Twenty Three.

*Dress was kindly gifted to me from Femme Luxe Finery*

It's my birthday! Today I turned 23 years old, how did this happen!? It doesn't seem right that I'm 23 already, getting married and about to buy a house. It's gone crazy quick and it actually scares me how quick the next 23 years will go. Here are 23 things I've learnt in 23 years.

1. Don't worry about what other people think

2. Make time for yourself 

3. My parents were right about everything

4. Mental health is important

5. Live in the moment 

6. Trust your gut instinct

7. It's ok to say no

8. Put yourself first

9. Don't compare yourself to other people

10. Accept who you are

11. Friends and family are everything

12. Take each day as it comes

13. Set goals

14. Everything happens for a reason

15. You can't please everyone 

16. Don't take life too seriously

17. Stop worrying about money

18. Skincare is important

19. Travel while you can

20. Music is my escape

21. Everyone has their own timeline

22. Do what's best for you

23. Don't give up

Here's to twenty three!

A Birthday Makeup Look

My birthday is in a few days and as my 23rd birthday will be a little different compared to other birthdays over the years, I decided that I'd still like to get dressed up and do my makeup how I usually would do on my birthday.

The very first thing I do is fill in my eyebrows, I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade in the shade 'Taupe'. Then to neaten up my brows, I outline them with the NARS Creamy Concealer in the shade 'Vanilla'. I find that this the perfect shade for me, it's not too light or too warm - so it's great for my pale days as well as when I have tan on.

Moving onto my eyes, I smother my lashes in Revitalash Serum, it's honestly been a god send since taking a break from my lash extensions - the growth of my lashes in only 4 months is insane. Then, I prep my lids using the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer, it's been my fave for years and does its job, so will forever be my go to.

I've decided to use the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette as there's a decent range of smoky shades and shimmers. Using 'Foxy' as a base, 'Busted' and 'Snakebite' for depth in the crease and a mix of 'Half Baked' and 'YDK' on the lid. Using the shade 'Verve' as a highlight, I apply this in the inner corners of my eyes and underneath my brows.

For my face, using my all time favourite, the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in the shade 'Stromboli'. Then going back in with the NARS Creamy Concealer in the shade 'Vanilla', to brighten the eye area I apply this under my eyes and on any blemishes and then blend the concealer out with a beauty blender. To add some definition, I use the Benefit Hoola Bronzer to contour my nose, cheekbones, jawline and the top of my head. After blending out the bronzer, I set the rest of my face using the Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder in the shade 'Light to Medium' or 'Medium' depending on what shade of tan I've used. 

Then, I apply my lashes. Being a lash tech whilst in lockdown, I actually made these curly, volume strip lashes myself. I've already tested them and they actually turned out so much better than I thought they would, so I'm well chuffed. However, if I didn't make my own strip lashes I would've used the Ardell Double Wispies.  To blend the strips in with my natural lashes, I use my all time fave mascara that I always end up going back to, the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara and I also apply it to my bottom lashes too.

For my lips, I'm going with my go-to everyday fave. I line them with the MAC Lip Pencil in the colour 'Stripdown' and then go in with the MAC Matte Lipstick in the colour 'Honeylove'. It's honestly the best lip combo.

Lastly to set everything in place, I use the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray and just spritz it all over my face. This is another one of my all time favourites that I've been using for years, it just does what it's meant to.

I'm Feeling 22...

You don't know how long I've been wanting to turn 22 just to use Taylor Swifts song as a blog title. It's getting a bit old and boring now though, isn't it? I feel like it still had to be done though. 

I have written a blog post on/around my birthday every year and of course, I had to keep up the tradition! So, I've decided to share 22 things from my bucket list that I'd like to achieve in the future and some, in the very near future.

1. Visit Iceland and see the Northern Lights.

2. Experience the Blue Lagoon.

3. Go to Disneyworld.

4. Buy my first home.

5. Swim with turtles.

6. Learn Spanish.

7. Visit Italy.

8. See Britney Spears live.

9. Stick by a fitness routine.

10. Add a lock to a love bridge.

11. Meet Olly Murs. 

12. Visit New York - preferably around Christmas time.

13. Attend a boat party.

14. Sleep under the stars.

15. Go skydiving.

16. Start a family.

17. Hold a starfish.

18. Visit Australia.

19. Go on the London Eye.

20. Travel around America.

21. Have a girls holiday.

22. Give back to my parents with either a weekend away or a holiday abroad.

What's on your bucket list? Do you have any the same?

Twenty One

I turned 21 today. What the hell.

Mine and my best friends birthdays are only a day apart so we always celebrate together every year. So yes, I partied hard last night and I'm now paying for it. Actually I don't even feel sorry for myself, I turned 21, I was meant to get smashed.

It doesn't even feel right saying that I'm now 21. I remember turning 18 and it being a big deal. I loved whisking my ID out of my purse and feeling all grown up and sassy. LOL. But, is it at the age of 21 they class you as a proper, mature adult? Scary stuff. I still live at home with my parents, little sister and our family cat. Thinking about what the future holds truly scares me as you never know what's around the corner.

 Growing up, if I didn't like something, I'd run from it. Especially starting new jobs. If I didn't enjoy it, I would just quit. I've always been that way and I hate that that's the way I am. But, I believe that if you don't enjoy something and it doesn't make you happy then why are you wasting your time? You only live once so enjoy your life whilst you have the chance.

When I was 17, I found out that I had anxiety and depression and I was in a really dark place in my life. I didn't like going to the doctors or to counselling sessions at college because I hated speaking out about how I felt and it made me feel worse. Looking at my life now compared to back then, I am so proud of myself. I am finally in a career that I love more than anything and worked and studied super hard for, I went to the doctors and got help for my anxiety and depression and of course, I still have bad days but I know where I'm at. I like to reflect back on certain parts of my life and see where I am now. It just gives you a boost, doesn't it.

Thanks for listening to me ramble - I’ve had the most amazing day and I’ve been incredibly spoilt. I’m now off to consume more alcohol! 

Twenty and New Adventures!

I don't think I've ever done a little update post, I've always thought that it would bore the hell out of you all. But, I actually enjoy reading these type of blog posts so I thought I'd do one myself and it might even interest you. I turned twenty on Saturday which is absolutely crazy to say because time has FLOWN!

So, today I got a offered a new job! I'm feeling ecstatic and I can't wait to start. For the past year I have been working full time at Boux Avenue, it's honestly the best place to work in retail. All my colleagues are lovely and it's such great pay with amazing benefits! I'm sad to be leaving but I hate working in retail with a passion, the girls at work are the only thing keeping me going. You may or may not know that I am a fully qualified hairdresser, so I have decided to go back into a hair salon. Yayyyyy. I'm so excited but nervous for the new start.

You may have seen through social media that I have someone very new in my life, well not very new, we've known eachother since we were young. I love him and his family with all of my heart, they mean everything to me and I'm so excited for many memories ahead.

So, I am super excited to start my new little adventures! Cheers to new beginnings!

What I Got for my 19th Birthday!

I feel like I haven't written a blog post in forever. But actually, it's only been just under a week since I last posted. And during them six days, I've really missed blogging. My birthday was on the 17th and I was planning to get this post up a couple of days after. After a week of avoiding my mums very bad flu, I decided to wake up with the very bad flu on the morning of my birthday! (sarcastic smile right here). So I haven't been feeling up for taking photos or writing, but I'm back and feeling a lot better. I wrote a 'what I got for my birthday' post last year and I really enjoyed it. Also, it's great to look back on the lovely gifts I got and I find that these posts help me with gift ideas for my friends and family.

I actually asked for this Gellux nail lamp for my birthday as I needed a new one. Little did I know that my parents were also going to buy me six polishes to go with it. I'm so excited to try these colours out! My auntie bought me my favourite alcoholic drink, who doesn't like Malibu? It tastes amazing with pineapple juice by the way, I recommend you try it. Staying on the topic of alcohol... my best friend got me these little drinks. Me and my best friend had a shared birthday night out on the Saturday, so when we were having pre drinks at hers, I was going to take these round to do shots. Me being me, forgot! So, I'm going to have to save these for another time.

My best friend also got me two sets of these Soap & Glory goodies. She also got me Wispa (which I was insanely pleased about and surprised that I haven't eaten them yet), and the Ted Baker body spray which is my all time favourite body spray. Of course I got a birthday badge from my parents, you're never too old to wear a badge. Although, I didn't wear it for work, I wore it as soon as I got in my car for the drive home.

I also asked my parents for this perfume as it's one of my favourites and I had ran out. If you know me well, you will know that I love Pretty Little Liars. Josh bought me the box set, you can imagine my face when I opened this as it was a complete surprise. Josh also paid for our holiday this year as my birthday present too. Along with the Malibu from my auntie, she bought me three Katie Price books. Honestly, her books are so good to read. I'm always hooked on every single one.

My other auntie and my uncle got me some perfume and shimmery body mist from Next along with money. I got a personalised chocolate slab from my mum and sister and I will tell you the funny story to go with it (we find it funny anyway). On my birthday, I opened a few cards and presents in the morning before my parents went to work and my sister went to school. I didn't start work till half 2 in the afternoon so I was at home all day by myself on my birthday. When my mum left to go to work and take my sister to school, she said "bye billy" as in 'billy no mates'. Surely you must have heard of that saying. My reply was "Billy birthday girl" and that is how she addressed me all day. Again, I don't know how this is still in the box.

I was a bit confused to why there was a random piece of card with my mums writing all over it. When I opened it, she had written her own little poem (which by the way, is so good and it rhymes) to basically say that I'm seeing Peter Andre next month. I am so excited to see him and I can't wait! From the rest of my family and friends, I got money. As always, I'm super grateful for everything!

What I got for my 18th birthday!

Hello lovelies!

My birthday was on the 17th June. I never thought that this day would come, turning 18!

When I was younger, me and my best friend couldn't wait to grow up and be able to do what we wanted to. We always used to moan saying that we had to wait ages. To tell the truth, it's gone pretty quick and it's actually quite scary being 18.

Anyway, I'm now going to let you have a nose at what I got for my birthday.

I got this gorgeous Ted Baker bag from my parents. It isn't too big and it's not too small, so it's the perfect size! The inside of the bag is very spacious as there is no storage at all in the bag. Although, it did come with a clutch bag which was attached to the metal hook things. So I could use that for storage as well as taking it out on a night out.

I got some beautiful jewellery for my 18th! My sister bought me a Pandora ring, it's my first ever item that I own from Pandora (yay!) I also got a Guess ring from a close friend of the family. The diamond in the middle of the heart sparkles so much under light. I also got two very expensive necklaces too. From my parents, I got the Links of London necklace which matches my bracelet that I got for my 16th. From my aunties, I got the Tiffany & Co necklace which matches my earrings that I also got for my 16th birthday.

I got some lovely things for 'me time' and I just cannot wait to try each one of these out!

My boyfriend's grandparents bought me the cute cupcake bath bombs. They're all so pretty and they have their own cute names, I can't wait to try these out! My sister also got me some things from Lush. I have so so much to try out and they all smell so good. Keep updated for Lush posts!!

Ok. So it looks like two people had the same idea about the '18' frames but I love how different both of them are. I was easily amused by these as I loved reading all the words that relate to me. I also got a signature frame which most people signed without me knowing. I realised that only half of my family have signed it, not including my friends and other family. The frame is just not big enough, but I keep reading the little messages over and over again. I love it!

So, every year I think I get a birthday mug with my age on and I don't even drink hot drinks. But, they're nice to keep. Also, I am in love with the champagne glass and the sequins on the number 18. I haven't yet had a drink out of it but it won't be long.

I mentioned to my mum that I liked a couple of pairs of shoes from New Look and wanted her opinion on which ones to buy for my birthday night out. So, I took her into New Look and we went with these ones. They look gorgeous on by the way! As I was about to pay, mum managed to hand over the money before I even opened my purse. (There's always someone like that.) So, I told her that they were for my birthday.

I got a few random bits and bobs from my parents too. The 18 glasses, bobbly headband, banner and shot glass. Also, I got a number of badges. I must admit, I couldn't hardly see a thing out of those glasses.

A few more things I got for my birthday but didn't snap:

- Spa Day for two.

- '18' Tatty Teddy: I already have '13' and '16' one's, so why not add to my birthday collection?

- Boux Avenue underwear.

- A gift set of Beyonce perfume.

- Keyrings: I also get the birthday age key rings every year too.

- Photoshoot: I have a Boudoir photoshoot on Wednesday which my nanny paid for me to have done. Looking forward to it but a bit nervous.

- A Holiday: My boyfriend spoilt me to a weeks holiday to Centerparcs and we are going very soon. The 29th June! (ah!)

- £40 Tattoo Voucher.

- £20 shopping mall voucher.

- £245 in money: and I don't know what to spend it on yet.

Just to let you know, you may or may not know.. I am a twin. I have a twin brother, but he sadly passed away at birth. Every single day I wish he was here - especially on our birthday. But as well as celebrating mine we celebrate his too.

I do admit, I was quite spoilt for my birthday and I'm a very lucky girl. I appreciate everything that everyone has got me and I will never ever forget my 18th birthday!