October Favourites

*Apologies for the rubbish photo - photography is something I'm going to work on over the next few weeks


Herbal Essences Uplifting Volume Dry Shampoo
I have done a more detailed review of this before which you can view here if you're interested. This was a whim purchase and I was sceptical it wouldn't live up to Batiste, but I actually love it so much more. I am never left with white powder around my hairline, the spray consistency is much finer and so my hair doesn't feel 'clogged up' with product, yet it gets the job done! This product leaves my hair feeling almost like it has been freshly washed and does give it amazing volume which lasts all day.

Moisturing socks and gloves
You can purchase these in several places, but my particular pairs are from Avon. As soon as the weather turns colder and windier, my skin immediately dries up and goes all flaky on me. After my evening shower, I've been lathering my hands and feet in my favourite moisturiser, Soap and Glory's Body Butter, and then placing the socks and gloves on. They are cotton and so your skin can still breathe, and in the morning I wake up to smooth hands and feet.

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub
I have previously reviewed this product here if anyone would like to read a little more about it. This for me is the ultimate lip exfoliating scrub. I apply this before any make up, and then use a Nivea Lip Balm before applying any other lip products. It has banished away my usual Autumnal dry lips for good, and the best thing is that you can lick the excess away and it tastes like Bubblegum. Yum!

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in 'And On Bronze'

I have never really worn eyeshadow before. I'm really impatient with make up and so any of my attempts at eye make up look awful. This cream eyeshadow is really easy to apply and is buildable so you can have an understated look or something a bit more daring for a night out. I love the Bronzey-gold colour, which is perfect for Autumn! I look like I haven't even touched the pot, so I think this will be one that will last a while. I've been wearing this every day recently and it has been doing wonders for brightening my tired and dull looking eyes up.

No 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in 'Coral Rose'
This is something I purchased with one of those £3 off No 7 vouchers they are always handing out in Boots. This is not too far off my natural lip colour, so is perfect for everyday, but is great for adding definition and moisture.

What are your favourite products this month?

♥

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Tips for taking up jogging

About a year ago I decided that it was time to lose weight, get fit and feel better in terms of my health and appearance. I started playing with the idea of jogging around the same time, but only just this summer did I pluck up the courage to buy my first running trainers and set off. So trust me, I know how daunting it can seem, worrying everyone will laugh at you or that you will be absolutely rubbish. But now, 5 months on from when I first started jogging, I am in a comfortable routine of going at least three times a week and running around 5k in 30 minutes. I'm still no expert, but I thought I would put together a beginner's guide to jogging, just in case any of you were in the same boat that I was.

NHS Couch to 5k app
I don't think I would have started jogging, or kept it up, without this amazing app and I know I have raved about it on here before. It is free and is basically a 9 week programme which gives you advice while you run and counts down and structures in how much running and walking you should do. As the weeks progress, obviously the amount of time you are walking decreases. The first week is literally something like 30 seconds running, 30 seconds walking, and alternating for half an hour. It is the perfect way, in my opinion, to build up your stamina over 9 weeks, and because each week gradually ups the game, they are easily achievable goals. The app asks you to do each week's run three times within that week, leaving at least a day between each run to prevent injury. I also loved ticking off each run, feeling that I had really accomplished something.

Music playlist
Some people love to listen to nature or every day commotion as they run, but for me, it is all about having one hell of a music playlist! I created one on my iPod which I change up every week or so for a bit of variety. For me, I find listening to my favourite upbeat songs really motivating and distracts me from thinking 'oh my god I am tired I have been running for too long'.

Suitable trainers
Without meaning to sound like an absolute trainer snob, appropriate trainers is a key thing with training. Obviously don't spend your life savings on a pair, just in case you don't stick to it. But you definitely need to be shopping around. I wear Adidas Falcon Elites in White and Pink. A lot of people also rave about Nike (for me they are far too wide for my feet - so definitely try trainers on, don't just listen to reviews!) Having a brother as a Fitness Instructor and knowing several Personal Trainers, the one thing I have been advised over and over again is not getting Nike Roshe Runs. They are great for in the gym, but they are too light and offer no support whatsoever if you are about to do a lengthy run/jog. So you'd most likely end up in an injury! Here I am in all my running gear glory (excuse the mirror selfie and the grumpy face - I'm not mardy I'm just concentrating, promise!)

Nice surroundings
Time goes so much quicker and I enjoy my run more if I have nice scenery and surroundings to look at. At home and at university I have the luxury of living around a five minute walk away from two beautiful, peaceful parks. For me, running along a road is just boring and if you're having to cross roads and things, it can be too 'stop and start' and of course, slightly dangerous. Here are a few snaps of the park where I run while I'm at uni.

Running partner/running club
Similar to listening to music, some people feel that a running partner or joining a running club is good for them. It provides motivation to keep up with the person and gives you that company. This is especially good if you have to run in the evenings after work, for safety reasons.

Try different times of the day
If your schedule is pretty flexible, I would definitely recommend trying to jog at different times of the day. I'm a uni student, so I have the freedom to run morning, evening or night. You learn very quickly when you tend to have the most energy and motivation. For me, anywhere between 9-5 is ideal, but I know some people can only enjoy and complete a jog at the crack of dawn or in their reflective gear at night in the dark.

I hope you find these tips useful - do you jog/run? If so, what are your top tips? Do you find that Roshe Runs are actually perfect running shoes? I'd love to hear from you as always! 

♥

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How to make your money go further at Christmas

Christmas is an expensive time for us all. Even though it is only October, I'm already thinking about Christmas because I have a really big family to buy presents for. And lets face it, I'm already thinking about it because it is one of the best times of year! If you're worrying about how you're going to afford it all this year, here are my top tips for making your money go further:

1. Get crafty!

You could make your own Christmas cards or presents. Candles and soaps maybe? Or buying plain photo frames and jazzing them up with typical craft products such as buttons and bows, or covering them in a pretty wallpaper can look really nice. (See example here) Utilise your talents, but bear in mind your family and friends interests! Everyone I know really appreciates the effort you've gone to when you've handmade something, and you can really make it personal.

2. Stock up on freebies

I don't mean to sound cheap here at all, but this came to me on a brainwave when I decided to write this post. I noticed that whenever I order the Liz Earle Skin Essentials set, they always send me at least one or two freebies. If you purchase some clear cellophane wrap (there are lots on ebay) and some nice ribbon, I think you could make some really nice gift sets. Likewise, when make up is on 3-for-2 or Buy One Get One Free, bear in mind what your family and friends might like.

3. Start buying now

I know a lot of people have that mad panic the week before Christmas because they've left it all last minute, but organisation really is the key to making your money go further. Not only do you avoid the mad panic where you just shove random things in your basket at your nearest Shopping Centre, rather than actually thinking hard about what your family/friends would like, you also get to share the cost across several pay days. Also, I know several people who do their Christmas Shopping in the January sales. This wouldn't work for me at all - purely because I would hate storing the gifts for so long, but also I HATE shopping in sales. But it can save you a lot of money.

4. Buy for families

Credit for this idea definitely has to go to my Mum, because this is something she has often done. If you are buying for a family with three children, the cost of buying a gift for each of them separately can add up. Instead, why don't you buy a board game for them to share. Argos are currently doing 2 for £20 on selected board games. They're great for taking to other people's houses over the Christmas period, and it's always funny watching your Mum playing Twister, or the family arguments over a quiz game!

5. Get a Christmas Temp job

This obviously depends on your age and other commitments you may have, but it is an option if you are looking for some extra cash over the Christmas period. Especially if you are away at uni and can't commit to a proper part time job at home. Most shops look for extra hands over the Christmas period, and you are often asked to do overtime. If it is an option to you, they may ask for you to stay on after Christmas as well, which is an added bonus.

I hope you find these tips useful - how do you make your money go further over the Christmas period?

♥

PS - Don't forget I am hosting a giveaway which ends later this week! For your chance to win Yankee Candles, Barry M and Bath Bomb goodies, click here

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Liebster Award

Yesterday I was nominated for the Liebster award by the lovely Esther over at Est Since 94. As someone relatively new to blogging I'm super chuffed that people are enjoying my blog. 

I will start off by answering the questions set by Esther, then will set my own and nominate a few bloggers, so here goes!

Esther's Questions for Me

1. Where are you from? The East Midlands, UK

2. What’s you dream job/career? Working for a charity or in a political job. Either Fundraising, Policy, Communications, Researcher or something. I really want to wake up in a morning and feel as though I'm making a difference to the world! 

3. Any fears or phobias? Yes, lots! Sharks, spiders, snakes, any sort of insects, dogs, small spaces and heights in certain situations. The list is endless! 

4. Do you prefer drugstore or premium/high end beauty buys? It really depends. For foundation and bases, it has to be premium for me, but then I love things like the Collection lasting Concealer and the Soap and Glory Blusher so, a balance really! 

5. What’s the best bargain you’ve manage to bag? I managed to get two Disneys DVDs for £12.99 on Zavvi the other day, with 100% cash back so they were free!

6. Who or what inspires your style? I love Fearne Cotton, but don't really end up looking anything like her because I lack confidence when it comes to fashion. I just wear whatever I feel comfortable in, but now I'm losing weight it might be time to shake up my style a bit! 

7. Chunky statement accessories or minimalist dainty pieces? Chunky Statement Accessories

8. Do you prefer online shopping or going instore? Online shopping because I am so indecisive in a shop. Although I like trying things on, I generally feel really self conscious in shops like the sale assistants just hate me! 

9. What beauty or style trend do you want to try out? I would love to try some of the Feather Hair Extensions and also ombré lips! 

10. Countryside or city life? I want to work in a city but come home to a lovely little house in the countryside. The best of both! Both have disadvantages and I wouldn't like either location 100% I the time! 

I now nominate: Ellie and her blog, Indiellie for the Liebster Award. She has been so supportive of my blog and her photography is just amazing! I would like you to answer:

1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
2. Which 3 things would you take onto a desert island?
3. Where are you from?
4. Are you bi/multi-lingual?
5. What is your dream job?
6. Describe yourself in 3 words?
7. What would you say is your biggest addiction?
8. Favourite food?
9. Favourite name?
10. Favourite film? 

Thank you for my nomination Esther, and thank you to everyone reading this for sticking with me so far! 

♥

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

So I was just scrolling through my Twitter notifications, when I saw that the lovely Nia from Nia Elinor Mair nominated me for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. I am really really grateful and am really happy to know that people are enjoying my blog.

The idea behind this award is to bring bloggers closer together within the community. It is also so you readers can get to know us a little better. So, the rules are:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you including a link to their blog 

2. Put the award logo on your blog

3. Answer the questions that they set you

4. Set 10 questions for your nominees to answer

5. Nominate 10 bloggers

Nia's Questions

1. What is your favourite subject at school? I am now at university, so only study one subject - Politics with International Studies

2. Lipstick or lipgloss? Lipstick by far, I hate how sticky lipgloss is!

3. What is your favourite magazine to read? Heat or Look

4.How much do you read? For hours upon hours a day, there is a lot of reading on my course :)

5. What social media do you use and what is your favourite? Facebook, Twitter & Instagram - at the moment, Instagram is my favourite. I'm really obsessed with taking photos

6. Do you prefer handbags or shoes? Argh this is a tough one. I think I would have to say shoes at the moment, I'm lusting after some of the Vivienne Westwood Melissa pumps

7.What's your favourite clothes store? Again, this changes all the time. At the moment, I would have to say Topshop :)

8. Starbucks or Costa? Costa - Medium Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows and Cream

9. What is your favourite takeaway? Either an Indian or Dominos, depending on what mood I am in

10. What is one book you know you will read over and over again? The Harry Potter books

My Questions for the 10 bloggers I nominate

1. Do you have any tattoos?

2. UV Gel nail varnish or acrylics?

3. What is your favourite TV programme at the moment?

4. Which three people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party?

5. Your favourite perfume?

6. Which celebrity are you currently lusting after? 

7. Do you prefer boy bands or girlbands?

8. Describe yourself in three words?

9. Your worst bad habit?

10. One beauty product you couldn't live without?

I nominate:

Alina Bostan

Kohl and Lipstick

Bec Le Bas

A Girl from Glasgow

Lucy Jade

Bethany Morris

Esther

Kayla

Tania

Jade

I hope you all complete this as well, it would be nice to get to know you all better and I've really been enjoying your blogs. Thanks again to Nia for the nomination

♥

DotComGiftShop Christmas Wishlist

It may only be October, but I'm already so excited for Christmas! Four long weeks off at home with my family, I literally can't wait! I'm starting to look for decorations to make my room at home all Christmassy, because we love having every room head to toe in Christmas decorations and things. 

Here is a wishlist I've put together of things I want from one of my favourite online shops, www.dotcomgiftshop.com. Other than the Christmas decorations I'm lusting after, they also sell an amazing range of homeware and gifts, with that vintage/shabby-chic feel I really like, at really affordable prices.

Rustic zinc folk art sleigh bells, 6 for £4.95 - These will look so cute on my tree

Scandi Christmas Peg Decorations, 6 for £2.95 - I tend to hang my cards along some parcel string across my bedroom, so these will be perfect for attaching the cards. So cute!

Jingle Bell Lights Garland, £11.95 - Perfect for draping around my four poster bed or around the headboard

Reindeer and mistletoe heart decoration, £6.95  - to hang on my door handle on the outside.

What are your top tips for decorating your room/ a small space at Christmas? What do you think of my wishlist? 

 Once I have my room decorated, I will probably do a post with lots of photos to show how to make any space, no matter how small, extra Christmassy!

♥

October Wishlist

Ghost Deep Night Eau de Toilette

Kate Moss Matte Lipstick - 'Wine' 107

Topshop MOTO Black Ripped Leigh Jeans

Lush 'Snow Fairy' Limited Edition Shower Gel

Lush 'Northern Lights' Bath Bomb

Lush 'Magic Wand' Reusable Bubble Bar

W7 In the Buff Natural Nudes Eye Colour Palette

♥

My Train Journey Essentials

It always surprises me how very little train travel some people use. This is only really because since moving to university, it has become a regular occurrence for me and feels almost second nature, like hopping in a car.

I'm not a huge fan of train journeys however, particularly when I'm hauling half of my earthly possessions across platforms and up and down stairs and things. I also hate that feeling of - "have I got everything?" But have no fear - if you are a train travel novice or have a journey coming up, here is a list of my essentials when travelling by train.

Railcard

If travel by train is something you do regularly, I would definitely recommend seeing if there is a railcard available. Mine is the one for 16-25 year olds, and I save a third on my journeys which makes it very worthwhile! There is also one for over 65s and also families I believe.

IPod

I will go through a phase where I can happily sit chilled out on a train for hours doing nothing. But right now is not one of those phases! An iPod is a must have when you have people on their phones being annoying for over an hour, or if you just want a bit of peace and quiet from the general train noise. 

Comfortable footwear

I am always amazed by how many women cope in heels at train stations and on trains. I struggle on a flat pavement, let alone moving escalators or trains, or while carrying lots of things. Travelling home for me takes about 4 hours via train and I need to make 2-3 changes, so I rely very heavily upon my trusty White Vans! 

Layers

Train stations and platforms are generally very cold places. Trains I find are either too hot or cold, so I find wearing lots of layers is best. I always take my university hoody, just because it is easy to slip on, light, and very comfy for when I'm nodding off on the train! 

Mini make up bag

Because I'm on the train for so long, I usually look like I've been on a short haul flight by the end of my travel. A mini make up bag with your essentials (my essential top ups are concealer, powder and lip balm) is really useful, particularly if you are going on the train for a nice day out or interview. 

Drink/snacks

I'm eating healthily at the moment, and trying to lose weight, so no snacks for me boo! I definitely recommend taking snacks and drinks with you because the trollies on trains can be quite pricey and, like the vendors on platforms, have a rather unhealthy selection which obviously doesn't work for me. I used to always have a red bull on trains instead of water to keep me going, which may work for you.

Reading

The book in the picture is a uni book, but a novel or magazine is also good for passing time. If you are a uni student though, I'd recommend doing work on the train so you can spend more quality time with your family when you go home. 

I hope you enjoyed this post - what are your train journey essentials?

♥

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Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo Review

Just lately, my hair has been falling out more than usual. After googling why this may be, one of the recurring answers was that I probably wash my hair too much. Which I've always known is true. Since secondary school, I've washed my hair every day, because I hate the feel of greasy hair and just feel too self conscious if I don't. My hair gets really greasy so quickly!

But since my hair has been falling out and I am trying to grow it, I decided to try dropping back to washing it every other day. Which meant I would definitely need a dry shampoo. I've always been a fan of Batiste and just automatically picked it up without considering my other options. But when I was in Superdrug the other day, I noticed this Herbal Essences Uplifting Volume Dry Shampoo on offer for £1.49 and couldn't resist.

I'm so glad I purchased this product. While I'm not a fan of the Citrus fragrance myself (it was the only one they had), I absolutely love how this feels in my hair. With Batiste, I felt that the powder was too thick and always left a white mist in my hair, whereas this is a much fainter spray, but still does the job.

Whenever I have used Batiste before as well (maybe this is just me being crazy) I can almost FEEL it like a layer on top of my hair. I generally hate 'over-product'ing my hair - it just makes me itch, my scalp to flair up all red, and just generally uncomfortable. But I have used this three times now and feel as though I am still washing my hair every day. You get that first day clean feel, just as it advertises on the bottle, and I will definitely be buying this again! (Although probably a different scent) 

PS - I have finally gotten around to creating a Twitter account specifically for my blog. I would love it if you could follow me, I will follow your blogs back and would love to chat all things life and beauty related!

♥

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How to be organised

Sometimes, we all get a little stressed and feel that we are literally going to explode from all the pressures we are under. Work deadlines, seeing family and friends, trying to fit a social life in, trying to keep fit and healthy - it's not easy balancing everything. 

I'm pretty OCD when it comes to organisation, and so I thought I would do a quick post giving my top tips on how to stay organised. I hope you enjoy!

Diary/Schedule

Whether you make a schedules in your diary/Filofax as I do, or whether you choose to write it on a post it note or scrap of paper - schedules are miracle workers when it comes to organising your life. The night before, I write down in my diary all of the commitments and things I must do the next day. Rather than spending an hour or so like a headless chicken rushing around trying to fit everything in, or apologising for missing something like a class because you had 101 other things on your mind, make a schedule and stick to it. Crossing something off is satisfying, so trust me - you will stick to the schedule! Writing down time deadlines for projects and seminar and lecture times or meeting times or whatever, is also important, because then you know where you have to be and when.

Lists

As well as a schedule, lists are a great way of organising your life. I literally have about 15 notes in my phone, all dedicated to different lists. But it really does save time, meaning you have more time to be getting on with other things at a later date. If I see inspiration for Christmas presents, I add it to the 'Christmas List'. I know when I go to do my Christmas shopping, I will sit down in front of my laptop and probably have it done within an hour. 

Lists are also good for managing uni reading. At the beginning of a week, I make a list of all the reading to be completed for that week. I then look at my timetable to see when my seminars are, and then I schedule my reading in (so much per day) to ensure I get it all completed before my seminar.  If your reading requires books from the library, when you make your list you can write the library number next to it, so when you happen to be at uni next you can grab your week's books in advance of everyone else, and it means that you don't get sat at home ready to work, and realise that all of your reading needs to be done for the next day, and all the books you need are at the library/ already taken. It means you can spread your reading out effectively throughout the week, ensuring you have spare time each day to eat, sleep, socialise, do paid employment, or whatever.

Get to know your family/friends rough schedules

I've only been back at uni for 3 weeks, but I already know that my flatmate has Thursdays and Fridays off. I know that my Mum has every other weekend off work. These are all examples of getting to know your family and friends schedules, which is important when organising your life. I'm not saying go mad and learn every detail of what they are doing and when and where. But because I know my flatmate is off on Thursdays and Fridays, I often leave some space free in case we want to grab a coffee, lunch out or shopping or something. Because I know my Mum has every other weekend off, I try to plan going home around these commitments. It means that you can have a social life around work/uni/school. Because if you save all your work for when your friends are free, then you won't really have much of a social life, and won't see the people who make you happy and give you that healthy balance in life.

Use food as an organising tool

Some people think eating out is a waste of money. Personally, it is one of my favourite things to do in the world, so this isn't a problem for me. If you know you have a lot of work on, sometimes it can be hard to fit in seeing friends or family. Ultimately though, we all have to eat. Three times a day. So if I feel I've neglected someone lately, I arrange to meet up with them for brunch, lunch or dinner. I was going to take that break anyway, so why not make it a nice one! If you don't like eating out or would rather save money, invite them round and offer to cook for them. They will love the gesture, and you were probably going to cook for yourself anyway!

I hope you found these tips useful! How do you organise your life? Do you have any top tips?

♥

My Weekend At Home

This morning I'm feeling a little down - partly due to the awful weather, but mainly because I had the most perfect weekend at home with my family, and I'm a little sad to be back at university.

On the Friday, we didn't really do much because my train didn't get in until 5.30ish, and my Mum was at work, but it was nice having some of my Dad's home cooking again!

On the Saturday, I had my usual ritual of having my hair done and having some other little pamper sessions, which this weekend included my eyebrows and a back massage! I'm a sucker for any beauty or spa treatments, and couldn't resist enjoying myself while I was at home! 

I met my friend Beth for a spot of lunch as well, which was really nice. I'm such a home bird, and really miss my friends and family when I'm at uni. So even though it was only a flying visit, it was really nice to see everyone. I also went to pick my nan up for tea on Saturday night, and met my friend Appelonia for lunch on Sunday, so I really did manage to fit seeing everyone in! It was great having my car back, I miss driving so much while I'm away at uni. There is no greater feeling than being sat behind this gorgeous little wheel!

I popped to my brothers in the afternoon, which was so nice because I hadn't told my nieces and nephews I was coming home. To see their little faces look shocked and then for them to come running at me with their arms out smiling... it really is just the best feeling in the world! Being an Auntie is definitely one of my favourite roles as a human being! They knew I'd been feeling quite cold in my flat (because I swear I'm literally the coldest person ever - never ever warm unless I'm abroad!) so they bought me an American print onesie which I think is so funny! I love America so much, so it really was right up my street and is super cosy. I think I look so funny!

My eldest brother and his wife popped over on Sunday with their children, and so it really was the perfect end to a perfect weekend. I managed to see pretty much everyone, and spoke to a few others on the phone who I couldn't see. My brother and his family have a holiday home in France, and they brought this back for me from their latest holiday over there, which I just love! My niece and nephew requested we watched 'Chrissy' on DVD, which is Father Christmas, and The Snowman, so we had fun watching those for a while... even though it IS only October!

Did you have a nice weekend? What are your favourite weekend plans?

♥

100 Followers Giveaway

So I've finally managed to pull my act together and organise the giveaway! For those who didn't see my previous post, I'm basically running a small giveaway to thank everyone for the support my blog has received, and to celebrate hitting 100 followers on Bloglovin'. 

The give away isn't huge like the ones a lot of bloggers run unfortunately, but still - you can't go wrong with entering a free competition to win some goodies can you! I've chosen items that I love and I hope you love them too:

Yankee Candle Sampler Size: 'Fireside Treats'

Yankee Candle Sampler Size: 'Lemon Lavender'

Yankee Candle Sampler Size Holder Bucket

Bomb Cosmetics 'Love' Bath Bomb (smells like Parma violets!)

Barry M 'Berry Ice Cream' nail varnish

Please read the Terms and Conditions before entering!

Note: You don't have to be following me on Bloglovin' like it says - I changed my mind last minute!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♥

Student Takeover: Leamington Spa

So tonight our local shopping centre in Leamington Spa hosted a Student Takeover event, where basically from 6-9 there were huge discounts in all of the stores, including Gap, Superdry, Topshop and New Look, and also lots of prize competitions and freebies.

Me and my flat mate decided to venture down for some retail therapy after what has been an extremely busy start to term. I only ended up buying a jumper from Topshop, but I am SO pleased with my purchase. I've had my eye on it for a while now, and with 20% off and a £10 gift card from my birthday, it only came to £26 which I thought was a real bargain! I also picked up some free food they were giving away, so a shot of an Oreo milkshake, and some samples of starters from Pierres restaurant. We also received a free "Leamington Spa" goody bag, and went to chat to the PCSOs for a bit who gave me the flip flops pictured! 

I also won a travel card holder in Cath Kidston, which retails at £14 so I'm quite impressed! I'm not keen on the pattern myself, which is unlike me as I love Cath Kidston, so I'm deciding who to give it to as a present when I go home this weekend! 

After an hour or so of shopping, the hunger pains kicked in and we headed over to Prezzos. It's one of our favourite places to eat and I definitely recommend looking online and signing up to receive their offers. You can really save money on your final bill! I had baked mushrooms to start which were filled with Mozzarella and Gran Padano cheese, and breadcrumbs with a garlic mayonnaise dip. For main, I had Spaghetti Carbonara which is AMAZING at Prezzo. 

It was really nice relaxing for the evening after what has been a hectic week. I'm going home tomorrow for the weekend as well which I will almost definitely be blogging about! 

I definitely recommend heading to any student nights your local shopping centres and towns hold. We saved so much money and received vouchers off for future orders :) and let's face it, us students love our freebies and bargains! 

♥

100 Bloglovin Followers: Thank you!

I just wanted to say thank you SO much to everyone who has followed me on bloglovin'. I can't believe I have 100 followers! 

I started blogging because I believed I would enjoy it, and so my family and friends could also see what I'm up to while I'm away at university. I then started writing product reviews, because I enjoy reading them myself. I never imagined that anyone would read this blog, let alone people I have never met!

So thank you so so much, I really do appreciate it. I appreciate it so much in fact, that in the next few weeks I will be holding a prize giveaway competition to thank you all so much for your support. This upcoming week is incredibly busy for me, so I'm afraid it may be a week or longer before it is launched, but I promise I will get around to it as soon as I can. It will only be something little, but I hope lots of you enter, and I will reveal more details about it nearer the time, once I've worked out how to go about doing an online giveaway!

If any of you reading this don't follow me, the link to my bloglovin can be found on the right sidebar of this page, or at this link here

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Turning a House into a Home

I can't believe the first week of term has been and gone already. Time is flying, which worries me because I feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day. Between reading, job applications, and dissertation research, it's difficult to find time for a social life or anything at the moment, but I'm hoping over the next few weeks I settle back into my old routine.

Even though I set my room up how I wanted it over two weeks ago now, I still wanted to get a few little things to turn my house into a home. I really miss my home comforts at uni, and if you're the same, fairy lights are the perfect answer to making your room cosy, believe me!

My flat mate has had fairy lights in her room for over a year now, and I finally caved after staring admiringly at them for so long! I think these little white roses are so cute, and because they are white they will go with absolutely anything, even if my room in my home after uni is a completely different colour scheme.

I'm looking forward to switching these on when I'm reading in the evening, or watching TV just before bed or just cosying up really!

These were only £7.95 on eBay which I think is a complete bargain, and the best thing is they run on batteries, so they won't be running my electricity bill up and don't use up a much needed plug socket when you have 101 gadgets to charge!

The link for these lights is here. But if you type in 'LED Battery Fairy Lights' on eBay, there are so many different designs to choose from.

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5 Must Have Nail Polishes for Autumn

I'm one of those girls with boxes upon boxes of nail varnish. I have been doing nail art for about 4 years now, and my family and friends always love when I paint their nails. Which means I always like to have a variety of colours, but also that I'm bought a lot of them as presents, and I also won a Barry M competition once where I won 10! 

I try and be strict when I'm moving back to university, because when your car is full of everything except the kitchen sink, it can be difficult justifying to my Dad why I need two boxes of nail varnish. So I brought a limited number back with me this time, mainly Autumnal colours which I think are perfect for the colder months. Here are my top 5 to share with you all, in case you're in Boots or Superdrug over the next week and fancy treating yourselves! As you can probably tell, I'm a HUGE fan of Barry M when it comes to my nails. I think they are not only extremely affordable, but last well and look amazing.

Barry M 273 Raspberry | This is my favourite of the five I will admit. I love this colour because burgundy is one of my favourite colours, but I also like how this nail varnish varies. If you want a lighter colour, stick to the one coat, but I prefer two which makes it a darker burgundy colour. Even though this is not in their Gel range, it is really shiny and I think it looks nice on either long or short nails

Barry M AQNP3 Caspian 404 | This was released as part of the Barry M Aquarium range earlier in the year. I have several of these polishes, but the gold has been extremely popular among my family and friends of all ages. When light reflects on it, it shimmers pink and blue, which looks really nice. This polish has been great for when I have been working over summer in an office environment, and don't want to have bright nails which aren't really formal or appropriate!

Barry M GNP 3 Watermelon 242 | I won this as part of a Barry M Competition earlier in the year, where you won various Barry M goodies, and in particular the latest Gel and Textured polishes. Teal is one of my favourite colours, and I love these Gel polishes for when I can't afford to have gel nails done professionally. This colour is perhaps a little dark for me considering I'm fairly pale, but it is a great colour nonetheless and one I would definitely recommend

Barry M TNP 5 Princess 337 | This was in fact a present from my four year old niece, who is most definitely a princess in waiting! Pink is her favourite colour, and she loves when I paint her nails, so she probably bought me this with herself in mind! I love the pink glittery colour (apologies that it doesn't photograph well). Just because it is colder doesn't mean our nails HAVE to be darker, and this is great for any celebrations, parties or nights out, or just to add a touch of sparkle to any old day!

Barry M 325 Denim 339 | This was also a gift from my niece for Christmas. I will admit I was a bit sceptical of whether I would like Denim effect nails, but the metallic blue with a hint of glitter is really nice! It's perfect for if you don't want anything too bold, but want a hint of sparkle!

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