10 ways to FAIL your exercise regime.

I DON'T do sports. It's kinda funny because I'm a freak about downloading '8 minute workout' apps or googling 10 different ways of how to get 'fit' without getting off my chair. Actually I'm also guilty of being the sort of girl who works out for about an hour and then waits a week for some sort of body improvement (convincing myself that every piece of chocolate or each packet of crisps I consume) isn't adding any sort of fat onto the fat I hopefully lost because of my last workout session. Make sense?

Well after doing the above^ last week, I convinced myself, LIKE the last time and the time before that, that I was totally going to get into shape. It is now Friday the 20th 2015, 21:07pm and I've just spent a whole week eating, sleeping and drinking. So I think you know that this plan totally failed but the good thing is, I came up with 10 ways to try and convince myself of how to get fit and then how NOT to proceed with it.

1. DON'T say you're going to try and get into shape (spend hours making a workout spotify playlist and search for gym clothes in your cupboard) if you are one of those people that have tried it 16 times before - and failed (but then still do it).

2. Make a workout Spotify playlist (if you haven't already) with all your favourite, pumped up, ass-kicking, super funky songs (old and new). AND then, just sit back and start jamming to them on your bed (in your gym clothes - if you're on that stage already).

3. Go on to Missguided.com or any other clothing website that sells really sexy, funky, tight, lose, cropped, long, colourful and (non-colourful) sports wear or gym kits, to then remind yourself that A) you don't have the money B) you don't have the money and C) can you really wait 4-5 working days to get a gym kit that you won't be using because in those 5 days you would have realised you ain't got time...

4. Go on to Instagram, type in 'bikini next top model' or any kind of beautiful, bootylicious girl with the figure of a goddess to inspire you, to motivate you, to make you shout from the rooftops (from your room) 'I AM GONNA BE HER' - and then after you're done wanting to be someone else, continue staring at the pictures in amazement while eating a packet or (two) of Doritos. My tip - get the dip as well.

5. Look up FOOD diets. YES FOOD..but the healthy kind. Tell your mum 'NO, NO MORE CHOCOLATE, NO MORE UNHEALTHY FOOD, I'M GOING ON A HEALTHY DIET' - and a day later ask her why she didn't buy your favourite biscuits.

6. Drag her to Sainsbury's and buy all different fruits for your 'drink your fat away' smoothies, heck buy the whole flipping fruit aisle. (This doesn't work for those who don't have smoothie machines). Then make your epic smoothie and finally realise that you actually don't have time to wash a smoothie maker at 8am every morning and you would much rather have a Mcdonald's milkshake.

7. Get back to the internet, while sipping on that once in a life time smoothie, and open a new tab (away from the body bikinis for a minute) and type in 'Workout' into Google, and then take your pick...do you want a 30 day workout regime, 14 day workout regime, or 10 minute workout? Oh, and if you manage to find a 60 second one, then send me the link.

8. Go to your freezer and make sure there is plenty of ice in there to prepare yourself for the intense amount of pain you're going to feel the next day (Cause them burns you feel...It means its working OR it's just pains reminding us that we were never born for this sort of healthy lifestyle).

9. Find a soft grounded workout place in your house (don't forget your spotify playlist and that gym kit) and start that workout. (Remember you don't need to stretch because you're too excited for this insane workout you're about to do - that warm ups are for the weak).

10. Collapse, look at yourself in the mirror to convince yourself that...yep...you can see them abs already. The regime is working. Then make your way to the fridge and say to yourself, 'that was a really great session of what I think i'll continue in a couple of weeks time, after I've recovered from today'.

HAPPY WORKOUT ;)

P.S. This is no way insulting anyone who actually does all this. YOU are an inspiration to US all.

P.S. My real advice would be to try Emily Skye's youtube workout tips, because they're probably the first tips that I've stuck to (the longest - before I failed).

'NEW YEAR but NO NEW ME'

I'VE SUFFERED FROM WRITERS BLOCK FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS NOW...and it's safe to say, that my mind...still remains empty. With UCAS, coursework, mocks, christmas and finally the new year, I've literally made my brain exhausted, which is rather ironic seeing as I've been super lazy this holiday. I figure with a new year and all, my resolutions should be something along the lines of 'study hard this year' or 'do your homework on the day you get it' or 'ask more questions' blah blah blah. Yet, I realised every single year when ever I make those resolutions they'll only last the first week back at school and then suddenly I'll become the disorganised, stressed student who literally hasn't got a bloody clue what she is doing this term. Anyways, this blog is to basically wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR (although I'm 5 days late, I apologise).


The one thing I've never understood is this whole idea of 'New years resolutions'. I've never kept em, never stuck to em and never will (a reason as to why this year, I haven't made any). It's pretty blunt to say, but how many of you are reading this right now and thinking 'yep, that's me too'. I totally get it though, 'New Years, New me' everyone deserves a chance to change themselves for the better (and some for the worst haha) and honestly, I will salute anyone who actually managed to come out of 2014 still having kept at least ONE of their resolutions. I struggle to stay away from chocolate for a day, therefore, the idea of saying to myself 'this year I'll eat healthily' is a load of bs and frankly one I'd never want to keep anyway (seeing as I'm a massive foody). It just baffles me how the first question that is always asked (well to me at least) is, 'So, what exactly is your new years resolution?', and I'm always obliged to come up with something related to work, or school or myself, 'work hard' 'study hard' (next time I should say play hard). The point is, isn't it rather odd how we enter a new year expecting so much from someone already? and once you break the new years resolution, you're either laughed at, scorned at (by your parents) and a sudden disappointment fills within you. You know that feeling? When you say you will do something and you're all super hyped up for it, balls blazing, all geared up ready to go because you can actually SEE yourself fulfilling this difficult task...but oops your mums bought a chocolate cake with extra cream and you BREAK - and then the disappointment hits you, then the attempt to reassure yourself that no one will know and to have a tiny set back is normal, so you just continue with it. BUT suddenly reality hits you, and you've finished the whole cake. A rather obscure allegory to use but my point is, why go on expecting so much of yourself. Why can't we, just enter the new year, with the only resolution that you will take everyday as it comes.

I'm not saying that it's bad to have goals and the attitude to work hard is one that I also am trying to adopt, my real concern is why do we need to write it or say it as a 'resolution' as if you never attempted those things before. And I'm totally being biased, because I'm sure that there are thousands of people out there who have NOT broken their resolutions and stuck to their 'mottos' but my point is, take the new year as it comes. I'v realised, life is actually extremely short, we say it and think it but never actually fully understand that, that is reality. This past month has been filled with some pretty awful and heartbreaking news and it made me realise that I can't afford to miss out on so many opportunities that come my way in just one day. Whether that's meeting someone new, signing up to a new club or anything like that.

I think I'm talking rather frankly here and I guess this whole resolution thing is aimed at the ones i've seen all down my twitter page. Ya see, there are people, perhaps in the government or employers or any of that who have possibly made resolutions for US and to them, I say I hope you can keep them. This blog is no way condemning those who are ACTUALLY trying to change their lives around from complete disaster to finally a happy life. But it's just a general blog to the general 'stereotypical, twitter resolutions'. To YOU / US why must we 'resolve' ourselves. To anyone who has made a resolution about trying to lose weight, I say this to you, - don't try and resolve or 'fix' the way you look. The only thing you should do is to 'resolve' the way you feel - why can't we encourage you to learn how to be happy with yourself this year and to embrace the person that you are. To those who have the 'I'm going to study every night, blah blah blah' resolution - don't push yourself. The odds are you're so much more smarter than you put yourself out to be. Last year you probably worked more than you thought you had, and that's why those who are around you still support you. So why can't we just say that this year, I'm going to take the year as it comes and my resolution is 'TRY MY BEST'.

I'm so contradicting, because I've realised while writing this, that sometimes people don't make resolutions just for the sake of it and they actually intend on keeping it. I just think my point is CAN'T WE JUST ENTER A NEW YEAR WITH THE ONLY EXPECTATION THAT IT'S GOING TO BE A GOOD YEAR.


So from here on out -
It's GOOD LUCK, HAPPY REVISION, PARTY HARD, STAY SAFE, AND KEEP COOL.

Sasha x 

What Treble?

So here I am on the laptop, listening to a song directly reflecting how I feel right now (Well actually how I wish I felt right now), if you haven't heard it, its called 'All About That Bass' and although it's probably a song aimed to get your body dancing, it appears that English Literature has got the better of me and my analytical skills have come into use at the worst time. To me it's a song promoting how not being a 'size 2'  or having a 'little more booty' is nothing to be self-conscious about and in fact its something to embrace but why do I feel the complete opposite?

I guess, unfortunately for me, I'm going through that point in my life where I'm pretty unhappy with the way I look and feel and it's time for me to get over it, yet it's pretty hard when Instagram is flooded with bikini bodies and 'workout paid off' selfies. The constant desire to have a slim body and picture perfect face is always something I've been against and always will be, yet I guess you never realise how it feels to be pressured into looking elegantly attractive until you don't feel elegantly attractive. Seeing the confidence other people have to wear a piece of clothing that I would want to wear, but don't have the 'balls' to wear makes me feel even more disheartened and I'm waiting for that moment when I actually can possess the attitude and bravery to say 'fuck it' (excuse the language) and wear that 'bodycon dress'.

I don't really know what this blog is aimed at today and it's definitely not asking for any sympathy and in all honesty, it's some pretty deep stuff I know, but I guess it's an aim to show that not everyone is feeling as 'perfect' about their imperfections and right now thats definitely the case for me, more than ever. With all this talk about Prom and next year holidays, summer toning and party dresses, it makes me feel even more less motivated to get up and do something about it because I feel I can't but NO way am I conforming to the idea that feeling sorry for myself is the only way out. It's is as pathetic as ever and almost makes me wonder whether writing all of this is actually satisfying, however it kind of is.

The point of this blog is really to say that even if you're on the bridge of feeling the slightest bit unhappy with yourself then take action immediately before it takes over the decisions you make in life, dissolving some of the most enjoyable moments you'll ever have just because you're feeling self-conscious and 'icky'. Low self-esteem is almost like this unstoppable disease that's so common, yet learning to overcome the 'symptoms' now could perhaps eventually promote and pave a way for anyone to feel so much better about themselves (to much for a Tuesday evening?)

It's time for me to either get over the lack of motivation to exercise that lags me back or start forming a regime where I'll eventually come out feeling better than I ever have. The need to be perfect isn't on my bucket list this year and fortunately for me it never will be but feeling happier within myself is an aim I'll keep for a pretty long time. It shows that although someone may look 'skinny' or has a 'high metabolism' which means they are therefore not entitled to have a problem with the way they look, isn't always the case. Furthermore, the point of today's blog is really to say that no matter how you feel or look, it's something you have to work with in the future and you'll learn to eventually love it (now that, I'm entitled to say).

I'm totally all about that bass, no treble because you know 'La Vie est Belle'.

'I stand in awe of my body' - Henry David Thoreau

Avoiding Avoidances.

So what to blog about?

I've got to admit, lately over the summer I've been pretty much running out of ideas as to what to blog about and sometimes when I'm not even doing anything I sit there and avoid the need to blog, which even to me is almost surprising because when it comes to talking about all sorts of things, there really is no stopping me, like I could practically go on for hours if you'd find the patience to listen. I've been trying to avoid quite a lot of things and instead have resulted in to sleeping at around 3am and staying in bed for as long as possible...I used to think Clinomania was some disorder that some bored man made up while sitting in bed (which might be true), yet I've discovered that I think I may in fact have it, and if you could hear my voice right now, there'd be no exaggeration in the matter.

But is there a disorder or a possibility that I possess a phobia of actually sitting down to work? because all I've seemed to be doing is avoid every single piece of homework I have and its definitely not because I don't want to do it, but its because I've got a serious case of 'lack of motivation', which and I stand by this, is actually not even an excuse but a rather prominent and very true reason as to why many of us remain in bed or on the sofa all day. LAZINESS HAS TAKEN OVER MY BODY. My real excuse is that results day is next week (sorry for reminding you), and so therefore I must cram in every inch of fun before I quite possibly get sent away to boarding school in a far distant land, which no one has ever heard of or something of that sort. However, nothing really seem's to be working in my favour. I have the constant reminder that I only do three a-levels and so can't say 'I'm going to start my work after I decide what A-level to drop'. Some may say that the only way to not avoid something is by diving in and going for it, rip it off like a bandage, build a bridge and get over it...I could go on forever. My point is, I seem to be avoiding ways to not avoid something. Like, honestly how does that even work? I've actually resulted into making a check list of everything I have to do and for me it's kind of working (well slowly, I'm currently still sitting in bed).

I guess it's time I just avoid avoiding everything I'm either afraid of or (can't be bothered to do), like right now, I'm supposed to be tidying up my room and so I should probably go ahead and do that...I'm going...30 seconds...perhaps after this episode of suits.

Stay cool kids - Sasha x

Phase 1: Mbeya - Grassroots

It's not everyday you hop on a plane to Africa for 21 days with everything you need all packed up in 65L rucksack, sleeping in tents for half of the expedition in the middle of a national park, surrounded by wild animals or trekking up a mountain 2,500 above sea level, but I must stop with the list of what I had the opportunity to do while I was out there, before I take up most of the blog.

For those who don't know on the 8th of July I flew across to Tanzania to embrace a 21 expedition, consisting of charity work, trekking, safari and some sunbathing (Although, by day 3 some of us were already 2 shades darker). The expedition consisted of several phases and today's blog is about the first phase. After staying at Kipepeo beach for the night (which was beautiful) to recuperate from what was an exhausting day of travelling we headed out at 6am to Mbeya, which was another long day of travelling (around 15 hours) on coach, all i can say is thank gosh we had toilet stops.

After arriving in Mbeya in the evening, we were prepared for 5 days of working with the charity called Grassroots, directly aimed at helping local villages, children and schools with the necessary medical attention, food and education. I didn't really know if I was ready to spend 5 days with the local children just because I was prepared for a rather emotional roller coaster witnessing some devastating situations amongst the orphans. Yet to my surprise it was completely different to what I had expected. Although the circumstances the children were in was often heartbreaking, and there were times when I did have to walk away to a corner to just take a breath or two, I witnessed some of the most incredible things while spending time with them. Ranging from 4 to even 20, the young to the fairly old, they all had one thing in common, they were all so happy. I'd never been surrounded by so many unfortunate people, with such a positive outlook on life.

For me, the phase lead me to reality. I was no longer at home watching comic relief and seeing the sponsor videos they put up on the screen. I was physically amongst the poor and ill and I'm glad to have been able to witness it all. I guess the question is what have I come away with from this phase? 'Have you now learnt to appreciate what you have?', 'Have you obtained a real look into what the world is about?'. For me, in all honesty I came away with the knowledge that although some sit at home and feel guilty about having more than those in poorer parts of the world, they still possess the spirit that any 4 year old child should have at that age. They laughed, they smiled, they cried, they played (the list could go on). The reality is poverty has been an on going thing for years, I was lucky enough to meet an old couple from Germany who told me that there last visit to Tanzania was 30 years ago and for them not much had changed. It made me realise that the only thing you can do is to continue the support you give and to keep smiling back because it's what keeps them going. Even if it is delivering just one chicken to a family of 4/5.

On to phase 2;

Is University really that Monstrous?

So, today's blog is something completely off topic (well not so much following the 'latest fashion' trend at this moment) but it's actually about the daunting subject of Universities. I guess this is almost a blog that is designed to let out my frustrations and anxiety about applying for higher education, which (as our parents would say) 'determines our future'.

After visiting a couple of universities over the weekend, two questions sprung into my mind concerning 'my future'. The first one was DO I REALLY NEED TO GO TO UNIVERSITY?'. - Of course the first answer that pops in to my head and I'm sure many others, is simply 'no'. Ladies...the plan to marry a dashing young prince with a mansion so big it's probably an equivalent to the size of Buckingham Palace, sounds pretty good right now. (So guys, you better get to it). But honestly, after walking around the first Uni campus I've ever been to, I literally came out feeling lost. The place was so big and me? well I just felt super small. In all honesty, after having time to get to terms with the fact I will have to move on from being a high school 'gal' to a uni student, I warmed up to the idea and I'm actually extremely excited. Ya see, the idea of living away from home independently, learning a subject that isn't science or maths, making a whole new bunch of friends and reinventing yourself is some what extremely appealing and I can't wait. So I guess the answer to my question would be, I DO.

My second little 'epiphany' was that for the next 3/4 years of my life, I'll be engaging in intellectual conversations with my fellow 'classical civilisation' peers and enjoying every minute of it. You're no longer going to have to mentally and physically force yourself to do a piece of coursework or anything for that matter because you're doing it for a subject that you simply love. However, I suppose the downside is the fact that this degree is going to take you on the next step of your lives, 'finding a job'.  The continuous questioning of 'What do you want to do when you grow up? What will that degree take you into?' Is possibly one of the most tiring and awkward scenarios you could be in apart from sporting activities and unfortunately because my parents are always lurking around when the question pops up, I have to force myself to answer in a confident and polite manner; 'Oh, some form of media at the moment, preferably Journalism'. However, the truth is I have no clue. Yes I'm an aspiring writer but in all seriousness I literally have no clue what other possible job careers there are out there for me with a degree in Classics/Ancient History (perhaps a job working alongside Brad Pitt portraying the Swift-footed Achilles, topless).

One can dream...so speaking of dreams, I guess my plan after this weekend is to further my passion in what I love doing to then encourage myself into joining every possible society that you could think of at the University of my choice. It's where a whole new journey begins and although the idea of moving on from my current 17 year old lifestyle seems rather daunting, I can seriously say that I'm going to be ready to start a 'new chapter in my life', one that I get the freedom to choose. (This is all rather soppy, time to become more hardcore and endure the rest of Game of Thrones).

Happy Uni Hunting.

Old is the New 'New'

Finally, after days of waking up early every morning, late night revising and constant trips to the library, I, alongside many others can finally say that the exam period is slowly coming to an end as we prepare for our last few exams (however, for those of you who have only just started, I apologise, get back to revising). But bloody hell does it feel good to get rid off that 'working hard hair bun' and all day/all week casual look. I can definitely say i've missed the fashion world and the cheeky shopping sprees online (not that I did this religiously before exams) nevertheless I actually have time to relax with a cup of tea and look at the hot to trot trends right now.

Any who after a pretty dry couple of weeks in the 'shopping department', I had to make do with the clothes that I already owned. For me (and I'm hoping you), finding the right pair of clothes that match in under an hour is extremely tricky and as already confessed in my previous blog 'Confessions of a shopaholic the remake' - I always buy a piece of clothing forgetting whether it actually matches with anything in my closet. So after a complete meltdown and a raid of my cupboard, which lasted around 15 minutes, I found the perfect combo for my trip to dinner with a few family friends. 

For me it always helps to know what shoes you want to walk out wearing first, because thats what ties the whole outfit together and so yesterday I knew I wanted to strut out in my pair of Ankle Strap (gold) heels from NewLook (link below). - therefore because of the huge slim gold heel, I knew what kind of colours I had to pick in order for my outfit to match -  so black, browns, beige (just really simple, cosy colours).

The best thing about a pair of strap heels, is that they are perfect for those classic summer items, such as 3/4 length trousers, maxi dresses or short dresses/skirts. So with my shoes chosen, I was faced with my next decision for my next chose of clothing, which (surprise surprise) was my leather/wax look trousers, from Marks and Spencers, which are in fact 3/4 length. In any case, these type of trousers are perfect to wear in summer and even new spring (if you can brave the cold weather) with a cami/string top or long jumper.

To go with my casual yet 'saturday night out style' I was lucky enough to get away with stealing my mums baggy, light brown (long-sleeved top) from Zara, which just went below the bum area of my trousers, which I then paired with my gold statement necklace from H&M. A top like this is a definite  'must buy' because its super super comfortable, warm and slightly fitted round the arms and upper body area, which suits any type of body figure. With the accessories and what I love about a simple, gold statement necklace is that it goes with almost any of your outfits. If you're looking at going out for the night in comfortable, casual clothing. Swing on a pair of heels and a chunky necklace (you only need to buy one to wear all the time) to tie the look together, ready to go out for the night. 

(and if you're going out during the day to a posh city or town, then pop on a floppy hat to match the summer weather).

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/gold/_/N-cm0Z1z1416p?Nrpp=20&Ntt=ankle+strap+heels+&filtered=1#results

A rather unprofessional picture (in the ladies bathroom) however an example of the top (Zara) and necklace (H&M accessories).

Rather artistic no? -
strap heeled shoes, statement necklace
and a rather good example of how comfortable the top looks.

Well there ya go, I think it almost shows that I haven't lost all hope in the ability to rustle up an outfit under timed conditions (And pop on make up). It's just an example of how anything that is lying around in your wardrobe (or your mothers) can lead to the perfect outfit, that is you - so we don't have to buy a new outfit every time we go out (however, if the opportunity awaits for you to buy a new wardrobe, jump at the chance duh!)

Happy raiding!!  

 'Style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak'- Rachel Zoe

Sasha x