Wednesday 31 December 2014

6 New Years Resolutions

Every year we make resolutions that end up been broken within a matter of days, yet we still think that this year it will be different. I know that's the case for me anyway. But I'm laying out what I am to do in 2015 and number 1 is something I'm going to have to work very hard on!

inhale the future, exhale the past
Image via Pinterest
1: Chill out more - don't get stressed over little things. This is a massive issue for me and I'm told I'm going to get a heart attack very early on if I carry on getting so stressy haha! This also ties in with becoming more patient - I just need to relax if someone is taking forever doing something rather than spend my life rushing around.

2: Keep more up to date with work/lectures. At the start of first year I said this - it never happened. At the start of second year I said this - it didn't really happen. I'm starting a few more modules in Semester 2 so I am really going to try and make a conscious effort to know all the content as I go along. This also includes catching up on this semesters material before next semester starts. The joys.

3: Exercise and healthy eating. Probably on everyone's resolutions list. I do eat reasonably healthy at uni and I have a gym membership so just keeping up with this is going to be something I'll try. I'll go to the gym when I have time and if I don't have time, I won't beat myself up about it.

4: Skincare. Keeping up a regular skincare routine. If you saw my What I got for Christmas blog post, I got some Clarins goodies and I'm keen to put a routine together to ensure alongside healthy eating, that my skin looks better than ever!

5: Blogging more. I want to blog more. However, next semester is going to be hectic with the amount of work I have to do and I obviously will have other commitments too. I will try schedule ahead where I can and try to come up with some fun unique posts. I want to start something where I share pictures of what I've done in the month - a series called 'Highlights  Of' January, February etc. Lifestyle posts, particularly photo based, are my favourites to read so hopefully some of you will like that.

6: Keep a journal. I want to write down something about everyday so I can look back at it in the future. Especially as I'm at university, I really want to look back and reflect on what I did and how I felt. I wish I had of done it in 2014 so I could have looked back at it now.

So there are my 6 New Years Resolutions for 2015. I was reading an article: 25 New Years Resolutions every person should actually make for 2014 - link here - and it's quite a good one haha.
What are your resolutions for 2015? Let me know in the comments section below! Hope you've had a great year!
Lots Of Love,

     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM


SHARE:

Monday 29 December 2014

What I Got For Christmas 2015 | alicekatex

I love nothing more than buying someone a present and that person really enjoying it! But obviously everyone loves receiving gifts too and Christmas is all that extra bit more special seeing the pretty paper and bows sitting under the Christmas tree. It's obviously not all about how much you get so don't judge if this is a lot to you or not a lot at all. Everyone gets different amounts of things and it's all very materialistic to really think about those things.
Anyway cracking on, here's a few bits I got!









I also got a few giftcards and some money which I'm sure I will be spending very soon! Hope you liked this post and leave a link to your post if you have done one of these, I'd love to see it!

Lots Of Love,
     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

SHARE:

Wednesday 24 December 2014

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TAG

Happy Christmas Eve everybody! I hope you're all very excited for the big day tomorrow - I know I certainly am! Now we're merely hours away from the big day I thought it'd be only right to do a Christmas themed post so here I am with the Wonderful Christmas tag. The tag has questions about all things Christmas and I had so much fun answering them! I hope you enjoy getting to know a bit more about me and my Christmas traditions ...

1. On a scale of 1-10 how much are you in the Christmas mood?
I'm not a scrooge but I'm not even THAT excited. It's Christmas Eve so I'd say I'm a 7 but Christmas in my household isn't totally big - it's me, my sister, mum, dad and granddad and is just like a typical day really except with the presents and yummy food!

2. When wrapping presents is it a fail or are you a pro?


I'm pretty crap to be honest! I wrapped some presents this year but it's purely wrapping paper and cellotape and not a lot else! I didn't go fancy this year and the wrapping isn't the neatest. I aim to go all fancy when I have the dollar to do so when I'm all grown up living in my own house!


3. When did you put your Christmas decorations up and do you do anything special while putting them up? 
At the start of December, me and my housemates put the decorations up at uni whilst listening to christmas music and making paper chains! When I came home, the decorations were already up as it was the 20th December!

4. Do you get dressed up or stay in your pjs on Christmas day? 
I don't stay in my PJ's but I usually just wear some jeans and a jumper or some joggers and never really wear much makeup. This year I'll probably stick some red lippy on to feel more festive and it will be easy to touch up if I'm in the house!

5. What would be your dream place to go during the Christmas season? 
Probably somewhere like Dubai or Australia. I'd love to have Christmas on the beach and I know a lot of people will disagree with me on that one! I'd just love to celebrate it in a different setting and don't really like staying in all day!


6. What is your Christmas tree decorated like?
I came home to just a fibre optic tree this year which I wasn't too happy about! It's pretty though and all the other decorations in my house look lovely.


7. Can you name all of Santa's Reindeers? ( without googling ) 
I'll try! Rudolph, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen. That's as far as I can get! Just looked and I should've got Blitzen and Dasher shouldn't I!

8. Are you on the naughty list or the nice list this year? ( be honest ) 
The nice list! I wouldn't like to think I'm a mean person and try my best to do things for people so hopefully I'll never be on the naughty list.

9. Name three things you love to do coming up to Christmas? 
1. Going to christmas markets (the German market in Leeds is fun & I'm going to Winter Wonderland in London this year - yay!)
2. Watch christmas films eg The Holiday! 
3. Buying and wrapping peoples presents :)


10. Any Christmas Wishes?
I just want my family and friends to be happy and healthy and all enjoy their lives. I'd love to be the same too!

11. Name 10 Christmas songs you love? 
Wow, I can't even think of 10 but here's a few faves ...
1. Driving Home For Christmas
2. Fairytale of New York
3. Do they know it's Christmas?
4. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
5. Last Christmas
6. Merry Christmas Everyone
7. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
8. Santa Claus is coming to town
9. Jingle Bells
10. Silent Night

Is there even many more?


12. Name 3 Christmas movies you love? 
1. The Holiday
2. Love Actually
3. Elf

Also love Home Alone, can I have 4?

13. Do you like white lights or coloured? 
I think white lights look much more classy and magical but I still love the cheesy coloured lights and flamboyant decorations!


14. Which do you like a little better, Christmas day or Christmas eve?
I'd say Christmas day due to the presents and food and just general chilling.

15. What is your favourtie Christmas make-up look to wear? 
If I'm going out on christmas eve or new years eve, I'd probably go for a gold smokey eye but I will be wearing red lips tomorrow!

16. Right now as your answering these questions, how long is it till Christmas? 
I'm writing this on Christmas Eve, so it will be tomorrow!



17. Do you have any presents that you open on Christmas eve? 
No we don't do that but I'm always so tempted!


18. Name three things on your Christmas list?
1. Some good Nike trainers.
2. Himalayan Detox Bath Salts.
3. Any Makeup I don't have basically haha!

19. Your having a down day, Your not in the Christmas mood. What do you do to change your mood and become Christmas happy? 
Listen to some christmas tunes or watch a christmassy movie in my dressing gown!

20. What is the best thing on your plate when you have your Christmas dinner? 
Definitely the pigs in blankets and the bread sauce! They're the two things I don't have on my weekly Sunday dinners at home. YUM!


I hope you enjoyed reading this tag and maybe some of you can do it yourself? I'll be happy to read them as I'm v nosey hehe! And MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
Lots Of Love,
     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM
SHARE:

Friday 19 December 2014

Gift Guide | Beauty

As a beauty blogger, it's almost essential to do a beauty gift guide. My other one was more general but this one would be great for beauty addicts and bloggers in particular. These gifts are more on the expensive side but I shall also be doing a stocking fillers gift guide next as well as a mens gift guide!



HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER PALETTE / REN GENTLE CLEANSING MILK / BENEFIT HOOLA BRONZER / ZOEVA BRUSH SET / YSL LIPSTICK / BABYLISS ROLLERS / LAURA MERCIER LIPGLOSS / CHARLOTTE TILBURY LIPSTICK / NARS PALETTES / NARS MATTE LIP PENCILS (SATIN ONES LOOK GREAT TOO!) / CLINIQUE BLUSH / URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE / SOAP AND GLORY GIFT SETS

Do you have any of these products and if not would you like them? I know I would!
     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM


SHARE:

Monday 15 December 2014

Gift Guide | Non-Beauty

If you're still struggling for gift ideas and haven't yet bought all your gifts, hopefully this will help. I've personally bought all my christmas presents for this year but I know a lot who haven't! This is mostly aimed at women/girls but obviously some ideas adapted will be great for men too!



ROSE GOLD HEADPHONES / MISSGUIDED PLAYSUIT / NIKE TRAINERS / CAMERA LENSE CUP / DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH / JO MALONE FRAGRANCE / RAY BAN SUNGLASSES  / BLACK FRINGE CLUTCH / FANCY BRA / TIFFANY EARRINGS / SHOES / PANDORA RING / SCRATCH MAP / NANDOS PERI PERI SALT / PANDORA CHARM / BLOCK HEELS / DOM PERIGNON CHAMPAGNE / HOTEL CHOCOLAT GIFT SET / GINOS ITALIAN ESCAPE COOKBOOK / NEOM CANDLE 


What are you buying for people this Christmas?

     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

SHARE:

Random Beauty Haul




I finally have a camera charger so can take photos and carry on blogging - yay! I recently picked up quite a few beauty bits as I'm really getting back into shopping for products (despite my bank balance been significantly low!) Here are a few bits I bought:

Ardell Demi Wispies / Link / £5.49 - These eyelashes are the best lashes I've tried as they add dimension to your eyes without having that 'fake' look. They wisp out slightly at the end but ever so slightly it's not overly noticeable. For around £4-5 these aren't a bad price at all.

MUA Pro Brow Kit / Link / £3.50 - I absolutely love the brown shadow in this kit - it's the only part of the kit I really use. I sweep an angled brush into the powder and sweep across my eyebrows to make them fuller and it literally takes about 30 seconds. My previous palette has lasted me about 2 years and it's all use: for £3.50 you can't really go wrong.

Maybelline Rocket Volume Express Mascara / Link / £6 - I expected more from this and it didn't really give me much. I much prefer Rimmel's Volume x10 mascara which gives much more length whilst giving volume at the same time.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 'Peach Club' / Link / £8.99 - Again, not so impressed with this one. I didn't really know what I expected but I just don't really like the colour. I think a bright colour would give more effect but I also felt like it was quite creamy so it easily smudged off my lips. I quite like the applicator and the idea is there, but I don't think I'll be purchasing another one of these.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation / Link / £8.99 - I rekindled my love for this foundation by buying it again and it gives such an amazing glow! I had been using L'Oreals True Match Foundation which I absolutely adore but it's nice to change things up a bit every now and then. 

Alpha H Liquid Gold / Link / £29 - This skincare cult product is a chemical exfoliator containing glycolic acid which resurfaces the skin which aims to make your complexion brighter and clearer. I definitely think this makes my skin clearer and the next morning my skin is super smooth. It also claims to diminish wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage which is always a winner.

Vitage Correct and Perfect Skin Serum / Link / £21 (£15.75 at the moment!)  I was looking for a serum but didn't have much cash to spend and saw this on the beauty bay website for £14. It's a very lightweight serum which helps minimise breakouts and prevents blocked pores. Breakouts are my main skin issue so this was a great choice for me. It's infused with vitamins A, C & E which are anti-inflammatory and healing so perfect for those with angry red spots. (Note: serums and moisturisers are just as necessary for spotty oily skin than they are for other skin types!) Zinc is also included which reduces excess sebum production so it not only targets the redness of your skin but also the actual cause of spots. It's usually £21 but if you fancy trying it out, it's currently on offer for £15.75, just follow the link (and there's free delivery!)


Do you like any of these products??

Lots Of Love,

     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM
SHARE:

Wednesday 10 December 2014

My Christmas Wishlist | Beauty


So it's that time of the year, Christmas! We've just put our Christmas decorations up in my student house and it's really got me in the mood for this festive occasion. There's so many beauty things I've picked out from beauty gift guides that I desperately want so here we have my dreamy Christmas wishlist.

1 - NARS Satin Lip Pencils / £18 / Link. These are raved about so much and Anna from 'Vivianna Does Makeup' makes me want them a hella' lot more. They look extremely pigmented and as a lip product lover, they have been on my wishlist for a long long time!


2 - NARS God Created The Woman Palette / £40.50 / Link. I've seen this palette for a while but what better time to ask for a NARS palette than at christmas? I received one last year and am still loving it now!


3 - Himalayan Detox Bath Salts / £38 / Link. I have trouble sleeping around nervous/exciting times like exams and holidays. I've heard that these really make you sleep like a natural sleeping pill. I've been wanting for so long!


4 - Charlotte Tilbury Luxury palette 'The Rock Chick' Edition / £38/ Link. Having never tried anything from Charlotte Tilbury, I think it's about time! Charlotte Tilbury has created many different make-up looks in which you can buy products to complement that look. I like the 'Supermodel' look but the rock chick look appealed to me too as I'm very into deep smokey eyes. This eyeshadow palette would create such a gorgeous sultry eye and I want so badly!


5 - Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow / £49 / Link. This face sculpt and highlight duo looks amazing on the models and I know it's probably over exaggerated and/or photoshopped but I really really want this. Gorgeous packaging and I'm sure the product is great too. So pricey though!


6 - Urban Decay Glide On Eye Pencil Set / $52 / Link. I still haven't owned an eye pencil from Urban Decay which is surprising as I have 3 of their eyeshadow palettes! I could only find this set on Sephora which is in american currency but I would really want to pick it up if I was in America and try out all the different colours.


7 - Aromatherapy Associates Essential Travel Oils / £33 / Link. Just looking at this product makes me feel luxurious. I haven't really used bath oils before but I think they would be a perfect addition to a spa night in and for travelling like suggested.



What's on your Christmas wishlist?
     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM
SHARE:

Thursday 27 November 2014

My Travel Bucket List | Top 10 Cities

I've been lucky enough to go on some amazing holidays with my parents ranging from Spain to Mexico to the Dominican Republic. When we go, we stay in the typical luxury all inclusive resorts which is great but sometimes I'd like to see a little more. I saw the real side of the Dominican republic and it's poverty through a jeep safari which was saddening and I saw the city of Playa Del Carmen in Mexico so it wasn't all sunbathing and drinking cocktails! Last Easter I visited Amsterdam in the Netherlands with my boyfriend and it was such fun we decided we really wanted to travel and see lots more of beautiful cities like this one. I tend to do the odd beauty/fashion wishlist on my blog so thought it'd be nice to do a travel kind of take on this as I know lots of bloggers who love to travel. So here are the top 10 cities I want to visit, Enjoy!


New York, USA - Times Square, Grand Central Park, the Empire State Building and lots of shopping - I don't think you could ever get bored in 'the city that never sleeps'.  My sister is going on a skiing trip to New Hampshire and they get a couple of days in New York and the itinerary looks amazing. I'm so jealous! I want to visit New York so badly and think once I've left uni, it will be one of the first places I'll be visiting first. Please leave recommendations for hotels and places to eat down below if you've visited! 





Bangkok, Thailand - Thailand is one of those destinations everyone visits when they go travelling and after watching a fair few Youtuber vlogs, I knew it was somewhere I needed to visit. Visiting the local river market and travelling by tuk tuk sounds like a unique experience and you can't forget the nightlife - the full moon party is somewhere I also need to party!

Los Angeles, USA - The city of the rich and famous AND has beautiful weather - why would you not want to visit? From visiting the posh boutiques of Beverly Hills to hiking up near the Hollywood sign and walking on the walk of fame, there is so much to do!





Sydney, Australia - To be honest I want to visit Australia so badly but the long flight time kind of puts me off as I'm not an avid flyer. I would love to visit Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide too but Sydney has the opera house and is probably the most famous (albeit not actually the capital city!)





Paris, France - Denoted the 'city of love' I'd love to go there with my boyfriend as I reckon it'd be a nice romantic getaway. I want to visit the Eiffel tower and go shopping (Sephora, obviously). Breakfast in a little french cafe eating a Croissant sounds perfect to me.





Madrid, Spain - Having already been to Spain plenty of times, I feel it's time I explore the capital city. I've been to Barcelona and would love to head back there now I'm older but Madrid is definitely top of the list. Doing some shopping whilst checking out the architecture would be perfectly accompanied by some sunshine and Tapas.


Rome, Italy - The cultural capital of Italy appeals to me as a sightseeing kind of break but I don't think I could spend longer than a few days here - I'd probably have to venture to Venice or Lake Garda. I've never been to Italy and would really love to go! I'd love to try out Italian food in it's home country as it's my favourite!




Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - This realisation became more apparent after this years Olympic Games. I want to see a street carnival and visit the famous Copacabana beach. I think visiting the Favelas would also be an eye opening experience in terms of disparity in the city.




Reykjavik, Iceland - I'm talking relaxation in the lava heated outdoor pools. I usually go on holidays abroad for the sun but I feel that Iceland would be something truly different. I think Iceland would be a perfect spa break and I would love to visit the volcanoes and things like that as I'm a Geography geek!





Dubai, UAE - Not the most natural sight seeing kind of city but it's opulence appeals to me so much! I'd love to go to the shopping mall, see all the fancy cars and even go visit the desert in a buggy too. The luxurious hotels would be amazing to stay in - I think it would be a very luxurious and very expensive holiday! Probably got to wait a few years until I get a full time job for this one.

Have you guys been to any of these cities? If so, where should I go?


     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

SHARE:

Thursday 13 November 2014

The Best Fake Tan You Will Ever Try?

For All My Eternity is a brand I hadn't heard of until they approached me and kindly offered to send me one of their bottles of fake tan. I chose the darker shade which is 'Medium to Dark' because I find when I tan, I want to actually look tanned and darker shades are usually more effective and quicker to gain good colour. After one or two applications, this gave me a natural looking tan that is totally streak free which is amazing considering I didn't even exfoliate or moisturise. It looks like such a real tan and blends into the areas where I haven't tanned. 

For all my eternity describe this spray as a 'Medium to Dark Tanning Spray for the perfect sun-kissed glow in the comfort of your own home. Developed using certified organic DHA and a blend of natural ingredients including moisturisers, tan enhancers and skin smoothers.' It is a luxury tan at the price of £24.99 but I definitely think it's worth it considering most luxury tans cost this or even more. If you look at the website you will see all the amazing properties of this tan: it is Paraben free, not tested on animals and complements your existing tan by depending and evening out your skin tone. 

Another great thing about this fake tan is that it doesn't have that horrible fake tan smell. I think it almost smells of Amaretto - not the classic biscuit smell most tans emit. 


Let me know if you have tried this or want to. I honestly recommend it so much - I'm not usually into fake tan but this has seriously changed my mind. I will probably be repurchasing it once I've finished the bottle, if that ever happens, as you only need the tiniest spray to do your whole arm. If you'd like to buy it, here is the link

Lots Of Love,


     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM


SHARE:

Saturday 8 November 2014

Birthday Haul ♥

So this year on the 1st November I turned 20 years old hence I am no longer a teenager! This frightens me and I feel about 16 years old at heart. I got some amazing presents and my boyfriend spoilt me so I thought I'd share my presents with you all as I especially love reading birthday haul posts. As in most birthday hauls and make-up collection videos yadda yadda yaa, a disclaimer is probably needed so Disclaimer: I'm not showing off, this may be a lot to you or it may not be anything but I just thought it'd be a good blog post some of you may enjoy reading.












Timberland Boots - I forgot to include these in the collaborative picture but here they are in all their glory. My parents bought me these as I really wanted them and they are unbelievably comfy. The junior boots are £90 as opposed to £160 and they are the exact same style and go up to a size 6, so if you are a size 6 or less I suggest you just opt for these! They are amazing quality and so wearable. I love wearing them with black skinny jeans for a casual look. I love how they're waterproof - they're definitely going to be worn a lot this winter! My mum also bought me a cake which is so nice - birthday cake is my favourite!















My boyfriend spoilt me with a purse from Kate Spade. It's an american designer I believe and I absolutely love her classic designs. There's an outlet store in Bicester Village near Oxford where this is from if you're interested. They're not cheap even at the outlet store so I'd get saving the pennies if you want it but I think it's worth every penny and it's stunning! He also wrapped up a box which was filled with Reese's peanut butter cups which are my absolute favourite. In the middle of the peanut butter cups was a TIFFANY BOX. I was shocked and inside were some beautiful Tiffany earrings...





Sorry the picture isn't great - was having serious issues with the lighting






I'm sorry the picture isn't great - I had struggles taking the pictures as it was dark and the only time I could take them! I got a few bits of clothes including the Topshop Black Leigh Jeans from my sister. My friend Becky bought me a Boohoo purple high neck crop top which I think will look nice paired with some high waisted trousers. She also got me this orange Playsuit and a racy pyjama top/nighty haha! This was kind of a personal joke as I love wearing granny nightys!

I was very lucky to get some presents from my boyfriends parents as well as some family friends and my friends at uni. I absolutely love the Pomegranate & Raspberry body shop candle and their body butter is incredible and the only one I will use. My friend Amber got me some LUSH bath bombs which I am so excited to use! 2 of my housemates got me the Spending Spree Jar which looks so lovely on my windowsill but I'm not sure how easy it will be to save money in there hehe. They bought me a cake and Happy Birthday balloons and banners which was a lovely surprise and made my birthday that extra bit special! I got a gift card from my Aunty and Uncle and I can spend it pretty much anywhere - Topshop, Debenhams, Boots etc - so the real decision is do I spend it make-up, beauty products or clothes?! I also got some more earrings from my friend who gave me the clothes and my boyfriends mum so I definitely don't need to buy any more studs for a while!

I am so grateful for all the lovely gifts I got for my 20th birthday and I hope you enjoyed my post!

     TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

SHARE:
© wellnessalice | All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Created by pipdig