Its Wednesday, which means theres only two more days until the weekend - thank the heavens above.
Is anyone else ridiculously tired this week? The dark mornings and dark nights are definitely taking their toll on me. I find myself willing, waiting and WISHING for the weekends to arrive.
With that being said, I thought today would be a perfect time to share with you how I dress on my days off (if I'm not in pjs which is usually what I wear but lets pretend I look fab all the time) LOL!
If I'm honest I dress pretty casual on an everyday basis, but for you girls that work etc, I thought this would be a really good outfit to share with you.
Stripes are a simple but easy way to look like you know your shit when it comes to fashion. You can throw on the most comfiest, basic stripy top and you instantly look put together. I guess its those Parisian chic vibes. Paired with a slouchy bomber jacket and ripped jeans - for me, its the perfect combo. Bomber jackets (if you didn't already know) are everywhere this season and you cant beat a classic black one. You can find them in most high street or online stores such as Topshop, New Look, Boohoo & Asos - this two tone one I'm wearing is from Missguided, but unfortunately its sold out now. Ripped jeans, I'm sure are owned by everyone - even my Mum has a few pairs and she's not into fashion at all. They just add a little somethin' somethin' to your standard pair of blue jeans. And finally, Adidas Superstars - my go to trainer. They go with pretty much my entire wardrobe and the comfort factor is an added bonus.
One of this season's hottest trends is the statement floral boot, and I am obsessed! We're talking beautiful embroidery & usually in the most gorgeous colours. I want to own them all but my bank account says no.
Im definitely a big ankle boot fan. Whether its metallic boots, patterned boots, textured boots, or chunky boots, I can't get enough. They can make any basic outfit come alive, they suit anyone of any size & they're just a great way to bring effortless style and a little bad ass vibe to your wardrobe.
In my opinion Ego Shoes, Topshop & ASOS are the best all rounders for shopping some serious statement boots. Ego Shoes are great for bargains, Topshop are quite pricey but fab quality, and ASOS sit somewhere in between.
Sex is amazing. Most of us are at it. Most of us enjoy it.
Orgasms are clinically proven to make us feel better. Have you ever had a massive argument with your partner & then had make up sex? Its literally one of the greatest things on earth lol.
But the other day, whilst having some winter sun in Malta, I was sat on a rooftop watching the sunset, with a bar of dairy milk wholenut, and in that very moment I thought to myself 'this is definitely better than sex'.
& then bam - this post idea came to me!
1. Taking your bra off. The release of tension as soon as you whip it off after a long ass day is just the best isn't it? Its the first thing I do whenever I get home.
2. Dipping a sugary biscuit (custard creams are my choice) into a warm strong tea. On a cold cosy day, is there anything else more comforting? Nope.
3. Placing a £200 order on ASOS and loving every single item. The jeans fit perfectly. Your heels make you feel like a badass. And your new coat makes you want to slay life. Yes & yes babes.
4. Going home for the weekend and your Mum saying 'shall we get a Chinese'. YES Mum, yes we should. I haven't heard more beautiful words come out of your mouth, in like EVER! (free food in general though).
5. Stepping on the scales and realising that you don't give a fuck what it says because you know your worth isn't determined by a number. *flicks hair*.
6. Ticking everything off your to do list. Im in control. Im a boss. Im a bad ass. Nothing can stop me. I am an actual adult. YAY me.
7. Putting on brand new pyjamas and wrapping yourself in a blanket. Am I right or am I right?
8. Having a big poo. You're probably laughing because WHY THE FUCK WOULD GRACE SAY THAT & WHY THE FUCK IS SHE RIGHT? Well, afterwards you feel so light & free, plus you can eat again and food is just the best.
9. Walking past a bakery and smelling all that doughy goodness. Mouth watering stuff!
10. Checking into a swanky London hotel, putting on your oversized white robe, and lying on your ridiculously big bed, eating all the room service. Who am I? I am an awesome grown up. Thats who I am.
11. Waking up super early, realising you don't need to get up at all today as its the weekend baby, then slowing turning over and falling back into a sexy sleep. YASSSSSS!
12. Payday! Because for the last 5 days you've been a cranky ass bitch because you can't afford your daily Starbucks, you've got no money to get your eyebrows did & you're just so done eating the last contents of your fridge.
13. Dogs. Any breed. Any size.
14. Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. Have you seen what it does to my lashes? There are no words.
15. A frozen strawberry cocktail (or 5), on a warm summers evening, whilst gossiping with your friends. Amen to that!
16. MAC AND CHEESE. Just because.... its mac and fucking cheese. Has to be crunchy on top though obvsssssss.
17. Waking up on Christmas Day and realising on you can eat an entire box of chocolate for breakfast and its perfectly acceptable.
18. The sound of the rain hitting your window panes as you're having a little snooze. Perfect!
19. Finally having a wee after you've been holding it in for hours.
20. Barack Obama. ALL THE FEELS. ALL THE FUCKING FEELS.
21. Having your back tickled. There are no words.
22. Going to IKEA & planning your whole life whilst walking around and wishing you had £50k to spend. Also, the meatballs with chips and a large diet coke. Once again, there are no words.
23. Channing Tatum in Magic Mike. Fanny flutters anyone?
24. Watching Twitter beef unfold right in front of your very eyes. *sips tea* lol!
25. Booking a holiday. You have something to look forward to. You can buy some sexy new summer clothes. You know you're going to be a tanned, bronzed goddess. And being by the sea, away from the stresses of life is just the best feeling.. isn't it?
26. Realising that you're not the only one who enjoys all of these things more than sex. THANK FUCK!
If you've got chunky legs, it can be an absolute nightmare finding over the knee boots/thigh highs. The struggle was so real trying to squeeze my legs into the latest badass boots that I just had to have - I've even broken zips before because I was so damn desperate lol.
But babes, we aint gotta struggle no more. With the likes of ASOS, River Island & New Look not only catering to big legs but also being absolutely bang on trend this season, thigh high fomo is long gone.
The idea of being a girl boss used to make me squirm with excitement. When I was younger I had no idea how I'd get there, but I knew one day I would...
And here I am.
Although some Negative Nancy's will try and shit on how bloggers make their money & have an overall 'its not a real job' type of attitude. I assure you, I basically work everyday so it is indeed a real job. And a job I fucking love might I add.
Although the term 'girl boss' is predominately meant for women who run or would like to run their own businesses, I actually think its for everyone. Its a mindset and an attitude that I feel all women should adopt. Its about being a go getta, not being scared to chase your dreams & believing whole heartedly in yourself.
So here are my top tips on becoming a girl boss...
Know Your Worth
I hear stories time and time again of bloggers underselling themselves (charging £30 for an Instagram post - wtf) and friends of mine having their job roles changed and tasks increased with no mention from their manager of a pay rise (what a joke).
Know your worth girls, in every aspect of your life. Don't be scared to ask for a pay rise if you've worked your ass off all year and you're still struggling to pay your bills every month. Don't be scared to quit a job that no longer pushes you or enables you to grow. Don't be scared to take yourself more seriously because you want a bad ass career.
You have the potential to be or do anything but you have to believe that you deserve it. You have to fight for what you want because yes, there are other people out there just as good as you, if not better. But remember - they're not you and that is your power.
Have A Plan
I'll never forget the first time I went to my managements offices armed with my 5 year plan and my mood board. Although they asked to meet me, I knew I needed to show them that I was serious about my career.
Having a plan or at least having some set goals allows you to focus and work towards something. Even though I'm definitely a chancer and someone who likes to take risks, I do have a destination in mind and I think thats the reason I can get my ass out of bed in the mornings.
Where do I want to be? What do I want to do? What life do I want?
Putting pen to paper makes things seem much more real & theres nothing more satisfying than ticking things off as the months/years go on.
Believe In Your Hustle
I've said it before and i'll say it again. Self belief can get your places nothing else can. Im not particularly great with taking photos, I find it hard to get my words out at times and I'm not the typical looking blogger, but fucking hell do I believe in myself. A thousand people could tell me I'm gonna fail, but if I know within my heart I'm going to succeed, I will.
Im a very determined and self motivating person and thats because I had a traumatic childhood. I've known for as long as I can remember that I needed to escape the life I was surrounded by, for my own health and because I didn't want my children to go through what I went through.
My biggest piece of advice to anyone no matter what they're doing, or where they're going, is to believe in your hustle. Believe you can and you're half way there. Visualise your success and immerse yourself in the faith that you will be where you need to be. Work hard and tell yourself everyday that you deserve success.
What you think, you become.
Get Enough Rest
A few years ago I was working in a children's home as well as trying to become a full-time blogger - I didn't sleep. Yes, long hours and going days without sleeping eventually paid off (thank fuck) but its not something I would recommend. The content I was producing was SHOCKING, mainly because I couldn't always concentrate so I'd often make spelling mistakes (writing posts at 3am isn't the best idea). I was also moody, ridiculously tired & I just wasn't enjoying myself.
Taking enough breaks during your working day and getting a good solid sleep means your brain and body has more energy to actually be productive. Theres a misconception that less sleep means you're grinding harder, but tbh - it just means you're stupid. Taking care of yourself enables you to be more creative & happier. Taking care of number one is just as important as your career.
Have Five Streams Of Income
Hear me out before you roll your eyes and think 'as if Grace, as if'. Its been said that most millionaires have 5 sources of income - and if you wanna be a millionaire because BITCH I DO, then we've gotta take this seriously lol.
I guess as a blogger its a lot easier to have your hands in different pies. I make my money from advertising, sponsorships, commission and attending events. I also make money from my TV work too.
I know its not all about money but lets be real - we all want to make more and we all want to be able to buy a house, as well as go on holiday numerous times a year and splurge on ASOS whenever we feel like it. I hear ya babes, loud and clear.
A basic retail job or working underneath someone isn't going to get you to 5* girl boss stage. If you suddenly get the sack, what do you have to fall back on? Your CEO is only going to pay you so much because in all honesty, most of the money is for himself. He's got a yacht, multiple properties and a Rolls fucking Royce.
To be a girl boss, you gotta have a girl boss attitude. Theres always extra ways to make money (that could also eventually turn into a business), you've just gotta be creative about it and think outside the box. Here are a few ideas;
Sell old stuff on eBay.
Buy vintage things for cheap and sell them for more on Depop.
Babysit on the weekends.
Charge for your hobby i.e. doing makeup & cutting hair.
Sign up to Shop Style Collective (commission based website that anyone can use)
Take part in online surveys.
Review apps in return for cash.
Start a blog. (obv because you have a passion for it, not just to make money)
Recycle old mobile phones and other tech equipment.
Get another part time job.
Car boot sales.
Rent out your car parking space.
Rent out your garage.
Be Organised
From a colour co-ordinated calendar to a consistent morning routine - you need to stay on top of things and be organised. My iCAL is my life. It holds my meetings, my appointments, my content and my social activities. Its my life line and my management have access to it too. They can add in my tasks, my jobs and they can also see what I'm doing and where I am so they don't double book or over work me.
I really recommend having to do lists & little ways that enable you to get things done. I love routines and I tend to stick to them so that my life has some sort of structure. Mondays I do my washing, Tuesdays I tend to have a day full of meetings & Wednesdays is my day to film loads of videos. I cant work in chaos!
Whether you're a blogger working from home, or you're studying at uni - stay organised and have some consistency. If you're in a relaxed environment you're more likely to excel in whatever you're doing.
40.7% of people with scarring want to feel like they don't have to hide, yet 59.5% are hiding their scars away, with clothing or camouflage makeup.
‘Scar acceptance is very much down to an individual's personality and their own personal coping mechanisms – either approach is fine as both bring you to a place where your scar becomes something you learn to accept, which is the important thing.’ - Psychologist Jo Hemmings
There are so many different types of scars. Stretch marks (if you're interested I've done a post on why I love mine, you can read it here), surgery scars, acne scars and self inflicted scars - in other words, scars caused by self harm & thats what I'm going to be talking about today.
If you didn't know, I used to self harm. I guess its something that I don't talk about that often, compared to all the other topics I cover on my blog and channel. Its the one thing that still makes me feel slightly uncomfortable, maybe because society doesn't really understand it, and maybe because I don't always understand it myself.
Look at me now ey? Confident, happy (for the most part lol) great career, a gorgeous flat, amazing friends, the list goes on. But there was a time in my life where I had very little, in my mind anyway. I was ugly, fat, disgusting. I was worthless, damaged & not good enough. I was just a very sad, lost & depressed person and ultimately I took it out on myself.
Not only was I self harming, but I was also throwing up my food, drinking too much alcohol and surrounding myself with people who just didn't give a damn about me. Complete self destructive behaviour.
I remember hiding everything. Hiding my problems, hiding my feelings, hiding on my toilet breaks during lunch and hiding areas where I'd hurt myself. My life was one big secret. I hid away for fear of judgement and also because I knew what I was doing was wrong but I couldn't stop it & that made me even more ashamed.
Going through trauma, being bullied by peers and family members, made me internalise my problems because I felt like I had nobody to talk to and nowhere to turn. Being isolated and alone played a massive part in my problems and I know that if other people were talking about it, and it wasn't such a taboo thing, I would have been a bit more open with what I was going through.
I've spent a very large part of my life struggling to accept my body. The rolls, the extra fat, the cellulite, the scars but its definitely made me understand what compassion means. Compassion to others & compassion to myself. Self acceptance is one of the best journeys I decided to take (I'm still on it) and I'm learning things everyday. I have a long way to go but my scars are definitely one flaw I have learned to not only accept, but also love too. They're a part of me, and although they don't define me, its important to love every inch of me, even the not so pretty parts.
The biggest factor in my body acceptance was realising there were 1000s of people all over the world who felt the same way I did. Who had the same experiences that I have had and could relate to my story - that blew my mind. I soon realised that talking about my fears, helped other people talk about theirs. It was like a snowball affect. It took one person to stand up and be brave, and others, male or female, old or young, black, pink or green, all followed suit.
Its important to realise that people with kind hearts, people full of love and gratitude, are the only people you need in your life. Those kinds of people are also the ones who will take you for who you are. The people who look past your outer exterior and only care about who you are on the inside because lets face it, thats what truly matters.
I know that society will confuse you and try to mould you into something you are not. Society will have you thinking that because your skin isn't perfect, your butt isn't round and your hair isn't shiny, that you are somehow inferior. That you should hide away or simply change certain things that make you YOU. This is your reminder that when you look in the mirror and decide you hate what you see, remember its society that needs to change, not you.
Confidence is a wonderful thing and it takes effort, perseverance & time, but each and everyone of us can get there. I did.. and it genuinely makes me cry realising how far I've come. When I was self harming, it was the darkest time of my life but I made it out.. and my god, what a world there is out there.
In regards to my scars now, for the most part they don't bother me. Although I still have low body image days like everyone else, how I look doesn't hinder my life anymore. I laugh, I socialise & I don't feel like I have to cover up when its warm because I don't want people to see my marks. Bio-oil was my go to product when I wanted to show my body a little loving. It was my way of healing the damage I had done & after a while, my scars, along with the pain, began to fade.
If someone has something negative to say on who you are, what you do or what you look like, then it says way more about them than it does about you. The hardest battles are given to the strongest people and for me personally, self harm scars are battle wounds. We survived!
Be proud of who you are girl. Those who mind, don't matter. And those who matter, don't mind.
I’ve worked with Bio-Oil on this post as part of their Scars Uncovered campaign which aims to help people to come to accept their scars and not feel as though they have to hide them away. As part of the campaign they’ve created a video with real women talking about their scars to demonstrate the impact they have on peoples’ lives; it’s well worth a watch here.
I’m also giving away 5 bottles of Bio-Oil. To be in with a chance to win please enter your details here."
In order to stay slaying during the colder months, having some badass jackets/coats is absolutely key. There is nothing more frustrating than loving your outfit, but having to cover it up with an ugly, boring coat lol. When A/W arrives (which it now has) your outerwear becomes the item thats most seen - so you've gotta make sure its beautiful right?
Ive rounded up my top picks from my favourite high st stores. ASOS, Topshop, Missguided, & Mango. From faux fur, to suede, to statement, to practical.
