A Moment of Reflection

I decided for this week I wanted to do a slightly reflective post. I stopped writing a diary when I first started at university which I really miss. I got into bed a few days ago and just for a few seconds I lay there thinking about the last year and what has happened in this space of time. On occasions like this I would go back to consult my diary to see how I was feeling, see where I’ve come from and how things have changed but lots of those memories and in the moment emotions have obviously never been written down.

I am currently about a week away from starting my exams for the end of my first year of university. Funnily enough I was doing virtually exactly the same thing last year and was stressing over preparing for the most important exams of my life, so far. Many people will know that my exams don’t count towards my degree this year so maybe I’m slightly less stressed this year. I’ve learnt so much about myself in the last year- my taste in boys or maybe lack of taste?! That is most certainly open to debate. I’ve had to learn to make new friends meeting some of the kindest people ever but missed some of the ones I already had.

The last year has been crazy with doing a major house move, passing my driving test- goodness the freedom that has given me, getting contact lenses. I’ve realised that having to do adult things is not all that its cracked up to be. Signing tenancy agreements for renting a house and learning to pay bills was a tad scary but something I knew I had to do.

I feel so much is yet to come especially over the next two years, but I am thankful for the all the experiences that I have had over the last 12 months which have helped me develop and become stronger. Who knows what’s ahead?

Exam Stress Necessities

The joys of exam season are on us again. Over the last few years of taking public exams I have gained a few things that get me through these horrible few weeks of exams. Virtually, all I want to do is curl up in a ball and hope they go away but that is definitely not going to get me anywhere. Instead I often try to include a few special treats during my day to make a lot of revision that more bearable and to have something to motivate me. Sweet treats are a must, the ban on buying chocolate has been lifted for the next few weeks, and sometimes a quick sugar boost just does the trick. On this occasion I did buy Cadburys Fruit and Nut, but the new Cadburys bars with Oreos and other amazing things may have to go in my basket when current chocolate levels are running low. Tea is also another exam essential in my life. I can’t find many other things that are as comforting as a mug of hot tea. A great relaxant before bed.

Exam season also calls for lots of evening DVD and series watching. Chick flicks or Disney have to be on that list for a good singalong or cry. Well nothing that is too taxing on the brain really! This week I have been out quite a bit with some of my friends which has been brilliant for taking my mind off any exam stresses. Being all in the same boat really helps to know you aren’t alone but has helped me get any worries off my chest. The plans for the next few days are having some pampering sessions, my skin is in desperate need of some TLC, and also being out in the beautiful sunshine for some much needed exercise with some of my music.  

Have you got any other good exam season tips or tricks? Fingers crossed for anyone also sitting exams too.

Mini Samples Review

About two weeks ago I put up an Instagram picture showing some the of the samples that I have got to try and I thought it might be a good idea to tell you what I thought of some of them.

Grounded Chocolate Orange Body Scrub: After quite a bit of hype over this range of body scrubs I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some to try. Of the three I would have to say this would have been the last I would have tried not being a massive fan of chocolate orange. However, I was surprised by how much I liked the smell being so chocolate orange. This scrub is very messy so trying this in the shower is very important. I think the packaging is something different and attractive in keeping with the coffee idea, but ideally it really needs to be made of a more waterproof material if coming into contact with water.
What is also pretty cool is they are running a competition for a trip to Paris if you upload a selfie onto Instagram using your Grounded Scrub.

Alpha H Micro Cleanse with Glycolic acid and Peppermint: I often so many exfoliants seem to merge into one and can often feel quite harsh which puts me off wanting to use them. I have used this about once or twice a week for 3 weeks and because the beads are much finer than in other exfoliants this seems to do a better job of unclogging my pores. My skin seems much brighter with the inclusion of cucumber and the anti-bacterial peppermint properties ensure my skin truly is clean. For the time being I will have to stick to some other more affordable exfoliators but the Alpha-H range has so much on offer.

Vichy Normaderm Anti- Blemish care: I’ve never knowingly used any Vichy products before but I always like trying new moisturisers. This claims to help any hormone imbalances around the time of your period which may increase the chances of blemishes and the production of extra sebum. I honestly can’t testify to these claims yet but I know that it has done a brilliant job keeping my skin hydrated and as radiant as it can be with a lack of sleep.