There is only one "Workout Essential"

So this post may (possibly) be a little bit of a rant, but here we go anyway...

Recently, I have seen countless blog posts about "workout essentials"

Now, just to clarify I'm a bit of a gym junkie. Literally feel like I spend my life in the gym but.. I love the exercise endorphins (and pizza) too much to forgo a workout. Also I want to look like a goddess in a bikini which I really don't think is too much to ask for? yeah?

So, when I saw these workout essential posts I was intrigued... And in all honesty, I'm sorry but whether you have the correct lip balm or water container is the least of your worries when planning to start a workout regime. 

THE ONLY WORKOUT ESSENTIAL IS MOTIVATION

You can have the most up to date playlists, most moisturising lip balms and best muscle relaxant bath soaks but if you haven't even had the buzz to work out... They're useless. 

I'm a big fan of mind over matter, you go into the gym thinking "I'M GONNA RIP THIS PLACE TO PIECES" chances are, you will. 

So anyway, yes all the workout aids are nice... but first you gotta get yourself there and believe you an do it. Although... moisture wicking workout clothes are actually kind of a workout essential... if you don't want everyone to know quite how hard you are working... and sweating. 

ALSO NO GREY COTTON EVER. IT WILL BE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF YOUR LIFE. 

So motivation is key... (think I've made my point clear enough... just maybe) but it is always nice to have pretty gym clothes. 
Recently, I have discovered a brand that I loooooove, usually I'm a Nike gal but I stumbled across the Sweaty Betty store in Edinburgh and fell in love.

It can be quite pricey (although what quality sportswear isn't these days?!) they do a seriously good sale.

In their winter sale last year I picked up this bad boy for half price! 

I would definitely recommend you check out Sweaty Betty not just for their running clothes, but yoga and swimwear too!

But obviously my main point, by getting yourself physically out of bed and to the gym or park or wherever you're working out and well... thats half the battle over.

What are your favourite workout brands? Or helpful tips for workout motivation are always welcome over here. 

Love,
Nikki
x

I felt stressed... so I went shopping.

So, this needs to stop. This new habit I've gotten into. It goes as follows:

I feel stressed - I go shopping. 

I feel sad - I go shopping. 

I feel happy - I go shopping. 

I FEEL ANYTHING - I GO SHOPPING.

I'll just pop into EVERY SHOP THAT EXISTS on my way home. 

(yes, the capitals are necessary) 

But I bloody love shopping. And, lately I've been working too many hours and having a minimalistic social life so I feel like I can treat myself. I deserve it, right?

Here are todays purchases. I was meant to be picking up a healthy meal deal in Boots for my lunch but ended up stumbling into the Makeup section as always

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer 




Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Drop of Sherry




Soap and Glory Hocus Focus Highlighter

 

The result of makeup shopping. SO MANY SWATCHES.


I am sadly pretty excited to try out all of this! I already severely tested everything on my hand and they feel fab. The lipstick actually seems to be a lasting finish, the highlighter has left my hand luminous and the primer has me baby silky skinned. But then again this could just be me trying to reason out my possible addiction..... 

Any good recent purchases? Possible 'literally using retail as therapy' problems? Let me know guys!

Love,
Nikki 
x

Fact vs Fiction of an All Girls School

Hello Lovely Readers

So this post is pretty much what it says on the tin. Some fact and fictions of an all girls school based on my experiences. 

I went to an all girl high school for 7 years, so I know the story folks. 

1. Everyone is a lesbian.

Big fat lie. If anything these girls couldn't be further from it. They seriously are male deprived, so any sign of a boy... these girls know. They could literally smell the presence of a boy. 

2. It's bitchy as hell.

Well, yeah. The nicknames are possibly the worst things, when they're created by girls. I thought the ones that my year came up with were bad but hearing my little sister tell me her years... we were amateurs. But in all honesty, a mixed school would probably be just as bad.

3. Nobody Eats

HAHAHA biggest lie ever. High School was where Foot Long Friday (subway was round the corner from my school) was formed and Cake Day became a regular occurrence in nearly every class. And.. as its an all female environment someone is always PMS'in so thats obviously an excuse for everyone to eat chocolate with them, for support y'know.

Obviously diet/weight loss was frequent topic of conversation but you soon forget about it when someone suggests going to McDonalds or brings out a packet of cookies.

4. You either don't know what a boy is or are boy obsessed.

Honestly, this is sorta true. There are two ends of the spectrum, the girls who probably have never spoken to a male and the girls who don't waste time speaking and just get straight to it. BUT there's the middle ground too, girls who are completely normal around males. Small minorities and then the majority. So don't go judging and presuming. 

5. Everyone is a snob.

No waaaaaay. Because there were no boys in our school, the girls almost became boys. All of a sudden toilet humour is hilarious and instead of talking about our feelings... we make fun of who someone pulled at the weekend. Topics of conversation become vile and manly stances are adopted. "Lady Like" would not have been the phrase to describe the majority of my high school memories.

6. Everyone Cries, all the time.

This is so true. Sometimes you'd just cry and you wouldn't even know why. It was the male staff I pitied the most in these situations. I remember just talking to a male teacher and starting to cry because I was stressed and tired. He was so uncomfortable because he had no idea what he had done. I actually said, "Its not you, its me" and dramatically left the room. That poor, poor man.

7. There is always a pregnant girl, an engaged girl and a badass who gets expelled.

Mmmm Yeah this is true. So many pregnancies.. meaning so many cute baby Facebook photos! Engagements can last a matter of days or go the full way, but always include dramas of some form. The expulsions are exciting, sometimes just a temporary suspension but if you're lucky they get the full show. 

I could go on for ageeeees but thats just a little insider for you. 

Hope you enjoyed and let me know any funny/memorable experiences you had at high school. 

Love,

Nikki

x

Black is the new Black

So yea, its been a while. 

The past month has been beyond busy with moving back to Scotland (and into a new flat) to start my third year of university, back to work, back to lectures... back to normality... and a lovely little holiday in the French Riviera thrown in the mix too - wishing I was back there right now but no, I'm in Glasgow where winter arrives in October.

But anyhow, I'm back blogging for good now! YAAAAAY (I know how much this pleases you all.)

Today is going to be a little beauty review. I am terrible at all thing beauty related, it took me until I was about 17 to master a basic smokey eye, so I'm pretty much beautily-dyslexic. (yes, this is a self diagnosis but I think accurate.) Which is why I love the product in this post so much!

Impress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails 

I love having my nails done, but I don't always have time (or can be bothered) to have regular appointments at the beauticians; and there is no way in hell I could do it myself, so these are a life saver! 

I used Short Length, Ongles courts in the colour "Text Appeal" which is a glossy black. 

Now the main problem I have with using false nails, is because I have child sized hands and even the small or short nails don't fit properly or... make me look like a witch.

These fit perfectly, and also are slightly flexible, so don't snap off easily!

They are also so easy to apply - even I was able to do it.

You just choose your size, peel off the plastic cover on the back and stick 'em on. In about 5 minutes you can have a perfect manicure?! Last time I used these nail they lasted about a week - which I was quite impressed with.

 

I am super happy with the end product and I would highly recommend these as a quick fix for pretty nails AND this Text Appeal colour is fab, black is the new black after all. 

Love,

Nikki

x

The Blissful Ignorance of Youth

Hello Everyone.

Today is the 1st September! I'm in two minds about it, summer has gone in so quickly but at the same time I'm bored and ready for a new term. 

Anywaaaaay, today's post has been inspired by music, and the youth of today. (I'm so deep, I know) But lately a lot of artists have been ridiculed because of they're music not being appropriate for their fans.

The best example would be Hannah Montanna turned Miley Cyrus turned "I don't even know what you'd call the VMA 2013" turned back to Miley again. Some of her fans are pretty young yet... her music/performances can be a little risqué shall we say?

But in all honesty, this isn't new. And I'm not condemning the artists for this at all. You make a catchy song that is played to death on every radio station and in every shop, its bound to reach the kiddies somehow.

I'm going to share with you some of my absolute FAVOURITE songs from when I was a child, and you'll see what I mean. 

Blue - Too Close  

Omg I LOVED this song. Like, I was properly in love with Blue.

It was released in 2001 - I was 7. 

I sang, "Baby when you're crying, ooh how I like it, I try but I can't fight it."

I now know its grinding, not crying. 7 year old me never understood why they seemed so excited about crying... 

I had no idea what they were talking about... Did me no bit of harm.




Mis-Teeq - One Night Stand

This was also released in 2001.

I had no idea what a "one night stand" was... I thought it was like a competition too see if they could stand in their high heels for that full night - Whilst dancing looooooads. Cause thats really difficult. 

I actually think that was quite an inventive theory (kinda proud of my little self for that)





Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & Pink - Lady Marmalade

Now this song, I thought was about sisters (because thats about the only word I could make out in the song) 

I loved the video. Had no idea why they were in their pants but it was so sparkly and glam I never questioned it.

Another 2001 gem.


Anyway, you can see where I'm going with this. Music has and always will be a touchy subject. BUT I evidently had questionable music taste as a child and I turned out okay? (I hope) 

So try not freak out too much when you hear a 10 year old singing Pitbull and just pray they still are in blissful ignorance of the intended meaning... 

Also if anyone has any other funny/horrendous/inappropriate childhood music favs let me know... always good for a giggle.

Love 
Nikki 
x

The Pros & Cons of Makeup

Makeup is something that I'm sure everyone has an opinion on. Whether you pile it on, or wear it thin, appreciate or hate, everyone loves to talk about makeup. 
So here, in this post I have put together a list of Pros and cons I have discovered about makeup. 

Pros

If you are have had a late night, early start or are in general looking rough... NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW. Yes, you can cover any imperfections, contour until your life's content and feel fabulous. 

Makeup is an amazing way to express yourself. Whether you love a gothic eye or a classic red lip. Makeup lets you be who you want to be (even just for that day) 

It's Fun.

Enhancing your natural beauty. You look a little pale, well go and give yourself a rosy glow girl. You can look as though you are not wearing any makeup at all, a completely nearly natural beauty, but actually you've spent hours perfecting this effortless face. (although no one needs to know that, our little secret)

It has become not just a crazy huge section of the marketplace but an industry in itself. Now not only can you buy a million different kinds of primer but you can watch tutorials on how to use them, read reviews of experiences with them, or better yet, make your own.

Cons

The main con... if its applied badly, you can look vile. Literally like you were attacked by an Urban Decay sales assistant and then after, Rimmel had a wee go too. 

Lipgloss. Hair. AND ANY FORM OF BREEZE OR AIR DISTURBANCE.

Lipstick on your teeth. Literally the worst, especially if no one tells you and you discover it yourself and have no idea how long its been there or how many people saw it.

If you use the wrong sort of products for your skin type or actually just take one of those random allergic reactions to a product.. Has this happened anyone else? When you use a product and your face decides.. "Mmm no. Not today, today that gives us a rash. But next week, it will be fine."

This could just be me... But when your eyes almost leak and you end up with a little ring of mascara/eyeliner under your eye, especially in the outer corner. I'm not talking about crying (thats a completely different problem) just unexplained eye leakage. Please someone tell me this is not just me?!?!

Reallyyy.... 

I could go one forever with these but basically, for as many cons you can find about makeup there is probably just as many pros. 

I still love it, though. I mean who doesn't love being ably to put on some lippy and feel like they can take on the world?!

Anyhow, to round this off, here are some of my fav makeup looks from the Emmy awards earlier this week. 

Sarah Hyland

Sofia Vergara

Natalie Dormer

Kerry Washington

Love

Nikki

x

20 Things I Learnt Being 20

1. Never underestimate the value of a squat. Not much more to be said than that. You do them right, you'll hurt like hell but have a hell'a a bootaaay
2. Work hard for what you want. No matter what is it, a car, a job, or even a nice bum (note point one) it will not just fall into your hands magically, you're going to have to work.
3. Manners Matter. SERIOUSLY. A 'Please' or "Thank you" can go a long way.
4. Crocs are never okay.
5. Work with what you've got, I have finally had to accept that I'm not going to have a last minute growth spurt and wake up 5'8. Basically, by the time you hit your 20's, you just have to accept this is what you have to work with, so weeeeerrk it. I may be the height of a 12 year old with a bum the size of Brazil (practically) but I really don't care anymore, healthy and happy is what matters ladies. 
6. If you don't know exactly what you're going to do with your life right now - Thats okay. Most people don't, so no freaking out.
7. You might start to say things that sound like your mum... then realise it and panic you've become middle-aged. I have no solution to this... In fact i'm terrible for it. I've found myself offering sandwiches for bus journeys, having a continual supply of plasters and tissues, I even used the word "trendy" once. 
8. Holding grudges is not necessary. Just move on. Being angry at that girl who took your seat in the canteen at school or your boyfriends ex's friend's brother for saying you were chubby, just is not needed now. You're an adult, keep those vibes positive. 
9. You'll have regular "I'm going to sort my life out" days. Usually after messy nights out or a few AWOL days in bed. 
10. Cooking is fabulous. Honestly, everyone and anyone can cook. Trial and error is what its all about, but once you get a few dishes you are confident with, soon you'll feel like Nigella in the kitchen. 
11. Thinking back to when you were 13-16 will make you cringe. Every time. Personally.. I wore way too many peace signs and heavily avoided the hairdressers. I am so glad I rekindled my love for a hairbrush. 
12. Putting on sweats or pyjamas every time you return home is always best.
13. You do not need to tweet/instagram/facebook boast. Social Media is huge I get it, I do and you want to show all your friends your new bag or car because you're excited. THATS FINE. Its the posts like receipts from nightclubs for ridiculous amounts of money that get me. Do you wanna see my food shop receipt? No, didn't think so. I don't wanna see how much money you're spending on overpriced booze then.
14. Coffee is the fuel of life 
    
15. If you're sad cuddle a puppy. Sometimes even looking at pictures of puppies helps - I suggest THIS website. (See me to the right having a cuddle with one of my dogs, Poppy.)
16. Travelling is always a good idea. See and do all you can round this world, its all we got. 
17. Listen to Drake, as he so frequently told us, he started at the bottom and now look where is! So here's what I've learnt.. You gotta do it, you gotta start at the bottom and be the number one coffee bitch at some stage.
18. Be open-minded. 
19. Chipped Nail Polish looks horrific. Always. (But I end up with chipped nails far more often than I'd like to admit)
20. Some of your friends will be starting to get engaged or have babies and some will be too drunk to know what day it is. Wherever you fall, make sure its for you and only ever move at your own pace. Do not judge other people's choices - Just think about what is right for you - in work, life and love. 

Hope you enjoyed and feel free to share any lessons you've learnt with me too! Comments are always welcome here.

Love
Nikki
x

If people make fun of you.. It probably means you're doing something right.

One thing I really can't deal with, is people who take themselves too seriously. 

And in fashion, you get this a lot - You know those poker faced, "someone stole my personality' kinda vibes. 

BUT times are changing people. And humour is infiltrating fashion. FINALLY. 

This came to light in the A/W catwalks back in February. When Chanel - some might say the most poker faced of them all, launched their Andy Warhol inspired Fall range... in a supermarket.

Karl Lagerfield has made supermarkets chic and I couldn't love him anymore for that... although he probably hash't actually been to one...

Also Moschino's new creative director Jeremy Scott made quite an impact back in February with the Fashion Takeaway range.

The reaction to it has been hugely successful (good start Mr Jeremy Scott).. especially this iPhone 5 cover - people go mad for a cute cover now.

Full Collections -  Chanel 

                         Moschino

It has always been said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery... (Sometimes I think mocking playfully can be more so) and a lot of slogan fashion has been popping up over the past year. 

 

       The Bags Under My Eyes Are Prada        More Issues Than Vogue

 

This is another one of my favs

I feel like some brands are starting to turn the corner and become more approachable... Less of the "big, super serious, I'm judging you heavily right now" and maybe, a little more light hearted? It is meant to be fun after all. 

Love,

Nikki

x

Stationery Stresses

Hello Lovely People. 

Today I am going to share with you a dilemma that has faced me since I was around 5 years old. Hopefully some of you can relate (and assure me I'm not crazy).

Similar to most females, I have a love for Stationery. And so my dilemma comes, when the perfect notebook, you've been waiting for your whole life, falls into your hands... What the hell do you write in it.

When I was younger, I would spend hours thinking through different options, is this the book I'm going to write a novel in? Is it a diary? Is it a scrapbook? Is it where I unleash my creative genius?! 

To this day I still stress about wasting a good notebook. 

These two notebooks have been giving me bother recently - as soon as there is moleskin effect I start to feel the pressure. I get those "these pages deserve more than my shopping list" sort of feelings. 

Anyhow, recently I heard (from little sister - the fountain of all knowledge) about a book that would have solved all of my notebook woes growing up.

Wreck This Journal - Now, there is no need to stress that you are wasting pages, it tells you what to do on each.

And if you check out some of the videos of completed journals on youtube - HERE you can see that these books mean big business.

In all honesty though, my childhood creativity probably wouldn't have matched up to these standards  - writing my name repeatedly seemed to be the height of it.

And so, now I have learnt to deal with my obsessions issues by reminding myself that a book is only wasted, when it is left empty.

In the theme of all things stationery and seeing as its nearly "Back to School/University/College/Everyone everywhere needs cute stationery" I have put together a list of some of my favourite finds on Etsy. 

 New Adventure Graduation Gift

Mint and Gold Reminder Pencils

Farm Animals Journal

Black and White Glasses Pencil Case

Terrier Moleskin

"Suck it up, Buttercup" Agenda Diary

Love,

Nikki 

x