1. Holy crappers, I'm no longer a high school student. 

2. Woah. I'm out, after 6 whole years, I'm completely finished with school... for now. 

3. What a weird and wonderful feeling it is to be free from the stress and pressure of school

4. I'm going to miss my friends so much, I can't believe this is it

5. I can't wait for the leavers diner, everyone's dresses are going to be so swanky

6. I wish this teacher was still here so that she could sign my shirt

7. Thank goodness I'm never going to sit through her class again

8. Don't cry. Do not cry. Do. Not. Cry.

9. Oh my gosh. I'm practically an adult now

10. Okay, I can do this.

11. This is the last time I'll ever sit here on the sixth year bridge

12. This is the last time my friends and I will skip school together with

13. I'm never going to see my ex's again, phew

14. How many colours of pen can I get on my shirt, hmmmmm

15. I miss the school waffles already

16. I'm going to miss my business teachers, they were all so sweet and lovely

17. Why is my year so boring where are the PRANKS

18. Setting off stink bombs in the corridor does not count as a prank. Eugh.

19. I am so failing psychology this year and I don't even care

20. When can I get my leavers hoodie I want it NOW

21. Haha, remember the time I had a twitter fight with him

22. That one's a cutie, I'm going to miss him. I sincerely hope he does well in life...

23. I swear she's going to be a millionnaire or something the next time I see her

24. THIS IS THE LAST TIME I'M GOING TO HEAR THIS BELL WHAT THE

25. I'M NOT READY TO LEAVE PLEASE TAKE ME BACK

Waiting for moments to come

As a little toddler, I couldn't wait to go to the "big" school, and then when I was in my final year of primary school, I was aching to go to high school. Last year, I couldn't wait to be in my final year of high school and have all my 'important' exams behind me. Now I'm here, and I'm half anticipating my transition into university, half clinging on to my memories and wishing I had cherished my time more.

"All my life, I've been waiting for moments to come"

What a haunting, thought provoking sentence. It might mean nothing to you, but it means everything to me. From waiting to get stuck into the next phase of my education, to waiting for the weekend, to waiting for that band to release their next album. That one, simple, 10 word sentence just about sums up my life.

But as well as that, it challenges me. Almost as if it's telling me to get my act together. "Come on girl, pick yourself up. Stop focusing on the future, and all the plans you have. Use the time you have to live in the now- soak it all up, because soon it will be gone, and you'll wish you could get it back"

I'm positive I'm not the only one who feels like this, and it's pretty scary to think about- that I'm wasting my time waiting for the future to come. How silly does that sound, when you word it like that? It's no longer haunting, or thought provoking... it's just plain daft. These moments- whatever the future holds for me -will come whether I wait for them or not. Sitting around doing nothing will neither speed nor slow the coming of these moments, and it won't make them mean any more- or any less.

Ghandi once said "The future depends on what we do in the present" and Abraham Lincoln backed that up in a quote, where he said that "the best wait to predict your future is to create it". These are to very different, but very wise people, so surely they can't be far from being right? 

And if they are right, then what kind of mould am I, and anyone else in my shoes, creating for my future by waiting for moments to come?

Things I need to do before summer

Summer is fast approaching, and as it does, my list of things I need to do seems to grow more and more. I feel like it's becoming endless, but I'm not complaining; I do love to be busy. Here's a little insight into some of the things I need to do before Summer officially hits...

Book a week off work for my trip to Poland

Buy summer clothes

schedule posts for when I'm on holiday in case I don't have wifi

Make a plan of when to meet up with friends before they move away for university

Ask for full time shifts while I'm at home after exams

SAVE SAVE SAVE

Buy presents for 2 of my friends 18ths

Go to the gym and get my summer body in shape

Eat less takeaways, for the same reason as above

Buy a new diary

Make a to-buy list for everything I need for university

Buy some cute summery prints for my walls

Arrange transport for my trips around Scotland

Things I need to do before summer

Summer is fast approaching, and as it does, my list of things I need to do seems to grow more and more. I feel like it's becoming endless, but I'm not complaining; I do love to be busy. Here's a little insight into some of the things I need to do before Summer officially hits...

Book a week off work for my trip to Poland

Buy summer clothes

schedule posts for when I'm on holiday in case I don't have wifi

Make a plan of when to meet up with friends before they move away for university

Ask for full time shifts while I'm at home after exams

SAVE SAVE SAVE

Buy presents for 2 of my friends 18ths

Go to the gym and get my summer body in shape

Eat less takeaways, for the same reason as above

Buy a new diary

Make a to-buy list for everything I need for university

Buy some cute summery prints for my walls

Arrange transport for my trips around Scotland

15 lessons I've learned from Fresh Meat

*spoiler alert*

Ever since I got a TV for my room, I've been storming through box sets of TV shows available on ALL4, and it's been bloody brilliant. The last box set I finish was skins, and lately my friend introduced me to this cracking show, Fresh Meat. 

If you haven't gotten into it yet, I would recommend it without a second thought- it's hilarious, light hearted, and a great show for getting me excited for fresher life. Plus, it's practically educational... That's why I've made up a list of 25 things I've learned from Fresh meat in season 1 and 2.

1. Don't switch subjects because of a boy/girl, it will probably result in you failing and being kicked out of uni. Not such a great idea

2. If you want to experiment in uni, go ahead, just maybe avoid the whole goatee look if all you can muster up is a bit of fluff... you'll probably look like a bit of  div

3. Make sure you like the people you move in with, because you're probably going to be spending a heck of a lot of time together

4. Always remember to take your keys out the door when you're locking it, otherwise someone might break in and steal your flatmate's £20 note, and your other flatmates Dad.

5. You should probably study for your course, because if you fail too many times you might end up being kicked off

6. Be prepared for a lot of interrigation about your sexuality from your flatmates

7. Anti-bacterial mouthwash is definitely not a necessity- toothpaste and a toothbrush, however, is

8. Having an affair with your lecturer is probably not a great idea

9. Having an affair with your lecturers son after ending your affair with your lecturer is equally as bad

10. If you want to be successful in your job as a cleaner, it might be helpful to turn the hoover on

11. Your face is not your invite into events, unless you're the Queen

12. If you're rich, someone somewhere is likely to try to take advantage of you

13. Drilling a hole through someone's mouth in a practical while drunk is more than likely to get you kicked off your dentistry course

14. Don't accept marriage proposals unless you are prepared to actually marry them

15. Don't invite all your mates over to your house for an empty, unless you're absolutely certain your house is actually going to be empty

Today I...

I made some smoothies

Green and lush (serves 4)

Avocado x1

Apples x8 (they were quite small)

Pears x5

Lemon x1

Yoghurt

Water

Sugar x3 tsp

Summer rush(serves 5-6)

Apples x6 (they were quite small)

Pears x3

packets of blueberries x2

Packets of strawberries x1

Packets of raspberries x2

Yoghurt

Water

I read some quotes

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world"

"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourne back ceaselessly into the past"

"The lies we believe are walls that keep us from embracing the beauty we have behold this whole time"

"The power of imagination makes us infinite"

"It's okay to be glowsticks; sometimes we need to break before we shine"

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn"

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life"

I bought some things

A handful of bath bombs from bomb cosmetics

A hamper basket from Amazon

A navy party dress from Quizz

A baseball tee from New Look

A denim jacket from New Look

A day dress from Quizz

A matte lip gloss from Nyxx

I planned some trips to

Poland

Leven

Aberdeen

Dundee

I realised that

I am £4 off my free gift from paperchase with my loyalty card

I am turning 18 this year

Today I had my last ever Monday in school

I am a shopaholic

Urban Outfitters have brilliant books

Today I...

I made some smoothies

Green and lush (serves 4)

Avocado x1

Apples x8 (they were quite small)

Pears x5

Lemon x1

Yoghurt

Water

Sugar x3 tsp

Summer rush(serves 5-6)

Apples x6 (they were quite small)

Pears x3

packets of blueberries x2

Packets of strawberries x1

Packets of raspberries x2

Yoghurt

Water

I read some quotes

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world"

"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourne back ceaselessly into the past"

"The lies we believe are walls that keep us from embracing the beauty we have behold this whole time"

"The power of imagination makes us infinite"

"It's okay to be glowsticks; sometimes we need to break before we shine"

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn"

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life"

I bought some things

A handful of bath bombs from bomb cosmetics

A hamper basket from Amazon

A navy party dress from Quizz

A baseball tee from New Look

A denim jacket from New Look

A day dress from Quizz

A matte lip gloss from Nyxx

I planned some trips to

Poland

Leven

Aberdeen

Dundee

I realised that

I am £4 off my free gift from paperchase with my loyalty card

I am turning 18 this year

Today I had my last ever Monday in school

I am a shopaholic

Urban Outfitters have brilliant books

Appreciating your alone time

A few months ago I had to let go of a relationship with someone I had spent almost all of my time with, and a few weeks ago I had to work every evening on top of having to go to school. I've found that these things are physically tiring in their nature- going out, and working- but being constantly busy can be mentally tiring too. You need your alone time to reflect on the events that have passed, accept them and move on, as well as to relax and recharge.

I'm starting to learn, that although there are times when I'm feeling a little lonely and crave a night out, or a coffee and chat with some friends, I should really be grateful for the time that I have to look after myself.

These are the times where I can have a long hot bath, and finally get to use up the lush bath bombs I bulk-bought the other week. They are the times where I can binge watch my favourite shows, or sit down with a cup of coffee and a good book. They are the times I'm allowed to be selfish, because it's me-time. And that's actually really special.

One day, albeit not soon, I'll have children hanging off my arms, and a husband to do everything with me, including my down time. I'm not always going to have this much free time, where I can nap, read, or just be, so I believe that it's even more important that I make the most of the time that I have now. I won't always have it.

A few of my favourite movies to watch alone are...

The Little mermaid

If I stay

The Notebook

Tarzan

Jupiter Jones

Clueless

Mean Girls

Pitch Perfect

Cinderella

Unfinished Business

5 good things

This weeks been absolutely jam packed, which has been a tot stressful and tiring as I haven't really had much time to myself. But overall, it's been a really good week, and I'm enjoying the few hours of down time that I've got to write this post before I have to go back to work...

1. Last Tuesday and Wednesday I got to go see 5 seconds of summer with three of my favourite girls, which was such an incredible experience. I've seen them once before, but on Tuesday one of my friends and I had tickets for the standing pod, so we were much closer to the stage than we've ever been before for 5sos. The atmosphere was amazing, and the support acts (Don Broco and Jessarae) really surprised me by how good they were! 

2. The weather has made a huge turnaround, and for the first time in a long time, it's actually been sunny.Can I just remind you that I live in Britain, and like, it's almost never sunny. Why cant it stay like this forever?!

3. I've been working a heck of a lot lately; this week I am working full time hours (I'm meant to be doing part time work) as well as going to school and studying for my exams! This has been super tiring, but I got paid yesterday, and I can tell you this- it has definitely been worth it! I'm probably going to have to ask for less shifts as my exams quickly approach, but for now I'm gonna enjoy actually having money for once!

4. The dress I ordered for my leavers diner (prom) arrived yesterday! It's a long dark blue fishtail dress, with a long thin v neck of see through material covered in diamantes, and it's absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait for the diner, all I need to do now is arrange hair, makeup, and buy my shoes!

5. I've booked and paid my summer holidays all independantly by moi this year! I'm going to be going to Poland with a few friends in August, and then spending a week at the borders in Galashiels where I'm going to be leading youth and kids groups with a bunch of friends... I'm hella buzzed for it- summer can't come soon enough haha!

5 good things

This weeks been absolutely jam packed, which has been a tot stressful and tiring as I haven't really had much time to myself. But overall, it's been a really good week, and I'm enjoying the few hours of down time that I've got to write this post before I have to go back to work...

1. Last Tuesday and Wednesday I got to go see 5 seconds of summer with three of my favourite girls, which was such an incredible experience. I've seen them once before, but on Tuesday one of my friends and I had tickets for the standing pod, so we were much closer to the stage than we've ever been before for 5sos. The atmosphere was amazing, and the support acts (Don Broco and Jessarae) really surprised me by how good they were! 

2. The weather has made a huge turnaround, and for the first time in a long time, it's actually been sunny.Can I just remind you that I live in Britain, and like, it's almost never sunny. Why cant it stay like this forever?!

3. I've been working a heck of a lot lately; this week I am working full time hours (I'm meant to be doing part time work) as well as going to school and studying for my exams! This has been super tiring, but I got paid yesterday, and I can tell you this- it has definitely been worth it! I'm probably going to have to ask for less shifts as my exams quickly approach, but for now I'm gonna enjoy actually having money for once!

4. The dress I ordered for my leavers diner (prom) arrived yesterday! It's a long dark blue fishtail dress, with a long thin v neck of see through material covered in diamantes, and it's absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait for the diner, all I need to do now is arrange hair, makeup, and buy my shoes!

5. I've booked and paid my summer holidays all independantly by moi this year! I'm going to be going to Poland with a few friends in August, and then spending a week at the borders in Galashiels where I'm going to be leading youth and kids groups with a bunch of friends... I'm hella buzzed for it- summer can't come soon enough haha!

Saved on Bloglovin'

source

Today I was scrolling through my saved posts on bloglovin', and I noticed a post I had saved by Aisling's beauty bytes about her current favourite bloggers. I really love posts like that, I always discover the most amazing blogs that otherwise I would never have known existed. Plus, I know how much fun they are to write.

I have a few more gems that I've saved on Bloglovin', and if you haven't guessed by the not so subtly post title, then... Get your brain checked, I guess? Or go back to sleep. Yeah, you should deffos go back to sleep.

Being Happy & 5 Happy Things
This was actually the post that inspired me to write my first "5 happy Thoughts" post, which over 8 months later is still one of my most successful series posts. Chloe is so great about writing about the real stuff, and I love how she spreads a bit of positivity and happiness with this cute and cheerful post. It's been saved since the day it was posted, back on the 9th of September last year. Oh plus, her photos are adorable!

10 things I wish I'd known before I moved out for the first time
I found this helpful post over on Career Girl Daily a few months ago, when I first considered moving out for University next year, and was looking into posts about moving away from home. I can always rely on CGD to provide high quality, informational posts that make really enjoyable reads, and this was certainly no exception to that standard.

My Blogging essentials - staying organised
I adore pretty stationary, and this adorable post is full of it! The Dainty Squid is full of great aesthetic pictures, and it's one of my favourite things about the blog. This post is the type that has "Sara" written all over it; the stationary pics is just the tip of the ice berg! I really like the idea of using washi tape to stick post-it notes into paperbased diaries, as it makes the diary look so neat and pretty!

Being a more positive person
I love Bethany's posts, as they are so chatty and casual. It makes her posts seem really friendly and welcoming, which is really nice for an easy evening read. This was a really cute post, and I love how she shares her own experience of going from being negative to starting to adopt a more positive mindset, and why it's important. Definitely worth a read!

Saved on Bloglovin'

source

Today I was scrolling through my saved posts on bloglovin', and I noticed a post I had saved by Aisling's beauty bytes about her current favourite bloggers. I really love posts like that, I always discover the most amazing blogs that otherwise I would never have known existed. Plus, I know how much fun they are to write.

I have a few more gems that I've saved on Bloglovin', and if you haven't guessed by the not so subtly post title, then... Get your brain checked, I guess? Or go back to sleep. Yeah, you should deffos go back to sleep.

Being Happy & 5 Happy Things
This was actually the post that inspired me to write my first "5 happy Thoughts" post, which over 8 months later is still one of my most successful series posts. Chloe is so great about writing about the real stuff, and I love how she spreads a bit of positivity and happiness with this cute and cheerful post. It's been saved since the day it was posted, back on the 9th of September last year. Oh plus, her photos are adorable!

10 things I wish I'd known before I moved out for the first time
I found this helpful post over on Career Girl Daily a few months ago, when I first considered moving out for University next year, and was looking into posts about moving away from home. I can always rely on CGD to provide high quality, informational posts that make really enjoyable reads, and this was certainly no exception to that standard.

My Blogging essentials - staying organised
I adore pretty stationary, and this adorable post is full of it! The Dainty Squid is full of great aesthetic pictures, and it's one of my favourite things about the blog. This post is the type that has "Sara" written all over it; the stationary pics is just the tip of the ice berg! I really like the idea of using washi tape to stick post-it notes into paperbased diaries, as it makes the diary look so neat and pretty!

Being a more positive person
I love Bethany's posts, as they are so chatty and casual. It makes her posts seem really friendly and welcoming, which is really nice for an easy evening read. This was a really cute post, and I love how she shares her own experience of going from being negative to starting to adopt a more positive mindset, and why it's important. Definitely worth a read!

Thursday Thoughts #7 -Vulnerability

Hi there sweethearts, how are we all doing on this wonderful Saturday? 

I'm in a rather chatty mood today, and I have a few things to talk to you about, so that's exactly what I'll be doing in this post! I hope it makes for a nice light read while you sit with your breakfast coffee... Speaking of coffee, I could really do with one- but that can wait. 

I've always been quite an open person; I guess you kinda need to be if you're a lifestyle blogger like myself. You need to be open about sharing a little part of yourself to the world; or whatever part of it reads your posts. My friends all know how open I am. It does take me a little while to trust someone enough to open up to them, but after a few days or so I'll usually have tested the waters a little, and I'll know whether or not I can trust them. The answer is usually yes, and it's not really very hard to get that 'yes' with me. 

In some ways, I almost fool myself into thinking I can trust the people around me. Does anyone else get that? I tell myself that I don't trust people very easily, but the truth is that I really, really do. Sometimes that can be a really great thing, but it opens you up to being really quite vulnerable. That scares me.

In our society there are two contradicting views; one that vulnerability is great and should be applauded, and another that people should be strong and keep their vulnerabilities to themselves and very close family/friends only. I see problems in both views. See, encouraging vulnerability is great in some situations, but if you're always vulnerable, you're inevitably going to get hurt, or manipulated in some way. Of course that's not your fault, per say, but it's avoidable pain. So avoid it. On the other hand, however, if you're never vulnerable, you're never going to gain from the benefits of opening up about the things you're struggling with, and you're going to live your life walking on the safe side, which could lead to opportunities being missed.

I don't like being vulnerable, and I absolutely detest thinking of myself as a vulnerable person. But I am. The honest truth is, I trust people way too easily. I open up to people I don't really know, and I justify it to myself by telling myself that I've tested the waters, when I really haven't... that's gotten me into trouble a lot in the past couple of years. It's gotten me hurt a lot, too, recently.

I guess a part of that is also down to my idealistic view of people. I say I'm not judgemental, but it gets to the point where I'll defend someone who I know has done something terrible. I want to believe that everyone is good, they just do bad things sometimes. I'll sometimes even argue that there isn't even such a thing as 'good' or 'bad' people, which I guess there isn't really. I believe we're all as bad or good as each other, but is that just what my rose tinted glasses make me see?

I'm rambling. Sorry.

Trusting people, and being vulnerable at times- that's not a bad thing. Opening yourself up to being walked over, and deceived, and manipulated- that's the bad thing. I've had enough of letting people walk right into my life just to see them walk right out with a piece of me. If I keep letting that happen, I'm not going to have a lot of me left over for myself.

I don't want to become over cautious, I just want to be a bit more careful when opening up to people. It's time for me to look after myself.

Thursday Thoughts #7 -Vulnerability

Hi there sweethearts, how are we all doing on this wonderful Saturday? 

I'm in a rather chatty mood today, and I have a few things to talk to you about, so that's exactly what I'll be doing in this post! I hope it makes for a nice light read while you sit with your breakfast coffee... Speaking of coffee, I could really do with one- but that can wait. 

I've always been quite an open person; I guess you kinda need to be if you're a lifestyle blogger like myself. You need to be open about sharing a little part of yourself to the world; or whatever part of it reads your posts. My friends all know how open I am. It does take me a little while to trust someone enough to open up to them, but after a few days or so I'll usually have tested the waters a little, and I'll know whether or not I can trust them. The answer is usually yes, and it's not really very hard to get that 'yes' with me. 

In some ways, I almost fool myself into thinking I can trust the people around me. Does anyone else get that? I tell myself that I don't trust people very easily, but the truth is that I really, really do. Sometimes that can be a really great thing, but it opens you up to being really quite vulnerable. That scares me.

In our society there are two contradicting views; one that vulnerability is great and should be applauded, and another that people should be strong and keep their vulnerabilities to themselves and very close family/friends only. I see problems in both views. See, encouraging vulnerability is great in some situations, but if you're always vulnerable, you're inevitably going to get hurt, or manipulated in some way. Of course that's not your fault, per say, but it's avoidable pain. So avoid it. On the other hand, however, if you're never vulnerable, you're never going to gain from the benefits of opening up about the things you're struggling with, and you're going to live your life walking on the safe side, which could lead to opportunities being missed.

I don't like being vulnerable, and I absolutely detest thinking of myself as a vulnerable person. But I am. The honest truth is, I trust people way too easily. I open up to people I don't really know, and I justify it to myself by telling myself that I've tested the waters, when I really haven't... that's gotten me into trouble a lot in the past couple of years. It's gotten me hurt a lot, too, recently.

I guess a part of that is also down to my idealistic view of people. I say I'm not judgemental, but it gets to the point where I'll defend someone who I know has done something terrible. I want to believe that everyone is good, they just do bad things sometimes. I'll sometimes even argue that there isn't even such a thing as 'good' or 'bad' people, which I guess there isn't really. I believe we're all as bad or good as each other, but is that just what my rose tinted glasses make me see?

I'm rambling. Sorry.

Trusting people, and being vulnerable at times- that's not a bad thing. Opening yourself up to being walked over, and deceived, and manipulated- that's the bad thing. I've had enough of letting people walk right into my life just to see them walk right out with a piece of me. If I keep letting that happen, I'm not going to have a lot of me left over for myself.

I don't want to become over cautious, I just want to be a bit more careful when opening up to people. It's time for me to look after myself.

Inspiring simplicity

I remember reading through my psychology textbook a few weeks ago, while trying to study for my sleep and dreams assessment, and coming across a paragraph about simplicity and mindfulness. The textbook discussed benefits of practising mindfulness, and living a simple, minimalistic lifestyle, which I found really interesting. Apparently, practising mindful meditation before you go to sleep, and de-cluttering your mind of distractions minimises your chances of experiencing sleep disorders.

Simple links

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. by Joshua Becker

Project 333 by Courtney Carver

More, more, more by Emily

Appreciate what is by 21 delights

Simple Quotes

"Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication"

"There is beauty in simplicity"

"Simplicity is all about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful"

"Embrace simplicity.. be content with what you have and are, and no one can despoil you"

Simple actions

Today, I want to set you a target. A goal. An aim... whatever you want to call it- I want you to achieve it. This is it: I want you to carry out 3 simple actions that will add value to someone else's day. Give someone a compliment... or give a stranger a compliment. Pay for the order of the person behind you. Let someone dear to you know that you appreciate them. 

Inspiring simplicity

I remember reading through my psychology textbook a few weeks ago, while trying to study for my sleep and dreams assessment, and coming across a paragraph about simplicity and mindfulness. The textbook discussed benefits of practising mindfulness, and living a simple, minimalistic lifestyle, which I found really interesting. Apparently, practising mindful meditation before you go to sleep, and de-cluttering your mind of distractions minimises your chances of experiencing sleep disorders.

Simple links

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. by Joshua Becker

Project 333 by Courtney Carver

More, more, more by Emily

Appreciate what is by 21 delights

Simple Quotes

"Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication"

"There is beauty in simplicity"

"Simplicity is all about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful"

"Embrace simplicity.. be content with what you have and are, and no one can despoil you"

Simple actions

Today, I want to set you a target. A goal. An aim... whatever you want to call it- I want you to achieve it. This is it: I want you to carry out 3 simple actions that will add value to someone else's day. Give someone a compliment... or give a stranger a compliment. Pay for the order of the person behind you. Let someone dear to you know that you appreciate them. 

Dear friend, have confidence

"Our level of confidence is set, to a degree, by how we deal with dissonance in our lives. The difference we feel between what is, what might have been, and what might be; between fantasy and reality and the gap we perceive between ourselves and other people. The more we close these gaps the more at ease we feel"

Dear friend, have confidence in knowing that you are not alone. You have people around you, you just need to make bridges to them... close the gaps between you and the people around you, my love. Build connections, and you will grow stronger from the support you gain from them.

Dear friend, have confidence in knowing that you are not alone. There are people just like you, everywhere around the world, who understand what you're going through -the joy and the pain- because they have experienced it too. Find comfort in knowing that you are not the only one.

Dear friend, don't get hung up on the maybes. Maybe if you did something different, something bad might not have happened- but it might have. You can't change your actions, and you can't change the past. Yes, it shaped the present, but you need to know that good things came from the past- even the tough times were times of growth.

Dear friend, don't get hung up on the maybes. Maybe in 10 years you'll achieve this- but maybe you won't, and maybe if you set your heart on it you can achieve it now. You can't predict the future, so don't get so hung up on the material achievements that you work towards; prepare for both eventualities. All you have is the present, so do what you can do make today a better day.

Dear friend, don't be afraid to chase your dreams. Just because someone somewhere told you your dreams were never going to become reality, doesn't mean they were right. Prove them wrong, and bridge the gap between reality and fantasy. You have the power to achieve anything you set your heart to, so work hard to the unimaginable.

Dear friend, be at ease with yourself and the world around you. Be still, and know that you are wonderful, beautiful, and unique.

Dear friend, have confidence

"Our level of confidence is set, to a degree, by how we deal with dissonance in our lives. The difference we feel between what is, what might have been, and what might be; between fantasy and reality and the gap we perceive between ourselves and other people. The more we close these gaps the more at ease we feel"

Dear friend, have confidence in knowing that you are not alone. You have people around you, you just need to make bridges to them... close the gaps between you and the people around you, my love. Build connections, and you will grow stronger from the support you gain from them.

Dear friend, have confidence in knowing that you are not alone. There are people just like you, everywhere around the world, who understand what you're going through -the joy and the pain- because they have experienced it too. Find comfort in knowing that you are not the only one.

Dear friend, don't get hung up on the maybes. Maybe if you did something different, something bad might not have happened- but it might have. You can't change your actions, and you can't change the past. Yes, it shaped the present, but you need to know that good things came from the past- even the tough times were times of growth.

Dear friend, don't get hung up on the maybes. Maybe in 10 years you'll achieve this- but maybe you won't, and maybe if you set your heart on it you can achieve it now. You can't predict the future, so don't get so hung up on the material achievements that you work towards; prepare for both eventualities. All you have is the present, so do what you can do make today a better day.

Dear friend, don't be afraid to chase your dreams. Just because someone somewhere told you your dreams were never going to become reality, doesn't mean they were right. Prove them wrong, and bridge the gap between reality and fantasy. You have the power to achieve anything you set your heart to, so work hard to the unimaginable.

Dear friend, be at ease with yourself and the world around you. Be still, and know that you are wonderful, beautiful, and unique.

30 thoughts I had last week

I'm feeling productive today, not gonna lie. I woke up, made a batch of smoothies, studied for a few hours, and then went out for a coffee and a walk with a few friends. It's been a good day, and I'm feeling really good about life for the first time in a wee while. Winter is truly dead and gone, and the sun actually came out for a few minutes today, lol.

1. I really love not having to work
2. I've really missed my friends, it's been good to meet up with some far away friends
3. My relationships with a friend-like-brother has changed; we've grown distant
4. I can't wait until next year for a new Shadowhunters season
5. I need a new book to read
6. I really love meeting new people
7. Toffee lattes are life
8. I love complimenting total strangers, it's so fun
9. I want to start writing more letters
10. There is no better feeling than getting your makeup done
11. MAC makeup is amazing
12. I only have 10 days left of school when I go back after the holidays end oh my gosh
13. Prom is in like a month and a half what
14. I really need to study, my exams are so close
15. I love that feeling after going to the gym
16. I should really stop eating all the time...
17. Did I really gain that much weight in the last 2 months?!
18. The 5:2 diet looks pretty good, and it's achievable for me...
19. I wish I still had blonde blonde hair
20. Hannah Gale is goals in so many ways I mean why can't I just be her
21. I can't wait to move out
22. I hardly ever go out in the evening, like when was the last party I went to? Last month?
23. I really want to go on a midnight walk with my friend and have deep chats
24. Actually deep chats full stop
25. Am I an outsider or do I distance myself from people?
26. I need to cut down on how many take outs I have oh dear goodness
27. But my great aunt suggested Chinese I can't turn that down
28. papeRCHASE SALE hmu now
29. Oh my days Alex and Lisa are both Gaskarths now #loveisreal
30. My toenail really hurts

30 thoughts I had last week

I'm feeling productive today, not gonna lie. I woke up, made a batch of smoothies, studied for a few hours, and then went out for a coffee and a walk with a few friends. It's been a good day, and I'm feeling really good about life for the first time in a wee while. Winter is truly dead and gone, and the sun actually came out for a few minutes today, lol.

1. I really love not having to work
2. I've really missed my friends, it's been good to meet up with some far away friends
3. My relationships with a friend-like-brother has changed; we've grown distant
4. I can't wait until next year for a new Shadowhunters season
5. I need a new book to read
6. I really love meeting new people
7. Toffee lattes are life
8. I love complimenting total strangers, it's so fun
9. I want to start writing more letters
10. There is no better feeling than getting your makeup done
11. MAC makeup is amazing
12. I only have 10 days left of school when I go back after the holidays end oh my gosh
13. Prom is in like a month and a half what
14. I really need to study, my exams are so close
15. I love that feeling after going to the gym
16. I should really stop eating all the time...
17. Did I really gain that much weight in the last 2 months?!
18. The 5:2 diet looks pretty good, and it's achievable for me...
19. I wish I still had blonde blonde hair
20. Hannah Gale is goals in so many ways I mean why can't I just be her
21. I can't wait to move out
22. I hardly ever go out in the evening, like when was the last party I went to? Last month?
23. I really want to go on a midnight walk with my friend and have deep chats
24. Actually deep chats full stop
25. Am I an outsider or do I distance myself from people?
26. I need to cut down on how many take outs I have oh dear goodness
27. But my great aunt suggested Chinese I can't turn that down
28. papeRCHASE SALE hmu now
29. Oh my days Alex and Lisa are both Gaskarths now #loveisreal
30. My toenail really hurts

6 things sunday

Hey sweethearts! How are we all doing on this wonderful Sunday? I've been listening to my 'sleeps' playlist a lot. It's just so relaxing and calm, which I really love! I'm really liking the song 'stuck on you' by New Politics right now.

6 Albums I own 

1.  Future hearts by All time low
2. Overexposed by Maroon 5
3. 5 seconds of summer self titled
4. 3 Words by Cheryl Cole
5. Outa This World by JLS
6. Riot by Paramore

6 Things I love about the little mermaid

1. Ariel's hair
2. the songs!
3. How badass Melody is
4. Sebastian's accent
5. How they give forks the purpose of brushing hair
6. How good looking Prince Eric is

6 movies I watched this week

1. The little mermaid (surprise surprise)
2. The wedding ringer
3. The wedding crasher
4. The proposal (Sensing a theme here?)
5. Top 5
6. Pretty women

6 Things that I like in a guy

1. Love for good music
2. Light heartedness
3. Curly hair
4. built arms
5. nice eyes
6. Sensitivity

6 things that I love eating

1. cheese cake
2. scones
3. sponge cake
4. pasta salad
5. sushi
6. noodles

6 things I wish I was better at

1. eye makeup
2. Playing guitar
3. saving up
4. Multi tasking
5. phone calls
6. taking photos

6 things sunday

Hey sweethearts! How are we all doing on this wonderful Sunday? I've been listening to my 'sleeps' playlist a lot. It's just so relaxing and calm, which I really love! I'm really liking the song 'stuck on you' by New Politics right now.

6 Albums I own 

1.  Future hearts by All time low
2. Overexposed by Maroon 5
3. 5 seconds of summer self titled
4. 3 Words by Cheryl Cole
5. Outa This World by JLS
6. Riot by Paramore

6 Things I love about the little mermaid

1. Ariel's hair
2. the songs!
3. How badass Melody is
4. Sebastian's accent
5. How they give forks the purpose of brushing hair
6. How good looking Prince Eric is

6 movies I watched this week

1. The little mermaid (surprise surprise)
2. The wedding ringer
3. The wedding crasher
4. The proposal (Sensing a theme here?)
5. Top 5
6. Pretty women

6 Things that I like in a guy

1. Love for good music
2. Light heartedness
3. Curly hair
4. built arms
5. nice eyes
6. Sensitivity

6 things that I love eating

1. cheese cake
2. scones
3. sponge cake
4. pasta salad
5. sushi
6. noodles

6 things I wish I was better at

1. eye makeup
2. Playing guitar
3. saving up
4. Multi tasking
5. phone calls
6. taking photos

25 last minute post ideas

Hey there sweethearts, how are we all doing?

No mattered how organized and great at planning I think I've become, there are always times when I've been so busy with life that I've forgotten two write posts for herelectricocean. I never seem to realise, until I'm sitting at my desk, facing a blank screen the night before I'm meant to upload a post, or email a guest post, and I have no clue what  to write about. From what I've heard, I'm not the only one who faces this issue way more than I should,so here are 25 prompts to help you kickstart that amazing blog post that is just itching to be written.

1. Living in the moment
2. Beauty brands you should know about
3. New favourite TV show
4. My every day Style staples
5. 5 brands that live up to the hype
6. 10 favourite things
7. 5 Happy Thoughts
8. 5 April blogging goals
9. Share a homeware DIY, or do a pintrest DIY roundup
10. How to be a more positive person
11. Top Ten Uni Tips
12. How I embrace my mistakes every day; and why you should too
13. 5 ways to be healthier at work
14. Why *insert book title* changed my life
15. 12 Motivational phone wallpapers
16. 10 things I'd tell my younger self
17. Dear first love
18. 5 blogging tips I live by
19. Why it's absolutely essential you take time out
20. Dear friend, these are the things that help me
21. Looking back... (5 throwback posts)
22. The importance of being yourself
23. 50 things that make me feel good
24. 20 ways to take a break
25. 5 Helpful tips to successfully declutter your space

25 last minute post ideas

Hey there sweethearts, how are we all doing?

No mattered how organized and great at planning I think I've become, there are always times when I've been so busy with life that I've forgotten two write posts for herelectricocean. I never seem to realise, until I'm sitting at my desk, facing a blank screen the night before I'm meant to upload a post, or email a guest post, and I have no clue what  to write about. From what I've heard, I'm not the only one who faces this issue way more than I should,so here are 25 prompts to help you kickstart that amazing blog post that is just itching to be written.

1. Living in the moment
2. Beauty brands you should know about
3. New favourite TV show
4. My every day Style staples
5. 5 brands that live up to the hype
6. 10 favourite things
7. 5 Happy Thoughts
8. 5 April blogging goals
9. Share a homeware DIY, or do a pintrest DIY roundup
10. How to be a more positive person
11. Top Ten Uni Tips
12. How I embrace my mistakes every day; and why you should too
13. 5 ways to be healthier at work
14. Why *insert book title* changed my life
15. 12 Motivational phone wallpapers
16. 10 things I'd tell my younger self
17. Dear first love
18. 5 blogging tips I live by
19. Why it's absolutely essential you take time out
20. Dear friend, these are the things that help me
21. Looking back... (5 throwback posts)
22. The importance of being yourself
23. 50 things that make me feel good
24. 20 ways to take a break
25. 5 Helpful tips to successfully declutter your space

Creative links I love

If you're a blogger/creative like me, then you will probably be on a constant hunt for tips, tools and tricks for how to make your life that little bit easier, and more exciting.

I love reading posts which kickstart my creative process, or give me ideas of how to do things in a new way, that otherwise I never would have thought of. I thought it would be quite nice to share a few of my favourite creative links with you all, and I have split them up from links that are primarily for bloggers, and links that all creatives can benefit from.

 For Bloggers

30 post ideas for spring for every blogger

My top 5 creative resources for bloggers

Breaking the blogger mould

50 lifestyle blog post ideas 

Some articles to help tackle your blogging struggles

For all

Easy Photo background ideas

Tips for getting your motivation back

Tips for shooting in natural light

kickstarting your ideas process

7 Ways to boost creativity

Creative links I love

If you're a blogger/creative like me, then you will probably be on a constant hunt for tips, tools and tricks for how to make your life that little bit easier, and more exciting.

I love reading posts which kickstart my creative process, or give me ideas of how to do things in a new way, that otherwise I never would have thought of. I thought it would be quite nice to share a few of my favourite creative links with you all, and I have split them up from links that are primarily for bloggers, and links that all creatives can benefit from.

 For Bloggers

30 post ideas for spring for every blogger

My top 5 creative resources for bloggers

Breaking the blogger mould

50 lifestyle blog post ideas 

Some articles to help tackle your blogging struggles

For all

Easy Photo background ideas

Tips for getting your motivation back

Tips for shooting in natural light

kickstarting your ideas process

7 Ways to boost creativity

5 happy thoughts

"No cares, come what may, I'm making a beautiful day"

How damn cute is that quote? It's from one of my favourite pick-me-up songs, Beautiful day by Joshua Radin. I can't remember where I first heard it, but it's one of those songs that you just simply can't listen to without it instantly lifting your spirits. Even on a really crappy day. Thankfully though, I haven't really needed a pick-me-up, as I haven't had a lot of crappy days lately; but I'm definitely still loving the song and soaking up the happiness and joy that oozes out of every line and lyric.

I got to leave work 3 hours early 

A few weeks ago I was working from 12, and was due to finish at 7pm, but instead I got to leave at 4pm! It's really rare that I get to leave early, and actually have some time off to myself, so even though technically I should have been studying, I reckoned I deserved to treat myself to some time off, and spent my day reading blog posts from dorkface.co.uk.

This time next month

I will be finished with school COMPLETELY! No more school exams, no more teachers, no more having to walk 2 miles no matter the weather... I mean, of course there are aspects of school that I'm going to miss; the teachers (though not all), my friends, ect. I'm really looking forward to the three months of freedom that I'll have before going to uni. That said, it's not 100% freedom as I will be working during most of it, lol.

I saw a unicorn

I have a friend who's originally from Dumfries, but has been working in the South of England, so I haven't exactly been seeing a lot of her, however I recently got to see her as she took a trip up to Scotland, which was just wonderful. She's an absolute unicorn, and I've really cherished the time I got to spend with her!

I finally know where I'm going

After months of being indecisive about which university offer I would accept, I have finally decided to make a choice. It's official! After the summer, in September, I will be going to Strathclyde University to study Business Management, and I am so excited about it.

I am feeling fresh

Yesterday I spent the day de-cluttering my closet and bookshelf, and this morning I reorganised my bookshelf so that it looked a bit more aesthetically pleasing and pretty. I've always loved a good Spring clean (although I'm not sure if I can really class it as a spring clean... it's a bit closer to Summer) and I'm feeling really fresh and happy with the effort I've put into making my room that bit more presentable. Goodness knows it won't last long, with exams coming up- lol.

5 happy thoughts

"No cares, come what may, I'm making a beautiful day"

How damn cute is that quote? It's from one of my favourite pick-me-up songs, Beautiful day by Joshua Radin. I can't remember where I first heard it, but it's one of those songs that you just simply can't listen to without it instantly lifting your spirits. Even on a really crappy day. Thankfully though, I haven't really needed a pick-me-up, as I haven't had a lot of crappy days lately; but I'm definitely still loving the song and soaking up the happiness and joy that oozes out of every line and lyric.

I got to leave work 3 hours early 

A few weeks ago I was working from 12, and was due to finish at 7pm, but instead I got to leave at 4pm! It's really rare that I get to leave early, and actually have some time off to myself, so even though technically I should have been studying, I reckoned I deserved to treat myself to some time off, and spent my day reading blog posts from dorkface.co.uk.

This time next month

I will be finished with school COMPLETELY! No more school exams, no more teachers, no more having to walk 2 miles no matter the weather... I mean, of course there are aspects of school that I'm going to miss; the teachers (though not all), my friends, ect. I'm really looking forward to the three months of freedom that I'll have before going to uni. That said, it's not 100% freedom as I will be working during most of it, lol.

I saw a unicorn

I have a friend who's originally from Dumfries, but has been working in the South of England, so I haven't exactly been seeing a lot of her, however I recently got to see her as she took a trip up to Scotland, which was just wonderful. She's an absolute unicorn, and I've really cherished the time I got to spend with her!

I finally know where I'm going

After months of being indecisive about which university offer I would accept, I have finally decided to make a choice. It's official! After the summer, in September, I will be going to Strathclyde University to study Business Management, and I am so excited about it.

I am feeling fresh

Yesterday I spent the day de-cluttering my closet and bookshelf, and this morning I reorganised my bookshelf so that it looked a bit more aesthetically pleasing and pretty. I've always loved a good Spring clean (although I'm not sure if I can really class it as a spring clean... it's a bit closer to Summer) and I'm feeling really fresh and happy with the effort I've put into making my room that bit more presentable. Goodness knows it won't last long, with exams coming up- lol.