Favourite inspirational quotes

So to keep up the motivation from our New Years resolutions I thought I would share with you some quotes which help me keep motivated and will hopefully help keep you motivated through the tough month of January too!

'Remind yourself that it's okay not to be perfect'

'Life is too short to wait'

'If it makes you happy, do it. If it doesn't, don't.'

'Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right'

'Every moment is a fresh beginning'

Amy x

New year resolutions / 2016 goals

This is a massive opportunity for everyone to think about the year that's past and the year that's to come so I thought I would share with you what I want to achieve in 2016. I have tried to keep some broad so they're more achievable because many goals are very specific and I know I'll be disappointed if I don't achieve them. So here goes..

1) Maintain a healthy lifestyle

I know everyone says this one but I really need to turn my lifestyle around. It's not awful but it could be a lot better. I need to keep to a routine so it becomes second nature and learn to say no to unhealthy food and yes to the gym. I have got out of the habit of going to the gym, before christmas last year I was doing so well but never got back the motivation I had before. Hopefully I can this time round.

2) Start eating healthier food and less food in general

As well was the gym I've got into the habit of feeling I need to eat all the unhealthy food so it's not in the house but my mum then goes and buys more so it's a never ending circle. I got a nutribullet for  christmas so this will help me make tasty alternatives. I also snack so I eat more than I need to. By having better meals hopefully this will help me keep track of what I'm eating.

3) Drink more water

I can go a day with one glass of water which is crazy but my body is used to it. I have never been a big drinker and just don't think about it. If I can improve my water intake then hopefully this will reduce the amount I'm eating too. 

4) Stop procrastinating

I have done this everyday over christmas, it's what I'm doing now as I'm writing this post because I just get stuck on social media instead of doing work. If I plan what I'm doing and set myself achievable targets and breaks hopefully I can be more productive in the new year.

5) Save

I'm looking to buy a newer car than my 14 year old fiat Punto so 2016 is the year of the upgrade. I wanted to wait until the weather becomes warmer so I can save a bit more and practice in icy conditions (if we have some) so I don't crash a newish car.

6) Finish sixth form with 3 a-levels

I just need to work hard to achieve what I need to progress. It would be nice to have three so I can keep my options open but I need to stop focusing on the grades and just get things done.

7) Get into the Fashion Retail Academy

Teachers push you to go to uni and it's something I've never been interested in. When I discovered the Fashion Retail Academy I knew that's where I wanted to go. I have applied so we'll have to wait and see what happens.

8) Build my blog

I have realised recently that I need to push myself to achieve more. I think it's achievable if I work hard and stay consistent. Hopefully I can somehow figure out how to improve the layout with the guidance of many bloggers posts on this topic.

9) Stop caring what others think

I really need to stop caring about what others think. It may just be the fact that I'm in sixth form and that is what school environment is like but I guess we'll see in September. It happens nearly every day and I need to start focusing on myself rather than others because it's not getting me anywhere. 

10) Reduce Stress

I get way too stressed on things I don't need to stress about and I definitely need to reduce this. I need to learn to just go with it. I have definitely got into the habit of thinking if something isn't perfect it's failed or it's not good enough. I want to plan an evening every week to just relax, do something I enjoy and treat myself.

11) Learn to control my emotions 

I do get so wound up and it doesn't help that my family and boyfriend take pleasure in this. I need to think in the moment and appreciate what I have.

12) Become tidier

My room builds up, then I tidy it and it builds up again. Putting things away would help but I don't always have time. I need to spend 10 mins each day putting things away or tidying a bit to keep it more manageable. I have recently moved rooms and am trying to find homes for everything. Whilst sorting through everything I need to have a massive clear out of things I don't need and don't use. This will help my room stay tidier whilst also helping local charities.

13) Get organised

I have an organised exterior but I never ever feel organised. I like to have lists and tick things off but when it takes a while it frustrates me a lot! I would really like to keep on top of things this year so hopefully the pressure won't get to me too much. I got a dodo pad for christmas so this will definitely help me with keeping organised. It also has note pages opposite each week which will be fab for lists and notes.

14) Stop being late

This is kind of a jokey one because I'M ALWAYS LATE!! It's something i'm kind of known for now but since i'm now driving I can't rely on my mums driving skills and shortcut knowledge.

15) Read more

So I was reading Twilight for about 2 or 3 years with the odd book taking over in between. I recently finished it and have moved onto New Moon. I feel the need to finish the series because I remember getting them the christmas after they came out and I was so excited. I don't want them to be a waste of money and am going to make sure they aren't! I hope to finish the last 3 this year and start working my way through the many books I own.

16) Hopefully finish a draft of my book

I started writing a chapter for a book on my mum's life for my English coursework last year. Her life has been so packed with events that few have experienced them all. I think people need something to relate to, someone who's been through similar things and are still going. I would love to have a draft finished by the end of the year.

17) Show my appreciation more

I know I don't thank people enough and show my appreciation so I am going to try to give something back to the people who help me out so much just so they know how thankful I am.

Amy x

Favourite Festive Nail Polishes

I love to keep my nails looking good over the christmas season because it's the time of year to go all out. It is definitely the time to whip out those sparkly colours and experiment with designs. Here are a few of my favourite colours to use around christmas and new years.

From the left is SNP 2 Black 315 by Barry M.  This is the most subtle of the 4 and could also be a good shade for the transition in and out of the festive period. It could however be worn at any time of the year but I like to keep sparkles for christmas time. 

Then there's Red Glitter 037 which is the most christmassy colour ever! This sparkly red shade is my all time favourite nail polish and is so festive. This without a doubt gets me in the christmas mood.

Next along the line is Aqua Glitter 402 which is very very bright and looks so good when matched with the perfect outfit. It's personally not my favourite because it stands out so much so if it clashes with your outfit you can't hide it but if you like bright colours this is definitely one for you.

Last but by no means least is Yellow Topaz Glitter 350. This definitely comes close to the red shade but it doesn't win for the most festive colour for me. Although it's called 'Yellow' I wouldn't say it is overly yellow, it's the perfect gold shade. If it wasn't as yellow I don't think it would look gold at all.

I do apologise for the lack of light in the photo. Due to the weather my house is constantly gloomy so getting a decent picture is seeming to be quite a challenge

Merry Christmas!!

Amy x

The Riverside Grill - Bedford

I went out for a meal to the Riverside Grill with my family and it's safe to say we were very impressed. Each of us had a meal that we liked (this doesn't happen very often) and at a very affordable price. Looking at the restaurant, menu and presentation of the food  yo wouldn't think this is an affordable place but it is. Check out their website:  The Riverside Grill . Although there were numerous christmas parties and birthdays taking place, this didn't effect our service at all. 

The food was fab and was loaded with flavour. The top plate is the Giant King Prawns which my sister had. I have never in my life seen prawns this big, it's crazy. 

Below that is the grilled goats cheese and penne which was really tasty. It had so much flavour and the cheese definitely did it justice. It came with olives which I bravely tried but I'm still not too sure about them. They're definitely something I'd have to eat with something else. 

On the top plate of the middle picture are the fishcakes of the day. These were huge so mum ended up sharing. They were not bland at all which some tend to be and were perfectly cooked. The chips  they came with were really good. They weren't smothered in salt but still had an amazing flavour.

The Three Smoked burger on the bottom plate was very very hot so don't underestimate it! It was too spicy for me as I couldn't taste much after trying some but my dad thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. 

Last but not least is dessert!! My favourite course and the one I look forward to the most. 9 times out of 10 I look at the dessert menu first. The dessert on the top left is rhubarb crumble, on the right is the Belgium chocolate and raspberry tart and the bottom is the warm cookie and ice cream sandwich. My mum and sister enjoyed theirs however the one and only criticism I would have about mine (warm cookie and ice cream sandwich) was that the cookie wasn't warm so I was a bit disappointed about that but it still tasted amazing and was beautifully set out. 

I would definitely recommend visiting and I will definitely be returning

Amy x

#ChristmasBloggerBoxShare

There's a first time for everything and this christmas was the first time I was involved in a box share. I was paired up with the lovely Mei Mei and had a budget of £10 to spend. I chose to buy her products that I thought she would like after reading a few posts and scrolling back through her instagram posts. It was so nice to chat to a blogger and get to know them, so I am really glad I got involved. If you would like to find out more about it, use the hash tag #ChristmasBloggerBoxShare

I opened my package up to find the cutest stocking! As well as the gifts were lots of little maltesers which I had to try not to eat before taking the pictures for this post.

In the stocking were 2 face masks which will definitely replenish my skin after all this wind we've had recently in the UK. There's just something about face masks that really relax me so I can't wait to have a pamper evening. Along with the face masks I also received some hand sanitizer. This for me is a handbag essential so will definitely go to good use. Mei Mei had also chosen some hand cream which will help me keep my hands soft during this cold weather. 

I also received some fluffy socks which are adorable. I literally live in fluffy socks so these are perfect. My room has the tendency to be freezing so these will definitley keep me cozy. 

When I first opened the stocking it smelt soo good so I knew there was something scented in there. At the bottom were these 2 yankee candles!! I received Christmas Treats and Merry Berry from Mei Mei which I love, I have recently been looking to buy some but had no clue which ones to choose so I am so excited to finally have some. I will definitely need to be stocking up on these soon.

I would just like to thank Becky and Ren for creating the BloggerBoxShare and I'm so glad I got involved, thanks again to Mei Mei 

Check out Mei Mei's Blog, Instagram and Twitter below
meimeisays
Instagram
Twitter

Amy x

20 things to do this Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of year to make plans and take part in festivities. So I have 20 things you could do in the run up to christmas:

1)  Go ice skating

2)  Attend a christmas market

3)  Go to winter wonderland

4)  Have a christmas movie day

5)  Save a day to put up the decorations

6)  Bake festive treats

7)  Drive around to look at the christmas lights

8)  Organise a secret santa

9)  Go christmas shopping

10) Go out for a christmas meal with friends

11) Eat lots of chocolate

12) Meet up with family and friends

13) Buy/wear a christmas jumper

14) Help those less fortunate enjoy christmas

15) Wrap presents

16) Buy a christmas CD and turn it up!

17) Visit London

18) Get an advent calendar (if you've not got one already)

19) Go to a christmas light switch on

20) Build a gingerbread house

What are your fave things to do around christmas?

Amy x

How to look after your skin with the changing weather

This is the time of year when our skin becomes dry and spots start appearing. I try to prevent this before it happens but I'm the worst when it comes to a routine.

Firstly you need to drink enough water. Im 100% a hypocrite but it definitely helps wash away unwanted toxins, clearing your skin leaving it soft, hydrated and cleansed. A decent diet may also benefit your skin as well as prepare you for the mountains of chocolate christmas throws at you.

Secondly I would invest in a good moisturiser. I use Simples moisturiser, although not a high end moisturiser it works perfectly for me and I've never had any problems with it. There are products for breakouts but I rarely use them as I don't see the point in using products if my skin is clear. Freederm daily complex is the product I reach for when they do appear. It makes a different over night and has always reduced the size and redness of breakouts. However I find my skin becomes reliant on products when using them everyday and if I don't use it once, my skin feels terrible, so I try to keep my skin routine to a minimum. I'd rather get to bed earlier so stick to make up wipes nearly every night. I know its bad and others would gasp in horror but it doesn't work for everyone.

Lip Balm! I've never been a huge fan but due to the cold weather recently my lips have dried up over night so now I know I need to keep on top of this. Lush do lip scrubs which are fab for getting rid of dead skin, leaving them really soft. I also use vaseline as it's moisturising and makes such a difference after one use. 

Hand cream is also a good product to apply thickly just before bed to refreshen dry and cracked hands. Dream Cream from lush is amazing and isn't just a hand moisturiser but full body too. This product doesn't leave skin feeling greasy so can be used whenever.

Stress is a huge problem when it comes to skin. It makes my skin sooo so dry and spotty. To reduce stress I order my workload in a diary so I can clearly see what I have to do and tick it off when it's done. I also keep a calendar for social events, if its not on there, its not happening. This way I can't forget anything and it allows me to work towards dates, keeping my school and social life separate whilst staying stress free

Amy x