What's In the August Glossybox?

 

If you could have seen me this morning, tucked up in a blanket by the downstairs window waiting for the Royal Mail van to trundle up my road with this month's Glossybox, you would understand why I was so eager to get this review up for you guys. This month's box celebrated five years of glossy, and the special box and make up bag designed by Rae Feather makes it a pretty extraordinary one. I thought I'd give you a run down of the products, since I think you can still sign up now and get this edition.

 

I was super excited to receive this selection of products, because I think I'll actually use all of them, and I was intrigued by the element of choice with this months box (but we'll get to that in good time.) One of the first things to stand out to me was the Mudmasky Facial Detox Purifying Recovery Mask, a 20ml sample face mask; if there is anything that I will pursue within skin care, its a face mask. This one is marketed as hydrating, which is a plus considering that my skin tends to get quite dry. The full size version of this is £53, so to get to try this out is definitely a treat.



 

Following the trend of skincare, I'm intrigued by the Spa To You Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Brush, mainly because I know it will encourage me to use cleanser and up my skincare game (you don't even want to know how little I do to my skin - Tesco value make up wipes anyone?). The brush claims to 'enhance skin vitality', and I'll certainly give it a go and see what it does over time to the condition of my skin. Lets hope for radiant goddess skin, you can never really go wrong with that. This brush retails at £6.99, so it would be an affordable item to add to your collection if you didn't want to purchase the full box.

 

Cowshed is a brand that I've used before, so I know how luxurious it is to receive an item from them. The Wild Cow Body Lotion is an adorable 30ml sample that will fit perfectly in my handbag, and I'm excited to try it out, as all the products from Cowshed are also professionally used spa products, and are therefore guaranteed to be a winner. I'm usually not the biggest fan of body lotions, but I love the scents from Cowshed and am always eager to try more of their stuff. A brilliant aspect of the box for August is the cream, pink and white make up bag designed by Rae Feather just for Glossybox, which seems to multitask with prettiness and sturdiness, and would be an ideal make up bag for travel. The pochette bags like this one usually sell for £20, meaning that its a fab deal to get one in the box, particularly as the designer's items are known for their trendiness.

 

 

Last but definitely not least, I was over the moon to get an MUA palette in the shade 'Starry Night', which I picked out myself online. This was such a nice touch to this month's box, as you can't guarantee you'd receive the shades that you wanted if the selection was random. MUA has been very much on my radar in the last week due to a recent purchase I made (review to come) - this brand is completely underrated! I swatched these shadows a few minutes ago and the pigmentation is hella high for a palette that costs £4; much better than the pigmentation of my Make Up Revolution shadows, a rival value make up brand. This palette is beautiful, and makes the perfect addition to the celebratory box. What a gem.

If you haven't tried this subscription service, you can read my full process review here. This month's box is a good one to start with, and I'll just throw it in there that September's box has a TooFaced miniature product inside. I know.

What do you think of this month's goodies?

Two Years of Blogging || A Reflection

 

 How has it been two years ago that I sat down and pressed publish on my first blog post? And how have I written over 200 of them since?! *Excuse me whilst I have a mini meltdown because life is moving too fast and oh gosh, university and adulthood awaits*

 

This past year has allowed ASD to evolve into what I imagined that it could be, and to make a serious amount of progress with my blog photography (who knew that a sheet of marble sticky back plastic from Wilkos could be the turning point for major change?) and also in the way of promoting my posts and interacting with other bloggers. Meeting new people is scary at the best of times, but to go to a meet up with such talented gals makes it even more intimidating -its a good thing you're all friendly! Never in a million years did I imagine that I could get up and go to an event with no comfort blanket or familiarity to rely on, but now its getting easier and easier with every event I go to. This past year I've attended NWMeet, NWMeet2.0, and was even invited to the Clothes Show and treated extra specially with treats and my own lanyard (whaaaaat - its the little things.)

 

When I first set up my blog, I just wanted to have a record of my beauty reviews and thoughts, and I never imagined it would be something that brands might want to get involved with, so to participate in collabs was an unexpected surprise. Thank you to the brands who have taken a chance on me this past year, I like you a whole lot and you're pretty darn cool. In regards to anyone that reads my little blog, you definitely fall into that category as well; blogging isn't about numbers, and it shouldn't ever feel like a competition, but logging into my account and seeing a blog comment makes my day.

 

In regards to blogging goals for the next year, I don't know what to say, because at the moment my future is a bit on the unknown side of things. I have no idea whether my university halls will have good lighting for photography, or how I'm going to scrounge enough $$$ to pay for all the beauty items that I want to review. I plan on taking bulk photos in the month leading up to leaving, but if I get there and there's a lovely desk underneath a window, I'll be a very happy bunny. If you go to university or have graduated and have experience of blogging away from home, I'd love some tips or advice! I'm planning on blogging to the best ability that I can whilst I'm in halls, but the whole process seems so unknown that I have no idea what to expect.

 

What has blogging brought to your life in the past year, and where do you see it going for yourself in the future?

 

Thank you to the moon and back for reading this rambly post and all the others that have gone up in the last two years! Here's to many more, *clinks glasses*



Dressing for the Sun

 

*Internally cringes because its been a while since I posed in front of the camera*

I did a poll on Twitter to see what you guys wanted to read, and it seems like a holiday clothing haul was pretty high up on that list. I've loved Summer shopping this year, the prospect of going away with my best friends has made me even more eager to snap up some cute outfits for the beach and nights out.

 

The first couple of pieces I picked up were from Miss Selfridge, which is a completely new store for me, and I was seriously impressed with both the quality and the prices. This Bardot top in a blue and white tile print is possibly my favourite find, and how often is it that you go into a store and end up choosing the exact same item you spotted online? That literally never happens! I also picked up a pair of denim shorts, and let me tell you, its a rare occasion that I end up buying the first pair I try on (is it just me, or are denim shorts quite an uncomfortable item to wear?). These ones are distressed just enough and I actually find them easy to wear, so its a win from me.

 

 

Isn't this playsuit the prettiest thing you ever did see?! I'm excited to have a playsuit to throw on for a party, and don't worry I even did a dance in the changing rooms to make sure that this strapless number won't be falling down any time soon. New Look have a number of gorgeous pieces like this in their summer collection, so its definitely worth a look for some summer picks at an affordable price (this only set me back £15!)

 

 

This last outfit includes the same shorts as before, but what makes this look complete is the beautiful white kimono from ASOS, with beaded detailing and fringe on the bottom. I actually posted a close up of this item over on my instagram (asmalldistraction) if you want a more in depth look. I wanted this piece for a thin layer to cover up on the beach or if there is ever a cool moment in Mallorca, and seeing as this kimono had been on my ASOS wishlist for two months prior to when I purchased it, I was beyond happy to see this parcel arrive at my door. This is such a classy clothing item for throughout the summer, and I can actually see myself wearing this at home in the colder temperatures too.

 

Which of these is your favourite summer outfit? Have you picked up any clothing items recently?

NWMeet 2.0 Haul and Experience

 

 

Hi guys!

Yesterday I went to #NWMeet 2.0, and it was honestly so amazing just like the one I attended in September. The event was held in Ameriesko on Bold Street, which does the best chocolate milkshakes, and has such a chic vibe. As with everything that involves meeting new people I was super nervous, but like last time, every person I met was lovely and made me feel so welcomed. Blogging events are still new to me, and I'm always surprised at how easy it is to get chatting to people you've never met before. I didn't take too many pictures as I was too busy chatting away, but I thought I'd show you some of the bits I received in the goody bag and raffle. I haven't mentioned everything since the goody bag was huge, just some of my favourites (although obviously I'm excited about all the items, Thank you so much to the brands that sent items!)  

 

When I opened my goody bag and saw the Make Up Geek eye shadows I felt a bit emotional - I've been in two minds about purchasing these for a long time, so to receive two beautiful shades (Charmed and Barcelona Beach) was incredibly exciting. I've just ordered a Z Palette to store them and build up a collection. Another item I couldn't quite believe was the Nanshy Precise Bent Eyeliner brush; I've been coveting this brand of brushes for ages, and can't wait to try it out. The final item in my top three I think is the LiLash eyelash serum, which is proven to lengthen your lashes, something my stubby natural lashes are definitely in need of! Once I've tried this out, I'll let you know what I think for sure.

 

Falsies and fake nails are constantly in my feelunique basket these past few weeks, so I was pleased to find a pair of Kiss lashes, and some nails from Elegant Touch and Impress (those ones are unbelievably gorgeous.) It was great to receive lots of products that I know I'll get lots of use of, and would probably have found their way into my beauty stash regardless of being gifted them!

 

 

I have to confess that I've never actually used a cleanser, but this Tropic Smoothing Cleanser looks intriguing, and I can't wait to up my skincare routine and give this a whirl - the packaging this product came in is too pretty for words. Following that skincare theme, I was over the moon to find a DermaV10 Micellar Water; I've been eyeing these waters up for months whenever I go to Boots, so to finally have one to try out is exciting. This brand gave a lot of goodies - Thank you DermaV10!

 

Some final bits that I can't wait to use include the Wet Brush Pro Detangling brush - a hot pink brush? YES. My hair constantly gets into tangles, so I'm sure this product will get a ton of use, as well as the Bloom Candles Candle Set that I received in the raffle. Hannah kindly let me choose a prize as she had already won, and I'm so thankful. I think the candle in the scent 'Fig and Cassis' is my favourite, and I'm actually burning it right now as I type this up. The Loreal Color Riche nail polishes in 'Rose Paradise' and 'Black Diamond' are absolutely lovely, and I already have a sister pestering to get her use out of them (she's practically a nail artist, why can't I have her talent???)

 







 



In the bag was also some personalised goodies for the event, like a planner and a chocolate bar with #NWmeet 2.0 printed on to the front - that chocolate is long gone! Thank you so much to Katy (thelilacscrapbook) for organising this fab event, it was beyond my expectations and we all appreciate the work you put into it.

 

Have you ever been to an event? Are there any products I hauled that you'd like to see a review of?

 

Hello 18 and a Birthday Haul

 

 

Hi guys - I'm officially an adult! Friday was my 18th birthday, and what a lovely one it was; I'm so grateful to have family and friends who would go to such an effort to make my day special. 17 was a good year to me after a pretty bad start, it was the year that I met Harry, my first holiday on my own, the age that I chose and was offered a place at my top university. I'm sad to see it go, but can't wait to experience everything that adulthood has to offer (I know any adult reading this is probably thinking it isn't even that great, but hey ho!)

 

Last year I did a birthday haul, and it got great feedback and it was nice to have a post up that my family could read, thanking them for their gifts, so this year I've decided to do it again! I'm not bragging in the slightest, and the way I see it is that as bloggers, we constantly buy new items to try, and this is practically the same thing, I was just given these things instead. Plus, these posts are some of my faves to read - I love seeing what people are gifted by their friends and family! I couldn't be happier with my gifts, but honestly and truly, the best part of my birthday was celebrating with all my loved ones (literally there was about 50 people crammed in my house) and getting to chat and snap photos with them all. You know it's a good birthday when you forget to put on a snapchat story because you're too busy having fun.

 

Something I have wanted for SO long is a new camera. My old one is great, but doesn't perform well as a video camera, and it was hard to create blurred backgrounds and high focus. My parents got me an Olympus Pen EPl-7 (EEP) and I absolutely freaking love it! I'm still figuring it all out, but the quality of the photos is incredible, and when I'm fully used to it I know I'll do a post all about my new baby. I never want to throw the box away either - look how pretty it is oh my gosh.

 



 

I also received my forever perfume - I could only afford the rollerball of the 'Victoria by Victoria's secret' perfume last year and I fell in love with it, so to get a 100ml version of this favourite is so exciting! The packaging is just stunning and I know it'll become my signature scent.

 

My friend Han got me a cute Paris mug which is really cool, and a whole bunch of travel goodies after she read my travel blog post. It was such a thoughtful gift and I'm sending her a million virtual hugs for thinking of me.

 

Those gorgeous earrings (below) are from Daisy London, which are a brand I've never heard of but definitely need to look into, since they are beyond beautiful and possibly a favourite of mine. Oh I do love them *tears up*. I got some Pandora charms as well which are sitting prettily on my bracelet right now, including an intricate charm with an 'E' on it that I'm so grateful for. Clearly people understand my love for sparkle!

 

 

 

As for make up, I got some bits and then lots of Debenham's vouchers to spree with. My little sister went above and beyond and got me a MAC lipstick that she knew I wanted in the shade 'Patisserie', an amazing pink-nude lustre lipstick that has been on my wishlist for a looong time. Another MAC present I got was this powder blush in the shade 'Harmony', a brown colour that I thought would work amazingly as a blush or a bronzer, since I prefer cool toned bronzers. I'll let you know what I think when I've tried it out.

 

The other make up item I got is so lovely it makes me a bit emotional. I've wanted to try a TooFaced Melted liquid lipstick for a long time, but the price made it a bit impossible for me to justify. For my 18th I was given a lovely one in the shade 'Ruby', which is a beautiful deep red - I decided that I needed to branch out and get a red, since all I own in my lip product collection is a ton of nude colours.



 

 

I've had a lot of friends ask me what Harry got for me, and honestly I'm so taken aback by the good taste in jewellery that he continually has. He got me this gorgeous blue topaz necklace that is so dainty, and in the words of Harry, matches my eyes. I'm so thankful for this, and I know he'll be reading, so THANKYOU!

 

My Mama and Grandad are pretty much a second set of parents to me, and I was so glad to share the day with them. They bought me this stunning gold chain necklace in the style of the necklaces that both my Mama and my Mum own, and I couldn't be more in love with it. It's such a special and thoughtful gift that will last a lifetime. My granddad is a bit of a techno whizz (I know, how hip), and he made me a DVD of my whole life cut down to half an hour, complete with my favourite music over the years (think Barney the Dinosaur all the way up to Taylor Swift) which I've watched three times now and it never gets any less emotional. I know how much time it must have taken to make that gift, and its definitely one of the best gifts I've ever received.

These are a few of the lovely and thoughtful gifts I received, and I'm so blown away by the effort that people put in for little old me. I can't wait to review the make up and try out my new camera - is there any particular product you'd like to see a review of? Or any recommendations of make up to purchase with my vouchers?

 

(P.S. Again, please please please don't think I'm trying to brag, this was genuinely something I thought some of you might be interested to read, and I would hate it if any of you thought badly of me for it!)



 



Blogging, Confidence, and Where to Find it

 

Hoppy Easter! (Puns galore, I'm here all night folks.)

This was such a spontaneous post, but I do think confidence is something that we need to talk about more often. The blogging world can be kicked down for its photoshopped images and the unrealistic instagram themes, but for me, I feel like it's helped me leaps and bounds. When I took this photo two days ago I was still rejoicing in the fact that I, the girl who has pretty much hid behind a mask of make up since the age of fourteen, had gone to college this week sans foundation. For some people that's nothing, but to me that's a big step - so I grabbed my camera, didn't bother to put any sort of make up on, and voila! My first no make up photo featured on my blog, and a confidence post to go with it. Because three years ago, the thought of a no make up day would have seemed like the worst idea in the world.

When I first started blogging, I was sixteen (I mean, that was only a year and a half ago but lets go with it), and I desperately lacked confidence. Once upon a time I was seriously anxious and my confidence was basically on the floor; nowadays I would say it's much more balanced, and even though my confidence can take a hit now and again, its generally a lot better than it used to be. This isn't going to be an essay style post in response to the criticism that social media has taken; I understand that media is a homewrecker if you let it be. I think, especially when you're young like me, becoming part of a blogger community, is - even though it can be a struggle in parts - the most healing process you can find for confidence. Here we are, a group of completely varied ages, and I think as you get older (and away from the cattiness of High School and College), no one cares if you aren't the skinniest Minnie on the block, and no one gives a crap about the under eye bags you have from last night. In general, bloggers are so much more accepting and non-judgemental than the peers you have when you are young, so as a result I think instead of social media tearing young girls down, it has the opportunity to build them up.

I'm ridiculously glad that I'm a blogger for many reasons than just this one - but I guess I just wanted to write a little thank you post to every other blogger that's left a comment, read a post, or replied to me on a twitter chat. Feeling included in a mature and accepting community has done wonders for my confidence, and I think it will continue to do so for quite some time. We're all beautiful, no matter what size we are, or any 'flaws' we feel like we have to hide. Thankyou for helping me to realise this - you really are a bunch of gems.

(P.S. I'm not saying goodbye to face make-up, I think its wonderful! But recognising that I don't need to wear it, is going to make getting ready a lot more fun.)

Coconut Lane + A Discount*

 

Hi Guys!

I was so over the moon when Coconut Lane emailed me to see if I wanted to work with the brand - I've seen so many amazing bloggers collab with the people at CL and honestly, I did a squeal when I looked in my inbox. They're such a cute little online shop where you can purchase unique gifts, room décor, jewellery and a whole bunch of other items. I would highly suggest that you go and take a look around, if you're stuck for what to buy someone then you're bound to find something fun for them to receive. 

 

Now of course, I couldn't recommend a brand to you without going online and purchasing a couple of things myself to review (love a good excuse to buy, don't you?) I picked up two items which stuck out to me to minute I scrolled past them, and I'm so impressed with the quality and the delivery time.



 

Firstly I bought one of the wall décor items, an A4 poster that comes with a white frame (optional) that goes perfectly with the theme of my room. Okay, there were SO MANY phrases to choose from it took me about half an hour to actually make a decision. In the end I was stuck between 'Stay focused and extra sparkly' and 'Messy bun, get stuff done', but since I'm all about the sass and the sparkle I decided to go for the first option, and it's taken pride of place over my bed where my faded Taylor Swift Fearless poster used to hang. I love that the frame hangs straight onto the wall - no DIY needed!

 

If you love funny quotes like these then definitely take a look online to see what you can find. If you don't need a poster, then you could always pick up a greeting card, trim it and put it in a frame (they're much smaller and would look adorable.) Heads up: they have a Blair Waldorf greetings card, its literally dabomb.com. 

 

 

The other item I chose was this dainty little Crown Ring, which is so delicate and beautiful - it looks like the quality of my Pandora rings! I had a hard time picking from the jewellery section, but this one just jumped out, and it looks so lovely that I'm glad I purchased.

 

If you are interested in picking up any items that I mentioned, or anything else on the website, then since I happen to be a #coconutqueen (lol), you can get 20% off with my code 'asmalldistraction20'. Tweet me @alittleblogger3 if you decide to go on a little spree!

 

Have you ever bought cute gifts like these?

 

Happy shopping!



Youtube Channels I Will Always Watch

I have to admit that lately, I've been feeling (blog-wise), very uninspired. I did everything I thought I needed to do to achieve a blog I was happy with, but I'm learning that a marble background and a few props doesn't deliver everything to you on a silver platter. I'm happy with my content ideas and my newfound love for writing beauty, but at the moment I'm still trying to figure out new ideas for photography (hence, the stockphoto.)

I realised that although I've raved about my favourite bloggers before, I've never given an insight into what vloggers and Youtubers I watch, which is strange because I'm an absolute beauty video junkie. I often find new Youtubers and stick with them for a couple of months, but there are a solid few that I've watched for years, and would highly recommend. I also realised when drafting this that most of these are vloggers with a larger platform, but I don't actually pick channels on a follower basis, and a few of these were a heck of a lot smaller when I started watching way back when.

Beauty Channels

 

Sun Beams Jess  - I literally love Jess's style of make up, and her personal fashion style is what I aspire to be confident enough to wear. Aside from make up hauls and tutorials, I love the 'Outfits worn in a week' fast paced videos, and a lot of my fashion inspiration is taken from Jess. I find her University videos super helpful as well, so this is a varied channel with a lot of high quality content.

 



 Kathleen Lights - I've been watching Kathleen's videos for a super long time, because I love her bubbly and down to earth personality, and I know I can trust her reviews. I particularly like to watch the 'Kat Chats', which are chatty and usually pretty funny videos, but her make up tutorials are on point. If you want to drool over make up, watch her make up collection!

 

 

Siena Mirabella - Siena is my age exactly, and I think that's why I relate to a lot of her videos. I feel serious envy when I watch her videos, because her room is so pretty and blogger, but aside from that the range of videos on her channel is crazy, and she's so chill that the videos always put me in a calm mood. Plus, isn't her name the prettiest?!

 

 

Glitter A Little - Chloe's make up skills are out of this world, and if there is one channel I use to get tips on how to apply my own make up and achieve specific looks, its this one. This make up collection is another amazing one to watch (literally my favourite videos.) Chloe is another youtuber who is the same age as me, and I think that's probably why I gravitate to vloggers of this nature.

 





 



Vloggers (All of these have beauty channels, I just tend to watch their Vlogging channels more)

 

Aspyn&Parker - I think Aspyn is probably the Youtuber I've been watching for the longest, and since she and her husband (P.S watch the wedding video, its so freaking cute) Parker daily vlog, it's become part of my night time routine to watch a A&P vlog before I go to sleep. Aspyn travels everywhere it seems, so the vlogs are always interesting, and to be honest I would recommend subscribing to all her channels, she's my favourite! Also, her braids are amazing, it's so cool.

 



 

More Zoella - I feel like the Zoella channel is a bit controversial, but I do genuinely think she deserves all the success she receives, and I've watching for a good few years now. Zoe appears so lovely on camera, and I love seeing a big twenty minute vlog appear in my inbox. I personally think she has handled fame really well, and I like watching Youtubers that still seem down to earth and real after all that has happened with their channel.

 

 



Despite my subscription box being filled with videos from over fifty Youtubers, I feel like this is an accurate representation of my favourites!

 

What do you watch, and who are your favourites?

Some Mid-January favourites

 

I know its only the 13th, but after the influx of new products following Christmas, of COURSE I was bound to have some favourites! January may be a drag for a lot of reasons (the nagging feeling to go to the gym that you blatantly ignore, the end of the festivities etc etc etc), but for me one of the best things about it is getting to try out all the gifts you received and finding firm favourites.

 

The first thing I've been absolutely adoring (not even kidding I won't let it out of my sight), is the Yankee Candle in the scent 'Honey Glow'. Its a sweet, fresh smell, and since I'm rubbish at describing things, I'll just say that it really reminds me of a lovely masculine scent. Like a nice aftershave, you know? I want to live in this Honey Glow existence forever, its the BEST candle I've ever owned.

 



 

I also got a set of French Connection lip products in December, and I've been using the push up lipglosses a lot in the past couple of weeks. They remind me of the Stila Lip Glazes, but much less sticky - I got a girly pink and a bright red in the set, but since they're only glosses the actual colour is a little less intense than it looks on the photos. I've never tried anything from this brand before, but its a win in my opinion!

 

In my Benefit advent calendar last December I got a mini version of the Bad Gal Lash Mascara, and it is by far one of the best mascaras I've ever tried (sorry Maybelline). The wand is so beautiful and dramatic, and it creates this volumised lash look that I've never been able to get before without using some actual falsies. When I'm a little less broke after Amsterdam, I might purchase a large version of this product, because I know it will become a firm favourite in my make up bag. 2016 has barely just begun, but I already know that this little star will be making it into my favourite finds of the year. 

 

I know what your eyes were first drawn to in that photo - the cuties at the top, am I right? These super snuggly polar bear fuzzy socks are from Next, and I'm so attached to these guys! It's the ears, I can't get over them. Everyone needs a good pair of slipper socks in their life, and I'm lucky enough to have found this adorable pair this month.

 

I may have already mentioned my faux fur obsession on my blog, but if you haven't read that post, then you know, I do love a good faux fur accessory in my collection. I bought these hair ties from New Look and love incorporating them into my hairstyles, particularly high ponytails. You get one heather grey and one baby pink (two of the prettiest colours in my opinion) in the set, and surprisingly, these hair ties go with a whole load of outfit combinations. 

 

My last favourite for this post is this beautiful pair of earrings from Urban Outfitters. I never usually purchase any accessories in UO because of the steep prices, but I couldn't tear myself from this pair of earrings once I'd picked them up. I'm going through a phase at the moment of neglecting my second and third lobe piercings, instead preferring to keep a small stud in my helix and then a statement pair in my first lobe piercing. This turquoise, gold and black marbled pair is right up my alley, and I've worn them almost every single day since I got them a couple of weeks back. Urban Outfitters have some right gems hidden in their jewellery section, let me tell you.

 

What have you been loving lately?

 

My Most Popular posts of 2015

2015 is nearly over, and I thought it was fitting to look back through a year of posts and see which ones were a hit. It surprised me how few fashion posts were in the top viewed, and its clear that lifestyle is the overwhelming winner of the top ten overall! I'll start with the least popular (of the ten), and work my way down to the most popular, to build up the anticipation and all that jazz.

10. 22 Lessons I Learned Through Blogging
The title for this one is pretty self explanatory - I feel like I've grown, and learnt a heck of a lot since I started blogging, so I decided to list it all in a post, and it went down pretty well! I guess its something we can all relate to; whether its a beauty hack, a bargain online store, a way to alter the quality of our photos - we've all learnt new things, right?

9. My London #Vlogpost
I took a November trip to London with my gal pals to celebrate some 18ths, and it was the cutest/most festive weekend I've ever embarked on. Ice skating, pizza and shopping always equate to a fab time, me thinks.

8. 13 Reasons to Be Excited About Autumn
For the seasonal enthusiasts among us, I grouped together the best parts of 'Fall'. Definitely the best season, and coincidentally, also one of my most popular posts (I think this is actually my post with the highest number of comments!)

7. NWMeet Goodies
In September I went to my first ever blogger event, and brought back a ton of generously given goodies. This post was basically a haul from that event, featuring lots of well known brands and some amazing treats *heart eyes*, including a light up letter 'E', a tarte mascara, and some Smith's Cult nail polishes.

6. NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams 
These babies have fast become my go-to lip product, I absolutely love them and in this post I wrote about first impressions and the three that I purchased. My collection has since grown and I reach for these everyday - if you're thinking about biting the bullet and picking out a few, this post is the one for you.

5. DIY Drinks
Oh my gosh did I enjoy writing and making the drinks for this post. I love experimenting with different flavours within drinks, and in this post I made a Cinnamon Roll White Hot Chocolate and a Caramel Apple Cider Float. These honestly taste out of this world (in particular the hot chocolate) - and revisiting this post has reminded me that I need to make these again!

4. NWMeet Experience
Another event post was popular, this time a general one about the experience as a whole, which was a overwhelmingly positive one. I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to meeting new people and going to events without anyone familiar by my side, but I had the best time and made friends with the loveliest people. I'm glad I built up the nerve to go to NWMeet as it has majorly shaped my outlook as a blogger - thanks to Katy and Sam for organising!

3. VS Perfume Crayons Review
This is SUCH a random post to come in third - basically a review of some Victoria's Secret perfume sticks that I bought in Duty Free this Summer and absolutely loved. Despite the expensive prices for VS fragrance (although the crayons were quite cheap), I do genuinely think that they're worth it, since they smell so good.

2. Badlands by Halsey
I'm relieved that my first music review went down well! I was nervous to publish this one, but luckily feedback was great, and I feel encouraged that if I ever find an album that I fall in love with as much as this one, I can take to the interwebs to gush over it again.

1. Blogs to Watch Out For 
Who doesn't love a little bit of blog lovin' (pardon the accidental bloglovin' pun)? I wasn't surprised to see that this was my most popular post, since this is one of my favourite types to read - I love to see bloggers bringing each other up and spreading the compliments all over the show! I'm thinking about doing another one of these soon, and featuring five more blogs that I've been reading a lot.

Such a mixed bag of posts - do you ever look at your most popular posts, and if so, do they shock you?
Cheers to another year of blogging, and may it forever continue!

Em xo

What I Got For Christmas





 

I'm finally getting my 'What I Got For Christmas' post up! I was so lucky this year to be given such wonderful gifts, but honestly although I appreciate everything I was gifted, the best part of Christmas this year was being surrounded by my favourite people and feeling genuinely happy. Obviously (sorry to add in the cliché comment) I'm not bragging in the slightest, I just wanted to post it since I've enjoyed reading everyone else's, and also to take the opportunity to use my marble background for the first time.

 

My main gift from my parents was the outfit which I posted about here, consisting of a pair of black thigh high suede boots, a burgundy corduroy button-up skirt, and a velvet top. I went shopping with my Mum in early December to pick out the outfit, and I'm so excited to wear it again - I love it!

 



 

One gift I was so happy to receive from Santa was the 'Boudoir Eyes' eye shadow palette from TooFaced, which has been on my wishlist for a looong time. The shades are lovely, but I'm sure I'll do a post on it in the future once I've got to grips with how to utilise the colour combinations. My sister got me this 'Sugar Cookie' Baby Lips which she had heard me talk about obsessively once I knew that it existed, and in my stocking I got a set of Little Miss Princess magnetic bookmarks.

 

Harry got me this cute raspberry Frappuccino Starbucks phone case - I put it on my phone straight away! I got a couple of bottles of 'Whipped Clean' by Soap and Glory; my favourite shower cream EVER. I always stock up at Christmas because it's the luxury item I would never buy myself, but appreciate millions when other people buy it for me. Chocolate and sweets are overflowing in my house at the moment following the festive season, but by far the most interesting packet I found in my stocking was this little bag of Skittles - Dessert flavoured! I've never tasted these before, but I'm super excited to try them. 

 

 

Coincidentally, I saw these Christmas Popbands in Hallmark a while back and loved them, and without mentioning it to anyone these appeared in my stocking on Christmas day (Santa really must be magic!) They're so cute and I've already worn the red one, but to be honest I enjoy wearing them on my wrist as a bracelet just as much as I enjoy using them as a hair tie. As a surprise gift I received Benetint, a product I've been coveting for a good couple of years now. I didn't know what to expect when I first used it, but its even better than I expected. I was gifted two different Pandora charms for my bracelet; a little Rudolph from my Dad, and a beautiful purple sparkly charm from Harry, which is just the most pretty charm I've ever seen! 

 

The last of my gifts I wanted to show you are some of my favourites. This black and gold starry notebook is super cute (gotta love a good notebook am I right or am I right), and goes so well in this photo with this Xmas themed body mist from Victoria's Secret Pink. It's a very sweet smell, but I love it and have worn it every day since I got it. Lastly, I got this instax mini frame from Urban Outfitters, another stocking filler that appeared, despite me not mentioning it to anyone but secretly wanting! It fits a polaroid photo inside, and when you shake the frame silver glitter falls over the photo. LOVE.

 

I'm so grateful for all of these things, which were so well thought about and suit me to a tee.

 

What did you get for Christmas this year?

 

Em xo



Boxing Day OOTD

 

Hi guys!

Every year on boxing day we have a 'second Christmas' with the other side of my family, and I always get an outfit from Santa to wear. I thought I'd do an OOTD, since I've fallen completely in love with this pair of thigh-high black suede boots from Dorothy Perkins.

I remember searching everywhere during the black Friday sales to find a pair for my main Christmas present, but literally every single shop I usually go in was sold out of size 5. Good 'Ol Dottie Ps saved the day.

 

My Velvet stripe top is from Urban Outfitters (because what is a celebration without a little bit of UO to spice it all up) and my burgundy corduroy button-up skirt is from Forever 21. There was an almost identical one in UO and in Brandy Melville, but this one was a fraction of the price and still looks and feels just as lovely.

 



I know I'll get a lot of wear out of each of these gifts - thank you 'Santa'! This is a little sneak peek of my What I Got For Christmas Haul, which I'm planning to post tomorrow but it could be the 29th instead if the lighting is too crappy to take good photos tomorrow. I hope you are all still enjoying time with your family!

Em xo