10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 9 
2 THINGS YOU WISH YOU COULD DO


1. Work as a fashion journalist in Toronto and New York!!
2. Travel to as many countries as possible!!

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 8
3 WORDS YOU CANT GO A DAY WITHOUT USING

Shameful to admit but....
1. OMG
2. Like
3. Alright?

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 7
4 MEMORIES YOU WON'T FORGET (I've done 5)


1. New York for my 21st birthday with my Mama!! We saw Mamma Mia on Broadway and went to the Gay Pride Parade which was amazing!!! Met Liam Gallagher!!! Oasis are my one of my fave bands! Boat cruise to Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Central Park... We met some really amazing people!
2. Egypt with my boyfriend.... amazing hotel, camels, snorkelling, driving in the desert.
3. Lovebox fest with my friends... such a happy summery day! We got to the front of the crowd on the shoulders of a random at Chase and Status.
4. Holidays to Toronto... most of my family live there and its such a fun city!
5. Portugal with the girls! Sun, sea, swimming... Lot's of drinking, going out, dancing and especially an adventure on the beach where we went through caves and found small pools of the ocean.

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 6
5 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT


1. My phone... Sleep and eat with it
2. Tea... need it to function/comfort 
3. Hand sanitiser... bit of a germ freak
4. Family/Friends/Dogs! I would be lost without them and need to be around people lot's!
5. GHD's... Without them I would have a serious fro'

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 5 
6 SONGS YOU ARE ADDICTED TO


Sooooo hard to only name 6 so I chose 10!!!

1. Animal - Neon Trees
2. Feeling Good - Muse
3. Whose Loving You - Michael Jackson
4. Wonderwall - Oasis
5. Naive - The Kooks
6. Walking on a Dream - Empire of the Sun
7. Dancing Queen - Abba
8. Blind Faith - Chase and Status
9. Lonely Boy - The Black Keys
10. Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper

THE SECRETS OF THE C WORD

My take on a different side to experiencing cancer. This is for anyone who is going through the illness themselves or knows someone who is. I’ll be looking at what they don’t tell you…

The big C is the number one fear of the British public. Cancer is more feared than knife crimes, losing your job, and getting into debt. Yet with statistics which tell us that every two minutes someone in the UK will get diagnosed with cancer, and one in 3 of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives, it is no wonder that people are so frightened by the illness. Anyone who has experienced cancer to any degree will be fully aware that it is undoubtedly extremely upsetting for everyone involved.

However, the aim for this article is not to depress or scare anyone with the facts and figures that we hear all the time. I actually endeavour to do the opposite. What isn’t made as publicly known is that there are positive aspects that can come out of having cancer, or knowing someone who is going through it. So, if cancer is inevitably unavoidable I thought it would be beneficial to take a minute to forget about the negative aspects of cancer and focus on the positive, because there are some.

TALK, TALK, TALK

The key to dealing with cancer is communication. Simply by having a chat with friends, family, or even someone you meet throughout your day, unlocks the ability to rationalize, open up, and express your feelings. It is easy to assume that the people who are closest to you are mind-readers, but this isn’t the case. A little bit of patience and understanding is crucial to getting through the illness whether you are the sufferer or the supporter. You become aware of how much those around you really do care and will drop everything to be there for you. Also, it is important to realise that talking about cancer doesn’t always have to be depressing. It’s still ok to have a laugh and a joke. If you don’t have a giggle then you won’t be doing yourself any favours. Of course the positive aspect of having to communicate is that you become closer to those around you which naturally leads to stronger ties with both family and friends.

ON A HEALTH KICK

Whether you have cancer yourself or know someone who does, healthy eating and exercising are of great importance as you become very aware of what you are putting into your body. If you’re cooking nutritious foods for the person with cancer then the chances are that you will eat better yourself. Having a balanced diet makes a huge difference on your well-being and positive thinking. Both patient and supporter will most likely maintain a beneficial diet once the illness subsides, which can only lead to advantageous health benefits.

DOMESTIC GODDESS (or GENTLEMAN)

If you’re caring for someone with cancer you will soon find yourself attempting to do new tasks which are just a little bit alien to you. This could be cleaning, cooking, washing, and generally being more organised. It is not until you physically take on someone else’s jobs or chores that you can begin to truly appreciate how much that person does for you. Support from friends and family chipping in together allows the household to run more smoothly. Plus if you’re the one who does the food shopping you get to sneak in all the yummy foods!

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL THINGS

Any experience of cancer whether you have it, know someone who has it, or just hear it mentioned on the news, serves as a reminder to appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Suddenly, the person who pulled out in front of your car or the thing you’re mad at your friend for becomes unimportant. Coping with cancer helps to put things in perspective and teaches you to toughen up. Something that was once the end of the world no longer is and you become more able to handle whatever’s thrown your way. It can only be beneficial to realise just how lucky you are and to not waste time being angry over things that really aren’t that important.   

A HELPING HAND

When cancer hurls itself into your life you are inundated with endless amounts of information and in turn, become a bit of an expert on the subject. You’re not just forced to learn about health and hospitals, but also about dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. Although there are many highs and lows, sometimes in the same day, you become very tuned in and aware of your emotions. Coping with a constant stream of sensations not only shows you that you can deal with it but also allows you to help others. Once the illness subsides you are forever able to help, educate, and comfort those who also find themselves having to declare war on the battle against cancer.

Of course cancer is a fearful, saddening, and uncertain part of life to have to experience, but hopefully I’ve shown that cancer does have a positive side and can help you in life rather than destroy it.

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 4
7 FEARS/PHOBIAS

1. Confined spaces... I need air!
2. Ghosts!!! Please just be as friendly as Casper!
3. Monkeys... I do think their cute but... basically had a few bad experiences involving a drive-thru zoo, a trip to Gibraltar, and watching The Rise of the Planet of the Apes
4. The dark! Helloooo... is anyone there!?
5. Spiders... such an obvious fear but something with that amount of legs and speed is just a bit scary
6. Thing in mass... aka loads of bugs together erghhhhh
7. Fantastic Mr Fox and the Foxy Bingo fox from Jeremy Kyle... no idea why.. I like foxes but just not those two... they creep me out! 

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 3
8 THINGS THAT ANNOY YOU


1. People who stop talking in the middle of a sentence... I can't handle the suspense! What are you about to say!?? AHHH 
2. When people are walking and stop in front of you for no reason.. Get out of my way before I kick you!
3. Unnecessarily slow drivers... annoying AND dangerous!
4. When computers just decide to not work
5. Being woken up by the hoover... SO ANNOYING
6. Wet towels left on floors... just hang it up! 
7. Boys who fiddle with themselves in public! Yes we all know you have one and it's not going to go anywhere so just leave it alone!
8. SNOW after one day... ruins everything!

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY TWO

9 THINGS YOU DO EVERYDAY

1. Go on Facebook/Twitter/Blogger... slight addictions to all

2. Eat a banana even though I don't really like them... 

3. Drink tea... another addiction

4. Listen to music

5. Cleanse, tone, moisturise!

6. Brush my teeth... something everyone should do everyday more than once!

7. Cuddle my dogs and anyone else I can find

8. Read... just about anything 

9. Totes abrev 

10 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY ONE

TEN RANDOM FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF

1. I am obsessed with leopard print

2. My hair is naturally curly

3. I am half Canadian

4. I am scared of monkeys (long story)

5. I can only sleep in a tidy bedroom

6. I love rock music

7. I have TONS of books on my bookshelf and I'm scared it will break 

8. Half my wardrobe is black

9. I love vintage jewelry

10. I love to abbrev 

Valentine’s Day – The Marmite Holiday

 With Valentines Day fast approaching I play Cupid and consider the different attitudes towards all things romance…

Another year has flown by and we are once again suffocated with cringey cards, tacky teddies, and red roses. After hearing various opinions throughout the week, it has become clear that the attitudes towards Valentine’s Day are split down the middle. So, what has made Valentine’s Day the marmite holiday of the year?

Valentine’s Day is the most popular day for marriage proposals and with billions spent on the holiday around the world it has certainly become a day that is unavoidable. It seems that if you’re loved up then February 14^th is an exciting day of getting spoilt and a chance for a bit of romanticism. For those firmly situated in Singleville the sight of a smushy Valentine’s Day card will probably make you nauseas and kindly remind you of your current relationship status. Yet if you’re dating or ‘seeing’ someone then the day can be a bit ambiguous. It could be flirting over flowers or a one way ticket to Awkward Avenue.

However, it’s said that chivalry is dead. Long gone are the days of courtly love, where romanticism and courteousness were morals maintained by the men of the Dark Ages. Many women today feel that a traditional, romantic man is near impossible to find. Maybe we expect too much due to a lifetime of Rom-Coms, love stories, or the Cinderella fairytales we are told when we are little girls.

Some people hate Valentine’s Day so much that they have declared themselves as ‘Anti-Valentinists’. For them, the idea of being forced to express love on a specific day renders it fake. The stance towards Valentine’s Day is so varied that 14^th February now shares its 24 hours with another day; Singles Awareness Day, commonly known as SAD. Many people believe that Valentine's Day is just a made up holiday by greeting card companies to make a quick profit. With an average spend of over £2 on cards and £12million buyers it certainly does just that.

But so what? One day out of the year which is dedicated to being in love should be celebrated. We all lead busy lives so why not use it as an excuse to go out for dinner, see a show, or just have a few drinks? Take romance off it’s life support machine and do something to revive it. Whether your Facebook status is set to single or not just do something fun. Even if you are single go out with your friends and celebrate that. Whatever your stance on Valentine’s Day it’s going to happen, and it will be back next year too.

So here are a few coping tips whether you’ve been hit with Cupid’s arrow or not:

RED LIGHT – If you’re in a relationship then spend the night celebrating it by taking your loved one out for dinner, send a card, and buy some flowers. If you think it’s all a money making scam then stay in and make a night of it without wasting money. It can only be positive to do something thoughtful for your partner. The closer you are to someone, the greater the gesture should be. For some this may mean gifts, but for others simple thoughtfulness can work wonders. Everyone deserves to feel special once in a while, especially the one you love.

IT’S COMPLICATED!? – If you’re in the uncertain phase of ‘seeing’ someone and it isn’t that serious then it could easily get awkward. Chances are you’re not that close yet, so don’t go overboard for fear of scaring them off, but at the same time don’t ignore it. Take a chilled approach to the day and causally suggest a date. If you’ve already gone on a few dates together then it’s only another day in the year whether it’s 14^th of Feb or not. Just be confident, it could be the start of something special.

SINGLE SOUL – If you’re single, whether you’re happy about it or not, use it as an excuse to have some fun. Plan a night with your mates, stay in and have a few drinks. It doesn’t have to be a day of dread so snack on some chocolate and enjoy being free. Anyway you never know, Cupid could be just around the corner. 

FASHION FRIDAYS!

PASTEL PERFECT


Pastels are in full bloom for Spring 2012. Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Chloe, Victoria Beckham, and Phillip Plim, just to name a few, have shown their passion for pastels at New York Fashion Week S/S12. Sugary hues, candy colours, and sweet palettes are fresh for Spring and have made a big impact on the catwalks. Pretty pastels have a subtle vibe but this Spring it seems that the calm hues have been applied to sharp tailoring to create edgy elegance, but maintain its feminine romance. 


So which pastel trend will you have your spring fling with?


Peplum
Peplum's are perfect to accentuate your waist and provide powerful tailoring to office wear, separates, and evening dresses. If you're wondering what Peplum actually is, I can tell you it is not the latest superfood. It's simply a short layer, frill, or ruffle which is attached at the bottom of a jacket, blouse, skirt or dress. It last fashion debute was in the 80's. Peplum's add drama and flair to your wardrobe and can be flaunted on almost every occasion. Pastels and peplum's in cool creams and pretty pinks break up your outfit and give it dimensions, but still retain a hint of romance. 

Me in a Peplum Dress

Spring Clean
Give your wardrobe a re-birth and go minimalistic. It is not just loud, block colours which make a statement, pastels can do this too. The pastel palette for S/S12 has been mixed with bold brights. So when you choose a sugary hue to suit you, you won't be looking pastey. Once you have find your perfect pastel spring into a clear-cut, tapered dress and keep in simple with one sweet shade.  

Part of a Painting

Pastel Nails

Candy Gloss
Go girly and dust yourself with romantic roses, spearmint greens, soft vanilla, and lovely lemons. Pastels can be applied to almost any piece from rosy blouses, to creamy jackets, and even sorbet shoes. Have a play with pastels and pick how you would like to parade the trend. Give in to your craving for candy and get a sugar high for pastels this spring. 

Kurt Geiger Shoes

F-f-freezing!

Wish I was back here...