Reflecting on 2015

2015 hasn't been one of my best years. In fact, overall it's been far from a good year as the passing of my beloved grandad earlier this month has overshadowed the small moments of happiness that I've experienced over the year. I suppose grief can make you feel like that, along with many other unpleasant feelings which aren't always describable. Writing this post is really hard and I've been putting it off for a while but it's something that I feel I need to do.

If I had the opportunity to rewind about 14 months, before my grandad got ill and also before I was diagnosed with blood clots on the brain, I would but only if I knew then what I do now. Maybe then I could've saved him and myself before it was too late. I don't like to talk to those close to me about how I'm feeling as it upsets me and the grief hits me like a giant wave. As I struggle to keep afloat, the pain feels as raw as it did when I first found out that his illness was terminal back in the summer. He was only 76 so I thought he would still be around for another few years, making me laugh and putting up with me. I hoped he would still be here for when I finally get my sh*t together and start behaving like the adult that I'm meant to be (whenever that may happen) but sadly, life never seems to turn out the way we hoped. (for people like me anyway)

This year was the hardest year of my life but also one of the most slow paced and relaxing. I've spent the best part of the second half of the year out of work which has allowed me to spend much treasured time with family and close friends. It's reinforced ideas about what sort of job and life I want in the future which I hope to put into practice in 2016. I have a feeling that next year will be a turning point in my life and there will be quite a lot of change. I should be moving out of London sometime before the summer with my family which will begin a new chapter. I would love to be taking a step towards being a grown up and moving in with my boyfriend but sadly that isn't currently possible financially. I can only hope that it will be within the next couple of years. I also plan to look for a permanent job when I move which will hopefully be closer to home and not too stressful. Recent events have reinforced my view that a work life balance is incredibly important so I don't want a career that takes over my life. I plan to carry on blogging as it's a good creative outlet and I enjoy being part of a community. I don't fit in everywhere but amongst my fellow bloggers I feel accepted and at home

I hope that most of you have had a much better year than I have and I wish you all the best for 2016

Walking in Winter Wonderland

I haven't been blogging recently as I've not been in the right frame of mind. Sadly, my grandad passed away on Monday after battling aggressive cancer. He was only diagnosed in July so the latter part of this year has been awful. I've always loved Christmas but the past two years have been tough with my illness then my granddad's passing, it's enough to make even the most avid Christmas fans turn Scrooge but I'm trying my best to enjoy moments of Christmas spirit (no, I don't mean Baileys and the like)

A trip to Winter Wonderland for Ldn Meet up's Secret Santa with some lovely fellow bloggers helped lift my mood and I was mesmerised by the lights and festive atmosphere. Lauren did a great job of organising the event, I got to meet some really nice people and loved my secret santa present which was a set of Yankee candles. I still don't know who they were from but I'm very thankful!

My camera was on the verge of running out of battery so the best pictures were taken on my phone and posted on Instagram (view these under @ChelseyPrentice)

If there is another event at Winter Wonderland next year I definitely plan to go!

5th Blog Birthday Giveaway

On 14th December my little blog turns 5 and to celebrate I've decided to do my first ever giveaway for my readers. (Sorry it's taken so long!) All you need to do to enter is follow me on Twitter (@ChelseyPrentice) and send me a tweet or DM with the following hash tag; Fashionistaonabudgetgiveaway. If you're not on Twitter please comment below with your name and email address. I've put together a small bundle of beauty goodies, jewellery and festive treats that you can win below

The giveaway includes nail polish, self tan, lipstick, shower gel, a Christmas yankee candle, hand cream, perfume samples, ear cuffs and more. Names will be written on a piece of paper, folded so I can't see the name and pulled from a tin. The closing date is 11pm on Sunday 20th December 

These are my two favourite, festive themed items from the giveaway with a handmade business card. After all, it isn't christmas without sparkly nails and a cinnamon scented candle! The winner will be announced on 14th December so best of luck!

Fifty Shades of Beige

The tonal look can definitely make low priced pieces look more luxurious and high end, especially when mixing a variety of fabrics. Using a silky brown Zara pussybow shirt that I've had for years as a starting point, I built a look using toffee tones. My camel coat was £30 from New Look, (definitely my bargain of the season!) the trousers were around £25 from asos and the boots were £68 from Office.

My bag is a Longchamp classic that I've owned for a few years. I think this palette works particularly well on golden blondes but it would also suit brunettes with sun kissed skin and those with bronze tones in their hair. The trousers are so comfortable and would be great for work with a pair of brogues or loafers