*Preparing For The Future

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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? 

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Unisex Christmas Gift Guide 2020

It is almost December so it is time to post my next Christmas gift guide which is filled with lots of gift ideas that I think would be great for anyone regardless of gender, age or your budget. Today's gift guide features a wonderful tea subscription box, pampering products (as always), a shaving subscription kit and a few handy daily essentials. For more sneak peeks, PR mail and unboxings, don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). 

*Creightons Body Bliss Bath Treats (£6)

Let's start with the pampering and body care gift ideas, beginning with this cute gift set from Creightons which includes four bath and shower gels in the scents: mango and papaya, coconut water, raspberry and pomegranate and vanilla and macadamia - the latter is definitely my favourite of the four, although they all smell heavenly. I don't think you can go wrong with a bath gift set at christmas especially when it smells as lovely as this set. Also, the price is fantastic (it is currently on sale for Black Friday at £4.20) so it would make a great secret santa gift! 

*Feather and Down Pillow Spray Duo (£6)

We all know by now how much I love all of the products and amazing gift sets from Feather and Down; I've been lucky enough to review many of their fantastic products on my blog over the past couple of years but I have also purchased their gift sets as presents too. One of my favourite sets has to be the pillow spray duo which includes their original and well loved pillow mist as well as the 'breathe easy' version, both of which I adore. I've used up so many bottles of their pillow mists and I genuinely cannot recommend them enough, along with the selection of amazing gift sets. 

*FFS Small Shaving Set - Peony (£20)

Another of my favourites brands (and one that will be included in my wrap-up of my 2020 favourites) is FFS, formerly Friction Free Shaving. I love their shaving kits, super effective razors and extras such as the shaving cream and natural deodorant. For christmas this year they have created a range of fantastic gift sets including a selection of their shaving kits (some of which can be engraved/personalised as an extra special gift) as well as small kits and tanning gift sets too.  

I was very kindly set their small peony gift set which I think is so cute and a great practical gift (we all know I love practical but aesthetically pleasing gifts). The set comes with their razor blades, peony handle, travel pouch, protector, shower holder and their very effective shaving cream. I think it would make a great gift for friends this christmas! I'd highly recommend checking out their sets (which also includes a mens gift set) as practical pampering gifts for friends and family. 

*Luna & Leaf 30% CBD Oil (£118)

Next up is the most expensive item to today's gift guide although they do have lower percentage oils at a lower price point; the 10% oil (£66) and the 20% oil (£88). CBD has become THE skincare, beauty and health ingredient of 2020 and it is easy to see why as it claims to help with depression, acne, anxiety and sleeplessness, among other issues. Early studies have shown many positive results involving CBD and I think would would make a great gift for those who already use CBD or are interested in trying it. I'll be reviewing this CBD oil fully in an upcoming post next week so stay tuned! 

*A Poem For Every Winter's Day edited by Allie Esiri (£14.99) and Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu (£12.99)

As well as CBD, another option I've found that massively helps my anxiety and restless mind is reading. Since January 2017 I've been an avid reader, something that I fell out of love with during high school and up to university but I'm so glad that I started again as it brings so much escapism, joy and entertainment. I think reading can be such a mindful, relaxing (depending on the book) and meditative practice that so many could benefit from. 

I don't have any IRL friends or family members that read to the extent that I do so I am always trying to gift books at every opportunity and Christmas is a great excuse! You'll see my end of year reading wrap-up as well as my favourite books of 2020 posts soon but in the meantime, the two beautifully designed books above are currently on my December TBR and I cannot wait to read them. If you want to follow along with my TBR and my ratings, make sure you are following me on GoodReads. 

*Teapro Tea Subscription Box - December 2020 (£18 per month) 

My penultimate gift idea is another unique subscription box, a tea subscription. I love herbal, mint, floral and green tea but I never really venture into new varieties, brands or blends so a tea subscription box is the perfect way to try new options! Teapro is a themed tea subscription box which includes four plastic free (yay!) tea pouches; the theme and flavours change each month so you'll always enjoy a new blend. Also, with your first box you will receive a free three piece glass infuser and cup. A educational information included in the box will enable you (or your gift recipient) to turn into a Teapro! Additionally, if you are buying a box as a christmas gift, you can have it gift wrapped with a personalised message. 

I was very kindly sent the 'black and yellow' December box which includes a unique selection of four black and rare yellow teas to try as well as a cork coaster. The teas included in the box are: Gold Dian Hong Pagoda Black Tea, OP1 Rukeri Rwanda Black tea, Supreme Meng Ding Yellow Buds Tea and High Mountain Wuyi Wild Black Tea. I've only tried the Gold Dian Hong Pagoda Black tea so far which was sweet, floral and subtle - an unusual but very calming tea. I can't wait to try the others which I'm sure I'll share on my Instagram Stories. Be sure to check out Teapro for all of your tea needs as well as their lovely subscription box which would make a thoughtful gift for any tea lover. 

*Smart Screen Antibacterial Cloth (£9.95)

Last but not least, I wanted to share and recommend a little stocking filler idea that is a great practical everyday essential. Smart Screen have created a luxurious feeling, antibacterial microfibre cloth that is perfect for cleaning your phone or tablet screens leaving them crystal clear and clean. The cloth is antibacterial (which is more than necessary in 2020), compact and easy to store as it comes with it's own pouch. There are many colours to choose from but I personally like the navy blue option I was sent. If you are looking for a practical secret Santa present, a stocking filler or a little something to add to a present hamper, look no further. Check out their fantastic Black Friday offer but hurry as it ends on the 30th November! 

What do you think of the gifts within today's gift guide? Do you have any gift recommendations? 

* AD - gifted items sent to me, not paid

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World Vegan Day with Grateful Pies

Ok, I know I'm a couple of days late with todays post as World Vegan Day was on the 1st November but dates don't really seem to matter very much this year as everything is a chaotic blur. However, I did want to share one of my current favourite vegan meals - which has just launched today! You may have already seen a sneak peek of todays post and the amazing pie on my Instagram (@ofbeautyand), make sure you're following for more sneak peeks and unboxings. 

If you didn't know, I'm based in Manchester and it is a wonderful city known for incredible independent shops, two world famous football teams, a history of industrial cotton manufacturing, protests and the suffragette movement, 25 Nobel laureates associated with the University of Manchester, innovation and invention and world famous bands (including Oasis, Take That and The Smiths) as well as a love for food, curry and of course, pie, in particular. 

*Grateful Pies Tourtiere-Style Pie (£14.95)

Growing up in Manchester, my mum and aunties would always cook some kind of pie once a week, usually a meat pie, cheese pie (my favourite, being vegetarian from a very young age) or steak and ale pie. Pie is a northern staple and even within my secondary school, we had a 'snack shack' where you could buy a variety of pies for lunch. I have to admit that I did have a cheese and onion pie at least three days per week during the entirety of my secondary school education and it's a wonder I was a tiny as I was. 

Since switching from a long-term vegetarian diet (from the age of 11), I decided in January 2019 to finally change to a vegan diet for the foreseeable future and I'm so glad I made the change. 2019 and 2020 have been great for new vegan offerings (although not much else) with so many new products launching in stores and online. If you are considering switching to a vegan diet, I would recommend that you start gradually be reducing the amount of meat, fish, eggs or dairy that you consume and make easy substitutions such as replacing cows milk with almond milk. Also, remember that you don't have to make a drastic change instantly and every change helps. 

One of the latest vegan offerings is a new sharing pie from Grateful Pies which is in the style of a French-Canadian tourtière pie that is typically filled with meat, onions, herbs and spices; however the vegan, plant based version contains green lentils, mushrooms, potatoes, spices and apples. It has been a very long time since I've had a traditional-style pie and I've never had one that contains apples but I was very pleasantly surprised - it was utterly DELICIOUS!

I didn't know if I'd like the inclusion of apples but the pie wouldn't be nearly as delicious without them - it adds such a lovely sweetness and moreish flavour to the savoury pie that I absolutely adored. The pastry was also very delicious; it reminded me of the cheese pie pastry I used to devour every lunch time at school. I think it would be fantastic to share with friends or family this christmas or new year (within the lockdown guidelines) but I would very happily eat it mostly to myself over a few days. My only complaint (and it is a minor one) is that I wish it could be frozen. Overall, I couldn't recommend it enough for vegans and non-vegans alike. 

Have you tried any vegan pies? Will you be checking out the Grateful Pies website? 

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Autumn Layering with Katch Me

Autumn is my favourite time of the year for countless reasons but one of them includes the fashion trends and layering needed for the cosy colder months. Autumn is the perfect combination of crisp, clear days and chilly temperatures but it isn't too cold so layering is essential. Thankfully Katch Me has a great range of items that are ideal for layering during the autumnal months, as well as a plethora of cosy loungewear that I think we all need right now!

*Green and Yellow Check Flannel (£9.99, sale)

Let's start with the base layer of a plain tee and an oversized flannel shirt, an easy combination for casual autumn days when the weather isn't too chilly. You can also add on a jacket or scarf for colder days. I love the flannel shirt, I used to wear them constantly in college and university but I need to start wearing them again as I love the way they look especially during autumn. I think plaid, flannel, check or tartan (whichever word you want to use) is the quintessential autumn print and it is the perfect thrown on extra layer. 

*Blue Oversized Distressed Denim Jacket (£16.99, sale)

I have wanted a denim jacket for years, probably for ten or so years, but I didn't know if it would suit me so I never bought one; therefore I was very happy to try this gorgeous distressed jacket from Katch Me. I love the shade of denim, along with the distressed and ripped details. I ordered a Small or UK 8 in all three items and I think I would recommend ordering your usual size for the oversized look or you can order a size down to make it a little more fitted. I love all of the items within today's post but I think the flannel shirt and this denim jacket are definitely my favourites and I'd highly recommend them! 

*Grey Oversized Hoodie (£11.99, sale)

Last but not least, an item from their loungewear range, which I also ordered in a Small (or UK 8) but I think it would be best to size up, if you want it to be a bit more comfortable and oversized, in my opinion. I love the shade, it is a very easy and comfort item to have for cosy, casual days. All of their loungewear looks so cosy and I definitely have my eye on a few other pieces including their cropped teddy fur hoodie and chunky knit co-ord. Overall, I'm happy with all three items from Katch Me but I particularly love the jacket and flannel shirt which I've been wearing so much already this autumn. 

Have you bought anything from Katch Me? What do you think of my outfits/items? 

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Home Office Summer Makeover with Lick

During lockdown, and for some until next year, working from home has become more common so you need a work space that is not only fit for purpose but that is a pleasant environment to be in too. I have been working from home as a freelance writer and blogger since I finished university (although I still feel very much like a university student). 

I am lucky enough to have a small home office which is where I spend the vast majority of my time either writing, editing, taking photographs, reading, answering emails and general blog admin, so it has to be an inviting, comfortable and productive space every day of the week. I'm very happy with my overall set up, especially my desk (from Ikea, naturally), Muji desk storage, window sill plants, fairy lights and my bookcases. However, I did want to change up the wall colour to add in a little colour to the otherwise beige room but to also refresh the room for the summer season. 

I was very happy when I received an email about Lick as lockdown has made me want to reorganise, sort out and refresh all of my decor so the email came at the perfect time. Lick is a gorgeously minimal decorating online shop with a range of paint shades, wallpaper designs and decorating tools to choose from. I love everything about their site from the multiple paint shade photographs and easy to navigate site to the great customer service and useful blog posts (one of which I followed during my redecorating). 

Lick offer a fantastic service in which you can receive a colour consultation via video call to assess the room you want to redecorate and a colour specialist will be able to suggest and advise paint or wallpaper for the room. With my millennial anxiety and inability to not panic with the mere suggestion of a call or even worse a video call, I didn't opt for the video consultation so I chose the paint myself and I'm so happy with my choice. 

*Lick Pink 03 Paint (£38, 2.5 litres) 

Upon first visiting their site and looking through the paint options I was instantly drawn to the pink shades! Although I did also love the shades: white 02, pink 01, red 03, green 03 and blue 01. I haven't really purchased paint online especially one that is very different to what we already have in the house so I was a little nervous that the shade would look either too dark for the small room or too much like my childhood barbie themed bedroom (yes, I had pink walls and barbie wallpaper, the 90's were a very different time). Also, just to note, the wallpaper selection is utterly gorgeous as well, particularly botanical 05, botanical 06 and stripes 01. 

However, I had no need to worry as the shade is utterly perfect and exactly what I wanted. In the tin and on the brush it does look like a light pink but on the walls and on the photographs online, it is more of a dusty pink. It is described as a 'muted bubblegum' pink which I think is a great way to describe it as it's still a bright mid pink shade but it seems to a bit more subdued - more sophisticated, less barbie. I think the photographs online represent the true colour very well. 

*Lick Single Room Painting Kit (£20)

Along with the paint, I was also kindly gifted one of their decorating kits, which come in a range of sizes and with a variety of tools depending on the room size and decorating requirements. The kit I have contains a 9" large roller, 2" paint brush, tape and metal tray. I'm glad we had the kit as it was well made and much better than the brushes and rollers we already had. The roller and brush were perfect for the paint, there was hardly any mess at all (it isn't a very runny paint, unlike most others I've used) and we managed to fully paint the room with one to two coats in one day. 

Before we started painting I read their blog post about painting over wallpaper and glued down a couple of sections that weren't flush with the wall, as they suggested. Thankfully the wallpaper didn't have many imperfections and it it only very lightly textured so the paint applied over it so well! The painting process was very quick, easy and the coverage was very surprising. With other paint brands and shades we've had to go over walls with so many coats to make it even but the coverage with this paint was absolutely  fantastic and we had almost half a tin left over when we'd finished. I was a little worried initially as a 2.5 litre tin of paint typically wouldn't be very much especially as multiple coats will be needed but a little really does go a long way with this paint. 

Lastly a couple of notes to mention: the packaging, from the boxes everything arrived in to the product design and overall packaging, all of the items were wonderfully designed and minimal which speaks to me aesthetically. Also the paint didn't have too strong of a scent compared to others I've used and the scent didn't linger for days afterwards either which is fantastic. Overall, I cannot recommend the products I've tried from Lick enough!

If you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand), you may have seen my instagram stories of the redecorating process and unboxing but here's a little video of the steps too! Also the photographs above show the walls are they are drying so check out my instagram for recent photos. 

Have you tried any paint or wallpaper from Lick? Have you been redecorating during lockdown? 

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Self Improvement: Distance Learning

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Lockdown has been stressful for everyone and I'm sure we've all had ups and downs over the past three or so months. However, I don't think it's all negative as we've seen community spirit bringing neighbours together, support for wonderful NHS workers and more free time for self care and self improvement. During lockdown I've had much more time as freelance work almost stopped completely so I've spent my time helping with jobs around the house, reading books I've wanted to read for a while and looking into distance learning. I've already started a couple of online courses online which I'm loving and it has helped me to have something to focus on and a goal to complete. 

Online Courses 

There are many courses to choose from online including university led courses and paid options to free short classes. As well as online options from larger companies and education centres, it is also a great idea to look into the local classes in your area that may offer courses online - a college in my area is offering online courses for free which I need to look into! 

Distance Learning Centre

Another option to look into is the Distance Learning Centre which is one of the longest establish centres for online and distance learning in the UK. They offer over 250 courses online which range from GCSE and A-Level courses to teacher assistant courses, marketing, wellness, psychology, human recourses and online IT training, along with many others. The courses range in difficulty, price and the time required to complete and all of the information you need is easily available and clearly displayed for each course. 

If you have the free time while we are still in lockdown (I personally won't be rushing out on Saturday when more services and shops open), I think it's a great idea for self improvement, for your career or for future job prospects to look into the current online distance learning courses. The Distance Learning Centre is a great place to start due to the wide range of courses available and the accredited certificates that accompany some of the courses. 

Studying At Home Tips 

I have been studying and working from home for years and I think I've amassed a few useful tips and tricks to help you focus at home, when you would probably rather watch Netflix! Whether you are still studying from home, working from home or taking part in distance learning classes, I hope some of these tips will help!

• Schedule time for breaks and time to study 
• Get dressed everyday (although comfy clothes are still required)
• Make notes and lists to track thoughts and your progress
• Write a to-do list every week with a list of goals to accomplish
• Create a clutter free and dedicated study or work space

Have you tried any online courses or is it something you want to look into? 

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*A Guide To Transform Your University Accommodation Into A Home

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University accommodation can be incredibly unwelcoming. It doesn’t matter where you are staying, be it a modern town or somewhere scenic and pretty like Oxford or Cambridge, there is no denying that the rooms themselves can be pretty grim. Whether you are in halls or renting privately, you need to know about what you can do to create a home at university. Here are some of our best tips and tricks to help you do so!

Choose Wisely

There are so many locations out there for you to explore, and you need to make sure that you are staying in the best possible place. If you know that you will be going into halls, make sure you thoroughly investigate each of the different buildings you could stay in. There may be one that has recently been renovated that you want to stay in over an older building. However, you also need to spend some time on student boards so you have some insight on what it is actually like to live in these buildings. There may be one that has a reputation for being Party Central while another might be more studious. If you aren’t moving into halls, you have the option to live privately. If this is of interest, you can explore what's available here to gain an insight into what this type of student accommodation can offer you. There are some fantastic options out there for those who want to rent privately with a bunch of friends.

Ask the Landlord

The first thing you should do when you get into a new flat is to find out precisely what you can do in terms of renovation. If you live in halls, this is likely to be quite strict. They may not even like you putting up posters on the walls as this can cause marks. However, if you are renting privately, you may get the opportunity to do some decorating. If the flat has not been made over for some time, a landlord may be happy for you to paint the walls so long as you pick neutral colours and don’t damage the floors. This instantly gives you a fresh coat of paint that you can use to kickstart your life in this flat! Fresh walls create the perfect blank canvas you can then use to create your dream home away from home.

Pick Lighting and Greenery

Everyone tends to flock to paintings and art when they are creating their first uni home. They print out photographs and get ready to cover the walls with aspects of their home. However, there is often a simpler way for you to do this that does not require this. By investing in some high-quality lighting and the right plants, you will be able to create a nice, welcoming atmosphere that will be inviting for everyone who comes to your home. Low-level lighting is best here, and it can really make all the difference to your home. The overhead light can be very harsh and not at all welcoming. By placing warmer, low-level lights around your home, you should be able to create a brilliant atmosphere at night, perfect for parties or visiting friends alike. The other investment you should make is in some plants and greenery. If you are known for killing plants more than caring for them, maybe look into some fake ones. It is easy to find some high-quality fake plants to decorate your home with, and will give you the same satisfaction as live ones.

Create a Place You Love

When given the option to create your own place for the first time, many of us might gravitate towards an Instagram or Pinterest aesthetic. While there is nothing wrong with doing this if you genuinely love this style, it can leave some of us feeling a little let down as we struggle to achieve it. Instead, you should always aim to create a space that you are happy to retreat to, and that genuinely makes you feel warm. University can be an overwhelming experience at times. You are dealing with some very real and adult problems for the first time, while potentially juggling a part-time job and all the coursework and projects required by your degree. You need to make sure that you have a place where you feel safe, and where you can relax.

Take the time to make the space truly yours and it will be more than worth it in the long run!

Do you have any tips to make a space your own? 

*Image from Pinterest

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Reading Tips

I'm often asked on my monthly reading wrap-up posts, how I read so much so I thought I'd dedicate today's post to my reading tips, especially as some of you may have new year goals to read more books. Before January 2017, I barely read anything other than assigned reading for university and journal articles but in January 2017, I set a goal for the first time ever to read a set number of books in that year. I set the goal at 30 but more than doubled my goal at the end of the year and I haven't looked back since!

I read for escapism and because it helps my anxiety so much and I think that's one of the reasons I manage to read so much each month - because it helps my mental health. Reading has become an enjoyable past time that has replaced watching TV or movies (for the most part) now and I would rather read a book than mindlessly watch TV or scroll through my phone.

Take Books On The Go 

My first tip is to always have a book with you, whether it's a physical book, audiobook via a subscription service such as BookBeat or as a Ebook on your phone, iPad or kindle. I don't leave the house without taking a book with me as I tend to read whenever I have a spare moment, whether I'm waiting in the car, reading as a passenger or if I'm waiting for an appointment. I would much rather spend my time reading than scrolling through my phone, if I can.

DNF Books 

This is a relatively new tip I've started to do and it's to stop reading books I'm not enjoying. Before the end of last year, I would force myself to read books I'm not really enjoying because I don't like giving up on a book, especially if I've paid for it but I don't want to spend my time reading a book I don't like when I could be reading another book I might enjoy much more which in turns means I'll probably read it quicker - making time for more books afterwards.

Audiobooks & Ebooks

Back in 2018, I was very kindly gifted an audiobook subscription from Bookbeat and I fell in love with audiobooks. Before then I hadn't ever listened to an audiobook but they are fantastic options for those who commute to work, at the gym, for long journeys or as you complete household chores. I always see comments on my blog or generally on social media about individuals not having enough time to read and if that's the case then give audiobooks a go as you can listen to them as you do other tasks.

I also find that when I read ebooks, I tend to go through them quicker than physical books. I think that's because it's easier to read ebooks in bed and on the go as they are all on one device. I use my iPad mini to read via the Kindle app and I cannot recommend it enough as you can have so many books in one place. Also if you don't know what genre of books you like, get a trial of Kindle Unlimited as then you can try as many ebooks in their library as you want.

Time Management 

Lastly, this point also relates to those comments about not having enough time to read and as with most things, it all comes down to time management. I personally cut down on the amount of TV I watch so that I could use that time to read. I also don't spend nearly as much time scrolling through my phone because reading is always another option. I think that if you want to read a certain number of books in 2020 or if there are a few specific titles you want to read, then figure out how you can manage your time differently to make room for reading such as less time on your phone or watching TV.

Are you following me on GoodReads? Do you have any reading tips? 

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Cruelty Free Beauty ft. Eyeko

January is the month for all things vegan and cruelty free but it doesn't stop at dietary choices as there's a whole world of vegan and cruelty free beauty to explore as well! It can become a little confusing when searching for vegan and cruelty free products but thankfully more and more brands are becoming cruelty free or releasing vegan products.

One of those brands is Eyeko which is a cruelty free brand as they don't test on animals. While all of the products are cruelty free, some aren't vegan as they contain beeswax so if that's something you are looking to avoid then check out the product ingredients. All of the products in today's post are vegan.

*Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara (RRP £19)

Let's start today's post with the product that has impressed me to most! The Eyeko Yoga Waterproof mascara has to be the most budge-proof and waterproof mascara I've ever tried (I've tried many, thanks to the dismal Manchester weather). The mascara contains a Korean-made formula (I love Korean beauty products) that is infused with matcha green tea and botanical fruit extracts!

The brush is an unusual shape with a pointed tip which is great for reaching the inner and outer lashes which are sometimes tricky to fully coat with mascara. One of my favourite things about this mascara, as well as the packaging design, is the longevity. Even through a day of rainy, windy Manchester weather, it is intact and looks as though I've just applied it. If you need a waterproof mascara that will not move, check out the yoga waterproof mascara from Eyeko and you won't be disappointed. The mascara is currently on sale for £14.25 but you can get an extra 10% off with the code: OFBEAUTY10. 

*Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner - Travel Size (£9)

I used to wear winged liquid eyeliner constantly during college and university but due to eczema, it was becoming increasing more difficult to wear products over my eyes; thankfully I haven't had eczema at all throughout 2019 and I've been using more and more of my previously neglected palettes and liners. One of the easiest liquid liners to use that I've tried recently has to be a tie between the Eyeko Skinny Liner and the Eyeko Eye Do Liner, the latter is waterproof so I've been wearing it the most.

Both liners have a similar felt tip brush-like applicator which makes it very easy to control the liner as well as creating a sharp wing and point. The pointed felt tip also makes it easy to apply the liner into the corners of the eye and to be precise. Frustratingly, I find they liners of the style can dry out over time but that seems to happen regardless of the brand or price point.

*Eyeko Galactic Lid Gloss in Luna (£15)

Last but not least is a product I haven't tried before and it's a lid gloss! I have fairly deep set eyes that tests the claims of all eyeshadow primers so I wasn't sure how this product would work with my eyes. I have the shade 'luna' which is a beautiful iridescent golden shade with silver pigments. The shade itself is so pretty and I like the texture but sadly it does crease and move very easily on my eyes without a primer or setting it. Thankfully with an eyeshadow primer underneath and a translucent setting powder over the top, it does last a little longer. However, I think the best way to use this product is by applying it just along the upper lash line and into the inner corner with gentle pressing motions.

Overall, I'm so happy with the cruelty free and vegan options available from Eyeko, in particular the mascara! Check out the Eyeko site for lots of bargains in their current winter sale which includes items that are up to 50% off so with the code below you'll receive a discount of up to 60% off.

Use the code: OFBEAUTY10 to get 10% off your order, including sale items!

Have you tried any products from Eyeko? 

*affiliate link and gifted
I don't use affiliate links anymore and I don't have affiliate accounts anymore and I haven't used any affiliate links since this blog post in jan 2020  (update, as of jan 21)

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Exploring Greater Manchester with MegaBus

Last month I published my first post all about sites to visit this autumn in and around Greater Manchester with hotels.com and I promised a second post with more recommendations so if you're looking for places to visit in Greater Manchester on a budget, I hope today's post helps. If you are looking for more recommendations then do check out that post and also head over to my women's gift guide if you want to be in with a chance of winning a £60 gift card!

MOSI, Manchester Museum, Police Museum, Pankhurst Centre & Art Gallery

First up, I wanted to mention all of the fantastic free museums and art galleries I've visited in Manchester that I recommend visiting. They're all free but it would be great if you made a donation when you visit. My favourite museum in Manchester used to be the Museum of Science and Industry which is a museum I've been visiting on and off since I was a child and I visited most recently this summer; however it isn't nearly as a good as I remember from my childhood or even from five or so years ago sadly. Although if you have children, it would be a great rainy day museum to visit.

The Manchester Museum is much more up my street and it's owned by the University of Manchester so it's free, filled with so many interesting artefacts and it's the UK's largest university museum so there's lots to see. If you're looking for an insight into local history then you can't go wrong with either the Pankhurst Centre (it's very small and a quick look around) or the Police Museum, although annoyingly the latter is only open one day each week but if it is open then definitely check it out.

Manchester Cathedral

Another free site to visit is Manchester Cathedral which is where a few of my ancestor were married! There is debate about the origins of the original church but the construction of the church on the site it is today began in 1421 in the Neo-gothic style. Although the cathedral was extensively damaged during the Manchester blitz of 1940 which destroyed all of the stained glass, organ, the roof and medieval chapels. However, it is still an utterly beautiful building with archives dating back to the 1400's and 16th century workmanship. The cathedral is situated in the city centre and is close by other sites such as Chethams Library and the main shopping areas so it's within easy walking distance  and worth a visit.

Dunham Massey & Lyme Park

If you have already visited the city centre and it's sights then why not head out of the centre to the beautiful Dunham Massey or Lyme Park, both of which are National Trust sites so if you have a National Trust membership then you're entry and parking are free. They are both located less than an hours drive from Manchester so they are perfect for a day trip outside of the city, particularly at this time of the year when the leaves are turning and there are seasonal events starting.

I recommend all of the National Trust sites I've visited in the North West such as Dunham Massey, Lyme Park, Gawthorpe Hall, Tatton Park, Quarry Bank Mill and Chatsworth, the latter is a little further to travel but it's well worth it. Of the sites that are closer to Manchester, I think Dunham Massey is my favourite as not only is there a historic mansion to explore but the gardens are beautiful and the deer even more so. If you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand), you'll have seen me exploring Manchester recently and I visit Dunham Massey fairly regularly too.

Dovestones & Hollingworth Lake 

If you want to go for an autumnal walk around Greater Manchester this month then I highly recommend visiting either Hollingworth lake (which would be great for children) or Dovestones (which is a little more challenging, busy and can be more than a bit muddy). Hollingworth Lake is about an hour from the city centre but it's perfect for a break from the city with beautiful views over the lake and areas of children to play.

Dovestones is my favourite of the two as I love the views all around Dovestones and as you can see from the photo above, it's even more stunning during the autumn months. Both are free to visit, although you do have to pay for parking and the car park at Dovestones is tiny so visit during the week, if you can, to avoid queues and crowds.

MegaBus

Today's post is in collaboration with MegaBus which have just launched six new coaches on their London to Aberdeen route with stops including Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Dundee. The coaches all have wireless charging and tables (available on seats at the front of the coach), a new interior design and 24 reservable seats.

I haven't tried MegaBus before but I've always been tempted, especially this summer as the prices are significantly cheaper than trains which are becoming even more expensive or the cost of driving, petrol and parking. I would love to visit Oxford, York, Stirling and Aberdeen, all of which are available on Megabus routes at fantastic prices!

Have you travelled via MegaBus? Have you visited any of the sites in Greater Manchester that I've recommended? 

*Gifted

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5 Things To Do Around Greater Manchester This Autumn

If you've been following me on instagram (@ofbeautyand) recently then you'll have seen that I've been exploring my home city of Manchester for a couple of upcoming posts, the first of which is today's post in collaboration with hotels.com. I was kindly gifted spending money by hotels.com but all of the views within today's post are my own. 

There are so many wonderful sites to visit within the centre of Manchester, it's many districts and within an hours drive of the centre so if you are a North West local then hopefully today's post will give you a few ideas of places to visit during the October half term or this autumn. Also, if you're visiting Manchester from around the UK or abroad, whether you're staying in a hotel or a serviced apartment in Manchester, here are a few of my top places to visit this autumn in and around Greater Manchester. 

Shopping: Primark, Friends Cafe, Manchester Fort & Trafford Centre 

Manchester is known for a few things including cotton manufacturing, football and of course, shopping. I think many people around the North West view Manchester as a hub of shopping destinations, from the arndale and the many smaller shops around the city centre to retail parks and one of the most famous shopping areas in the North West of England, the Trafford Centre. 

I live a short drive away from the city centre so it is easy for me to travel to the city centre and I typically park at the Victoria station car park as it's cheap, easy to find and there are usually spaces available. Victoria station car park is within easy reach of many of the main attractions within the centre such as the football museum, Chethams library, the cathedral, the MEN arena and the main shopping areas. 

My favourite spots to shop have to include the huge Primark we have on Market Street which also has the UK's first Friends cafe inside - it's an exact replica of the cafe from Friends, along with various sweet treats. I also like the arndale for it's wide range of shops and places for a bite to eat, although it can be very busy at the weekend so it's best to head to Manchester during the week, if you can, especially when the christmas markets begin next month. 

Jodrell Bank 

As I've said, there are so many wonderful sites within the city centre but there are many interesting and historic places to visit within a short drive from the city centre so if you're staying in Manchester and you have a car then why not explore Greater Manchester and it's surrounding cities such as Cheshire, Liverpool and Leeds.

The world famous Jodrell Bank is an iconic landmark for astronomy as it hosts the Lovell telescope which since 1957 has been exploring the universe. The site is part of the University of Manchester and it features more than the telescope as there's a plethora of interactive learning opportunities, guided tours, science shows, workshops, areas of children and a garden/picnic area.

The area around Jodrell Bank is beautiful in itself as is the Jodrell Bank discovery centre, especially at this time of the year. It is less than an hours drive from the city centre, there are a variety of activities for all ages, especially if you have children who are interesting in space! You can buy tickets online or at the centre for £7.65 per adult and £4 for parking which makes it one of the cheaper attractions around Greater Manchester.

You can look around on your own (which is what we did as we were a little low on time) or you can take part in one of the daily telescope walking tours or check out their website for more events coming up. I would love to go to one of their stargazing nights (£9.50) but you have to be quick as they seem to sell out quite quickly.

John Rylands Library & Chethams Library 

Manchester has such a wide history from the roman and viking invasions to the suffragettes and the industrial revolution, the latter is the most evident era of history within the area of Greater Manchester as a whole with it's mass of red brick mills and victorian factories but there are a few unusually beautiful and older buildings within Manchester too!

Firstly, within Castlefield you'll find the ruins of a roman fort which dates back 79AD (that's the period in history when Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed Pompeii)! The ruins are close by the Museum of Science and Industry which is well worth a visit and it's the museum I've visited the most within Manchester.

Another impressive building is Chethams Library which is part of Chethams School of Music and it dates back to 1421 but it was opened as a public library in 1652 which makes it the oldest public library in Britain. I've only been inside once but I would love to again as it is almost a mini Hogwarts library! As it is part of a working school, you do have to go in with a guide but it is free and well worth a visit.

The final historic building I wanted to mention that is also located in the city centre is John Rylands library. The library dates from 1890 and was built by the wife of Manchester's first multimillionaire, John Rylands, as a memorial to her husband. As with Chethams Library, there are also free tours at specific times and I would definitely recommend going on a tour.

Quarry Bank Mill 

Last week we travelled to Jodrell Bank and Quarry bank Mill as they aren't too far away from each other and they combine two aspects that Manchester is famous for, cotton manufacturing and science. Manchester was known as cottonopolis due to it's factories, warehouses and the amount of cotton products the city could churn out thanks to the growing population of Manchester, it's links to the docks in Liverpool, canal network and the plethora of mills and merchants.

There are so many National Trust sites to visit in the North West and my favourites have to include: Gawthorpe Hall, Lyme Park, Dunham Massey, Tatton Park and Quarry Bank Mill. If you have access to a car and you would like to explore around Greater Manchester, I cannot recommend a visit to Jodrell Bank and Quarry Bank Mill, both of which are do-able in one day if you have an early start.

The mill itself is incredibly interesting to look around as it is one of the best preserved mills of it's time and it provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the children and adults who worked at the mill - while they didn't have idyllic lives to say the least but they were treated far better than at other mills within Greater Manchester. The lives of the workers at Quarry Bank Mill takes centre stage with the money making cotton itself as without the hardworking people, the mill wouldn't be profitable.

As well as the mill, there's also a second hand bookstore, shop, cafe and facilities as well as the apprentice house and garden which hosts small tours with knowledgable staff dressed in period costume. I cannot recommend a visit to Quarry Bank Mill enough as it's not only an interesting peek into the lives of the mill workers of the time and the process of cotton manufacturing but the area is beautiful and the gardens are perfect for an autumnal walk.

Tatton Park 

I've already mentioned my love for the National Trust properties within the North West and I didn't know which one to include as my final recommendation as it's a toss up between the wonderful Dunham Massey (which is home to an ancient deer population and the deer come very close to the visitors) or Tatton Park. I recommend both wholeheartedly but if you don't have much time or you really want to see the local deer then head to Dunham Massey; however Tatton Park is going to be my pick for today.

Tatton Park is one of the UK's most complete estates with a Tudor hall, Neo-classical mansion, parkland, gardens and it's own deer population (although the deer at Tatton Park aren't as visitor friendly or as visible, from my experience). I love visiting Tatton Park as not only is the mansion interesting to look around but the gardens are some of the most beautiful I've visited. I adore Tatton Park so much that I had to visit it on my birthday this year.

I have so many more recommendations for places to visit within the city centre, Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas so if you are visiting soon, feel free to comment below with questions or your own recommendations. I will have another post coming soon with more recommendations about visiting Manchester on a budget and more free activities. If you are visiting Manchester this week then be sure to look out for the monsters that have descended on the city centre as part of #halloweeninthecity and the halloween celebrations.

Have you visited any of these sites? Do you have any recommendations of places to visit in or around Greater Manchester? 

*collaborative 

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