Martha Molly

Getting Back into Education

2023-08-04T16:59:00.000+01:00

If I could tell my 21 year old self as I celebrated finally finishing my journey through education, that at the age of 27 I would be going back to college, there are certainly a few phrases that would be uttered... none of which are appropriate to be shared (not on this page anyway!) But alas, here we are.

As I shared on my last post I have been on a bit of a health journey over the past few years, and this has made me want to learn more about nutrition and the effects that certain foods have on the body. I have always been a foodie, however have had stomach issues for as long as I can remember, which over time began to take its toll on both my body and my mental health. I would have to check the menu before eating out to make sure there was something that my stomach could handle, or simply approach social events accepting that I would have to spend the next 24 hours suffering (because saying no to good food is hard!)

After years of living like this I knew that something had to change, so I started being a lot more mindful when it came to looking after my body. I am an avid gym goer and enjoy bodybuilding style workouts, but have decided to lessen the number of weight training sessions per week and incorporate more pilates style movements; this has given my body time to properly recover, as well as focusing on the mind/muscle connection. As well as this, and more importantly for the purpose of this post, I switched up the food. I have always known there is no way I am going to be able to completely cut out the things that don't agree with me (I believe blissful ignorance is what they call it) but I have found alternatives where I can and have spent the last few months journalling to find out what works and what doesn't. Not only this, but I have made the decision to start studying nutrition; my current course is entry level meaning that is going back to basics, but as somebody with little educational knowledge on the topic it is perfect for what I need- and as long as I pass this one, I can move onto the next level and hopefully start helping others too!

I must admit, although I'm used to spending countless hours a day sitting at my computer staring at a screen I forgot how intense it is learning at home... When studying for my degree I opted to stay local for the purpose of saving money (plus the fear of living with strangers) but this time around I'm working full time which means double the workload and double the deadlines! I can't express how much admiration I have for the parents that juggle working, studying and looking after their families- you are super humans. It's safe to say that the next couple of months are going to be busy, but I know that once it's done I'll not only have the qualification, but I'll have the satisfaction of knowing that I wanted to achieve something and I went out and made it happen.

Monday Musings: What's Next in 2023

2023-06-19T11:58:00.004+01:00

I was thinking about several things on my way to work this morning (with the most prevalent being just how badly I wanted to devour a full English breakfast- complete with all the trimmings, of course) when it suddenly dawned on me that we are rather rapidly approaching the half-way point of 2023. Now don't get me wrong, this year has been a total doozy compared to the last; I have spent the past 6 months settling into my new home and attempting to sink my teeth into a new role at work, meanwhile finally regaining control of my health (I'm a PCOS girl- what can I say?) However I must admit, although things have been great it's the second half of 2023 that I am eager to get started...

So the question is, what's next?

#1 Social Media & Blogging

If only I had a pound for every time I've said this over the years: I want to be better at blogging. I have always loved to write and if you know me personally you will know that I rarely stop talking- but when it comes to putting pen to paper so to speak, I suck. I am a creature of habit and I have several things that I do daily, from taking my vitamins and moving my body, to my lengthy cleansing routine, but for some reason I just forget to write... As much as I love the digital-focused world that we live in, with snappy, easily digestible content at our fingertips, for me I will always love a blog. Call me old school, but it's never gonna change. So as a result I have created myself a little schedule dedicated to creating written content (as well as uploading to my social channels) and I am determined to stick to it for the rest of 2023.

#2 Health & Fitness

Now this one is a biggie. For as long as I can remember I've had digestive issues which have left me in debilitating pain if I eat the wrong thing; that combined with the side effects of polycystic ovary-syndrome it's safe to say that it's been a long road to finding out my triggers and how to manage things when it comes to food and fitness. I don't want to jinx it, but I think that I'm finally getting into the swing of things… so! The rest of this year is about keeping the ball rolling, as well as completing my studies for a nutritionist qualification which will hopefully allow me to help myself AND others.

#3 Creating My Dream Space

I remember when I moved out of my parents house for the first time I had so many ideas of how I wanted to my home to look, perhaps forgetting that I was renting a one bedroom flat that had rules about painting, hanging things on the walls and even noise... Fast forward 4 years and I now own my own place, with big rooms and high ceilings, not one but two bedrooms to decorate and endless potential (apart from the obvious financial constraints)! Although I have been living here for over half a year now I have tried to refrain from doing too much to the space, to hopefully prevent too many regrets down the line, but now I'm fairly settled I've well and truly got the decorating itch and I can't wait to start making it feel like home!

#4 Travel

I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels as though the past few years have hindered exploration- with travel restrictions during Covid and the cost of living rising at unmanageable speeds here in the UK, going abroad has seemed unattainable for quite some time. However, not only was I lucky enough to spend a week in Palma earlier this year, but I have a very exciting trip planned for the August... Canada is somewhere that I have wanted to visit since 2014, when a friend took a 3 week trip and came back with several albums full of photos, stories and a rather impressive engagement ring (fyi this is completely unrelated!) and it just so happens that since then I have made some friends that live out there, which gives me faith in the concept of "when the time is right, it will happen".

And on the topic of travel, I am hoping that later on this year I might be able to squeeze in a couple of long weekends away for festivities, but I don't want to think about that just yet as I am writing this during a mini-heatwave, soaking up the sunshine!

Rise Cafe: West Bay, Dorset

2023-06-03T09:03:00.005+01:00

It's rare that you will find two foodie posts back to back, however I am a firm believer in sharing places with good food and good vibes, so it simply couldn't wait. Although the Rise Cafe and Bar isn't particularly hard to find, being just a "hop skip and a jump over the bridge" at West Bay (if you hit the parade of beach huts you've gone too far!) it is what I would call a hidden gem. Tucked away on it's own little island lined with festoon lights and brightly coloured flags, Rise is a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of beach traffic, offering a range of food and drinks to suit your mood- from coffees and cocktails, to breakfasts and burgers, with locally sourced ingredients, it is the perfect spot no matter what time of day. And as somebody who has become a regular visitor, I say it with the utmost confidence...

If you ask me, when it comes to any sort of cafe or restaurant the interiors are equally as important as the food itself- because who wants to feel uncomfortable when tucking into a bowl of salt and pepper squid, right? Luckily, Rise has got it nailed. The decor is what I would call "scandi" with an expected nod towards costal-chic (given it's seaside location!) the walls are wooden clad and there are plants and patterned textiles as far as the eyes can see, with menus and messages scrawled across chalk boards it is a very welcoming atmosphere.

As I mentioned before, I have become a rather frequenting visitor of Rise Cafe, making it my mission to sample the entirety of their menu because everything tastes so good. We all know I love a breakfast (just take a look at my TikTok and you'll know what I'm talking about!) but thanks to this little gem I am swiftly becoming a bit of a seafood enthusiast also... I have recommended the calamari (with a side of truffle fries of course) to everybody I know, as well as the beer battered fish and chips, with the Prawn Makhani Curry being next on my "to try" list. And although I'm not much of a coffee drinker myself, I've been told that these are also second to none...

As well as an extensive food menu, the cocktail selection at Rise is delightfully different and is definitely worth a look- my personal fave is the Cherry Bakewell but let me know what yours is when you've visited for yourself. However if cocktails aren't for you don't despair, because the bar is fully stocked with beers and spirits, which I'm sure the friendly bar-staff would be happy turn into your favourite tipple!

The moral of the story is, if you're taking a trip down to the Dorset coast and are in need of hydration, something good to eat and a cozy place to stop, look no further.

The Early Bird: Plymouth

2023-05-22T17:01:00.001+01:00

Over the past few months I have spent copious weekends travelling the country, seeking out the best breakfast spot... from budget to spenny, I've tried more variations of the classic British fry up and eggs Benedict than I can count, and if I'm being perfectly honest I wouldn't change it for the world. There is no denying that I am what you would call a "foodie" with the majority of my day being spent thinking about what I'm going to eat next- I wake up in the morning and the first thing that I think about is food and I would be lying if I said that I didn't fall asleep thinking about what I'm going to have for breakfast tomorrow... I'm a girl that likes to eat, what can I say?

With that in mind, I thought that it was about time that I started sharing some of the what I would call "good eats" with the world, as googling brunch spots when I know I'm visiting somewhere new is quickly becoming one of my favourite past times. This most recent weekend was spent taking a trip down to Plymouth to visit friends and consume copious calories, in the form of an all you can eat Chinese and the dreamiest loaded hash browns that the South West has to offer.

Apparently there are two Early Bird cafe's in Plymouth, but the one that we visited was tucked on a street corner a little way from what I would deem to be the 'main shopping area' (although by the queue of eager eaters I would assume that this didn't stop people from making the 10 minute walk!) With windows filled with fresh bread and counters laden with outrageously sweet treats, including the ultimate kinder bueno brownies, at first glance you would think that the Early Bird is just a fancy bakery- but after being escorted up a narrow staircase you enter a quirky, yet also incredibly chilled out cafe.

There was a small group of us, so were seated in an area similar to the one shown above which allowed me to scope out all elements of the dreamy interiors; there were panelled walls and ceilings, statement pendant lights and a wall filled with bird boxes of all shapes and sizes (hence the name I suppose!) but all it took was the menu to be delivered to our table for my eyes to be drawn away... I can hand on heart say that if somebody said to me that they were unable to find something that tickled their fancy, they're lying. From the classic English breakfast, to waffles with fried chicken, there was almost too much choice- hence myself and my partner opted for eggs Benedict, the "Early Bird breakfast" and a side of bacon loaded hash browns to share between us! It was a mountain of food but my goodness was it worth it, and the food coma just gave us an excuse to sit and enjoy the atmosphere for a little while longer.

Now despite being absolutely stuffed after our brunch, I knew that I couldn't leave without taking some brownies to go (after all, I'd only regret it after the 2 hour drive home!) Like the menu upstairs the choice was incredible: biscoff, Oreo, Ferrero rocher and even a batten-burg brownie all caught my eye, but I am a long standing kinder fan so I walked away with both a classic bueno and a happy hippo infused blondie. Having now eaten both, I can safely say that I shall be returning to sample the other treats that The Early Bird has to offer- trés trés bien.

Hello, 2023.

2023-02-11T15:52:00.001+00:00

I wasn't sure whether or not I would return to this blog. After the first covid-19 lockdown I felt completely lost and as hard as it is to admit, I'm not sure I ever really found myself again (at least not the version of myself that I was before!) The past twenty four months have been a whirlwind to say the least- I took a brave step to end what was a very toxic relationship, moved house more times than I can count and found myself living back with my parents while I pieced things back together again. I find great joy in saying that I am feeling more "me" than I have felt in a very long time, so am now ready to see whether or not I am still capable of forming a semi-coherent sentence.

As we have said goodbye to the first month of 2023, I thought I would outline where I am now and where I want to be this time next year. It's been a while since I bothered setting myself 'New Years resolutions' finding that by March I'd already broken my rule of not doing something (or completely forgotten to do the things I set out to do) so there's really no point... I'm a creature of habit, what can I say?

Life Lately

Last year I found myself single for the first time in just short of eight years, and to say that it has been a wild ride would be an understatement. I've been on great dates, terrible dates, certainly now know what I do and don't want in partner, and can say with confidence that good things really do come to those who wait (pardon the cliché!) At this moment in time I am in a great place with a great person, who makes me feel on top of the world... after navigating life on my own for a little while it's refreshing to have somebody to share things with and make new and exciting plans for the future. Things are still new, but I'm a firm believer of when you know you know.

Aside from realising just how true the phrase "patience is a virtue" is, another important lessons that I learned over the past year is that you shouldn't take anything for granted. Nothing is guaranteed. Happiness, health, sanity- you name it. Last summer I took a very silly fall and ended up with a broken navicular (which is a small but pretty significant bone in your foot, if you're as uneducated as I apparently am) which meant that I was unable to walk or drive for months; both my physical and mental health were impacted in one way or another and it's safe to say that it made me realise just how true the above statements are. I'm lucky that I am surrounded by such wonderful people and although I run the risk of sounding like one of the many "icks" that I came across on my short but much needed single spell, I truly wouldn't be where I am without my support network and thank them daily for keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground.

Reading this back I realise that I mentioned wanting to draw attention to my 'goals' for the next 12 months, but thinking about it there isn't anything that I am particularly concerned about (apart from giving my new house a coat of paint or two!) ... Of course I want to do well at work, to push myself and bring home as much money as I can to spend on the things that I love; I also want to explore as many places as I can with my partner and put a bit more effort into looking after myself; but really if in a years time I am able to reflect and say to myself "you worked hard, believed in yourself and it worked" I will be more than happy with that.

Breaking The Silence (& Exciting News!)

2020-10-30T16:32:00.006+00:00

Long time, no post. The world has turned upside and back to front this year, and I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't taken its toll on my mental health (as it has for a lot of people) but after an incredibly long and much needed hiatus I'm back with some exciting news to share!

Incase you hadn't guessed it, yes- we bought a house! We never thought that buying a house would be on the cards this year (let alone during a global pandemic) but when we first viewed our home back in May we knew that it would be the perfect place to start our journey on the property ladder. It's got three bedrooms which is plenty big enough for the two of us, as well as being a new build which gives us the reassurance that if things go wrong we're covered for the first couple of years- although I'm hoping that by that time we may be looking at somewhere new.

The question that most people have asked us is why now? Don't get me wrong, we loved our little flat- but after spending several months cooped up staring at the same four walls, when we were finally allowed outside again it made us realise how badly we wanted somewhere that we were able to make our own (complete with outside space!) Although I'd be lying if I said that the thought of decorating a whole home didn't terrify me, I am incredibly excited to see what we can do with a completely blank canvas. There's no denying that I had fallen out of love with Pinterest due to the feeling of 'missing out' however since moving in to our new home I have definitely rekindled my love of pinning. I can't stop!

I've been thinking about sharing a weekly (more like monthly- who am I kidding) roundup of my favourite homeware picks to try and get my creative juices flowing, however if I'm being completely honest I think it's unlikely that we will get any major decorating done before Crimbo... Is anybody else so ready for some festive cheer?!

Renting a Home: Things I've Learnt

2020-06-06T18:00:00.005+01:00

I know I know, it's not exactly what you'd call a catchy title, but what the heck! I have been desperate to write this post ever since I moved out in October, because in the space of a few short weeks I had realised that adulting is hard. Very hard.

(Side note: this is most definitely not the view from my rented apartment, it is actually the view from somewhere near the top of the Eiffel Tower- but a girl can dream! I will live my Emily in Paris dream one day...)

Budgeting is Important

Thankfully I have always been pretty savvy when it comes to spending and saving, because the thought of not having enough money to survive terrifies me. There are many pros and cons to renting, but one of the biggest wins is that if things go wrong it's not your problem. Thankfully we've had a pretty smooth ride since we moved in, however one of the more notable issues was when the washing machine stopped working within the first month... if we owned the flat it would have been our job to either get it fixed/replaced, but thankfully after a visit from our contractor and a conversation with the landlord, a new washing machine was on route free of charge!

Decorating is my JAM

...but sometimes it sucks that I don't own the place! I have always been obsessed with interiors, so it's safe to say that the prospect of moving into and decorating somewhere new brought a surge of excitement; but with renting there are always going to be limitations. We've had nothing to do with our landlord since we moved in (I'm not even sure I know his name!) however our letting company told us that he was happy for us to paint, wallpaper, hang things on the walls etc. as long as when we leave we put it back the way we found it- sounds like a good set up, right?

I am a neat freak

This is something that has come as no surprise, however I didn't quite understand the extent of my problem until I had my own space... Now don't get me wrong, I love a good purposeless decorative object as much as the next person (did somebody say pampas grass?) but my family home is filled to the brim with nic-nacs which just isn't my style. Although I am very grateful that the 'collecting' trait has skipped a generation, my parents have instead unknowingly created a tidying-monster that only Kim and Aggy would be proud of! Did somebody say Minky?

It's the perfect trial run

If you've been following me for a some time, you'll know that I've been desperate to move out for years. When I met my partner last summer we got onto the conversation of moving out quite quickly, and after just a few months of being together we decided to take the plunge- and I couldn't be happier! Ultimately my plan was never to rent, but looking back I'm so glad that we did, as over the past 8 months we've learnt so much about not only running a home, but about each other too. We have had the opportunity to find out what works for us, so when the time comes to buy our first home we should be able to get settled without the shock of living together for the first time!

There are lots of things that nobody tells you about moving into your own place, so it's safe to say that we have had a few surprises since we got here... From budgeting for the weekly shop to how NOT to hang a piece of art work (yes- there are now a few more holes to fill when we move out than originally planned, but we got there in the end) I have learnt a lot since moving out of my family home. There have been lots of laughs and lots of tears (on my part) but we are finally settled and love with our little flat.

Lockdown.

2020-05-03T17:30:00.000+01:00

I feel like I need to write a disclaimer at the start of this blog post, because I know that I am in a very privileged position. I have a roof over my head and plenty of food to eat, but most importantly myself and my family are safe and have been physically unaffected by Coronavirus.

Today marks day 42 in lockdown. How crazy does that sound? We started isolating the day after my 24th birthday and the day before the UK announced its official lockdown. Like most people my experience so far has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, with more more ups and downs than I can count- or care to admit.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that to start off with it felt a bit like a holiday. I spent my days lazing around in my loungewear watching back to back Love is Blind (yes I was late to the party) and eating pizza at 4pm. I was technically on annual leave during the first week of lockdown to celebrate my birthday, however when week 2 came around and I wasn't getting ready to go back to work that's when I began to feel uneasy. I'm not the sort of person that can sit still for too long and the productivity itch was real... So in an attempt to feel like I was doing SOMETHING, I baked cakes, I read books, I did puzzles, I even created a spreadsheet and organised my finances, but then there was nothing left?

Somewhere between weeks 3 and 4 I spent a few days moping (stomping) around the flat, letting my brain go in to overdrive and feeling my anxiety rearing its hugely unwelcome head, until I read something that made me stop and think. I can't remember who said it, but it was along the lines of this...

Our daily routines have been turned upside down and we are living in a way that many of us have never done before, and with no end in sight it is completely normal to feel out of sync. I think myself lucky that I am in the privileged position where I do not have to go to work each day and risk my life to help those in need, however this does not mean that I am not allowed to feel affected. I am confined to the same four walls, with somebody that I love dearly but by no means am used to spending 24 hours of the day with, and I am running out of things to do and places to hide myself away for a moment to myself. BUT (and this is a big one) I have come to terms with the fact that tomorrow is a new day (albeit very similar to the last) and I do not need to be practicing a new skill or ticking things off a to-do list to be 'nailing lockdown life'. The way I see it is that if your biggest achievement is getting out of bed and putting on fresh pyjamas, then see that as a reason to celebrate! Self care has never been more important than right now.

I think what I'm finding comfort in the most is knowing that we are all doing the same thing. As much as I miss my friends and my family, I know that like me they are all sat at home willing this to be over, and making plans for the not so distant future. It's safe to say that at present I am lacking some of my usual 'oomph' but that doesn't mean that I'm not 'okay'. Hopefully we have now muddled our way through the worst of it and things will only get better from here onwards...

Do whatever you've got to do to make it through the day- nobody is in a position to be judging one another right now, and that's kind of wonderful.

New in Skincare

2020-02-22T17:00:00.000+00:00

It's been sometime since I've written a skincare update, but in all honesty there has seemed little point as things are very much the same! My skin type is 'combination' which basically means it's a pain in the butt. In my experience, it is seldom you will find the perfect product for skin that's 'a little bit of this and that' so unsurprisingly I am still trying to find a concoction of products that work for me.

Over the past couple of years I haven't strayed too far from my tried and tested products (because if it ain't broke don't fix it!) but every now and then I like to inject a bit of newness into my routine to shake things up a bit. This month I picked up three new products to try, each of which I have been very impressed with...

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

If you're new around here then you may not know that I am a big fan of Kiehl's; from their facial skincare to their body butters, they are yet to create a product that doesn't tickle my fancy! When visiting the Bath store a few weeks back I had a 'skin analysis' which confirmed that I do in fact have combination skin, with a large amount of dryness to boot- so I went on the hunt for something to combat this! I have been on the hunt for a new cleanser for a while, as my trusty Cleanse & Polish can sometimes feel a bit heavy on the skin for a morning cleanse- so for the past month I have been using this and the results have been fab! The ultra facial cleanser is light yet hydrating, whilst still feeling like it is actually cleaning your skin (which is something that I find creamy cleansers don't always do) and what makes it better is that it's suitable for all skin types.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner
Like the cleanser, the Ultra Facial Toner is a very gentle product that's suitable for all skin types. I've had little experience with toners before now so was a bit sceptical, however I have found that by wiping just a small amount over my face post-cleanse the overall texture and appearance of my skin has improved HELLA lot... baring in mind I've only been using a pea sized amount on a cotton pad, I have noticed that it is removing dirt that my cleanser isn't able to, which seems crazy! It's definitely a warmly welcomed addition to my skincare routine.

The Ordinary Peeling Solution
I have heard nothing but rave reviews when it comes to The Ordinary skincare, so I thought it was about time that I put it to the test (and I'm certainly glad that I did!) The price point is one of the most appealing things about this brand, starting from as little as £5 each- this particular product was only £6.30! Another thing that makes them so popular is the fact that all ingredients are clearly stated without any 'fuss' meaning that you know exactly what you're getting; I must admit that this scared me at first as I'm no expert when it comes to acids, but the product works...
The application is very easy (albeit messy!) and only requires your fingertips to smooth the product over the face and neck; it's a very quick process as the product should be left for no more than 10 minutes as it's very strong, followed by rinsing away with warm water. I have found that by using it once a week, combined with regular exfoliation it has helped with the dry/flakiness on my forehead and nose- plus it just feels a little bit bougie!

My February To-Do List

2020-02-07T21:55:00.000+00:00

This year, just like the last, I decided to skip out on New Years resolutions. Granted, there are a list of things that I would like to do over the next twelve months (like travel more, and improve my flexibility) but these are things that I would LIKE to do rather than being things that scream 'failure' if they aren't achieved- because who wants that sort of stress anyways? So being the avid list-maker that I am, here are my February to-do's...

1. Book a Summer holiday. Now don't get me wrong I love city breaks (we've already got a trip to Amsterdam booked for March, and I don't doubt that we'll squeeze in another couple before the year is up!) but I haven't been on a 'lazy' holiday since 2012 and my skin is crying out for some vitamin D...

2. Up my yoga-game! I have been practicing yoga for over two years, and have found it to be not only good for increasing flexibility and toning the body, but also very good for my mental health. Whether it's an hour long session, or a quick ten minute check-in, I find that by stretching out on the mat it allows me to think straight and put things into perspective (which is something that I find challenging on a day to day basis) However I am still yet to brave a yoga class in my area, so maybe that's something on the cards for 2020 too!

3. Read at least one book. For the last couple of years I have aimed to read a book a month; in 2018 I knocked my goal out of the park reading over twenty books, but last year I found myself opting for nights in front of the TV and finished 2019 with a slightly less impressive result. I loved The Tattooist of Auschwitz, so I'm hoping that my latest purchase of Cilka's Journey will help to get me back into the swing of things! Others on my to-read list include Three Women, Me After You and My Sister the Serial Killer.

And as a lover of all things love it would be rude not to mention the V-word... Anybody who knows me in real life is aware of just how much of a SUCKER I am when it comes to romance, so rest assured I will be taking full advantage of this day and showing some love! Did somebody say Chinese takeaway, chocolate cake and a rom-com in front of the telly? I hope so...

My Favourite Binge-Worthy TV Shows

2020-01-28T16:30:00.000+00:00

Hello, my name is Martha and I am a shameless telly bug. Over the years I have become the unofficial source of reviews and recommendations for friends, family and work colleagues (although very few appreciate my enthusiasm towards all things zombies) and that is something that I am absolutely fine with. There's nothing that I love more than tucking up with a cuppa and a packet of chocolate fingers, so it's safe to say that I have watched my fair share of binge-worthy shows...

Although I am partial to a tear jerker, and likewise something that makes you laugh from the pit of your stomach, my favourite genre of television is undoubtedly crime (I'm a sucker for a 'whodunit' what can I say?) So if that's not your scene then this probably isn't the place to come for recommendations. But if you're an all rounder like myself, then get your pen and paper at the ready!

Killing Eve

Now I'm not sure what category you would put Killing Eve in- strong female lead, crime thriller, comedy, all of the above? This BBC series is like nothing I have ever seen and I think that's why it's so bloody brilliant... An MI5 officer (Eve Polastri played by Sandra Oh) develops an obsession with an assassin named Villanelle, and the two begin an intense game of cat and mouse for eight episodes, followed by a second equally as addictive series. It's deep, passionate, filled with death and beautiful clothes, which makes it one of my favourite shows! Rumour has it that a third series is in the pipeline and I cannot wait.

Stranger Things

This post wouldn't be complete without Stranger Things now, would it? I'm a sucker for 80's movies (I grew up watching The Goonies, what can I say?) so my obsession with ST was pretty much a sure thing. A twelve year old boy goes missing, sparking an investigation lead by his terrified mother Joyce (Winona Ryder) which unravels a series of mysteries involving experiments, children and the supernatural. There are some iconic characters, not to mention a banging soundtrack, and I for one was absolutely shook by the latest release... Did somebody say season 4?

American Horror Story

The final spooky show- I promise! I have been an AHS fan for years, having rewatched the first few chapters far too many times than I care to admit. Not only does it have a killer cast (pardon the pun) that play different characters from series to series, but Ryan Murphy seems to nail the weird and wonderful themes every time. My favourites include a murder house, mental asylum, freak show and hotel... although the latter definitely has something to do with Lady Gaga's starring role! If you're not a fan of blood and gore then AHS is definitely not for you, but if you can stick it and have an appreciation of sick-humour then I'd recommend it for sure.

Parks and Recreation

CURVEBALL. There is absolutely no (serious) crime, murder, or supernatural goings on in Parks and Rec, but perhaps that's why I find it so refreshing? Similarly to The Office it's a workplace comedy set in an Indiana Parks and Recreation Department; Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Nick Offerman and several other well-known comedic actors settle disputes, drama and office romances (whilst intermittently talking directly to the viewer) which provides an easy, entertaining watch. There are 125 episodes readily available on Amazon Prime, so it's the perfect duvet day binge-watch!

Queer Eye

Incase you are the only person on the planet that hasn't watched Queer Eye, I'll give you a brief introduction... Antonio, Karamo, Jonathan, Bobby and Tan provide the ultimate 'make over' experience, focusing on not only what is on the outside, but also working on a persons soul and well being too. It's one of those heartwarming programs that lifts you up no matter what mood you are in, because the Fab Five take you on a 45 minute long emotional rollercoaster that almost always has a happy ending. Who can argue with that?

Workin' Moms

I watched series 1-3 of Workin' Moms on Netflix over Christmas and MY GOODNESS is it brilliant. Set in Canada, the program follows the lives of a group of men and women within one parenting group- I laughed, I cried, I went from broody to repulsed, it was an emotional rollercoaster but I wouldn't hesitate to watch it again. With each episode being only 25 minutes long it's easy to watch several in one go (which is the best kind of show if you ask me, am I right?)

How I Met Your Mother

A LATE ENTRY! I started writing this post a couple of months ago, because I wanted to be sure that I had included all of my ultimate favourite programmes (as there are a heck of a lot to choose from!) but since then I have binged the entire 9 seasons of How I Met Your Mother. Now if you had a truly British childhood it's likely that you caught an episode or two of HIMYM on E4 after school, however I for one never watched it from start to finish... and now I'm wondering why? I laughed, I cried, and although the final episode was a bit deflating (imo) I am trying to determine when it's acceptable to watch it all over again!

I would love some tv recommendations, because I am slowly running out of things to watch! I've heard nothing but good things about A Handmaids Tale, so might add that to my watchlist next...

House Pinning #1

2020-01-13T12:02:00.000+00:00

There is nothing that I love more than lusting over dreamy interiors, which is why it feels as though I have talking about getting my own place for a lifetime. Over the past year I have spent far too much time scrolling and planning every inch of my dream home (I'm a Pinterest addict, what can I say?) and although it saddens me to say dream now, I hope this time next year I'll be in a position where I can put down a deposit and start bringing my dream to life...

In October I moved out of my family home, and into a rented maisonette with my partner. Now don't get me wrong I love where we live, it's cosy yet surprisingly spacious, on the top floor of the building away from the hustle and bustle and best of all it's OURS (for the next nine months that is) The only down fall is that we are limited by our landlord, meaning that my desperation to get stuck into decorating isn't always possible. But I'm doing what I can!

I was always certain that my first home would be monochrome from head to toe, however after following a few other bloggers' renovation journeys (Alex, Lily Pebbles and Poppy Deyes are some of my faves) I have had my eyes opened to just how fun decorating with colour can be- I am now dead set on having a yellow front door, velvet sofa and a home filled with brightly coloured radiators! Although painting isn't currently an option for us I have tried to inject colour through soft furnishings and wall art; with the flat covering two floors it has given us a large space to work with, meaning that a gallery wall running up the stairs is definitely in the pipeline for 2020!

As you can tell from the pictures above, I will always choose wooden floor over carpet when it comes to the living room; as it is typically the most used room in the house it is much more practical in terms of keeping it clean, however cosiness doesn't have to be compromised with the use of rugs and runners- La Redoute is always a favourite for affordability and style! I am a big fan of Scandinavian style, with elements of industrial, so wooden furniture with metal accents are my favourite; Swoon and West Elm are DREAMY but sadly out of my price range, so if anybody has any recommendations of where I can purchase something similar at a fraction of the price I would appreciate it! And lastly (but unsurprisingly) I am certainly not averse to prints, house plants and baskets to fill the awkward spaces that need a little 'something something'...

As a serial planner (and pinner) I thought that I would create a mini-series on my blog, sharing some of my favourite interior images from my pinterest account. Rest assured I will be dedicating a post to every room, but as the living room is somewhere that I enjoy spending a lot of my time it seemed like the perfect place to start.

Friction Free Shaving

2019-11-06T17:02:00.000+00:00

Whether you're for or against body hair, I'm sure we call all agree that sustainable brands are worth getting behind... Friction Free Shaving is the UK's first razor and shaving product delivery service designed exclusively for women, making it their mission to reduce the waste, costs and risks associated with hair removal- whilst being completely cruelty free. Doesn't that sound dreamy!?

As somebody was sensitive skin, I have always found hair removal tricky. I've tried waxing, epilating and countless types of razors but almost everything left me with a rash in some shape or form... I started shaving my legs aged 11, so it has taken me almost 13 years to find something that works for me! Since using FFS razors I have experienced no dragging of the blades against my skin, which has resulted in zero irritation meaning less post-shave skincare required (and more time to sink into my fresh sheets!)

When signing up you get the choice of either a silver or rose gold metal handle, which comes complete with 4 heads and a hygiene-cover. The initial price is £9 (if you use my code MARTHAMOLLY you can get your razor engraved for free!) which then renews each month, giving you 4 weeks worth of brand spankin' new razors delivered to your door. You can sign up here.

And that's not all! Friction Free Shaving offer a gift box that includes all of your shaving necessities- a rose gold handle, 4 blades, a shower hook, blade cover, travel pouch and the entire skincare collection. So if you fancy treating a friend (or yourself!) you can follow this link.

This post was written in collaboration with Friction Free Shaving- products included within this post were received as gifts. All views are my own.

Hello Hello! A Life Update

2019-10-25T08:13:00.000+01:00

It feels like it’s been forever since I wrote one of these posts! Of course I like to write about all things fashion, food and ‘lifestyle’ but sometimes it’s nice to share a bit of my personal life too. I have always enjoyed reading these sorts of posts (I’m nosy what can I say?) and things have been full steam ahead for me over the past couple of months, so I thought what better time to put pen to paper so to speak...

Work Work Work

In October of last year I stepped up at work and took on the new role as Sales and Service Manager while my lovely boss went on maternity leave (yay!) however time flew by, as it does, and when August came around it was time to step back down again. Now don’t get me wrong I love fashion and having the opportunity to style up some of my favourite pieces daily is dreamy, but having worked in retail on and off for a little over 8 years I feel that it’s time to hang up my hat... So a few weeks back I signed myself up for some work experience at the marketing department of my local college, in hope that I’ll get the chance to put into practice what I learnt during my business degree and it’ll lead to something new and exciting- so watch this space!

Moving Out!

It feels like I have been talking about wanting to move out for forever, so apologies if you’re getting tired of hearing about it... but it’s happening! Yes it’s stressful, yes it’s scary, but I couldn’t be happier. Over the past six months I have come to realise that there is no ‘right’ time for anything and things will happen when they’re meant to, so there’s no point in getting hung up on feeling like you’re not doing things fast enough. This year I have come out of a long term relationship and met somebody new and wonderful (who I am now moving in with!) so it’s safe to say that I couldn’t have planned for any of those things. But who cares? I had always been one of those people that turned their nose up at the phrase ‘things happen for a reason’ but 2019 has taught me just that.

Plans for the rest of the year...

Although the thought of autumn, winter and the entire festive period gives me all sorts of unexplainable feelings, it's scary to think that we have now entered the final quarter of 2019 and before we know it we'll be bringing in the new year with a glass of bubbly whilst singing our hearts out to auld lang syne. So in the spirit of making the most of every moment, I thought I would set out a few goals for the months ahead!

1. Budget more and spend less. I've always been good at saving, however I've never been in the position where I have to spend my money on certain things- until now. Moving out and having to fend for myself is going to put my money management to the test, so I'm determined to nail it! I've created a spreadsheet and set out weekly spending budgets, which sadly do not include 'Chinese Tuesdays'...

2. Spend more time with my family. When you've always had people around, it's so easy to take them for granted and expect them to always be there- but it doesn't work like that! I have had a very busy year and that has meant that I have sacrificed time with the people that I care about the most.

3. Rediscover my love for writing. I feel like whenever I write a 'goals' post it always includes an empty promise about producing more regular content, which fills me with a sense of guilt when it inevitably doesn't happen (perhaps that's why I stopped writing that sort of post?) However, with no strings attached, I am telling the world that I want to write more- for myself. I have always found writing to be a great way of relieving stress and becoming more aware of your feelings, so with the busiest months of the year ahead, what better time to get stuck back in?

4. Create a cosy, safe space to call my own. I have been obsessed with the concept of moving out of my family home for years now, desperate to have a place that I can decorate to my own tastes and organise in a way that makes sense to me, but now the realisation that it is happening has hit I am a little worried. Worried that I will miss my home comforts, that I will miss my family, and most importantly that it won't feel like home. So for the next couple of months I want to work on creating a space that I feel excited to come home to... a sanctuary.

Exploring Paris: MOKUS PIZZA

2019-09-12T18:00:00.000+01:00

Bonjour! Hello! If you don't follow me on social media you may not know that a couple of weeks back I took a trip to Paris (a much needed holiday, if you will) and long story short, I have fallen in love. The instagram-able buildings, the buzzing atmosphere, the people, but most importantly the food...

As a serious foodie and lover of anything dough-based, I made it my mission to seek out the best pizza that Paris had to offer- and my god, did I find it. When exploring the Trocádero area surrounding our hotel we stumbled upon the bright lights of MOKUS and were immediately drawn in; not only did it both look and smell incredible, but the buzz of people was like nothing I'd seen before... smokers, non-smokers, couples, friends, I was sold!

The restaurant itself was decorated in a quirky, industrial style which is something that I am very on board with. Although it is open from 11am-11pm daily, we opted to visit in the evening the second time around too (yep, two nights in a row!) purely for the relaxed atmosphere created by the festoons and neon lighting, as well as the jazzy music that complimented our meal. With that being said, the service we received was also second to none, being greeted at the door and immediately seated and served- it's safe to say that after a long day of exploring the streets of Paris (much less trekking up the Eiffel Tower) this was greatly appreciated!

Now on to the best part, the food... It's unlikely that you'll be able to read the full menu so I'll link it here just incase! Although MOKUS is known for it's extensive pizza menu, they also cater for those who are slightly less dough-minded (which seems completely unnatural to me) offering a selection of burgers, pasta dishes and poke bowls.

I opted for mozzarella garlic bread and the 'Quattro Formaggi' pizza on the first night, which I then re-ordered when I returned the following night because it was SO DARN GOOD. So although I can't comment on any of the other dishes on the menu (aside from a few stolen chips) I can confirm that they all looked delicious and tell you that the 'Chicken Run' burger comes highly recommended...

With reasonable pricing, an extensive menu and MIGHTY portions, if you ever find yourself exploring the Troccádero area of Paris you must visit Mokus!

Embracing Simplicity With Abelini

2019-08-06T11:15:00.000+01:00

I'm gonna put my hands up and say that I'm not typically a jewellery wearer. Granted I've had my moments, flitting between gold and silver jewellery, from chunky bangles to chokers and chains- I've even committed the cardinal sin and mixed my metals, but these days you will rarely find me sporting anything but a watch and a pair of earrings (or two).

Although I'm usually a sucker for a high-street dupe, when it comes to jewellery I much prefer investing my pennies in that will stand the test of time (and won't make my ears turn green!) so when Abelini reached out to me I was over the moon. Since adding to my piercing collection at the start of the year, I have been steadily building up a collection of 'classics' that will never go out of style, opting for small studs and dainty hoops over a Pat Butcher-esque piece.

Side note: the above does not mean that I will be disposing of my pink, tassel earrings any time soon...

Abelini is a British jewellery company, that uses ethically sourced materials to create high quality pieces in its workshops across the UK. Whether you are looking for rose gold studs, silver huggies, or something a little bit snazzier (Abelini is home to a range of designer pieces too) you are sure to find something that suits your style- as somebody that's a sucker for something simple, even I have been seduced by the sparkle! You can shop my clip on hoops here.

March, You Have Been Swell

2019-04-01T21:25:00.000+01:00

My favourite seasons are by far the in-betweens. Spring and Autumn make me far happier than any other, so I'm always over the moon when March comes around! This month has been full of good things, so I thought I'd share with you some of my faves...

Practising Self Care

This is something that we should aaaall be doing a heck of a lot more, if you ask me. This month I finally got my butt into gear and started doing yoga a couple of times a week (I still haven't braved a class though!) which has made a world of difference to how I'm feeling both mentally and physically; I have also got back into writing regularly, as well as reading my second and third books of 2019. THIS GIRL HAS GOT HER MOJO BACK.
Oh and did I mention that I decided to take the plunge and get some pink in my hair? Well, I did! If you don't believe me you can see for yourself here.

Spending Time With Friends

My friendship group is small and select, but that doesn't mean that it isn't nigh-on impossible to get everybody together in one place, at one particular time. BUT ALAS this month started off with a team brunch (which was delightful) and continued with coffees, catch ups and far too many portions of chicken chow mein to count- but whatcha gonna do? As we get older it becomes harder to maintain friendships because lets face it life gets a little bit crazy sometimes... but when we do get the opportunity to spend time together it makes us all say "we should try and do this a heck of a lot more!"

It's My Birthday, Bitch!

The 21st of March marked my 23rd birthday, which of course meant that celebrations were in full swing... all of the food, drinks and dancing! My friends and family well and truly spoilt me, and it's safe to say that I entered my 23rd year with a BIG OL' SMILE.

Netflix, Netflix and more Netflix

I'm going to put my hands up and say that although I have done some cracking things over the past 31 days, I will always be a telly-bug. There's nothing that I love more than putting on something fleecy (and totally unacceptable to be worn outside) making a cuppa and snuggling up with a share-bag of malteasers to binge watch the 'series of the moment'... It's safe to say that this month's offerings did not disappoint, with Sex Education, The Sinner and Abducted in Plain Sight making the top three. Also, tell me I'm not the only person that finished the latter with approximately 100 questions?

The next couple of months are going to be busy, but I'm excited to see what they have in store! Lets see if we can make monthly roundups a 'thing'...

Hydrate Me, Baby!

2019-03-02T16:30:00.000+00:00

Over the years I have been on a bit of a journey with my skin (from teen breakouts and flakey skin, to adult acne- the joy!) and although I still wouldn't say that I match the characteristics of a single skin type, I have definitely worked out what does and doesn't work for me.

The winter months always wreak havoc with my skin (England is cold rn, you guys) and with dryness being one of my biggest concerns I find myself reaching for moisture-inducing products more and more at this time of year. So here are some of my favourites...

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

If there is a skincare brand that I have complete faith in, it's Kiehl's. Although it's safe to say that their products are on the pricier side, they are made from naturally-derived ingredients (which is perfect for my sensitive skin) and always smell delightful. Their Ultra Facial Cream has a lightweight texture that sinks into the skin quickly and doesn't leave you feeling greasy, meaning that it's perfect for everyday use- as somebody that will always choose extra time in bed, it's my go-to! FYI this is their limited edition Christmas packaging and it makes me love it even MORE.

Glossier Moisturising Moon Mask

This product is still relatively new to my collection, but I'm already hooked- weekly masking has become a part of my skincare routine for the first time ever. For a moisturising mask the consistency is relatively thin, but I find that the more generously you apply it the more hydrated your skin will feel! Glossier recommend letting it soak in for 20 minutes, however I prefer to pop it on just before I get in the bath and let it work its magic until I decide to get out...

LUSH Breath of Fresh Air

I am a sucker for a facial mist- I always have been and I always will be. Although it's by no means the most hydrating product on the market, this handbag friendly toner water is the perfect pick me up for when your skin is feeling lacklustre (as mine often does at this time of year!) Made with a combination of spring and sea water, aloe vera and rose absolute it calms and soothes the skin whilst providing naturally-fuelled hydration.

Glossier Balm Dot Com

Hello, old friend... No doubt you will recognise this product from many a post, because since I discovered it a tube has taken up residence in just about every coat pocket/handbag that I own. This multipurpose lip balm comes in 6 different flavours (a combination of tinted and un-tinted, with my fave being coconut fyi) and isn't just limited to your lips- it's perfect for small patches of dry skin on the body, as well as sorting out pesky cuticles! Although I will always recommend it, I think it's important to note that Balm Dot Com is pretty dense so if you prefer something that soaks in quickly this definitely isn't for you.

I used to mix up my skincare routine a lot, trying new things in search of that 'miracle' product, but I have found that by sticking to a simple routine my skin has been behaving far better than ever- it's safe to say that a Korean 10-step beauty routine just isn't for me!

What's On My Reading List

2019-01-31T19:00:00.000+00:00

I love books. I always have and wouldn’t hesitate in saying that I always will, although coming from a family of bookworms it seems like an unavoidable passion to have- my mum sends me weekly book recommendations, and my dad frequents the library more than anybody I know! If you ask me there's nothing quite like getting yourself lost in a good book, and that is what I intend to do with this rather substantial list...

Not only do I love to read, but I am a compulsive book buyer too. As my Twitter bio says I am a sucker for a coffee table book and love nothing more than flicking through text and images of fashion, travel and interiors. Name a book, and chances are there’s a copy sitting on display somewhere in my home. I am shamelessly obsessed with beautiful books- although I suppose there are worse things to splurge on. Last year I set myself the challenge of reading one book a month, and this year I intend to do the same (or beat it) because not only does reading help me switch off, but I believe that there’s no greater sense of accomplishment than turning the last page of a book... plus it means it's time to start something new!

On my Reading List for 2019:

Normal People - Sally Rooney
Birdbox - Josh Malerman

The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin
Poems for a World Gone to Sh*t - Quercus Poetry & Various Poets (a very well received xmas present!)

An Edited Life - Anna Newton
Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng
The Tattooist of Auschwitz - Heather Morris
YOU - Caroline Kepnes
Small Great Things - Jodi Picoult
Calm The F**k Down - Sarah Knight (I'm a big fan of her no messing attitude!)

My Favourite Reads of 2018:

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman

The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion

Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton
Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - JK Rowling (a classic that I loved revisiting!)

This is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor - Adam Kay

The Couple Next Door - Shari Lapena

The F Word - Lily Pebbles

I would love to know what's on your current reading list, as well as any recommendations that you might have for me- I'm always keen to try something new.

What 2018 Has Taught Me

2018-12-20T19:04:00.000+00:00

Although I am well aware that we still have a small (and arguably the best) part of the year remaining, if I'm not mistaken I wrote a post like this at the end of 2017 and then never got around to posting it, so thought that I would seize this moment of reflection and put pen to paper so to speak.

1. Spontaneity terrifies me. There's no denying that I am the queen of organisation (aka low-key control freak) so it will come as no surprise to find that I freak out when things don't go according to plan. Although this is something that I have learnt to accept, recently I have been haunted by the fear that I'm missing out on things because I'm too afraid to say yes to things that haven't been scheduled in advance; so from this point onwards I want to be little more open to the possibility of jumping in feet first and thinking about the consequences later!

2. There's nothing wrong with admitting that you need help. I have written about my struggles with anxiety in the past, but this year my feelings have got the better of me and I have had no choice but to ask for help- but that's okay. With the help of my family and friends I am working on managing my mental health, coming to terms with the fact that it is okay not to be 'on' all of the time, and finding out what does and doesn't work for me.

3. I've only got one body, so it's time to start giving it some TLC. After years of lady-problems I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in April, and although this is far more common than I originally thought it has definitely made me take a step back and think about the decisions that I'm making... If I have learnt just one thing from hours of googling (sorry mum!) it is that in order to regain control of my body, I need to start implementing some changes asap. That means more exercise, less sweet treats, and a heck of a lot more mindfulness! Maybe 2019 will see the return of the yogi?

4. I will never be a fashion blogger. Although fashion is something that I am very passionate about (who doesn't love a bit of snazz?) I find the process of creating content surrounding it neither easy, nor enjoyable- boo-hoo. There's no use pretending that I'm shy when it comes to voicing my thoughts and opinions, so I would much rather put my time and energy into writing posts that will spark some sort of feels... I thrive on the concept that people will take something away from my blog, whether it's the idea of trying something new, or the feeling of relief in knowing that another person is going through a similar experience. Above all else, I want to encourage people to talk 'taboo'!

5. I am not a quitter. This year has been full of achievements, each of which took a heck of a lot of determination and hard work. I finished my degree and got promoted at work (as well as taking on some exciting side projects) and the truth is I am really bloomin' proud of what I have achieved. Despite being terrified about what the next twelve months has in store, I'm prepared to work my bollocks off to get where I want to be. Come at me 2019!

A Mini Market Photo Diary

2018-12-07T13:21:00.000+00:00

Until last year I had never attended a Christmas market (I know!) but since then I have made it my mission to attend as many markets as I can over the festive period, no matter how big or small. Being a lover of all things festive it wasn't until I visited Exeter that I realised just how much I had been missing out on; not only are there gifts galore, but the range of food on offer is incredible... from hog roasts to Thai cuisine, there's something for everyone! If you know me either online or in person, no doubt you will know just how much I love to eat so believe me when I say that I was in food heaven.

In true blogger style I decided to document the occasion, in hope that it will convince some other foodies to take a trip down to the South West and sample some of their festive offerings! Spoiler: the Mac and cheese was to die for.

5 Thoughts On Finishing My Degree

2018-10-06T13:31:00.000+01:00

Hi, my name is Martha and I have only flippin' gone and finished my degree! How the heck did that happen? It has been a long three years, but now I'm officially done and dusted I thought I'd share a few thoughts that I've had during my first few months of freedom...

1. I couldn't imagine what I would have spent the past three years doing, if I wasn't studying. To this day I'm not 100% sure on what I want to do as a job, but I'm glad that I knuckled down and did something productive whilst trying to make up my mind! I know that university isn't for everybody (trust me, I chose the unconventional route myself) and I'm not saying that people should take on a shed load of student debt for the sheer hell of it, but I always enjoyed business studies at school and figured that it was a degree that could be of use no matter what direction I decide to take in the future.

2. Time management is a skill that should be cherished. Lucky for me I'm a serial planner, organiser, and list maker, but there were times than even my super-self (lol) wasn't sure how to deal with the challenges that were being thrown my way! My top tips for anybody starting a degree in September would be to get yourself a paper diary, some post it notes, and never start an assignment the day before its due... you may have been able to do it at school and college, but uni is a whole other ball game! If you want to do well, treat your work like it's your B-A-B-Y.

3. It isn't as easy as people make out, trust me! It's a common assumption that students spend their days twiddling their thumbs and their nights stumbling from one club to the next, and although more often than not this is the case, there's a lot more to it than piecing together assignments whilst eating spaghetti hoops straight out of the can... There are lectures to attend, books to read, more books to read and then there's the writing, plus the inevitable first, second and third proof read (to make sure you've spelt your own name right) before submission. Who said it wouldn't be exciting, eh?

4. On the flip side, it feels AMAZING to see the end result after hours of hard work. I couldn't begin guess how many hours I've spent sat at my laptop over the past three years (including the time spent cracking out a blog post or two!) but just as I had anticipated all along, the feeling of completion outweighs the feeling of exhaustion after pulling an all-nighter.

5. I think myself lucky that I got to share the past three years with somebody that I love. Anybody that has been reading my blog for a while will know that Jack and I started our degrees together back in 2015, and three years later we finished just weeks apart. Although we studied at different universities, its been reassuring having somebody by my side that knows exactly what I'm going through. We've proof-read each others assignments, listened one another other cry from sheer exhaustion (on my part that is!) and held each others hand every step of the way... lame, but so very true.

Embracing All Things Natural

2018-09-26T19:02:00.000+01:00

Over the past few years I have reduced the amount of makeup that I wear, feeling a lot more myself when sporting nothing but a healthy glow (courtesy of Glossier's haloscope) and a handful of my favourite products...

When I first started blogging the internet was filled with makeup hauls and lipstick collections, and although that was something that I desperately wanted to be a part of, it always felt a little alien to me. I have never been particularly good at applying make up and see little point in having beautiful products sitting in a drawer waiting to be used, so I try and keep my collection to the bare minimum and only wear what makes me feel fab. Makeup shouldn't be used as a mask that we hide behind, but it should be used to enhance and express ourselves... if you ask me there's no such thing as 'flaws'.

It may come as a surprise to some of you, but I haven't always been as sassy and skin positive as I am now. Throughout my teens I suffered with severe acne, which has left me with minor scarring and areas of skin pigmentation; at the time I thought that the stronger the product I used the more effective it would be, but little did I know it was doing more harm than good! As I've got older I have tried to incorporate a lot more natural skincare into my routine, combating my adult-acne without doing any further damage to my skin.

One of my favourite skincare brands is Yes to, who create natural, cruelty free and vegan products. Over the past few months I have been using their Yes to Tomatoes range, which is renowned for its blemish-clearing and oil controlling properties, as well as being great at fighting the bacteria that causes spots. The ingredients used to create this particular range are 95% natural, including lycopene (from tomatoes!) and vitamin C which helps to sooth and heal the skin. From facial wipes to daily repair treatments and paper masks to moisturiser, Yes to Tomatoes is guaranteed to have a product that suits your skincare needs... My favourite is definitely the warming facial scrub, which I try to use twice a week to ensure that I'm drawing out as many spot-causing impurities as possible! I also try to pop on a face mask (paper or charcoal) once a week, for a little detox treat after a longgg day.

Although there's no denying that you can feel the products working their magic, it is no comparison to the unbearable tingling feeling I have felt when using products filled with harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients. People often associate natural skincare with poor results, however after using Yes to products I can promise this is not the case... just because they're made with fruit and vegetables it doesn't mean they don't provide results! The Yes To Tomatoes range is perfect for anybody suffering with oily and spot prone skin, looking for a natural, nasty-free solution. It is available in Boots, Beauty Bay, Lookfantastic, and Feelunique. As of now you can find it in your local Sainsburys too!

Don't forget to check out the #YesToTomatoes hashtag on Instagram and continue to spread the word about skin positivity. Get involved and share your story!

Exploring Normandy

2018-09-03T19:32:00.000+01:00

I have just arrived home from a blissful, very much needed week away. After much deliberation it was decided that a ‘big holiday’ would have to be sacrificed this year if we really wanted to make a dent in the house saving (boo) however my parents invited us to come away with them, exploring northern France and consuming copious amounts of food in the process...

Despite spending almost every summer in the south of France as a child, this was my first time in the cooler region- and honestly, I think I prefer it! My idea of a good holiday is being able to switch off, detach myself from work and read a book without feeling guilty that I should be doing something better with my time; thankfully this is a notion that is the french also believe in, with long lunch breaks spent relaxing in the sunshine and spending time with family and friends. The area that we stayed in wasn't your typical tourist destination (with few people speaking English) which meant there wasn't a huge amount to 'do', however this encouraged us to explore somewhere different each day and allowed me to take lots of photos- whilst trying out a lot of cake shops on the way!

Domfront
As my parents have a house on the Normandy border, it made sense to explore the surrounding areas before travelling further afield. One of our first stops was the hilltop town of Domfront; known for its medieval ruins and cobbled stones, the streets are lined with trinket shops and apothecaries, as well as an abundance of traditional bakeries (I had the most delicious pizza bread but didn't manage a photo before I'd taken a bite!) If you're a fan of architecture there is no question, you must visit Domfront. Not only are the houses and buildings idyllic, but exploring the castle ruins and ornate churches are a wonderful way to pass some time on a sunny sunday afternoon.

Granville
Growing up near the coast I'm a sucker for a seaside town, so naturally Granville was one of my favourite places to visit. We started our day exploring the busy streets (and raiding the vintage stores!) and ended it eating brie-filled baguettes by the harbour- although being a tourist hotspot there was no shortage of places to eat, we preferred sitting around the kitchen table and getting tipsy listening to bizarre french music! There are plenty of shops to explore and seaside sights to see, but if you're after something a bit different I would definitely recommend visiting the Christian Dior museum. Unknown to myself, Dior's childhood home was in Granville and has now been turned into a three-story experience; if you're a fashion enthusiast it's the perfect place to see some of his earlier work, as well learning about his childhood and how he came to be (plus at only €8 per person it seems silly to miss it!)

Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët

First things first, if you can say the above on the first attempt then WELL DONE YOU. I am under no illusion that my french speaking abilities are v poor, and it did in fact require google to instruct me on how to pronounce Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët. As with anything, when my parents told me they were spending the summer in Normandy I immediately conjured up an image in my head, and I think this dreamy little town is the closest thing to what I had imagined... A combination of nineteenth century buildings and modern shops and eateries, this was the place that I felt most at home- perhaps it had something to do with the Maisons du Monde store that I spent almost an hour browsing!?

Although Normandy definitely wouldn't have been at the top of my list of places to visit, I would definitely recommend it if you're after somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of tourist-filled northern France. There's plenty to see, and more places to eat than you could ever imagine, plus the weather is perfect for people who aren't a fan of sweating their tits off (like myself) it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket...

4 New Skincare Additions

2018-07-23T18:01:00.000+01:00

The past month has been a whirlwind. My final month of university has just come to an end, meaning that time spent at my desk is no longer filled with regret, and I can finally write about something other than business and management...

During a recent unsolicited study break I got the blogging itch, and having spent the past few weeks stuck in a creative rut I decided to let my juices flow. And what I am now left with is a pretty hefty list of new content ideas, meaning that weekly posts shall be on the cards for the foreseeable future (yay!) However while I'm busy working on something new, I've got a 'new in' favourites post for you. Excuse the rhyming, it is gloriously unintentional.

When I first started blogging a large proportion of my posts were dedicated to beauty and skincare, and thankfully this love is something that has continued into my twenties. These days I'm a lot less interested in 'faff' and would much rather opt for simplicity, though with this being said I am a shameless shopper who is more than willing to try something shiny and new- a skincare magpie, if you will. Over the last couple of months I have introduced some new bits into my routine- please let me know if you've tried them too and if you have any similar recommendations!

As an avid perfume collector, I deemed the start of spring the perfect excuse to add something new to my collection. I have lusted after Jo Malone perfumes for years, and with this in mind Jack me treated to something extra special for my birthday back in March. Although originally intended for special occasions, Peony & Blush Suede has become my everyday perfume for the last month due to its irresistibly sweet scent. I'm a sucker for florals, what can I say!? I have now decided that I NEED to get my hands on the limited edition Nashi Blossom cologne before it sells out, as I smelt it when it was first released a few years back and fell in love...

With late nights becoming the norm, I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a good quality facial oil. The Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate works overnight, leaving the skin feeling smooth and hydrated after just a few drops; I apply it after cleansing and pre-moisturiser letting it absorb fully (despite the name it isn't oily at all!) and then let it work its magic while I sleep. I'm really enjoying my slightly more luxurious nighttime routine, and although I'm not looking like my teen-self just yet my skin looks a heck of a lot more awake. Another product that I've added to my evening routine is Lush's Sleepy Cream. Whilst I've always been into moisturising, I've never been particularly fussy about the products that I use on my body, up until now that is. Not only does it smell divine, but the subtle lavender extracts help to induce relaxation (which is exactly what I needed in the amidst of exam season) and send you into a sweet slumber. Trust me I'm not normally one to buy in to a gimmick, but I can assure you that this works wonders!

All I need now is to find the perfect SPF... the current British heatwave is driving me and my skin insane, so any suggestions would be v much appreciated!