4 Self Care Tips For Winter*

AD - This post is in collaboration with Live Well Nationwide

 I don't know about you but I always feel a bit flat in January. I look forward to Christmas pretty much the whole year round so once it's over, I instantly find myself feeling a bit down. I fully expected this January to hit me hard and to be honest it has. I'm dreading more months of tiers and possible lockdowns and I just want my life back. It's hard to plan for anything right now meaning there's very little to look forward to and I'm someone who really does need that. After 2020 though, I'm determined to really ensure I'm taking care of myself this year though, physically and mentally, and I think in Winter that's even more important. Here are some of my self care tips for the colder months of the year which understandably may be more of a struggle right now.

Get Outside
As much as it's tempting to stay indoors all the time (don't worry I will be encouraging some cosy days in later) I often find regardless of the season, a long walk with Bear makes me feel so refreshed. Yes it's cold but it's a good excuse to layer up and wear your favourite cosy clothing! I find a brisk walk really clears my head which does me the world of good and while we can't do much else at the moment (like most of 2020) it almost feels like a bit of a day out. We like to head to the woods or to a park to give Bear a chance to get some energy out when we can and if there's a nice little cafe at the end to grab a hot chocolate, well it just tops the day off.

Take Your Vitamins
Vitamins can provide so many benefits all year round but it's so important in Winter to be making sure you're getting enough Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body and those nutrients are the ones we need to keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. There are several ways we can make sure we're getting enough Vitamin D from eating plenty of leafy green veg to getting out in the sunshine but the second option can be a bit tricky in Winter! Because of this, a handy way to ensure you're getting exactly what you need is to buy your vitamins online. Live Well Nationwide are a reliable and trusted online pharmacist who provide medication for a range of conditions and you can even get your NHS repeat prescription through them! Being able to order vitamins online is a big help for many, even more so now when people may be choosing to shield and still need vitamins and supplements that keep us feeling our best.

 There are several symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency you might recognise, from feeling unwell often (this is due to your immune system not being able to fight off bacterial and viral infections) to feeling tired more than usual and even feeling depressed. This can be due to the lack of sunlight which can also be linked to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Many people suffer with SAD in the Autumn and Winter months due to the shorter days and longer nights so it's only even more reason to really make sure we're all taking care of ourselves the best way we can. Oh, and drink lots of water! It's one simple thing that can make you feel completely rejuvenated. If you are worried you could be lacking in Vitamin D, please consult your doctor about any concerns.

Have a Cosy Day
Whilst it's good to get out and get those endorphins going, it's also pretty good to have a cosy day in. I know that's pretty much all we can do right now but to be honest the shine of a cosy Winter day inside snuggled up hasn't gone away! Stick on one of your favourite films, get the duvet, grab a cup of tea and some snacks and just chill. If I'm feeling a bit fed up, mentally drained, low, any of those things, it helps me massively.

Talk to others
It's so important if you're struggling that you let people know. 2020 was ROUGH to say the least and it's very easy right now to worry about what's to come this year too. I get it because I feel the same. Don't keep it all in, there will always be people there to listen and help and I personally find getting something off my chest, no matter how big or small, instantly makes me feel a bit lighter. If you can't be with someone in person, give them a call, send them a text, do a Zoom quiz (if you're not sick of them yet), just reach out.

Do you have any other self care tips for Winter?

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My 2020 Women's Christmas Gift Guide*

AD - This post contains gifted items. Gifted items will be marked *

Already it's time for my Christmas gift guides! Like always, this year I'll be sharing 3 different gift guides throughout the week, one for the ladies in your life, one for the men and then a food & drink gift guide. This year has been tough for everyone so I've put together a variety of different things that I think anyone would be thrilled to receive this Christmas and I just hope it gives you some inspiration if you're about to start your Christmas shopping or have been stuck for ideas! Let's get started with my 2020 Women's Christmas gift guide.

Ramer Sponges*
For anyone putting hampers together, I highly recommend including Ramer Sponges! These are perfect for any beauty and skincare lovers you know and having used them myself for months, I can safely say they are perfect for giving you soft, luxurious feeling skin, something we all want, especially in the Winter months! Ramer Sponges are basically made from a magic material which hardens after each use when they dry which helps prevent growth of bacteria but they instantly soften when soaked in warm water so can keep on being re-used. These are made from super soft material which is non-scratchy so they lather up like a treat with whichever shower gel/bubble bath etc you may use. The Cranberry and Holly sponges are part of their Christmas range and are priced at £2.99 so a really affordable little stocking filler! You can find these & a range of other skincare products at Ramer Sponges.

Feather & Down Massage to Sleep Set*
I'm a big fan of Feather & Down, in fact you might have seen me blog about them a few times in the past and I personally think they are a fab brand to turn to at Christmas time. Whether you want to treat a new mum, help out someone struggling with their sleep or just want to give something a little different this year, Feather & Down have got you covered. Their Massage to Sleep set includes their pillow spray, a massage soap bar and a bottle of their bath essence so everything you could need for a peaceful night and each product contains a special blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils, the perfect scent to make you feel sleepy (or so I find anyway!). You can buy this for £10 from Creightons aswell as a huge range of other gorgeous sleep products. Also available at Boots and the official Feather & Down website.

Christmas Candles
You can't beat a candle. I fill our home with them at Christmas time as I'm sure a lot of people do and I am always happy to unwrap one at Christmas time. I personally love to check out Homesense and TK Maxx when Christmas shopping as they stock the most gorgeous candles at this time of year. From August onwards really the homeware just seems to step up a notch. The reasons I love the candles they stock so much is because they're so unique, you very rarely find the same one twice and that bodes well for getting someone a gift they've not had before!

Treatbox Christmas Movie Gift Set
Treatbox are the brand to go to for personal, thoughtful gifts that are sure to leave a smile on anyone's face. They have a monthly subscription box full of a variety of things from prints and pins to hot chocolate, food and lots more. They also have beautiful mugs, keepsakes and even ready to go Christmas boxes! I think their Christmas Movie Gift Set in particular is perfect. It's £29.95 and contains a Christmas mug, chocolate popcorn, a chocolate brownie mug kit, festive socks, salted caramel hot chocolate and a wax melt. Something like this is ideal if you're apart from loved ones or are stuck for ideas and want to get something a little different this year!

Body Bliss Bath Treats*
Next up for the beauty lovers is this gorgeous Bath Treats set from Body Bliss. I personally spend a LOT of time in the bath during Winter so if you know someone who loves a pamper night or deserves some lovely self care bits this Christmas then this is ideal. In this particular set you get 4 mini bath and shower gels in indulgent fragrances like Mango & Papaya, Raspberry & Pomegranate, Coconut Water and finally Vanilla & Macadamia. These all smell absolutely incredible! The great thing about Body Bliss is that their products are vegan friendly, cruelty free, bottles are made from 50% recycled materials and they use sustainably sourced fruit extracts. It's only £6 too which I think is a bargain! You can buy this set and a load of other beautiful Body Bliss products at Creightons.

Custom Pet Jigsaws
For the pet lovers, how cool is this custom pet jigsaw? I would absolutely love one of Bear! I found this whilst browsing Esty for small businesses to buy from this Christmas and I just had to include it. Custompopco are specialists at pet portraits so they'll take any picture of your choice and create something beautiful like this! You can choose the amount of puzzle pieces you'd like, they're presented in a lovely cloth bag and they'll also include a glossy print of your photo which is a lovely added touch.

Book & a Hot Drink Letterbox Gift
My final suggestion in this gift guide is this lovely book and a hot drink letterbox gift set from Bookishly. Letterbox gifts could be the way to go this year because really we can't predict what will happen at Christmas, who we can see, how 'normal' it will be etc so a present that can be delivered through the letterbox is definitely something to consider. For any book lovers you know, Bookishly have this wonderful gift where you can choose a classic book such as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and Romeo and Juliet with a beautiful dust cover and you can also choose from either tea, coffee or hot chocolate to be included too. There's nothing better than snuggling up in Winter with a hot drink and a good book!

So that wraps up my Women's Christmas gift guide for 2020! I hope this has given you some inspiration. I know I definitely want some of these things for myself!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

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Taking Care Of Your Skin This Summer*

AD - Product gifted by Palmolive but all views are my own
There's no denying that the different weather conditions we have in the UK can really play havoc with our skin. Whether it's Winter causing dry and frizzy hair and dry skin or Summer making our skin feel oily, it's important to look after ourselves as best as we can the whole year round. Today I'm sharing a few tips on how to really take care of your skin this Summer & the beauty products that I think are a must for feeling your best throughout the warmer months of the year.

Drink Lots of Water

Before I get started on skincare products I recommend, my number one tip for taking care of yourself and your skin regardless of the season would be to drink lots of water! It doesn't have to be boring, you can always drink flavoured water instead, add squash or even add things like Waterdrops. The daily recommend intake is 6-8 glasses which sounds like a lot but when it's warm outside, it's probably not enough. Not only will water hydrate you and cool you down, it also has massive benefits for your skin. I've mentioned before how much water impacts the amount of breakouts I have. I notice a massive difference in weeks where I've eaten healthy and drank loads of water compared to weeks where I've had hardly any and eaten allll the wrong things. Drink drink drink.

Palmolive Naturals Coconut Shower Cream*

Now, we all like a nice shower gel I'm sure. I'm forever buying more and it's far too easy to pop one in the trolley whenever I'm doing the food shop! The latest addition to my shower routine is the Palmolive Naturals Coconut Shower Gel. Palmolive is such an affordable brand so you can grab this for just 90p in Asda, though it's currently on offer for 80p along with other scents too. Shower milks and creams tend to be a little more hydrating for our skin so are ideal for the Summer months when our skin can dry out a little and be in need of some serious moisture. This lathers up really well with a little water and gently soothes and cleanses your skin. The coconut scent just smells like being on holiday which is an added bonus!

The Body Shop Body Yoghurts

The next product I could rave about all day, everyday is the Body Yoghurts from The Body Shop. I've always leaned more towards body butters but this is a game changer. The body yoghurts are a really lightweight formula so don't feel greasy at all and they soak into your skin beautifully. This is an after shower product so I apply when my skin is still a little damp and it's just super moisturising. There's a huge range of scents to choose from but my current go-to is the Pear which I picked up at Christmas. They last absolutely ages!

Sanctuary Spa De-Stress Warming Body Gel

The final product I highly recommend you try is the De-Stress Warming Body Gel by Sanctuary Spa. This brand are known for luxurious skincare and bath products so the body gel is no exception to this. Now you might think a warming body product isn't a typical choice for Summer but the difference it makes to aching and sore muscles is incredible. If you've taken up exercise during lockdown or have been heading out for long walks, both of which might have caused tired and achy muscles, then this is ideal! It's a soothing gel which utilises the benefits of ginger and rosemary which are known for their tension-easing abilities and as it's self-heating, you can feel it working straight away! I know I'll be using this for many months to come but this has been a bit of a life saver recently.

That wraps up my Summer staple skincare products! I hope these tips for taking care of your skin in Summer have been useful and please let me know if you have any others you want to share or any products you recommend! 

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A Summer Beauty & Skincare Haul

This post contains affiliate links*
It's been quite a while since I last shared a beauty haul and beauty has definitely taken a back seat on my blog this year. I've been sharing lots of recipes, many book reviews and a few travel posts over the last few months which I've really enjoyed writing so there's still been plenty of content but I thought now it was about time I talk about some of my current beauty buys. I did share a few of these in my recent skincare routine but as I've been picking bits up here and there for weeks now, there's a few extra bits I wanted to chat about too. So here's a little Summer beauty and skincare haul to see me through the next few months!

L'oreal True Match Foundation

The first thing I picked up recently as I was running low is the L'oreal True Match Foundation. I don't think they're particularly the best brand to be buying from at the moment so I'm definitely going to shop around next time and see what else is out there but for now it'll do. I just find this works with my skin really well and when I find a foundation I like, I never want to deviate from it. I've always loved how easy this is to blend in and it's got such a lightweight formula so never feels heavy on my skin which is just the worst, especially in Summer.

Rimmel 60 Second Super Shine Nail Polishes

I have a huge Soap & Glory toiletry bag that I use for my nail polishes but I noticed recently that so many of them are past their best. They've either pretty much ran out, dried out or just aren't shades I'd go for anymore so a massive sort out is needed. When browsing Superdrug for some essentials, I spotted some new additions to the Rimmel 60 Second Super Shine range so I grabbed some that I thought would be ideal for Summer. I've been wearing the pastel pink shade 'Sweet Retreat' so much over the last few months and I've been so impressed with how well it lasts. The shade 'Gimme Some Of That' is a fuschia pink, another colour that I go for a lot during this time of year and finally the shade 'Double Decker Red' is as you can tell, a deep red. I love a red nail polish all year round so I can see myself wearing this a lot!

L'oreal Back To Bronze Bronzer

I'm a big fan of the 'Life's A Peach' blush, I mean it smells like actual peaches! It's such a gorgeous shade and I can't get enough of it so when I saw I was coming to the end of my current contour kit, I thought I'd try the 'Back To Bronze' Bronzer from the same brand. I've not used this much so far but I love that it gives a really natural look as that's definitely what I go for.

Sanctuary Spa De-Stress Warming Body Balm

I ordered the Warming Body Balm on a whim after seeing a fellow blogger share it on Instagram and I just thought it would be heaven for days where I'm aching or feeling tense. I found it on LookFantastic for £10 but it doesn't seem to be available anywhere else from what I've seen so I'm not sure if it's an older product & being discontinued or really new and it's just not had that much promotion yet? Either way, I've tried it several times now and I absolutely love it. It has a thick serum like texture and is perfect for applying to any sore areas. I've found it so relaxing on aching legs! As it's self-heating, as soon as you apply to an area of skin, your skin warms up and it's like you can feel it working immediately. It takes some getting used to but it makes such a difference. It utilises the benefits of Ginger and Rosemary too which are known for their tension-easing abilities and it smells beautiful.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Range

As mentioned in my recent skincare routine post, I finally tried the Vitamin E range from The Body Shop and I am SO impressed. It's a range that has been recommended to me time after time so when my skin seemed to have a bit of a breakdown when we first went into lockdown, I thought there was no better time than to finally switch up some of the products I was using. I already use the Camomile Cleansing Butter from The Body Shop to remove my makeup so I got the Vitamin E Facial Wash and the Toner. I've been using the facial wash after I've removed my makeup and then the toner after that to ensure I've got rid of everything before applying my moisturiser. Every time I do a full skincare routine, my skin feels rejuvenated and I'm always left with that silky smooth feeling. I'm really tempted to get some more bits from the range now including the night cream and the face mist.

I've tried not to buy too many unnecessary items during lockdown and I think I don't think I did too bad for the majority of it but when things run out they need replacing and there's no harm in treating yourself too! I'd love to know if you've tried any of the products I've shared? What's your current fave skincare product?

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My Spring/Summer Skincare Routine Featuring The PMD Clean*

AD - This post is in collaboration with PMD Beauty but all opinions are my own

Beauty posts tend to be very few and far between at the moment on my blog just because I've been basically cooking, baking and reading my way through lockdown! Recently though I've been trying out some new skincare products that I couldn't wait to share with you. It's been a while since I last shared my skincare routine and it's changed quite a lot over the last few months so it felt like the right time to speak about some of the products I've introduced to my skincare cabinet recently.

I've never been one to have a complicated skincare routine, the simpler the better in my opinion. I just can't be bothered to stand at the sink for ages in the evening when I'm shattered so I don't have a huge amount of steps I follow. I really thought my skin would improve whilst in lockdown as I'm hardly ever wearing makeup and my diet and water intake has been far better than usual but I've actually had weeks at a time where it's got worse, anyone else had the same? I'm not sure if it's because I'm not going out as often or if it's stress? Who knows, but that's what led me to really try and sort out my skincare routine. I'd had my eyes on a few products from The Body Shop so I picked those up recently aswell as also using some of my trusty skincare faves and I've also been trying out the PMD Clean which I'll talk about more soon.

Step 1 - Makeup Removal with The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter

This is one of The Body Shop's best selling products according to their website and I can totally see why. I finally caved and bought this at the start of the year. It's not cheap at £11 but it's still lasting me really well and we're almost in June so it's worth the price tag in my opinion. This is a dream for removing makeup and as it's a cleansing butter, it just feels gorgeous on the skin. I dot this around my face and massage into my skin which allows it to foam up slightly and melt away the makeup. I'll then use a warm flannel to wipe it away. This alone makes my skin feel super clean and silky soft and in the past I'd have just followed it up with moisturiser but I use a few other products afterwards instead now.

Step 2 - Cleansing with The Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Wash & The PMD Clean*

I've seen rave reviews of the Vitamin E range so when my skin was going through a bit of a rough patch recently, I thought it was finally time to give it a go. The first product I picked up was the Gentle Facial Wash for £8.50. This is also where the PMD Clean comes in. If you've not heard of the PMD Clean before, well it's a smart facial cleansing device. The 7000 vibrations per minute SonicGlow technology ensures a deep cleanse whilst also lifting, firming and toning problem areas which can help provide a more youthful appearance. After wetting my face with warm water, I just apply a little of the facial wash to my cheeks, chin and forehead, rinse the PMD Clean and then turn it on. The way to use this is to move the brush in circular motions, eventually cleansing your entire face. I find this makes the facial wash really lather up and I genuinely feel like it's really doing my skin good whilst using both of these at the same time. I'll then rinse my face, pat dry and move onto the next step. The thing I really love about the PMD Clean is how gentle it feels on my skin because of the silicone bristles. Also, because of it's ergonomic design, it's really comfortable to hold and use and I find I can really get around tricky areas with this because of it. It's waterproof too so no need to worry about any damage being done whilst using this too.

Step 3 - Toning with The Body Shop Vitamin E Toner

This is the first toner I've picked up in a long time because I often find them to be really drying on the skin but I've not had that issue with this one. The Vitamin E Toner which is £8.50 is perfect for removing those final traces of makeup and cleanser that might have been missed. I just apply a little to a cotton pad and sweep over my face which leaves my skin feel clean, hydrated and refreshed. A tip I've seen online is to store in the fridge for a cooler feel when using which I think will be lovely as the weather gets warmer! 

Step 4 - Moisturising with The L'oreal Hydra Genius Moisturiser

I've mentioned the L'oreal Hydra Genius Moisturiser quite a few times before so it's not surprise it's still a trusty skincare product of mine. This is another product would be perfect to pop in the fridge before applying in the evening! Because this is quite a lightweight serum, a little goes a long way and I find bottles of this last me ages. This just always makes my skin feel amazing everytime. The PMD Clean could be used at this point too. It has two cleansing modes - gentle vibration and intense vibration which are ideal for the earlier stages and it has two anti-ageing modes - gentle pulsation and intense pulsation which are the ones to use with your moisturiser. This really helps massage the product into the skin and lift and tone it at the same time.

And that wraps up my current skincare routine! 5 products that I'm absolutely loving at the moment which are really making a difference to my skin. I've loved trying out the PMD Clean and it has become a staple skincare product of mine. Whilst it's not cheap at £89, I do feel it's making a genuine improvement in the condition of my skin and I'm really excited to see the progress long term. PMD Beauty stock a range of beauty tools so if the PMD Clean isn't for you, there's also the Personal Microderm, the Kiss Plumping System and even a Microderm for men. You can find out more about all of these products on the PMD Beauty website.

Do you have a particular skincare routine for the warmer months of the year?

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Recent Favourites - Disney+, Normal People & More

AD - This post features gifted items but all opinions are my own
It's been a long, long time since I last shared a favourites post! A while back I shared one each month but over time I found I was just repeating myself or running out of things to talk about so now I just do them every so often, when I've built up a collection of books, products, TV shows & more. There are quite a few books I want to talk about this time as I've been reading so much over the last few months aswell as some new beauty products I've been trying out and some of the best brownies I've ever eaten in my life!

SheaMoisture Body Wash & Body Lotion*

A few months ago I was sent some products from SheaMoisture to try out and I've absolutely loved them. The bottles are absolutely huge so they are going to last me forever at this rate! SheaMoisture have a variety of products ranging from shampoos to hair masks, body oils to body wash and lots more but the products I received are the African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash and the African Black Soap Soothing Body Lotion. The Body Wash has a gentle formula enriched with natural organic ingredients and is suitable for dry skin, something I often don't experience but weirdly have been whilst in lockdown! I've noticed a few little dry patches so this arrived at the perfect time. The body wash lifts away any dirt and impurities whilst moisturing the skin too. I've been using this in the shower and then following up with the body lotion afterwards but I love that you can use a capful of the body wash in the bath instead. As the body lotion is formulated with African Black Soap and organic Shea Butter, it makes my skin feel amazing too. It really hydrates my skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth for hours afterwards. I've really enjoyed trying both of these out and as such a small amount goes a long way, I'll be using them for many weeks to come. You can find both of these African Black Soap products at LookFantastic and Superdrug for £11.99 each.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

God this book was fantastic! If anyone else has read this and wants a chat about it, please leave me a comment, I just want to know what everyone else thinks of it! It was a book that actually did feel like a thriller, I've read too many recently which claim to be thrillers and then end up not going anywhere but this actually was. So incredibly clever, full of suspense and major twists throughout that I just couldn't believe. Definitely a contender for my top 5 books of the year come the end of 2020.

Miss Patisserie Bath Bombs

Whilst I'll always have a place in my heart for Lush when it comes to bath bombs, so many other brands are becoming firm faves of mine when it comes to skincare and bath products. Miss Patisserie have some really beautiful bath bombs and and a few months ago, George got me a set of 4 which I've loved working my way through. They're not the cheapest ever but cheaper than Lush who have definitely become a bit overpriced in my opinion. I just love the range of colours, patterns and scents you get with the Miss Patisserie bath bombs and they take their time to fizzle out too so it always feels like money hasn't just been wasted! Highly recommend checking them out at Boots if you're in need of a stock up!

Brown & Blond Brownies

At the very start of lockdown, George and I ordered brownies from an amazing company called Brown and Blond. They've been at various Christmas markets over the years that we've been too so I was thrilled when I found them on Instagram and saw the huge range you could order online. It got us through first week of lockdown! We tried out quite a few different varieties but I think my favourite would have to be the Salted Caramel ones. We missed out on ordering some of their Easter specials recently but we'll definitely be trying out some of their other monthly specials at some point!

The Longest Holiday by Paige Toon

Paige Toon can do no wrong in my eyes. I've very nearly read all of her books and there have only been 2 I think that have left me wanting more. I recently read The Longest Holiday, one of her older books, and it was just the perfect Spring read. It definitely made me long for a holiday even more, like that was possible and I completely fell in love with the characters. Whilst it was obviously focused mostly on romance - the reason I always reach for Paige's books, it also had some really deep moments throughout and a good dose of drama thrown in too. One of the best books I've read from Paige Toon.

Disney+

I think we're all loving Disney+ at the moment aren't we? I shared 10 of my current Disney+ picks a few weeks ago so feel free to read that if you're in need of some inspiration of things to watch. It came along at the exact right time didn't it? I've been really enjoying High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, I've watched Zootropolis more times than I'd like to admit and George and I even watched all of the Marvel films from the beginning which was fun!

The Phantom Of The Opera Live Stream

I'm missing theatre a lot. I always knew I would during lockdown but over the last few weeks, it's really got to me. It's my biggest passion and I'm just waiting for the day we get told the theatres can re-open and we can re-book the shows we missed last month. I feel so lucky I got to see Les Mis on my birthday now because who knows how long the closure of the West End could last. To get my theatre fix, I've been enjoying some of the live streams Andrew Lloyd Webber has been putting out on Youtube. He recently streamed the 25th anniversary performance of Phantom Of The Opera and I had the loveliest evening watching it. Whilst it was never going to be the same as being sat in the theatre, Phantom Of The Opera is one of the shows on my theatre bucketlist so in a way I've kind of ticked it off! The cast were brilliant and the music is just outstanding.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

It feels like I'm talking about this book all the time at the moment but there just seems to be one book a year that I get utterly lost in and this seems to be the one for 2020. I reviewed Normal People just this week so I'll leave that here in case you want to hear all my rambly thoughts on it. I just adored it in every way. The characters, Connell and Marianne are just so real and I was so sad to turn the last page. I was completely obsessed with the TV adaptation too, so much so I'm tempted to start it from the beginning again soon! Can't get over it, probably never will. 

What have you been loving over the last few weeks? Have you read any of the books I mentioned?

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The New Fragrance From Missguided - Babe Night*

AD - This post is in collaboration with Missguided and all Missguided products are gifted

I don't often speak about fragrances on my blog, mainly because I don't really branch out with them and I have a select few which I seem to go back to again and again but I couldn't wait to share the latest release from Missguided. I've shared my love for the award-winning Missguided fragrances before and you might have seen them pop up a few times on my Instagram, so I was thrilled when I received the new EDP, Babe Night.

In case you didn't know, Missguided are no longer just a fashion brand, they have branched out into the beauty world. They currently already have 3 perfumes - Babe Power, Babe OUD and Babe Dreams (Babe Power has been a firm fave of mine for a while) and trust me when I say each of them are beautiful scents. As always with Missguided perfumes though, I can't help but love the striking design of the bottles. Whilst the scent is always the most important thing with a perfume, I am a little fussy and like the bottles to look pretty on my bedside table too! Like the other perfumes, vegan and cruelty free Babe Night is a can shape bottle which is just so unique to other fragrances in my opinion. It stands out from all of the other brands and I know I'd be drawn to it in a store over anything else! With it's classic black bottle, subtle glitter and rose gold text, it looks sleek and stylish.

Now let's get onto the scent of Babe Night. It opens with notes of lemon, orange and green apple and develops with heady accords of orange blossom, jasmine and spicy pink pepper. The base notes are musky vanilla, cedar and patchouli. As you might guess from all of the citrus notes, Babe Night is a very fruity scent meaning it's the perfect scent to take you into Spring and Summer but the musky vanilla and patchouli really do develop and come through after the sweetness hits so I'll personally be wearing this all year round.

I'm always more about the sweet and fruity scents over anything else so this has been a welcome addition to my perfume collection. Each scent just works together so well and I've found a few spritz of this will linger on my skin for hours which is exactly what I want.

If you want to try Babe Night out for yourself (£28 for 80ml) or any of the other Missguided perfumes, you can find out more on the Missguided website. 

Have you tried any of the Missguided perfumes?

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My Go-To HairStyle For Date Night*

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Since George and I brought home our little Bear last April, we've really noticed the impact of date nights and how important it is we have at least one day or night a month where we get time together, just us two. I honestly don't know what we did before we had Bear and as much as we love him and he is rightly the priority for us now, some days you just need a break. I'm sure he feels the same! Recently we've been heading out to the cinema a lot, going for a romantic evening meal, lunch dates, visited the Emmerdale tour, and gone to many a Christmas market, and they've all been very much needed and appreciated. Whenever we have a date night, I always like to dress up a little. Don't get me wrong, I think my style could still be classed as casual but it's the perfect opportunity to wear a new outfit, jazz up your makeup and do something special with your hair.

Speaking of hair, I have a real love/hate relationship with it. At times I think it looks pretty good - bouncy, brunette and something that suits me. Other days I feel it looks dull and lifeless, but I'm sure we all have good and bad days with it don't we? When I was younger I went through a bit of a phase with dying my hair and now I often get that urge to do it again. I used to love a dark red or even a really dark purple colour and surprisingly they suited me but I've been thinking that maybe a Balayage hair colour could be next? I do think my hair is need of a freshen up.

Though I'm not quite decided on which colour to go for just yet, when it comes to a date night, I do like to put a bit more effort into my hair and makeup and my current go to look is subtle curls. 

After I've washed my hair and blow-dried which always adds volume, I start on the task of curling. My hair has always been quite straight so it does take quite a bit of time and effort to get some real curls that are going to stick but it's worth it. I've used countless curling products over the years but the one I'm currently a fan of is the Remington Silk Curling Wand. I have no idea about these things really but it does the job! Curling my hair is something that has taken years to get the hang off and I'm still no expert but I do find a curling wand that you can just twist your hair around is the quickest method. I always end up with quite tight, bouncy curls so I gently brush through afterwards and I'm always happy with the results. One final spritz of hairspray and I'm good to go.

If I'm not curling my hair for date night, I'll either straighten it which is a classic go-to hairstyle for me or I'll leave it au natural which shows off natural waves. I try not to use too much heat on my hair nowadays, though when I was younger I would straighten it to within an inch of it's life but now I'm much more comfortable with it when it's natural. I do always feel so much better when I've really spent time on it though and the curls you can see in the photos are my favourite style to turn to.

I'm definitely not used to sharing pictures of myself on my blog or any of my social media to be honest, I just love taking photos of Bear as you might be able to tell so this was seriously out of my comfort zone! I'd love to know what your go-to hairstyle is for a date night or girls night out too?

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