Starting off with something a little harsh, my first thing to think about is the people you surround yourself with. I was in such a dark place before university, filled with negativity, hatred and anger. I managed to overcome these powerful emotions by cutting off people who would evoke these horrible traits within me - although it can be sad at first, I instantly felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders once I started to focus on myself and the people who brought positive things to my life. Being surrounded by such wonderful, inspiring and optimistic people has made me think of the amazing memories I can create (or have already created). From the small evening trips hunting for a naughty takeaway to the fun days out shopping, I've realised that all I need are my family, best friends and boyfriend to help me appreciate the smaller things in life. I don't need materialistic items to be happy, I just want to create memories with people that I will always remember and can share with the world and my future family.

Money isn't everything. My life was one hell of a stress during summer - I worked continuously to earn money so that I would have savings for university and to treat myself before throwing myself into years of debt. However, I've realised that although saving some money is important, I shouldn't be stingy when it comes to a casual lunch with my friends or a luxury hot drink from my nearest Starbucks. I used to hesitate on buying food/drink/experiences but now that's all I want to spend my money on. Don't get me wrong, it is always a safe option to have some back up money but reflecting on my time in Lincoln so far, I've made tonnes of memories in such a short space of time. It has been three months since I've moved to Lincoln and I've created as much memories as I have in three years! Treat yourself to a day out with a friend because I promise you, it will be worth it. Even if it doesn't quite go to plan, it is still a story to tell and you will always remember what happened!


My Outfit:

Rust Jumper - Everything5Pounds (Use the code 5CHARLOTTE5 for money off!)
Trousers - LOTD

What are your top tips for a positive mindset? Is there anyone who has inspired you to change your the way you think for the better?

Lots of love

For your Grandparents

If you're struggling to find a present for the older people in your life, nothing will put a smile on their faces as much as these beautifully arranged and packaged hampers from Prestige Hampers. With a huge range of small to luxury sets, there will be a festive food hamper that will be sure to brighten up your nan or grandad's day. This particular set includes two different tea varieties, lemon shortbread, cookies, fruit and nut cakes and some luxury chocolates. This is the perfect sharing hamper for Christmas Day itself or to indulge on a cold winter evening. Presentation and wonderful choice of treats make this hamper brand so special, as well as a loving personal touch. I cannot wait to gift my grandparents this incredible hamper this Christmas. You also receive 10% off your first order.

Shop Here

For your Mother

I'm sure my mum won't mind me telling you lovely people, but she struggles to get the beauty sleep she deserves. To be honest, I've not been getting the best sleep since moving out to university. I always have things on my mind about the future and upcoming assignments so constantly find myself worrying and overthinking everything, especially at night. The wonderful team at Feather and Down kindly sent me this gorgeous package, luxuriously wrapped with a navy metallic ribbon. Not only is the aesthetics to die for, the products are so innovative and different to anything I've seen in the beauty marketplace. In my little box, I received the All Purpose Sleep Balm, Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray and Melting Shower Cream. The calming lavendar and camomile notes linger on your bedsheets and pillows - the smell is divine and not too overpowering. My ideal pamper evening would include a relaxing shower/bath with the cream, followed by rubbing the balm into my pulse points (temples, wrists and neck) and a spritz of the pillow spray to set you into a beautiful deep sleep. I feel this is the perfect gift idea for mothers or anyone in your family that struggles to get a decent night's rest. Use the code SLEEPY25 for 25% off!

Shop Here
Watch this video 

For the Women

Personally, I believe that women are extremely easy to buy for. Something a little different to the things I've mentioned previously years is a travel or makeup bag. Instead of buying your mother, sister, girlfriend or wife a makeup product this Christmas, why not buy her something to store her favourite pieces in? Makeup and travel bags are absolutely essential, for beauty addicts in particular. I'm always on the look for a large makeup bag to carry my holiday picks whenever I travel, no matter the distance. This rose gold metallic, and very spacious, travel bag is from Lily England; the Large Wash Bag has two large compartments. Thus, this can hold all of your toiletries and makeup in one. I love the simplicity of the design partnered with the metallic finish - this huge bag is any beauty lovers dream and I would be so happy to receive something this stunning for Christmas.

Shop Here

For Those Who Deserve More

You have to agree with me that there are those people in your life who always go the extra mile to make people happy and are completely selfless. If you can relate, then 'The Care Box' is designed for people who lack self care and deserve to be treated more often. Each month 'The Care Box' will arrive at your door and ensure that you have everything you need for a relaxing evening in. Whether you opt for the £5, £10 or £20 subscription package, you will always receive your money's worth and more for pure relaxation. In my first Care box there were a variety of named brands and every product I know I will get great use out of. From skincare to chocolate, every little goodie you receive is sure to make you smile. This is such a perfect present for someone who always forgets to care for themselves - you can make sure that they get the treatment they deserve every single month!

Shop Here 

For Teenagers

Teenagers are an age range that a lot of people struggle to buy for - they've exited the toy phase and haven't completely evolved to adulthood. If you're ever worried about what to buy a teen for Christmas then a great idea is skincare; something that is practical with health benefits is something that won't go unappreciated. Magnitone's First Step cleansing brush is one of their latest launches - for £40, this marvellous contraption will reduce excess oils, control impurities and deeply cleanse your complexion. As a teenager, it is vital to care for your skin to avoid pre-mature ageing and excess oils/dirt. If you're looking to spend a little extra on someone this Christmas, this £40 compact cleansing brush is perfect for beauty/skincare lovers and those who struggle to look after their skin accordingly.

Shop Here

For the Whole Family 

My family and I are all huge game lovers - whether it is a quiz, a game of cards or a classic board game, we absolutely love splitting ourselves into teams and letting our inner competitiveness out! Not going to lie, I'm probably the most competitive and hate to admit that I'm a sore loser...Anyway, I recently discovered Randomise - a new card game that involves describing, acting and drawing. I'm awful at drawing but I find games that enhance my flaws are always hilarious and make the game that extra bit humorous. Anyone from the ages of 4 onwards can play this greatly interactive game and all you need is two teams to get started. My friends and I adapted the rules to the game at university as there was only three of us but we absolutely loved it! I cannot wait to take this back home to my family so we can play it throughout Christmas...If you want to see the vlog where I filmed my friends and I playing the game then feel free to click on the link below to see the rules in greater detail!

Shop Game Here

Watch my Vlog 

For a Secret Santa 

If you are participating in a Secret Santa present giving this Christmas then this could be for you. I know not everyone is into spice but I feel this would be a great stocking filler, especially for the men in my life who love spicy food! This Nando's Peri-Peri Salt Shaker is such a perfect gift; I would be so happy to receive this as I'm a huge fan of the Nando's peri-peri fries! I thought this would be another great alternative gift idea that not a lot of people would think to purchase for a loved one or friend - there are so many incredible gift sets in Asda Living at the minute if you are struggling to buy presents for people in your family. For under £7, this would be the ultimate secret santa gift for those who love to cook or enjoy adding spice to their meals!

Shop Here

For Alcohol Lovers

Instead of buying the classic bottle of wine for the alcohol lovers in your life, why not spice it up by opting for Funkin Cocktails. This brand produce premium quality cocktail flavours in an iconic cocktail shaker designed bottle. With the addition of the recommended alcohol, you can make four cocktails in a matter of seconds. My favourite Funkin Cocktails' flavours are the Strawberry Daiquiri and Passion Fruit Martini. This is also a great Christmas gift idea for university students and cocktail lovers. With the code BLACKFRIDAY, you are able to get an incredible 30% off all products!

Shop Here



For Quirky Gift Ideas

If you know me, you will know my love for Flying Tiger. This brand only started selling in the UK over the past few years and I instantly fell in love when I visited it for the first time on Oxford Street. Recently, a new Flying Tiger shop launched in the Cornhill Quarter in Lincoln, which made my friend Hattie and I super excited as we are both huge fans of the shop. For those who aren't aware, Flying Tiger sell a largely versatile range of quirky gifts - from stationery to kitchen supplies, toys to food, Tiger sells so many innovative products that always make me leave the store with a bag in hand. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the store launch so the wonderful PR team sent me some amazing stationery goodies to keep me kitted up for university! The teal and golden post its are so stunning and I love the cool sardine tin for my paperclips. I have bought my younger cousin so many affordable gifts from here for Christmas that I know she will LOVE!

Shop Here
TIGER INSTA
TIGER TWITTER


What are you getting your loved ones for Christmas? Have you tried any of the brands mentioned?

Lots of love

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the products mentioned were sent complimentary as PR samples; however, all opinions are honest and my own.

After spending the two complete months at university, settling in and finding my way around Lincoln, I decided it was time to visit my boyfriend. Initially, I thought living a two hour train journey away from Aidan was going to be extremely difficult - being together for over four years has, of course, created a strong bond between us. I was worried that I would feel lonely and sad, when in fact I feel the opposite. Distance has been incredible for us. Don't get me wrong, I miss Aidan a lot and it is super strange not having him around 24/7. We used to see each other almost everyday in our hometown so it was odd to begin with. However, I feel that distance has helped our relationship and made us grow stronger. It made me so excited to see him for the first time and visit his university in London. As we hadn't seen each other in a while, we decided to treat ourselves to a perfect weekend together. I ticked SO many things off of my bucket list! Here are a few things we got up to...

A spontaneous breakfast was ideal to start off the weekend. We decided to pop into Le Pain Quotidien for a morning pick me up. I opted for a creamy hot chocolate - I poured the most rich, delicious chocolate into my large mug. It was absolutely divine - I partnered my hot drink with a jam croissant and a chocolate and banana muffin. Aidan also chose the muffin but decided on a wake up call from an espresso. The service was fast and the staff were polite - I would definitely recommend going to a Le Pain Quotidien if you are looking to treat yourself to a more luxurious breakfast.

Being the geeks we are, Aidan saved the two museums neighbouring his univeristy and accomodation for when I visited so we could see them together. On Saturday we explored the Science museum - I really enjoy looking at the areas of science I'm interested in, such as human biology, psychology and evolution, whereas Aidan is into physics. There were so many incredible things to see and learn - I was particularly shocked by the piece of moon that was held one of the glass cabinets. Moreover, the Natural History Museum was where we went on Sunday morning. After the two minutes of silence in respect of Remembrance day, we spent 3 hours walking around and admiring the several floors and rooms of the museum. If you are interested in learning something new or enjoy looking around museums, you should definitely check these places out - they are both free entry! 

For lunch, we headed to Camden Market. It was the first time I've ever been and I loved walking around the different stalls, looking at the quirky artwork and alternative christmas gifts. There were so many amazing jewellery, gift, clothing and food stands! It literally smelt amazing, especially in the streets. I've always wanted to go to the Cereal Killer Cafe so we popped into the one in Camden. Being a huge chocolate lover, I picked Crunch cereal mixed with Golden Grahams, topped with magic stars and a happy hippo. You also get a classic milk bottle accompanied with your cereal - it is potentially the worst cereal and meal in the world but it tasted AMAZING nonetheless. The interior of the cafe was authentic and retro; the music took me back to my childhood and the walls were plastered with throwback cartoon characters, films and old cereal brands. This is definitely a place to try if you are looking for an alternative meal or unique dining experience...