Farewell Summer!

Ahh so I leave for university in exactly 10 days, I'm off to Falmouth which is in Cornwall (five hours away!) so have a lot to prepare!

Decided to blog along the way as there will be a lot of changes happening for me, so will be fun to update people on student life in general and my experience, as everyone's sure to be different. I've been having a fair few health problems too which have only made these last few weeks harder, so blogging may help take my mind off things!

In the meantime have a photo of a little block I brought to put in my new room, sometimes we all need a little reminder :)

Vegetarian, Vegan and Healthy Food Heaven!

Yesterday me and my mum took a trip across London to Olympia Grand, where V-Delicious, a veggie food show was taking place!

As soon as we entered we were greeted with free gluten free cookies from Udis, and the freebies and tasters continued throughout the day. Every stand was offering tasters, including Nakd, Koko, Freedom foods, Inpiral and Biona to name a few of my favourites. I was able to chat with people passionate about a veggie lifestyle and also brought a few new things, which I'm very excited to try.

Coconut oil being one of them, it is pricey which has previously put me off buying a jar, but the health benefits definitely outweigh the cost issues. I was also informed a jar this size will last me quite a while and I chose this one as it can be used for cooking both sweet and savoury foods.

We left feeling very full and carrying so many bags it was hard to balance on the bus, but I would recommend this to any vegetarian, vegan or a fellow healthy food lover for sure, already looking forward to next year!

Sophie x

Fixing Damaged Hair

A few years ago this was me, I constantly wore my hair up as it was so thin and falling out. I was killing my hair with heat and wasn't eating enough or giving my body the nutrients it needed, but at the time I didn't put two and two together. Every time I brushed it or got in the shower lots would fall out and it was a very difficult time. I think hair is one of the first things you notice about a person so having lifeless, thin and difficult to work with hair can make you really self conscious.

The good thing is though, it can be improved and it's actually quite easy, just takes a few little changes!

What have I changed?

Firstly I stopped blow drying my hair completely, I try to give myself the time to do this every morning and soon you forget you ever used to blow-dry it. After washing and conditioning my hair I just pop it in a towel, then after a while brush it into place and let it dry. I also wash my hair less frequently, every couple of days instead of daily. This has been a massive help and blow drying dries hair out and really, it's just as good and less effort to keep away from the dryer!

I have also stopped straightening my hair, I know this isn't the same for everyone but my hair is naturally straight / wavy and it took me a long time to realise I didn't need to straighten the life out of it. I used to straighten it every morning, and got into the habit of believing I was unable to go out without it straight.  Now days, I only straighten the ends if it goes a little wild and gets hard to control, but most of the time I leave it be and let it do what it wants.

It's not just the heat that wrecks hair though, a balanced diet is key to healthy thicker hair, and I like to make sure I take a good multivitamin every morning as well (not sure how much this helps but it FEELS like it's doing me good, so I'll keep at it)

Product wise I tend to stick to TRESemme, currently I'm using these ones as I've recently lightened my hair slightly and these help retain the colour. I also go through stages of using a deep conditioning 'hair mask' and leave that in for about 10 minutes before washing it out. I've also heard coconut oil is a brilliant mask but am yet to try it personally! 

Hope this was in any way helpful and if you have any questions or want to chat, feel free! 

Sophie x

Skincare Routine, all products under £5!

I'll admit I'm not the best person to talk to about skincare, I can never justify spending £50 on a cleanser and in the past there's been far too many times I've slept without removing my makeup..

Thankfully those times are now behind me and this year I've been taking a lot more care and in recent months have noticed a massive difference. My skin is smoother, I have less breakouts and my face looks a lot less dry.

Firstly, makeup removal wipes. I don't use these everyday and have been told to stay away from them, but I really like these ones. I find if I'm in a rush or I come in late and don't have the energy to spend time cleaning my face these are perfect. They also are so soft on the skin and cause no irritation, and are brilliant for removing eye makeup.

Then I always get a circular cotton wool pad and wash my face using the Simple cleansing lotion and then do the same with the toner, sometimes using more if there is any makeup refusing to budge. Then if it's the evening I use the Simple rich moisturiser on my face and neck, and if it's the morning I use the light one (as I feel it's a lot less heavy and nice to put on before applying makeup)

On top of these if I'm feeling I need more of a cleanse or I'm getting a few breakouts, I like to use Neutrogena spot stress control daily scrub, this is nice in the evenings or after a shower and I have been buying their products for years during my early teens when my skin was a nightmare..

None of these products irritate my skin at all and overall have made me feel and look a lot healthier. I would reccomend these to anyone who doesn't have the money to buy high end skincare, or has sensitive skin and doesn't want something that will irritate them.

Now, of course one of the best thing for your skin (and a very cheap / free way to drastically improve it) is water! Make sure you drink 8 glasses a day and stay hydrated and you will definitely see an improvement, and you will feel better too.

Sophie x

Illustration students, do you NEED a style?

This is something that's constantly on my mind, and I found talking to other students and people at university interviews it seems to be on everyones minds!

Turns out it wasn't just me that was worrying I didn't have my 'style' yet, or if I do I feel even more scared as I don't want to be restricted to a single style of drawing / materials for life. I like variety, I always have.

At the moment I'm enjoying portraits, the one to the right of wanny is my most recent. I love using black ink and fine lines and I'm loving the effect it has, at one point in my life I never considered portraits or fashion illustration but surprisingly it's become a real passion recently, but at the same time my old work was once very colourful and I miss that.

At university I am determined to experiment so I'm not stuck, but then I worry my portfolio won't be specialised enough?

Does anyone really NEED a style?

What to see in Brighton!

On my 20th Birthday I decided I wanted to spend the day in Brighton, the weather was lovely, it's one of my favourite places and it's less that two hours away from home. As I love it so much I thought I would share my favourite spots, and where I would recommend visiting!

I have grown up loving day trips to Brighton, and once even stayed in a beautiful hotel on the seafront as a mini holiday. It's one of the most vibrant and exciting seaside towns in England and I would definitely recommend visiting if you get the chance. Here is a list of the best bits and hidden gems and if you are staying for a day or even a weekend, these are worth a visit!

1. The North Laine

This is personally my favourite spot, especially in the summer. It's packed with quirky shops selling everything and anything. I have always thought of it as a more spread out version of Camden Market in London! There is something for everyone here and I think you could easily spend a day strolling around the shops and cafes. 

A few to look out for

If you head into the large vintage store you will not only find incredible bits and bobs, ranging from clothes to old comics but also an old photobooth called 'photooptic' 

It only costs £3 and it's a great way to remember your day and get some great photos of your friends, they even have novelly hats and dress up items if you want a slightly different photo!

If you're vegetarian or vegan, or even just enjoy good food cooked on the day I would really recommend Iydea. They have two branches and their smaller one is in the North Laine, you can eat in or takeaway and the options are so varied and delicious. It's also good value for money as I didn't see a meal for over £7. We chose to enjoy ours sitting on the beach as it would have been a shame to waste such lovely weather.

Another shop I think is worth a look if you're into jewellery, acceseries or just want something a little different is the bead shop,  it's a small store but has lots of beads and necklace charms, you can pick and mix or just buy a few. You could make it there or just take some home. Personally I love buying a few charms for necklaces as I have lots of spare chains at home, the charms range from 50p to about £1.50 so are brilliant value and look great.

The Pier

I won't say too much about this one as I think most people that visit Brighton will go on the pier, it's probably the most well known tourist attraction but it is a bit of fun. I would say best if you have children and come spare change for the machines. There are lots of rides on the end of the pier, which are also good fun but keep in mind they come with tourist prices! 

The Beach 

You can't go to Brighton without going on the beach, okay so it's not a sandy one so not too great for sandcastles but in the Summer sitting on the beach with some friends and a cider is one of lifes small pleasures. There are lots of little arcades and places to get drinks and if you walk a little further out from near the pier, it's nice and relaxing and a beautiful setting. 

The Royal Pavilion 

The pavilion is exotic, stunning and something you have to see. I must admit I've never ventured inside (added to my things to do) but even just having an ice cream on the green, it's a stunning location and worthy of a few photos!

Shopping

I love shopping, well I'm a poor student so it's mostly window shopping but when I visit somewhere for a short amount of time it's not on the top of my things to do. Personally I'm more into exploring the place, taking lots of photos and getting a feel of it. Brighton however is good for shopping, although I prefer the North Laine independent shops. If you're looking for high street brands there is a  Primark on the high street along with many other well known stores. Also Churchhill Square shopping centre is in the middle of the city and full of the major brands including Urban Outfitters, HMV, Hollister, Levi's, Zara and River Island. 

...And lots more

All in all Brighton is a wonderful place, lots to do and see and so many cafes and places to eat,  there really is something for everyone. 

If you get the change go and visit, you won't be disappointed. It's also only 40 minutes on the train from London, so great for a day trip!

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I have decided to start this blog as I wanted to branch out from the world of tumblr, this probably explains why this is a mess as I have no idea what I am doing on here.  I am soon moving out to live by the seaside and start afresh so seemed to be a good time to start blogging more!

I'm terrible at first posts and words in general but to sum this up, I will be blogging my daily adventures and lots of (sometimes healthy) vegetarian foods, oh and a lots of drawings as well..