The transition from Summer into Autumn can be a tough one for not just your lifestyle, but also your outfit choices. This is usually the period where I am always struggle to know what to wear and also what to buy when shopping, because there's a mixture of both seasons out there, you're unsure whether you should be dressing for the weather or prepping your new season wardrobe. You'll also have some days where you'll leave the house in the morning and it will be quite chilly, so you throw on a cosy jumper and head off for the day. But by lunch time, the suns out and you're absolutely boiling in the knit threw on earlier. Today's post showcases 5 outfit ideas that will inspire you to know what to wear during the transition from Summer into Autumn, preparing for an assortment of different temperatures and weathers during this period.
You know me, always trying to up my skin care game and really find products that work well for me. So when I saw these L'Oreal Clay Mask's floating around the beauty world and knowing they were on offer at Boot's, I couldn't resist hunting one down and trying it for myself. Even though it took me a while to find one since they were all pretty much sold out everywhere I went, I managed to pick up one of the Detox masks. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been trying out this mask a few times a week and have seen evidently results in the changes this mask has brought to my skin.
We all know that using social media, in particular Twitter is a great way to promote our latest posts or even just our blogs in general. There are a few ways you can use Twitter to get your posts and your blog out there, from hash tagging, mentioning a brand in your post, joining in chats and also tagging blogger retweet accounts in your promotion tweets. Today's post is the Ultimate Guide To Blogger RT Accounts For Your Twitter Promotion, including why it's useful and all those handy RT accounts you need to know about.
Now it's coming toward's the end of the summer, I thought it was only right I highlighted some of my favourite makeup products I've been loving this summer. Most you will probably have seen on my blog before if you're an avid reader, but even so here are some of the products I have been using a lot this summer and have basically been obsessed with!
In light of the recent exam results days, I thought this post would be highly appropriate for the time. Although sometimes it doesn't just have to be results week when you experience a sense of failure after the envision you had in mind for the next few years doesn't go to plan. It can happen at anytime and any stage of your career journey. It can occur when you first start higher education or at any moment throughout your working life. I always see people going through this on social media, when people's goals didn't go to plan and they think they've failed the rest of their life. But whenever it happens and whatever way it happens, you are not a failure just because your dream did not work out this time.
This was something I really had to learn to accept for quite a long time and always blamed what happened on why I developed an anxiety and panic disorder. But that's another story for another time. The point is plan and simple, I hated the course I picked after I finished my GCSE's, passed with the grades I needed and then went off to college that September. The course I chose I didn't give too much thought into, purely because I had no idea what I wanted to do, but knew I had an interest in the subject areas. Once I was on the course, I was miserable and terrified mess every single day I was due in. I felt useless, worthless, like I wasn't good enough and I was constantly comparing myself to everyone else. It literally got to point where I just couldn't bring myself to go in anymore and in the end I had to drop out.
For the longest time after this, I thought of how much of a failure I was compared to all my friends and the people I went to school with. Whilst I was home ridden with anxiety and self pity, everyone else was flourishing on whatever course or subjects they had picked to study. I felt like everyone had the easy road out of high school and I was the one who had failed to cope in the real world. I didn't understand why it didn't work out for me, I had never done anything wrong or deserved to have what I thought was a goal ripped away from me. But reality was, that was far from how things happened and also why it happened.
I learnt through overcoming the situation of dropping out, finding a new course the next academic year, going through counselling for my anxiety and depression that sparked up because of this experience, that I was not to blame nor was I failure just because I had to drop out of a course I wasn't enjoying. We all want to do things what makes us happy and what we enjoy, so why should I have felt so bad for leaving something that wasn't bringing me that purpose in life? Why did I label myself as a failure just because of what happened?
I shouldn't have and you shouldn't either.
You're not wrong for the course, nor are you not good enough. The course just wasn't right for you. This was what really helped me to move on from what happened. Over months of blaming myself and thinking I wasn't good enough, I learnt that the course just wasn't right for me and it wasn't good enough for the potential I had in other areas. Your skills and talents lie elsewhere, so don't beat yourself up about a course that didn't unlock your full potential.
It's not the end of the world. Even though it might feel like it, it really isn't the end. You have to be the one to pick yourself up and dust yourself off from the set back. Life moves on and so should you. However hard or long it might be or take to move on from what happened, you'll get there and you will find something that is 100% perfect for you. It's just going to take some searching!
Have a rethink of what your skills are and what you enjoy. Whatever stage you are at in your life, you'll at least have a few skills that you've developed over the years. Even leaving secondary school, you'll be able to take some skills with you. Think about those skills and what you can bring them to in your next education or job move. Also consider the things you enjoy. For example, if you're a massive fan of entertaining, dealing with people, extremely organised and outgoing, then you might want to look into a career that holds some of those traits. This might be an events planner or something in the events industry like a caterer etc. Playing on your strengths and really thinking about what you enjoy will help you to visualise a career goal in mind that really reflects the person you are or hope to be.
Find that's right for you and what's best suited to you. Similar to the previous point, it might take you a while to find what's right for you and what suits you and your skills best. But don't give up. Set backs are completely normal and use them as your motivation to get back on track to where you want to be. It's all about trial and error.
Remember that everything happens for a reason. When one door closes, another one usually opens. Two of the phrases I try to remember when going through hard times. Everything does happen for a reason usually, so don't fret and question why it happened to you, why you failed, why you weren't good enough, why it didn't work out etc. Don't do this to yourself. It happened for a reason. It happened so you could find something else more suitable for you and a chance for you to be successful in another area. When the door of your previous plan closes, the door to your new and exciting vision will open up.
Don't treat it as a failure, think of it as a step in the right direction. Leading onto the last point, it is so important to not treat your set back as a failure. Remember it is as that door and as you walk through it, you're stepping in the right direction of something much better.
Don't compare everyone's journey to your own. Everyone is different. I was terrible for this, but the past year or so I have been able not to compare my career journey and also myself to everyone else. It's going to knock your confidence straight away if you do this, especially if you've had a knock from the set back. Just don't even bother. Your journey isn't going to be the same as everyone else's. Just like someone else's isn't going to be the same as yours. Everyone is different. You might have found it hard and had the tough road, but you'll reach your destination when you're ready to.
Don't beat yourself up about it. Don't let it knock your confidence. It's easier said than done, but it will help you deal with similiar situation's in the future a lot better. You can still achieve amazing things and go exactly where you want to go despite the set back. You're not a failure. Your mind might tell you are. But you're really not. You're a step closer to success!
It doesn't change who you are or what you stand for. You're still fab. Just because you've had a bump in the road, doesn't mean it changes who you are or what you're about. You're still that great person with the same skills, the same personality and the same experiences. Continue being that person you are before you had your set back.
Don't be afraid of judgement. Don't fear people's reactions or even the presumptions you might create of what people might think about your situation. Most people will be sympathetic and encourage you to continue on to where you want to be. They'll offer support and guidance. If people bash you, make you feel bad about your experience and that you are a failure because you didn't succeed, then don't believe a word they say and get rid of them asap. You don't need that negativity in your life at all.
It will feel harsh, awful and like the worst thing possible has just happened when you experience a knock to the dream you had envisioned your future going in. But reminding yourself of the things above when going through this difficult time and even when thinking back to what you've gone through once you get over it, will ensure that you deal with it the best way and understand that just because you went through that, it doesn't make you a failure and you still have another chance to become the successful individual you want to be.
Sometimes it just takes us a little while longer to figure out what we really want and how we're going to get there. That might also be a bumpy journey with set backs, but if you know you really want it and you know what to do to get there, then go after it with all that hard work and determination you've always had inside of you.
How do you deal with set backs? Have you ever experienced that failure feeling after a knock back during your plan for the future in terms of education or career?
Lauren x
Crying is a natural human response to a certain feeling, whether that be tears of joy from watching a close friend get married to the one they love, it might be the grief and pain you experience when you lose someone or something close to you, perhaps you cry from fear or trauma you've sadly had to deal with. Whatever it is that you made you cry, you've cried and sometimes letting it all out is the best way to deal with how you're feeling at the time. But what to do you do after you've been crying?
We've all been there. We've all had at least one day when we've had a bad hair day and if you say you haven't, then you clearly must be lying. There's nothing worse than when you're in a rush or have an important day ahead of you when you're running around like a headless chicken trying to get ready, you come to sort out your hair and for whatever reason it just won't go right. You're having one of those days we like to call a bad hair day and you have no idea how to deal with the problem. However there a few tips I'm going to share with you that you might want to try to disguise your bad hair day.
This is probably the hardest post I've ever had to write....hahah just kidding! But seriously, it was so hard to pick only three baking ideas from Pinterest. Because if we're being honest, there are hundreds of recipes I'd love to try! They always look so delicious and fun to make. However much of a struggle it was, I have been able to narrow it down to 3 Pinterest baking ideas I'd love to try. Prepare yourself for some unhealthy yet extra yummy treats.
1. Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer Cake - Life, Love and Sugar
How bloody lush does this chocolate chip cookie inspired cake look? I am absolutely love cookies, so combine that with cake and we're on to a winner! I definitely need to try recreate this for my birthday next year or something. I can't get over how many layers this cake has and every single one look's delicious! It definitely look's like one of those tasty treats that you'd eat far too much of and end up feeling sick after consumption. I think this would take a long time to bake, but I think you could have so much fun doing so and really make a day of baking.
Life, Love and Sugar has so many amazing recipes over on her blog! I always see them appear on my Pinterest feed and end up pinning away at them. She's so good for inspiration on new baking ideas and I always go have a browse on her blog for any birthday cake ideas for either myself or someone I know. I'd highly recommend visiting her if you need some new baking ideas! There are so many to chose from and you can easily have a go at them yourself. Her images of these delicious creations are amazing also!
You can find the Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer Cake recipe here.
2. Pink Velvet Swiss Roll - Garnish & Glaze
We're all probably familiar with a chocolate Swiss roll, but I have never seen a pink velvet swiss roll before. A simple and quick recipe to follow to make this elegant pink inspired treat. Garnish & Glaze has showcased this Swiss roll to perfection. I think it's so Instagramable (....did I really just say that?) and would be perfect to whip up during the spring/summer months. This was actually made to raise awareness for breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I think that is such a lovely idea and the pink of the Swiss roll clearly symbolises this cause, as well as femininity.
I'd love to try recreate this! I think this is one I'd normally find hard to do if I didn't know how to do it, but Garnish & Glaze's method has made it seem much more achievable to me now. I love the whole concept behind it, as well as the colours and how pretty it looks. I sure imagine how gorgeous it must taste too!
You can find the Pink Velvet Swiss Roll recipe here.
3. Mary Berry's Malted Chocolate Cake - deliciousmagazine
Now I couldn't do a baking post without mention Mary Berry of course! This is Mary Berry's famous Malted Chocolate Cake. You really cannot go wrong with a chocolate cake, so this is why I decide to pick this one to feature in this post. It's a classic to make and it's a great one for first time bakers! You can be as creative or simple as you like with it. Plus it's really easy to do, so if you're in a rush or not sure what to create, you can give this cake a go in the time you have because it's such a classic bake. I love that Mary Berry's has used Maltesers to finish hers off. I'm a big fan of Maltesers, so I am definitely going to be making this cake sometime soon. It look's so delicious and would go down well with pretty much everyone!
You can find Mary Berry's Malted Chocolate Cake recipe here.
Here is my Pinterest Baking Board if you fancy coming on over and checking it out!
What is your favourite out of these three? Do you enjoy baking? What are you planning on baking next?
Lauren x
If you're makeup obsessed, then it is more than likely that you'll have a makeup collection that is growing bigger by the day. Some products you end up pushing to the back of your draw, reaching for new ones and your most loved picks. You'll soon find yourself with another collection of products that go unused. Rather than keeping these products hidden away and unloved, why not do something with them? Here's what to do with unused beauty products:
Of course, we're way into summer now but there's still a chance to head on outside and make the most of the summer weather! I've got 35 ways you can get outside this summer, whether it's for the whole day or just for a short task or activity. Gather your friends and family together, plan the day and create lots of fun filled summer memories.
2. Take photos outside - have fun and be creative with it!
3. Have a picnic - pull together your favourite snacks and drinks, before heading to the local park or field for a spot of lunch with your closest ones.
4. Play Pokemon Go - it's a great way to get outside.
5. Play a game of I spy - a game we all played as kids, but who's to say we can't still play now?
6. Take the dog for a walk
7. Have a scavenger hunt
8. Go fruit picking - all those delicious fruits, what's your favourite?
9. Work out outside
10. Go on a bike ride
11. Have a BBQ
12. Go to the beach
13. Head to the local market
15. Go to a theme park
16. Take your work outside - any summer work or if you're lucky enough to work from home, why not take the task outside instead of being stuck inside?
17. Read outside
18. Go camping
19. Go on a boat trip
20. Hire a boat for the day
21. Stargaze at night
22. Road trip!!!!
23. Crazy golf
24. Draw
25. Make a den
26. Play tennis or badminton
27. Head to a festival
28. Or an outdoor gig
29. Host a garden party
30. Outdoor movie cinema - I so want to go one of these!!!
31. Sleep outside
32. Go to a roof top bar or restaurant
33. Local festivals - music, food, crafts, etc
34. Family game night outside
35. Yoga or meditation
How do you try to get outside during the summer? What plans do you have for the rest of the summer season?
Lauren x
Lately I have been obsessed with listening to music and browsing Spotify for new playlists to listen to. I've found it so relaxing yet also fun having some music playing in the background whilst I'm getting on with my blog or when I'm chilling over the weekend. Today's post is going to be 5 Spotify playlists you can listen to for a summer weekend, because hopefully wherever you are today it is gorgeous sunshine and warmth. So whack out your phone, head over to spotify and have a fab weekend!!!
Shopping during this time of the year can be hard when you get to that in between season, where we're approaching the end of the summer, but it's still not quite yet autumn. You find yourself wondering aimlessly around the shops or scrolling through pages online, wondering what to buy and if you'll get much wear out of it as we transition into a new season. Today's post is going to be 10 pieces you can buy to wear now and continue on wearing through into the next season making your shopping experience a little easier.
If you were to tell me last year that I actually now own a phone case, I would have laughed and brushed off the idea. But since the start of this year, I woke up and realised just how important it is to protect your phone with some form of case. No one likes a smashed phone screen. I was more than pleased when Caseapp got in touch with me to collaborate and chose two cases of my own, as well as a special treat for my lovely readers too!!!