Merry Christmas OOTDs

Christmas had been and gone...There's just over an hour left of Boxing Day, we spend so long building up the hype and excitement, emptying our bank accounts, stressing etc then it's all over in a flash.

I hope every single person reading this had a brilliant Christmas spending time with family and loved ones. I know I certainly did.

This is just a quick post to show some of my outfits during the festivities...

Everyone loves an excuse to dress up or dress down.

Outfit One

For my brothers wedding on the 20th..

Dress : Dorothy Perkins at BHS

Cardigan : New Look

Tights : BHS

Wedges : New Look

Outfit Two

We ate our main Christmas Lunch on Christmas Eve

Vest Top : (underneath) Pull & Bear

Cardigan : New Look

Skirt : ASOS

Leggings : Peacocks

Shoes : New Look

Outfit Three

For Lounging about Christmas Day

Vest Top : (underneath) New Look

Onesie : Peacocks

Cardigan : New Look

Nothing exciting but I do love OOTD posts. I especially loved seeing everybody on Instagram in their Christmas Jim jams and onesies.

Are you looking forward to the new year?

Love 

Charlotte

xxx

Christmas ,food, surgery, OOTD

It's quarter past midnight as I write this. I'm finally having my long awaited surgery today, so wanted to write a quick post as not totally sure when the next one will be :)

Christmas is one of those occasions that kinda creeps up on us, you think you have all the time in the world to prepare (well you've had since last Christmas) then BOOM it's here !! This year the festive season is also mixed with a family wedding so love and joy is certainly in the air..

To be honest as much as I'm looking forward to the festivities, I'm not quite sure how much of it I'll be able to enjoy, a lot of the next few weeks will largely depend on how my operation and recovery goes. I've hardly done any present shopping so will most likely end up delegating the task. I have bought a dress for the wedding though so will try and get an outfit of the day up.

I'm also going to try and vlog bits and pieces because Santa and I have finally come to the agreement that I deserve a MacBook for Christmas :) so I'll finally be able to get my videos edited and uploaded.

Recently I got my hair extensions removed (surgery requirement) and trimmed. I'll definitely have the extensions taped back in at some point (unless anyone can reccomend amazing clip ins)

Here's what it looks like now 

Here's how it looked with extensions

On both occasions my hair was done by Strawberry Blondes Hayle.... You can check them out here...... And read a full review of my extensions here... http://clxsayswhat.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/hair-extensions-review-opinion.html

I've also been asked a lot about the shade of pink I usually wear on my lips, for those wondering it's Revlons Colorburst Matte Balm in shade 210 'Unapologetic'

I also joined the family (well some of them) for a carvery over the weekend... I love a good carvery

Somewhere under all that is a vegetarian nut roast. 

If you're in Cornwall I'd definitely reccomend checking out the Victoria Inn, Threemilestone. It's delicious. Enough said.

For more info see  http://www.thevicinn.com/

Of course when stuffing your face I'd reccomend a comfortable outfit

Leggings and a cozy knit jumper.

So there we have it, a bit about Christmas, surgery, hair, makeup and food. Something for everyone.

Don't forget to follow along, share etc, it means the world to me.

Charlotte 

xxx

Winter Warmer Lasagne

I'm always surprised at the amount of people my own age, that can't cook.

You'll never see me on masterchef, but I'm so glad that I know how to do more than just heat up a frozen pizza.

I definitely think more focus on food, nutrition and cooking is needed in schools. I remember being taught how to make a sponge cake, and while that is of course useful. It would make more sense to teach teenagers how to make a selection of cheap simple meals. 

Is there any wonder we have such an obesity problem in this country? So many people are simply uneducated about what they're putting in their bodies. So many of us make excuses, and try to justify the junk we eat.

Good home cooked meals don't have to be expensive or take a lifetime to prepare. 

Living alone can make it even harder to bother with cooking. What's the point if it's just for me? Cooking for one can be kind of rubbish I admit, I love to cook up a big meal and then freeze portions. Which is exactly what I do with my favourite winter warmer meal... Lasagne..

It's really difficult trying to explain how to make something but here's my attempt at showing how I make Lasagne.

The following should serve 3-4 people

 Lasagne 

Ingredients

• Olive Oil
• Mince (I use quorn)
• Lasagne pasta sheets
• Extra veg, onions, peppers, mushrooms (optional)
• A tomato / veg based lasagne sauce
• A cream based sauce (I used Dolmio)
• Cheese

Dolmio sell Lasagne kits including the sauce and pasta, for great value, in most super markets

Pre heat oven to gas mark 6

Useing approx a tablespoon of olive oil fry the mince untill browned all over

When the mince is browned add tomato based sauce. As a vegetarian I like to add extra vegetables (mainly mushrooms and peppers) Now's the best time to add any extras

simmer for 5 mins, stirring regularly.

Once your mince, sauce and any extras are cooked, place half into an oven proof dish

Now we're getting into the actual lasagne building part..,, place pasta sheets on top of mince

Completely cover the layer of paste in the white creamy sauce ( approx half the jar )

Now add the rest of your mince / veg.

Repeat the process of adding pasta sheets and then the white sauce.

Mince, pasta, white sauce, mince, pasta, white sauce.....

Finally once you've built the perfect lasagne you should have something that looks like the below

Finish it off by adding grated cheese

Place in the oven (uncovered) for 30 - 35 minutes .... The cheese on top should be nicely browned.

If your cooking for one, like I do, I reccomend investing in some cheap freezable / microwaveable Tupperware. The above dish can serve 3-4 portions ( depending on portion size ). Once cooled you can seperate into containers and freeze, so that later on in the week you can have a carb filled winter warming meal in minutes.

^^ serving and presentation isn't my strong point but it was truely delicious and a healthier more balanced meal than any frozen ready meal lasagne.... Or frozen oven chips.

I hope you enjoyed this post. It's so difficult trying to explain (as I said earlier)

Remember to share and follow.

Love Charlotte

xxx

Magic Moments

I've had a bit of a writers / bloggers block recently, with being ill I just didn't have anything I was passionate enough to talk to talk about ... Until now.

I've seen quite a few posts on Facebook recently where people were nominating each other to share 5 important photos. I love photos and have a fair few that are special to me for one reason or another.

As it's December I thought it was the perfect time to share some of these magic moments. Only a few weeks to go and we'll all welcome 2015, a new year full of hope and new opportunities.

In no particular order, here are some of my magic moments over the years.

 

Fathers Day 2014 ... And celebrating my Nan (front row third from the right) and her twin brother's (on her right) 80th birthday. Not everybody present made it in the photo, but a special day people travelled hundreds of miles for. Lots of happy Dads and Grandads about xx

Christmas 2012.. My younger brothers, myself and my dad. There's actually not that many photos of the 4 of us so I love this one. Our families quite a lot bigger now but this is 'the originals' so to speak xx

The first of these 2 pics is April 2010, the second is September 2014. The same girls in the same nightclub, if it ain't broke don't fix it. These 3 girls mean the world to me, Star friends, and the best friends I could ask for. They say if a friendship lasts 7 years it'll last a lifetime. We're exactly 7 years going strong. xx

Me and Rachel. I couldn't choose just one photo ,Rachel was one of my closest friends, so many magical moments. Sadly she passed away in September 2011. It was devastating and I miss her millions. RIP babe love always xx

February 2014... The first auntie nephew selfie, bless... Another beautiful nephew was born in November ( yep the cutie above is a big brother already ). xx

July 2014... A picture from one of my very first few blog posts. An outfit of the day. Not a particularly great photo but it means quite alot. I wasn't exactly sure what my blog was going to turn into when I started, but it turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done.

Have you shared your Magic Moments?

It's nice to look back and reflect.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing some of mine. I'm sure there'll be many more special times to come.

Remember to click the follow button :-) it's free and means a lot to me. With bloglovin you can sign in via Facebook and don't have to worry about spam on your newsfeed. If you have a Google + account you can follow by clicking the button at the bottom of the page.

I have a lot of exciting things planned for 2015.

Are you excited for a new year?

Let me know 

Charlotte 

xxx

Potato Salad / side dish

So this is my very first foodie post, I hope you guys like it, be sure to let me know what you think by commenting or getting in touch on twitter.

This is such a simple dish, great for packing into a lunch box or adding as a side to meats etc

New Potato Salad

Ingredients Needed 

• Mini / new potatoes
• Mayonnaise 
• Mixed herbs ( I used Basil & Parsley )
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Cooking / Preparation

• Boil a pan of water
• When bubbling and boiling away, add potatoes
• Cook for 20 minutes 
• When potatoes are fully cooked drain water 

• Allow to cool for 20 minutes

• Mix in mayo, herbs, salt and pepper

You're all ready to serve...

I placed mine back into the fridge to eat later as I prefer it cold.

It's equally as yummy hot though, just add the mayo etc straight after draining.

Enjoy

Charlotte xx

It's a spoonie tag

Hey lovelys this is, as the title suggests, a #spoonie related post, chronic illness etc.

Currently I'm attempting to get comfy in my hospital bed. It seemed like the ideal opportunity to blog (thankyou blogger app). I've seen quite a few of these spoonie / illness questionnaires knocking about on tumblr etc but not felt overly ok with the questions, too personal maybe? 

So without further adue this is my own version.

1) Would you describe yourself as a spoonie? - yes I think the term spoonie is a great help in describing the impact of chronic illnesses and can create a sense of community.

2) what would your one bit off advice be to someone perhaps only just being diagnosed? - There's going to be good days and bad days, don't let the bad ones get you down, a good day is waiting right around the corner.

3) Your 5 spoonie essentials? - kindle, iPhone, headphones, netflix, Lucozade

 

4) Favourite film to cuddle up and watch on a bad day? - Beauty and the Beast :-) ... Any disney or laugh out loud comedy.

5) A feel good song you love? Taylor Swift - Welcome to New York

6) 3 facts about you ? (Not illness related) I collect Rubber Ducks, I love tattoos, I'm a vegetarian.

7) If you had to give £1000 to charity, what charity would it be? The FibroDuck Foundation. ( Google them )

8) A hobby you enjoy? Blogging

9) One wish? To be happy

10) A quote to live by? 

Let's get to know eachother, share your answers with me in the comments or on twitter using the hashtag #SpoonieTag

Love Charlotte

xxx

The Pressure of Social Media / Feeling Broody

It's approximately 7am and oh my god are my ovaries tingling, just kidding,but on a serious note my soon to be sister in law gave birth to a beautiful little boy a few hours ago... and wow isn't life just amazing?

The above meme statement couldn't be any more relevant to my life than it is right now. Literally half my friends (and my younger brother) are happily settled and popping out kids like there's no tomorrow, which is fine, of course, it's their lives and I'm happy for them.

Then there's me, I lose my phone on a regular basis, go out and drink far to much, prioritise make up and beauty related items over food, then wonder what I spent all my money on... Seriously where does it go ??

^^ that's where it goes

I haven't met that special someone and in no way am ready to give up my own life in order to bring another one in to the world. Yet sometimes (I hope I'm not the only one to feel this way) I feel somewhat, left behind, like I should have it all figured out by now, or at the very least have some sort of plan. Where's Mr Right? Am I going to be forty and fabulous before I meet someone and get down to baby making?

Our generation is the most open minded and accepting of allowing people to be whatever they want to be, yet through social media we seem to live in an era of ongoing competition. Everybody needs to brag about the amazing party they went to, the perfect relationship they're in, the new phone they bought.

At the age of 24 I flick through my newsfeed and feel inadequate. I don't seem to fit in.

But.....If that parties so amazing, that meal out was so delicious etc why are you on the internet boasting about it instead of enjoying the moment?

^^ a cheeky drink and dancing sesh

I'm slowly learning not to judge myself by the standards of others. To stop comparing myself.... Auntie cuddles are the best and I can return him when he cries.

Any other proud aunties?

Charlotte
xxx

I'm in winter mode

Today I resorted to finally switching the heating on. Infact over the last few days my home and my wardrobe have officially accepted it's winter time.

My evenings have been spent cuddled up in my new winter pajamas, sipping a steaming a hot chocolate and reading my kindle by scented candle light, all while tucked under a blanket.

It's November and now totally acceptable to turn down social situations on the basis of it being cold. Anyway I need to save money for all the delights December will throw my way.

    

 

^^ Apple and Cinnamon is heaven, £1 from Poundland.

Have you got into winter mode yet?

Anyone reccomend a good read ?

Charlotte

xxx

Ann Summers

WARNING : The following blog post contains themes of a sexual / adult nature...

So recently I tweeted about a recent trip to Ann Summers, a few people requested reviews of the items I bought.... I wasn't overly sure this was a topic I wanted to blog about, but I've always been open and honest, so this I guess is my review of Ann Summers as a whole.

First of all the staff in my local store are some of the friendliest and most helpful ladies I've ever met. The customer service is top notch and they genuinely all seem to enjoy their jobs. 

I must say that being large chested, I find underwear shopping a chore. I love that Ann Summers have a free fitting service, and afterwards the staff have no problem helping you find your size amongst the rails. ( sometimes a mission in itself )

The 2 for £30 bra range are amazing quality, comfortable, sexy yet practical and I'm not ashamed to say I own almost every colour. The prefect every day lingerie.

Of course they've got you covered ( or not ) if you're looking for something a little more special. The Giles Deacon for Ann Summers collection is simply stunning and sure to impress that someone special in your life.

^^ Sam Faiers Modelling for Ann Summers

Let's talk toys .... You'd be hard pushed to find a single girl who doesn't own a rampant rabbit. It's the iconic / go to sex toy. Ann Summers are the original makers of the rabbit and are constantly expanding their range. 

I recently purchased one of their newest releases

http://www.annsummers.com/p/rampant-rabbit-the-metal-one/07nchdas1265043

This retailed at approx £50 ... Which is around the price I'd of expected it to be. It's the first rabbit to be made from 2 materials, metal aswell as sillicone. Compared to other rabbits in the hutch, the most obvious differences apart from the material, are the weight and the handle. 

Hopefully this isn't TMI but I really think this is Ann Summers way of stepping up their game. It's totally different to any rabbit to come before, and I'd definitely reccomend it to anyone looking to add something new to their naughty drawer. 

The only thing that may disappoint ( and I read this in reviews before purchase ) is the girth / shaft size. It's smaller than 'the neon one' and a few others, however I feel other qualities compensate for this.

Another quick treat to throw in your shopping basket would be the neon bodywand.

These retail for approximately £15 but when you spend over £50 at Ann Summers online, you can get it free.

http://www.annsummers.com/c/special-offers









And one for the boys......

Available online, Ann Summers have ventured into stocking Male masturbators. Whilst I haven't obviously tried them myself, male friends have told me The Tenga eggs and Fleshlights, are the best products around. Great for solo play or with a partner.
Check them out here

There you have it, a different sort of post to normal but I hope you enjoyed.
Love
Charlotte
xxx

Lunch Date, OOTD , Food and a Scarf

Tuesday 28th October

Yesterday I went on a girlie lunch date with one of my best friends. 

The weather in Cornwall is very hit and miss lately, unpredictable and generally a pain to dress for. There was certainly a chill in the air and I wanted to look like I'd made an effort, yet remain comfortable and casual.

Lunch Date Outfit Of The Day

All of the clothing items I'm wearing are from last season / year. There a certainly similar items avaliable in store if not exactly the same. Links Below :-)

Leather Jacket - Peacocks 

Long Sleeved Pink Top - New Look http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/tops/neon-pink-crew-neck-long-sleeve-top_322878277

High Waisted Disco Pants - Boohoo http://www.boohoo.com/new-in/beci-high-waisted-super-skinny-disco-pants/invt/azz17983

White Ballet Pumps - New Look 

Attention foodies !! And anyone else who may be interested, this is what I had for lunch.

Grilled Halloumi and falafel salad

We ate at The Lounge - Truro

You can check them out here ......http://www.thelounges.co.uk/truro-lounge/

As the weather get cooler and the nights draw in, I was in dire need of a new scarf, So I popped into my local New Look and picked one up, Available Online here

Im loving looking at everybody's winter buys, Let me know what you've been wearing.

Charlotte
xxx

Preparing for a cheaper Xmas

This topic is one that I've seen being talked about quite alot lately... I'm gonna assume its because now it's officially the run up to , dare I say it, Christmas , eeeeek.

It's better to try and plan in advance. I have a large family, 17 people to buy for is quite a few, never mind any other randoms that may suddenly appear requiring a present. It's a big stretch on Decembers pay check alone.

Here are my tips for a cheaper festive season....

1) Little ones tend to enjoy the opening of presents more than whatever the gift may be. A few more smaller cheaper items may be a better way to go.

2) Use loyalty cards, I'm a big fan of the nectar card personally. You can build up points quickly and easily shopping at hundreds of different stores online...lots of stores offer double or triple points.. get your Christmas presents then spend the points on the big food shop at your local sainsburys.

3) Make a pact, or do a secret Santa, ...of course I'll buy all the children something but the adults? I'd rather contribute some alcohol towards the day. We're all adults, no point wasting money on silly things that won't get used.

4) I love Christmas but I hate late night shopping. To me it's just wasted money. It's too busy to get into the stores, and you end up paying to go on rides and buying food from those quirky stalls that pop up. The atmospheres nice but I intend to skip the whole thing and save some cash,

5) Give the real tree a miss, they're pretty but also pretty expensive, £70-80, fake trees last year after year, less chance of the dog accidentally weeing on it and none of the 'will it fit?' Needles dropping everywhere drama.

6) It's party season, but unless you're going to be seeing the exact same people at each one you go to, you really don't need to buy a new outfit each time. Switch up the same dress with different accessories and wah la !! Everyone has a little black dress don't they?

7) Plan ahead, try not to leave everything until last minute, organisation is key, make lists of who to buy for, what your getting, food you need etc 

8) If the options there try and get some extra hours at work. Extra money never hurts, sell old clothes , mobile phones, DVDs.

9) Avoid taking out extra credit cards, loans ( especially payday loans ) they mean an extra bit for Christmas but you have to pay then back. A never ending cycle you don't want to start, getting yourself into debt isn't worth a few extra prezzies.

10) Stick to your budget

Remember, the real meaning of Christmas isn't presents, it's about being with family and loved ones.

Any tips for a cheaper festive season?

love Charlotte 

Sickness in fashion

^ so this happened.....

I in no way want or mean for the following to come across as a brag or childish 'my pains worse than yours' kinda thing.

Just like millions around the world I have health issues...I'm not gonna make out as if I'm suffering or struggling worse than I am, but then again there are far less painful and stressful problems that I'd prefer to have.

It's strange that said conversation (as above) even occurred as it was only recently I discussed with a friend the popularity or over use of certain diagnosis'. 

Depression and Fibromyalgia are two illnesses that seem to be everywhere at the moment. Literally in the area I'm from people seem to catch it like the common cold.

A nurse told me that every other female she see's apparently suffers from fibro and while ( as a sufferer myself ) I appreciate it's a very misunderstood illness, by both medical staff and the public. I feel it seems to have become a kind of cop out diagnosis for when doctors don't have a clue or something people say they have when actually they haven't been formally diagnosed and Infact just have a bad back ache.

When I was in the process of being diagnosed I had the standard Tender point Test done repeatedly, ( a score of 11 or more out of 18 could indicate fibro ) bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds, all before receiving the final verdict. However I've noticed very few people who also suffer have had a tender point test, despite it being A) standard and B) one of the biggest indicators of the illness, along with pain being constant and persistent for 3 months or more.

Like I said at the beginning this isn't a my pain is worse than yours post. I just feel like the over use of a diagnosis kind of undermines the seriousness. I have no doubt that everyone saying they have fibro has pain. But does everyone saying they're in pain have fibro?

Similar to when I hear people throw around the words depressed and depression. 

"When I lost my phone I was so depressed" "When my ex and I ended I was depressed for days"

I don't doubt you were sad and upset, but depressed? 

Depression is a serious mental health issue, it ruins lives and affects every waking moment of this suffering. It's not something I like to hear down played or joked about.

I'd love to hear other people thoughts, 

Let me know 

Charlotte

XxXxX

P.S follow me on twitter @missclx

Hair Extensions - Review / Opinion

I've always been a little obsessed with my hair, continually changing it all colours of the rainbow since the age of 15, I'm only now beginning to appreciate it au natural.

I think I'm a pretty typical girl in that I always want what I don't have. When it's long I get the urge to cut it all off, yet when it's short I want it long enough to style and play with.

I had pretty long hair anyway at the point I started researching extensions, but health problems had caused it to thin in places and it was just looking a bit of a mess. A bit of a confidence downer if I'm honest.

I looked into the different methods, read reviews, pros & cons and of course the price. Hair extensions are EXPENSIVE !! The price was a big deal to me, I understand you get what you pay for, but I just couldn't afford or justify the £400 -£500 price tag some places were charging.

Then I came across Strawberry Blondes in Hayle ... You can link to their Facebook here.

Offering affordable taped in human hair extensions , it was finally looking like long hair wasn't going to bankrupt me. I'd heard lots of positive things about both the salon and the method of having extensions taped in.  I loved looking through their daily photos ( seriously check them out ). After having an initial consultation to discuss what I wanted and paying the required deposit I literally counted down the days. It may as well have been Christmas.

Entering the salon on the day, everybody was lovely and friendly. The girls honestly couldn't have been any nicer, after a quick wash of my hair the extensions went in super quick, I barely noticed we were done as we were constantly chatting away, plus there was wifi hehe

^^ finished look

The final price was £180 broken down into the £50 deposit paid at the consultation and £130 on the day.

I was talked through the best aftercare and given it all typed up so I didn't forget.

They'll need maintenance ie taking out and redone in 5-6 weeks and I believe that was only £50 including a wash and being dried / styled.

I've had them in approx 2 weeks and I already can't imagine life without them. I've had so many compliments, the hair looks natural, is of high quality and comfortable to wear.

I'd definitely recommend having extensions taped in. I had worn clip ins in the past but certainly prefer them taped in.

If you're in Cornwall ( or near enough to travel ) then I'd of course recommend going to Strawberry Blondes Hayle.

Do you wear extensions? Would love to hear from you

Love Charlotte

xxx

Frustration

Over the last month my health kind of took a turn for the worse. I've been in and out of the hospital and while I do try my best not to whinge and throw a pitty party, there have certainly been some of those moments. 

The majority of those moments have come from frustration. I'm fortunate enough to live in the UK where of course my healthcare is 'free' at the point of delivery. ( Thankyou NHS ). While the standard of care I receive is very high, it's the waiting around and miscommunication that occurs, that drives me up the wall. 

This current health issue started just over a month ago, while a month isn't that long and people are probably asking what I'm complaining about. For me it's been a month of being virtually housebound, being in and out, having tests, being poked and prodded and of course trying to cope with the pain.

This week I've had a big scan ( the video will be up soon ) and I'm now at home with a line in. Waiting...

I guess I should be used to it, I have various health issues including fibromyalgia. I'm one of those 'chroniclly ill' people and I have no doubt that those things complicate matters meaning things take longer.

It's hard to explain what it's like to be ill like such. My family are lovely and supportive and one way I've taken to describing how it feels is like this....

If a perfectly healthy person suddenly becomes ill, family and friends gather round at the hospital and at home to help, get well soon cards mount up on the mantel piece, it's a shock. If a 'spoonie' suddenly flares or developed something new, it's not like that. People have lives and jobs and just can't be there all the time. It's kinda lonely, almost like the novelty of you being sick has worn off...

Can anyone else relate to this?

Let me know 

lots of love 

Charlotte

xXx

Guest Blogger Steph - This Beautiful Daydream

Firstly,
I
 would
 like
 to say
 a massive
 thank‐you
 to
 Charlotte
 for
 allowing
 me
 to
 write
 a post
 on
 her 
gorgeous
 blog.



What’s
 in
 my
 handbag?!
 

Whenever
 I
 see a 
post 
on 
somebody’s 
blog
 with 
this 
heading, 
I 
can’t 
help 
but 
read
 it,
 but
 then
 it
 occurred
 to
 me,
 I’ve
 never
 actually
 done
 one
 myself!
 I’ve
 been
 compared
 to 
Mary 
Poppins 
SO
 many 
times 
for 
the 
amount 
of
 ‘stuff’ 
I 
carry 
around
 with
 me...
 If
 I’m
 bored,
 I’ve
 got
 my
 book...
 Need
 to
 write
 a
 note?
 
 Borrow
 my
 pen...
 Headache?
 Here’s
 a
 paracetamol...
 I’m
 also
 guilty
 of
 having
 loose
 change
 and
 crumpled
 up
 receipts
 at
 the
 bottom
 of
 my
 bag...
 Honestly,
 I
 don’t
 know
 how
 it
 happens!


So,
 putting 
aside 
all 
of 
those 
temporary 
bits 
and 
bobs,
 here 
are 
my 
essentials...






The
 Bag


I 
bought 
this 
bag 
in
 TK Maxx 
(my 
guilty‐pleasure 
shop) 
on 
sale 
for 
£22 
and 
fell 
in
 love 
with 
it
 instantly. 
I’ve 
had 
so 
many 
other,
cheaper 
bags 
in 
the 
past 
that 
I’ve
 just 
not 
been 
happy 
with
 for
 one 
reason 
or 
other
–
too
 many 
pockets, 
not 
enough
 pockets
–
and 
they 
all 
seem 
to 
have 
fallen
 apart! 
So 
I 
thought 
I
 should 
invest 
in 
a
 proper, 
sturdy, 
leather 
bag. 
I 
love 
that 
it 
literally 
goes 
with 
any 
outfit!


• The 
Purse: 
This 
purse 
is 
from
 Accessorize
 and 
is 
the 
perfect
 size
 for
 me. 
There's a
 zipper
 compartment
 for 
coinage 
and
 plenty
 of
 space 
for
 cards 
and
 notes.
 My 
favourite
 colour
 at 
the
moment 
is
 plum/purple 
so 
this 
ticks 
all 
the
 boxes 
for 
me !

• Deodorant: 
Working 
with 
so
 many 
people 
in
 such 
a 
close 
environment,
 I
 get
 really 
paranoid
 about
 the
 way 
I
 smell,
 so 
I 
always
 carry
 a
 deodorant
 with
 me.


• Compact
Mirror:
 Again, 
this 
was
 from 
Accessorize. 
I 
picked 
it
 up 
in
 one 
of 
their
 sales 
a 
couple
 of
 years 
ago.

• Door
keys: 
I’m
 always 
losing
 my
 door 
keys
–
much 
to 
my 
boyfriend’s 
frustration
 –
so 
now 
I
 have
to 
keep 
them 
in
 their 
own 
zipped
 compartment 
in
 my 
bag!


• Torch:
 This 
was 
a
 random 
gift
 from
 my
 dad 
but 
honestly 
it 
was 
such 
a 
good 
idea.
 My 
friends 
all
 laugh 
at 
me 
for 
carrying 
it 
and
 using
 the 
torch
 to
 look 
inside 
my
 bag, 
but 
it’s 
dark 
in 
there!

• The 
Sunglasses:
 These 
are 
Kenneth 
Cole 
Reactions 
and 
were 
another 
super‐ saving 
purchase
from 
TK 
Maxx! 
AND 
they’re 
purple,
woop
 woop!

• The
 glasses:
 I 
love 
my
 Ray 
Bans
–
they 
should 
have
 cost 
£150, 
but
 I 
managed
 to
 find 
some
 online 
for 
£20
 and 
then 
had
 my
 own 
lenses
 put
 into 
them
–
a 
nifty
 money‐saving
 tip 
there!!
Black/brown 
on 
the
 outside, 
purple
 on 
the
 inside


• Batiste:
 This 
little 
mini‐can
 was 
such
 a 
great 
find.
I
 got
 it 
from 
Asda 
and
 it 
is
 the
 perfect
 size 
to
 slip
 into
 your 
handbag.

• A 
pen:
I 
love 
Winnie
 the
 Pooh ! 
• Car 
Keys
 
• Robinsons
Squash’d:
  My 
newest
 discovery!
 It’s
 quite 
expensive 
at 
£2 
for
 such 
a
 tiny
bottle, 
but
 it
 promises 
a 
decent 
20
 glasses
 and 
takes
 only 
the
 tiniest 
squeeze
 for
 a 
tasty
 drink. 
 I
 find 
it 
very 
hard 
to 
drink 
plain 
water 
so 
this 
is 
perfect
 for 
me.
 
• Car 
Keys
 
• USB
 cable:
 I
 couldn’t
 live 
without
 my
 phone 
so 
the 
battery
 takes 
a 
bit
 of
 a
 beating!

 
• In
 car
 USB:
 This 
plugs 
into 
the 
cigarette
 lighter 
of
 my
 car 
(or
 my 
boyfriend’s
 car)
 so
 I
 can 
charge
 my 
phone
 on‐the‐go!
 
 

The 
Make 
Up


I
 usually
 put
 on 
my
 make 
up
 at 
home 
but
 for 
emergency
 situations 
I
 usually
 carry 
just 
the
essentials:


• Lip
gloss: A
 cute 
little 
pot
 called 
‘Born
 Lippy’
 from 
The
 Body
 Shop 
–
and
 it’s 
raspberry 
flavoured.
 
• Hand
cream :
since 
I
 work 
in 
the 
technology 
department
 in 
school, 
my
 hands 
get
 very
 dirty
 and
 constantly
 washing 
them 
can
 make
 my 
hands
 feel
 very
 dry.
This 
coconut 
hand
cream 
by
 The 
Body 
Shop 
is 
a 
gorgeous
 scent 
and 
texture.

 
• Tweezers
–
just 
in 
case!
 
• Pencil
 eyeliner:
 I’m 
in 
love
 with
 BWC 
(Beauty 
Without 
Cruelty)
 
• cosmetics
 but 
they
 can 
be 
quite 
expensive! 
I
 invested 
in 
this 
eyeliner
 
• because 
it
 is 
such
 good 
quality, 
doesn’t 
smudge 
and 
the
 colour 
is
 so 
deep.

 
• Mascara: This 
one’s
 by
 Rimmel, 
it’s
 the 
Glam’Eyes 
Lash 
Flirt 
one
, in
 Kohl
 Black.


• Foundation:
 My
 perfect
 shade
 of
 foundation 
is 
by 
Maybelline.
I’ve
 tried
 
• other
 brands
 but
 I’ve 
never 
managed
 to 
find
 such 
a
 good 
colour
  match 
for
 my
 skin.

 
• Work
 Keys:
 This
 huge
 bunch 
of
 keys
 weighs 
me 
down
 so 
I
 take 
them
 out 
of
 my
 bag 
at
 weekends!
 

So 
there 
you 
have 
it !
I
 hope 
you
 enjoyed 
that 
little 
insight
 into 
my 
bag
–
 apparently
 you
 can
 tell
 a 
lot
 about
 a 
person
 from 
what
 they 
keep 
in 
their 
bag.

 

Be sure to check out Steph on the links below :-) Go show her some love xx


 Links


Blog: 
https://thisbeautifuldaydream.blogspot.com


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Twitter : 
@TBDSteph

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