What are your new years resolutions for 2017?

First of all, i would like to say - Happy New Year.

As the New Year approaches, we all know that it is very common for everyone to start thinking about idea's for their new year resolutions. It is a tradition, let's face it. And it is the first month of the year, It is the perfect opportunity for you to improve something about yourself or to break a bad, unpleasant, distressing  habit. It is a time for you to wipe the slate clean and start again. 

'New year, new you' as they say!

Although new year resolutions are not for everyone. It is an opportunity for you to do something to make you feel better about yourself, almost like a goal, but it is important that you feel determined. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who can encourage you. Make sure you write your goals down, people with written goals are 50% more likely  to achieve than people without goals. It is very important to have hope in your life, and personally, i could not think of a better opportunity to begin by setting yourself new year resolutions, big or small, it is a start to becoming a better you. 

Katia Beauchamp, cofounder and CEO of Birchbox, would like to focus on growing her confidence. "The year ahead is all about elevating my confidence and celebrating the incredible accomplishments of life."

Many people search for ideas on how to be healthier, exercise  more, to stop smoking, how to be more organised, getting a new job, to be a better cook, to spend more time with others, to learn something new, etc. What is your new year resolution going to be? 

Good Luck and all the best for 2017.  

Finally, that confidence boost

I cannot believe that it has almost been a year since i wrote my last blog post. A lot has happened during this time, it has been quite eventful indeed...

Yesterday, i attended a family wedding, surrounded by loving family and friends, in which i had some interesting discussions with some very interesting people (along with lots of drinking, dancing and very bad singing), which led me to feeling extremely inspired again. I have also received multiple comments about how i should start blog writing again, and here i am.

So, let me fill you in about what has been happening...

First of all, i do not want to bore you, so i'll not go into every little detail. Here we go... I feel like i am at that age (24) where you learn some of the most important lessons in your life. This last year has been somewhat of a roller coaster. I have learnt a lot about myself and others. I have come to discover how much of a sensitive person i am, and although i don't like to admit it, i have sadly allowed people to criticise, degrade and intimidate me (not cool). I have also learnt that i do not take things with a pinch of salt, i take everything to heart and this has recently led me to lose a lot of self confidence.

However, only i can change this. So far, i have learnt to walk away from all the negativity and learnt to do what's best for me and actually do what makes me happy, and not others. I noticed i was feeling very uncomfortable around a lot of people because i was trying to be someone i wasn't... i constantly worry about what people think... This has to stop, it's exhausting.

I'm sharing this with you because i know i am not alone and i just want you to know that it's so important to be yourself, people should want to accept you for who you are. One of the worst feelings is feeling like you're misunderstood. You have to remember, people lead very different life's, we've all walked in different shoes. To try and understand what someone else is or going through, isn't easy and some people are not willing to to even try or  they think they know, but they just don't. But, nobody is perfect. Everyone has their weaknesses and everyone has their strengths. At the end of the day, we are all human but constantly trying to please everyone else is so unhealthy for you. Since i realised all of this and actually started doing something about it, like putting myself first for once, worrying less and just going with the flow, i literally feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

It is also important to know who to confide in, which is those who believe in you, who push you to do well (as daunting as that is sometimes). Like i said, it has been a roller coaster, the only thing that has kept me strong throughout my recent struggle, has been surrounding myself with amazing friends and family. I have been to three amazing weddings, three of the most fun hen party's, birthdays, festivals, etc, etc.... it has been a fantastic summer.

I have now got myself a new lovely job and i have also took it upon myself to go back to college to study GCSE English again. English has been one of my weak points,  however, im determined to do what i need to do in order to help myself with my future and my self confidence. So far it's going great and i am really enjoying it. There is still a long way to go, but i feel like i have come a long way and i know there are a lot of people out there who care and want to help me, which makes me very happy.

I might have taken a step back, but sometimes you have to take a step back to take 10 steps forward.

Onwards and Upwards!

I'm growing up...

It's been a very long time since i've wrote a post!

To be honest, I wanted to start a new blog but i couldn't find the delete button... Plus, i recently wrote a post about my life story, which was a big hit, the biggest i've had! Over 800 views actually, and that may not be a lot to some people, but it is to me. I received so many pleasant messages from people thanking me for helping them and opening there eyes to the world. I guess i had shown a lot of people how to think positively, it was really nice to know that i had helped and it made me feel happy that i was inspiring people :)

So, i thought i could just start again from here instead of deleting my whole blog! 

I'm not entirely sure what has brought this on... I did have my hair cut quite short today.... New look, new me! You know what they say.

The truth is, i feel like i need to take my own advice when it comes to thinking positively, it's easy to help others but when it comes to yourself, taking your own advice is harder than it seems sometimes. Some of you may know that i have been at University studying fashion and design, that's all over and i'm graduating on the 25th November, ITS SO EXCITING!!!!! 

I know i'm not alone when i say, i feel completely lost! What do i do now? Whats next? Please let me know if you're in the same boat!

It seems so hard to find a job in the fashion industry, i just want to be a fashion designer in London or New York already but i just have to remind myself that you've got to start somewhere, whether it's just somewhere small, somewhere that i can work my way up!

Im just wondering if there's anyone out there with any advice?
It's daunting! Exciting too though, without a doubt. I just have to have faith in myself right?
There's something out there for everyone.

I feel under a lot of pressure to be successful, i'm being pushed to do well and to make something of myself by my family and friends and thats because they have faith in me. Its nice to know that i've got that support and maybe that push is what i need, as stressful as it can be sometimes.

If you follow me on Instagram, (daryl_ivyana) you will see that i've started doodling designs again! :) Practise makes perfect!

Let me introduce you to my new collection, Bouquet

Hello everyone, I hope we are happy and well?

As some of you may know, i'm in my third year at University at the moment studying fashion and design, with two weeks left to go! Scary. I mean, all i've ever known is being in education and now i'm about to go out into the big wide world! It's really exciting but so daunting at the same time. I have set myself big goals though, i don't want to be one of those to leave university and not do anything with their degree,  it's taken me 4-5 years to finish this degree as i had to take a year out and re-sit a year due to family circumstances, so i'm going to try my very best to get a job in the fashion industry, possibly an internship! Fingers crossed.

I'm here today to write a blog post for my business studies! And as i already have a blog, i thought i would write an updated post about my collection. Which finally has a name by the way... 'Bouquet' What do you think? It took me ages to come up with it as i wanted something that really connected with my collection. I sat here wondering if i could adapt it. For example, i was going to call it 'Day-Glo Bouquet' but i thought that was too much. In the end i thought i would just keep it nice and simple!

I've made a lot of progress this last week or two!  I've almost finished sewing my collection together and i'm hoping to have it finished by this coming week. (I'll be sure to post finished pictures!) Today, i've sat here and done all my design boards, i've constantly gone back and forth making improvements and although my illustration skills are not the best, i'm really pleased with how my boards are looking.

Mood Board

Final Line-Up Board

For my collection, i first began by looking into the 1960's! It's an area i've always been interested in. Straight away i knew i wanted to do shift dresses, further research took me into playsuits! So i decided i would do two of each. However, i wanted to put a twist on my designs. Doing my trend research i came across a trend forecast called 'Soft Pop' which was really colourful and bright and it really had caught my attention, at this piont i had a lot of idea's flowing through my head but i still wasn't 100% sure. Until i came across a designer called 'Kate Spade' who was a really big inspiration. One of her collections involved block colours with floral prints and florescent colours and i decided i wanted to do something a long those lines. Taking into consideration the rest of my inspiration, i decided i would try and create floral panels onto these simple silhouettes. As you can see from my designs above, i thought i'd go that step further and add in some bright colours.

These are pictures of my collection in progress, none of them are completely finished in any of these pictures, but definitely are not far off. Hopefully when i write my next post, i'll be able to show you pictures of the finished product!

Until then.

Take care Readers!

Daryl Ivyana Richardson x

New Logo!

Hello everyone! Hope you are all well and staying positive? :-)

Today, i received my new art work for my Brand - Ivyana
Im absolutely in love with it!

Really big Thankyou to my lovely friend! 

Credit: Rachel Louise Carter

My story and The Secret

It's taking a lot of courage for me to write this post as it's very personal but i feel like it's an experience i'd like to share hoping i can help and inspire others... I know i'm not the only one who's lost a love one or gone through a really tough time at some piont!

Here goes... 

I've always felt like i've led an ordinary life. I was just like any other ordinary girl, i graduated from high school in 2008 and didn't do the best i probably could have done and i thought that was it for me but i didn't let that stop me and with the help of my big sister (who's always had her head screwed on), i got into college. Probably the best two years of my life, it was fun and i met some amazing friends! Friends that are still in my life today. Sitting there with my tutor and her assistant, we were discussing extensions for my work, i still didn't think any differently but the truth was that i was struggling and didn't realise why, i just thought i wasn't handling the amount of work very well, i could never concentrate and i was doubting myself as hard as i was trying. In the end, I graduated college with a distinction and two merits! It came as a massive surprise but when i thought back to how hard i'd tried, even if i thought it hadn't tried enough... i proved myself wrong. 

So then i got into University... Just locally, i didn't have the confidence to go too far away from home. Our family friend came to visit and it wasn't until our conversation that i realised how well i'd actually done. "You've done so well to get into University, i told my mum and she couldn't believe it after everything you've been going through" At this moment, i had the biggest reality check. In my second year of college, my mum had a battle with mouth Cancer, she had an operation and got the all clear. That's when i realised, i hadn't had it easy, along with the rest of my family and at this moment i felt so proud of myself for pushing myself the way i had, despite the doubt. 

First year of University, Mum got cancer again. This time it was terminal. I'm the youngest of four, the only one still living at home, looking after both mum and dad as he'd had a minor stroke. I had both parents in hospital, it was so hard, not just for me but for us all, trying to balance my studies at the same time but i had to be strong for both mum and dad because, them knowing that they were both in hospital, you can imagine how helpless they felt but it couldn't be helped. Luckily, the family pulled together, my family realised i was struggling so i went to live with my Aunt for a month or so, just so i could concentrate on my studies and get them out of the way in time for deadlines. Results came back and id only just passed and got into second year but that was enough for me.

October 2011, Sadly, mum passed away. Dad had his second stroke. It was all so much to handle, it really did hit me hard, i'd been so strong for so long. Seeing my family heart broken and not being able to do anything about it, it's horrible. February came and me and my boyfriend had broken up (on good terms) that was the last straw for me. I broke. I'd been in two relationships since the age of 15, from one straight into another. I had no idea what it was like to be on my own or at least, thats how it felt. After all of this, I'd hit what i thought was rock bottom. Trying to pick myself up, i went partying all the time. I blew all my money and then was i was stressed because i couldn't cope with my bills. I pushed everyone away because all i did was cry and complain but didn't do anything about it. Life really wasn't fair and i was soon diagnosed with depression.

I soon met a friend that was quite supportive, she made sure i didn't mope around feeling sorry for myself, she kept me busy! which helped A LOT. I soon found a job and thought everything was finally looking up. Then i found out i'd failed my second year of University and had to take a year out, which was so hard to come to terms with. I sat myself in a corner, thinking hard about what i had to do, i definitely wanted to go back to University, i knew that. I knew i wanted to make mum proud. My aunt always said, if you believe it, you'll do it.  Negative thoughts won't get you anywhere so I sat there and thought about what this year out gives me a chance to do... driving lessons! So i found a second job and worked my socks off. 

My new managers were so supportive of me and i got a long with them great. They told me about this book called 'The Secret'.  So i bought this book and it's the first book i've ever enjoyed reading! My aunt had previously told me about this book too and that's why she's always so positive! It taught me that no matter how bad life seems or how hard it is, it's definitely not the end of the world and you're thoughts and actions are your future. I knew the last thing mum would have wanted was for me to keeping doubting myself and being so negative, however all this changed! I began to believe in myself. I got promoted and began my training for manager, i became a supervisor in my other job and I passed my driving test, I got my first car, I got back into University, i earned back all the money i had blew partying! It felt amazing. My positive attitude attracted so many positive things into my life, including some of the best people i've ever met and i know my mum would be so proud.

We all go through tough times in our life's, some worse than others. Sometimes it feels like the end of the world and sometimes it feels like you've hit rock bottom. Let me tell you something, It's not the end of the world. You just have to find that urge in yourself to stand up and say 'i can do this'. There's no such thing as impossible! What's the use in moping around feeling sorry for yourself? Even if you have every right too!

I found setting myself goals really helped and if you truly believe in yourself, you'll do it and when you do, it's the best feeling! Which urges you to keep going! Be positive! And if you ever find yourself down in the dumps, don't go listening to sad music that's going to depress you, listen to something upbeat and happy!

Dealing with loss, is never easy. I know quite a lot of people who have lost loved ones so i know i'm not on my own and we all handle it in different ways. All you should know is that their up there watching over you and want you to be happy and make them proud. Do what makes you happy, do something you love in life. Surround yourself with positivity! They're always around. I'm a big believer of angels and spirits as i've had experiences and heard many amazing stories.

Im now 22 years old, independant i'm in my third year of University. (after re-sitting my second year) Im more than excited for the future ahead of me. I feel like this is only the beginning. I'm not sure what i'm going to be doing in the future, but its about taking small steps forward. I have the most strongest, loving family who i love dearly and amazing friends and if it wasn't for these people, i wouldn't be where i am today! I can't stress how much i appreciate the love and support i've been given. Me and my family have been through a big journey and it hasn't been easy, but we're all so happy now, we've supported each other non stop and we're all doing so well. I feel so lucky to have them in my life.

Now, i want to help others believe in themselves!
If you haven't already, make sure the first thing you do tomorrow, is go buy 'The Secret'. I promise you won't regret it!

If you're local to me, it's in stock at a shop called 'An angel beside you' In South Elmsall near asda :-)

'As The Secret has swept the world and touched millions of lives, we have received so many stories of lives being transformed into joy.' http://thesecret.tv/living.html 

Feel free to email me at Darylivyana@outlook.com for any advice! 

Too much excitement!

Hey folks! I must apologise as it's been a while, but as you know i'm in my third year at University and there's a lot to handle! On this note, i've recently handed my notice in at work so i can concentrate more on my studies. Hashtag GEEK. ;-)

A little of what i've been up to? My brother previously got married and i have the best sister-in-law i can ask for. No really, she's ace! We all had a lovely day, surrounded by family and friends. It was really nice and i cried a lot... my sister-in-law looked absolutely stunning, especially when she walked in wearing the most beautiful dress. Her and my brother are just adorable, he twirled her around as they did a little dance down the isle! I cried throughout the whole thing... I'd like to think i'll get married one day and be that cute with someone. My brother reckons it'll be to someone Irish... (Some of my close friends here at Uni are Irish) while i just think i'll turn out to be some sort of crazy cat lady! Hm...

Anyway, It's coming to the end of the academic year (way too fast for my liking) and there's a lot to be cracking on with and this is where i start to panic... pretty sure it isn't just me!? right? There's quite a lot of exciting thing's going at the minute. As some of you know, i've been working on my 'Final Major Project' designing and making a collection and it's going very well.

Last night, i threw some quick drawings together of my Collection, these are not the final drawings... i was just curious to what they would look like together.

I've always had a big interest in the 1960's and the Shift dress, so i can used that shape in two of my collections, then inspired by designer Kate Spade with the colours and patterns. Followed by two playsuits. 

Here are three of them, almost finished. I just have to put the zips in and sew hemlines with one more design in progress, starting off with a toile of course.

And the last one in working progress...

It's such a good feeling to know that i'm nearly finished. Not only that, one of my best friends is currently working on a new look for my brand and logo 'Ivyana' 

EXCITING!!!!!

Follow me on Instagram for more work and designs.

                                                    #Ivyanafashion #Ivyana

https://instagram.com/missdarylivyana/

Took advantage of the sale at Boohoo

Hello Readers!

So, It was christmas time and my wonderful Aunt bought me a £30 American Express gift card, She's quite possibly the best Aunt you could ever ask for! :-)

At this piont, i had no idea to what i was going to spend it on... I'm a bugger for saving! I had to spend it straight away and i couldn't think of anything super important to spend it on until i came across the Sale on the Boohoo website! I've never seen so many pretty clothes for such a good price! and being a fashion student, clothes are pretty important.... right? Right :-)

Here at some of my purchases! Thought it was the perfect opportunity to use my pretty turquoise 'Selfie Stick!' (I had to join the club)

Above, are my first two purchases! 

Kerry Tassle Cardigan £6.00 Boohoo

Nicola Check Turtle Neck Shift Dress £15.00 Boohoo

Megan Floral Print Woven Shift Dress £8.00 Boohoo

Love a bit of colour and it went perfect with the new bag i got for christmas! 

Abby Oversized Pleated Back Sleevless Shirt £6.00 NOW £5.00!! Bargain! ;-)

If i was rich, i was would buy so many of these shirts! I have quite a few already but i love them! They're so comfortable and they look good with quite a lot, both summer and winter styles! 

I especially like styling mine up with my black boots and black bowler hat! :-)

So these are just some of my recent purchases! 

BUT there's more to come, so keep checking!!

Have a lovely day!

Dee xox

A little of what i've been upto...

 Big news readers, I spent my morning with my three week old Niece! Yes, that's right, i finally have a niece! And she's absolutely beautiful...

I also went to work today dressed as Pooh Bear! For boxing day, we do pyjama day every year, it's simply a schuh tradition! 

We previously had our work night out too! Which was a really fun night, got quite merry, had a laugh and took selfies, as you do! (although standing in the taxi queue for 45 minutes in the ice cold weather was simply not fun)

And our Schuh dress up day! Preparation...

I attempted to be a 'Pink Lady' 

One of my favourite parts about christmas

Two of my favourite things about Christmas?

Decorating the House!

And present wrapping! 

Cute right? I think i did a good job on the one to the right ;-) If i do say so myself

Merry Christmas! :-)

Santa Came...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I realised it has been too long since i wrote my last blog! So here i am :-)

Firstly, I hope you've all had a really lovely Christmas! A white Christmas at that, a day late for us but snow is really pretty! Although, im not looking forward to driving to work...

This year, i got truly spoilt by my friends, i love them all to pieces! So i thought i would share with you some of the lovely gifts i received :-)

I spent my Christmas relaxing watching Christmas films as you do. With my beautiful foot spa ;-) Although, i put in too much bath cream so i had constant overflowing bubbles! (by accident) Which i had to do something about before dad saw! Oopsie! Afterwards, i used Soap and Glory Heel Genius foot cream, which made my feet feel baby smooth! ;-) I love it! Huge thanks to my lovely friend, Stefi, you are a doll :-)

I received these top two super duper pretty bracelets! L O V E them!!! 

Thanks Jo! ;-)

I'm not sure if someone is trying to tell me something but i seemed to have received quite a lot of smellys! :-P But i don't care, because i love smellys! I have dedicated a whole shelf in my wardrobe for all my bath and shower creams, face creams, etc, etc, etc!! Lush, i love! the only problem i have, dad knocked our bath out and replaced it with a shower... Looks like i'll be paying visits to my brothers to use his bath as i love a good bath bomb! ;-)  Here, i received some body and butter creams, soap and glory! Can't be unhappy with that can you really?

I adore snow fairy! Just saying...

I received this lovely leather handbag from my brother and his beautiful fiancée! It's my favourite! Feels so nice and really nice quality inside and out! 

Thankyou!

 And while I'm at it, i thought i would share with you, what i usually carry around with me in my handbag! Starting with a bit of make up, obviously. Concealer and  my Katie and Maybelline Lipstick are a must! I wear red for days when im making a real effort and my soft light brown for every day use! You don't know who you may see when you nip out! ;-)  Secondly i have my very horrible hairy barrel brush!! It's horrendous but good and handy for a bit of 'Oomf' to your hair! Carmex... my lips are terrible for being chapped, so its a must that i carry this around! I have my new perfume that dad bought me, bless his cotton socks! ;-) Britney Spears, best of both! Midnight Fantasy and Fantasy! It smells so Lush. Phone Charger.... i'm always on my phone so the battery doesn't last long and it makes you a hero for if one of your friends needs to borrow it! ;-) And last but not least, obviously my lovely brown leopard print leather purse from Barcelona! minus the money.. :-/

So here are some of my favourite goodies! I feel super duper lucky and really loved! 

Thankyou to all my beautiful friends!

Hope you all had a fab Christmas!

Dee!

xox

Hair Tips No.2 - Got2b Oil-Licious with Argan Oil

So recently i've had wonderful visit from my lovely best friend who's trying to grow her hair so i said i'd share with her some of my top hair tips!!

I've done one of these before, however it was quite a while ago! If you've seen it, i had a BEFORE and AFTER picture of the length of my hair. 

I'd previously done some research into how to look after your hair and what you can do to help it grow. Obviously since then, i've changed a few things when it comes to my hair! (I previously had quite a lot cut off to make it healthy again, which was heart breaking! But it's finally starting to grow again, Yay! and it's the best it has felt for years!)

Here are my TOP tips:

• Don't straighten/curl it EVERY DAY! Leaving it natural some days, maybe in a loose bun on the top of your head really does help! And these days a messy bun is in trend! Maybe straightening it once a week is ok!
• Let it dry naturally, or use a a low heat setting!  I try hard not to use heat on my hair, it just doesn't do it any favours!
• Certain Foods! Eat eggs, beans, nuts, yogurts and cheese! There's other foods such as whole-grain cereals, dark green vegetables, banana's, etc.
• Multivitamins! 
• Excersise!
• Head massage! Tip your head upside down once in a while and just give your self a little head massage! 
• Don't over brush! Believe it or not, over brushing your hair can be bad. It can pull full strands from the roots, so maybe one or twice a day!
• Loose hair bands! Tying hair up tightly can break or damage strands.

Recently, my hair's been in such a good condition and has been so easy to handle! (Previously having long, thick knotty hair!)

I've been using herbal essences shampoo and conditioner (i know everyone has their own brands that they get on best with!)

 After towel drying my hair after washing it, i'll put a fair amount of 'BED HEAD - EGO BOOST Split end Mender, Leave in conditioner' as i have really thick hair and tie it up in a loose band on the top of my head.

Once my hair's finally dried naturally, i'll spray some 'TRESemmé heat defence' through my hair, to protect it from any heat (If I'm going to straighten/curl it, which i only do once a week at the most!)

Whether leaving my hair natural or styling it, i've recently started using 'Schwarzkopf got2b Oil-licious - With Argan Oil' Which is a weightless dry oil mist, which smooths and gives you tangle free locks! Its by far the best product i've ever used! It definitely does what it says on the tin!! This spray says it can be used everyday, however i only use it once a week as my hair just doesn't get knotty or frizzy after using it the 1st time! I would definitely recommend it to anyone! :-)

So there we go! My top tips for looking after my hair! :-)
Most of these products are available at Boots or Superdrug!
Please feel free to leave comments and your tips!

xox

My week!

After going to London, i jumped on a train and travelled further down south to Plymouth to visit my sister and beautiful baby nephew. The further i got away from home in Yorkshire, i didn't want to go back! ;-)

We took the dogs out for a walk and as we approached the top of a hill, i saw this amazing view of the clouds down low! it was a pretty sight surrounded by autumn colours, which i love! (As you will be able to tell, if you have read my previous blogs!)

We had pancakes/waffles with bacon and maple syrup for breakfast!!! It's the BEST! Totally need to find me a waffle machine!! 

This morning (back up in Yorkshire) me and my dad took our dog 'Molly' out for a walk down this path by a church in Wentworth! So pretty and quiet! I love it :-)

Happy Halloween!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! 

So, for halloween i didn't do a great deal, tonight on halloween i've been sat at my brothers watching films such as Splash (i was named after Daryl Hannah... the mermaid!) Maleficent with Angelina Joelie, which was a really good film too!  whilst sat with his lovely fiancé feeling her stomach whilst my baby niece was kicking away! It was incredible! 

We had a halloween party last Friday at our Student bar at High melton university centre in which i dressed up as a... Murdered cheer leader? Not looking very dead, i know!

In all fairness though, both of my Aunts and my sister thought i had been attacked as it looks like I'm crying... which i was! My make up was running into in my eye and making it water, so i took a picture to get a real effect! ;-) My auntie said it looks like an Ad for being abused!