Dealing With Third Year Stress;

Hello Lovelies!

I know, I know, I've been MIA again and left you all to fend for yourselves!

I'M SORRY OK.

Now, I'm back and I need to talk to you about university, and particularly the stress that comes along with it.

It's not the first time I've discussed uni stress with you, and it probably won't be the last but recently, I have been feeling very stressed regarding my modules. I do not feel like my grades are going to be good enough for next year and I definitely do not feel like continuing into third year most of the time.

I will be perfectly honest and tell you that university is NOT what I expected.

But I have gotten this far and will continue until I get my degree and shout;

"YESSSSSS NEVER AGAIN!"

So sit tight while I tell you how I deal with third year university stress...

CHILL OUT.

This goes without saying, that everyone needs to chill out sometimes. Read a book, drink some tea (or wine!) and don't get bogged down with your work. It will drive you mad.

YOU ARE NUMBER ONE.

This also should go without saying too, but doesn't sadly. You are your number one priority, and if you're feeling stressed, you are going to do yourself more harm than good, trust me. Focus on looking after yourself and then your work will reflect your organised and calm mind.

Also, this counts when working in a group. Don't give your work to other people who are just going to copy you. You won't benefit off of it and they'll just be cheating. NOT COOL.

START EARLY SO YOU CAN BE DONE EARLY.

Start your assessments/revision early. The earlier the better! You more time you have, the less stress you will have! All my assessments are due in May and I started them last week so I have time and don't freak out.

IT'S OKAY TO CRY.

Crying makes you human and it's perfectly natural to have a cry when it all gets too much. I cry over everything and I feel so much better afterwards. Sometimes crying is a welcome break when you're constantly stuck in uni-land and you can't see a way out.


So there's my tips for getting rid of uni stress!

Hope you all find them useful, and let me know if you have anymore!

Thanks for reading,



Jx

My New Internship at LuxebyMinihaha&co.!

Hello Lovelies!

Well today has just been lovely!

I have been given the amazing opportunity to work with luxury wedding and event planning company, Luxe by Minihaha &co. as her PR & Marketing Intern!

Minihaha is a certified Wedding and Events planner based in Leeds with over 5 years of experience in planning and organisation. She works tirelessly to ensure that your wedding is the best day of your life.

I was immediately attracted to this role as I could almost feel the passion through the computer when I visited her website. I'm very interested in weddings anyway and can't wait to learn more!

So next time we speak I will doing lots of amazing stuff and learning about the ins and outs of the beautiful wedding industry!

Aren't I lucky?!

Thanks for reading!


Jx

If you're planning a wedding or are interested in the services we offer please visit the website

www.luxebyminihaha.co.uk

or follow us on Twitter - @luxebyminihaha 

World Book Day: My Favourite Books!

Hello Lovelies!

I love books, as some of you may know and so, in honour of World Book Day, I've decided to give you guys a list of all my favourite books of all time!

So, let's get down to it!

KNIFE - R J ANDERSON
This book was given to me by my Auntie Sarah when I was about 12-13 years old, and I loved it instantly. It follows the story of rebellious fairy Knife, who befriends a human. It's a story of romance, friendship and danger and I couldn't put it down. PR Girl Rating: 9/10

BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY - HELEN FIELDING
This includes every Bridget Jones book out there. I love her. Bridget is the every woman that I want to be, with a quick wit and two gorgeous men fighting over her (Colin is my man forever.)
Definitely recommend reading if you're female, male, an alien or similar.
PR Girl Rating: 10/10 (You're lucky I gave you full marks Helen, after what you did to Mark.)

THE CONSTANT PRINCESS - PHILLIPA GREGORY
This book was given to me by my lovely Grannie, as something to read when I stayed the night at her house. My gran loves period novels and this one is no exception. Based on the life of Catherine of Aragon, this book tells the untold story of her marriages to Henry VIII and his late brother. Very interesting and full of love. I like that she is a strong woman even for that time period.
PR Girl Rating: 8/10

EAT, PRAY, LOVE - ELIZABETH GILBERT
This book is the newest in my favorites and I was hooked as soon as Liz got to Italy. It's one of those books that make you itch for adventure and there were times during reading this book where I almost bought one-way tickets outta here! Don't read while hungry. Do read if you want to find yourself.
PR Girl Rating: 8/10

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC - SOPHIE KINSELLA
Love this book. Becky Bloomwood is far too much like me, so this book feels like my life on the page. Hilariously awkward and funny, this book follows Becky on her journey to find a job and to find love - with a few great purchases along the way!
PR Girl Rating: 9/10

So there you have it, my favourite books in honour of World Book Day.

What are your favourite books?

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Vogue's 73 Questions Tag;

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is going to be a tag that I stole from my sister Ellie that she did on her blog. As a huge fan of Vogue, I love watching these videos and learning more about a celebrity/public figure.

So here's my 73 questions!

1) What's your favourite movie? 
Jurassic Park 1,2 and 3.

2) Favourite movie in the past five years?
About Time - Such a great film, or Spectre because it blew my mind!

3) Favourite City?
Of the ones I've been to London, or the ones I'd like to visit, of course New York City.

4) A book you plan on reading?
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

5) A book you read in school?
Blood Brothers.

6) Favourite TV show that is currently on?
How to get away with murder.

7) On a scale of 1 to 10 how excited about life are you right now?
Probably about a 7.

8) iPhone or Android?
iPhone.

9) Twitter or Instagram?
Twitter.

10) Who should everyone be following right now?
me! @joanna22x on Twitter

11) Whats your favourite food?
Yummy Pan Fried Salmon from Bistro Franc's. 

12) Least favourite food?
Marmite.

13) What do you love on your pizza?
Ham and pineapple.

14) Favourite drink?
Mocha from Caffe Nero.

15) Favourite dessert?
Pie or crumble...any flavour.

16) Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?
Milk chocolate.

17) Coffee or tea?
Depends on how I feel.

18) What's your favourite band?
Coldplay.

19) Favourite solo artist?
Sia.

20) Favourite song?
'You and Me' by Lifehouse.

21) If you could sing a song with anyone who would it be?
Sia or Whitney Houston. Me, Ellie and Demi all have a love for Whit.

22) If you could master one instrument what would it be?
The piano.

23) Tattoos or piercings?
Both. I have 10 piercings and 3 tattoos.

24) If you had one tattoo where would it be?
I want the phrase, 'Words Matter' written on me somewhere.

25) How many tattoos do you want?
I already have 3, so one more to make it even.

26) To be or not to be?
To be.

27) Dogs or cats?
I have both, but I'm a cat lover.

28) Bird watching or whale watching?
Whale watching. Are you kidding me? I love whales.

29) Best gift you've ever received?
My orca plushie Namu, that Elliot got me for or first Valentine's Day. Oh and my tickets to see Book of Mormon - he's good at gifts.

30) Best gift you've ever given?
I gave my friend Caroline a 'feel better' set for Christmas which included lots of relaxing things and her favourite shampoo.

31) Last gift you gave a friend?
That gift ^^.

32) What's your favourite board game?
Cluedo.

33) Where's your favourite country to visit?
Cyprus.

34) Where was the last country you visited?

Scotland.

35) What country do you wish to visit?
Zanzibar, Canada, Bali, Maldives, Vietnam, USA, Australia.

36) What's your favourite colour?
I don't think I have one. Maybe Purple?

37) What's your least favourite colour?
Lime Green.

38) Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds.

39) Heels or flats?
Flats.

40) Pilates or yoga?
Pilates.

41) Jogging or swimming?

Swimming.

42) Best way to de-stress?

Watch some Family Guy and sleep.

43) If you had one super power what would it be?

Invisibility so I can scare the shit out of people.

44) what's the weirdest word in the English language? 

Crumplebottom.

45) Whats your favourite flower?

Peonies and Roses.

46) Do you like your handwriting?

Yes! It's legible and pretty.

47) When was the last time your cried? 

Last night - I get stressed.

48) Do you bake?

Sometimes, I like cake so much.

49) What is your least favourite thing about yourself?

That I overreact and cry over everything.

50) what is your most favourite thing about yourself?
My passion to do well.

51) who do you miss most?

My boyfriend and my family.

52) What are you listening to right now?

Next Door shouting at each other.

53) Favourite smell?

Greek Food Cooking..mmmm.

54) Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?

Elliot at 3am!

55) Who was the last person you sent a text to?

Elliot again. Long distance relationships require communication!

56) A sport you wish you could play? 

Hockey, so I knew what was going on when Ell played.

57) What is your hair colour?

Redhead right here!

58) Eye colour?

Brown.

59) Scary films or happy endings?

Happy endings.

60) Favourite season?

Autumn when it's not too cold.

61) Three people, alive or dead, that you would like to have dinner with?

Carey Mulligan, Colin Firth and Juno Temple.

62) Hugs or kisses?

Kisses.

63) Rolling Stones or the Beatles? 

The Beatles. 

64) Where were you born? 

Walsall, England.

65) Where is the farthest you have been from home?

Cyprus.

66) Sweet or savoury?

Sweet!

67) Lipstick or lipgloss? 

Lipstick.

68) What book have you read again and again?

Bridget Jones.

69) Favourite bedtime story?

One you can make up.

70) What would be the title of your autobiography be?

Serendipity: How I came to be.

71) Favourite sound? 

Laughing.

72) Favourite animal?

Whale. 

73) Who is your girl crush?

Juno Temple or Nicole Kidman. 

So there you have it! 73 Questions with Joanna Xiourouppa. 

Please feel free to do this yourself! 

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

Lush review: Karma Bubble Bar

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is going to be about my new obssesion, the Karma bubble bar.

As a self-described Lushie, I actually cannot believe that I haven't been into Lush since September ( I know, shoot me) so I thought it was high time I did.

At the time I wrote this post, Caroline and I went into Lush Liverpool to look at all the new Christmas products. Now I'm not one of those people who enjoys the strong smell of cinnamon and I was a little disheartened to see that most of their products included it, so I went searching through the bubble bars in hope I'd find something more my taste and that's when Caroline picked up Karma and told me to smell it.

It's a beautiful product, a indigo pyramid topped with gold glitter, and the smell is just unreal!

Its relaxing scents of patchouli and Lush's signature orange oil make this product a must-buy! The bath water goes a beautiful blue- indigo colour and makes me want to relax all night long.

Thanks for reading,


Jx

My Aspirations and Announcements for 2016!

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you're all having an amazing time over this festive period, gaining weight and watching Christmas movies, I know I am.

Today's post is almost a look into my resolutions for the upcoming year of 2016, which is a terrifying prospect, I'll be halfway through my degree and after that I'll have to accept the inevitable and turn twenty! So here's a few things I'm promising myself to do, blog-wise over 2016 and some things I'm doing this year which I'm incredibly excited about!!

1. Take more pictures.

I am terrible for writing posts and not taking pictures, this one included. But I plan to take a lot more photographs and save up for a nice camera.

2. Do some more interviews

I am in a very fortunate place right now that my journalism career is blossoming and I am hoping to train myself in the invaluable skills of being the interviewer.

3. Start looking into the business end of blogging

I am hoping to start freelancing my literary and writing services and make my little blog into a business. I know it's a big leap from hobby to empire but I am determined to do something with writing for a living!

4. To not cry every milestone I hit

I am eternally grateful for all the lovely comments and support I get from my friends, family and fellow bloggers. I am also an emotional person who cries at everything, so combining the two is not exactly the best thing. So I'm making a point of not being such an emotional wreck, and instead becoming a bit more of a celebrator.

5. Not to neglect the blog for more than two weeks

I have been so neglectful over the Christmas period and I've decided that I need to keep up with regular posts. My sister Ellie is currently putting me to shame with her blog schedule. So I'll try my hardest to be more present!


ANNOUNCEMENTS

I can finally tell you that I am in charge of my first freelance PR campaign! Finally I am working in the field I love and I get to share it with all of you!

Also I'm going to be looking into publishing an E-Book. OK, this is a big one. I want to write an E-Book for students who are going to university for the first time and need a 'big sister' to guide them through it. I hope that this will come out in July, but again, this is a big dream.

Blogmas #16: I need a break!

Hello Lovelies!

Trying to make sure that I post almost everyday now, since I missed 12,13 and 14 of my Blogmas (sorry)!

University is over tomorrow so I'll have some time to relax and calm down a bit after the hectic first semester I've been having.

SECOND YEAR IS HARD!

But so far I've gotten good marks on all my work and I'm hoping that the stress will eventually pay off. Sometimes I feel like I have no time to just chill out and my sleeping pattern has gone back to late nights and late mornings - something I desperately want to get rid of!

I'm going home tomorrow too - I cannot wait to get into the Christmas Spirit!

I'm sorry the posts are so short - but work is calling me again!

Speak to you tomorrow!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Blogmas #15: Style Edit - The Glitter Dress

Hello Lovelies!

Sorry for not posting very much, I've had a lot on my plate with interning, uni work and just the overall stress of Christmas!
But I'm back now, and today's post is going to be about what to wear to that all important Christmas Party.

It seems like everyone is going to a party at some point over the holidays and the month of December is lovingly known as 'Party Season' by all fashion outlets.

So today i'm going to help you become the Belle of the Staff 'Do with help from some high street shops of course!

Going for Glitter:

I am sure all of you have seen that glitter is the go-to for all fashion magazines. So I have scoured the internet for all my favourite glittery and sparkly pieces that are guaranteed to wow at the parties!
 New Look has really outdone itself this year with it's glamorous party dress covered in metallic fabric and sequins. My favourites include this black sequin number and this silver high neck bodycon - both of these will make you the centre of attention!

H and M also are also jumping on the sequined bandwagon with their party looks this season and this dress is giving all the 80's with its flared sleeves and sexy back.

Top gave gone for a slightly different colour scheme with this bronze shimmer dress - but I totally dig it! You'd feel like a Greek Goddess in that thing!

So there's my take on the Glitter dresses of 2015 and I definitely think everyone should be purchasing one.

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Blogmas #11: Who am I?

Hello Lovelies!

Sorry this post isn't Christmassy but recently I have been getting the feeling that my blog is starting to be more about quantity rather than quality, a trap I really didn't want to fall into, but alas here we are.

I love writing content and want to do it for a career someday but currently I feel like my posts are lacking substance and to be honest, are just not 'me' anymore.

Maybe I've just grown up and changed the way I see things, maybe I'm just honing my craft a little more...who knows?

Here's a few things I've noticed recently:

• I'm very interested in feminist literature and journalism, and I'm becoming more and more transfixed everyday. 

• I'm also starting to realise the world isn't all perfect and that there is more bad in the world than I could have ever comprehended - although there is also some good too.

• I hate Facebook and only use it as a form of communication/promotion. I'm sick of seeing pregnant people and racists down my timeline.

• I am terrified of becoming a mother one day. I think I'll write a post on that at some point but I thought you should all know in advance. (No I'm not pregnant) 

• I have very little passion for university at the moment.

I am changing and growing everyday and I'm hoping the blog will change too. Hopefully you will all enjoy the changes and follow my journey through the wonderful thing we call life.

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

Blogmas #10: Favourite Christmas Movies!

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is going to be about my favourite Christmas Movies - and there are a few, so let's get cracking!
1.) The Grinch

This is probably my all time favourite Christmas film. I mentioned it in my Christmas Tag that I find it really heartwarming because it's more about love than gifts. I also love the character of The Grinch - he's hilarious and so relatable.

2.) Elf

"I'm in a store and I'm singing!"

The funniest thing most wonderful Christmas film. I love Will Ferrell and he makes me feel so full of joy when I watch this movie.

3.) The Santa Claus Movies

Again, this is a very funny franchise, I also love that it's message is "Seeing is believing, believing is seeing" - something that really resonated with me when I was a kid. The reindeer are also very funny.

4.) Home Alone

Only the ones with Macaulay Culkin in. He was comedy gold as a child and these films are the perfect thing to watch with the family, especially because my Dad really likes them.

5.) Love Actually

Such a wonderfully clever and romantic film. It's got most of my favourite actors in it and some really great messages for people.

Blogmas #9: Perfect Scents for Christmas

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is about finding the perfect scent for Christmas, and no that doesn't smelling like cinnamon and gravy!

So I've put together a list of yummy candles, perfumes and anything else that I found that smelt gooooooood.

Enjoy!



1.) Kiss Air Candles - www.kiss-air.com @KissAirCandles

I found this company last month at The Ultimate Christmas Fair and have been wanting to post about them ever since. Kiss Air Candles make soy wax candles in the most beautiful scents, from cocktails (their mojito smells good) to their recent Christmas collection.

They have a huge range of different Christmas smells including Chocolate Orange and my favourite Cranberry and Orange. Each give you a small insight into the Christmas spirit and are good enough to eat!

2.) Jo Malone - Nutmeg & Ginger Cologne

This cologne was in the 'spicy' section of the Jo malone website and i thought that was extremely fitting for the festive season. Jo Malone describes it as 'unexpected and addictive' and man they are right! Go down to your nearest Jo Malone and try it for yourself!

3.) Yankee Candles

Of course Yankee Candles are a staple in most blogs around the world due to their extensive range of lovely smelling candles. They've got a whole load for the Christmas season including one called Christmas Day...I wonder if that one smells like turkey...

4.) Marc Jacobs - Daisy Collection

For me, the Marc Jacobs Daisy perfumes are a must have at Christmas probably because I always get one at Christmas (thanks mum and dad!) I have Daisy and Daisy Dream and I love both of them. There's so many to try that I definitely think there's going to be something for everyone!

5.) Febreze Fall/Holiday Collection

I don't how many of these are available in the UK but some of the Febreze scents for Christmas really are delicious! They include names like Apple Delish and Cranberry cheer, both of which sound yummy, snuggly and will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit!

Words matter:

Hello Lovelies!

Last week I attended a copywriting workshop at my university held by the insanely clever and overly wonderful Mary Murtagh at my university.

It was a unbelievably miserable morning and if I'm honest, myself and my friends only went in because it was mandatory.

But as soon as the workshop began, I became very interested in how Mary described her work, and I could feel the passion she had for the written word, especially when she pulled up this phrase on her Powerpoint;

"WORDS MATTER."

I liked her instantly.

After the workshop, I really started thinking about that phrase and how much it resonated with me.

Of course words matter to me, I live and breathe writing and reading and have done probably all my life. For as long as I can remember I have had more books than pairs of shoes and I have sat up until the early hours, not texting or playing games, but reading by lamplight. I used to read about mystical animals in the Harry Potter books and I was totally convinced fairies existed after reading a book called 'Knife'. I fell in love with more book characters than a sane fourteen year old should have.

I have always enjoyed writing. I love to make up stories and if you check my grandparent's old desktop you will probably find hundreds of old stories I started and never finished (along with countless masterpieces I created on Paint) but every time I did it, I loved the creativity and looking at all those beautiful words on the page.

As I have gotten older, I have realised that the kind of words that matter to me have changed. I am now interested in books which have something to say, that speak to me on such levels.

I'm in love with authors such as Caitlin Moran, Helen Fielding, Sharon Marshall and Elizabeth Gilbert who are passionate, beautiful writers who are hard-working journalists as well as novelists and I adore them all equally. I hope to join them in their ranks one day.

I will listen to educated women and men talking and I will read their writing with great pleasure and I live for a piece of poetry or a huge article on something profound.

I live through words and I'm so grateful for the people who have given me books over the years so I can be inspired as I am today.

I want to express myself everyday in a job and if someone asks me,

"What are your going to do with your life?"

I'm going to say that I want to write.

Blogmas #6: Christmas Wishlist Beauty Edition

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is going to be about all the make up products I have been eyeing over the season.

Of course I will not be getting all of these, but it's always nice to have a little look isn't it?

Anyway, let's take a look at what I love this Christmas!

1.) Charlotte Tilbury Lipsticks - any colour, any kind, just give them all to me.

2.) Charlotte Tilbury Foundation - CT's Magic Foundation is just something else. Stays on really well, beautiful colour, doesn't go cakey. Sadly as a student it's a little out of my price range, so I'll have to continue asking for samples before big events (cheeky devil aren't I?)

3.) Benefit Hoola bronzer - This is an old product but man I love it. The colour is just perfect, not too orange, not too pale and it has incredible staying power. 10/10

4.) Urban Decay Naked Palette - My sister Ellie has one of these and it started my love affair with the Urban Decay pallettes. It's so pretty, and the colours all compliment my eyes and it literally never runs out!

Blogmas #5: Clothes Show Live

Hello Lovelies!

I'm very sorry that all my blog posts are a bit jumbled! I have had to have a little rest and now working harder than ever!

So on Saturday I went to Birmingham NEC to be a blogger at Clothes Show Live, which was my first ever press accreditation!

I was so excited to see behind the scenes and to see all the great offers the Clothes Show has!

I met some very stylish girlies at the Clothes Show who had some gorgeous outfits to share with me!

Eleanor, 15, from Stroud was wearing these gorgeous tailored dungarees by Topshop and a turtle neck from H&M.

And Sarah, 24, from Bedford was wearing this beautiful dress from Dorothy Perkins. I love the colours and they complimented her skin tone wonderfully.

Thank you girls for letting me take photographs of you! I hope you both had a lovely day! 

I also got to experience the Graduate Catwalk which shows up and coming designers from UK universities. They were all very impressive and I can't wait to see them on famous catwalks one day! 

The Blogger's Bar was also a huge excitement, with lots of yummy food and lovely bloggers I made friends with! Go follow my lovely bloggers on Twitter: @cherriesbeauty and @unwrittenchloee 

Overall I had an amazing day and can't wait to do it all again next year! I will also be hosting a giveaway from some things I was given at the Clothes Show and details will be on that later on!

Thanks for reading,

Jx

Blogmas #7: Christmas Recipes - the perfect hot chocolate!

Hello Lovelies, and welcome to Blogmas #7!

Today's post is for the hot beverage/DIY lovers out there!

I'm going to teach out how to make the perfect hot chocolate gift for someone you love this Christmas!

What you're going to need:

For the jar
A small jar (I got mine from HobbyCraft but you used a clean jam jar)
Decoration - ribbons, sequins, glitter, stickers, whatever you fancy!
Scissors
Glue
Festive coloured card (for the tag)
Organza bag

For the drink
Hot chocolate powder
Sugar
Powdered milk (optional)
Peppermint/Orange flavouring (optional)
Biscuits/Christmas chocolate/flake
Marshamallows

Method: 

1.) Decorating the jar.

For this I'm giving you completely free reign to decorate. I covered mine in glittery stars and a tartan ribbon to give it a festive feeling. You can dip the lid in glitter, cover the outside in fake snow - anything!

To make the tag:

Cut out a small tag shape out of the coloured card, again this can be any colour, and then cut out a smaller tag shape so you can write on it. This can be where you write your Christmas message to the recipient and you can decorate this as well.

You can also attach a little bag of treats - there are Santa chocolates on sale in Home Bargains!

2.) Making the hot chocolate mix.

For this I'm using Cadburys drinking chocolate powder and a bottle of peppermint flavouring by Dr.Oetker. If you're not using flavouring, I suggest putting some foil wrapped chocolate where I am placing the bottle.


Fill the jar halfway with drinking powder this should roughly make about 2-3 mugs of hot chocolate from your gift. Add a layer on granulated sugar on top of this, about 3-4 level teaspoons, you don't want to make it too sweet!



On top of the sugar layer, add a thin layer of marshamallows/chocolate chips/crushed flake/whole biscuit to finish!

Blogmas #4: A Christmas Surprise!

Hello Lovelies!

Blogmas #4! I'm impressed I got this far, I give up very easily!

Today's post has been in the works for a very long time but today's the day that I tell you what I'm going to be doing this weekend.

So at the start of May this year I applied for press accreditation at the Clothes Show Live, a huge event that happens every December near my hometown.

As some of your devoted readers will know, I went last year and had an absolute ball so I thought

'Hey, why not apply for a press pass this year?'

So I did.

Months went by and I completely forgot about the show and began to knuckle down at second year when I got an email saying my application had been approved. Safe to say I freaked out.

Yes you heard it here first...

Diary of a PR Girl is going to Clothes Show Live this weekend!!

And I'm taking you along with me via Snapchat and Twitter!

So add me on snapchat: joanna_prgirl
And follow me on Twitter: @joanna22x

So you can come behind the scenes with me at one of the biggest fashion and beauty events of the season!

Hope to see some of you there!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Blogmas #3: Winter Skin Routine

Hello Lovelies!

Day 3 is going to be a beauty post, since I've recently adopted a new skin routine for these harsh winter months and I thought I'd show you what I've been doing!

Step 1: Face Mask

I have recently become obsessed with Superdrug's own brand facemasks. I am currently using the 'Purifying' face mask with witch hazel, which is helping me combat my break outs immensely. I also use ESPA's Pro-Face Cleanser which is a mask with dissolving jojoba beads - amazing!

I try to do a mask 2-3 times a week, sometimes whole face and sometimes just on my affected areas, mainly my chin and forehead. Apply to a make-up free face for better results.

After I've worn the mask for 20 minutes or so I like to wash it off with a clean flannel, warm soapy water and then wash my face again with my lemon daily wash - also from Superdrug.

Step 2: Cleanse

I take a cleansing wipe and wipe under my eyes and all over my face to ensure I haven't missed any any excess make up or face mask.

Then I take my new Clarins Cleanser, apply it to a cotton pad and smooth it all over my face. Cleanser is important for unlocking your pores and getting your skin ready for the day. This one is really good because it purifies my skin and smells like peach!

I will admit that I used to not use cleanser but now, this one is a game-changer and when it runs out, i shall definitely be re-purchasing.

Step 3: Tone

Same as with the cleanser, I take my toner, apply it to a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face. Love toner!

Again, I have only recently just started using toner but I will definitely be purchasing more once I run out!

Step 4: Moisturise

I have very dry skin on my face and it usually gets worse during the cold winter months, so moisturiser is always at hand! I recently got the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and I love it! It makes my skin so soft and a little goes a long way!

For this I just apply it to my fingers and wipe it across my face starting at my nose and wiping outwards. I also apply some to my neck as my neck can get dry too sometimes.

Step 5: Spot treatment

If I have any aggressive spots, I usually cover them with Savlon or toothpaste, as they dry them out and bring down the swelling. I do NOT moisturise my zits as I feel that it only makes them worse.

Step 6: Chapstick

I get very dry chapped lips in the winter, especially when it's windy. I carry chapstick with me at all times and I also invested in a huge tub of Vaseline which I cover my lips in before I go to sleep.

It's also important to keep hydrated so your skin can flourish and I find that not wearing make up everyday helps with break outs and your overall skin condition.

That's how I keep my skin (almost) perfect throughout the cold months!

Thanks for reading!

Jx

Blogmas #2: The Christmas Tag

Hello Lovelies!

Blogmas Day 2 and today I thought I'd do the Christmas tag to get me into the Christmas mood!

So I'm sat here with a gingerbread man and a hot chocolate - bring on the questions!

1: What's your favourite holiday movie?

Love Actually. Purely because I have a love for Colin Firth that I cannot explain.

2: What's your favourite Christmas colour?

I think Red is the ultimate Christmas colour. Red lipstick, red dresses, red wrapping paper, everything red. Except wine, white wine.

3: Do you like to stay in your pjs or dress up for Christmas?

It depends if people are coming over, sometimes we get clothing for Christmas and we try them on and then end up wearing it for the rest of the day.

4: If you could only buy one person a present this year who would it be?

I'd do a joint present for my mom and dad. They have really helped me out this year and my entire life really, so they deserve presents more than anyone else.

5: Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

In the morning! That's the most exciting time to open them! I don't know anyone who opens their gifts on Christmas Eve...

6: Have you ever built a gingerbread house?

Yes. Badly. So badly in fact I think we had to put tooth picks in it for balance. Although I'd quite like to make one again this year...

7: What do you like to do on your Christmas Break?

See my family, hang out with Elliot, eat a lot of food and sleep.

8: Any Christmas Wishes?

I wish for everyone in my life to be happy and healthy and to have a great 2016.

9: Favourite Christmas Smell

Melted chocolate or a warm mince pie.

10:  What is most important to you about the Holidays?

Being with people. I miss my family terribly while I'm away at uni,so Christmas has become really important these past few years.

11: Have you ever made a snowman?

I have years ago, but sadly we don't get as much snow as we used to...damn global warming!

12: Candy Cane or Gingerbread men?

Gingerbread 100%. I don't like candy canes, they just taste so weird to me.

13: What's your favourite Holiday drink?

Hot chocolate and recently I've become a prosecco lover, so that'll be a new thing this Christmas.

Blogmas #1: My Advent Calendar!

Hello Lovelies!

And welcome to the start of Blogmas 2015! I'm so looking forward to doing this countdown with you all and can't believe how close it is to the big day!

My first post, I decided would have to tell you how I will be counting down to Christmas!

My Advent Calendar:

My advent calendar, a Me to You chocolate calendar from Home Bargains (student remember!) it cost 89p - a huge bargain! I could have bought two!

I decided to get this cute advent calendar because I feel like one of the only times you can be a child, is at Christmas, and so little advents for kids are the best!

Kinnerton make really good advent calendars and their chocolate tastes so good!

We also have fabric ones at home which I love and will try to get photographs of!

Hope you liked hearing about my advent calendar, if you wanna follow me doing Christmassy things then follow my snapchat which is: joanna_prgirl where you can follow my adventures - both christmassy and student!


Thanks for reading!


Jx

I'm doing Blogmas!

Hello Lovelies!

Yes you read that title correctly, I am doing Blogmas this year!

If you don't know what Blogmas is, it's where bloggers write a post everyday throughout the month of December until the 25th which of course is Christmas Day!

I will be posting everyday with Christmassy posts, including recipes, DIY gifts and much more!

Of course I will try and make them all as interesting as possible and I hope that you all enjoy the run up to Christmas with me!

You can now also follow me around day to day on Snapchat which is: joanna_prgirl

Thanks for reading!


Jx