New Year, New Skillz

Putting a 'z' on the end of skills makes me totally down with the kids, right? 

ANYWAY.

It's day 21 of January and I've already failed pretty much every single one of my resolutions. Yep. Still eating ALL OF THE FOOD, still getting myself a Grade A in procrastination and still not keeping up regular blog updates.

I'm too old for this new year, new me BS.

So, since I'm still nurturing my food baby (it's due in a week. Send presents), I decided I'd focus on a different mantra I'm trying out for 2015. 

NEW YEAR. NEW SKILLS. Or SKILLZ. Potato potata.

Nope, I'm not talking about breaking the World Record for how many Celebrations I can eat in one day (although I'd smash that tbh). I'm taking ACTUAL SKILLS. Sidenote: I haven't properly thought this through, because I felt like chucking all my ideas on here whilst I remembered them. A bit like word vomit. 

Whatever. I'm getting cheese fries.

Right. So, instead of thinking about how I'm going to change myself into some sort of flawless Beyoncé sidekick, I've decided that I'm gonna try and learn some new skills to make myself seem more interesting instead. That's the plan anyway. I'll keep y'all posted.

I've been staring at a blank screen for about three days now and I've only come up with three things so here goes.

1) Learn to drive. I've wanted to learn to drive since I turned 17, but my excuse was either not having enough money (I once got paid 82p an hour by accident...), not having time or just being scared. So, to give me a big fat kick up the ass, I ask for a few starter lessons for Christmas and TA-DAH. I have started to learn to drive. Two lessons in and I can officially go forward, turn left AND not run anyone/anything over or drive on the path. Call me The Stig.

2) Learn more pole skills. I stopped going to my pole fitness class in July last year after fudging up my knee somehow. I was ready to go back in September/October time, but again fear held me back. Fear of causing more injury, fear of being crap, fear of - well, everything really. And a hint of laziness as well.

I actually started going back to classes a few weeks ago, and although I've actually remembered a LOT more than I thought I would, I'm still a long way off where I left off. I'm pretty determined to get right back up there, so I've decided to learn one new trick or skill a week, even if it's something I learnt before and need to re-learn if that makes sense. I'm rambling. 

I've already learn new hoop and silks skills (fanceh) and done my first ever headstand, so I think I'm off to a good start. Until next week, where I'll probably spend the whole class falling off or something stupid.

3) Learn to ignore the #haterz. Figured I should learn some sort of new life skill too, so I've decided to try and stop reading comments on things I write and just let the haters, er, hate.

If you didn't know, I'm a freelance journalist, and I mainly write for Sugarscape and Yahoo Celebrity. As you'd probably expect, not everyone is always so keen on what I write, how I write it and why I write it, and some stories get some pretty brutal comments. Or I get tweeted telling me I suck and need a new career. Not exactly a confidence booster. 

SO, I've decided that I need to stop letting stupid comments like that get to me and realise that I'm actually doing okay as I am thanks (until I'm asked to change something by editors, of course). I'm not perfect, my writing's not perfect and we all make mistakes now and then. As long as I try my best and work my backside off, I figure I'll be okay.

Although the two sites I write for are keen for an 'informal' style of journalism (don't know if that's the correct phrase, but y'know), and like their writers to add personality in their writing, mainly in hinting at opinions on the story within the story. That probably doesn't make any sense does it? ANYWHO. I obviously try and stick to this style, but I also try and make sure I'm not being derogatory towards anyone, and I try to never, ever comment on whether someone's supposedly looking 'ugly' or 'fat' or something ridiculous, instead trying to focus on complimenting someone on looking like an absolute dream. 

Sometimes I get it wrong and sometimes people don't agree, but hey - at least I'm trying. And I would never, EVER lie in my work. Let's not tar all journalists with the same brush, eh?

That got a bit deep. THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID.

Alright, I'm blabbered on about nothing of anything importance for long enough so I'll end it here.

Oh, and don't worry. I'm not gonna start chucking my driving or poling in your face. I'm game for a tweet or whatever every now and then when I've achieved something because we all need to celebrate each other, right? But I just cannot stand being told every. Single. Time someone hits the gym, or goes for a run, or goes cycling yada yada yada. No. Keep it casj, guys. Chill.

Sorry if this is really boring and no-one cares, but I felt like venting things y'know? 

Let me know if you've got some goals for the year or if, like me, you've got a mild addiction to leftover Christmas chocolates. I'm on Twitter - @rachelpilcher :)

Thanks, and 'til next time,

Rach x

Day Three - Beats, BAFTAs and Bikini Body Battles

ALBUM OF THE DAY

Bit of a long one today...

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

After 7 years without a studio album, Daft Punk are back with the collaboration-filled Random Access Memories. Since Get Lucky has already maintained four glorious weeks in the number one spot, and doesn't look to be going anywhere anytime soon (thank GOD, since it is the only song I know that has the ability to be played 24 hours a day without getting boring or repetitive), the album has a lot to live up to. There aren't many compliments I could pay this album that haven't already been said elsewhere, so I'll be keeping this to a very brief mini-review.

From the punchy opening beats of Give Life Back to Music, to the slightly strange ending of Contact, via the chilled-out The Game of Love, the musings and teachings of Giorgio by Moroder, the string-based build-up of Beyond and the old-school, disco, relaxing feel of Fragments of Time, RAM is full of brilliance and surprises, forever keeping you on your toes. Coupling a feeling of nostalgia with sounds that are as fresh and relevant as ever, RAM proves just why this duo have still got it after 20 robotic years. 

You can stream the album now on iTunes, by going to their artist page, and feel free to comment below with your thoughts and any favourite tracks!

BAFTA Fashion

In other recent news, the BAFTAs happened on Sunday [winner's list], and as expected, there were some amazing and not-so-amazing dresses all round. Thought I'd present some of my favourites here, although feel free to pop a comment below if you disagree (or agree!). All pictures thanks to Google Images... naturally.

Monochrome seemed to be the trend of choice at the awards, with Sheridan Smith, Louise Redknapp, Tess Daly, Laura Whitmore and Claudia Winkleman, to name a few, all in dark ensembles.

Some of my favourites, however, came from Zoe Hardman, who's fitted number beautifully showed off her enviably figure, and Millie Mackintosh's thigh-high Sass & Bide dress, with gold detail, showing off her long legs and slim figure. 

Away from black, nudes, whites and creams were another favourite amongst many, such as Jenni Falconer and Louise Thompson, with my favourites being Jenna Louise Colman's simple maxi dress, completed with statement clutch, and Lucy Watson's white embellished design.

Finally, a pop of colour provided many glamorous red carpet moments, from Binky Felstead's pink jumpsuit (below), to Imelda Staunton and Mary Berry showing that you can look fabulous at any age. My favourite, however, and perhaps one of the best outfits of the night came from Sienna Miller, who wore a gorgeously detailed powder blue dress from Matthew Williamson teamed with an up-do hairstyle, a simple clutch and studded heels.

Like any of these? Any favourites I haven't mentioned? Let me know :)

And Finally...

With a mere 35 days until I head off to Tenerife (TAKE ME THERE NOW PLEASE), the battle for a bikini-ready body is definitely on, so I'm ending this post with a little insight into how I've tried to start to get into shape today aka the healthiest day I've had in a VERY long time (nb. I am definitely no fitness expert!!). Starting the day with a bowl of porridge, I then completed 50 squats, 50 sit-ups and 2 minutes of butt-kicks, high knees and mountain climbers. Afterwards, I had the best Covent Garden Leek & Potato soup, with one slice of white bread (preferable wholemeal but we had none), followed by a banana. I'm hoping that a few changes here and there will help me get ready for the beach, so I will keep you all updated!