Payday goodies...

Hey everyone...

Its my favourite time of the month, PAYDAY. Every payday I treat myself to some things to say well done on working so hard and so I can have fun before I have to buy necessities like rent, food etc. This month I really treated myself here are some of the things I treated myself with...

CK underwear.

(It is very hard to photograph bra's well, sorry)

I have been in love with the modern t-shirt bra and pants for a long while and I decided as a motivation (to look great in it) I got it. I am still waiting for the pants to arrive but I am already so in love with the bra. It is well worth the price. It is so comfy and soft it is almost as if I'm not wearing it. That may be too much information but I am more than comfortable sharing about the worlds greatest bra. 

Trainers.

(Snazzy new nikes)

With my recent purchase of a gym membership I felt that I really needed to get myself some decent gym gear so I am more motivated to actually go to the gym. I really liked the look of these trainers as they aren't too much which is great as I like to lay low at the gym, which is hard when I am normally dying on the cross trainer.

Sports Bra.

(I love this print, I should have got more)

Again, I was in desperate need of gym stuff and I LOVE this crop top/sports bra. Although I like to lay low at the gym it doesn't mean I can't get fancy with my sports bra's. This one has this really cool tie-dyesque print which underneath my gym top makes me feel uber funky and teamed with my funky playlist it gets me ready to really kick butt and work hard.

Have you got yourself anything nice this payday? Let me know on Twitter/Instagram. Stay tuned for my next post all on what I'm looking forward to the next month.

See you Thursday,
Love Katie x

July Payday Treats...

Hey everyone,

I have put myself on a very strict no shopping this month after a big blow out this payday, but that doesn't mean no payday post, after all you probably want to know all about my blowout?

(insert heart eyes emoji here)

This payday I really treated myself with a new rucksack, my old one sadly broke on me while I was in America last year. I did replace it but I wasn't in love with the replacement however, on my spontaneous adventure I walked into Zara and could not leave without this stunning leather look backpack. It will give an instant grungy yet chic edge to any outfit I pair it with, PERFECT.

(contrast trims are in... my wardrobe)

I also picked up these two cropped tee's from Topshop and H&M. I am completely in love with the Foxes tee (part of the HMLovesMusic collection, which is great) and the contrast trim style of the Topshop tee is perfect with some mom style jeans for that 90's vibe.

(The holy grail, white jeans that do not go see through)

I also recently have got back into loving jeans and there is nothing more summery than a pair of white jeans. This was a challenge in itself as super stretchy jeans tended to go see through over my thighs and no matter what size I tried it didn't seem to help. Then Topshop came to my rescue and their white Jamie jeans now have a firm place in my wardrobe and I am looking forward to wearing them out for chilled drinks this summer.

(Topshop really know how to do denim)

While hunting for the perfect white jean I also discovered this stunning denim pinafore dress (also Topshop) this teamed with my cropped tees or a sweater on cooler days again will throw me straight back to the 90's (where I truly belong... I think anyway).

Have you guys treated yourself to anything new this payday? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram.
See you Wednesday,

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

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

May payday treats...

Hey guys,

It's my favourite time of the month, PAYDAY! This also marks the start to my 'proper' pay cheques from my new job. I'm going to show you a few new releases that have got me excited so you get ideas on what to treat yourselves with this month.

1. Orange is the New Black Season 1-2. (from £34.99)

(Image from Pinterest)

I recently got into this Netflix original series and it is amazing. Im counting down the days until series 3. The series is now available on DVD for you to watch whenever you want, however the price is a little steep. If you want to add it to your DVD collection go ahead but I personally will be rewatching it on Netflix where its not as expensive. This is definitely a little treat though!


2. Into the Woods (from £10)

(Image from Pinterest)

I went and saw this wonderful piece of film with all my housemates at the start of 2015 and I personally loved every second of it. The songs are super catchy (we were all singing them months after) and the all star cast are so talented. Meryl Streep was the perfect choice for the witch, she played her so well. I would definitely recommend picking this up this payday as it will not disappoint if you love a musical. It has such a good story with influences from all your favourite fairy tales making it one for all the family.

3. Theory of Everything (from £9.99)

(Image from Pinterest)

Its turning into that time of the year where the majority of the Oscar winning films are being released on DVD, and I am very excited. I (stupidly) haven't seen this yet but I do plan on giving it a watch very very soon. I have heard brilliant things about this movie and as it was a big oscar winner I am sure I will enjoy.

4. Big Hero 6 (from £9.99)

(Image from Pinterest)

Again, I haven't seen this yet but I have heard great things about it. With kids and adults all raving about this film I cant wait to pick it up now it's on DVD. As a massive fan of all things Disney I am sure that this will be a firm favourite of mine for years and years.

This weeks payday treats has been very DVD based due to me not listening to any new albums this month (tut tut). I am super excited though to get a few of these DVD's and add them to my massive collection. Tune in Sunday for my post on things I am looking forward to in June. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter to see what I am getting up to, there may be a concert and a trip to Liverpool involved.

See you Sunday,

Love Katie x