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

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

I survived my first year of uni;

Hello Lovelies!

Just a little post today about my overall opinion of my first year at Edge Hill University. As most of you know, I study Public Relations there, which is endlessly interesting and informative and makes me so happy (most days). I felt quite a few emotions throughout my year at uni, but it ended for the better.

I enjoyed living with people from different places and picking up words from different dialects. We had some amazing nights out in Alpine (the coolest club in Ormskirk), went dancing in Superstar Boudoir and Baa Bar. I smile while I think of how much fun I'm going to have with these amazing people next year!

So here's a thank you to...

Beth J, Beth P-J, Chloe, Caroline, Lore, Holly, Caitilin, Izzy and everyone else in the PR class who made me feel so welcome and made me laugh throughout!

See you all in September!



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

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

My Summer Job:

Hello Lovelies!

Sorry I haven't written at all lately, been on hiatus for a few months as I'm on break from university and doing nothing has become a bit of a thing. I apologise for my laziness, but sometimes that is essential for a happy life....(lazy person excuse).

However, my lazy butt got itself a job for the rest of the summer at one of the West Midland's most prestigious family days out...the West Midlands Safari Park!

The role I am undertaking is a Commercial Assistant which entails selling WMSP merchandise, such as toys, guidebooks etc,. painting faces (ahh!) and other fun games.

To me, this was a great job to apply for, especially with my degree. I was extremely interested in the selling products and learning how to market for a major business, both assets towards a successful career in the PR field. I also enjoy that the target audience is so broad, and could take me down so many different routes in the leisure industry.

Any university students who are struggling to find work, make sure you follow my rules to ensure you get that job so you don't have to live off the bank of Mum and Dad.

• Apply for everything, and I mean everything. Literally scrubbing toilets would be acceptable because it's impossible to live without a little pocket. No one is going to judge you for trying to earn some money for yourself! 
• No job is too small. Go above and beyond for your employer, especially if yo get a test shift. Not only will this make you a desirable candidate, you will also receive personal satisfaction and probably sleep like a baby because you worked so hard. 
• Babysitting isn't just for teenagers in horror films. Kids are not that bad to deal with, and parents will pay hundreds to ensure their little tykes are well looked after, and boys, you can babysit too.
• Don't worry if you don't get the first job you applied for. Whatever happens, jump straight back on the horse. Confidence is key and with each rejection, you encourage yourself much more to succeed. 

I will be documenting my work time and anything else exciting that happens to me over the next coming months, including moving back to uni and my birthday!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

How to avoid uni stress;

Hello Lovelies!

I've been thinking a lot lately about stress and how so many young adults experience it, particularly those who chose to study at university. it's a horrible time when exams are around the corner and assignments are due in, it really takes it out of you.

So, I decided to make a list of a few tips on how I avoid stress!

Here we go;

1.) Talk to someone

Don't take the stress alone. Your friends, family, significant other and your teachers are all there to help you feel better about your exams and to be honest, they've all probably felt the pressure of assignments and exams before. I like to work on plans with my other classmates, just so we understand structures and what we're actually doing. (Don't worry, we always pull through!)

2.) Relax!

I know I know, easier said than done isn't it? Even though you're studying and revising you still need to have some time out for yours truly. Crank up the some tunes, run yourself a bath and just don't think for a while. If you're a bit too macho for the tub, go out for an hour or two and socialise! It's good for your brain to process other things rather than exam question after exam question.

NB: just don't get drunk in the afternoon, you won't resurface until the next day, take it from personal experience - stick to coffee.

3.) Plan

This is a new thing for me, I am not a planner. I am a 'it'll be fine, just write' kinda girl. Until recently, when I looked at my boyfriend's work for his Master's.

He planned the bejesus out of his assignment, with references and quotes and it made it look 1000 times easier.

So I decided to write plans for my next two assignments and god it's helping! I've got a place to write down all my scrambled up thoughts, quotes and references without wanting to bang my head against the table. Seriously, plan it to avoid panic.

4.) You can do it!

Repeat this in your head until you believe it. Self doubt is the worst thing for university students and only you can make yourself feel like you can do it. You're going to hit some bumps in the road I'm sure but if you believe in yourself you can do whatever you want and achieve all your goals!

There's some of my ways to avoid university stress, now I'm going to continue with my assignment (ugh) in the most non-stressful way...

Hope this helps!

See you soon!


Jx

I'm back!

Hello Lovelies!

God, it feels so good to say that again!

I missed this! I've been so out of it for so long and it's seriously starting to make me feel bad, not writing down how I feel, I definitely needed a huge kick up the ass.

I realised how much I enjoy writing and I hope none of you have moved on to greener pastures and have waited eagerly by your laptops, praying for my return.

A lot has gone on since I went MIA, both in the fashion world and my personal life and I will be telling you all about it in time, just let me get back up to speed!

On a serious note, I am eternally grateful to the people who read this blog, who actually have decided my writing was worth it. I still have my doubts as to whether I can write or not and if anyone even takes anything away from this blog then I couldn't be happier. I've had some lovely surprises and made some decisions about my life lately and I hope you guys want to follow me on my journey.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Cya soon,



Jx

My Interview with Crosby Noricks;

Hello Lovelies!

As a budding Public Relations student hoping to score my dream job in the fashion industry, my work aspiration was no question. Crosby Noricks, founder of ‘Fashion PR’s #1 haute spot’ prcouture.com, is an innovative fashion strategist whose website is a bible to the hopeful fashion PR students of the world, including me! Not to mention that she has her own book Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide for breaking into Fashion PR.

I recently caught up with the woman who can do it all and between my girlish screams of ‘Crosby Noricks spoke to me!’ and running around my flat, I got to ask her some burning questions I’d been wanting answered.

What made you want to work in Fashion PR?

 I didn't truly discover public relations until graduate school, but was instantly excited about the opportunity to work in a field that combined business strategy with writing and creative campaign ideas. I'd always been interested in fashion and was especially interested in how I could use PR skills to help designers experience more success.

Why did you start PRcouture.com?

 While completing my Master's Thesis in fashion PR, I found that there wasn't very much about it online (or offline in my PR textbooks or academic/trade journals, but that's another issue entirely!) and I found that frustrating as someone who was exploring this avenue as a potential career. I started the site mainly as a way to share what I knew from my research, what I was experiencing working in-house for a jewellery company, and to connect with other publicists and like-minded people with similar interests.

Where in the world do you think the most jobs are in fashion PR? Considering the fashion capitals of the world (Paris, Milan etc.,) are in Europe?

 Hmm - that's a bit of a hard one as I haven't spent nearly enough time connecting with fashion publicists in Europe. In the United States it is definitely New York and Los Angeles, with London, Paris and Milan definitely up there in Europe.

Do you think there's many differences in Fashion PR in the USA and Fashion PR in the UK?

Fashion PR is much better known in the UK (my first introduction to it was actually as a study abroad student at the London College of Fashion during my undergrad). Here we never refer to someone as "a Fashion PR." I think that the history and legacy of luxury fashion in Europe has created more of a defined role within Fashion Communications - it's a bit more ‘Wild West’ over here.

5.) Any advice for students who want to work in Fashion PR?

 I'm encouraged by all the ways that digital communication tools - from social media to blogs - allow us to communicate and connect. My biggest piece of advice is to begin to define the direction you want your career to take by intentionally building a personal brand online and connecting with the right people through authentic, shared interests and curiosity. And of course, follow PR Couture!

Well there you have it, some great advice and knowledge from one of the best brains in fashion PR! Her book is a complete bible as well on how to achieve your goals in the fashion industry! I’ve got mine, have you got yours?

By Joanna Xiourouppa

Edge Hill University, 1^st Year

I hope you all enjoyed that little interview! I'm attempting to get some more as this year continues.

Thanks for reading!

Jx

Follow Crosby @ www.prcouture.com

Follow me @ www.diaryofa-prgirl.blogspot.co.uk

Awards season: PCA and Golden Globes;

Hello Lovelies!

I'm back at university now so I'm back for a fashion filled 2015!

Now there's nothing better to me than January sales and... Awards Season! The only time I can sit in front of the TV and scream about Leo DiCaprio and not get judged...much.

Along with the beautiful celebrities, there are many beautiful dresses and I've already seen quite a few that will be making my list. However, there were also some red carpet train wrecks out there this year, which I will be reviewing as well.

People's Choice Awards:

As soon as I turned to the E! red carpet channel, I had already chosen my favourite dress of the night, worn by one of the interviewers, E!'s very own Giuliana Rancic. Her choice of a spearmint coloured Tony Ward dress paired with Gianvito Rossi heels had me fall in love with this perfectly feminine outfit, deeming her to be best dressed at the Awards. I also loved Monica Potter's choice of simple and flattering black jumpsuit with gold chain in a halter neck, a perfect contribution to this year's go to style.

This award show for me was definitely more misses than hits this year. Especially with Kat Dennings channelling Morticia Addams (which is only okay on Halloween), and Sara Hyland looking like a 20's chandelier. I honestly did not enjoy her dress and was quite sad as I usually look forward to her outfit choices.

Golden Globes:

Now is it just me, or did everyone at the Golden globes wear white? It's definitely going to be this year's red carpet colour I feel, with celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Emily Blunt, wowing all the magazines with their gorgeous choice of dresses. With her pale skin and glowing make up, Emily definitely looked stunning in Michael Kors and Lorraine Schwartz Jewellery.

I also fell in love with Emma Stone's Lanvin jumpsuit, the navy blue colour is definitely gonna be entering my wardrobe soon! The encrusted silver bodice gave the whole outfit a glamorous flair.

So there's the best and worst dressed of the People's choice awards and Golden globes. Hope you all had as much fun watching them as I did!

Thanks for reading,

Jx

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Twitter: diaryofa_prgirl
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Happy New Year!

Hello Lovelies!

Happy 2015! I hope everyone has had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

I will be posting some new fashion trends as soon as I'm back at university, and luckily for us it's awards season! I cannot wait to watch the Oscars, and all of the other fabulous shows!

I'm also gonna attempt at making some YouTube videos, 'get ready with me', make up and clothing hauls too! 

 

Hopefully this year will be very beneficial for me and all of my lovely readers!

I'll see you all soon! 

Jx