple.
MAC Corduroy: A warm matte deep brown.
Makeup Geek Country Girl: A brick red with silver shimmer.
MAC Cranberry: A warm berry red with shimmer.

Bottom Row:

Benefit Kiss Me I'm Frisky: A warm shimmer brown.
MAC Sketch: A deep purple with a hint of sheen.
Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie: A warm peach with golden shimmer.

Do you have a MAC palette?

My Project Life Favourites

After last month's post on how I finally made project life work for me, I thought I'd follow up with a list of the product's I've been loving using. I'm going to keep this short and sweet today because I've had a hell of a week!

• Project Life Heidi Swapp Dreamy Kit
• We R Memory Keepers 4x4 Album
• We R Memory Keepers 4x4 2x2 Page Protectors
• We R Memory Keepers 4x4 Page Protectors
• Glitter Letter Stickers
• Cutting Mat
• Do Craft Neon Geometric Die Cut & Paper Pack

Are you a project lifer?

My Haircare Routine

After mentioning the Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Spray in a post recently, I had a lot of people request I share how I use it - so I figured why not go the whole hog and share my full haircare routine!

I coloured my hair around three weeks ago and I'm super happy with the outcome. I used a L'Oreal Paris Preference dye to achieve the base colour - a warm brown, and then one of the L'Oreal Wild Ombre kits to add a subtle ombre/balayage to the tips of my hair. I love how subtle it is, I didn't want anything super intense, and this has been perfect!

Right now I'm using the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner to fight the humidity that is pestering my hair right now. I love this because it leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft, and not at all heavy with product. I also use the Bedhead Dumb Blonde Reconstructing Conditioner every third or fourth wash just to keep my hair from getting too dry.

Before blowdrying, I use the Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer to detangle my hair and add heat protection too. It's really light and doesn't make your hair feel greasy at all - a great all in one product.

Most days, I rough dry my hair with a hairdryer to about 80% dry, before going in with my Tresemme Heat Brush, which is like the cheats way of getting a blow out. I section off my hair and just brush through it, the large barrel creates a soft wave, and smooths out my hair. 

Once my hair is dry, I liberally spritz the lengths with the Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Spray. This stuff gives texture and body, without making my hair feel crunchy or product-laden. 

And that's about it really! I've been going for a natural, lived in look, very low maintenance and very simple!

What's your go to hair routine?

New Erin Condren Life Planner!

After my post last week talking about why you should invest in an Erin Condren Life Planner, the awesome team at Erin Condren got in touch and sent me over a brand new planner and a few accessories too!

I thought I'd do an unbox and flip through with my initial thoughts, but I'll definitely check back in a few weeks with my thoughts again!

Let me know what you think, fellow planner nerds!

Chasing Light

 I keep heading out of the house armed with my camera to capture the golden hour, and either being letdown by cloud coverage or missing it by just a few minutes.

On this night, Connor and I reached the golf course a few minutes too late, but I got him to snap some photos of my outfit anyway, since there were three things I wanted to talk to you about.

Firstly, this dress. I picked this up for a meagre £15 in H&M a few weeks ago in a panic about the heat, and I'm so glad I did. I love how comfortable and floaty this dress is, and I adore the cutouts on the back! Peaking through you'll see the prettiest bralette I own, an American Eagle number that just begs to be seen!

I picked up this navy saddle bag a few weeks back on a whim in Primark, but I'm so glad I did! It's the perfect size for my everyday bits and pieces, and it goes with most of my wardrobe. 

We eventually admitted defeat and headed into The Kitchen Club for a bite to eat. Delicious pizza, good company, and the fading daylight across the golf course. Could you ask for a better night? 

3 Overnight Masks

Two years ago, overnight masks were a completely foreign concept to me, but right now I'm totally digging them. In fact, I seem to go to bed with one most nights, and my skin is so grateful for it. 

Overnight masks are a fantastic way to give your skin a boost even if you don't have time for a pamper session. Simply slather on, and lie back for a nap, to wake up with fabulous looking skin. I've developed an arsenal of favourites over the last few months, for whatever my skin should need! 

For skin that's a little parched: there's nothing better than the Origins Drink Up Intensive. A zesty orange scented moisture rich mask that gives the skin an instant boost of hydration. Perfect for flaky, dry skin, or skin that's feeling a little hydrated. This applies just as a thick moisturiser would, and you'll wake up to plump, soft skin!

For skin that's tired: I reach for The Body Shop's Drops Of Youth Bouncy Overnight Mask - a weird alien-goo consistency that just gives the skin an instant perk up. One night of this and my skin looks plumper, brighter and happier. It sinks in quickly, so you could even get away with wearing this one on a long haul flight too!

For skin that's freaking out: I love the Kiehls Cilantro and Lime Pollutant Defending Masque. This cleans and purifies the skin, leaving your complexion looking clearer & your pores tighter. I love the scent of this, but it does give a bit of a green tint to the skin, so give your significant other fair warning when going for this one, so they don't think you're coming down with something!

Are you a fan of overnight masks? 

Hengistbury Head

 I spent a lot of time at Hengistbury Head during my childhood, what with it being a stones throw from my primary school and all, but I haven't been back in years. Last week, after Connor's final exam, we celebrated being home with a long, slow walk round the Head. It was utterly blissful to actually be out of the house, and able to wonder without worrying about getting home to revise or missing work! 

Despite a hundred and one trips to the head, I'd never actually climbed up it, so Con insisted we did that. The intense thigh burn was worth it because the views were positively stunning, if you're ever in the Bournemouth area, I'd definitely recommend making the trip!

 We took Finn along for the ride and he had an absolute whale of a time, running up and down the hill, chasing pigeons and befriending other walkers. He gave us a good giggle thinking he could catch a particularly speedy seagull, and by the end of the walk he was pooped - no mean feat for a hyperactive Cockapoo! 

I spent most of the walk daydreaming about owning one of these gorgeous beach huts, can you imagine spending the night in one of these, listening to the waves crash against the shore? Heavenly, I should imagine. 

It definitely made me realise how lucky I am to have such beautiful beaches and nature reserves on my doorstep, I really must make the most of them more often!