5 Days In Barcelona - Top Things To Do

Before lockdown started I was having a pretty good 2020. I started it off in Barcelona with my boyfriend and his family, then went to (a very cold and shut down) Ibiza for an induction week with my new job and finally, just before all the craziness happened my boyf and I headed for a lovely 5 day holibobs in Disneyland Paris. 

It just made sense for me to get back into the swing of blogging again by writing about Barcelona because it was beaut (I have to say I do really miss the days when doing a simple makeup review on your blog was a popular thing though). Hopefully this will be helpful for when all this craziness has stopped and people are able to go abroad safely and easily. 

What I found funny about Barcelona is that it is kind of a mini Paris? It has it's own version of the Arc de Triomphe, it's own version of Champs-Élysées - Las Ramblas, in a way it has it's own version of the Eiffel Tower - La Sagrada Familia - and then loads of beautiful architecture by Gaudi.  I do think that I would love to come back when it's warmer as obviously, it was not the warmest in December! So anyway, here are some of my favourite locations for pictures and just a little bit about what we got up to. 

La Sagrada Familia 

Probably one of the most stunning buildings I have ever seen? We didn't manage to get into this building as it was fully booked and very popular. But you can see why as it is absolutely stunning. If you head round to the side there is a little park with a lake which is a great spot for photos. Just make sure you do go a bit earlier as it's a prime tourist destination so you will end up with unwanted people in your photos! 

Casa Vicens

I believe this is one of the least popular and well known Gaudi museums. It is actually the first house Gaudi designed and it was so incredibly beautiful. Warm tones, loads of greenery and beautiful tiling. We went in the afternoon and it was really empty, although it is quite small though. I also had to wait for people to move so we could get photos, but nonetheless it was such a beautiful house. 

Park Güell

Designed by Gaudi for Eusebio Güell, this park has some of the most beautiful mosaic work and architecture (apparently). The park has two sections - the part with the mosaic work and architecture which you pay to get into and then the part outside that where you can still see beautiful views of Barcelona. We made the mistake of not booking a ticket so when we got there it was sold out (another reason to go back!). Instead we did the free part and did a super long walk around it and enjoyed the views. 

Casa Batlló

Another one of Gaudi's buildings which is so so stunning. Even though we arrived early to take pictures there was still a massive queue of people outside waiting to go in which sadly ruined it. However, it is still one of my favourite pictures as the architecture and design speaks for itself! 

Arc De Triomf 

Yes so believe it or not, this looks exactly like the one in Paris apart from the brick is red and not white. If you can get the angle right and there are no annoying people in the way it makes a great little photo spot! 

Other recommendations:

- Gothic Quarter 

- Olympic Stadium

- Barcelona Cathedral

- Casa Milà

- Las Ramblas

- Barcelona Zoo

- Columbus Monument 

The Instagram Guide for Walt Disney World & Universal Studios Orlando 2019

I cannot believe that just over three weeks ago I was sat basking in the glorious 30 degree heat in Orlando, strolling around the Disney parks and now I'm back in the UK waking up to cold and rain outside my bedroom window. Lovely jubbly. Don't get my wrong, I'm so excited for Autumn and Winter now but could have done with a bit more sunshine instead of rain. 

Before we set off for Orlando this year, as well as planning my outfits for the parks each day I was also planning where I was going to take pictures (you may think that's a bit sad but my Instagram feed says otherwise!). Even if you didn't want a killer Instagram feed then at least you'll have the cutest pictures to look back on from the trip, so really it's a win win situation.

Disney happens to be one of the prettiest and photogenic places in the entire world so I thought I would show you all some of the most instagrammable places to take photos while you're there. 

Magic Kingdom - The Cinderella Castle 

Obviously the Disney castle's are iconic, whether it is a picture of the castle itself or in front of the castle, it's still magnificent and makes the prettiest backdrop. If you're like me and my family and you're more concerned about getting on the rides as soon as you get to the park because it means less queueing time, if you head to the side of the castle by the green areas you can get a cute picture in front of the castle without all the people ruining the shot! These are actually some of my favourite photos ever taken and I'm so glad I coordinated my ears and my dress, don't even feel lame about it! 

Magic Kingdom - Main Street USA, Confectionary Store

One of the highlights of visiting Magic Kingdom is walking down Main Street USA and finally seeing the castle in the middle of the street. Obviously everything is beautiful but my fav store is the Confectionary Store which is pastel blue and pink, everything inside is adorable and looks delicious. Even though I didn't buy anything from here I'm still so obsessed with the exterior.

Epcot - The Italy Pavillion

The theming in Italy is so beautiful and actually has the best food at Via Napoli. Unfortunately my dad isn't the best photographer and cropped the head off Neptune so I wasn't best pleased but the photo still looks so cute.

Epcot - The French Pavillion

The French Pavillion is so cute as well. Round the back is L'artisan Des Glaces with the best ice cream and brioche bun ice cream sandwiches which are actually so yum. But how pretty, the walls inside are pastel blue aka dreamy.

Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard 

So basically, this is such a good location for photos if you're with people who are decent photographers - and my brothers are not. The Hollywood Tower of Terror and the palm trees look so cool, and the tower is pink so yano perfect for the gram. However, my pictures did not turn out so good as they think two pictures is enough to choose from.

Animal Kingdom - Mount Everest 

As you approach Expedition Everest there's the cutest photo location which overlooks everest and the lake where Rivers of Light takes place in the evening. The mountain makes for the most beautiful backdrop.

Universal Studios - Diagon Alley 

There's just something so magical about turning the corner and walking onto Diagon Alley. I had the most insane ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream - salted caramel with blondie chunks yum - and Gringotts Bank makes the best backdrop. Sugarplums Sweet Shop is also a pink dream, even though I didn't take a pic in front of it because Diagon Alley was rammed, it's still so pretty!

Walt Disney World Balloons

Of course, the Disney balloons will always have a place in my heart, they're so beautiful - on there own or as part of a picture. 

So there you have it, the best places for photos at WDW and Universal Studios Orlando. Let me know if there are any hidden gems as I can't wait to go back!

Getting Out Of A Toxic Relationship

Whether it be a family member who is toxic (which are seemingly difficult to shake and manage as sometimes you want to maintain some sort of relationship with them), or a friendship, I feel like the most common toxic relationship is a romantic one. The trouble is, when you're in that relationship it's difficult to tell that you're the one in it. Your friends and family can tell and most of the time won't say anything to you or when they do you're in complete denial. It might be familiarity that keeps you in it, or a fear that you won't be fine on your own, or maybe even your judgement is clouded as your feelings are so strong that you fail to see that you're actually unhappy. I'm not sure which one it was with me, but the happiness I feel not being with this person is extraordinary like a weight being lifted off my shoulders and an I can actually breath again.

I just wanted to write a post about my ex boyfriend of 5 years, in a hope that other women may feel empowered enough, have enough confidence in themselves and confidence in their gut instincts to do something about it and leave a toxic relationship. To be honest, I wrote this post over a month ago but when I initially wrote it, it came from a place of anger so I've chopped and changed a lot of what was written. I had found myself in an awful position where the guy I had been in a relationship with for 5 years, had been in a relationship with another woman for the last year of ours. Better yet, they had conceived a child while we were together and that child has now been born. While we have been broken up for quite some time and I've most definitely moved on, I can't help but feel betrayed. After all, he was official with another woman while he was sat at my dinner table with my family, showed me pictures from his holidays and bought us the exact same gifts.

To continue with the story, after finding out about the baby and after I posted on my blogging Instagram account about the situation, the woman who has had his baby ended up seeing. I never in a million years thought that she would have seen my post as my blogging name is entirely different from my personal private account where I go by my nickname, nor did I know that she knew of me as his ex. Of course, life has a funny way of working out and she did see the post and ended up messaging me. It was a nice message and we both ended up sharing details and I feel so enlightened knowing the truth.

On one of their many date nights, I had messaged like normal and she had seen. She asked him who I was and he said I was his crazy ex. He then saved his work phone number on his personal phone with my name and messaged it asking not to contact him again. He then proceeded to message back pretending to be me and showed it to the other woman. He also went on several holidays with her during the time we overlapped. Where ever they went he would still message me as if he was in the UK and would adhere to the UK time zone. I now know that he would message me while he was on the toilet so the other woman did not see.

After the other woman got in contact and I answered her questions and she mine, he messaged me. I have to say he had no right to do so and it was a horrible message where he said how all I was doing was getting revenge - quite laughable as karma already saw to that.

I do not particularly care what my ex is doing now or ever, nor do I wish him unhappiness despite how he has treated me and will continue treating women as I truly believe that he is a creature of habit. In fact, I do not wish him anything at all, instead I wish for others to be able to at least recognise they are in something toxic so that they can take the first steps in leaving.

However, my reasons for ending our relationship did not come from me finding out about his cheating and deceitful lies. It came from me because I realised that I was better than the relationship; he was not providing me with any happiness and I was wasting my valuable time and money on something that did not make me happy. It is so difficult to leave something when you are so familiar with it and as he was my first boyfriend I simply did not know any better. He was someone who was never happy for me or my achievements, who belittled me and discouraged me from succeeding.

I think people need to realise that you will be fine on your own. I cannot stress this enough. You do not need to rely on other people for your own happiness.

Anyway, this was quite a personal post so I hope you have enjoyed reading it and that it helps others who may be in the same situation.

Dress: Pretty Little Thing

Instagram: Amelia Lottie

My Night Time Beauty Essentials

Sometimes I feel like skincare doesn't get enough recognition. It might be because the packaging isn't as beautiful as a YSL compact, and maybe products just become so integrated into our routines that we use them by habit and forget how fab they are.

When I actually took a min to look into it, I use quite a few products before going to sleep, most of which I keep in my bedside table draw and apply whilst sitting in bed. Although, one of them needs a more accurate application but it's a life saver so while we're on the topic, my acne lifesaver products comes in the form of a tiny bottle which is the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. For anyone who is suffering from any form of break out, or simply one little pesky spot, this little magic product has you covered. It really does what it says, completely dries the spot out. You need to apply it with a cotton bud, and it's a pink sediment that then dries once applied. It's honestly phenomenal and I couldn't recommend it enough! 

Before applying any spot treatments I always moisturise. My favourite and go-to product at the moment is the Clinique Moisture Surge. It's a gel formula and sinks into the skin really nicely. I also use this in the morning before applying my makeup and it's just a really lovely product that leaves my skin feeling hydrated which is 100% needed. 

Speaking of hydration, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is a miracle life saver. I cannot explain how nice this is as a glorified lip balm. For anyone who has dry chapped lips, ditch the cheap lip balms, this will literally save you. I put this on before I go to sleep and my lips always feel soft in the morning without a doubt. I feel like it also sorts out the corners of my lips as they can get really sore in warm/cold weather, so it's just an essential at this point. (I'd also like to point out that I've had this one tube for a year now and it's still going strong!). 

Now onto the lavender scents. I always find that lavender is a really soothing scent and helps aid sleep and helps me to unwind. The Lush Sleepy Body Lotion isn't strictly a simple lavender scent but it's you can smell it amongst some other ingredients but it does smell lovely. I seem to be applying this a lot recently, especially because it's been so hot and I am very very pale so I like to fake tan, gotta keep everything nice and silky smooth! If you're in need of another moisturiser, the Lush Sympathy For The Skin which smells like vanilla banana custard, is incredible. 

Finally, I like to spray the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray or the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray Plus (which is just a strong scent) for when I'm feeling super stressed and need to chill out. I feel like the scent is very soothing and makes me feel like I'm at a spa so it definitely helps me to relax and zonk out. 

I don't know if these products just have a placebo effect or whether it's just the lavender scent in them working but they're all my night time essentials and I hope you've enjoyed reading this post! 

Til next time xxx

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Dreamy Valentine Makeup Picks

If there's one thing I love about Valentine's Day it's all the beautiful pink tones that come with it (if you've seen my Instagram you know that I live for pink tones). So whether you're going out for a saucy date night, or hanging out with the girls, who doesn't love to get a bit glammed up for the occasion? So without further delay, here are my favourite dreamy Valentine's makeup picks that I think are absolutely stunning.

The Base

My ultimate go-to base is obviously the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. This baby will stay on your face whilst giving a really good coverage of any blemishes etc. Mixed with a little bit of the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer to brighten up those under eye (designer) bags and you're onto a winner. To set the face I would highly recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish face powder as it is perfect for setting your base makeup without looking cakey, hallelujah!

Lit From Within

So obviously you want to look lit, and by lit we mean all the highlighter. A new addition to my makeup stash that I'm loving right now is the dreamy Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Highlighting Wand. Honestly, it's the most beautiful liquid highlighter that makes your skin look dewy and blinding at the same time. It's just such a beautiful product. It has a sponge applicator so you can just dab it onto the high points of your face and blend with your fingers, beauty blender or brush. The other thing I adore is that you can leave it as is, or add a powder highlighter over the top to really blind and add confidence for whatever the occasion.

Bronzed Goddess 

You know what, I love being bronzed. I think it really just ties everything together and makes me look less tired than I actually am. My favourite for doing that at the moment is the Benefit Hoola Lite bronzer. I know this is targeted for lighter pale skin tones, but I really think this is a lovely shade to add colour without being too orange. It's like a pale biscuity shade and it's so gorgeous for giving your face some warmth without those harsh orange tones other bronzers can sometimes make you (it also makes for a great transitional shade for the eyes).

Lashes

For those of us who struggle in the lash department, a.k.a. me (thanks mum and dad), I love adding lashes to add volume. My favs at the moment at the KoKo Lashes in Amore* and Queen B*, which is exactly what we all are, queens. They're both so beautiful and a little bit spidery but they just that extra volume that my own lashes lack (and how cute is the packaging omg). You can pick them up from FalseEyelashes.co.uk, and they also stock loads of other lashes if you don't fancy these. 

The Pink Tones

A new addition to my makeup collection is the NARS Wanted Palette which completely encompasses what I think about when someone says pink tones. Like hellO. It has such a gorgeous selection of warm pink and red toned eyeshadows which are perfect for creating any look. My favs are the neutral champagne pinks which look gorgeous for that simple effortless glam eye, which you can also enhance with a darker matte brown or red. Perf. It's so versatile so if these softer pink shades aren't for you, you can go in for those beautiful darker reds and browns to really add the glam. 

Keeping in line with those gorgeous pink tones, a nice warm flush of pink on the cheeks can never go amiss. I'm loving the NARS Blush in Super Orgasm at the moment. It's got a little bit of shimmer and it just collectively ties in your bronzer and highlight for a healthy blush flush.

Of course, would it be valentines day if you weren't wearing 'Valentine' by Charlotte Tilbury? (Well yes it would be, lols). But this shade is so so perfect and ties in really nicely with the champagne pink tones from the Wanted Palette. I like to wear this with the Pillow Talk lip cheat, honestly it's such a vibe. (Real talk here though, how beautiful is the new Tilbs shade 'The Duchess'? I need it asap). One of my favourite drugstore finds is the NYX Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie. It's a beautiful light peachy pink which just adds the perfect wash of colour over the top of Valentine. 

So that's it for my dreamy Valentine makeup picks. I hope you all have a lovely day regardless of what you're doing (I have an essay due in this evening so woo yay.. Date night with my essay), but Happy Valentine's Day angels! 

Til next time xxx  

*PR Sample, all views are 100% my own

Goals for 2018

Hola angels! Happy (late) New Year and welcome to my first post of 2018 which should come as no surprise, is all about my goals for twenty eighteen. I may have taken a little break with my blogging over December as I have been overrun with university deadlines so obviously you have to prioritise these things. It's actually really annoying because it means that I have to watch my lil blog take a little hiatus/a victim of neglect (sorry lil blog). So anyway on with my five goals for 2018! 

Number One - Get a first class honours in my university degree

So I put this one at the beginning of my list because I see this as the most important for me right now. I've worked really hard this semester and it's reflected in my grades (which included doing group projects by myself). I'd also love to be the first member of my family to get a first so fingers crossed for me and my brain. 

Number Two - Have a healthier outlook on life 

This is something I've really struggled with recently because my way of coping with stress is by binging and the amount of sugar I've been consuming just isn't healthy. So one of my goals for 2018 is actively trying to change this and have a healthier outlook on life where food isn't the be all and end all everyday. 

Number Three - Post more content on my blog 

Obviously, this stems into what was mentioned before about having to prioritise university work, but I'd love to be posting more frequently because I love the creative process that blogging entails. 

Number Four - Stop comparing myself to other people

I know this is really difficult because part of being human is that naturally we consciously and subconsciously compare ourselves and our achievements to other people. Obviously, this isn't any way to achieve happiness and that's something I'd like to work on this year even though I know this going to be one of the hardest goals from this list as I do it without even noticing. 

Number Five - Think more positively 

I think this one goes with the positive vibes only moral I want to adopt for this year and here on in. I can be quite dramatic about the smallest situation which, in a bigger perspective is actually nothing to be sad or worry about. So, 2017 you took all the negative vibes and drama with you because 2018 is the year of being positive. 

I think sometimes when you overcomplicate your goals it becomes too much, so for me I feel like these are quite doable by keeping them simple. I hope 2018 is amazing for everyone and you achieve all your goals! 

Til next time xxx

Gifting The Perfect Fragrance

When it comes to Christmas gifting, I always find that fragrances are my go-to product as they just make such amazing, classy presents. I think some people find scents a little bit challenging to buy but these two are fail safe. My favourite website for picking up fragrances is Fragrance Direct where they have an amazing selection of luxe perfumes and incredible discounts so you can pick them up cheaper. For people like me, who are poor students, we need all the discounts we can get. Also it's nice to save a little bit of money over Christmas because it means you're not scraping through till the January payday. So here are my two top picks. 

So let's start with this gorgeous perfume which is the Chloe Signature EDP which comes incased in the most beautiful elegant looking packaging complete with a cute little bow. It smells so sophisticated and feminine and I'm so happy to now have it in my collection. I mean, it also makes for a good blogging prop and looks so pretty on my dressing table. It makes me feel very sophisticated even though I'm clumsy as anything so yes, what a winner. 

Next up is one of my all time favourite perfumes by Marc Jacobs, Daisy. I've already been through a bottle of this and it just smells so beautiful. The packaging is stunning, just look at that bottle top, and it's just such a fail safe fragrance that I think that any girl would be happy with. I always spray a little bit of this in my hair and it just seems to linger all day. However, if you don't like this one you may find that the Daisy Eau so Fresh is for you because it smells absolutely gorgeous as well (there's a really good deal on a gift set for this at the moment by the way). 

If you don't think these are for you, my other favourites include Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium, a beautiful vanilla scented scent, and Paco Rabanne Olympea, which is literally a dupe for Coco Mademoiselle and smells incredible. There's such a great range on the Fragrance Direct website at the moment so it's perfect for getting those Christmas presents for any guy or gal! I hope you've enjoyed reading this post and you don't leave buying presents til the last min like I do - I start off with good intentions but then I get distracted by buying myself presents oops. 

Til next time xxx

*This post is in collaboration with Fragrance Direct but all opinions are 100% my own*