Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Evening all and Merry Christmas Eve!!! 

I just wanted to post today as I'm not sure when I'll next have the chance, seen as though for the next week or so I'm going to be all over the place visiting friends and family! I thought I would share with you some of the things I got up to this Christmas Eve. I've seen a couple of posts on this today so I thought it'd be fun to join in!

The first thing I do, on every day in December, is turn over my countdown to Christmas and have the final piece of my advent calendar. I swear they use to include one for Christmas morning, but the past few years mine haven't.

Like most years, when I walked out of my room this morning I was greeted with a little pile of gifts from my mum and a note that read 'It's nearly Christmas! All we need for a Merry Christmas Eve!'. The pile included mini chocolate santas, my new pjs (that you will have seen in my previous post), a vanilla bath bomb, hot chocolate and popcorn. 

Then it had my nails painted by my mum as I am absolutely shocking at painting my nails. I can't do anything like that, I'm far too heavy-handed! I painted them with a gel polish which was just from asda and it's a lovely, deep-wine colour. 

When I got dressed I just wore a cardigan and leggings with my Christmas Mickey Mouse top that I have worn every Christmas Eve for the past 3/4 years! Here's a picture of me in it, posing with my Christmas glass, cos I'm just that cool:

I did quite a lot of reading today, and I am finally getting closer to finishing Gone Girl! It has taken me months to read this book as I just can't find the time when I'm at school! Which is extremely frustrating as I used to read a book or two a month! 

Also today, me and my mum watched a film, which is a Christmas Eve tradition! We always like to watch a Christmas film to get us in the spirit and today we watched Arthur Christmas which I actually went to the cinema to watch when it came out about 3 years ago! I really love Arthur Christmas, especially for a cartoon which I sometimes don't really like, I think it's such a good film! 

This evening we went round to see two of my younger cousins, who are 3 and 5, and while my mum and auntie began preparing Christmas dinner for tomorrow, I helped my cousins leave out a mince pie, carrot and milk for Santa and Rudolph. I love the magic of Christmas when there are little ones around. It just isn't the same as you get older so I'm really glad I'm spending Christmas Day with them as I love to see their faces as they tell you what Father Christmas left for them under the tree! 

Finally, all that was left to do was curl up on the sofa in my new fluffy pjs and watch a little bit of TV before bedtime! 

I hope that everybody reading this has a very Merry Christmas, or a very Happy Holidays. Regardless of what holidays you celebrate at this time of year, if any, I hope you enjoy the final weeks of 2014! 

Have a magical time,

X

Reflection Tag: 2014!!

 

Today I decided to do the Reflection Tag! I found these questions on the internet but the set I found hadn't been used since 2008, so I'm going to recycle them and change them up abit to suit this past year. I'm also going to include one of my favourite pictures from the year under each question.

So let's get started- 

Enjoy!

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

Nothing massive has happened this year, however there have been a few little things that I'm really glad happened. For example: I joined my local youth cabinet and discovered something new that I love, I went on visits to London and Paris (my favourite cities), I started my GCSEs and they're going extremely well and I went camping for the first time!

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Around April time I really struggled with my self and started showing symptoms of social anxiety. After visits to the doctor and a therapist I started CBT sessions but they didn't really work for me, so in September I stopped going and began learning how to deal with it myself.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

I met Pixiwoo and Jim Chapman! 

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

The only thing I can think of is the same as question 2. 

5. Pick three words to describe 2014.

Rewarding, difficult and thought-provoking.

6. Pick three words your best friend would use to describe your 2014 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think they see you).

Challenging, happy, different.

7. Pick three words your best friend would use to describe their 2014 (again, without asking).

Fun, hardwork, happy.

8. What were the best books you read this year?

The Two Week Wait- Sarah Rayner

The Fault in Our Stars- John Green

The Hobbit- J.R.R Tolkien

The Cuckoos Calling- Robert Galbraith ( J.K Rowling)

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

My mum, like she is every year and Aimee! I feel like we 'rekindled' our friendship and became close again.

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

This would again be the same as questions 2 and 4, but I would also say that I think I've matured a lot this year. I've had to deal with things I wouldn't normally deal with, and especially the past few months I've become more opinionated and strong minded than I've ever been.

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I think I've become a lot stronger emotionally. I'm able to deal with things more easily than in the past, but sometimes I struggle to tell people how I'm really feeling, which is something I should work on.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I think I've become a better person in some ways. Others will probably not notice the changes, but I've begun to appreciate smaller things in life this year. I've begun to enjoy things like the night sky and taking long walks. Also, this year I have spent a lot less time on my phone/social media than normal, which has made me much calmer and happier. I've also started to have stronger opinions on things like sexism, mental health and homophobia and feel like I desperately want to do something to make a change. This is the first time I've ever felt passionate about such issues, which again makes me see the changes I've been through as a person.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

I don't think I've grown in any way physically, unless you mean me growing in height, in which case I have!

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

I think my relationships have slightly changed this year, in ways I wouldn't have predicted. I've become closer to people I didn't think I'd be close with, and drifted from people I thought I'd always be close to. But every thing happens for a reason and so long as I'm happy I try and take everything in my stride.

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?

Maybe I'm reading this question wrong, I don't know, but I don't manage a home, my mum does!

16. What was your most challenging area of home management?

This is the same answer as the previous question!

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Worrying over change and grades. I worry A LOT!!! But I worry all the time over change in my life, despite me being a strong believer in 'Everything Happens for a Reason'. I'm getting better at accepting that things just won't always be the same though. I also worry and get upset over grades, far too often. I put a lot of pressure on my self to do well, and at the end of the day I know I'm going to do well if I try my best, so I know deep down I need to stop piling on the pressure and just take things a bit more easily.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

I think writing this blog had been a great way to spend my spare time. When I write on my blog I feel like a weight has been lifted as I just get everything off my mind. I also enjoy writing posts about serious issues. So far I've done posts entitled 'Who Needs Labels' and 'The Truth About Sexism'. I love writing these posts because they are the closest I can get to getting my voice heard, as very often at my age nobody takes me seriously.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

1) I'm a lot stronger than I think.

2) I can conquer anything if I put my mind to it.

3) People lie and people pretend to be something they're not. You just have to learn to spot the fake people from the real friends.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2014 for you.

In 2014 I learnt a lot about myself. I found my voice and passions and I began to develop a clearer image of what I want to achieve in the future. I feel like I've developed a sense of meaning and purpose in the world and I now have the drive that's making me want to do great things, see amazing sights, teach and educate people on the issues that are important to me and make a difference to someone or something. 

I really hope you enjoyed reading about my year as much as I enjoyed writing about. I also hope you enjoyed looking back at some of my favourite pictures from the year. 

I now tag...

Jake Jamie from http://makeupwithjakejamie.blogspot.co.uk/

Eleanor Mae from http://eleanormaes.blogspot.co.uk/

Sarah from http://thevelveteenfemme.blogspot.co.uk/

...to answer these questions, and take a look back at your year. You don't have to post this if you don't want, but if you do I shall look forward to reading it!

Thank you for reading,

Speak Soon

X

Mini Winter Haul: Primark, New Look, H&M

Yesterday I went on a lovely, long shopping trip with my mum. The aim was to get a few last minute Christmas gifts for my dad and brother and to find us both an outfit to wear on Christmas Day; in my family we all like to get a bit dressed up and have new clothes to wear. So let's get to it: 

First stop was H&M. We only went in here to get me a pair of black leggings because I go through them so fast and they're forever getting holes in them! I get my leggings from H&M or Forever 21 because they're better quality than places like primark but don't cost as much (£5.99) as places like River Island or Topshop.

Next up, we went to primark. We were meant to go there to get our Christmas Day outfit but we ended up coming out with everything other than that! 

Firstly I bought a new pair of cosy, fleecy pjs! I am in love with them. The material is so soft and snuggly and for some reason I really liked the pattern! On Christmas Eve, me and my mum normally have a film day, so these pjs will be what I'll be wearing all of that day! These were £8 and they had pairs similar for between £7-£10. 

Secondly, we had a little look in the homeware section. Primark have some lovely home things at the moment, but the only thing I picked up were two candles. The holder is just stunning and will match my room perfectly, and the candle inside is quite subtly scented and is just a really pretty smell! 

My final Primark purchase is probably my favourite from the whole trip! These boots were actually on sale for just £15!! They really don't look like they're from primark as the material is great quality and they're really sturdy boots. The buckles on the side let you make the top bigger of smaller depending on the size of your legs and the little heel is perfect for height, without being uncomfortable. These boots would go with anything; pants, skirts, dresses. So I think they're the perfect buy and for £15 you can't go wrong, as I'm sure I'll have these for a long time!

 The final thing I bought on the shopping trip was my Christmas Day outfit. I bought this skirt from New Look- 

It was £19.99 and although I wasn't sure if I'd like it, when I tried it on I knew I had to get it! It's so comfortable and really flattered my figure. It just goes straight down, slightly like a pencil skirt but not as tight, which is perfect for me because sometimes skater skirts can make my big hips/bum look bigger than they are.

The skirt has a lovely leather trim around the top and two fake pockets on the front-

I'm going to wear this on Christmas Day with a long sleeved black top, my black leather jacket and black tights. I'm going to accsessorize it with my chelsea boots and a silver statement necklace too. 

I'm so glad I bought this skirt as it will be great to wear after Christmas Day too, with a white t-shirt and my new boots from primark for a more casual, everyday look.

Hope you enjoyed my little Winter Haul!

Speak Soon

X

The Truth About Sexism

 

I believe that sexism is an issue that will effect each and every one of us. However, I believe that it's very rarely spoken about and that's something I want to change. There's no shame in wanting equality; be it in gender, race, sexuality, religion, or any other form. So why do we not openly speak about it and/or strive to achieve it? 

The definition of sexism is 'prejudice, stereotyping or discrimination, typically towards women, on the basis of sex.' Although I agree that this is obviously an accurate description, I hate that it involves the words 'typically towards women.' 

In my mind, I believe that sexism effects both men and women, equally, our whole lives.

I researched the history of sexism in Britain and ways, or laws, that have made men and women more equal. There were hundreds, so I can't include all, but some of the things I found, that I really think have shaped the way life is today, included:

Late 1800s- Law passed to allow women the right to their own property.

Early 1900s- Women are allowed to stand as mayors.

1928- Women given the same voting rights as men.

1970s- Britain's first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

As you can see, all of these are ways women have become more equal to men. Few, if any, laws or changes that I have found are to allow men to become more equal to women. 

I feel lucky that I live in a country where sexism doesn't effect me in many huge ways. I have the right to an education, job, life, to choose who I marry, what I wear. But across the world there are many girls and women who don't get these basic rights. 

In some countries, women are still unable to vote, or don't have the same voting rights as men. In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive. In Yemen, women can't leave the house without their husbands permission. In several countries there are millions and millions of girls who are forced into marriage as children. 

So maybe the definition of sexism is right in the way that women are victims of sexism across the world, in very severe ways. However, this isn't true to all women in every country. I know in England, where I live, that none of the above examples would be allowed to happen. But when it comes to sexism affectin men, I feel that all men in every country will be equally victims, as they are smaller problems than the examples affecting women.

For instance, in the majority of court cases following a divorce or separation, the woman will get full, or most, custody of a child. This is obviously not true to all cases, but is to the majority. This makes a mans role as a parent seem less important than a woman's. Secondly, domestic violence is often taken less seriously when a man is the victim. It's seen that if a woman hits a man he must of deserved it, but if a man hits a woman he's a monster. This view obviously needs to be changed. This form of sexism is so serious that in some countries there isn't even a law to prevent a man being raped by a woman, as it's not believed to happen when of course, unfortunately, it does. Finally, very often as a child and even in adult hood, men and boys will hear the phrases 'man up', or 'be a man'. This is of course very damaging as it implies that men should, always be strong and not show signs of emotion. So very often, men will find it harder to express their feelings, as our society brings them up to believe that they must be strong at all times.

So while I understand that sexism towards women is an enormous issue, especially in other countries, I think that it will be very hard to erase. I obviously think we should be working towards erasing sexism towards women, and that it is an important subject for us to be dealing with, however I believe that it will take a lot of time and it isn't something that everyone of us can make a difference to as we can't all change opinions or laws. 

However, I do think that each and every one of us can work towards erasing or at least reducing sexism towards men. This is something much more easily managed and that we can all achieve. By encouraging the men in our lives to express their emotions and to not have to appear strong at all times, we might me able to make a difference. 

I truly believe that men are just as much victims of sexism as women, and I think it's about time we all started to campaign for equality for men, as well as equality for women. Yes there will always be things men or women will, on average, be better at, but this isn't true to every man or woman and the stereotypes that come with sexism need to be addressed.

Thank you for reading,

Speak Soon

X

The British Tag!!!

So I've seen this tag floating around the internet for a very very long time, and although I'm a bit late to catch on, I've finally got round to answering... The British Tag!!

How many cups of tea do you have a day & how many sugars?

If it's a day where I am at school I probably only have one, two if it's in the winter! However if it's a day when I'm off school, especially around Christmas, I can have about four a day! I used to have 2 sugars but as I started to have more every day I decided I had to change to 2 sweeteners or I'd have no teeth left! 

 Favourite part of your roast?

Oh I love a roast dinner! I do like the meat but my favourite bit is 100% the roast potatoes! At Christmas I also love the stuffing, pigs in blankets and roast parsnips! 

 Favourite dunking biscuit?

Chocolate Digestives!!!! Sturdy, practical, and perfect for dunking! However I do love a good bourbon cream!

 Favourite quintessentially British pastime?

I don't think I actually take part in any 'British pastimes' but I did play lacrosse just the once and loved it! 

 Favourite word?

These are probably more sayings than words but....

'Bloody hell'

'Arse over Tit'

&

'Cor Blimey'

 Cockney rhyming slang?

I don't actually use any cockney rhyming slang because I'm completely northern! I don't actually know if any one uses it at all. The only ones I know from the top of my head are, 'You better Adam and Eve it' and 'Apples and Pears'.

 Favourite sweet?

I don't really like sweets, I prefer crisps or chocolate, but I love the Strawberry and Cream Chupa Chups and Cola Bottles!

 What would your pub be called?

The Golden Unicorn

don't ask why...

 No.1 British person?

Emma Watson!!!!!

 Favourite shop / restaurant?

Nandos, Pizza Express and Pesto. I don't think I like any shops that are strictly in Britain though? Maybe Primark...

 What british song pops into your head?

Something by The Beatles or Oasis maybe? No idea why, but they're the British bands that first came to mind, aha! I don't even listen to either of them!

 Marmite?

HATE IT!!!!

So there's my atempt at The British Tag!

Hope you enjoyed it,

Speak Soon

X

Little Update...

Since I last posted we have found ourselves in the merry month of December!

I haven't posted for a few weeks now and I'm so upset about that. I love blogging so much and I was previously doing so well at uploading consistently and regularly but unfortunately I have been unable to write as I've had to prioritise all my school work, of which I've had loads, do revision for exams and cope with the stress and anxiety I've had over a presentation I'm doing at school tomorrow! 

I think I'll now be getting back in to the swing of things, as I only have 4 and 1/2 days left at school until the Christmas Holidays!! So I'm sure I'll be able to upload a lot more from now on, just as I was before! Expect Christmas OOTDs, Hauls, What I Got For Christmas and much more!

I'm glad to be back!

Speak Soon

X

Liebster Award 2014

So recently I was nominated by the lovely, All Things Adele to take part in the Liebster Awards 2014. 

I've not complelty followed the general rules as I haven't had time to nominate 11 blogs and things, but it hope my slightly shorter version is okay! 

Adele left me 10 questions about me and my blog for me to answer and once I've answered them I will tag some more bloggers to answer the questions I make up for them. 

Enjoy...

1. Why Did You Start Blogging? 

In my first ever post I wrote briefly about this, but basically I started blogging to document everything that's happening in my life. It saddens me that our teen and early adulthood years are some of our best, yet after so long no one seems to remember them that much, unless something major happened. Therefore I decided to start a blog purely to document all these moments, so that one day I'll be able to look back on them, or show my children and remember all the little things. 

2. What is your Favourite thing about Blogging?

The fact that I'll be able to remember everything and look back on these years when I'm older. But also that no one I know, apart from about 2 friends (that barely read it), know about my blog. This means I'm free to share all my opinions and memories without anyone knowing or passing comment.

3. Sweet food or Savoury food?

I am 100% a savoury girl! I would choose crisps over chocolate any day and in restaurants I would always rather have a starter than a main! I like sweet food but I can't eat a lot of it at once without feeling unwell! But I could eat savoury food all day! 

4. Favourite Film...

I hate being asked this question because it's just so hard to choose! The Harry Potter films are definitely up there and at this time of year I absolutely love The Holiday! Other than that I just don't know! I like any Christmas film, comedy film, rom-com film and the occasional big action or fantasy depending what it is! To be honest I'm pretty laid back with films! Other than horror films I'll pretty much watch anything.

5. What do you like to do in your Spare Time?

Lately I have so much work to do all the time that I don't get much spare time! 

I go through periods, usually around March and April, when I just love going to the gym after school! I wish I was like this all year round but unfortunately I'm not! 

I also love to read, watch youtube videos, watch t.v, watch films, listen to music, go out with friends, take long bubble baths, sleep, eat, bake, cook and write lists! This makes it sound like I do a lot, but to be honest I barely do anything but homework, revision, sleeping and watching tele or youtube. I'm not that exciting! 

6. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

EVERY WHERE!!!!!

I want to travel the entire world and see everything this planet has to offer! 

I want to go to-

America

Canada

Germany

Italy

Portugal

Thailand

Japan

China 

Russia

Australia

New Zealand 

Egypt

Dubai 

Brazil

A rainforest

A desert

The Artic or Antarctica 

Poland

Just to name a few...!

7. Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Easiest question ever- Tea!! 

It's in my twitter bio and everything, so it must be official! 

8. What is your favourite colour?

Black and Purple are my favourites:) 

No one would guess as my room is the pinkest, prettiest, most floral place ever. But my favourite things are black, purple, gothic styles, chockers, tattoos, lots of eyeliner, black hair, skinny jeans and doc martens. I'm just not confident enough to pull it off and there is the side to me that loves the pretty pink bedroom!

9. Favourite type of restaurant?

Probably Italien, but recently I went out to an Indian and it was sooooo good that it may have swayed me a little! But in general I probably like, more Italien food than anything else. I do love chinese food too, but I tend to eat chinese as more of a takeaway than at restaurants. 

10. Are you a cosy night in or a party all night kind of person?

I have always been a cosy night in girl. I'm quiet, shy and like my own space, so crowded parties aren't my thing normally. However, ever since the Halloween party on 1st November, I've been craving another night out! My house has now become associated with work and sleep, so I desperately need a night out to waken me up and let my hair down for a few hours, because my house, at the minute, is driving me a bit insane! 

I hope you enjoyed that!

I now tag-

Porsche Mercedes from justalittlegloss.blogspot.co.uk

Ash from www.ashleyzoe.com

Julia from http://www.smallworldthisis.com/

To answer the following questions: 

1. When and why did you start blogging?

2. What's your favourite thing about your blog?

3. What are your future plans, in terms of blogging?

4. What is your favourite city?

5. Crisps or chocolate?

6. What are your biggest ambitions?

7. What would your dream house look like?

8. What would your last meal be?

9. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

10. What's your favourite quote?

I'm really looking forward to reading all of your answers and hope that you enjoyed mine. Of course you don't have to answer the questions on your blog if you don't want and I'm sorry if you've already been nominated, although I did try and check that you hadn't! 

Speak Soon

X