How to choose a dissertation focus;

Hello my lovely, lovely blog!!

You missed me?

I know I've been on a summer hiatus but I am finally back and better than ever!

So just to keep you updated I've got lots of stuff to tell you about;

• I've turned twenty.
• I've gotten myself an internship in fashion journalism (yay!)
• I'm headed back to university to complete my third year.

Now, I'm sure you know that in third year, you have to complete a dissertation. A dissertation is a large piece of work which can be up to 12,000 words long (wow!), and counts for a lot of your final grade. For me, it's the work I have been dreaded since enrolling in first year. 

But recently, since the dreaded module is getting closer and closer, I've really started looking into my topics and have actually chosen one which I reveal later in the year!

So I thought I'd give you some tips on how to choose a focus for your dissertation...

Do your research

Make sure you research your potential topics to make sure there's plenty of material available about the topic. There's nothing worse than getting passionate about an idea and finding out there's no literature to support it.

Make sure you're interested in the topic

Choose something which ideally, has a lot of literature about it AND that you're really passionate about. Your dissertation is your own study and requires a lot of time and effort so ensure you can be interested in the topic for at least eight months - even though you'll probably hate it by the end. 

Speak to your tutors

If you're still stuck on what you should do for your dissertation, try talking to a tutor about your strengths and interests regarding your topic. My tutor was a huge help when choosing my subject, and gave me lots of information about how to shape my study. 

Start early

I cannot stress this enough! If you have to do interviews or your own research, please start early and get yourself sorted so you aren't panicking at each deadline. I've already started my reading for my lit review and suggest you do too. 

Hopefully you'll take my advice and I hope choosing your topic is a breeze!

Thanks for reading, 

Joanna x

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

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

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

Having a couple's night in;

Hello Lovelies!

Now I'm sorry to my single readers but today's post is about my experiences with a couple's night in!

Elliot and I have been very busy lately, with him finishing his dissertation for his Master's and starting his new job and me starting my summer job, so we've definitely needed a night in to just chill and reconnect.

Food: 

We are big takeaway junkies so home cooking is never really on the menu when we see each other, it's a miracle we aren't obese. Although home cooking does have it's perks. You can get creative, cook together, create a recipe and just experiment with different food! This could open doors to trying new things with your partner, e.g. I hated pate before I met Elliot and now it's my starter at most meals!

Movies: 

Choose movies that you're both fans of, don't make him sit through Mean Girls unless he absolutely insists on it (some guys do). Find common ground when choosing film genres when you first start dating and as the relationship progresses expand that genre to watch more and more together.

Pamper/treat yourselves: 

This is something most guys are scared to admit to but, they love a good pamper! Seriously, ask your boyfriend if he'd like a massage or a facial some time. It gives them a chance to put down the manly weight they carry and a chance for you to use all your beauty goo (cleanser, moisturizer etc.,) on someone other than yourself!

If that's not your thing, then maybe you're both into health? Couples can indulge themselves in a cheat day together - I'm thinking chocolate cake, ice cream, no limits! Show him you can eat like a horse and he'll love you even more (at least I hope he will).

Make time for your partners people! Especially as you get older, making your time together memorable and special is essential in making sure you both stay happy and in love! 

Thanks for reading, have a great night!

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

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

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

People can be mean;

Hello Lovelies!

Today I thought I'd address a more serious topic with you all.

In my nineteen years on this planet I have come to realise that people can be cruel, horrible, jealous, selfish and just downright awful sometimes.

I have experienced this sort of behaviour in my life multiple times and thankfully I have overcome it. Sadly, there are some people who never recover and this is for them, I guess.

In life, there is always going to be someone who wants you to hurt. Be it an ex, a family member, a friend, even someone on the street could make you feel inferior to them just because they can. As children, we pick out flaws in each other, that we didn't know existed until someone else pointed them out.

For me, this was the fact that I was a redhead, or a 'ginger' as I got labelled at the age of twelve. This mutated gene which affects thousands of the human population was suddenly an insult and I began feeling very bad about myself.

This insecurity continued subconsciously through my teens, I remember being embarrassed of my red hair and continuously dying my hair a dull brown, dark red, purple, anything but ginger.

But then one day I realised that my hair was unique and that colour was what made me feel special. I embraced my insecurity and began letting my colour show and now I even dye my hair a more vibrant red to enhance the beautiful colour I've began to love.

The message behind that anecdote is that people are mean, yes, but you can rise above and become stronger than them. You decide your own destiny, your own story is only written once and you don't want to be worrying that each chapter 'could have been better' than the last. Keep your head up and make yourself into the best person you could be.

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