What to do in the post-Christmas yet pre- New Year period

Its's a well known fact that the days that follow Christmas, but lead up to New Year are the bleakest. All you seem to be able to do it eat, drink and sleep. You wake up at 4pm full of shame and regret because yes, that was another valuable day off wasted. No matter how hard you try, seeing the morning hours is unachievable, unless of course it's 2am and you're still watching Netflix... 

I've decided to help you lucky people out, and I've chosen a few things that you can do whilst awaiting New Year, or even worse, the start of the new term...

1. De-clutter

Come on, you knew this was going to be at the top of the list. Clear everything from everywhere. Bin it, donate it or sell it. Bin everything that's not in great condition, donate the mountain of high street items you no longer wear and use the online marketplace app 'Depop' to sell anything of value.

2. Eat all of your Christmas chocolates

This is maybe my favourite suggestion, everyone starts a diet or plans to eat healthy in the New Year, so destroy any temptation before the 1st. 5 selection boxes in 2 days? Not an issue, it's Christmas, remember?

3. Make a list

I make lists like there's no tomorrow, I even sometimes write a list of lists that I need to write, you should see the notes on my phone, it's bad. But, they are useful little tools. List your New Years resolutions, list what you need to do, to buy, to see, to decide, anything. It helps you out so much if you can get things on paper, or a touch screen at least. It somehow makes it more official and makes you feel like you have to do it, promise.

4. Have a pamper day

You are probably going out for NYE so why not look 10/10? Treat yourself to a nice relaxing day of pampering. Indulge yourself with the many smelly sets you received for Christmas, spend an hour exfoliating, washing, face masking and moisturising your face, do your eyebrows, do your nails. Whack on some fake tan and hair dye to transform yourself to a bronzed goddess. Do whatever you need to do to become Beyonce and start your New Year with a bang.

5. See your (insert elderly/rarely seen relative here)

We all have a person in our family that we don't see as much as we should, or someone who spends a lot of time alone, be it your Nan or your Auntie who's not actually an Auntie. Make a bit of time and go a grab a coffee (or a cocktail, it is Christmas after all) and make their day, tell them about your job or uni or mates or anything at all really, they don't care, they just enjoy the company.

7. Make a playlist for every occasion

It might seem like an unproductive thing to do but you'll thank yourself when you're feeling a certain way and you know that you've got the music to see you through the day. Make one for every mood, happy, sad, angry, loved up and everything inbetween. Make one for prinks, before bed, having a shower. You can even make playlists to remember your hols, or mates, or school. Literally anything, you will appreciate it.

8. Organise that box/shelf/bag

If you're like me then you hoard everything... I have a box full of receipts, tickets and various junk that I keep as souvenirs and now is the time that I start sticking them into a book, it's a good way to look back on your year and also frees up that box for 2016.

9. Revamp your room

Get yourself some new decorations and bedsheets and change up your room. This means you HAVE to tidy and get rid of rubbish too, but means that you can go into January with a room you love, a clear desk and maybe a new plant.

10. Revamp your wardrobe

Clear out as mentioned in point numero uno, but you could also get clothes that you sort of love but don't fit, or need changing before you can take them into another year. If it's a simple thing like shortening something, or adding new buttons then go for it, but if it needs altering then take it to a tailors, they can transform literally anything. If you're feeling uber crafty then scout Pinterest for some DIY ideas, I recently made dresses into two pieces and tee's into bralettes in under an hour.

11. Choose a language to learn

I love languages and I love learning (geek) but it's actually a really important part of life. So choose a language, download an app and if you do a bit every day or so for a year you'll be fairly far along with it. Bonus points: if you're going on holiday, learn the language spoken there and chat to locals, you'll feel cultured and impress your fellow travellers.

12. Clear out your phone

Your phone will be full of things that you do not need. Start with apps, then do photos (delete any conversation screenshots), messages, and finally, move onto contacts. Usually contacts are the worst thing to delete, especially with people you don't see often, but going into 2016 with a phone full of closest friends and family feels so good. Go through your contacts slowly and carefully, look at each person, if you know them and talk to them regularly, they stay, if not, see below options:

a) They are old friends. either decided to ring or text them to rekindle said friendship, or accept that the ship has sailed, delete and move on.

b) They are an ex. Delete immediately.

c) You aren't sure who they are... either text and ask or delete with no questions asked.

d) They have some random name that they/you saved the number under whilst drunk, eg: best friend, girl from toilets, guy who bought me drinks... Just delete these people to free the names up for next years antics.

13. Update your CV

You literally never know when you might need a up to date CV pronto. Don't miss out on any potential chances because you're CV lists socialising and reading as your hobbies.

14. Return/exchange anything with labels

If you've got clothes with tags on, either from Christmas, or that you've collected over the year, and never have or will wear them, then check the stores returns policy and either get your money back or swap them for stuff you actually want, you might even get more for your money since it's sale season. It's basically a way to get some new clothes without spending more money. Just don't shout at the staff if you can't exchange it, it's not our fault, it's our policies.

and after all this...

if you still have time then you my friend are in trouble. You'll have to do real things, like work, or budgets, or taxes, or visit the dentists.

Bootea Teatox Review

I was super excited the other morning when I received another 14 day Teatox from Bootea. I've had this tea a couple of times before and I always feel so much better when I'm using it, so I jumped at the thought of sharing my opinion of the effects to you.

(Image from Bootea's Instagram)

The basics:

You drink one morning tea per day, and one evening tea every two days, for two weeks with this Teatox, whilst trying to eat as clean as possible. This is to clear out your body from all of the toxins that we gather from everything: junk food, pollution, dirt, literally everything. This idea behind this, is that if you don't have any bad in your body, then it will be good, right? So you should see clearer skin, better health and weight loss.

The taste:

I personally love the taste of the tea, the morning tea tastes like green tea, and the evening tea tastes almost liquoricey to me. I don't think it's at all hard to drink, and I leave it to stew for around five minutes.

The instant effects:

I find that this Teatox gives me more energy in the mornings, and helps me sleep at night too, so from the start I do think that it has the right herbs in it. After a few days, it makes me feel so much better, I have more energy, I'm not as moody, and I can start to see my skin improving already!

The long term effects:

After two weeks of having my Teatox, I feel revitalised and just much more rested really. I've lost 3lbs in the two weeks, but my aim wasn't to lose weight, it was to improve my skin and my health - and I've 100% achieved that! (Plus I think I detoxed away all the alcohol in my body from freshers week).

The verdict:

I love Bootea's Teatox, it has really helped improve my body, I can tell from my mood, my skin and my energy. It's so easy to drink, I just replace my green tea in the morning, and my camomile tea at night with the Bootea teabags. Even though I wasn't trying to lose weight, and I still did eat a few things that I shouldn't (sorry not sorry), I did lose a bit of weight, so if you wanted to detox with the tea for that reason, I would definitely day that this works. I'm now going to order another box, and some of the new smoothies, yum!

Bootea's Teatox is available online at Bootea.com for £19.99, along with their shakes, oats and multivitamins.

"Is fashion a real degree?" YES IT IS

I study Fashion Business and Management at Manchester Metropolitan University and when I tell people that, I always get remarks about it not being a real degree. I've had things such as "How did you find the latest assignment? Did you struggle colouring in the lines?", "So, you're getting a degree for sewing?" and my most hated, yet the most common question, "Is fashion a real degree?"

How wrong these people are.

The fashion industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, and there's never not going to be a fashion industry. Think about it, as long as people live, they will wear clothes. Simple. My course is essentially business management, but for fashion, so instead of having a business management degree like over 700 people at my university alone, I chose to pursue my love for business and my love for fashion at the same time, like the other 40 students on my course.

People cannot question my course and what job I'll get from it, and then tell me that they study poetry, I mean, seriously?

I have already handed in two assignments since starting university just under two months ago, and I'm working on my next one already, nobody else seems to have handed in formally assessed work yet? Not even one piece! PLUS I have a maths exam in summer, easy peasy, right?

It's not even just the work that we get set at uni either, we have to do further reading, like most students, except we have to read textbooks for theory, magazines and newspapers for information and blogs, websites and online journals on a daily basis to keep up with the latest fashion news because fashion changes constantly, unlike science and maths where the rules are written in stone.

After completing research, we then have to write our essays, but in a creative format. So you can spend hours and hours trying to present your work, rather than just typing it up on a word document and submitting, and then we have to create a visual representation to sum up our reports, which again, takes bloody hours! We have business reports, moodboards, timelines, infographics, charts and much much more that needs to go into our essays.

And then if that's not time consuming enough, we have to actually work in fashion too! I'm lucky enough to have a job in a fashion store that pays me, but I also try do work experience in as many different places as possible, and you don't get paid for that!

So, after working 20 hours at work, a few hours experience, 13 hours at uni, 10 hours on assignments and reading, a few hours blogging and networking, I finally allow some time for myself to go out, to then be asked "Is fashion even a real degree?'"

YES IT IS, and it's bloody hard work!

Depop - A Thrifty Shoppers Paradise

I'm sure everyone will have heard about Depop right? Well if you haven't, then it's a app that combines the bargain, second-hand, online hunting ways of eBay, and brings out your inner photographer like Instagram. It allows you to buy and sell everything. From vintage gems and not so vintage cheap Topshop items to hand made and boutique goods, you can find it all. I love using Depop. I've bought, sold and swapped a few things myself, and I think it's great that you can literally flog the dress you wore last night, or that skirt you've had in your wardrobe for a year. You can then use the money to buy even more clothes and shoes!

I've compiled a list of my favourite Depop users, have a look and happy shopping!!

Best for handmade

@lilipearl

She does amazing jnderwear sets, crop tops, bralets, bags and more. It's all so pretty and soft (I have a set from a while ago myself). She's now coming out with branded 'Lili Perl' items. Definitely one to watch.

Best for vintage

@yokevintage

They have the cutest vintage clothing and shoes, check them out!

Best for designer

@Styleslicker

Slightly used designer for massively cheaper. Expect Lulu Guinness, Versace and much more.

Best for unique

@the_little_deer

Jewellery, clothes, home and gifts, all equally and cute and quirky as each other. I've seen some amazing things from animal brooches to Wednesday Adams greetings cards.

There's even some shops that sell their seconds or out of season stock on Depop, and there's even some (minor) celebs that sell their stuff too. I've made a list of their names on Depop so that you can give them a follow.


Shops:

@Motelrocks

@Monkiworld

@Mybandagdress 

@Theraggedpriest

@Dropdeadofficial

New Designers:

@Afterparty

@Norclothing

@Thelazyones

@Katieeary

Celebs:

@Laurengoodger

@themusiccircle (They sell of celebs pieces to raise money for charity)

@Depop

Bloggers:

@chiaraferragni AKA The Blonde Salad

@girlalamode AKA Charlie May

@manuellax - Manuella Mosca 

@Leandramedine AKA The Man Repeller

@Amieholt AKA ME!!

All images are from the named users Depop pages, not images of my own.

Womens Streetwear Designers You Should Know

As you may know, I'm crushing on streetwear and street style at the minute. I'm loving all the new trainers that are coming out (check out 'What are those?'), I'm loving the hoodies and track tops and I'm loving the sporty vibe that I've been getting from some of my going out outfits. Something has changed inside me... I'm constantly comfy and warm, no more nasty blisters, no more cold arms and definitely a lot more casual. Women's streetwear is still such a niche market though, and I always struggle to find anything that really catches my eye when I'm shopping on the high street, but I'm not buying boys tees just yet - they never fit right anyway.

Here's my list of designers that I've had my eye on, from graphic print tees, to mesh tops. I promise this will reinforce that image of cool, slick street style.

1. Stussy

I love the designs Stussy have been coming out with recently, and I also love the story behind the brand. California brand Stussy was started in 1980 when a young Shawn Stussy decided to print his surfboard designs onto t-shirts. Shawn had been hand making surfboards for 10 years before he decided to venture into clothing - he had no idea that it would be such a success! It's a brand of humble beginnings, and I love it. The clothes Stussy make are mainly aimed at men, but the womens collections are amazing.  

I need this top in my life. Now.

Or this crew neck

And what about this jacket...

2. Hot!MeSS

Tayla-Blue launched Hot Mess in 2013, after being inspired by the 80's and 90's pieces in her grandma's wardrobe. This brand is one of my favourites, and the Baziic collection on their website is a collection not to be missed. Think sporty yet sexy, girly yet boyish, better yet just take a look!

This two piece shows what Hot Mess is all about...

This top is just TOO slick.

Keep it simple in this Baziics dress with a high neck and printed sleeves, I love how fresh it looks in white.

3. HLZBLZ

HLZBLZ (Hells bells) is an American brand founded in 2005 that makes edgy clothing for the fashionistas seeking something more, something exciting and boy, it certainly does provide. I love the bold tee's, the cropped everythings and the shameless slogans scrawled across the clothing.

PREACH IT SISTA!

I love the cross over at the bottom of this crop hoodie. Super chic yet super street??

This is so subtle you could almost not notice what this tee says, but check a little closer and there we have it...

And there we have it! All the photos are from the websites of the brands, click the links to do a little damage to you bank account!

Oil Pulling for Whiter Teeth

Recently, I've seen so many selfies of people with these 'Coco White' oil pulling sachets, so I decided to go online and have a see what they're all about. They have really good reviews, and loads of celebs are using them (so they must be good right?). Well yes, they probably are, but being a student, I did not want to pay the price tag of £20 for a weeks sachets! I came across a few sites and reviews that mentioned using pure coconut oil instead, as it retails at around £10 for a decent sized jar, which would last a lot longer. I planned on getting some, but then I got busy, so I forgot... oops. BUT, whilst in Manchester's China Town, what did I find in the Chinese supermarket? COCONUT OIL! For £1.30 a pot!

Obviously, I got some, and I thought you might benefit from hearing about my experience using it, and if there is actually benefits, or results from oil pulling.

Benefits:

• Draws out all those nasty toxins
• Strengthens the immune system
• Increases energy
• Reduces headaches
• Clears skin
• Helps oral hygiene
• Whiter teeth

Rules

• You have to do it for a week - minimum
• You have to do it for 20 minutes a day
• It can be any oil
• Try to do it every morning on an empty stomach
• Try to take as near to a table spoon as you can handle!

Day one:

Woke up and shoved a massive table spoon of coconut oil in my mouth, spat it out and tried again with about half a table spoon. BEWARE its not nice, it made me want to be sick at first, so take it very slowly, and build up as the week goes on. I managed to last around 15 minutes this morning but then my jaw started to hurt, so I stopped. I was doing a technique half gathered from the internet, and half made up by me, so I first pulled and swirled the oil round my mouth for a while, I then spat it all out (don't swallow, cause you're basically going to swallow all the toxins you've just removed), and then I brushed my teeth normally, and rinsed with water so I had a clean, fresh mouth. I can't say I felt any benefits immediately or anything, but my teeth did feel cleaner than usual.

Day two:

Managed half a spoonful for 15 minutes again, and did the same thing again, teeth look a little bit better, but it could be a placebo effect.

Day three:

I was SO proud of myself this morning, I managed to last the full twenty minutes and I had over half a tablespoon. Just had to imagine the benefits of doing this to myself. Whiter teeth... ahh.

Day four:

Sort of got into a habit of doing this now, twenty minutes, swirl, pull, spit and check my teeth. 

Day five:

Wow I actually feel like this is making me healthier, maybe it's a placebo effect...

Day six:

Hungover. Swirled. Hangover gone??? Is this MAGIC???

Day seven: 

I am amazed by the coconut oil. I do think my teeth are slightly whiter, but not like mega mega white by all means. I imagine that if you did this for a few weeks then your teeth would be super pearly white. The main thing that I liked was that it did make me feel cleaner and healthier. I think it 100% draws out all those nasty toxins, and it works a treat for the hangover cure. Promise. I'd definitely say try this, and even if you don't see any benefits, you can use it to make your hair soft and shiny, and you will have the strongest cheeks in the world from all the swirling.

Ladies That Lace - My current wishlist of trainers

We've all seen that video where that guy shouts 'what are those?' (I know you did the voice in your head, don't lie!) and since every single time I dare mention, or ask about, another persons shoes, SOMEONE has to scream it at me, I've noticed how much I actually look at other women's trainers. I envy the ones who can wear bright blue running shoes to go shopping and absolutely smash it. I am partial to the odd pair of trainers, as you may have seen in my WIWT posts, but I've been looking online and I think I'm going to invest in some more.

Here's my top picks.

1 - Some funky Adidas Superstars. Literally any pair that are a little bit different look so cool. Think snake skin, metallic, or them coloured ones and you're on to a winner. My favourite ones are the slip on ones though. Yes they are black and white, but SO not boring.

I also love the Topshop X Adidas ones too. But good look trying to get yourself a pair...

2 - Adidas Stan Smiths, classic and simple. They're not very chunky either so they look a bit more like a shoe than a trainer. I've got some snake skin smoke edition ones, but I really really desperately want these ones with the metal heel and this amazing texture, ahh.

3 - These Air Max Thea's are stunning. I'm really into the beige coloured ones, they just look so girly and classy - for a trainer I mean.

And if you're still craving a bit of designer, here's some of the best trainers ever created - in case you wanted to go running in Valentino. Here we have the Valentino Road Runners. Prepare to cry as you check just how far into your overdraft you can actually go.

I think we should wear trainers, they're comfy, don't give you blisters and you can actually wear socks with them. Let's empower ourselves, say good bye to bunions, and hello to soft touch orthopaedic insoles.

What I Wore Today - 16.10.2015

Today I did nothing. Well I had a wander round town, and then went back to bed. How boring. 

I'm really feeling sportswear at the minute, so much so that I actually did my first uni assignment on Adidas. So I wore my Adidas tee, some loose jeans and my (very dirty) superstars.

Top - Adidas at Urban Outfitters
Jeans - Topshop
Shoes - Adidas at JD Sports 

A Foodies Guide To Manchester

I've lived in Manchester for just over a week now, and it's safe to say I'm loving the city life! It's the best feeling in the world being able to walk past all these amazing buildings, shops, bars and people on the way to and from work. I love the feel of it in Manchester, it's got such a good atmosphere, it's so busy and full of so many different things to do and see. Literally no two days are the same. You HAVE to try something new to eat in Manchester, simply because there are so many places you can go.

There's loads of Italians that you can get a very decent pizza or pasta from, from chains like San Carlo, Carluccios and Jamies Italian, to Manchester founded places like Croma, Per Tutti and Piccolino.

THE BEST ITALIAN: CROMA

I went to Croma the other day and the pizza was amazing! It's such good value as well, with the pizzas at around £5-£8 depending on your toppings. They do a deal too that gets you a pizza and a drink for around £10, so make sure you have a look at their website for any offers they might have on before you go.

You can try some good old greasy grub from one of the many american style restaurants like Dogs N Dough, Solita, Almost Famous and Crazy Pedros. You've also got your typical chain Americans too, such as Hard Rock Cafe, TGI's and Byron Burger.

THE BEST AMERICAN: ALMOST FAMOUS

At Almost Famous, they serve the best list of burgers you could ever dream of. Ever. They have really cool cocktails too, so definitely try one of them whilst you're there! I had the Johnny Mac, wow, try it.

If you're out and about in Manchester shopping, there's some great places to have a quick pit stop at too, there's The Living Room, The Slug and Lettuce and The Alchemist, which all do amazing cocktails (you can probably tell I love my cocktails by now). There's tonnes of fast food places and cafes everywhere you look in Manchester, so be it lunch break or a meet up with a friend, you'll be no longer than a stones throw away from somewhere delicious.

THE BEST LUNCH: THE SLUG AND LETTUCE

I went there today so I might be biased, but its so nice, especially if you sit outside and people watch for a bit too. I had the chicken skewer, but there are about 8 or 9 lunch options for only £6! Very very decent in my opinion.

If you're trying to impress you're mates, your parents or your date, treat them to a cocktail somewhere a little different. Pretty much everywhere you eat will have a cocktail menu, but these places will blow your mind, and deffo bag that second date. Try The Alchemist, The Botanist or Australasia for city centre chic bars, and Dusk Till Pawn, Apotheca or The Fitzgerald for something in the Northern Quarter.

THE BEST COCKTAILS: DUSK TILL PAWN

It's gotta be Dusk Till Pawn, it's so secretive and small it feels like the most exclusive bar in town. It's hidden away in disguise behind a store front, and it took me about half an hour to actually find it, but it was worth the wait, and in my opinion, it added to the mystery of the place. I had a pornstar martini, as always, but I'm 100% sure that anything on that menu will be insanely good.

There are a few more places in Manchester that I'd like to just mention too, simply because they are great. There's Turtle Bay, a Caribbean style restaurant, The Courtyard, probably the cheapest bar in town, just £2 for a cocktail? Yes please. Also, Black Milk Cereal, a cereal cafe in Afflecks Palace, you can get every cereal, topping and milk imaginable, and the milkshakes look absolutely life changing. And then there's B.Eat Street, an event that has actually finished, but if you come across any mention of it, then drop everything and GO GO GO.

If you've got any suggestions, want some more info, or you've been to any of these places, then let me know, drop me a comment or a message!