So don’t know what’s gotten into my system, but I’ve been reading like no tomorrow recently. I used to be such a bookworm when I was was younger, going through a book a day sometimes! But growing up, sometimes all I want to do is put Netflix on and relaaaax.

However, it’s one of my ’19 in 2019′ challenges (see my blog here for the full list) and so I’m 1.5 books off of my goal this year of non-fiction. And I tell you what, now I’ve got back in the swing of it, I’m hook, line and fully sunk. But let’s crack on with a review of ‘This is Going To Hurt’ by Adam Lay.

Now, this was released in 2018 and I feel like everyone I knew was reading this book. I saw people on the tube, people on sunbeds on holiday – EVERYWHERE I LOOKED PEOPLE WERE READING IT! And so, deciding to finally take the plunge a whole year later (obvs late to the game…) decided to read it.

First off, it was a nice easy read – although it’s evidently a medical based book, the author has kindly explained in the footnotes those medical terms that are a little bit confusing who are not in the profession. Secondly – it based on the diary format, then split into chapters dependent what job role they were in.

Now – in parts of this book – I laughed hard. As his career focussed on obs & gynae, the book highly focusses on the labour ward. Now I’m nowhere near the having kids part on my life, plus after reading about births and vaginal tears and all that gloriousness in the book – my eyes are deffo open to it all and it deffo isn’t happening any sooner 😂 Sorry mumma, but you’re a long way off being a grandma!

However, this book is also an insight into the NHS. I have friends who work for the NHS, and I already hear stories of their long hours and ridiculously low pay. But this book is a way for people who don’t have a connection to the NHS to begin to understand the stresses our nurses, doctors, medical staff and all other wonderful angels of the NHS go through. We are so incredibly fortunate to have the NHS in the UK. But unfortunately right now, it’s becoming extremely noticeable that more and more of it is becoming privatised – as those who do work for the NHS are not paid what they truly deserve and there just isn’t the funding into the public services anymore.

Whilst this book is side-splitting at times and has nearly made me spit out my tea at points, it’s ending does bring you straight back down to earth. It opens your eyes that not everything can be fixed. It shows that there is clearly times where mistakes can be made and sometimes it can be life-threatening. It’s a sobering ending and makes you realise the extreme stresses of the workers of the NHS.

It took me a year to read this book, and I can only wish that I had read it sooner. Adam has written an incredible book and I can only hope there are more books to follow. I’m definitely looking into attending one of his live shows (he’s now a comedian… not a consultant) and dragging my other half.

Go get it out of the library, pick it up at the book shop, ask a friend to borrow it! Just go read it and thoroughly enjoy every page.

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve read it and what you thought! Also what are you reading at the moment? Always looking for new book recommendations 👀

–

Francesca xo

Ok, so I’m a little bit in love with this book. Having visited Auschwitz and Birkenau when I was a bit younger, its easy to begin placing this story in the actual place, thinking of the blocks, the cramped beds and the sheer cold (I went in February time, it was a feel-like temperature of minus 20°C…)

Having read the book in it’s entirety, from cover to cover, you can see how it has been adapted from screenplay to novel – it’s still very screenplay-esque (just making up words here…) but the way Heather Morris is able to capture Lale’s story is truly beautiful. The horrors of Auschwitz is something that most people learn in History classes, and all you can begin to do is try and imagine what these people went through and what some of them still live with. The book is a way of allowing people to connect to what they assume as characters, but turn out to being very real people.

The book itself challenges the way we perceive the Holocaust – it does not romanticise it in any way, despite one of the many storylines being the development of Lale and Gita’s relationship. It’s brutal and honest, displaying how people were trying to make the ‘right’ decision in order to survive. There were absolute horrors and the book does not try to hide this in any way at all. It’s clear, open and paints a picture of what was actually happening in these concentration camp. After reading this book, it allows you to see the camps in a different set of eyes, considering the horror through their eyes. By doing so, it makes it ever more real for people who were born 50 years later.

I really enjoyed the book and found it easy to read – it was a hook, line and sinker situation, so after 3 sittings, that was it. I’ve already lent my copy to 3 people and they all find it to be exquisite in its own little way. If you’ve read the book, let me know in the comments what you thought of it! And if you have any recommendations as to what I should read next, let me know.

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Francesca xo

I’m back for another – is it worth it?

This time I tested out Gatorade Multipack. Now I’m usually a water gal in the gym and if I’m reaaaally feeling it I’ll maybe buy a Lucozade.

So these are the key points we’re gonna look over:

• Packaging – how’s it lookin?

• Price point – is it worth it?

• How’s it tasting?

• Would I buy again?

So, let’s dive right in!

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Packaging – how’s it lookin?

So the variety pack comes with a sports towel and a squeezy bottle – the bottles themselves are pretty vibrant and obviously reflect the flavours (lemon, orange, red orange and cool blue). I am a fan of the bottle tops – easy to sort of grab and go in the gym, but also good for a clutz like me, because I constantly drop things 😂 (take one look at my chillys bottle…)

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Price Point – is it worth it?

So the multipack – which is 12 drinks, a sports towel and water bottle – comes to £29.99. Now at a regular supermarket, you’re looking at about £2 a drink. Those bottles are smaller than those in this multipack – plus the sports towel is super absorbent and soft to the touch. As a whole – I like the fact I can bulk order the drinks to ensure I get all the drinks I need without having to buy one every time. If this is something that you’re guilty of (my other half especially…) then a multipack is a great way to get everything you need in one go!

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How’s it tasting?

So I had a go at all the flavours, and if I had a to rank them, see below 👀

1 – Red Orange

2 – Orange

3 – Cool Blue

4 – Lemon

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Would I buy again?

Based on taste, convenience and also the extra sports towel and bottle, I’d consider purchasing this again – it gives you the option to try multiple flavours and makes purchasing sports drinks suuuuper easy!

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Francesca xo

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Disclaimer: Pepsi (Gatorade) have gifted me this multipack set, but all views are my own.

I could go on and on about happiness. What is it? What quantifies it? Who came up with the idea and why does it make us feel good to be happy?

A lot of different things in life could make you happy. My other half makes me happy. My friends make me happy. A sunny day with an ice cream also makes me pretty happy. So does a good book.

About 2 years ago (back in 2017, back before my other half and back when I thought I was livin da vida loca) I purchased ‘Happy: Why more or less everything is absolutely fine’ by Derren Brown. 2 years later, in 2019, I have finally finished this book. Btw, this is nothing about the book – I just majorly struggle with non-fiction books 😅

I love Derren Brown’s exploration of the philosophical theories behind how happiness is quantified, qualified and how it is depicted through time. It explores Socrates to Stoics (I have to say I enjoyed the Stoics the most). BUt don’t let the title fool you – this is not a self-help book. But it did make me question what makes me tick as a person – what makes me happy as a person and what influences this.

Whilst I’m not a huuuuge non-fiction lover – I’ve challenged myself to read 5 this year – I did really enjoy this one. It’s not too philosophy heavy and also Derren Brown has sprinkled in some anecdotes, making it wholly relatable and breaks it down.

I’d recommend this for a read – especially if you’re a lover of the non-fiction. It’s a fairly easy read and the way that anecdotes have been popped in break it up, making it something that you can pick up and return to whenever you fancy.

Francesca xo

Every morning I follow the same routine. Up at 06:15, quick shower, face cleaned, teeth brushed and out the door.

Now, my skin isn’t perfect everyday of the month (whoever does have that sought after perfect skin, please let me have your genes… please?) but I have sought help over the years, experimenting with different brands, different routines and different treatments.

At the ripe old age of 23, I finally have a skincare routine that fits my needs and cares for my face the way I need it to – thanks to the lovely ladies at Clinique.

I’ve gone through so many brands for the past 10 years (yes, my mumma had me cleanse, toning and moisturising before I could look at a make-up wipe) and for the life of me none of them had the same effect that Clinique had.

Now I’m not a brand ambassador and I’m not trying to sell you anything – but as I always love reading about products that people are using and the latest technologies and developments in the skincare world. So, here is my Get Ready With Me – Morning Schedule 💁🏻‍♀️

So I currently use the 3-step system, cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising my face. The lovely ladies at clinique sat me down and discussed my skin type, how I was currently caring for my skin and any concerns I may have had. I went for Type 3 skin – combination/oily (as my t-zone can act like a slip-n-slide at times…) and purchased the below 3 products which I use with the Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush and the Anti-Blemish Solutions Deep Cleansing Brush Head…

1. Foaming Sonic Facial Soap / 2. Clarifying Lotion 3 / 3. Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel

Now these are my base 3 products – my initial babies – since then my skincare has grown to include the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel and Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Now – the thing I love about Clinique is that they sit you down and discuss your concerns with your skin and what products may be best suited to use in order to give your skin the best chance of being the clear, dreamy skin you crave.

Since using these products, I’ve definitely been able to control my skin a bit better, controlling breakouts and bad skin days – combatting them with the help of Clinique’s products.

Tell me about your everyday skincare – what brands do you use? Or do you have serums that have changed your daily skin care life? Let me know in the comments below!

–

Francesca

xo

I can’t believe it’s another month down. 2019 is well and truly flying by and it’s just insane. So as another month rolls by, here’s my favourites of this month…

1. First off the bat is my new phone – the iPhone 8. I know what you’re thinking, isn’t the newest one the iPhone XS or something?? My old iPhone 6s died its untimely death this month and I decided to try something a little newer (mostly for the pics) but I’m thoroughly enjoying the new phone – especially the glass back which allows for wireless changing 😍 let’s just hope it improves my instagram game – which you can follow here

2. NINE NINE! So I have always been a firm lover of the characters Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago, now I’ve finally convinced my partner to start watching it, means I can binge watch to my hearts content 💙 What is also great, is that Brooklyn Nine Nine is also available on Netflix for me to watch allll day and allll night 😏

3. So I’m currently on a summer shredding hype (Christian Guzman‘s youtube got me on a hype whilst I was at the gym…) and so I’ve been trying to find something that still satisfies my sweet tooth whilst covering some basic nutrients. Hello Alpro Soya Caramel Desserts 😍 low in fat, plant proteins and super tasty – YES PLEAAAASE, I’ll take 10!

4. I’m so sad as I write this… My beautiful Lozza glasses have unfortunately cracked 😭 I’ve had these babies for 5 years. 5 YEARS MAN. And it’s bittersweet saying goodbye to them. They have been the most comfortable glasses ever and now I’m gonna have to hunt for a pair just as great – hopefully it’ll be a quick search.

5. If you know me, I am a firm lover of elephants. I honestly believe that they are the most incredible creatures ever in the entire world. So being a lover of elephants, it’s no surprise one of my favourite disney movies is Dumbo. So you better believe that when Primark announced a Dumbo collection, I was there in a heartbeat.. and I am in love. One piece which is a solid favourite of mine is the hot water bottle – which is not only adorable but also super useful for me 😍

So – that’s my favourites this month, why don’t you tell me yours? Comment down below things that you think are worth a try and the favourite things you had in March!

Francesca

xo

I’m back for another – is it worth it?

This time I tested out the beaut Eyelure Luxe False Lashes. Now I’m not a big false lash girl – occasionally I’ll whip out the Ardell Demi-wispies (my original no.1 bae), but theses lashes are well, a little more va va voom 👀

So these are the five key points we’re gonna look over:

• Packaging – how’s it lookin?

• Ease of use – instructions are clear? Easy for you to use?

• Price point – is it worth it?

• Did it work?

• Would I buy again?

So, let’s dive right in!

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Packaging – how’s it lookin?

I won’t lie – I’m kinda 50/50 about the packaging.. it keeps the lashes safe in a little box (as they’re reusable 👀) but also it can look perhaps a little cheap? I mean, don’t get me wrong – it does the job, it’s super sturdy and works as a protection to the lashes. But I feel Eyelure could have gone the extra mile here.

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Ease of use – instructions are clear? Easy for you to use?

Right – I am used to using Demi-wispies, which are super light and natural lashes. My initial thought when I looked at these bad boys was that they’d be weighty and difficult to apply… NEVER IN MY LIFE HAS APPLYING LASHES BEEN SO EASY!!! Not only that, but once these were on my eyes, they stayed on all night and I couldn’t even feel them. They were so lightweight and so comfortable – it was flippin incredible! I didn’t need to pop any mascara on these bad boys and I tell you now, I’ll be wearing them more often!

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Price Point – is it worth it?

if you’re a fan of lashes with a bit more OOMPH – I’d 100% recommend these badboys. They’re easy to apply, they’re lighweight and they are beautifully made. Ok, so they’re maybe a tiny bit more pricey than your classic one use lashes for a night out – but these last for 15 – 20 uses if you look after them. That’s £1 a wear… that’s a lot better than a quick £5 on some lashes that you’ll use once!

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Did it work?

Well – I’d had no issues applying these lashes, and I love the fact they come with an applicator and glue in the case. They gave me a lovely full effect of lashes which I’ve never done before in a make-up look – but it saved on multiple coats of mascara and feeling like my lashes are never really there. Obviously its noticeable you are wearing false lashes – but I love the effect they create.

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Would I buy again?

Based purely on how it worked out for me – I’d consider purchasing these beauts again. Looking at the Eyelure range I’d like to try out no. 6 next!

It’s just become March – where has February gone? It’s flown by and I honestly don’t know if I closed my eyes through all of it or if it just never happened!

So lets see what made the top 5 for February Favourites 😊

1. February has been a very health based month – I recently fell back in love with the gym which I’ll talk about in a sec…. So I’ve dusted off my Fitbit Charge 2 and it’s reminding me to get off my ass and get moving! But also keeping track of what I am doing and when I smash those daily goals 😊
2. My new gym – recently convinced by my other half to join – has become a second home. David Lloyd has so much to offer compared to my old gym, with the ability for me to swim, play tennis and still do everything I love. Me and my partner are able to train together more frequently and I may have started going more regularly thanks to this!
3. You on Netflix. Oh my god. Me and the other half absolutely binge watched this and cannot wait for season 2. If you need something that is an easy watch but also gripping – would totally recommend this for you (especially with the rainy weather that is coming…
4. Tesco has done it again – unfortunately no link as F&F is not available online 💔 But I picked up a beautiful pinafore denim dress for a cheeky £18 (i thiiiiink?) and it is my new fave piece. It’s so easy to style and easy to layer up!
5. Ok – so all the work at the gym, there’s got to be room for a treat right? Hello Halo Top 🤤 I’m a huge fan of the birthday cake flavour – but not only is it a naughty treat, it also has protein in it, making it a perfect after gym treat! It’s available in quite a few supermarkets and also soooo many flavours (and dairy free too!)

So those are the top five for February – let me know what are your favourite things in this month?

–

Francesca

xo

So I recently acquired the Mr Bright Charcoal Teeth Whitening Kit with LED and thought I’d test it for you. I’m going to be reviewing this product with five key points in mind:

• Packaging – how’s it lookin?
• Ease of use – instructions are clear? Easy for you to use?
• Price point – is it worth it?
• Did it work?
• Would I buy again?

So, let’s dive right in!

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Packaging – how’s it lookin?

I won’t lie – I’m kinda digging the packaging. I’m a big fan of the duck egg blue and it’s quite fun and simplistic. Plus it’s easy to grab, as it’s a small box which has all the things you need inside. One thing which did confuse me a little is that the syringes actually have clear liquid inside them, not black – which is kiiiinda what the packaging insinuates…

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Ease of use – instructions are clear? Easy for you to use?

So looking inside the box (apologies I took these after I started testing – hence empty syringes…) it’s pretty compact. There is a set of instructions, a teeth whitening scale, 3 syringes of actual product and the LED light with a mouthguard.

I am telling you – that mouthguard was soooo uncomfortable the first 3 times I used it.

So the instructions were pretty simple – however, whilst the box says 10 minutes – the instructions read 10 to 30, which is obviously a massive difference to how long you use it. For the purpose of this, and hopefully to get the best results, I did the 30 mins for every use.

Overall the whole contraption was pretty easy to use and the instructions super easy to read. One thing though – THE MEASUREMENTS ON THE SYRINGES. It would be so much easier if the measurements linked to how much you were supposed to use each time – rather than guessing.

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Price Point – is it worth it?

Big question here. So this kit is usually £40. That is a lot of money, when I can buy a tube of toothpaste which has whitening properties….

I mean if this product made a huuuuge change in my teeth – I’d consider it. But read on to find out why I’m not.

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Did it work?

2 weeks of use. 12 30 minute sessions. And there has been NO IMPROVEMENT.

To ensure I was being fair, I even blindsided my other half with the scale, asking him to rate my teeth 1 week in and at the end. And do you know what he said? He gave me the same number before I even started…

So for me this product is a big fact NAY

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Would I buy again?

Based purely on how it worked out for me – I wouldn’t be purchasing this again and will stick to my tooth whitening toothpaste and mouthwash… Sorry Mr. Bright!