Wreck This Journal

If you don't know what the Wreck This Journal is, then it is a book with various prompts on each page. It's a chance to find your creativity and well, wreck the pages of the book.

I think my creativity has been a bit stifled lately. I have a normal everyday job in an office which doesn't allow me show my artistic side. I thought something like this would be perfect to work on some mini daily projects that I can fit around my schedule. I actually bought the book over a year a go but it's only recently I've taken its seriously.

I wanted to share some of my initial pages with you. Some of these are actually still work-in-progress,but they are getting there. I think I'm already realising that I like to put colour onto my work!

Have you started the 'Wreck This Journal'?

5 happy things; Spring

It's not quite spring yet, but just knowing it's on its way makes me very happy. I do like winter but the dark days and cold nights can make me lose motivation, and all I want to do is curl up in my pyjamas with a hot drink.

But now we are heading into spring I wanted to celebrate five things I am looking forward for the coming months.

1// Longer evenings - This month the clocks go forward, which means it will begin to get dark later. There is nothing better than knowing when you leave work in an evening, it will still be light. It means I can open my curtains in a morning! I can also take up more activities. Maybe it'll encourage me to finally take up running in an evening.

2// Warmer days - With the longer days, comes warmer weather. Already we have seen a little bit of sunlight. Warmer days means it's finally time to wear less layers. Out goes the bulky winter coat, and in come cute jackets. Warmer weather also means I can venture outside more. I like to go on more adventures when it's warmer. Already I have a trip to a theme park planned for next month.

3// Flowers and blossoms - In spring the world just seems to come alive. One day all the trees are bare; the next they're covered in buds ready to bloom. Blossoms are one of my favourite things about spring. It is just so pretty. I also like to buy more fresh flowers when it comes to springtime. In fact, I already have a vase of chrysanthemums sitting on my windowsill.

4 //Wear brighter colours - For me, spring means it's time to start pulling out my brighter t-shirts and dresses to wear. In fact, including any colour at all is a leap for me. I always find adding colour to a look really brightens my mood. And that's not just colour in clothes, adding a brighter shade to my make-up really helps.

5// Summer is just around the corner - Finally, the best thing about spring is that it means that summer is on its way.

What are your favourite things about spring?

...Hello, 2015

It's a new year, and a new start. I have decided quite determinately that this will be my year.

I have quite a few plans for the year ahead, and things I want to concentrate developing on. They're not really resolutions, as really resolutions are changes that are made immediately, but these are areas I want to work on this year. I find it's much easier to complete goals by working on them gradually, rather than trying to do it all in one go. They're much likely to fail that way.

So below are the things I want to develop on in 2015.

Step up my blogging game - You probably don't realise this, but I actually have a schedule to my posts; Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. You'll be forgiven for not noticing because I've missed ones here and there, and in the last few months there has been no pattern at all. It's been an has-and-when sort of thing. So for 2015, I want to get organised and stick to my pattern. I bought the diary in the picture above to help me with staying on top of things (It's a lovely one from A Beautiful Mess). Not only do I just want to be able to post regularly, I want to begin getting a readership and get more involved in the blogging community. I don't have a plan for it yet, but I'm starting with taking my blog seriously, and putting in the hard work.

Be healthier - I know, this is one which everyone includes in their lists. It's one that's often started, but then swiftly abandoned in a matter of weeks. This is why, for me, it is more of an ongoing achievement rather than a straight up resolution. I plan to add things into my routine one step of time. Starting with drinking more water and adding more fruit and vegetables in to my diet, to picking up running and exercising more regularly when the weather starts to get warmer. I'm much likely to keep it going that way.

Save money - This is quite a big one for me as there are a couple of big purchases I'm planning to make in 2015. Namely, as I am getting closer to taking my driving test, I will want a car. Obviously, on top of buying the car it will be insurance and the rest which goes with it. As well as this, I want to move into a flat this year so I will need money saving up to be able to do that. It's going to be abig task, but doable. My plan is to change little things like making lunch for the week, rather than buying a sandwich everyday, as well as resisting those impulse buys! That may be hardest thing to do...

Meet more people - I will be completely honest with you, I am not the world's biggest social butterfly. In fact, I am much further on the other side of the scale. So meeting people can be difficult. I began to meet more people in 2014, and it is something I want to build on this year.

Be involved - This links into the above one, really, and it's part of my plan as to how I'm going to meet more people. I have a habit of avoiding situations, as I'm happy to keep myself to myself and spend my time catching up on TV and games. So this year I am determined to get involved more and say 'yes' when offers come up.

Work on my photography skills - This is a very practical goal. I bought a bridge camera last year, and I still don't know my way around it. I think it is time to learn. I also want to try and get better with my composition, especially for my blog pictures as they do get a bit boring. I want to be able to inject a bit of excitement into them. Look out for that in 2015!

So there we have it. I am definitely looking forward to this year. I hope in a year's time I will be able to announce that I am well into my goals.

What are your goals for 2015?  

Goodbye, 2014...

So 2014 is officially over, and we are beginning our journey into 2015. Before I get down into my goals and resolutions for 2015, I wanted to take a quick look over the best bits of 2014.

2014 has been a decent year for me. Naturally, it has had its ups and downs, but sitting here and reflecting all the things I have done, I think the year has been more in the way of ups for me.

2014 was the year I got into all things make-up and beauty, and has meant that this blog exists as as it is today. As I said in my previous post, I don't know what changed towards my view on make-up, but I am glad it did, as I've really enjoyed looking at and trying out new products and new looks, and then writing about them. I have enjoyed keeping a blog too (even if it has been a struggle sometimes with working full time), and I have found that it is starting to help me with being creative, something which my job doesn't really allow me to be. I hoping to step up my game in 2015.

In other areas of my life, there have been a lot of great happenings in 2014. I spent an amazing week taking part in activities in Holland, like canoeing, cycling and visiting theme parks. I took some exciting trips down to London, in which I visited the Sherlock Holmes museum, had a fun and informative Illamasqua make-up course as well as doing lots of shopping along Oxford Street, of course.

I saw some amazing plays, not least the Matilda musical which is brilliant, and everyone needs to see! I saw Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake for the first time in about 15 years, and it is still as wonderful asI remembered. I also saw stand-up comedian Dave Gorman live, and met him afterwards. It was an incredibly funny evening.

As well as all this, it seemed to be a year of extra-curricular activities. I spent a lot of my time learning to dive and I passed my theory test. I even took up fencing which has been a lot of fun and I have met some truly wonderful people because of it. I cemented a few friendships this year, but also seemed to grow further apart from others.

Because I love film and television I wanted to take a moment to point out some of the best of 2014.

I am undecided on my favourite film as there were some really fantastic ones; but I think Pride wins out because it is just so witty and poignant. It is most definitely worth a watch. Wes Anderson's wonderful Grand Budapest Hotel is a close second, and honourable mentions go to Guardians Of the Galaxy and The Lego Movie for just being a lot of fun.

One of of my favourite new televisions shows of 2014 was Inside Number 9 which was a little disturbing in places (what more would you expect from two of the creators of The League Of Gentlemen?) but incredibly well written. I also really enjoyed The Musketeers (the second series starts tomorrow!) and I have to mention The Great British Bake-Off and The Apprentice as being really good reality TV. Other honourable mentions are Moone Boy and Only Connect as they are both brilliant.

What are your best bits of 2014?

Nottingham Christmas Market

I love Christmas time.

It's not just about the day itself, the time leading up for it can be so magical. It's true what the song says, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

For me I love the atmosphere of Christmas. I spent a wonderful day this year decorating a Christmas tree with Christmas songs playing in the background, followed by baking Christmas themed treats. It really put me in a very festive mood.

One of the other ways to put me in a festive mood. is by visiting Christmas markets. Luckily Nottingham has a good one, right in the middle of the city centre. There are a lot of food, gifts, games and  rides. They even have an ice rink, which I am yet to try. One of my favourite parts is the delicious Dutch pancakes they sell. They come with strawberries.

But enough of me, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Halloween films!

It's Halloween!

It's time to get out the scary costumes and carve those pumpkins. It is, without a doubt, one of the most fun times of the year.

My plan today, is to curl up with a bag of treats and watch a bunch of Halloween films. Now I must confess that I hate horror films. I should put hate in capital letters there, as that's how much I don't like being scared. Because of this, I have to pick my Halloween films a little more carefully, and end up going more for the 'family' option. Luckily, there are plenty of films out there that are fun and fantastic, and just perfect for this time of year.

So here is a list of Halloween films, in no particular order, that will not terrify you. There are most certainly some classics missing, as there will be quite a few I've never seen. This year I plan to watch Hocus Pocus and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, as I've never seen either, so below are the tried and tested ones.

The Addams Family



I'm sure without even seeing the film everyone can click along to the tune. They are a dysfunctional family, with some interesting ways of going about things, but bring in a lot of laughs. It's really fun film and great to watch with the family.

The Lost Boys



This may be bordering on the scary, especially Keifer Sutherland's character, but I love the film. Forget Edward Cullen, these are the original teenage vampires. There are some recognisable 80's teenage actors in this, and a lot of laughs and scares throughout.

The Nightmare Before Christmas



I guess this is technically a Christmas film, but there is enough spooky imagery to make this perfect for Halloween. It's a brilliant film with lots of songs to sing along to.

Beetlejuice



This is another very funny film. It's a bit ridiculous, and a fun take on hauntings. It's got just the right amount of scariness, and because it's from the 80's, the effects are hilarious.

Edward Scissorhands



Another Tim Burton one here, but that's because he does these kind of films so well. Edwards Scissorhands is a such sweet story and beautifully filmed.

Ghostbusters



A incredibly fun film, this, and definitely a classic. I don't know anyone who hasn't seen this. Like most of the other films on this list it's funny and scary and really perfect for any day of the year, it's that good.

Little Shop Of Horrors



Finally, for one of my favourite musicals, I could sing these songs all day. This is such a brilliant film, and even has some great guest stars (Bill Murray and John Candy, anyone?).

What is your favourite Halloween film?

25 facts about me

I have had this blog for quite a few weeks now, and I thought maybe it was about time you got to know me a little better.

I've rummaged through my photo albums to find some pictures, and racked my brain for some random facts about me. So here is a post that's just a little bit about me.

01. I'm an 80's baby.
02. I live in Nottingham, and I love the city very much.
03. My favourite book is probably American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
04. This week I am starting to learn how to fence (as in the sport, not stolen goods)
05. I have a degree in linguistics.

06. I love tea. I love tea a lot.
07. I am a huge fan of Lord Of The Rings, and was obsessed with it when I was at school.
08. I managed to read Lord Of The Rings in two and a half weeks; a fact I am immensely proud of.
09. I constantly drink cordials. I especially love Elderflower because it's so delicious.
10. I can speak some Japanese. I have taken two levels of it, and hope to go onto the third.

11. I love to play board games, and frequent a monthly games night in Nottingham.
12. I once superglue'd one of my eyes shut, and the hospital had to get it open by cutting through my eyelashes (don't worry, they've grown back)
13. I prefer sorbet to ice cream. Sorbet is ridiculously delicious, and I particularly love raspberry and mango flavours.
14. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 24.
15. After going to Holland, I have become addicted to Stroop waffels.

16. I have a passion for baking. My speciality is cupcakes. Though, I've not been able to find the time recently to bake as much as I'd like.
17. The books that I have read multiple times are the Harry Potter series. I may even start reading them again!
18. David Tennant is my favourite Doctor.
19. I am beginning to gather a bit of a mug collection. If I see a cute one, I can't help but buy it.
20. I've tried to watch Titanic once in my life, but got bored and wandered off until the ship started going down.

21. When in Holland, I cracked my head on a beam, and fell off my bike, scratching up my leg quite nastily. It was a very eventful trip.
22. I have a fear of immersing my head in water.
23. I enjoy walking. Whether it be a hike, or just a simple stroll along the canal.
24. I love archery so much. I really want to take it up, but every time I try all the courses are full.
25. My most embarrassing moment is when I was in year 3 at school. I got my finger stuck in a radiator during assembly, just as everyone else was sitting down.. I still have visions of my teacher running towards me to the rescue.

Summer In The City

You may not know this, but I live in Nottingham.

For the past few years, Nottingham has had it's own beach created in the centre of the Market Square. At the beginning of the school summer holidays it pops up, and is down again by the time everyone goes back to school. They call it the Nottingham Riviera. everyone in Nottingham calls it the beach.

When I say the beach, I really mean the beach. They essentially create a giant sandpit in the middle of the square, complete with a pool to act as the sea. Not only that, but it is just like the seaside. They have rides, hook-a-ducks, burger bars and even a bar.

Sadly this year, the rides are much more centred towards small children. There was one year which had giant swings which was brilliant. The best thing they have this year is a pirate ship (and I have been on it, excitedly).

It doesn't look very busy in these pictures, but that's because I took them at 5.30pm. That's the best time to go. Earlier in the day, especially when it's warm, it gets packed. It really is that popular.

The Nottingham Riviera is just one of the many reasons I love the city I'm from.

Is there anything like this where you live?

A Little Break

I returned from my trip about two weeks ago, and ever since then I have just felt so exhausted. I have found it hard to find the motivation even to post! But I'm slowly easing my way back into my schedule, and I have plenty of ideas for posts for the rest of August.

As part of my holiday away, we took a day trip to Amsterdam. We didn't do much. We only had time to visit the NEMO Science Centre and go on a canal tour, before having to leave. But it was still a lovely trip. Although Amsterdam isn't somewhere I'll be rushing to go back to, I think it was a beautiful city.

The Science Centre was particularly brilliant, as it is completely interactive. We spent hours in there. I cannot recommend it enough. It also has brilliant architecture. You can see it in the pictures below.

So here are a handful of pictures I took from the canal boat.

Camp Kit

I am going camping for a week soon, and it is important to me to keep my skincare routine up. The trip I'm going on is most certainly not glamping. Although it won't be completely roughing it, I don't know what the facilities will be like.

To help anyone else in this position, I have put together a few ideas of the sorts of things I take on camping trips.

-The Face-

The important part for my face is keeping it clean from all the dirt and impurities that have built up during the day. If we're honest, the facilities aren't always great, so I've tried to find a routine that will combat that. I always take face wipes as these are great as a quick fix to get the initial dirt of my face. I love these Yes To wipes as they are thick and gentle on the skin. The Liz Earle Hot Cleanser is brilliant for a camp as it all it takes is some hot water and a cloth and your face feels great. As I'm going on a week long camp I'm taking a big bottle of cleanser that I can use in the same way. Cotton wool pads are brilliant to use. Finally I use moisturiser and eye cream to really take care of my skin.

-The Make-Up-

As you can see, I keep my make-up very minimal, and I only really use it if we're going out into civilisation. I use the Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector and the Collection Long Lasting Concealers as my dark circles and blemishes are the areas I'm most concious about, so I like to try and cover these up. I find this to be a great combination. I only use them on areas that need it. If I'm feeling bold I will use some mascara, but mostly I don't bother. I will always use lip balm however, as being in the great outdoors isn't the best for my lips. I love the Carmex lip balms as they work well for me.

-The Hair-

If you are lucky to have showers at your campsite, then keeping your hair and body clean is a must. I use general shampoo and conditioner. Normally, whatever good travel sizes I can find. I also use something that can help my curls look decent in between washes, and this Aussie Curl Definition Serum is brilliant. If you don't have showers or are not washing your hair for a few days, then dry shampoo is the best thing ever, as it keeps your hair looking fresh for days. I use the Batiste Dry Shampoo. It's the only one I've used, but it works for me so I keep going back!

-The Body-

Ahe deodorant is a must as who wants to be smelly on camp! I use a stick deodorant as it's the easiest and I really like this Nivea Invisible. The body wash is just a cheap one I bought from Primark, but it does the job, and that's the main thing. If I  am going away for a long time in the summer then I will want to shave my legs. I use a disposable razor and a travel size shave gel. To lock in the moisture after shaving I use a body lotion or milk. There are two pictured here as I couldn't decide which one to take!

-The Rest-

Obviously a tooth brush and tooth paste is important. I saw this travel toothbrush in Boots, and I love it as it folds away being compact and protecting the head. Another important thing is Sun cream. I use face and body sun cream. This Boots Soltan Once sun cream is fantastic as it lasts 8 hours! I use the La Roche-Posay Anthelios cream for my face which works great, and doesn't leave my face sticky. Hand cream is important as being outdoors all day can really dry your hands. The L'Occitane hand creams are my favourites. One important thing to take is hand santitiser, as it's a quick way to keep your hands fresh and stop any cross-contamination. Finally, there are two other good things to take which aren't pictured as I bought them afterwards. Bug spray is brilliant as no one wants to be eaten alive, and I always make sure I take painkillers just in case a end up with a headache.

Is there anything extra you would take?