Reflection on New Year's Resolutions...

Hey there,

Halfway through the year already with only 20 more Fridays until Christmas - how time flies! I couldn't think of a better time to write yet another blog post than on my lunch break with the summer sun streaming through my office windows! 

My New Year's Resolutions

Since we are flying through 2015, I thought I'd take the time to sit back and reflect upon some promises I made to myself all the way back in January. Usually I avoid making resolutions - I hate sticking to guidelines and following rules, but this year was something different. I was determined to start my adulthood in a positive frame of mind!

Believe in Myself More

2015 was the start of a whole 'new me.' I know it's all very cliche, but I was determined this would be the year of positivity and change!The best possible advice I could honestly give anyone suffering with self-esteem issues is to surround yourself with people who make you happy. Since leaving education and busying myself at work, I've transformed into a whole new woman!

Panic Attacks
Panic attacks have always been an issue for me - no amount of explaining could ever picture how difficult it is to live with anxious episodes and panic attacks! Never knowing when they might happen or what may trigger them is a huge worry for me, but I am slowly and gradually learning to deal with them and am proud of how far I've come - onwards and upwards!

Appreciate those Special to Me
It takes a lot to realise just how precious your social life is - they may not be blood related but your friends are the family you choose! Spending time with positive people will make a huge difference and recently, I've become a part of a new circle of friends. Although we may have our petty arguments, we are an extremely supportive bunch and I treasure their company dearly!

Read More

Growing up, reading was my absolutely favourite pastime - I'd always have my head deep in a book. Since commuting to work, I've picked up this hobby again and am gradually becoming an avid bookworm. I mean, what better way to pass the time commuting backwards and forwards to work! Look out for some book reviews on my little slice of the Internet - coming soon to a blog near you...

Smile More

Simple, yet effective - a smile can go a long way! I've never been confident in showing off my smile, but now I can't resist taking a selfie everywhere I go. You'll never catch me without a big grin on my face!

How are you coping this year with your New Year's resolutions?

Bye for now! Xxx

Current Playlist #1

Hey there,

What a morning - words can't even begin to describe the emotions that took over today! Music has definitely been essential, especially when revising my socks off in the heat of the summer sun for those crucial exams! I'll admit I have a playlist for absolutely everything from 'singing in the shower' to settling myself off to sleep. Honestly, I'm raving mad about music and all the latest bands, but Glastonbury and Reading are just a dream away...

Luckily, I have no shame when rocking out to my favourite tunes and am not afraid to show off my moves or hit those high notes, wherever I may be! Festival season is fast approaching, so I thought I'd share with you some of my current favourites...

1) Cheerleader - Omi

Hands down this song proudly holds first place in my Summer playlist! Can't say I'm all that fussed about the music video, but it's just so darn catchy!

2) Bills - Lunchmoney Lewis

Love it or lump it - I'm sure everyone is talking about this tune right now! I'm not surprised this tune has slowly grown on me. Infact, I'm almost certain it's a strong family favourite, heavily blasting from our speakers down the motorway!

3) Bad Blood - Taylor Swift

Taylor never fails to impress me - such a talented woman with a powerful voice! If you haven't already seen the music video, (seriously where have you been?!) I highly recommend it - she looks incredible! *pauses for breath* 

4) See You Again - Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

For personal reasons, this song holds a lot of meaning and one that is unbelievably close to my heart. I can't help but get emotional every time it plays, but it certainly brings up some beautiful memories!

5) Where Are U Now - Skrillex & Duplo ft Justin Bieber

Who would have thought Justin Bieber and Skrillex would sound so good?! Never been a big fan of either artists, but I couldn't help falling in love with these beats. Definitely a feel good tune for this summer!

I hope you like my choice in music and I can't wait to update you with some new chart-toppers next month!

Bye for now! Xxx

Shower Reflection

Hey there!

Back again with yet another short update for you on my pretty little slice of the Internet! How I'm glad to be back. I can't stress enough to you how busy I've been recently - conquering endless mountains of revision, pacing myself through the busy, working day. Not forgetting saving every spare moment to embrace my inner party animal. We all know girls just wanna have fun!

After hopping out of the shower, settling myself down with a hot chocolate and burning my favourite little candle, an idea occurred to me for a blog post...

Inspiration stems from the most peculiar places - whether it's keeping you up at night just before you're settled off to sleep or whilst strolling through the park on a warm, summer's day. Believe it or not, my ideal place for brainstorming is my beloved shower!

As much as I love to sing, (possibly deafening my poor neighbours,) this is where my creative juices start flowing. If I'm lathering myself up, inhaling the fumes of my favourite scented body wash for over an hour, then I'm most probably deep in thought. Once my brain starts buzzing, there is no stopping me.

Almost immediately, I'll wriggle my way deep into my fluffy dressing gown, heading straight for my blog, ready to scribble down my thoughts, eager to share with all of you - now that is dedication!

My question to you - where do you find your inspiration?

Bye for now! Xxx

The British Tag

Hey there,

It's been way too long since I last updated my blog, but fear no more I am back - here in the flesh, tapping away my keyboard! Recently, I've been rushed off my feet with one thing and another so have had no time to spare for my little slice of the Internet. More importantly, I've been hidden away with my head in a book for what seems like eternity - how I've missed catching up with my favourite authors! 

Unless you've been hidden under a rock, you'll have noticed that everyone seems to be significantly happier - thanks to these longer days and perfect sunshine! Not quite short wearing weather yet, but just enough to expose a little bit of leg. I can't help but daydream for summer to arrive, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to take part in...

1. How many cups of tea a day do you have? How many sugars?

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge tea fan - I'm more of a coffee drinker. If I'm not tucked away with my favourite book, then I'm most probably sat in Starbucks treating myself to a frothy coffee. Most days I'll get through 2 cups of coffee with just the one sugar. I'm already sweet enough - cue the cringe!

2. Favourite part of your roast?

Hands down, it just has to be roast potatoes. No Sunday dinner would be complete without a handful of crispy spuds - seasoned with just enough herbs to make your mouth water. 

3. Favourite dunking biscuit?

Definitely a tough one to answer, but I do love a good Bourbon. For something a bit more fancy, I'll never say no to a rich tea biscuit. 

4. Favourite quintessentially British pastime?

A monthly trip to London has always been on my checklist. Visiting landmarks and joining the local hustle and bustle is definitely something to admire about Britain - I just can't get enough of London!

5. Favourite word?

Bollocks - not the most pleasant of British words, but I'm forever catching myself saying it whenever I make a balls-up of something. Definitely brings the common side out of me!

6. Cockney rhyming slang?

Fortunately, I've had the privilege of being brought up by a former East-end father. I've always been fascinated by the language and love learning new phrases too! 

7. Favourite sweet?

You just can't beat a lemon sherbet. Definitely popular in the UK and I just can't get enough of them!

8. What would your pub be called?

Tough question I think - I've never been a creative one myself. British pubs always seem to be named after monarchs, so I guess mine would be have to be dedicated to the royals.

9. No.1 British person?

Hands down, Michael McIntyre! Enough said really - he's just so down to earth and never fails to make me giggle. 

10. Favourite Shop/Restaurant?

I've always been a big fan of the Harvester - that's one place I'm well known for! I do love a good pie and mash meal and I've always taken advantage of my local cafe too. Guess I'm just a food fanatic!

11. What British song pops into your head?

I wouldn't be British if I didn't mention our anthem. Known all over the world and something I'll never forget the words to. Can't beat a good ol' classic of Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley! That's definitely one to be saved for flashing those moves in your bedroom!

12. Marmite?

I'll admit I've never been a huge fan of marmite. They say you either love it or hate it, but I think I'm definitely an exception. If I'm in a rush, marmite on toast is the way to go!

Worth giving a go? I think so - I challenge all of you reading this to take part in the British Tag!

Bye for now! Xxx

My Adventures in Hospital 02/03/15

Hey there, 

It's definitely been a while since I've updated my little slice of the Internet  and to be honest, I can't apologize enough! How I've missed eagerly tapping away at my keyboard, frantically spewing out the contents of brain onto my blog for all you nosy viewers to read! 

I'm not asking for sympathy, but I can assure you last week was not an easy ride! You may think I'm making a big fuss out of nothing, but I've never been a huge fan of hospitals. Always full of disappointments, bad news and don't even get me started on the smell! 

For over a year now, I have been wearing a brace - pretty obvious if you've seen my countless number of photos, (a girl can never have too many selfies!) Just recently I've found a new attachment to it and can't bare to part with it yet. However, as much as I love my braces, I do not enjoy the tedious trips to the hospital with dentists towering over me peering inside my mouth - too close for comfort! 

But it doesn't just stop at the braces - oh no, my case is a lot more complicated than you may think! A couple of months ago, I was hit with the news that my jaw appeared to be slightly asymmetrical. At the time I remained quiet, yet calm, confident that it was nothing too serious. That was until they told me it meant I'd have to have my jaw realigned to prevent any problems in the future - definitely not something I was prepared for! 

Last week was the first initial step towards the end result and I'll admit I was definitely unprepared for what was yet to happen. Surrounded by patients in a hospital bed nervously waiting to be called in for my wisdom teeth to be removed was not my idea of fun!

Nevertheless, despite all the nerves I had been suppressing for hours on end, I couldn't resist whipping my camera out to pose for my outfit of the day - the typical hospital gown, (how attractive!)

Fortunately, I am back to my usual, perky self again and will be posting regularly on my blog again, so you won't have to miss me too much!

Bye for now! Xxx

#3 10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

Hey there,

Seriously though, where did January go? I can't believe we've almost whizzed through February too - this year is flying by! I'm proud to say so far that my New Year's Resolutions are yet to be broken and I have high expectations for the rest of this year. Unfortunately, I had a turn for the worst at the start of this week and my fairytale relationship has come to an end. I am determined not to let this bother me and sometimes I think to myself it was a blessing in disguise. Love is a foolish emotion and I'll admit it hasn't been easy, but luckily for me I had the support I needed to make this week a good one!

1. Interacting with new bloggers on Twitter

2. Involving myself with a new group of friends

3. Watching the sun set in the evening from my office.

4. Finally meeting up with a good friend of mine.

5. Spending hours on Skype uncontrollably laughing to myself. 

6. Seeing my favourite bands play live at the O2.

7. Forever performing into my hairbrush in front of my mirror, being a diva.

8. Wasting pennies in the arcades. 

9. Messing about with my friend's dog.

10. Having a well deserved lie-in on a Sunday.

Bye for now! Xxx

HOW TO: Deal With Plane Stress...

Hey there,

I know what you're all probably thinking after reading the title of my blog post, have you seen the weather outside? I agree, it's not my ideal weather for a vacation. However, after having moved into the loft at work, I'm constantly watching planes flying overhead - it's hard not to day dream about my holiday! I'm nowhere near an expert on this, infact I've only ever flown once, but I remember feeling so anxious sitting in that airport for the first time. I know how terrifying flying can be for certain people, so I wanted to write a post to offer some helpful tips to ensure your flight is a good one...

Hydrate Yourself - it's always good to ensure you drink plenty before and during your flight. I find that my mood increases dramatically by hydrating myself well and prepares me for my travels.

Rest Well -  there's nothing worse than a sleepless night the evening before your flight. Reading before bed is a good way to relax, ensuring I fall asleep with no trouble.

Boiled Sweets - I found that squashing a packet of sweets in my coat pocket was the best decision I ever made on my first flight. Sucking on hard candy is a great distraction when flying and also the best way to help when your ears pop!

Relaxing Music - before you head on your journey, ensure you have a playlist with your favourite music stored on your phone/iPod. Listening to your most loved songs is the best way to help with any anxieties you may have.

I hope you find my tips useful and take note of these when flying abroad!

Bye for now! Xxx