Icaruscity

I guess this is the start of a minimalism series on this blog? Let me know if you would find it interesting if I posted more on this topic.Minimalism is free-er way of life, at least to me. It involves getting rid of everything you don't need, and so what you do have holds value.



So, for a minimalist wardrobe? How do you get this? Minimalism is defiantly not restricting at all, it's just about having a space that you love, without all the clutter.

1) Figure out your style // colour palette
- Figure out your style so that you know what it is that you love, and then figure out the colour palette you love. For me personally, I love neutral colours (or shades) of black, grey, white etc. This doesn't mean you can't buy outside of this colour palette, but it means that what you buy will match almost anything.

2) Do you really have to have it?
If you linger even for a second....you don't need it. Buy what you love, and can;t walk away from. That way the items you have in your closet are items you absolutely love.

3) Have a clear out.
Yes, that good ol' take everything out of your closet and done/chuck away, anything that cannot be worn again. And be ruthless, if you know you don;t wear it...don't just keep it...give it away, donate it etc.

Follow me on bloglovin' here for updates on new posts in this series! Comment below what your best tips are for having a clear out! xx

You're either a morning person...or you're not. It's a curse for many of us that life starts from around 6am, and so here we are up at 6, 7 (and if you;re lucky 8) and for those who are morning people...it's a lot easier than for someone like me, who bathes, lives, and worships sleep. This is no exageration.



Although I hate the mornings, it's possibly the most pivotal part of the dy to do that thing of...oh, yeah, getting your life in order smongst the fresh morning breeze. So here's what I do during the morning, and I consider vital.

After the Snooze:
So let;s face it, I hit that snooze button a couple hndred times before I finally roll of bed However, instead of getting out, to slowly wake myself up, I consider it important to stretch. I then like to go an open my curtains, and the windows before heading back to the confrot of my bed...then I mediate.

Mediation:
I hold my hand up, as one of those people who admits that with such a frantic mind, I couldn't imagine myself sitting, not moving, and well...that really. And then I found this app called 'headspace' (there's also a good one called Mind) but I prefer headspace, and guess what? It's only 10 minutes. Quick. Simply. Easy...and effective. I actually have anohter post coming up on the effectiveness of mediation, so follow me here, for an update on that!

Breakfast/news:
So, we;ve obviously skipped the whole brushing teeth, shower etc. And breakfast...aah that main meal! I'm pretty boring and like to keep it simple with a cup of tea, and weetabix. But whatever flaots your boat! (apart from chocolate...bad idea.) While having my breafast, this is when we check the phone..for not only messages because let's face it, a friend could be aving a wquarter-life crisis, but to check the news. For me, checking the news is so bloody important. One I found recently is TheSkimm which is a wuick fix, but is catered more towards worldly/american news, while for news about Britain, I like to read Huffingtonpost/The Guardian for a quick fix!

Podcast:
Podcasts are a great way to start the morninga sa n alternative to music. If you want a post on thedifferent podcasts I listen to, just let me know, but commenting below!! There are lots to suit your wants.

Comment below what your morning routine consists of! I would love to know.

Stress, stress, stress. The words are echoes the streets, and the emotions we hold onto, because we have too much too do, and not enough time. And the clock is always ticking, and we get so consumed by it all that we forget that time is merely a concept.





Stress leads to illness. It is scientifically, and psychologically proven, that when you stress your body releases cortisol (the stress hormone) and prevents your body from producing the white blood cells needed to fight illnesses. Well, clearly that;s an extremely condensed version of what really happens, but long-term stress leads to illness. I'm sure you've heard Doctors tell you that your illness is down to stress?

So how do you solve it? Amongst all the school work, jobs, social life...we must continuing finishing our work, and then have a long relaxing sleep. Right? Only after everything is done can we relax. But rarely ever are you going to be free of every curve ball life throws at you in this game of Tekkeshis castle (anyone else remember this?)

Getting ill is your body telling you that you need to STOP. Take a rest, let your body heal. It';s the jolly holly holidays...watch a Christmas movie for God-sake (no pun intended!) But your life is more important that your work, and you will survive even if you take a break for a few days. Everything will be okay. So practise the art of letting go, and just watching your life pass without trying to be an obstacle to your bodies health.

When Twitter rose to fame, when Facebook came about so that people could complain endlessly about how they had coffee spilt on them on their way to work, I couldn’t handle it. Suddenly, the world was becoming more and more narcissistic as everyone thrives to post heavily edited ‘selfies’ on Instagram, and I couldn’t stand it. If anything, the only thing social media seemed to be doing was making people less social – isn’t that ironic?



 But when I thought about it – I mean really thought about it, I realised the efficiency of platforms like Twitter as a tool. It means that things that the media used to get away with is suddenly at the forefront. Take moments where the media would push something off as an ‘accident’ or wrap the truth in wrapping paper because the black man was highly believed to ‘have a gun’ when in fact there was no chance that he had a gun – with social media these things are questioned. Young people are more plugged in than ever – and for every nonsensical story that they’re go crazy over, there’s an actual story that they are giving focus to. We’re beginning to do something that no officials want us to do – questioning the facts against the fabrication, through the use of such simple social media platforms.

So social media has become a conditioning device. It means that young people who don’t always check the news, or watch the news can be overtly exposed to the problems that face the world and can be free to discuss and come up with their own solutions, instead of what the media with their bias’ and sweeping things under the rug (for lack of better terms.)

On another note, social media is great for marketing. In a fast growing technological world it is hard to make
a splash in the huge ocean of websites. Therefore social media is a great way for people to connect and make connections like constellations joining together.

Therefore, I’ve shifted my focus to not focusing on the petty arguments and cryptic celebrity tweets, and seeing social media in a better light, in which social media can actually influence the world.
To end, I think now would be a good time to paraphrase a quote I once read, something along the liens of how ‘the media is made first to make money, and second to give you the news’ which is an interesting quote to remember.

Comment below what you think of social media platforms. Do you like them or not? I’d love to hear your views.

1) My b-day is on the 15th December, but I actually don't like my birthday. Maybe it's the fear of growing up, or the fear of death. But either way, my brithday always ends with me feeling a little hollow.

2) I have an OCD with numbers. I don't like to say OCD, because I know that annoys a lot of people (understandably) but it's serious. I hate when numbers don't end in a 0 or a 5. A book that end with 257, or 259 pages for example will really frustrate me...argh. I can't take it. 

3) I don't like to tell people this because it usually ends with them thinking I'm some kind of Hipster, which I'm definitely not, but I don't like the TV show 'Friends.' I've tried...I swear...to like it, but I just don't. And maybe it has to do with how none of my family like it either.

4) Saying that, what our family show is, and the one I've watched since I was a child, are the shows that come on the TV channel GOLD. I love old comedies like Only Fools and Horses (which is to me, what Friends is to a lot of people), One Foot in the Grave, Open all Hours etc.

5)For my A-levels, I am currently studying English Literature, History and Psychology.

6) I hate hate when people talk too slowly or take too long to get to what they're saying.This is probably the main reason why I don't watch a lot of youtube videos...they just take too damn long to get to the point.I also hate when people talk too excitedly and scream everything they say. I like quiet.

7) I have on odd fear of...outer space, which makes me really sad, because I actually love learning about space. But if I look at a picture of it, I'll freak out. Yes, physics lessons were tough at times.

8) My favourite animals are Penguins, Elephants, Cats (my best friend has two...I have to put this here), Foxes, and Giraffes.

9) Speaking of best friends, the two best friends I have are both from Primary school. I've had two of my best friends sicne I was 3 and 5...and since then we have been inseparable...we've gone to the same schools ever since, and talk every day!

10) I love action movies. I think what kicked it off was my first fave movie 'The Bourne Supremacy'

11) I hated French, Physics, and Geography in School (although I didn't do Geography for long anyway.)

12) My music taste is so wide, but I feel like pop is the only music I don't really listen to muc. My fave genres are indie, rock, and folk music (preferably a combination of the three...heaven.)

13) The oldest song I listen to is from the 40s. There's something soulful about old voices.

14) I actually love evil characters, I just think they;re so much more intricate! Esp The Joker

15) My favourite book is The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde

16) I'm a picky eater, but I love Italian and Chinese food.

17) I have always wanted to be a writer (or a singer, but my voice sucks so...)

18) I hate the sun most of the time! I like cold, wintery, autumn, cozy weather.

19) I hate carrying an umbrella, even if it's raining - I will walk in the rain.

20) I'm a really really really introvert and quiet person.

21) I also don't like when people talk too much...especially about things that don't matter (like people who jsut talk crap about other people...you know the ones I'm talking about.)

22) I've also wanted to be a police officer (well okay...the first thing I ever wanted to be was a soldier, but then I grew up and realised that ethically I didn't want to) but as a kid, and still to this day, I want to be a police officer. But it's hard considering I look like a wimp, and I'm intimidated by police officers.

23) I'm pretty sure...like 99.9% sure the reason I want to become a police officer is because of the TV show 'The Bill' I watched it all the way until it was axed...and I was so attached to some of the characters that I feel like if I became an officer I'd meet cool people like them. (please...don't judge.)

24) Secondary school was my worst nightmare, and I never want to relive it.

25) But, I had the best childhood ever...and I loved it.

26) At secondary I had an ICT teacher that was...the devil. I don't wanna talk about it.

27) The music on my phone has to be perfect.

28) There's something about lights that's always fascinated me

29) I pick up on vibes SO easily. Most people can't tell, but whenever someones sly, mean, passive aggressive...I pick up on it so fast. And ...I always end up being right.

30) I love reading about Serial killers.

31) I don't listen to Beyonce (just a preference.) But I hate the song 'Single Ladies'...it drives me crazy. Idk what it is, but it annoys me.

32) I hate people who complain about everything.

33) I forgive so easily that people take advantage of it

34) I love cartoons, always have, always will.

35) Horror movies don't scare me, like at all.

36) I have social anxiety

37) I have this blessing in life, which is that I can eat whatvere the hell I want and won't gain weight. But the downside is that it means I eat too much crap.

38) If Nygma in the Gotham series wasn't a killer...or psychotic...I'd date him. I also had a massive crush on Adam Young for a while (who am I kidding? I still love him.)

39) I have a scar that runs up my left leg

40) I think dinner dates are so awkward, but maybe that's because I eat too much. But isn't it awkward? You sit there, right in front of each other...I have to order myself...like, what if the persons a bore? What do I do then?

41) I love thrill-seeking rides

42)I was some weird kid that would read history books? Like why did I do that?

43) If I have a crush on you...I will literelly not get my words out. I'll talk so fast, and trip over my words so that you just give me a blank stare.

44) Oddly, Coffee and energy drinks have no effect on me? In fact, coffee makes me sleepy? So staying up during exam season? That my friend, is willpower...and a lot of it.

45) I love the songs 'Angel- The xx' 'Youth-daughter' and 'Northern Wind - City and Colour'

46) When I was younger (and even now) I was/am unashamdely in love with the band Westlife!! They rule, okay.

47) My personal preference for guys are sut tradition gentlemn, like...not the typical 21 century media persona...if you get what I mean *cough cough* The only way is essex *cough cough* just a preference!

48) I 100% believe the Iraq War was a war crime, and that the leaders who caused that war deserve to be locked up.

49) Shock: I've never actually wanted a disney princess movie. Nope! I grew up with a dad and 3 brohters, and my mum doesn't watch TV...so I mever actually watched much Disney. In fact, they used to take the picc out of me when I did watch it...so yeah, I used to just watch action movies, and my love of them grew from there.

50)I adore beaches when it's a chilly day, and rivers (southbank!)

Christmas is that one time of the year that can easily get stressful, with so many people to buy presents for! Especially those who are so difficult to buy for...because they either buy everythinf they want, or are very picky. So below 8 items that should...maybe...will inspire you!



1)Gig/Concert Tickets
Tickets don't always have to be something crazy like £50 if that isn't your budget! Gigs can be so much fun, you create loads of memories, and cost around £24 per ticket, so if you scour the band you love, and the nearest place sthey;re playing, I'm sure you will find an amazing band!

2) DIY memory Box
DIY is always a thoughful, and memorable gift to give. A memory box is one of the most simple, but thoughtful gifts you can give! Filled with photographs, polaroids, objects, and everything that makes that person special to you! If you want to get extra soppy...you can even add in a lovely hand-written note!

3) New Bag
....not the pastic 5p bags. I mean an actual bag...they don't have to be highend. In fact, bags cost around £30 and are usually so beautiful, and everyone always needs a bag, right? High street brands always have the best bags suited to someone's personal style.

4) BooksAhh....mighty book lovers. Myself included. We thrive off of beautiful covers, and plotlines that leave us awake for days! Books are friends, and what can be better than buyign someone a friend.....well....tyou know what I mean!! There are so many discount book stores it really isn;t expensive at all!

5) MakeupThe age old classic. Buying a brush set, or a make-up set is the best for a makeup lover, or anyone looking to become interested in the art of make-up. I would keep going, but this ones pretty self-explanatory.

6) MoviesWe've had the book addict...and now, the movie addict. Buying a movie set is also great because it means that family gathering could turn into a cinematic experience! Just because you;re watching a movie, doesn't mean you aren't bonding.

7) Skincare RangeA skincare range is a great way to give someone the spa treatment...without paying for the spa? What!? For those who love skincare products, and are always up for testing something new. Just make sure they don;t already have the product...

8) CandlesSweet, Spicy, Warm...another Christmas gift that can leave the place smelling of nostalgia, summer, or winter. Whatever is the mood you're going for, and leaves the place smelling like baked cookie or the salty water.

9) Vinyl Player/VinylsWell....my friends and I love music. In fact, most people are obsessed with music (maybe not to our extent..but still) my friend has a vinyl, and I have a local record store that sells vinyls dirt cheap (I know I;m lucky) but if you scour online (and legitimate sites) you'll be able to find cheap vinyls, that'll leave your friend/other feeling special! Another alternative is buying an actual vinyls like the ones sold at Urban Outfitters, but of course - this is slightly more expensive.



10) Polaroid CameraAnother one that's a little bit more expensive, but the thing is with a Polaroid camera, you could take lots of pictures on Christmas day to hold close forever. It's something that's light and fun, and perfect for the photography lover!!

Autumn - that season when you can start being more bold in your colour choices, especially with lipsticks. I love bold matte colours for autumn, so I thought this would be the perfect time to introduce all you lovely readers to some of my favourite lipsticks for Autumn. And I'm always looking for new lipsticks, so if you have any suggestions, by all means...comment below.



1) MAC RUBY WOO 


2) NARS HEAT WAVE


3) YSL Rouge Volupté Shine No. 35 


4) NARS: AUDATIOUS, LIV











5) REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS (WITH LOTS OF SHADES TO CHOOSE FROM!)


What are your favourite lipstick shades for autumn/winter? Comment below. xx