My Winter Essentials

It's been getting increasingly colder and feeling much more wintery this week in the UK so I thought I would share some of my essentials I need throughout the winter months.

My first winter essential has to be blush and bronzer. I have a very pale complexion most of the time but in the winter I somehow manage to become even paler. Blush and bronzer is a great way to add some warmth and colour back into your skin. This is a blush/bronzer gift set from Benefit which I was lucky to receive for Christmas from my wonderful Nanny.

Next up is a thick moisturiser and Vaseline and both are a MUST for winter. The cold air can dry out your skin and lips very easily so keeping them hydrated is important. These two products are two of my favourites for keeping my skin and lips silky soft.

I just spoke about keeping your face and lips hydrated but keeping your hands hydrated is just as important. In winter my hands can get very dry which leads to them being cracked and getting sore which is not ideal! This Soap and Glory Hand Dream Super Cream is a great hand moisturiser as it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave your hands feeling sticky, just super soft.

A candle in the winter is a great way to get all cosy and relaxed when it is freezing outside. I am a big fan of spice scents and berry scents so when the winter candles start going on sale I may or may not smell practically every winter scent in the shop! My candle is the Mulled Winter Berries from White Stuff.

Scarves are definitely an essential to help keep you warm in the cold. I am a big fan of tartan scarves as I think they look smart but still casual, this scarf is from River Island. 

I used chocolates in my photos as for me they are also a winter essential. A cosy, candle lit night in watching the TV or a film is not complete without some chocolate left over from Christmas!

Thank you for reading

Ellie x

Studying Tips and Ways To Relax

Exams can be very stressful and pressurising so I thought I would share some ways that might help you study more effectively and to ease some stress.

Tip 1 - Be Organised

If you know your exam schedule write it on your calender or in your diary and then work out when you will study each subject. If you work out when exactly you will be studying each subject and for how long for you won't end up studying way more of one subject and then are rushing to try fit in another.

Tip 2 - Figure Out Your Strong and Weak Subjects

Most of us aren't amazing at every single subject we take. Figure out what your stronger and weaker subjects are and then decide which subjects you'll need to spend more time on. Personally I struggle with Maths and Chemistry, but I also know that one of my strong subjects is English so I probably won't spend as much time on it as I would Maths or Chemistry. This isn't to say I'll only spend 5 minutes on it, it's just that I know if I spend too much time revising something I already know then I am wasting time as I could be learning about something that takes more time for me to understand.

Tip 3 - Take Breaks!!

Yes for exams it involves a lot of work but you also have to have some down time and time to relax, go out with your friends, do some of your normal activities. If you are studying all the time you will tire yourself out and it is not an effective way of studying. Doing nice things is also a good way to reward yourself for all your hard work and to help you feel good about yourself. A way I study which is good for me is on school days I will go to a study support at school after normal school hours, I will come home and then not study until after tea. This means I have an hour or couple hours break before studying again. If I am studying on weekends, say for example I study for an hour I will then have at least an hour off before I revise again.

Tip 4 - Exercise and Keep Healthy

Excercising is proven to decrease stress and anxiety levels and will help you keep level headed. Staying hydrated and healthy will also keep your energy levels up. Don't study instead of eating or drinking. That is a definite no no. You must look after yourself as you are way more important than a grade.

Tip 5 - Use Past/Specimen Papers

Past and Speciman papers are really useful to practice with as they give you a good idea of exam type questions. If you know how long you have for your exam try timing yourself so you know if you have enough time or need to keep practising to quicken up a bit. I am also sure if you do any your teachers will happily mark them so you can see how you've done.

I hope some of these tips help and if any of you have exams soon, GOOD LUCK you'll be fine. Remember that as long as you know you have done your best that is all what matters!

Thanks for reading 

Ellie x