Lotions and Potions- What I've Been Loving

Hey guys, so today I'm going to be talking about my skincare-and-things-associated favourites. You will have to forgive me tremendously for the shocking quality of my pictures (I have an Iphone 4s and the camera is shite) but hope you'll enjoy this post none the less..

Snowcake

So a couple of Christmas' ago, I got this star shaped marzipan soap from my family. I didn't realise how that one soap would change my life.. it smells AMAZING. Basically, if you like the smell of marzipan, just bloody get the soap. However, *downer alert* they only sell this around christmas. Chin up- only another 11 months to wait :)

Mask of Magnaminty

I have been using this face mask for years and I love it. I usually buy it when I'm feeling a bit low in life or my skins going through a particularly rough patch. I don't like to use this all the time because I feel like my skin appreciates it more when I have breaks from time to time. I use this every 3 or 4 days. It smells of mint icecream, its soo nice to put on your face once it's been in the fridge and my face feels fresh af after I've used it.

Mandara Spa Bath and Shower Cream

My mum bought me this about a year ago for Christmas and I was like 'oh cool, nice. shower gel.' Then I used it and I was like DAMN THIS SMELLS GOOD. It is genuinely one of my favourite shower gels ever and mum bought me another this christmas so I was a very happy bunny. If you can't see from the picture, it's Coconut and Yoghurt scented but it also has this spicy, exotic twist to it- it's  a m a z i n g.

French Connection Hand Lotion

My dad and his girlfriend bought this for me. I loved the packaging when I first laid eyes but then I opened it and it smells beautiful. I'm not very good at describing scents so I looked it up- it reads 'Floral and woody with hints of vanilla and oriental spices' the only way I can really describe it is ZOMGGG

Nip + Fab Berry Lip Butter

I got this in a set of three (others were Rose and Mint). I'm not a massive user of lipbalms because I don't like the greasy feel on my lips but mine have been extremely dry this winter so I've been applying this on my way to work. It's tinted with a beautiful rich purple that's subtle on the lips. I've really been liking this! Oh- and it smells amazing.

Again, very sorry for the poor quality pictures. This is what I've been loving/ using recently!

Lots of love,

Jade x

52 WOGC- Why Start This Challenge? WEEK 1

Okay, so half of you are probably thinking 'What the hell does WOGC' mean? I actually didn't even find out for myself until last week. It stands for 'Weeks Of Gratitude Challenge'. Some of you are probably now thinking 'Okay.. so what's all this about then?' Well.. in short terms, it's a weekly blogging challenge, whereby you write posts on things you are grateful for. There is a guideline that you can find online to give you a specific subject area to write about every week- some of them sound interesting, some of them don't. So I will come up with something new to replace the ones I'm not so keen on. 

Why am I doing this challenge? 

 Firstly, I am doing this challenge because one of the main problems I come across when writing for my blog, is that I struggle with ideas for content. I think that many bloggers struggle with this and I think that this challenge is the perfect way for me to upload regularly and not use brain block as an excuse!

 Secondly, I love to keep a positive mind. I'm the sort of person that appreciates the small things in life and I love to surround myself with people that do the same. I think this challenge is a wonderful idea because each week you are being told to think of things that you are grateful for. These are probably the same things that make it easier to wake up in the mornings and just make life in general that bit easier.

 I think far too many people go through life being unnecessarily happy because they don't have everything they want in life and they focus on what they don't have. There is ALWAYS going to be something that you don't have, no matter how hard you work or how much money you have. Reminding yourself of what you DO have and being able to really appreciate all the good things in your life really does make a positive impact on your mind set and you'll find that you're so much happier. 

I encourage every one of you to start this challenge! You could even write it down for private use only if you feel that it's too personal. I hope you enjoy reading my upcoming gratitude posts!

Until next time,

Jade x

Hair Transformation- One Of The Best Things I've Done?

NO RAGRETS 

Hello my wonderful readers (I'm in a good mood today, can you tell?) 

SO, I'm not going to babble too much about myself but I wanted to do a little chatty post about me getting my hair cut to my shoulders, why I did it and how I feel about it. I know there are a lot of other gals out there (or even guys) that want to make a dramatic change but are too scared- just like I was. I'm writing this to inspire the others afraid to take the leap (bit exaggerative) and those who are just a bit nosey/ interested in my life! After all, that's really what blogging is all about.

From looking at my old pictures, you'll be able to see that I've had long hair down to my bottom rib for over 5 years. In year 8 I got a bob and it was the WORST decision of my life. I got the piss taken out of me and I cried whenever I looked in the mirror- it's pretty funny looking back at it now. But basically, it scared me off ever getting my hair cut short again until now of course.

My thought process was pretty much along the lines of 'It's a new year, I need change in my life. I've wanted something different for a while so I'm just going to grow some balls. Plus, my ex told me to never get my hair cut short so fuck it and fuck him' 

I got my hair cut at Toni and Guy which is actually the first time I've ever been to a hairdresser and I'm not going to lie, it was a wonderful first experience. The head massage, the smell of the shampoo, the complimentary coffee- I felt like a princess for a day. 

It was definitely a shock when I looked in the mirror but I was 90% sure that I liked it. Then all my friends were so nice with the compliments and reactions they gave me- it definitely gave me a confidence boost which if you knew me, you'd know is exactly what I needed.

The BEST thing that happened after getting my hair cut was getting a message from a designer that lives in Cornwall called Alice Vandy. (Her designs have been worn by Jessie J, Rita Ora and members of Little Mix!!) She asked me if I was able to do a test shoot within the next month. I genuinely couldn't believe it- I was massively flattered. 

It's been less than a week since I got my hair cut and I've had the above happen, I received a 2:1 in the first unit that counts towards my final degree grade, I got informed of a pay rise and I got closure with an ex. This hair cut can definitely stay for good!!

Anyway, that's enough from me. I hope you enjoyed reading this little chit-chat and you can expect to hear from me next week.

Jade x