DAILY DECEMBER #28 // Lush butterbear bath bomb // Review

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time then you'll probably know that I have such problem skin - so I was really excited to receive the Butterbear bath bomb from Lush, courtesy of the lovely Yasmina as part of the #APOVgiftswap this year.

The teddy-shaped bath bomb is the Christmas version of the 'butterball' bath bomb, which retails all year round. It's packed full of cocoa butter to leave your skin feeling super soft, which it really did. It's not one of those fancy-shmancy bath bombs that Lush do, which I was glad about because it made me feel calm and didn't leave me covered it glitter! The smell is subtle but delicious, and it felt so luxurious in my bath.

It didn't seem to particularly irritate my eczema - my skin is bad at the moment anyway, and it didn't seem to get any worse when I used this, and it left my skin feeling moisturised when I got out, ratehr than dry & tight as it usually feels! I would definitely recommend this bath bomb for cold winter nights when you skin needs a little TLC...

Hopefully I'm back to daily blogging for the rest of December! I got a few more Lush products for Christmas so expect some reviews in the near future, as well as reviews of other products I've received lately!

DAILY DECEMBER #27 // Places I've been in 2014

2014 has been one of those years where I've been lucky enough to travel to and visit some amazing places, both in the UK and abroad, so I wanted to put together a post so I could look back on the experiences and the memories I've had. Some of these places I visited with people who are no longer a part of my life, but that doesn't mean I won't look at the times we shared in a positive way and recognise how grateful I am. Scroll down for pictures!

Krakow // This was the first place I visited this year, and if you know me at all then you'll know it is my dream to move here; I've been twice and I'm going back with my mum next year. The city itself is beautiful, with architecture from a range of eras and rich, diverse history. It's fast becoming one of those tourist destinations which is popular with stag groups, which breaks my heart a little bit but I'll never stop loving the city, and hopefully one day that's where I'll be running my blog from!

Brussels // I was lucky enough to go to Brussels as part of my university course, to visit the EU parliament amongst other places. We stayed in the part of the city which has all the posh shops - I could see Tiffany & Co from the hotel. *cries* But we also visited the Grand Place, which is probably what you will have seen if you've seen photos of Brussels, and it is just beautiful.

Marbella // I went here on holiday this summer, and although I was pretty poorly the whole time, it was still a nice break. I don't think I'd go back, but it was nice while I was there. We went to a fantastic safari zoo place, and I got to cuddle a baby goat. Now I want one. Thanks, Spain.

Amsterdam // Ohhhh Amsterdam. I went here with a few friends this Summer after I found a Living Social deal for £40 each - we did have to get an overnight ferry there and back, but I don't get sea sick and there was plenty of entertainment, so I didn't mind. Amsterdam itself is a gorgeous city; unfortunately we were only there for a few hours, so I didn't get to do the things I wanted to like visiting the Anne Frank museum, but it was still a good day, and it's not as expensive as I expected it to be!

Richmond, Yorkshire // I took a day trip here over Easter and absolutely fell in love, if I was to move anywhere in England I think it would be here. It has about 4 streets, a tiny book shop and a castle. It's true when they say some of the most gorgeous views are right here in England.

Newcastle // I couldn't not throw this in even though it's a funny one, I've supported Newcastle since I was tiny (don't ask why, given that I'm from near Liverpool...) and I finally got the chance to visit St James' Park - not for a match, which I still kick myself about, but I could see the pitch through a gate that I definitely wasn't supposed to be stood at, so I'm still happy!

The Bulldog, Amsterdam

The old town in Marbella

St James' Park

Krakow, Poland

Richmond, UK

Brussels, Belgium (a piss-take photo!)

I've been so lucky this year to tick some places off my to-visit list! If you've been anywhere nice this year and blogged about it, leave a link in the comments or tweet me (@katygilroyblog) - I'd love to read all about it. Hope you all had a smashing Christmas x

DAILY DECEMBER #10 // my favourite Instagrammers

I know Instagrammers isn't a word ... But I wanted to put a little post together to share which Instagram accounts I've been loving lately! I think it's so important to share the love for other people and their talent. There's a range of different types of accounts, so I hope you find someone that inspires you.

HARRITRAVELS // Harriet is a travel blogger who has been to EVERY continent - jealous isn't even the word. I only recently started following her but I just love her photos and can't wait for her next adventure! Find her blog here: www.harrietconstable.com

< Morocco by @harritravels

OTTO_DAMBRA // I am a massive tattoo fan and Otto is one of the best artists I've come across - to be tatooed by him would be an absolute dream come true!

< Tattoo by @otto_dambra 

PERKSOFBEINGAMI // I found Ami's Instagram when I started following her blog, and I have to say her photos are just incredible! Ami's blog can be accessed here: perksofbeingami.blogspot.co.uk

< L'Oreal lipstick by @perksofbeingami 

HEY_LLOYD // Corrin is an illustrator who sells loads of custom made designs on crockery and such like - I wish I had a talent like this. Her illustrations are so lovely, her page is well worth a look.

< Christmas tea light holder by @hey_lloyd

PAPERFASHION // When my housemate first introduced me to Katie Rodgers' work I was in awe - she's such an incredibly talented artist, and I love looking at her account to see what she's been sketching and painting! She often posts videos of her work too.

< An artist on her way by @paperfashion

HELLOOCTOBERXO // Suzie is absolutely stunning and her photography is amazing too. I have true eyebrow envy! You can find Suzie's blog by clicking here: www.hello-october.com

< Afternoon tea by @hellooctoberxo

THEFASHIONRAMBLINGS // Lauren is a fashion blogger and her pictures are of such a high standard, I'm so jealous. Find her blog here: www.thefashionramblings.com

< Primark bag by @thefashionramblings







These are just some of my current favourite Instagram accounts; I'm rubbish at photography and arty stuff so I spend hours looking at gorgeous photos on the hunt for inspiration. All of these accounts are well worth a look! And speaking of Instagram - my December photo challenge is well under way, congratulation to everyone who's posted their pictures every day. Join in by using the hashtag #thelilacscrapbook :)

Want to see my fave youtubers? 'course you do

DAILY DECEMBER #6 // How to beat the winter blues

With dark days and cold nights, it's easy to forget about all the wonderful things in life and come down with a serious case of the winter blues; you're not alone - about 6% of the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and there are loads more who simply feel down when the sun stops shining. I thought I'd write a post sharing my tips on getting your mojo back this winter!

Have a bath; seriously, who doesn't love baths?! One of Lush's Christmas bath bombs, your favourite album playing in the background and some candles to set the mood - uninterrupted me time is a perfect way to unwind and relax.

As difficult as it can be sometimes, remove yourself from social media for a while - turn off your phone and laptop, let the online world move without you for a little while so you can have some time to enjoy the world around you without constant buzzing and beeping.

Take time to do things for other people - the joy you'll get from making other people happy will perk you up undeniably. Take some food to your local homeless shelter or food bank, volunteer somewhere or just do a small act of kindness for someone who might not usually register.

Do some arts and crafts or some Christmas baking - these things are extremely therapeutic. Create your own decorations (there will hopefully be some DIY posts coming up soon!) or make some Christmas themed cakes and cookies. Not only is it soothing, you can also make other people smile with the lovely things you make.

Snuggle up on the sofa and watch your favourite film which doesn't have to be a Christmas one despite it being December! Get some sweets and a glass of your favourite tipple (or some Pepsi if you're under age, cheeky) and get a blanket wrapped around you. Perfection.

I hope this post encouraged you to chill out and beat any pesky Winter blues that might be lurking! Are you caught up with #thelilacscrapbook December photo challenge on Instagram? I'm loving it so much, thanks to everyone who's joining in!

My Party Prep // Routine

I've literally had no motivation this week so blog posts have been seriously lacking, but I'm back today and I'm excited because my gorgeous best friends from home are coming to visit me at uni and we're having a girly night out! I thought I'd share my typical getting-ready routine for going to parties or on nights out...

Of course, getting ready starts the night before - I always wash my hair in advance so that it's easier to style, which saves me from getting stressed out! I've been using the L'Oreal Fibrology shampoo because my hair is so weak, and I actually love it. You only need a tiny amount as it lathers up soooo much, and it smells divine. I usually follow up with a conditioning mask if I have a night out coming up, just so my hair is in as best condition as it can be: I sometimes make my own but I love the Herbal Essences ones too (review here).

On the day, depending on how much free time I have, I like to do a face mask - I'm a huge fan of the Montagne Jeunesse ones, and I've made my own too: find out here how you can!

After my face mask it's usually time to paint my nails (or have a nap... so lazy), and most of the time I choose an Essie nail varnish because they're my ultimate favourite nail brand. When my nails are dry I usually spend around an hour trying on everything I own until I find something that looks okay.

When I've finally got dressed I normally put my dressing gown back on because I'm always cold, and then it's on to my hair and make up. I prefer to wear my hair straight because it's quite long, I think it looks witch-like if it's wavy or curly! I've been using the Argan Oil heat protect spray lately, which I will be reviewing soon as it's fabulous.

I don't tend to do any wild make up looks, because I have really small & hooded eyes so eyeshadow looks quite weird on me at the best of times! When my face is done I spritz on some Lady Gaga 'Fame' perfume and I'm ready to start on the cocktails.

I hope you enjoyed this post, if you have any post requests let me know over on Twitter or Instagram, both of which are @katygilroyblog