Mermaid In Disguise: 2016

The Good in 2016

31 December 2016

2016 has been a hard year for a lot of people. It seems like we've had just had shit thrown at us from all angles. Personally the beginning of the year was a tough one for me. I struggled massively with my physical health as well as my depression and it felt like I was never gonna crawl out of that hole. But I did and there have been good times. It's so important that we cherish the good and make the best of a shitty situation. So here are some of the good things that have happened in 2016 for me

28 December 2016

December went so fast. I swear I barely stopped. I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and got to enjoy time with the people they love and eat all the delicious food. I definitely ate more than enough food. I'm sad that it's all over for another year but I am so excited to beast 2017 and really work hard on my blog. I am looking forward to improving my photography (ordering lighting asap) and being more consistent with my content. Anyway here are the products I was loving this month

23 December 2016

I was recently contacted by the lovely people at 7th Heaven asking me if I wanted to do a lil giveaway for 3 lucky readers. Just a little something to pamper yourself with after the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Obviously I accepted as I love to treat you guys.

20 December 2016

So these photos have been sat in a file waiting to be edited for agess. I kinda lost my confidence with outfit photos after enjoying my first one so much. I've been having a massive wobble with my body confidence recently and I just don't feel good in anything so I just stick to my trusty hoodie and leggings because I might as well be comfy right? I want to lose a bit more weight but I also want to love my body because weight does not define beauty. Therefore after hating the majority of the photos my dad took for me I decided to pick some and get this post up anyway. My dad is such a weirdo that I always end up laughing all the way through the photos so there is no serious fashion blogger poses here. Just me laughing my head off and rocking that double chin.

16 December 2016

Everyone and their Grandma is uploading their fave christmassy films. You can never have enough film recommendations and I love seeing which ones are the most popular so I thought I'd add my choices. Watching films is one of my favourite things to do and it's something I can actually do when my body is being super crappy. I own so many DVDs I have to keep getting my Dad to build me more shelves. So here are my fave christmas choices

14 December 2016

I've never really tried any of The Body Shops skincares offerings. Of course I adore their body butters and shower gels. The white musk perfume was the scent of some of my high school years. The mango body spray reminds me of summer. But for some reason I have never ventured into their skincare.

12 December 2016

I love baking but I don't get to do it very often. Is there anything better than warm gooey brownies fresh out the oven? Nope, didn't think so. I made a batch (or two) of brownies the other week and they were heaven. My house smelt incredible and my taste buds have never been so happy. Eating brownie mixture for breakfast was probably not my best idea. Pretty damn delicious idea though. I'm not sure where I originally got this recipe from but it is my go to for brownies

7 December 2016

When I was in France 2 weeks ago (I think that's when I was there) I discovered a shop that was a bloggers dream. I fell in love with the pastel and rose gold gorgeousness (I posted this instagram pic) but they had a section for every colour scheme. I honestly could have spent a fortune in that shop. Stupidly I only bought some Christmas decorations. They are the most gorgeous glass baubles I have ever seen though so that makes up for the lack of other purchases. I could not stop thinking about some pink & grey coffee cups I saw there so I decided to see if I could find them online. I found the shop and I have never been so excited to discover a shop has a UK site. Unfortunately I couldn't find the cups I have fallen in love with but there is still plenty more I want so I decided to make a wishlist.

5 December 2016

I am a huuuge fan of matte liquid lipsticks. It's safe to say that's pretty much all I wear. I am also a massive fan of Dose of Colors. My twin Sarah was the one to get me hooked on these by encouraging me to make my first order. She's such an enabler. I recently made another order and I think I've fallen even more in love

2 December 2016

In my Lancome mascara post I mentioned that this smashbox offering had taken top spot. I picked this up when I treated myself to the Boots Star gift and it was love at first swipe. I'd never tried anything from smashbox before but after that box I want it all.

30 November 2016

Guys it's nearly Christmas. I am so excited this year it's ridiculous. I think it's because I have my own house to decorate. Anyway my favourites this month were pretty easy to compile because I have been reaching for them soo much. So without further ado my favourites...

28 November 2016

Liquid lipsticks are pretty much the main thing to grace my lips these days. I just can't get enough of them. When I saw the colours and the packaging of the Too Face melted mattes I wanted them immediately. I patiently waited for them to be released in the UK because I am not about those customs charges. I then started reading some not so positive reviews and decided that maybe I should save my pennies. However, I could not stop thinking about two of the colours so I decided to be reckless, take the plunge and make them mine.

25 November 2016

Along with the Scarf neck sweater I did a post on the other day I was also kindly sent the Pretty Secrets Fleece Snuggle Top*. As you may know I pretty much live in my pyjamas. Chronic illness means that getting dressed in outside clothes is not an every day thing. If I am in the house there is a 99.9% I am in pyjamas or at a push leggings. I am all about being comfy and cosy. The two most important things in life so I obviously had to check out Simply Be's Loungewear selection.

23 November 2016

I'm a huge dry shampoo fan. Showering is beyond exhausting and I could do without all that pain and fatigue. This means dry shampoo is the best invention in the whole world next to hats. I managed to train my hair to last for about 5 days before it needs washing but dry shampoo is still a must to keep it looking like I actually do something with it.

21 November 2016

I've been meaning to do outfit posts for ages. It's been a mix of a lack of confidence, being awkward in front of the camera (unless it's a selfie, I'm boss at selfies) and not having anyone to take photos that has held me back. When I got a lovely email from Clare asking if I wanted to try some bits from Simply Be Jumper range I decided this was the push I needed to start outfit posts. I went to Cardiff for the day with my dad and dragged him to the park to get some photos. He absolutely loved his job as photographer and we are now planning some more locations for outfit shots.

18 November 2016

I've been meaning to type up this post forever. I've had the images sat in my drafts since the summer. I fell in love with the packaging of the grandiose range when I picked up the liquid eyeliner back in July. I was tempted by the mascara but couldn't really justify the £25 price tag that came with it.

Then we went out to France in August and I found a cute gift set with the full size mascara, a pencil eyeliner, and a mini bi-facil cleanser for £18 (I'm pretty sure that's how much it was). I thought they'd marked the price wrong as they were selling the mascara on it's own for £22.50. I instantly snapped it up and am so pleased I did.

16 November 2016

As you all know I have a brother (well I have two). Ollie is 17 and just an all round ridiculous human being. I honestly can't believe some of the shit that comes out of his mouth. However, this does mean he provides constant entertainment and there is never a dull moment when he is around. He seriously makes me laugh until I cry on a regular basis. I started to keep note of all the weird and hilarious things he said and after a lil bit of encouragement he agreed to let me write them up and share them with you.

14 November 2016

I haven't been feeling well for a while and last week it all kind of hit with force hence the lack of posts. I have not been that ill in a very long time. I couldn't keep anything down and had to take an emergency trip to the Drs for an anti sickness jab. I lived on ice lollies and crackers for a week and felt extremely sorry for myself. Luckily I had ordered this Stila beauty to cheer myself up. It is such a stunning palette.

Stila Star Light Star Bright Highlighter Palette

4 November 2016

I may love coffee but my first love was always tea. You cannot beat a good cup of tea. I have so many types that my tea cupboard is nearly overflowing. I have various flavoured green teas (caramelised green tea is soo good), loose teas, tea bags and ALL the peppermint tea for the damn nausea. I am obsessed with loose tea at the moment. You just cannot beat the flavour you get from a loose tea.

2 November 2016

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good hot drink. My day is not complete without several cups of tea or coffee and I definitely cannot start my day without a coffee. I need the warm hug in a mug to not be a complete bitch to anyone that crosses my path. I was chatting to Beanies on Twitter the other day and mentioned I wanted to try the gingerbread one and they sent me a few sachets of various flavours to try. Seriously how sweet?

1 November 2016

Hope you all had an amazing Halloween. I curled up on the sofa and watched films. It was heaven. I am soo excited that it is November though. I'm not normally this excited for Christmas but it's my first year in my house and I cannot wait to decorate it. It's gonna look so cute. Need to get a tree first though. Anyway here's what I was loving in October.

28 October 2016

I love watching films and with a chronic illness it is one of the main things I can actually do without too much pain. Cwtching up on the sofa with a fluffy blanket and a cuppa is probably one of my favourite things in life. You can't really beat it. As we're getting closer to Halloween I thought I'd share my favourite halloween films.

26 October 2016

As most of you know, I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which means I am in constant pain and dislocate very easily. I'm pretty damn fragile. Due to that I injure myself in some pretty stupid ways so I thought I'd share some of them with you.

21 October 2016

After years of ignoring my skin I've finally started using an actual skincare routine. I'm still way too lazy and not at all clued up when it comes to skin but I'm working on it. I struggle with dry skin and random breakouts across my chin so here's what I've been loving recently.

19 October 2016

I've been in a massive flare recently so Netflix and NowTV have been my bessies. I love a good TV show. The more seasons the better. I hate getting into a show and then there only being 2-3 seasons. Its so heartbreaking *cough* Lie to me. So here are the shows I am loving at the moment.

17 October 2016

I am a huge fan of the darker nail colours. I pretty much rock black all year round so those autumnal tones are my jam. I love the berry, grey and purple shades. I cannot get enough. So I thought I'd share with you my favourite darker shades ready for autumn because I definitely don't wear these all year round. Nope not me.

14 October 2016

I think I'm coming down with a bug or something so I've been feeling pretty crappy recently. Fatigue is kicking my ass and my whole body hurts. I mean even my toes are so painful. Seriously what can you do to ease toe pain? It's soo annoying. This means that I've been taking pleasure in the little things recently like getting more than 3 hours sleep, finally being able to wear cute jumpers and drinking all the tea. I thought I'd write a list of the best feelings in life to make me smile.

10 October 2016

Todays post is a tad late because I feel like crap. Hydrotherapy kicked my ass and I think I'm coming down with something. I feel like I need to sleep for a couple of months. Blurgh

Anyway here's a post on some hair care faves. I have super thick hair and I am beyond lazy with it. This is partially because of my fatigue and the pain of lifting my arms above my head and partially because I can be really lazy. It's honestly lucky if it sees a hair brush. I also try and not wash it for as long as possible because that shit is exhausting. I have however got a selection of favourites that make my hair look and feel nice with minimum effort. I haven't included dry shampoo because I'm on the hunt for a new one to hopefully be my fave but at the mo I currently have about 5 cans of batiste on the go.

7 October 2016

I have so much to do today so obviously I accidentally slept in really late. I was rudely awoken by the postman delivering my You Beauty Box. I answered with mega bed head, extremely sexy pjs (massive T and shorts) and all squinty eyed from the sudden light. Soo that was a good look and I like to think he appreciated it. Once I got some coffee in me I managed to blast through my to-do list. So here's what is in my You Beauty Box this month.

5 October 2016

I have read so much recently and I love it. At uni I fell out of love with reading because I had to read so much for my course it wasn't really enjoyable anymore. I'm glad to say I have definitely rekindled my love for it now. The last 4 books I've read, I've finished in 3 days each. It feels good. I recently read Harlan Cobens Tell No One and loved it so when I saw this one I had to pick it up.

Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben

3 October 2016

Who doesn't love a good face mask? There's nothing better than a pamper night in front of the TV. My brother always wants in on the action too. He loves a good pamper sesh. When I saw the new L'oreal masks on offer I decided to pick up the L'oreal Pure Clay Detox Mask and I'm so glad I did.

2 October 2016

On Saturday I got a Boots email with their Star Gift and it is a good one this week. Luckily I had to take my Dad to town anyway so I dragged him to Boots as payment. This weeks Star Gift is the Smashbox Light It Up Studio Best Sellers and it's a magical box.

30 September 2016

I really struggled with my favourites this month. I haven't really worn makeup so I don't have many beauty picks. I don't really know what happened with September. I can't really think of anything that's happened. I've played a lot of wheelchair basketball and started hydrotherapy so I am absolutely knackered. I seem to have to spend most of my time resting and recovering. Here's hoping October will be more exciting. Anyway here's what I've loved this month

28 September 2016

I never used to really drink hot drinks let alone coffee. Then uni and exhausted student life happened and I fell in love. Now I can't start my morning without a nice hot cup of coffee. I know it's bad but it's just sooo good. It's like a warm hug on the inside. I suck at mornings, they're painful and gross so just let me have my hot cup of goodness in peace. Seriously don't try talking to me before. I will probably bite your head off (sorry dad).

26 September 2016

Is there anything better than curling up in front of the TV with a face mask and a cuppa? I got this Erno Laszlo mask in my September You Beauty Box and I was dying to try it. My face is always in need of some moisture so I whacked it on grabbed a cuppa and stuck Lie to me on (I've finished it and now don't know what to do with my life. What can I watch?)

23 September 2016

I moved out into my own bungalow 6 months ago. I can't believe how fast time has gone. I love my little house more and more very day especially now that I have furniture other than a garden chair. That was an uncomfortable experience. However, I thought I'd do a quick post on some of the things I miss about living at home

21 September 2016

I am looking forward to autumn and getting to dress all cosy, plus beanies save so much time in the mornings. What's a hair brush? Baggy jumpers and leggings are life and I'm excited to be cosy without over heating. However, I am holding onto that summer feeling for as long as possible. If you saw my August faves you will have seen this gorgeously bright nail polish. The Models Own Polish for Tans range is just perfect for showing off your holiday or in my case back patio tan.

19 September 2016

I came across Ombar chocolate on twitter the other day and I somehow magically ended up on their website. I had a browse of how they make their chocolate etc and then got sucked into their flavours. Every chocolate bar sounded more delicious than the last. I am trying to eat healthier because my stomach is just an angry lil guy. Dairy seems to make it the angriest so I had to say goodbye to chocolate. The intense nausea just wasn't worth it.

I was so excited by these vegan, dairy free chocolates that I had to make an order. They're a bit pricier than your run of the mill chocolate but they're worth it for a delicious treat and better for you. I chose 3 different flavours of the bars and a bag of chocolate buttons because chocolate buttons are the bomb. Postage was sooo quick. I ordered them at 11:30pm Thursday and they arrived Saturday.

16 September 2016

I've been in my lil house for over 6 months now and I love it. My bedroom is by far my fave room. Probably because I spend so much time in it and my bed is soo comfy. The main thing I was excited about when I got my own place was being able to have a double bed and starfishing all night. I bought so much cute bedding from Primark when I moved. It's an addiction I can't seem to stop. Cute bedding is my weakness. Also cushions

14 September 2016

If you know me you know I'm a huge Disney fan. Disney is always my go to when I need a film to watch and I always drag my family to watch their newest additions. The lovely Rachel from Foxes in the Forest kindly sent me these gorgeous prints to review and made my day. I was sent the Ariel and Ursula prints* and how damn cute are they? The wall above my desk is pretty much just Dinsey and Dorkface prints and it looks so good.

12 September 2016

Much to my dads disgust I am obsessed with Candles. Literally every time I light one I get a lecture om fire safety and all the fires he's been to which have started from candles (he's a fireman). They're a neccesity in my house though. The previous owner was a heavy smoker and I can't afford to replace my carpets yet so I can still smell cigarettes some times. Plus I like nice smelling things.

Kiss Air Candles had a deal on the other day of 3 tin candles for £20 instead of £9 each. I then boosted it up to £25 with wax melts so I could get free postage.

9 September 2016

I went into a shop the other day (to get brownie supplies) with my brother, both of us in wheelchairs wrestling with those ridiculous trolleys that attach to your chair. The woman on the checkout asked us what we'd done. It took me a while to process and realise she meant why were we in wheelchairs and not what we had done with our day. When I replied that we had a genetic condition she got super embarrassed and immediately blurted out that the weather was nice. Just a tad awkward.

7 September 2016

I was sat on the sofa feeling sorry for myself this morning because of my screwed up jaw when the postman decided to cheer me up. The delivery Gods were looking down on me today as I actually got my shipping notification an hour after I'd cracked my box open.

2 September 2016

I always seem to be on the go. I can't remember the last time I spent a whole weekend at home. Basketball (of the wheelchair variety obvs) takes up the majority of my weekends. Curse my brother for being such a damn superstar. In fact when this post goes live I will be in Loughborough watching him compete in the Sainsbury's school games, hopefully winning. This paired with the fact that I am very attached to twitter, instagram and occasionally snapchat my phone needs to be charged on the go.

31 August 2016

I'm so glad I started doing favourite posts. I love writing them up. So soz if you hate them (not really I don't really care haha). This month seems to have been crazy busy. I'm hoping September is a bit quieter. Probably not though. Life with my family is always go go go. Never thought I'd say this as I'm a total sun worshipper summer girl but I'm kinda looking forward to autumn. Cosy jumpers are the best. Plus beanie weather means I don't have to do my hair.

Anyways here's what I've been loving this month along with the billions of pain au chocolats I ate in France

29 August 2016

My Dad hates coming to my house because all my soap smells edible. I've never known a man get so angry about soap that smells like delicious food. It's hilarious. My current kitchen soap smells like vanilla cookies. I was a little bit hesitant about trying this one though because I'm not a massive fan of the bubblegum one but oh my god you need this in your life.

27 August 2016

I love taking photos and I love a good selfie with friends and family. However, I hate either having to go through the billions of snaps on my phone to show someone or faff about printing them off. That's how I discovered Cheerz. I've ordered from them before (post here) and had to make another order recently.

26 August 2016

Eyeliner is my biggest makeup addiction. Well I own more lipstick but if I could only use one item it would always be eyeliner. Hands down. In fact, if I'm being lazy I quite often just whack on some eyeliner and mascara. I wear it to play basketball because I'm a fierce queen who rocks those wings and wont be tamed. My family ask if I'm ill if I haven't done my wings. They're my signature look. My eyes look so naked without them.

24 August 2016

My Twinny Sarah did a post on the TV show The Five a while ago and told me I should watch it. As soon as I started it I was hooked. I binge watched it on Now TV in about 2 days and loved it. It kept me engaged until the end and I was constantly trying to guess who had done it. I was wrong. I then made my family watch it and it was a huge hit. I then realised I had seen Harlan Coben's name before on my mums bookcase. I nicked the book and decided to give it a whirl.

(Mug - Welsh Girl Problems)

9 August 2016

Another month another You Beauty Box. I have to say I wasn't really excited by any of this months choices. But I thought I'd stick with it and use it as a way of trying new things for the grand total of £8.95. It was all skincare this month and although I am getting into it I would love to see more makeup in the box choices. Just give feed my makeup addiction please.

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