Sunday 25 March 2018

#MarchForOurLives

Hey guys,


Before I get into this, here is a link to my previous post which was '5 Ways to treat yourself while on a budget', so go have a read if you haven't already.

Now, I am 'probably' addicted to social media. Just like most of my peers. We have grown up with the evolution of technology. I am grateful that I did have a childhood where everything was still chill, but I am also thankful for having my phone and all of my devices today.

I do obviously check all my social media daily and throughout the day. I often take a look at the discover page on Twitter because I think it's nice to have an idea whats going on in the world.

When I saw the news about the Parkland shooting, I couldn't even imagine going through that. I couldn't imagine how the teachers, students - children were feeling. But this obviously wasn't the first school shooting in america. In fact I have done some research and found out that there has already been 17 school shootings this year in America. (Source link here, also not sure how accurate this is) Hell, it's only March! All of these lives lost so far this year, imagine what the total would be at the end of 2018?

It breaks my heart.

But we are the generation of change. 

I think after the parkland shooting, maybe more people realised the problem. People are talking about it, standing up for what they believe in. Personally, I don't see a need for any gun. A gun is made for one thing and that is killing. Whether it's an animal or human, I don't think they're necessary.

After The Dunblane school massacre in the UK 1996, *two new Firearms Acts were passed, which outlawed private ownership of most handguns in Great Britain.' Maybe the same could happen for America? (*Quote from Wikipedia)

Obviously I have been trying to keep up with all of the news surrounding this tragedy and yesterday people were marching for change. I saw that Martin Luther King Jr's granddaughter Yolanda Renee King gave a speech. She says "My grandfather had a dream that his four little children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream that enough is enough...This should be a gun free world, period.''
She then encouraged the huge crowed to chant 'Spread the word, have you heard, all across the nation, we, are going to be a great generation.' (See here.)

She was magnificent. I think it will be spoken about for years to come. I 100% agree with her and the crowd also seemed to. It will definitely go down in history, this whole movement.

There was another young teen who spoke. I only saw a small clip of this on twitter but she says how her brother died on school grounds with a gun. You could tell her heart hurt. And I cried. It's not fair. People shouldn't die in such circumstances, especially so young.

Emma Gonzalez, also gave a powerful speech. She even held a moment of silence. I was crying by the end of this clip too. You can tell she is going to fight for change no matter what. She's a fighter and I fully support her. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz6YarZ5upEfootage: here)

Personally, going to school in the UK all I worried about was if my friends would show up if they were poorly. I couldn't imagine being afraid for my life while trying to learn. You kids in America are strong and brave as hell.

Like I said, we are the generation of change. And I truly think those that marched for #MarchForOurLives made a massive impact. So here's to change.


'If not now, when?'

Adios amigos!xo

Monday 19 March 2018

5 Ways to treat yourself while on a budget

Hey guys,


Before I begin, be sure to check out my last post HERE. It's basically just an update on my Psoriasis so it wont appeal to everyone. But still, got to get that self promo in there anyways.

This weeks post is a pretty chill one (what a shocker), but I was talking to my mum about budgeting. Now that I have a job and have paid all the adulty car shit, I can now take a little break from saving.

Now, obviously I don't plan on going out and wasting money. Which got me thinking, back when I had a tight budget - if any - I still managed to treat myself and feel good about myself. So I am going to list a few ways a treated myself for you guys who may be a little tight on money, looking for a job or those who just don't want to to full on 'splurge' on everything.

1. I'll start with a pretty obvious one, you can buy face masks from Superdrug and Morrison's (ect) for I think 99p each. Depending on your budget you could buy one for a family member or friends and have a little pampering session. Maybe even get the nail polish out, why not.

2. This could also go with number one but have a nice relaxing bath. Maybe get a lush bath bomb, or if this is a little pricey get some cheaper bath stuff like bath salts, bubble bath, rubber duck - again why not. Personally we only have a shower so I cant enjoy this one, if you're the same put on some of your favorite music and shake that lil booty. 

3. This again is a simple one but at Home Bargains you can buy little sachets of popcorn and cute plastic popcorn box like old school ones in films. I think you can get like three for a pound or something, so why not have a home cinema day. Make your rooms as dark as possible get some films lined up, drinks (maybe alcoholic if you're of age) and your popcorn and you're well away. I think this is one of the best ways to relax. Who doesn't love a good movie day??

4. If you don't necessarily have a tight budget, you could go out and buy a new item of clothing. Something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Then on a day you need a pick me up, wear it and feel like a boss. Or why not buy some new Pj's!? I always feel like I have my shit together when I have new Pj's on.

5. Do whatever makes you happy. So whether that is art, running, gaming, or maybe even cleaning just treat yourself without feeling guilty! If it happens to be shopping, which is what mine is, you can still do this but make sure you stay within your budget. If it makes you feel better just save more the next week.

Okay, now I honestly cannot think of anymore. But I may do a part 2 and try and come up with a few more for a future post. So keep an eye out for that folks.

Adios amigos!xo

Monday 12 March 2018

Psoriasis - an update.

Hey guys,

Firstly, I want to say happy mother's day to mama Jane. She's the most incredible woman I know. Obviously most people think this of their own mum (or dads who also step up to be mums) but I truly think I'm the luckiest. I tell her I love her every time I leave the room, and several times before hanging up the phone. Not because it's a habit or because I think it's what I should say, but because I mean it. If something were to suddenly happen to me, I'd want her to know how much she means to me and how much I value her. I could honestly go on and on, but I'd rather tell her in person so I shall cut it short.

Anyway, my last Psoriasis update was back in September, so I figured this would be a good time to give a little update.
You can read said post HERE.

Nothing has really changed, thank god. Just minor things.

In my previous post I mentioned that the parts in my ears don't bother me as much, however it does quite a bit now. I created a mindset where basically I think others would rather see a raw patch of skin bleeding, than dry extra skin. This is most likely not even correct but at the minute that's how I'm thinking. So every morning (or most) I pick out the parts in my ear so no one sees the dry skin. It normally 'heals' by the next morning if not the following morning. But during the day it is so unbelievably sore. I don't know why I do it to myself, but I do.

Don't get me wrong, all of it is sore once I pick it, obviously, because it's just raw skin. But this does irritate me a lot.

Recently though, I have noticed that when I am anxious or upset I will turn my arms raw. It has reached the point where I had to apply a plaster (literally) the other day because it wouldn't stop bleeding. Then at work everyone was asking what I had done. It's nice to know people care, but at the same time its such an awkward thing to explain ALL the time.

So now I have asked my mum to help me keep applying this cream we bought for my arms religiously and to then bandage them up. This helps keep the cream work for longer I guess but also stops me from picking at it. I have only done this today and it has made a remarkable difference so I can't wait to see the results in a few days time.

I'm only doing this at home though because I don't want people to think I'm exaggerating or begging for people to ask about it, because believe me, I'd just rather ignore it like everyone else. But unfortunately, I can't if I want it clearing up - even just a little.


I'm going to finally include a photo with this post. I wish I had one from before when it looked normal. Like I said, it already looks heaps better but  hey, maybe it'll look even better than this in a few weeks. Here's to hoping!

 

I added the second one to just feel confident and empowered. Because, well...why shouldn't I? Double chins but I like these anyway:).


Adios amigos!xo

Monday 5 March 2018

Monthly Goals #3

Hey guys,


I know in my last post I said about having a break and kind of 're-starting' this, but I just cant bring myself to miss a week. It's one thing I have been able to keep consistent in my life - not to be dramatic but its true haha. However, I have been thinking of some ideas and trying to figure out how to make this more interesting for everyone. So, here's to the future!

Anyways, I've been quite happy with this sort of post, I think it is nice to set a goal and review it at the end of the month.

I can become unmotivated quite easily. For example, I haven't done any art since leaving college. Which makes me very sad because I do enjoy it. Once I have an idea, I am well away - its just getting that initial push I need. At college we had topics and had to basically make art inspired by that topic. Well, now that I have left, I have no one giving me ideas or topics. Which bring me to this months goal.

I want to get back into art. I want to fall back in love with it. At college I got some discouragement which sometimes put me off going for bigger and harder outcomes. I can do what I want, how I want now. After all, that is one of the reasons for me leaving prematurely.

So this month, I'd like to make my own brief, and work towards it. Making maybe, 5 outcomes and showing you them next month. 5 maybe a little ambitious, but hey, why not set a challenge?


Now if you read my 'Monthly Goals #2' post, you will know that I set myself the target of learning how to knit. And I am now the Knitting Master. Obviously I'm joking but I have significantly improved. Thank you to my mum for helping me.

I started off small and worked my way up. And today I managed to knit a well sized square without any mistakes. GO ME. It's honestly beautiful. It's not stressful anymore either, I literally sat down with some background music on, knitting for a good hour, maybe two hours long. I wasn't consumed by my phone, or worrying about anything. Just focusing on this one little thing I set myself and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm definitely going to carry this on and learn some more stitches and techniques.

Overall I am very proud of my little self, and I'm glad I set this as my goal. And hopefully, this time next month I'll have some artwork I'm proud of to show you.

Adios amigos!xo