Non-Beauty Spring Things

A small assortion of things not related to beauty (for once) that I have accumulated lately, from summer-holiday reading material to footwear.

1. Patterned Folder | Paperchase £3

I am in my final year (and final term) at university and currently trying to complete my dissertation so I figured this was one of my last chances to buy stationery in an attempt for a last surge of much-needed motivation. I saw this folder in Paperchase a few weeks ago and I thought it was so pretty I couldn't not buy it. The pattern is on the inside as well, and it is a nice way to brighten up all my boring paperwork that seems to accumulate with university life. The range is called 'Raindrops' and there are other stationery bits that are equally as pretty, I am keen to buy the Raindrops desk pad to try and organize myself for the rest of the term. This file is not on the website at the moment but it is in stores, and you can see other things in the range here. 

2. Pointed Nude Flats | Topshop £26 reduced to £12

The Topshop sale launched this week and I spent a few enjoyable hours searching for a bargain. Although a lot of the sale is autumn/winter things, there are some pieces that are suitable for spring and summer like these nude flats that were only £10.80 (!) when I applied my NUS Student discount, reduced from £26. They are really summery and the neutral colour goes with most things, especially denim which I wear a lot. Pointed shoes seem to be everywhere at the moment so I was surprised these were in the sale, they also have a similar black version (here) which would be great as a smart approach to the trend, maybe as school or work flats. They have a fastening strap around the ankle which is great as it reduces the chance of them falling off when you're in a rush.. I haven't worn them out yet so I can't comment on the comfortable-ness but visually they are great.

3. Far From The Madding Crowd | Waterstones £4.99

As an English student this is probably a book I should have already read by now, being a classic Thomas Hardy... but I have finally got round to reading this after seeing the trailer for the new film adaptation coming out May 1st. I usually like to read the book before seeing the film to see how they compare, and I am only half way through the book at the moment (hence the bookmark) - struggling to read it around essay writing. Aside from the film, reading is a great way of un-stimulating your brain before you go to sleep - an alternative to watching a box set or TV until the early hours of the morning. This book is written beautifully, even if some of it does go over my head when I am keen to finish a chapter or further the plot.. It's also a nicely sized book - not too intimidating compared to a lot of the classics. 

4. Heath and Heather Rosehip Tea | Holland & Barrett £1.59 

I drink tea (mostly green and fruit) all the time as one of the ways to up my water intake (as I'm not very good at just drinking water in the day) and just because I like it. The latest tea that I have tried is Rosehip tea - I wasn't sure if I'd like it as I haven't tried Rosehip to eat or drink, I've only come across it as an ingredient in beauty products. It's a lot fruiter than I thought, it reminded me of berry tea but perhaps not as sweet. The Heath and Heather brand is about the same price as Twinings and normal supermarket teas, but it has a slightly luxury feel as the teabags are all prettily lined-up in the box as you can see in the pictures. The packaging is really simple and lovely, and some of the range is in the penny sale at Holland and Barrett at the moment, meaning two boxes for about £1.60.