University: Year 2

I've found it really hard to post lately with finishing me first year at uni.. Practical courses are very stressful and pretty demanding, fashion especially. However, new year - fresh start! I've passed my first year so now I'm looking forward to working even harder and pushing myself further this year. It's a 2 year course so it's kind of my final year; scary that I'll have a degree before I'm even 20!

They very kindly gave us 2 days freedom before briefing us for year 2, so I'm already working on research for our first term back. It's a semi-tailored project, which I'm really looking forward to. 

I've started on a sketchbook, its a tad collage so far, as I'm yet to visit exhibitions around Yorkshire and London.. But it won't be long till it's filled with pencil sketches and design ideas.

Skin Care

Everyone has a different skin type, however I find to be them all. I have the worst possible skin, and it's been an issue since I was about 11. I genuinely can't remember a time when I haven't had spots. It made me so self conscious and it didn't help when the boys in secondary school started to nickname me 'mountain range'. Oh how witty.

My skin always flares up even more when I'm stressed, and these past few weeks I've been horrendously stressed. Living in London only adds to things as the air isn't exactly clean. I wish I lived in LA, as vitamin D is meant to help - and the sun is non existent in London.

I have tried and tested every single product under the bloody sun that claims to rid of spots. Heck, I've even been on flaming medication for them. And nowt. No result at all. I find a combination of different products and a brilliant cleansing brush works more than any quick fix solution I've ever used.

These products aren't all from the same company, they're not miracle workers.. But for all you beautifully unlucky people with stubborn spots; these are probably the best bets for any kind of improvement. Good luck!


Living Nature
Living Nature is an awesome skin care range from New Zealand, if you go on their website you can custom make your own skin care routine for your skin. They have loads of products for 'blemish prone skin'. It also recommends what you should do daily, and weekly. Which is pretty useful. The best products from the range are definitely the deep cleansing mask, and the purifying cleanser.

The deep cleansing mask is a weekly thing, and you get a box of ten packets of the mask. This mask is amazing, it makes your skin really soft and you feel like you have completely empty pores. It's also really good for break outs, I always tend to put a little dab on each of my spots before I go to bed and they actually look better in the morning.

The purifying cleanser is a daily thing, I use a little bit of mine on my cleansing brush. A little goes a long way, so you get your money worth. It smells really good, and doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky like some cleansers do, or like there's still product there even when you've washed it off your face.

Proactiv
Proactiv claims to rid everyone of spots with their three step solution, SPOILER - it sadly doesn't perform the miracle it claims to do. The adverts are very bloody American, shouting about all the people who swear by their products. It's not going to be an overnight fix like they sell it to you, life isn't that fair!

The cleansing exfoliator however is pretty good. I sometimes (more often than not, strangely) wake up after a night out with seriously dry skin. I blame this on not being arsed to actually take off the remainder of the clubbing make up before crawling into bed after a drunken 5am pizza.. As soon as I use this exfoliator I immediately feel so much fresher, like a weight has been lifted. Plus my skin is always amazingly soft afterwards.


Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is possibly the greatest multitasking product of all time. Low fat butter replacement for cooking, super hydrating hair mask - works a treat on split ends - and an amazing natural moisturiser for skin. I bought an about massive tub of it from a health shop in York for like £8. I bought it in November, and it looks as if it's barely been opened. It lasts for ages: complete bargain! Instead of using a bog standard moisturiser overnight I use coconut oil. It's a really good lip balm too, so just rub it all over your face! It's really hydrating so great for making under eye bags less obvious. Everyone needs to try this as a beauty product, I don't know why I wasn't told about it earlier.

Heartbreak

The worst thing about heartbreak, undeniably, is slowly having your heart ripped in two - and watching a dear friend living with the same pain. The mind numbing pain that makes your days longer and getting out of bed seem worthless. It's difficult enough to deal with a broken heart, but knowing that sadly you can't actually say anything that'll make it any easier for your friend, sucks.

As a proud Yorkshire bird, I strongly believe that a decent brew will make everything better. Sadly, this does not apply to heartbreak. Alcohol doesn't help either, it actually only fuels the abuse you'll text to the man that broke your heart - while your girlfriends aren't looking, of course. I've had countless evenings presenting pictures of 'the other woman'; in an attempt to build my self esteem back up while my friends tear every little detail about her photos to shreds. All girl power ideology is left outside in the cold, vodka-less.

Everyone has their own advice for heartbreak, whether it be a bottomless pint glass, a new hair colour, some form of anger management (boxing, anyone?) or that classic "you have to get under someone to get over someone else". The worst advice, by far, is a torturous evening spent under the duvet watching 'P.S. I love you' and crying into your Ben and Jerry's. I know this from experience. About 2 weeks ago I decided it'd be a brilliant idea to watch said film, already feeling empty and numb. Bad idea - I did not shed a single tear. Becoming emotionally dead inside is not an ideal result of heartbreak.

The only possible upside is the lack of judgement. Your friends won't judge you if you start drinking at 11am, or if you crawl out of bed at 4pm; eat some cereal for dinner and then continue to spend your days asleep. It beats the waking hours wondering how you could've been so wrong about someone after spending several years together. 

Heartbreak can't be avoided. Everyone will one day be broken into a million pieces by another that they'd fallen so madly in love with, they couldn't see it coming. But thankfully a broken heart comes with life lessons (they might take you half a year or even 10 to realise) but one day you'll be grateful for them. The ultimate lesson learnt is to always be honest, with everyone. If you're honest, hopefully you won't be the cause of someone else's heartbreak someday.

The only advice I could possibly offer, as a broken girl myself, is to roll with the punches. This sounds ridiculous, I am aware, but the pain reminds me I'm alive. Do something you've always wanted to - easier said than done - focus on something else. Your heart won't heal instantly, but one day in the future that mind numbing, energy thieving pain will eventually wash over you, and you'll be much wiser for it. 

Spring Swimwear

I'm aware that it is only February, however late winter/early spring is the BEST time to buy swimwear. I always leave swimwear till last minute if I'm going on holiday, therefore I struggle to find my size. Swimwear also seems to be a hell of a lot cheaper when there's less of a demand, so now is the perfect time to look. I've decided to pick out a great bikini in every style - from bandeau to full swimsuit - and at a great price too!


The Swimsuit

Topshop have a great swimsuit, if you're wanting something more practical for like an active holiday. Swimsuits are a good choice if you're gonna be on the rapids on your holiday - probably the best choice. Also, if you're not comfortable with your midriff showing make sure you find one that detracts from your stomach.

This one is £36 from Topshop, I love the scalloped edges on the top of the swimsuit. It also comes with removable halter ties, so if you want more security for the rapids, you can have it! I used to work at Topshop up in Yorkshire, so I know how well this suit sells (they did a navy version last year) so get one fast!

The Mix and Match

Asos is the King of mix and match bikinis. They do long line, bandeau, halter neck -- anything you want really, plus in a great range of colours. The brilliant thing about mix and match bikinis is that if you're a different size up top to what you are on the bottom you can always get a great bikini.

This longline top from Asos is £14 - BARGAIN. Plus you can choose the style of bottoms you want - they're about £6/£7 depending on the style. This particular one is from the D - F  range, so us top heavy girls can get a good bikini. Longline bikinis are a classic look, and suit just about everyone.

The Long Sleeve

I'm the only person I know that owns a long sleeve bikini, however I swear by it. It looks really different to anything else that people are wearing at the pool. It's also brilliant for the rapids, I've tried and tested it - it won't lift up! Asos do a really cool printed one, I have this style but in a lighter print. 

The top is £17.50 in the sale, so get moving! Long sleeve bikinis look really cool, granted it's more suited to the poolside and not the beach in LA. If you don't like your arms or boobs its a great covered up option. 

Bandeau 

Topshop do great bikinis each year, but some of them are restricted to a set - so you can't buy separates. However, this one IS separates. HALLELUJAH! It's £26 for the set, which isn't bad for Topshop as they're usually about £32.. As proven - it's better to get swimwear late winter!

Bandeau styles tend to suit the skinny friend more than the rest of us, so if you've got a boyish figure this style will look ace. Floral prints look great on the beach too. 

Triangle

Triangle bikinis should not be worn on the rapids, or for any activity! They are so dangerous, such a liability! They're kind of for lounging about on the beach only. I always tend to look for a cool print that's perfect for summer, rather than just a plain black style as they can risk looking kinda mumsy..

This one's from Asos, and is £14, the bottoms are £12.. £26 isn't bad for a bikini in such a cute print, but there's not much to it, so I doubt I'll be buying this style as I'm a bit too busty.

Sexy

This bikini is so awesome, if you're feeling particularly Sex and the City, this is the perfect Samantha bikini. This would look so amazing in a jacuzzi, with a cocktail (or a pint if you're anything like me). It's also really great for making you look a bit bigger on top if you're lucky enough to be a skinny minnie. 

The top is £20, and the bottoms are £14 from Asos. So it's a bit of an investment bikini, however I'm sure you'd get your moneys worth! It's real subtle but also really sexy at the same time - without looking like you've tried too hard.

Old School

This bikini is so gorgeous - I may have to buy it myself! I adore a daisy print (my middle name is Daisy). The high waisted bottoms make it so old school and retro, the top is kinda bandeau but it's a halter neck so it's a lot more wearable.

This one is by Motel, but available at Asos. This is the most expensive bikini, at £20 for the top and another £20 for the bottoms.. That's £40! But I can't say no to this bikini.. I may be investing for this summer. My only bikini splurge this year.. I promise.

Have you guys found an awesome bikinis ready for summer?

Back to Uni

So I've been back at university for about 2 weeks, and the first few weeks of the term is always slow to get going. Our brief this term is kind of a sport luxe or drape brief. We can either go the sport inspired day wear or drape inspired. I'm not really a drape kinda girl, so I've chosen sport - Redbull X-Fighters to be precise. I love freestyle motorcross, big fan. I like the whole 'performance' aspect, plus I'm a sucker for a dirt bike.

I chose this sport because it has some really inspiring detailing, like the seams that contour the body on the suits. I reckon there's a lot of fabric inspiration too - for example the mesh on the inside of their protective helmets. I also love love love the really tough industrial plastic on the boots, I could incorporate it in smaller areas, like pockets and elbow pads for example. I'm more excited about this brief than last terms; as the expected outcome was 10 creative samples, however this term it's one garment. Hopefully this'll mean that I can really get my teeth into every little detail on the garment.

We've started looking at raglan sleeves in classes this term, kimono sleeves etc. Basically the sleeves that are gonna drape nicely, and not need any shaping (darts etc). Cutting out these stretch blocks in a small halls of residence room is a bit of a nightmare, so I had to utilise my desk and ironing board and do it block by block!

Anyone knuckling back down with uni? Or you lucky beggars still got some free time?

Dr. Martens

Love them or hate them, Dr. Martens are a pretty iconic shoe. My boyfriend HATES the things, but he's not the one wearing em! I love mine, they are the most perfect shoes ever. After a successful trip to Sheffield this past weekend (spending some Christmas money), I now own two pairs of Dr. Martens. 

Docs are the most comfortable shoes ever! I needed a pair of decent shoes for trekking all over London before I left for uni. So I invested in a black pair. £100 is pretty pricey, however you should look at your Docs as an investment - they'll last forever. They only get comfier the more you wear them. Black goes with everything - so they look great with any outfit! They also add that edgy vibe. I took a lot of pairs of shoes to London, but I find myself reaching for my Docs every single morning. 

Working in a pub I need a sturdy pair of shoes, that won't get ruined by the amount of booze that falls out the drip trays. With Dr. Martens, you can pretty much wipe clean all the booze straight off! They are amazing. 

The second pair I bought (in Sheffield this weekend), were the last size 4 I could find near me. I couldn't wait for delivery from Office if I'd bought them online. I rang the York store, went into the Meadowhall store and had no luck. I called up the Sheffield city centre store and voila! One last size 4 pair. I was so unbelievably happy. 

I love love love the metallics trend. I'm dragging it out, I won't lie. I need some proper silver nail varnish too. I found these down from £95 to £60 on Office. Bargain for a pair of Docs. It's strange though, cause Urban Outfitters are flogging them for £80 down from £120. An Shuch haven't even got them in their sale! Moral of the story, Office rocks. 

Anyone found any sale bargains, or do you steer clear of the mad January rush?

Low Fat Pizza

I am a certified pizza queen. Whenever I go out for food there has to be a pizza option. I have tried a pizza in pretty much every restaurant, my mum always says I’ll turn into one soon. As much as I love pizza, I can’t continue to eat it cause it’s pretty calorific. 

But then came along the answer - low fat pizza!

My mum got ‘The Hairy Dieters - Eat for Life’ recipe book for Christmas, and amazingly there was a low fat pizza recipe. The trick: use a tortilla wrap instead of a thick dough base. Result.

Of course I had my doubts, as a pizza base is one of the best parts. (Deep pan pizzas being the best, of course). But it’s actually really good, you can get your pizza fix in no time at all and for way less calories - 250 per pizza.

‘The Hairy Dieters’ five minute pizza recipe gets my stamp of approval! Enjoy!

You will need:

- 1 large flour tortilla wrap
- 3 tbsp passata with basil
- 20g low fat mozzarella cheese (you can always add more if you love a cheesy pizza)
- handful of rocket
- dash of olive oil
- black pepper
- optional toppings (ham, mushrooms, etc.)

Preheat the grill to its hottest setting, put the tortilla wrap onto a baking trap with greaseproof paper underneath the wrap. Spread the passata onto the wrap leaving about 2cm round the edges for a crust.

Sprinkle on the cheese, pepper, some oregano and your chosen toppings. Toss the rocket with the olive oil and put to one side.

Place the pizza under the grill until the cheese is bubbling all over and starting to go slightly golden. If you need to, turn the pizza round so that the edges don’t burn.

Once cooked put your pizza on a plate - you can maneuver it using a spatula as you don’t want to rip the tortilla! Top with the salad, then start eating.

Love, the pizza queen.

2014

Happy New Year! I've had a wonderful festive season back up North in Yorkshire, however sadly I'm returning to London this Sunday. Sob sob. I went to a New Years party last night, and the annual question of 'resolutions' cropped up. I try to steer well clear of any clichés - for example that old chestnut "I will join a gym". I won't be wasting my money on a commitment I can't keep any time soon.

2013 was great n' all, but 2014 will be better. I'm not saying this as everyone else does (or begs), I'm saying it with promise. This is cause instead of making impossible ideologies and plans for the new year, I'm going to take little steps everyday in order to better myself. Achievable steps of course, that I think everyone is capable of. I am pretty lazy at times, so anyone can manage if I can..

So here they are, my fail proof New Year resolutions. Enjoy!



Drink more water

There are so many health benefits to drinking more water. Not only does it hydrate your skin, it can also increase your metabolism. It's so easy to drink more water, seeing as tap water is free in pubs and restaurants etc. Next time you pop down to your local for a pint, order a glass of water each time you find yourself at the bar. (Plus the more water you drink, the lesser chance of a hangover. Win win). If you're on the move a lot like I am, fill up a bottle and keep it in your bag - nothing is better than a drink of water when you're on a stuffy bus or tube.

Be brave

If you're single and you see someone fit down the pub, go talk to them. The worst that will happen is that they'll knock you back. You won't regret trying. If all goes well and you get chatting, you may not have to pay for your drinks that evening. If you've been wanting to try a new hair colour, go buy a home dye kit. If you don't like it, just dye it back your natural colour. Home dye is pretty cheap, and easy to apply to. If you don't want to go the whole hog, just dip dye your ends! 

Exercise daily for 30

I am not a gym bunny. Never have been, probably never will be. I hate the gym. My boyfriend is a personal trainer, so he's always having a crack at me for not exercising. He likes to reel off a list of diseases I'll get - and I hate to admit that he's right. He's hardly ever right. I'm not going to join a gym, but I will exercise for 30 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be expensive! You could buy a skipping rope, go for a light jog with the girls, or even do a circuit of star jumps, squats and lunges in your room while watching TV. Whatever you do, do something. If you can't spare 30 minutes one day, double up the next.

Be kind

Even the smallest gesture can be greatly appreciated. If someone looks lost in the street, ask if they need directions. (Not if your geography is as shocking as mine, you may confuse them even more). If your mate can't afford a drink down the pub, buy them one. They'll return the favour next time you're skint. If you're not a drinker of sorts; you could put some old unwanted clothes into a charity bag. The possibilities are endless. 

Learn something new

Whether it's going to the library and taking out a book, or even asking someone you know more about their job, learn something. I work in a pub with plenty of regulars, so I'm always learning more about people's lives. It's nice when someone takes an interest in what I have to say - so why not take an interest in them? You may get some great advice, who knows.

Motivate yourself

I always find that I work harder when I have something to aim for. I'm a bit of a material girl, so shopping always helps. But being a student these days I can't afford to buy a new outfit each time I finish a small amount of uni work. If you're one of us students why not have a big night out after you finish the term, or a trip to the pub with your course mates when you've finished all those long essays? If you're a shopaholic, treat yourself to a new pair of shoes after finishing a huge project at work. I always find myself saying "if I finish making this set of patterns I'll have a chocolate biscuit". Works a treat, a girl can't say no to chocolate.

Don't be jealous

Us ladies are always criticised for the way we look, and it rubs off badly on us. We are forever slagging off each other for our fashion tastes, body shapes, hair style etc etc. The list goes on! For every body part you hate, there is one that someone else loves. Instead of telling a skinny girl to "go eat a pie", take solace in the fact that she may want your curves. If you wish you were a 5ft 8inch long legged goddess, don't. Some tall girls complain about not being able to wear heels when out with their boyfriends. And for all those girls wishing for huge boobs, don't. Coming from a girl with a size of 32F, bra shopping is a nightmare! No highstreet shops have sizes big enough, which limits us to higher end shops where a bra is the best part of £40 a pop. How I long for the days when I could buy a bargain bra from Topshop.. 

Make time for your loved ones

Your family and friends are ones to be cherished. After all, they're the people that will pick you up when you're down. Once a month have a duvet day with the girls; watch some chick flicks, eat lots of junk food (not a salad in sight) and have a gossip. Phone your mum once a week to catch up, go to the football then the pub with your dad. You will probably get out of paying for drinks if you're a student like I am. My boyfriend and I don't get to see each other too often with me being in London and him living up North, so we rely on Skype. Skype is free to get, and so easy to use. The only thing you need to do is find a time when you're both free. We've just booked to go to Center Parcs in April, making the most of our time together is essential! 


Make this year your best yet. After all, you have nothing to lose!