Tips On How To Calm Down Anxiety With Sanctuary Bathrooms

Hey everyone!

How are you?

Warning: mentions of mental health and things related to mental health such as anxiety attacks and depression FsanFare discussed within this post. 

Welcome to a brand new post! I don't talk about it a lot, but, if you know me at all, then you will know that I suffer from mental health problems... Therefore, I thought that today, I would talk to you all about how I try to relax when my mental health isn't that fab. I have collaborated with Sanctuary Bathrooms on this post, please do check them out, as they are an amazing brand!

Sanctuary Bathrooms, is an incredible family owned Bathroom supplier that specialises in full Bathroom Suites, and everything else that you need to create the perfect Bathroom based in the wonderful city of Leeds.

The main way that I relax when I'm severely anxious, or when I feel a bit bleh, to put it in simple words, is a bath. Yes, I get that it's probably a bit cliche, but s good relaxing bath can help. I love baths of every sort, but one of my favourites to help me relax, has to be Lush's Dragons Egg. It has Lemon & Bergamot Oils in, and Popping Candy. I'm not massive on ASMR videos, but honestly, Popping Candy in a bath is such an amazing and relaxing sound.


i also love getting a candle ready whilst it's running. If you want to carry on the popping/crackling sound, then I suggest Woodwick 'Seaside Mimosa.' It just helps to set the mood and well ensures that the room is full of amazing scent before you even get into the bath. I honestly am such an enthusiast when it comes to smells and aromatherapy helping us to get on with life.

Snacks are important when it comes to having a bath. Yes, when I have a bath to help my mental heatlh, I go all in. I try and stick to lactose free things, in regards of chocolate or anything of that sort. The main reason being that, if I'm using products to moisturise my skin, then what is the point in making my skin dry straight after via digesting lactose. I also have to have a drink when I'm in the bath. I normally try and go for a fruit juice. Yes, I know it's boring but it's just the best for me. If you wanted to, you could always mix some Prosecco with an Orange Juice to create a Bucks Fizz feel, if you're feeling fancy.

The other way that I like to relax when my mental health is bad, is weirdly to blog. Blogging helps me to escape whatever is troubling me, and helps me to talk about whatever I want to. I can talk about reviewing a face mask, or talk about the last time I went to a restaurant. I love to put music on, whilst writing as it just keeps my mind realising that something is on in the background, so it can't overthink.

Going out also helps me when I feel like everything is about to boil over. Whether that is, going on a  ten minute walk and snapping a couple of photos on my phone of things that I think look pretty, going on full on days out to places like Manchester, or, York, with people that I adore, or going on nights out with friends that make it that much more memorable and exciting. Doing any of these take my mind off the big thing, as my mind is normally focused on travelling and enjoying the day/might. or the friends themselves, so my mind can actually leave its worries for some time, and enjoy everything for the mean time.

Bingewatching is also a great way to help your mind calm down when it comes to mental health. You can get into your comfiest clothing, warmest of locations, grab some food, some drinks and just turn the outside world off, and escape to a world of your wildest dreams. Spending a day bingewatching a tv show and getting to know the characters inside out, or watching a full series of films, ensures that you are entertained and aren't thinklng of all the worries that have been building up in your mind.

The last tip I have is a simple one. Napping. Nappng solves everything. I know it's probably not the best thing to do, but, it helps REM and well helps you relax as soon as you actually gotten off to nap. You don't have to cope with anything that's going on for a couple of hours.

So, those are my tips to help with anxiety. Let me know if you check any of them out. Let me know if you check out Sanctuary Bathrooms. How do you help with any mental health problems? Let me know down below.

Thanks for reading! 
Jamie x

Packing It Up & Putting it Down | What To Take To Your First Uni Accommodation

Hey! 

How are you?

Welcome to a brand new post all about student essentials. I thought that I would talk to you about this, I'm sure that a lot of you reading this are worried and anxious about what to take/buy for your first University Accommodation/Year.

I think that this post might be best, if I split it up into sections such as, Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen and other (including laundry stuff, cleaning, and what not.

(Oh, also don't be a snob. Get the cheapest stuff you can, as long as they do the thing they are meant to do. It'll mean you have more money to do other things, eg drinking.) 

Bedroom/Gemeral Flat Area: 

Cushions
Duvet
Covers for above
Duvet Sheet
Clothes for all seasons including loungewear, pjs, dressing gown, hoodies, whatnot.)
Shoes
Mattress Protector (some flats/accommodation will provide one. Check before you get your keys.)
Coat Hangers
Ear Plugs
Cheap Fan for when its warm
Laptop and Case if you own one
 Printer and Ink (some accommodations have a printer)
Bluetooth Speaker
Vacuum
Chargers for all things Electrical
TV (if you're bringing one. Remember to check about TV licenses.)
Extemsion Lead
Game Console and games (honestly if you have more than one, take one and then you can always bring another when youre back home at Christmas/Reading Week.)
USB TV Stick if you're taking a TV.
Decorative Things for the room (y'know pictures, fairy lights, teddies, cacti. Stuff like that.)

Kitchen: 
Cutlery Set. (Honestly I'd stick to the 16 sets you can find.)
General Sharp Knife. (You can get a big Chefs Knife if you want, but even a lot of Supermarkets sell a medium sized one that's good for a lot of stuff.)
Kitchen Scissors (For Sachets and cutting things up.)
Crockery (Plates, Bowls, Mugs, Glasses. Honestly, I'd stick to two to three of each, You won't have loads of room due to sharing a kitchen.)
Tupperware (Great for when you bulk cook, or for lunches at Uni.)
Bottle Opener (I'd keep this in your room.)
Chopping Boards
Ladle
Spatula
Fryinh pan
Saucepan that has a lid with it
Measuring Jugs
Can Openers (keep one in your room)
Peeler
Grater
Whisk
Baking Trays (Get a couple of flat ones if you can, and, one roasting style tray.)
Oven Gloves (Some accommodations have one already.)
Tea Towels
Washing Up Liquid
Washing Up Sponges
Bin Bags
Kitchen Spray
Air Freshener (for in the Kitchen and Bedroom.)

Bathroom

Bath Towels
Hand Towels
Soap (It might also be wise to get a soap tray too.)
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Haircase
Sponges/Flannel Cloths
Shower Gel
Flip Flops for Communal Bathrooms
Toilet Roll\
Hair Tools (brushes, dryer etc.)
Body Scrubs
Shower Moisturisers
Face Care (Cleansers, Toner, Moisturiser, Face Scrubs, Face Masks, etc.)
Deodorant/Body Sprays
Dry Shampoo
Makeup (if you use it
Razors and Shaving Products.
Hair Products (eg, mousse, pomade, bairspray etc.)
Painkillers for Freshers Flu/Hangovers.
Bathroom Spray
Toilet Freshener

Other: 

Alcohol
Passport/Driving License/Citizencard/Birth Certificate (ID)
Any Papers needed to enrol into Uni with
Wallet
Some Cash
Loyalty Cards (which will help you save money.)
Washing Basket
Detergent
Umbrella
Flask/Water Bottle (if you use your water bottle in certain places, they will let you refill it for free. Some Coffee Shops also give you a discount for using said Bottle/Flask.)
Budgeting App
Musical Instruments
Key Loop (so you know where your keys are.)
Bag
Stationery
A4 Pads

All of the above are what i think are my suggestions. Let me know down below if you have any other suggestions. Don't forget to check out things such as Student Discounts, Fresher Fairs, and, Student Nights for more offers and savings.

Are you going a Fresher this year? Comment down below with what uni you will be attending. 

I hope that you have enjoyed this post, and, that you come back next time for another post.

Thanks for reading! 
Jamie x 

Making Sure He Isn't Dirty! | Fathers Day Gift Guide 2017

Hey!

Welcome to another blog post! Father's Day is coming up and I know that this means chaos and running about so I thought that today I would show you my Fathers Day gift guide for anyone who needs a little inspiration this year.

Clothing:

I know that clothing might be the most generic thing to give as a gift on Fathers Day but some might need a new pair of socks, or a new shirt so I thought that I'd give you a few ideas for you to get some inspiration from. If your Father has a favourite clothes store then shop there but I love Size Base Clothing as they stock clothing for the big and tall fathers of the world. I love this Blue Checked Shirt and I think that it would make a great gift for a Father as they can wear it smartly or wear it open with a tee. I also think that they might like a jacket for those days when it gets cold therefore I think that this stone jacket would definitely do the job well.

I know that some men have trouble finding good shirts for when its time to go on holiday so I thought that I would also include a few resort shirts from Debenhams in case your Father is struggling to find a good holiday shirt for Sumner 2017. Th

Beauty: 

Cornerstone

Does your Father/Father figure complain when their razor blade needs changing when shaving or when their razor breaks? If so, then Cornerstone would make for an amazing gift for them this Fathers Day! Cornerstone is a shaving subscription service where you can order things like razor blades, post shave balm and much more to ensure that the Father figure in your life never goes a miss with shaving again!

Lush

I always think that Fathers/Father figures are put off by Lush due to stereotype of Lush being predominantly bath bombs that are smothered in glitter but that's not the entire case. Only a couple of bath bombs are smothered in glitter and a good few of them are seasonal. Lush do a Superdad bath bomb which is within their Fathers Day collection so if you want to introduce him to bath bombs then this might great for them. It's full of Sandalwood and Oilbanium Oil so it's woody. I'd also suggest Avobath which is full of Fresh Avocado and Lemongrass Oil so its very citrusy.

Lush also do a fresh smelling range via Dirty which contains things like Spearmint Oil in case they like that. This includes Dirty Springwash Shower Gel, Dirty Styling Wax, Dirty Fragrance and a plethora of other Dirty scented products. There's also things such as BB Seaweed which contains Mille Flakes and Ground Almonds to scrub skin to get rid of dead skin and Fresh Seaweed to soothe and soften the skin.

The Body Shop

Just like Lush, I think that The Body Shop is stereotypically known for having a specific demographic so I think again that Fathers/Father figures get put off by them. I think that the Pink Grapefruit range from The Body Shop is a great range to gift to anyone as its fruity but not too fruity. The range includes things like Shower Gel and a Body Sorbet for those warm Summer days. I also think that the Vitamin C range is also great for men as it does great things for the face and has a great awakening scent.

In case you want to give your father something to help their skin when it comes to aging then Lab Series do an amazing product to help aging called Lab Series: Age Rescue Face Lotion which contains ingredients like Ginseng which helps to energise skin which helps the skin look energised.

Personalised Presents:

I think that personalised gifts make them one of a kind due to them being well personalised so if you want to give something this Fathers Day which is personal and bespoke then I've got a couple of suggestions for you.

The first one is from The Card Gallery. They create amazing bespoke canvases that can be put into fabulous frames so you can make sure that your Father hang it up out and proud above their mantle. Tbis man cave print is a great present for Fathers Day for anyone who loves to be in a cave via the house on the weekends.

Tiger Pens also create personalised pens for those Fathers who take pride in their pens that are at the office. I know that personally that everyone needs more pens and stationery so if your Father is in need then this might be for them.

Food

Elizabeth Shaw]

Elizabeth Shaw are very well known within the UK for their Mint and Orange Crisps which are a great gift already for those that love chocolate but Elizabeth Shaw do a plethora of different chocolates such as Raspberry Bites which contain freeze dried Raspberries and a box full of boozy truffles for those love a good bit of alcohol with their chocolates.

Cheeseboard

You could also create a Cheeseboard within a hamper for those who love their Cheese viagettingsome luxurious crackers, decadent chutney and some lovely local cheeses and wrapping them up in a basket with some ribbon.

Drinks:

Salted Caramel Vodka

Salted Caramel Vodka may sound like a disgusting thing to some but Caramel and Vodka works well. If your father likes sweet things or Vodka then this might be the gift for him. This product comes in many different sizes at Hotel Chocolat so it's available for different budgets, It's also great for cocktails and for drinks where a mixer is added to it.

Jack Daniels Cide

I know that a lot of people like the taste of Jack Daniels and Apple Cider as beverages to drink when on a night out or anything like that so if your Father does then I have some good news for you! Jack Daniels have released a Jack Daniels Cider within the UK which combines the taste of Jack Daniels Bourbon with the taste of crisp Apple Cider.

Brothers Cider

Even though I've technically included Cider above, I thought that it would be best to include some more cider as flavours are a particular thing depending on the person. Brothers sell flavours such as Rhubarb & Custard, Toffee Apple and Coconut and Lime so theres a flavour to suit everyone. You could even pair a few flavours up and put them into a nice little hamper.

I hope that this gift guide has helped you in your quest for a Fathers Day gift. I hooe that you;ve enjoyed this blog post and let me know down below what you get anyone for Fathers Day.

Thanks for reading! 
Jamie x

Jamie Spills The Tea | Tom Ford

Hey!

Welcome to another episode of Jamie Spilling The Tea. The weekly series where I, Jamie, 'spill the tea' about famous LGBT stars which in turns helps you learn about said star. Today's episode is all about Tom Ford.

Thomas Carlyle (Tom) Ford was born on August 27 1961. Tom is a well known American fashion designer but is also a film director, screenwriter and film producer. Tom gained fame as the creative producer of Gucci & Yves Saint Laurent (also known worldwide as YSL.) In 2006, Tom created the Tom Ford label. He also helped turn Gucci around from near bankruptcy. Tom directed A Single Man (2009) which was Oscar nominated in and Nocturnal Animls (2016.) He is married to Richard Buckley who is a journalist and former Editor In Chief at Vogue Homme International. They have a son called Alexander John (Jack) Buckley Ford. 

Ford has dressed many celebrities within his time of creating and owning the Tom Ford label. He dressed Michelle Obama (who wore an ivory coloured floor length gown designed by the man himself) when she went to Buckingham Palace in 2011. He has also dressed the likes of Beyonce, Henry Cavill, Anne Hathaway, Lady Gaga obviously and many more, Ford designed Daniel Craig's suits for the last three Bond movies (Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.)

Tom has been publicised in the media in many different ways such as songs from Justin Timberlake (Suit & Tie) which then led to Ford creating over 600 pieces for the Justin Timberlake's 20/20 Experience World Tour, He was publicised in Jay Z's song titled after the fashion designer which in turned spiked the online search of Tom Ford which also increased the online sales of Ford's products.

Ford was in the media for 'controversial reasons' due to using naked women within a few of his campaigns as journalists said that it was 'vulgar/sexist', Ford responded by saying that he is an equal opportunities objectifier and is happy to objectify the other sex. He also commented that 'he did a male nudity ad when he worked at YSL and it got pulled.' I love the fact that he's up for breaking the general norms of what is classed as an advert and make it 'controlversial/; If we don't put controversial things into mainstream media then we will never be able make those 'controversies' known to the public which in turn may slowly become the norm.

Tom has also stated that the perfect female consumer for the brand is 'a strong intelligent woman who knows their own style.' I love this as he isn't creating the general items that are expected within the mainstream market and isn't pushing his brand anywhere and everywhere. If the consumer knows their style and if it fits with Tom's line of products then he's happy to sell them to them. I also love that he is an equal opportunities advocate as we need more of them in the world. The fact that the chairwoman of his brand is a woman makes it better. I know that in this case a woman isn't at the complete top of the company but they're still right at the top!

I know that I've barely made a coherent post but screw it I'm tired. Basically, here's a post about Tom Ford and I like Tom Ford. I obviously don't know him as a person but I love the products that he brings out and the way he portrays himself within the media.

Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments section below.

I hope that you've enjoyed this post and I hope that you've learnt some stuff about Tom Ford. I'm going to embed his YouTube video starring Lady Gaga down below just in case you want to watch it. I hope that you come back next Wednesday for a more coherent and less rambly Jamie Spills The Tea.

Click here to go to Tom's website. It is US based but I thought that it would be best to just put his site here in case you want to look at things and then google or purchase them and pay for the shipping.

Thanks for reading!
Jamie x

Strutting The Stuff Locally | Joe Browns A/W16 Launch With Michelle

Hey,

I got invited to a bloggers event hosted by the wonderful guys over at Joe Browns and I thought that I would tell you guys all about it. I brought Michelle along so all of the images that are featured in this post were all shot by Michelle. She also has a website where all of her photos (blogger events and non blogger events) are all stored, click here to go have a look!

We ended up in Leeds a tad bit too early like usual so we (myself, Luke and Michelle) ended up mooching around Leeds city centre which meant entering all the usual shops such as Lush (where I picked up some new shaving cream which I may review soon), The Body Shop (where I found out and played with the new face mask range that is coming out soon) and many other places.

We arrived at the Joe Browns HQ after an adventurous Uber trip and made our way through to the foyer of the warehouse. We said hi to the male staff member who greeted us at the door. We made our way up the stairs to the rest of the warehouse and was handed a glass of Prosecco. (A good night always starts with Prosecco, right?) Myself, Michelle and Luke then all said hi to Emily who invited us to the amazing event.

I popped Luke down for a minute and perused all of the clothes that were on show. I started with the male section because well I wanted to see how much of the range I would want and I was pleased as I wanted it all! I instantly saw a checked thick shirt which grabbed my attention because it looked amazing and also because a good chunk of my wardrobe is checked thick shirts. I also loved a shirt that was on display which had leaves printed all over it. It screamed AW because leaves are a good representation of Autumn. In addition to the shirts, I loved a sort of military inspired coat which looked great for when the weather gets cold!

I then wandered onto the shoes and they all looked amazing! I loved how they all looked quite versatile as shoes. I loved the pair that had a couple of designs going on them via having a bow and then a pop of red on the inside. They looked very Autumnal. I also loved the massive boots as they looked like they would come in quite handy! They do some amazing brogues and male shoes as well!

After a good look at all of the footwear, I moseyed onto the wonderful dresses that Joe Browns had on offer at the event. One of the items that were on the racks was a dress that had foxes printed all over which I feel is quite quintessentially British as foxes are associated with rummaging around within the Autumn nights! There were also a lovely dress which had a great floral print all over it. It might not seem very Autumn/Winter-y but it will brighten up those dark days!

We then went on a tour of the warehouse and found a few little quirky rooms. We all kept wandering and ended up in the studio where all the pictures get taken for things such as the website. Michelle loved it as she loves studios! We then ended up in a room and watched a short video about the Quirky Pair's where the public could try and find £1000 of Joe Browns vouchers in Leeds City Centre (sadly it will have been and gone by the time this post goes up/hopefully it will be going on when this post is published!)

Myself, Luke and Michelle wandered around a bit more and ended up on beanbags and many other things. We went back to where the clothes were, had a bit more of a natter and just had fun. Myself and Michelle also found spacehoppers because why the hell not. We then found Emily and said thank you and goodbye and headed back to the train station!

Have you loved the look of any of the clothes that have been featured in this post? Let me know down below in the comments section!

Thanks to Emily and the staff at Joe Browns for putting on an awesome event! Thanks to Michelle for coming along, taking a good few photos and for being an awesome person! I hope that you check out Joe Browns as they sell amazing clothes! I hope that you've enjoyed this blog post and I hope that you come back and read the next post!

Thanks!
Jamie x