HEART TO HEART

Oh hey there you! Yes you! Oh course I mean you, your the one looking at this post. Reading it word for word, taking it all in. A least that's what I hope for anyway.
I'm feeling a touch uninspired as I to talk to you today. I have had literally the busiest 3 weeks ever since I came back from holiday. If someone had told me I dreamt the holiday I would 100% have believed them. I've had those types of days where only a glass of rose and a bit of a cry will help and I know I haven't been able to have the energy or time to dedicate to my blog. Which is frustrating and annoying to say the least. But then again, it makes me wonder if anyone would notice? Not in a 'feel sorry for me' mode but in a 'I'm still new at this and just having a crack at it' way.
The reason I started a blog was because I thought it would be fun to do and may open up opportunities to meet new people and experience new things. I have already 'met' in a virtual way, some lovely bloggers on Twitter and it's amazing to see how much of a community vibe there is out there. Zoella is the literal reason I started typing my thoughts and opinions for all to see. I remember watching a drugstore haul video of hers years and years ago before she was as well known as she is now and thinking "why do I care what a stranger has bought from the shops?" and then I replied to myself with answer "ssshhh I've missed what colour nail varnish she said it was now!!" Thus started my YouTube addiction! For some reason I, like so many of you, really do care what she or other bloggers and vloggers have bought, ate and or done. And I wondered, would other people care about what I did, or bought or ate? Hence the blog was born.
I really do enjoy the notion of having a slice of the net for whatever I want to create. I've never been a person who kept a diary so a blog seemed a fun 21st century way of having one. Although this diary is definitely not private! But I also feel a bit of self inflicted pressure if I haven't posted for a few days. Then I think is anyone reading it anyway? Would you know if I took a week out and had nothing to say?
I can't help but think at times that it's so hard to stand out in the ocean of bloggers. I don't live in London or Brighton. The chances of me partaking afternoon tea are extremely likely.....if you consider it as a cuppa in an over sized mug and a bag of crisps! I don't own a cute dog or have perfectly gorgeous children. I don't fly to LA or somewhere with Instagram beaches that need no filter every 2 weeks, and to be honest my diet is very much lacking in quinoa and coconut oil. I haven't mastered contouring but I'm giving it my best efforts! Every single Summer I have a reoccurring toddler tantrum at the fact I am yet to find a maxi dress that doesn't make me look even shorter than my 5ft 1 and 3 /4 self. I don't own any succulents, although I want to. I don't have a copper trinkets everywhere in my flat. Mainly because I haven't got the space nor do I own a single piece of marble tiling.

I'm just a normal girl embarking on my very own journey both in life and as a blogger. I find that quite exciting and I hope you'll stick around for it, I hope you'll continue to return to my space on the net. I hope you will read what I write. I hope you'll find some parts amusing and maybe, in time, maybe even be inspired. Because, in the same way I talk to my friends, I want to talk to you. Tell you what I've been up to, what I've bought and share things the things I like. Because it's fun! In between the 5am alarms, the challenges at work, getting stuck with the supermarket trolley with the knackered wheel, the 'attempted delivery' cards and the endless amounts of washing up to be done, life must still remain fun. And being able to find the fun in between all that can be a challenge in itself but this blog, along with other things, is for me to have fun! And hopefully you will to!

I had no idea how this post was going to turn out when I logged on and hit the 'new post' button. But it's been nice to chat so openly. Hope you don't mind! Normal service will be resumed soon. Unless of course, this post is more your thang?! I'll never know unless you leave me a comment. I'm also interested to know- how do you find out that I've posted a blog? Do you follow me on Twitter or Instagram or do you just pop by my page in hope of a new post!?

Much love, whoever you are. Steph :)

H & M MAKE UP BRUSHES

Hello lovely reader!

I picked up some very cheap but very impressive make up brushes recently from H&M of all places and I'm that impressed I wanted to share them with you!

My collection of make up brushes is made up of the Real Techniques core collection and starter set but I have still been searching for a good foundation brush. I'm really not a fan of the flat paint brush style of foundation brushes as i don't think they are that easy to apply foundation and there not easy to blend. I've been after one which you can buff with and there are so many on the market with varying price ranges! I couldn't quite justify spending £30 on a brush and when I went into H&M I stumbled across there BB cream foundation brush for £6.99 and I picked up a simple eyeshadow brush for about £1.49! Amazing prices but what's the verdict?

The eye shadow brush is a really simple but soft brush, it blends nicely and does just the job you want it to do. I love the eye shadow brush in the Real Techniques starter collection but I tend to use it more to apply eyeshadow in the crease as it works a real treat so with this brush I was after something to apply shadow over the lid and this is perfect. I'm not a fan of the disposable foam applicators at all, I think sometimes they can be a bit rough on the delicate eyelids and they don't allow you to play with the eyeshadow and blend to your hearts content. This cheap and cheerful brush is around about the same price if not cheaper than some packs of foam applicators but does a far better job.

H&M Eyeshadow brush

So the foundation brush, well ........ I love it!

H&M BB Cream foundation brush

It is a slanted brush which makes it really easy to apply foundation especially around the nose and under the eyes and the bristles have a good amount of firmness so that the brush isn't too wobbly on your face. Does that make sense? You know how some brushes can flex about too much and they don't apply the product very well as a result? With this one you feel you've got more control on distributing the product and it buffs lovely!

H&M Foundation brush

What I also like about this brush is it a good size in width so that you can cover more of your face in product quicker which in the mornings, everyone needs a speedy assistant.

I'm fairly new into using a brush to apply foundation and now I can't imagine doing it any other way! I feel like saying to myself "what the hell have you been playing at all this time!?" I'd looked at the other brushes such as the Bobby Brown brush which I have seen other bloggers such as Lily Pebbles really rave about and her make up always looks so effortless and really subtle so she knows her brushes! I love her blog and her YouTube channel so if you haven't checked it out you need to! For me though, I didn't really want to spend the £30 price tag and I just wanted to get to grips with techniques first. So if your in a similar brush boat to moi then definitely give this one a go! For the price you can't go wrong.

I'm so impressed with the likes of H&M and Topshop, their beauty game is really high at the moment and they are really offering consumers some unexpected little gems!

What beauty must-haves have you found in the high street lately? Post a comment below and share your suggestions!

Until next time, Steph :)


 This is not a sponsored or paid for post just purely my thoughts and options.

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NEW HOME GLASSWARE

Hello lovely reader!

I thought I'd share some new glassware I picked up for my home with you in today's post! I like to update things in my flat every now and then but I'm also in the process of looking for a new house so I opted for some clear glass items as this way if and when I move they will fit in perfectly with whatever colour scheme I decide to go with! Always thinking me! Ha!

I love buying flowers throughout the Summer months, they make my flat smell so beautiful and look so pretty! I picked up this lovely vase from Waitrose of all places whilst doing my weekly food shopping! I assure you I don't shop her on a weekly basis but sometimes I really can't face food shopping and their handheld scanners make it a bearable experience! If you haven't ever used them then you need to! Basically the staff will get you set up but you go around doing your shopping and scan every item as you put it into a shopping bag in your trolley. It gives you a running total of how much you've spent and when you get to the end of your trip you scan a bar code, pay and leave! No having to get the food out the trolley, onto the conveyor belt and then back in the trolley. Okay so I realise I've go off on a tangent now! Sorry! But lovely vase isn't it!











Over a year ago I gave up having sugar in my tea and I only drink coffee when I go to a cafe so the usual 'tea coffee sugar' containers are pointless for me! So I picked up some large glass jars from TKMaxx, one to store my teabags and the other to store my porridge oats. I like the fact you can see the contents, it's also a bit of a reminder to stock up too! But I think they look really cute with a heart detail on the front I like them a lot!

 I  bought a wine decanter also from TKMaxx. I'm not really intending of using it for wine but when I went to Brighton earlier in the year (blog post scroll down to have a read!) and when I went to Jamie Oliver's restaurant they had these decanters with table water in on the tables and I thought the over Summer it would be nice for when I have people round to use for fruit drinks or water. They look nice to have on the dining table and a bit fancier. I also think for hot days it will be good to fill this up and then leave it in the fridge so I've also got chilled drinks ready to go!

I thought I'd share these purchases in case they might inspire some of you for things you might want in your home too. I hope you've had a good week whoever you are out there. I've had such a hectic week at work. I've been in one of those super productive weeks where I've got so many ideas I haven't been able to sleep and trying to get everything done on my to do list which is great but I'm so glad I've had this weekend off to just chill and recharge! I'm still missing my holiday so much though if you've read my blog post about my trip the photo's will show you why! Such a lovely island. I need to book a holiday for August now, do you have any suggestions? I need to shift these holiday blues with something else to look forward to!

Whoever you are that is reading is, thank you! It spurs me on the post more and if you like anything on my blog then please leave me a comment! It would mean so much.

Hope you've had a fab weekend you lovely lot, until next time Steph :)




This is not a sponsored or paid for post just purely my thoughts and options.

VOLUME BOOST FOR FINE HAIR

Hello reader!

Today's post is all about haircare as I have recently discovered a lovely new shampoo and conditioner combo which I'm really enjoying using.
I have quite fine hair but a lot of it so sometime it can look a bit flat and it takes a LOT of work to get some volume and shape to it. I have tried lots of different shampoos and conditioners in the past and I have really like some of them but my latest purchases are becoming my new favs.

I picked up the Ojon Volume Advanced Volumsing Shampoo and matching conditioner which is designed for fine, limp, flat hair and so far I'm impressed they smell so gorgeous for a start! I've never used anything from this brand before and didn't know a lot about them so allow me to tell you.
The products are formulated with 100% natural essential oil and they are free from:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• Propylene Glycol
• Mineral Oil
• Petrolatum
• Paraffin
• Synthetic Color
• Animal Ingredients (except cruelty free-honey & beeswax)

So if these are things you search to not find in products then definitely check out the range!  

The shampoo is described as a volume-boosting coconut-derived cleanser that contains Ojon's hair repairing elixir. Even from the first use of this product it made my hair feel really clean and due to it's ingredients it doesn't leave a film or coating on the hair which, for my fine locks, is very important if I've any hope of creating volume to rival the best beehive!

The conditioner is lovely to use, it hydrates the hair without weighing it down and I tend to use it just on the mid-lengths and ends.

I'm really impressed with these products and I do think my hair has much more life to since using them. I will definitely be re purchasing them once I've finished these bottles and if you have a similar hair type to mine I'd recommend giving them a go if you've tried a few options and haven't found anything that's helped. They are pricey than the average shampoo and conditioner but purely in my experience I'd say they are worth it.

Hooray for volume!

Have you tired these products? Or have you got any other haircare favourites to share?

Until next time, Steph :)




This is not a sponsored or paid for post just purely my thoughts and options.









                                

HOLIDAY BOOK

I always like to use a holiday as an opportunity read a good book beach side. If you've read my most recent post you'll know I've just come back from a week long in Santorini where I read 'The Love Shack' by Jane Costello.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it's a fun, easy read that actually did make me laugh out loud in some parts. I like a 'boy meets girl love story with predictable challenges along the way love story' as much as the next person but this had a bit more edge to it and the odd swear word or racy situation made me feel like i was actually reading a book for adults as opposed to a teeny boppers Disney love story.

The book focuses on two characters- Gemma and Dan and their challenges in finding a perfect home. I can, in some ways, relate to this couple as i am on the house hunt myself and know the frustrations Right Move can throw up all too well. Each chapter alternates between Dan and Gemma which is really good as you get to hear both sides and it is quite funny to see how a male and female view the same situation with very different eyes!

I really enjoyed this book and think you might just enjoy it too!

Steph :)

GREEK ADVENTURE

Hello lovely reader! My post today is all about the holiday I've just returned from, if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram (which if you don't... you should!) you will have seen some sneak peak pics already from my trip but here is a post about what I've been up to whilst there.

I have only ever been to one Greek island and that was Rhodes when I was a teenager and I don't really remember a lot from that holiday but after spending hours asking Google "where is hot in may" Santorini, Greece came up as a great option.



I flew out on Tuesday 26th May for a week long chill fest with my boyfriend and arrived at the tiniest airport I've ever been too! A quick 15 minute transfer got me to the hotel we booked called Acqua Vatos in the Kamari beach area of Santorini. We were greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne which was lovely! The hotel was spotlessly clean, really modern decor and had a perfect location right in the mix of shops, bars and restaurants and a 5 minute walk from the beach front but not noisy at night when you wanted to sleep. We had a few rainy spells, one night it particularly poured and thunder and lighting to match but the rest of the week was cloud free and in the high twenties.




I must admit I didn't know anything about the island before I went but it has so much history and is and incredible place. Santorini is a volcanic island and the beach is made up of black sand which is something I've never encountered before but I actually preferred it to normal sand by the end of my holiday! Although is does get mighty hot under foot!

Kamari beach

We spent time exploring our home town for the week, Kamari which is a lovely town. It is fortunate enough to be great for tourists without being tacky. Just enough shops for trinkets and some of the most beautiful bars and restaurants I've come across. It is clearly an area that is looked after throughout the Winter ready for the Summer holidays makers.

We took the local bus, which is a full on coach which they pack to the rafters with people, to the islands capital city of Fira. We followed the crowd up a hill passing shops and church's and were rewarded with the most breath taking view of the crystal clear Aegean sea, the volcanic cliffs, white stoned buildings and cruise ships in the bay. It really was a 'wow' moment. I had no idea how gorgeous this island was going to be, it really was a postcard perfect view. Fira is a beautiful city, it feel much more like a town, very quaint, narrow winding streets, lots of little shops, restaurants with views money can't buy. There are snake like steps from the top of the city down to the port where cruise ship travelers touch land and can have the options of climbing the many many steps or, taking the cable cars or the more traditional route of climbing aboard a donkey for the trek up to the top!

One of the days we took a guided trip and visited an area nor far our of Kamari which is known as the 'Ghost town.' Santorini has hit with a large scale earthquake in the 1950's which caused many buildings to be destroyed and this area hasn't really been rebuilt and has few residents and church's. I learned on this trip that Santorini has more church's (over 500) than houses and more wine than water!
We went to Santos Winery and saw where the wine is produces, learned about the fermenting process and got to taste three different wines. The winery is located cliff side and is next to where many weddings are conducted so you can imagine how beautiful the back drop is! Speaking of weddings, we had noticed there were a lot of Chinese brides in full gowns with their apparent grooms in Santorini and our tour guide told us that they often travel to the island and take with their wedding pictures. Once they return home they blow up the pictures up and have them out at their wedding. With the amazing views I'm not surprised they do this!

Santos Wines-amazing view!

The main event of this day trip was to go to Oia which is pronounced 'ear'. This is where the famous white buildings and three blue roofed domes are. If you ever search online for Santorini this is the image you will find and it was the location of the Muller yoghurt advert! I absolutely loved this area of the island it is simply stunning and each night people gather cliff side for a front row seat to watch the sunset. It was incredible. You can only hear the sounds of cameras click as people watch in awe and give the sun a round of applause once it has disappeared from view. It was so beautiful to see.

The famous three blue domes

Amazing sky at the Oia sunset!

We also went on a traditional wooden boat and took a trip to an island which houses one resident, his Alsatian, goats and a few chickens! We anchored up and took a dip in the sea to swim out to hot springs which was great fun. I covered myself with the mud from the springs, which is reported to take 10 years off you! I'm not sure if did but my skin definitely felt nice and soft from the natural source! We went to one island and had a meal there and then headed back to the port after we had stopped mid way to watch the sun sent once again disappear into the sea. I hope my photo's give you some idea of just how amazing this was to see, simply stunning.

In between our day trips we spent time relaxing on the beach outside of a bar called Love Boat. Super comfy sunbeds and a lovely bar man that went up and down the beach all day bringing drinks and food to order. It was pretty perfect! In the evenings we spent time in Kamari, the bars and restaurants stretch along the beach front so wherever you stop to eat or drink the view of the Aegean sea. Every meal we had was incredible. We had traditional slow cooked lamb dishes, Gyros which are a Greek version of a kebab, Moussaka, lovely pasta dishes, authentic Greek salads and many cocktails! I definitely had an indulgent week but if you can't do it on holiday then when can you! The food is so fresh and the Greek people were so friendly, they really couldn't do enough for us. They do like to look after the guests to their restaurant or bar and each visit we would be give complimentary ouzo shots with our drinks (which would blow you had head and I must admit we did tend to leave them! and one restaurant even gave us complimentary chocolate desert with desert wine too.


As I mentioned at the start the airport is the smallest I've ever been to and once we had checked in our bags, we were then advised to head out of the airport and up the hill to a cafe with seating outside and to look out for our tour provider plane landing. Once we saw the plane land, that was our cue to head back over to the airport a that would our plane! An hour delay meant an extra hour sat in the sun! The best departure lounge ever!

Santorini is a little slice of heaven. I think May was a perfect time to go as the weather wasn't stifling hot, the crowds hadn't fully descended yet and there were plenty of sunbeds to go around. I can imagine August is too hot and too crowded so I would suggest going between May and the end of July so you can really enjoy your stay. The laws on the island means no one can build properties higher than two stores high which means the beauty is preserved and it will never been ruined by skyscrapers or giant hotel chains. It remains quaint and charming with the most impressive views I've ever seen. it is simply a stunning island, from it's view to the kind and genuine Greek people. If your stuck for holiday ideas this is definitely somewhere I'd recommend and I will be going back in the
future. It was just perfect. Take me back already!

Have you been to Santorini? Please leave me a comment below:)

Thanks for reading about my trip, Steph :)


Posts still to come: My holiday book