University?

I knew that the decision to go to university was always going to be a tricky decision to make as colleges over the country are sending off their students UCAS applications and the students are preparing for their exams. I'm one of those hundreds of thousands of students, I'm in my second year at Sixth Form and doing my A2 subjects. Over the past couple of months I've been thinking about heading off to university in September, however after spending hours writing my Personal Statement perfecting it making sure that it read okay and that it gave me the highest chance of getting in I made a pretty big decision, one which I may live to regret but right now it seems like the best thing for me...

I made the decision to withdraw my UCAS application. Why? I wasn't ready. Yes, I thought I was but only after finally sending off my application it dawned on me that I wasn't prepared for the stresses of university especially as the course I had chosen was Child Nursing. It was a full time course 5 days a week as well as placements, assignments, exams and living away from home. I wasn't ready and that was okay. University isn't like Sixth Form, you can go whenever you like whether that be in 5, 10, 20 years time it didn't matter. The thing was, not everyone thought the same. My college is very forward in wanting their students to go to University, all they talk about at this time of year is UCAS, Personal Statemets, accepting offers as well as how to go about sorting accommodation. They don't really do anything for those people that don't want to go to university or want an apprenticeship instead so I'm really left on my own with what to do.

What I'm really saying is it's okay to change your mind right up to the point of collecting your results in early August. Don't let anyone force you to do something that you're not entirely happy or comfortable with. And if you decide in 3 years time that you want to go to university that isn't a problem, that door doesn't close.

I hope this helped some of you who might be concidering to go off to University.

See you next Sunday,
Love Lily
Xoxo

Top 8 products under £8

I thought I'd do a post on my personal top 8 favourite products for under £8 although it may be nice to have a splurge on a higher end product there are some amazing affordable products that work brilliantly too. Here are my top 8...

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - I know this is a much loved favourite among the beauty bloggers and it's understandable to see why, it takes just seconds to lift off even waterproof make up. It's also really hydrating leaving the skin feeling refreshed.

Mitchum Roll on Deodorant - I LOVE this deodorant. I discovered it just before I went on a holiday last year and I was looking at all of the spray deodorants and I felt as if they just weren't working particularly well on me anymore so I picked up a bottle of this and have repurchased it ever since. I know most people prefer spray deodorant but for me I feel that this works brilliantly and it smells delightful!

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - This is a relatively new purchase for me but I have fallen in love with this foundation, I previously used Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation but it began to feel as if it just sat on my skin and didn't do much so I did some research and watched some YouTube videos and saw that Nic from Pixiwoo recommended this one for a dryer skin, and it's amazing! It gives a relatively full coverage and leaves the skin feeling hydrated, it also completely erases any imperfections or black circles I may have under my eyes making this one a complete winner on the foundation front for me! I use the shade Light Porcelain.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Oh my goodness, this product is amazing. It has to be my favourite must have beauty product, it gives such a full coverage look and is brilliant for hiding those pesky spots. As far as I can remember it was the first 'proper' make up product that I bought..that is excluding a Hello Kitty eyeshadow pallete from H&M that I got when I was about 10.

Bioré Deep Cleansing Nose Strips - These are fab, although there may be cheaper alternatives these are by far the best. I've been using them for about 6 months and I love them, highly recommend you give them a try. I've also spoken about these in my January Favourites so head on over there and give it a read if you want to know a little more.

Herbal Essences Clearly Naked 0% Volumising Shampoo/Conditioner - I've been loving these, they give your hair so much volume as opposed to other shampoos, their scent is also incredible! I've tried many combinations of Shampoo and Conditioners over the years but these two when used in conjunction with one another are by far the best. They won't break the bank either which is always good news

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle - This product honestly saved my hair. I was insistent on not cutting my hair and allowing it to grow about 2 years ago so when I finally got it cut it was a massive mess. Not only was it dry but I had a head full of split ends. I used it for about a month and my hair was amazing afterwards. If you have dry, frizzy hair full of split ends give this a try.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - I love sleep, there's no denying that. So I wake up too late to have a shower more often than I'd like to admit. This dry shampoo is by far the best of the ones I've tried, although it may take some time to encorporate into the hair it saves me bring late for college so is a winner for me!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Prices*: 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (400ml) - £4.99
Mitchum Roll on Deodorant (100ml) - £2.89
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation (30ml) - £7.99
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - £4.19
Bioré Deep Cleansing Nose Strips, 6 pack - £7.99
Herbal Essences 0% Naked Volumising Shampoo/Conditioner (400ml) - £3.99 each
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle (250ml) - £4.99
Batiste Dry Shampoo (200ml) - £2.99

I hope you've found this somewhat helpful and enjoyed reading.

I'll see you next Sunday at 5pm GMT.

Love, Lily xoxo

*Boots.com. Prices correct as of 21/2/16. Special offers excluded. 

All About Me Tag.

I thought as its half term and I'm off college for  a week I'd upload an extra post for you. I have done the 'All About Me' Tag just so you are able to get to know me a little better. Enjoy...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not that I'm aware of at least.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
When I shut my finger I'm my wardrobe door about 2 weeks ago

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I guess, I mean I don't dislike it. I just write too slowly that's all.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chorizo Sausage is my absolute favourite but if you were to ask me this when I was 10 I'd probably say Billy Bear ham.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Nope

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, I'd hope that I'd like myself enough to be friends with me!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Too much

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes...that's a weird question

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Most definitely, it's on my bucket list of things to do

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Probably Kellogg's Rice Crispies

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends if I can slide them off without having to do so, if I can then no but if I can't then yes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
I'd like to think so

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Mint Choc Chip but I also really like Strawberry but funnily enough I don't actually like strawberries.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
If I'm talking to them then it's their voice and how they communicate and also their accent but if I'm just looking at them then their eyes...that sounds creepy.

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My skin

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My cousins, they moved to Canada about 7 years ago maybe and I've not spoken to or seen them since.

18. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I'm not, I'm laying in bed writing this.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A bowl of porridge

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Made in the AM on repeat, I'm a lover of One Direction so it's the obvious choice.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
I'd like to say that I would be a lightish blue. I have a fascination with the sky and the clouds and it seems to be all that I take photos of so defiantly a light blue.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Sausages and Bacon being cooked, the smell is unreal it's so satisfyingly good.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My best friend

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Mountain Hideaway, I'm not a lover of sand nor am I a lover of the sun I'd much prefer to stay inside and listen to the rain fall upon the roof top.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Rugby...I guess? I'm not a massive sports fan.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Brown. I did dye it temporarily a reddish brown about 2 years ago but if you catch it in the right light you can still see glimmers of the red coming through.

28. EYE COLOR?
I want to say a green/brown/hint of blue. But I really don't know.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes, well used to. I got to the stage where it was too much effort to put them in every morning when I was in a rush to get to college so I just stick to wearing my glasses now..much easier!

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
A really creamy Macaroni Cheese is always a winner but then I also love the food served on Boxing Day (cold meats, cauliflower cheese, cheesy mash)

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, I can not for the life of me watch scary films they absolutely terrify me!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Love,Rosie. I had a friend over yesterday and she gave me her Netflix password so now I'm just binge watching films I forgot existed on there.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
A One Direction On The Road Again concert shirt. I've not yet changed out of my pyjamas and I wear all of my concert shirts as pyjamas,

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter, I hate summer.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Neither. I don't really like being touched unless it's by people I know really well.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Stick Toffee Pudding anyday!

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Pfffft. Neither.

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Computer, you can get TV on a computer anyway!

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I'm on the last chapter of Late Fragments by Kate Gross.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I don't have one I'm on an iPad.

41. ANY TATTOOS?
Noooo.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Birds in the morning.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME IN 2015?
Arizona on a Geography Trip.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I'm the least talented person ever.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
London

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Essex

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Cream

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
I don't have one

50. ANY PETS?
No, my fish dies about 6 months ago.


And there you go. I'll still be uploading a new post of Sunday at 5pm GMT.
See you then,
Lily xoxo

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

I've never been someone who spends a lot  of money on themselves, I'm more of a saver, however I walked into Debenhams and saw that the Daisy range by Marc Jacobs were reduced, obviously left over Christmas stock, but I just couldn't resist anymore. I went ahead and purchased the original Daisy Eau de Toilette Spray in a gift set along with a luminous body lotion and a bubbly shower gel. In total I paid £37.33 down from what was £56...a massive saving if you ask me!

The perfume is a subtle yet sweet scent. I was advised by the woman in the shop that it had base notes of musk and vanilla, along with strawberry and violet. As is suggested by the name, it is a very floral scent but it is simply beautiful. I highly suggest that you go along to your local drugstore or Debenhams beauty department and give it a smell. As anybody would tell you, when you're not an expert scents are extremely hard to describe.

See you next Sunday at 5pm GMT!

Fourth blog post complete...I'm on a roll!

xoxo

January Favourites

Here's what I've been loving throughout the month of January...

Starting with the much loved topic of beauty/skin care. I have fallen in love with charcoal masks, scrubs and face washes this month but one that stands out as being better than the rest that I've tried is the Quick Fix Facials Purifying Charcoal Mask, you simply just apply a thick layer onto the skin and allow it to do its magic, 10 minutes later wash it off with a hot flannel...sorted! It honestly works wonders in removing all of the grime that would otherwise remain on your face. It's super cheap too so added bonus there! I've also been loving the well known Biore Deep Cleansing Nose Strips. All it takes is 10 minutes max to remove billions (not quite that many but you know what I mean) on blackheads from your nose...SO SATISFYING. Now I know some people find these totally disgusting but I'm not one of those people.

I've become a little addicted to the internet this month as procrastinating from revision kicks in, but I have discovered two YouTubers that deserve so much more credit than they're being given. One of those is Fabulous Hannah, she is honestly hilarious just go and watch her baking videos if you want to go see for yourself. I mean, she's persistent at her attempts to bake (and construct sleighs) I'll give her that! She is so relatable, which I just love she doesn't pretend to love every single makeup product that she gets her hands on and gives her honest opinion on what products she's used. Watch her most recent video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxLAt8g0NJA
Another Youtube I've been loving is Mei-Ying Chow, yet again she's hilariously brilliant (as is her mum) and will have you laughing within seconds of clicking on one of her videos. Watch her most recent video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeExEGbKcw8

So, I'm not a reader, I never have been. I'm one of those that would much rather sit and watch YouTube videos than pick up a book. However I got a book voucher for my birthday and not wanting it to go to waste I took a trip to Waterstones in town and picked up a book in the recent releases section. It was Late Fragments by Kate Gross, and oh my a book has never changed the way I think o much. Kate died from cancer on Christmas Day 2014 but wrote this heartwrenching book for her two young sons, it honestly has to be one of my favourites 10/10 recommend you give it a read.

And that's it...everything new I've discovered throughout the month of January, I'll leave the links to everything that I've mentioned below. 

Links:
Quick Fix Facials Purifying Charcoal Mask: http://www.boots.com/en/Quick-Fix-Facial-Purifying-Charcoal-Mask-100ml_1458749/

Bioré Deep Cleansing Nose Strips: http://www.boots.com/en/Biore-Ultra-Deep-Cleansing-Pore-Strips-6-Nose-Strips_1250117/

Fabulous Hannah: http://www.youtube.com/thefabuloushannahh

Mei-Ying Chow: https://www.youtube.com/user/meiyingchow

Late Fragments: https://www.waterstones.com/book/late-fragments/kate-gross/9780008103477

See you next Sunday at 5pm GMT, have a good week! 

Lily xoxo

Upcoming posts in February...

7/2/16
January Favourites

14/2/16
A review of Daisy by Marc Jacobs

21/2/16
Top 10 beauty products under £10

28//2/16
University?

All to be posted at 5pm GMT :)

xoxo