3 Disney+ Recommendations

Disney Plus is basically one of my favourite things. Ever. If you asked me ‘What has your lockdown been sponsored by?’ I would say Disney+. With Animal Crossing and Cadbury’s Creme Eggs thrown in there too.

I’ve barely been on Netflix since it’s come out and I just have to say that, with everything going on right now, it came at the best time. A time when magic is so needed. I have made my way through a fair amount of my To Be Watched List: Disney+ and thought I would share 3 of my recommendations – SO FAR. There is still a lot more I have to watch, which is the beauty of having a whole new streaming service. Obviously I’m going to have A LOT more recommendations eventually, but this is ‘as of May 2020’.

Disney’s Fairytale Weddings: Hear me out on this one. I know you’re thinking that this programme is going to appeal to a specific type of audience but give it a chance. There is a lot of heart in this show, it is real escapism. You get to meet couples and hear their stories, it can really tug on your heartstrings this one! There are some episodes more exciting than others but just seeing the destinations and the little details – it got me EXCITED.

The Imagineering Story: WOW. So this lived up to the high expectations. If anything it left me wanting MORE episodes. I loved learning so much about Walt, the parks and the journey that the company has gone on. It was such an honest account of what has happened over the years, it didn’t try and cover up any mistakes, instead it highlighted them and showed the audience how they fixed them. One of the overriding things that came out of it for me, was just how special and unique Disney is – in so many ways from the business side, to the detail within the parks and the innovative storytelling in every single movie they have ever released. Walt was so ahead of his time and I love learning more about his incredible life. The whole series is now available and you are really in for a treat if you haven’t watched it yet.

Cars 2: I spoke a little bit in my initial post about how I was looking forward to watching the films that I hadn’t seen before – Cars being one of them. I’ve picked out Cars 2 as a favourite, but they were all great! Cars 2 just had me LAUGHING so much. It’s the tow truck, Mater, who has very quickly become one of new favourite Disney characters. He was just hilarious!!! I was surprised how much I enjoyed this, as I generally have very different tastes to a 5 year old boy, yet here I am saying that this is a GREAT film. I really want to go to Radiator Springs… like now.

Take care,

Amy

5 Things to be Grateful for in Lockdown

I wasn’t going to mention the global pandemic on here because I really am using my blog to escape, like I imagine many other people are too. I also don’t want to seem like I am trivialising it or not taking it seriously – please know that I am. Ultimately, there is no right way to behave in a global pandemic. So I’m going to share some of the things that I am grateful for, as even when things look dark there is always light.

Sometimes I find at the end of the day just taking the time to reflect and write down just 3 things that I am grateful for from that day, it helps me go to sleep with a clearer head. I also want to make clear that this doesn’t include health, family and friends which are obviously the most important things I am always the most grateful for them.

1. Spring Sunshine: Got to kickstart this list with the classic cliche but this year I really feel like it’s true. I’ve always been such a winter girl – exhibit a –  but I think this has to be one of the first times I have really appreciated spring. Whether it’s the pretty flowers on my daily permitted walk or it being warm enough to sit outside and read. Opening the curtains in the morning to see a blue sky has really been such a blessing during this scary time.

2. Books: I’ve always wanted to be a little bookworm and I’ve gone through phases in my life when I am. Since starting full-time work though, I really put reading on the back burner and it’s only now with this extra time that I have delved into quite a few. I’ll be sharing some of the books I’ve read in a post soon!

3. Technology: Wow. Technology is really out there bringing us all together isn’t it. We are now reaping the benefits of social media, FaceTime, Zoom and even just have a good old fashioned phone call. I love being able to speak to my Grandad so regularly and having our family quiz nights. Obviously Twitter and the news outlets are still really overwhelming and I try to limit by time on those but overall I think we are seeing the best bits of technology at the moment.

4. Easter Eggs: I’ve been pacing myself with these, which takes a considerable amount of self control. Cadbury’s Easter Eggs are one my most favourite foods on the planet and take up a considerable amount of my diet from March – May … if they make it to May. I just love them. You can’t have enough of these, seriously THANK YOU CADBURYS. ALWAYS.

5. Disney+: They got the timing just perfect with this one didn’t they? Having a whole new streaming service to get really stuck does help the hours really pass by. You can see what I am most looking forward to here, a list that I am already making my way through! Getting lost in those Disney movies have really been soothing for the soul.

Take care,

Amy

To Be Watched List: Disney+

Disney remains one of my biggest loves and joys in life, so when Disney+ was coming to the UK I couldn’t wait. Especially in the current climate, I think it is really a wonderful form of escapism and it’s so nice to get lost in another world for a bit. I know I’m a little late in posting about this but I’m now really getting the chance to get stuck into it. If you’re a bit confused then it’s basically a Netflix and Disney hybrid – a real match made in Heaven. This is a list of what I’m most excited to watching!

The Imagineering Story: WOW. This is number one. For Disney Parks enthusiasts like myself, this really is a must-watch. This is much more of a documentary style and goes right back to when Walt first created Disneyland. I’m really looking forward to learning more about Walt himself and some of the back stories to my favourite rides!

Movies I missed the First Time! This is one of the beauties of Disney+… we now have all our the Disney movies in one place! We have the opportunity to go back and enjoy some of the films that we may have missed the first time round whether that be through age or just missing it at the cinema originally. This will look slightly different for everyone but for me, it includes The Incredibles 1 and 2, the Cars series and Hercules – I know that’s a biggy! These are just some of the films that I am looking forward to watching for the first time!!

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Who came up with that name? Whilst I fully understand this will not come close to the films – Troy 4eva- I’m still excited to see what they’ve done with this! I was the prime High School Musical little kid, it hit at the perfect age for me and I have been a wildcat ever since watching the first one as a DCOM on a Friday night on Disney Channel. I’m heard it’s so cheesy, that it’s good… which is basically what I look for in most series and movies haha!

Once I’ve started making my way through this list, I’ll definitely post my reactions and reviews. Not sure in what format yet but they’ll be on here somewhere, so keep an eye out!

Take Care,

Amy

 

3 Autumn Nail Favourites

Today I wanted to share a few of my favourite nail polish colours for Autumn! I’ve spoken on here many times about my love of the colder months, so I’m happy to be sharing some darker shades with you. I find these shades always look good with a high gloss overcoat- my favourite one is from Nails Inc.

Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in ‘335 Gimme Some of That’, £2.99: I wrote about this nail polish a couple of weeks ago, as part of my 3 Recent Beauty Buys. This is a lovely deep pink shade, that looks really classy- which is something that I often struggle to find when it comes to pink nail polish! It’s not like any of the colours in my collection and it often looks different in different lights, sometimes it has brighter hints of red and others more plum.

Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in ‘310 Double Decker Red’, £2.99: It’s clear to say that I have been LOVING Rimmel nail polish recently and I struggle to go into Boots without picking up a new shade right now! They’re such a great price and I love the formula, it often lasts for AT LEAST 5 days on me which makes it perfect to wear for the week. This is more of a true red, its a little deeper though which makes it the perfect transitional shade for these early Autumn days.

Barry M Hi Shine Gelly Nail Paint in ‘Ginger’, £3.99: I actually featured this one in my Autumn nail favourites from last year and it’s really stood the test of time! I really love this unique shade that has a rusty red, burnt orange kind of colour to it. It basically matches the Autumn leaves! This formula has long been a favourite of mine, with its built in glossy finish, this is definitely a winner.

Amy

5 Reasons Why ‘Once Upon A Time’ Should be your Next Netflix Binge

‘Once Upon A Time’ (OUAT) is one of my ALL TIME favourite TV shows. I’ve never been one to overly re-watch series that I enjoy on Netflix but this one is the exception. It has 7 seasons, with the final one being released just last year. It really is quite a hefty commitment, but time really does fly when you’re watching it. I know it’s already a pretty popular show, especially in America, but I thought incase you hadn’t heard of it this would give you everything you need to know. I would say this is for Disney lovers, but also those that enjoy Riverdale or Pretty Little Liars like it has that mystery vibe to it, maybe if you enjoy fantasy shows you would like it too. So, if you need some convincing then this is why you need to get yourself watching my most favourite show on Netflix…

1. HELLO, DISNEY CHARACTERS IN A REAL LIFE SETTING! Disney lovers this one is for YOU. Especially if you’re like a young adult, this is going to be your show of dreams. Sometimes it’s like they took the ideas out of my own mind. The premise of the show is essentially that fairy tale characters have had a curse put on them, forcing them into the real world into a land called ‘Storybrooke’. There are SO many Disney characters here from Gus in Cinderella, to Mulan to Geppetto to Elsa from Frozen- literally they’re all here!

2. SUCH CLEVER CONCEPTS AND CONSTANT ‘WORLD’ CHANGING: From my descriptions so far, you might be thinking about this show is for children but it really isn’t. It takes the fairy tale into the modern world, and although magic plays a large part, there is very much a strong dose of ‘reality’ in the show too. The show constantly changes between the different worlds, lands and realms- it does keep you on your toes- but they all entwine seamlessly.

3. THE SWEETEST RELATIONSHIPS: There are SO many relationships that you will want to ‘ship’ on this show. It’s a teenage fangirls dream. My personal favourite is probably Rumplestiltskin and Belle, you can just really see that she brings out the best in him. I won’t do too many spoilers but just know that the actress and actor playing Snow White and Prince Charming are TOGETHER IN REAL LIFE. That chemistry is LEGIT, next level magic right there.

4. PERFECTLY MAGICAL FOR COSY AUTUMN EVENINGS: The great thing about it being such a chunky show is that you can really commit and become completely immersed within it. Although it’s complex, it isn’t difficult to understand and enjoy so it’s really one that you can end up watching lots of episodes after each other, feeling like no time has passed at all. Enjoyed best with a Disney mug filled with tea, or your hot beverage of choice!

5. THE DISNEY IS IN THE DETAIL! I started with a Disney reason, so I’ll finish with one. Although this series is not technically a Disney production, it does carry many of its same values. The little Disney details really make this show, for me as a Disney fan, because it gives it even more magic and cosiness. The way that the little details in the opening sequence give a clue to the upcoming show and the fact that there is a Main Street in Storybrooke! I just think the precision of the plot, the way that everything always comes together, with a touch of magic, makes this show really, really special.

Amy

Summer Favourites 2019

I know I’m all about that Autumn (and CHRISTMAS!) life, but I did just want to do one little post sharing some of my favourites from July and August. I didn’t get the chance to share them monthly, which is something I love doing! I didn’t want to completely just leave those months out, so I thought I would mash them together and share them now!

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, $15: This product has been my absolute fave all summer long. I’ve literally just been wearing this with some concealer and that’s it for most days. It’s a really great bronzer for pale skin and gives just enough bronzing to make me feel more confident. I tend to dust it pretty much all over my face to be honest, it’s not too pigmented, but mainly around the outline of my face and on the nose. It’s pretty matte but I think it has a slight sheen to it- making it look very natural.

Sanctuary Spa White Lily and Damask Rose Body Scrub, £6.50: Throughout the summer I experimented with ‘proper’ fake tan, it was an experience that you can read about in my 3 Fake Tanning Lessons. This was my exfoliator of choice, turns out that’s a pretty big part of at-home tan. I really enjoyed using this one, it really feels like it is working without being too harsh or abrasive on your skin. The scent is lovely, fresh and floral- I just love how clean this makes you feel!

Hamilton: This month I was lucky enough to see Hamilton on the West End stage. WOW. What a show. I know it has a lot of hype around it, but it is worth it. I find it a difficult show to describe because ‘hip hop American history’ doesn’t sound appealing to me, I’m very much pop music and rom-com. I really, really enjoyed it though and even if you think like I did, that it isn’t for you, I would highly suggest you give it a try. It does have a bit of romance and comedy, it has something for everyone.

Taylor Swift ‘Speak Now’ Album: I know this is a really old school album and we’re all moving onto Lover, but I have been LOVING IT. I literally listened to it throughout the entire summer and it’s just wonderful. I never listened to it the first time round, so it’s been like a new album completely to me. My favourite songs are ‘Speak Now’, ‘Dear John’, ‘Never Grow Up’ and ‘Mine’. Each song tells its own story and I just cannot recommend it enough, just have a listen.

Amy

 

 

Summer 3 Product Face

I love a good ‘3 product face’ post because honestly thats what I’m all about when it comes to beauty right now. I don’t want to have to endure 10-steps just to do my eyebrows which also means waking up earlier in the morning… that is not really what I am looking for. I would rather have 3 products that I can rely on to give me that summer glow in mere seconds and help me feel put-together for the day. That is basically what I’m planning sharing with you today- these are the staples that I use- but using your own versions of these products is a great way to create a no-make-up make-up look perfect for summer days!

Collection Lasting Perfection CONCEALER, £4.19: A fuller coverage concealer, that blends well, is key for creating a one-stop base for the summer. I basically just put this over any blemishes and give it a good blend and that’s all I do to achieve a base for any further products. I trust that this product will conceal the blemish for the day and it won’t go cakey or slide off immediately. There are a lot of options in terms of a lighter base like the alphabet creams or a tinted moisturiser but a little bit of this can be just as effective, especially if you have acne in specific areas like me- a bit on the chin and I feel good to go!

Physicians Formula Butter BRONZER, $15.00: Bronzer has got to be a key product when it comes to summer, I barely use it throughout the winter! I just love it to feel all summery and glowy when the  warmer months come around. There aren’t too many in the drugstore that I have tried, but there are lots to choose from. My preferences when it comes to bronzer is a slight sheen, not sparkly not matte, and it has to be a good shade for pale skin- not too grey or orange! I feel like this kind of ticks those boxes, I would like a little more shimmer but it’s such a fine line!

Pinky-toned HIGHLIGHTER- ‘Twinkle’ in Benefits Cheekleader Palette (£26.00) OR the discontinued Tanya Burr Cosmetics Illuminating Powder in Peonies Please (£7.99): So not the catchiest intro for this one BUT I love a pinky-toned blush highlighter hybrid. These are the two that I have found and loved using, so they are the only ones I can recommend! I just think this is SO summer. Once you’ve concealed and bronzed it up then going in with a highlighter is the perfect way to finish off the look. I go under the eyebrows and above the cheekbone really, but just go crazy if you want! The pink-tone works for me because I am naturally very pinky, but don’t be scared of it- it can really give a healthy glow even if it looks a little bright in the pan!

Amy

3 Favourite Summer Nail Polishes

Summer is a GREAT time to treat yourself to a mani-pedi. If you’re looking at your nail polish stash and feeling a bit uninspired then let me be of assistance! I wanted to share 3 of my favourite summer nail polishes- including a top coat that will CHANGE your nail painting game. I’ve gone with a couple of classic summer shades that I think are some of the best out there in terms of formula and durability!

Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in ‘Lovey Dovey’, £2.99: It’s been a while since I’ve tried a new nail brand but its a colour that I couldn’t find with my usual brands. It’s a lovely true purple. I’ve found it difficult to find a real purple, they can usually be too berry, lilac or blue. This colour goes perfectly with the Purple Potion ears at Disney- if you LOVE Disney too definitely check out my DLP posts! I wore this nail colour the entire trip and it wore really well- about 5 days in total. I was really impressed, especially for a great price, and I have already tried more from this collection!

Nails Inc London Kensington Cavier Gel Top Coat, £15.00: I would actually recommend checking Amazon for this one as when I re-purchased it I found it was discounted to £12! Yes, I actually RE-PURCHASED a nail polish. I feel like that is quite rare, especially with a top coat as usually I would just pick a new one up when I needed it. This is different though and I LOVE it, it’s by far the best top coat I’ve found. It is super forgiving, it evens out messy nails and gives the glossiest and most-professional looking finish. I have had a few people think that I have paid for shellac and I’m sure that is all down to this gorgeous polish! I have been used my first one since Christmas and I am only just having to re-purchase which I think is pretty impressive considering the amount I am using it. It’s obviously pricer than most of my nail options but if you are serious about wanting professional looking manicures from home then I would consider this a must-have.

Maybelline 7 Day Superstay Gel Nail Polish in ‘Magenta Surge’, £4.49: This is a real summer shade and one that I reach for as soon as the sun is out. It’s a bright pinky coral shade and is basically on my toes from June- August. I really like this formula from Maybelline but I do feel like the shade range is a little limited. This specific shade is a good one though and paired up with the Nails Inc top coat, has real staying power.

Amy

3 Favourite Disneyland Paris Rides

IT’S DISNEYLAND PARIS WEDNESDAYS… need to think of a catchier name for that. Anyway today is all about rides at Disneyland Paris and my favourite ones from my recent trip. A little catch-up incase you’re new: I went to DLP for one day back in 2014, loved it and wanted to go back pretty much every day. This June I FINALLY got to return and did a 3 night/4day trip to stay at Sequoia Lodge for my 21st birthday! It was such a magical and wonderful trip, I am loving re-living it through my writing as each Wednesday for a few weeks I have been sharing some different things from my trips including essentials, favourites, tips and hauls. I obviously love rides and Disney does them so wonderfully. Considering there is SO much to do there, I understand why rides can often get pushed to the back of your mind- with characters, parades, shows, fireworks, snacks and taking a photo of every section of the park- but these are some of the ones that I definitely think you should make time for- especially if you love a good thrill!

Big Thunder Mountain: WOW. What a ride. This one really is as good as everyone says it is. This is the ride we waited the longest for (still under an hour though!) initially and it’s one of the few that I felt okay about doing it for! I would definitely suggest fast passes for this though- we did that too and ended up getting on it multiple times. It’s really long for a rollercoaster and I feel like you actually have time to enjoy it. There are parts when its really dark and then you are out in the sunshine, with stunning views, and its just wonderful. It doesn’t go upside down but I kind of like that- although I do love a loop every now and again! It was just wonderful, I wish we got a little wetter- but that was just because it was boiling! I really miss this ride and I cannot wait to go on it again. It really is the wildest ride in the wilderness!!!

RC Racer: This was my absolute favourite in the Walt Studios Park- although there are some great rides to choose from over there! We often went there during Extra Magic Time and that allowed us to get on most rides easily, especially in Toy Story Playland. We walked on this each time and really enjoyed it. It’s essentially a banana boat/pirate ship style swing ride but on a track. The only negative I would say is the amount of ride time is relatively short, which we found with a few rides, I could have done a few more swings on this one! I would love to go on this each morning to wake me up- it’s great and shouldn’t be overlooked on your next trip!

Hyperspace Mountain: I was actually blown away by this. I rode this once before it went all ‘hyper’ and it didn’t really have a big impact on me. This one though, I LOVED it. I was surprised how much, considering I haven’t seen any Star Wars! What a ride though. Definitely more for the thrill seekers among us- a couple of loops, darkness and it really speeds off at the beginning. I just thought it was wonderful and the queues we found were surprisingly low- usually waited about 15mins sometimes less! This was probably the best real ‘thrill’ ride for me, across the two parks, I felt like it was pretty smooth, great theming with the lights and music, and just really, really enjoyable. I would love to go on this right now- I cannot wait to ride this again one day!

Amy

Travel Make-up Bag 2019

Summer holidays are almost here and whether you are jet setting abroad, living the Disney dream or having a cosy stay-cation, then I got your travel make-up bag covered! This is basically all the make-up that I’ll be taking with me on my summer holiday this year- I’ve tried to keep it minimal but also given myself room to create different looks. There are some noticeable things that I leave out such as eyeshadow palettes, fancy lipsticks or mascara, just because I don’t often wear these in real life (sometimes mascara I do!) so I don’t see the point in taking them with me. For summer I love to keep things really light and easy on the face, just due to sweat issues and sunburn- can’t wait for Christmas haha… anyway, enjoy!

BASE:

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair, £4.19: Shall I say anymore? My go-to concealer that is pretty heavy coverage and good for covering blemishes and redness. It doesn’t go cakey and blends well, but I don’t use it under my eyes so cannot really recommend it for that. Great price, re-purchase it regularly and it hasn’t let me down yet.

Bare Minerals BareSkin Perfecting Veil in Light/Medium, £23.00: I haven’t really spoken about this much on here yet but its a product that I am enjoying trying since I bought it around a month ago. It is a slightly fuller coverage setting powder that works well with my concealer to create a lighter base for summer. I haven’t completely trialled it in warm weather yet so I can’t say how much it works in terms of preventing shine and excess oil but so far using it at home I’ve felt like it calms the redness and evens skin tone. I love Bare Minerals and it’s always exciting to try more of their products!

CHEEKS:

Benefit Cheekleader Pink Squad Palette, £26.00: Last week I shared a full review here about this lovely new purchase of mine, so give that read if you want some more details! I find this PERFECT for summer travel because it is compact, has a mirror and has a good mixture of shades that means you can create different looks constantly. If you want something light for the daytime then a little bit of Dandelion blush is good, then go in slightly heavier with the Galifornia shade for the evening. I think that ‘Twinkle’ is an exclusive to this palette so its nice to have that pinky-highlighter option that gives you a lovely summer, healthy glow.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Light, $15: I always feel like this seems very random just having an American product in here! I used my Seventeen bronzer for YEARS, sadly it was time to move on. This is quite different as it is all one shade, a light brown but isn’t too orange. It has a LOVELY summery scent to it and I just lightly dust it all over my face, mainly the top of the forehead into the hairline, to give myself a bronze boost. I’m really enjoying using it so far!

Glossier Haloscope Highlighter in Quartz, £18.00: Alright, I know I’ve talked about this one a LOT. Sorry not sorry! I have written more about this classic product in my My ULTIMATE Favourite Highlighter post, so you can read a more detailed review there. To summarise, this gives a natural healthy glow in one easy step, and I use my fingers to blend it, so it is perfect for summer holidays!

OTHER:

Glossier Boy Brow in Clear, £14.00: This is a staple for me that I have been using for a quite a while now and have talked about on here a lot. It’s a really good one for the heat because it keeps your eyebrows in place instead of going all over the place. It’s also super small and a compact product that is easy to travel with.

Real Techniques Make-up Brushes: It’s been a while since I’ve talked about make-up brushes on here but that’s because my Real Technique ones are still going strong! I’m obviously not taking all of these, but any excuse to show you my Kim K mug- I love it! The ones I’m taking are the Powder Brush, Blush Brush, Setting Brush and Buffing Brush- these are very versatile brushes and can be used for different products from powder to liquid. I love the way these buff the make-up into the skin and they’ve really maintained their softness and shape after years of use!

Lip Balm: Now I’ve gone very non-brand specific here because I don’t currently have a favourite lip balm. I’ve always enjoyed the Nivea Essentials range but according to the reviews on Boots, they have gone dramatically downhill since they were re-formulated. This has caused me to try Carmex, which makes your lips tingle like crazy! I don’t like the scent- I picked up original but it seems very minty, is that normal? A lip balm is key for me during the summer but I don’t have a good one to recommend and I’ll probably end up taking my old Nivea one with me. If you have any recommendations for a drugstore trusty lip balm, preferably with no colour but with SPF in, then please leave them below!

Amy