All Time Favourite Films

It's time for another “All Time Favourites” post. Lucky you. You get to delve deeper into the obsessions of Simply Karah!

Once again, there are two of us. So you get two top 5's, enjoy!

I will give anything ago, except cheesy comedies and scary films (I'm a total wimp!)

1. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. - I saw this at the cinema with one of my best friends, neither of us were expecting much. IT WAS AMAZING. I flilpping love this film. Old school spy work with a Russian, an American and a plot to destroy the world. What's not to love.

2. Legend – I love Tom Hardy. Let's just get that out there right now. The man is perfection. Even if this film didn't have Mr Hardy in it I would still have loved it. The acting is incredible and it's absolutely hilarious.

3. The Lord of the Rings – I know, I know, cheating to mention this trio as one point. If I watch it as one long film it counts though right? My flatmate and I were OBSESSED with these films. We watched the extended editions almost once a week during our last year (our excuse for this was that it was the only way we could get through our dissertations).

4. Pride and Prejudice – I'm talking the old school almost 6 hours long BBC version with Colin Firth. There is nothing I love more than settling down with my sister and a good cup of tea and watching this. If you've never watched Pride and Prejudice I cannot recommend it enough.

5. Warrior – Another Tom Hardy film (I'm not going to apologise). This one follows two cage fighters preparing for a big tournament. But really it's about family. This film has incredible acting as well as a beautiful storyline.

My turn!

1. The Theory of Everything - If you know me then this comes as no surprise. Eddie Redmayne is perfection in this film, his acting skills are truly remarkable - an Oscar well deserved. Plus, the soundtrack is just pure gold.

2. Saving Mr. Banks - where are my disney lovers out there? This is the story of how the film Mary Poppins came about. Not much else to it, other than it's also about family and love. 

3. Back To The Future - I first saw this film when I was about 8 years old. My dad is a big lover of the films and that's where my love for it stems from. It just made me want to travel to 1985 and live in Hill Valley. Maybe bump into Doc and Marty McFly and sneak away with them as they travelled through time. Plus, did anyone else have a massive crush on a young Michael J Fox? I'm not even ashamed to say I did.

4. Les Choriste (The Chorus) - Ok firstly, this film is in French. I don't speak French. I passed French with a B in High School but I don't remember any of it. So, the subtitles go on. I actually first watched this film in a French lesson and instantly fell in love. It's about a choir master who starts working at an all boys boarding school and tries to form a choir with these troubled lads. It shows how much the beauty of music can touch even the most broken hearts. And again, the music...amazing!

5. Grease - Well I needed to get a musical in this list at some point. I love this film because a) the soundtrack is fantastic b) there's just something about old films that give you this warm feeling inside, and c) it was the first musical I ever watched, which continued my drive and passion for music. Thinking about it, the storyline is a bit "meh" but surely we all wanted to be Sandy at one point and have our very own Danny Zuko.

What are some of your favourite movies?

SK x

Just Be You

"Just be you."    "Just be the best version of you."

A lot of you probably already hear this from people and think "yeah ok, whatever! You're just trying to be nice or helpful or something but your words, THESE words, won't effect my everyday life" and yeah, you're probably right. These words might not effect your everyday life but this weekend I really got thinking about those little phrases.

It all came from this; we were away down South this weekend. The two of us and two of our other friends. Having to spend a lot of time together, in a car for 7 hours and also hanging out with each other for long hours too. So, naturally we got to know each other a lot more, but we're friends so we know each other quite well anyway. One of our friends has made a fashion choice. I say this as though it's a recent thing but actually I think they've made this "choice" since as long as I've known them. SKINNY TRACKIES. Bet those were two words you never thought would be strung together. But yes, skinny trackies are a thing. And yes, we - and many of our other friends - have spoken to them about this, somehow, fashion choice.

Now before I go any further. If you're a guy, or even a girl, who has cottoned onto this new "trend" - I use that term loosely - and are loving it, then good for you. Embrace the skinny trackies. I'll try my best not to judge them badly, I just can't really wrap my head around the trend. Maybe because I grew up in a town where (in my young teenage years) wearing trackies was, somewhat, cool or was just the general fashion choice back then. Yes, yes, I was - in Scottish terms - a chav. Or a ned if you like, but let's move on from that - let's NOT talk about traumatizing fashion from our past.

Anyway, as much as myself and many others tell them how atrocious this trend is, they still persist in wearing them. To the point, where this weekend they chose to wear a full blown skinny tracksuit. Now, both items are not as bad separate as they are together. Again, we told them how awful this look was but once again they embraced it and continued to wear the more than tight tracksuit.

What I'm getting at is that no matter how many times I tell my friend how ridiculous this fashion choice is they ignore it. They don't let anyone tell them how they should or shouldn't dress. They know what they like and don't care what anyone else says about it. And, genuinely, I think they apply this to the majority of their life. Which is actually quite powerful.

My question is, shouldn't we all be like this? I mean in life. Yes, I just spoke about fashion choice but it totally relates to life. Why do we think so much about what others think about us? Or try and make the people around us happy by being something we're not? And before you think I have it all sussed or think that I'm writing this because I'm always myself around others and have the perfect solution on how to be you, then don't. I'm not. Around my family, around my closest friends, yes I'm me but around most people I'm not me. I want to make everyone happy. And actually, I think that's quite sad.

So, I want to try and be me. Around everyone. Start off with simple things like, saying you dislike something when someone else likes it and vice versa - truthfully of course. Don't be argumentative about it, and don't be mean about it. Be honest and explain. No one will hate you for it. And hey, if you both like or dislike the same thing then you have something in common - WOO!

I'm not going to give you a step-by-step guide on how to be you because I don't have the answers. In fact, are there any answers? I think, really, it comes from the mind. Don't over think it. Start off small and work your way up. Be positive. Have a positive mind-set. Which, yes, I know can be so difficult for some people - I struggle with being positive about myself, it's a common thing - but it's just about being positive when approaching things. It's not about your appearance.

So just try. Try putting those negative, toxic thoughts to the side. To the back of your mind. Before going into an "uncomfortable" situation just think this "I am me. I can be the best version of me. I have my own opinions, and if someone disagrees then that's ok. "

Our life shouldn't be spent worrying about what the next person might think of us. Can you imagine a life like that!? It would be a non-stop thing.

Just breathe, be honest, be positive. Just be YOU.

SKx

All Time Favourite TV Shows

In case you didn't know already SimplyKarah is a two person affair. This means that our top 5 lists are slightly different. So bonus for you, you get two top 5 lists. Enjoy!

I have watched ALOT of TV. I was a student, it's what we're supposed to do right? If you can offer me crime shows or period dramas...I'm in!

1. NCIS - If you've ever watched NCIS you will know about Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his rules. And you will understand how much I love this crime drama. It's one of the most comforting tv shows I watch, I know all the characters so well it's almost like watching friends on the screen (I realise how sad this sounds).

2. Call The Midwife - I was late to the bandwagon with this one but when I finally caught on I binge watched it all in a week. If you love period dramas and you don't mind watching women give birth then you'll probably love this. A warning to anyone of thinking about giving it a go though - this show has made me cry a ridiculous number of times.

3. Rizzoli and Isles - A crime drama with two strong female leads. I first watched this because the actor that plays Isles was Kate in NCIS (sob). I kept watching because a) it's a crime drama and I'll watch pretty much any crime drama and b) because I have a serious girl crush on the actor who plays Rizzoli (her hair is incredible!!).

4. Supernatural - Never in a million years did I ever dream that I would enjoy this show. I don't like scary movies and I don't like things with ghosts and monsters in it. But Supernatural got me hooked. It's probably the combo of Sam and Dean (hot) as well as the absolutely hilarious episodes they do every so often (It's A Terrible Life - anyone?).

5. Doctor Who - I've been watching Doctor Who ever since it was rebooted with the 10th doctor in 2005. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I could do without it. But mainly I think at this point it's so deep rooted into my life that not watching it would just be weird!

Right, ok. My turn! I am at, maybe, the opposite end of the TV genre. Apart from a love of Doctor Who as well, I am not really into the whole crime drama/period drama shows. Don't get me wrong, I'd watch them if someone else asked me to but for my own pleasure, no.

So, here's my top 5 in this top 10 list:

1. Once Upon a Time - Oh my goodness. If you're a lover of Disney or just the who fairytale, fantasy stories you maybe once read when you were a kid, then this is definitely the show for you. Tied in with some mystery, and a few jaw dropping moments (mostly, from the first season), this show just leaves you asking for more. I started watching this show because the other half of Simply Karah told me too, and honestly I'm so glad she did. Through it's many twists of stories you may think you know, you'll be running around - like we did - telling everyone to watch it. In fact, I'm watching it right now. Yeah, I'm one of those people who likes to rewatch shows from the very beginning!

2. Pretty Little Liars - classed as a "mystery-thriller" this show, again, will give you some breath taking moments. And by that I mean moments when you gasp for air and it travels way down to the pit of your stomach. Those moments when you stare at your screen and scream "NOOOOOO". However, I will say this. Be patient with it. It does, kind of, drag on a bit and for the most of it you don't get the answers you really want to hear. Now reaching the last season, I'm kind of sad that it's leaving. Maybe time to start it from the beginning again.

3. Orphan Black - I almost forgot about this show! Where is the next season? I need it. This show can get a little complicated. It's basically about this one girl who is in fact a clone. One actress, Tatiana Maslany, plays several identical people (the clones) who come together to try and, really, discover why they were made, defeat the people who made them (because really, someone needs to be the bad guy) and overall, protect their family. Throw in some hilarious scenes between the clones, some brutal killings (yeah, there is some blood) and a few - no, a lot of - tear-jerking moments and you have yourself one amazing show.

4. Gogglebox - No, I'm sorry but it needs to be in the list. If you're not from the UK then Gogglebox is a show where you see families sitting in their living room watching and commentating on the weeks most popular TV shows. Yes, we, over here in the UK thought it would be fun to watch a TV show of people watching another TV show. However, I have heard that a few other countries are now airing their own versions of Gogglebox - Australia I'm looking at you. Anyway, I think the reason I love it so much is because it's something that I sit down to watch with my family on a Saturday night and can have a right old laugh at. Seriously though, you get some good "one liners" from this show.

5. 24 hours in A&E - I studied nursing at University so naturally this show interests me. It's a new interest, a show I never thought I'd get into. A&E nursing is not up my street. Not knowing what's coming through that door, emotions all over the place, the vast rush of people around you. I praise these nurses, and doctors, for the service they provide to the community. This show shows exactly why I praise them. It's another one of those shows that can leave you speechless, a tear-jerker, it's filled with emotions. It can also get a bit graphic. So if blood is not your thing, or even seeing a dislocated shoulder being popped back into place then this is not the show for you. But I like it, and you should give it a bash.

What are some of your favourite tv shows?

SK x

Train Journey Thoughts

Scotland. It’s a flipping beautiful place. Sometimes when we get caught up in the hum drum of our everyday lives we can forget to just look around us and appreciate the incredible world that we live in.

A few times a month I take a train from Edinburgh to Dundee. I usually grab the train just after 7am and (understandably) I have to admit that most of the time I either dose off, read a book or (most often) run down my battery, usually on Instagram.

Last week was one of those rare mornings where, waking up at 5:30am, I was weirdly awake and ok to be that way (if you know me you will be aware how rare this is, I am NOT a morning person). So, for once when I got on the train I didn’t instantly close my eyes and curse the existence of the need to function before 10am. Instead, I opened up the kindle app on my phone popped on my audiobook (The lord of the rings: the fellowship of the ring) and decided to have a good old stare out the window.

As some of you may know, the train route between Edinburgh and Dundee goes right along the coast, past a good number of beaches (surprisingly empty at 7am), vast sea views and on the other side field after field of every imaginable shade of green. I got a little bit too into the lord of the rings and staring at the fields I could just imagine being part of that little team of 5 trying to get the ring to Rivendell. Then I remembered that a) if I was a hobbit living in the shire I would never have left and b) even if I had left I would have probably tripped and broken an ankle with the first day. Moving on..

You know when you were a kid and couldn’t stand 20 minutes in a car without playing a game of some type? No? Just me then. Well one of the games we used to play in my family was spot the animal (imaginative I know!). Basically, the rarer the animal the more the points. This train journey would have been perfect for this game.

Obviously, I saw cows, sheep and horses (these were in the fields not the sea), miscellaneous birds and my favourite of all seals! Usually if you’re lucky enough to see a seal it’s a little black dot in the middle of the sea which vanishes just as you try to snap a picture. This time there were little groups of seals all along the coast, drying themselves off on the rocks. I have to say I got a little too excited about this!

Now, to the point (because I promise there was a point to this) I got off that train feeling a little bit sad that it was over and vowing to myself that I would try to look out the window a bit more. I am by no means saying that from now on anyone on the 7am train to Dundee will see me happily staring out the window, wide awake and enthusiastic. No. Most of the time I will probably be sat with my head in my hands drifting in and out of consciousness. But. I am saying that from now on I’m going to attempt to actually look around me at the world, not the world we humans have built up, the actual, back to basics, green, brown and blue earth that is the only one we’ve got and definitely worth paying attention to.

So, and I mean this in the least condescending way, why don’t we all try and ‘look out the window’ more often and appreciate what’s around us. Even if it is only getting excited about some seals on an early morning train journey.

Anybody else been pleasantly surprised on a journey? Any fabulous memories of old school car games?

 SKx

Travel Non-Essentials

I travel quite a lot. Not jet setting around the world or anything but regular short trips around the UK. I think it's important to spread your wings every so often and get out of the same old same of your home town.

I would in no way say I am a travel expert. What I am good at is over packing. I'm always the person with the biggest bag. On the flip side I'm also the person friends come to when they need things like pain killers, plasters or lip balm.

So, after years of sore arms from carrying around bags full to the brim of things I didn't need here is my short list of the top 5 travel non-essentials that you may or may not have thought about before.

1. Headphone divider – Nothing more annoying than sharing headphones. Headphone dividers are cheap and easily available. Their also small and compact and don't take up much space in your handbag. Useful!

I got my headphone divider from Primark a few years back. 

2. Notebook – As I said above I'm an over packer so I always carry a notebook with me but probably the times I use it most is when I'm travelling. If you've read our “Train Journey Thoughts” post you'll know that I tend to think a lot when I'm travelling. Having a notebook to record all these thoughts is very handy.

The notebook I'm using at the moment is this gorgeous Paperchase notebook.

3. Mirror – A pretty obvious one, but there's nothing more nigglingly annoying than sitting on a train wondering if your lipstick is still okay (vain I know) and sometimes using your phones camera just doesn't cut it.

My compact mirror is a cheap one from Primark. From experience I've found that mirrors that close over are much safer than ones were the mirror is facing outwards (I have a couple of scars on my fingers that can attest to this!)

4. Oversized scarf – Is it a blanket? Is it a makeshift pillow? Is it a scarf? How about all three.. I get so excited for autumn for many reasons but getting to whip out my favourite scarves is up there. On my most recent trip I ended up using my scarf as an extra pillow when the bed a was sleeping in had the most pathetic pillow I'd ever had the displeasure of using. My favourite scarf is this one from Zara that I got a couple of years ago and doesn't seem to be available anymore. Some similar options can be found here and here.

5. Speaker – I got my mini portable speaker a few months ago and I can't believe how often I use it. I don't often use it when I'm in transit but more often when I'm actually staying away from home.

I got my frog speaker from Tesco a few months back and their still available now.

SKx

Thoughtful [Almost] Winter Walks

Before you read on here's a little warning: this post is about to get SAPPY!

Today we, the two halves of Simply Karah, decided to take a well deserved walk in one of the country parks near to where we stay, and when I say well deserved I mean we both thought "hmm, we haven't gone on a walk in a long time. Let's go out and talk and take lot's of cute autumnal photos and blog about it!" - No seriously, that's what we did.

I'm not going to lie, for me these walks with my best friend are something that I treasure most. It's a time for us to get real, be deep - or our new favourite - be authentic. Yes authentic. Yeah, ok, we can have deep conversations within any setting but there's just something about taking a long stroll on a cold, brisk day, feeling that fresh Scottish air, and thinking "I'm so glad you're my best friend! Now if you don't mind I'm about to tell you something that's resting on my heart. Now listen to me as I spill my guts and then attack me with your best advice!" or that's my thought process, anyway.

Bet you're thinking if that's the best I can do. If that's how sappy I can be. Well, you're wrong! So grab some tea, get comfy, and bring out the tissues (OR grab some chocolate, comfort food is always great! Go grab it, I dare you) Now here comes the sappy part.

I am forever grateful and thankful that this girl is my best friend. That I have someone I can be myself around and someone I can open up to. I truly believe God placed us together on this earth and pushed us, maybe forced us, to meet when we were a grand young age of 7. Maybe I should thank your parents too, they were the ones who decided to move to Scotland after all! I thank you for the support you've given me for however many years it's been (you can do the math) and I'm exceptionally thankful for someone who makes me laugh. Not just little giggles but good, proper belly laughs, where tears run down my face - and most likely make-up - and I can't stand up right because I'm laughing that hard. For someone I can cry in front of. Not just a trickle of a tear but a long sob - in the words of Mr Justin Timberlake, I can cry a river. For someone who, may not realize it, pushes me to be the best. Pushes me to the best of my ability; to be the best friend I can be; to be the best version of me. And for someone who is truthful and honest with me. Who will tell me straight up if I'm just being stupid, or ridiculous. If there's something on your mind that is a bugbear that also rests on your heart, that drives you crazy but is a big annoyance - you know, like boys - she will give you that slap on the face (not literally) that tells you to snap out of it but actually is the biggest comfort you need, she'll be there with the tub of Ben&Jerry's and with the laughter that will make you forget. A best friend is a happiness, a love, something that can never be replaced, someone that holds a special place in your heart. So for this I am thankful. Thankful that I found you, thankful that you are my best friend.

OH MY GOODNESS! Did you see that? That sappiness (is that a word?) just flowed. I feel like I need to take a rest. Maybe I'll just go curl up in a ball for a bit and let my mind rest.

No. No, I'll continue with this post. I'll finish what I started.

Ok, here goes!

Where were we? Walks! Winter walks. They're not just a time for me to open up to my best friend but also a time to contemplate life. To look at the beauty around us. The beauty of nature. I'm not going to get sappy about the beauty of life around us, you've had enough of that for one day. But I will say this - don't you think it's amazing how something so beautiful can come from something so small, something so simple? Take a tree for example; how can this giant, colourful plant, that also gives off oxygen, come from a small simple seed? Or how a rose, that is so beautiful, can come from the same thing? I mean, yes I know it's a different type of seed but it's still a seed.  I really encourage you to open your mind, to go for a long walk wherever you stay and just think. Look around you and think. Enjoy the fresh air, enjoy your surroundings. Shut down the computer, put away the phone and look at the beauty life holds. And hey, if you see something worth photographing then yes, you may take out your phone or camera and snap some photos. And if you must instagram or tweet there and then, sure, go for it, you have permission ... because I did.

Do you like winter walks as much as us? How do you like to clear your head?

We'd love to see some of your snaps from winter/autumn walks you've had!

Instagram & Twitter: simplykarah10

SKx

PURPOSE

Purpose is JB's fourth (and best) studio album to date

"'cause if you like the way you look that much then, baby, you can go and love yourself"

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEW BIEBER ALBUM??

IT'S SO FREAKIN' AMAZING!!

Caps lock was definitely needed to show how excited I am about this album.

In fact, I was counting down the days till it's release and let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed.

I had the "privilege" of listening to this album during a long car journey, 7 hours actually. Four of us crammed in a - what we call - ned mobile, tired, and maybe slightly delusional. To be honest, for the first two hours of this journey nobody was able to function. At our first service station we clambered out the car, grabbed some McDonalds breakfast and - now I say this truthfully - spoke about how excited we were on the release of Justin's album.

We literally huddled around my iPod, trying to grab as much wifi as McDonalds would give, and downloaded the new album from Spotify. I won't lie, it felt like it was taking FOREVER! But, finally, we had it and made the mad dash back to the car.

I'm always really skeptical about album releases. Are the other songs going to be as good as the singles released? Actually that's really my only concern. Is the music going to sound good.

Justin did not let us down. This is probably one of the best albums of the year.

I'm not going to review every single song. No, that would result in an extremely long post.

I'll tell you my favourites and my overall feel for the album.

Apart from the four songs pre-released  (Where Are Ü Now; What Do You Mean; Sorry; I'll Show You) these are my top 5 favourites of the absolute brand new tunes.

1. Mark My Words - this has some sort of, how do I say this, "sexy groove" to it. Yeah, I can't believe I just said that either. Probably the song with the least amount of words to it, it's still one that has simple, yet powerful lyrics. And also one that you'll just fall in love with.

2. Love Yourself - where do I even begin!? These were the lyrics quoted at the beginning of this post. This is a song that throws some serious shade. To the person who has caused you heartbreak and then doesn't leave you alone. And then after all that shade there comes the line "You can go and love yourself". It just makes you want to flip that person off and change the word love to, well you know. Plus, it's co-written by Ed Sheeran who also plays and sings on it - Sheeran and Bieber in one song, perfection.

3. Children - if you listen to the lyrics of this one they really make you think. It kind of talks about if we, the generation, can make a difference. Or if we would take that step and make a change in the world. It starts of all mysterious, slow, and simple. Then it hits you, a drop. Almost as good as the drop from "Where Are Ü Now". And you have this beat that you can just fist pump to.

4. Purpose - now, I understand why the album is called Purpose. This song is powerful. It's about giving your all, and placing it in the hands of God. Giving your heart to God. That God has given you a purpose, a gift. And that when all feels lost, you can turn to him and he'll be there no matter what. And maybe that's why I love it so much.

5. No Sense - really, I love this one because it has a good beat and good tune. It's also quite fun to sing along to. "It don't make no sense less I'm doing it wityou" and then your dance moves kick in. Nothing else to it really.

Overall, this album is a mix of R&B, dance-pop and EDM. It has something for everyone. Good beats/drops, powerful lyrics and amazing collaborations.

Well done Mr JB. You've really outdone yourself.

Are you loving JB's new album as much as us?

What's your favourite song off the album?

Twitter: simplykarah10

SKx

A Week Of Favourites (Non-Beauty)

Monday: Harry Potter knitted jumper from Primark – I think I may have a new favourite harry potter clothing piece (and that’s saying something because I have an awful lot). I absolutely love that it's knitted and quite thin. It makes it more wearable and much easier to layer up with!

Tuesday: The Simple Things Magazine, November issue – when I went on the newsstand to buy a copy of the latest blogosphere magazine I spotted this. The most current issue (November 2015) is issue number 41 and I have know idea how I haven’t heard of this magazine before. Seriously, it’s called the simple things. It’s beautiful and simple (funnily enough) and inspiring. I even went so far as to purchase the October issue to read too!

Wednesday: Emma by Alexander McCall Smith - As some of you may know a recent project called The Austen Project is on the go. Basically various authors are taking the different Jane Austen books and rewriting them. A modern retelling. Now I love Jane Austen books and wasn't going to pass up on a modern retelling. This isn't the first retelling I've read. I've got reviews of the ones I've read on our Goodreads account. I gave this one a 3/5. It was a good bit of light reading on a rainy day.

Thursday: Adidas Stan Smith Trainers - I'm not a trainer person. I'm more into my boots or flats. For some reason I have always loved these trainers. When my mum asked me what I wanted for my 22nd birthday I decided to just go for it. I was lucky enough to have small enough feet that I could get the children's version which are the exact same but cheaper (score!)

Friday: Fentimans Ginger Beer - I had a really bad cold this day and as I said in our previous post I spent the day in the car. Usually when I have a cold I make myself a hot toddy; hot water, whisky and honey. This is not practical in a car so I grabbed this in the hope that it would soothe my throat. It did. If you like ginger then you'll like this. And if you have a sore throat maybe give this a go anyway!

What are some of your recent non-beauty favourites?

SKx

Autumnal Walk

There's nothing better than a good old stroll in the local country park. So when the rain finally let up this afternoon we took the chance to nip out for a couple of hours. Armed with wellies, jackets and a camera we went exploring (and only got a little bit lost!) These are just a few of our favourite snaps. Hope you enjoy!

Where are some of your favourite places to escape to?

SKx

A Week of Favourites (Beauty)

Monday: Models Own nail polish (Marsala) – Anyone who knows me will tell you that when it comes to beauty I’m lazy. I am not above falling asleep with my makeup on (yes yes I know it’s gross) or wearing jeans or thick tights because I haven’t shaved my legs (please don’t judge me) but when it comes to my nails I generally put in a bit of effort. I truly enjoy doing my nails. Last week I bought a new models own gel effect nail polish in the colour Marsala and I used it for the first time on Sunday night. It's a gorgeous colour a kind of raspberry red. Fabulous for someone who always wears black and quite autumnal too! 

Tuesday: Neals Yard Remedies Garden Mint and Bergamont Hand Cream – I got this a few months ago for free in a magazine (I think it was Elle). I always have this one in my handbag and would definitely consider buying a Neals Yard Remedies hand cream again (unless I can find a magazine giving me one for free again!). The smell is quite strong and some people don't like it but I think it's gorgeous. I'm terrible at describing smells but to me it's like a posh garden!

Wednesday: Loreal Paris #TXT - A couple of months back I took the plunge and got my hair chopped above my shoulders. Two days later I was in boots trying to find something, anything to stop my hair from being so flipping flat. It doesn't matter what you do, recreating the way a hairdresser does your hair is IMPOSSIBLE. I found this volume supersizing spray from Loreal Paris and thought I would give it a go. I've never been one for neat hair so this is right up my alley. I can't recommend this enough. It gives me so much volume as well as texture and doesn't leave my hair crispy or feeling awful.

Thursday: Sleek i-Divine Au Naturel Pallet - This pallet is one that I always find myself coming back to. The colours are perfect for me and it's such a handy one to take on trips because it's compact but has all the colours you could need. You can tell which colours I use most in the picture because they've got big dips in them. I cannot recommend this pallet enough!

Friday:Lipbalm, vapour rub and menthol tissues - A 7 hour car journey and a cold. What a combo. This trio of everyday cold essentials were my life savers. Not really beauty products but I spent the day in a car so make-up and hair products were the last things on my mind..

What are some of your weekly favourites? Let us know in the comments.

SKx

Bonfires & Fireworks

Bonfires night - or Guyfawkes night - is probably one of our favourite times of the year, right after Christmas of course! Wait, is it too soon to be mentioning the "C" word? Anyway, the sky looks magical and pretty, and the mix of colours and sparkles is truly wonderful. Bonfire's night brings back so many childhood memories, and there's just something about spending time with your friends and family on a chilly autumn night that's nostalgic. Traditionally towns and cities across Great Britain will host bonfires and firework displays on the 5th November, the atmosphere is amazing!

Playing with sparklers, safely of course, is another fun thing to do on Bonfires night, and taking cute sparkler photo's is a must. So, obviously we have to include some, especially the ones where you write your name and make funky shapes.

Like we said, Bonfires night is extremely magical. I mean, who doesn't love watching twinkly explosions of light and colour fly across the sky! Did you have any plans this year for Bonfire's night?  Do you love fireworks as much as us?

We would love to see your fireworks photo's and any sparkler photo's you took.

Twitter and Instagram: @simplykarah10

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