Dyslexia: My Top 5 Back to School Learning Tools

Add colour to notes or essays everyday or when revising with different colour highlighters. 

Tip: choose a different colour highlighter for each of the different sets of information that you want to highlight.

Use coloured index or flash cards to summarise revision notes and test yourself. Using colours will help to store information in your visual memory. 

Tip: Get family or friends to test you on your notes in a quiz game.

Smart phones are great for helping you organise your revision schedule and exam timetable and stay on top of work.

Tip: Research shows that regular texting actually helps practice language skills.

Mini whiteboards are a cheap and fun way to record to-do lists or test yourself on what you have just learnt. 

Tip: Having two whiteboards means you could team up with revision buddies and have a competition on what each of you can remember.

Dictophones are great for recording lessons or lectures so that you never have to worry about missing out on crucial facts and figures when you feel bombarded with information overload.

Tip: During revision time listen to lectures, lessons, or revision notes when travelling gets boring.

Carpe diem xx

August Favourites: The Body Shop, John Frieda, and Organisation....

Technology: My new Sony Xperia Tipo! I finally replaced my old Sony Ericsson with a smart phone, after 4 years!

Reading: I got 'Girl With a Pearl Earring' (Tracy Chevalier) from the library, and am really enjoying it. It's classic historical fiction set in the 17th Century Dutch home of painter Vermeer.  

Skincare: I've been testing different moisturisers for dry/sensitive skin and really like this Vitamin E Moisture Lotion (SPF 15) by The Body Shop. It's a nice light moisture layer for the summer.

Haircare: Before blow-drying my hair I've been using John Frieda Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat protective styling spray. It leaves a nice glossy shine.

Homeware: I bought a 3-set of white wicker organiser baskets for my room and really like them. £20 from TVC.

Clothes: I've been loving the lace-trim jersey tank tops that I found in H&M for £7.99. I got one of navy blue and one in black. Abercrombie look for less!

Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: The Fashion Tag!

I wasn't tagged to do this but thought it looked interesting!

How would you describe your style?

Classic, tailored and semi-formal, but also quirky and colourful!

What are your wardrobe essentials?

Leather biker jacket, riding boots, either a chunky knit scarf or pashmina, oversized sunglasses....and skinny jeans

Most expensive item in your closet?

Kurt Geiger Carvela black Nordic wedge boots (£90).

Most wanted item?

A Mulberry bayswater handbag - £595!!

Favourite designer?

Since his death I became particularly interested in what he had designed. Being part Scottish I love the way he encorporated his heritage into his work by using tartan and tweed. I also love Vivienne Westwood's quirky, original designs.

How much do you spend on clothes?

Never more than £50 a month probably. I buy sporadically!

What are your favourite places to shop?

H&M and Topshop, and also Next recently........

Favourite fragrance?

Dior J'adore Dior.

What's your favourite way to do your hair?

My hair's getting pretty long so I like to have it down but clips the sides off my face.

What is the most prized possession in your wardrobe?

Actually an accessory - my Vivienne Westwood silver drop-pearl pendant necklace.

What's your go-to outfit for when you don't know what to wear?

Skinny jeans, tank top, waterfall cardigan and scarf :)

Who are your style icons?
Classy and feminine looks from Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff, and the old Olsen twins style.

Hilary Duff styling: http://cupcakesandcosmeticsbyclare.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/style-confidential-how-to-dress-like.html
Carpe diem xx

Brussels Haul: Belgian Pharmacie, T-shirts and more

I took the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Bruxelles Gare du Midi and spent 10 hours exploring Brussels! Here's what I brought back (not all for me :)

Rensonnet Marzipan Fruits - these almond paste 'marzipan' sweets are all delicately molded into the shape of different fruits. Yum! - 9,90

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Anti-Redness Moisturiser - I've never really tried French skincare but La Roche-Posay is meant to be good for sensitive skin so I can't wait to try it out! - 15,96

I Love Tintin T-shirt (Rue de la Colline) - I got this in the official Tintin souvenir shop, on a street just off the main Grand-Place

Titans Comic (1978) - comic-strip art is a big thing in Belgium and there's even a whole museum dedicated to it. I got this vintage one cheaply - 2,00

Beer Revolution T-shirt - to add to my collection of oversized tourist t-shirts! - 12,00

Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: Marilyn Monroe Casual

I've always been a little bit obsessed with all things Monroe ever since I was young, and I think these surprisingly modern 1950s and 60s casual fashion shots of Marilyn are inspirational.

Carpe diem xx

August Empties: Beauty Products I've Used Up

Dove Summer Glow: I love this gradual self-tanner but stupidly bought the one for normal to dark skin  when I should have got light to normal! Definately won't repurchase that one.

Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash: A nice oil balancing exfoliator and face wash with witch hazel. However, I'm trying out other one's and won't repurchase soon.

Aussie Limited Edition Take The Heat Leave-In Spray: Great spray and works well, like the other Aussie products I've tried. However, also trying other brands such as John Frieda.

Olay Essentials Complete Care Plus Light Moisturising Cream: I've loved this tinted moisturiser for ages but recently felt that it's starting to give me spots. I have sensitive skin and think there must be an ingredient in this that is irritating it. Not for sensitive skin!

MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara: Love this mascara, which really does give the effect of false lashes; perfect for someone like me who doesn't like the hassle of putting them on! Repurchasing in waterproof :)

Vaseline Rose and Almond Oil Lip Therapy: Loved Vaseline as an essential forever, but I do think they gradually dry your lips out so I'm weening myself off it!

Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes: Great for sensitive skin and good makeup removers.

Carpe diem xx

July Favourites: Peaches, Company and more....

I know.... it's very late! But here's a seasonal, summer-themed July favourites. 

Food: Peaches; they're in season and I absolutely love them! I usually have them as part of my breakfast to kick the day off with a smile on my face :)

Foundation: Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation is a brilliant medium-coverage high street/drug store foundation with shimmer and sparkles! Creates a great summer glow

Skincare: I've been loving these samples of Benefit's new skincare range b.right Radiant. Particularly the eye cream for counteracting dark circles 'It's Potent!', and the thick glossy texture of the moisturiser 'Total Moisture' for a barrier against summer aging. 

Reading: My new favourite magazine for the summer months has definately been Company magazine.  It is a slight alternative to the glossy covers of Cosmo and Glamour, particularly focusing on fashion. September's issue features Whitney Port's in stunning flowing locks and glowing summer makeup, as well as a brilliant article on Vlogging, which includes lifestyle vlogger Anna Saccone. Thumbs up from me!

Carpe diem xx

Top 5 All-time Book Series for Children and Young Adults

The Worst Witch - Jill Murphy

A series of books about the adventures of trainee witch Mildred Hubble at Miss Cackle's Academy. Great for all those obsessed with everything witchcraft and wizardry.

Reading age: 7-9 years

Sherlock Holmes - Conan Doyle

A series of short stories, first published in 1892, telling the mysteries discovered and solved by Sherlock Holmes in the words of his faithful friend Dr Watson.

Reading age: 13+ years

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

World-renowned 7-part book and film series charting wizard Harry Potter's and friends progress through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and his battle with The Dark Lord. Can be read on many levels and great for children and adults alike.

Reading age: 11+ years

Thursday Next - Jasper Fforde

Literary crime detective Thursday Next's adventures in BookWorld among fictional literature-related crimes. Great fantasy fiction and intelligent plots.

Reading age: 13+ years

The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkein

Bilbo Baggins out-of-the-ordinary adventures as told in Tolkein's classic trilogy of 1937. Like Potter, can also be read on different levels by children and adults.

Reading age: 11+ years

Carpe diem xx

Summer OOTD: Biker Jacket and Flip Flops

Biker jacket - Topshop Petite

Blue sailor stripe dress - H&M

Gold hoop earrings - Accessorize

Black flip flops - Accessorize

Carpe diem xx

OOTD: Summer Wedding

Dress - Topshop

Shoes - Stradivarius (Spain), hid-heels
Gradual self tanner - Dove Summer Glow, light to normal skin

Carpe diem xx