Lush Bath Bomb Review: Honey Bee.

Ahhhh, Lush. The word that makes most bloggers squeal with joy - including my own. I love the place! Yesterday I was in the city with my mum, so, with a few coins jangling in my pocket, I walked into Lush. I was originally going to get The Comforter, but considering that a) it cost more than I had and b) I had already tried the shower gel so I wanted to switch things up a bit, so I got the Honey Bee bath bomb. This thing is soooo pretty - I mean, just look at it!

I do feel that it is a real bang for your buck. I mean, I paid $6.50 (about 12 pounds? I think) for this, and I've gotten three uses out of this already. All the baths were still amazing considering the smaller portions I used, and I do have a feeling I'll be buying this again in the future.

However, they say to get the bad stuff out of the way first. So here are the minor complaints about it:

• I was under the impression that all Lush bath bombs have bubbles. And I haven't had a bubble bath since I was ten years old. So I was kinda looking forward to that side of things. There weren't any bubbles, to say the least. But this is my own fault for not realising that, and the bath itself was still amazing.
• This is going to sound really rude and horrid... But the colour it turned the bath? It looked like I'd peed in it. Once again, this didn't really change my opinion on the product and it was really good... But a bath is warm. So is pee. Really, it actually grossed me out a bit, because it felt like I was lying in a bath of my own piss.

However, I still really liked the bath! Neither of those things would stop me from buying it again (which I do think I'll be doing) and they're only minor problems. Now, let's get to the good side of this product:

• The price! I really cannot afford some of the more expensive Lush stuff, mainly because... Well, when I get $5 every once in a blue moon, I'm not exactly going to rush to buy a 100ml shower gel for 10 bucks, am I right? But I really like that as well as having some more expensive products, they also have smaller bargains that others can afford as well.
• The smell. Hands down, I love the smell. It smells like honey, obviously, but it also smells like so much more. It's BRILLIANT!! I don't even know how to describe it - kinda like honey mixed with a bit of spice? All I know is that you'll be finding every way possible to get into your bathroom the next day because it just smells so damn amazing!
• It totally moisturises you. My skin was baby soft after this, and it was soooo soothing for me. It goes all the way through - Lush is no knockoff moisturiser! I was definitely very sleepy after this!
• How many uses you can get out of it. I'm going to do a bit of maths now. So I think this will last me for 4 washes. 6.50 divided by 4 equals 1.15, or near that. And it does all of the above. I was really impressed by this side of things and it just makes me even more excited to try another bath bomb!

Overall, whilst the Honey Bee does have a few miniscule complaints from me, all around I was really impressed with this product. It does the job brilliantly, is extremely affordable, and has some major perks to it. This is a product I highly recommend! What are your favourite Lush products? Tell me in the comments below.

El xx  

A Story I Need To Share!

Hey, everyone! I know I've already posted today, so I'm sorry if I'm clogging up your email/bloglovin account/blogger dashboard. But today I wrote a story that I really, really wanted to share. You've all loved it when I've shared my poetry, so I thought you might like this. I am SUPER proud of it and I hope you like :-) I haven't actually edited this AT ALL yet, this is the first draft, so I don't blame you if you think it's awful. Anyway, let's get this on the road!

If I was to give you my advice, you'd be shocked by it. Not that I ever would, of course; if I start talking now, I won't ever be able to stop. All the emotion, pain and lust within me would bleed out until there was nothing left, like pulp from a passionfruit. People say they have secrets; I'm going to tell you a secret within a secret. 
They don't. They don't know what it's like to feel a blade against your skin, somehow burning hot yet freezing you at the same time. They don't know what it's like to kiss a boy who tastes like barley sugar, who is so wrong yet right for a girl like me. They don't know what it's like to live with all these thoughts going through their heads, jumbled up and broken. I thought I could sympathise with people who made stupid assumptions, at first. 
But then I realised - I can't. It chips away at me, bit by bit. Soon I'll be nothing but a pile of shattered bones. These people aren't afraid of things like I am. They say the only thing to fear is fear itself; I beg to differ. 
The only thing that every human, at some point, universally hates and fears, is oneself.
Fear is not anything without secrets. Fear is not anything without self loathing. Fear traps us all.
I keep my own secrets, fear entangled within them.

I know, I know, it's very cringe worthy.. But I'm actually proud of it! What do you think? Leave it in the comments below :-)

El xx

March Favourites.

Hello, everyone! At the start of the year I made a pact to myself that I would do more posts - and I have been. But I also wanted to start getting into the habit of doing some more series. I do have my Sketch Of The Week, as you know, but I also wanted to do a few more monthly favourites. I got into my stride in January... And kinda forgot about it in February. Anyway, let's get to the actual point of this - my March favourites! I hope you enjoy.

Pintrest.

What is it with that big red P that has got me so addicted? I know I'm not the only one (damn, now this post is turning into a Sam Smith song) but I honestly think that there should be some kinda rehab for Pintrest addicts - because, unfortunately, I'd be turned in. The place is amazing - with so many different pins and GIFs to look at, it's hard to not be addicted.

Run 3

I feel horrifically embarrassed to admit to this one, seeing as it's a game probably intended for two year olds, but it is honestly so addicting. Basically, you've got to make the little dude on the screen jump around the cave type thingy to get to the next level. It's very addicting (and great for when I simply have no motivation to blog).

Writing!

On basically all the March Favourite posts I've seen so far this month, I've mentioned writing quite a bit as one of my March favourites. I don't even know why I'm so obsessed with it lately - all I know is that when I get it, I need to write it down! Songwriting, poetry and fanfiction (as you all know) are becoming a major favourite lately, and I'm having so much fun exploring it and playing around with ideas. I still haven't published my second chapter, but that's because I'm editing it at the mo (and I'm also procrastinating from that :P)

What have been your favourites this month? Leave them in the comments below!

El xx

Happy Easter + Mini Haul

Hello, everyone! To start off this post, I'd like to wish you a very big HAPPY EASTER! I've been eating waaaaaaaaaaay to much chocolate for my own good, as you can probably tell I'm a bit of a pig ;). But enough on my way too large very small chocolate addiction. I really hope that you had a great Easter, with enough chocolate to put you into a sugar coma. :-)

I also have a bit of a haul for you! Yesterday I decided to go up to my local op shop, and I got a lovely little hat! I am honestly in love with this thing, it looks so quirky and cute. And I was also in love with the price tag. Five bucks for this beauty, and it retails for SEVENTY DOLLARS! I was so happy with this lil' bargain.

I also went into the city with my dad, and with enough cajoling I also managed to get him into Lush. Unfortunately I can't afford most of the products and will have to wait till my birthday before I can get proper bottles of anything :'(. But, the lady at the counter was nice enough to offer me two samples! I was absolutely insane at that, insisting on sniffing everything in the shop (my dad was going insane by this point :) until, FINALLY, I came to a decision. I desperately wanted to try Prince Charming as it smelt insanely good, but since it was limited edition I wasn't allowed to. Instead, I opted for The Comforter shower gel, mainly because I'd heard such amazing things about it, and Honey I Washed The Kids, because I love the scent of honey. They are actually very photogenic - look at these little beauties!

I've been using very small amounts of these, to make them last, and I can say that a little goes such a long way. My skin is soooo much softer and it smells amazing (I keep on sniffing myself, I must look like such an eejit). I really am looking forward to my birthday now, with the promise of Lush!

Have a great Easter, everyone! May your day be as joyful as mine! :-)

El xx

Finish The Sentence | Collab With Acqua.

Hey, everyone! Today do I have a post for you! Acqua and I have put together a little 'Finish The Sentence' collab, so I will be posting her answers and she will be posting mine. Please go check her blog out, it is absolutely AWESOME!! Anyway, let's get this on the road.

1. My grandpa once: let me style his hair and braid it with tiny braids hahaha I loved him and still miss him after these 7 years!

2. Never in my life have I: gotten drunk. 

3. When I was younger, I: was the most shy and insecure child!

4. When I'm nervous: my hands always sweat! It's really annoying when I have a violin concert hahaha

5. If I were to get married right now: I wish it could be near where I live, because I don't think I could stand being permanently away from it!

6. My hair is: really, reaaaaally long.

7.My feet are: way too big for my height hahaha

8. Last Christmas: all of my cousins gathered for the family lunch, something that hadn't happened for years!

9. When I turn my head left: I see my uni homework >.<

10. When I turn my head right: I see my brother composing a song.

11. My life is not complete without: working with children. I don't think I could live without it!

12. By this time next year: I will be about to finish my uni studies and I'm terrified of what comes after. I'd like it to be either a masters degree or a year off in the UK, but you never know!

13. I have a hard time understanding: why people just keep judging others like it had something to do with them. Just live and let live!

14. One time at a family gathering: my little cousin sang a really funny old song and it was HILARIOUS.

15. Take my advice: be confident that the future holds amazing things for you. Don't you ever think you won't get a good future. Trust, hope and work hard. Things will work out all right in the end :)

16. My ideal breakfast is: a delicious thing we call "bomb croissants". They're just handmade croissants full of nutella-like chocolate, which is so bad for your health but so delicious hahaha Because they're not healthy we only eat them on special occasions, which makes them even more precious!

17. If you visit my hometown: you'll find it really small and you'll see that almost everyone knows me because I'm just involved with every activity that takes place here hahaha There is a crazy amount of cultural activities considering the size of the village!

18. My friends are: crazy and awesome.

19. If you spend the night at my house: we'll probably have to put things into place before hahaha We're really clean, but we're just too messy!

20. The world could do without: wars and hatred.

21. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: eat it? hahaha

22. The most recent thing I've bought myself is: cookies because I had to climb a mountain and I needed something to eat when I got to the top!

23. And, by the way: you're awesome!

24. My Birthday: is a time of the year when everybody is on holidays so I actually spend it quite alone hahaha I used to hate it when I was younger!

25. In the past I shouldn't have been: so harsh to myself.

26. Last night, I: went to sleep early to climb the mountain this morning! Hahaha

27. If I didn't have any obligations tomorrow: I would still do something out, I NEVER spend a whole day home, it doesn't do any good for my health!

28. In the last 6 months: I've seen a friend recover from cancer and it was the best thing!

29. I bet you didn't know: I don't like to use shoes when I'm home!

30. I am: a mess.

31. I read: a lot.

32. I regret: having worried so much about what others think of me

What Are My Favourite Singers/Bands?

I don't really think I've ever really talked about my music preferences on this. I mean, I talked a bit in depth about it during one of my numerous Liebster award posts, but I haven't really talked about it at all. I think it is really interesting to hear about someone's music tastes; after all, I think it can really sum up one's personality! Anyway, here is my (rather long and random!) list.

Pentatonix

My friend introduced me to Pentatonix earlier this year, and I can honestly say I've fallen in love with them. They do amazing a capella - like honestly, amazing. I cannot rave about them enough, except to say that they are definitely my favourite out of all the bands listed on here. They have amazing tones, they write awesome music (please please PLEASE check out their song Sing) and they do covers that are better than the original. Enough said.

Favourite song: Sing.

Fleur East 

Acqua and I have a shared love of this woman! I love love love her - Fleur's songs are so original and catchy. They're light and upbeat and just downright awesome. She is so much fun and her songs always inject a bit of happiness into you. She has been compared to Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson (for her killer dance moves!) and I personally she's better than the two combined. Enough said.

Favourite song: Sax.

Lorde

I think you will know this lady better than a few of the others, but I genuinely love Lorde. Her songs have this vibe to them that just makes them amazing, and she sounds so good. I loved her when she first released Royals (and I didn't even like it the first time I heard it!) and I still love her now.

Favourite song: Yellow Flicker Beat.

Sia

Sia is such an awesome singer. Not only does she have incredible range and tone, but she has an amazing backstory that I love. I also deeply admire her courage and strength to be able to perform, considering that she has struggled with depression and self harm for years. She truly deserves her fame.

Favourite song: Big Girls Cry.

Jess Glynne

I honestly don't know what it is about Jess Glynne that makes me love her so much. I truly don't. But there's something about her that I love so much. Her songs are heartfelt and serious and I can relate to them so much. I just adore her music style and her songs all round.

Favourite song: Don't Be So Hard On Yourself & Real Love.

Elle King.

Elle King has a very Western country vibe to her voice, but I love her for this exact reason! I normally hate country music but she manages to put her own little spin on it that I love. She really stands out in the industry; most current songs seem to be carbon copies of each other, so this makes her stand out. I also can't help but love her tattoo's: they are so damn awesome!

Favourite song: Ex's and Oh's.

AC/DC

They are definitely a very old band, but I cannot help but love their music! It is just so fun and I love belting out their lyrics with my friends, it always puts me in a great mood! Honestly, this is a band that I listen to when I'm upset or exhausted or stressed out and it always puts a great big smile on my face :-)

Favourite song: Thunderstruck.

KISS

Once again, these dudes have been around for quite a bit, but their music is just damn awesome. My dad originally showed me this band and we love to listen to them together (when we're not watching John Oliver :)). Their music is just so hardcore and I love love love it!

Favourite song: Deuce.

I hope you liked this post! It was so much fun to write and I think that you might know a bit more about me now. Who are your favourite singers? Post 'em in the comments below! And please check out these ones if you haven't already! Have a great night everyone. 

El xx

Fanfic: To Be Or Not To Be?

I think you'll all know that I love me some writing. Whether it's reading someone else's (a.k.a books) or writing my own, I just think that there is something so truly magical about writing. And I don't mean dudes pulling rabbits out of hats - I mean the undercurrent, subtle magic that revolves around us without us even noticing. Somehow, it's just... Amazing. In ways I can't even put into words.

Enough of my incoherent ramblings. To get to the point of this post, I'd like to announce that I've started writing fanfiction. I'm writing Dance Academy (an Aussie TV show) fanfiction with my friend from school, and despite the fact that we are all talk and no work, I have hopes that we will actually be able to get this off the ground. Maybe. Someday. Probably when we stop swooning over how hot Keiynan Lonsdale is...

But, I've also started writing some stuff by myself. I was thinking for ages about writing fanfic, but if I'm being honest, I didn't give a flying fart about most books that generate the most fanfiction (I'm talking about The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, that kind of thing). It took me a long, long time to realise a character that I was actually interested in exploring and looking into: the Cheshire Cat.

I think we all know just how goddamn obsessed I am with Alice in Wonderland. The story, the land, the characters, the everything serve to create a darkly thrilling book and movie. I honestly cannot rave about this enough, especially not when it comes to the Cheshire Cat.

Thing is, what is the Cheshire Cat's background? Why is he in Wonderland? What got him there in the first place? And does he know anything about how the Mad Hatter got there? They are just some of the few questions I thought about the Cheshire Cat, and why I'm now writing a fanfiction based around him. I actually plan to work on this during Camp NaNoWriMo, mainly because I have almost no good ideas at the moment. Except for one, which I actually plan to give it's on little backstory in a post that will come out at some point.

I have no idea whether this is going to be an absolute flop or if I'm going to end up being as big as Cath was in Fangirl. I have no idea if I'll actually be able to get this idea off the ground or if it just won't work. I have no idea about anything, really. But I do want to give it a try. And if I give it a try... Well, that's the first step I've taken!

Hugs,

El xx

(If you want to check out what I've published so far, go here)