Organising My Life

I'm not 100% disorganized but I definitely am not 100% organized. 

I'm trying to clean up my act in the whole organization side of my life, hopefully helping my stress levels along the way.

Here are a few things I've done recently to keep myself more organized.

Weekly Planner

I bought a weekly planner from Tesco in August and have only now gotten round to hanging it on my wall. It sits above my desk with each day of the week, split into three columns; Morning, Afternoon and Evening. It has a pad for lists and also a pad with stickers on it (who knows what I'll use them for). This helps me see what I have planned for the week coming whenever I'm in my room or, more, sat at my desk.

Trello

Oh this app! Kate introduced this to me the other day and I'm so, incredibly, in love with it. It's basically an app for lists. You make boards with tasks on them and score them off once complete. 

We have a board for the blog and also one for moving out, it makes us both super organized in the planning stages of moving out.

Keep a diary in your bag

I used to be pretty good at keeping a diary in my bag when I was at University but that seems to have changed ever since I graduated. I've now gone back to keeping my diary in my bag and filling it in every time I have a spare minute. Plus, whenever anyone asks if I'm free on a certain day then I've always got something to help me remember.

Tidying

Some of you might be thinking I'm daft but honestly, keeping your room or house clean really does help. It, somehow, let's you have a clear mind and instantly just makes you feel better. I know, tidying is relatively boring but it really does help your mental state.

Sleep
I'm so bad at getting a good nights sleep. I like being able to catch as much hours of the day as I can. I instantly regret this once it's time to get up, especially for work. Recently, though, I've been getting better at going to bed early and waking up less grumpy. My stress levels have reduced so much since getting a proper nights sleep.

Have you got any life tips on how to make your life more organized?
Twitter: @simplykarah10

Bekah // SK

12 Things I Learned in 2016

2016. What a hell of a year! A lot has happened for many of us and around the world.

I started a new job, travelled, moved house - just to name a few. Brexit happened. Trump happened. Amazing celebrities lost their lives. It has been one hell of a rollercoaster.

I feel I've also learnt a lot of life lessons throughout the year.

Here are 12 things I learned in a year.

I have the most amazing friends

This year I became a lot closer to my little core group of friends. I realized just how much I can rely on them and also how valuable they are in my life. True friends are those who don't ditch you after you've pretty much blown up at them and angrily given them death stares...sorry guys, love you all really.

Happiness is key

For half of the year I just didn't feel like myself. My job was crap (still is, a little bit), my shift pattern was awful and I hadn't really had time off. After my little blow up with my friends I ended up going on holiday for two weeks and oh my word it was literally just what I needed. Kate then gave me "The Happiness Planner" for my birthday and again it was exactly what I needed. Honestly, if you're going through a rough patch in your life really consider purchasing one of these planners. It makes you think differently about the negative parts of your day and your outlook on your day is much happier.

My faith is growing

In December I was baptised. If you don't what that means, it's when you decide to give your life to God, and you're pretty dunked under some water symbolising the washing away of your sins. Anyhoo, this year my faith has grown and has been stronger than ever and I'm so glad and excited to continue this journey in my life.

It's okay to feel a bit s**t

You're going to have days where you just don't feel yourself and you're not that happy, bubbly person you normally are but that's alright! Everyone has crappy days and it's okay for you to have them too! 

Who cares what people think

Finding who you are is so important and accepting and appreciating who I am is something I've learned this year. I've found my style, my personality, little things like that and am happy with who I am and don't care what others think.

Adulting is hard

I'm in a full time job, I have to pay for all holidays now, pay bills, have moved house, bought a new car, being an adult is hard and you have responsibilities. And yes, I reached the age of 23 and realised how blooming difficult it is, but I love it.

I can concur fears

My one fear in life is flying. I hate it. But this year I flew twice (the last time I flew I was 13) and that's a crazy achievement for me. I flew to Canada - long flight - and then flew to Amsterdam. And honestly, not as bad as I thought. I'm flying again this year and don't feel sick to my stomach thinking about it.

Moving out and missing your parents is normal

I've realised I rely on my parents a lot. Obviously that I live because they fed me and provided me with hot water and a bed but also emotional support. My mum and I are very close so moving out was  tough for the both of us but we're surviving and missing her, and my dad, is perfectly normal. I've literally phoned my mum in tears because I was homesick and just having a bad day at work - totally acceptable.

Bad things happen

You know when you think certain "bad things" won't happen to you? You hear about them but you've never experienced it? Yeah that's not true. For example; crashing your car - yes, a guy might have gone into the back of me and cracked my bumper, so not a full on crash, but things like that are real and happen to anyone. Sad but true.

Being single isn't the end of the world

This has really been an ongoing lesson because I haven't been tied to any man since high school - a whole five years ago chaps! But I am embracing it every single year and enjoy being single. Not everyone is in a relationship you know, it's not just you.

Grudges aren't worth it

What do grudges achieve? Let go of what someone has done. Forgive and move on. Yes it might take a little bit of time but don't let those grudges way you down, don't hold onto them for months on end. Something I am still learning.

You aren't always right

I feel like a should really know this after 23 years but come on, we all have times where we think we're 100% right and everyone else is wrong. Truth is 5 times out of 10 you're probably wrong. 50/50 chance of being right, and at that I'm probably being generous.

What have you learned this year?

Twitter: @simplykarah10

Bekah // SK

10 Things I'm Loving Right Now

So remember how I started doing monthly favourites and then would completely leave you guys hanging for two months and then do another monthly favourites and have left you hanging since then? I mean, no one is asking for monthly favourites but in my head I've left everyone hanging. 

Instead, I'm going to do 10 things I'm loving right now. It means I don't have the pressure of getting a monthly favourites out at the beginning of a new month, because I'll never remember. 

And I like being a little different and love change!

So here are 10 things I'm loving right now.

1. Rose Water and Pink Lemonade Face Masks

Two different face masks. They both smell AMAZING. I've always wanted to try the face masks that are an actual mask. Not a peel-off or a clay or cream mask but an actual mask. They're a little bit wet and moist, almost as if they have a gel paste on them and sometimes I don't like touching them but once they're on your face and you've mushed all the pastey stuff around then it feels nice and relaxing. Take it off once it's dry and your skin feels lovely.

I got these ones from TKMaxx, costing around £3-£5. 

2. Max Factor Miracle Touch Foundation
I've been recently wanting to try out new foundations. Maybe not new to the market but new to me. I also like different/quirky so this is pretty much perfect for me. It's kind of like a creamy foundation that comes in a compact case, almost like your powders. You get a small round sponge with it to apply however what I like to do is apply it to my face with this and then blend it out with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I really love this foundation. It's so easy to apply, doesn't feel cakey, really good coverage and feels nice and smooth. Cost: £12.99 from Boots

3. Black Skinny Ripped Jeans
I'm ready for Autumn. Overly ready. But, that doesn't stop me from wearing ripped jeans. I love wearing these with boots and also trainers. They pretty much go with anything and seem to be my "go-to" pair of jeans at the moment. Cost: £24.99 from New Look.

4. Teen Wolf
I started loving this program whilst in Amsterdam. Netherlands had it on their Netflix, I needed something new to watch, and one click later I was completely hooked. I'm not normally a super-natural fan but I really enjoy this show. There's only one season left till it finishes and I'm so sad.
I don't really know how to sell this show. I feel like it's one that you need to watch the first couple episodes and see make a decision about it.

5. Cream Army(ish) Boots
I bought these when I was in High School. About 5 years ago. So, I'm sorry to say that they're no longer in stores BUT I'm sure there are some alternatives out there...you might just need to troll the internet to find them. I bought them wanting something different for the winter and then took them home and hated them! However, paired with my black skinny ripped jeans I'm starting give them the love they should have had from the beginning.

6. Autumnal Candles
If you've seen my latest blog post about the candles I recently just bought then you'll understand why this is in this list. I love candles and Autumn so this is pretty much a no brainer. I'm so ready for the cold weather and the smells that will radiate from these candles.

7. Soap & Glory Highlighter
Oh my goodness these highlighters are everything! I currently have the blush one and it has so much glow to it. One thing I especially love about these highlighters is that you can have it as faded or bright as you like. One swipe gives you a nice little shine and the more you add the greater the shimmer. Go try them for yourselves!

8. Sims 3
You know, I was very skeptical about putting this one in. Mainly because I thought Kate would judge me, really badly BUT turns out she downloaded it last week and is hooked too! I don't know why I like it so much but I do, and it's fun.

9. eos Lip Balms
I have a little OTT collection of eos lip balms. Basically, I bought two in the UK and loved them, then went to Canada and told the woman we were staying with how much I liked them and that I was going to buy some. We went to Walmart and she asked what ones I would use (all bar two), she shoved them in the trolley and paid for them. I am very grateful to her, they are a great gift and I now have to get through right lip balms before they go out of date. BUT THEY ALL SMELL (and taste) SO GOOD!

10. Flat Hunting
I feel like I'm cheating with this one but I am so loving looking at potential flats online. Kate and I are planning on moving in together and I can't wait. This has been something we've said to each other since we were about 12 and we never thought we'd see the day when it actually happened...and it will!

What things are you loving right now?
Twitter: @simplykarah

Bekah // SK x

Instagram // Favourites

So this week I had a purge of the accounts I follow on Instagram. I started off following around 380 accounts and now I'm down at 200. I really want my Instagram feed to be a place of inspiration and beauty where I want to like every picture. I think it's finally getting there, obviously there are a good number of accounts I follow which aren't quite to gorgeous, my 12 year old cousin for example does not necessarily have the strongest of Instagram games compared to some of the people I'm going to list below.

So here is my list of my current favourite Instagram accounts.

TGIF // Friday Favourites

I would first off like to complain about the photos in this post. It was an unbelievably grey day and my camera was not in a cooperative mood. So sorry!

A blog favourite for the last month or so has definitely been BohoBerry. Kara's entire blog is perfection but I've especially loved her Bullet Journal posts. I've not found anyone else who makes such a simply, effective and beautiful bullet journal!

So You Had A Bad Day..

It happens. The bad day. Nothing goes right, you've not had enough sleep, it's THAT time of the month and everyone is just being annoying.

The internet is full of ideas for overcoming a bad day. The top 3 suggestions seem to be:

1. Yoga

2. Bath

3. Exercise

And while for some people these ideas might be great, the only one I want to do after a bad day is have a bath. So today I thought I would share a few of the slightly less predictable ways I try to turn a bad day around.

I know Bekah shared her de-stress methods a couple of weeks back but I'm thinking this would be more of an addition than an instead of kinda post! You get me?

Review // Room - Book and Film

When I first saw the book Room I assumed it would be  really depressing. I spend a lot of my time at work dealing with people who have been through horrible ordeals so I tend to steer away from books with a similar theme. When I found out it was coming out as a film I decided to find out a bit more about the story line. What I found out convinced me to give the book a go and I am so glad it did.

I think Room may be in my top 10 favourite books of all time. I've now checked out the film and I was equally impressed.

Synopsis (from the back of the book)

Jack lives with his Ma in Room. Room has a single locked door and a skylight, and it measures eleven feet by eleven feet. Jack loves watching TV but he knows that nothing he sees on the screen is truly real - only him, Ma and the things in Room. Until the day Ma admits there is a world outside.

Blogger // How to Make Your Pictures BIGGER

We've been blogging for a while now and we thought it was about time we shared some of the things we've learnt along the way. Blogging has brought with it a whole host of things to learn some of which sound like they'll be tricky but are actually super simple (if a bit time consuming!)

So today we're gonna talk about making your pictures bigger. You've probably worked out by now that when you insert your picture you can choose between: small, medium, large, extra large and original size.

Usually when you insert a picture it's automatically set to medium. Previous to finding out how to make picture bigger manually I just made them extra large. But it was never quite big enough for those photo heavy posts.

How To // A Complete Guide to Babysitting

I know what you might be thinking. Babysitting? That's easy anyone can do that. And yes anyone can. But there is a big difference between being able to do it and being a babysitter that families use again and again and recommend to their friends and that both the kids and the parents like.

I've been babysitting for a long time now so I thought I would collate some of the things I've learnt and some of the tips I have.

The Opposite of Loneliness // Book Review

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan is something I've seen around but never picked up. I kind of assumed I wouldn't really like it. And to be brutally honest I think I assumed the only reason it had been published was because she died and who wouldn't publish a book of essays and poems written by someone who died so young? I'm aware how awful that sounds but I'm a cycnic okay?

The Revenant // Film Review

So recently myself and a few friends went to see "The Revenant" at the cinema. Honestly? I was going because Tom Hardy was in it.

I knew it was nominated for a good number of awards but that doesn't necessarily get me interested in a film. It's a problem I've always had with the Oscars and the BAFTAS and other such awards, you can always predict the films that will do well, without even seeing them and often they're films I don't even want to watch.

So basically I was going to see this film knowing that

a) Tom Hardy and Leonardo Di Caprio were in it 

b) There was a bear attack and
c) It was set in a cold climate

Book Haul // February

 So once again I succumbed to the siren call of Waterstones. I just can't help myself, it's an addiction. I managed to restrain myself to four books. Some of you may be thinking "four books seems like quite a lot" but when you spend around an hour in the bookshop with a pile of around ten books, only buying four is an achievement.

How To // Netflix

Update: sadly Netflix have made the frankly awful decision to block the use VPN's such as Hola. Goodbye American Netflix..hello slightly more dubious internet sites so I can keep up my addictions..
FlixSearch still works though :)
Kate x

Hola

If you haven't already I cannot recommend installing Hola onto your internet browser. Hola is a legit Google Chrome app and it's super easy to use. It allows you to browse Netflix from a different location. All you British people can access the US Netflix, which seriously increases the number of TV shows you can binge watch. You are welcome.

FlixSearch

This is my new favourite website. Anyone who has Hola will know that having the ability to browse Netflix from other countries is great but it can also be very overwhelming. FlixSearch allows you to search the name of a movie or tv show and see in what country it is available on Netflix. You can then use your hola app to go to that country and badda bing badda boom freedom.

Apologies for the many hours of procrastination I have just made possible, enjoy!

Kate // SK

Book Review // The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Synopsis (from the back of the book)

On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives at a grand house in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. Though curiously distant, he presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations ring eerily true.

As Nella uncovers the secrets of her new household she realizes the escalating dangers they face. The miniaturist seems to hold their fate in her hands - but does she plan to save or destroy them?

Rating

3/5 stars

Christmas Presents and Sales Haul // Sleek, Charlotte Tilbury, Waterstones & More

Hello lovely people! It feels like it's been a while since I blogged but that's only because I got so used to blogging every day in December. Hats off to any blogger who does proper full blogposts every day and has another job around it!

Today I thought I would show you a few bits and bobs that I've got up recently. Some of these I was given for Christmas and others I picked up in the sales.

I thought I would start with the very very best. My sister got me this Charlotte Tilbury Glastonberry lipstick. She wrapped it up and put it in a shoe box which had me very confused but I was SERIOUSLY excited when unwrapped this. I've wanted a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick forever and this berry colour is absolutely gorgeous!

I picked this book journal up at Waterstones during their 50% off sale. It's by Moleskine and I'm in love. I love notebooks and I love reading so it's the best of both worlds (rrp £17.99).

If you read my recent New Years resolution post then you may know that one of my resolutions is to right up a little sum up and word of the day every day of this year. I saw this notebook from Valentina in TK Maxx and thought it was perfect. (£4.99)

When this trend first appeared I thought it was ridiculous. Why on earth would anyone want a ball of fluff hanging from my bag or keys? But as you've probably guessed, I changed my mind. I ALWAYS, and I really do mean always, spend about 5 minutes at my front door rooting around in my bag trying to find my keys and getting gradually more and more worried that I'd forgotten them. Not any more though, it's hard to miss a giant fluffy ball in my bag! (New Look - £3.99)

This book caught my eye as soon as I walked into Waterstones. The cover is gorgeous and when I saw the illustrations inside I was sold, plus the story is super cute. I would highly recommend picking this one up, especially if you have kids to read it to! (Waterstones - £14.99)

I spotted these earrings in Primark and thought they were super cute. Primark is so hit and miss with jewellery, there's always a few things I love and a few things that are just awful. (Primark - £1)

 

I love Burt's Bees products in general (especially their body wash), but as always Lipbalms are my weakness. This honey one is gorgeous and actually smells of honey, not fake manufactured honey smell but legit straight out of the jar honey. (Boots - £3.99)

 

You can never go wrong with a Sleek pallet and this Storm palette is no different. The colours are absolutely beautiful and I don't think there is a single colour I won't be able to make work. (Boots - £7.99)

From left to right: Charlotte Tilbury - Glastonberry, Sleek Storm Pallette - Sand Storm, Snow Storm, Calm Before the Storm, Thunder Storm, Perfect Storm, Firestorm, Dust Storm, Gathering Storm, Storm Cloud, Electric Storm, Eye of the Storm and Blackout.

And there you have it. I'm officially very skint and I will not be going shopping anytime soon (although I did make Ebay and Amazon orders recently so keep an eye out for those!). I hope you enjoyed this post and maybe even spotted some things you'll pick up yourself. I also apologise for the number of times I've written the word "Storm" in this post!

Thanks for reading, tweet us your favourite Christmas purchases @SimplyKarah10

Kate // SK x

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