Studies | 16

I have been studying with the Open University since October 2014. This year I am studying module A215 Creative Writing, which will be my third year with the OU and my third module towards an open degree. Due to my health, I am a part-time student which means it will take twice as long as a full-time student but I will get there eventually. 

The A215 Creative Writing module was actually the module which attracted me toward studying with the Open University so in many ways my first two years of study weren't just towards my degree but they were almost stepping stones to get to this module. The module is divided into five sections with it covering the creative process, writing fiction, poetry, life writing, and the final section is centered around going public with your writing. 

So far I have really enjoyed the module, and feel my writing has really improved in the short time I have been studying and practising certain techniques. I think a lot of people have this notion that writing is easy; that you sit, pour out a couple of sentences and then simply string them together. It doesn't work quite like that. There is a lot that goes into it behind the scenes; such as freewriting, clustering, character creation, developing your style and voice, etc. 

While I have really enjoyed the module so far, that's not to say that it has come without its' difficulties. Through the writing process I have noticed that writing is subjective, and while I may think it is perfect at that moment in time I may go back to it a few days later and be appalled at myself for not picking up on certain mistakes or decide that I dislike the entire piece. Writing is something that happens within a moment in time and when you return, you may not necessarily like what you read. Another thing I have noticed is I make a lot of silly/simple mistakes like mistyping/writing words (using the wrong words, leaving out words, etc) and so reading aloud has become my best friend; which is also a great tool for testing punctuation and sentence lengths. 

I have really enjoyed this academic year so far. I can't wait to look back to compare my first few pieces of work with my last few pieces when I complete this module. 

What do/did you study? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Physical Photographs

I love photos. They never change, even when the people inside them do. They just stay frozen with the characters stuck in time. 

As much as technology is great these days (-borderline 'scary-great') I miss the beauty of physical photographs. As a child, I remember my mom collecting film reels to take to the local photo shop to have developed. Weeks later we would go back and she'd come back to the car with stacks of photo packets. She'd spend so many evenings sorting them into photo albums and writing notes on the back about the occasion within the photo. What do we do now? We post them to facebook or Instagram, get some likes and comments and then that's it, they are forgotten forever. *sad

In 2015, I got a polaroid camera and fell back in love with physical photographs. Sure the quality isn't as defined but it is still a nostalgic luxury to hold your photographs -instantly, might I add. This process has spurred me to make an effort to print out my photographs and organise my own photo albums. Something to look back on, just like my mom is able to do. 

When was the last time you got your photos printed off? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Review: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Facial Clay

I saw this face clay around over a year ago but steered clear thinking it was simply a gimmick product like a perfume called 'mermaid tears' or body shimmer called 'fairy dust'. It wasn't until it popped up in one of Simply_Kenna's Cruelty-Free Products video that I finally thought I'd give it a shot. The Aztec Healing Clay comes in a screw top tub, as seen above, which I paid around £9 for a 1 Lb tub from Amazon. There was a mixture of reviews on the site which made me a little hesitant but at such a cheap price I decided to go for it. 

The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Facial Clay has multiple uses and benefits, including removing dirt and impurities from pores. It's deep cleansing properties are miracle workers for the minimized appearance of pores and brightening effects on the skin. Bonus factor- it's 100% natural Calcium Bentonite (Green) Clay. 

How can you use it? 

• The tub says the clay can be used for facials, acne, bodywraps, foot soaks, baths and insect bites. Personally, I have only used it on my nose, around my lip area and on acne as those are my problem areas. 
• To use, simply add equal parts of the clay with raw apple cider vinegar or water to form a smooth paste. 
• To mix, it's required to use a non-metal bowl and utensil
• Make sure no liquid gets into your tub of product so the rest of the clay powder doesn't ruin.
• Once the mixture is smooth, apply to problem areas and let dry. For delicate skin let the mix sit for 5-10 minutes and 15-20 minutes for normal skin. It will feel tight and may even have a warming effect on your skin. 
• Once ready to remove, rinse off with warm water. 
• Once removed skin will have a redness to it for around 30 minutes but soon disappears. 
• Use once a week, or more often for problem areas. 

This product has become a must-have in my skincare regime and I use it once a week. Because you are mixing it yourself, at times it is a little tricky to get the consistency right and in the first few uses you can potentially waste quite a bit of the product. My advice to avoid this would be to start with the smallest amount and go from there, even if that means mixing up a new batch if you don't quite have enough for your use. I have to say, overall I am super impressed by this product and its' quality. I would recommend to anyone who wants to give their skin some extra TLC.

Have you ever tried Aztec Secret Indian Healing Facial Clay? What did you think?

Cheerio for now! 
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Book Review: The Miniaturist

The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton 

This book was one that had caught my eye many a time from its place of pride, on the bestseller bookshelf at my favourite bookstore. I had read the blurb a half a dozen times but for some reason never purchased it. The description was so intriguing and it made its' way onto my reading list but there were always other books that distracted me until it was gifted to me at Christmas (is there a reoccurring pattern here? -I think so). It wasn't until our summer 'uproot' that I finally cracked the spine and got sucked into the world of what happens behind the doors of a 17th-century merchant trader family home in Amsterdam. 

The story revolves around Nella Oortman who becomes Nella Brandt, the young wife of Johannes Brandt. With her husband off at sea and trading in distant lands, he gives her a miniature cabinet house to fill her time and distract herself with. After sourcing a miniaturist the cabinet quickly comes to a life in a way that unnerves Nella and so the story twists and turns in the most unexpected of ways. 

Both the story and the way Burton has produced this story was both beautiful and intensely gripping. I wish I could mention more about this novel but I do not want to give away any spoilers, especially as there are so many plot twists within. As soon as you think you have figured out why and what is happening, you are blindsided by another piece of the puzzle. Overall, I loved this book. It made for a great read, no doubt one I will return to and reread over and over. 

Have you ever read The Miniaturist? What did you think? 

Cheerio for now!

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To check out my other book reviews, click here. 

Kind Natured

I came across the brand Kind Natured when I was searching for a natural shampoo and conditioner. I was just giving up hope when I was drawn to the simple but pretty packaging. Although it's not entirely natural it is pretty close and with no Parabens, Sulfates or Petrochemicals I had to grab it. I discovered these gems in Boots and they are usually on a 3 for 2 offer so it works out a great way to try out a few products without breaking the bank. Here is a little about the products they do... 

Hair Care: 

The shampoo and conditioners were the first things I tried amongst the products and I used the Colour Care Coconut & Shea Shampoo and Conditioner. I found the formulation so hydrating and moisturizing on my hair, plus it smells amazing. I have also used the Super shine Argan & Kukui oil shampoo and conditioner which is such a divine combination and also helps keeps my frizzy flyaways stay at bay. The Nourishing Ylang Ylang & Sage and the Volumizing Rosemary & Mint are two of the Shampoo and Conditioner variations that I haven't tried as yet but I do have them to hand for when mine run out.  The ylang-ylang and sage one particularly smells incredible. 

On a recent trip to the drugstore, I noticed Kind Natured have started to produce kids products. There are two shampoos: Apple Smoothie Gentle Care Kids Shampoo and Jam Doughnut De-Tangle Kids Shampoo. They also have a Tutti Fruitti detangler spray which, I'm not going to lie, I have actually been using (and loving). 

Bath Soak: 

Now I haven't tried any of the bath soaks because, well -I don't have a bath. But the combinations they have are Nourishing Amber & Pink Pepper, Heavenly Coconut & Passionflower, and Soothing Sea Salt & Bergamot. If anyone has tried these please leave a comment below or on my insta, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Body Wash: 

The body wash is amazing. So far I have tried the Nourishing Amber & Pink Pepper and the Soothing Sea Salt & Bergamot but I know there is also Heavenly Coconut & Passionflower; which I will probably try out at some point soon. Sea Salt & Bergamot is my favourite so far. I find the combination so calming which is perfect when you want to wind down. I'm hoping Kind Natured bring out a body cream in this scent, it would be so dreamy! 

Lip Balms: 

Now I feel I need to mention that the lip balms are more of a lip gloss consistency rather than a balm. Packaged in a squeezy tube, it can be all too easy to squeeze too much out all at once and then have sticky lips. I have the Moisturizing Coconut Oil one in my bag on me, pretty much all the time. I tend to keep the Nourishing Manuka Honey at home and apply it at night as the formulation is a more intense moisturizer. 

Now, I usually mention whether or not products are cruelty-free and vegan certified however there are no indicators on the products themselves and I couldn't see anywhere online either so, for now, that is a big question mark. 

Have you ever tried Kind Natured? What did you think about the products? 

Cheerio for now! 

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15 songs that lift my spirits

It's no secret that Summer and Autumn last year were quite tough on me, not only physically but also emotionally. I was feeling low and in need of some serious picking up. My friends were amazing through this period of time, supporting me with shoulders to cry on, kind words and plowing me with cake and tea. Having said this, my friends have jobs to hold down and so couldn't be there 24/7. In these moments I turned to music.

I think music has a profound effect on all of us. It has the power to transport us back to a time and place long lost in our memories; evoking emotions in us through a few simple chords. With it being that time of the year, when many are suffering from the festive blues, I thought it was the ideal time to share my favourite tunes to blast those blues away and get my spirits soaring.

• Something Wild, Lindsey Stirling (ft. Andrew McMahon) 

• Riptide, Vance Joy 

• On My Way, Axwell /\ Ingrosso 

• Nowhere to Go, Hurricane Love 

• Keep Your Head Up, Ben Howard 

• Tightrope, WALK THE MOON 

• Mountain Sound, Of Monsters and Men 

• Cheap Thrills, Kina Grannis & KHS 

• Rain, Hail or Sunshine, The Script 

• Keeping Your Head Up, Birdy 

• Sing it all away, Walk off the Earth 

• King of The World, First Aid Kit

• On Our Way, The Royal Concept 

• Guillotine, Jon Bellion (Feat. Travis Mendes)

• Destination, Imagine Dragons 

Comment below your favourite 'pick-me-up' tunes or what you do to cure the January blues. 

Cheerio for now! 

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Autumn | 16

Life:
Autumn, just like Summer, was stressful in ways but more emotionally draining than anything else. Turning 21 was a difficult stepping stone and it brought with it a few unearthed emotions I had to deal with, but regardless I had an amazing birthday and was thoroughly spoilt. My health has been steadying and, while I do still have bad days and flares, I have managed to get to a steady point where I can keep my head above water.

Feeling: Going into Autumn I was drained and hadn't really got an even balance of different areas of my life. I have definitely realized the importance of self-care, unwinding and switching off. I have come to use skincare as my 'time', as well as listening to podcasts with a hot brew.

Reading: Many Magazines. I have enjoyed discovering and reading a lot of new magazines lately (well, new to me). I love my Peppermint subscription, as well as catching up with Frankie magazine every so often, however, lately, I have discovered some new loves that I am head over heels with. The Messy heads, Popshot and Oh Comely are just a few. I will no doubt do an entire post because there is so much to say about each of them.

Watching: I marathon watched all The Gilmore Girls episodes in anticipation for the Reunion (I will probably end up doing a post on my thoughts about the reunion). This also made me finally invest in Netflix which got me hooked on Pretty Little Liars. I am currently on the season five so no spoilers, please. I also loved watching vlogtober. October is my favourite month, so having certain YouTubers creating content daily was really great. My favourites were The fashion citizen and sunbeamsjess.

Creating: A lot of writing. I'm currently working on a creative writing module towards my degree, so naturally, I have been writing constantly. I have really enjoyed it so far and have loved learning different techniques to help my writing grow and develop in new ways.

Recent Favourites: A lot of birthday related things. I received a pocket watch from my grandparents for my birthday, which I am absolutely in love with. When I opened it, my eyes nearly popped out my head like cartoon characters. It is truly something I will cherish forever. Another favourite was my cake -yes, my cake. My mom had a replica of my beach hut made, which was so pretty and well made; and yes, it was delicious.

Listening: I like to listen to movie scores or instrumental pieces when I study, so I have really enjoyed some of Spotify's playlists. I've been routinely listening to podcasts, particularly Stuff you missed in history class, Ladies who Lunch, and Myths and Legends -yup, I'm a sucker for those history and mystery vibes.

Enjoying: My current uni module, A125 Creative Writing with The Open University. I can go into my studying/uni experience a bit more in a different post, but so far have been really enjoying this module. I have also been enjoying puppy cuddles. My mom's partner got a red Labrador at the end of September, so I have been taking full advantage of cuddles whilst he is still small enough to bear hug.

What have been your highlights this Autumn? Are you looking forward to Winter? 

Cheerio for now! 

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