July 2016 - Rachel Ellen

Thursday 28 July 2016

Uni Preparation
My uni course starts in less than 9 weeks which is absolutely terrifying. As I've been to uni before I kind of have any idea of what I need and already have some things from last time (check out my full "What Do I Need to Take to Univeristy?" here). This post consist of a few things I've collected especially for university, that I won't use at home first.

Stationary 

I do have some bits and bobs left over from uni last time, but most note books are half used, folders still have my work in because you never know! So I've got myself a little collection of things, I'm sure I'll need more but I'll wait until I've started, I know a nice little shop in Sheffield that sell folders quite cheap! I also need some pretty pens as well as the standard bic black



Ipod dock

This Ipod dock is what I had at uni last time, although I no longer have a phone or iPod that fits this I have a little adapter and audio jack wire which means I can still use it! I do have a full stereo system at home but I was always worried it'd be too loud to have at uni. Having music on is really important to me, especially when doing work so it's hard for me to cope without it!
 

 Kitchen essentials

The spice rack on the left is something I had all through my undergraduate degree (meaning I do need to replace the spices) It's really useful to have different herbs and spices when you're eating on a budget, it helps make even the cheapest of foods a little more tasty! I would fully advise one of these for everyone.

A good frying pan is everyone's best friend, I used mine for so much at uni last time so I decided to get a bit of a posh non stick one this time, is it sad that I'm excited to use it and see how nicely it cleans afterwards? Yes Rachel it is very sad.

Generous gifts

I told a lady at work how much money I had to save for this degree and how I would have to take bits from home rather than buying much, she very generously brought me a few bits and bobs she doesn't use at home that she would have ended up throwing away, I'm so pleased with all of these! 



 Others

Another gift was the mattress protector from my boyfriends Gran, I was a little concerned what she thought of me and why she thought I needed one, but turns out it doesn't fit her new bed.

A very nearly new baking tray, me and my boyfriend made ourselves cookies a couple of weeks ago and wanted a nice non stick tray to put them on so I bought this one and said I would take it to uni with me. I was always surprised how much I actually needed a baking tray when at uni the first time.


These are just a few bits and bobs I've got stored ready to go with me, I'm getting more nervous and more excited to go by the day!

I've also received an email from uni telling me about the first book I should buy to learn short hand over summer, how exciting!

Are you going to uni in September?

Thanks for reading,

Rachel xx

Monday 25 July 2016

July Update


So another month is coming to a close, can you believe! I feel like I haven't put much personal, lifestyle stuff on my "lifestyle" blog - nice one. So here's a run down of me and my month.

Pokemon Go 

By now everyone must have had a go, or at least know a little bit about it. As I'm writing this, I've had a little Pidgey show up.


 Does anyone else get fed up when they see a Weedle now? I always loved Pokemon when I was younger (and more recently) so this was so exciting when it came out. We've been lucky enough to have some good weather so my friend and myself have been out walking a few different places Pokemon hunting! Below is one of the rare occasions I've used snapchat lately as I've been saving all my data and battery for Pokemon, sad I know but I can't afford a high data contract!



Summer!


So in Britain last week, summer happened! We had super hot days, we had storms we had sunny evenings it wqas lovely! Tuesday was the hottest day and most of the country was above 30 degrees at some point in the day. I was sat in the office most of the day, when I got home my mum had sprained both her ankles in the garden. I ended up going with her in an ambulance (she couldn't stand up and we didn't know if it was only a sprain at that point) and spending the evening in A&E, so I didn't quite experience that sun!

The Ambulance was so hot inside, I had shorts on sat on a plastic seat, you can imagine the amount I was sweating. Actually I don't think you can, it was that bad that one of the paramedics gave me an incontinance pad to sit on, you think I'm joking ...

  
My mum is on the mend now though, though she is very bruised!

I have been out and about on the other sunny days, maybe the really hot day wouldn't have suited my extra pale skin anyway!

Driving

Since September last year I have been learning to drive, I am pleased to say I passed my driving test on Thursday! So pleased, but more relieved than anything! I won't bore you with the details but it was my second test and I felt like I had failed again, but she said I passed! Woohoo!


Saving Money

My saving money for uni (post here) is doing well. Can you believe I've kept my blusher going this long
 
Not having to pay for more driving lessons or another test means I can save a lot more money as well!

I finally treated my self to some contour and highlight shades. This was just £8 and by Makeup Revolution so definitely worked with my savings!


So if you notice any different colours on my face over the next few weeks this will be why, I'm sure I'll get it wrong a few times as well! Do you have this palette? Link me to any reviews or tutorials you have or you know of please?

 How has your July been? Have you enjoyed the sunny weather?

What's your level on Pokemon Go?

Thanks for reading,

Rachel xx 

Monday 18 July 2016

Summer Work Outfits
So the weather man has said that this coming week, England is going to be hot. BBC weather is predicting 29 degrees on Tuesday for the North of England (how can I get out of work again?)

The lovely people at Tommy John ( check out their website here) inspired me to create a post on how to adjust to the summer temperatures.

Being a cold person (currently typing this wearing a dressing gown even though it's July) I struggle with the work office sometimes, when the air con is on, all the windows are open and I have a downwind of three different fans, I'm sat shivering. But of course I can't dress for winter because of the temperature outside!

Tommy John asked me how I would style a few outfits that you could be warm enough in air con but cool enough in the summer heat. And I've even included a few for men! Of course, take inspiration from whichever board you like, I have only separated by the gender given on the websites.


Trousers

Trousers are a great option for staying both warm and cool, they keep us from drafts, but if they are not too tight, they can also keep us cool. Some flat shoes are great for walking in, I always find wearing heels when it's warm make my feet warmer still! These have elastic to keep your feet in the shoe so not as sweaty as the straps you usually get on shoes. The top has a crochet effect meaning you can get a breeze outside but once covered with the jacket when inside it's nice and warm.



 
3. Jacket
4. Shoes

 The White Shirt  

I think a white shirt is essential for summer. This one (that I actually have) is a nice thin material that keeps you so cool but looking smart and stylish. The option of having the sleeves up or down really helps with this shirt, my only problem with it is how much it needs ironing! The colours are slightly more autumnal but is a great outfit for keeping cool. Cardigans are great for throwing over your outfit when needed, and little cropped ones like this fit nicely into most work bags.

1. Skirt
2. Shoes
3. Cardigan
4. White shirt

The Dress

 A looser fitting dress is a great summer option, this with a collar looks super smart, but is still girly. The addition of tights and the cardigan inside will give you that extra bit of warmth that you need, whilst the looser fit on the legs allows a breeze to cool you down whilst outside. Could it even be a summer outfit post without an espadrille style shoe.




1. Dress
2. Cardigan
3. Shoes

The White Shirt


It's not just the ladies that can benefit from a white shirt in summer, if you don't need to wear a tie, a short sleeved shirt is a great option, this means you can have the collar open or closed, you can get a cardigan over if it gets colder in the office.

This outfit has a second of my tips for men, see if you can get some shoes that you don't have to wear socks with, or something you can wear these Tommy John liner socks with. It will give you an extra breeze, just like their selection of men's underwear but won't make you really cold in the office. Slightly cropped trousers are great for guys too! You are able to show a little leg and it still be professional!

1. Trousers
2. Shirt
3. Shoes
4. Cardigan

The Pastel

 Don't be afraid of lighter colours, not just pink but baby blue, lilac and other colours. The long sleeved shirt and full trousers will keep you warm in office air con, but when outside won't make you feel like you're being fried!



1. Shirt
2. Shoes
3. Trousers

 Hope you liked these outfit posts, how do you stay cool in summer but warm under the air con?

Make sure you check out Tommy John's website here and check out their youtube video of one of their products, it should give you a giggle!


Thanks for reading,

Rachel xx


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