This Month I....

I can't believe I've been keeping up this monthly series post for so long now! I quite like rounding up the previous month before starting the new one, it makes you appreciate the things that have passed and the things that are to come. January was surprisingly a fab month for me and good start to 2017!

This Month I.... ate one of the best breakfasts at Muriel's. Usually January is the time of year to start eating healthily but I totally disagree - the cold nights and long days are the PERFECT time to indulge. If you're in the Soho area. definitely check our Muriel's breakfast menu.

This Month I... booked TWO holidays! Both within a few hours of each other - crazy right?! Edinburgh is on my 2017 Bucket List, so we had to book that, and as my friends are finishing uni this summer, we also booked Rome for a few days in July. Excited is an understatement of what I'm feeling for 2017.

This Month I... finally read Harry Potter And The Cursed Child! I got this book for Christmas and couldn't wait to start reading it, being the massive Harry Potter fan I am. It 100% exceeded my expectations and I'm now on the hunt to see the play!

This Month I.... watched a lot of Gossip Girl. Now that I have Netflix on the TV, I'm addicted to watching Gossip Girl! Blair and Chuck are definitely my favourite characters, their relationship is totally crazy but I love how they always end up with each other. I've got one more season to go before the end - it's sad times.

This Month I... achieved and experienced a lot. I passed my exam and got a Professional Diploma In Digital Marketing, made a good start to the new year at work and got to spend my spare time with my favourite people. My favourite post (and one I'm most proud of!) this month is definitely Finding Mindfulness.

What was your highlight this January?

Thanks for reading!

Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

My Current Favourite Youtubers and Bloggers

What's better on a Sunday than snuggling down with a bunch of brand new blogs to read and videos to watch? I'm going to make more of an effort to share my favourite bloggers and youtubers this year - because supporting and sharing is all part of the blogger community!

Brogan Tate Youtube Channel

If you're not already subscribed to Brogan, GO DO IT! Done it? Good. Not only is Brogan such a lovely girl, she's so down to earth and friendly that watching her videos is like spending time with your best friend. 

Videos to watch:

Let's Talk.... The Pill

Weekly Vlog - basically any weekly vlogs!

The Elle Next Door

A blogger to look out for in 2017 is definitely Elle. I love how when you read her posts, it's like Elle is talking directly to you and stays real to herself, no editing. Plus her videos are gorgeous!

Posts to read:

The Jersey Travel Guide

It's Okay To Not Be Okay

Merry Musing

Stephanie has total flat lay goals - they're always on point and I love them! Her advice and beauty posts are the ones I love to read because they are so relatable and inspiring and her blog layout is definitely my favourite too.

Posts to read:

Five Drugstore Brands To Try In 2017

How I'm Managing To Beat The January Blues By Making Lists

Gabriella

I first heard about Gabby from watching Zoella's vlogs and subscribed to her because she's totally different to all the other mainstream youtubers. Her vlogs are really fun to watch and always make me laugh, plus her makeup always looks gorgeous!

Videos to watch:

SiliSponge vs Beauty Blender Disaster

Let's Do This!! Vlog

Hello Miss Jordan

Last but by no means least, is Jordan from Hello Miss Jordan. This is a girl after my own heart with her collection of tutu midi-skirts and gorgeous little dog! Her Instagram stories and posts are also on point, so make sure you're following her on there too.

Posts to read:

The Garden Of Miracles

Once Upon A Christmas

What are your current favourite youtubers and bloggers? Link them in the comments.

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

New Winter Biker Jacket by Julien Macdonald

Jacket: Star by Julien Macdonald via Debenhams

Jumper and Scarf: Primark

Jeans and Gloves: Marks & Spencer

Boots: Clarks

Apologies in advance, but I'm going to be that really annoying blogger who's blogging about something that's sold out and can't be found on the internet anymore! But bear with me, I have alternatives for you.

If there's anything I like to invest into, it's coats. If you choose wisely and spend well, a coat can last a good few years and even then taking it to the dry cleaners for a spruce up could give it an extra few months of wear. Last November I found a black coat shape hole in my wardrobe, I have the classic denim jacket and mac coat for warmer months, a pretty white long blazer coat and black leather jacket for autumn and a full-on thick green parker with leopard lining for winter, all of which have lasted me for years. A black coat is perfect for work meetings, going out or generally looking smarter, cue Star by Julien Macdonald Black Friday Sale.

I find black coats can something look a little boring in shape and style, so this time I was looking for something special. This coat has the style of a biker jacket on the top half, completed with zip accessories, leather fabric and a detachable fur collar. The sleeves are leather too, with fur cuffs that are stroke-able soft and cosy. The bottom half is a stretchy but insulating fabric, which has pockets! My biggest bug-bear of coats is when they sew the pockets up, which I know is for security and cleanliness reasons, but it's still frustrating.  

I got it for £60, down from £90 so I'm pretty pleased with that! Now I have filled the spot with my perfect smart black coat, it's a coat I know will last me for years for sure. Unfortunately it's no longer for sale, but Julien Macdonald has different versions like this Black Faux Fur Collar Belted Jacket which is a short version of mine and this Black Longline Bomber Jacket, which is minus the biker style of mine! River Island has a fab version and Missguided have a very similar style too. 

What's your favourite jacket?

Thanks for reading!

Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

2017 Beauty Resolutions

Even though I don't really have New Year Resolutions, I do have a few Beauty Resolutions for 2017. It's hard when you love beauty, work in the beauty industry to keep on top of resolutions but this year I'm determined to stick to them!

1. Use products until they're completely empty. 

If I find something I like, I'll keep using it until it's almost empty then move onto another product before I've finished it. It may be because I've found something new to try or because I love it so much that I really don't want it to finish!

2. Listen to what my body/hair/skin really wants.

Adapting and working out what my skin type is and what my hair is really craving is my number one priority for 2017. I only recently found out that my scalp is dry and irritated, so using a shampoo and conditioner with oats and honey is so much better for me. P.S. Read My Hair Story on the blog last week! 

3. Don't always buy into the trend.

A pretty important one, being a blogger! Somethings I've bought have worked out really well and others are big flops, so I'll definitely be doing my research and testing before buying into trends.

4. Only buying the next product when the first is finished. 

Similar to using products when they're completely empty, I have a whole box full of half-used and not even opened products and whilst it's good to have spares, I probably shouldn't get into the habit of buying before I've finished the first product!

5. Shop around to get the best deal.

I always used to shop at Boots and Superdrug, but now I've found websites like allbeauty.com, lookfantastic.com and even amazon.co.uk have some great offers and savings, why spend more when you can save more?! 

What are your beauty resolutions or goals for 2017?

Thanks for reading!

Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

Finding Mindfulness

When the whole mindfulness trend and adult colouring books came about, I was slightly sceptical. How could colouring books really help improve your mind? Isn't mindfulness when you meditate and something that monks do?

Recently I've been taking more time out to read and comment on more blogs and there's a few that inspired this post: Jemma from Dorkface, "Mindfulness; Why I'm Hoping It's Not Just A Trend" Elle from The Elle Next Door "It's Ok Not To Be Ok" and Kelly from Dream In Lace "48 Hour Digital  Detox". And the combination of these three posts really got me thinking about what mindfulness means to me.

Before now, I wouldn't have been really be able to pinpoint where I felt mindfulness - and even if it had a great affect on me. I'll give you an example: January sucks for me. I dislike this month as much as anything else, It's the time of year where I'm thinking "Am I where I really want to be?" "Am I doing the right thing in my career/relationships/on the housing ladder etc etc." and because of that I've been doing a lot of thinking and worrying (classic Rhiannon!).

This week I truly felt mindfulness twice, once when I was sitting in a park on my lunch break. The sun was shining, there was a pretty fountain in front of me and, probably my biggest deterrent from mindfulness, my phone had run out of battery. I was simply in my own company and contemplated the above career/relationships/housing ladder situation and made a decision (Point 6 of my 2017 Bucket List) - then a huge weight was lifted off myself and I felt mindfulness.

The second time was at Brighton beach yesterday. I had planned to meet my friend for a catch up and some shopping but I arrived half an hour early and decided to go to the beach. Yes it was freezing and I was completely alone, but once the pebbles were underneath my feet, I felt the sun on my face and took a deep breath of the sea air, everything felt level and right and I felt mindfulness again.

Mindfulness is completely different for every person, there's no set way to finding it. For me it's being at the beach and feeling totally relaxed with myself, for others it could be spending an hour with your closest family, curling up with a good book or attending a yoga session. Whatever it is, finding your mindfulness is totally personal and not a one-size-fits-all.

I'd be interested to hear your views on mindfulness and if you've ever experienced it before.

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

Books I Got For Christmas

For some it's clothes, makeup and perfume, but for me it's books that I love unwrapping on Christmas Day. Then snuggling down in my new pyjammas with the fire on and a new book to read before the festive day is over and then something to keep me company and escape from the January blues. 

Capture Your Style by Aimee Song

From the looks of my Instagram feed, a lot of other bloggers also got the book Capture Your Style by Aimee Song! My photography is something I'm always learning and wanting to improve on, especially when there's so many amazing bloggers doing a fab job. This books takes you through the technical side of lighting and positioning, but also how to create and maintain your personal brand and style - can't wait to read it!

The Victoria Letters

Did you watch the ITV production of Victoria last year? I was addicted to watching it and my Mum took note and got me a book of Queen Victoria's letters. Each chapter is set in key stages of her life e.g. before becoming queen, her move to Buckingham Palace, but the chapter which I'm most looking forward to is with Lord Melbourne, her first Prime Minister and close mentor.

Bloom by Estee Lalonde

So far I've only had a quick flick through of Bloom by Estee Lalonde, but the way she's put together each chapter and complimented it with photos is gorgeous! Books by bloggers are so interesting to read and such a pleasure because it's like an extension of their blogs. And I know I'm definitely going to pick up some great tips from this one!

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child by JK Rowling

Being a massive Harry Potter fan, it's amazing that I've managed to not read this book before! The Harry Potter and The Cursed Child book is nineteen years on since the last book and focuses around Harry's son Albus. I like the fact that the story incorporated parts of the future and past so it didn't feel too different from the classic Harry Potter books - and it had enough to keep you entertained still. Definitely recommend reading!

Face by Pixiwoo

Pixiwoo are by far my favourite beauty youtubers - their tutorials are so helpful and fun at the same time! This book includes everything you need to know about makeup, how to apply it and all the different types. Plus because it's from Pixiwoo, you know you can trust what they say! There's a free app to go with the book for extra digital content which I'll definitely be downloading too.

Have you read these books before? What's your favourite?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

My Hair Story

Without a doubt, getting my hair cut and blow dried is one of my favourite things to do. It's a little treat to me (and my hair!) plus it's such a massive confidence boost afterwards! I've had various hairdressers ranging from £15 to £50 for a cut and blow dry, but it's true that when you spend a little bit more that you get better quality. My hairdressers is my local Toni & Guy salon and I've never had a bad experience from it. Previously hairdressers have always cut my fringe too short or left my hair poker-straight, which totally isn't my style! 

When I was a lot younger it was, what I call, the 'mushroom' haircut with a fringe and blunt bob. Then it was growing out the fringe stage, which looked awful in my primary school photos! Then the experimental stage when I decided to cut all my hair off into an edgy bob during secondary school. Only to regret it and grow it out again for prom, then get fed up and cutting it again and growing it out again. And now we're at the stage where my hair is looking and feeling much healthier and easier to manage than ever before, now I've finally got to grips with how thick and wavy it is. I do have a slightly sensitive and dry scalp, which means I do use special soothing shampoo and conditioner - it's not like I have dandruff, but just dry and sensitive, it's hard to explain!

One thing I get asked a lot is if my hair colour is natural, and yes it is and always has been. Naturally I was a fair bit ginger and orange-toned when I was younger, but now it's thankfully turned auburn-brown-red colour. You'll have to see my Things You Can Relate To If You're Ginger post if you want to see my hair when I was younger! I've grown to like my hair colour and it's like another part of my outfit - although it does clash a lot with yellow, so you'll never see me in that...

What's your hair story? Do you have a favourite haircut?

Thanks for reading!

Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

2017 Bucket List

I promised to share my 2017 bucket list before 2016, but I missed it! That's what you have revision and mountains of life admin to thank for.

Anyway, my bucket list. January is usually such a dull month for me, that planning my year ahead and having something to look forward to makes a massive difference to my mood. I had a few ideas planned out last year and have since started putting them into action - no time like the present!

1. Visit Scotland. The furthest north of UK I've been is York and that's about it! I'm a true Southerner at heart. This year I want to visit Scotland, I'd like to spend a few days exploring Edinburgh and Glasgow and really experience Scotland for what it is. Eating the food, seeing the sites, trying out a kilt (do girls actually wear kilts?!) and everything that is Scottish.

2. Join a netball club. This is probably the hardest on my bucket list, but something I really want to do this year! I used to play netball at primary school and at weekends, then secondary school came and it got a lot more competitive and I just wanted to have fun and play netball, so I stopped. It's the hardest to organise and find because of my work schedule, but fingers crossed something comes up!

3. Go to Spitalfields. I've been talking to my friend at work about visiting Spitalfield for ages and this year I am going to get to it! Even though I go to London on a regular basis, I never get to really see London besides outside the train window, so this is one I really want to tick off the list.

4. Have afternoon tea at The Ritz. I noticed my bucket list was looking a little naked without any food activities! I love my afternoon teas as much as the next person (clotted cream, strawberry jam and fresh scones will always be my weakness) and felt that The Ritz is the perfect place to add to my bucket list. I walk past it every day, twice a day and it looks like a proper treat.

5. Try Go Ape. Trying to sign people up to do Go Ape is more of a mission than the activity itself! My sister and brother-in-law have done Go Ape before and it looks like so much fun - and when your life is sometimes sans fun, the urge to swing in the trees like a monkey is too much to resist. This will definitely be a spring or summer activity though!

6. Learn to not give a sh*t anymore. And by that I mean being honest with myself and not holding back because I'm worried about what people are going to think about me or not aiming for my goals because I don't have the self-confidence to do it. It's hard to explain exactly, maybe I'll do a full blog post on it? All in all, 2017 is the year I'm learning to be care free!

What's your New Year Resolutions or on your 2017 bucket list?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest

Hello 2017...

Remember me? It's been a while, 18 days to be in fact and I was writing my last blog post of 2016 in my Christmas jumper! My main reason for me absence was because I was studying for an exam for my Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing - and because it's probably a good idea to have a digital detox every now and then. 

I hate revision and everything that goes with it - it's the not knowing part of exams that I hate, as in 'what questions are they going to ask me?' 'Will I remember everything or have a total brain flop?!' Luckily I didn't have a complete brain flop and PASSED my exam!! Afterwards I felt a mixture of wanted to eat all the cakes in M&S, crying because I've worked bloomin' hard for this or needing to pee because it was a 3 hour exam and I had no toilet breaks at all. 

So now I can turn my attention back to blogging rather than revising flash cards and definitions every evening. I have no content planned or any photos taken, which means a new post probably won't be up until the weekend at the earliest. But bear with me and I'll be back in a flash....

If you want to know more about the course and exam I took, check out my post on my Digital Marketing Diploma with Digital Marketing London. 

Thanks for reading!

Rhiannon x

Find me on: Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest