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

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