Getting me some new Ink.

Photo Credit: Google Images. 

Ok, so I'm pretty obsessed with tattoos. I love them. 

Yep, I understand they're not for everyone and I understand why people may not want to mark their body permanently but to me, they're just another way of expressing yourself and your personality - like a piercing or a piece of clothing. 

Currently my tattoo total stands at three, they're smallish ones but I do plan to get a big one as soon as I remember to start saving for it (why do tattoos have to be so darn expensive?!). 

Do I regret my tattoos? yes and no. I got my first one when I was 16 - a treble clef on the side of my wrist - I love the way it's done, but it's a tad juvenile. My second I got when I was, I think, 18 and that was a peace sign on the back of my neck. This is my worst one, it's not been done very well at all and alot of the ink has fallen out. I guess it's karma, I got it done on a whim and didn't really think it through - luckily I wear my hair down alot so people rarely see it. I have been looking into getting that one covered though. 

My favourite is definitely my Deathly Hallows symbol on my ankle. I truly don't regret this one, I'm a huge Harry Potter fan and it's a cool looking symbol. 

I've been thinking alot recently about adding to my collection with another smaller one and I've come across the Wishbone. The Wishbone dates back to 4th century civilisations (Romans, Etruscans, British...) and the idea of a 'lucky break' and all of your wishes coming true. In contemporary witchcraft and magic it's supposed to be a channel of good energy. I think it suits me well and would make a lovely, daintier addition and Lord knows, I could do with the luck.

I love the placement of it in the above photos - I'm torn between the two, though I'll probably go with the placement nearer the elbow. 

When thinking about getting a new tattoo I definitely like to shop around on Google for design inspiration and occasionally I've been known to doodle ones myself though I've never gotten those tattooed onto me. 

I also believe finding a good tattooist is key, after all it's going to be on your body for the rest of your life, the least you could do is get it done properly. 

Despite my previous experience with tattoos, it's not something to enter into lightly. Do your research for both illustrations and tattooists and make sure you're getting your money's worth, some tattooists charge for different things - time taken, colour, size etc...

Lauren

xo

The Netflix Tag.

To be honest, I'm surprised I never got around to doing this tag sooner. I'm a self-confessed Netflix-aholic and spend most of my days off from work either glued to it or having it on in the background whilst I go about my day. 

I'll tell you something, it's the best £5.99 a month I ever spend...

What are you favourite series' to watch on Netflix?

I'm categorising this question as series' I've either watched more than once or pop on every now and again because I enjoy them so much.

The Inbetweeners

Friday Night Dinner

Prison Break

Mock the Week

Outnumbered

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

I'm trying to catch up completely with Pretty Little Liars. Who TF is A?! Seriously!

If you could have any series - old or new - put on Netflix, what would it be?

The Golden Girls for sure, I freakin' love that show.

What is your one peeve about Netflix?

The fact that it doesn't always have every season of a t.v. show. I didn't even know there was a third series of Friday Night Dinner until recently.

What are your essentials for a perfect night in with Netflix?

Dominos and Mini Eggs - it doesn't get any better than pizza and chocolate.

Recommend one series/film for somebody else.

I've just finished season 2 of Bates Motel and I loved that, it's definitely worth a watch. Film-wise, I'm all about the thrillers - Primal Fear, Case 39 and Cleaner are all good choices. 

Lauren

xo

Cakes & Shakes with Almost Annie.

Oh how dreary a Sunday today has been!

I hate rain, actually I hate rain when it's mixed with wind. Wind is not my friend. 

My friend Anita - who runs Almost Annie - and I ventured into Manchester's Northern Quarter to visit the much raved about Home Sweet Home. Neither of us had ever been before so it was comforting being totally clueless together. 

As far as first impressions go, it was fabulous. It's a chic little cafe with really chilled music and shabby looking decor - and the most delicious food I've tasted in a while. 

As you can see from the above picture, I thoroughly enjoyed tucking into some properly loaded nachos with a side of sweet potato fries and then a rather large slice of their Yellow Mallow cake. Delicious. 

Anita opted for their Cheeseburger Toastie with ordinary fries and then a slice of Carrot cake. 

Another thing Home Sweet Home do well is their milkshakes. As a general rule, I'm not much of a milkshake lover however their Nutella Toasted Marshmallow shake was to die for. Anita chose the Oreo shake which apparently, was to die for too. 

We spent a good few hours catching up and having a good old giggle before heading out into the downpour once again. 

If you're ever in the Manchester area I whole-heartedly recommend Home Sweet Home - it's located on Edge Street in the Northern Quarter. 

Happy Sunday!

Lauren

xo

Taking a little 'me' time.

This is something I've been doing alot lately. I'm still not 100% well which is why I haven't been posting as much - my apologies. It's just hard to keep up with all the things you usually do when you don't feel on your game. Being ill sucks.

In a weird way however, it's kind of been a blessing in disguise since I've been able to catch up on some quality 'me' time - it's been nice actually focusing on me for once and not having to worry about anything else.

I've been really getting into Paper Towns by John Green. It's starting to get good and since I follow him on Instagram - and Cara Delevingne - I'm excited for the film release.

My skin's been awful these past couple of weeks, so dry. I've been blowing my nose alot and I've not really been keeping up to scratch on my routine so it's suffered. Superdrug's Vitamin E Moisture Mask has been a lifesaver. It sorts out dry skin like no other budget mask I've come across.

Baths also come in handy when you're not feeling on top form. I love a good soak in a hot bath - with Radox obviously. I like the Muscle Soak version since I work in retail and it can get pretty darn tiring.

My Ipod is a must for any 'me' time I decide to take. It's the one device (other than a book) that completely takes me out of my current setting - especially when I'm going to sleep. I just stick on one of my playlists and I'm good to go. You can't even get my Ipod anymore and I dread it ever breaking - I never leave the house without it.

Last up is a nail polish. I like to fully focus on nail care when I have the time rather than just painting them slap-dash. I like to take proper time in filing, buffing, smoothing - the whole nine yards. Essie's Truth or Flare has been my go-to choice of late.

I think 'me' time is essential for any and everyone. Just taking a few hours or even a day to focus on you and getting you back on top. Besides who's going to take better care of you than you?

We don't treat ourselves enough in my opinion.

Lauren

xo

5 things us girls can learn from Lauren Conrad.

Since being ill over these past few days I've been making my way through my boxset of The Hills, and it's just made me remember how much I actually freakin' love Lauren Conrad. 

Not only is the girl my style icon, she's gorgeous, relatable and never have I seen a reality star so full of really useful, sound advice.

Lauren Conrad is Bible.

I thought I'd share a few things that the Queen of reality has taught me...

1. That love is not a 'maybe' thing.

One of her more famous quotes from The Hills - that you shouldn't be blasé about love and look at it indifferently. You know when you love someone and life's too short to be worrying about whether or not you're in the right relationship.

2. You're always going to have an ex that you'll hold feelings for.

I guess most girls can relate to Lauren's golden nugget of "There's always that one person you'll always go back to" and that's okay. For most girls, it's their first love - but remember that you've already read that book and you know how it ends. There comes a time when you need to start writing that new novel.

3. Life's tough, wear a helmet.

Lauren's words of wisdom to Audrina - and to most of the general population between the ages of 15-25. Life is tough but we've all just got to remember to roll with the punches and take it on the chin - it will eventually balance out again.

4. The concept of the 'radar'. 

Ahh, the boy radar. Lauren brought us all to the attention of the boy radar - and that every guy has one. The radar that helps exes know when we've stopped thinking about them, ergo they'll make some sort of contact. FYI, all exes have one.

5. Unfortunately, life isn't always fair.

This is true, and it's a bummer but "it is what it is and it's not always fair" - Lauren's words to Heidi about their friendship. The thing to remember about life is that even though it may not be fair, it's never boring. Make the best of the good bits and pay no mind to the bad bits - it'll all work itself out in the end.

So join me in thanking Lauren Conrad for her nuggets of wisdom that have undoubtedly helped most of us girls through some tough situations - bad friendships and relationships alike. To finish, I want to end with my favourite LC quote of all time...

I want to forgive you...and I want to forget you.

Ahh Lauren...

Lauren

xo

The Handbag Kit for Emergencies.

We all have those days where we seem to be in need of something that we don't have on our person at that moment in time, resulting in us nipping into boots for some painkillers only to emerge hours later with the same banging headache but 5 nail polishes better off.

I seem to have these days more frequently than others, so I've compiled a little bag of things things that I carry around with me since no doubt, I'll need at least one of these on a daily basis.

Tissues are a must, not only for blowing your nose but also for wiping your hands or any spillages in the facial area - again, this happens to me alot, not ashamed in the slightest. Life's short, eat fast.

I got my hands on these ones from, I think it was somewhere like Bargain Buys, and people are fascinated by them. It's hilarious. I've genuinely had friends who've looked on in horror as I've blown my nose into a £20 pound note before they've realised.

Next up is dry shampoo. Now my hair isn't constantly dirty that I need to use this stuff everyday for cleansing purposes, I just like the texture and volume it gives and nothing's better than a quick refresh when you've been out all day. I've really been enjoying the CoLab dry shampoo which has been developed by Ruth Crilly from A Model Recommends. I love it, it may even surpass my love for Batiste...

Deodorant is another I like to carry around, but I only use this on my really busy days like work and shopping. Again, just for a quick refresh. I also like to carry around a perfume in my makeup bag. A couple of my favourites include Giorgio Armani Diamonds and Lady Gaga's Fame. 

Hand sanitiser and hand cream tend to go hand in hand. Hand sanitiser for obvious reasons - now I'm not a germophobe nor a hypochondriac, but when I do actually put thought into the germ count on public door handles I'll admit it freaks me out a little. I also seem to have chronically dry hands from working in retail so a nourishing hand cream is a must - I like the Nivea Rescue and Care hand balm.

Paracetamol is another given in my handbag. I'm like a walking pharmacist, I always keep painkillers on me because I suffer from quite severe headaches from time to time. Not fun. It's important that I always have some sort of painkiller on me. I keep spare boxes everywhere - handbag, car and the occasionally coat pocket. 

Powder and a hairbrush are also obvious for us girls. Powder because you can't be letting that oily skin get the better of you on that 24 hour shopping trip and a hairbrush because if like me, you tend to tease your hair knots can form quite easily. I've had knots so bad that I've had to cut them out of my hair, no joke. It's a good job I have so much of it or else I'd have probably been bald by the age of 17. 

Just a few things I like to take out on any day ventures I may have. Although not always needed in emergencies, it makes me feel more justified in carrying around 2 smaller bags in my already half full handbag. It's like inception for bags.

Lauren

xo

6 boxsets you simply must watch.

I love a good boxset, me.

I get way too invested in the lives of the characters and the locations to a point where I actually think I'm in it (I know, no need to remind me I seriously need to make some life adjustments). 

I'm one of those people that once they really get into a series, they want to watch it all the time. When Netflix starting streaming Prison Break I managed to complete it within a week and a half - that's 4 season with 21/22 eps per season. Safe to say I didn't leave the house much. 

For today's post, I thought I'd just share with you some of the boxsets I've seriously enjoyed so much I've got them on DVD and watched them more than once...and even twice. 

The O.C. - This show is the bomb.com, I freaking love it. It follows the life of Ryan Atwood who, originally from the slums of Chino, is thrust into the high society world of Newport beach when he's taken in by his lawyer. Add in some wealthy teenagers, huge houses, one too many angry jocks, drink, drugs and a Seth Cohen and you've got yourself one hell of a t.v. show.

Prison Break - I've previously raved about how much I love this show - see this post here. If you're into edge of your seat action then this is the one for you. Meet Michael Scofield, a structural engineer who get's himself tossed into the same institution where his older brother's locked up for a crime he didn't commit with only one intention...to break him out. it's thrilling to watch Michael's plan come together, and then fall apart only to come back together again all within the space of an hour. A must watch. 

The Inbetweeners - Another must watch - but not for the faint of heart. It's crude and full of profanity but it's absolutely hilarious. Jay, Neil, Simon and Will - four very different friends with pretty much the same goals...have sex and get drunk. Watching these four make absolute idiots of themselves is the best to brighten up a bad day.

Breaking Bad - Again, already raved about this one here, but I can rave about it again. I'll be honest and say I didn't really get into this when it first came out but after Netflix began streaming it I was hooked. Walter White, the high school chemistry teacher turned crystal meth kingpin, follow his highs and lows with some humorous moments including sidekick Jesse Pinkman. 

Supernatural - I don't think people praise this show enough, two hot guys who kill monsters and demons. What's not to love?

Dean and Sam Winchester are brothers and hunters of all things Supernatural. Cruising the U.S. in Dean's chevvy Impala with a masonry of weapons stashed under the boot is the life that these guys lead. With a little help from their father and family friend Bobby, these two are the shizz when it comes to killing demons. If you're into elements of horror then give this one a go.

Gossip Girl - Last but by no means least. I can't even put into words the amount of love I have for this show. It's dramatic and over the top but so beautiful and enjoyable - and the wardrobe is to die for. Set in New York City, follow the lives of Serena, Blair, Chuck, Nate, Dan and Jenny as they find themselves and more importantly, each other. Heartfelt moments surrounded by family drama, friendship feuds and high rise fashion. It's fabulous.

Let me know what you guys think if you've seen any of these or they're on your to-do list.

Lauren

xo

Why Staying In is the New Going Out.

I'll be the first to admit that I do love a good night out every now and again. Who doesn't love getting so drunk that you can't remember your name? professing your undying love to people you barely speak to? or my personal favourite...getting in the rounds when it isn't even your turn. 

However, I only like this every once in a while. I've never been one of those people who were out every weekend. My body can barely hack it on just the odd one, let alone every week. 

Since turning 21 - and going out alot less often - I've been thinking what is it that makes it a good time? seeing friends? having a laugh?...you can do all that without the alcohol though. Here I am to argue why staying in is way better than going out.

The major one - you save money - I spend a fortune on nights out, even though 9/10 I don't even intend to spend that much. I'm a massive fan of the pre-drink, bar prices are so extortionate nowadays it's hard to justify buying more than a couple of drinks. Staying in with a good film and good friends means more money in the bank for Starbys and a McDonalds the next day.

No hangover - I've gotta tell you how much I love waking up the next morning after a big night out to a banging headache, disgustingly dehydrated skin, a boiling stomach and feeling nauseous as hell...NAWT. I've been lucky enough to not suffer from anything too major, but I have friends who get such bad hangovers it makes me wonder why they ever drink. 

None of this 'You've gotta drink through the tiredness' - If I had a penny for every time somebody had said this to me on a night out I'd be ballin'. Like most people, I start to get tired half way through a night out, which isn't surprising - people party late. I never really understood the concept of drinking through the tiredness, I only carry on because everyone else is. Staying in, I can just go to bed whenever I want - bonus.

Cosy socks instead of foot-crippling heels - I've lost count the amount of times I've took my shoes off after getting in and genuinely can't walk for a good 15/20 minutes because the pain's that excruciating (I've crawled to bed before now). Will I wear them on the next night out? obviously. I'd rather be wrapping my feet in warm socks than bone-altering footwear to be honest. 

Watching Netflix rather than people 'tashing on'  - We've all seen it, there's that pair on the dancefloor who simply can't keep from shoving their faces into one another. Vom. I'm not bitter nor prude, I just think that drunk kissing is a little bit more vivacious than sober kissing...and I don't need it shoved in my face, or ramming me in the back. Give me American Horror Story over that anytime. 

Not having to wait ages for a drink - You're in a club, you're parched and all you want is a double vodka and coke to wet your whistle...but so do 15 other people. By the time the barman actually gets to you, you've forgotten why you're even standing there in the first place. I'd rather have my own personal supply in my own personal fridge. Thanks.

Despite all of these points I'll still continue to party it up in the future - as One Direction would say...Live while we're young.

(Oh God, did I just quote One Direction? it's been a long few days, forgive me.)

Lauren

xo

Current Netflix Picks.

I am a Netflix fiend. 

Whenever I'm home, you can guarantee I'll be watching something or it'll be on in the background whilst I work. I can spend hours just watching suggestion after suggestion after suggestion and before I know it, I've watched like 8/9 films in one sitting. 

I love Netflix for it's convenience. I spend alot of time on my laptop and it's handy to have something that can keep me entertained whilst I'm working - I usually stick on The Inbetweeners or Prison Break and just listen to it, I've watched both so many times I can just see it in my head if I'm listening to the dialogue. 

Recently it's added some pretty awesome stuff and I thought I'd share my top 4 Netflix watches of the moment since it's all I'm going to be doing for the rest of my day.

American Horror Story:Coven - You guys could probably smell this coming a mile off. I love it. I'm still not sure if I'm ready to call it my favourite season since I enjoyed the first one so much, but I just can't stop watching it. The fashion is just...en pointe - see this post here.

I have huge love for Jessica Lange and Taissa Farmiga - anything with those two in it is just...perf.

Overboard - Favourite film of all time. Overboard is a classic romcom with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn and we all know how much I love Goldie. She plays a spoiled heiress who ends up falling overboard from her yacht and loses her memory - Kurt Russell plays the carpenter who tricks her into thinking she's his wife to get revenge for an unpaid job. It's brilliant and magical and I love it.

Hercules - A Disney classic that's seriously underrated. It has amazing songs and is just downright enjoyable. One of my favourite Disney movies ever and I'll never hear a bad word against it. Also, the Gospel singers throughout have so much sass I can't even.

Cleaner - This is a more recent discovery on Netflix and, you guessed it, it came up as a suggestion. Samuel L. Jackson owns a clean-up company that specialises in crime scenes. He's called to a job one day at a wealthy residence after a shooting, but soon realises he's removed vital evidence of a criminal cover up. It's enthralling and I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did - and I definitely didn't see the end coming. 

My apologies for not posting these past two days, I've literally been busy from getting up to going to bed with work, errands and a friend's boxing match. I'm now going to take a well deserved bath and maybe order a pizza. 

Have a happy Sunday.

Lauren

xo

The British Tag.

As most of you probably already know, I am British - so what better way to figure out how British I really am than doing The British Tag. I'm pretty sure this tag was created by Sammi from BeautyCrush but correct me if I'm wrong.  

Here it goes...

How many cups of tea a day & how many sugars?

I'm more of a coffee drinker on a daily basis but I am partial to a good brew every now and again. I like mine strong with 3 sugars.

Favourite part of your roast?

The yorkshire puddings, obvs.

Favourite dunking biscuit?

I like a chocolate digestive or 'nice' biscuits. 

Favourite quintessentially British past-time?

It's gotta be tea & scones really hasn't it?

Favourite word?

'Ta' -  it means thankyou. Though I think people use it more in the North.

Cockney Rhyming Slang?

Barney Rubble - Trouble.

Lady Godiva - Fiver.

Favourite Sweet?

I like the 5p strawberries and the 10p cola bottles you get in pick 'n' mixes. 

Pub name?

The Winchester. Both for my love of Shaun of the Dead and Supernatural.

No.1 British Person?

It's gotta be Dame Julie Andrews because it's always a jolly holiday with Mary...

Favourite Shop/Restaurant?

I love a good food shop in Morrisons. As far as restaurants go, I'll have to go with Almost Famous - they make the most amazing burgers. 

First British song that pops into your head?

'5 colours in her hair'  - McFly.

Marmite - love/hate?

Urgh, HATE.

I tag all of you guys - British or not - to do this tag. You might end up more British than me.

Lauren

xo

A Blogging Brainstorm: 10 post ideas.

We've all been there. 

We've made a good brew, grabbed ourselves a snack, settled down to write a post and...nothing. Nada. Zilch. 

I post everyday - or at least try my best to. That's seven fresh posts a week, ergo I'm usually stuck for ideas on a more than average basis. Don't listen to what anyone tells you - blogging is hard. It's up to you to get your posts out, making sure they're interesting to read whilst simultaneously not being too similar to anything you've done in the past. Same goes for you Youtubers. I applaud you for it.

It can be incredibly overwhelming - especially since the majority, if not all, of us take alot of pride in our blogs/channels. 

These are the types of posts I turn to when I'm stuck in a bit of a blogging rut, so I've scraped together 10 ideas that I think would make for some good reading.

1. Handbag Essentials.

2. Empties.

3. Drugstore Gems.

4. Season Essentials (this a good one for all year round). 

5. Sick Day Makeup Routine/Essentials.

6. Favourite Face Masks.

7. Current Drugstore Favourites. 

8. Non-Beauty Favourites.

9. Top 10 Under 10.

10. Any sort of Tag. 

Lauren

xo

5 things The Inbetweeners has taught me.

Let's face it, if you're reading this and you're British you're pretty much guaranteed to have watched The Inbetweeners at some point. It follows Simon, Neil, Jay and Will on their adolescent journeys of beer, school, girls and sex. It's crude in places and it does contain quite a bit of profanity - but it's absolutely hysterical. No matter how many times I watch it, it will still manage to make me chuckle.

As big a laugh as it is - and considering how many times I've actually watched it - I have managed to pick up some life lessons along the way. Here's 5 things that The Inbetweeners has taught me. 

1. Sarcasm IS the answer to everything.

I've got to say, my sarcasm usage in everyday life has gotten so out of control that people genuinely don't know if I'm being serious or not. As funny as it is from where I'm standing, others don't always find it so. These guys - especially Will - have taught me to ignore the haters and go on with my bad self. Sarcasm is the way forward. 

Jay: It's a sense of freedom you don't get with other holidays.

Will: It's a sense of shitting in a bucket in a cupboard you don't get with other holidays...in England...with your parents.

2. It's ok to make fun of your mates - as long as it's in jest.

We've all done it. We've took the mickey out of friends because of how they sound, what they're wearing or something they've said. It's normal. I do it all the time - but my mates are fully aware I am joking. The lads constantly ridicule each other because that's just what's acceptable in their friendship group - and they all take it on the chin anyway.

Simon: What should I text back?

Jay: Spread 'em, I'll be there in 30 minutes.

Will: Or, 'so lovely to hear from you, it'll be a pleasure meeting up'.

Jay: P.S. I'm a puffder.

3. Always be there for your mates.

It's important to be a good friend to all your mates. Be there when they need you and do what you can to help them. Like when Will dumped Neil, Simon and Jay for Charlotte Hinchcliffe and she broke his heart...Jay and Simon still went knocking for him afterwards asking did he want to go and make fun of Neil on his date. 

*After Jay gets dumped by his girlfriend*

Neil: Come on mate, we'll get you some chips.

4. Be open to new people - they may become a friend for life.

I can't tell you how many times a chance conversation between me and someone else has turned into a really mint friendship. It's a good feeling to meet someone who shares the same interests and/or has similar personality traits to you. Simon was completely against Will in the first episode, however after giving him a chance they became the best of friends.

Will: Anyone can be your friend. All you have to do is hang around them long enough.

5. There is such a thing as 'too jazzy'. 

This may be one of my favourite Inbetweeners moments of all time - when the boys are shopping for suits for their school's Christmas disco and all the shop attendant, Mr Sethi, can say is 'too jazzy?'. Turns out, there is such a thing...and velvet suits are a massive no-no. 

Will: I'm not too sure about the lapels.

Mr Sethi: Too jazzy?

Will: They are a little too jazzy, yes.

Something a little different for a Sunday afternoon giggle.

Lauren

xo

The Perfect Night In: Halloween Style.

My little brother is off out trick or treating (and I'll be entitled to at least half his bounty when he returns) so I might as well give myself a Friday night mini-pamper. 

What better way to get into the spooky spirit than watching Hocus Pocus? - one of my all time fave Halloween films EVER. Bette Midler is just...God. She is God.

"COME! WE FLY!"

 I'm also a huge fan of the Halloweentown series - call me sad but they make me happy.

I then like to chill out with a face mask - what beauty-obsessed girl doesn't really? - and I've gone with the anti-stress mud pac from Montagne-Jennesse. This one's really great for cleaning out the pores and since I'm at my older brother's wedding reception tomorrow night, it wouldn't hurt to give my skin a proper clean out.

I'll light a candle just to make things a little more cosy - I'm currently burning Yankee Candle's 'White Linen & Lace'. It smells so fresh yet comforting.

To top my night off I'll give my nails a fresh coat of paint. I've been loving Essie's 'Wicked' this month and since I've been in work since 7am this morning they need re-doing. Retail and nice manicures do not co-exist nicely. 

I thought I'd leave you with a picture of my pumpkin-carving efforts. I think I did pretty alright in all honesty. He's currently living outside in my Mum's hanging basket.

Happy Halloween!

Lauren

xo

My Sick Day Saviours.

So I didn't blog yesterday and I've gotta tell you guys, it's probably one of the weirdest things I've ever experienced. I've posted consistently everyday (sometimes twice) since the end of August...it honestly feels like I've been away for years, not 24 hours.

Anyway, reflection time over, today I'm coming at you with my sick day heroes. Things that I just can't seem to be without whenever I'm ill and a duvet day is more than called for.

First up is a soft blanket. This one's from Matalan and I absolutely love it. I don't always like actually being in bed and under the covers so a blanket is the perfect compromise - I'm not twisted up in my quilt but I'm covered if I fall asleep. Winner.

Next up is a good brew. You can't beat a good cup of tea when you're feeling less than stellar. I like mine on the strong side with 3 sugars - I know, it's a wonder I have any teeth left. 

Then we have The Inbetweeners boxset. I honestly don't think I could live without this in my life - it may be my favourite telly show ever. Even before Prison Break and The O.C. (insert shocked emoji face here). Even though I've seen every episode about 25 times each, it still manages to make me pretty much wet myself every time I watch it. I can't even narrow it down to a favourite episode - they're all absolutely hilarious. If you've never watched The Inbetweeners what are you doing with your life?! 

Buy it, borrow it, steal it - it's a must-watch.

I like to have my notebook with me all the time - you never know when inspiration will hit and it's handy to have something to jot your ideas down in. I carry mine with me everywhere because everything I do can potentially be blogged about. I like to work on ideas when I'm not doing much with my day, it's useful to dedicate time to actually thinking out posts. It's great when you're stuck for ideas - you can just have a flick through and pick something out. In a weird way it's kind of like shopping for a whole new outfit when you have nothing to wear.

I guess a candle isn't a necessity for a sick day but it makes me feel better to have the warm aroma of Yankee Candle's Vanilla Frosting filling my nostrils than vapour rub. 

A few things I like to have when I'm feeling a little under the weather which come (proper) Winter will be be more often than not. I also like to have my cat around so I can force all my cuddles upon her but she wouldn't sit still long enough for me to take the picture. She's such a diva...I knew I should've called her Beyonce. 

Lauren

xo

Sisterhood of The World Bloggers Award.

This will be my 3rd blog award nomination and I've got to say how thankful I am for all of my previous nominations for other awards. It's lovely to know how big and close-knit the blogging community actually is. 

So here is my Sisterhood of The World Bloggers Award. 

First off I must thank Lauren from The Whirling Derfish for nominating me for this award. 

The Rules;

Thank the blogger that nominated you and link to their blog.

Include the award logo in your post. 

Answer the set of 10 questions they provide.

Supply your own set of 10 questions. 

Nominate 10 other bloggers. 

Lauren's Questions;

Best movie you've seen this year?

Oh God, I haven't really seen any new releases. I'll have to go with The Inbetweeners 2. 

What's your most worn piece of clothing/accessory?

Erm, probably my leather jacket. Accessories-wise, my Michael Kors watch without a doubt.

What's your favourite/most inspiring place to blog?

Honestly, my bedroom. It's the place that I feel most comfortable and usually contains all of the junk I tend to blog about anyway. It's easy to find inspiration in there. 

Do you have any strange or interesting hobbies?

Not really. Blogging is my hobby - so I guess it's mildly interesting hahaha.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Many things. Soooo many things, but it used to switch between Nurse, Midwife or Vet. I am currently none of these.

One essential beauty product you can't live without?

Dry Shampoo.

Why did you start blogging?

A creative outlet I guess. I liked all aspects of beauty/style and wanted to share my opinions and see if anyone agreed with me. A blog was the easiest way to achieve that. And it gave me something to do rather than sit watching Netflix all day. 

What's the meaning behind the name of your blog?

Erm, in all honesty it isn't that interesting. I wanted it to be beauty related yet also have 'The' in it. I was playing around with words until I came up with 'The Beauty Ideal'. 

If you could travel through time, where would you go?

Probably to 2004 - the year I started high school. I'd write myself a letter listing all the things I shouldn't do and give it to my 11-year-old self. 

If you could have any superpower what would it be? and what would you do with it?

Honestly, I'd like to have indestructibility - like Claire Bennet from Heroes. Either that or some sort of healing power. The healing power would come in handy, I'm not sure what I'd do with indestructibility though other than just...have it. 

My questions;

I'd like to do something a little different, so I'm going to do my questions in a 'this or that' format. 

1. Heels or flats?

2. Horror or Romance?

3. Jumpers or T-shirts?

4. Coffee or Tea?

5. Starbucks or Costa?

6. Candles or Room Sprays?

7. Edward or Jacob? (oh yes, I did just reference Twilight) 

8. Showers or Baths?

9. Long hair or Short hair?

10. Ponytail or bun?

My nominees;

Jade from jadenewton-taylor

Kirsty from kirstytalks

Maria from beardieboo

Hannah from tallgirl97

Scarlet from scarletmonroe92

Marissa from foodierexia

Dylan from jem'appelledylan

Amy from aimsyellen

Stefi from styledbystefi1

Amber from tyrannosaurusamber

If this is up your street girls, then great! if not, don't worry I won't be offended.

Lauren 

xo