Hey guys,

As I am approaching 25 years old in the next few weeks I received my Smear Test letter a few months ago. This is a must do task!! If you are reading this and haven't had yours yet - book it in. 

What is it?

This cervical screening checks the health of the cervix which is basically the opening to your womb. It is a bit awkward as obviously they have to observe down there but if you want children you'll get used to it or if you have had children then your more likely not bothered. I definitely want children when I'm older but I have also got the IUD so I have already been through that awkwardness. Plus, I always think if you can let a guy see down there why can't you let a professional nurse? This test is to to gather some cells from the cervix which are then sent off to a lab to check for Human Papillomarvirus (HPV). If they find these cells they will then check to see if there are any changes. If there are you will get sent for further tests but if they don't spot any changes they recommend you go back in 3 months time just for a little check up. However, if the cells aren't present you don't have to go for another test for 3 years. Luckily, if they do spot the cells they can usually be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. You usually find out your results by letter 2 weeks later (maybe slightly later due to a backlog in tests with this pandemic).

**Side note - HPV is actually quite common and my Nurse was saying at some point majority of people do get cells as there are numerous factors such as - sex (any type) , sharing sex toys, and skin to skin contact of the genital area.

What happens at the appointment?

The test usually takes about 5-10 minutes by a female nurse or doctor. Unfortunately, (if it wasn't awkward enough), as I have the coil the nurse had to check the coil was in place but she couldn't find the threads as they had tucked themselves away. Luckily, the coil was still in place though. But this meant she was back and forth using 2 different length tube-shaped tools (speculum) to make sure she was getting the cells from the right place. 

Before starting, the nurse explains what will happen during the test and answers any questions you may have. The nurse showed me a diagram of the cervix and what tool they use. You'll need to undress from the waist down and there is a extra sheet on the bed for you to put over yourself. The nurse will ask you to lie back on the bed, with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. On the ceiling, my nurse had this funny poster of a cat and it was such a good distraction. The nurse will then gently put the speculum into your vagina. Don't worry they will use a small amount of lubricant so it shouldn't hurt. They will then open the speculum so they can see your cervix and then using a soft brush, they take a small sample of cells from your cervix. Once the sample is taken the nurse will remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed. (There are a few non-graphic videos on the NHS website if you want more detail). 

Photo Credit: Google Images

Tips:

• Be as relaxed as you can
• Don't be alarmed if you have some spotting or cramps afterwards - or in my experience, if your next period is slightly delayed
• Wear something you can leave on during the test - a long jumper or a skirt
• Before the pandemic you could bring someone along with you for support - hopefully this will be allowed again soon
• Breathing exercises - My nurse was doing this with me to keep reminding me haha
• Ask if it's an option to lie in a different position if you don't feel comfortable - As my appointment was a bit longer than usual my back was starting to hurt so the nurse suggested making fists and putting them underneath my hips; this actually helped us both
• You can ask them to stop at any time
• Bring something to listen to - My nurse had a little white noise machine which is the best thing - I understand why babies love them too
• Talk to your nurse to distract you - Mine was talking to me about my job, hobbies, what my plans were for the weekend etc
• It is best to get an appointment a week after your period has ended

 Hey guys,

January is declutter and organise your life kinda month isn't it? Well for me it is haha. Instead of doing the whole room all at once and overwhelming myself I would start section by section; therefore I thought it would be best to start with my makeup and skincare first. In 2020 I hardly wore makeup so majority of it had either run out (physically or by expiry date) or I could pass down to my sisters. 

It was so refreshing clearing it all out and shortening down the collection because who really wore a lot of makeup in 2020?! Everytime I have a clear out my sisters (aged 13 and 14) jump on me for them and then I feel bad giving them the empty ones so I try and find some that could do with a new home and some love. 💋💄

Firstly, I started with my actual dressing table and what is on view. I help my Auntie & cousins a lot; and my cousin one time bought me this clear vanity makeup organiser from B&M (I think). In this organiser I tend to keep products that I would usually forget to add to my skincare routine but would be beneficial to my skin. This includes; Skin therapy oil, castor oil, hydrating mist and Elizabeth Arden miracle oil. I have also got my Jade Face Roller, lip balms, Nip+Fab face serum, The Ordinary toner, my weekly face mask, nail polish remover and hair oils. In a separate section I then keep some creams for my spots and some tools such as; tweezers, face razors, face mask brushes, power & bronzer brush and a lip scrubbing brush. Finally to fill up the final gaps I add a few makeup products that I use on a daily basis such as; eyebrow powder & gel, mascara, concealer and a few nude lipsticks. 

Away from my organiser my dressing table is quite clear. I have my cotton buds and pads in a dispenser. Then my Vaseline hand cream and daily perfume next to the dispensers. On the other side I have my 2 makeup brush storage pots with a little candle holder filled with my makeup sponges. Then I have my dry shampoo, micellar water (for my lazy days) and my vitamins.  

Do you do the same in January with a big clear out?

• When I'm on my period do not ask me to go and exercise. My energy goes downhill and you will have to come and actually drag me out of the bed and to the gym. All I want to do is tay in bed, binge watch Netflix and eat lots and lots of junk food, especially chocolate. However, I will go for a brisk walk (definitely not on the 1st day though) as I find this eases cramps and is a light exercise. And fresh air, everyone knows the benefits, especially increasing your mood and easing stress. 

• As I lose my energy and motivation, I don't tend to create any to do lists because I know I won't do them. Therefore, I don't beat myself up. I don't call it my 'time of the month' I call it 'me week' or 'lazy week.' Don't ask me to do anything for you (unless it's an emergency) because I'll leave it till the following week. Especially the first 2 days of the cycle. 
• As I work in an office 8:30-4:30 sometimes if I can actually get myself up I will put makeup on but 8 out of 10 times I prefer my bed and go in with nothing on. Sometimes mascara and concealer is my go to. When it comes to my period, I prefer not to have makeup on but make sure I am strict with my skincare routine as my skin becomes even more sensitive and acne prone. 

• Pampering - I am obsessed with hot baths, candles lit and Lush or Body Shop products. Even when its not the the time of the month I am obsessed. But pampering does help.

• Hot water bottles - Oh my god, whoever created these are a life saver. With being in an office job and getting (unsolved) many stomach pains I love use a hot water bottle to ease the pains and aches in my back and stomach. If you can't have hot water bottles in work maybe try a heated pad that you peel and stick onto the part of your body that gets the cramps. Sometimes I like doing both because I can never be bothered refilling my hot water bottle and sometimes prefer to leave it heating up my bed until I get in.
• Have a nap - I am guilty of doing this regardless of periods. I get regular migraines so I find that a little nap can help reset my energy levels.
• People say to avoid caffeine and chocolate - But come on who can resist chocolate especially when you've got no energy and got a low mood. According to research, caffeine makes the body retain water which can result in aches, cramps and a bloated feeling. Its recommended to have dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. But who can resist a Dairy Milk or Galaxy bar? Or even yet a Terry's Orange...mmm my mouth's watering now, ahaha.
• Another way of being prepared for your period is keep track using many apps that are now available. When I first started getting periods I would underline the date it started and the date it ended on my wall calendar. But why use a wall calendar when you can have it on your phone? I love using the app, Clue. If you haven't heard of Clue, check out my review, right here - Review of Clue. This basically allows you to keep a track of how long it lasts, how heavy you are, side effects, and a estimate of the next 3 months of when you should be due on so you will always be prepared.

• Don't mix your drinks - Okay... I've learnt this very well. On nights out I have gone from Pink Gin to Malibu and some Sambuca shots and oh my... One of the nights where I got a hangover I had 9 sambuca shots, countless pink gins, 3 malibu's and 2 strongbow dark fruits. Urghhh what a night. - By sticking to the same type of drink it will help reduce the severity of a hangover and can also workout which type of alcohol is the cause of your hangover.
• Drink water inbetween your drinks - My mum told me this tip. And thinking of it I have seen her do this when I have gone drinking with her. She'll get a malibu and then a glass of water then malibu then water etc. Tap water is free at the bar, the bar staff may look at you funnily but in the long haul you'll be grateful. I also tend to have a bottle of water next to my bed so no matter how drunk I am I will still grab that bottle of water. 98% of the time I am quite conscious enough to still brush my teeth, actually put pjs on and take my makeup off, woo. 
• Food - Where I live is quite lucky as there are 4 McDonalds and 2 Subways and 1 Burger King that are 24/7 so can always count on getting food whilst waiting for the taxi to arrive. Seriously though, who doesn't get food on a night out? It's also important to ensure that you have a proper meal before you go on the night out. Obviously you don't want it to filling to where you'll end up with indigestion and stitches whilst dancing, and you don't want to have a food belly and feel insecure in your outfit. ** Never drink on an empty stomach ** The next day after a night out I feel like I could eat for England, I just eat anything and everything in the cupboards, anyone else? If you get bad hangovers and the night out is planned make sure you stock your cupboards with fruit instead of chocolate as chocolate is known to cause headaches whereas fruit will replaces the vitamins especially Vitamin C, which will make you feel more energised and feeling better. I always find a big fat fry up can help but that could just be me as the smell of bacon and sausages after a night out makes my mum feel sick. 
• Ibuprofen - If you are known to get severe hangovers, maybe take an Ibuprofen before you go to sleep. Or put some on the kitchen worktop in eyesight so when you are having your breakfast you can just take one. But make sure you have food in your stomach otherwise it will make you sick...I've learnt this the hard way. I would only advise Ibuprofen.
• Milk - My auntie advised me that having a glass of milk before bed actually helps a hangover as apparently it protects the liver and gets rid of toxins. Who knows?! 
• Gatorade or Lucozade - After a night out me and some of our friends were watching a movie in bed all feeling it and I noticed that a few of them had a lucozade and they had a few more in the fridge so offered us one. After several nights out, he has always offered me a lucozade or ice cream the morning after because apparently the sugar in it helps prevent the dizziness and brings up your energy levels. 
• Nap
• Go for a walk 

After every big night out or when I've gone on a bender, I love having a nice fresh bedding, a nice hot bubble bath (maybe a Lush bath bomb) with the candles lit and a very moisturising face mask to ensure the face is getting extra clean and moisturised...Yes I'm talking about Garnier's tissue mask.

Nadine Alex x

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