UPDATE: Why a perm ruined my hair

*The above photo was around a week after the second perm. That hair ball was what broke off after combing my hair. It's poor quality but I left my shoe in the picture for reference. I'm a size 8*

You may remember that in this post I raved about having my hair permed. It was the perfect solution to what I wanted. It allowed me have my hair curly without it shrinking up to a large afro.

To set the scene, I had that perm done around August. I went back to uni rocking my hair, absolutely loving it and the freedom to style it. When I returned to the hairdresser's at Christmas, she took one look at my hair and said 'you need another perm'. Now what sold me to this perm in the first place was that she told me that if I looked after it, it could last up to a year. Now four months later I need another, whaaat?

When it comes to my hair, I'm very 'trust the professionals'. I don't know what it needs and unless they're trying to sell me something ridiculously expensive, generally I feel they know best. So against my better judgement, I let her put another perm on. This was the worst decision I ever made. Lesson number one: if you don't think something is right, question it. You probably know this but I was very naive and trusting.

This particular hairdresser ALWAYS overbooks herself. For a one hour treatment, I'll be in the salon a minimum of four hours. Now to cut a long story short, she isn't entirely sure what happened but either the perm solution wasn't washed off at all or it wasn't washed off properly. Within hours of the perm being completed, my hair was falling out in strands. I'd gone back to uni within a few days so couldn't go back to that particular hairdresser so I went to one in my university town. He immediately rinsed my hair in case the perm hadn't been washed off. If it hadn't, this meant my hair had been processing for 5 days.

My hair now is quite thin. I've lost a lot of the volume in it. The crown of my head and all around the hair line is two inches long, making it increasingly hard to style as there are a lot of stray hairs. My hair literally snapped off. My hair hair is around 12 inches long so you can imagine it was quite distressing to see 10 inch hair falling out in clumps.

I came to terms with it (after hours and hours of hysterical crying). As my mum pointed out, there are many more horrible reasons why my hair could be falling out. However that doesn't stop it being upsetting that my graduation is in a month and I have to deal with this. Also although the rate of hair breaking has slowed down, it is still breaking; leaving me with the worry that I might end up with extremely short hair.

The hairdresser who did it was very apologetic and has been throwing free products and treatments at me left, right and centre. I don't feel comfortable going back to her for the treatments however as I don't trust her anymore. I'm not going to mention the name of her salon as that's not necessary but what I will say is to constantly question your hairdresser and understand what they are doing to your hair.

Alex x 

New Start

For those who still follow me, I thank you!

My blog has taken real back stage whilst I completed my degree this year. I took my last exam yesterday and it was like a weight off my shoulders. I loved my degree (I read law for those who don't know) but the last month of exams really took its toll. I was stressed, upset, continuously piled pressure on myself and just couldn't wait for it to be over. Saying that, I would do it all over again in a heart beat. 

I'll be doing a post of my experience of university in the next few weeks (spoiler: I loved it) but this post is going to be about where I want to take my blog next.

Over the last year, my interests have changed slightly. I still love beauty but food has been a big part of my life too. You'll be seeing a lot more fitness and food up on here! I have lots of great ideas and want to overhaul my blog design as well. A lot in the mix! I'm not going to delete any of my older posts (unless I look back and they're absolutely mortifying!) but this will be a clean slate and a fresh start for this lil blog!

Thank you to those who bared with me and here's to the future!

Alex x

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Instagram

Are you following me on Instagram? I've really upped my photography game recently so would appreciate your support!

If you comment your page link below, I will definitely check it out! If you are a fellow blogger, no doubt I'll follow you back as I love finding new accounts and different styles of photography! I hope to use the comment section for everyone to come and find new accounts so please comment!

You can follow me at: instagram.com/alexgeorgie_

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One in a Million Mum

Hello everyone!

It's been a while since I have posted. Too long but third year law has really caught up on me!

I thought I would take quick minute to pop up this post however as I was contacted about a great competition. If you take a minute to tell Parkdean why your mum is one in a million, you have the chance to win a three of four day stay for your mum at one of their parks. Immediately one of the best presents she'll get! You can enter here!

Want to know why I think my mum is one in a million? (I'm going to tell you anyway!)

1. Her undying support for anything I put my mind to. My mum has supported me through everything and that is something that I will never be able to thank her enough for.
2. Being my rock. I'm someone who needs to talk my feelings out, almost to sort them out in my mind, as well as getting others opinion. My mum has been at the end of the phone for my crying, whinging, and illogical hysteria for the past three years (whilst I've been at university) and that can't have been a barrel of laughs at the best of times!
3. For enduring my craziness! This may just be me but I have times when I just get into crazy, annoying-other-people moods. My mum not only laughs along with me but doesn't get wound up either. No easy task!
4. For always being at the end of the phone for cooking advice. 'Mum will I die if..?'
5. Finally, for bringing up me and my sister alone on a shoestring and still doing a bang up job (if I do say so myself!) I only I hope I can repay my mum for this by looking after her as she gets older.

These are just a few of the reasons why my mum is one in a million. I could go on for absolutely forever, I owe everything to this woman. Again if you would like to enter the competition you can do so here!

*For full disclosure, I was contacted by a representative of ParkDean holidays, however I am not being paid for this post. I thought it may be of interest to my followers and feedback on whether it was (or not) will be fully appreciated! To see my full disclosure policy, click here

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The Lazy Girls Guide To: Apple and Peach Crumble

*(Please excuse the weird tinge on the two middle photos, no amount of (nightmare) editing seemed to be able to get rid of that)*

Majority of the DIYs, recipes etc that I do are of the lazy girl guide style. Because I am the ultimate lazy girl. Now in my defence, I do make things from scratch when the mood strikes but at the moment, it hasn't been... and that's why I'm sharing my tips and tricks with you! You could use this to impress the in laws or your friends and family because technically it is home made dessert.

1. Add tinned fruit to dish. This could be any fruit you like. I picked peach and apple and it was delicious! It went all gooey and the taste of the two fruits..mmmm

2. Add shop bought crumble. You can make your own. I have many a time and it is lovely, just not always fool proof. I made crumble topping that wouldn't crumble once. Probably only me that could manage that one!

3. Put in the oven on about 200 degrees for 30-40 or when the crumble is golden and bubbling. Serve as  your own and bask in the compliments of your cooking skills!

Hope you've enjoyed this little non-recipe, I know it's a bit obvious but I always feel like little life hacks like this are things I don't think of!

 

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HOW TO: Frozen Lemon Slices

Now I may be telling you how to suck lemons (see what I did there?) but sometimes even the obvious needs pointing out. My mum has been telling me for ages that water with a hint of lemon curbs cravings (I've got the biggest sweet tooth) but when I buy a lemon, it always goes to waste. A week later and I'll find a shrivelled lemon half, all forgotten in the fridge after I made the first (and last) drink. I've been seeing a lot of 'healthy waters' round the internet and you could do this with any fruit so here it is, the how to!

 1. Cut the ends off of your lemon. You have to cut quite a way in as I made the mistake of cutting too little and ending up with more rind than flesh.

2. Slice your lemons. I mixed it up between full slices and half slices, depending on what I'll need and what glasses I'll be drinking out of.

3. Put on a plate or something flat and put the them in the freezer. You need to do this instead of putting the slices straight into a plastic bag so they don't all stick together. They'd be a nightmare to separate!

4. After a few hours you can put them into plastic bags and you'll have individual lemon slices ready to pop into your water, tea or anything else!

I hope this helped someone and it's not just me being slow on the bandwagon! It means I no longer have to worry about my fruit going off in the fridge!

Have you got any kitchen tips for me?

  

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Guest Posting: 3 Healthy Breakfast Ideas

I've recently written a guest post on the lovely India's blog, www.touchscreensandbeautyqueens.com on 3 Healthy Breakfast Ideas. I'd love if you'd go check it out. I've tried to make it so that there was a breakfast to suit everyone. I've got a mango smoothie recipe, a porridge recipe and a peanut butter and banana toast idea.

You can find the post here, enjoy!

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June Favourites

This month has definitely been a month of hair care. Since getting my hair permed (find out exactly what I had done here), I've been loving hair care! Something that was a chore before as I couldn't be particularly adventurous.

The Favourites

Silk Extra Moisturizing Activator
This is what my hairdressers told me that I needed to keep my curls looking defined. I don't usually like being sold things from the hair dressers as usually you can find it elsewhere for cheaper but I was in a postsalon daze. She was right however. The one day I didn't use it, I looked like a poodle who had got caught in the rain! It keeps my hair tamed and under control. Frustratingly I can't find anywhere else that stocks this other than my hair dressers and American stockists (I don't usually like using American ones because of the whole customs malarkey but it's so much cheaper in dollars- ugh)

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter Body Lotion
My German friend gave this to me when she couldn't take it on her flight home. It's always sad to see friends leave. I benefited this time however as I'd never tried this body lotion. You can see from the almost empty bottle, my skin has been drinking it up and with the classic S&G scent, it was a instant winner. This body lotion is quite thick but it still rubs into the skin quickly. There's nothing worse than having a full body workout trying to get rid of white cream marks, is there?

Garnier Ultimate Blends The Sleek Restorer 1 Minute Treatment
My hair dresser recommended that I use shampoo and conditioner aimed at sleek and smooth hair so when I saw this on offer in Boots, I knew I had to get me some. I also picked up the corresponding shampoo and conditioner which I also love but this 1 minute treatment just wowed me. The smell is incredible and my hair felt noticeably more smooth and soft even after being left on for a short amount of time.

TRESemme Platinum Strength Leave In Conditioner
I've mentioned this before so I won't go on but this is my favourite type of leave in conditioner. It's a cream formula as opposed to the sprays. I never feel like the liquid sprays do anything and having such thick hair means that my hair can take it without being weighed down. After using this, my hairdresser commented about how repaired my hair looked which I put down to this product.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum
I had to have at least one makeup item in here! You can see a full review here but I returned to it being my everyday foundation this month. It's light, a perfect colour match and a Real Techniques buffing brush makes easy work of it!

Lastly, how cute is that little hair scrunchie! I picked it up from Primark with a matching headband. I love the bright floral print and now my hair is a little more controlled, it means I don't have to cut out my hair accessories!

What have you been loving this month?

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Permed Hair, Don't Care| Body Wave Perm Review

 In my recent trip to the hair dresser, I decided I was going to get my hair re-relaxed. Some backstory on my hair. It was natural until four years ago. I then relaxed it (chemically straightened it) for two years. After a while, I realised my hair was getting too damaged and quite short, so I stopped it and let it grow out. Relaxing is also very expensive so with going to university, it made sense to stop it.

More recently though, I felt my hair was getting unmanageable. It didn't look good naturally curly and that really limits my hair choice from there. After having a lengthy chat with my hair dresser, she suggested a body wave perm instead of relaxing. Now hearing the word perm immediately put my back up. I imagined old ladies with their tight curls and blue rinse. My hair dresser explained to me, however that this was a different type of perm that just relaxes the curl and weighs it down (meaning it won't shrink like my natural hair would). What I really wanted out of my hair was a way I could have it curly but without it look untamed and lets face it, crazy! I thought relaxing was the only way to do this but the perm is way better as you don't have to use any heat styling tools at all!

The process took around two hours and to be completely honest I have no idea what they did. There were rollers, washing, perm lotion. You could probably google for what they do in detail!

Anyway the results. When I left the salon my hair was damp with loose curls in it. Over the next few hours, it grew around three or four inches big. A good amount of volume without looking like Disco Stu from the Simpsons.

The hair dresser stressed how I would be able to 'wash and go' and I really can. There isn't loads of blow drying or curlers, just a couple of products and I can run out the door. I wash it with shampoo and conditioner aimed at sleek hair. Perming makes the hair porous. This means that it can lose and take on moisture easily. By using shampoo and conditioners aimed at sleek/smooth hair, which usually contains proteins, it can lock in the moisture. Treating your hair to a deep condition regularly is also important. I co-wash my hair everyday meaning I run condition through it and comb it through. I use deep conditioner to do this, leaving it on for a few minutes, to inject as much moisture as possible.

The products I use after washing is a curl activator and a leave in conditioner. The curl activator I use is a Silk one I bought from the salon. I'm sure you could buy it online though. The leave in conditioner is TresSemmes. They do two versions of the leave in conditioner and I always buy the one that is cheaper at the time!

For special occasions, I will be able to straighten my hair so I like that I also have that option. This post may not be relevant for a lot of people but if you'd like to inject some volume into fine, lifeless hair or make naturally curly hair more manageable, I'd really recommend the body wave perm!

Do you have any special treatments on your hair or love any particular hair products?

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The Fairytale Tag

Source

 I saw this tag on Em's blog from EmHasRedNails and I thought it was such a great tag! She tagged everyone so thanks Em! ;)

Snow White - Do you consider yourself beautiful?

I'd never call myself beautiful, I see myself more as a work in progress. Always something to improve on!

Sleeping Beauty- How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

I try for around 7, not that that always works

Cinderella - Do you have a curfew?

I don't have a curfew but I do let my mum know where I'll be and when I'm due back now that I'm at home instead of university. She's a worrier!

Rapunzel - Do you love being outside?

I do like being outside. I'm not completely outdoorsy however, bugs still creep me out!

Red Riding Hood- Do you trust strangers easily?

I don't trust people easily but I do like to see the best in people which can sometimes make me blind to things.

The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids - Are you easy to fool?

Depends on who is trying to fool me!

Beauty and The Beast - What makes someone beautiful in your eyes?

A kind and caring personality for sure

The Little Mermaid - What would you sacrifice for love?

A lot; I'm quite the romantic!

The Frog King- What do you find disgusting?

Dirty nails. EW!

Jack and the Beanstalk- What plants do you have?

A spider plant and a snake plant (not quite its real name but something along those lines)

Puss in Boots- Do you have any pets? If not, do you want any?

I have a veil tail gold fish named Flo and I love her to pieces. So many people ask how I can be so attached to a fish but she has her own personality and she's my pet!

Bluebeard- What is your weak point?

Choooocolate *drooling as I type*

Pinoccio- What is your biggest wish?

I don't think I have one really. That my career turns out alright?

Peter Pan- What is your mental age?

I think I'm quite mature, sometimes too mature. Probably 20, my actual age

The Star Money- What is your most valuable possession?

My Pandora bracelet. All the charms symbolise the people who gave them to me or maybe Baby, a toy rabbit I've had since I was around 3 (I lost the original Baby that I'd had since birth in the library of all places!)

Golden Mary and Pitch Mary- Are you a hard worker or a lazy one?

A bit of both. I'm a hard worker for something I want, otherwise I can be pretty slow and unmotivated

The Princess and the Pea- Are you sensitive?

I am quite sensitive. I'm building up that thick skin though!

The Worn Out Dancing Shoes - Do you like parties?

I love a good party but at the same time, curling up on the sofa, with friends and a movie can be just as appealing

The Emperor's New Clothes- Do you care a lot about your clothing?

Not particularly. I'm not fashionable in the slightest!

The Brave Little Sailor - Do you consider yourself brave?

If the situation requires it, I can step up but majority of the time I'm running away from  little spiders!

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers to this tag! I like the fairy tale theme and I tag anyone who wants to have a go too!

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Follow Up Post: Superdrug BB Cream and Hot Cloth Cleanser

If you saw this First Impressions post, about a million months (3 to be precise) later, I am delivering my follow up post. To be completely honest, I don't have much to add! I still love them both!

Superdrug BB Cream (Anti-Ageing)

The BB Cream comes in and out of the rotation as with majority of my base products. I'm a floozy when it comes to a base! When I'm looking for a quick, out the door look, this is what I reach for. It can be blended in with the fingers without looking streaky which is a big plus! It doesn't add a lot of coverage but this is expected with a BB cream. I didn't see any particular skin benefits but it does brighten my skin when I put it on (not hard as mu skin is so dull)

Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser

I really like this hot cloth cleanser. I feel like it cleans off all my make up but it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry. I usually use this at night and  massage it into my skin. This prepares me for bed as it's a oretty relaxing routine to have. I must admit I don't always take it off with a flannel (there isn't always one to hand!) but when I do, it gives my face a gentle exfoliation.

Have you had any products you like recently?

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Feeling down and asking for help

Photo from a recent family walk

This post was going to be a follow up to a first impressions post I did. Instead though, I feel like I need to write a sort of 'dear diary' post.

I've been feeling a little disheartened with blogging lately. I'd been so looking forward to being finished with university for summer to throw myself into it and now it's here, I'm meh. I don't think this has anything to do with blogging but more my life at home.

At university, I'm on the go constantly. I lived with four other people so there was constantly something to do; someone to talk to. Obviously there was university and university work which takes up a lot of time. Add in two volunteer jobs, netball and the social life that comes with it and I hardly have time to breath. Don't get me wrong, this is what I love. When I'm busy I'm more productive, happier and healthier. I manage my time better as I know what little time I have and that I have to make it count. I'm happier as I'm on the go and being so active makes exercise seem like a doddle.

At home (the parental home), I have nothing to do and it's really thrown me. I'm currently looking for a job for over summer but the search still continues. When I went off to university, my friend group at home really diminished as maintaining friendships is hard and I put more effort in with the people I love. This means my friendship group at home now includes my three best friends. One works, one hasn't come back from university yet and the other is doing work placement. Leaving me alone during the day whilst my family are at work and college. Now I understand this is very first world problem-esque. Oh the poor girl has nothing to do during the day but I'm finding it hard to adjust to all the free time. I can see how moany this post an ungrateful this post is so please excuse it.

I suppose what I'm looking for is some advice as to how to adjust and find things to do. I'm still unpacking from university so blogging is a little hard as everything is still everywhere. I'm in the process of sorting out my wardrobe which will be something ticked off my list. A good spring clean. I've been ordering bits and bobs to organise my make up which is something that will make me super happy when it's done. Love a good aesthetic pleasure. I've also been working out which is what I'm off to do after this post is published.

Do you have any other tips for filling the time? Sorry for the weird post, just felt I needed to get some things off my chest. This is quite different and personal from other posts I do, so please drop me a comment with any suggestions.

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