A Very Happy Autumn!

A Very Happy Autumn 

Autumn as you will probably know if you follow me on Insta, is one of my fave times of year. 

It's just so pretty and luscious. 

I also find it fascinating how everything is so beautiful, despite the fact that it's life is coming to an end.

Leaves turn burnt red and orange as they start to shrivel and fall to the ground. 

Crisp leaves crunch under your feet as they lie there waiting to disintegrate, as winter slowly draws in and takes hold. 

And yet it's stunning. The trees, the berries, the sunsets. All of it. 

I have already spent a great deal of autumn outside enjoying it, taking it in and I intend to do a lot more before the trees become bare and winter fully sets in. 

There's something so uplifting about being outdoors, especially at this time of year. 

Hope you enjoy my pics,

Jodie xx

A quick catch up

 

A quick catch up!

It's been so long since my last blog post. I've been meaning to write since I got home from Florida as I have so many posts I want to do. 

Yet despite my good intentions, I have just been too busy living my life and enjoying it to actually sit down and blog about it. 

In a nut shell; I absolutely loved Florida and didn't want to come home, I ate and shopped till I dropped and have a seriously large haul to do very soon. September means back to uni and lots to do, so there's also been that keeping me away from my blog page. 

And autumn. I just love autumn. I cannot get enough of being outdoors, walking the dog, watching the sunsets and taking pictures of all the stunning autumn shades (which I will post about very soon).

This weekend should be a quiet one for me.. so I'm hoping to get some posts done as I have an awful lot to write about.

 I've finally left the weekend consuming world of retail and have been enjoying spending time with my loved ones instead of working my weekends away.

Jodie xx

Hello September...

Autumn is here

  Crossing the bridge from Summer to Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year. As the nights draw in and the leaves begin to fall and change from green to beautiful golds and reds, my excitement starts to build. I enjoy Spring and Summer but there is something about Autumn and Winter that makes me feel so happy, especially as the countdown to Christmas begins. As a university student, Autumn  also feels like a fresh start for me as I prepare to start a new semester, setting myself new goals and challenges and motivating myself to achieve them.

  Although I love this time of year, leaving the house in the dark and getting home in the dark can take its toll on my mood. So to keep myself in the lovely Autumn and Winter spirit, I have compiled a list of all the things I love so much about these beautiful seasons. 

Autumn Happiness....

• Autumn leaves - Being the big kid that I am, this is one of my fave things about Autumn. Kicking them, walking the dog through them, taking pics of the pretty jewel colours which adorn the pathways in the woods, leaf prints with the kids at nursery. Basically I love autumn leaves.  

• Wrapping up warm - Most people hate the cold, I am that strange person who can't wait for it to get cold so I can wrap up warm and wear all of my winter accessories at once. 

• Candles - I love my candles, especially Yankee's all year round. But when the nights draw in and it's cold outside, my Autumn scented Yankee's are even more lovely and relaxing than usual.

• Winter drinks - Starbucks, mulled wine, hot Pimm's. All perfect for keeping those cold nights at  bay. 

• Bonfire Night - Black peas, toffee apples, sparklers, fireworks, all whilst wrapped up and huddling around a bonfire.

• Halloween - Pumpkin carving, candy corn and snuggling down with the candles lit to watch Hocus Pocus.. the film that my childhood Halloween's were all about. .

• Conkers - You're never too old for conkers. Cracking open the shells to reveal the dark,shiny, conker inside... I polish them up and put them in a bowl for a lovely Autumnal feel.

• Nights around the fire - We have a new fire pit for the garden and I'm very excited to use it. I can't wait for cold nights around the fire with drinks and toasted marshmallows.

• Shopping & beauty products - Dark berry lipsticks, autumn nail shades, Primark scarves, winter coats, UGGs, oversized H&M jumpers. So much love for Autumn/Winter fashion & beauty.

• Food - Warm winter stodgy food... yum. Stew, roast dinners, winter soups, pie. I love you Autumn.

• Long walks in the woods - Me, the boyfriend, the dog.. Autumn leaves, puddles, sunsets. Happiness.

There's so much to look forward to, So here's to Autumn 2015.. make memories, take photos and enjoy it!:) xx

  

The Tinder Debate.. Reasons to Swipe Right

The Tinder Debate 

  In case you haven't heard Tinder is a hugely popular online dating app, that has attracted a lot of attention for its seemingly controversial nature. To sum up how Tinder works: You decide whether you find someone physically attractive based on pics they have uploaded; if you like them you swipe right, if not you swipe left. If you both swipe right then you are able to message one another privately. 

 The nature of this dating app has continuously come under fire for being shallow and basing attraction entirely on the way a person looks. Add this to the feature being nicknamed 'the hook up' or 'casual sex' app and you begin to understand the negativity surrounding it. 

 However my only previous knowledge of the app was an article I read in Cosmo about the Sex & the Single Girl columnist who was ending her column as she had met her boyfriend and fallen in love.. through Tinder.  

  Now in January 2015 I found myself single and ready to begin dating again; however it began to dawn on me that the men in the area in which I live are not exactly for me. I decided I wanted to meet someone new with no mutual friends in common. A fresh start, so to speak. As I lay in bed that Sunday evening, contemplating how I was ever going to meet a guy who wasn't a drunken mess and struggling to stand in a bar. I vaguely remembered hearing about Tinder and it being a dating app etc. I figured I  really had nothing to lose, and if nothing else it would ease me back into the whole dating game again. 

 As I began flicking through the numerous pictures of random men, I must admit I had mixed feelings about the situation. It wasn't long before I matched with a few guys and started chatting etc but no one really stuck in my mind. As a week or so passed I had found myself engaged in conversation with a few guys and very little evidence to back up these 'awful' experiences that people claim to have on Tinder. By mid Feb however, my 'date' for the evening cancelled last minute and I began to lose faith in the nature of Tinder. This night in question was also to be the night which changed my view of the app for good. In a good way. 

  Shortly after my last minute cancellation had occurred I got a Tinder message from Michael, we got chatting and seemed to click pretty well. Three days later and our conversation was still going and we had arranged a date. 

  One date turned into another and by our third date, I had pretty much fallen for him. 6 months on, we are getting ready for our first holiday together and looking forward to a lovely future. People may be quick to dismiss Tinder but my own experience of it was very different. I met an amazing guy, who has changed my life in so many incredible ways. 

 So there you have it, no casual sex, deceit or married men. Just a happy ending.. or more appropriately, a happy beginning. 

 My advice to anyone using this app is to not listen to other people's views, build your own through experience. Obviously be safe, but don't assume every person on there is after the same thing. 

Lipstick... The Nudes Collection

The Nudes Collection

  I think most of us girls that are into our lipsticks will confess to a love of nude shades. They're so versatile and the variations on shades are pretty much endless. Recently my love for nude lipsticks has gone into overdrive and my collection is building up nicely. I have really got into layering different shades for a unique colour as well. So far i'm loving mixing my more pinky hues with some of my fave nude shades. I'm currently into MAC Creme Cup which I recently featured on my Insta page (roseandcrown26) mixed with MAC Bombshell which is a muted shimmery pink tone. 

My Current Nude's Collection 

(Left to right, back row first)

1. Maybelline Colorsensational - 725 - Tantalizing Taupe
2. L'oreal Color Riche - 233 - Boreal Taffeta 
3. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - 08
4. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - 38
5. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - 03
6. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - (nude collection) - 48
7.  L'oreal Nude Collection - Eva's Nude
8. MAC Creme Sheen - Creme Cup
9. Barry M - 165

My Nude's Lust List

1. MAC - Hue
2. Chanel - 93 Intime
3. MAC - Pure Zen
4. Burberry - Nude Beige No1
5. Charlotte Tilbury - Bitch Perfect
6. MAC - Velvet Teddy 
7. MAC - Please Me 
8. Estee Lauder - Pink Sand 
9. NYX - Soft Matte Lip Cream - London 

Please comment your fave nude lipstick shades below.. I love finding new brands & new shades to try!

Jodie 

xx

Mini Primark Haul

Mini Primark Haul

I cannot resist a little Primark binge. I think it's becoming a problem. The best kind of problem to have though of course. I picked up a few bits whilst out in Bury with my friend Kayleigh and her little boy. It was a gorgeous day so we decided on a shopping trip and Costa date in the sun. 

 The thing I love about Primark is that even when you're waiting for pay day and feeling pretty skint you can always find something cheap and pretty to cheer you up! And that's exactly what I did. 

Pretty Floral Shorts

  I found these cute little floral shorts whilst I was looking for some new slippers, they're adorable. They only cost £3.50 which is an absolute bargain and I had to have them. I tried them on when I got home yesterday and they are extremely short and light weight, so I'm thinking they will be the perfect sleep wear for Florida.

Fluffy Thumper PJs

 If you follow me on Insta (roseandcrown26), you will probably have witnessed my love for all things cute, fluffy and Bambi & Thumper related. So it was love at first sight with these cuties. I like to buy my clothes etc a season ahead and these pyjamas are perfect for a cold winter's eve. They're so soft and lovely I can't wait to snuggle down in them. They were £11 for the set which I think is pretty reasonable considering they're a lot thicker than your average pyjamas. 

Super Soft Socks

  I'm a huge fan of these socks, I love how soft they are. They're like a hug for your feet. I like to buy a couple of new pairs every few months as they lose their softness when they've been worn a lot. There are a lot of cute designs to choose from and seen as I'm in a pink phase, I thought I'd go with these nice bright fluffy ones. They cost £2 for 2 pairs which makes them the perfect pre-pay day treat.

& Homeware Piece 

  I posted this on my Insta page last week. I just love it. It's so unique and I'm loving the copper colour. I'm also after the other stationary bits from the Primark home ware range, but sadly they will have to wait until after my holiday.

Lady & the Tramp Socks 

 The cutest socks. Ever. I already have these, but I love them so much I thought I'd get another pair as I have an awful habit of losing my fave socks. They're so, so cute, and they make my feet very happy!

All in all it was a successful shopping trip & a lovely day in the sunshine!

My Life, A Year On

My Life A Year On

  I have been in a very reflective mood this week, mostly because it is nearly time for me to go back to uni after taking a year out, but also because this year has gone by so quickly and I cannot believe it is nearly autumn time again. So much has changed in my life this past year for the better, so I have decided to have a look back and see how far I have come since the end of last summer. I hope this post demonstrates how quickly things can turn around in your life and that things can always get better.

 This time last year things were pretty rubbish, I was stuck in a bad relationship, feeling miserable and not at all prepared to head back into my second year of uni. My degree is something I have wanted to achieve for a long time, yet despite this I was unable to motivate myself to get back into study mode. Things only got worse as the year was drawing to an end, my grades weren't anywhere near as good as they needed to be and I was moody and beginning to withdraw from my social life. Work was my only salvation, as I enjoyed my time there and the people always cheered me up. 

  It was a night out with work friends that changed my entire perspective on life. I had been avoiding going out but on this occasion, I decided I was fed up and that I would get myself back out there. During that night out I realised that my 4 year relationship was over and that I needed to move on and sort myself out.  Although I put the break up off for a few weeks, I ended things just before Christmas and despite the bad timing, it felt as if a weight had been lifted. It wasn't as if all of my other problems just disappeared but this was the beginning of me sorting myself out and working on feeling like myself again.  

  January marked a fresh start for me as I headed off on my dream trip to New York with my Mum. This was something I had been dreaming of since I was a little girl watching Home Alone 2, so to finally experience it was life changing, especially with my Mum. NY was incredible and I ticked some major things of my dream list and most importantly I came home ready to change my life. Once I had settled back into life in Manchester and come down from my NY high, I decided that the best decision for me would be to postpone my studies and return in September when I had got my life in order. 

  When I left uni that February morning, I felt stressed, anxious and worried about whether I was making the right decision for myself and my future. However 6 months on, I can honestly say I made the right choice. The time out has allowed me to really take time to focus on myself and my relationships. This year saw me gain new friendships which have made me truly understand the meaning of honest, selfless and caring friendship and I would be lost without these girls in my life. Whilst new friendships have been formed, other negative ones with no positive influence in my life have been left behind, I feel like it is important to surround yourself with only positive people who
want the best from you.

 The most influential change in my life this year happened on the 21st February. I met Mike. We clicked instantly and I can honestly say this relationship is different any other that I've had in the past. He makes me so happy and I cant imagine my life without him. It is amazing how a person can change your life so quickly.

 Now as I find myself preparing for the start of my second year at uni again, I know that this time I am ready. I feel as though I can handle whatever the next 12 months of my life has to offer and I look forward to reflecting on my life again a year from now.

  The presence of people who care within my life has been extremely influential over these past 12 months and I know that they have contributed greatly to helping me get to where I am now; a place of happiness and content. However I know without taking the time out to work on myself and understand who I am and what I want none of this would be possible.

  So to end this post I will finish with a quote that I feel conveys the importance of reflection and self awareness perfectly. I hope this helps if you are feeling down or in anyway looking to change the direction of your life.

'The most important relationship you have in life, is the one you have with yourself.'

Diane Von Furstenberg

A Nice Cup of Tea

A Nice Cup of Tea

 The inspiration for this blog came to me whilst I was half way through an episode of Total Divas (yes, I am an E! channel lover). The episode was about the WWE diva's travelling to England and desperately wanting to be 'traditional English ladies and drink tea'. It got me thinking about how we, as Brits are perceived and how we are stereotyped by our love for a good cuppa. Since I fall into this tea category of tea drinkers, I decided to dedicate an entire post to being British and loving all things tea related.  

My Fave Afternoon Tea Locations

 Cloud 23 @ The Hilton Deansgate, Manchester - This is the ultimate luxury afternoon tea experience. I took Mum for her birthday and it was just lovely, there are so many teas to choose from and a beautiful selection of cakes and sandwiches which were so nicely presented. I paid £16.95pp which I thought was more than reasonable for what we got

Anyone who has ever been to Cloud 23 will know that it is stunning views which really make your visit memorable, this place is a must for all afternoon tea lovers. Especially for special occasions. http://www.cloud23bar.com/

Tea42, High Street, Manchester - I enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea trip here with mum just before Christmas last year. I had been wanting to try it for some time and it didn't let me down. The selection of cakes is extensive and they have special dietary requirement options available as well which I thought was great. I had a milkshake and mum had a beautiful fruit infused tea. The selection of teas was what impressed me the most about this place as they have some very unusual and delicious sounding ones to try and I must go back soon. http://www.tea42restaurants.com/

Richmond Tea Rooms, Richmond Street, Manchester

This beautiful tea room is one I have yet to visit but I have heard so many incredible things about it I had to put it on here anyway. It has been on wish list for some time but sadly I haven't had chance to go yet. The tea rooms is Alice in Wonderland themed and also has a delicious looking menu and cocktail list. http://www.richmondtearooms.com/

Flavoured Teas

Whilst my all time favourite type of tea is the good old English breakfast tea, I am also a huge lover of fruit flavoured and herbal teas. I generally buy the Twinings selection and I think they taste best with a teaspoon of sugar. They are so warming and calming on a miserable day like today. I like to think of them as a hug in a cup. http://www.twinings.co.uk/

My favourite flavoured teas are:

•  Cherry & Cinnamon 
•  Warming Camomile & Spiced Apple
• Apple Crunch 
•  Strawberry & Raspberry. Blackcurrant & Vanilla 
•  Lemon Zest

Not Just a Thirst Quencher

One of my favourite things about this lovely drink is that it has numerous health benefits. One of my faves and most commonly used is Peppermint. This minty tea helps soothe a queasy tum and alleviate feelings of sickness. I turn to peppermint tea whenever I am feeling a little unwell and need a nice soothing drink. 

Camomile is another tea with great health benefits, it helps to ease anxiety symptoms and also relaxes you before bedtime making it much easier to drift off to sleep. I love a soothing camomile and spiced apple tea before bed to help me fall asleep. I tend to have a much more peaceful and deeper sleep when I have a camomile tea before bed too. 

My Tea Lust List 

 



                                  

  

                                                        

 

Where to Find These Little Beauties 

1.  Miss Evelyn teacups & saucers - Lily Rose Co -  http://www.lilyroseco.com/

2. Miss Etoile 'Open Eyes' mug - Lily Rose Co -  http://www.lilyroseco.com/

3. Funny Bunny engraved spoon - Foolhouse - http://foolhouse.com.au/

4. Shabby Chic teapot - Country nik naks - http://www.countryniknaks.co.uk/store/index.php

My Skin Care Routine

My Skin Care Routine 

 I've seen a lot of these posts with people sharing and reviewing their own skin care choices. I've found them really helpful I'm the past so I thought I'd share mine with you all.

 My skin is generally dry all year round, so I need plenty of moisture from the products I use but my skin can also be sensitive so I have to be careful!

L'Oréal - Skin Perfection, miracle cleansing oil.

 The newest addition to my everyday skin care routine is this little beauty. This was an impulse buy during a trip to boots for something else and I absolutely love it! It has transformed the feeling of my skin since I gave been using it and it looks much brighter and feels so much softer. This is the first step in my skin care routine, I massage the oil into my face every evening and then rinse with cool water. 

Elizabeth Arden - Visible Difference, Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

 I discovered this cleanser after falling in love the 8 Hour Cream from the Elizabeth Arden range and decided to give the rest of the skin care a try. It is one of the few cleansers I've used which doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry in any way.  It also smells lovely. You can use this cleanser with either water or on its on with cotton wool/pads. I generally use pads, after my cleansing oil.

Elizabeth Arden - Visible Difference, Gentle Hydrating Toner 

 I use this toner straight after the Elizabeth Arden cleanser and it really refreshes and awakens my skin. I use cotton pads to wipe over my face and neck to ensure all of my make up has been completely removed.

Elizabeth Arden - Eight Hour Cream, Intensive Daily Moisturiser 

I first started buying this moisturiser around the same time I discovered the 8 Hour Cream. It has literally transformed my skin and it is one beauty product I simply cannot be without! This cream gives me the perfect amount of intense moisture without being greasy or too thick. It also has an SPF which I have become very conscious of including in my skin care since I hit my mid twenties. I always ensure to moisturise my neck as well as my face.. a habit I have been repeatedly advised to get into as early as possible to keep my skin looking youthful.

N°7 - Early Defence Night Cream

 This N°7 night cream is a new addition to my skin care routine and so far I am really liking the results I'm seeing. My skin feels softer and looks a lot fresher when I wake up in the morning.. which I am definitely happy with.  I didn't expect a different cream at night to make such a difference but I'm really impressed!

N°7 - Early Defence Eye Cream 

The final step in my skin care is my N°7 eye Cream. This is another recent purchase which I decided to invest in after noticing the texture of my eyelids changing recently. A huge OMG I'm aging meltdown ensued and I found myself adding this to my ever expanding skin care routine. I really like this cream, I have always found in the past that eye creams dry out the delicate skin under my eyes and so I stopped bothering.. however being 26 has changed this! I now feel like I need an eye cream and this one is great. It doesn't dry out my skin and I can definitely see a difference since I've been using it!

  

Toby the Jack Russell

Toby the Jack Russell 

As I mentioned in my first blog post, Toby is my little Jack Russell and best bud. I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and we have rarely been apart since. He will often feature in the blog, so I thought I'd introduce him to you. I hope you enjoy his funny little moments as much as I do. 

Jodie 

xxx 

Cambridge Trip

A Little Romance in Cambridge 

 A few weeks ago Mike (my boyfriend) & I managed to squeeze in a mini trip to Cambridge before we picked up my brother from Gatwick. I can honestly say it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and we are looking forward to going back.

 The city is magical and everywhere you turn, it feels as though you are on a film set as the architecture is stunning. We explored the city centre on foot, it has some lovely gift shops and restaurants and a really good shopping centre. However my absolute favourite part of the day was the punt (boat) ride. It was incredibly romantic, as the sun was going down and beaming off the college buildings as we sailed past them; making them look even more incredible. Sadly my phone died half way through the trip but Mike managed to get plenty of pics on his camera.

 We also found a little gem of a B&B which I booked via booking.com (my new fave for hotel deals). When I say little gem.  I actually mean huge, as it was the most beautiful manor house. This took up the rest of our evening as we explored the grounds and all of the incredibly ornate rooms. 

For anyone looking for a cultural/ educational or romantic trip.. Cambridge is definitely worth considering!