Being in a long term relationship

It says something when you have to go back to 2012 to find a decent smiling picture - mental note to maybe start smiling in pictures... Look at those baby faces! 

I've been in a relationship since I was 18. I have had the same - and only! - boyfriend for over eight years. Yet when I mention this to people, I get very mixed reactions. Some may find it romantic but to be honest the vast majority look at me in disbelief. How on earth can I be happy with only having one boyfriend?! Don't I feel the need to sow my seeds? Aren't I worried we got together too young? How can I possibly know he's the one for me?

I'm the first to admit that 18 is young and I'm a very different person now at 26. So is my boyfriend but we're growing together. We've both got the some views on marriage and children - not for a very long time thank you! We both love to travel and see live music. We lead quite separate lives and treasure our times spent with our friends. We've never ever lived in each others pockets. Sometimes we go days without seeing each other simply because we're living our lives. But it could change, at 30 we could suddenly want completely different things. It happens all the time. If we do? We would still have had many good years together and I definitely won't be thinking I've wasted my life on only one person. 

I get told that I don't have a clue what's out there and shouldn't be settling on my first one. Well first off, I'm not settling at all thank you very much. There's been no reason in eight years for me to question my relationship. We're both extremely stubborn and bicker but he's never once treated me bad. Not giving me the last roast potato on a Sunday isn't really much to complain about. I've heard horror stories from friends about their latest boyfriend and not had them myself. He has never ever told me what I can and can't do. I've bought a ticket to Glastonbury and jetted off to Chicago on my own and he's never batted an eyelid. I'm often swanning off on weekends to see my friends - perks of having them scattered around the country. A few people have asked how he feels about me doing so much on my own. Well why would he be bothered? He gets to order a 12-piece KFC bargain bucket to himself and play his XBOX all day. I'm not willing to ask anyone's permission to live my life. 

Why should people be belittled for their choice of love life? If you've had one boyfriend or ten boyfriends it doesn't matter. You are free to have any many partners as you choose and nobody is able to judge you. Someone would never - well most people wouldn't - blatantly call a girl a hussy to her face for having multiple boyfriends. So it shouldn't be ok to look down your nose at a girl who's only had one man friend. After all, we live in a free world don't we?

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Starved Rock State Park Photo Diary

After we spent three days in Chicago, we fuelled up on the biggest breakfast known to man then hit the road. I'm still sulking that I only pathetically managed a quarter. Our next destination was Starved Rock State Park. The legend goes, two Native American tribes were fighting and one was forced up a huge rock. Once they were up there, the other tribe cut off their food and water supply. Eventually they all starved to death. Lovely story eh?

We arrived a little early for our historic trolley tour so we went on a short walk around the park where we came across a frozen waterfall. After clambering across jagged rocks, we eventually landed just underneath a stunning waterfall. It was very surreal to stand on thick frozen water. Mother Nature can be really beautiful at times! Sometimes there's nothing better then popping on some trainers, wrapping up warm and getting out in the fresh air. It's made me want to do some more exploring a bit closer to home.

Feeling like Clint Eastwood was about to challenge me to a stand off at any minute, we popped into August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Company in Downtown Utica. It was incredible - you could have been in any city in the world. Crazy to think it's in such a tiny town. It was so stylish and sleek - the ladies certainly knew their wines!

I was completely blown away by Hegeler Carus Mansion. I've never been given a tour by such a knowledgeable guide - it makes a trip so much more interesting when you're being told stories by someone with such passion. It was such a beautiful building, inside and out. The fact the paint was peeling off, the floorboards creaked and the stairs crumbled all added to it's charm. In fact, it reminded me of Wilton's Dance Hall if you've ever been! I adored the story of Mary Hegeler who was such a pioneer of her time. She put the power into girl power!

After just one night we were on the move again, listening to Kelly Clarkson and B*Witched as we drove on the open road! The only way to do a road trip eh?

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Beauty: In my Spring make up bag

NYX 'Ladylike' Baked Blush c/o: This gorgeous blush is the perfect highlighter. It gives you such a glow and you only need a tiny sweep of product to make an impact. Keep a steady hand as it has a lot of shimmer - you could end up looking like a disco ball. It will look gorgeous with a tan!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner Trooper: I picked this up in Sephora during my trip to Chicago after a recommendation. Hands down my favourite eyeliner! It's so simple to use and creates the perfect cat eye every single time. The thin nib makes it so easy to get the perfect curve. I'll definitely be shipping another one over from the US once this runs out!

Bio Sculpture Gel '197' Nail Polish c/o: This gorgeous shade is such a pretty colour for Spring. It applies so easily and gives you a gorgeous shiny finish - no need for a top coat to get that shine! It's slightly streaky on the first application but once the second one goes on, it's great.

Essie 'Hubby for Dessert' Nail Polish: During a jet-lagged induced spree at 7am in the morning, I picked up this in Walgreens on holiday. I obviously needed more pastel colours in my life... I haven't worn this yet but I just know it's going to be on rotation throughout Spring.

Kat Von D 'Berlin' Everlasting Lipstick: This was a cheeky splurge whilst I was in Chicago - I couldn't not pay a trip to Sephora! I'd heard a lot of good things about these lipsticks and they are certainly worth the hype! They dry matte and last forever! Seriously they won't budge. There's just something about Spring that makes me gravitate towards pink.

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer: This saves my life. Every. Single. Day. It's the best concealer I've ever used and covers up those dark circles like a pro. It's lovely and thick and blends perfectly in. You've created a beauty Benefit!

Anatomicals Banana Lip Balm: I took this out of the beauty box at work when I needed a lip balm to combat the weather. It was a good shout! The smell is delicious - it immediately transports you to warmer climates. The change in seasons can be harsh on your lips so a decent lip balm is always a must. It's slightly gooey but does the job. You just need to make sure you only squeeze a little out!

Essie 'Blossom Dandy' Nail Polish: This was another polish that accidentally fell into my suitcase while I was in Chicago. I probably have five all similar to this shade but I'm a sucker for Essie and holiday money doesn't count right? It's such a pretty shade and is perfect for the warmer months. It only takes two coats before it's opaque and lasts a good few days before any sort of tip wear. Perfection!

Charlotte Tilbury 'Lost Cherry' Matte Revolution Lipstick: This was a very kind present from my blogging pals - they did good! I'm usually a red girl but this shade is stunning. It goes on like a dream and has good staying power. It's a great shade to add a little pop to your outfit - certainly makes a statement.

Maybelline Dream 'Coffee Cake' Bouncy Blush: I always find a cream blush is much more suited to Spring than a powder. I love this layered over a slight peach blush for a sun kissed look. Try not to be too heavy handed as you can tend to look like a clown. Build it up slowly!

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