Thoughts | Dear 2014

Dear 2014, 

Our time together is coming to an end far quicker than I'd like. You've been by far the busiest year of my life so far but you have been good to me and I feel that it's only right for us to look back over the year we've spent together at both the good bits and the bad bits.


Let's rewind back to January. It wasn't really up to much was it? To be straight with you, my memories of our first month together are just one huge blur of anxiety, stress and emotion. I was up to my eyeballs in mock exams and it all really took its toll on me. Looking back with a clear head, I'm glad I hit breaking point when I did. If my anxieties about my studies had bubbled away inside of me for another few months it would have been a complete disaster. This way, I was able to let it all out, learn to cope and tackle my exams in the summer with a clear head.

January Post Of The Month ~ Topshop "Screen Siren" Lipstick

After that whirlwind month, we greeted February with a smile. I'm not going to lie to you, my little head can't remember a whole lot of what this month had to offer. I vaguely recall doing something nice around valentines day with some of the fellow singletons in my friends. February was also the month where I began to organise the Easter Bloggers Box Swap, which went down a treat.

February Post Of The Month ~ February Beauty Wishlist

Soon enough, it was March's turn to take centre stage. March began with a whirlwind weekend away in Derbyshire with a rather large group of my family (forty odd people - needless to say we took the sleepy Derbyshire village by storm) to celebrate my grandmas birthday but after that I just settled down and got to work, revising hard for my upcoming exams.

March Post Of The Month ~ Little Black Playsuit

Once March was all done and dusted, April hit. It was in this month that I attended my first bloggers meet up. The #SEBloggers meet up in Covent Garden was a rather fabulous occasion and it definitely sparked my love of meeting up with fellow bloggers. 

April Post Of The Month ~ Maybelline Forever Strong: Mint For Life


Then, the much anticipated month of May came along. The month kicked off with my sixteenth birthday on the 4th and I had an amazing day with my family and friends before heading up to Sheffield to see McBusted. Talk about an incredible birthday. It was also at the start of May that I officially left year eleven and our last day as a year group was emotional yet exciting as we were all going on our separate paths (most of us ended up back at the school in the sixth form the following September but you get my drift). On a less exciting note, May also meant the start of my exams. They all got off to a rather good start and I surprised myself with just how calm I was about the whole thing.


After what felt like only a week, June made its way into our lives. That month simply comprised of exam after exam, with many a revision session slotted in between until around the 23rd, when "please put your pens down" was called out for the last time. Following that date, I dedicated my days to a bit of "me time", and gave myself the break I truly deserved. 

June Post Of The Month ~ Lush "Movis" Facial Soap Review

For me, July was a month of celebration. After two years of hard work and months of constant exams I was finally free and I really made the most of it. I had my prom, which was honestly one of the best nights of my life and a perfect way to end the five years I spent as part of a rather amazing year group, and I was able to see one of my favourite bands McBusted live in Hyde Park. In the later weeks of July, I jetted off to Greece for a two week holiday with 7 of my favourite people. It was there where I truly believe the stress of my last year of school was lifted. There where I was free to do what I wanted, when I wanted: swim, sunbathe, blog, and eat some of the yummiest food I've ever tasted whilst finding the old moment here and there to eye flirt with the attractive French boy we kept bumping in to, of course. It where I surprised myself and beat my anxiety of going outside without makeup on. Yes, I may not have made it further than our private pool everyday but this was still a huge deal for me and I couldn't be more proud of myself.

July Post Of The Month ~ Prom

August was a fine one, wasn't it? Full of milestones for this little blog. I kicked off the month by hitting 400 followers, which was incredible and I'm so grateful for every single one of you for helping me get there. I remember waking up to the news and tearing up a little, like a proud mum who's baby had just hit a significant milestone. It was also in August that I organised my first meet up with the lovely Georgie - the #tbloggers meet up in Hyde Park. Although the build up to the big day was stressful, it was amazing to meet so many wonderful bloggers. That month I also attended the second #SEBloggers Meet Up in Brighton where I was able to meet even more lovely bloggers, some of whom I've become really close to over recent months. 

August Post Of The Month ~ Where I've Been: Naxos, Greece



September meant back to school and the start of my AS Levels. It really was a shock to the system to have to go back to my school routine but all good things must come to an end. I started my courses in English Literature, History, Philosophy and Ethics and Sociology, which are all going just nicely so far.

September Post Of The Month ~ Out Come The Autumn Coats

Then we said hello to October. This was the month where I started my job - working as a receptionist at a local gym. So far I'm loving my job rather a lot and I seem to be getting the hang of it. The early morning Sunday shift might not be my cup of tea (I begin work just before 8 you see) but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

October Post Of The Month ~ Focus On Yourself

As our time together began to draw to a close. November came around. The penultimate month of the year got off with a bang when my little blog had it's second birthday. To celebrate, I spent the day exploring a quaint little town near my home, taking many an OOTD photo and enjoying mugs of hot chocolate in darling cafes. 


November Post Of The Month ~ 2 Years

Soon enough it was time for me to open the first door of my advent calender when December made its way into our lives. It's our last month together and boy hasn't it been a roller coaster? All too emotional for my liking, I'm not going to lie. But I wouldn't have ever been able to get through it like I have without the people around me. Without a shadow of a doubt, I have the best friends and family out there, and can't get over how fortunate I've been to be surrounded by such a supportive, caring and downright wonderful bunch of people this year. The month did it have it's high points though. I hosted the second #tbloggers meet up in Covent Garden where we oohed and aahed at the gorgeous decorations, spent our well earned pennies on festive goodies and had a bite to eat at Zizzi's, and I was able to spend lots of time with my loved ones.

December Post Of The Month ~ Baby It's Cold Outside

Well 2014 this is it hey? Before I bid you farewell and we go our separate ways, I want to thank you for a year filled with more amazing experiences than I could have ever possibly imagined because all things considered, we really had a remarkable year didn't we? Yes there have indeed been low points but I've come out the other end feeling much stronger and more appreciative of everything I'm blessed enough to have around me.





Fashion | Seeing The New Year In, In Style

What's new years eve without an inevitable last minute 'Argh! I have nothing to wear!' style freak out? As the big night is fast approaching I thought it would be a fabulous idea for me to provide a little assistance in the wardrobe department so all you cinderella's out there can go to the ball. So get ready to put your glad rags on and hit the town.

Tis the season to sparkle. These gorgeous pieces come equipped with all of the glitz and glamour you need to rock around the Christmas tree all night long. 





1 - Topshop
2 - Lipsy
3 - Miss Selfridge
4 - H&M
5 - New Look
6 - John Lewis
7 - Office
8 - Little Mistress
9 - Boohoo
10 - Topshop

How are you going to be seeing in the new year?





Blogmas | Seascape Peppermint Lip Balm*


It's been a while since I popped up a proper beauty product review (they will be making a more regular appearance next year, I promise) so today I thought I'd take the opportunity to share with you a product I've been obsessing over recently. 

When the winter months arrive once arrive, your lips require a bit more T.L.C to protect them from the changes in the weather. Nobody wants dry lips do they? I try to ensure I always have a lip balm to hand so I can pop it on at regular intervals and my current go-to lip product is a little peppermint beauty from the brand Seascape.
  
Seascape Island Apothecary offer luxury skin and body care products, all containing 100% natural ingredients locally sourced from Jersey. All their products are paraben, silicone, petroleum and SLS free and are suitable for vegetarians. Perfect.


The product in question, their Peppermint Lip Balm, contains 100% natural Peppermint essential oil, along with Jersey Beeswax, Jersey Honey and Jojoba Seed Oil, which all moisturise and protect dry, chapped lips. As a product, it does everything a lip balm should; sooths, nourishes and softens.It smells and tastes incredible, and the peppermint is nothing too strong which is just brilliant as I'm not going to lie, I was apprehensive about it.

To apply this product I use a brush from my growing collection of lip brushes. It makes it so much easier to get just the right amount of product out of the pot and ensures smooth application. When worn, the lip balm simply looks like a clear lipgloss so you can look glam whilst your lips are nourished


I do have to say that because of the packaging, this isn't the most handbag friendly product if you're not one for mary-poppins style extravaganza but I've found that it fits quite nicely in one of the small pockets of my rather large bag (as shown in this post).

Seascape is a fairly luxurious brand, with prices starting at £10 but it really is worth the price. What's wrong with paying a more sizable price for a product of a fantastic quality?


Honestly, this is one of  the best lip balms I've tried and if I was you, I'd pop it right at the top of your beauty wishlist. It's the perfect addiction to a winter skincare routine.



*Disclaimer: This product was kindly gifted by Aqua PR on behalf of Seascape for the purpose of this review. All views and opinions shared on realityleaveslotstoimagination are always honest and unbiased.

Blogmas | All I Want For Christmas Is You (Gift Wishlist)

Today I'm going to be sharing with you some of the beauty bits and pieces I'm going to be asking Santa for this festive period. These are the things I've been lusting over, over the past couple of months. As always with wishlists, I'm not asking for or expecting any of these little beauties but I'd be one happy bunny if I was to receive just one.


1) Too Faced "Better Than Sex" Mascara
2) Real Techniques Eyes Starter Set
3) Sleek Palettes:  "Au Naturel" and "Garden of Eden"
4) Topshop Nails in "Filament"
5) Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in "Sultry"
6) The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask
7) Benefit "The Porefessional"
8) Topshop Lipstick in "Hazard"

If you've tried and tested any of these products, please let me know what you thought!

What's on your wishlist this year?



Are you all caught up with all of the blogmas posts?

Blogmas | Step Into Christmas (Book Wishlist)

The theme of todays blogmas post is Books so I thought it would be a jolly good idea for me to share with you the books I'm going to be asking Santa for. Obviously I'm neither not asking for nor expecting all of these books (a girl can dream though can't she), and to be honest, I'm going to struggle finding a place on my bookshelves for even one more book.




Fiction
1) Everything That Makes You by Moriah McStay
2) What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick
3) Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt
4) The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen
5) The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
6) The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
7) Being Friends With Boys by Terra Elan McVoy
8) Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen
9) Christmas With Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher




Non-Fiction
1) Lauren Conrad Beauty by Lauren Conrad
2) It by Alexa Chung
3) Eat Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out Book by Jolene Hart
4) 14,000 Things to Be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer
5) The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior
6) Lauren Conrad Style by Lauren Conrad
7) The Complete A to Z Dictionary of Dreams Book by Ian Wallace
8) #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso
9) Pretty Honest: The Straight-Talking Beauty Companion by Sali Hughes

Are there any books you're hoping to find under the tree?



Are you all caught up with all of the blogmas posts?

Blogmas | Jingle Bell Rock (Christmas Tag)

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Today's post is just going to be a quick one as I'm currently up to my eyeballs in school work (that's year twelve for you) but I didn't want to even consider missing a day of blogmas so early on. And where do you turn when you need a quick post? A tag.

This is the christmas tag, which I have seen floating around the blogosphere a fair bit recently. It should give you a bit of an insight into what christmas is like for me, which is a perfect way of preparing you all of the blogmas posts that are soon to come.

Enough chat, let's get cracking:

1. What Is Your Favourite Holiday Movie?
It's got to be Love Actually for me. I just adore that film and I seem to watch it at least five times every holiday season.

2. What Are Your Favourite Christmas Colours?
Well red and silver are my two favourite colours and they play rather a big role in all of the festivities don't they?

3. Do You Like To Stay In Your PJs or Dress Up For Christmas?
I'm a bit of both kind of gal. I love spending the morning opening presents wearing some festive pjs (Primark has to be my go-to place for that sort of thing) but then I love dressing up just before lunch.

4. If You Could Only Buy One Person A Present This Year Who Would It Be?
This is such a tough one as there are so many people who have played such a key role in my life this year who all deserve a gift, but if I had to choose it would be my mum. She works so hard day in day out and she's given me so much support this year. Although all of my friends and family have been there for me hugely this year, my mum really is my rock.

5. Do You Open Your Presents On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas Day. It's got to be Christmas Day.

6. Have You Ever Built A Gingerbread House?
Don't tell anyone but... I don't actually like gingerbread!

7. What Do You Like To Do During Your Christmas Holidays?
For me, christmas is a time to spend as much time with my friends and family as possible.

8. Any Christmas Wishes?
I just want all of my family and friends to have a wonderful christmas and a perfect new year, they all really deserve it.

9. What Is Your Favourite Christmas Smell?
Any of the Yankee Christmas Candles. I just adore them and have been getting through my little collection so quickly. I think another candle shopping trip is on the cards...

10. Favourite Christmas Meal Or Treat?
You've got to go with a good ol' christmas dinner haven't you?

How do your answers differ from mine? Let me know what you think!



Are you all caught up with all of the blogmas posts?

Blogmas | Santa Baby (Female Gift Guide)



It's day two of Blogmas and today marks the return of my christmas gift guides. For this years gift guides, I've decided to focus on the little bits and pieces that I feel would make perfect stocking fillers for your loved ones, and today it's the turn of gifts for women/girls.

"Now Your Mug Can Feel Festive Too". This mug would make a perfect present for any hot drink lover and if you wanted to make it extra-special, it could easily be made into a tiny little hot drink hamper of sorts. Simply fill the mug with the single packets of fancy hot chocolate you can purchase from most supermarkets, add a tiny packet of marshmallows (perhaps fill a little organza bag which can be purchased from Hobbycraft or somewhere similar) and maybe a bit of chocolate. Wrap it up with tissue paper or something of that variety, and you're good to go.

Pugs seem to have been everywhere this year. I'm not going to lie, before now I simply haven't understood the craze but there's something about these adorable socks that I just love. Socks may seem like a bit of a trivial gift, but personally I think a person can never have too many socks; especially when they're this cute.

"Now Your Mug Can Feel Festive Too". This mug would make a perfect present for any hot drink lover and if you wanted to make it extra-special, it could easily be made into a tiny little hot drink hamper of sorts. Simply fill the mug with the single packets of fancy hot chocolate you can purchase from most supermarkets, add a tiny packet of marshmallows (perhaps fill a little organza bag which can be purchased from Hobbycraft or somewhere similar) and maybe a bit of chocolate. Wrap it up with tissue paper or something of that variety, and you're good to go.

A nail varnish is the perfect little gift for any beauty-lover, and you can't really go wrong with Essie can you? "Aperitif" is a stunning red shade that's perfect for the festive season.

This box would be perfect for any younger girls you need to buy a little gift for. It contains two fabulous festive products: the 'Golden Wonder' bath bomb and the 'Gold' fun, which are guaranteed to leave the bathroom smelling gorgeous.

I love a good festive beanie. They really jazz up an outfit and help to spread christmas spirit, even when the weather is all horrible and chilly. This reindeer beanie is just so cute, and would make a perfect stocking filler for a friend or sister. £12 may be a tad on the pricy side for a beanie, but when it's this adorable it really is worth it.

What have you been buying for stocking fillers for your loved ones?



Are you all caught up with all of the blogmas posts?

Blogmas | Baby It's Cold Outside



To kick of Blogmas 2014 I thought it would be a jolly good idea to salute the winter season and do a bit of a festive style post. When the chilly months greet us once more, it's time for me to dig out the fluffy coats and oversized scarves, and layer up ready to tackle the cold.



My parka has become one of my favourite fashion pieces in my wardrobe. The borg lining and fur-trimmed hood ensure that I keep cosy and warm no matter how dreadful the weather is, which is exactly what you look for in a good winter coat isn't it? I also absolutely adore this red snood. I purchased it last winter and to be completely honest, I spent most of the year waiting until it was cold enough for me to bring it out again.


Mini skirts have been such a staple fashion piece for me this year; I've spent more days wearing one than not. This particular piece is one of my favourites, and the red detailing makes it perfect for the festive season. Believe it or not, I actually purchased this little beauty from non-other than eBay for 99p. Oh how I love a good eBay bargain.


As the skirt is such an eye-catching piece, I tend to pair it with very simple clothes. On this occasion, I went for a simple black long sleeved top and some wooly black tights (a winter essential if ever there's one).




My footwear choice for this particular look was also quite simple. I own far too many pairs of black boots of so many different varieties for the colder months, and these are one of my favourites. The block heel makes them practical yet stylish, perfect for running around town when christmas shopping.


What are your winter fashion staples?


The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

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Oh my giddy aunt! I can't believe it's December already. Where on earth has 2014 gone?

To celebrate the run up to christmas, I'm going to be blogging every day in December. Yes that's right, Blogmas is back. And this year is going to be better than ever.

This month I'm going to be bringing a bit of festive cheer your way every single day. Consider it a written advent calender of sorts. I've been preparing a good ol' blend of beauty, fashion and lifestyle posts with a christmassy theme to really get you in the mood for my most favourite time of year. I am going to attempt to be all fancy and creative with the titles of my blogmas posts this year and name them all after festive song titles, but this may be a bit of a challenge so please wish me luck.

Day One of Blogmas will be going up later tonight so keep your eyes peeled!



P.S: If you are also setting yourself the challenge of taking part in blogmas 2014, let me know and I'll add you to my festive to-read list x

Beauty | Winter Wishlist



I feel like it's been forever and a day since I sat down and wrote a post of the beauty variety. As the countdown to christmas has now started, I've been keeping my eye out for products I'd like to pop on my christmas list and I thought it would be a lovely idea to share a few of these bits and pieces with you. Let's get cracking...

1. Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment
This product is a firm beauty blogger favourite; it seems like every blogger and their mum has tried and loved it. £15 is a tad on the pricy side for someone on a budget, so I have been looking forward to getting my hands on it when I receive some much-appreciated cash from my loved ones this festive season. I have tried every budget spot treatment in the book and nothing seems to have had a long-lasting positive effect on my blemish-prone skin so I'm looking forward to seeing if a more high-end product can work some magic.

This product retails at £15.00 and you can find it here.

2. Essie Nail Polish "Take It Outside"
It seems I've become a bit of an Essie lover over the last few months. My "I can't possibly justify spending more than £5 for a nail varnish" rule has completely gone down the toilet and now I'm obsessed.

This product retails at £8.00 and you can find it here.

3."Honey I Washed My Hair" Lush Shampoo Bar
I'm a huge fan of the Lush shampoo bars anyway but as soon as you add the scent of toffee, I'm in love. I do believe this is a fairly new product to the lush world so I'm rather excited to try it out.

This product retails at £5.75 and you can find it here.

4.Too Faced "Better Than Sex" Mascara
Over recent months, my mascara collection has grown considerably and I'm so keen to add even more products to it. I've had my eye on the Too Faced "Better Than Sex" mascara for a while now, and it seems to be a particular favourite in the blogging and YouTube worlds.

This product retails at £19.00 and you can find it here.

5. Soap and Glory "The Fab Pore" Daily Micro Smoothing Moisture Lotion
Soap and Glory is one of my favourite skincare brands. I've been looking for a good pore-reducing product for a while now, and this looks like it fits the bill perfectly.

This product retails at £12.00 and you can find it here.

6. Real Techniques Starter Set
I'm really keen to expand my makeup brush collection soon, with a particular focus on brushes for my eye-makeup looks. Real-techniques has to be one of the best brush brands in the business so of course, that's the first place I looked.

This product retails at £21.99 and you can find it here.


What's currently on your beauty wishlist?




Books | The To-Read List


Over the past couple of weeks I've gathered up a fair few books I'd like to get my nose into. I'm slowly starting to get through them but I thought it would be a nice idea for me to share with you which books at at the top of my to-read pile.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Leuithan
One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

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Anna and the French Kiss
Anna is less than thrilled to be shipped off to boarding school in Paris, leaving a fledgling romance behind - until she meets Etienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Etienne has it all...including a girlfriend. But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with a longed-for French kiss?

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One Day by David Nicholls
Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows?

Twenty years, two people, one day.

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This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

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The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. Suffering multiple injuries, he struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. Urging him to hang on, she forces him to remain alert by recounting the stories of their lifetime together – how they met, the precious paintings they collected together, the dark days of WWII and its effect on them and their families. Ira knows that Ruth can’t possibly be in the car with him, but he clings to her words and his memories, reliving the sorrows and everyday joys that defined their marriage.

A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke, who bears little resemblance to the privileged frat boys she has encountered at school. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans -- a future that Luke has the power to rewrite . . . if the secret he’s keeping doesn’t destroy it first.

Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

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What's currently on your to-read list? Do you have any recommendations for me?


P.S Would you like to see any of these books reviewed? I'd like to make book reviews a more prominent feature on my blog so let me know x

A Thought For Monday | Ramblings of a Dreamer


Hello, I'm a dreamer. I spend many an hour daydreaming about the stories and adventures I can make and tell in the years to come. I have this indescribable desire to really seize every opportunity life throws my way in order to make many a magical memory. Because - and I apologise in advance to the modern culture reference you're about to witness - you do only live once.

The dreams and plans I've collated over the years range from mundane little things such as "have a movie marathon" and "have my future told" to rather extravagant possibilities such as "travel from one end of the USA to the other". Yes realistically, achieving some of the bits and pieces on my bucket list may be unlikely but I've always thought, what's the point in dreaming if you don't dream big?

I use dreams as coping mechanism of sorts to help me at times when I'm feeling anxious. Over the past two or three years, I've created many a story in my head that I keep as my little mental place to go if I'm overcome with anxiety. Whenver I get anxious, I just sit down on my own with my headphones in and think about the story. Most of these stories are so unbelievably unrealitic but I've found that the most nonviable stories are the ones that I can really get caught up in, which helps me to relax even more. This concept may make me sound insane but honestly if you ever suffer from anxiety, just try it. It does relax you.

"Reach for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars."


P.S: The 'A Thought For Monday' posts seem to have been going down a treat, which I'm so pleased about. If you do have any requests for topics you'd like me to cover in these weekly posts, please let me know! x

2 Years



Today marks my two year anniversary as a blogger. Two years ago on this very day, 'RealityLeavesLotsToImagination' was born, and time has flown by. I don't recall what gave my fourteen year old self the urge to create a blog back in November 2012 but I can definitely say I'm so very glad I did. The past two years have been such an adventure and blogging has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities that I'm so grateful for. I've been able to speak and - in some cases - meet some of the loveliest people I know, I've worked with amazing brands and visited amazing places. I do just want to thank all five hundred or so of you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to follow my blog and read my ramblings. It truly does mean the world.

"I write a blog" is a sentence I honestly haven't said much over the last two years. Aside from my  family and close friends I haven't really told many people about my blog. The reason? I'm not embarrassed to admit that I type out my thoughts three times a week - far from it - I'm just not too keen on having the prying eyes of my peers, teachers and other acquaintances watching over every word I type, comparing the way I present myself through the written word and in 'real life'. To be honest, the persona I share online is far truer to my real self than the one that many of the people I go to school with know as on here, there's no pressure for me to be or act in a certain way. These ramblings are the ramblings of the true me, a vintage loving, hot chocolate obsessed dreamer who'd rather spend more of her time reading a book that out partying. I know at some point I'm going to have to reveal all and openly admit that I do in fact write a blog but, as it stands at the moment, I'm quite content with things the way they are.

I'd like this blog to remain my little secret, for now at least.


A Thought For Monday | Not To Worry


I am naturally quite a worried person. I tend to get incredibly stressed over tiny insignificant things, and spend half of my life overthinking every little detail. But it's beginning to become clear to me that when it all comes down to it, worrying serves absolutely no purpose.

Getting your knickers in a twist (bizarre saying of the week) isn't going to effect the outcome of the supposed thing so - when it all comes down to it - what's the point? I'd much rather face said problem with my 'calm hat' on and, if any issues do occur, cross that bridge when I come to it. To be completely honest, worrying normally adds to the problem and makes issues seem much worse than they truly are. A rather beautiful Swedish proverb states that “Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.” and I think that really sums it up nicely.

Look at it like this: chances are if you let yourself become anxious about a possible situation, you're unlikely to look after yourself as well as you should do. I know that when my anxiety is at its peak, I don't look after myself properly. I don't get anywhere near as much sleep as I should and in some cases my eating habbits change too. If you let yourself become run down due to constant worrying, you're most definitely not going to be in your best shape to tackle the problem. But, if you look after your mind and body, you're going to be considerably better prepared to face any issues.

So next time you begin to feel those little butterflies in your stomach making a reappearance, please remember that worrying isn't going to change the outcome, so you're far better off digging out your imaginary suit of armour and facing the problem head on. Just ride the wave. Most of the time things are never anywhere near as bad as they may seem, but even if they are it's much better to be prepared when tackling them.



Catch up on the rest of this month's posts:

A Thought For Monday | Remember the Positives


Last week was just one of those weeks. One of those weeks that has just become a blur of bad things and negative feelings. But I'm not going to dwell on it. Let's just move on and start the week afresh shall we? I thought I'd create a little list of the things that will keep my spirits up this week, no matter what is thrown my way.

1. Relaxation Time - I've been trying to dedicate at least thirty minutes 'relaxation time'  to myself everyday. I love having a little bit of time, normally just before I go to bed, where I can read a book, enjoy a lovely mug of hot chocolate and just have a bit of me time.
2. This Weekend - This coming Sunday, I start my brand new job (a receptionist at a local leisure centre if you're feeling nosey) and I'm rather excited. There's such a lovely atmosphere at my new place of work, and of course I'm looking forward to having a few extra pennies in my purse.
3. Primark Winter PJ's - You really do know winter is fast approaching when Primark reintroduce the cosy pieces of magic that are their winter pj's. I can't wait to go on a bit of a shopping trip at the weekend to stock up ready for the colder months.
4. Candles, Candles and more Candles - I'm ever so excited to bring out the autumn/winter candles and I've already been stocking up on some of my favourites from the Yankee Candle christmas range. 'Christmas
5. Bonfire Night - Forget Halloween, I'm all about bonfire night and it's getting close now isn't it? There really is nothing better than wrapping up warm and popping down to your local firework display with a hot chocolate in hand.


What's going to keep you smiling this week?


Nails | Topshop Matte Nails "Dress Up"


One of my favourite things about the autumn/winter months is the return of deeper nail colours. Don't get me wrong, I adore the lovely pastel colours of summer but I've always been more of a fan of the darker hues.

So far this season I've been loving a wide range of brands but the Topshop nail polish range does hold a special place in my heart. Hands up who wants a manicure that lasts for days? Well, I've always found that all of the Topshop nails range fits the bill perfectly, without breaking the bank.

"Dress Up" is a beautiful burgundy shade that spent more time on my nails last holiday season, than not and I'm so excited it's making a return. This polish has made two appearences on my nails so far over the last month or so (as I firmly believe that autumn begins at the start of the school term), and I've recieved many a compliment about the 'gorgeous colour'

As always with Topshop, the quality of this polish is rather fab. I find you only really need two coats to achieve a stunning colour, and it doesn't take forever and a day to dry. The one drawback is it's not as matte as you'd maybe expect for a matte polish, but I love it all the same.

What's you go-to autumnal nail colour?



Catch up on the rest of this months posts:

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