Holiday Essentials

It's that time of year again when most people will be jetting off to somewhere sunny, warm and exotic. I, however, will be setting off down south to the usual holiday park with my family but that doesn't mean that I don't have those items that I have saved just for the week away. Here are some of the top essentials that I will be taking with me on my trip.

Even if you're not going on holiday this year, it's important to wear SPF. Yes, even if you live in the UK you gotta protect your skin from those rays! If you wear make-up then you will know the dilemma of whether to put sun cream on your face or not, but worry not as there are plenty of products available that contain SPF from foundations to moisturisers. I am an avid user of the Simple light moisturiser but instead of opting for my usual I thought I'd change it up a bit for the warmer months and go for one with SPF 30. My foundation also has SPF in it but over the past few months I have grown to prefer going out with no foundation so this will be perfect for when I just want to put on a bit of concealer and avoid a shiny sun creamed face. The warmer weather also brings with it the emergence of bare legs which brings with it the frustration of shaving them more frequently. I saw this Venus snap razor in Boots for half price and just had to pick it up. It's travel friendly and comes with a case! Another hair removal essential for me is the Nair facial brush on. Having dark hair means that I have been blessed with a moustache so gotta keep that in check. This is a new one with argan oil. I'm not too sure if there's much difference to the standard one but I thought I'd give it a shot.

I doubt I'm the only one who finds washing their hair a chore let alone washing it when on holiday, so dry shampoo is an essential for me. My go to brand is Batiste, specifically the tropical scent which smells like coconut! I also picked up a mini body scrub and mini body lotion from Soap & Glory. I am an absolute sucker for travel minis and it's probably one of my favourite things about going away. When I'm at home I am incredibly lazy when it comes to skincare and pampering myself. I'd much rather spend the evening catching up on YouTube videos and scrolling through Tumblr. Being on holiday means that I have zero wifi access in the evenings so I like to take the opportunity to spend some extra time on pampering myself and this year I will be trying this yogurt smoothie mask from Superdrug!

Restricted wifi access means that I must find other ways to entertain myself. I always make sure to take a new book with me on holiday and this year I have chosen 'How To Build a Girl' by Caitlin Moran. This has been on my 'to read' list for ages so I'm excited to finally read it! My inner child will also be kept happy with this beautiful patterns colouring book. Colouring for grown-ups has become a huge craze recently and both me and my sister have jumped onto the bandwagon.

Last but not least, what would summer be without a new pair of sunglasses? I had been on the hunt for the perfect heart shaped glasses for over a year and I finally found these beauties on the website CHOIES. They have a pink & blue ombre tint to them and they are just so cute!

Whether you're going away this summer or staying home, I hope you have a carefree, fun-filled time.

Feel free to let me know what some of your holiday essentials are!

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Japanese Street Style

Take a walk down the Harajuku district in Tokyo and you will undoubtedly be greeted by the bright colours and extravagant fashions of Japan. It is common knowledge that the Japanese aren’t afraid to push the boundaries in almost everything they do. Just look at the variety of Kit Kat flavours produced by the Eastern country. These flavours may not be catching on in the Western side of the world just yet, but the fashion hasn’t gone unnoticed. Welcome to the world of wacky fashion.

Much like the different styles found in the UK, Japan fashion ranges from cute and girlie to dark and gothic. The main difference however is that they take each fashion to the extreme. A popular street fashion found in Japan is ‘Lolita.’ The Lolita style has a number of different subcultures within it – sweet Lolita, gothic Lolita and punk Lolita to name just a few. This style takes the Victorian and Rococo era and gives it a modern twist. The end result is something very unique indeed. Not to be confused with the Western connotations of sexualised youth, the term ‘Lolita’ in Japan references elegance and modesty resulting in high neck collars and full skirts.

[Images from Tokyo Fashion]

Another popular fashion is ‘Decora.’ In English, the term ‘Decora’ translates to ‘decorative’ or ‘decoration.’ This style is widely based around the layering of accessories including both hair accessories and jewellery and is known for being bright and colourful. It is also common for small toys to be used to accessorise. Like ‘Lolita,’ this style can be divided into different subcultures ranging from pink and girlie to dark and gothic.

[Images taken from Tokyo Fashion]

What happens when you combine 1950s Americana with music and fashion? You get ‘Rockabilly.’ This style can be found almost anywhere in the world, but naturally Japan step it up a notch. Looking like they have stepped right out of ‘Grease,’ the men sport greased back hair and leather jackets while the girls step out in high ponytails and poodle skirts. Alternatively, girls can be found wearing pencil skirts and sweetheart necklines for a more pinup look.

[Image taken from Tofugu]

Finally, one style that you may be more familiar with is ‘cosplay.’ The shortened term of ‘costume play’ refers to an outfit inspired by video games, anime and a variety of other pop culture icons. In Western countries you will more likely see this style at conventions such as Comic Con, however on the streets of Tokyo, it is common to see individuals incorporate their favourite character’s style into their own every day outfits.

[Images taken from Tokyo Faces & Tokyo Fashion]

These are just a select few street styles that can be found in the streets of Tokyo. Other popular fashions to be found include ‘Ganguro’ and ‘Mori.’ The Japanese will continuously be admired for the confidence they seem to possess to express themselves in a way that most in the UK and other Western countries may find a little OTT. Hopefully one day we might be able to feel free to express ourselves in similar ways. Maybe without the use of small toys as accessories though.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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References:

Tokyo Fashion

Japanese Streets

Alpha City Guides

Done With Diet Culture!

Yesterday I watched a video where a young woman spoke about her recent weight loss journey and there was something about it that didn't sit right with me. A few elements of the video came across as slightly toxic and I put it down to this diet culture that has become the obsession of many in recent years. From fad diets to the media linking ones happiness to how slim someone looks, I want to tear my hair out every time I see the promotion of low calorie diets.

Now, I am all about feeling good about yourself and being in a place where you are happy with your body and if losing a few pounds will do that for you then that's great, just as if you are happy with your body the way it is at the moment then that is also great. But what isn't great is when people think it is okay to promote low calorie diets and/or a substantial amount of exercise without doing the appropriate research and having some sort of professional input and guidance.

Did you know that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calories a day is just an average? It all depends on your gender, age, height, weight and amount of physical activity. Your body actually needs a good amount of calories to just sit and do nothing! Yes, even sitting at your computer or lying in your bed needs a good, substantial amount of energy. Now, of course I'm not a professional but even I know that if you are following a low calorie diet without doing so with caution and with the correct research you are at risk of developing unhealthy behaviours and an unhealthy relationship with food and/or exercise.

When you start to live off a low number of calories a day your body can enter 'starvation.' This means that slowly your body will begin to shut down as it is no longer energy balanced. Your body's main priority is to keep you breathing and your heart beating, so your body will take the energy that would usually be used for other bodily functions and put it towards keeping you alive. One of the main examples of this for females is the loss of your period. If you are serious about losing weight in a healthy way it is important to remember that if you are consuming a low number of calories and also doing a substantial amount of exercise then you must make up the calories that you have lost. It is also important that when you have reached your goal weight and are happy with what you have achieved, you MUST increase your calorie intake slowly to a number where you are able to healthily maintain that weight. If you continue to eat the same number of calories that you were losing weight on, you will continue to lose weight.

It is possible for you to be fit and healthy and still eat a slice of pizza. It's all about balance!! The media is forever highlighting the negatives of fat, carbs and sugar yet they never seem to highlight the positives of these and how they contribute to a healthy body.

To conclude this slightly different post, I want to remind you all that if you are wanting to lose weight then make sure that you are doing it for yourself and nobody else, and also make sure that you do your research, query a professional about it and ensure that you are doing it in a healthy manner.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Kawaii Box Review | April 2015

Another month, another 'Kawaii Box.' Admittedly I've been pretty lazy when it comes to reviewing these boxes but I'm determined to change that! Now that I've almost finished college for the summer, I'm hoping to find more time to blog and I have a few post ideas already so watch this space.

Anyway, on with today's review!

One can never have too many stickers and this months addition to my ever growing sticker stash are these super cute 'Love Rabbit' puffy stickers. The box also included another pack of these jewelry seal stickers that you can use to decorate your phone, iPod and pretty much anything else you can think of. These decorative stickers have been included in a previous box and I still haven't used them so I can't see myself using this packet either. Since subscribing to this box the number of pencil cases I own has increased drastically and it doesn't show signs of stopping anytime soon. The April box included this adorable alpaca pencil case.

When I first opened the box I was greeted by glitter. Literally. By the time I had finished looking through everything both myself and the sofa were covered in it! This glitter would have come in handy when I was studying childcare and doing a work placement in a nursery. Even though I doubt I'll have any reason to use it in the foreseeable future, it's always handy to have some crafty stuff in storage! One of my favourite items in this box was this cute pen and I was also incredibly excited to see this Rilakkuma notepad! Not that I actually need anymore notepads but I am an absolute sucker for Rilakkuma merch. And of course no Kawaii Box is complete without a key ring or phone charm and this months box features a squidgy paw.

Snack-wise this months box came with these 'Collon' snacks. My mum said that they look like dog treats, but I'm sure they'll be delicious. They look like they'll be green tea flavour and anything green tea flavoured is a winner in my book. At first I wasn't sure what the purpose of the macaroon was. I thought it was only for decorative purposes which I thought a bit odd, but I later discovered that it's actually a little storage box! I'm thinking of storing my nose rings and studs in it. Finally, much like key rings and phone charms, no Kawaii Box is complete without some sort of cute plushie.

The box also came with a super cute bow hair clip that I forget to snap a picture of. I will definitely be putting it to good use as I'm always pinning my fringe back these days and it will make a super cute alternative to the usual kirby grips.

I will 100% be back with a review of next months box. If I'm not then I give you all permission to hunt me down and give me a good slapping. 

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Top 5 Favourite Anime

A few months ago I watched THIS video by one of my favourite YouTubers where she spoke about her top 5 favourite animes and it got me thinking: what are my top 5?

Over the past few years I've watched a good number of different anime series ranging from action to fantasy to 'slice of life' and choosing five of my favourites didn't come easy. After careful deliberation I managed to narrow it down to these five in no particular order.

1) Yuru Yuri

[Image courtesy of 'gentokyo']

It has become apparent in the past two years that my favourite genre of anime is 'slice of life.' I'm a sucker for anime with no set plot and a bunch of characters who just goof off. Yes, I'm talking about those anime that are usually set in a school, more specifically a club, where the main characters are usually all female. I've spoken about 'Yuru Yuri' before in a previous favourites post, but here's a quick lowdown on the series. The main protagonist, Akari Akaza finds herself joining the 'Amusement Club' which is a club where they pretty much bum around and do whatever they want.  My favourite character of the series would have to be Kyoko Toshino who has an obsession with Rum Raisin ice cream and a slightly obsessive crush on Chinatsu who resembles one of her favourite anime characters. I also think it's worth mentioning that in one episode she wears a tomato onesie. 

2) K-On!

[Image courtesy of  Wikipedia]

Sticking with the 'slice of life' genre, the first anime that I really fell in love with was 'K-ON!' Like 'Yuru Yuri,' the series is set in an after school club: the 'Light Music Club.' Yui Hirasawa signs up to the club with the inability to actually play an instrument and all she wants to do is pretty much slack off and eat cake and drink tea. The club is threatened to be disbanded so her fellow classmates convince her to stay and she begins to learn to play guitar. This series is ridiculously hilarious with my personal favourite scene being one were Yui has a dream that Tsmugi's eyebrows are actually in fact pickles. You can see that I have a rather strange sense of humour. If you've seen and loved the anime then there is also a movie in which the girls go to London that I highly recommend.

3) Attack On Titan

[Image courtesy of  'mangauk'] 

If you have even the slightest knowledge about the anime world then you will know doubt have heard of this series. Completely different from 'Yuru Yuri' and 'K-ON!,' 'Attack On Titan's' equivalent of the cherry blossom in most anime series is blood. I am not exaggerating when I say that this series isn't for the faint hearted. Set in a town that is surrounded by a high wall, civilisation has been wiped out by the Titans - huge, flesh-like creatures who show no mercy whatsoever. Only a small part of humanity have survived. After seeing his mother being devoured by one of them, Eren Jaeger vows to destroy the Titans and take his revenge. Excited isn't even the word for how I feel about the second series. The anime has proved so successful that there is also a live action movie set for release in Japan!

4) Clannad

[Image courtesy of  'dualshockers']

Not many films, TV shows, anime or books reduce me to literal tears. My eyes may glaze over a little, but no physical tears will fall. 'Clannad' is one of the few exceptions to this. This anime is known within the 'anime world' for being one of the saddest, and I can vouch for that. The story is based around a boy named Tomoya Okazaki who meets Nagisa, a quiet girl who has been held back a year in school due to a severe illness. The two become friends and Tomoya agrees in helping Nagisa achieve her goal of reviving the school's drama club alongside the help of four other girls. I'm not going to give too much away, but you'll definitely need a box of tissues at the ready by the end of the first series.

5) Fairy Tail

[Image courtesy of  'animetvn']

It wouldn't feel right if I didn't include this anime in my top 5. 'Fairy Tail' was the first anime that I ever started watching and I am still watching it to this day. Whenever I hear the 'Snow Fairy' intro song I can't help but feel a tad bit emotional. The series is about the wizard guild, Fairy Tail, where each member possesses a different type of magic. Their magic comes in handy when taking job requests in order to earn a living. The guild is known for being rowdy and for causing mayhem and it's usually down to the pink haired, fire eating Natsu. The series is currently ongoing and there are over a hundred episodes to date so if binge watching isn't your thing then you may want to give it a miss, but it's definitely worth the time.

Are you an anime fan, and if you are, what are your top 5? I'm always looking for more anime to add to my never ending 'to watch' list.

Until next time,
Elijah xo

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March '15 Favourites

It's been a while since I've done a favourites post and for once it isn't down to the fact that I've just been too damn lazy. Believe it or not I just haven't had any new favourites, or should I say enough new favourites to write a decent post about. These past four weeks however I have discovered and also rediscovered my love for a number of things so I thought I would share them with you all.

Skincare/Fragrance

I'm going to hold my hands up and admit that I'm no skincare expert. I'm rather lazy when it comes to looking after my skin and I don't really have a regime that I follow religiously. Much to my skin's delight however, I have been loving three products this past month. The first is the Green Tea Cleansing Foam from the Korean brand, Etude House. You may remember this product from my YesStyle haul post a good few months back, but I had completely forgotten about this product and it was left sitting on my shelf gathering dust. I decided to try it out again and remembered why I loved it so much in the first place! It leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean and much more awake which is great on the days I'm up at 6am. 

From my face to hands, I have also been loving this chocolate vanilla scented hand cream. I usually stick with Soap & Glory's Hand Food but my friend got me this for my birthday and I can 100% confirm that the stuff smells amazing! I've been putting it on before I go to bed so I've been waking up not only with my hands feeling super soft, they also smelling like chocolate! 

My third skincare favourite is an oldie but a goodie: the Coconut Body Butter from the Body Shop. Their body butters go on really nicely. There's none of that sticky business. The coconut scent is my favourite scent from the Body Shop so this was obviously a winner for me. 

My final beauty favourite is the Vanilla Body Mist from the Boots Extracts range. I'm not usually the biggest fan of body sprays and body mists as I prefer to wear a fragrance that lasts all day and quite frankly I'm too lazy to spritz myself every hour, but this smells so good that it's definitely worthy enough of a mention.

Book/Music/TV

I'm one of those people that goes through phases with reading. I'll read a lot for about two months and then won't pick up another book for about five. Recently the latter stage has passed and my current read is a bit different from the usual books that I pick up. 'The Hourglass Factory' by Lucy Ribchester is about a young journalist who is trying to solve the case of Ebony Diamond, a trapeze artist who goes missing during a performance. It's set in London in the early 20th century and the novel also focuses quite heavily on the suffragette movement. Even if this sort of book isn't your usual cup of tea, I highly recommend that you give it a chance! 

Music-wise I have been obsessing over Marina & the Diamond's new album, FROOT.  Marina is by far my favourite female artist, but I was skeptical about how good this album would be. Surely nothing could live up to her previous record, Electra Heart. And I was right. Electra Heart is still her best album in my opinion, but FROOT comes in at a very close second. My favourite songs on the album would have to be Savages, Forget and I'm a Ruin. Another music favourite this month isn't so much of a new one. I've been listening to 5 Seconds of Summer for over a year now, but recently I have been listening to them non-stop. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not the biggest TV watcher. I usually just stick with anime and YouTube videos. One of the few shows that I do watch however is Pretty Little Liars and I have been absolutely obsessed with this last season. I'm not going to say too much as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who isn't all caught up yet but what I will say is that I cannot wait for the next season!

App

I don't usually include apps in my favourites but I couldn't not give this game a mention! What happens when you mix Disney with Japan? You get Tsum Tsum, that's what happens. Tsum Tsum is one of those games that you become addicted to the second you start playing it. All you have to do is connect the matching characters in order to make them disappear. You earn coins and with those coins you can buy new Disney characters to play with. Each character has a special feature that you can use to boost up your score! And it's not only the app that I've been obsessing over. I've recently also started collecting the mini plushies! I only have Marie, Eeyore and Pluto so far but I plan on collecting them all. You can find them in Clinton's for £3, and they also sell larger ones.

As I type this it is freezing cold outside and there was ice on the ground when I was walking to the bus stop this morning. You honestly wouldn't think it was Spring. Here's hoping that the weather will warm up soon. I am so over wearing jumpers and big jackets.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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Putting Yourself First & Saying 'No'

Raise your hand if one of your favourite feelings is making someone else happy? Seeing a smile on their face and knowing that you're the reason the corners of their mouth are lifting upwards. Whether it be a family member, friend or a stranger in the street, it definitely makes me feel warm inside knowing that I've made someone's day just that bit better. But often we can get carried away with making other people smile and making other people happy that we end up not being happy ourselves. We get so caught up in putting other people first that we forget to take care of number one. In the past I have been guilty of trying to please other people despite not being 100% happy myself and it's definitely gotten me into some tricky situations.

For me, part of the reason I get into these situations is that I don't want to be branded as selfish. When I was younger I was referred to as selfish from a number of people. It didn't matter whether they were saying it as a joke or if they came out with it in the heat of the moment during an argument, it still hurt. As I got older I developed this fear of being thought of as a selfish bitch and this lead to me bottling up my emotions and going out of my way to make sure the people around me were happy.

In a way my personality contradicts itself. On one hand if I don't want to do something then I won't do it, but in certain situations and with certain people I have been guilty of forcing myself to do something that I really didn't want to do because I was worried that I would hurt them. What I failed to realise, and sometimes still do, is that it's okay to put yourself first and think about what YOU want even if it isn't what someone else wants. If the person you fear of upsetting or disappointing really cares about you then they will understand and respect the fact that you don't want to go somewhere or do something and will appreciate that you told them. They're not going to suddenly turn against you or laugh at you and if they do then you need to take a step back and think about whether or not you want someone like that in your life.

It's okay to say no to things and it's okay to take a step back and look after yourself. Self-care is important. It is difficult to let other people love and accept you if you don't love and accept yourself. At the end of the day, you're pretty much stuck with yourself for your whole life so treat yourself like you would your best friend.

So next time you find yourself saying 'yes' to something that you don't feel 100% comfortable about, think again and have the courage to say 'no.' Not only can it prevent you from getting into tricky situations but it may also help you realise who the people that really matter in your life are and who the ones that aren't.

Until next time,

Elijah xo

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