Lush Halloween HAUL

I'll just comment on the elephant in the room. I haven't posted anything in an ENTIRE MONTH. I know, I know - I'm sorry okay? Changing work schedules has left me in a bit of a spin, but it's fine. Do you know why? Because I still post weekly on my YouTube channel? No! Because we're edging towards the best time of year (imo). October/November/December and for me January because it's my birthday month, are all very exciting times of the year. 

So Vicky, what's the best way to get into the swing of things since Halloween is now approaching? That's right - a Lush haul!

Monster's Ball

I'll be honest, I haven't always seen the appeal of Lush in the past. Don't get me wrong, I love their ethical values with regards to not testing on animals and all their products are fresh and kind to skin. But I'm a big shower person. Yes I know they don't just sell bath bombs, or as my gran likes to call them 'sex bombs' - don't ask.

I like a quick, no fuss shower so I can get on with the more important stuff. Like watching TV or online shopping. You know, the BIG things.

But since the colder weather has started to creep in and the temperature in the UK has plummeted, I enjoy a weekly bath to help look after my skin during the colder months. 

Pumpkin

Plus it's also an excuse to buy more Halloween related products, cough.

Boo

All the products I picked up are bath bombs or melts, because nothing else encapsulates Halloween quite like sparkly orange water.

So far I have only tried Monster's Ball which gives off a lovely floral scent, which is quite sweet at the same time. I'd say it smells quite a lot like roses crumpled up and mixed with sugar - but take from that what you will.

I'm also eager to try Sparkly Pumpkin because I'm a MASSIVE fan of all things glitter, I'm a winter baby so it comes with the territory. Though not Halloween related, I also can't wait to try Autumn Leaf as it looks very beautiful and fresh.

Monster's Ball in water

I'll leave a link to the Lush Halloween collection here so you can see what other enticingly spooky themed products they have.

Let me know if you've tried any of the Lush Halloween products this year and comment your favourite!

Victoria

TV Show Recommendations #4

If you've not heard about this Netflix show, have you been living under a rock? It's probably one of the hottest shows out there right now and with good reason!

I recently finished the first series after a few days of binge watching, yes it really is that good. Oh one more thing, the show is also ANOTHER period drama. Do I have a problem? Absolutely. My only defence here is that instead of the series looking at gangs or even upper class folk, there is a major Sci-Fi element. 

I'll hold my hands up right now, I'm really not even that into Sci-Fi shows/movies. Generally my only exceptions are shows like Doctor Who and superhero films. Anything else regarding aliens/space? No thank you. It's not that I actively have an intent to dislike them, I just find a lot of them are not for me.

This is why I felt compelled to write a post on this show. 

The series is set in 1983, in a fictional town in America called Hawkins. The story begins with a group of young boys and the events that occur after one of them goes missing. Along the way, strange things begin to happen with the inclusion of a girl with telekinetic powers, a strange military operated science laboratory and an investigation which goes beyond what the towns police chief could ever imagine.

The show has many references to '80s pop culture including games, films and music of the time which is what I believe really gives the series an edge over a lot of over shows that are out there now.

Also whoever cast Winona Ryder as the missing boy's mother is an absolute genius. Who better to have such a big role in a show, than a late '80s major film star. 

I can't delve too much into the different characters without giving some of the plot away, but the kids they chose to play the main characters are utterly brilliant. Some child actors can come off as a bit cringey due to lack of experience, but the relationships with their friends and family come across as very genuine and engaging to watch. 

If you are yet to watch this show and are a fan of fantasy/drama then what are you waiting for? 

It's that popular it has already been renewed for another series next year. There are some 'scary' elements and people who are easily squeamish may have to look away, but otherwise, have fun wishing you were a young telekinetic skinhead.

Victoria

5 Reasons to Look Forward to Autumn

I'd just like to state that this post may depress some people, as unfortunately summer is in fact coming to a close. September is just around the corner and as the cooler weather and darker nights will start to creep in, you may want to brace yourselves because:

You may no longer be able to leave the house with the sun beating down on your face and shorts are certainly not an option, unless you wish to contract hypothermia.

But have no fear, as I have constructed a list as to why Autumn isn't so bad after all.

Nature 

Whilst you may not appreciate the pouring rain that is associated with Autumn, there's just something about the smell in the air that is caused by the changing of the seasons. Now that may just be wet pavements, but that earthy scent paired with the occasional bonfire leaves an instantly recognisable aroma. This combined with the visually pleasing colours surrounding the colder months with the icy oranges, cool purples and crisp brown falling leaves, creates a perfect transition to the ever impending cooler weather. If that image doesn't help, there's always the fact insects go into hibernation so no more pesky fly's in your room!

TV Shows

Alright yes, I'll admit it. The main reason I'm excited for Autumn to well and truly kick in is because of a certain TV show which I have blogged about in the past. That's right, I am talking about The Walking Dead. The series starts again this October and as many other shows have finished for the summer, I can't wait to agonise about the fate of my favourite characters for another series. I just want to Daryl to be okay, is that to much to ask?! Even the X Factor has started again. I mean it is pretty terrible now, but I still find it a staple for my winter watching.

Halloween

Who could forget one of the biggest events that happens this season - spoopy time! 

I mean, who doesn't love getting dressed up once a year and scaring children? Well, maybe not the last part but it's a great time of year for children and adults alike. Kids get to compare costumes and share sweets, whilst the rest of us over the age of 18 get to mix up some very rancid looking concoctions and pretend it's our own alcoholic potion. What's not to love? Whether you're carving a pumpkin or just watching lots of films to do with witches and magic, it's a brilliant way to have fun this Autumn.

Autumn fashion

Yes, by fashion I mean lots of cosy jumpers, boots and not shaving your legs for three months. Okay so that may be a slight exaggeration, unless you are going as a werewolf this Halloween? Either way, the cold air means that jeans or thick tights are your best friend and do you know what? That's alright by me. Just stock up on lots of dark colours and you'll be winter ready in no time.

Bonfire Night

Ah, who could forget this English tradition? Well, maybe if you're not English of course but I'm sure Wikipedia will fill you in if not! There's nothing that screams British more than burning a wooden dummy that represents a man who tried, and failed to blow up a politically associated building. Shove on a pair of wellies and get down to your nearest firework display and hear everyone scream with delight. Apart from young children, they may just be screaming in terror. If you're not into the whole 'leaving the house' thing, you could alternatively just watch from your window. Luckily for me, I just hop over the road to my grandparents, eat a pork pie and mushy peas and watch my dad set off a mini display in the garden. It makes me hungry just thinking about it.

On a side note, if you do have pets make sure they are safely indoors and away from any loud noises which may frighten them.

Let me know if/why you're looking forward to Autumn and if I have missed anything out!

Victoria

Quick & Easy No Bake Summer Desserts

Alright I'll go ahead and admit it. I'm still trying to squeeze as much out of summer as I can, the lack of hot weather may be the only issue here. It's been a while since I last mentioned baking and what's he best way to envision a lovely sunny day in the UK? Why strawberries and cream of course. This picture springs to mind specifically. Do you know what isn't fun to do on a hot day? Getting anywhere near an oven. So what solution have I created to trick myself into thinking the UK is still as hot as Spain? That's right, a video on no bake desserts! 

As you may have noticed, I'm not a baking expert and a Mary Berry protege I certainly am not. So I prefer quick and easy recipes that won't break the bank. In fact all of the ingredients combined cost me less that £20, winning! 

Looking for sugar free recipes? Yeah this probably won't be for you but I do include a vast amount of strawberries so that counts for something right?

Victoria

Summer Outfits '16

So where has the lovely July heatwave gone then? I'm a bit late with this post considering the UK has gone back to its usual rainy self, but we still have August.. Okay so maybe I'm being slightly optimistic but a last minute flight to sunny Spain should always be in the cards!

Most of these outfits are catered for ACTUAL warm weather, so my miserable face is just anticipating the rain to come.

Bardot crop top - New Look

Harem Pants - Miss Selfridge

Black crop top/trousers/sunglasses - Boohoo

Having a cas chat with the hydrangeas 

Dress - New Look

(I didn't actually need a wee, even though my stance says otherwise) 

Butterfly Jacket - BHS

Victoria

P.S - I did my hair like this with the Lee Stafford Chopstick Styler, the link to which is in my latest video <3

Summer Hairstyles for Long Hair Tutorial

Considering we've been dealing with a mini heatwave here in the UK, I thought a tutorial on summer hairstyles would be very apt. Now I'm in by no means a hair stylist, but I did spend a lot of my teen years on YouTube looking up various hair tutorials and even as a child I've always been eager to learn new ways to do different kinds of braids. Combine this with the fact I'm quite lazy when it comes to doing my hair on a daily basis, I think I've managed to come up with some of the most simplistic styles that don't require too much effort, yet you manage to not look like you've been dragged through a bush backwards.

All the styles focus on getting hair away from your face/neck because I don't know about you, but I've been quite the sweaty Betty this past week and the last thing I need is my hair clinging to me and creating my own personal scarf. Great for winter but now? Yeah, not so much.

Speaking of lots of hair, does anybody else feel really sorry for their furry friends at this time of year? I'll moan about how warm I am, yet I can't even imagine how they must feel encased in their little balls of fluff. Poor things! I've taken to putting ice cubes in my dogs water bowl and I even sometimes let him finish off my ice cream because he is an absolute dairy fiend.

If you do want a video on different hairstyles for your dog then this probably won't be for you as my hair is slightly longer than the average pooches. 

Anyway, let me know what you think!

Victoria

Amsterdam 2016!

In my last post I mentioned that in June, I'd been to Amsterdam with a few friends. We were only there for three nights and we did so much in those few days that I thought my feet were going to drop off -  honestly. 

The city in general is so pretty with lots of detailed architecture and the many canals that flow throughout the city. It's a very different atmosphere than being back in dear old Blighty, the weather was extremely warm and sunny for starters. Even when it rained overnight, the drizzle seemed to have settled by the afternoon and it went back to being extremely hot. Everyone also seemed really friendly and everything about the city had a very chilled out atmosphere, unless you'd just missed your tramp that is. 

To remember my experience, I've collated a few pictures from my trip which really stick out as memorable moments - hopefully you will enjoy them too!

The Science Musuem

 Tulips from Amsterdam

A photo posted by Victoria (@freckldfiend) on Jul 8, 2016 at 1:48pm PDT

We were there a total of four days (but the last one doesn't count as it consisted of travelling). Luckily, we managed to visit pretty much every museum/well known areas that we wanted to. NO not that area, cheeky. Unfortunately the only place we didn't managed to get into was The Anne Frank House, as the queue was longer than most rides for amusement parks I've been to. Yes THAT long.

If you're really eager to visit European cities I honestly think Amsterdam is a must. You don't have to be there long to really get a feel of the city and if you're open minded, embrace the Dutch culture with open arms. I really don't think you'd be left disappointed :)

Thinking about going to Amsterdam but don't know where to start? Drop me an email/tweet on my contact page and I'd be happy to help in anyway I can!

Victoria