Looking out for you - being happy

Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking about how I should look after myself more. And by that, I mean I should be more selfish and look out for me and my interests. This may sound a little strange, or even mean to some extent, but I think I have come to the point in my life where I am just so tired of being second best. I think it is at this point where you finally grow up and you learn that you're going to have to look out for yourself rather than others more often.

Only by getting older do you learn that some relationships are more toxic than others, and it is perfectly okay to cut off ties at any point. It is one of those things that you only learn over time and through certain situations. But, I just wanted to write this post (mostly to convince myself) so that I will feel fine after cutting myself off from others. A recent conversation with a friend really opened my eyes, because we both agreed that there's no point connecting with someone if they don't have a positive influence on your life. It is right though, we need to surround ourselves with the people that influence us to do great things and want us to succeed.

Personally, I feel like I have gotten closer and closer to only communicating with those who have a positive affect on my life. I mean, I like to think I am a nice person and I always try my best to be polite and get on with everyone, but life really is too damn short to become involved in petty dramas or negative vibes in general. In situations like this I always think of a quote from Roald Dahl's The Twits...

“If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it.

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”

Honestly, I don't think this quote could be anymore true because having a positive outlook on life and always being happy really does work. Along with taking more time for myself, I feel so much happier and less bogged down. Another thing I have come to do is not care what others think, and once you truly have this, I believe the power is yours. My life experiences have made me more confident in my self and not caring (well maybe a little) has helped me find my happy place. I believe we all make this journey in life, some realise it quicker than others, but you have to go through it to truly appreciate it. But, I just want to say that it is completely okay to be selfish once in a while, and do whatever makes you happy. Don't let anyone hold you back from being the wonderful person you are!

Have you experienced any thoughts like this or do you have any advice on finding your happiness?

Rimmel x Kate Moss Nudes Collection

The new Rimmel x Kate Moss nudes collection caught my eye on my most recent trip to Boots. And also, there is a 'buy one get one half price' offer on the entire Rimmel collection at the moment which was another bonus. There are a range of five different nude lipsticks available designed by Kate Moss, as she has said she wants to "help every girl find her perfect nude". Also, a really helpful thing was a chart next to the lipsticks that helped you pick your nude, which consisted of skin with; neutral undertones, cool undertones, warm undertones, and nudes to suit every skin tone. So, you'll have nearly no trouble in deciding which shade to choose, my only trouble was convincing myself to stick to my budget and only buy one lipstick!

I picked nude #45 which was under the neutral undertones because I thought this would suit me the most, but I still want to try the other shades too. The new lipstick collection comes in these very cute light pink/salmon lipstick containers, with the Kate Moss logo of course, and look very chic in your handbag. The lipstick itself is nice and creamy, and not drying of your lips at all. I am only a recent fan of trying nude lipsticks, I always tended to go for the bright pinks and red, but I cannot wait to try the other nudes now I am a convert! Have you tried this new collection yet?

As there was an offer on Rimmel in Boots, I thought I would pick out a nude nail varnish too, because once again I only own bright coloured nail varnishes, but I have found there is always something classy about a nude nail. So, I picked out Salon Pro #125 Oh, Mr Darcy! and I am very impressed. I have worn it for a full day so far and (fingers crossed) I have had no chips or fading. It says it lasts up to 10 days of wear, so I am keen to test this out because I think the colour looks wonderful and I want to keep it on my nails forever! Have you tried any of the Salon Pro nail varnishes or what do you think of this nude colour?

Recent Netflix Marathons

Hey friends! I have been on a mini Netflix marathon recently and have finished a couple of series in a short amount of time which is somewhat embarrassing... Anyway, I thought I would share with you what I have been watching and maybe you have watched them too (or you'll watch them after reading this).

1. Daredevil:

Image credit: http://marvel.wikia.com

Marvel's Daredevil is based on the Marvel Comics and revolves around a few main characters. Matt Murdock is a lawyer in the daytime and fights crime in the nighttime. Murdock was blinded by an accident as a child but does not let this ability get the better of him, and you see some insanely awesome fighting scenes when he plays his Daredevil character. I was waiting to watch this series since it came out, and it's safe to say I was ultimately impressed, and I think I managed to watch the full first season in less than a week (that's how gripped I was). So, for any fans of Marvel and/or superheros I would certainly recommend a watch because it's just that good. The villains play very good characters, and there are some quite brutal scenes that had me cringing a little, but that's what makes it so real. And I cannot wait for the next series to arrive. So, why not put it on your list?!

2. Orange is the New Black:

Image credit: http://netflix.com

I was unsure whether to start watching this series or not, because I had seen all the fantastic reviews raving about this Netflix series, but just didn't get round to it. However, after watching the full three seasons within the last week, I am certainly glad that I watched it (yeah I know three seasons in one week equals bad, but it's so good). I was hooked from the very first episode, and constantly wanted to know what happened next after each episode and thus we have ourselves a very real marathon. As the series progressed, I found the background stories to each of the characters the most interesting because it revealed why the characters acted in the ways they did and somehow connected you to them as you came to understand them more. Of course, the happenings inside the prison and the constant jokes had me in giggles because each of the characters are so unique. Also, there were a few moments that literally shocked me and I was sat there with my mouth wide open in awe just saying "whaaaaaaaaat?!" over and over again. There is nothing about this series that is boring and for that reason alone I would recommend you to watch. Go on, what are you waiting for?

3. Pretty Little Liars:

Image credit: http://pretty-little-liars.wikia.com

I actually started to watch PLL when it first came on TV a few years ago, but I have got to admit I am pretty bad at keeping up with series unless I can binge watch them, like on Netflix for example. So, after finishing OITNB, I decided to click on PLL and start watching it again from the first season. I can remember parts of what happened from the first time I watched it but, I am just refreshing my memory, and I actually want to catch up to the current series. With all the episodes on Netflix and my current "marathon mood" I am 100% sure I will easily get through this series. If you are into more of a girly mystery drama series then I would say you would love PLL. The series revolves around four high school friends who are, after the death of their best friend, are troubled by someone pretending to be their lately deceased friend known as "A". And you follow the story as the girls try to figure out who is A and the obstacles they encounter along the way. Packed with boy drama, and various other high school dramas you'd expect, you'll be hooked as I was. So, I'll continue to watch PLL and update you on my progress, and no spoilers please!

Have you seen these series or what series have you been going crazy over on Netflix recently? 

Heatwaves and Mojitos

Mojitos are by far my favourite cocktails, so being able to sit in the sun sipping a mojito with ice has to be the best thing I have done all week. Sounds a little sad I know. But, we don't usually get weather this good, and since I'm able to enjoy it at the moment, why wouldn't I take the opportunity to relax?

After finishing my final year at university, I started to convince myself that I shouldn't just chill out and that I should constantly be looking for my next move, i.e. jobs, because it would just be lazy of me. However, each day I have set myself a small task of "career hunting" for a set amount of time, so I don't feel bad. But, enough of that because that's a subject for another post on another day!

So, with the sun out and not a cloud in sight, I decided to lie in the sun and completely relax. Obviously, I thought I'd be able to catch a tan, but I've got to face the fact that I am destined to be casper pale forever! Of course, I was wearing sun cream too because my skin is very susceptible to burning in the the sun (as most skin is). Personally, I think I may have caught the sun a little, but no burns so I am always grateful for sun cream, and I hope you all wear it too because it's easy to think you're popping out for 10 minutes so nothing can happen, but the sun is very powerful at certain points in the day, so be careful! (Not trying to go all mom on you sorry).

So, what have you guys been doing to enjoy this lovely weather we've been having? Hope it involves lots of chilling and ice cream... and maybe even cocktails like me!

Film Review: Jurassic World

Image credit: www.empireonline.com

Hey friends!
So, I finally got the chance to see the new Jurassic World the other day, and it's safe to say I am more than impressed. I thought it was a really good take on the Jurassic Park films. I am seriously going to have to rethink my order of preference for all the films, I mean it was 1, 3 then 2... but now I am unsure!

As soon as the theme song came on in the opening credits I had a huge smile on my face because I was so excited to see dinosaurs. Using the idea of a Jurassic theme park again was a really good move, and the creation of a new dinosaur (the Indominus Rex) was excellent. I thought the storyline was really good and kept a good flow throughout the film with some nice little jumpy scenes with the dinosaurs (a trademark of these films).

Of course, the ending was going to be predictable. I mean, were they really going to end the film with the dinosaurs eating everyone and just taking over, no. But, I felt that it was strong and could easily lead onto another sequel (I really hope there is). The film had me giggling throughout with some good humour from Chris Pratt (leading actor) and the CGI of the dinosaurs was absolutely brilliant.

If you're a fan of dinosaurs and the Jurassic Park films, I guarantee you're going to love this film (and have probably already seen it). I would definitely recommend a watch to anyone!

University results are in!

Hello there!
At the beginning of this week I received my results for my final year at university and I am very happy with my outcome because I worked so hard to get where I am (it's been a long and bumpy ride), and it finally paid off. There were lots of happy tears and I am still a little shocked!
It's not easy, and I know some people make it look that way, but I definitely don't think it is and if I didn't work as hard as I did I don't think I would have felt the satisfaction that I do now.

My friends at university also did very well with their results and I am really proud of them too because we all helped each other out, and I am pretty sure I wouldn't have made it this far without them. So, a big congratulations to us all and here's to the future!

Right now, I am really pleased and proud of myself. It is a huge sense of relief and I feel happy knowing that there are many doors open for me and I can choose any pathway that I want. Of course, I have the initial stress of what am I actually going to do with my life now I have a degree, but I know that I can do anything. If you put your time and effort into things, you can do practically anything you want!

So, for now I am just writing down potential ideas on a piece of paper and doing my research without stressing. I find that this is going to help me sort out my head and create a positive route to my ultimate career. Even if that means trying out jobs and finding out I don't like it, then that's fine because there's always going to be more opportunities out there. I think we get lost in the idea that there's no job for you when you leave university, but the reality is, that it's true no one is going to hand you a job and you've got to go out there and get it. The world really is your oyster and you can do anything with your life if you put your mind to it. (Small pep talk going on here sorry).

If you're like me, and you've just finished your university course and feel a little lost, I would simply advise you not to worry (mostly because it won't get you anywhere), but because you will eventually find your true calling. I mean, you've just got yourself a degree, that was the hard part right? You've shown that you've got the skills and ambition so I guarantee you'll give yourself the drive to find your dream career. So, give yourself a little break, enjoy the freedom you have while you've got it, and do the things you couldn't do while you were studying because you've worked your butt off for it!

For me, I am excited to find out what the world has got to offer me, and I really cannot wait to graduate in front of my family and friends in September! Hip hip hooray!

How to: simple vanilla cheesecake in 4 easy steps!

My completed cheesecake.

Hello! I know I said I was trying to be healthy, but it is Father's Day soon (on Sunday) and my dad loves my cheesecakes so I thought I would make him one - this is totally for him, honest! I normally just make a simple vanilla cheesecake, and I thought I would share with you how I make it, because it only takes 4 easy-to-do steps. Albeit, it normally takes me two nights to make it because I like to leave my mixture in overnight to get it how my dad likes it, but you could do it in one night. And I really need to work on my smoothing skills, but you get the idea. So, here we go!

What you'll need:

• A baking tin (7/8")
• A bowl
• Wooden spoon/ rolling pin
• Electric mixer

Ingredients:

• 250g digestive biscuits
• 100g butter
• 1 vanilla pod/ or vanilla extract
• 600g soft cheese
• 100g icing sugar
• 284ml (a pot) of double cream

How to: 

1. Use a rolling pin or wooden spoon to bash up the digestive biscuits into small crumbs. Melt the butter and then add both the crumbs into a bowl, then mix until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.

2. Scoop the mixture into a round baking tin and press down the crumbs firmly and make sure the layer is even. Then pop into the fridge to chill for at least an hour. (I leave it in overnight).

Cheesecake biscuit base.

3. Remove the vanilla seeds from the vanilla pod (or use extract) and add them into a bowl with the soft cheese and icing sugar. Beat with an electric mixer and slowly pour in the double cream until mixture is thick. Then spoon this mixture onto the biscuit base, making sure there are no air bubbles and the mixture is even (use the back of a spoon or a spatula).

Cheesecake mixture ready to apply to base.

4. Leave the mixture to set in the fridge overnight before un-moulding from the baking tin. Useful tip: place the base on top of a can and slowly pull the sides of the tin down. Then place the cheesecake onto a serving plate, et voila!

The can trick!

Have you tried this or do you have any tips or ideas on other cheesecake recipes?