Cute and Fun Date Day & Night Ideas: Summer ♡

 

Now that the sun is finally beginning to come out every so often, I thought that I'd share these Spring/Summer date ideas with you all! 

Last year I posted one of these 'ideas' post's for date day and night ideas during the Winter months, so I thought that it would be quite fitting to also share one involving ideas for Summer.

Some ideas may be the same, but I'm hoping that the majority will be different!

1. Go for a walk - either to your local park or just around and about, etc. It's great to catch some rays (if they're out!) and have a nice little casual stroll

2. Have a picnic for lunch - I've always wanted to do this as it's a much cheaper way to spend the afternoon out having lunch without actually spending money in a restaurant

3. Go to a theme park

4. Have brunch in your favourite restaurant, maybe even sit outside in the sun!

5. Grab a drink in the afternoon at your local pub and sit in the garden

6. Play a game of crazy golf! There are plenty of these that are both inside and out, so judge the weather and choose accordingly!

7. Find that ice cream van and grab a 99!

8. Have a little mini BBQ (either just the two of you or invite your friends down who are also in relationships that you get on well with)

9. Go to an outdoor spa pool to unwind and relax together

10. Take a weekend break away together to somewhere you both haven't been before - explore and have fun!

11. Go to a water park

12. Visit your local zoo/safari park - my boyfriend and I recently went to Longleat on a sunny bank holiday and it was so much fun!

13. Go to a local (ish) beach for the day and top up that tan!

14. Take a hike somewhere - this is also a great form of exercise
15. Take a roadtrip - anywhere you desire!
16. Ride a hot air balloon (if that's your kind of thing)
17. Go on a leisurely bike ride together
18. Go strawberry picking - I haven't done this since I was little but I'd love to go again
19. Go kayaking or hire a pedalo
20. Have afternoon tea together
21. Go wine tasting (that's if you like wine of course..)
22. Attend the horse races (Badminton, Polo, etc.)
23. Go to an outdoor concert/music festival
24. Sit by a lake and watch the sun rise/set
25. Simply chill in the sun in your back garden with some music playing and have a good gossip.

What would you do for date day/night during Summer?xoxo

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Foundation Brushes | Review ♡

I think that 5 foundation brushes is a substantial amount, right? So I thought that it was about time I reviewed each one in case any of you beauty lovers out there were on the look out for a new foundation brush/sponge.

I own two brushes and one sponge from Real Techniques, one brush from Sigma and one brush from Zoeva.

Both Sigma and Zoeva ship to the UK, but Cult Beauty and Beauty Bay are UK stockists.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

This is my most recent purchase to my foundation 'brush' family and I love it! I totally get all the hype over this product, as it blends your foundation out seamlessly and doesn't leave any streaks (like some foundation brushes can..) which is amazing. The only negative to this product is that because it is a sponge it does obviously soak up a little bit of the foundation, so you would have to apply a little more than you normally would when using this little guy to apply it with. This sponge also doesn't leave you looking 'cakey' so is great for those 'natural' looking days.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I normally use this foundation brush for everyday use as it's super quick and easy. It's quite a small brush so you have more control over where you place and blend out your foundation to. It's also quite easy to get into the nooks and cranny's (i.e. round the nose, under the eyes, around the eyebrows) with due to it's size, so you'll never look 'patchy' when using this brush. The price of this brush is a bargain as well.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

I'm really not a huuuge fan of stippling brushes, I feel they're a bit streaky and leave strokes of where you have applied the foundation. I really don't use this one much at all so it's not really one I would recommend. However, if you like stippling brushes then definitely go for it (especially as it's pink). It is a good quality brush and I would use it regularly if I enjoyed using stippling brushes.

Sigma Flat Kabuki Brush (F80)

I believe this was the first foundation brush I ever purchased and I was definitely influenced by YouTuber's such as Jaclyn Hill, Chloe Morello and Lauren Curtis. Sigma brushes are such great value for money I think and I love how this brush buffs the product into your skin seamlessly and doesn't pinch any of your foundation in doing so. It's definitely best to apply your foundation using this brush in circular pressing motions to achieve the best result. 100% recommend this brush!

Zoeva Silk Finish Brush (102)

I would say that this foundation brush is fairly similar to the Sigma Kabuki Brush in the way that you would apply your foundation with it (in circular motions) however, I wouldn't say that you would have to use pressure as this brush is much more rounded so you wouldn't necessarily need to 'buff' it into the skin. It's super soft so it's an enjoyable experience to use this brush and again, this does not leave streaks of foundation - due to the dome shape.

I would say that my staple foundation brush would have to be the Expert Face Brush by Real Techniques, as this seems to be the brush that I reach for more often than the others.

I hope this little review post has helped you out if you are on the hunt for a new foundation brush! I also definitely wouldn't say that you need 5 foundation brushes, but it is handy when it comes to washing them (unfortunately, I didn't think about washing mine before taking photo's so I do apologise that they look a little gross) as you can have them on rotate.

What's your favourite foundation brush?xoxo

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My 21st Birthday | Outfit, Hair & Makeup ♡

             

As there obviously is not enough mention on my blog already involving my 21st birthday, I thought I'd add some more in case you know, you haven't heard enough already.

I thought I'd share some girly bits and bobs today where I'm talking all things hair, beauty and fashion.

I got my hair done by my hairdresser (who works wonders by the way) and I was aiming for something girly yet sophisticated. I knew that I wanted plaits incorporated somehow and I also didn't want all of my hair down because I do that all the time and I wanted to look a little bit different for my party.

It's safe to say that I was pretty bloomin' impressed with how my hair turned out and I was so thrilled. I love the curls and I honestly felt like I had princess hair.

Next up, it was time to make the face look just as good as the hair because it was not looking fabulous that day and I seriously needed to do something about that..

I ended up creating this sort of 'natural', flawless, smokey look which I was so so pleased with! I think I will do a separate post where I link everything that I used and also create a sort of step-by-step guide on how I created this look.. Let me know if that's something that you guys would like to see?!

Lastly, is the outfit! I was so excited to wear this beautiful dress from Asos (mainly because I love anything that's sparkly!) and it definitely did not disappoint. I'm so glad I found 'the perfect dress' because I was looking for so long and I wanted something that was girly and fun that didn't make me look young. I also wanted to look in the mirror and go 'wow' at my outfit, which is exactly what I did - this dress is just p e r f e c t.

The shoes I'm wearing are also from Asos and they're a lovely nude colour (apologies that you can't really see in the photo but if you click on the link then you'll be able to see). I made sure that the heels weren't too big because I think this style and height of heel made the look much more elegant and I could actually walk in them, which is always a bonus.

I had an amazing party and I have lots of great photo's and memories from the day/evening. I still can't believe I'm 21 and if I'm completely honest, I don't feel any different haha..

Let's hope being 21 is amazing as everyone says it is :)

Would you like me to put a makeup post together?xoxo

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Wishlist | New Makeup Releases ♡

There's been quite a few new makeup releases over the past couple of month's and it's definitely safe to say that I've had my beady little eye on them - as I'm pretty sure most of you guy's will have as well!

1. Too Faced 'Sweet Peaches' Palette
2. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush (Camellia)
3. Urban Decay 'Alice Through The Looking Glass' Eyeshadow Palette
4. Mac Cosmetics Lipstick | Vibe Tribe - Arrowhead
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
6. Mac Cosmetics Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour - Lady Be Good
7. Kylie Cosmetics | Kylie Lip Kit - Posie K
8. Lancomé Juicy Shaker Lipgloss - Freedom of Peach
9. Nars Laguna Tiare Bronzer
10. Too Faced Peanut Butter & Jelly Eyeshadow Collection
11. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (Pearl)

Wouldn't it be so great to have an endless supply of money to be able to fulfill our makeup needs.. We can dream hey?

What new makeup release are you lusting over?xoxo

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A Day in my Life | MY BIRTHDAY! ♡

I was 21 yesterday! Ahh! How scary is that!? I always dreamed about being 21 and now I am and I don't feel any different haha!!

So, first thing in the morning I woke up and opened my cards and presents from my family, whilst eating breakfast in my pj's. I obviously love everything I have received so far and I'm extremely lucky and grateful.

Then it was time to go to work.. I was only in for half a day so it really wasn't that bad and it's quite nice to go into work for a little bit on your birthday to see everyone.

Above is a selfie of me sat at my desk to show you I was at work..

(Can you see my 21 badge? I L O V E D wearing that all day ;))

I was so shocked, surprised and happy to receive this massive cake in work - it was so amazing. It also tasted amazing as well and I just love the 'princess' crown and fairy wand haha! 

I also received a signed card from everyone in work and I loved reading everyone's little personalised messages.

I left work at 12:30pm and travelled down to the garden centre for lunch! I met my mum, nan and auntie which was so so lovely and I stuffed my face with a sweet chilli chicken wrap and sweet potato fries - yummy.

Unfortunately, I was so hungry that I forgot to take a photo of my actual food. So you have the aftermath of my finished plate!

After our lovely lunch at the garden centre, my mum and I headed off to Aldi to buy some a lot of alcohol for my birthday cocktail party on Saturday! We're planning on making cocktails to hand out to my friends and family as they arrive to the party on Saturday - I'm so excited!!

(I think that my sister was trying to hint something with this birthday bag?)

Around 4pm, my sister and boyfriend both came home from work and I opened their presents.

My sister bought me some black joni jeans (I was in desperate need of some new ones!), a gorgeous striped denim skirt (see image below of me wearing it*), some percy pigs and a chocolate 'happy 21st birthday' heart from Thorntons - she's a generous one that one!

My boyfriend bought me a rose gold skull bracelet from Links of London, this gorgeous lace dress and the Michael Kors baby blue purse pictured below - which I am obsessed with because it's baby blue!

It was then time to get ourselves ready to go out for birthday dinner with the family. I decided to wear my new skirt (courtesy of my sister*) with a really pretty blouse from Mango and a long sleeveless baby pink jacket from Topshop. I paired my outfit with my brown sandals from Office - yes, I was definitely feeling Summery.

We visited Zerodegrees for dinner and I had the 'Gnocchi Al Bufalo' (in case any of you were wondering..) which was super tasty. I accompanied my dish with a passion bellini because why not?! I am 21 of course.. 

So that was a day in my life for my birthday! I really enjoyed putting this post together and I do apologise for the poor quality of the photo's (I'm not going to admit that I forgot to take nice photo's all day, even though I set a reminder on my phone as well) but I hope you enjoyed this and I would love to hear your feedback!

What did you guys get up to yesterday?xoxo

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6 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self ♡

Little bit of a different post today that I thought I would try my hand at and see how it goes down/whether I'm good at it or not!?

Recently, I've been having various conversations with my boyfriend about how I wish I was at school/if I was like what I am now at school then I maybe wouldn't have got picked on etc. So it got me thinking and I had a little light bulb moment (really don't get those that often) and was like 'ah, this would make a good blog post!'.

So, here I am sharing with you the things that I would tell my younger self/what I would have done differently given the opportunity - here goes!


SCHOOL IMPRESSIONS REALLY ARE NOT THE BE-ALL AND END-ALL OF LIFE

At school, we always feel that we should create a lasting impression amongst our peers. Since growing up I've realised that shouldn't have been the case because it's more important to be who you are than to pretend to be someone that you're not. Also, half the people you knew at school won't even care who you are once you've left so it really doesn't matter anyway. Only your true and really good friends will stay with you.

SPEAK UP!

I know I was a shy little timid mouse at school and I always look back on that and wish I'd have had a little more fire in my personality to bite back at the people that upset me. Not all the time though because that's when arguments arise and no one likes conflict! But every now and then I wish I'd have had the confidence and courage to speak up to those that were horrible to me because I'm pretty damn sure that if I had said something, they'd have backed off a lot sooner and left me to it.


IF SOMEONE BREAKS YOUR HEART, THE FEELING DOESN'T LAST FOREVER

It fucking hurts hard (sorry for swearing) when someone shatters your heart into about 1074937935 million pieces and you cry for days, you literally feel like you will never feel better again but trust me when I say that it does get better - I promise. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and yeah, you might not like that reason but it's life and these horrible things happen sometimes. There's honestly nothing that anyone can do or say to make you feel better in that situation but time really is the best healer and I hand-on-heart promise you that this feeling will subside. You'll still have your off days but you'll have fabulous days where you feel like Sharpay from High School Musical. This terrible feeling will go away and you just have to let it all out - don't bottle it up.


BE MORE SOCIAL

I have never been a social butterfly and that is one thing that I do regret. I'm very lazy and I like to sit in my room by myself (lol you larry) sometimes but I wish I'd have made plans with my friends more as making memories with friends is amazing and something money can't buy. I've always been quite shy as well so I never really spoke to people or made new friends very often, whereas now I'll just keep chatting absolute rubbish to strangers of any age and I should have been more like that a few years back!

APPRECIATE SCHOOL LIFE

Yes, I know, I sound like a flippin' Grandma buuut I look back now and see how happy I was at school (sixth form) with my friends and the whole time I was there I was wishing that I was working and not at school. 

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, DON'T GIVE A F*** WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK

This sort of applies to my now really as well as when I was at school. 
I never wore the stuff that I wanted to wear or listen to the music that I genuinely loved in fear of being judged for those decisions by my peers. But honestly, who cares? I listen to whatever I want to now and if someone doesn't like it? Well, why should I care - that's their problem and not mine. I also wear a lot more clothing items that I wouldn't have even thought about wearing when I was younger because the chances are that person walking past you in the street is looking at your outfit thinking 'damnnnn, she the bomb dot com!' (but seriously though, the chances of someone judging you are very slim and as long as they're not saying it out loud to you then it really doesn't matter anyway).
I'm struggling at the moment with being judged about blogging which is why literally no one I know knows about my blog - just a select few friends and my family (who don't even read it anyway!). I'm trying to tell myself that this is stupid and no one will physically tell me that my blog is crap (at least I hope not anyway) so just go for it! But it's hard and I totally get it. So, my advice? DO IT! Whatever 'it' may be :)

What's one thing you'd tell your younger self?xoxo

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My 21st Birthday Wishlist ♡

1. Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette | 2. Sony A5100 Camera (White) | 3. Entwined Hearts Ring | 4. Posie K by Kylie Cosmetics | 5. Kourt K by Kylie Cosmetics | 6.Topshop MOTO Vintage Borg Western Denim Jacket | 7. Yankee Candle - Vanilla Large Jar | 8. Too Faced Melted Lipstick (Nude) | 9. Casetify Macbook Pro Sleeve | 10. Cath Kinston Button Spot Boxed Ceramic Travel Cup | 11. Dulwich Designs Pretty Glasses Case | 12. Saga form Fruit Infuser Water Bottle | 13. Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush Palette | 14. Skinny Dip London iPhone 6/6S Bee Case

Ahhh! It's my birthday next Thursday and I'm going to be 21! I'm so excited! I thought I'd put together a little 21st birthday wishlist and I love all of these items.

If it's also your birthday coming up soon, hopefully if you're stuck for ideas then this will help you out.

What is your favourite item on this list? When's your birthday?xoxo

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A Little Monthly Round-up | April ♡

  

  

Favourite Instagram Photo | Eyeshadow Palette Review | Our Trip to Center Parcs | Favourite Outfit | Highlighter Loving | A Lovely Mint Drink

So, I've decided to do a monthly blog post including posts from both my Instagram and Blog as a sort of 're-cap' of the past month.

I'm desperately trying to sort out my mess of an Instagram page at the moment (the struggle is real) which is why I'm not posting as much as I'm only posting the photo's I am genuinely happy to post, to keep my 'theme' looking pretty and "professional".

I've also decided to include an 'interactive' monthly question's section - hope you enjoy!

Funniest thing that happened to you? There wasn't really anything 'funny' that happened to me this month.. Although my boyfriend and our friend and I all went to see some horses race and it decided to tip it down with rain so we got soaked.. Looking back on it it's a little funny but not rolling-round-on-the-floor-in-stitches-funny so I guess that doesn't really count but hey, at least I sort of answered the question!
Which book(s) did you read? Sadly, I didn't actually read a book this month! But I'm hoping that answering this question every month will encourage me to read more, as I really do love reading.
Favourite movie(s)? I watched 'Aloha' again this month on Netflix - such a great rom-com!
Something that made you proud of yourself? I hit 200 followers on BlogLovin' at the beginning of the month and to be honest that made me pretty proud of myself as I dedicate a lot of my time to my blog and I really enjoy it, so to know that 200+ other people enjoy my content too makes me really giddy :)
Which games did you play? Literally the same games I play every month.. Kim Kardashian and Kylie and Kendall (I know, I'm so sad but they're super addictive..), Township, Candy Mania, Cupcake Mania and Pirate Kings - literally I am the biggest child I know!!
Did you travel anywhere? Unfortunately not which makes me a little sad. The only place I've travelled to this month was to work and back.. So NOT fun.
What food have you tried and loved? I tried blueberries this month and they're okay. I mean I wouldn't choose to eat them all the time but they're quite nice with yoghurt!
Which song(s) have you been listening to the most? Three songs I have been obsessing over this month: Dangerous Woman and Be Alright by Ariana Grande and Hands To Myself by Selena Gomez.
Favourite accessory? My boyfriend bought me this ring from Pandora and it's so cute and I love it!
Favourite item of clothing? I've very recently been obsessed with this bomber from Missguided and also this top from Asos.
What did you learn? I've learnt to try and appreciate the little things in life this month as I always feel a little ungrateful at times and it's really beginning to bug me!


Funniest thing that happened to you?
Which book(s) did you read?
Favourite movie(s)?
Something that made you proud of yourself?
Which games did you play?
Did you travel anywhere?
What food have you tried and loved?
Which song(s) have you been listening to the most?
Favourite accessory?
Favourite item of clothing?
What did you learn?

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I would love to hear your feedback for this new personal monthly touch. I really enjoyed putting it together and I'm hoping to keep this up every month. Please also feel free to answer the above questions in the comments below as I'd love to see/hear your answers!

How did April treat you?xoxo

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