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● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

When it comes to hot drinks, I am a huge lover of tea. Normal breakfast tea, fruit teas, peppermint teas and especially green teas. Green teas are just so good for your body, loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, it's a great drink to help cleanse the body and improve your health, with regards to weight management, metabolism, skincare and general bodily functions.

Twinings Pineapple & Grapefruit Green Tea

"Twinings pineapple and grapefruit infused green tea is a tropical inspired blend of sweet juicy pineapple and tangy grapefruit with the delicate tones of green tea. A fusion of flavours to invigorate and refresh."

Whilst browsing my local supermarket at all the flavours of green tea they had to offer, this specific one from Twinings stood out to me the most. Pineapple and Grapefruit. It sounded so sweet and tropic and exotic and fruity, I knew I just had to give it a try, and I was certainly not disappointed! I'm slightly addicted! 

Twinings Pineapple & Grapefruit Green Tea

Twinings Pineapple and Grapefruit green tea is a perfect drink to start your mornings with, it's just so refreshing and gives you that kick-start you need to the beginning of your day. Just don't leave it to brew for too long, as that is when it starts to get bitter and you don't get to taste all the sweetness from the fruits. I find this flavour of green tea so refreshing and tasty, that I certainly want to try some more of the fruit flavoured green teas that Twinings have to offer! Next on my purchase list is the mango and lychee green tea and the pomegranate green tea. They both sound delicious!

Have you tried Twinings green tea before? What are your favourite flavours?
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For this months wishlist edit, I will be focusing on fashion and style products that I have got my eyes on. When it comes to clothes shopping, I try and purchase staple pieces that I know are going to last and will see me through all seasons in some way or another. So lets take a look at January's picks.
As mentioned in my December Favourites, I absolutely adore my white and black Roshe Runs. They are my most worn and go-to choice of footwear on an everyday basis. Don't get me wrong I love wearing heels and boots for special occasions and times where I want to feel more dressy, but I love being comfortable and supported. I want to purchase a new pair of Nike Roshe Run Trainers, preferably the all black version as I see these being such a versatile piece of footwear and I know they will get as much use as my pair now.

When it comes to basics, I love shopping in New Look. I find that they have such a wide variety and have such affordable prices, there will always be something I like. Whilst browsing the website recently, I came across the Black Ribbed Stripe High Neck 3/4 Sleeve Top / Burgundy Ribbed Stripe High Neck 3/4 Sleeve Top which I thought would be a great basics for the winter to spring transition. I have been loving the high neck feature on tops and feel they just help to make an outfit look more put together, and I also and a fan of the ribbed detail and half sleeves, as I find these to be a very flattering fit.

As a huge underwear lover, it wouldn't be right not to include something that I have my eyes on. And for this I have seen a gorgeous set from H&M including Lace Balconette Bra / Mesh and Lace Hipster Briefs in a nude, beige sort of colour, something I am lacking in my underwear collection. But this set is just so pretty. I love the lace detail and I think it's such a classy and sophisticated underwear set.

Next up, Ankle Boots. I love to wear ankle boots on special occasions and for nights out, especially black boots as I feel they just make an outfit look more dressy and formal, when you want to dress more casually. I've spotted these gorgeous Jones Bootmaker Newby Heeled Ankle Boots that I feel would be a great addition to my shoe collection. 

And finally, I have been on the lookout for a new watch for so long, I just can't seem to find the perfect one. At the moment, I'm wearing a pretty Rose Gold watch from River Island, which is looking a little worse for wear, however it has lasted me a good few years, so I'm not complaining. As I wear my watch everyday, I really want to treat myself as this is really the only piece of jewellery I wear on a daily basis. Saying that, I really have my eye on the Michael Kors MK5263 Ladies Blair Chronograph Watch. I love rose gold watches, as I feel they as just more feminine and sophisticated, and suit my skin tone more than gold/silver, so hopefully some time in the future I shall be purchasing myself a lovely new watch!

What products are on your current wishlist? Is there anything from my wishlist that you like the look of?
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I'm sure we are all aware at how hard it really is to save money. As one of my New Years resolutions, I want to keep up with my money saving and try to curb my spending by only purchasing things that I really need and not want. Any by no means this will be easy, its all about taking things into moderation and having the willpower to say no when wanting to spend. I have come up with a simple list of ways that I intend to help me save money and wanted to share these with you, if you're looking for some new ways and inspiration to save as well.
1. Save any loose change in a jar/piggy bank
This might sound like such a small thing to do in order to save money, but in honesty, who likes carrying around all that small change in their purses. Saving all the small change will gradually begin to build up over time, whether it amounts to £5 or £50 over the year, it is at least something you have managed to save.

2. Sell unwanted items
With apps like Ebay and Depop making it easier for people to sell there unwanted products, this is a great way to de-clutter as well as save money. I personally use Ebay and find it really simple to sell items that I no longer use or want, with the hope of getting some money back to save.

3. Create a savings account
I created a savings account last year and it is something that I feel I will really benefit from in the future. Every payday I put aside a small amount of my wages to help build up my savings, and if I have any money left over at the end of the month, I would generally add this to my savings too.

4. Use loyalty cards/ vouchers/ discount codes
Having loyalty cards is a great way to reward yourself when spending on products you may need. You'll be able to spend your money but also save up points from your purchases, that will end up in getting money off or special discounts in the future. Even when shopping online, its always great to search for discounts and voucher codes for the specific shop, even if you save just the delivery costs, that's still a couple pounds in your pocket, and if you're a big online shopper like myself, this will soon add up over your numerous orders.

5. Write your shopping lists
Whether its on paper or saved as a note on your phone, making strict shopping lists will make it easier for you to remember the products that you genuinely need and will be an attempt to stop you going overboard and purchasing things that you really don't need. Whether its for a trip to the supermarket, Boots, Superdrug, or any other store, make sure you carry a shopping list to make sure you only pick up the relevant items.

6. Use cash to pay
This is definitely something I need to start doing more. I'm always using my card to pay for products I buy as it is just a more convenient way to live. But it is also very dangerous for my bank balance. Paying with cash will allow you to feel more restricted and allow you to budget your money more carefully, so you don't overspend.

7. Try lower priced brands
For many of us, we all have our favourite brands. Whether its for food items, beauty products or clothing for example. We always stick to the things we know and love, without trying products that do the same job/look the same, but have a lower price tag. It's always good to experiment and see what it out there to purchase, so trying lower cost products instead of repurchasing your favourite more expensive, higher end products is worth a try.

8. Meal planning
Meal planning is just such a simple idea to help you save money. If you plan out what you'll eat and what ingredients you'll need from day to day, you'll be less likely to buy products you wont eat and less likely to snack on food in between meals.

9. Use up products before repurchase
As a blogger who continually writes about beauty products, I am guilty for this. I always want to try new products or purchase items from other bloggers recommendations. I have a beauty stash that could be used for my entire family for a good few months, so in 2016, I'm hoping to work my way through it all before purchasing any more unnecessary products.

10. Have more nights in
We all know that going out, whether its to restaurants, bars or clubs can be pretty hard on the old bank accounts, so why not have more relaxing nights in. Cook yourself a nice meal, watch a few films and cosy up on the sofa and chill. Or even have all your friends over for a cosy night in and just enjoy spending some quality time together.

How will you attempt to save money this year? What other simple tips could you recommend?

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As a beauty lover, one aspect of this is perfumes and fragrances, in which I am a HUGE fan. I love trying and testing out new scents and I believe you can never have too many! Recently I posted my Fragrance Wishlist, that shared some of the new fragrances that I am dying to get my hands on. But I was lucky enough to either snap these up for Christmas or purchased them myself in the Boxing Day sales, and even one for my Secret Santa gift!


Burberry Touch for Women
"A fruity, vibrant fragrance of California orange, blackcurrant, dewberry and subtle rose oil. Fresh top notes of seductive jasmine, Madonna lily and tuberose with a delicate hint of peach and raspberry. Cedar wood, oak moss and vanilla complement the fruity notes, adding a soothing warmth"

Paco Rabanne Olympea
"Her magnetic eyes and her fragrance take us into the wake of her seduction. Her fragrance is a unique olfactory adventure, at the crossroads between the sensuality of salty vanilla accord and the freshness of floral notes. A fresh oriental fragrance whose balance of the accords forms a genuine Paco Rabanne signature."

Rogue Love Rihanna
"ROGUE LOVE by Rihanna captures that moment when love first hits you with a wild rush that goes through your whole body. Delicious fruits tempt your senses with notes of fresh citrus and succulent peach mingling with the temptation of juicy berries. Just as the facets of love take multiple twists and turns, the core of ROGUE LOVE by Rihanna is built with layers upon layers of lush, rich florals. A bit uncontrollable like the fluttering of the love-struck heartbeat, the petals are a radiant texture with vibrant colours of honeysuckle, jasmine and orchid splashed with the simply irresistible seduction of coconut."

Pink Print Nicki Minaj
"The Pinkprint opens with a fresh mixture that includes bergamot, pink grapefruit and passion fruit. The heart is composed of nectarine, frangipani, orange blossom, heliotrope and roses. Coconut, driftwood accord, sandalwood, patchouli and skin musk end the composition."

Reb'l Fleur Rihanna
"Plump, delicious fruits, red berries, purple plums and juicy, ripe peaches, make a delicious first impression. Then the heart opens into a lush hybrid hinting at Island life, subtle yet intoxicating, blossoming with sumptuous florals, a passionate melody of Hawaiian Hibiscus flower, violet, tuberose and coconut water. Defiantly sexy, the base notes linger, a beguiling, sensual mélange. Vanilla, patchouli, amber and musk become a sultry chorus striking an unforgettable, emotional chord."

I'm looking forward to wearing all these new scents over the next few weeks, and will eventually be posting a week long series entitled "Fragrance Week", where I will share my thoughts and feeling about some of these scents, and some others that I picked up in Christmas gift sets.

What are your current go-to fragrances? Have you tried any featured in this haul? What perfumes are on your wishlist?
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As we have now entered the New Year, I have wanted to include a new monthly series to the blog, where I pair together an outfit that I would be perfect for a date night. Whether its a trip to a restaurant, the cinema, pub or club, or even a fancy cocktail bar, I have wanted to share with you some of my favourite pieces currently on the high street and how I would style them for the perfect outfit of the night.

For this particular outfit, I've wanted to keep the colour scheme quite minimal, as this absolute gorgeous top from Zara, the eye catching lace details and the gorgeous shade of burgundy will be the pop of colour that I think is perfect for January, as we are still in the winter months and this colour is still on trend and gorgeous for the time of year. Simply pairing with some high waisted jeans, my current favourites are from Primark, to make your legs look longer and thinner, a simple pair of chunky yet sophisticated boots from New Look, for that added height and what I think just makes the outfit more appropriate for an evening date. Finishing this outfit with just a simple leather jacket for a more casual vibe to this super classic and formal outfit.

Miss Selfridge Petite Ruby Faux Leather Jacket 
ZARA Guipure Lace Blouse 
Primark Black Super High Waist Skinny Jeans 
New Look Black Buckle Strap Ankle Boots 

What is your favourite piece from this outfit?
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For me, 2015 has been a good year. I feel like I have overcome and accomplished lots of things that I had previously wanted to do, and I wish to carry them forward in the year ahead. I've began learning Spanish, I've travelled, I've lost some weight, I've began to exercise and eat healthier, I've felt better about myself and I've learnt a lot. I've had lots of good memories and that's something I want to carry on with into 2016. 

As the New Year is here, I've wanted to devise 16 things that I want to achieve over the year, whether its blog or life related, and to share these with you as we enter 2016. There's the whole "New Year, New Me" saying, that honestly I think is stupid. New Year goals and resolutions shouldn't be just wiping your slate clean and trying again from the beginning, you should want to carry on and improve the person you are and the goals that you want to achieve in order to be the best you can be.

1- Learn to Drive
2- Save Money
3- Post Monthly Favourites 
4- Publish at least 10 Blog Posts Each Month
5- Continue to Learn Spanish
6- Spend Less Money
7- Improve Blog Photography
8- Lose Weight
9- Read More Books
10- Create a Workout Plan
11- Learn New Recipes
12- Explore London More
13- Be More Organised
14- Drink More Water
15- Create New and Exciting Blog Content
16- Be Happy

What are your goals for 2016?
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December has been a busy month for me, but I have definitely had products that I have really loved using or products that I would recommend as I've used them for most days this month. I have a whole selection of products from beauty to footwear to TV shows and more, so let's get started!

One Tree Hill
I love a good teen drama, and something that I have been watching religiously this month is One Tree Hill. I remember only watching Season One a long time ago, remembering my love for Lucas Scott and realised I had never carried on watching. Fast forward five seasons and I am hooked that bad that I can watch a good three or four episodes at a time. It's such an easy watch series that even if you aren't a fan of basketball, you will really enjoy watching it.

YSL Black Opium
As a perfume lover, I had been hearing such a hype about this fragrance from a number of beauty lovers, that I needed to get my hands on this and see what all the fuss was about. Since receiving this perfume, I have worn it nearly everyday, I absolutely love it! It's such a deep, sexy, musky scent, I think it really is something any female would love and if you haven't smelt/tried this, I would definitely recommend it! If you want to find out more about what I think about this, you can read my review here.

Nike Roshe Runs
When it comes to shoes, I'm 100% a trainer girl. Don't get me wrong, I love wearing heels and boots for a more smart occasion but I love being comfortable and knowing that I can wear a pair of shoes all day and not have painful feet come evening time. I picked up my Roshe's via ASOS and have been wearing them non stop for the last few months, that I just had to include them in my first monthly favourites, as they are just that amazing, I want them in every colour! Next on my purchase list will be the all black version, navy and burgundy!

ELF 3-in-1 Mascara
As it goes for mascara, I thought my favourite for this month would be the Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara as this has been a staple in my make up routine for a while. In the hope of finding some more mascaras that I loved just as much, I recently placed an ELF order, and purchased the 3-in-1 Mascara (Lengthen, Define and Volumize) in hope it would be just as good, and I was actually happy with the results after the first application, that it has become a staple for me over the last few weeks. The brush is a little strange and oddly shaped, but that seems to work for me as my lashes look longer, thicker and defined, something I always want in a mascara!

Starbucks Gingerbread Lattes
I love coffee. It's the perfect pick me up for tired mornings and it's just something I couldn't live without. But every year when Starbucks bring out the festive drinks menu, my love for coffee gets even stronger. Usually I'm a Caramel Macchiato/White Chocolate Mocha lover, but when it's Christmas time, I'm all over those Gingerbread Lattes! Just the thought of a sweet and delicately spicy gingerbread latte gets me in the festive mood and makes you feel all warm inside. I will definitely be sad when they're no longer available!

Aussie 3 Miracle Oil
A new addition to my haircare routine is the Aussie 3 Miracle Oil. As a huge fan of Aussie haircare, I was desperate to try the new hair oil they released earlier this year, and so far it blows all my other ones out of the water! With a blend of 3 oils Macademia, Safflower Seed and Coconut, you just know its going to do good things to your locks. First of all, the scent is just incredible. Just like the whole Aussie range, it just smells so sweet and fruity, it's so lovely. And of course the oil itself performs really well, I apply it to the lengths and ends of my hair after washing, and I'm left with shiny, silky, nourished healthy hair! If you haven't tried this yet, and you're a fan of haircare, I would 100% recommend this!

What have been your favourites this month?
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When it comes to fragrances, I like a lot of different scents. For me personally, celebrity fragrances can be quite hit and miss, I've tried a few before and been quite disappointed but this time Nicki Minaj got it oh so right! 

"Through a sultry and glamorous statement that raises the bar, Nicki redefines reality with a wink of playfulness. With a nod to her vibrant and animated personality. The striking bottle makes a glamorous statement, enticing fans to collect the next, must-have "doll" in the Nicki Minaj collection of fragrances. Minajesty sultry,floral gourmand scent reigns with luscious fruits and luxurious fresh florals, draped in creamy vanilla and pure musk."
Nicki Minaj 'Minajesty' Perfume

Minajesty is a very sweet and fruity but subtly floral, which combines to make a really lovely, light, fresh perfume. With notes of lemon and berries, mixed with vanilla and musk, and a light floral scent, this perfume is a winner for me. At first, the scent is a little strong, lots of fruity, sweet notes,  but once settled, it dies down to a lovely scent that can be used for daytime or evening wear. I find that the perfume is very long-wearing and lingers on the skin all day long, which is great as you wont need to top up.  It's a really great scent for the spring/summer time as it has such a light and fresh scent to it. The bottle is absolutely stunning. Its very bold, quirky and interesting to look at, I wouldn't imagine anything less from Nicki, making a great statement bottle to have in your collection.

Have you tried Minajesty before? Have you tried any Nicki Minaj perfumes before?
What are your favourite celebrity fragrances?
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When it comes to bath and body products, I'm a huge fan of what The Body Shop has to offer, and especially a lover of the seasonal goodies they bring out each year. With 2015 being no exception. The Body Shop have 3 ranges this year to choose from and they all sound equally as delicious!
Body Shop Shower Gels
 Frosted Cranberry - from the forests of  North America
"This traditional seasonal fragrance is a fruity boost for your skin with notes of fresh cranberry and pomegranate."
Glazed Apple - from the Italian Alps
"A sweet treat for your skin with the fragrance of green apple sweetened by candy-like notes and vanilla"
Frosted Plum - from the orchards of Turkey
"This special edition fruity range is a sophisticated, irresistible skin indulgence, with an elegant blend of magnolia, peony and ripe plum notes."

I knew I wanted to try some of the festive ranges they have in-store and online, but with a beauty stash overflowing, I wanted to pick out some bits that I knew I would definitely use up, which is why I picked up the festive shower gels. I have used shower gels from The Body Shop previously, my favourite being the Wild Argan Oil Shower Gel. I find that the shower gels lather really well, they smell lovely and leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. From smelling the ones I picked up in a recent order, I can't wait to use them!

Have you tried any products from the Christmas range at The Body Shop? Which are your favourite products?
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Lace Up Ankle Boots
When it comes to footwear, I'm 100% a trainers girl. I like to feel comfortable and secure in shoes, knowing that I have to wear them all day, I want something that's not going to cause me any pain or problems. However, as its getting towards party season and I felt like I needed to add a new pair of shoes into my collection that are more of a smart/casual option. I had been browsing online for a number of weeks looking for the perfect pair of boots. Enter my new Faux Suede Black Lace Up Ankle Boots! I knew these would be versatile with different outfit options, affordable and comfortable. I love that these boots have a chunky block heel, which means they would be practical for daytime and evening wear, as they are super comfortable. They also feature a slight pointed toe, lace up cut out detail and a zip fastening, making them super flattering and chic. These ankle boots would look great with jeans, skirts, shorts and dresses, and I think they are a great piece to make an outfit look more smart and sophisticated. 

I purchased these from EBAY for £19.99 + £3.99 p&p, which I thought was a bargain, as they look so much more expensive and definitely something you would never have guessed I ordered from Ebay! These boots are available in black, khaki and tan.

Are you loving lace up shoes? What shoes are on your wishlists? Have you bought shoes from Ebay before?
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When it comes to cooking, sometimes I want something that's quick to prepare, easy to make and tasty, and I think a simple salad is the way forward. There are so many combinations and ingredients you can use to make a lovely lunchtime salad, the possibilities are simply endless. I wanted to create something that was a light snack but also very filling, which is why I chose to use Halloumi cheese, as its very tasty and a great source of protein.
halloumi salad
halloumi salad
You will need:
3 Thick Slices of Halloumi Cheese
A Handful of Mixed Salad Leaves
Pitted Green Olives (Mine are Basil and Garlic ones from my Graze Box)
5 Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
Cucumber Slices
Feta Cheese

Method:
Prepare your salad base. For this I used a bag of mixed salad leaves.
Slice your cherry tomatoes in half.
Slice your cucumber.
Add your olives
Crumble over some feta cheese.
Heat your frying pan on a medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Slice Halloumi into large (1cm) slices and season with salt and pepper.
Fry for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown.
Place on top of your salad, drizzle over some olive oil or dressing, and enjoy!

What are your favourite salad ingredients?

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If a product includes scents of fresh mint and zesty lime, it's a winner to me and The Body Shops Virgin Mojito range is just beautiful. It's a range I had been wanting to get my hands on for a while, my beauty stash is nearly overflowing with the amounts of body butters and creams and shower gels I currently own, but I'm so happy to have snapped up a few products, as well as a 30% discount, I'd advise you to get your hands on these products before they goes, as its limited edition. *sad face*
First up is the Virgin Mojito Body Sorbet. The perfect wake up product to use in the shower. As said before, the scent is so fresh and crisp, I absolutely adore it. The body sorbet feels so silky and smooth on the skin, absorbs quickly and it leaves you feeling lightly moisturised and refreshed. A perfect pick me up for those early mornings, and leaves you smelling like an exotic island.

The Virgin Mojito Body Scrub is another lovely shower/bath product that I have really enjoyed using. From the first use, I was hooked on this stuff. The scrub exfoliates the skin gently, lifts away dead skin cells and leaves your skin silky smooth. This is such a refreshing scrub with a great scent that lingers on the skin and leaves it refreshed and healthy looking.

Lastly, Virgin Mojito Body Butter, possibly my favourite product out of the three. The body butter is so smooth and silky with a lightweight texture, and upon application it sinks into the skin so quickly. It's perfect for those times you need some added hydration and moisture, especially in the cold winter months. The scent is so fresh and strong, it is what I would describe like summer in a pot. If I advised you to pick up one thing from the range, the body butter would be the one!

Have you tried any products from the Virgin Mojito range at The Body Shop? What is your favourite range or products?
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