When things don't go your way

We all have those days and weeks where it feels like the walls of the world are collapsing in on you - actually I think that they might just be called Mondays. However sometimes, when these days happen, it is difficult to imagine that those things are going to turn around. But being my usual optimistic self, they will turn round eventually, it's just knowing how to deal with it. 

When thing aren’t going your way, it is obviously much easier to crack open a bottle of wine, watch Bridget Jones in your loungewear and drown your sorrows sit and just dwell on it, but that isn’t the right way forward really, is it? So how can you turn it around?

Take a breath

When things get tough, take a step back and just pause for a moment. Sometimes when you dwell on something for too long, it just becomes even more complicated and you just get even more worked up. Sometimes just stepping back, making yourself a cup of tea or going out for some fresh-air can make a lot of difference.

Start with the problem

What is the problem? Identifying what’s wrong is the first thing to do in order to be able to work out what you need to do next and how best to resolve it. 

Find your approach

When you’ve identified the problem, ask yourself ‘what am I trying to achieve?’ Take a moment to think about how you can reach the end, avoiding all the issues that you’ve addressed before.

Talk it out

Talking it out can certainly help – it certainly helps me anyway – as another person can really help to provide you with advice, solutions and motivation to move forward. 

Find something to look forward to

If things are going bad, find something to look forward to. It could be a smallest thing, like having your favourite meal for dinner or something that you’re doing at the weekend. It is important to power through and pin it on something to motivate you.

Positivity

A positive attitude goes a long way. Don’t let stress take you down. Keep your chin up. 

Ask for help

Asking for help isn't seen as weak; in fact it is one of the biggest mistakes that you’re making by not asking for help. 

Learn

Don’t waste this opportunity to take note and learn from it.

How do you take approach to a bad day?

Gooey Rolo Cookie Blondie’s

It’s that time of year again. No I’m not talking about Christmas (it’s too early for that yet). I’m talking about Great British Bake Off season. Arguably, you could say that it is a massive marketing ploy that just encourages consumers to spend more money on cute, shabby chic bake ware inspired by the super-cool Bake Off kitchens.  But how is one supposed to resist cute and themed bakeware to assist them in baking ‘tasty treats’. And of course, I tell myself ‘I need these matching spatula and cake tins’.

Still, when you do give in and purchase said matching baking sets, whatever can you use it for? Well, how about these super gooey, super tasty, just overall amazing Rolo Cookie Blondie’s? What a great idea!

Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cooking Time: 25 – 30 Minutes | Makes: 16 Bars

INGREDIENTS

• 275g Plain Flour

• 1 tbsp. Cornflour

• 115g Unsalted Butter

• 55g Granulated Sugar

• 135g Light Brown Sugar

• 1 Egg

•  ½ tsp. Vanilla Extract

• Rolos (I used one bag)

• 100g White Chocolate Chips

• Pink and White Marshmallows (optional)

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 190C. Grease and line a square Brownie tin with greaseproof paper ready for when the mixture is ready
2. Measure out 275g of Plain Flour and 1 tbsp. of Cornflour and mix together in a bowl and leave to one side
3. In a large pan, melt 115g of butter over a medium heat. Whilst the butter is melting, measure out 135g Light Brown Sugar and 55g Granulated Sugar. Once the butter has melted, pour the butter in with the sugars, and whisk for about 2 minutes until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
4. Once the mixture is smooth, add in one egg and ½ tsp. of Vanilla Extract, and whisk again briefly till smooth.
5. Once smooth, add in the flour, the Rolos, and the 100g of White Chocolate Chips and mix with a spatula till thick cookie dough is formed.
6. Press the mixture into the tin, so the mixture is level. This is the optional bit, you could just put it into the oven as it is or you can take some white and pink marshmallows and place them in 4 rows of 4 on top of the mixture.
7. Once you have added your marshmallows (optional), place the tin into the oven for 25 – 30 minutes until the top of the cookie bake looks ‘dry’ or all the marshmallows have melted and crisp on top.
8. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. If you have added marshmallows on top, you will need to wait until the marshmallows have got sticky.
9. Once cooled, cut the bake into square and serve with a cup of tea or coffee (Also goes well with Vanilla Ice Cream)! 

You will not be disappointed. These are a naughty treat but something you won’t regret. Enjoy!

Getting back into Fitness

Before heading to university, gymnastics used to be my primary workout mainly because I enjoyed it and it was a great way to stay fit. When I left for university, there weren't sport teams that court my eye and I fancied joining and the 'I can't be bothered' attitude started to sink in - especially if I had been out the night before. Oops.

Since I'm back and working full-time, I decided to join the gym. The gym is a perfect place to workout... There is variety, a fitness drive atmosphere and plenty of choice in exercise methods; not to mention there are personal trainer on hand to get to direction if needed. Although it costs, there are so many benefits to working out at the gym oppose to at home but I would definitely recommend working out at home, if you have any free time.

I'm not saying to go to the gym for three hours, 7 days a week, you need to go as much or as little as you would like to. It's the little changes that will help you to get into fitness mindset and live a healthy lifestyle; so if it has been a while, why not start off with these tips:

THE LITTLE THINGS IN FITNESS 

• Walk instead of drive. Unfortunately I can't walk to work, it would take me hours but I can walk everywhere else... No excuse! 
• Cut out sugar in tea and coffee. Included syrups. 
• No more snacking (unless you are packing up the healthier option - an apple) 
• Planning your meals
• Motivate yourself with treats and new workout gear. 
• Take the stairs - a classic but it works! 
• Opt for the healthier option.
• Have a killer workout playlist that motivates you. 
• Build up your workouts slowly. 
• If you're to nervous for the gym or if it isn't for you; try home workouts first.
• Think of it as getting healthy appose to getting fit.

Until the next time I report on how well my fitness is going, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

24 Thoughts Every Girl Has When Packing For A Holiday

Being the top procrastinator and highly organised individual I am, I rather enjoy packing (especially when it comes to a holiday); I start by making lists, organising holiday documents, gathering together holiday must-haves and essentials and there is definitely nothing better than finally packing your suitcase; however I do tend to have one major issue when it comes to packing, I can never seem to decide on what clothes and shoes I should take. 

Don't get me wrong, I plan that I am going to take four pairs of shorts or whatever it might be; however I just can seem to decide which four pairs of shorts that will be. Honestly, its a sickness. When packing, I tend to suffer from the 'what ifs' - What if I don't get a chance to wear this outfit in England; what if I spill something down this outfit then I'll need a spare outfit; what if I don't want to wear this outfit on that day. The list goes on. So, I've listed all the thoughts that every girls seems to have whilst packing; instead of actually, y'know, packing... 

1. I'm going away for 10 days; so I need one outfit per day and per night. That's right isn't it? 
2. Maybe I should pack some back-up outfits; just in case, y'know I spill something. 
3. I think I've emptied my entire wardrobe onto my floor; yet there are still no clothes in my suitcase.
4. Okay, I have 23kg to play with - surely all this doesn't weigh 23kg? 
5. Oh man, it does! Okay maybe six playsuits is a little excessive. 
6. Maybe can I put that in my hand luggage instead?
7. I might not be able to wear this in England, surely one more outfit isn't going to harm.
8. Okay, lets start with picking four bikinis and deal with outfits later - thirty minutes later; no bikinis have yet been chosen!
9. What am I going to wear on the plane? I don't want to wear anything to warm, incase it's warm when I land but then it's cold in Britain. Ahhh! 
10. Wait, I think I've packed my airport outfit? 
11. Oh bugger! I've forgotten to pack shoes. 
12. Do I really need to pack that? No, I have enough clothes... Although, I might need it. I'll put it in the 'maybe' pile. 
13. Is it bad that I've having to sit on my suitcase to zip it up? Nah... 
14. I MUST NOT FORGET MY TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE! 
15. My suitcase is filling up rather quickly and I've still got another pile of clothes to go. Maybe I've packed wrong? Is there a wrong way to pack? 
16. Oh god! I have to try and pack my cosmetics into this almost-full yet slightly overflowing suitcase still. 
17. It's time for the final result; will my suitcase pass the weigh-in test? 
18. Oh no! I think I've broken the scales. Damn! 
19. I think I need to take a break; this packing malarkey is hard work. 
20. Wait! Do I need to take a towel? Or two? 
21. I'm so glad that this suitcase has wheels; I'm struggling to carry this down two steps. 
22. Wow! This suitcase feels super-heavy, but then again, I am extremely weak. It can't weight 23kg - not yet surely!
23. Okay, I've packed, unpacked and repacked three times, I definitely have everything... I'll go through it tomorrow again no doubt; just to double check. 
24. Uhhh, wait! Where's my passport? 

Surely when I pack to fly home it will get easier, right? Unless I buy presents. Until the return journey dramas, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

How to spend Valentine's Day alone?

Valentine's Day. Known as day for every couple to celebrate their love, whilst us singletons usually get left out of all the fun. Well, not this year. I'm using this years Valentine's Day to spend sometime on my own (hold all sympathy and ahhh's until the end) but life lately has been pretty hectic, and I just haven't had anytime to do anything for myself. I don't remember the last time that I put on a face mask or spend an entire day unwinding and having a pampering "me" day. 

Whether you're a single girl hanging out with your friends today or spending this day alone, don't turn into someone who extremely stalks their Facebook feed for twenty-four hours because you keep seeing Facebook friends post pictures of romantic meals or engagement rings because you've got the green-eyed monster within you, just embrace the love. So, here is a single girl's guide to Valentines, if you're a single girl like me:

1.Take yourself on a movie date 
Today is the day that you stick on your favourite movie, cry if necessary, and have a mega-bowl of Popcorn all to yourself because after all who doesn't love popcorn. 

Today's Movie of Choice: That Awkward Moment 
(hello! Zac Efron can make anyone feel better, no matter what mood you might be in this Valentine's Day) 

2. Unwind and Pamper
No excuses this is something that every girl needs to do on Valentines Day. So put up your feet, paint your nails, put on a face mask; whatever you need to do to make yourself feel relaxed and unwind, this is your chance to do it. 

3. Read a classic novel - Romance if your feeling up to it. 
If you need to escape your lifeless love life thoughts, then there is nothing better than an inspirational book; however I am kind of loving my romance novel at the moment - Jojo Moyes: Me Before You - sorry but it's  good book. 

4. Give yourself an at-home mani and pedi
Pastels are my go-to colours.

5. Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate. 
Lindt Excellence White Vanilla Chocolate. Heaven in bar-form. Bliss. 

6. Treat yourself with something you've wanted for ages... 
Whether it's a new dress, top or handbag (or holiday in my case), your allowed to treat yourself every once in a while; you don't have to wait for someone else to treat you because your the one who works hard after all. 

7. Light some candles
Yankee Candle Bundled Up. Cosy. 

8. Get on your comfiest clothes 
Joggers and fluffy socks; the best way to spend a Sunday. 

9. Buy yourself some flowers 
My choice of flower is an Orchid - beautiful. 

10. Friend-Dates 
There is nothing better than friend-dates, I mean spent the whole of yesterday, watching Disney movies, painting my nails, drinking coffee and gossiping with a good friend - we are like to twenty-something grannies, who love cofee and going to bed at 9pm. No biggie. 

11. Family time
If anyone can make you feel better about being single, other than your friends, it's your mum. 

12. Turn off social media
Getting a little jealous from time to time is natural, so turn off your social media and focus on yourself for a change; however if you don't want to turn off your social media for Valentine's day, I don't recommend putting on statuses such as: "I hate Valentine's Day and being single. Uhhhh." - Seriously I've seen five of those already today. Just turn it off. 
Until the next socially awkward day event in our annual calendar, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo

Workwear Wardrobe Wishlist

1. River Island - Black Frill Blouse | 2. Mango - Coat | 3. Miss Selfridge - Tie Cropped Trousers | 4. New Look - Grey Suede Loafers | 5. Oliver Bonas - Black and White Skirt  | 6. River Island - Grey Striped Bardot Shirt  | 7. Oliver Bonas - Shirt | 8. River Island - Light Blue Cami Top | 9. New Look - Waterfall Duster Jacket | 10. Zara - Faux Leather Skirt | 11. Topshop - Pinafore Dress | 12. River Island - Striped Cami Top | 13. New Look - White Spot Shirt | 14. New Look - Black Cropped Trousers | 15. New Look - Burgundy Shirt | 16. Topshop - Tie Sleeve Bardot Blouse

Why is it, when you’ve got money to spend, I can never seem to find any clothes that I want but when my funds are lacking, I seem to be able to create an entire wishlist as long as my arm.

However after creating said wishlist, my excuse legit and very plausible reason for shopping spending my money on said clothes on that wishlist is that I have a ‘new’ job. Well I’ve actually had said new job for about six months now but I never actually managed to replenish my wardrobe after having a massive clear out and de-clutter before moving. So I need some workwear.

My usual daytime attire consists of both jeans and a baggy t-shirt/top – depends on my mood - so I needed to step up my game a little in the office wear world.  My office is quite ‘relaxed’ in terms of wardrobe, however I tend to go for the ‘smart/casual’ look on a day-to-day basis unless I have a client meeting when I tend to dress it up and make a bit more of an effort.

Luckily, I have found some great additions to hopefully add to my workwear wardrobe; New Look and River Island have some lovely items in at the moment as well as Oliver Bonas – however this is likely to stay on the wishlist, a little longer.

If there is anything else out there you think my wardrobe needs then let me know!

Life Lately #4 | The Next Chapter…

Is there a better way to help you start writing an introduction to a new blog post than with a cup of tea on one side and a Rolo Cookie Blondie on my other? No, I thought not! Also, you can’t catch up on life without a cup of tea or coffee present. It’s just not right. 

Anyway, let’s been frank… It’s been a while. And whilst these last nine months have literally flown by and I’ve been super busy, I have had time here and there to dot down a few blog post ideas that I am going to start working on. I wish I could tell you that my life has been all glitz and glamour (well it was for a week) but the moral of it is, I have been extremely busy with just normal life. Mainly working and trying to play adult – which at twenty-three years old, I thought I would have mastered by now but then suddenly, life throws one of its curve ball at you.

So instead of going into all details, because you’d literally be here for hours I thought I would dot down a quick and simple bullet point list about what has been happening with me over the last nine months. 

So, here it goes… (In no particular order) 

• I turned twenty-three. That’s right twenty-three. I should be getting better at this adult thing by now, right? 
• I got a new job and moved to Bristol in March. From a small seaside town to a quirky, up and coming city – it was quite a change at first but I think I’m settling in nicely now. 
• My new job is totally awesome and so diverse. No day is the same. 
• I drove combine harvester. That’s right a combine harvester. Just FYI – I don’t work on a farm as part of my day job, one of my client to linked to the fresh produce market – so we went checked it out! 
• I went on holiday to Monaco. Its super glamorous, has a beautiful historic story and it’s own royal family and plenty of super yachts. And when I say super yachts, I mean ‘super yachts’ – they were like floating mansions on the water with multiple helicopter pads and cars on board, ready to hit the open road when they docked. It’s my new favourite place. 
• I walked the entire Formula One Track whilst I was in Monaco, which was pretty cool. 
• I went on holiday for a week abroad with hand luggage only. For anyone that knows me, I’m a major over-packer. How was that going to work? But I tell you something it is surprising how much you can actually fit in those small suitcases. Now I’m officially all about the hand luggage when I go on holiday. 
• I reunited with my uni gal-pals. There was bowling (we get rather competitive, I must say!), shopping, lunching and plenty of Prosecco – no surprise there! 
• I had someone in my life, who would not take ‘NO’ for answer to something. 
• I learnt that even when you think everything is sorted and will be okay, life still throws you some surprises.

FIVE THINGS THAT HAVE MADE ME HAPPY IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS

1. I turned twenty-three, which meant that more celebrating (and Prosecco) was required.
2. Having fresh flowers in the flat and being able to open all the windows and doors. I miss being able to do that in the winter!
3. Reuniting with my uni gal-pal – hopefully we won’t leave it as long next time.
4. Find my love for health and fitness again. Time to hit the gym!
5. Spending quality weekends with my mum. Now I live in Bristol, she’ll come up and spend weekends with me, just shopping and catch up.

Until the next time.