Primark Tag

Hey there! 

After browsing endlessly through the Internet for some inspiration for my next blog post, I found a new tag make an appearance on Blogger from Barb! For as long as I can remember, Primark has been my absolute favourite shop to pick up some top purchases in, whether it be an evening outfit, a floral dress or some new underwear. So naturally, I couldn't resist taking part in this tag and would love to see this shared across the Internet...

1) Do you have any nicknames for Primark?

Personally, I do not use any nicknames for Primark, other than the brand name itself. However, I do know there are some floating around including 'Primarnie,' which my father often refers to it as. There is also a lot of controversy about how to pronounce it, whether it be 'Preemark' or 'Primark.' 

2) Which item can you never resist picking up?

One of my all time favourites at Primark, besides the cute jumpers or summery tops with the collars, are their underwear, who could resist, when they're priced at £1 per pair! Whether it be the lacy thongs, patterned knickers or the diamante bras,  they never fail to keep me away! Regardless of whether people may not see these beautys, (unless they're lucky enough,) I always prefer to have classy, matching underwear to make myself feel glam or slightly cheeky! 

3) Are you guilty of buying knick-knacks at the tills?

I am a sucker for lip balms and fluffy socks and coincidentally, BOTH of these products seem to appear by the till line. Being an eager shopper, I often find myself picking up additional items to fill up my already bulging shopping basket, which always seem necessary at the time! But when the pounds add up, I realise self-discipline has failed me once more...

4) Do you visit your local Primark or shop further afield? 

For a quick browse and a fashion fix up, the local stores never let me down! I am lucky enough to have a store in my local town and I rarely ever come out empty handed! The staff are so friendly and the queues are tolerable so I enjoy my shopping experience. I have once been known to shop further afield for a product I had fallen in love with online, but was not in stock in my local store! However, this was not ideal, and I found myself fighting my way through crowds of fiesty shoppers, to find myself at the back of an endless queue!

5) What is your Primark bugbear?

A bugbear I have always disliked at Primark, before and after the refurbishment, is the lack of respect by the customers! Before I was interested in fashion, I found it a chore to shop in Primark and refused to search for bargains in what looked like a charity shop! Even now, after the refurbishment, shoppers often knock clothes off the hanger and never bother to put it back! You don't see this kind of behaviour in River Island or Topshop, so why here?! It's a disappointment to see one of my favourite shops being treated this way! 

6) What season do you look forward to most?

The spring/summer collection in Primark are by far the most exciting! I find myself changing fashion styles, as the years progress, but Primark floral dresses, patterened shorts and bikinis never fail to make an appearance in my wardrobe. I constantly restock up on these items and ensure I am always up-to-date with the upcoming designs and outfits. I consider myself a bit of a fashion guru when it comes to summer! 

7) Do you use the Primark website or fall back on Primark hauls on YouTube? 

I never really rely on either, as I am lucky enough to pass by my local store, before and after school, 5 days a week, so it's impossible for me to miss out on the new collections! That being said, I also look forward to watching hauls on YouTube for some inspiration. I especially look forward to watching Zoella's videos, as we share the same taste in fashion and I rely on her to make some good purchases. I reccommend you give her a watch, you will NOT be disappointed! 

Happy shopping! Xxx

Life Update: Vegetarianism

Hey there! 

To those that know me personally it's obvious that, growing up I was an avid meat eater! Chicken nuggets, pork sausages, pepperoni pizza, you name it, I ate it....I couldn't live without the stuff! Meat was a significant part of my diet and was often my first choice from the menu. I was so dependent upon it that I looked forward to it being served on my plate! 

Recently though, my life has redirected itself and followed new paths, which were never expected by neither myself nor those around me, including my new dieting habits, which has been the most significant one to date... Since then, I've noticed a few changes, including my sudden positive outlook on life! Not forgetting the wonders it does to the complexion of my skin. 

My family have always been and probably will continue to be hardcore meat eaters and therefore, have the typical ignorant view that:

• 'We were born to be meat eaters!' 
• 'It's just a phase, give it time and it will pass'
• 'Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival for life on Earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet! 

I decided to break out of this shell only last week, by pushing the boundaries of regular family procedures in the kitchen! However, as a result of my parent's lack of support to my new lifestyle change, I found the first week hard to kick-start my new dieting habits. I am lucky enough to have a large group of friends, who I consider to be extremely close to me. They've always been there, through thick and thin, and supported me in every life decision I make! Without them I doubt I would have been as determined to stick to this mentality and change my diet. As a large majority of my friendship group are passionate vegetarians and have been for a long while, I have been blamed for my change in lifestyle, as a way to 'fit in with the crowd!' However, there are numerous and well thought-out reasons for making this decision:

1) Morality 
I am a strong believer in morals, despite the gender or form of life! Studies have shown that animals are moral creatures; they support  each other, have a sense of outrage and show empathetic behaviour towards not only their own kind, but humans too! A lot of people seem to forget that animals have emotion and feelings, so...

"The question is not Can they reason? nor Can they talk but, Can they suffer?" - Jeremy Bentham

Why should a poor, defenseless animal suffer for human pleasure? It wouldn't be seen as morally correct to skin a sedated human for their meat, to cook for dinner, so what makes it okay to do this to animals?

2) To Challenge Myself
I consider myself to be an outgoing teenager who is always up for a challenge! I get a thrill out of having to work towards something or achieve a personal belief, especially if there is an element of danger involved! As mentioned before, my love for meat when I was growing up was a passionate one and I never felt like I could part from it. Therefore, I saw this as a massive deal and a challenge I was determined to achieve. I'll admit now, it wasn't an easy decision of mine to transform to a diet that was completely meat-free! For a number of months, maybe even a year, I had always wanted to become a vegetarian, but had consistently been shunned away every time I brought up the topic. Therefore, the first hurdle to overcome was braving my parents! Once I proposed my argument and adopted a new attitude, I found it easy to announce my change in lifestyle. However, despite the unpleasant reaction from this, I was determined not to let this get to me!

3) For a Healthier Way Of Living
Studies show that on average, vegetarians are healthier in all aspects! A 12-year old Oxford study produced the results that the life expectancy of a vegetarian when compared with meat eaters, show that they can outlive omnivores by 6 years. This is due to the plant-based diet of a vegetarian, which strengthens the immune system and slows down the aging process! Depending on the attitude you adopt as a vegetarian, it is extremely easy to lose any excess weight that isn't wanted and keep it off! A vegetarian diet consists mainly of vegetables, nuts, fruits, whole grains and legumes, providing the individual with the nutrients they need. These are low in fat and rich in fibre and when accompanied with daily exercise, the perfect formula is made for healthy weight loss!

"My body will not be a tomb for other creatures" - Da Vinci

I was not expecting to become vegetarian so soon and suddenly, nor was I expecting the reaction I got from it, (which wasn't a pleasant one!) However, I will not let that stop me from wanting to stick to this way of living and will do my best to maintain this attitude, to prove everyone wrong!

In other news: I have a set of important exams approaching fast and a pile of notes to revise! This may have a slight impact on the amount of posts I make in the upcoming month, so apologies in advance!

Bye for now! Xxx 

Happy Mothers Day!

Hey there!

Some may think this will be a cliche post and a soppy one at that but, I believe that the wonderful woman who brought me into this world deserves a post of her own! After all, without her I would not have come into existence and you wouldn't have the opportunity to read this, which means you all have her to thank! 

As I'm sure you are all aware, yesterday was Mothers Day! A day to show your Mum how much you appreciate her: by spoiling her with breakfast in bed, showering her with meaningful gifts and sparing her from having to lift a finger by helping around the house! 

I'd be lying if I claimed I was the perfect daughter! I am hopeless at preparing presents for special occasions, (often finding myself frantically browsing the shops for last minute gifts,) am useless when it comes to keeping track of upcoming birthdays and events and fail at telling those that mean a lot, how much I love and appreciate them!

As a young girl growing up, I'd say I was the most difficult child to bring up! I suffered with terrible anger issues from 4 upwards, ranging from minor tantrums to physical damage and occasionally harm! No amount of comforting or gentle words would calm the 'raging animal' inside! For days, sometimes weeks, my Mum was my enemy constantly at war with me, with no sign of a way out!

But there comes a turning point in your life where you realise how much your parents care, how much they have given up, just to ensure you are happy! Never did my Mum give up on me, she was there by my side, supporting me through every stage in my life! Not only influencing my life, but everyone around with her constant positivity!

I'm lucky enough to still have my Mum around to care for me, support me through thick and thin and to love me endlessly despite my imperfections! From toddler to adolescence, she fought by my side: saving my friendships when they were at risk and encouraging opportunities which would not have been possible otherwise.

Love you Mum, you deserve this! Xxx

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favour...

Hey There! 

Despite the misleading title, this is NOT going to be a post dedicated to the Hunger Games, but a collection of my favourite quotes that I have learnt to live by and used throughout my journey to become a better person! 

This little gem has been my personal motto for as long as I can remember! A quote I will cherish forever, that will always remain a favourite of mine! There will be always be a time in your life, where insignificant events will creep up and get the better of  you! But life's too short for moping around and dwelling on the past...there's no point having regrets because at one point you wanted it! Focus on your future, throw those middle fingers out to the world, hold your head up high and smile! A smile is a powerful weapon, a contagious infection, a warming glow at the end of a tunnel! 

Sometimes life doesn't unfold how you want it to and you may face hurdles that are difficult to overcome, but you have to take the rough with the smooth! Life would be boring if every day was the same - perseverance and determination will allow you to cross that bridge and branch out to new opportunities. Don't suffer in silence, embrace those around you and treasure all the help you can get!

Throughout my journey in life, I have made new friends and watched old ones grow and slowly disappear! No amount of missing them can ever bring them back, but that's life! People come and go, but the ones that mind don't matter and the one's that matter don't mind! Cherish the people that care and support you, stay true to your principles and you'll be sure to live passionately, fully and well!

Last, but not least, this quote is an extremely personal one of mine....not only does it appear in one of my most loved novels, but as an ex-headteacher of mine once said: 'Life is not one direct route, there are so many pathways that you may stumble across along the way! Only YOU have the power to choose which ones you venture down and only you can control the journey from there! Be who you want to be, love and be loved and remember: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!' 


You are NOT alone, wherever you are in this world, there are people out there that care! Just hang on in there, you'll find the right ones eventually. It may take time to get there, but it will all be worth it in the end! 

Happy Sunday everyone! Xxx

NEW YEAR, NEW ME!

Hey there!

Today, I decided to be brave and took a step on the scales, after what seemed like a century! I have to say my first weigh in of the year, wasn't looking very pretty, to say the least! Weighing in at 9 stone 5, I felt like some action needed to take place if I was to be remotely happy with my body!

This made me realise how strict upon myself I'm going to have to be! Most people say 'new year, new me,' but never really stick to it! I, on the other hand, am feeling like this year, could possibly be my year! I feel, I can change my life around significantly and for the better! Hopefully, this attitude will stay this way  throughout 2014!

So, for the rest of the year, (until Summer,) I'm going to try and stay as healthy as possible! That means NO snacking after school and NO lying about and being lazy!

Let's see how long this will last!

Cheers to a NEW ME!! Xxx

2014 CHECKLIST...

Hey there! 

I know we're 2 months into 2014 already, but here are a few challenges I set myself to complete during the course of this year!

 1. Photograph your favourite places.
 2. Have a nostalgia trip.
 3. Have an early night with a good book.
 4. Test a new drink.
 5. Try a new restaurant.
 6. Write a completely honest post about how you’re feeling right now.
 7. Try a new beauty/hair/skincare/anything from Boots product. 
 8. Have an internet-free weekend.
 9. Write a letter to your past self.
10. Write a letter to your future self.
11. Try a food you hated as a child.
12. Try a new ice-cream flavour.
13. Watch a sport.
14. List the top 5 places you want to visit in the world. Start saving for one of them.
15. Spend a day in your pyjamas.
16. Leave a comment on every blog you read for a week.
17. Buy that practical thing you never got around to.
18. Spend the day/night watching only one channel. See what you learn.
19. Try something you think you're going to hate.
20. Rearrange some furniture. 
21. Make a new friend/meet a blog friend.
22. Write a big, long list of things that make you happy.
23. Send an anonymous gift.
24. Have a picnic.
25. Do something nice for somebody you don’t know or don’t much like.
26. Read a newspaper.
27. Give up your biggest vice for a week.
28. Clear out under your bed/the junk drawer/your wardrobe/that bulging cupboard
29. Tell someone you love them
30. Turn a few different corners on a familiar path.
31. Go bowling.
32. Pick a book totally at random (from the library/charity shop/bookshop) and review it.
33. Send postcards just because.
34. Go to a local event.
35. Have a tea party.
36. Create something (anything!)
37. Do something on your own which makes you feel self conscious.
38. Do something that scares you. 
39. Get rid of five things you no longer love.
40. Visit a local interest spot.
41. Read a biography.
42. Have a movie day.
43. Give an abandoned hobby another go.
44. Try a new exercise.
45. Play a board game.
46. Discover new music.
47. Visit somewhere new.
48. Take the long walk home.
49. Photograph a stranger with their permission.
50. Make something outside of your cooking/crafting comfort zone.
51. Spend a day blitzing your to do list.
52. Buy yourself something frivolous.
53. Leave a good book for a stranger to find.
54. Hang something new on the wall.
55. Take a friend/loved one on a mystery date.
56. Say thank you.
57. Teach somebody something.
58. Watch a classic film/read a classic book you've never got around to before.
59. Complete a personal challenge. 
60. Camp out. 



Good luck to me!! Xxx

My Q&A

Hey there!

Thanks to a large number of you, I was able to gather a fair amount of questions together, to make this post as viewer orientated as possible! I decided to select, from the handful that were sent to me, the most commonly asked questions and most interesting ones!


1) What is your favourite thing to do in your free time?

I spend the majority of my free time socialising with my friends and boyfriend! I love a good party, especially when it's with the people I am closest with! Always a good excuse to dress up and pamper yourself! My mum said I was born a 'water baby,' which explains my love for swimming! I regularly spend my evenings snuggling into bed with a film and hot chocolate, but also like to make the occasional trip to the cinema for the full experience....(and popcorn, of course!) Last, but not least, every spare moment I have during the day, I spend writing! I love to voice my opinion and sharing my personal experiences with others!  

2) Think back to your first kiss, when was it and how did you feel?

My very first kiss was in Year 4, aged 9, with a boy who I thought was my 'one and only' at the time! We tried our best to hide under a picnic bench, during a lunchtime to share our first 'romantic' kiss in our week long relationship! I think I enjoyed it more than I should have, but could you really blame me? It was all a bit overwhelming! 

3) If you could spend one day anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would choose to spend the day in Norway to sit under the Northern Lights. Hands down, the most amazing sight you could see in your lifetime. Ever since I was a wee girl, I would often dream of lying in a field, gazing up at the sky in awe at all the pretty colours! <3  

4) Among John Green book's, which one is your favourite?

There's no denying that 'The Fault In Our Stars' is the best read by far! Such an emotional story-line and perfect choice in characters! One which I was incredibly attached to and could not put down! In fact, I read it multiple times after! I would seriously recommend this to anyone who hasn't yet experienced such a great novel! 

5) What was the second to last message you sent to someone? 

'Love you xxxxxx' 

6) Are you currently in love with someone? 

As mentioned before, I currently have a boyfriend who treats me like a princess and who means the absolute world to me! I think it's safe to say I am deeply in love with him....even in this short space of time! 

7) What season/month in the year is your favourite and why? 
Despite the awful weather, my favourite seasons are during the Autumn/Winter month, starting with my BIRTHDAY! <3 I am extremely looking forward to this year, after what's seemed like a lifetime of waiting, I'll finally be 18!!! Another exciting event in the Autumn is HALLOWEEN, where the evil come out to play! Pretty much an excuse to dress inappropriately, hold lots of parties and eat mountains of sweets! The lead up to Christmas involves being snuggled under a blanket, frothy, hot chocolate with marshmallows and a good chic flick! Last, but not least, the finale of CHRISTMAS! Time to wrap up warm in baggy, festive jumpers, sing more than necessary and feast on the traditional roast, MY FAVOURITE!! <3 

8) Where do you get most of your inspirations from? 

The most inspirational person in my life is Zoella from YouTube. She's always so smiley, buzzing with energy and motivates me so much. In fact, it was her who inspired me to write this blog! Her fashion sense is perfect and I love the fact she can pull off pretty much any look. Her shopping habits are extremely similar to my own, with LUSH and Primark being at the top of my list! One day, I may even decide to start a YouTube channel just like her, if I pluck up the courage to! Photography is a significant factor, which inspires me a great deal too! I have a passion for taking artistic photos and love the angled, naturalistic shots the most! One day, I'd like to think that I could make a part-time career out of it! A hug, here and there, from close friends and family to brighten my day, also inspires me to continue doing what I'm best at and keep going! <3 

9) Name the film that you enjoy watching the most? 
I am a big softie for Disney films and such a child at heart! <3 So much so, that I was ecstatic for the release of Frozen! Who doesn't love a good singalong to an animated snowman? Enough to make your heart melt, (see what I did there!) I couldn't possibly pick an all time favourite film, so here are a few of my most seen movies: Mamma Mia, Insidious, The Inbetweeners and Inception, (so good it blows your mind...LITERALLY!)

10) What's your favourite and least favourite thing about yourself and why? 

If I could change one thing about myself, it would be my lack in confidence. I appear to be extremely awkward and shy when meeting people for the first time, which often has an impact on my first impression! In the past I have missed out on taking part in certain opportunities, for fear of speaking out and sometimes, I get overlooked because of it! One day, I dream of being able to talk in public, whenever and wherever, on topical subjects to an audience of people. On a smaller scale, just being able to look someone in the eye and communicating confidently when meeting new people, would be a personal achievement I would be extremely proud of! At the moment, my favourite thing about myself would be my outlook on life! I face each day at a time, as it comes and I am finding this method of thinking a better way to perceive life. As a result of this, I have become more positive and couldn't be anymore happier! <3 

Thanks again for sending in your questions! Xxx