Bucket list // 30 before 30

Things have been going really well recently,I've been feeling much more well in myself and I've been thinking of what things I want to achieve in the future! I've seen other blogs do "bucket lists" where they write down what they want to complete in their lives and I think they're a great way to keep focused.I decided to do a 30 achievements by 30 list.This gives me a whole 7 years to see how many I can tick off.I couldn't decide as I have so many,but I narrowed it down to my "must dos"

1. Swim with Dolphins
2. Donate my hair to charity
3. Visit London
4. Get a mortgage (easier said than done!)
5. Have a flat/house decorated exactly how I want it (I love cosy homes with plenty of throws and cushions.)
6. Help feed and bathe Elephants (I wanted to ride one but after researching it seems unethical.)
7. Start a family
8. Stay recovered from Anorexia
9. Have a pet (preferably a pug if Sam would agree!)
10. Visit America 
11. Stay in 5 (or more) hostels
12. Cook a three course meal from scratch
13. Keep up with blogging
14. Take a dance class with my husband
15. Be in an audience for a TV show
16. Try to reduce/control my anxiety
17. Stay up all night to watch the sunrise somewhere pretty
18. Visit Bora Bora and stay in a over water hut
19. Have a good skin routine (I want to stay looking young!)
20. Go Ice Skating with Sam
21. Pay more attention to staying hydrated (I get horrible headaches)
22. Visit Italy (Rome or Venice!)
23. Wear classic clothes not trends
24. Water-ski
25. Hot air balloon ride
26. Donate food to food bank/homeless charity
27. See Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo
28. Visit the other countries in Great Britain 
29. Expand my cooking knowledge (I'm good at my favourites but I want to cook some "dinner party" type food.
30. Work on becoming more optimistic

So there is my list! I tried to include a good mixture of long and short term achievements,as well as ones that don't cost the Earth.I'm going to create a page with these on so that I can be reminded and write posts about them as I go.

What's on your bucket list?

    

Beauty // Morning Make Up Musthaves

I'm pretty sure that I'd run down to the shops in my pyjamas if I ever ran out of these.I always make sure I've got enough,and because they are all under £5 I often have a couple of back ups lying around in different places.They're not high end products but they're really effective and do the job well.

Wilko refreshing eye drops (£2-£3 from Wilkinsons)

I can't remember exactly how much this lifesaver cost,but I know it's very budget friendly.I'm basically a walking allergy,and these drops are great at making sure that my eyes stop running and they stay clear and bright.They're great to use after a long day too,although I don't use them everyday because it might disturb the natural balance of my eyes.

Sanctuary Spa hand cream (£3 from Boots)

I was lucky enough to receive this in the Sanctuary gift set for Christmas from my lovely husband! My hands get really dry and this formula is rich enough to give my skin day long moisturisation, without leaving a greasy film on my hands.It smells so good too,it's got a lovely sweet and subtle almond fragrance that lasts for hours .I've had it since December and I don't even think I'm halfway through as you don't need much,so this is a great cost effective option.

Maybelline Pure Cover Mineral Concealer (£1 from Poundland)

After trying this out, I went to Poundland to pick up another as it was that amazing! This one is shade 02 (Natural) and is great at hiding the redness I often get around my nose and chin.It's quite a creamy formula too,so it's really moisturising for dry skin.I also love that when you apply it to a breakout it doesn't cake or leave it looking worse than before,it just gives a nice even coverage.

Vaseline Rosy Lips (£2.18 from Boots)

I think I've tried just about every type of Vaseline but this is definitely one of my favourites.It isn't heavily scented but it does have a light rose fragrance which I love.The almond oil helps keep my lips free from cracks and moisturised all day.I often use it so that I have a smooth base to apply lipstick or gloss,but it's great by itself as it gives my lips a beautiful rosy sheen.

I know they're nothing exciting,but I couldn't be without these.They definitely help me feel more put together and polished.I always feel like I'm going to have a good day if I have everything to hand.I'm still trying to scout out more bargains to add to my collection!

What are your must haves?

In the news // Pro Ana bracelets in 2014

from myproana.com (Don't click it's full of triggering content)

I always like to check the news to see what's going on in the world.I'm especially interested in mental health issues and the ever changing media opinion of Eating Disorders.The headline that the Daily Mail ran today (which you can read here) really caught me eye,although not for the right reasons.A website called "myproana.com" is selling bracelets "as a reminder of the daily struggle all sufferers experience".The Pro Ana community always cover up their dangerous behaviour by using language that makes people feel like they are in a big family,where everyone urges you to "stay strong" and become "ana" buddies.

I don't know where to start with this so I'm going to create a list.

• These bracelets have been around in various forms to my knowledge since the early 2000's, and are often used as a form of encouragement to continue disordered behaviours.They only ever seem to be used in the Pro Ana community.

• They call people who are suffering from Anorexia (or sometimes the disorder itself) "Ana" or "Mia" for Bulimia.I hate these cutesy nicknames! They trivialise mental health problems as something that's playful and fun.

• The bracelet comes without any logos so as to cover up where you bought it from.I think that should ring enough alarm bells, surely if it was just an innocent bracelet there would be no problem?

• They wanted to make something more "luxurious","high end" and "refined".Anything that is associated with promoting Anorexia as a lifestyle choice is disgusting,irresponsible and unsafe.

• This website is called "myproana.com".How more transparent could they be? This website is well known for it's community of members sharing tips of how to starve yourself and become a "good Anorexic" and that's bad enough, but now they're selling bracelets and charging people $14 (£8.44) for the privilege. 

Although we know that Eating Disorders are affecting people of a younger age,it's states on the site that "Many Anas felt that red beads were not age appropriate",which suggests that teens or children who are more susceptible to peer pressure are likely to look at this as see it as a trendy fashion statement.Hopefully, with the increased media coverage it's been receiving,they will stop selling them.I know we can't censor the Internet,but when it comes to protecting people's health and well being,I think it's right to call people out.You can find more of my opinions about "pro ana" on a recent blog post here.

What are you opinions?

Poundland bargains // Constance Carroll Compact Refill Powder Review

I've been after a powder to set my make up and stop shine for a while now, as I've just run out of my trusty ELF powder.I decided that seeing as I get most of things I buy from Poundland,I'd see if they have any powders on offer.I found these compacts from Constance Carroll (which is apparently a UK brand,although I've never heard of it.) The only issue I have with Poundland is sometimes there is a lack of shades in cosmetics.There were two shades of this powder,"Roma" which was quite a dark pinkish brown colour and "Saffron Glow" which was more yellow toned.I picked "Saffron Glow" but on checking the Constance Carroll website,I noticed they do lighter and darker shades.It would be great if Poundland started stocking these,so that everyone could try them out!

 I'm not sure about the packaging,I think it looks a little dated,but let's not judge a book by its cover.It seems to have quite a lot of product in it,so hopefully it will last a while.

I can't make my mind up about this powder.It has a nice texture and leaves my skin feeling soft.Also,it offers a sheer coverage so it looks quite natural.I was worried that it would be too yellow toned for my skin,but it blended into problem areas (cheeks and chin) perfectly.The only downsides are  that the powder can get everywhere and it doesn't have the nicest smell.It's got quite a powdery scent and it reminds me a little bit of a perfume my Nan might wear,it's not too overwhelming though.

Here is the final result! Overall I'm pretty happy,if you're after a matte finish then this isn't the powder you're looking for,but it does give a lovely dewy look to the skin.I've also noticed it keeps my make up in place nicely for a good few hours.It's definitely worth having a look at anyway,the store I went to was quite small,so a bigger shop may have a wider variety.

What type of finish do you prefer for your skin? Matte or Dewy?

How to // Deal with Street Harassment

via thenewagenda.net

Street harassment is unfortunately very common, and most women experience it at some point in their life (more than 80% worldwide according to stopstreetharrasment.org).Often dismissed as "just fun" or "boys being boys", it can be really intimidating and upsetting for someone to approach you or make comments in the street.It's definitely a feminist and human rights issue as it is objectifying to women and takes away our right to be outside comfortably and without fear.When men go outside alone it's fine,but when women do it they are told to "be careful".I'm going to share some tips with you on how to safely handle street harassment.

*Of course there is a big difference between compliments and street harassment.It's your call on what makes you uncomfortable.*

What is Street Harassment?

• Unwanted sexual comments
• Stalking
• Leering & groping
• Indecent exposure & public masturbation
• Catcalls (whistling and remarks etc..)

This list isn't exhaustive,but these are the most common forms.Street harassment is basically any unwanted attention that you receive that invades your personal space.It is disrespectful,unnerving and can often have a huge effect on your emotional state. 

Top tips for dealing with Street harassment

1.Your safety always comes first.Don't approach the person if you feel at risk,walk away.

If you feel you can approach the person;

2.Project confident body language.Stand tall,look the harasser in the eye and speak in a loud,clear voice.Show them that you are self assured and not scared (even if you feel uncomfortable.)

Some statements that you could use are;

"Stop doing x/y/z"
"Stop harassing women.We don't like it"
"This man is doing x/y/z" (call them out to others and make them feel embarrassed by their behaviour.)
"Doing x/y/z is wrong/disrespectful.Stop" (Let them know you will not tolerate this.)

3.Speak in a neutral yet assertive tone as that will project confidence and not antagonise the harasser.Don't swear or become angry as this could make the person respond negatively.

4.You have the power to completely ignore them if you want to.You don't have to answer their questions,and you can decide when to end the dialogue,if you want to call them out.

5.If you want to,you can report any incidences to your local Police Depot.If the harasser was in a car or had an obvious uniform on,you could take down their registration number to pass on to the Police, and/or report them to their employer.


I hope this has helped you feel more confident in dealing with uncomfortable situations,and remember your safety and well being always comes first! Only do what you feel comfortable with,and of course there is no right or wrong way to respond.I know it can be frustrating but by reacting appropriately,we can make sure that they get the message and that we remain safe.

Have you ever encountered street harassment? Do you have any tips?

Mini Haul // Superdrug body sprays review

Superdrug is the only store we have in my town that sells everything beauty and health related.That's why I'm always popping in there to see what they've got to offer.I always like to make sure that I have body sprays to hand because they're great to put in my handbag for a quick freshen up.I don't like to spend too much as I go through them quite quickly,but I noticed that Superdrug were having a Buy One Get One Free offer on their body sprays,so they were 99p for 2.Bargain!

The vibrant cans really caught my eye and there were 7 to choose from;

Minx
Delicious
Crush
Seduce
Sugar
Starlight
Lusty

I find the names quite amusing.They're definitely no Coco Chanel but I think  they're fun and don't take themselves too seriously.You could buy one for every occasion and still have change from £10! Eventually I picked up "Minx" and "Delicious" because the descriptions sounded like the kind of scent I was looking for.

Minx

"Feel utterly feminine and seductive! A bold,flirtatious mix of juicy citrus fruits,with pineapple,jasmine and sweet vanilla notes.Spritz all over your body to leave you feeling fresh and confident." 

This one is my favourite out of the two.It reminds me of a tropical island as it's got a strong Pineapple scent with an lovely underlying floral smell.It isn't too "in your face" so this would be a great scent to wear if you just wanted a light and fruity fragrance.I've been using this one everyday.

Delicious

"Feel absolutely irresistible.A luscious blend of floral and delectable fruity notes.Spritz all over your body to leave you feeling fresh and confident."

This scent is undeniably girly.It's very sweet and sugary but in a subtle way.I have this one in my handbag at the moment,and I find is has a lovely comforting smell,like something familiar.If you're a fan of floral or vanilla fragrances then I would definitely recommend this.You don't need much either,just a little spritz and you're good to go. 

I was surprised at how long these scents lasted! Once I apply them in the morning they last for a good 2 or 3 hours,which is great considering the price.

Another bonus is that they are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans too.I'm trying to become more aware of Animal testing so I'm happy that these sprays are BUAV approved.The BUAV is the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and they campaign for the abolition of all animal experiments.Also,they don't harm the Ozone layer as they are CFC free.I would definitely agree that there is "100 happiness guaranteed".I would recommend these to anyone who is after budget friendly and cruelty free fragrances that smell wonderful.

Have you ever tried Superdrug's body sprays? What did you think?

Poundland bargains // Maybelline Forever Strong Pro Polish Review

Another post in my Poundland bargains series and it's another nail varnish! What a surprise.This one really interests me as it claims to last up to 7 days,which is great for me because I hate getting even the tiniest chip.It makes a lot of claims with the name "forever strong pro" but I decided to try and out and opted for neutral shade "Porcelain beige".

I don't have enough neutral colours in my nail collection and I was after something I could wear to formal occasions or when I need a more subtle look.The Calcium and Iron has been added to help achieve a rich colour and shine.I Googled what silica does in polish and apparently it allows it to be more evenly distributed. 

I found that the brush was the perfect shape to get to the edge of the nails and the polish had quite a thick consistency.I needed to apply two coats to achieve a full block of colour,but it looks lovely with just one.

 I was worried that a nude polish might look quite orange and unflattering on my pale skin but I am very happy with the finish.Beige can sometimes be quite boring and drab,but this colour is really versatile.It's a lovely shade of milky coffee and it really helps my nails look more polished.It is a glossy polish but I applied topcoat to add extra shine.This will definitely become one of my favourites!

What are you wearing on your nails at the moment?