It's Cocktail Hour
27 June 2016
Gilstead, Bingley, West Yorkshire
I love going out. Not just out, like down to the shops, but
out out. Cocktail hour can be any day of the week right? I like socialising, and drinking fruity cocktails and wandering around
with my friends. Whenever I go out out, I like to dress semi-formal, just
because it’s an opportunity to dress up and get all foo foo which doesn’t happen to me that often.
One thing I’m not too keen on, is head-pounding, sticky-floored,
yucky-bathroom nightclubs that include two hours of trying to be served and another two just waiting for the loo. I often find that I’m wiping my
feet in the way out, if you catch my
drift (they’re not clean). My favourite place to go would be Call Lane in Leeds, it's full of bars and pubs that are busy but never over the top. I also adore Angelica in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre - but's its seriously pricey!
However, when I go out out, I always think to go for my
over-the-knee black boots. No matter what time of the year, these boots work
for me because it’s always freezing
cold by midnight and they keep me warm. I bought these boots in the autumn of
last year while trying to re-invent my wardrobe and attempting to dress more
like Blake Lively (I’m still working on that one). I absolutely love these
boots because they’re so breathable! I can actually move in them! Unlike
another pair I had before, that made me feel as If I had ties two enormous
rubber bands around my knees. The great thing about this magical pair, is that
I can wear them with everything – literally everything. They spice up an outfit
a little more, and help me to turn the average ensemble from day to night.
Ever since wearing this dress to the NBN
Blogger Event last year, I’ve loved it. The pattern is super simple but
looks busier from a distance, giving an interesting dynamic to a simple dress.
The cuffed sleeves elongate arms and it also has a tie at the neckline, which
can be loosened or made tighter. I immediately thought this kind of dress is
one that you could only wear once, but I’ve worn it about thirty eighty
times and not become sick of it. Similarly, I absolutely adore my clutch from
TK Maxx, I saw it once, and haven’t seen it since. Still, I take it every time I go out out and don’t loathe
it yet.
6 Ways to Organise Your Life
23 June 2016
West Yorkshire, UK
Being completely honest, I can be a bit of a mess sometimes.
I’m weird because I love to organise and sort things out, but I’m also slightly
lazy and have a tendency to let things slip. However, with this in mind, I do
think it’s really important to organise my life as I’m now 20 years old and
responsible for myself. I have quite a few ways I like to keep myself organised,
stay on track and continue to adult
at life.
#1 Utilize Your Phone
Just about everybody has one and everybody has used one. Why
not make the most of it? There are so many simple, no-nonsense apps like Notes,
banking apps, Voice Memos, Calendar, Reminders, fitness and social media apps
that help to keep everything in check. They’re easy to use, and always there as
most people don’t go far without their phone.
#2 Declutter everything
A totally obvious tip but still helpful! A clean space
equals a clear mind and there’s no need for it to always feel like a chore. I’m
not big on cleaning myself, but with a solid playlist and comfy clothes, I can
dance around the room and enjoy it! Declutting is a lot easier when you have
friends with a second opinion too. It’s helpful to think: “Do I actually use this?” and if not, throw
it!
#3 Get a notebook
Although I use my phone a lot, I do like to go old school
and use a pen and paper. Plus, it’s a way for me to justify the amount of
notebooks I own. It doesn’t have to be a crazy expensive book, DIY-made ones or
basic refill pads work fine! I carry a
notebook around as much as possible and write everything down: thoughts,
to-do’s, lists, reminders and so on. I also make sure to note down the date and
deadlines too.
#4 Get a file folder
I started a ring binder of important documents when I received
the letter with my National Insurance number on from the HMRC. Since then,
everything goes in that folder: driving licence documents, insurance, contracts
and so on. It’s really helped me to keep everything in check and safe.
Similarly, I’ve made a folder for receipts of expensive items I need to keep
for a certain amount of time and even a folder with my work and blogging
contracts and agreements!
#5 Buy a diary or agenda
An item I love to shop for. Sadly, my diary drowned when a
water bottle leaked in my bag so I had to buy a new one, starting in the middle
of the year (ugh stresses me out knowing half of it will be empty) but I can’t
leave the house without it. I occasionally forget to put things in my phone, so
a diary is a good way to note down important events and times, as well as names
and numbers.
#6 Budget, budget, budget
Honestly, I hate budgeting. I hate any sort of task that
involves mathematics. Simple adding up it tedious to me, but I still do it
because it helps me organise my life. The great thing is, that once you’ve done
one monthly budget, the rest is easy! It’s a great method of keeping track of
direct debits, as they’re the one thing that tend to bleed my account dry.
Also, it’s helpful to budget if you want to plan ahead or open a new savings
account.
What are your life organising tips?
The Magic of the Konjac Sponge
20 June 2016
Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK
The Konjac sponge* is a multi-ward winning product made from
the Amorphophallus Konjac plant root, which is often used as a healthy food source
or for medical purposes in Asia. The plant is loaded with fibre and filled with
an enormous amount of nutrients such as vitamins A, E, D, B1, B2 and C as well
as amino acids and minerals like potassium and zinc. Kojac is naturally an
alkaline, so it helps in balancing the pH of the skin – incredibly useful in
battling acne. I’ve had the opportunity to try out the Konjac sponge, and love
it so far!
How I Used the Sponge
I have used quite a few different exfoliating sponges and
products, and the most important thing I’ve learned is that the sponge needs to
be rinsed before. I prefer to use warm water, and thoroughly rinse the sponge
to make sure it’s clean. With the Konjac sponge, fully hydrating it is the best
way to get a good use from its properties, before massaging it into the skin in
a circular motion. You can add cleanser to either the sponge or the skin, and
then focus on problem areas such as breakout spots or pores. After each cycle
of exfoliating my face, I like to rinse the sponge again and squeeze out any
dirt and excess oil it has collected. One of the great things about the sponge
is that is has a string hooked through, which doesn’t come loose or get lost,
so once I’m doing washing my face I hang the sponge to dry, usually in a room
that will dry it quickly and never somewhere wet or damp like the shower. I
learned that harshly rubbing the skin isn’t necessary either!
Why I Love the Sponge
When I received the sponge, the first thing I noticed was
how rock solid it was. My immediate thought was “How on earth is this thing
going to work on my face?” With previous products, a rocky texture can make
acne and breakouts a lot worse and leave my skin feeling like a layer has been
torn off and extremely sensitive. As soon as the sponge hit water, it started
to soften and my mind was blown. It is a lot smoother than a flannel, and more
effective than my hands. I assumed the holes in the sponge would be sharp
against my face but were also soft too. Using the sponge has helped me to keep
my breakouts under control, especially as I have recently conquered acne!
I can use the sponge with or without a cleanser or soap, and
still get that freshly massaged feeling. There’s simply nothing I hate more
than washing my face and getting that dry and tight sensation that can come
immediately after I have finished a cleanse, the Konjac sponge leaves my face
feeling renewed and clean! The bamboo charcoal in my sponge is naturally antibacterial
and antifungal, which is ideal for my skin as it can become quite oily. I was
also amazed at how the sponge returned to the original size and texture when
dry. It’s amazing for removing make up and easy to clean afterwards as water
flows through it so quickly and easily.
The price of the sponges are between £5 and 15, and have a
life span of around three months, which is a good time to be changing the
product used to clean your skin.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who’s
looking for a new sponge to exfoliate their skin without tearing layers away.
There’s a wide range for different skin types and well as travel kits – I used
the Bamboo
Charcoal sponge, specifically for teen, oily or spot-prone skin!
Have you ever used a Konjac sponge? Did you like
it?
5 Things That Make Me Happy
17 June 2016
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Happy Friday! There’s something about a Friday that just
makes everything better. Life feels good when it’s a Friday because freedom is
near. Whether it’s the warm and cosy evening before a Saturday shift, or a
crazy night out before the early morning hangover – everybody loves a Friday.
As I’m in such a great mood today, I thought I would post about five things
that make me happy. Despite the weather not being awesome for mid-June (but
what else can you expect in the UK?!), I’m still feeling elated and somewhat
buzzed even though I can’t pinpoint a specific reason why. Maybe it’s because
I’m getting the hang of driving and not as terrified anymore, or maybe it’s
because I have a few blog post drafts up my sleeve which makes me feel like I’m
a little more on top of things. Nonetheless, today is a Friday. Enjoy
it!
Laying in your own
bed after a long day
I often find that when I’m hard at work, all I can think
about is a nice warm bed. Not because I’m sleepy or tired, but because I
absolutely love my bed! The huge pillows and the soft sheets have me
daydreaming all day. Even now, the idea of curling up under my puffy duvet and
faux fur with Once Upon A Time on in the background while I stalk people on
social media sounds like a treat!
A solid cup of tea
As a Yorkshire lass, most people think I’m obsessed with
Yorkshire Tea and having it running through my veins. True, I do like Yorkshire
Tea and think it’s the best of the bunch, but I also love a good cup of Earl
Grey tea, and Twinings have the best Earl Grey teabags in the world. I need the
cup to be piping hot, with the perfect amount of mil and absolutely no sugar –
just in case you were wondering.
Heavy ainstorms
An unusual thing to make me happy in the middle of summer,
but recently there’s been a few cases of heavy rain in the UK and I have loved
it! The dark storm clouds accompanied by hours of pouring rain is quite therapeutic,
whether there’s thunder and lightning or not. I’m not a fan of the weird rain
that’s really light but somehow drenches you, or any rain with wind; but a long
and heavy downpour somehow cheers me up.
Throwback playlists
Recently I’ve been listening to a concerning amount of
Britney Spears, Hilary Duff and other artists I used to love when I was 5. Any
sort of song that was produced and released before 2006 seems to be in my
favourites list right now and it makes me reeeaaaally happy. The excitement you
feel when you hear and old song and still manage to nail all the lyrics is
thrilling. A good way to always brighten the day is listening to things that made
you smile before, and will again.
Pinning and pinning
and pinning
I was one of those sceptics who at first said “What’s even
the point of Pinterest if I have Tumblr?”, but now I can’t live without Pinterest. Now I see the point. I keep creating
boards just based on things I like, and it helps my profile to become a lot
more personal, even though I use it for blogging and work too. The amount of
images, recipes, workouts and ideas I get from the website each day are
endless; and I’m become very
obsessed.
What’s making you happy today?
Have a great weekend!
Grey and Sparkly
14 June 2016
High Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire
I can’t lie, I wear a hell of a lot of grey. Honestly, I
never realise how many darker colours I wear until I clean through my wardrobe
or rearrange my clothing rail to see very little colour and plenty of blacks
and greys. Even during the summer, although I do try to spice it up sometimes,
I tend to resort to my old ways and habits! Today is no exception, I’m back at
it and still loving it.
Today's a really simple work day. I have one major task to
do which involves assessing and improving a website. Along this task is quite
complex, I have the entire day to get it done and the office I work in is quite
relaxed. My dress is a favourite days like this because the fabric is just so
soft. It was a one off buy that I will never regret. The fabric imitates tweed
with a static-looking effect to make a basic A-line dress. However the jewels
along the collar help to brighten this up a little more and out a fun twist on
a simple dress.
Out of true Anika nature, of course I completed the rest of
the outfit with all-black accessories. I like to feel cosy at work and because
I'm ALWAYS cold so a good jacket like this leather piece is a must. Similarly,
tights are essential for me! In the summer, most people are surprised to find
out I still wear tights basically all of the time! I love them, and they keep
me warm - my fellow freezing friends will agree. I bring a briefcase to work
which means I can bring any handbag needed, and today I chose this perfect
purse from Next. The buckles help it to stand out from the average LBB (little
black bag) and pair well with the dress without taking all attention away from
the rest of the look. I find black shoes are perfect for this, everyone need a
good pair of ballerinas or flats in their closet - no matter the style!
Dress – Next (similar: 1, 2, 3) // Jacket – Miss Selfridge (similar) // Boots – Next (similar) //
Bag – Next (similar)
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