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 Taste of London 2017

Have you ever been to Taste of London Festival? It is so good! It is rated as being one of the best Food Festivals in London and definitely deserves that title (I haven't been to any others but I ended up going to this one two days running and was not at all disappointed so I feel I am safe in giving my opinion here). 

As with all festivals, you buy a ticket and then have free reign throughout the event. It is basically stalls and stalls and stalls of food and drink. Held in Regent's Park it is of course in a great location and easy to get to.

There are samples galore. You can go most of the day without actually spending that much and still feeling full. Nearly every stall has samples of some kind or are giving away something free. All in the name of promotion and deliciousness! 

Then there are the plates you can buy. They are around £4-12 for a dish and are so good. Each of the restaurants there does some of their signature dishes (on small scale and takeaway plates so you can gorge on everything) and some fancier ones especially for the Festival. There are differrent dishes across the days. These are so good. We tried one of our favourite restaurants, Balls and Company as they had Squid Ink dishes which we hadn't tried. I could not recommend enough! There are restaurants such as Temper that become so much more accessible to try. The cocktails are incredible as well. You could get ones in a whole pineapple! 

There is a whole range of food and bevbevs and something to please everyone.

The Festival is over for this year, but definitely go next year! We ended up going both Saturday and Sunday (long story) and loved both days!

It's definitely a lot of fun in a group. I would say that it is not reeeeally the best place for children; the majority of the beverages there are alcholic. 

Speaking of; did I mention the masterclasses? We did a Gin one with Sipsmith (free!) and it was incredible! You can learn so much.

And there are all the food masterclasses and shows and all the fancy stuff. We did a 'Become your own Barista' class with illy; I was abismal. You can see my latte up above; but it tasted good! There are also a load of start ups meaning that you get to try brand new products. 

It's a really great day out and I will be reminding you all to go next year if you are a foodie (or drinkie...)

Would you go?

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 Adulting | Tidying Up Social Media

Image Credit Kate La Via (via Pinterest)

Have you ever stalked yourself on social media? Yes, it sounds cringey, but also it shows you what you're actually posting and talking about. It lets you see what other people see, and when I say other people, really I mean potential employers.

At my part time job yesterday I took a CV from someone. Upon handing it to the managers, they then facebook stalked him to actually see what he's like. Although they were joking, they called it 'screening'. Social media today is the main way to actually find out about someone before you meet them. I definitely used it before all of my interviews to check out the people I'd be interviewing with!

Even if you aren't trying to get a job, it's still good to make sure that your social media isn't representing you in any bad light. Don't for example, complain about your job or your co-workers. Bad days, and bad weather, sure! But the fact that Dave just got promoted over you again, probably not. It sounds obvious, but you would be surprised by the amount of things we post online that we maybe should shy away from! 

Having a great day or found a really interesting article? Share away! If you are going to post something that will make people stop and think hang on, so that's what they're like, maybe don't post it. Swearing can also come across as quite abrasive, as well as politics and all that jazz. Essentially, just make sure you'd be happy with anyone and everyone reading what you're posting! 

*Note: I am not by any means an expert in these things. However I have done a lot of research and have been in touch closely with recruitment companies so am sharing my findings!

Have you checked out your social media?

xoxo

On Books | The Girl On The Train - Paula Hawkins

I mentioned that I had barely put this book down since getting it the other day. Quite literally. I got it last Wednesday; I finished it yesterday! I really enjoyed it and finally understand the hype! I also thought it was a great autumnal read; it isn't a cosy read, but it's definitely one that you can stay in all day when it's cold and wet and just keep reading. 

The book follows Rachel, who goes on the same trains every day and passes the same houses every day. She sees the same people and has conjured up lives and names for them as if she knows them. Her over active imagination leads her to eventually becoming involved in a murder investigation. Being an alcoholic and emotionally unstable, Rachel is quite a complex character (I can also see how Emily Blunt will be so good in this role!) Her story develops so well throughout the book as more and more of her past becomes unveiled and everything starts to make a little more sense about who she is. 

It also follows two other women, Anna and Megan. Anna is Rachel's ex-husbands new wife. Megan is one of the people Rachel sees from the train. As the book progresses, it becomes very clear that they are all in fact very much intertwined. 

The book is a thriller and gets darker and darker as it continues. I did not see the ending coming until very late in the book. But that's probably just me as I don't like to try and work out how it will end. For some people however it was probably kind of predictable, but I personally did not find that. 

The only negative comments I would make is that it is written by date, then morning and evening. This meant that sometimes I would have to turn back to see how the days were following on, especially when the narrator changed. But this was more my pedantic side than the actual writing was hard to follow. The second is that the ending does suddenly all build up, happen and then just kind of fades out. Again, this may just be me that found this, and it by no means ruined the book! 

I though that Hawkins writing was very direct and she gave the feel of each of the characters really well so that each time the narrator changed it really did seem like another person. I would definitely recommend this book; and if you're like me, read it before the film (which I cannot now wait to see!)

Have you read The Girl On The Train?

xoxo

On Empties | Avon - Conditioning Eye Make Up Remover Lotion

I don't normally post negative reviews as generally I only use or buy things that I have researched or know I will like. However, I got this as part of an eye set from Avon so I just kind of ended up with it! 

I really have very little positive things to say about this make up remover! Firstly, I will put a disclaimer out there that I do not like lotions. In any way shape or form. I do not like face lotions, body lotions. Anything with the word 'lotion'. Thus, seeing as this is a make up remover lotion, it was never going to be my favourite product. If lotions are your thing, then you may get on with this one!

The product itself is very thick. And despite being predominantly aimed at eye make up remover, it just is not very good. It struggles to fully remove mascara, and you have to really scrub your skin to get any form of eyeliner off. It often left the skin around my eyes very red.

Not to mention if you use a bit too much it is very uncomfortable on your eyes! It really irritated mine and would linger in them for ages after having used it. Not at all what you want from this type of product. I would also point out that I was unaware of any 'conditioning' happening, but I am always sceptical with those kinds of words!

A note on the packaging. It does come with a rubber top so that too much shouldn't come out. However mine got stuck in the lid long ago never to come back out so you just had to sort of pour it out. Due to the shape of the bottle and the consistency of the lotion it is also very hard to get out of the bottle once you get to the last drops. These are more notes for the pedantic side but they are still worth a mention! 

Overall I would definitely not recommend this. However I would never have chosen to buy it individually; it just does not fit what I like. On that note; I did lend this to my sister whenever she was at home and she didn't really have any complaints! (Apart from the pouring fiasco). 

So if you do like lotions, and you are looking for a new eye make up remover, maybe give this one a go. (It is currently only £1.50!) But if like me you prefer your cleansers and micellar waters, definitely avoid this one!

What are your thoughts?

xoxo

On Sundays

Lazy Sunday Blog Post? Check! I have spent today with Mother, eating, drinking many hot beverages (above: M&S Hot Chocolate Orange - yes as good as it sounds), and buying things we don't really need. I am finally caught up on Bake Off and have spent the entire afternoon in my dressing gown. 

Here are some things I've been loving this week!

I am loving the Emerald Street newsletter. They email everyday, but it is definitely not spam. 

Benefit Christmas. 

I've been reading The Girl on the Train. Almost read the whole thing in a few days; squeezing it in before seeing the film!

Speaking of films; Bridget Jones's Baby. AMAZING. 

How nice is this scarf?

I really want these make up stickers.

Kaleo - great autumnal listening!

LOVED this outfit.

Got a Lush Butterbear; cannot wait for my bath tonight!

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

On Adulting

Having graduated this Summer, gone to more interviews than I would like to count in a small period of time, written more applications and cover letters than I thought possible, actually getting a job (!!), I am very much on the road to adulting. 

And so I thought that I would share my adulting experiences with you all; the goods, the bads. The highs, the lows. The expected, the unexpected. All of it! There is a lot of discussion on whether our 20s are the best or worst time of our lives. With just over 7 more years of them to go, I thought we might as well all go on this journey together!

Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing some CV and cover letter tips, interview techniques and all that kind of stuff. (Much learnt from experience.) And most things job related. Let it just be noted that I am by no means an expert nor claim to be (as we speak I am in bed in my dressing gown snuggling one of my cats). 

Yet I have managed to get through some of the adulting process nearly unscathed so far! 

Let me know if there is anything you would like some (rambling) thoughts on! Then maybe we can all adult together...maybe. 

Happy Adulting!

xoxo

On My (Fancy!) Wish List

My spending ban may be officially over but I have still only been buying things that I need. Which means, more wish lists! We all love those items that are just that bit more luxurious than our standard ones; they just make you feel really fancy!

So here are the few things I would love to add to my collection, were money not an object and you know...I needed them!

Carina's Love Lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury. The main reason that I want this is because it is almost almost my name. Secondly, it is a gorgeous colour. I have looked at it in the shops so many times. It's matte. It's red. It's in rose gold packaging. I'm selling it to myself even more!

This palette from Hourglass. Isn't it just beautiful!? It's their new Ambient Lighting Surreal Light Blush, Bronzer and Strobe Powder Palette (breath). It's limited edition (which I have only just realised) and absolutely stunning. I got their Ambient Light blush palette a couple of years back and never regretted it...I'm thinking a very special treat to myself..?!

DiorShow Lash Maximising Primer.  The difference this makes to your lashes makes you wonder why you have never used a lash primer before. It makes wearing just mascara feel like your eyelashes are naked. We can't have that can we?

Dior Addict Lip Glow Awakening Balm. I know this is the second Dior product here and second lip product here, but this is amazing. It's one of those products that's like your lips but so much better. And for Dior I don't think it's too badly priced; cheeky Boots point purchase maybe? ;)

What's on your fancy wish list?
xoxo

On Books | Prep - Curtis Sittenfeld

This book had been on my list for a little while now and I actually ended up picking it up in a used book shop in Kenilworth just before I left university. I loved this book; it wasn't exactly what I was expecting but I really did adore it. 

Prep follows Lee Fiora, from South Bend Indiana, go through all of the trials and tribulations of a big fancy boarding school, Ault. The book starts when Lee is 14 and follows through her four years at Ault. I did not register for a large chunk of the beginning of the book how young all the characters were! They all seemed so mature and developed! (Nothing to what I was like at 14 haha!) 

The book is broken into the four years at the school. My only, and I mean only, criticism of the book would be that it did jump around a little bit. One moment it was Freshman fall, next thing you knew it was Sophomore spring. This did then mean that the story suddenly had progressed a lot, but that might just have been me being pedantic! 

Lee is intelligent and overthinks a lot. In some ways I could see a lot of similarities between Lee and myself; I think the way she handled situations could be relatable for many people! At times she is a bit naive; other times she knows exactly what she wants. In so many ways she is a typical teenager, but other times she is so much more than that. 

This was very much a coming-of-age book and explores all different themes that we all experience as teenagers. Friendships, relationships, sex, rebelling, parents. The whole lot! It is however all done through the eyes of someone that not so much involves themselves, but observes and sees everything. With Lee sometimes looking back on her life and discussing how she feels about the situation now was also a really nice touch. It gave the book that little bit more depth. 

As always, I never like to give away spoilers. There are not so much plot twists here but more things that are inevitable, yet it is still really interesting to see how everything plays out. I was expecting Prep to be very much like Gossip Girl and It Girl, but this was much more about the quiter people of boarding schools, and the ones trying to make something of themselves, as opposed to the privileged students and their scandals.

Sittenfeld's writing is also extremely detailed and indepth. She has been likened to J.D.Salinger, however this is definitely not something I would agree with. (I cannot bare The Catcher in the Rye). Sittenfield's writing is much more thought out and considered with far deeper themes and wide reaching character developments. Not to mention she covers the institution of boarding schools and education within America. 

I really only have praise for this book! It was so well thought out and executed that you cannot help but want to see how Lee ends up. Definitely a good Autumnal read as well! 

Would you read Prep?

xoxo

On Mondays

Happy Monday everyone! Sorry for the delayed post, essentially no internet can be blamed! I hope you all had a lovely weekend; mine was spent catching up on Strictly and doing nothing. It was great! It also included the smallest flat white I have ever seen, as shown above.

I don't have too much planned for this week but I definitely have some errands to run. Top on that list? Eyebrows! 

I recently rediscovered my love of MakeUpSavvy; this was one of the first beauty blogs that I ever started reading and it is just so good!

The Christmas selection in Boots this year is so good. It's not available online yet but my two stores at home are filled with it all!

HomeSense are so on it with phone cases right now. I just picked up a great jigsaw one!

I've already started switching up my nail colours for more autumnal tones. Currently loving this one.

Speaking of MakeUpSavvy and Christmas, Fee has done an amazing post on all the advent calendars coming up this year! 

MintVelvet have such a good sale on at the moment; picked up this beautiful jumper. 

Dupe Ikea pots! (You'll know the ones I mean!)

Have a good week!

xoxo

On Getting Older

I saw this the other day in a pub and it really tiggled me!

Do you feel these?!

xoxo

On Sundays

Boyf and a couple of my friends from university moved out into London this week. Two of us ended up going to Ikea, mainly for the meatballs...partly for practical reasons. But mainly the meatballs. I got twenty. I felt no shame! 

I am spending today celebrating with my family for my Nan's birthday; afternoon tea here we come! Les parents went away this week and I have barely spoken to Mother since Monday; I am looking forward to a good catch up! (She doesn't have a phone - I know.)

 I hope you're all having a good Sunday!

Bobbi Brown writes a letter to her younger self. This is really lovely and inspiring.

Want to see inside Kate Spade's apartment? Now you can!

This video from Oprah. It is so motivating. And only a minute!

These 22 lost photos of Marilyn Monroe are incredible.

How female staffers in Obama's cabinet got their voice heard.

Five different hair colours in 7 weeks. !!!

Avoiding 'like-chasing'; I didn't realise this was a term, but it's so true.

Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder review; I love Ruth!

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

On Graze

 

Graze boxes are by no means a new thing. I first tried them when I was back in school (at least 7 years ago!) Obviously at the time I couldn't really afford to be paying regularly for a box of snacks to be delivered to my door on a regular basis. 

Yet it was still something that the novelty didn't really wear off. I still got excited about the box arriving. I still got a little thrill wondering what the box was going to contain (sweet options all the way please). So when I retried the service a couple of weeks ago I couldn't wait for it to arrive.

The system over the years has obviosuly changed and adapted and I think works really well now. You can much easily choose exactly what kind of foods you want and you can schedule them to arrive exactly when you want them. (I scheduled mine for when I knew I would be in to avoid disappointment; or worse, someone else eating it!)

The selection of food that they now have has also increased massively; there are so many options. And to my biggest surprise, they are still cheap and affordable! Not to mention they have a really good loyalty programme in which you get your 5th and future boxes free. They also still send you vouchers for your friends! 

What is also great is that you can cancel your subscription and restart it at any time, hassel free. This is normally an issue with subscription boxes, that you get stuck in the automatic renewal. But not with Graze! It is so easy to get out of, but also back into as well.

If you are prone to snacking on rubbish food, or just like to have some good quality and tasty nibbles around I would definitely recommend giving Graze a try! 

I also think that they are perfect for all ages! Student, workers, families, you name it! 

They have also upped their packaging game which I love. Everything is really cute. Which is always an added bonus.

Would you try Graze?

xoxo

On Books | Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

I am trying not to make a habit of this, but I borrowed this book from my Nan who has never read it and it was a gorgeous copy. Leather bound and only with the writing in gold embossed lettering on the side. Yet I returned it without a photo. I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I am just going to start this by being completely honest. The cover was probably my favourite part about this book. It had been on my list for years and years. It is known as one of those books; you know, if you haven't read it, what have you read, type of thing.

And it was just plain weird. 

The story follows Humbert Humbert, a fully grown man who has quite a piqued interest in what are referred to as nymphets, young girls. He then falls in love with Lolita, the daughter of the womant hat becomes his landlady and eventually his wife. At the beginning, Lolita is 14.

I have not given away any huge spoilers here; you can see it all happening. But for a large majority of the book I felt quite uncomfortable reading it. Humbert is an academic, a highly intelligent and respected man, yet the book follows him stumbling through sex and relationships with teenage girls. 

The writing was very good, albeit at times hard to follow what was actually happening. The story also jumped around and had a tendency to become confused. 

At the end of the book Nabokov writes himself that Humbert will probably not be liked as a character, but that this was not his intention. And it is true, he is not particularly likeable, yet there is something about him that is entertaining. 

What was really nice about the book were the references to literature, and the wittiness behind Nabokov's writing. However the story itself was just plain weird and uncomfortable. Considering that this book was writtin in the 1950s, to an audience that was far more close-minded than what we have today, I find it very surprising that my views seem to be in the majority.

I am glad I have read it, however I would not particularly recommend it. Lolita contains good writing and good character building, but much of the book makes for some uncomfortable reading (especially as a woman!) 

Yet, I can see that this book makes for good discussion. Nabokov writes Humbert's character as one that should repulse and offend. Yet he doesn't all the time. It is only when you really think about what you are reading that this does come across. The relationship and how it is developed between him and Lolita is an in-depth study of the workings behind adult-child relationships. It is merely that this one is very unconventional and not my by any means normal. 

Nabokov has managed to write a psychologically problemed person into someone that does pique our interest. Despite this, I cannot say that I particularly enjoyed the book. 

I have looked into this book a lot and would be interested in opinions and thoughts if you've read it!

Have you read Lolita?

xoxo

On Empties | The Body Shop - Early Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub

I bought this when it initially launched (I spent so much money in The Body Shop during my second year of university I could have had shares I'm sure). After going on a little scrub frenzy and trialling a whole load of others this one got a little lost. 

However upon rediscovering, I rediscovered my love. 

First things first. The smell. The look also. They are both exactly like raspberry jam. If you know me well, then you know that I love jam. I have been known to eat it straight from the jar with a spoon. And aside from not actually being edible, this is basically raspberry jam. It smells so good. With this in mind, the 'scrubbing particles' are also just like seeds. There are bigger ones and tiny ones and together these do such a good job.

You only need a tiny little amount and this spreads (haha no pun intended...) so far and really does scrub away all of that dead skin and grossness! It leaves your body feeling incredibly smooth. As with all The Body Shop's products you know that what you are getting is a high quality product using only the best ingredients, and this is no different. 

This was released as a summer collection and after my trawling, it now seems only available in the US (!!). If you can get your hands on this, I would definitely recommend it if you are a fan of very natural based and natural feeling scrubs. And ones that really work! 

The Early Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub can be found (on sale!) here.

Would you try this?

xoxo

Edit - It's okay; The Body Shop have reaffirmed and it is just out stock currently! :)