Recovery // Generalised Anxiety FAQ & tips

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As with any mental health problems,anxiety can take on many forms and be as complex as the sufferer. I've read so many inspiring stories on blogs recently that I thought I'd put together some information about my condition.Today I've decided to share my experiences with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (also known as GAD) and tips that I've been using to help keep it under control.Of course,I'm not a mental health professional,but I hope that by sharing my thoughts and advice I might help someone who is also struggling.If you are in any way having problems with your mental health,please visit your GP and/or confide in a trusted family member or friend.

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder?

According to Anxiety UK,Generalised Anxiety Disorder is where the sufferer feels constantly anxious on a daily basis.Often called "chronic worriers",sufferers can be prone to thinking the worst is going to happen.

In my case,my worries are irrational and blown out of proportion.My mind makes up negative situations using "what if's" to keep me in a constant state of unease and worry.For the most part,my anxiety revolves around the thought that people are going to criticise me or shout at me.Also,being late,lack of sleep and large crowds can worsen my already anxious state.My thoughts often escalate out of control and I lose the ability to reason and make sense of the situation.


What are the symptoms of GAD?

This depends on the individual who may only have one or all of the following symptoms which can be physical and/or psychological.According to the NHS site,some of the symptoms include (but are not limited to);

•  Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Sweating and shakiness
• Dizziness
• Feeling "on edge"
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems sleeping
• Feeling sick
• Muscle aches
• Feeling tense
• Withdrawl from social contact
• Taking time of work/school due to stress

How do you manage your anxiety?

I've found it quite helpful to write down the dates and times of when I'm feeling anxious so that I can notice any patterns in my moods and try to make positive changes.For example,I know that catching a train is really hard for me,so I try to make the experience easier by standing by the door and always buying a ticket from the cashier not the machine.Also,if my anxiety is really getting out of hand I often repeat statements like "This is only temporary" and "I've done this before and I was OK" to reassure myself and keep myself focused and safe.Of course,seeking professional help and therapy if you're able to is always a healthy route to go down.

Have you received therapy?

Yes,I attended therapy for 5 months last year for anorexia and anxiety which I found very helpful in helping me figure out why I was using behaviours.I was given Dialectic Behaviour Therapy which is often used to help treat people with self harming behavior and/or people who can't control their emotions.I learnt breathing and other coping techniques that I've used during tough times.

What would you say to someone suffering from GAD (or any type of anxiety) ?

You're most definitely not alone! I know that having mental health problems can make you feel very isolated,but sadly disorders such as anxiety and depression are becoming all too common.I would 100% recommend going to speak to your GP who can provide you with the resources,insight and advice you might need.As great as medical professionals are,it's useful to build up a positive and encouraging support network who will understand if you need to take some "me" time.Don't feel guilty if you need to take some time out,your mental health comes first as it affects everything from your relationships,body and mind.

I've found some useful helplines,guides and tips on everything anxiety

No Panic :- helpline that offers support to those suffering with anxiety,OCD,panic and phobias.
Anxiety UK FAQ :- useful information and statistics on what anxiety is and how it affects the body

Moodjuice  :-Anxiety self help guide to help you identify feelings and symptoms
NHS UK :- information and self assessments from the NHS to help sufferers.

I hope this helps someone who might be suffering with their mental health,and I'd be more than happy to listen to any problems you have.Please feel free to email me over at whimsicalmrsw@outlook.com.


What tips do you have to manage anxiety?

Poundland bargains // Argan oil hair mask review

Being a teenager in the early 00's was awesome as I'm sure anyone around my age would agree.Busted were releasing some amazing jams,Mizz had all the style,beauty and boy information you could want,and GHD's were a staple in many girls beauty arsenal (I was always jealous of people who got the "limited edition" pink ones).I must have spent hours meticulously straightening my wavy hair into oblivion.As much as I loved the look then,years of frying my hair with no heat protection has left it looking a little worse for wear.It's much healthier now that I keep blow drying to a minimum though ,and I've been using this brilliant mask which has made a massive difference to the texture and look of my hair.

 Argan oil seems to be a bit of a beauty buzzword these days thanks to it's natural moisturising properties and antioxidants,you can see why it's often called "liquid gold".I'm happy that I can get involved too as Poundland currently offer a few different argan oil products for those of us on a budget.This pot contains 220ml of product in a sturdy plastic tub so not only is it butter fingers friendly,it's also a pretty cost effective way to perk up your hair.

I absolutely love the thick creme texture that glides onto my hair and really coats the problem areas,it feels like a very luxurious deep conditioning treatment.You don't need much either,I have quite long hair and I use about a 20p sized blob.I like to make it work a little harder by popping a shower cap on and letting it warm up.The scent is hard to describe but I'd say it smells very "professional salon quality" if you know what I mean,like those fancy products that hairdressers use.The directions suggest leaving it on for 7-10 minutes to let it soak in,but that's actually easy to do as it doesn't drip everywhere or irritate my skin.


After washing my hair thoroughly and blow drying,it feels so much healthier and in better condition.The ends are much less brittle and it has that after salon bounce to it! It hasn't weighed my hair down or left it feeling greasy,which was a concern for me with it being an oil based product.I think this mask could really give high end hair treatments a run for their money! I'm amazed that a budget product can offer these results.I'm definitely going to be repurchasing this.

Have you tried Argan oil products? What hair masks do you enjoy using?

Lifestyle // Tuesday Treasures #2

Here's the second edition in my Tuesday Treasures series and I'm sharing my latest Internet favorites with you all! I'm always super excited to make new discoveries,so here are the newest bits and bobs that I've been watching,reading,wanting and laughing at.

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After binge watching season 2 of Orange Is The New Black, I'd been looking for a gritty comedy-drama to watch to fill the Netflix void.Like most things I've enjoyed watching,I have heard so many great things about this show,and I haven't been dissapointed so far! It's really well written and the actors are so believable.Bryan Cranston plays a troubled middle aged man who gets into a bit of a pickle (I won't spoil it for you!) very well,I've only ever seen him in Malcolm in the Middle,but he is a very versatile actor.I'm a bit slow on the uptake as there are five seasons,but if you're into crime dramas full of suspense and dark comedy then I'd check it out!

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I've just discovered some beautiful illustrations by a Mexican artist called Ilse Valfre and I'm really glad I came across her work! I love quirky illustrations,and these adorable and wonderfully drawn characters are really striking.I'm looking to buy some art so it's great that she has an online store where you can buy clothes,accessories and prints all covered in her offbeat style.

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When I scroll through Instagram,I definitely notice a bit of a pattern going on! I've seen a Starbucks cup have tons of like before,throw in a cute cat and artsy food shots,and you're a fully fledged IG addict! Satiregram is an account full of witty sentences about our favourite and most cliched Instagram snaps.

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This beautiful bunting necklace is just too adorable for words! I love subtle jewellery that you can wear with everything,and this is a great budget piece at only £12.You can buy it from Ji Ji Kiki which is an awesome independent online store selling wonderful vintage bits and bobs.I had the pleasure of hearing Emma,the lovely owner of this shop give a talk at the South West Blog Social,she's so genuine and hard working!

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I don't really know how I'd describe my interior design style,but I love anything cute,vintage and completely unnecessary! I've seen little deer figurines all over the internet and on blogs recently,and I think they would add a lovely touch of kitsch to any home.I reckon I'd be able to find some in a charity shop,that's going to be my next mission.

There's more!

If you need any proof that elephants are awesome,here are 22 photos of them making the world a better place.

I keep wanting to play the indie horror game Slender, but I keep chickening out! Has anyone had a go? I'm a big fan of first person survival games.

This hilarious video by Brett Domino will show you how to make a pop hit song

SimplyNoise is a great site that plays white,pink or brown noise which is great to relax your mind or help you concentrate.

Taking myself back to my tween and teen years with 31 things that always got '00s girls in trouble.I think I was surgically attached to my GHD's.

What are you loving this week? I'd love some more things to check out!

Beauty // Timeless Truth Face Masks review *

There's nothing nicer than the feel of a face mask doing it's magic and wiping away the days make up and stress.That's why I'm very happy to share with you these Timeless Truth masks that I was sent to review.I've been trying to include more masks in my beauty routine because I'm lazy,and I love anything that I don't have to fuss over and it means I can watch Netflix at the same time!

I love that they come with a little booklet which details all the information about the masks they offer,they've definitely thought this through! These sheet masks come in individual pouches and retail on thebeautymask anywhere from £4.95 to £7.65 each.This seems a little pricey,but they do focus on using high quality ingredients to create the "ultimate mask experience"

Miracle Rejuvenation Mask  £6.45 *

I thought I'd start with the mask that I enjoyed the most,which is targeted towards dry,ageing or  pigmented skin.This is the first mask I've used that has really clever ear hooks to allow the mask to stay in place-genius! As with all the masks,it's heavily saturated with serum that sinks into the sink easily and feels very nourishing.It contains a wide range of useful ingredients including m-Tranexamic acid to help fight inflammation,Argireline to reduce lines and Salicylic Acid,which I love as it's a really effective spot fighter and manages to reduce my pores.I kept this on for 15 minutes before removing it and my skin felt wonderful afterwards and very "glowy".I think this would be a great mask to prep your skin for Summer.

Herbal Rejuvenation Imortelle Mask £4.95 *

I love anything that uses Vitamin E as it works wonders on healing skin and keeping it in good condition.This not only contains Vitamin E, but also incorporates herbal essences and Immortelle Extract to deliver a big moisture hit to ageing and/or dry skin. Apparently, the Immortelle flower is a very versatile plant whose extract can help calm and revive tired skin,although you won't find any in your garden as they're a Mediterranean flower,it's great to have the wonderful benefits of this flower in a handy and easy to use mask.The formula feels very hydrating and leaves my skin feeling really plump and even,so much so that I didn't even wear make up afterwards.I would definitely recommend this mask if you need to give your skin a pick me up,or your suffer from dry,irritated skin.

Bio Cellulose EGF Mask £7.65 *

Honestly,I don't think I'd ever get botox in the future,as tempting as it may be I'd be worried something would go wrong.Saying that, I'm always looking for lotions and potions to help my skin stay looking fresh and renewed,that's why I really enjoyed using this EGF Bio Cellulose Mask which is full of ingredients to aid in collagen production and reduce lines.Hylauronic acid helps the skin hold onto water which means a more youthful and firm complexion, and ECF or "Epidermal Growth Factor" repairs cells and supports their growth.It all sounds very sciency but it really does work to even and soften all of my problem areas.I also noticed that my t-zone wasn't as shiny and my foundation glided on more smoothly than before.

Tip: After removing the mask,I rubbed the sheet over my skin so that any excess serum soaked into my skin and it doubled up as a massage too-bonus!

I've really enjoyed using these masks,I think they'd be great before an event,or just to have a relaxing night in.They're really easy to use and they definitely feel like they have done my skin the world of good.I thought i'd document some of my "ultimate mask experience" with selfies (of course)

I'm really happy with the results,I'm make up free in the last photo,and my skin hasn't felt this good in ages.I suffer with temperamental combination skin that can get irritated quickly,but you wouldn't know! I'm going to try and keep my skin in this condition by drinking lots of water and not relying on make up wipes at the end of the day (bad blogger).Watch this space!

Are face masks a regular part of your beauty routine?

Lifestyle // Tuesday Treasures

Hey guys, I hope you're having a lovely Tuesday!

I've read so many awesome posts with people sharing their favourite picks of the Internet,so I'd thought I'd share mine with you all.If you're a fan of cute animals,food and pretty photographs then why not sit down and have a cuppa?

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This print is perfect for any Orange is the new black fans!

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This recipe for Lavender Lemonade sounds like the perfect drink for Summer!

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Japan has so many wonderfully cute snacks. These Caramel Pudding flavoured Kit Kats can be baked in the oven for a creme brulee style dessert.

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This beautiful secluded Moonbeam Yurt in Okehampton looks so cosy and a change from bog standard hotels.You even get use of the hot tub for free! This is actually pretty close to home for me,so I think I'll have to give hubby a hint.

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Can you believe that this photograph was taken with a smartphone? It's so crisp and beautiful.

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This is just the hair colour I'd want if I didn't work in retail and was feeling brave!

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I don't think I've ever heard more beautiful words than "Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha Latte Cupcakes".

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These cute cat flats are wonderful Charlotte Olympia Kitty flats lookalikes and they're only £7.05!

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This LED colour changing shower head would make early morning starts 100 times more fun!

There's more!

Kill time with these 35 Surprisingly Useful Websites you never knew you needed

I think "All about that bass" is going to be a Summer body positivity anthem

This adorable fox thinks he's a dog
These beautiful British beaches will make you think you're abroad
"Essential items" aren't taxed but there's a 5% tax on sanitary products,sign this petition to get the government to stop taxing periods.
I've been watching Miss Representation which is a really eye opening film about Women in society and leadership roles.
I'm sure we can all relate to the 10 emotions we all experience in Primark
I've been checking my Ask.fm so if you have any questions or advice that needs answering,pop over and it will feature in my Sunday Support series.

Catch up with me on Twitter & Bloglovin <3

Recovery // Sunday Support Series #1

So today marks the first post in my Sunday Support series where I answer any questions or queries that people have given me over on my Ask.fm. Ignoring the question that I got enquiring about wedgies,I got a couple of questions on body image and eating disorders that I've taken the time to answer.I think lots of people feel the same too,so hopefully lots of people can draw something from the answers.

Q1. What books/websites/tools did you find helpful while recovering from your eating disorder?

Youreatopia

The Youreatopia forums and resources really helped me focus on my recovery and regain both my physical and mental health.In today's diet culture and fatphobic society,recovering from eating disorders can be so draining and feel near impossible. Youreatopia offers clear and easy to understand scientific information regarding recovery,weight and mental health.The website (which has been awarded "top 50 emotional eating websites 2013") advocates eating your minimum calorie intake which may be 2500+ and explains how everyone has

their own set point weight range that your body likes to be in.It's very hard to get your head around,but I've been maintaining my optimal weight on about 3000 calories and food doesn't even cross my mind anymore (of course there are bad times) I would really recommend checking it out here.It's basically all about learning to trust yourself and your body.

The Doctor

If you are struggling with an eating disorder of any kind,no matter what your size or age is,or how long you've had it for,then I'd strongly recommend visiting your Doctor.They can monitor your health and refer you to any therapy or other groups that you might feel you need.

Q2.I've never liked myself,but lately it's developed into a serious problem.I feel stressed and anxious about getting dressed everyday, and I worry how I look before I leave the house.It's making me not able to enjoy much anyway because I feel so ugly.Do you know anyway I could try and change this? xx

I completely understand where you are coming from as this is something that I still struggle with too,so just know that you're not alone.What has helped me is realising that you can never see yourself as what you truly are.A mirror gives a reflected image and photographs only give you a snapshot in time,so you will never see what other people see.Wearing comfortable clothing in the right size can go a long way into improving your mood and making you feel more able to carry out everyday tasks.There's nothing worse than wearing something too tight and then fixating on your body all day. I've cut out the size tags before as well if I found that the number was bothering me.Finally, please remember that your size,shape and appearance have no bearing on who you are.You are a whole person with feeling,thoughts and experiences that clothes sizes and the scales are never going to measure.

I think that Ask.fm is a good way to get your questions to me as some people don't feel comfortable with people knowing their name and I'm definitely going to include this a regular feature.feature. I've really enjoyed answering your questions and I would love more for next week! I'm happy to talk about anything but the areas that I know most about personally are eating disorders,bullying,family concerns,body image and general mental health.

I look forward to receiving more questions and remember there's no problem too big or small that I wouldn't like to help you with :)

Lifestyle // Sunday support series

"We can't help everyone,but everyone can help someone" -Ronald Reagan

For as long as I can remember I've always been the "Agony Aunt" of the group.I love nothing more than sitting down with a cup of tea and listening to other people's problems.I think there's something very therapeutic and refreshing about taking the time to help people and support them in finding some positive solutions.Having suffered from mental health problems,I know how having someone can talk to can make all the difference.That's why I'm starting the Sunday support series, so that I can offer my advice and support to you all.I'm not a therapist and I if you're going through some rough times I would suggest going to visit your Doctor but I'd love to be a listening ear to anyone who needs it.

I've set up an ask.fm account which you can visit here and ask me questions anonymously.I will then spend the week reading them and publish a post with all my answers every Sunday.Please don't feel embarrassed or awkward when sharing your problems,I'm sure that I've either experienced them myself or heard it all before.Of course this will be completely anonymous unless you want to to state your name,it's all up to you.Any abusive or threatening messages will be deleted,but we already  know not to feed the trolls don't we? If you would like to chat to me privately,then please feel free to email me at whimsicalmrsw@outlook.com,anything that is sent to my private email will not be published.

I'm really excited to be able to be there for you all as you've all been so wonderful and supportive to me,I will make sure to answer your problems as fully as possible.I hope this works out and that it will become a regular feature over here.

What do you think?

Recovery // How to handle diet talk

Did you know that research suggests that women can spend 18.9 years of their lives on diets? (source) So it's only inevitable that eventually someone is going to tell you about their latest weight loss plan in great detail.I think it's become so ingrained in our society now that it's considered normal and healthy to diet.Talking about weight loss has become a way for people to bond,and nothing unites people faster than a shared struggle.However as a person in recovery,I could do without hearing about how "bad" you were when you ate that cupcake.Of course I don't blame people for talking about their diets,they offer the exciting prospect that when you finish them you'll be thin and gorgeous,it doesn't work like that but I have no room to talk! I'm trying to learn that my life should be about exploring opportunities and ideas and not getting caught up in what other's are doing.I completely support people's right to do what they want with their own bodies and lives,but I'm talking about how to avoid and handle the often non stop chatter surrounding it.

1. Remove yourself from the situation

I know this isn't always possible,but if you're able to it's a good idea to try and move away from certain conversations.Protecting your mental health and/or recovery is more important,and if you feel like certain people or discussions are affecting that then some time by yourself might be helpful.I try to find a hobby to pass some time until I feel more comfortable,blogging is such a great way to vent! Other ideas might be listening to music,tidying up or watching cat videos on Youtube (would recommend.)

2. Change the subject

If you're not able to go somewhere else,subtly changing the conversation to another subject can really help shift things towards a more positive direction.For example if someone says "urgh I shouldn't have eaten that burger at McDonald's,I'm so fat" you could say "I thought it looked quite nice,did you see (insert name) there? I find that if you mention another aspect of their evening/outfit/food or whatever they're talking about the diet talk often ends there.

3. Be understanding

These days talking about dieting and weight loss is as common as discussing the weather,and you can see why in today's society.The constant sexualisation and objectification of women in adverts can really distort what both sexes think is the right way for a body to look.Of course,all sorts of mental health problems and/or unhealthy behaviour can come from not being able to match up to these standards.Diet propaganda is displayed on our TV's and magazines 24/7 and there's never a break from it,so you can understand why some people may be swept away with the idea that they too can be the "perfect ideal".Whether or not you agree with their diet,you probably know what it's like to feel insecure so a quick "I'm always here if you need to talk" might go a long way.

4. Talk to them

Sometimes people can be oblivious to what they're saying and how it can affect other people,it's quite easy for people to get wrapped up in their little bubble! If it's really getting to you,having a quick word with them could make all the difference.Something like "I'm trying to change my mindset and learn to accept my body without dieting,I'd really appreciate it if you didn't mention your diet all the time." Making sure that you're honest and open with them is definitely the right way to go,seeing as that's what all good friendships should be based on!

I've found these ways of dealing with diet talk really effective,obviously you can't censor people and their going to say what they want to,but that doesn't mean you can't say how you feel or have to be in a negative atmosphere.



Do you have any tips to deal with diet talk?

Music // Ultimate Blogger's Playlist

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For the past couple of days I've had terrible writer's block,it's so frustrating when all the thoughts are there but you can't get them into any sort of order.In cases like this I like to get a playlist together that puts me in a good mood and inspires me to get writing! I must have been living under a rock because I've only recently discovered Spotify,but I'm really enjoying using it as a way to boost my motivation and discover new music.

The Warm Up

I like to set up an area where I can blog comfortably,which often includes many cushions and a big mug of tea! I've put together some songs that have a wonderful mix of catchy and feelgood lyrics that should help you to get motivated to produce your best content yet! Who could resist singing to Mr Blue Sky? It's the perfect song for Summer.I'd really recommend Noah and The Whale too if you're into indie folk, fans of Bombay Bicycle Club or Mumford and Sons,this would be a great band to check out.

The Main Event

By this point you've probably written a little bit,but your concentration might begin to flag! This is the time that I might have a little break,but if I'm feeling productive I often power through with some tracks that help keep me going.These songs are great for inspiring your ideas and emotions to get together and do some writing.I've heard Pharrell William's "Happy" a million times already and I still love it,I should really watch Despicable Me! Ben Howard has some lovely music too,he also used to live in my town and go to the same secondary school as me,although not at the same time sadly!

The Wind Down

Writing can be really draining when you put your all into creating something you love.I think it's a great idea to relax with some easy listening music and take some time to rest your brain.I've only just discovered the first song which is a cellist group cover of Coldplay's clocks and it's so beautiful! Also, you can never go wrong with some Jack Johnson to mellow you out.

I've spent a lovely evening arranging my playlists.It definitely appeals to the side of me that loves organising,I should work in an office.Of course,all of the songs belongs to their respective artists,I can't sing for toffee and I'm no Beyonce! I hope you enjoy them,let me know if you'd like me to create any more,I'm thinking of starting a regular music feature.

What songs are you enjoying at the moment? Do you use Spotify?

Beauty // Budget problem skin favourites

My skin changes from one day to the next,so I'm never sure what I'm going to wake up to! In the likely event that a few spots will have appeared,I like to keep a couple of fail-safe products in my collection to help clear my skin gently and quickly. I've been using these for a while now and I'm really pleased with how they've worked for my skin.There are so many expensive washes for acne prone faces out there,but I think if you look around you can find products to suit any budget,especially now that cheaper stores are everywhere.I managed to pick these up from the 99p store whilst browsing around town.

I was drawn to this Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash because I love the smell of Pink Grapefruit,it's so energising and zesty which is perfect a refreshing morning wake up.I was concerned that it might leave my skin feeling tight and dry because it's acidic,but it has a gentle gel formulation which doesn't leave any residue or affect my skin.If you suffer with enlarged pores and spots around the t-zone like I often do, I'd really recommend this because since using it I've found that the area is much smoother and free from breakouts.It contains Salicylic acid which is effective at reducing inflammation and works to keep pores free from the build up that can encourage acne.I like to use a hot washcloth to open up my pores before applying as I think it helps it soak into my skin, followed by a cold blast of water afterwards to close my pores (it definitely wakes me up too!) Apparently, it's boosted by "MicroClear" technology,but I'm not too sure if that makes a difference as it sounds like one of those skincare buzzwords to me! Words aside,I'm really enjoying using this wash and I've seen a good improvement in my skin tone and texture.

In my lifetime I think I've had about every kind of acne you could imagine,but none as bad as the dreaded "bacne" or back acne.Although it's calmed down now that I'm in my twenties,I'm still prone to getting sore under the skin spots on the top of my back.You know the kind that you can't pop and never seem to leave? Well I'm intending to wear cute tops this Summer, so I had been looking for a body wash that would leave my skin acne free and smelling good.That's where this T-zone Revitalising Body Wash comes in! I haven't used T-zone products since I was a teenager,but I've been pleasantly surprised by how good they still are.You only need to use a 50p sized blob as it lathers up really well and it fills the bathroom with a fresh peppermint scent.It also contains tea tree oil which is well known for being an antiseptic and helping to prevent breakouts.I like to apply this to a bath lily (or bath poof, whatever you want to call it!) and really work the product into my skin,it feels so soft and clean afterwards.afterwards. I've been using this  every morning for just over two weeks and I've noticed that the areas normally affected are much less inflamed and sore,it's surprising what a difference it's made to how I feel about myself.

Although there's nothing wrong with buying high end brands,if you often walk past budget stores,I'd really suggest going in and seeing what they have to offer. I've noticed that many pound shops have the same products,but they're often a foreign version,so if you are a brand lover you might find one of your favourites in there.These products are really working well for me,so I'd definitely suggest you pop in to the 99p store and have a look.


What do you use for breakouts? Does the toothpaste trick really work?

Beauty // Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation Review

As a pale girl,I absolutely hate buying foundation! It's a minefield out there when your skin slightly resembles Casper the ghost,just one shade too dark and I can end up looking like an oompa loompa. I'd been looking around the high street to see what brands offer the palest shades,and that's when I found Rimmel Match Perfection in Light Porcelain.At the moment it's in Boots for £4.99 and comes in 10 shades,so ladies (or gentleman) if you're darker skinned,you have the option of gorgeous bronze and honey shades.

Firstly,I love that it contains SPF 18 because I'm always looking for ways to protect my skin without clogging my pores.It's in an easy to use pump bottle,and 30mls of product for only £4.99 is a pretty good deal.According to Rimmel the formulation provides "traceless coverage and perfectly flawless skin under any light".This is great for me because I work in harsh lighting,and I often don't realise that I've taken on a slight orange hue.

When I first swatched this,I was pleased by how effortlessly it blended into my skin.It's quite a thin consistency,but it's really buildable so that you can give your skin great coverage where it needs it most.I have combination skin,and I found that it worked well on all areas of my face.It provided coverage and reduced shine on my t zone,and it didn't sink and crack into dry areas either.I haven't ever had a foundation with such a nice scent before either,it's smells really fresh and reminds me of Aloe Vera.It feels very moisturising and lightweight on my skin which I love,I can't stand that mask effect that some foundations give.The only problem I have with this is that it doesn't cover my freckles that much,but I guess I should be working to embrace them anyway! 

Excuse the weird photo,but I'm so happy with how this turned out.I used a tiny bit of Maybelline Pure Cover Mineral Concealer in Natural (£1 from Poundland) to cover a few blemishes,and then I swirled a little Miss Sporty So Clear Face Powder in Translucent (£2.99 from Superdrug) to keep it all in place and there we have it! I feel a lot more confident wearing this foundation knowing that I have even looking skin without those tell tale "tide marks".As for it's claims of lasting all day,I'd say it lasts a good 7 hours,and even then I think a quick touch of powder and you'll be good to go.So fellow pale folk and freckly sisters,if you're   looking for an affordable foundation that feels natural and offers a light to medium coverage,I would 100% recommend this!

What foundation are you currently using?

Lifestyle // What I've bought :Budget haul

Although I've never been a big spender, I'm trying to shift my focus towards buying things that will help me me practice self care and still put a little back in savings.As you know,I love browsing budget stores and buying second hand bits,and it's made a huge difference to how far I can stretch my budget It's easier said than done sometimes,but I'm really happy with what I've bought so I thought I'd share them with you all!

As much as I love Yankee candle jars (vanilla cupcake is a personal favourite),I don't like how they often burn down the middle,leaving loads of wax behind.That's where this wonderful Glade Peppermint Crush candle comes in.Although this fragrance is meant for the Christmas season,it's perfect for anytime of year.I burn this pretty much everyday,and there's still plenty left.It also burns evenly and leave the room basked in a cosy glow (perfect for an after work nap!) The scents smell very realistic,and the mix of sweet vanilla and fresh peppermint really help to clear my mind and leave my bedroom smelling gorgeous.I can't believe I bought it for only 99p from the 99p store! 

I'd been wanting to buy this book for a while,as I'd heard such great reviews about it.With books and most things though,if you leave it a while they really drop down in price.I managed to pick this up from this seller on Amazon for £7.48,and I'm so glad I did. I've been reading the story of how Jack Monroe,a struggling single Mum living in poverty,had to stretch her £10 a week food budget to feed herself and little boy.She started sharing her budget recipes on her blog, and that's where it all began! I'm really looking forward to trying her recipes because they're not intimidating or too fancy,just good honest food.I think the first thing I'm going to try is the Carrot,Cumin and Kidney bean burgers.

I'd been looking for some artificial flowers to jazz up the background of my photos for a while, so I headed to the 99p store to see what I could find.I would love to use fresh ones,but my allergies,and the fact I'm an awful plant babysitter means that that would be a bad idea! They had so many pretty colours to choose from,but I chose these beautiful vibrant red and crisp white ones,so that I can switch it up the mood depending on what I'm writing.They're really easy to move around and style too,I think I'm going to have to get some for my ever changing bedroom.

I know that I haven't bought much,but I guess that's the point of trying to stick to a budget! It's really nice to treat yourself with the little things sometimes,and I think these are going to become a regular feature in my life and blog posts,so why not save some money at the same time?

Are you trying to budget? I'd love to hear any tips you have.

                                         

Lifestyle // 20 reasons why I'm a feminist

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I've been following the #YesAllWomen tag on Twitter recently,and it's full of reasons confirming why I am a Feminist.It's been very enlightening, but also very sad to read the experiences of Women all around the world.The word "Feminism" can certainly conjure up the dated stereotype of "bra burning man hater",but there is no way to identify a feminist based on looks.People of all ages,races and backgrounds support and hold up the beliefs that Feminism fights for.The definition of Feminism according to the Oxford English Dictionary is "the advocacy of Women's rights on the grounds of equality of the sexes",but I think Queen Bey sums it up quite well too.Equality to me is the main focus.I believe that all genders deserve to have control of their bodies,and should be able to live and voice their opinions without fear.

I'm a Feminist because...

1. The Gender Pay Gap in the UK for 2013 was 19.7%. (source)
2. When someone  says "you fight/act like a girl" it's seen as an insult. 
3. Because 30% of the female UK population has suffered domestic violence. (source)
4. This video highlights how men can be victims of abuse too,but they often don't get taken seriously. (source)
5. Because women have been asked in interviews "do you intend to have children?"
6. Often a women who has had lots of sex is a "slut" whereas a man is praised.
7. Women are often taught that they should see other females as competition ("I'm not like other girls") rather than holding each other up and supporting one another.
8. I have been refused a job because "I wouldn't be able to lift things",even though I fit the job description.
9. According to this survey,35% of male college students admitted they would commit rape if they knew they could get away with it.(source) 
10. Because men are often made to feel ashamed for enjoying "feminine" hobbies and showing emotion.
11. Because women are often made to feel ashamed for being "unladylike", or pursuing traditionally masculine careers.
12. Unnecessarily Gendered Products (source)
13. Single mothers are often portrayed by the media as "desperate" and relying on benefits,whereas single Dads are praised for "doing so well with them".
14. If a man chooses to be a stay at home Dad,he is often questioned and made to feel less "manly".
15. Schools put tougher restrictions on what the girls wear,to make sure  that they don't arrive in "inappropriate" clothing which may affect the boy's attention.
16. There are still countries that don't allow women have an abortion,except in life threatening cases.In my opinion, all women should have the reproductive right to a safe and legal abortion free from shame and discrimination,if they choose to.
17.  There are people in the world who think that women owe them a smile or sexual favours.
18. Women are still encouraged to stick together on a night out for safety.
19. There are 33 states in the US where it is possible to be fired from your job for being gay or transgendered. (source)
20. Over 20,000 girls are at risk from Female Genital Mutilation in the UK.This practice is illegal over here,but many young women are taken abroad for the procedure. (source)

You're a star if you've managed to read all this! I felt really inspired by all of the strong people who are taking a stand against negativity and injustice in the world.Sadly,it would be very naive of me to expect people to be treated equally any time soon,but I love that people are more willing to challenge stereotypes and voice their opinions now.

Do you identify as a Feminist? I'd love to hear your opinions