It is OKAY to not have you s*** together

Sometimes it’s okay to hit a bit of a slump…. Sometimes it's just difficult to motivate yourself to do anything, or whatever you are doing just doesn't make you happy and you know what, I've decided that it is okay. And it is totally okay to not have your s*** together!! I certainly don't have mine together.

Hitting a slump can just happen and you have zero control over it… and then everything builds up to the point of breaking, but the only option really is to just ride it outttttt//go with the flowwww.

For me, it can be in the form of creativity, when I have so much I need to do for uni and everything else I end up just hitting a block… Tends to be when I have had sooooo many ideas but when it’s come down to the actual doing part, it just feels totally overwhelming by everything. It’s kinda like I have all the thoughts, all the creativity flowing, and all the excitement, but at the same time am feeling totally swamped, and therefore do absolutely nothing towards any of it…

I often get mega shitty weeks and sometimes it can put me on a right downer where no matter what I do I am just never satisfied with what I am doing and the littlest of things cause everything to just come falling down and sometimes it's good to just have a little cry now and then. Bc, at the end of the day, are you even human if you don't cry once in a while?

However, after that shitty week it can sometimes give you the space to start again new with a fresh, clear your head and realise what you need to do so you come back thinking ~ HELL YEAH I got this ~ This is where I am right now and I know what I really wanna do, and for me it tends to be making and doing more of what I love to the best standard I possibly can.

Sometimes all it takes is a mini breakdown and the realisation of I really don't have my shit together but who cares. Your struggle and your mess is something to be proud of. One day you will be able to look back and know every tear, every mess you made, every hour you worked, and every hour of sleep you lost caused you to be the success you became.

SO! Then here is to a mini fresh start, plus who cares if it's nearly the end of the year when people say just do it in the new year... well no each day I wanna be able to do something I love and think yeah I got this, you got this, WE totally got this.

Dating On A Student Budget

Being in a relationship whilst being a student certainly, has its benefits. For me, I lurvvvve growing and learning alongside my boyfriend as we navigate and motivate ourselves through university life together. However, it can be straining amongst deadlines, essays and late nights in the library to have the time together doing something we both enjoy with very little cost. 

It's common knowledge that us students have empty purses... SOooo, a few week back we decided to make a list of fun (but cheap) date ideas to suit our student budget.

♡ Picnic in local park
♡ A scavenger hunt
♡ At home spa day
♡ Sitting watching a sunrise/sunset
♡ Go to an amateur comedy club
♡ Pub quiz night
♡ Play tourist in our own city & explore
♡ Film marathon
♡ Play board games
♡ Wander round local book & vinyl stores
♡ Cook dinner at home as a date night
♡ Build a blanket fort
♡ Buy the biggest puzzle from the local charity shop
♡ Take a trip to a free museum

What would your perfect date night be?? Comment below so I can steal some of your ideas :)

Autumnal Outfit Snappin'

Feels like I've been waiting FOREVER for this moment... oh yeahhh, my first autumnal post of the year, HURRAY! You all know as much as I love summer, long nights, chilling in the parks, holidays but autumn will always be my favourite time of the year! As much as I love summer clothes I am OBSESSED with jumpers!! I can't wait to layer to my hearts content.... basically, autumn, I’m ready for ya!

Starting off with outfits... I know I keep scything this but I am really gonna try do a lot more outfit / fashion posts these next upcoming months. Expect loads of wooly jumpers and ALL the beanies in the world… I tend to have go-to outfits but recently I am loving the black denim jackets and skirts styled with everything knitted!! Plus there is so many nice pairs of boots on Asos which isn't good as I keep eyeing up them all PLEASE help meeee!

This outfits been my go-to at the moment, I can’t stop eyeing up ALL the new boots over on Asos…helppppp meeee.

Okay, enough about me, do you love autumn as much as me // What are you most excited about over the next few months? I wanna know alllllll!

Outfit: 

Skirt- Asos

Jumper- Zara

Jacket- New Look

Baker boy hat- Zara

Scarf- River Island

Chelsea boots- Asos

(some items aren't the exact but linked with similar)

In Conversation With Nina Nesbitt

About a month ago now, Alex and I got the chance to chat to Nina Nesbitt all about how her sound has evolved, how she approaches songwriting for herself and others and what's next for her as an artist. She has recently just released a new single, "The Moments I’m Missing" from her album which will be out early next year!!

So, you just brought out a new single, "The Best You Had". You said it was a song that portrays the complicated feelings you had of an ex moving on and the fear that the new person is better than you, smarter, prettier. It is a very powerful message, what advice would you have for someone going through a similar though process?

I wrote it about my friend who had gone through a breakup and she found out he moved on within a couple of weeks. It was more an observation of her of how we mix our actual feelings with our own ego and our own pride. It is basically saying you can move on with anyone as long as it is not better than what we had,  which is quite pyscho but I feel like it is something that most people feel. 

Your music video reinforces the message of that. Knowing that is was from your friends perspective was it difficult to film at all?

Not really as I have definitely been through it and felt like that after a relationship. I really like to get in to character when I am singing.

What was your inspiration when you were younger to become a music artist? 

There wasn't like one thing but I always listen to a lot of female artists like Taylor Swift in her early day. I found that really cool as she didn't have this big fancy production or expensive sounding instruments, it was just her and a guitar. And I was like I can do that, I can go to Argos tomorrow and pick up a twenty pound guitar. So that really inspired me and strong female artists too!

How do you think your sound has evolved?

It has jus grown with me as a person I guess as I was 17/18 when I first started out and wrote my first album. Now I am 23, it is like a natural progression and I also think moving to London has had massive influence on my sound and being around so many different cultures. 

What is your favourite thing about touring? 

Probably seeing people sing along to your songs because when you do the shows you get to see people singing along and it's really cool. 

Your album is out in 2018, how are you feeling about it?

I am just excited to put it out, yeah!! It is basically all finished and the artwork is all done so it is not too much stress for me!  

~

Honestly, getting the interview with Nina was pretty cool, to think that I seen her live back in her Peroxide era, I really never thought that I would ever get the opportunity to interview her. Also.... if you want to find out more about Nina Nesbitt make sure you listen to the full thing on my Mixcloud. And tickets to her tour are available here: Nina Nesbitt Tickets

Finally, a MAHOOSIVE thank you to Nina and her team xx

Finding The Badass Gal In You

A girl's guide to being totally badass

Confidence is essential.

It really does make all the difference. When you’re confident with who you are it shines through in every aspect, the way you walk, dress and the way you just absolute slay everyday life. PLUS when you are confident it can be V contagious for everyone else...  so why not sprinkle it everywhere you go, you know?

Honestly, there is nothing more I love than seeing a girl or guy thrive with confidence. However, I get it... it's 2017 AND social media can be a real confidence killer when seeing uber pretty girls with amazing bodies and flawless makeup. BUT instead of feeling down we just need to use it as a boost as we are all unique in our own way. You are you and there is only one of you so OWN IT girl!!

Before I continue to ramble on with my quick self-help tips, look in the mirror and ask yourself are you as confident as you want to be? If not, radon and get on with your badass self!

//

BE GRATEFUL. SIMPLE.
Not much to say here apart from being thankful for all the good in your life. You are in charge of creating your future. Design wisely.
So smile, laugh, be grateful.

What are you grateful for?


FOCUS ON YOUR OWN SHIT.
One thing I have to say is that gaining confidence is no a math equation. It is as simple as focusing on your own life and stop overthinking and focusing on a girl from your school whose social media following is bigger than yours…because her success isn’t taking away from yours.

Next time you find yourself fixating on other people’s shit or social media, acknowledge that you are just as good if not better & move on from it.


GET OUTTA YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
Everyone fails. Everyone gets back up. And if you don’t fail then have you ever lived?  Thrive off people telling you no. Even people who don't believe in you or don't take you seriously. Honestly, this is were stepping out of your comfort zone stems from.

Step out, stay out and NEVER go back & just love every second of getting uncomfortable to eventually be comfortable.Just by doing that, it will up your confidence levels. Trust meeeee.


DRESS UP FOR YOU.
Gotta admit I do love dressing up for myself and it is happening more & more lately. For anyone who knows I am all for comfort when it comes to clothes, all for those oversized jumpers the ones you can throw on. But sometimes I like to look nice… for myself. It makes me feel good to walk into a room dressed to impress. Not to impress anyone else though, just ME.

A power outfit and I’m ready to conquer the world.

Embrace who you are, flaws and all. And love them. Don’t cover up and hide behind something you're not.

Getting Close to Sarah Close

Moving from the Isle of Wight, she released her debut EP, Caught Up earlier this year and has just dropped a new single, Only You. She is now on her first UK tour and here's what went down when we managed to be fortunate enough to get an interview with her before she took to the stage in Manchester....

So, you obviously started on YouTube, how did you get into that?

I started when I was 14. I grew up on the Isle of Wight and I just wanted to be in the music industry, be a singer and I didn't know how else to do it as I lived in the IOW when everyone else is in London. So, I decided to start a YouTube channel and in hope, that my channel would grow enough for me so I can do what I can't by not do by being physically in a place.

Who was your inspiration to start your channel?

I was a big fan of Gabriella Aplin, Kate McGill and there was a couple of American singers I loved watching and I was like I can do that. Also, Charlie Is So Cool Like, I was watching him make videos and I wanted to be just like him. Although I can't-do the whole talking to the camera thing so I decided to sing instead.

You've mentioned uni, how did that help you at all?

Well, I wrote Caught Up at uni. So if I hadn't gone on the course, I wouldn't have written that song and uni helped me in a lot of ways, it was important because it gave me friends, a loan to go out in London and have fun. It really helped me find my style and what I wanted to do, as writing Caught Up was really the start of my songwriting identity. I have a lot to thank for that course.

You just finished filming the music video for only you, what is your favourite music video of all time?

Oh my god!! First, one that pops into my head is Katy Perry’s Last Friday Night, it is a banging song and her music videos are always great.

If you could put together your dream festival lineup, with you headlining, who would there be?

SZA, Rihanna, Katy Perry, The Killers, Wheatus, Weezer, Elton John, Post Malone, Alessia Cara, Halsey, Oh wonder and probably Kanye West. For all ages, all genres, open end festival.

What was the first ever gig you went to?

S CLUB 7!! Oh my gawddd, it was their last ever show as S Club 7 before they broke up and it was amazing. My parents bought me this light-up stick, I was stood on their chair waving it and it was such an amazing time.

Are you working on any new music at the current time?

You bet I am!! Yes, definitely, I keep sending notes to my producer saying can you change this, can you change that. SO it is all recorded, how does that sound huh? It was going to be released this year but with the response to Only you has been better than what we expected it to be soooo I think we may let that sit for a while and come out with something in the new year, but who knows.

Finally, what has been the best thing to happen to you this year?

Oh, God that is an unanswerable question... I have had so much happen to me this year. The best thing though probably has to be, I think actually putting out maybe Only You. That was the first song since my EP so there wasn't really much hype around it being my first thing out and it was my first thing out since signing to the label. So equally that was a different kind of release with now being with a label and having a team around me, that was different. It was a song I have written this year so it hasn't sat with me for a long time and has to be one of the most honest real songs that I have written and put out.  So probably putting out Only You!

~

Honestly, getting the interview with Sarah was crazy, never in a million years would I ever think that I would get such an amazing opportunity to interview one of my favourite singers. Please please please go give Sarah's EP Caught Up and her latest single Only You a listen as you will fall in love with her voice and music. Also.... if you want to find out more about Sarah Close make sure you listen to the full thing on my Mixcloud. 

Finally, a HUGGEEE thank you to Sarah and her team xx

A Guide to Surviving Freshers Week

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES || Part 4

Freshers week can come across like a scary time when you've got to make friends whilst learning to live on your own. But it is also essential to work out how many Jägerbombs you can buy on a shoestring budget, work out the best nightclubs to the challenge of learning how to book a taxi for a group of 10 without it cancelling on you, freshers' week is the start of a steep learning curve. I have come up with some tips to help you survive...

There’s a lot laid on for you during freshers and the weeks following, don’t waste it and enjoy the fresher's experience!

Be yourself:

Best way to break the ice with new friends is telling stories about your life, but try to stick to what's actually true (or this will come back to bite you). Plus, it's never a good idea to try to reinvent yourself at uni; people see straight through it and you'll feel much more comfortable if you aren't trying to be someone you're not. 

Students' Unions and events:

Your uni will offer SOOOo many different nights to suit everyone's tastes, you'll get info packs from your student union about freshers the week before you arrive or make sure you check out their website. For the most reliable ticket for events make sure you buy them early from the students' union to avoid the disappointment of it being a fake event. 

Have fun and don't worry:

It is evident everyone is going to be a little nervous about going out- it can be a scary time for any fresher in a new city but as long as you all stick together it's MUCH better to be in trust company than being on your own.

Stay responsible:

I don't want to sound like your mum but let's be real here, there’s a fair deal of ‘experimentation’ going on at university but make sure you know what you’re getting involved in? If in doubt, steer well clear.

Don't be that person:

Getting so drunk that you end up getting kicked out of the club from being sick all over yourself will haunt you, so just don't overdo it. And just give yourself a chance to get to know people first, before jumping ahead into any relationships that could ruin friendships by making it EXTREMELY awkward between you and them.

Finally, do remember that freshers' week isn't your average week at university – you are likely to feel a bit broken, poor and full of freshers flu afterwards, but you'll get back on track.... eventually!

SOS: Living On A Student Budget

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES || Part 3

No doubt this will hopefully be a saviour to anyone needing budgeting tips and bringing back down to reality about living and coping on a student budget. Here's the obvious... Student life= tight budget, we all get it.

Those who don't go to uni and think we can manage on just our student maintenance loan are well and truly wrong. And even I was in that mindset before I moved away as trust me when you're initially set off to uni whilst money is certainly not a priority. Personally, my brain was more focused that I was about to go move to a city, and into a building with hundreds of people I'd never met. It soon hit me I needed to get my spending under control (I love shopping what can I say)- but once I did, I noticed a huge decrease unnecessary stress.

I'd decided that in the first year I needed to settle into a new city, make friends and focus on my studies and the last thing I wanted was to be stressing about a new job. I figured I could survive off of my student loan and savings... Which I successfully managed on a budget, however, the second year is here and I am already job hunting and applying to help see me through the year and means I can save for little luxuries and even the odd festival or holiday.

If I had advice for any first year it's to not blow all your money in freshers and actually attempt to budget, it may be difficult but it all pays off when you're not maxing out your overdraft or begging parents for money for food. 

These are the things that helped me get on track with money and will hopefully help you all too:

Set a budget and be strict. Find out what works for you- work out how much you'll get each semester and then how many weeks it has to last. Many have two accounts and transfer the weekly amount each Monday and then once that money was gone that week, it was gone. Always have an emergency stash you can access for spontaneous adventures or purchases, but try and keep as close to your budget as possible.

Cook at home! Which means not being able to order takeaways or eating out because it is easier and you don't have to make any effort cooking or doing the dishes. BUT it gets expensive. Find fun recipes and try new things at home. The worst is when you're hungover and all you want is a Dominos but your bank account just won't let you - I am doing a cook/foodie uni post soon so keep your eyes peeled!

Use coupons and discount cards! There are so many student-friendly deals, take advantage of them (ahem, the NUS card or Unidays). Trust me 10% off here, 25% off there- makes all the savings add up! If you're anywhere and you're unsure if they do student discount just ask and always carry your uni ID as you never know when that can get you 10% off in TopShop when you fall in love with a cute top or pair of heels you can't resist. 

Use your what your uni has to offer. Most universities or colleges offer things like cheaper gym memberships, societies, fun activities and discounts on various night club deals or restaurants. These can dramatically cut your costs- take all the free/ discounted stuff you can!

Sharing is caring! For myself, I know this is a common thing but make the most of your flat mates if they have a similar style. Say you want to borrow a dress of theirs for a night out or date you've got coming up. Simply trade off, do swaps and share clothes plus no one needs to know it was your best gal friend from your flat who's skirt or fur coat you're wearing.

I know this was very detailed and you may be wanting to pull your eyes out of their sockets or it may have helped either way. I love uni and whilst I would love a lot more money, I really wouldn't change it for anything. I guess they say it is all about the experience.

Essentials For Your Flat

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES || Part 2

It may have felt like I have neglected my uni series these past weeks, however, I'm back! I am posting on a Wednesday (shock, I already can't stick to a routine) but I am ready to kick start this series right in time for anyone heading off to uni this year.

Moving to university can be a daunting thing and the last thing you need to be worrying about is what you need to take away with you to your new student pad. To save all that worry and stress I have put together my top essentials and must haves for your flat or house. 

With myself just moving in to my second-year house it can be a nightmare packing everything and then making sure you have all you need for your room, kitchen, bathroom blah blah.,. my aim last year and again this year was to make it as homely as possible. 

No doubt there will be hundreds of things you might very well want to take when you move to university, but remember, you ain't moving country or to the moon. Perks are they do have shops where you're going so make the most of buying most when you're down at uni and ordering online to save carrying heavy items from one place to another.

BEDROOM
Loads of hangers, because you can’t exist on four for a year. A couple of sets of bedding, to limit the stress on washing day. A diffuser to make your room smell nice – candles won’t be allowed.

An alarm clock, or you won’t make lectures or when you take a nap before a night out (priorities, of course). An extension cable: halls never has enough plug sockets  Your laundry basket acts as both a transportation device on washing day and protects your floor from smelly socks.

Who knows who has slept in your bed before? Bring a mattress protector to allay your fears.

Finally, your bedroom for the next year will be a place for sleeping, essay writing and snuggling. Unless you prefer the hospital-room look for the inside of your accommodation, its time to decorate. Order lots of photographs for your wall, a cushion selection and fluffy blankets to snuggle in too. Also not forgetting the fairy lights for a cosy touch.

KITCHEN/BATHROOM
Obviously there are the obvious like cutlery, plates, pans, bowls, glasses, towels, all your toiletries but don't forget the basics like tupperware containers for the leftovers or when you cook too much. Or  essentials like a colander for cooking pasta and even a cheese grater. You may have everyone asking to borrow when they forget theres but at least you're the organised one.

Lets not forget your favourite mug to always remind you of home when all you want is a hot chocolate to cheer you up after a stressful day or when your PMS kicks in, as girls we have all been there.

EXTRAS
If you're like me you will have all your stationary already but if not the basics are a diary, notebooks, lotsa sticky notes and coloured pens for bright easy to read notes. An external hard drive and plenty of USB sticks to be able to transfer and save your work without "losing" it is my biggest must!!

Last section is what you're gonna need for the social side of uni... it's all good and well being practical but you obviously wanna have a good time with your friends so, BEER PONG! It may be American but it is the one thing most people will no doubt wanna play at pre drinks. As well as playing cards, they are a necessity for any games night, and everyone forgets them.

Keep at least one fancy dress outfit ready. At some universities, participation is mandatory. As who knows a freshers event could be next week and you need that fancy dress outfit already. Last few things are always pack a bottle opener, its is never not helpful unless you've got a pro opening skills and a couple of shot glasses never go a miss.

 

 

Distressed Denim Done My Way

I am obsessed with jackets at the moment, especially denim ones as well as sparkles, sequins and lots of glitter and shimmer!! What a perfect combo for the summer, festivals and even nights out. I wore this out at my last festival last week and I am taking it to Creamfields this weekend and oh boy I feel damn special since I customised it myself (!!)

I mean, who doesn't love getting creative and want to brighten up their wardrobe with a little bit of sparkle! It’s SO much fun, means you have something that no-one else ever will, and it feels uber personal owning something that you’ve added an extra touch too!

Why spend a fortune on a pre-made denim jacket which you kinda like but won't in a few weeks, when you can hit up Primark, pick up a cheap jacket and go wild at home with distressing it and adding whatever the hell you want to make it feel like your own.

This jacket was only £12 so it is a bargain when you think about it! And as for the sequins, this was just an iron on transfer from eBay for £2.99!! I just took my scissors and tweezers to it and began to fray the edges, collar and create patches that look worn and distressed.

I LOVE the outcome, I chose a particular, simple sequin transfer but you can literally go crazy and bold and do whatever ya like. I now have a load of bizarre ideas, so keep your eyes peeled as I may end up customising more that I own with initials, badges and more...

Moving Away From Home

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES || Part 1

So last week some of you will have got your results back and found if you'd be heading off to uni next month. It is exciting and a whole new adventure ahead of you at first but as the weeks creep closer to moving away from home to your new place, the nerves will be kicking in and you will be asking yourself a million questions (I know I was) .... 

There are so many positives to moving away from the city you grew up in. As firstly it means your new place is for you. It's somewhere you can explore and when family and friends visit you can show them all your favourite spots for shopping, coffee and cocktails. You learn more about yourself than you ever have before,  it forces you into a new world that’s outside of your comfort zone and you will come more open-minded. It will bring you to face new people, new sights and new opinions, some you may not agree with but you learn to listen to others views and beliefs whilst holding your own opinions without shutting other people down.

With moving into shared accommodation or halls of residence, you are bound to face some difficulties and come across people you do not necessarily get along with. So being put into a flat with totally new people you will have never met before, it can be scary and daunting at first. However, the best thing to do is to make compromises and be respectful to your flat mates by working alongside them and putting differences and dislikes aside even if you don't exactly see eye to eye all the time.

Trust me when you go back home for the holidays or to spontaneously visit family as a surprise you become to miss the things you once hated. For myself, my sister and I get along so much better now that we aren't there to pester and annoy each other every day and it is the little jobs I don't mind doing to help my mum out around the house. And you feel like you grow closer to your hometown as anyone at uni who offends your hometown you will be there to back it up that it ain't all that bad.

Finally, there is the obvious mahoosive question of "WHAT IF I GET HOMESICK? WHAT DO I DO? WHAT IF I HATE IT?"

Take a moment, try breathe, and just look around at how far you've come! But there is obviously going to be nights when you get fed up of being on your own or just need a hug from your mum to make it all better. I'd suggest before your family leaves you make sure you make your room is as homely as it can be, filled with photos, cards, fairy lights and homely touches that make you smile :) And when it comes to it, facetime, skype and social media is a massive help to speak to family and reassure your nerves that you're doing just fine!!

Boardmasters 2017

A perfect week of sunshine, music, surfing and friends in Cornwall! Last week a bunch of us went on a road trip down to Newquay for Boardmasters Festival and it has to have been one of the best weeks by far. I just want to share a few memories and snaps from the week away and to tell you about a few artists and bands I got the chance to see and that I'm in lurrrve with too!

All will be linked to their Spotify so you can check them out and have a listen too.

Wednesday we explored around the arena and looked around the stalls, checked out the different food we wanted to try out and pitched our tents which weren't so successful when it is gale force winds snapping the tent poles (but that's another story). Thursday we headed to Fistral beach to check out what was going on down there! The surfing had been cancelled that day due to the weather conditions but we sat, ate food, watched the BMX trials and soaked up the atmosphere. One thing I loved about this festival it was so chill yet filled with so much to do and see.

Friday came and the festival had properly started. After seeing Tom Zanetti live in Sailors at the Afterparties we were pretty tired but we didn't let that put a damper on the rest of our weekend. Of course, we saw the main headline for the Friday, Two Door Cinema Club, who were a-m-azing!! 

During the day we explored the stages, found our feet and I discovered a few artists I have come to love! It was the same on Saturday, we knew the headliners we wanted to see but it was nice to be able to listen to new music from existing artists and new upcoming bands too. A few of these were Newton Faulkner, Frances, The Vaccines, Laura Mvula, Kate Nash and Get Inuit. 

This festival was perfect for me as I loved the mix of sitting in a field chilling and listening to music whilst taking it all in, however, I do love a good dance around and being right in the middle of the crowd dancing away. On Saturday it had to be my favourite day as on the night I got to see Jax Jones (again) and I was blessed to hear Pete Tong and Solardo bash out a few tunes as well as Gorgon City live which was incredible!!

The final day came and we tried to make the most of it by seeing as much as we possibly could so we ended up seeing Stormzy, Ziggy Marley, The Amazons, smaller artists such as Daisy Clark and the big headliner Alt-J. I have to say each and everyone we saw blew me away and left me gobsmacked. 

Sadly, everything has to come to an end which we were all gutted about as I don't know about you, but there is something about 50,000 people stood in fields, singing their hearts out and dancing that makes me very happy! There are many more artists and things I want to talk about with you guys but I won't bore you. Also, keep your eyes peeled for a vlog from that week!

My Festival Essentials

I know a lot of festivals have been and gone but there is still a few left in the pipeline including Creamfields, Leeds Fest and more!! There’s just something about being in a field watching your favourite band or DJ perform. And while planning which stages to fight your way to the front too. It’s also important to know what essentials you’ll need to survive the weekend.

This week I have been gathering all my bits and pieces that I need for my next festival which is Boardmasters next week down in Newquay. Considering we are camping Wednesday to Monday I really had new clue on how much I needed to take. Which is why I thought I’d share my list of festival essentials that you need in your backpack this summer!

I will be taking my phone purely to allow me to meet up with friends, occasionally update social media and let my mum know that I’m ok! So for me, portable phone chargers and cables are a MAHOOSIVE must have! Even if you don’t take your phone or on the off chance you do run out of battery, it’s probably best to also have something with you that allows you to tell the time. Pretty much all festivals run to strict timings so you don't want to be missing out on your favourite acts and bands that you're really excited to see!

Now is it even a festival if you don’t cover your face in glitter or gems? I think not! Which is why I have loads of pots of glitter from Afflecks (in Manchester) and they are are the perfect festival essential. When applied with facial glue it is super easy for that festival glam, without looking like a unicorn just threw up on you. Other makeup products I am taking are my basic daily essentials, so concealer, pressed powder, brow kit and mascara. Since you can't take glass I've transferred my foundation into plastic bottles which can be bought in stores like Boots or Superdrug.

Thinking more practical, I have decided to get little miniature bottles of the daily essentials such as shampoo, deodorant, shower gel, shaving foam, razor, body spray, dry shampoo, body/face wipes... the list is endless! I literally hit up Primark and Superdrug looking for the best deals as there was no point spending a fortune for it to be used maybe twice. And not forgetting sun cream and aftersun as its mad how just standing in a field can leave you burnt and in pain for the rest of the weekend.

And finally, there are the obvious festival outfits! As everyone always seems to dress to impress. I'm gonna risk it and be a mom her but it is important to remember that no matter how cool you look in photos it's always best to be prepared for the dreaded rain us Brits are used to. I haven't packed too much that is hoping for rain apart from my wellies, a waterproof jacket and cheap ponchos. Here is to hoping it is dry, it can get cooler on an evening so I have my denim jacket and hoodie for those nights!

Are you going to any festivals this year? If so, what are your festival essentials?

Let The Holidays Begin...!

I am totally and utterly head over heels for Greece. It has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too! This year had been my first that we have travelled to Skiathos on our family holiday and it definitely won't be our last. The food, the atmosphere, the beach, the people…it is just perfection.

My one and only goal for the week was to be totally relaxed and ready for the rest of what summer has to throw at me. I seem to be one of those people whose mind just keeps going at a stupid speed even when there is no need. But being able to chill by the pool, go on walks to the beach and sunbathe by the sea... it was pure bliss!!

We stayed at “Skiathos Palace Hotel” which is right on the beach front, and just a couple hundred steps from the hotel door to the beach! It isn't in the heart of the island and is a little further away from the town, it is so peaceful but has a whole lotta character.

Skiathos town itself is bursting full of tiny shops, lush traditional Greek restaurants and more ice cream stalls and cocktails bars than you could ever imagine. Basically, I found it the most dreamy place…ever. The food in Skiathos is just so god damn tasty! Like everything is so fresh, their fruits, salads, bread, dips, yoghurts, I could go on and on! 

One evening in Skiathos town we went to the open air cinema to watch Mamma Mia and it was so AHHHMAZING as knowing they filmed parts of that movie in the town of this quaint island was pretty cool!! Just sitting with my popcorn, singing along to Mamma Mia under the stars was perfect.

My family and I had the most glorious time and have all come back home feeling super refreshed and even more ready for all the exciting things to come!

These photos are just a snippit from the holiday and I’ve actually about another good two hundred more saved from the holiday away alongside a 40-second vlog which is up on my YouTube channel which you guys should go check out! I was planning on doing an outfit post or two but I literally wore beach dresses, bikinis and light dresses the majority of my time so I won't bore you all with that.

Current Fave Summer Tunes

I don't think I've done a post like this before, and I am obsessed with all sorts of music so for me finding that perfect summer playlist for when I'm travelling, sitting on the beach or chilling with friends at festivals is essential. 

I can't wait to make so many memories this summer with friends and family and there are so many summer tunes that I am obsessed with listening to and they get me in such a chilled, summery mood. And I'm sure they will make me some good memories this year. So take a look at my playlist that I’ve been playing non-stop. Don’t forget to let me know in the comments what your favourite songs are this summer!

Here is a few of my top faves:

"Summer Poolside Hits"

Wild Thoughts - DJ Kahled ft. Rihanna
Feels - Calvin Harris
On My Mind - Disciples
Know No Better - Major Lazor
Middle Of The Night - The Vamps ft. Martin Jensen
Power (feat. Stormzy) - Little Mix
Malibu - Miley Cyrus
Glory - Bastille
Call Me Out - Sarah Close
Fake Happy - Paramore

Detoxing Your Life

I am a big believer in fresh starts and getting rid of any negativity in your life! Often people do this at the start of a new year, beginning of each month. People feel 'detoxing' is healthy eating, drinking green boost smoothies, working out, blah blah blah... However myself, I feel it is something I do when I am feeling unmotivated, uninspired, or if I feel I am stuck in a rut of doing the same boring thing. Life is too short to be stuck doing the same thing each day with the same people and not being able to explore, have fun and live life a little on the wild side !!

To start with I would focus primarily on getting rid of any bad toxins, negativity & anything else that may be weighing me down. Then I can build upon it and feel refreshed and brand new! Think of it as a way to create a clean state where you will be happy, relaxed and content with most aspects (if not everything) of your life.

I thought there was no better than to put all my ways and means of detoxing your life into a list. So feel free to take ideas and try it on yourself.... it may work wonders.

1. Taking breaks from social media- it helps me just rewind, makes me feel new and motivated with brand new ideas and so much more energy.

2. Being outside- so many days I spend inside whether thats at home, in the library etc and it just becomes so monotanous stayng in the same place. I often love to get out, explore, go for walks, sit in parks, take my camera, go shopping and so much more.

3. Cut ties and communication- this can tend to be a difficult one, however, if people or social media are holding you back, only you can stop yourself from letting it have a negative impact. Deleting old messages, photos, unfollowing... all of those make you feel so much more relaxed and a feeling of relief, knowing there is no way they can bring negativity in to your life

4. Look after yourself- for me it is the MOST important thing.When I feel like everything is getting on top of me I turn to a “pamper” evening. My pamper evenings are usually pretty simple, its more just having a bath, putting a face mask on, listening to my favourite albums and reading a book. I try just totally have the time for me, away from my phone and everyone else so I feel totally relaxed.

5. Do what you love- focus on doing things that you enjoy, surround yourself with people whos company you love and make the most of all the things in life (whether that be little or big) as time is too short to miss out on anything.

Basically, do things and go places so you don't regret not doing it in the future and try not to dwell on the past. It can’t be changed, and that’s totally okay. Instead, plan what you are doing now, what’s your next step, and how you’re going to do this. Fill yourself with positivity and look forward not back. Always. Always. Always.

Festival Glitter Fix

FESTIVAL SEASON IS FINALLY HERE!! And I cannot wait to be out dancing in the fields with my friends! With Coachella and Parklife already been and gone, it certainly kick started the festival season with a bang...! With plenty more festivals ahead of us I thought I would share with you some makeup and glitter inspiration to get you just as excited for the festival season as I am!!

Glitter is one of those beauty products that can be used all-over, but everyone seems to be loving the glitter under-eye accents and glittered cheekbones, a la galactic glam.

Gemstones, Glitter, sparkles and stickers – the more we can pile on to our faces come festival season, the happier we all are. It is super duper simple and you can buy little pots of glitter from nearly every beauty store these days or ordered online for cheap.

I dab Vaseline on to the areas of my face where I want the glitter to be, then swipe the glitter on top and seal with hair spray if you wish (close your eyes when you do this!). When I am going for a more defined look with chunky pieces of glitter I also use a makeup brush for easy application! 

Stores such as Primark and New Look all sell various different gemstones, temporary tattoos, stickers to suit any festival look, whether you want to go extreme and super sparkly or subtle, they have loads which are worth checking out!!

But, until next time, let festival season commence!