2015.

Firstly, let me just say like everyone else, where the hell has 2015 gone? I can't say I'm devastated to see the back of it though. Quite frankly it has been the most challenging, life changing and weirdest year I've experienced.

But it wasn't all bad. Along the way I have made some amazing memories and I can't deny that I have some incredible people surrounding me.

I welcomed in the year with my best friends, such a wonderful group of people at a small gathering. At that point everything was just dandy. I had just started my first proper job and was beginning to settle in. My first full pay cheque was also a huge bonus.

Time passed and I was in a pretty low place. I had been having issues with my Dad and his side of the family. It's been a lifelong feud and enough was enough. I had my breaking point. One night I received a text from him stating that he never wanted to speak to me again and with that I decided to change my name and cut all contact. Whilst at the time I didn't really realise how big of a deal it was until someone pointed it out to me.

 Having the year to reflect on it, I have after all lost half of my family. My little sister, who is the sole reason I put up with him for so long, I will most likely never see her again and I hope she never has to go through what I have.

The silver lining of the whole situation though was realising just how incredible the rest of my family is. I certainly wouldn't have got through it all without them. My Grandad let me take his surname and I am so proud to be Hannah Storey, so cringey I know, but I finally sort of feel like I belong.

Not long after, my dog Sunny of 12 years unfortunately passed away. It was heartbreaking, pets become part of the family and I had grown up with him, he was always there, so loyal, loving and a best friend. But it was for the best, he was old and in a lot of pain. He was so loved and we all miss him so much.

Around June time, things started to brighten up. I got my tattoo on my back covered up and I am completely in love with it. Of course, it didn't come without pain but it was worth it. I then spent a weekend away in Leeds with my good friend Jemma. A day of splurging in the shops and a night out. It was just what I needed and we honestly had such a lovely time.

Around October time, we decided to get a puppy. Sunny could never be replaced, but the house was no longer a home without a dog around our feet. It was the small things we missed like waking up in a morning to a face that lit up just seeing you. You don't often get that in humans haha. So we got little Ted, another golden Labrador. He is such a bundle of fun, we love him very much and are enjoying watching him grow. 

. 

My car then decided to pack up, I did only have a 2004 KA but it was my first car and I loved her a lot. So around this time I decided it was time to treat myself to something big, well bigger than a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick or a Tom Ford eyeliner anyway haha. I bought myself a Mini Cooper, I have wanted one since I was a little girl. I have never been into cars but I always said that one day, I would have one. She's a red 2008 one called Poppy. This was such a highlight for me. Sad I know haha.

I then decided to take my mum away for the day, we travelled over to Newcastle and spent the day Christmas shopping. It was so much fun. After living in Newcastle for a year I grew so fond of the city and still love spending time there. We saw the Fenwicks Christmas window, which I am such a sucker for. It was just a lovely day spending quality time together.

Then along came Christmas, it was the first year I have not been completely mad over it mainly because it was the first year without my Dad and my little sister but also unfortunately I'm growing up haha. However, spending time with my family was of course lovely and it was nice to spoil them.

So, leaving 2015 behind and moving forward. I hope for a better year and to find happiness in whatever way it comes.

I wish you all the best in 2016, and I'll try not to leave it so long next time.

Until next time.

Hannah 

x

B E A U T Y | Charlotte Tilbury Love Affair.

So a few weeks back now I did rather a naughty purchase on the Charlotte Tilbury website. I have been lusting over these items since way back before Christmas and I just couldn't justify spending that much money on make up for myself.

Anyway, it came to the point where I decided it was time to bite the bullet I was seeing all the bloggers and YouTubers raving about all of her products and me being me, I wanted in.

When the package arrived, I can't even explain how beautifully wrapped it was. For days I would come home from work and just look at it. Even after using the products I would put them back in their individual boxes and wrap it back up in the tissue just so it looked all new. Someone please tell me they do this, I'm not crazy right?

Firstly, I bought the Lipliner in Pillow Talk, which I had heard such amazing things about. Everyone was saying it is the perfect 'your lips but better' colour. Now I can confirm for myself this is true. It is such a beautiful pink toned nude colour and it applies like butter. Honestly this is by far the best lip liner I have EVER used, and I do love me my MAC lip liners. I think it is just the combination of the colour and the formulation. It matches the majority of my nude lipsticks, which is slightly worrying that most of my nudes are similar colours haha. It also just allows you to accentuate your lips without making them look like you've drawn them on ten times bigger. 

Next, I got a 'Rock N Kohl' liquid eye pencil in Eye Cheat. I have been looking for the perfect nude kohl pencil for my water line for a long time, and none of them were quite right and I couldn't find any that I thought would have the lasting power. Then I saw this, with the formulation being more of a liquid consistency it is very thick and creamy and it just seems to stay put. It has a lovely pigmentation without being too overpowering. I really didn't want anything too shimmery, this just ticks all the boxes for what I wanted. The only down side is it is a tad pricey retailing at £19 for what is basically a pencil haha!

 The main thing I wanted to try out was this little bit of heaven. The Filmstar Bronze and Glow palette. This really is something else. I have been putting off contouring products for such a long time, purely because the concept kind of terrified me due to me being VERY pale. But this, this is perfect! I would honestly recommend this to everyone and anyone. The colours match fair skin so well and give you that shadow without it looking like you have lines all across your face and the highlight is stunning! It's beautifully subtle, it stands out without making you look like a disco ball.

I think a lot of this is helped with the brush. When I was placing the order I was umming and aahing about buying the brush to match and in the end I decided that while I was in my splurge stage, why the hell not?! This was one of my better life decisions haha! The brush is so soft and so well tapered that it just makes contouring so much easier. I also love that it isn't dense so it doesn't pack on too much product. It distributes the product evenly and blends out so well. The handle of the brush is like an octagonal shape as well so it doesn't roll all over my dressing table, always handy right! haha

Now this was my unnecessary purchase. I already have FAR too many eye shadow palette's but I was so intrigued by this, it just seemed so pretty and different to anything else I have. It also got me excited for Autumn, and basically I just wanted it. However, this definitely isn't one of my favourite products. Whilst yes, it is very pretty and the packaging is stunning. I just think that for the price the quality and pigmentation isn't anything to rave about. Considering this quad is the same price as the Naked palette's with 12 shadows in, the product itself isn't actually as good quality in my opinion. It definitely isn't as good as I had hoped. I mean don't get me wrong it is lovely and very pretty I just think it could be a lot better. Maybe I just need to work with it more. I'll update you on this.

And finally, for my absolute favourite products, maybe ever. These little bullet's of heaven. The lipsticks. Now I only ordered two online and I got one from the Charlotte Tilbury counter in Harvey Nichols in Leeds. I firstly got Bond Girl (Left) which is one of her matte revolution collection, which is the least drying matte I have ever tried. I love this. It isn't like anything I already own which is perfect! I like to think of it as a muted 'rusty' red. It looks so good with a plain winged liner or a bit of a smoky eye. Next is, Bitch Perfect (Middle) this is honestly my PERFECT NUDE, I have officially found it. This is my most favourite lipstick I own. I wear it constantly and always get complimented on it. This is one of her normal collection lipsticks and it is nourishing without being too shiny. It matches the Pillow Talk lip liner perfectly. Please just try this. And finally is my Hepburn Honey (Right) lipstick which always makes me think of Kylie Jenner's lips. I love this a lot, especially with a heavy smoky eye. It is just a classic brown toned nude. I love this a lot. I always pair it with MAC's liner in Spice. The lasting power of all these lipsticks is incredible. I have now found my newest obsession. I want them ALL.

Have any of you tried anything from Charlotte Tilbury?

Are you as in love as I am?

Much love, as always,

Hannah x

L I F E S T Y L E | Little Update.

I'm still alive. It has been so long since I last posted on here, I had lost interest in pretty much everything over the last couple of months. But I'm back and feeling myself again.

A LOT has changed since I was last around so thought I would just fill you in.

So firstly, obviously my name. I have legally changed my name through deed poll. I have officially cut all ties from my dad. It has been a long time coming and it really was for the best. I have taken my Grandad's name (my mums maiden name). Couldn't be prouder to call myself a Storey. It does have a ring to it doesn't it 'Hannah Storey'. This definitely wasn't something I took lightly, and of course it has been a very upsetting time, losing full contact with so much of my family but it is also the beginning of my future. To anyone who has been thinking about doing this I highly recommend it, I was terrified but I feel so relieved. I can finally start living again.

I have also managed to pay off my uni debts! I feel so relieved. I had been paying for my uni rent that I had signed up for before I decided to leave. I made it through a year I never thought I would. Now I can finally start to look forward which is so exciting.

Sadly, my beloved pooch passed away. He was a strong age of thirteen, it was a horrible decision to have him put down, but it really was for the best. He couldn't cope any longer. Not that it made it any easier for us. We all still miss him a lot. It's the little things you miss like coming through the door knowing you always have someone who is happy to see you. Not having him to say goodnight to before you go to bed. Dropping food on the floor and not having a living hoover under your feet. I'm sure one day we will get another dog but for now while the whole family works full time it wouldn't be fair, and we could never replace him. He really was one of a kind.

I turned twenty! I can't believe I'm not a teenager any more. No longer care free. I do actually have to start growing up. Always a scary thought. I did have a lovely Birthday though. Was a quiet one spent with my family and friends. Of course it did end with a night out where I definitely think I drank one to many.

As always, thank you for reading, I will speak soon 

(no promises though, I know how rubbish I am)

Hannah x

F A S H I O N | March Wishlist.

Yet another Sunday is flying past and all I have done again, is rummage around online gazing at all the things I want. 

I have vowed this coming month I will not waste all of my wages within the first week, and I will spend it on useful things like updating my wardrobe. So here are the things I am planning on buying in March. 

1. Topshop Scallop Edge Tee 

2. River Island White Textured Jumper

3. Topshop Leopard Print Skirt

4. Anthropologie Mug

5. New Look Black Jumper

6. Topshop Denim Jacket

7. River Island Geometric Print Dress

What are all of you lusting over at the minute? 

x

B E A U T Y | Nars Virtual Domination Palette.

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C H R I S T M A S | What I Got For Christmas 2014.

I am currently experiencing the post Christmas depression, it just went by so fast and I can't believe it's all over. 

To cheer myself up I just thought I would jump on the bandwagon and show you all what my lovely family bought me for Christmas.

Firstly I was extremely lucky and got Monty and Mabel from the John Lewis advert this year. The advert completely captured my heart and it was the first thing I put on my Christmas list, so my mum hunted them down and I am so so grateful. I love them to bits, they are currently sat on my knee as I type this. Yes I am aware I sound like a five year old haha. 

My beautiful St.Christopher. This is the most sentimental gift anyone could have ever bought me. My Grandma has worn one of these around her neck for as long as I can remember, my Grandad bought it for her many moons ago. I couldn't believe it when I opened it, I have never cried so much. To me it is more than just a gift, it means I will always carry a piece of my grandparents with me so very close to my heart. Soppy, I know hahah.

These next two don't even need an explanation. Just look how stunning they are. They melt my heart every morning. They are Nars' 'Virtual Domination' and 'Narsissist'.

I also got Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent. I'm horrific at describing scents but seriously just go and smell it. I'm so in love with it, it's become one of my all time favourites alongside Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle.

Finally, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a Terry's Chocolate Orange. 

I am so grateful for each and every one of these gifts, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

If I don't speak to you before a very Happy New Year.

x

CHRISTMAS | The Christmas Tag

1. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FILM?

This is such a tough one for me. I am such a Christmas film lover. I have traditions you see haha. I love Miracle on 34th Street and ELF, to watch on my own in bed, with candles lit and my little tree glistening in the corner. Then I love watching The Grinch and Polar Express on Christmas Eve with my step dad!

2. DO YOU OPEN YOUR PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE OR CHRISTMAS MORNING?

Christmas morning of course!! haha! It's such a family tradition, we all take it in turns and watch one another open the gifts we've bought each other. Its so so lovely. 

3. BEST CHRISTMAS MEMORY?

I honestly couldn't just pick one! I just love the whole day, the whole month in fact. I just love waking up in a morning and sitting with my family for the whole day and forgetting everything else that is happening. Just being surrounded with nothing but complete love. I LOVE IT! hahah

4. FAVOURITE FESTIVE FOOD?

Okay, this ones a bit strange, but my favourite food around Christmas is Christmas morning breakfast, we have smoked salmon on brown bread with scrambled egg and lemon juice. OH MY GOD! mmmmm

5. BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT?

I'd have to say it was when I was little and my mum bought me the Bratz lim

o! I was so excited, I couldn't believe she had actually got me it! I was happy for weeks on end. Who remembers Bratz?

6. FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SCENT?

I love the smell of snow fairy shower gel from Lush, I am also a sucker for all of the Yankee candle Christmas scents. I currently have their toasted marshmallow candle burning, it smells soooo good!

7. ANY CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS?

Not really, we normally just go to my grandparents, put the presents under the tree ready for morning, my grandma does the whole family a little buffet and we all just chill out together. These days we usually watch a couple of episodes of Mrs Browns Boys haha.

8. WHAT TOPS YOUR TREE?

This year we have a little red angel. I must stay I'm more of a star girl but its my step-dads favourite for some reason haha.

9. AS A CHILD WHAT WAS THE ONE EXTRAVAGANT PRESENT YOU ALWAYS ASKED FOR BUT NEVER RECEIVED?

Every year, even now I ask for another kitten ahahah. I am quite literally the crazy cat lady, I just want so many cats haha!

10. WHAT IS THE BEST BIT ABOUT CHRISTMAS FOR YOU?

I cannot pick just one bit. I love it all, the month up to it, buying my loved ones presents, seeing them open them, spending proper quality time with my family. Generally just having a sense of complete content and love.

Merry Christmas to you lovely lot xx

CHRISTMAS | Feelin' Festive.

Over the last couple of days the festive spirit has hit me like the warmth hits when you walk in from the cold. Yesterday morning I woke up and felt like a ten year old all over again, walking into the kitchen with the lovely greeting of opening the first little door on my advent calendar with my brother. You're just never too old for an advent calendar. Right?

I just felt so overwhelmed with the warm feeling inside when you know Christmas is fast approaching. I really wanted to share a bit of joy with each and every one of you. So I thought I would share my festive little weekend.

Saturday was such a magical day, my uncle got married! It was a small, but idyllic winter wedding. Starting the day off listening to some good old Christmas songs whilst myself and mum got ready together.

Can we all just appreciate how beautiful she looks, I was in such astonishment at seeing her in a dress, and oh my god does she pull it off. 

We then travelled over to my grandparents house and took some photographs. The service was held in the dainty viallage registry office, tears were shed and nothing but love was surrounding the room.

 We then had a beautiful meal out with immediate family as we toasted to the newly weds and their future. Finally they had the evening 'do' with their closest friends and family members, it's always lovely to see and catch up with people you haven't seen in so long over a nice glass of Pinot.

The happy couple have now jetted off for the honeymoon dreams are made of in New York City. Can you think of anywhere more perfect at this time of year?

I wish them all the happiness in the world, God knows they deserve it.

Hectic day of weddings over, Sunday was spent how all Sundays should. Doing nothing but relaxing. I wrapped a few Christmas presents with Christmas songs blasting through the whole house. 

To finish off the perfect weekend I made my room into a little Christmas wonderland and settled down with a cup of tea and watched 'The Holiday' before the joys of reality hit on Monday morning.

I hope all of you are feeling festive too!

x

CHRISTMAS | My Christmas Wishlist.

I'M BACK!!! 

Wow this seems so strange, typing in this little box, it's been far too long. Life has just taken over recently. Things have been so crazy, but my life is looking up and I haven't been this happy in so so long!

Anyway enough of the cheezy-ness. It's fast approaching my favourite time of year and I'm sure a lot of yours too. I am such a winter girl, I love everything about it, the way your cheeks get all pink when  youve been in the cold, coming home to a warm cup of coffee, snuggling up in bed with my beloved cat and watching a Disney movie, but most of all Christmas!

This year has been a massive change for me Christmas wise (and in every other way physically possible, drama drama bloody drama), I have always spent Christmas at my grandparents house, but they moved not long ago and they no longer have the space to fit the whole family, which absolutely sucks as I'm not a huge fan of breaking traditions. So this year I won't be able to wake up super early with my Grandad and have a little pre-rummage at the presents. 

I think this is why this year I haven't been quite as excited as I usually am. I hate to say it but I think I'm getting old!! I just could not think of a single thing I really wanted this year, which is so unlike me, I always have a list as long as my arm, written and ready by about August.

So getting down to it, eventually. I thought this might be a nice little idea to help any of you out there who are feeling similar to me this year and give you a boost of ideas. Or ideas for gifts for loved ones, although I do plan on doing a couple of gift guides for you all.

1. YSL Black Opium2. Topshop Faux Fur Holdall

3. Nars Virtual Domination Palette (Limited Edition)

4. John Lewis Monty (Sold Out Everywhere)

5. Narsissist Smokey Eye Compact

6. Terry's Chocolate Orange (Essential)

7. Anthropologie Dusk-to-Dawn Headband

9. Lush Snow Fairy

What are you asking Santa for this year?

x

L I F E S T Y L E | A Touch Of Inspiration.

Okay, so tonight I was having a little flick through Pintrest and this crept up and a smile just smeared across my face. I just thought to myself 'what a lovely little quote'. Recently I've been having a really hard time, and while things are getting better, I just thought this was such a great way of looking at things.

I thought I would share this with you all and just perk up anyone who is having a rough time or is feeling a little down.

Always try and think positive.

Things DO get better.

x

L I F E S T Y L E | Autumn's Here.

Autumn is finally here and I couldn't be happier about it. It is my absolute favourite season and I wait all year long to sit wrapped in my duvet, with a film on, candles lit and a cup of cocoa in my hand.  The nights are beginning to draw in and it is definitely getting colder (I'm sat in my onesie as I write this).

 Here are a few snippets of my Autumn so far. I have spent the last few nights with my candles lit, filling my room with little scented flickers of light, having long, lovely Christmassy lush bubble baths (yes, the Christmas products are out and I was way to excited about this) and cuddling up with my beautiful little Pascal. 

I look forward to showing you more little snippets of my life in the colder months.

What do you love about Autumn?

x

B E A U T Y | Current Hair Routine.

I have been having some dreadful hair problems recently. A few weeks ago I dyed my hair darker again for the colder months, and it just seems to have damaged my hair. It has left it feeling so dry and frizzy, well frizzier than usual, which does take some beating haha. 

So today I went on a hunt for some decent shampoo and conditioner and I stumbled across this, the 'Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo and Conditioner' I had heard such great things about it and my friend who I bumped into in Boots said that it was really good to restore your hair. 

Anyway, I came home and have just washed my hair and oh, my, god. It feels amazing! It feels so much better than it has done in so long! So I thought I would come and rave about it to you guys.

I'm not sure if this is normal or not, but I wash my hair with shampoo, rinse it, then wash it again. I then go in with a good amount of conditioner, brush it through with my tangle teaser, leave it for five or so minutes and rinse. 

I'm then a sucker for a good hair oil, I just find them to leave my hair so much silkier and smoother. These are a couple of my absolute favourites. The 'Moroccan Argan Oil' is great and you only have to use such a small amount that this bottle has lasted me for months and months. The Body Shop's 'Wild Argan Oil' is a spray oil that can be used on both the hair and the body. I love it for both, and do use it for both haha. 

However, I do have to say with hair oils, make sure you only use a very very small amount in the length of your hair and none near your roots otherwise it will go all clumpy and feel horrible until you next wash it. I learnt the hard way haha.

Then to finish off my hair when it is dry (I part towel dry it and finish it off with a quick blow dry, it's far too thick to faff about blow drying it all), I like to go in with a texturising product. These are three of my absolute favourites, they do exactly what they say they do and just add a bit of extra volume and texture to the drabbest hairstyles. I highly recommend any of them to you. They are also super affordable. 

All of these products have absolutely saved my hair and now I can honestly say I feel like I have luscious locks and just want to swish it from side to side haha.

Any hair products you guys can recommend? Have you tried any of these? Do you love them as much as I do? haha

x

B E A U T Y | Urban Decay Naked Three Palette.

This post is long overdue. I have been wanting to finish my collection of the Naked palettes for a while now (check out my others here and here, like what I did there haha). I have had this one since it was first released I just never actually got around to doing it, so here it is. 

I have to firstly say, this definitely is my least favourite of the three, while the rose gold packaging and the colours are lovely, they just don't seem to appeal to me as much as the other two do. Whereas it is my friend Kat's favorite of the three, so it all depends on preference I think. One thing I do love about this palette though is that there are no repeats of the other two palettes in here, all of the shades are completely new.

As I mentioned in my review of the second palette, I really don't love the metal packaging, I much prefer the first ones suade effect packaging, it just seems much more sturdy, I always worry with these that the pans will fall out, touch wood so far mine haven't ha. However, I do love the brushes in the second and third in comparison to the first, I find the fluffy end great for blending for the perfect smokey eye and the flat end for packing on the colour for ultimate pigmentation. 

Again with the third palette I have to say again that the pigmentation and the quality of the shadows are fantastic. For the price I just think it is fantastic, it is a high end product but you are getting twelve shadows for £37. 

My favourite shades are  Burnout, Buzz, Trick, Noomer, Mugshot and Blackheart.

From left to right;

Strange
Dust
Burnout

Limit

Buzz

Trick

Noomer

Liar

Factory

Mugshot

Darkside

Blackheart

Take a look here for yourself, I recommend every girl should have at least one of the three.

Have you tried any of the Naked palettes? Which is your favourite?

x

B E A U T Y | Benefit 'Watt's Up?' Review

Okay, so firstly I apologise yet again for my long absence, life has been absolutely crazy over the last month, and quite honestly well and truly horrible, but not to dwell on that! 

For months and months I have been lusting over this little beauty, and finally I took the jump and bought it. It is on the pricey side at £24.50, but I've found that when I'm using it, hardly any seems to get used, so I can see it lasting a long time, so really it's a bit of an investment, I've been trying to justify it to myself haha. I am a bit of a sucker for a good highlighter, I just think that they can completely change and brighten up the face, even on the worst of days, which recently I seem to be having a lot of. 

I just use this on my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, (lightly, I don't want it to look like a beacon, ha), and on my cupids bow. It's got such a rich and creamy consistency that you can tell it is of a high quality. The pigmentation is fantastic, although if you do use too much you run the risk of looking like a disco ball. 

I would reccomend this to everyone, it is totally worth the price.
Have a look at it for yourself here.

x

L I F E S T Y L E | My Art Work.

This is a bit of a random one for me to put on my blog, and while I am aware that some of you might not be interested in the slightest, I just thought it would be nice for me to share something that I absolutely love doing, and have done since I was a little girl. 

I love doing art work. I did art throughout school and even carried it through to my A-Levels. If it didn't have such an unclear career path I would have taken a degree in it too, without a doubt! I think it's always important for someone to have some form of a hobby that can just relax you and take your mind off of all of the other problems that might be going on in your life, and for me that is art. I enjoy sitting for hours on end just painting, drawing whatever it might be. 

Personally I love painting in oils, sometimes acrylics but not as much, I love oil pastels and most of all graphite pencils. I haven't really done any in what seems like a while but I am currently working on quite a big piece for me to have framed and put in my room at uni, I shall reveal when I finally finish it, it's a long process haha!

Anyway before I ramble any more, here is some of my work from over the last three years. A lot of it was for my A-Levels so excuse the running theme haha.

Hope this was slightly interesting 

x