Windsor in two days

A few weeks ago Jay and I ended up staying overnight in Windsor before driving back up to Nottingham. I can't remember going to Windsor before (though I've definitely been to Legoland just down the road), so it was really fun to just take a few days off to just explore and be together.

We stayed in the Castle Hotel, and booked it through laterooms.com. Our room was absolutely amazing, it was so big and we even had a queen size bed that had the best pillows. There wasn't really a view, but that didn't bother us because we were so central to where we wanted to be. Mostly we just wandered, took lots of pictures, and ate too much food. We didn't go in the castle, because we would have wanted to spend a whole day there, but we're definitely going to go back to stay again.

Jay and I don't get a lot of time alone together so it's extra special for us at the moment when we do. I think my favourite part of the whole two days was going to bed so early and just watching a film together, even if it was Twilight.

If you've never been to Windsor, I would definitely recommend having a look- we might even be going back next month!

nikki x

What's going on

wells-next-the-sea beach

You might have noticed that I've been missing the last few weeks. With everything else going on in my life at the moment, blogging has taking a bit of a back seat. I've thought about giving up and just deleting my blog, because at the moment it feels like just another thing that I have to get done, and I don't want it to feel like that. 

I've been pushing myself pretty hard recently, with two jobs while still applying for more, trying to fit in visits to see Jay, trying to save money, and about a million other things that probably don't even need to be things I'm worrying about. But I'm a natural born stresser, and the last year has been a stressful one.

So now I've had a bit of a break, and even though it still feels like a bit of an effort, I'm focusing on one post a week. I used to love blogging, especially during university, because it felt different and so rewarding to be a part of. Here's hoping I feel that way again soon.

nikki x

A Lush Shower

 

Rehab £11.25

American Cream £9.95

The Comforter £4.95

Ro's Argan £16.50

Cup O' Coffee £12.25

Shimmy Shimmy £5.5

 

*all prices listed are based on the size that I have here, except for Ro's Argan*

 

I've always been a fan of Lush, and at the moment my shower routine is completely Lush. I only recently added Rehab and American Cream into my haircare routine, and since I have my hair has been feeling super soft, and looking a lot healthier. I think I'll be sticking with these for a while!

 

I picked up this The Comforter shower gel a while ago when I went to London, and it's pretty much what dreams are made of. It smells exactly like the bubble bar version, plus it has a slight sparkle in it (but nothing too heavy), and it leaves my skin feeling super soft. I'll definitely be buying the bigger version of this! I also follow up with Ro's Argan body conditioner, mostly on my legs, because it helps stop my legs feeling dry after drying. Plus it smells absolutely amazing, like a sweet rose scent.

 

Cup O' Coffee is another product that I picked up in London when the Oxford Street store first opened. It was love at first scent. If you know me, you'll know I'm obsessed with anything coffee related, so a coffee face mask that also exfoliates is perfect for me. It's super exfoliating, so if you like something a bit more gentle then this might be a bit too harsh for you, and it can also be quite messy. You'll keep finding the little coffee granules everywhere for a little while, but I just make sure I rinse the shower after I'm done.

 

Finally I sometimes use the absolute glitter delight that is the Shimmy Shimmy bar- though mostly I'll save it for if I'm having a bad week or something, because there's something about being super sparkly that just makes my life better. This is definitely one of my favourite Lush products!

 

What's your favourite Lush product at the moment?

 

nikki x

The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash

Aloe gentle facial wash £9.50

I've been a big fan of the aloe vera range from the Body Shop for a while, and this is something that I've picked up a few times in the past. I love how calming aloe is on sensitive skin, so it's a range that I keep coming back to when I'm not entirely sure what it is that my skin needs.

I picked up this gentle facial wash for first thing in the morning because I like something refreshing, but not too harsh on my skin first thing. It's easy to get out because of the pump, and I normally use 2-3 pumps so it's been a really long lasting product. It says it removes make up, but I honestly can't see it taking off anything more than a light coverage, so I sometimes use it as a second cleanse. 

I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for something that's super refreshing and gentle on your skin, then I'd definitely recommend this, but if you're looking for something with a bit more backbone then this might not cut it for you! I think this is one of those love/hate products for most people!

Have you tried anything from the aloe range?

nikki x

Reading List

Don't be fooled into thinking this is the be all and end all of my current reading list, because in reality it's about 50 books longer and half of them are stacked up on my bookcase. But these are currently top on my list! I've been borrowing some more books from the library, though that's probably why my list is so long!

I mostly read fiction at the moment, because I'm a big fan of the distraction that comes with getting lost in a good novel. I find it super easy to get stuck in over thinking sometimes, so having something to distract from that can be really helpful and relaxing.

I think the book I'm most excited about is The Muse by Jessie Burton. I loved her first book, The Miniaturist, so I'm super excited to find out what direction her second book has taken. I actually picked up a signed copy from Waterstones, which I thought was pretty exciting! I've actually now read Good Bones by Margaret Atwood, and I really enjoyed the change in pace it was from my usual reading. It's a collection of short stories, which I wouldn't normally go for, but I found them really easy to read, well-written and I finished the book in a few hours.

What's on your reading list at the moment?

nikki x

Skincare & Haircare Haul

Rehab shampoo £11.25

American Cream conditioner £9.95

Botanics Micellar cleansing solution £2.24

Botanics cleansing foam wash £1.99

Botanics soothing eye make up remover £1.99

Don't Look At Me £6.95

Last week I met up with my best friend Ania, so of course we did a little bit of shopping! I've been looking at a new haircare routine, so I thought it would be a good time to pick up a few other new bits that I've been looking at.

A few years ago I swore by Lush for my shampoo and conditioner, and because my hair has been looking in such a dire way recently I thought I'd go back to that. Rehab is the same shampoo I used back in the day; it's good for strengthening weak hair, and getting it soft and lovable again. The conditioner I chose was one that I've heard a lot of good things about American Cream is like a deep treatment but in a bog standard conditioner, and I've only used it a couple of times but my hair feels like it's been blessed by angels. I also picked up the Don't Look At Me face mask, which is a new try too. My sister recommended it so I'm looking forward to trying it!

I picked up these three from the Botanics range because they're currently on offer in Boots at half price, and I've been looking to switch up my skincare a little bit too! I've heard good things about this range but I don't think I've ever tried anything from this range before so I'm looking forward to giving it a go! I picked up the 3 in 1 Micellar cleansing solution, a waterproof eye make up remover and a cleansing foam wash.

The last thing I got was a present from Ania, an Origins GinZing refreshing face mask, which isn't one I've tried before but I've loved other masks from Origins so I'm sure I'll love it just as much.

Have you tried any of these bits before?

nikki x

The Concealer Edit

left - right in all photos

MAC mineralize concealer NW15

Collection lasting perfection concealer fair 1

Rimmel hide the blemish concealer ivory 001

Natural Collection cover up cream concealer fair

MAC pro longwear concealer NC15

Concealers are my kryptonite. I just can't stop buying them. I narrowed this post down to these five, but I've still got another few hidden away in my spare make up bits. I just love trying new concealers, and I'm constantly finding products I love more than the last one, but these are the ones I currently have to hand.

I started out with Natural Collection concealers, both this creamy version and the stick version. They're only £1.99, and the lightest shade isn't too bad a match, though in recent years I have become paler so they don't match too well anymore. For what you pay, it's really good coverage and quite long lasting. I'm saving this for if I change colour at all over the summer (it's not very likely but just in case). Another one I used to love unconditionally is the Collection lasting perfection concealer, which at £4.19 is still quite a steal. I've only recently fallen out of love with this, and I was obsessed for years. While I still think it's up there in high street concealers, for me the colour doesn't quite match at the moment. It's amazing coverage, and I think I'll still definitely go back to using it on days where I wear less foundation because it's such good coverage.

Both Rimmel hide the blemish concealer, £3.99, and MAC pro longwear concealer, £18, are favourites for if I can't be bothered with as much make up. I use them around my t-zone and on any spots, and skip foundation out entirely. I find that when I blend them out with my foundation brush they offer even coverage, without making my skin feel too clogged up. I have super sensitive skin, so this is a real winner for me!

Lastly is the MAC mineralize concealer, also £18. It's my most recent addition, and by far my absolute favourite concealer of the moment. I only use it under my eyes, but because it's a different shade to what I would normally use (NW15 rather that NC15) it offers a completely different kind of coverage. I was actually colour matched to this shade by a lovely lady in the Derby store, otherwise I would have picked up NC15. She recommended NW shades for under eye areas, to cancel out blue tones more, and it definitely works. It covers up and cancels out colour like other concealers never have before for me, and I'm totally in love with it!

What's your favourite concealer at the moment?

nikki x

Manicure Routine

Back in March I predicted that I would be wearing this colour a lot, and I was so right. It's become my absolute go-to favourite colour, because it's such a gorgeous berry shade that just goes with everything. It also doesn't always need two coats, so if I'm in a hurry this one is always a good choice. 

I'm trying to not cut my nails as much at the moment, and just keep them filed because cutting seems to make them split like nothing else! My nail files are both from The Body Shop, and I'd really recommend them if you find the cheaper ones a bit too harsh on your nails. I've also been trying to get my nails a bit healthier, so I've gone back to using the Avon nail experts hydrate & grow to try and give my nails a little growth spurt. The base coat I've been using is also an Avon 5in1 treatment that's really been helping them toughen up.

What's your nail routine at the moment?

nikki x

Beauty Empties

Does anyone else find that once they use up one thing, about 20 other things then all suddenly empty too? I'm sure there's some kind of empty product conspiracy theory happening in my stash!

I really loved this L'Oreal Nutri-Gloss crystal shampoo and conditioner (both £3.99), which I picked up because it's specifically for fine to normal, dull hair. It left my hair feeling super soft and nourished, and I definitely noticed a different in terms of volume and lasting better between washes. I was also really sad that this Percy and Reed hydrating mask finished, especially because I'm not sure they sell it anymore, and it always left my hair feeling softer than soft and smelling of marshmallow. It doesn't get much better than that!

The Aussie dry shampoo was a try that's part of my on-going dry shampoo adventure, and though I liked this I think I prefer something with a bit more volume and oomph. Something a bit more tried and tested is the S&G righteous butter (£10), which is my go-to moisturiser for after I've shaved my legs, just because it's so nourishing. I also just finished this Lush celestial facial moisturiser (£14.95), which I'm definitely thinking about buying again! It kept my skin clear and glowy, and it also smells amazing.

There's not really a lot to say about this Cutex nail polish remover (£1.60), except that it's my favourite. It just doesn't smell as strong as some other remover solutions, which is definitely a plus! I also loved this Body Shop Camomile waterproof eye make up remover (£9), which I've definitely picked up a few times now. Last but not least is this Kueshi revitalising toner that I got in a Glossybox, which I did love but I'm not sure I'd buy it myself. I love trying new things in Glossyboxes though!

What have you finished recently?

nikki x

Brunch Date | No33 Cafe

Another day, another brunch. Jay came to visit last week, and one day we decided to go for brunch in the city. We ended up going to No33 Cafe, and I tried the American Pancakes with maple syrup with berries, which were absolutely heavenly! They were the lightest and fluffiest pancakes I had ever had, which meant that they weren't too filling and I managed to (very nearly) eat them all. Jay had the Eggs Benedict, which he said were as good as they looked- I think he really liked the Norfolk ham! 

After we had food and wandered around for a while, we decided to go and see The Secret Life of Pets. Jay wanted to see Independence Day, but I convinced him that he'd rather see that another time! I loved every second of the film, if you're looking at going I'd totally recommend it!

What films have you seen lately?

nikki x

Bullet Journal | July Setup

**brownie points if you notice the mistake I made with my very first header... it's been fixed now! June, July, who knows. I'm still not convinced it's 2016**

Though I've shared a few different weekly spreads (here and here), I rely on my monthly spread a lot more than the weekly ones for keeping track of where I'm supposed to be. I've been playing around a lot with different layouts to find out what works best for me, and I think I've found the one! I just use one page, because my days don't tend to need morning/afternoon/evening tasks. I tried using colour coding too, but that just got a little confusing with so many different colours. Instead I have a key and dot system for things that happen regularly, like washing my make up brushes, bills and bedding changes. I also try and set some goals, or things that I want to focus more on that month in particular, as well as other upcoming dates to add to next months setup when it comes around.

After that I tend to have my habits tracker, which I have a love/hate relationship with at the moment. I'm really pleased with how the layout looks this month (it doesn't always look as pretty), and I think I'm finally getting my habits set to things that are actually helpful for me to keep a track of. I've also been giving a gratitude log another go, and last month I actually managed to write something every day, something I struggled with when I first tried it!

I also try to have a look through Pinterest for any new header and banner ideas for my daily spreads, just so that I'm constantly using new designs rather than the same ones over and over!

I've completely fallen in love with Bullet Journaling! Have you tried it yet?

nikki x

nikkiyvonneblog

bloglovin'

I've decided to go for a little bit of a change. Though I used to love my blog name when I first started, I feel like lately I've grown out of it and I've been wanting to change things for a while now. I spent a while thinking about what I could change my blog name to that might 'suit' me more, and then I realised I might as well just change it to match all my other social media accounts, right?

So welcome to my new blog. Not an awful lot is changing. Just the header, a few colours and the name. I hope you'll stay with me while I'm linking everything up and making a few final changes! The links to the font and background I used are all in my new 'design' section, please check them out if you're looking for a change of your own!

nikki x

Pandora's

I. Love. Brunch.

In case you hadn't noticed by now. I love brunch. It's my favourite meal, and I just love every brunch menu that I've ever seen. Avocado? Yes. Tomatoes? Oh yes. Pancakes? Egg? Poached, scrambled or hard boiled? Any of the above. Yes please. So, of course, it only makes sense that I'm slowly but surely exploring every potential restaurant and cafe that does brunch in any city I can.

Pandora's is in the Norwich Lanes (London Street), and I've been there a few times before- I'm a big fan of their cheese scones. This was my first brunch with my friend Bridget, and we ended up having exactly the same thing, avocado and tomato on rye. It was really nice, and I really love how friendly and happy to help the staff are. If you haven't tried the food here, I'd totally recommend it, though I think I'd still always go back for the cheese scone over everything!

n xx

London Trip

One of my uni friends, Kasim, is currently working in London, and when he told me that he'd been living there for a couple of months and hadn't yet done anything touristy, we organised a day for me to visit so I could fix that. Over the last few years, I've gotten pretty good at finding my favourite places in London, and discovering new ones. We covered the Tate museum, embankment views of the London Eye and Houses of Parliment and St James' Park. Mostly it was just super lovely to catch up while we walked around!

I'm already planning another visit for next month- I've never been to the Natural History Museum, so maybe we'll give that a go! Kasim still hasn't tried a shake shack milkshake yet, so that's another one of our priorities.

What do you love to do in London?

n xx

June Lips

top-bottom

Lush popcorn lip scrub • Korres jasmine lip butter • Lush the kiss

l-r

Clinique chubby stick baby tint poppin' poppy • Clinique flirty honey • MAC cremesheen peach blossom • Avon provocative plum 

l-r

The Body Shop colour crush 115 • Rimmel lasting finish by Kate 107 • MAC satin captive • Rimmel apocalips celestial

Recently I was having a sort out of all my beauty products, and I realised how few of my lipsticks and other lip products I actually wear. Even though I'll wear something most days, I would always reach for the same colours over and over. In an effort to wear other colours, that I love just as much but frequently forget about, I'm going to try and sort through my lip products more often, and have fewer to hand on my dresser so I try some new options!

This months picks are covering all of the bases, from nude and sheer to super matte and dark. I love matte or dryer formulas a lot more, so I've been trying out some creamer formulas that I would normally ignore. My most reached for products so far have been the Korres jasmine lip butter (which smells absolutely heavenly) and MAC peach blossom.

Would you like to see my next switch up in a post?!

n xx