school
12 Habits of a Successful BOSS.
21 July 2017
I'm all about being your own boss, or bad-ass, or killer-queen. Anything the means taking control of your life and letting the world know who's in charge makes me happy. Plus, anything that encourages self-love and positivity also makes me very happy. There are some people out there who may think: "She's not a BOSS." But funny thing, I don't care. Because I know I'm a boss, the only approval I need is my own. So here are some of the top tips I live by, as my own bad-ass BOSSSSS.
DREAM BIG
A true boss will never think inside the box, or dream small. It's simply having that all-or-nothing mindset that fuels fiery determination. Ambition is everything when it comes to dominating life. From romance to your career, it's always best to aim high if you want those awesome results.
STAY FRUGAL
As my own boss, I literally never spend money. Unless it's treat yo self day and I'm splurging in the latest season's sale at Trinity Leeds. It's a very hard habit to get into, but saving is so key in every aspect of life. Watch that bank account grow!
CHILL OUT
Stressing out is not cool. We all do it, I do it 99.99% of the time, but it's not a good habit to have. When the pressure gets too much, it's important to remember that a boss will keep her cool, remember that she's a BOSS and continue to be a BOSS!
BREAK THE RULES
Rules are totally meant to be broken. Why else would they be there? The glass ceiling, or that invisible barrier that's holding you back demands to be broken. A boss would never allow a silly set of rules to stop her from achieving her goal, unless they're for safety of course.
BE INDEPENDENT
I definitely struggle to become independent from time to time, but as the successful boss I strive to be, I know that working life out on my own is a big part of growing up. Leaning on people for support is natural and always helpful, but if a boss wants to do something on her own, she'll do it on her own!
KEEP CREATING
The ideas never stop coming. A dry spell happens every so often, but it's never the end of the world. The bright ideas notepad is never too far away and full of creative concepts, whether they will be the winner or not. Drafts are the stepping stones to success.
LOVE ROUTINES
A solid routine is the way forward. It's how the day gets started and how it ends. Plus it keeps the day going and everything in order - just the way a boss likes it. There's something about knowing what's coming that brings peace to the mind.
REMAIN ORGANISED
Pretty much needed at any given time, but especially for a boss. To create a successful routine, you have to be organised in the first place. Developing this skill takes time and training but it's always worth it.
WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER
As much fun as success may be, having fun is way better. There's something about hard work that makes the pay-off ten thousand times better. The greatest part? Loving what you do and doing what you love. As the weekend rolls around, have fun!
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Bad-ass bosses are smart. They're smart in whatever field they want to feel smart in. It could be any topic or activity under the sun, but education is incredibly important. Not only is it an enormous luxury to be able to learn, but also beneficial for future boss adventures.
STAY FOCUSED
It's all fun and games until something goes wrong and you lose the will to continue. That's a big no-no for a boss. Nothing throws them off, no one puts them off. If a boss wants to achieve she WILL achieve. Say this out-loud every so often, and keep your eyes on the prize.
LOVE YOURSELF
A boss certainly isn't bothered about the opinions of others. Success looks different to everybody. You don't necessarily need to compete with or copy people to do well. Just be confident in you. Love yourself. And you'll become the next big BOSS!
A couple of my BOSS must-haves:
Things I Miss About School
8 February 2016
While in school, I never valued the food that was available at my fingertips. School lunches were never gourmet meals in my eyes, but always a reasonable price and ready whenever I need them. Now that I work from Monday to Friday, and have realised I can no longer afford to have Starbucks every day, I really miss being able to pick up an affordable sandwich with the swipe of a card at school and finding somewhere safe and clean to eat it. Every day I have to make a conscious effort to make my lunch which I ironically never have time to do.
Friends
I do have friends at work, but we can't spend an hour gossiping about drama from trashy TV shows or discussing the latest office rumours. Work is for work, and although you should gave the same attitude at school, messing around with your friends is fun. Having friends at school means you can go through the troubling exams together and have a group of people you look forwards to seeing everyday.
Going home at 2:45
The 'home time' for each school varies, some are late and some, like mine are quite early. I remember my first day at work, and it got to around 3 o'clock and I was already happy to leave. Sadly, I still had another two hours to go before I could even think of leaving. Getting home while it's still light out is behind me now, but it's definitely something I miss.
Homework
This may sound like a bit of a strange one, but I really like doing homework. I used to enjoy getting stuck in a huge project and spending loads of my free time experimenting with different ways or creating something new. I wasn't a huge fan of 5,000 word-essays at the time, but reading through a 200lb textbook doesn't seem that bad any more.
Holidays
When it got to around Easter-time this year, I realised there's no time off unless I ask for time off and even then it's not that long. When I see my younger sister getting excited for the random two weeks she has off in the autumn or the extra long week during March, I can't help but wish I could experience holidays like this again. Secular work does have holiday time, but it's usually around 28 days rather than six weeks.
Uniforms
If there's one thing that's become extremely expensive since I started working, it's clothing. As a fashion fanatic, I naturally want to try out new looks and trends I see when I'm out and about. I'm surrounded by shopping centres and markets so it's very difficult to avoid, but when I was in school, what I wore was the least of my worries and the carefree mindset was the only one I had.
How to Deal with Nosey People
18 December 2015
Decisions I Made I Don't Regret
7 September 2015
Organising everything
Since actually growing up and working full-time, I have totally and completely become a neat freak. Everything has to be in a specific order for my brain to function and it helps me work much faster and more efficiently. I'm not quite at an OCD level, but if something is out of place, I have to correct it immediately. This perfectionist attitude is something I used to view as a curse, now I see it as a blessing. I can think straight and any feelings of anxiousness are excluded when my mind is on track.
Cutting fake friends
I no longer talk to anyone I considered a friend in school. I'm not suggesting you cut out all your best friends, but as I look back, I'm so happy I didn't stay stuck in a group of girls who I didn't really trust or feel happy around. It took a lot of courage to drift away from something that felt familiar and venture out on my own, but I'm so much more confident now. Today, I have a group of friends who accept me for exactly who I am and build me up, rather than make me feel small.
Revising
I did kind of enjoy studying, I'm weird like that. But one thing I'll never forget is how hard I worked in school. Sadly, I didn't have that attitude in the beginning, but as I grew, I realised it was time to pull my socks up. At the moment, I'm in a job that could sprout into a career for the rest of my life. But if I decide I don't want to do that any more, I luckily have my positive grades to fall back on. To anyone going through exams or entering a new year in education: work hard, education is a luxury and is worth the struggle.
Blogging
For me, blogging meant really putting myself out there. I still never take selfies so taking pictures of myself with a professional camera can be a challenge. There are still people who don't know I have a blog, but it's not something I'm embarrassed about. I've learned a great deal since blogging and realised what I'm truly passionate about. Blogging has given me the time and motivation to understand what kind of person I'd like to grow into which I could never regret.
Changing my wardrobe
Since moving on into a new friendship group and new era of my life, I totally shook up my wardrobe. My attitude towards clothing hasn't changed, I still don't allow opinions to influence my dress choices, and I do wear things that make me feel good inside. There are some days where I feel like dressing as if I'm the new girl on the Upper East Side and others when I dress like a true Northern farm chic. But I have realised that abiding to social trends and choice isn't going to make me happy.
Avoiding university
I was the only girl out of my friendship group at school to skip university. I still went through the UCAS process as teachers forced me to, and rather than complain non-stop, I did exactly what was asked for me. But before even getting to that stage, I knew I did not want to go. Still, I was pushed to apply and did so. I received four unconditional offers and one conditional offer, including offers from LCF and UAL. Everyone was ecstatic except me because it's not what I wanted. So I ignored interviews and skipped open days until the offers ran out in the summer. That decision is one I'll never regret because I'm very happy blogging from my bedroom and working everyday to learn more through experience rather than books.
5 Things I've Learned by Growing Up
20 July 2015
I'm still a very shy person. I think that's a trait I'll always have but I'm okay with it. I was never okay with how low my confidence used to be. Nowadays, I still get nervous when there's a lot of attention on me, but my immediate thought is no longer a negative one. I don't automatically think people are looking at me because they've spotted one of my insecurities. That's all because I slowly began to realise my increase in confidence is all about what's in my mind, not what I can see in the mirror. I began to adopt the "I don't care" attitude about a lot of things which can be a blessing and a curse. When I shop, I don't buy clothes two sizes bigger or avoid shoes with heels, and that's a pretty big step for me.
Turn comparison into motivation.
It's incredibly easy to see another blogger, or just another person and begin over analysing and comparing what you have with what they have. It's not difficult to scroll through Instagram and immediately begin to correlate appearances. When I first started blogging, I used to compare my blog with every other blog I came across - it's not healthy. Now when I stalk other blogs, (which I live to do), I realise how this amazing community is expanding and how much I love being a part of it. It become motivation to continue doing what I love rather than jealously and a really unhealthy attitude.
I want to see the world.
There's something so fascinating when learning about new places. Developing the mind and beginning to understand cultures and different ways of living keeps each day interesting. Do research from home and creating Pinterest boards is fun, but I know my future plans include jetting off to every edge of the Earth. A different view every month is what I'd like to achieve and my journey to Oslo taught me that. Travelling is an experience that can be very humbling, but also opens your eyes to the world around you.
I want/need more friends.
I know followers aren't friends, but I can't lie, having those few people say nice things to you every so often is something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It doesn't have to be a comment, it could be a tweet or even a tumblr message. I'm not exactly the most the social butterfly in the North, but I know how much I love the social aspect of blogging - it's something I really want to expand.
The working world is not all it's cracked up to be.
I can't wait to one day say "started from the bottom now we're here" because at the moment, the bottom isn't too fun. School always made out like the working world was going to be an easy journey. Once you're done with education, you'd immediately get a job (doesn't happen) and success just flows in (doesn't happen either). It takes a whole lot of hard work and elbow grease to work your way to the top, and at 19 I still have a long way to go.
What to Do When You're Bored in the Office
10 July 2015
Write a blog post.
Writing is something I love to do. I aspire to develop my skills to the highest level and expand my vocabulary too. With a notepad on every corner, it's almost impossible not to jot down a few ideas that would otherwise get lost in the back of my mind. In fact, this post was written on a very slow Monday morning. It's easy to concentrate due to the quiet atmosphere and helps the time pass very quickly!
Stretch your legs.
I'm sure there's an office regulation that states a worker must move around every so often. This is also the ideal method to staying awake. I'm not suggesting a twenty minute stroll, but taking a few minutes to focus on our mind on something other than how dull the day is really helps. A short saunter is a quick fix and extremely beneficial in helping the time pass by. You could make a hot drink, and before you know it, it's 5pm.
Daydream.
The most dangerous but most enjoyable approach to passing time. It's a skill that I've mastered over the years, and I'm now at the point of being able to daydream about just about anything. In about five minutes, I can easily slip into another world without trying - granted I have completed all the tasks that need to be done for the day. Daydreaming is a last resort, but sure helps the clock tick faster.
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How to Juggle Blogging and a Full Time Job
3 June 2015
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
I wouldn't be anywhere if I didn't plan everything. I have a day-to-page planner which means I occasionally plan my days out by the hours. I feel much more at ease with the smooth running of my blog when I can visually see what I have going on throughout the week. It's easy for tasks and ideas to get lost in the back of my memory, so it's vital I plan just about everything I do; from the moment I wake up to the hour I go to bed.
Carry a notebook and camera
I always have a notebook as I'm always writing posts. Whether they're freelance jobs or for Anika May, I like to have drafts written out while I have spare time so I'm not worrying about writing up a post the day it must be published. There wouldn't be as many posts on Anika May if I didn't write while I was on the go, and my iPad comes in handy for bumpy train rides too. I don't carry my DSLR everyday, but I always have my iPhone which has a high quality, perfect for getting those spontaneous shots.
Photography
I'm always taking photos of things and writing posts around them. I may photograph an outfit or product I'm obsessed with and have it saved on my computer for weeks before I draft commentary on it. Similarly, when I do have drafts written up, I take the photos before I plan to set the post to go live. It's another task that's no longer weighing on my brain and it's important to take advantage of the sunlight while I can.
Scheduling
Some bloggers believe in scheduling posts and other don't. For the good of Anika May, I prefer to have posts scheduled in advance as I'm quite busy outside my blog. When I'm away from my computer, I don't always have the resources to publish posts immediately so I can schedule them to go live while I handle working full time. I don't tend to schedule posts for more than a week in advance, as a lot can change in that time and always go over features before they go live.
Don't panic
Panicking about getting tasks done is it's own form of procrastination. If I'm worrying about Anika May my job becomes very difficult and visa versa. It's all about finding that balance between the both and easing the pressure on both ends. Blogging is a hobby I will always enjoy and never give up, making that passion one of the best shapes of motivation to work hard and achieve my goals.
How to Scrap a Bad Mood
21 May 2015
Getting right the the source will help shift the heavy cloud hanging over your head. It may take some time, especially if this attitude has been brewing over some time, but finding that connection ends in positive results. The reason can vary, from a person to an experience - figure out what's really bothering you and get as far away from it as possible.
Treat yourself.
To me, any food is a treat. There's absolutely nothing wrong with eating chocolate in every form until the endorphins kick in the lift the sorrow. Indulging in a whole series on Netflix or gobbling multiple tubs of Ben & Jerry's is good for the mental health system and a great start and shifting the negative thoughts. I've also found that herbal tea really comforts my rough spells.
Music.
I have never come across another human being that doesn't enjoy listening to music. It's unnatural not to be drawn to at least one genre or album - there are so many! Finding a pre-made playlist on Spotify or 8tracks is an easy way for me to get out of a poor mood. Avoiding the slow mixed made for break-ups and down days will only aid your mind into plunging into an ever deeper sad state.
Phone a friend.
Socialization will help to lift spirits. Talk out your feelings with someone you really trust and get everything off your chest. Or rather, entertain yourself with a gossip session and catch-up chat on anything and everything going on in the world.
Make yourself laugh.
I'm usually doing this by falling up the stairs on running into a wall. But there are plenty of site, from BuzzFeed to Tumblr that have pages dedicated to bringing a smile. Spending some quality time flicking through Vines is a great way to lift the crummy spirits and create a lighthearted atmosphere.
Get busy!
Distraction is key. An empty mind can quickly fill with lousy thoughts and over-thinking which only increases a bad mood. Find a hobby, whether artistic or academic to really take your mind away from whatever is bringing you down. Throw all your energy into a time-consuming task and the hours will fly by.
I'm a Grown Woman
27 April 2015
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
One thing I still struggle to understand is how everyone else is so 'okay' with being in a basic 9 to 5 job and doing the same thing every day, why not strive for more? Sure, having four digits in your savings account is a reason to smile, but what else does the simple routine offer? Thoughts like this are exactly what push and motivate me to seek more over the years I have left. The idea of being in the same positive 40 years from now is nothing short of depressing. I'm still wondering exactly what I want, but I know what I don't want.
I don't want to be in an office for the next 40-50 years.
I don't want my creativity or skills to be restricted.
I don't want to be bored all day.
I don't want someone with a slightly higher paycheque to push me around.
I certainly don't want to work without a goal.
As we grow up, we begin to realise exactly what we don't want to do, in contrast to know exactly what we want to do. Throughout school, we're pushed to chose a career that will make us financially successful because that will mean you're automatically happy. Getting caught up in wondering what you want is how you forget what you don't want, you just settle. Don't put a lid on dreams and goals, let experiences in.
It's Okay Not to Be Okay
9 January 2015
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
My school tutor came up with the term 'down day' which was almost like our codeword, translating to me "don't talk to me, this day can't get any worse" and we would use it in lessons so I could tell her how I was feeling without having to reveal everything. Down days are less common now that I'm out of school, I have a job and finally feel comfortable with the direction I seem to be heading in. But sometimes, there are days were I am just not okay. Unfortunately, that's not a good enough reason to take a day off work or sit wrapped in a duvet all day but it's something we all have to learn to accept. The purpose of this post isn't to whine on about my problems but to reassure others that might be feeling the same way. It's okay not to be okay - and it's normal too.
Low moods come and go for everyone, and moments of complete anguish and sorrow shouldn't been seen as the end of the world, despite what the brain wants to believe. I don't always force myself out of a bad mood, it could make it worse; pretending to be happy and false smiles are painful. On down days, it;s always about the gentle pace of realising all is not lost, there's another day ahead. Do something that makes you happy, even if it's as small as going to a café for breakfast or sneaking away for a walk during lunch. If someone asks if you're alright, there's no reason why you can't say no. "I'm just not feeling today" is a perfect reason in my mind, there doesn't always have to be a set in stone excuse with evidence and experience, there's no rulebook that I'm aware of. It's important to remember, at least one person somewhere has experience that feeling, and they could be sat right next to you.
Velvet Splashes
2 September 2014
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Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Velvet has always been one of my favourite fabrics because it's so 'jazzy' and exciting. A velvet dress is a really easy way to make an outfit seem more flamboyant because of the natural shimmer the fabric has. I'm obsessed with this dress that was made for me, that has splashes of velvet all over it in various colours. I think the brighter colours stand out a lot more because the background fabric is grey which makes a really simple design seem a little more zestful for autumn. I paired the dress with an oversized knitted cardigan from Primark that I've had for a while and is probably the most durable item of clothing I've ever bought from there. It's quite a chunky knit, which is perfect for gloomier weather like today because it keeps me really warm without having to wear a thicker jacket. My Chelsea boots are an essential for autumn because they're leather and so easy to dress for either a casual occasion or a more formal event. I've also found that these boots are versatile in what they can be worn with. I often weather them with dresses, but they can be paired with jeans or even shorts.
Dress - made for me
Cardigan - Primark
Boots - Dorothy Perkins
Bag - Next
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Acid Roll Ups
1 September 2014
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
A new month means a new backdrop. For just about everyone around the world, school is either in session or it begins this week. As a secondary school survivor, I can sympathise with those who were just like me, watching the minute hand on the clock move twice as slow as usual. I think today's outfit is perfect for those who don't wear uniform or are in sixth form because it's not too dull and doesn't break any major dress codes. If you do wear uniform, you could always keep a super simple outfit like this in mind for a non-uniform day, my school had quite a few. I'm absolutely crazy about this grey jumper I bought from TK Maxx. Not only was it one-of-a-kind in the store at the time, I bought it for £4.99. Even the cashier pointed out how brilliant the price was. When buying the jumper, I never realised how handy it would really be. The school I went to was a really fancy building (it was new), and had intelligent heating inside which wasn't always your best friend. The entire school was run by a computer-thing that controlled every digital aspect in the building, the computer just happened to struggle with the temperature. "Intelligent heating" just meant the building would turn on heaters if it was a little chilly outside, or air conditioning if it was cold. Some things were just meant to be run by humans. This jumper was perfect for the ever-changing climate at school because the elements of wool in the fibre keep me incredibly warm and cosy, but the jumper is a loose knit and relatively thin so I never over-heated. And as it's quite thin, I found it really easy to layer over.
My jeans were also a favourite for school because they make an outfit seem more exciting by the brighter colour and acid wash effect. Even though the effect is quite subtle, they brighten up my look. I decided to turn my jeans into roll-ups as I'm wearing hi-top Converse (another school essential) and they divide up my ensemble.
Jumper - TK Maxx
Jeans - Miss Selfridge
Hat - Matalan
Bag- Next
Shoes - Schuh
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Composed and Casual
11 August 2014
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Although we are really only just into August, some schools are already going back to start the new year. I have completed my 'time' in the education system and luckily don't ever have to worry about 5,000 word essays and class presentations ever again. But I do have to work, which has it's positives and negatives. Today's looks is really casual, as the dress code at work is quite laid back but never sloppy. I also thought this look would be perfect for a school day if you're not in uniform because it's really simple and the bright blue acts as a staple piece for the whole outfit. For me, comfort is essential so I really like to dress in clothes that will keep me warm and cosy all day. I have to travel out and about a lot for work, visiting lots of centres as I work for a charity, so it's important I wear clothes that are durable and I can actually move in; rather than dressing in ridiculously over the top clothes that will just get in the way. I love charcoal jeans, if you've been following my blog for a while you will know I can't get enough of them because they're so versatile. The colour can be dressed up or down and pairs with absolutely everything. My bright jumper (which matches my nail colour this week) is made out of a knitted cotton I chose myself. I chose knitted because it's warm, but it also has a natural stretch which is crucial for a busy working day. I've become really fond of simple but put-together outfits because they're really easy to style, especially for English weather.
Jumper - made for me
Jeans - Topshop
Shoes - Nike
Bag - Next
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Classroom Crazes
16 July 2014
Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
At the beginning of this year the athletic trend stole the show with old-school attitude. There were brighter colours, plimsolls and even go-faster stripes all over the catwalk. Before all this became a huge 2014, sportswear was the hit trend in 2009 at school. I would have been in year 9, and if you didn't have one item on clothing from Adidas or the latest sports label - you weren't "in the crowd" as it were. Usually, the brighter the better. I am lucky enough the have finished secondary school and escape the trauma of trying to keep up with in-school trends but I found this jacket in the back of wardrobe and had to write a post on it. Some items of clothing just hold very specific memories and this jacket happens to be one of them. Just about everyone had one of these jackets, it begin with the older kids, and then it spread to the lower school. I remember looking online and actually finding them sold out, and I'm still convinced it's due to most of the kids in Bradford buying them. This was around the time Adidas Originals was re-branded and enforced among the younger generation - every item of theirs had stripes on it, and everyone wanted something. There were a range of shoes too, but my pocket money at the time didn't stretch that far. After Adidas realised how popular these jackets became, as the trend spread rapidly, they eventually released an all new line of Adidas Originals jackets, in different colours and unique patterns.
The trend literally took over, and it never looked that great either. This was also around the time everyone had a Gola bag and it became a competition to own the quirkiest style. Did your school every have any huge must-have trends?
Top - made for me
Jeans - Topshop
Jacket - Adidas
Shoes - Lacoste
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