Make Your Own Energy Bars

Energy bars
Perfect as a snack between lectures!

We all know how difficult it is to strike a good balance between tasty and nutritious when it comes to our diets, especially when it comes to snack food (looking at you 3am cheesy chips…). These energy bars are super quick and easy to make, and the best thing about them is that you can keep them in the freezer for weeks and whip one out when you’re feeling peckish.

Ingredients:

  • 100g nuts – any combination you fancy out of hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts or almonds
  • 100g desiccated coconut
  • 100g fresh dates – Medjool dates work particularly well
  • 50g coco powder – you can use raw cacao if you’re feeling super healthy
  • 3 tbsp. coconut oil
  • Pinch of salt

Technique:

1. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for about 10 seconds until it turns

to liquid

2. Wizz all the ingredients in a food processor for about 3-4 minutes,

starting off pulsing, until the mixture comes together in a large clump

3. Line a tray with cling film and pop the mixture inside

4. Put another layer of cling film on top and flatten it using your hands

5. Leave in the freezer for at least 2 hours

6. Remove from tray and cut into bite size portions

7. Enjoy!

 

Expectation vs. Reality: Your first week back at University

First week back
All of these University-related objects just happened to be positioned like this.

Every year we return to University with high expectations of our own behaviour, however the reality is not quite as productive or as adventurous as we would hope…

Motivation:

Expectation: I’m soooo ready for whatever this term throws at me
Trying to get bikini ready - Imgur

Reality: Maybe it’s best if I just stay in bed…

Freshers:

Expectation: Oh hey there
Me trying to flirt after binge-watching the entire series of New Girl - Imgur

Reality: THE FRESHERS HAVE ARRIVED

Uni work:

Expectation: I love to learn

Reality: Why oh why did I pick Statistics as a module

Food:

Expectation: Mmm I’m going to be so healthy this term #newme

Reality: Ok now I remember why I put on so much weight last year

Going out:

Expectation: When squad hits the dance floor

Reality: Waking your housemates up after the first night out

via GIPHY

Top 10 Music Videos For Summer Vibes

Summer Vibes
Summer vibes on point

1. Britney Spears – I’m A Slave 4 U

If only we looked this great when we’re dripping with sweat in the heat…

2. Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg – California Gurls

Take us to the Golden Coast plssssss

3. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Summertime

Classic summer vibes filled with BBQs and 90’s style

4. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft Idris Elba – Dance Off

Macklemore perfectly describing our actions after a few bevs once our exams are over…

5. Sia ft Sean Paul – Cheap Thrills

When you’re so deep in the overdraft all summer activities must involve cheap thrills

6. OutKast – Hey Ya!

It’s time to dig out that polaroid camera your mum got you last Christmas and make some sweet sweet memories

7. Drake – Started From The Bottom

One for you final years – that feeling when you graduate with all your buddies

8. Tough Love – So Freakin’ Tight

For those poolside hangs

9. Justin Bieber – Company

We’ll keep you company on your summer travels Biebs!!!

10.  Snakehips ft. ZAYN – Cruel

Neon-hued, edgy parties – a summer wouldn’t be complete without one!

Top 3 Interrailing Routes

Interrailing

Interrailing around Europe is probably one of the hottest things you and your mates could be doing this summer. It’s almost become a rite of passage for our generation, and so it should be. Whether you’re going for 2 weeks or 2 months, you’re bound to have loads of amazing experiences, and meet great people along the way. Here’s our pick of the top 3 routes you can think about taking – although you should always leave some room for spontaneity!

Western Europe

PARIS > BRUSSELS > AMSTERDAM > BERLIN

Our first interrailing route is probably the most convenient, simply hop on the Eurostar to Paris – and you’re in your first destination. Make sure you visit the classic sites, including the Eiffel Tower, eat a croissant in a street café and soak up the city of love. Next stop Brussels in Belgium, where you can try your hand at tasting the many varieties of beer on offer (just don’t go too crazy).  Amsterdam – such an easy going and liberal city. Spend your days along the canals in the city centre and in tiny cafes. Finally we’re in Berlin, super cool, super eclectic and super fun. Check out the street art all over the city by day, and the underground nightlife by night.

Central Europe

SPLIT > BUDAPEST > PRAGUE > MUNICH

Definitely the cheapest of our 3 options if you’re on a tight budget, but the quality of these destinations is still incredible. Grab a cheap flight to Split in Croatia to start your adventure. Check out the ancient architecture and rich culture in this city, before heaving over to Hvar (a nearby island) for a couple of days for some classy beach clubs and boat rides. Next we’re off to Budapest (yes we know you’re singing the song in your head right now). Chill in the funky baths and take in the beautiful sights. Lastly, grab a beer in Munich and enjoy the typical German beer gardens before heading home.

Scandinavia

COPENHAGEN > MALMÖ > OLSO > HELSINKI

Something a little different – but you certainly won’t regret straying from the norm. In Copenhagen, wander the colourful and friendly streets on a free city bike – everything’s within easy reach and you definitely won’t get bored! Next, head across the water to Malmö in Sweden, a buzzing city with vibrant nightlife – sure to satisfy the party animal within you. Next up, Oslo in Norway. Jump on a boat tour around the pristine fjord islands and soak up the stunning natural wonders – including a peak of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky! And last but not least – Helsinki. Pack a picnic to nibble along the coast and find some quirky gifts from the local shops before returning refreshed and revitalised.

Ultimate Storage Hacks

It’s time to get creative!

Brush off your DIY skills and start saving your space by using our top storage hacks. You’ll be amazed how these great tricks could make all the difference. Welcome to your new, uncluttered life…

Jewellery Storage

Avoid spending a fortune on a fancy jewellery box and get innovative instead! Use an ice cube tray to store jewellery – this is so smart and will help avoid getting all your necklaces tangled (something we dread). (Brit + Co)

Storage

Vintage Cans

Re-use and recycle your old cans and tins as a nifty way to hold pens, pencils and scissors – you can paint and decorate the tins to match your room to give it that stylish touch. (Brit + Co)

Storage

Spice Jars

Fasten a magnet onto the bottom of a small jam jar, fill with spices and stick it on the fridge! This is a brilliant way to de-clutter kitchen worktops from unnecessary spice racks, whilst simultaneously keeping seasoning well within reach (Brit + Co)

Storage

Earphone Separator

A wooden peg is great (and very cheap way) for stopping your earphones getting tangled in a drawer or in your bag. Why haven’t we been doing this all along? (She Knows)

Storage

Shoe Rack

Before you recycle that old wine box, you may have another use for it- they work amazingly as shoe storage! It is a nifty way to separate your shoes and keep them all in one place (it is a good excuse to drink more wine) (Buzzfeed)

Storage

Drawer Organisers

Shoe boxes as drawer organisers – now you can separate all your small items to make it easier to find what you’re looking for (Buzzfeed)

Storage

Kitchen Storage Savers

Keep your bigger utensils in a jar on the counter instead of cluttering your cutlery drawers – we all know how frustrating it is when the drawer gets jammed due to being too full! (Cute DIY Projects)

Storage

Desk Organisers

Is your desk cluttered with pens, highlighters and reams of revision notes? Clearing your space couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve finished your strawberries, grab the packaging and spray paint the basket to transform it into a funky desk organiser (Life Hack)

Storage

Fridge Separators

If you’re struggling to fit all your food into your allocated fridge shelf – try some desk organisers to maximise space (Life Hack)

Storage

Nail Polish Rack

A spice rack is a cute way of displaying and organising all your nail polishes (Life Buzz)

Storage

Make-Up Brush Storage

Big fan of luxury candles but never sure what to do with the jar? Storing your makeup brushes in it will keep them out of the way but within easy reach (Arianna Belle)

Storage

Now we’ve given you some inspiration – it’s time to start creating some fantastic things!