What they don't tell you about University...

So... I'm half way through my third year of university and I thought I would share with you all a few realisations I've come to. 

Be prepared to pack your life into suitcases about 38 million times (possibly a little exaggeration here... just a lil' bit.) But seriously, I should be getting a degree in packing.  

No one cares who you were in high school. This is a totally new ball game people. 

Groceries are expensive, and also now you finally get why your mum got so annoyed when you either didn't turn up for dinner, or turned up with 4 hungry pals. 

Immunity to drunk people vomit. Its EVERYWHERE. I moved out of my flat at the weekend, there was a pile of sick in the bin room from a party the night before. A bloody room designated to bins and this person chose the floor to boke on?! NOT A BIN?? Seriously. 

Pimpin' yourself out to bulk up your CV.  Emailing every company related to your study and offering yourself... usually for free (yeah, at least prostitutes get paid) Because now you need at least 45 years experience to even pull pints it seems. 

The nights out catch up. Give your liver a rest, eat some vegetables and go to the gym. (At least every once in a while) Do you wanna look 45 when your only 30?? Didn't think so. 

Group work is a university's way of turning you into a crazed maniac. Unless you're the person who does nothing... then you think its all cool - but FYI your group all secretly hate you and plot ways of killing you regularly, just a wee heads up there.

Lastly, you're expected to just know what you're going to do with your life when you graduate. 

Most university degrees are only 3/4 years.. for that length of time I used to want to be Marine Biologist. Because I thought it was the closest thing to being a mermaid. My dream was shattered when I realised I'd probably have to study biology and geography... 

But anyway... what I've mainly learnt. Most people don't know what they want to do with the their lives in their early 20's. And thats fine. You gotta lifetime to work it out. Those years at university are just a tiny bit of that lifetime... so chill. 

Love, 

Nikki

x

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

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

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