July Favourites 2020

Hi guys, so lately I’ve been shopping a lot. Honestly, now work is a little more normal I’ve felt so much more relaxed in regards to my financial situation, so have splurged a little more than normal as I hardly brought anything for 3 months. Therefore, I thought it might be fun to show you guys what I brought! Plus I feel quite nostalgic when it comes to these posts, as its what my blog was very much made up of in the early days back in 2016. Anyway, without further a do, lets get started.

• Nakd Strawberry Sundae bars. In the past, I have tried some Nakd Bars before, like the cocoa orange one and carrot cake one, but haven’t been overly impressed with them. However, this new one is a game changer! It is lush, honestly it reminds me so much of the creamy part of strawberry cremes from Quality Street. Its heavenly, definitely worth a try if you want a healthier snack.

• Next, I brought these little black floral shorts, with a white daisy print. When I first picked them up, I assumed they were a cute floral skirt. However, once I got home and tried it on I was even more happy with this purchase. These are probably the comfiest, light weight shorts I own, and go so well with their a black, white or yellow vest top. Mine are a size 10 and cost £9.99. You can find them here. https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/shorts/black-floral-print-flippy-shorts/p/651396609

• Another item from Newlook, is a white floral peplum top. I wasn’t too sure about this purchase when I first tried it on, however it has grown on me. I got it in a size 12 to be on the safe side ( I’m technically a 10, but some materials don’t quite have enough stretch so I have to size up.) and i’m so glad I did. It hides my tummy for when i’m feeling self concious or bloated, but also has the most adorable frills on the sleeves! Again, it is super light weight and comfortable to. You can find it here, for £15.99 https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/white-floral-and-spot-peplum-top/p/659968619

• Onto skin care, i’ve decided to change my skincare routine a little bit for the first time in years. Now, twice a week ill mix some of the Revolution Vitamin C Serium in with my Simple Light Moisturiser, and apply it all over my face. I’ve found that since coming off the pill my skin has really struggled, so this serum has helped the texture and brightness of my skin improve so much! You can buy it here for £8. https://www.revolutionbeauty.com/uk/en/skin/serums-and-oils/revolution-skincare-3pct-vitamin-c-serum/1137461.html

• Finally, I have been loving the Revolution X Skincare, Jake Jamie Strawberry Donut Face mask. Firstly, this smells just like real strawberry donuts, its heavenly! Secondly, it comes in a little glass pot which makes it feel so much more expensive and luxurious. This has easily become my go-to for pamper evenings. I just rub on a small, even amount of this all over my face with my fingers and wait for 15 minutes, before washing it off with a hot cloth. It always leaves my skin feeling so soft and glowy, so makes the perfect pick-me-up after a tough week. You can buy it here for £8. https://www.revolutionbeauty.com/uk/en/skin/face-masks/revolution-skincare-x-jake-jamie-strawberry-donut-face-mask/1183185.html

Thats all guys, what have you been loving this month? Let me know in the comments below.

Take care,

~ Emma x

Honest Soph X Revolution Review

Hi guys!

Okay okay, so I admit I may be a little bit late to the party on this one. As you may or may not know, I did a review on the Soph X Revolution highlighter palette a few years ago ( Here’s the link if you haven’t seen it https://littleharto.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/review-on-the-soph-x-makeup-revolution-highlighter-palette/ ) But since then, i’ve spent a lot of time umming and arring over her eye shadow palette. However, I finally caved and brought it, and have given it a fair go so I could write a review for you all! Lets get started.

Firstly, I love the packaging. The pallet comes with a matte creamy casing, and a big mirror on the inside, not only is it handy, but it also looks quite aesthetically pleasing. However, the packaging does tend to look quite grubby fairly quickly. I’m not too bothered by that, but it may be something to think about if it does bother you.

Onto the actual eyeshadow. The pallete contains 14 matte and 10 shimmer shades. They range in lots of different colours, from your every day nudes, to bright colours, to metalic shimmers. There really is something for everyone, which can be ideal if youre just starting out with makeup and aren’t sure what your preferences are yet.

Let’s talk about the mattes. They are incredible! They are so pigmented and blend so easily – they very much remind me of high quality mattes such as the urban decay shadows. Buttery and easy to work with, but can also be build-able if you use a careful, light hand. My Favourite mattes are Rosewood, Iced Coffee, Tiramisu, and Cuppa Tea.

However, i’m kind of sad to say that I don’t really love the shimmers as much. Some of the colours, such as Smokey Bronze and Copper Coin are stunning, but others don’t work for me. I find the pinky shimmer really crumbly, and I struggle to work with lighter shades like Grow Old and Fairy Lights. It’s almost like i’m trying to get the shimmer to come off onto my finger and onto my eyelid, but it just doesn’t want to come out of the pan. Therefore, although there are some stunning shimmers, they’re not too consistent.

Here’s some swatches.

My final thoughts, are that this pallet is still a good quality for £10. I would personally buy this pallet for the mattes alone, and some of the shimmers are stunning with very little fall out. What do you guys think of this pallete? Let me know in the comments below!

Take care,

~ Emma x

Youtubers you should be watching #2

Hi guys. So over the years i’ve watched a lot of youtuber. However, times have changed a little and as i’ve grown, my so has my taste in youtubers. My last ” youtubers you should be watching” post is a few years old now, so I thought i’d give you a more up to date version of what i’ve been enjoying. Lets get started.

Sophie & Dave.  These youtuber’s are a young couple, who have been vlogging their everyday lives for  couple of years now. Not only do I like their channel because I like to be a bit nosy and see what others do with their day ( but don’t we all?), but they’re both really down to earth and light hearted. If you’ve had a rubbish day, their vlogs are sure to cheer you up!

Melanie Murphy. Melanie is someone who appeared in my last post just over 4 years ago. I guess that really shows how long i’ve been watching her channel! I still love her videos, I truly feel her channel and content has grown and matured with me over the years. She focuses her videos around food, lifestyle, beauty and just pure honesty. No fancy gimmics or clickbate, shes just here to be her most authentic, honest self in the hopes it leaves a positive impact. I can say for an absolute fact that its definitely done that for me. She’s inspired me and changed my mindset for the better, regarding food, relationships and body image and mental health during some of my most difficult years. She’s truly been a rock throughout difficult times over the years, which sounds so silly to say but its true. This is the one and only youtuber who I feel truly connected to, despite the fact weve never actually met in person and only interact on twitter sometimes. I hope I can meet her one day and tell her all of this, but until then i’ll just be leaving this here…

Allie Gilnes. This is a beauty youtuber, who does lots of stunning, glamorous makeup tutorials with a range of products. She creates a lot of glamourous looks, however they can be quite wearable and appropriate for day time, as well as easy to follow! For this reason, she’s definitely worth a watch if youre new and only just starting out with makeup.

Natacha Ocean. If youre looking to get fit, then this is the youtuber for you! Natacha really does not mess around, she films lots of HIIT workouts that are sure to get your heart pumping and legs aching within seconds. However, although her workouts are super tough they can get easier with practice and will leave you with incredible results. The best part is, she knows all the science and works with experts when she researches how workouts and moves can impact us, so she really does know what she’s doing, can back it up, and shows she’s got all of our best interests at heart. A true inspiration for those looking for tougher, effective workouts.

That’s all guys, what youtubers have you been enjoying lately? Let me know in the comments bellow.

Take care,

~ Emma x

An Honest Chat…

HI guys.

Honestly, I feel like I have so many blog post ideas in my drafts at the moment, but I don’t feel like writing any of them. I just want to have a really relaxed, sit down chat with you guys about life and where i’m at. I feel as though although beauty and lifestyle blogs are nice, its also nice to just have a chat and see who the person behind the blog really is. So, get yourself a cup of tea and some snacks, and lets get started.

Phew. Where do I even begin? This past 6 weeks have been intense. Lock down has finally been eased, so that means i’ve gone back to work and am adjusting to normal life again. However, in all honesty, i’m really struggling with getting back into it.

I don’t know whether its just the fact I barely socialised in 2 months, or whether there’s something underlying, but I am struggling to settle back into work and cope with the social aspect of things. Reserved. That’s what i’ve been called. I guess it’s deemed as a bad thing, that’s how its comes out anyway. However I can’t physically help being so quiet. It feels safe and comforting, the less people know the less they have to judge you on. At the same time though i’m already loosing friends because of this, but it’s become so deeply ingrained in me over the years that I don’t know how to turn it around. That’s okay though, i’m sure it’ll come with time. Gotta keep that positive thinking up, right?

Next, I am also going through some changes. Last month, I came off the pill. Oh my goodness I cannot even begin to explain the benefit that this has had on me. I’ve felt quite down and anxious, and very sad ( I won’t use the word depressed though, I don’t think I was quite that bad) and had been for months. I couldn’t put my finger on it until I thought enough was enough, and quit the pill at the beginning of june, and its like the storm clouds in my brain have dissipated. I feel so much more positive, like I can actually cope with things now. My motivation to do well is back. and most days are good days. Yes I may still be a bit reserved at work… but at least i’m not reserved and super sad which is a big improvement for me. Ladies, listen to your gut. If it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.

Another recent change, is i’ve decided to go on a dating app detox. I may write a blog post about this in more detail if people are interested but honestly, dating is exhausting. The whole concept of chatting online for a bit, to maybe have a first date, then a few more dates if you’re lucky to then be back at square one and have nothing to show for it.. it’s a lot. So I’ve decided to put myself first and take a break from them ( I may return to them in a year or so, who knows.) as i’m tired of feeling so down because of them.Although quitting has been hard, I do feel better in myself now I’ve quit. There’s so much more space and energy in me to focus on next things. I’m also processing things more and learning how healthier, organic relationships may look, so hopefully I can make better choices in the future.

Speaking of focusing on things, I’ve started up my driving lessons again! My driving theory test is coming very soon, and i’m pushing to be ready for my practical test not long after that. If covid has taught me anything, it’s taught me how essential having car can be and that i’ll be so much more free when I have one. I just want to be able to explore and be independent, without having to rely on public transport as its not my favourite. Therefore, my goals are to drive by the end of 2020/beginning of 2021.

I feel like this next 6 months – year needs to be a year about me, and my personal growth. No distractions, just lots of goals, manifestations and self care. I’m only just now realising that

That’s all guys. I hope it doesn’t sound silly, but I do feel better for writing all of this down. I’m so grateful to have a blog where I can have these open, honest discussions. It means a lot.

Take care,

~ Emma x

My fitness journey #2 – food and diet

Hi guys! So as you may (or may not) know, fitness and healthy living is something ive been trying to get into for the past 8 months now. Excersizing is going well, i’ve learnt what works for me and what I like and dislike.(more on that coming soon…) I’m also becoming more consistent over time.

However, food is a whole other challenge in itself. I. Love. Food. Stodgy carbs, chocolates, cakes, allll the takeaways, they are my weakness. Because of this, healthy eating has been the difficult part of my fitness journey – but I have learnt some things along the way, that i’d like to share with you guys.

I’m going to let you into a little secret. My eating habits used to be TERRIBLE. Im talking a high sugar breakfast (thats if i even had it in the first place), cheesy chips and chocolate for lunch, and all the stodgy carbs for tea. I just ate what I wanted but didnt care, as I didnt put on too much weight. However, although i remained a comfortable size 12, I was not in good shape. I’d become out of breathe walking 10 mins up a small(ish) hill, was always tired, and had awful stomache pain where i was in agony, holding my stomache on the floor, unable to sleep and sweating from pain for 2 days. The doctors prescribed me a course of tablets to settle it, as nothing else helped. That was my turning point, where I decided I had to be healthier.

Honestly, this has not been an overnight thing and is definitely still far from perfect. However, I have been making slow, steady progress – which has been enough to feel a difference. I started out with small simple changes, such as cutting out crisps ( i’m not too bothered by savoury snacks anyway, so it wasn’t too big of a deal), choosing dark chocolate, nutty bars over regular milk chocolate bars, and swapping regular, high sugar coffee for a lower calorie plant based option.

I also paired this with cutting down tea, and replacing it with water. Previously, I was drinking 5-6 cups a day, so consuming lots of liquid calories. After having a chat with a personal trainer at my gym, he explained that it may be one of the factors as to why my cholesterol was a tad higher than it should be. However, although its still tough to do sometimes, it really has made a difference. By drinking 1.5-2 litres a day, My skin is has got clearer, my digestion is better, I snack less, and it has aided my weight loss.

Finally, the biggest thing I have learnt about is intuitive eating. This is something that can be learnt, however it didn’t come to me overnight. The main concept of this is to listen to your body and what it needs, rather than relying on lots of unsustainable diets. For example, I know now that if I have a busy day and lunch time is a long way away, i’ll feel an urge to just eat porridge that’s topped with fruit, or some days I just want and crave the extra fruits and veggies in my meals – because I know it makes me feel good However its also not the end of the world if I eat a KFC sometimes because KFC is good for my soul.

I used to myself eating junk just because its there, and for no real reason, often just boredom. Therefore, by only eating what my body actually needs and try and reduce naughty treats, its allowed me to have so much more energy and feel less sluggish during the days. I also feel like I perform better during excersize when I eat well.

Although my diet is still not perfect all of the time, this is what has helped me the most during my fitness journey. What good eating habits have helped you guys the most lately? Let me know in the comments below.

Take care,

~ Emma x