10 Steps To Being Productive

Sometimes we can all find ourselves in a place where we simply cannot be bothered to do simple tasks or we struggle to find the motivation to make the most of our day. After this point, somehow it becomes a recurring theme for many days in a row and by Sunday you realise you've not done half the things you set out to do Monday morning. Cue the heavy conscience and the crappy feeling you feel yourself wallowing in. Great.

Heres the bottom line; you've only got yourself to blame, and nobody will sympathise with somebody who can't be bothered to move their ass from their bed. You look weak. So get up.

I realise that's easier said than done once you get yourself in a rut like this. Hence why I have devised these 10 steps which, when effort is applied, should help you man up.

Step 1: Plan ahead.

Being productive largely starts off with being organised. Even if its just the night before, as you're trying to slip into slumber, just think about what you want to come of tomorrow. Picture how you want the day to unfold. I actually find that the night before is the best time to do this as you're mind is generally the clearest and the most vulnerable to inspiration. Well who better to take inspiration from than yourself? As long as you don't put pressure on yourself to have the next day to turn out exactly how you picture it (as it often won't be exactly to your expectations) and as long as you know to accept that, then its a good way to set your short term goals.

Step 2: Get a goodnight's rest.

'A goodnight's rest' doesn't mean just getting your minimum of 8 hours sleep and then you're good to go. Because you'll find if your 8 hours start somewhere around 3am, and finish at around 11am, you're still going to feel tired. Not to mention the fact you've just lost a solid 4 hours of your day. So, its fairly important to make sure you adjust your body clock to fall into the routine of going to bed early and waking up early. This is something I struggle with myself so I understand it's hard but the key is to be strict with yourself. My point being, really try to wake up early as it will allow you to wake up with the day, as apposed to chasing it from behind.

Step 3: Make your bed.

This one may sound silly but it does make a difference. You probably already do this, but when you get lazy you start to think things such as ' There's no point in making my bed, I'll be back in it in a matter of hours if I ever decide to move' or something along those lines. These kind of thoughts just do not contribute to your efforts of trying to be more productive. Trust me, it feels so much better to see a made bed rather than one all scruffy. Just try it- actually while you're at it think about changing the sheets, even if they don't really need it, theres nothing better than being in fresh clean sheets.

Step 4: Make lists.

I loooove list making. I think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a very visual person, so seeing my jobs written down makes it far less stressful and I become more inclined to do jobs on it. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment you get when you see all your jobs crossed off is super rewarding, it's what we like and probably just what you need.

Step 5: Pamper yourself.

If you have time, it may help to take a second out of your morning routine to pamper yourself. Maybe run a bath, slap on a face mask and just really try and make yourself feel good. You won't want to do the things you have to if you're already not feeling your best. Even if it's just a case of getting dressed as staying in your pjs couldn't be worse for getting out of that 'sloppy' mindset. 

Step 6: Get your energy.

Breakfast is so important but eating well at breakfast is where the real boost will come from. Blend yourself some fruit and have some granola, make it all cute and Insta-worthy then get on with what you've got to do. You'll feel so good and ready,  I swear.

Step 7: Prioritise.

A key thing to remember is to put work first, fun later. As tempting as it is, that's just the way. While some people prefer to do little jobs first and cross them off quick, others may prefer to get the big jobs out of the way before anything else. I think its a matter of motivation. Personally I prefer to do do little jobs first as I struggle to get motivated but once I'm into the swing of things, I'm on it. Try both of these approaches and see which one works best for you. Just don't get distracted, you've come this far.

Step 8: Tidy.

Thinking about it, this could be on your To-Do list anyway, in which case you may be killing two birds with one stone. I don't know about you but I find it way easier to get things done when I'm in a tidy environment and it feels especially good if I can keep on top of the tidiness. To some it may come naturally to put things back straight away and find homes for things but for others, it doesn't. But lets face it, if you're focused its really not that hard to tidy an area around you to work in. A clear space = a clear mind.

Step 9: Find a new environment.

If just tidying your usual work set up isn't enough to get you working, then try switching up the scenes and find a new place to work in. The change may not help everyone but the difference in whereabouts usually reminds you what you're there for (work). 

Step 10: Reflect and Reward.

By the end of the day, when you've crossed off everything on your cute little (or maybe not so little) list. Take a moment to remember the feeling of accomplishment, it may be something small but if it means something to you, it will make you feel good and for that you deserve to treat yourself. 

I hope these tips where useful to you, maybe you've managed to find something else that works for you. If so, I'd love to know! 

Well done, and may tomorrow be just as productive. 

Monthly Favourites | March

March is behind us and spring is here (applause) and yet it still feels as cold as January in England, ah. . March is one of my favourite months of the year purely and selfishly because it's my birthday month. This is especially good because with me liking the month, it means I like a whole heap of things I come across within that month. So let me shut up now as I have collated my Favourites For March!

My first favourite is the L'Oreal True Match Foundation. This is hands down the best foundation my skin has met. To be fair I've probably only used something like 8 different foundations in my experience and I'm sure there are more that are slightly better but for now; this one is so brilliant.
I am the shade Rose Ivory and it matches my skin perfectly at the moment so it's wonderful for those that are fair. It's so super-easy to blend too which is essential when it comes to base makeup for me.
I'm still so surprised its only drugstore, yay.

I go through mascara like there's no tomorrow, apparently. So during March, when I realised I was about to face a mascara shortage, I picked up Rimmel London's Rockin' Curves mascara,  from the Scandaleyes collection. The first thing that has to be said with this is that its not the easiest to work with. Something about the formula kind of makes it difficult to apply and correct when doing your top lashes BUT it does wonders to the lower lashes. The wand is absolutely perfect when working with the mascara itself and it's as if it triples the actual length. I larrv it.

Next up is a beautiful blusher from Bourjois in the shade Frosted Rose which is just a really pretty.. well rose colour. The name speaks for itself really and that is why I have been loving it this month, it just the perfect winter into spring transition shade as it isn't too warm toned and it isn't too cool toned either.
It's the Goldielocks of Bourjois Blushers!

Moving onto haircare that I have not lived without this month. One product that I have constantly been reaching for is Herbal Essences - Beautiful Ends leave in conditioner. All I do is apply one or two pumps of this to the mid lengths and ends of wet hair once being in the shower. This has left my hair feeling so incredibly smooth, soft and protected even after just one use. I also use this in conjunction to the Beautiful Ends conditioner and those two together  are basically unstoppable.

The second thing my hair and I have been most fond of is this de-tangling spray by Avon. Ok, not the most luxurious of products exactly but essential nonetheless. My hair has become quit brittle and dry since the winter, making it easy to break when I brush it. No matter how carefully you stream that brush through those strands, it will break right at the heart of the knots. That, of course, unless you have this de-tangling spray to completely loosen the knots, causing no breakage and healthy hair.

To the month of March *raises glass* - Bon.

Mini Collective Haul

I went shopping!..Again. 

It's an addiction that I love and it means you get shopping hauls.. often. But, I think it pleases psychologists everywhere that I only picked up a few things over the last couple of weeks so I'm doing well.

From New Look I scored this really fun, collared, skater dress with a black and white checkered pattern. It's perfect for winter when paired with tights due to it's thick, substantial material. A fun, bubbly must-have for parties in the colder months. This was only £19.99.

I also revisited my long-lost friend; Primark. I hadn't bought anything from Primark in about a year or so because I just drew the conclusion of rather having 1 good quality but expensive item, than 10 less quality, less expensive items. However, I decided to give 'Mr. Primark' the benefit of the doubt this time and I was pleasantly surprised!
I spotted this really dainty but bold, chiffon blouse with a collar. There were multiple colours and I did struggle to decide between the light pink and the deep blue, but I selected the blue. Seriously not a bad purchase considering it couldn't have been any more than 15 pounds. (Can't remember the actual price.)

Also from Primark, I bought a new pair of black loafers with a gold buckle on the top. I needed a new pair of little, cutesy pumps as I didn't have any in black and they are such a simple staple to have in your shoe collection to just chuck on in at any time.

Lastly I popped to Boots. Since my latest blog post, I've been re-thinking the greatness of the moisturiser I use for my face and I realised, although it was good, it wasn't quite cutting it. I needed something more intense so I invested in the Garnier Moisture Match in Goodbye Dry. Prior to this I took a test on the Garnier Website to see which of the 5 moisturisers in the range, best suited my skin. Obviously it was the Goodbye Dry one and I cannot stop singing its praises.
I absolutely love it and yes, it does lock in is moisture all throughout the day, very well in fact.

Click Here To Take The Test -Bon.

Now That It's Winter | Lotions

Ok, I have finally accepted that its winter. It has started snowing quite a bit where I live recently, and I have mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong, I love that we get to wrap up warm, guzzle down that luxurious hot chocolate until it steams up our glasses. However, I don't love what it does to my skin. This winter especially, has been so harsh on my skin and I have to work twice as hard to keep even an ounce of moisture within it. I find that my skin is struggling to keep itself looking soft and smooth for more than -hm- 10 minutes.

If you are reading this with the same headache, then don't worry; as I have collated every moisturiser/lotion I own and want to share them with you so we can solve this burden simultaneously.

Believe it or not, your feet can't escape the brutality any easier than the rest of you (despite the numerous layers of socks). So the foot lotion I am currently using is Pink Peppermint Foot Lotion by beauticology. This lotion isn't a massive miracle, but it definitely does the job and, bonus, it smells like winter too.

You've heard of the phrase 'beauty sleep', yes? Well who says you can't 'up the ante'  by using Botanics Overnight Hand and Nail Treatment. I have been swearing by this as of late and love that it leaves me with, what feels like, a new pair of hands in the morning.

I don't know about you but when it comes to convenience, I am like a moth to a flame. So it's no wonder I am a little sucker for the Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser. I am especially taken to its quick drying time, which is just expert for those rushed mornings. I like that it doesn't try to do all these specific, fancy jobs. It's simplicity is all you need.

Sticking with the face theme, another is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel. It's weird but I feel 'safe' when I use this because I can feel results instantly, it's like a password protector but for my face.

For a light, delicate rush of moisture; try the Indian Night Jasmine Body Lotion by The Body Shop. Not only is the formula lightweight and airy but so is the flowery scent. Really good for a fresh, body mist alternative.

Much like the previous body lotion, the Boots Natural Collection Vanilla Body Lotion holds a fun, pampering vanilla scent that is awfully hard to dislike. However, this Lotion has a thicker consistency giving it that indulging factor.

Avon's Skin So Soft range is definitely ticking all the boxes for me. Both the Ultra Moisturising Body Lotion and the Replenishing Hand Cream have been my reach-for's this winter. I'm amazed that such good products are anyone's for under £10. Skin Savers.

If you're easily swayed to the higher end category, then be careful not to get too attached to the Marc Jacobs Luminous Body Lotion from the Daisy collection. Not only is it scented with the delicious Daisy perfume, it also serves a luxurious lotion too. It is well worth being around the £25 pound mark.

Similar to the Marc Jacobs lotion, The BONBON Body Lotion by Viktor&Rolf is not one for the money-shy. At $40 pound for the 200ml bottle, I can see why anyone might tighten their muscles just thinking about it. But relax, because you definitely are not pouring that money down the drain. Those who know a good lotion, wont think twice about making this purchase.. Trust me.

Lastly, but probably my most straightforward product, is Coconut Oil. Any kind, any size.. it's all the same and it's all a natural ingredient. This is just as good as any other lotion or oil and maybe even better for those with sensitive skin as it doesn't include any added chemical or perfumes. Also, it's available to practically anyone as you can get it from your local supermarket while choosing what to make for tea that night. Easy.

Bye for now but not for long -Bon.

Would You Rather - 'Beauty' Edition

It's been a one of those weeks for me when not once have I felt inspired - unusual, as there always seems to be some sort of endless possibility sailing through my mind but even so. Having said that, I decided this would make a better read than a half-hearted ramble of some sort that didn't make any sense. You're welcome.
'Tis the Would You Rather -'Beauty' Edition.. Tag.. Thing (see? uh.)

Question 1: Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eye liners, lipsticks and lip glosses or lose all of your palettes and eye shadows?

Fairly easy, this one; loose all of my palettes and eye shadows. Mostly because without mascara, I look like some sort of naked shrimp (what?). Also, you - assuming you've been the one to ask this question - didn't say I couldn't use blushers or bronzers and highlighters as eye shadow so I'm covered on that one.

Question 2: Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

Seems appropriate seeing as I recently just got my hair cut.
I think I'd go with never cut it again as there are so many ways to prevent and treat your hair from damaging and breaking e.c.t so I'd just be extra careful. Although I'd really miss my hair dresser.

Question 3: Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

Hm. I'd say a coral cheek as I feel I have a better chance of it suiting me whereas certain pinker shades can sometimes wash me out.

Question 4:  If you had £1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

Ah! This is so hard to answer.
At the moment I'm struggling in terms of clothes and have seen so many items I really want to buy. On the other hand, I'm seriously striving for a major makeup collection in the future and £1000 would please me and my little makeup friends. Weird.
I feel like you can buy more with makeup but do still want to be dressed in more than just pants and a bra. Clothes please.

Question 5: Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?

Could you image how scary it would look with a pink waterline, tight line and lash line even.
Ruling out black eye liner on my lips, one could possibly get away with a light/nude brown shade maybe?
-Eye liner as lipstick.

Question 6: Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

MAC almost never fails; straight off the bat. I think we can all agree that the majority of holy grail products are MAC related.
Having said that I'd 100% rather a variety of different brands as some of them could be just as good or better than MAC anyway.

Question 7: Would you rather only use one eye shadow colour or one lip colour for the rest of your life?

This one is so hard, I feel as though they both weigh each other out. I'd probably say only one eye shadow as a natural eye look can go with everything else and then I'd pair my lip colour with my outfit, e.c.t.

Question 8: Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

I would rather have dark shaded nails anyway to be fair. Bright nails don't really look too great on my hands as my nails suit more of a 'sophisticated' (not that bright nails can't be sophisticated) colour as my hands are cute thin and long - actually a bit of a burden.
So dark nails I guess.

Question 9: Would you rather give up your favourite lip product or your favourite eye product?

Favourite lip product as there are so many similar shades and formula's for one same shade. Whereas its harder to factor in all elements of an eye shadow.

Question 10: Would your rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lip gloss?

Never use lip gloss as I never really feel complete without anything on my nails and I'm more than happy with using just lipsticks.

Question 11: Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or sharpie them in everyday?

Sharpie them in every day because at least then you can be really light handed and careful with it. Plus you know it'd last a long time.
No eyebrows.. you're joking!

Question 12: Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

Live without nail polish. You could never separate me from make up. I adore it like my own child too much.


What would YOU rather? -Bon.

Skin Care | Night Time

I know that once it's nearing to 12 and you've had a long day, the only thing you want to have to do is get into bed and be warm and cosy. We're all guilty of it, but we shouldn't set ourselves up for the crime of not washing our faces.
Having said that, it hasn't been a problem for me since I have been trying some new products, and loving them!

Firstly I like to remove my makeup with the Garnier Micellar Water and a cotton round.

This is genuinely so good at removing my makeup and its so simple too. I've been using this product for about a month and have noticed such a difference in terms of the clarity of my skin.
For under just £5, this is such a must-have product.

Next, all I have to do is follow 3 simple steps. Using Clinique's face wash, I work it all into my skin making it covered in foamy soap suds (j'adore), then wash off with a damp face cloth. Taking a cotton round, I carefully drip a few drops of the clarifying lotion onto it and swipe around my face. I'm wary of the amount I use, however as it is very strong and there can be too much of a good thing. After that,  I smooth a pea sized amount of the moisturising gel onto my face, working it in as I go.

My lips are constantly asking for attention. So to keep up; I'll simply scrape a small amount of the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub and swirl that onto my lips until they are even all over; then, to stop them from drying out, I'll apply a standard lip balm to work it's magic while I sleep.

Good night- Bon.

December Favorites

December has gone so fast. I'm actually kind of frightened that if I blink; I'll miss January too.
There have been lots that I have loved in December but I've managed to narrow it down to my favorite 7. So enjoy.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation has been a dear to my face recently, a real gem. I love how as soon as I apply it, I instantly feel the surge of hydration it contains. I have the shade Light Vanilla which I believe is the lightest shade they do (or at least that is available in my local stores). Although my face is just ever so slightly lighter, my body is slightly darker at the moment so it matches well anyway.

I've have fallen straight into love with the Chanel Allure perfume and landed flat on my face.
I've only just revisited this sent- after it sitting on my shelf for months- because it's a very dark and musky scent which, to me, is exclusive to December and the months surrounding this. 'There's a time and a scent for everything'.
Sidenote: the name of this always makes me want to act like Stevie in the sitcom Miranda.

My 'go to' lip look for December has been the Apocolips Matte Lip Velvet by Rimmel London. The shade I have been using solely is Meteoric Matte, or at least according to other online sources as the shade name or number isn't visible on the packaging.

This deep berry colour has gone perfectly with almost all my looks and outfits this month and with it being a matte finish, it has lasted many hours without touch ups too.

Now that it is Winter and getting frostier outside; our lips are drying up.Mine got annoyingly chapped at one stage of the month and I knew called for a heavy duty lip rescue mission. So I then discovered Blistex Intensive Moisturiser. Its much of a convenience to have this as part of your lip care as it's so inexpensive and available almost anywhere. Such a simple yet effective product that has done it's job and more.

All month I have been burning the Christmas set from Yankee Candle. My favorite of the five, however, has been the Mandarin Cranberry candle. There is no other way to describe it other than that it reminds me of a 'fruity Christmas' and if the sound of that appeals to you, you will love this candle.

My favorite clothing item in the month of December is this thin, long sleeved, turtle neck from Topshop. This top can go with so much; under, paired with, on its own. It is so versatile and for around £10, it's such a staple.

The last random favorite I shall leave you with, comes in the musical form. The two songs I have been way over playing (if you can do such a thing) are Taylor Swift's Blank Space and One Direction's Night Changes. Which is strange for me because I'm definitely not fussed for pop music, but I do like these ones.

Hope you have a good year - Bon.