Self Love Summer Revisited...

Hey Everyone,

You may have seen at the beginning of summer I posted about how I wanted to decrease my insecurities and have a summer full of self love. Well as summer is drawing to a close I am reflecting back on the summer to see if my little experiment worked. (Featuring pictures from throughout the summer, some selfies, sorry)

(Giggles on a night out with friends)

Overall I would say that I am definitely happier. I started this summer ridiculously hung up on someone who was not worth even an ounce of my time and I shouldn't have let it effect me but I did and it did not make me feel great about myself at all! It is safe to say that I don't feel hung up on him at all and can stomach myself a little more (crazy how us girls let guys make us feel so bad) and looking back I realise it was just stupid. I am in a much better place and enjoying my own company and I am 100% ok being single and if I meet someone I meet someone and if I don't it is all ok.

(Spontaneous hair chopping = instant confidence boost)

Exercise wise I didn't do too great. The running didn't stick for long, but hey I tried. I did however join a gym last week and I just got loads of new gym gear so hopefully I can get the bug and then my body confidence will go through the roof. However I do love my lumps and bumps a little more. Diet wise as well I did start eating better but long days with no structure did take their toll and biscuits were well needed. I tried and I will definitely try again once back at work (even with tea and cake friday).

(Surprise birthday drinks, reminding me I have the best friends ever and I am more than loved)

I recently got into a whole new beauty regime and new make-up which has made me feel so much more confident with my looks. Buying new clothes every month although it has killed my bank balance has also made me feel 100% better about myself as I realise I can pull off the latest trends and in fact I do really enjoy a lot of them.

(This cheeky little pup has been making every day a barrel of laughs)

Even if we haven't had much of a summer (the weather has been awful) I definitely feel better in myself. Being that little bit selfish and focusing on me has done me wonders. I smile a lot more, which for a girl with a usual 'speak to me and i'll kill you' resting face, this has done me wonders as people have found me so much more approachable. Obviously I still have my moments where I panic about things and I have evenings where I get emotional and sad but those nights have gone down an awful lot. It really has been an eye opening summer and I am so glad I did it. I am also hopefully going to try and continue this mentality throughout the rest of the year and I'm sure in no time at all I'll be loving myself even more (but not too much, I don't want to be an arrogant diva, ok maybe I want to be a diva... just not an arrogant one).

(a night out in an outfit I thought I rocked)

Did any of you have an eye opening summer like me? Are you loving yourself a little more after this summer? Let me know on Twitter/Instagram.

See you Sunday,

Love Katie x

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

Payday Treats...

Hey everyone,

ITS PAYDAY. This means its time to have a little splurge on yourself to make yourself feel great. My other payday posts have been very music and film based, this month it is a little different and I am bringing you what I purchased today, Yes, my first fashion and beauty based haul.

(Images from Topshop)

With my university graduation just around the corner I have been looking high and low for an affordable graduation dress, after almost giving up (as my first choice was out of stock everywhere) I found this beautifully simple dress from Topshop. My graduation robes are dark grey and red so I didn't want to get anything patterned, bright or too over the top in case it clashed. This made this dress perfect, the plain creamy white will go perfectly with my robes and the asymmetric wrap of this dress gives it a unique edge so it isn't too simple. I also got these stunning platform sandals to go with the dress, the white on white is tres chic and gives me the opportunity to play with bright nails and lip colour. Also after reading the reviews these shoes should be comfy enough to walk around in all morning and not too high that I could potentially trip on the stage.

(Image from Forever 21)

I also have been thinking about an outfit for my birthday (which is three weeks today). I am planning a festival themed garden party so need the perfect festival themed outfit. I looked to Forever 21 as I never fail to find something I love on there, they also have really good festival wear. I didn't take me long to come across this beautiful maxi which is perfect for me. It flows and is open at the sides and back, this is perfect as if the weather is warm I wont be fanning myself to keep cool, or worse downing the frozen cocktails. It also has a grungey festival feel which suits me to a T as I am more 90's than 70's.

(Image from Lush Cosmetics)

I recently ran out of my favourite shampoo which means I have to buy more, obviously. It is one of the few beauty things I will splurge out for because I fall out with my hair so much. Costing £17.95 for a 500g bottle you must think I am mad. However, this shampoo has made my hair the softest it has been in years and it is naturally and gradually getting lighter and is currently the nicest colour. This is all due to the violet and lemon in the shampoo, it smells delicious. The shampoo also lasts a while, a 100g bottle lasted 2 months and my larger bottle almost 4. I personally feel its worth every penny and teamed with Garnier The Silky Smoother polishing scrub and Aussie's The Reconstructer my hair has never been better and its growing again. Despite still desperately needed a cut, my split ends have been smoothed and are not as obvious which is a little triumph until I do get my hair cut.

Have you spoiled yourself this payday? let me know what you got on Twitter or Instagram.

See you Friday,

Love Katie x

Fathers day gift guide...

Hey everyone,

Spent this weekend refreshing Twitter and Instagram finding out about Download and Isle of Wight festivals (they both looked amazing) but now I have to focus on more important things happening this weekend, Fathers day. I am a true daddy's girl and I am not too ashamed about it. I love my dad to pieces (as I am sure you all do) and I always want to try and show it by getting him something he really loves. This is quite a challenging as my dads taste is quite expensive or he 'never wants anything', but here are a few things that I feel most Dads will love.

1. Aftershave/Cologne.

(Image from John Lewis)

I personally feel like you cant go wrong with buying your dad aftershave or cologne especially if your dad has a go to scent and is running low, like mine. My dad loves Bleu de Chanel but most men I know do have a go to scent. Buy him a big bottle of that and he will really appreciate the fact you noticed what scent he wears and that he's running low. However, if you aren't a fan of your dad's go to scent, Fathers day gives you the opportunity to change it up and give him one you think suits him a lot better. I am a massive fan of the Chanel mens scents, as well as Jimmy Choo Man.

2. Alcohol.

(Image from notonthehighstreet.com)

Every dad enjoys a tipple or two, especially my dad. He is loving fruit ciders and gin at the moment (not together, that would be a disaster) so I could potentially get him some fancy cider or gin. Sneakily find out your dads beverage of choice and surprise him with a nice bottle. However if your dad's favourite is Strongbow I wouldn't really recommend getting him a crate, but if he really would love it then go crazy. This sign from notonthehighstreet.com is perfect for my dad with his love of gin and sense of humour. Notonthehighstreet.com is a great place to go for alcohol related (and other) fathers day gifts.

3. A photo of you/your family.

(My favourite, recentish, picture of me and my dad in San Francisco almost 2 years ago)

I asked my dad what his idea of a good gift was and he said a photo never fails to win him over. Our house is covered in photos of the family or me and my brothers and I suppose its a nice reminder of his greatest gift, you. Its soppy but cheap and cheerful. If you fancy sprucing the photo up, book a photo shoot for your family. These can be really cringy but it makes a great experience too.

These are just a few ideas for gifts for Dad's this Fathers day. Do you have any ideas on something I may have missed? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram.

See you Friday,

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