9 Things For 2018

The only thing that is certain in those days between Christmas and New Years is that continual depleting pile of rations. Biscuits, chocolates, sweets, cheeses. They'll be part of your daily routine at least once, or twice.

This year is the first year I've had no plans in the 'in between' time, and you know what? I bloody love it. No one to see, no one to please and I don't have to go out of the house if I don't want to. 

You see, I really wanted a shutdown this year. This year has been manic, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding. So this time is now for me, to regroup for the year ahead and get ready for my shit to be together come January 1st. But we all know really, that those resolutions don't start until the 2nd, right? One extra day to finish up those boxes of biscuits should be enough.

Anyway, here's 11 little things I'm gonna be working hard on in 2018.

1. Diet Changes

Changing my diet in the new year is going to be 100% my priority, if you read my relationship with food post you'll know how ill my favourite foods have been making me recently.

The measurable changes I'm making are that I'm going to be removing dairy completely from my diet for the first month (at least) to see if there are notable differences, and if it helps my asthma too.

I totally get the everything in moderation and we shouldn't 'restrict' ourselves, but there is no middle ground with me. It's either the whole pack of biscuits or nothing. I'll be following a pancreas friendly diet from January which is basically fruit, veg and pulses. YAY ME. So I'll be saying bye to dominos, crisps, chocolate and cake for a little while.

Because of this I'm going to be learning to cook one different meal a week, and I've already been busy pinning recipes. This will be the first time I've properly got myself onto this diet so I'm honestly so excited to see the results, and ya know, to actually feel well!

The first few weeks of going cold turkey on sugar should be fun!

2. Less Digital Time

Haha that was also one for 2017. lol. I mean, I did have one whole week off, and 24 hours off on Christmas Day... 

I'm talking about regular evenings off from 7pm, mornings where I read or watch TV rather than scroll past influencers promoting the same bottle of fake tan. But also weekends where I completely disconnect with it, because I can.

Less digital time makes me happy, so I'm going to actually be proactive in doing it more this year. It means more time to do things I love, so why wouldn't I?

3. Learn Something New

I'm bloody cliche and I know it. As nerdy as I sound, I get so driven to learn something new, I've always loved learning languages and having something new to focus my efforts on. 

I haven't decided what that new thing is yet, but it will probably be to pick up where I left off with Finnish and Spanish whether that's online or with my little pal duolingo.

4. Up My Blogging Game

Your gals got big blogging plans for 2018. I'm already in the midst of planning new content for 2018, and my action points for the year.

In short, I'll be blogging more, more lifestyle content which I love to write, more self promotion, actually host a blogging workshop and up my blog photography as I say I'll do every year. No biggie. Getting past 2,900 followers on Instagram would be real nice too.

5. Be More Active

It's not like I'm not already active, I swim around 3-4 times a week, on a good week. But sitting at a desk all week is me just waiting to be carted away with diabetes or a DVT.

I'm going to be making small changes like walking to the toilet downstairs at work rather than the one on my level. Have a morning sea walk before breakfast once a week. Walk to town instead of drive (which I often do) and maybe clean more too, that's exercise eh?

These small changes are all I want to add on, as they're achievable and honestly won't take any time out of my day.

6. Get A Skincare Routine

For the last 10 years I kid you not my resolution has been to stop picking my spots. Firstly, why am I a 25 year old woman and still getting spots and 2) why do I STILL pick them, and never learn. 

To stop myself looking like a Margherita pizza next year I'm hoping that my new diet will drastically help. The key area that is always congested is the space between my eyes, apparently this area is to do with your liver which is great, right.

I'll also be trying to have one makeup free day per month and obviously to have some sort of skincare routine. I want to invest in some high end cleansers and toners and even use a fancy muslin cloth to take my makeup off with. How often do you have to wash them tho? Asking for a friend.

It could go either way, but I'm hoping with a new skincare routine which doesn't involve face wipes, cotton wool and a drop of cleanser will really help.

7. Self Care

I'm ending the year feeling in a much better place than the start of the year, and whilst I still get down days, I know how to deal with them now. And you know what, it's okay to not feel okay sometimes.

I think I've been pretty good at making time for myself this year, so I want my self care routine and self love to continue and grow in 2018. YOU ARE NO1.

8. Cut The Toxic, Unsupportive People Out of My Life

See ya. Whilst my 'friends I'm leaving in 2017' post may or may not have rattled some feathers, I DID IT. Why do we find ourselves holding back in situations when we know our own worth.

I've read about it for years about cutting the unsupportive and happiness sucking people out of your life, but I've never had the guts to do it. 

2018 is firmly the year of happiness for me. The year that I'm not taking shit from anyone anymore. What does it leave me with? Loyal, good friends that I can count on one hand, and ones that I know will always be there for me. A 2 way friendship, where friendship works both ways. 

9. Give Blood Again

One of my proudest moments of 2017 was giving blood for the first time. That feeling you get when you receive the text to say where your blood has been administered to is like nothing else. 

It's one of the most selfless and nicest things you can do, if you can. I wanted to give blood again last year, but with winter colds and my asthma playing up I needed to look after myself first and foremost.

With my pancreas flare ups rearing their head at the moment, once my new diet has got me feeling a lot better I want to book in again and give blood. I can give blood every 4 months, so I'd like to try and donate twice in 2018.

What are you most excited about bossing in 2018?

Jumper - Primark

Joni Jeans - Topshop

Boots - Miss Selfridge via ASOS

Bag - River Island (similar from Skinny Dip)

Beret - Vintage Market (similar from La Redoute)

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What Christmas Means To Me

Hello December you beautiful thing you. The Christmas wreath is already hung, the day off work is booked to get the Christmas tree and the Christmas jumpers have already made an appearance. As for my Christmas shopping, well. 

This year will be my first Christmas in my new home and I honestly couldn't be anymore excited about it. Last year was really stressful as I was going through the house buying process and every bit of spare cash was being squirrelled away for my house deposit. I feel like this year I get to start making my own traditions as well as enjoying it without any guilt.

I love this time of the year as everyone just seems happier. As soon as Mariah Carey comes blasting on the radio you can't seem to stop yourself smiling. Oh, and that one more mince pie, yeah don't worry about that, because it's Christmas.

'It's Christmas' is the best kind of excuse for anything. Totally justifiable too when you're delving your hand back into the tub of roses.

So what is it that makes Christmas for me?

We all love Christmas. The food, the films, the weather, the presents. But underneath all of that, what does it 'really mean'? 

Not only is it the best time of the year for a reason, it marks that one time of the year that I know I will get to spend quality time with my family. No stresses, no thoughts about work and no having to go out and do anything. I value this time so much now that I have moved out and it's making me more excited for Christmas than ever before. A few days of not having to adult and be looked after? Yes please.

But it's the traditions that come with that. The traditions we have had from growing up and the traditions that I will continue to create each year. We still put a glass of sherry and a mince pie out on Christmas Eve when I go to bed. 

My sister and I still leave our sacks out. We watch a Christmas film after our Christmas dinner. We always get Hotel Chocolat Christmas crackers. We always go for a walk on Boxing Day morning to walk off the food, ready to get started again when we get home.

It's the traditions that bind it for me and it's what I look forward to SO much. There's no other time of the year to look forward to so much stuff for a whole month. It brings happiness and warmth into my life for those few short weeks in December. I love it.

As this is my first year in my new home, I'm going all out. I'm getting my first ever real Christmas tree, I've bought The White Company decorations for my tree, £20 for a pack of 6 baubles. lol. life. I'm going to spend a few days watching Christmas films and wrapping. I'm also going to head to a Christmas carol service with mince pies. 

I have to look the part too for all the festivities. I'll add a new Christmas jumper to my wardrobe every year. I'll soon have enough for every day in December. 

Nothing helps me get into the festive spirit more than Christmas Jumpers. This year Boohoo are collaborating with Teenage Cancer Trust through 4 of their Christmas jumper designs (including the one I'm wearing). From the 4th, for each jumper that is sold they will be donating £5 to the Teenage Cancer Trust. So you can do good by kitting yourself out in your new jumper this year, and help someone else feel good during the festive period too. It's a win, win!

So in a nutshell, it's the family time and those precious traditions that makes Christmas for me. I'm sure as I get older the traditions will expand and evolve, and I'm just so excited for Christmas this year in my new home. Ya know, just in case you hadn't noticed I'd already mentioned that 16589 times. I'm sure it's something that will always make me feel warm and special when I look back on it in years to come.

Let the festivities begin!

Eva Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal Jumper* - Boohoo

Watch - Cluse

What does Christmas mean to you?

*Products marked with an asterix (*) have been sent to me for review. However, all opinions in this post are 100% my own

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How My Style Has Evolved In The Last 5 Years

It was only last week that I realised it had been 7 years since I turned 18. 7 WHOLE years. It's a lifetime away from the bodycon dresses I used to wear every Saturday night, the untouched eyebrows and the dangly feathered earrings, because cute.

I'm *probably* not the only one who looks back and silently cringes at how we used to look. How we used to dress. But also how times were different then, and so were we.

Some people never look any different. From weight gain and hair dye gone wrong, it's fair to say I've evolved over the years, and HEY hopefully for the better. 

Whilst things have changed and people have come and gone, fashion has always been that one consistent and stable thing in my life. It's always been there and I've always loved it. It's just that it's evolved over the years with natural progression.  I like to think I know my style and what suits me more than ever now. Just call me Trinny & Susannah.

So how has it changed I hear ya ask.

Well, you only need to hit the left arrow on my Facebook profile picture to see. Or scroll back on my Instagram to the beginning of time. Its not pretty, but it's me. We all make bad style choices, I still do now. I still get called Pat Butcher and told I've forgotten to change out of my pjs, I guess I've just learnt to be happy in what I wear, and if that's not the most important thing about style and being comfortable in what you're wearing, I don't know what is.

I now dress for myself. Not for others, not to impress others, just for myself, by myself. I wear what makes me happy, what makes me feel good, and an outfit that I feel like I could take over the world in. 

The days of heading to Revolutions in a cut out dress that barely covers my stomach are over. I'm sad about it too. Never did I think I would be a confident, twenty something who wore MIDI skirts. Who the frick do I think I am? Midi skirts make me feel smart, sassy and confident. I love dressing them up as much as I do dressing them down with sneakers and a jumper.

I barely wear anything above my knee now or plunging necklines. Congratulations to me, I am now officially that old person. I cringe at the thought of someone catching me wearing a mini skirt and someone saying 'she's too old to wear that'. Let's face it, it's gonna happen. 

The way I accessorise has grown up a lot too. The feathery dangly earrings and £1 bangles from Primark have already made their way to the charity shop. I rarely swap my pearl earrings for anything else these days, and I spend more on investment pieces that are timeless and classic. No matter how old you get.

The 18 year old bangle wearer has now swapped it for classy, yet sassy bracelets from Thomas Sabo. My 2 current favourite huns are the Friendship Bracelets - Little Secrets Bracelets which I have dressed with their Charm Club Charms for bracelets. A little N in case I forget my name, and a 4 leaf clover, because a girl really gotta have a bit of luck every now and then. I pair it with my Love Bridge bracelet, also pink (OBV) which features the cutest little skull. 

I can really see myself adding to this bracelet with sentimental charms that mark milestones and special occasions. There is more than 500 charms in their whole collection, so you can be as creative as you want. 

I really want to mark the time that I lived in Finland as this was a really big part of my life. I've even found a Finnish flag charm, so I definitely know what I'm going to add next. I love the idea that this bracelet will stay with me, and I can add to it for the rest of my life.

Little jewellery pieces like this finish off my outfit better than your mum's red lipstick and glitter eyeliner from collection 2000 that you've had for 3 years. They're sleek, minimal and finish my outfit off to perfection.

With jewellery, and skirt/trouser length covered, I guess the major last change for me has been colour. I no longer shy away from colour. I mean, I like pink, if you hadn't noticed? You'll rarely catch me without wearing some form of pink these days. But do you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.

I no longer see getting older each year as a burden. I'm more adventurous with what I wear, I know what I like/what suits me and I've got to that stage in my life that I really don't care what anyone else thinks.

I just style it my way.

T-shirt - ASOS

Trousers - Topshop

Jacket - Missguided

Boots - Miss Selfridge via ASOS

Charm Bracelet Little Secret* - Thomas Sabo

Love Bridge Bracelet Skull Pink Pave* - Thomas Sabo

How has your style changed as you've got older?

*Products marked with an asterix (*) have been sent to me for review. This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Thomas Sabo. However, all opinions in this post are 100% my own

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When To Say No To Blogger Collaborations

I wish I'd had a post like this when I first started out blogging, because I'm not afraid to admit that I pretty much accepted anything and everything 4 years ago. I had nail decals, clothing I had to send back because LOL I didn't think that one through and a liquorice all sorts dress that I accepted because I didn't want to say thanks, but no thanks. I guess you could say it was a learning curve.

The early days of blogger collabs were more about obtaining that holy grail backlink rather than a little mention on Insta. So 4 years back in time I used to get sent a lot of stuff to review. I was in correspondence with my fair share of PRs, I played the field a little. I learnt when not to sell myself too short and when to run at the opportunity with open arms. Most importantly, I've learnt when to say no, and why I should be saying no.

My Blogger Collab Criteria

Is it on brand tho? Now I know where I am and who I want to be, I know whether something is on brand or not. So maybe I did before, but I was desperate back in the day to get sent something for free, because if that didn't make you a proper, profesh blogger what did? 

I'm not even talking about plugging e-cigarettes if you're a fashion blogger, those are the obvious ones that you hopefully won't touch with a barge pole. You need to be asking yourself the following 3 questions before even thinking of going any further;

Do I like the products & their brand?

Will I wear/use the products after the review? (WILL THEY BE ON DEPOP 1 WEEK LATER THO)

Is it something that I would buy?

This is the make or break for me, because if it's not something I would normally buy then why the hell am I doing it. You need to be enthusiastic and excited about it, as this is what is going to show through in your content and photos. So here I am laughing to myself about that bright yellow tracksuit that your nan would have bought you in the 90s and turning up to what I thought was an evening of theatre, which involved 10 other people over the age of 70 and a meal that you'd expect at the school canteen. Then there's nothing worse than that follow up email, 'hey hun, when is your post going live?' - it's this email that still haunts me now. How am I gonna write about an event/product I don't even like. You know the content won't be good, but you feel too bad to say 'sorry, I just don't like it enough to blog about it', so you push bad content out, move on and *hopefully* won't make the same mistake twice.

We have all been there and it's the worst. My love for writing has grown to an existential level over the last few years where I blog because I like it and not for those freebies we all become accustomed too. I will probably only say yes or even reply to 1 out of 5 things I get approached on now. Even if I was being offered dollar dollar bill for something I didn't feel happy about, I'd still probably say no and that's probably the most important thing. 

Payment Terms

I get asked by a lot of non bloggers how collabs work. When products are involved there is always your two classic ways, 1) You're sent the item for free in return for a review (no payment is exchanged) 2) You receive an item for free and are expected to review/post on Insta in return for an agreed payment. You *may* even have to chase said invoice for 4 months, or more, so that's nice.

I do not do any blogger collabs for free, in the sense that I will receive something for any work I do, my time is money. I will not plug products in return for nothing. I used to be bashing blog posts out left right and centre for that potential chance of 'exposure' and being shared across their social channels that only have 70 followers. Nah, you're alright.

It's hard when you're a new blogger, everyone does it, and that's okay. It's about learning and finding what your worth within the blogging world is, and that always is worth something.

I do more 'here's something in return for a review' than 'here's something free and £343647'. It has to be a mutually beneficial partnership in my eyes too, the terms have to be right for both of you. Don't sell yourself short, and always ask for more if you see fit. I work very closely with a few brands that I absolutely LOVE, and It's not like I'll ever say no to a free packet of Chocolate Digestive Biscuits or a jar of Marmite for a blog post, because priorities. Gurl gotta eat something during those Netflix binges.

As soon as you're being asked to write a blog post to be entered into a competition, have the potential to get social exposure and basically receive nothing, that is when you say no. Tbf most of these emails go straight to my junk now, but just a heads up that however small or big your blog is, know that your blog is always worth more than giving some PR a lil freebie.

How To Say No

If you're a bad blogger like me and sometimes go days before you remember to reply to an email, you'll probably not even end up replying. It is courtesy to reply, because these PRs may have potential opportunities for you in the future that could be more suited to you. Plus, it's just rude.

Always email back if you can, or in my case also apologise that it's taken you a month to reply. You'll know what is right to reply, but you can never go wrong with 'I'm really sorry, but I don't have the time to take on any blogger collabs at the moment, thanks for the opportunity though hon'. Or something like, 'Thanks so much for your email, the opportunity sounds great but it's not something that currently fits into my blog content'. Keep it short, simple and to the point. It's better to be honest than accepting and getting your knickers into a twist 2 weeks later about how you're gonna plug waxing strips on your fashion blog. It's not pretty.

So there we go, a tiny insight into blogger collabs, hopefully this also answers when to say yes. If it's Kate Spade, Marmite and any kinda chocolate then yes. It's always a yes from me. Stay true to yourself when you start dipping the toes into paid content, as it will always shine through in your content.

Jumper - Primark

Jeans - Hollister

Bag - Zara

Brogues - Dune London

Flowers - Lidl

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How Fashion Blogging Has Changed & What's Next

Here I was on my Birthday scouting out the cutest pastel walls I could find, all extra in my pearl skinny jeans from MissPap, a concept that my bf just couldn't get his head around *sighs*. They're jeans with pearls on them, DUH. Anyway.... I'm lucky that where I live I'm surrounded by so many pretty pastel houses, it's like I only bought my house because of it, like who would do that? Seriously.

Speaking of pastel walls, the typical Fashion blogger cliche for a picture, I think back to when I started fashion blogging and how much water has gone under the bridge since then. How many cliches we have jumped on, how much has changed and how I've gone back to how I did it before, and am happier with my content than ever before.

Back in 2014, Instagram wasn't at the height of it's global success that it is now, neither did bloggers use it so profusely as a way to promote their content and ultimately act as mini sales people for brands. Twitter was the most common way to share your content, engage in blogging chats and take your outfit photos in your back garden. EVERYONE did. Even Sarah Ashcroft did, in your street, garden, hallway - who cared? If the outfit was nice, the backdrop didn't even matter. People blogged then, and I mean blogged. For me blogging is writing, having an outlet, and having a space on the internet that you update regularly. 

As time went on, we adapted. Instagram took over, I scouted for better backdrops to take my outfit pictures. I was so far in, I even posted a 5 of the best places to take outfit pictures in Plymouth. It was as much about the backdrop/setting as it was about the outfit. Nailing the two together was impossible, and it often required lugging round my heavy DSLR in a crumpled up River Island bag on a day trip to the beach. It was effort. 

As it was harder to keep up than ever, I lost interest, it felt like a chore. Whilst trying to keep up, fashion bloggers were popping up from left, right and centre, most employing photographers to get those clear cut, lust worthy shots for the gram that you could only dream of ever having. As the divide between real life and reality started to become one, the words started to stop, and the rise of the influencer began.

By this time, on Instagram as a long standing fashion blogger, you couldn't exist in the same realm as the influencer. With 60k + followers, a full time photographer and an endless supply of free clothes. Most which you'd find on Depop the following month....

But I've always stayed true to myself. My love for writing and fashion is why I started, and part of why I continue to do so. It was never to make a quick buck, get a free pot of hand cream or bathe in the self gratification of 1,000s of Insta likes. Although, I guess that kinda would be nice. 

As I realise, and so many others have, Fashion blogging and being an influencer is two separate entities, you can't always be both. I've taken my fashion content back to the beginning as I've mentioned in a few recent posts. I only need a pastel wall now, a favourite outfit I feel good in and a willing friend who doesn't mind taking 100 + photos of me, plus some when I ask for more. AND the words are more, they mean something, they're not always tied to the outfit, but the outfit is there to guide you in and get you more engaged with my blog than you were with 'this top goes with everything'.

For me, the gap between fashion blogging and being an influencer is going to grow wider in the next year. More people than ever are seeking relatable bloggers, they want to look at content and be inspired, rather than deflated. Influencer fashion is unattainable for me, in the fact that when their pictures are taken there will be 3 outfit changes at once, not an outfit that could be worn all day, to work or into town. 6 inch heels never have been or are comfortable for a day in the office. We want to see outfits that are cosy, stylish and dream boat shoes that we could stare at all day, but probably won't ever wear. We also want to see the person and the personality behind the account. Which is where writing and blogging comes into play.

A few months on since my is blogging a dying trend post, I think blogging is very much something that we should still stand by, it's a skill and a hobby that a lot of people can't afford the time with. When I think about my content, I think, what do I want to read? Do I ever actually read peoples outfit posts, about their outfit? The answer is no. If I see an outfit on Instagram I like I will almost always stay there, and not swipe up or click the link in their bio to read more. What more is there to say? Fashion content is perfect on a visual level, but there has to be more to it in order to draw the reader in. I personally love writing lifestyle content and it's probably the most popular type of content I do, I've been adding it to my outfit posts for the last 2 months and I've noticed a big difference in blog engagement, views and the amount of time people are staying on my post. Ain't nobody got time for an 80% bounce rate...

BUT you have to do what works for you and what you enjoy, not others. Fashion blogging might be executed in a different way to what it once was, but it's here to stay whether you like it or not. I'm sure I'll be back with my 2018 predictions really soon.

Jumper - Topshop (last season)

Denise Blue Pearl Embellished Skinny Denim Jeans* - MissPap

Kendall Pink Medium Studded Cross Body Bag* - MissPap

Magic Pink Crush Velvet Sneakers* - Rocket Dog

What are your thoughts about fashion content and how it's evolved? Do you like this outfit?

*Products marked with an asterix (*) have been sent to me for review. However, all opinions in this post are 100% my own

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I'M 25! - 25 Important Life Lessons So Far

EY UP, I'm 25! How did that one happen? I almost choked on my stack of pancakes last week when I realised it had been 7 years since I turned 18. 7 years since I was sick over the boat at my boat party. 7 years since I thought it was a good idea to have a spray tan the day before my party. Fact, it's never a good idea.

Something that I have learned in the last 25 years is that nobody's journey is linear, no one follows the same path, life is not meant to continue in a straight line. It can't. Lifes hardships are there to teach us, to be thankful and to always remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I've learnt through mistakes, experiences and people. I'm grateful for each and every life lesson learnt because it's shaped who I am and kept me going, even when I don't think there is a way forward from situations. I've never understood why people moan about turning another year older, it's another year to help reach your dreams, make a difference and do yourself proud. Here's what I've learnt so far...

1. Everything will be okay, and if it's not okay, it's not the end. The one quote that will always stay with me, even in the darkest times when there has been a situation I never think will end or improve, there is importance in remembering it will end, and if it doesn't it will still be okay. Another similar perspective is thinking, will this all matter in a week, a month, 1 years time? Because the answer will probably always be no.

2. Not everyone will like you. But that's okay. When I was younger I just wanted to be liked, I wanted everyone to be my friend and I couldn't understand why some people didn't like me. It probably took me until sixth form to realise this, and it's okay. Its impossible to be everyone's friend, even for the sake of it, realising this and cutting certain people from my life at the time made me a much happier person.

3. Listen to your body. I never listened to my body. I used to go the gym every single night whilst I was in sixth form, go out every weekend, and work all weekend. I'd do it all even when I was ill. I continued to drink alcohol sometimes 4 times a week (at uni) when I knew what it was doing to me. One of the hardest and worst lessons to learn, I had to stop and realise what I was doing. My body was trying to tell me to stop, slow down and be good to myself. I now recognise the signs that I need to rest, eat well and just be good to myself.

4. Alcohol ruined my life. Continuing from above, and something I discussed in my why it's okay to be a teetotal 23 year old post, it took 2 bouts of pancreatitis, 100s of nights out that ended in black outs and 4 years of binge drinking to make me stop. It took me 2 years to get my life back on track and feel well again. It robbed me of happiness and health for a couple of years and if I could take it all back I would. But I stopped at a young enough age to hopefully reverse the damage made, I'm happier and healthier than ever before, so for that I am thankful.

5. 2 wrongs don't make a right. This is something I still call back to now, when I want to get even or want to act on how I feel, I take a step back and remember to not play the person/situation at their own game. Rising to other peoples petty games is a bad reflection on you, don't do it.

6. Paper trail everything. Whether it's a work situation, housing, school or anything else, make sure everything is paper trailed. You never know when you might have to prove something or show the work that you have done, having something in writing will always win.

7. Doing nothing doesn't make you boring. The well known Monday morning conversation at work when you're asked what you did at the weekend. Oh, you know I slobbed on the couch all weekend, got dominos and slept, WBU? Having no plans and doing nothing on the weekend does not make you boring. Those quiet weekends are what we need to recuperate and girl boss the working week ahead.

8. Make plans. Having something to look forward promotes happiness and a healthy mind. It doesn't have to be groundbreaking like a holiday or a weekend away, even a catch up with a friend or a coffee date is often just enough. 

9. Don't make effort with those who don't make an effort with you. I'm still learning this. I've had so many friendships in the past that I still run into now, where it's mostly me making the effort, falling at their every word and turning up to plans that are frequently cancelled. It makes me angry, upset and makes me feel down. I've tried so hard with people in the past and maintaining friendships, and knowing when to cut ties or be more conscious about the effort you put in will help you cut that stress and upset off in a second.

10. Make the most of the little things. When I've had a particularly rough week or feel a bit down I have to strip it back to the basics and revel in the little things in life. Those precious things that can give us so much happiness if we remember. Croissants with jam, hot chocolates on a cold day, fairy lights and candles. It's sometimes all we need.

11. Say YES more. We're all guilty of jumping to say no when we'd already imagined that night in on the sofa watching Corrie on catch up. But those spontaneous evenings out or day trips are often the best. Those cosy nights in will still be there another day.

12. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. How true is this? Last year I did my first open water swim, I was petrified at the idea of it, I was too well accustomed to swimming in a pool and the thought of the sea petrified me. I bit the bullet and forced myself into a situation that damn right scared me. I did it, I raised a lot of money in the process of it and I liked it. It was something I never thought I would do, and that's why you should never get too comfortable. Always seek to push yourself out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and better yourself.

13. Make time for yourself. YOU are the most important thing, and time for self care and self love should come above all else. Taking the time to enjoy your own company is a wonderful thing, and loving yourself is the first step to letting other people into your life.

14. Don't compare. Jealousy is an ugly thing, and anyone who says they don't get jealous is lying. We all do. But comparison is both the route to evil and unhappiness. We have Instagram to thank for this, right? Everyone is on a different path, journey in their life, and if you fail to remember that, I always look for inspiration to this quote. A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.

15. Don't wish for every weekend to come around. I'm soooo guilty of this, but since I've moved out my mindset has definitely started to change. Having things to look forward/keep busy with during the week really helps with this. Of course, being in a job that you really love and are happy in will make you want for the weekdays to never end. 

16. Don't rely on other people. Minus family, bf etc OBV. There's been so many situations and occasions when I have relied on other people and it has gone wrong. Its like the only being able to trust yourself old age adage, and it's true. Do your own thing, work for yourself, by yourself and you'll always end up better off.

17. Don't believe everything you see online. Oh, how true this is. Nothing you ever see online is real these days, there is always a very different picture behind the scenes, it's usually a reflection on whoever has posted it. Not on yourself. Social media is a silly old thing, with people seeking instant gratification. A make believe perfect lifestyle is almost certainly nothing to be jealous of.

18. Money is there for spending. Being able to and learning to save and budget is invaluable, but money is also there for spending, YOLO and stuff. We can save and save and save, but we have to be able to live and enjoy our lives too. This was something I really learnt when I was squirrelling money away each month to buy my apartment. You buy that lush bath bomb and dominos pizza.

19. Everyone has an opinion. UGH. Like why doesn't everyone just agree with me? My blood will boil at least once a day if I hear something muttered in the office or see something on twitter I don't agree with/think is wrong, But everyone does have a different opinion and again, that's okay. We aren't all meant to be the same and the best thing to do is ignore it and move on.

20. Admit when you're wrong. No one likes doing it, but it takes a certain person to hold their hands up and say, YEP, I screwed up. We all make mistakes and admitting you're wrong is the first step to learning and being accepted. No one likes a liar.

21. Work hard on yourself. I work for 8 hours every day, I come home and still work. I wouldn't be where I am today without being motivated and strive to better myself all the time. It's exhausting, it's hard, but dreams aren't made into a reality overnight and I truly believe that if you work hard for something you will reap the benefits, however long it takes.

22. Don't let people walk all over you. It still happens to me now. When you're a nice person it's sometimes hard to think NO, this isn't right and stand up for yourself. But sometimes things need to be said, and it doesn't make you a nasty person. A situation where I have learned this recently has really made me realise the importance of speaking up and not backing down.

23. Don't do anything you don't want to do. You have a choice, and don't do something just because everyone else is or people think it's cool. You always have a choice and not doing something doesn't make you any less of a person.

24. Eat what you want. There's too many scaremongering stories about food these days and advice on what we should be eating. FACT: we are all different, and any piece of food or diet it not one size fits all. I eat a healthy, very basic diet that might be lacking in a few fruit or vegetables, but that works for me. I'll never be someone that can eat 5 portions of fruit a day, but that doesn't make me an unhealthy, unfit person.

25. It's not over until it's over. I am all over the positivity train, but I never get my hopes up because I know what can happen in certain situations, and when you think it's over, it almost certainly isn't. There is always something else around the corner, so prepare for it and it never seems to bad.

Okay, GUYS, I won't be doing this when I turn 30. Much time was spent compiling this list. I'm sure a lot of you will be able to relate to this little list, it shows me how far I've come and how much I have left to learn.

Shirt - Topshop

Skirt - Zara

Bag* - Boohoo

Shoes - Office

What are the life lessons that you live by?

*Products marked with an asterix (*) have been sent to me for review. However, all opinions in this post are 100% my own

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