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?