Fitspiration #2 - The Workout Playlist

The other week, I mentioned that I have been getting really into fitness and that I have some new found motivation that is inspiring me to keep going week after week. The fact that I have a killer workout Spotify playlist is adding to the motivation levels as it is just so damn good! So here I share with you the tunes that give me the energy to work out on a regular basis…

Lips Are Movin - Meghan Trainor
Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson (ft. Bruno Mars)
Elastic Heart - Sia
Heroes (We Could Be) - Alesso
Outside - Calvin Harris (ft. Ellie Goulding)
Up - Olly Murs (ft. Demi Lovato)
Dangerous - David Guetta (ft. Sam Martin)
Chandelier - Sia
R U Mine? - Arctic Monkeys
Prayer in C (Robin Schulz Remix) - Lilly Wood and The Prick
Night Changes - One Direction
Rather Be - Clean Bandit (ft. Jess Glynne)
Something I Need - Ben Haenow
Steal My Girl - One Direction
These Days - Take That
Changing - Sigma (ft. Paloma Faith)
Blame - Calvin Harris (ft. John Newman)
Real Love - Clean Bandit (ft. Jess Glynne)
Hold Back The River - James Bay
My Head Is a Jungle (Radio Edit) - Wankelmut (ft. Emma Louise)
Pump It - The Black Eyed Peas
She - Greenday
I Can Talk - Two Door Cinema Club
This Head I Hold - Electric Guest
Dancing Shoes - Arctic Monkeys

Is there anything you think I should add that is on your playlist?
Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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What Makes Me Happy

(Side note - I'd just like to thank you all for getting me up to 100 followers on Bloglovin'!)

Recently I have noticed myself appreciating the little things in life and from this I have been a lot happier and content.

So I have decided to comprise a list of all the things that have made me happy. Here it is;

1. Feeling the warm sun on my back

2. Hearing the sound of rain indoors

3. Getting into a bed with clean sheets

4. When a cup of tea is perfect

5. Fresh flowers

6. A good book

7. When my favourite song is the first on the radio

8. Finding money in a bag you haven't used for ages

9. Finding coins in the street

10. Autumn leaves

11. The first signs of spring

12. Looking through old photographs

13. Starting new makeup products

14. Editing photos in photoshop

15. Taking photos 

16. Dancing in heavy rain

17. Singing to myself 

18. When my makeup brushes are clean

19. Having a long hot bath with the window open when it is cold outside

20. When someone gives you an unexpected compliment

21. When my hair goes right

22. When the scales tell me I have lost weight

23. Surprises

24. When people laugh at my bad jokes

25. Waking up to cute texts like 'I miss you'

26. Buying new clothes

27. Spending time with good friends

28. Helping others

29. Unexpected hugs

30. Watching flocks of birds fly across the sky

31. Long walks in the countryside

32. Being outdoors

33. BBQs

34. Getting invited to things I didn't expect to be

35. Looking at stars on clear nights

36. Drawing

37. Baking delicious things and not burning them

38. Candles

39. Getting mail in the post

40. Strangers smiling at me

41. Layering clothes

42. Eating fruit

43. Playing in the snow

44. Staying in hotels

45. Having painted nails

46. The strange feeling after crying

47. When makeup looks good at the end of the day

48. Donuts

49. Long journeys

50. Symmetrical stone houses with hanging baskets either side of the door

Comment saying one thing that makes you happy!

Do what makes you happy, you will feel the benefits almost immediately!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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My Week In Photos

(from left to right, top to bottom)

I've done posts similar to this before and I've enjoyed doing them, as you seem to have reading them! So whilst I'm snuggled up watching old episodes of The Great British Bake-off and waiting for my vegetable lasagne to cook, I thought I would just reminisce of what I've done this week!

1. I've been trying to get more active recently, and over the last few weeks I have seen the weather get so much better! This morning when I opened my blind, sun streamed though the window, and whilst I was out running, there was this gorgeous blue, cloudy sky (when usually it's pitch black!).

2. I love a good, long soak in the bath when it gets to the weekend. Usually (if I have anything) I like to chuck in a Lush product. My all time favourite is 'The Comforter'. It does exactly what it says on the tin (or the label in this instance) and you just feel comforted! 

3. I'm a sucker for flowers and whilst in the supermarket, I bought my mum some lilac pastel tulips (swoon). To make room for them, she had thrown away these gorgeous carnations and she said 'they were dead'. I told her off and said they were perfectly alive. I rescued them out of the bin and filled these milk bottles from Ikea. 

4. Like I said, I have been getting more active recently and I decided to write a blog post telling you about what I am getting up to! I'll leave it up to you to have a little read ;)

5. I have been having a little clear out at home and whilst sorting through some things I found this old photo of my Grandad, my sister and I feeding the ducks! I love looking through old photos, if just for the funny outfits - I mean check out my sunglasses!

6. I've really been enjoying the NARS Audacious Lipsticks recently and I finally managed to get my hands on the shade 'Charlotte' the other week! I now have a total of four and I am looking at adding more to my collection in the near future!

7. My sister offered to be my running partner the other day, she very quickly got fed up (she kept wanting to sprint off rather than pacing herself). But it was nice to have some company for a change!

8. Just look at this beautiful sunset! I told you the weather here in the UK was starting to get better. This photo was taken whilst I was out running. I couldn't help but stop to get a snap of the colours in the sky! If only you could believe that the photo doesn't do it justice - the actual thing was a million times better!

9. To motivate myself into working out more, I treated myself to these rather swish Nike Trainers. When they arrived, I tried them on and I just felt as if I was floating on air. They were so cushiony! I'd highly recommend these!

To stay in-the-loop with my on the go adventures, why not follow me on Instagram! 

What have you been up to this week?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x
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Fitspiration - The Beginning

Towards the back end of last year, I was being really negative about my appearance and I found myself being ridiculously self-conscious. I've never been one of the thinnest of people (like ever), but I decided that 2015 would be the year that I journey on a path of self-improvement. I told myself that I wanted to lose seven pounds (half a stone) over the course of the year. Now usually when I set a new years resolution to lose weight, I get bored and give up within about a week, failing before I have properly begun. Its now been 7 weeks and I have all of this unexplained motivation to do well and make a positive change in my life. It is only February and already I have smashed my weight loss target for the entire year and I have managed to lose 12 pounds! (Queue the applause).

One of the reasons that I have been able to do so well with my goals, is due to my new found "love" for running! Yes you read that correctly... running! Charlotte Sophia Roberts has taken up running. No seriously, laugh - I am still trying to get my own head around this haha!

When I first started, I was running in worn out Converse and Vans as I didn't have any proper trainers and I didn't want to buy any incase I only ended up going running once (I have tried running numerous times before and this has always been the case). But after a few weeks of sticking at it, I decided to invest in these little beauties! And wow they are comfortable! When I first tried them on I felt as if I was walking on air - they were so cushiony. This would mean that my bad joints would have a better time than they would with normal trainers. 

I love that they aren't just one boring colour and that they have a watercolour like print on them. It just makes them a little different from normal trainers, and hey, who doesn't like to look good when they are working out!

I also have been enjoying using these sony headphones that I got pretty cheap on Amazon a few months ago. They don't fall out when you're moving which makes them so much better than the usual in-ear headphones that I'm used to.

I am determined to succeed with my journey and have now upped the weight loss goal to a stone. And I am already so close to beating that target! I've found by increasing my target loss as I go along is keeping me more motivated.

If you're looking, Aloha has tons of recipes that are jam-packed full with goodness and nutrition that can help you make the most of your workout. 

What do you all do to try and keep fit? And to all you fellow runners, how do you stop your legs from aching like crazy???

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Fragrance Favourites

At the start of the year I had a little clear out of my perfume collection as I had no real reason to justify keeping hundreds (not really) of empty or near empty bottles other than because they "look pretty". 

Since clearing out my collection, I have been able to buy more or repurchase ones that I simply haven't had room for (as the empty bottle collection was getting rather out of hand). 

Now as well as buying a few others, I have also 'shopped my stash' - rediscovering perfumes that I haven't used in a long time. As I store my perfumes properly (in the dark = sunlight ruins them), they are able to last for quite some time, which means I can get the most money out of them. 

On a day to day basis, I tend to wear Daisy by Marc Jacobs, buy have been loving wearing Candy by Prada as it is so light and fresh - trying to mix up what I wear as we begin to transition into spring!

What scents have you been wearing recently?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

NARS Audacious Lipsticks

When the of the launch of NARS' latest lipstick hit at the back end of last year, I was a little bit excited. I wanted in! There were nearly 50 shades to choose from and I knew straight away which I wanted - Charlotte. It doesn't take a genius to know why does it really?

I have been putting off from writing this for quite some time as I was unable to get my hands on Charlotte for ages. Every time I went to Harvey Nichols or looked online at Selfridges or NARS they were sold out!
When I couldn't find the shade Charlotte, I decided to buy the shade Vera, followed by Anna then Natalie and then, against all odds, I managed to get my hands on my most sought after shade in Harvey Nichols last week! It was also the last one left in stock - it had to be fate! 

NARS have really upped their game with their Audacious lipstick. They are so luxurious! The formula is lovely and the texture is so creamy and hydrating. They have a glossy, satin type finish and they last for hours (on me anyway!). The bullet itself is shaped for precise application and is even engraved with the signature NARS logo. The product casing is even magnetic to make sure that the lid is properly shut to stop the product drying out. 
If they weren't £24 a pop then I would certainly have built a larger collection by now! 

I am extremely happy with my choice of shades and I am currently lusting after the shade 'Barbara' as it looks like the perfect nude shade to add to my collection!

Have you tried any of these?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Smell The Roses

Forget the idea of a new year a new you, I've been following the notion of a new year, a new fragrance (or two for that matter). On a day to day basis I usually wear Daisy by Marc Jacobs, but over the last few months I've been switching up what I wear nearly every other day. I feel so fickle! So with the money I was gifted with at Christmas, I bought these to add to my perfume collection!

First on the cards is the classic Chanel No5. I chose to buy the Eau Premiere rather than the Eau de Parfume as it is described as being more citrusy and floral and I usually go for that type of fragrance. Most floral and citrusy fragrances don't tend to last on the skin very long, but the musky undertones in this means that it has tremendous staying power! The Eau Premiere is redesign of the original scent as is aimed at attracting younger women and other individuals who find the traditional scent too overpowering. I do like both scents but I thought that this one would be more appropriate for daywear. 

Next up is the new Prada Candy Florale. I've seen a lot of this perfume recently, its all over magazines and the TV. I didn't give it a second thought until Gabby (VelvetGh0st) was raving about it. The very next time I was in Boots I made sure I sampled it. I loved it! (Hence why I bought it!). I managed to get it whilst Feelunique.com had an offer on perfume. 

What perfume have you all been wearing recently?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Perfectly Pampered

Everyone likes to have a good pamper session, and I am no exception. 

But being at university most of the time, means this doesn't happen as frequently anymore. Or as least not as frequently as I would like. 

But when it does - it is greatly received!

You see, at university I have a shower in my bathroom (or should I say shower room) and I am very much a bath person. 

Although I get ready quicker with a shower, I feel like they are way too much effort - I mean you have to stand up! I never have the energy to stand up with my hectic lifestyle. Baths are the only time I get to truly relax, and even then I am probably thinking about what task to start once I get out.

I go home from university most weekends and I try and cram as many baths in as I possibly can, and make them as long as I can (2 hours is my record!). 

In the bath I like to have a good face and hair mask to pamper myself and I have been known to take my laptop in on a chair and watch a film (hence the 2 hour long baths).

The book pictured is Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding 

Once out the bath, I like to put on some nice comfy clothes, get into bed with a lovely cup of tea and read a good book.

No work done what so ever!  

And by the time you are reading this, I am probably about to get into a nice hot bath before travelling back to university after the Christmas holidays. 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Countryside Attire

Living in the countryside (well when I'm not at university) can get very messy at times! Those impromptu walks through fields and woods can leave you absolutely covered in mud, and so cheap wellington boots are needed on a fairly regular basis. I was lucky enough to be sent these lovely black wellington boots* from Online Avenue.

I have been thinking a lot about the upcoming summer recently and planning out all the things I would like to do. So for all you hopeful festival go-fers, these (or one of their other designs) would be absolutely perfect for you! They are incredibly cheap and retail at £13.99 which is incredibly good value for a pair of ladies' wellington boots, especially when compared to brands like Hunter. Meaning you wouldn't have to worry about them getting ruined whilst your listening to your favourite bands and having the time of your life. 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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**** THIS IS A SPONSORED POST BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN ****

What's New?

Over the last couple of weeks I've noticed a few new faces popping up on my blog and all my other social media platforms. I've also noticed that I have gained nearly 30 new followers in this short space of time. Every time I see that someone has commented, followed or contacted me regarding my blog, I get really excited. My face lights up. Like someone has just given me a big ol' hug! Like a little kid with sweets. Like.. well I don't know what like - just plain old excited!

I have come to the conclusion that, besides my blog design, something has changed. And changed for the better. Although, I'm not quite sure what this is and I want to make sure that I continue doing whatever I'm doing!
So you lovely bunch.. I was just wondering why you all like my blog so much? Like seriously? I just ramble!! I actually want to know!
For those loyal readers that don't follow me, you can follow me here to keep up with all my stupid little posts!

See you all soon! 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

January Beauty Favourites

Hello! Heres my favourites for the first month the year. I hope you have all started off 2015 well and are making the best of the new start it has offered. 

Quite early on in December my skin had a major crisis. I don't tend to have the best skin anyway but I just broke out with dozens (no overstatement there) of those massive under the skin spots that hurt like crazy! Anyway, I decided to strip right back to basis using a cleanser, a toner and a moisturiser. And it was the toner that I feel really helped calm my skin down. I used the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic which I had owned for quite a while but it had been sat in the back of a drawer gathering dust. I was looking through the ingredients in pretty much every product I own watching out for things that would help soothe my poor skin. This one seemed to check all the boxes being made up of natural ingredients such as cucumber and aloe vera. Along with the toner, I also decided to give into the hype around the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo  and give that a whirl. I mean, I was getting pretty desperate at this point and would have done absolutely anything. I really liked this and wish I had tried it earlier. I just helped protect against scars and felt nice and soothing upon application. 

I have been really trying to mix up what makeup I use and try to step out of my comfort zone. I've been opting for a nude lip over the trusty old Vaseline and one of my recent go to lipsticks has been the Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Beauty. It is a gorgeous rosy pink colour and I think it would look great on almost any skin tone. For a matte lipstick it is so creamy and hydrating and feels just like you're wearing a lip balm. 
I like to pair it with the No7 Skin Illuminator Radiance Boosting Beauty Fluid as the gold tones in it compliment the undertones of the lipstick perfectly! These two products combined make the perfect recipe for glowing complexion.

Finally, I've been loving the little bottle of Chanel No5 Eau de Premiere that I treated myself to at the start of the month. It smells so light and fresh yet musky at the same time. It is the perfect scent and I can see why Marylin Monroe wore it to bed!

What are your current favourites?
Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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