Tag: favourites

April & May 2019 Favourites

April & May 2019 Favourites!

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Ok, we’re playing catch up a little bit! I could say there wasn’t enough in April to be excited about but in all honesty I forgot. I thought I’d written it, then I was too late. You guys know how life gets. BUT we’re back with my April and May favourites. Let’s jump in

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Books

April was the month I discovered Taylor Jenkins Reid one of my new all time favourite authors! I read three of her books in less than 2 weeks. Daisy Jones and The Six was an incredible look at a band in the 1970s and it just felt so real, I’ll have a review on that soon. Following that I listened to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and was transported to old Hollywood – I would 100% recommend the audiobook.

I also read the next book in the Izzy O’Neill series by Laura Steven and I loved it so much! I laughed, got emotional and have been recommending it to everyone. I also got my order of White Rose on the day of release this is a novel about Sophie Scholl written in verse and was a interesting way of looking at The White Rose society.

And last, but not least, I was able to get an advance reader copy of Lucy Powrie’s The Paper and Hearts Society. It’s absolutely adorable and a book for book lovers. I was sent a copy of this for review and I can’t wait to share that with you this month!

Watching

I’ve been actually spending more time than usually watching TV and movies because two of my favourites have ended. It’s been emotional guys. One I haven’t watched yet was the end of the Big Bang Theory – one of my favourite shows as a teenager, I’ll get to it eventually.

Firstly we got to the final of the Avengers films as we know them, I was in a cinema at 8am on a Friday morning to watch and cried so hard I gave myself a headache. I loved it. That said, I think I’m going to need a bit of time before I watch it again because, boy, was that emotional.

Then the following Monday we had the end of Game of Thrones and, I thought it was ok – not exactly how I would have ended it but the series itself had some of the best cinematography I’ve ever seen. I definitely think we needed a longer season or another 2 seasons so it didn’t feel as rushed.

I also had a bit of a Netflix binge and finally watched Bodyguard, yes I’m well aware I’m a year late to the party. I really enjoyed it and am keeping my fingers crossed for a second season. Next on the list is Killing Eve before the second season is released in the UK in June.

Life

April

April was pretty quiet and I spent most of my time either working or at home BUT I did end up with some new glasses šŸ¤“. I also found my wedding venue! It’s absolutely beautiful and more than I could have imagined. I’m absolutely in love with it!

Unfortunately, April was our last month full month with Wickett, as he passed away in May but I love this picture of him nibbling on some Broccoli. I also picked up these beautiful earrings from local designer Hannah Viner (her website is here). I’ve been wearing them constantly and they’re so sweet.

May

May on the other hand was pretty busy. My lovely Mum bought me a set for my business with branded goodies, I absolutely love it. Next up I FINALLY got my first Loungefly bag which I’ve wanted for ages and, of course, it has Ewoks on it including Wickett.

I also had my friend Sarah’s Hen Do in London, the Wellcome Book Prize ceremony and a meeting that deserved a Lola’s Cupcake. I got my hair coloured so hello red and we bought home two new hammies, Ghost and Nymeria.

What did you get up to in April and May? I’d love to hear below!

February 2019 Favourites

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Well, February was a dream. If you’re a regular reader you might have realised I never did a January favourites post for 2019, because I was really struggling. There were good parts, like moving to our new home but overall I felt pretty meh. So in comparison, February was wonderful. So let’s get into some favourites!

Books

I read a lot in February, so it was hard to pick favourites, but I have managed to pick six for you they’re all pretty varied too. If you want to know about the rest of them I am doing a whole wrap up.

WhatĀ WouldĀ TheĀ SpiceĀ GirlsĀ DoĀ –Ā LaurenĀ Bravo

A fun and powerful look back at the impact that the Spice Girls had on us and the world. I absolutely adored this book and its great fun but also makes you think.

SagaĀ VolumeĀ 9Ā –Ā BrianĀ K.Ā VaughanĀ 

I can hardly say anything because it is the 9th in the series BUT, I will warn you to keep tissues with you, this broke my heart.

RoyalsĀ –Ā RachelĀ HopkinsĀ 

Not my usual read but I fell in love with Royals, although I think it’s now been renamed and is being rereleased. This was a funny and sweet contemporary with a royal romance.

FarĀ FromĀ TheĀ TreeĀ –Ā RobinĀ BenwayĀ 

A beautifully written YA novel about family. This made me feel so many emotions while I was reading and I did get a little teary eyed. I can’t believe more people aren’t shouting about this novel.

HeartstopperĀ VolumeĀ 1Ā –Ā AliceĀ OsemanĀ 

I loved Alice Oseman’s novel Radio Silence and kept seeing people talking about her first graphic novel about a romance between 2 guys and it’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever read. I read it within an hour and immediately ordered volume 2…it’s gonna be a long wait until July.

IfĀ MyĀ BodyĀ CouldĀ SpeakĀ –Ā BlytheĀ BairdĀ 

It’s rare that I feel that a book speaks directly to me and my experiences. I can see this collection becoming a favourite for so many because there this is real and it will resonate with so many people. Full review to follow of course! I was gifted a copy of this for review.

Big News

I won’t go on about it too much, because I know I’ve posted it EVERYWHERE but in February I got engaged! I’m so excited to marry my best friend and feel truly, truly lucky.

Listening

Ariana Grande, Thank U Next

In case you’ve been living under a rock – Ariana Grande dropped a new album in February. She also made history having the number 1, 2 and 3 in the US charts. I’ve had this album on repeat since it came out. While I wasn’t sure at first I’ve fallen in love with it.

General Life

And a big mix of others here! We obviously had the snow which was a favourite for the first day or two…until I was snowed into my flat – not fun! Ali and I also had some fun making pretzels from scratch YUM.

I also got to spend some time with my godkids this month, which just warmed my heart so much. As well as that I received a beautiful pin from my cousin in law to be, I love pin badges, even if I have no idea how to display them. I can also recommend the Chocolate Layer Cake from Wagamamas, after a trip with a friend.

Rounding up this mix is my new (3rd) bookcase, which I am in love with, some wand inspired makeup brushes from my Mumma and a new treat for myself – getting a manicure.

And that is my month! I’m hoping March will be great too as it finally gets to Spring time – I’m so over Winter. How was February for you? Let me know in the comments down below.

My Top Shows On Netflix

10 Of My Favourite Shows On Netflix

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I like Netflix, mostly for having something on in the background unless I am really hooked! It’s normally difficult for me to get into films/shows at home but when I find some I like I will watch them again and again.

So, why not share with you some of my favourite shows on Neflix? Some are exclusive to Netflix, some I watched on TV and am so happy that I now have a place to watch them over and over again. Please note these are only shows rather than films or documentaries!

The Fix

This is new to Netflix and I absolutely love it. So much so I binge watched it and really hope for a season 2! A lot of what I watch regularly is comedy (most of my recommendations are stand up specials) so this was a great mix!

American Crime Story: The People Vs OJ Simpson

I wrote a blog post about this when it was on TV, saying how interesting I found it (post here). It’s no wonder that after it came to Netfli I may have watched it once or twice…and then many more times after that. I was an interesting trial and so well acted!

How I Met Your Mother

I’ve loved HIMYM for years, so much so I had every season on DVD while I was at uni and watched it almost every day. This is one of my favourites to put on in the background and just catch up on old episodes.

Friends

Come on, you didn’t really think I’d leave Friends out did you? This was a staple for me growing up. I had all the VHS tapes as an early teen, then bought all the DVDs and now sweet, sweet Netflix. It’s a classic TV series and I love it.

Star Trek Discovery

This is an excellent story and has really got me interested in Star Trek. An incredible cast and moments that made me gasp out loud. This is also great if you weren’t an original Trekky (I’d only seen the newer films) you’re not expected to know too much and the first season is all new characters.

I dare you not to be hooked, and if you start now you can binge the whole of series 1, you are welcome.

Bojack Horseman

For me, this is a show I can have on in the background. I’m slowly making my way through, particularly when Ali goes on tour. You don’t have to concentrate too much, it’s something you can absorb and enjoy and sometimes that’s all you need from a TV show.

Rick & Morty

This makes me laugh, it is silly and ridiculous but that’s kind of the point. Ali and I will watch this together while eating sometimes or I’ll make him put it through the speakers of his computer if he has it on.

The Crown

The best Netflix series ever produced. This was a masterpiece, I loved it and I’m so excited for the next season to see what they will do with it. Claire Foy is such an incredible actress too, plus I do love the Royal family!

Next season, for those of you who don’t know, we’ll get a whole new cast replacing those we have come to love including Helena Bonham-Carter and Olivia Coleman.

My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman

This was a great series. Although Letterman isn’t as big over here in the UK I loved his way of interviewing. The Malala interview was my favourite, closely followed by Barack Obama and Tina Fey. More please!

Doctor Who

Matt Smith is my Doctor. I still need to work my way through the earlier episodes of Eccleston and Tennant but I love curling up and putting on old episodes of the Smith era. Everyone has their favourites, don’t @ me.

And that’s that! What else should I be watching on Netflix? I’d love to know your favourites below!

November Favourites

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November has been and gone and while I am fully extra and in Christmas mode right now, let’s throw it back to what I got up to. November was a crazy busy month and I’m really excited to share it with you all!

Books

I got a good bit of reading in this month, despite the fact that it’s been super busy! My favourites start off with Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately by Alicia Cook, a collection of poetry that I really connected with – I’ve loved both of her collections and I can’t wait to read more. Up next a true favourite and one for all Feminists – New Erotica For Feminists, this made me laugh so hard and I wrote a review ahead of its release here. And my final two reads were ARCs and I can’t wait to share my full reviews with you in 2019!Ā Pilu of the Woods andĀ The Year I Didn’t Eat were both brilliant reads for different reasons. Keep your eyes peeled.

 

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FilmsĀ 

From the moment I found out about it I knew I wanted to see Bohemian Rhapsody. I love Queen and think Freddie was one of the greatest showmen on earth. This film was incredible and I was surprisingly emotional watching it. If you haven’t seen it yet make sure you do, you won’t regret it.

Ali’s 25th BirthdayĀ 

Not only did I get the boy back from tour at the end of October (yay) it was also his 25th birthday. We spent the day in London as he was working BUT went out with friends the following weekend. Can we take a second to appreciate my hair actually going well to go out, I was so proud of it.

Six The MusicalĀ 

Your next favourite musical is here. The six wives of Henry VIII take back the spotlight to tell their stories. I went with my friend Lucy and it was absolutely incredible, I’ve had the soundtrack on repeat. They’re going to go back to London soon and you can read my post all about it here.

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Spice Girls Tickets!Ā 

Yes, I did it. It kicked me out multiple times but I am going to see The Spice Girls in June 2019. I don’t even know how to put my excitement into a paragraph. I’M GOING TO SEE THE SPICE GIRLS (again).

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Muggle MastermindĀ 

How do you spend your Thursday nights? I meet up with some of my closest friends and go to a Harry Potter quiz. Oh my lord, this was so much fun. There were decorations, super hard questions and prizes. We might not have one but I can’t WAIT for the next one. All the info on the quizzes is here for you.

 

Tonight Alive 10th Anniversary ShowĀ 

Ali and I have been fans of Tonight Alive since we were teenagers, so we got tickets to see them at Bush Hall, London for a special acoustic show to celebrate 10 years. It was incredible and like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Beautiful.

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The UK Blog Awards!

I’m in the running for a UK Blog Award! You can read all about it and even vote if you want to by clicking here.

Thank U, NextĀ 

If you haven’t been dancing along to this absolute TUNE what are you doing? So I’ve listened to the song constantly and then on the last day of November the Queen Ariana Grande dropped the video. This is a pre-teen dream with most of the dreams I loved watching in one place with my favourite song of the year.

 

What were your favourites in November? Let me know in the comments below!

 

 

 

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October 2018 Favourites!

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I hate to alarm you but we are now officially in Christmas countdown mode, ok well I am at least. We’re into November and October already feels like a distant dream. So, let’s jump into some October favourites.

Books

My reading may have slowed down a little, but it doesn’t mean that I haven’t read some excellent books. I got my hands on the fantastic Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies – I will be writing a full review but this is one of the best non-fictions of the year. I also got to My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness, a manga memoir about mental illness, loneliness and sexuality. I’ve also picked Saga up again and I please go into this incredible series knowing you will feel all the feels.

Rip It Up

 

My boyfriend has been away on tour for the past 2 months and so I got to go and see the show he’s been working on – Rip It Up The 60s. I went to both Reading (where I spent the day before with him too) and then Guildford. He also got us tickets to meet this year’s stars! My sister may have been a little star struck to meet Aston…

Heathers (Again)

 

I already professed my love for Heathers The Musical beforeĀ but I went to see it again, this time in the West End! As always it was perfect and this time I got to go with one of my oldest friends, Lucy, and fellow godmother to the munchkins Tori.

London

I’ve been going into London more and more recently. Mostly it’s for events like Heathers, where I managed to meet Joe after for a catch-up and a late Primark visit. I also went up with my Mum for a book event (more on that later) and a mooch around Oxford Street on the coldest day so far!

Lego

Yep, more lego. Ali got me the Great Hall for my birthday. It is amazing and I now have my eye on the Hogwarts castle…problem is it’s Ā£300 and I don’t think that’s on the cards just yet.

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New Hair!

Oh heeey didn’t recognise you there šŸ™ˆ. Yep, I took the plunge and decided to change up my hair with two shades of red. My hairdresser Millie is AMAZING, you can find her on Instagram here.

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Jodi Picoult

I got to meet the lovely Jodi Picoult again! Jodi is an incredible writer and I’ve reviewed her latest novel here. Not only is she a boss author she’s also not afraid to speak her mind. She also liked my jumper.

 

Top Posts

Twenties – A Poem.Ā 

Book Review: Vox – Christina DalcherĀ 

Where I’m At – World Mental Health Day 2018Ā 

Fibromyalgia and Me

On LonelinessĀ 

What were your October favourites? Let me know in the comments below!

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September Favourites!

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September favourites, already? Yep, we’re now in the last quarter of the year! No, I don’t know how it happened either. September was a funny old month, there were some excellent parts, and some not so excellent. That said, let’s get cracking with my September favourites.

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Disney

Just in case you missed it, I got to go to Disneyland in September. DISNEY LAND. I had the best time with my Mum and my sister and I won’t gush too much here – so here’s a part 1 AND part 2. You are welcome!

BooksĀ 

I didn’t get too much reading done in September but some of them I really did enjoy. I managed to finish an early release copy of Jodi Picoult’s A Spark of Ligh (review to come) about a shooting in a women’s health centre. Different to her other novels in the way it was written, but a good read.

I also read Ask Me His Name, which is an important and heartbreaking read about a mother who doesn’t get to bring her son home after his death at 3 days old. My final favourite for the month is Disconnected, a breathtaking collection of short stories and poems. This was amazing and I can’t wait to share my review with you.!

Things to do

I went out a fair bit this month, I went out with some friends for my birthday (absolutely in love with that skirt!). I also met up with my friend Lucy, the first time we’ve hung out without any little ones in 5 years! And last, but not least, I saw the incredible Sarah Millican at one of our local theatres. My face hurt at the end because I was laughing so hard.

Harry PotterĀ 

I spent most of this month building some kind of Lego or other. As I type, Ali has ordered me the Great Hall set for me to carry on with for his final few weeks of the tour. I also picked up this adorable candle from Primark, I wish I had smell-o-vision because it’s so gorgeous.

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Birthday!Ā 

I spent my birthday wrapped up in blankets with the worst cold ever. So, not exactly how I planned it. I did get some absolutely lovely presents. They’re all really grown up as you can see.

GeneralĀ 

And just a few little things that I really loved. Walking in the Autumn sunshine with my lovely Lottie. Also, the cheeky tub of Ben and Jerry’s because I haven’t had any in SO LONG and it was on sale. Just a reminder if you want the Ice Cream, eat the damn stuff because life is too short.

Posts

You MatterĀ  – A post for suicide awareness

18 Good Things That Happened At 23 – Looking back at 23!

Book Review: Tyler Johnson Was Here

10 Reasons Autumn Is My Favourite Season

What were your favourites in September? Let me know in the comments below!

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August Favourites

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It’s time for my August favourites… I am very aware that it’s the middle of September. I might have *slightly* forgotten to post it, oops. BUT there we go it’s here now and it’s a pretty good one! Let’s jump in.

Books

This was a month for YALC books (full haul here). My three favourites were all purchased at the convention and I LOVED them. Orbiting Jupiter absolutely broke my heart, This Is Where It Ends made me think and Vox is going to be a huge success. I wrote more about them in my reading wrap up. I read so much in August…let’s see how September goes!

Music

Has anyone else been listening to Sweetener on repeat? Ariana Grande’s latest album has been on constantly – I love it. I can’t wait to go and see her on tour when she next comes to the UK. Next up is an album that *just* got released in August – Emma Blackery’s Villains which has some damn catchy lyrics and is her best album to date. Also, I love Kacey Musgraves at the moment for her cool country vibes.

Musical!

Heathers The Musical

I saw my first Musical in FOREVER! I loved Heathers so much that not only did I write a blog about it, I also booked to see it again in October. If you’re unsure what it’s about, think Mean Girls but a lot darker and set in the 1980s. Could you think of anything better? Nope, neither can I.

Anniversary!

I’ve spent 10 years with this lovely man. It’s hard to put into words the feelings I have for him. We had a small garden party, I went with him to work for the day and we went to the Zoo. All in all a pretty perfect anniversary.

Lego

This is a very odd one. I really like Lego, but in August I LOVED Lego. The new Harry Potter figures were just the start, followed by a bigger Lego set (with spiders), a Star Wars set that I picked up for half price at a car boot sale and a trip to the Lego store in London.

Finally a phone update!

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After two years I finally got a new phone, look at the beautiful red colour though!

Ladybird Social

LB563 Ladybird social logo final

I’m proud that my freelance business is now official! Ladybird Social is now up and running and I couldn’t be happier!

Top PostsĀ 

I’m A FreelancerĀ 

Why I Will NEVER Use An App For Birth Control

Spending A Day With Sound EngineersĀ 

monthly favourites lifestyle blogger

March Favourites!

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So a third of the year is done. No biggie, it’s cool, I’m not terrified. That said it’s been a pretty quiet month so I wondered if I should do a monthly favourites post but my lovely Twitter followers said they wanted to see it, so why not. Here are my slightly short monthly favourites.

Books

I read a total of 12 books last month which I was super proud of any. It’s definitely a result of some amazing books I got through. There was a good mix of Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry so I’m keeping my fingers crossed I find some good ones this month too! You can read about them all in my wrap up here.

MusicĀ 

It’s been a while since I’ve had a music favourite, simply because I’ve been listening to the same few playlists in the car with one exception. My boyfriend introduced me to the amazing band Against the Current. I’ve had them on repeat, especially the above song which is a great driving tune!

 

Snowmageddon 2018

Snow!Ā 

I don’t know if the snow itself is a favourite but the walk I got to take with Ali was and when I didn’t have to go outside it looked very pretty. That said I’m fine with us not having loads of snow next year, my car was not happy. Either way, I wrote a post all about Snowmageddon in the South!

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FoodĀ 

Can we all take a little time to appreciate how tasty Creame Eggs are? I only had 2 McFlurries and an undisclosed amount of actual eggs. I know some people might not count them as food but, c’mon it’s chocolate…and I’ve been running on sugar this month.

Fashion

A few fashion favourites are my new Stitch t-shirt from Primark which is SO adorable and cost about Ā£6 I think? I also picked up some new Vans in their outlet store in PortsmouthĀ for Ā£33 and they are the comfiest shoes I own.

Blog Posts

5 Things You Should Know About Living With Chronic PainĀ 

Fantastic Feminist Authors

Why Do You Blog?

Top 10 Books I Read in Winter

Did my GCSE Choices Matter?Ā 

 

 

 

 

monthly favourites lifestyle blogger

Monthly Favourites – February

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Books

 

I read a lot of books this month once again (a mix of paperback, ebook and audiobook) but these three really stood out! After starting the A Court of Thorns and Roses series last monthĀ I couldn’t wait to read the rest of the season. I finished these very early on in the month and I already want to read them again…I’m serious. For non-fiction in February, I listened to Brave by Rose McGowan, I had no idea who she was from films just that Rose had started a movement. It’s not an easy read but it’s important and will blow you away. You can read about all the books I read this month here.

Fashion

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Only one fashion favourite this month and it’s this adorable dress from Primark! My grandparents picked this up for me and it is SO flattering. I love a dress where I can easily throw extra layers underneath!

Home

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I finally, finally, finally went to IKEA at the beginning of the month and got a second bookcase! Although it doesn’t look too full here there might still be a few books at my parent’s house that I need to bring over…oops! This is one of the slim Billy Bookcases and I looooove it!

LifeĀ 

 

This month it was Valentine’s Day and IĀ was given a giant dragon, which has been named Puff after Ali drove all around the local towns looking for a Unicorn he wanted to get me, they’d sold out! I’ve also had some quality time with Wickett as well as my lovely Godkids Lexi and Ollie and finally, I managed to pick up some new Pop Vinyl’s! Don’t you think Ron and Ginny look fab?!

Top Five Posts

Growing Up With Young ParentsĀ 

What Do You Do For Fun? 23 and ‘Boring’

Unpopular Opinions Book Tag!Ā 

Book Review: Everything I Know About Love – Dolly AldertonĀ 

7 Things I Wish I’d Known As A New GraduateĀ 

October Favourites!

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While I’m not sad to see October disappear it wasn’t all bad! Here are some of my favourites from the month of October!

BooksĀ 

It was a bloody brilliant monthĀ for books. From two of my most anticipated reads, Rupi Kaur’s The Sun and Her FlowersĀ and John Green’s Turtles All The Way Down released I had high hopes. I was also sent an ARC of The Tattooist of Auschwitz which was an incredible read (review to come in January). Sarah Millican’s How to be Champion made me laugh a lot as did graphic novel Lumberjanes. I also really enjoyed Female and Raising Ryland, both looking at gender.

 

Fashion & Beauty

This month money was tight so I don’t have my usual fashion and beauty highlights but I did get some nice gifts. My grandparents bought me some foundation after mine ran out, knowing I’d be going to a lot of interviews and I can be very self-conscious about my skin. Bare Minerals is the only thing I can use on my skin without pain. My parents bought me some beautiful autumnalĀ shirts (all from Primark) and they are SO flattering. Also, I managed to pick up a bath bomb from Lush as a treat for myself. I’ve also been having house pride with my Gryffindor scarf that I got from Lootcrate.

 

RelationshipsĀ 

As most of you know, my boyfriend was travelling the country for the majority of this month. I was lucky enough to go and see him and the show in Reading at the beginning of the monthĀ and three weeks later I got to have him home after what felt like an age of waiting (if you’re curious to know what it was like when he came home you can find out here).

 

MCM London!Ā 

This month was also MCM London and I got to wear my Wednesday Addams costume after seeing the wonderful Carrie Hope Fletcher play Wednesday on stage. Abbie went as BMO from Adventure Time…we certainly looked odd together.

 

GeneralĀ 

I finally got my hands on my piece that was printed in Love From (you can order issue 8 here), which was really cool. I also got my pre-orderedĀ Harry Potter Pop Vinyls and found the Luna Lovegood absolutely adorable with her lion hat and there was some further Potter magic when my Dad bought me some ChristmasĀ decorations for my future tree in the Hogwarts houses. I’veĀ  also been enjoying the Autumn vibes with some walks and a great Halloween party.

 

What were your favourite parts of October? Let me know in the comments below!