LADIES before you read this post, a little warning: it's going to be very very long and rambly, so get a smoothie/tea/coffee/beverage of choice and put on your pjs. Also, you might want to look at my posts for 2015 and 2014 first...

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

This is just a quick lil post to wish everyone who celebrates it a very merry Christmas. These pictures were inspired by lovely Tolly - I did try to take them on a proper polaroid, but, seeing as it's 20 years old, the pictures came out very dark and blurry. Very sad time for everyone. I hope you've been having/will have a wonderful, relaxing, festive time and stuff yourself with mince pies. I definitely have.

This is also the last official post of blogmas! I don't know whether to feel really sad or really happy and relieved. I've already started planning my 2016 round up post and a few others, so don't think you'll never hear from me again! (not getting away that easy...)

Christmas majorly crept up on me this year, and it feels like December's just whizzed by and I haven't really got a hold of it. Actually, that feels like the whole year. I'm currently in my Christmas pj's, eating - yet another - mince pie and feeling very very very excited. I really hope you can all be with your family and friends tomorrow. I also really hope you can all be grateful together. I've been feeling very grateful recently.

And so, the very final of 2016... see the rest of blogmas here.

Have a beautiful Christmas,

Love Edie x

2017 Bucket List

Not much to this, but here are some things I want to do/places I want to go in 2017! Enjoy (and let me know if you're doing any of these). Also, I'll be adding stuff throughout the next few months so I can look back at it!

What On Earth is Wellness?

So, after a long break, today I'm going to be talking about my recent discovery and interest in the concept of wellness. I was first inspired to start thinking about these things when I watched the series British Vogue did with Camille Rowe: 'What On Earth is Wellness?' I really suggest you watch it. I genuinely believe it changed my life, or at least, changed my perception of life.

Bad Blogging and Self Discovery

I've been a bad, if you could phrase it like that, blogger. And the reason is that I've had one of the best summers of my life. I've discovered so much about myself. There are 4 things I've realised I am very passionate about and I think I'll be doing a full post on each of those as I have so much to say. I'd also like to explore doing posts based on the quality and not the quantity; so only posting things I'm happy with and feel comfortable putting out there. I'm not sure how many of you have even stuck around through a good few months of me pretty much falling off the radar (for good reasons), so if you are still here and if you're excited for the posts to come let me know!!

a new style aesthetic

My style is constantly changing, along with all the other girls my age. The films we watch, people we spend our time with, food we eat, places we go can all affect what we wear, along with our personality. It can be hard to find your own personal style aesthetic, or the 'vibe' you're going for and trying to put across. To be honest, I don't feel like I'm in a good place with my personal style, so this post is for me to try and see things more clearly, and hopefully to give you some inspoooo.

For me, I love taking inspiration from films (Eve in god help the girl!! ( and Cassie too because Hannah Murray is the coolest)). Again, you can be influenced so much by tv and the media. I also really like to look at instagram accounts. @70sbabes is always the way to go.

Right now, the aesthetic I'm going for is kind of street, kind of girly, but effortless. I'm not sure what you'd call it, but think bobs, bubblegum, hoop earrings and denim. Blame online shopping. The unisex dressing section on the urban outfitters website has me swooning - all those jackets and I want want want.

Here is a quick list of things I've been loving...

Shopping wise, I've had my eye on two pieces from, the best, Asos (scroll down to have a peep). One being, shocker, actually practical. It's a cosy black denim jacket.. and I've been needing one for a while! Super casual with a borg collar, it's the perfect staple piece for that awkward stage between winter and spring. The next one is something I wouldn't normally wear, but I think I could just about pull off wearing casually. A beautiful playsuit with sheer detailing and embroidery. It's from a brand called Fallen Star, and I've never owned anything from them before so I'm really intrigued by it.

SHOP: 1//2

In other news, I've just come back from Marrakech - post on that soon - with a tummy bug and a heart full of luurve for that beautiful city. In one day when I'm sitting in a freezing cold classroom listening to how Austro-Hungarian imperialism was a catalyst in World War One, I know how much I'm going to miss wandering around the Medina and lounging about in the sun.

( you can follow my tumblr here if you liked the photos in this post )

2015

This year has possibly been the most exciting of my life. My blog turned 2, I hit 50,000 page views (!!), and hit 40 followers ( not on bloglovin ). Big year for the blog. Hasn't been too bad for me either - in between starting to realise the pressure of GSCE's, I've been to new places, met new people, and just had a beautiful year.

Trips away

I fiiiinaaaaallllyy went on a trip down Columbia Road, and have since been twice because it's absolutely beautiful. It will forever be one of my favourite places in London. The little shops lined up and down the streets, the smell, the atmosphere - all lovely. Also, for my birthday we visited Sketch on Conduit Street and had the best time. The food was insane, and a completely pink room covered in David Shrigley illustrations ticks all of my boxes. I felt really really posh and British, and although we probably shouldn't spend that much money on tea and cake, it was an amazing treat.

Americaaaaa

This year we visited California for 4 weeks, and I love love love love loved it. We went to 7 different places ( los angeles, beverly hills (90210!!!!), santa monica, santa barbara - all of the santa's ), and ate so much junky food. Venice Beach was amazing, and I loved going to all the different vintage shops, wandering about, seeing my cousins, swimming, and doing yoga for the first time (on the beach (at dawn)).

Amsterdam

My dream came true and I visited Amsterdam with my best friends. Ticked off the bucket list - anne frank house, canal tour, floating flower market, and waffles. We even stayed on the (voted) most beautiful street in Amsterdam, so, yeah, get us.

I GOT A DOG

Aaaaaaaaaaaw and the cutest one. Poppy is so funny, and I could spend hours with her. Also, she has got a major haircut since these pictures so she no longer looks like a mop hahahahaha.

London fashion weekend

My lovely mum got tickets to London Fashion Weekend, and we went to see the Sibling show!! I sat in the front row and felt really really sophisticated and cultured :)) But then I stood in the courtyard of Somerset House feeling really small and uncool. But it's okay because, in a ridiculous way, I loved the whole experience.. ft so much coconut water I could die. For my lil blog, I feel insanely lucky to have worked with some incredible companies too, W7, Punky Pins, TheBalm.... I still find all this crazy!! A pretty big thing, I joined the secret blogger project and made the best friends, I love them all to bits.

This year I need to drink more water, I think maybe getting an app that tells me how much I need to drink in a day is the way forward. Also go to more sessions of rowing training, no matter how much I have to force myself. Anyway, thank you for following my blog, see ya on the flip side.

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now playing: warrior laura marling/mykonos fleet foxes/wash bon iver/small things ben howard/samson regina spektor

what i've done this month

I've loved this month. Good month. In between all the end of term tests and getting up at 6:40 everyday ( paper rounds are still a thing ), I've managed to have a really, really lovely time.

• Invested in some new Christmas jumpers
• Christmas-y day at Harrods
• Went ice-skating at Westfield, and, you know, fell down
• only went to the JINGLE BELL BALL
• Made the most of the Christmas filters on snapchat
• Spent approximately 15321673584 hours wrapping presents
• Made a wreath
• Went on a well overdue visit to Monki on Carnaby Street!!
• Skiing :)))

I'm really looking forward to the 25th. We might go skiing and it's supposed to snow ( whiiiiite christmaaas ). If not, it'll be so nice to have a really laid-back day just eating and watching films. 

I hope everyone has an amazing Christmas, hugs from France

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now playing: mr maker the kooks/summertime sadness lana del rey/wasting my young years london grammar

my bedroom is a grotto

 

 

A really cluttered grotto. I love seeing posts on other people's rooms, and videos on room decor ideas etc, you know, being a nosy person and all. Especially during Christmas, there are too many tempting pieces in the shops (santa mug and christmas banner are essential), so I thought I'd do a post including some of my new, not really needed items. But it's Pinterest-y so I don't mind.

The pillows on my bed are from asda, ikea, urban outfitters and primark, and the penguin is from SeaWorld (13 and still lovin it). The bedding's from asda, too. Got my ever-growing collection of books peeking out a bit, and my really, really messy desk. This is on a good day. Also, isn't the light up house the cutest thing you've ever seen?

ps - I've put baubles on my fairy lights like every year, and nearly broke my ankle whilst doing it.

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(This post is part of a little blogger series I'm taking part in called the "secret blogger project 2015" run by teen bloggers Emily , Rebekka and Charlotte. About 30 of us will be writing 4 times per season on selected little lifestyle topics and you can also go onto the twitter and Instagram hash tag "#secretbp2015" to have a little chat and view everyone's posts. If you would like to join or know more (we'd love to have you!)  Instagram dm @theperks0fbeingemily or if you don't have Instagram, send a quick email to  rebekkarosebeautyxo@gmail.com!)

now playing: ghosts laura marling

birthday gifts

 

rookie yearbook 2/deliciously ella/origins set/urban outfitters jumper/miss selfridge dress/tea tree toner water/love lettuce face mask/venessa arizaga bracelets 1 and 2/topshop bikini/soap and glory blush/stan smiths/aesop shampoo and conditioner/mac paint pot

MY BIRTHDAY WAS ON THE JULY 12TH. Bit late, Edie. I think I might have left out a few things by accident, and as I'm writing this I just remembered one thing.. Ah well.

01  The two books - Deliciously Ella was a surprise from my mum, probably with good intentions to make me eat healthier. Sorry mum. The recipes are actually beautiful, and I really really really want to try them!! After picking up the rookie yearbook 1 in April and falling in love with it, I've been begging subtly hinting for the second one. aaaaand of course I love it.

02 The mini origins skincare set is from boots but I don't think it's available there anymore. It was so handy for going away and it all smells amazing.

03 Urban Outfitters: the clothes are beautiful but the prices?? I showed my mum this jumper and she hated it, but still it wound up wrapped in front of me.. and I think it's starting to grow on her. The dress was a surprise after we were walking through Topshop and I spent a good 10 minutes looking at it.

04 What is a haul without some Lush? The tea tree toner water is an essential for me and I've gone through too many bottles. The face mask was a gift from one of my lovely friends because they know me way too well.

05 Oh mum, you know what I like. I'd heard of Venessa Arizaga before, but never really considered buying anything because it's ridiculously overpriced. I'm not sure how my mum found out about it, but I love her for it ♥

06 My collection of bikinis is forever growing, and this one from Topshop I LOVE. But can you imagine the tan lines?

07 Also don't need any more blushers but this is a bronzer and a highlighter too sooooo can you really argue? The only things I own from mac are lipsticks so the paintpot in chilled on ice was a lovely gift, and the colour is gorrgeeeoussss!

08 STAN SMITHS. YEP. REALLY. Anyone who knows me will know how long I've been wanting these. I wear them 24/7, I'll never get bored, they're just too perfect. It's simply a bonus they go with everything.

09 And finally, the kings of skincare, Aesop. I think they're mostly known for their hand balms and hand soaps, but I was really intrigued by their hair care. So far, this is the only shampoo and conditioner that won't make my hair feel like straw in the morning when I go to sleep with wet hair. 

in my bag

lush handy gurugu hand cream/minted rose lip balm/extra peach gum/phone/bus pass/oh comely magazine/lipgloss and eyeliner c/o theBalm

...summer edition!! Plus a tangle teazer.. humidity and my thin blonde hair don't mix well. I love reading posts like these for two reasons; 1) I love to see what products people love, and this doubles as an 'essentials' kind of post. 2) I'm just very nosy.

I bought my bag from joy the other day in the sale for £25, which isn't too bad. I think of it as an investment, because it goes with everything and despite how small it looks, there are three pockets which fit quite a lot in.

lip gloss and eyeliner c/o theBalm

Recently theBalm sent me a whopper package full of goodies to review. I will be doing a full review very soon, but I thought I'd quickly mention these two products. The 'pretty smart' lipgloss is a gorgeous gorgeous colour. It's so bright and perfect for summer. Unlike the buxom gloss ( see review here ), it's not sticky at all, and I actually think it tastes a bit like peppermint. Not that that should matter, but it's a good bonus.

The schwing eyeliner: a) funky name, b) your perfect felt tip eyeliner. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I used to be obsessed with the Soap and Glory Supercat eyeliner - note the use of 'used to'. This is essentially the same, but lasts longer and has a more precise applicator.

lush handy gurugu hand cream

OOOHHH let's just have a moment of silence for this genius invention. My hands always get dry in the summer more than in the winter - don't ask, I have no idea either. But this arrived at the perfect time. It's definitely more of a heavy duty hand cream, very very rich and buttery. It also smells heavenlyyyyy. Not quite sure why it's called 'gurugu', but that's a pretty unforgettable name, and so is the product overall. 

bus pass and phone ( gotta get around man )

oh comely magazine/extra peach gum/minted rose lip balm

I always like to keep something to read with me when the dreaded boredom strikes. Oh Comely is a lifestyle magazine, and I flippin love it. It's a super cute magazine, packed full of interviews and edgy photography. I don't really know how to describe it, but it's not very serious so it makes for a lovely holiday read.

Gum - gotta keep that fresh breath. The lip balm is lovely too, I mainly like it for the packaging but it tastes really good and subtly tints your lips.

now playing: COURTNEY BARNETT 

no inspiration?

Running a blog is hard. Harder than it looks. It's hard to maintain it, stay motivated, post regularly, and most importantly, think up new content. Until a few weeks ago, I was in a major creative rut ( or writer's block ). I had at least 5 posts planned, I'd written them all out, taken the photos, scheduled them.. Then nothing. Nothing! My mind just went blank. It's very possible that it was because I had a million things on my mind or because I'd been staring at a screen for too long. Either way, it's frustrating, and hard to get out of. 

Get up and walk around. You've probably been sitting in that exact place for two hours, and you really need to clear your mind. Go for a walk down your street, around your local park, or just stretch your legs in your room. As long as you get away from the screen for a while, you'll sit back down in a whole new mindset.

If inspiration isn't naturally coming to you, go out and find it! Go to an art gallery, go to a flower shop - find inspiration in the world around you! If you're in school and an art studio is available, consider spending some time there. If you can't leave your desk, click around your favourite blogs. I love scrolling through websites like Glamour, Vogue, and Business of Fashion. Sometimes I just look around my room and I'll see a good opportunity for a picture, a product I never considered writing about, a painting, a chapter in a book, etc.

This doesn't always work, but consider taking any ideas you've written down before and developing them. If you messily jotted down something about a smoothie, make it, take some pictures and start planning how the post would look like on paper. I often see things in a different perspective when they're written out in front of me.

Make something! Blast out some music you wouldn't normally listen to, put on some old clothes and just see what you come up with. Make a collage of nice pictures you've seen floating around, paint, draw, make a hat, whatever!

Finally, just ask someone for their opinion! I ask friends who I've met through blogging, and they always come up with incredible ideas. You could ask a little kid what they think, and you'd be surprised, trust me! It's always helpful to get different peoples' views and opinions.

If you're ever in a creative rut, the most important thing is to not pressure yourself. You'll gradually feel inspired again, and it's the best feeling when you are!

HI HELLO HI. My exams are over, I only have 4 more days left of school and I'm buzzing. Tomorrow, I leave to go to Brussels with school and I'm hoping to get a post up about it when I get back. Most of the pictures will probably be on my phone though - no camera life. Prepare for a post of unorganised rambling that probably won't make sense.

I'm getting my room painted, meaning at the moment it's empty except my bed. I know exactly the style I want my room to be, but with the shape and amount of light coming in through the window, it's proving very hard. I've made a whole Pinterest board here if you want to have a snoop around.

Here are a few pictures of Poppy for those of you who've been asking ♥

Squad ^

There's this beautiful song by Willy Mason, called Oxygen, and I've completely fallen in love with it. The first time I heard it, I immediately added it to my starred playlist on spotify ( and we all know that's special af ), and within an afternoon I knew all the lyrics.

I really miss America.