2012 has been amazing, lets make 2013 just as great!

I haven't done a blog post in ageees (well it feels like ages.) I have been busy studying for my GCSE mocks in January (ah!) 
Today however, I thought I should have a little reflect on my 2012. 2012 was a pretty awesome year and so much has happened! I love documenting events/years with pictures so today I thought I'd write a little but about some cool things that have happened to me in 2012 and then add a lil picture to :) hope you enjoy!

Firstly, in February, me and a friend went on an exchange for two weeks to Madrid, Spain. It was an amazing experience and although it was hard being away from my family for so long (I'm a home girl) I am so pleased I did it as it gave me a sense of maturity and how to look after myself and I met so many new, lovely people.

Me (in the middle) and my 2 friends in Madrid. Wow we look so young!

Next up in March and June (I think) me and six of my friends did our DofE expedition (one of the toughest things I've ever done!) We completed it! Yay! 
DofE helped give me a sense of 'get up and go' and increased my stamina making me feel like a physically stronger person. 
I'm so pleased I did DofE, it was definitely worth the blood, sweat and tears (yes, literally) in the end.

DofE me (at the front) and my two friend behind

DofE me umm looking cool?

Next was Vietnam in July/August! This was most definitely the highlight of my year! I know this may sound odd and I don't know if anyone else knows the feeling but this country inspired me. I'm not sure how but it did. It inspired me to work hard and try and do my best in everything I do (especially my GCSEs as they are looming) Vietnam opened my eyes and showed me that there's a beautiful world out there, it made me want to travel. It also gave me some direction and ambition as now I've decided that in my gap year I want to go and teach for a year there and do something to help people less fortunate than myself. I feel as though it's sort of changed me as a person. I don't know if any of you are familiar with the feeling I am rambling on about haha!  (I've mentioned all this in my post about Vietnam as well, so check that out here if you like!)
It was amazing and I met so many lovely, inspirational people there who I'll never forget and am already desperate to go back to Vietnam asap! 

Wall of prayers

And not forgetting that I started blogging! I love blogging about makeup, beauty and general things really, it enables me to share my passions with like minded people :) 
I can't believe I have 16 followers, I know it's just a start but it makes me so happy thinking that people read and (hopefully) enjoy my blog posts! So here's a massive thank you to all of my 16 followers for following me, I appreciate every one! <3 

Lastly is School. I have been GCSEs in May and I've applied for some different sixth forms. As much as I dislike exams, there's a (weird) part of me that finds GCSEs kind of exciting. It's the thought that GCSEs are kind of like my ticket out of school and I am so excited for the future and all the challenges it holds. I can't wait to get out of school and although I know it'll be hard at first, I can't wait to have some freedom and start working towards my ambitions/dreams. 

Overall this year has taught me that nothing is impossible and not to be afraid of trying something new. As Zoella says 'just say yes!' 
Here's some things I'm going to do in the new year, if you like you could too!

At the moment the thing I'm looking forward to most in 2013 is summer. I will have finished my exams and will have a no studying, stress free summer! Yes please!

I hope you all have an amazing New Year and I shall be bringing you plenty more blog posts in the year (although I shan't be posting very much at all in January due to exams so bear with me!) 

I hope you've found this post interesting and it has given you some new year inspiration! 2012 has been amazing, lets make 2013 just as great!
Anyway, I'm off for a cup of tea now :) 

I shall metaphorically speak to you all in 2013! 
Much love,
Laura xx

Winterlicious Tag!

Today I thought I'd do the Winterlicious Tag!

1) Favourite winter nail polish?

This nail polish is from Topshop. I love this colour, it kind of reminds me of sparkly snow/frost. 
For me this is the ultimate winter colour!










2) Favourite winter Lip Product?

I know it's a bit boring but I love Vaseline Rosy Lips lip balm! It's great for sore lips in winter. It also has a pink tinge and a lovely shine to it so it looks like lipgloss. 







3) Most worn winter clothing piece?
I mentioned this jumper in a previous post. I bought it in Spittalfields a few weeks ago. It's so warm and snuggly, perfect for winter!








4) Most worn winter accessory?

I bought this hat a couple of year ago now... from New Look I think? 
I love the colour and it's so nice and warm :)








5) Favourite winter scent/candle?

I love Yankee candles, they have such a wide range of scents! This is my favourite christmas smelling candle.
My all time favourite candle from Yankee candle is the 'Sea and Sand' one. It smells so nice and summery! Probably not the best smell for winter, but I definitely recommend it :)




6) Favourite winter beverage?

Starbucks ginger bread latte. One word... Yum!









7) All time favourite Christmas/holiday movie?

Love Actually is amazing! Nothing gets me feeling more christmassy than Love Actually :)












8) Favourite Christmas/holiday song?

'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues and 'All I want for Christmas is you' by Mariah Carey.













9) Favourite holiday food/treat?

I love Quality Street (especially the toffees!) 
Loads of people hate them but I adore them...Mince Pies!







10) Favourite Holiday decoration this year?

This is from the Christmas markets in Cologne. It's a glass present. I think it's so delicate and pretty. When the Christmas tree lights shine on it the glass looks really sparkly.






11) What is top of your Christmas list?

Makeup brushes! Not necessarily Nars, but I'm in desperate need of some makeup brushes!











12) Plans for the holiday?
This year for Christmas I'm staying at my Grandma and Grandad's house in Dorset with them and my parents :) Then I have a whole load of revision to do for my GCSE mocks in January, dreading it! Wish I was sat on a hot, sunny beach somewhere for Christmas though, it doesn't stop raining in England!

Hope you've enjoyed my post and have an amazing and magical Christmas! 
Laura xx

One big post full of 1960s party, outfit, makeup and present reviews!

As you all probably know yesterday was my birthday! :) I wanted to do a post about what I wore and makeup (to give anyone thinking of having a 1960s party some ideas.) I'll also share with you some of the lovely presents I got as it may give you some ideas Christmas present ideas.

What I wore: 

This dress is from Warehouse. I bought it in the Spring for my summer holiday. 
I was aiming to dress like a hippie for my 60's bash so I thought this dress looks slightly 1969 summer of love-ish. 
The dress has a V-neck cut at the front and a a fairly low back. The straps tie around the back of your neck. (sorry I haven't got a photo to demonstrate this!)
Unfortunately I have no clue of how much it cost as I bought it months ago! (Wow hasn't 2012 gone quickly!)

Casually crop my face outta this photo! But this is what the dress looks like on :)

For accessories I wore:

This lovely necklace with peace signs on it. I got this from a shop called Bijou Brigitte. It cost around £5.00 so a pretty good price! 

I love buying jewelry  I'm such a jewelry junky! 

I also wore a headband! I have no clue where this headband is from, I was rummaging through my mum's big bag full of scrap material. (she's an artist so she likes to keep these things!)

That's about it for jewelry, I completely forgot about bracelets, whoops!
Now my favourite bit, MAKEUP!
Here's a picture summary of what makeup I wore. I would list them individually however I have mentioned most of these item in previous posts and I don't want to bore y'all!







BB Blemish Balm
So Matte 14 hour makeup 
benefit high beam
Maybelline Define-a-lash
Glam Crystals eyeliner- I dotted this over my eyelid to add a bit of a sparkle, unfortunatly I don't have a photo!
Bourjois Blusher

I wanted to go for a really subtle make up look as hippies makeup was quite subtle. But of course I couldn't go 1960s without false eyelashes!
The Eylure lashes were great, defiantly recommend them! I think they looked quite realistic.
These eyelashes are also only £3!





Last but not least, Nails! I tried to be a bit hippyish and creative with my nails however my weakness is painting nails!
I used Collection 2000 Hot Stuff nail varnish

I also thought I'd share with you some presents that I got! I always feel like I'm boasting when I talk about what gifts I got given but I hope it gives you some ideas for Christmas presents and maybe birthday presents for friends/family. 

Firstly, I got The Body Shops The Sparkler. I'd never seen this product before. It's so nice though! You spray it anywhere and it comes out a lovely bronzey glitter. It looks so pretty and really Christmassy.

I also got some lovely chocolate from Hotel Chocolat. A great Christmassy indulgence! 

I got a lovely necklace as well, I love French themed jewelry! Eiffel Towers etc.

I also got the most amazing poster EVERRRR!

And finally I got some lovely cosy boots from Republic, apparently Republic at the moment!

I hope this post has been interesting and also given you some ideas of last minute Christmas presents! And I hope you liked my 1960s make-shift outfit! 

Till next time!

Laura xx

Sixteenth Birthday!

Today is my Birthdaaaay! 

Sweet Sixteen at last!
This is just a really quick post as I wanted to do a blog entry on my birthday!
For my birthday I got a camera which is great! Now I can upload more blog pictures yay! :)
Today has been so good, and the 1960s party went fab! Will be doing a post tomorrow showing what I wore and some product recommendations. 
Sorry if this post has been a bit dull but just had to post on my birthday! :) Promise I'll do a bit of a more interesting post tomorrow ;) 
Laura xx

a snippet from 1960s party :)

Benefit, Bare Minerals and Aussie Review mixed with some Christmas cheer!

 Decided to do a bit of Christmas shopping today! I wondered into Fenwicks and was instantly drawn to the Benefit Makeup counter. I got so carried away with all the lush looking makeup I ended up having this makeup consultation type thing. And thank goodness I did! I discovered some great products which I couldn't help but buy!

Experience Sheer Gloss Balm - Benefit

I absolutely LOVE this product! It's a highlighter which also gives you a really healthy glow and highlights cheekbones. I dot and blend it over my makeup on to my cheek, brow bone and down the center of my nose. This product makes my skin feel really soft and I love the slight pinky hint and all the sparkles. It's not excessively sparkly, it just gives a very natural look and adds definition to your face. When the sparkles catch the light it looks gorgeous! Definitely recommend this product!

Bare Minerals - Sundress Eyeshadow

Afterwards I had a browse at the Bare Minerals counter and was greeted with a massive array of eyeshadows! My idea of heaven!

The eyeshadow I'm reviewing!

 

Bare Minerals - Sundress Eyeshadow. This eyeshadow kind of reminds me of the one
 (vampire) Bella out of Twilight wears! Twilight fanatic right here!

This Bare Minerals eyeshadow is from the Shimmer Range and is in the colour Sundress. It's described as a springtime yellow colour however I'd say it's more golden. It stays on my eyes all day and is really light to wear. I love the shimmer it has to it, it creates a sort of dewy look. Benefits High Beam Gloss Balm goes perfectly with this eyeshadow. Both of them create a really natural glow without it being to sparkly. 

Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner 

I've been loving the Aussie range for ages now! The first one I bought was for hair hydration when I went on holiday this year and it was great! I also think these shampoos and conditioners smell AMAZING! The smell reminds me of summer :) 

Today in Boots there was a 3 for £10 offer on all the Aussie products. Yessss! I seized the opportunity and went to the till with my arms full of my mega shampoo, luscious long and Aussome volume (clever play on words there.) I ended up getting all these free as I'd collected so many points on my Boots card! Waheyyy! These products don't only smell great but also make my hair feel so soft and silky and nourished in the cold winter months. Definitely recommend these products!

After my cosmetics mini shopping spree I decorated my Christmas tree. One of my favourite parts of Christmas :)

Me and my friend tinsel-ized

I also really need to buy some Christmassy nail varnish... ideas anyone? :)

Love this! 

Hope you've enjoyed this post! Don't forget, next time you see a Benefit and Bare Minerals counter go and check out the products I mentioned! They're great! 

Laura xx