Weekend 23.05.20

Another week has come and gone, i'm sure I sound like a broken record when I exclaim I can't believe how fast May is going, but, seriously?!

We've been blessed with such beautiful summer like weather in the UK. It's almost as if this is our consolation prize for what is going on in the world.

Highlights from this week:

• A copy of 'The Dutch House' FINALLY arrived! This has been on my wishlist for months and I can't wait to get started. Just look at that cover.

• I popped by the local market on Friday, I really am enjoying going every single week. The food is incredible and it's great to be supporting local businesses. I picked up a raspberry & white chocolate brownie as well as a salted caramel one - delicious! My favourite cafe has also reopened for takeout coffee so it was great to stop by there and they said how happy they are to see old, friendly faces!

• Sam bought me a bunch of peonies and I was so excited when they finally bloomed! There's a reason they're everyone's favourite.

And here are some links i've enjoyed this week:

We made these delicious noodles on Wednesday, they'll definitely be on our weekly rotation.

I'm not sure how many home tours I read throughout the day but this one really stood out this week. The contrast of a neutral colour scheme alongside wooden fixtures is my absolute favourite.

I've been eyeing up these prints by the wonderful Lauren Taylor. I especially love this Holly Golightly one!

I don't need another summer dress (or do I?) but I couldn't resist bookmarking this Reserved number. Isn't it beautiful?

I made these raw vegan brownies at the beginning of the week and they went down a treat. The coconut ganache really cuts through the bitterness of the cocoa in the brownie, they pair together beautifully.



I hope you've had a lovely weekend, are staying safe and here's to another week! 

A Summer Like Sunday

    [Dress: ASOS last summer]

How different this Sunday looked from last! Typically I like to throw on a cosy jumper and jeans but since the sun was out I thought why not pull out a favourite summer dress? It's true that feeling a bit more put together does wonders for your mood.

I've always swayed more towards dresses than t-shirts and trousers etc. I've been getting into a dress any chance I get, especially since watching Little Women hoping to channel my inner Amy March.

Have a wonderful week!

Ashleigh

Hello again!

I've been itching to get back into the ol' blogging world as an avid reader, constantly going back and forth but never quite publishing any drafts. I thought of completely starting from scratch but thought why not keep those 5-7 year old posts, that was my life at one point!

As the world has come to a halt it seemed like there was no better time to start. I've always loved reflecting on previous days, times and memories. I've been daily journaling for four years now and constantly reflect back on my Instagram as though it were a photo album. I love capturing moments that would likely be forgotten and instantly bring back a smile.

I wanted to reflect on my time in isolation because this is the most surreal time and when will it ever happen again in our lifetime? (Hopefully a no!)

At the beginning of March, I had a pit in the bottom of my stomach on a daily basis. I was convinced the end of the world was coming, that the corona virus was coming for me and I wouldn't survive it. I'd be forcing up coughs, checking my temperature every 5 minutes and that went on for a couple of weeks.

But now we're somehow in the middle of May and I seem to have flipped 180 and I couldn't be more surprised at how calm and positive I feel. My daily routine has completely changed as i'm sure it has for everyone and it's hard to imagine coming out of this. I suppose it helps that i'm quite introverted. Give me a book and a cup of tea and i'll be quite content for hours.

Having a routine has really helped me.

• Working out - I find on the days where I wake up and don't start the day with an hour of yoga or a strengthening or HIIT workout, I feel unmotivated, lost and probably take a couple of naps throughout the day.

• I've always enjoyed baking on a Sunday, but now this has manifested into 2-3 times in the week.

•  As well as reading, let's just say my yearly goal was to read 50 books and i'm currently 4 books away from smashing that target...

• Also colouring books. Such a simple way for time to pass quickly and is also incredibly therapeutic. 

• Walking has always been a daily activity for me, but in the last month i've discovered multiple new walking routes near me, each one seems more beautiful than the last. Whilst everything has stopped it's been exciting to still come across somewhere new - especially in this spring season where the fields are covered in yellows and cow parsley are adorning hedgegrows.

I could go on and on, but for now i'm trying to find the beauty in the quiet that we're experiencing. It's easy to stop and point out the negatives. Of course I miss my friends and my family, but I am currently safe, as are they and i'm spending each day doing the small things I love.

Sunday Summary 08/02

Sunday Summary

This week was reading week, meaning no lectures, a lot of work, but also a lot of plans to catchup with friends.
Unfortunately, this all went downhill after that one week a year of bed ridden illness decided to hit.




1. Early Birthday celebration drinks with two of the girls after a meal in Argo.

2. Finally waking up to a sprinkling of snow. 

3. A cup of green tea with lemon whilst waiting for my STILTON and bean burger from the Cosy Club.

4. Bed ridden and feeling sorry for myself resulted in a box of Krispie Kremes including this cutie.

5. After purchasing the Lush Unicorn bubble bar a week back, I finally decided it was time to use it when feeling sorry for myself, to make me feel better.
A pink bath definitely cheered me up a little.

6. Finally feeling better today. A trip into town for a coffee with my mum & nanny ended up being treated to this little bag.
I've wanted something small for my upcoming trip to Italy & Budapest, just to carry my purse and sunglasses!

Instagram #01/02

• 1. Lazy sofa mornings with my little Cavie, Missie.
• 2. Orange flowers to brighten up my room.
• 3. I read this in 2 & a half hours. More Mindy Kaling gold.
• 4. I had completely forgotten that I had pre-ordered this a month or so back, so on its launch date, it was a lovely surprise to come home to.
• 5. Snow whilst stuck on the train home from Nottingham.
• 6. The first morning my village was finally hit by snow. It was such a sunny morning and it brightened up my room.
• 7. My dad is currently going through a phase of trying out new recipes. He is obsessed with soups and muffins, these are my favourite; cranberries & white chocolate.
• 8. A roast courtesy of my mum, possibly one of the best i've ever eaten (even if my yorkshire puddings turned out like little cakes).
• 9. After finding this at the bottom of my drawer from the summer I decided to give it another go, used it up, headed straight out to repurchase.

January 2015 Favourites!

Well hello there! It has been quite a while... a whole year and a half. I thought what better way to reintroduce myself than through a Favourites post! So lets roll with all the items that slipped their way into my routine on a daily basis (or whenever-I-decided-to-get-ready-and-leave-the-house basis-a-few-times-a-week basis).

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream:

I had purchased this last summer, found it hiding at the bottom of my drawer with enough for one more use.

I had completely forgotten how much I love this product and immediately went out to repurchase! This has been my go to base, 

it provides a lovely light weight base that is easily buildable, but I find a little goes a very long way and it feels like I have nothing on my skin.

Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara:

This was a gift from my aunt after she absolutely raved about it to me and left me feeling very intrigued.

I use this combined with the L'oreal Million... This is my go to first coat, it really lengthens and separates my eyelashes.

At first I found it difficult to get on with the brush as it does feel quite flimsy which is why I only use it for the one coat, but it really does make it great base for when you really want to build up your lashes.

Benefit High Beam Highlighter:

I received this as part of a stocking from one of my closest friends for Christmas. I absolutely love highlighters and for the last two years have been faithfully using the Body Shop highlighter. 

But now I have completely converted. With a nail polish like brush, application is a breeze and unlike the Body Shop version, I find i'm not wasting any product.

It leaves a healthy, natural looking glow and I will definitely be purchasing the full size product!

Benefit Triple Performing Facial Moisturiser:

Another product I received in my Benefit stocking and since first use I am in love. 

This moisturiser leaves my skin feeling soft. I mean seriously soft. My moisturiser before way the Olay Day Cream as I like a milky like formula that sinks into the skin instead of like a lot of thicker cream like foundations that sit on it. This sinks in really well and i'm currently trying to savour this tester as much as possible, but I know as soon as I do get through it, i'll be straight out and purchasing a full sized bottle. Also I have to note, just look at how beautiful the bottle is!

'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?' - Mindy Kaling
After reading this from front to back in a matter of two and a half hours, how could I not include this?! Mindy Kaling's wondeful humour for which we love her for, dominated the pages and clearly it became a 'can't put this book down until it's finished cover to cover' book. I enjoy having an insight into my 

Garnier Oil Beauty Moisturiser: 
Garnier has always been my go to brand for body moisturisers. Affordable and nourishing, they are yet to release a product that has left me feeling disappointed. Originally drawn to this after purchasing the oil counter part, I use this on a daily basis. A thick, milky texture, it sinks into the skin and has a really lovely scent which is probably one of my favourite things about this product.

Crabtree & Evelyn Moisturising Hand and Cuticle Cream

My hands have been feeling really dry lately and this is so soothing and after daily use, my hands feel back to their old self and there are no signs of dry patches. Again, this moisturiser sinks in straight away, so I can just rub it on and be okay to get one with whatever it is I am doing. 

Clinique

My first encounter with Clinique dated roughly back to six years ago, when my mother passed me her Clinique Almost Powder makeup. It's fair to say I was clueless with makeup back then, but I do remember the end result left me feeling impressed. At a young age and not overly interested in makeup, I didn't part with £23 when the product ran out and at the age, I probably didn't need to either. Since then I became a dedicated user of Max Factor products and always will fall back to their mascara range (I find they even give high end products a run for their money).

These past few months I've found myself remembering how much I fell for their powder and decided to see if their other products matched up to my high expectations. As you can see, it's resulted in a little collection appearing. Being left consistently impressed, I have found myself opting towards Clinique when in need of replacing certain products and trying out new ones. I'll admit it is a little steep on the purse and after every purchase I do feel like I've made a small investment but I can promise you it has always been worth it.

Clinique always has some sort of great offer that I would really recommend you to take a look at. The skincare sample size products that are included in the above picture were part of a 'buy one skincare product and another makeup product and get a makeup bag filled with skincare products free'. Although having to spend roughly £60 to get the freebies (I already had two things in mind to buy so this was a bonus), they really are worth it. I've found myself falling for products I would not have previously tried, such as their eye cream and they really do tot up to being worth over £70 in all.

Although there are some items that didn't win me over from their samples, such as their body exfoliator scrub (the peppermint smell left me with the feeling that I was bathing in toothpaste and the consistancy wasn't gritty enough for my liking in a scrub), the products do still have a certain feeling of luxury about them.

At the time being I believe my collection can come to a halt for a little while, more so because my purse simply won't allow me to carry on my growing addiction, however I have been eyeing up their Fresh Bloom All Over blusher in Peony Blend, let's see how long I can keep my hands off of that.


What are your impressions of Clinique? Do you own any of their products?

currently loving

Hello hello hello! It's been a while, I do apologise. I have so many reviews for you but the beautiful weather has kept me outside rather than cooped up in front of my laptop and even thinking of editing photos and writing reviews has left me feeling a little hot under the collar!

So July is coming to a close and what a month it has been. Below you will find products that I've been reaching out for on a regular basis as well as what is keeping me entertained. I can't praise every single one of these products enough so just take it from me when I say I love each and every one of them and if you're thinking about purchasing one of them, all I can say is yes yes yes!

(I am one of those people that loses the lids to absolutely everything... oops!)

Clinique CC Cream £28 | Revlon 'Kiss me Coral' lipstick £7.49 Expert Face Brush £9.99| Masterpiece Max Mascara £9.99

• Opting for this Clinique CC Creaam for a little more coverage however with the weather as scorching as it is at the minute i've been having to opt for no base instead, but I'm looking forward to getting a real chance to use this product, with SPF of 30 it's perfect for hot days if you can handle a made up face!

• I finally got my hands on the Real Technique's Expert face brush. What I love about this brush is that not only is it a little beauty for applying cream and liquid foundations, but I can also use it to blend in my cream highlighter as well as my blusher.

 I like to swap between nudes and bright oranges, from left to right:

Avon , Maybelline Peach Smoothie, Rimmel Orange Your Life, Rimmel Tangy Tangerine

Body Shop Coconut Cream | Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash | Clinique Hydration Spray | Clinique Eyes and Lips Makeup Remover.

• I've put down perfumed moisturizers for the time being as the heat leaves them sticky on the skin and the scent a little sickly. This subtly yummy coconut fragranced Body Shop shower cream keeps me feeling and smelling fresh without being too overpowering. 
• I use this Simple facial wash first thing in the morning, after an unavoidably sweaty nights sleep it perks, it leaves me feeling cooler and refreshed.
• This Clinique moisture spray is the perfect size to throw in my bag and keep me feeling fresh and hydrated throughout the day. Just one spray covers everything that needs freshening up meaning I don't end up unnecessarily using a lot of this product.
• This eye makeup remover is perfect for swiping away mascara with ease last thing at night when you're exhausted and want to fall into bed without the hassle of that horrible eye makeup battle.

• I always have two or three books on the go, since beginning the Game of Thrones series just two days ago, I've almost finished reading it all. I simply cannot put it down. Being an avid watcher of the tv series it was about time I began the books and they've developed my understanding to the at time confusing story lines.
• I've been steadily getting through Atonement these last few weeks, not entirely remembering the film, I've been really impressed with this read. 

Nails nails nails!

I went through a horrible phase for many months of consistent nail biting, finally broken from the habit with nails worthy a coat of colour, I allowed myself to indulge in a nail polish or two (or four).

Colours from left to right: Peach Smoothie, Orange Attack, Bamako, Hazard.

My nail polish collections tends to consist of pinks and reds, however for a long while now I've lusted after the Mavala Chilli and Spice collection, and I was determined to pick up Bali but persuaded myself to go for something a little different and opted for this teal colour instead which I love even more on. 

Orange attack comes out a lovely orange-red on the first coat but on the second ventures out of the orange zone and deeper into the red. Unfortunately it does need two coats at the least which is a little bit of a shame but a lovely colour none the less, it just doesn't live up to it's name.

I love Peach Smoothie, it's a really flattering colour and my mum actually loved this so much she bought two more just in case they were discontinued!

Once applied to the nails, Hazard  orange than it looks in the bottle. I thought it more a pink colour but looking at my nails the following morning they looked a bright orange, Sinful Colours do a lovely colour range and retailing at only £1.99 they are definitely a bargain, however Mavala remain my favourite nail polish brand and at only £4 are not only extremely affordable but wear like something of a much more expensive brand. They have the lovliest collection of colours and i'm definitely going to opt towards this brand over others when I next fancy indulging.

I was really impressed with the wear from the Maybelline. On offer in Tesco 2 for £6, I couldn't say no. A beautiful array of colours and impressive long lasting wear.

What new polishes are you adding to your collection?

shoes shoes shoes

This week i've seemed unable to resist indulging in one, two or three pairs of shoes. The time was well due that I invested in another pair and I picked these up to each go with different bought outfits, two of which i'm returning but I simply couldn't part with the shoes. Flat shoes are not something I wear often, but I'd been looking for a dainty little pair that would make walking a little easier and were easy to just pop on.

These were reduced from £46 to £20 and I couldn't resist them. I'm still unsure as to when I'll wear them but as they're not too big i'll more likely wear them during the day.

These are my favorite little pair. Reduced from £80 to £20, I simply couldn't resist. They fit like a dream, I even made an odd little noise when putting them on.

June Favourites - monthly edit

These have been my go to products this past month. As you can see there are only a few simply because I was quite inactive the first few weeks and with inactivity comes laziness in the getting ready regime. My most 'go-to' product was the Bodyshop Radiant Glow highlighter, I absolutely love the way it looks when it catches the light and makes my skin feel a lot more radiant and healthy.

Apologies for the ever so dark lighting, I didn't take these 'til late at night and wanted to get them in before July came about!

Bug has become my favorite day time summer fragrance, it's very light and fruity, with such a big bottle I don't mind dowsing myself in it. I like to use my Jean Paul Classique during the evening, as I'm running out I've been using my fragranced body lotion instead. It's just as good as the perfume and I can still smelt the fragrance hours after.

I've begun using eye creams daily and they really help awaken and leaving my eyes feeling fresh as well as the skin soft. This little tub from Clinique is my favorite out of those they tried and i'll be purchasing a full sized one when it runs out.

Life Lately

I've been home for summer from University for quite some time now and I can only describe my life currently as plodding along. I haven't done an awful lot that hasn't been work and I'm not really sure when I see this changing.

Reading...
the Liar - Stephen Fry.
I'm only a couple of chapters in, it's something a little different to my usual read and as Fry's first novel it definitely resembles parts of his autobiography which I find interesting. It is easy to see where inspiration for the novel came from.

Writing...
I haven't written any more to the novel I've been working on for quite a while now. Flicking through Marie Claire the other day I came across a writing competition that I'd like to take part in, it requires the first 6000 words of a women's contemporary novel and I'm 4000 words there. Hopefully this will motivate me to continue writing and not let the novel waste.

Watching...
Mad Men.
I began watching this some time ago, but I constantly have so many things to watch I go through phases of watching lots of episodes of one thing to many of another.

Listening to...
I haven't actually been listening to music much at all recently which is odd, I've found myself watching episodes of programmes a lot more, but of course I'll have to add City and Colour's latest album the Hurry and the Harm.

Looking forward to...
Going to the South of France in August, it's all i've been able to think about for months now, gosh I really need to make some more plans. I'm just looking forward to getting away somewhere hopefully hot, sinking in the different culture, and I can't deny the fact I'm very much looking forward to turning naturally bronze. I can't wait to walk the cobbled streets and drink cappuccinos in the sunshine whilst eating ice cream and other treats, just eleven days of relaxation without thinking about too much.

Thinking about...
Beginning to learn to drive again. I regret so much not just getting it over and done with when I was having regular lessons and so many of them that the final test wasn't too long away. Living in the countryside with both parents working and having to rely on public transport never works (it never turns up). I'm really interested in beginning yoga & meditation classes and I often want to go somewhere different for the day, whether alone or not. Of course this is all made a lot easier with the ability to drive. My birthday is just round the corner so I think i'll put the wishes of a new Radley bag aside and ask for something that will truly be beneficial.

Worrying about...
I haven't really been worrying much lately, the last thing I can remember was about going in to work to pull a pint when I did it ever so awfully the previous day. (I've had 4 shifts since on as just a 'waitress', so I think I get the hint of how bad I was!).

Whats in my makeup bag? June edit

from left: L'oreal CC cream anti dullness || Revlon 3d volume mascara || Clinique even better concealer || rimmel blusher in smoked oyster || the Body Shop highlighter || Max Factor masterpiece mascara || Topshop lip stick || Burt's Bees lip balm. 

I hadn't realised just how minimal my everyday makeup routine was until I uploaded these images, part of me immediately wanted to visit the counters in Boots to see what other items my makeup bag was missing. However, I am fairly content with my natural makeup palette and I've never felt I was one who particularly suited lots of products and bright colours on my face, or I am simply yet to master the look.

My everyday makeup bag consists of my two favourite mascaras, CC cream, concealer, blusher, highlighter, a lip balm and lipstick.

I picked up the Topshop lipstick shortly after the announced their makeup range and I think they shortly after discontinued the colour and their website no longer seems to stock them, instead replacing them with lip bullets so I'm absolutely dreading when this lipstick can no longer be used because the colour and application is wonderful.

Have any of these products made it to your daily look?

Marie Claire magazine freebies

I'm quite possibly the last person to blog about this months fabulous giveaway from Marie Claire, two miniature items from Ciate, a polish in Cookies and Cream and Shooting Stars caviar pearls. The kit is worth £10 and Marie Claire retailing at £3.80 is a chunky magazine in itself, so this month it is definitely great value for money.

I've chosen to team the pearls with a more pinky nude colour as when trying the Cookies and Cream I felt it was more suited to the darker, colder months and the gold and pink tones of the pearls works in my opinion better with a nude colour if you're choosing to sport them on one nail on each hand as I have done.

Have you got your hands on the Ciate minis this month?

Paul & Joe Lipstick in Silk Stockings

 Paul & Joe full pigment lipstick in Silk Stockings: £12.50

Paul & Joe Lipstick Case: £5

Online lipstick purchasing is something i've never done before. When it comes to lipstick i'm extremely picky with colour and finish. I dislike anything too shiny, glossy, sticky and I find that colours presented on websites are often untrue to the actual colour of the lipstick.

However, I have literally browsed the online shelves of Paul & Joe products for years and I finally decided to just give in, but did a little product background research beforehand. I'm so glad I did too, the three colours I initially looked at looked totally different in reviews and this resembled more of the colour I had in my mind, pink wrapped with coral tones. However this is presented as a really bright pink on the website which initially led to my overlooking until I looked at a review or two... or four.

The lipstick is purchased separately to the case giving you more options to personalize your product. The lipstick clicks into the case with ease and it gives the lipstick such a dainty and quite frankly, pretty appearance that anyone would  be proud to swipe it out of their bag to apply.

I absolutely adore the colour. It's easily buildable and glides onto the lips leaving them feeling very moisturized (I applied a clear Burt's Bees lip balm beforehand).


What do you think of the Paul & Joe lipstick collections?

Clinique even better concealer

Clinique even better concealer in Buttermilk : £18

(apologises for the dab in the pot, I had to have a quick pre-work fix up before I had a chance to photograph this product).

I decided it was finally time to splash out a little and to buy myself a new concealer. Admittedly, I don't often have breakouts and therefore I always kept a cheaper concealer with me just in case I needed to dab a little on. However lately my skin has felt a little dull underneath the eyes and after a little research I came across Cliniques latest addition to its concealer range.

This concealer promises to camouflage dark spots and imperfections and brighten skin over time with vitamin-C actives. I hoped this would work as a two in one to brighten under my eyes and cover anything that needed covering, keeping my makeup bag a little lighter.

The concealer is full coverage, covering my blemishes well as well as brightening under my eyes. This concealer also did not crease under my eyes and stay put all day. Although in a small pot, I can see this product lasting a long time as after a handful of uses it looks barely touched.


Have you tried any products from the Even Better range?

Revlon photoready 3D volume mascara

Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara: £10.99

I have found myself reaching for Revlon products over other highstreet brands more and more reguarly. It all began with finally discovering the foundation that was right for me, the '24 hour colour stay'. I was so impressed with the foundation compared to every other I had tried, highstreet and premium brands, and it had only continued to go up from there. When my favourite Max Factor 'masterpiece' mascara needed replacing, I decided change old habits and proceeded to research Revlon's mascara range to see if they matched up to their (for me) winning foundation.

The Photoready 3D Volume mascara caught my eye, being described to volumise lashes 100% and receiving endless five star reviews, it was slightly more expensive than my favourite mascara, but I decided to give it a go.

I cannot begin to praise this product enough and this has quickly replaced its Max Factor contender and become a staple in my makeup routine. I use two coats and the difference is incredible. I found application very easy and the sturdiness of the brush had me feeling in complete control which I sometimes have struggled with (l'oreal volume million lashes).

This mascara is a serious contender with premium brands and I know I wouldn't opt for any over this mascara, retailing at £10.99 it's an impressive product at an affordable price.

L'oreal free gifts

I received this free gift set back in December and have only recently gotten around to trying out the new products, bar the mascara. I'm quite stubborn with my makeup routine and like to stick to what I know, but I'm slowly prizing myself away from this mindset and decided to give other products and lovely at that, that are sitting in my drawer collecting unnecessary dust.