Ways To Get Into The Spirit

You'll find below a list of cliche activities you'd expect to find on a blog post titled 'Getting Into The Christmas Spirit'. Without a doubt, the best of times can be had at Christmas but as somebody who works full time (like most of us) I can find it difficult to unwind for the season. If you're like and are struggling to replace thoughts of work with thoughts of Chocolate Yule Log, read on.

Films. The most obvious one, but probably one of the best. Whether it be Elf, Arthur Christmas - the most underrated Christmas film - or The Holiday, get under a blanket with a hot chocolate and a Cadbury's selection box. Nothing will get you in the spirit half as much.

Mince pies. Bake them, cover them in icing sugar, enjoy. Eat then warm for that extra warm fuzzy feeling.

Decor. And I'm not just talking the tree. Bedding, cushions, fairy lights. Heck! Cover the house in glitter.

Candles. All the candles. Not so many you'll have to get the firemen out. But enough to make yourself nearly overdose on Winter Spice and other Christmassy scents.

Send a Christmas card. Nothing screams sincere Christmas wishes quite like good old snail mail. Head to Paperchase, get some stamps and head to the nearest post box.

Take a winter walk. Get your cosies on, head out into the countryside, and on your way back settle into a little nook of a quaint little pub. Amaretto sour is my tipple of choice.

Why Christmas Is Important

In the lead up to Christmas, things get exciting and exceedingly festive. Gingerbread, mince pies, woolly jumpers and gift wrap galore we fully indulge ourselves. The internet is full to the brim with home decor inspiration, and don't forget the million and one versions of the 'Winter Spice Candle'. 

Though I'm the first to admit all of the above excites me more than I'd like to admit, there is so much more to Christmas than the baubles that hang from our trees.

1. Family. We all have one. Some big, some small. Some separated by oceans, some crammed together under one tiny roof. But it's what takes the chill off of the beginning of winter. Games of Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, conversations after one too many Bucks Fizz - Christmas brings new memories.

2. Gifts. No. I'm not just talking about those neatly wrapped boxes we come down to on Christmas morning. From family time to times with those you don't see too often; donating a gift to a Charity; even volunteering. It's a time when giving feels so bloody good.

3. Time. Life is hectic these days. Like, boomin' mental. Whether we're working, hobby-ing, socialising, we never have time for the small things. Sitting around with family, taking a winter walk in the countryside, visiting relatives, doing under a blanket all day - the list goes on. 

Seriously, I could go on. And on. And on. But I won't. Because nobody needs to get bored. Although, when talking about Christmas could you really get bored?

7 Things I've Learnt Since Becoming A Gym Goer

It's not everyday I shock myself - I mean, I'm a creature of habit so am not one to leap too far from my comfort zone. But this year, I knew I had to sort myself out. For me, I had to get fit. Don't get me wrong, I've definitely tried before but lazy Harry always won the battle of wills and back to Netflix and Cadbury Buttons I would go.

I've always been a bit chubby and averse to exercise, and whilst at uni that averse reaction to exercise grew to the extreme. It scares me to think, but I gained a massive amount of weight but NEVER realised until it was too late. Fast forward to two years after graduation, and I can honestly say I'm in a stronger and fitter place than I have ever been before. And not to big myself up or anything, but I know the first person I need to thank for that is me. I've worked bloody hard, and good lord, I never knew I had willpower. 

And that's the first thing I have learnt since hitting the scary place called the gym. 

1. I CAN DO IT, AND SO CAN ANYONE ELSE. Nobody else will do it for you, but if you can drag yourself there that's half the battle won. 

2. Nobody else is interested in what you're doing. Everyone says it, but you don't actually believe it. However, 'tis true. If you don't know what you're doing, don't panic, nobody will notice. And if in doubt, fake it til you make it. 

3. Weights are the bomb diggity. Like, I'm weak. I couldn't even whip cream without having a break. But now, squats are my best friends and I'm becoming acquainted with these things called biceps. Don't get me wrong though - abs have not been found. Pain has, but abs have not. Also, the facial expressions you will make will give endless entertainment. 

4. Stress levels are zapped into oblivion. The old chestnut of exercise helping with stress and anxiety turns out to be true. Those health experts know what they're talking about after all. But seriously, I sleep better; feel much more positive about everything; I feel in control (but not control freak status may I add?); my concentration levels are better than ever. Basically, #girlboss status right here and feeling unapologetically fabulous about it.

5. Gym buddies are good things to have when you're losing motivation. Who'd have thought laughing through a workout or class would make that hour pass by pretty pronto? 

6. Netflix and Cadbury Buttons have not disappeared into the abyss. In fact, most weeks I'll tuck into a Galaxy bar or Lindt Dark Chocolate with a Touch of Sea Salt. Oh good lord, chocolate and sea salt, who would have thought? But pray and insert heart eyed emoji here please thank you. 

7. Lulu Lemons are the leggings to wear when you need sass. Just don't look at the price tag. 

So Chocolate, Lululemons and weights are all you need. Off you go, you got dis. 

Let's All Calm Down

Let's just get it out there; we're stressed. With so much shit going on - work, life, the future - it's unavoidable. From writing to-do lists, to going to the gym, to eating our weight in cake, we all have our own strategies in dealing with the stress-storm. With the added bonus of constant access to people's highlight reels that is social media, the idea that anybody else could be feeling stressed or shitty is totally out of the question. So you're alone. But actually, you're not. 

If you've got friends, which I'm sure you all do, then they're the perfect people to unleash your impending doom upon. My friends are pretty good at serving up the advice, and sometimes they feel equally as doomed as me, which is always nice to know. Sometimes I also talk to my brother, and he just calls me pathetic, so actually don't talk to your brother - that was terrible advice. Mum's are always a good and safe option; they're wise and know all the things, like what wash to put your most delicate bras on. 

If talking doesn't help, and there are plenty of times where talking is just a big NO, then take a break. I for one am not good at taking breaks, and after about an hour I start to twiddle my thumbs and feel guilty about the other things I should really be spending my time doing. But alas, the world will have to wait for the wonders I have to offer, because this stresshead needs a break. An hour's break, a day's break or a weekend's break - take whatever break you need. Go to the park; go to Tesco and eat your weight in Minstrels; go for a run; bake; get on the Eurostar and hit the streets of Paris or sit there in silence and do absolutely nothing. 

Basically, what we all need to do sometimes is calm the fuck down. Everything will get done when it gets done. The only time where we can't calm the fuck down is if Donald Trump wins, or ASOS crashes again. 

Anxiety Is A Trend

trend

a general direction in which something is changing or developing.

So many discussions I have had, and heard, about anxiety recently all accuse people of 'jumping on the bandwagon' and to be perfectly frank, it's pissing me off. Perhaps the reason why anxiety has become a 'trend' in newspapers, magazines and on social media is because it is a trend. Something has changed and developed in our society that means more young people cannot keep up momentum with the expectation that has been set for us.

Nights Out: Before, During, After

Considering most of my weekends now consist of: Netflix, sleeping and shopping, it's very rare that I can ever really be bothered to socialise into the twilight hours.

But when I do, I go all out. Except when I don't.

This weekend led me to a city away from home to celebrate a friend turning a quarter century. And boy did we celebrate. Fun happened, and that's important.

1. Getting ready

Bieber was on. And there was no shame. Prosecco out of the hotels complimentary plastic cups. There was still no shame. And let's not forget the moment when I re-pierced my ears just so I could wear some gold hoops and look mega G. Don't worry, the hoops were only 1cm. I could never be that G.

2. Not wearing a coat

So you can look as stylish as possible, coats are a no-go. Then as soon as you leave and hit the big outdoors you regret your naive decision immediately. Especially as you sit on your sofa the following night with snot dripping down your face while buried in three duvets.

3. Pitchers 

If you're out with friends, chances are you're out for some good deals. Enter a pitcher, two straws and absolute hilarity. And let's not forget the gin. 

4. Falling over

This is definitely never your fault. You're extremely aware of your surroundings, you look exactly where you're going and you never run down the stairs. 

Of course, all of the above is completely untrue and you only have yourself to blame for that lump on your head.

5. Walking home 

This is always the more eventful part of the night. It always takes an hour, even if your resting place is just around the corner. You: make new friends; meet old friends; run away from the local maniac and rid yourself of shoes even if the fear of glass is very real.

You reach what feels like the pinnacle of beds, and crash and burn. Then wake up with face creases, a dry mouth and the feeling of dread when you realise your card made it out.

Reasons I Wear Makeup

If you ask any of my friends, makeup and I have never been the dearest of companions. I remember the days I would wear liquid eyeliner (à la Avril Lavigne) without mascara. What was I thinking? Small pea eyes come to mind. And then there was the time that I did my eye makeup like the White Witch from Narnia. That, guys, is a whole other story.

Thoughts That Occur On A Sunday

Sunday. The day of rest traditionally, but now a day filled with impending doom as we wait for The Big M. It always starts well but as the hours tick on you start to write lists in your head, watch the clock and contemplate quitting the job you actually find alright. Reality bites.

Ways To Annoy Yourself

Back in 2015, Anna Kendrick tweeted the truest tweet that was ever tweeted.

If an individual annoys you on the regular (or just the once in some cases), you can cut them out as easy as Edward Scissorhands. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to yourself. I probably want to exile myself to a desert island about three times a week, and one day I think I'm gonna push myself over the edge and into the abyss of self-realisation.

Moving To London: The Pros and The Cons

It's early on a Saturday morning, and I've been researching whether to make the move to the Big Smoke. Why all the research I hear you ask, when all twenty somethings out to find the job/lifestyle all gravitate towards LDN. It's a vacuum that sucks everyone in, but its bypassed my corner of the room. 

London has always been on my radar, but for the sake of saving money I decided to stay at home after graduating from uni. Food in the fridge and central heating are the main perks. However, the more times I ride the daily grind, I'm starting to question whether the land of West End shows and tube strikes could get rid of the monotony...

All too often I find myself justifying why I'm not in London, and to be honest, the list isn't very long. If I was asked the question 'why do you want to be in London?', the list could quite possibly last as long as a morning commute. The food, the social life, the parks, the buzz that so many talk about is probably the start. So why do I find myself contemplating this option so much?

Friends are getting engaged, getting married, buying houses, saving to buy houses - and whilst I know this is definitely not what I want to be doing, I feel as though the expectation is that these are the things I should be doing.

The pros and the cons are pretty obvious to me.

Pros: crazy amount of options both personally and professionally, food, bigger wage, all the weekend activities, food markets, flower markets, airports, food, all the weeknight activities, the tube, coffee, tea, nobody knows your business, a Whistles on every corner, food. 

Cons: the tube, expensive living, tourists, too much coffee, too much food, the commute, too much food.

So, yes. Food is a big factor in the decision making process. As is coffee and people keeping their noses out of where they don't belong. 

So, to London or not to London? Londoners, help a girl out. In the meantime, I'll let those humorous BuzzFeed articles about London talk me out of it.

What's The Time Mr Wolf?

18 Things That Happen When A Twenty Something Girl Starts Saving

Picture it. You get your first ever real life pay slip as a twenty something, and you feel like you're living that jet set life. You buy everything in sight, and then realise four hours later you forgot to keep the promise of saving. The promise of saving is something you automatically sign yourself up to as soon as you leave uni, and you imagine that within the year you'll have enough to move out of the parents and make it on your own. Alas,the journey is not so simple, so here is what I've learnt from my saving journey so far.


1. Eventhough you're saving for your future, you feel like you're giving your  money away.

2. It can be quite exciting. Watching your savings grow is almost like working on the stock      exchange. At a much slower pace, with much less money.

3. You'll suffer extreme buyers guilt. Yep, even over the necessities of lip balm and gin.


4. But you'll try and lessen the buying blow by using Contactless because it really doesn't feel like money at all. Much like student loans didn't feel like money, and we all know how well we made those suckers last.


5. You look back on your uni days and cringe at the amount of money you could've saved, rather than spending it on Vodka and skater skirts.


6. You seriously start to question why on earth skater skirts were a good investment in the first place.


7. When you hit a saving milestone and feel like you've hit the jackpot, then realise to buy a house you need approximately seven times the amount. 


8. So you think fuck it, I'm off on holiday. But you don't actually, because you'll live with your parents for another ten years to hit that jackpot if you have to.


9. Pasta and pesto becomes your staple dish again. Are you back at uni? No, you've just turned into an absolute tight arse.


10. Bragging about your Capsule Wardrobe to try and justify your lack of wardrobe. 


11. You decide holidays really aren't that great, so you don't need one. Really. Who needs Vitamin D when you live in the sunny British Isles?

12. You cancel Netflix. And Apple Music. And decide there's nothing left to live for.


13. Until your parents step in, the ones who encourage saving, to let you know you've gone a bit too far.


14. You sit down with the parents and realise they know an awful lot about money, and you make a realistic savings plan.


15. You reinstate Netflix and happiness has been restored. 


16. You book that holiday to Stockholm, and perhaps even buy that leather jacket you've had your eye on.


17. You cancel Contactless because that is actually a very sensible thing to do. Honestly, look at your bank account and you just might scream on the tube at the amount you pay Contactless. Scary invention alert.


18. You'll return to your stock market with a fresh outlook, and even with the little indulgences your savings are still in check.

Congratulations, you're now older and wiser, even if you did have to slap yourself around the face when you started thinking about those Russell and Bromley shoes.

5 Travel Destinations in 2016

Last year was the year I finally travelled to Indonesia. To be more specific, Bali. Beaches, palm trees, getting lost in the jungle. Everything happened, and it was perfect. Except that night I suffered heat stroke and had some fantastic hallucinations. I also went to Paris, which at 24 having never been, it was really about time. It was everything I could have hoped for, in addition to some very well dressed French men.

6 Reasons To Keep A Journal

Keeping a journal is something that has been done for centuries so it's really not revolutionary is it? But for the reasons of social media, social media and yeah, you got it, social media, people aren't keeping them anymore. People are using Twitter as there place of venting, Facebook is used to brag about our latest holidays, and the rest of us write blogs. Journals should not be underestimated, if only for the reasons below.

You Suck

Time and time again I find myself feeling incredibly put down by nobody else but myself. Why is it that we only ever believe the bad stuff? Seriously though.

2016: My New Year's Resolutions

There's something so refreshing about New Year's Day. Being able to have a clean slate and think about what you truly want to do. Some people loathe New Year's Resolutions whereas I love them. I love the tradition of it all. Making the list, and keeping it framed by my bedside means I'm constantly reminded by the positive changes I want to make. Surprisingly, my resolutions for 2016 came to me very quickly.

How To Fail At New Years' Eve

January is one of my favourite months; I'm a right old cliché for starting afresh.

Being A Loner

Popularity. It's been part of life since the beginning of time. Beginning school and if you happened to be enjoying making daisy chains on your own everybody decided you were some kind of leper. If you wanted to eat your lunch alone at secondary school you were instantly labelled as rude and snobby. If you go to the cinema solo when you're an adult, you're considered a loner. What is it with appearing like you have all the friends in the world all the time? I don't want to be surrounded by people every second, sometimes I just want to be that loner everybody assumes you are.

The Anti Bucket List

A lot of the time I find myself looking back on what could have been. It's a joke in my family that my motto should be 'shoulda, woulda, coulda'.