Fave Five: December 2014 & January 2015

Over December, I hadn't been buying a lot of new products to try because I didn't know what gifts I would get for Christmas! Also, I wanted to wait to see what bargains I could find in the New Year. I thought it would be silly to do a December Fave Five so waited until I'd fallen in love with some products over January as well to show you what had made the cut!

I Love... Strawberries and Cream Body Butter

The first of my favourites is one of my Christmas presents from my best friend Hannah. I'm a big fan of the I love... range, even buying some of their products myself to give to others last Christmas! This is the Strawberries and Cream Nourishing Body Butter, the perfect way to end a soothing bath or relaxing shower. Body butters can often be a bit of tricky thing to work with, their thick consistency meaning they take a while to fully absorb into your skin leaving you sat around feeling sticky! When I first applied this body butter after a bath, I was careful about applying too much, given that this may be the case. I was pleasantly surprised by how it absorbed into my skin and by the time I had finished from head to toe, it didn't feel sticky at all! Each time I have used it since, I am still so impressed with how easy and quick it applies and how wonderful my skin feels after. I haven't noticed extreme changes in the hydration of my skin but it definitely feels so much softer compared to when I don't use it and leaves my skin feeling velvety for days after too. Possibly the best thing about this body butter though is the incredible scent! It leaves my skin smelling sweet and delicious, the perfect accompaniment to make this a pampering staple for me from now on, without denting my bank account too!

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in Light

Next is a product I had been desperate to buy for months! The Sleek MakeUp Face Contour kit in Light had been on my need-to-buy list but I told myself I would wait until the No7 bronzer that I previously used had completely run out so I wouldn't waste anything. It was definitely worth the wait and has been particularly incredible in adding a little colour to my skin over the bleak winter months. In the kit you get both a matte bronzer for contouring and bronzing as well as a shimmery highlighter to balance out each other. On the left, the pressed powder bronzer is incredibly pigmented, it blends really well so the contour lines don't appear harsh. Thanks to it's matte finish, it looks natural and adds a subtle definition to your cheek bones, jawline or anywhere you choose to apply it. For those with pale complexions like me, you just need a little dusting of the bronzer to give you a natural effect, yet it's so easy to blend if you were to make a mistake, making it completely foolproof, perfect for those wanting to step into face contouring. I adore the highlighter, on the right, for the beautiful finish it adds to complete any makeup look I create. Before buying this product, I had been using a matte highlighter just under my brow. I was a little nervous to start using a shimmery finish, mainly due to the fact I always opt for shimmery eye shadows and didn't want to overkill the glitter! I couldn't have been more wrong and this highlighter has brightened and complimented my complexion perfectly! I now use this highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, anywhere to add a bit of a glimmer and a new definition, opposed to the contouring. I feel like my skin is glowing and I was scared for nothing! A lot people have raved about this Face Contour Kit and I can see why, from the amazing pigmentation to the beautiful defined finish, this is a makeup must-have! 

Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel

The Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel has been another favourite of mine over the past couple of months. I have horrible dark circles under my eyes which give me a constantly-tired appearance - not exactly the vibe I want to give off! My friend Katie suggested this, just to soothe and hydrate my eye area and hopefully combat the puffiness. I'd never really thought about my under-eye area being particularly 'puffy', so I never thought it was something I wanted to change. Since using this each night before moisturising, I have woken up and progressively seen the puffiness disappear. I'm not going to say it works miracles or is better than any other eye gel on the market but it has definitely made some sort of difference. My eyes seem brighter, more hydrated and although my dark circles are still there, I feel a lot more confident about their appearance since using this and will definitely keep it in my skincare routine for a long time. Even if you don't need this to combat dark circles or puffiness, this little bargain is a really refreshing and soothing treatment, cooling and hydrating the eye area and perfect for after a facial. 

No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Coral Flush

Next is the No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Coral Flush, a product I have used for a while but rediscovered in a new shade. I have always loved wearing blusher as I am naturally quite blushed and think it compliments my fair complexion well. This shade is a deep pink with subtle flecks of a silver shimmer through it. Although it looks like quite a bright and shocking colour, the formula means it is very light when applied and really easy to build to the strength of colour you want. It blends into the skin really well and what I love most is that it almost looks as though you aren't even wearing blusher. Some powders have a problem with sitting on the skin and can appear cakey. This blusher settles perfectly and blends to a matte finish that looks natural - people have asked me if I am in fact wearing blusher as it gives off such a natural effect. This deep colour could flush any skin tone to the perfect blush and, although it isn't as pigmented as others, this plays to it's advantage allowing for a build-able yet natural finish making it very easy to work with and lasts all day long!

Real Techniques Nic's Picks Makeup Brush Set

My final favourite favourite over December and January has already featured in a blog post of its own (Click here to read!) so I won't go into too much detail, but it definitely needed a mention. The Real Techniques Nic's Picks Makeup Brush Set is the perfect collection of brushes that cover every aspect of makeup from blusher to eye shadow to eye liner. This collection gives you 5 essential brushes in one simple purchase. They are all made and decorated beautifully, the bristles are amazingly soft and easy to work with, giving a soft and professional finish. This set also gives access to 3 exclusive brushes from no other collections! Real Techniques as a brand are very consistent with their quality and versatility of brushes. This little collection is worth every penny and the looks you can create with their help are endless! 

That's all from the last couple of months! What have you been loving recently?

- Becca x

I Love... Strawberries and Cream Body Butter - RRP £2.99 (for 200ml)

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in Light - RRP £6.49 

Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - RRP £1.50 (for 15ml tube)

No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Coral Flush - RRP £8 

Real Techniques Nic's Picks Makeup Brush Set - RRP £29.99 

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Review: Real Techniques 'Nic's Picks' Makeup Brush Set

I first bought the Real Techniques Powder Brush early last year and fell in love at the first stroke. So, as my Mum walked through the door holding this set of brushes, it was far too tempting to not go and buy a set myself! Nic's Picks is a set of 5 brushes, some from the existing Real Techniques collections, others completely exclusive to this range. The set has both face and eye brushes, all decorated beautifully in silver and with details of each of their uses on the packaging. I really admire Real Techniques as a brand, set up by YouTube sisters Sam and Nic Chapman, who have worked hard to produce these amazing brushes and deserve every success in the world! It's even better knowing you can trust their products. As makeup artists, these personally designed products can help even beginners create flawless finishes like the girls themselves. 

Starting from the left, the first brush in this set is from another collection by Real Techniques - the Duo-Fiber Face Brush. I have predominantly been using this brush for applying my blusher and am very impressed so far. Due to my fair complexion, blusher is something I have to get spot on to avoid either looking like a vampire or looking too flushed like I've been on a 4-mile run. The bristles of this brush are very fine and not concentrated like a powder or bronzer brush may be. This means less product is picked up so, when applying the product, it is much more workable, as you can build it up to as deep of a colour as you want it without looking 'cakey' or patchy. This brush is also perfect for a light dusting of highlighter on the top of the cheekbone, again for an even but flawless finish. The bristles are so soft and the brush itself is the perfect size, not too big or small, to work on the cheeks making application far easier than the larger brushes I used in the past. If anyone else struggles with blusher application, this brush is amazing to help you get that perfect flush or glow. 

The second brush from the Nic's Picks collection is the Cheek Brush, the first of the exclusive cuts in this brush set. When I first got these brushes, I began to use this brush as it was best described, for my cheeks. I soon found that the dense bristles weren't suited to my desired blusher look. I'm sure this would be an excellent blusher brush for someone of a different skin tone, not concious of looking over-blushed as I do. However, the uses for this brush don't stop there. For a more dramatic highlight, using this to glide glimmer to the tops of the cheekbones or down the bridge of the nose to aid an accentuated glow. For a more dramatic contour, this brush is small enough to sit right in the contours of your cheeks or under the jawline to give a crisp line of bronzer for a emphasised contoured look. The close, dense bristles of this make it also ideal for blending foundation or even concealer too. I am looking to change it for this exact use but need to give it a good wash before! So although this brush isn't my 'go-to' of the set, it definitely isn't useless and is brilliant for versatility, in adding a little more depth to a look or for just everyday blending! 

The Angled Shadow Brush, another of the exclusive cuts, was probably the brush I was most excited to use of them all. Before buying this collection, I owned just one eyeshadow brush that I used for everything. Yet I had always found the normal rounded brush didn't quite cut it for the 'smokey eye' looks I love to wear. After using this brush for the first time, I was surprised by how much easier applying and blending eyeshadow through the crease and winged-out on the outer corner became. The angled shape helps it slot perfectly into the crease and the soft bristles work just the right amount of colour through. I find it also the perfect shape for angling eyeshdow at the outer corner in the perfect, soft winged shape to flatter my eye shape, especially teamed with winged eyeliner too. What's more, the softness of the bristles means the brush is gentle to work around the delicate eye area. This is the ideal brush for anyone struggling to perfect a smokey eye, or for beginners starting to be a bit more daring with eyeshadow looks and colours. 

The forth brush of the collection is my favourite of all. The Base Shadow Brush is the perfect eyeshadow brush. The shape is slightly pointed to the tip and the soft bristles, again, work carefully around the eye area. It applies the most even colour onto the lid, yet still grants a build-able look, allowing you to easily blend in other colours. The smaller tip means a smokey line can be applied under the bottom lash line too, without dragging it below too much. This is also an amazing brush for simply blending in harsh lines of eyeshadow, to create a soft and flawless finish. After using the Angled Shadow Brush, this brush can blend the edge of the colour, making sure the eyeshadow doesn't appear harsh around of the eye, especially important with darker colours. This brush is available to buy as a single item, so even if you aren't interested in this set, I would really recommend buying this brush on its own! It has added so much ease to applying eyeshadow, not leaving a patchy finish like the previous brush I owned. If you wear eyeshadow on an everyday basis like I do, this is the brush for you, you'll wonder how you coped without it! 

Finally, we come to the Eyeliner Brush, where the name speaks for itself. This brush is absolutely tiny and the bristles are dense and firm to create a controlled finish. Although I don't use gel eyeliner, the precision this brush allows would be perfect for this application. I have been using it for adding a thin line of eyeshadow close to the lash line instead of eye liner. I have really liked wearing this sort of look as it brings a darker edge to the other eyeshadow shades, accentuates my lashes yet doesn't leave my lash line undefined. The size of the brush gives a sharp line opposed to a smokier finish which I have always tended to opt for. However, as I hardly ever wear anything on my lower lash line, the thin and subtle line this brush creates means I can start being a bit more adventurous with this. So, although this isn't a brush that makes an appearance every time I reach for my makeup bag, it is definitely one that has encouraged me to try some new looks I couldn't have created without it. It's ideal for precision and a lovely way to add a line of definition, without eyeliner itself.     

All in all, the Nic's Picks collection gives you everything you could need to produce a range of flawless and almost professional looks with just five simple brushes. The quality, versatility and ease of each brush is amazing and this set is perfect for those just starting out with makeup as well as confessed beauty lovers like myself! 

I'd love to hear what your go-to brush collections and brands are. Or if reading this has made you want to buy each and every brush, say sorry to your bank accounts for me! Thank you for reading! 

- Becca x

Real Techniques Nic's Picks Makeup Brush Set - RRP £29.99

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Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015!

It's such a surreal feeling to say that another year has finished and we are now in 2015. I say this each and every year, that I can't believe how quickly the year has flown, but particularly this year as it was filled to the brim with amazing adventures I will never forget.

At the start of 2014, I was in my final year of Sixth Form. I was completing important coursework for my subjects and having fun with my friends. I was shy but happy as I have always been. It seems so long ago that I was sat in classrooms, libraries and at computers studying and working the hardest I possibly could. I put so much time and effort into my school work. I remember thinking I'd never complete my English coursework and the hours I spent editing my Media productions. 2014 was truly the year I believed in my abilities, both academically and personally. I was so pleased to receive the incredible grades I got, especially being the second person to achieve an A* in one of the subjects I had studied at my school. I got in to my first choice of University to study a course I love. I'm so lucky to be sat here looking back at all the hard work I put in and knowing it paid off. My next chapter academically starts this year in September, when my University life begins. I simply can not wait. 

Without making this sound cliché or cringe-worthy, I'd be lying if I said I haven't changed in 2014. I've always been on the shyer side. Surrounded by friends or family, I'm not scared to be my excitable and bubbly self but, surrounded by a group or new people, I tended to prefer to blend into the walls. I'd absolutely hate talking in front of people, whether it was a whole class or sometimes even a smaller group of 5 or 6. I hated it so much to the point where I genuinely feared it, almost as if I feared them, and would do what I could to avoid it. When I finished school and was looking for a job, the interview stage seemed like a nightmare. My Dad gave me the easiest bit of advice when the appointment for my first ever job interview landed in my email inbox. He simply told me that they were just another person like you or me, not there to test me or intimidate me, but simply to help me show who I was and why I should be the one they employ. My first interview was fantastic, they told me they were so impressed by my personality and attitude as well as my CV and I started my employment there not long after. Day after day, I talk to customers and make friends with the people I work with. After all, they are just people like me, going about their daily lives, and if I get the chance to make them smile, even for a second with a little chit-chat or wish of a great day for them, I know I'm doing something right. Of course, I'm still shy, I haven't turned into a public speaker overnight, but I'm making progress. Even the friends who have known me for years can see how much more confident I am in talking to and in front of people. Because they are just people. Not a jury. And I wish each shy person fearing to raise their hand in class in 2015, for the same reasons as I did, remembers this.

As well as becoming more confident in myself (which, trust me, is far less dramatic than I made it sound), so many other memories were made in 2014. Here are my favourites: I got on a plane for the first time and flew to New York City; I turned 18 and went out to clubs and pubs and had some of the best times with my friends; I went to some great and hilarious parties with my friends; I went on holiday with my best friend to the New Forest and did not stop laughing the whole time; I had an amazing time at a slip-and-slide BBQ, being massive kids and not even caring, with my friends; I saw more beautiful sunsets and sunrises that I can count, laid under the stars and saw animals, like deer and fox, that I had never before witnessed; I said goodbye to friends travelling around the country for University; I went on holiday with my family to a lovely tranquil part of country and relaxed for a whole week; I travelled, by myself, for 3 and a half hours by train to Cardiff to visit my boyfriend, Oli, for 5 days at University and we spent the most incredible time together; I met some new and lovely people; My Mum and I started baking, experimenting with new recipes more often and finally, I spent an amazing Christmas with my family and an exciting New Year with my friends! Even though I have done so much this year, it seems to have flown by in a flash. I just want to say a little thank you to every person who made my 2014 a wonderful year!

So here it is, 2015. I'm not usually one for the 'new year, new me' resolutions and I can see from the year just gone that you can't always plan for change. This year, I'm just going to embrace each second, live in the moment and stop worrying about the future. No amount of worry can change what will be, so why bother? I hope your year is even better than 2014. Thank you for reading this little old blog of mine over 2014, whether you've seen every post or just this one, I really do appreciate it and I hope you stick by me for 2015 too. Let's make this a good one!

With best wishes and good luck for the New Year,

Becca xx

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My Wonderful Christmas

Christmas traditions have been the same in my house for as long as I can remember. Opening stockings, running downstairs to see the presents flooding the bottom of the tree, excitement to give and receive the thoughtful gifts. I woke up this Christmas morning with the same happiness, excitement and gratitude as each year before.   

I had been working full time for almost all the festive period. Seeing customers come and go each day, pleased and excited with their purchases for Christmas, telling me all about who their gifts were for, would brighten even the busiest days. Most people uttered their desire for Christmas to be over as soon as possible but my feelings couldn't be further from that. As busy as it has been, as stressful and tiring, working the festive season kept me buzzing and I'm sure many of you working in retail will admit this too!

My Christmas Day was spent with my Parents, Brother and Nana who came over for Christmas lunch and an afternoon of relaxing. We sat down at the decorated table with colourful paper hats and hungry stomachs to fill with delicious food. My Mum and Dad prepared their first Christmas roast together this year, normally we would visit my Grandparents' houses so it was nice to enjoy it in our dining room for a change. From turkey to roast potatoes, carrots to Yorkshires, it was the perfect meal to fit the festive fever everyone was feeling on this special day. I'm sure you will all agree that nothing beats a Christmas roast!

I have been so lucky this festive period, filled with the love of friends and family. I just wanted to write this little blog post to share the small aspects of the big day that make me so grateful to have such a wonderful family and everything that I enjoyed this Christmas. 

I hope each and every one of you shared an amazing Christmas with your loved ones, took the break you deserved and received presents that made you smile. Merry Christmas! 

- Becca x

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A Snowy New York City

Back in February, I was lucky enough to have the chance to visit one of the most amazing cities on the planet - New York City. After enough persuasion, my Media Studies teacher sorted everything out for a lucky few of us to travel over to the Big Apple for an experience of a lifetime. As one of the most memorable trips I will probably ever have, I wanted to share a few of my favourite moments and memories and the pictures that captured them all. I hope you enjoy!

The Rockefeller Centre

Having just got off a 7 hour flight and attempted to eat dinner, we made our way to the top of the Rockefeller Centre to see the beautiful city lit up before us. The view was absolutely incredible, the lights continued for miles and miles, the true size of New York so overwhelming in the best way possible - I couldn't believe I was seeing it with my own eyes! From left to right, skyscrapers rose to cover the night sky, the roads below laced with tiny cars. It's one of those experiences that can't even be described! Just standing and looking across the city was the perfect way to start the trip and sparked my excitement to explore each and every part possible in the few days I was able to.

Central Park

A snowy Central Park is another memory that will always stay with me. I was so excited to be able to visit somewhere I've seen in so many movies (as corny as it sounds). We walked through the park, laughing as we slipped on the icy paths, stunned at the beauty of the snowfall. Perfect blankets of snow covered the grass and painted the branches and lampposts. How wonderful it must be walk through there each and everyday. We watched those skating on the ice rink and the children playing in the snow with their families. It was so comforting to explore the natural beauty amongst the skyscrapers and roads. A calm amongst the busy city and a familiarity amongst the unknown. I can imagine Central Park is as great as it was all year round, but the snow-covered grounds just made it even more magical. I couldn't have asked for a better morning, enjoying a different side to the New York I had met at the top of the Rockefeller.  

 Times Square

The first time we visited Time Square, we had managed to get a bit lost and had to walk absolutely ages before we could say we were close. We studied our map, desperate to tell us we were close when we turned the corner to see that right in front of us was the Times Square we had been searching for. We stood in a row, our mouths gaped open, in shock at the amazing sight. Another tourist offered to take a picture for us (far right), saying we looked so excited to be there. He was right! The rows of shops, covered in bright lights and flashing screens. The busy atmosphere of happy shoppers and excited tourists. We didn't know where to start! We looked in all the different American shops, some that we can't get here in the UK and some just because it was Times Square, like M&M World. We walked up the steps to get a full view of the place and couldn't believe our eyes. 'We are actually in Times Square in New York City' I thought to myself over and over again. To be somewhere you hear so much about, see so much on TV and know you'd do anything to visit, to finally be there was one of the best things in the world and us girls shopped to our hearts content and loved each and every second we spent there.

The Statue of Liberty 

We managed to take a little trip on a boat to see The Statue of Liberty in all her glory. We never actually planned to do this so it was a little extra that was so much fun. It was amazing to see such a famous landmark in the flesh and hear and see all the excited people around me, pointing and gasping with excitement. We had so much fun on that little boat too, holding each other to mimic the scene in Titanic and laughing as we took pictures against the stunning canvas. One of the best things about the trip was the atmosphere. Being with a group of people all so excited to see the sights of New York City completed the already incredible memories.

I'd love to go back to New York City, I'm certain one day I will. Everything that made up the trip was perfect, we even got to visit a little diner for breakfast to complete the whole experience. My trip to New York made me realise to never push something out of mind. I've dreamed of going to New York and now I have! It would have been easy to let a fear of flying or visiting a different country put me off, but when would I get this chance again? If you ever get the chance to visit this beautiful city, don't say no! Thank you New York for being such an amazing host and leaving me with memories to last a lifetime. 

- Becca x

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Current Fave Five

I have been very absent from here recently, my time occupied predominately by work, and I really have missed writing on here! The whole reason I set this blog up was to continue my passion for writing and I really hope I can find more time at such a busy time to write a lot more than I have been! Due to the lack of posts, especially the Fave Five posts which I would normally write monthly, I have chosen to do a more generic version today, updating you on five things I am currently loving. Do read on and share with me what you have loved over the last few months!

Classic Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

A constant battle of mine is against dry and chapped lips. I have tried so many different products and brands to combat this, from Vaseline to Nivea, yet nothing I have ever used compares to this product. My Mum purchased the Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm for me about a month ago, the '#1 Pharmacist Recommended Lip Balm' standing out to her on the packaging. I had heard of it, but having tried the Cherry flavour before, wasn't really sold. I must admit the flavour of the Classic Carmex isn't something worth raving about, but the soothing and healing nature of the lip balm is incredible! It tingles your lips to let you know the product is working (something I did have to Google when first applying!) and it leaves my lips hydrated for hours before I have to reapply it. I, personally, would recommend this product to anyone who struggles with chapped lips like me. It used to cause me so much pain and I'd hate applying lip balm so often. They also have different flavours, so if you really can't tolerate the odd flavour of this (which, I guess, I have grown to like!), why not choose the cherry or even strawberry flavour! 

VO5 Nourish My Shine Miracle Mist

This next product I used to adore and was an absolute staple in my haircare routine. I strayed away from it a few years ago, but on a recent shopping spree, believed it a good idea to revisit it. The VO5 Miracle Mist is a life-saver for my frizz-prone hair. Just spraying a little on frizzy hair can immediately make your hair look more tamed and sleek and when used before blow-drying can make a real difference to the general appearance of your hair. Most products claim to work wonders but often require to be teamed up with lots of other products to make a great deal of difference. It doesn't matter what shampoo or conditioner you use, a little spray on dry hair is a quick and easy fix for frizz and flyaways. I don't know why I ever let this slip from my collection! This is a got-to, handbag product that does exactly what it says on the bottle and what's more, it smells gorgeous too! 

Poppy Shearing Trim Lace Up Ankle Boot in Tan

My third favourite is a fashion fave rather than the beauty products that normally control these posts. I recently saw these adorable little boots on Boohoo.com and completely fell in love. These boots are laced with a soft and cosy fury inside that flaps over the edge, complimented with little buckles. These are the perfect winter boots, keeping my feet nice and warm against the British weather and looking lovely with all my winter outfits. I think the tan brown is a shade that fits with any jeans, leggings or tights and I have already worn these boots with pretty much every outfit since I bought them! 

Radox Herbal Bath Soak Relax

Thanks to the chill in the air at this time of the year, I have been treating myself to more and more baths, the perfect way to relax after a busy day. The Radox Bath Soak in Relax is such a soft and gentle scent of Lavender and Waterlily and has been my favourite product to bubble my bath up with. I chose this over some of the other scents because it isn't floral or overpowering. Of course a scented bath is wonderful, but when all you can smell is a strong and powerful scent, it can be a little too overwhelming and distract from the bath you're trying to enjoy. Radox have formulated this particular bath soak to help relax your mind and ease stress, something I can very much agree with. Lavender can be a difficult scent to get right but I love this fragrance and how at ease it makes me feel, so, if you're feeling the stress at this time of the year, this would definitely be something I would recommend you give a go to treat yourself and enjoy a little pamper!

Finally, I couldn't write this without mentioning CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! Christmas is one of the best and most exciting times of the year and the fun begins with shopping for all your friends and family. I absolutely love choosing presents for all my loved ones. As a very sentimental person, I try to put a lot of thought and effort into my presents. I very often don't plan my shopping adventures and just stumble upon the perfect gifts, seeing something and thinking 'they would love that!'. With just a month until the big day, I am so pleased with all my gifts so far and can't wait to keep on shopping!

I hope you've enjoyed reading my current favourites and I'll try my hardest to keep on top of the blogging! 

- Becca x 

Classic Carmex Lip Balm Tube - RRP £2.69

VO5 Nourish My Shine Miracle Mist - RRP £4.39 (for 150ml)
Poppy Shearing Trim Lace Up Ankle Boot in Tan - £20 from Boohoo.com
Radox Herbal Bath Soak Relax - RRP £2.00 (for 500ml)

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A Day at Weymouth Sea Life Centre

On a recent holiday with my family to the lovely area of Dorset in the South of England, we spent a visit to the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, home to a range of aquatic animals. I must confess I am a huge animal lover and was more than excited to take a trip here, not only to enjoy the fascinating behaviour of each animal but also to admire the hard work the staff put in to help with the conservation of some species which the world could soon be saying 'goodbye' to.

From otters to eels, sharks to penguins, Weymouth's Sea Life Centre lets you get up close and personal with so many creatures and animals in fun and exciting ways. I had been here before but I was much younger and on my second arrival couldn't really remember any features. What's more, we'd chosen to go during term time which meant we didn't have to push through waves of people to get a glimpse of our favourite animals.

The underwater tunnel is something I had faded memories of and one of the best parts of the whole day. The tunnel allows you to walk underneath a giant tank full of swift sharks, beautiful and colourful fish and gracious sea turtles. It was such an incredible experience to be surrounded by the hundreds of different creatures - it almost felt as if you were in the tank too! Everywhere you looked, there was something interesting to watch. The way the sea turtles bob in the water with such grace or the the way the clusters of fish shimmer in the spotlights. I found it such a calming experience to lose myself in the creatures around me.

Another part of the day that I personally loved was our visit to the penguin habitat. Anyone who knows me knows I'm mad about penguins so I had to restrain from squealing upon arrival. This visit was different to any I had experienced in any zoo though, and in the best way too! The penguins were perched on the rocks right by where we were stood. This meant I could see every tiny detail all over their little faces and bodies. It was also adorable how the Centre had specified which couples were together, referencing the coloured armbands they wore to match them up. I feel like this added a cute and exciting feature to the experience and I could see all the other children matching up the penguins as they watched.

The one thing I can't appreciate enough is all the work that the members of staff at the Sea Life Centre do for the animals in terms of conservation and protection. It's no secret that more and more sea life creatures are becoming endangered due to fishing, poaching and pollution. The ways the staff recognise this and tell visitors of their breeding programmes and conservation schemes boasts the importance of supporting and understanding why and how these are so important. The visit was not only fun and enjoyable, but educational. I learnt surprising facts that definitely changed my perception on the protection and conservation of endangered species. Did you know that less that 10 people are killed by sharks each year, but 100 million sharks are killed by humans each year? Shocking facts like this really made me appreciate the wildlife around me and feel proud to be supporting such a great cause through my visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day here and would definitely recommend a visit to anyone and everyone. Whether you're an adult, child, grandparent or family, the experience at the Weymouth Sea Life Centre was so enjoyable and even now I desperately want to go back! There are Sea Life Centres dotted all over the country including London, Blackpool and Brighton so, even if Weymouth is particularly out of reach for you, I'm sure a local Sea Life Centre would be happy to have you. For more details visit: http://www.visitsealife.com/

I took lots of little videos throughout the day and have edited them into a short and sweet video to show some of my favourite parts of the day! Take a look below!

Thank you for reading and maybe I've even encouraged you to visit!

- Becca x

P.S My blogging hat is most definitely back on again! Due to work and the holiday I had away without my laptop, my blog has desperately lacked in posts. I have some exciting ones on the way and am excited to be able to start writing again!

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