*What Family Means To Me + Quarter Life Crisis

Image from What's Not To Love via Pinterest

I came across an interesting infographic created by Slater and Gordon (divorce solicitors in London) all about #familymadesimple including statistics about families in the UK. For example, 1 in 30 families in the UK have a grandparent as a full time carer for grandchildren, 42% of marriages end in divorce and 31% of people surveyed have required legal assistance in family law.

The infographic got me thinking about my family and friends, how myself and my friends grew up in very different households and childhood memories of my family, particularly now as I'm coming up to the grand old age of 25 and how I'm having a quarter life crisis!

Growing Up In The 90's + What Family Means To Me

Growing up during the 1990's was amazing with all of the barbies, furbys, bop it, polly pocket and board games, all of which I played with my sister and my cousins - I have a lot of cousins! Family for me, from a very young age meant spending time playing dress up, games and playing outside with my sister, friends, neighbours and all of my cousins, most of which are around my age.

As a child and young teen, we spent a lot of time with my dads family as we all live near each other and by that I mean within ten minutes drive from pretty much all of my cousins and aunties. Every time it was someones birthday or for easter, new year and christmas, we always get together with so much food and a family quiz which naturally ends up in good natured arguing, obviously.

Growing up in an environment with very close cousins that I spent so much time with and went to school with was amazing and I was close to my aunties and my grandad too particularly as a child. However, as we all grew up and some of my cousins moved half way across the world and to other countries, we don't tend to meet up as much and we aren't as close on the whole which is actually quite upsetting as we all used to be so incredibly close and I don't like change at all!

Quarter Life Crisis 

Everyone has their own things going on now within my family and we do meet up occasionally but it's just not the same. I feel as though I'm having a mini quarter life crisis as so many things are changing with family and friends around me and I feel as though I'm staying the same and I'm not where I thought I would be at almost 25! Having said that, I need to remember the progress I've made (e.g.: first class BSc hons degree and learning to drive) and that everyone's different and one situation isn't better than another.

I'm not looking forward to turning 25 but I will be exploring London on my birthday which I'm so excited for (we are going on a Buckingham Palace tour!) but I just need to look for the positives rather than focusing on the negatives!

Are you a 90's child too? What does family mean to you? What are you looking forward to this summer?

*This is a collaborative post
*Image from Pinterest 

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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

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New + Upcoming Book Releases Wish List

Before January 2016, I only read maybe five books in the year and reading just wasn't something I was interested in but I set myself the goal of reading 30 books in 2016 and I smashed that by reading 79 books and now just over half way through 2017 and I'm onto my 80th book of the year...yeah, I'm a bit obsessed.

It's come to the point where I'm reading so many arcs via netgalley that I'm anticipating so many upcoming releases and that's what today's post is all about! There is a definite theme of magic, darker books, fantasy and quirky books as they are the genres that I love the most!

- Carnivalesque by Neil Jordan (available now)
- Ghostly Tales By Chronicle Books, Illustrated by Bill Bragg (released on 25th July 2017)
- An Almond For A Parrot by Wray Delaney (released on 27th July 2017)
- Poe: Stories and Poems A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds (released on 1st Aug 2017)
- City Of Circles by Jess Richards (released on 10th Aug 2017)
- Tarnished City by Vic James (released on 5th Sep 2017)
- Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff (released on 7th Sep 2017)
- Daughter Of The Burning City by Amanda Foody (released on 7th Sep 2017)
- A Skinfull Of Shadows by Frances Hardinge (released on 21st Sep 2017)
- The Language Of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo (released on 26th Sep)
- Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco (released on 28th Sep 2017)
- Harry Potter & The Prisoner Of Azkaban by J.K Rowling (released on 3rd Oct 2017)
- The Beginning Of The World In The Middle Of The Night by Jen Campbell (released 2nd Nov 2017)
- The Secret Poisoner by Linda Stratmann (available now)
- The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (released on 30th Jan 2018)
- The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss (available now)

Top of my list of books I'd love to read ASAP include: Godsgrave, Poe: Stories and Poems, Tarnished City and The Beginning Of The World In The Middle Of The Night. I've requested a couple of these on BookBridgr so fingers crossed. There are so many more books that I'd like to add, especially new releases but then this post would be never ending!

Are any of these books on your wish list? What are you currently reading or wanting to pick up next? 

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Blogging Essentials #2

Earlier this year I published a post all about my current blogging essentials and today's post is a continuation of it with some new items and more general blogging items that you might not initially think of! Check out my previous post if you want to see more of my blogging essentials that are perfect for beginners and seasoned blogger alike.

Blankets: Cosiness is key

I know the obsession with hygge is pretty much gone, it went the way of Pokemon Go and we are still in summer but I cannot stop thinking about autumn - well, let's be honest and say that my mind is aways thinking about autumn and all things related to being cosy, baking, cooking and autumn clothing/activities because it's the best time of the year. Fact.

As my mind is constantly in autumn mode, blankets and being cosy is key to me being productive. Give me a blanket, candles, a gingerbread latte and my iMac and I'll be able to get so much done, whether it's answering lots of emails, editing photos or video clips, typing up posts and guest posts or researching. The blanket in the photo above is one I actually made using the arm knitting method and for my first attempt, I'm so happy with it as it's so incredibly soft, cute, versatile and it keeps me surprisingly very warm!

*Penclic Mouse R3 (£59.99)

This next essential is definitely a new addition and despite a few teething problems, it's become a desk staple for me. I have an iMac which is going on for eight years old now (I need a new one ASAP) and it has a traditional corded mouse although recently as the iMac itself is failing so is the mouse.

The Penclic Mouse is a wireless, pen like mouse that is definitely unusual and innovative! It can be used if you're left or right handed, it connects wirelessly to your iMac or PC using the USB dongle included and it is such a unique concept that I personally haven't seen before. The set up was a bit confusing as nothing seemed to happen but thankfully it's now working. I'll be completely honest and say that it definitely does take time and patience to get to grips with as it's such a different style and shape to a traditional mouse but I find it a bit more comfortable to use, especially as I'm on the iMac for most of the day, pretty much seven days a week.

I love that it's wireless, as there is no annoying cord that gets wrapped around other things on my desk, it feels natural to hold as it's a pen shape and I love the scroll wheel which is really useful, particularly as the scroll function on my Apple mouse is broken! If you're thinking about getting a wireless mouse then check this one out!

One thing to note when it comes to blogging and desk jobs in general (as well as nurses, builders and many other jobs) is that repetitive strain injury can be a cause of concern. It is estimated that 73% of those who work at a computer are at risk of repetitive strain injury due to typing but it can be easily prevented. To help prevent repetitive strain injury, it is advised that you should take regular breaks from your desk and it is worth sticking to regular breaks because repetitive strain injury can in some cases result in physiotherapy or even surgery.

Bookshelves, Storage & Canvas Bags 

The first essential in this section is more of a book blogger problem and that's too many books! I'm lucky enough to be sent books occasionally from publishers and I'm very quickly running out of space but these gorgeous floating book shelves from Red Candy are perfect and you can store other things on top of the books too, if the aren't too heavy.

Storage is a general life essential but as a blogger I have specific drawers for tax documents, press releases and product information, products that need to be photographed and other drawers for blog prizes, packaging and even blog photo props.

One thing they don't tell you about blogging or that isn't shown is the amount of recycling that you have to deal with. As I said, I'm very lucky in that I get to work with some amazing brands and PRs so very regular packages and boxes means that around once a week I end up with a big stack of recycling and canvas bags are perfect to store and sort out paper recycling!

Earphones

A good pair of earphones are very hard to find, especially as for me, most of them are actually quite painful to wear but these gorgeous wireless earphones from Sudio Sweden are perfection in earphone form! They're white and rose gold (tick), wireless (tick), the sound is fantastic and clear (tick) and they are so comfortable to wear (tick). I honestly cannot recommend these earphones enough! I use them for editing videos, watching youtube, listening to audiobooks and they even work as ear plugs on a noisy train...

Those are more of my personally blogging essentials, what are your blogging essentials? 

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Summer Festival + Travel Essentials #2

I published my first travel beauty post last week and today's post is a continuation of it with some absolutely adorable travel essentials that would be perfect for camping, a road trip, festival or just to keep in your handbag on a day to day basis. The items in today's post were very kindly sent by the super lovely people at Mad Beauty!

*Mad Beauty Mini Biscuit Nail Files (99p each)

All of these items from Mad Beauty are from the new biscuit collection and everything is just so cute and very British and these nail files are no exception. Nail files are just an essential and they are a staple in my 'minimergency' bag within my handbag as you never know when you'll need one. This tiny little pack is so perfect for travelling and the packaging is reminiscent of a bourbon biscuit! I also have one of the jam biscuit packs too! There are six mini nail files in each pack and they even have the biscuit print on them!

*Mad Beauty Moisturising Hand Sanitizers (£2.99 each)

Next up, hand sanitizers which are an essential and great for travelling or festivals when you might not be able to easily access a sink in that moment. I have the cute bourbon one which has a lovely vanilla scent and the strawberry scented one which is great too. They are both very thin, portable and are perfect pocket or handbag sizes. There's a cute cherry scented one too! I find them really easy and quick to use, I like the scent and even though I have to be very careful with them as I have eczema on my hands and it can sting, they're effective and they don't leave my hands feeling extremely dry or uncomfortable.

*Mad Beauty Biscuit Tissues (99p)

I can't get over how adorable the packaging for everything in this new biscuit collection is, it's so cute and obviously makes me want to eat all the biscuits, especially custard creams *drools*. Tissues, again are an essential and it's always handy to have some in your handbag, makeup bag or car, especially when the packaging is as cute as this!

*Mad Beauty Biscuit Compact Mirror (£2.99 each)

Last but not least, two very cute compact mirrors that again have the great biscuit designs on them! I used compact mirrors so much during college and university and I've started keeping on in my bag again and they're great for checking if my makeup is still looking half decent or not...not is the case during these humid, muggy days we've been having!

There are so many adorable ranges from Mad Beauty including glitter, button, chocolate, cereal and seasonal ranges as well as their stationery featuring cute retro designs! I cannot recommend their cute travel, summer and festival essentials enough! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried anything from Mad Beauty? What are your travel essentials? 

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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

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