On December

Definitely not my footprints, but those of a giant!

I am writing this snuggled up, after finishing the first season of The Crown (so good), seated at just the right angle to be able to watch the snow. I absolutely love snow; it is my all time favourite form of weather. As soon as I realised it was snowing, I wrapped up and went straight out into it. I love the crunch it makes and the glisten when it lays untouched. 

Here are some things I have been loving lately. 

Reading - I have always read a lot and since commuting I get through about a book a week. I have recently just finished His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. I never read the second two books when I was younger but I got completely lost in them last month. I also highly recommend The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell; it was such a lighthearted, easy read, perfect for an afternoon. 

KeepCup - I ordered one of these a little while ago after Boyf found it and thought it would be something really useful. This is such a great company; essentially they are trying to revolutionise the way we currently go to coffee shops by promoting using a reusable cup instead of the paper ones (which are horrendous for the environment). I got a Long Play which keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot - and you can design your own!

Nigella Lawson - Have you been watching At My Table? I have re-discovered my love of Nigella. I recently met her at Stylist Live after watching her speak, where she was actually quite inspirational. In her new book, she writes about how complicated life can be and how it is so nice to just gather around a table and eat food which isn't complicated. She deifnitely advocates a very nice way of living!

Fortnum & Masons - I love Fortnum's. I subscribed to their emails a little while ago and everything they do is crafted so wonderfully. They make such simple things seem so luxurious; I have been over the last couple of days really enjoying their Christmas Spiced Tea. Definitely a little Christmas luxury in it's beautiful tin! 

Christmas at Southbank - We went here last week to explore the Christmas market, expecting it to be fairly standard. However, it was so much better than expected! It has the usual little stalls of crafted goods, food and mulled beverages, but it also goes all the way through into an Alpine-esque Ski Lodge with fire pits. A really lovely smaller alternative to Winter Wonderland. 

Christmas is only 15 days away (!) as is 2018 drawing ever closer. I am about to write my Christmas cards (which I am making myself this year for a lucky few!) with some classic Christmas music in the background. I hope you are all enjoying the snow (if you are experiencing it!) 

Here's to the last few weeks of weeks 2017!

xoxo

On November

Hi Guys.

How are you all?

It's been some time (again).

I am quite a fan of numerous aspects of November. I love Autumn (which I did way before it became 'a thing'). I love getting cosy. Thanksgiving is also possibly my second favourite holiday of the year (despite being British). It's such a lovely holiday; it's like Christmas with the food, merryment and decorations but without the stress and commitment of gifts. It's just about being thankful and grateful. Of all my time spent in America, that time of year was definitely one of my favourite parts. 

With that in mind, here are some updates and things I am currently really thankful. 

Big News. I moved out! Hopefully there will be some more on this to come (the stress, the ups and downs, the packing, oh my word the packing). It's exciting and scary and fun. I am full on adulting now. 

Following from that, I am falling back in love with make up again. Now, I didn't exactly fall out of love, but what with making my morning routine as slick and quick as possible, I used about three products and that was it. But now I have more time (shorter commute for the win!) I am rediscovering everything I used to love about taking that bit more time with make up. (I even ordered the Morphe palette on my lunch break..I regret nothing, it's incredible).

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. If you take any notice of any books I ever mention or that anyone recommends, read this. It is incredible. I have never, ever, been so utterly absorbed and invested in a book. I genuinely felt as though I knew the characters and they were a part of my life. Honestly, one of the best books I have ever read. 

Our building has a gym so I am finally getting back into exercising. My confidence in regards to fitness and body image has definitely become something that I have become more aware of since not doing any exercise at all so I am so happy that I can now get this back on track. I am also currently very motivated; I need to do something to counteract all the new Christmas beverages! 

Glossier. They finally ship to the UK! I know that this is not news at all, but I have ordered some of their products and thus far, am very impressed! Watch this space for more details. (Also, the packaging is worth placing an order alone). 

I also want to say thank you to everyone who has followed this blog over the years, and to the newcomers. It's been a bit of a slow journey here recently, but I am working on it. This year has been difficult in more ways than one and The Kazlight Anthem has fallen by the wayside. But I have plans on numerous levels, so please bear with me. 

Thank you all and here's to November! 

xoxo

On Recent Reads

Photo Credit

I have somewhat at least mentioned (I think?) that I have been absolutely ploughing through books lately. I don't remember the last time I read this many books. It is honestly the one, and I mean the one good thing about commuting. 

So here are some of the books I have loved recently and am definitely recommending!

Talking as Fast as I Can - Lauren Graham

This is a must for Gilmore Girls lovers. It's a really great, quick easy read that will make you want to re-re-rewatch Gilmore Girls and A Year In The Life and fall back in love with Lorelai and Rory all over again. It is autobiographical and sees Lauren go through her childhood, how she got into acting and everything in between. Including all thoughts on the latest episodes of Gilmore Girls - the end if a cliffhanger right?! Right?!

The Light Between Oceans - M L Stedman

This was such an original read and not one that I had ever been planning on reading (I acquired it as a bitter act of revenge when a doctor's appointment was stupidly delayed and refused to swap for another book ... ) Yet it was really good. I loved all of the characters and felt all of their emotions and would genuinely be unsure what to do in their situation also. A young couple who live in a lighthouse discover a washed up boat with a man and a baby inside and it follows their subsequent lives. It's a great story of the distance that love can go. 

Birds Art Life Death: A Field Guide to the Small and Significant - Kyo Maclear

This one I had been wanting to read for a little while (I'd heard so much!) Following the remaining time of her Father's life, Kyo begins to explore what life really means and what we can make of it. She begins to follow a birdwatcher and learns how the small and significant can be the things that really mean the most. This is one of those books (such as Marina Keegan's The Opposite of Loneliness) that will go into a special section of my bookshelves for those books that give more meaning to the more mundane and ordinary lives. One of those books that makes you want to do what you love and pursue your dreams more. 

The book is also filled with little drawings and is written really beautifully. And I am by no means at all interested in birds, but this did make me start to pay more attention to them!

Into The Water - Paula Hawkins

I mentioned this in my last post; I got through this literally in a few days. And I as I finished the last few pages I litrally sat there going Ohmygosh!!!!! Even to the final paragraph. There are a lot of narartors going on here and it does jump around a lot which some people have said they found difficult to follow. But for me I just felt it added to the mystique and intrigue. If you enjoyed Girl on the Train, then you will definitely like this one. I think it is a much better story (and I loved Girl on the Train), but the characters have a bit more depth and it sucked me in a lot more. 

I could carry on with this list, but I think I will save my further recommendations for now...but let me just say that Kate Atkinson has become of my new all time favourite authors. Life After Life anyone?!

Let me know your thoughts and any recommendations please send forth!

xoxo

On Sundays

Once again, apologies for the delay. Life is busy and a pain and gets in the way. 

Anyway. 

Happy Bank Holiday! 

What are your plans? How is your weather where you are? Have you had an obligatory Pimms yet? 

I have just been chilling; however the clouds are looming and the Sun seems to have disappeared. No matter; there is still one more day! 

Here are some things that are on my radar currently. 

As we speak I am listening to Harry Styles' new album. For those that know me, I am by no means a One Direction or et al fan, but this is good. His carpool karaoke also? A must watch. 

I got a FitBit! I love it. I have the Charge 2; hopefully more on this to come soon. 

I'm considering beginning Bullet Journalling.  

Working right around the corner from KikkiK is both a blessing and a curse.I am absolutely loving everything they are doing currently. 

I am ploughing through books right now. (Thank you long commute). I am currently reading Paula Hawkins' Into the Water. I am hooked!

I'm giving blood this week; sign up now!

Have you been to Melt Room? Such a good idea - the specials are incredible.

Slowly rediscovering my old favourite blogs: Gal Meets Glam, The College Prepster, The Londoner.

Enjoy your Bank Holiday Mondays!

xoxo

On Life

First things First. 

Apologies. 

My sudden disappearance for about 5 months was not planned or intentional. But as Summer says in 500 Days of Summer, what happened was what always happens: Life. 

Life gets in the way. Of essentially everything. And yes we are all busy, and we all have things to do, and we all have commitments, and we all want to just do nothing sometimes. So life shouldn't really be used as an excuse. But really it is all I have. 

Working a full time job (that's more than 9-5) plus commuting takes up a significant amount of time. When it was dark as I got up and left for work, and dark as I came home it was really hard to adapt and appreciate what I was doing. I would come home, eat my dinner and not move from in front of the TV until I went to bed. 

I was exhausted and feeling very 'meh'. But now the heavy onset of winter seems to finally be fading into a more dusky morning, there quite literally is light at the end of the tunnel. I am embarking on some really exciting projects. My commuting routine is down to a T (except for of course when a strike or fault hits, then we are all in the horrendous boat of delay). 

I have always been on a 'day-to-day' basis. That hasn't particularly changed, but now my days are planned out hour by hour; my calendar is colour coordinated. 

The first 6 months of the particular industry that I am in is said to be the worst. It is claimed to be utterly horrendous when you are starting out. I am nearly at the end of that bridge and it definitely is looking up. There is purpose and reason. There are projects and rewards. The 'Sunday Scaries' still set in, but that's okay. Because on Monday morning I know I am in the exact same position as everyone else that is crammed onto a train so that they can't actually feel their hands nor are you actually carrying your bag because it is just being held up by the mobs. And time flies pretty quickly when you have too much to do. 

In other news though; I miss my blog. I miss blogging. So I am going to endeavour to return on a more regular basis. 

Because there are so many things I want to explore and share.

My new blender and how everyone needs one. 

How the last three books I have read have seen all of the main characters die (also why you should not read these kinds of books if you are not enjoying your day job).

Why working round the corner from Kikki.K, Mac and Jack Wills is a serious problem.

That my best friend had a baby. 

Why having a routine is beyond necessary if you have little free time. 

That Dublin is amazing and everyone should go.

So please bare with me and thank you all for still coming back despite the lack of new content. Let us all endeavour to do that bit more than just 'our daily lives' (but maybe after Monday...)

xoxo 

On Sundays

It's been a while hasn't it? Things are probably going to be a little slow around here for a little while as I foray into the real world and becoming an actual adult (?!?!) I started my actual jobjob on Monday (#workinggirl) and so am slowly working on a whole new routine. This now means early mornings. I commute now (!). Prepping lunch the night before. Enjoying dress down Fridays. So bare with me everyone; we will get there! 

In the meantime, here are some things that I have been loving in my absence from here :)

Gap Leggings. And by leggings, I mean the stretchiest jeans I have ever put my legs into. And I only do the stretchiest of stretchy jeans. INCREDIBLE. 

H&M are quite on it right now. I got an incredible work bag from there for under £30 (it seems to have escaped the website), but they have such good things at the moment for Autumn.

I will be enjoying the Lush Sparkly Pumpkin tonight!  

M&S Cookie Dough Bites. Seriously amazing. 

Have you been to Milk Train? See the above photo for why you should!

The Apprentice. Anyone that says thank you for being fired is a legend in my book.

I've rediscovered my love of Vaseline (mainly the Cocoa butter one). I don't care that people say it actually isn't good for your lips; it is so soothing on any dry skin.

This article about career advice was so good.

Got this table mirror from Ikea. It maybe a little too big for my desk, but makes putting make up on so much easier (and I feel a little fancier!)

YANKEE SOFT COTTON CANDLE. Why did I deny you for so long!?

The likelihood that I will be internet free next weekend is high, but I hope to post at least something in the coming days... 

Have a good week, and Happy Sunday!

xoxo

On Sundays

This week has been pretty crazy and intense! I have barely stopped for one reason or another; nothing that I want to mention just yet... but we shall see! I'm just trying to spend this Sunday relaxing and catching up on tv that I've missed this week.
Have a good weekend!

How often do you call your mum?

I've tried cute new cupcake places lately; Cutter&Squidge and Sweetheart. I need more recommendations!

I loved this post about the things no one tells you about friendship. 

I recently signed up to Claire Carusillo's newsletter. I already love it.

A great post about changing your eyebrows.

Did you watch Absolutely Fashion, the Vogue documentary?!

I am in love with a journal; but two different prints! This one and this one; I can't decide!

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

On Graduating

Being now about seven weeks since I graduated (!!!) I thought that it was now a good time to share some of my thoughts on Graduating with you all!

Graduation Day is a really strange, but fun and exciting day. It is from your point of view, basically all about you. You get to wear the robes. You get to wear the hat (which is nowhere near as fun as the robes). You get free beverages. You get to walk across a stage and get your certificate. 

Everything about your degree culminates on just that one day. It's kind of a big thing. 

And then suddenly it's all done and that's that. 

Before you graduate, but once you have finished exams and everything, you are officially termed a Graduand. The period of time is pretty great. You are on a high and loving life. You have just finished some of the best years of your life, you may not know what you're doing and the world seems all ahead of you.

Then you graduate. 

And all of a sudden you are in a whole other world as a Graduate. You need a job. You need somewhere to live. You need income. And it can take a long time for everything to properly settle down; for you to decide what you're doing and where you're going. It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time. 

My status for a siginificant chunk of my Graduand/Graduate period was 'doing nothing'. Then the reality sets in and you really should start doing something. It's a time of change, and getting rid of old things and bringing in the new. It's weird, and wonderful all at the same time. 

So essentially, I'm looking forward to this whole new chapter, but I have no idea what it entails. Which both excites and terrifies me! 

xoxo

On Sundays

Happy Sunday! Boyf and I spent the week eating good food, having  picnics and going on long walks; if only we had a dog!

Here are some things that I've been loving lately.

House hunting? Hopefully you won't experience any of these Terrible Estate Agent Photos!

If you're a Gilmore Girls fan, then like me you'd be wishing you could go to this town's fan fest.

The Vogue Documentary air dates have been released!

I adore my Victoria's Secret travel make up brushes and their related sets are so nice.

I have just rediscovered this song by Dry The River.

The Danish Collection has fast become one of the shops I wish had money to spend it all in.

I keep reading reviews of Emma Cline's The Girls; cannot wait to read!

Everything leather from KikkiK.

Have a good week!

xoxo

On Sundays

Boyf and I sadly ended up having to chamge our plans so we have been chilling and trying to make the most of freedom! I hope you have all had a lovely weekend and here are some things I've been loving lately. 

The Olympics has brought out some great photos. This one of Usain Bolt and this one of Jess Ennis Hill are brilliant.

This video of Trump supporters is ridiculous.

How jazzy is this song called Karina?!

Pantone cafe!

I cannot get enough of Rosie's Instagram.

Although Summer is quickly leaving us, I loved this post for Summer reading.

Do you have runner's knee? I certainly do!

M&S have got a huge sale going on right now.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

On Saving Money (And On Not Spending It!)

Photo from www.katelavie.com - I used this as inspiration for the lovely things that can be done with money!

I have mentioned previously that I am on a strict spending ban. This is all in a bid to save money. Now this is not something that I am actively bad at; I have always saved birthday and Christmas money. However I do have a fairly bad spending habit (not to mention my year abroad did pretty much drain my savings, but that's another story). 

Now that I've graduated, I have moved back home, and with the knowledge that I will probably be here for at least a year, I want to save as much as possible in order to make it all the easier for when I do move out. (Boyf is already concerned about the kind of home interior that I want!) So I thought that I would share some of the ways in which I have been saving money lately, and how I have avoided spending any!

Not Going Out - This seems like an obvious one, but I am not actually referring to the Micky Flanagan 'out out' situation here. I am meaning plain going shopping kind of out. As Mother and I always say, if we don't go out, then we are not tempted to buy anything! Plus the fact, shopping with no money is just not fun. Instead of my usual fairly frequent trips down the town, I have been far more productive inside!

Organising - I have been having a full on clear out of my room. (The amount of stuff I had kept and who knows why was beyond ridiculous). This has meant that I have gotten rid of a lot of clothes (and other things). Clothes can easily be taken to Cash For Clothes sites where you are paid for giving your clothes away based on the weight. Not to mention upcoming boot sales!

Do I Need It? - When having looked at something I really like, I have thought to myself, 'Do I need it? Will I actually use it? Where will it go?' All of these kinds of questions generally result in negative answers, meaning that I do not buy anymore things that I do not need nor have any room for. (Read: no more books, make up, moisturisers etc.) 

Piggy Banks - Yes I am 22. And yes I have a piggy bank. Which is in fact a giant pig named Penny. And as ridiculous as it sounds, having put all of my money that I have acquired (the amount I found in aforementioned clear out!) has been put in there. Not only do I forget I have it, but I also cannot easily get it. (Don't worry, it will be going to the bank!) 

Having Ideals and Wishlists - Knowing that I like to buy things, knowing that I like to have what I want and do what I want, and having some sort of ideal of what I want to be doing and where I want to be living all helps with the fact that these all require money. And having money means saving. Following Boyf's advice, I have started a wishlist, helping to narrow down the things that I do really want. Keeping all of my ideals (and kind of dreams I guess :') ) in mind helps to put down the reduced bedding set that I do not need. 

Hopefully these have helped to motivate you to save some money and be more frugal!

Are you a spender or a saver?

xoxo

On Bad Habits

Image from nightmismart.tumblr.com

Since moving back home I have started to fall back into some bad habits of mine. The awareness of these has only just started to dawn on me, but admittance is the first stage of recovery right? So here are a few of my bad habits that I am going to try and break! 

- I really struggle to cleanse my face if I'm not going to put make up on. If I'm just staying indoors all day, then I tend to just not bother; my poor skin! 

- Exercise. I went for my first run in a long time this week. Oh my word. I've gotten so unfit. Definitely need to work on this one!

- Flossing. I have actually improved lately with this one, but remembering to floss on a daily basis is such a struggle. 

- Drinking only tea. I've added in some green but I sooo should be drinking more water!

- Eating waaay too much. Portion control needs to happen. 

With some time on my hands, I am going to be making a habit of breaking these bad habits! (I feel no shame for how cringey that sounds). 

What are your bad habits?

xoxo

On Books | The Opposite of Loneliness - Marina Keegan

A few weeks ago I did post about this book over on Instagram, telling everyone that they need to read this book. This had been on my to-read list for a long time and I ordered it a couple of months back from Amazon after seeing someone else post about it and thought that now was the right time to read it. 

Marina had just graduated from Yale in 2012. I was just about to graduate when I started to read The Opposite of Loneliness. Tragically, Marina died four days after graduation; a tragedy which I think only hightens just how wonderful this book is. 

A combination of essays and stories, Marina's writing is amazing. I did not even realise at first that I was reading fiction, and not her own life, when I first started the book. That is how well she draws you into the stories. The essays (most of which were written for the Yale Daily News), all involve considerations that seem so mature and well thought out for someone so young (because I'm so old!) She was clearly highly intelligent; she knew what she was good at and how to do it, and do it she did. In her essays she covered thoughts that probably all 20 somethings have about how hard life is and what we are going to do with ourselves. She discusses topics that were obviously very close to her such as the conservation of whales and being a celiac. All of which are written in a way that makes you feel as if you are reading the thoughts directly from Marina's mind. 

The stories also hit directly on the emotions of the characters that you feel as though you know them, that they are your friends, that you are there going through the motions with them. 

The way that Marina writes gives you hope and inspires you to find something that you love and to pursue it. And with the knowledge that Marina could not do the same, it almost compels you to go and do that thing because of her. 

If nothing else, I truly found this book inspiring. At moments it was sad, funny, just good old interesting. If you read nothing else this year, then make it this book. I cannot explain how much I adored this book and want everyone else to as well.

xoxo

On Mondays

I know, I know what you're probably thinking. She doesn't normally post about Mondays? But seeing as July saw me quite absent from the blog, I thought we might as well shake things up a bit! 

A lot has happened. 

July saw me move back home, watch the boyf graduate, graduate myself as well as fill my days with anything at all. I have read numerous books. Cleared through old magazines like there is no tomorrow. Celebrated birthdays. Eaten way too much food. Met new people. Organised my beauty collection (I do not need anything.)
Now we are over a week into August (already!) and here is a Sunday-meets-Monday post for you, filled with the things that I've been loving lately.

I (finally!) bought this plate and the matching cup from H&M.

I am absolutely loving Bear's Den and Blossoms music wise.

I am currently in a phase of trying to make bendy rollers a thing.

Mac Velvet Teddy. Enough said.

These M&S glasses are my new favourites.

After seeing the poster at tube stations, I've just watched the trailer for Wiener-Dog; definitely on my must-see list!

I recently acquired a Jack Wills rucksack; their bags are so en pointe.

It's the Olympics! I'm finding Google the best way to keep up with it all.

I am really appreciating having started my One Line a Day Diary last year; reading back what I was doing is really really nice.

This Boots Time Delay moisturiser is my new favourite.

If I wore glasses, I would definitely buy this Paperchase case.

It took me a half hour at least to unsubscribe from Apple Music; unsubscribe today from everything you're accidentally paying for!

The Garnier Ultimate Blends Collection have been the cause of me receiving a fair few comments on the condition of my hair lately; the Honey Restorer is the way to go!

How was your July?!
xoxo

On Sundays

Happy Sunday! Mother and I went to a family wedding yesterday and it was really lovely. We have now been running around all day trying to get things done just before I go back up to uni tomorrow. And then ... Boyf and I are off to Rome! We leave on Wednesday morning; keep your eyes peeled for Italian posts ;) 

I have hunted around EVERYWHERE this week for this Oliver Bonas make up bag (not including the three odd years I searched!). IT'S FINALLY IN STOCK!

Do you Thank Google? And say please?

The Great British Beerathon.

Romeow - Rome's first cat cafe!

I really want these H&M bowls.

I've been really liking Jasmine Dowling's blog.

There's a live camera of the Trevi Fountain!

I'm loving Catfish and the Bottlemen's new single.

After a long weekend, I am happy for a night in!

xoxo

On Hammy Birthday! - OhhDeer Competition

Guys! If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you might have already seen that I entered into OhhDeer's Greeting Card Competition! I have always been creative (I almost did Art at university, believe it or not!) and this is hopefully a sign of exciting things to come. Watch this space!

In the meantime I would really appreciate it if you could vote for me!

You can vote here; check out all the entries as well. Some of them are really great! 

Happy Friday!

xoxo

On Sundays

As it is currently Bank Holiday we have gone back to the boyf's for the weekend. The first glasses of Pimms have been had, which essentially means it is nearly Summer! I hope you are all enjoying a nice Bank Holiday and here are some things I've been enjoying this week. 

We have recently started watching Taskmaster on Dave. Ohmyword, it is so funny. Greg Davies gets comedians to do completely stupid and ridiculous things. Definitely check it out! 

Speaking of programmes. In The Club on BBC. It's Series 2. Seriously, catch up and watch!

This video of Tube lines as People is also really funny. 

I've recently been lusting over all the jewellery on Oh My Clumsy Heart.

I had my eyebrows waxed by Benefit this week. As part of #BoldisBeautiful you get a free Gimme Brow with every pre-booked appointment in May! Hurry!

I've been reading a lot of articles about drinking more water. This was a great piece.

Some of these Nora Ephron quotes are priceless.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

On Running

If you follow me on Instagram then you might have noticed some of the pictures of my morning runs. For those that know me, they could easily tell you I do not run. I dance, but I do not run. I will gym, but I will not run. 

However waaaay back in March, the boyf (who does Triathlon here at uni), wanted to sign up to a 10K. It was the Two Castles Run, from Warwick Castle to Kenilworth Castle. When he first mentioned it I paid no mind. Then at work one evening, a supervisor commented that she was thinking of doing it and had never before run in her life. 

So I thought why couldn't I do it? I had run of sorts before (to the gym, and back home again afterwards). 10K is only about 6 miles, so why couldn't I do it? 

Walking home the next day I said to the boyf that you know, maybe I could do the run as well. It's not really that far and I have plenty of time to start training.

So that's what I did! 

Today actually marked a breakthrough for me! I ran just over 10K! This is the furthest that I have ever run before and it wasn't too bad. I had had a week off due to a dodgy knee [it goes every now and then, like an old woman, both of my knees are a bit dodgy]. Last week and the week before I had really been struggling to do my average distance let alone increase it. 

But today I pushed through and ran over those 6 miles just to prove to myself that I could do it. 

I started training at the end of March/April time. I started slow at first, just doing about 2 miles. I was running every other day (which I still do now). I gradually increased this to 3 miles and tried to go a little faster each time. 

When I got back to uni, I started running along the canal (which is beautiful!) and had a much better idea of my distance and pace. I was doing about 4 miles (just over 6K) every other day. This was two weeks ago, when the knee suddenly went. Hayfever also decided to be that little bit worse (why wouldn't it??). So under instruction from the boyf, I took a week off.

And as this morning showed it really helped!! 

Now don't get me wrong. I am by no means an expert on anything running or exercise related. I know what works for me and what I can do (which is a lot more than I ever thought!) And I pretty much hate running whilst I'm doing it. Some days it's okay. Other days I hate it and wonder why I'm doing it to myself. But I love the results. My legs look better than ever; I'm losing a little bit of weight; my skin looks clearer (partly also due to the increased intake of water!); and I just kind of feel better in myself. I'm running and I'm doing it for me. 

The run itself is 12th June; three weeks away! And up until today I was not at all feeling prepped. But now I know that I can definitely do it, it's all about getting that better time and pushing myself a little bit harder. Which I know I definitely will. 

Let me know if you're a runner and are training or thinking of starting! 

xoxo

On Sundays

This weekend marks the end of nearly all of my degree! If you follow me on Twitter, you'll have seen that this week I've done two exams, handed in two long essays and my dissertation! With one exam to go the end is nigh! I hope your weeks have been productive and that you've had a relaxing weekend; here are some of the things I've been relaxing with this week. 

I read this article about two buildings in New York having a Post-It War. Some of the creations are amazing!

I bought two new hair masks the other day and cannot wait to try them! I got this Tresemme Oleo Radiance Creamy Moisturiser and the L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil Mask Pot. Both on offer right now!

I watched a whole load of these Nifty videos yesterday; love the Washi Tape Bookmarks!

After finally having the time to paint my nails I am loving Revlon - Fearless.

The boyf and I have been loving watching this guy's videos; he's Italian, called Gennaro, and is just so happy!

We have also been loving the half price frappes at Starbucks this week. The S'mores ones are so good. And today is the last day of half price! 

I really want this Paperchase notebook. (I almost bought it the other day when the boyf made me put it back; I will have it!)

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

On Sundays

After going out to dinner last night and falling asleep to the final of Masterchef, I did not take my make up off properly, meaning that I now have smudged and smeared lipstick over my wrists where I've wiped it off in the night. Please tell me I'm not alone in having done this? I know I won't be alone in saying that revision is  just not getting better, so here are a few things to help you have a relaxing start to Sunday whether you're revising or not!

It was the Met Gala on Monday; I mentioned my sort-of-underwhelmed state about the fashion. My sister agreed! What were your thoughts?

It's Vogue's Centenary year! I've started off my weekend reading through their gorgeous special edition with Kate Middleton on the cover. I have loved Vogue for many many years and my wardrobes are topped with my multiple stacks of them! 

This Princeton professor made a CV of all his failings (I feel mean saying that!). He listed all the academic placements that he did not get to show his pupils that not getting something isn't always a bad thing. 

Whilst trying to finish reading through my (36 page!!!) dissertation, my motivation started to wane. I bought this pouch/clutch as a treat to myself to power through. It's hand-made, limited edition, and I got one of the last two in stock! Not to mention it's beautiful!
(p.s. see it here too!)

Feel Unique has 15% off Benefit! (And other deals too!)

I recently bought these sandals and am already loving them!

Nyx is doing so well right now. Their Lip Lingerie range and their Soft Mattes have been my go-to lip products for months!

Labour's Sadiq Khan is sworn as London's new Mayor.

Happy Sunday!

xoxo