Making Changes

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Welcome Back Lovelies!

Well I don't really know where to begin, the last time I blogged was in October! If you read that I was going on about getting back into a routine after starting Uni and trying to adapt to a new schedule, but to be honest I am only really settling down. I had exams just after Christmas, and leading up to them I was really stressed out. I have taken many exams in my life, but I have never been that nervous before (and I took my driving test 4 times so that's saying something -.-) now I know what to expect I am starting to really enjoy Uni. Since I am now on top of my work I would like to get back into one of my favourite things - my blog.

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At the start of the new year I made quite a few changes in my life. I have always been self-conscious about my body and weight, so I decided it was time to stop procrastinating and actually do something about it. To kick start my journey to a healthier me, I have been following the Bootea plan and I am loving the results. For those of you who don't know, Bootea is a teatox involving one daytime tea, which gives you a boost of energy, and a night time tea which is drunk every second night which has a laxative effect (cleansing the system). I can definitely see a difference, so far I have lost half a stone and my stomach is looking a lot less bloated. 

My diet habits have also changed. I will openly admit I was a person who didn't eat enough fruit/veggies, didn't drink enough water and ate too many bags of crisps. Recently I have been really thinking about what goes into my body, the Bootea eating plan has helped me make the right choices as I have cut out all that junk food. I thought I would crave it, but after pushing through those first few days it doesn't even cross my mind. 

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Another change I have made is making the time to exercise, when I was younger I was pretty activity, but once I left school and dance classes I became a real couch potato! Aswell as jogging I recently came across the Blogilates YouTube channel, which I am really loving. It is run by Cassey Ho who is the most amazing person, every month she puts together a fitness plan which is completely free, all you have to do is sign up to her emails to get the code to unlock it. The videos are fun and easy to follow so now I look forward to exercising! If you are looking for an easy way to exercise at home I would really recommend you try Blogilates out:

- https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates

- http://www.blogilates.com/

I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I am really getting into this whole healthy lifestyle thing :') I was thinking if there are other beauty bloggers out there interested in health and fitness I could create some sort of little community for us to encourage each other and share our feelings/progression/recipes. Maybe I could make a google+ community? If you think this is a good idea and would like to get involved let me know in the comments! 

My Dressing Table/Makeup Storage

Hello Lovelies!
If you have read my previous blog posts you will have seen parts of my dressing table in the background, so in today's post I am going to show you around and tell you how I store my makeup.

So this is my dressing table/storage/bedside unit. This unit has been in my room since I was little and I have recently organised it so the top drawer is makeup storage and the bottom 2 are general bit and bobs drawers.

In the center of my dressing table I have this crate of the products I reach for most. I bought this crate from Home Bargains for £2.99, it is meant to be used in the garden but I thought it was great for storing things in my bedroom. In here I keep my moisturiser, cleanser and toner, hair products and my brushes which I stand in old jam jars.

I also have this vintage style glass container which I keep my cotton wool pads in, and a glass dish which I got in France, in here I keep my baby lips.

Here is the  lamp which stands on my dressing table I recently bought it at Wilko for around £15. 00, I love the vintage stand and the button design, it's very cute!

So here is the drawer where I keep my makeup, it's not the neatest of drawers, it's what I would call an organised mess. This drawer organiser is from Ikea, I have had it for quite a while but i'm sure they will still sell something similar. It's really handy for sorting my makeup and makes finding things easier especially when I am in a rush. Let me know in the comments if you would like a more detailed post on my makeup collection.

I hope you enjoyed this post guys! If you have done a similar post showing us around your dressing table be sure to leave the link in the comments - I would love to see it :)

The Inbetweeners 2, A Miracle and 100 Followers | My Week #1

Hello Lovelies! 
Today I thought I would try a new style of post, I'm going to be talking through some of the things I got up to during the week. So I hope you enjoy!

Credit : http://goo.gl/eb5mgn

So this week I went to the Cinema to see The Inbetweeners 2. For those of you who might not be familiar, The Inbetweeners is a British sitcom which follows the lives of 4 teenagers, it ran for 3 seasons and in 2011 the first movie was released. So we have all been waiting a long time for the sequel. This time we saw the lads travelling around Australia, and as usual they were getting themselves into trouble and treating us to classic inbetweeners banter. I really did enjoy the movie, a few people said it wasn't as funny as the first one, but I thought it was better - I was literally crying with laughter. It was much ruder though, so I guess if you are squimish or easily offended The Inbetweeners isn't something you would enjoy. I hope this isn't the end like it has been suggested, let's hope we will get a 3rd movie or another series? If you have seen the movie let me know what you thought in the comments!

This week I found 2 miracle products in The Body Shop, and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys! I picked up the Tea Tree Facial Wash (£5.00) and the Tea Tree Blemish Gel (£6.00) as I had a pretty bad break out on my chin. All of the gels and creams I have used in the past have never really done anything, so I wasn't holding out much hope with these products, but I was very surprised. I have been using the face wash and gel for about 5 days now and my spots have practically disappeared, so I would recommend these 2 products for sure!

Credit : http://goo.gl/RxS9vj

This week I also came across a great band on YouTube, their name is Little Sea and I have fallen in love with their EP 'Wake the Sun' - it's been on repeat all week. If you like pop/rocky music you will love them so check them out here!

This week I was also nominated for another Liebster Award, so you can read that post here. This is my 3rd Liebster award and it really means a lot, so a big thank you to Rebecca! I would love it if you could go on over to the blogs I nominated and give them a follow, they are all great and I would love it if you could support them too!

Finally, earlier on today I hit 100 followers! I guess to some people 100 followers doesn't seem a lot :') But to me that's huge, I think there was 100 people in my year at school! I never thought 100 people would be interested in and follow my blog. So thank you everyone, it really means a lot! I hope you all continue to enjoy reading my blog ...

100 Things That Make Me Happy! (1-10)

Credit : http://goo.gl/KAFkDI

One. Revising super hard for an exam and it paying off, as you walk out feeling confident.

Two. Listening to your favourite band/singers new album after waiting so long for it to be released. If you're like me you just listen to it over and over :')

Three. When it starts staying lighter for longer in the evenings and you know summer is nearly here.

Four. Getting into a really good book, and not wanting to put it down. I fall in love with the characters and can easily finish a book in a day or two.

Five. Arriving back home after a stressful day, getting into my pajamas and putting the kettle on for a cuppa.

Six. Whilst on the subject of cups of tea, the lighting speed reactions you develop when you run to get a spoon after your biscuit falls in, and feeling superhuman when you get it out in time before it disintegrates at the bottom of your cup. 

Seven. Singing! I think I have mentioned this in another post, but singing makes me so happy. I cant sing well at all, and my family always tells me to shut up because I am literally singing all the time. I walk down the street singing to myself ... I am convinced I was a singer in a past life.

Eight. Buying new stationery. When you have a love of stationery you know studying has completely taken over your life. But how good is the feeling of writing on the first page of a new note pad in multi-colour gel pens?!

Nine. Hearing the sound of the ice cream man, then running out to get the usual 99er with sherbet and sauce.

Ten. Sunny days! Here in the UK the weather is rubbish most of the time, so when we get sunny days it's kind of a big deal. The shorts come out along with the BBQ's, and I spend all day outside. Feeling the warmth of the sun is fab. 

NOTD : World Cup Inspired

Hello Lovelies!

With the World Cup kicking off yesterday in Brazil I thought I would get into the spirit of it all, so I painted my nails in the England team colours. I'm not a huge fan of football but you have to support your national team, and all my family are footie mad so we will be watching. 

For this look:

- Firstly I just painted my nails in a white varnish

- Secondly I used a sponge to dab on the red varnish 

- Lastly I used he Avon nail art brush to paint on the red St.Georges cross

Are you excited for the World Cup? Who will you be cheering on? Let me know in the comments, and if you create some team inspired nail art I would love to see the pics on twitter :)

STRESS!

Hello Lovelies!

Here in the UK, and well i'm sure in other countries too, exam season is starting and I have never felt so stressed before in my life. I will be sitting my A Levels and I know some of you guys reading will be sitting exams too so today I thought I will share with you guys my tips on dealing with stress and exams... 

1) Get yourself organised. This week I had a proper full on stress break down, so to get myself sorted out I created a revision timetable using the website www.examtime.com. You can schedule in revision blocks and it tallies how many hours you will be spending on each subject so you can spread your time evenly. It's so helpful and gets you focused, before I made one I was drowning under all my subjects. 

2) Keep eating healthily and exercising. After a revision session, it is nice to go out and get some fresh air, you could go for a run or walk.You will find that when you get back in you are more focused during your next revision session.  

3) Take time to relax. I enjoy having a soak in the bath or listening to some music. 

4) Make sure you are prepared for your exams, but don't revise all the time. You will only over do things and then you start stressing out over what you don't know.

5) Sleep. Go to bed at a decent time, your brain needs to rest. You will be more awake and alert. 

So I hope these tips help if like me, you have been stressing out over exams. I think over exam season I will be doing some more helpful posts, maybe some recipes for revision snacks. I want to wish you all good luck for any exams you are sitting, let me know in the comments if you are!

Best wishes ...

The 25 Questions Tag

Hello Lovelies!

This week I thought I would tell you guys a bit more about myself ..

What is your middle name?: Elizabeth

What was favourite subject at school?: I really enjoyed history.
What is your favourite drink?: Coffee
What is your favourite song at the moment?: At the moment it's between Last Night by The Vamps and Disconnected by 5SOS.
What is your favourite food?: Its so hard to decide! Probably a Roast Dinner.
What is the last thing you bought?: This afternoon I bought some Cold and Flu tablets in Asda, because I have this terrible cold at the moment, I feel really lousy. 
Favourite book of all time?: I think that would be The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.
Favourite Colour?: Lilac
Do you have any pets?: No I don't, but I have had fish in the past.
Favourite Perfume?: Lady Million by Paco Rabanne.
Favourite Holiday?: Anywhere hot! But I think my favourite place I have visited is Kefalonia, it's such a beautiful island.
Are you married?: No
Have you ever been out of the country, if so how many times?: yes, and too many times to count haha :)
Do you speak any other language?: Well I can speak Spanish a bit.. I learnt for about 6 years, but over the past year I haven't really used the language I would love to be able to speak it fluently though.
How many siblings do you have?: 1 brother and 1 sister.
What is your favourite shop?: Recently a huge Forever 21 has opened up in Liverpool so I'm obsessed with that at the moment.
Favourite restaurant?: Probably Nandos.
When was the last time you cried?: The other day at a sad song that played when I shuffled my music.:(
Favourite Blog?: That's a hard question but I think I would have to say Tanya Burr.
Favourite Movie?: I love Legally Blonde.
Favourite TV show?: I love my soaps, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Home and Away. I also love Law and Order too.
PC or Mac?: PC 
What phone do you have?: I have a HTC windows phone.

How tall are you?: 5ft 2
Can you cook?: Yeah I would say so .. I love making curries and baking.

So I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I would love to learn more about you so leave me some facts about yourself in the comments or maybe do this tag :)

I love you guys!

March Favourites

Hello Lovelies 

cant believe march is over already, this year is going so fast! 

So firstly for my beauty favourites of the month I have ...

1. MUA Shimmer Highlighter 

You can read the review I did on this highlighter here, after months of searching I finally got my hands on this product. It is definitely part of my everyday look now because it is not too much and just makes your skin look glowy and fresh.

2. NYX The Runway Collection Eyeshadow Palette : Super Model
I recently got this palette in the NYX sale for about £5.00 and I am really enjoying using these silvery colours, again it is something that has become an everyday use for me in march. 

Now for my skin related products I have ...

1. Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Cleansing Lotion
Again you will have seen this product in the review I did at the beginning of the month. I still love this cleanser, it is perfect for my skin, it removes my makeup well and doesn't irritate it.

2. Garnier Start Afresh Refreshing Toner
After loving the Garnier cleansing lotion, I decided to part from my trusty Simple toner and give something else a chance. I bought the Garnier toner and I am glad I did! It leaves my skin feeling fresh  and clears away an last traces of makeup perfectly. 

3. The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel

This shower gel smells amazing :) I have tried other body shop shower gels but this one has definitely become my favourite.  

For fragrance I have ...

1. Armani Diamonds Rose

This has been my favourite perfume this march. It has a fruity scent, with raspberries and blackcurrant. I love the bottle too, it looks beautiful on my shelf.

My songs of march are ...

Source : http://goo.gl/tcckeQ

1. She Looks So Perfect : 5 Seconds Of Summer
Having been a fan of 5sos for like 2 years now, seeing them release their first official single has been surreal really. I feel like a mother watching her child go off on their first day of school :') I love this song so much, it's the perfect introduction to the 5sos sound for those who haven't heard of them before. So if you've not already watch the video here. 

Source : http://goo.gl/vpNKzc

2. Last Night : The Vamps
As all you guys probably know I am a huge fan of The Vamps, they released their video for Last Night at the end of February, and I cant stop listening to this song, I just know it's going to be on repeat through out spring. You can pre-order the single now, and be sure to check out the video here.

Thanks for all of your love over the past month, I really didn't think people would bother to read my blog but it means the world that you do and your comments always make me smile :)

Best Wishes....

My Morning Routine : A College Day

Source : http://is.gd/P1HRba

Hiya Lovelies!

Now I have read a lot of morning routine blog posts and I have watched a lot of morning routine videos and well they are perfect. But lets be honest when you have to be out of the house at 7:45 to catch a bus, and If like me you always oversleep there is no way your morning routine runs smoothly. So here is the morning routine of an everyday student ...

- 6:30 - My first alarm goes off. I dismiss it.

- 6:45 - My second alarm goes off. I dismiss it.

- 7:00 - My third alarm goes off. I dismiss it.

- around 7:15 - I finally get up and then begin to panic. I quickly jump in the shower, and then throw on some clothes.

- 7:30 - I quickly do my everyday makeup look, which I now can complete in 5 minutes. Then I do my hair, for college I usually go for a plait or a bun, something quick!

- 7:40 - I grab my things for college, bag, folders, purse, phone and of course headphones and run down stairs. I then usually have enough time for a few gulps of coffee, and then I brush my teeth.

- 7:45 - I head out the door and walk to the bus stop.

- 8:40 - I arrive at college and grab some breakfast before one of my classes, which is usually just toast.

So there you have it. My mornings are very hectic, everyday I say to myself "tomorrow I am going to get up at 6:00 so I am not rushing so much", but as if that's going to happen! Getting up at around 7:10/7:15  is bad enough :') I get out on time though, and that's the main thing.

I would love to know about your morning routines, are yours as hectic as mine or are you organised and chilled? Leave me a comment :)

The 20 Questions About Music Tag

Luke 5SOS : Source - http://aq.be/aa5673

Hey lovelies! I am such a big music fan so today I thought I would do The 20 Questions About Music Tag, its a chance for you guys to learn a little more about me :)

1. Which bands/artist do you own the most albums by?
It's Justin Bieber from when I went through that phase haha

2. What was the last song you listened to?
That would be She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer, that is my fave song right now.

Source : http://aq.be/1ee11f

3. What’s in your CD player right now?
AM - Arctic Monkeys

4. What was the last show you attended?
5 Seconds of Summer in Manchester on the 25th of February, they were brill!

5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?

I have been to so many shows, but the greatest is probably Robbie Williams last summer, it was my first stadium show so I just loved it! But I do love going to see people in small venues as they are more intimate.

 

6. What’s the worst show you’ve ever been to?
I have never been to a terrible show or anything but the first time I went to see Conor Maynard the screaming was that loud you couldn't hear him. 

7. What’s the most musically involved you have ever been?
Well I used to take guitar lessons when I was younger, but now I just don't have the time :(

8. What show are you looking forward to?
Justin Timberlake in April - beyond excited :D

10. What is your favorite band shirt?
I have lots of tour t-shirts but the only 'band' one would be 5 Seconds of Summer.

11. What musician would you like to hang out with for a day?
I would love to hang out with all of The Vamps, they are my favourite band and they just seem like really nice people :)

Source : http://aq.be/ae7568

12. Who is one musician or group you wish would make a comeback?

I would love for the original Allstar Weekend to get back together, they were my thing in high school. I listened to their album all the time :'D

13. Who is one band/artist you’ve never seen live but always wanted to?
That would be McFly, growing up I never had the opportunity to go, and then on their last tour the tickets were all sold out :'(

14. Name four or more flawless albums:
The 20/20 Experience - Justin Timberlake
Don't Forget Who You Are - Miles Kane
Long Way Down - Tom Odell
Speak Now - Taylor Swift

15. How many music related videos/DVDs do you own?
3

16. How many concerts/shows have you been to, total?
14

17. Who have you seen the most live?
Conor Maynard - 3 times

18. What is your favorite movie soundtrack?
I'm going to have to say Grease, it's my favorite movie and the songs are all great!

19. What was your last musical “phase” before you wisened up?
Justin Bieber - how embarrassing, went to see him twice in concert, have all his albums, room used to be full of posters ... I was young okay!

20. What’s your “guilty pleasure” that you hate to admit to liking?
Union J is definitely my guilty pleasure, I do love listening to their album :')

George is such a cutie
Source : http://aq.be/e3b46d

I loved doing this tag and now I am tagging all you guys!! Be sure to leave me a comment telling me who your favourite singer/band is, I love reading them and replying <3

The Spring Tag

Hello Lovelies!

As you guys know I am really excited as it is starting to feel like spring, so today I thought I would do The Spring Tag!

1. Favourite spring nail polish

Well in my last post 'My Spring Nail Collection' I have 6 favourite nail polishes for spring. But if I had to choose I think it would be this polish by Superdry in the colour 'Pink Rose' It looks fresh and bright, perfect for spring!

 2. Must have spring lip colour

This spring I will be wearing theNYX Diamond Sparkle Lipstick in the shade 16, Sparkling Orange. Again I feel this is a fresh colour for spring and I really love the sparkle in it. 

3. Show us your favourite spring dress
I love this dress from Primark which I picked up for only £3! The style and design are very 'springy', and I think it will look lovely with some sparkly sandals.

4. Favourite flower

I don't really have a favourite flower, they are all lovely. But I get excited when the daffodils and blossom start appearing as you know spring is here :)

5. Favourite spring scarf/accessory

During spring I love stacking up bangles and bracelets, and I love anklets too.

6. What spring trends are you most looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to wearing midi skirts and dresses, and fresh white blouses. Also I'm looking forward to putting my big winter coat back in my wardrobe and bringing out my lighter rain mac and blazers.

7. Favourite spring candle
I haven't any spring candles yet, but I have spotted Yankee are doing Easter themed ones! I really need to buy one :)

8. Favourite perfume/body spray 

During the spring and summer I am always spraying the Hollister 'Solana Beach' body spray. I could have included them all in this post, but this is my favourite, it's really sweet and fresh. I have nearly finished this one so I will have to buy another! 

9. What is spring like where you live?

During spring where I live we have some nice days and some rainy, but it feels really crisp and fresh :)

10. What is your favourite thing about spring?

I love the fact everything feels fresh, the leaves start appearing on the trees and the flowers spring up. My birthday is during spring too!

11. Are you a spring cleaner?

I haven't been in the past but this year I am determined, once and for all, I am going to completely sort out my room and get everything cleaned :)

12. Any plans for spring break or upcoming vacations

Not really, I am going away in summer though to France.

I'm tagging you all! Oh and be sure to let me know in the comments what you love about spring :)

My Spring Nail Collection

Hello Lovelies!!

Here in England this past week the weather has started to improve, its been a little warmer and we have actually seen blue sky and the sun! I am really getting excited for spring so today I thought I would share with you guys what my nails will be wearing :)

Firstly I will be wearing this fab shade from Barry M. This is the shade 233, Grey. I think these shades work all year round, but this lighter one will look nice in the spring and match most outfits.

Next I have this lovely colour from Superdry. This is called "Pink Rose" but it is definitely more of a pastel orange shade. I love this colour and I haven't really seen a pastel orange shade before in the drugstores.

My nails will also be wearing this gorgeous pearlescent colour from Sally Hansen. The shade is called "Ring My Shell" and as you can see I have used it a lot. I have had this bottle for a while, and through looking on http://www.sallyhansen.com/ it seems this shade has been discontinued. Shade 180 debut-tint is a close match though.

The next colour I will be wearing is from Nails Inc. This shade is called "Elizabeth Street" and is perfect for spring. You cant beat a baby pink! Very classic and girly :)

Next I have this nail set from accessorize, again its another pastel shade perfect for spring! With the set comes the nail caviar, which is  a little tube of small beads. I like to just put them on the one nail, but you can go all out and out them on every nail if you want. This shade is called "Electric Purple".

Lastly I will be using another set from accessorize this spring. This time in this lovely pastel green colour called "Soft Jade".

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your spring nails. If you guys use any of these shades, or do any spring nail art be sure to tweet me a picture as love nails a lot!

Are you looking forward to spring as much as I am? Be sure to leave me a comment, I enjoy reading them and replying :D