A 90's baby

After watching Clueless a couple of nights ago, I was suddenly transported back to the 1990's. I was born in 1995, so I was practically a baby for most of it however I remember some of the trends and the big countdown to the millennium. I particularly remember dancing round to Cher's Believe which was released in 1998 and is now named one of the most annoying songs of all time! Growing up in the 00's however was great, some of the greatest bands hit the charts, especially for kids. Some of these names I'm sure you'll remember: S-Club 7, Steps, Busted, Black-Eyed Peas, Backstreet Boys, Westlife... ring any bells?

Although today these old ways seem worlds away with technology moving so fast, a new iPhone being released every two years, music being purchased in majority online and with the invention of social media we are living in a revolution of our own. I'm sure ten years from now we will be thinking about how far technology has advanced from this current moment. But lets cast our minds back to a time where mobile phones had one game of 'snake', hair gel sold out in shops as men across the country spiked their hair like a hedgehog and demin littered the shops. As we all like to do once in a while lets look at some of our favourite things from the 90's and 00's, heres my list, feel free to comment!

Favourite... 

Disney Film: The Little Mermaid. Although The Lion King, Robin Hood, Snow White and Cinderella are all up there. Oh I love them all!

Children's TV show: The Tweenies with my favourite being Jake, the one with the big mohawk. I actually went to see them live, yep... a true fan. Although I only really remember watching this coming home from my very first days at school, before this it would have to be the Teletubbies, with La La being my favourite there. I also remember having a Teletubby toast cut out so I could have Tubby toast every morning.

Cartoon: Spongebob. One of the funniest and oddest cartoons around. I think I saw every episode at least twice over.

Sitcom: No doubt with this one, F.R.I.E.N.D.S.! In fact I believe it is the best TV show of all time.

Sweets: Those little packets of fun gums that used to come in the shapes of teeth and toothbrushes were always nice and a popular choice at school discos, although slightly ironic thinking back as sweets are bad for your teeth...

Author: I remember being in primary school and the Jacqueline Wilson craze starting off. I think I read pretty much all of her books. I also adored the books by Roald Dahl especially The Twits and The BFG.

Meal: Something like Tuna Pasta Bake I would have enjoyed. I always liked pasta and people that know me now can support me on this, particularly at university, when looking for an easy dinner, pasta is always the first port of call.

Item of Clothing: It has to be my purple velvet top which spelt out 'Party' in stick on gems. As tacky as that may sound, I loved that top and it has be said velvet was very on trend and has made a comeback in recent years. I was also very proud of my total 90 shoes, silver and red ones to be precise, which seemed to become a massive trend with both boys and girls, as a bit of a tom-boy back then I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread.

Teacher: Mr P. Best teacher I've ever had. Even as a young seven year old he inspired me to pursue History with his practical approach to the subject. We frequently listened to old music, often by Elvis Presley as his favourite ever artist, watched films on spies in the Second World War and even dressed up as German soldiers for our assembly on Remembrance that made it into the local paper!

Songs: Ooo this is tricky as many of my favourite songs from the time would have changed now. I'll have to spilt it into two parts. As a child in the 90's- probably ...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears, a very catchy song released in 1998. From the 00's, wow thats hard as I remember so many songs- I'll narrow it down to 5 songs, the first one being Kylie Minogue- Can't Get You Out Of My Head (2001), Busted- Year 3000 (2002), Beyonce- Crazy in Love (2003), The Black Eyed Peas- Where is the Love? (2003), Your Beautiful- James Blunt (2005).

Guilty Pleasure Song: The Ketchup Song released in 2002 - although it was so bad, it was just so good wasn't it?

Artist/Band: Well its going to have to be S-Club 7, they dominated my school disco days. Everyone loved a bit of Ssssss-Club. Remember, there ain't no party like an S-Club party? Although Busted were a top band of mine, I even had some bright pink Busted pjs, yeah I was a cool kid.

Subject at school: History, always liked it and thats what I'm now studying it at degree level! Not so much dressing up involved though.

Day of the Year at School: It has to be Sports Day. Loved competing with my friends for little medals and being treated to a 99, which then were true to their name, only £1.

Male Celebrity Crush: Its gonna have to be Mr DiCaprio, who wouldn't fall for that cute face in Titanic?

Toy: As the young 00's girl I was, I had a Baby Annabelle that I loved and wanted to buy everything for, the bed, the clothes, the pram. But do you remember Furbies? I had one of those and I thought it was the best thing ever. I was also very original (not) with a collection of Barbies.

Console Game: Sims was my all time favourite game. However in the days of the Playstation 2, which my brother had, we would often play Crash Bash, a game of mini challenges with that fox like creature Crash Bandicoot. Also on Nintendo DS, the original one which I was fascinated by the touchscreen, I loved Animal Crossing. It seemed all the kids at primary school had this game and we would visit each other and stuff and whatever else you could do!

Rom-Com: The age of Rom-Com was the 1990s. Now this is bit of a retrospective question as I obviously didn't really watch romantic films when I was little. The traditional British ones are all so brilliant such as Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Pretty Woman (1990) and Notting Hill (1999), which is my all time favourite. However She's All That (1999), which I heard they are remaking soon, She's the Man (2006) which sparked my love for Channing Tatum, and 13 going on 30 (2004) are some of my ultimate favourites.

Thing you miss most about the 90's/00's: As much as I love Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the so many more social media websites,  a world without it was in effect is so much easier, maybe for my age group anyway. So many times I hear girls saying 'don't put that on Facebook' or 'I'll edit that and post it later', 'they have more likes than me' or 'wow, she has 143 likes, she must be pretty'. Should we really be thinking like this and did people in the past think like this before modern technology? I just sometimes think that sites such as Facebook etc. can be compared to a giant interview room where everyone is competing for attention. Are therefore the children of today pressured from an early age to be modelled for these sites, educated on how to pose for a selfie or is it all just a bit of fun? Anyway this could spark a whole new debate. Saying that, as an avid user of all these sites does that mean I am just an average consumer of the social networking culture of the 21st century or I have fallen in to the trap of social competitiveness? I do like the fact social media allows you to share events, photos and well your opinions openly, helping you to connect with others around you, but I do miss the innocence of the 90's which did not have such social pressures, especially on young people. Also I miss the great, although somewhat cheesy music!

So, have a go answering the favourites for yourself, trust me its really fun :) and as ever feel free to make any comments.

Six Steps to Summer Health and Beauty Bliss

Summer is the most important time of the year to be looking your best right? With the summer holidays drawing closer and closer, more and more of you will want to be ready. It’s important you feel your best on the outside and within, so here are some tips for summer success!

1. Keep up the exercise 

The fight for that summer body soon begins as spring starts to appear. However, it’s not all about the ideal bikini body. Exercise is a great way to release stress by releasing endorphins which in turn will you make you feel good about yourself, whilst keeping you healthy. If your looking to tone up, lose a few pounds or fancy feeling fitter, take up something which suits your needs.

2. Stay safe in the sun

Whilst many of us like lying in the sun for hours to develop that perfect summer tan, you have to remember your skin is vulnerable to burning. It’s recommended that in high temperatures, in the UK or abroad to begin with at least factor 15 to prevent being burnt to a crisp! Also as much as they are a fashion statement, sunglasses are an effective way of protecting your eyes from contact with direct sunlight.

3. Healthy Eating 

I’m not suggesting discard all carbs, but everyone should think about taking on the 5 a day challenge. Having your 5 fruit or veg will not only help you keep you fit and healthy on the outside, but will you maintain a steady intake of nutrients. Also, with the hot weather on its way (hopefully) it’s nice to eat something light, so why not replace pasta for a salad or a milkshake for a smoothie?

4. Hair hydration 

Keeping your hair healthy in those summer months is always a challenge with the heat drying it out, and the sun bleaching it lighter. Frequently condition your hair each time you wash it, additionally you can use leave in conditioner to get it to a silky soft feel, or alternatively invest in some Moroccan oil which is deemed to do wonders for dry hair. After a day at the beach, with the mixture of salt water and sand drying out your hair, a top tip is to rinse through with olive oil to restore nutrients.  

5. Soft skin

The key to glowing holiday skin and maintaining that tan is simply through keeping hydrated. Yes, moisturisers definitely help but it’s equally important to keep up those water levels, not only to prevent headaches and sunstroke but to keep skin in tip top condition. Aftersun is also a good investment, and with regular application after a day in the sun you are much more likely to retain your tan.  

6. Melt- free makeup 

With those intense temperatures abroad, or that occasional appearance of sunshine here in the UK, keeping your make up in pristine condition is a struggle. Although, it has been recommend the application of primer before you do your makeup will ensures you to be smudge and smear free for the rest of the day. Also refer to a light make-up, nothing to heavy for the summer to help let your skin breathe and soak up that vitamin D.

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Spring favourites

So we are nearly there, spring is finally arriving! We see the days are getting longer, the daffodils are slowly beginning to appear and the sun is shining more and more. With a new season comes new trends, and here is my list of essentials to see you through this spring!

1. Blouse- Now why a blouse? Isn't that all too simple? Well, that is precisely the point! Perfect for those slightly sunnier days paired with some shades and those colder ones with a cardy or blazer. The blouse can be worn tucked into a pair of skinny jeans even with some heels to add an element of sophistication, or simply loosely with a pair of leggings for a more causal look. Its a must have this season and is popular in styles from the crop, to the boyfriend shirt, so go on, go grab one!

2. Wellies- What else is going to get you through those April Showers? We are subject to plenty of rain in Britain and if you haven't already, invest in some! They will also be very useful once the festival season hits, we all know what Glastonbury is like... Wellies these days come in so many designs, with ankle boot type or normal knee cut offs and in so many different colours and patterns, where to begin! If you want to invest in a sturdy long lasting pair then look no further than Joules or Hunter, however if your just looking for the season then get down to your nearest shop including your local supermarket, there are so many to choose from!

3. Stripes- Stripes are everywhere, all over the catwalk and on the high street. A huge trend this spring is the stripey top, whether its a jumper style, sequinned or off the shoulder, stripes are back with force. Also becoming increasingly popular is the striped dress, which can be perfectly accompanied with a denim or leather jacket. Just take a look around your local hight street to pick up any stripe products!





























































4. Silk Scarf- I do like a scarf. I think they make the perfect accessory and can easily jazz up a simple outfit. Springtime fashion is all about light, colourful and layered clothing to suit those warmer and colder days in the build up to the summer months, and silk is the perfect material for this season. Whilst adding colour and design to your outfit, they add a sense of sophistication and class, a sort of Emma Watson edge if you know what I mean. Even just the one scarf will see you through this season perfectly, accessorising as you go.

5. Crew neck jumper- The crew neck is a perfect style jumper for the spring season and in particular 2015 has seen the return of this design. This style of jumper is often light and can be worn over a collared shirt to add smartness to your outfit or simply worn with a pair of ripped skinny jeans for a more edgy look. It comes in so many different patterns, the popular ones being checked, floral or striped . A great investment and a perfect addition to the wardrobe for those days when your struggling for what to wear.

The best of the Baftas

Only a quick post on Sunday night's spectacular British Academy Awards! As ever, the evening was full of glamour, happiness and equally disappointment in some cases. This is the social gathering of the year in Britain for the best stars in hollywood, although our national heartthrob David Beckham made an appearance on the red carpet aside the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch, he's just too rich, famous and damn good looking to miss out on the opportunity! His presentation of the award for 'Outstanding British Film' really did make my evening. He stole the show really.

Although another highlight of the evening was most certainly Eddie Redmayne winning the award for 'Best Actor' for 'The Theory of Everything' which I can say is a brilliant, moving and inspiring film. He was truly fantastic, so well deserved Eddie! To add to this delightful win, the man himself, Stephen Hawking was there to witness the triumph of the film based on his life which really was a great success at this years Baftas.

Stephen Fry put on a great show as usual, full of hilarity and quick wit. His introduction of Tom Cruise to present the award for 'Best Film' really did make me laugh. Talking of Cruise, he just does not age! If there is such a thing as looking fantastic at fifty, Tom Cruise is the perfect example.

And finally it was lovely to witness the display of glamorous actors on the Red Carpet, looking at the beautiful dresses and the gorgeous gents, I can't wait for the Oscars, bring it on!

Why travel?

Travelling. One of my main aspirations in life is to travel, to see the world. I'm sure many of you share this desire, especially those of you who are young, finishing uni and thinking what the hell do I do with myself now?! Your probably thinking, like me, I want to do something big, worthwhile, special, life-changing which will be full of memories and most importantly loads of fun!











I mean, these days its almost a right of passage, particularly heading off to Thailand and exploring the worlds sights whilst completing the stereotypical quest of 'finding yourself'. I think travelling should be something everyone participates in, unfortunately its an expensive business, however its possible by saving up!













Why not see the world that has been created for you to explore? The discovery of different cultures may put your life into perspective or encourage you to lead a life similar to theirs. Also, travelling allows to you make friends, possibly friends for life. Going it alone with a couple of mates will put your friendship to the test, having to direct yourself across different continents, jumping on a off trains, comforting someone when they are ill, all these trials and tribulations will bring you closer to those around you. So, top tip, pick to go travelling with friends you know you can rely on!

Now, I am sure you are envisaging going 'travelling' as you and a couple of mates with a few backpacks, hiking around Thailand, partying on the beach and absorbing the culture, however this is not always the case. Travelling can mean going anywhere for any amount of time, so don't let that image put you off. If your limited in funding but still want to get away, jet off on a European city break, there is so much to see in the cities of Europe! I think for me, going inter-railing around Europe, often the cheaper alternative to jumping straight into Aisa, is a great preliminary step to the big year out. And its on my bucket list!

As always, back to my best friend +BuzzFeed  here are a few inspirational videos to encourage you to take the plunge and do it, after all, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

Where will you start?