A Christmas Gift Guide (& GIVEAWAY CLOSED) - Inspired By CaseApp.

Well, its that time of year again isn't it. Christmas is just around the corner and everyone is starting their Christmas shopping... Or if you are like me you'll have it all wrapped and ready for the big day (I don't mean to brag or anything, haha). Either way it is still so difficult to pick and choose what to buy your loved ones. So, I've put together a little selection of (loosely) themed gifts that anyone would love to receive. By anyone I mean me, haha!

Use the same design as a screen saver so everything matches perfectly!

Everyone has a phone right? And probably a laptop too. So what better gift to give/receive than a personalised phone case and laptop skin! If you haven't noticed already, I love CaseApp. I have worked with them a few times before and I cannot give them enough praise. Their products are amazing quality, their website is super easy to use and they have a massive amount of different designs to pick from. I went with the 'flower field' design on both my tough phone case (it has a silicone lining for extra protection, win) and laptop skin. I think matching the prints on both pieces ties the gift together nicely. Another fab idea would be to personalise the case or skin with your own images, so maybe adding a picture of you and your friend to a case or a picture of their pet to a laptop skin. Oh, and before I forget I have an early Christmas gift for you guys. When you order with CaseApp use the code POPPYKAY20 at the checkout for an extra 20% off (valid until mid December). Why not treat yourself this Christmas!

Need a gift for the stationary lover? A letter opener! Stay with me a minute, haha. Laura Ashley have some lovely letter openers in store including this beautiful flamingo piece. I feel like letter openers are really rare now so this would be a really unique gift. Pair it with some blank cards and a quirky pen and you have a perf present.

And finally, the mug addict. I have an obsession with cups. Honestly it is ridiculous, one person doesn't need that many mugs... But hey, what is one more. This mug is from Tesco, I just fell for the rich colours and striking design. Anthropologie have some beautiful mugs too, as do Next.

This, some delish biscuits and maybe some little sachets of hot choc would make a lovely winter warmer.

So now for the giveaway! To enter all you have to do is comment a Christmassy word in the comments below. I will contact the winner via Instagram from my account (poppykayyy). The closing date is the 1st of December.

Good luck guys and I am sure I will speak to you before Christmas!

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*These products were kindly sent to me by CaseApp, read full disclaimer here*

Updating My Bedroom.

Sorry for the bad quality photo... An IPhone camera and a dark room don't mix!

So as you may (or may not) know, I have been working on switching up my room. I never keep it the same but this time I did decide to make a few bigger changes... more permanent ones. The first big change being a total rejig of my furniture. I basically swapped my bed and wardrobe over, got rid of my desk and purchased a new set of chester drawers, but I will show you that another time. 

Today I wanted to focus on the 'chill corner' I created. I love this little section of my room and to be honest, this is the only part that I am completely happy with so far. 

As I did get rid of my desk I needed to find somewhere to put my whicker chair, I deffo wasn't ready to part with it. I threw an Ikea faux fur rug over it and added my new H&M cushion and loved how looked. I sat my fiddle leaf fig at the side of the chair, to add some planty elements, obvs. The brass planter adds a mid century modern look to the corner too, which I am really into at the mo. 
But bringing it back to the boho/scandi theme again I added my macrame wall hanging (which was an absolute barg from Matalan) to the other wall. They don't have the one I picked up anymore but they have some very similar ones here. 
Finally the piece de resistance, my flamingo neon light. This is from a local shop but I did find an alternative here. I think it adds a nice bright element to the otherwise dark corner.

I do love this corner but I am not sure if it is missing a print, placed just above the chair? Let me know what you think?!

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Then vs Now.

I thought it would be interesting to look back on my blog content and compare it to the things I post now. I am mainly going to be focusing on the photography as my content hasn't massively changed. It is still largely based on fashion, beauty and lifestyle. So lets start with my first ever post, published on the 8th of March 2015.

I was so nervous posting this. I had wanted to start a blog for so long but I just didn't have the courage to do it. I didn't tell anyone I started prk up at first... now I talk about it openly and often ask my mum for post ideas, haha. Anyway this post was about my 3 hair favourites. I feel like I still speak (or type?) the same as I do in my current posts, I am just a little more relaxed now. Product wise, I still love the Bumble and Bumble hairspray, but the other products I haven't really used for a while. As for photography, it has obviously changed massively. I layer props and decor a lot more now. My photos are a lot brighter, with deeper shadows and richer colours. Back then I was shooting with a Nikon coolpix I think it was, now I am using the Canon 700D which obviously produces better images.

lets skip a couple of months to a facial oil post I did in June. As you can see I learned how to brighten up my photos, maybe a little too much. It is very pink too, which isn't really my thing anymore. I've noticed too it is very cool toned, and I am much into my warmer earthier tones at the minute. Still into using fresh flowers as props though, I will never get bored of that. 
So, moving towards the end of the year, when I published a post about my new years eve make up picks. I still love the majority of this make up, obviously I have updated it but I still gravitate towards the same products when I top up my make up collection. Like I said previously the images from this period are still very white with a blue undertones, pretty different to what I post now. I have also realised, as I have been searching through my blog, that my images are tiny. It's annoying actually because I love huge images now with visible detail. Around this time I also started linking the products I was talking about too, which is always handy.

I am skipping forward to April 2016 now. In 2016 I started to post a few more interior posts, which is my favourite content to post nowadays (even though I still don't do it enough). Nothing much changed really, my images were still *annoyingly* small, my content was still similar to the previous year and blah blah blah. I am going to move onto the posts using my new camera, that is when things drastically changed. 

Ah, August 2016 the time where my images improved and got bigger, thank god. I think I was getting better at editing too at this point. As you can see the images are still bright but they don't look as washed out or cold. For the rest of this year I just learned how to use my new camera and how to style things differently. I started to experiment with different props and layouts, edging away from flatlays (not a lot though, flatlays are still my go to). From May 2017 my style just continued to evolve. I suppose I was inspired by different people from when I first started blogging. Eimear from Eimear Varian Barry inspired me to use shadows and textures and Chloe from The Little Plum inspired me to get a bit more posey and show my personality through my photography. 

Content was still pretty much the same throughout though. I did try to do cooking posts at one point but that isn't something I really post about anymore. I suppose I was just finding out what I was interested in and enjoyed writing about.

Along the way I have worked with some lovely brands too, and I am very grateful for that. It really does mean a lot that companies can see something in my little blog. 

So for now, I feel like this is a good place the leave 2017 and enter 2018. I hope you have a fab year!

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Christmas With CaseApp. (& Giveaway Closed)

I am not doing any type of Christmas gift guide this year. Everyone does them so I am sure there is already one out there that caters to your needs. But I did want to share one little gift idea, which a lot of people don't tend to think about and that is custom phone cases and laptop skins. I don't know about you but I'd love to receive a new sassy phone case or a chic laptop skin for Crimbo. CaseApp asked me to try out some of their products and of course I couldn't refuse. I have worked with CaseApp before (here) so their products have already been tried and tested on prk. But I can confirm yet again, you get nothing but top quality from this company. The site is easy to navigate, the product selection is brill, you can customise your own products and the delivery is fast, what more do you want eh?  

Anyway, shall we talk about the products I picked out this time? I knew I wanted a new laptop skin so thats where I headed first. I did want to customise one but I fell in love with a few designs they already had. It was either between 'glass beach' or 'brushstrokes'. Obviously I went with brush strokes, I just loved the clean monochrome look. I peeled off my previous laptop skin (which came off a dream and didn't leave any marks) and applied my new one... it made my laptop feel brand spanking new again.  

As for my phone case, I went with something a little more Christmasy. I chose the design 'pine' as again, I just loved the clean look. I also went with the matte finish, I always think they feel more expensive with the smooth texture. When it first arrived I was a bit worried that it would soon discolour, but I have had it on my phone for maybe a week now and it is still perfect which is a win! I think it would be a lovely idea to design a custom phone case for someones Christmas present, or just in general to be honest. Design a photo collage or an illustration and gift them a one of a kind, thoughtful piece.

It is now your chance to design a phone case or laptop skin. I am running a giveaway with CaseApp and all you have to do is comment down below. The comp is worldwide and ends on the 30th of December. Good luck!

P.s I have a discount code too. Use the code POPKAY20 for 20% off, woohoo!
(valid until the 28th of December)

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*These products were kindly sent to me by CaseApp, read full disclaimer here*

Happy Halloween.

 

Halloween is my favourite time of the year, well its probably on par with Christmas but its still up there. It gives me an excuse to sit in my room watching Halloween films, whilst eating sweets and playing with my sfx make up. Last Halloween I went to Farmageddon which was bloody terrifying. This year I went on a tour around Smithills Hall which is like an old manor house. Lets just say some weird *excuse my french* shit happened there. 

I haven't really had the chance to dress up this year, but I did manage to have a play with my special effects make up. I used scar wax for the first time, which isn't the easiest thing to work with but hopefully I will get the hang of it as it does give the make up a realistic look. 

Anyway, that was my Halloween. What did you guys get up to?


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Finding A Space That Works For You.

It can be hard to create a space that works as both a bedroom and creative zone. Whether its somewhere to do your make up, to work or a cosy reading nook, there needs to be a divide between that and your sleep space (which can be hard to achieve in one room). I recently moved my bedroom around and I am finally starting to feel like it's the perfect mix. Today I wanted to show you my desk space. I have switched it up slightly, adding more golden and earthy tones in the form of decor. 

I have been picking up trinkets for a little while now, some you may have seen on Instagram and others are new. Most of the bits are from TK Maxx but I do have items from Primark, Laura Ashley, Ikea and local carboot sales too. It's important to pick things up along the way, rather than buying everything in one go. I just feel like everything seems a little bit more personal that way. Oh, and my plants. I can't live without those can I! My fiddle-leaf fig is from Lidl, believe it or not it was only £10.

So yeah, that is my current desk situation. It is forever changing so the next time you see it, it will probably be completely different. But for now it inspires me and for that, I love it.

Where is your work space?

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Sunflowers, Nobody's Child & Insta.

Currently sat here munching on an apple (pink lady, obvs) wondering what the heck to write. I feel inspired photography wise, but I haven't got a clue what to waffle on about. It's the worst thing ever!! Well, not ever but 'blogger' wise it is. So yeah, who knows what this post is going to be about. 

I know, lets talk about some things I have been loving recently... Like sunflowers. I didn't realise how cheap they were! I got mine from Asda for like £3 and they lasted ages. I also love gypsophila too, they are so delicate and also really cheap. I hate paying loads for flowers, just because they die so quickly. Well, they usually do from the supermarkets anyway. Wow, this is fab content Poppy, haha! What else have I been loving? Oh, so I found this clothing website called Nobody's Child. You may have heard of them before but I only discovered them a few weeks ago. I purchased some trousers from them and they fit me perfectly. I usually struggle with trousers/bottoms because of my height and body shape but these fit like a glove. They are a tiny bit shorter on me than on the model but I don't mind that, they kind of look better that way I think. That might be an idea, I could do a post on 'How To Find The Perfect Trousers'. That's one to put in the blog post memory bank. They have a cute Instagram feed too. Talking about Insta, I am loving my feed at the minute. My style has changed, againnnnnn. I go for a lot more richer colours, like the touches of yellow and gold you can see on my feed at the mo. I am also loving shadows, there is a post about that here. At one point if an image of mine had any shadows in it, it wouldn't make it on my page. Now, I wait till the sun is setting to take my photographs. The lighting hits my desk perfectly and causes the most beautiful shadows.

So yeah, thats what I am loving at the minute. Flowers, clothes and Insta. Nothing has changed haha!

What are you loving?

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Playing With Shadows.

Top-Asos // Jeans-Primark (similar) // Shoes-Birkenstocks // Necklace-H&M (similar)

This is probably going to be one of the most useless posts I have written to date, but I loved how the photos turned out (for a change) so I had to share.

So recently I feel like my photography style has changed. It does every now and again, I seem to just naturally drift into a different direction with my style. For the most part it has always been bright white with minimal or muted colour. I still love that kind of look and it will probably remain like that over on my Instagram a little while longer, but as for my blog I am changing it up.

I have started to embrace the shadows around my house. On my stairs/landing the most beautiful shadows land on the floor and walls. I had a mini photo shoot (sad, I know) and loved the way the images turned out. As well as playing with shadows I have come to love warmer tones, like browns, beiges and gold. My images tend to get 'cold' looking with all the white and monochrome, so warming them up gives more of a sophisticated look... thats what I think anyway haha!

I was mostly inspired by Eimear from The EVB Edit. She shows a lot of the behind the scenes on her Instagram stories. She is always creating shadows and using different textures for her back drops, her images turn out stunning. Kate from Kate La Vie inspired me a lot too. I love the way she has a cluttered but organised theme and her images always look 'warmer' with the wooden and golden accents she adds to her images.

Who inspires your photography style?

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3 Trends I Am Loving.

It is currently 22:34 on a Sunday evening. I have been attempting to write this post for around an hour now and nothing is coming out... But I am determined to get something up on this little blog of mine, even if it only includes crappy IPhone pictures and a minimal amount of writing. So anyway, lets talk about the 3 trends I am currently loving.

Gold.

Come to think of it, it's not really a trend is it? I mean golden jewellery is timeless right? Up until now I have (more or less) always been a silver gal but warmer golden tones are just calling my name, especially now the weather is warming up. I've even been buying gold homeware bits too. The little leaf dish above is from Primark, it was only £3. 

Layering.

Probably one of my favourite trends of the mo, layering vests on top of t-shirts. I know it is a love/hate thing, but I seriously love it. Layered in the right way with a pair of raw hem, blue jeans is a match made in heaven. I am especially loving slogan or graphic t-shirts peeping out from under a sheer cami, yaaas!

Gingham.

Gingham is baaack. It never really phased me before but this time around I am loving it. My collection is growing, with a lot of the items being summer pieces. I don't really wear colour so a pattern like this is a nice alternative.

So, what are your favourite trends this season?

Oh, and look! I am almost at 200 followers on Bloglovin! As soon as I hit the big 200 I am going to do a giveaway, so keep an eye out.

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Two Today.

My blog is two today! Well, I am currently writing this at 10:05pm on Tuesday the 5th of March... but when you're reading this it will be my blogs second birthday. Unfortunately I don't have a giveaway planned or anything like I did for the 1st birthday, I am just so unorganised this time around. I think I am going to do a giveaway when (haha IF) I reach 200 followers on Bloglovin, so keep your eyes out for that (and follow me!)!

So, what else is there to write about? Not much to be honest.
 I did want to keep this post all cheery and be all like "woo, my blog is two day! Remember when?..." but if I wrote like that it wouldn't be true to how I feel at the mo. The truth is, I haven't blogged in a little while and I haven't missed it. I never thought I'd be the person to say that, but here I am. I don't know what it is but life is just a blur at the mo. 
(I think turning 21 speeds time up or something, haha!)

I dunno, I am just not feeling myself at the minute. Now and again I feel like I get too comfortable in life. That sounds stupid to say, everyone wants to be comfortable with their life don't they? Let me try to word it differently... basically I just feel like I have hit a brick wall. I crave something new and exciting. Its pretty hard to step out of the comfort zone and do that though when you have the confidence of a potato. I just need to shift the terrible mood I am in and keep plodding on I suppose. Any tips on how to do that would be greatly appreciated, haha!

Anyways, I am not going to keep moaning. I just wanted to write a little post to wish this little space of mine a happy 2nd birthday! Oh, and I will deffo try to blog a little more!

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The Cat Cafe, Manchester.

Best day of my life! I went to the Cat Cafe in Manchester didn't I?! It was amazing so I thought I would share my experience with you guys. FYI, this could end up being a very long post!

So we arrived in Manchester on a surprisingly quiet Saturday morning. We first stopped off in The Printworks for some breakfast, which was delish. We then quickly made our way up to the Cat Cafe, which is about a 5 minute walk (10 at a push). 

Upon arrival they explained a few of the rules they had in place. These were just things like, don't chase the cats, don't disturb them while they sleep, don't pick them up blah blah. Its just common sense really isn't it? Haha! We were also told to take our shoes off or we could walk around with those weird little shoe covers on. I didn't know about this so I obviously went unprepared without any socks and I didn't really fancy wearing bags on my feet, so I just went in barefoot.

So, we put our shoes in our locker and headed through a pretty dark corridor (sounds mysterious right?) to be greeted by a bright spacious room, friendly staff, an extremely chilled atmosphere and of course CATS! 

We took a seat on one of the larger sofas and ordered some coffees, which were fab may I add! The drinks were included in the price (£12 for 1 hour) and if you wanted a slice of cake it was an extra £2 or so. It really good value for money as you can have as many drinks as you want. We spent the next hour dossing with the kitties, slurping tea and coffee and taking far to many photos.

Our hour sadly came to an end, but we enjoyed every moment of it and deffo got our moneys worth. If an hour isn't enough for you, you can stay for longer but I think it was something like an extra £1 for every extra 5 minutes you stayed.

The Cat Cafe also holds events like movies nights with the cats to curl up with. That is definitely being added to my list for next time!

Have you ever heard of the Cat Cafe? 

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Turning 21.

This feels weird, sitting down and actually putting together a blog post is something I haven't done in a little while. I hadn't been enjoying blogging as much as I used too, so I took a little break and I feel all happy and refreshed now. It was also my birthday on the 7th of Feb, my 21st birthday!! I am 21 and I cant believe it. Not that I feel any different but I now class myself as a proper adult. Saying "oh yeah, I am 20" felt like I was still a kid and I could still get away with things like getting my mum to ring the doctors for me (which I will probably always do, haha). Being 21 makes it harder to get away with things, and that worries me, haha! Anyway, that is my age now and I need to get used to it... Until next year when I will be 22, oh my giddy aunt! 

Today I thought I would share some bits that I got for my birthday and what I did to celebrate it. 

So, lets start with the presents. I was speechless with the gifts I received. I don't want to go into massive amounts of detail but I got a BEAUTIFUL Vivienne Westwood watch, a Pandora ring, perfume, bucket loads of choc, make up and a few plants here and there (of course mwhaha). I was super lucky and didn't expect half of the stuff I got, I am so grateful!

As for the celebrations I decided I wanted to do little things rather than have a party. On Sunday the 4th me, my sister and our friend went to the Cat Cafe in Manchester... Best day of my life. A place to sit around, drink coffee and be surrounded by every kind of cat! Bliss. I took loads of pictures so I am planning on putting a post together about my experience. I also had a small gathering with a few of my friends and family that evening. It was basically just a chilled night in and I loved it. On my actual birthday I spent the day shopping and eating, my two fave things. I then went to see a psychic which was bloody mental. I don't want to share too much but lets just say she was spot on with most things. Oh, and she loved to mention my 'unlucky love life' as she described it, dyingggg hahaha. 

All in all I had a fab birthday and I wouldn't have spent it any other way!

Have you guys been up to anything exciting recently?

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