Black Friday may technically be a week away (Friday 24th November), but many brands and retailers aren’t wasting any time and are already dropping new deals, offers and discounts in the lead up to the big day.
Let’s be honest, Black Friday isn’t just a day or a weekend anymore, it’s four freaking weeks long. I’m not complaining though – that’s four weeks of guilt free shopping in my books! And as per there are ridiculous deal on TVs and electronics, but there are also a lot of offers, discounts and promo codes in the fashion and beauty sphere worth sharing.
So below you’ll find the best deals and be able to click through for a peek at my top product picks from beauty products, clothing and homewear, so you won't have to get off your couch and tackle fellow Black Friday shoppers for that red cable knit we’ve all been lusting after. But be quick, ‘cos not all these deals will be sticking around. Oh and feel free to bookmark too, as I’ll be updating this list daily.
I know from my own experience body positivity isn’t as simple as saying “You should just love your body!” It’s not an easy problem to solve. Personally I’ve struggled between loving and loathing my body for as long as I can remember. Bouts of anxiety trigger binge eating, which sees my body balloon several dress sizes leaving me feeling terribly insecure and frumpy. And yes, my body has broken down and failed me. In the last year I’ve suffered from more episodes of tonsillitis than Breaking Bad and have had a tonsillectomy and appendectomy. Ailments aside, it’s easy to forget all the amazing things about our bodies that make us beautiful. And blanket statements this post is not. It’s more a reminder to love the skin I'm in and become more accepting of myself.
1. THE 'PERFECT BODY' IS A LIE
Living in a media-saturated world body shape is a never-ending debate. For years I believed the ‘perfect body’ was to be seriously slender with porcelain skin; like the girls who graced the front pages of my favourite glossy mags. These images and expectations were a constant pervasive taint in my teens. But in reality they were neither realistic, or healthy. Not many woman fit into that description, but even those who do are still exposed to body shaming. I’ve seen images of what I used to perceive as the ‘perfect body’ slammed with an onslaught of negative body image comments like “Anorexic”, “You’re too skinny”, “Ew your collar bone”. Body shaming in all forms is inexcusable. Even the likes of Kylie Jenner masterfully edits her photos to get that ‘perfect selfie’. But perfection is an elusive thing. Cellulite is reality, scars, wobbly bottoms, hip dips, stretch marks are a reality, spots, flat chests and big chests are reality. Don’t let the dogma trap you. Society can kiss my fat ass!
2. YOUR OPINION IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS
My boyfriend has always said, “It really doesn't matter what anyone thinks.” And he’s right (in this instance). When it comes to my life, the opinion of others should matter very little, but in the past I’ve become hung up on other people’s opinions. Sure comments made by family and close friends shouldn’t be disregarded, but off hand comments made by strangers? Fuck ‘em. Unpleasant things people say often stem from their own insecurities, or jealousy. And one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is to cut off the people who make you feel crap about who you are. Your opinion is King. Be true to yourself, as the only way to make yourself feel better is to change your opinion of you. What do you want? What's important to you? How do you get there?
3. YOUR BODY IS AMAZING
We take for granted the wonderful things our bodies do. I could reel off a long list, but as an example, did you know our heart beats 115,200 times a day – amazing, huh? I used to be so darn critical of my own body; it’s true when they say we’re our own worst enemy. Growing up I had the chest of a ten-year-old and although I’ve blossomed since, I’ve become grateful for my not-so-big-bust when I tie up my trainers and head out for a run. I don’t have a thigh gap, or a tiny waist. But so what? I can squat like there’s no tomorrow and run for miles all thanks to my thunder thighs. Yes, I would love to have someone else’s long legs and feminine fingers, but I can recognize the beauty of someone else's body and appreciate it, while also loving what I’ve got.
4. LIFE'S TOO SHORT
Worrying is simply a waste of time and hating your body is exhausting. A few years back I became more aware of my body than ever before and how I held a little more weight than my friends. I didn’t feel pretty or desirable and seeing myself naked was unsettling. I spent 2 years attempting to ‘fix’ my body. I was constantly wrapped up calorie counting, weighing myself, exercising and reading ‘how-to’ guides. I don’t regret this period of my life, as I now understand my body a little better. But I missed out on trips, backed out of dinner plans and spent an obsessive amount of time dissecting my body. Although I lost 3.5 stone it didn’t necessarily make me feel more comfortable and happy and I realised loving my body wasn’t just physical, it was mental. Sure I still get caught up in the areas I’d like to improve, but I don’t need the added stress in my life. I need to learn to love my body now and get out there and live my life. Heck, I want to eat a Five Guys without spending the following 48HRS in complete desolation on the tightness of my waistband!
5. YOU WILL FEEL STRONGER & EMPOWERED
I’m still on the path towards loving my body but I truly believe caring for yourself is one of the most important things you can do. I work out and I love it. It makes me feel good, energetic, confident and more comfortable with my forever-changing body. I think most people underestimate just how liberating liking yourself can be, but I feel stronger, both physically and mentally. Having a positive attitude attracts positive attitudes and you may be setting an example for someone else without even realising it. So it won’t just be your saving grace, it could be someone else’s too. We may be submerged among slender women in glossy mags, but we’re also surrounded by freakin’ empowering women from fictional Mrs Potss, Tiana and Elsa, to bloggers Georgina Grogan, Laura Ferry and YouTubers Brogan Tate, Jordan Bone, Zoe Sugg, xAmeliax and Rosanna Pierce.
January - the time of year where we all commit to cut out carbs and up our fitness regimens. But for many, it's a month full of broken promises and come February 1st all resolutions have fallen by the wayside - sound familiar? So this year, instead of depriving my body of Five Guys Burgers and Fries, I've compiled 9 attainable beauty goals that I'll actually want to keep. Here's to the prettiest year yet...
1. I will... get more sleep
Come 1am you'll usually find me clicking aimlessly around the World Wide Web. I love to sleep, but I also love to procrastinate. And the phrase "you look tired" is one I need to kick to the curb in 2017. A bedtime routine needs to come into play. Even going to bed one hour earlier makes a big difference, better mood, better motivation and younger looking skin. And they don't call it beauty sleep for nothing! Not getting enough hours sleep can exacerbate acne, dryness, and other skin problems. And if all goes to plan, I'll require less concealer and a smaller cup of caffeine come 9am.
2. I will... book monthly waxes
Whilst I have a pretty decent at home-facial routine, waxing is a whole other ball game. And having another person carry out a bikini wax on you is difficult to replicate. Trust me. And without taking the TMI route, I've been getting waxed for a good few years now. Why? Because it simply makes me feel more pulled-together. But with 7 week intervals (the perfect amount of time required to almost forget the minor pain experienced), I would like to wax monthly, as it's the secret to less pain and better results. And to be honest, a razor just doesn't cut it!
3. I will... detox my makeup bag
The idea of starting a new year with a fresh, uncluttered makeup bag fills me with joy (the little things). So much so, I've even purchased a new makeup bag from ASOS. It's time to chuck out ancient mascaras and streamline its contents, as it seems I hoard multiple lip products, hairbands, tampons and things I've found, like Pret plastic spoons! And if your purse is a little dry this January, just pop it in the wash, or give it a good ol' wipe down with a Dettol wipe.
4. I will... use my clarisonic weekly
I love my Clarisonic. The device, which some have steered clear of (in fear it will break them out), is actually a brightening, acne-fighting machine that when used right, works wonders. Having said that, I don't use it enough and would like to use it at least twice a week. I notice a big improvement in my skin texture and tone. It also reduces clogged pores, blackheads, can be used on my bod, makes products work more effectively and quickly removes makeup.
5. I will... treat my feet
Confession: During winter months I forget my feet exist until a girls night out when I slip my feet into heels and then realise (a little too late) that I'm in dire need of a pedicure. It's like they tut at me every time I take my socks off. But jokes aside, whilst it's natural for pedicures to be less of a priority during winter, I can't go on catching dry foot skin on my bed sheets - eww. So it's about time I treat myself to a professional pedi, plus I quite like the massage chair...
6. I will... religiously moisturise my body
Something I quite often forget to do is moisturise. And dry skin is never good, but nor is standing in the cold after a long hot shower! I really don't fancy cracked elbows and knees and I'm currently seeking a softer, silkier version of me. So I'm on a mission to invest in a lotion I love and moisture daily post-shower.
7. I will... clean my makeup brushes regularly
Brushes are high maintenance and washing them will forever be a tedious task (even if I a Simple bar of soap is all it takes). We are all well aware that bacteria can lead to possible breakouts and that brushes don't work half as well when coated in dirt. So here I am, making a promise to regularly deep clean my makeup brushes and use a spray mid-week even (if it is the lazy-girl solution). I know my skin will thank me!
8. I will... stop picking my face
Picking spots is BAD. But I can't stop the compulsion to pick. I've stood in front of the bathroom mirror many a time, prodding and poking my bare face to only have to answer the door to the postman five minutes later and resemble someone who has just put their head in a beehive. Picking blemishes (even when I've had none) has resulted in multiple scars and ugly red marks. I know if I don't touch they will clear up. I can do this... maybe.
9. I will... upgrade my barnet
I'm not talking about weekly deep conditioning hair treatments (although that wouldn't go a miss!). I mean a good old hair overhaul. I've been rocking the same parting, style and hair colour for far too long. And I've lost count of how many times I discussed visiting a salon in 2016. I must shell out money and see a stylist. Any recommendations?
