Birthday Celebrations| 'I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' 22'

Hello!
I'm sorry it's been a little while, it has been a crazy month!

It was recently my birthday and I really enjoyed the weekend I spent with family.
I was also treated to a surprise- which was amazing!
These are some pictures I took of the weekend, not to show off or anything like that but to share something special with you and to keep documentation here on my blog for myself too.

I was super surprised to arrive a Bovey Castle last weekend, I hadn't ever been before and it is honestly so beautiful.

We took a little walk around the grounds, with beautiful flower beds and lovely views.

I was then treated to a spa and facial for the afternoon and totally was able to relax. The facial was honestly the best I've ever had, my skin was so soft afterwards and I could tell i needed it from the exfoliation and moisturisation. Honestly my skin was glowing. We then got ready and made our way over to dinner.

Sorry I'm not smiling I don't think I was ready! haha!

(Dress- Lipsy, Shoes- Kurt Gieger)

We had a beautiful meal. It was honestly so nice to have fun and quality time with Ashley, with work we never seem to get much time together and then when we do it tends to just be monging on the sofa. So it was really lovely to be able to dress up nicely and do something like this together that we wouldn't usually do.

We were invited to go to a friend's wedding reception nearby and in all honesty we were just expecting to get a taxi, but we ended up going and returning to the hotel in this beautiful car.

The next day we just chilled out and went for another walk along the grounds. It was honestly a little surreal the whole weekend. I was Just so surprised and so lucky to be able to have these things and to have such an amazing man in my life who spoils me. So really this is kinda a little thank you to him and to say how much I appreciate him in my life. (Sorry for the cringe/soppy sentence but it had to be said)!

I hope you enjoyed this little snippet of my birthday weekend! I know I always enjoy looking at other peoples photos!

Love C. xx

Follow me:

Instagram                    Twitter                    Pinterest                 Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Summer pick-ups| Mini Primark Haul

Hey you!
Hope you are okay?

Just wanted to let you know of the cute things you can pick up in Primark at the moment if you are off on your holidays soon!

I Love these bits! My favourite is the palm tree style bikini, because it reminds me of a mojito! haha

Both these bikini's are the same style, you can wear both with or without the halter neck strap which is great for when you're going for different looks and activities of course. The other great thing about these is you can potentially mix and match the top and bottoms as they go really well together.

To be honest I was quite skeptical of the shorts because A) I don't feel like shorts suit me a lot of the time as they are never quite the right length; forever feeling like I have no thighs or my butt cheek hangs out the bottom. B) They are colour.. Okay they aren't pink (which you can get, as well as other colours) but they are colour and to me, this is a big deal! I really like the fit, length and style of the shorts.. they just work.

The necklace is simple yet different which is what I love about it. The gold wrapped in white and blue string make it easy to pair with most outfits.

Okay I know I said the mojito bikini was my favourite but the shoes come in a close second! They are honestly so comfy! and they are really pretty too. I haven't owned a pair like these before, they really flatter my feet and I have quite wide unflattering feet.. so really that is a major bonus! haha.
What is even better is that this is Primark, so it is hardly going to break the bank!

Hope you enjoyed this mini haul and I'll speak soon!

Love C. xx

Follow on:

Instagram           Twitter               Pinterest                    Snapchat: claudiapoppy

email: pureaccidentalbeauty@gmail.com

Rule your mind or it will rule you| Anxiety Chats

'Rule your mind or it will rule you'

This is a personal post for me, it isn't something I would normally want to share or even put up on the internet, to be honest I'm not sure if I'll actually post this but if I have and you're reading this, know this was a bit of a leap of faith for me. I feel uncomfortable right now...ok. Here we go.

From my experience this quote above is very true. The past few years have been very difficult and challenging for me. I know Anxiety and Depression has been somewhat highlighted in social media and especially on Youtube, with a lot of people coming forward with their experiences of it. I'm not personally sure if I will ever be able to share my full story with everyone, there are still things that I'm getting my head around and I am currently trying to get on top of them. However, I do think that anxiety leaves a 'dent' (if you will) that no matter how many times you try to tap it out, buff it out or ignore it; it is always going to be there.. niggling in the back of your mind, ready to pop back out and surprise you. You have to be strong to not let it get back on top of you.

I'm not saying that my experience is worse than anyone else's, as I know that anxiety can be a daily occurrence for some and luckily enough for me, this isn't the case anymore.. I still get anxious but I don't have panic attacks as often now. I've managed to gain some sort of 'rule' over my mind when it comes to going out in public and being in social situations. Again, there are things I need to work on to feel more confident in speaking to new people for example (I never know what to say, this just makes me feel awkward and then the situation turns awkward because of my behaviour- not actually because it was awkward.. you feel me??).. anyway.. When I first really started noticing my anxiety, I had already isolated and distanced myself away from my friends, from my family and my boyfriend. By the time I was actually kind of ready to maybe discuss things a little bit, my relationships had already melted away or weren't as good as they once were- meaning I felt very awkward talking to them about anything, let alone my issues. I felt so alone. Even though in reality my friends actually wanted to help, I just wouldn't let them.

I had never really seen this coming. Now I know what it feels like and how I react I know I've actually been dealing with anxiety for many many years. Its just at the time I was handling it.. sort of.. and to be honest was making the situation a lot worse, building this feeling up inside of me that was eventually going to explode as a MASSIVE panic attack that lasted months. This was so full on I felt like I couldn't live where I was living, I felt like I couldn't go to university or even go outside. My boyfriend by this point was ridiculously supportive and let me move in with him for a bit, supported me going to university (luckily we were in the same class for a little while so he helped me make sure I passed my exam). I am so glad I let him in, because I don't know where I would be right now or how I would be if he wasn't there.

What I'm trying to say is that if you feel like you are drowning and a cannot swim, it is always the best to share the problem to help keep you afloat. Even if you feel like the person won't understand (I'm pretty sure my boyfriend didn't understand but was very supportive non-the-less) it is worth sharing, getting support and advice. You never know if someone else is having the same issue.

I know this blogpost isn't really much of anything, but I feel good about getting a little bit off my chest. I guess I've never really addressed this properly to myself. Baby steps people, baby steps.

Love C. xx

Follow me:

A Good Way to spend a Date| A Day out...

At times, as a couple who work full time, it can be stressful to try and organise a date night or day doing something together. But- when you do get the time, sometimes you can't think of what to do which is different to just going out for a meal, or perhaps want to do something else with your time together.

If you're anything like me, you love going out to eat and you also like to exercise when you can. Recently Ash and I had the same day off work (Yay!) and so wanted to do something together. Something that I've always wanted to get (but never got round to getting one, mainly because shoes or clothing items got in the way of buying one!) was to get a bicycle. Okay, not hugely exciting, but Ash had one for a while and we had both wanted to go cycling somewhere.. so it was time to look for a bike!

I managed to find a fairly cheap one, which was flat-packed so Ash had to put it together. Thank goodness he's good with bikes because in all honesty I wouldn't have a clue! Haha.

Anyway, it was a beautiful day so we cycled all the way to Sandbanks which is the longest I've ever cycled (about 2 hours there and back). For me, that was pretty far to go so I was proud of myself. We stopped off at a lovely Thai restaurant called 'Koh Noi' which does amazing tapas. It was so good! I would really recommend it!

So after a lovely meal, we had the issue of cycling home on a full stomach. I was really struggling, with the hills and the amount of food in my tummy. Ash was up ahead, loving life, wondering (probably) why I was so slow. To be honest I was wondering this too because I work out more than him and I'm not normally worn out so easy- so Ash asked if we wanted to swap bikes, to see if it made a difference..

The tables had turned, I was flying on ahead, Ash was struggling behind. As the gentleman he is he carried on cycling my bike till we got home. Turned out he had actually tightened my brakes too much so I was peddling against the brake all the way there and half way back! No wonder I was tired! haha!

So for the next time we do it, my journey will be a bit easier to say the least!
Apart from that incident, it was such a good day out and I really enjoyed spending time with Ash doing these things. I think if you are struggling for ideas, a bike ride is a good way to spend time together, especially if you like food and exercise!

What do you like to do for date night/day?

Love C. xx

Follow me:

Instagram                      Twitter                        Pinterest                         Snapchat: claudiapoppy

If you would like to email me, click HERE to find my 'About me' page and my email.

Kurt Geiger| Amazing Shoes

Hey all!

I am in love with my new shoes! They are beautiful!

Not only are these great for Spring/Summer, but as I have wide feet these cater for me too!

At times it can be a little struggle as buying gorgeous shoes that sometimes do not fit. Which is a shame but- such is life.. it is however, super exciting when I find a great pair of shoes that fit, but are really comfy as well!

Due to the tie up laces at the front (which I think are so cute) these shoes can fit slim and wider feet! The fabric is soft and the heel is only a mid height and is chunky which allows us girls to walk from the car to the restaurant/through town/ to a party without thinking the shoes are pinching! 

I really recommend these shoes, they will go with trousers, skirts, shorts and dresses! GREAT!

To see them on the website click HERE (they're in the SALE!!)

Love C. xx

Follow me:

Instagram                 Twitter                           Pinterest                    Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Happy Easter| Mmm Chocolate!

I love Chocolate. I don't often have it, but Easter is a great excuse! Whether you were at church today or just lounging around I'm sure plenty of you have enjoyed at least a teeny bit of chocolate.

I just want to use this blog post as a little reminder, for those of you who may be trying to eat healthier or are on a diet, I think its safe to say- one day won't hurt!

However, it's about motivating yourself to get back on the horse, treat it as a reward and not take it for granted. I know it's hard but I always try and remind myself 'summer bodies are made in the winter'. They don't happen overnight (unfortunately), but you do have to live your life to the fullest because life is short! So if you want to enjoy a creme egg- go for it!

I hope you all had a wonderful day today, doing whatever you were doing!

P.s These aren't all mine! hehe

Love C. xx

Follow me:

Instagram                   Pinterest                      Twitter                       Snapchat: claudiapoppy

How to| What makeup brush does what?

When it comes to makeup brushes, it can seem a bit intimidating. There are so many shapes, sizes and densities that it may seem difficult to distinguish what brush does what?

For that sake of this blogpost I'm going to use one of my previous blog posts on the Zoeva Brushes to show you how and where I use the brushes on my face.

1.  Foundation
Recently I've been using the 'Silk Finish' brush as my foundation brush. I use a liquid foundation as I find powders and mousse's quite drying for my skin. I find that it blends the foundation out really well on my face without leaving brush strokes or wasting product. Other options for this are brushes like a 'stippling' brush or you could even use a 'beauty blender' which is basically a clever sponge but makes your makeup base look flawless- I'm eager to try one of these.

2. Concealer
I tend to apply liquid concealer and dab it in with my finger, especially under my eyes. However, when I do use a brush it tends to be the 'Concealer Buffer', again, in dabbing motions so as not to pull the under eye area or move the concealer away from the area that I'm trying to conceal.

3. Powder
Some girls may find that they do not need to powder they're face, especially if they are not susceptible to an oily T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin area). However for the girls that find after a few hours their nose gets oily, then powder if a must! I tend to use a large fluffy brush. The one from the Zoeva collection is lovely as is soft and fairly large. However, I do alternate between that one and one I got fairly cheaply off eBay which is a bit bigger and just as soft.

4. Bronzer
This is the same as the powder for me, as the large brush covers the areas of my face that the sun would naturally hit very quickly and effortlessly.

5. Contour
Now contour can be different, depending on what product I'm using. If I'm using a powder to contour then I tend to actually use my Eco tools 'mineral powder' brush from THIS set as it is flatter and can fit nicely into the hollow of my cheek. However, if I'm using a liquid or cream bronzer I will tend to use the 'Face Shape' and blend out with the foundation brush if necessary.

6. Blush
I'm only just starting to like blush, I was always afraid of it and to be honest I'm not sure why because there are so many beautiful blushes out there! I guess it was to do with precision and me being scared I was going to look ridiculous with big pink circular cheeks! At the moment I am using a powder blush and to apply it I use the 'Luxe Sheer Cheek' which is soft and angled. This brush is great because I can apply it lightly in the exact place I want it to be.

7. Eyebrows
Some Eyebrow products have the tint (colour) and brush in one, like the 'Gimme Brow' from Benefit. However, if you like to switch up what you use and like to wear powder then I highly recommend using either the 'Winged Liner' brush or the Mac '266'. My preference if the Mac brush as the bristles are more sturdy to apply to colour but the Zoeva brush can do the same job. To brush to hairs into shape you can use a spooly or even a brow setting gel like the one I use- Rimmel Brow Gel Clear

8. Eyes
In my opinion, you CANNOT use and blend eyeshadows without brushes. From my experience, the eyeshadows are not put on accurately and are smudged in places you don't what it and are not blended well.  I like to use the 'Soft Definer' to apply the main colour to my eyelid and then either blend it out or apply a slightly darker colour to the crease and blend with the 'Petite Crease'. These are both excellent brushes that I really enjoy using. If you're applying gel eyeliner or a dark eyeshadow to line the eyes I really like the 'Winged Liner' brush for this too as it is super soft to my eyes yet accurate in where you're placing the product.

If the Zoeva brushes are too expensive, especially if you're just trying brushes out- then I would definitely recommend buying cheaper versions (I quite like Eco tools) and use the Zoeva kit as a guide.

Love C. xx

Follow me:
Instagram                    Pinterest                       Twitter                       Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Compliments| Why it is important to accept them

Compliments are gifts.

When someone gives you a really nice gift that you're not sure about, you accept it and say 'thank you' because that's what we've been told to do and what is acceptable, that is polite. You wouldn't say 'I'm sorry can you take this back because I don't like it'. Well, I mean some people would, but I think that the social norm is to accept the gift and be grateful- it's the thought that counts right?!

People refuse compliments like an unwanted gift.
They ignore, dismiss, argue, rebound it, question and devalue themselves.

Why is it so bad to accept a compliment?
I know I'm the same- I struggle to take a compliment.
But why?

Fear of being smug or feeling like you owe them, (like if someone buys you a gift and you feel like you have to buy them one back). Perhaps its low self esteem or false modesty. Or again is is a social norm to not accept compliments? Is it just women, because I would beg to differ?

My guess is that more than half of us do it. But by doing this we make the person giving us the compliment feel awkward and may not want to compliment you again. You make yourself feel rubbish because you can't accept that someone else see's differently to what you see.
So, in all honesty you're not doing anyone any favours. Not your friend/ partner/ mother, whoever and certainly not yourself.

Next time someone compliments you- just say 'Thank you' or 'That really means a lot'. Even if you don't particularly believe it, its still is heartwarming.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Can you take a compliment? Why/why not?


Until next time...

Love C. xx

P.s You have a beautiful smile, share it :)

Follow me:

Instagram                     Twitter                         Pinterest                       Snapchat: claudiapoppy
My email address is pureaccidentalbeauty@gmail.com

209 Seconds That Will Make You Question Your Entire Existance| Mind Blown

So Sunday's sometimes get me thinking, you know... when I'm sat in my PJ's with a cup of coffee and chocolate bar.. after watching Bambi (Sunday's are meant for Disney films!) naturally!

I was just scanning through Youtube, as you do, and stumbled on the channel 'BuzzFeedBlue'. I have seen this channel before, they show awesome videos on things that you possibly always questioned but never knew the answer, or just other cool experiments or tricks.

I want to share with you a video that has made me really think hard about.. well, my life.. human existance and just the universe in general.

If this is too much for a Sunday- I do apologise and pop back over here when you're feeling more in the mood and prepared for a video this intense!

Here's the video: Ready to blow your mind?

Let me know your thoughts on the matter?

Love C. xx

Follow me:

Instagram                      Pinterest                     Twitter                    Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Current Favourite Store| Oasis

Leather Poppy Foldover Clutch

Laser Cut Slipper

Utility Shirt Dress

Paloma Stripe Cotton

Notch Neck Blouse

Sleeveless Drape Cardi

I am absolutely loving Oasis fashion at the moment! They are killing it!

I've never really been into Oasis before, but recently I've stumbled onto their website and discovered their range and I am definitely impressed!

I chose a few of the items on their website to show you what sort of things I'm on about. There are many more that I like too. These looks are classic and easy to put on. I love the fact that these pieces are lightweight but could be layered with either jackets or blazers.
With the Sleeveless Drape Cardi, you could pop a long sleeve top underneath or wear it with shorts which I think would look super cute and I find it an exciting piece that could be worn lots of different ways.
I find these so suitable for Spring because you can add a bit of colour with the amazing range of prints or accessories that are available.

Also, I am super excited for the 'Loved by Mollie' range which is coming out soon! I love her style and am keen to see what sort of pieces she is loving.

Lets just say I'm excited for payday. I may have to add a few of these to my wardrobe as 'must -have staples'...

What's your favourite shop at the moment? Anything you're dying to get your hands on?

Love C. xx

Instagram                     Pinterest                       Twitter                       Bloglovin           
    Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Being a Big Kid| Why it is good to be childish sometimes

Sometimes I look back at the things I used to do as a kid and think 'oh my gosh, that would be so fun to be able to do still'. Obviously as we grow older, we have to grow up in our behaviour too, or so society thinks we should. At times life can get a bit stressful and we just want to take a step back from the moment and do things that make us, chill out, relax, or even be a bit silly. Obviously there is a time and a place for these sorts of things, of course you can't be at work and say 'hey guys, look at me!' and do a cartwheel down the hallway. Well.. you could if your job was a gymnast or something, but generally it's a no no!

Sometimes I think about how fun it would be to have an adult version of soft play. How cool would that be?! Please tell me I'm not the only one? I would definitely pay to be able to play on bouncy steps and run through some rolling pins, then crawl through a tunnel and slide down a massive slide that turns out that you come out of a snakes mouth! I'm sorry but that's just the way I feel. It's the big kid inside of me that makes me want to go and play on something like that.

Who else still goes on the swing when the park is empty? Sometimes I feel like I can't or shouldn't (obviously I don't go into the playground if theres a sign that says 'under 8 years only' or whatever) but sometimes when there is no one around, yes, I do just go in for a swing or to have a go on some apparatus- okay it's been a while but I think its good to do it sometimes. Again, when the timings right. You don't want to be hogging the swing with a 5 year old waiting in the wings behind you! Thats just mean.

Life can get stressful, jobs can get stressful, especially with certain jobs that are so serious all the time. It can become a bit of a burden. These childish things are a way of relaxing and feeling there is not a care in the world for a few minutes at least. Colouring in can be relaxing, Ash and I did this at Nandos a month or so ago. We found it so funny that we were doing it but it was really nice and fun. Another thing that I'm sure a lot of people do but sometimes won't admit, is dancing in your room on your own. The other day, I thought of a year a few years ago with great memories and times where I felt happy, with little care or just generally a time that was good for me. I went onto Spotify and typed in, for example '2008 hits' and clicked on the playlist option. The music reminded me of times where I felt free, a little silly and childish and also happy. I danced around the room for a good hour or so. It was so much fun and brightened my mood (also a great calorie burner!).

My point is, obviously chose your timing, but give in to your inner child and do things that make you happy, laugh and smile because life is too short to be an adult all the time!

Let me in on what you do to be a big kid!

Love C. xx

Instagram                      Twitter                       Pinterest                      Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Furry Coats and Cute Collars| A outfit for lunch and a stroll

Note to self: wear white bra...

Hey Ya'll!

I love the look of the cute girly collar with the fluffy furry coat. It casual yet smart and I like that about this outfit.

The coat (from H&M) is super cosy and warm and I feel like I can wear this with most outfits. I've had this Shirt (Similar) from Jack Wills for a while and I still love wearing it.
The Jeans are super comfy and have a bit of stretch to cling to your curves, there is nothing worse than wearing saggy jeans!
The bag is from Zara and the shoes are Converse.

I'm hoping to get more of these shirts with collars to add to my wardrobe staples.

Current Favourites| What I have been loving

Hello Beauties!

I hope you are feeling well? I definitely think life is better because I can tell Spring is on it's way! I've noticed the sun has been up and there have been brighter days which is exciting thinking about Summer time.

Anyway, I thought I would share what I have been loving at the moment. I have accumulated these things over the last few months and they have grown on me so much that I thought I must share these with you and maybe these will turn into your favourites too?

So from left to right I have the Estee Lauder Lipstick in Pure Colour 86 Tiger Eye (you can see swatch below), iPhone 6 plus, Pukka peppermint & licorice tea, a headband from Primark, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, St. Tropez bronzing mousse, Soap & Glory Sugar Crush body wash and It's a 10 miracle leave in plus keratin.

The Estee Lauder Lipstick is amazing, when I first saw the colour I wasn't too sure about it. Mainly because I'm not usually one to choose a shimmer lipstick, but this is really gorgeous. It is a beige/gold mix with orange undertones and I love wearing it instead of the usual pink. I have to say it really does compliment my hair and eyes (blonde and green eyes) but I think it may look lovely on all hair types and skin tones. The texture of this lipstick is lovely and moisturising which is great because sometimes I find lipstick drying and clings to the dry patches on my lips.

The iPhone 6 plus is my new favourite thing, I previously had the iPhone 4s which was great at the time but was getting very old and was feeling sorry for itself. I love the size of this new phone, although I know a lot of people have been put off by the size. The definition of the camera and screen is so much nicer than my previous phone and allows me to watch Youtube videos at a great quality. Also, it comes with a really cool running app that plays music through your iTunes or spotify account and tells you how far you've run and your pace etc. I love it!

If you love to have a healthier option for hot drinks and have a bit of a sweet tooth then you need to try the Pukka tea! I don't even like licorice but this is delicious and actually quite magical. The first gulp is normal mint tea, then you swallow and there is a amazing sweet after-taste. Mmm!

The Primark headband is a cute statement piece that I love wearing when my hair is half up, half down and cover the band with bits of my pinned up hair. Its classy and pretty and spruces up a hair style that you've worn many times before.

My eyes get super sensitive when removing makeup and a lot of products can sting and make my eye area sore. The Garnier micellar water is so calming and hydrating yet actually removes makeup and dirt so easily. Not just eye makeup but face makeup too, it is just lovely and refreshing and I've found the bottle to last quite a long time.

Soap and Glory have always been a brand that I find quite enticing, the colours, the smells and the names of the products. This has been a favourite for quite a while (the Sugar Crush body wash), it smells fruity and fresh. The main scent is limey and zesty sweet which I love, especially in the morning. It's a great wake up scent that I personally think lasts for most of the day!

St. Tropez if a new-comer to my beauty essentials but I can see why there has been a rave about it. Especially this mousse.  I generally suck at putting on fake tan, and have normally been a fan of the Garnier spray tans as you just spray and let it dry. Super easy. But this is just so light weight, blendable and easy to build. I would really recommend giving this a try as it brings out a beautiful colour and is actually really quick to do.

I am always trying to find new ways to thicken my hair, make it more voluminous and to help it grow. I have tried tablets (which I do think help) and conditioning treatments to prevent split ends. This is something I used about 6 years ago that I totally forgot about. But I remember loving it so much and only recently remembered it by watching a Youtube video. I have literally only just started using it again but I feel like its working already and smells so good! I just feel like my hair is stronger and a bit more full of life, but I'm looking forward to seeing the full effects in a few months time.

So! Those are my favourite things currently. I hope you enjoyed this and have maybe found a bit of inspiration.

What are your current favourites that you cannot live without?

Love C. xx

Follow me:


Instagram                    Twitter                    Pinterest                       Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Not Feeling Good Enough| Comparison

As I was saying in one of my previous blogs, I'm on my own confidence journey. Sometimes I feel super confident and feel great about myself. Other times I just feel like rubbish, constantly comparing myself to other people, whether it be friends, family or even people on the street.

It is a terrible feeling, feeling like this- I wouldn't ever make someone else feel like this, so why do I do it to myself? I guess it is all part of being a normal human being but the pressure of our culture, mainly from social media, to be the best version of ourself can be destructive. This is so difficult to keep up with. If we aren't married by the time we're a certain age, if we haven't got a large amount of friends, or don't earn as much as others, if you choose not to have children or don't want to buy a house even though all your friends have, you feel like somehow you haven't quite 'made it' even though all of these things are mainly our own choice or just circumstance.

Having all these pressures and not meeting these standard, makes my inner critic go mental. So many thoughts of 'why can't I be like (so and so)', or 'I wish my life was more like (insert name)', tearing apart my self-esteem until I don't like myself very much and then just want to eat crisps and things that are bad for me.. mm chocolate..

This has been playing on my heart recently, not on a daily basis but on and off. Sometimes it is to do with not looking as good as I want to, not reaching my potential in work or my social life. But maybe I'm comparing myself to a benchmark that isn't me? This day and age blogs about beauty are super popular, as are the fashion blogs. I do feel like this does encourage comparison sometimes, like at times it makes me think 'that product is so expensive, but I could never afford something like that'. This just ends up rolling into comparison of how much I'm earning or just generally consuming information about other people that is almost this fantasy land of wishing I could be more like them. I can't be them, I'm me. That is just the way it is. There are things I can change whether it be trying to improve my workouts to improve my body or trying to get training for work to be able to earn more.
I think I've just got to keep reminding myself that. Yes, I will keep comparing myself to other people, but I also need to keep strong in my believes of changing my life and lifestyle to keep improving the way I want to. Maybe even try and turn that comparison into motivation. Instead of thinking, 'I wish', think 'I can'.

Sure, this won't happen over night.. it will be a constant struggle, probably for the rest of my life, because I'm sure that even the people that I compare myself to, will be comparing themselves to others and potentially even me.

I know this blogpost is a bit random and not really that helpful, but some of you may feel like you're in the same boat and feel reassured that you're not the only one?

Love C. xx

Instagram                 Twitter                   Pinterest                 Snapchat: claudiapoppy

Infinity Dreams Award| Nomination

So recently I had a comment on one of my blogposts that I had been nominated for the Infinity Dreams Award. I personally hadn't heard much about this but was intrigued none the less and thought it would be fun to answer these questions too!

The rules of the award is to thank and follow the blog that nominated you,
I was nominated by That Deer Girl so thank you!

Then answer the questions set by the blogger that nominated you; which should allow all you wonderful people to get to know me!

After that nominate 11 bloggers and set questions for them.

So here are my 11 questions, enjoy:

1) Where do you see yourself in 6 Years time?
I would like to think that I will potentially be living and working abroad, perhaps Australia?

2) If you could do blogging as your full time job, would you?
I would definitely consider it, it is a big commitment and I think I would have to cross that bridge when/if I ever got there.

3) Does your family and friends know about your blog?
I think all my friends know I have a blog and most of my family know too! They're all pretty supportive of it too which is nice.

4) What was your favourite subject at school?
I was a science girl, I really just found it so interesting. I wasn't amazingly clever at it but I just enjoyed it. I also quite enjoyed art, but I think my style was more abstract haha!

5) What is your current job and is it your dream job?
I currently work in the NHS and at the moment I would say it is, but I would never say it is my dream job for life because goals and dreams can change and I'm always open to change! :)

6) What is your favourite hairstyle?
I love when my hair is super bouncy and voluminous, just down or maybe with a cute hair accessories pulling back my bangs loosely.

7) Do you have any animals?
No I don't, I used to have a giant french lop earred rabbit who was adorable. I would love to get another rabbit or a dog. Sometimes I do borrow my friends dog to take on walks though.

8) What is your dream car?
I would love a Baby Porche 4WD, or and Audi A3 soft top.

9) Do you have any siblings?
Yes I have an older sister and an older brother. So I'm the youngest at 21 years old.

10) Do you enjoy reading? If so what are you currently reading?
I do like reading, its more to do with not having a lot of time to read. I'm currently reading Tanya Burr's book 'Love Tanya' which I'm enjoying. I would really recommend 'The first fifteen lives of Harry August' by Claire North.

11) Favourite high street clothes shop?
How could you ask me this? haha It's difficult to only choose one....so I'll choose three haha!
Love Urban Outfitters, Topshop and Asos!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO ANSWER:

1) What is your favourite food?
2)If you were stuck on a desert island, what would be your one and only beauty or skincare item you would bring?
3) What is your favourite way to spend a Sunday?
4) Favourite colour?
5) One restaurant you would recommend and what food they do?
6) What is a staple item of clothing that you would not go without?
7) If you could write a little message to your best friend, what would it be?
8) If you could write something to your 50 year old self, what would you write?
9) Sleep or Stay up?
10) Pets? If so what is their name or what would their name be if you had one?
11) What is your plans for tomorrow?

I now nominate:
Carly's Beauty World
Raspberrykiss
ThumbalinaLillie
MegsBoutique
AGirlAndABeautyBlog
Ellie'sRamblings
TheBeautySeries
MascaraAndMaltesers
ThouShaltNotCovet
BeautyGeekUK
TheSaltLifeWife

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this blogpost and feel like perhaps you know me a bit better!

Love C xx

Follow me:
Instagram         Twitter             Pinterest              Snapchat: pureaccidentalbeauty

How To| Get Self Confidence?!

I've got a chatty one for you this week my beauties, I hope you don't mind!

I'm not going to sit here and type about how easy it is to be self confident..because it is definitely not that easy.

Self-confidence is a personal journey for everyone. You'll find that many people take different paths, some people may get there quicker than others with a smoother ride and some people may take years and years with many twists and turns in the road. But, my dear friends, the end result is the same -we are all going to the same destination.

I found this really interesting that confidence is actually derived from the Latin word for 'with faith'. In this case it would be having faith in yourself and believing in yourself. I know we all have our up and down days where sometimes you just think negatively or feel like you can't be that girl or guy who is super confident (without being cocky), but when we have these days -it is okay, it is allowed.

Sometimes however, you've got to realise that you need to bite the bullet and try and change something in your life to make you feel more confident.

For me personally I am still on my own journey to self-confidence, I am nowhere near the confident woman I would like to be. But I have developed some confidence and I would like to share how I have got this far.

Fake it.

Try to think of someone who you feel inspired by or someone you think is really confident. Think about the way they stand and the way they hold themselves or the way they speak. There has been research to back up that your body actually changes the way your mind thinks. For example if you make yourself do a big cheesy smile or force a laugh out for 10 seconds, you'll find that you are happier as your brain releases endorphins. This works for good posture too. Stand up straight with your shoulders back, chest out and head up. You start feeling better and people will perceive you to be a more confident person.

If you're someone who you feels like you can't act like that or something is holding you back ask yourself why? The internal conversation you have inside and those thoughts that go with it can affect your feelings, if you're thinking positively you feel good, if you're thinking negatively you feel bad. Trying to ignore the bad thoughts and get into the right mindset. So for example, if you are walking into a party and you feel like everyone is looking at you or you don't know many people, try and turn the situation around. Ignore the negative thoughts and think about whether everyone is having fun or whether you're in a nice destination, pick up on those thoughts and make them great memories for you to look back on.

If you don't want to practice with people who are in your day-to-day life, practice when there is nothing at stake with someone you don't know. Take the opportunity to practice on a shop assistant or a waiter. These people are paid to be nice and helpful so they shouldn't say anything to make you feel negative and you can develop your confidence on them. Once you've done this to the point you feel comfortable just turn that confident person into the everyday person you are.

One last tip is to dress to impress and no I'm not talking about impressing other people I'm talking about impressing yourself. Wear the clothes that make you feel the most comfortable and make you feel yours sexiest or something that really shows off your silhouette. This will help you get into a positive mindset.

I hope this blogpost helps at least one person. If you want me to do another post like this another time it would be great to know in the comment section below. I would also strongly recommend that you give at least one person a compliment sometime this week, it would definitely brighten up someone else's day and you never know you might cheer someone up!

Love C. Xx

Instagram                         Twitter                      Pinterest                       Snapchat: pureaccidentalbeauty

Outfit of the Month| Valentines day

Even if you have that special someone in your life, or if you're going out with your girlfriends and living up the single life- we need an outfit. Well, at least in my opinion it's a good excuse to get one!
I have chosen an outfit that doesn't scream Valentines day, a) because I don't often wear red or pink and b) because I want to be able to wear this outfit again another time.

The shirt, skirt, bag and shoes are all from Primark. The shoes were bought a while ago but I'm certain I've seen nude shoes that could go perfectly with this outfit. I haven't decided on wearing tights or not- it depends on how cold it is and how brave I'm feeling!

The red nail varnish if from the Estee Lauder gift set and the Mac lipstick is Russian Red- both of which I have previously blogged about.

I think the red nails and lips add an extra pop of colour and makes the look more Valentines day appropriate, but still has class and can be worn on other occasions too. This look is easy to dress up with a blazer and heels or dress down with flats and a cardigan.

Let me know what you're wearing, are you going out with the girls or doing something with your loved one? I just want to add that although this is a day to show the one you love how you feel, this really should be shown throughout the year and should include how much you love your family and friends too!

I hope you found some inspiration for an outfit and I hope you have a wonderful Valentines day whatever you are doing.

Love C.

Follow me:

Instagram                 Twitter                   Snapchat: pureaccidentalbeauty             Pinterest