How to get over being run down;

Hello Lovelies!

You know when you get that feeling that you're just not 100% yourself? You're covered in zits, your body aches, you've got the worst blocked nose in history, and you just need to sleep it off and recuperate.

If you're a regular reader then you know I've started work and it's been a bit of a shock to the system. I'm really suffering with my feet and knees right now so here's how I'm trying to make myself better!

1.) Rest. Sleep makes me feel like a new woman especially when I'm waking up as early as I do! Get into bed, read a chapter of your new book/your favourite Netflix show (try Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)  and settle down for the night. Try a decaffeinated warm drink to help you drift off to the land of nod.

2.) Relax. Have a bubble bath or a long shower to scrub off the day. Use body scrubs and moisturiser that smell amazing and you'll feel clean as a whistle and you day will get even better! I recommend the 'I Love Strawberries & Cream' Shower smoothie which you can buy here.

3.) Respect. Listen to your body, if it's hurting there's a chance that there's a problem. My knee recently has come under a lot of stress and I'm going to visit the doctor's about it to get a second opinion. But make sure your body is happy so it can do whatever you set your mind to.

There's the three R's on how to help yourself get back up when you're run down. Hope this helps and if you have any more tips, don't hesitate to let me know!

Thanks for reading!


Jx

photo courtesy of advancecosmetic.com

Life update;

Hello Lovelies!

Just a quick update to say what I'll be doing in August.

I am a subscriber of PRexamples.com and their CEO has organised an event for practitioners and other students to socialise and create contacts.

And I'm going!!


I'll be blogging about it and finally getting back into my passion of PR!

I'm so excited and I can't wait to share it all with you! If you're also going please don't hesitate to contact me!

Thanks for reading!


Jx


Enquiries: diaryofa-prgirl@outlook.co.uk
Twitter: @joanna22x
Instagram: @jo_annaxiourouppa

It's not always rainbows and butterflies...

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is about how life isn't always perfect, and sometimes bad or stressful things happen that are out of our control. This is how I deal with it... 

When someone in your life is around you I'd say about 3/4 of the time and you see them loads, you talk often too - you then start building this comforting mind set around them. 

And when that mind set is challenged, say they've moved away, got a new job, found some new friends you don't mesh with, it puts a huge strain on your relationships with that person (friend, boyfriend, family member). 

When things like that happen, people usually just give up on their relationships...

But this post is saying don't do that! You can get through more difficult phases, make more effort and see what happens. 

Being in a relationship can be difficult sometimes but if your issues can worked through them don't give up!

(However if you are really unhappy, then yes you should get rid).

Personally I am ridiculously happy in my personal life right now and although sometimes things are difficult, I'm not ready to throw in the towel - at all. I will keep on keeping on, until further notice. 

So stay strong guys! Don't give up on someone you love! 

Thanks for reading, 

Jx 
  

Yankee Candle favourites;

Hello Lovelies!


Just a quick 'Happy Birthday' to my youngest sister Demi who is thirteen today! Have an amazing day!

Anyway, back to the post, seeing as for Demi's birthday I got her a few Yankee candles, I thought I'd give you a list of my favourites...

Fresh Cut Roses;

Clean Cotton;

Mango Peach Salsa;

Pink Dragonfruit;

True Rose;

Check all of these out via the links, and see what you think...now I'm going to go enjoy a piece of birthday cake!

Thanks for reading!



Jx

10 things I'm thankful for;

Hello Lovelies!

I haven't written in a few days because I've been working but I thought I'd tell you guys ten things that I'm thankful for in my life.

1.) My Family and friends

The love and support I receive from my family and friends is insane and I couldn't live the way I do without my mom, dad, my grandparents, my aunts, uncles, friends and my siblings. We fight a lot but it's made up by all the great times we share.

2.) Elliot

He's a great partner, my best friend and forever calling me out on my shit. He makes me want to achieve so much and supports me endlessly, so thanks Ell! You're a star! Here's to many more memories!

3.) My senses

The ability to use all five senses is something I have definitely taken for granted. I recently lost hearing in my left ear and when it finally unblocked, I've never felt so grateful to hear things properly again. We use our senses everyday and they help us shape our preferences, so I'm glad I can use them to their full potential.

4.) My Health

I've luckily never had a serious bout of illness in my lifetime but I know others who have. Never take good health for granted. I am so grateful that my body is healthy and happy.

5.) Showers/Baths

When you get back from a long day and you're aching, a warm shower of bath is literally heaven. Filling the bath with beautiful scents, essential oils and bubbles can make you feel like a pampered princess (or prince!).

6.) Food

Sweet things really. I am crazy for mangoes, melons and anything sweet and juicy. I'm grateful for all food that I have the pleasure of eating. I realise that some people do not have the luxury of eating like I do, so I am grateful for what I have.

7.) Autumn 

The beautiful leaves, Halloween, Bonfire Night...all cold and crisp. Wearing lots of jumpers and big boots, waiting for Christmas to come! It's so calm and beautiful and I'm thankful that I get to watch it.

8.) My Birthday

My 19th is just over a month away now and I'm looking forward to it. To be celebrated by my family and friends is a lovely thought and getting to create memories is the best thing I could ask for.

9.) The little things

Cuddling someone, a mocha from Cortado, holding Elliot's hand, being walked home. All these things create perfect little memories and make my life so happy.

10.) You guys

I am so grateful for people who take time out of their lives to read this blog and share it with their friends and family. I love writing for you all and I intend to continue for a long long time.

Now I've told you what I'm thankful for, what are you thankful for?

Thanks for reading,


Jx


Enquiries: diaryofa-prgirl@outlook.com
Twitter: @joanna22x

Top 5 cocktails for summer;

Hello Lovelies!

Since it's the summertime and everyone seems to be in full swing with their alcohol, I thought I'd make a list of my top 5 cocktails for the summer.

#5 Pina Colada

If you like Pina Colada's and getting caught in the rain..then of  course you'll love this drink! A creamy coconut drink which is helps you drift off to a beautiful paradise island (even though you're actually sat in your living room). If you're interested here's a YouTube video on how to make the ultimate Caribbean cocktail

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaQEaf92z00

#4 Margaritas 

Kiwi, Lemon, Passionfruit, Strawberry - the flavours are endless! These delicious frosty drinks are perfect at getting you in the holiday mood!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-gYcvipozY

#3 Pimms

The ultimate English summer drink! Fill it with mint, strawberries, cucumbers and whatever you want! It tastes so good and is perfect to accompany any BBQ's or long summer nights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfYMdrPGXSk

#2 Strawberry daiquiris

These are amazing if you like your drinks sweet like I do. A blend of strawberry liqueur and white rum makes this a perfect drink for next to the pool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ivvuMhCaHk

#1 Tequila Sunrise

This was my drink when I went on holiday.Don't be put off by the tequila, this drink is sweet and delicious this is an amazing drink to have in the hotel bar before you dance the night away!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvzPIB72_Bw

There's my countdown of my top summer drinks for all of you to peruse, maybe even make your own list!

Enjoy your cocktails and these long summer nights!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Enquiries: diaryofa-prgirl@outlook.com
Twitter: @joanna22x

Life update:

Hello Lovelies!

In case you don't have me on Facebook, you probably don't know that I got my grades for my first year of university.

I have passed all of my modules and finished the year with a high 2:2, which for first year isn't too bad.

One module pulled down my average but this year I plan on working even harder to achieve my goals.

I can't wait to start second year now and move in my new house.

Work is going well too, long, hard but worth it!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Why I don't always write about PR:

Hello Lovelies!

Today I thought I'd address the fact that most of my writing these days doesn't revolve around Public Relations.

There are several reasons for this...

Firstly, I'm currently on my summer holidays and I'm away from university, where I hear about lots of PR opportunities on a regular basis. When I'm away I focus on other things that I think will interest my audience (if I have one).

I also have reconsidered the field of PR I actually want to go into now, because there's so many different things I'm interested in... as you know if you read my blog a lot, I focus around lifestyle, beauty, fashion and now even health. I mean I'm actually taking a liking to politics! Something I never thought I'd like! (I blame you Paula). I could never pick one to focus on now.

So yes, I'm sorry if you come to this blog thinking it's going to be nothing but PR, because it's not. I'm still figuring myself and my preferences out, and it's going to be a long journey but hey, you're welcome to join me on the ride.

Thanks for reading this and I hope you continue reading,



Jx

How to stay healthy at University;

Hello Lovelies! 

Since I seem to be a fountain of knowledge about university lately, I decided to give out some tips on how to be happy and healthy, both mentally and physically, at university. 

1.) Drink water. I am a terrible advocate for hydration, but according to scientists having at least 2 litres of water a day can improve your health drastically. I know at uni everyone seems to be 'sloshed on the voddy', but hydration is key to having a positive impact on your studies. Drinking a big glass of water in the morning speeds up your metabolism and gets your juices flowing so you can take on the day!

2.) Exercise. "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't shoot their husbands."

Wise words from the queen, Elle Woods in legally blonde. Exercise, be it in a gym, at a class, or even just in your room, can improve both your mental and physical health, because it boosts your mood, makes you sweat and you can even make some friends as you achieve any fitness goals you have marked up! 

3.) Don't drink too much booze. Yes. Alcohol can be all well and good but knowing your limit should be essential especially at uni. It can ruin your liver and if it starts affecting your study then you need a serious talk with yourself. You're at uni to learn, not get pissed every night of the week.

4.) Don't eat all the Dominoes. You know what I'm talking about, uni goers...2 for Tuesday's, buy one get one free...I am guilty of buying two pizzas because it's cheaper...(I'm ashamed). 

Save your pennies and have fast food as a treat rather than a staple in your diet, you'll thank me later!

5.) Buy fruit and veggies. I am a veggie fiend so this is no problem for me. Fruit and vegetables will give you vitamins and minerals that you don't get from fast food. Making healthy lunches and dinners will keep your weight down and your mood up.

6.) Socialising. Now this is great for mental health. Make a habit of seeing your friends to ensure your mind stays social and stimulated, especially if you have papers due in. Studying is important but you'll go nuts and get pretty lonely if you sit in your room all day.

7.) Join a society. If you play a sport, like watching anime or even want to pole dance, universities have so many societies to join. These create friendships and hopefully enjoyment throughout your uni life. I'll let you know which ones I have joined when I go back in second year...( I was a huge social recluse).

8.) Get enough sleep. Beauty sleep is essential to focus in lectures. I have fallen asleep in class before and not only is it embarrassing and slightly rude, you miss out on essential information. So get your z's and you'll do better in every aspect of your uni life.

9.) Safe sex. Right, let's get down to it. At uni, people get drunk, get stupid, get laid. Now if you're gonna do that, protect yourself! Everyone, always carry and wear condoms and if the guy won't wear one or the girl says she doesn't need them cuz she's "on the pill", then you should leave them to have sex with themselves. Pills and implants DO NOT protect you from STI's and if you're burning downstairs then don't be stupid and get yourself checked out before getting down to business.

10.) Down time. Read a book, watch Netflix, have a bubble bath. Let your body relax after all that exercise, partying, drinking and whatever you've been doing. Having some alone time can help you recuperate and be ready for the rest of the week.

Now, there's my tips for keeping yourself in tip top shape at university. I personally need to follow these, (I eat a lot of dominos) and hopefully I will stay mentally positive and physically fit all year long!

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

Book Review: Confessions of a shopaholic

Hello Lovelies!

I've been a bit under the weather recently and today I decided I'd venture, snot-nosed and blurry-eyed, out to do some personal errands in Liverpool. While I was there, I walked past a British Heart Foundation shop with the most beautiful display of books in the window. 

Now there are three things I love in windows; 

Clothes

Make up 

And books.

Being the little bookworm I am, I rushed in heading straight to the book section, eying the shelves for anything that would catch my eye. Cookery books, mind and body books and then finally, the £1 book section. Where the old Mills and Boon novels my gran reads go to die. 

But this £1 book section was impeccable. Shelf after shelf of humorous women's fiction, quirky characters written by women for women. I picked up Dawn French's "A tiny bit marvellous" and Camilla Morton's "How to walk in high heels" (I definitely needed that one, I'm like a baby giraffe in heels) and just as I was leaving, a title caught my eye. 

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.

I'd watched the movie and fallen in love with Rebecca Bloomwood, the ironic financial journalist with an addiction to shopping. I saw a lot of myself in her...maybe too much.

She was a 25 year old woman with serious credit card debt and while reading this book, I had a momentary fear for my future as a shopaholic. I'm only eighteen, but I was told constantly by my parents to never to get a credit card or I'd be spending money I definitely didn't have.

I'd walk past Chanel and come out in more debt than Greece. Exaggeration you say? I don't think so.

As I began reading, I started noticing patterns in her mind which had happened in mine, and although mine were sporadic, there were patterns I knew far too well. 

Let's just say I got halfway through the book and start working about my savings and personal spending for the next term.

However as fictional women with rejected cards do, Ms Bloomwood indeed ends up coming out on top. But I won't spoil it for you...

If you love a girly, pick me up novel then definitely pick up this book!

It is Joanna Christofi PR Girl approved! 

On another note, I am considering starting up a YouTube channel for vlogging of fashion and beauty events that I attend and different hauls and makeup tutorials. If it gets popular I may start giveaways! Let me know on my Instagram and Twitter if that's something you'd be interested in!

Again guys, thanks for reading!

Jx

Instagram: diaryofa_prgirl

Twitter: diaryofa_prgirl