I confess... my shopping addiction

I love shopping, I just find it so exciting looking for things to buy: clothes, makeup, room decor, technology, food, anything!? This wasn't too bad when I had my Saturday job as I didn't spend all my money at once, I mean I was only getting a small amount which meant I really had to save for the things I wanted.. and I shopped occasionally...

Now it's a different story, as I work right near the centre of town it is so easy for me to get to the main high street where all the shops are and this means one thing: More shopping- lots more! I find myself more times than not nipping into town on my lunch break to buy 'just a few bits' or ordering things on the internet when I'm feeling down..

 I think this is pretty normal for a girl of my age, and some guys who like shopping just as much, however the main part of this blog post is to highlight the fact that materialistic things control us so much more than we think, It becomes a competition or a craving to buy more and more and the truth is it will never be enough to eliminate these feelings of needing materialistic belongings- the newest iPhone, the latest fashion trends, that makeup recommended by your favourite celebrity and the list goes on. It is a vicious cycle...

Many of us are guilty of this and I am NOT saying that we shouldn't treat ourselves,or spend the money that we earn on the things we want because that's what it's all about... but I just feel like we don't fully appreciate how lucky we are to have all these things and more importantly I have recently had to remind myself that getting more and more things won't make you truly happy, in reality it makes you want more and more and you can become obsessive over what you have, what you don't have and what other people have and it can make you turn to greed and sourness.

The things that are most important to me is family (I put Chad under this lable) friends and doing the things I love such as photography, horse riding, and going to the gym! Unfortunately I haven't been doing photography or riding my lovely horse.. but I have also learnt that you can't do everything and that is okay! Anyway I am digressing, my thoughts are overloading! What I am basically trying to say is I am making a conscious effort to focus on making memories with people and experiencing different things rather than focusing on the next thing I can buy when I get paid and spending my spare time looking for things to buy!

I will still shop, of course I will but, from now on I will think about what I am paying for and think about whether I need it and actually want it or if it's just something that gives me a short burst of excitement and then nothing.

I have so much more to say than this but I won't ramble on for any longer than I already have!

I hope you enjoyed a little insight to some of my more personal thoughts and I'll be back soon with another post!

Summer Shopping!

On Thursday it was my favourite day, PAY DAY! Pay day means one thing: shopping! Me and Chad went to town so that I could buy a few bits mainly because I am starting my new apprenticeship soon and I wanted some nice, smart things to wear (that's my excuse) So I thought I would show you what I brought, unfortunately I had no one to photograph me trying the outfits on, so I had to settle for taking pictures of the purchases instead!

Firstly I took a trip to Primark to see if I could pick up any bargains, I straight away saw a few bits that I liked and went straight to the changing rooms.

The first thing I got was this stripy bodysuit, I LOVE bodysuits as they are so easy to wear (except when going to the toilet) and I find them super comfortable. I particularly liked this one as it has cut out shoulders.

I also picked up these really cute pink, lace up flats. I think these are perfect for summer and will be great for styling with dresses and skirts.

Finally I got this easy to wear, simple mint green dress, this looks so much better on and It is so comfortable too, I really like the fact that it comes with a belt as it draws it in at your waist making it a lot more flattering.

The next shop I went to was Topshop, Unfortunately I didn't pick anything up in the sale however I finally brought an a line black denim skirt, although it was quite pricey at £30 I think it will be really easy to wear to work and something that I can pair with pretty much anything!

From Newlook I got a few bits, I needed a new pair of heels and I knew I had to buy this pair, they are so comfy and as they are nude they will go with lots of outfits! They're almost like a sandal style heel which I think are great for Summer.

This next purchase was a bargain in the sale, It caught my eye last minute and I had to get it. I was pretty stupid taking this picture in front of my white wardrobe as you can't see it very well but I think it will dress up any outfit!

After searching for a new little bag for work I found the cutest little, black rucksack and it fitted, which was impressive as for some reason all the other rucksacks looked too big on me, I debated whether to buy it because I wasn't really meant to spend all my money and after putting it back Chad brought it for me, which was so lovely of him. I love it!

Today when I finished work I was greeted with a delivery, my Bondi Sands gradual tan and exfoliating mitt that I ordered. I am going to use this before prom so I will let you know how I get on with it!

That's everything I brought, I will leave the links to everything (except Primark products) down below, I hope you are all having a nice weekend!

|A line skirt| nude heeled sandals| long sleeveless jacket| Mini faux leather rucksack| Bondi Sands gradual tan| Exfoliating mitt

Free prints- favourite app review!

A month or two ago i found myself scrolling through the app store, seeking for a new exciting app. I wasn't too impressed or in a rush to download anything.. until i came across 'free prints' the word free had me hooked instantly and i had to read more. I don't regret downloading the app and i definitely recommend downloading it!

Free prints is an easy way of ordering free, good quality, developed photographs off your phone or iPad, all you have to do is select which photo's you want and type in a few simple details. The good thing about the app is that you get up to 40 free 9x4 pictures every month and after getting the first delivery for free it is only an additional £1.79 every order, which in my eyes for 40 quality pictures is amazing!

Once i had received the photos i was a bit unsure of where to put them, i knew i wanted to have them in my room, and on display. So the most obvious place seemed to be my wall, i started sticking photos on there every time i ordered some and it looks better every time, along with my fairy lights along my bed, it is a great way of making your room more personal to you and also more homely. There is nothing better than being reminded of memories, inspirational quotes, loved ones, photography, and friends every time you look at your bedroom wall.

If you want a cheap easy way of adding a statement piece to your room definitely consider making a photo wall, and then best thing is you can just keep adding to it, i have really enjoyed discovering this app and it is definitely my favourite for this month, give it a go!

                                                        Lauryn x

Simple Autumn candle holder!

Tonight i felt bored and i wanted to try something different so i went on we heart it looking for inspiration, and i spotted some decorated jam jars, this triggered me to think about a autumnal themed candle. Besides the warm baggy jumpers, hot chocolates and the amazing fashion, the beautiful fallen leaves have to be my favourite! So i ventured outside to collect some of the prominently coloured leaves.

Then i found an old jam jar out of the kitchen and cleaned it, this can be any size you want.

Once you have done this you can start putting a layer of glue onto a leaf (i used pritt stick) and then place it onto the outside of the jam jar, do this until you have covered it. I found that it was more effective with little gaps between the leaves as the light from the candle gleams through. When you are happy with the outside of the jar add a tea light. When you light it the light produced from the tea light should shine through the leaves creating a bright, autumnal effect. This is a simple but effective way to make your room feel more seasonal and homely, also it's free! I will definitely be making more of these!

I really hope you enjoyed this easy, autumn DIY and i am sorry for the lack of posts i have been very busy with my horses, i will try and post more frequently this month!

Lauryn x