To 2014.

As the new year is tomorrow, I thought I'd share this. I found it on Tumblr a few weeks ago and I just love it. A new year is really just a new day, but what you choose to do with your year is your decision. I hope it's a good one!

1. When your friends ask you to hangout, and you don’t feel like it, don’t go. Don’t ever do things halfway or do something that makes you uncomfortable. With everything, give all of yourself, even the pieces you never knew existed. 

2. It is okay to not know. Everyone always despises the phrase, “I don’t know” but no one tells you that it is okay to not know. The becoming is more important than the being, anyways. 

3. If someone ever makes you feel less, in any way, you have every right to walk away. You have every right to cut out toxic people in your life. To close the door on people who make you feel bad about who you are or what you stand for. Friends don’t tear down, they build up.

 4. Loss is always going to happen. Just like paint will always chip and rain will always fall, loss will always be part of life. No matter how much I don’t like it, or avoid it, it is going to walk my way at several times in my life. Learn to embrace it and learn to get closure. 

5. Give yourself a chance. Stop saying, “I don’t think I can” or “But what if I am not able to?” and give yourself a chance. This may be cliche, but try to believe in yourself. When you get older, your knees won’t work the same and you won’t have the best memory, and you are going to wish you’d given yourself a chance years sooner.

 6. Fall in love. Don’t be guarded before you fall in love. You could fall in love three times and still not find the right one, but none of it is going to make “the one” matter less. Don’t fall into that idea that your first love has to be your best love. Fall in love as many times as it naturally happens. 

7. Firsts are going to be messy. First loves, first kisses, first dates, first failed tests, first college class, first time you drive a car, first time you ride a plane - first times were made to be imperfect. Just because it’s messy and all over the place, doesn’t mean it can’t be good or worthwhile. 

8. You want another scoop of ice-cream? Go get it. Get three more scoops of ice-cream if that is what you want. “Fat” is not the opposite of beautiful and it is not the opposite of happy. Don’t let anyone tell you that your body type isn’t beautiful. Beauty is a social construct, create your own, become your own.

 9. Let yourself be alone. Loneliness is not a bad thing. It is healthy and normal. Everyone needs to spend a good portion of their life alone. We learn who we are when we are alone; life is less crowded and more clear when we are alone. 

10. If you aren’t happy where you are, change it. Quit your job, move, become a vegetarian, get a new hobby, pick up an old hobby, whatever you do - make sure it benefits you. Life is too short to not be alive, to not be passionate, and overflowing. 

"Ten things I learned before I turned twenty." - Amanda Helm 

Flat hair?!

I have always had exceptionally thin hair, and as it grows longer; it becomes thinner. I envy people with really thick hair, and so I have set out to try and achieve this.

I had been speaking to a hair stylist for Bumble & Bumble in work about my attempt to thicken my locks. I just recently purchased the John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Shampoo and although it had been working, my hair was becoming greasy after just one day. I had mentioned this to the hair stylist and she asked if I conditioned my hair. Honestly, I condition my hair when I can be bothered. I have so much hair that just washing it alone takes 10-15 minutes. I said that I would condition the ends of my hair from time to time and her face was a picture!!

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Shampoo (£5.99 at Boots)

She explained that shampoo is an alkali that opens up the cuticles in your hair, while conditioner is an acid that closes the cuticles. If you don't condition the roots, you are leaving the cuticles open; leaving all of the natural oils to come pouring out. 

(But wait... I had always been told not to condition my roots because it would make my hair greasy?!)

She also asked if I blow-dry my hair. Majority of the time I do, but it really makes no difference if I leave it to dry naturally. She told me that without drying the hair, any access shampoo/conditioner will lay in the hair and cause it to become greasy. Even if you only have time to blow-dry the roots, she said it makes all the difference!

Anyway, hair lesson over; I'm going to stick at the John Frieda for now, but I'm going to try out the new L'Oreal Paris Studio Line #TXT Volume Supersizing Spray and see what difference that makes. Allegedly, it's a spray that instantly creates volume. For only £3.29 I'm certainly going to try it out!

If John Frieda fails, the girl had recommended Bumble & Bumble's thickening shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo at £18.50 and conditioner at £20, they are quite pricey; however I am willing to try them in the future! 

What I got for Christmas

Hello lovelies! I can't believe Christmas is over again for another year!! 2013 seemed to fly by and it's actually quite scary that this time next week we will be in a new year.. Anyho, this year my Christmas presents were very beauty orientated. The photo below is a combination of what I bought myself, and what was bought as a gift for me. 

Brushes:

Real Techniques brush sets - core collection & eyes starter set.

Eyeshadows:

Urban Decay Dangerous palette.

Benefit Most Glamorous Nudes Ever eyeshadow kit.

MAC pigment in "Naked."

Rimmel London quad in "003 Smokey Purple."

Mascaras:

Soap & Glory; Thick & Fast.

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator. 

Benefit They're Real.

Lips:

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Extreme Plump lipgloss in "Pink Out Loud."

Lush lip scrub in "Bubblegum."

Bourjous Rouge Edition lipstick in "02 Beige Trench."

Nail Polish:

Rimmel London Lasting Finish in "300 Pop your pink" and "405 Loafer love for you!"

Skincare:

Origins Merry Moisturisers kit:

•Make a difference plus + Rejuvenating moisturiser.

• Make a difference plus + Rejuvenating treatment lotion.

•Make a difference plus + Rejuvenating hand treatment.

•Drink Up intensive overnight mask.

Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing milk.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish with muslin cloth.

Brows: 

Benefit Brow Zings in "Dark."

Concealer:

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch in "02."

Primer:

Benefit Porefessional.

Powder:

Benefit Porefessional Agent Zero Shine, Shine-vanishing powder. (New)

Highlighter:

Benefit Watts Up!

Blusher:

Benefit Rockateur.

I'm really excited to try the new Porefessional powder from Benefit! As well as my new cleansing milk. 

I hope you had a lovely Christmas and I hope that 2014 will be a brilliant year for you :)

Hannah x

WIAW.

Just thought I'd do a What I ate Wednesday! :) I've been eating healthily for a while now & I'm really starting to love it. I feel so good after meals and I'm not even snacking anymore! I'm also not having to force myself to exercise; I actually want to!!

For breakfast I had golden syrup porridge with 1/2 banana and a handful of blueberries.

For lunch I had chargrilled chicken, peppers and tomato, with lettuce and mayo. (Sooooo filling!)

For dinner my Dad made "chicken and ham sausage rolls without the sausage", chips and peas & sweetcorn.

I had grapes, strawberries and blueberries before I went on my second walk of the day, and my night snack was a packet of Rolo - tut tut!! 

I'm weighing in tomorrow morning to see how I've got on this past week. I'm not on a diet, I'm changing my lifestyle. I'm not happy with how I am, and no diet is going to have a lasting effect on that. Eating well and exercising is all that will. And I'm actually happy eating all this good food. No chocolate (apart from Rolo), crisps, fast food or fizzy juice has been kinda refreshing! And I WILL stick at it this time :D 

Xo

Autumn Wants!

As the A/W season is approaching, I thought I'd do a quick little Autumn fashion wants! :)

ASOS Crown Hat in red - £13

Vans shoes in Black - £45 - Schuh

Lightweight hooded jacket in Navy - £60 - Topshop

MICHAEL "Blake" watch in gold - £176 - by Michael Kors 

Green Oriental print kimono - £35 - River Island

Oversized Colourblock Tote - £35 - Accessorize

Can I add, the Michael Kors watch is most likely not going to be purchased, however maybe if my student loan is good to me; I can get it before Christmas?!

Adios x

July favourites!

Hello! :-) So it appears, I am not a blogger. I am not fit for the blogging world! I haven't had time to blog or do anything lately! However, I thought I would still do a little post, and maybe in the coming months I will be able to improve, and hopefully blog some more!

Anyho, just quickly I'd like to do a July fav post :-)

1) Mumford & Sons - Babel.  I have had this album since March and I've loved it throughout the months, but this month especially I've been loving listening to the entire album on my phone and while I'm in the car.

2) Nivea Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes. I've been trying to stay away from taking my make-up off with a wipe as it's just lazy (and bad for your skin!) But these were on offer and I thought I'd just pick them up anyway. They're handy for when I can't be bothered cleansing and for nights out when I practically roll into bed!

3) Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Daily Scrub. I am not a daily scrubber! I have very sensitive skin and I don't always like to "scrub" as such, when my skin could break out. I've been using this morning and night maybe, 4 times a week, for the past few weeks, and my skin feels so alive and refreshed after use. The only downfall is that it has little peppermint bits through it. Yes, it smells lovely! But what I would say is that my eyes tend to get stingy, even though I don't place the scrub close to my eyes. I got this in Boots on offer for £2.99! 

4) Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in 125 Nude Beige. I've been using this all month and I really love it! It keeps all of my makeup on my face, all day! It's so light meaning it doesn't feel like yet another product is on my face. I think this was only £6.99 from Boots!

5) L'Oréal Super Liner. I just bought this and as soon as I got home I tried it out. The nib is so thin which makes putting it close to the lashes, possible! I was going to get a Collection 2000 liner, but this was only £2 dearer at £6.49 from Superdrug.

6) Eyeshadow by H&M. I got this over a month ago, as I seen it at the till and thought I would buy it! It was only £3.99 (I think) and I've been using it everyday. I am the worst at eyeshadow and so I tend to stay away from it, so rather than let this duo go to waste; I've been filling in my brows with the dark brown colour. My ELF eyebrow kit was getting old so I opted for this "Cocoa Bay" duo. It looks natural when my brows are filled in and its quick and easy to do!

7) Daisy by Marc Jacobs. I adore this scent! My bestfriend bought me it for Christmas and I was so afraid to use it   because I didn't want it to run out! But now that Summer is here, I wanted a sweeter scent, and so I've been using this perfume all month! 

8) Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream. I really like Nivea and I've been using this moisturiser for months! Combining the Neutrogena and this together, made my skin feel and look great! This was another £3-4 buy and I think I got it from Tesco!

9) MUA Power Pout Colour Intense Lip Balm in Justify. Like all MUA lip products, this has a minty scent which is something I like! I had wanted the Bourjous lip balm as I had seen just about everyone rant and rave over it; however, I seen this one for only £3 and I thought I'd give it a try instead! I'm not sure I suit the colour, but it is very moisturising and more pigmented than I thought it would be for only £3! 

Hopefully I will be blogging more in August! I hope it's a great month for you!

Xo

July update!

Hello lovelies! I'm going to be very busy this week so I decided just to fill you in on everything! :-)

I got myself a job (finally) and I'm extremely happy that I can now afford to put fuel into my car AND I will be able to buy stuff in Topshop, instead of wishing I had it! 

This week is all about volunteer work! I've been volunteering for many years now, but this year I have a more active role as I am leading the summer scheme with my best chum Allison! We are "secret agents" and we have to dress up - ALL WEEK. As much as it sounds like torture, it's good fun, and the kids love it! 

          

              (Special agents X & Y)

Aside from doing that all day until Friday, I've been in contact with friends I haven't seen for a while and I've arranged lots of little dates with people! It's also just hit me that I can never return to school and the majority of people I will never see again - scary thoughts! 

Anyho, I've been meaning to ask a few things! 

1) Can anyone recommend a make-up remover face scrub that is suitable for sensitive skin?! I find myself reaching for my wipes far too often these days!

2) Has anyone read "Looking For Alaska" by John Green? I have started it but I cannot get into it! Is it worth carrying on?

And lastly - 3) Does anybody know of any good tattooists/body piercers in Co.Donegal? Going for a few days next week & I'm considering getting something!!

Hope you have a lovely week whatever you're doing! :)

Hannah x

June through Instagram

Hello lovelies! :-)

I haven't blogged for a while so I decided just to do a quick post of lots of photos! June has been a strange month and in some ways, I'm glad it's come to an end. It always feels like summer is really here when July comes around, and I have a very packed summer to look forward to! 

Anyho, these are the photos I have uploaded onto my Instagram from the start of June - until today. Enjoy! :)


Okay so this was just a throwback of Halloween 2012. My two friends and I went to Dublin for her 18th birthday and we dressed up and went through the town like this! I was Lady Gaga from the Born This Way video and my two friends were The Mad Hatter and Where's Wanda. Had such an amazing Halloween, we will have to do it again!

I took a selfie. It was my friend's brother's 1st birthday party and I went along to take photos! I captioned this, "wonky eyebrows" because I realised they are uneven :(

Eh.. Another throwback of me in primary school. Hahaha! Remember 'School Around The Corner' that Frank Mitchell presented on UTV? Our school was on it and so I was the 'toymaker'. My friend makes me regret this role, daily. 

I have been learning to play the guitar after 6 years of having one! This was just a really sunny day and so I sat in my garden and played :-)

I captioned this photo: "Two amazing youth leaders ended their time at my church tonight after four long years! Can't believe it's all over, but God has done amazing things through them. He does use the rescued to rescue others and I found myself so much closer to God after the encouragement from Gemma and Derek  I honestly don't know what we're gonna do without them  but they're moving on, throughout God's plan, just like I am.  So, thank you both so much.  " which kinda sums the photo up! :) 

I went to get ice-cream with a friend of mine who I hadn't seen in forever. I had a nice catch up with her! :)

June has been a very nostalgic month. It is so easy to watch movies online - I do it all the time! The Lizzie McGuire Movie is a classic! 

This was something I found on Tumblr which I just thought was really special! 

"Saturday night in with my fav YouTubers" I'm obsessed with YouTube and Sammi (BeautyCrush) and her boyfriend Ricky (RickyRichardsTV) are two of my favourites! They seem so down to earth and lovely - Ricky even liked this photo on Instagram! 

A big cheesy grin for a happy Hannah.

I had a weird few days that I didn't feel myself (previous post) and so I made fifteens. These were absolutely delicious, yum!

Everyone loves Ben & Jerry's. Everyone loves when it's discounted. It was reduced to £2.45 and I had a further voucher from my clubcard points (Thanks Tesco!!) I got this big tub for only £1.09. YUM.

Skins is back TOMORROW!! I have been watching Season 3 awaiting the return of Cook and Effy. I am too excited!

"Always remember no dream is too big :) Set yourself goals and do not stop until you achieve them! Do not be put down by anyone because you are capable of all things. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. " 

Mum was very busy in work this month an so I have been minding my brother the past few days. She left us these notes. The end of my brother's is too funny. 

We went out for my friend Sarah's 18th birthday, and I got thrown out. I honestly can not tell you why because I have no clue. I was feeling sleepy and so I lay down and then the bouncer came and told me to get air. Nevertheless, I got back in 20 minutes later :) Hayley took this photo because we were sad that we weren't in Box anymore. (Not sure why Danielle seems overjoyed?!)

Last one - Cookie wanted my biscuits yesterday! I never give her chocolate but she was just too cute and I couldn't say no!  

My June through Instagram wasn't that interesting was it? Sorry! I'm going to try to blog again soon; although I'm very busy now that July is here but I will try my best! :-)

x

Looking For Alaska

Okay so I've been in a really strange mood lately so I decided I needed some time alone! :-) Sooooo, today I went down to the beach at 9am and I wrote in my journal and read "Looking for Alaska" by John Green. I brought a flask of tea and some wheaten bread, and I had a really nice morning (and I don't do mornings). I left my phone at home the whole time and it really was a breath of fresh air!

My view this morning :-)

I'm really enjoying stuff from John Green lately, "The Fault In our Stars" was incredible!

I went to the post office and I changed some of my money into euro (ahead of my trip to Donegal in a few weeks time) and then I went to Tesco and bought my Mum & Granny flowers. For no reason at all. They loved them and so I was happy :) I also bought myself tulips because they’re my fav :) I bought ingredients to make fifteens and they are currently in the fridge! (post to follow)

I got this bottle in Avoca last year and I just adore it!

I made myself eggs and soldiers for lunch because I was feeling really nostalgic!

Cookie likes eggs and so she wanted share..

After lunch I went to pick up my Granny and surprise her with flowers. She loved them and placed them by her hearth so she could "look at them all day" :-) We went to the butchers and the fruit shop (Friday routine) and then we picked my Mum up from work. From there I took them to a shopping centre and then I went home.

I adore this woman! She's 83 and is always gleaming! 

My Granny was going through her handbag and found this letter from her brother Dan. I'm so excited to meet him and his family as I have never had the chance. He lives in Canada for 6 months and Florida for the other 6 months. Some people live the dream, ey!

I rearranged my tulips when I got home and I just love looking at them :)

I also went to Pets at Home and bought Cookie some new shampoo to stop her casting! She wasn't too amused when I put her into the bath...

Thank the heavens for Gravy Bones!!

All nice and clean with a cute bandanna on. Best dog ever! 

I went back to meet my Mum and Granny for dinner and I had the most delicious sandwich from O'Briens, yum!

After dropping my Granny home, I came back to make fifteens and they're in the fridge now, so I'll be able to slice them tonight/tomorrow morning!

I know I was with my Mum/Granny part of the day, but aside from that; I've really enjoyed a day by myself. I haven't spoken to any of my friends all day and I've tried to stay off social networking. I've tried to see what it would have been like 100 years ago. Obviously I wouldn't be writing a blog 100 years ago, but you catch my drift! I've been feeling really weird these past days and I can only hope my mood picks up in the coming days!

Thanks for reading :-)

Hannah x

Enjoy today.

Hello lovelies, it appears I am starting yet another blog.. Whoops! However, I would love to keep at this one as I am coming to the realisation that I must start at the bottom to get anywhere - I struggle with accepting this! 

At this moment in time, I'm not entirely sure on a niche genre for the blog; in saying this, it will most likely include my daily thoughts/photos, random writings, or maybe some reviews/tutorials? I'm really unsure at the mo, apologies!  

Okay so for now, I would like to share with you something I found on Tumblr. As my lifetime goal is to travel, I felt it really appealed to me. I hope you enjoy :)

"Don’t get stuck. Move, travel, take a class, take a risk. There is a season for wildness and a season for settledness, and this is neither. This season is about becoming. Don’t lose yourself at happy hour, but don’t lose yourself on the corporate ladder, either. Stop every once in a while and go out to coffee or climb in bed with your journal. Now is your time. Walk closely with people you love. Don’t get stuck in the past, and don’t try to fast-forward yourself into a future you haven’t yet earned. Give today all the love and intensity and courage you can, and keep travelling honestly along life’s path."

Goodbye for now, have faith that I will stay at this! 

Hannah x x x