How To Prepare For A New Semester

Whether you're at school, a fresher or returning to study imminently, today I'm talking about preparing to get back to class. I'm heading back to Nottingham University for my third and final year as an English student in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to going back although I'm definitely feeling a little lazy at the prospect of work- reading? What is reading? However, I've already done two Autumn semesters and (somehow) have grades I'm pleased with firmly under my belt so I thought I would share some 'wisdom' (I hate patronising 'expert' posts by non-experts, so let me say, this is just personal experience!)

1. Check your emails. Just check em. There is nothing worse than being out of the loop for meetings, classes and sign-ups. I once made the mistake of being a little late getting onto an online seminar sign-up and got stuck in classes at super awkward times. It gets annoying pretty quickly and is enough to kill your motivation to attend. As the start of term draws near, check to see if there's anything you need to be doing and any lists you need to get your name on.

2. Buy a planner or diary. I'm not saying it's necessarily worth blowing your money on anything stupidly expensive, but just get something to write down where you need to be and when. Jot down tasks and deadlines- be it paying your rent (yuck) or reading that Dickens (yuck yuck.) Oh and write down fun stuff too else you'll definitely go crazy.

3. Go stationery crazy... because you can. It is my last year as a student so I'm gonna hit Muji so hard in the next few weeks. I would be nowhere/have no sense of self-worth if I didn't have my Muji Lists to jot down tasks to proudly tick off before rewarding myself with doughnuts.

4. If you're someplace new then the take time to get familiar... with your campus, your tutor's office hours, places to grab food/coffee...it's all about familiarisation! It feels worlds away when you get there, but those three things are the vitals. Take time out of the craziness of freshers' week to explore.

5. Start reading that reading list Keeping up with reading lists is my biggest struggle. I have never once been on the ball with my reading (has anyone?) but if you can at least read one thing before you get back to classes then it's a start. Have I done that yet? My dusty copy of Brave New World is sitting staring at me right now.

6. Finally, blog wise... If you're reading this then there's a good chance you're also a blogger (hello non-bloggers, I love your company too.) The first few weeks of term can be a little wild so you probably want to think about drafting and scheduling posts more seriously than usual. I'm currently working on taking photos for a load of posts so that there's just the writing to do. You put-together people probably already do this so sorry if I'm insulting your organisational skills.

The start of term will always make you feel a little all over the place (stressed...excited...lazy if you're me) but I really hope this inspired you to get into the geek spirit and embrace your studies! I realise that this post isn't particularly freshers-oriented but if anyone wants to chat uni stuff then feel free to drop me an email. I'd be more than happy to chat!

Til next time xo

Pins Of The Week/Weekly Chit Chat #3

This poorly-maintained feature is back! Apologies..I've been pretty rubbish at blogging the past few weeks, but my Pinterest (as always) has been alive and well. When I go quiet on here rest assured I'll be pinning away regardless. Here's what I've been loving this week!

Image sources: The Sun, modernhepburn.tumblr.com, blancuie.tumblr.com, thegirlnextdior.tumblr.com

• I finally got my hair done after a long long period of procrastination. I went through a phase of being red but quickly realised how high maintenance the colour is. Instead, I had my locks chopped to shoulder length and dyed dark (it's still got some red coming through but I quite like it.) I was unhappy with it at first but I think it's what needed to happen. And how hot does KP look with, essentially, the same chop? I need to learn that my hair is never going to be long and silky...so why not embrace short and crazy instead? (Just convincing myself over here.)
• Clothing wise, all I'm lusting after is shirts: plaid, chambray, denim, you name it and I probably want it. The weather in England is a little glum again but definitely not cold, so a shirt is a perfect option for a casual daytime look. Or anytime look. I like to sleep in shirts too so I'm quite literally living in them.
• I'm off to Berlin next week so have begun thinking about what I want to pack. I think a grey maxi and a big felt hat is going to be my go-to look. Anyone been to Berlin? Please leave me your tips on exploring the city or leave links to blog posts if you've documented your travels! I'm really excited to visit so I will definitely be doing a post/posts on my time when I return so watch this space if you're interested.
• The above advice should be employed by all and we'd have a very nice world to live in.

Thank you for sticking with me in my absence! Alas, I will be away next week and no, I don't have any posts scheduled (I'm not one of those organised bloggers...yet) but I will be back with some snaps from my travels.
How has your week been? As always, thank you for reading xo

Pins of the Week/Weekly Chit Chat #2

Back with my weekly loves and an update! I've been at home this week and have had a blissful time drinking wine in the bath, walking in the sunshine, seeing best friends and generally lazing around... but today I am back at university eagerly awaiting the end of (everyone else's) exams so that we can partaay! Let's get cracking:

• My current fashion 'want' is a lace-detailed cotton blouse. I went to see the charming Hunter Hayes in Birmingham this week and I spent half the time admiring the country-inspired outift choices in the crowd! Seriously...this one girl had on a pair of electric blue Hondos and the whole queue waiting to go inside literally stopped still and stared. All I want to wear now is a cotton blouse, denim shorts and some snazzy cowboy boots. Working on it.
• Every single time I see beautiful makeup storage, my heart goes all a-flutter. Up until pretty recently I hadn't even got a method to my storage: I really need a top that says 'Pinterest Made Me Do It' because I've seriously hopped up onto the bandwagon. I've already got some clear storage off Amazon- namely a large lipstick holder and a brush holder- both of which were super cheap but took an age to arrive. So this weekend I purchased a big holder from TK Maxx and now all I need is a set of draws like this. *Prowls away in search.*
• I forget how pretty my hometown is until I actually get there. Birmingham is generally a bit of a (lovable) concrete jungle but inside the suburbs there are some lovely places. I live near Bournville (chocolate factory land) and the flowers were all out this week! 
• Oh, Atticus. I love this. Give people comfort. What a nice sentiment. Working on that one too. 

How's your week been? As always, just click here to find me on Pinterest.

Pins of the Week/Weekly Chit Chat #1

Hey y'all! I'm trialing a new feature I've seen floating around...sharing the stuff I've been loving on Pinterest this week. I'm pretty much addicted to Pinning, but figure it's a brilliant source of inspiration- for everything from fashion to baking to interiors to blog post ideas. I reckon this feature is going to give me a chance to just have a general chit-chat too, which is always nice. Here are my faves from this week! (numbered clockwise.)

1. I know everyone already has too many mugs (*cough* me *cough*) but I've been obsessing over cute ones with quotes on recently. Even better if they're Game of Thrones related, but this one from Anthropologie has such a pretty design. I'm thinking of using mugs to store makeup brushes-I can't be bothered to wait the ridiculous shipping time on the clear holders from Amazon, no matter how cheap they are- so I figure this could be the way forward.
2. I've begun the sandal search for summer and these seriously caught my eye! I may end up purchasing two new pairs seeing as sandals like this aren't great for summer sightseeing etc (granny sandals anyone?) I adore anything with a lace-up feature like this though. 
3. I don't know about you, but I hate finding myself guilty of not living in the moment. People who have to photograph, snapchat, and tweet everything- from dinner to filming a gig instead of just watching and listening- seriously? It's so important to enjoy things just... because.
4. This pin gives me life! Oh how I love a clean, well organised dresser! I seriously want a tray like this but wouldn't even know where to start looking. Suggestions? 

If you're on Pinterest too...let's be friends! I'm over here. Happy Pinning and happy Friday! xo

Got Me A New Blog Name: Introducing Getting to Nomi

Hi lovely people! Just thought I'd let you know that I've (finally) chosen a 'real' blog name! I've had my title set as my name ever since I began blogging this year so figured it was time to 'name my baby' and get a more professional looking header to celebrate. If you want to read the (very simple) reason behind it then swing by my about me page.

Unfortunately my url has not yet been changed as someone already owns the blogspot version. Sad times. I'm keeping it as my name for now but hopefully I'll make some changes in the future.

Some of my social media @s have changed (not that it makes a difference if you're already following.) I've put the links below. If you don't already follow me, let's link!

Pinterest

Bloglovin

Twitter

Instagram

I'm also on Polyvore (I've never shared this link before as I seriously don't understand Polyvore...but it's so much fun!)

Thought I would also take this opportunity to thank all my readers who tune in, comment or just follow. I seriously never thought I would encounter so many lovely people in such a short space of time. I'm so excited that I've finally got a 'brand name' and can't wait to see what the future holds! Bear with me whilst I get this space looking the way I want it (I'll probably mess something up in the process.) 

Thanks for Getting to Nomi. Til next time xo

Desk Tour

Hey lovelies! I adore reading nosy posts like this so I thought why not write one myself? I've done a tour of my desk at my Nottingham 'uni home.' It's not perfect by any means (I'm genuinely addicted to the Pinterest 'beautiful desk' search) but seeing as it's essentially not my 'own', it's not how I'd quite like it to be: I can't put stuff up on the walls or light candles, for instance. Nevertheless, I like my little space and I think having a clean, organised place to work and write is essential. Here we go!

This white surface is, for one, impossible to keep clean...especially with all the makeup and nail varnish I go through. However, I do think it looks really nice, and it encourages me to tidy! My desk chair itself is actually a nice one but I like to cover it in a throw and cushion just to keep it cosy. This is where my laptop lives: I love laptop stickers and this one can be found here.

I keep a few nail varnishes on my desk, simply because there's no room for them elsewhere! This is probably 1/8 of my entire nail varnish collection (oops) but I go through phases of favourites. I also have some flowers (real ones are obviously nicer but they don't last forever so fake is the way!) and I'm the kind of person who never throws a card away so there's usually one that makes me happy on my desk.

I keep my kindle on my desk as well as my reading glasses (I wear Gok Wan model 56 if anyone cares to know!) At the minute I'm reading Atul Gawande Being Mortal. Reading novels full time as my degree has kinda meant I've fallen out of my love affair with reading fiction for fun. However, over the past year or so I've definitely found my non-fiction niche; it just so happens to be anything on mortality/death theory/all that cheery stuff. Keeping my kindle next to me means I'm more encouraged to read and take breaks from work that don't involve (wasting time on) the internet. 

And then I have a pretty random selection of stuff on a cork mat! I'm usually drinking Earl Grey, I've got a pot of pens and highlighters, some Body Shop Coconut hand cream, a selection of rings and to top it off, a purple sparkly Jesus who has kinda become my mascot. 

I love staying organised. My planner helps me with where I need to be and when and I love using Muji to-do lists to plan my work and errands. Meri Meri note sheets are the best for other reminders and general shopping/reading lists. Jack Wills post-its are great because they contain big stickers as well as tiny tabs, which are great to mark out places in books.

That's about it! Hoped you enjoyed snooping round my desk. Til next time xo

Tips For Perfect Prom Prep & My Prom Experience

Prom season is approaching. I myself have long done the two proms available to me in my life, so thought I'd compile a list of what I learnt in terms of getting prepped.

I think there are some differences between prom in America and prom in the UK (massively stereotyping here) ... but we don't do promposals or anything like that! To my knowledge, most people in the UK do prom without having to find a 'date.' I also feel like prom is less of a 'big deal' here and it's a bit more casual. I'm so intrigued by 'prom culture' though so please let me know what your prom was like/any prom traditions where you are because I'm genuinely interested!

Also: Keep reading this post if you wanna see what I wore!

1. Make sure your dress fits you...to the very last minute
I had a mishap at my first prom in that I bought my dress 6 months early....come prom day, I literally had to squeeze into it. I found it in London, fell in love with it, and didn't even consider the fact it might not fit in half a year. A zip may have bust in the process. Try your dress on regularly!

2. Shoes are important
Obviously they've got to look nice, but seriously...you are gonna dance! The Steve Madden babies I wore to my second prom were way too high for me. I knew this, but did this change my mind? No. The sparkle was too strong a force. If your shoes aren't the comfiest things ever (and lets be honest, they probably won't be) then get some gel liners. You will thank me in the early hours.

3. If you get a tan, make sure you think ahead in terms of makeup
I didn't even think about the fact my foundation was going to be way too light for my face. Bronzer was used heavily, but this obviously isn't ideal! Basically...if you're gonna be a different colour than usual, don't forget that big feature...your face!

4. Make sure you have enough time to get ready...but not too much time
With all the excitement it can be so tempting to begin your transformation super early. Getting ready is a big part of the fun, yes siree, but getting ready too early can mean your makeup doesn't last/hair doesn't stay curled/etc. Resist the urge!

5. Consider DIY
I did my own hair for both my proms and my makeup the first time. The second time my best friend did it, which I was super thankful for because it's so much less stress! I personally can't think of any occasion I would want someone other than myself or someone who knows what kind of look I like doing my makeup. Getting your makeup done can often lead to a look that just doesn't look like you. Instead, amp up your own stuff: get some really nice lashes, buy a new lipstick, or whatever makes your face feel that bit special.


I had to scroll a long way through my Facebook pictures to find these. Hence the tiny cropped pics. Emotional roller coaster, hello (any outfit deets I can recall are listed.)

Prom Numero Uno: Lol. As you can see, prom was pretty casual first time round. I seem to have pretty much just thrown in a mix of everything I like. Gold, solver, lace up heels, feather earrings...if I liked it, it got a feature. I almost definitely wouldn't choose this ensemble if I did prom again, but I loved it at the time and that's all that matters!
                                       

Dress: Traffic People 

Shoes: Ugly Duckling 

(I really didn't make these brand names up)

Prom Numero Dos: Observe the pale-ish face tanned body issue. Feel my pain. As you can see though, I love me some gold. I still love this dress, love these shoes and really enjoyed wearing this ensemble. I just wish I could still get into any of it (nope, even the shoes don't fit...big feet issues) (also, just whuut is that Instagram filter?)

Dress: Karen Millen

Shoes: Steve Madden

Clutch: John Lewis

If you're prom-ing this year, tell me what you're planning on wearing! I'm hopefully going to be doing a few prom looks on upcoming prom gals and will be blogging about it. Til next time xo

Nothing A Hot Bath Won't Cure

instagram: naomi_alice

Okay so there are some things a hot bath won't cure, obviously...but a bath is a darn good remedy for a lot of things. A place to relax; to read; to sing; to cleanse. Here's an ode to one of the oldest past times of our world and some of my bath time favourites.

A lil whisky lemonade never hurt nobody. Tea is almost as good. There's something about bubbles and alcohol (or alcohol with bubbles) that makes for perfect relaxation. 

I love reading in the bath. Magazines are good but they tend to get soggy and all the advertisements fall out so you're swimming in perfume ads and scratchcards. Take a book. Or a kindle. Just try not to drop it.

The steam opens up our pores and gets blood flowing to our face: baths are good for our skin. I like to use a face mask or just give my skin a really good cleanse. I'm currently loving La Roche-Posay Effaclar range. Review coming soon.

Candles just look so much more beautiful next to water. I picked some up from Primark the other day (the pink one in the pictures is a Watermelon one) and they're surprisingly lovely. 

Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles. I hate most bath bombs. Instead, good old Radox Lavender is my absolute fave.

Bath Time Faves by naomiupton on Polyvore

For Esme: With Love and Squalor | Penguin Books Australia
£13 - penguin.com.au

LOreal Elvive Extraordinary Oils Shampoo Dry To Rough Hair 250ml -...
boots.com

Radox Relax Bath Soak with Lavender & Waterlily 500ml - Radox - Bubble...
superdrug.com

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner 75ml - Aussie - Hair...
superdrug.com

Primark - Scented candles
primark.com

Lush Herbalism solid cleanser | Metro UK
metro.co.uk

la roche posay effaclar - Pesquisa do Google
google.pt

Baths are the best relaxation. It's like a half-nap in water that smells good. Baths forever, eh. 

I'm now part of the HC Blogger Network!

Hi y'all, just a quick post to announce that I've been invited to join the HC Blogger network! Check out the sexy new badge on my sidebar.

I'm already a features writer at Her Campus Nottingham, and I'm now expanding my Her Campus dedication further by joining a 500+ strong community of collegiate bloggers looking to share their writing and inspire their readers. 

I'm looking forward to the opportunities this will bring and hopefully it will inspire lots more exciting blog content!