Happy Things #10

Wow, it's 2019! There is not a year that goes by where I'm not in awe of how fast the year went by. In the last year, I haven't put a lot of time into this blog and I keep saying that I will start investing more time into it. This year, I am determined to revive this little part of the internet, especially for those who took the time to follow my blog in the first place.

So, to kick off 2019, here's another of my Happy Things posts. I absolutely love doing these posts and I hope you guys enjoy reading them just as much!

My home. As a first time buyer, the journey to buying a property has been stressful to say the least but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life to date. I did it on my own and I'm so proud of myself. It has also been one of the reasons why I haven't put much time into this blog over the past year. I do plan on doing some home posts on my blog throughout this year. 

Cleaning. I've always been a bit of a clean freak but moreso now that I have bought my own house. Plus, I have been inspired by the whole Hinching craze. If you don't know what I'm about about, do check out Sophie Hinchcliffe on Instagram who has inspired a nation to clean their houses. Her Instagram stories are the best for giving you that extra push to get your house spotless and smelling fresh. It's amazing how therapeutic and calming it can be to clean your house.

Skincare. Ahh, back to how this blog first started. Skincare. I have always looked after my skin from a young age but something that I rarely do is use face masks. I buy a lot of them.... I just don't use them... Part of the reason for this is because I just find it so messy having to apply a clay mask and then wash it off. Am I the only person who ends up getting water absolutely everywhere when washing off a face mask over the sink? With the arrival of all these sheet masks, it's so much easier. Just pop them onto a clean face after you've had your shower, and then massage in all the excess serum once you're done. I also plan on doing some skincare reviews throughout this year too....

Reading. As a child, I was such a bookworm. I remember going the local library one Saturday to borrow 5 Jacqueline Wilson novels. By the end of Sunday, I had read them all. In the past year or so, I've stopped reading. I've struggled to make myself feel calm enough to just sit down with a book when, in reality, reading makes me calm. I am currently reading Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman as I've seen rave reviews about it. 

I hope you've all had an incredible Christmas and New Year and I hope you will join me on my blog journey once more. 

Happy Things #9

Hello everyone! It's been a while. This year has been incredibly busy for me but, today, I suddenly had a moment when I remembered how much I love this blog and how I want to get back into it. So what better way to kick this back off than with a Happy Things post, sharing all the things that have put a smile on my face in the last few months.

Nature. I used to be such a city girl. London was the place to be as far as I was concerned. Nowadays, I much prefer being out and about in the countryside, appreciating how beautiful our natural surroundings are. Nothing clears my head more than a long walk in the countryside.

Carrot cake. I must admit, I seem to have lost my sweet tooth in the last  months but I do still enjoy the occasional sweet treat. Carrot cake is high up there on my list of favourites. There's something indulgent about sitting down for a catch up with a slice of cake and a hot drink.

Going out for breakfast. For me, going out nice and early in the morning for a delicious breakfast is one of the best ways to start the day. Don't get me wrong, I love going out for lunch and dinner too but breakfast (or brunch) is so much more casual and adds a spring to my step for the remainder of the day. Eggs Florentine is my ultimate go-to breakfast.

Delicious scented shower gels. I remember my first ever Original Source shower gel. It was the Vanilla & Raspberry one that everyone was going mad over at the time. This one is just as gorgeous.

I hope you've all had a lovely Sunday. Let me know what has put a smile on your face lately!

Top Tips For A Cosy Night In

If it's a choice between a night out or a night in, I'm always a night in kind of girl. There is nothing better than a cosy night in either by yourself or with some of your favourite people. So today I am sharing with you all my top tips for having a cosy night in.

Watch your favourite shows/movies. Whether it's Netflix, Amazon Prime, a DVD, catch-up, or just your must-see TV show, a night in is the perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa and indulge in a bit of screen time. I'm a huge fan of musicals or just any movie that involves singing. Can't beat Frozen for a bit of feel-good! For anyone looking for a new series to get stuck into, I highly recommend Fringe. I was addicted to this during university! Back then though, all I had was my trusted little laptop to watch it off. The best way to watch your favourite shows at home is on a high quality television set like the new Panasonic 4K Ultra HD OLED televisions. Designed to offer the cinema experience from the comfort of your own home, what's not to like? The sound system used has been developed with sound experts, Technics, so you're sure to get the most out of your screen time without having to purchase additional speakers. High quality graphics and a superb sound system, you'll be the hostess of every movie night!

Candles and lighting. I have been obsessed with lighting candles recently. Having recently started doing my research into the Danish way of living known as Hygge, I have been slowly transforming my house into a little haven of cosy bliss. Lighting candles or hanging fairy lights is such a brilliant way to create a cosy atmosphere.

Make it smell nice. If you don't have scented candles, or if you just don't like lighting candles at all then I highly recommend purchasing some reed diffusers. I have one in my bedroom from Yankee Candle and it keeps my bedroom smelling so sweet and fresh without the worry of a flame. I love lighting scented candles but the scent fades once the candle flame is put out so I much prefer using flameless alternatives to prolong the scent. Plus, I do often get paranoid that one day I'll just forget that I've left a candle burning!

Snacks. A cosy night in always has to involve food of some description! For me, I love having snacks to hand. I try to keep it fairly healthy and I tend to make my own treats to indulge on. I love making my healthy banana oat cookies as they're so delicious yet they're good for you so you don't feel too guilty if you have one too many!

What do you do to create a cosy night in?

*This is a sponsored post.

Black Is The New Black

I remember the days when it was all about the LBD (little black dress) but, nowadays, we are all encouraged to be a little brighter and a little bolder. However, I'm still a huge fan of wearing black as you know you just can't wrong with it!

I was recently sent a few lovely pieces from the team at Tobi, an online retail company based in Los Angeles selling a wide range of clothing in a chilled, laid-back LA style. If you love your casual wear but want to stay on trend, Tobi is the place to browse. They also ship worldwide.

I am absolutely in love with this Black Lace Bralette* from Tobi. You can easily wear it for a chilled out evening snuggled up on the sofa, or you could glam it up with some high waisted leggings and a pair of heels for a night out with the girls. The straps are elasticated and I've been wearing it crossed over my neck in a halterneck style. 

With the cold weather not showing any signs of fading away, this super cosy Black Lace Up Sweater* has been a welcome addition to my wardrobe. Paired with some skinny jeans or a pair of leggings, this is great for the cool-casual look. I'm 5'4 and this comes up a little long on me so I've been wearing it as a jumper dress. The lace up detail down the sleeves is a nice touch as well and shows a little skin.

Of course, I couldn't miss out the LBD! This Black Lace Skater Dress* is simple enough to wear on a lunch date but you can also glam it up in the evening with a pair of heels. It's all in the detail with this dress from the lace centre all the way down to the fluted ruffle sleeves.

What do you think of this selection? Do you still own a little black dress?

Recipe: Banana Oat Cookies (super healthy, refined sugar-free, vegan-friendly)

Hello everyone! It's been a while! What better way to kick things back off again with a super healthy and equally delicious cookie recipe. 

These cookies are my go-to healthy snack and I like to make a batch every now and then to store in a kilner jar for when I get those sweet cravings. Bananas are one of my favourite natural sweet treats and barely a day goes by where I don't add a banana or two to at least one of meals or snacks. 

These cookies are naturally sweet thanks to the bananas and they are both soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. I can't get enough of these and I can't believe how simple they are to make. They are free from refined sugar and are vegan-friendly too!

 So without further ado, here's the recipe. 

Ingredients

2 medium-sized bananas

2 cups of oats

1 tablespoon agave nectar (optional)

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees (fan oven) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Mash up the bananas using the back of a fork. 

3. Stir in the oats.

4. Add the agave nectar if using. I find that it gives it an extra sweet kick for that special treat and it helps them to brown a bit better too but it's not a necessity. I tend to make these cookies without it most of the time.

5. Using 2 tablespoons (or your hands), mould them into small balls and place on a baking tray. Using the back of your spoon (or your hand), flatten them so that they look like cookies. 

6. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges start to brown.

7. Let them cool for 10 minutes.

8. Tuck in and enjoy your guilt-free snack!

Let me know if you make these! Tweet me @hellolinderella or find me on Instagram @hellolinderella. I'd love to see any photos as well!

Happy Things #8 - Festive Edition 2017

Hello everyone! First of all, I hope you have all had an incredible Christmas filled with lots of laughter, love, and good food! I thought I'd do a special festive edition of my usual "Happy Things" series so I can share with you a few of the gifts I received and a few things that have made me happy this festive season.

Pandora. Is it even Christmas without a bit of sparkle??? I received 2 beautiful charms for Christmas this year to add onto my new Pandora bracelet. 

Fox & Ivy cutlery (link here). I have been obsessed with the new Fox & Ivy range at Tesco recently so I was super happy to unwrap this on Christmas Day. It has a slightly dented effect to it which I love, and the handles are rounded and heavy which I much prefer over the flat handles. I'm definitely going to get myself some of the crockery from the Fox & Ivy range once all the festive hustle and bustle calms down a bit.

Body mists. I've been loving body mists at the moment and they're great for a quick pick-me-up, especially at this time of year when it can be a little dark and miserable at times. I'll admit that a lot of body mists can initially smell good but they turn chemically really quickly so you really do have to pick carefully. My favourites are definitely the ones from The Body Shop as well as the Zoella Beauty range. So fresh and uplifting.

Food. Food makes me happy all year round but moreso at Christmas when most restaurants bring out their festive menus. When you've got time off work, it's also an excuse to explore new places and visit new restaurants that you haven't ventured in before. This was a delicious quinoa & sweet potato burger at Bar Estilo in Birmingham. I highly recommend this place as the food was delicious, the decor was stylish, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Dove Bliss Booster shower gels (link here). You can't have Christmas without something nice-smelling for the shower/bath! I am absolutely obsessed with the scent of these shower gels at the moment. They smell intoxicating and definitely one of the nicest ones I've come across in a while. I have sensitive skin so Dove is brilliant for me and I can't wait for my current shower gels to run out so I can replace them with these.

I have had such a lovely week. Let me know what has made you happy during this festive period!

Guide To Smarter Spending

With Christmas approaching, it's all spend spend spend until the year is over so, today, I'm here to tell you have you can save, save, save by shopping a little smarter.

I'll admit that I used to be a bit of a shopaholic who probably bought things that I didn't even want and paid a premium for something that just wasn't worth it. Once I started working full-time, my attitude to spending started changing and I now have a much healthier and mature view on finance.

Don't get me wrong, I still splurge on the odd item here and there and I do still do the odd impulse buy but I am fully in control nowadays!

Create an expenses spreadsheet. You can do this in paper form although I much prefer doing this electronically on a spreadsheet as you can set all your formulas to tally everything up for you. List every payment you get from work as well as every time you spend either via cash, card or cheque. I have only recently started doing this and it's incredible how much more aware it makes me. Everytime I enter a new purchase on there and see my remaining balance for that month reduce, it makes me less likely to buy silly little things.

Bookmark items you like and look out for them in the sale. This is a good one for clothing. If I see something online that I like the look of but I'm not dying to have in my life, I bookmark it. I then check in every month or so, or when I know there is a big season sale coming up and I end up purchasing it for just a fraction of the price.

Buy second hand. I know, this isn't for everyone, but there are so many incredible second hand items that are available on the market these days. If you look hard enough, you can find nearly-new high quality items for the a fraction of the original price simply because the owner is moving house or that they've decided that it doesn't fit in with their latest colour scheme.

You can find second-hand products on various websites nowadays including eBay and Gumtree, but if you want everything in one place, head over to secondwow.co.uk. I suppose you could call them a second-hand broker! They have an extensive website filled with products from beds to kitchen appliances to clothing. If you're after an easy way to find a bargain, Secondwow is the place to be.

You can find a vast array of products from various websites on there and it will take you straight there to save you spending time browsing different websites. This is great for anyone who wants to update their home on a budget, a first time buyer, or someone who is after something a little bit unique that you may not be able to find in store anymore.

My favourite is the collectables section where you can find all sorts of hidden gems like classic artwork, fancy pottery pieces and signed memorabilia.

Magazines. These days, anything that you want from a magazine can usually be found somewhere online for free. However, if you still like to have something physical to hold and flick through, make the most of free magazines. For food inspiration, pick up a Tesco Food magazine. They are always jam-packed with recipes, not to mention sections on fitness and health as well. For home inspiration, pretty much every kitchen/bathroom/bedroom showroom has their own catalogue bursting full of ideas. If you're a Superdrug beauty card holder or a Boots beauty card holder (both are free to join), you can pick up their beauty magazines for free as well.

 What are your top tops for being thrifty?

*This is a sponsored post.

All opinions are my own.

Happy Things #7

Autumn. My favourite season. Whilst everyone at work is complaining about how cold it is, I am (not so) secretly loving this season. It's cold enough to snuggle up in various layers, yet not cold enough to be shivering every time I step out of the front door. I love wrapping up warm and taking a walk out in the cold air, there is something exhilarating about a chilly walk. Plus, this is the perfect time to curl up on the sofa with a hot cup of peppermint tea!

Deliciously Ella Oat Bars. I didn't even know that Ella had released these until I saw them in Tesco a few days ago. I love flapjacks but I don't really eat them anymore as they're full of butter and sugar so I was very happy to see these in store. These oat bars and natural, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. Definitely a much healthier alternative to your standard flapjack and they taste incredible too.

Portable mobile charger. I never thought I would be someone who would need one of these but, low and behold, here we are. Last Saturday, my phone battery completely drained and I found myself at a bit of a loss as I was out and about and needed to use my phone to contact a friend. So, as soon as I got back, the first thing I did was order myself one of these and I carry it with me everywhere.

I hope you've all had a wonderful week!

Sweet Dreams - Your Guide To A Better Night's Sleep

As someone who works long hours, I know all too well the feeling of waking up at silly-o-clock in the morning, feeling groggy and totally unprepared for the morning ahead, only to find that I still can't fall asleep at a decent hour after the day is done and so the cycle begins again. Only recently have I begun to make small changes to get my body clock working with me rather than against me and I have never felt more refreshed and awake, even if it's 5-o-clock in the morning!

Switch off an hour before bed. Stay away from electronic devices an hour before bed. The light exposure makes your body think it needs to be awake and it just makes it that little bit harder to drop off. So no scrolling through your social media feeds in bed, and your emails can wait until the morning.

De-clutter your bedroom. When your sleeping space is clean and minimal, your mind will feel de-cluttered too. Trust me, it is a nightmare trying to wind down in messy room. Associate your bedroom with sleep and relaxation, not with clutter and work.

Get into a routine. Your body is smart enough to adapt to a routine, but not if you have a new routine every day. Aim to sleep at the same time every day and wake up at the same time, even at the weekend! That lie-in or "catch-up" sleep can make you feel more groggy the following day.

Get a dawn simulator clock. Nothing wakes you up as beautifully as a nice sunrise. Unfortunately, the real thing is scarce, especially if you're getting up very early in the morning so the next best thing is to get yourself a simulated one. Experts say that a gradual brightness can help to wake up in the morning and reduce that groggy feeling. In the same way that you wake up gradually when you've got the day off work, a dawn simulator clock will produce similar effects to slowly awaken you from your beauty sleep. Lumie and Phillips are probably the big players in this field and I know that most of my friends have a love for one or the other.

So how do they work? The gradual brightness of a dawn simulator helps to increase cortisol and reduce those sleep hormones, as opposed to being woken up by an alarm in the darkness (or in sudden sharp light). People also say that it helps them feel a lot more productive and alert throughout the day. I, for one, know that it's a so difficult to get up super early in the morning with my alarm buzzing in my ear as it pretty much shocks you into waking up. With a dawn simulator clock, imagine being gently coaxed out of your dreams!  And for those minimilists out there, getting a dawn simulator clock means that you get both an alarm clock and a bedside lamp all in one!

What are your tips for a good night's sleep?

*Sponsored post. This post has been written in collaboration with Sunrise Clocks but, as always, all content and opinions are my own.

Homeware Lust List - October 2017

I'll admit that I used to be a bit of a shopaholic when it came to clothing but, nowadays, I'm a sucker for homeware. I can walk in and out of a clothing store in 10 seconds but I can easily spend hours browsing through stores like The Range, B&M and, of course, IKEA. So it's only fair if I share some of my favourite finds, right?

1. Malm Dressing Table (link here) - I have seen this all over Instagram and I'm totally in love with it. The crisp white finish with the glass top makes it look so elegant and clean. All it needs is a beautiful mirror above it!

2. Audrey Hollywood Mirror (link here) - No dressing table is complete without a stunning mirror, right? These light-up mirrors give that instant wow factor and they look so much nicer than the standard smaller mirrors to come attached to dressing tables.

3. Clam light (link here) - Yes, that's right, this is a rose gold clam light! I came across this on Instagram and fell in love with it. Do I need one? Probably not. Do I want one? Definitely!

4. Pineapple shaped glass jar (link here) - I love all things glass and I also love pineapples so this one is a no-brainer. This would look so pretty placed on a bedside table or above the fireplace.

5. Copper foil poster (link here) - I'm a massive fan of framed quotes as they can be so uplifting and it adds a little extra something to a room. I particularly like this one with it's copper foil and pink background, it makes a change from the slightly more mute prints that I see quite often.

6. Mansfield 2-seater sofa (link here) - There's something so simplistic and clean about the colour grey. This would look perfect with a few mustard coloured scatter cushions on it.

7. Vintage 16-piece cutlery set (link here) - I've always wanted to own a really fancy set of cutlery and these are just so beautiful. I love the intricate design on the handles and these would definitely look great for a nice fancy dinner or afternoon tea.

Do any of these take your fancy? Where do you like to shop for homeware?

Happy Things #6

It's been a while so what better way to kick things off than with a Happy Things post?

National Trust. I have recently renewed my National Trust membership and I'm so glad that I did. For those of you unfamiliar with the National Trust, they are a conservation organisation that looks after places of historic interest and natural beauty. They have hundreds of sites across the UK and I just love visiting them, especially on a sunny day when you can go on the most beautiful walks around the gardens. I currently have a young person's membership for those under the age of 26 which is £32.40 a year.

Candles. When you find a candle that not only looks good but smells good too, you know you're onto a winner. I've only recently got into candles as I have a major phobia that I'll end up burning the house down but I make sure that as soon as I leave the room for more than 5 minutes, the candle is out! These two little pretty candles were on sale for just £1 each from Tesco! The first one is mango & papaya which smells so exotic and fruity. The second one is watermelon which smells much sweeter and good enough to eat. 

Kind Bars. These are so delicious! I wanted to stock up on some energy bars that I could easily chuck into my handbag to snack on if I ever find myself getting peckish, or just as a pre-workout snack. There are so many energy bars out there that contain near to around 30g of sugar in just one 50g bar! These are lower in sugar (4.5g per bar) and are packed full of protein. Plus, I'm a fan of nuts so these are perfect.

Looking to the future. I'm sure that I'll do a more reflective/soppy/mushy post towards the end of this year or the start of next but I'm really looking forward to the future at the moment. Sure, things aren't perfect but, this year, I feel like I'm really starting to learn more about myself and I feel like everything is slowly falling into place. I have so many good things coming up in my life and I can't wait to see what the future brings.....

What has made you happy recently?

Review: Jewellery Box - 9ct Gold Flowers Pendant

Everyone loves a bit of jewellery, right? 

I was recently contacted by the people at Jewellery Box to review one of their beautiful pieces of jewellery. Jewellery Box specialises in beautiful real jewellery at costume jewellery prices. Who says that jewellery has to be expensive?

They offer a range of items including necklaces, charms, bracelets, and earrings. For those who love their rose gold pieces, they have an entire section devoted to this.

I was sent this beautiful crystal and rose gold necklace* and I couldn't be happier with it. The chain and the pendant outline itself are both 9ct yellow gold, whereas the pendant inner consists of a 2 rose gold flowers and 3 crystals. It is so delicate and intricate and I know it will be perfect for wearing out to dinner but subtle enough to wear on a day to day basis to work.

It came packaged in a brown box, tied up with brown string. Very old-school and very charming at the same time! It would be perfect as a gift for a loved for, or just as a treat for yourself of course!

If you're after affordable but beautiful fine jewellery, Jewellery Box is the place to go to.

Have you ever shopped at Jewellery Box? Let me know your favourite piece.

A New Chapter + A Few Goals

Hello everyone. I have missed blogging so much but life has been super busy but I'm finally back (again). I can't wait to start dedicating a bit more time to my little corner of the web. So much has happened since I last blogged and I feel like a changed person. In the true spirit of a fresh start, I thought I'd share with you all a few of my goals for the next few months.

1) Get better at cooking. I love feeling fit and healthy. I enjoy exercise and I work out pretty much every day now but I am still learning about how best to nourish my body with food. I have a wonderful shelf full of healthy cook books that I have spent hours flicking through, but barely anytime actually creating any of it. 

2) Meet new people. I feel like I haven't spent much time getting out there recently and I'd love to meet more people and expand my social circle a bit more be it through blogging, attending more events, or signing up for classes that interest me.

3) Make the most of the weekends. I'll admit that I'm not very good at chilling out and relaxing so, what do I end up doing? Working. From now on, I'm going to find new places to go and new activities to try out and just generally enjoy more weekends a bit more.

4) Give more compliments. It's amazing how one compliment can brighten up someone's day. The best feeling of happiness is when you're happy because you've made someone else happy.

5) Strive towards a more simplistic lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I won't be turning into a minimalist overnight but I'm inspired by minimilism and simplicity and I hope to replicate parts of that into both my lifestyle and my home. I love looking through Instagram to see all of these simplistic home decor ideas and clean lines.

I hope you've all enjoyed my returning post! Let me know what your goals are this year.

IKEA lust list

1. Plant Pot (link here) - These are very popular all over the blogging world, used as make-up brush holders. I currently use a mug to store my make-up brushes but I'm desperately after one of these.

2. Chest of drawers (link here) - I love how clean white looks but when there is too much of it, it all looks a bit clinical. So this chest of drawers is perfect with the contrast from the oak-stained border.

3. Dressing table (link here) - I've had my eye on this one for a while now and I'm currently having a clearout of my bedroom so that I can get rid of my old desk and replace it with this beautiful dressing table. It's just one of those things that makes a bedroom feel that little bit more special.

4. Armchair (link here)- I am a big fan of grey sofas and the next best thing is an armchair to go with it. 

5. Serving stand (link here) - I'm in two minds as to whether I'd use this for serving canapes when guests are round or whether I'd keep it safely hidden away in my bedroom to use as storage. Either way, anything glass always looks good. 

6. Dining chair (link here) - I love the high back on this and the cushioned seat. I've never gotten used to the idea of sitting on an un-cushioned dining room chair.

7. Standing mirror (link here) - Every girl needs a full length standing mirror in her bedroom. This one is extra special as there are hooks on the back where you can hang tomorrow's outfit!

8. Cushion cover (link here) - Keeping with the theme for my love of grey, this would be a a cute little addition to my sofa.

9. Coffee table (link here) - This is such a beautiful colour and I love the fact that the top is glass although I'd be a little wary of using the actual see-through storage section in case it looked a bit messy. 

Happy Sunday everyone!

Review: Decléor - Aroma Confort Systeme Corps Moisturising Body Milk

When it comes to skincare, I rarely leave it to chance but if I am having a lazy skincare day, the one step that I will never let pass me by is moisturising. It is so important to lock in that moisture every day, especially after coming out of the shower as your skin can dry out quickly afterwards.

I have a love of body butters but when the weather starts to get a little warmer, I am always on the lookout for lighter options in the form of body lotions or body milks, just so my skin doesn't feel too heavy in the heat.

I was recently sent a bottle of Decléor Aroma Confort Systeme Corps Moisturising Body Milk* to try out, which couldn't have come at a better time as we are approaching Summer, although the weather is looking pretty dreary as I am sitting here typing. I must admit that although I am familiar with the Decléor name, I have never been familiar with their products as I don't believe they are easy to find on the high street. 

This product claims to give your skin a velvety smoothness due to its moisturising properties and its abilities to firm and elasticate the skin. Skin is then left softened at its surface layers and it is also left revitalised. 

First of all, I adore the subtle scent of this product. It just smells light and fresh, and it reminds me of old-school lotions when I was growing up, before everything started having perfumes and various smells added to it. Sometimes simple really is best and this gives my skin a very delicate scent that just makes me feel clean. 

I adore how light this feels and I can get dressed in no time without worrying about that sticky feeling from leftover residue on my skin. It glides over my skin and sinks in immediately but a little really does go a long way so you don't need to use a lot. 

Having used this on my body for over a month, I've really noticed a difference in how soft my legs have got and it is definitely worth keeping up, especially as Summer is just around the corner. Obviously this has been combined with an exfoliating regime as there is no point in slathering lotion on flaky skin! 

This is my Summer lotion and I have even been using it on my hands every morning before work as my hands tend to get quite dry. The pump makes it so easy and quick to dispense lotion and I only wish that more brands would add pumps to their body products. 

If you suffer from super dry skin then this product probably wouldn't work that well for you as it is a light body milk but, for anyone with normal skin this would be perfect. 

It's fresh, light, easy to apply, and makes my skin feel soft and supple. What's not to like?

Growing Up - Life Lessons That I Have Learnt

Back when I was a teenager, I used to think I was so grown up and mature and, to be honest, compared to others my age, I probably was quite mature but I certainly didn't know as much as I thought I did. Likewise, I'm sure that in a year's time, I will look back on today and realise how much I didn't know. We are constantly growing up and constantly learning each day, each month, and each year.

I feel like I have learnt so many life lessons over the years so, today, I would like to share a few of them with you all.

The future matters. I know the importance of making the most of every day but it is just as important to think about the future. The future is exciting. I like knowing that everything that I do today is building a better and brighter tomorrow. A mortgage won't pay itself, a family won't build itself, and your dreams will not land in your lap. Live each day to the maximum but also know that tomorrow does come. Make the most of today but plan ahead too. We are the future so let's make it a bright one.

Letting go can sometimes be the best thing that you can do for yourself. Letting go can be painful, it can be difficult and uncomfortable but, at the same time, it can be exhilarating and refreshing. In the past year, I have let go of a a handful of people in my life who were once my confidantes. In some cases, we simply outgrew each other. As I've got older, I've realised that I don't have to settle for second best, I don't have to settle with being the fallback kid, and I don't have to settle for being unhappy. It's hard to let go but it's even harder to hold onto something that drains the light from your life.

A true friendship isn't hard work. A friendship is a two way street, you shouldn't have to constantly work for it. When two people get on with each other and want to spend time together, they will. I've spent a lot of my life being a bit of a doormat and letting others take advantage of my kind nature whilst tolerating them letting me down when I need them. Those aren't true friends, those are people who just want to use you. I've been that girl who will always send the first text and then have to wait days for a reply. I've been that girl who will always be the first to arrange meet-ups, only for the other person or people to tell me that they're busy every time. Those aren't true friends and, the chances are, they never were.

You can't help who you fall for. This is one of the biggest lessons I have learnt in the past year. I have fallen in and out of lust with guys who weren't right for me, or guys who would be perfect given another time and another place. Sometimes it hurts, but sometimes it gives something beautiful, even if just for a brief moment, and it is entirely worth it just for those moments. I have learnt to let my guard down in the last year and just let myself fall, because it is honestly one of the best feelings. Not everyone will get their happy ever after, and not everyone will find "the one" straight away. Also, not everyone will approve be it parents, exes or friends, but it is easy to underestimate your own mind. They are not you, follow your instincts and don't be afraid to go on dates and to get to know people. Holding back can mean missing out on something beautiful.

Health is our biggest asset. I feel like so many people take their health for granted because, well, it's just something that is there, right? It gets ignored until we are hit with an illness and it should never be that way. At the start of this year, I made a drastic change to my lifestyle, not because anything bad had happened, but because I want to be able to experience life at the fittest and healthiest state that I can be in. I love being active and I love taking care of my own body, it is the only one I have. You don't have to cut out cakes and you don't have to go for a run every day but get moving, eat well, nourish your body but treat it from time to time too. All too often I hear people saying that even the healthiest person can be hit with a dreadful sickness so what's the point? Well the point is, you're a lot more likely to be healthy if you consciously live that way. No one can tell you that you're guaranteed your health for life, but you can do things that you will thank yourself for in 5 or 10 years time. There are illnesses that many middle-aged people suffer from and they have cultivated that from their lifestyle habits as a youth. I want to grow old gracefully and still exude energy whilst I am doing it.

Growing up is exciting as we learn more about ourselves. Just when I'd hit 20, I thought to myself "oh gosh, I'm getting old!" and I would have done anything to rewind the years. Now? I'm still in my early twenties but I have a much more positive outlook on growing up and, dare I say it, I actually think that growing up is a little exciting. As the years have gone on, I have learnt to love myself more, to understand what it is I truly want from life, and to stop wasting time on the things that drag me down. My future is looking pretty bright at the moment and everything seems to be falling into place so I am definitely looking forward to the years ahead. Very few things are handed to you on a plate when you're an adult. It is up to ourselves to get out there and make the most of everything.....

I hope you have all had a beautiful weekend and I hope you enjoyed reading this post as I really enjoyed writing it. Please let me know your thoughts below and let me know what you have learnt from life.

Review: Eat Clean Tea - Matcha Tea

When it comes to drinking tea, I try to avoid caffeine and the only time I make an exception is when it is green tea as I believe that the benefits far outweigh the cons. I've been drinking green tea for years but only in the last few years have I started drinking matcha green tea. 

Matcha green tea is like normal green tea but better. Instead of boiling the leaves and drinking the infused hot water, you drink the actual leaves too which are blended into a super fine powder. You get all the nutrients rather than just chucking the leaves into the bin. 

So why drink matcha green tea? First and foremost, matcha has incredible detoxing properties to cleanse out your body naturally, so I highly recommend matcha to anyone who is on a journey of health. In turn, this helps to give you a lovely glow as it clears your skin. Alongside all of that, matcha also helps to keep you alert, improves your heart health, and gives your metabolism a boost which is great for burning calories. 

I have tried a couple of delicious matcha teas in the past and I was recently sent two lovely new ones from Eat Clean Tea. They very kindly sent me the Matcha & Ginger* and the Matcha & Mint*. I must admit that I have never tried a matcha powder that isn't just matcha on its own so I was super excited to give these a go.

Eat Clean Tea are relatively new on the matcha scene so it might be a new name to most of you. I absolutely love their ethos of eating well and exercising in order to maintain good health, none of those fad diets or teatoxes. Their matcha originates from Japan where the leaves are handpicked and then stone ground to form a fine powder which we can then whisk into a delightful tea. 

The first one that I tried was the Matcha & Ginger* which I was initially a little apprehensive about. I'm not the biggest fan of having ginger in my foods but I'm all for trying new food and drink so I knew I had to give this one a go. Made from matcha powder and ground ginger, this is a super powerful drink that not only detoxifies, but it gives your immune system an almighty boost due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger. The first thing I noticed was how strong it smelt, especially after I had mixed it with boiling hot water. I must admit that when mixed just with water, it was a touch too strong for me but, with a top up of almond milk, it was just perfect. I never thought that I would like anything with ginger in it but I absolutely love how refreshing this is and I love knowing that it's doing good stuff inside my body too. This was definitely my favourite out of the two. 

I then tried the Matcha & Mint* which didn't frighten me as much since I am a big fan of peppermint tea. This tea is made from matcha and spearmint powder and it gives such a refreshing kick. This is perfect for anyone who wants a touch of sweetness to their matcha and it's great for giving you a happy tummy due to the digestive aids in mint. This is one that I would happily drink with or without milk. 

The Eat Clean Tea website recommends that you drink this tea twice a day but I tend to just drink it in the morning before I set off for the day. It keeps my metabolism going, maintains my energy levels and it has a great calming effect on me due to a compound called L-Theanine which is present in matcha.

Eat Clean Tea offers free worldwide shipping so you can get your matcha fix wherever you live. Priced at £18.95 for 30g, this is one of the more affordable matcha tea powders that I have come across. 

Are you a fan of drinking matcha tea?

Happy Things #6

M&S Cookies. I made my very first trip to my local M&S Food Hall recently and found these delicious looking cookies. I actually remember seeing the Pineapple & Coconut cookies on someone's Instagram a while back and I've wanted to try them ever since but it's the flapjack cookies that really won me over. 

Running. My treadmill is definitely one of the best investments I have ever made. I've had it for a while now and there is rarely a day that goes by when I don't use it. For me, I find it to be such a stress-reliever. Depending on my mood or energy levels that day, I'll either listen to a playlist on Spotify whilst I run, or I'll power walk on an incline whilst listening to a podcast. I'm hoping that once the weather warms up a bit, I might look for somewhere nice in the countryside where I can run during the weekends. I have still not found the perfect pair of running shoes but I do have a love for Skechers and I adore their memory foam range. 

Kate Spade handbag. They say that most women either have a love of shoes or a love of bags. For me, it is most definitely bags. I used to have far too many and I have toned it down over the years but I still can't resist a beautiful looking bag. I've never been into designer handbags as I don't believe they're really worth the price but I decided that it was time to get myself a "staple handbag", one that I would take everywhere with me. So I did the unthinkable, I purchased my first designer handbag. I am in love with my new Kate Spade bag, the quality is exceptional and I can't wait to take it everywhere with me.

I hope you have all had an amazing week!