It's time to be brave.

When you watch your favourite superheroes, you can see one very defining trait - bravery, and that doesn't just resonate within their will to go and fight villains to protect the people, it's seen in other things too. For example, Black Widow telling Bruce Banner about her baroness. In the morning, when I'm on my way to work, I put on Biffy Clyro, and sing this lyric out loud all the time, 'don't you ever want to be brave? I guess that we feel the same way,' because at this point in my life, I have finally decided to do something brave.

I'm very much a creature of the mould. If everyone else is moving up in the world I feel I have to be too. In September of this year, I got a job as a cover teacher in a secondary school. Although, for the money I get and the hours I work, the job is great, it has broken my relationship and stressed me out. I don't look forward to work everyday for one reason - I don't want to be a teacher. I never wanted to be, but I took the job because it was what was deemed a 'proper' job. One with a salary. One that I could work up in a do for the rest of my life. I say again: I DON'T WANT TO BE A TEACHER. Lately, I have been applying to do teacher training next year, just so I can have a job next year, as my contract only lasts until next July. I applied, I paid to send the application off, and received several interview offers. This was when it hit me. I don't want to go to the interviews! I don't even like being a cover teacher! Why the hell am I paying to train to be a proper one?!

So, I've decided to be brave. I cancelled the interviews. I emailed the schools saying I wasn't going to attend. I told them I was going another way with my career, and honestly, despite having no job for after next July, I've never been happier or more positive about the future. I spend my evenings now looking for work experience so I can apply to train as a journalist, which is something I DO want to do! I feel I can save enough money by next year to travel for 6 months, which is something I planned to do but didn't because I was so set on getting a job everyone around me felt was good enough. I realised I had to stop comparing myself to everyone else around me.

Everyone I've spoken to about the teacher training has told me not to do it, because I don't have a passion for it. A woman at the school I work in doing it, has told me to pursue my passion. She said she didn't go to uni until she was 21, and now she's 26 and still doing her training. She said that thanks to my year working in a school, I could apply to do my training whenever I wanted. I'm 22 years old. What am I rushing for?

It is the first time in a while I've felt this positive. When I was pursuing something I didn't want to do I felt trapped. I realised that it would be okay, and this kind of bravery and passion is what is needed to do what you really want to do in life. I don't really know what the point of this post was. I think I wanted to let everyone out there in my situation know, that you're still young, and there's a lot of opportunity out there for you. Life is too short to do something you don't want to do. You have to be happy. Otherwise, what's the point? I don't have time for teacher training, when I could be doing so much more. So here's to being brave! Here's to putting your time into yourself. Here's to giving up the money and the job that makes you seem like you have your life together, to work towards something that doesn't make you cry at night.

Be brave.

Niff xx

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Tis the Season...

It's nearly Christmas time, and I for one know what that means to me. It means everything in my house must be red and green, and if it doesn't smell like cinnamon or winter vanilla, I'm leaving. My entire wardrobe gets an overhaul, and the first thing I buy is a new coat.

Tis the season to be glitzy.

I've always been more of a Alexandra Wang/Rick Owens .... okay, Allsaints or look alikes from Primani kind of girl. I like black on white on black. I think it's sexy and so easy to be stylish that way, however, during winter time, I love big fat jumpers. Does that mean the black is turned to beige and burgandy? Maybe sometimes, but really I think Christmas is all about sparkles. Feeling good in winter time starts with your outfit (a quote from Vogue I firmly believe). This season we turned around and said 'I'd like some boldness please!', and we decided to look back into the 70's to do so. We're talking sequins, colour and faux fur. What do you do when you're a 22 year old girl, born in the early 90's, and your only memory of fashion as a child was tracksuits? Your turn to your mother of course! My mother has more clothes than me, and definitely more shoes. Luckily I do have access to a pretty clutch bag if I wanted it.

Pictures from 'a secret History' - a Vogue Promotion. Sequin dress, £39.99. Top, £7.99.

Stella McCartney Fall 2015

I recently bought a body chain from River Island, I paid £10 for it, and thought it instantly gave my LBD an on-trend twist. Body chains are really more of a Summer thing, right? Well who says? Because I dress like it's 100 degrees outside on a night out anyway and then complain when I've got a bad cold two days later.

Zoë Kravitz for Flaunt Magazine by Zackery MichaelDisclaimer: I don't recommend wearing this on a night out in Birmingham city centre...

 “Body chains are an edgy way to decorate your outfit,” says Vogue.com Accessories Editor Brooke Danielson. “From delicate chains to statement pieces, this is the accessory to try this season to spruce up a little cocktail dress. The key is to pay attention to the fit of your clothing and make sure that the silhouette complements the style of your body chain.”

If like me you're trying to add some colour to your wardrobe this winter, but you're perhaps not about wearing a sequinned top that will leave you itching, you can't really go wrong with these colour alternatives to black: camel, cream, white, grey....and I still really like burgundy. Also, if you're struggling to make a statement and impress the boss at your work Christmas due, (which you've probably already had at the start of November because every place is fully booked from December 1st onwards), you can't go wrong with a sexy red or a sultry blue. 

Trench coats are all the rage right now, and this grey one found on Everlane.com has set me on my journey to find one in a similar colour.  
Babaton Nathaniel sweater, $85, aritzia.com; Everlane wool trench, $250,everlane.com; Eberjey cozy rib-stretch modal-blend pants, $75, eberjey.com; Gianvito Rossi rolling suede ankle boots, $876, matchesfashion.com; Rag & Bone Izabella lace skirt, $595, otteny.com

Tis the season to be feasting.

I recently started going to the gym at least 3 times a week and eating a little healthier. I always tend to lose weight in the winter time, which yes, is completely backwards because we should be adding some insulation to our bodies, but I'm happier to move more in the cold rather than in the warmth. However, should I have a night of indulgence this time of year, it's nothing to be upset about. It is that time of year. The Christmas market is in town, which calls for Frankfurters, gingerbread, beer and mulled blueberry wine and cider, the family and friends often round snuggling by the fire and drinking endless amounts of hot chocolate, and then....there's Christmas dinner. Turkey, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, parsnips...and that's after a tube of Smarties and two of the chocolates from your selection box. 

If you are looking for a good place to eat out this Christmas time, you may face some difficulty, as many places are full to the brim with rosy cheeked business men and women. Luckily, my birthday falls close to Christmas time (many happy returns), and I often have to sift through the restaurants to make a reservation in order to celebrate. Last year me and my friends went to Cote, a restaurant in the Mailbox, Birmingham. They take their inspiration from the best bistros in Paris. I had pate for starter and chicken for the main. It was delicious, reasonably priced and the atmosphere was lovely. 

If you're trying to avoid town centres, and happier to cook at home, there are tons are recipes to try out online. Particularly, one's to try if you're trying not to pile on the pounds this Christmas (though if you do - who cares? It's the season to be jolly after all). A great thing to do if you're looking for this, is to visit Pinterest and search what you're looking for. There are tons of ideas. 

http://thissillygirlslife.com/2014/11/20-gorgeous-christmas-cupcakes/

Tis the season to be sexy.

It's that time of year where the sexiest of sexy walk the runway, clad in the prettiest little bras and knickers, their legs stretching into next century. I'm talking of course about the Victoria's Secret fashion show. I like that they show it around this time of year, because it reminds me that even though it's winter, I shouldn't let myself feel any less sexy. Cute, matching underwear always makes me feel like a goddess, and I am trying to push some time aside to take a trip down to Boux Avenue.

As much as I love Victoria's Secret, they do not do my bra size (the sad face emoji doesn't quite do my feelings about this justice). I have found solace in Boux avenue, who go up to larger sizes, such as mine. Not only this, but they also do other cute little nik-naks to help you through the winter blues (see the next section). Let's go back to the cliche here and say, winter = red underwear. 

Gwyneth gem set - Bouxavenue.com

Sexy underwear is not just meant for men, it's meant for yourself. Always feel sexy when it calls for it, but remember comfort too. Get yourself measured and buy underwear that fits. Not only will you feel good on the inside, but on the outside too. 

Tis the season to be cosy.

This section could just as easily read 'tis the season to wear a onesie.' Yes, it's time to dive into the back of your wardrobe and pull out that old kitty onesie and your Snuggie. You're no doubt going to be spending 99% of the time in your onesie, so try and pick the best one. I have one that's made entirely from fleece, and it is absolutely lovely to wear on the colder nights. 

Cheetah onesie - http://www.bouxavenue.com/cheetah-onesie-brown-mix/201520-90cx

www.victoriassecret.com

Cosy pajamas aren't the most important thing, the atmosphere of your home is too. Like I said earlier, the shops are full of lovely little nik-naks to by for your home. I've recently bought some lovely scented candles, cinnamon and Christmas spice scented, and it really brings the feeling of Christmas home, which is something that makes everyone happy. My cat is constantly curled up by the fire and there's always hot chocolate or cups of tea on the go. I came across a fun thing to do with friends, which was to make hot chocolate using a slow cooker. 

http://www.sugarrushedblog.com/2015/11/hot-chocolate-station.html

Last year, me and my friends added Disaronno to hot chocolate, if you fancy something a but more jolly, you can also try adding Baileys. It tastes equally as good. 

When we decorate our home for Christmas, we like to keep things very traditional. The Christmas tree is decorated with gold, red and green, nothing else, and the house has bits of red decor dotted about. There's often big red bows going up the stairs and stockings hanging by the window. My mother is always buying new things. 

Candles - Boux Avenue. Teddy bear - Boux Avenue. Pajama set and sleep mask - Victoria's Secret. Roasted Chestnut candle - John Lewis. Vintage Style Cocktail case - Harvey Nicholls. Don't forget the pets this xmas either! I've got my kitty a christmas stocking complete with treats and toys. 

Tis the season to be giving.

I've been really struggling for gift ideas this year. Last year I was really on top of things, whereas this year I'm completely clueless. I only have to buy for my mom, dad and brother, but even that is hard when you want to do something perfect. I've decided to take to the internet to find some of the best last minute gift ideas, for those moments where you're really in a pinch.

DIY kits - thediymommy.com

An art kit or stationary sets are great ideas for children or teachers. 

A Jack Daniels inspired Xmas Tree - great for any party goer. - hercampus.com

For your friends/aunties/mothers, try putting together a basket of  toiletries - boholoco.com

Of course, you can never go wrong with make up or jewellery, or a stylish watch for dad, these ideas are just for consideration if you're struggling. DIY gifts are always very greatly appreciated. 

Remember to keep warm this Christmas time. Until the last week, our winter nights have been rather balmy, which has given you plenty of time to figure out the best ways to beat the winter blues. Hope you all have a lovely xmas! 

Niff xx.

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