Can't wait to wear- simple summer outfit #2

Outfit no.2 is by far one of the most sporty/comfy outfits I prepared. 

The baby blue vest top, and navy shorts with gold details are both from a polish high street brand Cropp, the black low sneakers are from Primark and the necklace is from Clair's :)

I'll probably wear this on one of the hotter days during summer when I'll be travelling either by car or bus and pair it with my River Island, long strap navy bag.

Can't wait to wear- simple summer outfit #1

Summer's just around the corner and one of the things I really think about is: what will I wear.

I don't necessarily want to be going out and buying new stuff when I have some I haven't worn at all yet! I searched through my wardrobe, sorted few things out and came up with a number of outfits I really can't wait to wear and also decided to share them here just to give you some simple inspiration perhaps :)

This first outfit is really plain and simple. The dress is from H&M, the necklace is Dorothy Perkins and the belt and jacket are so old I actually don't know where they're from.

I just think this will be lovely to wear on a sunny day out in town. I'll probably pair it up with some white, lace keds and a long strap handbag. 

Love,

-k.

How To: Study (My 10 tips to a successful revision)

I'm sorry to say, but it has come to ''this'' time of the year again. And we all know what that means...  Truth is, no matter what exam  you're doing, whether one that might influence your future or just a simple end-of-year assessment, there always comes a time when we struggle with the revision (if we attempt to struggle at all!) But no worries... I've my J.C in five weeks and instead of studying I'm writing this... to help you all (now that's a sacrifice! ....just kiddin' of course).

1. Get to point
If you really aim on getting good grades or just simply passing, there is no time for excuses. It's hard to get motivated but once you do, it gets easier. Remember to spend at least 30 minutes each night revising something. After few days this will all become a routine and you'll be able to get to it automatically. You then can increase the length and amount you study, but don't overload yourself!

2. Organize your mind (and desk)
Making a study plan and keeping record of what you did and didn't go over will not only improve efficiency of your work done but also motivate into action. Hang self-made posters around the room of your work to keep on track. Always have your study area clean and organised to prevent any distractions. Beware though, it's easy to make a plan, it's worse sticking to it.

3. Figure out your style
Knowing what type of a learner you are will improve your study big time! There's basically 4 categories (or styles); visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic. Each of those has different methods of remembering and learning things. Click here to figure out which group you belong to and what your best way to study will be. (Personally, I qualify myself into visual and tactile. I like to read over chapters in the book, then change what I have learned into my own words, repeat few times in my head and finally jot down in form of short notes I'll be able to recognize.)

4. Don't be a rag doll
Ever feel like collapsing after a certain period of study? That's probably because you overload yourself and study in a place your mind relates to as something ''else''. If you tend to study in your room, your brain is more likely going to associate the space with sleep- that's why you'll feel tired whenever you'll attempt to study. To ''train'' your brain otherwise, you can use simple hacks to basically trick it. Turn on your lamp or open your window whenever you study. Turn it off/ close when your resting- this way your body will figure when it's time to learn and when to sleep etc.
   Also, try to follow a study-break-study-break routine. I like to study for 3 hours, taking a 5 minute break every 20 minutes. In this time I do things like getting refreshments, gathering my things or reading. It allows you to rest and relax and be able to focus more.

5. Forget the calories!  
I don't know how it is with you, but I always find myself more concentrated on a full stomach. Prepare plenty of snacks and drinks before you start revising. Eat during your breaks and always stay hydrated to prevent headaches and distractions. Healthy foods are the key but don't eliminate all the sugars- they do give some energy after all!

6. Switch off
Yes everything! Phone, tablet, laptop, iPod... Don't be getting distracted. Announce to everyone ''I'm taking 3 hours out. Do not disturb.'' Get off that social media! And if deep down you know you should be studying right now.... then go!!

7. Look back, predict, communicate 
Being able to look at questions that came up on previous years or once that tend to come up frequently and using that as your basis is a life saver! If you don't have access to past examinations try talking to your teachers or older friends. This might give you a gist of prediction about this years questions and topics that may come up but don't rely just on that!

8. Remember about life
Don't lock yourself in clustered rooms for hours. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat, go out with friends and live as normal. On an odd day out this is essential. For example, donate your Sundays and Wednesdays for some ''none-study-time''. Believe me it will only do good!

9. Do it for yourself 
Never live with the attitude that studying sucks because teachers and parents expect you to do it. Studying is not for anyone but you. Depending on your aspirations and ambitions you decide what to do with the course. If passing an exam makes you proud then work for it! However,remember that the piece of paper that will arrive with few letters on them doesn't prove anything. Learn for your own knowledge and satisfaction...after all that's all that counts.

10. Don't worry
Don't freak out, worry and stress- it won't changed anything and certainly won't help. Relax, take it easy, step by step. It's not the end of the world if you fail. There's so many options for you out there and it doesn't matter if you pass or not. Always do your best to then say ''I did the best I could''. Life doesn't end here. Be positive and just chill. Your not the only one stuck with this ''problem''.

Before the actual exam:
-Sleep, sleep and even more sleep.
- Meditate
- Go for a walk/ jog
- Don't repeat ''I'm going to fail''
- Eat some veg/fruit
- Look quickly through your short notes
- Focus, concentrate & attempt EVERY freaking thing
- Think of awesome plans you have already made (e.g summer holidays)


Well, that's all I can really advise on revising. I followed these for my mock exams and I'm pretty happy with the results. Hope it helped at least one of you. Good luck and never give up! ^^

P.s has anyone been keeping up to date with the new royal baby news? What do you think of the name Charlotte? Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana- personally I think it's really cute and adorable but honestly I was hoping for something more original... what are your thoughts?

Love,
-k.

Flowers in the Attic: Book Review

Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews

Number of pages: 423
Genre: Gothic horror, thriller, family saga, romance
Few main characters: Cathy, Chris, Carrie & Cory Dollanganger

Intro: The novel was first published back in November 1979 by an author who now I consider a family saga and macabre story phenomenon, Virginia Andrews. This lady is well known for many of her not-so-perfect family plots, full of secrets and forbidden love. Flowers in the Attic is the first ever novel I have read of hers, recommended by no other than my mom. It's a bestseller, worldwide. Many say it is in fact based on true-story, which I believe to be correct, however doing some research I found out the novel was actually based on fictionalized true-events (click here if you want to get deeper into this statement). The book and its following three sequels have been made into movies by Lifetime and there's also a 1987 film version of the first part. I've seen all of them and let me briefly just say that... the whole saga is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Brief Summary: Cathy, Chris, Carrie and Cory are four beautiful and flawless children, coming from that type of a family that is just considered perfect. Unfortunately, one day their perfect lives are ruined when police arrives at their door with the information their father just died. Corrine, their scatterbrained mother is capable of only one thing; being pretty. Forced by the circumstances she drives the children away to Foxworth Hall; a rich mansion owned by her parents from whom she ran away years earlier. That's when the horror starts; as Corrine tries to figure out what to do next, the children are kept hidden and imprisoned in an attic. Soon their fantasies of a luxurious lifestyle they were promised change into a battle, a battle to survive. Will they ever feel the sunshine again?

Likes: This is just the type of book that is hard not to love. Especially in those moment of true tension as we head towards the end. Described in one word, the plot is just creepy. Throughout the entire time of me reading it, the atmosphere was just eerie, full of mystery and anticipation of what's going to happen; how's it going to end? It really shows a different side of how majority of people interpret the words such as ''mother'' or ''love''. It's not only unbelievable but shocking! And despite everything being set in one cramped, attic bedroom, I feel like it is so well written it could never be described as boring. I'm not a huge fan of non-fantasy stories, but this one... j'adore!

Dislikes: First thing that came to my mind when I opened the first page.... ''why is this writing so small!?'' I'm just this kind of person that no matter how interesting a book will be, I'll always hate tiny letters. Honestly I'd rather for the book to be the thickness of a wall than for the writing to be miniature. It just makes the lecture drag on longer and I lose the sense of understanding or paying attention.
 I'd also say that in the first 100 pages, the plot was not very gripping. I much preferred when there was some action happening and not just a rambling of a 12 year old girl on and on again. However, this could probably be explained by the fact that I have seen the movie before hand which is VERY similar to the book. Maybe just minor changes but other than that it's almost alike so I guess that kind of ruined it for me.

But overall, very enjoyable and memorable. I actually hope on using it as the basis of my answer in the fiction section of my English exam that's coming up in June. Definitely worth recommendation, I really liked it... was it the best I read? No, but it was something that would have to find it's way to my must reads.

My overall story rate: 8/10
My overall cover rate: 9/10

Grapefruit Splash & Primark Candles

  Hello peeps,

So recently, my obsessions took off to the next level... Have any of you ever been obsessed with a scent? And I genuinely mean obsessed?! 

Well, not so long ago, I discovered that everything grapefruit-smelling related seems to hit into my head like an arrow into its target. I'm not even exaggerating; if I ever happen to find myself on choosing a beauty product and one of the choices contains this tropical fruit... clear my way as  make it to the tills. I'm not even quite sure why I decided to blog about this (perhaps its just my ''oh just ramble about anything'' mind) but I suppose it's a good way to also give a tiny review on some of the products below. 

Visibly clear pink grapefruit series by Neutrogena 

I talked about this in one of my previous posts (I think one of the favourites), and basically said I really enjoy this stuff. I love how it cleanses and smells (obviously), leaving the skin nice and fresh. I have, however reduced the usage of it now as my skin got it's lizard-like dryness again so I just switched to something more hydrating, but of course when any breakouts start to show this is definitely my go-to drugstore product.

Garnier Fructis strenght and shine shampoo

I basically bought this with one aim; to strengthen my super damaged, weak hair. I was pleasantly surprised when I firstly opened the bottle under my shower. Air suddenly got filled with fruity fresh scents and birds started to chirp away on the branches of cherry tress, bringing a heavenly feeling upon my senses..... how poetic was that?! (nah) No but seriously, the smell really is heavenly...too bad it doesn't actually stay on the hair after the wash! Huge disappointment. The shampoo itself is okay I presume. I mean, yeah my hair are silky and stuff but it doesn't do magic or anything. 5/10.

Impulse, Very Pink body spray

Let me get it out there; as far as body sprays go, I would say... I'm not a massive fan? I'm aware majority of Irish girls become slightly too obsessed with those on daily basis.... please don't hate me for it :P I'm more of a perfume person for defo. What I don't like in the Impulses is that they are just tiney-winey too intense and even though, don't stay on long enough. I do still use them yes, but not to such a scale as others. This one however, I got from a friend and I've to say it's actually really...pretty?

Pink grapefruit Primark Candle

A lot of people who saw the candle on my window sill have been questioning is it any good. It is Primark after all. I think I smelled around four other scents from their range, but I have to say, this one and vanilla, are the only two I would actually ever go for. The remaining Pink Jasmine, Lavender and I think Eucalyptus &Thyme were just hideous. It was like a mixture of washing powder and Domex toilet cleaner. Don't get me wrong, I'm okay with it if you like one of them... but for me it was horrifying :P As of their intensity and lasting, it's surprisingly really freaking good! My room gets filled with grapefruit clouds in around 20 minutes and the candle is of really good and descent size. And only at 4 euro!

Let me know down in the comments if you tried any of these before, or what are your views on fruity smells? Maybe you have some other, weirder obsessions? Can't wait to hear them. 

love,

-k.