Winter Loves!

I've been pretty absent from my blog these past few months, I'm not too sure why but I guess I've just been pretty unmotivated. With the darker nights all I've felt like doing after work is cosying up in a blanket and lighting a few candles.  I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things now and with Christmas coming up it'll give me that extra push to get back blogging as it's my favourite time of year.

So I thought I would ease myself back into things with a 'What I'm loving post.' There are a mixture of different things on here this month. My 24th Birthday was last week so quite a few of these items I got for that. 

So, I'll start with Music I'm loving at the moment. : Ludovicio Einaudi :Elements 

I love his music, and can even play some of his pieces on the piano. You may recognise some of his music from This is England, Gone Girl and various adverts and television programmes.  As I tend to drive quite a lot in my job, I'm always looking for new CDs to play whilst waiting in traffic. This CD is great for city driving, I find it more relaxing when I'm having a particularly stressful day. 

Jo Malone Candle: 

I was so excited when my sister got me this for my birthday.  I've never had any Jo Malone products before so was so chuffed to receive this! I am really scared to burn it as I don't want it to run out.  I think I'll allow 20mins of burning each time I treat myself to lighting it and try and make it last as long as possible. This one smells amazing the scent in Peony & Blush Suede and is a light floral scent.

Kate Spade Stationery:

I had this gorgeous planner and pen from my parents.  I have wanted a Kate Spade planner for ages  and last time I went to America I was desperate to pick them up from the store but everywhere we went they had all sold out.   It's an 2015-2016 planner and the pen matches it too! My parents picked this up from John Lewis ( I had no idea they stocked Kate Spade!)

Faux Fur Gilet 

This is super warm and cosy to wear out, I love to wear it with just a long sleeve white tank top and some black jeans.  This one I got from New Look. 

Im also in general just loving Winter, not so much the cold, windy weather that it has brought but I'm loving seeing all the Christmas decorations, (I brought mind from John Lewis!), the Christmas adverts (I was beyond excited for the new John Lewis advert)  and of course all the new christmassy warm drinks in Starbucks. White Chocolate Mocha is a new personal fave of mine!

Halloween on Netflix

Halloween.

 The perfect time to wrap up in your comfiest pyjamas and watch a film that makes you fear for your life when you have to leave the room for the bathroom. There's something so weirdly enjoyable about watching a horror film, we watch the film peeking through our fingers and jump when the music takes a  sudden jolt but we still love to be scared.  So, I have scrolled through Netflix and picked out my top 10 Netflix horror movies .

I watch a lot of horror movies so I'm always looking for new and different ones on Netflix, some have been just bizarre but others I really liked. 

 Enjoy! 

The Sacrament 

The film is based on real events which makes it even more freaky and it's filmed like it's captured footage for a documentary. The premise of the film is about a religious group who have taken themselves out of society and created their own community. The brother of one of the members takes two film makers with him to make sure his sister is okay in her new 'family'.  However, all is not what it seems and the community soon appears like a prison.

Scream
A Classic in my books.  If you haven't seen any of the scream films then I would say they are the best of the slasher films.  There are no rules in Scream, it sets out to scare and surprise with it's twisting story line right from the begining.

The Babadook
An Australian film about a mysterious book called The Babadoook which a little boy finds and when he starts reading awful things start to happen. The plot of the films sounds rather cliché but the film is way better than you would think. I found it a very uncomfortable and unnerving film which is what we want in a horror film, right? 

The house of the Devil
This was a very tense film which made me jump a lot.  It's got an old fashioned feel to the film which almost makes it more frightening.  It's about a young student who accepts a babysitting job which happens to be at a classically terrifying house. Soon the young girls realises the motive of the strange family.  

The Mist 
An adaptation of Stephen King's book.  A mist appears one day all over a small town and members of the community get stranded in the local supermarket trying to stay safe from the bizarre creatures that lurk within the mist. This film is quite shocking at times and  all I will say is the ending of the film is a gut wrenching moment.   

Spring 
This is a very weird film, and it's one that I can not explain,even after watching it. I've not really seen anything like it before. It's about a man who goes travelling after his mum has passed away. Whilst on his travels he meets a beautiful woman who seems too good to be true....I wouldn't describe this film as scary more strange and interesting with elements of romance. A film for those of you who aren't the greatest fan of being scared.

Circle

An interesting concept, basically loads of people wake up in a dark room stood in a circle and between them they have to decide who dies until only one can escape.  A clever concept and one that keeps you gripped throughout!

Area 51
Everyone loves an alien film and this is another hand held camera film which really does bring the film to life.  A group break into area 51 and uncover things they should've never gone searching for.  I have no idea how accurate this film is but I found it really interesting to learn about the security and secrecy that apparently remains there. 

Starry Eyes 

A young actress in search of her big break in a Hollywood leading role. This film questions the lengths she'll go to achieve this.  But will the risk pay off? This film was rather gruesome and uncomfortable but completely different to anything I've seen before.

The Conspiracy 
Again, this was freaky as there could be an element of truth to the story.  When a man obsessed with conspiracy theories suddenly goes missing, two film makers go on the search for the reason why. This films is very clever as it is all based on real conspiracy theories and makes you think of the ugly truth that figures of authority maybe hiding awful secrets.

Cardiff Half Marathon 2015

I did it! Some how I managed to run 13.11 miles at the Cardiff half Marathon yesterday, and it was so much harder than I ever anticipated but I am so glad I did it. 

I remember back in January signing up to do it, one of those new years resolutions that you soon forget about.  Well, this one I couldn't forget about as I was constantly thinking about how I was going survive all those miles. 

Before I knew it, it was half marathon day and I was super scared and nervous come the starting line. 

As soon as I started to run, the nerves drifted away and I got into the rhythm of the jog.

 22,000 people took part in this years race which provided such a great atmosphere, Cardiff was heaving and there was so much support for all the runners.  

I found myself enjoying some miles whilst others I found excruciatingly hard! For example, why I didn't I prepare myself for hills?!? My god the hills killed me and definitely brought down my time.

 I hit a mental and physical block around mile 10 and had to really resist the urge to walk. This was the hardest part for me, but I had to keep telling myself  'it will soon be over'.

Thankfully , I crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours 29 mins which is a little longer than I would've hoped but those last 3 miles really tested me ! As I passed the finish I was given a medal, a  t shirt, a banana, a refreshing cold bottle of water and a goody bag. 

When I first finished the race, I was adamant I wouldn't do another one, but after having some time to reflect, I'm now toying with the idea again ! Am I crazy?? 

As much as I'm aching now, I did enjoy the day and I'm proud that I managed to run the whole thing and not stop once. I'll soon be posting my half marathon tips from training to what to eat the night before, so look out for that!!

What I'm loving in September

I swear it was August about a day ago and I'm currently looking at my calendar and it's October next week ?!? Who is speeding up time?

I feel like September is a month for purchasing, it's an excuse to get a new season wardrobe but also not feel too guilty about it as Christmas is still a few months away. 

So here are a few things I've currently been loving in September.

TV-This is England 1990

I've been watching This Is England ever since the original film came out and absolutely love the spin off series, even though at times it can be quite depressing and uncomfortable to watch.  This is England 90 so far is so great, I love seeing all the 90s fashion and music. 

Music- Bears Den

I first heard of this band when their song 'Agape'was on the radio on my way home from work, I got down the name of the band in my phone and completely forgot about them until a few weeks later and now I'm addicted . They're a British alternative folk band and I honestly love every song on the album and at the moment I play it every time I do the washing up!How very glamorous!

Book-Girl on the Train

After I read Gone Girl I was really looking for another gripping and thrilling book and  I heard so much about Girl on the train I had to give it a go!I'm still quite early on into the book but so far I'm loving it, the suspense is building and I can't wait to see what happens next. I tend to read this on my lunch break, so it gets really annoying when my hours up and I'm caught up in the suspense. 

Food- Reese Butter Cups

I have no clue why I have suddenly started to like peanut butter but I have, and I have also started to lust after these little cups of joy!

Beauty- Korres Lip Balm

This is such a great lip balm, not only does it sooth and condition my lips but it also has a lovely subtle red shade to it.  It's not too heavy and obviously it doesn't dry my lips out .  At the moment this has been my go to lip colour/balm for work. So easy to apply and long-lasting!

Homeware- Primark

So many beautiful rose gold products, I brought this cute little frame and star candle called winter berry which smells divine.  I also brought some cute little fairy lights, which I have no idea where I'm going to put them but a girl can always do with some twinkly lights.

 I have also been loving watching the Rugby world cup. Especially the match last night (England V Wales) It was literally the most nerve racking match ever but so chuffed for Wales ! Cymru am byth!

Hope you enjoyed my current favourites in September, let me know what you've been loving this month.

Sure fire signs you're having a bad day

We all have them.  Days when it seems that nothing goes your way. Or sometimes it's just those days where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. They are inevitable in everyday life unless you're one of those people who's happy every day, which quite frankly I'm rather envious about. 

So I thought I'd just map out some of those strange thought processes that goes through our minds whenever we're having one of 'those' days. ( hopefully I'm not alone in these) 

You feel the need to Tut at everything.

A tut- it's such a satisfying sound and such a unnecessary sound too.Who created the tut? How did we associate it with disapproval? Its such a weird, British trait and one I certainly over use on a bad day.  I will mainly tut in the car when someone is driving idiotically or I will even find myself tutting at myself- if I've dropped something or burnt food- basically  I will find anything to tut about on a bad day.

You will actively find something to annoy you.

You're already aware that you are having a bad day and to revel in this fact you will actively look for things to justify your mood. You will pre-empt annoying things to happen to you so you can be annoyed about them. You will scroll down your news feed to find somebody writing a controversial status or you will people watch and wait for someone to stub out a cigarette on the street or walk into someone as they're so glued to their phone. Just anything so you can silently tut and roll your eyes.

You have to tell people you're having a bad day

Whether you choose to tell your work colleagues or express yourself via social media, you will have the need to let everyone know what a bad day you're having.  You don't want people thinking that you're constantly in this mood for no good reason so you will explain everything bad that's happened to you in hope of a little sympathy. 

Little things become extra irritating when you're in this mood

Things like forgetting your umbrella,laddering your tights, searching for your keys in your bag and having a mad panic that you've lost them even though there're just buried under dozens of receipts. These little things just add to the day and become way more of a nuisance 

Treating yourself

When you're finally back at home after a long day you will have to treat yourself for getting through that hellish day. You will run yourself a bath,then get in  your  comfiest pyjamas and settle in front of the tele with a rather large chocolate bar or glass of wine

Hope you enjoyed my take on having a 'bad day' and hopefully you don't have too many of them. 

Have a good day and if you're not, just take a look at these pictures, they are way too cute to not make you smile 

Happy 10th Birthday WMC

On Saturday night Cardiff's Wales Millennium centre celebrated it's 10th Anniversary and to commemorate this special occasion the WMC put on an extravaganza consisting of acrobats, light displays and fireworks.

There was such a good turnout down the bay and luckily the Welsh weather remained dry and pleasant enabling the whole show to be seen without an umbrella in sight. The event included 700 performers either singing, dancing, storytelling or even puppeteers.  This continued with an amazing projection across the WMC and topped off with a spectacular firework display.  It was such a good nightand a great celebration!

  I thought I would share some pictures of the night with you.

We finished off a lovely evening with a meal at Carluccios which was so yummy!I had this Gin Giardino which was a combination of gin, elderflower, Prosecco and fresh apple juice, Spinach and ricotta ravioli and panacotta for dessert. 

All in it was a lovely night, with great entertainment, company and food!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and Happy 10th Anniversary to the WMC!

September Beauty Buys

A new month +  a new pay check = New Make up :)

With so many brands out there at the moment I find it hard to decide which brand to go for, or whether to  buy different products from different brands... So many options, 

Bourjois I find, always comes out on top for me and I think I would call it my go to brand. 

Lately I've been really hating the feeling of foundation on my skin, maybe it's the heat or could just be my skin.  I dunno, but I felt it was time for a new product. 

Bourjois - Nude Sensation.

This is such an ideal product for me.  It's super light weight, it refines pores and it has a blur effect.   It really feels like I'm not wearing anything- hence the name but it still gives you great coverage and a flawless , finished look. Mine was in shade 42-nude rose. 

Bourjois- Push up Volume glamour mascara

Previously I have brought the ultra curl mascara from bourjois, which  I loved at the beginning, but I have found that it got so clumpy that I couldn't use it any more.  This mascara is much more to my liking.  Having recently got a lash primer by manna, this paired with the bourjois push up gives such volume to your lashes. 

Bourjois- 12hr Aqua Blush

When I popped to boots bourjois had a deal when you spend  £12.00 you got a free blusher!

As I already have the powder blush from bourjois I opted for this one.  Again this goes perfectly with the foundation as it has that bare skin feel. I got it in the shade inge-nude which is a lovely fresh and natural colour. 

Collection- Eye brow Kit

I am loving this at the moment, I love the fact that there are three shades for your complexion so you can get the perfect colour suitable for you.  The gel I find is also far better than the gel in the soap and glory 2 in 1 brow.  It gives a much more natural effect, you don;t get that sticky and stiff feeling you get from some eyebrow gels. 

So that's everythiny I picked up in my quick little dash around boots.Finished off with a pumpkin spiced latte- which was so so good. I am beyond happy that these are back for Autumn!

Essie Cashmere Matte

So, I have a confession to make.  This is my first ever Essie nail polish!

As someone who is very cack handed, I tend to buy the cheaper brands of nail polish as whatever I seem to do, my nail polish will always chip, almost straight away.  

I  think I'm just not cut out for elegant hands, but me not being defeatist, decided to fork out for a more expensive brand and I went with the Essie cashmere Matte colour. 

I must say, I am in love with this colour, lately I have been obsessed with subtle, nude colours, something my boyfriend just can't seem to grasp.  He simply can't understand that a polish in the shade of mushroom (my fav) is a sought after look. 

The Matte effect took some time to get used to, as you don't get that satisfying shine you get from standard polishes. However I have grown to really like this texture, and I feel it's lovely and autumnal!

I have not quite made my mind made up if this polish can keep up with my cack handedness but time will tell! What Essie shades are you loving at the moment?

My top Netflix Picks !

Netflix....we've all been there. Scrolling and scrolling searching for something to watch, trying to decide if you're in the mood for a horror, or maybe a Disney film or perhaps a documentary. Until you finally pick something , watch the opening credits, get bored and continue scrolling. Then you give up and end up watching your favourite series for the fifth time. 

Yes the never ending viscous cycle of decision making gets us all. 

So I thought I would give you some of my top picks, and I'm not talking about the usual pretty little liars (which I love) or orange is the new black (which I also love) as pretty much everyone watches these and you'll probably know all about them!

1.The Returned.

Now there are a couple of versions of this on Netflix, I have personally only watched the French version which I thought was Fab! It follows a handful of people who passed away a couple of years ago and then one day suddenly return expecting to return to ordinary life. It's quite a tense and mysterious drama which is really gripping the only problem is there was only one series made!

2.The Office UK & US versions!

So two versions of  The office but both very different. 

The UK version is so true to life- it's awkward and excruciatingly cringey at times but hilarious!

Everyone remembers that dad  dancing scene we all watch peeping through our fingers as it's so embarrassing!

The US version is equally as funny but with a slightly different style of humour.  It isn't as dry as the British version but it's still based around the normal goings on at a paper company. Michael Scott is the funniest character and there's even a little love story in there too. 

3.Battle Royale

This is basically a grown up version of The Hunger Games but it's a  whole lot more gruesome and gory. It's a subtitled film but you soon forget about that. 

4.Like Crazy

I love this film , it's one of my favourite movies!It's a love story but it's not your usual love story, it's a very honest portrayal of romance.  I would call this film an instagram film, it all looks like it's been filmed through a vintage filter.

5. Coherence

This was a one of those films where I had no idea what it would be like but I was pleasantly surprised.  It's about a group of friends having dinner one night when a comet passes.... and I won't reveal anything more than that as I don't want to spoil it. This thriller is a right puzzler and will leave you totally confused but it's definitely a good watch. 

I hope you enjoy some of my top picks and manage to make that life changing decision on what to binge watch next.  Happy Watching!

An August Weekend

 As if it's September tomorrow! Where has the time gone? Where has August gone?!

August seems to have passed in a blustery, rainy blur and the last weekend did not disappoint- more clouds and gloom!

 As it was the last weekend of summer we headed down to the Cardiff Bay Beach - which is a man made beach that's set up every year in the summer holidays. There's also fair ground rides/ stalls and candy floss. 

We also stumbled upon all these amazing birds . The owl was called Liberty and was so stunning to look at- his eyes were massive. There were also a Raven, kookaburra and a Vulture.  I was rather tempted to hold one but Birds kinda freak me out a little bit. 

There was also a shark- because...... I really don't know why but I thought it was pretty cool.

Okay- I realise I'm probably pretty sad for getting so excited about dead leaves! But Autumn! 

            

So, as it was rainy I decided to do a little but of baking!I made these yummy chocolate cookies! They were giant and were very filling but they were extremely chocolaty and extremely tasty!

I also brought these super cute scales from Asda only £10.00 - I got rather fed up of failing with everything I tried to bake- guessing on measurements doesn't not = great British bake off so I think of this purchase as a necessity.....

The best thing about this weekend was that it was a bank holiday weekend! This resulted in having a few glasses of wine on a Sunday night- I know crazy ! So cheers to Autumn beginning... yay!