10 Money Saving Tips from Samples To Shopping Your Stash

I know the photo doesn't match the content but the sunset a few weeks ago was so gorgeous and I needed to use it in one post so this is it! I've published two posts already on money saving tips aimed at students but hopefully these tips are a little more general. If you have any money saving tips or if you know any websites with great offers, deals or discount codes then share in the comments below.

Coupons, Discount Codes & Sales

Let's start with the easiest and that's looking out of coupons and sales! There are a lot of sales going on at the moment which is great for me as I have holiday clothing to buy and also I'm always on the look out for discount codes. Whatever I buy, whether it's groceries on Ocado to books, tickets, clothing and beauty products, I look for a discount code just by searching 'store name discount code 2017', you might get 10% off or free delivery - you never know unless you look. I've been able to find discount codes so often for clothing, books and even Buckingham Palace tour tickets!

Deals & Changing Providers

Everyone has various talents and one which my mum possesses is that she's amazing at saving and looking for deals with different service providers, whether it's electricity, broadband, Sky or car insurance. Recently she's been able to get money off our car insurance which is amazing but sadly those traits definitely haven't pass down to me but I do think that it's worth checking out if you can save money with a different service provider! Even if you just save £50, it's still worth it as then you can buy £50 worth of makeup, skincare or books...that's how it works right?

Switch To Cheaper Alternatives 

Whether it's groceries, clothing, makeup, skincare or homeware, sometimes we have to opt for the cheaper versions. I used to buy a fair amount of higher end makeup but now I'm definitely more of a high street makeup gal, although obviously more expensive makeup is nice from time to time. In terms of cheaper makeup brands there are a few that I'd definitely recommend including: Essence, Rimmel, Kiko and Eylure. Also changing to cheaper, store own groceries helps to save some money and as my mum always says 'save the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves'.

Shop Your Stash

As well as not buying as much makeup this year, I've been shopping my beauty stash instead and I've discovered products that I haven't used for so long. I found my Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect foundation in my stash and now it's been a constant product in my makeup routine for months now when before it was hidden away. Shopping your stash isn't just confined to makeup but look at your wider beauty collection, clothes that are hidden away and even your kitchen cupboards to use products that you haven't yet rather than buying more.

Re-Use, Recycle & Grow Your Own

I have a few products or categories of products that I don't use as much and finding new uses for them means that the money spent on them isn't wasted, for example I use shower gels as hand washes, body cream or facial moisturiser as hand cream, shampoo or hand wash to wash my makeup brushes and even conditioner as an emergency shave gel!

Growing your own herbs is a great way to reduce the money wasted on herbs that you don't use and end up mouldy in the fridge within a couple of days. Also why not try and grow your own veggies from food you already have such as strawberries, avocados, celery and more. Recycling is not only good for the environment but you can use old containers for new products, clothing into something new or get crafty with the wonder that is Pinterest as there are so many recycling ideas on there.

Samples & Freebies 

There are so many freebie websites out their (always be careful about who you are giving your details to!) which I used to use all of the time. I've had haircare, skincare and food samples as well as perfume, toothpaste and tea so it's worth checking out.

In terms of samples, you can get freebies with purchases or just ask at beauty counters as they should be able to give you free foundation samples without having to purchase anything. Also, the MAC UK Facebook page has given away a couple of hundred mascara samples and I've been able to receive two mini MAC mascaras from it so keep an eye out.

Staff Discount 

Some stores offer staff discounts which is worth looking into and as my dad works within the NHS, he gets a surprising number of discounts, the main one we use is for 50% off at Dominos *can I get a hallelujah!*. Apparently if you or someone you know works within the NHS you can get discounts with Sky, Currys, Jet2Holidays, Apple, Vision Express and many more!

Planners, Organisers & Spreadsheets 

Keeping track of what you're spending is key I think and having all of that information in one place or in a planner, organiser or spreadsheet can definitely help. I use notes and spreadsheets for everything as they keep me organised and on track, I don't know what I'd do without my blogging and tax spreadsheets! When it's all laid out you might be able to find things to reduce spending on.

Netgalley & BookBridgr 

This is a very specific tip but as I'm a book blogger, I have to mention it as it's been amazing for me and that's Netgalley. I thought Netgalley was a US only website so I didn't check it out but it is available to book reviewers and bloggers in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe and the UK. If you're an active book blogger, reviewer or youtuber then you can sign up to Netgalley and request free e-books of titles that aren't published yet! As I'm writing this, I've received an amazing 99 e-books, some of which I read months and months before the publication date.

Also a new website and it's BookBridgr which is aimed at book bloggers in the UK that offers free physical books to review. I've only just started, after a long approval time and I received my first book today (Mister Memory by Marcus Sedgwick) even though I only requested it a couple of days ago! Both websites are definitely helping reduce my book buying!

Swap & Share 

The final tip is something a little different and that's swapping and sharing products or books with friends. Instead of buying new books why not swap and trade with friends both online or offline. Also if you have products that you don't want any more or don't use then you could swap with friends (or car bot them?). My friends get blogging items when I don't want them anymore, don't like them as much as other products I have or simply if I just don't have any room!

There are all of my money saving tips from basics to more specific tips and I hope you've found something that's helpful. If you are short on cash then there are always various short term or small loans available that are worth looking into and researching - always do your research first!

Do you follow any of these money saving tips already? Do you have any money saving tips or tricks that I haven't mentioned? 

*This is a sponsored post

Read More

My Top Five Student Money Saving Tips

Images from Google and Pinterest

I graduated from university two years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've made, even though my choice of degree isn't what I want to do now but I still have BSc (Hons) after my name! I loved my time at university even though it can be very stressful, difficult and if you are living away from home as my sister is now, then it can also be a difficult time financially. Here are some of my quick money saving tips: 

1. Savings and student bank accounts

Firstly, setting up a savings account is essential, especially as a student when all you want to do is nap and spend all of your student loans! Additionally make sure you look at all of the options for student bank accounts as there are numerous options available. TSB have a really useful savvy student guide which you can check out. Also setting a small amount of money aside is a great way of watching what you are spending/saving and if it is a small amount then it won't seem like you have no money to spend on yourself. 

2. Discount codes/websites/stores

While at university and sixth form college, I had a Unidays account which provides amazing discount codes for so many websites such as Asos and Topshop which came in so useful as no one likes to pay full price for anything, lets be honest (and it's free to join). In some stores in the UK you can just show your student ID card and you can get a 10% discount, I used mine in Topshop stores and Apple have student discounts too. 

3. Cheaper alternatives

Finding cheaper alternatives can save so much money as you don't need to buy the best brands all of the time, the store own brands are usually just as good. Also cheaper stores such as Aldi are amazing for students (well everyone really) as you get SO much for your money. As I'm a beauty blogger, I have to mention makeup at least once, switching to cheaper brands isn't difficult and it doesn't always compromise quality. Makeup and beauty brands such as Makeup Revolution, Nivea, Simple, Library of Fragrance and Essence are some of my favourite beauty brands which are so inexpensive but the quality is still fantastic. 

4. Reduce impulse spending 

Reducing impulse spending on food is an easy way to save some cash, as you can plan meals and snacks ahead of time so you don't have to go to the canteen or shop to buy more food or usually more expensive food when you could have made something at home. This method also helps with clothes shopping, I do most of my clothes shopping online so I can use discount codes but don't get carried away. Willpower isn't one of my strong suits but exercising it when you are feeling spendy will save a surprising amount of money. Friends and bloggers are great enablers but before buying something, particularly if it is a little pricey, I always ask myself - do I really need/want it...if it's makeup then the answer is usually yes.  

5. Earn extra money

This may seem like a no-brainer or as a student you might not have time for a 'proper' job but there are other ways to earn a little extra cash or online vouchers. I have been writing product reviews online so it is definitely worth a shot (you have to be consistent though)! There are also a lot of online survey sites out there that pay but I personally haven't tried them. 

If you have any money saving tips leave them in the comments below! 

This is a sponsored post written in collaboration with TSB. 

What do you think of my money saving tips? 

Read More

My University Experience: Managing Money

If you have been following my blog for a while then you may know that I graduated from university two years ago now and I have to say it was one of the best decisions I've made, even though it can be so difficult and very stressful sometimes (especially while blogging as consistently as I could and writing my dissertation!) but I would definitely recommend it! I went to a very small campus which was part of the University of Huddersfield which was close to home so I didn't need to move out; therefore I didn't have that added financial strain. Although being a student isn't a walk in the park for anyone in terms of studying, exams and finances. 

Todays post is a sponsored post in collaboration with TSB and my friend Yasmin, who is also a university graduate, all about our university experience with regards to managing money. Also you get to see some slightly embarrassing photos of my graduation...If you have any advice or tips for managing money while at college or university then feel free to leave a comment below! 

As mentioned in my previous post, the TSB student account is a great option for university students but did you know that they also have an app where you can easily manage your money? Yasmin uses the free TSB app all of the time as it is so useful for transferring money to friends/family even if they are with different banks as well as paying tax, bills or standing orders for example. The app shows your transaction history so you can see exactly how much you have spent, saved and transferred to others which makes managing your money so much easier especially as a student with student loans, grants and payments that need to be carefully managed. On the app your TSB student account will be displayed so you can monitor your finances and if you also have a TSB savings account them it too will be displayed so if you were very money savvy and forward thinking, you could transfer a certain amount of your student loan or grant into your savings account so quickly and easily - otherwise it will probably be spent on nights out! I think if you have numerous accounts (for example a student account and a savings account) then it might be useful and easier to have them with one bank, especially if you're using a banking app. 

As well as the app, you can get mobile text alerts from TSB so you receive a text reminder when you are nearing or if you have reached your limit; therefore you know if you need to cut back on the spending a little (feelin' spendy is ok sometimes but not all of the time!) or if you need to transfer money. Yasmin used the app and text alerts while at uni as it is perfect for students as it means you can avoid unplanned overdraft charges. I think both the app and text alerts will be invaluable to students as being a student can be difficult enough without adding in extra stress about managing your money and payments. 

Also, within most universities there should be student financial support where you can get general advice as the world of banking and managing money can be confusing (even if you aren't a student)! Lastly, one way of managing money that all of us could use is to shop around for the best deals and rates to make sure you are not spending more than you need to. 

If you're looking for money saving tips then check out my 'student money saving tips' post and if you want more information from TSB then check out their useful savvy student guide. 

Do you have any money managing advice or money saving tips?

*sponsored 

Read More

Even More Money Saving Tips For Students

Image from Kate La Vie

Completing a degree is a costly pursuit and understandably, students are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to save money. Fortunately for any students out there, we have put together a few of our favourites.

Nights out - Tesco is your friend 

Relentless nights out are part of the job description when it comes to being a student - a simply unavoidable cost that will more often than not have you grimacing at your bank balance. No more. Pubs are dying for a reason. The cost of alcohol from supermarkets is comparatively miniscule - even scandalously so - and if contributing to the death of pubs means you have more money in your pocket, so be it.

Nights out - Takeaways are your enemy 

Whilst waking up with half a kebab in your kitchen that you can’t remember purchasing is a troubling affliction that happens to the best of us, it is cheaper to avoid outlays on food on nights out where possible. Contrary to popular opinion, greasy, stodgy foods aren’t a great defence against hangovers, and are no better for your health. It may go against all your drunken instincts, but a couple of apples are a healthier, more effective, not to mention an altogether cheaper, choice.

Old textbooks can be a goldmine 

The expense of textbooks can really catch you off-guard. Forgoing a week’s worth of food for a few pieces of paper doesn’t seem quite right. Nevertheless, as part of the core reading for your course, some textbooks you simply have to cough up the money for. You can however, recoup much of this expense by selling on your books after you have finished with them. The lifespan of a book for your course rarely lasts longer than a year, and off-loading them to incoming students couldn’t be easier. Also you can always opt for Google Books where you can view books for free!

Travel smarter 

With trips across the country several times a year an inevitability, why not take advantage of the 1/3 saving offered by 16-25 railcards? Train journeys are expensive and student discount is something you (literally) can’t afford to miss out on. Transport to and from university can be a necessity, but opting to cycle instead (if possible) is a cost-saving alternative that can also fulfil your daily allocation of exercise.

Saving in your student home 

You’ve probably heard the whole spiel about comparing prices for heating, water and broadband a thousand times by now. One option you may not have considered however, is persuading your landlord to invest in a new shower pump. With increased efficiency, such an investment can cut heating and water bills significantly - something definitely worth considering.

Work where you shop 

Work seems like a desperate last resort where ‘money-saving’ is concerned. If you are considering taking up formal employment to bolster your savings, applying to work somewhere you actually shop can land you significant savings. Staff working at any Arcadia group store, including Topshop, Topman, Burton and Miss Selfridge, receive 25% discount off all Arcadia merchandise, as well as 20% off at BHS - ideal for kitting out your student house.

*This is a sponsored post
*Image from Pinterest

Have you got any student or general money saving tips? 

Read More

*Saving Money for Your Holiday in 2019

Image from Gal Meets Glam

As we edge closer to the end of winter and the emergence of spring, it’s hard not to start thinking of our summer holidays. Instead of paying for your next big trip by maxing out your credit card, now is the best time to start saving. The guys over at Cash Lady have put together a few helpful tips on saving money for your holiday in 2019 which may prove helpful.

Make a budget 

If you already have a spreadsheet for you monthly expenses, you are one step ahead. If not, list all your outgoings, including rent, food, entertainment etc., and how much you spend each week/month. See where you can cut down each month. Maybe you can take a break from going to the cinema, or reduce the amount of clothes you buy. Make a savings target and then you will know how much you need to save each week/month to meet your deadline.

Create a holiday bank account 

Setting up a new bank account just for your holiday money will ensure it builds up slowly over time. Create a standing order that automatically transfers a set amount from your main account into the new one. (Here is a guide on how to do it published by Barclays) You’ll quickly adjust to the lower amount of money coming in (remember, you have also budgeted for it) and before you know it your holiday bank account will have a healthy amount ready to be spent on a luxurious holiday.

Spend wisely 

Shopping, especially when it comes to groceries, can quickly eat up your income. By the time you get to the till and ring it all up you’ll be surprised it costs so much for so little. Always stick to your spending budget and look out for deals wherever you can find them. Use loyalty points on store cards to save money, while shopping online often proves to be cheaper.

Research your holiday 

There are more options than ever when it comes to finding money-saving deals for travel expenses. Keep looking for cheap flights, hotel deals and travel discounts wherever possible. Set-up email alerts so you are instantly notified as soon as they become available. If you are planning on going abroad, keep an eye out for the best exchange rates that will maximise your spending while overseas.

Sell some items 

Fashion trends come and go quickly, and before you know it you have a stash of clothes that are in great condition but just look so ‘last year’. Sites like eBay and Depop are great ways to sell your unused clothes and accessories without much hassle to make some quick money. Every penny counts, and it can just go straight into your holiday savings fund. Even old mobiles, DVDs and CDs could be worth a few bob or two.

Cut back on bills 

It’s easy to get stuck with the same energy supplier every year, instead of shopping around to find the best deal. However, there are some big savings to be had if you take the time. The Energy Saving Trust claim you can save up to £250 a year by using their home energy check tool. This could add some serious pounds to your holiday savings account in a matter of months.

Do you have any saving tips? Are you currently having for a holiday? 

Read More

*Saving Money + Finance Tips

Image from Pinterest
Collaborative post (AD - paid)

With all of the chaos going happening around the world, particularly coronavirus, money is something most people are struggling with or being cautious about, myself included. I'm a self employed freelance writer which is a job I adore particularly as I'm able to work from home and my working hours are very flexible but it also comes with a lot of uncertainty (as any freelance or self employed occupation does). Today's post is short and sweet including some of my top money saving and basic finance tips. If you have any top tips or advice, leave them in the comments below!

Bullet Journal Your Finances

My first tip is so write down (or add to a spreadsheet if you are super organised) all of your spending, including food shopping, bills, insurance and treats. I am one of those people who likes to buy little 'treats' such as a book, delicious vegan candy or a bath bomb often but over the month those tiny purchases add up and I end up spending much more than I thought I had. At the time those little treats don't seem like much, especially compared to larger purchases and bills but they can get a little out of control. 

Making lists, spreadsheets or notes of my purchases really helps me to review my spending each month and what I need to cut down on (currently I need to cut down on unnecessary food orders and e-books but it is my birthday tomorrow so that means I can buy myself lots of treats, right?). If you aren't a spreadsheet or list person then a finance diary or bullet journal might be a great option to try. 

Shop For The Best Deals

Whether I'm looking for a coupon code for skincare, the best phone deals, discounted e-books (my ultimate downfall) or comparing prices of insurance, I always search online for the best deal. You might have to shop around online and make a few phone calls to find a good deal but saving money is usually always worth it. My mum is the best person I know when it comes to not only saving money on insurance and household bills but saving money and budgeting in general - I don't know what we'd do without her! When insurance or bills or due, she'll ring up the provider and try to get a better deal or price which is something I admire and it always works out. 

Insurance & Life Cover

Lastly, being prepared. As a perpetually anxious person, being prepared is something that comes naturally to me anyway. Whether I'm packaging for a trip, buying birthday presents months in advance, getting my handbag fully stocked with 'essentials' (read 'essentials' as everything but the kitchen sink) or prepping for a new work project, I'm always as prepared as I can be. I think that being prepared is also essential when it comes to not only saving money but also having the best insurance for you, your family, your home and possessions. 

LifeSearch is the UK's leading life insurance provider that has been helping customers since 1998. The advice is free and they take the hassle out of finding the best insurance for you with their three step process. Critical illness cover is something no one wants to talk about or contemplate but having insurance in place can provide a potentially much needed lump sum or income. Being prepared also includes being fully informed so having recommended free advice and quotes from the experts at LifeSearch is a great first step when looking into life insurance or critical illness cover. 

Have you considered obtaining life insurance? Do you have any finance tips or advice?

Read More

*5 Ways To Save Money This Autumn

Image from Pinterest
Sponsored (AD)

September is #Secondhand September which has started to make me think about my shopping habits and spending recently. During lockdown (we are currently still in lockdown in Manchester), I surprisingly didn't resort to retail therapy as I thought I would (not going to lie, I'm quite proud of myself). However, I do still want to cut back on my spending and save a little as many aspects of life are very uncertain in our current situation. I hope today's post gives you a few tips on how to save a little money over the next few months and if you have are tips of your own, leave them in the comments below!

Use What You Have & Upcycle 

Firstly, reusing and upcycling items, instead of purchasing new products. Using up products instead of throwing them away is one of the easiest options to save money. If you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand) you may have seen my empties sneak peeks (my empties posts will be live at the end of the month) showing some of the items I have used up over lockdown. I used to be one of those people who would use up half a product and then move onto another or buy something new but having a basket in the bathroom that I am fill up with empty products definitely gives me the motivation to use up the half finished products I already have rather than spending money on new items - it is very satisfying throwing everything away when it is full!

Shopping Secondhand

Secondhand September is underway and while it isn't necessarily going to help you save a lot of money; it can help reduce your spending compared to buying new items when you need to. Shopping secondhand is also far better for the environment and is a more sustainable way to shop. Sustainability and environmentally conscious shopping is something we all need to be more mindful of in 2020. 

Review Your Bills + Shop For Better Deals

Shopping for better deals, whether you are shopping secondhand, looking for a discount code or switching providers, can all save you a little money which all adds up! Switching electricity, internet, insurance, phone or gas providers, for example, might be a little bit of hassle but it could potentially save you quite a significant amount of money. 

Make or Grow Your Own

Making your own 'fakeaway' dinners, upcycling old furniture, growing your own herbs or vegetables are not only more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives but can save you extra cash too. Takeaways can be quite expensive, if there aren't any offers or discount codes, so why not make your own. Growing you own vegetables or herbs may take more than a little time but it is so satisfying to be able to eat what you have grown in your own home. Also, if you want to change piece of worn out furniture, why not upcycling it instead of purchasing something new? Gardening and upcycling may also turn into rewarding new hobbies!

Cutting Costs 

Making a list of your expenses and cutting costs where you can is great for not just saving money but it means that you can keep track of your spending which in turn may make you more mindful about your spending habits. I've started to write down all of my purchases each month and while at the time small and inexpensive items don't seem like a problem, when they are totalled at the end of the month, it can add up to more money than you'd thought. 

Cutting costs can also take the form of energy saving and more environmentally friendly lighting. Inui are leading LED lighting specialists offering a wide range of LED lighting for commercial, industrial and domestic use. LED lighting can be a cheaper option and it can typically last longer than traditional light bulbs which may also save you money in the future!

Do you have any money saving tips? 

Read More

*Money Saving Tips For Christmas

I know that for some people it's too early talk about christmas but I personally love that warm and comforting feeling of the lead up to christmas and everything it entails. Also I love choosing gifts for friends and family, treating people and planning/organising so it's one of the best holidays (besides halloween, obviously). I've already started planning and organising gifts for christmas and if you are too then these money saving ideas might be helpful!

Organisation + Prepping

Firstly, you have to be organised with your money and start prepping, for example, don't leave it until the last minute and try stretching out payments. I write a list of everyone I need to buy for with some ideas and an approximately budget so I know where I'm at which definitely helps me stay organised. I also buy gifts in advance and gifts that I can potentially gift to numerous people if I need to switch it up as then I always have options.

Sales

The main time that I buy gifts are in sales, especially the Boxing Day and after christmas sales then I'm not spending as much and I can usually buy more for friends and family. The Boxing Day sales online are usually pretty good, particually on the Boots and Superdrug sites but you have to be quick and know what you want to buy before hand - I go through the site before the sale and compose a mental checklist of gifts that I want to look out for in the sale. Sales throughout the year as well as offers are when I pick up most gifts because who doesn't want to save money and give a lovely gift at the same time!

Scale Back Gift Giving or Give Handmade Gifts

As I've said, I write a list of everyone I need or want to buy a gift for, whether it's family, friends or neighbours and while over the past three or so years, I've been buying and giving to so many more people than I ever did - next year I'm definitely scaling it back to only close friends and immediate family because my gift giving is getting a little out of hand, especially this year as I'm giving everyone a hamper full of gifts.

Another option to save a little money while also giving something special is by making your gifts. The Craftiosity subscription boxes have given me the tools and ideas to make some fantastic gifts in the future - especially the bath bomb, macrame and candle making kits, all of which would be great ideas for handmade gifts. Edible gifts such as homemade beer (the Home Brewtique kit would be ideal), gingerbread houses, cookies or cute cupcakes would also be perfect for the festive season.

Get Cash Back & Using Points

Last but not least are a few savvy tips to get a little extra cash that is always needed before and after the chaotic festive and new year season. Returning items you're not 100% certain on or calling out a service your not happy with might get you some money back or store credit and every penny counts during the christmas period. Head Office Finder is a great site in which you can get hard to find customer service numbers such as Asda head office contact number, for example. Getting cash back on your purchases is another great way to earn a little and using your store points, such as Boots or Superdrug points, can buy for a gift or two - if you can hold back and save up your points, unlike me!

Do you have any money saving tips for the festive season? Do you plan your gift buying?

*This is a sponsored post
*Image from Pinterest

Read More

*Preparing For The Future

Image from World Market 
Sponsored Post (AD)

The end of 2020 is almost here and it has prompted me to start thinking about my goals for 2021 as well as future plans and saving money. I am a chronic over thinker and planner so preparing for the future would sound like a task I'd enjoy but alas, it fills me with dread and uncertainty which is something we've all had enough of this year. However, as I approach my thirties, I do need to prepare and plan ahead. Today's post is focusing on a few options and ideas to help prepare for the future and save money; as always if you have any advice or tips, leave them in the comments below. 

Savings Account + Manage Your Money

Starting a saving account and learning to manage your money is a great first step. Recording your spending, whether in a journal or spreadsheet, is an easy visual way to see your spending habits and from there you can try to identify ways to cut your spending. I find it very easy to justify numerous small treats but when I list them throughout the month, the small amounts add up and that is definitely an area of my spending that I need to control. Visiting comparison sites for utilities/insurance, looking for better deals, buying in bulk and opting for cheaper alternatives are a few more options to potentially save money. 

Funeral Care + Life Insurance 

Life insurance and funeral care is not something any of us want to think about especially in 2020 but it is necessary to prepare for the future. Heart of England funeral care offer a wide range of pre-paid funeral plans which is an affordable way to pay for the cost in advance and have personal wishes recorded. Further information is available on their website.  

Extra Projects + Studying Online 

Earning extra money through side projects or your hobbies (anything from cake making, creating illustrations, making jewellery or blogging) might be a great additional source of income as well as a way of improving your skills. Studying online, whether through university or free online courses (via Future Learn, for example) can demonstrate determination and passion for a certain career you may be working towards or it may help your job prospects in the future. 

Do you have any tips for saving money or planning for the future? 

Read More

Five Minute Makeup Options + Tips

Most of the time and especially during the summer months, I always opt for time saving, quick and easy products as well as easy and effective makeup so here are some of my favourite products to create five minute makeup looks with, featuring natural, glowy and summer ready products along with some basic tips on how to save time getting ready in the morning! 

Luminous & Radiant 

When it comes to base products, foundation, concealer and powder, I need moisturising, radiant and natural looking products to combat my dry and uneven skin. My top luminous foundation include the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation, Max Factor Skin Luminizer Foundation and the gorgeous Giorgio Maestro Glow Foundation which is the perfect radiant foundation for summer, for those with dry or dull skin. There are many annoyances when it comes to having eczema, especially around my eyes and that's when it comes to concealer, the vast majority of them look so drying and cakey but thankfully the Clinique Airbrush Concealer and the fantastic Essence Stay All Day Concealer are perfect for light to medium coverage without making me look like I haven't slept or moisturised in a week!

Sticking with the radiance theme, the Freedom Strobe Cream is fantastic to add into your primer at add radiance along with the Stila Smudge Crayon in Antique which makes my eyes look so much brighter in one swipe - it's also great as a emergency highlight too.  For mascara, summer calls for fluttery lashes with a formula that's easy to remove and the DHC Double Protection Mascara is an essential as it can easily be removed with just warm water, yes, just warm water! Lastly for lips, tinted lip balms are a great to add moisture and a wash of sheer colour that you don't need to worry about. 

Natural, Long Lasting & Summer Proof 

In the UK recently we've had a couple of heatwaves (31 degrees celsius in Manchester which is unheard of!) as well as very humid, muggy weather and my makeup has been suffering, until I started using these quick, easy and long lasting products together! 

The LA Girl HD Long Wear Illuminating Foundation and the Vichy Dermablend Powder stay all day even through hot and humid temperatures, facial water sprays and sweat - they are well worth checking out as well as the fantastic Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation for a more matte option. 

For brows, there are a few pencils that I've been loving lately as they make filling in and defining my brows so quick and fuss free including the Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil, Eye of Horus Pencil and Gel and the very inexpensive Eylure Brow Pencil which has a spoolie on the end so it would be great for travelling. 

Contouring can be a bit of a time hog when it comes to quick makeup but the NYX Blush in Taupe when used with the Real Techniques Multitask Cheek Brush makes it a 10 second process. Easy lip products that you don't need to think about are also time savers and the new Burts Bees Lipsticks are perfect (and the packaging is so cute!). Lastly, for waterproof mascara you can't go wrong with options from Rimmel or Essence. 

Now onto some time saving tips:

• Lighting Direct have conducted research into makeup application and lighting, some of which is a bit shocking like the statistic that women over their lifetime will spend an average of £22,000 on makeup and did you know that 75% of women apply their makeup in poor lighting? You'll never apply your makeup well or quickly in poor lighting and that's my first tip. Apply your makeup in an area with good lighting or invest in a light up makeup mirror. I always apply my makeup at my desk as it's in front of a large window with my makeup mirror and where all of my current makeup is together; which leads very nicely into my second tip!
• Keep the makeup you're using currently in one place so you don't need to waste time searching around for your products! I keep all of my skincare together and all of my current makeup in one drawer at my desk so it's in easy reach and I have everything to hand. 
• Multi-use products and two in one products save time and money, for example, I use skincare that contains SPF, foundations that don't need powder as they are quite skin like and mattifying and brushes that can be used with numerous products. Also why not try bronzer or highlighters as eyeshadows, tinted lip balms as blush or eyeshadows as eyeliner? 
• Make sure your skin is well prepped in terms of skincare and primer before you start your makeup as then you won't have to waste time and start again (which is something I do end up doing often because of my dry skin!). 

There are my current favourite quick and easy products and my time saving makeup tips! What are your favourite easy products or time saving tips? 

*This is a sponsored post

Read More

In Love With Fashion Competition

In Love With Fashion are currently holding a giveaway whereby you can win £30 to spend on their site. In Love With Fashion believe that you should always wear an item more than once and being able to transform your summer clothing into autumn/winter outfits is a great money saving idea. Send your blog post entries via facebook and you can share your entries via twitter. Email lfa@inlovewithfashion for examples and to send your entry. Closes 7th November. Also write a small description of your outfits/theme. 

Outfit One: This outfit comprises the Cream Cropped Cable Knit Jumper (£28) that is in all three outfits. The aim of the competition was to find items that you can use with numerous outfits. The jumper comes in a white and grey shade too. I paired the jumper with a Zara like skort were it looks like a skirt but it is a pair of black smart shorts. The Black Wrap Shorts are priced at £32.  I like the casual jumper with a pair of smart, formal shorts. I think this outfit would look great with a pair of formal but sexy heels, such as these ILWF Triple Buckle Chunky Heel Shoes (£30). You could add nude or thin black tights. A simple but smart outfit. 

Outfit Two: Again the same jumper but this time over the Pink Floral Summer Playsuit (£36). Adding a chunky knitted jumper over a floral summery playsuit gives the more summery items in your wardrobe a new lease of life. Team with Nude Suede Platform Shoes (£10, sale) or even with black biker boots! Rose gold jewellery would look great with this look. 

Outfit Three: My favourite outfit! Make the cute cream jumper a bit more edgy with a gorgeous White Tartan Shift Dress (£30). Tartan is a massive trend right now and I think this dress would look great with the cream jumper over the top. Add some black biker boots and thick black tights this outfit would look amazing! 

There are my outfits, my theme is: girly turned grungy and making more summery clothing into outfits that you can wear during the autumn and winter with a few additions x

Read More

*Alder Hey Children's Charity + Daniels Story

Today's post is a little different to my usual content but it's about a very important charity, one of their amazing charity ambassadors and the incredible work done at the Alder Hey Children's Hospital which isn't too far away from Manchester in the amazing city of Liverpool. I'm sharing Daniel's story today which demonstrates the invaluable service and work at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. I will also be sharing the new Running Hub which has been created to inspire and motivate individuals to run for Alder Hey Children's Charity. Daniel was part of the 2018 Matalan PJs campaign and the 2019 is going to be announced soon.

Daniel's Story 

For the first few years of Daniel Bell’s life, he was like any other toddler, full of energy, happy and full of life at home in Ormskirk, but doctors soon discovered Daniel had a brain tumour the size of a fist. At aged three, mum Rosalind and dad Colin, had noticed a change in Daniel’s behaviour. He wasn’t the same happy go lucky toddler he used to be. Rosalind explains “His personality literally changed. He was grumpy had lots of tantrums, was sick and went back to sleeping in the day too, which was the total opposite of what he was previously.”

Thankfully Rosalind recognised some of the symptoms of a brain tumour. Daniel was taken to Ormskirk A&E who quickly realised the severity of the situation and Daniel diagnosed with a brain tumour. Daniel was rushed straight to Alder Hey which is a centre of excellence for brain conditions. “It was like the bottom had fallen out of my world, our lives changed in a split second. We were told he needed to go to Alder Hey right away and we were blue-lighted to Liverpool,” says Rosalind. 

Once at Alder Hey, Daniel was taken straight to theatre where Neurosurgeon Ms Sasha Burns drained fluid on his brain during a 3 hour life-saving operation and the next day Daniel’s tumour was removed during a 9 hour operation by Mr Conor Mallucci, who recently featured in BBC2 documentary Hospital. “Mr Mallucci told us that Daniel had a cystic tumour which was the size of an adult’s fist and there was a possibility of Daniel losing motor and mobility skills as the result of the procedure,” explained Rosalind.

The operation was a success, helped by the use of Alder Hey’s 3-T MRI scanner, a pioneering scanner which allows surgeons to scan the brain in theatre. Alder Hey is the first hospital in Europe to have this kit, which was paid for by Alder Hey Children’s Charity. “It was 6pm when we heard that Daniel was out of theatre. We were approaching HDU to see him when we heard Daniel shouting at the nurses. I have to admit it was the best sound ever,” said Rosalind. “Mr Mallucci said that the operation ‘went perfectly’ and that he had successfully managed to remove the whole of Daniel’s tumour. We spent 6 days on HDU to recover and then went to the neuro ward for a week. The nurses were incredible,” said Rosalind. Rosalind said: “When we got the scans from Oncology which told us that no further treatment was needed it was an amazing relief. I cried a lot after that.”

Daniel is now a healthy and very active little boy and also a budding actor. “Daniel is really happy. He is a cheeky little kid and he loves being with his friends. He has performed in Little Shop of Horrors with his local Performing Arts Club and he loves to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.” As a result of his fundraising, Daniel was named a Fundraising Ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, which made everyone in the Bell family very proud. “I was really emotional when they told us that Daniel was to be an ambassador for the charity. It is an honour and a privilege,” said Rosalind. “Alder Hey is such an inspirational place full of amazing people. The staff put the children first often at the expense of their own time. It is impossible to put into words how world class they are at what they do. We are fortunate to have them on our doorsteps.”

Alder Hey Children's Charity & Running Hub 

As with most charities, they need to fundraise to fund the amazing services they provide and Alder Hey is no exception. There are many ways to support charities and a common option is a sponsored run for charity which is where the Running Hub comes in. It is a site created to help motivate individuals to run, bake, walk or swim to raise money for charity. Their fundraising pack (which you can check out on the Running Hub site) is full of amazing tips and ideas to help you set up a sponsored event, how to fundraise and what to do, whether it's a charity bake sale at your place of work, a charity dinner with a local restaurant, selling items and donating the money or a fun run, for example.

Are you aware of the amazing work done at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and their charity? Have you ever taken part in a charity event? 

*Sponsored 
**Information and quotes from Alder Hey Children's Hospital 

Read More

LookFantastic Advent Calendar 2018

There are so many beauty advent calendars out there and one of my favourites is definitely the LookFantastic advent calendar which I was very kindly sent (thank you!). I have the full review on of the advent calendar on All Subscription Boxes website so you can visit there to read an in-depth review of all the items! 

Lookfantastic has such a wide range of brands so it's no wonder that their advent calendar contains a wide range of brands and products from various price ranges, although most of them tend to be of a higher price point such as HD Brows, Molton Brown and more. You might know that LookFantastic also has a subscription box which is always beautifully curated and you get the same care, attention to detail and fantastic products within the 2018 advent calendar. 

The *LookFantastic Advent Calendar (£79) is worth over £300 so I think it is amazing value for money, not only considering the amount of items but also the brands included and some of the items are full sized. There are so many beauty advent calendars out there and there seem to be more and more each year but this design has to be one of my favourites! It looks amazing, it could definitely be re-used and I think it would make a fantastic and very special gift this christmas that your gift recipient (or yourself, I'm not judging) would love to open on the first of December.

There are a variety of brands included and a range of items too from toothpaste, haircare and skincare to makeup, bath and body products, tools and treatments with everything in-between. Brands range from the affordable Sleek Makeup, Eyeko and This Works to more luxe offerings including Molton Brown, Omorovicza, GlamGlow and many more as well as a selection of more niche brands that you might not see in your local beauty store such as Lipstick Queen, Erno Laszlo and others.

Makeup + Tools

Let's start with some of the makeup products I'm loving from the advent calendar and the one I have to mention first is this HD Brows X LookFantastic Contour and Colour Pro Palette which I've been using almost everyday since I received it. Another couple of products that have already made it into my daily makeup routine include the Blink Brow Bar Ultra Slim Definer, Lipstick Queen Lipstick in Frog Price and the Eyeko Mini Black Magic Mascara, all of which I'd recommend. Lastly, for my makeup favourites, I love the LookFantastic duo brush as not only is it a very soft brush but it's multi-use too.

Skincare 

Skincare is one of those things that is quite personal and everyones skin is completely different but thankfully the advent calendar has provided a few gems that my dry and sensitive skin has been adoring over the past couple of weeks. The first skincare favourite is the Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil which comes in the teeniest bottle with a pipette! The oil has been saving my skin from being like the Sahara recently so I might have to purchase the full size soon.

My second skincare favourite is from a brand that I have wanted to try for so long - First Aid Beauty. I love the packaging of their products and the reputation of their Ultra Repair Cream for how great it is on sensitive and eczema prone skin. After using it for a couple of weeks I can confirm that it's amazing on sensitive and dry skin types so if that describes your skin then definitely check out their products (or buy the advent calendar to try everything I've mentioned and more!).

Bath & Body

Next up is the range of indulgent bath and body products, starting with one of the most luxe from Molton Brown. My lovely aunties were the first people to introduce me to the concept of skincare and luxe beauty brands, starting with Liz Earle and Molton Brown. Molton Brown has become one of my favourite brands and I was lucky enough to work with them a couple of years ago. I adore their Ylang Ylang range and I'd love to try more but in the meantime this heavenly scented body wash will do very nicely.

Speaking of luxe and indulgent pampering, the Aromatherapy Associates Bath and Shower Oil is also included and again it's a brand I've tried a little from but I'd love to try much more as I always hear amazing things about their products. The final body product I'm loving is the gorgeous Ritual Magic Body Cream which not only smells incredible but it has the most lovely texture as it seems almost whipped and airy; however it is very nourishing and ideal for the colder months.

Haircare & Miscellaneous 

The last category is haircare and it's no surprise to anyone that there are a few hidden gems in here! My favourite of the lot has to be the Grow Gorgeous Mud Mask which comes beautifully packaged and it seems to work wonders on my hair. As well as haircare, there are a few more miscellaneous products have don't have a category such as the This Works Stress Check Roll On which has made a home in my bag and will be perfect for moments when I need a little calm.

Overall, from the gorgeous design of the box, value for money and the size of the products to the quality and variety of the brands included, I don't think you can go wrong with this advent calendar! I think it looks so indulgent and luxurious and for the price you do actually get quite a lot for your money.

What do you think of the 2018 LookFantastic advent calendar? Will you be picking up a beauty advent calendar this year? 

Read More

*Guest Post: Student Lifestyle

Having been through University and come out the other end successfully, I think back to my days as a student and often realise how I could have made my life easier during those times. Perspective is a strange thing; we often realise something when it’s way too late, yet these lessons and experiences can still help us later in life.

The next best thing we can do is pass along our knowledge, in an effort to make someone else’s student life easier. That’s almost the whole purpose of this guest blog post, sharing my life in an effort to help others, but as a graduate I’m in a very good position to assist others in achieving that awesome student lifestyle, as well as avoid the common mistakes myself and many others have made.

So what steps can you take to achieve your dream student situation?

Accommodation

One lesson I’ve learnt here is not to get down about your digs. Most student homes are built for purpose; housing a large number of supposedly rowdy youths with minimal effect. This is why they may feel a bit more clinical than you’d like, but it’s nothing that a bit of interior design can’t solve. Get together with your housemates and work to create a better environment, whether you pool money to invest in essential homewares or simply contribute from personal effects.

Either way, you’re all living together, so it’s up to you to ensure your accommodation is the best it can be. With proper coordination with your housemates, there’s also plenty of ways improve your living conditions whilst also saving money. The increasing popularity of rental furniture has resulted in tailor made student furniture packages being available from several outlets; not only is this more cost effective than buying new furniture outright, but the ownership is retained by the company itself, so you don’t have to worry about complicated moving sessions or contended ownership.

An awesome student house is a combination of everybody’s efforts, so get all your housemates on board moving forward. As a student, take pragmatic steps to keep everyone on the same page. Invest in a whiteboard for making notes, so you and your housemates can keep up to speed on what you’re running low on, or what needs to be done around the house.

Career

Another big mistake many students make is indifference to the opportunities which could further their careers in the future. As such, all opportunities should be considered in terms of what kind of experience you’ll get and whether it’ll help you achieve your career goals years from now. It may be hard to see in the moment, but anything within your desired industry, whether it’s part-time or weekend work, or even an internship are all highly viable ways to boost your professional credentials whilst studying.

In most student cities, there are a wealth of these opportunities available, but you need to make an effort and look for them. Contact outlets and businesses that are relevant to your studies and enquire about work experience opportunities. The fact that you’ve made an effort will register with them, putting you in a good position to further the exchange and turn it into an opportunity. Whilst taking advantage of these opportunities is key to success, make sure you aren’t committing to something that will distract from your studies, or with little or no value to your ongoing learning.

Social Life

A balance of work and play is a recipe for the perfect student lifestyle. Party too much, and it’ll most likely interfere with your studies. Party too little, and you could end up regretting not having a full University experience. Only an appropriate combination will ensure you can enjoy the student lifestyle fully without damaging your grades.

Hiding away if you’re not comfortable socially may seem appealing, but for the good of your studies, get involved with the social student scene and give yourself access to as many resources possible. Just be confident!

This guest post was created by Tara Dulake at ThoughtShift - this is not a sponsored post! Also here's a fun little fact, today marks three years for me since I graduated from university with a first class BSc Hons degree in psychology *crazy*.

Read More

*How social media + FOMO can affect your spending habits

The dreaded FOMO. We’ve all suffered from it at one point or another. There’s no worse feeling than knowing your friends are doing something fun and exciting that you are missing out on. And what’s the driving force of FOMO? Social media. Even those of us with an iron will can find it impossible to ignore those pangs of envy once we start scrolling down our Facebook and Insta feeds, meaning we’re more likely to say yes to things that we can’t afford. In fact, a third of Brits overspend due to FOMO, rising to three in five millennials.

Whether it’s that expensive city break or the must-see play that everyone is talking about, fear of missing out is the one thing that will derail our good intentions not to spend. So how can you stick to a budget without feeling like you’re missing out? Read on for our top FOMO-busting tips.

Keep your eye on the prize

It helps to have a goal when you’re trying not to succumb to FOMO. Do you want to stick to a budget so that you don’t go into debt? Are you saving for a house deposit or a holiday? Whatever the reason, it helps to always have your goal in mind. So, start with doing a little financial planning. Create a budget and decide how much ‘fun money’ you’ll allow yourself per month.

Limit your social media use

This is a pretty obvious solution, but it’s not necessarily the easiest. Yet, quite simply, if you don’t know what’s going on, then you won’t worry about missing out. And if you’ve said no to any plans that friends have made, you might want to mute them for a few days, to keep you on the right path and to avoid feelings of ROMO (Regret of Missing Out).

Focus on the positives rather than the negatives

Yes, a night out can be a lot of fun — you get to dress up, paint the town red and visit the latest bars. But what do you also get? A depleted bank account, a sore head and that aching feeling of regret. However, if you skipped the night out, that means you stuck to your saving plan, you’re not hungover and you’ve hopefully done something more fun instead. So, it’s less about what you’re missing out on and more about what you’ve achieved. Which leads on to the next point…

Find something else to do

Probably the worst thing you can do once you’ve said no to a night out is sit on your sofa with your phone. The sadomasochist in you won’t be able to stop checking that Insta feed. Instead, think about achieving some of your mini life goals. What’s the one thing that you’ve wanted to do, but haven’t had the time? Do you wish you had more time to relax? Perhaps you could download a meditation app? Or start that book you’ve been meaning to read for a long time? Go out for a bracing walk. And the best part about these alternatives? They’re all free!

Plan ahead 

We’re not saying you need to miss out on everything and never go out again! The best way to avoid FOMO is to be the one leading the charge when it comes to organising activities. If you and your friends like pub quizzes, why not have a games night at home? Turn a meal at a restaurant into a potluck supper, where everyone brings something round to share. Swap an expensive weekend away for local bike rides, picnics in the park and checking out free cultural events in your area. You’ll probably discover that your friends are also feeling the FOMO strain and will be glad to do some cheaper activities too.

So, take the lead, keep your goals in mind and keep your thumb off of that screen!

Do you have any tips for beating FOMO? 

*collaborative post 

Read More

Festival Hairstyles with ghd

I have owned a pair of ghd straighteners since I was about fifteen which is almost ten years ago now and I have loved them ever since. I started with the wide flat styler which was perfect for my thick, long hair and until a couple of weeks ago I was using my gorgeous lavender ghd styler. As I've spent my own money on ghds in the past and I've used them for so long, you can imagine my excitement when the *ghd V Ruby Sunset Styler (£139) arrived for me to try and create some cute festival hairstyles with!

Let's talk about the styler first as it's stunning! This new V Ruby Sunset Styler is part of the latest wanderlust collection which has been nominated for the best gadget and tool in the Sunday Times Style Beauty Awards. The styler is a gorgeous ruby red with a matching heat resistant case that comes in so handy when using the styler. As with the previous two ghd stylers I've used, it makes straightening my hair such a quick, easy and fuss free process that leaves my hair incredibly smooth, soft, manageable and de-frizzed!

Now onto the hairstyles, I've created two very quick and easy styles that can be finished within around 15-20 minutes or less and they require minimal products, minimal effort and I have some time saving hacks for you too! To me festival, summery and beachy hair is all about being creative but also keeping it simple as you don't want to spend ages inside doing your hair and becoming increasingly too hot with aching arms...just me?

The only items you'll need for both styles includes: ghd V ruby styler, heat protector spray, hairspray, chunky glitter, a brush, pins/clips and some optional extras such as hair chalk and sea salt spray. A heat resistant mat or pouch like the one that comes with this styler is also really useful !

Look One: 15 Minute Beachy Waves

Check out my video for the full tutorial on how to create the first style but it's basically just a cheats way of creating easy beachy waves. Start by brushing your hair and applying a heat protect spray and sectioning your hair down the middle so you have two large sections. Take one half of your hair and twist it tightly, holding it firming at the ends and slide the styler down the hair a few times (maybe 3 to 5, it depending on your hair thickness) and secure the hair so it won't unravel as it cools. Do the same with the other side, wait for 15 minutes and take out the clips to reveal very quick beach waves with very minimal effort - no need to curlers, rollers or wasting time using a styler to curl sections individually. Also instead of twisting the hair, you could create section your hair into quarters and braid each one and use the same method with the styler to creates waves too - it's such a quick, time saving way of creating loose beachy waves.

You could leave the waves at that or you could add some hairspray, sea salt spray or hair chalk to the look to add definition, hold and a pop of colour (I hate that phrase!) which will be perfect for the festival season. Hair chalks, sprays and semi-permanent dyes are such a quick, easy and temporary way of adding summer shades to your hair. I've been using the Loreal Colorista Semi-Permanent Dye in Dirty Pink to add some colour to my bleached ends. Tying up your hair with a cute hair tie is another option and one that will be perfect to show on the colourful ends while keeping your hair away from your face on the one hot summery day we will get, if we're lucky.

Look Two: Braids & Glitter

There are a few times in the year where glitter is more wearable and socially acceptable for those over the age of five and they are christmas and summer festivals! This second look consists of smooth, straightened lengths and a simple braid running from the temple to the base of the neck, viking style. The styler is so easy to use to de-frizz my hair and make it much more smooth, manageable and sleek looking, especially compared to how it usually is which is essentially a halo of frizz.

After creating the braid, you could add a few more if you want, it's time for the fun but messy business of glitter. I used a chunky glitter so it would be more visible than fine glitter and to stick it to my parting I used the ghd hairspray before and after apply the glitter and it works well...too well as the glitter will never want to leave your hair! I think the combination of my pink dip dyed ends and glitter is a colourful, feminine and fun festival look that is so quick to create and it can be adapted to suit you with more braids, rainbow dip dyed ends, sequins as well as glitter or other accessories.

Make sure you watch my tutorial so you can see the process of creating these two simple, quick and fun festival hairstyles using the ghd V Ruby Sunset Styler as well as the fantastic ghd hairspray (£9.95, 400ml) and ghd heat protect spray (£12.95). If you want more hairstyle ideas then definitely check out the ghd youtube channel! I will also be posting more videos on my blog including another with ghd so stay tuned!

Are you a ghd fan as I am? What do you think of these festival hairstyles? What do you think of the new ghd wanderlust collection? 

Read More