Curing A Hangover: A Guide

(source: pinterest)

We all have been there. Waking up, totally confused with a bad headache and the feeling of wanting to die. Trying to figure out what the hell had happened last night and the promise to never drink alcohol ever again! Such a barefaced lie.

The older you get, the longer your body needs to recover from a badass night out. The reason for that? Quite easy to answer: Our liver produces less antioxidants as we age, which is essential for a good recovery.

Before starting with the little guide, I just wanted to add that alcohol is a toxin and consequently not healthy for your body. I'm neither trying to convince nor do I want to endorse drinking alcohol in a high amount. It is rather a go-to guide for someone who had just one too many drinks after a cheeky night out with friends. All in all it is best not to drink at all - of course! But: one glass of wine won't do any damage. It is even good for your heart (scientifically proven!).

Prevention is the key

It is super important not to drink on an empty stomach. As well as not to down every drink in one go. Take your time, add one or two glasses of water between you start your next drink. Besides, it is advisable not to mix too many drinks. I you want to drink beer, try not to mix it with wine and different shots. Your body will be overstrained to break down all the toxins, so don't exaggerate it.

What to do if prevention didn't work...?

The first thing to do after waking up is to drink as much water as you can. Alcohol is known for dehydrating your body - that's why you end up having a headache and dull skin. Make sure you leave a big glass of water next to your bed before you go out, so you don't even have to get up in the morning and can relax for a bit. 

Try to charge up your vitamin levels by eating a lot of fruits and veg throughout the day. Even if I just had two glasses of wine the night before, I try to start with a delicious smoothie in the morning and to eat a salad (e.g. with quinoa) for lunch. Three cups of green tea are essential for my daily routine.

Exercising is another important factor. You don't need to run 5 miles. Just go out, get some fresh air and you will feel so much better. 

End your day by relaxing with a hot bath, a mask to hydrate your skin and a reading a book. Or go through your drunk texts...

Have a good day x

About Happiness & Letting Go

I am not quite sure how this post will turn out, to be honest. I just felt the need to sit down and write. Write about things that happened in the last couple of weeks, things I am thinking about and which bother me at the moment.

It's Saturday evening and I am about to go out for dinner and drinks with a few of my favourite girls (hi, I know you're reading this haha). We haven't spend too much time lately and that's why I am really looking forward to finally sit down with them and to have a nice, quiet evening filled with (deep) convos and laughters.

This is one of the things I really want to do more often. Spend time with people who matter, I care about, who support and inspire me and - most importantly - I know they feel the same about me. I want to keep those people closer than ever and share memories with them. At the same time I want to distance myself from negativity and I have the feeling that there is so much of it around me at the moment. And sometimes this can be really hard. Especially when negativity is spreading from people, who you are actually used to have in your life. 

Right now, I don't know how to deal with it. I started to take a step back, trying not to think about it and not letting things overpower my mind. I feel so much better with positivity, that's why I think, that it's important to be a bit selfish when it comes to that. In the end you have to be in peace with yourself.

People say that happiness comes from within and this is so true. If you think positively and start accepting yourself, nothing can stop you. A positive mind is so valuable, you should never let go of it. 

I can't even tell when I started to feel like this, because I never actually thought about it. It wasn't until 2016 started and I took some time just being with myself and recapping the last year(s). I was thinking about all the good and bad times and what made them good or bad. I was thinking back to my childhood and how much easier everything was. I was thinking about how far I've come. And this is making me proud. I still don't know where I'm actually going, but then - who does?

The only thing I want to achieve is to stay positive and (as cheesy as it sounds) happiness. I recognized how much more motivated I am and comfortable I feel in my own skin. 

For the future, I want to be more by myself and figure out how to deal with negativism in a more mature and pleasant way. Time will tell.

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I'd love to hear about stuff that is going on in your life right now x

Follow

5 Important Things I've Learned in 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had a great start to 2016 and you're pumped to make the best out of it. I am sure it's going to be a great year full of adventures and new experiences. It's not going to be easy sometimes, but we grow with every hurdle we leap and that's a great thing, isn't it?
As I was recapitulating the last year, I thought that I might share a few things I've learned during the last twelve months.

 01. Things actually happen for a reason 

This sounds weird, but I really believe in it. I struggled so much with anxiety in the beginning of 2015 and I wouldn't be where I am today without it. It made me realize that sometimes really shitty things happen in life, but they make sense in the end. I quit uni and started a new course, and this was the best decision I made last year.

 02. People come and people go 

But this hasn't to be a bad thing at all. Everybody grows and now and then people also grow apart. Not every friendship/relationship is meant to last forever, but eventually they will and in this case you can be sure that it's a special one. Don't make someone a priority if they only make you an option.

 03. Distance is sometimes all you need 

Nothing makes me happier than sitting on the plane and flying somewhere new. I love adventures, meeting new people and getting to know more about a culture. Last year I was able to tick Alicante and Brighton off my list and I had such a great time. The major reason why I travel is escape. Not because I want to run away, I just need distance to clear my mind so I can focus again.

 04. Don't be scared to try something new 

In order to widen our horizon we need to look behind the plate, that's why it's important to try something new. It doesn't matter if it's a new hobby or a new type of sport. Don't let anyone tell you you're too old, small or big to start with something. I started playing tennis during the summer and I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to focus a bit more on this one really soon!

 05. Don't overthink and stress about little things 

I must say that I really got better when it comes to stress. I still get nervous when something unexpected happens but I am calmer now and I try to step back in order to see the big picture. A lot of things we stress about won't matter next months anyways, so why be grumpy? Everything's going to be alright in the end.

What have you learned over the last year? x

My Christmas & Birthday Wishlist

32 days until christmas. Thirty-two. I was a bit shocked when I googled the actual amount. The days are going by even faster when your days are filled with uni, studying for final exams, working and well.. sleeping. I am sure a lot of you know what it feels like.

Since being at uni and living quite far away from my parents I am even more looking forward to christmas, and spending time with my loved ones became even more important to me. Another highlight is the Christmas menu. My family is partly Polish, so it's quite common to eat fish. My dad always prepares fresh carp and it's so super delicious. But let's not talk about food now!

Christmas is around the corner and so is my 22nd birthday. 

(1) Coldplay "A Head Full Of Dreams"-Tour 2016. 

One of my biggest wishes and number one on my bucket list is to see Coldplay live. They are by far my favourite band and I know almost every song by heart. Seeing them play in London would be an unforgettable experience.

(2) Kate Spade Initial Pendant Necklace.

I have a soft spot for minimalistic jewelry and this necklace is absolutely stunning. I saw it first on Lily Pepples and fell in love.

(3) Lacoste Sneaker.

After a uni party my white Converse got completely destroyed (R.I.P!). That's the reason why I need new white sneaker, which are easier to clean. I found those online and I think they could be the one I am looking for.

(4) Givenchy Dahlia Divin.

I received a small tester of this perfume and I can't stop using it. It smells quite unique: woody and bloomy and not too sweet at the same time. I am also a big fan of the flacon (what a surprise ;)).

(5) iPhone Silicone Case.

My phone needs a new case and this silicone one seems to be a really nice one. I wanted to try out something different from the hard cases, which I usually use. In fact they can sometimes be a bit heavy.

(6) Daniel Wellington Watch - Classic Sheffield Lady.

Minimalistic and elegant. This watch is not just beautiful to look at but the concept is quite convenient. I really like the idea of changing the bracelet whenever I feel like it and the company has a nice range as well.

(7) Frends Layla Headphones Rosegold

I am flirting with the idea of getting those headphones since two years already. They are supposed to be comfortable to wear and it's even possible to make them smaller which comes in handy while traveling. Plus you can get them in rose-gold, how perfect is that??


What are you going to write on your christmas wishlist? x

Life Right Now #2

I am not quite sure how to start this post. It even feels weird to sit at my desk and to actually write something not uni-related. As some of you know I changed my course and I am studying Media & Communication right now. I really enjoy it and it was definitely the right decision. The last couple of months were filled with great moments and events, stressing over presentations and working, of course.
My room is a mess right now, the desk full of learning material and I am trying my best to get everything organized. My exams are taking place mid December, so there is not much time left.
To be honest, I am really proud of myself because I am not procrastinating as much as I used to do. Hope this won't change!

I don't want to make excuses for the silence on my blog, I just thought, that it would be appropriate to explain my current situation. Nevertheless I have really cool things coming up soon, so stay tuned!

Besides I wanted to say thank you for all the sweet comments I received during the last weeks. It's an amazing feeling to see people still reading my articles and leaving nice words. I hope you are all doing well and I will be back asap!

Lots of love xx

The Round-Up: August 2015

Dear August,

you have truly been a roller coaster to me. A fast one, with quite a few loopings. You made me lose my mind - in a positive way and I feel blessed. Because of all this amazing people around me, who I can call my friends. Because I have the opportunity to live the life I want to, in the city I always adored. Even though I had to leave, I enjoyed every minute. In fact it was not a goodbye, and it never will be one. You can take the girl out of London, but you can't take London out of the girl.

I learned to calm down in stressful situations even with anxiety standing behind me. I learned, that you just need the right people in your life, who make things happen. Just for you, because they want to make you smile. I learned, that spending a day at the beach - far away from London's noise and crowded places - is sometimes all you need to clear your mind.

In the beginning I was scared of your arrival, but there was no going back. I was just too afraid of all the changes you brought with you. I'm glad I had to face my fears to overcome them, to be myself again. Everything will be alright in the end. It always will be.

It was nice having you, August. Thanks for dropping by and I will see you next year. x

Tips On Being An Aupair

(source: pinterest)

After graduating from high school in 2013 it was time for new adventures. I wanted to leave my old life behind and just go somewhere. New experiences, tons of new memories, meeting new people - that's all I wanted. That's why I decided to move to London and be an Aupair, and you know what? It was the best decision I have ever made in my entire life.
Not only will you improve your second language and live in an amazing new country/city, you will also grow. You will grow with every responsibility, every new task, every problem you solve and eventually you will find out what you really want in life. You will start to appreciate yourself and others, especially your parents more. You will learn about your personal values and priorities and how to achieve your goals. I'm not gonna lie: it will be tough and you might struggle with homesickness. Being an Aupair is a huge responsibility since you are looking after (young) children. It is really fun and an incredible feeling watching them learn new stuff like reading, but it's hard work as well. You have to make sure they are safe and happy, which can be hard in the beginning since you and the kids have to bond.
As an Aupair one of your duties will also be running the household. It depends on your family how much you will be in charge of it but as far as I know it consists of cooking, keeping the house tidy and other bits and bobs.

Most of the new Aupairs are arriving around August/September and since I have been an Aupair for almost 1 1/2 years in total I thought I'd share some of the most important things you need to know if you decide to become one as well.

1. Hire an agency

Hiring an agency will make your life so much easier. You can be sure that your future host family has been approved and if anything goes wrong you can actually contact someone. Your agency will support you regarding questions/needs and they will make sure that you and your family are compatible.

2. Say "No"

Your agency will send you portfolios with different families and you can decide which one you want to Skype with. Portfolios usually contain a letter to the future Aupair, a form and pictures of the family. Read everything carefully and just make sure how you feel about it. Are you okay with the duties? Do you think you will get on well together? Do you feel comfortable?
If you're not: tell your agency about it and read the next portfolio until you are happy with a family you want to Skype with.

3. Be yourself

I was so nervous and excited when I decided to Skype with the first family. I can give you just one simple advice on this: inhale, exhale, don't worry and be yourself. Have a nice casual chat, ask them questions about their daily routine, if they had Aupairs before and about your duties. Tell them about yourself and what you expect. After the "interview" you can decide whether you want to talk again or not. The second/third talk is usually the most important one because you decide if you want to be their Aupair. Once you made a decision the real adventure is starting.

4. Keep yourself busy

The first few weeks will be hard. You are living in a different country in a different house with people you don't even really know. Try to spend some quality time with your host family, talk to them and simply get to know each other. You can attend a language school to improve the language and meet other Aupairs in your area. Meet up for coffees or plan play dates with the kids, explore your neighbourhood and spend some time on your own. Keeping yourself busy will help you to settle down and most importantly reduce homesickness.

5. Give the best you can

Make sure you fulfill all the tasks efficiently and with a clear conscience. The family hired you to help and support them, and since being at work all day they can't do certain stuff. Make their life easier by doing little things like taking the garbage out, preparing dinner, etc.
You can also integrate the kids by making it fun. What about a competition: "who will be the fastest tidying up all the toys?" If they are older they can also help you prepare a meal. They can measure out liquid, stir the sauce or even cut up veggies.

6. Talk to your host parents

If anything is not going how you expected (i.e. jobwise) and you are unhappy, talk to your host parents. Tell them how you feel and why you are concerned. It is better to talk about it then to ignore it because it will pile up and lead to frustration and you won't be able to enjoy your time abroad.
If it doesn't get better you can contact your agency and explain your concern objectively. They will support you and - in the worst/best case - you can change the family.

7. Enjoy

Okay, so far it sounded like you have to work, work, work, but I guarantee, you will also have time off. Sometimes it can be overwhelming so get out of the house. Meet your new friends for some drinks, go out on the weekends and travel. When you are in America you have the opportunity to visit  all this amazing places and it is so much cheaper to fly intercontinentally.
Try the local food and learn about the country's history and culture. Take pictures, make new experiences and get involved. By doing this you will have the time of your life. And that's what you deserve.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! You can also write me an email at
nexttolondon@gmail.com  and I will respond asap!

Take care x

Liebster-Award

(source: littlemisadventures.com)

I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Nadia (thanks, love!). I am super excited about it and I can't wait to answer all the questions. For those who are wondering what this is all about:
the Liebster Award is given amongst bloggers to connect and find out more about each other by asking questions. After answering them you can tag other bloggers and ask them anything you want!
Leeeet's go!

1. Favourite place you've ever visited?

Last year I was visiting my friend in America and we did a road trip down the West Coast, so I've seen a lot of nice places. My favourite one was San Francisco, I immediately felt really comfortable there and it's such a beautiful and diverse city. I could even imagine spending there a few years of my life.

2. Top 3 TV show/TV series?

I recently started watching The Affair, which I am completely addicted to. I love the way the story is told and it just messes with your head. If you love a good psychological drama, def go and watch.
Secondly I love, love, love Breaking Bad! I watched all five seasons within two weeks, I think this says a lot. Last but not least I really enjoy watching comedies like The Big Bang Theory/Scrubs/HIMYM/... .

3. Favourite Make Up brand?

I am using various brand so I don't really have one favourite one. But if I have to settle down, I'd go for Maybelline.

4. Can't-live-without-item?

My notebook!

5. Your favourite blogger?

Suzie (Hello October) | Mandy (A Girl, Obsessed) | Julia (Gal Meets Glam)

6. What do you like most about your blog?

I love writing about stuff I personally enjoy reading about on other blogs. It's so nice to have my own "playground" which I can fill with anything I want to. And the best thing is reading the lovely comments of you guys! It always brightens up my day to hear what you think and if you like what I'm writing about.

7. Best advice you can give to a friend?

Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not - it's not the end.

8. What is the most recent book you've read? Did you like it?

Currently I am reading Still Thinking Of You by Adele Parks. It's an easy read about old friendships and new lovers and all the troubles grown ups deal with. So far it's quite nice but def not my fave!

9. Favourite online shopping website?

ASOS! Always hanging out there.

10. What makes you smile?

Being with my family and friends and not worrying, traveling and exploring new places, finishing a workout

I think it's time now to tag a few people:
Rosy (Love Decorations) | Michelle (Beautiful Fairy) | Lisa (LSBLD)
& everyone who would like to join!

Alright girls, here are my questions for you:

1. What's the first thing on your bucket list?
2. How does a perfect day in your life look like?
3. Pizza or Pasta?
4. What is your favourite quote?
5. If money wasn't a thing thing, what would you be doing for a living?
6. What are you passionate about?
7. Do you have pets?
8. One point of advice you would give your younger self?
9. Why did you start blogging?
10. Do you play an instrument?

Have fun! x

Life Right Now #1

It is funny how your life can change within a second. In one moment you are watching TV, cleaning and not thinking about your future and in the next moment new possibilities are opening up. 

Last week was super busy and stressful and I'm so so sorry I didn't post anything. I just wasn't myself and had to figure out so much stuff regarding my future. It is pretty terrifying to commit, at least it is for me. So at first I want you to know the background story:

I started studying Business Administration in Germany last year but I quickly figured out that it was a really bad idea. I just wasn't interested in my courses and studying for the exams was literally a pain! I knew that I couldn't continue doing something I just didn't enjoy at all. That's why I went back to London. Back home. I just wanted to well... run away, I guess. Before leaving I applied for a different course in Germany, not sure if I would receive a positive answer. 

So, London it was. You can probably tell that I am absolutely happy here, it's just the place to be for me. At this point I didn't really care anymore about going back to Germany. Everything seems to be better here but staying here was "just" Plan B. A rejection of uni would mean a lot of paperwork, moving to a different country and just living a complete different life. I think you can imagine how I felt being caught in the middle. 

August came and I knew the response was on its way. It was weird because in this moment I wasn't thinking at all about the mess. I just wanted to check my phone before going back to work and there it was. A simple email. After a few seconds of hesitation I opened it and yea.. I got accepted.

So many feelings and thoughts were rushing through my mind and I felt a bit of relief. I texted all of friends and my parents of course. After a lot of hugs and congratulation messages I started to feel sad. 

Being accepted meant leaving London and all my best friends really soon. But I think that there's also a reason behind it which I don't know yet. I will be fine though. That's all I need to know.

At the end of August I will fly back to Germany, back to my daily routine. Although I am really sad I am leaving, I catch myself sometimes having a thrill of anticipation. 

I hope you are alright. Take care, peeps! x

The Round-Up: July 2015

I don't want to be one of those people but: I can't believe July is already over. How is this even possible? I feel like the days, weeks and months are just passing by. So many beautiful things happened in July and I had an amazing and exciting month. Before starting with the eighth chapter for this year I wanted to sum up those passed four weeks.

Books I've Read

"Me Before You" - Jojo Moyes. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love. I really wish I could read it for the first time again. Enjoy every second of your life and make the best of it, guys, you never know what could happen.

Songs I've Listened To

"X" - Ed Sheeran. I probably don't have to explain why I love this album. Ed Sheeran is amazing and every song is so beautiful. My favorites are "Tenerife Sea", "Runaway" and "I See Fire".

Things I've Worn

"Abingworth Bracelet" - Jack Wills (shop here). This is one of those things you buy and you never want to take off again. The fine, waxed cord looks lovely on your wrist and it's simply a nice piece of jewelry to wear. The golden heart shaped lock charm (what a mouthful..) is beautiful and definitely an eye-catcher!

Products I've Used

"Sunkissed" Maybelline Super Stay. As already predicted here I was rocking this nail polish the whole month and I'm still all over it!

Moments I've Experienced

Since being back in London I've woken up so happy and energetic every single morning. I feel so blessed living here for the whole summer and spending a lot of time with my best friends.
I also started to play tennis and I'm already addicted to it. I might not be the new Federer but it's so much fun and I can't wait to get my first own tennis racquet.

Lessons I've Learned

Live life to the fullest. Enjoy every second. Smile. Dance in the rain. Forget about whatever is bothering you and try to be as happy as possible. Don't plan everything in advance and have some time by yourself.

I wish you all a great start into August. Let's rock this following month x

5 Steps: How To Deal With A Break-Up

(source: weheartit)

Going through a break-up is a tough time. And it effects your mind a lot. You walk down memory lane, just the good things on your mind and you just CAN'T understand why your ex ditched you and the beautiful time you had together. You want to snuggle up in bed, eat Ben&Jerrys and wallow in self-pity. And you know what? That's totally okay!
Inspired by my friend, who is suffering from a heartbreak, I wanted to write a little guide. I am not a therapist or someone professional, I just want to give you advice and tell you what helps me to make it through a break-up. I know that every person is dealing differently with this kind of situation.
And here is my way to survive.

Step 1: Be-a-chocolate-addicted-whiny-baby

Okay, it's over but you just can't realize it. It's okay to neglect yourself, to eat an excessive amount of chocolate and to sing along loudly to Leona Lewis' version of "Run". Your emotions are running high, let go of them. Cry. Cry as much as you want until there are no more tears left to cry. Punch your pillow, throw things around until you are exhausted and you feel "empty".

Step 2: Get rid of your ex' stuff

You can't move on if you still sleep with his shirt or his face is still your phone background. Get rid of this stuff! You don't have to throw everything away. He will always be a part of your life and you also had good times together. You might regret it if you delete/junk every single picture you took together. Put all the important stuff you want to keep (i.e. a sweet letter/card, holiday pictures) in a box and put it away where you can't see it. Throw all the rest (like his shirt, perfume or whatever) away! You will feel so much better and released.

 

Step 3: Acceptance & Distraction

It will take time to accept that there is no coming back. But once you reached that point you will also realize that it might have been the right decision. You will realize you both had problems in your relationship and that your ex was brave and smart enough to figure them out while you were probably ignoring them. Speak to your friends, they know how hard break-ups are and they will support you.
You don't have to go out in a club yet. You probably still don't want to be surrounded by a lot of people (especially couples). Take your time. But try to take the next step: try to move on.

 

Step 4: Moving On

After all the tears and the final acceptance it's time to move on. Get your ass outside, meet your friends, go out for drinks. It's time to go back to life. Your friends were very patient the last weeks, but they also have limits. They understand your sadness and they love to listen to you, but after a while they'll be annoyed. So grab your best friends and go to a Zumba lesson! Moving on is the best you can do right now.

Step 5: Dating someone new

But don't do it if you're not fully ready for it! This wouldn't be fair at all. Dating someone new means that you are over your last relationship and you are ready for a new one. Take your time to get to know each other and learn from your last relationship. You will be alright. Always remember: Every failed relationship brings you closer to Mr./Mrs. Right. :)


How do you deal with a break-up? Feel free to give advice or to tell your opinion via the comment section.