Fashion // Stripes & Jeans OOTD

This is a very exciting post for me to write because it involves getting out of my comfort zone and facing some body issues! I haven't worn jeans for around 9 years,and each pair I've owned in the past have been filled with memories of me starving and unrealistic expectations.I must have walked in and out of Primark two or three times before deciding to pick these jeans up,but I decided that I have to challenge myself so that I can continue to tackle any negative thoughts!

Stripey Boyfriend Top £3

Black "push up & pull in" skinny jeans £13

Black leather bag £12

Brogues £10

All Primark

Now I know that this stripes and black combo isn't going to win any creative fashion prizes,but I'm really enjoy the monochrome look at the moment,and I'm trying to channel my inner French woman.I'm not used to wearing jeans,so I feel like my legs  look like sausages busting out of their casing,but they are actually quite comfortable.They feel really well made and I'm sure they'll be a feature of many future outfits.I love the slouchy cut of this top and it'd be perfect for dressing up or down.

I'm finding it quite hard to accept my shape in jeans because I often wear dresses or other loose clothing,but I have to realise that I am normal.Some people are a size 6 and some are a size 36,but everyone deserves to be included in fashion and feel good.This outfit has definitely inspired me to be more bold with my clothing choices and break out of my comfort zone every now and again!

What clothes do you wear when you're trying to shake things up?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // The blogger's secret to good sleep and better posts!

Before finding f.lux software,whenever I was on my laptop in the evening you could find me squinting at the screen whilst trying to cling on to the last few minutes before I gave into sleep (those cat videos won't watch themselves!) You don't really realise it if you use electronics often,but screens can really throw out some unnatural light that can give you a headache,impair sleep and definitely not help you function at your best.

All credit to justgetflux.com

F.lux sum it up themselves wonderfully! During the day you might not even notice your computer's display but as it gets darker your eyes can really struggle to adjust.F.lux is designed to change to suit any time of the day,and as the day goes on it creates a warmer tint which is better for night time computer use.It's a really simple but effective idea that I'm surprised I haven't heard of it before.

Since installing it (for free),I've found that I've been get fewer computer related headaches and that I've been able to focus on writing easier.It's also suitable for anybody anywhere because you can set the location and it will adjust to your area's sunrise and sunset.You can also choose the speed of how fast you want the light to change,so that your eyes get used to the new environment.I would really recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their eye health and sleep quality whilst still being able to focus and enjoy the Internet!

Do you use any useful computer programs or add ons? I'm always looking for new things to install.

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Perfume // Next Just Pink EDT review

You know when you walk past someone who's perfume smell gorgeous and you've just got to ask them where they got it from? Well that happened with my Auntie a little while back and she said "Next Just Pink".
I've never really thought of heading to Next for perfumes,but they've got a great range of fragrances all under £20.This beautifully packaged perfume was only £12, but the adorable glass heart bottle and long lasting scent really makes it seem higher end.Apparently,this is a great dupe for "Ralph Lauren's Romance".

This is a very feminine and floral fragrance but it isn't cloyingly sweet or over the top,it fills the air with the light scents of flowers and it smells very clean .It's the perfect perfume for day or night because it mellows out to a more muskier scent after a few hours.

I love the glass bottle,it's the perfect size to put in my handbag and I think it's really pretty.It also looks equally as good being displayed on my cabinet! I love the simple design and 30ml is a good amount of perfume for £12.

Next Just Pink describe it's fragrance as "a fresh green floral fragrance with soft fruits and pink blooms" and I think it would be perfect for a woman of any age,it's very unobtrusive and would be great to wear at work or at home.It definitely adds that extra something to any outfit and now I know how good Next's perfumes are,I'm going to try the other fragrances they have on offer!

What perfumes are you enjoying right now? Have you tried Next perfumes before?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // Why I love blogging

Last nights lifestyle (#lbloggers) chat was really interesting as always! We were talking about "big" and "small" bloggers,the difference between them and what people think is important about blogging.For me personally,it's the interaction.Writing is blog is actually quite a brave thing to do,as you're putting yourself out there and saying "this is me and these are the things I enjoy" and I really like the positive and accepting community that comes out of that.

As well as loving reading comments,messages and notifications,I really enjoy taking the time to sit down and respond to them.Not just a one word response which seems similar to sending someone a text saying "K",but a thought out comment that might continue more conversation and ideas.If someone can take the time to write me a comment,then I can take the time to reply.There is nothing nicer than waking up and realising that real people actually want to respond and talk about something you've wrote! Real people who have ideas,opinions and dreams and want to share them with others.

If anyone wants a creative and healthy outlet then I'd really recommend blogging.It's great because it's on your terms and it can be whatever you want it to be.It's done a lot for me in many ways; my writing and grammar have improved,I feel more confident in what I have to say and it helps me feel less "stuck" in my own mind.That's pretty good seeing as blogging is relatively cheap and doesn't have to cost a thing!

P.S If you're wandering why the white of the screenshots is dull,it's because I use a computer program that adjusts light to help me sleep.I'll review it soon!

What's your favourite thing about blogging?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Beauty // Miss Sporty So Clear Pressed Powder Review

Miss Sporty was one of my staple make up brands when I was a teenager! I would save up my money and then head to Superdrug to see what I could get for £5 (which was most things.) I've just finished my last powder which was my beloved ELF Mineral Foundation in Fair,and I was looking for some a little cheaper and that offered something a little different.

The only problem I have with Miss Sporty products is they do tend to feel a bit plastic and cheap,but let's not judge a book by it's cover.Their target market is young girls so this kind of packaging is perfect for that make up experimenting phase.I picked this Miss Sporty So Clear Powder in Translucent from Superdrug for £2.99 and I must say I'm very impressed.I have combination skin where my t-zone can get really oily and my cheeks tend to be drier (great),but this powder leaves my problem areas looking matte and smooth,without irritating my sensitive skin.I apply it over Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in Vanilla  before work and 7 hours later there is little sign of change,it could do with a touch up,but my skin still looks even and relatively flaw free!

If you prefer the matte look on a budget and are prone to breakouts and blemishes,I'd really recommend this product.It settles really nicely and doesn't creep into any dry areas,I'm definitely going to repurchase this as it makes my skin look much more polished.I'm happy I picked this up!


What powder are you currently using?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Recovery // A letter to my body

It's safe to say that like a lot of people, I have felt very disconnected from my body for most of time.To me,my body has just been a jumble of mismatched parts that I've often said belong to different people.I've spent too much of time criticising and over thinking my appearance when in reality, I think most people are more concerned with their own lives and not my weight/hair/makeup.I had some therapy last year which I found really helpful in getting me to see things from a different perspective,and some exercises included writing to yourself and/or you body in order to address issues and learn to become more comfortable in your own skin.I'd thought I'd share with you a few of my "hang ups" and how I'm trying to turn my thoughts around.

Dear eyes,

I'm sorry that you've cried so many times,I think I made you wake up too many mornings all bloodshot and grey,when you should of been glowing and full of life.I can't believe I used to go online and research coloured contacts so that I could be the perfect blue eyed blonde that I'd always wanted to be.It was with you that I got to experience my wedding and my newly improved life with all of the vibrancy that I had wished for ,and I'm forever grateful for that.I'm very lucky that you're in good health and I'm going to make sure that I look after you more.If I knew what eyeshadow to wear,I'd dress you up all the time! (I'm getting quite good at eyeliner flicks.)

Dear Thighs,

I spent so many hours as a teenager Googling "thigh exercises" and using horrible 80's style exercise equipment like  thigh toners until exhaustion,in order to achieve the "perfect" thin legs.It was never enough though,I have a horrible memory of walking into my GCSE exams and people making comments about my "thunder thighs" and I wanted the ground to swallow me up.I'm so sorry that I tried to mould you to fit what other people told me you should be.It's only recently I've been able to wear shorts (albeit pyjama shorts at home!) but I'm getting comfortable with the idea that my thighs are great friends! 

Dear freckles,

I still remember how much it stung to cover you in lemon juice and hope that that I would wake up and you would be gone.Also why are you considered an "imperfection", along with stretchmarks,scars and blemishes?  (all of which I have or have had),it's easy to see why I've felt like I've been made entirely of flaws.I would painstakingly apply layers of foundation to you and pray that it stayed on day,only to be embarrassed if someone mentioned you.I think it didn't help that I didn't see other people with freckles growing up,but I was so inspired when the lovely Jade Thompson won BINTM! Now I try not to wear so much foundation and make sure to wear SPF so I don't burn (which would be constantly.)

I know some of these things might appear really insignificant,but I think we really look at ourselves under a scrutinising microscope sometimes and it's easy to not to see the bigger picture.I am not my eyes,thighs or freckles but I am a person who has dreams and ambitions and I'm not going to let how I feel about myself sometimes stop me from doing what I want all the time.

This has been very therapeutic! I'd love to hear anyone else's letters to their bodies.

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

                                  

Lifestyle // Mr Nutcase phone review *

Twitter is an excellent way to communicate with different businesses who might offer products that you've never heard of before! That's why I was very happy to get the opportunity to review a phone case for the lovely people at Mr Nutcase.

I found their website very easy to use and I was really impressed by the worldwide shipping and fast delivery,nothing is worse than paying money and then waiting forever it to arrive! You have the option to upload your own photos and create a personalised case,or you can choose from different designs that have been created by various artists.My phone is an Xperia Miro which they don't do cases for at the moment,but I'd love to see them expand their range.If you're looking to buy a phone case,you can see what phones styles they cover on the Mr Nutcase brands page.

I chose the Girl on Girl Bike in London case which I think will make a really lovely present for someone. Having a phone case that stands out is also a good way to prevent family phone mix ups! There are so many beautiful designs to choose from like polka dots through to inspiration quotes and abstract art.I spoke to them on Wednesday the 30th and it arrived yesterday,I don't know how they do it but that's incredibly fast delivery.Not only that but every time I spoke with them,they responded within the day and nothing was ever too much trouble ,what more could you want from a company? 

They've just recently created a live chat feature on their site so that they can respond to customer queries and offer a more efficient customer service,I think that's a great idea as more people are buying online now.Also,I'm always after new budget products (as you well know) and all of the phone cases are under £20,so if you're looking for a practical gift for the technology lover in your family (or you!) then I'd really recommend them.

If you want to know more about Mr Nutcase,then you can tweet them @MrNutCase or email them at info@mrnutcase.com 

Is your phone wearing anything at the moment?