How I Fake Confidence

When it comes to my job there's no hiding, you have to be confident and outgoing to make an impression on those thousands of guests who pay good dollar to be on holiday, after all, they're after the high quality service. However, anyone who really knows me would have gone through this life journey with me and in actual fact most of the time, it's a total facade. I'm self-conscious, anxious and often quiet around new people. That's right people, I'm a total fake but I'm going to let you into the secrets of how exactly I completely blag my way through life.

• Make an effort with yourself. This is such a materialistic way to start but I believe that if you take that little bit of time to do your hair and make-up and even tan yourself up, you're already half way there because looking good makes you feel good. Am I right? Not many girls can say they feel 100% confident with their hair in a top knot, joggers on and Au Natural.

• Put on your favourite outfit. Of course this applies if you don't have work or a uniform but even so just style it to suit you with your favourite accessories. You can tell when someone feels comfortable in and enjoys what they're wearing as apposed to over-dressing or wearing something not your style, you aren't fooling anyone we know you feel awkward and conscious. Of course I'm all for taking risks but ensure you feel happy before stepping foot in public.

• Walk with your head up. Put that phone away for a change, we all are guilty of clinging onto it as a safety guard to avoid awkward eye contact or conversations but when you look and feel good, show that off. People may disagree that they hate being noticed but walking past someone with your head up will make them take a second look, you look more approachable and I don't know about you but knowing someones acknowledged you or your effort will boost your confidence that extra step.  

• Smile. This fits in with my previous tip. As much as you think your resting bitch face is doing you favours, it doesn't. Simply smiling to whoever you walk past, whether they smile back or not will actually also put the other person in a good mood aswell. After all, smiles are infectious. The only downside is I'm so used to smiling in my job that when I'm that friendly out of uniform I get a few odd looks but trust me, it works.

• Don't overthink. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that 9 times out of 10 we rehearse what we want to say in our heads beforehand even if it's for an appointment, a phone call or what you're ordering for dinner. But sometimes it's beneficial to drop that filter in everyday life. Letting your words run free tends to reflect more of your personality even if you are a bit shy. Say something cheeky, be sarcastic, make a joke because actually you will have more of an impression on that person (good or bad) that if you kept your mouth shut. Obviously this is only to an extent, don't be inappropriate or rude and know when to be quiet (word vomit is a genuine disease for me) but it definitely helps the conversation flow that little bit more.

And that is pretty much it. I hope this will help you fake confidence as much as it does me. Of course, there are days I do none of the above but trust me, all this tips will have an impact on your confidence overall, you just have to take a chance and embrace it.

Love Pook x 

Winter Beauty Killer | Make-up Routine

Hello lovelies,

I don't know about you but when it comes to this time of year, in between snuggling in my pajamas most of the time with the heating on and a good cuppa, I always find the motivation to look more "glam". Maybe it's because Winter is known for awards season and just parties in general dazzling yourself in sparkles and it being more acceptable than ever, I just enjoy sitting down and actually putting my face on and making an effort in an attempt to brighten up this gloomy weather.

That in mind, I thought I'd share my favourite make-up routine and what products I use to achieve this look.

First of all, let's start with eyes. I always find it so much easier to do eye make-up first that way I can be as messy as I want and wipe away any mistakes without worrying about my foundation ruining. Common sense really. Although it's a complete contrast colour to the festive season, I thought applying pink shadow would just add a bit of light softness to the usual bold trend of winter make-up. I used the Beauty Killer Palette by Jeffery Starr which is full of vibrant colours usually suitable for summer however I use this all year around. I took the shade Princess as a base colour (it's actually a pale pink, excuse the brightness ruining the colours!) then I apply a little bit Star Power, which is a vibrant pink ever so slightly to deepen the colour to get more of a subtle Barbie shade.

If you struggle with eyeliner like me, Glam Eyes by Rimmel London is perfect for dummies because of it's precision applicator it even makes my attempt look somewhat decent! I then finish off with Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara from L'oreal Paris, because my eyelashes are naturally long but light, this mascara just thickens them up giving that falsh lash effect.

Now time for base and I've used the Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation by Rimmel on and off for years. It's just my Holy Grail product, I need full coverage that takes me through some gruelling shifts and this has never failed to impress me since I was about 18. They've actually brought out a "breathable" version this year which is more of a medium coverage that I'm looking forward to trying out for days I don't need much warpaint! Now for concealer, I used a mixture of Natural Collection's Liquid Concealer and a Cover-Stick. This one is from Poundland and is actually better than most coversticks I've used. Together they attack any dark circles or blemishes I have and actually covers my Chicken Pox scars above my lip instead of sinking into them. I then set it all with a Pressed Powder which is also from Poundland, it doesn't cake up at all and it's a bargain!

Last but not least a little bit of contouring. For this I cheat and just use Rimmel Kate Moss Sculpting Palette which does the work for you and tells you what goes where. (I often wonder how I'm a girl) it just accentuates my high cheekbones and stops me looking like a potato. I finish off with the Undress Your Skin Powder Highlighter from MUA which is so pigmented it's crazy for it's price! 

And here is the finished look. (Note: My lip colour is Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick in shade Plum This Show)

Until next time, my loves.

You Got Me Wrapped Up

Cor, it's got a little bit chilly outside lately hasn't it? Anyone would think it's bloody Winter! As much as I couldn't think of anything worse than being cold, it's also my favourite time of year in terms of fashion - jumpers, tights, boots, and of course big cosy coats to brave the temperature in. It makes Autumn/Winter somewhat bearable when you are comfy but also looking good whilst you're at it. 

Here are my 3 staple coats to help me survive this season!

First up is actually my most recent purchase. I got this Red Fitted Quilted Puffer Jacket from Lasula and it's very much on trend, proving very popular for socialites like Olivia Buckland and Megan Mckenna, adding a pop of colour to what can be quite a bland time of year. I have had so much wear from this already and the black faux fur collar is like a constant hug around your neck. My only negative is it is definitely fitted and I wish I'd gone a size up for extra room as I can't layer as much as I want but saying that the warmth this coat brings, you don't really need it.

 

Next up, is this gorgeous Black Check Longline Jacket that I purchased the beginning of the year from New Look and for me, is the most sophisticated thing I own. It dresses up any outfit I decide to wear and I can't get enough of pairing it with my thigh high grey boots that I dig out every winter! Granted, it doesn't do me any favours when the heavens open and drown me but for an dry day and an evening out, it's perfect. I get so many compliments.

Last but not least is my trusty, extreme weather coat that was such a bargain buy from Primark a good 2 years ago and it's still going strong. The Parka coat, a staple in everyone's wardrobe for those miserable, rainy days that never seem to go away. The length is perfect covering 3/4 of my body from the cold and wet, protecting my clothes and the huge fluffy hood that makes me feel like Macklemore (remember him?!) is perfect for keeping my head and ears warm and dry, although the fur takes forever to dry again! 

 

Great Britain; I am ready for your baltic, horrific weather, come at me!

The Sweater Weather Tag

Favourite Candle Scent?

I've always wanted to have a candle in my room but I get so paranoid that i will completely forget that they are burning and I'll leave them and I'll come back and my room is no more so for that reason I don't currently own one. But my favourite smells this season are anything that isn't over-powering like vanilla, apple and cinnamon or any winter berries. Because of this, I've decided to invest in a Glade Plug-In. Don't ask me why I never thought of this before because it's completely safe and idiot proof so I won't set my home on fire. I am yet to find one I like and let's hope it doesn't give me a headache or burn the inside of my nose when I sniff it, that's always a bonus!



Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate?

I am a heavy tea drink alllll year around (PG Tips Enthusiast, milky, no sugar!) but when it comes to this time of year nothing beats a Hot Chocolate from Costa in one of thier Christmas takeaway cups. What other way is there to put a smile on my face on a miserable day than to see a Robin, A Snowman or Santa keeping my favourite drink warm? I also have a tendency to collect them ...


What's the best Fall memory you have?

I don't think I have a particular memory but the whole feeling of when it gets to October and you know as soon as Halloween is out the way, it's Bonfire Night then a week later the Christmas Lights switch on in my city and it's tradition that everyone gathers together and goes. (eventhough i was gutted to miss it this year!) September to December honestly goes so fast too right? I remember when I was at school it only felt like yesterday that I was starting a new year and then bam there I was making paper snowflakes and practising for the Nativity!

What is your favourite book you are reading (have read) this Fall?

I must admit since I left school I am not a big reader, it did put me off a little but I do love a feel good, light-hearted winter warmer to get me going and the other day my mum was given a few books that she brought home and this one in particular caught my eye.


It's called A Snowflake In My Hand, written by Samantha Mooney. It's a pretty old book I think it was first published in the 80's but as it says on the front it's "a book for cat lovers and lovers of life itself" it's timeless. If you know me I am cat obsessed (i have two of my own; Phil and Lily) and even though it's not good to judge a book by it's cover I couldn't resist how cute the cat was! In a nutshell it's about a woman called Samantha telling us her stories and memories of working in a Animal Medical Centre, you meet all sorts of characters (mainly animals) but honestly it's so adorable and an easy relatable read. I haven't finished it yet but I just know I'll be sat in the corner happy crying by the end.

What make-up look do you prefer; Dark Lips or Winged Eyeliner?

So, most days I attempt to do winged eyeliner and I do love it but I'm more known for my lips, if you look on my Instagram or Twitter, I'm always wearing a lip shade and even in work my manager looks at me strange if I haven't got any on but for some reason I have never owned a dark lip. Sure, I had a burgundy red lipstick but that's how dark it goes and I guess it's because I've never found one that I like or that is pigmanted enough to look good. I know Mac does beautiful colours but honestly, I'm intimidated to go into a store and I'm hesitant buying make-up products online so I've just never bought one. Maybe one day I will pluck up the courage to buy a Mac lip because I'm obsessed with Make-up Tutorials and girls on Instagram rocking the darker shades.
But anyway, I choose winged eyeliner ... haha!

Best Fragrance for Fall?

Honestly, I tend to wear what I feel like at the time, it has nothing to do with the weather but I do find because of Christmas parties etc. There is an overpowering use of Chanel No.5 esque scents polluting the air rather than fruity fragrances. I was given the "Strictly Fabulous" perfume from Avon and this resembles the "elegance" or words to that effect of Chanel perfumes which I must admit I have been wearing but otherwise I use Beyonce Heat Mrs Carter World Tour Limited edition but I'm devastated it's been discontinued so I'm looking for a new perfume more suited to me. The struggle.



Favourite Thanksgiving Food?


In the UK we do not celebrate Thanksgiving but I think by the sounds of it, I would very much enjoy the celebration. Turkey is one of the few meats I actually like, I'm not a meat lover, I love Stuffing. I also hear they have mashed potato instead of roast potatoes? That's music to my ears (or food to my stomach) because it sounds incredible. The only downside is I don't like gravy .. Go ahead, judge me. But this is the closest I'm getting to a Turkey dinner at the moment!



What is Autumn weather like where you live?

Well if today is anything to go by, extremely indecisive! I was woken up at 6am to gailforce winds and rain slamming against my window then by 9am there was a blue sky and sunshine BUT it was still raining. English weather in a nutshell right there. I can't completely complain sometimes we get that dry crisp coldness where you can wrap up warm and you're happy about it but realistically 90% of time, don't count on you umbrella surviving the down pour!

Most Worn Sweater?

This year, the jumper I've been living in is a Nanny State plain grey mens jumper with denim blue panels on the elbows and shoulders. It's not even mine, but I wear it to death it's so comfortable so sorry friend of my brother's, you left it in my sights and now you have lost it forever, mwuhaha!

 

However when it gets to the end of November, it's inevitable my green Mickey and Minnie Mouse jumper will take over my body. Oversized knitted jumpers are the one, guys.

 

Must-Have Nail Polish This Fall?

I'm really sad because last year I ran out of my favourite Barry M burgundy shade and I haven't had a chance to invest in the new one yet but that is my number 1 polish, however, I got this nail polish from Boots and the colour is absolutely beautiful! It's from the Colour Carnival collection by Seventeen in Purple Shimmer and it's such good quality. I think I paid £1.99 for it and you literally only need 1 coat to cover your nails and you're good to go! 

For laziness, Primark also have a selection of Autumn/Winter/Christmassy false nails for £1 so these will also be making an appearance real soon.

Football Games or Jumping in Leaf Piles?

Well, this is a very Americanised question isn't it?! Football games in the UK are not enjoyable to watch you don't have a Pep Rally or anything high school esque, it's literally kicking a ball around and people get very worked up and stressed over it. As for jumping in a pile of leaves, if you did that in England there is a 99% chance a muddy puddle will be underneath, again not fun! So I can't say either will give me much enjoyment haha! Joys of Britain.

Skinny Jeans or Leggings?

I have an arguement for both. Skinny jeans are great when it's a crisp dry winter's day with cute knee-high boots and a duffle coat. However, leggings are perfect any other time, because there's nothing worse than when it's pouring down with rain and you're wearing jeans and they stick to your legs and makes you colder, or if you fall in snow and the dye seeps through to your bum (trust me it happens!) and then you struggle to get them off, just no! At least with leggings you can peel them off and that's it. Plus comfiness and laziness is priority.

Combat Boots or Uggs?

This makes me laugh because my mum hates Uggs, she says they are the abbreviation of "ugly" but you can't deny the comfiness they bring! However, combat boots are my favourite things because you know your feet are going to stay dry and warm and you can wear them with anything so it has to be Combat boots for my (and my mum's) sanity.

Is Pumpkin Spice worth the hype?

Straight answer; I wouldn't know. I don't like coffee so I steer clear of it even with the temptation of looking like a typical white girl with my Starbucks, but to give it credit, it does add to the stereotypical, commercialised Autumn/Winter feel and I can't complain with that.

Favourite Fall TV show?

Every year there are 3 shows that come on at the same time every year and if you're British you know Christmas is coming. First of all, The X Factor. The auditions start at the end of the summer and the Live final is 2 weeks before Christmas. It is your official countdown.

Alongside that is Strictly Come Dancing, a bunch of local Celebrities learn to dance Ballroom and Latin with professionals and perform every week to compete for the Glitter ball trophy. Every year both fight for ratings but I must admit, Strictly has it over X Factor because I think TXF is getting a bit tired and repetitive, and I'm a sucker for sparkles and sequins! 

Last but not least, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, the perfect show to watch celebrities suffer in a jungle! It's great TV especially when they have to eat a Kangaroo's private part.

What Song Really Gets You In The Fall Spirit?

Final Question! The song that gives me that warm, snuggly, Christmassy feeling is The Christmas Song. This sounds completely cliche and obvious but the first line just makes me imagine that I'm in my living room with a blanket, drinking hot chocolate just being all cosy. "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" I challenge anyone to not get that warm tingle in your stomach everytime you hear that line. It's just perfect.

Baby It's Cold Outside ...

So, now the random spout of sunny weather in October is over it's now blowing Gail's (not Platt) and raining at every moment. That mixed together makes a sad, wet and windswept Katie. But just because the weather is terrible and it makes you look terrible doesn't mean what you wear has to be!

For a change, I actually made an effort today for a little shopping trip instead of leggings and hoodies so I thought I'd share. Plus I LOVE this outfit.

(Ignore the horrendous iPhone quality photos but I don't currently have a camera!!)

What a cosy little ensemble to fight off the cold and dreariness of Winter!

I absolutely adore this leather jacket I got last Christmas, it actually keeps me warm and has detachable fur so you can wear it all year around! It was £49.99 from New Look but at the time it was an Online Exclusive but I know this year they do jackets VERY similar to this. (Click here) I also want the brown version!

I've always wanted a jumper dress but the turtle neck style usually panicks me, I don't like things tight around my neck but I fell in love with this when I saw it and it was pretty much what I had been describing for a while now and for £10 from Primark can I really complain? I had to get a size bigger because they were out of 10's but I'm actually glad I did because it isn't tight fitted and its more cosy and free, although the long sleeves are a bit too long.

I have been livinnnnn in these boots! They are so comfy and have a flat heel so they don't even ache after a while. They are knee high and have a quilted design with a smooth panel at the back so it isn't harsh to your legs. These were a bargain of £25 from Very (click here) and I think it's perfect because Boots and jumper dresses are such staple items that everyone should own in their wardrobe!

Thought I'd show you my make-up game too [insert sassy girl emoji]

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hour Foundation with comfort serum.

MUA Cover and Conceal wand.

Collection 2000 Finishing Powder.

MUA Liquid Eyeliner 

MUA Extreme Curl Mascara

Avon Dark Red Lipstick (idk the collection or colour)

Until next time amigos!

Katie x

12 Christmas Songs That Get Me In The Spirit.

I am not going to lie I've had this post prepared for at least a month ... it's now November 3rd, my dad's birthday and also all the music channels have turned Christmassy and Christmas 24 movie channel has started so I am going to join in the spirit for early celebration and hopefully these songs can cheer all you Scrooges up, ey?

All I Want For Christmas Is You.

I don't know about you but as soon as I hear those first jingles for the first time every year, I finally think CHRISTMAS.  Even if after the first few 100 listens on the radio, music channels etc I wish it was January already. I remember when I was in Secondary School every tutor foght over who gets to sing this song in assembly.You just can't have a Christmas without singing it drunk or even sober at least once at the top of your voice.

Snow In California.

Ariana Grande released a Christmas EP in 2013 and usually I think newer Christmas songs are horrendous because you just can't beat the classics but I actually preferred this original to the covers she did of Santa Baby and Last Christmas. It's a slow ballad and every time I listen to it it makes me feel so christmassy and lovey dovey.

Fairytale Of New York.

One of my all time favourite songs. The epitome of what Christmas Day is really like after a few too many; A few I love you's before heavily insulting eachother, it's genius! If you have never heard this song you must have been living under a rock your whole life. Unlike All I Want For Christmas, you can never get sick of this song. Another classic Christmas wouldn't be the same without.

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like All I Want For Christmas Is You.

In 2014, after exiting The X Factor, Only The Young released this refreshing mash-up cover of two classics and I just had it on repeat all December. Mikey's Michael Buble sounding voice, the ballad to upbeat transition and the reggaesque part of All I Want For Christmas the whole video just made me smile and feel all christmassy and want to go to Winter Wonderland! (yes this is slightly biased, judge me)

Last Christmas.

Okay so how many versions of this have been released?! But nothing compares to George Michael's original love heartbreak song about a girl eventhough he was gay and nobody knew. Anyway, everyone loves a good love song right and combined with Christmas, what's not to love? Again nothing beats a classic.

My Only Wish.

Okay so this song by Britney Spears is extremely underrated. Eventhough it has been out for at least 10 years, I only discovered it a few years ago but it has every attribute a christmas song needs to be successful yet not everyone has heard it. It's cheese-tastic and I love it! And I think Britney is Queen anyway. One of my personal favourites, and it's not over-played which makes me love it more.

Jingle Bell Rock.

I just had to pop this song into the mix purely as an excuse to mention Mean Girls. I'm judging you heavily if you don't know the dance routine to Jingle Bell Rock and didn't secretly want to be a part of The Plastics.

12 Days Of Sickmas.

This song cracks me up so much. I remember when I first watched this on Sonny With A Chance (Demi Lovato before she was huge) and it's been an essential on my playlist ever since. 2 Christmases ago I was so unwell this was all I was singing and listening to to cheer me up, because being ill this time of year is 'not cool'! Obviously a play on the original 12 Days of Christmas, Sicky Vicky is incredible and possibly more memorable... What's after 5 GOLD RINGS?

Do They Know It's Christmas?

Oh come on guys, eventhough there have been about 50 videos of this we all have to admit we love seeing artists from every era and genre come together for a charity song, Bob Geldof is a genius for getting everyone in one room. Now I'm don't know which version I prefer, probably the original but my favourite thing is Bono from U2 having the same line in all versions. It just brings that extra happiness to me, eventhough it's a serious subject they're talking about. Although the second one with the little girl from the original video was inspiring and proves all this charitable work we do does actually make a difference. Here's the original but I'm sure you've seen all 3 (well 4 if you have ever stumbled across the one with Kylie in)

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

I have to admit when I was little this song intimidated me because the words just made me nervous. Was Santa really watching me? Am I on the Naughty List? Paranoia in a little girl isn't fun. But I have got presents every year so I must do something right yeah? Although there has been a million versions of this also, when singing this song you can guarentee we all attempt to sing in a very high key like a baby Michael Jackson right? Absolute Classic. (Although Michael Buble's version of this gives me feelings in all places, what a man.)

Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy

Bing Crosby and David Bowie I mean what a pairing. This song just reminds me of Christmas Day because every year when my family have our dinner it always plays it the background regardless without even planning it so I just had to add it on my list. It's one of those duets you just can't sing with a member of your family without laughing (pa-ram-pam-pam-pam) but it's such a clever mash-up! So timeless and enjoyable as background music.

Merry Christmas Everybody.

Last but not least, Slade. We all know Christmas hasn't officially started until you hear Noddy Holder scream IT'S CHRISTMASSSSS! So what a better way to finish off my list of favourite Christmas songs. I don't have much to say about this song because everyone should know it and if you don't i'm very much judging you.

So there we are, 12 Christmas songs to get you in the mood for the Holidays. Of course there are thousands and I could be here for weeks listing them off but these are ones that bring memories to me. 

What are your favourite Christmas songs?

I do not own this music & no copyright infringement intended all videos are from YouTube.

The Season of Strictly, Snowman Cups and Soggy Bottoms.

I cannot tell you how excited I am that Autumn is upon us, this is a sentence that usually you'd never hear me say. I hate the brisk cold mixed with that horrid drizzle and would rather be sunning it up in Mexico to be honest. But being born and bread in England we tend to have non existent Summer's anyway so as I've gotten older the more I've grown to appreciate this time of year.

Eventhough I'm only 20 and should be living the young and reckless lifestyle, for me, nothing satisfies me more than coming home after a long shift, getting into my pajamas, grasping a nice warm mug of tea and watching TV.

Speaking of TV, A/W is my favourite time of year for TV shows. The return of Strictly and The X Factor just screams Christmas and also watching The Great British Bake-Off, I mean who doesn't love a good discussion about 'soggy bottoms'?

Fashion in the Autumn is also so effortless, chuck on an oversized jumper, leggings and knee high boots and you're good to go. Simple but chic.

Halloween and Christmas; Well need I say more? The over-the-top commercialised holidays just adds to the excitement. (Although I do work in retail and we celebrate it at least 4 months in advance!) My favourite part is when my Pumpkin Spiced Latte comes in a snowman cup.

Also, everything just smells so much better?! Or maybe I've just inhaled too many scented candles.

I mean obviously it's not all idealistic, as I'm typing, the wind is banging against the windows and this past week it's been pouring down with rain non-stop but being snuggled up in the warm at night just makes it all that bit more bearable, right?

What are your favourite things about Autumn?