Pink Themed Beauty Christmas Gift Guide

A little disclaimer before I start; it wasn't until I was picking things to add to my gift guide did I realise that the majority of them (okay, all of them) were pink. It was in no way my intention but I'm going with it and #sorrynotsorry if you don't like pink things.

Decorating My Wheelchair with Festive Lights

Who's feeling festive? This year more than the last few years (here's why I find Christmas tough), I'm extremely excited; I can't wait for Christmas. I'm more than in the mood to celebrate and be with family and friends. I want to beat my brother at all the games we play. I want to shower my niece and nephews with presents. I actually even plan on getting up early...I don't know who I am anymore.

Why Being a Brand Ambassador Isn't All It's Cracked Up To Be

As a blogger I am lucky to receive opportunities that I could never have dreamed of. I've worked with some incredible brands and PR agencies, and I will always be very grateful. However, I have noticed the term Brand Ambassador flying around a lot lately and I wanted to give you a little insight as to why it might not always be worthwhile to take on this 'prestigious' title.

The New Signature Scent from Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co. is one of those brands that I've always looked at with bright eyes. They're famous for beautiful jewellery, opulence and that stunning blue shade associated with their packaging and detailing. 

Homeware Christmas Gift Guide

I'm completely obsessed with homeware. I can't go shopping and not go and look at home decor, much to my boyfriends dismay. With that, I thought it would only be right to compose a gift guide of cute presents for the home.

November Favourites

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was composing my October favourites, but I did do that pretty late in the month, so that's probably why. However, it's December, it's almost Christmas, and your girl is so excited! We're spending it up north with my family this year and I can't wait. But before that, let's get into what I was obsessing over during November (and still am).

Me, My Disability, And How It Defines Me

This project on Identities got me thinking about how I identify and what my identity means to me. My identity is really important to me. But then again, isn't everyone's? I guess when I really analyse myself, when I get down to the nitty-gritty, there's nothing unique or special about me and yet I am multifaceted (just like everyone else, right?). However, when I describe myself, no matter who I'm talking to, no matter how the conversation is going, I always mention that I'm disabled...I mean that's if the wheelchair didn't give it away already.

Spoonie Christmas Gift Guide

Welcome to my first Christmas Gift Guide, my loves. This one is especially for my chronically ill readers, or if you know someone who has a chronic illness and are unsure what to purchase for them. We're not difficult, give us some pyjamas and we'll be buzzing.

October Favourites

I realise I'm extremely late with my October Faves but I went home last week for my nephews birthday, and priorities, ya know!? I also haven't had a lot of motivation lately what with pain and stuff but I'm here and ready to show off what I was loving last month.

Products You Need if You're Pale AF

Pretty sure I have mentioned my paleness thirty-three million times, and it's never been an issue with me. I absolutely love my fair skin, I always have. I've never self-tanned, I've never been on a sunbed, I can't even catch a tan if I tried. However, what I don't like is that there is never a foundation or concealer that perfectly matches me. They're either too dark, too yellow or too pink. You'd think I could wear these white products alone but despite being a corpse, I have a slight tinge of colour to my complexion.

Oesophageal Tests: The Day Of

Last month or the month before I headed over to Glenfield hospital in Leicester for oesophageal manometry and pH tests. I was meant to have them both on the same day, however, when I got to the hospital, the machine was faulty, so I had to go back a few weeks later. It was pretty frustrating as I live an hour away from Leicester and had booked a hotel due to one of the tests being a 24 hour assessment, but never mind, the hotel didn't charge me and I got to sleep in my own bed that night.

How Many Candles is Too Many?: Candle Haul

Yes, hello, hi, I have a problem when it comes to candles. But hey, isn't admitting it the first step? Lately I can't seem to stop buying candles. However, two of these my brother bought for me, so I'm not that bad, right? RIGHT? *backs away*

Glossier First Impressions

If you've not seen the hype around Glossier this week, have you even been on Twitter? Glossier launched in the UK on Monday and after a whole three minutes deliberation I decided to make an order. I mean, I tried the whole will-power thing and it just doesn't work for me, but look at their products, can you blame me?

ELF Liquid Matte Lipstick Review

I was so excited when elf made a comeback to the UK and buzzing that they'd be sold in Superdrug stores. I was sent quite a few items and have enjoyed the majority of them, so as someone that is a lot little bit addicted to liquid lipstick, I felt it was my duty to give you the DL on these.

Love Lee Stafford: Current Favourite Hair Products

I love Lee Stafford. Like, I think I might actually be in love with him. He's a wizard with hair, and a genius with products, I can't get enough. I've used Lee Stafford (his products, not the man) for years and always repurchase, am always impressed and will continue to give the brand the hype it well and truly deserves.

September Favourites

I'm not going to lie, it took me a while to pick out five products that I'd been loving last month because my go-to for my faves is makeup. I've usually fallen in love with something new or plucked something out of a drawer that has been in there a while and I've had a new affair with. But because I've spent a lot of time (like a shit load of time; I've barely seen the outside world) in a lot of pain, I've not bothered getting dressed, let alone putting any makeup on. I have however been taking care of my skin and taken a fancy to some oldies but goodies.

September #Paperhaul Stationery Subscription Collection

This month (or rather last month, as oh em gee, we're in October now) the #Paperhaul collection was so bloody beautiful. The theme was Vintage Flowers and I'm all about it.

10 Reasons I'm Awesome BECAUSE OF My Disability NOT Despite It

Do you know what I'm sick of seeing? 'Oh <insert persons name here> is so lovely despite their disability'. As someone that identifies as disabled, that one word, 'despite' infuriates me so much. Why can't they just be lovely? What does their disability have to do with anything? Using that shitty little D-word is so problematic and I will always challenge it. It implies that having a disability is something we all must overcome, something that we shouldn't let affect us, but do you know what? Fuck that.

Bravura Skincare Review

I've had this lot of Bravura products for a while now and been using them religiously for about 4-6 weeks. And *spoiler alert* my skin has never looked or felt better. I'm so incredibly impressed and am shocked at how affordable the range is.

My Personal Independence Payment Assessment and Decision

Back in February the brown envelope of doom landed on my doorstep. I wasn't expecting it so wasn't struck with anxiety when I opened it but as soon as I read the first few lines the panic set in. It's no word of a lie how much fear the assessment process is for disabled people and even something as simple as a piece of paper emerging from the brown envelope can insight fear.

August #Paperhaul Stationery Subscription Collection

The August collection arrived last week and I wasn't allowed to open it until my nephew arrived that weekend at my house as he wanted to 'help' me because he's very much a lover of receiving mail, like his auntie.

International Literacy Day 2017

Today is International Literacy Day and I teamed up with Viking to express my love of literature. Because, if you hadn't realised already (where have you been?) I'm very much into my novels, especially those from the Victorian era. 

August Favourites

I'm a tad late with my August favourites but I didn't forget, do not worry, they are here! I'm going to jump straight in with the things I was loving last month as my hands can't handle this typing lark.

House of Fraser Beauty Hall at Rushden Lakes

*Disclaimer: This post is extremely photo heavy 

Last week I was invited to the opening of the brand spanking new House of Fraser *bows* at Rushden Lakes. I wasn't planning on going on opening day as I knew it'd be packed but a brand asked me to show up and I couldn't say no.

Getting Cosy: A Wish List

It will come as no surprise to you that my all time favourite thing to do is lounge around in my pyjamas with a blanket, chocolate and catching up with Netflix. And since those three minutes of warm weather have sodded off (praise a deity), I've pulled out my blankets and am very much ready for the chill of autumn.

The Ordinary Foundations - Worth The Hype?

The Ordinary is a brand that has completely taken over the beauty world. Their affordable skincare and makeup have become strong favourites in many consumer and influencers regime; and seeing it all over blogs and Insta, I knew I had to give it a whirl.

July #Paperhaul Stationery Subscription Collection

I know it's August and I'm sharing the July collection but it arrived late and I photographed it as soon as I could. I always get excited when my #Paperhaul is due to arrive as I'm a massive stationery fan and the content is amazing.

July Favourites

Oh my days, how is it August? I feel like it was Christmas two seconds ago, I blinked and now we're here. I also realise I am sounding more and more like my mother everyday but she's a babe so I can't really complain.

I Want To Write But I Can't

You may or may not have noticed that for the last few months my blogging schedule has become pretty nonexistent. I'm very much a routine person, I always have been, I like to do things a certain way and on a particular day, I just find it works better for me but lately I've been letting things slide and it's making me feel kind of shitty.

Gastroscopy: The Day Of

After I wrote a detailed post about my last MRI scan a few people stated that they liked that kind of post and if I had any other procedures to write about those too. So here I am sharing all the secrets to my latest test at the Endoscopy Unit.

Mini Smashbox Review

I will hold my hands up (albeit not high, dodgy shoulder life) and admit I have been a pretty shitty blogger lately. I have been in a complete rut and a lot of pain, so yeah, apologies. But enough of that, let's talk makeup, or more specifically Smashbox.

Little Man Life #2

My little dude is a complete chatterbox and since my previous #LittleManLife post, he's said a lot of hilarious things. I chat to him regularly over the phone and on FaceTime and he always makes my days brighter, even if he will sometimes only talk for a few seconds. He's 4, he's hella busy, I get it.

4 Luxury Lip Liners You Need

A few years ago I didn't own a lip liner, let alone use one but now I can't wear a lipstick without it. No, I'm not exaggerating or being dramatic (although they are my go-to settings), I really can't do my lippie without lining my lips.

Love Island and Why I'm Glad I Don't Have To Date in Modern Society

Similar to last year, I'm very much hooked on Love Island. I'm a total reality TV junkie; it's not even a guilty pleasure of mine, it's purely pleasure and I fucking love it. Tell me it's staged, tell me it's shit, I don't really care, I still watch it and I'll no doubt forever be extremely obsessed.

MRI Scan: The Day Of

I've been hella lucky to have two MRI scans (sense the sarcasm?) within six weeks of each other. I usually have at least one per year and have done since I was a teenager, yet they still bother me. I'm claustrophobic and they freak me out; so a few weeks ago I wrote a post including some valuable tips on how to prepare for an MRI, you can find that post here.

June Favourites

June hasn't been an eventful month for me. In fact I've hardly blogged as I've been in so much nerve pain with left arm that even looking at my laptop sets it into spasm, so apologies for the lack of content. I also haven't been wearing a lot of makeup as I've lived in my pyjamas and only left the house for the odd appointment.

Firsts: First Alcoholic Drink

Do you ever have those memories that are so clear you can almost see them in your mind as if you're an outsider looking in? As if they happened yesterday? This is how I remember my first experience with alcohol.

June #Paperhaul Stationery Subscription Collection

The June #Paperhaul arrived today and I knew I had to photograph it and show you all immediately as it's so bloody beautiful. Yes, in today's heat I sat with my camera taking these pictures because I'm so dedicated...I also felt guilty because there was no new content up today and I always post on a Monday. Anyone else just completely unmotivated when every part of you is sweating?

Worried About an MRI Scan? Tips and Advice

I've had MRI scans every year since I was 13; I'm now 30 so I've had quite a few. However, because I'm very claustrophobic, I always get anxious before the scan, and sometimes work myself up for a few days before despite knowing what to expect.

Tarte Takeover

I've been having a bit of an affair with Tarte Cosmetics lately and although I've not worn makeup in a few weeks (combination of crap health and staying at home in my pjs) when I have decided to slap something on, these are the products I've been reaching for.

5 Planner Essentials

So I have this thing with planners, and you can see my collection here but I thought I'd share five things I use all the time in my main A5 Duck Egg Filofax. If you're a stationery fan, you probably want to check this out too.

Nip+Fab Beauty Review: Why The Liquid Lipsticks Aren't My Favourite

Nip+Fab have recently extended their line and released a large selection of makeup that I knew I had to get my hands on. I popped into Northampton a few weeks ago and the Nip+Fab stand in Superdrug was pristine, with not a fingerprint in sight; very dissimilar to the Nyx display in Boots that looked like a group of toddlers were using it for finger painting. Anyway, I decided to be restrained (I don't know who I am anymore) and only picked up three products; the white foundation mixer, and two liquid lipsticks.

I Changed My Name: One Year On

A year ago (almost to the day) I wrote a post about how I changed my surname at almost 30 years old. You can read the how and why I did it in my original post here. But I thought I'd do a little update and let you know why it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

May Favourites and National Smile Month

I'll hold my (very sore) hands up and admit that I've been a shit blogger for the month of May. To be honest not only have I been in a lot of pain, especially with my hands and arms, I've just not been in the mood. I'm hoping since I've blogged twice this week it means I'm back in the swing of things but only time will tell - and since my hands are pretty painful typing this, I'm not going to make any promises.

May #Paperhaul Stationery Subscription Collection

When May #Paperhaul arrived I shrieked in excitement because flamingos are one (dogs and giraffes the other faves) of my all-time favourite animals and I knew before opening the package (there's a sticker on the parcel that gives a sneak peek at the inside) that I was going to be obsessed.

5 Binge-Worthy Netflix Shows

You may or may not have noticed that I didn't post much last week. I had a pretty shitty few days the week before and decided I needed to give myself a break from my blog. I've been putting so much pressure on myself to write and schedule three posts a week that it was affecting my mood and my health. So, I had a few days off, spent a lot of them with Netflix, and decided what better topic to write about than the shows I've bingeing on.

Me, Myself and My Hair, Spoonie Style

I've had quite a lot of hairstyles and various colours throughout the years, and I must admit I haven't always taken the best care of my hair. For some reason unbeknown to me (could it be the faulty collagen with EDS doing me a service?), my hair has consistently looked in good condition and had a lovely shine to it without doing much to it; and as I'm spoonie, I'm extremely grateful for this.

Mental Health Is As Important As Physical Health

It's Mental Health Awareness Week and I wanted to continue the conversation about MH. It's been a few months since I talked about it, and to be quite honest, I thought I was doing good. Then my physical health took a turn for the worse, and a few things online triggered me and knocked me back. It was actually a year ago that I first shared my MH story, and you can read it here, if you fancy it.

6 Bright Lipsticks For Spring/Summer

Do you change up your lipstick colour with the season? I never thought I did but I do tend to gravitate towards brighter, bolder shades in the warmer months. I wear them when it's A/W too just not as often. I guess I'm a 'whatever I feel like' kinda girl. If it's October, raining and miserable, I'll throw on a bright orange if that's the aesthetic for the day. I mean, I live in the UK, there's not a lot of opportunities to match up bright shades with the sun.

10 Ways To Chill Out

I'm writing this extremely pissed off. I'm actually slamming my keyboard with much more vehemence than is necessary and there's a rage inside me burning brightly. Why? Because I've had a pretty shitty day, it's been long, painful and people have wound me up on all kinds of levels. My laptop has just had a meltdown and I thought I'd lost a years worth of pics, so that didn't help either. Anyway, I'm putting on my positivity pants, they're black like my soul, and I'm going to turn the frown upside down.