Lifestyle
If you don't already know, I have quite long, blondey-brown hair which falls at my waist when straightened. It is naturally curly and I never, repeat, never brush it. It's extremely thin, although I do have quite a lot of it, insert image here.
Over the past few weeks, funnily enough, I've had quite a lot of time on my hands.
Weird that.
This has allowed me to try a range of different products on my hair. Now, let's talk about my overall goals.
I want to minimise my bad hair days. Like many people, my hair has days where it doesn't want to listen to me. I do have curly hair and sometimes, it can be completely out of control. Below is a picture of my slightly wild, curly hair.
Now, I have been on the hunt for a conditioner that would be good, nay tame, my unruly hair. It also, could not be too pricey.
Now, I have been on the hunt for a conditioner that would be good, nay tame, my unruly hair. It also, could not be too pricey.
I stumbled across this John Frieda Frizz Ease conditioner called Dream Curls. In the past, I have tried other 'curly conditioners' which claimed to tame curls. I want to state, that I have no intention of straightening out my curls. I don't want straight hair, I want nice, controllable curly hair. These past 'curly conditioners' would leave my hair lifeless and frankly, quite flat.
I just don't want the frizz that comes with curls...is that too much to ask?
All in all, I have been using this conditioner and my hair feels amazing! It smells amazing, albeit a little perfume-y but apart from that, it does my curly hair wonders. I highly recommend.
Next up a trio that I definitely need to talk about. Don't worry, you aren't experiencing déjà vu, I have spoken about Mane 'n Tails before. In a past blog post, I tried Mane n' Tails shampoo before for one whole week. Which leads me onto my second goal: to make my hair thicker. You may be thinking, wait, I have a mane but no tail... Don't worry, it's for horses as well as humans.
I do love my thin hair in a way. It's easy to style, it doesn't get greasy easy and I can whip it up in a bun using only one hairband. However, I would love a little more volume if I am being completely honest with myself.
Mane n' Tails is a great way to strength your hair and reduce breakage. Back when I tried their shampoo, I tried their original one. Now, I remember thinking that although the product was amazing, the scent was a little chemical for me. However, I was lucky to have been gifted their newest herbal essential range! Which truly has taken my love for their products to a new level. Now, I can have the results from their original product along with a lovely, fresh new scent.
If you are looking to strengthen your hair, I highly recommend Mane n' Tails. Here is a quick snap of my straightened hair after I have been using it for a week!
Okay, last but definitely not least is my final goal. To improve the texture. My hair is soft, extremely soft even. Which is great and I am not complaining, however, it does mean that hairstyles don't last as long. I need a little something to give it more grip.
That's where my next product comes in. Argan Oil is my new best friend. After the shower, I will towel dry my hair and then run through a small, pea-sized amount of this Argan oil through my locks and bam, slightly less soft hair.
I only do this every so often because it does add a lot of moisture to my hair but it really does my curls hold and adds to the texture.
Thank you so much for reading this super long post all about my hair. I hope you are doing well, staying safe and not going completely crazy.
See you soon x
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Shop this post:
John Frieda: Conditioner
Mane N' Tail: Shampoo & Conditioner
Argan Oil: Oil
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I know this is my second blog post about self-distancing and the nationwide lock down, but it truly has taken over everyone's lives, including mine. It seems that all we talk about right now is the virus and the precautions we taking to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
From a personal level, I am finding it hard to stay healthy whilst in lock down. Going outside seems daunting and I live in a city, where it can be extremely busy, even if it's just going out for a walk.
I do try to go out every other day. I go up to my local walking trail or down to the beach to walk along the coast, but apart from that, I really haven't done much besides from working from home.
However, I am finding a few,easy ways to remain healthy both mentally and physically.
Thank you to all my friends and family members who have not become fed up yet with my constantly facetiming them.
I am lucky enough to be living with my boyfriend, someone I annoy on a daily basis whether we are in quarantine or not. But I know others aren't as lucky and are currently self-distancing by themselves.
If this is you, don't forget to keep in contact with other people. FaceTime them, message them, write them a letter and send it by carrier pigeon, do something! By keeping it contact with others, it truly can lift and elevate your mood.
You are not alone, everyone is the same boat, so don't be afraid to reach out.
Look at self-distancing as a chance to connect back with your bodies needs. I for one, always forget to drink enough water. I am usually in an office, in and out of meetings and writing for hours on end, meaning pretty much all of my brain capacity is taken up.
I always forget about having a glass of water! However, since I have been working from home, I have had not excuse. I have been having one glass of water an hour! I also would like to take this moment to talk about another, healthy water alternative that I have been enjoying.
Introducing... drum rolls please...
I first tried Ugly drinks back in January & I have looked back since! Just in case you haven't heard of them, Ugly is a drink which is only contains sparkling water and natural flavourings. There is no sugar or nastiness in them! They are an excellent alternative to your eight glasses of water you are meant to drink in a day.
*This item was gifted*
My personal favourite is the Peach however, I am starting to be swayed by the triple berry flavour. Honestly, they have become one of my favourite beverages and they are truly getting me through this self-distancing period.
Whilst isolation is a way to improve on yourself and finding the time to actually achieve things you have been putting off, it is also a time to relax and unwind. People tend to move full-speed in life, never giving a second thought to their body or minds.
Yes, you can use this time to do a million things OR you can do nothing. Nobody should judge you for either. I know that personally, I spend my life working, which I enjoy. I felt forced to slow down at the beginning of this pandemic. How dare this virus stop me from going to work? However, I have started to release that whilst, yes, I am being forced to stop and think. I have also spent a lot of time watching really good films, experimenting with cooking and just hanging out with my other half.
In short: You do you.
Thank you for reading, see you next week!
Shop this post:
Ugly Drinks: Ugly
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Disclaimer:
~some items in this post were gifted but all opinions are my own~
How do I know this? I've had several conversations with my rabbit. He is no longer enjoying my continual presence and is now just tolerating me.
Same as my boyfriend really. I joke...hopefully.
Anyway, let's talk about social-distancing.
I am currently working from and home and annoying my boyfriend on a continual basis.
Nonetheless, I am still feeling very anxious about the entire situation at the moment. Whilst we are living in a time of uncertainty, anxiety and general madness, it's important to take care of our mental health and to remain focused.
So, without further ado, here are some of my top tips on how NOT to go crazy whilst staying at home.
Get up in the morning, brush your hair and get dressed. It doesn't necessarily have to be into jeans or anything uncomfortable, it can even be glorified pyjamas if you really want, just get out of what you slept in.
Just because life is lacking routine a little at the moment, it doesn't mean you have to forget about yours. It will make you feel more productive if you put on some clothes and get moving, you will feel less cooped up.
Don't spend the time staring at a screen. It can be really tempting, your TV is right there and you finally have plenty of time to finish all those series that you said you would watch. But try to avoid doing it all the time. There are a million things you can achieve from your house!
Talking of screens, try to avoid reading the news too much. When I get up in the morning, the first thing I do is check the news and then for the rest of the day, I try my best to avoid it. Whilst it's important to stay informed, the tabloids can be a scary place right now and you don't need that energy all day, every day.
We all have that one book, that we can never quite find time to read. Now is the time! Grab that book that's been sitting on your shelf, cosy up and give it a read.
I'm currently reading Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, I'll let you know if it's good!
Yes, all the gyms are closed but that doesn't mean exercise is off the table. You are still allowed to go outside, as long as you remain away from other people. Go on a walk, do a home work out, go for a run or put your music on full blast and dance erratically in your living room.
Don't let this scary time slow you down! Also, get up and stretch every hour. Sitting down for an entire day is awful for your circulation.
I've been listening to my record collection a lot more - something I don't usually get to do and you best believe that weird dancing comes with that!
Above everything, stay safe. Listen to what people are saying about washing your hands and not going out unless it is completely essential. Take your meetings over the video, call your family and check they are okay, and look after yourself.
See you next week.
*Gifted*
In case you haven't already been bombarded with photos, posts and articles, it's Veganuary!
Veganary takes place in January (fancy that) and it's a month dedicated to encouraging people to commit to becoming a vegan, promoting a healthier lifestyle and overall protection of the planet.
I am not doing #veganuary this year. You will know if you have read my other blog posts, that I am in fact a vegetarian. I haven't eaten meat since March the 20th and I plan to keep it that way. As well as not eating meat, I also rarely eat dairy. I don't drink cow's milk, I don't put butter on my toast, I rarely have eggs unless they are hidden in a product.
I think the only animal-based product I truly couldn't live without would be cheese. Whilst being vegan pertains an awful lot to your diet, I feel that I have already cut out quite a few things. And where I truly lack a vegan mindset is in my use of other things, not food.
Whatever do I mean?
Well, back in early 2019, I made the conscious decision to cut out all non-cruelty free makeup. I also tried to cut down on single-use plastic. I began taking fabric bags to the store and I used bars of soap instead of bottles. Since this time, I have added a more weekly, vegan necessities to my life and in the spirit of #Veganuary, I thought it would only be right to share them.
If you haven't heard of Vegan Bunny, you should really check them out. Vegan Bunny is a company which produce and sell handmade candles that are 100% vegan, free from pesticides, herbicides & genetically modified materials. Everything they produce is certified by Peta as vegan as well, so you can be guaranteed a great product.
*Gifted*
I have worked with Vegan Bunny before and I truly love not only what their company stands for but the product as well. Like many people, I have a rather large obsession with candles. It makes my home a lot more cosy during these colder, winter months and if you are looking for a good smelling candle, again vegan bunny is the company for you.
*Gifted*
I got a range of scents, which I will be linking below but my absolute favourite has always been the Lavender Soy Candle. It is also nice to know that whenever I am lighting a candle, it is completely cruelty-free It has been made with lots of love and good intentions.
I don't think it would be #Veganuary without mentioning Oatley. Oatley has generally changed the way that I view milk alternative. I have hated milk for as long as I can remember. However, I do love a good cup of tea and there is the problem. I think I waited so long to give up on Cow's milk because I didn't like any of the alternatives.
I tried soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk and basically, any other kind of non-animal milk you can think of, but I really didn't like any of them. That was until I stumbled across Oatley. When I moved to Brighton, I found that being vegetarian was really easy. There were lots of alternatives to meat, dairy and most other things. I opted for oat milk once in a local, Brighton-based coffee shop and I have been hooked ever since.
If you haven't tried Oatley, you really should. In my opinion, the Barista version, which is the grey one is the best.
Finally, one my list of #Vegnuary favourites is my -417 Face Mask. -417 was not a brand I was familiar with until last year, when I started looking into changing all my make-up and skincare to cruelty-free brands. Excuse the messy packing, I am not the best at applying facemasks!
This facemask is a mud mask, it targets my dry and sensitive skin. It is a little on the pricey side but I use it every week whilst in the bath. If you have some extra money to spend, you should definitely consider treating yourself with a -417 face mask.
Thank you for reading. If you are doing #Veganuary, I wish you the best of luck and if you are not, why not try changing up some of your regular products for some cruelty-free ones!
Until next week!
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Shop this post:
Candles (Gifted): Vegan Bunny
Facemask: -417
Oat Milk: Oatly
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Last night, I went to the pub and I noticed all the new, first-years around me in their Fresher's week. For all my Non-British readers, Freshers is a week where all the new university students go-to events and usually, they involve a lot of drinking and stumbling around their latest hometown.
As my university experience has officially wrapped up and I am packing the last of my belongings into my suitcase, I have really been thinking about what it means to be in higher education. Yes, it makes you more employable and yes, it makes you more qualified in your field. But really, what is university culture?
(Side-note: all the pictures of this post might seem random but they are actually photos of my lovely town in which I went to university)
There Are No '5-Minute Catch Ups'
(Side-note: all the pictures of this post might seem random but they are actually photos of my lovely town in which I went to university)
There Are No '5-Minute Catch Ups'
There is no popping into your friend's room to see how they are. There is no quick chat whilst you make dinner. There is no going down to the pub for one drink only. I don't think a 5-minute conversation has ever occurred the whole time I have lived with my best friends - I always end up staying a few hours.
You Won't Remember What's Yours Anyway
When you first move into your 'spacious' university room, you want to make it nice and when you move out halls and into your student house with your friends, again, you want to make it nice. You buy all new plates, bowls, cutlery and mugs. You put up cute pictures and maybe, a couple of fairy lights. But I'll let you into a secret- No one remembers what's theirs when it comes to moving out.
Nobody remembers which plates they own and everybody thinks that one 'perfect' spoon is theirs. Your kitchen will be left with a couple of items which everyone swears they did not bring into the house and will probably end up being donated to the charity shop anyway.
When you first move into your 'spacious' university room, you want to make it nice and when you move out halls and into your student house with your friends, again, you want to make it nice. You buy all new plates, bowls, cutlery and mugs. You put up cute pictures and maybe, a couple of fairy lights. But I'll let you into a secret- No one remembers what's theirs when it comes to moving out.
Nobody remembers which plates they own and everybody thinks that one 'perfect' spoon is theirs. Your kitchen will be left with a couple of items which everyone swears they did not bring into the house and will probably end up being donated to the charity shop anyway.
First-year doesn't count
I don't know if this is just England, but for us, the first year doesn't count. You simply need to pass it to get into the second year. So that means that a lot of lectures are attended half-heartedly. Usually, you turn up without a pen to take notes, still drunk from the night before or late because you just had to get a coffee prior to the lesson.
Your Planners and Diaries
Leading on from that, you will not, repeat, will not use a diary of a planner in the first year. Yes, I did the same. I bought a cute diary and covered it in cute pictures. I bought a plethora of coloured pens and highlighters. I got way too many notebooks and sticky notes and do you know what, I have finished university now and I still have the majority of them - unwritten in and unused.
Weird Habits
I think developing weird habits is probably one of the most relatable things that happens whilst you are at university. However, your friends or housemates also pick up these habits and it isn't until you go back to your hometown that you realise that these new behaviours are actually quite strange.
It is not normal to nap at 11am or to make pancakes at midnight, that is unless you are at university.
Your Milk & Bread
There is no milk or your bread, its everyone's milk and bread. Yes, someone will use the last of it and no, no-one will confess. But don't worry, that's what your loan is for - milk and bread.
Carry your university ID
You could go to your university every single day, attend every lecture and know every lecturer's name and life story. But somehow, the university guards will still need to see your ID and if you don't have it, you won't be allowed into the building you are spending nine grand a year on, just to attend.
Rent & The Library
Your student rent is extortionate but don't worry, you don't spend anytime there anyway. You live in the library.
All in all, going to university was the best decision I have ever made and it has been an honour to live in this beautiful town.
One final truth about University culture - All the friends you make, will be your friends for life.
Thank you for reading this post!
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Periods appear to be a very strange conversation topic apparently. It is something nearly every woman deals with.
When discussing periods, we tend to soften our words and actions.
We slip tampons or sanitary pads up our sleeves to avoid people knowing. We use the term 'women problems', to describe the immense period pains we can get. There is a light, rose-coloured tint painted over the topic of periods to make them seem more acceptable in society.
But in reality, why are hiding something that happens to roughly half the population?
Personally, I think it is a way of dulling women's overall strength.
Your period is healthy and not only that, your body is so powerful that it can physically grow and produce another human being. And sometimes you just need a little bit of blood to remind you of how strong and courageous you can be.
This post might end up being super long because I have a lot to say about how the subject of periods and how it is dealt with.
- Boys, Boys, Boys - I was very lucky in the fact that the earliest male figure in my life, my dad, was informed when it came to periods and was never ashamed of grabbing me period products from the local shop. However, since I have been living with boy housemates, how little they know about periods is confusing to me. The amount of weird (and sometimes extremely amusing) questions I have been asked whilst sharing a house with two boys has been slightly worrying. They are definitely leaving this house with more information then when they came in, especially since they live with two girls! It has been a while since I have been in a High School environment but when I was younger, I was taught about periods in Sex Education. Which is fine and of course, I inappropriately laughed when the teachers said words like 'Tampon'. However, the boys were never taught anything about this monthly event. There is the argument that men do not have a menstrual cycle, therefore, they don't need to learn about it. But surely, isn't the conversation of periods more about reproduction? Something a man plays a part in? As I said, I haven't been to GCSE's for a long time and maybe times have changed.
- Social Media & Taboos- In honesty, this is changing. In 2019, it is a little less frowned upon. However, the sight of periods and anything menstrual-related is very restricted and not encouraged on social media platforms.
So let's talk about the sponsor of this post!
~Sponspered Content~
Pink Parcel is a period box subscription service, that delivers all the goodies you will need during your time of the month, start to your door. I don't know about you, but I am forever being surprised by my period. Luckily, I live with my best friend at the moment and she usually has some pads or tampons lying around which I can use, but when I start living with my boyfriend full-time, I am afraid that will no longer be an option. I am going to have to start fending for myself in the period department.
So, there are three main boxes you can get your hands on. There is 'The Needs' box, which is £5.00 a month. This has all your basics, your tampons, pads and other feminine hygiene products. The next level up is the 'The Wants' and this contains little extras which will make your period that little bit easier. As well as having period products, it also includes skin products, to sort out those pesky hormonal spots and even some chocolate and herbal tea. When I am on my period, I find the best thing to drink is peppermint tea, it really soothes your period cramps!
The box I was so generously sent was the 'All of It' box, which is £11.00 a month.
What's in the 'All Of It' box?
Well, I am glad you asked. Inside the packaging (pictured above) comes these two smaller boxes, one labelled 'For You' and the other 'For Later'.
~Sponspered Content~
Insides of the 'For You' box was a range of tampons and pads. Now, it is not a secret that every woman has a preference in what period products they use. And Pink Parcel knows that. Pink Parcel allows you to pick and choose what you like and want. My box is only my first months, therefore it includes a range. However, when you want to switch it up, just hop over to their website (linked here) and tell them what you want. They also carry a range of brands like Always, Tampax, BodyForm and many more!
~Sponspered Content~
Inside the 'For Later Box' is where all the goodies are hiding. In my box this month, I got the MudMasky for my hair. It is a shampoo that repairs your damaged hair and soothes it, to make it feel all soft. Fun Fact: When you are on your period, you are more likely to have bad hair days. Both your skin and your scalp can react due to the hormonal changes in your body.
Also, I got a Tanatomicals Lip Balm (which has SPF in it) and a Floss Lip Gloss. When I am on my period, I always find myself feeling dehydrated. Thes lip products are definitely what I need.
Finally, I also received a Cocoba Milk Chocolate Block. On the packet, this is described as a 'Chocolate Spoon', which you just have to have in alongside a cup of tea.
Also, something that is not pictured is the Lyons Coffee sachet. If I am being completely honest, I got too excited and drank it before I remembered to take a picture of it. It was my favourite item, as I am, you probably already know, a true coffee addict.
~Sponspered Content~
If you thought that was it, you were incorrect!
As well as the 'For You' and 'For Later' boxes, there is the 'For Night' box, which contains night time, thicker pads for long hours. As well as this bag which says 'Self-Love', which includes even more pads!
No matter, how long or heavy your cycle is, Pink Parcel has got you.
~Sponspered Content~

~Sponspered Content~
I posted a little late this week and as you can see, it was because I was working on this lengthy post.
Here are some of my final thoughts:
- Pink Parcel has been one of the best and most important brands I have worked with recently.
- Periods should never, ever be taboo.
- Women are strong, magical creatures.
Thank you Pink Parcel & thank you to all my lovely readers!
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Shop this post:
Monthly Period Subscription Box: Pink Parcel
Lip Gloss: Floss
Hair Mask: MudMasky
All other products linked.
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*This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own.
After people really loved my Mug Collection post (Click here, if you fancy giving it a read!), I thought, whilst I am still packing up all my belongings, I might as well show my collection of jewellery.
So let's cut to it. Here are a few quick facts about my jewellery consumption (is that the right word?) that you need to know before reading this post.
- My collection of jewellery is small. I never go out of my way to buy anything unless I am completely in love with it or something buys it for me.
- By all means, this is not all my jewellery. But it's all my nice, more acceptable pieces. I thought my Mulan pendant (yes, I am 21 and yes, I love my Mulan necklace) wouldn't really fit, so to say, in this post. Everything else I have is Primark rings, which I either loose constantly or have turned a nice bronzey shade and leave my finger green. Or, is a mixture of random pieces I wear often, which are now struggling with the daily wear and tear.
- Thirdly, I definitely prefer silver over gold, so if you are planning to propose to me anytime soon, please can I have a silver ring? Thank you.
So firstly, let's talk about this post's sponsor.
This post was brought to you by Abelini Jewellery. This is a UK based Jewerally company which offer a range of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. All of their products are set with silver as well as a plethora of stones.
Personally, I choose the Halo Diamond ring, which I didn't allow myself to wear all week until I took these blog photos because, as I mentioned before, I am a bit infamous for losing rings. It's lightweight, even though it looks like it should weigh a lot. Also, it makes me feel like I have put that little bit of extra effort into my everyday outfits, even when I am walking down to my local corner shop in a large jumper and no makeup, to get some milk.
~Sponspered Content~
In short, I love this ring. Abelini is also a small business and if you are going to spend money anywhere, it should be to support small, UK businesses. If you are like me and you like to know everything about the companies you are buying from, I have linked they're about page here. So go ahead, have a little read and see what they are all about.
And no, I am not getting married. But when I am, I will be sure to check out Abelini Jewerally for a second order. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
~Sponspered Content~
~Sponspered Content~
Sashka Co Bracelet & The Unknown
Sashka Co is a company I worked with ages ago when I first started blogging. And I still buy from them today. I only work with companies that I love and Sashka Co was definitely one of them. As you can tell from these photos, I have a bit of a thing for turquoise. The bracelet on the left, the one from Sashka Co, is one of my everyday bracelets. I also have a couple of other colours of this, like yellow and a plain blue. These bracelets are handmade in Nepal, where this company employs a lot of residents from there to help. They work on equal pay for women as well as supplying thousands of jobs.
I have a discount code with this, click here to use it.
The turquoise bracelet with the large beads is something I have picked up along the way. Unlike the aesthetically pleasing Abelini ring or the Sashka Co bracelet with the good cause, I love this piece because of how different it is. I can't remember where I got it, but I definitely haven't seen anyone else with one.
Next up is my pendants that don't have chains yet. Again, more turquoise. I have, approximately, two chains, which aren't broken. I just shouldn't be trusted with nice things (thank you Abelini Jewerally for trusting me!)
So, the caged stone pendant on the right is from the Isle of Wight in this little, gem shop which I recently heard went bust. However, you can find these anywhere. And what I love about this cage is that you can put anything in it. Yes, at this moment, I am following my turquoise phase but you can put any stone in it. Wearing an all-black outfit? Add a bit of colour with this necklace. Your nails don't match with your clothes? Match them with your necklace! Very versatile. I love it.

Matching Bracelet and Necklace
Finally, the pendant on the left actually matches with this bracelet below. My Dad bought these for me on my 18th Birthday from a local jewellery shop in my hometown called Crystal Clear. If they have a website, it will be linked below. I love these. This set has survived every jewellery throw out session, every move and I wear them on most special occasions.
As you can see from this lengthy post, I really couldn't explore ALL my jewellery but get ready, you will be seeing plenty of these 'collection' posts. I am really enjoying writing them and as I am packing away everything, I might as well be writing about all my belongings.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. As usual, everything will be linked below so if you fancy something that you have seen, it will be available below.
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Shop this post:
Abelini Ring: Abelini Halo Diamond Ring
Turquoise, White and Gold bracelet (Photo 1): Sashka Co
Turquoise, Large Bead Bracelet (Photo 1): Unknown
Matching Necklace and Bracelet (Photo 2 and 3): Crystal Clear
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*This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own.
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