Breaking the Blues

Hi everyone, todays post is all about breaking the blues. We all have those days were we can be a bit moody or fed up, and just want to curl up in bed watching Netflix (mainly Ru Paul's Drag Race) for the rest of the day. These are some of the ways that I get away from the blues and have a great day! 

Have a pamper

I feel like everyone suggests this, but it is important! If I've had a few days being in a rut, then a good pamper night makes sure I can break this cycle. I'll normally paint my nails, dye my eyebrows and pop some fake tan on. After this I feel so confident and ready to wake up the next day ready for the world! 

Make an action plan

I am a massive advocate for writing lists, I have a list for everything. If I have a list then I know I'll have a productive day, because I know there's stuff to be done! It basically stops me from sitting around doing nothing all day. 

Talk to your favourite people

Whilst I'm at uni I'll often get the blues because I miss my favourite people from home. So normally I'll ring my mum, my boyfriend or message my friends. It definitely cheers me up!

Get off your phone

Sometimes, if I am in a rut, then scrolling through social media constantly just doesn't help. I find that if I force myself off my phone and get on with something productive then I feel so much better. 

Get out the house and break routine

If I'm in a bad mood, then I find that going for a walk or going to a little coffee shop is such a nice escape. If you're like me and a university student, then you may be a bit too familiar with the 4 walls of your bedroom, so escaping them, even just for a couple of hours, is so refreshing. 

I hope you like this post, and please let me know if you have any tips for me! 

Jasmine xx

How to organise your life

Hi everyone, todays post is some organisation tips. Something that I am quite proud of is my organisation skills, because I have a plan and am always able to meet deadlines. Particularly if you're a student, trying to keep on top of things can be difficult, but hopefully these tips help.

Write lists - and lots of them

I talk about lists all the time, and so do most other bloggers, but they really are helpful. I write down everything I want to get done for the day, even the smallest of tests, and it's such a satisfying feeling finishing the day with everything ticked out. I try to be realistic with what I have to do, because there's not point planning to get a massive task done if you know it'll take way longer to do.

Use a planner

I have used a planner religiously for 2 years now, which doesn't sound like long, but it's made the biggest difference. In my planner I write uni deadlines down, meetings, my lists and anything else I need to remember. I much prefer to have a physical diary that I can highlight and write in than one on my phone. If you want a really pretty planner, I always find great ones in TKMaxx and Home Sense. 

Have a clean space

If my bedroom or work space is untidy then I feel so disorganised and unproductive. If you know where everything is and keep everything uncluttered, then you will feel so much more organised and ready to get stuff done. 

Leave nothing to last minute

I have never been someone to leave things to last minute, in fact, I get worried if the deadline is approaching and I haven't done it. If you get everything done nice and early you'll feel so on top of things and organised. 

Have a routine

I have tried to get myself into a routine of getting things done. The way I do it is to make sure I get all my uni work done in the week, and then can write blog posts and go to work at the weekends. This way I'm never overwhelmed by things I have to do and know I'll never fall behind with work. 

Hope this post has been helpful! 

Jasmine xx

How to have the best night sleep

Hi everyone, I'm writing today all about getting a better night sleep. I'm normally a pretty good sleeper, but sometimes I do need a bit of a helping hand, especially living in a uni house full of noisy boys! 

Put that phone down

Sometimes you just need to stop scrolling and put the phone away. Instead of staring at my phone, I much prefer reading a book. It really relaxes me, and puts me in the mood to sleep. My personal favourite is Harry Potter, because I'm a major Harry Potter geek! 

Write stuff down so you don't have to think about it

Sometimes there's times when you want to sleep but just keep thinking about things you need to do. At times like this I like to write these thoughts down. This way, I am able to push it out my head and deal with it when I wake up the next day. 

Pop in some earplugs 

As I've already said, I live in a uni house with 2 unbelievably loud boys, 1 of which will never be quiet even after the 10th time of asking. This is why I wear earplugs every night whilst I'm at uni. I find that foam earplugs do nothing, so I wear silicone earplugs and can't hear anything at all. They help me sleep through any drunken-antics going on downstairs, and I'll even use them when I need to focus on uni work.

Have a routine

My top tips for creating a sleep routine is to try and fall asleep at the same time, try and get a solid 8 hours sleep, and wake up at roughly the same time. I feel like my body clock has adjusted to my routine and now I wake up at the same time regardless of setting an alarm. I'm also pretty prone to migraines and headaches, and sounds strange, but if I sleep for too long I get a headache for the whole day. This is why I get 8 hours sleep and no more than that!

Sleepy scents

Lavender sleep products seem to have gotten even more popular recently. I personally love the Sleepy body lotion by Lush, it smells and feels amazing! I am yet to try their sleep spray but that'll definitely be my next purchase from them.

Clean your sheets often

There is no better feeling than getting into a nice clean and fresh bed. I feel like I relax so much easier and get more comfortable. 

Stop working early

If you work from home or are a student you may be tempted to stay up late trying to catch up on work, but this'll mean its far more difficult to fall asleep. You're mind will still be working overdrive and hasn't had time to relax. Stop work early, have some down time and enjoy a good night sleep! 

Jasmine xx

When to give your makeup the chuck | Makeup Expiration Dates

Hey everyone, if you're anything like me, then you're a bit of a makeup hoarder. I just collect my makeup and never seem to bin them, but the other day I did have a clear out of all the old products. It's important to do this because otherwise the products won't work to the best of their abilities and the product will collect bacteria. So here is a rough guide on when to bin old makeup products, and signs that your makeup is too old to use!

Mascara - 2-3 months - clumpy, smells weird, spreads bacteria

Liquid foundation and concealer - 6-12 months - separate layers or lightened - keep out of sunlight as uv rays destroy preservation

Lip stick - 2 years - dry

Lip gloss - 1 year - extra sticky

Nail polish - 1-2 years - gloopy or won't mix when shaken

Powder, eyeshadow, blush - 2 years - more dry and flaky

Fragrances - 8-10 years - smell different and lighter colour - keep in cool dry places

Lotion - change in scent or colour

Hope this post was helpful!

Jasmine x

Current Skincare Routine

Hi everyone, todays post is my skincare routine. Recently my skin has been getting really clear and looking so much better, but ironically I've woken up today with a new spot after about 2 weeks of not getting any. I put this down to hormones and all those things but I think my actual skincare routine has helped my skin.

Products in the order that I use them;

1. Granire Micellar Cleansing Water - Since this has come out it has definitely become a cult product. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've gotten through at least 10 bottles of this. It takes my makeup off like nothing else and is perfect for my sensitive skin.

2. The Body Shop Tea Tree 3-in-1 wash-scrub-mask - I don't tend to use this product as a mask but I do use it as a face wash. Tea Tree has so many great properties for your skin, and I find that this wash leaves my skin feeling so clean and fresh.

3. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - Controversially, I found that the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser broke me out in spots, but the tonic leaves my skin feeling so clean and doesn't break me out.

4. The Body Shop Tea Tree Daily Solution - As I said earlier, tea tree is so good for the skin, and I think it's this has has really helped to clear my skin the most.

5. Clinique All About Eyes Rich - For someone my age, this really isn't essential, but I felt like my skincare routine needed an eye cream and I think Clinique do some of the most hydrating products.

6. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - This is my favourite skin care product and I really don't think I could ever live without it. It is so easy to apply, a little goes a long way and nothing moisturises my face like this.

7. Origins Clear Improvement Face Mask - Charcoal masks have really gained in popularity recently. I only use this about once or twice a week, but it leaves my skin feeling really smooth.

Hope you've enjoyed this post. If you have any skincare recommendations then please let me know!

Jasmine x

Healthy(ish) Flapjack Recipe

Hi everyone, todays post is a healthy(ish) flapjack recipe. I took a basic flapjack recipe and just altered it to be a tad healthier and it has turned out great. If you're not too fussed on the health aspect of this recipe, you could add chocolate chips too!

Ingredients;

3 cups of oats (I just used basic porridge oats)

1 cup of milk (I used soya milk)

1/2 cup of honey 

1/2 cup of walnuts

1/2 cup of cashews

1/2 cup of pecans

1/4 cup of brown sugar

Little bit of desiccated coconut to go on top

Can I also just point out how adorable these cat measurement cups are!

1. First I preheated the oven to gas mark 5. 

2. I chopped up all the nuts and mixed all the ingredients together. I then put the mixture into a baking tray lined with baking paper and flattened the mixture out. I then sprinkled the desiccated coconut on the top.

3. I then put the tray in the oven for 20 minutes, but make sure you check them every now and then, because I did cook this in the oven at university and the oven is a bit dodgy compared to other ovens.

4. I then waited for it to cool and then cut it into 10 bars.

Hope you liked this recipe, and if you make them then please let me know or send me a picture of them on Instagram!

Jasmine x

Current ASOS Wish List

Hi everyone, I haven't written a blog post in quite a while mainly due to my exams and now I'm working full time. I do really want to get back into blogging, especially as I'll be (hopefully) going to university in September and would love to write some university posts. If anyone would like to do any collaborations or would like to give me any blog post ideas, please let me know in the comments! Enough of me blabbering on, here is my current ASOS wish list;

From left to right;

1. ASOS T-Shirt With Sequin Sleeve - £20.00 

2. ASOS Denim Shirt in Washed Black - £20.00

3. ASOS Crinkle Oversize Blouse - £25.00 

4. ASOS Jumper With Pug Elbow Patch - £22.00 

5. ASOS Jumper in Mesh Stripe - £32.00

6. ASOS Wrap Front Pleat Peplum Top - £30.00 

Hoped you've liked this little post. If there are any other shops you'd like me to do a wish list for, then please let me know!

Jasmine x

Top 5 Favourite Candles

Hi everyone, todays post is most top 5 favourite candles. It's just a little post because I am pretty hopeless at describing scents, but all 5 are very sweet, so if you prefer musky scents, these may not be for you. Give them a smell when you're next shopping, especially Yankee Candle's 'Pink Sands' because it's my all time favourite! They'd also make great presents for any candle lover.

Yankee Candle - 'Sweet Apple'
Lily Flame - 'Party Time'
Yankee Candle - 'Pink Sands'
Yankee Candle - 'Margarita Time'
Yankee Candle - 'Wild Passion Fruit'

'Wild Passion Fruit' was the first ever Yankee Candle I bought, and when I had it in the small jar, it was such a lovely strong scent that fills a room amazingly!

Thanks for reading
Jasmine x

Best Bold Brow Products - Brow Routine

With the hype around bold brows just not fading, I've tried to find the perfect brow products. Although I love bold brows, I love them to look natural too, so I try to make them look naturally full and shaped. This can be difficult with my brows as my hair may be naturally brown, but my brows are naturally blonde. These are the products that I love to get my perfect brows;

After brushing through my eyebrows with a spoolie, I use the Benefit 'gimme brow' in the shade 'medium/deep', to add colour to my brows and set the shape.

Next I fill in my eyebrows with the Natural Collection (Boots) eyeshadow in 'Crushed Walnut'. I only do this lightly just to add more colour, and fill in anywhere looking a little sparse.

I then use the Soap&Glory 'Archery Brow Tint & Precision Shaping Pencil' in the shade 'Brownie Points' to add shape to my brows. This is my favourite brow product as it means I can shape my brows perfectly, and is so much better to any brow pencils that I've tried before! I use the crayon end to make a faint outline on the top of my brows, and use the felt tip end to draw hair like lines wherever I need them.

Next I use the L.A. Girl 'PRO.conceal' concealer in the colour 'porcelain' to go around my brows in-order to clean up the edges, which make my brows stand out more. I blend this in with a small flat eyeshadow brush. I then use my Benefit 'High Beam' highlighter underneath my brow bone, so it looks like my eyebrows have more of an arch.

Finally, I use my Maybelline 'Brow Drama' in 'medium brown', to set my eyebrows, and I find this product makes my brows look more natural. 

If you have any favourite brow products please write them in the comments below, I love trying out new ones!

Jasmine x