Thailand in photos

What feels like a million years ago now but was only back in mid-June, me and some friends took the journey to Thailand on a volunteering trip. Sitting here writing this now makes me so thankful of the opportunity and the new perspective it has given me on life. Here are some pictures to accompany that perspective

My everyday makeup | Holy Chic

Hello everyone. Hope your week is going well so far.

Today I am going to be going through my everyday face with you. Recently a lot of people have been asking me about my makeup and really I don’t understand why because it’s so basic but without even realising, I have actually changed nearly all of the products I have used.

So I guess here are the products I am currently using

Mascara: I finally gave into the lash sensational mascara by Maybelline. For me it adds a decent amount of length and separation to my lashes and I love the ergonomic design of the wand.

Eyebrows: so I picked up a new eyebrow brush and spooley duo from H&M which their stuff is awesome btw but, I have been using that with my black mono eyeshadow from MUA. I have also started setting them with the Rimmel brow this way clear gel which isn’t in this picture because I suck ;) (There will be more on that in a future post)

Eyeliners: so because I have fallen into the bad habit of browsing feelunique when I’m bored, I did manage to find two great eyeliners. Blessing in disguise eyy? The first being the Isadora flexi tip which is a jet black, you can go over it and lasts all day. The other being the Rimmel exaggerate eye definer. On the cheaper end of the spectrum but great for the waterline and doesn’t leak!

The base: okay so I despise foundation. I just really hate the way it feels on my skin and I feel like it congests my skin. In saying that, in around 2 days out of the week max when I’m really bothered or a day out, I will wear it just to cover some large hyperpigmentation. For that I will use the fit me foundation by Maybelline with a crease eyeshadow brush to blend it into the skin which I got in a set of 4 from amazon for like less than £2. But I am about to start testing out the real techniques complexion sponge so more on that soon ;)

And that’s it. My rambles aside, I told you it was really basic. I am very lazy when it comes to makeup so this just works for me.

See you all with a new post real soon x

 

Uni Dishes | Holy Chic

For those of you that go to uni, I’m pretty sure you’re glad you finished your exams and are now beginning the new semester again. There is something quite satisfying about having some sort of a routine again and actually having some sort of idea of what I am doing with my week.

The only thing to fuel you will be food. And if you have gotten bored of all of the dishes you were cooking last term, hopefully this post will spark some inspiration in your cooking.

Butter chicken with rice

I actually make this quite a lot. Sometimes from scratch and sometimes store bought for those really lazy days. I use cream, milk, butter, tomato sauce and water with seasoning but there are loads of more in depth recipes online. Season it all up and a meal in no time. Add rice, and maybe some sweet peppers for some colour and crunch

Courgetti

This is a great alternative to regular spaghetti. I had mine with chicken and tomato sauce but the last time I had it, it was with pan fried garlic butter prawns, get creative; add pesto, more veg. its so quick yet filling.

 

Eggs, spinach and avocado flat

A few hours to spare between your lectures? Here’s a lunch time option. Fried eggs for protein with veg on a tortilla wrap doesn’t need to be boring. Quick and simple for a lunch time pick me up

Macaroni and cheese

This is probably a uni cult classic but I have mine with a twist for some extra flavour. A regular white sauce where I mix the macaroni with some grated cheese, black pepper and mustard. Make simple, tasty.

Chicken with rice and tomato

Simple? Yes. Boring? It doesn’t have to be. I season the chicken with the usual and add some paprika. Switch out the rice with some wholegrain rice and quinoa and drizzle with carotina oil. It’s a little healthier and adds amazing flavour. Quickly panfry some tomatoes and you’re good to go.

 Fajitas

This is definitely a great one to do with your friends because you can all make something to contribute. I made mine with added tomatoes, spinach and guacamole but why not add sales, peppers, jalapenos, barbeque chicken, the options are endless.

So there you have it, 6, simple and relatively cheap meals for uni. What’s great about these meals is that they all filling and if you are a foodie like me, these will be right up your street. Not only that, they won’t break the bank. Student living doesn’t just have to be about 15p beans on toast and the dry pasta. Get creative on a budget. Meal prep is a great way to help with food spending too.

I will definitely be doing more food related posts because we could all use a little inspo right?

Things to do this week #3 | Holy Chic

Not only is it the start of a new week, it is also the 1^st of February tomorrow. Oh how time does really fly by and like seriously, what happened to January. I blinked and it was gone. But with the dawning of a new month, why not try something new.

 

Listen to: Alessia cara. Her music is basically an album describing my life but beside from that, her music is free from the music industry controlling crap. Know it all is an amazing album

Try this: smoothie making! I got a blender for Christmas and I have enjoyed creating new recipes and reading through smoothie books.

Cook this: courgetti because it’s a great alternative to regular spaghetti but also a great way to get some veg in a meal. I’ve had mine with chicken and prawns.

Watch this: okay so I have to recommendations. The hustle which is a throwback which is a difficult to explain programme but if you know the definition of hustle that’s basically it. Silent witness has recently returned and I am just loving murder mystery atm

Drink this: lemon water. Have a glass every morning and detox your body. It’s a really simple way to get your body going especially if you wake up early.

3 years later and here we are | Holy Chic

Today is special. And that's because 3 yrs ago today I decided to start this blog and make a fool of myself on the Internet. Now I can't quite recall the reasoning behind doing so but whatever it was I am sure as hell happy I did it. (Let's be real it was probably Zoella). I seem to have missed this date all too often and I have had my ups and downs with this blog. From 1 to two to a name change to a redesign, you name it, I've probably done it

But here it is Holy chic in 2016 with its own little space on the Internet.  Happy birthday little blog. Thanks for everything and here's to many more years of blogging to come ;)

Farfetch Competition | From Sweat to Chic | Holy Chic

Woah there, here is a throwback post for you all today. I do miss my styling posts sometimes. Let me know if I should do more in the comments! J

Having signed up to Zumba recently at my university and making somewhat of a promise to myself to be more active in 2016, I have just been infatuated with active wear. The pretty leggings and workout trainers and the amazing detailing on sports bra (which btw I envy all of you that wear those because my big boobs just need the support), but that’s okay, at least active wear caters for all of us right?

Farfetch  got in contact to tell me about a competition they were holding which included creating a workout outfit which is perfect. It combines my new found love for active wear and fashion styling which you guys know I will never shy away from :D

So today I am bringing you a workout outfit that you can switch up different pieces to make it appropriate for day or night wear. The aim; versatility.

 

The base; a sports bra because gotta support the ladies. And you don’t have to compromise support with chic clothing. Work out leggings for whether it be cardio, running or yoga. A baggy t shirt because there’s nothing worse than something tight when you are hot and sweaty. And the right trainers for the job.

So you have to meet up with the girls straight after. Don’t worry I have you covered.

Boyfriend/mom jeans; they are a great day to night piece with either the trainers shown above or dress it up in the evening with some strappy heels. They are also post work out friendly as to their fit and most importantly, food baby friendly

A jacket which is great for layering with plaid shirts etc. but also works great on its own day or night.

The obnoxious scarf: a cult classic these days and great for adding some extra warmth if your day includes being outside a fair bit

The rucksack. Okay so this isn’t the most gym friendly but if you can get the gear you need in it as well as it being a day bag, go for it. As it’s a backpack, it will be out of the way whilst perhaps exploring the city. But a gym bag with a smaller side bag inside would be my next go to.

And as I said versatility is key and I think when purchasing not only “regular clothing” but work out gear, it’s important to get more for your money. All the pieces u have shown are transitional and interchangeable with each other; great in any woman’s wardrobe.

 I hope this post inspired some of you and if you are in need of workout gear or inspiration for it, why not take a peek for yourself ;)

 Until next time my loves J

Summer 2016 | Holy Chic

Okay so I have some amazing news to share with you guys. You may have seen the odd tweet about it here and there but I am going to THAILAND! Yes it is really happening. But I have good reason to go. Here me out.

So this summer I will be going away to Thailand for 3 weeks with FutureSense foundation. They are an organisation that works for the benefit of disadvantaged communities around the world, and I will be supporting their efforts both as a fundraiser and as a volunteer during the expedition.

I will be volunteering to teach underprivileged children media literacy skills as well as other skills outside of their curriculum.

Now I am raising money for this and my target is £2250. And I am writing this to ask if you could support me in this challenge and donate whatever you can to the cause. Proceeds go to future sense foundation and helps fund more of the amazing work they do.

Here is a link to my Virgin giving money page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AmiraWilliams where you can make an online donation. If you cant donate, I would love it even more if you could share this page with your friends, family and other bloggers. The links to my donation page is also at the top of my blog under the ding "donate to Thailand".

If you made it to the end, I appreciate you taking the time out to read this message. Have a great rest of your day and THANK YOU!! <3

If you want to know more about the amazing work that future sense foundation do, click here: http://www.futuresensefoundation.org/