MAKEUP/BEAUTY STORAGE ON A BUDGET

Hello everyone! So buying makeup, skincare and beauty products in general can be fun, until you are overloaded with products and are stuck on what, where or how to store them. A lot of storage units can be super expensive but there are also some more affordable alternative ways to store your products, from organisers to drawers and diy storage. With that in mind i thought i would share an updated beauty storage on a budget post...

- makeup/wash bags

If you are only just starting out growing a selection of products, travel a lot or you just like to keep your products down to the bare essentials then a makeup/wash bag is going to be the type of storage for you. You can pick these up from pretty much anywhere and i have bought my fair share over the years, that being said i always gravitate back to something that is transparent or transparent with a design. The reason for that is because they are not only easy to see what product you are looking for, rather than rooting through messing everything up but also because they are easier to keep clean and you can simply just give them a wipe out, from time to time.

-makeup/wash bags under £20

1. skinnydip dazzle washbag (travel must-have) £18 | click to shop |

2. skinnydip sugarpop washbag (don't forget shop sales) £11.20 | click to shop |

3. skinnydip peachy makeup bag (something smaller) £14 | click to shop |

4. primark nude makeup bag (all under £5) £3 | click to shop |

5. primark neon lime washbag (love the neon trend) £4 | click to shop |

6. amazon clear toiletry bag (perfect for travel) from £3.74 | click to shop |

7. amazon clear makeup bag with design (skinnydip dupes) £6.99 | click to shop |

8. monki colour block makeup case (shop asos sale) £9 |click to shop |

- acrylic storage, organisers + diy storage

So if you collection is slightly or significantly larger and requires more than a makeup bag (as mine does), then you can opt for so many different ways to store/organise your makeup. In the past picking up a good set of acrylic drawers or storage box would definitely break the bank, but now you can actually get your hands on some for a lot less. If you already have a drawer/drawers and are just looking for something to divide or categorise your products, then drawer organisers are going to work for you and you can pick them up for a small amount of money or even diy your own at home for even less. 

9. osco acrylic chest with 5 drawers and flip lid (amazon) £19.99 | click to shop |

10. osco acrylic chest with 3 drawers and flip lid (amazon) £10 | click to shop |

11. beautify large 5 drawer (i love this brand) £39.99 | click to shop |

12. zoeva classic brush holder (beautybay find) £10.50 | click to shop |

13. ikea divider for pull-out drawer (different sizes) £10 | click to shop |

14. makeup box organiser with display (eBay find) £13.99 | click to shop |

15. beautify acrylic drawers (smaller version) £19.99 | click to shop |

16. toothbrush holders for brushes/lip liners or pencils (h&m) £6 | click to shop |

Catch up on my previous post: here

xo.

THE BAKES OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Hello everyone! In previous years by now i would already got at least two or three Christmas themed baking posts ready to go, oh how times have changed. Since changing the way i eat/lifestyle at the start of the year (which i have touched on in previous posts), i have obviously cut down the amount of unhealthier options by a lot. That being said i do plan on squeezing an all new baking post before the big day later on in the month, until then i am trying to hold off. Keeping in mind that not every one likes to resist the urge to indulge at this time of year, i thought i would share with you a round up of some of my personal favourite festive bakes...

carrot and gingerbread cupcakes | click to bake |

First up is a twist on a cake that Nigella Lawson did last year, but rather than one large cake i made the recipe into cupcake form. Personally for me carrot cake is hands down one of my favourite, along side gingerbread so combine the two together and you are in for a treat. Cupcakes are such an easy thing to make, as you basically have a classic base then all you can do to switch things up is add in any flavouring and decorate how you choose.

mincemeat, pecan and cinnamon crumble bars | click to bake |

Just looking back and remembering how yummy these crumble bars were, just makes me want to either lick the screen or cave and make them right now. I am such a mince pie fan when it comes to Christmas desserts and this is the perfect twist on a classic, which is just a little more modern with the added flavours and textures from the pecans and cinnamon. 

chocolate holly cupcakes | click to bake |

Next up is definitely one for any chocolate lovers out there and even more so if you love both cupcake and anything chocolatey. Yet again this is another cupcake recipe that you can use and decorate as you choose to do, but i personally love how with the added holly shaped icing on top makes the cupcakes look more like Christmas puddings. Another great decoration topping idea is to add some different coloured M&M's placed around and on-top of some black pen icing, for the appearance of fairy lights.

Want another Christmas themed read? Catch up on my previous post for more:

winter scents: the christmas candle edit

xo.

WINTER SCENTS: THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE EDIT

Hello everyone and Happy December! First of all, how is it December already? The months since summer, have just some how flown by! That being said here we are just a couple of days into the final month of the year, as well as on the countdown to Christmas. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you some of my favourite Christmas candles this winter season, that might help you get into the Christmas spirit...

1. bath & body works spiced gingerbread swirl | click to buy |

First up we have such a classic scent when it comes to Christmas, which is of course Gingerbread. I feel like Gingerbread is a love or loath scent but i personally love that balance of both sweet and spice combined. If you are from the UK and you think you can't get your hands on Bath & Body Works candles, think again as you can simply pick them up on eBay new and the pricing is around the same as a Yankee Candle would. I also absolutely love the designs on their Christmas products this year and they would make for the perfect gift, for a friend, loved one or simply yourself.

2. yankee candle all is bright | click to buy |

Next up is a favourite of mine from then new-in Christmas candles last year by Yankee Candle. For me when it comes to candles in winter you really want a scent that is fresh yet gives off that cosy and warm feel to the room, which that does just that. All Is Bright has that perfect mixture of fresh citrus-y notes and warm musk.

3. yankee candle winter wonder | click to buy |

Bringing things back to new-in for this Christmas by Yankee Candle (which fyi i think they have some really great scents this time around), especially with this beautiful Winter Wonder candle. Winter Wonder is similar in a way to All Is Bright has it has a balance of fruity citrus notes with the lemon/champagne and then also the warmth of vanilla musk and then you also get the subtle hint of fresh silver balsam.

4. yankee candle winter glow | click to buy |

Over the past few years this scent has been another Christmas/Winter favourite of mine, as you could say again that this is similar to All Is Bright but this candle has more of a cooling freshness to it rather than the warmth of vanilla notes. This candle all round is very fresh, cooling with that subtle hint of warmth from the amber undertones.

5. neom christmas wish candle | click to buy |

Neom candles are definitely more on the luxury side of things when it comes to candles but if you are looking to pick up more of a "luxury" style candle, then i highly recommend Neom. Neom candles always have that perfect spa-like feel to them that instantly fills a room, whether lit or not. This years Christmas Wish candle is packed full of essential oils all fruity, fresh and warming. 

6. m&s frankincense and myrrh candles | click to buy |

When it comes to high-street finds for me personally it is a toss up between H&M and M&S, that being said i am slightly disappointed with H&M's Christmas candles this year. That being said M&S are stocking a range of different shape/sized candles in their classic Frankincense and Myrrh scent, which i love as it is fresh, warming, very traditional and the packaging is always great to re-use for something else afterwards.

7. yankee candle christmas magic | click to buy |

Next up we have another new-in this season to Yankee Candle and probably not something i would usually opt for visually, as the packaging is red and i am more of a neutral/gold toned fan. That being said Christmas Magic smells like real Christmas Tree as it is infused with fir balsam, pine needle sap and cedarwood birch.

8. yankee candle frosty gingerbread | click to buy |

Ok this is the last Yankee Candle scent for this post, i promise. That being said Frosty Gingerbread is yet another new-in scent from the brand this year and is literally a sweet/baking scented candle lovers dream in a jar. Frosty Gingerbread obviously has that gingerbread scent to it but it also has more of a sweetness to it with the vanilla added in, to allow your room to smell like a fresh batch of homemade Christmas desserts.

9. bath & body works twisted peppermint | click to buy |

Finally we have a candle that really minds me of Candy Cane Lane by Yankee Candle, as it has that beautiful minty/sweet scent that smells just like candy canes do. Just like the Spiced Gingerbread Swirl candle, this would make the perfect gift as the packaging is simply beautiful and can also be picked up on eBay. Bath and Body Works also stock different products with the same scents, from body lotions to hand gels and shower gels, which is great if you wanted to pick up a scent for someone who isn't necessarily a candle lover. 

Catch up on my previous post: here 

xo.

THINGS TO DO TO FEEL AUTUMNAL

Hello everyone! For today's post i am back with another autumnal inspired post, more specifically to help anyone who is yet to get into that autumnal spirit. I am such a summer kind of girl, but i am also a sucker for this time of year and anything/everything autumn inspired from the scents to food/drinks and decor. With that in mind here is thirty things to do to help you feel autumnal this October...

1. light/buy your favourite autumn scented candles

Catch up on my the best budget autumn candles post: here

2. dig out your favourite cosy jumpers/knitwear or treat yourself to something new

3. switch out your summer nude lipstick for a warm brown nude

4. go for a walk in the park or a forest through crisp autumn leaves

5. switch your instagram theme from summer to autumn/winter photographs

6. do some halloween/autumnal diy

7. give yourself a manicure, painting your nails in a deep red/plum shade

8. pick up a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks

Not everyone loves PSL but you never know until you try it, i personally love them

9. make pumpkin/butternut squash soup

10. create a seasonal display on your fireplace

11. invest in a pair of thick cosy soaks, primark have some amazing pairs

12. diy or buy an autumnal flower/leaves wreath

13. donate some food/tins to your local church for harvest festival

14. switch out your regular tea for chai tea

15. make roasted veggies as a side dish for your dinner

16. shop around for a new winter coat or jacket

17. buy some halloween themed sweeties or food for guests/yourself

18. buy a pumpkin/pumpkins

19. carve one of the pumpkins you bought

20. watch some of your favourite autumnal/halloween movies

21. look out for the sunrise at this time of year, they are simply beautiful

22. go to an Oktoberfest event

23. visit an around the world market local to you

24. take a weekend away somewhere

25. bake some halloween treats or pumpkin bread

26. take a trip to a country estate or village in the countryside

27. add cinnamon to your regular porridge oats to make it seasonal

28. dig out a berry/vamp-y lip colour from time to time

29. go out for a Sunday roast to your favourite village pub

30. celebrate halloween

Catch up on my previous post: here

xo.

HOW-TO | FIFTEEN WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR EACH SEASON

Hello everyone and Happy Monday! So i recently shared a "how-to" post, on how to update your wardrobe for summer on a budget (which you can catch here) and keeping that in mind i wanted to share a different "how-to" post but this time focusing it on home improvement/decor. There are so many different yet easy and affordable ways that you can switch up your home, according to the season and i want to share with you some of my personal favourite tips on how to do just that...

1. switch out your cushion covers

Simply switching out your cushion covers either on your bed, chair or sofa is a simple way to make a huge change to a room. Buying cushion covers is easier than a whole new cushion, as just the covers don't take up much room at all in storage. (h&m home have some great options).

2. seasonal scents

Changing your home for a new season is much more than changing the way a room looks, it is about how a room smells too. Switch out your candles, diffuses and plug-ins, replacing them with your favourite season appropriate fragrances.

3. change your bedding/bed accessories 

A simple way of switching your bedroom up for a different season, is by changing your bedding to a pattern/style perfect for the current season. If you have a plain (un-patterned) bedding, you can also simply switch up your beds accessories, such as cushions and bed throw/runner.

4. fairy lights

Fairy lights are an instant cosy room fixer for pretty much any season, but you can display them in different ways according to the time of year.

5. ditch food packaging for personalised jars

Don't you just hate the way opened packets and boxes look in your cupboards? Ditch the packaging and place food items in a clear jar, which you can personalise either just with the title of the product or with a seasonal design.

6. seasonal flowers/plants

Another quick yet effective seasonal room changer is to add some season appropriate flowers or plants to a room, whether that be as a dining room centrepiece or kitchen island feature. 

7. change your decorative items to match the current season

Different seasons call for different decorative items, like a beach theme for summer, harvest for autumn and winter wonderland for winter. This can also apply to number 2, with switching up the seasonal scents.

8. room switch around

If buying new pieces isn't in your budget yet you want to make a change to your home/selected rooms, simply have a room switch around. This could be as simple as moving a rug, a piece of furniture or even move your decorative items to a different room. 

9. change your photos/quotes in your frames

If you have prints/photos/quotes placed around your home, an easy way to change the way your room looks is to switch up the image inside of the frame. If you have quotes, change them to a season appropriate quote.

   

10. add different coloured metals/schemes

By adding different coloured metals like gold, silver or copper and a season appropriate colour scheme that compliments either one of the metals.

11. DIY paint/re-cover furniture pieces

Bored of the same furniture but you don't want to rid yourself of it? Simply give it a DIY makeover, either by simply painting/spraying a piece of furniture or re-covering a chair, cushion or even your headboard.

12. Switch out original door/drawer handles for decorative ones

Another simple furniture DIY you can do to upgrade an item is to switch out the original door/drawer handles to a more decorative ones. This is super simple to do and in the end you are left with a very different looking piece of furniture yet you haven't broke the bank.

13. mix textures for a cosy vibe

Mixing different materials/pieces with different textures is going to instantly make a room look/feel more inviting and cosy. A great example for this is mixing faux fur/shaggy cushions, with a suede or velvet finish cushion.

14. switch up the colour or your towels

Just like the cushions, if you have a neutral bathroom for example by simply switching up the colour of your towels/bath mat according to a season. This is simple yet effective, especially if you don't have the time to re-decorate.

15. make temporary changes to your walls

If you want a huge room change but don't want to make a full commitment to adding a more bold wallpaper to a room, simply by using temporary wallpaper or wall tile stickers. This way if you get tired of it within a few months, you haven't got to go through the effort of completely stripping/re-decorating.

Catch up on a suggested post HERE...

xo.

MID-2018 MOST READ POSTS

Hello everyone! Now that we are officially in June and half way through the year, i thought i would carry on the tradition that i have done for the past couple of years on my blog and shared with you a summery of the most read/viewed posts from the year so far. This a great way to catch up on any posts that you might have missed first time around and that you might find useful...

mua luxe light lustre liquid highlighter review (friday 5th january)

First up we pretty much kicked off the new year with the first of many first impression/product review posts and one of my personal favourites. Over the past year or so i have become obsessed with liquid/cream highlighters, as well as how much the drugstore brands have been killing the affordable makeup product releases.

early spring clothing + accessories lust list (wednesday 21st february)

A huge favourite always seems to be clothing lust list/must-buy posts and especially this early spring wishlist post, that i shared back in February. I have been sharing my must-buy clothing, accessories and homeware pieces at the beginning of the month and the next instalment is coming up soon, until then catch up on the May edition here.

quick, easy + healthy pinterest breakfast ideas (monday 26th march)

This year i have been loving doing a wide variety of posts rather than just the majority being about beauty related topics, food being one of those things. I get a lot of my inspiration for healthy recipes from Pinterest, so i have been loving sharing a recap of some of my personal tried and tested favourites. Talking of food, i really want to get back into sharing some "what i ate" in a day type of posts again soon.

march favourites: beauty + lifestyle (friday 30th march)

Another style of post that i share every single month at the end of every month, is of course a selection of my favourite beauty/lifestyle items from that particular month. Sometimes i will share the two types of favourites separately or sometimes i will combine the two, just like i did in a popular favourites post this past March.

books i want to read in 2018 part two (wednesday 25th april)

I have done a handful of these posts through out the years on my blog now and they also seem to be a hit, probably with the fellow romance book readers. A great place to find new book inspo/reads is by downloading the goodreads app, which is completely free and you can add your books into different categories from read, to currently reading and also want to read. 

how-to: update your wardrobe for summer on a budget (wednesday 25th may)

Finally a popular post from just last week and one of many "how-to"/tips and tricks post, that i have posted about on my blog. I am personally all about saving money on anything, whether that be clothing, makeup or even food. As i am like that i always like to share any tricks that i have picked up, knowing it would help others.

 Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

COSY SPRING HOMEWARE FINDS

Hello everyone! Spring is just around the corner now and the shops/websites are starting to be stocked with all the new season items, it is always nice to slowly update/transform your home from winter to spring. That being said currently in the UK it is still extremely cold and you still want that cosy feeling to your home, so for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of my favourite cosy-spring homeware finds...

1. eBay home decor blush fluffy fur cushion cover

The easiest thing to do whenever you want to switch your home/room up for a new season, is to replace your cushion covers and this blush number from eBay (who would of thought?) is perfect for doing just that. Blush/pink is such a perfect warm and cosy spring colour, so with that mixed with the shaggy faux fur finish it is the perfect cosy spring staple to have arranged on your sofa or chair. RRP £5.88

2. yankee candle sun drenched apricot rose candle

The second easiest thing which once lit will instantly make any room feel and smell cosy, yep you guessed it a candle or two. I am loving the scents of the new "enjoy the simple things" spring collection from Yankee Candle, especially this particular scent which is floral for spring yet it has those super warm notes to it and of course it is this same blush colour that screams spring to me. RRP £23.99

3. sainsbury's home gold vase

Of course when you thing of spring, you tend to naturally think flowers and what is the perfect accompaniment to flowers? a vase of course! There are so many available at the moment, but i am absolutely obsessed with this gold one from the Sainsbury's homeware section. I love gold during any season but for some reason the mixture of warm floral colours and gold metals, just work so well together. RRP £14

4. sainsbury's home faux peony vase

Sticking with the floral/vase theme and again another item that i am loving from Sainsbury's (they have some amazing homeware pieces for a supermarket), if fresh flowers aren't your thing then this type of faux flower vase is perfect to keep your room looking vibrant permanently. Peony's are definitely my favourite! RRP £8

5. oliver bonas floral doodle tumbler

Another brand that i am loving at the moment is Oliver Bonas, especially the cups, mugs and glasses. A simple cosy touch to your home is a spring inspired item of drinkware (which is great if you want to inject some spring into your home on a budget). During the cold weather we do tend to drink more hot drinks, which is why i am also obsessed with this hello gorgeous mug. Although this tumbler would work great as a tealight holder, instead of a cup to drink from. RRP £6 + £10

6. h&m home powder pink textured box

If you have read any of my homeware posts before then you will already know i love H&M for homeware and there is constantly always something i love in that section. For this spring collection so far there are a ton of different items from vases, to trinkets and plant pots in this textured porcelain finish in either a yellow or blush pink colour. Adding something such as this or a vase to your vanity or side table is another easy way to add a touch of cosy spring to your home. RRP £8.99

7. primark home led standing dome light

Finally this complete bargain, which you would never think is from Primark to me this looks more like an Oliver Bonas number and a great alternative to having a traditional lamp or set of fairy lights. When it gets dark in the evenings simply switching a lamp or some fairy lights on is a great way to make the room feel instantly cosy, just as it would if you lit a candle. RRP £6

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

OFFICE/DESK FINDS: STATIONERY/DECOR

Hello everyone! A couple of weeks a go i shared a post talking about dressing table essentials that won't break the bank, i also mentioned the fact that my dressing table also doubles up as my desk/work space. So with that in mind for today's post i thought i would do a part two to the essentials post, this time sharing some great office desk/stationery finds from organising to decorative items.

1. typo gold acrylic stapler was £20 now £12

2. john lewis rose gold magazine file £15

3. sass & belle stargazer unicorn trinket dish £7.19

4. paperchase rose gold paperclips £2.50

5. typo rose gold eiffel scissors (also available in gold) £8

6. paperchase rose gold hb pencils (set of 5) £3

7. asos x ohh deer big dreams notebook £4.95

8. paperchase rose gold binder clips (pack of 24) £2.50

9. etsy fresh and modern color mouse pad £9.86

10. john lewis gold stripe mug £5

11. john lewis rose gold pen pot £8.50 

12. etsy ooh la la print french quote £5

13. etsy eiffel tower print £4.50

14.next large coral ranunculus jar £10

♥

BLOGMAS DAY NINE: CHRISTMAS HOME DECOR

Hey guys, i hope you are all having an amazing day and welcome to day nine of blogmas! A huge part of getting yourself in the Christmas spirit is "decking the halls" so to speak aka decorating your home for the holiday's. There is so many different ways to decorate your home more than just putting up the Christmas tree, you could add a festive touch to your sofa/chair by adding a festive cushion or adding candles and different festive scents...

Jingle Heart - £2.99 Homebase

Christmas Craft Cushion - £9 Very

Pot Pourri - £4 Asda

Silver Glittered Willow Star - £2.99 Dunelm Mill

Gold Christmas Tree Candle - £5 John Lewis

Stag Tea Light Holder - £9.99 Dunelm Mill

Gingerbread Jar Holder - £14.99 Yankee Candle

Joyeux Noel Luxury Fragrance Diffuser - £15 Next

2 Mercury Glass Tea Light Holders - £6 M&S

Scented Flower Decorations with Clips - £6 M&S

Red Christmas Past Berry Votive Candle - £10 John Lewis

♥ 

ROOM TOUR: NEW BEDDING

For a while now i have been wanting to change up my bedroom and the way it looks and i am finally really happy with the way it looks and has turned out. So here is what i did with my room and where i got everything from..

1. I am really into floral prints and that hasn't changed from when i last updated my room but this time i have opted for a really pretty purple floral duvet bedding. - £35 double duvet and two pillowcases and £15 for a double fitted sheet and two pillowcases for the underneath. - Both from Next.
2. Dark purple silk effect cushions really coordinate with the darker purples in the bedding, i bought two of these one for each outer sides of the bed. - £5.99 Each from Dunelm Mill.
3/4. For two statement cushions to feature in the center of the bed i opted for this creamy white faux fur effect cushion - £7.99 from Dunelm Mill and then a darker cream quote pillow which says "always kiss me goodnight" which i thought was so cute. - £9 from Next (last season).
5/6. For accessories i went for this white and purple ornament which says "relax, revive, rejuvenate" - £3.59 from Dunelm Mill and then seeing as i am a complete Yankee Candle junkie to tie in with the purple theme i have a medium jar in "beach flowers" which smells amazing - £16.99 from House of Fraser.
7. I have been wanting a really cute white makeup brush holder for a while now and haven't been able to find one that i really like and i finally did. It's a vase which had a tea light holder inside but i just took that out and replaced it with my brushes - £10 Rocha John Rocha at Debemhams.

Katie ♥