January Favourites

If you saw my post this week about Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 you will know how much I have been loving this, as I have been having seriously dry, chapped lips and this has sorted me out totally. For £9.50, I think it is excellent value and it lasts a good amount of time.
I got this beautiful Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Cologne for Christmas and it has been my go to fragrance within January. The scent is so refreshing, and I love that it is fruity but has some woody undertones too, which makes a perfect combination.
I did a full post with review and swatches of my first ever Makeup Geek order, with full details of the individual shades. The Makeup Geek Eyeshadows are such great for just £4.95, and they have been my go to shadows as they have great pigmentation and glide on super easy. My favourite shade have been Homecoming and Glamorous (first and fourth in the palette) as they are perfect everyday one swipe shades. In the same order I bought my first Z Palette, as the shadows come in pan form only. This was £8.99 for the small version which fits 9 shadows in, and is great for travelling.
Foundations are something which I am very picky about, and over Christmas my usual fave the L'oreal True Match ran out. I went into Boot's and I was intrigued by the Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation,  as I hadn't heard too much about this foundation so I was interested in trying it out. I really like it and it has good lasting power, and it blends really well. The only downside is that the shade range is limited, and the shade I picked up is a little bit too dark, but I can just about make it work.

What have you been loving throughout January?

Lucy
xoxo

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1

At the start of the week, I woke up one morning with ridiculously dry and cracked lips. This always happens to me in the winter months, and it can become very uncomfortable and sore. I always have my go to product which is the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1.I have two versions of these the original and the mango. I have been using the original for over a year and it has always managed to the job perfectly. Over Christmas, they brought out a Christmas set and me and my sister shared it and I choose the mango version, as I was worried my other one was running low. However, the original will always be my all time favourite. A little tip with this is to apply a little more than you usually would, on the areas where the attention is most needed. For me, this is my top lip where the skin is especially cracked and needs the most love and care. It dries and soaks in quickly and doesn't feel uncomfortable or clumpy. After a few days my lips started to feel much better, but it does require continuous application in order for them to be back to normal. These cost £9.50 which I think is quite expensive for a lip balm, but it is a deep, hydrating product which gets the job done.

Lucy

xoxo

Drugstore Essentials Haul

One day at the start of last week, within one morning my shampoo, conditioner, cleanser and facial wash ran out. I mean it is rather unlucky for that to happen, but in fact I love using up products as it means I am able to to take a trip to Boots and see any new launches.

I have never tried any hair products from Garnier before, and I was intrigued by the Ultimate Blends Shampoo and Conditioner. I have been using this everyday for the past two weeks and I have been really impressed. It is advertised to work on dry, dull hair. I love how silky soft it makes my hair feel, and it adds some life and glow back into my hair. I am really impressed and these are still on offer for 2 for £4. If you are looking for a budget friendly new shampoo and conditioner combination, I would really recommend trying these out.

I am a big fan of foam cleansers, and I had previously been using the Clinique cleanser which I really enjoyed, but it was quite expensive. I picked up the Nivea Daily Essentials Soothing Cleansing Mousse, it claims to cleanse deeply and moisturise. After putting it to the test, I definitely does feel like it has thoroughly cleansed, and it leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed which is exactly what you want first thing in the morning.

Lastly, I picked up my holy grail night time cleanser which is the Garnier Micellar Water. It was on offer for the big 400ml bottle for just £3, which was really excellent value. This must be my fourth bottle of this marvellous water, and I am always recommending it to my friends. It does a really great job at getting your makeup off in one swipe. I use two flat cotton pads - one for my eyes and one for my face, and it does the job perfectly.

Lucy
xoxo

Makeup Geek Cosmetics - Haul, Review & Swatches

(Bitten, Homecoming, Cosmopolitan) 

(Glamorous, Country Girl)

This haul has been a long time coming. I have been wanting to buy some makeup geek eyeshadows ever since they landed on BeautyBay, I am not kidding it took weeks off deliberation, and driving myself crazy to the point where I made myself just order everything in my basket to stop myself going insane. But, I can safely say that I am very happy with my purchases. I needed to purchase a Z palette (£8.99) as did not previously own one. This was a huge decision within itself as there are many different sizes of these. I decided to go with the small which can fit 9 eyeshadows in, as it would be convenient for traveling. But at this rate, I am going to need the biggest one! I decided to order 5 shades to try them out and see what I do and do not like from the range. The eyeshadows were just £4.95 each which is great value. The formula of the shades are exceptional for the price, they are super pigmented and feel very smooth and creamy when applied. They blend great, and a little definitely goes a long way!

Bitten - The colour which everyone told me to buy including Kathleen Lights (her video is fab for details on every shade!) I was a little optimistic to try this out as it is very different to my usual go to colours, but I really glad I picked it up. It looks lovely with MAC's Cranberry and also blended with Country Girl. This is the only matte shade which I picked up and I really like the

Homecoming - I can see this shade being one which I use on a daily basis as it it such an easy shade to wear. I think it is quite similar to MAC's Satin Taupe which is one my most used shades ever. Everyone recommended this to me, and I think it is a great shade to choose to be in a palette which you are just starting to create.

Cosmopolitan - The prettiest rose gold shimmer shade which I have ever seen. I have never come across a shade like this ever before, it is just so unique and gorgeous. On the lids it looks beautiful, as the golden, peachy tones really come through.

Glamorous - This can only be described as the perfect medium golden. It is great as an everyday shade as it stands out on its own, with its metallic shimmer throughout it. It contains orangery shades which makes it quite unique from any other shades in which I own.

Country Girl - This was last to be added to my basket. But I am so happy which I did it is a darken shimmer shade which contains brown tones but it contains deep red undertones which compliment each other beautifully.

Please let me know if there is any other essential shades which I need to add to my palette.

Lucy
xoxo

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I recently picked up a new Real Techniques Expert Face Brush thinking it was a replacement for the brush which I misplaced somewhere between home and uni. It turns out I have been saying that I have been using the expert face brush when in fact it was their buffing brush. I did not realise as I got the buffing brush as part of a collection a while back, and I just thought that they were the same brush. Anyway, I am really excited to put this to the test, but first impressions are that they are similar, except the buffing brush was a little larger and the bristles were less densely packed. I watched Sam's brush tutorial which explained that the expert face brush is perfect for foundation as it gives more coverage, whereas the buffing brush is more for a compact foundation or a creamed powder. I have never had a problem using the buffing brush for foundation, but if this does an even better job than I will be one happy girl! I love Real Techniques product, and I have never tried anything and not loved it.

What are your favourite Real Techniques brushes?

Lucy
xoxo

Deliciously Ella

So it's January, and this is the time where everyone decides that they are going to shape up and get fit! But, I am actually more determined than ever, to actually shake things up and adopt a healthier lifestyle. I having been wanting to pick up the cookbook Deliciously Ella by the blogger Ella Woodward for ages now, and I finally took the plunge last week and bought it. Now, I am very much a bigger lover of meat, and I know that there is no point me cutting it out because I enjoy eating it and I do not want to pressurise myself to restricting my diet to that extreme. But Ella's cookbook has really opened my eyes to the variation in which you can have following a vegan, plant-based diet. Other bloggers which I am huge fans of like Niomi Smart and Lily Melrose both follow a similar diet pattern to Ella. I decided myself to go gluten-free a few months ago, as I was sick of feeling so sluggish after eating my favourite carbs like rice and pasta. I have felt so much better in myself since I have done. I have always thought that a vegan / plant based type of diet would be so restrictive, but I have never really had my eyes opened to the types of foods which you can eat, which in fact is a huge variety. So here I am excited at the prospect of trying some of Ella's recipes and experimenting with new foods. She has so many amazing and adventurous recipes within her book including such a simple but tasty recipe for sweet potato wedges. I love how realistic she is and she says that this transition is gradual process for everyone, and to try and adapt this lifestyle slowing, as if you go in guns blazing you're setting yourself up to fail. Within the book she makes clear that she is not judging you and your choices, and if you still want to eat the occasional pizza when you go out with your friends - then do it. If you are more into having everything on your phone, she also had a really brilliant app which costs £2.99 and contains 200 recipes. This is so good for when you are on the go, and the app is really simple and well organised.

In the start of her book she has her staples which it what she suggests you stock up in your cupboard as they are the basis of all her recipes. I was worried that this was going to cost a lot of money and as a student I was unsure whether this lifestyle was going to be way out of my budget. I went online and did a bit of a scoop around the internet, and even though I had never heard of half of the ingredients they were in fact budget friendly. I have to say that there was a few items such as the coconut oil and acai berries which were expensive, but you do not need huge amounts of these ingredients and I think they would last you quite a while. I am going to start this next Monday, once I have shopping on Sunday and I am thinking that I might haul everything in which I pick up. Also, I am thinking of turning this into a bit of a series on my blog, to document how I am getting on. Would you like to see this type of a series?

Has anyone else got this book and completely fallen in love with it?

Lucy
xoxo

Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Cologne

I got the Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Cologne for Christmas off my parents. My mum knows how much I adore the Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne, and she knows that Blackberry and Bay was another favourite. It has instantly become my go to fragrance, as it is sweet and lingers beautifully on the skin. I only wear fragrances which have a fruity scent as they are my favourite. You can definitely smell the scent of blackberries, but there is also a deeper fresh scent of woody tones running throughout it.

Everyone knows that Jo Malone isn't a cheap brand, but the colognes are above all other brands in my opinion. They are excellent presents and gifts for someone special, as they are not cheap. The 30ml bottle costs £42, but my previous bottle which I got in July has only gone down about 1/4 so they are great value for money.

Do you recommend any Jo Malone fragrances?

Lucy

xoxo

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

I had been in need of a new concealer for a while now, but I could not quite make up my mind as to which one to go for. I always go for a high coverage concealer as I have some pesky blemishes on my chin which need to be covered. I decided to choose the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW15, as this is the shade which I choose for my foundation. I have been using this for a month now, and I have really been liking it. It is definitely a high coverage concealer, as it cover blemishes really well and it is also long lasting. The texture is quite creamy, and blends in really easily. I have previously been using my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, and it has a structured tip allows for precision on a smaller area. But I have recently bought this Lottie London Concealer brush, so I am excited to this new combination together. The concealer was quite expensive for a MAC product as it was £17,50, but I have been really enjoying using it and I would recommend it if you are in need of a high coverage concealer.

Lucy
xoxo

Lottie London Brushes

Whilst my mum was in the queue at BHS I stumbled across the Lottie London display. I have heard of this brand on a few blogs and it is also sold in SuperDrug, but I have never tried anything from the brand. I was instantly intrigued as everything on the display had been reduced by 50%. These were great value as they were just £2.50 each, which seemed like excellent value.

I hadn't heard of any particular great purchases from the brand, so I decided to just go with what I fancied. They have now all sold out on the BHS website, but you might still be able to snatch them up in store if you are quick. I picked up the All Eyes on You Shadow Brush, as you can never be short of these. I like the overall shape and size of the brush, and I am hoping it is a great addition to my collection. I didn't actually previously own any concealer brushes, and I thought this would help with precision when applying my concealer to smaller areas when covering blemishes. I really liked the look of the Conceal It Brush, the bristles look tightly packed and the oval shape will help with even application. I really like the two tone colouring to the brushes, they are really pretty and look lovely on my dressing table.

Have you tried any products from the Lottie London line?

Lucy
xoxo

What I Picked Up in the Sales

So if you read am I mad for Boxing Day sale shop post you will know I am one of those people who gets up at 7.30 to get to the shops for when they open. Everyone has their own opinions, but it works well for me and my sister. This year everyone was queuing for Selfridges to get in before it opened and I wasn't about that, so I headed to Zara first. This was the best move I made all day. I picked up some great bargains, I was super happy with everything I bought. It was all great prices, I picked up two dresses, two tops, and a super soft tartan scarf for under £55 (everything's now sold out online!). I love Victoria's Secrets loungewear and it was all half price, however the queue to pay was horrendous it took at least half an hour, but there was no way I was leaving my tracksuit on the rails! We had to go back to the car for a pitch stop to drop off our huge bags, and go back for round 2. We went into Boots, and this was definitely an experience. I am totally for treating yourself and spending your money which you have been gifted. However, can someone please explain to me why one person needs 30 perfume sets to themselves. It bamboozles me totally, and i can not deal with people scrapping over perfume. At the end of the day it is only perfume. I had seen this amazing fluffy pink coat in M&S whilst shopping with my mum, and I totally loved it but it was a bit pricey at £85. My mum said she would buy it me as an extra present if it went into the sale, and because she's the best she treated it me as it had gone down to £55. It's so lovely, and come on in Britain you are never short of needing a new coat. With all of my other shopping now completed, I headed to the mothership - Lush. All the Christmas products were half price so I picked up a Butterbear (98p), Candy Mountain (£1.50), Shoot for the Stars £1.83) and Stardust (1.48). I think sometimes in Lush you can get totally carried away, but you have to sit back and think am I actually going to use the masses in which you feel the need to buy. In this moment I was pretty good with self restraint. If you still need to stock up in Lush I went into my local stores yesterday and there was still a lot left, so it might be worth you taking a trip to your nearest branch. By this time it was getting ridiculously busy, and my patience was wearing very thin. I have definitely spent far too much money, and my bank balance was looking tired.

All in all, I got lots of great things and I have not bought anything which I regret buying or bought impulsively!

Lucy
xoxo

What I Got For Christmas

Off my mum and dad I got a lovely Kate Spade Tiny Metro Watch in this gorgeous vibrant pink shade, with the gold detailing. Kate Spade is one of my favourite brands, as her pieces are always so delicate and simplistic. I didn't know I was getting a watch, and it was a really lovely surprise. I also get a a bottle of Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Cologne which has such a beautiful scent. I am super excited to be start wearing this as it smells divine. My parents also bought my some beautiful Charlotte Tilbury makeup, which I was totally shocked, yet over the moon about. She got me the Dolce Vita Palette, the Cheek to Chic Blusher in Love is the Drug and the Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro-Powder in Fair. I am super excited to try these out and I will report back soon, once they have been put to the test. Ugg Boots are a favourite of mine and I currently have a black and chestnut pair, which I have had for years and they are super comfortable. My sister surprised me with a pair of the Short Classic Chocolate style which was super lovely of her, and I know I will get so much wear out of these.

For other smaller presents, I received some really lovely bits. This Kirstie Allsopp Rose Bath Bombes Kit is from my mum as she knows my about Lush addiction, and I thought it was a really lovely, thoughtful present. I am definitely going to try this out soon, as I think it will be really good fun.
I am always in need of hand creams, and I now have quite a big stash to put to the test. These miniatures from the Soap & Glory Winter Wonderhand set are really lovely, and are the perfect size to fit into my tunic pocket for when I need them on the go. This Gold Polka Dot To Do List is a perfect present for me, as I am always making notes to try and help me remember to do things, as I am useless and my memory is rather small. I love that with this pad you can just rip the pages out easily. The magnet on the back is the super useful, as I can pop it on my radiator so it is super convenient for when I need it.

I hope you had a fabulous Christmas and I wish you a happy New Year!

Lucy
xoxo 

2016 Blogging Goals

I did one of these posts last year and I really enjoyed doing it. I love setting myself personal goals to strive to achieve and it helps you keep focused.

I have really tried to focus on my photography this year, and I worked hard to improve it but there is definitely more work to be done. I find it really hard when I am on placement to take photos when the light is at its best, and taking pictures in bulk is definitely the way forward. 

I have started to become more organised and I need to continue with this. Buying my notebook was the best thing ever, as it helps me to plan my posts. I can easily see what I have done, and what I still have to do. I also do mind maps and notes planning out what I'm going to do, the content needed, and when I'm going to be posting it in the month. I am definitely going to continue with this organisation, and try to optimise my notebook more when inspiration strikes. 

Instagram seems to be a game changer for a lot of bloggers recently. So I think I need to seriously up my game. I can go days or even weeks without posting anything, and people want to see regular content and uploads if you want them to stick around. So this is a big one for me, to also take bulk photos for Instagram to help me to always have something to upload for when I am busy.

This may sound a little cheesy, but I would like to start making more friends within the blogging community. I speak to some really lovely bloggers regularly who are really great, but I don't really know anyone on a personal level or talk to anyone off Twitter. I don't actually have any 'friends' who blog, so I think it would be really nice to be able to discuss blogging within people within the community. So here's an olive branch to those girls who are already my Twitter faves, and to anyone else for that matter! Let's all feel loved come 2016!! 

I think the goals which I have set are realistic and there is just enough to get my teeth stuck in to for 2016! I was thinking I might do a half yearly review next year, to see how I am getting on with sticking to what I set out to achieve.

I would love to read your goals posts. So please link them below. I wish everyone a Happy New Year and let's smash 2016!!

Lucy

xoxo

Merry Christmas!

Today marks the last day of #blogmas for me. I have had a fab time doing it, but I have felt very pressurised at times trying to make sure I had a post up for the next day. But if has definitely made me feel at ease for the future, as to just post when I want to. I cannot believe Christmas Eve is here. I think I am finally in the Christmas mood (horray!). I am super excited for the next few days to relax and spend some quality time with my family, and eating as much food as I can possibly consume!

I'm not sure when I'll next be posting a blog post, but I have two posts planned somewhere between Boxing Day and New Year so keep your eyes peeled. I think I am going to do the obvious what I got for Christmas post, as I really enjoy looking back at what I got, and I love to read these on other people's blogs.

I would like to wish each and everyone of my readers, old and new a very merry Christmas, have a fabulous day and eat and drink as much as you possibly can!! A special little thank you to those few readers who have been keeping up with my blogmas and have been really lovely, it's made me all warm and cosy inside as you are all too nice. I am going to go before I get emotional!! 

Merry Christmas!!! 

Lucy 

xoxo

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Spreading the Christmas Cheer

I have just woke up without a post for today and I've totally felt inspired to spread the Christmas cheer. Last night I watched Jaclyn Hill's video called Trying to Make a Change on why hate on social media has the end. I love Jaclyn, and as she states she's there to talk about beauty, and share her knowledge of makeup. I think she is absolutely beautiful and it is awful to see such a positive woman crying at the overwhelming hate which has been shared on her videos recently. She says how it has become so bad, she's just disabled comments. I would never dream of posting something which a mean intention on someone's blog post or video, as that's just not me. Also, I think a lot of people miss the point that these people have feelings and thoughts. The mean reason I would never do YouTube is due to the backlash, and I think this is a thought shared by many. I don't want this to be all doom and gloom, as today is Christmas Eve Eve, and I think it is about time that social media is a platform to share love and joy. You can not be a positive person all day everyday, but if your not feeling good, the answer isn't to make someone else feel bad. Jaclyn has dealt with many personal issues and has been having therapy. She has become to understand that the people who are being nasty and mean, is because they have some inner demons which they haven't dealt with. This is totally true, on social media it is ultimately down to jealously. Every one gets jealous, I wish my blog got more views, I wish that I was getting all 1sts in my uni results. At the end of the day, that's life and sometimes you do need to work on yourself.

I wanted to say that I have recently been really loving being in the blogging community, and I hope come 2016 I can make friends with some of you lovely people. Christmas for me is about spending precious time with family and friends, and life is definitely too short to be spreading hate, knowing that it will make someone feel sad about themselves. Today, if you are feeling crap or not in the Christmas spirit that's totally fine. I was feeling totally like that last week with a mountain of work in front of me. But I've learnt that you need to embrace the time that you have here and now. Spending time with your most loved at Christmas is the best thing ever, and it makes me all cosy and warm inside. I think a great thing to do is think about all the things in 2016 you want to achieve, which is a very scary and daunting thing to do. But it excites me, my life is going to be a big adventure, and that is scaring yet it is something which I have been wanting for so long. 

So I would just like to say that lets all spread the love and joy, and have a fab Christmas!! 

Lucy 

xoxo

My Top 10 Makeup Discoveries of 2015

I loved picking all my favourite pieces to put in this post, I actually found it surprisingly easy. When starting to write this post, I realised that I had in fact chosen five drugstore and five high end purchases.

I discovered the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge in the summer and I have been using it on a regular basis ever since. I don't own a beauty blender so I cannot compare them. But this is seriously get value at under £6. I love to use the wide, flat end to apply the foundation across my face, and then to use the pointed top to apply it to the smaller areas.
I have tried many eyeliners this year and this Maybelline Master Precise Liner is by far the best. I love liners which have a thin, pointed nib as this really helps with precision, and to get a perfect thin line. It is really excellent value, and this has lasted me a good few months. I will definitely be rebuying it when my current one runs out.
I am ridiculously fussy with my mascaras, so when there was a lot of hype surrounding the Maybelline Lash Sensation Mascara I decided to pick it up for myself. It was a great purchase as it adds volume and length without being clumpy.
This Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Pencil in East End Snob has been a firm favourite in my makeup bag this year. I have never previously been into using lip liners on a regular basis, but I have been converted with this. This colour is so beautiful, as a mid toned pink shade and is very versatile.
This KIKO Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick in Rosy Brown has the perfect mixed of brown and bronze tones. It is beautifully pigmented and has just the right amount of shimmer within it. I have previously found cream products to crease really badly on me, but this does not at all.

This Nars Creamy Concealer is not exactly the cheapest concealer around, but I have really liked it and that really frustrates me as it means that I am going to want to rebuy it! I love how creamy the texture is, and it blends really lovely, and is long wearing on the skin.
It took me months to finally splurge and buy the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. There is no denying that it is expensive at £31, but it is an excellent foundation. If you have dry to normal skin, and need some glow it does exactly what you expect. It sits nicely on the skin, and looks dewy and does not cling to dry patches on your skin, like some foundations do.
The Nars Satin Lip Pencils are the greatest lip product which I own. They are super pigmented and I love that is a 2 in 1 product with a lip liner and colour in one. They have a huge variety of shades including my favourite Torres Del Paine, and something which will suit everyone. They are long lasting, non drying and stay put. I like the simplicity of applying the product, as it is just so convenient for when you are on the go.
My sister bought me the Laura Mercier Primer for Christmas last year. I have literally just finished the tube, so it has lasted really well and I used it on a daily basis. It is light but really hydrating on the skin, which is exactly what I need as my skin can be very dry in places. I am definitely going to repurchase this, as this is the best primer I have ever tried.
I took my forever to decide to buy the Anastasia Brow Wiz, as I just didn't think that it would be as good as it is. My eyebrows are dark blonde and I bought the shade Taupe with is the perfect match for when I get my eyebrows dyed monthly. I think the range of shades from the brand is the best on the market, and the formula is great. I also love that the spoolie is on the other end of the pencil as it is so handy and all in one place.

Do we share any favourite makeup discoveries?

Lucy
xoxo

Am I Mad for Boxing Day Shopping?

Last year me and my sister got to the Trafford Centre for 7.30am. Yes that is early, but I am going to explain why it a great thing to do. We always have family round on the afternoon of Boxing Day, so we have previously not been able to go shopping in the sales. But last year we decided to test it out, and be one of those 'mad' people. However, it was brilliant. We got there, was able to easily park, and was able to get all of our shopping done by 9.30/10am. We were home by 10.30am, with everything we wanted in tow. It was busy, but not over the top, and we missed the rush which started at about 10am. We had made a plan of everything we wanted, and which shops we wanted to go in. I would really recommend this as you don't end up wandering round, and also it keeps you on track to only get what you intended to. I didn't go over the top with what I bought, but I did have some things which I really wanted to get. My favourite sale shops are Topshop, Selfridge's, Zara and Lush. They all do really excellent sales, and their stock is always 50% off. This early shopping trip stops all the traffic queues, driving round and round looking for a parking space, and also online shopping all day. It also means we make it back home early, to help my mum prepare for the Boxing Day Christmas party at our house!

Am I crazy, or are a morning shopper like me?

Lucy
xoxo

The 20 Emotions, Feelings and Thoughts of Buying Concert Tickets

I am writing this post just after having a 45 minute battle trying to buy Justin Bieber tickets. After printing off my order confirmation, I felt physically and mentally drained. This is a fun post about the all the typical thoughts and feelings which happen during the ticket buying process.

1. You log into your account early on the website you always managed to get tickets on, you're prepared and ready to go. You have your pc, laptop, tablet and phone at the ready. You can do this. 

2. You're all ready and prepared in your group text with your friends, to discuss who has the best tickets.

3. 9 am you get onto the page and get placed in a waiting room. I do not know where this idea has come from, but you just end up staring at your screen time and time again, as it tell you 'you will be placed in the room soon'.

4. 5 minutes later your still waiting to get into the room.

5. You log on to another website, and get placed in another queue, waiting the enter the room. You're thinking I need to keep my options open here.

6. You start to discuss on the chat how you've missed out. The we all hate the people who are selling them on ebay for 5x  the price debate starts, and you are all furious. But this does in fact drive me insane.

7. They announce another date you fly into a frenzy, and refresh every page possible. 

8. You feeling smug and are thinking to yourself, I've got this. Not everyone is going to know about an additional date. 

9. You put in the number of seats, SOLD OUT.

10. You're like what the hell how they have just gone on sale? Refresh. Sold Out. Refresh. Sold Out. 

11. Meanwhile, you refresh the other page on one of the many other devices which you have on the go, and BOOM you've entered the room on some site or another. 

12. You're too excited to actually do anything for a good 10 seconds, then you realise you're on a timer to get all your ticket preferences in on time.

13. Then reality strikes what if one of your friends has them too. You frantically type on your phone you are in the room, whilst watching the timer tick down on the ticket page.

14. Now to write in the security word, so you try your best to make no mistakes and do it as carefully as possible.

15. Just one moment please..... pops up on your screen. That 10 seconds, feels like 30 minutes.

16. It comes up and you have tickets. YOU HAVE TICKETS. 

17. Then you realise that you've never used this site before, and need to create an account and enter all your details. Once again, the timer is ticking and you are trying to make sure you don't mistype a number of your card details, and your hands are getting sweaty. 

18. You click that next button like a ninja, and so hard that you know it will make the difference.

19. You then wait... telling your friends where you're up to, and all that's between you and your tickets confirmation is the god dam timer.

20. The confirmation email is there in front of your eyes. You cannot quite believe. You let out a high pitch scream and do a little dance (or was that just me!) You have to tell anyone who will listen about your ordeal including the group message, your mum and every social media site possible. 

Has anyone else ever gone through these 20 steps? And everytime you tell yourself you will never do it again, but you do time and time again! 

Lucy

xoxo

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Last Minute Presents

If you still haven't finished or just about started (like me) your Christmas shopping, I have put together a few quick presents which you can get hold of pretty easy, in one quick, sweep shopping trip.

Pandora is a huge brand for jewellery, and I am a big fan myself. I think the Birthday Ring is a beautiful, and personal present for someone. These are £40, but if you know someone who really likes jewellery this a great present.
First up, what woman does not like perfume. Secondly, Jo Malone is the best kind on the market in my opinion. All their fragrances are colognes, and my favourite is the Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne. I have asked for the Blackberry and Bay scent for Christmas from my parents, which is another fruity, and beautiful fragrance. These are expensive as 30ml are £42, but they last for so long on the skin.
I think getting a designer t-shirt for Christmas is perfect for someone who likes their brands, like my sister. This Abercrombie & Fitch Tee costs £28 and has a lovely soft texture, and I love that the brand name is in rose gold. It is super versatile and I actually bought this one as a treat to myself.
I think the hardest presents to buy are the 'additional' gifts. This always happens when you have finished buying all your main presents, and you feel that you just need a few little extras. I think this Lush Cranberry Facemask is a perfect extra present, and is something which someone can use to totally relax and pamper themselves. It is also great value at just £6.75.
This Lipstick in Inhibition from Topshop, is also a great last minute gift to add to a present. This range has so many different shades, and they are a great price at £8. They are heavily pigmented, and do not need constant reapplication which is always a bonus to a budget friendly lipstick.

I think it is time for me to finally get cracking with my shopping, as there really is not much time left!

Lucy
xoxo