Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel


I am not the best when it comes to keeping up with a good skincare routine but when I do, I know what products I like and what products get along with my skin so I don't tend to try anything new just in case it makes me break out. That being said, I was shopping in Superdrug a little while ago and some of the Neutrogena skincare products had been reduced by quite a bit so I picked up the gelee milk and this hydro boost water gel. Since I have been using it for a little while now, I thought I would share my thoughts on it!
Let's start with the packaging. It is quite a small jar compared to some other moisturisers but I love the combination of the light blue and white as it goes well with the fact that it is a water gel and it is simple but effective. The jar feels very well made as a whole and I think the fact that it is a jar suits the type of product inside. 



Having a look inside the jar I thought that they didn't really give a lot of product so I thought that it wasn't going to last very long, however the fact that you only need to use a little bit to cover your whole face soon proved to me that this amount of product would do me just fine. I would describe the texture as a thin gel as it doesn't have the consistency of a cream but it is nothing like the thickness of hair gel so I would say it literally feels like thick water. 
I mainly apply this after cleansing my face and in the morning before applying my makeup. I do this now especially as my skin has become a lot more dry as we have headed into the winter months. Just for reference, I have combination skin with my main oily areas being on my nose and between my eyebrows. 
When I first applied this I was amazed at how quickly it soaked into my skin. That doesn't mean that it didn't do it's job as my skin felt hydrated, fresh, smooth and it lasted all day! It didn't interfere with any part of my skin either which meant that I didn't become more oily and I didn't wake up with loads of spots which is what I was afraid of. I have continued using it and have noticed that my skin is a lot less dry, my makeup applies so much better and my face doesn't feel like it has been layered with loads of product which is how I have felt after using a few other moisturisers. 



This product doesn't feel harsh either. With some products I can feel it working its way into my skin but when I apply this it feels as natural as splashing cool water on your face. I don't think I have tried a better moisturiser yet! 
There is a fragrance to it which I thought I would just mention. I don't really mind fragrances or anything like that but I know a lot of people don't like it so if you are particularly sensitive to scents in your products then I would be mindful if you want to give this a go. The scent goes away shortly after application. 
So, I would definitely recommend this moisturiser to anyone wanting to try something new. If you do go for it then start off by using a very small amount as a little goes a very long way. If you have very dry skin then you can always add more but to start off i would only use a few small dots over your face. This product is lightweight, has a nice consistency and it really does make my skin feel hydrated and healthy. It is currently selling for £6.49 (half price offer) in Boots.

xx
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Phone Apps I Use And Love


Phones have become a central part of many people's lives; whether it is used for social purposes, work or just as a way to watch movies and read the news. I have always found that everyone has different apps because of this so I thought I would share my favourites today. 
I am not really a games person. I think the only games I have ever had on my phone were solitaire and the logo game; both of which I hardly ever used so have been deleted. The apps I have are mainly for creative purposes or to make life easier haha. 

Social
  • Whatsapp - This is my main messaging app. 
  • Snapchat - I always use this to show people what I have been up to, watch other people's stories or catch up on the news.
  • Youtube - I can spend hours on this app watching daily vlogs, makeup tutorials and watching snippets of Jeremy Kyle or This Morning haha. 
  • Twitter - Again, I mainly use this to look at what is going on and see what people have been up to and I mainly retweet things that I find relatable or funny. 
  • Facebook - I have to say, I don't use this as much as the other apps but I do still love it as I can keep up to date with what friends and family are doing and it is a great way to stay in contact with people that you don't see much anymore.
  • Instagram - A really good photo sharing app. I always scroll through my feed to see what people have been up to.
  • Messenger - I use this when I need to talk to someone that I have on Facebook but I don't have their number.
  • Pinterest - I have only really gotten into using this but I love it. I use it to save any photos that I think are interesting or I could find useful in the future such as decorating ideas and recipes. 
Music
  • Spotify - I always used to use iTunes when I owned an iPhone but since switching to Android I have been using Spotify. I love how you pay a fixed amount for as many songs and playlists as you like. 
  • Shazam - An amazing app for getting information on songs that you hear and want to add to your music library.


Easy Life
  • RingGo - A great way to pay for parking without having to dig out loose change for the machine.
  • Stocard - I am one of those people who has to have a loyalty card for every single store I have ever visited, so this app is perfect as it allows you to upload all of your card's information so that you don't need to bring out a bulging purse!
  • MyTherapy - This is a new one for me but it is great as it allows you to programme in any medication or pills you are taking and it will keep reminding you until you confirm you have taken it.
Travel
  • Google Maps - This is my go-to for when I have no idea where I am going haha. I use it to plan my journeys too.
  • Bus Times - This app is great if you live in London and take the bus. I have been using it since being in school.
Shopping/Bookings
  • Wetherspoons - This app is perfect as it means you don't need to go up to the bar to order haha.
  • Treatwell - My favourite app to book appointments for any beauty services from nails to waxing.
  • Wowcher - A great app to find deals for little trips away. I have been to Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Eastbourne since using this app.
  • Odeon - I have the limitless membership so I frequently go to the cinema and this app makes bookings so much easier.
General
  • Calendar - Always use this so that I don't forget any important appointments or days out etc.
  • Notes - My phone didn't come with a notes app so I found a really good one on the Google Play store as I always find that I need to jot things down and makes lists etc. 
  • Clock - I use this every day to set my alarm.


Obviously there are other apps that I use such as Uber, Deliveroo, Mobile Banking etc but the ones that I mentioned are my favourites or the ones that I spent the most time on. 

Are you a games person? What are your favourite apps?

xx

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Review: Lily's Kitchen Advent Calendar For Dogs


It's December; the lead up to Christmas has begun, the decorations are up and the advent calendars have been propped up in the kitchen for us all to come down and open each morning. Although I am not a big fan of chocolate, I do love opening the little doors and feeling just that bit more festive each time. 
I think I was watching one of Zoella's vlogmas videos a few years ago and she brought out one of these advent calendars for her dog Nala and I thought it would be a lovely thing for Sammy to have as she has always been a big part of the family. So this has been her Christmas present from me ever since haha. She loves when we all pick up our calendars because she knows she is going to get something and although she may not understand why the treats are hidden behind tiny doors, I love how excited she gets and I can see the anticipation on her face as I am trying to get the them out. 
This is going to be a bit of an odd review considering I cannot vouch for the taste or quality of the biscuits, but I will do my best haha. 


I hadn't heard of Lily's Kitchen before buying these calendars because Sammy's stomach is not very good with change so we have stuck to biscuits, slices of bread here and there and treats such as dentastix; nothing too extravagant otherwise things just don't go very well in the toilet department. So I must say, I was a bit worried about trying these at first and did a lot of research about the ingredients and if they are natural etc, and it all looked good! 
The calendar resembles that of a traditional chocolate one, however instead of the foil coating behind the doors, the treats are sealed behind a plastic-type material that you need to pierce. This is easy to do with your finger and I suppose is there to keep the biscuits from going soft. The calendar itself is good quality and made to keep the treats fresh throughout the whole of advent which is exactly what you want. 

There are three types of treats that are in there so it does mix things up which is nice. The information is all shown on the back of the calendar which is useful if your dog needs a certain diet. The treats included are Rise & Shines, Training Treats and Bedtime Biscuits.

Rise & Shines
These are flower-shaped treats made with beef liver, fresh carrots, blackstrap molasses and alfalfa (goodness knows what some of that is but Sammy seems to love them haha). These are to help keep your dog's coat shiny and there are 2 of these included behind the door. 

Training Treats
These are smaller and in the shape of little bones. They are made with organic apples and farmhouse cheddar which helps to keep your dog's attention. You get 3 of these behind the door. 

Bedtime Biscuits
These are oval shaped biscuits made with honey, yoghurt, chamomile and passion flowers which helps to soothe your dog. You get 1 of these behind the door. 


As I said, I cannot comment on the taste of these biscuits as I am not really up for trying them and I don't think Sammy would forgive me haha. But for a dog that has such a sensitive stomach, I can safely say that these biscuits have not caused any issues over the three years that I have been buying them so they are perfect! I also love the thought that has gone into this. From the hand drawn design to the quality of the doors and treats themselves. 

Their website explains how Lily's Kitchen first came about and what it is inspired by. If you are interested then check out this link: Lily's Kitchen Website. They believe in producing proper food for pets, without adding any other ingredients that normally gets included. 
So, I would definitely recommend these advent calendars for your dogs if you want to give them a little something over the festive period. I got mine for £10.00 from their website plus a little for delivery, but I believe they have been reduced now since advent has started. 


xx
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It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Fresh, crisp air, the crackling of fires and the leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Autumn is the start of my favourite time of the year. I love the cosiness of it and the idea of curling up under the duvet with a mug of hot chocolate to watch a movie. It is also is a time for celebrations and bringing everyone together which I love. As soon as October comes and you start hearing the light crunch of leaves as you walk over them, I instantly become excited for what the following few months are going to bring. 

The best things about Autumn and Winter are digging out all of your cosy jumpers and wooly socks, roasting marshmallows over the fire, enjoying loads of food and drink, watching TV and movies all day long and of course, all of the celebrations! 
First, it's Halloween. Although I don't go trick or treating anymore, I love to look for new scary make-up ideas, get dressed up, go to parties, carve pumpkins and of course enjoy a Pumpkin Spiced Latte or two (or ten haha). I already have loads of ideas saved on my Pinterest of decoration and party ideas for when I move out. 
Next, it's bonfire night. I always get tickets to one of the displays in my area because I love watching the fire being lit and feeling the warmth of it and enjoying the atmosphere. I also love watching the fireworks display; my camera in one hand and a burger in the other. Seeing how they time the fireworks to the music is definitely one of the highlights haha. Sometimes there are amusements there too such as fairground rides and games which is a nice touch and to be honest it is one of those days that I look forward to year after year. And let's not forget the warm doughnuts! 

Then the Christmas season begins! I love the build up to it; the adverts start creeping in, then you start hearing festive songs on the radio and in shops, the lights go up, Christmas trees go on sale, the festive coffees make a comeback and the cheese melt dippers are back in McDonalds. 
Christmas day is definitely my favourite of the whole year. In our house we all gather around the tree in the morning to open presents. I enjoy this the most because I put a lot of effort into choosing presents that I know people will love and get a lot of use out of and if they don't know it is coming then it is even better because you get to see their face light up. We eat a lot of food throughout the whole day, listen to Christmas music and play games. It is a day full of smiles and laughter and it's just a lot of fun. 
I also enjoy going to Christmas Markets. Everything about them just makes me feel genuinely happy and nostalgic and warm inside. I normally go to the one at Southbank as I like to enjoy a warm mug of Rekorderlig cider in the lodge before wandering around the various stalls, looking for little homemade gifts and trying the different types of food on offer. 

Winter is also the time for snow. Although I hate driving in it, waking up and seeing a fresh layer of snow in the garden instantly puts a smile on my face. I prefer the cold weather to the hot so it doesn't really affect me and I love watching Sammy pounce around trying to catch snowballs in her mouth. There is just something peaceful and magical about it. 
Lastly, it's New Years. Time to dress up in glitz and glam and get together with friends and family to party the night away. Well, that's how I like to do it anyway. It's my way of celebrating the year and enjoying the festivities one last time before everything get's put away and goes back to normal. 

So, that is what makes October to December my favourite time of the year. I am glad that I still have the best part to look forward to and I'm quite proud of myself because I have already sorted everyone's presents! This year I am determined to try Eggnog but at the moment I am obsessed with the Hazelnut Praline & Cream Latte from Costa haha. 

Now I am going to go and finish making the Christmas cake with my mum and enjoy some mince pies! 

xx
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Review: Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara


I love trying new makeup products to see if I can find a new favourite so of course when the Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara came out I was eager to give it a go because I absolutely love their Lash Sensational one.
I really like the design with the black contrasted with the pink and just the way that the lid is more of a semicircle and then slowly transforms into a full circle at the base. I just think that it looks quite sophisticated and stylish overall. I also love how it clicks into place when you screw the lid back on so that you know it is sealed properly. However, the materials used for the packaging makes it feel quite cheap in comparison to their other mascaras. I'm not sure what it is, but even when you take the lid off, the whole thing just kind of resembles a replica made for children to play with.  
That being said, the wand and brush are both really sturdy and don't have the same cheap feeling that the packaging has which is good as the brush is the most important part of the design. I have had mascaras that were so poorly made that the brush bent as you applied it and could most likely have broken off over time so I was very happy to see such a strong one here! It is a medium sized brush which suits a range of lash types and it has bristles as opposed to being made of rubber which a lot of people don't like. The only thing that I would say about the brush is that the bristles are really short and appear to be grouped into little sets of three around the brush instead of being separated evenly like a hairbrush etc. This means that your lashes do stick together and you have to separate them to create the fan effect which is quite annoying. Also the short bristles mean that you need to coat your lashes a few times to get the volume and length that you want because they aren't long enough to fully coat them the first time. 
For me, the formula is quite wet and takes ages to set, especially if you apply a few coats like I do. Sometimes I blink after applying it and find that I get lash marks under my lower lash line from the mascara which I don't think I have ever had before. It is a very creamy formula and is enriched with coconut to make your lashes become more nourished and conditioned. Although I think my lashes did feel a lot more flexible in comparison to some other formulas which make them rock hard, I do think that it doesn't last as well because it doesn't set in place properly. 



Another thing that I noticed was the slight fragrance that it has to it. It smells a lot like coconut and whilst I don't mind it, I know a lot of people who do; especially if they have sensitive eyes. I think that the fragrance goes well with the fact that they have introduced coconut to help condition the lashes, but for an area as sensitive as the eyes, I don't know if it was quite necessary. 
I do think that this mascara gives your lashes a lot of volume and makes them look thicker, darker and healthier too. It helps your eyes stand out as the formula is quite wet and therefore makes your lashes look sleek and nourished. I noticed that they looked longer and fuller which is what I look for in a mascara so that is definitely good! So, if you can overlook the occasional clumps and product transfer, then give this one a go and see if you like it. 
Overall I think that I would give this mascara a 3/5. I don't completely hate it as it has a lot of good qualities such as the sturdy wand, the soft bristles, the stylish design and the decent price of £8.99. But personally I think I will stick to my trusty Lash Sensational mascara just because I think this formula is too wet and sticky for my liking and whilst I like how free and natural my lashes feel when using this one, I think that the Lash Sensational lasts a lot longer and doesn't have much of a chance of transferring to clothes etc because it does actually dry properly. I also don't have time in the morning to separate my lashes if they clump together because of the short bristles, so I need one with a brush that can do the coating and separating at the same time, which unfortunately this one does not. I would probably use this for days out or going to school if you are allowed to because it is still a good quality one and lasts for quite a while, but for anything else then I would most likely leave this one at home. 
I hope this has helped you if you were thinking of trying this mascara as I always like to see what other people have said about a product before I buy it just in case I find out that I am going to be wasting my money haha. But remember, these are just my opinions; you may try it and absolutely love it or you may use it once and never use it again.....but let me know if you do/have already! 

xx
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Battle Of The Concealers


Having the right concealer is quite important for me because it has to blend well with my foundation, not look too cakey and be able to cover up dark circles and spots etc to the point where no-one will know they are there. Having said that, I also don't really like to splurge too much on concealer as I only use it for a tiny area of my face, which is why I have probably tried most, if not all of the drugstore concealers out there. So today I thought I would do a mini review of a few that I have tried and then pick my favourite! 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - 010 Ivory

This was probably the first concealer that I bought when I started to get into wearing makeup properly. It was my go-to for a long time and I still stand by it as being one of the best drugstore concealers out there. I got the shade 'Ivory' as my skin is very pale so I need the lightest shade for it to have the desired effect. The texture is quite creamy and thicker than most others which does mean that it takes a bit more effort to blend, but does not look cakey which is good. The coverage is probably medium but it is buildable to a certain extent if you wanted to fully cover up something. I find that it immediately brightens up my eyes and makes me look more awake which is perfect when I am getting up at 6am for work haha. The only thing I would say is that they need to do an even lighter shade as I think even Ivory is a bit too dark for my skin tone and a lighter one would help eliminate my dark circles even more. I tend to apply a few strokes under my eyes and blend it in with a sponge and it typically lasts a month or two using it every day which I think is good value for money! Currently selling for around £6.49.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Fair 1


I decided to try this because I saw a lot of bloggers and youtubers raving about it a few years ago and I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about and boy, was it worth it! This concealer is light, smooth and easy to apply and blend. I like the shade as it is brightening and doesn't have any yellow or pink tones so it really does make your dark circles disappear. Although it is a much lighter shade then the Rimmel one, it is still easy to blend with your foundation and doesn't look cakey or anything which is great! I also find that this one lasts really well and doesn't crease. It has a matte finish and even works well with my combination/oily skin which is a big plus. Again, this concealer lasts for at least a month using it every day and I think they have brought out an even lighter shade now so I may see if that one is better! The only issue with this product is the ink on the packaging rubs off really easily and you sometimes find it on your hands but that is only a tiny design flaw. Currently selling for around £4.19.

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer - T01 Light

I really like the packaging for this concealer. I find it so cute but also a lot more sophisticated and different to the typical drugstore concealer design. I wore this every day for over a year and I still love it. The creamy texture is so easy to apply and blend and mixes in with my foundation perfectly. It makes me look awake and blemish free instantly and stays put for the whole day! The shade is probably around the same as the collection concealer as it is light and doesn't look yellow when I apply it which means that it really illuminates my skin and just brings out my eyes a lot more. It doesn't look cakey but I would say that after the 8 hour mark it does start to crease a bit which is annoying. But, perhaps baking it would help that issue; I haven't tried that yet, as it could keep it place for that extra few hours. I'd say that the coverage is medium again but with foundation and powder as well, it does the job perfectly fine. Although this one looks smaller than the others, it still lasts roughly the same amount of time so don't be fooled by that. Currently selling for around £7.99.

So, all three of these have their pros and cons and whilst I love and use them all, I would have to say that the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer is my favourite. It has the best shade, lasts really well, has all of the good points of the others but is almost half of the price! I am not saying that this one wins because it is £4, I am saying that they all have very similar qualities so the fact this one does the same job but is a fraction of the price and has the best shade for my skin gives it the top spot. 
If you have tried any of these, let me know what you think or which one is your favourite! 

xx
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My Travel Bucket List


I absolutely love travelling. I love going on holiday and being somewhere new and exciting; discovering new foods, activities and photo opportunities. There is something special about being in another country and getting to escape from everything for a little while. Another thing that I love is making lists haha. So, I thought that I would make a list of all the places that I would like to visit in my lifetime and why! 
I am lucky enough to have travelled to a few different places already so if there are countries that aren't on this list then either I have been there already or I don't know about them haha. Of course I would love to be able to go everywhere around the world before I die, but this list includes the ones that I absolutely must visit, hence why this is my travel bucket list. 

  • French Polynesia 
More specifically Bora Bora and Tahiti. These islands look absolutely beautiful with clear blue seas, bright sunshine and white sandy beaches. What drew me to them initially was the fact that you can stay in little huts that go out to sea. How amazing would it be to wake up every morning and be surrounded by the ocean? Definitely a few good photo opportunities there haha. 
  • Iceland
I would love to see the Northern Lights. I am fascinated by nature and the things that it can do and create and when I see it on TV or in photos it just looks beautiful! I would also love to see a geyser. Another wonder by nature. 
  • Egypt
There are so many things to do in Egypt but I would definitely love to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. There is so much history there and I am a sucker for learning all about it! I would also love to ride a camel and enjoy the sunshine.
  • Jamaica
Although it is extremely hot here and I'm not too sure how I would be able to survive in it, I have always wanted to explore the Caribbean and Jamaica is definitely one of the main places for me. I have also heard that some of their hotel resorts are all inclusive (the proper kind haha) so I would be looking forward to chilling out and enjoying the food. 
  • Mexico
I really want to go to Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead. It looks like a really fun celebration and I would just love to experience it. 
  • USA
I want to hire an RV and travel around the different states for 3-4 weeks so that I can see everything. I think it sounds like such an interesting, fun and cheaper way to explore America since there is so much there. The main things that I want to do/see is: go to New York for Christmas, visit L.A, visit Las Vegas, go to Florida to visit Disneyland and Universal Studios etc, see the Grand Canyon, see Mount Rushmore and see the Lincoln Memorial. See, there is so much to do so a road trip would definitely help to tick a few of these things off at least! 
  • Australia
Another holiday destination that would need a few weeks at least to be able to see and do everything haha. I really want to see Koalas and Kangaroos because they are so cute! I also want to visit Sydney Opera House and swim in the Great Barrier Reef. I have never been snorkelling but I would definitely love to here. 
  • Lanzarote
I have been to a few of the Canary Islands and I absolutely love Gran Canaria so Lanzarote is one that I want to go to as I know a lot of people who love it. I think I went with my parents when I was very young but I don't remember it so I would love to explore the island, go on some tours and chill out on the beaches!
  • Thailand
There is so much to do here as well! I would love to take part in a tiger experience because I have a friend who was able to go in with a tiger and pet her; that would literally be a dream for me! I also want to visit the Phi Phi Islands, Bangkok and go to Koh Phangan for the full moon party. 
  • Canada
Niagara Falls is what drew me to Canada. I have never seen a proper waterfall so this would be a great place to start! 
  • China
The Great Wall of China is another piece of history that I have heard a lot about so would love to see it in real life. I am also a sucker for Chinese food and would love to try a few more popular dishes out there. I would also visit Beijing and Shanghai.
  • Japan
Another country with a lot of culture and history; Japan is definitely up there in my list of places I have to visit in my lifetime. I specifically want to visit Tokyo and would like to visit during the Cherry Blossom season. These trees are so pretty so seeing them all in bloom would be amazing. 
  • Italy
There is so much I would want to do in Italy too! I would love to go on a romantic gondola ride in Venice, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, visit Rome, see the Colosseum and I would also love to visit Pompeii.  
  • Poland
If I'm honest there isn't a specific reason for why I want to go here, other than the fact that I have always heard great things from my friends and colleagues who have gone. It has been on my list as just one of the main places that I would like to visit someday.
  • New Zealand
I love the New Zealand accent! But I would love to visit to do a lot of sightseeing as there are loads of places to visit and the views look breathtaking, plus I would like to go on a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. 
  • St Lucia
I remember learning about St Lucia in primary school haha. It looks like such a beautiful place and one that I don't really hear of a lot. I would love to travel here to go on tours, try the food and relax in the sun. 
  • The Philippines
Another place with a lot of culture so definitely a place that I want to experience! The weather is also lovely and the landscapes look amazing.
  • India
I have always been fascinated by the culture; the use of colour and music. I really want to visit India to experience the lifestyle, food and visit the Taj Mahal. 
  • Mykonos
Mykonos looks like such a peaceful, beautiful place to go on holiday. Typical Greek blue and white buildings, blue oceans and sunshine. Absolute bliss. 
  • Germany
I think I missed an opportunity to go to Germany on a school trip because I gave up German and stuck with Spanish. But I would love to visit here perhaps as a city break to explore the country. I would particularly like to visit Berlin and would love to go during Oktoberfest as it looks like so much fun and would definitely create some memories. 
  • France
I have been here a couple of times with school and other trips, but never for myself so I never really got the chance to explore and do the things that I wanted to do. I would love to visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and just wonder around Paris - the city of love - and eat croissants on the terrace whilst watching the world go by. 
  • Ireland
I have been going to Ireland basically my whole life because my Dad is Irish so most of my family live over there. But isn't it crazy to say that I haven't really seen much of the country? Well it's true because we normally go there to see our family and spend time with them as we don't really get to see them much. So I would love to go there for a long weekend or something and explore because it is a big part of who I am and I would love to know more about it. There are so many things to see there so I would definitely love to visit Dublin, Galway, see the Giant's Causeway and visit Belfast to go to the Titanic museum. 

  • Cumberland Island, Georgia
Georgia is probably the least popular holiday destination that I have said so far, but Cumberland Island has the most beautiful parks and scenery so I would love to visit there and get a few nice photos haha.
  • Spain
I have been to so many Spanish Islands, but not actually to Spain. I mean I have passed through Madrid when catching a connecting flight but that is about it. So I would love to go there mainly because I love Spanish culture; I love the language, cuisine, music and the weather is a definite plus haha.
  • Portugal
This is a popular holiday destination for the people that I know and they all love it there and keep going back so I want to go there to see what everyone love about it.
  • Cuba
Cuba looks like one of those places that is full of hidden gems and would be a place that you would fall in love with after the first day. I would love to visit Havana just because the photos of it have made me so intrigued. It just looks like an island that is full of energy and music and fun so I would love to experience that.
  • Barbados
Barbados looks like your ideal tropical paradise. As I said before, I want to explore the Caribbean so Barbados had to feature on this list. The beaches look beautiful, the hotels look amazing and I think that this place would be the home of many memories. 
  • Alaska
This definitely wouldn't be my 2 week summer holiday haha! Perhaps a long weekend or something. I would love to visit Alaska because although it would be very cold I'm sure, after a few layers and a hot chocolate I could go out and breathe the fresh crisp air, see the beautiful views and take photos on snowy slopes with snowy mountains in the background. I would also love to see Polar Bears and other animals in their natural habitat. 
  • Finland
More specifically; Lapland. It is described as the closest thing to a Winter Wonderland that you are going to get. Although it is another cold place, it is another beautiful one with loads to do. I would love to try skiing, see the Midnight Sun, go on a Reindeer or Husky ride and visit Rovaniemi which is literally the home of culture and all things Christmassy, and I absolutely love Christmas. 
  • Switzerland
Yet another snowy destination haha. To be honest I don't mind the cold and the snow can help create the most breathtaking views, and I want to see them. I have been to Switzerland before with the Girl Guides, but that was a long time ago and the trip didn't give me much time or opportunity to explore. So I would love to go again to enjoy fondues, engage in snow sports, ride the Glacier Express and you can also stay overnight in an igloo! How amazing does that sound? 
  • Morocco
This is the home to some beautiful architecture and I love visiting places with this amount of detail and love for art and culture. I think I would most like to visit Marrakesh and Casablanca. 
  • Wales
I remember going to Wales when I was on The Challenge with NCS but we didn't really do much exploring as it was mainly about hiking and camping, so I would love to go there to see what the country has to offer as it is right on my doorstep. I think it would be more of a mini break than a holiday but I would love to visit the castles, national parks and look around Cardiff. 
  • Malta
This is a lovely place to visit for a little getaway. There are loads of excursions and trips that you can go on to get to see the country properly and along with the nice weather, it would be the perfect relaxing trip.
  • South Africa
I absolutely love the South African accent! But the main reason for putting this on my list is because you can stay in a place called Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Treehouses and you can literally sleep under the stars! Although it is a very expensive trip, it is all inclusive and there are safaris etc included as well so your money goes far. It is one of those once in a lifetime trips and I wouldn't mind saving up to splurge on something so amazing. 
  • Brazil
This is another big holiday destination for me. I would love to go to Rio as it just looks so upbeat and full of entertainment. I would love to go there around the time of Carnival which is just before the start of Lent as it looks like so much fun; full of colour and celebration. I would also like to see Cristo Redentor and the Museum of Contemporary Art whilst I'm there.
  • Dominican Republic
I have heard a lot of good things about the Dominican Republic. I think I would mainly like to stay in Punta Cana and just relax in the sun and enjoy some of the water activities and cuisine. 
  • Hong Kong
A huge, bustling destination with loads to do. Again, it wouldn't be a main 2 week holiday but I would definitely love to explore it and try out new foods and drinks whilst learning more about the culture.
  • Turkey
I would love to explore Istanbul and experience the culture. I would also visit the Lycian Rock Tombs which were built into the side of a mountain and the Pamukkale Water Terraces because they look and sound interesting.There are also many interesting things to see such as Pluto's Gate, Cappadocia and Ani Ghost City. 
  • Santorini
Another beautiful Greek Island. I have added this to my list because I think it would be the perfect relaxing holiday where I can enjoy the food, culture and maybe go on one of the many sailing tours. 
  • Hawaii
This is another tropical paradise with bright blue seas, beautiful weather, and amazing beaches. Hawaii also has amazing views and nature which I would love to see and I want to go to relax, sightsee and try my hand at surfing haha.
  • Fiji
I would love to visit Taveuni as it is a beautiful jungle with loads of photo opportunities and beautiful accommodation. It is the place for relaxing and rejuvenation which sounds good to me! I want to lie in a hammock and drink cocktails whilst listening to the waves.
  • Romania
There are loads of places to explore here and things to see and do. I know a lot of people who have visited Romania and love it there so I want to see it for myself.
  • Dubai
Another big and expensive holiday destination haha. A huge, beautiful city full of things to see and do. I love the use of lights here as it makes for a beautiful photo. I want to go to a theme park, try the cuisine and get lost in the culture of Dubai.
  • Scotland
I have visited Scotland once for a little weekend break but there is so much more that I want to see. I love hearing about old folk tales and myths; they fascinate me, so I definitely want to visit Loch Ness. But I also want to explore Edinburgh fully and visit Edinburgh Castle. 
  • Bali
There are loads of excursions and tours to go on in Bali, and I would love to go on one that takes you to the Monkey Forest. I love getting close to nature and seeing animals in their natural habitat. You can also ride a quad bike and explore which sounds like a lot of fun! Other than that, Bali is another beautiful and serene holiday destination to chill out in.


So, that is my main travel bucket list. It may seem really long but it is only 45 destinations which really should be doable during my lifetime. I mean, there are almost 200 countries in the world now so at least I am being realistic by only having 45 on here haha.....I do think I have planned out my holidays for the rest of my life though, but that isn't exactly a bad thing I suppose. As I said before, I would love to visit everywhere but some of these places are really expensive so I will have to do a lot of saving! I just think that the world has so much to offer and I really want to get the chance to experience it. I cannot wait to get started now as I am already excited after writing this post! 

xx

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Songs I've Been Loving


There are so many types of music out there; a song to fit every mood and I love finding new songs, creating playlists and singing along. Music has been around for hundreds of years so it doesn't surprise me that every day I am adding something new to one of my Spotify playlists and playing it over and over again. I haven't done many posts about music on here so today I thought I would share what songs I have been loving lately! 

I don't really stick to one genre so my Favourites playlist is a mixture of everything; from pop to rap, from r&b to Reggae, but that means that no matter what my day has been like or no matter what the occasion is, I will have music to fit it. I also love creating playlists haha. I have one for car journeys, house parties, favourites, chilling out......the list goes on! 

I get a lot of my music from Capital as they play a lot of new releases if I haven't checked the charts for a while and I also steal songs from my family, boyfriend and friends if I hear something that I like. But anyway, let's get on with what music I have been loving and playing on a loop recently! 


  • Back To You - Selena Gomez
  • Brooklyn In The Summer - Aloe Blacc
  • Call Out My Name - The Weeknd
  • Jumanji - B Young
  • Meant To Be - Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line
  • Whatever It Takes - Imagine Dragons
  • Leave A Light On - Tom Walker
  • Capital Letters - Hailee Steinfeld
  • Psycho - Post Malone, Ty Dolla $ign
  • Mine - Bazzi
  • Better Now - Post Malone
  • Solo - Clean Bandit, Demi Lovato
  • Nice For What - Drake
  • Honey - Kehlani
  • Answerphone - Banx & Ranx, Ella Eyre, Yxng Bane


I think that music brings everyone together. It's one of those things that people can bond over, talk about when there is nothing else to say, connect with and I also think that the music you listen to can reveal a lot about you. Music is just something without any strings attached, it is something that can be impersonal but so personal at the same time; much like food and literature. It is something that has a lot of meaning to one person, but has absolutely none to the next and I think that is amazing. 

If you like the songs that I have listed here, then check out my spotify and hopefully there is a lot more there that you will like! 


PS. There are a lot of issues with embedding spotify playlists into blog posts. I have spent the past 30 minutes editing code and everything, but once I switched from Safari to Google Chrome it worked so if you cannot see the playlist above, then your browser may not support the link. So maybe try a different browser otherwise click here to be taken to my spotify page! :)

xx
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Review: L'Oreal Elvive No Haircut Cream


I have been trying and loving so many new products lately so I am definitely going to be doing a few reviews! When I saw the L'Oreal Elvive No Haircut Cream hit the shelves in Superdrug I was instantly attracted to it because I have such long and thick hair so obviously split ends are a bit of an issue for me. I was a bit worried about whether it was too good to be true but I still wanted to be optimistic and give it a go, so I picked one up. 

Let's talk about the packaging. Isn't it beautiful? I think that the coral and orange colours really stand out in a fun, summery, playful kind of way which is great for appealing to people in these humid Summer months when your hair is starting to get a bit dry and damaged. It is also an unusual little bottle but I think it goes together quite well. There is no lid or flip top etc; but more of a water bottle type design with a pull-to-open top. 
I use this after I have washed my hair and before drying it as this is the point where I start to use heat and potentially start to damage my hair by yanking at it with a hair brush and frying it with straighteners. I tend to apply a generous amount into my palm and then evenly coat my lengths and ends as this is the hair that has been around a while so has been more open to damage. The product smells amazing and gives your hair a natural, floral scent that lasts until you next wash it. 
Now I'm not saying that this product is a miracle worker and cures all of your split ends so that you don't ever have to cut your hair again; it's good but not that good haha. But I have noticed a huge difference in regards to the amount of split ends and the overall strength of my hair. I have such thick hair which means that to keep it free of knots I would need to brush it like 1000 times a day and nobody has time for that! So you can probably tell that when I need to brush it in the morning after a nights sleep, it is a bit of a battle so my ends do tend to get damaged. However since using this serum, I have noticed that the knots seem to come out easier, my ends feel softer and less damaged and there are visibly fewer splits! 


Don't expect it to start working overnight as with any product it will take a little while before you are able to see any difference and if you have really badly damaged hair already then it may mean that you need to get it cut and start fresh, but after a few months you will start to see a difference, as I did. So overall, I would definitely recommend it as it just means that I don't have to spend £40 on a haircut as often which is great haha. It is currently selling for £5.99 in Superdrug which is a good price as it has lasted me quite a few months already and I still have just under half a bottle left. 
As I said before, it won't get rid of all of your split ends, but it will make your hair stronger so that you don't get as many and it will improve the look and feel of your hair as well. I personally love it and encourage anyone with long, thick hair like me to give it a go! 

xx
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