THE SELF LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

It's a Saturday morning after a long night of essays and university work. I hauled my extra heavy bags from bustling St Pancras train station, into the heart of Victoria, only to be half an hour late and lost (the house numbers went the wrong way.. honestly…). A quick phone call and Gemma was kindly on her way to rescue me from the wrong end of the long road. It wasn't until the next day that I was told that Gemma likes to stick to a timetable (woops! Sorry Gemma!). After some greetings and introductions, the session was underway.

I won't be taking you through every scheduled activity, as I truly feel that, without being cliché, you really just need to go and do the training to reap the benefits.

The best and most eye-opening part of the experience to, not only me, but what seemed like the rest of the group was finding out our personality types. Gemma explains how, overall we tend to fit into one of four categories. After much tossing and changing between two, we came to the conclusion that I most fit into the Choleric category. Finally, I have an excuse for being an absolute pain! Knowing this allowed me to understand who I would best work in a team with, and how to identify strengths and weaknesses in others. This skill is absolutely essential when it comes to leadership of both yourself and teams in both a work/school environment.

We demonstrated how different personalities worked in group exercises by doing what sounds like a complicated activity – it’s hard to explain, but it is straight forward. Each of us had a piece of short rope, and then we had to hold on to the end of another person’s.  Without letting go, we had to manoeuvre our way around till we were stood next to those who we held the rope of – with no cross overs. Communication was encouraged and to use each other’s strengths to work it out. No significant help from me, but we did it (and that’s without me leaving in a fit of rage too, which was predicted by the mentors; who’s the real winner here?!)

I find it very tough to organise my time. Being a student, having a job and needing to attend to clients from freelance work, I am left with very little time. Everything is urgent, and yet I still manage to find time to watch EastEnders instead. It is important to understand how to manage these deadlines before crawling into a hole of procrastination with Netflix, coffee and the promise to start it later. The Self Leadership Initiative showed me to lay it all out in a chart and distinguish what is urgent, not urgent, important and not important, making the tasks look manageable and giving you an order. They train you in self-motivation, study skills and goal setting.

The positive attitude and outlook that the group setting and mentors give out is infectious. You are encouraged to push your comfort zone, stretching your potential and ambitions. Chat with Gemma about what can be arranged, and follow their social media sites to learn about upcoming events and what they are up to.

PS, They teach you to juggle. It may have taken me a ridiculous amount of time and a bulging forehead vein, but it’s sat proudly at the top of my CV.

MIRIAM QUEVEDO HAIRCARE

Special Hair Loss Shampoo.
Yes, you read that right. My hair falls out a lot more than is probably average, and yes it worries me, but I always thought that that was that and you just deal with it and move on. There is no miracle cure.

The lovely ladies at Mitonia approached me a little while back and asked me my haircare woes. I told them the typical "it's dry, but it gets greasy quickly. Well, really my hair actually falls out a lot" fully not expecting them to do anything about it.
When I got the package (I wish I got some photos for you, it came in such a nice box, all wrapped up) and I saw the Extreme Caviar Special Hair Loss Shampoo, I was all say whaaaat. My prayers have been answered. This is it. This is what I have waited for.

I cannot lie, I immediately jumped in the shower, eager to put my new shampoo to use. The instructions read to give it a lather then let it sit for 3-5 minutes, which is not something I've come across in a shampoo. Post-shower, my hair felt so smooth, I did still have a lot of hair come out whilst showering and brushing, but I couldn't expect miracles from the first wash. Over time, I have definitely noticed a difference when I use this shampoo consistently. I don't know how, or why, but there is definitely a difference in how much hair I notice I'm losing.

The Platinum and Diamonds Luxurious Serum is undoubtedly the best smoothing serum I've used. My hair quite easily goes frizzy if I don't use something, but it's also super easy for me to use a touch too much product and have to sport greasy locks for the rest of the day. This is just easy, it's fuss free and it keeps everything in check.

The products are pricey, but if you struggle like I do, then it's insanely worth the investment. I don't think that I will ever finish the serum because it's so big. The shampoo, I have washed my hair with so many times, and I am only half way through the bottle. So if it's something you're wanting to invest in, then do it.

YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY LOVES ON TWITTER AND BLOGLOVIN'

THE DO IT ALL PALETTE BY BOBBI BROWN

Have you ever had a palette that just does EVERYTHING colour wise that you might need? Well, look no further than this dark horse.

This is the Hot Cocoa Palette from the, you guessed it, Hot Cocoa collection that came out what, 2013? I seriously underestimated this until the beginning of this year. You can see that this one is fairly well used, so if you're after some pretty photography then look in the other direction. But this does absolutely everything. Not only does this hold a blusher cased under the eight eyeshadows (quite a bright peachy pink, nothing special), it has eyebrow colours, eyeliner, the perfect greige contour and the finest, most glowy highlight in my collection. All of these can be made from the eight eye shades. It even has that Charlotte Tilbury-esque packed glitter press on. It's about as good as it gets.

Now I know this was limited edition, but if you have it, dig it out! If you don't, well I love Bobbi Brown, but most palettes look fairly similar to this. I can assure basically everyone that you WILL have at least a couple multi-use products in your collection, whether you use a relatively normal bag or house all of your beauty products in a chest of drawers (ahem). Just get creative!

YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY LOVES ON TWITTER AND BLOGLOVIN' 

SK:N CLINICS CLEANSER AND CORRECTIVE CREAM

I know that I won't be the only person that hadn't really heard of Sk:n skincare products. Their massive list of impressive treatments? Yes. Do I still want to try out some of their treatments? Yes. Do I have a voucher code for £25? Well you'll have to read on..

The Vitamin-Rich Cleanser (I chose the normal/combination skin formula, but they do have options for dry/sensitive skin and oily skin) is absolutely lovely for a second cleanse. I did use it to take my make up off once but I find that the product is just too nice to wash straight down the drain with the daily dirt. First up, it smells frickin' incredible! Literally. It sits on the skin long enough for you to get a good covering all over, but then as soon as you start massaging, it really sinks in and starts to get a little tough. I love this because it actually feels like you're getting in there, down and dirty. Add a teeennyy drop of water if it's a little dry and it creates a lovely, rich milk. It's just an incredibly satisfying product to use. So much so that it's sat on my bathroom vanity rather than in my skincare drawers. Now that's saying something. Not a fan of the dispenser though - you have to squeeze it out, so I can see a lot of product being left behind!

The Corrective Anti-Redness Face Cream smells on par with the cleanser, because clearly that is the most important aspect of a skincare product. Unlike most Anti-Redness products, this is NOT green! I repeat NOT GREEN. Finally, it's 2015 and we're beyond the point of having to look like Elphaba if we want to soothe our redness. I am not a colour wheel. It's ultra-light formula is almost slightly mattifying which makes it a perfect option for underneath your make up. I prefer to sandwich this in between my oil and moisturiser and use it as a treatment. Does it solve the redness? Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever come across a product that has dramatically reduced or resolved my slight redness, but it certainly hasn't made it worse, and I do feel the need to reach for this every night. So take from that what you will.


So keep this on the low-down, but in the box that the products are housed in comes a little slip of paper. On there is a voucher for a free facial skin analysis, plus £25 off of any treatment at sk:n Clinics. I reckon they're worth it even just for that.

YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY LOVES ON BLOGLOVIN AND TWITTER

KORE SKINCARE

A month or so ago, Kore Skincare named me as one of their Top 10 Most Influential Bloggers (I had to brag about that at some point, so best to get it in there early, right?) and as a well done, they sent me a few goodies to give a go.

Let's just get this one out of the way. The Foaming Cleanser is not for me. I need a touch more richness from my cleansers, but that totally doesn't mean it isn't for you!

Two of my most stand out products from the range are the Gentle Exfoliator and the Revitalising Toner. Now I like quite a bit of grit if I'm using a manual exfoliator (think: REN Micro Polish Cleanser, from the Radiance range, you get me?) as I only tend to use them pre-mask, and this is slightly lacking in that department. But let's remember it's called a Gentle Exfoliator for a reason. You know sometimes you wake up and your skin just feels a bit grimy and you're like "I just gotta get this shit off my face"? This just does the job. (edit: I just used this for this exact reason whilst on a bit of a hangover. Heaven!) 

I'm aaaalll for the spritzing toners. It's a novelty thing. But this stuff is actually really refreshing. It's spiked with a few acids in there, who doesn't like that? Doused all over the face pre-serum leaves Hayley a happy lady.

Let's talk serums and creams. The Intensive Serum isn't quite as intensive as one would imagine, but as serums go, this is a fairly standard addition to the routine when your skin is in need of the low-key treatment.
I wanted to love the Optimal Repair Cream, I really, really did. But this light moisturiser just did not live up to it's predicted pedestal that I'd so wishfully placed it on. It sinks in well, lovely under make up, but I expected something I little more thicker, richer and frankly repairing. Sad face. The day cream is kinda on the same vein as the serum - great when you wanna keep things simple.

I've never found an eye cream that I love, and the hunt continues. This is very nice, but it's not the one. I'm looking for James Franco and only just getting Dave. Not that this is an issue, hit me up, Dave.


Despite what probably looks like a negative review, I do really enjoy Kore Skincare, but I definitely advise to read up about the products - names can misleading. You can pick up some of there products here. They're a little on the pricey side, but we all know that skincare is worth the investment. Did I mention I was a Top 10 Blogger? Oh...

PS, This stuff is all natural, paraben free and not tested on animal, so if you dig that then I suggest you get with that.

YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY LOVES ON BLOGLOVIN' AND TWITTER

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS TO PACK IN YOUR TRAVEL BAG

Guest Post

Most people hate packing, and I'm one of them. Next week I am going on a conference in New Zealand and it’s a week’s trip, so I need to figure out what I really need. Since I travel alone, I have to bring everything I need, and yet try not to clutter my travel bag with lots of unimportant things. Apart from picking the clothes I want, I always have a problem choosing what to bring when it comes to beauty products, because I have so much of them. I usually make a list of make up and skin care products I need to pack whenever I go on a trip. So, here’s a brief list of the essentials you simply need to have in your travel bag.

1. Basic toiletries 

No matter how much you pay for it, hotel room service isn’t always as good as you expect it to be. Since I travel a lot, I have gone through numerous unpleasant situations just because I trusted hotel service. Now I always bring some basic toiletries with me, that is my deodorant, makeup wipes, hand sanitizer, shower gel and cotton balls.

2. Make up

I'm a make up freak, so I really have a lot of make up at home. Whenever I go on a trip, I need to decide what I really need to bring. This year, I've decided to pack only the essentials. What I always have in my make up bag is a lightweight foundation and a concealer, as well as my favourite mascara, eye liner, a natural colour eye shadow palette and a lipstick. I always go for neutral and natural shades that you can match with every outfit; a classical, coal eye liner and two lipsticks- a bright one for daily use and red for parties. 

3. Skin care

I cannot imagine a trip without my basic face products. What I always pack in my cosmetic case is my quality moisturiser with SPF, lotion, day and night cream, eye cream, make up remover, and mask. What you should always have in mind when packing your face products is the type of your skin. For example, I prefer using Osmosis skin care products, such as Osmosis MD Cleanse, a gentle cleanser I use to clean my skin at the end of the day.

In the summer it’s essential to bring numerous products for sun protection. Apart from body lotion, I always bring products that will protect my skin from the sun. So, I always have in my sunscreen with SPF of at least 15, self-tanner, body scrub and lotion in my cosmetic case.

4. Hair products

Being exposed to the sun for a long period of time, our hair becomes damaged, brittle and extremely dry. I have tried out numerous products and formulas in order to solve this annoying and never-ending problem that bothers most women. Although most hotels provide us with shampoos and conditioners, I always bring those that are best for my hair type.

Maybe some experienced travellers would perceive my list as overly simplified, but I really need something, be that a list or notes, to restrain me from packing all my cosmetic products for a short trip. I am just too attached to all of them! Hope this lists helps you, too, if you have the same problem. Have a great holiday and don’t forget to smile! 

About the Author:

Amy Mia Goldsmith is an Aussie who loves to read and has been writing novels and short stories as long as she can remember.  She is currently studying, working in a bookstore and writing her first book.  Her passion is beauty and makeup and she loves to spend her free time reading reviews and of course - makeup shopping!  Contact Amy on her Facebook page.

MY BEAUTY MATCHES

Who doesn't want a tailor made beauty service? Welcome to My Beauty Matches! 

Before I got an email from My Beauty Matches, I'd never even considered this kind of service. I always followed the "I read blogs, I know what products are out there" mantra, and expected this to tell me all the generic stuff that I already know. Well, I eat my words, because I am definitely wrong. 

To start the service, they ask you a series of questions about what you look like and your lifestyle. While this may take a while for some people, it's worth it in the end to have products that actually suit you and your lifestyle.

So once you've done all of this, it collates your results and then asks what you'd like to find your perfect matches for - hair, make up, perfume etc. Don't worry, you can go back to these categories after looking at one without having to redo the questions! 

Then this is exactly what it looks like! You can scroll up and down to find loads of different sections; I opted to find matches for Make Up, and it came up with eyeshadows, blushers, brushes, primers - you name it, they've covered it! When you click on a product you're interested in, it finds places where you can buy it for the best price and with the best delivery time. What more can a girl want?!

I really love this website. I've found so many gems that I probably wouldn't have heard of without My Beauty Matches. I definitely think it's worth checking it out, even if it's just on your lunch break and you fancy a browse at some new products! I don't think there's anything else out there quite like it!

YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY LOVES ON BLOGLOVIN AND TWITTER 

YOUNIQUE BEAUTY 3D LASHES

Recently on most social media platforms, I've heard of the brand Younique flying around. In my head it renders as an Avon-esque brand - no store, order through a representative. The lovely Kerry Goding got in touch with me via Facebook to see if I wanted to try out a couple of their products and here we are today!

The main product to bring to the party has to be the 3D Fibre Lashes mascara. I've seen so many people raving about fibre mascaras but never tried one myself, so I jumped all on this. The packaging leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion - I love the fact the duo comes in a case but I think a clear acrylic box would be a lot more appealing than this black embossed glasses case. The product inside is what matters and I can absolutely see why people have been so excited about these. You're supposed to do a layer of the transplanting gel and then before it has dried apply the fibres, then seal them in again with the gel. You can do this as many times as you like, and Kerry advises to use a lash comb to stop your lashes from clumping. The effect is actually unbelievable. My lashes are barely existent but they looked incredible - very long and full yet quite natural and fluttery. It says to apply the fibres from halfway up your lashes to avoid irritation - DO THIS. At first I started applying them from the base of my lashes and there were tears. Very sore!
I did find the fibres started to drop onto my skin after a few hours, but at the end of the day they still looked very full and lovely!

I also tried out the BB Flawless Complexion Enhancer which texture wise is gorgeous! It's so so light an feels incredibly moisturising. I powdered my skin and it still feels incredibly skin like. Unfortunately for my I'm fussy and there's not quite enough coverage in any BB cream for me to feel confident, but if you like them, at least see if you can try a sample! I also gave their Glorious Face and Eye Primer a go which I was quite impressed by to say it is very silicone-y. I usually sway away from these as I think they can feel a bit too dry and tightening however this actually felt really moisturising and the BB cream smoothed over the top really nicely.

The skincare was the real winner for me. The Uplift Eye Serum is something I've never seen before as it pretty much resembles an oil. My eye area feels amazing, I'm insanely surprised, just so plump and concealer was a dream to blend. Under my base products I used the Divine Daily Moisturiser which at first just felt like any old moisturiser, but I can almost still feel it on my skin, however it didn't disrupt any make up at all. Intensely hydrating without sitting on the skin.



Overall I'm actually really impressed by Younique! If you want to order anything or see what the rest of Younique has to offer, check out her website or speak to Kerry, she will be more than willing to chat with you on Facebook or by email at info@3dlashesbykerry.co.uk

YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY LOVES ON TWITTER AND BLOGLOVIN

THE MATTE LIPS LOVE

I confess, I am a sucker for a matte lip. The glossy, shiny, even a slight sheen in a lip in enough to leave me looking weary eyed.

What's not to love? They are easy, smudge-proof, stick around through burger or beer and add statement to an unfinished face. Yes, yes sometimes they can be a bit drying, even the most expensive matte lipstick in my stash can leave my lips without the moisture they desire, but that's what balm was invented for. Above are just a few of my top picks, my favourite being Nars Cruella which I very kindly received in the lip set that everyone coveted over the Christmas period (thank you, Mike - I am eternally grateful).

Generally I'm a drugstore girl for lip products - don't get me wrong I have a couple of YSL, MAC and Clarins residing in my collection, but I don't find there are that many matte formulas out there in the high end world that really take my fancy. If you have any recommendations, leave some in the comments because I'm definitely in the market. The products I reach for the most are definitely the Bourjois Rouge Velvet ones. The isn't a dud shade in the line up and the formula is on point, it feels SO weird on the lips, it's very thin and barely there but the pigment is unbeatable. They're so comfortable and I definitely reach for them on a daily basis. My favourite shade is Nude-ist, it's not the one pictured above as I couldn't find it at the time (low and behold it was in my handbag - no surprise there) but if I'm ever stuck in a rut, not sure of what's going to look good, this is always a good bet.

Leave me your recommendations below! And if you have a non-matte lipstick that you think could convert me then I'll give it a go.

YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY LOVES ON TWITTER AND BLOGLOVIN 

THE CARA BROW

I don't normally use Maybelline products, but when I do, eye browse... (good one, Jaz).

On a day to day basis I don't tend to mess around with my brows too much - no one has got time for that - but if I don't use something, I often run the risk of looking like Cara Delevigne with the bleached brows. Generally I like to keep my eyebrows looking defined but relatively natural and this just gets that DONE. It takes 2 minutes to sweep and groom each brow to perfection leaving them perfectly shaped and a shade more like my hair colour.

This bad boy doesn't just do natural, oh no. It layers so nicely, so on the nights out or days where I have a little more time to primp and preen myself I like to smooth this on my filled in brows to give them the bushy look we all like.

I just don't feel like my face looks finished without a slick of this, so Maybelline, thank God eye browsed...

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MAKEUP FOR GLASSES

Yes girls, the struggle is real. As a daily glasses wearer I don't care what the heck gets put on my face - it's all very slap, dash and go. But for the evening drinks or times when I want to look a little more put together, the specs have to be taken into consideration.

I love doing a good eye shadow look, a fancy crease look or a smoky eye, and whilst for some people the glasses may make it look better, I find it suits much better to keep it simple on the lids and a sleek winged liner. Touch wood, I'm not bad at doing a wing, but more on that another day. I find it all just frames the eyes without them being too over bearing, after all, having black framed glasses already have a big impact so don't overdo it.

The worst part of wearing glasses is all the foundation rubbing off the side of your nose wear they sit - it just looks disgusting. I don't think anything can stop this at all, but a good setting powder around the area definitely holds it in place a touch longer.

When the glasses are out, I like to stick to a nice lip colour for the main event. Any boldish colour will do, but in particular I've been loving this Revlon Moisture stain lately. I hate glossy lips, it really just doesn't suit me, so I like to stick to satin/matte shades. I like to rub this colour into my lips for ages, and I mean ages, until it creates a lovely stain that stains all day long. Yeah it gets a bit patchy through the day but that's to be expected, but a quick top up leaves it looking fresh again.

What are your top tips? I'm in dire need of a hand...

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DIOR ROSY GLOW - THE ONLY BLUSH YOU NEED

I like blusher just as much as the next person, and the amount of hues and finishes in my collection are undeniably ridiculous, but I've never found one blusher that I know that I love, until now.

Dior Rosy Glow blush has been a product on my list for maybe two or three years, but I always put off buying it, dubbing it as another pink that my collection could probably do without. Fast forward to Boxing Day 2014 and the time when I unleash the Boots Advantage Points, this baby ended up in my basket quicker than you can say it's name.

Still, not expecting a great deal, the next day I applied this and was literally shouting YAAAASSS (Read: Yaaaas Gaga - The Compilation). I don't even know what this does to my complexion, but everything is just a boat load brighter and it just goes. This suits any make up look I do and it just fits right into place.

Dior claims that the shade of this adapts to the moisture in a person's skin, ensuring a tailor-made glow for each person. I don't understand the whole technology about that, but this certainly isn't as bright on my skin as in the pan. To me, this comes up a little warmer, but still as bright and stand-out ish as it appears.


Of course if you've found the blusher that makes you yaaasss, then you can probably overlook this as it isn't a cheap investment at £30.50, but this is the real MVP in my stash.

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POWDER DOWN

Quite often, we're all in need of a little powder, whether it's to reduce an oily t-zone or set the under eye concealer. I've been there, tried them all and I've made my mind that the top spot is shared by these two...

Nobody wants a "cakey" or heavy looking finish and with these you'll get neither. The Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder is best used post-make up application. It sets everything down nicely - it's mattifying without making features look flat but hangs in there to ensure oil is kicked back and foundation stays in place. Chanel Les Beige is a long standing favourite with many, but there is no way I would set my face with it. I save this exclusively for touch ups throughout the day or for a little brightening before going out for a few drinks. It gives my face that little bit more life that it loses throughout the hours and perks my complexion.
With both of these powders you need only dip them in slightly as a little goes a long way. I remember being a teen and packing powder on my face (I would probably use the same amount that is in the Nars lid!) and overall it just looks worse. Embrace the glow and let your natural oils shine through.



They are both so different but winners in my eyes, and yes, I definitely need them both.

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FIRST REACH FAVOURITES

Over these past few months, I've still loved playing about with my make up - blog or no blog. When Christmas was around and I moved back home there were a few items in my stash that I took with me everywhere I travelled.

My absolute obsession was the Burberry Quad in Gold No.2 that I think could have been Limited Edition, but check out your nearest counters. It was insanely easy to make any eye look out of this quad and I even found myself doing a quick five minute smoky eye on a friend minutes before having to leave on New Years Eve! Not the best quality eye shadow I've used - there's some fall out - but very pigmented and luxurious.

Another eye love is the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Pearl Grey No.17. Yes, not Pale Barley! I'm not entirely sure on the Pale Barley obsession, but maybe you have to try it to love it? Pearl Grey is an easy shade to just sweep all over the lid for an easy but defined lid. Pair it with lashings of mascara and a nude lip for an pared down but classy look.

Everyone's favourite, Chanel Les Beige has been a staple handbag item, a quick dusting on the face leaves you matted down yet glowy - what more could you want? My boyfriend even said the smell reminded him of me. No complaints there!

Nars Sheer Glow fell off my radar for a bit. I never bothered buying a pump and hated the faff of getting the liquid out. It is absolutely worth the effort though and it is again a firm favourite of mine. It blends in so effortlessly and makes my skin look absolutely flawless. I used to always blend this with the Real Techniques buffing brush, but have recently been converted to getting hands on with it, creating a lighter finish.


What have been your latest loves? I'm definitely in the market for some good beauty knowledge...

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Wooops!

Well all those promises I made before I definitely didn't keep, but after an indefinite hiatus, I'd like to think I'm going to be back for a while now. But no promises will be made. Not much has really happened, just a lot of university work and a lot of relaxing, but I've had the blogging itch lately so I'm here to fulfil.

I've definitely been keeping up with the beauty hoarding and advice so my collection has expanded a fair bit (you should see my perfume collection now...) so I have plenty of bits to fill you in on.

So hopefully you'll be seeing me a bit more around these parts in the coming weeks.

See you soon!

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INTERNET MADE EASY FOR STUDENTS WITH BT

As a student that has just come off the phone from her bill providers, I know first hand just how bloody annoying it is. What's more annoying is paying over the odds for bills that you're not even there to use!

BT are offering a broadband deal that is especially designed with students in mind and have created three 9-month packages

BT Broadband

• For £16 a month (plus £15.99 a month line rental), you would save £96 versus the standard price for Unlimited BT Broadband with Unlimited Weekend Calls.

BT Infinity

• Only £14 a month (plus £15.99 a month line rental), you would save £138 versus the standard price for BT Infinity 1 Extra broadband with a 40GB download limit and Unlimited Weekend Calls.

• For £19 a month (plus £15.99 a month line rental), you would save a massive £222 versus the standard price for Ulimited Infinity 1 broadband with unlimited download usage and Unlimited Weekend Calls

Not only this, but all packages come with unlimited access to BT Wi-Fi, free BT Sport online and the BT SmartTalk app.

So you can never miss a moment at home with the unlimited weekend calls to landlines and don't even worry about it taking ages to stream Made in Chelsea, because with fibre optic and an unlimited connection, BT have got your back. And for the men in the house, never miss a match with BT Sport online. 

If you're interested or want to find out more, CLICK HERE and read more on the BT website! Trust me, if I hadn't already set up my bills, I would be signed up to this with the click of the finger. 

Sponsored Post

Sorry's Not Good Enough.

Part of me wants apologise for not blogging since February, but we all need a break once in a while don't we? It's just I've taken mine for more than a few months.. 

In fact I've not blogged much since October time I don't think, but in reality I have to remind myself that this blog is not a 9-5 mandatory job. I gain nothing from here besides satisfaction, no income, no perks, just my own personal satisfaction. So if this is all I'm getting I'm not letting anyone down other than myself.

I had to put a hold on blogging because I really wanted to focus on University - which I get my first year results for soon! It was then that everything started happening, I got a job, I had family issues, I wanted a social life and blogging took a back seat. Now I am jobless, still with family issues, most of my uni friends have gone home and I'm back to you guys. 

So what have I been up to?!

Well like I said, I recently quit my job due to feeling very uncomfortable with some people working there. I'm 20, why should I put up with crap and feel scared to work at 20!? There was no way, so I quit and here I am, still searching, but glad to be out of it. 

I went on holiday with my boyfriend and his family a few weeks ago! Currently sporting a mediocre tan and panicking because none of my foundations match - cue running to Boots to find a foundation to suit but absolutely hating all the foundations I buy! First world problems, hey? 

Another thing that stopped me blogging was ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. I was very late to the hype and managed to finish both seasons in 2/3 weeks. I want to watch it all again it was so good! 

I also dyed my hair! Because I had been bleach blonde for so bloomin' long, my hair is having a right old nightmare having other dyes stick to it. At first it was brown with a hint of copper, now it's a medium/dark blonde and awaiting another dying session. 

So I think I have a couple of blog posts thought up/planned, but what would you guys like to see?! Definitely give me some hints and your wish shall be my command! 

DIPTYQUE PHILOSYKOS

Not to bring the tone down over here, but when my Nan passed away I got a bit of money left for me. Of course I didn't want to waste that money on make up at all, so I put a bit away for a holiday, bought a computer for uni but I wanted to get something a little bit more personal. One thing she bought me nearly every Christmas was a perfume, so the first thing I thought to get was an indulgent perfume to remind me of her. The Philosykos fragrance from Diptyque had been on my lust list for ages, so it seemed a bit of a no brainer.

Now this is definitely a bit of a marmite scent, I love it yet a couple of my friends certainly aren't too keen. It's a very, very mature scent - it's not sweet at all and is very... earthy? It's figgy but also has an air of summer holidays and foreign ventures about it. At first the scent is really strong, but after a while it dies down to a lovely gentle aroma that lingers on clothes and scarfs for days on end.

I love to pair this with the Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01 to give Philosykos a little kick up the back side and give it a little more of a woody smell. Also, an ode to the beautiful packaging! Without a doubt this is the most luxurious looking bottle on my dressing table, it's an absolute beaut.


Have you tried this? Do you know of any similar fragrances?

You can find Hayley Loves on TWITTER and BLOGLOVIN'

SLEEP INDUCERS AND ROUTINE

Sleeping is something that hasn't been coming very easily to me since starting university. I can't get comfy, my mind won't settle or there's rowdy, drunken students under my window. So I've started making my bedtime routine more a ritual..

Very un-student like, I know, but I like to be in bed relaxing before 11pm - lately it's been around 9:30/10pm which is perfect! But I find sleeping so difficult, I just find it so difficult to drop off and either lay there wide awake or end up sitting up despairing. So here's my ritual before getting into bed.

9:00pm:
Make your bed! I never make my bed in a morning, I just don't have time/effort/care to do it. But lets be honest, there's nothing nicer than a lovely looking bed to get into. So on goes the duvet with my tartan throw laid over.

9:10pm:
Computer OFF. There's nothing more tempting than a computer to waste your time. Get it switched off.

9:15pm:
Make up OFF, that's if I didn't do it earlier! I find giving myself a mini-facial extremely relaxing, so out come the balms, sprays and oils to get me ready.

9:30pm:
Main light off, night light and candles on. Let's create a bit of ambiance up in here. My current candle of choice is the gorgeous Laura Mercier Roasted Chestnut Candle. For me, there's nothing more awful than the lights in my room. Getting them switched off instantly makes me sleepier.

9:35pm:
Fill up a bottle with some fresh water and say goodnight to your flat mates. Me and Charlotte always say goodnight to each other, there's nothing worse than being distracted and having to get out of your nice, warm bed. There's also nothing better than walking into your gorgeously fragranced room that just looks so relaxing.

9:50pm:
Get into your fresh sleep attire, apply your hand cream and lip balm and jump on in. I like to spray my This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray onto my bed sheets and pillows and slick some of the oil onto my wrists at this point so the smell isn't so over-powering when it comes to sleeping.

10:00pm:
Time to relax. For me, this means get a bit of reading in and start finishing some texts off.

10:30pm:
Lights out, candles out, eyes shut.

You can find Hayley Loves on TWITTER and BLOGLOVIN'

AN ODE TO LIP BALMS

I noticed the other day just how many lip balms I have filling up my room. Who on earth needs SIX lip balms? I like to justify this by telling myself that they all do different things, which they do! Right...?

First of all, and my potential favourite of the bunch is the classic Nivea Essential Care. This definitely has more of a cream like texture which sometimes my lips cry out for and they absolutely drink this up. In the evenings, I often put hundreds of layers of this on which used to result in my family looking at me very oddly, but it just feels SO good.

Another creamy conditioner is the Grace Cole Peach and Pear Lip Balm*. I'll be honest, the taste of this is bloody fantastic, and that is the main reason I love this! Even though it's scent and taste is the main contender, this doesn't lack on the hydration front either leaving my lips supple and soft!

More of a gel formula can be found in the next four offerings, but I find myself reaching for my Carmex balms on a day to day basis. I absolutely love these for leaving the flat with, especially in this cold, windy weather. I find they create much more of a barrier, protecting my lips from the harsh weather. They soothe and heal any nasties that crop up on my lips.

Lanolips is a no brainer for times when I'm wanting a high shine finish with ultra-hydrating properties. It's super balmy and thick but not too heavy - just an absolute treat to use. You can pretty much whack this balm on any dry areas and you'll be sorted!

Finally, my night time marvel - Blistex Med Plus for Lips. I honestly do not know what I would do without this. I often get super itchy lips (?!?!) which of course leaves me with cuts and marks all over my lips. I apply a thick layer of this in the evening an wake up with extremely soft, soothed lips. It has a medicinal scent which for some reason makes me think it works more? Ridiculous, I know...


So there's my ramblings of my extensive lip balm stash. What are your favourites?!

You can find HAYLEY LOVES on TWITTER and BLOGLOVIN'