This Month I...

September is one of those 'meh' months for me, it's the turning point of summer into autumn and everything turns a bit colder and darker. But on the plus side, we're closer to Christmas right?!

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This Month I... ate at Monty Bojangles cafe in Reigate! So I'll fess up, this isn't my actual photo and I only just realised that I forgot to take any photos because I was too busy stuffing my face with their triple chocolate muffin and catching up with my friend. I love the Monty Bojangles Chocolate Truffles, they're delicious and amazing quality for the price. It's a one off cafe and it's in a lovely spot in Reigate, definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area and be warned it gets very busy!

This Month I... bought nothing - surprising I know! Next month I'm going on holiday to Malaysia for two weeks so I've been saving my money for then. However I have been very tempted by the Harry Potter collection in Primark at the moment. I work just round the corner from the Tottenham Court Road branch, which has a massive area for the collection. There's everything from socks and slippers to bags and duvets. It's a real temptation to not buy everything!

This Month I... read Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland. I've read a few youtuber books before and found them a bit wishy washy, like they're not well written enough for me. Perhaps it's because they're aimed at a younger audience. However Louise has changed her content from any fluffy to realistic and relatable content, something which is reflected in her new book. It's a classic chic lit from single mum's perspective, Robin. You can read my full review here for a indepth look. The pinch me moment was when Louise RT'ed my tweet!

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This Month I... I watched the new Great British Bake Off. Yes there's no Mary, Sue or Mel and now there's adverts but it's still bake off to me. If you close your eyes whilst watching it, Prue does sound a little like Mary and Sandi sounds like Mel or Sue I can't decide! I love each themed week, especially the caramel challenges last week because I'm addicted to Millionaire Shortbread and Stroopwaffles. There's no favourite at the moment, so I'm just enjoying all the different characters!

This Month I... went to London Zoo! It's been years since I went to London Zoo, apparently I was four last time and it was a cold February day. There's even photo evidence of me riding a fish on the merry-go-round with a lovely hot pink puffer jacket. The animals are all very well cared for and there were plenty of zoo keepers in the walk-in enclosures to ensure you didn't get too close to the animals. We watched the tigers, giraffes and penguins being fed which was amazing to watch and the special part were the gorillas and baby monkeys! If you're travelling to London by train, you can get 2 for 1 tickets or buy them at a discount online too.

How as September for you?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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My Body Care Go-Tos

I must say, I do treat myself when it comes to my body care products. You can really tell the difference from a £2 moisturiser to a £25 one and sometimes you want to make yourself for a little luxurious! From start to finish, I'll take you through my body care go-tos plus my favourite brands and recommendations.

First it'll be in the shower, I love Korres Shower Gels as not only do they smell great but they also use a lot of natural ingredients. Down the side of each bottle it lists what it's free from, if it's suitable for vegans, its pH level etc. which I think is really handy when you're looking for a natural showergel!  I'd recommend the Water Lily Blossom and Japanese Rose, currently I'm using the Fig scent which is also lovely. Definitely check out Korres online as some websites sell them buy one get one free or for £8 each from Waitrose.

Once every few days I'll give myself an all over body scrub with my exfoliating glove and favourite Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub. Sometimes if I'm looking for a quick scrub, I'll just use my showergel with the exfoliating glove to kill two birds with one stone. This Body Scrub with Black Pepper and Ginger has unfortunately been discontinued, but all of Sanctuary Spa Body Scrubs are great quality and I like the tube packaging as it means I can use it in the shower without getting water inside. Sanctuary Spa Body Scrubs range from £6.50 to £13 in Boots.

Now I'm all clean and smooth (I forgot to mention, I'd obviously shave as well but it's a little boring and mundane to me!) it's time to hydrate my skin. In my opinion, nothing beats Molton Brown Body Lotion on value for money and general amazing scents. My mum, sister and I all have our favourite ranges from Molton Brown, and mine is the Pink Pepperpod. It's slightly spicy but aromatic too and the scent lasts on your skin too! It's £25 for 300ml, which is pricey but well worth it to treat your skin.

My final part is very very luxurious and I only add this extra option on when my legs are in real need of it. I discovered Legology Air-Lite years ago when I was working at a Brighton Magazine and got sent a PR package. Air-Lite uses special technologies to help with tightness and puffiness, pains, cellulite and fatigue, and my legs get very tired from a long day at work! The cream is super light and smells like lemons to me, plus the website has tips on how to massage the cream in to get the best benefits. Because it's so fancy, it's £60 for a small 175ml pot but it's kinda justifiable as it's not an every day problem!

What are your body care favourites?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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Why It's Okay Not To Be A Stereotypical Blogger

They say variety is the spice of life, and the same term really does apply to blogging too. I kinda get fed up when I see the same flat lays and rose gold features throughout my Bloglovin' or Instagram feeds. I know it's completely up to me who I choose to follow and add to my feed, but I can't but feel like there's a samey-samey look across the Blogosphere at times.

So why is it okay to be different? Being different is an amazing achievement, say you went for the same chocolate ice cream each time then one day there's a chocolate chip one, you'd want to try a bit of that would you? Same with blogging, even a slight difference like your blog layout, your photography or writing styles can make you stand out from the crowd. This now reminds me that I have a few of those Ben and Jerry's cookie dough sandwiches...

Blogging is all about being creative and putting your own stamp on the internet (it was so tempting to say the cliche 'own corner of the internet' but I put a new spin on it...!) So if you want to try a new photography style or have had a great blog post idea for ages but you've been worried if it would be popular or not, just do it. Bring all the inner confidence into your blogging and get motivated to be you on your blog.

What are your best tips for breaking out of the blogger mould?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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

OOTD: Primark Frilled Sleeve Stripey Dress

Dress: Primark

Jacket: H&M

Shoes: Clarks

Bag: Cath Kidson

Now the start of autumn is officially tomorrow (not the 1st September guys!) I can now appreciate knitted jumpers, thick cosy tights and chunky boots. I think my pale English rose skin is much more accustomed to cooler weather than during the summer and my wardrobe is so much better in the autumn too! I bought a new grey knitted jumper with a plait style on the front, it's slightly oversized so it's going to look fab with a pair of black skinny jeans, boots and a leather jacket.

If you've read my blog and OOTD posts for a while now, you'll know that I am a Primark addict and magpie, spotting the quality stuff from the tat. This dress falls under that quality category, and it's not something that I expected to be! It's made from a thick polyester and viscose mix that keeps me super warm and cosy all day. Obviously I love the stripes (the stripe addiction continues!) but the cute frilled sleeves add a subtle and modern update. Paired with my classic trench coat, patent brogues and Cath Kidson backpack, it's my outfit for when 'ahh I don't know what to wear!' happens.

What do you think of outfit? Do you like shopping at Primark?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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

Tips To Update Any Makeup Look

I can be very lazy with my makeup given the chance. I do love trying out new makeup looks, a pop of lipstick or bright eyeliner, but when you've got about 5 minutes to apply a full face you can fall into the same look day in day out.

Because I've been stuck in the same makeup routine, I thought I'd share a few tips for breaking out of the same makeup and updating your look with some very simple tricks.

- Choose an eyeliner that suits your eye colour
Always opt for your trusty black or brown eyeliner? There's a fab array of coloured eyeliners that compliment your eye colour beautifully. Brown eyes look gorgeous with khaki greens and navy, whilst colours like purple and bronze metallic eyeliners are fab with blue eyes. If you have green eyes try a warm brown or purple too, this'll really help your eye colour pop!

- Opt for a soft brown matte smoky eye
There's so many different shades of smoky eyes that sometimes I like to break against the norm and go for a simpler look. I love using a soft matte brown shade in my crease with a light brown nude across my lid and lighter shade in the inner corner. It elongates my eye shape and hardly requires any time at all.

- Swap a matte base for a dewy foundation
Usually the trend is to mattify your foundation during autumn and winter as summer is reserved for that glowy and dewy look. But why go with the trend when you can stand out? I much prefer BB creams and lighter bases like that MAC Face & Body Foundation, then I use a powder to set my t-zone and leave the rest of my face looking dewy and glowy.

- Try a gradient lip
For those just-kissed lips, a gradient lip is the easiest and quickest way to create a beautiful lip style and wear well throughout the day. Just apply a lipstick or lipstain to the center or your lips and use your finger to blend out towards your outer lips. Glossy lips work best for this style over matte lips!

What are your tips for updating your makeup look?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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

Taking Time For Yourself

I should apologize for the poor quality of the photo - it's safe to say photography isn't my strongest point! Today I wanted to write about something that I don't do a lot of, taking time for yourself. When can you last remember the time you actually sat down and watched a film or read a book? 

Each time I try, I always end up feeling guilty that I should be doing something else (I blame the never ending to-do list!) and don't take any time for myself. So here are a few ways I'm going to try and take more time for myself:

- Book in allotted time

Unfortunately I'm not that spontaneous type, as much as I'd like to be! I like sticking to a routine, so by segregating an evening once a week to do whatever I like will ensure that I get that 'me time'. It'll also make sure that I'm more productive with my other time too!

- Don't feel guilty for taking time for yourself

This is the biggest obstacle, in my opinion, to overcome. For some reason whenever you take a break from the never ending to-do list, a wave of guilt washes over and you end up skipping that break and pushing you further on. At the end of the day, I believe you can only do what you can! And there's nothing to feel guilty about.

- Do something to relax

If you're not relaxing or doing something that makes you happy, then what's the point?! I personally love a good film, an adult colouring book (because my hands need something to fiddle with!) and my pjs. Even just doing something for yourself for a couple of hours can really help you feel rejuvenated again. 

How do you take time for yourself? Any tips?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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OOTD: Gingham Bardot Dress and Denim

Jacket and Bag: Zara

Dress and Shoes: New Look

Earrings: Accessorize

I know summer may be over and this outfit is looking way too summery right now, but I wore this outfit a few weeks ago and couldn't not show off this bargain dress. Normally New Look clothes don't really excite me that much, their shoes and bags are more up mu street but this dress caught my eye. It's a lightweight gingham print with small yellow flowers stitched on and a bardot style top. Usually with bardot tops it always ends up riding up my shoulders, but luckily this one doesn't do that and stays put! 

When I first picked this dress up in the sales I did think it's a little shapeless, then remembered I don't have much shape myself so what's the difference! It's fairly loose and a line in shape so I added a small pair of heels to add a bit of height to the outfit. It also means that if I want to stuff my mouth with all of the food, I really don't have to worry about that food baby...

What do you think of this outfit? Are you missing summer now?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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My Pamper Routine

Sometimes I secretly bank 'me time' and plan nothing but a good old pamper session. There's nothing like coming home from a long and busy week at work knowing that only thing you've got to do is relax. I work full time in London, spending 40 hours a week working so my spare time is precious and proper pamper evenings are far and few between at the moment! When I do have this, my pamper routine follows a little like this....

I've just come in from doing whatever and the first thing that happens is I'll remove my makeup. I'll get my hair off my face and cleanse with my Garnier Micellar Cleanser, it's the best thing to remove all of my makeup and it's not too harsh on my skin. 

Because I love my shower (it's like a warm hug, come on!) I'll jump into the shower to wash off another working day in the city. My favourite products are the Korres Shower Gels and any Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub, especially the ones which come in tubes! I'll give myself a proper all over scrub with my mitt and shave before getting out of the shower. There's nothing quite like super smooth skin!

Face masks are a must-do for a pamper evening, I have a few favourites as from my post last week, but for a quick and easy treat it's got to be a sheet mask. They're the least messy masks and give my skin an instant boost. Whilst I'm wearing my mask and don't really want to scary anyone, I'll paint my nails. The Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polishes are quick and easy to use, they apply really nicely and they have a great colour selection.

Personally I like to cleanse my skin after using a mask and opt for the luxurious Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser. I'll go the whole hog and use the muslin cloth to remove any last bits of makeup that my micellar water missed. Next I'll use a spray toner, apply an eye cream and finish with a moisturiser. Sometimes when I'm feeling fancy I'll add a further step with my Decleor Night Balm, the essential oils help me to relax and I'll give myself a mini facial massage too. By this point I'm so chilled that I can feel my eyes getting heavier for sleep, so it's a book and bed for me before brushing my teeth!

What are your pamper routines like?

Thanks for reading!

Rhiannon x

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

Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies

If anyone knows me well, they'd know I have a big sweet tooth for anything chocolate and that I can bake. Not like Mary Berry baking, but I can do a good cake and the odd dessert or two. This week I got the baking bug and found a half-used jar of Nutella in the cupboard and thought how can I use this up. I got Googling and came across the 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies. The proof really is within the pudding, so put this to the test and see what you think!

Ingredients

1 x 400g jar of chocolate spread (doesn't have to be Nutella, any own brand will do!)

2 x eggs

60g of self raising flour

How To

Pre-heat your own 160 to 180 degrees in a fan oven.

Mix all of the ingredients in together until a smooth consistency - yes it's that easy!

Pour the mixture into a 20cm tin

Bake for 20-25 mins

Leave to cool then enjoy!

They are so delicious and light that you wouldn't be able to tell that they're made from only 3 ingredients. I found similar recipes with added sugar and butter, but it really isn't necessary with the chocolate spread. This recipe made roughly 12-16 squares, but you can halve it if that's too many (but when is it too many brownies?!)

Have you tried this recipe before?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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OOTD: Navy Spotty Trousers and White T-Shirt

Jacket: Primark

Top: H&M

Trousers: New Look

Shoes: Clarks

Bag: Souvenir from Florence 

My mind has been completely blown, I can wear trousers that feel like pyjamas but look smart enough to wear to work. These are incredibly comfortable and lightweight to wear, perfect for wearing on flights or long journeys. I've been wearing them a lot recently on those warm but fresh days with a shirt and sandal for work, then dressed down with a t-shirt and Converse at the weekend.

In my opinion you can never go wrong with a plain white t-shirt. I own various styles, loose and tight fitting, v-neck and scoop neck, it's a bit of a joke really! I use them to tuck into skirts and trousers, underneath shirts and jumpers too, I'd recommend H&M and New Look for affordable basics. Topshop also sell fab quality t-shirts. 

What do you think of this outfit? Where do you recommend to shop for the basics?

Thanks for reading!

Rhiannon x

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Favourite Face Masks

Face masks have always been a luxury treat for me, something that requires a bit more time than my usual cleanse-and-go routine. My skin is generally combination and slightly leans towards the sensitive side and has annoying hormonal spots and blackheads pretty much all the time. I'll use a face mask once or twice a week and have discovered a few of my favourites...

Cream Masks

I've been using cream face masks for years, they don't react badly to my skin or leave it feeling tight or dry like clay masks do. The 7th Heaven masks are great and there's such a variety to choose from too, I'd also recommend the Superdrug own brand masks. These masks require a bit more time and attention to apply, but leave your skin feeling nourished and clean.

Overnight Masks

These face masks were only a recent development in my skincare regime, but they're a lifesaver. Who knew that you could save so much time but have such great skin by the morning? I've only tried the cult Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask so far, which not only leaves my skin feeling moisturised and glowing in the morning but it smells delicious too. 

Self Heating Masks

I'll admit that I may be a little bias in featuring this product, as it's one of the brands the company I work for owns. However I've dabbled in many self heating masks when I was younger and they've worked wonders for my pores as the heat helps to open and de-clog them. I don't know the science behind why it heats up when you rub them in, but it's still pretty amazing to try.

Sheet Masks

These masks have been doing the rounds recently and I for one am pretty happy about that. Once I've removed my makeup, I just pop one of these on my face and end up looking like something kids wear on Halloween for about 30 minutes before revealing my brand new skin. I love how convenient and easy they are and each one has a special purpose, so you can tailor them to your skin type.

What are your favourite face masks?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x

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

Review: Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland

It's been a while since I've dedicated a post to a book review, but this particular novel deserved it's own standalone review. Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland is mummy chic-lit book, all about Robin Wilde and how she steers her way through life as a single mum. There's obviously a lot of reflection of the character Robin from Louise and the personalities of both are very similar, which makes this book as enjoyable to read as it is to watch Louise's videos. 

The story itself has it's warm and bear-like-hug moments with Robin's daughter Lyla and auntie Kath, then there's the complete reversal of feeling like you're not good enough and that you can't get past The Emptiness Robin describes. It's a realistic and truthful representation of being a single mother, navigating a job and getting back on the dating horse. I love how honest and uncensored it is, there's no faffing around with picture perfect families and lives. 

The ending wouldn't be how you expected (no spoilers here!) but I will say there's a life changing experience in New York, which pleases me as it's one of my favourite cities! Louise left the book with room for a prequel and I can't wait to see what Robin gets up to in the future and all of the new stories. 

Have you read Wilde Like Me before? What are you currently reading?

Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon x