How to unwind after a week of 8:30am to 5pm?

Since starting my 8:30am to 5pm job, I've attempted to try and schedule in some 'me time' and get into a routine of having easy, stress-free mornings which means I can battle through my day in the office or out at meeting with ease. Sometimes this isn't always possible, you just have one of those weeks where everything is hectic and your plan of an easy, stress-free week gets thrown out the window the minute you walk into the office on a Monday morning. Annoying, right? 

Scheduling in 'me time' can be difficult especially when you know you've got so much to do during the week and all you want to do after a day of work is come home, eat, read a book and then sleep. #StoryOfMyLife. And before you know it, you've worked your way through your weekly office to-do list whilst attempting to juggle 101 other things, suddenly the weekend flys by so quickly and your back to your typical Monday morning routine; pulling yourself out of bed, successfully driving to work whilst trying to stop yourself sneezing uncontrollable over and over again and getting through the 8:30am to 5pm day sounding like a zombie on the end of the phone because you have a horrid cold and a sore throat. Not good. 

Anyway, when your feeling low (because of a cold which doesn't seem to want to pack its bags and leave) or you've just had a hectic week at work it is important to schedule in some 'me time'. Here are a few 'me time' ideas which help me to unwind from the madness... 

Painting my nails
I actually find painting my nails rather therapeutic - most girls are probably saying "are you crazy?" right now but that's okay. To be honest, changing up my nails with different colours, designs and patterns is rather enjoyable for me and just think the more often I paint my nails, the quicker I use up the nail polish and the more reason I have to buy more. It's a win win situation when you think about it. 

Getting lost in a good book 
Whilst I was at university I never really got the chance to read many books; apart from if you count all those 500 page Research Method textbooks that I had to read for my dissertation - I know what you're thinking how can anyone write 500 pages about Research Methods, believe me when I say I asked that same question to myself everyday in third year. Anyway, there is nothing better than getting lost in a good book and not being able to put it down - I think it is a perfect way to unwind especially in an evening after work. 

Looking after number one! 
I suppose 'me time' is looking after number one but I mean looking after number one can mean treating yourself every once in a while or spending some time in the evening having a pamper session with a glass of wine, chocolate and a favourite movie or simply rewarding yourself with some much needed catch up on sleep. Bliss. 

Exercise
Okay, I get when your ill this probably isn't your number one priority (well, it certainly isn't mine) because there is nothing worse than doing exercise when you can't breathe. But when your feeling yourself again there is nothing a little walk or stroll down the road or into town can't cure; the fresh air does you a world of good.  

Organising my life 
You might be wondering how this helps me to unwind, well in my eyes there is nothing better than a good to-do list to get your life organised and for me it helps to reduce stress because you know what you've got to do and I feel more productive for it. Don't get me wrong, I love having lazy weekends as much as the next person but I also love being on the go and get things done too. 

Until the next time my cold fights back and 'me time' needs scheduling, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

The Ultimate Christmas Playlist

Christmas wouldn't be the same without an ultimate playlist and I've been listening to Christmas music at pretty much every opportunity I can - in the car, at work, whilst wrapping Christmas presents! I always find Christmas music rather motivational; I mean it gets you into the Christmas spirit but it also puts me in a great mood which means I get more done - if only listening to Christmas music was acceptable all year round? Wouldn't that be awesome! To be honest I think I owe it to Mr Michael Bublé for me getting so many blog posts written this weekend, I've been a little 'dry' on the blog lately so I figured it was time to be productive. Cheers Bublé, I owe you one! 

Anyway, to get you up to the same Christmas spirit level that I am at (which is extremely high) I have created an essential Christmas playlist for not only myself to enjoy but everyone else to enjoy too. After hours of Christmas playlist-creating, the final version includes a number of Christmas song classics and a few of my Christmas favourites which may not be everyone elses favourite - Like Frozen, which my parents repeatedly tell me to turn off, they have no Disney-spirit. 

Check out my Christmasy tune playlist below: 

1. All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey

2. Last Christmas - Wham! 

3. It's the most wonderful time of the year - Andy Williams 

4. Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano 

{Not everyone's cup of tea but it does have a good beat to it}

5. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! - Frank Sinatra 

6. Santa Claus is comin' to town - Bruce Springsteen

7. Merry Christmas Everyone! - Shakin' Stevens 

8. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Christina Aguilera 

9. Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes 

10. Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett 

11. Baby, It's cold outside - Glee Cast 

{Yes, it's Glee and no I don't care *monkey with hands over eyes emoji here*}

12. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Michael Bublé

13. Santa Claus is comin' to town - Michael Bublé

14. Jingle Bells - Michael Bublé ft. The Puppini Sisters 

15. White Christmas - Michael Bublé ft Shania Twain 

16. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Michael Bublé

17. I'll be home for Christmas - Michael Bublé 

18. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl

{If you don't have this on your Christmas playlist, seriously what's wrong with you}

19. Underneath the tree - Kelly Clarkson 

20. Jingle Bell Rock - Glee Cast 

{Yes, Glee again!}

21. One More Sleep - Leona Lewis 

22. Mistletoe - Justin Bieber 

23. All I want for Christmas is you - Justin Bieber ft Mariah Carey 

24. I wish it could be Christmas everyday - Wizzard 

25. Merry Christmas everyone - Slade 

26. Last Christmas - Ariana Grande 

27. Do they know it's Christmas - Band Aid (1984 Version)  

28. Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney 

29. Do you want to build a snowman? (Frozen Soundtrack) - Kristen Bell & Agatha Lee Monn 

30. Let It Go (Frozen Soundtrack) - Idina Menzel 

31. Do they know it's Christmas - Band Aid 30 

{One Direction are in this song, you would be crazy not to love it!} 

32. Driving home for Christmas - Chris Rea 

33. Frosty the Snowman - The Ronettes 

Until the next playlist which will probably still consist of Christmas songs, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo 

Blogs Worth Bookmarking #4

Last week we saw Vicky Pattison crowned I'm A Celebrity, Queen of the Jungle after she fought her way through some gruesome trials, One Direction getting all emotional during their last concert in LA before their break, and the world welcoming another male into the Kardashian clan - all in all its been a busy old week for celebrities. But with Christmas well and truly on its way (17 days away in fact), its time to get excited about decorating my house into Santa's Grotto, spending the majority of my time singing Christmas songs aloud and spending my weekends curled up with a number of my favourite Christmas films... or reading a number of blogs, like the ones below:

Hearting
I don't know about anyone else but I love beauty and skincare products but with temperamental skin like mine, I am reluctant to try new products as I am worried my skin is going to flip-out. However, this blog gives a great insight on beauty and skincare products which really helps when it comes to deciding on new products to try. Also, the recipes are to die for. 

Blush and Noise
This blog is definitely an evening read and needs to be accompanied with chocolate, scented candles and a warm blanket. Bliss. 

Kate La Vie 

Honestly it was the photography that caught my eye on this blog first but actually when I started to read, I couldn't stop. This blog has it all, lifestyle, beauty, top tips and life advice; its lovely to read when you're having a quiet evening in. 

Very Berry Cosmo
When you find out blog that includes a Christmas theme, what's not to love about it? 

Until the next blogs worth bookmarking, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo 

November Favourites

A November favourites blog post can only mean one thing... It's almost Christmas. YAY! Yes that's right its almost that time of year where I can light my Christmas scented candles without judgement, decorate my house to look like Santa's Grotto - blue and white themed Christmas decorations are just so beautiful, don't you think? - and it's acceptable to hear Christmas songs on the radio and sing them at the top of your lungs - even if your in the office working. Oops! I am in full festive mode, ready for Christmas to begin and today is the day that it does.

So let's get down to business, with a mince pie in hand here are my November favourites. Enjoy!  

1. All Butter Pineapple, Coconut & White Chocolate Cookies {from Marks & Spencers}
Who doesn't love cookies? I mean don't get me wrong I do love the traditional 'Double Choc Chip' and 'Milk Chocolate' cookies but these are something else. AMAZING in fact. I picked these up on a whim because well, I'm going to be honest I liked the look of the packaging so I bought them. You would think that cookies with fruit in would be somewhat gross but actually these are the best but what can I say "It's not just food; It's M&S food." #AdvertisingGraduate 

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Intense Moisturiser 
This bi-polar winter weather is doing nothing for my skin. De-hydrated and dry is an understatement. But thanks to the Black Friday sales in The Body Shop I have found the perfect moisturiser for my skin helping me to conquer this horrendous British winter weather that we've been having. My skin is very temperamental especially around this time of year, its dry one minute having a mad breakout the next, so I needed to see results; I use this every night just before I go to bed and with this moisturiser I find that less is more, you only need a little on your finger and your face feels silky soft in no time. 

3. Mulled Wine Candle 
Christmas. Christmas. Christmas. Yes, its almost here and there is nothing like the smell of Mulled Wine to get you in the mood for this festive season. Now, I don't like the taste of Mulled Wine but the smell is divine and one that makes the whole house smell like Christmas. I tell you what there is nothing better than sitting on a Sunday afternoon in comfy joggers whilst watching a Christmas film on SkyMovies - FYI they've had an amazing choice of Christmas films on this year - and the smell of a Mulled Wine scented candle filling the room. Bliss. 

4. Graduation Dress 
You know how some women want to wear their wedding dress over and over again after getting married - or is that just Monica, Rachel and Phoebe in F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Anyway this is what I want to do with my Graduation dress, I want to wear it day in, day out (call me sad, I don't care) but Graduation day was a day that I'll always remember; from the 70mph winds and rain to my surprise 'Digital Marketing Foundation Award with Digital Excellence' Award that I received on stage. One of my favourite dresses for one of my favourite days. Say hello to Lauren BA (Hons) - First Class. 

5. The Little Blue Notebook 
You've heard of a girl having a 'little black book' well this is my 'little blue book' but don't be fooled this doesn't hold the same information as a 'little black book' does; in fact it is totally opposite. I was bought this little blue book by a friend for my 21st and I couldn't decide what to do with it until now. 

Just think the next time a 'Monthly Favourite' blog comes around, it will be 2016. Scary where the time goes. Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo

What I learnt on Graduation Day?

After four months of waiting, last week marked the end of my time at Southampton Solent University and what a send off it was; from giving my parents a well-deserved tour around Southampton - well, West Quay Shopping Centre anyway - to celebrating with a obligatory mortarboard throw and a glass of Prosecco with my besties at the end of the Graduation ceremony - it was a day I won't forget very quickly. I now officially have 'Graduate' status. To be honest, I think I've had 'Graduate' status since getting my results back in July but until you've nervously walked across a stage in 6-inch heels on your own in front of hundreds, I don't think you can officially say you've graduated. Having never been to Graduation day before, I didn't know what to expect - I'd read all the handbooks and blogs I could find but nothing prepares you for the day ahead; not even walking around in your pyjamas the night before in your heels hoping that you will look flawless in them the next day. I can always hope. So here is what I learnt on Graduation day, which may just help you to prepare for yours: 

1. High heels are your frenemies! 

What seemed to be a good idea to start with turned into days of nursing my feet back to health. Yes, I took the bold move and wore heels for the entire day of Graduation. Ouch! Whilst legs may of looked pretty damn good (if I do say so myself) in photos, my feet were hating every second and regreted it for days after. Once the ceremony was over and it was safe to do so, the heels came off. One bit of advice that I would give to all your girls is to keep a pair of flats with you, just in case your feet take a turn for the worse. 

2. Capture every moment {with a camera and plenty of selfies} 

I still think one of the most impressive things that happened on Graduation - aside from not falling flat on my face in front of everyone - was my Dad's awesome photography skills. Hats off to the teacher that taught him everything he knows - that's me by the way. Anyway, one thing I would say about Graduation day and if it isn't obviously already take loads of photographs of you and your besties graduating together. Just think in a few years time, I can look back and see where our student life ended and adulthood began. *cue to smallest violin in the world* 

3. Always check the weather forecast. 

To be fair, I did check the weather. But unfortunately, we live in Britain and Storm Barney was feeling particularly angry on Tuesday 17th November; the rain began to pour and the winds were wild but that didn't stop us. If I could give anyone a bit of advice it would be this: plan your hair accordingly, if you know that your hair goes frizzy in the rain, be prepared before you become disappointed. 

Obviously if your Graduation is in July like most 'normal' universities you might not have to go through the drama of the wind and rain but don't forget we do live in Britain and British weather never stops surprising us. 

4. Don't forget safety pins and hair grips.  

I found the gowns and mortarboards pretty... awkward to be honest. The safety pins were a god-send keeping my gown and sash in place for the duration of the day but with 70mph winds, not even six hair grips can keep your hat on your head - I wasn't the only one running around outside the o2 Guildhall after their hat. 

5. Don't fear the Graduation stage!

Surprisingly I was totally content about walking across the Graduation stage; yes I had a few butterflies but I was quite calm. Until... the tutor at the bottom of the stairs said "if you're going to fall over at any point, now would be a good time to do it because they aren't filming this bit" - thanks for that bit of advice, if I wasn't scary before I am now! Anyway, it is easier said than done but don't fear the Graduation stage, it isn't as bad as you think and as a great friend, Eleanor Potter, 2015 once said "own it like Sharpay Evans from High School Musical". Pro-advice Eleanor! 

Until next time on Lauren Marie, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

End of an Era: Graduation Day

Tuesday marked the end of an era! 

Yes, that's right... I finally Graduated! 

On Tuesday 17th November, I officially graduated from Southampton Solent University with a 1st Class BA Honours in Advertising. But the biggest surprise of all was being awarded a Digital Marketing Foundation Award with Digital Excellence - *insert shocked face emoji here* - despite the 70mph winds and rain, it was such a special day and I got to celebrate it with family, friends and my wonderful tutors. 

Looking a little windswept I must say! 

A little blurred but I couldn't of done it without these girls. Jump for joy! 

After seventeen years of education; eleven GCSE'S, three A-Levels and a 1st First Class Honours degree with the inclusion of a 10,000 word Dissertation, I've finally completed my education! Over the last three years there were so many times that I thought about throwing in the towel; from the early morning starts in the library and the agoniser number of deadlines that came at the what felt like the end of every day to coming up with 100+ ideas for one advertising campaign and making sure that you knew of every new advertising campaign that hit our screens. Oh the woes of an Advertising student ay! 

But I got there in the end, and with only a couple of grey hairs! 

Honestly going to university was always a goal for me, even though I kept changing my mind about what I actually wanted to do there. I knew I wanted to do something in Media, that was it. I went from Graphic Design, through all media courses until I found Advertising. When I packed up my life and headed down the open road to Southampton, I realised that this was the right thing to do for me. And now three years later, after a few ups and downs, University is over and was one of the best things I think I'll ever experience. 

I must say the weather was awful on Tuesday (Storm Barney hit us with a vengeance) and I felt like and looked like a drowned rat and the line "why did I bother doing my hair?" was used alot but it didn't dampen my spirits - no pun intended. I was a Graduate. 

During the run up to this day I was pretty calm and filled with excitment. It wasn't until I stood waiting to go up on stage and the tutor stood at the bottom of the stairs said "if you're going to fall over at any point, now would be a good time to do it because they aren't filming this bit" - thanks of that advice I really appreciated it. Not. But walking up onto the stage and across it (in high heels. #Brave.) was one of the most nerve-racking yet exciting times, I'll ever experience. But I have to say my goal for Graduation Day was achieved, I didn't end up falling flat on my face on stage in front of everyone. Even if my dad and besties' dad were taking bets on which one of us would most likely fall over on stage first. Cheers Guys. So much faith. 

Graduation is an experience I'll never forget. Even if I am nursing my feet back to health after taking the bold move to wear my high heels all day in the rain. Ouch! But it was definitely worth the pain. 

Until the next memory-filled and nerve-racking experience that I share, Au Revoir! 
Love,
Lauren xo

BONUS: What I wore on Graduation Day? 

Dress (in Blue) | High Heels | Clutch Bag | Nail Polish | Eyes

12 Things that I Miss about my University Friendships

You might of caught on by now but we do love a good photobooth or Selfie! *Insert monkey with hands over eyes here*

There isn't a harder goodbye than the one between you and your university besties; even if you reunite for a holiday to Portugal or a 21st Birthday party, saying goodbye is hard. After practically spending three years in each others pockets, creating some of the best memories and arguing over who makes the best pancakes, when you're meant to be studying - oops! - the friends you make at university are for life (well, I would like to think the ones I've made are).  I think nearly every conversation we had consisted of the statement "Remember that time when..." normally it was finished with an embarrassing story about one of us on a night out.  

With Graduation just around the corner and the reunion that I've been waiting for months. It got me thinking... What is it I really miss about my university friendships? So in light of this, I've compiled a list of twelve things that I miss about my university friendships. Let's begin:  

1. We spent 45% of our time talking about where to go for coffee but always seemed to end up in the same place with the same order, 28% of our time we spent talking about the thing-that-shall-not-be-named {Dissertation}, 12% of our time we spent in the library doing our work whilst deciding who had the smelliest sandwich {was it Tuna or was it Egg?} and the other 12% we spent dancing like raving 'loonies' to One Direction and S Club in PopWorld. 
2. The regular coffee and cake dates to Starbucks that the girls and I went on just to get out of writing our dissertations and  to argue over who got the last Cinnamon Swirl. 
3. Coming back at 4am and not worrying about waking up the whole house because my housemates were all out with me anyway.
4. Not worrying about getting a lift home because you had your friends to push you home in a trolley. 
5. Taking a #Selfie with a Selfie stick was always allowed, no matter where you were {including the Park outside university, when we finished our dissertations and photos just needed to be taken} 
6. No matter how much work we had in November, planning Secret Santa and a Christmas meal with your besties was a top priority. 
7. Knowing that we were going to see each other again after going home for the holidays but now I have to wait months - in fact it feels like years! 
8. Coming out of Turtle Bays drunk at 4pm, buying pizza and failing at dance mat can only be done with your university besties.
9. Scheduling study sessions, which later turn into gossip and cake eating session - classy! 
10. There is nothing you can't share with your besties. Honesty is always the best policy in our eyes and they will never judge you {well, until you do something daft} 
11. You have inside jokes and memories that make no sense to anyone else but you just don't care. 
12. Even though you haven't seen each other for ages and you live miles apart, when you're reunite it is the best feeling in the world. 

Until November 17th when the reunion happens for real, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo