15 December 2017

Blogmas #7: A Luxury Gift Guide




Sometimes you want to spend a bit more on the people you love, and you want to splash out, spoil them and really show just how much you love them. With that, comes luxury gifts, and if you spend a lot of money you want to be sure it's not going to be a waste of money. So here's some of my suggestions and recommendations if you want to spend just that bit more money. 
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12 December 2017

Blogmas #6: A Baylis & Harding Christmas



I have to pinch myself when parcels like this appear on my doorstep. Baylis & Harding are one of my favourite body care brands, they do high quality products at reasonable prices, and their packaging is always spot on. Their scents are timeless, and their Christmas gifts are always some of my favourites to look at when I'm walking around the Christmas gift sections in a store. And this year is no different.
 
This year there's some classic scents included, as well as some new pieces, and there's even choices for men. So let's take a look at some of my favourites pieces in my annual Baylis & Harding Gift Guide.


WHAT'S NEW?

First of all let's talk about the Fuzzy Duck Festive Collection. First of all, I'm obsessed with the name and it's inspired by it's own Costwold country inn. The packaging is one of my favourites that they've done, it's so country and cute, yet super festive. There's a few pieces available which I think make great presents, including the Luxury Slipper Set and the Hamper, but I'm totally in love with the Wash Bag Gift Set*. The bag itself is gorgeous and feels like velvet, and is full of little travel goodies in their Christmas scent - Mulberry and Misletoe. You get a shampoo, conditioner, body balm and shower gel. It's a great present for anyone who likes travelling or who is going on a holiday. The scent is to die for, it's very festive and warm and I love it. It's probably my favourite of all the scents I have here.
 
They've also thrown in a new home scent this year as well - which again, is to die for. It's so festive homey. The scent is Winter Spruce and Berries, and smells like exactly that. You can get a diffuser, a three-wick candle or as you see here their Christmas tree candle* - which they did last year as a style as well and just makes a super cute gift. As with all their candles the scent fills the room and the candle lasts a really long time. Just the design of the jar is enough to make me want to light it every evening.
 
And then something else - I'm not 100% sure if it's new but I definitely haven't seen this before, I'd remember - is their limited edition Prosecco Fizz Luxury Hand Wash*. Now I have a B&H handwash in both my bathrooms, and in my kitchen, because I love them. The scents are there and they last forever so they're great value for money. But this scent - oh my god. I wouldn't say it actually smelt like prosecco - I can't remember if prosecco even has a scent, I'll have to buy a new bottle to test. But the scent is amazing, and the bottle just scream Christmas luxe. Not the most exciting present, but dressed up like this and you have a winner.


 
THE CLASSICS
As well as some fantastic new scents, their good old favourites have some amazing gift sets as well that I think everyone will really love. The Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit scent is always a favourite of anyone I speak to, and I think this gorgeous Sequin Bag Set* is such a good gift for anyone who loves beauty, but also has a bit of style. You get a body wash, a body spritz and their hand and body lotion - all three really great products and is really affordable.
 
If you're looking for something more suitable as a stocking filler, or a secret santa gift, then this super cute Midnight Fig & Pomegranate Bath Set* is ideal. LOOK HOW CUTE IT IS! In this tiny tub you get a body butter and shower crème, in this incredible scent. It's presented so nicely, and the little tub is really handy next to the bath or shower to put any jewellery in that can't get wet - just a little tip for you there!
 
Baylis & Harding is a classic brand, it's super stylish packaging, and feels really luxe for a reasonable price tag. I love these sets, and I know if I gave anyone one of these sets, they'd be really pleased.
 
Much Love, Lisa May x
 
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11 December 2017

Blogmas #5: Stocking Filler Gift Guide



You're never too old for a stocking. My Mum still does one for me every year (well, a shared one now), and I love it. I get as excited about the stocking as I do my main presents. And let's face it, it's more because of the tradition behind it. Getting up early, curling up on my parents bed and showing them everything Santa gave me.

But there's something to be said for cute little gifts in a stocking as well. They can be super cute, super useful and very thoughtful. I've had gifts from Lush bath bombs, to lipsticks, to books and cds. Nail varnishes, games, and a chocolate orange. So here's some of my favourite things that you could put in a stocking this year.

The best thing to do with a stocking, is to really think about the recipient, like any gift, and make it all about them and their interests. You could even pick something random, like a Snowman baking timer, to give to an avid baker like this one from Sainsbury's. Or, get an animal lover a pair of cute socks with their favourite animal on them, Accessorize always do great ones, including some awesome Christmas themed ones, and they tend to be 3 for 2 as well.

Something that I love in a stocking, is a notebook or a book. They're always really handy and can be really useful. A small notebook that can be handbag friendly is the perfect gift for someone who likes to carry one around, fill with notes and ideas, dates and more. Urban Outfitters do some amazing designs, fit for every personality. I love this marble version as it's super slick and looks really pretty. But also, a really cute idea is this amazing little quote book. I got this one for my birthday, and I am obsessed. It's full of motivational quotes, friendship quotes and is so sweet as well. It's great for someone who works hard, gets stressed really easily or just likes little cute knick knacks.

 Games are always a nice thing to pop into a stocking, whether it's a little travel game or an extension - like this Cards Against Humanity box - it'll always be handy around Christmas. Got to love games at Christmas, and Cards Against Humanity is ideal for everyone - however this is definitely more for a guys stocking than a girls. If you want to go more than a girly route, you can't go wrong with a candle - a little tealight is perfect, or a small votive. I love this little White Company Winter candle, it was around £10 and it such a wintery, Christmas scent. Highly recommend!

Then we have some beauty pieces - let's face it I couldn't do a stocking gift guide without any beauty pieces. And I love receiving anything beauty themed in my stocking, it's one way to win me over. A hand cream always goes down well, and I love this collection from Rituals. It's great for all year around and the quality of this is awesome. Also, another essential is definitely a lip balm, and if you're in the beauty sphere then you'd have been hard-pressed to miss the launch of Glossier in the UK this Autumn. And I think their Balm DotCom's are the perfect stocking filler, great quality and a range of flavours to choose from so will suit anyone. And what else do you need to go alongside your balm? A lip scrub! Basically a stocking isn't a stocking without something from Lush, and their lip scrubs are second to none, the best out there and a necessity for winter lip care. As well as bubblegum, they have a couple of Christmas flavours out at the moment as well.

Much love, Lisa May x
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6 December 2017

Blogmas #4: Some Baked Christmas Treats


You guys know me, you know I love to do a little bit of baking - especially for an occasion. And Christmas is such an occasion! I love baking at Christmas, and there's so much to do and there's so much stress around this time, that it's good to take some time to do something stress relieving and relaxing as baking. So here are a couple of really simple snack type bakes, quick to do and also both vegan-friendly!
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5 December 2017

Blogmas #3: Tips for Catering for Large Groups


Sometimes Christmas brings the pressure of catering, and entertaining a large number of people. Whether its for drinks, games or a meal - and this can get incredibly stressful. For a few years now, I've been cooking a Christmas meal for a large number of friends once a year - and while I love doing it, it does come with stress and pressure. So here's my tips for staying cool under the cooking pressure, and how to deal with catering for a large number of people.


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4 December 2017

Blogmas #2: Gift Guide - For the Home


Tis the season for giving gifts - and I LOVE it. One of my favourite things about Christmas is thinking about the perfect gift for the person, and then seeing their face when they open it. Since owning my own property gifts for the home have been a big hit for me. I love little presents for the house, and getting home gifts from people you love just adds something extra to the home. So why not do this at Christmas?
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1 December 2017

Blogmas #1: Tanya Burr 12 Sweet Days Advert Calendar Review



Welcome to the first day of Blogmas! Yes, it's the first of December which means the start of Christmas themed blog posts and videos over the next twenty four days. You lucky folks! For day one I thought it would be apt to review a beauty advert calendar - it is December 1st after all. Over on my channel today you can see me opening the Tanya Burr 12 Sweet Day's Advent calendar, so you get all my first reactions, and over here - you get to read my review on each of the products.
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30 November 2017

Testing: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation



I'm always trying to find the absolute perfect base for my make up. I find if you can't get the base right, then you have to work twice as hard to get the rest of your face looking how you want. So when I hear rave reviews about a foundation, that seemingly ticks all the boxes on my foundation wishlist, it takes a bulldozer to stop me trying it. Enter, Laura Mercier's newest base addition.
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26 November 2017

Ten Years

 
 
Ten years ago today my husband asked me to be his girlfriend. And I said yes. Ten years. And what a ten years it's been. Our relationship has seen every adult life choice and event we've both experience, it's seen long distance, it's seen epic holidays, but most of all it's seen love, and friendship, and fun. so to mark our ten years, I thought it would be fun to share our story, year by year.
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22 November 2017

The Lip Series: Why you need lip liners in your collection



When I was growing up and getting into make up I was adamant I had to avoid lip liners. All I could see was liner around my lips and a paler colour inside. Just, no, so many no's. But, as I get to know make up a little better, play around with it more and understand I have come to the realisation that lip liner is basically a must have, but only when used properly...
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20 November 2017

Why All the Hate

 
I was never planning on writing a post like this. I like having my own little positive space on the internet where things are happy, positive and supportive. However, I also want my blog to be an online extension of myself, which is a real person. And as a real person, there is always going to be some negativity.
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8 November 2017

Glossier: Worth the hype?


 
Just over a month ago US brand, Glossier, launched in the UK - and I have never seen as much hype around a brand launching in the UK. You shouldn't turn anywhere in the community without seeing a pink bubble bag, or the tell tale white product packaging with bold black letters.
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6 November 2017

Planning a Picture Wall


I've always loved the idea of having my own home, and filling it with personal touches and momentos. Including, but not limited to photo frames decorating the walls. Photos have always been a bit of a thing for me, people know that I bring a camera, I take photos and capture the memories we're making - so it just makes sense that I'd decorate my home with them. 
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1 November 2017

Testing: Failed Dupes for Holy Grail Base Products

 
Finding a potential dupe for a high end product always gets me super excited. Firstly because it means I can finally stop spending out on the higher end version, and second of all I love sharing dupes with you guys. Now, not every attempt works out the way I hope, so I thought I'd share a couple of those with you today.
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30 October 2017

Monthly Highlights: October 2017

 
Sometimes it's easy to let life pass you by, and it's even easier to just focus on the sad, or stressed out moments. Those days where you just feel like life sucks and you want to go back to being a kid again. I'm absolutely guilty of this - but I don't want to be. So, to help me stay in the here and now I want to pop a post together at the end of every month to remind myself of the great moments that happened. Welcome to the monthly highlights!
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27 October 2017

Beginner's Guide: Identifying your Skin Tone


It's so important to know what skin tone group you fall into. Knowing this will determine the shades you use across you face, including blush, highlight and lip shades. It'll help steer you into the right direction when looking at make up counters and trying to determine what shade of something to go for. So to help you out, I've popped together a little guide for beginner's who don't know how to identify this.
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23 October 2017

Beauty Wishlist

 
Let's throw another wish list into the mix shall we! A couple weeks ago I pulled together a homeware wish list full of cute little accessories that I'd love to somehow acquire, but today it's all about my most coveted beauty products.
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20 October 2017

The Lip Series: Rimmel Does Dupes


Is it just me that gets super excited whenever the word "dupe" is thrown around? As much as I love beauty products, it really does pain me when I spend the same amount of money on one product when I could get maybe five or six. Therefore, as the next post as part of my "Lip Series" I thought I'd share a couple of my favourite lipstick dupes.
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18 October 2017

Visiting: Harry Potter Studio Tour


There's something so magical about returning to your childhood as an adult. There's so many times in a day when you feel old, when being an adult can sometimes be too much. When you try to remember what it was like to be a child, not to have to worry about the mortgage, getting your fireplace serviced or when to turn the heating on, you know you've reached full on responsible adult stage. So if you can return to your childhood, even for a few hours, you need to take it.

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16 October 2017

Beginner's Guide: Choosing a Drugstore Highlight



I'll admit it, I've been a blogger for over five years now and I've only recently jumped onto the highlighter bandwagon. I've had one from Mac for a little while now, which I adore, but I figured it was time to really try some good alternatives out and get to know this trend like the back of my hand. And share my findings with all of you...
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6 October 2017

Home Accessory Wishlist

 
It's been a little while since I've done a home post on here, and it's not because I haven't updated anything on the home. Because I have, we decorated two rooms and everything. However, they're not 100% finished so I didn't want to do my before and after yet. And the rest of the house I'm just not ready to shout about yet. What I wanted to do however was put together a little home accessory wishlist, because I'm continually coveting pieces so I need a list of sorts to remember them. But also - my birthday is approaching.
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4 October 2017

Budget Blendable Eye Liners from Rimmel



Once upon a time I lived in black eyeliner. I had one from Chanel that I got from the duty free and I wore it religiously. And it wasn't just on the lash line on the lids, oh no - it was all around the waterlines - top and bottom. So I resembled a panda somewhat. As my make up tastes grew I swiftly moved away from this interesting look and haven't really touched liners much since. However - I wanted to talk to you today about a range of eyeliners which have bought my love.
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27 September 2017

Testing: L'Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara



Mascara is one of those make up items that I tend to stay very loyal to - because I am super picky. A mascara has to hit so many plus points for me to actually want to use it and pick it up on a regular basis, otherwise it'll just get ignored and dismissed. So when I find one I love, I stick to it like glue and it's on my repurchase list time and time again.
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25 September 2017

Transitional Autumn Look Book



You guys know, or you do now, that I love Autumn. It's mainly because my birthday is in November, and you know Christmas isn't far behind, but it's also because of the fashion. I love to cosy up in a good pair of jeans, comfy slouchy jumper, or a cute dress with tights. It's like Lisa fashion prime time. I do love Summer, but I find it so hard to dress for it, and for a girl whose not super skinny or slim, summer fashions don't tend to do me many favours.
 
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20 September 2017

The Lip Series: Spend vs Save

 
 
Welcome to the first blog post in my new feature across channel and blog, The Lip Series. I love a good lip product, and truth be told they are probably my favourite beauty product - I just find nothing can quite change a look like a lip. So as part of me trying to create content I enjoy (because let's face it, it's always so much better for you guys if I like what I create), I wanted to dedicate a whole series to the lips.
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18 September 2017

Staying Motivated Working from Home

 
Working from home definitely has it's ups and downs. It has flexibility, you can work in your PJ's if you wish, and you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home. However, home is where distractions can be, so it can be really hard to focus down.
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13 September 2017

How to combat your sick face

 
Yup, totally appealing title, I know. Now, I wrote a similar post a little while ago around how to look after your skin when you're feeling especially poorly. However, today I really wanted to focus on how to disguise those "tells" on your face - the ones that people pick up on and say "Oh wow, you really don't look well do you".
 
Lovely, lovely people.
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11 September 2017

Amsterdam: My Top Things to Do

 
 
Amsterdam is one of those cities you feel like you have to visit, at least once in your life. And after seeing picture upon picturesque shot on Instagram I was super excited to go and explore. We went this past weekend for a long weekend to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary (side note - how did THAT happen) and so I wanted to share with you my top things to do while you're there.
 
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8 September 2017

I Heart... Angela Clark, and so should you



So yesterday was a great day - do you know why? It was a day all Angela Clark/Lindsey Kelk fans had been waiting for, the release of the next I Heart instalment. I KNOW! Exciting right? I pre-ordered a paperback version pretty much as soon as it became available, and I think it's the first time I've looked forward to coming back from a holiday because I wanted to read a book. But I am, SO SO excited.

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6 September 2017

The Chloe Faye Dupe



I'm going to be honest, I've never been a huge "bag" person. I've never looked at a bag and physically swooned the way I have at a pair of Jimmy Choo's. I can appreciate their beauty, and like all girls a Mulberry wouldn't go unloved, but it's just never been a must for me. However, when bloggers started showing off their Chloe Faye bags I started to pay attention.
 
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4 September 2017

The Perfect Transitional Scent



Summer is, pretty much over and done with, which means Autumn is officially in the air. As I've stated on most blog posts since September hit... Because of this I feel like there's a lot of transitioning happening in various different ways. I've noticed I'm reached for richer lip colours, darker eyeshadows and comfier jumpers. But some things I find actually work through both seasons, and today I want to talk about a super transition fragrance.
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1 September 2017

Hello Autumn, Let's Refresh

 
 
It's the first of September. When did that happen? Honestly where has the past year gone, it's insane. I always love this time of year when we're transitioning into Autumn. This may be an unpopular opinion but I actually prefer Autumn to Summer. I feel like this gives you the opportunity for a refresh, a new start and a way to blow the cobwebs away.
 
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22 August 2017

My Current Hair Routine

 
 
I actually kinda like my hair right now - I mean it's due a trim and touch up on colour, but generally it's looking good. I had a couple of inches cut off a few months ago and it's look healthier and shinier than it has for a while. I think this also has something to do with the products I use.
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21 August 2017

Eyeshadows to Enhance your Eye Colour





Eyeshadow was always one of those products I was never really worried about until the past couple of years. I was more concerned with mastering liquid liner, it was always just an after thought. However, fast forward to today and I couldn't live without the stuff. I love creating different looks, playing with different colours and attempting to master a smoky eye.
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18 August 2017

Top 10 Make Up Picks, Under £10



A new video has gone live today folks so make sure you check it out! I'm talking you through my top ten make up products, for under £10.
 
Watch it on YouTube here, and don't forget to subscribe!
 
Much love, Lisa May x
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17 August 2017

I don't want an Instagram theme




I feel like I may have just broken some blogger code by putting this as my title, and putting it as a blog post in general. Why would I be a blogger and not want an Instagram theme, surely that’s part of the game right?

Wrong. Or at least I think so.

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16 August 2017

My current base products




Finding the perfect base is like finding the perfect husband. I feel like I've said something similar before... But there's one big difference. You don't just need one perfect base. You only need one husband, but you can play the field with your base, mix it up, test the waters. And for me, that always seems to work best. I have a few different favourite bases right now, all of which I use on a pretty regular basis. They have different use cases, and satisfy different needs. So I thought it was time I ran you through my current base collection.

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15 August 2017

New Home Accessories



We've been in our new house for about seven weeks now, which seems crazy, but it really does feel like home now. A few of your have asked for more home style posts, so I've popped together a video showing you some of the new home accessories we've purchased to pull it all together. There will be many more home hauls to come I'm sure - but in the meantime I hope you enjoy!

Watch it directly on YT here, and don't forget to subscribe!
 
Much love, Lisa May x
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14 August 2017

The Wedding Guest Outfit





It's been a while since I've been to a wedding that I'm not a part of. In the past year I've been to three weddings. The first was my own, so had quite a big part to play with that one, the second was my best friends so had major Maid of Honour duties, but the third was my cousins - and I was just a guest. Which was super nice.

While that was nice, and responsibilities were basically zero, there was then the question of - what on earth do I wear? For mine I obviously had to stick to the norm bridal look, and for my friends I was given a bridesmaid dress. So then I was like - ah! What do I do? After looking through my wardrobe I soon realised there wasn't actually that much I really liked. And the one thing that may have been suitable was blush pink, which I was told at the time was the colour of the bridesmaids to that was a no no. So, I went online and got myself a new dress, and I loved it.







This was a super steal from New Look, for only £15. I KNOW!! It's a bit different to any other dresses I have in terms of the style. It has this super cute halter type neck that comes up high, with a cute little subtle cut out back with a button to it. It clinches me in at the waist (oh there you are waist line) and then flows out to a flattering handkerchief hem. The pattern is beautiful as well, it's this deep red shade (perfect excuse to crack out the Naked Heat palette FYI), with yellow and navy flowers dotted around. A bit different, but super pretty. I teamed it with my wedding Choo's, and subtle gold jewellery accents. I left my hair down with some loose waves running through them, and my make up nice and neutral, focusing more on the eyeshadow than any bold statements.

I was really pleased with the overall look, and this dress has become a quick favourite. But, there is always the question of what is suitable for a wedding. So to help - I popped together my top five guidelines for the perfect wedding day dress, with rules I set for myself to stick to when picking my outfit.

  • Don't wear the same colour as the bridesmaids. You don't want to blend with them, or be mistaken for one.
  • Keep cleavage to a minimum. The guests are there to see the wedding couple, now your pillow couple.
  • Hemlines shouldn't be too high above the knee. Again, you don't want to steal focus by flashing your bum. Plus, if you're like me you'd be constantly pulling it down, bad look for anyone.
  • Steer clear of white or black. Obviously this is personal. But for me I didn't want to wear white, because of the bride, and black just isn't a wedding colour.
  • Be comfortable. Weddings are long days, so make sure whatever you're wearing you're comfortable in. You don't want anything super tight, super short and straps that fall down.

I hope this has helped anyone who is going to a wedding in the near future! And if you do, remember to have fun!

Much love, Lisa May x
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12 August 2017

Working from home Q&A

 
 
Something I get asked a lot by friends and family is what it's actually like to work from home. Just to give you a bit of background... I work for a company, that is technically a US based company, with offices in the UK as well. However, the closest office to me in London which is around a two hour commute away. I've done it before, and when I was approached about my current job I said straight away that the commute would be a deal breaker. So I was very lucky to be told that I could be a remote worker and come into the office as and when it's needed.
 
When I told people this is what I'd be doing, I got a few questions, and now I've been in the job for a while I get others. So I thought I'd just put it all down in a post, and just give my opinion on what it's actually like to work from home.
 
Isn't it hard to stay focused on work when you're at home?
Obviously when you're at home there are a lot more distractions, but actually I find I'm much more productive. What's good is that actually you can take breaks to do little bits and pieces around the house if you need, and then come back and be more focused and work more. I found when I was in an office I'd had to concentrate for longer, and it'd be harder to keep that focus. So actually no, I am definitely more focused at home because I can spend my time more wisely, and I can relax a bit more.
 
How do you separate work and home?
This was actually quite hard to do in the old house as I had my office pieces set up in our lounge/diner. It was a smaller house and it was basically the only space I could do this in - so even once I finished work my PC was still there and it was hard to turn off. However, with the new house my office is in a completely separate room. It's in the loft conversion so it's well away from normal living and chill out areas and this really helps to separate it. I think having that physical separation really helps with the mental one as well.
 
Do you not get lonely without people working around you?
Actually no. I thought this would be something that would bother me, but I'm actually okay. We use Skype for Business, so it's really easy to talk to someone or have a quick catch up which is great. Plus a lot of my colleagues are in the same situation and work remotely. I also try to make sure when I'm working from home all week that at least one day I'll meet with someone for lunch and do something - whether it's my Mum, a friend or whoever. That way I get my social side fed through that.
 
How do you motivate yourself to get up and start working?
Routine is your best friend here. It's so easy to just keep hitting snooze and thinking well it doesn't matter, I just need to get out of bed and turn on the computer. No, bad bad times. You have to get into a routine as if you were going to work for the day. I find if I used to just get up and start I wouldn't be in the right mind set. So now I try to get up, get dressed and do my skincare, make a coffee and have some breakfast. Then I'll go up to work. If you get yourself into a routine it'll be so much easier. I'm also working on making my office a really nice space to work in, so I'm happy to go in there everyday and it's comfortable and nice.
 
Isn't it super easy to pretend you're working when you can actually just do whatever else?
If you saw my workload, no. Also, I'm not that kind of person. I like working hard and doing my best, so when I'm in my office I'm working. There is always something else to do, and work to be done. I think if you're not a motivated person, and you're actually not bothered than it would be easy to fall into this trap. But it's just not in my mindset.
 
Your job can't be that hard or busy if you can work from home?
Yes - this was actually said to me. I think if you're not in marketing, then you don't really get the spectrum of skills you need to have in order to do it well, and the amount of work that goes into it to make a marketing campaign successful. I love my job, and I find marketing fun, but it is bloody hard work. I think there is a stereotype that any job that entails working from home isn't demanding, busy or hard - but actually, I probably do more work at home than I used to do in an office. My issue is stopping work and switching it off for the evening.
 
Do you have trouble stopping work at the end of the day?
Erm, yes. When you get into the zone and you work from home there's no real end of day rush that you'd get in an office. You know when home time comes and everyone rushes for the door. So you do run the danger of just carrying on. While I've been working at Mum's I've been making sure I finish at a certain time, and just set an alarm. But when I'm at home, I basically work until my husband comes home, and then I turn everything off. That's my home time rush.
 
I hope you found this interesting! It is very different working from home than working in an office. But I absolutely love it - I think I'd find it a bit weird going back now, but I have no intention of leaving my current job anytime soon. I'll be doing some more features on this so keep your eyes peels!
 
Much love, Lisa May x
 
 
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11 August 2017

Current Skincare Routine



































It's been a little while since I've done a skincare routine, or found a routine that I'm actually happy to recommend. But hey presto - here we go! I've stripped all the products right back, because I'm lazy, and my skin really loves the simplicity. So check out my routine here.

Let me know what skincare products you love or if you think there's something I need to check out.

Much love, Lisa May x
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9 August 2017

The girl behind the blog



I feel like the past year, even eighteen months, and changed my life so much, and half the time I wonder how it's all happened and what the end result is. In conjunction with that, my blogging frequency has been more unpredictable than GoT. But, now life has calmed down for a while, and I'm finding my stride, I thought it was a good opportunity to put myself out there, and allow my readers and followers to get to know me a little bit better.
 
So, I've put together a little Q&A, you can get to know the girl behind the blog.

1. Are you named after anyone?
Yes, so my first name (Lisa) was picked after Lisa Stansfield released "All Around the World", my middle name Katharine is the same as my Mum's middle name, and my other middle name May, was my great nan's middle name.

2. When was the last time you cried?
Monday probably. Hormones, plus lack of sleep and frustration is not a good mix!

3. Do you have kids?
Not yet, no. Unless you count my ginger cat Fred, because he is basically my baby. We would definitely like a family one day, but no kids right now.

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend to yourself?
I would like to think so! I think I'm quite a good friend, or I try to be. I have a very small group of close friends, and I'm incredibly loyal to them. I always try and be there when they need me, and send gifts for big events and such. So yes, I think so.

5. Do you use sarcasm a lot?
I don't think I do actually. Once upon a time I would have said yes, but I'm definitely more about the wind up and banter now, as opposed to sarcasm.

6. What's the first thing you notice about people?
What they're wearing. Don't ask me why - but it is. I love shopping and clothes, and I feel like I get my inspiration from other people, so yeah. Their clothes! Hello superficial Lisa...

7. Scary movie or happy endings?
Happy endings, every day of the week. I'm one of those people who likes to watch the same things over and over because I like to know how things end. I'm also one of those people who reads the last chapter of a book first because if I don't like the ending, I won't ready the book. Wish I'd done that with Gone Girl... great book, awful ending.

8. Favourite smells?
Rain, which sounds weird, but I love the smell of rain. I was saying to someone the other day that if someone could put that scent in a candle I'd buy it on repeat. In terms of a fragrance, I love Soap & Glory's Sugar Crush scent, and Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede.

9. What's the furthest you've ever been from home?
When I graduated I went to Australia for four weeks with my husband (boyfriend then), and that was a good 24 hours flight away. Absolutely LOVED the trip so would highly recommend. To be honest, it didn't feel far away when we were there - it felt like any other trip, it's just the travel.

10. Do you have any siblings?
I have two brothers, one younger and one older. And then my husband has a brother as well, so technical.. I have three brothers. Fun times.

11. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher, for some bizarre reason. And then I realised I didn't actually like children, when I wasn't one, so that put a bit of a spanner in the works! I always loved writing, so the next plan was journalism which is what I did at Uni, then realised I didn't want to do the interview side of journalism - again, bit of a spanner. So I'm now in marketing - which I love!

12. How many countries have you visited?
That's a tough question, going through it, I've been to: US, St Lucia, Egypt, Australia, Wales, Ireland, France, Portugal, Italy, Turkey... I think that's it - but there could be more. That's about 10. I definitely want to increase this. OH! MEXICO! 11... How did I forget our honeymoon? Face palm.

13. What was your favourite and worst subject in school?
English was my favourite, until we got a crap annoying teacher, after that it was probably drama as it was a bit of a doss class. My worst was probably French - I with I'd paid more attention now, but at the time I just didn't really care about it.

14. What sports have you played?
So nothing now really - hi lazy Lisa. But in school I played netball, and I also did high jump for athletics. I actually represented my town in the country championships funnily enough. I like to play squash occasionally, but I don't do too much now.

15. Who are some of your favourite YouTubers?
There's a small handful that I always jump straight on to watch when they upload something new. The Michalaks are a Sunday tradition, Hello October is a must, and I love RachhLoves - she's just hilarious. I also like Fleur de Force, Copper Garden and Paige Joanna.

16. Why and when did you start blogging?
I started back in March 2012 I believe - so five years ago. And I hated my job at the time, I was working in a little marketing agency and it was a bit of a nightmare. I worked with another blogger, Katherine Louise, and she suggested I give it a try - so I did and I fell in love with it. It was a great way to escape and write about things I loved writing about.

17. Favourite post you've ever done?
Really really hard one. I loved my "Any Size" series from back in the day, I think it was a great way of showing how different trends can translate across different sizes girls. But, I also loved doing Blogmas last year as well - it was so much fun so I'll definitely do that again this year.

18. What's your first memory from your childhood?
For me it was receiving a Christmas present, which was a cuddly dog on a plastic lead type thing that made barking noises when it moved. I called her Lucy Dog and I loved her. I also remember my Mum putting her in the washing machine and making doggy noises as she went around and round. Thanks Mum.

19. Tell us one of your bad habits.
I don't put things away, which is bad - I really want to make a conscious effort to be tidier in our new house. Otherwise, I bite my nails which is really naughty!

20. How would you describe your style?
Comfortable! I love comfy dresses, midi preferably - none of these mini bodycons anymore thank you! Jeans and a baggy top, flowy stuff. Just very comfortable, but still a bit chic I would say.

21. How do you take your tea?
I don't - I'm not a tea drinker. I have tried, but I just don't like it. I'm definitely a coffee drinker, and it's usually black as well from my days of London commuting!

22. What's on your Netflix playlist?
Usually Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Orphan Black was so good, Jane the Virgin, and I've just started watching Dexter.

23. What's on your Spotify playlist?
At the moment I'm loving Dua Lipa's new album, and also Rag and Bone Man. But I will always be an Ed Sheeran girl when I just need to work or relax.

24. What are your favourite beauty brands?
There are so many... But I do usually go to specific brands when I need something. I love Maybelline as a drugstore brand, everything I try from them at the moment I love. Lip products I tend to go to Mac or Chanel, and NYX now, eyeshadows will be Urban Decay and bases really vary. I tend to just have favourite products as opposed to favourite brands.
 
25. Describe the past year:
Mental. I got married, started a new job and moved house. And there's so much more to come this year. It's all massively good exciting stuff, but I also feel like I'm ready to sleep for the next month.


 I hope you enjoyed the post! Let me know if you'd like to see more like this, it was really fun to do!

Much love, Lisa May x
 

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