Chatty Summer/Beach Essentials

Hey guys, 

So, the lovely sunny weather is upon us. Kind of. 

Therefore, I'm going to keep up with the whole summer theme and do a 'Summer/Beach Essentials' post, as I'm feeling all holiday-ee (okay, so I just made up a word.)

The first items I'm sure are very obvious, but I thought I'd feature them anyway! As someone who has suffered with heat stroke before, I can vouch that it is not nice. Therefore, a hat is very much an essential. (This one is from Topshop, but was bought a while back so can't attach a link, I'm sorry!) Plus, I do love a good summer hat, although I never used to wear them, so this is how I ended up getting heat stroke. Not good. So yeah, stay safe guys!

Sunglasses are another absolute essential. As someone who has a very small head, finding sunglasses and hats to fit is quite a difficult task. Therefore, when I find a pair/a hat that I like and that actually fit, I hold onto them for as long as I can! However, my dad sat on my last pair of sunglasses and bent the handles, so I had to go and find another pair. Therefore, I went to Fat Face and purchased this pair of 'Jo Metal Arm Round Sunglasses', as Fat Face seem to be the only place to produce glasses that fit small heads. Damn you small head.

Another essential for the summer is a good old book. Here, I have featured Giovanna Fletcher's 'You're The One That I Want', which was last summer's read. However, I decided to re-read it, as I actually really liked it and ended up finishing it within two days as I couldn't put it down. Definitely will be purchasing 'Billy and Me' and 'Dream a Little Dream' this summer! And don't get me wrong, I do read and love other genres of novels, but, when it's summer, I just love to relax with a good chilled out romance novel.

Another point to be made about staying safe; (can you tell I had heatstroke?) always stay hydrated! I cannot stress this enough, honestly, it just makes you feel so bleh, and, as someone who suffers with eczema, it makes your skin feel so dry. If you're someone who isn't a huge fan of water, then maybe add in a bit of fruit (I picked strawberries), as it gives it a little bit of a sweeter taste and is super nice!

Well I obviously had to feature a make-up product didn't I? Well no, but I have anyway. This is my absolute favourite product when it comes to make-up in the summer. Even though it is a BB cream, it gives just the right amount of coverage, and I even wear it on a night out, as it lasts and lasts. Plus, it has SPF 25, so it's great to wear for both day and night! I use the shade 'Medium', yet would recommend 'Light' for people who are fair skinned (like me, I only use this when I fake tan or actually manage to get a hint of colour in the sun!) However, it blends super well, and you can build it up as much as you want. Definitely a summer staple in my make-up bag! Plus, it's only £6.99, so it's really good value for money! You can purchase it here.

Another obvious one, (sorry guys) is sun cream. And you're probably all rolling your eyes at the screen right now, as everyone knows to use sun cream! However, as someone who has a sister that is allergic to the sun, I can see how strong the UV rays are, and how badly they can affect your skin. Therefore, I'd recommend using at least factor 30 to start off with, as you really need to protect yourself, as we all know how dangerous the sun can be. Sorry for the mum comment by the way, I annoy my boyfriend so much, as I nag on to him about wearing sun cream all the time!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little post about my Summer Essentials! What products do you love using over summer, and what are your essentials? I'd love to know in the comments! 

Much love amigos, 

Grace x

A Little Update

Hey guys,

So I have never written one of these posts before, but thought that it may be interesting to do. So therefore, I thought that I would just update you on what has been happening recently.

1.  I finished my first year of university - As a fresher, I know that I only had to pass the year, as first year doesn't count (this is a fact that I held onto whilst stressing at 3am trying to write an essay for the next morning). However, this still does not take away from the fact that it was still super stressful, and the work load wasn't a massive pressure. As someone who started the year studying psychology and ending the year studying English language, this year has been a roller-coaster of events and emotions. However, I have made friends for life, and am so looking forward to next year. Plus, I ended the year with a 2:1, which I was pretty proud of considering how tough it has been adjusting to a different course and catching up with assignments.
2. I have been with my boyfriend for four and a half years - That is a bloody long time for someone my age. Very surprised that he hasn't got sick of me yet (although he would probably argue otherwise). I'm just very lucky to be in a relationship with my best friend.
3. I'm visiting one of the places in the world that I have always wanted to visit - California. Ever since a young age, places such as San Francisco and LA have always fascinated me, as I have always wanted to take a stroll along the Walk of Fame and visit famous sites, such as Alcatraz and The Golden Gate bridge. Therefore, the fact that I am lucky enough to visit both these places this summer is something that I am very thankful for.
4. I have to have another operation - So, here's a fact that you may not know about me - I have extra bone in my little toe. Even though this is kinda cool, it's bloody painful. By the way, you can't see it (I get asked this a lot), as everyone is so fascinated and envisions that I have a massive bump sticking out of my foot. Fortunately, this is not the case, and due to this it took doctors a long time to figure out what it was. Another interesting (debatable) fact in regards to this is that this meant that I was the case of the month, and about 20 doctors came in and examined my toe whilst I sat there awkwardly with my foot in the air. Fun times. But yeah, had an operation in 2013 to remove it, and was told there was a 10% chance of it growing back. But as it's me, I was in that 10% and it grew back, so yeah, I have a starfish toe.
5. I have a new cousin - I mentioned this is my Liebster Award, but in May, the latest addition to our family was born; a very beautiful baby girl named Sophia Jane. It was so lovely to welcome her to the family.

So there you go, that's what has been happening in my life lately. I am so happy and positive recently, and it's fab. There have been some points in this past year that have been quite difficult, yet perseverance, resilience and a good old vent/cry have gotten me through it, along with the support of my amazing family and friends. I am currently loving summer, and hope that the rest of it will be just as good, and I look forward to all the memories that I am going to make. I will also try and keep up posting on my blog more regularly, as university assignments/exams are no longer taking up my time, yay!

What are you looking forward to this summer, and what are your favourite things that have happened/are going to happen this year?

Much love amigos,

Grace x

P.S. Make sure to follow me on my social media - Twitter | Instagram

My Current Favourite Trend: Liquid Make-Up Products

Hey guys,

If you are a blogger, you will know that liquid make up products, such as liquid highlighters and liquid lipsticks, are very popular at the moment. So, due to reading a lot of reviews and blog posts about these products, I thought that I would give them a go!

And okay guys, I now understand the hype. I am absolutely loving these types of products! Therefore, I thought that I would share my favourite liquid make up products with you guys, kind of like a mini favourites post!

My first purchase of this type was a NYX soft matte lip cream, which is like a liquid lipstick. Honestly, it has the creamiest formula, and I love it. Normally, I find liquid lipsticks to be quite drying, but these just apply so smoothly and last for ages! I am currently loving the shade Istanbul, as I feel that it is the perfect shade for summer, as it gives a hint of pink to an everyday make up look! I have also heard a lot of great things about Stockholm, yet am yet to purchase this shade. It is definitely next on my list though!

My next purchase was the NYX Born to Glow liquid highlighter, as I had heard good things about it. At first I wasn't quite sure of how to use it; there was the obvious use of it as a highlighter, but I had heard that its use underneath foundation gave you more of a dewy look. Therefore, I have tried it as a foundation base, but didn't really see much of a difference. However, I love it as a highlighter and frequently use it on my cheekbones and cupid's bow, as I feel it looks more natural than a powder highlighter, although I still do love a powder highlighter, don't you worry! I got this in the shade 'Sunbeam', which is a pale pink shimmery shade, which I feel compliments my skin tone quite well.

Okay guys, so this was a little bit of a treat. I never spend a lot on make up its fair to say, yet this was a bit of a splurge.

I was in York, and realised that they had a Space NK. I have never visited a Space NK before, but had heard a lot about about it. Therefore, I thought that I would just nip in for a minute just to see what all the fuss was about. Well, £26 later, and here we are...

So I bought the Nars Laguna liquid bronzer. I know, that as a student, I really shouldn't have, but it was just so pretty! At first, I just thought that this would be like a normal bronzer, so didn't really understand what all the fuss was about. However, I was intrigued, so asked the sales assistant about the ways in which you could use it, and she demonstrated it on my face. I knew there was the obvious was of giving yourself a bit of a glow or using it for contouring, yet she said that you could use it all over you face, as in either mix it with your foundation or blend it over your base. This concept terrified me, as someone who is as white as a sheet (damn you pale skin), I thought that it would make me look ridiculous.

However, after the sales assistant had blended it over my foundation, I was astounded to find that it actually looked natural! Me, the palest person ever, looked like she had a natural tan on her face! Even my boyfriend was impressed, and he is normally not very responsive when I ask for his opinion on make up! So I umm-ed and ahh-ed for about 2 minutes before I decided to take the plunge and buy it. But I did, and here we are. I have worn it for a night out and people thought I was naturally that tanned (Nars, I love you), and I honestly love it. It is on the pricey side, but I'm glad that I bought it!

So there we have it, my favourite make up products at the moment! What products are you loving at the moment? Are you loving the liquid make up trend or not? Let me know in the comments!

I hoped you enjoyed reading and I hope to see you all again soon.

Much love, 

Grace x

'Shoes: Pleasure and Pain' Exhibition at The Bowes Museum

Hey guys, 

So recently I took a trip to The Bowes Museum, and I loved it! I know museums may not be your thing, as they aren't normally the top of my list for a great day out! Although, I do love a good old trip to Jorvik (it's in York, if you haven't been, then go, it's got a ride and everything!)

However, I had heard great things about The Bowes Musuem, as last year they had an exhibition all about Yves Saint Laurent. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to go last year, but when my mum asked if I wanted to go to the shoe exhibition, I jumped at the chance! The history of fashion is something that has always fascinated me, so I was eager to go!

The exhibition looks at shoes through history, and features shoes that were worn by the likes of Naomi Campbell (yes, they have the Vivienne Westwood pair that she famously tripped over in whilst on the catwalk), Kylie Minogue and even David Beckham. And for all you history lovers, there is footwear featured that dates back to Ancient Egyptian times! For all you who love shoes, this is definitely the place to visit! Plus, it's the only place that this exhibition is being held outside of London (the other place is the Victoria & Albert museum), which is fab that such a little town such as Barnard Castle has that opportunity! However, I'm not surprised that The Bowes Museum was granted this opportunity, as it is such a beautiful and prestigious place. Another reason why I am so lucky to live where I do!

Such a beautiful building

View from the entrance

View from the second floor window

Unfortunately, no photography was permitted in the exhibition, but I took some pictures of the museum and its surroundings to show you all how beautiful it is!

We also took a trip to the cafe, and if you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I ordered a hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream and a red velvet cake. Going to be honest, it was bloody lovely! (Plus, if you don't follow me on Instagram, you can follow me here!)

So there you go, that was my trip to the Shoes: Pleasure and Pain exhibition at The Bowes Museum! The exhibition runs until October 11th, and is a must see for all you fashion lovers in the north! If you want more information about the exhibition or The Bowes Museum, then you can click here.  I hope you enjoyed reading and I'd love to know your favourite places to visit!

Much love,

Grace x

My First Lush Haul

Hey guys, 

So basically, I love Lush. I probably love it a bit too much if I'm honest; I can't walk past the shop without going in, regardless of how many products I already own from it! But don't worry, I don't always buy stuff when I go, as a student, my funds are quite limited! I'm very surprised that I haven't already posted a Lush haul, but I'm excited to write my first!

However, I thought that I would treat myself to some little Lush bits, as I have just ran out of one of my favourite products from Lush, Karma soap. If you haven't had Karma before, it is basically the most relaxing smell ever (I'm not biased at all...), and just smells so 'lush'. (Pardon the pun)

Therefore, I thought that I would take a trip and get a new one. However, as I have zero self-restraint when it comes to Lush, I ended up buying two other products, so thought that I would share them with you all!

So firstly, I got what I actually went into Lush for: Karma soap! I first bought this just after Christmas, and it smells so good! Karma is one of my favourite scents that Lush produce, I just feel that it's so calming and refreshing. When I first got this, I had it in my uni bathroom, and it made my whole room smell of Karma, and it was fab! Plus, it lasted a very long time, as I have only just had to repurchase! So yeah, if you love calming scents, then Karma is the one for you!

Then this little beauty caught my eye! I have always gone back to this, as you can probably tell that I love Karma! It is one of my favourite bath products that Lush do, along with the Blackberry Bath Ballistic and Candy Mountain! It turns your bath the most beautiful colour and you come out smelling so pretty! Plus, it has a hint of sparkle, and who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? I'd recommend using this just before bed or when you're feeling a bit stressed, as it always makes me feel so relaxed.

Lastly, I thought that I would try something new. I have wanted a cleanser for quite a while, but have put off purchasing one due to worrying about my skin reacting to it (damn you sensitive skin). However, Lush is renowned for being kind to your skin, so I thought that it would be a good place to start! Therefore, I picked up this cleanser, which is called Fresh Farmacy. It's supposed to be very gentle on the skin as it contains chamomile and lavender, so I am very excited to try this! I'm going to be honest, it doesn't have the best scent, but I don't mind at all, as long as it is good for my skin then I'm happy!

So there it is, my first Lush haul! I absolutely love Lush, and I hope you enjoyed reading this post! What are your favourite Lush products? I'd love to know in the comments!

Much love,

Grace x

My A-Z Travel Bucket List

Hey guys, 

So today's post is another summery post, and it's all about my travel bucket list. I have seen a couple of these among other bloggers and thought it a cool idea to try out!

To set it off I've added in a couple of pictures from last year's travel, which was to Malta! It was such a beautiful country, and I'd honestly recommend visiting if you haven't! It's also good for those who love the heat, although it does cool down a little in September to mid/high 20s for those who are not keen on the heat!

A - Amsterdam - I have always wanted to visit Amsterdam, the culture and history that the city holds is always one that has fascinated me, and I'd love to visit Anne Frank's house!

B - Bali - To be fair, I could have featured a lot of places that began with B to put here, for example Brussels, Berlin, Boston, but Bali is somewhere that I would love to travel to, as I have seen a lot of photos from my friends visiting and it looks beautiful.

C - California - I'm actually lucky enough to be visiting this amazing state this summer, and it's fair to say that I am incredibly excited. I cannot wait to see the world famous sites and take a stroll down the Walk of Fame! Plus, I will definitely be blogging about my adventures, and may even vlog...

D - Dublin - Even though the flights are really quite cheap from my local airport, I have never been to Ireland's capital! However, I will hopefully be visiting soon, as I have heard great things!

E - Edinburgh - I have already visited Edinburgh, as it is quite close to me (perks of living in the north), but I would go back in a heart beat, as it is such a lovely city! Plus, Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a great place to visit in summer!

F - Fiji - It's literally an island paradise, and I hope that I will be able to visit this beautiful place at some point.

G - Giza - I have always been in awe of the Ancient Egyptians, and what better place to learn about their amazing history than the place where it happened? 

H - Hawaii - Hawaii just looks so amazing! Looks like the perfect place to chill on the beach with your favourite cocktail in one hand and a good old book in the other!

I - Ibiza - Party capital of the world, so which young adult wouldn't want to go? I've heard it's pricey to go out here, but I guess I will just have to save up, as this is somewhere that I will definitely be going to with my friends! Next, I need to find a job to fund this, haha...

J - Jersey - I visited here a couple of years back, and before this, I had not heard much about what it was like, so was very excited to find out! Honestly, I loved it, the weather was perfect and it was just such a lovely place to visit and I will hopefully be returning very soon!

K - Kenya - Kenya is somewhere that I actually studied in geography GCSE (shout out to AQA), and it seemed like a pretty cool place to visit. Plus, you can go on safari, which is the coolest thing ever.

L - Lisbon - Portugal is always somewhere that I have wanted to visit, ever since my sister visited after finishing sixth form. Lisbon is supposed to be stunning, so I look hope to visit here in the future.

M - Mykonos - I really wanted to go island hopping around Greece last year but never got the chance to! However, after following people like Zoella on social media, it kinda makes me want to visit it, as the clear blue sea and stunning sunsets are breath-taking! Will definitely be visiting at some point.

N - New Zealand - Another place that I have wanted to visit from day one! It would be amazing to visit and see the amazing landscape and most importantly, the sheep. Definitely a great place to visit.

O - Oslo - I visited Oslo last Christmas and went to all the Christmas markets (was such a good trip!), and it was such a lovely city. I hope to go back to Oslo, and maybe travel round the rest of the country, as it is supposed to be a great place to see the northern lights. When I went to Oslo, you could see them faintly from the top floor of our hotel, but it would be amazing to see them properly! 

P - Prague - I keep asking Alex to come here with me (I'll wear him down eventually). Plus, it was somewhere that my Grandad always wanted to visit, so after hearing him speak of it so greatly, I always aspired to go.

Q - Quebec - Canada is somewhere that I would love to visit and travel around! Starting from the province of Quebec, to touring round the Rockies, I would love to see it all! However, I do know how big Canada is and that this would probably take multiple trips, but a girl can dream!

R - Rome - I visited here when I was younger, and I don't think I appreciated what a great city it is. Therefore, I would love to visit again, and visit all the historic sites, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

S - Santorini - The blue and white architecture that is all over the island is just so beautiful, as well as the stunning views! Plus, it's such a romantic place, so I will probably drag Alex here with me at some point!

T - Thailand - One of my best friends from university is visiting Thailand right now, and she keeps sending me pictures of how amazing it is, and I am so jealous! Therefore, I am definitely going to be visiting here at some point!

U - UK - I know that this sounds daft as I do love in the UK, but I really want to see more of what it has to offer! For example, I haven't been to places such as Bristol or Brighton, so will definitely be taking day trips to these places when I am back in Birmingham and more central.

V - Vienna - Austria's capital city is supposed to have amazing Christmas markets, so I would definitely love to visit here near that time! However, the flights from my local airports always depart near my birthday, which is unfortunately when my deadlines are due *sad face*, so I will have to wait until university is over to visit here.

W - Warsaw - As you can tell, I really want to visit a lot of European capitals! Poland is somewhere that I have wanted to visit due to its history, so will definitely be visiting here when I can.

X - Xianyang - Right, not going to lie, I had to look this one up because I could not think of a place beginning with X... However ,I would love to visit China and see all the sites, as I find the culture incredibly interesting! 

Y - York - Whether it be the City of York in the UK or New York, I love to visit both! I have only been to New York once, so would love to go back and see what else that amazing city has to offer! Plus, I live near the City of York, and it is one of my favourite places.

Z - Zante - There is a common theme of Greek islands, but, as you can tell, I really want to visit! Another party place that I would love to visit, as I have heard many a good thing!

So that's my A-Z of places that I would love to visit! I really hope you enjoyed it, and I apologise for the sheer length of this post, but I hope that you stuck around until the end! Plus, I am going to save up this next year so that I can travel Europe with my friends next summer, so I am really looking forward to that!

Where do you want to visit? I'd love to know in the comments! And if you would like to write a post like this, then definitely leave a link below and I'll go and check it out! 

Much love amigos, 

Grace x

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on my social media here: Twitter Instagram

Day out to Saltburn Beach

Hey guys, 

So yesterday I went to my local seaside town of Saltburn. I've been visiting it here since I was very young, and it is honestly one of my favourite places (although the weather can be incredibly rainy, but that's the north for you!) This was because me and my boyfriend decided that it would be fun to have a day out, so he obviously had to take on the role of photographer, although the pictures of the landscape are my own!

Seeing as though I haven't posted on my blog for a while, I thought that I would write about my day spent here, as I love writing these kind of posts, and it's a cute little intro to summer for my blog! 

Firstly, we went for fish and chips (classic, really!), and I was going to take a picture but ended up getting so hungry that I ate them before I could (oops, sorry guys). However, I did manage to take cute little photos up and down the pier for you!

I wore a Ralph Lauren v-neck top that I bought a couple of years back (otherwise I would link it for you), my Topshop black Joni jeans, which I basically live in, a bomber jacket which is also from Topshop and my trusty ol' Converse! My sunglasses are from Fat Face, but I got them last year so I don't think that they sell them anymore! I am literally the worst person for buying sunglasses because I do not suit glasses at all, so when I find a pair that actually fit my tiny head (I swear I'm not in proportion) then I hold onto them for as long as I can!

Plus, how cute are these little knitted objects!! I'm in love with them all! They are dotted all along the pier and it's really cool to go along and see everyone's cool designs!

Yorkshire tea and biscuits

Sheep with Berty Bassett's Liquorice Allsorts

We also stopped off at mini golf, and Alex normally beats me at anything sport-related, but I actually beat him on a couple of holes! Quite proud it's fair to say... (and yes I know it doesn't count as a sport, but I'm still quite proud!!)

We then stopped off at the arcade and played ice hockey (I won again, this never happens!) and won a couple of tickets to exchange for prizes. We obviously exchanged them for sweets, haha! After wandering up and down the pier and along the beach front, we decided to get an ice cream and head home! 

Also, we missed the train by a second, as it literally pulled out of the station as we stepped foot onto the platform, which is just our luck! Anyway, it was a lovely day and I will definitely be visiting again when the weather starts to get a bit better. (Hoping a praying for this! Come on mother nature, you know you want to...)

Where are you favourite places to visit in your area? Where are you going to visit in summer? I'd love to know in the comments! I hope you liked this post, and hope to see you all again soon.

Much love, 

Grace x

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on my social media: Instagram Twitter