4 Tips For Saving

Saving. The word that nobody likes. There's no two ways about it, saving is bloody hard. Especially when it's a house deposit. But that's a blog post for another day. I don't know about you but I love expensive things - unfortunately I can't afford to blow £800 on a handbag from just one months wages. So until I win the lottery, here are my fool proof tips to help you save and not even realise you're doing it. That Mulberry will be yours in no time!

1. Get a £2 jar.
I cannot sing the praises of a £2 jar highly enough. I was kindly given a ceramic urn for Christmas last year and it said on the tag that a full jar of £2 coins equalled over £1000, Say what? Obviously I got very excited at the thought and began to religiously seek out the coins to fill it up. It's been going over a year now and it's around 3/4 full and I'm going to smash it open soon to treat myself to a brand spanking new MacBook Pro. It become almost like a game as you hunt around for the special coins - I've even asked friends to swap with me as I'm so desperate to fill it up.

2. Empty your purse of change daily.
If you're anything like me, your purse will be brimming with change. At the end of each day I empty everything out of my purse £1 and under into a pot. This is such a great way to help let the pennies build up as you hardly notice it. Just last week I managed to get £16 in change from a few months which is obviously being converted into £2 coins at the bank!

3. Set yourself a weekly budget.
At the end of the month when I get paid again I'm going to withdraw £50 from my account every Monday and that will be my money for the week. I'm hoping it will help me take a serious look at my spending habits and stop any frivolous spending - after all it has to cover all luxuries! My left over wages will be put towards a house deposit and into a holiday fund. 2015 will hopefully be the year I become a saving goddess!

4. Write down everything you buy.
It's so easy to spend money willy nilly - it gets to the end of the month and you wonder yet again how on earth you have just £3.56 left in your bank account. The odd bottle of diet coke, copy of Glamour magazine and a Twix soon add up. If you write every single little thing down in a notebook, you'll soon see where all you cash is going and see what you can cut out.

What are your top tips for saving?

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New in

Snakeskin court shoes: Carvela via TK Maxx (similar)

TK Maxx kill it with their shoe collection every time. It's the first section I go into when I go in the shop. I spotted these gorgeous Carvela snake-effect heels while I was suppose to be doing Christmas shopping. Same old story. I've made a pact to only buy quality shoes as i'm fed up of them falling apart on my feet - Primark may seem a bargain at the time but it's not when you have to buy a new pair the next month. But I can't afford to splash out on expensive shoes that often which is hard when you're a dedicated shoe girl. So when these classic shoes caught my attention in the rack and they were Carvela - a brand I lust over - it was a no brainer. I loved the price of £35 even more. Bargain!

Here are some more gorgeous snakeskin style shoes below.

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You don’t need a plan of what you wanna do

Outfit:
Black ribbed turtle neck body: ASOS
Purple floral maxi skirt: ASOS
Gold heeled black sandals: Boohoo
Black furry oversized clutch: Topshop
Velvet cropped jacket: Topshop (similar)
Boyfriend silver watch: Fossil (similar)

I'd had my beady eye on this beauty of a skirt for months but at £75 I needed a good excuse to blow that kinda cash. As luck would have it the ASOS sale gods were shining down on me and it was popped in the sale just before Christmas. I made it mine immediately! It's just so fancy and I adore the gorgeous length - looks very glamorous don't you think? This was my New Years Eve outfit for a meal at our local Indian restaurant. I'm never too much of a fan of NYE as I think it's overrated so this was perfect. Good food and good friends - what more could you want to ring in the first day of a new year?

Can you believe Christmas has been and gone for another yet? I'm in cheese mourning. Luckily we still have plenty of leftovers. But not so lucky for my waistline.

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5 life goals for 2015

1. Learn a new skill.

Since leaving uni, I've missed learning. I know you learn all the time at work but it's just the same thing. I feel like I need to push myself to do something new and to keep my brain ticking over. This blog is my only hobby apart from spending all my money on ASOS and socialising down the pub. Both things that will need to be cut down on when I start saving for a house. I've got a whole list of things I'm debating which mostly make me sound like an old lady. I want to badger my nan to teach me how to knit, finally figure out how to sew after three years, work out the in and outs of SEO and HTML and take a few lessons in floristry.

2. Invest more time into this blog.

I felt that my blog kinda fell off the radar in 2014 and it didn't really reach it's full potential. This year I really want to improve my content and photography to help give it the shove it needs. I'd like to really pour my heart and soul into my little corner of the internet. It's never going to up there with the big guns but I think it can be pushed a little harder. It's given me so many opportunities so far and I'd like to continue it as it's been a fun four years! I've enjoyed making it more into a lifestyle blog lately and making my posts a little more personal. A massive thanks to everyone who reads it and hopefully you'll all stick around!

3. Learn to budget.

I spend money like nobody's business once I've paid my bills for the month. I actually think I might keep ASOS and Topshop in business. But this year I have to become a bit better. I'm going to withdraw £50 a week and that will have to pay for all my luxuries. Once it's gone, it's gone. I'm hoping it going to help me re-think exactly what I buy and make me appreciate what I have. Wish me luck!

4. See more of the world.

I've well and truly been bitten with the travel bug now and don't really want to spend my money on anything else. I won't be able to go on any big trips like New York this year but I'm going to try my hardest to see a fair bit of Europe - hopefully a trip to America is on the cards in 2016. I've already got a trip booked to Barcelona for a week in August and am hoping to squeeze in Budapest, Newcastle and Amsterdam too. Fingers crossed!

5. Read more books.

As I no longer get the train into work, my reading habits have really slipped. Over the last few months I've hardly ever picked up a book apart from when I have a bath once in a blue moon. I'm going to try and pop my iPad down when I get into bed and squeeze in 30 minutes of reading. It should help my sleeping habits plus it's always enjoyable to lose yourself in a another world eh?

What do you hope to achieve in 2015?

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3 perfumes i'm loving

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum
This is my all time favourite perfume - I'd bathe in this if I could afford it! It's just such a classic, signature scent. I save this for special occasions as I simply can't afford to use it every day because it's way out of my budget! It's always on my Christmas/ birthday list. It's a scent that always gets a compliment and has great staying power - a little goes a long way. I just adore the gorgeous rose smell as florals are a definite plus for me in a perfume. Definitely one to pick if you fancy a little bit of luxury in your life!

Marc Jacobs Lola
This was a Christmas present from my parents - they did good! I've been a massive Marc Jacobs fan for years with Daisy as my number one. I've also tried Dot and now this. Again this is a floral scent - sense a theme? I love the base notes of vanilla and the hint of grapefruit. The creamy musk keeps it from smelling too sweet. It seems like MJ has done it again!

Soap and Glory Super Tonic Fragrance Orangeasm
I always keep a cheaper everyday perfume on my shelf as I don't have the dollar to buy expensive ones all the time. Money doesn't grow on trees after all! I picked up this in the Boxing Day sales in a gift set alongside a body butter and body wash. It smells gorgeously refreshing and has a subtle hint of mint. It doesn't last too long but the tonic is a good size to pop in your handbag so you can top up throughout the day. It's going to be the perfect scent when the warmer months hit.

What's your favourite scent at the moment? Any recommendations?

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6 things I learnt in 2014

1. Travel is good for the soul.

I've always wanted to see the world and this year I ventured a lot further afield than I have before. I was lucky enough to go to New York, Glastonbury and Bruges alongside various weekends in the UK. New York was absolutely amazing and helped me realise a ten year dream. Next year I'm going to start the dreaded house fund as I dig deep to buy my own house. But I don't want to sacrifice travel so I'm going to have to cut back on a lot of other things. Like they say, travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer so I'm willing to stay in a bit more so I can fulfil my wanderlust. It's worth it.

2. Make more times for friends.

The above photo was taken a few days ago at my friends birthday pub trip that obviously eventually got out of hand, like all trips to the pub with these lot do. I stayed at home during Uni and was stuck with the lads as all the girls more or less moved away. I've got a deep affection for this lot and feel very protective over them - next year marks nine years since we all got to know each other at Sixth Form. Luckily one of the girls moved back home so I'm not outnumbered too much! I didn't really make much time for my friends this year as I let my work take priority and spent a lot more time on my new friendships. That night out on 27th made me realise that making time for your old friends is essential as well as nurturing those new friendships. It's also made me think that it's about time the lads got themselves girlfriends!

3. It's ok to go at your pace.

I spent a part of the year having a bit of a meltdown at the prospect of turning 26 without having much to show for it. But it also made me appreciate my career. I've always been a career girl and was desperate to jump on the ladder and went without a lot to get to where I am today. Hand on my heart, it has all been worth it. Everyone is different and people do things at different times. It is neither right or wrong.

4. Material things don't always make you the happiest.

I've always been a lover of things and am slightly proud of the amount of money I can spend in one shopping trip. But this year I came to the realisation that this isn't the root of all happiness. I know right? Buying that new dress might make you feel good on the day but you can't buy the things that make you happy in life. Memories don't have a price tag. Those evenings you laugh about when you're with your friends, those nights in snuggled in front of the telly with your boyfriend and the days you spend with your nan putting the world to rights are the things that leave you with a big smile on your face.

5. I can do anything I put my mind too.

I had a job title change earlier on in the year and made the switch from pictures to editorial. I'll be honest, I was a wreck for about 3 months constantly doubting my abilities and struggling with the huge change at work. But eventually I began to manage my time better and grew more confident in my abilities when I started to pull things off. I'm still learning but I think I'm - well hope! - improving and it's all thanks to my sheer determination not to be a failure. I haven't quite grasped it all yet but I no longer feel like I'm treading water. I feel like I'm getting somewhere. It just goes to show that hard work does pay off even if it takes six months.

6. It's ok to say no
I always have FOMO and say yes to everything. It can be a blessing and a curse. It means that I've done some amazing things but always that I'm constantly exhausted and feel like I'm running at 100mph all the time. I moved offices this year out to Essex from London and it means my commute time is a lot longer - I don't get home till around 7.30-8pm. I've had to say no to a lot of things as I simply can't muster the energy. But you know what, I actually don't mind. It nice to just come straight home after work and jump in my PJs and paint my nails. Rock and roll!

What did you learn in 2014?

Excuse the grainy photos - they're just a few iPhone snaps of my favourite things I've done this year. It's been a good one 2014!

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Feeling like a princess

Outfit:
Vintage style cream party dress: c/o Chi Chi London
Gold glittery pumps: Primark (similar)
Gold rings: Vintage

I saw a girl at a party wearing the black version of this dress and decided there and then I had to hunt it down. Imagine my surprise when I found Etail was offering it - amazing! I think there a bit of fate involved in that instance. I was a little worried it might look a bit too bridal for my liking but I love the gold vintage touches and the full 50's style skirt - even if it's not the most flattering!  It makes me want to flounce around like a total loon - there's something about a huge skirt that I have a soft spot for. I think it has birthday dress written all over it - something has to soften the blow I'm going to be 26.

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Boxing Day Sales

Hope you all had an amazing Christmas!

Thanks to seven years of working in retail and working numerous Boxing Days at 6am at Next, I always cursed those who ventured out to burn some plastic. I swore I'd never do that but alas it's what I found myself doing this year. In my defence my boyfriend's nan lives 5 minutes walk from the town centre and we always go there Boxing Day. I was already passing through.... So what did I buy? Lots of things I don't really need!

I was kindly given a Next gift voucher for Christmas so headed for there first. As always I came out with shoes. Next always have such cracking shoes in the sale. You always need numerous pairs of black heels in my opinion and I love the snakeskin effect of these and the gold detailing on the heel. For £14 I couldn't pass them up! These navy flats are amazing aren't they? I'm loving boyish shoes at the minute and the pointed toe will help jazz up any outfit.

I popped into Topshop and was underwhelmed by the offering in the clothing rail - all the good stuff had clearly been snapped up! But I do have a soft spot for their make up, especially their lip products. Rio Rio had been on my wish list for ages so was very pleased to find it in a set with the blusher for £6. The eyeshadow palette completely stole my heart and I'm looking forward to road testing it on NYE.

Finally I popped into Boots which is my favourite place to shop when it's sale season. I'm such a product junkie and love all the gift sets that get market down to half price. I was overwhelmed with toiletries this year for Christmas so really didn't need to buy anymore but I couldn't leave without something from Soap and Glory. I wanted an everyday perfume as my Philosophy one has run out and I'm yet to replace it. I love this body wash anyway so I decided to try the fragrance too. I was very restrained and could have bought most of the shop but I had my sensible head on for once.

Did you manage to pick anything up the Boxing Day sales?

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Review: Rush, Loughton

There's nothing I love more than having a good pampering session so when Rush got in touch and offered me a complimentary blow dry, I couldn't say yes please quick enough. I had so much about Rush but had never had the opportunity to visit a salon.

Rush opened on Loughton High Street earlier this month and it was all sparkling and new when I visited - it was literally just over a week old. I was immediately whisked off to have my hair washed by the lovely junior. She happened to be from the same town as me so we had a lovely chat and she did a very good head massage. I thought I was going to nod off there and then. I loved the little touch of the drink and a few pretzels to nibble on. Food is always the way to my heart!

I was in the salon for over an hour while the owner preened and primped my hair into a voluminous masterpiece. Just look how beautiful it is?! I certainly had a spring in my step when I walked out. He talked me through every product that was put in my hair and constantly asked if I was ok and happy with the service. The blow dry lasted all day which was very impressive considering it was done at 1pm - it still had a little oomph after i'd slept in it. I'd definitely go back if I was after a little helping hand before a special day or even a well deserved treat.

If only I could afford to have a professional blow dry every day eh? That would be the life!

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All black everything

Outfit:
Black roll neck jumper: Primark (similar)
Black crepe cullottes: Topshop
Black quilted leather jacket: Zara (similar)
Chunky heeled faux suede courts: F&F (similar)
Faux pearl stud earrings: c/o Susan Caplan

Sometimes when the weather just isn't playing ball you just want to wear all black in mourning for the long lost sunshine. There's something about an all black outfit that I love especially when there's a mix of different textures. A little bit of red lippy helps to keep it from looking too boring. These cullottes are my new favourite thing surgically attached to my body. I was persuaded by my nan to buy them during a weekend away- the girl has style! If you ever need to be talked into buy some unnecessary purchases she's the one to go too. My bank account weeps when we go shopping.

I was very kindly gifted these gorgeous Susan Caplan earrings - aren't they pretty? Founder Susan sources gorgeous vintage jewellery which means every piece is unique. She sells a wide range including earrings, necklaces and bracelets - well worth having a little mooch!

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Harry Potter Studio Tour

Harry Potter will always have a special place in my heart. I can still remember being absolutely transfixed at nine years old as our teacher read out the first book at the end of each day. I willed the day to fly past so we could have our fix of Harry. The books just sum up my childhood and I feel like I know the characters personally. Sign of an amazing author eh?

I was very anti Harry Potter films for a long time, the first one didn't really live up to my expectations and I wasn't happy with some of the castings. Now I love Gary Oldman but Sirius he is not! But I got the boxset one year for Christmas and came to the conclusion that the films aren't that bad at all. They will never live up to the books in my opinion but it's so nice to put faces to names! I've been dying to go to the studios for months on end but never really had the right time. School holidays were a no no as were weekends. Finally my boyfriend and I had a day free and we set off to Hogwarts.

I'm going to hold my hands up and say I welled up and felt very emotional. It was like watching ten years of my life just laid out in front of me. Seeing it all in the flesh was overwhelming - especially Dumbledore's office. It was incredible. I can't recommend popping along to the studios enough even if it does spoil the magic of the films a little as you find out all the secrets. It's quite expensive to be honest but well worth the dollar. It is so interesting to read about how they made it all come to life and the detailing that went into making the films is mind-blowing. Seeing Buckbeak bow in front of me made me giddy - I thought so much of it was CGI.

I finally realised my childhood dream of flying a broomstick during Quidditch - I need to find a special place to have the photo on display! Life made.

Have you ever been to the Harry Potter Studios?

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