Coming Soon : The Sloth Experience!

Exciting news alert! 

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you will probably already know this (and may or may not be sick of hearing about it) but something extremely awesome is about to happen...

*drum roll*

I'M GOING TO THE SLOTH SANCTUARY IN COSTA RICA FOR TWO WEEKS!

*does a happy dance*

Capitals are completely necessary and I may be jumping around as this is being typed. So. Yes, for those that don't know, sloths are pretty much my all time favourite animal. Being an animal lover, that is an extremely prestigious award in itself, but it is true. Ever since seeing this video...

... I have desperately wanted to visit Costa Rica and the Sanctuary there, for years now. Clearly, this is no small trip and will take around 15hrs plane time and a stop over in Atlanta (watch out, USA, crazy sloth lady coming your way) but that all adds to the excitement. The flights have been booked and I'm leaving on the 30th May, two days after my 24th birthday.

Words can't quite describe my level of excitement. I literally started crying when told the news that I was definitely going. I imagine it will be the trip of my lifetime and I can't wait to start. It will also be great to use a bit of my Spanish again. Anyway, I'm rambling, but this is all a bit overwhelming! I'm completely thanking my lucky stars this is even happening.

As a side note, I will be 'vlogging' this whole thing; meeting my first sloth, atlanta, costa rica, probably me lost somewhere - so if you're into that kinda thing you will be able to find the videos on Youtube! If you're feeling extra lovely and do subscribe - I'm look forward to bombarding your inbox with sloth snouts.

Hasta pronto amigos!

xo

The Black Summer Dress

Black may not be the most summer-y colour, but when I look out of my window, I don't exactly see much sunshine either!
Oh the joys of living in England! 
May has arrived and my wardrobe is still confused. Being forever in a clothing dilema (half of my stuff too holiday appropriate & the other half would suit an eskimo) I had a little browse of ASOS and came across this transitional Spring piece (£32. Size 14). 
I've got to admit, I'm always a little worried about the length of dresses & skirts from ASOS/most clothing outlets in general - my legs have never been my favourite, what can I say? So when in doubt, add tights; aka my solution to everything. This is definitely a dress that, for now, I will happily cover my legs to wear!

It is 100% viscose, which I don't mind; it gives it a nice floaty feel to it. For a skater dress, it has a lovely contoured fit and an unusual cut on the front & back, plus a visible, chunky zip. I also love the little capped sleeves and grungy/vintage print! 
I guess a black summer dress may not be for everyone but I've got admit, I do love it & how easy-to-wear it is! What's your favourite go-to outfit for this ever changing weather we're having?   Anyway, on a different note, I realise I haven't blogged in a while but I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things. Life has been a little busy & yet slightly bland at the same time, so I thought I would wait for my inspiration to come back to me, instead of desperately searching for it!   And here I am!
I hope life is treating you all well!  xo

A Few Of My Favourite Things #2

I seem to have a good habit of missing that gap at the beginning/end of the month where everybody uploads their favourites!

Nevertheless, here I am with a mid-month post on a couple of bits I've been loving recently. 

First up is the very popular Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque (£27). This miracle product has made the top of my list in April because of its wonderful calming, cleansing and skin brightening properties. This hasn't been the easiest month for me and my skin has had a rough time as a result, so this liquorice-y scented face masque has helped me maintain a squeaky clean complexion, despite the stress. Overall I feel this has balanced out my combination skin and it's just a nice treat when you need a good pamper!

My hair has also been really suffering these past few months so I ordered a nice, big tub of the Macadamia Deep Repair Hair Mask (£33.95). I'd never tried anything from this brand in the past but a lot of my amigos claimed it was a lot better than Moroccan Oil so, I decided to give it a go. And I am so glad I took their word for it! This stuff feels like marshmallow-y, magic angels coming to fix your dry, frizzy hair. It is amazing. Smells delightful, really makes my hair feel incredibly soft and only takes seven minutes to do its job. I will definitely be repurchasing this when it has gone!

Next is something I was always a bit dubious about mentioning, as it is/was a limited edition product... Introducing the Mac Smoke & Mirrors Palette! The only link I can find is an eBay one, for £10. Anyway, this, to me, is the most perfect, all round, eye-shadow compact. As you can probably see, it has been very well loved and has seen me through many day time looks and nights out to boot. I'm not too sure what I'll do when it finally bites the dust, but I am tempted to try get someone in Mac to match the colours (I am that desperate) so I can at least attempt to carry on its legacy! Basically, if you've ever met me, I was probably wearing this palette, particularly the bottom three. Enough said.

Another favourite this month is the Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Black (£7.99). Nine times out of ten, I wear a feline flick of eyeliner so a good, very black, non-smudgy product is a must and I've got to admit this does a great job. I'd seen it used many a time on Youtube but as I'd never used a gel eyeliner before I wasn't too sure how it was going to turn out. After a bit of practise with a mix of the Mac 266 and 210 brushes, I feel like I've found a quick and easy way to perfecting that cat-eyed look! It is super black, doesn't budge throughout the day and its a fairly reasonable price too! Perhaps not the easiest method for those that have never used eyeliner before but I would definitely recommend it!

As for scents, as the sun has been slightly shining, I've been leaning towards Spring/Summer-y fragrances and to me, Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia (£38) is perfect. If you don't like pear, or freesia, with a hint of patchouli, this probably won't be for you but if you love fresh yet sweet perfumes, then you need to go give it a sniff! It's very light, classy and elegant, not overly powerful but will hang around all day. I bought this for my birthday last year and every time I wear it, it brings back a lot of lovely memories. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique Spring perfume!

Finally, this month I have been reading and re-reading a wonderful book by Steve Hagen; Buddhism, Is Not What You Think Finding Freedom Beyond Beliefs (£7.99). In life I have always struggled to understand/find a path which feels right to me as far as religion/spiritualism is concerned, strictly speaking I am a Christian but I can't say I fully believe in God. I bought this book at a bit of a difficult time in my life & I suppose my answer to that was to find some kind of spiritual guidance. This book is a very refreshing look at Buddhism as a way of thinking and not as a religion, or 'belief', pretty similar to the Power of Now in that is very much focuses on 'living in the moment', for want of a better expression (not 'YOLO' might I add)! It's not the easiest read but it has some very poignant quotes and advice on achieving enlightenment, and also seeing the world for what it really is, not what we hope or fear. It's definitely one of those books you will read & read again. 

And there you have my March/April favourites!

What have you been loving this month?

xo