A day in my life: Day off edition

Hello Lovelies!

Tuesday was my day off this week and since I really want you all to get to know me, I thought I'd show you what I do! 

Breakfast:

Two slices of 50/50 toast with crunchy peanut butter and raspberry jam and a nice cup of tea.

Im not really much of a breakfast person, but I will say that this combination is one of my favourites! Perfect start for my lazy day.

Blogging:

When I have any free time now it's dedicated to writing for you guys! I want to keep my blog flowing and make sure I upload content as much as I can. I currently have over twenty drafts pending and I'm so excited to share them with you all. I use this time to promote my posts on my social media sites (see contact me page) and check the stats and read comments you leave me! 

Skincare:

Even on lazy days, a shower is high up on my priority list, it makes me feel fresh and much better about myself. I exfoliate my face (see skin routine here) and then brush my teeth (mm, minty fresh)! I've decided not wear make up today, to let my skin breathe a little.

Reading: 

I'm currently reading 'the devil wears prada' (review coming Friday!) so I've taken  this day to really get through it. It's so good and I can't put it down! Reading is definitely a big thing on lazy days, as it keeps my brain working even though I'm feeling sluggish. This with a cup of tea and some yummy snacks (banana and peanut butter) is just a day off heaven! 

I also need some suggestions of some books to purchase, any suggestions leave them in the comments!

Elliot's home!

Elliot has been at work today so now he's back its time to chill out and wind down. He's got some university work to do so I take this bit of time to watch some TV and browse social media, (I live on the Internet). I also decided to restart an on line fitness class called Blogilates, created by YouTube fitness guru Cassey Ho. It's so great to get your blood pumping and work on toning your body. 

I love meditation and pilates so I'll try my best to find you guys some tips and tricks to stay flexible and healthy! 

Dinner:

After my workout, I'm starving so it's time for Elliot and I to make dinner. We actually decided on making a veggie curry out of things we found in the fridge! Recipe coming soon!

Bedtime:

Bedtime for us is usually around 11.30pm, we've both got to get up early and one of us doesn't enjoy the mornings *cough* Elliot *cough*, so it's time to settle down. Sometimes we watch a movie, or just do some last minute things ready for the morning. Tonight I'm having an Options hot chocolate so I fall asleep peacefully. Night night x

So there's a basic outline of what I do during a lazy day/ day off! What do you do to relax when you're not working?

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

Let's talk ¦ Almost twenty

Hello Lovelies,

Today I thought I'd address a topic that I haven't really talked about on my blog, and that is the subject of growing up. I know I talked about what job I'd like to do in a recent post, but I never really addressed the subject that has been bothering me for a little while now.

You see, I am eighteen years old and in less than a month, I will be embarking on my last year as a teenager. This thought not only terrifies me that I will no longer be a baby but has made me start thinking about that experimental and shaping period of time that is 'your 20's'.

A J-O-B:

Getting a 9-5 job seemed so far away last year, yet now I've got to start planning little parts of my future. This includes researching what career path I wish to follow, preparing for interviews and learning what a mortgage is (I still haven't a clue) so if I get a job, I can have a roof over my head.

If I'm honest, I feel like a child playing dress up when I get invitations to PR events and when I write important emails that end 'yours sincerely'. I can't believe that I get addressed as 'Madam' when I go into a restaurant. You've grown up so much that you're no longer that little girl any more.

It's one of those changes that happen in adolescence, like when they stop giving you crayons with your spaghetti bolognese at Frankie and Benny's. It sucks.

M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E AND B-A-B-I-E-S:

This subject for me is very up and down. I love children and I would love to have them some day, but the fear is definitely there, especially the fear of having a child at such a young age.

My mother had me when she was twenty two and I'm very grateful that she did (thanks Momma!) but there's a part of me that thinks I'll still be a kid at that time, there's no way I could support a tiny human in my life. I do commend all young mothers, you're doing a brave thing that I am no way ready for.

Marriage too seems a world away for me, I mean I'd love it to happen someday but I'm not insistent on it either. If someone can put up with my shit for eternity, then fair play to him.

MY ADVICE:

There will always be that one relative who comes over to you at a wedding or a christening and says "you'll be next!" and the fear comes over you, especially if you're single. My advice is brush it off! You are your own person and you can do whatever you want.

I know now that being in your 20's does not mean you have to get married as soon as you can and start popping out children like the number balls on the national lottery.

I don't want to put a number on the time I will get all those things because planning that sort of stuff isn't healthy for your development as a person, you might not have fun because you're waiting for your 'five year plan' to kick in.

So yes guys, I'm scared for my twenties. I'm scared of growing up and looking out for myself, so I fully intend to make this last teenage year count. It's going to be a big shock to my system and I'm not ready at all, but it's the kind of fear you get as you ascend up a roller-coaster track.

Hopefully I'm in for an enjoyable ride.

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Things to learn before you move out:

Hello Lovelies!

As I've mentioned in previous blog posts, I will be moving back to Liverpool to continue my studies. I'm really looking forward to moving back to a city where I can focus on studying and enjoy living life as a second year student!

Although there are a few things I've had to learn before I branch out and start a new chapter of living alone, so I thought I'd depart my wisdom onto any of you wonderful first years and people who are moving away from Mum and Dad and start independence.

1.) Remember to sort out your finances. You're paying for everything now so you've gotta make sure you've got enough for food, commuting to uni and paying rent. Don't get caught out at the train station or in the restaurant eating your food without money.

2.) Don't forget to learn how to wash your clothes. You will look gross if you're going out with soy sauce / chocolate/ blood on your shirt (what you do on your own time is your business).

3.) Learn to say no, You can't do everything and you've got to make sacrifices in order to live a life within your means. If your friends want to hang out, suggest coming round to yours and having a night in, it 's cheap and fun too!

4.) Be handy. If something breaks, try to learn how to fix it (unless you could get electrocuted - then hire someone or tell your landlord).

5.) Find hobbies. Living alone, like myself, means you've got a lot of time to kill. Do your uni work, watch TV that you enjoy, read books! Maybe even start something creative, a project maybe?

6.) Get to know your city/town. Walk around and get to grips with where you live. Where to go, where not to go, where's cheap, where isn't. The better you know your city, the safer and more at home you'll feel.

Hopefully this will help you guys with moving away and make preparing for the process as easy as possible!

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

My travel bucket list:

Hello Lovelies!

For Valentine’s day this year, I bought my boyfriend, Elliot, a world map on which you could scratch off the countries you've visited. He’s a bit of an adventurer himself,  during March he was making his way to South Africa – lucky sod.

I’ve never been much of the adventure type, happy to sit on the beach in Cyprus rather than throw myself into things. However, since giving Elliot that map, I’ve been thinking about how much world there is out there that I’ve not even grasped. There are 196 countries on our beautiful Earth with vast cultures and indescribable experiences for everyone. So, I’ve given it a lot of thought and I’ve pulled together a list of the places I want to visit, and things I want to do. Enjoy!

TOP FIVE ADVENTURE SPOTS

5. Australia

Don’t you think that life down under is amazing and so relaxed? I mean, the colourful foods, the clear water and the accent?! Definitely want to visit this place, see the sights and meet a kangaroo. I'd like to take a trip to Fraser island.

4. New York City

Do I have to explain? The big apple has been a beacon for aspiring adventurers for decades, with its sleeplessness and grand architecture. My aim to try the two New York classics; a bagel and a coffee while walking around Central Park, pretending I’m Carrie Bradshaw *sighs* if only…

3. The Maldives

A tiny cluster of islands which happen to host the most romantic beach houses I’ve ever seen. The water is perfect for snorkelling and it’s definitely the worlds favourite honeymoon spot.

2. Amsterdam

This city is the pinnacle of freedom and culture. The architecture, the food, the people. It all seems like a Nordic fairytale. I’d like to visit all the vintage shops, museums and walk down the canal. How romantic…I hope Elliot is making notes!

1. British Columbia, Canada

There’s something you’ll have to understand about me. I am crazy for whales, particularly Killer Whales. One of the best places to go sea kayaking and see orcas in their natural environment. It’s just the most amazing thing and I can’t wait to visit.

I hope you all enjoyed that little list and maybe I’ve inspired you to visit some beautiful places.

If not, I’m sure you could just Google it…

Thanks for reading!

Jx

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

Skincare routine:

Hello Lovelies!

Today I'm going to tell you a little about my new skincare routine which features cruelty-free products that work wonders. 

I currently am suffering from huge breakouts all over my forehead and chin, now this could be down to several things, a hormonal imbalance, sweating, eating fatty foods, stress...or a combination of all four!

I've never really had spots except for the odd one so this breakout definitely needed action. So I decided to up my skincare routine and show you all! 

1.) Get that makeup off! At university especially I would fall asleep with a full face of foundation and powder which did not do my skin any favours. I know scrub off any excess makeup with t-zone exfoliating wipes (if I'm feeling lazy) or a face cleanser.

2.) Cleanse. I now use the 'Deep action blackhead clearing cleansing scrub' by Superdrug. I simply splash my face with warm water and apply the product with my fingers focusing on my forehead and around my nose (blackhead city). 

3.) Face wash. Next I take my "Tea Tree lemon facial wash" by Superdrug and put a pea sized amount onto my Foxnovo electric face brush (OK, it's my sisters but mine is in the post). This brush helps clear pores, exfoliate the dead skin and remove excess oils in the skin. It feels amazing and I would recommend it for anyone, they've even got them in blue for you lads! 

4.) Moisturiser. I have very dry skin on my face so I try to moisturise every few days, especially in winter! When I do moisturise, I use Superdrug's vitamin E moisture mask. This moisturiser should only be used in small amounts because too much can make your face greasy. 

Now everyone knows how I achieve soft and healthy skin! Why don't you go and buy them to try for yourself and let me know the results?

Thanks for reading, 

Jx