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!

Orlando Wish List

Orlando Wish List

I'm off to Florida in a few weeks to visit Disney world and all of the other fabulous things Orlando has to offer! I've been told the shopping is amazing out there, and so as a serious shopping addict I've been putting together a little wish list. 

Here's how it's looking so far...

 Christian Dior - Lip Glow
I saw this in Boots a few weeks ago and everything about it is just delish! I'm a sucker for pretty pinks and luxurious packaging & this beaut has both.

Mac - Velvet Teddy

This one really needs no introduction. It's all I see popping up on Insta with rave reviews about how gorgeous it is. Nude lippies are my absolute faves, I will probably pick this up at the airport as a pre plane treat! 

Betsy Johnson - Ruby evening heels 

I saw these shoes a while ago on insta and fell in love. I have managed to find them on the Macy's website for the equivalent of £50 so I will be extremely happy if I can hunt them down! 

Ugg Boots 

I recently got rid of my Uggs as they were looking tatty and I swore I wouldn't fork out for another pair.. However my lovely boyfriend has since told me they are around £70 in the US... so yeah Uggs all round for Jodie!

Betsy Johnson - SB Jane 

Another stunning Betsy find! They're so elegant and dainty. I  just need them.