Reflecting On 2019

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Hi everyone
So this is my last blog post of the year. I wanted to write and fill out a reflections questionnaire to share my favourite and worst parts of 2019.
What is your favourite 2019 memory?
I have so many highlights of this year. But one of my favourite moments was creating my cruelty free beauty shopping series back in January (click here to view the video playlist). The first episode (which was filmed in The Range) was shared on their Instagram page. I felt as though it was a sign from the universe that I was on the right track so I made 10 more episodes in different stores across the UK.
What have you achieved this year that you are most proud of?
Not quitting making videos or blogging. I've struggled with my mental health on and off so I've not been able to post as regularly as I would of liked. Sometimes I've let the self doubt creep in which tells me that my content isn't good enough compared to other creators. I'm still working on rewiring my brain to focus on what I'm doing and my progression rather than looking at everyone else. But it's easier said than done when you are having a down day, log onto social media and everything appears picture perfect. It's important to remember that social media isn't real life and often just a highlight of the best parts.
Which day would you relive from 2019?
Making chocolate easter eggs with Bumble at Studio Chocolate on one of the hottest days of the year.  I released my inner artist and ate chocolate at the same time.  It was a good day.
What have you learnt in 2019?
1.Self care should always be a priority. Your battery has to be fully charged first before you help anyone else. You can't help others in the best way possible when you are on 2% battery yourself.
2. Don't compare yourself to other people (it's easier said than done as I'm working on it myself) Try and focus on your progression, how far you've come and the baby steps forward that you are taking. You matter and you do make a difference.
3. You aren't going to be everyone's cup of tea. Some people aren't going to like you and for absolutely no reason which is OK. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. Be polite and kind to everyone you meet as you don't know what they are going through.  
How have you grown in 2019?
In Vlogmas episode 1, I opened up about my struggles with mental health and reaching out for help which I've never shared online before. So many people reached out and told me they have felt the same way or they are also seeking help. Which made me feel less alone and supported.
What has been my biggest struggle this year?
Mental health, comparing myself to others, not being able to function on some days but that's OK. It's apart of being human.
What is my reflection for the coming year?
I hope 2020 is full of fun days out and events to vlog because I love taking you along with me to new places. I'd love to film more beauty and food reviews. 
What will I let go of?
Perfectionism
What are most looking forward to in 2020?
A fresh beginning and grabbing each and every opportunity presented to me.

I can't wait to see what 2020 has in store. What's going to happen in the next decade? Let's find out and make it a good one. Thank you everyone for your support this year. I'm wishing you a Happy New Year🎉
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley 
Xxx
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Vlogmas Week 3

Tuesday 24 December 2019

Hi everyone
The final instalment of vlogmas is now live on my YouTube channel.
Welcome to Week 3 (but not quite)
Last week I was unfortunately struck down by the flu and I wasn't able to film anything (well not unless you want to watch 10 minutes of me coughing which I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate). So I decided to film a long and chatty daily vlog including one of my favourite things to do which is shopping. It's one of the first videos that I created on my channel so I wanted to bring it back.
I received some PR mail from Slow Ageing Essentials they kindly gifted me a facial oil which I shall be testing out in the new year. Video or blog post? you decide!
When I visited Nottingham I popped into The Disney Store, Superdrug and Aldi. But what did I buy?Well you will have to watch the video below to find out.
If you would like some bonus festive content then why not head over to my Instagram and watch me unbox my Christmas Eve box. Click here to be redirected.
Thanks for all of your support in 2019. If you've subscribed, liked, shared, tweeted, dm'd, commented. Anything ending in "ed". It means so much to me :)
Merry Christmas
I hope you have a fabulous holiday!
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx
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Vlogmas Week 2

Friday 20 December 2019

Hi everyone!
Welcome to week 2 of vlogmas. This week I put up the Christmas tree, voted in the general election, shared my thoughts on the results, browsed local charity shops in Long Eaton for Christmas decorations and answered your burning questions. It was a jam packed week.
I've really enjoyed filming vlogmas so far. Although, I have found it difficult to film no matter what happens (fun activities are easy to do but it's the mundane ones like putting my bins out that I question. I've learnt to take a deep breath and film it anyway. Take that self doubt!).

At the end of the day it doesn't matter who you are. We all have to pay our bills, shop for food and put our bins out. In my vlog I mentioned that I always find the recycling bin a nightmare towards Christmas as it gets rather full quickly. Does yours? let me know in the comments below.

On the 12th December the UK had a general election and I don't usually share my political opinions online. However this week I shared my thoughts and disappointment with the result. Despite the outcome and what's next for this country. I think it's important to focus on the positives and what you can do to make the world a better place. We all have the ability to make a difference which leads me on to talk about a fellow online creator who is doing something fabulous for charity. The power of the internet is an amazing thing.

Ladbaby has released his second Christmas charity single "I love sausage rolls" and all of the proceeds will go to The Trussell Trust which is charity that stops hunger here in the UK. This money will fund food banks and it will help so many families and those who are unfortunately living in poverty,
So please download the single and support him or perhaps you could add a couple of canned items from your weekly shop to a food bank donation box. The other day I picked up a can of baked beans, rice, bread and bottled water to donate. In the words of Tesco "Every Little Helps!"
So anyway enjoy the video and I'll see you next week for the final installment.
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx
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Vlogmas Week 1

Sunday 15 December 2019

Hi everyone
I'm attempting weekly vlogmas this year. Hooray!
If you have been living underneath a rock and you don't know what vlogmas is. Vlogmas is filming and uploading a video everyday up until Christmas Eve. I've been put off filming previous years as I didn't think my life was entertaining enough to upload or share anything. One of my flaws (which i'm working on) is that I compare myself to other creators. However this year I've decided that I'm not going to compare myself anymore. I'm going to upload my everyday real mundane life.  I posted my thoughts to Twitter and a viewer got in contact and reminded me that the things which I find boring  could actually be really interesting to others to watch. Which was a great point and gave me the push to start filming. Thank you.

The reality of vlogmas is that all of the amazing things you see other creators do for the festivities are often the best bits. They don't necessarily show the struggles that they are facing behind the scenes. Christmas can be a hard time for so many people including myself. I think it's important to be kind and considerate to eachother.
I hope you enjoy my first week of vlogmas. I take a trip to feed the ducks at my local pond, browse Aldi for the latest beauty bargains, recommend my favourite ASDA beauty products which i'm loving currently and have a chat about my journey with counselling and coginitive behaviour therapy for anxiety.
Enjoy!

Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx

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Asda Activated Charcoal Facial Scrub Review

Friday 29 November 2019

What I find difficult with having sensitive skin is finding the right beauty products which I can use on my face without causing an allergic reaction or a breakout of spots.
When I was in my 20s I thought that the more products I had, the better my skin would be. I loved and used anything and everything (this was before I switched to cruelty free beauty). I found out over the years that all of these products I was using was making my skin worse (and a combination of consuming too much dairy products although this hasn't been medically proven). Since I've hit 30 what has worked for me is less products equals better results. It's about the quality rather than the quantity of products.I only use skin care products that are fragrance free, cruelty free or natural. My skin has never looked and felt better.
I've ditched facemasks and switched them for light facial scrubs as i find these work better for my skin type
Everyone's skin type is different so what works for me, might not work for you. But it might help if you are the same skin type as me. Mine is oily to combination. The product which I'm reviewing today is the Asda's Activated Charcoal Facial Scrub and this product works very well for me. I've been using it for about 3 months about once a week in my skin care routine.

All of Asda's own brand of skincare, shampoo and conditioner are all cruelty free. It's the only store that I haven't filmed my cruelty free beauty shopping series (click here to be directed to the video playlist link) Would you like me to make this video? let me know in the comments below.
I think Asda do an amazing range of products which are great value for money. I'm not being sponsored to say this or post this blog at all. I just really love Asda. I brought the Charcoal scrub with my own money. It's a bargain for £1.50 and very affordable.
The problem with my skin type is that I have excess oil on my T-zone (nose and chin). I have blackheads and pores which I can't get rid of no matter how hard I try. I've accepted that this is apart of me. But to maintain my pores and black heads I try to have a  good skincare routine. I've been using Asda's charcoal facial scrub which gently exfoliates and minimises the look of pores. It makes my skin feel smooth and look brighter too. The formula applies smoothly and for the best results I find that you have to use your finger tips and apply the product using light circular motions.

The formula of the scrub contains rice clay particles which acts as a exfoliant. It's gentle on the skin and it's better for the environment too (I'm glad microbeads have been banned since last year).
The scrub is a dark charcoal colour which is great for application as you can see where you've applied the product although the downside to it is that if you don't wash it all off is that it will ruin your towels when you pat your face dry.

In the Charcoal range there is also a gel wash and facemask. Has anyone tried these before? Let me know in the comments below.

Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
Xxx
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Playing Amiga Games

Tuesday 26 November 2019

Hi everyone
So if you are new to my blog then Hello I'm Hayley and I'm 31 which means I'm apart of the millennial generation which was one of the last generations to experience their childhood without the Internet. I was first introduced to dial up Internet when I was the age of 13 back in 2001. To log onto the Internet you had to use dial up  (the dialing tone is still implanted in my mind to this day). I have fond memories of waiting eagerly to use the internet when it came on at 6pm to talk to my school friends on MSN messenger. It was annoying when you were talking in mid conversation and then you got disconnected (d/c) at midnight.
The Internet wasn't avaliable 24/7 like it is now. It's amazing how far technology has come and I can't wait to see what's avaliable in the future.
So what did I do as a kid when the Internet didn't exist? How did I survive? Because when you think about it, it's hard to imagine surviving without the Internet as we use it for nearly everything.
In the early 90s the only computer I had access to as a kid was an Amiga computer which was my fathers pride and joy. As a child I spent most of my time on the Amiga playing games such as Lemmings, James Pond, Superfrog, Ecco The Dolphin, Super Putty and many more. This is where my love of gaming began.

Back in October Nottingham held their first Retro Games fair at Britannia Hotel which unfortunately I missed as I had the flu. But if you would like to check out my friend James video from ItsMuchMore then click here to be directed to his website for more information.
Even though I wasn't able to attend the event I was inspired to create a video for my YouTube channel playing some Amiga games that I used to play. I've never filmed a gaming video before so this was brand new terriority to me but I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and have some fun.

First of all I researched free Amiga games to play online and I found the perfect website. Click here to be redirected to the site. If you play any of the games then why not let me know in the comments below.
 
I filmed and recorded my first gaming video and it turned out a success (hooray!) I played Pushover, Addams Family Values and James Pond 2. It was fun to take a trip down memory lane and currently I'm in the process of making a part 2 as requested from you.

I think that today's generation of young gamers are lucky as they will never understand the pain of being stuck on a level and not being able to get past it without either looking in a book or talking to your friends who had the same game. But now you can access the internet at the touch of your finger tips and search Google for every answer. A fun fact for you is that one of the first YouTube videos that I watched was the complete play through of Simon The Sorcerer as I only played the demo as the game itself was very expensive at the time. The demo would only ever allow you to play up to a certain level. It was a relief to know how it all played out in the end.

So what games would you like me to play for part 2 or 3? I think Nintendo games are definitely on the cards because the new Sonic The Hedgehog movie is out on February 14th. That's my Valentines day plans sorted and I'm excited for it.
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xx
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Rainbow Road

Saturday 17 August 2019

Hi everyone
This afternoon I visited Rainbow road on Broad Street in Hockley. Rainbow road contains four vibrant LGBT flags which have been painted on the surface of the road to welcome the LGBT community to Nottingham. I think it's wonderful that we have this art piece in the city because I believe everyone should love who they want to love and free to be whoever they want to be. 
Watch my latest vlog below of when I visited rainbow road and found some awesome Disney finds in Primark :-
Love is love ðŸŒˆ 
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx
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Decorating Doughnotts

Wednesday 7 August 2019

Hi everyone
on the evening of 27th June I was invited by Bumble to a donut decorating workshop at the new Doughnotts store which has opened on Kings Street. The workshop was gifted to me by Bumble in exchange for social media coverage.
I think that Doughnotts is the best donut store in the East Midlands so I'd recommend that you pop by for a visit and try a donut because they are delicious. Check out their Instagram account here (warning contains major food porn)
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A small group of bloggers were given 3 plain doughnotts to decorate however we wanted with a wide variety of sweet treats galore to choose from. 
These are my final donut designs.
If you want to know the inspiration for my donut designs why not watch the vlog on my YouTube channel below :)
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx
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Competition: Win 1 of 50 Unicorn Poo Bath Bomb Packs

Thursday 25 April 2019

I have teamed up with Wow Free Stuff to share and give my readers the opportunity to WIN 1 of 50 Unicorn Poo Bath Packs. If you have been subscribed to my blog or youtube channel for along time then you will know that I am a huge bath lover. The unicorn poo bath bomb packs contain 10 colourful raspberry scented poops (sweet scents are my favourite).  If you win a pack then why not tweet at me a picture of all the majestical colours swirling around in your bath tub?


If you would like the chance to WIN simply click the link below.


Terms & Conditions
This competition ends on the 31st May 2019.
By entering you agree to sign up to WOW FreeStuff Newsletter
Must be over 18 and based in the UK
Good luck x
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5 Things To Do With The Family At Easter In Nottingham

Monday 15 April 2019

Easter is my favourite time of year because of the warmer weather, cute baby animals, chocolate eggs galore and toasted hot cross buns. I thought that because it's Easter holidays I wanted to share my 5 top fun days out which you could do in Nottingham with your friends or family.
5. Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Wollaton Hall is one of the finest Elizabethan mansions here in the UK. Located inside the hall is a natural history museum and wildlife exhibits. Entry is free. From the 6th - 22nd April there is a Rabbit Trail. Click here for more information. 
4. University Of Nottingham Highfield's Park
Highfields park contains a boating lake with boats to hire throughout the spring and summer months.  There are children's play facilities, crazy golf and a pavilion with a cafe. Highfields park is dog friendly so why not take your beloved pooch with you for a scroll around.
3. Shopping In Nottingham City Centre
2. Greens Windmill And Science Centre
Greens Windmill is a restored and working windmill in Nottingham. Explore the windmill and see the process of how grain is turned into flour. You can also visit the science centre and learn about the story of George Green. Entry is free. There's a easter egg hunt on from 17th April - 21st April. Click here for more information. 
1. White Post Farm
I think that the best thing about Easter is all of the adorable baby animals so why not head to White Post Farm. The farm has a great mixture of farm activities and play areas. The animals are well kept and happy. There’s also lots of opportunities to be interactive with the farm animals with feeding times and holding times. From 6th April - 22nd April White Post Farm are having an Easter Festival. Click here for more information.
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Episode 8 - Come Shop With Me At Boots For Cruelty Free Beauty

Hi everyone
Welcome back to the eigth episode in my cruelty free beauty shopping series. In this weeks episode we are browsing around Boots. This video is not sponsored or an advert.
Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to never miss an upload.

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Episode 7 - Come Shop With Me At Tesco For Cruelty Free Beauty

Sunday 17 March 2019

Hi everyone
Welcome back to the seventh episode in my cruelty free beauty shopping series. In this weeks episode we are browsing around Tesco. This video is not sponsored or an advert.
Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to never miss an upload.

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Episode 6 - Come Shop With Me At Poundland For Cruelty Free Beauty

Hi everyone
Welcome back to the sixth episode in my cruelty free beauty shopping series. In this weeks episode we are browsing around Poundland. This video is not sponsored or an advert.
Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to never miss an upload.
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Episode 5 - Come Shop With Me At Home Bargains For Cruelty Free Beauty

Hi everyone
Welcome back to the fifth episode in my cruelty free beauty shopping series. In this weeks episode we are browsing around Home Bargains. This video is not sponsored or an advert.
Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to never miss an upload.
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Episode 4 - Come Shop With Me At Savers For Cruelty Free Beauty

Saturday 16 March 2019

Hi everyone
Welcome back to the fourth episode in my cruelty free beauty shopping series. In this weeks episode we are browsing around Savers. This video is not sponsored or an advert.
Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to never miss an upload.
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Episode 3 - Come Shop With Me At Sainsburys For Cruelty Free Beauty

Hi everyone
Welcome back to the third episode in my cruelty free beauty shopping series. In this weeks episode we are browsing around Sainsburys. This video is not sponsored or an advert.
Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to never miss an upload.
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Episode 2 - Come Shop With Me At Waitrose For Cruelty Free Beauty

Hi everyone
Welcome back to the second episode in my cruelty free beauty shopping series. In this weeks episode we are browsing around Waitrose. This video is not sponsored or an advert.
Watch the video below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel to never miss an upload.
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Triyit Unboxing And Product Testing | Free Samples

Hi everyone
Last year I signed up to be a product tester for Triyit and a few months later I got matched to one of their campaigns. I was sent (for free) a box full of vegetarian snacks and drinks to review. Anyone can apply for a Triyit box. All you have to do is create a profile and answer a short questionnaire.
Watch below the unboxing and product testing video.
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Episode 1 - Come Shop With Me At The Range For Cruelty Free Beauty

Hi everyone
I wanted create a shopping series on my YouTube channel sharing all of the cruelty free beauty products which are available in shops here in the UK. There are shops here which sell 100% cruelty free beauty such as The Body Shop, Lush, Primark and many more. But not all supermarkets and stores sell 100% cruelty free products. I've seen no other UK influencer create a series like this on YouTube before. I've watched plenty of come shop with me videos but not specifically for cruelty free beauty.
Back in 2016 when I switched to cruelty free beauty this is a series which I would loved to of  watched and learned from.
I wanted to spread awareness on my platform to buy more consciously as every little helps. It's easy to name and shame all the brands who do unfortunately test on animals. But I'm not that kind of person and I don't work that way. I'd rather focus my energy on the positive and praise the brands who don't test and have a more positive impact on the planet. My mission is that someone watching will learn about a new cruelty free brand or perhaps swap one make up item for a cruelty free one instead. Then I'd be a very happy bunny indeed.
Watch the first episode below. Enjoy!
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GOSH High Coverage Concealer 002 Ivory Review

Hey everyone
In todays post I am reviewing GOSH's concealer in the shade 002 Ivory.
It's a great match for my porcelain skin tone and I love how it's high coverage because I need a concealer which hides imperfections.
The formula is really smooth and blends well. The application wand is quite thick so you only need a small amount of product. A little goes along way.
Watch my review and tutorial below on my thoughts on the concealer and how to apply concealer for maximum results.
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Gosh Mineral Powder 002 Ivory And Mineral Brush Review

Hi everyone
Today I am reviewing the GOSH mineral powder in the shade 002 ivory and it is a perfect match if you have a porcelain skin.
What I love about this product is that a little amount of product goes along way. It's buildable coverage to suit your needs. I personally need full coverage as I have acne scarring on my chin, pores and dark circles. The mineral powder covers everything beautifully.
I would say that if you have oily/combination skin like me then you will need to apply a facial primer first so the mineral powder lasts longer and doesn't oxidise. When I applied the powder on it's own after a couple of hours it oxidised on my chin a little. However when I applied primer it solved the problem.
I also brought the mineral powder brush along with the mineral powder together as part of Superdrug's 3 for 2 offer on at the beginning of January. It's a great mineral powder brush. It's travel size, the bristles are nice and soft. The brush picks up the powder really well and it applies smoothly too.
Watch my review and tutorial below of how to use the mineral powder and brush.
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The Pip Box December Edition Review

Hi everyone
In December 2018 I was kindly gifted by The Pip Box their December beauty box to be considered for a review. The Pip Box is a cruelty free and vegan monthly subscription service. Each box contains 5 beauty products which has the value of £55 but you only pay £20 a month.
You will never receive the same product twice as every month has a different and bespoken theme. Decembers edition was "Festive Glam" which was a selection of treats to get you through the holidays and to welcome in 2019.
I like The Pip Box because they are the only 100% cruelty free subscription box service here in the UK. 50p from every box is donated to the charity Animal Free Research UK. I love brands which give back to the community.
Watch the unboxing and review video below to find out my thoughts.
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