fashion blogger

Dealing with anxiety with my health

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I love how a trench coat can just transform an outfit, and this one from Nasty Gal does just that. I love the colour as it is a little bit of a darker shade than the ones I already have, plus I love the maxi length so much. Also don’t get me started on this real leather (yes real leather) bumbag from Nasty Gal, (this one has actually sold out but this one here is just as beaut) I can’t believe this is only £20, its such a bargain! Also this black ribbed top also from Nasty Gal is such a staple item in my wardrobe, its great for layering underneath pieces for the lovely UK spring weather that can often be a little cold (although we are seeing lots of sunshine at the minute!!). Then lastly the cutest little checked clueless skirt ever, this little beat is from Topshop & it’s actually the cutest thing ever, plus its mega flattering. As always loves, all items, are linked at the posted of this post.

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This is a little bit of a weird one for me to talk about, as although I expect that its quite common, I guess thats its just hard for us that do suffer from a little bit of anxiety to speak about it, or often even admit. I’ve had phases in my life when I’ve suffered from quite a few anxiety attacks (panic attacks) and although I’m sure lots of people would say this, I am honestly not the sort of people to have panic attacks, I am logical, determined, focused and I would say a strong person! But there is one things that seems to affect me and thats my health.

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Again I am a well person there is nothing (touch wood) wrong with me, but man can I worry about it!! I am my own worst enemy though, I love being healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep, but I can get into cycles where I don’t exercise at all, I’m eating terribly (and I don’t mean quantity, I mean I haven’t consumed a vegetable in about 3 weeks!!) and I’m not getting my 8 hours a night. Due to this I feel shit, I don’t just look shit, I feel it and I feel down too, about how I look and also how my body feels. This is when I start feeling anxious again, and I might have a sporadic attacks and I have no idea why (or thats what I think) but I never ever have attacks like this when I am looking after myself. So now I know that this is 100% why, so over the next few weeks  plan to get myself into a much healthier mindset and I know I’ll start to feel better, I’ll keep you updated loves.

Grace

Xx

Trench coat – Nasty Gal

Button up ribbed black top – Nasty Gal

Black leather bumbag – Nasty Gal sold out – similar here – Nasty Gal

Checked skirt – Topshop

Sock boots – sold out – similar – ASOS

 

Favourite places to eat in Nottingham,UK

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First loves let’s talk about this bag, if you follow me on Instagram then babes I warn you, this is going to be all over the place. I adore it, like completely and utterly love it. I’ve wanted a black tote bag for ages and as I knew it needed to be an investment, I wanted it to be amazing, and this gorgeous Lille-tote bag from the brand Rox and Ann certainly is amazing. The quality of the suede and leather is just so beautiful. Also loves up the 11th of May you can use my code ‘gracesurguy’ for a 50% discount off the Lille-tote bag collection, what a flipping good discount.

I’ve also got so much love for a oversized linen blazer at the minute and this one from H&M is perfect. I also adore a pair of red flared trousers, and I’ve realised that these trousers are the most worn pair of trousers in my wardrobe, something I never expected when I bought them, but they really do go with everything.

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I live in Nottingham in the UK, and I just wanted to give you guys an overview of my favourite places to eat in the city. Whether you guys live here, study here, or are just visiting at some point.

  1. The Alchemist

This a very newbie restaurant/bar in Nottingham which I visited for the first time for brunch on a Saturday, and man was it good. My fiancé and I had the American style pancakes (yes that included bacon) and it was seriously amazing.

The restaurant/bar itself its really decadent, and this is certainly reflected in the cocktails. My fiancé (never one to shy away) ordered a bubbling gin cocktail that really was a work of art and tasted amazing. It’s the kind of cool place that you want to take your friends to for brunch at the weekend, but also drinks on a Saturday night.

What I also have to say about The Alchemist is the service was so good, the guys were really attentive (but not too attentive, you know what I mean) and made sure we had everything we needed.

Find the link to the website/directions here

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  1. Bar Iberico

This is my absolute favourite place in Nottingham for tapas, and if you go at lunch time they have the most amazing lunch time menu called the menu rapido, its under £10 for the most amazing quality food and you really are full afterwards.

It’s the perfect place to take your family or partner for a yummy lunch, and a glass of wine (obviously).

My fav things to get are the beetroot carpaccio, orange, goats cheese walnut and the crispy chicken and spicy Jerez Sauce, soooooo yummy!

Link to the website/direction here 

  1. Edin’s Kitchen

So I feel like this is my secret little gem of a restaurant hidden in Nottingham’s city centre. This little multi-cuisine restaurant is so reasonably priced it is almost unbelievable. All meals are freshly cooked and although the menu is not huge (which is why I guess the prices are so reasonable!) there is such a good choice for meat/fish/veggie/vegan or whatever your diet choice because you know these guys will cater for it.

Plus the atmosphere is so relaxed and chilled, it really does feel like its everyone’s best kept secret.

Edin’s do not currently have a website but find them here on Facebook

Grace

Xx

Black leather & suede tote bag – Rox and Ann

Linen oversized blazer – sold out similar – H&M

Red flare trousers – sold out similar – H&M

White platform trainers – Superga C/O Nobody;s Child

 

My So Shape diet challenge

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Hi babes, so I recently had the opportunity to work with So Shape which offer a diet plan (you guys can get 10% off both the 14 day and 28 day plan with my discount code Grace10), which consists of replacing both your breakfast and your evening meal with a So Shape smart meal. I tired the 28 day plan and got so many many amazing flavours sent through the post, from white chocolate and cookies shakes, to mushroom risotto and pesto pasta, the variety of flavours that are on offer is actually insane, and so important if you are not going to get bored during the plan. What I absolutely love about this plan is there is no calorie counting what so ever, which honestly is a breath of fresh air for me. Also due to the set morning and evening meals, it really does mean that you have a clear plan of how your diet is going to look, and what you are going to eat on a daily basis.

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But first lets talk about the shakes, I have tried so many diet/protein shakes in my time, and honestly these are the best tasting shakes I have ever had, and I 100% woke up everyday looking forward to my morning shake. So to what you are really here for…my results! So what I want to tell you guys first is that I was most definitely less bloated, and that in itself was such a nice feeling. The area I did struggle in was the meals at night, I was finding that I’d come home a night so hungry that the smart meal was often not quite enough. The good thing is So Shape gave you a list of guilt free foods that you can eat if you are feeling peckish, so there always options there if you are struggling.

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As with any diet 100% commitment is always needed, and in terms of my performance over the last 28 days I could certainly have done better. I could give you all of the excuses in the world, but any diet is down to how much you commit to it, and how motivated you are. So Shape really do give you all the tools you need to succeed, you just have to want to succeed enough not to pick up that McDonalds for the second time in two days (I didn’t do that badly I promise). My battle with healthy eating and weight less I am sure will be a long one, and it always seem to come last in my list of priorities, but with the kick start I have had from So Shape, I intend it no longer be last on the ‘to do’ list.

For 10% off the 14 and 28 day plans use my cost ‘Grace10’

Grace

Xx

Diet plan – So Shape

Pink jumper- sold out – similar H&M

Raw hem wide leg jeans – Topshop

Trainers – Fila Disruptors

 

 

 

How blogging has improved my wardrobe

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First of all my loves can I say that I am honestly so sick of winter, I long for the weather to be just that little bit warmer, where we can wear jackets rather than coats, and don’t have to be completely bundled up with scarfs and gloves. Until that day we have roll necks, which are an absolute staple in my wardrobe at the minute. This nude roll neck jumper from Shein is honestly so perfect, you guys may have realised that I love a ribbed jumper, and what I love about this version is it is thicker than any of my other jumpers, but still has that fitted silhouette that I love, also babes its only £18!! Next this beaut of a checked coat from Missy Empire, not going to lie, I’m completely obsessed with it! I love how oversized it is and the checked print is just perfect. Then finally the most perfect wide leg jeans from H&M, that look great with pretty much everything I own!

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I guess I just wanted to talk to you babes about how blogging has improved my wardrobe, well thats a easy answer you say! You take more time to think about it?! And yes you are right, but its way more than that, for me being a blogger is a form of self expression, and something that gives me a platform to showcase my personal style and also my personality. As we all know bloggers today are their own brands, promoting their style and view on the world. I have spoken to you guys so many times about how I believe it is so important to have the most positive attitude to life, to your work and in terms of blogging to yourself and your body.

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The great thing about taking the time to blog, is the time you get to research, whether that is fashion on the catwalks, magazines or taking inspiration from other bloggers. The latter is my absolute fav, blogging means that anybody from anywhere in the world, with any job and any body type can put their personal style out there. Blogging makes fashion more real, more relatable for every body type. So how does being a blogger improve my wardrobe? From taking more time to research the current trends and styles, to taking the time to engage with gorgeous REAL bloggers I can relate to, and take style tips from. This means I make far more informed decisions when shopping, which I think means I am more stylish people because of that :).

Grace

Xx

Nude ribbed turtleneck – Shein

Checked coat – Missy Empire

Wide leg jeans – H&M

Boots – Topshop

Bag – Kozha Numbers

My take on the key trends for Spring

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First of all babes, let’s talk about my complete obsession with layering. I mean it’s a good job that I am obsessed because it is absolutely freezing in the UK at the minute, and probably the only way I am able to survive. Let’s also talk about this gorgeous bargain of a midi skirt from Shein, I love how tight the pleats are and how full the skirt is. Plus, it’s an absolute steal at only £18.00!! I think for me this navy long coat, this denim jacket and these black leather boots are going to be items that are in my closet for a long time, staples that I will never get tired of.

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Neutral suits

Double breasted in a beige/nude colour, slightly loose, man I want one so bad. This is the thing though, it’s the sort of thing that I dream of, but never find, unless its Celine, then I can’t afford it! One day I aim to have my own clothing line, and these wonderful design will no longer be a figment of my imagination!

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots you say?? Not on your nelly, but trust me babes, it’s not full on cowboy, it’s a hint towards this this full-on style, with the chunky almost Cuban heels, the square toe and the embroidery details. I have my eye on the most perfect white pair from Mango

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Belt bags

I have the most perfect version from COS, it’s a simple black leather version and it honestly does look so good over fitted blazers or coats. Or on the waist of your trousers with an oversized coat over the top. One tip I would say, I have seen so many garish versions out there, that it really is better to go for a simpler version that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe

Micro sunnies

I genuinely wasn’t sure about this trend when I saw it on the catwalk! Tiny sunglasses that barely cover your eyes, but now I love the cool 90’s vibe that it gives to any outfit. Also not going to lie they look cool perched on the end of your nose for a selfie (I know you’ve done it babes). There are also so many cool style around from the likes of Pretty Little Thing, ASOS and the star of the show Ebay.

Grace

Xx

Checked pleated midi skirt – Shein

Denim jacket – sold out – similar Topshop

Navy Blue long coat – sold out- similar H&M

Black leather boots – sold out – similar Topshop

Black leather ring handbag – Kozha Numbers

 

Why I intend to say no in 2018

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First of all my loves lets talk about this absolute beaut of a faux fur coat, I flipping love it! It’s honestly the softest thing I own, it also goes with everything, also babes its only £23, plus Shein have so many different versions if this one is not for you. Then some classic double denim, a style I always love to wear. The light coloured jeans from Topshop are some of my favourites at the minute, and this denim shirt from ASOS I have had for years, but I love it every time I wear it.

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Saying no was actually something I used to be a lot worse at, I’d be the one saying yes to everything that was asked of me, even if I really didn’t want to do it, or worse than that it put me out financially!! Although I am a lot better that this, in 2018 I intend to only do what I want to do. Selfish you say? Well of course there is a limit to this, helping out others is of course important, and you should always do what you can to be there for your loved ones. But how many times have you been asked to go on a work outing or party, or to wedding of a family member you barely know, which is miles away and will therefore cost you a fortune?

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Sometimes it’s ok to say no and to look after yourself. If you are knackered and just want to sit in front of the TV with a takeaway then do that, you don’t have to go out in your sky high heels and little dress if that’s the last thing you want to do. In 2018 if I don’t want to do something then I won’t and I’ll be honest about it, and if a friend family member does the same when we have something planned, then absolute respect to them. Look after yourselves babes, because it’s important that you do.

Grace

Xx

Brown faux fur jacket – Shein

Wide leg jeans – Topshop

Denim shirt – ASOS

Belt – Gucci

Bag – APC

My favourite beauty products from Quest

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For the last couple of weeks I have been trying out products from Quest namely the Revuele Black mask, the pretty smooth snake venom gel eye patches, and the Revuele BB Beauty balm hair treatment. These products are so good and I’ve had so much fun trying them out, especially the black peel off mask.

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The snake venom eye patches have been so amazing at taking away any bags I have under my eyes, as they have a wonderful cooling sensation. Leave them on for 20 minutes, and the skin under your eyes honestly does feel so refreshed. The Revuele BB cream for hair, has been great for my very dry hair due to my recent colour change, I actually like to leave it on over night and wash it off in the morning as I think it has the best affect.

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The black peel off mask is so much fun to use and I have been wanting to try one out for ages. You literally just apply it all over the face (be careful of the eyebrows and lips) peel it off and watch all off the grime come off your face, honestly so satisfying!! You can find these products at Amazon and Pretty Little Thing have fun!!

Grace

Xx