Tuesday, 3 March 2015

#DearMe

Alright, so I haven't posted in a while, but hey. Hopefully, i'll be a bit more regular again...

The #DearMe campaign was launched recently and with several people posting what they would tell their younger selves, I thought I would hop on the bandwagon and maybe help a few people out in the process.

Ok, so last year, I had my first panic attack, and since then I have had several bouts of anxiety. And at the time I thought that it would be better if I didn't tell anyone because I was scared of what they might think of me...Things like 'She's just feeling sorry for herself' and 'it's a cry for attention'. I kept it in for so long that I had to leave university because I couldn't face going to lectures and being told that I was stupid.

But I thought that if I wanted to impart my wisdom on a younger me, the me from a year ago would be too close to the me of today (if that makes any sense, it did in my head). But then I began to think, it seems to be human nature to worry about what others think. But before I went to secondary school I never really cared. But then again, I loved my Prep school, and I loved the people in it (no...not like that). It seemed to be only when I became a teenager and was surrounded by people I didn't know and that wanted me to look, dress and act like them, that I first became so aware of other people's thoughts about me, and as a result my self confidence plummeted. I hadn't really thought anything about it until I came upon this little advert. But I do not think that all of these things happen totally because of Puberty (and obviously it doesn't just happen to girls), I think that the change from one school to another is always scary, and being plunged into a completely unknown environment with new people never really helps. But anyway here is the advert, have a look and maybe a think.


But I digress, The one thing I would tell the younger me is that You shouldn't care about what anyone thinks about you, the only person's opinion that matters is your own. If you have to change who you are to make other people happy then they aren't worth it. It sounds so unoriginal and cheesy but it is so true, I wish I had told my family about how I was feeling at the time instead of keeping it in, because they would have told me the truth, and maybe I wouldn't be petrified of new situations and other people's views. I hope this has helped, if it has why not share it about. what would you tell your younger self? I'd love to know.

Xxx

Saturday, 14 February 2015

Lush Haul

Hey Guys,

I went shopping yesterday and I spend a lot of time in Lush with their new Limited Edition stuff (and a bit of their older stuff) and I thought I would share with you what I bought.


Secret Garden Bath Bomb

Skys and Fluffy White Clouds Bubble Bar
Brightside Bubble Bar
Comforter Bubble Bar

Ultraviolet Bubble Bar

Rose Bubble Bar
Cream Candy Bath Bubble Bar

Mother Superior Bubble Bar


Tuesday, 10 February 2015

January Favorites

Hey Guys,

Now that I am posting again I thought that I would share with you a few of my favourite things from the month of January.


Beauty

Recently my skin decided to react to all the makeup I had...which whilst annoying meant I was able to update and improve my makeup collection and here are some of my favorites.

1. Cream Eye Shadows and Eye Shadow Crayons

I have never really used or owned any eyeshadows, crayons and creme eyeshadows are really good for fully covering your eye lid and require very little skill to apply. My favorites are the Laura Mercier Caviar eyeshadow sticks and the shades are simply to die for and last virtually all day.



2. Rimmel Wonder'full Mascara with Argan Oil

Ok the argan oil is definitely a bit of a gimmick. But I have really been surprised by this mascara. When choosing which mascara to buy, I will always choose mascaras that promise eyelash length over volume and this mascara delivers. It creates a non-clumpy natural look and it's great for an everyday look.



3. Tanya Burr Lip Gloss

I have been loving a lot of Youtuber's stuff recently and in my opinion the best are these lip glosses. I have a couple of them and I think that they will be my favorites for a long time. The wear time on these are impressive and they feel and even taste amazing. Yesterday I spent about 12 hours out of the house and only had to reapply my lip gloss two or three times...Pretty impressive, There are about 20 shades available and each of them have cute names like 'I Found Nemo' and 'Picnic in the Park', which are my favorites and are brilliant for an everyday use.




4. L'Oréal Lip Stain

When I go out for a meal or on a night out (Rare though these occasions are), I tend not to use lip glosses but I don't really like the feel of lip sticks. Lip stains are a sort of cross between both and provide lasting colour and when applied they feel like lip glosses.





Films, Books, Music and Games

1. McBusted Album

I was never really a fan of Busted or McFly but I watched an episode of the Graham Norton Show where McBusted performed 'Get Over It' and I really enjoyed it, so I though 'why not?' and bought the album, and I really like all of the songs.




2. All Things Halo

With the re-release of the Halo games for the Xbox One, I have fallen in love with all the Halo related things in my house. The Halo Legends film, Halo: Forward Unto Dawn, Halo: Nightfall and the Halo books by Eric Nylund are all amazing and beautifully done. And if you like the Halo games, you should check them out.


3. The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman

Ok... if a book about a library doesn't sound appealing then a book about a Library that occupies one dimension and sends agents into other realities to harvest fiction. It has Dragons, Vampires, Werewolves and the Fae. It follows the story of Irene, a junior librarian that is sent to an unstable reality to acquire a book that everybody is after. It's a relatively quick read and well worth a look.

4. Jupiter Ascending

As a little treat, I went to the IMAX cinema yesterday and I loved this film. I always thought it would be good because it was directed and written by The Wachowskis, plus it stars Sean Bean so is instantly awesome in my book. It is beautifully filmed and it is easy to see the work that the Wachowskis put into it. I admit it is not Eddie Redmayne's best performance but he did make a good villain. However, the plot is very difficult to explain so i'll just put the trailer in...that'll help.




Stuff


1. Hand Warmers

With all the cold weather we have been having, a little hand warmer is really useful. Over the years I have amassed a little collection and they are great for keeping your hands warm whilst waiting for the car to warm up.


2. Avocado on Toast with Boiled Eggs

Alright, this isn't really Stuff, but I thought having only one thing in a food section would look silly. I've been waking up ridiculously early every day to swim for an hour and when I get back, I like to eat this, I like to tell myself that it is nutritious and slightly more healthy than a bowl of Golden Nuggets.



So that's it...I hope you liked it, If you have anything that you liked this month why not tell me what they are.

Xxx

Monday, 2 February 2015

Random Room Stuff

Hey Guys, sorry I haven't posted anything in a while but I have had a really chaotic last few weeks. But hopefully I am back on track now.



So last week I went to my room at university and cleared out a load of things. And I thought you might like to look at the things that turned my room into a home away from home.



 1. Basket Lamp - Ummmm a Shop (Sorry I forgot the name)

I bought this lamp when I was in Yorkshire working in my Dad's regimental museum (Fun stuff I know). I think it's really sweet and it doesn't give the harsh light that most LED lamps do these days. it just emits a really nice orangey glow and makes any room feel cozy.



2. Notebooks - Waterstones

Anyone who knows me well enough will know that I love to write, it's one of the reasons I started a blog in the first place. So any room I occupy for longer than say...two days will be stocked up with various notebooks of all colours and sizes, This little selection was bought from Waterstones (I love anything and everything in there), they are adorable and feel so good to write on.



3. Island Photo - Gift - summer-isles.com

Over the past two summers, I have been working on an Tanera Mor, one of the Summer Isles up in North West Scotland. There is no mobile signal, no Internet, no television and no real reason to bring a laptop. It is my technological detox and I love it. Every day I walked from one side of the island to the other and worked in the little cafe/post office we have there and serve the various people that come in on boats. This photo was given to my as a birthday present and I keep it so I can look forward to this summer when i can go over and start it all again :)



4. Funko Pop! models - Amazon

OK OK! I admit it, these are weird but i love them. These ones (Groot, Rocket, Toothless and Garrus) are characters that I love and think are quite cute in Funko form...But I could be wrong...each to their own I suppose.



5. Tetris Desk Tidy - Amazon

Tetris, the one thing that kept me sane through boring classes, and also helped my urge to make objects fit together like a puzzle, This was a little purchase from Amazon in the shopping frenzy that ensues when you realise you're going to university so therefore your room has to be full of amazingly awesome stationary that everyone will be jealous of...Right? Or is that just my overly competitive attitude coming through?



6. Tetris Lamp - iwantoneofthose.com

Ok, now this...This is one of my favourite things in the whole world. A lamp that you can take apart and put it back together in a completely different configuration. AWESOME is the only word I can think of to describe this masterpiece...but then again I am very easily pleased.



7. Letter Writing Sets - Waterstones

Now this one comes with a slight apology for any of my friends. For months I have been trying to write letters and talk 'ye olde fashioned way' and I have failed miserably. But hey!...to anyone that was promised a letter look at how cute your letters would have looked if I hadn't spent so much time on Facebook. 



8. List Book - Waterstones

Lists...you just can't go wrong with them...making lists of all the important stuff that I have to do is by far the most productive form of procrastination I have come across. Oh is that my essay I have to write...let me make a list about it and then I'll write it later. Brilliant



9. Random Brass Horse Things - Gift

Horses and all things equine have always been a passion for me. I think my earliest memories were on horseback and watching horse related movies. So when I was given these little beauties as a birthday present about 10 years ago (oh god I am so old) I promised I would keep them safe...and I think that I have succeeded, I mean...none of them have been broken or lost so...SUCCESS!!!



10. Hydrochromic Umbrella - Gift

One of my coolest Christmas presents is this, the water droplets on the umbrella change colour when they get wet. When I saw what it was I ran into the bathroom and under the shower to test it out...not the weirdest thing I have done...but certainly up there. Whilst not very windproof, I would certainly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a quirky umbrella.





I really loved my room at Uni...but unfortunately it was not to last. Due to several unfortunate events i decided that it would be best to defer and restart the year in September, it was great fun while it lasted  though...but what I find odd is just how drastically a home becomes an empty shell... But hey...now i have two rooms worth of stuff at home...and therefore twice as much of that good old 'home sweet home' feeling :)

Xxx



Monday, 22 December 2014

The Christmas Tag

Hola :)
so as its Christmas is THREE DAYS!! AHHHH I thought I would do the Christmas tag as this is probably the only time of the year when I can do it without seeming like a total weirdo. So without further ado....

1. What is you favourite Christmas film?


  • Elf or Home Alone 2, I kind of grew up watching Home Alone every Christmas so i know it word for word, but Elf is just so light hearted and funny that it makes me smile just thinking about it...in fact I'm off to watch it now.

                  
                                                                              

2. Have you ever had a White Christmas?

  • YES!!! And it was amazing...we were up in Scotland (Pitlochry) having Christmas with my Aunt and we had sooo much snow....my Aunt lives beside Loch Tummel and her little bay was frozen solid...I could walk halfway out into the loch (despite my mother's best wishes), I think it was also the first time I went sledging.

3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?

  • At home mostly but we have a little tradition actually were we spend Christmas with our cousins, so we alternate between their house and ours. But when I was younger we used to alternate between a different relative's house each year, so we had Christmas with the same people...just in different places. 

4. What is your favourite Christmas song?
  • As a childhood rebellion song; I love 'Fairytale of New York' because the swearing used to make me giggle (Childish I know). But as an all time Christmas song...you can't get much better that 'White Christmas', we used to listen to this when my family decorated the trees...such memories :)



    5. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

    • How would I be able to do that...Santa wouldn't have dropped them off yet ;)

    6. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

    • Rudolf...Donna...Dasher...Prancer...Blitzen....no :(

    7. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?

    • Hmmmm...you know I don't know if i have any holiday traditions...I don't know if it is a tradition, but I have always loved Christmas morning when you're waiting for everyone to wake up so you can run downstairs and see the presents under the tree :)

    8. Is your Christmas tree real of fake?

    • Real! I just love the smell. Although when I was at school my parents gave me a small fibre optic tree that was fake...but looked really cool when you turned it on :)
                       
                              Tree number 1
                                             
                                                       Tree Number 2















    9. What is you all-time favourite Christmas food/sweet treat?

    • Mince Pies.....hmmmmm, nothing beats them...especially when they're homemade. But don't even think of doing the thing where people put orange zest into the pastry....just no!

    10. Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?

    • Giving...hands down...although if I am honest (which according to the question i have to be) it is the shopping I love...the feeling I get when I see the perfect present for a friend or family member is just amazing, whoever said retail therapy doesn't exist is a liar!

    11. What is the best Christmas gift you've ever received?

    • It's going to sound really cheesy but the one that sticks out in my mind is a small picture frame that I was given about 10 years ago. It wasn't fancy or anything but in it was our family photo, it makes me smile every time I see it and reminds me how lucky I am to have my family. (Cheddar anyone)

    12. What would be your dream place to visit for Christmas?

    • I know everyone is probably thinking New York...but not me. I have always wanted to spend Christmas in Berlin. My mother was born in Berlin and it was were my parents met, so I have always felt some sort of connection it. But it's also the fact that no one really does Christmas like people in Germany. My parents have always told me that the Christmas markets in Berlin are something to behold and one day I hope to :)


    13. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?

    • It depends really...if I am really proud of my shopping achievements and know the person is going to really love it then I am a pro...but if, like normal, I am in a rush...wrapping presents I just bought on Christmas Eve...then no...I'm terrible

    14. Most memorable Christmas moment?

    • I really have no idea...Every Christmas is special in it's own way...either that or I have an awful memory

    15. What made you realise the truth about Santa?

    • What truth....I don't know what you're talking about ;) alright, nobody told me the truth...I just kinda figured it out...oh and one Christmas my parents told me the trick of letters up the chimney...basically they stick to the wall of the chimney and after the fire has died you just reach up and see what your children want for Christmas...ta dah!!! Magic ruined :)

    16. Do you make New years resolutions? Do you stick to them?

    • I once gave up giving up....I'm doing pretty well at sticking to that one.

    17. What makes the holidays special for you?

    • Family...duh...it is very rare in my family that we are all together, somehow we all managed to live and work in completely different places as far away from each other as it is possible to be without leaving the country. But there is an unspoken rule that everyone has to be home for Christmas, even if that means arriving at 3am on Christmas day. That is what makes it so special for me. 
    I hope you enjoyed reading this little look into my habits at this time of year. If you liked it then why not leave your responses in the comments below, share this post around a bit and don't forget to have a Merry Christmas :)

    Millie Xxx


    Wednesday, 17 December 2014

    November Favorites

    Hey guys,

    So i'm sorry I didn't post earlier this week, I've already broken my Monday posting habit :(

    but here is a list of some of my favorite things from the month of November

    Health and Beauty

    1. Essie 'Mint apple candy' nail varnish
    • I am obsessed with all things nails and I am really enjoying the sorts of pale pastels that a lot of brands are doing at the moment. Mint green and baby blue are my favorite shades in general and the Essie's Mint apple candy is just such a nice colour and I often find that I wear it a lot more in the colder months.



    2. Revlon Colorstay powder foundation
    • Foundation for me has always been a struggle. I can never really find the right shade and the liquid foundations always make my face feel kind of dry afterwards. so I tend to gravitate towards powders and easy to apply foundations. The Revlon powder foundation is just soooo nice and it goes on easily and makes your skin feel so soft, it stays on for most of the day and the actual container is really good, it comes with a mirror and a little pad thingy to put it on. although i tend to use a brush instead.
















    3. Lush Avobath bath bomb
    • Ahhhh nothing like a little bit of pamper time. I am a relative new comer to the bath bomb scene and I am loving this bath bomb from Lush. it smells sooo good and when you pop it into the bath it makes your bath look and feel amazing. 
    4. Mask Of Magnaminty Self-Preserving face and body mask from Lush
    • Like I just said, there's nothing like a pamper session. I love having a bath and putting of a face mask and sitting back with a good book. This face mask smells like mint and feels so good, and as you put it on it cools and moisturises your skin. AMAZING!
    Almost Empty :(

    5. Along came Betty - Pores for thought face scrub

    • I get quite self conscious about my face...i mean people look at it whenever they talk to you. so making sure that my skin feels nice and looks good is quite important for me. This face scrub is amazing as nowadays most scruby exfoliants have massive granules that take of the top layer of skin with them and leave skin dry and sore. but not this one. I can barely feel the granules and it leaves skin looking and feeling amazing, it claims to 'polish [skin] to perfection...gently' and i totally agree, it is the best thing that has happened to my pores in a long time.



    6. Calvin Klein Reveal perfume

    • Now I haven't actually bought this (too expensive) but whenever I am in boots I simply have to 'test' it. I have to admit if you smell the bottle it isn't very nice, but when you spray this perfume....hmmmm so good. When I have put it on a little goes a long way and two or three sprays will last the whole day. which is good because i don't particularly want to be going back and forth from boots all day now do I?

    Food

    1.Ginger bread men
    • Now, I have to admit, I am not the biggest fan of ginger in general. But nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit like gingerbread men. I have recently baked a whole lot of Ginger bread for my family and I just love tucking into one with a good hot chocolate
    2. Mint hot chocolate
    • Loving the links in the post :) There has been a bit of mintiness in this blog and I think it is fair to say that I am well and truly addicted to all things mint. For me the epitome of mint is in the humble mint hot choc....hmmm delish
    3.Costa coffee bbq pulled pork wrap
    • I have been shopping a lot recently and the one thing that often keeps me going on the cold dark christmas shopping trips is a little break in Costa Coffee. I love virtually all the treats and stuff that they do in there but the new wraps are simply divine. please try one soon...unless you're a vegetarian then in which case don't :)
    Hmmmm...Delish



    Things :)

    1. Fitbit flex
    • I have been doing a lot more exercise recently and having a little recording device is soooooo good. The fitbit flex is a little bracelet thing that records steps, calories burnt, active minutes, distance travelled and even hours slept (and what sort of sleep i.e restless). it even has a silent alarm and will vibrate whenever you reach your daily goal (10,000 steps etc). It's an amazing device that connects to your laptop or smartphone and keeps you in touch with how active (or not) you are. 


    2. The throne of glass book series - Sarah J. Maas
    • Now that I am on holiday I have been reading a lot more than usual, The throne of glass series follows the story of Celena Sardothien, an assassin and former slave. who is entered into a competition to be the champion of the very king she has sworn to kill. Assassins and all things sneaky are my ultimate read/ game but I had found it really difficult to actually find a book that matched my very fussy criteria but this one does. it's an easy read if a bit long. But I also have the answer for that. There is a small set of 'prequels' to this series available that are much shorter but nevertheless very gripping.

    Games and Film

    1. Game of thrones episodic game series - Telltale
    • I love telltale games in general as the whole decision making aspect of games is amazing and I love how you can take a character and really make them your own. The Game of Thrones episodic series of games follows House Forester and starts just before the Red Wedding (AHHHHH), there are twists and cliff hangers that can only be expected from Telltale by now. But I still love it am and counting the days until episode two is released
    2. The Lord of the rings trilogy and the Hobbit movies
    • In the run up to the release of the third and final installment into the Hobbit trilogy I have returned to Middle earth all things Peter Jackson in a marathon that would make most athletes weep. it almost killed me to do it but in my anticipation of the Battle of the Five armies I just couldn't stop myself
    So that is it from me for this week. Thanks for reading through my list. share it around and tell me what you have been enjoying this month. if you have any good books that you think I would like to read tell me and i'll be sure to check it out. :)







    Monday, 8 December 2014

    Getting to know me

    Hey Guys,

    So I thought that as my first (sort of) blog post, i would do a tag, and what better one that the 15 random question tag. Here goes!


          1.  What's a nickname only your family calls you?
      • 'Bill the kid' - I know it's weird. My name is Millie but when i was younger I went through a stage of wanting to be called Billie (I know), and at the time I was technically a kid (slang term....not a baby goat....yeah) so the two kind of went together and stuck....my parents still call me that and sometimes my brothers will call me Bills or something similar.
         2.  What's a weird habit of yours?
      • Jumping in puddles....if I see one I just have to jump in it much to the disapproval of my friends who tend to get soaked...sorry guys :)
         3.  Do you have any weird phobias?
      • I'm scared of any kind of security gates. coming out of shops terrifies me, even if I know I don't have anything that will set it off, even if I have just bought a load of stuff and i know they won't go off, i'm still terrified they will. Airport security is the worst though. I go really weird and make sarcastic remarks that will get me into trouble one day. One thing I always do is when people ask me if I've packed my bags myself is say 'I might have done, I might not have done...we will never know'. I'm awful
         4.  What's a song you secretly love to blast and belt out when you're alone
      • Gary Barlow - Since I Saw You Last.....Epic song 
         5.  What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
      • I don't think I have pet peeves... I'll get back to you on that one.
         6.  What's one of your nervous habits?
      • When i'm nervous I fiddle...most often I play with the cuffs on my jumpers or hoodies...so now quite a few of my clothes have holes in the sleeves...not good
         7.  What side of the bed do you sleep on?
      • The left hand side....left is the best 
         8.  What was your first stuffed animal and its name?
      • It was a stuffed husky/wolf thing and it's called Musher...I still have him today actually
         9.  What's the drink you ALWAYS order at Starbucks?
      • I'm a sucker for the iced lemonades...they're amazing :)
        10.  What's the beauty rule you preach...but actually never practice?
      • Healthy eating...i'm awful. Since i started university I've been responsible for feeding myself and i'd love to say I eat salads and stuff like that...but no...It's much easier to microwave a meal and eat fast food.
        11.  Which way do you face in the shower? 
      • I face the shower head when i'm washing my body and away from it when i'm washing my hair...you know...standard stuff really
        12.  Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?
      • I can turn my tongue over and fold it in half. It is my gift to the human race :)
        13.  What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food that's 'bad' but you love to eat anyway?
      • Garlic bread...it is just so awesome
        14.  What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?
      • ALLONS-Y!!! (Reference much)
        15.  Time to sleep - what are you ACTUALLY wearing?
      • I hate to say it, but i'm a sucker for baggy pajama trousers and an old t-shirt...the baggier the better
    I felt like this post needed a picture. So here's one I prepared earlier
    Photo : Emma Huntley

    End of the Road to Machu Picchu: An Update

    First of all, I am sorry I have not written this post sooner, but I have been starring at my screen for weeks trying to figure out what I n...