Wednesday 30 March 2016

Recovery

Recovery


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Yesterday I had a small operation that naturally has left me feeling a bit groggy and under the weather. So I am spending pretty much the whole of today in bed! I've edited some blog photos, written a couple of posts, watched the Victoria's Secret Swim Special 2016 and now I'm doing a little bit of internet shopping. So still managing to be a little bit productive!

I am currently loving my VS PINK high socks keeping my feet warm and cosy! I also made myself a super healthy but tasty breakfast this morning, porridge with chai seeds, honey and banana. It was really quick to make but so filling as well. I think this is going to become a new favourite of mine, as there is only so long you can eat bran flakes for without getting a little bored!


I'm still in a fair amount of pain but hopefully with some more rest I will be better very soon. But for the moment I am pretty happy just chilling in bed on my laptop! xx

Monday 28 March 2016

Delicious New Starts

Delicious New Starts


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Recently I have start taking some small steps to a healthier lifestyle. Running a couple of time a week, drinking more water, swapping white bread for wholemeal and afternoon tea and cake for a healthy smoothie. While I still have a long way to go (chocolate and biscuits will always be my weakness), these gradual changes are already making me feel better on the inside. I have had fewer headaches, feel less tired during the day and am able to concentrate for longer. For me the change to a healthier lifestyle is less about the physical benefits and more about being an feeling healthier and happier. I want to get to the point where I eat healthily because I know how good it makes me feel. And that feeling is so much better than the quick fix of a slice of chocolate cake.


After Easter yesterday, a day of eating much more chocolate than I should have done, I thought it would be a good time to start making a few more changes towards my healthier lifestyle. So I have finally got my hands on a book I have wanted pretty much since it came out, Deliciously Ella Every Day. I have been reading Ella Woodward's healthy food and lifestyle blog for a while now and just find her so inspiring. I can't wait to try some of her healthy recipes and lifestyle tips.


I will let you know how I get along with this book, my favourites recipes and even try and take some pictures if I attempt anything and it turns out okay! Also I would love to hear in the comments below if there are any healthy blogs or books that you love.


Speak soon xx

Sunday 27 March 2016

I've Moved!

I've Moved!


Hello, from the other side! So I have finally got myself a domain and taken the jump to Wordpress. I'm still learning, it is a little different. Tweet me if you have also made the move and have any tips for me too. 

But I would absolutely love it if you could follow me there. My new site is now up and running, although there are a few links I still need to mend. Oops! You can now find me at...


Love, 
Katherine xxx

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday


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Happy Easter everyone! Hope you are all having a lovely day with friends and family.


I'm enjoying a chocolate filled day, although right now I can't quite bring myself to eat these little bunnies! They are just too cute! xx

Thursday 24 March 2016

Endless Glove

Endless Glove


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I recently found myself running pretty low on hand cream, which like lip balm I seem to get through at a ridiculous rate. So while in Boots I picked up this little tube of Soap and Glory's Endless Glove. I had never tried this before but with the big claim of 2-in-1 moisture mask and hand cream I thought I'd give it a go! And at only £2 it wasn't going to put me much further into my student overdraft!


Despite the fact that Spring has now started (which I only know as my Instagram feed went crazy with pictures of blossom and "Hello Spring"!) it is still pretty chilly outside. And my hands, nails and cuticles are getting desperate for some vitamin D and TLC. So the idea of a "hand mask" while sounding totally impractical was also very intriguing.


It's rare for me to talk about products that I really haven't got along with, especially from Soap and Glory. I can't rave enough about their Brow Archery, which has changed my life (brows). But for me it was not endless love with Endless Glove. They say never judge a book by its cover, but sadly before I even notice if a product actually works I have judged two things; packaging and scent.


This hand cream totally passes at packaging, pink and cute, what more could you want? It's just the smell I can't get past. I'm not too sure what scent Soap and Glory were really going for here, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't citrus, old people and a hint of courgettes. Who wants their hands to smell like that?!


I'm now using this as a before bed one as it is still pretty moisturising, I am just too embarrassed to use this in public.  How can Soap and Glory get it so right with Hand Food and so wrong with this?!


xx

Monday 14 March 2016

Styling Stripes

Styling Stripes 


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I really liked my outfit from yesterday, don't you love it when you find a new way to wear clothes you already own? And while I didn't get around to taking outfit photos I thought I would share it with you today. 

 

Despite the snow at the beginning of March it has really started to feel like Spring again. I'm even leaving he house now with sunglasses and without a coat! So this was a casual outfit for wondering around town on a Sunday. 


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I will be the first to admit that I probably have a bit of a stripey top obsession. Click here if you are the same and want a bit of a chuckle. But this grey version is a nice change to the navy/black and white. It's also one of the only long sleeved tops that I own. 


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It was the first time this year that I felt it was warm enough to wear my brown loafers. I love how classic and preppy these are but also the fact that they are actually comfy! I also wore my beautiful Zara scarf for an extra layer when it got a little colder in the late afternoon. 


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I am in love with this faux shearling gilet and now that the weather is a little warmer I can't wait to pair it with everything. It's cool but classic, and very cosy. The pockets are big enough that you could easily go out without a bag and it's the perfect length. 

 

I love the subtle prints and the different textures of this look. Today was another lovely day weather wise and I am really excited for Spring style. 

 

Speak soon xx

Styling Stripes

Styling Stripes 


I really liked my outfit from yesterday, don't you love it when you find a new way to wear clothes you already own? And while I didn't get around to taking outfit photos I thought I would share it with you today. 

Despite the snow at the beginning of March it has really started to feel like Spring again. I'm even leaving he house now with sunglasses and without a coat! So this was a casual outfit for wondering around town on a Sunday. 


I will be the first to admit that I probably have a bit of a stripey top obsession. Click here if you are the same and want a bit of a chuckle. But this grey version is a nice change to the navy/black and white. It's also one of the only long sleeved tops that I own. 


It was the first time this year that I felt it was warm enough to wear my brown loafers. I love how classic and preppy these are but also the fact that they are actually comfy! I also wore my beautiful Zara scarf for an extra layer when it got a little colder in the late afternoon. 


I am in love with this faux shearling gilet and now that the weather is a little warmer I can't wait to pair it with everything. It's cool but classic, and very cosy. The pockets are big enough that you could easily go out without a bag and it's the perfect length. 

I love the subtle prints and the different textures of this look. Today was another lovely day weather wise and I am really excited for Spring style. 

Speak soon xx

Monday 7 March 2016

My First KIKO Product

My first KIKO Product 


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It's crazy that I am obsessed with beauty and makeup yet this is the first time that I have ever tried anything from KIKO! It's a brand that I had heard so many good things about but is quite hard to get hold of unless you happen to be passing a KIKO store. And the other week I did, although I only had about 5 minutes before a meeting. But being the experienced shopping that I am I still managed to have a good old browse and pick something up! 


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The product that I just couldn't resist was this beautiful cream eyeshadow in the shade 05. I think this little pot has to be the most glittery shimmery eyeshadow that I own and I love it! The shade itself is quite a neutral bronzy colour, but it is packed with so much pigmented glitter that it just looks really special. It is also really easy to blend and to my surprise there wasn't any fall out.  I have been wearing this the most over a brown smokey eye for the evening for a bit of extra sparkle. 

 

My first impressions of KIKO are very positive and I just wish I had more time to look around the store. But I would love to hear in the comments below what your favourite products from KIKO are or if you can point me in the direction of any other blogposts. 

 

Speak soon xx

My First KIKO Product

My first KIKO Product 

Katherine Penney Chic new beauty makeup eyeshadow cream KIKO review first impressions

It's crazy that I am obsessed with beauty and makeup yet this is the first time that I have ever tried anything from KIKO! It's a brand that I had heard so many good things about but is quite hard to get hold of unless you happen to be passing a KIKO store. And the other week I did, although I only had about 5 minutes before a meeting. But being the experienced shopping that I am I still managed to have a good old browse and pick something up! 

Katherine Penney Chic new beauty makeup eyeshadow cream KIKO review first impressions

The product that I just couldn't resist was this beautiful cream eyeshadow in the shade 05. I think this little pot has to be the most glittery shimmery eyeshadow that I own and I love it! The shade itself is quite a neutral bronzy colour, but it is packed with so much pigmented glitter that it just looks really special. It is also really easy to blend and to my surprise there wasn't any fall out.  I have been wearing this the most over a brown smokey eye for the evening for a bit of extra sparkle. 

My first impressions of KIKO are very positive and I just wish I had more time to look around the store. But I would love to hear in the comments below what your favourite products from KIKO are or if you can point me in the direction of any other blogposts. 

Speak soon xx

Saturday 5 March 2016

New Things

New Things

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I haven't actually done a lot of shopping recently (for me!). But over the last few weeks I have picked up a few things here and there that I thought I would share with you. 

 

As I am still loving the whole minimal trend, one thing that I have wanted for ages is a slogan sweatshirt. I think with a pair of skinny jeans and slips-on they looks so effortless and cool. 

 

I saw this really simple one on Pinterest and then found it on eBay in loads of different colours. I was so tempted by the grey (obviously!) but last minute decide to switch things up and went for this lovely ice blue, which I really love. The sweatshirt says BIEN FAIT on the left which I know know means Well Done. Embarrassingly I didn't when I ordered it! It doesn't make a lot of sense but I still think this looks so cute and have been living in this recently. 


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While I was in Leeds a few weekends ago staying with my bestfriend we did a bit of shopping and I spotted these in the Topshop Sale. I love slip-ons, and already have a beige pair and a leopard print pair, but I couldn't resist these. I love the snake skin and monochrome and can see these working in so many different outfits. The only issue is the first time I wore them they really ripped up my feet! But now the blisters have finally healed and I am determined to wear these in. 


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This off the shoulder top was another sale find, but this time from Zara. I have really been loving this style of top ever since stealing my sisters and taking it back to uni with me! I love the lace overlay and lace sleeves of this one and think it looks really luxurious. I think off the shoulder tops are going to become a favourite of mine this Summer so I am keeping an eye out for some more pretty lace ones. 

 

I did actually pick up another sale bargain in Zara but I am saving that for a whole outfit post I think. It's very Blair Waldorf inspired so I'm super excited to share it with you! 

 

Speak soon xx

 

New Things

New Things

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Haul Clothes Fashion Style Jumper

I haven't actually done a lot of shopping recently (for me!). But over the last few weeks I have picked up a few things here and there that I thought I would share with you. 

As I am still loving the whole minimal trend, one thing that I have wanted for ages is a slogan sweatshirt. I think with a pair of skinny jeans and slips-on they looks so effortless and cool. 

I saw this really simple one on Pinterest and then found it on eBay in loads of different colours. I was so tempted by the grey (obviously!) but last minute decide to switch things up and went for this lovely ice blue, which I really love. The sweatshirt says BIEN FAIT on the left which I know know means Well Done. Embarrassingly I didn't when I ordered it! It doesn't make a lot of sense but I still think this looks so cute and have been living in this recently. 

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Haul Clothes Fashion Style slip ons shoes snake print monochrome

While I was in Leeds a few weekends ago staying with my bestfriend we did a bit of shopping and I spotted these in the Topshop Sale. I love slip-ons, and already have a beige pair and a leopard print pair, but I couldn't resist these. I love the snake skin and monochrome and can see these working in so many different outfits. The only issue is the first time I wore them they really ripped up my feet! But now the blisters have finally healed and I am determined to wear these in. 

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Haul Clothes Fashion Style Zara black top new off the shoulders

This off the shoulder top was another sale find, but this time from Zara. I have really been loving this style of top ever since stealing my sisters and taking it back to uni with me! I love the lace overlay and lace sleeves of this one and think it looks really luxurious. I think off the shoulder tops are going to become a favourite of mine this Summer so I am keeping an eye out for some more pretty lace ones. 

I did actually pick up another sale bargain in Zara but I am saving that for a whole outfit post I think. It's very Blair Waldorf inspired so I'm super excited to share it with you! 

Speak soon xx


Friday 4 March 2016

Friyay!

Friyay!

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I am so excited for the weekend, and also taking procrastination to a new level! So I have put together some weekend inspiration and cute quotes. 

 

These pictures are all from WeHeartIt and Pinterest so you can click on the social media links to the right to follow me. 

 

Today is it snowing really heavily which is crazy as we are now in March and things should be starting to feel a bit more like Spring! This morning I ventured out into the cold for my lecture with my bobble hat and totally unsuitable shoes and came back soaked. So I am now tucked up in bed with a hot water bottle and my laptop and a cup of tea, which in my opinion is the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon. xx

Friyay!

Friyay!

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Photography Inspiration Friday Weekend Pinterest Pretty Pictures

I am so excited for the weekend, and also taking procrastination to a new level! So I have put together some weekend inspiration and cute quotes. 

These pictures are all from WeHeartIt and Pinterest so you can click on the social media links to the right to follow me. 

Today is it snowing really heavily which is crazy as we are now in March and things should be starting to feel a bit more like Spring! This morning I ventured out into the cold for my lecture with my bobble hat and totally unsuitable shoes and came back soaked. So I am now tucked up in bed with a hot water bottle and my laptop and a cup of tea, which in my opinion is the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon. xx

Thursday 3 March 2016

February Favourites

February Favourites

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Beauty Monthly Favourites Pretty White Pastel February

It's March! And I am so ready for the weather to start getting warmer now. All the shops have started stocking all of their new summer stock and I can't wait for all the pretty dresses, lace and pastel colours. 

 

But for now lets talk about what I have been loving in the last month. 

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Beauty Monthly Favourites Pretty White Pastel February

Taking Polaroids

The first thing I have been loving is using my polaroid again. I took it to Durham and Jack and I took some really cute photos. I forgot how nice it was to be able to keep little memories like that. 

 

Nivea Hydro Care Lip Balm

Another old favourite, that is sadly coming to an end. But This is really such an amazing everyday lip balm. It's so hydrating, and when I'm out and about I like that this is in stick form so I don't have to stick my finger in it! 

 

Herbal Essences Clearly Naked Dry Shampoo

This is a new favourite for this month as my dry shampoo ran out and I needed to get a new one. I'm ashamed to say that is was actually the pretty white packaging that drew me to this one. But what I love is how it leaves my hair feeling really light and fresh and not like I have just applied a load of product. Also it smells lovely and fresh too! 

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Beauty Monthly Favourites Pretty White Pastel February

H&M Lipstick - Fareham Brick 

On days where I am looking a bit tired or my skin is playing up (or both!) I have been using this lovely red lipstick to detract from the rest of my face! This one is so easy to apply, so long lasting and I think the shade is just the perfect brick red. I've been wearing this with a striped breton top, my trench coat and lots of mascara 

 

Essie Grow Strong Base Coat

I bought this a while back and it actually lasted a really long time, but when it finally ran out last month I realised how much I loved it. I have been wearing this a lot to try and strengthen and grow my nails again. It's so easy to apply (Essie brushes really are the best) and even on its own leaves a subtle pretty pink. 

 

ZARA Floral Bouquet Perfume

I bought this earlier on in February and I really can't stop reaching for this one in the morning. It's definiely more of a Spring/Summer scent but it just smells so good right now! I actually did a full post on my first impressions of Zara perfumes here which you can have a read of. 

 

Hope you all had a lovely month and are as excited for Spring as I am! Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of my favourites and what you though of them, or what you have been loving over the last month. 

Speak soon xx

February Favourites

February Favourites

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Beauty Monthly Favourites Pretty White Pastel February

It's March! And I am so ready for the weather to start getting warmer now. All the shops have started stocking all of their new summer stock and I can't wait for all the pretty dresses, lace and pastel colours. 

But for now lets talk about what I have been loving in the last month. 

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Beauty Monthly Favourites Pretty White Pastel February

Taking Polaroids
The first thing I have been loving is using my polaroid again. I took it to Durham and Jack and I took some really cute photos. I forgot how nice it was to be able to keep little memories like that. 

Nivea Hydro Care Lip Balm
Another old favourite, that is sadly coming to an end. But This is really such an amazing everyday lip balm. It's so hydrating, and when I'm out and about I like that this is in stick form so I don't have to stick my finger in it! 

Herbal Essences Clearly Naked Dry Shampoo
This is a new favourite for this month as my dry shampoo ran out and I needed to get a new one. I'm ashamed to say that is was actually the pretty white packaging that drew me to this one. But what I love is how it leaves my hair feeling really light and fresh and not like I have just applied a load of product. Also it smells lovely and fresh too! 

Katherine Penney Chic Blogger Beauty Monthly Favourites Pretty White Pastel February

H&M Lipstick - Fareham Brick 
On days where I am looking a bit tired or my skin is playing up (or both!) I have been using this lovely red lipstick to detract from the rest of my face! This one is so easy to apply, so long lasting and I think the shade is just the perfect brick red. I've been wearing this with a striped breton top, my trench coat and lots of mascara 

Essie Grow Strong Base Coat
I bought this a while back and it actually lasted a really long time, but when it finally ran out last month I realised how much I loved it. I have been wearing this a lot to try and strengthen and grow my nails again. It's so easy to apply (Essie brushes really are the best) and even on its own leaves a subtle pretty pink. 

ZARA Floral Bouquet Perfume
I bought this earlier on in February and I really can't stop reaching for this one in the morning. It's definiely more of a Spring/Summer scent but it just smells so good right now! I actually did a full post on my first impressions of Zara perfumes here which you can have a read of. 

Hope you all had a lovely month and are as excited for Spring as I am! Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of my favourites and what you though of them, or what you have been loving over the last month. 
Speak soon xx