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.

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. 

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!