15 Reasons Why I Loved 2015

I did a 14 things I loved about 2014 last year and got some lovely comments so I thought I'd do the same this year - 15 reasons why I loved 2015, both big and small.

•  I had an adventure in Dubai with my boyfriend which had its ups and downs but I met some amazing people and I'll never forget it.
•  I lived on the 58th floor of one of the highest residential buildings in the world and had a view of the ocean everyday.
• I saw a camel IRL.   
• I was a bridesmaid twice for two of my beautiful friends - both very emotional days which made me both excited and scared for my own wedding!
• I found out my sister was not only pregnant but also engaged. 
• My little blog continued to grow. 
• I returned to the UK and appreciate it more than ever (saying this through gritted teeth right now as it's been raining non stop for about 2 weeks!) 
• I spent most of the year with a tan - I now pretty much have no tan lines left :'( 
• I got balayage in my hair - sounds like no big deal but I NEVER dye my hair!
• I had some amazing meals in Michelin starred restaurants, including the best potato dauphinoise I've ever eaten!
• Having been rubbish at saving most of my life, me and my boyfriend managed to save money for our wedding.
• I got to go shopping for a wedding dress - it was stressful at times but lovely to bond with my mum. 
• I jumped from a boat into the sea and spent the afternoon on a private island.
• I did yoga on the beach and discovered I really like it.
• I was in a job out of my comfort zone which was challenging but taught me a lot.

Here's to 2016! 

New In // Primark Workout

All Primark Workout range

When he was alone and bereft without me in Dubai, my boyfriend took up running to cure his crippling loneliness. He even did a 10K - that's how much he missed me. Haha. Now we are reunited, he has carried on with the running and has even convinced me to join him (#fitfam). 

Seeing as I usually tend to exercise in what can really only be described as glorified pyjamas, I thought it was time I got myself some new workout stuff (is it just me that feels the need to come over all mum and say workout 'gear'?) so I look  red faced and sweaty super cool pounding the mean streets of Bristol. I picked up all the above in Primark and I have to say I'm super impressed. 

I thought I'd go for mostly neon as I love it secretly and why not go all out? I enjoy the little details like the zip in the back of the leggings for a key, the little gap for your thumbs on the top and most of all the back of the bra - so cool! The only qualm I do have is that the vests do have the tendency to start creeping up as you run which can be kinda annoying, but I think that would be the case for any tight top to be honest. They are fine for doing low intensity exercise like yoga etc. The best part is that each bit cost less than £15! 

The yoga mat pictured above was in my stocking from my mum which I love because it's the kind of thing I wanted but prob wouldn't have bought myself - perfect! It did make me laugh when I opened it as it's actually called an 'inspiration' mat and has a tree printed on it with various 'inspirational' words including 'namaste'. LOL. 

Faye x

OOTD // Burnt Orange

Coat Charity Shop

Hat H&M

Boots Pull & Bear

Backpack ASOS (men's)

I picked this coat up last weekend in a charity shop and it was love at first sight. After my sister commented that all I wear is black lately, I made it a bit of a mission to stop going to black as a default option and this fits that criteria perfectly. I love the colour of the fluff! I thought it might be vintage but after visiting my friend who manages a charity shop and knows more about these things, we came to the conclusion that it's from China, as the care label is all in Chinese (top detective work right). This made me feel better as the size is XL and it fits me perfectly *puts back 17th Quality Street of the morning* but I think Chinese sizes tend to be cut on the small size.  

Thanks for reading!

Faye x

OOTD // Berry Good

Gilet New Look

Jumper Topshop (SO old)

Boots ASOS

It's pictures like these that make me realise I should at least brush my hair if I'm not going to wash it - haha. Another outing for the over the knee boots and gilet combo - I like to wear them together as I think they balance each other out, if that makes any sense! I was going to wear my hat with this however I couldn't find out at my sister in law's (to be :)) house, I asked her later if she had seen it and my 4 year old nephew piped up to let me know he had taken it and hidden it in his brother's pyjama drawer. Seems legit. I do love that boy. 

Cos my boyfriend totes wants to be me he also bought a camel coat (further proof below in the blogger esque poses) along with some other new garms so I took some pics of his OOTD as well! 

Thanks for reading!

Faye x

OOTD // Dungarees and glitter

Coat Primark

Top Charity Shop

Dungarees Old! 

Sunglasses Spitfire via ASOS

I never thought I'd buy myself a puffa style coat like this one but I saw it in Primark and it sucked me in with its cosy demeanour. It was only £20 and it's basically like wearing one big snuggly sleeping bag, plus ever so handy in the rain/wind. This glittery roll neck is a recent charity shop find, and I bought these sunglasses after mine mysteriously disappeared (I suspect my mother). 

This week I also went to a festive blogging event with my friend Sian (her lovely food blog can be found here), hosted by #Blogclub and Bath and Unwind  in Bristol. and it was so much fun! I met some lovely bloggers, decorated some gingerbread men and scoffed lots of treats. I'm already looking forward to the next one and if you're a Bristol based blogger you should totes join. 

Faye x

5 Reasons I heart Ethos Restaurant, London

 Last week my boyfriend and I had lunch with our friend at Ethos in London and I very much fell in love with it. Here's why:

1. It's a buffet where everything is vegetarian/vegan. These two things put together = my dream.
2. Said food is absolutely delicious. Special mention goes to the pumpkin, parsnip and cranberry festive scotch egg. I see you *fist bump emoji*.
3. They have gold pineapples and gold turnips dotted about and the Christmas decor is very minimal. I'm all about the scandi Christmas. 
4. The tables are marble aka blogger crack. 
5. It's off of Oxford Street, so just minutes after lunch you could be in Topshop. 

To sum up, if you find yourself hungry and wandering around central London, pop yourself into Ethos for a jolly good time. 

Faye x

OOTD // Over the knee boots

 

Gilet New Look

Shirt ASOS

Leggings Primark

Boots ASOS

This was the second outing for my new OTK boots and I must say I am loving them - especially with this shaggy New Look gilet which is my new fave thing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but have a look in the 915 section of New Look and you sure can find some gems!

I had the best weekend ever because my boyfriend came back from Dubai! I met him and the airport with my future brother in law and I'm not ashamed to say that tears were shed. We spent the weekend getting him some new cold weather garms (it definitely ain't 40 degrees anymore son!) and spending time with our nephews who are officially the cutest little lads ever. We also stayed at the Eccleston Square hotel near Victoria which was lush, it was the snuggliest little room with such cosy bedding (the black furry pillows and throw were mega comfy) and second best shower I've ever had. The first, in case you're wondering, was after after Glastonbury 2010. 

Hope y'all had a splendid weekend!

Faye x

Review // Primark Dark Circle Reducer Eye Patches

Primark Face Time Dark Circle Reducer Eye Patches - Sunflowers

I've had dark circles under my eyes for as long as I can remember so anything that claims to reduce them immediately grabs my attention. I spotted these patches in Primark and I thought for £1 I'd give them a go.

What it says on the tin: Not a whole lot to be honest! Apart from instructions on how to use it and the title of the product, there isn't any sales schpiel. They are made in South Korea which I found interesting as I've heard good things about South Korean beauty products.

How it works: You get 4 patches per pack which I think is great value.  You apply the patches under your eyes and then leave them for a minimum of 30 minutes (it says you can also leave them on overnight).

Good things: They felt nice and cooling on the eyes, and delivered a fair hit of moisture to the area. 

Bad Things: I think I may have put them too close to my eyelash line as they were pretty uncomfortable when looking down at anything! To be honest, I don't think they really reduced my dark circles at all, which is the main point of the product. 

Verdict: 5/10. These didn't work for me and as mentioned, I didn't see a difference in the reduction of dark circles. However, they did feel soothing on my eyes and I think these might feel lovely if you're super tired/hungover and need a hit of cooling moisture to your eye area - it did feel soft and refreshed afterwards. I also think maybe if your under eye circles aren't as bad as mine you might see better results - I'd love to know if anyone else has tried these!

Faye x