Blogmas week 2!

I can't believe we are half way through December... Being at work 9-5, Monday-Friday really does make time go quickly! 

Everyone's starting to get excited and the Christmas tunes are in full swing! This week has been a bit of a lucky one for me and 3 other girls on the team because we all won a beats pill each, so that was a good start to the week! Although our street cred has been slightly damaged, with our embarrassingly Christmassy/cheesy winning photo being emailed out on the company's weekly newsletter... It was definitely worth it though! 

Hoping we're having a lucky streak, we started to decorate our pod at work, competing for £1000 to our chosen charity. After contemplating themes of Narnia, Elf and The Grinch, we all managed to settle on a pantomime theme.  It's not finished yet and the pictures aren't very clear, but the team next to us have baubles hanging off string from the ceiling as a doorway (which are tangled 100% of the time), so I still think we might stand a good chance! 

Midweek, I stayed at Mel's again to meet the new addition to her family; little Marnie! She was incredibly cute and I did NOT want to leave for work the next day! At the weekend, I celebrated Georgie's 21st birthday with most of the girls from school. As always when I go out with the NGHS girlies, it was a night full of laughs, chats and dancing; just what i needed after 3 weeks of not going out! I'm loving all these 21st's at the moment!

how i felt at the start of the week // our pod's panto decorations // even our lego are excited for Christmas!

eating 10 'curiously minty' mints // georgie's 21st // at the beginning... // I'd love a Christmas weave

...at the end! // visiting Millie & Marnie! // 'doing bits' at work... // it's nearly Christmaaaassss!

The pictures are quite small so sorry that you can't see the detail in some of them!

Blogmas week one!

It's Christmassss!

The wait is over; December is fiiiiinally here! The advent calendars are out (this year I have two chocolate ones and a LEGO one at work, which is the coolest advent calendar I've ever had) and it's acceptable to be playing the Michael Buble Christmas Album on repeat, loud and proud - time to get excited! As usual, I was starting to get excited in November, but luckily the month flew by and I feel less guilty for feeling festive now - the shops and radio are both playing Christmas songs, so it's officially aloud! To the annoyance of everyone at work, I'm that person who is on the Christmas hype good and proper; I sound like an official promoter of all things Christmassy, including Christmas Markets/Fairs/Music/Food etc, and I hadn't noticed that I point out every Christmas tree I pass until this year! I tried to tone it down until December, but surely being one of the youngest people in the business makes it acceptable to be the most excited?! (I'm kidding myself if I think this will change as I get older...)

A week of December has gone already, and I have a feeling it's going to go too fast; so I've decided to do a post each week with what I've done so that I can remember everything (and so that I can read it next year and get really excited for Christmas 2014...) To kick start December, I went to London with my friend Mel from work and crashed at her house for the weekend! It was such a nice start to the month, we had loads of fun getting into the festive spirit!

Like a little girl, the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park had been forever in my dreams, I longed every year to be taken to the festivities in the capital. This year, I'VE BEEN, woohooo! It was just as I expected; hustle and bustle with a festive atmosphere, cute gift stalls, Christmas lights and decorations and most of all endless supplies of food and drink. The highlight was definitely the German Beer Hall; countless beer and mulled wine stands, masses of singing people, and a cringeful German duet - what more do you need?! That definitely got me into the Christmas spirit!

 We also went to the outdoor ice rink at Somerset House, I'd seen so many pictures of it and thought it looked incredibly Christmassy, needless to say, we paid a visit. It wasn't as big as I expected from photos, but nonetheless it was a great atmosphere and it had a huge Christmas tree, so it was well worth going.

At the weekend, I went to the clothes show with my Mum, her friend and my sister; it was nice to have a girls day out! I absolutely love the clothes show so I had been looking forward to it as soon as the tickets went on sale, and again, I was not disappointed (my bank balance on the other hand...let’s not go into that!). I mostly invested in new make-up and goodie bags, but I also got a few dresses because I've still got some 21st birthdays to dress up for! We did a lot of celebrity spotting, but waiting in a queue for a picture was certainly not on the agenda (wasting valuable shopping time!). As usual, there's never a dull moment when you're with the Powell's; if I wasn't dancing to songs being played around the arena, I was knocking a whole stand of shoes off a stall (I was not dancing at this point...). Luckily, the man selling them and who was unfortunately standing behind said shoes, forgave me! Due to being too busy spending money, the only photo I got of the clothes show was of me and my boys...

Sunday was a day for doing run arounds! I helped with the shopping, got some Christmas presents, picked up Dad's train tickets and filled up my car before I had to head back to MK that evening. But before I headed back, I dropped by to my friend Imy's house – it was lovely to catch up (because she's so bad at bloody texting/phoning!), and as usual there were tears...crying with laughter! I'm looking forward to more laughs this weekend!

(this was a snapchat, so we aren't really looking our best...)

So far, December's been so much fun and I've been super busy; I have a feeling it's only going to get busier but I’m not complaining! Although this post does include two weekends, so it is cheating a little... Here's to the rest of the month!

Don't worry, be happy.

There's never a dull moment in my life, be it uni, family or anything in between, there is always something going on. This month has by no means been an exception, its been a rough patch to say the least. I won't go into detail because it's probably a pretty boring topic for most, and it drains me to keep thinking about it! If one good thing has come from this chapter of my life, it's been to realise that whatever life throws at me, I can continue and it can only make me stronger. This leads me to the point of this post; I thought I would write about things that have helped me get through each day, one at a time, not only so that I can remember how to deal with something like this in the future, but maybe it will help someone else when you think everything's gone to pot! Some seem pretty silly, or painfully obvious, but they've worked for me!

1. Sing in the shower. 
Yep, I sing in the shower and I'm not ashamed! The louder the better. I read somewhere a few days ago that it reduces stress and blood pressure, which probably explains why it has helped make me happier! If you don't sing in the shower, you definitely need to add this to your daily routine.

2. Spend time on yourself.
An extra 5 minutes doing my make up or hair in the morning, or doing a face mask once a week seems to make all the difference. Even if nobody notices, I leave the house feeling good and it seems to put a spring in my step. You never know who you might meet!

3. Hit the gym.
When I signed up to the gym I really didn't think I would get into it. There are clocks and calorie counters everywhere, which automatically made me want to give up. Now I've got into a bit of a routine with what I do when I go and it's good to have something to work towards (preferably I want to transform into a Victoria's Secret girl...). I go with two girls from work which really helps spur me on too!

4. Give in to rubbish food.
Contradicts number 3 a little bit, but we all have those days where we fancy anything sweet/sugary/fatty/unhealthy... No need to feel bad, just don't skip the gym the next day and enjoy the treats while they last!

5. Engage in conversation.
Sometimes I notice full tables in bars or restaurants where everyone is sitting with their phones out. I can hold my hands up and say I have definitely been there. But since I've noticed, I've tried to cut down the amount I use my phone around other people and actually talk to them; it's been way more interesting so far! 

6. Dance.
Whenever and wherever. If I'm out in public on my own I have to hold back, but if I am with someone and hear a good song, I'm not afraid to embarrass myself and whoever I'm with. It's fun to let out a bit of a jig, and other people find it funny too, so it's good to know you've made someone else's day. Others on the other hand, probably think I'm a bit of a freak, which leads onto my next point...

7. Don't worry about what other people think.
I've had the life motto 'fuck the world' for quite a long time now, after someone told me to stop worrying so much. Not in the sense of destruction or anything crazy like that, but in the sense of; if I want to do something I need to do it, otherwise I will only regret it later down the line. Sometimes you need to think of number 1. I'm not the kind of person who struts around pretending I'm perfect, I let my hair down and have fun. I'm glad I don't get caught up on worrying about what other people think - if I'm dancing in a shop - who cares, get over it. Obviously, this sometimes takes a back seat in certain situations, but it's always in the back of my mind.

8. Keep busy & plan ahead.
In the past 2/3 months I have only had 1 weekend where I've not had plans. Although I did use it to sort my bedroom out at home, because it still had my uni things crammed inside! Having things to look forward to makes the weeks pass quickly and it means I'm always excited for something. It's a good year for me because most of my friends are turning 21, so there will be lots of birthday celebrations. I used to be quite happy knowing every weekend I would be sat in front of the tv, but now that I'm used to not having a tv in the flat in MK, I like to get out and about as much as possible at weekends; I feel like I'm making use of my time so much better now!

Gifts To Myself; New Look

Another unusual blog post for me but I like to be different and just talk about anything and everything! I thought I would just post about what I bought from New Look at the weekend. I have been desperate for new clothes recently so I couldn't wait to get paid (although my new iPad and rent have made a pretty big dent in the old bank account already!) 

I saw this dress and immediately thought of work. In this lovely weather the office aircon does nothing, and the shared fan doesn't do a lot either, so thin dresses are a necessity! I didn't plan on wearing such casual things, but until the office is cooler I won't be wearing thick dresses or trousers!

I wasn't sure about this dress at first, but then I thought what the heck, I've just been paid! Maybe the wrong attitude...I really need more going out clothes and when I tried it on, it did grow on me a little more. If I don't wear it soon I'm sure the sparkles will go down well at Christmas time (thinking ahead!).

This top and the top below were the first things I picked up. I've been looking for a top like this for agesss but in cream and for a decent price. Unfortunately, they didn't have a cream one in my size, so instead I made up for it with my two favourite colours; I couldn't bring myself to leave one behind. I'll continue to keep my eye out for a cream one.

I especially liked these tops because of the fit; they've been sewn in at the sides, so they don't just hang and go baggy. I thought this was good for when I tuck them into things like the skirt below.

I also originally bought this skirt for work but I really want to wear it with the bright coloured tops on a night out. I think I'll hold fire for the work outfits for now and wear it out first. Might not be a good idea if I wear it when I'm out with work colleagues but never mind! Who doesn't love a good mix and match?!

I'm looking forward to the weekend and the week ahead because firstly, Elliot's coming down to Milton Keynes and it's always fun when he is around. Secondly, my brother is staying while he does work experience at the Argos photography studio. Can't say I don't do anything for him! I'm excited for him because I think it will be such a good opportunity for him to use what he has learnt in a different working environment and also to learn new things! We will see if he likes Milton Keynes life as much as I do! 

The Best Eye Make-Up Remover I've Ever Used...

Review - Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover

So far I have only really done lifestyle posts, but this was too good to not put online somewhere! I know it's only eye make-up remover, but these things can easily go unmissed and we settle for whatever make the shop has when we need little things like this! That is exactly what I did when I bought this whilst doing my food shopping in Sainsbury's, but luckily I made a good choice! 

The product is made from two sections; they stay separate because one is quite oily. You have to activate the remover by shaking it well first. 

The first thing I was impressed with was that it was suitable for contact lense wearers. I dont usually take my make-up off with them in but it was good to know its safe incase I ever forget.

The next thing I was curious about was the fact it said 'no rubbing needed'. I thought 'yeah right..' because all seye removers say that, and it usually takes a good few make up pads! But I can safely vouch for this! I can take all my eye makeup off with one pad, and I don't rub my eyes at all! Which also means I don't look like I've been crying for hours after removing my make up...

I know taking make-up off feels like a chore but this makes it much more bearable and I can see this will be a repeat purchase!

3 Favourites - July

catching some rays in thelunch hour at work

cocktails in the sun

taking advantage of the garden when I visit home

ice lollys - yesterday i had 4 because it was so hot...oops

babybels (literally get cravings for these bad boys)

salad - sun = heath eating for once!

* spotify - if you've not got an account, at least use the trial!

* etsy - I can't decide on one seller, theres loads to look at on there...

* bloglovin - I visit this every day without fail to keep up on my favourite blogs, if you don't have it and enjoy reading blogs, its worth a look!

yougotpowelled // elegant-chaos // EventualMinute.

Off To The Fox!

top: Internationale

jacket: Miss Selfridge

trousers: New Look

shoes: Flossys (available here)

necklace: Primark

First outfit post! Not a great one I must say, as I was in a rush meeting two of my friends for a drink and I was running late (as usual). So to waste a little bit more time before I left to meet them, I got my brother (YGP) to do a few cheeky shots before I whizzed off! I've wanted to wear these trousers for agesss and this was a couple of weeks ago, just before I left for placement, when the weather was looking up! I wear this top a fair bit, especially with patterned bottoms so that my outfit isn't too overpowering!