Recent Reads

Dark Places - Gillian Flynn

My rating: 4/5 stars.

From the author from the hit novel and now adapted film 'Gone Girl' here's another offering from Gillian Flynn who is an incredible writer. The story focuses on Libby Day, who was just 7 years old when her brother was put behind bars for the murder of her sisters and mother, now alone and surviving from donations she is reached out to by a group who are convinced of her brother's innocence. She then begins to question what she saw that night and whether she thinks her brother is capable of such a horrific thing, and begins to uncover that everyone kept secrets that day, including her brother.

This book keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end as you begin to uncover more and more about what happened that day along with Libby and you'll find it really hard to put down.  (that tends to be a theme throughout all these reviews!) By the end you'll be left open mouthed and wanting to pick up another Gillian Flynn novel (I have my eye of Sharp Objects next...).

Before I Go To Sleep - SJ Watson

My Rating: 5/5 stars.

Christine wakes up every day with no memories of who she is, who she loves, her friends, her career, anything. After a brain injury her memory is erased every night and every morning she wakes up next to a man who she doesn't recognise, and one who may only be telling her half the story. Discover more of Christine's life along with the writing of her journal and uncover the answers to all the questions she comes up with every day. 

This book twists and turns with the discovery of more and more about Christine's past, present and future and by the end your jaw will firmly be on the floor with the revelations she uncovers. For a book I found in my 'Customers who bought this also bought...' on amazon I'm very impressed and want to read it again to see this I didn't the first time round. 

The Lie - CL Taylor 

My Rating: 3.5/5 stars.

Jane Hughes has a loving partner and works at an animal sanctuary in the middle of rural Wales, she's the happiest she's been in years but her life is a lie. Jane Hughes doesn't exist. Five years prior, her best friends and her planned a once in a lifetime trip to Napal which rapidly turned into a nightmare which took the lives of two women. Jane tries to put the past behind her but someone knows she isn't who she says she is...

I enjoyed uncovering what really happened while they went away but found it hard to keep up with the many characters they meet on their travels as everyone is relevant to the story. The conclusion is good and the build up perfectly suits the ending but I wasn't as impressed with this book as the others. 

The Girl On The Train - Paula Hawkins

My Rating: 5/5 stars.

Rachel gets the same commuter trains both morning and evening, she knows the route like the back of her hand, even to the moment when the train stops at the same red signal every day. She's started to feel like she knows the people in the houses on the route, Jason and Jess, she calls them, and their life is perfect. Everything is the same until one day she sees something she shouldn't and she feels like she has to find a way into their lives, to tell them. 

This is one of the most talked about books at the moment so I couldn't not get my hands on it and read it! I read this in 3 sitting as I couldn't put it down until I was dragged away from the story to do stuff! The story is much more than what it seems at first and the story gains more and more depth as you read on. You uncover the mysteries of everyone in those two houses along with Rachel and by the end you'll be reading as quickly as you can to find out who gets what they deserve!

x

Summer MAC Lipstick Picks

Hello five photos of my face. Sorry all. Thought I'd share my favourite MAC lipsticks that I'll be wearing this summer that are suitable for all occasions! They range from bold to subtle, bright to soft so there's something for every taste, occasion and style!

MAC 'Crosswires' (£15.50)

Crosswires is a pinky red in a creme sheen finish so is super creamy and pigmented and lasts for a pretty long time. It goes lovely with any makeup look and add a pop of colour that isn't too bright or in your face. It's a subtle take on a red, a summer pinky red if you like!

MAC 'Impassioned' (£15.50)

This is the definition of bright pinks. It's in your face and has blue undertones which make your teeth look so white! This is an amplified formula so is heavily pigmented and lasts for a really long time. 

MAC 'Milan Mode' (£15.50)

Milan Mode is a subtle pink shade which somehow looks very similar to Plumful here but I promise you it's pink! It does have flecks of sparkle, but it's nothing 90's style, it enhances the light bouncing off your lips and gives them a nice sheen, nothing sparkly here! It has a lustre finish so is pretty sheer but still has high pigmentation, perfect for summer as it wears evenly and doesn't leave that horrible ring around your lips!

MAC 'Plumful' (£15.50)

The perfect purple. Another lustre that is beautifully subtle. I was wary about buying a purple lipstick but the lustre finish makes it very wearable and it's become one of my most favourite every day lippies! It goes with any look, but I love wearing it with a white shirt, don't ask me why!

MAC 'Vegas Volt' (£15.50)

A full power coral, the definition of summer, and a take on an orange lip. This looks fab with a tan, it just brings out the tan and looks beaut. It's another amplified so lasts for a really long time, a must for a bright lippy like this! 

What are your favourite summer lipsticks? Sorry for the face heavy post but I wanted to show true to colour swatches!

x

My First Experience of Yoga

I'm writing this post primarily so I can look back on it if (read: when) I lose my way a little so I can reflect on how this made me feel and I can go back to feeling good and at peace again.

I woke up today with the intention of going on a bike ride but work up too late to know that I would be back in time to shower, get ready and drive to work. So I spent around 10 minutes talking myself into doing something to give me some 'get up and go' but nothing too exhaustive cause I was feeling super tired haha. I've been subscribed to 'Yoga with Adriene' for about a month now and have yet to do any of her routines, and now I'm wondering why?? 

I thought I'd start with something tailored for the morning so chose her "Morning Yoga - Yoga to Start Your Day' routine which is a measly 27 minutes long, clearly there's no excuse not to do something in the morning. I actually went through the routine and by the end was thinking "is that it?! has it really been half an hour?!" when in the past I usually am counting down the minutes until the workout is over! 

It really stretched out my body, got all my muscles awake for the day, gave me a bit of a sweat, engaged my core, my mind, and spirit, and encouraged me to set myself a goal for the day. It wasn't too strenuous for mornings but also gave me the wake up and shake up I needed to get ready and face the day ahead (which I know is going to be a long and tiring one). Now I feel ready to tackle on my day with my 'goal' set during yoga still firmly at the forefront of my mind, and I really feel like this will keep me going throughout the day. 

Next I'm intrigued to try her 'Yoga For Complete Beginners' video cause that is most definitely me and I'm interested to find out more about yoga, and also I wish to see if there is a routine for anxiety and for bedtimes, I think these would be beneficial to have in my 'bank' of routines to whip out at the appropriate time. 

Note to self: Keep referring back to this post and remember how good this first day of yoga was! Remember how flexible you used to be when you danced and aspire to gain some flexibility back - that will come with time and practice! Stay calm.

x

A Primer Water?

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water (£20)

Until last year I was battling oily skin/the sweaty look without the use of a primer. Yeah. Bad move. But until now I've always stuck to more 'traditional' formulations such as the Benefit Porefessional or my ultimate favourite The Body Shop Instablur which you blend over your face and usually contain silcone to mask pores and create a good base for your foundation and any steps to follow. As soon as I heard about the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water I was intrigued at how a mist could create that smooth base that keeps my makeup lasting until I'm ready to take it off. 

I use this sparingly, one/two pumps is enough for my whole face, otherwise you're left wafting your hands around for 10 minutes while it dries - abit of a time waster. It feels lovely a cooling on your face and really gives you that extra boost of freshness to wake you up, lovely. As far as making my makeup last longer? I'm not too sure, particularly with  my oily skin, but it does give a lovely dewiness to my skin and makes even heavy foundations such as my fave MAC Studio Fix, give a lovely satin/dewy finish. For me it is a nice extra step to my routine but if I definitely want a fail safe product that is sure to make sure my makeup doesn't budge, I'd prefer to go for my Body Shop Instablur, but for everyday this is a lovely product perfect for warmer months in particular. But, the way I like to use this most is to moisten my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge for buffing in my concealor. It just lets to sponge do all the hard work, makes my concealor blend effortlessly without looking cakey. I can use my Seventeen Phwoarr Paint on my blemishes and it hides them completely and still gives a beautiful finish. It's fab! This is my favourite use of his product and if you buy it, I recommend you try it!

I've Been Haulin'

ASOS Crop Top | ASOS Checked Skirt | ASOS White Tee
Maybelline Brow Drama | Soap and Glory Brow Archery | Garnier Miceller Water | Yes To Tomatoes Daily Repair Treatment | Barry M Speedy Nail Polish 'Pit Stop' 

In preparation for my 5 day UK break coming up in a few weeks I thought I'd head to ASOS and Boots to get some holiday clothes and makeup because why not... 

If you saw my ASOS wishlist a few weeks back then you'll have seen this striped crop top which I was lusting after... I just couldn't stop putting it in my basket so I just thought eff it and bought it! It's a lovely thick-ish material, nothign too heavy but very good quality, long wearing and seems like it will wash well! I went for a size up as I don't like my tummy showing and it fits perfectly. It's still slightly cropped but long enough for my own comfort, I can't wait to wearing this with my dungarees or high waisted shorts - an easy way to brighten things up!

This tailored mini skirt was in the sale for only £15 which was too good of a bargain to resist since I love this style of skirt and a grey one would add to my collection. This will look great with the next item with or without tights, dressed up or down so it really is a versatile piece and I'm glad they had my size left! 

The last thing from ASOS was a simple white tshirt with a v neck, such an easy piece to throw on with various things. I tend to wear a lot of black/dark tops so this will brighten up most of my outfits and I love the v neck, I'll definitely need to pick more up in this style. The only criticism I have is that this top is quite thin but it will do the job nicely. 

Next up is makeup and it seems to be very brow heavy.... first I picked up the Maybelline Brow Drama in the shade Medium Brown cause I feel like sometimes I just want to put on a brow gel and be done with it - particularly when I'm at work all day cause I go for a very simple (read: lazy) makeup. To go alongside this I picked up the Soap and Glory Brow Archery, I was torn between getting this and the solar powder but chose this to try alongside the brow gel from Maybelline. But lets face it, I'll be picking up the solar powder pretty soon cause I'm dying to get into bronzer. 

Then I repurchased my favourite miceller water from Garnier, no other compares and it dispenses just the right amount unlike others! Sticking with skincare, I was after a treatment to clear out the major breakout I have going on, on my chin right now as nothing is sorting it out, I aimed to pick up the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo and it did make its way into my basket until I spotted the bright packaging of the Yes To... ranges. I spotted the Tomato Daily Repair Treatment and as it is cheaper I thought I'd give it a whirl. First up, it has a pump!! Unlike the Effaclar Duo it has a pump so you know you're using the right amount of product so I just hope this works! I'll keep you updated. 

Finally is a result of binge watching Vivianna Does Makeup's videos (for the millionth time...) and seeing her rave about the Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Polishes. I've always been a lover of Barry M, they have every shade you can every imagine and for the teeny price tag they're incredible quality. I have no time when it comes to painting my nails so I tend to not bother so the promise of quick drying is a winner for me I picked up this pastel grey (not purpley, or bluey, actually grey!) named 'Pit Stop' and I love it! It only took two coats to be opaque and did indeed dry super quickly! Winner. 

x

6 Week Challenge

Here's something I never talk about - health and fitness. I've had a battle with my weight/health/fitness/lifestyle for quite a few years, I went through years of very destructive behaviours and feelings but since becoming more aware of the fitness and healthy community via Youtube, Blogs, Twitter, Instagram, I feel like I have a much healthier mindset. 

I won't go into detail because that wasn't the point of this blog post, it was to tell you all what my six week challenge is! I'm going to set myself three types of goals, a short term one, a mid term one and a longer term one. 

Short - Feel less bloated

Medium - Run 5k

Long(Not to be necessarily achieved in six week, just an overall long term goal!) - Size 8/10, bikini photo, flatter stomach 

My short term goal is something that will be achieved in a few days, medium is something that might take a few weeks and then long term is where you can start to look at cosmetics as obviously this will take you longer! I'm trying not to focus on my appearance too much as that is where I have gone wrong before. But I have taken some initial underwear shots (not to be shared just yet) so that in 6 weeks time I can really compare and see the difference! 

I've started a food diary where I note down everything I eat, how it made me feel, how much sleep I've had, what times I get hungry, literally everything. This will help me to see which foods don't make me feel my best so I can avoid/cut down on them and also just track what meals were really nice! 

Left: Carly Rowena (Instagram) Right: Jess Wreford (Instagram) Photos both from their instagrams. 

All this goal inspiration has come from Carly Rowena who you may have seen on YouTube (here) who is beautiful, fit, strong and healthy. She's so inspiring and motivating so her YouTube videos have been binge watched these past few days! 

Secondly, is Jess Wreford who has just started a YouTube channel (here) (so looking forward to her content!) and her Twitter is (here). She is a nutrition student so she is super awesome at knowing what's right to eat at certain points (after a workout for example) and has some awesome recipe's over on her Instagram (here). She's inspired me to take part in #NoJunkJuly which is pretty self explanatory and I am joining in despite going on holiday this month (eeeeeek!) motivation pls! 

I will update y'all after six weeks with my progress photos which will hopefully look a lot better but for now you can keep up with me over on Twitter (here), Instagram (here) and Snapchat (@bonjourkatie)!

TL:DR

I'm setting myself health and fitness goals for 6 weeks. I want to feel less bloated, be able to run 5k and be a size 8/10, feel comfortable in a bikini and have a flatter stomach. My main 2 motivational inspirational girlies are Carly Rowena and Jess Wreford cause they know exactly what they're talking about when it comes to food and fitness! Join me over on twitter/instagram! 

Current Skincare

I by no means have perfect skin, or am a skin care expert, I just thought I'd show what has recently been working for me moving int the summer months! For your reference, I have oily skin and am usually sporting some spots around my chin area but I've narrowed that down to a lack of fibre and not drinking enough water and since changing my diet and adding a certain tonic back into my routine, this has improved dramatically! 

Morning

In the morning I simply cleanse/wash my face with the Body Shop's Camomile Cleansing butter which I have raved about lots on this blog already so I won't go into detail. It leaves my face squeaky clean and locks in a boost of moisture. 

I then swipe half a cotton pad of the Pixi Glow Tonic over my face concentrating on my T-Zone but I just swiz it all over really. A few months ago I stopped using this as I saw it as an unnecessary step to my routine, how wrong was I?! My skin seemed so dull, my makeup didn't sit as well and I seemed to get a lot more clogged pores and spots. I quickly reintroduced it and my skin is improving daily. 

I finally moisturise with the Garnier Moisture Matte moisturiser for combination/oily skin which is a gel-like formula which absorbs into the skin very quickly and is a nice matte base for my makeup to sit on. I wouldn't say it completely stops my shine but I have very oily skin and nothing does that except a good setting powder! 

Evening

To remove my makeup I simply use a miceller water, this one is the Boots Botanics 3 in 1 cleansing miceller water but I also love the Garnier one - anyone really!

I then moisturise with the Garnier Moisture and Restore Night Cream, I love this as it isn't thick like normal night creams (it's a gel formula) but it still delivers lots of moisture into my skin to give it a boost overnight. It's lovely and light which is perfect for the summer as noone wants a thick cream settling on your skin in this weather! 

As you can tell, I don't spend ridiculous amounts of money on skin care cause a) I'm a poor student and b) I don't think you need to spend £60 on a serum, there are good products on the high street for affordable prices! I'm happy with this routine for these summer months and as I said, my skin is improving more and more each day :)