3 On My Reading List

I used to love reading as a kid, and over the past few years I've started reading less and less. Since being at uni, reading is something thats become compulsory again, which isn't necessarily a bad thing I guess. Soo, heres three books I have on my current reading list.

#GIRLBOSS by SOPHIA AMORUSO

A popular book in the blogging community, which I've had sitting in my room for almost six months now. Its written by Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Nasty Gal. It also recently got turned into a Netflix documentary, but I'm definitely going to read the book before watching that. So basically, its about Sophia's story of becoming a girl boss and her journey in creating Nasty Gal. Should be an interesting read!

CAMERA LUCIDA by ROLAND BARTHES 

When I started uni back in September, I got given a reading list, which I'm sure most courses do. On that list was this book, Camera Lucida. I'd never heard of it before, but it sounded pretty interesting and my course leader said its a must read. I've read the first few pages, and its extremely philosophical to say the least. Lots of big, fancy words that don't necessarily need to be used (in my opinion), but make it sound much better. I'm interested to read the rest of this and see if I can even comprehend what its trying to get across, haha!

WAYS OF SEEING by JOHN BERGER

Another book off my uni reading list (soz). Buuut I'm genuinely really interested in all of these photography books, as its not something I've delved into before. This isn't even necessarily photography based either, but literally about how we see the world around us. Again, I've flicked through the first few pages of this and so far so good. Likewise with Camera Lucida, it takes your full concentration but thats okay, just gotta make sure you're in the right frame of mind haha. There's a quote from this book thats on one of the first few pages that I absolutely loved, 'When in love, the sight of the beloved has a completeness which no words and no embrace can match: a completeness which only the act of making love can temporarily accommodate'.

Whats on your current reading list?

- Lucy

Life Lately 1.0

Its actually been way too long since I just sat down and typed. I feel like I've been so distant from blogging recently, and that wasn't even intentional. So I guess today I'm just gonna sit, and talk about whats been going on in my life over the past few weeks. 

I haven't had as much motivation for blogging the past few months if I'm honest. I blame the weather. Its been so miserable and dull outside, that taking photos becomes difficult and I just feel so meh about it. I mean, I hate winter in general, so I'm extremely excited for spring to finally roll around. My anxiety hasn't been great either, as I've mentioned before I suffer with emetophobia and generalised anxiety disorder and its all just gone to shit really. Although I've had some good days amongst the bad, winter isn't a great time for my mental health either. I've definitely spent far too much time in bed, when I know full well I need to be up and about doing stuff. But I guess thats the way it goes some times, and I just have to accept that. I think its safe to say, I'm fed up with winter and can't wait for summer to arrive!

In other news, I got a tattoo on Monday and I'm so in love with it. I got it done by the lovely Katy, who is so talented at what she does and did an incredible job. I have a feeling this will be one of many more, but we'll see! The Monday before that, I saw Kendrick Lamar at the O2 with my boyfriend which was sooooooooooo good. To be honest, I didn't used to be the biggest fan of rap or R&B music, but thats definitely changed over the past 6 months or so...thanks Dan haha!

I've got quite a lot planned over the next few months, like going to Berlin, a fair few concerts and some other really exciting bits and pieces!

How's life been lately for you?

- Lucy 

Hydration Is Key

Even though I have combination/oily skin, its still quite dehydrated. I mean, this is probably down to the fact I don't drink enough water (oops), but I have a few products that really help to inject a bit of hydration back into my skin. 

I was recently sent a few bits from Wishtrend, which mainly sell Korean beauty items. I've heard so many good things about Korean beauty/skincare from other bloggers, so I was excited to try a few bits. One of the best things for hydrating the skin is definitely a good face mask. These Wishtrend Gauze Sheet Maks* are such a dream to use. I left this on for 40 minutes and let my skin soak up all the goodness, and my skin felt so hydrated, plump and soft afterwards. Loove these!

Another product thats great for hydrating, is serum. I've been trialling the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum*. I love the simplistic packaging for this, and the amount of product you get for your money. I think a lot of serum's come in a 50ml bottle or less, but this is 80ml which is fab. I've found this sinks into the skin super quickly, and leaves no residual at all. My skin literally drinks it up, which is a good sign for sure. Finally, something I'm not used to using but thats eye cream. I've been using the Botanics Organic Hydrating Eye Cream*. I don't quite know why its taken me this long to start using eye cream, but this feels so soothing after a long day. I'm not sure I've seen much of a difference in terms of my under eye bags, but that area is certainly less dry. Definitely going to continue using this, and hopefully see some results!

What products do you use for hydration?

- Lucy

PR/Gifted Items*

My Favourite Albums

Music plays such a big part in my day to day life, and I'm constantly listening to something. I wrote a while ago, mentioning my favourite songs/albums of 2017 and I really enjoyed just sitting, chatting about music. Sooo, I thought I'd share my favourite albums!

STARBOY - THE WEEKND

I honestly love The Weeknd. I never gave his music a proper chance until last year, and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. Starboy is definitely my favourite album of his, and I don't think theres a single song on there that I dislike. The Weeknd even won a Grammy for this album, which was so well deserved. You can find all of the Grammy nominations/winners on the HMV* website. My favourites include, 'Stargirl Interlude', 'A Lonely Night' and 'Secrets'. 

THE 1975 - THE 1975

This post just wouldn't be complete without me mentioning The 1975. They're my all time favourite band, and this album feels so special to me. It doesn't matter how many times I listen to it, I never seem to get bored. My favourite songs on this are, 'Robbers', 'Heart Out' and 'Pressure'. 

THIS LIFE, VOL. 1 - COASTS

I remember discovering Coasts a couple of years ago, but they seemed to fall off my radar for a while. But they were scheduled to play at a local venue, so my boyfriend and I went along to see them and they were soooooo good! I completely fell in love with their music again, and this album has become one of my firm favourites. The best songs on this album are, 'Come On Over', 'Paradise' and 'Make It Out Alive'. 

CURRENTS - TAME IMPALA

I feel like Tame Impala are so underrated in the music world. The vibe they give off as a band is just so chilled out, and its such easy listening. Its definitely very different, and I feel like its a required taste but equally, I love them. My favourite songs on this album are, 'The Less I Know The Better', 'Cause I'm A Man' and 'Let It Happen'. 

FUNK WAVE BOUNCES VOL. 1 - CALVIN HARRIS

Another album I mentioned in my previous post, but such a good 'un. This album just screams summer to me and I love it. I don't have much to say about this album other than the fact it reminds me of summer, and thats the main reason I love it haha. My favourite songs have to be, 'Heatstroke', 'Rollin' and 'Holiday'. 

What are your all time favourite albums?

- Lucy

- This is a collaborative post, however all thoughts/opinions are my own -

Everyday Accessories

I'm not one to wear accessories all the time, but sometimes its nice to add a little something to bring an outfit together.

One thing I wear on a daily basis, is a watch. In specific, I've been loving my Henry London Richmond Watch*. Its quite a chunky piece, and it definitely makes a statement but its still perfect for everyday wear. I find it goes with pretty much all my outfits, and I love the hint of rose gold detail, I mean who wouldn't?! Henry London also have a sale on at the moment, if you pop in the code '241' when you check out, you'll get yourself some discount!

Over the past year or so, I've really got into wearing necklaces, and theres two that I wear on a regular basis. The first one, I got for my 18th birthday and thats the Anna Saccone Virgo Zodiac Necklace. I really don't know what there is to say about a necklace, other than I love it - wow, I'm a bad blogger. Buuttttt, it goes with a lot and its silver, which is definitely my preferred jewellery style. The second necklace I adore, and wear on a regular basis is my Alex Monroe Swallow Pendant Necklace. My boyfriend bought me this for Christmas, and I've worn it soo much since. Its such a dainty necklace, and I think thats why I love it so much.

What are your everyday accessories?

- Lucy

- This post was in collaboration with Henry London, however all thoughts/opinions are my -