What's in my Bag - Rome Edition

I can hardly believe that the time to go away to Rome has come around so quickly, honestly, you never believed your parents when you were young, telling you do not wish your time away.

Seeing as we are only going for a few days, we have only got a carry-on, meaning my handbag has to be super small too. Luckily I am pretty good at compartmentalising and will only pack what I absolutely need, that being said I do hoard a lot of stuff, so have saved all my tester pots. These as you can imagine come in handy with the 100ml limit.

First up, my handbag, which is the Olympus Pen Shoulder Bag. I am so happy I decided to purchase this, it not only looks cute, but it is actually a camera bag, meaning it keeps my camera and lenses safe.

Inside I have managed to fit my Olympus Pen E-PL8, the attached 45mm micro four lens, 40mm-150mm zoom lens, spare battery, iPhone, money & card, as well as some cigarettes (I know naughty).

Within my carry-on bag, I have all of my other essentials. The 100ml limit bag must be 20cmx20cm and clear, luckily all of my essentials fit in and it sealed!

The makeup/skincare I decided to bring along with me consisted of:

• A few Too Faced Melted Matte Lippies,
• Too Faced Lip Primer,
• Too Faced Peaches & Cream Foundation mixed with Estee Lauder DW Nude (in tester pots),
• Hourglass Viel Mineral Primer,
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance, 
• Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer,
• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara,
• Estee Lauder Little Black Liner,
• Too Faced Peaches & Cream Setting Powder,
• Eyelash Glue, 
• Too Faced Peaches & Cream Blusher,
• Tarte Clay Play Palette, 
• Too Faced Just Peachy Palette, 
• Tarte Tartlette Palette,
• Spare Eyelashes,
• Estee Lauder Day Wear & Day Wear Eye (in sample pots),
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair,
• Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean.

Along with those I will be bringing my essential Spectrum brushes, eyelash curlers, and Beauty Blenders, luckily with a recent Estee Lauder order, I received a free luxury travel case, which can hold everything in. You can't forget a travel mirror either, I mean how else are you going to see what you're doing. You could apply your makeup standing up in the bathroom, but why waste the amazing weather, I plan to sit on the patio overlooking Rome in the Morning doing my face! I got a very pretty pink foldable mirror from amoore.  

Clothes wise I decided that I would travel down in jeans, a strappy top, and my new kimono, along with my new ugg trainers. I know it sounds weird, but trust me it goes.

Seeing as we are technically going for 4 days, I needed to make sure I had at least 4-5 strappy/ vest tops, 3 pairs of shorts, 1 skirt and a dress. To match I packed flip flops and some heels because you never know! Let's not forget pajamas, socks & underwear too!!!

Finally with the electrical equipment. I will be bringing my own straighteners.. but someone else is bringing a hairdryer along.. not that I wash my hair that often. Yes, that sounds dirty, but it is better for your hair. I will pack my toothbrush and charger, last time was a nightmare trying to share one with my mum, so I will just avoid that this time. The obvious things to bring are your camera and phone chargers, as well as adapters.

Here's hoping I don't read this on the way to the airport and have that moment of doubt, only to realise I have actually forgotten something!

Kimono: Select
Jeans: H&M
Shorts: H&M
Trainers: Ugg
Bag: Olympus 
Shirt: River Island

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

Should I Question Myself?

There are times in our lives when we have to re-evaluate how we do things or portray ourselves. I have certainly hit that point, recently hitting rock bottom and opening up to close family and friends about my mental state.

I find that a lot of the time I do always put others first, considering their feelings and situations before mine. Letting in people I probably shouldn't because I am in such a vulnerable state of mind and not knowing how to get out of it for fear of upsetting the other person.

I have currently come to realise that I am in a very bad way mentally and do need to ask for help, finally accepting it from my family. Which for me is a very hard thing to do, not because I am proud but, because I am very independent.

With that in mind, meeting new people can be quite challenging. I always try to take people at face value, however, this has landed me in so many bad situations in the past, that it is hard for me to turn off the voice in my head telling me to keep watch. To be wary of anyone offering anything to me, especially when I do not necessarily know them.

Having met a few new friends at these meetup groups I now attend, I thought it would be nice to start hanging out outside of the group. One guy seemed to be genuinely interested in being my friend going so far as to agree with me that dating within this group is not something he wants to do. I made it perfectly clear that I want to keep that group separate from any love life. So obviously I had it in my head that it was purely a friendship connection.

Don't get me wrong, I have made other friends within this group too, and met up with them. I have mentioned Marie, in previous Lookbacks, so I know that you can make some genuine friendships if you open up and try.

So after meeting up a couple of times and opening up about myself, I have come to question things with this guy. When they say they understand you may have bad days etc. that you may need space and time, but then, turn around and keep mentioning that you can stay/ should stay at theirs for a change of scenery or for the company?? Well, that just felt pushy and a little odd to me.

After being in controlling relationships in the past, I am not willing to go back to anything remotely close to that. Not to mention a dream that included me flirting with someone, that made him jealous??? Sorry? What?? Why even mention it and why have that thought at all? Seriously we have met up about 3 times now and there are some serious warning bells going off in my head.

It honestly leads me to question whether I have led him on in anyway, or whether I should just stay away from people in general? Landing myself in situation after situation such as this? Seriously, am I just too nice for my own good? or just naive?

I also find myself questioning my instincts. Am I overthinking things? Am I just looking for signs that aren't there? But talking to friends, that know me well, I find that my thought process is not as crazy as I initially thought.

I suppose what I should question is who I have become myself. How I portray myself to others, losing my confidence and giving off a timid vibe, gives others the power to manipulate me however they choose. Always be true to yourself and if you ever question yourself look within or to those close to you that can attest to your character and give you honest unbiased feedback.

Jeans: H&M
Trainers: Ugg
Bag: Olympus 
Shirt: Lipsy
Belt: Primark

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

The Best Tanner Bondi Sands

As someone that loves the sun and I mean I love the heat. I am cold even when it's 22° out, catching the sun is a must in my mind. So when we live in a country that has such random weather, using a good false tan is a great substitute.  

The main thing when everyone thinks fake tan is orange or watsit! You obviously don't want it to look fake, you want it to look as natural as possible. I have trialed a fair few false tans in my time, and I can honestly say that Bondi Sands is right there at the top with Fake Bake.

The one upside Bondi Sands has is that it doesn't have that overpowering tanner scent, so you can apply it in the morning and wear it throughout the day without fear of stinking out the office or wherever you may be.

There is a range of self-tanners, from instant to gradual and even removers. The instant tanners work great and do give you a gorgeous natural tan, whilst the gradual tanners give you a subtle tan, to begin with, and work their way to a deeper tan.

These are best for daily use, in order to prolong it. I prefer the foam for everyday use as it is almost a dry liquid/ oil and soaks into the skin fairly quickly. Applied with a tanning mitt, it gives a streak free even tan. With the added benefit of aloe vera and coconut, it also moisturises your skin as it goes, so you get a better application and experience.

The Gradual Tanning Milk is a little different, in that it actually looks and feels like a moisturiser, plus it has SPF15! Having a dual action formula that not only hydrates and nourishes your skin but provides you with a lovely golden glow all year round, you will be laughing.

The big thing with the Milk, for me, is that I found it slightly difficult to apply evenly, I am not too sure whether a mitt would have done the job. Perhaps buffing after it has dried a little, may have been the best course of action. That being said, it is a very gradual tanner so any errors could be easily fixed with the next application.

The Foam can last up to 5-7 days without, whilst the milk will need re-applying every 2-3 days once you have achieved your desired colour. Having trialed these now for a few weeks, I can honestly recommend these, and for those wanting an instant tan, grab the Liquid Gold.

According to Skin Safe Products Bondi Sands is Gluten Free.

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

What Life Lessons My Dog, Harley, Has Taught Me

Growing up I had cats, believe it or not, so never really knew much about dogs. Harley is my first dog and I am pretty proud of how she has turned out, despite our trials and whatever life throws our way, I know I do whatever it takes to give her the best possible life she can have.

Afterall that is what having a dog is all about, they give unconditionally and we should give back just as much, if not more! Over the past 4 and bit years, I have learned so much from her and thought I would share some of that with you.

You can't be selfish.

It is true dogs aren't children, they are by no means the same. That being said for some people they are substitutes and in some respects, they are basically babies that grow into infants and never grow up past that point.

They are a dependant at the end of the day, sure you can leave them for a period of time, I am lucky enough that Harley is happy to be left during my workday. She doesn't have separation anxiety, however, I would never leave her any longer than a 'normal' work day and always make sure she is cared for if I do have plans past that period of time.

They cannot walk themselves, feed themselves or understand why you have gone where you have. So she has taught me a great deal of responsibility and understanding.

Trust wisely. 

I have used to trust too freely, letting in the worst kinds of people into my life, only to be let down or have it destroyed, over and over again. Since having Harley I have a greater understanding of the saying, 'The more time I spend with my Dog the more I hate people'.

I know that probably sounds a little extreme, but it is true, dogs are a very good judge of character. There is generally a good reason for them to dislike someone, they can pick up on body language we wouldn't ever think to look for.

Don't always be serious, have a play. 

We are all guilty of taking life too seriously, forgetting to let loose. A dog's life is always fun and games, even when I try to do serious tasks in obedience with her. She seems to make it silly and fun, heel walking for instance, instead of walking nicely by my side. She chooses to bounce along, jumping to sit by my side and always choosing to collide into me on recall.

I never get mad, I always laugh. It probably makes it worse and eggs her on, but why take life seriously. It should be fun, you need to take what you can and as long as they are doing what you say, what does it matter if they are putting their own spin on it. They have personalities too.

The great outdoors is your friend.

Having a dog makes you go outside, if you weren't one for walking before, then you will be once you have a dog.

I used to like taking a casual stroll every now and again, but I never used to be into fitness, not really. Now I love to go on adventures. Finding new places to walk and run, come rain or shine, we are out.

I have a strong Gag reflex.

I was never really squeamish before Harley came along, but the thought of someone throwing up on me or wiping up diarrhea that has spread almost everywhere; did kind of make me gag.

It wasn't until Harley threw up on my lap and I had to scoop my t-shirt up, like a bowl and carefully carry it to the bathroom to dispose of it, that I realised I had a strong gag reflex. This has been tested time and time again, from when she was a small puppy to even now. Coming home and finding diarrhea trailed along the floor, or having to pull dangling poo/grass from her bum when she has been to the toilet and can't quite get the last bit out.

Trust me you will learn a lot about yourself, especially if you have a dog like mine. That's not forgetting all the times she has cut and grazed herself, with blood gushing out....

Being persistent really does pay off. 

I have always been stubborn so I never really understood how this could have changed for me, but somehow Harley has managed to learn, that she really can get what she wants if she just persists.

Every night at around 8pm she gets up off the sofa, where she has been cuddled up to me and stands there staring at me. Proceeding to stand by the living room door, to come back to me and repeat staring at me, all until I go to bed. Never mind the fact that she can go up to bed by herself, she has free reign, but no I have to go.

It's these little acts that really make you think, she has me wrapped around her little 'finger' (paw I dunno), but here is where she has learned persistence!

The true bonds and connections in life. 

I don't think I ever truly understood what it meant to have an actual meaningful connection before Harley, yes I know that sounds a little sad. Sure I have had long-term boyfriends that I thought I loved and friends that I would call sisters, but honestly, the bond you share with a canine companion is second to none.

They are beyond loyal and will always have your back, no matter what. Their pack mentality means that they have a connection to you that cannot be broken or replaced, should anyone try to hurt a member of your pack they will defend you. Whenever we are out Harley is always watching me, her surroundings and keeping an eye out for any danger.

It will be A-Okay!

She reminds me every day that it will all be okay in the end. No matter how bad your day has been, you know that, as soon as you walk through your front door, you will be greeted with so much elation and love. She brings a smile to my face even when I am in the worst mood possible, bounding her way to me, tail wagging, acting as though I have left her for a million years!!!

When I am feeling low, she somehow knows it and comes to me, wanting to give me cuddles and affection. You will never be truly alone when you have a companion like that.

Always forgive and forget.

We as the human race are very unforgiving by nature, we hold grudges and cause havoc in doing so. In most cases, dogs forgive and forget, unless it was something serious, like another dog attacking them or someone attacking.

When, very rarely, I do tell Harley off, she might mope for a short period of time, but then she will forget all about it and come to me. All smiles, bounding, wanting fuss and cuddles. It's a lesson I have still yet to use to it's fullest, but it's one I have started to use none the less.

I forgive myself, forgive my shortcomings and forgive others shortcomings even though we no longer speak.

Love know's no bounds!

If there's one thing I never thought I would learn from a pet it's that I never knew I could love someone so much. Yes I know she isn't a PERSON, but she is my fur baby, I love her immensely. I have loved and lost before. Friends and boyfriends come and go, but children (in some respects) are for life.

I do not know what it is like to love an actual child, and I don't know if I ever will, but I know that Harley has shown me what it is to truly love unconditionally.

Jeans: H&M
Trainers: Ugg
Bag: Olympus 
Shirt: Lipsy
Belt: Primark
Harleys Harness: Ruffwear

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

My Beauty Hacks

Being a beauty addict and blogger, you pick up and few tips and tricks. So I thought I would share a couple with you, these have been major game changers for me since I have started using them. They are ever so simple, yet I never thought to use these trinkets for beauty hacks!

Did you know that Beauty Blenders can get moldy if they’re not dried and stored properly? I didn't until I started to see some growth on the bottom of one of my now dead in the bin Blenders. That’s where this special hack comes in, using an egg cup or tea light holder. 

Yep you heard that right, they are the perfect size for your blenders and they make your vanity look so pretty too. They leave enough room for the blenders to air out and dry properly, whilst giving you easy access to them every time you need to use them.

If you're like me and you use liquid foundation, then you know how messy it can get, before you have even applied your foundation. Why? Because we tend to put the amount we need on the back of our hand.

Not only is this frustrating at times, it can sometimes be unhygienic, did you definitely wash your hands? Using a jewellery dish to put the foundation on instead, is so much easier and means you don’t walk around all day with that random patchy bit on the back of your hand. I know I am not the only one that has run out the door, forgetting to wash that bit off. 

It also makes mixing foundations that much easier and mess-free too. These dishes and trinkets are super easy to clean too, so it's really a no-brainer.

Do you have any quirky hacks?

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

The Hangsun Water Flosser*

I have, to be honest, I don't exactly know what I was expecting when I was asked to review this Water Flosser, I mean who has heard of water flossing outside of the dentist? Anyone? 

Dental hygiene is something that I have always had drilled into me, excuse the pun, not that I have always listened and being perfectly honest I haven't always been the best at it. So if there is something that can make my life easier and quicker then, well, what the heck, let's give it a whirl. 

The Hangsun Water Flosser retails for around £20-39, which is fairly reasonably priced for tooth care in my eyes. Especially when you consider how much a decent dental floss costs, and you can't exactly re-use that can you!

The first time I used this was an extremely strange experience, I don't think I quite comprehended the fact that water would be jetting out at the speed it did. So as you can imagine, the bathroom and myself got drenched. Once I got the hang of it and cupped my hand over my mouth to stop and backlash of water, it was very easy to use. I actually couldn't believe how clean my teeth felt and looked after just one use! I am very keen to see what prolonged use will achieve. 

This particular model comes with a water tank on the back, which you fill yourself. Has 2 nozzles and charges cordlessly, making it travel-friendly too. The pump is actually very quiet, so you have no fear of waking anyone day or night and has a 2-minute timer installed. The only thing with the timer I found was that I ran out of water before the timer went off, and, before I had finished 'flossing'. That's not really a biggie though, you just re-fill and go again. 

In my opinion, I would ditch the dental floss, and jet wash your teeth instead. Honestly, my teeth have never felt so clean, plus you have no risk of getting too close to your gums with this. The only thing I would probably note is to use slightly warmed water if you have sensitive teeth like me. Enter I4Q9YUJI at the checkout for an exclusive 20% off code, only valid through the Amazon link. 

* I received this product from Hangsun for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback, all my views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

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

Fathers Day Gift Guide*

Men can be hard to buy for at the best of times, so Fathers Day is no exception. This year I thought it would be great to put together a little gift guide for you to hopefully get some ideas, which also include some exclusive voucher codes. 

Dayz creates a wonderful selection of handcrafted gifts in her amazing Etsy shop, Cheeky Geeky, which are mostly aimed at those with a Geeky side to them as the name suggests. From upcycled jewellery to homeware for cyclists, gamers, sci-fi lovers, skaters and those that are just conscious of the environment; you are sure to find your Dad the perfect gift.

Among the jewellery selection, you will find these upcycled skateboard bearings, recreated into cufflinks and a pendant/ ball chain necklace. 

The cufflinks range from £20-22, whilst the pendant ranges from £10-14 and both come in a variety of colours, making the perfect unique gift for any man in your life. Packaged neatly in a gift box, you have no worry about figuring how to wrap them. 

For a limited time, you can get 10% off at Cheeky Geeky, with GIFT4DAD, valid until 28th June which coincidentally is Dayz's Fathers Birthday. 

Pictured above is one of her drinks coasters, handmade using scrabble pieces, to create a personalised and sturdy homeware accessory. Retailing for £6.00, this is a great little gift for anyone on a budget, yet wanting to get something a little unique. 

If your budget calls for it and they have a passion for photography, a new camera lens, could be a perfect choice. Wex, always have used lenses available to purchase at a much lower cost than retail and they always include a years warranty, so you have no need to worry there. 

Another great option, as camera equipment is usually out of most peoples budget, is to purchase a workshop event/ class for them to attend. Having attended one with my Step-Dad earlier this year, I can vouch how great they can be. There is only so much you can teach yourself and having a professional there to ask is such a relief. 

For something, a little different and hygienic there is the Hungsung Water Flosser, retailing for around £20, it's fairly reasonably priced for tooth care. Ditch the dental floss, and jet wash your teeth instead. Honestly, my teeth have never felt so clean, plus you have no risk of getting too close to your gums with this. The only thing I would probably note is to use slightly warmed water if you have sensitive teeth like me. 

Enter I4Q9YUJI at the checkout for an exclusive 20% off code, only valid through the Amazon link. 

The final gift you could give this Fathers day is an experience that you and many others could benefit from for a lifetime, a BBQ Course from Craft Food London. The Classic BBQ course gives your Dad an introduction to the three key factors of cooking the most epic BBQ. Smoking, direct grilling, and indirect grilling following that they will also be given a detailed discussion on the types of fuels/ woods to use and which ingredients to match them with. 

Guests are in for a treat as they learn from one of the UK's most knowledgeable BBQ experts, Dr. Sweetsmoke aka Al Harris. Who was seen on ITV's show 'How You Spend It' last week, alongside Philip Schofield. When I was talking to my Step-Dad about him attending a course in August/September he was actually getting quite excited about meeting Dr. Sweetsmoke. I initially thought he was just taking the mick out the name, but then realised he knew who he was and found out he's a big deal.

Enjoy £30 off the Classic BBQ or Asado Course this Fathers Day, with code FATHERSDAY2018. With free parking and located just off the M25, what are you waiting for?  

* I received some of these products from Cheeky Geeky & Hangsun for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback, all my views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

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

Spectrum X Disney, The Ariel Bag

As someone born just shy of 1990, I am one of the millions that grew up loving and wishing to be Ariel, The Little Mermaid! Tell a lie, at the age of around 4, I actually told a group of kids in playschool, that I was a Mermaid. Most believed me, mainly because I was the new kid with an American accent and a strange new sense of the world. 

So when Spectrum Collections released a collaboration with Disney, well I just had to HAVE a piece of the collection. This makeup bag is what caught my eye, I mean isn't it just so dreamy!

"I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty, I've got whozits and whatzits galore. You want thingamabobs? I've got 20, who cares? No big deal. I want more!"

Believe you me, I have far too many makeup bags now, but when you cast your eye on this collection you will want them all! The detailing on this bag alone is insane. Lined on the front with faux pearls and a beautiful portrait of Ariel herself. Not to mention the classic Ariel colour scheme, with every girls idea, of a mermaid tails material all over. 

The sides are decorated with glittery seashells, that just bring the whole bag together.  Whilst the zipper clasp is in the shape of the classic mickey mouse head. 

Inside I was surprised to find more seashell fun, as well as additional storage. This bag is actually fairly large for a normal everyday makeup bag, however, it will hold a whole load of whozits and whatzits galore. The inside is lined with a faux suede material and just screams luxury. 

Here you can see I was able to fit the Too Faced Melted Matte Lippy, inside one of the pockets and would still have been able to have closed the zip. On the right-hand side, I have placed the mini Chocolate Chip Pallete, in order for you to see the size and grasp what else you could put in there.

So don't be such a guppy, and get yourself over to Spectrum collections now! I know I have my eye on the Dinglehopper collection.

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

Real Talk

With the recent oversharing of a certain video upload on Facebook highlighting the finer points of depression and the recent sad passing of the amazing Kate Spade, I felt I needed to speak out with some real talk. Although I may get some backlash, I honestly don't give a fuck.

Here's the thing social media makes the general population suddenly turn into good samaritans, the second someone goes missing, posts something a little sad or disturbing that appears to be a call for help. The whole nation jumps on the bandwagon and appears to become concerned.

Great, does it make you feel good about yourself? That you shared that post/ video? Does it make you feel like you helped to post a nice little comment saying that you or people are there for that person, talking about depression and the effects it has on that video? Yeah, bet it did for a few minutes..

Let me break it to you, it doesn't make a blind bit of difference to us, the people that have the depression and feel like we are alone in the world. Where were you before it got to the point that we were crying for help? Nowhere! Going about your own little life, not having a care in the world.

Here's another truth for you, even if you do get through to that person, if they do come off the edge and don't go through with ending it all, are you actually going to be there for them in the long haul? No! You may be there for a week or two at the most, but as soon as life starts to get busy or you see them start to look a little better and put their mask of happiness back on you will move on again.

I am not just on a random rant, this is genuinely how I feel. On a daily basis I apply a full face of makeup but what the world doesn't know is, that with that, I also apply my mask. The mask I wear, to appear to the outside world, that everything is fine and dandy. That I am good, I am ok, I am always cheery and happy. Why? Well, who wants to interact with a grumpy stoned faced person on a daily basis? Who actually wants the real answer to how are you? No one!

A recent facebook video highlighted some home truths that I am sure a lot of you didn't even take in, you're too busy being good samaritans. Do you take the time to pop round and see people that are on their own? Do you check up on them? Do you genuinely care how they are?

I may appear to have a few good friends, some family, but the truth is the only person that ever really takes the time to check up on me genuinely is my Nan. Yet she is getting to the point where she cannot pop round, age and all, so that's not her fault! If I didn't take the time to contact the other people in my life I doubt I would get much contact or any kind of genuine compassion. How do I know, I have trialed it. I decided once or twice to not make the effort, to not contact anyone, as I am always the one to do so, and after nearly a week and a half with literally no contact from anyone but my Nan; I had to contact someone otherwise I would have gone out of my mind. The reality of that hit me though, none of the people in my life actually truly give a flying fuck about me truly, if they did, then they would make more effort than they do.

I am sorry if you're reading this and you're hurt or don't think this applies to you, but I am tired, tired of trying all the time. I know people say if you don't like something make a change, well I am trying too. Going to meetup groups every other week, getting myself out there. But at the end of the day, I am still going home to an empty house every night, spending almost every weekend on my own, other than having the dog there I basically get no other interaction. Just take some time to think about that before you jump down my throat.

I know it is a horrible thing to say, but that is where my head is at, That is how I feel. No I am not suicidal, whilst I cannot deny it has crossed my mind in the past. I am not brave enough to do it and would leave behind such a mess, that it just wouldn't be worth it and to be honest I am too much of a fighter to give in like that.

That being said I can understand why some people go to that place, and to be quite frank if you're not willing to stick around for the long haul and support them before they get to that point why are you trying to change their mind then? Is it a guilty conscience?

Before you comment, please don't post any fake hope you're okay's, hope things get better, etc. because that is what I am trying to eliminate. If you're someone that has been here all along for me, just take some time to think, when was the last time you contacted me first? When was the last time you actually took the time to check in on me? If you don't know me then take the above and apply it to someone you think may be going through something similar...

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

Mature Dating Can Work...*

Whilst I may not be of the mature age range just yet, I know a few single mature people in my life. Many who have either found love or are still juggling daily obligations and getting their head around the dating game.

There are many challenges these days with any age dating, but more so with mature dating. It's true that probably 40% of over 45's are single these days, which means that they will come with a lot of what we call 'baggage'. That makes dating difficult but not impossible.

Many people will already have families, meaning family obligations. This, very reasonably takes up a big chunk of their time, running around after children and juggling work life. Not to mention managing the household chores, and more often than not these family obligations also include caring for elderly parents.

Quite often there is some emotional baggage, let's be honest something happened for you to be single of this age. So some emotional scarring will have been left behind, it's only natural. Perhaps even a death in the family may have happened, all these life experiences can be very hard to process. Opening up to someone new and re-opening those wounds is a very daunting prospect.

Here's the thing you're all in the same boat, so having unrealistic expectations isn't really an option. Make sure you're open about your obligations, that way you can both work around a schedule that works for the both of you and you never know you may find that you go to some of the same circles.

That being said, you may not be after someone of your own age. After all becoming single later on in life means you can reinvent yourself to some extent. So why not try dating someone younger, you never know it may give you that excitement that you have been missing out on, or a new perspective on things.

It's not all doom and gloom though, there are many ways of meeting people and getting yourself out there. Either by joining groups, volunteer activities or you could be totally adventurous and go for online dating for mature singles over 50 or cougar dating.

When you eventually get yourself out there and start dating, here are a few tips that I have picked up along the way, try not to be too serious, to begin with. If you've just come out of marriage or serious long-term relationship, is jumping straight into another one really the best thing? Just have fun and what will be will be. Remember to give your life story in pieces too, think of it this way, you don't want to spoil a good movie by revealing all the good parts in the credits, do you? If you want to keep them keen that is, if you aren't too fond of them, then it would be a good way to put them off :P.

Have you had any luck with mature dating or any stories you wish to share?

* This is a sponsored post. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

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

Pretty in Pink Summer Dress

Summer is the best time of the year to get out those little dresses and pretty items of clothing that you can't seem to wear any other time. I recently attended a wedding reception so it was the perfect opportunity to get all dolled up!

Wedding receptions and other similar occasions are always formal wear events, so I paired my pink dress with a delicate scarf I received in last months Moi Meme's Nature Box.

The subtle rose gold crane detailing, with the light pink blush colouring matched perfectly and gave me that tiny bit of added warmth when the night started to turn a little cooler. 

I do love the autumnal detailing on this dress, the orange/ brown and purple/ grey tones stand out nicely on the pink. 

Lately, I am really fond of the Too Faced Peach Foundation, especially since using some fake tan (don't tell anyone). I use the shade Vanilla and setting it with the matching loose powder and setting spray, keeps me flawless all day long! Also with no flashback, as you can tell. 

Am I the only one that finds's she has too many shoes because I forget I have treasures like these beauties hiding in my chest filled to the brim. Owning a dog means that I very rarely get to wear my pretty heels these days, so whenever the chance presents itself I will often be seen in these over flats.

That being said when I found these the other day I realised that I didn't actually have too many 'formal' shoes, with the lace detailing and I can't seem to find any like it? Do you guys know where I can find any similar?

Dress: Very
Scarf: Miss Shorthair UK
Shoes: Miss Selfridge
Glasses: Specsavers

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