Honestly, these months are going by so fast!

June's been a little stressful for me for several reasons, but a combination of little things have been getting me through.

1. Having Love Island back on my screen!
Yep, I'm one of those people who is currently glued to my screen at 9pm every night. I'm not even sorry! Love Island coming back on my screen has made me so happy (even though this season isn't a patch on the previous, if you ask me) and it's been a really good excuse to make sure I have all of my work done by 9pm so I can watch it!

2. A BBQ with the 'Family You Choose'
I've probably mentioned this kind of thing in a tonne of previous Happiness Journal posts, but time with my non-blood family is something I cherish so much. At the beginning of the month, we took advantage of the sunshine and had a little BBQ and it was so lovely to just all chill out together and eat until we napped.

3. Getting back into a blogging routine.
I've had so much going on for the last month or two that I felt like I'd fallen out of my blogging groove. I wasn't anywhere near as organised, I was missing posts left right and centre... and I was kicking myself for it, in all honesty. I had a serious case of bloggers guilt, and I really missed being active on social media and creating. In the last few weeks though, I've got myself together and I'm finally back into a routine which I'm comfortable with.

What's made you happy recently?

Love,
Sian xo

Summer has finally arrived and I couldn't be happier about it. I love switching up my beauty routine ready for the warmer months, putting away my heavy foundations and thick eye make up in favour of lightweight formulas and anything with a glow.

I've teamed up with Clive Christian and their range of summer perfumes to share with you my summer beauty must-haves, all of which will be at the top of my stash for the foreseeable future!

I've recently learned the importance of a great self-tan, especially when I've been a staycation-er for the last few years and my chance of getting a proper tan is pretty limited! I raved about the St Tropez One-Minute Mousse when I was kindly gifted it earlier this year and I'm still just as obsessed. It's so easy to use; pop it on, wait a minute, hop in the shower and done. It fits in perfectly with your daily routine and gives a natural sun-kissed glow, with no streaks!

To finish off the sun-kissed look, I've been loving the Utan Bronze and Tone night creme. This is designed for your face and you simply pop it on overnight and it builds a gradual tan. The cream is really lightweight and the glow it gives is gorgeous!


For me, there's nothing worse than it being the height of summer, and having to wear a full-coverage foundation. You know when you feel like you can't touch your face without half of your foundation melting off? Yep, that. Whilst the sun has been out, I've absolutely sworn by the Olay & MaxFactor BB Cream, I've been using it for years and it gives me just enough coverage to cover any blemishes and even out skin tone without feeling too heavy on my face.


I haven't really been a big fan of Benefit's Hoola Bronzer until recently - I always thought that the colour was much too strong for me and it just didn't really suit. It wasn't until I mentioned it to one of the Benefit girls when I went to have my eyebrows done that she showed me a couple of little tricks to create a more natural look, including blurring out the edges with a normal powder. Since then, I've been loving it. It hasn't left my make-up bag, it's perfect for giving your face a sun-kissed look for the summer.


During the winter, I'm all about greys, deep purples and red nails. But as soon as the sun starts to come out, I love changing it up to brighter colours. Barry M and Ciate are two of my favourite nail polish brands because they're hard-wearing and chip resistant, and these are two of my perfect summer shades, pink and corals, yes please!


In the warmer weather, my already thick and flyaway hair can go a bit nuts. It's the humidity! A good hair oil is essential for me to tame my locks. I discovered the Hallelujah Hair Oil from Forest & Shore a few months ago and I have never looked back. It's been working a treat at repairing my damaged hair, with the added bonus of smoothing and taming it during the humid weather.

What are your summer essentials?

Love,
Sian xo

*This is a sponsored post, but all work is my own.

To the Family You Choose,

You lot know me. I've always hated Father's Day. I stay off social media to avoid the #daddyslittlegirl posts and old photos. I scrunch my nose up at the adverts on TV and the meal offers outside restaurants. And more often than not, I spend Father's Day with you, just to distract me.

It's not that people shouldn't post on Father's Day and show their dads appreciation. It's always been a jealousy thing. I guess I feel cheated out of it.

This year though, I'm turning that on its head. And in honour of Father's Day, I'm celebrating you, some of my favourite people in the whole world. The Family I Chose.

You're a special bunch, because you didn't have to love me. There's no genetic connection that means we're forever linked. Instead, you took me on, got to know me, flaws and all, and love me anyway. And I'll always be grateful for that.

To Sarah, probably the most selfless person I've ever met. My godmother, big sister and best friend. I can genuinely say I wouldn't be the person I am without you. From teaching me silly songs and group games as a little girl, to taking me out for ice-cream to help mend a broken heart, to coming and beating down my front door when I try to go into hiding. And everything else in between. I couldn't be more grateful.


To Joe, the father figure I always needed. The man who would take on anyone who dared to try to do me wrong, makes me laugh and gives the best hugs. The man who knows exactly when he needs to bring cake, just because I've had a rubbish day. The man who will wrap me up in a big, Joe-like hug, kiss my forehead and remind me that the boy wasn't good enough for me anyway. Eloise is a lucky girl to have a dad like you.

To Eloise and Madison, my extra little sisters. How you two make me giggle! Madi, it's been so amazing to watch you grow from this little tot with brown curls and big eyes to the funny, sassy and clever girl you are now. Eloise, you have so much growing still to do but I already know I'm going to be so proud of the person you're about to become.



To Helen, one of the funniest, strongest people I know. Thank you for making me laugh until I cry, feeding me wine and for all the times we've been the ones giggling at the back of church.

To Grandma, the lady who taught me to remember my manners as a little girl, who always looks happy to see me and was always up at 2am when I was still working away on my uni essays and checked in to make sure I was okay. You're a special lady and I'm so grateful to have you.


Family isn't always necessarily about blood connections. Family are the people who stick by you through every triumph, every rough patch, every heartbreak. They're the ones who cheer you on and pick you up when you hit rock bottom. And when they do all that, because they chose you, hold on to those people. Mine are ace.

Love,
Sian xo

I get the word 'basic' thrown at me pretty much every other day. My brother says I'm the most basic person he's ever met. Dan rolls his eyes when I get excited over rose gold items. My friends laugh and tut and shake their heads and mutter 'such a basic girl.'

But hey, why do they say I'm basic like it's a bad thing?

We live in a world which is all about fitting in, but there's also a negative connotation with not being different enough, or not being a bit edgy? 

Up until recently, I've found myself trying to justify to people why I am this way, or downplay characteristics, interests or behaviour that will make them think I'm 'basic'. But you know what? I've decided to embrace it. Yep, I'm basic.

Autumn is my favourite season. I love watching the leaves on the trees change colour. There's a slight chill in the air but it isn't too cold. It's perfect scarf weather (and I love scarves.) And there are few things that are as joyful as crunching through leaves.

I do get a bit excited when Starbucks bring back the Pumpkin Spice Lattes. They taste delicious, okay?

I love rose gold things. Especially homeware. Copper is also very pretty.

I happen to love my dragonfly tattoo on my wrist. I'll never be the kind of person who has large tattoos and I'll never even consider a sleeve, but that doesn't make it okay for heavily tattooed people to roll their eyes at me.

I love a good musical. My all time favourite is Wicked, which I could sing to you backwards.

You'll almost always find me with a cup of coffee in hand. Not because I think I look cool with a takeaway cup, but because I'm just really tired and need the caffeine.

I own a lot of Pandora jewellery, and I'm a firm believer that I'll never own too much of it.

I am the kind of person who will take a photo of their food before they tuck in if it looks especially delicious. Always thinking of the 'gram.

But, all of these things combined which apparently make me basic, doesn't make me any less intelligent, or kind, or any less myself. And if that means I'm 'typical', then so be it. Let me take joy in these little things.

Yep, I'm a basic girl. On the plus side, that makes it very easy to buy me Christmas and birthday presents!

Love,
Sian xo