Football Season

13 August 2015

Gillette Stadium, 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA
Here's a fun fact about me: I'm a girly girl who absolutely loves American Football. Anything NFL I'm interest in and after a long wait, this evening marks the first pre-season game for my team, the New England Patriots. This always comes as shock for most people. I'm not the most feminine in the world but I wear dresses nearly everyday and pink is my favourite colour (stereotypical, I know). I have no idea where this passion for the game began, non of my family members or friends are interest - but I love it. Sadly, the game in the US is at 7:30pm (EDT) which means 12:30am here in the UK. Out of the entire team, my favourite player would have to be Rob Gronkowski, a 26-year-old tight end. He's huge but lovable and extremely talented. Of course there's Tom Brady but he's everybody's favourite. 
This outfit was put together solely on the fact that football starts again and I'm way toe excited to hold it in! Go Pats!
T-shirt - Amazon // Hoodie - Amazon // Jeans - Next (similar) // Boots - Dorothy Perkins

Life as a Blogger: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

10 August 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Blogging has helped me to grow in more ways than I could ever imagine. It's provided me with opportunities and skills I would have never attained without taking the plunge, but that doesn't mean that this hobby is all fun and games. There are a few honest truths about blogging that I have realised over time, which are only natural in such an industry.

THE GOOD
The best thing about blogging is discovering yourself as a person. And not in an 'Eat Pray Love' way, but in a way that helps your distinguish your likes, dislikes and tastes. Before I started blogging, I was all over the place in terms of my individuality. A lack of confidence meant I would often try to imitate those who did have a real sense of assurance. There were plenty of girls who radiated poise and determination, even if they didn't mean to. So in desperate need of that ray of courage I would try to, in a sense, morph myself into a version of that person. It didn't work. It didn't work because it's not who I am, that's something I have to figure out rather than try to fit into pre-made moulds.
Since blogging, I've realised that I have a ridiculously expensive taste, not matter how much it hurts my current account; but, I also love nothing more than trying on a dress designed just for me by my mum. By realising what kind of person I am, who I like to associate with and what style I'm into, my confidence grew. It grew because I became sure of what was on the inside and the outside, which reflected in my natural demeanour. Although I'm not a complete social butterfly and extrovert, my timid trait seems to be backing down. I don't run away from social situations and will happily have a 45 minute discussion on how salted popcorn is better than sweet or how much I love Chris Evans with anyone. I'm also my own boss when I blog, which makes me very happy.

THE BAD
As amazing as blogging is for someone, it also has downsides. I don't want to force these points, but they can't be ignored. When you're a blogger, you're making that element of dedication to an online site based on anything you desire. As someone who's embarrassingly ambitious, I hold certain standards for my blog and, of course, want it to be successful. With that comes a lot of pressure to keep up with the movement of modern times. Whether that's getting the latest gadgets or owning the highest label of clothing. The pressure is there even if it's not spoken of and it can affect anyone.

THE UGLY
Believe it or not, there are sides of blogging even I don't enjoy. When you create your own space on the Internet, aspects of your life are on show for the entire world to see. The more people that see that information, the less control you have. Once something is on the World Wide Web, it's impossible to erase forever. Putting yourself out there takes great courage, but it also means you're open to the opinion of others who have no regard for feelings. Harsh words burn, and are the drive behind the 'ugly' side of blogging. The Internet is something that can be used for so much good, but sadly, it's also an incredibly powerful tool for destruction.

Designer Crush: Prada

7 August 2015

Milan is the city sat right at the top of my travel list, one of the main reasons being my admiration for Prada. The luxurious fashion house was founded in 1913 has continued to dominate without losing an ounce of originality ever since. Whether it's releasing mobile phones, perfumes or luxury leather products; Prada always seems to be one step ahead in the industry. Their recent AW15-16 ready-to-wear show had become one of my favourites while scouting trends for the youthful vibe without straying from the brand's stylish reputation. Check it out below:
The classic Italian label not only stocks my favourite bags (the Saffiano leather totes), but is also responsible for some of my most cherished
catwalk looks. From their classic SS06 collections, which was crisp, clean and simple to their stunningly elegant AW13-14 ready-to-wearlooks from the runway. Prada has become an international label known for it's precise design for both men and women and deluxe prominence.
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What to Do When You Don't Get the Job

4 August 2015

We've all been there. You spend so much time and energy putting everything into the perfect application. The unnaturally painful nerves you get minutes before the interview. Your heart skips a beat every time you receive an email or a phone call. The all-round passion and enthusiasm your brain creates in hopes of attaining the position. Even total pessimists like myself have a sprinkle of hope that shines for the weeks you sit in a pool of anxiety. Then one day, the call or email drops. Your heart races and as soon as your mind registers the words "unfortunately", "unsuccessful" or even "I regret to inform you that", every ounce of belief shrivels into a vacuum of nothingness and your surroundings become silent. 

As you can probably tell, I've been in this position more than once. If fact, it happened to me on the very day I'm writing this post. When it's a job you're so desperate for, it creates an element of heartache that becomes incredibly difficult to deal with. For me, this happened in the middle of the day, while I was at my existing job and I was in such a state of turmoil blended with sadness I simply couldn't move. The immediate reaction is to cry, it's what human do when they're sad. It's to then sulk, and mentally insult the company that chose not to accept you. The feeling is so uncomfortable, you don't quite know what to do with yourself so you just stare until the feelings slowly melt away. After years of rejection, there are a few pointers I have learned that help me to get over the mourning in a quicker and positive way. 

Ache, if you want to. 
It's okay to not to be okay! Not getting something you want isn't exactly the key to a smile. When something doesn't go my way, I don't feel sorry for myself and fall into the habit of self-pity; rather I just let myself sulk for an hour. It's a natural and emotion we shouldn't try to bottle up or hide. I occasionally ask for feedback, which will also help you improve for the next opportunity. 
Get some tasks done
I was so awfully upset about not getting my dream job in marketing, I wrote three blogs posts on the twenty minute train journey home. So of my most productive days are when I'm full of emotion, whether it's good or bad. The sense of passion is there and it adds a certain flare to my writing (most likely a sassy one). 
Turn the sorrow into motivation 
It's common to be bitter, but the key is never to stay down. That's where things can go horribly wrong. Rather than dwelling in a lake of melancholy, think about how magnificent you are and how this isn't the end of the world. Something else will come up and the hopelessness is only a temporary feeling. The world has so much to offer, we can't waste time thinking about all the things we can't do. Instead, think about all the skills and abilities that you do possess! 
Make yourself laugh
If all else fails, the best way to make myself better is to laugh. I have a pretty wide sense of humour and will laugh at just about any Vine. I could spend hours scrolling through humour Tumblr blogs or reading hilarious tweets linked to unforgettable trends. Find someone that makes you smile and stick with it until your mind effectively overlooks rejection.
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Improving Your Mindset

1 August 2015

Have a purpose
If there isn't a reason behind an action, it's very difficult to justify why you're doing it in the first place. One of my biggest challenges is motivating myself to get tasks done, simply because I'm unbelievably and embarrassingly lazy. I would rather scroll through Tumblr for three hours than actually begin to attack my to do list. One thingI like to do, which always improves my outlook on hard work, is think about the reason I'm doing it. Thinking about the positive outcome pushes me to get the job done, so I can reach that outcome as soon as possible.
Be grateful
Taking a step back and really looking at a situation can help you to be thankful for where you are. Comparison is the complete opposite, and focusing on what others posses or have achieved is moving backwards. Focusing on our own achievements and how you got to that place will improve the outlook on the future.
Take breaks
A very common notion but one of the most useful. The brain needs time to chill too. Even if it's just one evening a week or 20 minute intervals, take some time to sit back and relax, totally detaching from he world. If I want to take a break, I usually move away from all technology around me and go outside or read a few pages of a book. Even taking off my headphones, which seem to be glued to my ears, is advantageous and I feel refreshed when I return to a task. It's easy to slip into procrastination mode, so finding an element of motivation to get you back into work is essential for staying productive.
Sleep
One of my all-time favourite pastimes. This doesn't mean sleep whenever something isn't working. It means sleep when you're supposed to sleep. Staying up late seems fun at first but I always regret it and feel much better when I head to bed in good time and wake up with a bit more peace of mind. It's recommended that we get a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night which isn't always possible for everyone, but should be he ultimate goal.
Try to be positive
I'm constantly being told I'm pessimistic and my response will the same: "I'm not negative I'm just realistic." Sometimes reality has its limitations and it's good to dream above the bar or think outside the box. My automatic reaction is to see the bad side, seeing the glass as half empty is never efficient thinking. The best think to do is actually try to be positive, even if it seems impossible. Give it a go!
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