Beauty Loves...

Hey everyone,

Todays blog is all about the beauty products I am loving right now. This isn't a usual blog post as I haven't really covered beauty before but as a girl who is just getting into her beauty stuff I really want to share what I am loving with you all.

Cleanser:

I am loving Garnier's Micellar water. Micellar water seems to be everywhere at the moment but Garnier is the only one I found that works for combination and sensitive skin which is perfect for my dodgy dry one minute oily the next skin. I use it on its own some mornings (if I am feeling lazy) or after my oil cleanser in the evenings and it picks up all the last bits of make-up/dirt that other cleansers may not have picked up. If you haven't already got some Micellar water in your beauty routine you need to, it is a live saver.

Hair:

I have said in other blog posts about my hair routine and my love for the Daddy-o shampoo made by Lush however, my current favourite hair care product is my heat protecter. I am using the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray. It is great. It leaves my hair with a smooth shiny (frizz free) finish which is handy as I now have to straighten it almost every day since chopping it all off.

Make-up:

I was a massive sceptic of the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara when it first came out as I felt for me it didn't really live up to the expectations, However that was a lie. I continually used it and over time as the mascara became less wet it worked and made my lashes look amazing. I even treated myself to a proper tube last week. I don't know if its just me but I do find the mixture a bit too wet to begin with but that is nothing a wipe on a tissue cant solve and then you have a fabulous curl and length that lasts all day. Its great and best of all, it doesn't give you spider lashes.

Have you got anything beauty wise that you are loving? Let me know on Twitter/Instagram. Stay tuned for my next post which is all about my must haves for school/uni which means all things stationary (my favourite).

Love Katie x

Lost in London...

Hey everyone,

As part of my self love summer I said I was going to be a bit more spontaneous and finally I did it. A few weeks ago I woke up checked my bank balance and decided I would head to London for the day. I had been dying to go to the Natural History Museum as I haven't been in years so what better of an excuse to head up on the train and go have a look.

(Left: Natural History Museum and Right: Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park)

The first real decision I had to make was whether I needed to top my oyster card up. It was a great day so I opted to walk around London and take more of the scenery in. It wasn't too long of a walk and I got to the Natural History Museum, although there were big queues I got in very quickly. I really wanted to see the dinosaur exhibition, as I am a massive dinosaur fan. However, with it being the school holidays and Jurassic World just being released (Thanks Chris Pratt) it was very popular and after a bit of a wait I got to go in. The exhibition was incredible with different dinosaur skeletons and animatronics along a walk way suspended above the information. I learnt so much about dinosaurs and I was really impressed with the giant T-rex.

(Left: WHALES, Right: My favourite dinosaur)

The dinosaurs weren't the only thing I checked out, I also had a look at the mammals exhibition. Just for the whales skeletons, sorry! It was really cool, lots of different whales and dolphins suspended from the ceiling and lots of other animals dotted around. I found out loads about different animals and walked away feeling very intellectual.

(Left: Carnaby Street, Right: My beautiful burrito from Chipotle)

After I spent some time wandering around the museum I decided to do a spot of shopping down Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. Some of the items I got feature in my payday post. I felt like a true London girl (I even got asked for directions so I must have looked the part too). After some shopping I was in desperate need for food and after finding out the Chipotle had UK branches I made it my mission for some burrito loving. It was everything I hoped for and more. With so many choices I opted for a chicken burrito with brown rice, pinto beans, medium salsa, cheese, sour cream and of course guac (YES I KNOW ITS EXTRA, sorry). It was heaven, I managed to finish every bite and was each one was just as delicious as the first. It is officially my favourite Mexican chain now and I cannot wait for my next one.

(Left: Just a spot of shopping, Right: Everyone really wanted to go to the dinosaurs)

Have you been on any spontaneous trips recently? Let me know on Twitter/Instagram. Stay tuned for my next post which is all about my home town.

Love Katie x

Landan Town...

Hey Everyone,

For Christmas my dad's girlfriend got my two brothers and I tickets to see Bend it Like Beckham the Musical and, finally after months of waiting it was time to go. We really wanted to make a day of it and there really is nothing better (in my eyes) than taking a stroll around London.

(The Phoenix Theatre shining in the sun)

Being so close to London (about an hour on the train) it is actually quite rare that I get to go to the fabulous city. Whenever I go to London I do dress up a little as you never know who you might meet so I popped on some liquid eyeliner (becoming a bit of a rare sight these days) and headed out the door. As the weather was great we decided to walk from Paddington to get some food. We decided on Five Guys on Argyle Street as it is a firm favourite in our family and was fairly close to the theatre. I went for my usual Little Bacon Cheeseburger with Cajun fries. It was delightful and as I have said before the drinks machine DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

(Why have one guy when you can have FIVE GUYS?! - Single Girl Mantra)

After stuffing our faces we headed to the theatre. Bend it Like Beckham the musical is based on the hit film that graced our screens over 10 years ago. It was a firm favourite for me when I was younger. When you go into the theatre you feel thrown into the two different cultures that Jess has to battle with. The set design on the stage was great and transformed for each place with ease (going from a football pitch to the front room doesn't sound easy at all). The cast were absolutely amazing, I was giggling throughout and they really suited their roles. A personal favourite for me was Paula, she was so clueless yet supportive and Sophie-Louise Dann played her brilliantly. The songs and choreography were also fantastic, I was still singing the songs during the week after the show. I would highly recommend people seeing this show especially if you were a fan of the film. It takes it that step further and it works perfectly on the stage.

(The curtain before the show, a mix up of cultures)

After we did a little shopping on Oxford Street which on a sunny Saturday was probably a death sentence but we got everything we were looking for (and maybe a little more). We had another little stroll around London (did I mention it was my favourite thing to do?) before heading home. London is probably one of my favourite cities as there is always so much to do and see.

(pre-show smiles from my brothers and I)

See you Tuesday,

Love Katie x

Festival must haves...

Hey everyone,

So my posts recently have been quite festival related but its fitting so well especially with the UK festival scene kicking off. This Thursday's post is all about my festival must haves. All things I'd be lost without and I HIGHLY recommend you pack. If you are a festival virgin this will be a useful tool, however this list will probably be really relatable to those festival veterans.

(Image from Pinterest)

1. Tissues and hand sanitiser.

(Image from Superdrug)

Yes I am getting the disgusting stuff out the way first. Different festivals have different toilet situations, some are really nice and cleaned often, others not so much (I still have nightmares about the Reading campsite toilets, sorry). So your best bet if you don't know is BE PREPARED. The best way to be prepared is have tissues and hand sanitiser on you at all times. If your chosen festivals toilets are top notch then at least you have tissues and hand sanitiser for when the dirt and mud gets everywhere. This hand sanitiser pictured above is one of my favourite smelling hand gels on the market, available at Superdrug.

2. ANYTHING FOR COLD, WET WEATHER.

(Me at V Festival 2 years ago showing off my light rain coats and clashing wellies)

Even in the hottest of British summers you can guarantee on a festival weekend it will rain or the nights will get awful cold. Even if you have a tent buddy the nights can still get awfully cold. Make sure you have a jumper, even if it does make me sound like your mum. Also a light rain coat and wellies are a must. We don't have the beautiful desert grasslands of Coachella, we have fields, muddy muddy fields. Dont bring your best trainers/sandals pop on some cute wellies and make it work.

3. Disposable Camera

(Another fetching picture of me at Vfestival, pitching the tent. Also showing how great disposable camera pictures look)

There is nothing worse than coming home from a festival getting and being snacked round the face with festival blues. The best way to stop these blues hitting so hard is having lots of photos to look at. Yes, you can take your phone and take pictures but what if it gets lost or stolen (it does happen), NO PICTURES. Disposable cameras are large so will be hard to lose and don't get stolen, bonus, plus the pictures look super cute. If you are fancy enough to have one of these polaroid cameras, these are also a must. Instant cute photos, just be sure not to lose them.

4. Dry shampoo.

(Image from Pinterest)

This seems to be quite obvious but you'd be surprised how many people I know that forget it. Although I haven't had a bad experience with festival showers, I have heard horror stories. If you aren't keen or the horror stories have scared you to much, dry shampoo is your answer. A quick baby wipe bath and a spritz of dry shampoo and you will be feeling super fresh and ready to battle your way around the festival. Batiste is a personal favourite, especially the floral and flirty one.

5. The ultimate alcohol sneaking device.

(Image from Urban Outfitters)

Now I am not condoning breaking festival rules of not bringing alcohol into the arena at all. However, those bar prices are ridiculous and if you have already spent lots of money on alcohol thats just sat in your tent, you don't want to waste it. Again, like the loos, every festival is different. I have been to festivals that have security with hand held metal detectors to get hipflasks down shorts, and I have been to some where you can stroll in and no one bats an eye. You will have to do some research and keep an eye out when entering the arena. I met a lovely bunch of ladies at V Festival 2 years ago that drank wine in bags then re-filled it and stuffed in their shorts and tops to look 'larger' and no one asked questions. Think long and hard about your choice and hopefully it pays off. I love the hipflask in the picture from Urban Outfitters, they have a great selection if thats the route you go down.

6. A Setlist.

(Image from Pinterest)

Im not talking about the list the festivals publish on their website. I am talking about a detailed list of when bands are performing and on what stage. If you aren't an organised person this must sound like a nightmare but finding a clash after you have forked out a fiver for a programme would be worse. At least if you bring your own, you've saved some money and stress. You and your friends can sit around and work out your plan for the day but if you want to cut out the hard work use a website like clash finder before you head off to the festival.

This is my list of festival must haves, have a missed anything you think is important? Did I include something you didnt think of? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Stay tuned for Mondays post which will be a Fathers Day gift guide just in time for some great presents for our fab dads.

See you Monday,

Love Katie x

Favourite Festivals...

Hey everyone...

As I mentioned before in my Hello Summer post June means the start of the UK festival season and this post (along with my next few) are all going to be based around the UK festival season. The reason I am sticking so close to home is because the American and European festival scene is so big it would take me years and years to pick favourites (maybe some time in the future... maybe). Today I'll be showing you 3 festivals that are perfectly tailored for me, that I am loving.

(Image from Pinterest)

The first is Glastonbury Festival. I have already mentioned this in my Hello Summer post but I really cannot get enough of this festival this year. With the line-up being the most controversial (I think) for years, I personally think its one of their best. Kanye West, Foo Fighters and LIONEL RITCHIE (yes I am a 20 year old who is excited about that) headlining it really is catering for everyones music taste. I haven't come across anyone who hasn't heard at least one song from either of those headliners and wont sing along to them. If you don't fancy those headliners (you must be mad) they have James Bay, George Ezra and Alt-J performing on the famous pyramid stage over the weekend too. I cannot wait to watch this on the tele 24-28th June, if you were lucky to get a ticket I am so jealous. Its not a bad price either at £220 for the weekend including camping!

(Image from Pinterest)

The next is Boardmasters. This is a festival I recently have come across but have fallen completely in love with. Set on the beautiful beaches in Cornwall this festival has been said to be the closest thing to Bondi beach in England. The line-up is perfect too, headliners this summer are Faithless, Rudimental and Bastille. All providing summer classics to fully enjoy beach life. Other artists performing that I am super excited about are Catfish and the Bottleman, Everything Everything and Sea Sick Steve. I will have to keep my eyes peeled for reviews and highlights as sadly I don't think this festival is televised (why not?). However, if you are around 5th-9th August and like the sound of Boardmasters pick up a ticket its only £119 for the weekend.

(Image from Pinterest)

The final festival I am crushing on this year is one very close to home, Reading and Leeds festival. I attended Reading festival religiously since the age of 16 before heading to University. This was partly due to the festival being moments down the road and the fact that I find myself falling in love with the line-up almost every year. This years headliners are Mumford & Sons, Metallica and The Libertines. It's Reading and Leeds doing what they do best, making each headliner a little different to cater for everyones likes. I was a little skeptical about Mumford and Sons as headliners but since hearing their latest stuff I am excited to see them rock that stage. Other artists on the line-up include Alt-J, Royal Blood and Kendrick Lamar. There are so many more that I could list as there are so many bands I like playing. Like Glasto I am so excited to see this on the TV. However if you want to go keep the 28th-30th August free and £205 spare.

The three festivals I am loving are very rock music based, if that isn't your scene check out New Look Wireless festival or V Festival. They are perfect for those who like a bit of pop/chart music. If you are heading to a festival this summer let me know on Twitter or Instagram, I'd love to know what made you want to go. Or are you loving my favourite festivals for this summer? Just drop me a tweet.

See you Thursday,

Love Katie x

My Northern Adventure...

Hey Everyone,

So last week was half term which for me meant a week off. For christmas my mum planned a trip to Liverpool for me and my brother during this week to see Maroon 5. It was a rocky two day trip but it was lots of fun.

(Barburrito standard burrito pic, The docks outside the hotel, the little brother trying on jackets in Topman)

We started nice and early on our way up to the 'pool to attempt to avoid traffic but sadly it was everywhere we went. After 4 hours and getting lost around the city we arrived at our travelodge hotel on the Strand. The hotel looked out onto the Albert Docks and was simply stunning. After travelling over lunch time we both had worked up a bit of an appetite. Liverpool has lots and lots of options for food, obviously. We decided to settle for something we knew we would enjoy and would be quick (as I needed to get looking around the shops), Barburrito. This amazing burrito place is the number 1 burrito place I have ever been to. Mission Burrito does not even come close, I'm serious. They have lots of options meat/veg wise and serve Lipton's Peach Ice Tea (ultimate winner in my eyes). I went for a chargrilled chicken burrito, with lots of peppers, onions, Mexican rice and of course, GUAC! My brother got a steak burrito with very similar fillings, he also got a side order of tortilla chips. It is such a good price and they offer student discount, mine came to £8.

(Cool boats in the dock, excited before we found out Maroon 5 cancelled, the docks in the sunshine)

After our meal we did a spot of shopping, I was particularly excited as Liverpool has a Forever 21 and I love that brand. I had scouted the website the night before and had my heart set on a beautiful pair of mom jeans. Unfortunately, after dragging my brother high and low I could not find them anywhere but I did find lots of things I cant wait to buy next payday (hopefully). I also helped my brother pick out a new jacket and some stuff for his interailing trip this summer. My shopping wasn't too successful but I got a water bottle for work and a black mini skirt. My brother was a lot more successful. After heading to the hotel and spending time getting ready we walked over to the Echo Arena. We were greeted by men in high vis jackets handing out paper. After grabbing a bit of paper and being held up in the fuss, we unfortunately heard that Maroon 5 had cancelled due to Adam being to ill to sing. We were gutted but fully understand and we are just glad Adam is fine now and not in a pickle like Sam Smith.

(by Liverpool One shopping centre, Candid shot of my brother at mini golf, another dock pic)

This meant we had to make new plans. Being in a big city we had never been to before we were getting a little stuck. Luckily my brother remembered we saw a mini golf bar on our way to Barburrito earlier that day. We decided to give that a go and then head to the cinema. The mini golf was amazing, Jungle Rumble mini golf is a must for anyone in/near Liverpool looking for something to do thats cute and fun. It was £6.50 each for us to go which wasn't too bad. There is also a bar there (if you fancy a drink or two). We did the easy course as we didn't want to be too long and I won. It was very surprising but I feel the Jungle feel gave me winning energy, or it put my brother off. After that we went to the Odeon up the stairs and saw Mad Max: Fury Road. It was an incredible film, I will admit I was a little worried as action films aren't normally my thing. I won't ruin things for you but it was brilliant, Rosie Huntington-Whitley was looking beautiful and had some balls too. So impressed. There was moments of giggles as I kind of want a war pack lead by some man playing electric guitar, he seemed pretty cool. I would highly recommended this film to anyone though, truly expanded my list of favourite films.

(the heavenly cinnamon swirl with white chocolate, the cake counter at east avenue bakehouse, my beautiful lemon drizzle cake)

The next morning after a slight lay in we headed to a little bakery/restaurant my mums been banging on about for ages, The East Avenue Bakehouse. Situated up a side street with lots of other cafes and bars, it looked beautifully quaint even from the outside. The tall glass window full of freshly baked bread made me so excited to go in. There was a long wait to sit in the restaurant but we needed to hit the road so after staring at the beautiful display of cakes we opted for two to take away. I went for a slice of lemon drizzle cake and my brother went for a cinnamon swirl with white chocolate. I could have got a lot more, they had brownies and peanut butter cake all freshly baked. Our choices were definitely good ones we both are still going on about it even now. The interior was super stunning and one day I am sure I will come back and try more than just a cake, I promise. Their Instagram has me drooling, so go check it out. If you are lucky enough to be close to this establishment, become a regular, seriously, Its beautiful.

Despite Maroon 5 cancelling on us we still had a wonderful time in Liverpool and its such an incredible city. Would highly recommend it to people who want to explore Britain a little more. Stay tuned for more posts including festival guides. Also keep an eye on my Twitter and Instagram to see what I am up to.

Love Katie x

Hello Summer...

Hey everyone,

I am saying summer as I am hoping the horrible weather we have picks up and brings us a glorious June. June is one of my favourite months of the year as people are finishing exams and leaving school or Uni and its the start of the UK's festival season. A few little festivals have already kicked off (Slam Dunk and Radio 1's Big Weekend) June officially marks the start of all things festival. The past month I have been very quiet as I had a lot going on with exams, moving house and starting my new job. I also have been completing a Cardiff Bucket List of fun things to do in the city I called home for 3 years, check it out here and here. This post is all about the things I am looking forward to this month.

Festivals:

(Image from Pinterest)

As I had mentioned before June really marks the start of festival season in the UK and some of the biggest festivals all fall in this month. These are Isle of Wight, Download and Glastonbury. Isle of Wight Festival is situated in Newport on the Isle of Wight from the 11th-14th of June. It is the ultimate indie festival with music spanning from all genres. This years headliners are Blur, Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys and The Prodigy. They also have special guests which include Pharrell Williams and Paolo Nutini, this makes me very happy. I always fall in love with this line up every year and I still haven't been. Maybe as it is a long way to travel on top of the price of the festival, but hopefully one year I will go. However this year I am looking forward to watching this festival on the TV and no doubt regretting not saving up for a ticket.

(Image from Pinterest)

Download Festival is situated in Derby from the 12th-14th of June. Clashing with Isle of Wight it is quite rare that fans of each festival will have to pick between them. This is due to Download being known for hard rock music which isn't covered widely by Isle of Wight. This years headliners are Slipknot, Muse and KISS. All bands that I really do like. Normally I wouldn't look twice at Download as I am not a massive fan of the music there. However, this year I can see a lot of bands of the line-up that I really enjoy, like Mallory Knox, Enter Shikari and Fightstar. They are also featuring a tattoo parlour at the festival this year with full after care. That is definitely something that puts this festival ahead of others, because whats better than getting a tattoo to remember the experience of having the best weekend of your life?

(Image from Pinterest)

Glastonbury Festival does not need any introduction. Situated in the wonderfully quaint town of Glastonbury, this festival is the mother of all UK festivals that falls on the 24th-28th June. It has music from all genres and is a festival for everyone. Young or old, with or without family, its perfect. This years stand out acts (for me) are Foo Fighters, Kanye West, and Alt-J. There are many more like Lionel Ritchie that I am beyond excited to hear about. This years line-up has definitely been the most varied and controversial after the petition to get rid of Kanye. I personally think its going to bring a fresh younger audience to the festival and it mixes things up really well. Also it would be pretty cool to see Kim K stage side. Again like Isle of Wight I am so excited to catch highlights on the TV and hopefully I will not be disappointed (I know I wont be).

Film:

(Image from Pinterest)

June also see's the release of lots of amazing looking films. Three I am really looking forward to seeing are Spy, Jurassic World, and Minions. Spy is an amusing take on all the serious action films around making it something I am beyond excited to see. Starring Jason Statham, Jude Law and Melissa McCarthy this film shows how an unexpected CIA-analyst having to go undercover to help save the world from an evil arms dealer. I recently saw the trailer while in the cinema and that alone had me in stitches. I am excited to see this trio work together, as typically the films they work are so different. Hopefully the collaboration works as well as I am hoping it does and doesn't flop. Out in cinemas 5th June.

(Image from Pinterest)

Jurassic World comes around 22 years after the original incidents of Jurassic Park, where the dreams of it becoming a tourist attraction for the world, have come to life. However in order to keep people coming the park has to get more exciting attractions and this backfires leading to more dinosaur related destruction. With Chris Pratt being the big star of this film, I am super excited to see him being serious and saving us from dinosaurs. I have always been a fan of the original Jurassic Park and it will be interesting to see what they have made of it now, and if it is is as good. Out in cinemas 11th June.

(Image from Pinterest)

Minions shows us how the minions began and how they evolved through time just like us humans. The film follows Kevin, Stuart and Bob on their quest to find a new villain to work for and leads them to help the evil Scarlet Overkill and her husband Herb attempt to take over the world. As this is before Gru we all know they went on to find someone else, but how? did the plan work? what did the cute minions have to do in this plan? All questions I am hoping will be answered once I get myself to the cinema and watch the film. This is bound to be a firm favourite for all the family. Out in cinemas 26th June.

Thats what I am looking forward to this month, is there anything you are particularly excited about this month? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Wednesday I'll be doing a post on my trip to Liverpool and it was very interesting indeed.

See you Wednesday,

Love Katie x