Alexa, Play 'Where Have You Been' By Rhianna

So I came to the realisation the other day that I hadn't written a blog post in over 3 MONTHS. Firstly, where has that time gone? It seems like only days ago I was getting all existential about starting third year and now I'm halfway through it. Secondly, if you're wondering why I haven't been uploading or where I've been, the short answer is: in. the. library. I hadn't quite realised how intense third year would be, and my life has seemlingly become just a series of deadlines. And when I have had some time off, a lot of it has been consumed by a craving for 'just one more episode...' 

That being said, looking back on my first semester as a third year uni student, I have been up to some pretty snazzy things. I've been on some fun little adventures, discovered some brilliant new products, and even got another tattoo. So, without further ado, let's reflect on what I've been up to these past few months - or the parts that don't involve presentations, essays or bloody Harvard referencing. 

self love, but make it sustainable 

Back in July, I told you all about my new shampoo find - the Jumping Juniper shampoo bar from Lush. I got a bit over-excited about it and used it to death, but after falling so in love with it, I knew I had to pick up another one. Having such curly and dry hair, I asked the lovely staff at Lush Southampton which bar they would recommend, which happened to be Coconut Rice Cake - a God-send for any Hagrid-haired girl or guy. It had got to the point where my hair was literally like hay, and this little beauty came to the rescue. I felt like a tousled mermaid everytime I used it, and smelled like a tropical pardise too. 

After my bottled conditioner ran out, I ran straight to Lush to try one of their conditioner bars. Continuing the hot pink theme, I picked up the American Cream pressed conditioner. It did take me a while to get used to the conditioner bar, and I was worried my hair would revert back to it's hay-like state, but I've found the best way to use it is to run it under water first, then really rub it into the lengths and ends. I'm not as in love with it as the shampoo bar, but I think the more I use it, the more I'm enjoying it and the more of a difference I'm seeing. Definitely make sure you check out Lush's Naked range for quick sustainable swaps for all different kinds of self care routines! 

fashion, but make it sustainable 

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted a theme here. But you may know from either my 'How to Become a More Sustainable Shopper' or '5 Little Sustainable Changes' posts that I am trying to live a bit more of an earth-loving lifestyle these days. That's why when I was having a 'treat yoself' moment last month, my purchases came from the concsious ranges of two of my most-loved brands - and they're probably two of my favourite buys of the year. Firstly, we have the jumper, left in the photo above. When I say this is the comfiest jumper I've ever ever owned, it's no exaggeration. This brilliant buy comes courtesy of ASOS Design and is the perfect winter wardrobe staple. It's such a versitile piece that can be dressed up or down, but it's oversized cosiness makes it ideal for evenings snuggled up in bed watching episode after episode of The Crown - I speak from experience. The best part about it, though, is that it's made completely out of recycled polyester. Who could ask for a better winter knit?

The jumper actually goes beautifully with this next item: Topshop Considered's Corduory Belted Mini Skirt (currently out of stock in green, but this blue one is also calling my name). I was super excited to see one of my go-to high street brands had launched an ethical range; I was on the website right away, and as I soon as I saw this skirt, I knew it was the one piece I just had to have from the collection. I love a mini skirt, and Topshop's ones fit so nicely on me. The green corduory, made out of recycled cotton, turns any outfit into a wintery dream, and pairs perfectly with my Docs or black pumps. It's so great to see really accessible brands bringing sustainable collections to the masses, and when the pieces look this darn cute, it's hard to say no. 

I got inked...again

Coming into 2019, I never thought I'd have the guts to get a tattoo - let alone two. I wrote a post earlier this year about my first bit of ink, in which I said I wanted perhaps a rose or a sweet pea tattoo next, and really liked the look of artist Jherelle Jay's work. So, in September, I decided to combine all of those things and enquired about a rose and sweet pea tattoo to be done by Jay. Fast forward to late November, and it's on my bod. I could not be happier with it - I've always admired Jay's dainty line work and her stunning floral pieces. The tattoo itself took around 30-40 minutes, which was MUCH quicker than I was expecting, and Jay made the whole experience comfortable. Again, the pain really wasn't that bad, around the same kind of level as my small ankle star which was perhaps a 4-5/10, but any pain would have been so worth it. While I had to travel a way to see her, I knew I wanted Jay to be the one to do it, and if you look at her Instagram (@JherelleJay) you'll understand why; if your looking for a thin-lines artist or any delicate floral tattooing, Jherelle Jay is your girl. I'm still so over the moon.

a couple of mini adventures 

Not counting my trip to Staines to see Jay, I've managed to escape Southampton 4 times. Twice I've been to London to see the gorgeous Christmas decs, which has helped get me in the festive spirit despite the impending deadlines, and on the second time round I went with my boyfriend to ice skate at the Tower of London. This was probably one of my 2019 highlights - skating around and soaking up the iconic London skyline was such an incredible experience, and the glorious pizza at Ask Italian afterwards made it even better. Also with the boyf, I went to Winchester for the first time! For his birthday, I booked us tickets to see one of his favourite comedians Ed Gamble at Theatre Royal, and it was so so fun. While we didn't get to explore the city much, it had the lovliest atmosphere, and I'm desperate to go back soon. I also took a little trip to the New Forest, which is never not gorgeous. My friend Rachel and I took a stroll around the forest before demolishing a nut roast and feeling extremely sleepy on the train ride home.

Although I still have some essays to write over the break, the festive feeling has well and truly taken over and it's so nice to be home - I can't wait to celeberate with my fam and tuck into all the Celebrations and chocolate oranges this Christmas throws at me. Oh, and hopefully I'll find time to write another blog post or two.