Spring Wish List 2016 | Accessories

Leonard Tortoise Sunglasses - illesteva, Straw Panama Hat - Ann Taylor, Wool Fedora - Rhythm, Pearl Studs - Ann Taylor, Brass Bee Cufflinks - Anne Fontaine, Midi Ring - Bing Bang Jewelry, Watches - Daniel Wellington, 'L' Stamped Necklace - Me to We, Backpack - Urban Outfitters, Textured Knit Wrap - Modern Citizen

While it is still spring time, I decided to jot down for you my spring wish list. I came across the company named 'Spring' (known mainly for their app - even mentioned in Vogue or Fashionista). After I scrolled through their websites I knew that I need to share with you my spring wishlist/must haves. (Too much 'Spring' in one sentence...I know...Sorry). I am not payed by them or anything, I just like their websites. Especially their new accessories store is very simple and just pleasure to use. That is why I decided to sit down and instead of writting many of my seminar thesis, to find some pieces that I liked. I can tell you, there is loads of stuff to choose from. 

When it comes to spring, I keep my accessories pretty simple. And of course, the first thing every year I always need to buy is a new pair of sunglasses, because those from the last year are always broken or lost. Trust me, you do not want to be my pair of sunglasses. I utterly fell in love with the Leonard Tortoise ones from illesteva. For me, it is such a staple piece, that it goes with me everywhere.

My secret wish is to find a hat that fits my head perfectly. That would be my dream come true. I have at home one made out from wool and I love it, but I am not wearing it that often, which hurts my heart. However I still think every woman needs at least two hats in her life. One for the colder days and one for the more summery days to protect her head from the heat. My warderobe definitely craves for light straw hat. *adding it to my no ending shopping list*

I told you guys, that when it comes to accessories, I like to keep it very simple, I wasn't lying. This also applies to jewellery. I love pearls as earrings more than anything in the world. I own many fake pearl studs and I wear them almost every day. The thing I like about them the most is how versatile they are. You can wear anything with them and still look very chick and put together. You just can't own enough of them. Also can we talk a second about those adorable bee cufflinks? The most perfect thing for spring ever! This time of the year I am also loving fine jewellery like thin midi rings and delicate necklaces. The 'L' stamped necklace by Me to We is just heaven on Earth. I need that in my life!

Daniel Wellington watches are on my wish list for years now. I don't know about you, but when I wear watches, I immediately feel more confident and posh. I am not too scared to  say, that I also feel a lot more like an adult person.

Backapack was on my wishlist for a long long time. Now I can tell you, that this week I bought one, similar to the 'bad boy'  from Urban Outfitters I am sharing with you in this post. You can definitely expect outfit post very soon. I don't know what took me so long to finally get one!

Is it a scarf? Is it a poncho? It is both! Yeah, I am talking about the Textured Knit Wrap. Some days (and nights) it is still chilly outside. I love wrapping myself like a burrito when I am cold. This is the perfect way to combine my two favourite things - huge scarf + poncho. 

Love,

Lucy

❤

How I Stay Productive

Hello my beautiful readers!

After a long time I decided to write a new article. And what is the best topic to start with? A productivity. Of course! To be honest I am writing this mostly for myself, so I can finally dive into the enormous amount of pages about theatre and many plays (as I study Theatre Studies). As much as I love it, it is harder to start doing something than you think. Especially when the weather is getting warmer. My finals are comming. I can feel them breathing on my back. It is time to start my productivity/studying routine again. Oh yeah! I may sound like a crazy person but I also feel a little bit excited. Am I weird to feel in one minute very unmotivated, anxious and depressed, however in another very excited and motivated? I don't know. Maybe it all does not make any sense.

Now back on the track. I took all of the photos weeks ago (when I still had camera and some time). I was planning on writting about my studying/work/productive (how you want to call it) for a year now. I am so excited to share it with you now. *trumpet sound* Epic.

You do not have to do exactly what I do. These are just some tips that work for me, it does not have to work for everyone. Still I hope it will help you. (If not with productivity, at least with procrastination. :D)

1) Energy is the key

For me, it is hard to keep my energy levels and concentration high. I always blame it on my low blood pressure. I tried coffee, but it doesn't last more than one hour and after that I am even more tired than I was before. I always liked tea more anayway (I always felt like a British granny drinking tea on a porch curld up in a thick sweater). When I heared about matcha tea, I knew, I have to try it. I can tell you, the end results were amazing. It keeps me energised for the whole day and  tastes nice with honey or some sirup (I vote for agave!). Before having  matcha latte I recommend you to have it in the tea version first. You have to just get used to the taste. After you do, it won't leave your tea basket.

Of course, sleep is the best thing you can do to be energised for the whole day. For me, sleep is not in the final exams season the option. But if you have the time, please do that. A lot. Bed is man's best friend.

2) Plan everything

This is my favourite part. Planning. I love planning! Maybe I should choose some school where I would plan something all day. I would love that! Okay. I need to put myself together.

What helps me the most with this point are weekly planners. May I introduce you: DOLLER - the best Czech planner ever! You can start whenever you want, it has all these motivational quotes and a lot of space for everything. What I also love about it is how minimalistic it looks and the size is so convenient that I can take it with me everywhere. I can only glance at my 'buddy' and I already feel productive. This post in not sponzored by Doller by the way. (But I am not against it - haha) I just love it that much.

If you want something similar in English, the best option is definitely the Productivity Planner by Alex Ikonn. I love that guy. You can also follow his YT channel. (Not sponsored by him, either.) 

3) Set yourself goals - The Pomodoro technique

This technique named after a delicous meal is my this years best discovery. All you need to do is set yourself a goal (something you want to achieve in that day), than set your timer for 25 minutes in which you will work followed by a five minute break. You can make yourself a cup of tea, stretch...And than - repeat. It is fun to count how many pomodoros you did in a day and see how productive you were.

4) Turn off all distractions

I am sure we all are aware of this problem. In our world with Facebook or Instagram, who wouldn't be distracted. What I do, when I don't  want to be distracted is just turning on the plane mode - both on my cell phone and laptop. It really helps me to keep those distractions away. 

5) Motivation

This is the most important thing to me. Lately it is very hard for me to feel motivated. Let's be honest here. The more sad we feel, the lower is our motivation. I can tell you I've found out a few things that help me. First definitely are motivational videos. TED Talks are the best for that job. I can assure you. I also watch The Michalaks (vlogs), because they are beautiful and always give me something to think about and show me, that if something person pursues and works hard for it, he can make everything happen. They are such a beautiful family and I admire them for such an amazing parenting to Grayson. It makes me want a family like that some day.

Also meditation is very important. Now I can see that. A day without a meditation is like a day in a dark room (panic attaks and depression hit me like a cannonball). I quite like vipassana meditation or I just start searching on youtube something like 'positive thinking meditation'. If you want something "on the go", I've tried the apps named 'Calm' and 'Headspace'. The only sad thing is that Headspace is not a free app. You only get 10 days to try it out.  

Love,

Lucy

❤

My Favourite Places in Brno: Café Placzek

 A few weeks back me and my friends went for a lunch (I think?) to my favourite café in Brno - Café Placzek. Since then we've been there for a delicious breakfast, but that is another story (you can find a photo from that day on my instagram).

 From the inside out it looks fancy and very retro, but the prices are ok I think. You feel like a coffee princess walking into her castle. It sounds strange. I know. The staff is so nice to you and unbelievably attentive.OK. I have to tell you a story...When me and my best friends went there last time on a mentioned breakfast, happened something that non of us expected. So let me start.
Once upon a time me and my friends were sitting upstairs at this café. We had an amazing time while chatting, laughting and eating the most delicious meal. But suddenly my friend dropped a knife. So we all were like: "Oops..."  She just begun to wipe her knife with a nappkin and suddenly - voilá, a white knight (read waiter) is holding another - clean - knife in his hand right before our faces. And we were just like "What the...how did he know?" Magic.

 I have to tell you, they have the best desserts I have ever in Brno tried. They look and taste like heaven. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. You may know I don't drink coffee very often. It always makes me feel funny. So when I get there I always order some fresh lemonade instead or - in the winter - hot chocolate.

 Fresh lemonade is a must! The one on the left is grepfruit (I think) and the one on the right is made out of kiwi. The perfect way how to cool down a bit on a hot day.

Pancakes with fresh blueberries and mascarpone.

My face of delight.

If your are looking for the perfect place to hang out with your friends or just with yourself, this is it.

What is your favourite coffee shop? Let me know in the comments below!

Love,

Lucy

♥

5 Tips: How To - Healthy Hair

1) Coconut oil and eggwhite hair mask

 Coconut oil is for me like a gift sent from heaven! From the moment I discovered it I cannot live without it. You can never have enough of coconut oil. In any event, not so long ago, I have learned that eggwhites can also moisturize your hair and make them feel silky an look shiny. This combination is just perfect! I can tell you, I have the most fine, prone-to-damaging and dry hair ever. It is hard for me fo keep my hair moistruized. Since the time I have been using this homemade mask once a week I am telling you, I can definitely see the difference. My hair looks more healthy, shiny and more thick. Despite the fact that it may sound disgusting to you (and the smell), this mask is perfect!

 Melt one teaspoon of coconut oil and mix it with one eggwhite. Then apply all over the entire length of your hair. After that you can put it into a bun (so you do not have eggwhites on your shirt) and leave it there for twenty minutes. All you need to do now is wash your hair normally as you do. Easy!

2) Brush your hair before every washing

 It is very important to brush your hair before washing to prevent from any tangels. After washing your hair will be looking more silky and shiny. I am using my blue Tangle Teezer before I wash my hair  (with my head down) and afterwards (when I release it from the towel turban). I know that people say, that you should not brush your hair when wet, however with Tangle Teezer there is no damage done.

3) Use moistruizing and protecting hair products

 It is important to use the right products for your particular hair typ. I have tried so many hair products - I stopped counting how many years ago.  For me, the hardest task is to find the right shampoo. The one I am using at this moment is DOVE Pure Care Dry Oil Shampoo. I actually love Dove products. A few weeks back I realized that I used one of their shampoos in the past, and it suit my hair really well - I LOVED it. So I thought I could repurchuase it - I run out of shampoo anyway - no regrets than. The shampoo contains African Macadamia Oil and that helps my hair to look more moisturized and healthy. It is not a good choise for those of you, who have greasy hair. However it is one of the cheapest shampoos, which will make your dry hair look heilthier. I also purchused conditioner from the same line. 

 Now. Protecting your hair from heat is definitely the most important thing. Especially for those of you, who are using heat tools every day. Sometimes you can see the steam coming out of your hair locks which is being curled/straighten - not good. To keep the moisture in my hair I am mostly using the Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel or Syoss Heat Protect Styling Spray.

4) Dry only the roots of your hair 

 I learned this trick a while back. If you only blow dry the roots of your hair, it will create more volume. The rest of the hair just let dry naturally.

5) No bun, no damage done

When you hair is wet, it is more vulnerable and prone to breakage. I know that having long hair is sometimes uncomfortable, and you just want to put it into a bun. Stop being lazy and leave your hair down. Trust me, the ends of your hair will not be so splitted. And after all, your hair in a bun will not dry anyway.

Do you also have some secret tips, how to keep your hair healthy?

Love,
   Lucy

♥

Bratislava // Day Trip (+ BLOGGER OF THE YEAR)

 Last Wednesday me, my mum and my sister went on a trip to the Bratislava. Only for one day, however it was totally worth it! We woke up in the morning, the sky was grey and it seemed like it was going to rain. The perfect day to travel! (haha) We got there about 11:00 am. Our first stop was (because we are girls) Eurovea, which is huge shopping center. When we came near the JOJ TV, my sister fangirled a little bit. I have to say, my first stop was H&M Home. I just wanted to buy everything and take it home with me. I really could not decide what one (or more) to choose to keep me company at home. Meanwhile my mum and sister decided to go for a lunch, but I was so hypnotised, I just stayed there for another ten or fifteen minutes. When I calmed down from excitement a little bit, I decided to look around. I have found this amazing shop "Koton", where I bought a few things. Then went back to the H&M and finally got something I wanted (and needed). I am so pickey, that sometimes it annoyes me too (I feel sorry for my family).

 After my little spree and their lunch we went to the historic city center. The second we walked outside the wind almost blowed us away. It is really fun to watch people fighting with the wind. Hair in they mouths, eyes almost closed...Oh mother nature, you are so powerful!

(If you want to vote for me, scroll down to the end of this article for link and more info.)

7 Sick Day Best Buddies | LucyLavender

  You wake up in the morning and your body feels like crap. Everything hurts, your head is throbbing and through the runny nose you cannot even breathe. This does not sound very fancy, I know. When you proceed from the stage of denial of your sickness, you usually go through the stage "Ihavetorecoverquickly". Tell me about it. I was denying my sickness for five days! After that I lay down in the bed with my best friend - tea. So I thought I will jot down for all of you sick (and also healthy) ones out there my sick day "best buddies", which always help me recover.

 Ráno se probudíte, a cítíte se na nic. Všechno vás bolí, v hlavě tepe, a přes sopel dýchat nemůžete. Vím, není to zrovna hezká představa. Když postoupíte z fáze popírání toho, že jste nemocní, většinou přejdete do fáze "musímtorychlevyležet". Povídejte mi o tom. Takhle jsem přecházela nemoc pět dní! Pak už jen ležím s kamarádem čajem v posteli. To mě vnuklo nápad sepsat pro vás všechny nemocné (i zdravé) seznam mých "nejlepších kamarádů", kteří mi pomáhají léčit se.

1# Medicaments // Léky
 Medicaments are important part of every healing proces. For lowering your temperature, sore throat, etc. It makes us feel better. We cannot take them as Smarties of course. This would do more harm than good...

 Léky jsou důležitou částí každého uzdravování. Na snížení teploty, bolest v krku, a podobně. Pomáhají nám cítit se lépe. Samozřejmě že je nemůžeme polykat jako lentilky. To by pak udělaly víc škody než užitku...

2# Cup of tea // Šálek čaje
 There is nothing better than good old cup of mint or ginger tea with honey. Firstly, it warms me up in the times, when chills strike, secondly my grandma always says that heat cures. Drinking regime is also very important during sickness. The body so can get rid of noxious substances. I am trying to drink more water, however I still don't drink enough of it. I have to do better. So let's come together and fight against those insidious germs!

 Není nad starý dobrý šálek mátového, či zázvorového čaje s medem. Za prvé vždy krásně zahřeje, ve chvílích, kdy zimnice udeří, zadruhé babičky vždy říká, že teplo léčí. Navíc máta či zázvor mají dezinfekční účinky. Pitný režim je také při nemoci velmi důležitý. Tělo se tak zbavuje škodlivých látek. Snažím se ho dodržovat, ale i tak toho moc za den nevypiji. Musím se v tom zlepšit. Pojďme tedy společně do boje proti těm zákeřným bacilům!

3# Food // Jídlo
 I know, when you are sick, a man doesn't have appetite. He would reather be tucked in blanket, then to get up from nicely warm bed. Trust me, I know that feeling. However this doesn't mean your body doesn't need it. Eating is a must, if we want it or not. For that reason hot soup is magic in a bowl!

 Já vím, při nemoci člověk nemá zrovna chuť k jídlu. Nejraději by člověk byl zakuklený v peřině, než aby musel z vyhřáté postele vstávat. Věřte, také to znám. Jenže to neznamená, že ho vaše tělo nepotřebuje. Jíst se musí, ať chceme nebo ne. Proto teplá polévka je tím nejlepším kouzlem na nachlazení!

4# Nicely warm blanket // Hezky teplá deka
The feeling, when you cacoon into your blanket is worth all the money! Moreover when is nicely soft, and warm...Beth (my dog) always comes to me and curls up next to me into a ball. She is so cute!

 Ten pocit, když se pořádně zabalíte to peřiny či deky stojí za všechny prachy. Ještě když je krásně hebounká, měkká, hřejivá...Betynka (můj pejsek) vždy za mnou přijde, a stulí se vedle mě do klubíčka. Je tak roztomilá!

5# Entertainment // Zábava
 At the beginning, lying in bed sounds as a gift right from heaven. I don't know about you, but after one hour of sitting/lying I start to get bored. What can I do? There is a lot of things, which you can do in bed. (Of course appropriate things...) For example, I like to read. A lot. So I take some old magazine, which I didn't manage to read in my busy life yet. Or I take a book. At this moment I read books for school. It is true, that most of the books I own are on my phone. When I don't want to do something else, I watch a film, TV show or Youtube videos...I can do that a while...

 Ležet v posteli zní ze začátku jako dar přímo z nebes. Nevím jak u vás, ale já už po hodině se začnu nudit. Co dělat, když ležet mě nebaví? Existuje tolik věcí, co můžete dělat v posteli! (Samozřejmě pouze ve vší počestnosti.) Ráda čtu. Hodně. Tak vytáhnu starý časopis, který jsem kvůli svému rušnému životu nestihla předtím přečíst. Nebo si vezmu knihu. V tuhle chvíli čtu hlavně knížky do školy. Takový Saturnin není vůbec špatný! Je pravda, že většinu knížek mám na mobilu. Když chci ovšem dělat něco jiného, podívám se na film, seriál, či videa na Youtube...u toho vydržím dlouho...

6# Social media // Sociální sítě
 Sometimes we can feel a little bit lonely. We don't want somebody to see us in this condition, and at the same time we want to have fun communicating with our friends. That is why social media were made. My biggest obsession is still Pinterest. I don't know what to do with it anymore. I can surf through those pictures all day long. Crazy. I know.

 Občas si můžeme připadat sami.  Nechceme, aby nás někdo v takovém stavu viděl, a zároveň chceme se bavit s kamarády. Na "nemocné dny" jsou sociální sítě jako dělané. Mou největší závislostí je stále Pinterest. Už nevím co s tím mám dělat. Může ty fotky projíždět od rána do večera. Jsem blázen. Já vím.

7# Sleep // Spánek
 When the eyes get tired and you get bored of everything, it is finally time to lie down and sleep. It is the greatest enemy of almost all diseases. "Sleep heals the body," people say. And it is true. Cocoon in your blanket even more than before and let yourself drift off to sleep.

 Až se oči unaví, a už nic nebaví, je čas konečně zalehnout a spát. Spánek je největším nepřítelem všech nemocí. ,,Spánek léčí," říká se. A je to opravdu fakt. Zachumlejte se do peřiny ještě víc než předtím, a nechte se unášet spánkem.

5 Simple Healthy Breakfast Ideas

I want to share with you five, very easy to prepare, breakfast ideas. Six mornings I took pictures of my breakfast. All of them are based on fruit. I should mention, that it is NOT vegan. In my opinion colorful delicious breakfasts are the best option to start the day. It makes my mouth water just looking at the pictures below. Personally, when I eat in the morning healthy food, I have more energy during the day. Now let's see what I have prepared for you. Enjoy!

7 Ways To Relax

 As a person who is always stressed and gets hardly relaxed, you would thought that it is tough task to loosen up a bit. But I have some tips and tricks how unwind myself. Even though school and everything stresses me out and the lack of time is keep pushing on my sanity I always find a tiny bit of time, when I do just what I want (in that time really need) to do. Or at least I multitask.

Whittard tea

1) Make yourself a cup of your favourite beverage
For me it is tea, for somebody else it might be hot chocolate. It is like the smell and the hotness carries away your anxiety.  But I think alcohol is not a good choice, so be aware of that.

2) Go for a walk
Just you, nature and your thoughts. You can go for a five minutes or an hour, it dosn't matter. I can guarantee that you will feel re-energized. It is almost magical.

Lemon Upside Down Loaf Cake

3) You can bake something
Doesn't matter if you are stress-baker or stress-eater, this always helps. And if you think you can't bake, it is good opportunity to learn it, and also you can think of it as a challenge.

4) Watch some films/YouTube videos/TV shows

Lately I have been watching more sit-coms than dramas. I just love to have a good laugh! My favourite one is definitely Baby Daddy. You should check it out. It is hilarious! Laughter reduces stress, so...

*Do you always sit in weird positions as I do?*

5) Take a bath

Just lay down in the hot water, close your eyes and enjoy the silence. But try not to fall asleep...that wouldn't be good. I don't  know about you, but I don't want to end up drown. *haha - not funny actually* 

6) Light up some candles
Candles create magical atmosphere. You can almost feel stress evaporate.

7) Listen to a music
I created a playlist on Spotify, where I always add music which I find relaxing and in some way calming or re-energizing. I am sharing it with you now guys. Music is just food for the soul. A few tones can always cheer me up. A little escape from real life.

Water, fire, Earth, wood, metal: Five elements which get you relaxed. Five senses pleasured. That is all you need to relax.

Love life,
Lucy

♡