Autumnal Fashion Wishlist

Hi, I haven't bought any new clothes for about two months now, I've been avoiding the summer sales. With the weather dropping cold all of a sudden I'm in real need of some new jumpers and generally a style update. While browsing some online stores I found a few items that caught my eye. I have unintentionally gone for a theme of monochrome and burgundy which is pretty much my wardrobes colour palette. Autumn is my favourite season for clothes shopping, sorry bank balance.

H&M  | Suede Bucket Bag - £39.99 | Faux Fur Waistcoat - £29.99 |

Ripped Jeans - £19.99 | Trainers - £19.99

Primark | Grid Tote Bag - £10.00 | Furry Keyring - £2.00

Dr Martens | Brause Boot - £115.00

H&M is by far my favourite store, it's uncommon for me to leave a store without making a purchase. I've been very much looking forward to seeing their Autumn lines and as yet I haven't seen anything amazing, so hopefully there is more to come, but I did find some nice pieces.

Last year I wanted a faux fur waistcoat but I missed out on getting one. To my joy they are back again this year, I found this one which is also available in black. It's now sat in my online basket waiting for a discount day. Along with the waistcoat I've picked some ripped jeans in grey. I love monochrome items as I find them easier to style and they work well with a pop of colour.

Looking at the wishlist I have been drawn to accessories. My H&M finds include the Suede Bucket bag and the burgundy trainers. Online they look almost the same colour, I'd love to know if they really are, burgundy is such a lovely colour. The bag is very on trend with the fabric and tassel detail. A little expensive but it's genuine suede so you get what you pay for. I need a new pair of trainers and my favourite type are the slip on style.

There are a few bits I want to pick up from Primark, when I finally get chance to go. These are the grid tote and the fluffy keyring. I just think they are really nice pieces and work well with other items I already own. The tote looks like it's waterproof so would make a nice stylish book bag.

Lastly I've picked a pair of Dr Martens from the new collection, which I will not be buying as I have given myself a ban until I have worn my newest pair. You can't really see the detail on the photo but they have a stitched rose design which is both pretty and Gothic.

What's your favorite autumn colour?

Sam

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8 Ways To Do More Reading

Hi, Happy Friday! Like myself you might be planning on enjoying a book this weekend, I love reading but I find it a real struggle to find the time. I have been using some helpful tips to make the most of my time to get in as much reading as possible. They really work as I've already read three books this month (two where only little but still). I'd really like to push myself and see how many books I can fit in by the end of the year. I'm currently reading One Day by David Nicholls.

Ways to do More Reading

Find the Format That Works For You

I prefer paper backs because I'm a tactile person and get a thrill from shutting a finished book but you might prefer to use an E-Reader for example, especially if it's a chunky book like game of thrones.

Use All Available Time
I am really bad for not making the most of my time and procrastinating at just about anything, including been bored. So I decided why not put this time to use and pick up a book, rather than letting time pass me by. If you wake up a little bit early read, waiting for your tea to cook read or got a lunch break that you spend watching the clock do some reading. I used to do most of my reading while commuting on public transport, sadly I do a lot of driving now.

Switch off Social Media
As much as I love to look at social media I try to not let it control how I spend all of my free time. Switch off from social media platforms and you'll find you have a lot more spare time throughout the day. This is a good one to follow for traveling, take a book with you to read and leave your phone alone.

Set an Amount of Time for Reading
If you have the spare time, give yourself an allotted amount of time to read each day. I tent to read just before bed or make a point of giving myself some time by reading in the bath.

Set Goals

I often set myself mini goals when I start reading a book. I like to tell myself to read at least one chapter a night, even if it's slow progress, it's still progress. Don't be too strict about it and only set achievable goals.

Try a New Genre

It might just be that you're not connecting with the book you're trying to read. Trying a different genre can open up new reading experiences and you could find a new favourite author.

Read a Book That is Now a Film/TV Show

If you find it hard to connect to characters why not read the book of a film you've enjoyed. It makes understanding the story easier and you might find out some interesting parts which were left out/changed.

Join a Book Club

Last month I took part in the #Sassybooks book club, being part of a book club is great motivation to read a book within a set time frame. If you would like to take part in the book club this month we are reading 'The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories' by Marina Keegan.

Good luck, let me know what you are reading I'm always looking for recommendations.
Sam

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A Catch Up | A Week in Filey

Hi, I'm back! Last week I was enjoying some time off work in a static caravan in Filey. Me and the fella had a lovely time living off takeaways, indulging in our pool addiction, playing on the slot machines and generally indulging in all things coastal. We had a day trip to Scarborough where we got stuck in the rain just before heading back, but a lovely day of ice creams and sight seeing was had.

- Bovril & Hot Chocolate - Fossil Finds - Cockles - Crab Friend -

I was brought up on family caravan holidays and didn't go abroad until the age of about 13 on a school trip. Having a touring caravan means there aren't that many places in Britain I haven't been (but I haven't been to Scotland nearly enough). I know that no matter what there is one place that I will forever return to and that is Filey. I feel like it's my home from home, I know all the short cuts and feel totally at ease in this little coastal town. I have so many happy memories rooted all the way through my childhood right through to adulthood. I love being close to the sea here, no matter what time of year it is or how bad the weather is, there is always beauty to be found in the landscape of the bay.

Filey in my opinion is the best beach for sand. It's solid so it doesn't stick to your feet and get kicked in your shoes when walking, there's very few sharp shells and it's perfect for building sandcastles as it's already damp. It's also super clean as the tide comes right up into the bay, which makes for some pretty impressive waves. My favourite things to do in Filey are paddling in the lapping waves, checking out the rock pools for sea life and fossil hunting followed by a hot chocolate to warm up.

The first photo was taken the day we arrived and the last was the day we left. It was dark and rainy for the time in between including the day we walked onto Filey Brigg (the cliff face you can see in the distance) with full winter wear against the coastal winds. While on the Brigg we had the surprise of seeing a seal pup I've only ever seen one other seal on the Brigg before. It was so windy on the Brigg we had to fight the wind just to stay standing but it was totally worth it for the view of the crashing waves on the other side of the bay. While there we checked out the rock pools and found loads of hermit crabs, two different types of crabs and some little tiny fishes.

I had a lovely time and can't wait to go back, sadly we decided against our fishing trip plans as the weather just wasn't good enough (didn't fancy three hours in a boat in the rain) so planning on trying again early next year when the weather might be more preferable.

 
Where's your favourite coastal resort?
Sam

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Beauty Review | The Body Shop Coconut Range

Hi, Today I wanted to share a little beauty review with you. I'm talking about the coconut range of products from the Body Shop.

To start with I wanted to round off the collection with the scent. Coconut is one of my favourite scents for bath/body products and is such a versatile scent complementing any time of year. I have four products from the range to review. The body products contain community Fair Trade virgin organic coconut oil and the spray contains fair trade sugarcane essence.

Body Butter | 200ml - £14.00

The Body Shop body butters are some of the best on the market, they are super moisturizing with a really thick consistency, which sinks into the skin really quickly and leaves it super soft and smelling of coconut for a reasonable amount of time.

Body Scrub | 200ml - £13.00

I love an exfoliating scrub, and this is a really good one. I'm trying to remove all products that use micro beads from my routine and this is a great alternative. The exfoliating material is coconut husks and ground coconut shells.

Shower Cream | 250ml - £4.00

The coconut range has a cream rather than gel but it's essentially the same thing. I use a bath lily to lather up the cream and tiny bit goes a long way and a bottle can easily last me a couple of months. It smells lovely as do all the products from this range.

Body Mist | 100ml - £7.50

I like to use this product as a room mist for a light and fresh boost to the room. The staying power of the scent isn't amazing but it is a lovely product to apply in the morning for an invigorating boost.

Some of the Body Shop products are a little pricey but you get what you pay for. They are a cruelty free British brand and source as many ingredients as possible from fair trade organizations. The Body Shop are great for promotions and special offers so it's very unlikely you'll pay full price anyway.

Have you tried any of the Body Shop's Coconut range?

Sam

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5 Tips For Sorting Your Wardrobe For The New Season

Hi, With autumn arriving and the new fashion season to accompany it, I was thinking about items I might need to buy to cover all bases and what items need replacing. To do this I plan to sort out the clothing items I already own by having a wardrobe tidy up. Doing this will make it easier to work out what staple items are in my collection and what items are worn out. Below are a list of questions which I will be using to sort my own wardrobe, I hope you find them helpful.

 Questions To Ask Yourself While Wardrobe Sorting

First Things First!
Empty your wardrobe, it's a good idea to make sure you have time to finish the sort out in one session. Starting from scratch makes it so you have to consider every item before placing it back. Before returning anything to the wardrobe there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

When did you last wear it?
I have a lot of items in my collection that I can't remember the last time I wore. A good way to see if you still wear an item is to turn all the hangers the wrong way round, the next time you come to have a sort out if the hanger is still the wrong way round get rid.

Does it fit? 
If it doesn't fit, your unlikely to wear it and it won't be making you feel as great as another item could. If it doesn't fit consider getting rid and make more room for something else that makes you feel amazing. Alternatively you could consider getting the item altered but that all depends on your attachment to said idea and if it's worth the money.

Does it work for the season? 
If it's a summer item consider putting it away in storage to free up more space in your wardrobe. Doing this means you can make the most of seasonal appropriate items you have without been over whelmed by too much choice from items you can't even wear.

How can you wear it?
A good way to organize your wardrobe is to have an idea of how you can wear all the items in there. If you can't make it work with other items you own you most likely won't wear it. Give yourself a mini photo shot of how you've put items together for inspiration for those I have nothing to wear days.

Are you planning a shopping trip to restock your wardrobe with autumn clothing?

Sam

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Why I Can't Wait For Autumn

Hi, It's September now so I think that means I can now talk about my favourite time of year Autumn, sorry to all the Summer lovers out there. The summer isn't technically over until the 23rd but where was the summer we were promised. At least with Autumn you know what you're getting as it's pretty predictable, the leaves start to change colour and there's still a warmth in the air, but it's the start of layering clothing and wearing hats to keep the chill away.

Things I'm Looking Forward To In Autumn

The Changing Season
The thing I love the most about autumn is the very obvious change in season. The nights start to get darker and the trees change colour, into the most amazing array of reds, oranges and yellows. It's my favourite time of year to go for a walk in the woods and admire nature.

Halloween and Bonfire Night
Not only do you have more of an excuse to just curl up with a hot chocolate and binge watch the latest it show, but autumn holds two of the most exciting events on the calendar, Halloween and Bonfire night. I feel just like a child again when these two seasonal events roll around, fancy dress and fireworks.

Woolly Everything
Jumpers, hats and scarves. I love the fashion possibilities that come with the Autumn season. I love an over sized jumper for an effortless outfit and woolly hats just tame my hair to keep it looking styled without the effort.

New Coats
I love buying a new coat or maybe more. Picking one based on a winter trend means you look stylish all A/W without trying. I like a coat that will really keep me warm and cozy.

Boots Are A Necessity
I can honestly say I have an addiction to Dr Martens boots. I love to wear them all year round but boots and hot days just don't mix. In Autumn boots become a must have item due to the build up of decomposing leaf litter and the odd autumn rain shower.

Indian Summer
I don't know about you but I always find that September always holds a little of the summer warmth. Enough that you can still wear pretty much anything you want, be it a dress or shorts with the added warmth of a pair of tights.

Dark Moody Colours
I love that when autumn comes around there is a distinct change in colour pallet for the new season. Colours become so much darker and moodier which totally agrees with my alternative side. I always love that high street shops release the odd Halloween inspired items.

The Build up to Christmas
With autumn comes the count down to Christmas. It annoys me that the count down seems to get earlier every year to boost sales but I can't help but get a little bit excited by the prospect that it isn't all that long away. Not wishing the year away or anything!

What is your favourite part of Autumn?
Sam

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Month's Mini Goals | September

Hi, It's the ninth month of the year and if the weather is anything to go by, summers over (chucking it down with rain and it's so dark outside). I got a little bit stuck with my goals this month as I'm lacking motivation but that's the point of these posts and now I have some nice ideas of things to do which I might otherwise have miss out on, like going on a boat trip while at the east coast. Hope you have some nice things planned for the weeks ahead.

Mini goals for July

• Go to the seaside - this is technically cheating as I know I'm going.
• Use prompts to take photos - Take photos for the fun of it rather than for a reason.
• Go on a boat trip - Maybe a fishing trip.
• Play in the slot machines - And see what useless things I can win.
• Read at least 2 books - To see how many books I can read before the year ends.
• Go see my sisters kittens - Dexter and Luna, their only 5 months old, so cute.
• Buy some of the new Lush goodies - Because I'm almost out and OMG! all the new things.
• Do a restaurant review - I eat out way too much and don't use it too my blogs advantage.
• Buy a smaller camera - So fed up of carrying the DSLR it's so heavy.
• Enjoy the changing season - Autumn Yay!!!

What are your goals for the month ahead?

Sam

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