Christmas gift guide for her

Looking for something original to gift this year?

Well you've come to the right place, here are six different gift ideas that will be sure to win you some brownie points this festive season. Plus there's the added bonus that you'll be supporting small businesses this Christmas time too - so its a win-win right?

Decorative candles - @waxworks.handmade (on Instagram)

These hand poured decorative candles would be a great present this festive season, with four beautiful designs to choose from on their page - what's not to love?

Other products are also available on their website, or checkout their Instagram.

Bespoke Lingerie - @dahliahanna_ (on Instagram)

Dahalia offers handmade lingerie & loungewear, so if you're looking for something original to gift someone (or treat yourself with) then this is the perfect place to order from.

Ranging from individual bespoke pieces, to sets, you'll be sure to find your perfect fit - so be sure to check out her Instagram to see some more stunning pieces.

Luxury repurposed jewellery - @luxhut_ (on Instagram)

These stunning pieces are a great way to level up an outfit & be a staple in anyone jewellery box (not to mention an AMAZING present by anyones standards).

The Lux Hut offer exclusive repurposed jewellery. With an array of products made from genuine designer components, you can get your hands on designer pieces from here without the designer price tag, so make sure you keep an eye out for new releases.

Satin Face Mask & Scrunchie set - @lucy_stokes_intimates (on Instagram)

Who said safety couldn't be stylish? These matching sets would make a great present for anyone who likes being a little extra, they're available in a variety of colours & for purchasing separately as well as part of a set.

Lucy also offers handmade lingerie, clothing, jewellery & Christmas stockings so you'll be sure to find something you love on her page.

Designer inspired bags - @thelillylook (on Instagram)

'The Lilly Bag' (pictured) has got to be one of my favourites from their collection so far, but with so many different styles to choose from on their website you're sure to find something that catches your eye whilst you're on the hunt for the perfect present.

The Lilly Look have some exciting things coming this December so make sure you keep a look out on their Instagram for their latest releases as well as some inspo!

Smooth Hair Stick* - @easyhairday (on Instagram)

*previously gifted

This is the perfect stocking filler for a girl on the go. It's easy to pop in a handbag for days out & keeps those flyways tamed at the stroke of a brush. If you're looking for a practical present that will actually be used, this is the one to go for!

Find them here.

I hope you find something you liked & that you discovered some small businesses to support this Christmas! Make sure you give them a follow on their social media accounts (tagged above) & share this blog post with some friends who might need some inspo - dropping hints never killed anyone, right? ;)

See you soon xoxo

04.01.20

Pillow Thoughts - Courtney Peppernell

So yesterday I planned to stay in all day catching up on uni work.

I thought I better get it over with so that I can enjoy the little time I have left here - here being Tenerife.

But my Dad had hired a little boat out for a few hours to go fishing with my brother, & just as they were about to leave I thought:

"f*ck it - I'm going too!"

Why stay in all day when I could spend time with my family & work under the sun?

So I threw my hair in a messy bun, packed a bikini, my uni work, some light reading & set off.

(This might seem like a random blog post but there is a point to this...)

Once we made it to the boat we set up & I found a spot ready to do some uni work - that was until I got roped into catching some fish myself.

If you know my Dad you know he has his little ways of guilt-tripping me, so as usual, I conceded.

One of the crew taught me what to do & before I knew it I was catching fish at sea!

Funny that I've never done it before (unless you count me tagging along one of my Dads fishing trips to the lake when I was about seven as fishing) & I ended up catching more than everyone else - which I then rubbed in their faces the rest of the day.

Anyway, after my little fishing experience, I returned to my spot at the front of the boat & started catching up with the workload I'd been avoiding.

I'm not going to lie to you, it wasn't ideal to have to do uni work & it was still stressful but it was much better than it could've been being holed up in a room all day.

Doing uni work on a boat under the sun? I mean I'm not going to complain.

Once I'd decided that I'd had enough of my work for the day I picked up my book - Pillow thoughts by Courtney Peppernell.

(Side note: if you like poetry definitely give it a go. I've read it a few times now & still love it.)

And I just sat there under the sun. Reading. Content.

And when the sun started setting & as the sky was turning a bright shade of orange we spotted some dolphins by the boat.

I felt like I was in a movie. It all seemed so perfect.

Reading poetry on the deck with dolphins swimming by us, jumping around.

And in that moment, under the sunset watching all of these dolphins jump around in the sea I felt at peace.

There. On a boat so far away from everything. With no internet access. Just me & my book under the sunset.

I felt a sense of calm that I've never felt before.

And it was then, in that moment, I realised that it's the simple things in life. The unexpected & unplanned little moments that are the best.

Because had I planned to go on this trip I'm sure I'd have glammed up & got my brother to snap some good pics of me with his camera.

Yes, I'd have still experienced the sunset & the dolphins & the calm that undoubtedly comes with no internet access but I wouldn't have embraced the clarity of it - the beauty that comes with simplicity.

So there I was, standing there fresh-faced with a messy bun, mesmerized with the sheer beauty that surrounded me.

So I told myself to embrace these moments. To care less about this idea of 'perfection' & always planning the best days out because:

You don't plan the best moments in life - they just happen. xoxo

Here's to another year...

Just a snap of me on my 21st x

Happy New Year everyone!

As some of you may know my birthday was the 31st December, so this New Year I'm not only entering a new decade, but a new stage in my life as well!

Turning 21 is definitely bittersweet, but I can't wait to see what this year has in store for me!

Welcoming the new year usually comes along with resolutions. Things that people want to change about themselves & the unrealistic thought of 'new year new me.'

Now I'm not saying that setting goals is a bad thing - in fact I love setting myself little goals during the year - but why try to reinvent yourself just because?

I look forward to 2020 & all the love & light I'm sure it will bring me. But as I look back at 2019 I can't help but be proud of the person I have already become.

I've been on a rollercoaster of a year with plenty of ups & downs as I'm sure many of you have - because it wouldn't be life without the lows now would it?

It's because of these rough patches this past year that have taken me on a journey of self-discovery & self-love & care which has changed my attitude towards many aspects in my life & I'm grateful for that.

Because without these 'lows' you wouldn't appreciate the highs as much.

In 2019 I've lost friends I thought I'd have forever, & gained friends I never could've imagined. I've spent more quality time with family & loved ones & had some amazing experiences with my nearest & dearest. I traveled to Rome with one of my best friends - something I've dreamed of doing since I was young - & ate way more pasta & pizza than anyone should consume in 4 days!

It's been a year where I've loved, laughed, danced & drunk (sometimes a little too much). Because what's life without indulging a little?

It's also been the year I started my final year of university which has proved very stressful for me. Balancing the workload, social life, family time, as well as time for yourself has proved challenging but I've managed so far.

I've started reading again. Not just reading for my degree, but reading because I want to & because I enjoy it. It's something I stopped a few years ago because 'I didn't have the time' but I've made the conscious effort to find time this year & it's something I'll carry on doing for me.

I've thrown myself into my salsa dancing more this year, going to more social functions & trying harder to improve. On top of throwing myself more into salsa dancing, pole dancing is also something I started doing towards the tail-end of the year which is something I never thought I'd do. It's given me much more confidence & I've met some amazing people through it too.

2019 has proved to me that I'm stronger & more confident than I ever could've imagined & I'm proud of that.

I've learnt to accept myself & my flaws & actually love myself. Because like mama Ru says:

'If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?'

And I'm not about to argue with Ru...

So next year I'm going to stop caring what everyone else thinks & do things for me.

I'm going to take more leaps of faith because what good comes out of staying in your comfort zone?

I'm going to learn to say no more. In the past I've felt bad in case I let people down or I've felt like I had to say yes, but I'm going to start putting my priorities before everyone else's because if you don't put yourself first who will?

2020 will be the year I graduate from university & smash it (I'm speaking this into existence!)

This year I'll continue to find new places to travel to & make new memories in. I'll keep reading & doing things for me.

It's another year of memories with family & loved ones.

It's another year to be grateful for everything I have in life - including my health.

And it's another year of self-discovery, self-love & self-care.

So this year I won't be scared to love & laugh too much. I won't be scared to make mistakes - life's too short. This year I'll appreciate the gift that is life, & I'll try my hardest to enjoy & savour every moment that I can.

I'm looking forward to 2020 & all it has to bring. Not because it's a 'new year new me', but because it's another year I can work towards my goals & continue to strive to be the best version of myself.

So here's to 2020 & being unapologetically me this year! xoxo

Styling my new shacket

I've been desperate to share this shacket on my blog ever since I bought it at the beginning of the month. I walked into TopShop with every intention of quickly returning some trousers that I decided weren't for me & as usual, something else caught my attention...

This years' A/W shacket trend is one I'm definitely here for. But being a petite 5' girl, wearing already oversized garments usually presents as a problem for me.

Having previously tried on various shackets that looked gorgeous on the hanger (but not on), I was sure that this one would be no different - too good to be true & is just another trend I'll have to sit out of.

So it's fair to say that when I tried it on I was surprised with how flattering it looked!

Instead of being baggy and unflattering to my frame like the others I'd tried, this shacket fits in all the right places so avoids the dreaded look that the garment is wearing you rather than the other way around! And the leather tie really helps to accentuate your waist if that's the look you want to go for.

This shacket is a versatile piece for any wardrobe & I've been able to match it with an array of different outfits & styles.

£49 was money I really didn't budget spending at the time of this purchase, especially considering Christmas is around the corner too. But since I'd already returned something & I get 10% student discount in TopShop, I convinced myself that I wouldn't be spending too much & that it would be worth the investment.

And it's fair to say that in the past month I've owned this gorgeous piece it has definitely been worth the investment & has since become a staple in my wardrobe - I'm even considering getting the cream one too!

I won't bombard you with the many looks I've created with this shacket, but below are some snaps I took yesterday of how I've managed to style it up & down.

(p.s: it's currently still in the extended black Friday sale in TopShop so if you're looking for a new wardrobe staple hurry up & get one before the deals are over!)

Oversized T-shirt - Stradivarius
Faux leather trousers (petite) - TopShop

Rouched milkmaid top - TopShop
Faux leather trousers (petite) - TopShop

Satin bodysuit - Oh Polly
Mom jeans - TopShop

My hair care routine

Keeping healthy hair is hard at the best of times, but when you have long hair it's a whole other ball game!

I used to struggle to not use heat on my hair on almost a daily basis & obviously my hair eventually started to show it... But now I've learned how to look after my hair & keep it from getting dry & damaged.

I've had some people ask & gotten a few messages recently asking how I've managed to keep my hair so healthy whilst growing it out; so I thought I'd write this post & include some of my go tos!

I've had long hair for a few years now, with it being waist-length most of the time (sometimes longer) until I decide it's gotten too long for me & I get a couple of inches taken off!

Short hair has never been something I've gone for, so it's fair to say I've had some experience when it comes to taking care of my long locks.

Here are some of my go-to tips when it comes to keeping my hair long & healthy:

1. Invest in a shampoo & conditioner that's right for your hair type! Everyone's hair is different so what works well for some might not for others, if you're unsure then ask your hairdresser what you should look for. Also, try & get a conditioner or hair mask that locks in & adds moisture.
2. Use heated styling tools as little as possible! I can't stress this one enough - the less heat you put on your hair the better! This is the easiest way to avoid your hair drying out & ensuring it stays hydrated.
3. This one kind of steps on point number 2 - but instead of using a curling iron why not use rollers instead? Try & find better alternatives for your day-to-day hairstyles...your hair will love you for it.
4. Don't use a fine comb or hairbrush straight after washes. This is when your hair is at it weakest & is more likely to break! Comb through it with your fingers or a wide toothed comb.
5. Try to schedule your hair washes around your free time. Wash your hair when you're not in a rush to leave the house, that way you don't have to dry your hair fully with a hairdryer. Towel dry then let your hair dry naturally when you can!
6. Book in with your hairdresser for regular cuts to get rid of any split ends & keep your hair looking healthy. If you're growing your hair out then make sure you only get the very ends taken off when you go.

xoxo

My Hopes for 2019

As another year draws to a close & the new year is upon us, it's hard not to look back & reflect on 2018 & all that it's brought.

For me it's been a bit of a rollercoaster if I'm honest, with some of the highest highs, but also some of my lowest lows. But looking back on what 2018 has bought me, I'm grateful for everything I've been faced with - both the good & the bad - as it's made me a stronger person as a result.

Now then, my hopes or 'resolutions' as many people call them aren't the standard: "I'll go to the gym more...", "I'll eat healthier...", "I'll make sure I keep onto of my work..." & so on.

But instead, for 2019 my hopes are to start putting myself first again;

To prioritise myself & my goals;

To take some time for myself;

& last but not least, to generally care for myself more & give myself more credit.

These things probably sound basic, but prioritising myself & my mental health is so important! Sometimes with everything going on it's hard to remember to put yourself first, & this year I've let myself take a backseat.

So in 2019 let's all try to put ourselves first a bit more & do what's best for us! I know I'll be going into the new year with an open mind & ready to make this year one to remember!

Bye 2018 it's been a pleasure but...thank you, next! xoxo

Christmas Gift Ideas for the girls

Happy December everyone!

For once I’ve managed to get all of my Christmas shopping done already and not left any of it until the last minute.

Personally I’ve got to say I’m quite proud of myself! (Although I couldn’t help but treat myself to a few bits too - can’t win them all though I guess.)

But if you haven’t finished Christmas shopping yet - or for those that haven’t even started - I’ve put together a few affordable bits and bobs to help you with that Christmas shop!

Whether it's shopping for your secret santa or family and friends, hopefully there's a few bits here to help you with it!

(All the websites are linked below.)

Who wouldn't want a new scarf this time of year?
River Island - £18

This set has everything you need and is perfect for people starting out with strobing! Plus it's 3 for 2 on selected Christmas gifts like this one at Boots.
Boots - £16

The ideal gift set for skin care lovers.
Beauty Bay - £16

Topshop - £11.60

Would look great with the earrings above am I right?!
Topshop - £7.25 

How cute are these slippers? I'm living for the llama trend right now.
New Look - £11.99

A perfect set for perfume lovers.
Debenhams - £25.50

With tips on how to care less and do more, this book makes a great stocking filler!
SkinnyDip - £12.99

Lush - £14.95

This big 1kg bag of bath salts will be sure to put a smile on anyone's face who loves a bit of a pamper.
Beauty Bay - £9.95

ASOS pyjama set - £38