This isn't a planned post at all but I felt the overwhelming need to write so I am doing. I don't know if I'm the only one this happens to - I imagine not - but lately I just feel like life is really catching up with me and overnight my priorities, wants and needs from life have all changed.

Now a lot of this has been ongoing since the end of last year but recently I find myself flipping from wanting to run away and be single, living off the land; and then the next minute I want marriage, a house, a family. It's so disorienting and I don't quite know how to find balance. Maybe it's the influence from many around me either going off on adventures or settling down and having children (seriously though, like, EVERYONE is having babies right now!)

On a personal level there's been a huge shift for me where I came to the realisation that I am in fact a hoarder and was getting myself into a rather worse situation than I was already in. I managed to tackle it before the hoarding caused much of a cleanliness issue (dust mainly), however I'm now the opposite end of the scale where the sight of mess and clutter induces a panic attack. I want much less 'stuff', no mess and everywhere tidy; unfortunately this isn't an easy thing to achieve as years of hoarding means there's a lot of things to sort through, throw out and clean, which of course takes time. Knowing that there's so much to tackle also becomes very demotivating and instead of getting things done and making progress, things have remained stagnant despite how much I want to sort my life out.

Naturally there are a lot more contributing factors to my situation, including ongoing issues with my health (hence the lack of posting) which is very frustrating but I'm forced to take things day by day. I plan to talk more about health, well-being and how I've tackled my issues in future posts but for now I just wanted to get this off my chest. If any of you can relate to anything mentioned in this post I'm right there with you. It's hard being a certain age and seeing everyone else settle with their life but feel the one who is still mentally flighty, footloose and fancy free!

Do you think there's such a thing as 'age appropriate' behaviour?

Stay curious

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Hey cats!

In the last couple of months I've felt like my body is really letting me down but I can't really put my finger on the cause (although I suspect it's to do with the contraceptive implant) so I've recently been trying to get my body and mind back on form by jumping on the healthy living wagon. For me this is going to be tough because Chronic Fatigue Syndrome coupled with anxiety and depression don't make for a good motivational mix for keeping at things. I'm determined one way or another though to feel better, to have more energy, to be less bloated, to cut down my caffeine intake and to feel much more positive. At first I plan to eat better and in doing so I've decided to go gluten free as I believe a lot of my bloating is down to eating wheat, the two seem to correspond. Once I feel better in myself I want to then strive towards getting fit but not in the sense of losing weight, I want to tone up and improve my flexibility, strength and stamina. And of course in turn I hope that this will improve my state-of-mind and allow me to get out of this rut before Winter kicks in and aggravates my S.A.D/depression even more. I also want to work towards accepting not being perfect and loving my body with all it's wobbly bits, stretch marks, spots, scars and broken veins because at the end of the day all of those things and what caused them has made me the person I am today.

Getting to the point now, I wanted to just note this down so maybe in a while or so I can review my progress/any other changes I made and how I feel. Writing things down for me is cathartic and helpful so if I choose to look back, I might be able to reassure myself when I inevitably want to give up and remain a potato.

Have you tried going gluten free or improving your diet? How did you find it? Let me know!

Here's to a healthy body and happy mind!

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Blogging has been a slow process for me lately but I'm hoping once August hits I'll be in a much better place so that I can blog much more regularly and get some good content going that I enjoy writing and that hopefully others will enjoy too! (*Edit - As soon as August hit I got a migraine for a couple of days followed up by some sort of illness, boo hiss) I've not really got many favourites for July as I'm in creature-of-habit-mode (definitely a thing) and my favourite things haven't really altered from those that I've previously mentioned. My skins started to change though so I'm looking at new products which I imagine will shape my future favourites!

Yet another product that just turned up in my bedroom for me to try thanks to my Mum, I'm glad though. There isn't much to say about this other than that it's absolutely amazing! First of all I noticed that a little goes a long way, the cute little dropper helps you keep track and I use about 3 drops once or twice a day and that moisturises both hands fully. What's great is that it also doesn't actually feel oily at all and absorbs into skin super quickly leaving them silky smooth with no greasy residue left over. Another bonus is the smell, it is absolutely divine and to me, smells like a really expensive old-fashioned gent's perfume (for some reason this smell is both comforting and indulgent). Only thing I would say about the smell is that maybe don't use this right before you leave the house as it may interfere with the perfume you're wearing, that's why I tend to use it mostly at night before I go to bed. Lastly but possibly the best part about this product, it's totally cleared up the horrible, scaly and terribly itchy patch of eczema on the top of my hand that had been there for months and that even prescription creams couldn't shift! So if you're at your wits end with eczema or dry hands I would definitely recommend this!

I first saw this on Instagram and was like 'I have to try this' and I have no regrets. These lip creams are incredible and amazing value at just £2.99 each, I plan on eventually getting every colour available. They are definitely moisturising and glide on so smoothly, I find that you don't even need a lip liner to keep control of it and after a days wear it stays put and doesn't bleed. Plus, a little goes a long way, the colour is really well pigmented.What I like about them is they give a matte effect on your lips but leave them smooth and silky, so you can still smack your lips together and they don't stick or feel dry but remain perfect, matte and velvety. I've also found that the consistency helps to give a plumping effect, such a bonus! Last thing is it smells so tasty, like vanilla and cupcakes. I really like using this over the top of Collection's Colour Pout Lipstain in 'Kiss 2'; for me it sets a really nice base to put the lip cream on top!

I saw this when having my usual browse of Makeup Rev products and saw this hoping all my hopes and prayers had been answered; finally a good quality, compact and budget contour, blush & highlight all in one! Being new to this whole contouring thing I figured this was the perfect place to start and my god it's bloody good. All the colours work perfectly for my milk bottle pale skin and the pigmentation of the colours is great. The blush is a nice and subtle tone, enough to give you a natural looking flush and the bronzer gives a neat looking contour that again looks completely natural. I have to say my favourite part is the highlight popped just on top of the cheeks, I've mainly started using just this and the bronzer because I love the way the highlight makes my cheeks look and its a much better highlight for me personally than any of the liquid ones that I've tried. A great place to start too if you're thinking of trying this new 'strobing' malarky. It also has a handy little mirror for on-the-go and is definitely handbag appropriate size-wise. Would definitely recommend this whether you're a beginner like me or a seasoned pro!

This little beauty has surprised me. Upon first seeing it I dismissed it and left if on the sale rail, but for some reason when I went back and saw it the next week, it seemed like a completely different cardigan and I wanted to give it a try; had it been over a tenner I doubt I would have bought it. However, I'm so glad I did because since buying it I've worn it pretty much non-stop as it just seems to go with everything and is super comfy! It's fairly lightweight but substantial enough to keep the chill off (great for typical English Summertime) and it's perfect for adding a Navajo/Boho vibe to any outfit. Only downside I'd say is the lack of sleeves but it's going to make a great gilet over long sleeved tops in the Winter!

What's been floating your boat this July? 

Here's to an awesome August!

As the crude title suggests, I actually used video editing software for the very first time in my 24 years on this earth! This may seem small to some but for me this was a big achievement in a long line of things I'm hoping to accomplish at some point this year and beyond. A lot of things I wanted to do this year but I'm learning to be more realistic with my goals and accept that anything I achieve whether it be now or down the line is still a big thing. I'm only human and I shouldn't put so much pressure on myself. Albeit this post is public, for me it's more of a personal record of what I've done and how it made me feel (which is great when I'm on a downer and trying to chuck my life out of the window metaphorically). If anyone can gain some insight or this gives you a boost into finally doing something you've wanted to do but have been putting off then I'll be a million times happier and will feel like I've achieved so much more.

Okay, so what did I use exactly? Nothing special of course, the only thing I had to hand is Windows Movie Maker - an outdated version at that - but for me personally that seemed like an excellent (not to mention simple) place to start considering it was free and at my immediate disposal. However, my first try didn't run too smoothly and if I hadn't attempted it again then this blog post wouldn't exist and I would most likely still be in a complete funk thinking I'm stupid and I can't do anything. First lesson there, don't give up/if at first you don't succeed try and try again/insert other cliché sayings here. This first failing was completely down to a defect in my personality which means I don't read instructions or do my research first, I instead just blaze in balls to the wall and get everything completely wrong thus contributing to a self-fulfilling prophecy of "I can never do anything".

After a week of moping my stubborn side kicked in and assured me I wouldn't be defeated, so I calmly looked up some help videos, got to grips with the software and then I decided to film a practice video to edit. Filming was an experience and a hellishly awkward one at that. Now, I feel I'm a seasoned expert in the way of talking to myself (and my cat) but as soon as I was sat in front of a camera my anxiety took over, I struggled to make eye contact and my limbs were out of control with nerves. I have such respect for people who do YouTube as a job, as I know many suffer also with issues such as depression or anxiety and honestly I was quite shocked at myself that I was so affected. Nevertheless I powered through because the filming wasn't entirely important, I just needed something to edit. Baby steps and all that. But the experience in itself was significant, and as a person that albeit doesn't read instructions, does actually like to plan for things and craves being prepared for upcoming projects. It made me aware that if I do start to film and put videos on YouTube, I know for sure that I need to do it for myself and no one else, so that I can build my confidence, be able to do spontaneous and unscripted things and also have a good time and keep a record of those memories; without them being edited to perfection. If anyone happens to like what I do then so be it, I'd be just as happy. I believe you've always got to start with yourself and do things for you; know that it isn't a selfish way of behaving.

Is there anything you're looking to achieve this Summer/this year? 

Stay curious

Hey cats!

So I'd missed a few of the favourites which I'm terribly sorry for, honestly you haven't missed much though. My favourites have pretty much remained the same as I'm in 'creature of habit mode' and haven't felt the need to try anything else new. Here are the things I've been loving since March!

Technically this is my Mum's buuut it is just left in the shower so I'm classing it as community property. Naturally as a lover of the smell of coconut I had to try this and blimey it's good! It smells good enough to eat, probably the best smelling coconut product I've ever come across which is why they tell you on the back that it's not food. Anywho, it's a fab, quick exfoliator that leaves your skin silky smooth and lightly scented, and it just feels like such a treat when you use it. Other great things? The packaging is - in my opinion - really neat and looks great in your bathroom, it's also super cheap coming in at £2.99 a pop (and it's half price at the mo!) and their products aren't tested on animals. TreacleMoon also do a lot of other yummy smelling collections (shower gels, body butters etc) and 'flavours' ranging from lemonade to marshmallow, ginger to apple pie; honestly there's loads to choose from. I personally can't wait to get my hands on some more of their wonderful bathtime beauties!

I may be slightly biased on this having never used other lotions so I'll keep it short, but when I got my tattoo I was recommended this balm and I haven't been disappointed with it. It is moisturising enough without leaving a greasy residue everywhere, it feels really nice to put on, it smells amazing and a little goes a long way. What I love about this is that it isn't tested on animals and it's full of natural ingredients and vitamins to help nourish your tattoo whilst healing as well as keep it vibrant after healing. Plus it's also pretty cheap and if you're near the Manchester area, the place where I get inked and pierced (Holier Than Thou) sells it cheaper than the actual website so hit them up here. They're also fabulous at everything body mod wise!

Yet another product passed on from my Mum (she changes products so quickly soon as she finds something else advertised as better). This little wonder of a make-up remover makes taking your slap off at the end of a long day an absolute joy rather than a chore. I imagine plenty have been in my shoes, buying all the so-called waterproof make-up removers and having them either burn your eyes or leave you standing there scrubbing at your lashes until your mascara finally comes off, despite them saying 'oh it'll just wipe off real easy'. No more of that! A product that actually works AND is gentle on your skin with the added bonus of no blotchy red eyes from all the rubbing until your cotton pad disintegrates. I just hold it on my eye for a few seconds then wipe away gently a couple of times and its all gone. It doesn't flare up my sensitive skin, it isn't greasy and I find it lasts.

I was actually very surprised reading the reviews on their website that many were negative, praising instead a previous lotion version. Having not tried that myself I obviously cannot compare, but personally I think this does a brilliant job and I'm always a fan of a product that does what I says. I'd still highly recommend this as I struggle to find fault with it!

A little bit of a silly one but I only just tried this from the new maple range the other day and I'm totally converted from my usual iced caramel latte. I was scared the maple would be too sickly sweet but it's actually smoother than the normal caramel and mixes really well with the coffee. If you haven't already and you're into iced coffees, I'd definitely recommend this a million times over!

Here's to a jolly June!

Cami Sun Dress | Embroidered Batwing Top | Printed Maxi Skirt | Drop Shoulder Gypsy Blouse | Wide Leg Trousers

Tribal Sandals | Straw Rucksack

What's on your Spring/Summer wishlist? Let me know!

Here's to 30 years of great products!

*Not sponsored, just a big fan

Hey cats!

Sorry for the radio silence; college and life in general took the wheel and blogging unfortunately had to take a backseat! Here's a little update, hope you enjoy!

The other week I went out for a nice little shopping day at Meadowhall Sheffield. It's been a long time since I've been properly shopping in 'high street' stores because as soon as silly season hit at the start of September with everyone going crazy for Christmas, I started to hibernate from shopping. I do it most years, because shopping is difficult any time in the year when you have social anxiety so naturally I'd rather avoid the busiest time of year! On the plus side, because I couldn't completely quell the urge to shop, I started majorly getting back into thrifting; having days going around all the charity shops locally and checking out vintage haunts such as Bygone Times. This was an eye-opener for me as I'd not done this in a long while, and at the time I was switching up my style because my tastes had changed, I got so many new essentials for the fraction of the price I would have paid on the high street. I also came across so many branded items that were practically new and were still so cheap, including Hobbs, Asos, BooHoo, Topshop and Per Una to name a few. Keeping up with this I've pretty much given myself a new wardrobe made up of mainly charity shop bargains and vintage pieces which haven't broken the bank. Now we're well out of Christmas and sale season I feel like I've found a healthy balance between the two, and always check charity shops first if I can, rather than immediately splashing out. I feel much more prepared for when the summer madness descends and I don't have to hit up many high street stores to find what I'm looking for.

Despite the occasional shopping trips I've mostly spent my college free time relaxing and keeping on top of my health, eating good food, seeing my friends/boyfriend, playing games and taking walks whenever the sun is out!

I hope you're all having a lovely 2015 so far and many apologies it's taken so long to post again!

Here's to balance and wellness!