Trends That Need To Stay In 2017

This year has been a roller-coaster. One that I am unsure of whether I would ride again, but on the other hand, one that I don't regret going on. During this roller-coaster of a year, there have been many trends that I personally just don't want to see coming into 2018 with us.

Disclaimer:

This is my personal opinion and just a bit of fun. If any of these trends apply to you in anyway and it's not hurting anybody, by you following them, DO YOUR THANG, but preferably leave it in 2017. OK lets go.


1. Being Creative With Eyebrows

OK. I can appreciate creativity. I love being creative and I love creative people, but this is just nonsense. Why in 2017, did I see braided eyebrows, wavy eyebrows, glitter eyebrows etc etc. Why? What is the point? Can we not just appreciate brows as ordinary, neutral coloured, plain brows? There are people out here struggling to do brows normally, and now all this extra stuff? Leave it in 2017.

2. Concealer Brows

I am no brow expert, makeup artist, professional or beauty guru, but bad brows are bad brows. My brows can look awful sometimes, I'm no perfect brow angel but I have witnessed some tragedies this year in the brow department, specifically with concealer. IF YOU ARE USING CONCEALER TO CLEAN UP AROUND YOUR EYEBROWS, FOR THE LOVE OF HUMANITY, USE THE RIGHT SHADE. I am TIRED of seeing girls with concealer around their eyebrows that is about 100 shades too light for their skin-tone, looking like they're being embraced by Caspar. TIRED. One shade or two shades lighter is perfectly OK, but when you change your race around the eyebrow region, it looks ridiculous. Is it even blended? Like come on girl, do better. I literally couldn't even find a picture to show this (I see the people in my city though).

3. Interfering In People's Business

I feel SO strongly about this one. In 2017, I have seen and heard way too much nonsense. I don't know who decided this year that getting involved in other people's business was the thing to do, but it needs to stop. There have been people trying to break friendships, relationships and people in general. IF STEVE AND SARAH HAVE BEEN DOING THERE THING, LEAVE THEM BE. IF LAUREN AND JACK HAVE BEEN TALKING FOR A YEAR AND STILL HAVEN'T MADE THINGS OFFICIAL, LEAVE THEM BE. IF SHANIQUA AND DEVVON ARE SUPER CLOSE AND CLAIM TO JUST BE FRIENDS, LEAVE THEM BE. I am so tired of people just getting in people's business. If it has nothing to do with you, then just sit down, hush and think about your own life. You don't need to know who is with who, who isn't with who. In 2018, lets choose to just sit back and say nothing.

4. Calling People Trash

I am guilty of this one and its something that I thought was funny at first, but honestly now I just see how much this one word has divided both genders and also our generation.We are constantly throwing it back and forth at each other and its just not healthy for anybody. Lets just stop calling people trash. Leave it in 2017.

5. Vegans Judging Non-Vegans

If you want to be vegan then go ahead, nobody is stopping you. In fact, I applaud you because surely being vegan is hella expensive and hard, but please do not come for non vegans for not following your diet. I am perfectly happy with my roast chicken. You can have your roast lettuce or whatever but please just don't judge meat eaters for loving life.

6. Taking Gender Neutral Too Far

I am not rejecting gender neutral altogether, I can see in SOME cases why it may be necessary, but as a whole, I really don't see the point (please don't come for me). There are teachers losing their jobs for referring to people as boys and girls and that is when you know it needs to stop. It has just been taken way too far. If you personally do not wish to be labelled, then fair play but to stop a whole group of people, e.g. a class, from being called what they are, that's just unnecessary.

7. Having something negative to say about everything

LETS LEAVE THIS IN 2017. I can't stand when people always have something negative to say. I'm not talking about constructive criticism or opinions here and there, I'm talking about full on slating people for their opinions or just giving negative opinions ALL THE TIME, where they're not needed. Um, sorry SUSAN, but did I ask for your input?? Just leave people alone. You don't need to share your thoughts on absolutely everything, negative Nancy.

8. Instagram Click-bait

I totally get that you need those views. Go ahead and make that coin, but please don't put your life on the line just for a view. Do you know how many times I have scrolled through Instagram and seen a woman holding a knife to her nostril or a lighter to her eyebrows, just for click-bait? I'll sit there and watch the makeup tutorial or whatever the video is, waiting for the moment she shows why she is holding scissors by her face, to see it was to cut her falsies....
Or watch the video and find out that the lighter was just to heat up a spoon full of foundation...why? No more. No more.

What trends do you think should stay in 2017?

2018 Goals

I am hoping for a year of blessings. I am going into the new year open minded and with peace of mind. My theme for the new year is simply LOVE. To spread more love, feel more love, love what I do and do what I love. This year I have a few generic and broad goals. I've learnt this year that you can't put a time stamp on things and time is something we can't control, but we can set small goals, to help us on our journey towards the bigger goals. I'm going to keep it short and sweet.

1. Grow Spiritually

2. Look After My Body

3. (Repeated Goal) Be Organised

4. Form Strong Friendships

5. Learn To Handle Stress

6. Read More

7. Take More Pictures (I Remember The Memories But I Forget To Capture Them)

8.  Learn To Look After Myself In Every Aspect (University here I come)

9. Learn how to properly budget and finance

10. Help as many people as I can

Important Update & Twenty Seventeen Reflection.

I'm alive! WOW, it feels like it has been so long since I've even logged onto here, let alone published anything.
So clearly, Blogmas was 100 per cent a fail. I knew I wouldn't be able to post everyday, but I didn't realise I would fail to upload at all, after the first two weeks. Blogging has been pushed to the back of my priorities for the past few months, to be honest. Not because I don't love it (of course I do), but because I have so many other important things that I need to do. When you're a full time student with other priorities on the side, you have to make sacrifices and unfortunately my blog has been the one to suffer. With that being said, just be warned that in 2018, I'm going to be even more inconsistent. I have so many things going on next year, that I can already see it. I feel so bad for having to continuously disappear and reappear. I feel really bad that I have to keep making these apologies whenever I do vanish, so I have made the decision, to just upload whenever. I may post 3 times in a week, once in a month, once every few weeks, who knows. I don't want to put pressure on myself to write, when I know I need to be doing something else, and I don't want to keep disappointing people, when I say I'll upload and then I don't. I am not quitting, by all means. On the bright side, this means there will be no excuses for rubbish content, and I guess it will be a little surprise when I do post, (I hope a good surprise).

I honestly do applaud people who can do this full time, because it really isn't easy. There is so much that goes into having a blog. I hope that you can all understand my reasons behind my decision, and I hope you all still stick around!

Anyway, now THAT is all out of the way, it is time to look back at 2017.

The first thing I'll say is that this has by far been one of the quickest years. It has flown by. However in this short amount of time, I have learnt so much. For me, 2017 has been a year for learning. It has been nothing like I imagined it to be, but it has taught me so much.

Things I have learnt:

1. Don't Rush Things. It's All In God's Timing.

2. It's Important To Guard Your Heart, Because Not Everybody Has Good Intentions.

3. God DOES Answer Prayers, You Just Have To Be Patient And Have Faith.

4. Everyone Has Their Own Problems, Whether It Appears That Way Or Not.

5. It's Important To Be Surrounded By Good People and Energy.

6. Hard Work Pays Off.

7. You're Going To Fail, Whether You Like It Or Not. It's What You Do Afterwards, That Is Important.

8. Friends Come And Go.

9. It's Important To Talk.

10. Don't Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself To Get Somewhere Or Do Something.

11. There is No Such Thing As A Stupid Dream.

12. Life Is More Beautiful When You Smile.

13. Education Is Not Preparation For Life: Education Is Life Itself- John Dewey.

14. Prayer Gets You Through EVERYTHING.

15. Listen To Motivational Speeches And Podcasts Everyday. It Only Leads To Growth.

16. Everything You Desire Is On The Other Side of Fear.

17. Growth Isn't Easy But It's Worth It.

My Top 4 Winter Essentials

It's winter. There is snow outside my window, I have my hot chocolate next to me and I've yet again been snowed in. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share my winter essentials with you!

Lip balm
I'm pretty prone to dry lips during the winter time and since catching a cold, I've definitely experienced this during the past couple of weeks. Having lip balm with me at all times, whether it be at sixth form, out Christmas shopping or even just chilling in my house, I have to have it.
Right now I am using the Aloe Vera Vaseline, however it doesn't keep my lips moisturized for very long and I definitely want to find a new lip balm to use. I actually read an article fairly recently on Reviews.com all about lip balms and its super interesting. They review a bunch of different lip balms from several brands and find the top 3 best on the market. They break down the ingredients, reasons for them being the best and also give expert knowledge on lip balms. If you want to check it out, then definitely head over to https://www.reviews.com/lip-balm/ 

Exfoliating facial scrub

I have combination skin and I tend to be more on the dry side during the winter. Having a facial scrub is essential to my skincare routine during the colder months. I make sure to exfoliate at least twice a week. The scrub I am currently using is the Beauty Formulas Apricot Facial Scrub. It's extremely affordable, lasts for months and isn't too harsh on the skin. It isn't too finely milled that it doesn't remove dead skin and isn't too harsh that it irritates or scratches me either. Plus, it smells incredible.


Scarf

It is FREEZING in the UK, so having a scarf on when I go out the house is something I try not to forget. I've found that as long as I have a scarf on, I'm not too cold. The one I have been using this year is from New Look. I got it for Christmas last year and it has been a lifesaver.

Hot Chocolate!

Is it even winter, unless I have a hot chocolate at least once a week? I LOVE hot chocolate and really don't understand how some people don't. It keeps you warm, it's delicious and looks aesthetically pleasing in a cute mug, with some tasty toppings. I tend to go for the classic, whipped cream and marshmallows combo. YUM.

Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x

Christmas Bucket List

I

 love making a Christmas Bucket List because it means I always have something new to do during the holidays that keeps me entertained but also gets me in the festive mood. This is a list of things that I want to do during the month of December.

1) Go Ice-skating ✔
2) Go Christmas shopping with friends✔
3) Donate to a homeless shelter✔
4) Decorate my room for Christmas
5) Make a Christmas themed recipe found on Pinterest ✔
6) Take some cute winter pictures around the city
7) Spend time with people I haven't seen in a while (All a part of the Holidays, right?) ✔
8) Watch a ton of Christmas Movies
9) Have a Pyjama Day (Boxing day tradition) ✔
10) Have annual Christmas Eve party with my brothers✔
11) Actually light my candles (I have so many and forget)✔
12) Make S'mores
13) Play Board Games with Family
14) See the Christmas lights✔
15) Go on a cute date (not necessarily a real romantic type, just one with a friend or something)

Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x

December Academic Goals

The last month of the year! 2018 is right around the corner. It's time to share my goals for the final month of the year.

1) EPQ Presentation

The date of my presentation is December 14th. I'm generally pretty good with presentations, as long as I'm prepared for it. I have exactly 10 days (from writing this) to prepare and hopefully kill it. EPQ has been way too time consuming and hard work to not do well with this one. My final big push until it can be done and dusted (I hope).

2) Finish English Coursework

I had a deadline extension to the end of the month because of my circumstances, which is obviously great. I definitely need to get everything done as soon as possible, so I can move on to my second piece. It's a lot more difficult to juggle with everything else than I thought it would be, but hopefully it will be worth the hard work and dedication.

3) Start my 'Original Writing' piece

I want to begin my original writing piece (second piece of english coursework) as soon as my Investigation is complete. I am only planning on doing the research for support and analysis though as I do actually want a Christmas break.

4) Carry on with History Coursework

I've started History coursework now but I do need to pick up the pace this month. I don't necessarily need to have done paragraphs and paragraphs of writing, I just want to be on track and happy with what I do compose.

5) Write at least 3 essays for each subject

This is obviously not something I have to do but I do want to write plenty of essays, in order to get some practice. I may time myself with a few of them so I can get used to the whole exam vibe or I may just write them and get my teachers to read over them. I haven't decided how I'm going to go about this one yet but I definitely want to do it. Even if it's just during the Christmas break and I bring them on the first day of term 2.

6) Get offers from all my university choices

Obviously, I have no say or control over this one but I've still made it a goal of mine. The final deadline for offers is May, however I am hoping to get them all now, I have had 3/5 offers already so it is looking likely. If I can get all 5 within the month, that would make my year to be honest.

Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x

7 Attractive Things Guys Do

So, this is a bit of a different post. I wanted to do something a bit more fun. This was inspired by a video that came up in my YouTube suggestions. I decided to watch it because I’m a bit obsessed with YouTube and whatever they decide to suggest for me must be somewhat similar to what I watch, for it to be there. I ended up watching it and then it spiralled into watching another twenty of them. I just found it so interesting to hear other girls’ opinions and it was so relatable, so here I am doing my take.

Disclaimer: Obviously all girls are different, so boys, don’t take this too seriously. These are my personal opinions, so don’t cry if you try these things on a girl you like and it doesn’t work out.

1) Making Eye Contact and Smiling

I don’t know if this is just me who finds this attractive but when a guy has eye contact with you and they have that cute smile, its just.... wow. I don’t mean creepy "I’m going to lock you in my basement" eye contact and smile, but a sign they are listening to you. If you’re telling them something and they keep their eyes on you as you talk its a tick from me. Or even vice versa. If they are telling you something and they have that intense eye contact, its very alluring. I dig it.

2) Being Goofy

I honestly didn't  know the best way to describe this. When I say being goofy, I mean when they're not afraid to embrace their weird side or their quirky personality. Again, I don’t mean creepy things like "I enjoy collecting clumps of hair" or "I talk to myself on the bus", I mean being able to have a good laugh. I hate when people are super serious all the time and have the personality of a toothpick. If. a guy can be stupid, send ugly selfies on snap, break out into song with me or something, I find it so attractive. Maybe that's because I have that kind of side to me, but I find it attractive regardless.

3) Text First

I have no problems with texting a guy first. Whether it be just a friend or more than a friend, I really don’t find it too much to handle, however I love when a guy texts first too. It shows they were thinking about you at some point or that they genuinely care about you or how you’ re doing. Our generation makes texting the opposite sex seem so miraculous and difficult but it really shouldn't have to be. Obviously there are exceptions, like if they’re constantly asking for something or messaging you at 3am, but besides that, its cool.

4) Stretching

This is probably weird to most people but I love when guys stretch. Not like go into splits or anything (that would be kind of weird) but when they stretch their arms out or rub their neck, ITS SO ATTRACTIVE. Ok, I should calm down. Especially if they’ve just finished doing some kind of sport, woiii. I watch way too many romance movies to be honest.

5) Talk when they are tired

I have a thing for sleepy voices. I don’t have any explanation for it, I just do. If you’re tired, I can listen to you talk for hours. In fact, please do. Talk to me about tea bags and I would listen to you just because I love your voice.

6) Give Nice Hugs

I like them, there isn't really much to say about it. I'm short so I guess it makes it easier. If you can give me a long hug and still leave me standing there wanting it to last, then its a nice hug. Not gonna lie, I've had hugs that have left me thinking about it for hours. Even if they're literally just a friend, if the hug is nice, its attractive.

7) They encourage you and build you up

I love when a guy just has your back. When you have days when you feel meh or you’re struggling with something and they give you some confidence. Just being reassuring and motivating is super attractive. Especially when it comes to your personality. Say if you're really intelligent but failed an exam and they reassure you that everything is ok. Or you’ve had bad experiences with other boys that have left you feeling a bit insecure about who you are and they give you that little bit of confidence again. I LOVE THAT.

I hope someone can relate to any of these and I'm not alone here LOL.

Donnell Blaylock Jr: AKA WORLD'S MOST ATTRACTIVE MAN

Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x

Christmas Wishlist 2017

YAY! My first post of the Christmas season is finally here. I will be doing Blogmas this year, however instead of everyday like last year, I will be posting three times a week until the New Year. It won't be on set days, just three posts every week until January 1st. The reason for doing this is because of time. I actually don't finish sixth form for the holidays until December 22nd which is just awful and should be illegal in my opinion. I'm constantly busy with school, so I wouldn't have any time to write and post everyday, however I will definitely be able to do it next year when I'm at university, since I SHOULD have more time for myself.

Anyway, for my first post, I thought I would share my Christmas wish list for this year. I find that doing them helps my family and friends out a lot. I am in no way expecting these things, it is just a collection of things I am WISHING for and anything I don't get, I can either buy for myself or live without it. It is perfectly fine.

Beauty:

Morphe 35P- I've always wanted to try a Morphe Palette and wanted to try the 35F last year but didn't ask for it in the end. Purple is my favourite colour to wear on my eyes since it makes my brown eyes really stand out and suits my complexion well.

Nail Polish- I wear nail polish all the time and my nails are rarely bare so I go through bottles very quickly. I'm really in need of some new ones, so I figured I'd put it on my wishlist. My favourite brand is OPI and Primark do some really nice ones too.

Real Techniques Sponge- I own this sponge already but I need to replace it. I was going to buy it myself but thought I would put it on my list since it's a good stocking stuffer and saves me £6 haha.

A makeup brush pot- I need some brush holders/pots so I put it on my list.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion- This went on my list last year and I got it. I love it so much and I ran out about three months ago but never got around to ordering another bottle, so here it is on my list again.

An Ofra Highlighter- This one is super optimistic because I really don't need anymore highlighters BUT I have been wanting an Ofra highlighter pretty much all year. It was 50% off on Black Friday but went out of stock about an hour before I was ready to buy it.

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer- This is the product I have been wanting to try the most from FB but I can't seem to bring myself to spend £16 on a lip-gloss when I have so many other things I have to buy. I thought I'd put it on my list but if I don't get it, I will get it in the new year as a treat for myself.

A Highlighter Brush- My highlighter brush has seen better days and I definitely need a new one. I hear the Morphe R37 is really good.

Debenhams Gift Card- There are so many other makeup bits I would love to get so I put a Debenhams gift card on my list so that I would be able to buy them myself.

Fashion:

Gym Clothing- I want to get into fitness and dancing again, so I've asked for some gym clothing, like sports bras and leggings etc.

Cute Underwear Sets- I get this every year anyway. I'm a girl, cute underwear is necessary.

Loungewear two piece- They just look so comfortable and definitely something I would get a lot of wear out of. I live in leggings and hoodies most the time.

High-Waisted Skinny Jeans- You can never have too many.

Camo Jeans/Bottoms- These can either look awful or amazing, but I'm willing to take the risk. I have seen so many cute outfits with Camo trousers that I hope I can rock.

New Trainers- I don't have a specific preference or idea of what type, but I am DESPERATE for new trainers. As long as they're comfy and go with most things, I'm happy.

A New School Bag- I have had my school bag for over a year and I think its time to switch it now. I definitely want black this time and something fairly big in size. This Adidas one is perfect. I'm more for practicality over anything else when it comes to bags for sixth form.

Oversized Hoodie- I live in my oversized hoodie from Primark. I wear it all the time and I think I'm probably going to end up collecting oversized hoodies now. I'm 5'2 so everything oversized can literally be wore as a dress. Sometimes I do that and wear shorts underneath.

A Silver Ring- I already have a sterling silver ring that my Dad got me for my 16th Birthday and I wear it almost everyday. I love it and would love another ring to wear with it or interchangeably.

Nude Heels- I'm the same size as my Mum so we borrow each other's shoes all the time. My mum has a pair of nude stilettos that are super nice and fit me perfectly but I find them extremely high, so I would love a pair of my own that I can walk in.

Clothing Gift Card- Similar to the reason for the Debenhams card, I would love to buy so many things, so having a gift card would make things so much easier.

Tech:

A New Phone- I've had my Samsung Galaxy J5 for 2 years now and it's literally on it's death bed. It is constantly mal-functioning.

Earphones- I haven't broken or lost mine yet but give it another few months, so may as well get a backup right?

A Phone Ring- I would only need this if I get the phone. I have one on my current phone but once you stick it on, you can't take it off, so you'd need to buy a new one for another phone.

A light up mirror- My Mirror is super old, so I do need to replace it. I have heard great things about this light up mirror and it would make doing makeup at 6:15am every morning so much easier, especially in the winter.

A Phone Ring Light- This is just something I have heard a lot of beauty gurus use and their Instagram pictures are always amazing so....

Stationery and Other Bits:

The Peony Happiness Planner- I actually won it in an Instagram Back To School Giveaway and should be receiving it as a Christmas present from them as I'll be receiving the 2018 version. It is sooooo beautiful, and I am still so happy I won it.

A 2018 Weekly Planner- I just need a regular weekly planner for sixth form and stuff to write deadlines and things. I usually get mine from Poundland, which I am totally happy with.

Book Tabs- I need some book tabs for school notes and textbooks. This is a good stocking stuffer that costs like 40p and something I will use.

A Stapler- I had a stapler last year that I used all the time at sixth form but managed to snap it in half back in September. I've really missed having one in my bag because I can never find one in sixth form Like EVER. Plus it seems to be my most borrowed item ever so its a present for about 20 of us.

Dear John (book)- I LOVE Nicolas Sparks books but I have never read or seen Dear John before. I've watched the trailer and it looks amazing. I always read the books before watching the films though so I've asked for it this Christmas.

Forever 21 Stationery Set- I love marble and I love stationery.

Pens- I always need pens and get them pretty much every Christmas. Can't start a new term or new year without fresh ink hehe (wow I'm lame)

So this is my wishlist. I OBVIOUSLY do not expect to receive all this. If I did, then I would be a very happy girl, however I really don't expect all these things. I hope if friends/family are seeing this, it has been some help.

Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x