Charlotte Elizabeth: 2017

You may have noticed that I have been a little absent from my blog for a couple of months, which isn't something I'd wanted, especially as I had just revamped the design and removed all content so it could be rewritten with a style that I am truly proud of.

Well the truth is, I haven't had the time I wanted (or needed) to be writing my thoughts down. I have had so many wonderful ideas for new content, and I'll also be writing much more personal, hopefully inspirational content, but I've been left feeling physically and mentally exhausted with everything that's been going on. There is some good and bad things that have happened since my last post, so I thought I'd jot them all down for you all, before I jump start back into some exciting posts.

First and foremost, we've bought a new home! Yup, it was kind of spur of the moment, although we had been discussing moving for a little while. Our current home went on the market a few weeks after my last post and we spent lots of time doing viewings and faffing with the paperwork. Luckily for us, our home had sold within 2 weeks and we've agreed to move out by Spring at the latest, but at the time we hadn't found a new home. We'd viewed several builders to consider a new build again, yet none were ticking the boxes. We had then moved on to older homes as renovation projects, but there was still something missing. But after we (okay, I) got so worked up thinking that we were going to be homeless if we couldn't find a home, we eventually found a new build home that was just what we were looking for and more.

However, a lot of our home plans had been put on hold for a little while as my husband (who if you didn't know, has Cystic Fibrosis) had became poorly and was under hospital admission at home. If I'm honest, this had brought up a lot of bad memories and also made my anxiety ten times worse as my mind was going into overdrive and I just got so worried about what may happen in the future. I'll be writing all my thought down in a separate post, but at the time, my mind was elsewhere and I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to be writing.

But to end this post on a high, my end of first year assignment was submitted in September for the Open University course that I'm doing, so more goods news as my results have just came through and I'd scored an overall 69%. It wasn't my best, but I hadn't really devoted any time to study, so a lot of my studies were sloppy and rushed. But for an OU scoring, I was 1% away from a 2:1, which I'll take for my first year.

So over the next few weeks, I hope to be sharing lots of new exciting content from beauty and fashion, to travel and home, and I'll also be sharing my tips and guidance on planning a wedding abroad. But if there's anything you'd like to see, please drop me a comment below as I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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I have always been a lover of Urban Decay products. With their super high quality, and sleek packaging, there's no wonder as to why the world went crazy for their eyeshadow primers and palettes. I'd been lusting over their Perversion collection for some time, but hadn't had the chance to pop in and try this. So, you could imagine my excitement when I had won an Urban Decay gift bag from Vicki's Beauty some months ago. Included in this was Urban Decay's new Perversion Mascara*.

Said to be bigger, blacker and badder than ever, this mascara promises thicker, longer and blacker lashes. Although the name could appear a little risque, it really does live up to all expectations and more. With a super creamy, triple black pigment, fragrance free formula, and a large full bristle brush this has rapidly became my go-to mascara. The formula makes application really easy, but it does have quite a wet consistency, so just be mindful of how much product is on the brush and definitely don't sneeze for a while after applying.

I was really impressed with the instant volume and length this mascara gives; and after it's dried, it doesn't smudge or crumble like some mascaras can. In terms of strength, this has some holding power, as it lasted an extra long shift in an office. But with that, comes the removal which can be a tad of a chore. So long as you have a good make-up remover, then you won't have anything to worry about. If not, you may need to remove excess mascara a couple of times - but I promise you, it's worth it!

Urban Decay also recommends using their Subversion Lash Primer before applying this mascara, for longer lasting results. But, seeing the performance of this mascara on it's own, I really don't know how it could get any better than this. But of course, I wouldn't knock it until I've tried it, and I do love a good lash primer.

The Perversion Mascara retails at £19.00 which is quite mid-market in terms of cost. But if you fancy trying it first, they also do a smaller travel-size version for only £8.50 here.

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Thanks to the creators at GHD, my hair has been having a 'good hair day' ever since they created their first styler over 15 years ago. Since then, they've changed the hair game completely, by creating a range of hair care products and styling tools that have saved every woman from uncontrollable frizzy hair. If you haven't heard of, or tried the Platinum styler, then let me tell you why these stylers are the best thing to happen to your hair - and it's not just because they have a gorgeous shimmery-copper finish to them.

The Platinum stylers were designed to help reduce damage, as the plates have tri-zone heat technology which basically means that heat can equally travel throughout the plates which helps reduce damage to your hair, while keeping your hair looking shiny and healthy.

Usually, the temperature on GHD stylers ranges between 175 and 185. But the Platinum stylers stay at a steady heat of 185 degrees, and have even glossier plates which help make your hair easier to style and keeps your hair sleek and smooth. Unlike other GHD stylers, the Platinum styler has an extraordinary lightweight wishbone hinge that gives you complete control and flexibility when styling, and prevents your hair from getting caught in the hinges - which is something I used to do daily.

At first, it did take me a few days to get used to styling my hair, instead of sing the classic GHD's. But once you do try them, you'll never go back to an ordinary styler. The Platinum styler makes straightening and curling super easy, and a lot quicker than any other tool I've used before - even if you have thick-coarse hair like mine.

The product featured is the GHD Platinum Styler Premium Gift Set which includes the Platinum stylers, along with a quilted heat-resistant case which is perfect for travelling, and for keeping your dressing table protected from any heat damage. As well as two specially formulated Nails Inc. nail polishes in luxurious copper shades as an extra treat.

In terms of the cost, the GHD Platinum styler is a little more expensive between £165 and £175 (depending on what set you get). But after using GHD stylers for years, I can honestly say that they are an extremely good investment, and I couldn't recommend them enough.

Sadly, the copper Platinum styler is no longer available, but they do have a variety of stylers available including their Limited Edition Pink styler (for Breast Cancer) and their Limited Edition Wanderlust styler.

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More recently, I've found myself taking unexpected breaks from blogging, social media and social events. Being honest, it wasn't really planned, as I do genuinely love my little space on the web. But I've found myself a little overwhelmed with life in general, and I just needed some time to do nothing.

We live in such a digitally focused age where it's more popular for someone to text, tweet or message someone, than it is to spend quality time together. It's easier to ask how someone is over a text message, than it is to meet up and catch up over a cuppa.

The first thing I find myself doing when I wake up is checking my phone to see who's messaged me, or to catch up on what strangers are posting on social media. And that doesn't change when I go to bed, as I'm scrolling through my Instagram feed, seeing the pretty pictures that my favourite bloggers are sharing, or being nosy on Twitter. It's almost second nature to do these things.

Often, I feel like I've lost a day, or an evening because I've been sat in front of a laptop deep in thought, or sharing things on social media. Instead, I could be spending quality time with loved ones, creating memories and not feeling forced to post several times a week. But there comes a point in life, where you just need a break; a detox, if you wish, from the digital world, to spend some quality time with you. So what have I learnt?

1. Your Personal Life is Important

Blogging, and the social media channels that come with it, can have a huge impact on your personal life. Especially when you have a full time job, you're studying at University part time and you have a a life to keep on top of. You almost find yourself struggling to keep up, and end up missing out on key things.

Family is the most important thing in the world to me. Spending some time off line, enjoying quality time with family and friends, allows you to create special memories. It's been wonderful to be able to have a spare moment to catch up with friends over coffee, go to the movies (which I hadn't done in so long), dining and enjoying family dinners.

2. Blogging is Hard

Being a blogger is hard, and there's so much pressure on us in the community to try and produce high quality content, as well as increasing our engagement and traffic; to try and be great writers and to hopefully get a big break where we'll be collaborating with our favourite brands.

Oh a girl can dream to wake up as Chiara Ferragni. But with that, comes great responsibility of trying to create the best and new exciting content, while keeping our social media accounts active, as well as being up to date on the latest trends within the blogging world.

3. More Sociable

Blogging is a full time job (even if you have already have a full time job), and that means sharing your life with the world, if that's what you choose. The amount of times I've been looked at funny, or told off by family members for trying to take a quick photo of a delicious meal, or a fancy drink.

It's nice to realise that there's a time and a place, and sometimes Instagram can go without a photo, and Twitter doesn't need to know where I am every hour of the day. Instead, I can just enjoy spending time with my family and friends. And I'm still able to update social media, it's just a little toned down during family time.

4. Clear Mind

Being a writer is hard. Especially when you write professionally for a living, and when you're trying to cut it as a blogger. When you're writing as a blog, there isn't anyone to give you an idea or content, you have to think of everything yourself. It's so easy (and completely) normal to get writers block, we're all human and we all do it. And it's better to take a break, to give yourself time to relax and wind down, and wait for new content to spring to mind.

It's so much better taking some much deserved time out, to re-balance and find new content. Because there's nothing worse than writing posts with no meaning or passion behind it. As not only is it a waste of time, it also shows to your readers.

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Twas the weekend before Valentine's Day
And all through the land
Were beauty products galore
From a bunch of wonderful brands...

Excuse my little poetry outburst, I just couldn't resist! Valentine's Day is a much loved day all over the world. It's a time to be thankful and appreciate what you have, while showing the your loved ones just how much they mean to you. Although the world has got very commercialised, and there seems to be a sense of competition between couples as to who can get the most extravagant bunch of flowers, or the most delicious chocolates. When I'd much prefer getting dressed up, and enjoying a date night with my love. So, if you're a girl after my own heart, then keep reading as I've selected my favourite beauty products to make me feel glam this Valentine's.

BareMinerals Blemish Remedy Mattifying Prep Gel

The last thing you want on your date night, is the start of an unwanted blemish. This is my all time favourite primer as it doesn't leave your skin sticky, but leaves your skin feeling fresh and prepared for make-up application. BareMinerals Mattifying Prep Gel contains Aspen Bark and Tea Tree Oil which helps promote healthy skin. You can read my full review here.

Vichy DermaBlend Foundation

Confidence is key, and Vichy's DermaBlend foundation gives you the best confidence boost ever. Whether you have imperfections, acne or blemishes or just love a higher coverage foundation, DermaBlend is for you! I don't think I could go out without this on. During the day, I mix with my BareMinerals Primer to make a lighter-yet-still-going-strong foundation, and at night I wear as recommended. Remember to check out my full review here.

Estee Lauder Limited Edition Illuminating Bronzer

Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to go all out. And by all out I mean shine! So on this day, forget about your favourite blushers and pick out the best bronzer you can find. I use my illuminating bronzer as a contour powder to sculpt my face while giving me that much desired glow. This particular bronzer was in Estee Lauder's limited edition collection last year, but you can get similar here.

Dior Skin Nude Air Luminizer

Before I start this part, can we just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful this highlighter is. Dior have pulled out all the stops on this eye catcher of a highlighter. And Valentine's Day wouldn't be right without your cheekbones, brow bones, nose and cupids bow glowing like a unicorn. I seriously love a good highlighter, but Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to double apply with your favourite glow dust.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

I like my lashes longer than my legs and blacker than my soul - which isn't hard considering I'm only 5 ft 2. This mascara is the holy grail of all mascaras. Blacker. Bigger. Badder than ever. No need for falsies when using the Perversion Mascara, and if you fancy being even badder, they also do a primer known as Subversion. Remember to check out my full review here.

Urban Decay All Nighter Make-Up Setting Spray

There's nothing worse than being on a date, or night out and your make-up smudging or becoming patchy. It happens to the best of us, and sometimes there just isn't anything we can do about it. Well, that was before Urban Decay released their All Nighter Make-Up Setting Spray. Just a few spritz over your finished face and voila! You're good to go, and your face will be here to stay.

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Lipstick in Envious

You can't celebrate Valentine's Day without a red lip. Ever since I saw Kendall Jenner as the face of Estee Lauder, I was lusting over that iconic red lipstick. Although I can't say for sure whether this is that lipstick, this red lipstick is my current go-to. The pigment is insane, and it lasts for hours without smudging, while the creaminess keeps your lips hydrated and kissable all night long!

Ciate Nail Polish in Mistress

My number one rule on a night out, is make sure your nails match or at least co-ordinate with your lips. Personally, I lack a little colour within my wardrobe and you'll often find me in plain or neutral tones, so red lips and red nails is the perfect combo to make me feel powerful and sexy. Ciate nail polish has great pigment and great strength (so no need to worry about chipping) and the shade Mistress is just the perfect shade to feel glam.

Coco Mademoiselle Perfumed Hair Mist

To complete your glamorous look, you need a signature fragrance to feel fierce and capture your loved ones attention. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is my all time favourite fragrance, shortly followed my Miss Dior by Christian Dior. Not only will a good perfume stay on your skin for hours, but to give this a boost I highly recommend a perfumed hair mist. Just spritz through your hair after styling and you're ready to go!

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? What are your beauty essentials?

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