10 Easy Summer Hair Styles

With the sun shining and the flowers blooming, it seems summer has finally decided to say hello (yippee!). Now, as temperatures are becoming reasonable and we are no longer freezing our bums off, we can come out of hibernation and take pride in our appearance again. For me, the summer means shopping for new clothes, tanned legs, and experimenting with my hair. Last year I fell in love with the dip-dye craze, but this year I have developed a weakness for gypsy braids and bohemian messy up-dos. Here are a list of my favourite styles. Roll on summer…

Classic Braid

To get Amanda Seyfried’s classic, tousled braid, your hair should have lots of body before you start. Use plenty of mousse throughout for ultimate volume.  Make a deep side part; if you normally wear your hair to the left, switch to the right, and vice versa. Styling your hair in the opposite direction of what it’s used to will give a bit of natural lift at the root. Gather hair at the base of the neck and make a loose braid as you normally would. Then, with fingers, tug and separate the braid all over so it becomes messy and uneven—giving it the tousled mermaid look. Its as simple as that.

Sock bun

This is such a classic look that I like to use all-year-round. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a gorgeous ballerina bun? While the term “sock bun” doesn’t sound too appealing, there is no easier way to fake the big bun effect — especially if you have lifeless, flat strands (like me). There are hundreds of tutorials on YouTube on how to create the sock bun. However, I find the best way is the rolling technique. Using a bought hair doughnut or home-made sock bun, pull hair back into a ponytail and pull the ends of your pony through the hole in the centre of the ring. Spread the tips of your hair over the doughnut and tuck under, covering the doughnut. Slowly roll the doughnut down towards the base. With each flip downward, your hair will roll along with the ring, dispersing over the fabric. Pin hair at the base to secure the bun. For a more bohemian look, why not braid a small amount of hair and wrap it around your bun.

Ponytail with French braid

French braiding the sides of your messy ponytail will give your look more texture and allow a beachy feel. The best part is unwashed hair is ideal for this effect as it already has a messy texture. Perfect for lazy people like me! Spritz dry shampoo at the roots of your hair to boost volume. Split your hair from ear to ear, and tie your lower half out of the way. Then, split the top layer of hair into three equal sections: left, center, and right. Clip the middle section out of the way, then French braid the left section of hair, starting from your hairline until you reach the back of your head, where your pony would sit. Pin to secure, then repeat on the other side. Pull the bottom half of hair into a ponytail at the crown. Then braid the three top sections together and wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, hiding the elastic. Sounds complicated but it’s definitely worth taking the time to perfect it.

The Sleek Fishtail

A braid like Kelly Rowland’s is the perfect way to stay—and look—cool on hot summer days. Keep it sleek and polished to go seamlessly from poolside to bar. Blow-dry hair using fingers until it’s three-quarters of the way dry, then work in mousse from root to end. Use a paddle brush to finish blow-drying and smoothing strands. Make a deep side part and swoop the rest of your hair over to the opposite side, slightly behind your ear. To start the fishtail braid, divide hair into two sections. Work your way down by taking a thin piece from the outside right section and joining it with the left. Next do the reverse: take a thin piece of hair from the left section and join it with the right. Continue until you have about 1 inch left at the end and then secure with an elastic. This is perfect for summer festivals – stylish and will cover-up your greasy hair.

Bohemian Braids

This 360-degree braided headband is a favourite for celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Emma Watson, but I have always been intimidated by how hard this looks to perfect. However it is much easier then it looks, and after a few practices, you will be able to easily nail it. Start by running a dollop of texturizing cream through your damp hair to smooth frizz and keep strands from slipping out of the braided crown. Starting just above the right ear, French braid a two-inch section of hair all the way around the hairline until you reach your starting point. With the remaining hair, continue braiding the section into a regular plait (that is not attached to your head) and secure ends with a clear elastic. Lay this braid right along the inner rim of the French braid, and keep it in place with bobby pins. For a really summery feel, add flowers and beads.

Classic Ponytail

The classic ponytail is the perfect hair style for summer – it’s easy, effortless, and will keep you cool. For a pony like Miranda Kerr, tip your head upside down and messily tie-up. For volume, back-comb your crown and spritz with hairspray.

Curly Buns

For a classic bohemian look why not try these easy-peasy curly buns. Simply separate your hair into three and twist the sections round to form a bun. Pin to your crown at the base of your neck. Don’t worry about strands coming loose, the messier the better.

Side-parting Siren

For an effortless and at-the-beach look this summer, simply leave your hair to dry naturally. This will form loose and tousled waves. To create volume side-part your hair and back-comb. And then enjoy sunbathing around the pool.

Cascade Braid

I think braids are one of the easiest and versatile styles to wear this summer. The cascade/waterfall braid is really easy to do on yourself, and others, and you can switch it up a bit to match your style. Begin with a standard 3 strand braid. After 3 or 4 weaves, drop a strand. Gather a new strand that pulls the braid toward your wanted direction. Repeat as many times as necessary until you get your desired shape. It really is as easy as that!

Headbands

Headbands, scarves and flowers are the perfect hair accessories for summer. Update an up-do with a girly headband for a festival, lunch with friends, or an afternoon shopping.

Enjoy the sunny weather guys!

Things You Didn’t Know About William Shakespeare

 

In addition to St. George’s day, today marks the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and death (unfortunately the poor bugger died on his birthday!) So to celebrate a very English day here are a few facts about the great man himself…

– Shakespeare was left handed. And isn’t it common knowledge that left-handers are geniuses? (I’m a leftie so it must be true).

– He didn’t go to University. (Not that surprising really. The main thing I learnt from Uni was how to down a cider and pull an all-nighter essay writing).

– Shakespeare was eighteen when he married Anne Hathaway in 1582. She was 26 and expecting his baby. The scandal! The couple had a baby girl, then had twins, a boy and a girl, in 1584.

– Shakespeare was said to have an extensive vocabular; his works contained more than 30,000 different words

– Women were not allowed to act in plays during Shakespeare’s time, so in all of his plays, women’s roles were performed by boys/young men.

Words created by Shakespeare that we use today…

compromise courtship countless critic dauntless
dawn deafening discontent dishearten drugged
dwindle epileptic equivocal elbow excitement
exposure eyeball fashionable fixture flawed
frugal generous gloomy gossip

Sayings that we still use today…

•A laughing stock (The Merry Wives of Windsor)
•A sorry sight (Macbeth)
•As dead as a doornail (Henry VI)
•Eaten out of house and home (Henry V, Part 2)
•I will wear my heart upon my sleeve (Othello)
•In a pickle (The Tempest)
•In stitches (Twelfth Night)
•Send him packing (Henry IV) – ha ha!
•Set your teeth on edge (Henry IV)
•There’s method in my madness (Hamlet)
•Too much of a good thing (As You Like It)

And lastly, some famous lines…

Expectation is the root of all heartache.
It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.

 

God has given you one face, and you make yourself another. (From Hamlet, a play I have a serious obsession about. I’ve gone so far as to thinking about naming my first child Ophelia! I know…)

 

Happy St. George’s Day!

Happy St George’s day everyone!

Obviously if your not English then you probably haven’t got a clue what I’m going on about. In England, St George’s day is a time where we celebrate the Patron Saint of our country, mainly by going to the pub and having a drink. Unfortunately that isn’t me today as I’ve turned into a boring old sod now that I’ve graduated (sob). For years, people have been fighting to make today a public holiday, but alas the government have yet to listen to our cries. (Maybe next year).

St George has been the Patron Saint of England since 1415 (when Henry V won the battle of Agincourt), and being a history boff I’ve always loved the story of George. The legend of St George and the dragon is more than 1000 years old. According to the tale, the dragon made a nest by a fresh water spring in Silene in Libya. People who lived there needed water and so were forced to offer sheep as a distraction to the dragon. The people eventually ran out of sheep and decided to sacrifice a woman to the dragon. After drawing lots, the princess of the town, Cleolinda, was picked to become the dragon’s victim. It was then that St George rode by on his white stallion and slayed the dragon, and saved the princess. Because of this the people of Silene abandoned their pagan beliefs and converted to Christianity.

And so that is the story of our noble saint in a nutshell. Must admit, it is rather random that George is the patron of our little country, but there you go. Any excuse for a pint and a good night out!

And so to celebrate this glorious day (and to be annoyingly patriotic), here are five things that make England great…

1. Victoria Sponge Cake…or any cake for that matter

2. English Tea (nothing beats it)

3. The Spice Girls. What legends!

4. Fish and Chips. It doesn’t look that appetizing, but seriously good.

5. And the Queen of course!

And obviously, what makes our tiny nation even better is…

the weather of course!

Help! I Just Quit My Job

Source: careerealism.com

I did the unthinkable the other week. Despite knowing my country is currently facing a very large unemployment problem, and knowing all-too-well that I am a young 21-year-old graduate with very little experience, I decided to finally quit my job.

What I’m leaving behind is admittedly quite a respectable (although excruciatingly boring) office job as an assistant administrator that many people would see as something a young graduate just starting out shouldn’t throw away.

But the truth is I was miserable. I mean, completely miserable. I hated waking up in the morning. I would dread walking through the office door. And I hated spending the day with my very unfriendly team mates. Admittedly, my team must have been one of the worse in the company, and they constantly made me feel intimidated, awkward, and uncomfortable. From my very first day I was never truly made to feel welcome. The role that I had also been given was the opposite of challenging, and I spent most of my day twiddling my thumbs and staring into oblivion.

Because of this my confidence went down the drain. I was so unhappy. I would eat my lunch in my car, and would nearly be on the verge of tears if I had to walk past everybody in the office to get to the printer (it got that ridiculous). I was coming home devastated and spent my evenings crying for no reason. Even my family and boyfriend said they felt I had become withdrawn. I just wasn’t me anymore.

One day it was as if a light bulb went off in my head. I wondered if the thing that I needed was to just quit my job. But there was NO way I could just quit my job. I needed a job. I needed the money every month. I needed a title. I needed a place to go every day. Plus, wasn’t I just being a spoilt brat?

Yes, the job I had was awful and boring and not what I wanted to do in the long-term, but surely I should just be grateful I had a job. What made me so special? Why did I think I deserved a better job when everyone else in the company seemed so content? Maybe I should just grow up and realise this was real-life, and I had to endure a mundane 9-to-5 job like the majority of everyone else in the country.

Plus maybe I was the reason I couldn’t stand my job, and couldn’t get on with the rest of my team. Maybe there was something wrong with me?

So I have been pushing the thought of quitting my job, without another job, out of my mind for a while. But the thought just wouldn’t go away. So, one Monday morning I didn’t drag myself out of bed as usual. Instead I calmly told my office I wasn’t coming back. It was as simple as that. The fact that I really could just quit my job as quick as that, made me feel so liberated, and gave me so much power. Instantly I wasn’t depressed anymore. Surprisingly I felt happy. And I felt like my normal 21-year-old self again.

Of course I’m desperately searching for a new job; a job that I actually want to do. And I realise that I’ve lost out financially. But I know I will get back on my feet soon, and while I am living at home with my parents, I don’t desperately need the cash anyway.

The surprising fact is that I feel proud of myself. I don’t feel like a quitter at all. I am actually glad I didn’t tough it out and just get on with it. I think it takes more guts to say ‘no, I’m not doing this to myself anymore’. I believe I have done an extremely brave thing and have stayed true to myself; instead of listening to what I’m told is the right thing. I have done what I have wanted to do, instead of what I am told you should do. And I am starting to feel like my old self again. I don’t wake up dreading the rest of the day.

So I have gone off and done the unexpected instead of what is expected of me. And true, many people think I must be crazy but I have never been so proud of myself. I am a much stronger person then I thought.

Plus, I am a big believer in things happening for a reason. I have complete trust in my intuition and hopefully something amazing will be right around the corner…

 

Six Things You Can Always Count On To Cheer You Up

 

All of us have our off days and sometimes feeling stressed can get us down. But the simple things in life are usually the best, and these six fail-proof ways to spend your time are guaranteed to lift you mood. I promise.

 

1, Having a cup of tea (with properly brewed teapot teabags). It’s true what us Brits say, a good cup of tea can solve anything. I swear.

2. Listening to your favourite music. A few tracks of Bob Marley and you’ll be as right as rain.

3. Having a healthy hearty breakfast. Like the experts keep saying, having a good breakfast will provide you with the energy to face the rest of the day. Plus it will stop the guilty mid-morning snacking.

4. Reading a good book allows you to escape from the chores of day-to-day reality. . And don’t feel guilty if it isn’t a classic, read what you want.

5. A good pair of shoes. Definitely a way to a girls heart.

6. Lastly, just hanging out with good company and in a good environment doing absolutely nothing.

And a little sneaky one that I couldn’t resist. Seeing a picture of the gorgeous/perfect Ryan Gosling is always guaranteed to brighten my day.

Spring Time Wish List

Spring has finally arrived!

Well…

kind of…

If I ignore the on-going blizzards and cold, dark nights I can fool myself into thinking that Spring is here.  But now that the 1st April has dutifully arrive I can’t help wondering…where are the sunny skies?  And the chirping birds? And the blooming daffodils? Why has the temperature failed to reach barely above zero? I’m starting to get slightly bitter and annoyed that my newly bought fake tan and denim shorts have been regretfully left untouched. I think it’s about time my pasty legs were allowed a little fresh air.

But as it stands, warm weather still seems a distant thing of the future. So to cheer myself up as I continue to spend my evenings freezing my toes off and watching crap TV, I have compiled a yummy list of all things that I think are hot this Spring.

1. Lindt Chocolate Bunnies

This Easter weekend has been the perfect opportunity to gorge on everything chocolate. And the best chocolate out there has to be Lindt. These bunnies make great presents too.

2. Floral Flask

A flask is a perfect investment for when the days and evening start to warm up, and you start to venture outside for a bit of fresh air. Also the floral design will definitely get me in the mood for all the sunny days ahead.

3. Leather backpack

I adore this. As well as being a beautiful bohemian bag, it’s great for a weekend away, bike riding or if exploring a city.

4. After years and years yearning for them, I need to finally buy myself some Vans. They look great with anything from jeans to dresses, and this limited edition floral design is perfect for Spring.

5. Dip-dye Maxi Dress. My favourite thing to wear when the weather warms up is definitely a bright maxi dress (with a denim or leather jacket if it’s still a bit nippy). I especially like the colour of this one from River Island, and it would look great with gold jewellery.

6. Fruit Tea is the perfect drink for when the nights are still chilly and you are looking to detox for summer. The Pukka range is really good, this one being my favourite.

 

7. Denim Pinafore Dress. I think this is the perfect dress for summer as it is so versatile. It would look great layered with shirts, a striped vest, brown brogues, and even tights. I can’t wait to buy one!

8. I have become seriously addicted to Propercorn. It tastes so good and is a healthy alternative to crisps. I will be stocking up for Spring!

9. I want to start stocking up on these cute ceramic Love Hearts from Next. Their sweet sayings want me to start booking trips this Spring and going places.

 

 

10. The last thing on my wish list is a vintage bicycle with a wicker basket and leather bag. Being a broke 21-year-old I will definitely NOT be getting one of these (unless someone nice buys me one as a present) but a girl can dream.

Now what I would love to do (if I had the cash) is to stock up on all these lovely things that will make me happy this Spring and just…er…wait for Spring to arrive. Please cold weather go away! I am seriously concerned about my pasty legs. They aren’t looking too healthy!

Happy Easter

With the English weather making this Easter feel more like the cold, dark days of December, we are trying to cheer ourselves up by eating chocolate…chocolate…and more chocolate. As it continues to rain and sleet outside, I have spent most of Easter Sunday baking and gorging on yummy food. After making myself sick eating chocolate eggs I decided to use the remainder of my goodies to bake an Easter cake for the family. It was so simple to make and went down a treat. It is simple a Victoria sponge with a melted Easter egg chocolate layer in the centre and on the top. Lastly I decorated it with crumbled flakes and mini eggs.

All you need is…

• 250g self raising flour
• 100g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 75g butter, softened

And then…

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.

2.Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl and gently stir in the sugar.

3.Add the butter and the 2 eggs and whisk by hand until all the small lumps are gone.

4.Put grease-proof paper or butter two cake tins (I have no idea what size mine are. I don’t pretend to be a professional!)

5.Bake until golden brown. You can test it after 20 minutes by inserting a knife into the middle of the cake – if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

After the two sponges are done and are cooled, simply melt any leftover Easter eggs and spread on top of both sponges and layer together. Lastly decorate how you like!

My very nice boyfriend surprised me by buying my favourite Easter chocolate. Lindt is definitely the best Easter treat – especially the golden bunny! These treats definitely didn’t go into my cake!

To counter-act the kilo of chocolate I have eaten today, I made a very summery drink (shame about the weather) of ice cold water and fruit. By sipping away at this at least I could fool myself that Spring indeed has started and that I haven’t been as fat and unhealthy as I could have been today. (Not!)

Another great way to recycle those Easter eggs is to melt them and use the heavenly gooey mess as a dip for fruit. At least you’ll be getting your five-a-day!

However you decide to celebrate today I hope you all have a good time!

Super-foods to keep you glowing inside and out

We have all heard the sayings “you are what you eat” and “beauty is on the inside”, and when it comes to our skin care regime, both might just be true. Carefully applied make-up, expensive serums and blush can all help your skin look more glowing, but the most effective beauty makeover around comes from the inside. I’m not knocking the power of a fantastic face cream, but our skin, nails and hair need nourishment as well as lots of TLC, so a healthy diet can enhance your beauty, the natural way…

Salmon

Wild salmon is one of the best food sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin moisturised and supple. The vitamin D in salmon keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, and this wonder fish also contains selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from sun exposure. There are hundreds of ways to enjoy this super-food so you won’t have a problem adding it to your diet. Try it grilled, with a salad, in pasta, in sushi, or just with a side of asparagus.

Spinach

This leafy green is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Popeye’s favourite is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium.  So trade in your lettuce and eat up.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so feel free to stock up on canned tomato sauce and tomato juice. But maybe lay off the ketchup.

Walnuts

The many benefits of walnuts are said to include smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. There is no need to eat cupful’s of walnuts to enjoy their many benefits, get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a handful by themselves or throwing some on your salad, pasta or dessert.

Kiwis

This small fuzzy fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which keeps skin firm, helps prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth. This super-fruit is said to also protect you from cancer and heart disease, so get eating!

Dark Chocolate

What girl doesn’t love chocolate? Don’t fear being judged if you keep a secret stash of chocolate in your bag, instead be willing to share. Dark chocolate helps skin stay hydrated and protects skin from sun damage, and contrary to popular belief, does not cause acne. Before you make a mad dash for that Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, keep in mind that the best kind of chocolate should be at least 60 per cent cocoa.

 

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights aging. It is a perfect, healthy alternative to mashed potato.

Avocados

The high levels of monounsaturated fats in avocados protect your skin cells and prevent wrinkling. This super-food really is fantastic for your skin so make sure you stock up to add to your salads and sandwiches.

Blueberries

Packed full of antioxidants, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries protect the skin against sun damage. Blueberries in particular have been ranked number one in antioxidant activity and are rich in the anti-inflammatory flavone. Enjoy with porridge as part of a healthy breakfast.

Water

As we all know water is essential to a healthy body and healthy skin. As well as keeping your skin hydrated, it gets rid of waste, which causes dull skin. However, don’t believe you have to drink twenty cups a day to stay healthy, get your fill from tea, soup, fruit and veg, which are 90 per cent water on average.

January Inspiration

Things helping me get through the work blues on this cold January day

Les Miserables

I’ve been twice this week to watch Les Miserables. I know its pretty sad and OTT, but it was with two different sets of people. A two and a half hour long film may be seen as a bit much to see twice in less than a week, but I beg to differ. It was still a joy to watch the second time round.

I can’t sing the praises of this film enough. I thought it was absolutely brilliant (even with Russell Crowe singing). I must admit, I did find it a bit cringy and awkward at first when the cast burst into song (and carried on singing throughout), but you do kind of get used to it and into it by the end.

Plus its not your ordinary musical; it doesn’t include cheesy and chirpy singers with slicked-back hair, instead it has dark, emotional and really complex characters giving the story of their lives.

I think that’s what made the film great. The story. It is such a deep and moving tale about so many different people (it would be hard not to be able to relate to at least one of the characters). And I must admit, the music is bloody brilliant.

Definitely worth a watch. My sister is eager to see it next week. Might pop along and watch it with her…

Crowe is surprisingly alright in this

These two are hilarious in this.

Oh Eddie just marry me?!