Goodbye 2015

I can't believe that we are in our last few days of 2015! So crazy. This year seems to have flown by and I know that people say that every year but this one really does seem to to have gone in a flash!

Before I get stuck in to the blog post I just wanted to say that I hope all of you reading this, and all of you that always read this, have had an amazing Christmas! (Only 361 sleeps until the next one!) Not only that but thank you! Thank you for reading my blogs, it honestly means a lot. This was a pipe dream from the start of this year and now it's an actual thing that people actually read and support, that's pretty incredible! This year blogging, next year YouTube????

Of all my 22 years on Earth this year has been the most challenging one that I have experienced. That being said I would like to share with you some things that I have learnt and will be taking into 2016 with me.

So, at the start of this year, I was living with my boyfriend, in Warrington ( I told you this was going to be personal ) then it hit summer time, and, without going in to much detail, our relationship hit a point were it was just not working anymore and he ended it, I had to move back home with my family and really re-asses my life. This is a person I had been with for nearly four years, so all this change was a massive lifestyle adjustment and I won't lie at first, it was hard. For those of you that have been through break ups yourself you will know that they can feel like the end of the world!

But let me tell you, for those of you that might be nursing a broken heart as you head in to the New Year.... Time heals all wounds, you will be happy again and you will stop crying. One day I just woke up, threw all that shit out and realised I'm fucking amazing by myself. I have realised that I can do anything I want with my life, the world is literally my oyster. For the first time, I am content and happy with my job, it's not what I want to do forever but it's better than not having a job at all. I do have a plan for the future and I am fully confident in myself and my abilities that I will get there but for now I just want to enjoy life and experience it, you should too!

If you're in a relationship and on a weekly basis you are telling yourself that you deserve better, then listen to yourself. Have the courage to trust yourself and the confidence to believe that actually, although it might be hard, you got this. You can be single, and you can be bloody good at it. You don't need another person to define you!

When it comes to jobs and life aspirations, go for it. Whatever it is in life that you want, you can have it, go and get it, what is stopping you? Believe in yourself. That might sound like a really cheesy, Disney thing to say but believing in yourself and loving yourself, first and foremost, is the best thing you can do going into the New Year. Also, to any older people reading this, you are never too old to do anything and it is never too late to go after what you want!

2016 is all about having confidence in everything that you do, work, life, friends, family, passions, ambitions, relationships and most importantly you.

You are completely amazing. There is nothing wrong with anything that you are, anything that you want, believe in or like. If we were all the same the world would be such a boring place to live!!

Of course, there will be moments that challenge you, and moments when you still don't think you can do it, I get those sometimes, it's almost like everything rushes at you all at once and life just becomes so overwhelming. 

That being said, I have composed a playlist of all the songs that have driven me, empowered me, picked me up and basically got me through the last five months, some of them might seem a bit of an odd choice, but if I'm not going to be honest then what's the point in doing a blog....?

' This is just the start of your story, if you've got guts, you get glory, anyone can make it even you, now's the time you gotta stand tough, cos if you work hard you can rise up, anyone can make it even you...' - The city's yours (Annie Soundtrack)

Another thing that kept me going was Cinderella (the most recent one) is that really girly? Probably. Not because she gets a happily ever after but because she is so strong. Yes it's fictional and real life isn't really like that but so many lines of that film can applied to real life.

'Just because it's what's done doesn't mean it's what should be done..' 

So what does 2016 hold for me??? Well, I have learnt that making long term plans isn't always a great idea since nothing is ever certain in life, as this year has shown me BUT I would really like to go to either Italy or Ireland (once I've paid off that naughty student overdraft) I want a change in career..... Maybe pluck up the courage to create a youtube channel!! I want to invest more in this blog. Really spend time with family and friends creating amazing memories! I want to take time with photography, it's something I really enjoy and love and thanks to my mum I now have a swanky new camera. I also want to begin saving to go to Harry Potter studios again, since the last time was with my ex..... But mainly I just want to have a wonderful year!

I really hope you've taken something from this blog, I've put a lot of effort into it. IT's something I've been wanting to write for a while and I figured this was the perfect time for it.

I hope that you all have a wonderful New Year whatever you are doing!

Find me on social media!

Instagram @annakimberley93

Twitter @annarailton1993

December Pink Parcel

A couple of weeks ago I received my Pink Parcel through the post and rather than upload a post straight away about everything that was in it and where you can get it all from I wanted to give it some time so that I could use the products and give you an honest opinion on what I thought, so here we are!

If you are wondering what the heck Pink Parcel is then I will be leaving the link to their website at the bottom, alternatively you can scroll down to the blog post titled Pink Parcel it's a Monthly Thing!

Okay I'll start with the things I didn't like or find useful. The Fab little bags were tampon disposable bags...... I have towels in my Pink Parcel bogs so these were of no use but it's the thought that counts!!

The English Tea Shop Ginger Bread Man tea bag. I'm not a herbal tea person. I like your bog standard English Breakfast tea so I always pass on the tea bags to my mum but she hasn't used it yet so I honestly I have no idea if it tastes nice or not.

A few weeks ago Pink Parcel posted on Facebook asking what people wanted to see more or less of in their boxes next year and I did comment that there should be an option to have herbal tea bags or just a normal English Breakfast so we shall see!!

Organic AngeliQ Festive Orange and Organic Cranberry ............. If you like dark chocolate then you will more than likely love this but I'm a milk chocolate kind of girl, I did try a bite though and I just found it so so bitter! Not a lover, again maybe an option to just have milk chocolate in your parcel would be a good idea!

Freeman exfoliating face scrub, I was really let down by this it didn't really scrub or do much of anything, maybe I used it wrong.... I am not a beauty expert, but it did smell really really good!

On to the winners!

Gloco Tabs - Essentially little tablets that top up your sugar levels. I found these useful, especially during my period to give me that little boost of energy to get me through long days!

The little gingerbread man that you see is a lipgloss, incredibly cute and festive, I really loved this, you don't get a lot in it as you can probably imagine but still a great little product that I have been using on a night and it has left my lips feeling beautifully soft in the morning

O.P.I Muppets on Tour nail polish, absolutely brilliant choice for the December box. Perfect for both Christmas and New Year, long lasting, buildable, everything you want from a nail polish this time of year! Below is a picture of how I have used it to create my festive nails (the red colour is Tanya Burr's Mischief Managed nail polish from her original collection)

And the star of the box for me was the bracelet from Lisa Angel. Just perfect. I have had so many compliments on it and I am in love, there isn't much today, it's just a simple friendship style bracelet. There are more options on the website and you can personalize them as well so I will leave the link for the website below!

To go with all of the Pink Parcel also packed in a mystery, surprise, Christmas cracker and inside was a sample of Vichy's new Idealia Skin Sleep cream. I got three uses out of this and I really liked the product. It wasn't thick it went on really easy and it smelt fresh and lovely. I can't say if it made my skin look more fresh because I wasn't using it for long enough and I don't really suffer from dark circles or tired looking skin but I have put it on my list of things to buy for next year!

As always I am extremely happy with the products in my pink parcel, even though there is room for improvement in the tea and chocolate department, and the quality! I would highly recommend subscribing, I think it's such a bargain for only £12.99 a month!

Pink Parcel - https://www.pinkparcel.co.uk/

Vichy - http://www.vichy.co.uk/

Lisa Angel - http://www.lisaangel.co.uk/jewellery/bracelets

Find me on social media!

Instagram - @annakimberley93

Twitter - @annarailton1993

Long time no blog...

Hi Guys!!

So this is just a little update for any of you that read my blog and have been wondering, where is she? Why has she not posted in forever? What about the Christmas book club!

Well it's this crazy little inconvenient things called life. Yeah.. It happens.

For the last couple of months I have been juggling my actual job (four days a week) with volunteering in a school (the other three days of the week) while also making time for friends and family and also some important me time! Oh and let's not forget getting Christmas sorted! So as you can imagine, making time for blogging has been a challenge! But I haven't forgotten, I am still here and I think that starting in the New Year I am going to post every Wednesday, that way I have a set date and I can be more prepared and organised and you guys all know when to come back and check out what's happening!

How are you all anyway? All good and well I hope and ready for this coming week?!

In regards to the book club all I can say is I'm sorry! At the time it seemed like a really good idea!! But as I have already said, life gets busy and I am not the fastest reader in the world! But I will get Dream a Little Christmas Dream finished before the New Year even if it kills me!!!


This blog is just a little bit of something and a whole lots of nothing to let you know that I am alive and well and definitely still blogging!

Oh and before I forget to talk about it, a couple of days ago I bought Luise Omielan's show 'Am I Right Ladies?!' --Seriously one of the best things I have ever bought.  For those of you who may not know, and that might be a lot of you, Luisa is an up and coming comedian, most of you will have probably seen her piece on thigh gaps and in case you haven't I will leave the link below. Everything she says is just so so true and relatable more so probably if you're over 18..... The reason I bring it up is because it was such an empowering thing to watch and if you are someone that is single, maybe newly single (like myself) or struggling to get a career going, or deciding what you want to do with life or maybe you're lacking confidence in certain areas that seriously this is the best present you can give yourself going into the new year ladies!! (gents you'll enjoy it too don't worry!)

Luisa Omielan Thigh Gap -----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2MskQOinwE

Click this link to buy Am I Right Ladies ----> http://www.iloveluisa.com/#section-shop

Check back tomorrow for a review and breakdown of the products from this months Pink Parcel.

Find me on social media!

Instagram @annakimberley93
Twitter @annarailton1993

Not Quite Five Gold Rings....

Ho Ho Ho!

Christmas is fast approaching everyone and so I would like to share with you my top fives!

This post is also to make up for the fact that I am completely rubbish and have not finished the second book in the christmas book club. I am really sorry about that but I have just not had the time, but I will get it done, I promise!

So let's get stuck in to the lists like we get stuck in to the turkey on christmas day!!

Top Five Christmas Films (1 is the bestest one EVER 5 is like great but not number 1)

1. Santa Claus the Movie - This will forever and always be my favourite Christmas film, he is the best Santa, I know it word for word, I have watched it every single Christmas repeatedly since forever. This will never be knocked off the number one spot, if you haven't seen it then can you please stop reading and go watch it, thank you.

2. Miracle on 34th Street - This film is so magical. Again another one I know all the words too, I blame my grandma. The most magical parts are when he's putting on his suit in Coles, when he speaks sign language to the little girl and the end court scene, that scene, man it gives me chills and feels and more feels which make tears.

(Have come too a sudden realisation that it is very hard to pick only five Christmas films.....)

3. Scrooge (The one with Albert Finney) You can't have Christmas without Scrooge, you just can't. This is a classic, great songs and great portrayal of Scrooge. This is the version of Scrooge that I was brought up on ( and the muppets obviously, light the lamp not the rat) but this means more because it's a family fave!

4. Nativity - Okay so this is relatively new, the main reason I love this film is because of Mr Poppy, he is hilarious, that and the songs are so catchy. It's just a really great feel good, festive, family film! ( Number two is also really really good and I haven't seen number 3 yet!)

5. Home Alone - Do I really need to say why this is in the top five?! 

Also: Polar Express, Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Christmas, Elf, Arthur Christmas and Santa Who are great ones.

If you are wanting a slightly more sophisticated festive spirit then my top picks are, The Holiday, While you were sleeping and Love Actually.

(Are there enough days in the month to get through all of those films on top of everything else?)


Top Five Christmas Songs

1.  Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin Stevens

2. Mistletoe and Wine - Cliff Richard

3. Driving Home For Christmas - Chris Rea

4. Last Christmas - Wham

5. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues

Generally speaking though, I love all Christmas songs, who doesn't? Especially when Michael Buble is singing them!! *swoon*

Top Five Christmas Foods

I thought about including these in my general Christmas top five list but there were too many because I bloody love food!

1. Pigs in blankets - These are the best part of Christmas dinner. No arguments.

2. Mince Pies - I actually think I have eaten more mince pies than Santa so far.... Om nom nom.

3. Costa White Hot Chocolate - Okay so technically not a food but it only comes out at Christmas and it's in that sort of category..... I don't like normal hot chocolate but white hot chocolate is the greatest. Not with the raspberry sauce on top though, however, ask for it with chocolate sprinkles, you won't regret it!!

4. Mince Pie Cookies - Thank you Tesco...Just.... Thank you! They are what they say they are and they are amazing.

5. Pigs in blankets - They're that good they get to be on the list twice.


General Christmas Top Fives

1. Christmas Decorations - This is anything for the ones that go on the tree to cushions and bedding and candles and singing things, just all of it. I'm one of those people that has everything up in the last couple of days of November because when it gets to December I want to be surrounded by Christmas, I want the fairy lights from the Christmas tree to be the only thing glowing, I just want to enjoy it, from start to finish.

2. Christmas jumpers - Bloody love me a Christmas jumper, I only have five at the minute but the aim is to have one for every day of the month next year! 

3. Writing Christmas cards and wrapping presents - Most people hate this part or find it boring but it always get's me feeling super festive and I always pick paper and cards depending on the person and of course I have to have matching tags and if I can be bothered then we go for a ribbon!

4. Christmas cracker jokes - Yes they are awful and yes I have probably heard them a gazzillion times but I'm still going to laugh!

5. Christmas Day - I love this day but for very different reasons than when I was younger. Now I love seeing my little brother getting all excited because Santa has been and I love seeing people open what I bought them but I think I just love having that family time! Yes we always get family time but Christmas day just feels a little bit more special I think because you get to see all the other family members that you usually don't get a chance to see. In saying this I would just like to say it's also important to remember all the people that are missing out on a family Christmas because they're serving their country or because they work in public services and they're busy saving lives in one way or another - to you people and to your families, you're amazing <3

(I also like to go through the tv guide and pick out everything I'm watching over Christmas and I LOVE carols by candle light at the church on Christmas eve, it's so festive and lovely!)

I hope that this has got you feeling merry and bright, only 15 more sleeps!!!

Find me on Social Media

Instagram @annakimberley93
Twitter @annarailton1993

November Favourites!

Wow I can't believe it's already December, this year has literally flown by!

So here it is guys a post on all the things that I have been loving this month. Initially I didn't think I had many but then I started getting them all together to take pictures and I was like, wow.... So this post may be a little long winded, so go grab yourself a drink, maybe a mince pie??

Let's just get started.

The first thing is the chalk board (at the back of the picture) I think this is brilliant and so useful. I picked it up for just £5 from Primark (so I can't leave a link) and it's great for helping me plan my weeks and know where I am because I hardly check my diary!! You could also use this to plan meals for the week, which would help massively with doing a food shop, especially if you are someone that has to work on a budget. I just think it's so cute and, since we're heading into the festive season, may I just add, this would be a lovely addition to someone's stocking! Oh, and also, if you are a student this would be dead handy writing out when your lectures are and when assignments are due in!

Next the big cushion at the back. Now this may seem like a bit of a random one but honestly it has made such a difference. If you have been reading my blogs from day one you may remember I mentioned suffering with lower back pain, well this cushion has been such a help. It's perfect for when I want to sit up in bed and watch telly, or write blogs ;), propping me up just right and then when it's time for sleep I place my pillow just over this and it's sooooooo comfy, honestly the best £7 (yes I know what a bargain) I have ever spent!!! If you are wondering where it is from, I picked this up from Primark and it also comes in grey!

The boots. Oh the boots. These are sort of like your standard chelsea wedge boot, I apologies that the picture is not helpful, but just click the link for a better look, they are so comfy. I have never ever been one to wear heals but my style has been changing, also I started volunteering at a school and a student asked me what year I was in......... So this was my solution. Honestly I can last a full school day in these and then various places after and they go with everything, leggings, jeans, smarter trousers, tights! Just perfect, thank you Tesco!!! http://www.clothingattesco.com/womens-shoes+boots/f+f-block-heel-chelsea-boots/invt/bk522103

The skirt is another Tesco steal, only £12, seriously their clothes have been on point this season!! I just love this skirt so much. It's an A line shape, so if you have curves, fear not! this skirt fits so wonderfully and is so flattering. It can take you through from day to night making you look sophisticated but not too much. I pair mine with a jumper which you will see below and the boots. Not much can be said other than it's flattering, festive, and comfy! Unfortunately I can't find the link for the one I have!! But this sort of skirt will not be hard to find!

Now for the smaller things!

Costa...Costa white hot chocolate.... Costa cups! <3

The Playboy Generation body spray. I've been using Playboy body sprays for years now, they are my faves but this past month this is the one I have gone too the most. It smells amazing. I'd try and describe it but I'm rubbish at that so I won't bother!

On the topic of scents I have been LOVING Beyonce's Wild Orchid perfume. It's the most gorgeous smell. It's very sweet --- that's as good as the description is going to get. Not only does it smell divine though, it also lasts. Ladies you know what I mean, some perfumes it feels like the scent only lasts for five minutes, not with this one, I've had so many compliments on this, I will definitely be buying another bottle once this runs out.  If you would like to treat yourself or get it as a gift, just click the link ---> http://www.boots.com/en/Beyonce-Wild-Orchid-Eau-de-Parfum-100ml_1523727/

The Benecos hand cream in apricot and elderflower! This stuff is amazing and smells so fruity and lovely. I have been using it on my hands and feet for the last week and it has made a big difference. Remember as the weather gets colder and harsher it's more important than ever to take care of your skin!! http://www.allnaturalme.co.uk/body/by-category/hand-and-foot-care/natural-hand-cream-apricot-and-elderflower-75ml

A model recommends CoLab dry shampoo. This is the dry shampoo that I have been using on and off for the last year. I went off it for a while because, I have a sensitive scalp, and it just flared up so I went off it and was using the herbal essences ones, which are good, but not as good as this. The Rio scent reminds me of the smell that hits you when you walk in to the body shop, it's amazing. I find that with this one you don't feel like you have anything in your hair, it doesn't make it stiff, you don't get the white powder left over, it's light and leaves your hair feeling light and fresh! http://www.superdrug.com/Hair/Dry-Shampoo/Dry-Shampoo/COLAB-Dry-Shampoo-Sheer-%26-Invisible-RIO-200ml/p/313504#.Vl32i1XhDnA

Rimmel's Wake me up concealer, this gives great coverage and is long lasting, blends perfect and is just perfect. I'm not the first person to rave about this product and I will definitely not be the last. (mine is in the shade ivory, in case you are curious!) http://www.superdrug.com/Rimmel/-Rimmel-Wake-Me-Up-Make-Up-Concealer-Ivory-10/p/435558#.Vl33j1XhDnA

Garnier pure active charcoal face scrub and garnier spot fighting moisturiser - These products have made such a difference to my skin! I've been using the scrub for a while now but at the start of the month I had been really lazy with it and ran out and then ended up having a massive breakout, it was horrid. So when I re-purchased it I also decided to go with a new moisturiser, which helps target spots, red marks and is mattifying, great for my skin. My red marks are slowly fading and I haven't had a break out since the start of the month - it is all down to these two products, that I can promise you!
http://www.superdrug.com/Garnier/Garnier-Skin-Naturls-PureActiv-Spot-Fighting-Moisturiser50ml/p/564184#.Vl35OlXhDnA
http://www.superdrug.com/Garnier/Garnier-PureActive-Intensive-Charcoal-Scrub/p/612250#.Vl35slXhDnA

Really random one but the Wilkinson Sword Quattro for women razors, a few weeks ago I went for something cheaper and they destroyed my legs - so I went back to these and they're great, they don't hack at your skin or make it feel sore, just smooth. Lesson learnt - Never go cheap with razors!!! http://www.superdrug.com/Wilkinson-Sword/Wilkinson-Sword-Quattro-for-Women-Aloe-%26-Duo-Vitamin-x3/p/219431#.Vl36Z1XhDnA

This really cute MUA trio! Okay so mainly the darker shadow, I've used it quite a lot this month to create a really simple, day time smokey eye, it lasts all day although at first it's not super pigmented you can build it up so that it is! The best thing about these trios is that they're only £3!!!! The one I have and pictured above is called Pink Sorbet which sadly I can't find a link for but there are lots of great MUA products both in store and online at Superdrug!!

I have linked everything to superdrug because if you have a Superdrug beauty card you get free delivery, if you don't have a beauty card, fret not, you can sign up online and it is soooo worth it!!

Don't worry, we're reaching the end now!

Jumpers!! YAY!! These ones are just a few of my favourites but they're all great because they can go from casual to smart. Just amazing. I'm very surprised with myself because I have actually been loving high neck jumpers the most, I never thought they would suit me or that I would love them but I do!!! The grey one is cute because it has cut outs on the shoulder and is more a baggy style but can still look smart and it's just a bit different! All three of the ones shown are perfect for winter and cozy nights in or they're good enough to keep you warm on winter nights out!

I can't find links BUT the black and grey ones are from Tesco (I'm really sorry that I can't remember prices!) I think the grey one was £12 and the black £8 but I could be wrong and the green(olive?) is from Primark £12!

A couple of random faves, the new One Direction album, this is their best album to date, I love it, a lot. My top three songs are wolves, olivia and temporary fix!

Tv shows, Once Upon a Time. OH MY GOD. I cam't believe the cliffhanger we have been left with until next year. If you don't watch it you need too, you can find all the seasons on Netflix (UK).

Also really been loving this series of Geordie Shore, it always cracks me up. Don't forget it's on tonight! MTV 10pm!!

THAT'S IT!!! Congratulations if you made it to the end!!

As always here are my social media handles. Feel free to tag me and use the hashtag #EssenceofAnna to show me things you were loving in November!

Instagram @annakimberley93
Twitter @annarailton1993