Dying My Own Hair Pink

Since getting my hair dyed pink over Easter, I have felt a lot more confident and just a little bit badass! However, as my hairdresser explained, pink is a 'fashion colour' and is therefore only semi-permanent, and can wash out. She recommended a self-dye brand to me called Crazy Color, which I can use to top up the colour whilst I'm at university and cannot go back to the salon regularly. I should also mention that it will only work on bleached or very light hair.

So, without further ado, this is how I dye my hair:

What you'll need:

• Shampoo
• Hairbrush
• Towel
• Crazy Colour hair dye
• Plastic gloves

How I dye my hair:

Step 1

Wash your hair with your normal shampoo, but don't use a conditioner.

Step 2

Towel dry your hair. I also like to brush it through at this stage to remove any knots, which makes it easier to apply the dye.

Step 3

Once my hair is brushed through, I split it into four sections to make applying the dye quicker and easier 

Step 4

Make sure that you are wearing gloves. Squirt the dye on to your hand (I use the shade Candyfloss) and apply to one of the sections of hair. I apply slightly more than necessary to make sure I get the colour I want, and to also make sure that I don't miss any strands of hair. As my hair has been bleached as a dip dye in the salon, I normally only need to use just under half a bottle. My natural hair colour is quite a dark blonde, so I also don't need to be as careful when applying the dye, because it will only colour the pre-bleached areas and not my natural hair colour. 

Step 5

Once you have applied all of the dye, wait 15-30 minutes (I normally wait for 30 so I get maximum colour pay-off), and rinse out the dye in the shower until the water runs clear (You don't need to shampoo it out).

Step 6

Style your hair!

Tips and After Care

• I wear a dark t-shirt whilst applying the dye, so that it doesn't stain. As soon as I have finished, I just remove any dye that has got onto the t-shirt with a makeup wipe before it dries, and it completely removes any stain.
• To maximise the colour longevity, only apply shampoo to your roots when washing your hair, and only apply conditioner to the ends, to keep them frizz-free and in good condition.

 

Disclaimer: I use Crazy Color because it was recommended to my by my hairdresser, as it does not damage your hair. You can use whatever brand of dye you wish, and the process will be very similar. Just follow the instructions on the box :)

Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

What better way to celebrate the start of summer than with an refreshingly cool glass of Pimms and a slice of zesty lemon drizzle cake?! I made this cake with my sister when I came back from University for the weekend and thought I would share it with you all. Here is my favourite recipe that is simple and easy to follow:

Ingredients for the cake:

• 175g Self raising flour
• 1 level teaspoon baking powder
• 175g softened butter
• 175g caster sugar
• 3 medium eggs
• 2 tablespoons semi-skimmed milk
• Zest 2 1/2 lemons

Ingredients for the drizzle:

• Juice of 2 1/2 lemons
• 115g caster sugar

Ingredients for the icing and decoration:

• Lemon juice
• Icing sugar
• Water
• Handful of raspberries

Instructions:

• Into a large mixing bowl, sift together the flower and the baking powder.
• Add the rest of the cake ingredients and beat together with a wooden spoon (I found this may take some time as it takes a while for the butter to become completely smooth!)

• Lightly grease and line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper.
• Spoon the mixture, carefully, trying not to get any excess on the paper so that it doesn't burn in the oven.
• Place in the oven at 180 degrees for 40 minutes (poke with a cake skewer to test when done, timings may be slightly different for you).
• Once cooked leave on a cooling rack to cool slightly.
• In the mean time, in a saucepan gently heat the lemon juice and sugar until all the sugar has dissolved (I found using a whisk better to remove any lumps).
• Poke a few holes into the cake with a knife and pour over the cake whilst it is still warm.

To Decorate:

• In a bowl whisk together the icing sugar and lemon juice, with a dash of water to your preferred thickness (You can adjust the measurements accordingly).
• Once the cake has cooled pour over the icing and decorate with raspberries. 

Anyone for Tea?

Just after I came back to university after the Easter holidays, I had a (very brief) health kick, mainly consisting of me putting spinach in every meal possible, and drinking a load of different fruit and herbal teas. Although the health kick and spinach obsession is over, I have developed a new appreciation for drinking tea and the health benefits that come along with it.

Lemon Green Tea

I've always heard that green tea is meant to be very good for you, however I also heard that it can taste awful if made incorrectly. So, I decided to get lemon green tea first, in the hope that it wouldn't taste too strong, and put me off my health endeavour before it even really started! I also only let it infuse for one minute, as I don't want it to be too strong. Because green tea is an antioxidant, it contains many nutrients that your body needs. It has been proven improve brain function, and is also a natural fat burner because it can increase your metabolism (which is why I drink a cup every morning with my breakfast, to set me up for the day). It may also reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

Raspberry and Strawberry Tea

Raspberry and strawberry tea contains many very important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, and also provides many antioxidants and nutrients that are beneficial to digestive health. I usually leave this to infuse for about two minutes as it can also be quite strong, but it can be left longer if you prefer. And, with only 2 calories per cup, this is the perfect afternoon drink for the summer!

Lemon and Ginger Tea

Lemon and ginger tea has antibacterial and antiseptic properties (I know, fancy huh?!), so along with its high vitamin content, it does wonders for your skin and also hair! Its anti-inflammable characteristics can also reduce headaches, swelling and inflammation. Both lemon and ginger promote fat loss, and can therefore be used in combination with a healthy diet to lose weight. I've also found that adding honey not only adds to the flavour, but also can help to relieve a sore throat. I brew mine for about two minutes to get the perfect strength of flavour.

Peppermint Tea

I love to drink peppermint tea at night before I go to bed, as it has been proven to give you a more restful sleep, due to its menthol properties. It may also cause a slight oestrogen boost, leading to hormonal benefits such as clearer skin and acne reduction. It also has mental health benefits, as it can improve concentration and focus, and relieve anxiety. I leave the tea bag to brew for about 3 minutes, as it isn't as strong as green tea, so you can afford to forget about it for a while!

Summer Smoothie Recipes

Summer seems to finally be here, so what better way to celebrate the occasion than to share with you some of my favourite summer smoothie recipes! I went through a phase of hating smoothies when I had to churn them out all day at the coffee shop I used to work in. However now that traumatic experience has almost fully left my mind, I have started to really enjoy them again. I will admit though that the first few that I made didn't turn out too good, and actually ended up looking like polyjuice potion, much to my friend's disgust/amusement. Now that I've had a little more practice, here are my favourites:

Ultimate Pink Smoothie

What says summer more than a brightly coloured pink smoothie?!



To Make:

• 1 banana
• Handful of raspberries
• Handful of strawberries
• 3 tablespoons natural yogurt
• Top up with orange juice

Blueberry Blitz

I did this as a smoothie bowl and added chia seeds and raisin granola for an extra crunch!

To Make:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup of frozen blueberries
• 3 tablespoons natural yogurt
• 2 teaspoons honey

Glowing Green

It has been scientifically proven that avocados can improve your skin, giving you a natural glow, and along with the spinach which is rich in antioxidants, this smoothie has amazing health benefits. 

To Make:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup of baby spinach
• 1/2 avocado
• Handful of chopped mango chunks
• Handful of chopped pineapple chunks

Chocolate Peanut Shake

Although it looks unhealthy, it actually contains cacao powder, which is a superfood and a healthier substitute for chocolate powder.    

   

To Make: 

• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
• 2-3 teaspoons cacao powder
• 3 tablespoons natural yogurt

Extra Tips:

1. Blend in chia seeds for extra protein
2. Add orange juice or soya milk if you prefer your smoothie to be thinner
3. Blend in a few ice cubes or use frozen berries for a colder drink

An Introverts Guide to Starting University

Starting university is a big step in anyone's life, no matter how prepared they think they are. However some people may find it more daunting than others, and that's ok. Before I started university my parents used to tell me that it was my opportunity to be myself, come out of my shell and make new friends. For an extroverted person that may seem like the easiest thing in the world, but my socially inept, introverted self felt sickened by the very idea.

  

The first couple of weeks were a challenge to say the very least, however I soon found my feet and did in fact make new friends. The best friends that I have ever had. So, here are my tips for starting university as an introvert:

Find your flatmates on Facebook

Before we moved into halls, we made a group chat on Facebook for our flat. This meant that we already got to find what our flatmates were called, which made learning names a lot easier. (And who doesn't like a good internet stalk anyway?!)

 Keep your door open

I'm sure you've heard people tell you this a million times, however as tedious as it sounds I can tell you from experience that it actually works. Just having your door open indicates that you are willing to let people in, without having to actually verbally invite them inside your room. This way you might find it easier for people to come to you, rather than you going to them. It's also a way of convincing people that you appear to be sociable, no matter how you may be feeling inside.

Make an effort on the first night

The first night in halls is your main opportunity to make a good impression and get to know your flatmates. You'll probably end up sitting in the kitchen playing drinking games like I did, or going out to a club or something. Don't feel pressured into doing anything you don't want to do, but set yourself a goal like trying to learn everyone's name, and introduce yourself to as many people as possible.

Explore campus and the local area with your new flatmates

You are going to have absolutely no idea how to get anywhere or find anything and neither are your new flatmates, so go on a little adventure with everyone. On my second day at university, I joined some of my flatmates on a trip to Asda, even though I already had a fridge full of food. I'm so glad that I did because we all bonded by tackling the traumatic bus journey and trying to find the right stop to get off! (I also offered to hold a travel adapter that one of my new flatmates had just bought, in the hope that she might potentially like me. This story has now become a joke amongst my friends, however she ended up being my best friend ever, so my master plan worked after all!)

Cook and eat with your flatmates

It can be quite easy to hide away and try and avoid the people you are living with if you are scared of socialising, however spending time in the kitchen or communal area is a great way to bond with people early on. If you are in catered accommodation, try and eat at the same time as your flatmates, and if you are in self-catered, try to cook at the same time as a few other people. Loads of people also have no idea how to cook anything other than toast when they first move to university, so it is a learning curve for everyone. You can all struggle with making pasta together!

Watch TV or Netflix with people

If you are anything like me, you find it really daunting to start conversations with people you hardly know. A fantastic way to spend time with people without having to say a lot  is to just sit and watch TV. I watched the Great British Bakeoff and loads of Harry Potter movies with my flatmates in the first couple of weeks. Being able to chat about what you're watching is a great ice-breaker or conversation starter, especially if you can't think of anything else to say.

If I can do it anyone can! Good luck fresher, you got this.

Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe

I'm a fan of chocolate cake just as much as the next person, however I'm not much of a baker! This weekend I came home from university with the dream of baking a cake, so I forced my little sister to get on board with my baking fantasies (i.e. help me to bake so I don't mess up too much by myself, as I can't be trusted to be alone). We chose this recipe from Jamie Oliver's website and tweaked it a little bit to make it better, as we are experts in this kind of thing! Enjoy.

Ingredients for the cake:

• 250g plain flour
• 75g cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
• 125g unsalted butter
• 350g caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 250ml brewed coffee
• 225 ml milk

Ingredients for the icing & topping:

• 4 tablespoons milk
• 25g dark chocolate
• Handful fresh berries
• 200g icing sugar
• 25g cocoa powder
• 200g unsalted butter
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4, and grease and line 2 x 9inch sandwich tins
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt

• Beat the butter until it is pale and creamy (I would recommend using an electric mixer, because    we did it by hand and it took ages!) 

• Add the sugar and eggs one at a time, and then the vanilla extract. Use a spatula to scrape the mixture from around the sides of the bowl

• Add the dry ingredients to the bowl, and also the coffee and milk, and mix until it all comes together to form a smooth mixture

• Divide the mixture between the two tins and place in the oven for 35-40 minutes. (This is now the perfect opportunity to eat the left over cake batter with a spoon) Test to see if the cakes have been baked properly by poking them with a cake tester, which will come out clean if they are done

• Once out of the oven, remove them from the tins and leave on a cooling rack for about half an hour whilst you make the icing

To make the icing:

• Beat the butter until creamy, them add the sifted cocoa powder and half of the icing sugar. It is important to mix slowly at this stage to avoid getting icing sugar over your whole kitchen! (Trust me, I speak from experience)
• Once combined, add the rest of the icing sugar, the vanilla extract and the milk and continue mixing until smooth

To decorate:

• Spread half of the icing on the first cake, and place chopped up strawberries on top. Then place the other cake on top of the first one

• Cover the top layer with the other half of the icing
• Arrange the rest of the berries in the middle, and sprinkle grated chocolate around the edge to decorate

A Potterhead's Guide to London

Ok, so here is my first ever Harry Potter themed post! Last summer I went into London with my Dad, and whilst he was in a meeting I did my very own Harry Potter tour! Here's some of the places I visited:

1) House of Minalima

Found in Greek Street in Soho, House of Minalima is a graphic art exhibition, featuring art from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. With three floors entirely dedicated to behind the scenes Harry Potter props and art, along with free entry, this is a perfect afternoon out for any Harry Potter fan!

2) Kings Cross Station - Platform 9 3/4

Amongst the hustle and bustle of busy workers and commuters in one of England's busiest stations, lies a magical corner (between platforms 9 and 10 to be exact), perfect for fans of magic. At Platform 9 3/4 in Kings Cross, there is a massive gift shop full of Official Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise, and also a photo opportunity where fans can be photographed with the famous trolley running through the wall to reach the platform.

3) Reptile House at London Zoo

Built in 1926, the Reptile House is the actual filming location for  iconic scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone, where viewers experience one of their first moments of magic. A Burmese Python speaks to Harry after the glass to its enclosure has been magically removed, and is a must see for any hard core Harry Potter fans!

4) Millenium Bridge

Built in 1999 (and subsequently destroyed by Fenrir Greyback and the Deatheaters), Millennium Bridge provides a crossing over the River Thames, and can be seen in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It has been affectionately named 'The Wobbly Bridge' by Londoners as pedestrians often feel swaying motions as they cross!

5) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre, located near to London's Covent Garden has a beautiful and somewhat magical looking exterior, good enough for any Potter fan to take photos of. However, if like me you were lucky enough to get tickets to see the play, you are in for a real treat! Without a doubt, The Cursed Child is by far the best play I have ever seen, with everything from props, to costumes and special effects being absolutely flawless. 

6) Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market was the filming location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone. With its stunning Victorian architecture and vast array of shops and restaurants, this area of London is a fantastic day out for everyone, Potterhead or not.

7) Piccadilly Circus

After the invasion of the Weasley wedding in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the Golden Trio flee the scene and end up in the middle of the bustling road in Piccadilly Circus.

8) St Pancras International Station

Although only shown briefly in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, St Pancras International is the setting where the flying Ford Anglia was spotted in the sky by onlooking muggles, and is definitely worth a visit.

9) Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Located just outside London, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a must see for any fan of Harry Potter, whether it be a lifelong obsession or just a slight interest. Featuring props, costumes and sets actually used in the films, the studio tour can take anywhere from four hours to the whole day! The tour begins with the opening of the doors to the breathtaking Grand Hall, and ends in the biggest Harry Potter gift shop in the U.K. P.S no tour would be complete without tasting the official Butterbeer, from only one of two locations in the world that sell it. 

10) Australia House

Australia House provided the magnificent marble interior and the famous chandelier for Gringotts Bank in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. I find it hard to believe that it was not filmed on a set, and is in fact an actual location! Although it is not open to the general public, it has been known that some security guards will kindly let you have a cheeky peak inside if you ask them nicely!

My Top 5 Movie Soundtracks

I love a good cinema trip just as much as the next person, however the defining factor that makes or breaks a movie for me is its soundtrack. So, here are my top 5 movie soundtracks:

5) Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2

I recently went to the cinema with my friends to see the new Guardians movie, and it was amazing! The soundtrack was so cleverly incorporated into the movie, and with tunes such as ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra, I couldn’t not include it in my top 5.

4) Pirates of the Caribbean 

Ok, so I’m not exactly including this as a soundtrack as such, however the theme tune to Pirates is probably my favourite theme ever created. As soon as I hear it, it instantly puts me in such a good mood, and feel as though I am ready to take on the world.

3) Tangled

It was so hard to only include one Disney musical soundtrack in my top 5, but after much deliberation I managed to narrow it down to Tangled. With amazing songs such as ‘I See the Light’ and ‘When Will My Life Begin?’ sung by the amazing Mandy Moore, it would be rude to not include it on my list.

2) Me Before You

This might be seen as quite a random soundtrack to include, however I think that all the songs used in this movie were incredible choices, and fitted each scene perfectly. From the uplifting track ‘Happy With Me’ to the emotional ‘Surprise Yourself’, this is definitely one of my favourite movie tacks of all time.

1) Shrek 2

The Shrek 2 soundtrack has now become a firm favourite amongst my friends at university during pre drinks. It has all the classics such as ‘Livin La Vida Loca’ and ‘Accidentally in Love’, but also my personal favourite, ‘Fairy Godmother Song’ performed by the absolutely fabulous (see what I did there?!) Jennifer Saunders. This has undoubtedly got to be my favourite movie soundtrack, and will remain so for a very long time.

Top 7 Tips to Boost Your Mood

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we were all happy 100% of the time, and in a permenently good mood?! I know, it sounds ideal right? However, it is not always possible to be elated every second of the day, especially with the stresses of life such as exams, work, school and general life annoyances.

As someone who is quite partial to a good wallow every now and then, here are a few of the ways I try to lift my mood when I am feeling down.

1) Have a cup of tea.

I know, I know, it’s probably the most British thing that anyone could ever say. However I love the feeling of holding a piping hot mug in my hands and sipping away at my drink, causing my mood to instantly lift.

2) Create a cozy atmosphere.

Light some candles, turn on those fairy lights and snuggle up under a blanket. Like the tea, feeling warm and cozy is another great way to feel comfortable and relaxed in your surroundings, allowing your anxieties to slip away.

3) Read a book/watch TV.

I find that reading or watching a favourite film is a fantastic distraction for your busy mind, and allows you to travel to a world without your stresses and worries, even just for a little while. Often once you have finished the chapter or episode, your thoughts are put into perspective and your problems seem significantly less too.

4) Have a walk.

Having a walk or doing some light exercise is another great way to relieve stress and improve your mood. (See my previous post for more: Time Out With nature ) It is proven to boost endorphins, and I also feel so accomplished and proud of myself once I have done some exercise, so my happiness also increases along with it.

5) Create a happy playlist.

Another way to make yourself feel better is to create a playlist with all of your favourite mood boosting music (mine contains several Disney songs!). However if you don’t want to create your own, Spotify has some pre-made playlists available which are really great.

6) Treat yo’ self!

I believe wholeheartedly that it is vital to treat yourself sometimes! So, choose your treat of choice (my personal favourite is potato waffles) and enjoy yourself! It is important to realise that after a long day you deserve that glass of wine or piece of cake, so just go for it.

7) Have a chat.

It is so important that you vocalise your feelings, whether it is with a friend or a family member. They will always be there to listen, and often saying out loud what is upsetting you will immediately make you feel somewhat better. Having a conversation with someone may also lead you on to a different topic entirely, causing you to forget all about what was originally wrong.

So, these are just some of the ways that I try and cheer myself up, I hope this has helped you too.