22

This is quite a spontaneous post, didn't plan to do this but decided i thought it might be quite a nice idea to tell you somethings i have learnt so far, in my 22 years of life so far.

Its the very last evening i'm going to be 22, its my birthday tomorrow!

I've really enjoyed being 22 & love how TS 22 song applies to me haha.

I'll give you a run down of the year i was 22! :)

It started off with me being radio active.

Yep, i had taken a radio active tablet to kill of my over active cells in my thyroid, which meant i had to be alone for 2 weeks. Well, i could be around people but had to stay a few metres away, so that was interesting, but i got to spend my birthday on my blow up bed watching Netflix & youtube yay.

I got a new iphone. A space grey 6plus thanks to my brother in law & to this day absolutely love it.
5,457 photos & videos currently in my camera roll, oops.

I got a new job merchandising, it went well, i quit in the august for a few reasons but all in all was something different & got to see & merchandise loads of different makeup, so my makeup collection expanded thats for sure, but not my bank account hmmmm. 

We visited dorset for the first time in the March where we visited some of our friends & we had such an amazing time, which is why we have visited them since then & they  have quickly gone from friends to family :) <3

While we were in dorset for the first time, me & Richard my husband shared our first anniversary together, it was so lovely sharing it with the friends who wasn't at our wedding, so it was almost like an extended part of the wedding day, spending it with them <3 Also our little furry kitten daughter turned one, of course i brought her treats & snuggles hehe.

Both myself & my best friends Leanne & Megan had a few nights out including a glamping trip, got tipsy (understatement) but 9pm, in bed at 10pm, hungover until the following week lol. We had such a lovely time together. We shared so many drinks out & get togethers where we would chat about anything & everything, just general girly times which i love! 

August was when me & my mom started Wednesdays looking after my little nephew. It has been so amazing to see him grow & learn new things each week. We look forward to each and every Wednesday as he brings us so much laughter & joy & we love him so so much. We have spent so many times having little adventures with him. The past few wednesdays has sort of been chilling at home with the weather being cold & drizzly but we do venture to the local shops to take advantage of the pushchair to pick up some milk hehe. But past weeks we've gone shopping & we go and have a meal or a coffee & cake, go and see family, go the park & many of other fun days out which we are so excited to start back up when it gets abut warmer, the farm is on the list which will be so much fun for something to do in spring & Yep, i'm a AUNNNNTIE EM << Dorothy gale voice required.

One of my favourite memories of the summer was having my niece over when me had my nephew one of the Wednesdays. It was SO hot & we sat outside with a jam doughnut & a cuppa probably how wether appropriate & we had some paints & paper to draw while sitting on a blanket with grass sticking through. My little nephew was sitting on my moms lap splashing in a bowl of water with his toys & it was so much fun & loved every second of it.  

I became more fearless of animals. Insects more really, you give me a spider in the room, a little heart flutter may occur but i'll remain cool with it. i'm really protective over them too. 

In no way shape or form, If an ansimal is in my area with not be harmed lol.

I will try my absolute hardest to get them to safety. A fly in the room, i hang out by the window to get it out, a snail in dangerous area on the pavement, i shall move it.

I became so much more comfortable with animals & i'm so happy. Roll on helping my mom in the garden this summer!

I have spent many times with my other family, my in laws.

I couldn't have wish, imagined, hoped for a better family that i have gained by marrying my soulmate. They welcomed me with opened arms & i am so thankful. This afternoon we had a Sunday roast at my mother & father in laws chatting about holidays & knitting. 

My mom  & me watched the bake off & didn't miss an episode. We love the Great British Bake Off & each week we  would gather some treats & a cup of tea with out pjs & sit and watch it. Also we gathered a love for snap chat. Maaaaaany a times we would waste away the day on snap chat in absolute STITCHES of laughter. We are often in tears most nights at our funny snaps. I don't think she'd appreciate me putting some of our 'best but worst' ones on here but i'll share a few ;)

I got a new job being a barista at Costa. Then quit after 2 shifts. I enjoyed the learning before hand... getting the job, like the interview stages but once i was in there, my OCD was just tooooooo much. The worst it has been for a LONG time. 

Which then leads on to the next for months where my OCD just compleeeetely spun out of control, October/November time it really took its tole on me & still sort of is. 

I am receiving medication now, which is helping SO MUCH! In my current job, its ridiculous how much it has changed me, the tablets are helping me out so much. But before them, i was going through a really bad time. In the evening i would be a in a trance, cry until i slept & was so low.

I was in a very dark place. Thats when i went to the doctors where a lovely doctor help me & offered me the medication. 

During the dark times with my ocd, i came out of it realising i don't know much about myself.

Hardly anything to be honest, which really made me excited to start a fresh with myself, which is all going to start tomorrow, at 23 ahhhh.

Which leads nicely onto decluttering. I have gotten rid of, gave away, recycled so much of my stuff & i couldn't be happier. I had so much stuff that my mind & life was so cluttered. I have been sorting & decluttering my life for a few months before, but towards the end of the years i was getting to the nitty gritty stuff. I couldn't recommend having a good old sort out of your belongings, its gave me a completely new outlook let alone a cleaner bedroom!

We had the festive season, which was spent with the family, both my in laws & my own side.

Each boxing day my eldest brother & his family come over & along with my other brother & his family, my nan comes round & we had such a fun day playing games & chatting, lots of food.

This year we playing the cotton ball challenge which was HILARIOUS!!

New years eve, we spent around at my 2nd eldest brother & his families house, which is only about 10 mins away from me, so perfect to have a tipple & hop in a taxi. 

2 of my sisters in laws family was there, as well as food, music, tv & games.

& THEEEE most gorgeous rabbit. He is so unbelievably friendly, just like a puppy who wants cuddles all the time, he's so cute!

My cat & i discovered her favourite new game, usually the end of a toy stick, squishing it between the sofa for her to chase. We have also discovered a little game recently, where i get her a treat, we run straight into the hall where i chuck one up the stairs, she runs into my room, jumps on the bed & waits for another, every day we do this & its our little mommy & daughter time which i love & cherish. 

My best friend leanne asked me to go to america with her & her mom to stay with her sister. 

Ermmmmmmm, HELL YES.

Its all booked & i'm going to america OMG.

I started to pay off Very. lol.

My spending habits being 22, was erm... questionable to say the least.

But these past few months, i haven't been spending a lot & really learnt the importance of saving & not buying things i don't really need, esp on catalogue sites. 

Me and Richard went to London. Richard had been for work & a little in the past but for me it was the first time & we absolutely loved it.

Richard had never seen the sight seeing sights, so it was lovely to share them together.

We also viewed a few flats for the first time, which was so exciting & really started to get us both excited for out future. 

I have cared so much less of what people think of me & myself.

I have always not been overly bothered with what people think of me, but while be 22, i've discovered SO WHAT. If people think i'm weird doing something with my OCD so what! If i myself think i'm overweight, either do something about it or so what. If my hairs not straighten because i cant be bothered so what! Life is so much more than what people think of you. What silly thoughts about yourself go around your head. I've realised that i myself, is unique. I was born with the face i have & don't always need makeup if i don't want it on to make me feel beautiful.

I've really properly started my blog & oh my goodness i love it.

I couldn't be happier with how it is going & so excited to see where my little online garden goes when i'm 23! :)

The most amazing, magical thing that happened to me when i was 22, was that i have gained a lifestyle of positivity. 

Going through some difficult times being 22 with my OCD i have really tried to see the positive in every singe thing that happens. It has completely changed me as a person & i couldn't be more proud of myself. I'm more calm & realistic in life now & have gained so much more of a life now, just having a little positivity.

So its currently 22:23, i have an empty cup, an achey shoulder, a cute little cat snuggled up in her bed, a husband chatting away to his playstation buddies, a mom whose farewelled me a good night who will no doubt make me the best cup of tea in the morning & myself who will only be 22 for less than an hour & half. 22 i have loved every minute of you. Although yes, times have been a struggle but i wouldn't have gained the experience & positivity out of them.

22 you have given me so many memories that i'll cherish forever & have spurred me on to make 23 the best year of my life yet. 

22 Emilie, i love you & thank you so much for what you have given me.

i am so excited for 23 Emilie & what she has to offer <3

Right! Now i'm going to go and make a cup of tea, grab a biscuit & enjoy the last hour & 5 mins being 22! <3 (+ a few hours until my actual birth time hehe)

 

DIY Chocolate Hearts

Lets make some chocolates, yeaaaaaaah!

These are perfect, for treating yourself any time of the day.

Of course you can just break some off the bar & eat it ;)

but this is something that you can do thats quite fun & even relaxing.

Perfect for popping into little bags for gifts for others but more importantly YOURSELF <3

You Will Need:

 170g of Chocolate this will leave a perfect amount for some bowl licking

Heart Mould mines from here

White Chocolate Stars

(optional)

You just want to break up your chocolate into a bowl & place it over a pan of boiling water, so it can melt our chocolate. Keep your water boiling quite calmly, you don't want ANY water getting into your chocolate or else it will completely ruin it. Just take your time melting it & that will ensure your chocolate staying silky & divine!

Once its all melted, take a spoon full of your melted choc, use the other spoons to scrape it off into each heart.

If you like you can pop some white chocolate stars before you pour your chocolate in, so they appear on the top of your hearts for nice little touch. 

& voila, cute little hearts that melt in your mouth & that tastes amazing. 

DIY Chocolate Face Mask

When were pampering ourselves, it's quite well known to pop on a face mask (maybe a few slices of cucumber added too). We can find oh so many from most beauty & skincare brands now, but wouldn't be so much fun to make your own! Whats also known on a pamper night is chocolate.

So what better than to combine the 2!

One of the benefits from making your ow face mask is not only is thats its fun to do & quite therapeutic, but you know exactly what is going on your skin & you can use different ingredients to suit your own skin needs.

I thought I'd show you one that suits all skin types & is an all round good egg. 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp of Cocoa Powder

1 tbsp of honey

1 tbsp of natural yogurt

Mix all of the ingredients together, chill in fridge for a couple of minutes, to make it nice and refreshing when you apply it & leave on for 15-20 minutes.
(make sure you wear something you don't mind getting a little messy)

Just wipe off with a warm damp flannel & pat dry.

Cocoa Powder is a super duper high in anti oxidants to fight against free radicals, which are tiny chemical particles that can develop in our skin just from our everyday lives. The antioxidants also help repair skin cells, so if you have an pesky scars from blemishes, cocoa powder can really help t fade them, while being so so moisturising too. It helps fight against sun damage & pollution.

And tastes bloody good.

Honey is so well known for so many benefits for our skin. Honey is amazing to hydrate the skin & to also nourish it. Like the cocoa powder, honey is also known for making you have gloriously glowing skin, while also being a little gem at reducing acne & inflammation & even tightens skin!

Natural Yoghurt is AMAZING for you skin, it hydrates it, helps treat blemishes & my favourite... brightens up your complexion, tightens your pores, treats redness if you have discolouration. If your skins a bit this really helps to soothe. Anti-ageing properties it also has!

Over all this mask is the bomb.com.

Its going to help with so many areas of your skin that you don't even just have to use on your face... on your body too! Just up the ingredients a little...

You'll be left with beautiful glowing skin.

I used this myself last weekend & oh my goodness! It's incredible! My skin after felt so soft & so youthful and glowy.

A lit from within, very natural healthy glow. 

It felt so hydrated & clean & just over all AMAZING!!

I can't recommend this mask enough & do let me know if you try it.

Shaving 101.

I always feel pampered when i have shaved.

From around, i want to say 8-9? years old, i have shaved. Well, i did start off with 'nair' a hair removal cream that slightly burned not gonna lie....

Having quite dark hair and a slight olive tanned skin when i was younger i had dark body hair.

In the usual places, legs, arms etc.

I was quite embarrassed of my arm hair. I remember one of cousins say, ''wow you've got really hairy arms'' erghhh'' Out came nair. 

When i was a bit more older i was allowed to razors lol.

Now, it wouldn't bother me. 

When i saw what u like to call fluffy arms, i am so jealous, what it would be like to not shave my arms every day (pff i say everyday but i've gotten to lazy, every other lets say)

I still shave my arms just because its sort of me now i guess. I quite like how smooth they are when they are freshly shaved.

Not only do the arms get shaved....

I SHAVE EVERYWHERE.

i know what your thinking, yes everywhere.

I'm not saying you have to do this, don't shave at all if thats your thing.

Its just what i have always done, i'm just so used to doing it & love the feeling after...

On an every other days basis i do the usual.. legs, arms, underarms.

On a Saturday, which is usually the day i might do something like an event etc or even just have a full on pamper,  i'll do the whole
sha-bang.. 

toes, ankles, lady bits, cheeky bits, shoulders, backs of thighs, wrists, knuckles... a clean sweep.

My face is slightly different. Occasionally ill get my eyebrows threaded usually for the special occasion or if i've let them slip to much & its sort of fresh start with them.

But most of the time, i'll prune them once a week, twice if they're lucky. 

My whole face e.g cheeks, forehead, nose i'll do once a week, again mainly when i have a special occasion something like a party, cinema, meal etc.

My upper lip the FEIND! I'll do once a week as well as da chin.

This may be extreme to some people, again you do you.

Whatever you suits you. I'm not in the slightest saying you should be doing the same, just giving you a little run down of my weekly shaving menu ;)

Here's a few items i use to keep my body hair free...

General Razor

You cannot beat mens razors, confession i used to borrow my brothers to shave my legs when i was younger.... SORRY SI!

The difference to women's is unbelievable! You get such a close shave & actually leave your legs stubble & smoother for longer.

I haven't used a mens razor for ages... (my husband better watch out, now i've just reminded myself)

they can be so expensive just like some women's razors most of the time. But you can get really good ones for such a good price. I get mine from either asda or wilkos or just anywhere who has the best offer on some really. I always use disposable ones.

You don't have to spend a lot on razors, but definitely don't recommend super cheap ones, like the 20p ones, for your sake only. I usually can get mine for under £3.

Here's the ones i chop & change between...

Wilkinson Sword 

Bic Miss Soleil

I find that these particular razors are nice to hold & gives you a good grip which really helps, cuts less & gives a nice close, smooth shave. Just as long as you keep changing them up every week or so to keep them sharp & clean they you'll keep everything you shave smooth and hairless :)

Shaving Creams

I don't actually use shaving cream again only on a special occasion haha, ones got to treat yourself. 

I really like this one from Olay, its smells delish & is really moisturising.

I quite like own brands too. from wilkos & asda.

But when that can runs out until the next event (which runs out so quickly doesn't it?)

I just use whatever shower gel i've got going.

I just plop some on my lufa, lather up on both part & shave. Simples.

I would never dry shave, even when i haven't got a lathery lather i get really sore skin & skin rashes esp on my legs, so bubble it up before you shave babes. 

Lady Shaver

I get mine from amazon for £1.98! So inexpensive and yet so good. I only really use this on my face or awkward areas on my body. You have to keep the batteries nice & fresh as when they start to lose power, then comes the tugging ouch!

I definitely don't recommend around your 'down belows'.

Perfect for your upper lip, around the face, a quick touch up of the brows if too much in a rush to tweeze... BEWARE NOT TO GO CRAZY.

I am not going to insert the picture of when i SLIPPED & shaved a patch out of my brows... :(

Laser Hair Removal

I would LOVE to have laser hair removal all over my body.

The time i would save would be unreal!

The thought of not having to shave would be amazing to know i could just go out & be smooth without having to get my lady shaver on my moustache,

It's on the wish list & look out in the future for a part 2 of this where i hopefully tell you all about it! 

So all in all, when i want to feel smooth and some how feel accomplished when i have shaved every inch of body. I grab my razor, lather oneself & blitz it all off.

If your not into shaving thats absolutely fine! But you look to maybe maintain your eyebrows, go and get them threaded. It does save so much time & even though there's a little pain involved, its a little treat and pamper for yourself. 

* If your under 16, ask permission to remove body & facial hair & alway be careful with sharp items *

Bomb Cosmetics

What better way to start pamper week then talking about a bath.

I will be completely honest i have only just recently started to have a soak in the tub... for the most silliest of reasons, SPIDERS.

For some reason my bathroom would always have a eight legged creature in there.

Usually, would have 100 of them (a bit exaggerated) when i decide to have a bath...

As my fears of creepy crawly's has gotten so much better these past few months with the added bonus of no unwanted company of spiders in the bathroom, i've actually plucked on my brave skills and actually had a few soaks in the bath, now winning at life.

So i thought i would share some gorgeous bath bombs that i have been using.

I was brought these for christmas from auntie & uncle in law & they are amazing!!

They are from a company called BOMB Cosmetics.

So similar to lush they are handmade and have so much goodness inside of them.

Plus, they are adorable and very tempting not to use them as they are so darn beautiful!

I've saw this company at the clothes show and such selling there items in their stool, which stands out from the rest. Smells out the whole venue with a delicious scent & os always full of customers excited to purchase their products.

All of the products are 100% handmade & 100% do not test on animals, whcih makes the company just, well... incredible & very quickly coming one of my faves!

They use essential oils wherever possible & are also vegan! 

I've just this second during writing this post, checked out there website & oh my goooooodness!!

I am 100% purchasing some more from them, but what do i choose!?!?

They have THE most gorgeous selection of product, with such intricate designs, designs that i have seen before, even from lush! And just like lush they also have gift boxes with a selection of products in all gift wrapped perfectly.

The price of these items are unbelievably affordable.

They even do home fragrance products, face & skin care, shower products, soaps.. a whole bunch to choose from, i can sure see myself spending hella time on this site fo sho! 

Here's the website for you to ooze and gaze upon... I can't get over how gorgeous their products are...

Bomb Cosmetics Website

The price of the bath ballistics are £2.99! each!!

Even some of the bath creamers are only £2.09! 

Here i have a selection of bath melts and bombs...

So pretty!

All of these came in what they call a luxury gift box... <3

 Marigold Bath Creamer

Pink Bath Meltz

 Rosebud Buttercup

Rose Creamer

Purple Daisy Bath Mellow

Jade Bath Meltz

How beautiful are they?

So prefect for having a pamper evening, where you can soak in the bath or a bowl of water to soak your feet if you don't have a bath & soak in the sweet smelling scent & feel the softness that these products are making you feel...

Just lie back, set up your neck pillow/wrap up a towel to rest your head on, set up your watch later vids on youtube like THIS or some spa inspired music like THIS

& just simply relax. You need it.

Get it all down on paper

I thought the most helpful thing to start this month off of loving yourself, pampering yourself, enjoying yourself, would be really tricky is you mind is bombarded with stress, thoughts, to do lists, jobs that need to be done...

So before we start this month with more 'fun' things (to be honest, i do quite enjoy doing this...)

The most important thing we need to do is have the most clear, stressless mind to take on the month.

What really helps me clear my mind of all life's stress, is to write it all down.

I prefer to do it on paper, but you can do it on your phone as well.

I just find a blank piece of paper, grab a nice pen & get jotting down everything thats whirling around in my head.

It can be the smallest of things... tonights dinner, needing some more shampoo, making an appointment, rearranging an appointment, wrapping up & taking some parcels back... ANYTHING & EVERYTHING.

By getting it down on paper, your moving every thing onto a visible object. You are then more likely not to forget anything, remind you daily if placed in a easy seeing place & make you more inclined to tick them odd jobs off.

My mind instantly feels clear.

Even though most time you will have a list as long as your arm in front of you, it seems more possible to get them done.

When you have written everything out, you can then categorise & prioritise your list.

Which will then be your plan of action on where to start. 

If you have items you need picking up from the shops, instead of being in your brain, most likely forget an item while your there which will mean another journey to the shops. (for me will mean more money being spent on other items that catch my eye, possibly still forgetting the item i went in for.)

Instead categorise your list into sections, you will then have a list made for you to take to the shops, not forgetting anything & the most enjoyable thing about this, is that can tick a bloody big chunk off that list!

I promise you that you will feel so much better getting it all out on paper & you almost feel like you have already accomplished something. 

Your mind will be feel a lot clearer, a lot cleaner & so much much more ready to take on February! 

xx