A little insight into being a hairdresser

Hi everyone,

 

If you have been reading my blog for a while you will know I am a hairdresser. I have worked in an hairdressers since I was at high school. March this year I will be reaching my six year mark, I honestly cant believe it. So I thought today I would share with you what its like to actually be a hairdresser.

Everyday is different. You see different people, you do different hairstyles and you have different conversations. Meeting new people is a massive part of the job. Be this the young or the old. I think its amazing having the chance to meet so many people. You share that small moment in their life, where you have made a difference. Be that a new hairstyle, giving them someone to talk to or something as simple as sharing a smile. It leaves your client feeling better than when they first walked through the door. And you, well you get this incredible feeling of having made a difference to someone's day.

Image: http://galleryhip.com/cutting-hair.html

The clients you will meet will come in all different shapes and sizes. All with their stories to tell. You have the sad, the joyful and the outstanding. Every client comes with their own story. You are the person lucky enough to be the one they share this with. Yes they have probably told these stories a million times, but today they choose to share with you. Through my time in the salon I have had stories of meeting their true love, marriages, families, loved ones passing away, children being born and many more. Every story is different, everyone has their own twist. Some of my favourites are how people meet, they will either make you laugh or cry. During the time the client is in your chair they share that small part of their life with you. If you continue to do this persons hair into the future you learn more and you grow a bond with the person.

Everyday comes with a new challenge. I have heard too many people in the past say hairdressing is an easy job. I can tell you its not. For one when you have a new client in, you never know what is going to walk through the door. Yes you have easy clients, but you have ones that are slightly more difficult. But this is your challenge. I have learnt over the years that you may not please everyone, but the ones you do, you should cherish. I personally work with the most incredible group of girls, I am extremely lucky for this. I know that no matter what challenges I am to face during my day, they will always be there to help. It is not bad to ask for help, a second opinion is always gratefully appreciated. So the best thing to do is to take everyday as it comes. If you feel worried about something, someone will have your back.

Someone says to you, what is a hairdresser? What comes to your mind first? Someone that cuts hair. Yes we do that, a lot of it. But we also do a lot more. We work from anything as small as a trim to as big as a perm. Different salons offer different services. Some that we offer are cuts, blowdrys, shampoo and sets, colours and perming. The bliss of being a hairdresser is not every client wants the same. So you will never have a day full of one thing. It will always be a mixture, which is what keeps the job so interesting and exciting.

Image: http://shorthairstyle2013.net/using/using-hot-rollers-for-curly-hairstyles-2011.html

So I guess the one thing that comes to everyone's minds is why do it? If what I have written above doesn't tell you enough about my job let me share this. Being a hairdresser is a job where you can seek inspiration everywhere. Be that from your colleagues or your clients. You have the opportunity to learn everyday from loads of different people. Everyone comes with their own advice. Trust me when I say this. Getting to meet so many people in a day can help to build your confidence drastically. I can personally say I am not the same person I was when I started 6 years ago. I talk more, a lot more. Hairdressing can open up a world of opportunities for you. You can work in a salon or from home. This job will last you a lifetime. You can take it where ever you go, people will always want their hair done. This is a job you can work around your lifestyle. Have children? You can work hours that work for you. This doesn't always have to be a 9-5 job.

I personally work 9-5 and then 9-3 on Saturdays. These hours work for me. During these times I have in clients who are either just people that want their hair done or are my regulars. This is a job where you get to build up your own clientele. Have regular clients weekly, fortnightly or every six weeks or so. It is one of the best feelings when you have clients that visit you regularly. You grow a connection with them and you are able to talk about everything like how their families are. One of the best parts of the job for me is watching a client leave 100% satisfied with their hair. It makes you feel incredible. The feeling you get when a client wants you to do their hair week after week, is one awesome feeling, not many things compare to it. 

So I hope that little insight in to being a hairdresser gives you an idea of my job and why I love it so much. What do you do for work? Let me know in the comments.

Love
Zoe x

Things to do on a budget

Hi everyone,

Its January, Christmas has been and money for some people is tighter than usual. But that doesn't mean you cant have fun. There is still loads of fun to have. So keep reading for my ideas of how you can keep this beginning of the year fun on a budget. 

Picnic in the park...

 

Image: http://americanclublyon.org/picnic-in-the-park-on-july-17th/

I know it may seem slightly too cold for a picnic but wrap up warm, pack the hot drinks and your well away. A picnic in the park is perfect for when you are looking for ideas of something to do on a budget. Grab yourself a big blanket, your favourite food and a flask of your favourite hot drink. Then sit back and enjoy the outdoors and awesome company you have.

 

Beach day...

Image: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/250301691764697308/

 What better way to spend your day when on a budget than strolling along the beach. Feeling the sand between your toes and the fresh sea air blowing through your hair. Yes you leave looking like you have been dragged through a bush backwards, they don't tell you that in the movies. But putting all the messy hair aside, how cheap is this day out. Yes you may pay out for some fish and chips. But in reality there are definitely more expensive days out than fish and chips at the beach. Not only do you get to have a cheap day out, you leave feeling relaxed.

 

Board games...

Image: http://imgarcade.com/1/adults-playing-board-games

 Sounds like its for kids, yes it may be. It is also awesome fun for adults. Trust me this will bring back all the childhood memories. But this time more fun. Hours will vanish by without you all even realising. So why not dig out them old board games from the loft, yes I know we all have them. This is a day that wont cost you a single penny. So what better reason to gather your friends and make a night of it.

 

Woodland walks...

Image: http://strawberrymilkchan.deviantart.com/art/Walking-through-the-forest-369690772

 This is one of my favourites. A day that will hardly cost you anything. So visit your local forest and pack that picnic. Pull on some old clothes because we all know it can be a bit dirty and just enjoy yourself. I find it incredibly relaxing walking around the forest. Wrapping up warm and just taking in the natural beauty all around you. It can be breath taking. So wrap up warm and just enjoy what is around you.

 

At home cinema...

Image: http://www.wisegeek.org/why-are-movie-tickets-so-expensive.htm

 What could be cheaper than raiding your own DVD collection. So whether it be during the day or at night, get your friends round. Make some popcorn, grab some blankets and get cracking on them films. You don't need to pay tons to go to the cinema. Yes your films are not fresh in to the cinema films but they will be some of your favourites. Also you can make as much noise as you like at home so you can all have a good laugh.

 

So they are some of the ways I think you can have fun on a budget, have you got any you would add?

 

Love

Zoe x

The perfect winter getaways

Hi everyone,

 

So as I sit here writing this its a cold night, about 8.15pm and I am in my pjs tucked up in bed. But this is what winter does to us. Some people love it and others hate it. Or like me, your in between. I love the idea of winter. The wrapping up warm, drinking hot chocolate and going to bed early just to watch Netflix. But when it comes to being on the outside I moan. This is mainly because I hate being cold and naturally I never put enough layers on. Winter is the perfect time to take that trip away from reality. So I thought I would share with you what I think the perfect getaways are for you to rock in the winter weather.

 

The perfect getaway is going to be somewhere cold yet warming at the same time. Think log cabins with hot tubs and fires. I always think a break in the winter is done more for relaxing. So whether you are getting away from work and every day to day life or if you just feel like going away. Find somewhere that is going to have beautiful scenery yet could be the warmest place worth being. And no I'm not talking about Australia.

 

If I was going to give you my perfect winter getaway it would be a log cabin in the forest. Where during the day I can wrap up warm and go for long walks, taking in the beautiful place around me. Then in the evenings I can cook heart warming meals and cosy up on the sofa with a blanket, the fire going and a romantic movie. Yes sounds like what would happen in a film, but honestly I would adore this. You are making the most of the winter weather we have and not letting it stop you. But at the same time you are relaxing in the warmth of the log cabin. 

 

Image: http://www.hottubhideaways.com/lodges/

Another example for me again would be very similar but in a cottage in a small village. Where I can walk around and explore during the day. Then at night either cook myself or visit the local pubs. To then finish the evening relaxing in the warmth of the cottage in front of the fire.

 

If you are not the cold outdoors winter person, you may prefer a hot getaway. Trust me when I say this, I wouldn't say no. Some places that are amazing for winter sun are as follows: Lanzarote, Costa Rica, Cape Verde, Cuba, Florida, Gran Canaria, Barbados, Dubai, Morocco, St Lucia, Abu Dhabi and Rio De Janeiro. All of these places you are guaranteed that winter sun for topping up the tan or getting rid of that winter paleness. Either way, you can wave  goodbye to them winter blues.

 

Image: https://afktravel.com/97807/more-than-just-salt-exploring-sal-cape-verde/

Where would you go for your winter getaway?

 

I hope your all having an incredible week.

 

Love

Zoe x

Winter fragrances

Hi everyone,

 

So them cold wintery months are still among us. Everything changes with the seasons. Clothes, hair, weather. So why not fragrances. Whether this be your perfume or your home fragrance. Its good to know what changes to make when the colder months get here. So that's what I am going to share with today.

 

Perfume...

 

So when it comes to perfume, a girls got to have the right one. You get girls that religiously stick to one all year round and then others that play around a bit. I'm a girl that plays around a bit. Honestly I don't mind what I use. I will say I am a massive lover of any marc Jacobs perfumes and I also love Calvin Klein IN2U. 

 

When it comes to winter you are looking for one with base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli and musk. Also any spicy scents are also a winner. You tend to lean towards these types of base notes as they are much deeper scents. Perfect for the winter time.

 

You have to remember a perfume can be the first thing someone notices about someone else.

 

Two perfumes which are ideal for winter are:

 

MY BURBERRY BLACK:

 

Contains rose, jasmine, peach, amber and patchouli.

 

Image: http://www.cliquezcastres.fr/Produit/1787

DEEP EUPHORIA:

 

A fruity and spicy scent.

 

Image: http://www.fragrantica.com/news/Calvin-Klein-Deep-Euphoria-8191.html

 

Home Fragrance...

 

For the home I always go for spicy scents in the winter months. Mainly because they are warming. You walk in to a room which smells spicy you instant feel this warm glow hit you.

 

You can use anything you want. This can be candles, sprays, incense sticks, oils the list is endless. I personally love candles they add a glow to a room which makes you feel warm and cosy. But you can use whatever you like best or try them all.

 

I love home fragrance as I always think its is something that welcomes others into your home when they visit. It makes them feel comfortable.

 

Three candles which would be perfect for winter are:

 

COCO AND SANDALWOOD by MOLTON BROWN.

 

Image: http://www.moltonbrown.com/store/home-fragrance/scented-candles/coco-sandalwood-three-wick-candle/CAN178/

ORANGE AND CLOVE by AMARA.

 

Image: https://us.amara.com/products/orange-clove-scented-candle-1

CINNAMON STICK by YANKEE CANDLE. 

 

Image: https://www.crusadergifts.co.uk/products/yankee-candle-large-jar-cinnamon-stick-scent/p-2447-20805/

 

So they are some of my suggestions for winter fragrances. Have you got anymore ideas? Let me know in the comments. I hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

 

Love

Zoe x

 

2016!!!

Hi everyone,

 

So throughout a year we all have our benchmarks. Whether these be small or big things, its something that we think back to. I thought it would be awesome if today I shared with you my benchmarks of 2016. It was an exciting year. Plenty happened. It saw new beginnings, great achievements and crazy ideas. If there is anyone I would want to share this with it would be you guys. I mean follow me through my year, yet there is so much you guys don't see. So I thought why not open that window a bit more and show you really what happens in my life.

 

A change in lifestyle...

 

In January 2016 I took that massive step I had been hiding from and committed to a better lifestyle. I wanted to be healthier and fitter than I had ever been. It was hard work and to start with I think I could of given up everyday. But I pushed through. I became the lifestyle I wanted to live. The one, I felt I needed. This is a change that will never leave me. I am committed to living a better lifestyle for many years to come. Its something I have grown I learn and love.

 

A crazy hair day...

 

I walked into work one day and said to the girl that does my hair, Zoe I think I want to go pink. We had the whole what bright pink or baby pink. I said I was looking at a nice pastel pink. I was super excited. I have never done anything this crazy with my hair. So I ordered the dye and came home one day and put it on the table and said right mum this is happening this week. My biggest concern was with working with older clients, what they may think. The compliments I received from my pink hair was outstanding. I have even had one client ask when will I be doing it again. One thing I will tell anyone thinking of colour their hair a crazy colour. Don't worry what others think, just express yourself.

 

Drop a dress size or two...

I started working out with no intention of losing to much weight, mainly I wanted to tone up. But I started as a 10/12 and now I sit here in 8/10. I personally couldn't be more happy with the progress I made. I didn't mind being a 10/12 in fact it actually never bothered me that much. But now to be able to go buy my trousers in an 8 is 1. unbelievable and 2. one of the best feelings ever. I am proof that if you work hard enough your goals will come to you.

Mums big day...

In July my mum got married. I was a bridesmaid for her. So I had the dress, the hair and the makeup. I went and got my nails done and had a spray tan so I didn't look like Casper ghost walking down the aisle. It was a lovely day and my mum enjoyed it very much as did her new husband. This was such a milestone because I got to see my mum at her happiest. 

A week in paradise...

For our holiday last year we dashed away to Majorca for a week. It was beautiful. Sunny, hot weather everyday as it was august. We couldn't ask for more. I love nothing more than just relaxing while I am away. So a week laying next to the pool in the sunshine was right up my street. The area we stayed in was very quiet and honestly there wasn't really anything around us. To me this is ideal. I'm away from normality, what more could a girl ask for.

A bedroom refresh...

While my mum was whisked away on her honeymoon, I got cracking with redecorating my bedroom. I went for a dark grey wall with a paler grey/white over the rest. I couldn't be happier with how it looks. I have kept it fairly plain opting for mostly grey. But with different seasons come different pops of colour. My room is the perfect place for a 20 year old girl to just unwind and chill. Full of fairy lights and soft furnishings, it is complete bliss.

Getting that pass...

I passed my driving test in 2016, one of my biggest achievements of the year. I had had an awful time learning to drive, with many failed tests. Day by day I was wishing I had never started. Then one day in October I had my 5th test and I got in the car and said to my instructor, I'm passing this test today. Anyone that knows me knows this is 100% something I would never say in a million years. But I did. I wanted it so bad and that day I came home with a pass.

Dream car...

Ever since I was little I have always said I want a mini. Well February 2016 I found the dream mini I had been looking for. Two weeks later the beauty was sitting on my drive. I will admit I have had tons of problems with it, the garage I got it from well and truly pulled a fast one on me. But I still love it all the same and slowly everything is getting fixed. Right now I have just replaced the battery, so fingers crossed nothing else goes wrong. I cant tell you how good it feels having the car I wanted as my first ever car and to have paid for it myself.

Lights, camera, action...

I had put on my goals of 2016 that I would start YouTube. Did I really think it would happen? No never. But here I am with a YouTube channel and I love it. I film beauty, hair, food and lifestyle videos. I also do vlogging every Monday as its my day off. I still have a lot to learn and improve on. But right now I am happy, I set out to do something and I done it.

So they are my benchmarks of 2016. What a great year it was. I hope 2017 will treat me just as well. What did you do in 2016 that you look back on and feel good about? Let me know in the comments.

Love
Zoe x
 



How to kick start your fitness future

Hi everyone,

 

If you have been following me for a while you will know I am slightly fitness crazy. I love it. At the beginning of January I started back up again after stopping due to an injury. But I am back at it better than ever. Which got me thinking, I got back into it really easily because I love it. But I thought for others it may not be so simple. So I am going to share with you my tips for kick starting your fitness future. Whether your beginner or just starting back up I hope my tips can help you.

 

1. Make achievable goals.

Right when it comes to working out you want your goals to be something you can achieve. There is no point setting yourself goals that even you know your not going to reach. What I will say is start small. You don't need to start by reaching for the stars. Start with tiny goals that you can progress into what you really want to achieve from your workouts. You can check out my fitness goals for 2017 here. I believe if you have something to work towards it makes it that so much more easier to do.

2. Don't go it alone.

Some people find it easier if they don't work out alone as they then have someone to encourage them. I personally am more of a do it alone kind of girl, as I don't really like working out in front of people. But having said that I have never had anyone to workout with, so I may actually enjoy it. So get your friends involved so you don't have to go it alone. Why not start up a challenge? One to get the better abs, or something similar. This will encourage you to work harder. But you must remember you may love that your friend gives you all this encouragement, but make sure your giving it back in return. That way you both end your session feeling great.

3. Buy some basics.

Now I am talking basic equipment that you may need. I actually started my fitness journey 1 year ago. So when I started I had no idea what I needed to buy and was literally thinking of buying everything. But trust me when I say this, your starting out, you don't need everything. What I find the best things to have are a set of dumbbells and a yoga mat. Yes two things, hard to believe right. I also purchased a weight bench later in the year but to start you probably wont need it. This will depend on what your planning on doing. This year I also am planning on purchasing some more fitness equipment. I'm not sure what or when but I would like to. So just remember don't buy everything out of the fitness section, start small and build up.

4. Food.

This may not seem like the biggest deal when your working out. But trust me you need to fuel your body correctly. You are working out, why wouldn't you feed your body the right foods? I have not yet got back into my food habits. Again its one step at a time. But I eat different foods on days that I work out to days I don't. I follow the body coach (Joe Wicks) Lean in 15 books. So I have reduced carbohydrate meals when I am not working out and then post-workout carbohydrate refuel meals when I am working out. This works for me, I am not saying it will work for you. YOU have to find what works for you and if this means playing around with different foods for a few weeks, so be it. See it as an experience you are learning from.

5. Treat yourself.

What I mean by this is buy yourself some new workout clothes. When I first started working out I was in old jogging bottoms and a vest top. Did it make me want to workout? No not one bit. I then went out to Tesco saw all these workout clothes which were so lovely and said I'm buying it. My mum laughed and said your going to spend all that on something you might not even keep at. I said no I am spending on something I am going to keep at, and boy did I. Wearing them gym clothes changed everything. I bought them in bright colours and in designs I loved the moment I looked at them. So when my alarm went off at 6.15am on a workout day, I wanted to get out of bed and put them on. If you are wearing something you love and feel comfortable and confident in, it will encourage you to do well.

6. Find your place.

Everyone has a place they like to work out. Whether that be at home, at the gym or in a park. My place is at home , in the comfort of my own living room. I am not a public person when it comes to working out. But it is also good to push outside your comfort zone once in a while. So you need to find your place. So try out that trial at the gym, if you don't like it stop. If you do, get yourself a membership. Or want something free, your local park or green is a great place to work out. Find yourself a quiet spot and get to work. Or you may be like me and want to do it at home. Wherever it may be, find your place and own it.

7. DVD's.

So if you are opting for the home workout, you may want to pick yourself up some workout DVD's. These can be picked up fairly cheap. I own a few. One I cant wait to start in February is the body coach workout DVD. I love his workouts and now for it to be on a DVD makes it all the better for me. Having said this a DVD is not a reason to sit down and just watch a bit of it part way through. Don't overdo it but don't use being at home the reason you don't try.

8. Time of day.

The last thing I am going to mention is time of day. When it comes to your workouts it good to know what time of day is best for you when it comes to doing them. I do mine in the morning. 1. Because I'm not really a morning person so it wakes me up for the day and starts my day right. 2. Because if I left them to the evening I would never do them. I know when I come home from work I don't want to get into doing a HIIT session, I just don't. But you may prefer the evenings, or lunch time. So have a play around with the times of day you do them and see what works for you.

So they are my tips for kick starting your fitness future. Do you have any that I haven't mentioned? Let me know in the comments. One last thing I will say is don't sit around waiting for it to come to you, if you want it, work for it. That is the only way you will achieve what you are looking for.

Love
Zoe x
  



Blackberry bath bomb review

Hi everyone,

 

I love bath bombs and Lush is one of my favourite places to visit. For Christmas my mum and her husband got me a load of bath bombs from lush. So I thought today I would review one of them for you. I am reviewing the Blackberry bath bomb. Trust me its a good one.

Who is lush?

Lush is a company that sell fresh handmade cosmetics. Everything from bath bombs and makeup to tooth tabs and face masks. You can shop from them online or in store. Everything from lush is fresh and organic and contain essential oils. Which leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling great.

 

What is it?

This is a bath bomb. So what you do with it is you run your bath, then drop it into the water. It then fizzes away and turns your water a different colour. These are super fun to use for all ages.

 

Why this bath bomb?

Right so this one is perfect for that relaxing night in. It is this beautiful purple colour which turns your water the most wonderful shade of purple. This is scented bergamot and frankincense. The bergamot is used in aromatherapy to help with anxiety, depression and nervous tension. It is relaxing while also being uplifting. The frankincense relaxes you by slowing down your breathing. Overall this is the perfect bath bomb after a long hard day at work.

 

My first impressions?

Ok so I will admit I have used this bath bomb before in the past and I still love it as much as back then. The colour is stunning and the bath bomb is surprisingly big, like most from lush. The smell of this bath bomb is strong but not overpowering. It fills the bathroom with this amazing scent that makes you want to lay back in the hot water and stay there. Your instantly relaxed and calm. When you put this into water, firstly you notice the amazing purple as the water starts to change. Then you notice that this is a really quick fizzing one. So before you know it you have a bath tub full of a deep purple liquid. This smells amazing and you can still smell it on you skin once you are out.

Surprise?

This bath bomb comes with a secret message in the middle. So when you try this look out for the piece of paper floating round your bath. I love how Lush hide it inside the bomb.

Where can you buy?

You can buy this at lush online or in store. It is priced at £3.35. You will find it here.

So that is my review of the blackberry bath bomb, have you tried this one? If so what did you think? You all know how much I love bath bombs and I could use them all the time. Do you have any you recommend I try? Let me know in the comments. I honestly don't think you can beat a night in, hot bath, bath bomb and a candle burning. I mean right now I think I can hear my bathroom calling me, its such a good idea.

Hope you have had a fabulous week.

Love
Zoe x

Fitness goals 2017

Hi everyone,

 

So in my goals for 2017 I said I wanted to achieve my dream body. Taking this in to account I think I should make some fitness goals for me to try and achieve in this coming year. As I share everything else with you guys I though hey why not might as well. So today you have my fitness goals for 2017, enjoy.

1. Workout 3-5 times a week:



Image: http://nude-share.com/photo.php?id=52227&cat=girlsinyogapants

When I was working out previously I was doing it 5 days on, 2 days off. This time as I am easing myself into it, I have started with 3 days on, 4 days off. So far I am feeling super good. I do aim to get back up to 5 times a week but its all about a little progress at a time.

2. Get my dream body:

Image: http://favim.com/image/4031744/

You would of seen this in my goals for 2017 post. I mean if I'm going to set fitness goals for myself I need something to work to achieve right? So all I want is a body I love and I can be just me in. I want to be body confident.

3. Eat as healthy as I can:

Image: https://jeffreysterlingmd.com/tag/healthy-eating-plate/

This one I again am planning on easing myself into. I do eat healthy in general, but I do have my ups and downs. I would like to get back to that place where I am back in the zone of healthy eating. I love eating healthy and that's the thing I actually enjoy. I feel better when I do.

4. Drink 2-4 litres of water a day:

Image: https://www.musely.com/tips/Want-A-Ice-Cold-Drink-In-Three-Minutes/4560091

This on is super important to me. I love water and its good for me. So I aim to drink 2-4 litres a day. That is what is recommended. You can switch up your water by adding fruit to it. I like to use lemons and limes.

5. Don't push myself but do challenge myself:

Image: http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/18-inspirational-fitness-quotes-motivate-every-aspect-your-workout

This one is a big one for me. I don't want to push myself and over do it but I do want to challenge myself. I believe if you challenge yourself it motivates you to achieve what you are setting out to achieve. Whereas if I just push myself then that's when things start to go wrong and I don't enjoy doing what I am doing.

So they are five fitness goals I have set myself for this coming year. What are your fitness goals? Let me know in the comments.

Love
Zoe x 

Financial resolutions

Hi everyone,

Recently I have been working on a money saving project with the company earnest.com. Together we have managed to put together a 2017 money saving plan which I am going to include in this post. I am also going to talk about the importance of understanding your financials. So lets get our saving heads on and have a better financial year.

So as you can see above the money saving challenge is put into 4 quarters. Each quarter spilt up into 3 months. Each month comes with a new challenge for you to try. These are simple changes you can make to your daily life to help have a better financial year. Its all about taking the everyday, and making a lifelong change.

First quarter:

Second quarter:

 

Third quarter:

 

Fourth quarter:

 

So now we have the importance of understanding your financials. It is so important that you understand your financials because then you can budget and work out if you can afford what you want.

 

An example of this is say you have this dream holiday you want to go on. But there is one problem you don't understand your financial situation. This then snowballs causing all sorts of problems. The idea is if you don't know your financials, how can you know if you really can afford this dream holiday? Can you budget enough for spending money as well? What about transport while you there? 

 

It is not only while your there that causes the problem, what about when you get home. Them bills, can you afford them, while still being in a good place financially? 

 

Please bare in mind this is not me saying, you cant have that dream holiday. Because girls and guys out there, I tell you to reach for the stars. But be realistic, can you really afford that at this given moment, whatever it may be.

 

If you are a student and have a student loan. You need to ensure you are financially minded when it comes to spending. A loan wont always be there to catch you when your falling. Yes its fun, you have money to spend. But if you are not wise about it, you will find yourself in a pickle. When you were a student that student loan looked so good. But a few years down the line that's the debt that still follows you around, everywhere. There are people out there that can help you to pay off that dreaded debt that every time you go to do something, you just cant shift from your brain. You can find one way to help here.  

 

So things you can do to understand your financials are:

 

1. Make a monthly budget and stick to it.

2. Work out what your spending and what's coming in. If your spending more than you are receiving you may want to take a close look at you outgoings and see where your going wrong.

3. Be strict with yourself but also allow for treats.

4. Try out this money saving challenge.

 

So this is what I challenge you. Join me and do the money saving challenge with me. Even if you save yourself a small amount here and there. It is something and it builds up. If you want to work out your financials this year and have just a better financial year than you have in the past. What are waiting for? 2017 is your year to change. So lets try doing small things every month to make a difference to our whole year. Let me know in the comments if you will be joining me for a better financial 2017.

 

I would also like to say a massive thank you to the team at earnest.com for letting me help with this amazing opportunity. Together lets make 2017 better than 2016.

 

Love

Zoe x

December favourites

Hi everyone,

 

Its that time again where I talk about what I have been loving from the previous month. December was an interesting month for loving things as I didn't really buy that much new stuff due to buying Christmas presents. So most of the things I am going to talk about I have either used before or is something I have had for ages. But there are some new surprises in there. So grab yourself some left over Christmas chocolates, I know I have right now, and have a read.

 

Aussie 3 minute miracle:

 

This hair mask is a lifesaver. You put it on leave for three minutes and then wash it off. You are left with soft shiny hair. I have used this in the past and this was actually just one I saw in Tesco when I needed one so picked it up. As I loved it last time I had it. My opinion hasn't changed one bit. The smell of this is incredible if you have never smelt the aussie range, you need to. You also don't need loads, a lot goes a long way. 

Bareminerals ready foundation:

This is an old favourite of mine. It is the only powder foundation I own and I adore it. Actually its the only powder foundation I have ever used. It is really easy to apply. The colour match is perfect. I do recommend you go have it matched professionally as this is an expensive product. It lasts ages I have had mine for quite some time now. I also find that this lasts really well on my skin, even a days work. I never find this looks cakey it just blends in perfectly. 

Baby lips in pink punch:

This has been my go to lip product. It is a tinted lip balm and yes it looks bright. The colour is actually not that bright when its on your lips and I have loved wearing it to work. It leaves your lips feeling really ultra soft. These come in different colours and also as a plain balm. They are the perfect size for your handbag. So they are always handy to have with you.

Yankee candle candycane lane:

If you like peppermint you will fall in love with this scent. It is a very Christmassy scent and isn't at all over powering. I love burning this in December and if I am honest it was burning all month long. It can be burned anywhere from the bedroom to the kitchen. It is the perfect Christmas candle. The smell fills the room nicely without it being too over the top.

Asda Christmas bedding:

As always Asda had some amazing Christmas bedding this year, which of course I had a sneaky buy of. The set I have on in this picture is one of them and it is absolutely beautiful. All of the cushions are also from Asda. I am always on the look out for the perfect Christmas cushions and I think I can safely say I have found them. The bedding is super soft and keeps you nice and snug. I have bought bedding from them before and they wash up amazingly. They are all very reasonably priced.

Galaxy:

So Christmas is about eating too much chocolate. I can say I achieved that and that was before the 25th. Galaxy has been my go to throughout December. I love the creaminess of it. I will admit I ate so much of this over December, it should be a crime. Actually as I write this I just remembered I have a massive bar in the top of my wardrobe. I'm sure I will eat that at some point.

Biscuits:

Yes I know we can safely say December was not a healthy month. But clients bring biscuits in for us and when they are there its hard not to eat them. We also had some at home so again, it would be rude not too. I love these fox's ones. Nice and chocolaty, just what I like. Plus it wouldn't be Christmas without a box of biscuits, would it?

IPhone 6S:

At the beginning of December I dropped my iPhone 5s and smashed the screen. So I got myself the 6s. I was dubious to buy it as I am PAYG and buying an iPhone out right, is not a cheap thing. But I am so glad I did. I love my 6s and I couldn't of made a better choice. I got mine in gold and it is just beautiful. I got myself a case off skinnydip and I feel in love with it instantly. I went for this holographic marble one. Which is basically two amazing things in one. All I have to do now, is not drop this one.

So that was what I was loving in December. What was you loving? Let me know in the comments. Hope your all having an amazing start to your week.

Love
Zoe x