How to Survive: Being Away From Home

So here i am, sitting in my hotel room, 356 miles away from home. It's a very nice hotel room, i have ordered room service two nights in a row, and eaten it sitting on my bed, in my pyjamas. Every girls dream right?! But alas, i am not a happy bunny. Why? Because i am alone, away from my fiancé and dog, and I'm just home sick!
So, i turned to the power of the internet last night in search of some kind of solace. In search of some comforting words, or a guide of how to get through the stay. But, do you know what i found? NOTHING. The only relating search results were "how to cope when your significant other is away on business", but what if you are that significant other?! How do you cope being away from your loved ones, your home, your bed!? Well, here is what has been getting me through the few days i am here, and i thought this the perfect opportunity for a blog post, as some day, you might need a push to get through the trip too.

To this guide, there are only two steps, but i promise you that both will make the time you are away easier!

The first step to getting through this hellish time, is to pack everything you might possibly need. Aside from the obvious clothes etc, you are going to need things to pre-occupy you when you are not working/training/in meetings.

I suggest the following -

• Laptop/iPad/Tablet - make sure you have your charger, netflix and skype downloaded. Most hotels now have wifi you can buy for your stay. So taking your laptop or ipad with you, is going to keep you entertained when you are in your hotel room. Just remember to lock it away, or store it in its case during the day when you are out.
• Books - failing the internet, a good book is the best way to while away the hours. Grab a couple so you have a choice, and pick something you know will keep you interested. Or just re-read an old favourite, The Hunger Games trilogy anyone?
• Uni work - if you are a student of any type, bring some work with you! Yes, it's pretty boring sometimes, but this will be the perfect chance to get some work done. You will be away from any distractions, and you can have a couple of hours to just work through your assignment.
• Snacks! - make sure you have some goodies stashed away in your hotel room or in your travel bag, to give yourself a treat after successfully getting through another day away. I keep cans of drinks in my room too, hotel prices can be super expensive! And that's the only good thing about being away from home, and staying in a hotel is right? Ordering room service and eating yummy food in bed!

This may seem like an obvious thing, but let me tell you, when you are just on the way to your destination, sitting on the aeroplane or train, all you can think about is the going away part, the coming back part feels such a long way away. So think about it logically. 

Break down the days into sections and you will get through them much quicker. For example, this is how i have been working my stay.

Fly to Glasgow on Tuesday night - fly home on Friday night.

3 nights. 3 breakfasts. 3 lunches. 3 dinners.

To go.

The first night i arrived, got settled in my room, ordered my dinner and then went to sleep. That's taken me down to,

2 nights. 3 breakfasts. 3 lunches. 2 dinners.

To go.

I wake up in the morning and have my breakfast, which takes me down to,

2 nights. 2 breakfasts. 3 lunches. 2 dinners.

To go.

And so on and so forth. 

It may seem like a simple idea, but it works. It breaks the day up into four sections, that are evenly spread throughout the day, and with each one you mentally check off, you feel closer to home.

You could add more, or base them around other things to suit your stay. Count down meetings, training sessions, classes or visits.

The main thing that will make you feel better, is to keep in contact with your family or friends if its possible. Though you may get a bit tearful down the phone, its nice to hear a familiar voice when surrounded by strangers. 

And just remember, it's not forever. Count down those days, put on a brave face and remember to treat yourself!

If all else fails just look up at the sky, and remind yourself you and your loved ones are sleeping under the same stars.

I hope this gives you comfort if you need it, stay strong and you will be home soon.

From one grumpy, homesick traveller to another,

xoxo

DIY Wish/Memory Jar

What is a wish/memory jar, i hear you cry! Well, pictures of these things have been all over Tumblr and Pintrest recently, and so, here is a nice little DIY for you to make your own!
This neat little idea is essentially a jar, that you write down either wishes that you have for the year, or good things that happen to you throughout the year, and you put them in the jar. At the end of the year, you open the jar and you read all the little things you have written! It's like an unconventional diary of nice little snippets for you to document your year!

You will need: 

A jar! Any kind, any size

Small pieces of paper or post-it notes

Things to decorate with!

I used a mason jar, easily found at any home supply shop, or supermarket. And a bunch of things i found in my craft box.

I used some old ribbon, and stuck on various bits and bobs!

Write your wishes or write down when something good happens to you, and pop it in the jar!

I made a note of the date on mine too!

And there is your jar! 

You can make it as outrageous or simple as you like. Cover it in glitter, wrap it up in paper or just leave it plain! It is yours to do what you want with.

And remember, you don't have to just put pieces of paper in it. Pick flowers from a fun day out, press them and put them in the jar to remember the day! Find conkers in the park in the autumn, put them in the Jar! Confetti from a birthday card, an invite to a wedding, anything small enough to fold up or fit in the jar, that will remind you of happy days, put it in!

I hope you give this easy DIY a try, and fill your jar with beautiful things this year!

Kitten noses and puppy paws,

xoxo

Valentines Day Gift Guide!

Wow, it's like one holiday after another isn't it? But with Christmas and New Year firmly put aside, we can now concentrate on that lovey dovey day of the year, when we show our loved one (or ourselves!), exactly how much we cherish and adore them..... (just a little bit cheesy, i know, i know).

Now, honestly i have never been a huge fan of Valentines Day. I don't know why we have this one day to show our love for someone we care about, when we should be doing it at every opportunity! But, i still encourage you to take part in the revelries, because what could be worse than looking forward to going out for a lovely meal, and sharing a box of chocolates with the person you love, and them coming home and going "Oh Jeez, do you really believe in all that, i show you i love you every day of the year...blah blah blah". Don't be a spoil sport, just go with the flow, and make it an extra romantic day of the year!

Whether you are just going with the flow or you simply love valentines day, and plan the day down to the last rose petal, here are a few gifts for your loved one that would make the day, just that little bit extra lovely!

     

   EVERY GIRL LOVES LUSH!

You simply cannot go wrong with a gift from Lush, and they have just released the Valentines range!
These Love Locket bath bombs are the perfect thing for a cutesy bath. Featuring jasmine, vanilla and Neroli oil, and lots and lots of confetti hearts inside!
If you aren't sure what she might like, why not go for the Lots of Love gift set? It has a little bit of everything inside, including a body conditioner, massage bar and bath bomb, with sweet and floral scents.
Every girl is looking for her Prince Charming, and now you can give it to her, with this shower gel! Made with marshmallow root, fair trade vanilla and fresh pomegranate juice, it smells good enough to eat!

EOS lip spheres

All the hot celebs have been seen using these strange looking lip balms, and i am not surprised! They may look like something the Easter bunny might leave, but these beauties are all 95% organic, packed with vitamin E, luxurious shea butter and jojoba oil, and are 100% natural!

They come in a variety of colours and flavours, such as strawberry sorbet, sweet mint and blueberry acai.

Although primarily available in the US, you can find these for sale on ebay and Amazon too!

Abandon Ship Apparel

Featured before in the alternative and amazing Christmas jumpers post, a sure favourite of ours, Abandon Ship is sure to hit the right note with any man!

The Moth Sweatshirt is a sure fire winner, staying on trend with the all over print, in a custom raglan fit. Also available as a hoodie.

The Squid Speckle Tshirt is a great piece for introducing your man to Abandon Ship. Featuring a cool dude squid diving into the ocean, it is cut in a totally custom fit, giving it an extra long body length whilst keeping the chest regular, making it flattering on all shapes and sizes.

Looking for something to turn your man into the dapper fellow you know is hiding within? Then perhaps go for the Oxford Blue Shirt. Available in Black as well, this shirt would look killer paired with black jeans and boots.

Assassins Creed: Black Flag

If you are lucky enough (or unlucky enough) to own a PS4, then this is the game to get. Whilst most people got Call of Duty: Ghosts and Battlefield 4 with their new console, Assassins creed is now the game that everyone wants! Along with following the usual Assassins Creed storyline, players can now engage, capture and board passing ships. The world is still being added to, giving this game a longer shelf life, and a definite win for anyone you buy this for!

If you are alone this Valentines Day, it doesn't mean you have to miss out. Remember to treat yourself, make yourself a nice dinner, buy yourself that cute dress you have had your eye on, or arrange to go out with your other single friends! Trust me, you don't have to be alone on Valentines Day if you don't want to be. 

Oh, and if you are looking for love, there are usually loads of speed dating nights on around the 14th Feb! Grab a friend and go for a giggle!

Whether you are spending it alone, with your friends, family or loved one, have a cutesy, romantic time!

Peace and love,

xoxo

Black Milk Review!

Unless you have been living in a box for the past few years, you will have already heard about Black Milk. If not, they are an Australian brand that make amazing nylon works of art, for your legs, butts and bodies!
Yes, you read that right, nylon. No! Wait! Have no fear! Gone are the days where nylon is a hideous creature that we fear! This nylon is a beautiful work of art!

After starting out with just their own designs, Black Milk have now teamed up with cult classics, bringing you amazing prints with Star Wars, Adventure Time, Harry Potter and Corpse Bride designs!

After ogling the website for quite a while, i eventually gave in an purchased myself the Mermaid Reverse Dress (no longer available). I figured this was a good starter piece to get, as it can be worn with the racer front, or scoop front, and can be layered.

I ordered the package mid November, and it arrived a few days after Christmas. I didn't think that was at all bad, what with the postal delays, and it coming all the way from Australia!
It was really well packaged up, and included some stickers and a business card, which i think added a real nice touch.

Now, as a larger lady, i was a little nervous of trying anything that would stick to my skin, and show off all my lumps and bumps, but i must say, i was pleasantly surprised! Though i am no where near brave enough to show you all a picture of it on (yet! come on, wedding diet!) being worn as a dress, i actually wore this out the night i got it, with a high waisted black skirt, and it looked KILLER!

It's fantastic quality, and you can really feel it in the fabric. I was worried the dress would ride up under my skirt, but it stayed put all night. Honestly, it fits like a dream! The fabric has so much stretch in it, which is a god send over the boobs and bum! And totally comfy too!

With leggings, dresses, swimsuits, skirts and more to chose from, there is something for everyone, no matter what size or shape! And i would really recommend adding one of these statement pieces to your wardrobe!

Laters taters!

xoxo

New Years Eve makeup musthaves!

OMG, there are only 2 days left of 2013! One of the biggest nights for partying is coming up, New Years Eve is nearly upon us! 

I'm sure you have already thought about your outfit, and maybe even snagged yourself a cute new bargain in the post Christmas sales, but have you thought about your makeup yet? 

We all have our 'favourite faces', the makeup we automatically put on for work, going shopping, and then a totally different up look for going out for drinks. We are all guilty of it, and i don't blame you! It's easy to do! So instead of doing a totally dramatic makeup tutorial for New Years Eve, i bring you my top 4 must have products, to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless way into the early hours of 2014!

This product is a must have for ANY night out, or all day shopping trip! Simply apply you makeup as normal, and then add a spritz of this at the end, to keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours!

Available here from Debenhams

 This little compact is a complete cover-up with its own sponge and brush. A super fine powder makes it great for brushing over already applied foundation, or for when you need a top up throughout the day, and perfect for if you have any oily skin!

Keep this beauty in your bag, you won't regret it!

Available here from Benefit Cosmetics 

If you are a fan of glitter then this will be your new best friend. It's perfect for applying over your usual eye shadow for a completely new look, or my new favourite thing to do, using it to run over my cheek bones instead of a highlight! 

Available here from House of Fraiser 

I'm sure you have already heard about this one. It's the UK's number one, top selling mascara!

The brush on the wand, separates, curls and lifts your lashes, giving a super extended and full look.

And it's long wearing, which is exactly what you need for a big night ahead of you!

Available here from Benefit Cosmetics

I would even wear all four of these products together, for a simple look with a whole lot of oomph from the Moondust! You can even dab it on the ends of your lashes when your mascara is still wet!

I hope you have a fabulous New Years Eve!

xoxo

Merry Christmas!!!

Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and a very happy New Year!

See you in 2014!

xoxo

realistic New Years resolutions

Where has the year gone? There are only 9 days left of 2013! And only 3 days to go until Christmas day!
I'm sure you are all sorted for Christmas now, and thinking about what your New Years resolutions will be, But did you know that only 8% of people actually stick to them? The main reason being they are too vague and we try and stick to too many!

Every year people make the same old resolutions, with the top ones being; lose weight, spend less, save more, stay healthy, less stress, help others and quit smoking. How many years in a row have you tried to keep to one of these, and failed by February?

Here are a few easy to stick to resolutions, that i think anyone could keep!

The key for keeping your New Years resolutions is simple, be realistic!
If you are a smoker, don't kid yourself into thinking it's going to be easy, and you can quit cold turkey! Instead, aim at cutting down one cigarette each day, and the process will be much easier.
If you are an unhealthy person, and want to start exercising, don't suddenly think that you can run a marathon! Why not join a weekly class in something that interests you? There are so many fitness classes out there now, pole dancing, kickboxing, whatever takes your fancy, if you sign up for a class it's more motivating to go! Plus you will meet other like minded people in your position!

If all else fails, and you still don't think you can stick anything out, all year long, why not take part in Cancer Researches Dryathlon? Sign up by the 1st, to get your fundraising pack, and give up alcohol for the month of January whilst raising money for cancer research!

This year, why not try and stick to just one New Years resolution? And one that won't be too hard to stick at! Don't make it a chore, and don't think of it as something you have to work at. Just make it a lifestyle change!

I hope that with this small guide, the start to your 2014 sees you happy, healthy and motivated!

See you on the other side,

xoxo