Achieving Goals in 2015

I'm back! Sorry for the unannounced hiatus in the last month, but I took some time out to study, do exams, and chill out over Christmas after a busy semester. I've missed it on here, but definitely needed a rest, thank you for baring with me.

All of a sudden it's 2015... how did that happen? Wasn't 2010 just a few months ago? With a new year comes new opportunities and a fresh slate. I know many of us want to achieve lots this year, but how do you do it? Or even, how do you start to achieve those goals?

That's not an easy question as there's a big spectrum- whether you want to grow your hair a couple inches, or if it's wanting to lose 50lbs, there's a clear difference, but there is a few things that will work for everything.

I believe in whole-heartedly knowing you can achieve whatever you want with effort. Taking the goal and using your senses to consolidate what you want can also be pretty successful. A few ways in which to do this are:

1. Creating a mood board (pintrest, or you could take a trip to the craft store and re-familiarise yourself with PVA glue)
2. Making a blog/blog series based upon your targets (e.g. weight loss blog)
3. Taking pictures of progress, for example before and after weight loss
4. Joining support groups/making friends with like minded people (smoking quitting or weight watchers)
5. Writing a diary
6. Hypnotism??? (something a little taboo, but there are people out there who swear by it)

I have a few aims I would like to meet myself, some more difficult than others... in December 2015 I will be able to look back and analyse whether they have happened!

Learn Some Spanish

Spanish wasn't a language taught in my high school: I had began learning French when I was 10, and took up German for a couple years when I was older. I never really got into it, the way the teachers taught it was so disconnected, and well, they were a bit scary. So I gave them up by 16. Spanish, however has a greater presence in the world nowadays, and I believe could be really useful in business... plus, I'd like to be able to sing along to Enrique Iglesias' Spanish versions. I have my motives.

Gain a Place in my University's Study Abroad Programme

My application form is in, now I have to wait and see if my grades meet the academic requirements. Luckily, I left myself in a strong position due to a good grade in the class test, needing only 29/75 to make the cut. But it also depends on how my interview goes, that is, if I get invited for one. This is something I'm very passionate about... not sure how I'd feel if I wasn't selected. I decided I needed to broaden my horizons- originally I was desperate to go to University of Miami, only to find out at the presentation the affiliation was on hold for the year. But I was also very set on choosing San Diego State for a high up selection. After a lot of research on colleges.niche.com, and questioning Americans on collegeconfidential.com, I found out that University of Mississippi and UMass Amherst were also really good fits for me. Just to be on the safe side I included UNC Wilmington (I can totally see myself surfing) and University of Kansas.

All I can do for now is hope that I get this amazing opportunity.

Get Healthy

I'm leaving this as a little ambiguous, because "getting healthy" means different things to different people. Some need to gain fat, some gain muscle, and others lose fat. Some people may even be a healthy weight, according to measures like BMI, but may not be eating a healthy diet.

For me I'd like to drop a size to a UK 8, become toned through tools like Blogilates and weight machines at the gym, and trim a little fat off through cardio. I use a few other support tools such as MyFitnessPal to understand my body's needs, and follow blogs which encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Let me know, do you have any goals you'd like to achieve this year? How do you plan on doing this? Here's to 2015!

Thandie Newton Discusses Embracing Otherness

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I believe this is a very important video, in light of recent events: Ferguson, the death of Eric Gardner, the shooting of Malala Yousafzai, among others. Actress, Thandie Newton, took to the stage in 2011 to discuss the long journey she took to finally embrace herself. Take thirteen minutes out of your day to watch, you will be inspired!

"By the age of 5, I was aware I didn't fit. I was the black, atheist kid, in the all white Catholic school, run by nuns. I was an anomaly"

The Official Colour of 2015: Get The Look

Ta da! The colour of 2015 is Marsala, and Pantone promises it to be "robust, earthy, sophisticated, hearty, stylish and fulfilling". Sounds like a colour you need in your life... here's some products that will meet those Marsala-y needs!

Spice It Up Lipstick, Mac

This is such a lovely lipstick, and oozes marsala. It's a "lustre" lipstick, so if you're not into a bold red lip, this could be right up your street as it is a dewy formula. It's also pretty subdued and wearable, just like Pantone's colour of the year. Definitely something everyone can wear!

New York Eyeshadow, Nars

I do love myself some Nars eyeshadows, and New York is going to be right on trend for 2015! A beautiful bruised red colour that will be perfect to warm up a smoky eye

Downtown Brown Nailpolish, Essie

This is like no other brown... mostly because it's not brown but a lovely rich mahogany that is practically the same as marsala. Since it's super festive, it'll look perfect with a LBD and heels for a Christmas party.

Back to Basics: Skincare products you'll find in your home

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is one of my favourites for clearing acne, being dubbed as "natures antiseptic". Studies have shown it is as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling those nasty spots! It's also super cheap: available at supermarkets and drug stores from as little as £2.99 as an oil (Tesco, Superdrug, Boots), or if you're perhaps looking for something a little more portable and on the go there's the Tisserand Tea Tree+ Anti Blemish Stick at £4.50. The great news is, tea tree not only helps acne, but has multiple uses: curing athletes foot, head lice, viruses, and coughs, giving it holy grail status in my eyes.

Baking Soda

Another at home remedy... baking soda really is the perfect exfoliant. The only thing also needed to help you get rid of that nasty dry skin is some water, and it becomes the perfect paste. I also find it leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished, unlike many others. Another fab property of baking soda is it's slightly bleaching. Now, I don't mean for people of colour trying to lighten their skin, I mean for people who have had poor skin and want to try and minimise the scaring... it really does work!

I also find that mixing orange juice and baking soda together to create a smooth paste (there's no real ratio, just trial and error) to place on your face as a mask is a great way to reduce sore cysts and hyperpigmentation.

Baking soda is also pretty cheap, starting at £1.49 in supermarkets, it'll be the most affordable scrub you've ever had!

Steam

If by any chance you don't have the others stocked in your cupboards, you will have this! All you need is a basin, a towel  and boiled water. Placing your face over some hot water with a towel over the back, can do wonders to your pores: after they're open, go in with some tissue covering your nails, and get rid of your black heads with your nails. I don't know if people really realise what a transformation in your skin, once you have gotten rid of blocked pores, as there's generally a focus on whiteheads and cysts. It really can be amazing.

If you want an extra kick, add a drop of some tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties! Remember, get some ice or toner afterwards on those pores, otherwise they will become blocked again sooner.

How To Grow Your Hair Fast

It's a gift every girl (and maybe some guys) wants: to be able to grow their hair long, and at a quick pace. I used to struggle to keep my hair in decent condition, in order to prevent it needing cut, especially since I often changed the style and colour.

But I believe I have found the holy grail of hair growth, in terms of thickness and length! "What is it ?" I hear you ask... It's shampoo and conditioner duo: Fast, by Nisim!

It's amino acid-y goodness is what promises this accelerated growth... it's all a bit scientific, but, definitely works.

When I use the products, my hair grows approximately 1.5inches per month, in comparison to 0.5inches without. I have used them on and off for the last year, because of the need for more conditioning products, but always have returned once my hair has been through rehab.

Some Pros and Cons to Consider

Pros

• It smells pleasant: think fairy liquid and soapy
• It has no silicones, parabens, or DEA... yay!
• Your hair REALLY grows
• The condition of your hair improves

Cons

• Because there are no silicones your hair can sometimes feel dryer. Personally, I'd just recommend using a hair mask post conditioning to prevent this.
• They're expensive at RRP £29.99, but do last a long time.
• Can strip hair dye slightly

Have you tried out Fast shampoo and conditioner yet? Give it a go and find out the amazing effects for yourself!