Summer Bucket List 2020

Every year since I started this blog (4 years ago - wow), I have shared my summer bucket list. I like to share my goals and plans for the summer time and tick them off as I complete them. I wasn't sure whether to create a bucket list for this year, due to the virus and it's effects on my plans, however I truly believe you don't need to be out and about to try new things and meet goals. Although my original plans have changed, I decided to re-make it and share it regardless. If you want to know what things I would like to do this summer, just keep reading.

Spilling the Tea.... [GIFTED]

Once in a while, I like to do a good old Tag post or Q&A. Not only because it's fun but because my readers get to know a bit more about me. So today I'm going to spill the tea.

I was recently gifted a PR Package from Adagio Teas. They are a wonderful company that sell a variety of teas from wellness teas to Iced teas. I was lucky enough to be gifted lots of options to try out and I FELL IN LOVE with some of them.

Some of my favourites:

Spearmint  - A beautiful herbal tea that I have been really enjoying in the morning. It is naturally sweet and refreshing. I've always been a Peppermint tea lover but this tea has converted me to Spearmint too!

Blood Orange Iced Tea - Believe it or not, I had never tried Iced Tea before this, but I definitely will be trying more this summer. It was super refreshing and perfect for the heatwave we had here in the UK these last couple weeks.

One thing I really love about Adagio is that their teas are loose leaves, which makes it Eco-Friendly and also really enjoyable. I surprisingly enjoyed assembling a cup of tea, because of the few extra steps.

Disclaimer:

The products mentioned were GIFTED to me, however all opinions are 100% honest and my own. I'm not being paid to make this post. 

So, I have my Spearmint tea next to me, and I'm ready to spill it (more like sip). Make sure to grab yours from https://www.adagiotea.co.uk/ while their summer sale is still going on.

Now let's answer some questions!

How did you find your First Year of uni?

I really loved it! I'm doing a series of posts all about my experience. So far I have posted my Academic and Social experiences. Check them out if you want to know all the details.

What is the best accommodation to stay in at Aston?

I stayed in James Watt accommodation, which is on campus. This post will be coming really soon, so I'll give all the details about my experience living there.

How do you make important life decisions?

I definitely don't take them lightly. It depends on the situation to be honest, but some of the things I always do are pray about it, and listen out for God's voice. God is always going to have your best interest at heart and he knows your future, so he is the best person to consult with big decisions. I also like to seek advice from the people in my life. For example, my parents and closest friends. It's always a good idea to get advice from an outside perspective, so I never make big decisions without talking to someone else. Ultimately it will always be your own decision, but the people in your life can see things you may not, and they most likely will know you more than you understand yourself.

And if you want a more practical way of making decisions, lists never fail me. Make a list of pros and cons or a list of desires that you can see if weigh up to the decision in front of you.

How are you?

I'm not too bad thank you. I can't complain. Enjoying this break from uni, before all the chaos starts again in September.

Opinions on Love Island?

AHHHH, I have way too many. I could make a whole post on that (I won't though). Follow me on Twitter if you wanna see my thoughts on each episode because I'm super active on there when I watch it.

To keep it short, I'll say 10 opinions I have

1) Ovie is the best Love Island contestant that has been on the show and definitely needs more screen time
2) Curtis never really liked Amy and was just using her until someone new came along
3) Anna is way too immature for a 29-year old woman
4) Amber has grown on me over the series
5) Sherif was unfairly kicked off, considering Maura basically harassed Tommy at the start
6) Tommy is in love with Molly Mae
7) This is the best time for the lie detector test (I know it's not coming)
8) Amber and Ovie would be a perfect match
9) Danny was playing a game
10) Joanna and Michael won't last

What does it mean to be a part of Constantinas?

Um EVERYTHING. Only the Elites are a part of the Constantinas and I'm grateful for it. Best squad around.

Pizza or Pasta?

Pizza 100%. I like Pasta but I can eat Pizza all day everyday.

How do you avoid someone you don't want to see?

Unfortunately I don't think that's possible

If you could swap lives with one person, who would it be?

Hmm this is a tough one. I thought about this for A WHILE and I think I'd swap lives with my mum just because she's such a strong woman and I would want to learn how she deals with things and takes on so much. I don't know how she does it!! I'm really happy with my life though, so I wouldn't change anything at all.

Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x

Summer Bucket List 2019

And just like that, it's summer!! OK, it's not yet but it is for me. I finished university last week and that means I officially have 4 months break. Honestly that's an insanely long break to have but that's why having a bucket list is never a bad idea. I have been doing these posts every year since I started this blog, so of course it was the first thing I wanted to publish this summer.

Every year I have some things I don't get the chance to complete. Let's hope this is the year that everything is ticked off. So leggooooo

Have a Photo-shoot

Make a Movie

Play Messy Twister 

Go to the Cinema by myself 

Re-learn how to do a Handspring 

Have a Water fight
Prank someone
Read 4 books
Have a sleepover
Have a full pamper day
Bake something
Learn a famous dance routine
Do a 24hr Unplug
Say yes to everything for a day (legal and moral of course)
Explore a new town in my city
Explore a new city
Go for Brunch
Go to a Theme Park
Go summer clothes shopping
Have a picnic
Go on a cocktail date
Go to a BBQ
Do a Snapchat vlog
Go to a Trampoline Park
Make a funny videostar/music video
Catch up with an old friend
Try a completely new look
Have a Disney channel Movie marathon

So this is my summer bucket list for 2019! I will consistently update it when things have been crossed off, so if you want to know if I completed everything, come back to this post or read my monthly round-ups. 

Do you have any summer plans? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading,

Have a great day x 

Glowy Makeup Routine

During the winter I prefer a semi matte finish with lots of neutral tones but during the summer months I look for super glowy and bronze skin. There is something about having radiant and tan skin during the hotter season that I adore. Recently my makeup routine has been exactly that. Today I thought I would share with you all my summer makeup routine.

Disclaimer:

I do not wear makeup every single day but when I do, this is most likely the outcome.

Skin Prep

This is a very important step to getting a natural and fresh face. Your makeup will only look as good as your skin underneath. Don't get me wrong, my skin is no where near perfect but I do try to look after it as much as possible. A couple pimples won't hurt but the smoother the base, the better.

I don't do too much when it comes to prep. I obviously wash my face in the morning and I moisturize. The only extra steps I have been taking lately has been using SPF and primer. A lot of the time I don't bother with primer but it does make a difference in the heat.

I have been using the Rimmel Lasting Perfection primer. It smooths out the skin and creates a long lasting base.

Foundation

When it comes to the foundation, I have been changing between two different methods. The main option is a mixture of two foundations to create a soft and natural base. I use a few swipes of the Revolution fast base stick foundation in F12 and a pump of Maybelline Super Stay in Warm Sun. The finish that you get from mixing the two is so beautiful. The revolution foundation is a dewy finish whilst the Maybelline is matte, creating the perfect balance.

The other option is to use any foundation with some moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer/BB cream consistency. This is perfect for days where I want my skin to be evened out and cover where necessary. I usually use equal amounts of moisturizer and foundation.

Concealer

The concealer that I have been using is the Revolution conceal and define in the shade C8. It is FULL coverage and covers my dark circles. A little goes a long way in my opinion. I like to highlight between the brows, the bridge of my noses and chin. 

Powder

I don't have majorly oily skin however it does get oily during the summer, as you can imagine. To avoid my skin getting super greasy and creasing, I always dust a little powder over my face. In the day-time I just dust some Rimmel Stay Matte Powder all over my face however I sometimes bake under my eyes with some Airspun loose powder if I feel to. 

Left: Bronzer Topper
Middle: NYX Buttergloss in Madeline
Right: NYX Sandstorm Lipstick

Bronzer

To bronze my skin and add some warmth I have been using my Wet n Wild contour duo. I use the bronzer side on my forehead, cheekbones and my nose to balance everything. I am looking for new bronzers to try and hopefully I find the perfect shade, but this works for now. If I want that extra glow, I use the darkest shade in the Revolution Golden Sugar 2 Rose Gold Blush Palette as a bronzer topper. It looks beautiful when the light hits it.

Highlighter

I LOVE highlighter so this is always my favourite part when it comes to my glowy makeup routine. I have plenty of options but for this look in particular I gravitate to my gold shades. My favourite to use is the Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter. I pretty much just go ham with it. I like to put it on my cheek bones, nose, above the brows and on the brow bone. I also like to highlight my cupids bow and chin. It sounds obsessive and unnecessary. You would be absolutely correct if you are thinking that.

Of course I always make sure to wear mascara and do my brows too.

Lips

Glossy lips are THE ISH during the summer. I think I am more of a gloss person over matte anyway but I love a glossy lip in the summer time. My current fave  lip combo is NYX Sandstorm with the NYX buttergloss in Madeline over the top. Sometimes I use Madeline alone too

So this is my general glowy skin routine. It's one of my favourite type of looks to do. When it comes to makeup I stick to quite natural makeup. Maybe I'll go more out of my comfort zone one day.

Thanks for reading,

Have a great day x

Summer Bucket List 2018

Every year I create a summer bucket list and this year is no exception. Now that Summer is here, it is time to share with you the things I want to do! I've never had a summer where I have ticked every single thing off, so maybe this will be the year. In fact some of these things I have already completed and it has only been a week! I made this bucket list half way through exam season and I'm only sharing it now, which is why some of them are already completed.

1. Bus Challenge
- This was on my bucket list last year and I didn't get a chance to do it. I have put it around the top of my list this year so that I definitely get to do it. The idea is that you get on buses you haven't been on before and find new places to explore in your own city.

2. Go Bowling ✔
- I really enjoy bowling and I'm actually pretty good at it.
- Well...I went on Friday and I lost my crown! Totally blaming my shoes for that one. 

3. Bake Cookies with my friends
- There are some cookies that I used to make all the time for my friends and family. I haven't made them in about 2 years and I really want to make them again. It's always more fun to bake with other people too.

4. Go to a party ✔
- I rarely go to parties and I definitely want to go to a few this summer. This year I have been to 2 and maybe I can increase that number by the end of the summer.
- Went to my first one of the summer and its only a week in! I'm on a roll this year I think. 

5. Make New Friends 
- I'm always down to meet new people and I feel like summer time is always a good time to do that. Whether it be at a music festival, on holiday or just out and about, I would love to get to know more people. I also joined Campus Society which is an app that lets you connect with other people who are going to University. It would be great to make some friends before move-in day.

6. Go to IKEA 
-Believe it or not, I have never been to IKEA..yup I know, its disgraceful. With Uni being the perfect excuse to go, I had to put it on the list.

7. Play Mini-Golf ✔
- I have only played mini-golf once in my life and I remember it being so much fun. I would love to go and just have a laugh.
- I am not the best at mini golf but I had so much fun. I laughed so much, you wouldn't believe. My confident self even managed to get the ball off the course and onto another. Definitely want to go again real soon. 

8. Go to a Cocktail Bar✔
- I love a good cocktail. I'm not a big drinker at all (which will definitely stay that way- don't worry mum) but I do love a good cocktail. I'd love to go to a proper cocktail bar and just have a nice chat with the girls.
- My close friends and I went to a cocktail bar after our graduation meal. It was really nice to just chill and try something new. The music was great and we just enjoyed each other's company.

9. Get Flexible Again
- It's safe to say I am no longer very flexible. When you go from training every week to not training at all, it isn't a surprise. I haven't danced in so long and I do miss it. I want to join a society or something at uni but I want to get my flexibility back first. I can't even split without feeling like I've been split in half and God knows what happened to my middle split! Looks like I may need to start from square one.

10. Berry Picking✔
- This one wasn't my suggestion LOL. My best friend seems to be really into it and I've been dragged into it too. Sometimes you just have to nod and smile, so on the list it goes.
- It was oddly therapeutic and great for stimulating chats. It ended up being far more expensive than we thought but we split the cost between the three of us.  

11. Re-create Vines
- I saw this idea on someone else's bucket list and thought it was the best idea. I'd love to just re-create some of the classic vines that have me rolling on the floor everyday and record them. I can imagine having the best bloopers.

12. Cook a full meal for someone 
- I did this a few years ago and it was so much fun. I banned my family from the kitchen and cooked for my whole family. I would love to do this again.

13. Say YES to everything for a day
- I want to challenge myself to take more opportunities and be more adventurous. Obviously I'm not going to say yes to anything dangerous and immoral but other than that, I'm down for it.

14. Keep up with Politics
- Bit of a random one but I really want to keep up to date with politics. Now that I have finished it as an A-level, I feel more eager and keen to stay up to date with it. I want to know what is going on with Brexit, what other talks are happening etc.

15. Get a piercing 
- I had my ears pierced when I was like 12 but they closed up and I have never re-pierced them. I want to get them re-done this summer. I'm such a baby when it comes to needles, so it will be interesting to see how this goes.

16. Go Geocaching✔
- It just seems so much fun. If you don't know what it is, you pretty much just download the Geocaching app and follow the directions. Loads of random things are hidden around the city (all over the country) and you go find them. It's essentially a gigantic scavenger hunt.
-It was so exciting but unfortunately we didn't find any on our first go. We went to our local nature reserve where 2 were located but it was impossible to find any, due to lack of maintenance. The monstrous nettles and overgrown grass caused more injuries than victories. 

17. Make a Summer Scrapbook
- I did this in 2016 and still look back at it sometimes. It's such a relaxing and therapeutic thing to make and you have all your memories documented in one place. I have already bought the book, I am just yet to start.

18. GLOW UP
- I want to constantly improve myself everyday. I don't necessarily mean looks either. I want to grow in confidence, change traits I don't like about myself, look after my body more and develop spiritually. It is never a bad idea to improve yourself and its never a bad idea to do it before the beginning of a new era.

After this summer, real adulthood will slowly begin, so I hope I can make the most of every moment this summer.

Come back throughout the summer to see when I have completed anything! What's on your summer bucket list?

Thanks for reading,

Have a great day x

Dear Year 11.

Before I start I just want to say Happy Father's Day to all the amazing men around the world who have supported anybody in anyway. Whether you are biologically a father or not, you are a credit to the world and today is your day. My thoughts are with all those that sadly can not be with their father today for what ever reason. Happy Father's Day to the Mum's fulfilling both roles, you're amazing.

Today I wanted to do a short advice post and this is particularly to the year 11's who have or are about to finish school. I was in this exact same position a year ago and I want to give you my very best regards for your future but also give you a bit of advice.

First of all, congratulations. You did it. You made it through this tough year. You have been challenged and pushed to your very limits and now its over. Bittersweet huh? It is now the end of your high school journey and another chapter in your life has ended and a new one begins.

This summer will be the best summer of your life if you choose it to be. Almost 3 months of whatever you want to do. Travelling, partying, anything but studying pretty much. This is the summer full of opportunities. Opportunities to be with your closest friends for potentially the very last time, opportunities to try things and do things you never thought you would, opportunities to meet new people and introduce all new characters in your new chapter of your story. My advice to you is to grab those opportunities with both hands. Challenge yourself and experience as much as you can. You have 12 weeks to live your life. Once September starts and you begin college/sixth form, you will be so happy you made summer the best you could. Especially if you do A-levels.

Try things you wouldn't usually, go to places you've never had time to go to. This summer could be the best summer of your life. If you choose it to be. This is YOUR summer.

Congratulations on the end of your journey. Try not to stress too much about results day until the day comes. Don't try to hold back the tears at graduation or prom because it won't work. Just enjoy every moment with the people you have spent almost everyday with for 5 years.

This is it. Happy Summer!

Thanks for reading,

Have a great day x

My Current Summer Playlist 2017

Music is an essential part of summer. Is it really summer without music? I created a summer playlist for summer on my Spotify and I thought I would share some of my current on repeat songs for the season. Some are older and others are very current. I will update this post when more songs get added to the playlist that you guys should know about!

1) Came Here For Love - Sigala ft Ella Eyre 

2) I'm The One - DJ Khaled ft Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne 

3) Perfect Strangers - Jonas Blue ft JP Cooper 

4) I lived - One Republic

5) That's What I Like - Bruno Mars

6) Gecko (Overdrive) - ft Becky Hill, Oliver Heldens 

7) Vacation - GRL 

8). Symphony - Clean Bandit ft Zara Larsson 

9) All Night - The Vamps 

10) Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran

11) Mama - Jonas Blue ft William Singe 

Thanks for reading, 

Have a great day x

Summer Bucket List 2017

As I am writing this, I only have two exams left! I am absolutely buzzing! As soon as those exams are done, I'm pretty much done for the summer. That means I can finally blog without guilt and I can upload so much more frequently. Last year I challenged myself to upload everyday, but I have to admit, it was a little much for me. This year I am hoping to post 3-4 days a week. I have so many posts planned already, so make sure to follow me here so you know when I am uploading!

Anyway, let me stop rambling and give you what you came for! This year is by far going to be my busiest, most jam packed summer I have ever had. I have so many plans and so many things I want to do, so I thought I would show you my bucket list for summer 2K17!

1. Play Messy Twister (It hasn't happened yet but this year has to be the year)

2. Go On Random Buses And See Where They Go (I take the bus to sixth form everyday but there are hundreds and I mean hundreds of buses in my city that I have never taken. Adventure awaits!)

3. Start A Dance Routine In A Supermarket (As some of you may know, I am a dancer. However I get easily embarrassed in public settings and I always want to dance when stores play music but I get easily shy. I kind of just want to break out of that and just do it! I mean it's summer right?)

4. Study The Bible In More Depth✔

5. Ride A Bike At The Park (I haven't rode a bike in YEARS. To be honest, I don't even think I remember how, it has been that long. But I really want to go on a bike ride at the park)

6. Try To Post On Instagram Everyday (Try being the key word there aha)

7. Make At least 5 New Friends (Last year I made so many new friends that I still speak to all the time and I'll be hanging out with this summer. This year I want to meet new people)

8. See A Fireworks Show (I'm going to Disney World this year so hopefully I'll see a couple at the night time shows!)

9. Do The BeanBoozled Challenge Again (I did it back when I was 14, which was almost 4 years ago! wow...I feel old. I want to do it again as they have added new beans since then)

10. Try Pinterest/Buzzfeed Recipes (I did a few last year and they were so awesome, I made S'more bars and cookie pops. This year I want to try more savoury stuff)

11. Go Camping (I have never been camping before, so I would love to actually do it and sit around a real fire. Do the lot)✔

12. Go Grocery Shopping Without My Parents (I go grocery shopping with my parents all the time but now that I'm close to becoming a university student, I want to experience it without them and buy my own groceries for the week)✔

13. Visit A Trampoline Park✔

14. Become More Flexible (I'm still quite flexible but I'm definitely not as flexible as I used to be so I want to try and get back to how I used to be or better)

15. Go To A Later Cinema Showing (I've only ever went to the cinema in the morning or early afternoon so I want to go in the evening time)

16. Start My Driving Lessons

17. Document My Whole Summer ✔

 So this is my 2017 Summer Bucket List! Make sure you're following my Instagram to see if I complete these things! Ahhhh Summer is within reach

Have a great day x