Happy New Year 2017!!!

I remember when we were coming into 2013 and so many people thought we wouldn't make it, that the world was ending! Do you remember those people praying by the pyramids? And so many people maxing out their cards.. so funny now, but here we are 2017!

Happy New Year y'all... sorry just trying to be a cowgirl, anyway I hope that the New Year brings you many happy memories and lots of new and exciting challenges.

I am not really one for resolutions and all that malarky, but I guess for myself I hope to find love and happiness. Not many people have noticed but I have been pretty miserable, it took my Mum (of all people) to notice how sad I really am for me to open up about it. Again I am not one for opening up, but I am trying to do it more. It is not good to bottle things up they just overflow and explode that way.

2016 has been a very trying year for me, I have had so many hard trials come my way. From finally realising that I need to let go of my arsehole of an ex baggage and move out for myself, which I finally did. So I moved home and have had to struggle with the bills etc. which hasn't gone very well, but that will all change this year.

In June I had a car crash which took a lot out of me and kind of put a damper on my trip to see my US family, it also made me put on a load of weight, that I am still trying to drop off. I have been doing better and not eating so much junk food.

My work life has been trying too, with a very difficult colleague, who has never given me a chance and hated me from the get go. This is why I don't have many girlfriends, I just do not meld well with other girls, women on the other hand I have no trouble with. I guess it's just maturity, I have always been older than my time. Things took a turn for the worst just before Christmas, however I think things are starting to look up and that someone has had a word with her, because she seems to be acting more like an adult. Here's hoping that carries on to the next year.

I have also been dealing with my own battle, where I cannot stop myself from being jealous of my friends, with their perfect boyfriends and new homes, that they bought. Along with their new families, I just long for that and really honestly feel as though I am not destined for that. I hope I am wrong, I hope I can find someone to love me the way I deserve after all the hurt I have had, I deserve that at least don't I?

Whilst I may have had some downs there have been some great moments too, so here are my favourite nine photos of 2016! They include some great friends, family and blog moments/ collaborations.

So here's to the New Year and to a hope of new beginnings and happiness, in whatever form they come in.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

My Little Box December 2016 Christmas Edition

This months My Little Box was jam packed with lots of goodies, they really went above and beyond for Christmas.

Christmas Present Haul 2016

Last years Christmas present haul was a big hit, so I thought I would make it a yearly tradition. This year I was thoroughly spoilt.

I love Christmas and although this year hasn't been the best, I got to spend some quality time with some of my closest friends, family and of course Harley. Who helped me open all my presents. 

Illamasqua Hydra Veil

After watching another of Nikkia Joy's Youtube video's and seeing that she had recommended Illamasqua Hydra Veil as a primer for oily skin, I had to give it a try. 

 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

After having Christie rave and rave about this foundation and seeing Nikkia Joy Youtuber recommend this for oily skin, I just had to get my hands on a bottle. 

I have fairly oily/ combination skin and have found that my usual foundation cannot withstand the day wear at work. I used to wear Too Faced Born This Way or Arbonne Liquid Foundation, but found that these didn't withstand much and even doing the "baking" method made it look much worse and seriously cakey.

My Birthday Present Haul

I love reading what other people get for their Birthday and Christmas, so thought what the heck I would do my own.

This year I spent the day with two close friends, Suzanne and her son. In the evening I went to a Line Dancing Christmas Party with my brother and Nan, which was super fun.

So here's what I got, I will do some separate reviews at a later date.

The Secret Circle Book Review

The Secret Circle, written by L.J.Smith, is a series based on a secret coven of witches. The series was made into a TV show, however was cancelled after the first season! There have been 3 new books written by Aubrey Clark which I assume follow on from the 3rd book, I had no idea these existed so will have to give these a read!

We follow Cassie Blake who moves to a new town, only to discover that she is actually a witch and belongs to a secret coven. There is a lot to take in, especially when she finds herself caught in a love triangle which threatens to tear the Coven apart.

A dark force is unleashed after the Coven initiate Cassie into the "Circle" and the group have to defend themselves from potentially losing everything.

Cassie is the hero and kind of villain in this story, she has to learn to control her powers whilst finding them intoxicating and exciting, they are also deadly. In order for her to get what she wants and keep the group together she might just destroy herself.

We also find that Cassie discovers much more than she bargained for, the Coven initiate her thinking she is only a half witch, but the truth is much more disturbing.

These book series are gripping a keep you wanting more, defiantly a must if you like teen dramas like me.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

Happy Birthday to Me in collaboration with My Cupcake Toppers*

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!

Every year most people have to bring in cakes to work when it's their Birthday, I mean who came up with that idea?? You should be getting cakes for your Birthday.. Right????

This year I was given the opportunity to work with My Cupcake Toppers, and because my Mum is trying to grow her Cake Business I thought I would make some Personalised Toppers for her Company, Costessey Cakes. Yes I managed to bribe my Mum into making the cakes.

November Lookback

I didn't manage to do a lookback post for October, because quite frankly I didn't do anything.. no point in boring you all to sleep is there.

My Little Box November 2016 Goodnight Edition

Owh how I love you My Little Box! This months box is called Goodnight, and there is nothing I love more than sleep, well Harley of course but you know what I mean! Seriously this box is so perfect, month after month!! 

Stop Smoking This Christmas in association with Red Vape*

Not many people are aware but over the past year or so I have gotten myself into a bit of a downward spiral and started smoking. I had gotten myself to the point that I was unable to just stop, as I used to be able to do.

Personalised Chocolate Cards*

I was recently given the opportunity to work with Morse Toad's Messaging Service, a chocolate card service made here in the UK, putting words in your mouth.

Now whilst I should have probably used this opportunity to gift someone, I decided that I would be selfish and try it out on myself. I mean how can I give a proper review without tasting the chocolate myself right?

Secret Santa Gifts for Her £5 and Under!

With only a few weeks to go till christmas, we are all on the hunt for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. We also have Secret Santa gifts to get and I thought I would dedicate this post to Gifts for Her that are all £5 and under!

Lisa Angel is the perfect place for Women and they even have free delivery on any order, with no minimum spend.

Sass & Belle Mason Drinking Jars - £5.00.

Afternoon Tea at Caistor Hall

For my Nan's Birthday this year I wanted to treat her to Afternoon Tea at Caistor Hall. After I went to the Oaklands Hotel last month I was a little anxious because their gluten free selection was very poor and really not worth the £12.50 I had to pay.

I needn't have been worried though because Caistor Hall presented me with a wonderful selection and my Nan's "normal" selection was exceptional also.

To The A***hole that ruined it all.

Dear C You Next Tuesday,

Please don't read this in your twisted little mind as a love letter, it is not. It is simply an out let for me, because I never want to see you again and I wish you would disappear from my mind as you have from my life.

As you are unaware, you are an emotional abuser and did a lot of damage to me and Harley. From demoralising me to making me broke, to making me think I was plain crazy! I am glad to say that I am not that silly little girl anymore and I know who you are, I only wish that others could see the truth, but alas they seem to be under some sort of mind f**k spell.

I hate you for all you did and didn't do. I hate the fact that even towards the end you had me believe that you loved me and couldn't live without me; but you were actually off looking for the next victim.

You make me laugh, all the years of abuse and torrents that I could be cheating, when all along it was you. You were never faithful, you created a little puppet that hung on your every word and all the while you were off with others.

I wish you could see yourself in my eyes, maybe then you might have some shrivel or remorse. Lets not be silly though, you live in some dream land where you believe you are this upstanding citizen, even a vigilante in your screwed up head. Ha, funny how you said you don't like to watch women be beaten in movies etc. when I think if there wasn't a room full of people when you pushed me against a bar, you probably would have given me a lovely shiner.

You still find a way into my subconscious when I dream, I often wake up knowing that I had tried to win you back. It only makes me laugh, because it just shows the dynamics of our past, where I always had to strive to keep you happy and that was never going to happen.  I want you gone from every part of me, I just hope that this might give me some release, because I want to move on.

I am happy with my life, I have a home with Harley. I did that! Not you! As if I ever thought I needed you, it was you that needed me and my money!!

The only good thing that came out of all that s**t, is Harley and for that thank you for forcing me to get her. Thank you for showing me what true love and loyalty is, it's a shame you will never experience that and no matter how many girls you have on the go, you will die alone and no one will miss you.

So Good Bye and Thank you.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

TV Shows that should be on your Bucket List Fantasy Edition Part 2

This is Part Two of my TV recommendations. I hope you enjoy the read.

 

Arrow

 

Based on the DC Comic book character, the show follows Oliver Queen come back to Starling City after being presumed dead for 5 years. He was stranded on a deserted island and hides the ways on which the experience changed him from all his friends and family. He appears to be the same billionaire rich bachelor, however by the cover of night he becomes a vigilante, in a quest to put his city back to it's former glory.

 

There are a lot of crossovers and guest appearances within this series, the main crossover is with the Flash. This series is very dark and is great for those after a little thrill.

 

The Flash

 

Again based on the DC Comic book character, this series follows Barry Allen, whose life changed at the small age of 11 when his Mother was killed in a freak accident which pointed the murder to his innocent father. He lives out his childhood with a family friend who becomes his step in Father.

 

Barry's life changes once again when he is hit by a lighting bolt from a freak storm that transformed him into a meta-human. Alongside his team he helps to fight the other meta-humans created in the storm that are hell bent of destruction. He also uses his new found abilities to track down his mothers real killer and set his father free.

DC Legends of Tomorrow

 

This is a spin off from both Arrow and the Flash, where a group of villains and heroes team up to save the world from a threat in the future. the team travel through time to track down the threat and bring him to justice. I would say this feels a lot like Doctor Who and a little kiddy, however it has got some action and trivial funny moments and is good if you are into comic book characters as I am.

Smallville

 

If you haven't heard or seen this, then I am sorry, but where have you been? This series follows Clarke as a Teen through to when he finally become Superman. We see the addition of fellow characters such as the Flash, Arrow & Aqua Man.

 

It follows the struggles Clarke has with Lex Luther and learning to control his powers, as well as trying to lead a normal teenage life. I think this show really set a precedence for todays superhero TV.

Shadow Hunters

 

This series is based on the Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandre Clare, and after the flunk of the Movie I was super happy that a TV show was produced to actually show the real story and history. I will admit the acting is shoddy and mediocre at best, but if you can look past that and just enjoy the books coming to life, then you'll be happy.

 

If you haven't read the books then you wont know that this world is overrun with supernatural beings, and Shadow hunters, are here to protect humans from what lurks ion the shadows. Shadow hunters are a human-angel hybrids, that hunt demons, Clary soon discovers that her life is about to change drastically when she uncovers the fact that she is actually a shadow hunter.

Once Upon a Time

 

As the name suggests this is a fairy tale TV show, however it isn't all happy endings in Storybrooke. We see the lives of many beloved childhood heroes come to life, such as the wicked queen and Snow White, in more recent shows we see more Disney Characters come to life too.

 

The thing I like about this show is that the stories you have been told as a child are not true here, they are a shadow of the reality, giving way for a more twisted tale!

 

 

Bitten

 

First of all can I just say COPYCATS! This picture is a replication of The Vampire Diaries! Come on you could have made it more original!

 

Anyway, besides the obvious depiction and the fact that the main characters name is Elena as again the Vampire Diaries, this show is great in it's own right. Owh and whilst I am on the subject! The vampire Diaries Elena was supposed to be Blonde too! GRRR

 

I have to admit, I was sceptical when I first heard about this show and didn't watch it until it had been done and finished. The show only ran for 3 seasons unfortunately, but fans were given a proper ending to wrap it all up.

 

This is based around werewolves, where women are not normally bitten because they apparently cant endure the change, however Elena is the only female werewolf and is abit of a prize,

 

This show is based on a book series by Kelley Armstrong, called Women of the Otherworld.

 

If you liked TVD and The originals, give this a watch you wont be disappointed!

 

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

Tropic Smoothing Cleanser Complexion Purifier

I recently went to a Tropic Party, hosted by the lovely Danielle. We got to sample a mini facial and the wonderful range of natural skin care. 

After I tried the Smoothing Cleanser and it actually took off my Too Faced Matte Liquid Lipstick, I had to get myself a bottle. All the range are free from gluten, parabens, alcohol, mineral oil and much more, as well as being vegan and cruelty free. 

This cleanser retails for £16.00 and includes a free naturally antibacterial face cloth, made from sustainable 100% organic bamboo fibres. 

The Cleanser is a luxurious blend of uplifting eucalyptus, golden jojoba and avocado oils, it smells divine and melts away impurities and makeup; leaving your skin so soft and clean. 

Best used morning and night, you should always cleanse your face twice, as you should with your hair. The first cleanse lifts the dirt and the second totally removes it. 

Since using this cleanser my skin has been imperfection free and super soft!

If you want to try out the Tropic Range or have a party yourself, contact Danielle.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

November Beauty Haul

I had been hating my make-up lately and have tried to experiment with the products I already have, but alas I still hated it!

I treated myself to a little haul of products that I actually need, well in my mind I need.

OK Bouquet Frosty Flowers*

When I was offered the chance to receive these beautiful flowers for review, how on earth could I say no? Especially with the timing, I was able to give them to my Nan for her birthday and she was so pleased wth them.

Sleek Matte Me in Birthday Suit

As you will know if you're a regular reader, I love Liquid Matte Lipsticks and I had been trying to get my hands on this shade for a while. So when I finally found it in stock I had to have it. 

Mac Limited Edition Selena Dreaming Of You Lipstick

Now I don't know who Selena is, when I first heard there was a collaboration between MAC and Selena I thought 'Selena Gomez', but no. Selena Quintanilla is a vivacious Mexican-American music artist, who sadly passed away 20+ years ago. (No wonder I have never heard of her).

I am Number Four Book Review

I am Number Four is now a major film, and although it didn't do too well in the box office and there are no planned future films, I love the book series.

 

The series are written by Pittacus Lore, and I find his writing to be impeccable and very easy to follow.

The story follows one of the nine "aliens" that came to earth as children, each with their own guardian, following the destruction of their home planet Lorien, by an evil race the Mogdorians. They look and talk like us, so are able to live among us in secret; however they have powers and are much stronger and faster.

The plan was for the Nine to train, grow, become strong, become one and then fight the Mogdorians. The only hitch is that the Mogdorians have followed them to earth and are hunting them one by one in order, because they cannot be killed out of order.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

John, Number Four, is now being hunted and must keep to a low profile and hide in the shadows, however his powers are developing and they are unpredictable;le until he can learn to control them. That makes him vulnerable and easily exposed, he must learn to control his emotions and in turn his powers quickly. Johns Guardian, trains him and keeps him protected, but he won't be there forever.

John faces the normal teenage urges and finds a girl he loves, Loriens love only once and very intensely, which puts her at risk too.

We follow John as he has to fight to stay alive and keep his love and close friend in safety, with the help of his guardian and an unexpected arrival, Number Six.

I find this series to be incredibly intense and I couldn't put the books down, I just kept wanting to know more and more.  You really can picture the scenes and characters.

This is a must read, especially if you're into sci-fi like me.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

My Little Box October 2016 Brooklyn Edition

I seriously LOVE My Little Box, I know I say that every single month, but it is true! This month has been no exception, with a Brooklyn theme this month focus's on the coming Autumn months.



First up is this extremely cute mug and coffee stencil, R.R.P £. With the slogan "Coffee Made Me Doit" this metal mug is perfect for any occasion, especially for those cuddly moments with a cuppa in hand. This will certainly be a great feature for my blog photos and props.

The second lifestyle piece this month was these quirky pins. These pins have been added to my checkered jacket from Forever 21 and they certainly add a little extra style to the look.

This month My Little Beauty product is this Nail Strengthener. This is supposed to be used on bare nails, however, I use gel nowadays so have been using it as a cuticle oil at night. It soaks into the nails easily and really makes them feel nourished.

This gorgeous perfume, La Fille De Lair, Courreges, R.R.P £55.00. This is a duplicate for the May box, however, I am not annoyed at all, I was actually pleasantly surprised as I broke my last one literally the day after getting it. This sample size of this gorgeous scent is perfect to fit into my makeup bag. The perfume seems to have great wear time too, which I find to be especially important.

 The final beauty product this month was this Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in by Terry.  I will admit I was a little dubious of this colour when I first looked at it, however, when applied it is a gorgeous golden colour. The swatch below lasted all day with me sitting there rubbing it with my fingers and let me just say it didn't budge at all until I scrubbed it off in the shower! This is perfect for the Autumn and Christmas months.

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.

Dusty Girls Natural Mineral Foundation Powder in Fair Minerals with Sunrise Tones

I was recently offered the chance to try out a Mineral Foundation from the Dusty Girls range, a company owned by MooGoo. When it arrived, I was surprised to have been given a whole range of skin care samples too.

What's in my Makeup Bag

Following What's in my Bag and with that being quite popular, I thought I would do a post on what I carry around with me in my Make-up Bag this Autumn. 

As with every female we have to have a compact mirror, I always carry this "Love Lippy" compact with me because I do love lippy and my best friend Christie gave it to me for Christmas.

My lip primer by Too Faced is an essential item, a majority of the time you do need to top up lippy and what good is doing that without a decent primer? In addition, I always have my chosen lippy for that day, so this changes most days.

Blusher is a must because I find that throughout the day my face seems to lose the blusher I applied in the morning, curse oily skin.

A new addition is this La Fille De Lair, Courreges Perfume, that I received in Octobers My Little Box, it is such a decadent scent.

Of course, we have the make-up bag itself, and at the moment I am using the bag I got with this months Love Me Beauty goodies, sporting the slogan "Life is short, buy the palette".

I like to carry around mascara too, just in case your lashes need a little boost or top up. At the moment I am using Benefits, Roller Lash mascara.

I usually get quite oily and so like to keep my compact too faced cocoa foundation to hand. It can quickly mattify my face and give me the needed coverage.

I also like to have Fairypants Vegan Lipbalm with me for when you feel a little dry on the lips (god that sounds dodgy), I usually use it before applying my lip primer.

Last but not least is a little brush to apply the blusher as and when I need it.

What do you like to keep handy?  

Always be kind, you never know what personal battle people are fighting.