Current Goals

I'm a strong believer in writing down goals, I think it's motivating and also makes me feel more committed to them. While I obviously have long term goals, I like to make little short term goals to ensure I'm constantly improving myself so I can be the best version of me. Oh the cheesiness. Cheesy, but true, I think self awareness is highly important and your behaviour now can effect your future! I'll stop and get to the point before I get too deep and rambley...

1. Stop snacking! 

I have no idea when this really started but I've become a snack addict. It's not just snacking which is the problem, sometimes you need a little something in between meals, but it's the sugary snacks. I so often find myself heading to the cupboards in need of a sugar fix. It's got to the point where I need to stop. I'm trying to figure out ways to do this but it's so hard!

2. Grow my blog and improve my writing

I talked about this in my blogging goals post which you can read here. This month I've been doing blogtober and it's been amazing how much more traffic my blog has received and also how many more other bloggers I've started chatting to. As much as I have enjoyed posting everyday, I don't think I'm going to have the time to do it after this month! However, it's definitely given me the confidence that I have the ideas for content that people like to read. I think I'm going to aim to post at least 3 times a week... We'll see how that goes!

3. Don't get lazy over winter

It's so tempting to get lazy over winter... well, what am I doing now? I'm wrapped up in a blanket and feeling all cosy. Why? Because the weather outside is disgusting, dull and to be honest has a huge impact on my mood. In terms of laziness I'm mainly talking about exercise, I'm determined to keep fit over winter! Over the summer months. I walked to the beach most days but now it's cold and horrible, I need to find some new ways to exercise! I'm considering setting up the Wii and doing some fitness stuff on there, obviously it's nothing as strenuous as going to the gym but it'll mean I'm getting some exercise.

4. Read more books!

I miss reading so much, whilst at Uni I never had time to read anything but text books and journal papers, but now I'm not studying I really want to start reading lots of books again and spent some time with my kindle! I've posted my current reading list recently, so take a look here!

5. Be tidy and get rid of clutter I don't need and don't buy more things I don't need!

It's weird, in my head I want to be tidy and have everything perfect, but in reality I am not a tidy person. I think also now having moved somewhere smaller the mess is more noticeable...the mess isn't distributed! I really need to have a sort out of all my belongings and ask myself But do I really need this? Also I can't be the only one that seems to buy useless clutter that sits around and never gets used, whether it be stationery or clothes!

I might do an update on how I get on with these goals, maybe you'll see a book review to prove it or continue to see lots more content on my blog! Do you set yourself small goals to try and achieve? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x 

September- Monthly Update

For some reason September seemed to go on and on. I'm not sure why but for me it's always been a bit an odd month that seems to drag, I had thought it was the torture of summer ending and school/college/university starting again. Apparently not. This was the first September I've been out of education since starting school when I was four (so weird!). In September I graduated from University with a 1st class honours degree, I don't know why but I wasn't really excited for graduation, I really just wanted it over and done with. I expected it to be like one of those cringey awards evenings at school where everyone gets extremely bored and is staring at the clock thinking "how much longer do we have to clap for?". Despite a lot of clapping being involved, graduation was not what I expected and I had such a good time celebrating what I had achieved over the least 3 years and of course wearing the lovely gown and hat! 

However for all those students out there - I will give you a heads up, graduate life is not all you hope it to be. Job offers don't come flying your way and you think you're poor being a student? Wait until you finish Uni! I'll save the negativity and moaning about post uni for another time...

Another significant thing that happened this month is one of my longest and closest friends leaving to go on her New Zealand adventure. Currently on a years working holiday VISA, she's exploring and documenting all her journey on a blog > exploreacorner.wordpress.com/ - which you should definitely take some time to read and see what she's been doing since she arrived there mid September!

Also at the end of September, I booked flights to go out to New York (again) at the end of November (wooooo!). I'm so excited about going, despite only having been in June! It's going to be so nice seeing everywhere looking Autumnal, the city getting ready for Christmas and of course celebrating Thankgiving!

In October I'm going to be blogging everyday as part of #blogtober, trying to get a bit healthier and attempting to feel a bit more positive after a bit of a negative time this month!

What did you get in September? Do you have any goals for October? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x 

My Little Box- September

Let's start on a positive note... I adored this month's My Little Box! 

Now prepare yourself for whinging and whining. This box was supposedly dispatched on the 2nd September, it arrived today on 17th! Now, okay, fair enough the email did say it will be delivered by 20th September so technically it arrived on time. I could have accepted it and moved on if it wasn't for the fact that My Little Box posted spoilers on their Facebook page! Therefore I knew what the main item in the box was which totally ruined the surprise! I don't really know why they thought this would be a good idea when a lot of subscribers had been complaining that it was yet to arrive and that one of the main reasons why a lot of people love this box is the element of surprise. Admittedly, being impatient and upset I would be getting not be getting a surprise, I was thinking maybe this subscription isn't worth the hassle. But then this box of loveliness turned up at my door (delivered by the lovely delivery man who I've seen nearly every day this week, who must think I'm absolutely bonkers - one day I panicked because I couldn't see to sign the screen as I just got back from having tests done on my eyes at hospital and then other days I've had huge boxes delivered). Well that was a bit of a tangent...

The amazing contents of the September "My Little Fashion box" consisted of...

My Little Scarf
Mini Bottle of Cointreau
Nail Stickers
L'Oreal Keratase Hair Spray
La Roche-Posay BB Creme
"Red Dingue" My Little Beauty Lip Cream
Cocktail Recipes

I love all the products in this months box, although there are some products I will definitely use more than others! The scarf I will definitely wear, it's perfect for the transition between seasons and will go with absolutely anything. In some boxes this scarf was blue but I'm so glad I got the black and white pattern! The product I'm probably most excited about is the La Roche-Posay BB cream, I've never tried anything from the brand but I've heard good things and never found a BB cream that I've liked or that has suited my skin tone. This looks light enough for my skin and if the brand is as good as people say I'm sure I won't be disappointed! As for the nail stickers, they are something I might play around with but they're something my sister will probably be more interested in than me. Again, the lip cream, I don't ever feel confident enough to wear a red lip and think it brings out the redness of my spots (highly unflattering!). I am a bit disappointed that it couldn't have been a different shade seeing as there was a very similar shade from a different brand in the last box!

The cherry on top for me was the cute little bottle of alcohol and the cocktail recipes as it just such a good little added extra. Although I must admit I find it slightly confusing that it's in a September box when I'm thinking about cracking out the hot chocolates rather than mixing up a cocktail! Also slightly concerned that I think this went in all boxes despite the age....I may be wrong but I'm still not sure if its appropriate but all the same I love the extra touch!

Overall, I loved this box and despite the long delivery etc I will be continuing my subscription for another month. I'm already excited about the October box eeeeek!

Are you a subscibor of My Little Box? What did you think about this months box? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons!

Hayley x 

Update #1: 20 years of life and What I'm doing in April!

Recently I turned 20 (on 22nd March to be precise). I literally can’t believe it! My 18^th only feels like last week! Now I’m out of teenagehood and at the beginning of the journey into my 20s. This is the decade of my life where I plan to achieve most of my life goals, so, no pressure or anything! So far, there have been good years and there have been not so good years, but at currently everything is the best it’s been. My achievements of the last 20 years are very much defined by education which all led up to where I am now, studying for my degree. But especially over the last year I’ve tried to do more, I’ve taken on more challenges; worked on improving my writing, volunteering and doing more things I didn’t think I could do before. While I view my teenage years as the time to have made mistakes, my 20s are the years to get it right and set a good foundation for my 30s, 40s and so on.

As for my birthday, it was full of surprises, cake and pizza. Thank you to anyone who wished me a happy birthday! Being at University it is weird not to have my family around me to celebrate my birthday but I was treated to many surprises! Including my Mum, Dad and sister sending me a cake in the post! (This was delivered through Baker Days, if you would like a full review let me know!)

Anyhow, that’s all over now and it’s all about exams and revision for the next month and a half. I’ve nearly finished my second year of University which seems crazy! For now I’m living back in my hometown as lectures have finished. I’ll also be in Spain next week which I’m looking forward to as I haven’t been abroad for what seems like ages and I really need some sun (it's currently extremely cloudy here).

My goal for this month, alongside revision, is to blog more. I’d love to hear your suggestions about what you would like to see posts about and any feedback on my blog content or design!

                                 

                                                                                                          

                      Hayley  x                       

Time for a Chat ❤

So, I realized I haven't actually done a chatty post on this blog yet! Therefore, I thought I'd formally introduce myself and just let you know a bit about me, the person behind this blog. I'm not sure where to start, maybe by the fact I'm suffering from shock that it's already March, I have literally no idea where time is going! I have one and half weeks of lectures left for this academic year, then I face horrendous exams and the realization that I only have one year of University left! As much as I enjoy University, I cannot wait to get on with my life and see what the future has to offer. I've been in education my whole life and I'm fed up of my life being defined by achieving grades; numbers and letters on pieces of paper! Although arguably University is a challenge in itself, I want to start challenging myself in ways that are worthwhile and achieve my goals. I guess you could say the aim of University is to get a good classification in order to get a job, but is it really that simple? I don't think so!

Anyway, bit about me and the future for this blog! So, if you are wondering I'm currently studying Psychology, regarded by many as a pointless subject, but of course I'd argue otherwise. I personally think it provides important insight and explanation to behaviour and reveals the capabilities of the human brain and body. Even if you wouldn't consider studying Psychology, I highly recommend for you to read about it, you might even discover for yourself how exciting and interesting it is!

On this blog, I don't just plan to talk about beauty but to express my thoughts and discuss topics which are  current and of importance (maybe even a few book reviews!). Of course, if you've read my previous posts it will be very clear that I'm a bit of a beauty junkie, in particular, in love with LUSH and I am highly supportive of their campaigns, which I'm sure I will discuss on this blog in the future. Other than that there isn't much else to know; I love living near the sea, writing and going shopping (obviously!).

I plan to regularly blog and I'd love to hear suggestions of what content you'd like to me to post!

Hayley x

Another Mini LUSH Haul!

 

It had been a(nother) stressful week with lots of coursework, so I popped into LUSH to treat myself to a few things I've had my eye on! I've been looking to find some new skincare so thought I'd test out these bits! (Full reviews to follow!)

 Ocean Salt Facial Scrub - I haven't had a chance to try this out yet but it smells AMAZING, it basically smells like a lime cocktail! As well as sea salt for scrubbing away any dead skin, it contains  avocado butter, coconut oil and seaweed all which make your skin nice and soft! (see full ingredients here on the LUSH website)

Ultrabland Facial Cleanser- A first impressions post will be up about this soon (you can now read this here!), but ultimately it's a very gentle cleanser! I really wanted to try this out as my eczema prone skin has been very dry from the cold weather.

Eau Roma Water Toner Water- I've been wanting to try out the LUSH toners for a while but have always chosen to spend my money on other products instead but I've been using this before I go to bed to get rid of any makeup my cleanser hasn't removed, it's so relaxing and definitely worth purchasing!

It's Raining Men Shower Gel (100g)-So this is the scent of the Honey I Washed the Kids Soap, which I haven't actually tried as I'm not a soapy person. I've used it once and I'm not sure if I'm impressed, in comparison to the other LUSH shower gels it doesn't have a really strong scent and I couldn't smell it on my skin after my shower. I will test out a few more times though cause my sense of smells has gone a bit strange lately!

 

When paying for these products the lady who served me told me that LUSH is bringing out a new collection this month of lots of new stuff!! Unfortunately  it's top secret, I'm so excited though for the launch of new products! 

Comment below if you think there is anything you think I should try!

Hayley x

Real techniques brushes at bargain price!!

I recently went to ASDA and saw they had some Real Techniques brushes, which of course I got excited about! I purchased this blush brush for just £5.87, I wasn't actually sure how much this brush retailed for but when I looked on the Boots website I saw that it usually costs £9.99!! I'm a bit annoyed at myself that I didn't get more while they had them in stock, they had at least four other types of brushes and also one of the sets for very reasonable prices! So if you've been wanting to try these brushes I would recommend looking in your local ASDA, also Boots have got 3 for 2 on cosmetics until mid March (which includes makeup brushes!)

Hayley x

February Favourites

 

 LUSH Dream Cream Hand and Body Lotion - I've been using this product to try and cool down my eczema, it's £13 ish for the tub (I think) but it really is worth it and I know it will last me a while.

LUSH Popcorn Lip Scrub- With the weather being so cold this has been the best product for my chapped lips, it makes them feel SO soft!

Soap and Glory- Thick and Fast Mascara- I go through phases of loving then being indifferent about this mascara, however it's been the only mascara I seem to have been using this month! It makes my lashes look nice and long and very black.

Simple- Eye roll on- This product is so cooling and perfect to use in the mornings to help wake yourself up and refresh the skin under your eyes.

TRESemme Heat protection- Lately I realized how I've stopped using heat protection on my hair so repurchased this old favourite which smells nice and products my hair against the heat of my straighteners!

LUSH American Cream Hair Conditioner- If you want amazing smelling hair, this is the product for you! It smells incredible! I usually just put this on the ends of my hair as I feel it is a bit too heavy to use on my roots. The scent lingers in your hair for absolutely ages, which for me is extremely important!

My Kindle and new case is a non beauty favourite - I've been trying to get back into reading, this month I read The Knot- Mark Watson, it's quite a quick read that tells the story of a wedding photographer and his life.

What products have you been loving this month? I'd love some suggestions of some new things to try!

Hayley x

January Favourites

To be honest, I haven't fell in love with many products this month but here are the few that I seemed to end up using most days of January.



 1. Vaseline: Spray & Go body moisturiser- This is absolutely perfect for when you don't have much time to properly moisturise after a shower or bath, you can quickly just spray it all over. It soaks in quickly and doesn't feel greasy at all. I'm not overly fond of the smell of this product and probably wouldn't use this product if I had more time after showers. However saying that it is a very gentle product which is good for my sensitive skin, especially after just shaving.


2. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation- There's been so much hype over this foundation, so when my skin started getting paler over winter and my Bourjous Health Mix was looking not quite right on my skin I opted to try this out, I don't regret it at all! In the past I haven't been to fond of Rimmel foundations as they never seemed to apply very evenly. However, this foundation is a lovely colour and does add a nice glow to my tired and dull skin. I definitely will be repurchasing it again.



3. Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry & Vanilla Hair Spray- For a long time I've never really used hairspray as it I've never made me hair feel crunchy and I hate the smell. However, I've heard a fair few things about how amazing this one is and it certainly lives up to expectations! I've also purchased  Iced coconut cocktail hair spray but the scent is far too summery for this time of year.


4. L'Oreal Paris #TXT (Texture styling) Volume super sizing spray- This spray has a similar effect to sea salt spray, although it doesn't leave your hair feeling crunchy or stiff. I've found myself using this a lot in January just to give my hair a bit of volume when it's straight or curly.

5. LUSH green FUN- I'm completely in love with this stuff, I received it as a Christmas present and have been using it ever since. You can use FUN on your body, hair or in a bath- I've tried it in all 3, I prefer to take a ball into the shower and use some on my body and some on my hair. It makes my hair extremely soft and smelling fresh, it's a very zingy and limey scent which is very refreshing. I definitely want to try out the other colours of FUN.




6. Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Eau de Parfum- I don't think many people will disagree with me when I say that the packaging is disgusting and tacky but I love the scent it's sweet but not too teenage girlish. I'm on the search for a permanent new scent but this is what I'll be wearing until I do. Very fruity and vanilla like scent which I think it's lovely for during in the day!


7. Maybelline The Volum' Express Mascara Falsies (Black Drama) - Whilst everyone was raving about Maybelline The Rocket mascara, I fell in love with this one, it gives my lashes the perfect length and volume. So happy with this mascara I probably won't be changing it for a while!


8. Rimmel Professional Eye Brow Pencil (Black Brown)- I never really felt the need to start filling in my brows until last year or so but this pencil is completely perfect and makes my brows filled but still looking natural, plus it's very affordable.

9. Montagne Jeunesse; Dead sea face spa- I love this brand of face masks, they're affordable and perfect for a pamper night alone or with friends. My favorite ones tend to be the sea salt ones as they leave my skin feels soft and fresh.

What products have you been loving this month?

Hayley x

 

Mini LUSH Haul

On the last day of January, after not feeling great for the last few weeks and wanting to reward myself for some good coursework grades I decided to pop into my local LUSH store. I only picked up a few things as I still have a lot of bath bombs that I received at Christmas, but I fancied buying a few things that I could use to add a little bit of the gorgeous LUSH scent and pampering to my everyday routine. I purchased American Dream hair conditioner, Prince Charming shower gel (Valentines collection), Dream Cream and Close To You massage bar (Valentines collection).

 

 Close To You Massage bar- I've been wanting to try out a LUSH massage bar for a while but thought I'd wait until the Valentines day products were released to see if there was anything else and I'm so glad I did! The scent of this bar is extremely sweet and perfect for anyone who loves the Snow Fairy scent, it reminds me quite a bit of it. On the LUSH website it says it is scented with "Fair Trade vanilla absolute" which makes it smell gorgeous! What is even cuter is that the inspiration for the shape came from the Jammie Dodger Biscuit! I'm yet to test out this product, so can't full say what I think of it, although just by the smell I'm already rating it pretty highly already. The only thing that concerns me about this product is just how easily it melts, as soon as you have it in your hands it seems to begin to become very soft.

Dream Cream Hand & Body lotion- This product is their number one bestseller, it's described as a simple cream which with ingredients that soothe and cools upset skin. Over the years I've had a lot of trouble with eczema, mainly on my arms and legs. . I try to not use harsh products on my skin, I try to use what the doctor recommends but it never seems to work. For the last year or so, it's settled down dramatically, all except one place on my arm (the inside of my elbow) and everything I seem to put on it makes it more itchy and irritated.

I'd put off buying Dream Cream as at nearly £12 if it just made me itch like every other cream it would not be worth the money, however the last week I've been slapping on the Sudocreme in the attempt to dry it up (my eczema is gets red and sore rather than just dry) and it dried up all the nastiness but I was left with a very dry patch of skin, so as many eczema sufferers recommended and rated it highly I took the risk and decided to purchase it (at last).

 I've only applied this a few times so far but am extremely surprised at how much moisture it has locked into my skin and how soft it has made it. You can still see where the eczema is and I very highly doubt it's going to prevent future flare ups but I'm definitely feeling optimistic about it so far, my skin is definitely feeling a lot smoother and calmer.

As for the Prince Charming shower gel, I have mixed feelings about it and I haven't decided if I really like it. I've used it a few times in the shower and wouldn't really say it smells like anything it is supposed to (marshmallow root,vanilla and fresh pomegranate juice). On a recent review someone said it kind of smells like chocolate orange and I do see what they mean. This smell in my opinion is quite sickly, but in a different way to other sweet scented products by LUSH. Then again, after using Snow Fairy and falling in love with it, I'm not sure any other LUSH shower gels with live up to that standard for me.

I've only used American Cream once and although it smells amazing, I'm not sure it did wonders for my hair. I have quite fluffy/frizzy prone hair and I'm not confident this product will be smoothing enough. Saying that, it left my hair smelling AMAZING, it's supposed to smell like Milkshake and strawberries! I can still smell it in my hair even the day after washing it. I will review this product fully once I've actually made up my mind about whether it was a worthwhile purchase.

Hayley x