New Home Additions

Clear outs and re-arranging have been in full force this lockdown. With tidying and clearing out, comes room for new things. I wanted to add some new touches to certain corners and I found some lovely pieces that I cannot wait to make the most out of. 

Starting with these gorgeous tea light holders. I can remember having seen some floating around on Instagram before Christmas and not thinking too much about them. We visited a garden centre in the run up to Christmas and I saw some there and have never regretted not picking them up so much. Since then, I have searched high and low on the internet to try and track some down. When I finally found some that I liked, they were sold out. A couple of months on, and I have finally got some. The >small< houses were £2.50!!! What a bargain. The >larger< being only £4, I just couldn't say no. Thank you Wilko for fulfilling my need for ceramic house tea light holders. 

Another addition have been these cute little bunny tails. I seem to have a love for dried flowers and pampas grass after having seen pretty vases filled with the most beautiful arrangements. But until I have my own house and space for such vases, I opted for something slightly smaller. The wine bottle vase is only temporary, until I find a vase that I like, or, I was thinking of potentially purchasing some spray paint that has a pebble or stone effect and covering the bottle. I am yet to decide. Don't you worry - the glue on the bottle annoys me as much as it does you. I found >these< beauties on Etsy. They came super quickly and were packaged beautifully. I was a little worried that they may have turned up bent or broken, but I was very happy that they arrived just as I had imagined. 

The frame with the dried flowers in, I created myself last year. I thought it made a lovely addition next to the two new pieces. I'm sure I'll forever be switching up how this looks, but I am happy with it for now.

Have you brought any new decorative pieces for your home? Are you a pampas grass lover too?

Amber X

An Autumnal To Do List

There are so many things to get out and do when this time of the year comes around. Similarly, there are so many things to do inside when this time of year comes around. I want to enjoy it all, and therefore, I thought to compile a list to ensure that nothing gets missed off. So grab yourself a cup of tea, cosy up and have a read. 

Pumpkin Picking - I have never gone to a patch and picked the pumpkins myself. It was always pop to the supermarket closest to us and pick one from there. I want to change that! Nothing felt more autumnal than picking which pumpkins to take home from a field full of them. 100% going to make this a yearly thing. Even in the rain, it was so much fun. I also haven't carved a pumpkin for some time, and we also have that too look forward too. 

Autumnal Baking - Sam recently ordered some autumnal cookie cutters, owls, leaves, pumpkin's etc, and I cannot wait to make some biscuits with them. I'm thinking something with mixed spice and that goes down perfectly with a big cup of tea. Mmm. 

Finish Autumnal Decorating - I have accumulated some new bits recently from places that we have visited and I need to find a home for them! I also am on the hunt for some new autumnal candles - my last few trips to TKMaxx and Homesense have been disappointing. Is it just me or were there next to no autumn items this year?! I managed to stock up on Christmas scents, but want to find cosy autumnal scents, as I have now burnt through them all. 

Make A List Of Films - I want to make a list of films to get through before the Christmas films become my first choice. I haven't ever really been one for watching Halloween films and I am not a fan of a horror film. We have watched so far, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. If you have any recommendations for any Halloween-esque films, please do let me know.

Plan In As Many Autumnal Walks As Possible - Westonbirt Arboretum is my happy place. I love wandering around underneath the canopy of the trees. The ever changing colours of the woods is breath taking, and nothing will make you feel more autumnal. Can't wait to wrap up warm and grab a hot chocolate there too. 

I am very much looking forward to ticking all of these activities off my list. This truly is the best time of the year.

What is on your autumnal to do list?

Amber X

What To Watch For A Little Pick Me Up

Now that nights are slowly getting darker earlier, it does seem more apparent that there is a running theme of needing a little pick me up. Going to work in the dark and getting home in the dark can leave you feeling a little bit deflated. Whether you're in need of some self care or a little pick me up, I thought to compile a short list of films that always cheer me up. So grab a cup of tea, snuggle up on the sofa, under all of the blankets/throws that you can find, light some autumnal candles and stick on one of the below.

Love, Rosie

Possibly my favourite film. If not, it's up there in the top 5. I love the story line of this film and how it elapses over time. You can't but help getting caught up in the relationship/friendship of Rosie and Alex. This is one of those films that makes you warm inside, and makes you think that everything does fall into place when it is meant too. It follows Alex and Rosie, who are best mates from school, throughout their lives into college and work. However, things aren't as simple as they should be for 2 friends, when one moves to Boston for college.

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging

No question that this film was going to be on my list. One that I have watched a hundred times over and still never end up getting bored of. If anything, the more that it gets watched, the better that it is. If you didn't know what this film is about (where have you been!?), Georgia is longing to get to know Robbie, a new guy in town, who she learns has just moved to Eastbourne from London. Georgia tries many things to get realised by Robbie. Do they work? What gets in her way? I guess you'll have to watch to find out.

Patrick

Another film I have seen countless times. It's become a running joke in my family, that I love pugs. There is something ridiculously cute and endearing about their little mischievous personalities and their adorable faces. So there is no reason why this film wouldn't be on this list. I love the humour in this film too and there are a few actors that you may recognise. Sarah inherits Patrick when her grandma sadly passes away. She is due to start a new job teaching and she has no idea how she is going to balance her new lifestyle and a dog. 

Harry Potter

Espeically now that Autumn is around the corner, these are great films to get stuck into. Any of the collection is good to put on and switch off too. I don't feel that Harry Potter needs a brief description, as I would like to think that you have all seen the films..

What films do you watch when you need a little pick me up?

Amber X 

Updated Handbag Essentials

I'm sure that I am not the only one who is constantly changing up the bits and pieces that are kept in their handbag. Especially if you treat yourself to a new one. Or if you're like me, and always say yes when asked 'would you like your receipt?', then you are also constantly going through and clearing out your bag.. These are the items that I like to keep in my handbag. 

Purse

Of course! You can't have a handbag without a purse. Even if it is just for loose change to pay for parking. I know a lot of people have their cards on their phone for Apple Pay, but I don't use that, and like to have my cards on me. How cute is this one?! I was kindly treated to a new handbag for my birthday last year and my other Ted Baker purse was too big for this gorgeous little bag. Sam choose this card wallet as a Christmas present, and it goes so well with the bag. 

Hand Sanitiser

I think this one goes without saying - but definitely an essential to have in my handbag at the moment. It comes in handy at work, to wash my hands quickly before having a snack. Plus it's the convenience of having it in your handbag, as then you will always have it on you. 

Lipsticks Of Choice

That's right, plural. I am always swapping and changing my lipsticks that I wear on the daily, but I will always carry it with me, in case I need to top up throughout the day. My favourites at the moment as always are the Mac Whirl lipliner, with Mac Yash matte lipstick. If I fancy a bit of gloss then it's the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fu$$y. The lip gloss is in place of my beloved Vaseline. 

Hand Cream

Can't be without a tube of hand cream at the moment. With the rate of washing my hands, I hate not having any hand cream near by. I picked this one up on a weekly shop and I am obsessed. It smells like coconut, almond heaven. The scent lingers too, which I love. If you're not a fan of overly scented products, than this won't be for you, but I love!

What are your handbag essentials?

Amber X

A Lockdown Round Up

I sat down to write a post about my Spring favourites, to realise that Spring ended on the 29th of March.. I'm sure I can't be the only person, who doesn't seem to follow what day it is, or in this case, the end and start of a season.. That being said we have been in lockdown since before the 29th of March, so I will let myself off this once. These are the products that I have loved using within the last 10 weeks. 

Dove Summer Glow

Admittedly, this has been a favourite of mine ever since I was in sixth form. Essentially, it is a tinted moisturiser, with glittery specs in it that smells like biscuits. Not the overly sweet biscuit smell that you get from some fake tanning mousses/creams. It is available in different shades depending on how much of a tan you wish to add. As we have been blessed with such glorious weather, I have been using this moisturiser to top up on my tan, and give myself a bit more of a bronze. The shade I have if for fair-medium skin, and I love the look that it leaves. One thing I would say, is to ensure that you wash your hands after applying and to make sure that everything is rubbed in properly. It can leave little patches on the skin if you're using the darker tinted version. 

Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Range

As far as I am aware this is a newer range to Garnier? I could be wrong, but it is new to me. I have been using the papaya and coconut shampoo and conditioner the past couple of weeks and have loved the effect that it has had on my hair. Not only that, but it smells gorgeous when applying it. I'm not a fan of coconut at all really.. Whether it be eating it, or drinking coconut milk or water. It really isn't for me. However, I do love a chicken Korma or, when the smell is incorporated into products, these hair products being an example of that. I'm weird, I know. This range is lovely!

Rimmel London Lasting 25hr foundation

Admittedly, this has been a favourite of mine for years. I'm pretty sure that this foundation was one of the first I ever tried, but I am yet to find some that I enjoy just as much as this one. Having managed acquiring a lovely tanned forehead, I haven't been wearing much foundation at all for work, as the shade I have doesn't match my skin. I use half a pump, if that, and blend it over my skin, using my Becca bronzer to warm up the skin on my forehead and cheekbones. You really can't go wrong with this foundation. It lasts all day and looks so natural. 

What products have you loved using in lockdown?

Amber X

A Must Watch List For Disney +

A huge saving grace for many during the current climate, has got to be the release of Disney+, as well as Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch.. I have been seeing posts about both of these, all over social media at the moment. Although I don't have a Nintendo Switch or Animal Crossing, I thought I would share with you my favs from the Disney + line up. We have been pretty much watching a film from their collection, everyday and I have been loving it. Disney has been a fav of mine since I was little, and it's so nice to be able to share the magic of the films with the family too. 

The Simpsons

Particularly the earlier series. They're just brilliant. The humour and the randomness of the episodes is much better in the earlier series, in my opinion. Watching The Simpsons takes me back to my childhood, when Dad would cook tea for 6pm and we would sit in front of the telly and watch Channel 4 which always showed The Simpsons at 6. A good, easy watch thats for sure, and for all different ages. 

Finding Nemo 

A standout favourite of mine. Definitely my favourite Disney Pixar film. It follows the story of Marlin, a new father, who doesn't have the best start of parenthood. Nemo, Marlin's son is taken unexpectedly one day, and Marlin with the help of his new friend, Dory, set out venturing across the sea to hopefully find his young son. (But of course, I am hoping that you all have seen this film and don't need me to set the scene haha!). Again, another nostalgic one for me, I remember watching this film for the first time in the cinema, with my Dad, who had taken me as a treat. Picked me up from my childminders and let me pick my sweets. A close to heart film which at the time had many parallels to my own life. 

Beauty and The Beast Live Action Version

To be honest, I have loved watching the live action versions of the old classics, and in particular the live action version of Beauty and The Beast is my favourite. (The Lady and the Tramp live action version is amazing too. I would definitely recommend you all watching that also). I love how Emma Watson plays Belle, and the songs sound even better than I remember as a child. The story follows Belle, a young girl who lives with her Dad. Unfortunately Belle's Dad becomes entrapped by a beast after finding the castle, whilst being lost in the woods and hopes whoever lives there will be able to provide shelter, but to his horror, that isn't the case. The beast locks him up. However, the beast, who is actually a handsome, but arrogant prince has been put under a spell by a witch to make someone love him for who he is, not just for his looks. He has until the last petal on the enchanted rose drops to do so. Will Belle free her Dad? 

The Lizzie Maguire Movie

After visiting Rome last year with Sam, I told him then that we had to watch this film to see what parts of Rome were shown. I'm so glad that nearly a year later we have been able to watch this one! I have the most recollection of the film more than the show itself, and I have throughly loved rewatching them both. This film is up there with Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, for me in terms of those great but really cheesy chick flicks. I mean who doesn't love this film?

What have you been watching on Disney +?

Amber X

5 Good Things

After reading >Caroline's< post about 5 good things that are making her happy at the moment, I felt inspired to reflect on the things that are making me happy given the current climate, social distancing and whilst currently writing this, the UK is in week 4 of the lock down.

Spending more time with the family - The one positive from this situation, is definitely being able to spend more time with those that aren't around so much. Although some people are still working from home, whilst others aren't working at all, this is definitely something I am truly grateful for - we all have each other.

The weather - It has just been amazing. Reading in the garden, doing a little work out in the garden, having a kick about in the garden, has got me SO very excited for the summer months, when most of my spare time is spent outside. Don't get me wrong, I am 100% a cosy night in type of person, but I do love the brighter evenings to go for a walk, and to explore somewhere new with days off.

Homemade frothy coffee - If you aren't following hayleighjm on Instagram, then firstly you must, but secondly, you must recreate her frothy whipped coffee recipe. It is insane. Lots of ice, cold shaken up oat milk, topped with this frothy coffee goodness has been making my days brighter. It's definitely the same recipe as the viral TikTok one.

Disney+ - The long awaited Disney+ has been welcomed with open arms. I am a massive lover of Disney films at the best of time, but having the option to watch the newer films as well as the older ones (The Parent Trap, Lizzie Maguire and Cheaper By The Dozen!!!!), my life is now complete. Having Netflix and Amazon Prime as well, it has made the task of picking a film a lot harder, but it's so nice to have the choice to watch something Disney.

Easter weekend - I cannot remember the last time I was able to spend the whole of a bank holiday weekend with family, since working at all. Not only was the weather gorgeous, we had a BBQ on the Saturday and a traditional roast lunch on the Sunday and ate both outside. I love eating outside, there is something about it that makes me think I am in a different country. We even managed an Easter egg hunt and a long walk up the hill, which we all enjoyed. Such a lovely weekend and one that I will cherish.

What good thing are you grateful for at the moment?

Amber X 

Autumnal Eyeshadow Goodness

It's just that time of the year again. I thought to share some of my eyeshadow favs for this part of the year. I 1000% embrace all of the berry and gold tones that bring out the blue in my eyes. Of course, nothing stopping you wearing these colours all year round. So if you're into those shades of eyeshadows, this one is for you.

Starting off with this beauty - The Huda Beauty Desert Dusk palette. Sooo many gorgeous shades in this palette. The opportunity for beautiful eye looks are endless. My personal favs for autumn from this palette are: Blood Moon, Royal, Turkish Delight and Angelic. Of course, I think it's pretty obvious which are my most used shades from this palette haha. Blood Moon, Turkish Delight, and Royal are all cranberry/purple shades. Definitely good for those days where I want to jazz up my eyeshadow a little. All shades look insane with blue eyes - they really bring out the blue.

Dirty Sweet in the Naked Smokey palette is one of my favourite gold shades for the eyelids. It's the perfect toned yellow gold, and looks pretty blended into browns and orange transition colours. If it's not this gold shade that I gravitate towards, it's putting a bit of the Becca Champagne Pop over my lids.

Lastly, the Kylie Jenner Burgandy palette screams autumn. The copper shade as well as the cranberry shimmer shades have been my go to at the moment. They're super creamy, easy to blend and last all day. Although, one thing I would note about these eyeshadows, after working all day, I do tend to find that they transfer onto the upper part of my eyelid from where I have been blinking. It could completely be down to the environment I work in though.

What're your favourite autumnal eyeshadows?

Amber X

Spring Staples

Daylight saving time at the end of the month of March highlights the start of lighter mornings, and therefore, Spring. Spring can be seen as having a fresh start and many people love having a massive clear out or tidy up as this season begins. There is something about the brightness in the colours of the flowers, and the little lambs running around playfully in fields that brings joy for the new season that is beginning. Warmer weather is on its way! Here are some of the products that I have been loving for a fresher, brighter make up look. 

Vaseline & NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in 'London'

I have always sworn by Vaseline. I cannot leave the house without having a tub of Vaseline in my hand bag, and if there is ever the case where I have taken it out of my bag and not put it back in, I seriously struggle. Whenever you don't have it on you is where I swear that your lips always feel the driest.. Am I right???  I have been loving putting on the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in the shade 'London' and topping it with Vaseline. The combination feels super comfortable on the lips - as does the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams on their own - but adding a little glossy sheen to my lips has been one of my favourites recently. 

Lasting Perfection Collection Concealer in '01'

This is a blast from the past, an oldie but such a goodie. When I went to replace my favourite concealer (Bourjous Radiance Reveal), and there wasn't any left in chosen shade, I picked up this guy. I used to use nothing but this concealer, and I had forgotten how good it was. It's such high coverage, can be applied throughout the day on top of makeup that is currently on, without caking up on the face, and this shade is perfect for brightening up the under eye area. And at £4, I question myself as to why I haven't continued using it. 

Mally Pencil Eyeliner in 'Brown'

Smudging brown eyeliner into my upper lash line has been a favourite of mine for about 6 weeks now. Grabbing a pencil eyeshadow brush with a little bit of brown eyeshadow on, and using that to aid the blend of the eyeshadow pencil, looks messy but effortless at the same time. I have really been enjoying doing so, and I love the subtleness of it in comparison to a bold, black liquid eyeliner. 

John Frieda Frizz Ease Oil Elixir

I have always used argan oil on my hair when it is wet, to keep it look silky and smooth when it dries. I've noticed that using oil leaves my hair feeling so much softer, in comparison to when I don't use it. I have been using this one for a while and love what it does to my hair. I naturally have a bit of a curl to my hair and this oil definitely tames the fizziness that can arrive when I let my hair air dry. Definitely one to use if you want shiny, healthy looking hair.

What're you loving at the moment?

Amber X

10 Reasons Why I Can't Wait For Autumn

Autumn is my fav. I just love everything about it. The change of the season is so beautiful and I love nothing more, than walking over brown, crunchy leaves and watching them twirl and fall from the branch that they used to cling, to the most probably, soggy ground beneath them. The evenings creep in so much earlier, and I welcome that too. More reasons to cosy up and put on a film with a candle burning in the background. Here are the reasons why I can't wait to get all Autumnal.

Scarves, oversized coats and jumpers, boots and thick socks are my weakness. You can never have enough, and I just love not having to think too much about what I'm wearing. ANY jumper and jeans combo goes with a coat and boots. 

Bonfire night and Halloween are just great. 

Doesn't get much better than wholesome, warming foods like soup, cottage pie, and loads of vegetables - they are the best on a cold evening. 

Baths!! It's cold enough to sit endlessly in a scorching hot bath again - yay!

Hot chocolates.. Especially after a cold walk. 

Berry and red toned lipsticks are definitely worn on the daily basis, and it's so refreshing to switch out the bright, and muted tones for something that's more of a statement. 

Frost mornings are genuinely so pretty, and one of the better ways to wake up.

Dressing gowns can be brought back out of the wardrobe, and dusted off from being neglected over the summer months. Dressing gowns truly solve everything. If you don't own a dressing gown, you're missing out. Honestly.

A weird one, but... I swear scents are just so much better. Bonfires, spiced cakes and coffees, pumpkins even!

Conkers and pinecones too, of course.

Why do you love Autumn?

Amber X

Favs From February

The end of another month only means one thing... A favourites post of course. I never seem to accumulate enough things over the course of the month to be able to speak about them when a new month starts, but hey, that's a good thing in my eyes (or so my bank account thinks). Here are a mixture of things that I have rediscovered or have come to love throughout the month of February.  

Mac 'Retro' Lipstick and Mac 'Chicory' Lip Liner - These two I have had in my collection for aaaages, but are products that I never find myself reaching for. On a whim, this month I have been trying more shades for my lips than my usual go-to combo, and have fallen back in love with this pair. Together they make a beautiful, muted brick red/brown shade. Nothing too bright or bold, but definitely a step away from the nude side of things. 

Lingerie - Is this TMI? Oh well. Recently I have been well and truly into pretty, lace underwear sets - this one being just one gorgeous set that I have picked up. This number is from Asos (shock) and looks cute under little strappy tops, and even slouchy, baggy jumpers. Asos have so many beautifully detailed pieces on their website at the moment. If you're in the market for some cute bras, take yourself over there now! There is definitely something about wearing delicate, matching underwear that makes me feel like I have everything together haha. 

Flowers - I am never usually one to have flowers in my room, but this month the change was made. Flowers are a great way to add more colour and life into a room, in a temporary way. The smell and sight of them is definitely something I have enjoyed this month. Especially as Spring is slowly but surely creeping upon us all, flowers have made a lovely new addition to the corner of my chest of drawers. 

Clothes - As I have mentioned on my blog before, I am the worst when it comes to finding new pieces for my wardrobe. I am just so fussy, and consider where I will truly wear something before I make a purchase. But as of late, I have found SO many pieces that I just couldn't be without. This Topshop dotty cami has been one of them. The button down detail is gorgeous, and I am a fan of light, floaty tops to wear with jeans and sandals. You'll definitely be seeing a lot of this one in the warmer months to come. 

What have you been loving in the month of February?

Amber X

My Autumn Essentials

If you're like me, there are always a handful of items that I love to have and wear when the Autumn time rolls round. Getting Autumn ready is always something I look forward too every year. Here is a small list of the things that I know I'll love throughout Autumn...

Scarves

Having a pretty scarf to pair with an oversized jumper or coat is the ultimate combination. Not only does it look good and somewhat put together, it's super comfy. It definitely makes stepping out the house into the cold, that little bit more bearable! There are always so many different patterns, colours, and styles to choose from... I just don't think you can go wrong with a cosy scarf.

Dark Nail Varnishes 

I have always been a fan of dark coloured nails and what better time to wear them. One of my favourites for this time of the year is 'Raspberry' and 'Blackcurrant' by Barry M. 

A Hydrating Moisturiser

Typically, during the colder months of the year, I tend to notice my skin feeling drier than usual. It only takes a cold breeze and a frosty morning and the moisture in my skin just disappears. Don't get me wrong, I love these things about the colder months, but I feel better in myself when my skin isn't dry. There are so many moisturizers out there to choose from, and personally, I think Autumn is a great time to switch them up. 

Lip Liner and Lipstick 

Using a lip liner makes wearing and applying a bold lip colour SO much better (well for me anyways). Lip liners stop lipstick bleeding, and makes application of lipstick much neater. If you don't have a liner that matches your favourite dark, berry tone lipstick, I'd advise you get one!

Winter Boots

 Boot shopping seems 100x better at this time of the year. Shops no longer stock as many sandals and pumps, leaving more room for all the winter boots you've been waiting for! Boots are great for colder weather, and I love chunky shoes. 

What could you not be without in Autumn?

Amber X