My Favourite Mascaras

I have to tell you I've tried a LOT of mascaras from dirt-cheap to the higher end mascaras. Therefore I thought it might be fun to write about the favourites that I keep going back to, or have stuck out to me.

First of all, I thought I'd start with Maxfactor because I remember almost growing up with my mum using the brand. I've never had any issues using their products and recommend it to anyone. All products are a reasonable price and last.

They are known for their amazing mascaras, and I love a few from them including:

• Maxfactor False LashEffect Mascara - I hear that the formula might have changed since I last used it, and many people don't like it, but thought I'd still include it as it's one that comes to mind when describing favourite mascaras.
• Maxfactor Masterpiece Max Mascara - This reminds me of my mum as she used to use this all the time, but in waterproof. It was safely the first mascara I fell in love with.

I'm also keen to try their Velvet Volume False Lash Effect mascara because I hear it's one of their best yet. Growing up loving Maxfactor and even using its products for special occasions such as my graduation, I know I can rely on their products. I love their lip products, foundations, blushers and mascaras of course. I even used to wear their nail polishes before discovering favourite nail brands like Barry M, Nails Inc and O.P.I.

If you haven't tried Maxfactor before I definitely recommend it. It is promoted to be used by makeup artists and still love it. I bought one of their lip products recently. Anyone who knows me will know I rarely wear lipsticks or lipglosses. I hate them! Not lipfinity, it lasts and fades gradually. I tested it on my hand, and three days later and after a shower and cleansing my hand it's still kinda there. Not as noticeable but it is hard to shift! I like how easy it goes on, and actually used the last one up. How often do women do that? Anyway back to mascaras...

I've recently tried L'Oreal mascara Voluminous Extra-Black mascara recommended in a Look article I'd read of best mascaras. I thought it would be fun to buy as it's not as expensive as my usual favourite Benefit mascaras (as discussed here). I found this easy to build volume fast which is what you need, lasts all day and isn't clumpy as it says on the labelling (sometimes the labels lie though). It is a lovely brush to use, and recommend to anyone wanting a decent mascara at a good price. Look describes it as a "volume-inducing mascara" that has "many fans voting it their ultimate under £10 mascara for gorgeously thick lashes." Makeup artists are even said to love it as it separates, lengthens and curls. I have to agree. Having trichotillomania means I feel the need to make sure it is not clumpy, as it emphasises gaps on eyelinds, and also makes me want to pull my lashes more. If it can separate MY lashes and clump, I think it suits anyone! I will also hope to burn through more of the Look mascara recommendations, but I have a lot of mascaras to use up just now.

Next, I thought I'd describe my two favourite Benefit mascaras. I love Rollerlash and They're Real! mascaras from Benefit. I know I've already discussed these briefly in my recent Benefit post, but thought I'd go into more detail about just why they are so great.

Rollerlash is so easy to apply. I am the only person I know who takes longer to apply eye makeup than foundation. I literally slap on my face makeup, but take my time doing my eyes. Partly because I like to enthusiase my favourite face feature and also because I like doing it. However as someone who is lazy with my makeup routine, I always look for quicker and easier ways to look better. This is my solution. I don't feel like I'm putting coats on and don't often take longer than 5 minutes to apply it.

Unlike other mascaras, it is so easy to remove which is part of the issue. You rub and rub and take all your eyelashes off! Not with this, it also has lash-conditioning benefits; it includes provitamin B5 and serin. I even love the brush for this product. It pushes up lashes - even those stubborn ones that push down and it also stops you reaching for the curlers!

They're Real is fab! It's a favourite with a few of my friends too. It adds length fast and can separate lashes well. This is what I'm using at the moment.

This one is apparently Benefit's most popular mascara and I can see why. It does what it says it does. It adds length, volume and I also love how black your eyelashes are with it (if you buy the jet black of course - they do have it in brown and maybe other colours). I also love how it manages to pick lashes you haven't seen like the blonde ones or the smaller ones area the corner of your eye etc. It's just great!

Finally, I thought I'd finish with another mascara I loved as a teen. I haven't used for two or three years, but often go back. It's just great. I've tried a few of their mascaras, and love them, but this is by far my favourite one by the brand. It has a "roller brush" like that of Benefit (not surprising as it's the same owners who make it). This is amazing as it says you only need one coat, and that's enough for me. It gives a separated and long length.

Bourjois Paris Volume Glamour mascara is so great they have bought other extensions of Volume Glamour including:

• Volume Glamour Ultra Black mascara
• Volume Glamour Max Mascara - This apparently adds 10x volume and lasts an incredible 16 hours!
• Volume Glamour Max Definition Mascara
• Volume Glamour Push up Mascara
• Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara - This is great as it states that 3 weeks after use, lashes will be stronger and more resistant. It is made for sensitive eyes, and really works to nourish and help fight against harsh external factors such as pollution and air conditioning.
• Volume Glamour Ultra Curl Mascara - This is recommended by Look, and sounds the best adaptation that I will try when I have a Bourjois craving!

Hope you enjoyed the post, and let me know if you have tried any of these. Alternatively I'd like to hear if there are mascaras you wish I had mentioned or think that I should try.

My Benefit Favourites

Benefit is safely one of my favourite makeup brands. It has my favourite bronzers, highlighter and mascaras. Although I haven't tried everything I thought I'd describe what I like most, and the other products I've tried.

In October, my friend over at Lost in Coffee bought me the Blushin' Babe gift set. Inside it included the Watt's Up! highlighter, They're Real! mascara, They're Real! push-up gel liner, Hoola bronzing powder, Dandelion blusher, Rockateur bronzer, Coralista blusher and Sugarbomb bronzer.

(I did try to include a swatch but didn't show the real shine and glow like I wanted!)

I love the high beam highlighter of theirs, and hadn't used it in years. It gives a lovely healthy, natural glow to your skin and is fab for makeup trends like contouring or strobing. I probably don't do either in the right way, but put it on my brow bones, cheeks, on my chin (to attempt to disguise my double-chin) and the bridge of my nose spreading any excess onto my forehead.

As you can tell, I LOVE that highlighter! Therefore I was excited to try the Watt's Up! highlighter, This one has more of a gold tone to it so I was a bit reserved trying it. I thought it might not suit my very pale complexion. However I loved it on, and goes on well with a decent bronzer.

BLUSHIN' BABE

Other favourites in the set included the Rockateur, Sugarbomb and They're Real! mascara. I've used Rockateur before and love it on. My Mum bought it either for a birthday or Christmas; I can't remember and fell in love with it. I love that it gives me some colour and use it most of the time. I always used to use blusher as I'm pale and therefore used to feel bronzers don't suit. With more blonde to my hair, I now prefer more of a bronze than blusher.

I also really liked Sugarbomb as it wasn't too bronzed and had a blend of colours to try.

I'm guilty of already trying the mascara, but like how it adds length fast and can separate the lashes well. Just what you often need. People often complain it's difficult to take off, and pulls off lashes in the process. I would have to agree to some extent, as it has done this in the past for me. However, now that I use Liz Earle, I find if I don't rub too hard, it comes off with some patience.

I also liked the "english rose"colour that comes from Dandelion.

Using a Boots gift card, I also treated myself to the Girl-a-rama gift set. Inside it has the Roller Lash mascara, Porefessional, Benetint, Coralista, Rockateur and They're Real! duo shadow blender. As I mentioned about the previous set, I love Rockateur, but the way it comes in the set, you can mix it with Coralista which adds something different to the tone. Sometimes I like mixing different bronzers with blushers. I think on it's own, Coralista is a bit too orange for me. However added with the other bronzer, it makes a lovely healthy glow to my cheeks that I love!

Benetint was also the first Benefit product that I tried, I love the quality and how easy it was to use. I also like how you can use it for both lips and cheeks. I liked the colour on cheeks and was keen to use it again. However don't feel it suits the tone of my skin anymore. It can still blend well with a bronzer for a different colour again. I also liked to use it a bit on my lips too.

GIRL-A-RAMA

The eyeshadow is fantastic. It can last all day, and I blend the two colours together. I love the roller-brush that comes with it, as I find it really helps to blend the colour well. The colour is gold, but also not too much. I love it and recommend it to anyone to try. If I can use it and feel fabulous, anyone can use it!

Roller Lash is by far - my favourite mascara. You don't need much to build up volume. I'm saving it for when I've finished my other mascaras and can't wait to use it again.

You can choose how much you're willing to spend on a brand too. The people who make Benefit also make Dior and Boujois, so there is something for every budget. Having tried both ranges as well, the items are still great. Dior is obviously the high-end of the brands, but Boujois is definitely fun to start with. It was one of my favourite brands of a teen - loving the blushers, eyeshadows and mascaras.

Although I've focused entirely this post on Benefit, this is not a PR post that I've been paid or asked to do. I actually plan to spotlight on a few more of my favourite brands in the coming weeks.

Let me know if you like this post. I don't write about beauty often as I feel quite clueless in that area, but have been inspired to write a few more as I have been trying new looks on myself recently.

Gilmore Girls is FINALLY back!

You may know from my other blog posts how much I love Gilmore Girls, and with that I knew I had to write about it coming back. Due to the move, I've not managed to binge on the latest episodes (I've only seen the first episode of  A Year in the Life: Winter). Gutted! That being said, on the run-up I've been watching a lot of the old episodes and fell in love all over again. My Mum jokes that she thought it was finished. Oh how wrong she was!

I've also watched lots of clips on YouTube and know about the ending. The cliffhanger. The four words that leave you with more questions and wanting more. I was so upset to know the ending before seeing, so will not spill like I've seen some bloggers, Youtubers and fans already have. I was thinking of further reviewing the new episodes, but will see about that...I'm not good at keeping quiet!

This post will be my hopes for the upcoming episodes and my predictions:

Team Logan

When I left it originally, I was Team Jesse all the way. I disliked Dean a lot. He made her feel bad about herself. The way he dumped her when she didn't say "I love you" right away, the way she messed with her head after he said he still loved her despite being married and of course how he never challenged her. I also find it unrealistic to have someone falling for their first love; he live and move on. He has no ambition and has little in common with Rory.

Rory had been instantly attracted to Jesse; there is obvious chemistry and they share a love of books. They have grown a lot since they first started dating. They got on at an intellicental level, and made each other better in some way. Rory trusted Jesse, and became more interesting with him. I think he might have done as well without Rory's influence.

Initially, I found Logan spoilt, entitled and very different to Rory, but upon watching it again I have found that out of the three he is the most perfect for her. He was hard-working to make his own way in the world outside of his family riches, loved Rory and she loved him back. They met during university, and out of the three she was with him longest and from that I noticed they went through the most. He was instantly there when her grandfather had a heart attack, he saw her during her graduation, he supported her through falling out with her mother and quitting Yale (although brief) and most of all they made it through the brief long-distance. Therefore I hope they do make it back together. I feel Rory was right to refuse his proposal as she had more to achieve than just becoming Logan's wife. That being said, he has supported her through any decisions and I hope they make it.

Obama Campaign

I hope to hear how Rory got on during the following of the Obama elections, and the relationship there. I loved the clip with her and Michelle. Typical Rory with the books! It would have also been entertaining if it had been filmed after finding out that Trump is president. I know she was a big fan of Hilary Clinton after all. Remember, how she wanted to say she'd be the person she'd most like to eat with, when applying for university (or college).

As someone who wanted to go into journalism, I will adore hearing all the opportunities that came her way. Will she make it to New York Times?

Rory & Lorelai's lives

I've seen hints that Rory is out of work, and even starts working at Chilton. This would be an interesting one as this is where it all began. Stars Hollow is where we fell in love with the mother-daughter relationship, and it brings it all back now that Rory is coming back to the small town. I can't wait to see their antics, witty comebacks and fast-talking! Will Lorelai still be running the Dragonfly inn or does she have more ambitions in the eccentric town?

Lorelai & Luke

I always wanted the other Lorelai to marry Luke and have his babies. However I feel since we don't see this in the trailers and she's likely to be 48, the likelihood of children might be off. I'm still hopeful for the right wedding this time. Christopher was always unsure, immature and too spontaneous for Lorelai. Luke was always right for her. He argued, challenged her funny ways, loved her, appreciated her and always wanted what was best for her. He supported her where she needed, but never told her what to do. He helped with her crazy ways - when her car broke down, he made sure she got the same exact model (helping get it fixed), and organised the entire party for Rory leaving in the final episode. What more can be said? He's perfect! Who doesn't love a happy ending?

Sookie

Sookie is one of my favourite characters despite Lorelai and Rory of course. I can't wait to see how the kids have grown 7 years on (I can't remember how old the first one, Davy was, so wonder whether there will be a teen?) Anything with Sookie is always funny though. Especially her and Jackson arguing. I also hope she's still showing her passion for cooking, and can't wait to see what they named the youngest. Yes, I'm that sad!

Lane and Zac 

Oh how I loved that rock star couple so much! I hope they're settling into parenthood, and Lane hasn't given up on drumming. Are they still working in Luke's? I was gutted to see so many fans who disliked Zac for Lane; I thought he was perfect. He adored her and was always there, quirky and managed to find ways to relate her scary mother.

There is one mystery that eludes me though. Where is Lane's father? Did he die? They always mention it in the plural - parents, but never has he appeared. They have had many Korean family occasions, even her wedding and still to see him...

Taylor madness

Are Taylor's town meetings still crazy? No doubt. The comebacks of Taylor and Lorelai were well-worth it. I also love how he managed to encourage the townspeople to do things they totally disagreed with. Remember, when Jackson did his job for a while? Yeah, it didn't last long...

Kirk

What jobs is Kirk doing now? Has he married Lulu? I've seen him attend the traditional Friday night dinner, so can't wait to see the comedy at that one! I also like the hints of his advice column which have circled around on facebook pages. See below:

The "Gilmore Girls" 

So many good pictures for these 3!

Richard passes away like the actor did unfortunately. I loved him! The fiercely loyal and protective father, mentoring and supporting nature to Rory and the way he proved to be Emily's solemate. It will be interesting to see how Emily copes. I saw a clip where she gets a wall-sized picture of him, which made me chuckle. It sums up Emily's quirky character. Friday family dinners are still on too!

Stars Hollow

It's exciting to see what all the townspeople of Stars Hollow are up to, and what unusual events will be on! I honestly can't wait to get back to it.

To finish this post, here are a few screenshots of Gilmore Girls quizzes I've done (sad I know):

Always get different ones - had Sookie before!

Hope you enjoyed the post, and love to hear your comments especially if you like the show as much as me!

Still unsure whether to review the new episodes, when I've finished watching.

Blogtober16 - Favourite Instagram Photo

OK, I admit it, I don't have Instagram. It's something that I have been wanting to do for a long while, but haven't. In fairness, I fell into Facebook and Twitter; my friends set me up with both and then learnt from them. I contemplated getting Instagram set up in time for this post, but realised I still wouldn't have much to chose from! That's when I decided to pick my favourite facebook picture.

I believe that the best pictures are with those you love and care about. I have many good pictures with my friends, but didn't want to single any out. My mum hates her picture being taken and hates any she sees so thought it would be unfair to include any. I'm also single, so no partner to appreciate (I don't mean that in a bitter "I am single" kind of way). I picked a picture with my oldest dog, Penny.

I'm a bad dog owner because I've not kept many of her puppy pictures due to technology issues. Luckily my parents are better dog parents than me, and have so many. The youngest picture I have of my dog baby is this one with me holding her. This year the stubborn, lazy, greedy little thing turned 7. Where did the time go?

She will always be my puppy in my eyes. I sing to her songs like: "Princess Penelope, Princess Penelope, Princess Penelope I love. Yes, I really do." I also sing to her on walks, kiss her and she moves her face for kisses on her cheeks, head and lips. She is so funny! Penny also lets me put hats, sunglasses and many other things on her for the perfect pictures.

I don't know what else to say...I love this dog so much!

What is your favourite Instagram picture? I'd love to hear the story behind it!

Blogtober16 - Favourite Time of the Year & Why

23 days into blogtober! Today asks what your favourite time of the year is and why.

Unfortunately this is quite a short post as I feel it can be said simply. My favourite time of the year is autumn. I've always loved birthdays and October is my birthday month. You get an extra hour in bed too which is always good! Although admittedly I don't really like halloween, I love the leaves changing and the general feeling around autumn. It means there are nice jumpers and warmer things to wear. It is brighter. I find that it's not yet winter so it's not too cold, and it's not too hot either. That's all I can think to say really.

Tomorrow's post asks what disney character I identify with. Since I don't identify with any and have never been a particularly huge fan of disney, I won't be posting.  I apologise for this, but at least you'll get a day off reading my posts. The next post will be on Tuesday answering what superpower I wish I had.See you later!

Blogtober16 - Favourite Concert

I've seen quite a few concerts/gigs (not as many as I wish I had), but not sure I could eliminate my favourite.

My first gig was Girls Aloud. It was in Manchester and think one of the first of their tours. They were a good first concert because there was glamour, dancing and singing. It was also noted as the last tour before they split. Cheryl then went solo and many of the girls had their own individual successes. I must admit that I went off them due to the performance. While some were good, Sarah Harding screamed. It was like hearing a cat. It's no wonder she didn't go solo! That gig was rumoured to be the time that Cheryl got stage fright hence them getting on stage after 9pm.

From there, my favourites to see have been Wheatus, Foo Fighters, Fall Out Boy, Beyonce, Friendly Fires, Biffy Clyro... It's important to note that from every gig or festival I aim to collect programmes (if not I get a T-shirt) and keep the tickets and/or wristband. I'm a big souvenir hunter or collector, which ever term suits.

Fair enough I saw both Foo Fighters and Beyonce at T in the Park, but they were both incredible. I'd always been a fan of both. However while my love for Foo Fighters intensified, my love for Beyonce faded. She was amazing, and couldn't be faulted for her performance but somehow I've gone off her style of music. I'd still dance to all her songs with Beyonce booty shaking style if her song came on while I was drunk, but I'd no longer describe myself as a fan as such. Foo Fighters loved being there and had amazing stage presence. I think Dave Grohl actually outstayed his arranged slot. He played all my favourites and I just loved it! It was a great end to the weekend.

Also while at T in the Park, I saw Friendly Fires but was probably too drunk/hungover to remember it. However I saw them live a few months later. It was the first time I went to Glasgow too! I love them so much, I even have their song lyrics on my back.See yesterday's post to see the tattoo I got.

It sounds really bad, but I spent more time getting annoyed with the crowd jamming situation than enjoying the gig of Biffy Clyro. It was the time when I believe I went with the most set of friends - my friend, Lisa (and about 4/5 of her friends), Stacey (and a whole heap of her friends), Hannah and Suzanne. Somehow it ended up being me, Hannah and Suzanne as we lost everyone else and we had the most annoying girls around us. I remember Biffy Clyro being great, but would do anything to see them again. This time I would actually hope to remember it properly!

About this time last year, I saw my favourite band as a teenager, Fall Out Boy. I even got the T-shirt. Every song sounded like when it had been recorded. They were just how I imagined. They played all my favourite songs which is almost every one they've released! I didn't sense much excitement from them, but I believe it was the first gig in the UK and they could have been a bit jetlagged. Pete Wentz got very deep on stage.

The same weekend I saw FOB, I saw my nostalgic favourite, Wheatus. They were a big surprise to me. I didn't expect them to be quite so good. I went almost as a joke and couldn't believe how cheap the tickets were. How often do you get gig tickets for well-known bands for under £20? I only went to hear Teenage Dirtbag, but realised I heard more of their songs than I knew. I loved them! Best of all, they seemed happy to be there. They still loved their music and said how lucky they were to still being doing what they enjoy. I would definitely want to see Wheatus again and recommend to anyone!

I'm not one to take pictures at concerts, so don't have anything to accompany this post, so I apologise.

So in conclusion, there is no "one favourite". I've been lucky to see some amazing acts, and aim that next year I will see at least 3 gigs live instead of the pitiful one of this year!

Anyway, what has been your favourite gig? I'd love to hear!

Blogtober16 - Favourite Movies You Never Get Sick Of Watching

This post is supposed to discuss films that I never get sick of watching, and it made me realise that the list is small. Although I like a lot of films and will watch almost anything once, I realise I don't feel like I have a favourite film.

Initially the only films I can think of are the ones I thought of fondly as a child such as Matilda, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Three Men and A Baby, Look Who's Talking. I also love watching Meet The Parents, Practical Magic and Sister Act.

 Practical Magic:
I love Sandra Bullock's strong character, and how she never wants to fall in love. I always used to think like her. I always wanted to make up the spell she did, so she didn't fall for someone.

 Meet the Parents: 
Who can't relate to the difficulty of meeting the parents? I doubt all in-law's family are as difficult, but at least it is easy watching and funny. When I was a teenager, I watched any film that Adam Sandler or Ben Stiller were in. I still love this film somehow.

Look who's talking:
 I love this film. Who couldn't love an adorable baby, a great rom com and a touch of 80s film classic? I've not watched this in a good few years, but do love it. I used to watch it over and over again as a teen.

 Three men and a baby:
The struggle of three men trying to raise a baby is both cute, funny and touches on a serious storyline. Easy watching!

 Sister Act:
This is the film that made me want to be a nun. Unfortunately friends pointed out that I'm not religious and don't have the vital skills to be a nun. Even so, the film is hilarious and good fun to watch. I doubt I will ever bore of watching this.

Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory:
I love Johnny Depp in a lot of films, but the people who say they prefer his version of Charlie and the Chocolate factory are also the people that I don't want in my life! This is amazing and installs imagination in every child. It's only in the last couple of years that I gave up hope of winning the golden ticket!









I watch a lot of thrillers, dramas, comedies, action, sci-fi and romantic films, yet this has to be the main list of favourites that I can think of. I have a long list of films that I wish to watch, probably at least 300.

Blogtober16 - first of many

I was going to write some posts about my recent visit to Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, but that's going to have to wait. Looking at other blog posts has given me a bit of inspiration...

I came across the blog of Hex Mum Blog, where I heard about Blogtober. This is a great challenge for bloggers to take part in where any blogger can take part. You write specific posts for 31 days of October. Click the link to the Hex Mum Blog for details of what you have to discuss in the posts. Unfortunately I only saw this a few days ago, and therefore I wasn't able to start on the 1st October. Instead I decided to combine the posts I've missed for the first 7 days, and get a good start to this. After all, October is one of my favourite months (mainly due to it being my birthday month).

1. Who are you?

I feel like I must have explained this already, but I will write a wee bit!

I'm a 23 year old turning 24 at the end of the month, who has recently moved to the Isle of Wight having lived in many places across the UK. Although I was born in Manchester, I've also lived in Yorkshire, Whitley Bay, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Dundee and now the Isle of Wight.

My main passions are fundraising, attending live music events (even though I've only seen Fatherson this year), writing, reading and watching the latest thing on Netflix. Anything you want to know about me you can pick up from the blog or just comment and ask!

2. An old photo of you

This is a baby photo I found which made me laugh. Ever the dictator!

3. If I won the lottery...

How much do you get when you win the lottery? I'm not sure, so I will base this on getting a  million.

The first thing I'd do if I won any money would be to go travelling to Australia, work abroad for a bit (not that I'd necessarily need to with the money), buy a property to rent out while I'm away and then decide how to properly spend my money.

My three main dreams in life are to travel to Australia, teach in China and have a family of my own. Therefore I would make sure I could do these - buying a house of my own, helping friends and family where I could (and which would not feel like I  was showing off my money).I'd also founder my own charity, not sure what the cause would be though as too many are close to my heart; it's likely to be a health charity.

Most of all, I wouldn't tell anyone or publicise my fortune. I wouldn't want anyone to treat me differently.

4. Share a secret about yourself

A secret about myself? I don't tend to have secrets, just things I might not flaunt...

I have dealt with having trichotillomania since I was 15/16. It basically means that at times I have a compulsion to pull our the hairs of my eyebrows and eyelashes. It hasn't affected the hair on my head, luckily.

5. What career did you plan as a child?

I remember wanting to be a doctor or vet at some stage, but that's all I can really remember. Therefore I needed confirmation from the mother...

Apparently I always wanted to be a writer. I must have been a weird child!

I did go on to college with the intentions of being a journalist to be fair, but realised I might be too nice and not have the ruthless edge you need.

6. Favourite christmas/ birthday present ever

I remember feeling lucky every year whether it was my birthday or christmas. The only thing that has stuck out for me over the year is getting Spice Girls barbie dolls. I loved the Spice Girls! I remember appreciating that it wasn't something my mum could afford at the time, and saying I would be happy with just Baby Spice. Despite this, my mother got me all five dolls. My uncle said I had to play with them in their boxes as they'd be worth something one day. My mum laughed at him and got them out the boxes! 

7. What made you start blogging?

Being unemployed and bored made me think of ways to entertain myself that cost nothing. For years, my friend, Hannah has tried to encourage me to write, but I've not felt anything specific that I've wanted to write about. Therefore I would describe this as a strict "lifestyle" blog with subjects including travel plans, film reviews, book reviews, general musings etc. I always thought each post had to be similar like beauty blogs, but I don't feel like I have enough expertise there!

Hope you enjoyed the first of my blogtober posts, 7 down - 24 more posts to complete! Feel free to take part...

Isle of Wight life

Recently I moved to the Isle of Wight and feel like I'm still adjusting to it. It's very different to any of the Northern part of the UK. It's funny how much. I thought I'd dedicate this post to showing you a bit of the sights I've seen on the island, and describe some of the key changes and adjustments to living here. Hope you enjoy!

1. It is so hot!

Some of the pictures don't do it justice, but it's mostly bright blue skies with no clouds in sight. Even when it rains, it's like rainforest showers. I moved in April, and my parents moved in January; they said even in the winter it was warm. My mum got sunburn then, and has even had sunburn with clothes. This week will experience temperatures like 34 degrees. Nothing I wear at the moment is sun friendly. I'm prepared for warm, but this is like being in France or Spain. As my mum kindly reminded me, we are closer to France than Scotland now. I'm not moaning really. I want to enjoy it, but I think my holidays will be cooler climates. Maybe Norway? Iceland? North Pole? At least my ghost white complexion might change!

Picture: 1) The sun outside my garden 2) I got my hair done today, so thought I'd model in the fine weather! 3) Nearby park in the fine weather 4) My phone's hourly temperatures yesterday, although I think it's highest was 34.

2. Big on using Wight or island in every item

From businesses to products made here, the majority of things include island, isle or wight in the name. Island roads, Wight bay, Wight drones...these are just a few that come to mind. They can also refer to the mainland as the big island.

Picture: Gin that I spotted in Osborne House.

3. Different parts of the island are big on farming

When I first moved to the island, my parents were living in a part called Gurnard, which felt very remote. It is a town outside of Cowes. There wasn't much pavements where we lived, and I often went on walks with my mum and the dogs; this is where I'd take lots of pictures from the nearby farms and fields. I have lots of pictures of cows, el pacas, and anything I could come across.

Pictures: 1) Cow I named Priscilla 2) Alpacas that cared for chickens nearby 3) Raven the cow, who appears to be up the duff! 4) Tractor

4. The pub grub

Here is a picture from a nearby pub when I was living in Gurnard. I had macoroni which is one of my favourites, but it had fish in it too. It was quite nice, but my favourite macoroni to date is in Dundee! Ham is popular here instead of gammon which I love to have when I go to pubs.

Picture: Mac and cheese with garlic bread and roast dinner I believe?!

5. Shanklin

This is hugely popular for tourists who visit the island. I've only been once with the folks and had lovely ice cream. Here are a few pictures I took whilst there!

Pictures: 1) Shanklin 2) Shanklin 3) Ice creams!

6. Newport

This is the main town of the island where most of the retailers and businesses can exist. For a small island, it has most of what you'd need - Card Factory, Cineworld, Topshop/Topman, Monsoon/Accessorise, Pandora, Poundland, H&M, New Look, TK Maxx, Next, Peacocks, Boots, Superdrug...They even had a BHS, but that seems to be closing. Islanders are hoping it turns into primark; I hope it does because I think it could do with Primark or a good department store. Newport is also where the Isle of Wight festival takes place.Most activities including crafty things and exercise is good here. As I discover more of the island, I hope you find out more about this bigger part of the island.

Pictures: Only picture I've taken in Newport, and it is of the swans outside Quay Arts.

7. Yarmouth

We visited Yarmouth, but we weren't sure we visited the right places because there wasn't a lot there. I've since seen that there is Yarmouth castle that people might wish to see there.

8. Ventnor/Godshill

This is another popular place with tourists, and is beautiful. I would definitely recommend visiting this lovely part of the island. Here are more pictures that caught my eye. It has a miniature village which I didn't visit in Godshill but had lovely specialist shops including those that sold handcrafted ciders, fudges and chocolate. I got my Dad some lovely cider fudge for his birthday.

Pictures: 1) Cider barn in Godshill 2) Dinosaur outside miniature village, Godshill.

9. The Needles

Again, I've only visited once. It is busy during the summertime/ peak season. I think that is why we will probably choose to avoid it now. I got my lovely sand elephant from it. This is where Queen Victoria collected the different colours of sands. Such good fun to do! Some people got more conventional containers like little pots, heart-shaped pots, but what's the fun in that? There are also bear, cats, rabbits and other animals...I can't remember them all. There are like fairground bits for kids to do. I also missed the time but you can watch like glassblowing being done. There are huge amount of souveirs there to buy because this is popular with tourists too.

Picture: Sand elephant I got from the different colours of sand.

10. Osborne House
This is one of the first places I visited when moving. It is the palatial holiday home on the IOW for Queen Victoria and Albert. It includes a tour of their private apartment, bathing beach, children's play cottage and amazing views. There are often events on, so it's worth going for that too. Food is so overpriced though! (If you're peckish after looking round, I'd suggest going to the Lifeboat which is also in East Cowes. Lovely there). My grandparents wanted to see it, so my mum and I occupied them, while my Dad was working. It is well worth a visit!

11.  Windmill

Little to be said here, as this is only really interesting to me. I love windmills, so I forced my dad to drive and look at the only windmill I'd seen on the island! This is in Bembridge. It is owned by the National Trust, so it will cost you to visit. I didn't get to go inside.

Pictures: Both the best pictures I could get!

12. Ryde

Again I've only visited this place once, but it is lovely. It has a pier and a few shops like Newport in some ways. It has the Liz Earle shop (which originates on the island), New Look and a few independent shops worth giving a look. We went on a Sunday, so a lot were shut. I would recommend a mooch round though!

Pictures: 1) Liz Earle shop in Ryde 2) Ryde and view of the pier.

There are still so many things to see and do, that I haven't and hope to explore here. I'd love to see more animals and wildlife for instance including the Butterfly World, Donkey Sanctuary, Isle of Wight Zoo, Owl & Monkey Haven and perhaps more. There are also arts and crafts I want to try (I love creative stuff but I'm not very good) such as pottery barns and Quay Arts which seem to be popular. I've also mentioned going to the Garlic farm, vineyards and there are  festival or two I wish to see. Cowes week is popular, so I hope to go during that next month.

I will keep you posted if and when I visit anywhere else. Or there might be a more updated post to this in a few months time when again I'm more settled.