Category: lifestyle

Easy ways to read more!

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Each year I set myself a target of the number of books I’d like to read, normally it’s 100. That said since graduating last year things have changed in my life and trying to get through books has been a lot more to fit into my life, I’m obviously working 5 days a week (which really cuts into your reading time). A lot of people I speak to say they just don’t have the time to read more, so I thought I might help.

 

Always have a way to read with you 

Physcial book, Kindle, eBook, it doesn’t matter! You never know when you’ll have time to spare. You can also read on laptops, phones, iPods, tablets, you name it! Get reading!

Set time in your day to get a couple of pages in 

I like to try and read either at the beginning of my lunch break or before I go to bed at night. It doesn’t matter if you read one page or ten, giving yourself that little bit of time means you’re reading!

Audiobooks are your friend! 

I love audiobooks. I have a monthly subscription with Audible which allows me to get two audiobooks for £15. They’re great when you have a lot to do. I can listen at the gym, while driving, while cleaning. Personally, I like to listen to memoirs rather than fiction, but that’s my personal preference and there are SO MANY too!

Get a library card 

Anyone remember the tune from ‘Arthur’, our favourite Aardvark ‘Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!’. If you don’t have much money to spare on books, your local library is a great place to start reading without the cost!

Attend a local book club or meetup

I’ve started going to a new local book club, meaning I can talk about books and get new reads. It also gives you a reason to read, a lot of the people in my book club are trying the group so that they have the motivation to read! Sounds good to me.

Enjoy what you read! 

If you don’t have a lot of time don’t feel bad about stopping a book you’re really not enjoying! Find something you enjoy and get stuck in!

What are your tips? Let me know in the comments below!

Sunday Seven: Getting Healthy

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So, I’ve decided after gaining a little weight I need to get back into my health and fitness. I used to really work at it but a combination of things lead me to abandon my gym routine and healthier eating. Now I’m getting back to it here are seven ways I’m getting healthy.

Going to the gym at least one hour a week. 

I’m not letting this go this time. After going for a workout yesterday I felt so good about myself (today I’m aching all over but that’s beside the point) and my body felt good. Back to the gym I go!

Drinking all the water! 

I’m limiting myself drinking fizzy drinks because I drank so much. Instead, I’m replacing it with water to try and improve my health and my skin.

Eating when I’m hungry

Little and often is always recommended so I’ve sorted myself out with a small afternoon and evening snack. I know I get hungry so planning around it means I won’t splurge on chocolate and biscuits from the work canteen.

Stopping when I feel full. 

I remember reading about weight loss and a big piece of advice was stopping when you feel full, sounds simple right? The article went on to discuss when we’re out to eat we feel like we need to eat everything to be polite. So instead I’m stopping when I feel full.

Not obsessing over calories 

I got into a bad way with calories. I had a tracker and got anxious if I went over my daily amount. Instead, I’m just going to have smaller portion sizes and make smart choices.

Getting enough sleep 

Somehow I don’t think this will be a problem…

Only weighing myself once a week 

I don’t want to get in the cycle of constantly weighing myself again. I’ll check once a week to see progress but that’s all I’ll allow. I have no scales in my house for this reason.

What else would you add to my list? Let me know in the comments below!

Illumicrate Unboxing- May 2017!

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It feels like forever since my last illumicrate unboxing so I was eagerly awaiting my next one since it is now the only subscription box I get! As always if you don’t want any spoilers then pop back later but if not carry on to see the treats inside!

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Enchanted Doro Hanger & Print 

Designed by TJ Lubrano. These adorable prints inspired by Beauty in the Beast look SO cute and are exclusive to Illumicrate. I also completely agree that home is where the books are.

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Feyre Mug 

This is an exclusive design from Merwild. Now I’ve never encountered Feyre but I like the mug all the same and you can’t go wrong with an exclusive!

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Collection of postcards

These have so great designs but I have no idea what they relate to? Slightly confused about this one

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Mermaid Lagoon Candle

This smells so good. It’s a really summery scent and I’ve abolutely fallen in love with it! Again this is also an exclusive so on one hand I’m so happy I have it, on the other I’m sad that I won’t be able to get this again!

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Windfall poster 

I really like this quote because it’s so relevant, I’m looking forward to learning more about the novel.

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The Waking Land 

Interestingly this is an advance reader copy! I don’t read a lot of fantasy but I’m hoping to give this a try!

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Truth or Dare

I’ve actually met Non Pratt and she’s a wonderful human. I’ve tried to read her first novel but couldn’t get into it but hopefully reading Truth or Dare will change my mind! This was also signed. IMG_4668

Corner Bookmark

So this has some kind of map print and it’s absolutely adorable! I’ve wanted to try one of these out for the longest time so I’m looking forward to making my pages look pretty!

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The Gender Games Pin and Swish and Flick Keyring

I’m a big fan of Juno Dawson and am really excited to read The Gender Games so this was perfect. As for the keyring, made by Nutmeg and Arlo, this was probably my favourite part of the box! Love a little bit of Harry Potter in my daily life!

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Another great box with some wonderful exclusives! If you want to get the next box you can order from here. Just to note that this is NOT a sponsored post, I just really look forward to my crate every two months 🙂

General Election – We proved them wrong

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I’m breaking my normal schedule today because I am filled with pride. While the General Election didn’t exactly get the result I was hoping for, there was one piece of good news. There was a lot of talk in the last few months about how Millenials won’t vote. For some reason there was a multitude of false reasons about why were, apparently, weren’t going to vote. Some of my favourites were:

  • We’re lazy
  • We’re self obsessed
  • We don’t care
  • We didn’t bother before

Well, yesterday 72% of 18-25 year olds turned up and voted. We were engaged and I firmly believe that it is because of my age bracket that the Conservatives did not get the majority. I’m hoping that this sends a message to the government now. That young people want change and we want to be respected. More than anything I’m proud that people are going to take control of their future. We made a difference.

Now, I am nervous about what is to happen. I don’t think the next 5 years are going to be easy BUT we will get through them. We’ll get through whatever happens with Brexit and we’ll carry on. That’s that. I’m hoping that in the next general election young people continue to vote, I’ll be 27 (!?!?) so not classed as a young voter anymore but I will continue to use my right to vote and encourage others.

Well done Millenials, I’m so proud to be one of you!

I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M DOING! (But nor does anyone else)

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Ah the life of a graduate, the new and exciting opportunities, meeting new people, perhaps travelling, isn’t it wonderful? Well, it would be if life worked out like that. Recently I was talking to a few friends of mine who are coming into the final part of their last year at uni (how it’s been a year since that was me I don’t know) and they had the normal worries of a final year. Worries about the deadlines and dissertations but most importantly feeling like you don’t have a bloody clue what you’re doing. So I let them in on a little secret, I don’t know what I’m doing and as far as I can work out nor does anyone around me, some are just better at pretending than others.

My graduate life is different to how I thought it would be, because working full time every day is hard. It’s a different kind of hard work to what uni was. This is a physical type of exhaustion, my whole body is tired as well as my mind. Do I think Uni prepares you for working full time? No, no it doesn’t. I loved the freedom and the independence of uni, working from home and working when I feel most motivated. When you’re working you have set hours, depending on your employer you might or might not be able to work from home, although I’m yet to meet a graduate who is working from home full time. The transition is hard, it’s not all bad, but it is hard.

There are so many days when I feel my head is spinning and I don’t have a clue that I’m doing. BUT out of everyone I speak to and I mean everyone (who’s willing to admit it), no one thinks they know what they’re doing. There are some people that feel more in control and some that are better at pretending they do.

I have days now where I wonder what I’m doing because my life hasn’t followed this detailed plan I had in my head. I didn’t know that I can to know what I want but roll with life at the same time! So don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do, no one does!

7 Ways to take care of your mental health in difficult times

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There’s no doubt that we’re living through difficult times at the moment. We’ve seen 3 terror attacks in the UK within a few months and with every single one, the country feels a terrible sadness at the loss of life because of hate. While everyone feels the sadness, sometimes when you’re living with a mental illness difficult times can impact you in a negative way. So here are 7 ways to take care of your mental health in times like these.

Note: I am in no way neglecting that the people who are caught up in these attacks have the worst situation. This is not trying to overshadow them, rather to help others in times of what can feel like crushing helplessness. I’m sending all my love and thoughts to those caught up in the attacks of the last few months.

It’s ok to switch off for a while 

I read something that really resonated with me today ‘watching 24-hour news isn’t going to help anyone’. I so guilty of this. I get so absorbed and just have the news on repeat but it doesn’t help, it adds to the sadness and frustration. It’s also ok to come offline for a bit because it is constant and sad. That doesn’t mean you don’t care and it doesn’t mean you have no feelings but you need to take care of yourself too.

Know that feelings of hopelessness, anger and sadness are normal 

This isn’t necessarily your mental illness, a lot of people are upset and angry, this is normal! Although as we all know it can trigger deeper feelings too.

Talk to others 

Talking to others about events and how you feel can really help, knowing that others feel the same way too.

Look for positivity

It’s easy to look around and see all of the horrible things happening but try and look at the positives around you. Look for the helpers, look for the positivity.

If you feel you can help, then do 

You can donate, write or do whatever you can to help!

Remember that terrorist attacks ARE unlikely

We’ve had a lot recently but these are not something that happen every single day, it’s awful and horrific but these people want us to live in fear.

Know that it’s ok to still live your life 

That said if you feel the need to carry on and do what you would normally do then go ahead! Everyone deals with these situations in their own way.

❤

 

May Favourites!

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We’ve gotten to May! I don’t know about you but this month we’ve had a bit of a heatwave. The summer is definitely getting there (although as I write this it’s raining, typical). So with another month done and dusted for 2017 let’s get stuck in.

Books 

I’ve had a little bit of a reading slump this month and struggled to get into fiction in particular so this month I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs and general non-fiction. I’ve fallen in love once again with Hannah Witton as I mentioned last month I love her videos and picked up her first book which is about sex and relationships although it’s aimed at a younger audience it’s a great read. I also read Drew Barrymore’s memoir Wildflower (review here) and it was an eyeopener into her life, when I knew little about her. I also enjoyed Luisa Omielan’s first book What Would Beyoncé Do?! Named after her hit stand up show, it was both funny and touching read my review here. I also looked at my feminism shelf and just felt so proud to have all these wonderful books in my possession, I can’t wait to get through them all!

Music

Ed Sheeran was incredible and going with my Mum made it all the more special.

Watching 

I finally finished Game of Thrones and my jaw dropped. I won’t spoil it for anyone but now class GoT as required viewing for all. I also went to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, it wasn’t as strong as the first film but I’ve still had the soundtrack on repeat. Also, Baby Groot is life.

Lush Cupcake Face Mask
Can certainly ‘Slay All Day’ with these
All the cuteness
Vintage Vibes
Gok knows his stuff
Ann Summers Babe!

Fashion & Beauty 

I’m finally adding in a Fashion & Beauty section, I know shock horror. This month I’m repping Lush’s Cupcake face mask which is the first lush face mask I’ve ever used and was great on my face and didn’t make it angry (everything makes my skin angry). I’ve also been in LOVE with Lottie London matte lip glosses and wearing them every day because the colour sticks well and the tones are great for an everyday look. I’m also featuring some beautiful vintage inspired fashion, a bag I made myself and my new dress from VJ Vintage Treasures in Basingstoke! Lastly, two of my new bikinis one from the Gok Wan for Sainsbury’s range and the other from the wonderful Ann Summers as I am now an Ann Summers babe!  Rocking those curves.

My lovely Wickett
In for the chop!
Ice Cream for life
With my Sammy!
Mmm Thai!
Chilling in the sun

General 

First of all, shout to the Ice Cream man who parks up in the work car park when it’s boiling! I’ve definitely been feeling the sun this month laying out with my best friend (pre IKEA trip, another favourite). I also experienced my first Thai meal with work and absolutely LOVED it, I’m nervous about trying new food because of my IBS but I definitely made the right descision. Also, from working I caught up with my friend Sammy who also happens to work for the same company I’m temping for and has become my permanent lunch buddy. And finally my hair got a much needed cut, my Wicket is still adorable as always.

 

 

Finally… 

Miss VJ Vintage for May!

I’ve been named Miss VJ Vintage for May! I’m so excited to wear this sash for a wonderful local shop and thanks to everyone who ‘liked’ on Instagram!

What were your favourites this month? Let me know in the comments below!

My Holiday Essentials!

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It’s gotten to that time of year again where many of us are packing our bags to jet off to somewhere and enjoy the sunshine (although make sure you keep your skin safe in the meantime). So, what about the essentials I pack in my suitcase? Let’s take a look.IMG_4582.JPG

Suncream and Aftersun

Looking after my skin is one of the most important things to me. Keeping it burn free and healthy in the heat can be a pain but it’s much better than the alternative.

Bikini’s with good support

I have curves, which means I need support when I’m frolicking around in a bikini. I started shopping around over a month ago to make sure I got a bikini with good support! Most recently, I picked up the beauty at the top of this post from Sainsbury’s Gok Wan range!

Books, all of the books

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When I’m on holiday I can read a book a day. I like to sit by a pool with a cold drink and read to my hearts content. That is what a good holiday is to me. This year I’ve stocked up my Kindle for space saving, although I’ll probably still end up picking something up at the airport.

Three good pairs of shoes

One pair that are good for walking and seeing the sights, one for the pool and one for the evening. Sorted.

Lipstick

I don’t really wear makeup on holiday because I just want to chill, but applying a little lipstick can transform my look from day to day beach casual to going for dinner, I’m usually a little cheeky and buy a few in duty-free at the airport before I fly.

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Sunglasses

They look cool, help you see, why not.

Camera

Whether this is just my iPhone or a nice camera I need to capture the moments so that I can see the memories! I’ve always been like this, especially back in the day when my family first had a digital camera!

Chilled outfits

I’m a firm lover of a pool side chilled shorts and vest top, flip flops you know the drill. I often stock up in Primark for vests before I go, cheap and cheerful!

Summer dresses

Something chilled out, not too much fuss to throw on. Holidays for me are all about being casual and chilled out.

Sun hat! 

I resisted it when I was younger but now I know I need a good sunhat to keep myself covered. I’m not ashamed of getting a big hat, like this beauty I picked up in Athens a few years ago.

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Nail Varnish and pads

Some fun summer colours to embrace the holiday spirit! Although Ali HATES the smell so I have to sit on the balcony while painting and repainting.

Notebooks and pens

For as long as I can remember I’ve taken pens and notebooks so that I can write down whatever I feel like. Now I’m actually trying to be a writer I always have to have some way to write. Who know the relaxation might just help the book along!

Travel documents and insurance wallet! 

So, damn important. I like having a place where important documents go because I get super anxious about all that kind of stuff.

What are your holiday essentials? Let me know in the comments below!

 

7 Ways to look after your skin in the summer months

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I have incredibly pale skin and red hair, some natural, some enhanced. It’s because of both of these things that I have to really look after my skin as it’s prone to burning. I wanted to share with you just some of the things that I do to help protect my skin in the summer time!

Don’t underestimate the level of suncream you need.  

I groan every time I need to pick up a factor 30 or factor 50. That said, it’s important to make sure you do use the right factor for you.

Cover up or stay in the shade!  

It’s easy to be tempted to strip off in the summer (I often do), but if it is super hot and super sunny then covering up is an option. If, like me, you don’t cope well with heat, staying in the shade is a great alternative, you’ll often find me hiding on holiday.

Drink plenty of water  

Water is great for the skin, I’m lucky that I love drinking water but if you’re not you can pick up bottles with fruit infusers to give it some more taste.

Hats may be annoying, but they’re necessary 

Yep, yep and yep. I hate wearing hats but if I’m not going to be able to stay in the shade then I don’t have a choice.

Reapply, reapply, reapply! 

One lot of sun cream isn’t enough, keep reapplying as much as you feel you need to. If I can feel the heat on my skin directly, I’ll reapply.

If you do get burnt, use some moisturising after-sun lotion

It sucks when you get burnt and I get caught out every year no matter how careful I am. In that case, I make sure I use an after-sun lotion to moisturise my skin.

Get to know your skin 

I’m covered in freckles and moles, I know where they are and what they look like. It’s good to get to know your skin so you can check for any abnormalities, you can find out more about that here.

 

 

 

Sunday 7: Reasons YOU need to vote

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Tomorrow is the deadline to register to vote in the UK General Election 2017. But, why should you vote? It’s a difficult time, a snap election has been called and everything feels a bit rushed. I know that a lot of people are irritated and disenfranchised with politics and the government. So, why should you vote?

Because your voice needs to be heard 

We know that there aren’t enough young people in parliament, but that doesn’t mean your voice isn’t heard. Voting means that you can have a voice and be heard.

Because you can make the change you want to see 

Vote in the people you believe will make a difference and change.

Because it helps make the country a better place for you and others like you 

I’ll be voting for what is important for me and the communities that I am a part of. Who will make the country better for your community? If you don’t vote then who else will?

Because every.single.vote.counts. 

There’s no such thing as a wasted vote, your vote could make all the difference.

Because so many sacrificed so that you could 

People died so that you could vote. Don’t forget that.

Because ignoring a problem won’t make it go away

If you have a problem with the way the country is being run, complaining online won’t do anything, actually voting for the person you think is best will.

Because if you don’t, you can’t complain. 

If you don’t vote, you’ve done nothing to try and stop what you want to complain about.

You have until 11.59 on the 22nd May to register, click the link here and make your voice heard. 

Get registering, get voting!