Moments that Mattered.

Hey Guy's.

Hope your all okay?

You could say that me summarizing 2013 now is a little late,but now January has just wizzed by I have had time to finally sit down and collect my thoughts about 2013.

While reading through other peoples re-caps I was reading through Georgina's Blog over on She Might Be Loved which is anything new for me.Where I started reading her recap of 2013.

She then revealed that she was running a competition where you could win a iPad Mini from Llyods Bank - what a fab prize right?

So I decided that I would give it a shot,after all I am one of those people who love reading lifestyle base blog posts,so has been really fun reading everybody's entries for it!

This was so hard to choose my moments that mattered as 2013 had been a very emotional one,for the good and bad.

But enough rambling -  Here was my 2013,And My Moments That Mattered.

Turning 21.

November 16th 2013,I turned 21.

Something that me and my family three years ago thought was something that would never happen.

Having had chronic liver failure due to my Auto-Immune condition (which showed its symptoms by the time it was just to late) meant I would go on to have three liver transplants.

My last been in 2012,sadly I have always suffered with organ rejection very quickly so to recover so well in 2013 was amazing.

I became strong again,and got a chance to live life again - and love it.

Doesn't get better then that does it!

   

Moved out of home - In with My Boyfriend.

In August 2013 Me and Gareth moved in together.

We were long distance as he is in the Air Force,and although he would often come back of a weekend,we didn't get to spend much time together.

So when I was looking at flats in Birmingham to live alone it only made sense that I moved to Henlow where he is based.

So soon after we moved into our first little place,and I love it!

So nice for us both be able to spend quality time together instead of rushed weekends,where the most of it he would be seeing other people which made it difficult to spend quality time together sometimes.

We are currently looking at bigger places with more storage,so I'm sure 2014 will have its memorable moments too :) 

Titled Miss Birmingham Inspiration 2013.

I entered my first pageant last year (Miss Birmingham) and I loved it,It boosted my confidence and made me have self believe that my scars and stretch marks were all beautiful and part of me that didn't have to define who I was as a person.

So it was a privilege to then enter Miss Inspiration and have the regional title of Miss Birmingham.

This just furthered my confidence and showed me people believe I can do whatever I put my mind too,and this has helped my social anxiety by leaps and bounds so this was another one of those moments in 2013 which I always think back to when I am having a bit of a down day.

      

I Gained Weight!

Now this may seem like a really bizarre and simple things for most.

But this was probably one thing that in 2013 I was so so happy about.

On the back end of 2012 I was still recovering from my transplant and was still very under weight (As you can see I had been given a ng tube - which was basically feeding me extra over night to try and bulk me up). The NG tube had helped me gain quite a bit but I was still classed as underweight,but in 2013 I finnally reached a healthy 9 and A Half stone.

Now,I say healthy because,the fact my body was finally gaining weight meant that my body was finally happy and recovering on the inside this just made me feel so much more at ease that I was recovering well.

As well as that I was finally happy again with my body image,as I was becoming a weight that I used to be. Like I say some people may have found this moment bizarre - especially with the stigma of talking about our weight.

But it was a really really special moment for me - it showed me I was healthy and just how amazing the human body is and how incredible it works!

  

I tried more things.

Please excuse the fact,Im sat on the floor in two off these it was at a paramore gig and a day of travelling london haha. Thought was pretty funny as my phone is full of these kinda pics.

This may seem trivial to some,but anyone who suffers with social anxiety will know how hard day to day situations can sometimes be so in 2013 (which so happened to be the year it seemed to get worse) I tried to push myself and not let it affect me.

So I tried more things,like going to 2 more gig's this year 

- Paramore & One Direction...Slightly different I admit but my music taste is some what differed ha ha.

Went out on my first ever nights out - which I will admit,has took me until October to fully enjoy,which may have been something to do with been able to dress up like 'Little Dead Riding Hood'.

And even getting public transport around the UK,and going to London,which scared me so much before because of all the people now I love it,and can't wait to go again now I live so close.

 

Acorns 12km Lantern Walk

So 12km (nearly 7 and a half miles) may not sound like a lot for some people.

But this honestly broke me! It was tipping down with rain so there was so many times I just wanted to give up but Gareth just kept reminding me why I wanted to do it.

Acorns is a Childrens hospice,so this walk was to raise money for the hospice.

Having been effected by chronic illness myself I always want to try and help everyone as much as I can - part of the reason I of course started my blog in the first place.

So every time my legs started to burn I just remembered it was those little kids less fortunate then me and that if I just man'ed up I could do it,not just for them but for me.

This walk made me realize I am so much stronger then I can sometimes give myself credit for,and that if there is something I set my mind too 

I can and Will do it.

So I think that over the whole of 2013 this was probably the most memorable moment because I was walking next to the most amazing man ever,and at the end when I crossed that finish line I was full with so much emotion.

Now I know that whatever life may through at me,

wether that may be rejection of my organ again,not getting that job I wanted,or just anything that could knock me down.

That I am Strong - And I can Do It.

2013 ? What an Amazing Year.

Thank You All for Reading.

And Thanks Again to the Gorgeous Georgina & Llyods for holding such a great competition which let me remember the positives of 2013.

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

xoxo

Month's Most Loved - January.

Hey Guys!

Hope your all okay?

Today I thought I would share my January favorites with you,which I'm not going to lie,I found very hard as I have loved so much this month.

I have never done a favorites blog post before sooo I hope I can keep this as short as sweet as possible!

Rose.

By Far,this months Favorite has been Roses.

I don't know why but I have just been obsessed with bath products with rose in,and have found it has made my skin sooo soft.

The best products with Rose in though has to have been,the rose queen bath ballistic from Lush & there Imogen Rose perfume.

Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick, Shade 101 Soft Pink - £5.49 

This month I have been loving a pink lip when I have been wearing makeup,those who have been following my blog for a while will know that this is rare for me I'm usually after a much darker lip.

This shade is really natural and pretty.

I have always loved Kate Moss's range by Rimmel,and have a lot of the shades,but this is defiantly my favourite shade this month.

Lush Prince Charming Shower Gel - From £4.65

White Eyeliner.

I always have loved accenting my eyes using White eyeliner,but this month I have found myself grabbing this more then usual.

White Liner is a great way to give a POP to your eyes and really open them up,i like to use them on the inner part of my water line into the tear duct.

Really highlights the blue in my eyes.

                                     

Glam Crystals Gel Liner In Hustle - £2.99

Aswell as using white liner I have also enjoyed using this gorgeous silver liner on the inner corners of my upper lash line and also the outer part of my bottom lash line.

This is just a beautiful product that acts some glitz to a simple eye look.

I love all of the Glam Crystals,as there all super wearable and long lasting but hustle is by far my favourite with its beautiful silver glitter.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator - £7.99

I can not recommend this mascara enough.

I have pretty thick lashes so I don't really look for a mascara that will add volume but something that will just accent the length of my lashes.

And I have found my dream mascara.

This looks gorgeous on top of curled lashes and just makes my lashes look prefect.

It doesn't clump or rub off,I defiantly want to purchase this in the brown for a more natural look sometimes as this mascara defiantly lives up to its 'Extreme Black' name.

          

None Beauty Related Items.

So this month's non beauty related items for me are pretty standard,these are some of my usual go to's but since this is my first ever favourites post I thought I would share them!

I love Maynards Sour Patch Kids range,and I often change between the sour patch kids and the sour patch kids soda popz. They really are sour first then sweet - Yummy.

But I have seen that in the states,they do Sour patch Kids Chewing Gum - Whattt! I want some :( haha.

Also another favourite is Coca - Cola Vanilla.

Its just a nice change from the standard one and I remember I used to have this a lot and then they stopped selling it so last year was super happy when it got relaunched - YAY!

But I have been purchasing cans now as I'm trying to drink a little less fizzy pop (which is proving pretty hard).

So those were my January favorites :D

(But seriously how fast has this month gone?)

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

xoxo

Valentines Gift Guide - For Her Under £40

Hey Guys!

Hope your all okay ?

So today I thought I would upload a little post with a few Valentines gift ideas for her - this could be for your wife,girlfriend,sister,mom... You get the point.

I have seen quite a few similar posts so thought I would try too add some different gifts (with a range of prices) as well as those that most girls will tell you are a sure win as a gift!

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Heart Lollipop - £1.45 Each

I thought these were adorable !

Each one has a cute little tag on so you could use initial or even make a little message.

These would be great to give to a friend or family member (after all not everyone has a valentine) or I thought these would be pretty cute popped into a Gift bag with another present for your other half.

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Mini Bottle Of Love Keyring - £4.90

Such an adorable keyring!

Most girls love all things dainty and sweet and this most defiantly isn't an exception. 

They could put this on their keys or even attach it to a cosmetic bag or even there handbag.

Just think this is a cute little token.

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Valentines Pug Biscuit - £7

For any pug lover this is a must.

Instead of chocolates why not get your valentine this cute little pug biscuit and even cuter ? - its holding a bouquet of roses.

Best of both worlds,Pugs & Edible Roses!

Love Locket Lush - £6.95

(Can we just take a moment to admire my air force rubber duck ha ha!)

For any girls who love lush or just a good old pamper this bath bomb is ideal.

It can be split into three to be used multiple times or used all in one.

This gorgeous bath bomb fizzes away to reveal another little fizzing heart - adorable right.

The bath bomb fizzes out to a beautiful pink colour with pink confetti hearts floating around the bath !

(Heads Up - Why not get this and pamper your other half on valentines evening and run her a bath with this amazing bath bomb? Double Brownie Points!)

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Eternity Knot Ring - £29.

I love this ring.

It is so simplistic and dainty.

It would suit everybody and I think all girls different styles.

It has three different interlocking rings on the design in rose gold,gold and silver.

The ring's description was...

'A circle is an endless line, no beginning no end, symbolising eternity'.

How gorgeous?

The tri-color jewelry trend seems to be everywhere at the moment and this dainty piece would suit all ages too!

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Personalized Heart Locket - £33

There's not really any jewelry more timeless then a locket.

I think this is Gorgeous,and being able to personalize it makes it so much more personal.

A locket is a piece of jewelry a girl can always wear,and can be used for every day wear as well as dressed up.

Again for extra brownie points - put pictures in the locket before you give it to her,this will show you have took time out to choose your favourite photo of the two of you - or even on one side but an image of something that means alot to her :)

(image from Yankee)

True Rose Yankee Candle (Small Tumbler) - £9.99

Yankee Candles - Or any candles in fact,are generally an absolute win with women.

So why not buy her this Yankee Candle in the scent True Rose,to remind her of that beautiful valentines bouquet you got her (again brownie points boys!!) every time she burns this candle !

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Red rose flower bottles -£35.99 

On the topic of Roses.

I thought these were a slightly different way to give a girl roses on valentines day away from the usual bouquet method.

The gift comes with these 6 glass bottles and the roses separately so that you can choose how to display them how ever you would like.

These would look lovely to dress a Valentines Meal Table OR Breakfast in Bed.

A Different way to do give a typical Valentines Gift.

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Fabric Fortune Cookies - £7.50

Again I thought this was a slightly quirky keep sake.

These fabric fortune cookies would be cute instead of a card or used to dress a Valentines meal table.

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

You Look Lovely Today Canvas Bag - £18

Why not remind your lovely lady everyday that shes gorgeous with this canvas bag?

For all us beauty blogging girls this would be fab to use as a makeup bag OR for the more fashion conscious girls it can be used as a clutch.

A great multi purpose gift to remind your lady that you love her :)

(Image from Not On The Highstreet)

Personalised wrap and bead bracelet - £14.

Another dainty piece of jewelry.

This bracelet is really pretty and affordable.

This again is a piece that can be worn everyday or would look gorgeous with evening wear for a more simplistic accessorizing look.

You can add little charms to this bracelet on the website which I think is cute,this way you can add an initial and such to make it a more personal gift.

(Image from Pandora)

Love Letter Charm - £35.00

And Last - But by far not least.

This Gift is amazing. Its Flowers,A Card and Jewelry All in one (Great for all you last minute shoppers - yes we all know you exist !)

This Pandora charm is beautiful,the little card opens with a cute little message inside..

By far one of the cutest valentines charms they've brought out - aside from the two love birds charm. that is some what adorable too!

So there you go!

A range of different gifts to try and help those of you who are stuck what to buy for the Special Girl in your life this Valentines Day.

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

xoxo

Tuesday Transformation - Soft Valentines Look.

     

Hey Guys!

Hope your all well?

So for today's Tuesday transformation I decided to create a soft valentines look.

I thought I would start with a soft,more natural look and then next Tuesday upload a bit more of a dramatic look!

I started with using a matte nude shade over the lid and up towards the crease.

I then took a bit more of an iridescent nudey shade (which isn't showing up very well on camera - boo) across the whole lid put applying more on the inner part of the eye.

I then took a taupey pink shimmer shade an lightly applied this in the outer corner of the eye to add a bit more colour to the eye.

These kind of colour create a really pretty natural soft eye BUT start applying the colour a little bit of a time to be sure to not over do it...

No one wants there eye makeup to look like you've got a black eye after all.

Just to add more definition to the eye for a bit more of a 'flirty' look I then took a matte taupe shade and blended this into the crease and outer V,and applied a tinyyy bit of a more cranberry shimmer shade into the crease (but I really do mean only a little to avoid that black eye look we are not going for!)

Then just to finish the eye shadows I took the first iridescent shade I used,and applied this in the inner corner again just to highlight the eyes a little and make the eyes POP.

I finished with a brown eye liner in the water line - brown is a great alternative for the water line,to make a look a lot softer.

Then I took my liquid liner on the top lash line,I then decided then to create a flick at the end to create the illusion of flirty eyes.

Then I curled my lashes and applied my Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara (which may I add is the best mascara ever) 

I wore Collections Deluxe Lipstick In Shade #2 Tallulah which is a beautiful dusky rose shade - which is totally different for me but I think it looks amazing with this look.

To complete the look I decided to wear my hair down and straight.

My fringe natural curls in on itself,so I never have poker straight hair but I think this suits the look.

This is next day hair,which i think is easier to style anyway,but I straightened all my hair inwards and then added volume at the roots to create this cute look!

So there it is - My Soft Valentines Look.

Hope You All like it!

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

xoxo

Monday Mumbling - "Tattoo's & Peircings"

Hey Guys!

Hope your all well?

So today's Monday Mumbling is all about - Tattoo's & Piercings.

This came around as last week I watched a programme on Channel 4 featuring the gorgeous Katie Piper,talking to people who had tattoos and piercings and regretted them OR people about to get huge tattoos.

This got me thinking.

I myself used to have my ears,belly and nose pierced and never really came across judgement (more so as I think these piercings are seen as pretty 'normal' since I was growing up) 

And I was gutted during my surgery's when I had to take out my belly button piercing as it closed up while I was in Intensive Care - Merr.

Piercings and Tattoos are a Kind of no no for me now,due to risk of infection,but I had always wanted a tattoo when I was older,and I in fact wanted one with parents consent when I was 17 but it was a no no and I was told to wait and be sure that paw prints on my hips was something I wanted..

Now my sense of style has changed and I wouldn't have wanted that.

A lot of people I know have piercings and tattoo's so decided to see what people closer to home thought about them - Good & Bad... 

Ferne.

Have You ever been judged for any of your tattoos or piercings?

I have been judged numerous times for having tattoos and piercings - she's rough/common/cheap but people's opinions of my tattoos and piercings don't bother me because they are part of who I am.

Is there anything you'd change about any of them? Or wish you hadn't got one?

I would never change anything about my piercings and tattoos because I see them as a form of expression - a slightly permanent one but hey My piercings are part of who I am.

Has having a tattoo or piercing ever prevented you getting something (eg. Job,Relationship)

Having tattoos and piercings have made jobs awkward for me. One of my last jobs was incredibly strict - no strong hair colours, not a lot of make up, no tattoos and no piercings - but I needed the job so I had to wear a full sleeve blazer in the middle of summer to cover my tattoos and clear lense glasses just so that the frame covered my dermal piercing at my temple 

Would you get more?

I would definitely get more tattoos and piercings (already have a few in mind :P) because I love to look a little different and I see body modification as a sign of expression.

Jemma.

What made you want a tattoo / piercing ?

When I got my first tattoo I had very low self-esteem I wanted a way of being different and it made me feel really good about myself and gave me confidence.

Have You ever been judged for any of your tattoos or piercings? 

Most of my tattoos are easily covered but I had my lip pierced when I was younger and people thought I was trouble. 

Is there anything you'd change about any of them? Or wish you hadn't got one? 

Absolutely not, I got them all for a reason. 

Has having a tattoo or piercing ever prevented you getting something (eg. Job,Relationship) 

An ex hated my piercings, and also an employer lost out on having me work for them because they didn't like my tattoos.

Would you get more? 

I'm waiting for my next tattoo to be drawn up as we speak

Jessica.

Why do you dislike tattoos / piercings?

I don't personally like piercings or tattoos because i don't think they show anything, other than that you can handle pain. I don't see them as a form of expressing yourself, i don't see how drawing on your body is expressing yourself.

Would you ever judge someone for having either of them?

I don't personally judge anyone because of their piercings or tattoos, if they want to make holes in their body where there shouldn't be holes, leave them to it! and if they want to permanently ink their skin, and most probably regret it, leave them to it.

Have you ever thought about getting one?

I have considered getting a tattoo, but so many people i know regret their decision to have tattoos so it just puts me off, and i feel if i had one, it would need to be small, but have a meaning. But then i stop and think well if i have to force myself to make up a reason WHY i would have one, i know i don't actually want one. And i only have my ears pierced, only because my parents got them pierced when i was younger, and have never known any different. I don't see how piercing places of your body will improve your confidence, or body image, but i guess to some people, its like a release, or a fashion statement.

Would you ever have to rethink about someone if they had either (eg for a job,Relationship)

No, i wouldn't turn anyone down because of tattoo's. Unless they were majorly covered, as i feel people who cover themselves in tattoo's can come across quite intimidating, especially to older people and to children. My boyfriend has two tattoos and they don't bother me, i just don't see the point in them, they have no meaning, and he knows how i feel about tattoo's, but it is his body. And i wouldn't turn someone down if they had hidden piercings, like the back of the neck etc, but i think on the face and so obvious is way too 'in your face'.

Pat.

Why do you dislike tattoos / piercings?

I just don't think. Your body's should be defaced with tattoos. I don't mind pierced ears.But that's about it.

Would you ever judge someone for having either of them?

It depends. If the person is covered in tattoos & body piercings. Then I may be wary.

Have you ever thought about getting one?

I have had my ears pierced

Lauren.

What made you want a tattoo / piercing ?

Got my wrist and neck pierced for no reason really, just wanted something new and interesting; didn't want to get a basic boring piercing. The only reason I'm getting tattoo done is I just want everyone to see how much my dad meant to me, for him to be remembered and how death can affect people. Having a tattoo about my dad just makes me think he's not forgotten and to show people how much he meant to me. 

Have You ever been judged for any of your tattoos or piercings? 

No not really, I've had comments from friends and family saying they don't like my piercings but I don't care haha.

Is there anything you'd change about any of them? Or wish you hadn't got one?

Nope 

Has having a tattoo or piercing ever prevented you getting something (eg. Job,Relationship)

Well not really, my neck one is hardly visible and I'm already getting a new job having my wrist pierced. Guess it depends on what I do as a job really. Relationships? My ex didn't like the idea of me getting piercings or tattoos but it's my body

Would you get more?

Piercings? defiantly! quite addictive once you get one haha! Tattoos? I'll only probably get two

Amy.

Why do you dislike tattoos ?

I think tattoos have become far too common...it seems that the ink free are the unique one now.. Plus what seems fashionable and relevant a couple of years ago such as Chinese symbols look dodgy now.. So I can't help but think all these rockabilly roses and skulls will become unfashionable but the person is stuck with it.

Would you ever judge someone for having them?

No because I'm fully aware that a tattoo has no effect on a persons ability to do there job or be a good parent etc...

Have you ever thought about getting one?

Yeah I did I one point but I'm relieved that I didn't.. I know that I would have grown and matured and the person that I am is not the person I was....but I'd still have the tattoo...I like that all the piercings I've had (nose nipple lip several ear ones and that weird bit under the tongue were all removable and could be redone.

Would you ever have to rethink about someone if they had either (eg for a job,Relationship)

I'm not sure... If I knew someone had a few it wouldn't put me off....the exterior doesn't change the person in side. But I do think some people go too far with then.

Karl.

What made you want a tattoo / piercing ?

Its hard to give a reason for why I wanted tattoos or piercings, because they just always felt like something that made sense for me. I love, however cliché it sounds, how they give people the chance to really be individual. You get to have the biggest parts of your lives represented on you. Its about what you see when you look at this picture which could mean nothing to most people but everything to you. Not only that...but they're pretty awesome as well.

Have You ever been judged for any of your tattoos or piercings?

Of course. People who choose not to be tattooed or pierced will judge, whether in a good or bad way, which is fine as its a natural human instinct to judge. People who don't agree with tattoos' or piercings will have a negative opinion, and that's fine also. But when people try to force their negative opinions onto people it bothers me. I don't insult people for not getting tattoos' or piercings, everyone to their own.

Is there anything you'd change about any of them? Or wish you hadn't got one?

I've never regretted any of my tattoo's or piercings. My piercings for one can be taken out and they heal. I have a stretcher in my ear but I've kept myself down to a 10 mm so it will heal when i decide I no longer want it. As long as your smart about stuff there is no reason you should regret something. All my tattoos' mean something to me so I couldn't regret them. I regretted having one tattoo on my arm...but that's only because I wanted it on my neck. Which I was able to do as my sleeve covered it up.

Has having a tattoo or piercing ever prevented you getting something (eg. Job,Relationship)

I don't think so. Relationship wise I couldn't see myself being with someone who wasn't open minded like myself anyways. That's a big thing I look for in a partner. My fiancé is just as open minded as me, with numerous piercings and tattoo's.

I couldn't imagine being with someone close minded. And I don't think it should get in the way of jobs but of course it does, its becoming more accepted in the work place, but its not quite there yet. I removed my lip piercings and replaced them with a small one on the side of the lip and i cover the tattoos' I can for work not because they aren't accepted in my workplace, but just because i know a person who is willing to do stuff like that will be accepted more and be able to progress in they're career easier, tattoos' and all. 

Would you get any more?

Piercings I'm not so sure, I don't think i want any more at the moment...that'll probably change though. But more tattoos'? Definitely. As many hours as the money will allow me please. I've got 4 hours booked in to continue my sleeve in a couple weeks. Once that's done I want my chest piece started and side piece finished. I think tattoos' are a lot more addictive than piercings personally, i can think of much worse things to be addicted to though :)

Fiona.

What made you want a tattoo / piercing ?

I've always wanted tattoos I have a tattoo crazy family and when I was 14 I got my first piercing ( belly button), it's just escalated from there.

Have You ever been judged for any of your tattoos or piercings?

No not so far, get questions like why you get that??? And comments like your crazy I wouldn't get that. 

Is there anything you'd change about any of them? Or wish you hadn't got one?

I wish I hadn't had my first tattoo, looks like a little kid coloured it in lol.

Has having a tattoo or piercing ever prevented you getting something (eg. Job,Relationship)

No hasn't prevented me as of yet, fingers crossed they never do lol

Would you get more?

Yeah I want more tattoos but I want them to mean something from now on.

Sooo,

that was today's Monday mumbling!

I can't believe how well this weekly series is doing literally just on it's second post so I can't wait to bring you all next weeks!

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

xoxo