Week Review: 15th March 2014

It's been such a hectic week this week, what with all the dissertation work I've been focusing on (not that any of that boring-ness will be reflected in this post!) so I haven't had a whole lot of blogging time but fear not! A face mask review post is on it's way to you shortly!

But for now here's a look back at what I've been up to (minus the uni work) this week:

// Ed's Easy Diner // We climbed a mountain // Roche //
// Pizza on top of a mountain // The view // Dublin Planning //
// Comfiest leggings // Forgotten photo from London Zoo // Cancer Research //

Ok so Saturday was definitely my busiest day this week. Started off with a trip to Ed's Easy Diner with my mum and brother, which was great (not just because of the American food) but because we rarely spend time as a family anymore and I've honestly missed it. Then I went to Newport to see Roche and since it was such a sunny day we decided to climb (that's probably a bit of an exaggeration) walk up Twmbarlwm Mountain. Roche packed pizza to have at the top (now that's my kind of picnic!) and the view was honestly amazing. We were so high up we could see the entire city and over to Bristol; even if, at the time, I wondered whether the climb was worth it! I'm so unfit it's unreal, let's blame the asthma I had when I was a child to make myself feel better for my complete lack of being able to breathe on the way up...
Then the rest of my week consisted of planning mine and Roche's trip to Dublin, which my Dad ever-so-kindly paid for as my birthday present from him. We're going from 2nd-4th of April, which doesn't sound long but we have 3 full days there and are definitely planning to make the most of it. Definitely going to squeeze in a trip to Dublin Zoo while we're there (I'm becoming zoo-obsessed...). I also ordered some check leggings from Topshop which came a few days ago and I am loving them! I live and die in leggings but these are without doubt the comfiest pair I've owned and I don't think my photo does them justice so I'll leave the link to them at the bottom of this post.
Finally, as I'm sure you've seen on your Facebook feed or on the news, women in the UK have been posting "no-makeup selfies" in order to raise awareness of breast cancer and get people donating. I don't know about your newsfeeds but there was a lot of negativity going around with them. People posting asking others to stop "clogging up" their newsfeeds with makeup-less photos and angrily saying it has nothing to do with breast cancer. Whether it makes sense or not those "no-makeup selfies" have raised £2million (and counting!) which is an incredible achievement that hopefully silenced those who labelled it as "pointless".
Now I think it's a great idea and I wish I had the confidence to post a makeup-less selfie but, as an Alopecia sufferer, I find it incredibly difficult to bare all of my "facial-baldness". So no I didn't post a selfie but I did donate and I hope everyone continues to do so because it is a great cause.

I'd love to hear your "no-makeup selfie" stories or if you have any tips or ideas for places to visit in Dublin they would be much appreciated too!

And anyone who's interested in those leggings:
Topshop Check Leggings (£25)

Let's Catch Up!

Ok so as I said in my last post, I've been Blogger AWOL for 2 months so I thought I'd do a catch up post of everything that's got on in that time. It seems like an absolute blur looking back on it and trying to remember what I've been up to; what would I do without Instagram to remind me?!

End of December 2013:

// White Christmas with Gramp // Millie versus reindeer decorations // Fajita Night //
// Christmas Eve cinema trip with Mum // Christmas PJs tradition // Presents from Boyf //
// One of the Xmas presents to Boyf // Dexter & Uni Work // Presents from me to me //

I was lacking the festive spirit so my Gramp decided to put on White Christmas which, I know, is a classic but I'd never seen it. Adding to the Christmas spirit, my Nan came back with light up reindeer and sleigh for their back garden which my dog in no way appreciated; she didn't know what they were or why they were in her favourite carpet spot but she wanted them gone! Not really in-keeping with the "Christmas tone" of this part of the post but Roche and I decided to have a Fajita night which is definitely something that needs to be done more often! Then onto Christmas Eve, which is full of traditions in my family, starting with mine and my Mum's annual Christmas Eve trip to the cinema which this year involved Saving Mr Banks. I honestly can't rave about this film enough, it's just an all-round great family film full of the Disney magic I'd been missing. Christmas Eve ended how it always did, with Christmas Eve PJs, this year's being a reindeer vest and red shorts set from Boohoo. Christmas Day was full of the usual family festivities and the new addition of driving over to Roche's in the evening to do our own little Christmas. He knows me so well getting all of my favourite things; pug make-up bag and calendar, Nirvana T-Shirt and of course Batiste dry shampoo (where would I be without it!). I bought him something the big kid deep down inside of him (ok really not that deep down...) had been mentioning for months in the run up to Christmas; Lord of the Rings Lego including Gollum figurine to remind him of me (long story short: I used to get called Gollum in high school because the resemblance was uncanny). Finally, no rest for the wicked, uni work doesn't stop just because it's the last couple of days of the year but I couldn't face doing it without my beloved Dexter and buying myself some presents as a reward for trying to be a good uni student!

January 2014:

// Millie's Vets trip // My first opticians visit // My usual view //

// Cinema Trip: American Hustle // Puppy-sitting // Ruby Tuesdays // 

// Night out // Hangover Day // High School teacher on Pointless //

January absolutely flew by! So to start from the beginning (leaving out New Years which was awful), Millie does not in any way like the vets, I don't blame her, I'm probably the same when I go to the doctors but she was properly shaking and hiding under chairs and, being the mean owner that I am, I just couldn't resist taking a picture! I also, at almost 21, had my very first eye test. Probably something that was long overdue but it turns out I have good vision and no need for glasses! Summing up my usual view in photo three, Roche and football, can't say I'm in any way a football fan but I am a fan of Roche so if keeping him happy means watching men run round in shorts then it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. We also went to see American Hustle which I was kind of expecting more from considering how huge the cast was. That being said I did really enjoy it but it was one of those films where it ended and I wasn't sure what to make of it. I then got to do something I absolutely love doing; puppy-sitting! Anyone who knows me knows I'm near-enough obsessed with puppies and dogs in general and I cannot be held responsible for the "aww" noises and baby speech that leave my mouth when a puppy crosses my path so I jumped at the chance of looking after Roche's dad's puppy Jake. Little tinker. Then there was some Ruby Tuesdays action (love, love, love!) and a night out for no other reason than we all needed to de-stress and I had a new dress, which is from Missguided and has accelerated my love of tartan. With every night out, brings a hangover day which involved not really moving from the sofa for 90% of the day. Finally a total surprise while flicking through channels, I spotted my high school geography/form teacher, who has to be said was my favourite (if we're allowed to show favouritism). Needless to say he did not do very well, which was gutting because judging by Facebook we were all rooting for him! Genuinely lovely man, even when we used to wind him up a treat.

February 2014:

// Another night out // Sudden realisations // London Zoo //
// Valentine's Day // Want an adventure // Cinema trip: Lego Movie //

// Russell Howard's Wonderbox // Babysitting the Dweebs // Birthday celebrations //

And finally, February! Another birthday night out with (mostly) my favourite people to celebrate some people completing Dry January. Following that I realised that uni will be over forever in a few months and, since I've had the absolute best years of my life so far, it's the scariest thought having to leave this place and these people. I had a sudden realisation that everything is going to change (I'm not good at change!) and I have no idea what I want to do with my life. It's an adventure I suppose! Speaking of adventures, Roche booked us a trip to London Zoo for my birthday because I absolutely love zoos and the nearest one to me is Bristol which, I hate to say it, has gone downhill in recent years. Onto my first ever Valentine's Day! I know it's all commercialised and you should show you love your partners every day not just one day a year but it was my first one and no one's ever bought me roses before so safe to say I got caught up in the Valentine's moment. Also with the pressures of dissertation writing, even more recently, I've just fantasized about dropping everything, hopping on a train and exploring somewhere I've never been before. I'll do it one day, I love adventures. Yet another cinema trip to see The Lego Movie, which I didn't think would be my thing, but I surprised myself by LOVING it! I recommend it, it's just a happy film. Last week I went to see Russell Howard live and it was just the pick-me-up a needed, I was crying with laughter throughout the whole thing, he did not disappoint! Then this weekend Roche and I were puppy-sitting the troublemaking Spaniel Jake again which I will honestly never get tired of. And finally, it marked a week until London Zoo and my 21st birthday, expect a blog post!

Week Review #7: 15th December 2013

// Revision & Johnny English // Nan & Gramp's 50th Anniversary // Stole Boyf's Cap //
// Starbucks // Knackered Boyf // New Scarf //
// The Hobbit // Puppy Williams // Mum's Christmas Tree //

Sorry for the late week review (again!). Been having some health issues lately so blogging took a bit of a back seat. Last weekend was spent revising for an exam I had Monday but I couldn't resist watching Johhny English while it was on TV! Sunday I had my Nan and Gramp's 50th Wedding Anniversary meal to go to. It was so nice to be around the family because, since I've been at uni, I've spent any time with them. Considering I'm in my third year of uni that's a lot of time I've missed! One thing I will miss over Christmas is the hot chocolate in the uni Starbucks, they spare no expense on the cream! You get an absolute mountain and don't get charged for it. The last week of term is always hectic and the fact that we had 3 assignments in that week really did take it's toll on Roche, flaking out under the Christmas tree! Although he did manage to get me an early Christmas present in the form of a Topman scarf which I love; he couldn't have me being cold! (Or just got sick of me complaining about how cold I am...). Then Friday night we went to go see The Hobbit which was amazing! And featured a pug cameo which made my day. Pugs are taking over the world I tell you! Then this weekend I spent at my mum's with my dog following me round acting like my shadow (I've missed being stalked by her...) and we put up the Christmas tree! Still don't feel Christmassy though, despite typing this at my Nan's house, which resembles Santa's grotto, while watching White Christmas. It has to kick in at some point surely?!

Week Review #6: 8th December 2013

//Train Essentials // Train Selfie // Liverpool was Christmassy //
// Roche // Star Wars Purchase // Costa //
// Liver Building // Dinosaurs at the Museum // Roche Again //

A very much overdue week review! So last week I went to Liverpool for a few days with my boyfriend to do some more sightseeing and Christmas shopping in a city that we both love. We got to do a lot more this time round and it definitely seemed less rushed. On the Wednesday we just wandered round and hit the shops because the 4 hour train journey killed us off; who knew you could get so tired from just sitting on a train for 4 hours?! I didn't buy a whole lot but I did pick up a Star Wars top that's got the characters as they would be in the 70s if they were in their school year book. Then just had a chilled evening of food and drinks. After the last couple of weeks of uni it was definitely a welcome break, just to relax away from Cardiff and spend some quality time together because, despite being on the course and seeing each other every day in uni because of that, it felt like we'd hardly actually spent any time together (weird).

// Couldn't resist train selfies! //

// Chilled evening with the pub and a wander round looking at festive things //

Thursday was when the real sightseeing happened. We got up early to make the most of our day because we had to get the train back at 5pm. Started with yet more shopping (how could we resist?!) then we walked down to see the Liver building, think we must have taken a photo of it from every single possible angle between us!

// Morning of shopping! //

// Liver Building // Museum of Liverpool //

From there we saw the Museum of Liverpool and thought what better way to learn more about the city than find out about its history which was actually really interesting. After that we took a wander down to Albert Dock, which I can imagine looks so pretty at night, where we stopped for a much needed Costa! There's a definite Beatles vibe in a lot of the places we saw around the city (understandably) yet this time we didn't manage to actually do any of the Beatles tours or go to the Cavern Club which I reeeally wanted to do.

// Costa // Dinosaurs! // Ancient Greece // Roche //

But hey ho there's always next time! Finally we had a bit of time to kill before our train so we went to the World Museum (two museums in one day, how cultured do we think we are?!). Couldn't resist going to see the dinosaurs first, we're suckers for anything prehistoric so standing infront of a dinosaur skeleton for five minutes was enough to turn us back into excited children on a school trip. There was also a little aquarium in there and I loved the Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek exhibitions (yes, Disney's Hercules songs were playing in my head the whole time I was in that one!). 

Then we had the looong train journey back which, after all that walking the last two days, I found it very difficult to stay awake in. Next time I'd love to visit the Cavern Club since we missed it this time round and I'd definitely want to do the Sightseeing Bus, not only to save my little legs, but because I like knowing all the inside information the tour guides tell you.

All in all a much needed few days!

Week Review #5: 24th November 2013

Star Wars Trilogy // Uni Night Out // Uni Presentation
Liverpool Countdown // New Boots // Doctors
Breakfast with Mum // I'm a Sucker for Sugar // ASOS Order

How am I on my 5th week review already?! This week seems a bit of a blur to me and, if I wasn't so snap-happy with the camera on my phone, I'd probably have no idea what had happened this week. The main reason is that on Thursday I had to do a presentation (I'll talk more about that in a minute) and it's all I was able to think (and stress) about for the first half of the week.

Anyway, the beginning is always the best place to start so on Monday I had a surprise present from my Dad in the form of the original Star Wars trilogy. Then Monday night me and the Uni Gang went to Glam (in my opinion the best nightclub in Cardiff) to "dance the night away". Those nights are probably one of the things I'm going to miss most when uni is over, I'm far too attached to these guys!
Tuesday I spent creating my uni presentation, which I'd been putting off because I panicked every time I looked at it. Wednesday marked 7 days until me and Roche get to escape Cardiff for a few days to do some shopping and sightseeing in Liverpool (I'll no doubt do a post about that next week!).
Thursday was a busy day! My new boots came in the post, just in time for me to make my way to the doctors (which I seem to be living at atm) and then at 2pm I had my presentation. Anyone who knows me knows I'm the worst public speaker. I get beyond nervous and have panic attacks and in high school it was a well-known fact, by teachers and pupils alike, that if a presentation was set I would be conveniently ill that day. It sort of became a running joke in high school but this uni presentation wasn't one I could dodge. I had to basically do a presentation about what my dissertation is about and how I'm going to do it. I spent the whole time waiting for my turn staring at the door wanting to run straight for it. My uni supervisor even said "Every time I looked at you you were looking at the door, I thought you were going to leave" I simply replied "I was". But I got myself through it and decided to reward myself with an ASOS order as soon as I got home!
Saturday morning I met up with my Mum for breakfast and a wander round the shops and I honestly need to do that more because I really do miss her now that I don't live with her anymore. She also treated me to some Galaxy drinks and when I got home I saw my ASOS order there waiting for me.

Here's the outfit in full:

(Excuse the odd socks!)

And here's the status my boyfriend did after we got out of the presentation room (being lovely as always...):

Week Review #4: 17th November 2013

My new Parka came // Assignment hand-in day // Chocolate overload

Got a 2:1 // Roche's Bitstrip obsession // Thinking I can multi-task

Rugby at Varsity // Star Wars was on TV // Starbucks Sunday

Time for another week review! These weeks seem to be whizzing past me at the moment, feel like it's going to be Christmas before we know it. So, since in the last couple of weeks the temperature has taken a downward turn, I decided to order a Parka from ASOS which came on Monday and I'm in love with it. I'd forgotten what being outside and feeling warm at the same time felt like until now! Tuesday was assignment hand-in day for me at uni and after slaving away all last week I was beyond relieved to hand this one in. That's two assignments down, what feels like a million to go. After the hand in Tuesday, Roche surprised me with a maaaaaassive bar of Galaxy and endless cups of hot chocolate while watching This Is The End (highly recommend it if you love anything Seth Rogan/Jonah Hill). We're such hardcore students; alcohol-fuelled night out after a hand-in? Nahh chocolate and a film it is. Thursday I got my first assignment of third year back which I was desperate for because 1) second year my grades took a turn for the worse and 2) I wanted to see how high the bar was set in third year. I was more than pleasantly surprised with 65% which is a 2:1 and the grade I'm hoping to get when I finish uni in June so to know I'm on track felt amazing. Not sure if any of you have the Bitstrip app but it's becoming a kind of obsession, which usually involves people insulting each other (jokingly) and posting it on Facebook (in the case above Roche taking the piss out of my driving...). Friday was a nothingness day really. I'm really indecisive and didn't know which I wanted to catch up on first; reading* or The Walking Dead, which resulted in me trying (and failing) to multi-task. Saturday me, Roche, my housemate Laura and Nick went to Varsity for food and to watch the rugby. Wales were playing Argentina and, with the final score being 40-6 to Wales, there were some very happy people around Cardiff! After the game I went home and watched Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with Roche before making our way to his and then this morning doing some Christmas shopping (and having a much needed Starbucks break!) in town. (As you can probably tell by the name on his Starbucks cup I don't actually call Roche by his first name ever, just to clarify any confusion! haha). I'm starting to feel so Christmassy what with all the lights around town and Christmas songs playing in shops, it genuinely puts me in the best mood. 

Here's a full length picture of my ASOS Parka (in petite, £85). It may sound pricey but the warmth you feel when you're wearing it beyond justifies the price tag!

*Currently Reading: No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay.

I can't rave about this author enough, if you like thriller/suspense type books Linwood Barclay is definitely your go-to guy. This is the third book by him I've read; the others being Too Close To Home and Trust Your Eyes. I honestly can't pick a favourite, you never know which way the story is going to go and I find it so difficult to put the books down. If you want well-written suspense novels look no further!

Week Review #3: 10th November 2013

Bit of a different "week review" this week. I've got a uni deadline on Tuesday so I've spent the last week slaving over my computer and, as much as I'd love to have been blogging instead, I've been essay writing. So my entire week can be summed up in these four pictures really:

uni work // Vulcan Lounge with Laura // more uni work // films and cwtches with Boyf and his dog

So because my week has been uneventful I thought instead, as it's a Sunday, I'd do a post about my "Sunday Pamper Routine". Every Sunday night, to prepare my skin for the week ahead, I give it a bit of much needed attention, away from my usual daily skincare regime. This pamper session is made up entirely (with the exception of my La Roche-Posay Serozinc) of Origins products, which is quickly becoming my favourite skin care brand.

So I start off with Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash (£18) which targets both oily and dry skin so if you have combination skin this would be perfect for you. I'm not a massive fan of the smell but obviously that's just personal preference and that's honestly its only downfall in my eyes. After using this my skin feels super clean and its very gentle. I have really sensitive skin (or just plain fussy skin as I like to think of it) so there's a lot of products that my skin flat out objects to and I tend to get a reaction. That's not the case with this, or any Origins product I've tried, so I'd definitely give Origins a go if your skin is temperamental like mine.

Next I use Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion (£33). Now this one is a bit pricey and I can't lie I've only got a sample size that came free with another Origins purchase so not sure if I can justify re-purchasing it when I've run out. That being said, this is one of the best facial exfoliators that I've used. You can feel it working (without feeling like you're rubbing sandpaper on your face) and my skin looks so much smoother and brighter after it's scrubbed away all excess dirt or dead skin cells.

Following that I use Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask (£22) which is aimed at unclogging pores. I never used to have a problem with my pores but the more makeup I started to wear (and how lazy I used to be with my skincare routine) made them a lot more visible. This mask "does exactly what it says on the tin" as my Nan would say. When you first put it on it comes out quite dark, which makes it easy to see what parts of your face you've missed, then becomes less noticeable as it sinks in and works its magic. I leave it on for about five minutes before removing it with a cloth and hot water (I should probably have mentioned that that's how I removed the last two steps too!). It doesn't leave your skin feeling as tight as other masks, my skin tone looks a lot more even after using it and the next day my pores look visibly reduced.

Then it's time for my La Roche-Posay Serozinc (Review here: http://emmawillz.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/review-la-roche-posay-serozinc.html) which removes any remaining traces of cleanser, scrub or mask that could still be lurking on my skin before my final step. This last step is another mask and quite possibly my favourite ever Origins product. It's Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (£22). I apply this before I go to bed and leave it on overnight. It smells amazing and it's heavy enough to feel like it's working but not so heavy that your skin can't breathe or that you feel sticky or clammy. It may seem expensive but it goes a long way and honestly the way your skin feels the morning after using it makes £22 seem like a bargain; hydrated doesn't even cover it. 

Monday mornings are always difficult and, although I dread them, it's probably the best my skin looks and feels all week which, lets face it, makes even the dreariest of Mondays seem ever so slightly better. My skin tone is more even, my face looks brighter, feels smoother, any breakouts appear tamed and pores practically non-existent. 

I can't rave about Origins enough so I'd love to know what your favourite Origins product is?