10 Loves #9

1.     We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Jane Fowler was a smart and surprising book, unlike anything else I’ve read and certainly not what I was expecting. Put it on your list, trust me.

2.    I spent some quality time with myself at the beginning of the month when I house sitted for my sister and her husband while they were away with my niece. I wallowed in the glory that was a long weekend of lie ins, movie days, pastries, and early morning runs. What a way to welcome the month.

3.    Clarins’ Skin Beauty Repair Serum provides some serious SOS.

4.    I’ve begun watching Easy on Netflix after pressing pause on Gilmore Girls for the time being while I accept the fact I don’t live in Stars Hollow or go to Yale. I’m only a few episodes in but I’m enjoying it so far.

5.    Man Repeller’s horoscopes are hilarious; critic converted (but don’t tell)

6.    Shout out to Amy Schumer, whose live show me and my friend saw this month in Manchester. She is hella smart and an all round queen.

7.    I could write a whole post about trailers for movies I’m exciting to see in the coming months but for now I’ll leave you with La La Land and Lion.

8.    It’s beginning to feel like autumn and I’ve been celebrating by making a soup every week. My courgette and carrot soup is already this season’s staple (did you notice how I turned into a fashion blogger there?)

9.    This lovely interview with Bon Iver made wonderful reading.

10. One Song into the first listen of Solange’s new album, A Seat at the Table and I knew it was my new favourite; listening to it is how I imagine world peace would feel. 

Photo courtesy of Man Repeller

Workwear Wishin'

I’m starting a new job in the next couple of weeks (hooray!) and the office dress code is the most relaxed vibe yet. It’s office wear- which covers all manner of sins- whereas my previous jobs have either had a uniform or a strict business code.

I’m afraid I can’t afford to be let loose in Zara but I have been let loose on Pinterest and the internet in general. So here is a mixture of workwear inspiration and some good ol’ online window shopping. New work, new wardrobe please?

To Tan, or Not To Tan

I’m a pale gal and I have a problem. I’m not sure whether I should embrace my natural albeit ghostly skin for good, or keep getting my trusty fake tan fix; you could say I have commitment issues.

I’ve only been experimenting with tanning for four or five years, so I’m no die hard fan, and I would never dream of going near anything other than ‘light’. But honestly, when Spring time rolls around and summer approaches, something in the back of my head tells me I don’t look right. Pale skin and summer clothes just don’t feel right without some sort of glow.

My first problem is I don’t tan naturally. Between May and September I’m lucky if I gain a few freckles. In Australia I burnt and it eventually turned into a famer’s tan. Score!

I just want to take a second to check my privilege. I’m lucky to get to worry about what shade of white I am.

So in the absence of a natural tan, I have to spend money on it, and let me tell you, trying to find a natural- looking, non- orange fake tan ain’t cheap. My current tan of choice is the St Tropez Express Tan, and although it’s the perfect olive shade, it’s also a whopping £11.

There comes a time in a girl’s life when she has to either embrace the glow for life or choose permanently pale, and the time for me is now. I so want to rock the pale English rose look but it’s a bit of a leap of faith.

What do you think?

Please share your tanning struggles with me!

Summer Skincare Staples

Now I don’t know about you, but my skin comes into its own during the warmer months. Whether its staying super hydrated with San Pellegrino or the distinct lack of wind and snow blowing in my face, I can’t quite be sure why my skin is at its best in summer. One thing I can be sure of, is that I really like to go all out in making the most of my summer glow, in the hope that someone might mistake it for a sign I’ve spent 3 weeks in Bali. With that in mind, here are my summer skincare staples…

NARS tinted moisturizer in Greonland SPF 15

This beauty is basically on my face from May to September. It’s perfect because I don’t even need to wear moisturizer underneath, and even has SPF 30. It brightens my face and adds a hint of tan, doing exactly what it says on the tin.

Glow rating: 8.5/10

Clarins Hydra Quench Day Cream SPF 30

There are no two ways about it, my skin LOVES this stuff. It’s my perfect moisturizer and I frankly live in fear of the day it’s discontinued *God forbid*. It’s soothing and creamy and sinks into the skin perfectly so your summer glow doesn’t turn into an oily mess.

Glow rating: 9/10

Clarins facial sun cream

This is ideal for those super sunny days, or if you’re actually spending 3 weeks in Bali (lucky you) as it provides high protection against UVA and UVB rays. You can wear it either under makeup or on its own, as it doesn’t feel thick and gross like most facial sun creams

Glow rating: 8/10

LaRoche-Posay Serozinc Spray

I’m pretty sure this is meant to be a toner, but I use this as a cooling/soothing spray after a good ol’ exfoliation. I spray it generously on my face, pretending I’m a model, then leave it to sink in. It’s one of those products that I can’t put my finger on what it does exactly, but wouldn’t quite feel the same without it.

Glow rating: 7/10

StTropez Express tan

I am pale as hell and it’s never more obvious than in summer, so I need all the help I can get. This fake tan is like my skin but better, and is that perfect olive shade meaning you don’t need to worry about looking like an orange disaster. You can leave it on for up to 3 hours depending on your desired shade. I like to leave it on for just over an hour, and voila, my skin is perfectly sun- kissed!

Glow rating: 9/10

So I read this article: Blogs I've been loving lately

I am that friend who sends you a million links to articles I think you would like. Let’s face it, it’s kind of like extra homework, so for that I apologise. Girl Gang probs. So here are my current favourite blogs I like to push on people.

Lifestyle

IN A PAVILLION http://www.inapavilion.com/

BLUEBIRD http://bleubirdblog.com/

BETHANYELL http://bethanyell.com/

CIDER WITH ROSIE http://www.ciderwithrosie.com/

Beauty & Fashion

ESTEE LALONDE http://www.esteelalonde.com/

VIVIANNADOESMAKEUP http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com/

INTO THE GLOSS http://intothegloss.com/

LAURA MAGGIE http://lauramaggie.com/

Food & Health

SUSTAIN THE GLOW http://sustaintheglow.com/

DELICIOUSLY ELLA http://deliciouslyella.com/

THE KITCHY KITCHEN http://www.thekitchykitchen.com/

 MINIMALIST BAKER http://minimalistbaker.com/ 

Other bits and bobs

POLITICO http://www.politico.com/

THE NEW YORKER  http://www.newyorker.com/

THE POOL https://www.the-pool.com/

For more inspiration be sure to follow me on pinterest (my home interiors board is seriously one of my proudest achievements) 

10 Loves #4

1.    My colouring book for adults has been fulfilling all my therapeutic needs recently (seriously considering starting a Therapist of the month series).

2.    I haven’t stopped listening to Van Morrison. Moondance is my favourite album of his.

3.    The Memory Palace, by Nate DiMeo. If you’ve never treated yourself to a podcast before, here’s your guy. Each 30 minute episode is a beautifully told tale about an unknown historical figure and makes for delightful listening. I was ill a couple of weeks ago and really struggled to sleep; these stories were all that did the trick.

4.    Coming back to the West Wing after years apart. Don’t ask why I waited so long between my 1^st and 2^nd binges. Don’t worry, my love for Josh, CJ and the gang is stronger than ever.

5.    The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

6.    Kiehl’s Crème de Corps has produced the goods all winter long in the form of soft, glowing skin. Don’t believe the hype? It’s rumoured to be slapped on the models before the Victoria Secret show

7.    If you’ve seen me this month the chances are I was wearing this Madewell jumper. I wouldn’t take this baby off for Ryan Gosling.

8.    Pancakes for days

9.    My niece does baby ballet! I look forward to my sister’s updates every Friday. She’s the best in the class! #proudaunty

10. Hot chocolate. I’m cutting down on my sugar intake after being very indulgent for longer than I care to admit over Christmas. Hot chocolate is my one treat right now and I enjoy it so much more.

The Bandwagon: Sunday Riley Sleeping Night Oil

So we’ve all been in the situation where we see the same product being raved about on the 700^th blog, and wondering what all the fuss is about. You put it in your online basket just in case, while you vow to do some research, only to click proceed to checkout at 12.30am when you’re at your weakest. This is a far far too regular occurrence in my life, and you can bet that 9/10 times when I’ve tried the cream/mascara/oil/brush I’ve been filled with regret when I realise the hype was actually sponsored bs.

So I thought it only fair that I share the success stories of my stupidity, just to do my bit to give back. This time around it’s the Sunday Riley Sleeping Night Oil (£85, SpaceNK).

I’m fully aware that this is a ridiculous and irrational amount of money to spend on skincare. Please don’t judge me, because I’m already judging myself. I first heard about its miraculous workings nearly a year ago, and I’ve waited all this time before actually buying it (which took so much willpower). So actually, I think I’ve been quite good.

This jar of dreams boasts anti-ageing and skin cell-repairing properties to name but a few, and claims to have the power to transform dull and tired skin into beautiful, healthy skin. The ingredients sound scientific and it smells super medicinal, so trust levels between me and this oil are high, guys. The first time I tried it I was slightly disturbed by its bright blue colour, so do be aware you might be walking around like the Blue Man Group for a few minutes while it sinks in.

Although it’s billed as a treatment oil, I never use it with my night cream; which isn’t to say it’s heavy, but it’s definitely enough moisture for my skin, so I use it instead of night cream. When I wake up I no longer look like a blue, oily mess, but have that glowing ‘lit from within’ vibe going on. If I weren’t so pale you’d be forgiven for thinking I’d just returned from 2 weeks in Bali (I wish). My skin is as soft and plump as a baby’s bottom, and the effects seem to last a couple of days for me, so I don’t use it every night; that way I can cherish every drop.

This is definitely a success story of my weakness for blogger hyped products. Saying that, I’m not going to tell everyone they need to buy it, because you really don’t, and it really is crazy to spend that much money on an oil for your face. But hey, if it’s your birthday coming up definitely whack it on your list. Or if you’re taking #treatyoselfday2016 early, get on down to Space NK and treat yo damn self.

Next month you’ll no doubt read my attempt to justify buying Shu Uemura eyelash curlers…