Beating those Winter Blues!

Thank you so much, Kay, for inspiring me to think of happy things when the Winter blues set in. It's the perfect way to shake them off! I love Kay's happy list & I would love you all to go and read it - I think dancing wildly around the living room to 80's classics sounds perfect!

Spring is just around the corner, yet it feels so far away. I'm guilty of spending gloomy winter days feeling super sleepy with a metaphorical grey cloud sitting just above my head following me everywhere I go. And you know what? Sometimes those days are okay. Sometimes it's okay to feel a little sad. But most of the time that grey cloud needs to be shaken off, or at the very least, even the smallest ray of sunshine needs to be there too!

How are you shaking off those winter blues? I would love to know because maybe I can start doing them too!

xoxo

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P.S. Which would you like to see first, a few new purchases or my January favourites?

50 Things About Me!

I would really love you to watch the video, I've kept it as short as possible - all the facts are under 5 minutes! But I've also written them below just in case video's aren't your thing!

1. My name is Jennie May.
2. When I grow up I would like to take photographs for a living.
3. I need glasses to see with.
4. The city of Edinburgh will always have a very special place in my heart.
5. I first met my boyfriend through Flickr & we were in a long distance relationship for 3 years.
6. This year we will celebrate our 5 year anniversary.

7. This is my favourite number.
8. I only ever really enjoy a film if I've seen it before.
9. In the words of Bridget Jones, I will probably always be just a little bit fat.
10. I have a house rabbit, his name is Ralphie & this is what he looks like.

11. Pretty much the only songs I ever listen to are by Sia or Zero 7 & I still can't listen to Breathe Me without crying.
12. I used to live by the seaside but now I live in the middle of the countryside.
13. I'm extremely shy and introverted.
14. I prefer cosy nights in to wild nights out.
15. I am 5'9 and a half!
16. I like to pretend I'm really tidy & organised but really I'm one of the messiest people you will ever know!
17. I really wish that I could draw.
18. I dropped out of University. Twice. But I don't regret it at all.

19. One of my favourite quotes is 'If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough.'
20. I have the worst memory ever.
21. I'm a vegetarian & I have been since I was born.
22. I never finished reading the Harry Potter books but if I'm ever lucky enough to have a child, I've figured we can finish them together.
23. This is how old I am.
24. I have grown up surrounded by animals. My family has had everything from chickens & budgies to chinchillas & guinea pigs.
25. I'm total night owl. I'm always at my most productive between the hours of midnight & 3am but I try not to stay up that late most of the time.
26. My boyfriend is half Filipino.
27. The thought of getting on an aeroplane terrifies me.
28. My mama's dog is called Mister Bailey. He is the most human like dog I have ever met & for that reason I'm convinced he did something very naughty in his previous human life and is now being forced to live as a dog to prove that he can be a good boy. Well, maybe not. But he definitely has the most expressive eyebrows of any dog. Ever.

29. No One Belongs Here More Than You by Miranda July is one of my favourite books.
30. I cry at absolutely everything.
31. I cut my own hair. Which is why it doesn't look very good!
32. I am an only child.
33. I'm the absolute worst at replying to my emails!
34. Most days I wear zero make up.
35. I'm very protective over my things & I like to refer to that as only child syndrome.
36. I don't know how to drive & I've never taken a single lesson.
37. I've never broken a bone before but I have split my chin open whilst falling over the handle bars of a tricycle when I was very little & trying to go down a step. To this day I still remember the slow motion feeling of falling.
38. I kind of feel like a bit of a girl fail because I don't want a big white wedding. But I would love to get married.

39. I absolutely hate being the centre of attention.
40. I'm the worlds best procrastinator. If there's something I'm supposed to be doing you can pretty much guarantee that I'll just be doing something else instead.
41. I am a very good sleeper. I can sleep anywhere, any time, even if I'm not really that tired.
42. In Primary School I had a 'friend' who would say mean things to me all the time for years until one day, I don't know what happened, I just snapped and I slapped her around the face. To this day I still feel guilty about it!
43. One of my favourite words is enigmatic and I try to slip it into as many everyday conversations as I can without sounding like a pretentious fool!

44. I always fall over in public places!
45. I really like to cook but I hate washing up. It's one of my least favourite things.
46. I used to be overly concerned about what people thought of me, especially on the Internet. But now I don't really care that much.
47. Even though I struggle with this sometimes, I really try to see the positives in absolutely everything.
48. I love anything glittery.
49. I have my grandmothers engagement ring & I wear it almost every single day.
50. I still have my favourite childhood toys. This is Reginald Bear and he is as old as I am.

He does have a head - promise!

Have you done a post or video like this? If so leave a link in the comments below!  

xoxo

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Seven Happy Things.

Perfect dreams. The ones you never really want to wake up from and you roll over in bed and try to sleep again just to get back to that one beautiful moment. You never really can get back there but it reminds you to always dream big and to never, ever give up on what makes you truly happy.

Looking up, being greeted with a blanket of twinkling stars and wondering what else is out there. In that single moment I feel so small yet overwhelmed with the belief that I can do anything.

Laughing at least once. Every. Single. Day. It's good for the soul.

Remembering childhood memories with my mama. I hope that one day my future child and I will be as close as I am with my mama. And that one day we'll sit and go through endless photo albums saying 'oh gosh, do you remember this? what a perfect day it was'.

Looking forward to the spring time, when everything begins to wake. Winter is my favourite season partly because I know that spring isn't far away.

Without my glasses this is what the world looks like. Everything is soft & dream like, it's real but it's not both at the same time. And in this moment, right now, I think I've found the inspiration I've been waiting for.  

Him. For inspiring me every single day. For making me smile. For being so patient. And for so much more.

Tell me one thing that makes you happy!

xoxo

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An Early Spring Clean!

On a whim yesterday evening I decided that I wanted to have a little blog spring clean. I had the same header since I first started the blog pretty much and although I'm extremely attached to it, I felt like it was starting to gather a few cobwebs and look a little tired. So I have retired it for the time being and it's currently sunning itself on a beach in Hawaii on a much deserved holiday. But I really hope you like the new look, I'm not totally done yet I don't think because once I start it's super difficult to stop fiddling around here and there, but I'm quite happy so far. Even if it has taken me a million hours, several hundred cups of tea and more than one mini breakdown. I may have cried. Once. But it's okay, it's worth it!

If you happen to find any links that don't go anywhere or any bugs in general please give me a heads up and I'll attempt to fix it as soon as I can. I really have absolutely no idea what I'm doing when it comes to layouts and if I'm honest I don't really understand why it all has to be so complicated /old lady rant. I think I'll get the help of a professional next time!

I hope you're having a lovely Thursday evening!

xoxo

January Wishlist.

1. Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturising Balm. // 2. Topshop Saint Lipstick. // 3. ASOS Smock Dress. // 4. Anthropologie Dachshund Letter Holder. // 5. Urban Outfitters Bunny Ring Holder. // 6. Chanel Spring Collection Illuminating Powder. // 7. Hunter Original Gloss Wellington Boots. // 8. Pandora Silver Turtle Doves charm & Pandora Red Pave Heart charm.

1. The Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturising Balm is something I've been hearing a lot about for a little while and I really want to try it. My skin is SO dry at the moment, sometimes I haven't been able to wear make up at all because it just looks awful but £34 is a lot of pennies to part with for something I've not ever seen in person. I think I need to try and get a sample. 

2. I haven't really seen many reviews of Topshop Saint lipstick but the pictures online look super pretty even though I think it would wash me out a lot. I'm a huge fan of Topshop make up, especially their lipsticks and I kind of feel like I almost want to collect every shade. Someone tell me no, please? That's so silly!

3. Comfy clothes are my absolute favourite and this smock dress from ASOS looks like it's the epitome of comfort. I like that this has a fitted high waist because I find that usually these kinds of dresses have a drop waist which is one of the most unflattering things for my body type. I'm all about the high waists!

4. Having an entire house to decorate can often feel like a super overwhelming and daunting task. Paint colours, curtain patterns and big furniture items are a nightmare to choose if you're as indecisive as we are but little things like this are SO easy and I'm sure I'm becoming addicted to buying little knick-knacks. This little Anthropologie Dachshund letter holder is so adorable and actually quite practical too. Bonus.

5. I have seen a lot of bunny ring holders around recently but this one from Urban Outfitters has really caught my eye because of the beautiful blue shade. It would look so adorable on our side table that I'm on a mission to fill with cute & personal things.

6. Looking at the new Chanel Spring make up collection was a huge mistake because now I want pretty much everything. A new highlighter is something I definitely don't need but just look at this highlighter. It's stunning!

7. I've lived in the country side for almost two years now and I still don't own a pair of wellies. I keep putting off buying a pair for reasons even I can't understand so I should probably buy some cheap ones to see if I even like them but I can't help but lust over a pair of Hunter boots!

8. The Pandora Valentine 2013 collection is so sweet, I feel like they always get it so right with their collections and this one is no exception. The two charms that have especially caught my eye are the Silver Turtle Doves which is effortlessly adorable & the Red Pave Heart which is super sparkly and girly.

What's on your lust list this month? 

xoxo

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This Week #003.

My favourite moment this week is a total tie between watching Bailey pup play in the snow and seeing Ralphie sit in his new bed for the first time. Bailey is so enamoured with the snow, as soon as he sees it he has to run around in it like a total loony & he still doesn't quite understand why he can't pick up snowballs and bring them inside. Ralphie looks like a total cutie pie sitting in his bed, I thought it would be nice for him to have a warm place to snuggle up since it's been so bitter recently. I'm so happy he likes it.  It's pretty safe to say these two little guys make my life that little bit happier, they're both such characters and I love them very much! 

What Peggy Said is a truly wonderful blog packed full of all things vintage and crafty.  Kim is so naturally creative and super talented that every time I see one of her DIY's I instantly want to give it a go even though I know mine will never look quite as good as hers! If you're looking for a bit of inspiration or a blog to make your heart smile then this is the one for you! A true must read! ♥

For the longest time I put off buying the famous NARS Orgasm blush because I was convinced that I didn't need it, it was just over-hyped and it wouldn't be as good as everyone says. I was wrong. I did need this, I'm very happy to have it now and I've worn it pretty much every day for over a month. This isn't the most special blush I own, I can't even put my finger on exactly why I like this so much at the moment but I do love it! I may also have bought Deepthroat at the same time, shh! And what is up with those names, NARS?! My mama and I had a good giggle over them when she asked what they were called. We're so mature!

If I didn't have my Paperchase filofax I think I'd be completely and utterly lost. At the start I was determined to keep it all neat & tidy, just like I did whenever I got to start writing in a new exercise book at school. And just like at school, that phase didn't last very long. Now I'm constantly scribbling notes on every available page and it always has to be in the same room as me if I want to stay organised and manage to get things done without getting distracted!

I think I'm stuck in a bit of a clothing rut. All I want to wear are big cosy jumpers and pyjama pants but unfortunately these aren't acceptable items of clothing to go out in public wearing in the daytime, apparently. I personally think this is silly & pyjamas should be acceptable outside clothes too. But aside from pj's, my absolute staple piece right now is this black blazer from AX Paris. Seriously, it has been my lifesaver. It's one of those pieces that you can throw on over practically any thing and it really pulls the outfit together instantly making it look like I've put a little bit of effort in, when really I haven't at all!

My question this week is a make up related one, I would like to know what your favourite under eye concealer is? I'm on the look out for a new one and honestly, I have no idea which to go for. Price doesn't really bother me, but I'd prefer it to be under £15. The most important thing is it has to not crease! Any help would be much appreciated!

I hope you're having a lovely Sunday afternoon!
xoxo

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Ralphie's Diary #8.

"Hai guys! Wanna see my new stuffs?"

"Oh. Who are you?"

"Sorry mister smiley carrot, this is my bed. Maybe you can come back up later but for now you must sit on the floor."

Hai guys, it's been a long time since my last diary post, mama is not good at sharing the laptop. I gots a fluffy new bed this week and I love it lots already. It's right beside the radiator so it's all warm & cosy. Mama says I'm a lucky little bunny, Dad says I'm spoiled but we don't listen so much to him about these things! The only thing is she keeps putting Mister Smiley Carrot in my bed, but I think his smile is a little creepy so I mostly throw him on the floor instead. I secretly love him though, but I pretend not to because it makes mama buy me more toys and I love toys!

Love, Ralphie

xoxo

P.S. Thank you mama for helping me type this. Keyboards and paws aren't the best match!

January 2013 GlossyBox.

I originally started writing this post with a little introduction about how underwhelmed I was with the January GlossyBox, but after going through and looking at everything, there are a few products that I'm actually quite looking forward to trying. There's no denying that this months box isn't very exciting, it's probably one of my least favourites but I've learned that you can't always judge purely on first impressions.

Instead of including a small-ish card with all the product information on, this has changed to a mini-magazine style piece of paper, which inside has a little note from the GlossyBox team, a little new years resolutions feature and, of course, all the product information. I quite like this new format although the plain paper makes it feel a little, well, cheap almost. A glossy piece of paper would be much nicer I think and fit with the whole GlossyBox theme a little better. Perhaps that's just me being overly picky though?

January 2013 GlossyBox♦

1. A little GlossyBox extra - an eye mask.
This is cute, fits in with the whole detoxing theme for the box and the little bow is a sweet addition. I can't say I'm going to use it because if you know me I can sleep anywhere, anytime, even if I'm not tired. I would say I'll pass it on to my boyfriend, who is the worst sleeper in the world, but I'm not sure he'd wear it & even if he did I'm not sure he'd like me to tell the internet about it!

2. Lacoste Eau de Lacoste perfume.
My feelings on perfume samples haven't changed, I'm not a fan because they're so small and fiddly and I always end up spilling the contents everywhere while trying to get the worlds tiniest stopper off the worlds tiniest bottle. With that being said, I actually really like the scent of this. It's very simple, floral and classic. I could see myself purchasing a bottle of this for the spring time. 30ml retails for £33.

3. Monu Micro Exfoliant. 
This promises to deliver instantly radiant skin and over time to refine skin texture while reducing the appearance of fine lines & pores. It's no secret I'm a bit of a sucker for an exfoliant so I'll be sure to give this a try. I'm not overly keen on the scent, it smells a bit like savlon but if it helps my skin then I'm sure I'll get used to it. 100ml retails for £14.50.

4. Murad Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for eyes.
The second skin care sample this month comes in the form of an eye cream and this is probably the thing that I'm looking forward to trying the most out of everything. I still haven't found my perfect eye cream which actually slightly annoys me because I know how important they are. This promises to hydrate without being too heavy and quite frankly I hope it's bloody amazing because 15ml retails for £57!

5. BM Beauty Dewy Perfection Finishing Powder. 
I've received a few samples from this brand in previous boxes and I have really liked them. My only slight negative is that they've all come in these tiny pots, which to use them properly is a bit of a faff. I don't think there's any way around that though and I'm sure the full sized packaging is much nicer. This is a translucent powder made with natural ingredients that when used over foundation promises to give you a really air brushed finish. The dewy part intrigues me because if it really delivers then this may become my new favourite powder because I have super dry skin and powder usually only ever accentuates dryness. A 4g pot retails for £8 & just for reference, this sample is 1g.

6. Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse Thermal Transformation Mask. 
Apparently with this mask, results are instantly visible but it also goes on to say that it's only with continued use you'll see the most benefits. I'm sure this is a lovely product, there's just something about it that doesn't excite me. I'll certainly give it a try though because I'm interested to see if it lives up to its claims! A full size is £27.50.

What do you think of this months box? 

Are you subscribed to GlossyBox?

xoxo

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Snow Day.

Even before I pulled open the curtains this morning I knew I would be greeted with a beautiful view. There was a distinct nip in the air that is only there when those beautiful white snowflakes are falling from the sky. The snow clouds were thick and misty and everything in sight was covered with a picture perfect twinkling blanket of snow. I love snow days. I do. But they always bring with them a slight touch of melancholy and pensiveness. I couldn't even begin to explain why, because truthfully, I have no idea. Nature is so intrinsically beautiful. Not every part of it is beautiful. Some parts are upsetting, hard to comprehend. But as a whole entity, it is undeniably beautiful. There is beauty in everything, it's not always conventional beauty, but it's certainly there. There are so many things that I don't know. So many things that I will never know. I do know, though, that all my best thinking is done on snow days. It's a pity they don't happen more often because I probably would have accomplished a little more in my life if they did.

"Oh err, hey there. Watcha doing? Err, can I help? Can we play with toys now? Can I eat that?"

"Oh I'm sorry, what? Oh, I've got something on my nose? Stop laughing. Did I get it? No? How about now? STOP laughing. I'm going to eat your slippers later for laughing. That'll teach you a lesson."

I also know that Mister Bailey (our puppy) is so excited, confused, baffled, curious and probably every other emotion too by the snow. He liked running in it until he slipped. He liked eating it until it went up his nose. He liked trying to catch it until he realised he wasn't really getting anywhere. So he opted to bark at it instead. Trying to teach it a lesson. And then it was lunch time and all was right with the world. He always makes me smile. Always.

xoxo