A Few Of My Favourite Things!

I promised that in 2015, i'd have more fun, take life less seriously and learn to let go. I also made a promise to myself to make more YouTube videos, fix my hair, improve my confidence, meet new people and make new friends! 

So with the list of everything I'd like to achieve on a personal basis in 2015,  I got thinking about things I was thankful for, and also the things that I do enjoy and the places I love.

I'm really hoping that you guys can get to know me a little better this year, and as soon as I came across the 'A Few Of My Favourite Things Tag' I thought it was the perfect video to start with in 2015. So without further ado,  here are A Few of my Favourite Things!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this video! Let me know in the comments, and if you haven't already - don't forget to subscribe! 

Em xxx

Why I want 2015 to be less serious and more fun filled.

Hi, I'm Em, and I've become a bore.

Phew.

There, I've said it.

In my old age.. (twenties) I seem to have forgotten how to have fun, and that, quite frankly makes me sad. There are a few factors that have caused me to forget how to have fun and some of those have occurred over the past few years. Alongside those however,  are a few more serious things that have happened in my life to change me completely as a person - but now isn't the time for stories.

I have a process driven creative job, which means that although I get to think up and make fun films for a living - it also means that I always have a team of people relying on me, and I am always wary of deadlines, schedules, budgets, and responsibilities. I've even turned into one of those horrendous people that, gulp, worries about health and safety. I'm not even joking when I say that I actually told my partner he had to gaffer tape a temporary piece of carpet down in a half finished conservatory over Christmas because of health and safety.

I feel like I spend so much of my time being serious that sometimes I have to stop and really think about when the last time I laughed, like *really* laughed was - and often I can't remember. Which truly makes me sad.

With that in mind, I want to make 2015 the year in which I really focus on not only moving forward with my goals, ambitions and personal growth. But the year in which I truly find my confidence.

I grew so much in 2014. This time last year, I hadn't even started  this blog and that feels just so surreal to me. I can't remember what I used to fill my time with before it!

2015 is  the year in which I - a self confessed 'I'd rather stay at home and look at cat pictures on the internet' person, want to get out more, meet new people and and learn to have fun. With that in mind, I've worked out a way to do just that and take you along with me. I'm starting a brand new lifestyle series all about getting out, and having fun - meeting new people and of featuring one of my true loves in life - food.

Every month from here on in, I'll be writing a 'Dinner With.....' Post. Where i'll be heading out to dinner with a friend, new or old - and getting to know them a little better. I'll have a set of questions I'm hoping to put to each dinner guest and of course I'll be taking pictures to share with you. If I'm lucky, who knows - I may even be able to persuade a few blogging super stars to have dinner with me! If you don't ask, you don't get... right?

Em xxx

Saying Goodbye To 2014.

After an unexpected blogging break over Christmas, having had to jump in and finish painting and decorating my mothers house for Christmas as the builders were weeks late finishing the conservatory she had built, I'm back - on the very last day of the year.

2014 has surprisingly been a great year and honestly, most of that is down to this blog, and you.

11 Months ago today, I started 'My Pale Skin' and when doing so, I had no idea what it would turn into. I never imagined that in less than a year hundreds of thousands of people would be clicking and reading. I had no idea that i'd get the opportunity to work with some incredible brands that I've been wearing and using for over ten years, nor did I have any idea that I'd get to make some amazing friends and become a part of the blogging community.

I feel like I've grown so much as a person in 2014 - more so than in the past few years. I've improved my photography, writing, and make up skills. Made actual friends, learnt to step out of my comfort zone,attended fashion shows, blogger events, bought all the make up in the world (according to my family), discovered brands that I never even knew existed and most importantly - I feel like I'm on the road to truly becoming happier and more content as a person.

I love where this blog has taken me in 2014 and I can't wait to see what is in store during 2015. I'm excited and looking forward to bringing you on this roller coaster adventure with me. Hopefully there will be a few changes going on around here - maybe a new layout and more creative content, but i'm hoping to make this little space on the web the best it can be.

Thanks for reading, clicking, commenting and watching during 2014 and I promise 2015 will be a whole load better.

So Happy New Year to all friends, new and old and I'll see you on the other side. 

Em xxx

The Perfect Holiday Gift - Daniel Wellington Watch.

There's something about a beautiful sleek wristwatch that just  screams 'Hello' and 'I'm ready for business'. The current king of the wristwatch has to be Daniel Wellington* - especially if the endless amount of beautiful images that keep popping up on Instagram is anything to go by.

If you're still struggling for gift ideas, then look no further! I think any lady would be pleased to find this under the tree.

When the Daniel Wellington team got in touch with me and asked if I'd like to feature one in my gift guide, I jumped at the chance as I'd be craving one for a while. There are so many beautiful styles available, and it was incredibly hard to decide which watch to go for. I wanted something that was simple, elegant and timeless, so I chose the Classic Sheffield* £159 with the simple black strap. For the watch face, I chose Rose Gold, as I love how it gives that extra touch of glamour.
I'm also a big fan of items being versatile, so I chose a 'St Andrews'* £49 strap to interchange, depending on my mood and outfit.

I also have an exclusive discount code for anyone that's interested in ordering one. For 15% off, enter code: holidaymypaleskin at the checkout. There is still time to order before Christmas on Express Delivery -woohoo!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this watch? Which Strap is your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

Em xxx

*Gifted Items. I was not paid for this post.

5 Top Tips To Survive Christmas With Your Family.

With Christmas now almost upon us, millions of people around the world are preparing to spend time with their loved ones. It's a funny old time of year, it's a time for celebration, joy, feasting, relaxation and if you're anything like me - a time for trying your best to not feel like a caged animal with everyone pushing your buttons. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my family - I also love being able to do my own thing, on my own time and have a bit of space, and surprisingly I'm not alone in feeling the same way over Christmas. So i've been racking my brains and have come up with the following 5 Top Tips to survive Christmas - without any family warfare, and to ensure you keep your sanity. 

1. The Family Pet Is Your New Best Friend.

Whether it's a dog, cat, budgie or hamster... Your pet will get you through this. If you have a dog, take them for a walk, lots of walks or put on your winter coat and sit outside in the garden with them - instant peace and quiet, There's always time for snuggles with pets, and they don't judge you, feel free to give them a rant and maybe they'll let out a knowing whine in sympathy. If you don't have a family pet, that's okay - stuffed animals work just as well - Try a hooty owl - they give warm hugs. 

2. Social Media Is Your Saviour.

When I was a kid, I loved opening my presents and playing with what seemed like endless new toys all day. As a 20 something girl, I like to think of Social Media as the toy that never gets old. and gives you that same added value. Stay in touch with your friends, live tweet any christmas arguments between relatives and keep up to date with what's going on in the world. It will help - trust me.

3. Plan Everything In Advance.

I admit. I plan Christmas Dinner the same way I plan a film shoot - although I don't go as far to send a call sheet out... But what I like to make sure I do is plan the main 3 day period out for ease, speed and peace of mind.  I make lists of what Presents I've bought for each person, how much they cost and links to each item - I then colour code if they've been bought. I plan meals, who is eating what for each meal, roughly what time. Do we have all the ingredients? DID SOMEONE FORGET DESSERT? You get the jist... I enjoy planning and coordination. It also means you can prep things ahead of schedule to make life easier on the day.

4. Use Your Blog As A Get Out Of Jail Card.

That's right, shamelessly blame your blog for why you have to leave early, why you're on your phone every ten minutes, or even for the reason you have to be by yourself for a little while. You blog won't mind, it will thank you for all the extra love and support it's receiving from you. Think of all the content you can create. And if you don't have a blog, Congratulations, you've just decided to start one!

5. If All Else Fails, Get Drunk.

You've planned your day, you've bought all the right presents, checked social media, taken the dog on 20 walks and still losing the will to live? You have one option left - Get drunk. That's right, get drunk. Tear up the plans, cancel the schedule and let everyone else do their own thing whilst you sit in the corner of the room, holding a plastic cocktail glass, legs draped over the sofa and cackling to yoursef - Channeling your inner Samantha (Sex and The City). And unfortunately, if you don't drink? That's okay, because I don't either. Carb up, or load in on sugar - You'll have about 2 hours until the full force of the food coma kicks in, the you can take yourself off for a little afternoon nap.  

So those are my top tips to help you survive this Christmas. Fingers crossed I see you on the other side.

Em xxx

Introducing Blogmas 2014

It's December 1st! Hurrah, we are now edging that extra bit closer to Christmas. With it officially being December, i'm sure that means we can now talk about the festive season without scorn, or worry for being judged for being overly eager.

As this is my first Christmas as a Blogger, i've debated for quite a few days whether or not to join with Blogmas, and I've decided that as Christmas only comes around once a year, I want to join the club and try and come up with a few festive themed posts of my own.

Now, don't worry... normal service will still remain on My Pale Skin, however you may notice some Christmasy themed posted intertwined throughout the month. I'm also going to use this as an opportunity to mix in some other posts on the blog that you may not usually see... some gift guides, party clothes ideas, or if I'm really feeling dangerous... some baking ideas. 

I want to take Blogmas as an opportunity for you guys to really get to know me better, and I'm hoping you wont get bored! So if there's anything in particular you'd like to see, or anything you don't... let me know in the comments!

Em xxx

How To Take The First Step Towards Self Improvement...

You know that list, that's stored away in the back of your brain, where you mentally take notes and ensure to criticize yourself about the items on said list on a weekly, if not daily basis... You know the list i'm talking about? 

Well, I actually decided to do something about it, and today I made a positive step to crossing things off said list. You see, I've always had a thing about my teeth... I'm an ex smoker, and my teeth wear the stains to prove it. It never used to bother me, that was until mean spirited comments from two separate people on separate occasions crept into my brain and made me begin to hate my teeth. 

The silly thing is, I let said comments seep into my mind and that made me hate smiling, I learnt to cover my teeth to hide them, to not feel ashamed, embarrassed or have more mean comments directed at me. 

I always felt like there was an excuse for not making a positive change, be it lack of time, lack of money, or lack of knowledge on how to really take that first step and go for it, when it hit me...

I could easily justify spending money on clothes, make up I didn't need, or spontaneous impulse purchases, yet I always had an excuse or a reason I couldn't spend the same amount or take the leap and make a positive change - and I'm not just talking about the colour of my nail polish... but a truly positive change that will help me move forward to being the person I want to be.

For some reason, today it clicked, and in a moment of motivation I decided to take control, and stop hiding behind reasons on why I can't do something and start looking for reasons on why I can.

And then it happened... I made the decision to purchase some Crest White Strips in the hopes of reaching my dream smile. 

I found my motivation, now it's time to find yours! So step forward and ditch the reasons you can't do something as now is the time to start searching for the reasons on why you can! You may even surprise yourself with the results.

I'd love to hear what positive steps and changes you're going to make to your life! Let me know in the comments... 

Em xxx

Mondrian London, Agua Bathhouse & Spa Launch

On Thursday, April and I headed over to the  Mondrian London Hotel at Sea Containers for the launch of the Agua Bathhouse and Spa.

Spa's are places that intrigue me and although I've visited one before, I rarely venture into them. It's likely because I grew up with my mother not really into beauty, she isn't one for make up or skin care products as much as I try and push them in front of her.... I'm also in the mindset that If I spend a day lounging, being pampered and just relaxing - I feel guilty. I feel guilty because I know there's a million other things I'm meant to be doing during that time.

What I loved about the ' Spa Playground' is how it's different to your everyday spa. It's modern, inviting and utterly beautiful. Designed by Tom Dixon, there's a space for everyone in the lounge area and the glamour room is set out wonderfully for Ciate manicures and pedicures. 

For treatments, the spa is packed full of 'boutique' brands such as Glamglow, Dr Jackson's Natural Products, Estelle & Thild, Billion Dollar Brows, Lola's Apothecary and many more... 

The staff are polite, friendly and highly trained and surprisingly the prices aren't extortionate for Central London- with an express manicure starting at £25 and a day packed with treatments up to £260.

Would I go there for treatments? A full day, highly unlikely - as I'm not necessarily a 'spa woman' and can think of better things to spend £260 on. However, for an afternoon with girlfriends, I feel like I've been converted and I'm pretty tempted to pay a visit and have that niggling pain in my lower back ironed out. 

Do you enjoy spa visits? I'd love to hear your top tips to make the most out of them. Let me know in the comments.

Em xxx

A Self Confidence Journey...

One of the things I get asked about fairly frequently is advice on learning to love the skin you're in. I'm the last person to ever say my blog is all about natural beauty, what with my love of make up products and bleaching my hair.. However, I love finding new ways to feel beautiful from within, and the biggest thing that can affect that beauty is confidence.

Sometimes it's easy to lose track of where you've come from, when you constantly looking towards where you want to be. I took some time this week to reflect and remind myself of what I've achieved in my self confidence journey in what is almost 10 months of blogging and I wanted to share my confidence journey with you too.

Here's a list of all my inner beauty posts so far. It helped me more than I realized writing these posts, and even more reading them back. I hope they can help you too.

Dealing With Hate & Criticism

Why It's OKAY To Feel Lonely

The Fear of Never Being Good Enough

The Ugly Side of Beauty

How Blogging Helped improve my self esteem...

How Learning To Love My Pale Skin Made Me Happy

Why Life Is Too Short For Matching Socks

Why It's Important To Compare Yourself... To Yourself And Nobody Else.

Top Tips For Dealing With The Blogger Blues

Tips & Tricks To Feel More Confident At Blogger Events

How Blogging Helped Me Get My Confidence Back

Thanks for reading, and If you've ever written a self confidence post, leave me a link below! I'd love to read it. 

Em xxx

3 Food Blogs I just can't stop reading & a Lifestyle change.

Food is something that I've always had a love hate relationship with... I love to eat, but it seems that almost everything I enjoy eating, doesn't feel the same about me. I've been Vegetarian for 15 years and in my teens I turned vegan for a few years before reverting back to Vegetarianism. I've always felt that it was my personal choice and I never wanted to be a 'preachy vegetarian' as that simply isn't my style and most people don't realize i'm Vegetarian until they have dinner with me. 

 Over the past few years I've been noticing more and more a change in my body - especially in regards to foods. After trial and error over the past couple of years, I've learnt which foods to avoid and which make me feel happy and healthy and what I've established is that I feel the best when I stick to a plant based diet, or a meal made fully of vegetables. So I've decided to try and go for it - cut out the crap and just eat good foods that don't hurt me.

In search of inspiration for new meal ideas, I turned to the blogosphere and instantly fell in love with these 3 blogs and wanted to share them with you.

Oh She Glows

Oh She Glows is a Vegan Food & Lifestyle blog by Angela Liddon. When I found her blog I think I read almost every recipe back to back for hours. Packed full of yummy healthy meal ideas with clearly labelled food tags (e.g Gluten Free, Vegan, Nut Free) it's so easy to read her blog and become inspired. Needless to say I have many recipes bookmarked and I can't wait to try some out.

Deliciously Ella

Deliciously Ella has some of the most inspiring mouth wateringly good recipes i've come across in a very long time. I love the fact that her recipes are so simple and easy to follow and her photography is just amazing. With a few London eatery recommendations mixed throughout, I've got a long shopping an eating list ahead of me.

Minimalist Baker

I first discovered the Minimalist Baker earlier on this year. They have a fantastic range of recipes that are easy to follow and packed full of beautiful photos. Theire Gluten Free Pizza base is on the top of my weekend bake list and I can't wait to get stuck in.

These are my top 3 sources of inspiration for meal ideas and lifestyle changes, and I'd love to hear yours. If you have a favourite blog or website you think I should be reading, let me know in the comments!

Em xxx

Blogger Training day with Gelish & Nail Harmony

If there's one area of my beauty regime that i'm often neglectful in - it's nails. Now it's not that I don't enjoy painting my nails or trying to create a new design. It's just that nail polish always chips really easily on me, and I never really knew why... that was until a couple of months ago when I was discussing my nails with a manicurist and they told me why - it's because my nails peel. 

However, I always found that Gel nail varnishes do wonders for my nails. They last a long time, take barely any maintenance and the colour doesn't chip... although a Gel/Shellac manicure does set you back a lot more money and if I had to choose between a manicure and a new eyeshadow palette... well, you know i'd walk away with the eyeshadow.

I've been tempted for a while to buy a Gel nails kit and learn to do them on myself at home, but I always lacked the basic knowledge on how to use it  (plus I kinda didn't want to ruin my nails). So by pure coincidence when Nail Harmony got in touch to invite me to their blogger training day, I jumped at the chance.

I traveled over to Essex and got to spend the day with some fantastic Nail bloggers including One Nail To Rule Them All, The Nailasaurus, Lucys Stash, Talonted Lex and more. 

I teamed up with Lex and we tested out different methods of applying Gelish polish. From one colour application, french manicure to magento (magnetic design) polish. It was a fun and informative day and after I got past my nerves I had fun and even surprised myself. 

Em xxx

Blogger Training day with Gelish & Nail Harmony

If there's one area of my beauty regime that i'm often neglectful in - it's nails. Now it's not that I don't enjoy painting my nails or trying to create a new design. It's just that nail polish always chips really easily on me, and I never really knew why... that was until a couple of months ago when I was discussing my nails with a manicurist and they told me why - it's because my nails peel. 

However, I always found that Gel nail varnishes do wonders for my nails. They last a long time, take barely any maintenance and the colour doesn't chip... although a Gel/Shellac manicure does set you back a lot more money and if I had to choose between a manicure and a new eyeshadow palette... well, you know i'd walk away with the eyeshadow.

I've been tempted for a while to buy a Gel nails kit and learn to do them on myself at home, but I always lacked the basic knowledge on how to use it  (plus I kinda didn't want to ruin my nails). So by pure coincidence when Nail Harmony got in touch to invite me to their blogger training day, I jumped at the chance.

I traveled over to Essex and got to spend the day with some fantastic Nail bloggers including One Nail To Rule Them All, The Nailasaurus, Lucys Stash, Talonted Lex and more. 

I teamed up with Lex and we tested out different methods of applying Gelish polish. From one colour application, french manicure to magento (magnetic design) polish. It was a fun and informative day and after I got past my nerves I had fun and even surprised myself. 

Em xxx