December Favourites ❄️

I can't believe its the end of December already - where did 2016 go? This is the first time in ages I've really decided to do a 'beauty blogger' style post, but hey ho, I just wanted to share with you guys some of my favourites, not only this month but things I've also been using all year!

Colourpop Matte Lipsticks

I have about 6 of these now and I'm so addicted. These are my lipsticks I wear pretty much everyday, I wear them more than my MAC collection as I feel like the staying power of these are just so worth it. I recently bought it in this beautiful red shade named 'creeper' as I was looking for something with a little more oomph and willpower to stay on my lips. I hate reapplying lipstick as i just want to enjoy myself and not faff around worried about my lips.

ABH Dip Brow Pomade

I really love this stuff, but sometimes its not creamy as I would like it to be, I put a tad of oil into the pot when applying and it glides on so much easier. The thing I love the most about their pomade is the stick power. Your lines will not move whatsoever. It's so smudge proof.. and that's what I love about it. Eyelure and NYX have some really good pomade's too.

Lush 'Mask of magnaminty'

The holy grail of my skin care routine. I use this whenever I need waking up as the mint is just so refreshing you can't help but feel energised. It's also so nice for my skin whenever I'm having some serious breakout problems. I'm no stranger to spots, so whenever I feel one or two coming to say hello I whack this on my face. It really does help so much to cool down my face and get rid of any zits! A product I continue to buy again and again.

LUSH Sugar plum fairy lip scrub

As a lover of matte lipsticks and a girl with a lip biting habit, my lips are often dry and sad. Lush's lip scrub however is so good, it has lasted forever, I'm not even halfway and I've had it for about 2 months now. It smells so lovely and it tastes rather delicious too!

Jord wooden watch*

I wrote about this watch in my last post, but I'm obsessed with it's beauty. It's so so gorgeous and just fits in with the winter weather and the colours.. it's just so pretty! I'm also giving away voucher codes for these watches if you're interested in getting one! Just read my last post > here

MAC 'ruby woo' Lipstick 

A classic lipstick. What I love most about this particular lipstick is it's beautiful stunning blue-toned red colour. It's such a classic red lip. The stay power on this is pretty good too, without the heavy feel of a liquid type matte lipstick. It glides on, but it is quite drying however. I can't help myself from using this lipstick in the winter though. The colour will always be one of my favourites.

Are these any of your favourites - or have you shared your favourites this month? Share your links so I can have a little nosy!

Thanks for reading as always!

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

* Products were received for review purposes

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Jord Watch Review & Giveaway*

I've literally been so excited to share this post with you guys.. after being contacted by JORD Wood watches to collaborate on a blog post, I was so excited. I'm not usually an accessory sort of girl, but these watches were so beautiful and unique I just couldn't say no!

The one I chose was a women's watch, the Frankie 35 Series, in Dark sandalwood & Mint. I really loved the mint colour of the face against the wooden watch, which is how I finally made my mind up.. There's so many different models to choose from, all in various different colours, so choosing one was so hard! I didn't really know what to expect, wooden watches aren't something I would normally buy and I was worried about the feel and quality of the watch - if it would feel cheap or delicate. After receiving my parcel I was pleasantly surprised as it was actually quite the opposite!

The parcel was sent tracked so I knew exactly where it was, throughout the entire process, which I thought was a lovely touch and just some piece of mind. It arrived packaged up in this beautiful wooden storage box.

Inside is the little cushion that the watch wraps around and sits on, there's a little draw at the bottom to keep your spare links and it comes with a little solution to protect your watches wood, which I thought was a nice little addition!

JORD resize the watch for you after sending them your wrist measurements which saves you the hassle of trying to work out how many links you need! They are however easy to adjust if you do need to change the size a little (mine was a little large for my wrist as I measured a little larger) and the links are easy to change if needed.

This colour fits so nicely with my current wardrobe situation and I was surprised with the actual quality of the watch itself. The watch strap is closed by a double metal clasp which makes it feel more luxurious and high quality.

Would I recommend Jord Watches? I would 100%. The company itself were a pleasure to work with and it was really clear to see that they think about their customers. I got nothing but good vibes. Their range of colour choices, styles were great, alongside the amazing quality of the product, which really surprised me! The price of the collections start from $129, but for a beautiful unique watch it really is worth the money. (However if you're feeling a little skint, JORD has been super kind and set up a giveaway for all my lovely readers!)

Giveaway with JORD Wood watches

JORD are giving ALL of my readers a $25 gift code and ONE lucky person will be randomly selected to receive a $100 gift code! This giveaway will end on the 15th January 2017.

To enter the giveaway, simply fill out this form via the link below and your gift code will be emailed to you :)

>> https://www.woodwatches.com/g/aficklefox <<

What's your thoughts? Isn't this the most beautiful watch?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Thanks for reading as always!

*This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches, however all opinions are my own.

- Photos by Howard Budzynski -

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

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The grey cosy jacket

As soon as I saw this jacket in New Look's window I had to have it, I'm such a sucker for window shopping.. give me something amazing on a display and I just need it. The power of styling..
You might of seen it posted a little on my instagram, along with this scarf that I don't think I've actually taken off yet. Lucky for me, Howard is an actual photographer so we went out on one of our Sunday's when we actually see other and took some snaps.
It was really nice as I'm used to being this sort of blogger who does everything herself, for years I've just self-timed everything so it was really lovely to have some fun creating with somebody else.

Recently I've been changing my wardrobe a little. I've always been a black outfit lover, but recently I've been trying to be a little more neutral with my choice in clothing. Living in a one bed apartment means I have much more limited space, including my closet. (it's sad I know) Which is making me be more selective in my clothing purchases, to mix and match up more of my outfits.

I'm becoming a lot more minimal. I have a few statement pieces still, but I'm enjoying changing my wardrobe and I'm planning to donate a lot of my old clothes in the new year to make way for a more sophisticated wardrobe (I'm hoping)

I'm obsessed with this jacket though, it's so adorable but it's also really warm. I needed something I could throw on, without it being a heavy coat and this does the perfect job. I love mixing up some textures too, so this was a perfect addition to my changing wardrobe.

Have you got any fun cosy clothes this winter?

Thanks for reading as always,

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

The deep dark blogging pit 🙇🏼‍♀️

Oh hey, another gloomy post from little ol' em over here, just a big scrooge stomping out everyones festive spirit, stomp stomp stomp.

But seriously, I'm sorry for my lack of blogmas, it was something I really wanted to do after blogtober, but I just can't really get into that blogging mind zone thing. Everyone gets it from time to time, but I just fell into that weird dark blogger pit again of feeling uninspired and I think it just came down to feeling maybe a little disheartened.. After my internet rant post I think it was clear to see that my heart was just not in it on that week, all the stuff going on online just made me so mad and think what is the point.

Hours of taking blog and instagram photos, writing up posts, trying to fit somewhere in the community for algorithms to just fuck you over. And now I just feel like my blog is continuously becoming rants apon rants because I'm either uninspired or just generally frustrated and annoyed and just no sign that my blog is appreciated.

But that's not why I started this blog.

I think it's important to remember why I started.. and that's because I love it. I love creating content, writing things I love and conversing with people who like the same things that I do.

So today I'm going to create and stop putting pressures on myself to be perfect, because sometimes content sucks - but it's about not creating for the sake of it - which is what I feel blogmas made me personally do. I wasn't ready or prepared and that just made me feel crap about my content. I admire anybody who can make amazing content every single day, but I just think I'm not cut out for it. I want to make content I think is my best.

I guess this ended on a positive note and I'm not bashing people who do create everyday, I just feel like I can't. Props to you guys who can!
SO back to the drawing board for me.

Have you ever felt this way?

Thanks for reading my silly rants if you're still here,

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

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Stop killing the Internet

At the moment I'm not really sure how to feel about the internet, it's becoming this weird place of algorithms and advertising and it feels like its dying and becoming something else.

It's been everywhere, opinions and thoughts of people talking about it on so many social media channels.

The new Instagram algorithm, it's awful, you can't see who you follow and it's just become this sort of game to get the most likes so you can actually have your content seen. Even scrolling through hashtags I'm finding people with loads of followers and likes, even underneath the top 9 posts for that hashtag.

On blogging, the smaller guys seem to be going un-noticed as big bloggers just become more and more unrelate-able and just walking advertisers, girl I get that bloggers need to make money but to sell your soul to brands who just want to use you for your authenticity that brands can't ever have..  Just what the hell is happening.

It's all kicking off on youtube too, with so many creators complaining that people aren't seeing their videos and being replaced by clickbait and ads.

It all seems like it's just all going down this route for social media platforms, now people are following/unfollowing on instagram too so they can have a more successful following, but its just god damn annoying and disheartening when you're trying to build your brand and its now come to this, because instagram isn't playing fair.

So come on internet, sort your shit out.

Stop thinking about your wallets and appreciate your users. You wouldn't be where you are without us little guys.

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

My Favourite things about December

December is 100% my favourite month. I mean, I love autumn and all, but its just abit too warm, December it just gets cold and all snuggly and how could you not love the festive season, it's the one time of year when people are just generally that little bit nicer than usual. But there's other things that I just love about December and I'm going to share them!

The Coldness

Okay, I know I've already mentioned this a little bit, but I think Winter might possibly be my favourite season. The dark nights, although annoying I kind of like and the cold.. means I can wear snuggly hats everyday with no judgement. It also means I can wear all the scarves and gloves that I like. I can drink warm drinks in the cold and it makes me so happy.

German Markets

Tis the season - for german markets! German markets seem to be everywhere in December, we have one here in Bournemouth but there's a HUGE one in Birmingham (my hometown) and it's impossible to resist a huge hot dog and maybe a cheeky mulled wine. It makes it just that little bit more social which is really nice.

Christmas Parties

Everyone loves a work-do and it's no exception for me! I love a good work do, it's always great to chill out and just have a laugh with your colleagues and your bosses. There's just something so cute and festive about it.

Going Home

For me, Christmas means going home to Birmingham. I don't go to my hometown very often, but when I do, usually it's Christmas. The german markets and the giant tree in the Bullring is so nice and i just love having mulled wine and being at home with my little doggy.

New Years Eve

I love New years! It's probably my favourite evening in the whole of the year. It's a time for making changes, reflection and inspirations. It's also a time to party and get drunk, but I just love how everyone comes together to celebrate.

Christmas Day

And finally, Christmas day! I love being able to finally spend Christmas day with my family - not being able to just pop to their house, it's really nice to just spend time with my parents and family but also my little doggy. We usually chill out in our PJs (super comfy) and then have a bacon sarnie and a cup of tea. It's tradition and I love it.

Do you have any Christmas traditions? Is that you're favourite part of December too? Leave a comment and let me know!

Thanks for reading as always,

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

UK Blog Awards 2017

UK Blog Awards 2017

It's finally here! The UK blog awards. Someone kindly nominated me (thanks anonymous person) but I thought hey why the hell not! I haven't entered anything like this in the whole 4 years of me blogging.. jeez.

There's some lovely blogs also up for nomination and I'm going to have a good browse at all these lovely bloggers.

Although winning an award seems abit outrageous as I'm not some influencer who has thousands of followers, but it's nice to enter anyway, any opportunity to get my blog noticed! I put so much effort into creating content not only for my blog, but for my instagram, promotion, my photography and I pour my heart into my personal and anxiety related posts.

Winning an award would just be amazing.. am I right? As a student studying fashion marketing & communications it would be so lovely to put on my shiny CV when I graduate this year.

But now it's the time to vote!

So if you really like reading my blog and enjoy my content and effort to make everything beautiful I would really appreciate your time to click the link and vote for me!

Click here to vote for me!

Thanks for your support!

My Favourite Festive Bloggers

In the spirit of Blogmas, it's time to share my favourite festive bloggers, these gals have been making some really beautiful and inspiring festive posts and I would love to share them with you!

Katy Belle

Katy is slaying the blogosphere right now and her festive posts are no exception! She's also taking part in blogmas so it's lovely to content from her everyday. Her photos are gorgeous and consistent with her aesthetic which I'm guilty of being a sucker for. For interesting content you have to click on check out katy's blog.

http://www.katybelle.co.uk

Kyia Belle

I recently discovered Kyia's blog a few weeks ago, but I always just seem to click on her twitter links whenever she posts on her blog. Her photography is so nice and big, I'm again a sucker for quality images, which compliment her posts so wonderfully. Her posts are great because although she posts 'winter beauty essentials' it's not in the boring same old blogger way.. if that makes sense.. *lol So check her out if you love wintery posts with a twist.

http://wanderlustgirl-kb.blogspot.co.uk

Sarah Lauren

Another girl blogger I recently stumbled upon, Sarah's posts are just really interesting to read. She has a much more personal vibe to her blog, which makes me go back to read it! It's ramblings of her thoughts and life, beauty and hair posts, we all know how much I love hair posts. So check her out, she's really cool.

http://www.seethestars.co.uk

Allie

I love love Allie's blog! Why I hadn't paid attention beforehand I don't know, but her blog just speaks to me haha. She's taking full advantage of the festive season, her blog even has snowflakes on it! She vlog's weekly and her posts are interesting and I just love reading them! 

http://www.rushandteal.co.uk


So they are my favourite festive bloggers this week! Are you taking part in blogmas? Let me know in the comments, I'm always looking for new bloggers to love and add to my list!

Thanks for reading as always,

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter

Gaining confidence in the new year

Hi I'm Emily, a small little lady who doesn't like talking to people and would rather be in her own home than the real world. I'm your usual introvert, nothing special here. But I care a lot about what people think about me, sometimes subconsciously without even realising.
I've struggled with Anxiety for at least 3 years now, it's mostly social but can become a lot bigger and more generalised if I don't stay on top of it.

One of the things I intend to deal with next year is to focus more on my confidence. It will be one of my resolutions to improve my wellbeing and make myself more confident, mainly because I will be leaving university and I want to improve my confidence in speaking for when I enter the very real and big world of work. I don't want to be scared of talking to people or asking for what I want out of life. I'm done with not being forward enough and getting what I want out of life.

It's important to know your triggers for this behaviour, maybe you're just shy or maybe you have anxious tendencies. For me it's mainly the anxious one, I often believe in my head that people won't like me, or will make fun of me, which is strange because I can't understand why my thought process works that way, it just does. I've been researching to see what it is I can do to change my thoughts and become a more confident person.

So here's what I'll be doing to combat those anxious feelings to boost my confidence in the new year.

Speak up

This is something I want to work on the most, being able to voice my opinions and thoughts surrounded by people I might not know, or people who aren't close friends. I'm often worried that people won't like what I have to say, even if they don't even know me!

People don't care as much as you think

People are so wrapped up in their own lives and thoughts, most of the time, they don't actually give a crap. That thing you just said that you thought you shouldn't or found embarrassing they're too busy thinking in their own heads to even realise. This is something I need to drill into my mind, to not worry so much about other people's thoughts.

Push for what I want

I've never really been an ambitious person, I just haven't. It takes a lot for me to pump myself up, but my boyfriend on the other hand is very much so. I find that his influence has really helped me decide what it is that I want. I often watch youtube videos and read inspiring blog posts, just to pump myself up and make my self think 'hey I can actually do this'

Make Goals

Making goals and then in turn, completing them can make you feel so accomplished but also feeling like you actually achieved something is worthwhile. If you don't set yourself goals then you won't realise how well you're actually doing. I'll be delving more into goals later this month.

Believe in myself

Sometimes I doubt just how good I can be at something. I'm capable of doing huge things I know, but it's having the belief and drive in myself to know that I can. Being more organised really contributes to having a routine and focusing more on myself and wellbeing. 

What is it that you want to focus on in the new year? Is it your confidence too?


Thanks for reading as always,

(Photo by Howard Budzynski)

I'm over on twitter & Instagram
- if you fancy a natter.