January Favourites
Saturday 28 January 2017
January for me has been a complete post-Christmas lull.
I literally don’t know how people suddenly become motivated to change their lifestyle, go to the gym every day and just drink green smoothies. For starters, nobody tells you about how much Christmas food is left over. I mean, someone’s gotta eat all the Celebrations, and that gal is me.
I’ve softly pushed myself back into my gym routine, heading to my favourite gym classes but I’ve definitely not gone mad. I find getting back into the gym really hard, so I’m not going to push myself hard and scare myself away from it.
Anyway, rambling over, here’s my January Favourites.
Peppermint Tea
So for a few months now, I’ve been struggling with some digestive problems and after reading up a few posts on the internet I decided to give peppermint tea a go. I literally have just picked my up from Lidl, because it was super cheap. I’ve never really been a flavoured tea kinda gal, I’m more of a super strong builder’s brew hun. But I’m in love with this tea, it’s so refreshing and it’s totally helped me feel a little bit better.
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
When Leon asked me what I wanted for Christmas I sent him a list as long as my arm (with the expectation that he would completely ignore it and do his own thang.) There was one present on their which I was so amazed to see when I opened it on Christmas Day - the Rainforest of the Sea Collection that was on crazy offer on QVC. the collection came with the foundation, the dual ended brush, the palette which has 9 shadows and a blush, and Clay eyeliner, the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara and a make-up bag for less than £50. Insane.
I’m obsessed with this foundation because it’s super lightweight, and really easy to build. I’d say it’s more of medium coverage, but definitely buildable. I’m so happy with this foundation, since I have quite sensitive skin and foundations often break me out. However, this one is like a match made in heaven. I bloody lav it. Fanks Leon.
Tresemme Kertain Smooth Hair Mask
I'm always look for a product to help my dry hair. After getting my hair to it's grey colour, my hair has took a battering. I'm alway keen to find a new hair mask to repair my hairs strength, but haven't ever found something that works miracles. I've tried the Bleach London Reincarnation Mask, which is great but I feel like it only makes me hair smooth and manageable for a day, and then it starts to get dry.
But, this Tresemme mask bloody works and it's on offer super cheap at Superdrug! (I even prefer it over soaking my hair in coconut oil). Definitely pick this lil' angel face up if you're in the market for a new hair mask .
Pinterest
Whenever I need some inspiration there’s one app I always turn to - Pinterest. Need some motivation? Pinterest. An easy, yummy recipe? Pinterest. A bad ass quote to cheer you up on a raining Monday morning? Pinterest. In case you’d like to follow me, I’ll leave a link to mine here. But honestly, the month I’ve been using this so much. It’s helped to inspire me with getting my finances in order too. I spent a whole afternoon making pretty spreadsheets, in an attempt to plan how imma get out of this damn overdraft. Stupid student life.
Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush
I always swore I was a beauty blender gal, and to be honest, I lied. This brush has actually changed my make-up game. I always struggled with making my foundation flawless and dreamy like them big time Beauty gurus, but it was always a myth of how they achieved it. However, this bad boy as come into my life and changed it for the better. Goodbye streaking foundation, and hello flawless skin. Tah Zoeva, you baes.
I absolutely love Louis Theroux, I mean who doesn't? But as inspiring broadcast journalist, with an interest in investigative journalism, he is the bae of all baes. Me and Leon were scrolling through Amazon Prime a few weeks ago, and to my surprise there was My Scientology (which I haven't ever seen, I know.) For anyone who has seen this movie, please can you clarify what the bloody thing is though? I'm actually so confused that a 'religion' like that actually exists. Definitely worth a watch if you're looking to be confused/intrigued/in stitches.
Thanks for reading pals!
Love,
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I like being alone, but that doesn't make me lonely
Thursday 26 January 2017
When I decided to take the plunge and head back to university, there was one thing I knew I wanted to do - and that was to live alone. Alone? Ha, why the hell would I want to do that I hear you say?
Well… I enjoy being alone.
The beauty of being able to cook your dinner in your pants, without any questions. Well, the simple luxury of being able to cook exactly what I want, when I want is great.
I guess, I've always been an introvert at heart, but an extrovert when I need to be or feel comfortable.
I recently read an article on the blessed Thought Catalogue which summed me up perfectly.
For those of you with anxiety, and that are high functioning you should give that a read. I've literally never read something that hit hit me to the core, and make me think "shit, that is me."
I can sometimes find social situations a little overwhelming, and naturally have to get myself out of it and sometimes it literally means me running away to calm myself down. Soz to a lot of my friends, because I do this way more than I should. (Love you all)
But, along with my anxiety comes spending a lot of time in my own company. I'm okay with that. In face, I love that.
My little studio flat is my little bit of heaven, where I can have my me-time and not be disturbed. So many people ask me if I get lonely, or tried to ‘advise’ me to move back into halls. But, I mean, I’m 21 years old. I’m essentially an adult and I cannot think of anything less I’d like than to be in a flat with 18 year olds, who are new to absolutely everything - no offence, but it’s just not for me.
I've already been looking at flats for next year, and for me, my personal space is my haven. I would rather spend a little bit extra money on having a nice, spacious room which I can call my own. Not just because of my anxiety, I mean, it helps me having a calm space to come home to. But, I like having 'me' time. If I want to go out and be sociable I will do, I'm not a recluse. (lol)
I've already been looking at flats for next year, and for me, my personal space is my haven. I would rather spend a little bit extra money on having a nice, spacious room which I can call my own. Not just because of my anxiety, I mean, it helps me having a calm space to come home to. But, I like having 'me' time. If I want to go out and be sociable I will do, I'm not a recluse. (lol)
(Cute lil' photo of my dreamy bed, it's soooo high that I literally fall out of it)
I guess, I've never really been a person who has enjoyed going on nights out all the time. For one, I suffer with the worst hangovers known to man, and overall I just think it's overrated. I much prefer spending my time in a nice bar, and actually being able to speak to the people I'm with.
I've seen a lot of bloggers talk about how they are teetotal, or don't really drink. I mean, don't get me wrong, sometimes I can happily be 80% filled with Prosecco, but it completely depends on the situation. A lot of the time for me, alcohol makes my mental health uncontrollable. Sometimes, if I've had a few too many, it's even resulted in me having severe panic attacks, and I'd rather do everything in my power to stop those from happening.
I've seen a lot of bloggers talk about how they are teetotal, or don't really drink. I mean, don't get me wrong, sometimes I can happily be 80% filled with Prosecco, but it completely depends on the situation. A lot of the time for me, alcohol makes my mental health uncontrollable. Sometimes, if I've had a few too many, it's even resulted in me having severe panic attacks, and I'd rather do everything in my power to stop those from happening.
I am also a grumpy old woman who loves having her own space. I don’t have to deal with any flatmate dramas, or any midnight sly texts about who has left their pans on the side for the 8th day running….
I can hoover, sleep, cook, dance naked and eat whenever I bloody want and it’s bliss.
But, just because I’m alone, that doesn't mean I’m lonely.
Thanks for reading,
No I'm not 16. Yes, I really am 21.
Saturday 21 January 2017
I love a good rant, like a good old, grab a cuppa and put your feet up rant to your mum, or ya BFF.
I sometimes like to think of my blog, as a little corner of the internet I own. I almost like to treat it like a diary where I can rant, cus I can do that until the cows come home.
So, I've decided to add a dear diary section to my blog, to house all my inner thoughts that I need to blurt out. Whether that be about love and relationships, generally irritating things within mass culture or just a big ol' rant about uni.
So here goes numbero uno...
* * *
Dear Diary,
The most annoying thing ever about not looking your age is arguably the patronising comments you can get.
I was doing my weekly shop in Lidl, as like every week. I took myself off to the till, shopping on the belt and as it got to my turn, I knew what was coming... Yes, you can have my ID, because yes I need that Peach Schnapps in my life.
But, again, I got 'surely, you're not 21?'
Rude.
I am well aware that I don't look my age, and you certainly don't need to remind me.
I'm that friend that's always asked for ID when I'm on a night-out. I mean, I was even asked for ID to buy Super Glue in Poundland the other week... It's a skill, I'm sure.
But nevertheless, I still find it rude when patronising comments are made upon my appearance. Would you blurt in someone's face that they're awfully small? or skinny? or old? No. So, why do people think it's okay to call me out on being baby-faced?
I'm absolutely aware there will come a time in my life, where I'll be absolutely thrilled when someone thinks I'm younger than I am. But that time is not right now.
It's frustrating a lot of the time, because my mum always says 'I'm older than my years', and I guess I am. I'd say I'm quite a mature twenty-one year old, and priorities other issues than most people would my age.
One being, I am at university, but for one thing only - to smash my degree. A lot of people my age focus on going out 3 times a week, or going to every social event possible but not me. (No offence meant, but you know what'm trying to say).
Truthfully, I probably don't like going-out because I'm quite an introvert. Introverted in the sense that I like my own company, and that's a large part of the reason I chose to live in a studio flat. What I'm trying to say is that my head is firmly screwed on, and my focus is primarily on getting a good degree, to help kick start my career.
But because I'm an introvert, that doesn't mean I'm not confident. I am certainly confident enough to pull you up when you piss me off.
And sorry Lidl man, but you pissed me off.
Do you look younger than you're age? Do you find it annoying, or do you embrace it?
Thanks for reading, pals!
Love,
Tips for a Healthier and Happier You
Thursday 19 January 2017
(Don't mind me, just chilling' with me peppermint tea)
Isn’t it frustrating, trying to get a fit and healthy? I absolutely hate it, especially during January.
After Christmas it’s been a struggle to lift the remote, let alone lift a barbell at the gym.
I also hate the added pressure of January, everywhere you look there’s adverts for new gym gear, workout protein and the newest shiniest pill that claims to help you lose a stone in a week.
Yeah right.
It really upsets me how many products are advertised during January that are marketed as these ‘quick fixes’. There are no quick fixes with weight loss, just education and persistence.
* * * * *
As a gal whose relationship with food and my weight, has fluctuated more than the value of the pound these past few months, I’ve learnt a lot along the way about weight loss.
I’ve always been a relatively active person, dancing 4 times a week from the age of 8 and often training for competitions and the like. But, when I headed off to university my weekly exercise structure just went out of the window AND yes, ‘Freshers Fifteen’ is a real thing. Before I knew it, I was THREE stone heavier than before.
I never really noticed my weight gain, it was almost like one day it appeared and hit me like a big bag of boulders. I remembering stepping on the scales at my local gym and literally wanting to burst into tears. How was I ever going to lose that much weight? and why hadn’t nobody said anything to me?
It was clear my coping mechanism for my anxiety and depression was to comfort eat, all the damn, wrong foods.
So I stopped, reevaluated my relationship with food and educated myself about nutrition. Here we are, a year later and two stone lighter. And, yes. I’ve got a stone to go to feel comfortable in my own body again.
Here are a few tips that I find help me when I’m trying to become a little healthier.
Meal prep like there’s no tomorrow
Reason number 1: it keeps you on track, and reason number two: it’s super easy and saves you money. I used to prep some takeaway lunch boxes filled with all of my favourite goodies like sweet potato, sweetcorn, Quorn chicken, spinach with a little seasoning. Some people may find these horrendously boring but trust me, it works. Not only did it save me from buying lunch every day, it helped me shed a few pounds. Well, it actually helped me lose a stone. Chop up a selection of your favourite veggies and greens, add your chosen source of protein and simply add some seasoning! Pretty simple right?
Hydration is key
This tip is pretty self explanatory. I try to aim and drink 4 glasses of water throughout the day, nothing too stressful. I slice a little bit of lemon into my water filter, and pour a glass in the morning to wake up my body in a gentle way. The lemon just adds a little flavour, as well as getting your bodily systems moving. Another great drink in the evening is Peppermint tea, I just buy the cheap version from Lidl. It’s great just before bed to soothe your digestive system.
Exercise however YOU like
I find exercise classes are the best options for me. I work harder when there’s an instructor taking the class, and advising me what to do. A few of my favourites are Zumba, which is basically a really fun, aerobic dance class and Legs, Bums and Tums (LBT) which really targets key areas I struggle with. The class isn’t too scary, it’s mainly a class using your own bodyweight performing exercises like squats, lunges and ab crunches. A great one if you’re trying to tone up for Summer!
I really struggle with just going to the gym, I just have this constant fear that I’m being judged or watched and it makes me super uncomfortable… anyone else get this?
Step away from the sad step, and take photos instead
This is something I’ve recently started doing because it can impact me so negatively after stepping on the scales. As Joe Wicks (The Body Coach) calls it ‘the sad step’. I’ve opted to take photos of myself, as I find this is a true representation of my weight loss. It’s easy to forget that you might have only lost 1lb, but you could have also lost 2 inches off your waist and thighs. Photos are great motivation for me, and when I’m feeling down about my image, I look at the photos and instantly feel good about how far I’ve come.
Drink your veggies
I am terrible with food. From a young age, I’ve always had my reservations about anything green. I really struggled to get the right nutrients in my body, and as a result, had a terrible immune system and was constantly ill. I’m a little better nowadays, and will try a lot more foods but I still struggle. I find making smoothies is the best way for me to make sure I get all the nutrients for my body. Just whizz a few leafy greens and fruit into a blender, add some water and voila!
I hope these tips help a few of you out and let me know if you’d like to see some more. As I’m experimenting with more food, I’ll share the recipes that are super yummy for you all to try. Please remember to be gentle with yourself, progression takes time and results will come, just be patient. Always remember that it’s not about restoring your calories, it’s about learning which foods are best for your body.
Personal Growth
Tuesday 17 January 2017
Deep, I know.
I’ve noticed a lot of people on various social media platforms, ranting about the past and particularly the past versions of people.
Now, I’m not a person who holds grudges, I find it takes far too much time and effort to hold negativity against people. I know, that people have different coping mechanisms, and ways of dealing with issues. But, grudges are just not me boo.
There’s one thing I’m currently struggling to understand one thing:
Why people don’t understand that the person I was 2 years ago, or 5 months ago is not the person I am today. I have grown, and I’m still growing.
Like everything, I have grown. I am growing and I’m going to continue to grow. My views on certain subjects is constantly changing, and I’m open to learning so much more than I was before.
I pride myself on my ability to reflect and think, actually I was wrong, and apologise and move the fuck on with my life.
The past few months have reiterated that life is fucking short, so live it, and live it happy. A massive cliche, I’m aware but it’s true.
Hatred and negativity are always going to exist, I’m not naive to think that my post is going to destroy ‘girl hate’ or even homophobia overnight. But, if this post makes one person stop and think about themselves, and their personal beliefs and growth - then I’ll pat myself on the back.
We are all growing, and we’re all entitled to grow.
Never let anyone make you feel bad about something you no longer are. Humans are cruel. But we are also soft, and gentle creatures who long to live contently.
Or at least I do.
* * * * *
I think it’s important to reflect on life, and how it shapes us as people. I have done this quite a lot over the Christmas and New Year period. Last year, I was severely depressed and this year not-so much. I’m in a better place, phsyically and mentally. I am not fixed, nor do I ever think I’ll be fixed. However, I’m learning to deal with what life throws at me a lot better. I’m unsure if that has come with maturity, or me reflecting on my personal growth.
My personal resolution for 2017 is to be more mindful of my own self-care. Last year, I spent a lot of time being so critical of myself that I forgot even how to love myself. This year, it's a priority for me. I'm going to make sure I take time out for me, and I've spoken a lot more about these in my previous post about self care if you're interested in reading. 2017 is about self-care, that is this year's mantra. Because if you can't love yourself, who will?
My personal resolution for 2017 is to be more mindful of my own self-care. Last year, I spent a lot of time being so critical of myself that I forgot even how to love myself. This year, it's a priority for me. I'm going to make sure I take time out for me, and I've spoken a lot more about these in my previous post about self care if you're interested in reading. 2017 is about self-care, that is this year's mantra. Because if you can't love yourself, who will?
In short:
Personal growth is important to reflect on.
You’re constantly changing as a person, and your experiences shape your mindset.
People need to understand that life is too short to hold grudges.
Self Care Tips
Sunday 15 January 2017
I’m a firm believer in we all should learn about self-care. If you don’t follow me on Twitter, you would have missed my main New Year resolution - which was funnily enough to smash my own self care.
Here are a few simple tips on how to take a few minutes out of your day to give yourself some love.
A lot of us are too busy with work and life, that we sometimes simply just forget how to relax. - me included. Learning how to have the perfect work-life balance is something I'm working out, but implementing a few minutes each day to give myself some 'me' time is something I completely prioritise for my own mental health.
Eat a yummy breakfast
This is a really simple thing that I find can change my whole day. I’m an absolute sod of waking up 30 minutes before my lectures and skipping breakfast, and I can notice how it can affect me. No breakfast = limited concentration, drowsy and a little bit grumpy. Whereas if I’ve prepped a yummy breakfast the night before, it can make the world of difference. A few of my favourites are ‘overnight oats’ or gluten-free pancakes with some bananas on the side!
Have a ‘digital detox’
I’m going to put it out there, I’m addicted to my phone. The first thing I do is check my social media, and from there on out, I’m endlessly scrolling - for No. Apparent. Reason. I find one by just shutting off for one evening a week can make the world of difference, for my productivity and my mind.
Create a peaceful Spotify playlist
Having a special calming playlist is not only great for those long, self indulgent baths, but for any time you want ‘me’ time. I find my productivity soars when I have a relaxing playlist on, especially when it comes to my uni work.
Pamper yourself with your favourite face mask
I bloody love a face mask, in particular, the Bodyshop Rose Fresh Plumping Mask(*) it’s a little bit of heaven in a pot. I don’t have dehydrated skin necessarily, but when my skin is feeling tiresome from a week of day-to-day makeup, it gives me a little boost. I highly recommend this little pot of loveliness. It’s also vegan-friendly too.
Take a Yoga class
I only got into Yoga during the back end of 2016. I had a lot of misconception about Yoga, and it being super dull and boring but it was surprisingly challenging. Whenever I’ve had a stressed week, taking a 45 minute yoga class at my local gym can make a world of difference. Not just for my body, but especially my mind.
Light a candle
Are you even a 20-something if you don’t love a good candle? In the evening I love turning into duvet burrito, whilst watching Netflix with a few good candles on. My mum bought me a beautiful yankee candle for Christmas, called ‘Sun and Sand’ and it just reminds me of how much I love the summertime.
All da’ tea
You know when people tell you they don’t like tea, and you’re left questioning their existence? Yeah, that.
I am a proper tea-belly, I have been since a very young age. I used to drink tea in my baby bottles, I was obsessed. There’s something so comforting about a good ol’ cuppa. Recently I’ve been venturing from my usual Breakfast tea and tried Peppermint tea. I’ve been having a few problems with my digestive system lately, so I’ve started to drink Peppermint tea in the evening to settle my stomach.
Learn to say no when you’re overwhelmed
This is something I still struggle with, but this year I’m going to make sure I say no more often. I’m currently working 2 jobs to help me get through university, and learning to manage my time properly has been more important than ever. But I also need to make sure I don’t always a free to things that I know I can’t do, just to please others. 2017 is about me, and my self care and if I’m overwhelmed I need to hold my hands up and ask for help.
Thanks for reading pals!
Love,
(*) This post includes products/gifts that were kindly sent to me, but as ever, all the opinions are my own.
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