Repost - I spoke to Girl Got Faith!

My friend Emma has created a great site which is an incredible resource for teen girls and she asked me to film a video with her on becoming a freelance writer. In it I speak about school, uni and how I get pitches commissioned. I hope you enjoy the video/find some useful advice in it.

Also check out Girl Got Faith - It really is an awesome site.

Warehouse Revival

Jumper - Warehouse (out of stock but more here)

You know what, I've never been one for Warehouse. It was always a shop I kind of didn't think was "my style" despite not ever really knowing what "my style" was. 

I just felt it never had any place in my dysfunctional little wardrobe - it was too... neat. Too mumsy. But recently something shifted. The brand was popping up more and more in my Instagram feed looking resolutely cooler. And it wasn't just the way the girls had style the pieces, the garms looked fresher, *shudders* ...trendier. I had to check it out for myself. 

So I jaunted into the little Warehouse off of Oxford Street (it's much quieter than the one between John Lewis and H&M FYI) and everything felt different. The window, the selects in store, even the music booming through the stereo - the shop has had a total rebrand. I looked it up and recently there has been major changes behind the scenes with Emma Cook taking the reigns as the brand's new design director and so it all makes sense. From what I've seen, some pieces have kept their functional neatness, but now there are more daring prints and unexpected detail - more Londoner, ed. I've particularly taken to their knitwear and people are shocked when I say a jumper is from Warehouse, much like I used to be. Now it's one of my first stops when I'm on the hunt for something, not somewhere I whizz past. 

How to make use of your expensive candle now it's finished.

Your candle's finished. 

You're sad. 

You spend £40 on that just for it to LITERALLY burn away. It's ok though, you'll survive because there's life after death of the expensive candle. 

If you've been able to avoid the instragammable, Pinterest-worthy expensive candle afterlife then let me brighten your day - there's life after the wick has burnt out. Whether you want it to house, pens, brushes or cotton buds, the choice is yours and it's a lot easier that you think. 

 Once you've burnt the last remains of your candle wait for it to completely harden, I can't stress this enough, don't mess with hot wax. Don't pour it out anywhere or rinse it... nothing. Simply wait for the remaining wax to completely harden (this is best overnight, but if you want, once it's cooled, you can pop it in the freezer for a few hours to speed things up). 

Then, take a butterknife and scrape around the edges of the hard wax to loosen and pop out. If it's not coming out so easily try scoring an X through the middle and then prise out each quarter. 

To clean the waxy film once the majority has been removed, take a brilo pad/scourer and dose it in warm water and washing up liquid and scrub the inside of the jar gently to remove. 

Et voila! Simple as.

Oh and one last thing, make sure you don't allow the warm water to run too much around the out side if your want to keep the sticker on!

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

Christmas Tag with Emma! | Video

November Love it & Leave it List

New York, New York it's a Hell of a Town..

New York is my second favourite place in the world (behind London, obvs). Now I know this is a massive stereotype – oooohh I’m a journalist (cue SATC refs) and I blog and I like NYC what a revelation - but I do feel like as a well-travelled young gal I can make this statement. I loved it the 1^st and the 2^nd time I visited – but this time was by far my favourite. I headed out with my lovely mumma and my best friend, Nads (above), and whereas before I had always stayed around Times Square, this time we wanted a different scene so we opted for the Financial District, right near Battery Park. After staying here I wouldn’t ever opt to stay in hectic Midtown again. Don’t get me wrong it was still busy especially because the 9/11 Memorial was a short walk away but not overbearing people traffic central that is Times Square.

I was planning on vlogging a bit while I was out there but honestly I just keep forgetting to get my camera out and then when I did I just felt super awks – so major kudos to vloggers that do it erryday. So instead I thought I’d put together a little post on my favourite spots from my short trip to The Big Apple.

The High Line

If you're up for a casual park stroll through the busy city then I'd definitely recommend The High Line. We got on at the start in the Meatpacking District (outside the Whitney Museum) and came down around W 29th Street. Up there you get to literally walk between buildings up high and there are cute food trucks to grab eats.

Brunch at Sarabeth’s

Manhattanites do brunch the way that I wish I could brunch every single day. The earlier you head out the better as places get very packed (so technically breakfast?). Brunch at Sarabeth's on Greenwich St was one of the best meals I had in the City. I opted for the Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes and a side of sausage and was in brunch heaven, plus who doesn't love $4 bottomless coffee. 

The best slice EVER @ New York Suprema Pizza

After walking The High Line we were in serious need of refuelling so when we stumbled on this pizza place we decided to check it out. I have two simply requirements for trying new restaurants -

1. Must have a good hygiene rating 

2. Must at least have one person eating in there

This place met both, and the lure of the smell of melted cheese was overwhelming. The base was thin and cripsy and the cheese was perfection. One slice was bigger than my face and cost less than $5 can I get an AMEN.

Brooklyn Bridge

On our first day there we went for a walk around the area and inadvertently ended up on Brooklyn Bridge (which is another reason why I loved the Financial District) it's such a lovely walk and although we didn't walk the whole way (my Mum started feeling a bit sick 'cos of the height and water underneath, bless her) it was fun and offered gorge views of the city and beyond. 

Brooklyn in general tbh

Ah Brooklyn, home to kids so cool they'd make Shoreditchers look stuffy and so many coffee shops you'll fail to leave without being off your face on caffeine. Firstly, Brooklyn is pretty huge (espesh when compared to Manhattan) so if you want to explore there I'd say take an afternoon, pick an area and wander. We wanted to visit Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn, but settled on the Burg in the end. We got the Subway (the only transport that makes you appreciate London's tube system) from Downtown Manhattan to Marcy Ave, Williamsburg but you can walk across Williamsburg Bridge or get the ferry. The tour of Brooklyn started with a stroll through the streets browsing vintage shops and street stalls (best ones are along Metropolitan Ave and the surrounding streets) and got coffee at Toby's Estate, which was literally the best vanilla latte I have ever had. The pic above was taken at The Post Office where we stopped for a breakfast burrito and free wifi - two of lives best offering. 

Whole Foods

Where I discovered that Peanut Butter Pretzels are a thing and subsequently lost my sh*t. The one on 7th Ave is huge and the cashier didn't even laugh at me that much when I asked him "excuse me, where are your nuts?". 

Battery Park

Our Hotel overlooked the Hudson River and you literally just walked across the road and were in Battery Park. It’s just such a scenic setting and the views of Jersey at night are beyond.

Honestly, you definitely have time for breakfast

I wake up at 5:30 every weekday and I always eat breakfast. In fact last week I was so knackered I decided to skip breakfast and have a bit more time in bed. But because my brain was awake, programmed to be alert from that time and I couldn't drift back to sleep and then my lack of breakfast just affected the rest of my day, I just felt out of sorts. That's when it dawned on me - my body prefers food the sleep. 


Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day if I have time to enjoy it. If I have plans to go out for brekkie I get WAY more excited about the food than I do with dinner - and I'm happy for the rest of the day. Even if it is a quick 5:30am rush job I have to eat breakfast, it's the meal that I see makes the most different to my mood for the whole day, so even if it's a bad bowl of crunchy nut (I use to have this all the time but now it's a 'I can't be arsed' occurrence) I try to always have something. So if you're stuck on how to incorporate a good brekkie into your morning routine, here are some tips I follow. 

Don't try the impossible

Unless you are some kind of magician you will not be able to whip up restaurant quality eggs Benedict in 15 minutes so don't waste your time. Toast things, chop, blend... Just don't try to cook. You'll just get frustrated and that's no way to start your day!

... But don't underestimate yourself either

Thinking that you only have time for a breakfast biscuit is acknowledging defeat. You'll be surprised by what you can whip up in 15 minutes (just not eggs benedict, guys). For example, porridge on the stove. My mum isn't big on microwaves so I grew up with the notion that things must be cooked on the stove and microwaves are simply for heating things up conveniently, so when my bestie, Nads, told me she COOKED her porridge in the microwave, my tiny mind was blown. Anyway, 15 minutes, that's plenty of time to cook porridge the regular way AND eat it! 

Dream about breakfast.

Literally, guys, not even joking here. It's bit like how I start thinking about lunchtime at circa 10am, but it actually does work. As I rest my head on my pillow at night my final thought is usually, 'porridge or fruit 'n' yogurt?!' And then I probably fall into a deep Greek yogurt related dream that I will never know about because they are wiped out by further dreams throughout the night involving post-apocalyptic worlds and me publicly mortified in various states of undress. 

If you really haven't got time, there are healthy grab and go options 

Again, you do have other options besides that breakfast biscuit bar (that is just a biscuit if we are honest to ourselves, people). If you don't have time to prepare and eat a healthy breakfast before stepping out, places like Pret have some great options. I love love love their Bircher pot - it's a healthy mixture of yogurt, seeds, nuts and fruit. And it tastes delicious so it's all winning here my friends.

If you're not hungry, think about your dinner sitch.

Eating too much, too late will probably have you waking up feeling a bit bloated and not in the mood for breakfast which will disrupt your meals for the rest of the day. If this happens too regularly you'll start an unhealthy pattern. Try and eat dinner as early as possible especially if you've diving face first into a plate of carby goodness!



If you give these tips a try I promise making breakfast a part of your morning routine will be a piece of pie! 

Hen dos (and don'ts)

If you didn't know already, one of my best friends, Emma, is getting married this month. While her eldest sister is the Maid of Honour, she passed me the baton for organising the hen party, due to me being fairly organised (read - control freak) and the fact that me and Em went through a spell of going out on the town A LOT (Jessie J - Domino, that was our jam). However, organising a day to please 10 different types of ladies, and most importantly, Emma, was something that was more than slightly scary, so when Kirsty (Emma's MoH) told me that she had been put in contact with Rebekah, Emma's friend who owns a hen and stag do planning service called VowVenture I breathed a sigh of relief and the day went off without a hitch (I literally was cacking myself the whole day before). I was so grateful for Rebekah and her planning service of dreams so if you have a hen to organise definitely check her out! But in the meantime here are a few tips I picked up along the way. 

Don't involve the hen.

Just don't - she has a whole wedding to plan for crying out loud. The only things you need her assistance on are the peeps she wants there and a date that works for her. Literally that's it. Try and figure everything out yourself. Sometimes you'll think you need to check something with her but 99% of the time you can just go with your gut. You know her well enough to know what she'll like and won't like. 

Set up a Whatsapp group - but don't abuse it. 

Ok, you need a means to communicate - setting up a Whatsapp group is probably your best bet as not everybody checks their email religiously. However the following is a very important point - do not bombard them with messages. People do not appreciate an overactive chat and tend to not look at them or if they missed a convo they're unlikely to scroll through a billion messages. Use it to relay important info i.e "hi guys the payment for _____ is due" not too much for "what shoes are everyone wearing to the club!?!!". 

Not a planner? Get help.

As I said before I had the help of the lovely Rebekah to plan Emma the best hen do ever. I love to organise parties and dinners etc I am definitely the planner of the friendship group - but planning something for someone else's chief enjoyment - well that's something new to me so I was so grateful for Rebekah's help. After talking through the kind of things Em enjoyed, the places that we went out and the kind of food she liked, Rebekah came back with a few different options and I did the same until there was an itinerary. I would definitely recommend planning through VowVenture or if you insist on doing it yourself, at least plan it with one other hen. 

However don't have too many cooks...

I said one other hen because asking the opinion of 12 other women might seem like a good idea, to get a balance PoV but it could end up getting a bit messy and you could end up getting tangled in opinions. For the most part I made all the decisions from the opinions discussed with Rebekah myself or if I was really unsure I asked Becci, a fellow bridesmaid. 

Set a budget - stick to it. 

This was actually surprisingly easy to do in our group of hens and I do think that's because we are all a group of girls in their early twenties that don't have a billion pounds to spend AND because it wasn't expected in one go or even more annoying asked for in 26 random chunks. Once I knew the budget, and had told Rebekah, it didn't budge. To stick to it, there were little things things that I had to improvise with. For example transport. An option was to have a minibus take us to and from the activity but would have cost extra each so as there were exactly 10 of us for the activity it made more sense for two to drive and everyone contribute to the petrol money. I got everyone that didn't already use Uber to download it and claim their free ride between Emma's house and the dinner. Then dinner and the bar were 15 minutes apart so for that we could walk. There's always to slim down costs, even if it's ever so slight.

Divvy up them jobs

One thing I really don't like is when smaller amounts of money are divided into even smaller amounts of money (I.e - "The vodka cost £6 so can everyone give me 50p towards it?!!"), in fact I'm pretty sure NO ONE likes that, so for the things like decorations, Emma's hen gear and alcohol I asked a few people to do one thing each, myself included. Not only is that less annoying money-wise (for you and them) it means that that thing is less likely to be forgotten about if one person is in charge of it (hopefully) and a weight off of your shoulders. 

The main thing is that your hen has the most fun ever - and as long as your plans are set in place and you are as prepared as you can be (show no fear or worry on the day - peeps pick up on bad vibes), I'm sure it'll be the best hen it can be!

p.s - Check out Emma's blog emmafrancis.me to see her take on the day! 

Wedding Chat with Emma!

From Intern to Journo...

Other than a vague dream of becoming some kind of performer when I was tiny (I used to sit in the middle of the living room and make my parents interview me as another person) and a foray into fashion designing (I was a keen stenciller), I’ve pretty much always wanted to be some kind of writer. My mum told me recently that when I was really little I’d ask her and my dad to read the newspaper to me until I feel asleep, I’d get lost in book after book and having one of my primary school poems published in a book when I was eight was one of the best moments in life. Ever.

As I got older, I started reading teen magazines like Sugar and Bliss (RIP to both) and became obsessed with the idea of magazine writing. That was when I was about 12 and it was ever since then I knew I would become a journalist. There are so many different sectors of journalism and on top of that so many ways to get into each of them; none of the pals I’ve made in the industry got into it in the same way, which can seem daunting for someone looking to break in but also exciting as you can kind of find your own way.

So below, as a homage to the fact that I’m entering into my 12 month in my career (wuuut?), I’ve broken down what I’ve learned on my route in to the industry, and hopefully it may help any aspiring fashion + beauty journos working out their own path.

Where it started, work experience at Sugar Magazine.

- Start NOW... work experience

My first work experience stint was at 14. Here in the UK you have to do a week of work experience during Year 9 and I was adamant I was doing mine at Sugar magazine - it was my favourite teen read and I knew it was the perfect place for me the spend my week drinking up understanding on how the industry works. I wrote, emailed and called persistently for about a month until it was finally confirmed. That week I was literally beaming from ear to ear everyday, making my way to the offices in Marble Arch. I would throw myself into every task and I literally could have cried going back to school. I’d definitely recommend doing work experience when you can; the younger you start the longer you have to work out the direction you want to go. Work experience is great because it’s for a much shorter period than interning so you can try different places. A Smörgåsbord of opportunities if you will.

- No one is indispensable.. But try

When I was at sixth form I interned at Hair for a couple of weeks, ironic since I now work there! The Hair offices were on the same floor as Marie Claire and Instyle, and when an intern fell sick I was brought in to be Instyle's features intern for a week. I did every task diligently (a low point was definitely haulin' a ridiculously large Ikea rug from the magazine offices down a million miles to the loading bay - 'twas not fun) until they ran out of tasks for me on the features desk… and the beauty desk, so I would wander into the fashion cupboard and help the interns there do the returns. Four days in I fell ill. Like really really ill; temperature, shaking, everything. I was lugging stacks of the new magazine to the post room when the editorial assistant asked me if I was ok - I was in my cardigan and jacket when everyone else was in short sleeves and normal summer attire. I confessed and she was lovely, sending me home and said I didn't need to come in for my last day (probs for the good of the office) - but I did and they gave me a little bag of goodies for my interning prowess.

What did I learned? Push through the illness!! No just kidding. If you get sick stay away from offices with air con where you risk infecting everyone else! What I actually learned is to never think your tasks are done. It's easy to think that once your set tasks are done, you're done, but finding things to help out with will set you apart from other interns and show that you actually care.

- Make friends!

Journalism is all about communication, so making contacts is essential and every advice book, blog and article will tell you that, but what some don't hone in on is the social aspect. I think it's all well and good exchanging business cards and calling somebody a contact, but one of the things I've found is being sociable is crucial. You want people to think of you and want you around their launches and events because those events or the people at those events are what lead to stories and more contacts. I used to (and still kind of do) dislike going to press events alone but doing so forces you to talk to new people and each time I've met someone new!

- Uni/no Uni/ Uni?

I went to Uni in 2010 and studied English Literature with Creative Writing. Even though I knew I wanted to be a journalist I also knew I didn't want to study journalism. I wanted to work in a very particular sector and I knew that studying journalism I'd only be able to do that for a very small percentage of the course. I figured that English Lit would be a fun course for me as I love to read and analyse and doing a minor in creative writing would sate my urge to write.

I know people's reason for going to Uni are different, but mine was 90% to learn, 8% to get new stationary every semester and 2% social. I didn't get a "proper" uni experience in regards to going out all the time and joining societies, but I'm ok with that and I've made new friends through different ways.

I can't advise anyone wanting to be a journalist in the field I'm in (women's lifestyle) to go or not to go to Uni but what I can tell you is that the majority of other candidates applying for the same entry level jobs as you will have a degree so you really need to be a shining beacon of life experience to even be considered if you don't go.

- Intern... Then intern some more...

Once I did my short stint at Notebook, the Sunday Mirror magazine, I was like the herp, there was no getting rid of me. I would come back again and again during Easter and summer break for two years. After Uni I returned again, vowing to stay forever! I did the usual stuff like transcribing and researching but also, having becoming a sort of honorary Notebooker if you like, went to press events on behalf of the mag and secured my first celebrity interview. Going back time after time helped them get to know me and know my ability and when I finally left for good I knew I made friends and contacts for life.

- Blog blog blog

My blog helped to get me my job. When I went for my interview I brought along two pages I did in Notebook and my three favourite blog posts; that was my portfolio. My blog was my only real outlet to waffle on about the things I loved talking about like fashion, beauty and baking so it was a good representation of what I was capable of and also showed that I had a real passion for writing and creating content.

- If you don’t know you better ask somebody… or, you know, google it.

I would literally say yes to any task I was given, no contemplation. Even if I had no clue how to do it, I'd say yes and then worry about figuring it out after. One instance was when I was at Sugar and they handed me pictures of two celebs and asked me to go on to Oxford Street at lunchtime (aka hell on Earth) and do some vox pops. Vox pops!? What the heck were vox pops? I googled it straight away and hotfooted it outside to ask random tourists which celeb's look they liked better. Another time was at Notebook when Mel, the editor, asked if I could fax something for her. I'd manage to get through my entire life so far without sending a fax. It was just me, her and Karen, a freelancer, in the office and have never felt such inner turmoil but I figured it out. It’s infinitely better to be the ‘no problem’ girl than the ‘I don’t know how to do that’ girl.

- Just apply

Apply apply apply! When I applied for my current job I was convinced I wasn't even in with a chance but maybe I would get an interview and then when they tell me they've gone with someone else I could ask for feedback for my next interview because this was my first one. The only other times I'd been interviewed was for my bar job at The Emirates Stadium - and that was in a group and for a sports writing programme. It was my first graduate job interview, and I got it. Don't let people tell you that your prospects are bleak and you'll have to go for 124.2 interviews and won't get a job etc... Of course it can be tough but everyone's course to his or her career is different and a little optimism didn't hurt anybody.

Love Keeks xo 

My first cover interview

Organising the Hair Awards

Fun at work shoots

Attending press events with my lovely Editor, Keysha

Mancs Musings...

Last weekend I had the best weekend in Manchester with one of my favourite ladies. She has been at uni there for three years, and this is her final couple of months and I've never visited her! Craziness. It's because she always comes back to London to see family and friends and I went to uni in London so I never really felt like I needed to. 

But I put it on my 2014 to-do list and, by George, when I have a list of sh*t to do, I will get stuff done. so off I trotted up North, weekend wheelie bag in hand, and boy did I have a lovely weekend. 

Firstly, the weather? Spring finally sprung and I got to wear my favourite sunglasses as we walked the through town and into the Northern Quarter. I could talk about what we crammed into my short stay, but I thought telling you about two of my favourite things. 

1. Teacup Kitchen - This is the cutest little cafe-come-bakery. Nadia and I both had the red velvet cake as to not get cake envy (literally the worst), but if (when) I go back I definitely want to try the lemon cake. And the pistachio cake. And the rainbow cake. ALL THE CAKE.

2. The Best Stationary Shop I've Ever Stepped Foot In - ... I don't know the name. REAL helpful Keeks, I know. It's in the Northern Quarter though, which isn't huge, you'll find it, trust me. This shop was deceivingly small-looking from outside, but Nadia loves stationary and she knows I love stationary so I trusted her and followed her in... And Oh Wow. If you're a real stationary fan and live in London you'll know about the Paperchase on Tottenham Court Road (and if you don't - get yourself there immediately!), this was kind of like an organic, indepedent version of that. With the best paper selection  ever. Nadia and I got a tad excited about the variety of tracing paper (remember tracing paper?). 

I had such a fab time in Mancs and I can't wait to go back again at some point! 

Love Keeks xo