Summer time

It's finally here - the summer holidays! It feels like I've had to wait forever, but now I can finally get the time to relax and do whatever I want to do. This is my little list of the things I'd like to do: 

1. Go shopping (of course): When it's the summer, I need to buy everything. Sandals, sunglasses, bags, shorts, skirts...you name it! It's just that I need to be prepared to go out a lot - I mean, you qjust have to have new outfits to wear!

2. The beach: This is a no-brainer. Who doesn't love sunbathing by the sea? Recently, I've also been a lot more accepting of my body and my appearance, so I'm hoping that I'll be confident enough to wear a bikini on the beach (even in front of friends). 

3. Tennis/swimming/cycling: Personally, these are some of the (very few) physical activities I enjoy. They are perfect for the sunny weather, and it's easy to enjoy yourself while doing them too! I already do tennis and swimming, but I actually haven't been on a bike in ages - so I'm hoping to go out for a bike ride this summer, seeing as I really do enjoy cycling!

4. Just enjoy time with my friends and family: It's quite daunting that when I get back from holiday I'll be in my last year of high school, but you can't focus too much about what's in the future - it's about making the most of what's in front of you. I have an amazing group of friends and family, so I really want to appreciate the time I have with them this summer. I want to make sure that I see them a lot, because that's the thing that makes me happy. 

If you're on summer break too, I hope you make the most of it! Jess x

What I love right now

I haven't been posting that much recently, but I thought I'd just write about a few things I love at the moment (but just to warn you, they're quite random!) 

1. Now I know this isn't exactly a thing for the summer, but I have been loving scented candles at the moment! When it's hot like this, I have real trouble getting to sleep. But I recently found out that candles are really relaxing for me, so they help me get to sleep - and on top of that, they smell gorgeous too! I love floral scents, fruity scents, and I also adore coconut and vanilla - they're my favourite! But if candles aren't for you, how about some fairy lights instead? I think they're perfect for the summer.

2. I am a big fan of bottled drinks right now. That may sound a bit crazy, but they are perfect for summer to carry around with you - it's so easy to get dehydrated in the sun! In particular, I am totally in love with the apple and peach flavoured Ribena at the moment - it keeps you hydrated, it's low in calories and sugar, and it tastes amazing! (I think I'm a bit obsessed if I'm honest.)

3. I'm loving having natural hair this summer. My hair is usually a thick, curly mess, but recently I've decided that to get a 'straight from the beach' type look the best thing to do is leave my hair natural. My hair is in pretty good condition at the moment, and it's getting longer, so I don't really mind keeping it curly (as long as I put some oil in it to calm it down beforehand!) I love wearing my hair down with skater skirts or dresses.

4. I love just eating fresh fruit and veg. I think in the summer, it's all about eating light food and staying hydrated. That's why I love salads, fruit, smoothies, juices, you name it! I especially love berry smoothies, because they're packed full of vitamins that are great for looking after your skin. Eating fruit and veg is a great way to stay healthy and feel good about yourself - they don't make you feel sluggish!

Well that's my bit for today. Have a nice weekend! Jess x

My recent buys!

Hey chickens! I thought i'd keep you up to date: Now, I haven't been shopping in ages, but this weekend, I decided enough was enough. So, I went shopping today and bought a few bits and bobs! It was lovely weather today, so I really enjoyed looking around the shops with some friends - it's actually really therapeutic for me! So let me tell you what I bought...

I bought (another) new dress from H&M.

I wasn't planning on buying this dress, but I've wanted a polka dot dress for ages and ages! So when I saw this, I just had to try it on. I was slightly worried because I could only find a size 8, which is usually too small, but luckily it fitted well this time! It is a really flattering dress - it hugs you in all the right places! And for only £12.99, I couldn't resist buying it. 

Next, I bought a cheap foundation/blusher brush, also from H&M.

The only reason I bought this is because it was only £2.99, and I needed a new blusher brush anyway. Even if it turns out to be pretty rubbish, I won't have to regret buying it because it was so cheap! 

I also bought this Garnier bb cream from Boots for combination/oily skin.

In a previous post, I said that I actually wanted a cc cream, but it looks like I changed my mind! I find that Garnier products are always a good value for money, so I hope I can say that with their bb cream too. There have been good reviews about this bb cream, so I decided to see if it will help reduce shine and imperfections on my face, (then I can use it for the summer!)

Another thing I was hoping to buy today was this scallop lace vest from topshop.

I have seen a lot of people wearing this recently, and I think that it's a really pretty colour! I managed to try one on (there weren't many there) but I then found out that it was actually a size 16! (Silly me...) anyway, I decided that it would be easier to just buy it online, because then I would be able to buy it in my size.

Well that's all from me. I hope you enjoy the rest of this lovely weather! Jess x

Here comes the sun

We're finally getting some sun! You don't realise how happy this makes me. I mean, so much more is possible when it's sunny, it just makes life a little bit better. I'm definitely going to be wearing more skirts, dresses, and summery items from now on, such as...

My denim skater skirt from miss selfridge. I love this item because it just goes with everything! It's such a classic piece of clothing, but you can still suit it to your individual style. 

My 'bohemian' style dress from new look. It's a really pretty dress, and has a nice cut on it. It's not a very tight material, but it comes with a belt which is good to nip you in at the waist. 

My pastel/light coloured nail varnishes. I couldn't live without painted nails - they just make everything better! And I definitely want to try some new patterns, like these 'masking tape clouds'. They look amazing, and really suit summer outfits.

That was just a little post from me today, but I hope you go out and enjoy the sun for as long as it's around! Jess x

'Curvy is the new fat'

I can't believe that Kelly brook has been branded 'fat' and 'saggy' following her recent trip to Mexico, where she was seen enjoying the sun with no bikini top on. What sort of message is this giving to the younger generation? My generation? I'm honestly disgusted that anyone would dare to ridicule someone else's body in such a harsh way. Kelly brook is such a role model to young women and men, because she can show that it isn't about what you look like - it's about what you feel like. People should at least have the decency to respect that she actually has confidence in herself. 

It's a wonder that she is able to reveal her body, even with the media watching, but still show amazing confidence and happiness in her own skin. People are very quick to believe that how 'attractive' you are is much more important in determining how happy you are as a person - but it's not. You do not owe 'attractiveness' to anyone. How dare someone insult and judge such an amazing woman like that, when she is perfectly happy with how she looks. She is a human being. People seem to forget that a human being isn't perfect. Curves are normal - curves are real. Boobs like that are real too, not 'saggy' thank you very much. She is healthy and glowing - not overweight, not underweight - and her body shows that. She is a realistic inspiration to our generation. I hope you will agree that she is a woman to look up to in relation to self worth and confidence. And either way, each and every person has a unique body shape. Just try to focus on finding your self worth, and hopefully that will give other people a chance to find theirs.