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.  

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!

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! 

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

Upwards and Onwards

It's been a while hasn't it? I'm incredibly sorry! I've been caught up on settling back into my final year at university - Finally! Yay! :-D

When it comes to myself and feelings at the moment, they've been here and there! October is a hard month for me but Do you ever just feel like, you aren't good enough? Well, I'm all one for positive thinking and everything but I'm not sure what happened this time, i just found myself getting lower and lower.

Firstly, I found myself feeling very low about  my ability to be a blog writer! Another reason was that i almost had (what could have been) a very serious car accident, which scared me so much! Which made me doubt my driving skills. If it's one piece of advice i have for you, do not take things or people for granted!!! It's safe to say, im slowly getting over it and taking a lot more caution! We've all done it right? Lesson learnt!! There is a few other reasons to why i felt the way i have been but I'll not bore you! :-)

OK so, after feeling down in the dumps, I woke up one morning and gave myself a reality check! I'd do this thing that my sister used to tell me to do, where you would write a list of 10-20 things you have to look forward to in your life as well as setting goals! I find it helps to motivate me. 

I find it amazing how much self confidence people can have. Some people think I'm quite confident and I do like to think I am most of the time. I mean, I can talk the hind legs off a donkey! But what people don't see is that I'm easily intimidated. I will try my best to fit in with anyone, sometimes I struggle but what you have to accept is, that's just the way it is sometimes! Some people are not as easy to get on with as much as others but if it's one thing i've learnt, it's to be yourself, don't try and be someone your not and most importantly, Believe in yourself. Because if you don't... you won't get far. Be positive! :-)

Today, I read this article in the Company Magazine - it was quite interesting actually! About, how it's getting to that time of year where everyone's making themselves available, ready to get all cosy for the Christmas/winter season! Isn't that crazy? I say this, but deep down im one of these people! Or at least, id like to be... but not just for the winter season!!! that's just pure madness if you ask me. This is where self confidence comes into it... when it comes to guys, im so shy! I am the biggest wimp and I hate admitting this, because guys like confident females don't they? Apparently. I just don't seem to handle the whole 'Butterfly' feeling very well and quite frankly, it always gets the better of me!  I don't know why and I like to think that I'm not the only one

If your anything like me, your a people pleaser and you worry too much what people think? Yes? Well, i should probably take my own advice in this case, but don't. 

These are the things I tell myself everyday! 

1) Don't worry about what people think of you. (What your wearing or what you are doing, being confident and being different makes you stand out from the crowd!)

2) Believe in yourself. (You can do it! Whatever it is you want to do, get up and do it!)

Which brings me to number 3..

3) There's no such thing as 'Can't' (Anything is possible!)

4) Set yourself goals and achievements (I did this on my year out and doubted myself but I kept going and did it, I achieved more than everything I hoped I would, and believe me... it's the best feeling in the world!)

5) All you can do is try your best (At least you can say you tried, even if it comes to not being very confident with something, you don't know until you try!)

6) It's not the end of the world (Never give up. I've been through some pretty bad times in the last few years... there was a point when i thought it was the end of the world and i gave up, but i soon realised there's a big world out there. Pick yourself up and try again. Maybe start a new journey?)

7) Always turn a negative into a positive (Positive thinking attracts positive people and happenings!)

8) Smile :-)

Dee 
xox


Images from : 
http://thekissingexpert.com/kiss-essentials/the-naughty-nice-of-mistletoe-kissing
http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/specific.html
http://signature-strength.com/workshops/mastermind-your-career/attachment/fed-up-woman-at-desk-2/

You only live once

Lately, i'm trying to face the truth instead of lying to myself, whats the point in lying? It's doesn't make you  happy, even if  you do wish there was a side of you that felt differently but unfortunately, things change.

Anyway... Hello! It has been a while. This isn't one of my usual fashion - hair  inspiring blogs but it is about one of those moments when you  just stop and take a step back, and everything hits you. I love that feeling, it makes me feel alive, like i know what i want and i know what i need to do. I know what i want in life, I graduate next year and i'm hoping to either land in a really good job within Fashion, or go abroad travelling, you only live once, i'm still young, and i have my whole life ahead of me, so why not? 

I tend to have these moments when I've had one of those fed-up sort of days, i always try and snap out of it by thinking about the positive things in life! I had one of these days today, in which i found myself craving chocolate and because i couldn't go buy any (as i'm saving my money because I'M GOING TO BARCELONA! More about that later) Luckily, i found brownie mix in my cupboard - Yay! Its safe to say my horrible day turned into  a lovely evening with two of my girls. We decided we would all spend the evening together, eating crap and watching films! As girls do! :-) We watched Sisterhood of the traveling pants 1 & 2! (How fit is Kostos!?) It's made me really want to go to abroad, which i will be soon because im going to Barcelona! Not quite the same as Greece i know, but it's still going to be a nice break away from everything going on here... Like, I always think to myself, how good would it be if i could just run away from all the problems? Well, we know that isn't the answer so i just tell myself to have a nap instead and get over it, this is why my friends probably find me asleep most of the time! :-P  Life's a bitch though right? we all have to deal with bad moments from time to time. 

So yeah, i'm going to Barcelona in 2 weeks and 3 days! I'm so stupidly excited. We're going to see a lot of Gaudi, his work is just amazing and so inspiring, along with Salvador Dali - Can't wait!!! 

Anyway, Tomorrow i'll be doing some more fashion inspiration's for you's! My sister's getting married next year, and i need to find a style for my dress! - Excited! 

Peace Out.

Dee.

xoxox

Feeling 'Hippy' Inspired

My Story...

I've always been a vain creature! I don't know why, because on most days i look in the mirror and i think 'sweet  Jesus' -  i suppose we all think that though, right? While other's... they might think you look great!  Don't get me wrong, we all have our good and bad days!

I've always been told that i'm very photogenic! Ever since i was young, I've helped my sister and other  friends with their projects by modelling! I've always helped out when it's come to stuff like that. I've helped out at the College fashion shows by agreeing to do some catwalk modelling... next to professional models too! I have to admit, the pressure was unreal. I can't imagine what it's like at a real professional  fashion show!!

 

 This is me modelling for my collection - Punk and Disorderly!

Bits and bobs from walking the catwalk!

 

Being a model, was what i always wanted to be when i was growing up! My mum bought me and my sister one of those photo-shoot  packages! I LOVE IT! I feel very vain saying this, but the photographers said i had the face for it!

 

 Since then, i was sure that's what i wanted to do, my mum supported me all the way! I got accepted by a modelling agency... i received a letter  through the post with details and got very excited until i saw that we had to pay so much to build a portfolio! But mum was willing to pay! she wanted this more than me i think! My cousin, being a professional model, said i shouldn't pay any agency! After this,  i didn't know what to do. I eventually got really busy with college and work, that i gave up!

Unfortunately, i lost my mum just over a year ago, My aunt (Mums sister & my cousins mum) is always saying i should get into commercial modelling... and i know my mum always wanted me too because deep now she knew i did too! My dad never shuts up about it either!

My Cousin is a big inspiration to me!  She does all sorts of modelling! she's out there and  She's amazing!

People say, if you want something, you can do it! You just have to go the right way about it and think positive!

But I'm not sure where to start!

If you think you can help me or give me any advice, please get in touch!

darylivyana@outlook.com
 

Mastering your closet!

Im one of those typical females, I have a wardrobe full of clothes and I never know what to wear and forever complaining that I need to go shopping! I always have the problem of not having enough space for my clothes though! You walk into my room, there will be a pile of clothes folded up on the chair, and some in the corner! Half of them i don't even wear. I'm one of those who wear's a dress once or twice and will never wear again!

I once got a book for Christmas 'Lauren Conrad - Style' I love it! It's really helpful, some time's if i didn't know what to wear, I'd go get my book to see if i could come up with something! Although we all have our own style, it's important to have the 'essentials' in your wardrobe! Safe to say, i probably have most of the essentials that Lauren Conrad suggests! 'must haves'!

So I'm going to share with you what i think are the 'must haves'! I have created some images, all clothing from H&M (One of my favourite shops!)

Simple basics. MUST HAVES!

•  Black Heels
• Dolly Shoes
• Trainers/Pumps
• Leggings

 

 

 

A little black dress! It's perfect when you don't know what to wear. You can style a dress up with pretty much anything! Style it up with a denim jacket, and some wedges for a casual look? Glam it up with some beautiful heels? Wear with a simple cardigan and some cute dolly shoes, for that formal, but not over the top look! perfect for the office!



 

                       

 

Skinny Jeans and Leggings! I don't know one person who doesn't own a pair of jeans or leggings! I only own 2 pairs of jeans myself, but im more of a leggings type of girl, i have loads! Jeans and leggings go with everything!! You can keep it casual,  with some trainers and a t-shirt or make it look cute with dolly shoes and a pretty top! Wear them with some heels and a fancy top! I like to roll mine up at the bottoms!

 

 

 

 

A blazer! It can pull any outfit together!

 

 

Vest Tops!  They go with everything! and are definitely a must have! i don't know how i could live without them! There's so many way's to wear them!

 

 

 

 

 

So when im not out and about, i like to be comfortable, if im not wearing leggings, vests tops, it has to be a joggers, shorts, a hoody or oversized jumper!

 

 

A pair of  Denim Shorts!

 

 

Maxi Dress - Sometimes, i like to make my maxi dress look casual by wearing a thin vest top over the top! I've even started wearing mine with sneakers!

 

 

So this is some of the stuff I can't live without! Next up, I'll be doing a blog on some must have styles!