HOW TO HAVE THE GREATEST SUMMER SLEEPOVER! Recipes and more.

Grab your best friend(s) and just have fun. That is the base for a really great sleepover and this will never change. However there are few things to make your sleepover memorable! Today I am going to share to you guys what I think will make a great summer sleepover.

Weather:
Now I know this isn't in the control of you but sometimes you're lucky and sometimes you're not. It's all about using the weather to the best of your ability! If it's sunny then make a den outside and fill it with cushions or blankets. Fill it with food and have the best time ever. However if it's raining (like it always is where I live - England) then set up a den inside. Make it all cosy with all of the cushions, blankets and duvets you own, decorate with fairy lights and then just have fun!!

Ambience:
I know this may also depend on the weather however this mostly applies in if it is rainy or getting nearer night. I feel as though a good ambience is set through candles and mood lighting. This means dim lights and scrolling through Instagram with a movie in the background. I also feel as though lighting can change atmospheres so it can be manipulated to change the mood.

Food:
No great sleepover is completed without food. It doesn't have to be extravangant - it could be as simple as a few snacks and providing dinner. Snack ideas I would reccomend are fruit skewers (maybe with chocolate drizzled over), nuts, crisps and any other nibbles. Dinner I would always go for the safe option of pizzas. However not just Dominos - be creative and make them your self.
Here's something I saw on YT:

For 1-2 pizza you will need:                     

1 packet of ready made puff pastry          

Tomato Puree

Cheese
Spices of your choice
Toppings!!

Method:
1. Get your pastry on your surface
2. Put some tomato puree on your pizza (how much is up to you) leaving a 1 inch edge around the sides.

3. Season your base with salt, pepper and any other spices - i like peri rub, oregano and some chilli flakes.
4. Then put whatever cheese you want - I just went with red Leicester as it is my favourite cheese ever.

5. Then add your toppings - easy as pie!

6. Put in the oven at 180º celsius gas mark 4 365º fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes but keep an eye on it at all times!

It's as easy as that!

Then after we were fed and watered we wondered over on to Netflix and watched a movie. We watched a movie that is oldie but a goodie, in fact I watched the first time I ever went to her house!

And then we of course stuffed our faces with junk like chocolate and popcorn. Can I just point out that this was the nicest popcorn ever (even better than the cinemas)!

The movie was hilarious and we both had a good laugh. Sorry Fridays post was a little late, I scheduled it for 5 but forgot to press publish like a doughnut, so apologies.

ALSO DO YOU GUYS LIKE THE NEW HEADER AND LAYOUT OF THE POSTS?! I really like it!

Previous Post: The Nice Events 🇫🇷 and My Thoughts | Real Talk - good read

Thanks,
Amber

SIDENOTE PLEASE READ: I might post 3 times a week now because I feel as though I am publishing too much content and over saturating my blog, so is that alright guys?! I also feel as though I am rushing my posts in order to get them out to you so if I had a day to construct a post I feel as though it would read and flow better!

POST DATES: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 9:30 AM

The Nice Events 🇫🇷 and My Thoughts | Real Talk

I did have a post ready for today but after what I heard this morning I felt it appropriate to share my feelings on the events.

🇫🇷    

I woke up today to hear of Nice and the devastation it faced overnight. I felt sick to my stomach and I thought 'again?' And that thought in it self made me realise something, that terrorism although terrifying it has become normal in today's society. And I hate it so much.

🇫🇷

I know that everyone is grieving the lost victims and I know that everyone is devastated but something has to implemented in the government to at least help prevent these attacks. I know that this is not simple but progress on this has to be made.

🇫🇷

10 out of the 84 victims were children. Small children that had their whole life ahead of them. The terrorist who carried out the attack targeted children, how sickening is that. And another horrid fact of yesterdays events is that many of the children that were injured in the attacks have now be orphaned. There parents killed for no reason other than selfishness.

🇫🇷

I find it all too much to handle, all too much to hear and all to much too bear. The hurt faced by victims and their families. The hurt faced by the world as well is too much.

🇫🇷

Full awareness I feel has not be reached. Celebrities need to utilise platforms in order to make there followers become aware and educated of their surroundings.

Thank you for reading,
Amber

SUMMER FLOWERS!

ENGLAND IS FINALLY SUNNY!  I crossed it out because I don't want to jinx it! Although we are getting the odd rainfall it still is looking promising. So I grabbed the oppurtunity to take some photos of the flowers (not that I have a lot in my back garden)!

Here are some of the shots I took with some odd captions!

 (the best picture I took, lol)

 (when the saturation is too high)

 (wind chimes = spooky)

(such an interesting leaf)

So that's it guys - theres pt 1 of my summer photos (because I am limited to the amount of flowers I have in my back garden)! I am going to venture out though one day for the pt 2

Hugs,

Amber

THINGS TO DO IF YOU'RE BORED THIS SUMMER!

Sometimes you've been dreaming of doing nothing for an entire term. However sometimes you get tired of doing nothing! Here's a few things you could do to break the boredom this summer.

Bake something new or old!
I love baking things (even though i'm not that good at it, hence the pre made mix and icing)! If you are a new baker i suggest something you know you can bake just as a safety net. As you build up your confidence start looking for new recipes on the internet and trying them out!

DIY something!
I love DIY's so much. They don't always go to plan or I never get them finished but that's alright because there really fun to carry out. You can even create a DIY photo wall which I am currently trying to do, hence the pegs and the polaroid!

Have a slumber party/sleepover!
I love sleepovers so much! I find them so fun and so versatile. There are so many different ideas on pintrest (a few of which I may have stolen). I am also planning a summer sleepover with my best friend on Wednesday and if all goes to plan then I may just do a blog post on it!

Get Involved!
Not only with this pass the time in the summer, but it could maybe even benefit you in the future. For example volunteering at the local charity shop could make an impact on how future employers see you. Another example is teaching - at a swimming club or at a tennis ground all of these things I mentioned will enhance your personal statement/CV.

Go out to town/Explore!
Get your friends/family together and shop. I did a lot of this last summer some of which I am regretting however in the moment I enjoyed it. Also if you've used up all of your money then go and explore, whether it's a free art exhibition or just a walk around the local park - just get out there and have some fun.

However remember to stay safe at all times. Never do something if you do not feel right and never feel forced to do anything.

Have fun - that's what summer is all about!

Have you got anything fun planned during summer?

Thanks,
Amber

SUMMER READING LIST!

I love reading so much, but sometimes I don't find the time in the day to read. Not because I'm super busy just because I never find the time, do you know what I mean?

Anyways I love reading literature books and I recently looked at some reading lists for some universities that I am interested in going to. I then picked off 5 books and ordered them of amazon. I got a great deal with them as well with all 5 books costing £9.55.

The first book I am currently reading is:

To the Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf 
I am loving this book so far, although it is hard to follow. I love Woolf's style of writing as it is so different to modern writers. Her writing is so well thought out and it doesn't feel rushed at all as it is so well written. The plot although is hard to follow as Woolf doesn't really address her characters fully so I sometimes get confused as to who she is writing about. Other than those few things that I am working on I am loving this book. Woolf has a good knack of describing surroundings so you can imagine you are there which then allows the reader to completely submerse themselves within her interesting writing.

Emma - Jane Austen 
This book will be the first I have read of Jane Austen - long overdue I know. However I haven't started it yet but having just read the blurb I know I am going to love it! It says that Austen 'teased' readers, this then makes me intrigued in to the book as I want to know how she 'teased' us! It also has a small description of Emma on the back and I can somewhat relate to her. She is described as an 'imaginist' which I can resonate with. I can't wait to read this book, I didn't want to read Pride and Prejudice as I felt it too common amongst reads and I wanted to try something different.

Hamlet - William Shakespeare 

I cannot wait to start this play for many reasons. One being is that I love Shakespeare's writing and his style. He obviously writes in old english which means his plays are new experiences for the modern reader. I have studied in depth some of Shakespeare plays in Year 10,  and I found it really interesting to learn about the language used in his plays. Another reason why I love his work is because he was born not to far away from me! Under a hours drive and there I am in Stratford upon Avon, I have also been to the RSC to see some plays performed. If you are tourist or just someone who is interested in him and his life I definitely recommend Stratford upon Avon. The houses haven't been renovated so they all look old and I'm sure you can see the house William grew up in (I really want to go)!

Bleak House - Charles Dickens
I am going to be totally honest with you guys, this is the book that I am least looking forward to read. First off it's size, with 740 pages and 67 chapters it scares me, a lot. The title doesn't help as well - 'Bleak' which makes me fear that the book may also be 'Bleak.' However I doubt that as it's Dickens and he is one of the most famous novelists out there. From reading the blurb alone I am already intrigued as it says that the story is a complex mystery, which I love! It also says that it follows the laws corruption and the city's dark underworld. If that doesn't pull you in I don't know what will! I am kind of looking forward to reading this book I just know if the plot bores me in any way that I will not continue it because it is soooooooo long!

Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
I have high hopes for this book as I have heard some raved reviews and as a result I am looking forward to reading this book. It's seems to follow many characters one of them being the narrator - an orphan with no hope and dreams and his journey into a man with depth of character. The main focus is one character and their discovery of the truth about themselves. I am also looking forward to reading this book as I feel as though this will help me to appreciate the life I now live because it is so easy to take everything for granted. I think this book will be a massive eye opener for me as it will make me see that not every used to live the way I used to, some would struggle. Anyways I think this will be a great read and I can't wait.

That's all the books I have purchased to read over the summer! I hope you enjoyed this super long review! :)

What book are you thinking of reading over the summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Last Post: Me and My Anxiety | Real Talk

BIG NEWS ALERT!
Also guys I am going to try and post Monday to Friday every week (except for NCS weeks July 25 - Aug 19) and publish at 4pm, would you guys like that or not? Tell me in the comments below!

Have a nice day,
Amber

Me and My Anxiety | Real Talk

*I don't know why i'm writing a disclaimer because it shouldn't have to be said but some people online can be mean so here it is. THIS POST IS NOT FOR ATTENTION NOR FOR VIEWS SO READ THE INTRO BEFORE YOU LEAVE A NEGATIVE COMMENT. (Although no one in the blogging community is mean, but SOME people outside of it don't understand that posts are never for views nor money or shit like that)*

So guys, I am going to indulge you guys into another part of my life, the part that i don't share. If you are not interested, i'm sorry but I felt as though I have gotten to know the 20 odd people who read my posts (shoutout to you guys)!

Here it goes. My anxiety is heightened during stressful periods, this means that throughout my GCSE's I felt shit almost every day. I felt demotivated and drained after school and on the weekends!

*not my pic*

What form does my anxiety come in: THOUGHTS
The thoughts I had are intrusive and horrible. They were along the lines of not doing something will cause something horrible to happen. These 'horrible' things were targeted at my family and that's what anxiety does, it uses the people you love most to do the things it says. For example and I know it sounds really silly but 'If I don't close the door in 5 seconds something will happen.' I used to do what the anxiety told me to do but not anymore.

How I overcame the anxiety:
I talked to my family. Talking helps a great deal whether it's to family, friends or people at school (teachers). I understand if you don't feel comfortable, I felt the same. If you really don't want to talk I suggest the internet, look at forums which help people to go through what you are feeling.
Forums I suggest:
Turn2me
Mind
Anxiety Zone
Or write it down. As simple as it may be writing helped me overcome my anxiety. I used to get all my thoughts and feelings down on paper and that was it. You can rip it up or throw it in the bin afterwards because anxiety is not you.

Some KEY ADVICE my brother told me:
You do not enjoy anxiety, therefore it is not you. When thoughts come in to your head just remember that it is not you. Anxiety does not define you.

He also showed me a video and told me to watch it twice. This guy is talking about depression but if you have anxiety then just replace depressed with anxiety .

That's all. I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helped you in some way or another.

Thanks,

Amber

Highstreet Home Decor | Anthropologie

Seeing as this is my most popular post ever on this blog I thought I would redo with a few tweaks. First of all this is more of an accessory type post rather than really large expensive products  (i.e. more affordable)! And this is a different shop which I have selected these little gems called Anthropologie. I am sure you have heard of it, put if you haven't it's mainly an online store but when I googled it a shop also has opened. LETS GET STARTED!

(if you click on the images it should take you to the item)

Not sponsored

!ALL IMAGES ARE FROM THE ANTHROPLOGIE WEBSITE!

1. Molly Hatch Crowned Leaf Rolling Pin

I fell in love with this rolling pin (never thought i'd say that) as soon as I saw it. I love the pattern and design and the words 'Hello There' make it seem more comforting. I feel like this would last me a lifetime and beyond. 

Price: £18

2. Painted Amaryllis Butter Dish

If you know me well you know I like to buy pointless tat, but this is beautiful tat. To be honest if I bought this I would not use it or let anyone touch it. Its too beautiful and delicate to have butter shoved in it. 

Price: £14

3. Monogrammed Mug

There's not much to say about this mug. It's just pretty, and a thoughtful gift for any gender. I love the style and shape of the mug, however the handle is very small. I do have nimble fingers though and the tiny handle will stop my dad trying to nick it!

Price: £6 Decent!

4. Celestial Coaster 

If these are not the nicest coasters you have seen in your whole life then... urghhhh! These are so beautiful, when I am older I will own these. All of them! They're just so darn cute I love them!!!! With 195 reviews it's overall rating is 5 stars so worth the money!

Rant over...

Price: £8

5. Library Letters

These are incredible. They are so versatile. In a children's bedroom or on a bookshelf itself they will look so stunning everywhere around the room. I love reading but I never buy new books, just read the same ones over and over again. I feel like these letter would encourage me to start buying more books as weird as that sounds.

Price: £10.95

So that's it. My hypothetical haul from Anthropologie. I hope you enjoyed.

Make sure to leave a comment about your favourite item and share if your still in the spirit of good will. Also make sure to join this site as that would also mean a lot.

Also leave in the comments whether or not you would like to see a 'What I Got For Christmas' posts!

Love You Lots

xx

My life is...

Exams have taken over my life. No joking about here, they have. Sorry I haven't been posting recently but thats the harsh reality of my life. Trial exams, real exams, tests and homework are what I do all day every day. Gone are the days were I had bundles of free time that I could fill myself by watching tv or playing outside.

I really wanted to do some festive posts on baking and how I decorated for the festive season but I had no time. The only days I have had a rest was on Christmas Eve and the big day itself. And I'm sure all of you would understand that I wanted to spend that time with my family.

If you guys would like to a see a late 'What I Got For Christmas' comment below. Also speaking of comments answer the picture if you want. Is your life fun, exciting or dull like mine. No one will judge and if it is dull then I feel you.

Sorry, I know this blog needs some TLC but I have GCSE's in less than 5 months and I am sure you can all appreciate how hard that is. My life is being consumed by exams....


Thanks for understanding! Don't forget to follow if you want to be updated when I post 'What I Got For Christmas' if you guys want to see it.

Sorry for the short post...

Hugs,
Amber
xx

My Nightly Skincare Routine

Hey guys,
Sorry I haven't posted much on here but school has literally taken over my life. Anyways today I am giving you an insight of my nightly skincare routine. I haven't cared much for my skin over the years however after buying one product, my life has changed on that front.
So here it is my night skincare routine.

So these are the products I use on a daily basis except one.
1. My first step of my nightly routine is to cleanse my face, as you can see in the photo I have two: Dark Angels from Lush and the Brightening Cleansing Foam from L'Occitane. I normally lean to L'Occitane one as it is easier but I feel like Dark Angels works better (even though slightly messier). So if I was to use Dark Angels I would wet my face a little and take a tiny pinch of the dark mud like product and add a little water. After this I just slather this all over my face and rinse. I feel like this has really cleared my pores. It contains rhassoul mud, avocado oil and charcoal powder all of which are super exfoliating and absorbent. Although the smell is not the nicest it works wonders on my face,

2. After this I then use the L'Occitane toner or 'essential water' just to freshen my face. Nothing special.

3. I then if this was a pamper routine, use a face mask. This one I have is the washed blue clay from Read The Label. I love love love this. It makes my skin look fresher and feel glowing. I just mix with a little water into a paste and jobs a good 'un. I would defo recommend this face mask.

4. I would then finish with a little moisturizer and this is one is too by L'Occitane and is really nourishing to my face making it feel supple and smooth. I would also recommend this one aswell.

So I hope you guys enjoyed this quick overview of my nightly skincare rountine..

Until Next Time,

Amber

Will You Be My Valentine? Gift Selection For Women

So with the big love holiday around the corner I thought 'I'll help all those struggling men and put a collection of what we women (most of women) love the most this season!' I incorporated some cheaper and high end products in the mix if your willing to splash out on your lovely lady! I am sure all will be appreciated at the end of the day.

1. Now all you women reading this, could you name someone (including yourself) who doesn't like Rose Gold.  This watch is what I think to be at a bargain price because it looks like something wayyyyy more!

Buy The Watch Here

2. The Roberts Radio is a must have, I was so stupid and forgot to ask for it this Christmas (you can all laugh at my stupidity now). I'm sure this'll be a sure winner and I've picked it in my favourite colours but there are a whole range of patterns and shades. 

Buy The Radio Here

3. Pink Polaroid: This is now on my Birthday Wishlist ahh it's so pretty and will sure be a hit with your lucky lady!I can't stop looking at it!

Buy This Awesome Camera Here

4, NARS Cosmetics: any NARS product will do because they are all of such a high quality any lady will fall in love with them instantly. Such a great addition to a makeup collection...

Nars Website: Take Your Pic

5. The next is a lovely mac blush and you'll definitely be a winner with this one. It's a lovely tone that isn't quite overpowering and you'll hit the nail on the head if you play it safe and purchase this beauty.

Blushing Beauty This Valentines

6. Now if splashing out is how you do it, and the lucky lady's a keen traveller then this is the ultimate gift! This beautiful suitcase from Ted Baker is my Travel Goal, to travel so much that I have to buy an insanely cute suitcase. I am only worried about it getting scratches or getting stolen because of it's sheer beauty.

Purchase This Lovely Suitcase Here

7. Champagne Truffles, what can go wrong! Chocolates- yummy and if champagnes her style then a sure and indefinite winner with this one. However a tad pricy for a box of chocolates I must say...

Champagne Truffles

8. 1989- now from the countless raving reviews I have been reading I think this'll be a good un. If your valentines into her music and is a keen swiftie (I don't even know if i spelt that right) then this is a lovely gift.

Swiftie Giftie

9. Lush, not one man can go wrong in Lush, just ask for a gift set, most likely a valentines edition one if they are doing them, buy it (you don't even have to wrap it, it's pre wrapped) and give it to your lovely lady on the special day.

Lush Website: Valentines Day Section

I also recommend taking any girl out to a lovely meal in the evening with some flowers to end the night. You'll sure be in her good books. 

ALWAYS REMEMBER A CARD WITH A LOVELY HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE IN FOLKS!

I wish everyone a happy valentines day, if your spending it with someone or not (i'm not). Oooh future blog post there, just thought if it now.... ideas whizzing on in my brain.

I'm back from brain storming. I wish everyone the best.

If you enjoyed this post please comment your thoughts, share it, or follow me (links below).

What's your favourite gift, gift to give on the LURVE holiday?

Hugs,

Amber

xx

♡

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Favourite Instagrams and Tumblr's || Montage

If you didn't already know I am a pretty big fan of photography so i scoured my Instagram feed and got a few bits from Tumblr and made a post for you lovely people. 

Credits below the pictures:

@connorfranta

@sarahcantin1

@elizabeth_doyle

@elizabeth_doyle

@pointlessblog

@sprinkleofglitr

@zozeebo

Tumblr

Now these are some randoms I picked up from Tumblr so enjoy these: as you can probably tell i'm not good at Tumblr but I will try and get more experienced...

Hope you enjoyed it, feel free too comment,share and follows mean a great deal too.

Hugs,

Amber 

xx

Highstreet Home Picks | John Lewis

Now I recently saw a blog post on home decor pieces and I am a complete sucker for anything home related! And it's about time I do a lifestyle blog post seeing as I am a triple kill with Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle!
I hope i can do more of these if you like it, todays will be a high street/high-end version and if loved by all you lovelies I will do a low end and then I will do my favourite shops to get home decor from! I am so excited!!!

Now let roll with my favourite high street shops home decor section:

Now all the items are from John Lewis and if I could have them all I definitely would go out and buy them... however if you are familiar with John Lewis you know that they are a very expensive shop! Eeek! So here are my Top 5 favourites from the John Lewis home section in no particular order!!

Not Sponsored...

1. Roald Dahl Matilda Story Time Boudoir Cushion:

I am absolutely in love with this cushion, its based on a book by one a my favourite authors in the whole world Roald Dhal! I especially love the book this cushion is based on 'Matilda'. I would put this on a child's bed i think it would look super awesome!

Price: £20.00

2. Newgate Cookhouse Kettle Wall Clock

This clock is my life! I love the colour, the shape, the numbers (weird right)! I am in love with it. I think it would look great anywhere in a home, I think the colour suits everything and I know I'm stupid but its my dream clock however the price is another...

Price: £65.00 WOWZER FOR A CLOCK

3. Anorak Proud Fox Doorstop

A doorstops essential for me I don't want to be dealing with them pesky doors not staying put! Foxes, I am love with foxes like these, there colours is so nice and the material on this one look unbreakable it's like a funky sack!!

Price: £20.00

 Anonymous -Central Park Framed Print 65x52cm

My dream destination is America, every year I beg to go to America and lets just say I've never been. They always say that flights too long but i've been Australia! That's like a whole day on a plane! Parent Logic! This picture has lovely pastel colours with a faded out skyline! I would love this in my room it would look fab!

Price: £80.00

5. Libra Bryce Movie Floor Lamp

I personally think the name of the lamp says it all, I mean its a movie lamp. Who can resist a movie lamp, when people walk into my house they'll feel like movie stars!! I love this style of lamp it looks like the best tripod ever. However it is slightly big and the price is the same 'slightly' big!!

Price: £620.00

Well I hoped you lovely people enjoyed this type of post, if you want me to do more then just comment below and I will be sure to do some more from different shops! Suggest some if you like.

What's your favourite thing from these 5?

Do you ever dream what your future house will look like? I do that all the time

Hugs,

Amber

xx

♥
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