What's On My Face #4

Since I haven't done one of these posts in over a year, I thought it was time to do an updated What's On My Face. Now, don't get excited people. After Christmas and New Year, I've toned the make up down a bit to give my skin a break. 

Primer // L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer

This product has been a god send to liven up my tired skin. I think in January everything is grey, including my skin. To combat that, I just pop a little bit of this primer on before my foundation to give my skin a glow. It even works when you have a hangover!

Foundation // L'Oreal True Match (Rose Ivory)

The paleness of this foundation just makes me laugh but I am so glad to find a foundation that doesn't appear orange on my face. Honestly, even the lightest shades of lots of other brands look orange on me. So the L'Oreal foundation is great for the winter months when my summer tan is a distant memory. And I just love the formula of this, it's so light on the skin.

Concealer // Maybelline The Eraser Eye (Light)

Even though nothing will overtake my beloved Collection Lasting Perfection concealer, this Maybelline concealer is a very close second. 

Powder // Bourjois Healthy Balance (Vanilla)

I've mentioned this powder in a previous What's On My Face post so I'll keep it short. Love this powder, has amazing coverage and doesn't make my look like a satsuma!

Bronzer // The Body Shop Honey Bronzer (02)

I really need to buy a new one of these, this one is so battered because it comes everywhere with me. I use this bronzer everytime I wear make up and all my other bronzers have just fallen by the wayside. I love that this bronzer comes in really lights shade suitable for pale people like me!

Blusher // No 7 Natural Blush (Soft Damson)

I don't regularly wear blusher, but when I fancy it this is what I've been reaching for recently. 

Mascara // Maybelline Lash Sensational 

I cannot rave about this mascara enough. When I first started using it, I was obsessed with the Benefit They're Real and I think Lash Sensational just blows that out the water. I know, bold comment. This mascara manages to makes my stumpy lashes look long and fluttery. I just love it.

Eyebrows // Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil (Brownie Points)

I would have sworn up and down that this product was called Brow Archery, but then I look at the packaging to write this post and no, it's Archery Brow Tint and Pencil. I can't be the only one? But I digress, I love the pencil part of this product but I just don't get the hype around the brow tint end. Everytime I use it, it just looks like I've drawn my eyebrows on with a felt tip. And I don't even use a lot of the product! But the colour of the pencil is perfect for my eyebrows without being comically dark.

Eyeshadow // Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I finally have a Naked palette. Actually, I've had it a little while but this is it's debut on this blog. I spent ages choosing between the Naked 1 and 2 and I'm so glad I decided on the Naked 2. The shades in this palette are very complimentary and I would say I use this palette 6 out of the 7 days a week.

What make up are you putting on your face currently?

- Millie xx

Goals for 2016

A very belated New Years Resolution post!

1. Focus on my health and fitness

Last year, I spent quite a bit of time in the gym and I really enjoyed it. But as I started working longer hours, I stopped going to the gym. This year, I'd really love to get back into the swing of things. Especially as I'm now living in a much more central location and I can now walk to my local gym.

2. Put more effort into blogging

I know I've said this a lot, but hopefully this year is the year of the blog.

3. Make my flat more homely
I am obsessed with all things homeware at the moment and I love buying little things here and there for the flat. Throughout this year, I want to make my little flat a home I can be proud of.

4. Become a swimming teacher
Bit of a different one. Swimming has always been a massive part of my life and I've always wanted to develop that and become a swimming teacher. Now courses are a lot more accessible to me and it's become a reality of something that I can do this year.

5. Get a job I love

Because I've relocated, I'm currently unemployed and in the midst of a massive job search. I've never known what I want to do, so it's a pretty wide search at the moment. By the end of this year I would love to be truly happy in my workplace, whatever that turns out to be.

What are your goals for this year?

- Millie xx

Life Update

I've moved! I'm out of my mum's house in Cornwall and moved all the way... to Devon. Ok, so I'm just one county over but I've moved into my own little flat with my boyfriend and I love it. It's a bit bare at the moment (our sofa's still on order) and it's definitely not how I want it yet but I still love it. And it gives me the opportunity to do homeware posts! So that's why there was a bit of a gap, we only got internet yesterday as I'm typing this!

It was all a bit fast paced, we moved a few days after Christmas. And as most of my gifts were homeware related I unwrapped everything only to pack it all again the day after. But we're settled in now and finding our feet in our new city. I'm planning to keep you updated as the flat improves, but that may take a little while! 

- Millie xx

Night Skincare Routine

My skin during winter is so dry and very irritated. So my skincare routine consists of trying to get all the moisture into my skin whilst also trying to calm it down. As I don't really do a lot in the morning, a quick cleanse a some moisturiser (which I reviewed here), I try to give my skin a little more attention in the evening.

Starting with The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil to remove the majority of my makeup. I bought this after I read that Amelia Liana love its and I can do nothing but agree with her. This product feels so luxurious to use, leaves my skin feeling so soft and doesn't irritate my eyes. I then use some type of micellar water to remove the last of my eye makeup as the cleansing oil doesn't quite get all of it and to remove any remaining residue. At the moment I am using the Soap & Glory Total Drama Clean. Not as good as the Garnier Micellar Water in my opinion but it gets the job done. Moving on to toner, I've used Lush's Eau Roma Water for a long time and am now on my second bottle which is an achievement as this stuff lasts forever! This toner is so gentle and calming on the skin whilst also being very hydrating. Another plus is that it smells like lavender which is lovely just before you're about to go to bed. To moisturise I use the Garnier Moisture + Nourish which is designed specifically for dry to very dry skin. I used to use this as a day moisturiser but it's so thick and takes forever to soak into the skin that I had to switch to using it in the evening. However, because it's so thick it does work wonders when my skin is having an especially dry moment.

What's your current skincare routine?

- Millie xx

REVIEW // Neal's Yard Remedies Nourishing Orange Flower Daily Moisture

Phew, long title. Recently I went to a Neal's Yard party in aid of my mum's friends charity, The Ideas Partnership who support people in poverty in Kosovo (more information here). It was a lovely evening and we were all treated to mini facials and shown the benefits of the Neal's Yard range. Nothing instantly took my fancy but I wanted to buy something as a percentage of the money goes towards The Ideas Partnership. I finally decide on the Nourishing Orange Flower Daily Moisture as it's tailored towards dry skin and my beloved GinZing moisturiser was approaching it's final days. 

Anyway, I am so glad I bought this as it's probably the best moisturiser I've used and my skin is clearly thanking me for it. Yes, I even prefer it to GinZing. Even though Neal's Yard is on the pricey end of skincare, for me anyway, I didn't mind as you get a fairly big bottle, just look at that beautiful glass bottle, and a little bit goes a long way. Also the fact that some of the cost went to a charity was more than enough reason for me to spend a bit extra. The only downside that I've found with this product is that it does have a bot of a weird smell as Neal's Yard don't synthetically alter the scent of any of their products and you do get used to it after a while. So if you're interested in any Neal's Yard products I would recommend giving them a whiff first. But I am very happy that I will be taking this moisturiser into the new year with me.

Have you tried any other Neal's Yard products? What are your skincare saviours right now?

- Millie xx

Currently Reading // After The Crash by Michel Bussi

As I am a massive bookworm I thought I would start a little series to give you a little insight into what I'm reading at the moment.

The blurb

On the night of 22 December, a plane crashed on the Franco-Swiss border.

All the passengers are killed instantly, apart from one miraculous survivor - a three-month-old baby girl. But who is she? Two families step forward to claim her, but is she Lyse Rose or Emilie?

Two decades later, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, the detective who investigated the case makes a discovery that could change everything...

So far, I'm really enjoying this book. The story is set in France, 1980 and follows an 18 year old mystery of the identity of a plane crash survivor. The narrative jumps around a lot to different main characters to journal entries which makes it quite hard to get into to start. But the story pulls you in as each chapter reveals something new about the original mystery to events in the present day making it an interesting, if slightly confusing, read.

What are you currently reading? Any recommendations?

- Millie xx

Old Faithfuls

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Of course this product was going to end up in this post. I use this concealer every day that I put make up on. I actually have about 5 tubes of it at the moment because my local Boots doesn't stock Collection so I bulk buy whenever I can.

Carmex

I will always have some form of this product in every bag. I have so many of these little guys because I lose one, buy a new one and then find the lost one. So they just keep piling up. But it shows you how much I cannot live without Carmex.

Simple Cleansing Wipes

I know these are basically a sin in the beauty world but I'm happy to admit they are my guilty secret. Whether I'm just using them to wipe make up off my hands, correcting mistakes or using them to remove make up when I just really can't be arsed with a full skincare routine I will forever have these wipes in my stash.

Aussie Curl Define + Shine

This is the only product that continuously works with my hair. And I have tried a lot of different brands. Curl Define + Shine never makes my hair go crispy or sticky which I find a lot of other brands do. The only downside is that is so hard to find in Cornwall, me and my mum are constantly on the look out for it!

Garnier Micellar Water

I love this micellar water and it's the best one I've tried. And if that's not a good enough excuse as to why it's in this post then I don't know what is.

What products will you always repurchase?

- Millie xx

20 Facts About Me

So, let's skip the usual routine of me apologising for being so absent. Life kind of got in the way. Aaaand, let's leave it at that. On with the post!

I realised that I've not shared a lot about myself on this blog minus the exception of my first post. So here are 20 Facts About Me for all you lovely people.

1. I am 19 years old
2. My birthday is 7th March so that makes me a Pisces
3. I am a super messy person but am also very organised
4. I am a total book worm
5. I'm allergic to blueberry muffins but not blueberries or muffins on their own. Strange right?
6. I am a slave to reality TV. Don't judge
7. I'm a very independent person and hate asking for help
8. When I'm on my own, I sleep with fairy lights. Such a sad excuse for a 19 year old
9. Right now, I'm lactose intolerant. Basically I was really ill last year and the enzymes that digest lactose got killed but I should be fine soon
10. I like to watch TV with subtitles
11. I've worn glasses since I was 9. Should really wear them full time but sometimes vanity gets in the way...
12. I'm claustrophobic and will avoid going in lifts even if it means endless flights of stairs
13. I drink so much water
14. I have double jointed thumbs
15. My dream since I was young is to write and publish my own book
16. I used to swim for my home county
17. Swimming is one of the only things that properly chills me out
18. I'm 5'4 and have size 4 feet
19. I used to straighten my hair everyday and hated my natural curly hair 
20. I'm a massive procrastinator

Well, I hope you all know me a little bit better now. Leave some facts about yourself so I can get to know you better!

- Millie xx

9 Things To Do Whilst I'm 19

Well, this is it. My last year as a teenager - and yes nineteen is still a teenager. And I've decided that before I get into my 20s, I wanted to create a sort of bucket list for myself. So, in no particular order, here are nine things I want to do whilst I'm 19!

1. Go on my first holiday on my own. 
And by on my own, I mean without parents/ school etc.

2. See a musical in London
It's been a long time since I last went to see a musical in London - Sound of Music btw - and me and my sister are always saying we're going to save and go up to London and go to the theatre. Has it happened yet? No. Hopefully this year it actually will.

3. Be genuinely content with myself
Ever since I was a young teenager, I have never been truly happy with my body. Since I've started going to the gym this year - see the post here - I've gradually started to feel happy with myself. I would just really like to get to a place where I think 'Yeah, this is good. I'm happy with this.'

4. Get a tattoo? 
I want one soooo badly and I have for ages. But, I have no idea what to get? I obviously don't want to rush into anything but if I do finally decide before I hit my 20s, it would be excellent.

5. Successfully continuing blogging
Ok, ok. Don't laugh. I would love to make it to 20 knowing that I have put all I can into this blog and see it continue to grow.

6. Travel
Whether it's abroad or just in the UK, I want to see more of the world.

7. Save, save, save
I am so bad at saving money. Even if I have a word with myself on payday about not throwing money away on those shoes I need to have the following month, my bank balance is always at a much smaller number than I'd like it to be by the end of the month.

8. Take more photos
I've said it before, I am crap at taking photos. I just completely forget at the time and then a year later I hate that I haven't got a single photo of a particular event. So until I'm 20, hopefully my camera will be glued to my hand.

9. Experiment more with clothes
My sense of style has always been pretty safe and I would love to explore different styles more.

What's on your bucket list?

- Millie xx

Jumping on the GinZing Bandwagon

Oh. My. God. Why didn’t I succumb to the Origins counter before?

On a very stressful solo shopping trip after my birthday, I decided to treat myself with my first luxury skincare item. OK, so I may not be luxury, but for me anything over £10 is a luxury – poor apprentice over here. I can honestly say I have not regretted the decision to fork over £23 for this little jar of goodness at all. The lady who served me at the Origins counter was so lovely as well, she took me through all their moisturisers suited to my skin type and let me test them all out. I love how she wasn’t pushy and she didn’t try to tell me what was best for my skin – the choice was completely left to me after she had explained all the benefits of each.

Being a citrus lover, I obviously went for the GinZing moisturiser. I freaking love the smell of this stuff – in the best way possible, it smells like the orange fruit winder I used to have in my lunchbox in primary school! But you know that Origins only uses the best ingredients and its completely natural, which makes that amazing smell all the better. As soon as I put in on in the morning I feel so refreshed and awake. Not to mention that this has done my skin wonders. I’ve always suffered with tight, dry skin and this moisturiser just makes it feel amazing – I only use this in the morning as I have a heavier moisturise for overnight. And this has lasted so well! I’ve had it since the start of March, I use it every day and, as you can sort of see from the photos, I still have so much of it left.

I could ramble on about this product until the cows come home, but I’ll just leave it at this. I would very happily fork out another £23 on the little orange pot of miracles!

What’s  your skin saviour?

- Millie xx

Getting My Gym On

Sports Bra - Marks and Spencers (similar) : Shorts - Primark ; Water bottle - Primark

Hi. My name’s Millie and I am a converted gym goer.

If you asked me before Christmas if I would find myself in a gym, getting my sweat on in front of other people 4 – 5 times a week I would have laughed in your face. But now, I am 100% that girl.

I didn’t start going to the gym to lose weight, to be honest I never weigh myself anyway. For me, it was always more of a confidence thing. I wanted to feel happy, confident and sexy, not be a certain number on a set of scales or clothing tags. If anyone asked me what my goal was I’d say ‘to feel good in myself and be a little less wobbly’!

I know you don’t need the gym to get fit as there are so many amazing work out plans and DVDs that you can do in the comfort of your own home or in your local park. But for me I wanted to keep my exercising and my home separate. If I really cannot be bothered to get out of the house I will put on a fitness DVD, but 9 times out of 10 I’ll drag my butt to the gym.

I started going to the gym in late January and it’s been a slow but steady journey. I never wanted to change my diet as I eat pretty healithly anyway so I compensate for that in the gym and just know that if I want a pudding (or two!) I’ll just do another circuit or an extra ten minutes on the treadmill. For me, it’s all about balance and moderation. Now it's now nearly June and I'm still persevering with the gym and I feel so much better about myself for doing it. if you're umming and ahhing about starting to get yourself fitter, do it! You definitely won't regret it!

I'm planning on doing more fitness related posts, what do you think?

- Millie xx

Long time, no see...

Death to the stock photo

No doubt you're all thinking "I'm sorry, who are you again?" Well, to refresh your memories, I'm the awful blogger full of apologies.

But lets let bygones be bygones shall we? I'll start with the formalities. 

Hi, my name's Millie. I'm 19 and started this blog about a year ago - has it really been that long? After umming and ahhing for literally months, I've decided to throw myself back into it. Hopefully. And let's start fresh. I promise I'll be a better blogger this time around - no, those aren't my fingers crossed behind my back...

Anyway, I just thought I'd reintroduce myself before I launch into blogger mode again. I've got ideas and posts lined up for you all and let's hope for the best this time round. Second time lucky - right?

- Millie xx

October Favourites

A belated favourites post. I don't have enough favourites to warrant a monthly post but I'll do my best to do it as frequently as possible.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This is such a good book that I spent the majority of October racing through. I'm going to put a full review up soon but in short, I didn't want to put this book down throughout the whole of the month.

Soap & Glory's Dr Spot

As you can see, this little tube has been fairly abused recently - I only bought it a few weeks ago - as a result of the chaos on my face right now. But this stuff works wonders. You just need the smallest amount on that angry, red spot for a few nights and it completely disappears. It is very drying though so I like to put it on after my night moisturiser to protect the skin surrounding the spot a bit. I've got a slightly more in detail review here.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Vintage Plum

I don't need to bang on again about how much I love these little pot of goodness - they've been consistently feautured throughout this blog, I hope you've got the general gist. I bloody love them. Enough said. And, this is my perfect shade for Autumn as I'm loving a purpley smokey eye right now.

Beauty by Lauren Conrad

Whilst redecorating my room I stumbled across this old favourite and flicking through it I realised that this is the book that taught me most my make up tricks and tips. I bought this when I first started properly getting into makeup - maybe two years ago - and I would never put it down. It doesn't matter what skin type/hair type/various shades and colours you are, this has something for everyone and I've thoroughly enjoyed going back through it and picking up old tricks. 

ASOS Sleek Large Face Watch 

I only bought this recently and it's already out of stock - sorry! - but I've found alternatives here, here and here. This style of watch goes with everything and it's my only accessory of choice at the moment. It such a classic style that I think I will continue wearing as long as it still works/isn't falling apart. 

What are your favourite things at the moment?

- Millie x

Winter Clothing Wishlist

As the colder months are definitely upon us, I've been loving the Autumn/Winter wishlists that are popping up more and more frequently at the moment. So I wanted to share my own Winter Clothing Wishlist with you.

My winter coat is getting very tired looking as I've had it for a few years now.. I'm not really the type of person that just buys coats on a whim as I tend to think "I won't need that for months!" until it gets to Autumn and I realise that my coat is a little more ragged than I initially thought. These two coats instantly caught my eye, mostly because of how warm they look. The one of the right is the Faux Fur Lined Short Parka Jacket from Topshop. I love how the faux fur runs all the way through the coata and the navy blue colour would be so versatile. The coat on the left is the Chestnut Brown Faux Fur Trim Hooded Duffle Coat from New Look. I think I have a slight obsession with faux fur this winter., The colour of this coat is gorgeous and is so different from anything I have - it just reminds me of Autumn. I also love the Burgundy version.

I would love a pair of big, chunky, platform boots this winter. I'm pretty late to the party with this one as I originally hated them and thought they were ugly but they have massively grown on me recently. Both pairs I found whilst scrolling through Asos. I love the gold detailing on the left pair - River Island's Para Concealed Platform Boots - and I think the would really dress up an outfit with the suede across the front of the boot. The right pair - Asos' Empire Chelsea Ankle Boots - I would definitely wear day to day because of the Chelsea Boot style and I think they would look better once they'd been worn in a bit.

Asos Check Cord T-Shirt Dress  Asos Oversized Square Scarf in Check  New Look Red Check Wrap Skort  Asos Tartan Check Culotte Shorts

Anything tartan. Honestly, I would be quite happy to live in a mix of tartan throughout the winter. There's just something about it that screams cold weather, wrapping up warm and Christmas - maybe it's the Scottish connection?!. And I just love the way a tartan skirt or dress looks with some woolly tights and a nice pair of boots.

That's everything I'll hopefully be wearing throughout winter, what's on your winter wishlist?

- Millie xx

Skincare Haul

I do not know what's been going on with my skin recently - it's been breakout central. So I thought I would give my skin a much needed treat in the shape of some new skincare goodies. Also, as I purchased these a little while ago now I'll give you little bonus reviews as well!

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks // Mud Pac Dead Sea - Manuka Honey Peel Off - Passion Peel Off

I remember when my mum used to treat me and my friends with these at sleepovers! I saw these when I was in Boots and wanted to try them again. I've only used the Passion Peel Off one so far and there wasn't a noticeable difference but it did make my skin feel so soft! Even if they aren't brillinat, I wouldn't mind, I bought them more for the novelty and they're only a pound!

Soap & Glory // The Ultimelt

This is my first hot cloth cleanser and I'll tell you what - I've been turned. This feels like such a luxury product despite the fact it's only £10. This has a gorgeous lavender smell when you use it so I love to use it before bed as it's very relaxing. However you do need a fair amount to do you're whole face and I only like to use it after I've taken off my eye makeup so I don;t use to much product.

Soap & Glory // Dr Spot

Yes..There was a deal on, pesky Boots. But this purchase was to address the breakout central situation I have going on at the moment so this little tube has been thoroughly tested. And it's been brilliant for those angry, hurty, red spots. The instructions advise you to use it overnight and then reapply in the morning but I've only been using it overnight and it's worked wonders. I'll warn you though, it usually gets a bit worse before it gets better but stick with it because the results are so good!

What skincare do you love using? 

- Millie xx

What's On My Face #3

Excuse the crappy lighting and the late post. I lost my memory card, sorry!

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts so I thought I'd update you on what I've been putting on my face on a daily basis recently.

Foundation // Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude (Ivory)

I bought this hoping it would be a good replacement for my Rimmel Lasting Perfection foundation and I've really enjoyed using it lately. I do think that this shade is slightly too dark for me, but I make it work by using not as much as I usually would.

Concealer // Rimmel Wake Me Up (Ivory)

I'm finally giving my trusty old Collection Lasting Perfection a break and am currently using this one. I've recently begun to have major dark circles under my eyes and this does the trick of covering them up. I do have to reapply a little bit throughout out the day as it's not as long lasting as the Collection concealer.

Powder // Bourjois Healthy Balance (Vanilla)

I love this powder for when I want a little bit more coverage.

Bronzer // Rimmel Natural Bronzer (Sun Bronze)

Now that my summer 'tan' is fading fast, I've started to bronze up a bit more in hope of clinging to it! This is one of my favourite bronzers in my collection because it's not to dark or muddy on my pale skin and blends out really nicely.

Blusher // Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush (Pink Rose)

This blusher is a lovely dusky pink and perfect for an understated, Autumn look.

Mascara //  Rimmel Wonder'Full (Black)

This mascara is my new firm favourite. It's got a big ol' bristly brush that just grabs every single lash. And the packaging is so pretty - how could I resist?!

Eyeshadow // Makeup Revolution London Palette (Run Boy Run)

All I've been reaching for recently to do my eyeshadow is this palette. It's excellent for creating any look or you can just go for one colour and it still looks amazing. I've reviewed it here.

Eyeliner // L'Oreal Super Liner Black Lacquer (Black)

I fell out of love with this eyeliner for a long time but I've recently started using it again and I love it. It's so easy to create a perfect flick or just a simple line close to the lashes. 

Eyebrows // L'Oreal Super Liner Brow Artiste (Blonde) & Rimmel Brow This Way Gel (Clear)

In my recent Top Ten Post I mentioned that I didn't have a favourite eyebrow related product. However I think that the L'Oreal Super Liner Brow Artiste has definitely taken this spot. The colour is perfect for my eyebrows and isn't too dark and the waxy end sets my brows perfectly. When I don't use the wax, I use the Rimmel brow gel. 

That's everything I've been loving to use recently! What have you been using?

- Millie xx

BOOK REVIEW // Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn

Yes, I'm still trudging through my 'Summer Reading List'. I recently read this book within the total of 48 hours - it's that good. I'd say better than Gone Girl (review here). I didn't know where I was at any point in this book, there are so many plot twists and hints to what could/did/would happen that I was brilliantly confused.

The story is narrated by Camille Preaker, a journalist from Boston who, only a few weeks out of a psychiatric hospital, is forced to return to her hometown to cover the story of the murders of two young girls. After eight years away from home, Camille tries to reconnect with her estranged, hypochondriac mother and 13 year old half sister. Whilst trying to solve the murders of these two girls, Camille finds herself strangely connected to the victims and continues to discovers likenesses. Through unravelling these gruesome murders, Camille also starts to pick at her own past and sees how they are connected and realises that she will have to solve the story of her own past before she can solve the murders. With as many and more revelations in this novel as Gone Girl, Sharp Objects makes for an fascinating and disturbing read that will make you want to keep reading this to the end without putting it down. There is something deeply unhealthy about this book and it's far darker and more twisted than Gone Girl. Reading this book made me feel sick to my stomach but however much I tried, I could not put it down. However it's makes you think and really gets to the root of the characters psychological problems and the story really grips you.


I highly recommend this book but do think it is only suitable for older readers as it's very graphic.

What have you been reading recently?

- Millie xx

Where have I been?!

Well, I have been gone a while haven't I? I felt like I needed to explain myself a little bit before I properly get back into the swing of blogging again. It honestly started off with my thinking 'I'll just have a few days off' but then a few days has seemingly turned into a few weeks. It's just been one excuse after another to not start taking photos and writing posts again. I just completely dropped off the blogosphere, I haven't even been scrolling through Bloglovin' that much. But I'll fill you in on what I have been doing.

• I redecorated my bedroom and I'm still going. It's a mammoth task considering that I have the smallest bedroom ever.
• I've been working like a mule, a very tired and hurty mule. I honestly haven't stopped, but on the brightside I have a few haul posts in the pipeline, 
• I've been looking and applying for apprenticeships. I'll redirect you to my posts 'What on earth am I going to do with my life' and 'Life Update' if you want the full back story. It's hard and not fun to find apprenticeships in Cornwall - they're very limited to say the least.
• I've been spending time with my family, my boyfriend and myself. I just felt like I needed to relax a bit, so I did. But now I'm ready to put more effort into this little corner of the internet again, oh how I've missed it.

Thank you for reading this post and for being patient!

-Millie xx

Haircare Haul

One of the positives of working a lot is having more pennies to spend and I decided it was about time I gave my hair some lovin'. As I've recently gone for the chop - I shall direct you to my Twitter for this - I thought it was the perfect time to throw myself into a decent haircare routine to try to prevent the awful state my hair was in previously.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat 

I'll hold my hands up here - I never use a heat defence spray. Big no no, I know, but I've just never really taken it into consideration and it's not like I blow dry my hair everyday. But then my hairdresser informed me that because of the curliness of my hair, any heat will dry it out. John Frieda's cheap and cheerful anyway so even if it does end up collecting dust of my dresser at least I won't be much poorer because of it. 

Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray

This has been frequently described as a dupe for the Oribe Texturising Spray but the main reason I picked this up was because of the 3 for 2 deal on all haircare - I told you I was a sucker for those. And how could I resist a well known dupe?!

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque

One of the banes of my life is my thin hair, I am constantly trying to give my hair the oomph it longs for (hence the above purchase). I haven't heard much about this hair mask at all but I thought I would give it a go. And even if it's not brilliant at thickening my hair, it smells amazing.

What haircare products do you love?

- Millie xx

Under The Sea

Ok, maybe not literally the sea. But I can sill dream to be Ariel, can't I? Last Saturday I had a rare day off so me and the boyfriend went on a 'date' to Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay. I've wanted to go there since I've lived in Cornwall and I never had the chance so I finally persuaded someone to come with me! 

Blue Reef is a fairly small aquarium so it was a massive difference to The Sealife Centre in Brighton which is the only other aquarium I've been too. But Blue Reef has such a dedicated staff and you can tell that they really care about the animals there and are more than willing to answer questions. Also, throughout the aquarium, there were very informative posters about all the different species the aquarium had to offer.

The Giant Pacific Octopus was probably my favourite part of the aquarium. We were lucky enough to be in time for the daily feeding and the boyfriend was like a child he was so excited. The lady that fed the octopus was so helpful and gave an amazing talk about this particular octopus - she's 18 months old and likes to play. See, I do listen - and about octopus' in general. Considering that the holiday season is over, this brought in quite a crowd and just shows that the locals are supportive of this aquarium, which is a big deal in Cornwall. 

Towards the end of the tour of the aquarium, they had a massive tank with a walkway through the middle of it. This bit is always my favourite part of aquariums because I feel like you can really see all the variety of fish in the tank rather than just looking at the from one perspective. Within this tank was a Loggerhead Turtle who was rescued from Greece unfortunately blind. It was so sad to see him blindly swim around this massive tank but I know that this is probably the safest place for him as due to his blindness he cannot be released.

I enjoyed the day so much, I'd definitely go back. And I'd reccommend Blue Reef to anyone in the Newquay area, it's only £10 which I think is a good price for all the different species you can see. Now I'm working on persuading the boyfriend to go to Newquay Zoo...

- Millie xx