Keeks Visits - Vegas

72 hours in Vegas sounds like the title of a bad comedy film but that's exactly how I spent 3 days last week to ring in my oldest sister's 40th birthday! I didn't take many pics (for me, anyway) but here is a snippet of the best bits. 

Buffalo Wild Wings

Super classy, I know but these wings are so so delicious that I had to include this picture as a memento. The one in Vegas is on the outside of Miracle Mile Mall.

TAO Beach Club

My favourite thing about my trip without doubt. It was free to get in via the guestlist (I think this might just be for the ladies, but don't quote me) and with your wristband you get free drinks between 1pm and 2pm. We went on a Friday and it was heaving with beautiful people too which was nice. ALso the food is amazing (if expensive) to wash everything down with. 

Pics with the madre <3

Sephora haulin' 1 of 3 (no joke, I went there everyday).

We took a road to Hollywood and stopped at the gnarliest gas stations in the middle of nowhere to refuel. I remarked to my sister "This place looks like the set of The Hills Have Eyes" and the bus driver goes "that film wasn't filmed too far from here" and all the colour drained from my face.

If you have the opp to take a picture of a road referenced in a Kanye song, you do. 

Nothing beats sipping a frappe latte on Hollywood Boulevard.

Pit stop in Santa Monica meant rollercoastering with my sisters and aunt was an essential.

I am not my hair*

*but it is a huge part of who I am. 

I have never felt more low in self esteem than I had the past month or so. I’ve felt so crap. And I know it’s got to do with change. Change isn't easy. Especially for a person like me. I get the same coffee order, get the same time train to work, get into bed and sleep on a specific pillow. I'm not obsessive and do embrace some spontaneity, I just, you know, like consistency. And I think this is something that spawns from laziness in all honesty because routine is easy, it's tried and tested and proven to work. So why stray? Why create disruption when it's not necessary? This is me all over. So when I stopped relaxing my hair a year ago it was a departure from my easy hair routine - wake up, brush hair and if it doesn't look presentable stick a hat on - and I was knowingly disrupting my order. But working in beauty journalism I had so much knowledge on the subject of hair products that I knew in the long run I wouldn't want to keep relaxing my hair - so by continuing to I was just putting off the inevitable, right? So I just stopped, I didn't make much over it and I wasn't planning a hair journey and big chop, I wasn't waxing lyrical about giving up the "creamy crack" I just carried on with my normal hair routine without the relaxing part. Or at least I tried to. I'd continue to straighten it after washing and treat my new texture as the "regrowth" that I used to see as the sign it was time to return to the Hairdressers. Even though I embraced the change the change didn’t embrace me. My hair was in disgusting condition, it was breaking off in excess, shedding - when I’d brush it, it was like grooming a malting cat. I was so ashamed about it I refused to go to the hairdressers as I was embarrassed by it’s condition, I was stuck in a loop. 

Cutting my hair has never been something that I’ve been into - when I was relaxing my hair I got a trim every time I got a touch up (oh look, more routine) but without the need to visit the salon I just stopped. But it was holding me back - big time. It was stunting my style, I was paralysed by the idea of styling my TWA/straggly ends so I’d just pop it in two space buns. and the next day, and the next day. And before I knew it a cute, quirky style became my new routine. It was the only thing I got down that mimicked the ease of relaxed hair. You know in Mean Girls when Regina George is like ‘sweatpants is all that fits me right now’? That was me, but replace sweatpants with space buns. And because I hated the way that my hair looked and didn’t want to go backwards (relaxing) or forwards (big chop) I was in self-inflicted limbo. It pushed every other part of my image into perspective too. I hated my hair and I couldn’t use it as a distraction from my face so I hated my face, my skin was awful, I treated myself to sweets because I wanted a pick me up… then my jeans got tighter. A new routine. 

For a person that’s so open and up front about a lot of sh*t I kind of just recoiled into myself. I was me outwardly (bubbly, seemingly happy) but I didn’t feel like I looked like myself and inside I was a whirl of anxious discontent. My Outside had affected my Inside that subsequently affected my Outside and it was a circle that needed to stop.

I made it stop. 

It was so simple - I got my hair done. I sat for 5 hours to get a style that took the morning worry out of the equation and my spirits were instantly lifted. No, but literally. My hair was considerably heavier but my spirits were like a helium balloon on a ribbon. Anyone that tells me that appearance doesn’t matter can kiss my backside, because it does. It really does. There’s a reason why they call your hair your crowning glory, because even if you don’t buy into the idea of long hair being a woman’s beauty (I don’t), hair does act as a crown. A queen is a queen always but it’s when she has that crown of jewels on her head she sits up straighter, more confidently, more gracefully, more regal. When you feel good about what’s atop of your head, you feel good about yourself. 

Keeks Visits - Edinburgh

I wouldn't say that I'm a huge traveller, sure I love to go on holiday, but a wanderer I am not. But as I've gotten older my need to explore has increased tenfold, it's like an itch that is begging to be scratched. As a child I was pretty content to sit on the beach with my bucket and spade but now to lay in the sun for 7 days sounds like an incredibly waste of time. I want to go places, do things, look, climb and delve into new interesting cities, which is why me and my travel buddy Nads decided to hop to Edinburgh for the weekend. 

For me Nads is a perfect travel partner, we both want to explore but also both know that Netflix and Deliveroo is by far the the best option when you're all explored out. We flew to Edinburgh on Friday evening and stayed in a lovely air b'n'b on William Street in the beautiful West End of the city. The buildings make you feel like you're stepping into a Charles Dickens novel, the streets were the right amount of both quiet and bustling enough and the air was fresh like actual fresh air. I loved the way that the town is so modern in so many ways but as you walk out of Urban Outfitters and look up you literally see Edinburgh castle in all of it's ye old glory. 

My favourite part about Edinburgh apart from the people who are so chirpy (and the nicest Uber drivers ever) was the food. Me and Nads love to eat and it's one of our personal quests to eat at as many different restaurants as possible across the Globe so we were going to relish the opportunity to taste as much as Edinburgh had to offer. I'm not gonna lie, most of our conquests came from my friend Liv's extremely handy guide so I would suggest you take a look at it immediately for a more in depth look at some seriously cool haunts. -> whatoliviadid.com

In the meantime here is the list of places we visits and LOVED 

Eating + Drinking

Milk

Good, fresh food with an instagrammable gluten-free cake display.

Urban Angels 

The best eggs benedict I'd had in a long time. Also Nads said it was the best granola she's ever had with "the perfect amount of yogurt and fruit" for you health nuts.

Panda and Sons

Unfortunately they didn't play Panda the whole time I was in there but the cocktails were on point and they bring you free popcorn to your table until you leave. 

Mary's Milk Bar

The ice cream here is beyooond. When we went there was a pop up free circus in the green across the road so we were spolit really.

Civerinos

Liv forced us to go here and eat the nutella calzone, FORCED us. Kidding, but she did tell us it was delicious and we believed her and she was completely right. 

Brew Lab

Yo, the coffee here is insane. I said to Nads it kind of felt like it made me a little euphoric, I'm not gonna lie. The cinnamon buns were also pure gold.

Bar Soba

Ok, so I have not a clue what the inside of one of these restaurants looks like because we totally Deliverooed this.'Twas a real treat though, I got the pad thai and am dribbling a little just thinking about it now. 

Touristing 

Life Story

...for the one off instaglam pieces.

Coco Chocolatier

... for the insanely good Scottish choc

Edinburgh Castle 

... for a non-shit history lesson

The Real Mary King's Close

... for underground roaming

I'll definitely be going back soon.

4 Ways to Avoid awkward situations

Are you an awkward person? Because I am. I'm a totally super mega awkward person. Give me a social situation that normal people would be completely fine with and I will screw up in some way. However, I feel like as I age and mature (lol) I've learnt a few ways to pull yourself out of the pit of embarrassment or how to avoid it altogether without becoming a recluse.

I'm still finding new and interesting ways to awk out all the time, believe me, but these are the ones I've had enough practice with to provide a little wisdom on...

People traffic

You know that moment when you're walking towards someone and you do that little dancey dance about which way you both are going to go? I bloody hate that. But a while ago I read a bit of advice that said when you can see this happening, instead of looking down or at the person, look at the direction you're going to walk in and stick to it. The other person will be so shocked by the certainty (it's so not British) that they'll fall in line and the whole sitch will be avoided. 

Name forgetting

This literally seems so rude, especially when it happens to you, but more often than not its not that the person is a huge twat it's usually just a slip of the brain (is that a saying?) Having been on both ends of it, the worst thing you could do is guess. I know you're 93% sure her name is Suzy, but if it's not you're going to feel even worst, as is Suzy, who's actual name is Sharon. Just be honest and self-deprecating, like "god, you're going to kill me, your name has completely slipped my mind" *awkward laugh* *hits self on forehead*

You've fallen over

Mate, I can't tell you how many times I've stacked it. Once I was in a club when I was 21 in my nice (OK, short) dress and heels and I stacked it on the lit up dance floor and grabbed a random guy on the way down only to profusely blame him for the fall. On this very same night the front of one of my open toed shoes tore so my toes literally broke free, I was a hobbling mess by the end of the night. Luckily my friend Tee came home slightly early with me. Anyway, I digress, if you stack it in public the best way to avoid embarrassment is to coat the whole thing in humour. If you're with someone when they ask if you're ok just laugh it off, because they probably want to laugh anyway so it makes it less awkward for everyone. If you're alone, while you're on the floor catch the eye of a passerby and do the same thing. I swear it works, unless you're actually truly injured in which case, flag down some help?

The awkward greeting

One kiss? Or two? Or a hug? Or a handshake? Or all of the above in a unknown greeting ritual? I hate the uncertainty I feel when greeting acquaintances! The worst is when you felt like one kiss is enough but they go for two and are hanging there. Or when you both go for the same side and end up almost planting on one their lips... ahhhh I hate it. To avoid this sitch I go for a hug as often as possible. Now some etiquette books will say this is too much contact but how is it more intimate than kissing someone... Twice? you want to go in and stick to it. Trust me this actually works. 

Hummingbird Bakery Sweet and Salty Chocolate Cake

Happy bank holiday weekend, guys! 

For me, baking cures in two ways.

One, the process itself is extremely therapeutic and two, you get to eat yummy cake after. Chocolate is the big daddy of cakes and in my opinion no one does them better than Hummingbird Bakery, so when I'm in need of a pick me up I always reach from my Cake Days bakery book. 

This time around I made the Sweet and Salty Chocolate Cake and luckily I found the recipe online to share with you guys! The only exception is that I topped mine with gold sprinkles instead of grated chocolate. This the recipe for the exact cake above and is a little more complex to make - 

Sweet and Salty Chocolate Cake

If your a total newbie baker then I'd suggest this one from BBC Recipes (be quick though because they're changing the recipe section soon!)

Easy Chocolate Cake 

Happy baking! 

My month of pescatarianism

(Disclaimer. I didn’t technically last a month, it was 28 days. Towards the end I got sick and my mum made me chicken soup so sue me.)

I’m not sure if this is my family, Jamaican families or just typical families but we base a lot of our dinners around meat. Meat, carbs and veg that is the formula that we stick to, but I find that cooking this way gets a little bit samey and unadventurous so for me the challenge was to think outside of the box and create meals that I probably wouldn’t have made before. I also thought by doing this, while it won’t be forever, in the long run it’d cut down the amount of meat I eat which could only be a good thing for my bowels. I did eat fish and seafood but I tried to make meals without them as much as possible. I learnt a lot about my eating habits throughout the month so I thought I’d share my observations with you.

It makes you a lot less lazy in the kitchen

Unless you’re content with just eating a mixed salad out of the bag, then you have to be a little bit more creative in the kitchen if you’re steering clear of meat. It’s so easy to just sling a bit of chicken in the oven and boil pasta and there’s your meal but I actually had to think about dinner without meat. I did a lot of pinteresting and flipping through recipe books to find interesting meals to cook.

You don’t eat a sh*tload of tofu

I’ve realised that I’m not a fan of tofu. I mean sure if it’s there I’ll eat it but I’m not, like, gonna crave it or anything. I had this preconceived notion that all veggies ate tofu in the same way non-veggies ate chicken but seriously it’s not true. It’s not an accompaniment to every meal, in fact I only ate it once the whole month and there’s still a packet in my fridge that I haven’t opened.

However, veggie sausages are so bomb

*angels sing* I think I could actually give up pork sausages for good. Veggie sausages gave me so much life this month, I got through packet after packet. I used them for all sorts, from Sunday roast to faux meatballs and spaghetti and will absolutely continue to use them all the time. Converted.

A lot of restaurants need to up their veggie options

For real, most places seriously lack nice veggie options that aren’t just salads, which isn’t fair at all – including McDonald’s! One lunchtime when I was working from home I was not in the mood to cook anything so I hopped in the car and went to the drive-thru to find that the only non-meat offering was filet-o-fish. So vom. I ended up with fries and an apple pie (which was delicious but that’s not the point).

Mildred’s is amazing.

A saviour for vegetarians and vegans alike this restaurant is bananas. Like, crazy good food. If someone told me that a vegetarian restaurant would be one of my favourite places to eat this year I would have been like “mmmkay mate! Sure.” But it was divine. I went to the King’s Cross branch and got the black bean burrito with sweet potatoes fries and I’m currently drooling onto the keyboard just thinking about it.

Spring Feeling

Spring is 100% my favourite season. Just as a warning, I think this post is going to be quite idealistic as I'm writing it on a train after a morning out in London in the warm sunshine which is the happiest situation of life for me.

In my opinion, spring is the life equivalent of putting clean sheets on your bed. It's your bed but it feels so much better, gives you promise of a dreamier sleep and feels altogether fresher. Spring just gives everything a new lease of life and it's a happy reminder that summer is nearly here! When spring comes around I genuinely feel like anything is possible, so here are a few things I'm hoping to do this spring/summer...

Sort out my wardrobe sitch

Ah spring cleaning! Who doesn't enjoy a good clear out? Ages ago I threw out (by which I mean gave to my sisters and charity shops) loads of my old clothes and shoes with the intention of streamlining and adding in a few pieces here and there... But months down the line I've still not sorted it properly - which is why my outfit posts have been seriously lacking. I plan to look at what I'm seriously lacking and remedy it ASAP.

Take some time out

I'm so not one to take days off. I have to be so sick to not turn up at work (3 sick days in 3 years #justsayin) and normally only take holiday if I'm, you know, actually going on holiday (Christmas birthday means I always get this off - result!). So I decided this spring I'm just going to take a week off to do whatever I want.

Explore, explore, explore! 

There are so many places in the UK that I want to visit properly. Like, for instance, Bath. I want to just go to Bath for the day and have a mooch around and be a big kid on Brighton Pier. I want to spend the weekend in Edinburgh and drive/be driven to The Cotswolds. These are the perfect things to do in spring when it's a good temp, there are loads of bank holidays and it's easier to organise with friends because there isn't the whole summer holiday calendar to work out. 

Commute Productivity

Please note - This is not a picture from my commute, this is a picture I took in Central Park, NYC. If this was a picture from my commute I would be currently living my best life as a reporter at the Spectator trying to seduce my boss Nate Archibald* 

My commute sucks in so many ways. It's four hours added onto my work day, costs a bomb and exposes me to way more germs than I even want to think of. However, despite this I can draw a couple of positives. I'm under 25 so my railcard slices the cost by a third, plus as I live in London and work in the countryside I basically do the complete opposite to every human in the South of England. But the best thing is that it's time that I can actually do stuff. I used to view it as empty time and I would just sleep but I figured as it's time I won't get back I might as well make it as productive as possible. So week on week here are a few things I do on my commute...

- Write blogposts

When I'm in a blogging groove (hoping this'll happen again soon) writing on my way into work is my JAM. If I haven't got any fully-formed posts I'll write down blog post ideas in my notes.

- Read an actual book

As I always get a seat on my train (major win, I know) I love to indulge in a spot of reading and get lost in another world. However, the latest book I read was a non-fiction -Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance - and I found that reading that kept me alert as it was so funny and informative. In general I find reading calming so if I'm going to read, it'll be on the way home.

- Listen to a podcast

A new fave. Podcasts have the best early morning effect they wake up my brain slowly and thoroughly. I'm not sure if this is just me but I can't do anything else when I'm listening to a podcast, I have to be in the zone and therefore it focusses me. I absolutely love the Dear Viv podcasts from The Pool and my colleague Joy loves the Buzzfeed podcasts.

- Learn a language

Me and my friend Nadia decided that we wanted to learn Mandarin this year. Now, this isn't going to happen - Mandarin is friggin HARD. But I figured why not at least try, ey? So I downloaded an App called Chinese Skill and it's so great. It's free and starting with basics you learn written, speech and listening. I'm only on basics 3 but it's so encouraging when you complete a section like "hell yeah I just got 98% on a section! I OWN THE MANDARIN LANGUAGE". And I now know that "nǚrén" means "women" *cool sunglasses emoji*

- Watch videos

I am partial to a good YouTube video of course, but on my commute I very specifically only really like to watch magazines' YouTube videos. I think it's because they inspired me to go into work at my magazine and kick arse. My favourite playlist has to be the Future of Fashion series on British Vogue's channel. Not only is it presented by my absolutely style and life icon, Alexa Chung, but it is so interesting to see the inner workings of the fashion industry. Also it pushes me to try and be a way cooler person. 

- Plan

I love a good plan me (I am forever trying to convince people that hardcore planning is where it's at) and so the mornings are when I begin the plan of the day. Any events or meetings I've put in my phone the previous day I write into my physical diary. I make lists about non-work related errands that I have to do but can't do whilst I'm on the train. This isn't everyday because let's face it, I'm not that busy but I'll do it on the way to work at least once a week. 

Let me know if you give any of these a go and if they improve your commute even by an iota. 

*If you don't know what I'm talking about or who Nate Archibald is then I suggest you now go to Netflix and watch series 1-6 of Gossip Girl, one of the top 5 shows ever created. 

Happy Mother's Day

My gorgeous niece and nephews

Happy Mother's Day UK mummas! My daughter duties begin when my Mum wakes up, so considering she went out to a comedy show last night (she 100% has a better social life than me) I would say that I have a couple more hours of laptop time before I have to make breakfast, lunch and copious amounts of hot water with lemon.

I love Mother's Day because I'm lucky enough to have my mum still here and seeing her face light up when you present her flowers and card is so warming. But I know that it's a really hard day for so many, like my mum, who have lost their mum - a whole day to remind you what you lack. I for one am reminded of my Godmother who passed away when I was 18, a reminder that over the years has turned from an emptiness to a thought of comfort. I know she would be so ridiculously proud of me and whenever I see a magpie in our garden I think of her. So for me while Mother's Day is of course all about my mum, it's also a day I kind of reflect about all the women who helped raise me.

When my mum had me she was a 38 year old divorcee with two jobs and two teenage daughters. Nowadays 38 is a lot closer to the average age for giving birth, but at the time my mum was SO OLD (it was the early '90s) and divorced, I mean sacre bleu what a situation! My dad was just her younger boyfriend (only 6 years younger but if you meet my dad you'll realise how young he thinks he is when he says "sick" and "boss"). So I feel like every women in my life had a hand in making me who I am. My nan would look after me after school and take me to church with her every Sunday. By the time I was old enough to remember, my big sisters were in their late teens/early twenties and made me feel like the coolest little girl on the planet plus I had my Godmothers constantly checking in and looking out for me. In short I was ridiculously spoilt with awesome women role models as well as my amazing mum when I was growing up so happy Mother's Day to you all and anyone else out there that's helping to mother their loved ones.

Now that I'm a godmother and aunty myself I can really feel the weight of responsibility to do the upmost for little ones that look up to you so I hope I can do as great a job as my favourite ladies...

Keeks xo

What's worse than being single?

It's so easy, as a single person to be all EGH VALENTINE'S DAY WHAT A LOAD OF BALLS, but I refuse to be like that. At least not externally - what's the point of stomping on couples' joy, because let's face it, it's one of the only days of the year that they're extra nice to each other.  I wish that singles would get the same respect though, and coupled up family and friends would just leave us be. Just yesterday I was told I better find someone or I'll get left on the shelf, like, jheeze thanks pal. 

Being in love is amazing but being alone is just as great because you have time to realise that you're all good all alone - you can be your own favourite person. I mean, not to get morbid or anything but you're the only person you'll be with 'til the end so you better love yo'self. Being single is fine, it's no big deal. In fact, I can think of SO many things that are worse than being single that include but are not limited to the following...

- Someone eating the food you were looking forward to in the fridge

- Laddering your tights on the way to work 

- People asking questions that can easily be googled 

- Missing your train by less than a minute

- Waiting more than 3 minutes for the tube

- Accidentally putting kisses on serious emails 

- Getting grease stains on your favourite top

- Being somewhere that has no signal

- Being somewhere that has no signal, then finally getting signal and realising no one has tried to contact you. 

- Having to share food

- Your sock sliding down in your shoe the moment you step out of the house 

- Washing a spoon and being sprayed with 5 gallons of water

- Drinking a bottle of water and subsequently needing to pee every 9 minutes for the rest of the day

- Chopping an onion then touching your eye

- Saying something out loud and then realising it was funnier in your head.

- When you sing along to a song but come in too early

- Friends asking for advice and not taking it

- When you're singing along to a song and your friend starts singing too like no this is not a duet fam. 

- Accidentally winking at someone when you get something in your eye

- Your hat blowing off in the wind

So happy Valentine's Day you beautiful lot <3 

Digi Dating with ASOS

The other day I was invited to be in the audience for asos's foray into dating shows. Digi Dating is like a modern age Blind Date and I loved being there to watch the show live - as much as it is all about being digital being there IRL was so much more fun than watching it. 

The eps themselves are hilarious though and just what you need if you're after some LOLs this Valentine's. Personally my fave is episode three as I make a seriously awkward cameo around 5.40 on the way back from the loo. Bear in mind it was the end of the day and I'd had a few beverages so my awkwardness level was at it's peak. 

THE FRIDAY FIVE #5

I'll bring you flowers

After a serious case of blogger block the Friday five is BACK! I was feeling a bit meh the last couple of weeks so I decided to buy myself some flowers from my favourite flower shop, Scarlet and Violet in Kilburn. While my favourites aren't in season (the biggest blogger cliche, peonies) I got a gorgeous bouquet of stocks. IT's amazing what a bunch of fleurs can do for your mood. 

La Roche launches

On Tuesday I headed into town for the launch of La Roche Posay's latest suncare products. They are all factor 50 but don't leave that ashy look that a lot high factor sun protection products leave in black skin (I've learnt the hard way). I'll be popping a blog post up nearer their launch date but for now above is an attractive photobooth picture of me and Zoe from the launch.

Bowlin' babes

So my friend Nads has this thing where, despite me still living at home, so likes to give me kitchenware for my birthday. It all started on my 21st when she gave me a Le Creuset oven dish and so for this birthday present (which came this week despite my bday being in December because as a group we aren't the best with this stuff) she stuck with the trend bad I received a gorgeous mug and this cracking bowl from anthropologie. It's just been making breakfast that much more special.

Formation

Bey came back with a bang at the weekend with Formation and as a Bey fan I naturally was all over it. However, as much as I love the video and most of the song ("I got hot sauce in my bag" YAAS qweeeen) I've found the debate it's sparked even more interesting. While I think that the black women's experience is different in the USA compared to the UK I've read some articles from black women both sides of the pond that have extremely interesting, valid points on black culture. Have a read for yourself here and here.

Back to the 20s!

My mum loves a good party, she is the hostess with the mostest always and so when she randomly said she wanted to throw a murder mystery none of us batted an eyelid. It was so fun and all our family and friends got all dressed up for some jazz-era fun. Our team didn't win but it's the taking part that counts. Duh.

Blogger Block

We are all guilty of it, putting ourselves under unnecessary pressure. Of course a lot of the time a bit of self-inflicted pressure is needed to get a task done but I'm talking about the bad kind, the kind that cripples your capability to be productive in any way.

I don't know whether it was my setting of 2016 goals and the BOOM that comes with New Year but lately I have definitely been putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself. Don't get me wrong, I work quite well under pressure through fear of failure. It makes me more diligent and more organised - way more practical. However, another thing it does is stunt my creativity. How annoying - seen as everything I do, from my actual job, to my blog, to my hobbies, centres around creativity.

I feel like where I've vowed to be more consistent with blogging as a goal this year, I really pressured myself to do it as if it's my job, when really it's my hobby, something that I should enjoy doing. You know that thing when you have so much to do that you can't do anything? Yeah, I had that. Having such stressful deadlines at work to get copy turned over meant that the last thing I wanted to do was come home and do more writing. In fact not only did I not want to, I physically couldn't. My brain was frozen.

This has been my consistent struggle
-I need to blog
-I REALLY need to blog
-I have nothing to blog about
-Ah, I can blog about that thing
-*sits down to blog. Stares at blank document*
-*closes document. Watches Netflix*

I really just needed a second to breathe, remind myself that I wasn't letting anyone down and have sometime to actually just be. This little dry spell has actually been a good thing in a way, because it confirmed my suspicions, I can’t fake enthusiasm. At school I always excelled in the subjects I loved and scraped grades with subjects I hated because when I’m not enthusiastic about something I find it hard to truly give my all to it.

I’m hoping that because I actually wanted to sit down and write this, that it means that my creative dry spell is officially over (fingers and toes crossed please) so stay tuned. I do really think I'll get back into the swing of things, so bear with me, It'll be worth it!

Love Keeks xo

The desk essentials

Every since I started working from home for part of my week I have been trying to make my desk a place that I don't mind spending a huge chunk of my time. While it's not my complete Pinterest dream desk, it's definitely getting there and there are certain elements that I'm obsessed with that have now become my desk essentials to make home-working more productive and my working environment more aesthetically pleasing...

Noticeboard - I grabbed this one from Hobbycraft for £6 - such a steal. I don't use it for actual notices (come on now) I use it for Paperchase postcards and to display my now out of hand photobooth addiction (seriously, since these photos were taken I've added 10 more). 

Headphones - Even if I'm completely alone in the house I can't edit videos without my headphones on. I literally have no idea why. 

Journal & Notepad - At anyone time I have about 50 ideas swirling around my head so I have to keep these next to me to jot everything down. I also start every feature I write in my notepad - devising layouts, structure etc - it was only last year that I stopped handwriting actual features before typing them up. The journal was a gift from my friend Emma and the notepad is from Paperchase.

Radio - Ok, grandma confession - when working from home I do my best, most thorough writing when listening to Smooth radio. Trust me and try it.

Daily Planner - Again with the organising. Every morning I fill out my to-do list for the day with a mug of coffee. It helps to keep me on track and there's a great sense of accomplishment when you look back at all you've achieved. And yes sometimes I start my list with things I've already done like "wake up" and "turn on laptop".

Fresh flowers - Unfortunately, I don't always have these but I try my darnedest to pick some up as often possible, they are instant mood alleviators.

Hand cream - In the office and at home you will never see a desk I occupy without hand cream. I have the driest hands in life and they drink hand cream like there is no tomorrow. I notice my hands a lot more when I'm typing so I keep my Antipodes to hand for dry hand relief.  

The Friday Five #4

Sketch

I attended an event for a new launch from Phyto this week (more on that soon) and it was held at Sketch, London, one of the most beautifully bonkers restaurant in town. I snapped this pic on the way to the loos which are thee coolest johns to do a twinkle. The main restaurant is all kinds of interiors inspo, I mean would you just look at those tiles. 

Braid brigade

I'm in a weird phase with my hair - I haven't relaxed it since last July and it's at an annoying transitioning stage 1/3 teeny weeny Afro, 2/3 straggly relaxed ends. I needed a solution to stop me from crying while styling every morning so I asked my very talented big sister to do me two chunky braids and I LOVE them! It's so easy in the morning now and I keep them neat by wearing my headscarf at night. I think I might film the process next time for my YouTube channel.

Netflix fix

I love finding out tv schedules so that I can have an excuse to not go out (I swear my parents have a way better social life than me) and Netflix releasing their 2016 schedule has got me all hot and bothered. First of all Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt is BACK! The happiest show ever is returning to Netflix for a second season! Hallelujah! We have to wait until April though which kind of sucks. Also very excited to watch Love which lands on the 19th of February, created by Judd Apatow, which sort of looks like it has the can't-not-watch awkwardness of Girls. 

Keep it Simple - Raleigh Ritchie ft Stormzy

Greyworm has been my earworn this week (I can't tell you how proud I am of that sentence, guys). Seriously, if the toe-curling cold has been getting you down, pop this song on on repeat whilst commuting. Close your eyes (only if you aren't walking/driving/cycling) and imagine you're cruising down a country road on a warm summer's day with the windows rolled day, sun on your face, hanging with your favourite peeps. THIS IS WHAT THIS SONG DOES TO ME. It's musical sunshine.

Acne Studios Shearling Jacket Appreciation Overload

All my feelings for this Acne jacket have gone into overdrive this week. I neeeeed it - if anyone has seen an amazing dupe please tell me so I can purchase immediately if not sooner. 

The Friday Five #3

New Year. New Kicks

What better way to start a brand new year than with a pair of box fresh trainers? Every time a pair of Stan Smiths past me I would look at them longingly but then remind myself not to be a sheep – then, then I joined the flock. I like to convince myself that I’m totally different because mine are ALL white and I haven’t seen anyone with those yet…

Making a Murderer

If you haven’t heard about this show yet, where on Earth have you been? It’s the real life case of Steven Avery and his conviction of murder, which was made without any DNA evidence and a single witness statement from his nephew with learning difficulties. He was falsely accused of sexual assault previously and spent 18 years behind bars before DNA proved him innocent. If you have access to Netflix (literally, befriend a neighbour if you have to) you need to watch this series and then let me know what you think!

The Carpet Coat

My ma bought me this huge thang from Zara for my birthday and it’s the softest thing ever. It’s massive and warm and when you wrap your arms around yourself it feels like you’re hugging a cloud. The only annoying thing is that it has no zips or buttons or belt so when it’s windy it’s like you’re in the Earth Song video.

The Coconut Latte from Starbucks

I don’t usually like posting negativity but you guys this drink sucks so hard! They need to rename it the CocoYUCK Latte. I tweeted about it and then the Daily Mail used my tweet (along with others) in a feature about how basically everyone hates it. Do not waste your money – you’ve been warned.

Being a tourist

Showing someone not from London around my city is one of my favourite things so I loved it when I got to take Sazzle (my work buddy) to Westminster for an event on Thursday. Her face when she saw Big Ben and the London Eye up close was just the best. It just reminds you not to take it for granted because London is pretty awesome. 

D.I.Y - Easy Photo Garland

The New Year. It’s the time of year when things need shaking up and changing around, annoying because as much as I want to get things done I also -

a. Am poor after Christmas/My Birthday/New Year celebrations

b. Am in a hellish lull after returning to normality post-Christmastime 

However, my bedroom was in need of a little added décor. Since I’ve been working from home part-time I spend more time in my room than ever (my desk is in there, I’m no dosser), so I was in need of a few additions to make it an even better environment to work in. 

I ordered these Polaroid-style prints from Photobox in December and while I kept some for framing, I figured should try displaying photos in different ways around the room so it didn’t look to samey. That’s when I decided on an easy-peasy photo-garland. I mean, nothing makes you feel more DIY-ready than a quick browse on Pinterest. 

After a quick stop at Hobbycraft (a personal favourite of mine) I was sat with a stack of photos, fishing wire, washi tape and mini wooden pegs. That’s all you need. 

First off, decide how many photos you want on each garland and how many garlands you want in your space – I chose 5 photos on each garland and cut the wire to about a metre long. 

Take a bit of time to straighten out the wire, as it will be tightly coiled.

  

Next, decide the order you want the photos and get sticking. I used the washi tape to attach the photo to the wire, as the pegs grip won’t last as long as you think. Then simply attach the mini peg in the middle of the photo for a cute if meaningless effect. 

Leave a space of about 2 inches between the photos and then snip off any excess wire (remember to leave a bit of room to stick the edges up!) 

 Finally, just hang up in your desired place using washi tape to secure it to the wall. I love using the washi tape as when your bored of it you can just unpeel it without leaving a trace. If you like, you could use the tape to create a cool border/frame thingy if you’re feelin’ extra-Pinteresty.

24!

I'm sprawled on my sofa deep into a Kardashian marathon on E! (the TV network not the drug FYI) and am having a bit of a moment. You see as you read this it’ll be my 24th birthday – not a significant birthday some will say and they have a point, I mean after 21 it’s only multiples of 5 that count, right? Maybe even multiples of 10 (only boring people think this way, be wary of them), but not some random-ass mid-twenties age.
Anyhow, you know what I’m doing now, reflecting. It’s only right, right? I know we grow and change all the time but I wholeheartedly can say that from my 22nd birthday till now has been the most transitional period of my life. SO. MUCH. HAS. HAPPENED. And despite my continual infantile behaviour (working on that) I have learnt so much and it’s definitely moulded me into the adult person I am today. So here my friends, are 24 little things I’ve learnt in 24 years.

1 – Life flashes by in an instance 
Whoa so deep, so soon. But it’s true. Why is it that when you’re a kid each year between your birthday feels three times as long but then when you get to your 20s your last birthday feels like it was 2 weeks ago and you still refer to it as ‘the other day’ until your next birthday arrives.

2 – Don’t buy crap you don’t want just because it’s on sale
It’s a waste of valuable money. The younger me would have bought acid wash battyriders if they were 90% off even though I know that there is no way in hell I’d wear them. If you really want something and it goes on sale then fab, but there is a difference between buying something discounted that you want and buying something because you want the discount.

3 – Do not say a certain age is “old” 
Because one day you will be that age and will have little brats around you saying you’re “old” when you still feel 16. Not cool.

4 – Fear can be overcome 
I used to have a really really huge fear of ants. Yes ants, those tiny tiny little creatures. To be fair it was a fear that was spawned as a toddler after I was sat on a red ants nest - so pretty gruesome but it was a fear that consumed so much of my bloody life! If I went on a family holiday I had to have our room fumigated and NO ONE was allowed sweet food in the room at all. I couldn't sit on grass in the summer (I'd literally crouch) it was awful. Since I've matured into an adult it's hardly something that even crosses my mind. Ok so I still itch a little if I see a nest but I don't allow it to restrict my life anymore to the relief of my friends who can now invite me to picnics.

5 – Bad grammar is the annoyance of life
For real, I’m not saying you need to be a human Webster’s English dictionary, but at least know when it’s time for your or you’re and when shit needs an apostrophe.

6 - Comparing yourself to others is fruitless 
What else does it do but make you feel like a big flop? Either that or you compare yourself to people doing not so well and then ding ding ding you feel like a huge bitch. Not comparing yourself is easier said than done but as I’ve gotten older I’ve realised how much time I’ve wasted doing this especially because I have such kick-ass buddies. My friend Liv has the best blog in the world, my friend Zoe has an unreal job on a national newspaper, and my friend Emma is insanely happily married – if I was to compare myself constantly to these girls I’d be ready to give up but instead I revel in it and use it to encourage me to kick more arse.

7 – Deciphering guys is friggin’ hard 
This is something that either doesn’t get easier or I haven’t gotten better at.

8 – TV will not get better than late 90s/early 00s.
The O.C, Laguna Beach, Sister Sister, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Art Attack, SM:TV Live, and of course FRIENDS.

9 – Diet Coke is foul
It’s pointless and way way way too bubbly.

10 – There is a difference between “honest” and being a bitch
You can be honest without being horrid. For instance you can tell your friend not to buy an unflattering dress without saying “Eghrh that looks so effing awful on you! Do not buy it or you will be expelled from my life.” Don’t try and conceal rudeness with being honest because it’s totally transparent.

11 – When you like someone and they don’t like you back it sucks but you’ll be ok
I wrote this post when I was super down in the dumps about #guyprobs and deffo thought it would bug me forever – I mean it does suck and of course you will feel like there is something wrong with you. There isn’t (well, there might be but it’s probably not that) – the bottom line is that you’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. But that’s alright because one day you’ll be someone’s cup of tea, in their favourite mug with a chocolate biscuit.

12 – Bad eyebrows can mess up your whole mood 
I wish this wasn’t the case, but if I’ve slept funny on my eyebrows and they refuse to sit properly that can screw with my whole day – makes me consider cutting in a damn fringe.

13 – Best friend break ups are baffling  
My closest friend from Uni just stopped talking to me one day. Literally no forewarning, no major fallout, it just happened. She stopped answering my texts and calls, and that was that. I was baffled and obviously thought it was a personal attack on me (see point 20 below) but have come to realise these things happen. I’m fine now but I still ponder it like an unresolved mystery.

14 – Some things are luck and some things are hard work. 
And sometimes people will label your hard work as luck and sometimes they don’t mean anything by it but they can still kiss my arse.

15 – Coffee addiction is real.
And those 99p coffees from Pret are suckers.

16 – A perfect eyeliner flick is like a total eclipse
It’s a rare and beautiful thing.

17 – You’re never too old to learn
I love learning so much and if I could get paid to learn that would be me sorted for the rest of my life. And although I’ve finished “proper” education each year I set myself a task of learning something new. This year I learnt to knit and started formal lessons on the guitar, next year who knows but it’s something that excites me and makes sure my brain doesn't turn to mush as it becomes consumed with mindless reality tv.

18 – Headphones on a commute are a necessity
Drowns out the misery, you see.

19 – Smooth radio can fix almost any mood
I think they should make me an Ambassador for this station; I talk about it so much. It is the best though – it’s the radio equivalent of sipping on a Galaxy hot chocolate in front of the fire snuggled with someone you love.

20 – Not everything is a personal attack on you
This is something I was really guilty of in my teenage years. If anything happened that directly or indirectly affected me I thought that it was because somewhere down the line someone hated me. Indirect tweet? Is it about me? Were my friends pissed at me? Did that girl look at me funny? Seriously I needed to calm TF down. And now that kind of thing is like water off a duck’s back (is that the saying?). If you think about it, it’s an incredibly self-important way of thinking (hence the teenage angst, I guess) and so I’m glad I’ve grown out of it. I’m still a huge worrier but I channel it into fretting about being late or if I blew out the candle in my room before I left the house.

21 – Spending most of your money on food and clothes is money well spent
Although I continually feel hungry and complain I have nothing to wear so go figure.

22 – Don’t trust a guy that kisses you after you’ve thrown up 
No comment.

23 - No matter how infrequently I play, I still partake in the “if I won the lottery” game
Seriously, I will win one day. When I was little I’d say that when I win I’d build a mansion shaped like a hand. The communal rooms would be in the palm and then me, my parents, sisters and brother would live in a finger each. Genius.

24 – Embarrassing things will make you feel like you want to die but eventually they’ll make for good icebreaker stories.
Like that time a cat weed in my lap, or when I threw up in my hands next to a toilet or when there was a fire drill when I was in the shower on a school ski trip and had to leg it outside and wait in the middle of the Alps wearing nothing but a friggin’ towel. Fun times.