Hello Bloggerbeans,

After my last blogpost I felt finally at peace with myself and ready to come back. I felt that I needed to just let you all know that I am still here and not gone forever. I think its good just to have a little bit of hiatus from things to clear your mind and start fresh. What better than to have my first post be a good old day in the life as these are my favourite to write as I love sitting on my bed and having a almost diary log entry style of my day permanently here to look back on. When I went to meet Louise at her book signing last year HERE, I was beyond ecstatic just to have a quick hello and to sign my book. well somehow I was super lucky and got VIP tickets to her stage show known as Louise Live which is a very funny show full of laugh out moments on topics such as Relation-tips where she gave advice on the struggles and pinnacles of dating (which coming out of a relationship this year could wholeheartedly relate to) and the wonders of Bad ass Motherhood.

My day started off with getting up incredibly early to get ready and then head to the train station to get on a train to London. I decided to wear my cat camisole from Louise's clothing line and paired it with my white skater skirt along with my Tardis necklace which was given to me as a Christmas present. if it wasn't for wanting to wear the Cat camisole I would of gone full Autumnal with a jumper and hat and dark red lipstick. I think I need to write a whole other post dedicated to my autumnal obsession which has been developing...

Once we were on the train I spent most of it texting my good friend Bethany full of excitement who I met through Louise after she re-tweeted Bethany's tweet about her not having anyone to go with and then 4 months later here I was going to finally meet her! I tried to listen to my Dear John and Hank podcast but was mostly nervous with anticipation of finally meeting both Bethany and Louise.

Overall Louise did an amazing Job and I couldn't be prouder of everything she is doing and achieving. With Louise Live over for this year I really hope that she comes out with another Louise Live for 2017 as I really enjoyed myself and met some wonderful people who I hope to stay in contact with. It was just a perfect day for me.

 If you were unfortunate to miss out on getting tickets this year or couldn't make it you can Pre Order the DVD of Louise Live HERE on amazon for £13.50 

Toodlepip x

Last year I started a tradition of telling all you lovely people what each year of blogging has given me:

"Year 1 of blogging brought me lots of happiness in many different ways. There were good and bad days with dark times where I came here to give myself purpose and other wonderful days where I experienced lots of wonderful and exciting things with friends and family (Holding a cat, Passing my singing exam and getting into the college of my choice are just some to name a few)."

So first year Purpose and now second year Confidence. Confidence in the sense of without this blog here I would not of given myself the opportunity to put myself out there in the world. I don't think I would of applied for a performing arts course if it wasn't for the supportive community here which is why I started blogging as before this I felt so alone and by myself in the world. Blogging has become something I know I can always come to to cheer me up, make me smile from the comments left here and there on posts and the pure Joy I get when writing and putting my thoughts down into words in a blogpost.

Not enough thank you's could ever be enough as we celebrate 2 years of all the lovely warmth of this community we have created. Sometimes you really have to look for the hidden happiness in everyday life when things get tricky however it is always there if you are out seeking it. Until next time,

*Source*

Dear Katy,

Right now your sat upon your bed writing this blogpost at the age of 17. You are okay, not your best but not your worst. Right now okay is not enough for you, You want to explore the world, discover the life that has been put on hold for you. I hope future Katy reading this has done this and is now able to be do so many amazing things and if not that's okay too. As long as you're being true to yourself that's all I will ever ask of you as I know how hard things have been and am hoping that it got better (It got better right?)

How's mum and Dad? are they okay, go visit them sometime as right now you don't have the best relationship with them. I don't want that to harbor and get worse so present Katy is doing her best to patch things up. Hopefully this shows. What about your friends? Did you still stay connected to them. Go and ring Katie this instant and tell her that you appreciate her as your best friend, even if god forbid you haven't talked in a little while. Have you made any new friends that love you for all your quirks? Don't ever let someone make you feel as small as you once did back in the classroom. That is a vow you promised yourself after the incident which left you so broken from the mean words which cut you up into little pieces like a sword. Did acting work out in the end? If  it did then I am so happy for you but if not what are you doing? If you don't know go out and find what the heck you want to do and follow your passions.

Speaking about passions what are your hobbies now? I hope you found time to learn to paint or retake playing the piano (Yes I know you only got to grade 2 and present Katy is trying to slowly improve). Are you blogging still? The last couple of weeks have been hard for you and you know why. It's been hard to find motivation and the light to the very dark world at the moment. You, future Katy reading this now, are here because present Katy hasn't given up on life just yet. please stick around though as it would be such a stupid move if you didn't.

Did you get to visit America (New York) with Katie? along with Disneyland and Australia and a whole host of other places which you have always dreamed of seeing. You better cry at the Downtown Disney parade though as its been your dream since a child. Speaking of Disney you have watched all the films as present Katy is still in the midst of this.

Okay now for the the deep stuff. Did you go and seek therapy? Someone who listens to you and helps you work out all your life junk and start to put behind you the early life you want to forget as you write this and probably still do when you read this in 10 years time. Finally, do you have a place which you can call home? oh along with the burning question of if you are in a relationship or have 5 cats? Both is good just fyi. Lastly though just remember that whatever happens, you will be okay as life from where present Katy is only going to get better.

Toodlepip x

Life's song right now - To build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra

*Credit*

Hello Bloggerbeans,

Sometimes being left alone with your own thoughts is a little daunting especially when your anxiety is crazy at the moment. We haven't had a good heart to heart in a while so thought I would be brave and share something a little personal. I'l be blunt; I'm not doing so well at this moment in time while I write. We all have good and bad patches and you could say I am going through one of the rougher patches right now which has been the reason for my sudden absences and lack of blogging. I have always seen this little spot on the internet as a place to write about things that make me happy so when I feel the complete opposite I wait until I feel able to write and recently I have been waiting for this magical happiness mindset to come floating back to me yet somehow it floated off a little too far and now i'm a little stranded on Anxiety and Sadness Island (please send a boat asap as the WiFi is terrible!).

I think being now in a place where I am okay for the first time in a long while I feel like I shouldn't still be in the mindset of how I used to feel. I have for the first time in a long while a kind of surrogate family in the form of friends from school and college yet I still feel alone. Maybe it's just me as a person but I feel almost in a sense guilty for the way I feel as in no way do I have the right to feel these emotions when Katy now has it so much better than school Katy for many personal reasons.

I have started to become at peace with myself however the things that burdened me before are still with me and are seeping back into the new life I have formed for myself which has left me feeling a tad uneasy as I don't ever want my past to be relived as that door has been closed. I think sometimes its okay to reflect on the past and that its okay to feel sad for a little while but I need to give myself a pep talk as I am now in a better place however my head and heart needs a little time to catch up and heal from all that they have endured and at the end of the day that's okay.

I know this shall pass and all will be okay. Until next time,


Toodlepip x

Toodlepip x

This took a while to upload and put together however i'm really happy with all of the looks. Unfortunately I couldn't find all the links to every clothing item however am sure that you will find them in store if you like an item without a given link. I'l be sure to carry on searching and updating as i find them but if you find the link before It's updated be sure to tell me in the comments below so other Bloggerbeans will find it easier. My favourite has to be the light denim dress as its perfect for looking formal yet stylish and will be definitely be trying this look out for college. Whats your favourite? Until Next time,

Toodlepip x

Hello Bloggerbeans,
and hello to April! The month full of daffodils, sunny weather and bright adventures to be had before Summer is here, a pre summer if you like. We couldn't start this month off without a Essentials post so here is my top picks of things that I will be using throughout the month of April.

Books:

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - This months book recommendation is Harry Potter and the philosophers stone. I have always wanted to be part of the Harry Potter Fandom and after my good friend Elizabeth brought me the first book of the series for my birthday I can join the second generation who are picking up the books for the first time.

Makeup:
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - Just like the Benefit Rollerlash mascara which every beauty blogger has been loving, Maybellines Lash Sensational Mascara has also been getting a lot of attention and after purchasing a couple of weeks back have been wearing as part of my spring everyday makeup as it makes my lashes look so full and gives the illusion that i'm wearing false lashes when i'm not which is awesome.

Spring Lipstick Colours - Coming from winter and being all about a berry lip, I was seriously lacking when it came to my spring Makeup collection so invested in a couple of pink shades with one even ending up in my Spring Makeup Refresh look which you can view HERE. I like the subtlety of Pink and nude shades and feel I will be wearing a lot of Spring Lipsticks this April. The ones above are Rimmel lipstick is 05 and 08 and Maybelline 175 in Pink Punch.

Skincare:
Simple cleanser - I have recently become converted from Micellar water to cleansers which I have been finding a lot more effective to take off makeup with and with it being brighter, I have been trying to put in place a rigorous skincare routine to make sure my skin is as healthy as ever ready for the summer sun. As a big lover of Simple I purchased their cleanser and have been using it regularly and find its a lot more effective in helping take the days makeup off and wash away any impurities along with being a big motivation as if I am already in the bathroom using the Cleanser I find I am then more likely to use either a facial wash or exfoliater wash before applying night and spot cream.

Fashion:
Earrings - I have not worn earrings in a long time so when I was given this set from New Look for my birthday I decided to give them a go. I especially like the fact that they are quite small so are only noticeable if you really look so are perfect for everyday wear. They come in gold, pink and silver in an array of shapes so will match perfectly with your spring wardrobe.

Flower Crowns - This month I am hoping will be filled with lots of sunny weather so in reflecting this will be trying to wear lots of flower crowns big and small. I find their such a pretty spring (and summer) hair accessory to wear and are a simple, pretty and effective way to put back your hair as the weather begins to get warmer.

Music:
Bry - Lastly on my April Essentials is my music Recommendation which is Bry who you may know through his YouTube channel. He is a singer/Songwriter from Ireland who recently got signed to a record label which is huge news and being a avid follower of his music am so happy for him being recognized in the Music Industry and started to be taken seriously as a musician and not just for his YouTube. Yesterday he released his brand new single Don't Go Alone along with a music video which you can view HERE and am so happy that I have tickets for his Tour which has already begun. A quick shoutout to Katie for getting m tickets for my birthday (she is a good egg.)

Hopefully you enjoyed all the little bits and pieces mentioned in this post and be sure to look out for March's book review of It's Kind Of a Funny Story which should be up next Monday. This post was supposed to be up on Saturday but due to my WiFi issues had to reschedule for Monday which was a bit of a bummer but its finally up now hooray! I hope all you Bloggerbeans are okay and doing well. The try on Haul/Lookbook will be up this week on Friday so keep your eyes peeled for that post as I have been putting a lot of effort into uploads recently and have been enjoying blogging a lot. Until next time, 

Toodlepip x

Makeup products used:

Face:

Primer - Baby Skin Pore Eraser by Maybelline

Foundation - L'Oreal True Match Foundation In Rose Ivory

Concealer - Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer In Ivory

Blusher - Rockateur by Benefit

Powder - L'oreal True Match Powder in Rose Ivory

Eyebrows and Eyes:

Eyebrows - Miss Sporty Eyebrow studio kit in Medium Brown

Eyeshadow - A mixture of the pink shade from the Maybelline 'The Nudes' Palettes and pink Eye Glitter pigmentation pot. similar one from Makeup Revoloution Eyedust in Confront

Mascara - Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Very Black

Gel Eyeliner Pencil (Bottom Eyelids) - Avon Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Lips: 

Lipstick - Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick 175 in Pink Punch

Lastly I have really been enjoying curling my hair with the BaByliss Curling wand I used for my Valentines OOTD and Makeup post and have really enjoyed this effortlessly curled look and feel I will be sporting it throughout the up and coming months.

What i'm listening to - Riptide by Vance Joy

Once we were both ready we headed for town and Boston Tea Party which is my favourite place to catch up as the interior of the place is so darn cosy with couches and a rustic theme running throughout the Café along with free WiFi must I say more? It already feels like my second home by the amount of times I have gone this month alone and is great for spending a little while to just talk with a hot cup of tea or coffee or whatever takes your fancy from their huge array of hot and cold drinks they serve along with food. I definitely recommend you go in if there is one near you. I ended up getting a coffee to get me through the day while Katie went for a Mint Tea which is one of her favourites. We also ordered a caramel shortbread to share to keep us going while shopping. 

After around an hour we decided to head shopping starting with new look. I ended up picking a few things to try on including some floral tops, a pair of dungarees, a pair of shorts and a crop top with my pal picking up a T shirt with the relatable quote of 'Always late' which I ended up buying for her as she loved it so much. I ended up buying the shorts and crop top but later on when trying everything on didn't like the way it fitted along with it being a different colour to my white skirt which I was planning on wearing it with so will probably have to return it later this week. Our second shop we headed to was Superdrug where I picked up 2 spring pink Rimmel lipsticks, some more Rimmel Wake me up Concealer and Maybelline's Lash sensational as have heard that the hype for the product is worth is so will be sure to try it out before deciding if its worth reviewing here on my blog. The third and last shop we headed to was H and M where I brought 2 dresses which I can't wait to wear when the weather gets warmer. I think my summer wardrobe is starting to really take shape with only a couple more weeks till spring is in full spring and I can start to wear most of my clothes again.

After going in these three shops which we had spent a long while in we decided to walk home and grab a pizza on the way which we then ate at mine while watching the 4th episode of Thirteen which is a BBC Iplayer drama about a girl called Ivy Moxan who escapes aged 26 after being abducted since the age of thirteen and her rehabilitation back into her old life as the police try to capture her abducter. The plot has really started to thicken and every episode has left me gobsmacked by the cliffhanger they leave it on with this week being no exception. Its uploaded at midday every Sunday and on TV that evening and definitely recommend it. After experiencing many a emotion we decided to have some birthday cake before Katie then left to go home. I have never really been a birthday person for personal reasons but this year was the first time where I haven't been left feeling sad or cried myself to sleep because it has been sh*t. Instead it was filled with so much fun and really want to thank Katie for making it an okay day even if I did cry with joy after opening all my presents and feeling all the feels.

Cocoa on the other hand has become so eccentric over the last couple of years and has really come out of his shell. At times he's still shy but on certain days he is even crazier than Fudge! Like Fudge he is very calm and tame and was again named because of his colourings. The picture above really is a complete snapshot of him as even though he would be assumed as the quiet one he is sometimes the most affectionate one who has started to greet me when I come to their cage and is all the willing to be stroked unlike fudge who is more reluctant cage wise unless you get him out. His favourite food is celery and broccoli yet he isn't too keen on the stalk of it and when playtime rolls around goes mental running around at lightening speed trying to play tag which fudge used to play at his speed yet due to his leg is a little slower. When we did have to take fudge to the vets and we came back with him knowing his leg would not be again 100% I think Cocoa could tell as since then has cared for him and knows that Fudge won't be able to run as fast as him like before.

A lot of people say Pets are just Pets however their more than that; they will and always be family. When I first watched Marley and me I couldn't really understand as I have never owned animals before but when I got Fudge and Cocoa I finally understood. They become a part of you and I know that most people say their pets are not the average type of pet however right from the Moment I got Fudge and Cocoa I knew they would never be part of a statistic as they are truly not normal. I really don't think its normal by the amount of things they eat such as most of their bedding which their not supposed to eat along with teaching themselves to jump up the stairs and being so tame that when on the floor jump on and off of my lap whenever they want and come when called. They are truly not normal guinea Pigs and love the weirdness that they possess and wouldn't want them any other way.

If you want to read my previous post on my Guinea Pigs you can read it HERE. Before I end today's post I ended up hitting 20,000 page-views overall along with this being my 200th post which I have never been prouder. My blog will always be my little happiness corner of the internet and i'm glad all you guys enjoy reading my posts just as much as I enjoy writing and creating content. Here's to more of all the good stuff in life!

Toodlepip x

Hello Bloggerbeans,
When I found out Zoe was releasing a second book to her debut novel Girl Online I was beyond ecstatic. After being so emotionally bound into Penny and Noah's relationship, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Girl Online On Tour and carry on where the last book left off. I have to say I was glued to the book the whole time whilst reading this in January and managed to finish it rather quickly however made sure to take my time when getting to the end of the book as I didn't want to put it down. For my first book of 2016 is was a nice cosy read to get me back into reading during the cold and dark January and was thankful for this little gem of the book.

The book starts off with Noah about to head on his debut Tour with Penny who is heading off with him during the summer touring month however things don't always go to planned. With Penny having so many plans for the supposed 'Best Summer Ever' with mystery cake days in each city they head to, Noah starts to get busier and busier leaving promises broken and their relationship left hanging in the balance. Is Autumn girl and Noah no more? As the book goes on you really start to feel for Penny and how being constantly let down really starts to wear her down. Being someone who has faced a lot of rejection I could totally see how it feels to have the conflicting emotions of keeping quiet and not telling the person that deep down you were really looking forward to it and hiding how you really feel or saying something and making the other person feel bad as in Noah's case it wasn't necessarily his fault with having to rehearse and be whisked away by his manager at no given notice.

Zoe also discusses other prominent issues such as being gay and in the closet and Cyber bullying. Elliot (Penny's best friend) finds himself in a relationship with Alex who is still in the closet to his friends and family. Elliot understands that it takes time yet when a compromising photo of Alex and Elliot ends up circling on social media Elliot's relationship hangs in the balance along with Penny's. I think that Zoe bringing up things like the LGBT community is hugely important message to get out as at the end of the day its okay to love whoever you love regardless of gender. This photo however was taken by Penny on her phone which at the first concert ends up being lost with someone trying to send threatening messages wanting her to break up with Noah with consequences such as the photo being released. Penny ends up having to face a tricky situation and with Zoe touching upon this serious subject matter it will helpfully help her audience know that Bullying in any form, including via the internet is ALWAYS wrong.

The book took me on lots of twists and turns and I love a book with a surprising ending which I didn't predict or suspect which left me very surprised in a good way. Girl Online On Tour was the perfect sequel to such a well received first debut novel. Compared to her first novel I felt this was more aimed towards the YA category more than Girl Online and even though I am at the higher end of the targeted audience for her books really enjoyed them which shows the diversity at which the book caters for. Zoe has managed to get a lot of people back and interested in reading which is such an achievement. Well done Zoe! #Teaminternet has done it again. Until Next time,

Toodlepip x

Sometimes when the weather is grey and unpromising I forget what an earth I am doing with my life and end up questioning myself which sometimes is a good thing. Winter always leaves me by the end of it gloomy for no reason along with summer being a distant future of happiness and bliss which is so close yet so far. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and see where your heading next in life. Its good to reflect on life itself and re channel and invest your energy in things that make you happy instead of wasting your time on things making you unhappy. I'm still on the path to happiness and I think always will be as happiness and self acceptance is a journey and never a destination. I have a lot of things coming up the next couple of months and want to spend as many moments as I possibly can making memories and being in the moments. I want to look back on the days to come with fond memories and no regrets. 

I find that listening to upbeat and inspiring music along with being surrounded with people who I love and care about a lot really helps to remind me of the good times that have happened and are going to happen. Its about finding what makes you happy and pursuing that no matter how big or small that is. Your happiness shouldn't be ever compromised because of others and you should never feel like you can't do something just because of someone's views or opinions because at the end of the day it's your life and you have the power to make of it what you want. Its about slowly saying yes to opportunities you want to do but feel to scared in case it goes wrong, It's about finding what is your happiness anchor and rooting yourself to it and growing from there and It's about not caring what others think and doing your own thing and acknowledging where you are and working towards becoming you.

Above is a video by Troye Sivan which I always come back to time and time again to remind me to carry on doing what makes me happy and that sometimes you may get lost down the path of trying to find yourself but you will get there. Until next time,

Toodlepip x

My Canon 1200D Camera - When it comes to technology it takes me a little while to adjust so when I got my new camera and couldn't do the most basic things such as taking a picture with it being in focus (for a whole month I must add...) I felt a little like a plonker. However over the last month I have slowly been getting used to it and finally after 2 months since owning it can now say finally that the picture above was taken with my new camera! The quality of the pictures I can now take with my new camera is amazing and am so glad I purchased it. It is now like my second limb and I definitely plan on capturing as many non blurry faced pictures of 2016 as I can, wish me luck! I may even feature them here time to time when I can.

I Hope you enjoyed today's post. Be sure to tell me down below what Fashion trend you would like to see me try out next and what you want to try out yourselves as together we will conquer the world of fashion one step at a time.

Toodlepip x