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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 ...

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

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! 


Thursday, 12 March 2015

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














Wednesday, 14 January 2015

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




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














Friday, 26 December 2014

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











Thursday, 6 November 2014

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