May Intentions & To Do List

I love writing these monthly to do lists for you, and I love the feedback they get too, but this month I thought I'd add a little twist. 

I've been thinking about my blog and the direction I want to take it, I mentioned in this post that I feel like I'm in a state of flux right now, so I've been reassessing my intentions for this site. I wrote a little list and I thought I'd share them with you. I love the idea of setting intentions, unlike goals or resolutions they feel so positive to me, and help me stay mindful through my every action. 

This blog shall be a documentation of my real life - as it is in this moment of time.

This blog will be a space where I can share my thoughts, feelings & opinions without feeling the need to filter. 

This blog will be a place where I can challenge myself creatively, and explore different writing styles to keep myself engaged as a writer. 

This blog will be a creative outlet that does not feel like a chore.

This blog will be an interactive community space, where I can engage with likeminded people in both friendly discussion and positive intelligent debate. 

This blog will be a happy hub of love + creativity. 

So hopefully throughout May I will be able to use these intentions to nourish and grow our little online space into something happy! 

Also on my to do list this month...

Do more, see more. Stop holing up in my flat moping. Get out, explore, take photos and embrace life again. 

Have a picnic in the park with friends. Hopefully May will see the sun arrive, and I intend to embrace that with an Instagram-as-hell picnic. Katy, Tasha - keep your eyes peeled for an invite! 

Challenge myself creatively. It's been a while since I've written anything just for the sake of writing. That needs to change! 

See my friends more. This month needs to see me catch up with Tami, Carrie & Allie. 

Rejig my capsule wardrobe - I had wanted to do this back in March but it's just been too cold! I'm excited to embrace lighter layers, and stow away my thermals!

Spring clean - our flat needs a serious sorts out! This week I'm going to empty all the cupboards and drawers in the flat, clean them all out and organise the contents. Not the most fun activity but needs doing!

Restart my yoga practice. I've been pretty sporadic with my time on the mat recently, so I need to get back into it! My yoga mat actually needs replacing so perhaps I'll treat myself to a new one to inspire me to get stretching again! 

What's on your May to do list? 

The Anti Pollution Mask

A classic tale of a casual stroll through duty free gone wrong. Why do they make it so you have to walk past all the makeup counters?! Don't they know that not all of us have self restraint?!

Curiosity got the better of me when I happened upon the new Kiehls Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque, and I just had to give it a whirl. I was taken in by it's lofty claims as much as I was by the inclusion of Cilantro - love me some Cilantro.

This is an overnight mask, although it suggests applying generously, then dabbing off any excess after ten minutes before letting it work it's magic overnight. I've found I actually get the best experience just applying the same way I would a moisturiser. I cleanse, tone & moisturise as normal, and then go in with a layer of this before retiring to bed. It's quite thick in consistency, and a heavy hand will leave you looking a little green, but it's not sticky or uncomfortable on the skin in any way. It sinks in overnight and in the morning I see instant results.

I will always favour products that show me a quick fix and this really does - I've been using it twice a week and the result? My skin is clearer and happier, my pores are tighter, my skin feels healthier and better protected. This stuff is almost like an extra reinforcement for the skin, and my skin absolutely adores it.

Sometimes curiosity pays off! 

Reclaiming Monday

I used to love Mondays.

I'm aware that's a strange statement, but I really did. To me, Monday was a day full of hope and possibility for a great week. It was a chance to start off on the right foot, and to accomplish on a clean slate.

These days, Mondays fill me with dread. Right now, Mondays just fill me with the impending doom of another week ahead to muddle through. Mondays are the beginning of a week bound to be filled with stress and anxiety, and a never ending to do list.

Mondays don't have to be like this though, so I'm on a mission this month, to reclaim my Mondays. To bring back a little spark of joy to the early starts, and mammoth to do list. To recognise the happy moments in every Monday, no matter how small.

Things like the gentle way my Lumi lamp wakes me up. There's something very satisfied about being gently roused from sleep by the warm glow it gives - it's definitely a nicer way to start the day.

Things like a cup of hot lemon and honey tea, bought to me in bed my my long suffering boyfriend, to be enjoyed while I catch up on a night's worth of instagrams and tweets. 

Things like an early morning yoga session to wake me up from head to toe. 

Things like a nice email amongst all the work ones. 

Things like a mid afternoon coffee break with a friend. 

Things like signing off at 5pm to cook a proper dinner with Con.

Things like cosying up on the sofa to watch last night's episode of Game of Thrones.

Things like climbing into bed feeling proud of what I've accomplished during the day.

Getting through all this family stuff right now is a lot of just taking each day at a time and not looking too far ahead.

So here's the bit where I ask for your help! I'd love if you guys could help me share the Monday happiness on Instagram, by tagging your image #ReclaimYourMonday, so we can all delight in each other's happy Monday moments! 

With love, hugs and internet cookies x

Practising Self Care

One thing we all need a little more of in our lives is self care. We are quick to rush around keeping busy, but not so quick to offer ourselves the love and rest we deserve.

Right now, I'm all about grabbing moments of self care wherever possible - and I encourage you to do the same! 

Allow Yourself a Free Pass. 

To skip that night out you don't feel up to. To not feel guilty about leaving the dishes til tomorrow. To go to bed early. You deserve it. 

Stop Judging Yourself.

The past is the past, leave it be. Make positive decisions for your future, and let go of the guilt of bad decisions. Let how you proceed from this moment be what defines you.

Drink More Tea.

Not whilst staring at your phone, not whilst sat at your desk. Make yourself a cup of tea, snuggle up in your favourite spot and allow yourself the time to do nothing else.

Treat Yourself.

To a new pair of pyjamas, a cosy new blanket, or a fresh duvet set. Treat yourself to something that will enhance your relaxation time.

Try Mindful Meditation.

I always go on about Headspace but for good reason. Take ten minutes out of your day to simply be, without distraction.

Have More Baths.

Throw in a whole Lush bubble bar and go to town. 

Get Outside.

Walk your dog, your neighbours dog, or join Borrow My Doggy. Maybe this point should be called get a dog? 

Nourish Yourself.

Treat your body to something your body will enjoy. A green juice or a hearty homemade soup.

With love, hugs and internet brownies! x

Starting The Week Off Right

Monday morning is always a tough one. It doesn't seem to matter that I generally work weekends too, I still seem to feel those Monday morning blues. For me, Monday sort of sets the gauntlet for the week ahead. A good Monday sets me up for a good week, where productivity reigns and I reach Sunday feeling pretty good about my accomplishments. A bad Monday though generally means I'll reach Sunday not really sure what happened in the days between, and knowing my to do list is no shorter.

So, since that's not really the ideal situation to be in, I try my very hardest to make my Mondays a success - and these are my top tips.

Start Slow.

Starting your day off rushing around, stressing about what you need to get done is not going to do you any good at all. But starting the day in a way that puts a smile on your face? Well that will. Whether it's whipping yourself up a tasty smoothie for the commute, making time for a quick yoga sesh, or just breakfast with your OH before cracking on, always start the week with something positive.

Plan your Attack.

Not just for the day, but for the week. I use this planner from Kikki.K. to jot down major tasks and meetings that I want to achieve on each day, and then do a more detailed to do list each morning. That way, you're not stumbling into the week blind! I always try to pick more enjoyable tasks for a Monday morning, like meetings or photography sessions, saving the more boring stuff for a Tuesday when my brain's a little more awake! 

Leave the Emails.

At least until the afternoon. Emails are like a black hole, they suck you in and before you know it the day's gone. I leave my inbox til Tuesdays, tackling anything urgent after lunch on Monday if need be. Instead, pick a task that will make you feel like you've achieved something when you can tick it off your list before your lunchbreak.

Reward Yourself.

For me, half of getting through Monday is knowing it will, in fact, end. Have something good planned as a reward for when you make it to the end of the working day. A glass of wine, a bubble bath, or a meal with friends - just something to look forward to when you're tackling something tedious.

What are your tips for surviving Mondays? 

Postcards from Paris

So if you follow me on Instagram (if you don't - go follow me now!) you'll know that I spent Wednesday with my wonderful friend Allie in Paris. I haven't been to Paris (other than Disney) for over ten years - so excited is an understatement, I was positively buzzing with happiness!

I'd never travelled on the Eurostar before and I actually really enjoyed the experience, it was relatively painless and the trains were surprisingly clean! We even enjoyed a cheeky bottle of wine on the way back and it didn't bankrupt us! 

Whilst we had our fair share of bad luck, it was the most amazing trip - we shopped our hearts out, admired the city and basked in the sunshine. We were super lucky with the weather, with clear blue skies and temperatures of 24c we couldn't have asked for anything better.

We ran out of time to do everything on our list, but we ticked off the important stuff! Galleries Lafayette, City Pharma, Laudurée, Sephora & Louis Vuitton on the Champs Élysées, L'arc de Triumph and of course Starbucks for the obligatory Starbucks city mug!

I couldn't not share a little photo album from the trip, there's a mix of camera, phone and Snapchat pictures in this post - but I know I'll cherish every single one! I'm looking forward to getting them all printed!

 I also got Allie to snap some outfit photos for me. I've linked everything up below but I really loved this outfit - I was super comfortable all day! 

Thank you to Allie for inviting me along, I had the best time, and I think the trip cemented our friendship! 

Keep your eyes peeled for a vlog of the trip on my channel tomorrow! 

JACKET - PRIMARK (IN STORES NOW) // TOP - ASOS // LEGGINGS - ASOS // BAG - REBECCA MINKOFF // SUNGLASSES - QUAY AUSTRALIA // SHOES - KURT GEIGER

The Awake Makers

As a perpetual sleep lover, I'm game for any product that will trick people into thinking I'm awake. Right now, I've got a crack team of products on hand to keep things looking fresh and bright, 

Starting with the Givenchy Wake Up Makeup Base, a blue toned primer that neutralises yellow tones and brightens things up. This is a little drier in consistency than I expected, but when buffed into the skin it really brightens things up. I like to mix a little of this in with a pump of the Too Faced Hangover X Primer, which gives the skin an extra boost of moisture, and leaves things looking plumper and happier. Together, they're a great mix.

I'd been neglecting my Benefit Erase Paste for a while, but I pulled it out of hibernation recently and fell back in love with it. I like to use this as an extra step before concealer, the peachy salmon tone helps neutralise darkness under the eyes, so that things look less sleep-deprived. 

I've tried a lot of different nude eyeliners, but none really stuck until I tried the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Liner in Walk of Shame. This is creamy and easy to apply, rich in colour and super long lasting, a winner all round. This totally eliminates the redness in my waterline, which is half the battle when it comes to looking awake. 

I've been setting my makeup with the Nyx Radiant Finishing Powder, which brightens things up whilst colour correcting too. It's light and not cakey, but it makes a real difference to the way my skin looks!

And lastly, it ain't a face if it ain't got a whole lot of highlight. The Urban Decay Afterglow Highlight in Sin is my new ride-or-die highlight love, creamy and sheeny without being out and out sparkly, this stuff is divine.

And if you still need help, chuck on a bright lip! My pick is the MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up - which just makes my complexion pop! 

What are your makeup picks for a brighter complexion!

Evening Relaxation

I mentioned in this post that I have real trouble shutting off at night, I'm definitely a sufferer of 'busy brain'. To try and counteract it, I've gotten into the swing of a relaxation-friendly evening routine!

Starting off with a hot shower, using an Aromatherapy Associates Bath and Shower Oils, I slather it onto my skin, and let the steam fill the bathroom with the scent. It's a great way to clear the airways and centre the mind for a second. 

Post shower, I make myself a hot cup of tea, and then roll out my yoga mat for some gentle stretching. I find that a simple routine of a few poses just helps me loosen up and relax. I do a few Cat Cows, some Table Top Twists, a little time in Child's Pose and Happy Baby Pose, Pigeon, and then finishing off with Nightime Goddess. It's simple, won't let you break a sweat, and helps things feel a little comfier. Once I'm all Yoga-d out, I like to massage my legs and shoulders with a little Magnesium Oil, I find it helps soothe my aching muscles and calm me down - it's great for period pain too!

At this point I tend to find reading or watching tv keeps my brain too busy, so I tend to snuggle up with my colouring book for a moment or two. I find that concentrating on colouring keeps other stresses out of my brain!

When I'm ready for bed I get comfy, stick my Lumie Lamp on Sunset mode, and scribble in my 3am Journal. A few spritzes of my This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, and snuggle down for a Headspace session with my Winter Glow Yankee candle - then it's off to sleep!

What's your go to relaxation routine? 

Little Ondine

I have a confession - and it's not pretty. 

I peel my nail polish off. 

All the time. In the shower, on the tube, if I'm lying in bed or at my desk. I can't help it, I just keep peeling. 

So when the team at Little Ondine got in touch and asked if I wanted to try their all natural nail polishes, with a peel off base coat, I said yes faster than you could say 'dirty beauty habit'. 

I picked out the shade Chai Latte, a gorgeous warm taupey brown that is the kind of colour I love wearing on a day to day basis. It took me a while to get used to these polishes, there's a definite knack to it! Base coat, two thick coats of colour and top coat seems to do the trick for a glossy, high-shine finish.

I love that they include a little mood board for each polish too, such a unique and useful idea!

And they really do peel straight off! Having been using this for a few weeks I can honestly say my nails feel stronger - which I'll put down to not having to use nail polish remover which strips the nails! It also takes all of about 30 seconds to remove, so it's super convenient too. I can imagine this would be great for people who can't wear nail polish to work or school, but want to wear it on the weekends, or if you like to change up your polish regularly! I also think this would be great for glitter polishes which are ALWAYS a pain to remove! 

These polishes are cruelty free, vegan and all natural - all good in my book! 

Have you tried any peelable polishes? 

Currently Consuming #3

Another day, another round up of awesome stuff from the media circuit.

Celina's Sephora VIB haul has got me lusting after a US trip. Is it worth the trip for a few lipsticks? I think so.

I finally watched Scream Queens and WOW, what was I waiting for? This is like PLL cross with AHS, cross with some kinda sarcastic YouTube channel. I love.

I read The Bones Of You in about eight hours last week, I can't remember the last time I actually got so involved with a book.

An oldie but goodie, Tami's post on things you should do in April has been bookmarked!

Anything Shonda Rhimes touches is gold in my opinion - I've just started watching new series The Catch and so far I'm digging it.

My girl Tasha vlogged her trip to God's Own Junkyard, and I'm starting to think it might just be worth the trip to Walthamstow.

I also read Sing You Home last week and it got me a little riled up about equal rights.

I've been watching a bunch of travel vlogs recently, and rewatching Katy's trip to Rome has me daydreaming of a return trip!

I thought this article on branded feminism was really interesting, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Homeware Loves

Homewares are my latest obsession, in fact, I think I now spend more on homewares than I do on makeup - and that's saying something! 

And I'm finally starting to feel like our pokey little London flat is home, it's only taken nearly three years, but I feel like I've finally found a layout I like! 

So - new bits I love! This gold Hello from West Elm was something I resisted for months and months, and then caved and bought in an instant. There's something about it that makes me feel happy, I keep it on my desk and I feel like my desk is saying hello to me!

The pen pots are new too, they were a Paperchase find, I love the gold geometric pattern over the pretty pink shade. I originally wanted to use these as brush holders, but they're a little short, so I've loaded them up with pens instead.

I think the biggest change is that we now have a bookshelf! It's just a basic Ikea Billy, but it's perfect for storing all my notebooks and work stuff! I am so pleased with how the top shelf looks! I've got my Cheerz frame of Instagram prints, an ampersand candle from West Elm, a bunch of cacti, my lamp and my Daenerys Targaryen Pop Vinyl. Oh - and my Caramel Pumpkin Swirl candle, which smells just heavenly. 

I can't walk past West Elm without going in these days, and on the last little peruse I found this gold bicycle. I have literally less than no interest in cycling but this was just too cute to resist, so it found it's way home with me. I still haven't found the perfect place for it, but right now it's jazzing up my bookshelf.

Since our little jig around, our Buddha statue is looking much more at home. He's a nice little reminder to remain mindful, and he looks quite cute I think!

And lastly, this isn't so much a homeware but I wanted to mention it all the same. I picked up this cute mason jar cup with my weekly food shop last week and I love it, it's perfect for fruity water drinks or smoothies, and it looks super cute on my desk!

Are you a homeware fiend like me?

What's In My Carry On: The Overnight Edition

I'm packing for a quick work trip tomorrow, and I filmed the process - my bag's a little full since I'm taking a lot of work equipment, but fingers crossed you'll enjoy!

What are your carry on essentials?

Favourite Spring Makeup Picks

The weather may not be in full Spring swing just yet, but my mind totally is. I've traded out my Winter capsule wardrobe for a somewhat less black affair, and I've moved my makeup around so I can reach for lighter, brighter picks. And I've been digging it, after what feels like the longest Winter ever, it's been nice to switch things up. 

I'm onto my second tube of the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer, it's my favourite glow-giving base from the drugstore. I take a pump of this and just massage it into the skin before foundation, and it just brightens things up and makes my skin look much healthier. If you read this post then you won't be surprised to know that the Innisfree Water Glow Cushion Foundation is my foundation pick. This applied with the beauty blender just gives a great, natural, glowy finish, and I'm obsessed with it. 

Concealer-wise, I've gone back to reaching for my Benefit Erase Paste, a creamy, salmon-y toned concealer that is perfect for neutralising dark circles. I find that this blends into the under eyes really easily, and it looks super natural, so it works well with the Innisfree foundation. I've also been using the Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer, which is nice and light, but blends beautifully into the skin. 

Now normally, with this kinda base I wouldn't powder, but I've been obsessed with the NYX Radiant Finishing Powder. It's kinda a hybrid between a highlighter, setting powder and colour corrector - it does all three but in a subtle kinda way. It gives a good dose of glow!

My go to blush recently has been the Stila Convertible Colour in Petunia, if there was ever a colour that represented Spring - this would be it! I love that because this is a cream blush, it blends into the cushion foundation well, and looks super natural, but it's quite tacky, so it lasts well on the skin. The other thing I've been reaching for is the Rimmel Sculpting Palette in Coral Glow, a pretty, shimmery trio that is a real bargain from the drugstore.

To say my love affair with the Urban Decay Afterglow Highlight in Sin is anything short of an obsession, would be a total disservice. This stuff is like pressed magic, sheeny, wondrous goodness. I think I could throw out all my other highlighters and be happy with just this for the rest of my life. 

For eyes, I've pretty much exclusively been using the Tarte Tartelette Palette. It's colour range is so unlike anything else I own, warm peachy and purple-y tones that normally I'd shy away from. I love how all the shades in this palette blend so well with each other, and you can really wear any combination of shades. 

Two lip mentions, the L'Oreal Infallible Matte Max Lip Colour in 001 Silencio, a gorgeous matte peach, which is probably my current favourite lip product - longwearing but undetectable. I've also been loving the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi, a gorgeous orange coral which should be out of my comfort zone but somehow isn't.

And lastly, I'm totally obsessed with the Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Chelsea Grove, which just makes me happy when I look at it. Isn't it the prettiest colour ever? 

What are your spring picks?

A New Kikki K Love

Y'all know I can't resist walking past the Kikki K store in Covent Garden without darting in for a purchase or two. And when I walk in to find a 20% off sale, well, it would be rude to say no, right?

My favourite purchase was the 3am Journal. I suffer from a severe case of 'busy brain', and after climbing into bed and turning off the light, I can expect anywhere between three and five hours of intense thinking before I find sleep. Since that's not always practical (especially when in a twist of cruel fate, anything less than 8 hours sleep makes me a monster), I thought the 3am Journal would be great for keeping bedside, so I can jot down to dos, reminders, and important snippets to try and clear way for sleep. I love the size and shape of this, not to big and not to small, and the paper quality is second to none.

I'm hoping this will help me get a better night's sleep, but any other tips would be welcome! 

Pretty Little London

 Nearly four years in this city and the shine has yet to fade for me. The days where I have time to walk between meetings instead of tube are my favourite, I stroll camera in hand down back streets and side alleys, just looking at this city. This city, that is almost starting to feel like home.

What I love about London the most is how no two streets look the same. The buildings vary from colossal towers to tiny terraces, tudor marvels to glass monstrosities. Above store fronts you'll find hundred year old apartments with their original facades, and next to a monument you'll find a 2016 office block. This city never fails to surprise me.

London is in fact, so pretty, that I have a giant folder on my desktop just full of photos of it. So here they are for you to admire too. I love this city so much, so I'm spreading the word. 

Birchbox + Rifle Paper Co

Last year, Birchbox US announced a collaboration with Rifle Paper Co and I'll admit considering moving to the States just for a moment or two. I mean, what could be better than beautiful stationery and beauty products, right? Then my sensible head switched on and I realised it was borderline insane to move continents for one subscription box, so I felt sad and shopped the sadness away in Anthropologie.

So when an email dropped into my inbox announcing that this month Birchbox UK were collaborating with Rifle Paper Co? Well the box was ordered before you could say 'makeup miracle'. I'm not a monthly Birchbox Subscriber, I only order the boxes that pique my interest, and this one definitely hit the spot for me. 

You get a choice of box design, I loved both but went for the peachier option because it goes better with my desk colours to use for storage! You also receive a 25% off code for any orders placed on Riflepaperco.com, but the shipping is extortionate since it arrives from the US, so it's kinda pointless. 

So the products!

Benefit Dew The Hoola - 5ml sample size: Benefit's bestselling bronzer in liquid form? Intriguing, right? This is something I was eyeballing anyway, but was reluctant to part with £22.50 for in case it turned out to be a bust, so this little sample is perfect. First impressions are it seems a little warm, but I'm excited to give it a go. 

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner: Not a brand I've heard of before but I'm always keen to try new things. Kinda disappointed that this is black because I have a billion black eyeliners, but I guess we're appealing to the masses here. It seems creamy and intensely pigmented, but the true test will be wear time! A nice mini size to have on hand for handbag touch ups or travel!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse - 10ml sample size: I've had a few of these 10ml Nuxe Oil samples in beauty boxes previously, so I know I'll enjoy using this. It's a nice, lightweight oil that hydrates without making you feel greasy. A little goes a long way with this so 10ml is quite a generous size. 

Parlor By Jeff Chastain Detangling Leave-In Conditioner - 30ml sample size: I always hang on to hair product samples for when I'm travelling, so this will come in handy next week whilst I'm away. As a curly haired gal leave-in conditioner is a must, so I'll see what this is like - although it's highly unlikely I'd ever pay £17 for the full size! It's supposed to contain sweet almond extract and B5 to keep things soft and sleek, & it's got heat protection too, so I have high hopes!

Kueshi Foot Care Cream - 40ml sample size: This is the kind of product I'd usually pass over uninterested, but my feet have been incredibly dry recently, so I'll give this a go and see if it's any good. It's thinner than I expected, and scented with tea tree so it's cooling on the feet - I imagine it would feel great on tired toes! Fingers crossed it's hydrating too! 

There was also an option to add two Rifle Paper Co notebooks to the box for an additional fee of £4 - who can say no to that? They're the perfect size for on the go, I'm going to use one as a travel journal and one for on the go in my handbag! As always with RPC notebooks, they're beautifully made with thick paper that makes my inner stationery geek grown with happiness.

The verdict? I'm actually really pleased with this box, I think I'll get use out of everything and damn, isn't it pretty?!

Are you a Birchbox subscriber?