Why I Stopped Giving a F**k

For as long as I can remember, I have felt incredibly self-conscious, so much so it consumed me. This isn't something new; lets be real here, its easy to get sucked in to these conformations made by society.
Over the Years, my lack of confidence and self-doubt has ruled over anything else I have set my mind to. I've pretty much become a shell of the person I once was (quirky, a little bit weird, BUT happy). I stopped going to certain places and doing certain things because I thought that people would judge me. Not only on my appearance; but on my life choices, my opinions, my hobbies, my sense of humour, my lifestyle. I thought that there was something wrong with me. My mental health was at a tipping point and I didn't want to do anything, I didn't think I was good enough.

Why the f*ck do we let what other people think/what society thinks/what we think other people think stop us doing the things we enjoy? I think I have finally had that epiphany moment in life where I've realized how sh*t some people can be and how the pressures and demands of having a picture-perfect life is absolute trash.
I'm fully aware that I don't have a flat stomach. I have dark circles under my eyes and blemishes on my cheeks. I get words mixed up and make myself look stupid most of the time. My home decor would never been seen on the likes on Pinterest. I'm un-organised and messy and easily irritated and I hate kale smoothies and I don't like sexism nor find it funny. Most of the time my hair resembles the likeliness of a hedge and I'm not interested in fitting in. I'm certainly not anybodies idea of perfection. For Years I would have loved to have some form of validation by other people. Why did I care? Why on earth did I crave society's ideal of looking a certain way, dressing a certain way, acting a certain way. It made me incredibly miserable. Never being able to achieve that high standard of perfection made me feel down and now I'm wondering why I wanted that. Its not me. And that is okay.
You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. If they don't like you, f*ck 'em, you're you and you're an absolute babe living your life for you so its their loss. Do the stuff that you like and spend your time with the people that plaster a massive grin on your face.

I'm in my mid twenties and don't know what to do with my life.

Remember when we were young and full of ambition, hope and passion for the future? When I was younger I wanted the world. I wanted a great career, I wanted a nice car and a big house with a jacuzzi. An amazing married life, complete with a dalmatian puppy. That was it. I felt deep down that achieving those things would make me happy.
Fast - forward to my mid twenties and I'm now asking myself "What happened to those goals?"
Did I give up on them or did I change my mind? What happened to all of the ambition I had and why didn't I pursue things further? Am I a failure for not sticking at it or focusing on other things in life? Is there something wrong with me??

Right now, in this current moment, I'm uncertain on what I actually want to do with my life. I feel like this is common for a lot of millennials. A lot of my peers are getting mortgages, having babies or have just landed that promotion of their dreams. I've spent Months of feeling down about not achieving certain milestones in which society has drilled into us that we need to achieve by a certain age and time frame. I've felt crap about myself and have spent so much time worrying and stressing and comparing myself to other people, that I haven't even thought about if I actually want any of these things. I'm quite happy living with my family. I'm not even sure if having children is something I even want in my future at all.

What I have only just come to realize, is that it doesn't matter if you achieve these 'milestones' that the world would like us to, in the order it would like. In fact, it doesn't really matter if you don't achieve any of these milestones at all. As cliche as it may sound; as long as you are living your life the way YOU want to, and doing things that make YOU happy, there really is no need to get caught up in comparing yourself to others. There really is no time limit - you are never too old to start learning something new. To try something different. To do things that you want to do, and when you want to do them. Life is short, and I'm going to try my best to live the rest of mine happy, whether that means that I never have a six figure salary and 2.4 children - I'm trying to be happy, and live. I'm not trying to convince the world I have a perfect life.

Project Spending Ban... again

I remember not long after I started writing my blog, I spent a few Months on a spending ban and documented it here. My splurging on myself is getting a little ridiculous at the moment and with Christmas just around the corner, I really need to reel it in a little and start making plans for the things I actually need to buy in the next few Months.

Last time I did a spending ban I think I was quite strict with the rules, hopefully I wont have to be so strict with myself this time but I do have a few guidelines for myself so hopefully I wont stray away!

• Bills and other commitments e.g. phone, gym membership, car & petrol will be paid as normal
• An occasional treat is allowed (but only once or twice a fortnight, and I'm talking a coffee or a meal out, not a clothes shopping spree!)
• Clothes shopping is pretty much banned. I recently stocked up on my Winter clothes and I really don't need to buy anymore clothes!
• Only essentials to be bought for myself. So toiletries and the food shopping? YES. A new handbag? NO.
• I need to save my spending so I can finish my Christmas shopping! 

Hopefully I'll be able to stick to this for a few Weeks, I'm hoping to stick to it for about six or seven Weeks, wish me luck! (I'll definitely need more than luck).

5 Reasons I Love Writing a Blog

When I started my blog in 2011 I never thought I would stick at it for this long so I must enjoy it, right?! There are a lot of reasons I enjoy writing a blog. I wanted to share a few of them with you as I think it is so interesting hearing the different reasons why people write a blog. Please do let me know in the comments the reasons that you began writing your blog and why you enjoy it.

Being able to share your thoughts with others

I have always had a passion for reading and writing since I was a child, but often struggled with finding an outlet to meet this interest of mine. Blogging has combined my interests of reading and writing with my other interests in life, such as beauty. I love having my own little space where I can tap away, sharing my thoughts, to my hearts content. 

There is always someone to talk to

If I am unsure on which lipstick to buy or wanted suggestions on where to eat, I know that by reaching out to readers and other bloggers that there is always someone to chat to. My friends and family don't share my interests, so it is great to be able to connect with others that do. Be it through the comments on blogs, email or social media - the blogging community is always on hand for a chat!

Making friends

I have made quite a few friends that I wouldn't know if it wasn't for this blog. I am so grateful for the friends I have made through blogging; it is so heart-warming to know that because of the blogging community so many friendships have formed.

Documenting your ideas and your life and your interests

I love having the opportunity to write my thoughts down on a blog to be able to look back at Years later. My blog is a little like having my own online diary.

Being able to learn and express myself

If it wasn't for my blog and for reading other blogs, I wouldn't know a lot that I know now! I read a lot more online since I started writing a blog myself and I have learnt so much not just about my interests, but other topics too. I am able to express my thoughts on my blog and communicate with others on their thoughts and learn from them too.

TV Shows I've Been Loving Recently

Game of Thrones | Sky Atlantic
With Game of Thrones back for Series 5 this Year, I have been super excited every Monday evening to watch the latest episode. I won't give away any spoilers just in-case, but so far I've found this series fantastic! I am so gutted Series 5 is now over!

Peter Kay's Car Share | BBC One
I didn't really expect to get as hooked to this show as I did, but I actually found it really funny. The show reminded me a little of The Royle Family in the fact that you only see the cast in the car. I hope they film another series or a Christmas special, Peter Kay and Sian Gibson make a great duo.

Drifters | E4
I was looking for something to watch on netflix recently and came across Drifters. It has some of the cast of the Inbetweeners Movie (the girls) and is about friends leaving Uni and their daily struggles in life. Its very funny and quite light - hearted.

Fresh Meat | Channel 4
Another one I have only just began watching but I find it absolutely hilarious! It is based on first Year uni students placed in a shared house because Halls were full. Its pretty funny.

Black and White Wax Review

It might come as a surprise to you that I am a huge fan of hairstyles such as the quiff, victory rolls, and the pompadour - which is definitely one of my favourites. I love the 1950's pin up girl and rockabilly hair styles and I occasionally, when I am feeling brave (or daring), will do something a little different with my hair and try and recreate something similar with my own hair. I am the first to admit it; I am not brilliant at it. I think it all comes with time and practice. 

I used the Black and White pomade to create those looks. I really like the product, it has helped me to create a hold for a rockabilly/pin up girl hair style. I wasn't sure if it would be able to hold my hair as it is quite a light pomade, but it does the job and I am pretty impressed with it. The pomade stands the test of time quite literally - it has been a popular product since the 1920's, and it does actually last all day - no deflating hair do's here!

I have used the product with my hair down too, just to add a little volume to it, which works really well. I think the Black and White pomade could easily become a firm favourite because it works well for my every day look, as well as creating a special 'do like this one.

I think that the product is value for money as you only need to use a small amount each time so a little goes a long way.

What hair products do you use to create your favourite hair styles?

Would you be interested in seeing different hair style looks on my blog?

*Post includes PR sample*

Why Writing Matters To Me #NSW

I have always really enjoyed writing. I still remember some of my first experiences in writing; from learning to form letters, and then learning to write sentences. It is something I have always really enjoyed to do from being a child - I would spend hours jotting down stories on large notepads, I had such a big imagination back then! 

Handwriting is still something I try to do as often as I can; sure, we all have computer devices now which make life a little easier sometimes, but there is nothing better than being able to sit and jot your thoughts down by hand. Since finishing my education a few Years ago, I have found handwriting to become less and less of a requirement in my life like it was when I was younger. I am trying my best to embrace the pen and paper and continue to take time out from the computers and write by hand!

It is pretty amazing when you think about the ability some of us have of being able to read and write - something we may take for granted in day to day life. I think handwriting is important and it really matters to me that it continues to be present in our lives - writing by hand shows our imagination, our individuality, and our personality. 

27th April sees the beginning of National Stationary Week; a Week which encourages and promotes us to get writing by hand and celebrates all things stationary related.  You can get involved by checking out the website, sending more letters, cards, and get writing! 

What I'm Thankful For This Year

With Christmas almost over (sob!) we will soon be onto a New Year. Oscar Insurance contacted me recently and asked if I wanted to share the things we often take for granted but am extremely thankful for in a blog post. I thought it would be a nice way of ending the year by looking back at all the things I have been thankful for this Year.

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Family is something that is really important for me. I am so grateful and thankful for having a good network (be it small) of family around me, particularly my Dad, Sister, Grandma and Auntie. I am thankful for their help and support this Year, and every Year. 

Health is something I am extremely thankful for. I think our health is often taken for granted and sometimes it leaves my mind during life's every-day stresses. It is so important to look after your health and I am grateful that all of my loved ones and the people in my life are healthy and happy.

Life itself for me is something to be thankful for. Yes I have really bad days and I have lows like everyone else, but I really do appreciate that I am lucky for the life I lead. I have somewhere to call home, and I have people in my life that care about me. Every Year I count my blessings for the life I have. You never know what is around the corner in life so I try to make the most out of every day. My life is far from perfect, don't get me wrong - it is important to realise what you have and not what you haven't. 

What are you thankful for this Year?

Oscar is thankful to provide simple, quality health insurance to New York and they just recently started providing in New Jersey as well!  They use smart technology to simplify the healthcare experience and allow members to proactively manage their health. Oscar members can get free primary care visits, flu shots and other preventive care to keep you healthy so you can focus on all the important people and things in your life!

*I was not sponsored to write this post and no compensation was given.*

The Autumn Tag

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 I haven't posted a tag post in a while, so I thought Today would be a great opportunity as I have no other posts planned. The lovely Sarah from Ohh So Glam tagged me to do the Autumn Tag, so here it is.

What's Your Favourite Thing About Autumn?
I love the brown and orange leaves that litter the ground. It reminds me of being young and running through all the leaves!

Favourite Autumn Drink?

I love coffee, especially spiced lattes or a mint hot chocolate with cream!

Favourite Autumn Food?
I haven't really got a favourite Autumn food, but in the colder Months I really love home - made shephards pie. It is a real hearty meal, and it really warms me up on a cold evening.

Favourite Autumn Activity? 
I love cuddling up on the sofa, sticking on a cheesy film snuggled up with blankets and a hot water bottle.

Favourite Autumn Candle Scent?

I think my favourite would be cinnamon and apple. I also really like orange and pumpkin scents.

Favourite Item of Clothing/Accessory for A/W 2014?

Soft, thick jumpers and boots are perfect for Autumn Winter, and are always in style. I love a chunky scarf too!
Favourite Lip Product?
I like deep berry reds but I am not always brave enough to pull them off!

Favourite Nail Polish?
I only tend to wear nudes, pinks and pastels, so I would probably say a nude shade.

Go-To Autumn Makeup Look?
A nude eye, dark eye liner and mascara, subtle highlight and blush and a dark lip.

What's Top on Your Autumn Wishlist?
I am looking for a Autumn/Winter coat, preferably in navy blue.

Tag 5 Bloggers to join in the fun...

Clare http://www.theloveofallthingsbeauty.co.uk/

Tasha http://wandincluded.blogspot.co.uk/

Ashlynn http://abeautymoment.blogspot.co.uk/

Laura http://www.laurasallmadeup.com/

Rachel http://www.twentysomethingbeauty.com/

Let me know if you have taken part in the tag!

I'm Prepping for Christmas!

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I know, I know - I said the C word and its only September. I am one of those people.

I have started my Christmas gift shopping already (please do not hate me!) mainly because I really don't have time to shop come November - December. I aim to get the majority of it finished before November this year. I have been planning my Christmas shopping by making about five different lists - things I've seen and want to get for people, random ideas, how much I need to spend per person, etc etc. I find writing lists really useful to keep on track of what I have already bought. I don't know if any of you guys do this, but I know when I Christmas shop last minute I tend to worry I haven't bought 'enough' or if the gift looks too small - silly I know, as we all know its the thought that matters. I find if I am well prepared I will be happier with what I have chosen to gift my family and friends. 

I have also been picking up a few little food and drink bits to put away for Christmas. I know this sounds crazy - but I hate the big Christmas food shop - everything is so expensive and it is so busy during December, so I have been buying a few treat things to put away for that time; ensuring everything is in good date of-course! I've also brought all of my family Christmas cards already. Please don't hate me!
I am planning to post some gift idea blog posts like I have done in previous years. I really enjoy compiling them, and I love reading blog posts to find inspiration for gifts. I may also share some festive recipes and gift wrap ideas - let me know if you're interested in reading those kind of posts.

Are any of you eager beavers like me? 

Here are a few links for websites I have found great for Christmas gifts. I have linked their Christmas Gift pages in the links so it will take you straight to the page.

Boots

Perfect for their great value 3 for 2 gifts.

Superdrug

They have some gorgeous beauty and skin care sets in this year.

Not On The Highstreet

One of my favourite online stores, they have a huge variety of lovely, unique and personalized gifts for Christmas. 

The Works

The Works is great for random gifts and some great books - and it is so inexpensive too.

Debenhams

My first stop for fragrance, clothing and beauty gifts. 

I Want One Of Those

I love this site for its quirky and unique gift ideas.

Littlewoods

They have everything from gifts to furnishings.

Matalan

Great for those little stocking fillers we all love to buy.

Thorntons

Probably the best place to pick up some sweet treats for the Festive Season. I love the Snow Dog Chocolate Figure!

Goals for 2014 - An Update

At the beginning on 2014 I wrote a post sharing my 3 aims or 'goals' for me to achieve in 2014.  As it is now half way through the year (how fast has that gone though, really?!) I thought I would share my updates with you all, as well as documenting these goals on my blog.

1. Lose weight. I have to be honest in admitting this goal has been a very difficult task for me so far this year. I started with good intentions, but they quickly faded and I began eating rubbish again. I have been on and off diets for the entire 6 Months of this year. I definitely need to get back on track and focus if I want to shift some weight before next Christmas. If you have suggestions or tips please do share them in the comments below, as I am really struggling to stay motivated.

2. Pass my driving test. Well - I am half way there! This year saw me pass my Theory test which I am super happy about - I am awful at exams and a complete stress head so I am really pleased I have passed. I haven't yet booked my driving test but am nervous just thinking about it. I still aim to pass my test by the end of the year, I just need to become a little more confident in my own abilities!

3. Be more confident and try new things. I feel I have tried a lot of new things so far this year, they may only be small little things but I am really happy to have done therm. I have written for an established website which I am really proud of, and have also had an article printed in Base Magazine, which is a bloggers magazine. I never thought I would be capable of writing for anything like that. I still would love to join a group or try a new hobby, maybe joining a Slimming World group could tick off two of my goals for the Year?

I would love to hear your progress on any goals or resolutions you made for 2014? 

Its my Birthday!

I am now very nearly in my mid - Twenties!

This saddens me slightly... I miss being a Teen! How old do you think I look?!

I am off now to have a very lazy day and to celebrate being another year older!

Hope you're all having a lovely day whatever you are doing!

xx

Hopes and Goals for 2014

I have never really stuck to New Year resolutions as I am just not that strong - willed. There are a few things I would like to achieve this year which I am hoping to document here on my blog. I hope this will give me more of an incentive to stick at these goals and complete them. It is only a short list at this moment in time, as I don't want to flurry myself with loads of aims and feel rubbish if I haven't been able to achieve them. These 3 goals I feel are achievable if I work hard and become more confident in myself.

1. Lose weight. 

This is the 'big one' I want my main focus to be on this year. I am unhappy with my weight and body shape, diet and lifestyle, so I hope to change this area of my life in a positive way this year. 

2. Pass my driving test.

I have been learning to drive for quite a while now, this is something I want to tick off my list this year as I feel it is a life skill I will need in the future (although I don't particularly need it now) I don't want to regret not following my learning through now in years to come.

3. Be more confident and try new things.

There are lots of things I want try but I am so unconfident in my own abilities and I am so painfully shy I feel it holds me back. I want to do something new this year, be it joining a club, making new friends or starting a new hobby.

Have you made any resolutions or goals for the year 2014? 

Meet My Blogger Buddy Clare!

Hi everyone! Sorry I  have been away from the blogging scene a little while, my little laptop has decided it doesn't want to to work for me anymore so I haven't really had chance to do anything blog related until I came onto the home computer today. I have missed blogging!

Anyway, today I am writing about something I am thankful for thanks to blogging!

I am really grateful that through blogging I have made some great friends, and one in particular... a certain young lady named Clare.

I remember the first time I came across Clares blog, she left a comment on one of my posts saying something along the lines of she was interested in finding bloggers in the West Midlands.  From then on me and Clare would speak quite often on Twitter, and eventually swapped numbers and now we talk almost every day.

I met her for the first time in January at a Birmingham Blogger Meet Up. It was like we were old friends! Since then we have met up a few times and even went to The Big Reunion concert together which was a great night.

Although I dont see Clare a lot I speak to her much more than I do than my friends from School, College and work. It is great to have a close friend like Clare as she is really down to earth and so lovely, its nice to have someone that adores beauty and blogging as much as I do!

Photo from Sarah

If you haven't already i think you should head over to Clares blog as it is fantastic, tell her I sent you :)

What is your favourite part of blogging?

Have you met lots of friends through your blog?

xxx

When she was 22 the future looked bright...

I am turning 22 tomorrow and it saddens me so much I am no longer 21! 

Does this mean I have to grow up now?

The Big Reunion Tour, Birmingham!

I went along to see The Big Reunion Tour on Sunday (12th May) which I am sure you have heard all about from the TV programme on ITV2!

Performing live at concert were B*witched, 5ive, 911, The Honeyz, Liberty X and Atomic Kitten and they were all fab! As a child I loved B*witched - there is video evidence somewhere of me singing (veryyy out of tune) Blame It On The Weatherman!
I had also seen Liberty X before a good many years ago now so I was excited to be seeing them again, and also the other bands too!
I went along with my lovely blogging friend Clare and we had a fab time  - and yes we remembered all the words and danced and sang all the way through!
We met in Town then got the train together to Birmingham, then headed off to the NEC.
Clare actually got the tickets and we had pretty good seating too which was fab - although we were convinced we were in the wrong seats all night!

Thanks Clare for a fab night!

Have you got any concerts lined up for this year?

Confessions of a Blogger Tag.

When did you start your blog?

I started writing my blog in December 2011 just after Christmas! I have been blogging now for about a year and three months which is crazy.

How long does it take you to edit/write a post?

It completely depends on the post - my 'Tips On How To Get Brilliant Bargains' and 'Guide To Sales Shopping' took a lot of time, around a month-two months on and off, so thats probably the longest time I have spent editing a post. Generally speaking though, if I am writing a review on a product it will take 2 or 3 hours (I am rubbish at writing so I am constantly going back to change my errors and bad grammar!).

Have you had any past online presence before? (blog, YouTube)

I have never had a blog before. I had a freewebs website back in the day (anyone remember that!)  and numerous piczo websites which I constantly edited and updated. I loved making these little websites. I have always loved to take photographs even from a young age (before it was the cool thing to do!), and I loved having my own little space to make look pretty and write about things voluntarily and through choice of my own, so I guess I can see why I enjoy blogging as much as I do now.

Why did you start a blog?

I enjoyed reading blogs and I was after a hobby. I read blogs for a good while before hand and just sort of decided one day I was going to make one for myself.

What was your first post?

My first post was an introductory post - its about four lines long! I laugh when I read it back now but I will never delete it.

Are you a spender or saver?

 I don't think I am either really. I never ever splurge unless it is for someone elses birthday gifts, I love bargain hunting though and spend my money on saft things I will never use.

What type of post do you enjoy writing or recording?

I love sharing what I've been buying or doing reviews of new beauty products. I also enjoy doing tags as they're more personal and readers can get to know me better.

I really like writing about monthly empties/favourite products of the month, I am not sure why but I like to share my thoughts and how I found the product! I like writing about a lot of beauty and bargain hunting type things, I am useless at NOTD posts and that sort of thing 'cause I am simply rubbish at any form of nail art so I just could never write about something I have little knowledge/interest in.

Do your friends and family know about your blog/channel?

My family know I have a blog, my boyfriend does too and constantly moans I write about boring beauty stuff and I should start writing about gaming (Uh No) ha ha. None of my friends know though, not sure why but I just haven't yet told anyone about it.

What Clothing Item do you wear way too much?

I wear leggings every day, so yeah that'd be it! I love wearing leggings as they are so comfortable ... although, as I am overweight, and constantly wear leggings, I never realise how much weight I put on as they stretch with me! Ha ha.

Are you more likely to buy a bag or a pair of shoes?

Thats a difficult one. Because I am not that interested in either really! I love having a nice handbag (or my suitcase as my other half refers to them) but I don't lust after handbags and I am the same with shoes! I am more of a jewellery kind of girl.

Are the outfits that you post really what you wear in out?

Off course, I don't do many outfit posts but I do genuinely go out and wear them cause other wise what is the point? I will honestly tell you that I live in my pyjamas at home so any effort for getting dressed is only made when I actually go out ha ha.

Who or What inspired you to start a blog or channel?

A few years ago I read an article in Cosmopolitan about blogging and it really intrigued me so I hit up google and found the whole beauty and fashion blogging community online. I started following a handful of blogs but kind of forgot about it as I had just started University. In 2010 my sister introduced me to the world of vlogging and 'beauty gurus' on youtube and I found it really interesting and got addicted! I started finding more blogs through youtube and began following and engaging in the blogs again. In December 2011 I decided I wanted to make my own blog and that I did!

What's your style mantra? (in other words, what does style mean to you. I think....)

I am a no hope when it comes to style... I don't know how to put outfits together and am envious of those who can! I just think your own style comes from within and you should embrace the way YOU want to look :) as long as you feel comfortable, happy and confident in what you wear who cares if it is in this season or if it is stylish or not.

What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?

Off course it is being able to communicate with like minded people! Other than my sister no-one really gets how crazy I get over beauty products so it is a great outlet to be able to speak to those who love the same things I do, and it is so rewarding that there are people actually interested in reading what you write and speaking to you, commenting on your posts, following your blog and even communicating with you on other social media websites. It is rewarding that I have people that read my posts I find it so heart-warming! Being part of the blogging community is very rewarding, and I have even had the opportunity to meet up with fellow bloggers, and have even made some friends too!

What is the most discouraging thing that happens to you?

To be honest I cant think of anything for this. I have never been or will be in blogging for numbers (amount of followers, amount of PR companys contacting me etc) I do it because I like doing it. It is an added bonus that there are some amazing people that read what I write too!

Whats your lasting motivation or inspiration?

I think its pretty simple really, other blogs and bloggers are my complete inspiration when writing posts. My lasting motivation is my interest in what I am writing about! I think that is important, you have got to be really interested in what you are writing to stay motivated and I think as long as you keep your content to things you enjoy writing about, you will be fine!

Hopefully that gave ou an insight into what I am like and why I blog! If you blog, what is our favourite thing about blogging? If ou read blogs, what is your favourite thing to read about?

30 Facts About Me.

30 random facts about me 

1. I drink over 15 cups of tea/coffee every day. I cannot cope without caffeine!

2. I have been with my partner for two and half years.

3. I used to dress quite chavvy and when I look at old photos, I cant believe it was me and how I looked.

4. I over-think every situation I can imagine.

5. My favourite animals are cows and have a huge collection of cuddly cows that live on my bed.

6. The only television channel I tend to watch is BBC3.

7. I suffer from insomnia and depression.

8. I keep every card anyone has ever sent to me.

9. Blogging is one of my favourite pass times.

10. I have been learning to drive for years but still haven't passed my test.

11. I feel like a failure 90 % of the time.

12. I am a very sentimental person. If someone gives me something, I will keep it forever.

13. Eye liner is my holy grail make up item.

14. I adore Pink, Taylor Swift and Cheryl Cole. My favourite artist is Charlie Simpson.

15. My biggest idol is my Dad.

16. My favourite treat to eat is frozen yoghurt and I adore Yoo Moo, but gutted there isn't a stand in Birmingham.

17. My favourite show is Family Guy. I have all of the seasons on DVD and guarantee I watch it every night.

18. I wish I was more thrifty.

19. I try really hard to be independent and not rely on anyone else.

20. My favourite meal is chilli con carne and would happily eat it every day of my life if I could.

21. I am not fashionable at all, in fact I wear some pretty strange outfits that look good in my head but turn out to look a bit thrown together.

22. I used to change my hair colour a lot, and have had various hair colours from the age of 13. I wish I had the confidence to dye it now!

23. I graduated from University last year but still have no idea what to do with my life.

24. I love inspirational quotes and sayings.

25. I am really close to my sister.

26. I had braces as a teenager and absolutely despised them. I am grateful now for having straight teeth.

27. I love wearing beret hats because they don't make my huge head look any bigger.

28. My favourite film is Beauty and The Beast.

29.I rarely see my friends due to lack of time and distance, but it makes me appreciate them much more when I do see them. They spoiled me on my 21st birthday and I am so lucky to have such lovely friends.

30. I really struggled with writing this as there really is nothing interesting about me!

11 Questions.

I was tagged by the lovely Clare last weekend to do this tag post!

Clare asked me:

1. Have you told all your friends/family about your blog? None of my friends know, but my partner does. My sister and Dad know I blog. My dad thought it was really cool when I attended the Birmingham Bloggers Meet Up and thinks its a great way of meeting new people. 
2. What phone do you have? Do you like it? I have a Blackberry Bold. Its okay, I am a bit bored of it now though. I don't know what phone I will have next though.
3. What's your favourite piece of jewellery and why? My favourite is my engagement ring. I don't really talk about my partner here on my blog. We have been engaged almost two years now. I think a ring is a beautiful way to signify your feelings and love towards someone, because the ring never ends. (I am such a soppy git haha)
4. What's your best/favourite dish to cook? I am a useless cook, my sister does the majority of cooking at home. I can cope with putting food in the oven but in terms of real cooking, I have no idea.
5. If you could only use three make up items for the rest of your life, what would they be? They would be eye - liner, lip balm and probably mascara, as I tend to only wear two or three of these items on a daily basis anyway.  I could not cope without eye-liner, definitely my holy grail product.
6. What is your favourite film and why? This is such a tough question, I would probably have to say Beauty and the Beast as its such a beautiful story and I have adored it since being a teeny baby. I love a classic Disney film. I really love The Hangover and Knocked Up so they are a close second.
7. What is your greatest moment of blogging so far and why? Communicating with lots of other lovely bloggers, hearing feedback about my blog and being able to meet a few bloggers too! 
8. What is your favourite clothing shop? To be honest I don't really clothes shop much as I hate my body and my weight, and I am really short so find it difficult to find clothes to fit me both in width and height! I really like Dorothy Perkins, though.
9. If you could live in a flat with one other blogger, who would you pick? I don't really know many bloggers. I would probably say Clare as she is a lovely lady and so down to earth!
10. Who is your favourite youtuber and why? I have to be honest, I don't really watch many Youtube videos any more. I like Dollybowbow and Coleyyyful's videos as I love Kates style and hauls and I love Coles tutorials and personality.
11. Where, in your opinion, is the best place to go out to meet? Depending on who you are with. But if it is a first meeting, I would say coffee or drinks as it can be as short or long as you like - and a relaxing atmosphere too! If you are having a proper meet up I would say go for a nice meal at a restaurant - I love Frankie and Bennies.

Thanks Clare for tagging me to do the questions!!

XxX

A little chit chat about January

Today I've been in one of those really reflective moods just thinking about all sorts of things, and I had already planned to write a beauty blog post today,  but I just wasn't feeling 'in the zone' to write about it and fancied a little ramble instead.

I can not believe we are already at the end of January 2013. Its crazy that Christmas was a whole month ago now. I am the most annoying person ever for saying this constantly, but I seriously do not know how time goes so fast these days! I think its because I've finished Uni a good 8 months ago now and time just seems to go by so quickly. I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing?!

January has seen a lot of one very irritating thing - Snow. It would be beautiful if I could sit at home all day and look out my window and let my heart melt at how stunning snow makes trees look. I really haven't got the time of day for it when I have to walk to and from work in the sludge and nearly go flying - I can never style it out properly either, and I always seem to 'almost slip' when loads of people are near by - seriously, not cool. 

January always makes me quite gloomy as Christmas is all over and another year is upon us. I haven't really stuck to many resolutions I made appart from one or two (tut tut) and I feel pretty awful about it if I am honest. I just need to get into a really positive frame of mind!

This month also saw me attend my first Blogger Meet Up. It was located in Birmingham and was such a great day and so very. very well organised. It has put me in the mood to go to loads more now! It is so nice to meet like minded people and talk blogging. I really want to become more active in the blogging community, it is a great community to be a part of. I just wish there were more events located more Birmingham way! If you know any, do let me know :)

I have also tried my very best this month to see my friends a lot more. It is a new year resolution of mine. This task may be really simple for some; me and my friends just don't have the time to see each other every fortnight any more, we all seem to lead very busy lives! I am trying really hard this year (so far, so good) to try and see my pals at every given opportunity, though. So far this month, I have spent every weekend meeting and catching up with different groups of friends which has been brilliant! I finally travelled down to Stratford to visit my friend that moved in November. I think anyone that doesn't live close to their friends or who doesn't have the time to see their friends as often as they would like would agree with me that it can be hard - but I am so, so grateful I have friends that even with a lot of miles and hectic timetables between us, I know they are always there on the other end of the phone. (Wow, bit emosh there zo!) I just hope I can keep to my resolution and try and make a lot more time for friends.

This month has seen me buy WAY too much make up and things I definitely do not need. I had to indulge in the MUA 50% sale online (although I do feel pretty guilty given I received a whole load of make up for Christmas) but a girl can never have too much make up right? i am secretly kicking myself cause just two months ago I sorted through all of my make up and was really harsh on myself and gutted SO MUCH STUFF. And now I have gone and bought more and more. I need more space for it all and have no idea how to store it.

In terms of diet, this month has definitely been a disaster. I have overeat way too much Christmas left overs, boxes of chocolate, then pigged out when eating out (my worst culprit). Pizza Hut, Take Aways, Curry Houses, TGI Friday's, KFC!  I definitely need to get back into the swing of things with food and I really need to go back to fitness classes, like I promised I would back in October time. 

How has January been for you?