Recent Instagrams

Top Left to Bottom Right: Never To Old For Rocket Shaped Crumpets - Delicious Iced Chocolate - New Cath Kinston Mug - My Sleepy Little Jellybean - No Such Thing As Too Many Guineapigs - Mango Peach Salsa

I had intended to do these posts every two weeks but apparently I have been a very boring instagrammer recently! These are the only non blog related images I have posted in the past 4 weeks...  

So considering how boring they are, I thought I would talk about some of them.

The crumpets may have been cute but apparently kids arnt allowed good food these days, they tasted like cardboard. Literally.

Cocoba is a cafe/coffee shop in Bluewater, there is only one store so far but they are so awesome that I am certain more will pop up soon. This was a salted caramel iced chocolate and I was in heaven.

Boyfriends last name is fish so when I saw this Cath Kidston fish mug, I knew I had to have it. 

My little boy guineapig, Popcorn has been pretty ill recently with an eye infection and neurological issues which have caused him to loose balance and had a wonky head. He is looking so much better but the wonky head seems to be permanent. But it makes him look like a cute confused Pug Puppy, makes me melt. 

I never post these sort of things but it literally describes my life. Guineapigs everywhere!

Mango Peach Salsas by Yankee Candle is my new favourite. I am so in love with it, its the most fresh and sweet smell ever. The large jar is on my wishlist. 

Summer Essentials: Things To Do

One   Two   Three   Four   Five   Six

Again, this will act as more of a personal favourites. I have linked the places that I like to go specifically but these are all activities that are available in a wide variety of places. These are places I like to visit every year or places like them because they never fail to make me happy both by the people I go with, the memories those places have or the sheer beauty of the place. Your own memories and places may be different to mine but I hope that my favourites inspire you this summer.  

1. Zoos and Farms

My two favourites are Dartmoor Zoo in Devon and Howletts Zoo in Canterbury, I have linked Dartoor because it is a huge tourist attraction and would be most enjoyable for the majority of people. Howletts honestly is a mediocre zoo but it does have the cutest Capybaras which are one of my favourite animals and it is also the place that my boyfriend took me on our first date so for this reason it will always be a favourite of mine. Dartmoor is a magical zoo which gives you the opportunity to touch the animals and walk among them. This is like heaven for me as I think I like animals more than humans! 

2 Long Car Journeys

I live in a small village surrounded my countryside and fields of gorgeous animals so a drive around the area is amazing but my favourite is a long drive through the countryside in the direction of the sea. Not knowing quite where we are going but just enjoying the breeze and singing along to our favourite summer songs. My and the boyfriend used to do this a lot when we had more time but we will definitely attempt to fit some in this year. 

3. Picnics in Country Parks

My and my boyfriend love to go to the supermarket stock up on delicious foods and take them to Jeskins Country Park which is not far from where we live. There is a huge treehouse which looks out over fields and walks, I can see the cows and people walking their dogs and I just love it. We sit up in the treehouse, stuff our faces and just laugh for hours until its so cold that we have to go home. This is my favourite park but I'm sure there is a local one to you that you can enjoy just as much!

4. Beach

Im not much of a sunbather and I don't go in the sea but I love walking along the seafront, eating fish and chips looking out to sea and looking in seaside shops. I haven't visited many beaches abroad in my adult years but my favourite beaches of recent years are Ilfracombe in Devon and Broadstaires in Thanet. Broadstaires is only an hours drive from my home and it had lovely little shops and old fashioned restaurants, arcades and it is just a lovely place to visit on a sunny day. I have been doing this since I was a kid. Ilfracombe is a new favourite of mine, the past two years I have gone to Devon on holiday and I have fallen in love with it. It is not your typical beach, it has rocks to climb, tunnels and is the most beautiful place to photographs. Sitting on a rooftop pub garden looking out to sea is my ultimate happy place. 

5. Arcades

I honestly don't know what it is about the summer but I become a crazed arcade addict. I just get such a thrill from winning crappy soft toys and wasting money in 2p machines! Such a child but me and my boyfriend have always loved it and it is something we do together fairly often. Especially in the summer. 

6. Swimming

I am not a strong swimmer and I don't have a pool so when we go on holiday the boyfriend and me always get up extra early so we can go to the pool before anyone else. We love having the whole pool to ourselves, while he swims lengths, I float with my eyes closed and soak up the sun. It is the only thing that will get me out of bed early.

So these are my favourite summer things to do! I feel like this was quite a personal post which is something id love to do more of in the future. Let me know if you would like this and also what your essential things to do in the summer are! This also completes my summer essentials series! I hope you liked it and I will definitely do more series in the future.

Summer Essentials: Food and Drink

This is more of a favourites I suppose but these are the food and drink items I could NOT go a whole summer without. These seven things are favourites of mine year after year and I don't see that changing any time soon!

I hate feeling hot and sticky so I love cold things in the summer, like most people do I'm sure. So many people still drink tea and coffee in the summer but personally I avoid it all summer long in favour of something icy and refreshing. Ever heard people tell you that hot drinks actually cool you down? What a load of rubbish!

1. Seaside Chips

I enjoy a good fish and chips takeaway anytime of the year but the chips always taste better when eaten on the seafront. Actual seaside chip shops also seem to taste better that my local ones, I have no idea why! I also love seagulls so throwing them the odd chip really makes me happy. Such a classic english summertime food.

2. Water

I don't drink enough water, I find just bottled water or tap water really boring but I do enjoy it when the whole glass is filled to the top with ice. When it is hot and my throat is dry, ice cold water is the most refreshing thing in the world. I know it is healthy and important to drink lots of water but often I find myself reaching for a sugary option, sometimes I go a whole day without drinking anything. This year I am determined to drink loads of water!

3. Ribena Ice Lolly

When the decision is between ice lolly and ice cream I always choose ice lolly. It is healthier and it is so much more refreshing! Ribena is the lolly of choice, I am addicted to Ribena so in lolly form it is literally heaven. I could eat 20 in a row no problem.

4. BBQ's

The best thing about summer is family bbq's, getting to see everyone and all the kids having fun. Getting a paddling pool out, the smell of burger cooking and drinking cocktails. My favourite bbq food is a big juicy burger with cheese, all food tastes better when cooked on a bbq. I also love to take a disposable bbq to the beach and cook on the seafront, the food never tastes as good but its so much fun! 

5. Lipton Ice Tea

In the summer I try to avoid fizzy drinks because they just aren't as refreshing in my opinion, so instead I usually chose a Lipton Ice Tea in Peach. It is so unbelievably refreshing, delicious and won't go flat like a coke would when your carrying it around all day. I also really like the lemon flavour but peach is definitely the best!

6. McFlurry

Unfortunately for any diet I have ever done, I loooooveee McDonalds. Especially McFlurrys. My favourite flavour ever is the Chocolate Brownie but it is special edition sadly, although there has never been a McFlurry I didn't enjoy. To be extra naughty, I always get extra sauce and toppings. My boyfriend and me like to go on late night drives when the sun is all pretty, sing along to our favourite music and go get a McFlurry together. 

7. Ribena

I have already mentioned the Ribena Lolly but I also cant do summer without Ribena the drink. My favourite is the strawberry one, we always get a big bottle for at home and have huge glasses of ice cold Ribena in the sun. Blame my boyfriend for getting me addicted to this, I never really drank it before I met him! 

I must seem like a total pig, not a healthy thing here! Honestly, I'm not a fan of healthy things. I am very picky with my food so don't expect any healthy recipes on this blog! Id be interested to know what things you guys like in the summer, let me know so I can try them myself!

Summer Essentials: Clothing and Accessories

One   Two   Three   Four   Five   Six   

When the weather is hot you just want to be outside not at home deciding what to wear, ironing clothes and worrying about washing clothes. Disgusting as it sounds but I like simple clothing that doesn't need to be washed often such as denim and items that can be worn everyday while still looking cute. I live in these items all through the summer months and I feel like you wouldn't need much else, just mix and match the items and get cami tops in different colours and patterns!

The images are options but these items really can be found anywhere, it is more about the style than the store with these items so it really is great for everyone.

1. Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are sold everywhere in all different colours and styles, for all different price ranges. I honestly think there is a maxi dress to suit every body shape, it can however be a challenge for short girls such as myself to find the right length. Try midi dresses instead as often they are maxi on me! You can wear this with a denim jacket or over a bikini, it can be worn in the day time or dressed up for the evening. The best part is that if you forget to shave your legs you can still look summery! Maxi dresses are also unbelievably comfortable and breezy which is just the dream for summertime. 

2. JuJu Jellies

You can buy jellies anywhere but I do suggest you get the original Juju Jellies because the cheaper alternatives will give you blisters but these surprisingly are the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear. Literally ever, they are like clouds for your feet. I wear these all summer long with every outfit, as a person who is rather weary of the sea and the creatures that live in it, you can also wear these shoes in the sea to protect your feet. They are so well made, I wore them all last year and they are still in perfect condition to wear all this year too. They come in an array of colours but I think black is great for versatility.

3. Cami Tops

These are also sold everywhere but Matalan and Primark sell them in every colour and they are a complete bargain. Camis in this particular cut flatter a larger body shape as well as a small one, I find them great to cover my pot belly but show off my boobs. They can be worn with the shorts and the jellies for a cute simple daytime outfit or dressed up with some bold jewellery for the evening. 

4. Denim Shorts

Denim shorts are the pinnacle of summer, you just need to have them. You can buy them from a store such as the ones above from Topshop but I find it best to use an old pair of jeans and cut them yourself. Maybe you have a plain of jeans that are tatty and worn that you don't wear anymore, these are the ones to use. If you don't have an old pair, head to the charity shops and explore the rails for the perfect pair to diy. This method is both cheap but also the best one to have something one of a kind. The more worn the better.

5. Denim Jacket

You can track these down on the hughstreet but charity shops are riddled with them at bargain prices just waiting to be your new summer staple. I have an old beaten up one that I got from a charity shop and I love it. I paid about £5 and its Levi so it is fantastic quality. Again, the more worn the better. 

6. Sunglasses

I like to buy a new pair every year so I don't see the point on buying expensive shades that I will soon get bored of. I find the best places to cheap and fashionable frames are Forever 21 and Primark. I got these ones from Forever 21 and they look far more expensive than their tiny price tag, the look great and really finish off a summer outfit. You need sunnies especially is you drive because the sun will block your vision and make driving difficult, of course also to protect your eyes from the sun. 

These are my clothing and accessories essentials for summer, these work for me but by all means let me know if you know an essential that I am missing! What do you wear when the sun is out? 

Summer Essentials: Make-Up

One   Two   Three   Four   Five   Six   Seven

I have decided that in the spirit of summer to start a series on based on Summer Essentials, I will post 5 posts over the next 5 days in hope of sharing some wisdom on the dreaded issues of summer, how to solve them and also throw in some things that are just great to have in the summer time. 

As the title says, this first post is on make-up. I have tried to choose products that will work for a lot of different skin types but I cant promise that what works for me will work for you, these are my essentials...

1. The Body Shops - Body Butter in Cocoa Butter

Every year I go to The Body Shop with the hope of getting a different scent that year and somehow always end up with this one. I love sweet smells, I can think of nothing better than smelling of chocolatey goodness. I use this on my legs, hands, elbows and anywhere else the sun decides to dry out. I think this is a great scent choice as it is delicious, summery and won't attract bugs like some of the fruitier scents would. I got lemon one year and ended up as a dessert for insects.

2. Maybelline - Baby Lips

Tinted lip balms are amazing for summer because you get a little colour as well as avoiding nasty chapped lips. I am lucky that I don't suffer with chapped lips so these work great for me to just add a little softness. I think they would also work well for those who do have chapped lips because they are sooooo moisturising but you might want to choose a less pigmented colour to avoid the colour gathering in the cracks of your lips. There are plenty of colours to chose from.

3. Benefit - Roller Lash

Most people would recommend a waterproof mascara but I HATE the stuff. You shouldn't wear makeup in the water anyway, it is bad for your skin and thats the last thing to want in the summer time. But you will need a good quality mascara that won't smudge when you sweat, this is that mascara. Its completely smudge proof and it gives long, curled, fluttery lashes that look gorgeous! When the rest of your face is pretty bare, eyelashes can make such an impact.

4. Soap and Glory - Make Yourself Youthful, Sunshield Superfluid. SPF50

I think it is best to let your skin breathe in the summer, no foundation. I am not a fan of BB or CC creams either because they can look awful if your skin is dry which mine can be. Sun Cream is a must to keep your skin moisturised and protect from the suns harmful rays, this one has SPF 50 so it will take great care of your skin, put this all over your face and let it sink in before adding any other make-up. 

5. Barry M - Gelly Nails

I have never really used Barry M in the past but these polishes just keep calling to me and once I tried them, I fell in love. They are available in tons of summery colours, they glide on perfectly and last for agesss! Completely chip free. I will definitely be buying a few more colours to keep my fingers pretty all summer long.

6. Urban Decay - Naked Flushed

Foundation is a no go for me but a little cheek colour is a must. The palette included a beautiful blush, a contour/bronzer shade to give a summery glow and a highlighter to illuminate your cheek bones. It is the perfect little compact palette to give your face some dimension.

7. Urban Decay - Vice 3

And finally, this palette is amazing. Packed full of summer ready colour and a helping of neutrals as well. I like to use an eyeliner brush to stroke a brightly coloured slick of eyeliner on, they can also be used for a more intense night look. This palette can be used to give a little colour to the day time or a bolder look for the long evenings drinking cocktails. You can also use the brown shades to fill in your eyebrows.

And that is my make-up essentials, I would also recommend a clear mascara to keep your eyebrows perfect and a make-up setting spray to keep this all in place. This is just the items that I feel necessary so by all means add a few of your own and let me know what I am missing! 

Why Am I So Angry?

I am a very pessimistic person, I am always convinced things will go wrong and then most of the time they do. I probably bring it on myself but how do you get out of this sort of rut? How do you stop being so angry, stop getting so aggravated over silly things, how to you stop caring about what other people think or do?!

These are a few things that are driving me mad at the moment..

1. Driving all the way into university for a meeting and it being a waste of time, its so far to go for nothing!

2. My neighbours hideously messy garden which is spilling rubbish into mine.

3. Other drivers! I am certain that 95% of the world are imbeciles who shouldn't be allowed on the road

4. Bad communication at work and university. I hate not knowing exactly whats going on. I cant understand why people aren't as efficient as I am.

5. I work in a restaurant and I cant stand when people don't know what they are ordering then looking at like I'm the idiot when I have to ask them countless questions just so I can get the order right. 

6. When people don't respond to my emails and the panic of thinking they have ignored me

7. When I go to my local shop and they have absolutely nothing that I wanted and the staff are all the stupidest people on planet earth

8. Everything in the whole universe being so bloody expensive, I work so hard and I still can't afford anything

9. The fact that my guinea-pigs seem to get sick every week and cost me a fortune in vets bills, why the hell does it cost the same to take a guinea pig to the vet as it does to take a golden retriever!? 

10. My car also hates me, seems to love to break and cost me a fortune

So the fact of the matter still remains, how do you stop being so irritated and angry? I honestly don't know. I cant change the way other people act, I cant change the way they influence my life and I cant see how I can stop being so bothered by it all. Its not healthy to be this angry! I really am considering hibernation just so I can avoid everything.

What do you guys think? 

SUMMER

"Winter’s a good time to stay in and cuddle but put me in summer and I’ll be a… happy snowman!" Frozen, Olaf

The sun is finally out and I am really getting excited! 

Summer hasn't always been my favourite but last year was one of the best summers I've ever had! I had an amazing holiday to Devon with my boyfriend, the weather was beautiful and it truly is one of my favourite places. We lived by the seaside at the time so it always felt happy, sea breeze, happy seagulls to make friends with. It was a great summer, although we no longer live by the sea and this is the last summer of me being a student with endless freedom, I am determined to make this summer just as great!

I have made a little list of all the things id like to do this summer!

1. Get our garden looking summer ready

2. Spend more time in the garden with my guinea pigs, letting the little lawnmowers eat some grass

3. Although we might not be able to afford to this year, hopefully another holiday to Devon

4. Stop eating so much junk food so I might have a chance of looking acceptable in a bikini

5. Lots of trips to the seaside to eat fish and chips while laying on the beach

6. ICE CREAM AND BBQ'S!

7. Wearing the crap out of my JuJu Jellies

8. Being outside and just being with the boyfriend and our families

9. Walking my pup in country parks

10. Getting a tan on my pasty meatball of a body

These are my top ten thing I am most excited about! But despite this there are a fair few things I cant stand about summer so I though id let you in on those as well.

1. Bugs! These little pests can be really irritating when you have guinea pigs, they bit them and they think hutches are a free home. Spiders also like to surprise me in the dark.

2. Sweating is disgusting

3. Working in a restaurant which I do, is horrific in the summer. Too many happy people rubbing it in my face

4. Constant fear of being pooped on by a seagull or stung my a bee. It has never happened to me in 22 years, its just a matter of time

5. Finally, I have a huge fear of jellyfish which means I cant go in the sea.

Wow! I feel like there are so many more things to be excited about! Maybe ill do a part two to this post? What do you think? Comment and let me know if you would like that!