New Year Hangover Cures

As the New Year comes in with a bang 

Here are some Hangover Cures to stock up on before you need them.

I honestly can't even think about food after a night of drinking unless I'm still already drunk and we've stumbled upon somwhere that does chips. Come morning and I actually have to function as a human being it takes me a while before I can really stomach anything and this has come from a lot of trial and error.  A major error being my mum thinking a full english breakfast would be a good idea after my first proper drinking session and I was violently sick whither it was the food or the drink we'll never know...

Innocent Antioxident Smoothie.
I genuinely didn't know how I felt about this the first time I drank it but now I reach for it when ever I'm in need of a pick me up. It honestly just makes me feel miles better, whither I've been out all night having a drink or just been up all night binge watching a show.  Defiantly one to put in your fridge.

Irn Bru
I'm a sugar free kinda gal, but the regular stuff would work too. Sometimes you just need something fizzy and Irn Bru is a honest to god hangover cure. I always grab a bottle of this especially if I have to work or socialise after a night out as it keeps me awake as well as keeping me sane.

Water 
I make sure I have a bottle of water ready to take up to bed with me when I come in and force myself to drink it eveytime I wake up, which is a lot as I have really bad sleeps if I've been drinking. This really helps me wake up a little bit fresher as the few times I have forgotten this have not been very pleasant as well.

So remember to drink responsibly and have a fantastic New Year.  

Adventures in Wanderland 2015

I've had an absolute wonderful time  fulfilling some of the Wanderlust that I have this year. Starting with a trip to London and ending with Celebrating my Mums 50th in Lanzarote.  The trips I have taken have hopefully just been a simple stepping stone to what is to come.

July|London


July| Paris


July| Milan


August| Rome


October| Lanzarote

#MusicMonday: Something I need - One Republic

I can't believe that 2015 is drawing to a close its been such a weird year of incredible highs and weird middles.  I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store.  I'm really ready to be over with this year and start a new chapter of my life.

The final Music Monday is Something I need by One Republic this was in my recommended songs on spotify months ago and I loved it and haven't really stopped playing it since. I love the tempo it keeps me upbeat and its so easy to sing along to.

One Republic 

Twitter 

Facebook 

iTunes

Take a Break: Hot Chocolate

There's a lot that I love about christmas but shopping is not one of them. I tend to like to do most of it online where I can be in the comfort of my own home and get in delivered without the hassle of queues, leaving the house and the high possibility of getting soaked from the rain.  

All of which happened to me as I found that I actually needed to enter shops to get presents this year. So off to town I trudged. 

And of course I took a moment for myself so as well as treating myself to a gorgeous Urban Decay Nude Matte Lipstick I stopped off at my favourite place in the world Starbucks.  

Starbucks do this amazing thing during the holiday season they introduce there festive flavours and I fell in love with the Honey and Almond Hot Chocolate last year when I tried it on a whim not totally sold with the fact it said Almond, cause I always find that things like that can be a hit or a miss. But luckily this was a hit.  

Any who I took a moment out of my torturous trip at the shops to have a seat and a lovely hot chocolate. The almond and honey make it sweeter and just way more amazing and I was eagerly anticipating winter so I could have it again. My first trip into town at the beginning of December saw me rushing to the Starbucks at the train station to get a Red Cup of this amazingness. 

So treat yourself before this festive fave leaves us for another year or try the Egg Nog Latte another one of my absolute favourites. 

#MusicMonday: River - Joni Mitchell

It's coming on Christmas there cutting down trees... for my last instalment of the Christmas Music Mondays, until next year, I have picked Joni Mitchell's "River". Simply because I find this song hauntingly beautiful .
`
When Idina Menzel released her christmas album in October 2014, I was reminded of this song, cause ya know its track 10. I forgot how much I love it. Its amazing lyrically, the melody is amazing.
And its just so simple but perfect.

So as christmas draws in, I'm sat perfectly contended listening to all my favourite Christmas tunes. And though its not even finished yet I'm already looking forward to red cups, fairy lights and christmas tunes in 2016.

Joni Mitchell

Itunes 

Idina Menzel 

Christmas Wishes 

The Happiness Planner 2016

I recently opened my Happiness Planner after is sitting waiting for a moment I could do so on camera. As I wanted to accompany it with a first impressions video. My impression is that this is a fantastic idea.

The Planner comes with extra sheets to write your New Year's Resolutions, Goals, Bucket list and a Goal to change a habit in 30 days.  As well as some paperclips to keep track of these.

The planner itself is contained in a lovely cardboard box. And has two colour options blue and pink. Due to the Pink having an accent of Gold on the front cover I picked that and would probably have opted for the blue had it been gold and not dark blue that had accented the cover.

Before you get to the year the Happiness Planner asks you nine questions that seem to be a guide or a Happiness Roadmap, to see what you want as aims in 2016 and what your goals could be. Then there is a space to write what you want your focus to be each month.

Then is is the a plan for the month, to set goals and happy things that you will do. Each day then comes with questions about the day ahead and then questions to reflect not that day.

When 2016 there are questions to reflect on the year as well as a space to tally your scores from the year which are based on 5 questions you are asked each month that you score out of five.

I'm really looking forward to filling this planner out and looking back in a years time and seeing how I have actively chosen to be happier... I hope. And done things that bring happiness into my life.

2016 already feels like its going to be an interesting journey. 

The Happiness Planner 2016

The 100 Day Happiness Planner 

Twitter 

Facebook

#MusicMonday: Fairytale of New York - The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl

In an idillic world, I would be sat in a bar somewhere in New York, it would be Christmas Eve and just as last calls were ordered this song would come on, then once it had finished I would step out into the cold night and wander for a while.

"Fairytale of New York" is my all time favourite Christmas Song, its truly timeless.  Shane McGowans harsh and gritty voice paired with Kirsty MacColl's more melodic voice, make an unlikely but amazing pairing.

The song as what must be some of the greatest lyrics ever and an even greater story arc. Not just for a christmas song. This is always the first christmas song that I choose to listen to. I never get tired of it I can spent hours without realising that I have had it on repeat.

Fairytale Of New York

iTunes 

Youtube 

The Pogues

Twitter

Take a Break: Skin Care

Being a little strapped for cash with it being the festive season I was left sort-of neglecting buying my cleanser and just using face wipes. Which do serve a purpose they just don't do an amazing job.

So after my face decided to have a bit go a major breakout I decided I just had to go and get some and have a little TLC time with my skin.

I have combination skin normal and oily. Have suffered from spots since I was about 10 and have when through many different brands, creams, cleanses. Some made my skin breakout in not
only spots but rashes. Irritating my already irritated skin. Some came in at too hefty a price, some just didn't seem to do much at all.  Skin care is all about what works for the person, and of course not breaking the bank trying to find it.

I started using No7 Beautiful Skin Normal/Oily products at the beginning of the year and have used them on and off again as I am terrible at keeping up with skin care routines. My mind often goes to a place where I think my skin is terrible so why try. Which is the worst attitude to have because then it gets worse and days like these need to happen.

My Face TLC routine:

I first use a face wipe to remove most of my make-up. I wear a full face most days as thats my preference and how I feel most comfortable. Though I know its not necessary whats best for my skin. Then I use the Cleansing Water to properly rid my face of any remaining make-up and then I use the cleansing foam to help refresh my face and make it feel less dry, which I sometimes feel the Cleansing water does.

I then exfoliate both my skin with the No7 exfoliator. And my lips with the amazing Bubblegum lip scrub from Lush, which leaves my lips feeling amazing, especially in the winter when my lips dry up and go a bit chapped.

I then do a combo mask putting the Pore vacuum mask on my T-zone are and the Purifying mask on the rest of my skin. My favourite thing about the purifying mask is that it heats up as you rub it into your skin. Then I leave that whilst I have an relaxing bath, because how else would you complete a pamper session.

Once I take the masks off, the worlds most satisfying feeling I think is removing the Pore Vacuum mask as you peel it. Then take the Purifing mask off with just water.  I once again  using the cleansing water to make sure my skin is fresh and clean and then moisturese.

I can literally hear my skin thanking me as yes I can sometimes be found going to bed without removing my make-up which I know is such a huge faux-pas.

Looks like Christmas

I come from a family with few traditions but as Christmas comes in we are jam packed with great festive traditions. One of my favourite is putting up the tree which we do whilst watching a movie... normally a Christmas Movie and eating a box of Quality Street.

We tend to keep things minimalistic, our trusty pre-lit tree has survived all 7 years at the new house and is probably needing to be replaced but its what we know and every year when it comes down the loft we anxiously await to see if it turns on once again. We changed up the bobbles this year as many of them from the previous years lost there string. And most other directions and bought in pairs or threes. And of course everything has its place.

The world just feels better when its lit by fairy lights. And though because of work I don't spend many cosy nights in the house with the room lit by the tree. There is honestly nothing better than coming in whilst its wet and windy outside to a little cosy haven.

#MusicMonday 25 - Adele

Gosh how does this lady do it. Three albums 19, 21 and now 25 and all of them are amazing, jam packed with tunes that you can just relate too.

25 has been long anticipated after not hearing a peep out of the songstress since Skyfall 3 years ago, a song that won her an Oscar, Adele has been more concentrated on family life.

 But with minimal warning for her fans here is 25 with fresh tracks from the powerhouse, "Hello" the first single released weeks ago broke records with two days notice fans flocked to listen to the beautiful track that began this new era of Adele.

The full album was released on Friday 21st of November, on its way to smash more records this album is filled with amazing tracks.

My Favourites: 

When We Were Young 

"Let me photograph you in this light. In case it is the last time
That we might be exactly like we were, Before we realized
We were sad of getting old, It made us restless
It was just like a movie, It was just like a song"

Remedy 

"When the pain cuts you deep
When the night keeps you from sleeping
Just look and you will see. That I will be your remedy
When the world seems so cruel
And your heart makes you feel like a fool
I promise you will see
That I will be, I will be your remedy"

Million Years Ago

"I know I'm not the only one, Who regrets the things they've done
Sometimes I just feel it's only me, Who can stand the reflection that they see
I wish I could live a little more. Look up to the sky, not just the floor
I feel like my life is flashing by. And all I can do is watch and cry
I miss the air, I miss my friends, I miss my mother; I miss it when
Life was a party to be thrown, But that was a million years ago"

#MusicMonday: Whats Inside (Songs From Waitress) By Sara Bareilles

Is this cheating, I fell in love with "She used to be mine" the minute I saw it on Youtube and used it as a Music Monday so of course I had to investigate more and see that one of my favourite musician was writing Music and Lyrics for a musical based on the film "Waitress" a peculiar choice but I did enjoy the film so I'm not mad.

And after hearing the soundtrack I just can't stop, it is genuinely on constant repeat, every song is just amazingly put together. I feel caught up in it all already and it hasn't even hit broadway.

But what a fantastic idea to bring out this album... not a cast album but instead Sara singing the songs to give a wider audience a feel of this new musical.

To be honest I was going to narrow down some of my personal favourites, but its so good, and they all flow so well, which makes it hard to be like thats defiantly my favourite. But anyway here are the ones that I find myself humming away to the most.

She Used to be mine 

Bad Idea (Ft Jason Mraz)

Door Number Three 

When He Sees Me 

Not that I'll ever get to broadway in time to see this musical, that won't actually head there until Spring 2016, I still can't wait for it. I'm sure it will be phenomenal if the songs are anything to go by.

Album on Itunes 

Preview on Youtube 

#MusicMonday: Life with you - The Proclaimers

At the weekend I got to finally see my uncle marry his partner of 14 years at a wonderfull ceremony at Gean House! This song came on once they had said I do!!! And I realised what a beautiful, perfect song this was.

Life With you by the Proclaimers is brilliant and upbeat and encompasses those feelings you get when you get married. This is the person you want to spend your life with this is the person you want in your home.

Simple Breakfast Smoothie

As someone who has spent many years not eating breakfast, a habit I developed in High School for some extra sleep. I still am not entirely enthused at the most important meal of the day. I have tried many things to try and make me break the fast including pre-making banana oat muffins, something I won't be trying again in a hurry,  yoghurt and berry pots and got stuck on Belvita breakfast bars, because there minimal and no fuss.

But now I am no longer in college and with a lot of backshift work I am finding I can still have my extra time in bed and have time for a little more exciting of a breakfast. But I'm still not really in the mood to eat anything substantial.

This simple easy to make breakfast smoothie is the perfect solution and not only is it really tasty it is super filling.

Minimal ingredients needed only Banana, Blueberries and Strawberries needed with a little bit of ice any cooking novice can tackle it.  

So have a try, blend it together and enjoy x

#MusicMonday : She Used to Be Mine - Sara Bareilles

This song is from the upcoming musical Waitress based on the film of the same name, Music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and though I have not seen or heard any of the other music. This song is a show stopper, filled with so much emotion and reliability. Have a listen and fall in love with it.

#MusicMonday : Hello - Adele

Twitterverse went crazy as Adele dropped her new single "Hello" from her upcoming album "25" after taking a bit of a hiatus. With only a couple of days to emotionally prepare ourselves I don't think anyone was quite ready.

I was in Lanzarote, in a hotel where the Wifi didn't work and used up most of my data playing this song over and over again cause it is truly just amazing. I'm always in awe of how amazing Adele's songs are, just what a powerhouse of a voice she has and to be honest just how incredibly real she seems.

[also screamed a little when I realised the love interest in the video was Dixon from 90210]

#MusicMonday If Only - Disney Descendants (Carrie Hope Fletcher - Cover)

What a tittle, I'm going to be completely honest and say I have neither seen Disney Descendents or listened to the original version of the song. But when this version was uploaded by Carrie Hope Fletcher I was hooked. I have been playing the video on repeat. Carrie has an amazing voice and now I'm off to listen to the original.. or maybe Carries version just one more time! Enjoy!!!

#MusicMonday 9-5 - Dolly Parton

An oldie but a goodie... as a shift worker this working pattern is almost foreign... but today thats exactly what I did. After waking up at what felt like a hellishly early time, I was officially in a Dolly Parton song! Gotta look at the bright side.

Adventures in Wanderland: London

If I could afford to live in London I think its where I’d be. I love the hustle and bustle. The busyness of the City so very different to my hometown. 

Everything just seems better in London, the weather was better whilst I was down there. They had a Lush that has 3 floors and is just magical. They have the West End, Buckingham Palace, and really just so much more to offer in a lot of ways. 

My few days down in the Great City, dipping my feet into what travelling alone would feel like were amazing.The good thing about London was I have already been there a handful of times. I knew my way about… roughly and it wasn’t all new… the only new feeling was being alone.. so it was a great little exposure it to what that would feel like without the overwhelmingness of a completely new place. 

I had a great little hotel room not to far from Kings Cross Station. Which was also about an half an hour walk from theatre land… a walk I did a couple of times before concluding the underground was easier. 

Since I have been home London is where I think of escaping to most, because its closest I think, plus all the travel websites mailing me with deals keep bringing up cheap train tickets to London and it feels oh so easy to just run away for a few days and fall back into the city. 

Maybe sometime soon! 

#MusicMonday: I got the Boy - Jana Kramer

Country music is a huge love of mine, I love the story telling aspect to country music... as well as the good ole' country  twang.

Jana Kramer has some amazing songs in her repertoire "Whisky" being one of my personal favourites from her self titled album released in 2011. Along with other amazing songs like "As good as you were bad", "Over you by now" and "I hope it rains".

"I got the boy" was the first release from her new album Thirty-One, set for a Uk release in October. Other songs already available to the public are "Love", "Circles" and "Bullet"

The song has a great narrative of finding that someone you once knew and loved is moving on and getting married. And realising how different the person you were with is to the person they are now. And with the chorus figuring out the differences between your loves. It's also an eye-opener into seeing how all our loves are important and define us and help us grow.

"I got the first kiss and she'll get the last

She's got the future, I got the past

I got the class ring, she got the diamond and wedding band

I got the boy, she got the man"

Find Jana elsewhere: 

Itunes

Twitter 

Youtube

#MusicMonday Beautiful - Carole King

"You've got to get up ever morning with a smile on your face

And show the world all the love in your heart

Then people gonna treat you better

You're gonna find, yes, you will

That you're beautiful as you feel"

-Carole King-

Ughhh, this is by far one of the best tunes to start a monday to. I get instantly more upbeat when I start my morning singing along to this! Try it I swear it works. Just remember to put your all into it. It makes for a different morning routine but its totally worth it and you will find, yeah, you will That you're beautiful as you feel!

August Favourites

What a quick month, can't believe I have been home from my travels for a whole month, life resumes very quickly and it feels like I was never away. You can check out my London, Paris, Milan and Rome | Adventures in Wanderland over on youtube.

1) Fabletics Gym Bag - OH MY GOD! I love this little beauty, so handy to have and fits all my needs sometimes I'm shoving my work clothes, gym gear, swimming suit and towel and it handles it all perfectly. I'm on a little gym quick right now and I'm loving all my fable tics gear, I was wary at first seeing as I am a plus size lady but they make me feel confident and like a pro during my workout. So go check out Fabletics first outfit is half price.

2) Life with a Sprinkle of Glitter by Louise Pentland - Sprinkle of Glitter or Louise is a very successful Brittish Youtube who released her book back in July? I took this little beauty on my holibags and first let me tell you it is the perfect handbag size. It is also a great little read full of helpful tips and tidbits to get you through life tackling everything from boys, school, fashion and even anti-baking.

3) Erin Condren Life Planner - I have wanted one of these for months I got the metallic platinum, there was a little delay on the order as I placed my order at the beginning of June and got the Planner at the end of July but its here now and its glorious. I went a bit sticker mad as well and am really enjoying planning my week and seeing where I can fit things in. I love the way this is set out I have the vertical view. It is genuinely just glorious to have a planner this gorgeous and customisable.

4) Tapestry - Carole King  - After seeing Beautiful - The Carole King Musical in London I have fallen back in love with her music (after going through a serious phase when I started watching Gilmore Girls) This album is amazing and such a great sing a long in the car.

 5) Make-Up Bag- My Gran picked this up for me when she last went to america (around June) to visit my Aunt, in true Gran style she always comes back with a goodie bag, with smelly goodies and nail varnishes and little nic nacs that you didn't know you wanted until she gives you them. I am really in love with this make-up bag which reads "be a beautiful cupcake in a world full of muffins" plus its nice and big and fits everything just nicely.

#MusicMonday : Lava Song

I went to see Inside Out the other week and this song from the Lava short before it has been stuck with me ever since. Just like most disney shorts its a heartwarming little tale about a Volcano who just wants someone to love. My little heart just couldn't take it.

Lava Song Itunes

July Favourites

It's taken a while to be organised enough to do July's favourites. All of which I found to be essentials on my travels. These little beauties just made the days easier for me. 

1) Nivea Sun Spray (30 high) - My milk bottle skin defiantly needed protecting from the sun whilst away. And this nivea spray turned out to be the best idea as it was easy to apply everywhere, with just a few simple scoushes. It's also easy to have just in your bag to reapply. Though it does last a good while. 

2) Nivea After Sun - This felt amazing to apply after a long day again the spray was defiantly a great choice. And was defiantly needed after I fell asleep next to the outdoor pool in Milan and forgot to reapply some sunscreen during the day. My back was begging for this and definitely sent me on the road to recovery. Nobody wants to walk around looking like a lobster. 

3) Zoella Foam Sweet Foam (Cleansing Shower Gel) - Having just purchased this before I left this was just chucked in my suitcase for ease. But left me smelling great and was defiantly a lot better than trying to use those mini toiletries hotels leave out. 

4) Zoella Candy Cream (Body Lotion) - Another just chucked in for ease. But left me feeling smooth and was great to put on after a long day. (Especially on my feet which were a bit worse for ware)

5) Zoella Lets Spritz (Body Mist) - Popped this in my bag each day and left me feeling cool and smelling nice. Defiantly my favourite scent of the moment. Is very handed to just have when you need it. 

6) Studio M-A-C fix - I wasn't carrying around a lot of make-up during the day but to powder was great to have on hand to top up my make-up and keep me looking fresh.

7) Clinique Pop Lip Colour - Another handy little bit of make-up to keep on hand during the day. 

 My Review of Zoella's Tutti Fruity products. 

Tyler Hilton + Kate Voegele | Glasgow Garage | Review

Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele are currently touring the UK and I was lucky enough to see them at there sold out Glasgow show.

Even though One Tree Hill ended in 2012 the fans still show how much music was an integral part of the show. Still following artists that the show had introduced us to. Kate Voegele and Tyler Hilton played on this playing fan favourites from the show and even closing the concert with Where the stars go blue, Kate Voegele taking the female part sang by Bethany Joy Lenz on the show.

After the opening act. Kate Voegele came on stage. With a high energy performance singing songs that fans knew from the show and a some new material from her EP The Wild Card. The audience truly enthralled in the music she was playing. This was Kate's first show in Scotland and with the reaction from the audience it differently shouldn't be her last.

Then Tyler Hilton took the stage, this marks his fourth time in Scotland. And his first tour since the release of fan funded album Indian Summer. Meaning the crowd heard old favourites as well as some material off the brilliant new album. But Tyler has been truly busy starting in new Amazon Prime show Extant with Halle Berry meant he only has a few weeks off at a time to try and tour.

They then took the stage together for two songs. A duet from Kate Voegele's EP. And the much Loved Where the Stars go Blue that Tyler sang on the show with Bethany Joy Lenz it was a huge join in moment for the crowd who sang along to every word.

Tyler and Kate have already got plans to take the tour to Canada, and wish to take it to other countries. A  great experience for any One Tree Hill Fans. Or just check out there music and see what amazing artists they are and go and see them live where they truly shine.

#MusicMonday : Armageddon - Patent Pending

Patent Pending released a new album... or an EP. Who cares its new Music. Armageddon has four new track and also contains Brighter that is also featured on the album Brighter.

The EP starts with "Too Much too think" that keeps the same high energy feel that really makes Patent Pending. I can already imagine how these songs would be at there live shows. So I really can't wait for the next time that they have a UK tour.

The whole album, has a new feel to it but also hasn't strayed to much from there last album Brighter. But once again they have shown there sheer brilliance. This is a band that create amazing music. As well as Creating Mario and the BrickBreakers and making music that works with the character we all know as well as making a 30 min mockumentary on there faux band.

I thoroughly recommend you all take a listen to this album and check out there backlog. There is defiantly a song for everyone with this band.

#MusicMonday : I'm on top of the world - Imagine Dragons

Life is good! 

#MusicMonday : Porcelain Heart - Beth Crowley

I remember when I first watched Beth Crowley's rendition of the Greatest Song Ever Written, she was one of the first youtubers I ever subscribed to way back before I really knew what a youtube was. I just knew I liked her music.

I hadn't even really realised how much Porcelain Heart became a part of my everyday listening till I finished college and was no longer listening to it everyday on the bus. This is a great album and many of the songs are inspired by book series, which makes them even cooler. "My good days" a particular favourite of mine is based of The Fault in our Stars.  And then theres "2007" the first time I Saw this on youtube I was so touched by it,  the lyrics are so raw and real.

Beth still uploads to youtube so go check her out and is working on new music.

itunes

youtube 

twitter

The Book of Mormon [Review]

I have waited forever to see this show for, forever. I had wanted to see it last year when I had come down for a few days, but other shows took priority. I can't tell you how many times I have watched the video of Andrew Rannells sing "I believe" from the 2011 Tony's.

This show is outstandingly funny.  Without a doubt did not disappoint a stellar cast, perfectly comedic timing, a more adult humour that is really appreciated and it doesn't take itself seriously at all. There were so many moments that the whole audience was in fits of hysterics.  

Fun Fact: George Lopez who wrote for the Book of Mormon also wrote the songs for Frozen.