Go and get your dream job

Today I woke up and almost skipped out of bed.

I always have Mondays off work, so I don't have that deep set hatred that most 9 to 5'ers seem too, but I've never properly appreciated the day. Usually I'll lie in bed, scrolling through my Instagram feed until I get the energy to throw some clothes on and go the park with the dog, then I'll be back in my pj's within five minutes of walking through the door.

But this morning was different, even the cold and rain didn't bring me down.

Today was my boyfriend Mike's first week since he finished at his old job.

You may be wondering why Mike starting a new job is so life changing for me and I know it may seem dramatic, but with my partner in crime being out of the house for most of the week whilst I'm working part time, it can get more than lonely.

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Last year I faced my fears and left my zero hour contract job to start somewhere I knew I would love. My previous job was unstable at times but I would be earning a pretty penny most weeks and that guaranteed wage can make you feel quite comfortable, even though the job itself is awful (yes, I was a Vegan working at McDonald's).

When I took the leap and committed to my new job I knew straight away it was the right choice and even on the coldest, darkest mornings I would still have a smile on my face as I was catching the 6am bus.

But that got me thinking, why doesn't everyone just go and do a job that they love?

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People were generally understanding when I changed my job and the few concerns about my drop in hours with going part time were quickly dispelled when I reiterated that I'd finally have a stable schedule and a job that I love rather than that zero hours BS.

However with Mike starting his new job there has been a lot more confusion and family members have been more concerned about money than just being happy that he's found a job that he will love!

I really struggle to understand the normality of being normal. Working five days a week behind a desk in an office until you retire, is that really living life?

I understand people work jobs they hate in order to fund their adventures and that they basically "live for the weekend" but I can't help but believe that every day should be amazing.

People are so obsessed with money that they put it before their happiness and I just can't grasp the concept.

People are never concerned about other peoples household income but suddenly it's the first thing that's brought up when you start a fun job or your "dream job". We will soon be better off financially than we have ever been, but even if we would make less money following our dreams would that be such a bad thing?

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I didn't actually intend for this post to turn in to the rant that it has, I'm just really passionate about people stepping outside of the "norm" and finding something that they love (I get to work in a rock climbing gym, I mean that's enough proof that life is awesome!).

To summarise you should go and quit your job, pack a bag and travel the world (just kidding, but if that is what you want to do then go for it!)

I don't do many personal posts like this, because it's pretty scary to be so honest and vulnerable, but I really enjoy writing them and they always get the most views so maybe I should push myself more!

Thank you so much for reading...

Image sourced from Pinterest

Staying motivated to exercise...

Over the past few years I've gone from someone that went the gym a few times a month to someone who exercises in some form every single day. I still have a long way to go on my fitness journey but I thought I'd share a few tips that have helped me along so far!

Make a playlist

Like most people, music is a vital part of my life and I've found that listening to the right music will make you push that bit harder when exercising.

Create a playlist with all of your favourite songs that get you psyched and ready to go. Make sure you mix it up often and always have your phone/I pod charged for impromptu workout sessions!

Do what you love

I have truly found my passion in rock climbing. I would climb everyday if I could, we even plan our holidays around the boulders we're going to climb.

But before I started bouldering I was the complete opposite, my workout routine was flaky, I would stick to something for a few months and then I would hit a wall and stop exercising altogether. You just need to find your passion and then exercise will never be a chore!

It might be something simple like running, or something exciting like parkour, be adventurous and try as many new fitness classes as you can!

Buy cute workout clothes

I know it sounds cheesy, but it's an obvious one for us fashion obsessed. Having a wide variety of sports bras, trainers and yoga pants that you actually want to wear is really important. There's nothing worse than wanting to go the gym and all you have are some baggy 3/4 tracksuits and your old tongue twister K Swiss trainers from year 10 P.E.

On my lazy days off work I find that putting on some nice leggings and a structured vest will motivate me to exercise, even if it's just running in the park with the dog (instead of letting him pull me around as usual).

Set goals

It's important to challenge yourself when exercising and setting goals is really helpful. I will usually aim to improve flexibility, stamina and it has been vital in my fitness journey.

Be realistic with your goals, I will set myself small targets so that I can't fail, but it is still rewarding to see progress however small it is!

Friendly competition is also great for this, my boyfriend Mike and I are currently in a battle to be the first one to do the splits, it might take a few months but I am definitely motivated to kick his ass!

Just make sure your goals are reasonable and don't over exert yourself, there's nothing fun about getting injured... 

This was just a quick post to hopefully inspire and help people on their fitness journey, remember we all have to start somewhere...

Instagram @wolvesandflames

My adult brace journey so far...

5 weeks difference!

I got my braces removed when I was 14 and within six months I had allowed my teeth to start to creep back to the crooked arrangement they were at before. I was stupid, lazy and had no idea that the problem would escalate so quickly!

I would avoid wearing my retainer at all costs when I was out with my friends and would then forget to put it back in at night, did I mention how stupid I was!

So over the past 7 years I've gotten more and more self conscious of my twisted teeth and I got used to covering my mouth every time I laughed so people couldn't see (I'm still in this habit now so I need to work on breaking that).

When I googled "braces in Liverpool" the best reviews were all coming from The Liverpool brace place on Duke Street and so for several days I kept returning to the website and looking at the gallery of incredible "before and after braces" photo's.  Finally  I was convinced that braces were the right decision for me and I rang up and booked in for a consultation.

Before and after gallery

To secure my consultation I paid a fee of £100 and they assured me that this would be deducted from the overall price if I chose to go ahead with the procedure.

When I arrived the staff were so friendly and helpful. Firstly I discussed my insecurities with my teeth and what I wanted to to fix with the brace, I told her how I was confident with my bottom teeth but I hated how my lateral incisors were much higher than the rest of my top teeth.

I was then taken for an x ray and the principal orthodontist Dr Patel reviewed them and checked over my teeth. He assured me that braces would work well for me and I would only need to have them fitted for around a year!

They took photographs of my teeth from several angles in order to track the progress of the brace journey (and I couldn't believe how awfully crooked my teeth looked).
The next step was talking me through brace options, costs and payment plans. 

I was shown examples of the different braces that would work for me, firstly the normal metal train track style braces (price starting from £1000), the next option is tooth coloured ceramic braces (from £1250) and lastly the lingual braces that sit behind of the teeth so they can't be seen (from £3500).

I chose to go with the ceramic braces and we spoke about the costs and I decided to pay over 15 months. I was booked in for the next week to get them fitted and I was buzzing with excitement!

On the big day I arrived about 15 minutes before my appointment and I was quickly taken to have moulds of my teeth done. It wasn't fun having the plastic dig in to my gums and it took her a few goes to get them perfect but it was over quickly.

Straight away I was in the chair and the orthodontist applied a glue to each of my teeth, even with a warning of how disgusting the glue would taste, I still wasn't prepared! The glue tasted like sour sweets (which I hate!)
 and with my mouth wide open I was almost choking. Next the orthodontist carefully placed a bracket on to each one of my upper teeth and set them with a UV light. The wire is then attached to each bracket by tying it with elastics (the elastics can be any colour you desire, but I'm sticking with the clear ones to keep it as discreet as possible). The excess wire was trimmed  and then I was all done!

I was given a bag filled with dental goodies and even a free Colgate electric toothbrush and I was shown a quick video explaining how I should brush and care for my braces.

Later that day I was fully anticipating the pain, it was about 5 hours later when it really kicked in. My Nan made some delicious soup so I could eat, but it still took me an hour to sip down the small bowl full.

The pain persisted for a week, I was living on soft food and dosing up on paracetamol at steady intervals throughout the day. The pain was honestly agonising, especially since I live on toast. A few days after getting the braces fitted I made a nice soft meal of scrambled tofu, of course adding the delicious ingredient of turmeric. When I finished I went to brush my teeth like after every meal, only to see that my braces had turned completely yellow... the turmeric!
I had been warned that eating strong coloured spices was risky and so I should avoid tomato based dishes and curry, but stupidly I had already forgotten this detail.
I vigorously brushed but it was too late.

It was a full seven days before the pain settled, but I grind my teeth when I sleep so I don't think the pain would last that long for others.

I lived my life with stained braces until five weeks later when I was due to get my braces tightened. The tightening process was literally so quick, I was in and out in about two minutes. The orthodontist just changed my stained elastics and tightened the wire.
Luckily there was no pain afterwards and I could eat as normal!

I couldn't be happier that I went ahead with getting the braces. Especially after seeing the comparison photo's I took of just five weeks difference!
I'm so excited to see the change over the next year....

I will do an update post when they're off and if you have any questions in the meantime just let me know!
Thanks for reading

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Simply Pure skin care range *Vegan Friendly*

I have been complaining non stop lately about the state of my skin.

Every night when I remove my makeup I'm greeted by red blotches, bumpy skin and mascara remnants.

Whenever I visit Superdrug I always check out their own ranges, because they are mostly Vegan and they are all cruelty free! This time I was pleased to see their new "Simply Pure" range and so I treated myself.

The packaging is modern and nicely done considering each product only set me back £2.69.

It looks like the designers have been inspired by Simple skincare, but the Simply Pure range aren't tested on animals so they're a lot more appealing!

I never feel guilty buying skin care goodies like this because I know that they are going to make a positive difference.

I'd become lazy recently and most nights I'd just quickly use a makeup wipe to clean my face before starting my extensive dental routine. I now realise I need to pay as much attention to my skin as I do my teeth!

So my new skincare regime begins with having a quick clean of my face with a makeup wipe. I then splash my face with warm water and put two pumps of the Foaming Cleanser on to my hands, I then massage this in to my skin and leave it for a minute until I can feel it bubble.

Next I squeeze some Refreshing Toner on to two cotton pads and I use circular motions to work them in to my face and neck (you will see the dirt coming off which is strangely motivating!).

To finish I use a generous amount of the moisturiser.

The end result really is amazing, since beginning the routine my skin feels and looks so much smoother and my breakouts have seriously reduced!

I haven't felt like I need to moisturise constantly and my makeup has been looking great all day!

No more lazy make up removal for me, I am sold with this simple routine...

Instagram @wolvesandflames