I have quite a love, hate relationship with my hair and I feel like I am not alone.

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. 

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 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. 

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... 

Ugly drinks


 *This item was gifted*

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. 

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.  

Finally, take those vitamins. Remember all those vitamins you promised yourself you were going to take? Yeah, now is the time.


Thank you for reading, see you next week!


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*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. 

Shop this post:

Candles (Gifted): Vegan Bunny 

Facemask: -417

Oat Milk: Oatly

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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. 

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~

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. 

*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.

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. 

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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*This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own.  

So, this is where I am currently at with my veggie journey, but I will keep you updated!

Anyway, let's get into the actual post.

So, yes, this post is sponsored by Quorn, which I am VERY excited about. Quorn is one of the main reasons I decided to actually start trying to be a vegetarian. My older sister was a veggie for many years when I was growing up and I knew she found it hard to keep a good amount of protein in her diet. This was a massive concern of mine. However, with products like Quorn, it's a lot simpler now to stop eating meat because there are so many alternatives.

Anyway, with this post, I have decided to share my cheap, student-friendly, meat-free meal that won't heart your wallet or your belly.

Okay, let's get into the recipe. I want to say this is a veggie take on Bolognese.

What you will need ingredients wise:

• Pasta (I am not going to measurements, treat yourself, put in loads of pasta)
• 1 bag of Quorn Mince!
• Mushrooms (Or not, if you hate them.)
• 1 Pepper (I like the red ones but it's up to you!)
• 1 Onion
• 1 Clove of Garlic
• Oil
• Some Cheese!
• Bolognese sauce

Personally, this is yummy! Thank you, Quorn for sponsoring this post. I will keep you updated on my part-time veggie journey. 

As 2019 carries on flying by, I think it is the right time to write a blog post, documenting all the things I have learnt so far this year. We are already half-way through the year, how crazy? Like, we are already, currently in the sixth month of the year. Which to me is absolutely crazy. It felt like only yesterday, it was Christmas day and now, I am waiting for summer to eventually turn up.

Okay, so let's talk about learning curves. 

Hard Work

Something I have learnt so far, this year is all about hard work.

Now, this point is kind of vague, but I will do my best to explain it. Hard work is something that people talk about all the time, if you put in a good amount of work, you will get the result you want. It wasn't until this year, that this really rung true for me. I worked extremely, ridiculously hard for my degree and here I am, with a first-class in Media and Creative Writing.  If you truly want something, work hard for it and there is no way you can fail.

Little Changes Mean a Lot 

If you have been following me and reading my blog for a while, you would know that I have recently stopped eating meat. A small change I could make that will help the environment as well as help me become more healthy. As well as this, late last year, I actually started using vegan and cruelty-free makeup (see this post). Which is where Poppy Austin comes in. Poppy Austin is a company which specialises in creating 100% vegan, cruelty-free makeup, which is not only good for the environment but is also not cruel to all our furry, fluffy and scaly friends. 

Now, back when I first started blogging, I wrote a review of Poppy Austin's mascara, which is where my obsession for their makeup started. 

(Read that old, embarrassing post here.)

And since then, I have quite a few of their products and I am lucky enough to be working with them again. Changing your makeup to cruelty-free is one small, easy change you can make in your everyday life.  So let's briefly talk about this new, vegan eyelash serum. 

~Sponsored content~ 

So, recently, Poppy Austin has come out with this eyelash serum, which is made to lengthen and thicken your eyelashes to make them appear more full. Now, I was drawn to this product originally because of the earthy, woody pattern on the outside of the bottle. 

In my quest to find, good quality, cruelty-free makeup, I have come across many products which don't live up to the hype. Using products that are good for the environment, doesn't mean you have to compromise the quality of it. 

I would highly recommend making the switch with your daily makeup and giving Poppy Austin a chance. 

Comparing yourself will only disappoint you

Recognising somebody else's achievements, doesn't take away from your own. It will do you now good, to compete with someone else. Work on yourself, for yourself. Attach yourself to people who have the same or similar goals to you, but you do you. At the end of the day, the only person you truly need to impress is yourself. 

I need to sleep

This sounds stupid and probably extremely obvious. Yes, Asher, human beings need to sleep. 

But, I guess what I actually mean is, I need a break. Sometimes, things are more important than others. Sometimes, it is okay not to feel guilty or sympathetic or actually anything at all. Sometimes, you can lay in bed all day with a book or watching a film and not beat yourself up for not doing anything productive. Sometimes, you can go to bed early and think about all the things you have achieved rather than failed or not completed.

Basically, go to bed earlier, Asher. 

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Shop this post:

Eyelash Serum - Poppy Austin

Use discount code Asher015 to get 15% off!

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*this post is sponsored but all opinions are my own.