2018 Favourites

I started this blog so I could have a place that I could write about things I loved and was passionate about and whilst I do use it for that I still don't discuss certain things like beauty, fashion, music or books. So I thought I would change that and to kick things off I'd write a post about things I've loved in 2018.

Film and TV

Mamma Mia Here We Go Again

Me and my mum went to see this at the cinema and I fell in love with it, the storyline, the costumes the soundtrack it all just fitted so well. Despite the fact some people got irate at plot holes in the story line such as the order Donna met the dad's, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would watch it time and time again.

Black Lightning

I only started watching this because my mum was watching it but I soon became hooked. I don't really enjoy watching things like this but the characters and the storyline was so catching.

13 Reasons Why

13RW is such a bizarre thing for me, like Hannah I suffered with/have depression, fortunately unlike Hannah my attempts were unsuccessful. For me its intriguing to think of what could've happened and it serves as a reminder of what I could've left behind and that no matter what they'll always be an element of devastation.

Casualty

This is something I only got into because I wanted something easy to follow on a Saturday night, I watched it on and off in the past. I started getting into it during the storyline of Alicia's rape. The storyline was written and executed amazingly. It explored taboo/untold topics of rape, how the victim may feel, how the attacker may react, how those around you could react. It has done other storylines incredibly well but this one got me hooked. If you're one for dipping in and out of things I'd definitely suggest casualty.

Food and Drink

Gin

More specifically flavoured gins. I'm not a massive drinker but I love flavoured gins like pink gin, lemon drizzle gin. They taste amazing and they also look pretty.

Cheese

I have consumed waaaayyy too much cheese over Christmas, including plum chutney cheese, gingerbread cheese, white chocolate and caramel cheese and I loved them all. Cheese is just heaven and involved in many of my favourite foods. I love it, I always have even if my skin doesn't.

Slimming World

Towards the end of 2018 I started Slimming World, I didn't join a group I figured it out by myself and had lost around 1 stone before Christmas. I love some of the meals, I love knowing whats going into my food and I love having a reason to buy new clothes. I also have a slight obsession, I've seen people suffer with illnesses and if theres anything I can do to make sure I'm the healthiest I could be then I'll give it a go.

Beauty

Urban Decay All Nighter

This has been my safety net for the whole of 2018. It kept my make up on and I felt refreshed whenever I sprayed my face with it despite it being one of the hottest summers the UK had experienced in years.

Disney Beauty

More specifically Mad Beauty and Primark's collaborations with Disney. I've loved face masks, false lashes, false nails. I even invested in some Disney Spectrum brushes. Disney and beauty are 2 of my favourite things so to have them combined is lovely.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

If I haven't been wearing mascara I've been wearing this, it was the first high end product I've repurchased and despite wearing it almost every single day it still lasted me longer than almost every other mascara I've tried. From the first use I had a wow moment as it made my lashes pop. Its also fairly easy to remove which is always a bonus.

Hair

Scrunchies

Need a way to quickly accessorise your hair, grab a scrunchie. Need something to tie your outfit together, grab a scrunchie. Want to tie your hair up, you guessed it grab a scrunchie. They're cheap and so versatile and also very nostalgic.

Argan Oil

As someone who bleaches her hair its obviously important to look after it and whilst shopping in the summer I found the perfect solution. Whilst browsing in Superdrug I noticed they had a 3 for 2 offer on hair products and since I was buying 2 things I thought I would try their 10 in 1 multipurpose pray and it makes my hair feel shiny and healthy. After years of using detangling spray on my knotty hairI I have found the perfect one in this spray it also helps that it smells good.

Fashion

Gym Leggings

Sssh, its a secret I have an obsession with these even if I don't go to the gym. They're comfortable and the perfect choice for a day of getting stuff done.

Borg Denim Jacket

This jacket is possibly one of the best purchases made in 2018. Its so versatile and warm, easy to put on as well as going perfectly with a pair of black jeans or skirt. 

Jumper Dresses

The perfect comfortable yet stylish outfit. I love switching them up and wearing them with tights and knee or thigh high boots as well as leggings and ankle boots for something a little bit more casual.

So there it is, a few of my favourite things from 2018. Hopefully 2019 will be full of more wonderful things.

Tag Tuesday: A-Z of things I love

So I decided to do the A-Z tag of things I love for 'Tag Tuesday'.

A.

Autumn, it is the perfect in between its not extremely hot or cold, the fashion is so good and versatile. I love seeing the leaves change colours and it means the countdown to Christmas begins.

B.

Burlesque, it gave me so much confidence this year.

C.

Carbs, I tried the ketogenic diet to see if it would help my epilepsy, I didn't last a week before I gave in.

D.
Disney, it just makes me happy, no matter how old I am.

E.
Elephants. I'm slightly obsessed with them.

F.
Food, just food in general, I don't have a favourite.

G.

Going out, whether its shopping or simply going for a walk or picnic, I love just being out, unless its raining or cold.

H.
Hope, I have had depression for 8 nearly 9 years now so when I have hope or days of happiness it feels so good.

I.

Imagination, it has no limitation, it goes on forever and I guess that makes me happier, it has resulted in so many of my traits or interest like reading, writing and things such as films etc.

J.
Jokes, especially inside ones, those always feel more special.

K.

L.
London, I've said it before but I don't feel as anxious there and it just makes me happy.

M.
Make-up, it allows me to be creative and helps me to feel better.

N.
Nuggets, at the moment I may be a little obsessed, I don't have a favourite food but whether I have the chance I will have nuggets (battered not bread crumbs).

O.

P.
Pintrest, all my boards are private but I have so many boards, it is so good for inspiration or useful tips.

Q.
Quitting, I've realised, even more so recently that its okay to let things or people go that don't make you happy. If they're toxic or generally make you feel crumby then its okay to let them go and quit.

R.
Reality TV, it might be cringe but certain shows make me feel more content with my life and appearance. Its easy to watch which is perfect when you've had a stressful day.

S.
Shopping, which probably is one of the reasons I love London, it also was something I took into consideration when applying for uni.

T.
Ted Baker, I have a slight obsession its okay though.

U.

Unicorns, I don't even think I need to explain this.

V.
Vacations, even if its just to the local beach I just love exploring, seeing more than my home town.

W.
World Buffets, what is better than being able to eat Chinese food, pizza, sushi and dessert all at the same time. 

X.
Xmas, okay technically it should be spelt with a C, but its the same word and I love it. The food, the shopping, the music, giving gifts to the people I love it always feels so magical.

Y.
YouTube, like pinterest it has pretty much everything. It also allowed me to find a community of people who are lovely and kind and a result of that is that I now have some more amazing friends.

Z.
Zoo's I love animals and I get just as excited as the children who are there do. Especially with the elephants.

I want Tag Tuesday to be a fun, easy, and just something that lets me forget the stresses of life for a little moment.

Tag Tuesday: Ask, Me, About

So things have been a little crumby so I decided that I would do a tag. I know I've posted that I wanted to use this blog to have more of an impact and discuss topics I'm passionate about such as my epilepsy or equality but I just need something lighthearted at the moment. I'm also going to try and do a tag every Tuesday or every other Tuesday.

Ask

1. Sexual orientation

Straight

2.What I'm really bad at

Organisation, despite having OCD I also have a restless brain and can't seem to stay organised despite how much I try.

3.Description of my self esteem

Low, like rock bottom at times, there are times I feel bad about myself, my abilites and mainly my body, unless I know I've lost weight i.e. having to buy new clothes.

4.Favourite book

The Great Gatsby

5.Biggest turn offs

Nastiness, whether thats making judgements, generally being negative or making someones life worse. Younger guys, it might sound superficial but I just can't do it. Generally just acting like an idiot, like I can deal with a certain extent, but if you're going make ridiculous statements I just can't deal with it.

6.Description of my best friend

They're all beautiful, amazing, thoughtful, intelligent people who I adore.

7.Favourite Animal

Elephant

8.Someone I miss

Unfortunatly I never got to meet my granddad and my papa died when I was only 2 months, I have stories but I just wish I got to meet them. 

9.Reason behind my last break up

He was immature, a cheat, a liar and I'm not going to be treated like that
.

10.What I did yesterday

I went into town to pick up a few bits and bobs.

11.Greatest achievements
Surviving school, being almost 3 years into recovary and beating certain fears.

12.Description of who I dislike most
Catty, hypocritical and judgemental.

13.Favourite songs
Older Songs: Here and now, Slipping through my fingers, Summer of love and Spice up your life

New Songs: Secret Love Song, Love Yourself, Blank Space, Touch and Go and Wildest Dreams

14.Pets

I have a dog and a bird, I used to have a guinea pig and keep asking for more and another dog, however since I'm at uni mum thinks its not such a good idea.

Me

15.Favourite ice cream flavour
From the ice cream van: vanilla with bubblegum sauce and sherbet/fizz bits
Ben and Jerry's Karamel Sutra. Generally mint choc chip

16.Where I want to be right now
London, I am obbsessed with it and as I've written in other posts I want to live there.

17.Worst thing someone said to me
'You even failed at committing suicide'

18.I'll love you if..
Relationship wise: You actually know all of me down to what colour foundation I wear. We explore, you excite my mind.

Friend wise: You love disney, cope with my awkwardness/weirdness.

19.Future Plans
Move to London, have a career I love, explore, and just live my life.

20.Internal conflict I have
At the moment, I'm not sure how I feel about uni. I also consintely worry about life in general.

21.What I want to be

Happy, like I said I'm not sure about uni and I'm not sure who I want to be. I want to be as kind as I can be, I just want the best version of me.

22.Two Insecurities

My appearance and my abilities

23.If I won the lottery...
I'd go to Disney World and buy a house, I'd ideally be able to make it my dream home.

24.Description of my crush
Ambitious, intelligent, honest, funny and of course out of my league and I shouldn't fancy the guy.

25.Favourite thing about myself
My ability to face things that others couldn't deal with, general life hassles, my condition, my recovery. I don't let them get in the way of my life or my dreams.

26.Pet peeves
Arrogance, showing off, being judgemental, lying, winging, people who are unhygenic and/or lazy.

27.What I'm really good at
Messing up, that's my speciality, I should have an exceptional first degree in that.

About

28.Most traumatic experience
Years 8-10/11 in secondary school. Bullying, death threats, attacks aren't so fun.

29.Where I'd like to live
London.

30.Nicest thing that has been said to me

'Don't settle for a rock when you deserve diamonds' I've accepted some pretty rubbish things, I've thought I deserved them, I love hearing I've changed as well because I'm not exactly proud of the person I used to be.

31.Do I like where I am now

In respects to the person I am now, however in terms of where I live, no.

32.Biggest worry

Failing or not being able to achieve my dreams.

33.Something I'm waiting for

My future, for example I can't wait to move out properly or have a career that I love and enjoy.

34.Something I should've said a long time ago

'Thank you', I never told the people I was grateful for or the help they gave me when I had the chance. 

35.Last text message received

It was from my friend from uni.

36.What I hate about myself
I let things like my low esteem get in the way at times.

37.What I'm wearing
Minnie mouse pj bottoms and a Peter Pan top.

38.Words that upset me
Failure, Worthless, Hopeless, Ugly and the nickname I was called by the people who bullied me.

39.What I hated most about school

The fact that most of my year and other years bullied me, I got death threats, nothing was done, I used to get the blame. The fact my self harming wasn't taken seriously, certain staff didn't have faith in me until I proved them wrong, and then they 'always believed in me'. One member of staff also told me I 'deserved everything that happened/was happening.'

40.The last thing I ate
Oreo doughnut.

41.Last thing I drank
Water to take my medication.

Favourites

Since I had some spare time and have a certain song in my head I thought I would answer some 'Favourites' questions, I've already answered a few before (I think), but others are new and quite a few are dependant on my mood so they may have changed. I tried to stick to one favourite per question but I couldn't so here's a list.

1. What is your favourite drink?

Fizzy Drink; I am currently can't get enough of Fanta, like I just want it constantly, but that only started about 1 week or so ago, usually is Raspberry Diet Coke, I tried it on my last visit to London and its been my favourite ever since.

Hot Drink; Tea with honey and milk, Green tea or Hot Chocolate

Still Drink; Juice, Cherry juice, Raspberry + Cranberry juice for some reason I love it, my teeth not so much.

2. What is your favourite song at the moment?

Since I love music from pretty much any genre there's quite a few however I can narrow it down(ish).

McFly Song; Obviously

Musical Song: Slipping through my fingers - Mamma Mia

Acoustic - Sometimes its Hard - Jamie Lawson

Rock(is)- She moves in her own way - The Cooks

Honey I'm Good - Andy Grammer

Basically there isn't one it depends what mood I'm in or what's stuck in my head

3. What is your favourite book?

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I have an extract from my favourite quote tattooed on my ribs. I do love most books I read, I find it easy to fall in love with books and have done since I read Rainbow Fish but The Great Gatsby resonated somewhere within me.

4. What is your favourite colour?

I don't really have one, it is usually dependant on several things, i.e I love my Rose Gold phone but in terms of decorating/home ware I love neutrals such as greys and muted tones and as for make-up, it is dependant on the season. 

5. What is your favourite animal?

Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Seahorse....although I have elephants scattered everywhere at uni, but I also have a seahorse tattoo. I also love dogs, mainly my dog but dogs in general, guinea pigs, I also have a cockatiel (he's grey and white with one black feather) so as you can guess I love birds (not pigeons they scare me a little when they fly near me). Essentially I should own a zoo or a farm...

6. What is your favourite perfume?

Victoria Secrets Noir Tease, Total Attraction, Endless Love and Aqua Kiss

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream

Christina Aguilera Signature

7. What is your Favourite Food?

.Pizza Express is the only Margherita Pizza I will eat. I love Chips, Cheese and Gravy, Bacon Cheese Burger, Sour Patch Kids, Cheese Dog, back home I have a sausage roll with tomato sauce and cheese in a roll/cob/bap (whatever you want to call it), stuffing, Yorkshire puddings. I realise my standard is basically long as it has cheese its good for the majority of things.

8. What is your favourite casual clothes shop?

Primark, if that fails New Look. I used to change my style so much I could never justify spending a vast amount on clothes, plus you can't beat Primark's 300 denier black tights. I also go through shoes really quickly so for my casual day-to-day slip on shoes I'll also head to primark. I do like the style or clothes in other but considering I could change my mind by the time it comes to wearing the item again a year later I can't justify spending a vast amount on clothes unless it is a statement item (i.e. a coat or black dress) I can wear it all year or along those lines.

9. What are some of your favourite TV shows?

I've binge watched all 7 series of Skins recently, I also love Friends, Mrs Browns Boys, Call the Midwife, Educating....(Yorkshire is my favourite series so far), Sherlock, Waterloo Road, Jeremy Kyle is a guilty pleasure, Hollyoaks, The Simpsons (I can recite most episodes word for word or tell you what will happen)

10. What is/are your favourite musicals?

Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Shrek and The Addams Family 

11. What is your favourite film(s)?

Pretty much all Disney films,  Harry Potter series (Prisoner of Azkaban has always been my favourite) and The Addams Family

So they're my current favourites, some of them have never changed and have been my favourite for as long as I can remember, some change daily like my favourite songs.