Winter Styling Edit

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm not great when it comes to buying clothes. I'm never one to quickly add an item to my basket or to walk into a shop, find something and go straight to pay. I always end up deliberating over whether I will actually get wear out of the item, and if it will go with the very few clothing pieces that I have in my wardrobe. Yes, I am a nightmare when it comes to buying new clothes haha. Dressing for Winter is definitely my favourite if I had to choose between all seasons. Give me some pointy boots, an oversized jumper and a pair of jeans, and I'm ready for the day. There have been a few items of clothing that I have been loving and I cannot wait to wear them out and about when the time comes.

>This< jumper has been one of my favourite buys. I have been trying to add a couple more knitted jumpers to my wardrobe as they are a piece that goes with everything.. Jeans, work trousers. skirts, and leggings. The quality itself is lovely and it goes so nicely with a thick scarf, on a cold day. The cable knit design always makes a jumper look super cosy and this one is no exception. It's also currently discounted!

I have wanted a pair of leather look leggings for a while, but couldn't seem to find any with a quality that would last. I used to have a pair of leather look jeans from Topshop, but can remember putting them in the wash and the waxed, leather look, just disappeared. I ordered from BecauseOfAlice when Alice first launched collection number 1 and fell in love with the light wash mom jeans. She released >these< leather look leggings and my dreams were finally answered. They're not flimsy in their fabric and don't cling to the legs. They fit just right and the high rise design is beautiful. 

Lastly, the most incredible pair of biker boots you have ever seen. Boots are a love of mine, and >this< pair are just beautiful. Another item that I think will be so versatile - they could be worn with my pair of leather leggings, jeans, skirts, and dresses.. I cannot wait to be able to wear these out properly!

What fashion pieces have you been loving lately?

Amber X

Makeup Picks For Sitting In Your Christmas Jumper

Let me be honest, I intend to spend my Christmas Day doing nothing but eating and sitting around in my Christmas jumper. For those of you who also plan on doing the same and taking in all of the Christmas TV that is planned to be showing, I thought to share some of my makeup picks to add a little bit more glam to sitting on the sofa. 

Huda Beatuty Matte Lipstick

How gorgeous is this shade?! Nothing speaks Christmas like wearing a red lip and I am so glad that I have come across this one. I wore this yesterday whilst we went on a walk to watch the Christmas lights being switched on, and I didn't reapply it all day. It didn't budge, it didn't bleed which I find that so many red lipstick shades can. The formula was so comfortable to wear - it didn't dry out my lips or go all clunky around the edges. It was truly gorgeous. If you feel like a festive treat, the shade of this matte lipstick is 'El Cinco de Mayo'. I cannot wait to carry on wearing this through the festive season.

Mac Soft and Gentle

An all time favourite of mine. I love the sheen this highlighter gives to my skin. It is definitely not on the subtle side of highlighters but it doesn't contain chunky glitters either and I love it for that reason. It melts into the skin and gives such a healthy looking glow. Definitely a way to add a bit of sparkle in your makeup routine for Christmas.

Too Faced Natural Nudes Palette

One of my makeup favourites of this year has to be this one. I have used it every day since I bought it back in the summer. The matte shades are so pigmented, and similarly, as are the shimmer shades. There are so many looks which can be created with this palette - subtle natural looks, but also put together, night out type looks. If there is one palette which you want to treat yourself too, I would 10000% recommend this one. It's so beautiful. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

If you're looking for a concealer that blends really well, brightens up your under eyes and has a high coverage, this one is for you. A firm favourite for many, there are reasons why this is a top pick of mine. It's super brightening and lasts all day. I also find that this concealer doesn't sit in any fine lines underneath the eyes either. It's just a win win. 

What make up products will you be using to create your Christmas day makeup?

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 

April Lifestyle Favourites

April, for me, was filled with lots of binge watching Netflix and Disney +, listening to new releases from some of my favourite artists and more importantly, baking to my hearts content. I still wouldn't say that my ability to bake hasn't improved, but being positive, it's been lovely to have had a bit more time on my hands to do whatever I fancy. These are the things I have loved during April.

What I have been watching..

Afterlife 2
Of course this has definitely been a stand out favourite for me. I don't think I could name another programme that makes you laugh so hard, to then make you want to cry within a number of seconds. The second series follows on from Tony's heartbreak and sorrow. This time round he is trying to pick up those close to him whilst he is still trying to conceal his true feelings and put on a smile. This is a must watch if you're a Ricky Gervais fan. Is it just me, or can anyone else not unsee the therapist being in The Stranger, and therefore hating him so much more???


Dead To Me

Another series watch has been this one. I watched this series back when it was first released on Netflix, but after having seen that a second series is due out in May, I wanted to re-watch it, so the events that take place were fresh in my mind when watching the new series. I loved it just as much the second time round. The story is based on Jen and her family, who have lost their Dad/Husband in a tragic car accident. Jen is full of grief and anger, until she meets Judy, where everything starts to unravel. A good one to watch if you like a murder mystery and a bit of comedy. The second series has also come out this week and I have been very much enjoying watching the story continue to unfold. 

Never Have I Ever
Who doesn't love a cheesy series set in a high school, where the main characters make it their mission to become the 'cool' kids? This series has provided just that. Devi, and her 2 best friends Fabiola and Eleanor make it their mission to become 'seen' by their other pupils and try doing so, by getting boyfriends. A simply harmless plan, that ends up not being so easy. After rumours, confessions and a few other hiccups along the way, do Devi and her friends end up succeeding? Who knows.. Guess you'll just have to watch it.

What I have been listening too..

Music wise, I have loved the 1975's new song 'If You're Too Shy'. To me, it reminds me of some of the songs from their first album which is my favourite. Definitely a song with a feel good beat. Another favourite has to be Freedom by Zak Abel and Kygo. A song that I'm sure will become a summer song for many. Sam and I had also got tickets to see Foals in London at the beginning of May. They only recently announced that their UK tour has now been postponed until next May. To get us into the mood for the concert we have been listening to all our Foals favourites. I'm a huge fan of their new album!

These photos were taken back in November when Sam and I visited Paris for my birthday. A lockdown fav of mine has been printing out photos from previous trips and reminiscing, whilst showcasing them in my scrapbook. Remembering moments from before the current global situation, and being grateful for the opportunity to have done so. It know it won't be for a while, but I cannot wait to plan the next holiday or city break somewhere new. 

What was your stand out favourite from last month?

Amber X

The Things That Have Got Me Through The Lockdown So Far

I'm sure we all have little things that have been keeping us going during this unsettling time. Things that I think should be shared among us, in the hope that someone else can use them to the advantage of making their day a little brighter. These are the things that have got me through so far.

Reading
I love to read as much as the next person. But working full time, doesn't allow for me to read as much as I wish I could. With all of the extra time that I have had in the 4 weeks that I have had off, reading has been such a saviour! Sitting in the garden with a refreshing drink, and getting stuck into a book has been bliss. I have started reading "The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton. The best way for me to describe the book without giving away any spoilers, is a story of Cluedo. A murder mystery that has to be solved by one of the main characters. I am obsessed and haven't been able to put it down easily. "Somebody's going to be murdered at the ball tonight. It won't appear to be a murder and so the murderer won't be caught. Rectify that injustice and I'll show you the way out". If you love a little crime/murder number, then this is a must for you.

No makeup or doing my hair 
Bit of a weird one, as I know that so many people have been sticking to their normal routine of getting ready and putting themselves together to feel productive. However, I have had a whole month being make up free and not putting any heat on my hair. This has done wonders, I feel, for my skin and for the condition of my hair. My skin has had a proper opportunity to breathe! I can't remember the last time that I haven't worn make up for that long. As for my hair, I definitely feel the break from heat amongst constantly having it tied up has done it the world of good. But don't get me wrong, it has been nice to put a face of make up on, to remember what I actually look like when put together haha.

Running and going for walks
Feeling super grateful to live in the country and to be able to go on a daily walk amongst the fields full of lambs and calves. Such a beautiful setting to destress and forget about what is going on in the world at the moment. I have even gone on a few morning runs, which is so unlike me and my usual routine. I love the feeling that seems to come over me after having exercised. I feel accomplished and like I have achieved something good. I'm sure this stands for so many other people right now too.

Zak Abel's Live Streams
At 6pm most days, if not every day, Zak Abel has been doing a live on his instagram where he sings a couple of songs and invites a few random people, one at a time, to join him on his live stream. If you don't know who Zak Abel is, then you must go and put him on on Spotify. His voice is incredible, and listening to his covers of certain songs, or singing his own songs whilst playing the keyboard, have brought me much joy.

What has been getting you through at the moment?

Amber X

NYX Worth The Hype Mascara

Anyone who has read any of my older blog posts, will know that I am a massive lover of the Nars Climax Mascara. However, with it being £22 a pop (that is quite pricey in my eyes, specifically for a mascara), I have been on the hunt to find something that I love just as much, but doesn't have such a high price point. I am definitely one of those weirdo's who rather's a mascara as it starts drying out - is it just me? That's when I feel that a mascara really adds volume, and is easier to build upon with just one coat. That being said, I was scrolling through Asos as usual, and thought to have a look at the beauty section, in the hope I could find a mascara that I would enjoy.

I came across the NYX Worth The Hype Mascara. Anything that claims it is volumizing, and easy to build upon ticks the mascara boxes for me. My kind of mascara is one that fans out my lashes, doesn't make them look clumpy or spider leg like, but gives them enough oomph. Not too much too ask for, I know. The description of this mascara contains both of those, and it also has a tapered brush, which is great for those harder to reach outer corner lashes, or the tiny lashes found on the inner corner of the eye. For only £9, I thought I must give it a go.

Packaging:
Nothing overly special with the packaging in my opinion. Yet, you know it's a mascara, and it clearly states that it is volumising on there. I definitely don't see that as being a bad thing. Simple yet effective.

Wand:
100% the most important part of a mascara. I love a plastic wand with lots of bristles. Not one that is too skinny, or too thick. I love this mascara for the wand. It coats evenly, and I definitely think that it does add volume to my lashes. One thing that I do tend to find with cheaper mascara's, is that they don't hold a curl so well in comparison to more expensive ones that I have tried. But this one does give it a good go.

Overall:
For £9 I don't think you can go wrong here. It lasts all day. It doesn't transfer onto my eyelids, or my under eye area. After a long day at work, the Nars Climax does transfer to my under eye area, and leave black slodges. This one doesn't, tick! It defintiely adds the right amount of volume, and if I feel I need a bit more, it allows you to build upon what is already on there, without giving you cumply lashes.

What's your favourite mascara?

Amber X