Do What Makes You Happy

I don't want to sound cliché...but life is too short to live your life for other people.

I'm not going go all philosophical! But I do think it is important to look after yourself.

As a teenager I am far too easily influenced by my friends and other people around me, which isn't always necessarily a good thing.

But recently, I've started to stop caring what other people think and do what makes ME happy.

It has been a successful venture I give you that!

Top 5 Tips On: Looking After You 

1. The quicker you stop caring what people think, the easier it'll be to do what you want. It's good to have a good reputation for yourself and to be pleasant to people, but the moment people's opinions stand in the way of what you want to be/do...STOP. You don' need tha' kind of negativity gurl!

2. Take time out of whatever you're doing to allow yourself to do what you love. I taught myself to sing and play the piano, it took a lot of practice and perseverance, but despite people's comments I carried on. I always take time to learn a new song, especially at Christmas! Just adds some extra happiness to my day!

3. Don't be influenced by the media to force you into the shell of a 'perfect' person. There's no such thing. Don't be afraid of being unique, being different will get you further than just being another copy. All you hear is about how you should diet and work out and wear the highest end make up, which is a lifestyle choice not a guide. Everyone is different. As long as you're happy being who you are, that's all that matters. 

4. I know I say this a lot in my posts but, BALANCE SCHOOL AND YOUR OWN TIME. School is important I'm not saying it's not. But believe it or not, it's possible to do well and still have a social life and time for yourself. Too much work will get you down and having a negative mind won't allow you to work to your full potential. If you're having an unmotivated day, take some time out and relax, your motivation will come back! 

5. Life doesn't have a title. Your life is exactly what you make it, no one else, you. Give your life it's own title! Life is too short to hold yourself back, do everything you've ever dreamed of and do it NOW. 

Sorry for the preach, but I honestly think people let themselves get down when it'd be so easy to be happy! 

This is my opinion, 

Comment what you do to make yourself happy on a bad day!

'til next time

Hann xox

Dealing With Bullying

Bullying is something that everyone deals with throughout their lives.

Whether its cyber, physical, verbal, at one point or another, everyone experiences 'bullying'.

I'm lucky in that I've not been severely bullied throughout my school life, but I have experienced cyber bullying on several occasions and been subjected to name-calling and general nastiness throughout the whole of school. 

But sadly, many people experience bullying on a day to day basis and in more severe forms. 

Most of us will turn a blind eye to bullying and not get involved because that's the easier thing to do, stay out of it and mind your own business, right? 

I've done Primary School and High School and from my experiences here are my suggestions...

Top 5 Tips To Deal With Bullying:

1. Don't be afraid to tell people- keeping things to yourself can be really difficult especially if there is something upsetting you, tell someone. You never know, the situation might be easily sorted out with the help of other people.

2. Try not to respond to name-calling and cyber bullying- it can be near impossible to ignore people and 'be the bigger person' but it is often better, for one, then you've done nothing wrong and can't be blamed for anything. Secondly then if the bully gets no retaliation there's no entertainment in winding you up and they'll get bored. 

3. Know that it will end- you won't have to deal with being bullied forever, people change and as you get older people grow up (I KNOW, MADNESS BUT TRUST ME). Don't think that this is how your life will be, by telling someone it may end quicker than you expected!

4. If you see someone being bullied, help- if you can see someone being bullied whether in front of you or online, help them, show them that not everyone is against them. There's nothing worse than feeling like you're on your own. If you ever feel like that, chances are you're not on your own. More people need to stick up for each other.

5. Know you're the better person in the situation- if someone finds entertainment in spending their time ruining your day, they probably aren't very happy themselves. They literally have nothing better to do..bless.  People ehy!

I haven't experienced bullying to a severe degree and I consider myself lucky so don't assume that I'm experienced in this field! I just hope that these pointers will help you stay happy if you are in that position, and will make other people realise that everyone needs to do more to help prevent people feeling on their own. 

'Everything will be all right in the end, if its not all right, its not the end'

stay smiling!

'til next time

Hannah xxxx

Christmas Build Up

BIG COATS

WOOLY JUMPERS

HOT CHOCOLATE

MOVIE DAYS 

are just a few of my favourite things about winter. 

I love winter, I think I even prefer it to summer, oops.

There's just something about a crisp winter morning with frost and crunchy leaves don't ya think?

Maybe it's just me.

But the thing I really love the most about winter is...

CHRISTMAS

Christmas is my favourite time of year, Snuggling up with blankets and watching some of the best films ever made whilst munching on chocolates and hazel nuts! It gets dark faster and I end up in bed earlier but nothing can suppress the underlying excitement that soon Christmas will really kick in. 

I know it's only November but I can't wait! 

Here are a few of my favourite things about Christmas

Top 10 Favourite Christmassy Things:

1. Celebrations- it's me so yes, I do mean the chocolates.

2. Honeycomb Hot Chocolate at Costa- mm

3. Elf- this film makes me sooooo excited and happy 

4. Chunky wooly jumpers- Topshop do some wonderful ones

5. Frost- it makes me feel like it's snowed, there's something magical about snow at Christmas

6. Late night shopping- AHHHHHHHHHHH I CANT WAIT

7. Lazy days with friends- movie days are on the rise as the weather gets colder

8. Christmas Lights- when it's really dark outside and you can see little fairly lights twinkling aw

9. Satsumas- we always have THE nicest oranges in my house at Christmas!

10. PRESENTS- I love buying presents for people, and I adore surprises

I hope this has brought you up to my level of Christmas excitement. 

Writing this has only made me more excited!!

Hope you have a wonderful build up to Christmas!

'til next time

Hannah xxxx

Things To Do On Lazy Days

I love a good day of doing nothing like the next person but sometimes I get a bit restless!

When there's no school work to be done, when you've finished your shift at work..

What to do?!

I like finding little therapeutic things to do, usually things I can do from my bed (oops, lazy!)

So here are a few ideas..(some little, some a little more interesting!)

Top 10 Ways To Spend A Lazy Day

1. Paint your nails in an interesting fashion- find new, interesting designs to attempt and try and recreate them!

2. Experiment with your make up- there is no better time to perfect your eye-liner than when you have all day and plenty of make up wipes!

3. Have a movie day on your own or with a friend- pick all of your faves or explore new films you can find (DON'T FORGET PLENTY OF FOOD- I recommend Oreo chocolate and Ben&Jerry's)

4. Or alternatively, go to the cinema- a more expensive way but also interesting and relaxed

5. Go for a long walk, take a camera and pretend you're artistic- if you're with a friend, model it up!

6. Find a new recipe and cook up something yummy!- maybe some cookies with a twist? or some cute cupcakes, everyone loves cute cupcakes..

7. SOCIAL NETWORKINGGG- browse Tumblr and YouTube, discover new places and people and music that interest you...you could even find your idol! Get inspired.

8. Learn a musical instrument?- Instruments take a lot of time and effort to perfect, all it takes is a few hours to learn a song, then you can wow everyone the next time you have the chance!

9. Go for a run..HAHAHHHAHAH JOKE

9. Try and draw something awesome- it takes a lot of effort and perseverance but, you could create something cool!

10. Go for a meal with a friend- being spontaneous is key! Just call up a friend and go grab a Nandos or something, that's my favourite thing to do!

I hope this lil list of things allows you a productive chilled out day at some point?!

Also.. 

is it too early to sport these leggings? 

there will be an all things winter post soon! 

'til next time!

Hannnn xo

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School vs Social

Everyone loves a good party there's no denying it.

There's nothing better than lazy days with your friends.

Exploring new cities and spending half of your time in Nandos.. P.E.R.F.E.C.T.

But where does revision and homework come into this? 

I'm lucky enough to be motivated enough to actually do my school work on the whole but sometimes...sometimes...no. 

How are we meant to balance passing our exams and enjoying ourselves?

grr.

Here are my...

Top 5 Tips: How to Not Fail At Life But Also Enjoy Yourself

1. PRIORITISE- get as much of your work done as you can in free time at school e.g. tutor periods or free periods. Leaving you with less work to do that evening and then next to no work to do at the weekend! 

2. Give yourself days off- I give myself Friday nights and Saturdays off all school work and relax for a while. That way you feel like you've had some you time, before having a lazy Sunday and doing your work you have left over from the week.

3. Use social events as incentives- If I know I have a busy weekend or party coming up, I make sure I get my work done so that I can really enjoy my weekend without stressing about work. 

4. Be spontaneous with your social life- Make plans on the day and do something fun! Get a dominoes with a group of friends or go out for the evening. This way you can have some fun and then feel better when you really have to get back to work.

5. Don't over work yourself- Make sure that you do take regular days and evenings off work because some nights you'll be really busy. You need to look after you. 

Its all about balance. School can seem like the most horrific prospect in the world, but we all know that feeling when you finish all of your work and rock back with pride. 

ENJOY BEING YOUNG

If school is your only worry then you have none. 

'til next time 

Hannnaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh xox

My Autumn Wish List 2014

We're at that third of the year.

Halloween

Bonfire night

and

CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSSSS

But ultimately what this time of year indicates is that summer is over and autumn has arrived.

So this autumn, here is my wish list:

10 Things To Go On Your Autumn Wish List:

1.  The first item on my wish list is a new coat. This autumn my main priority is being warm so that I can spend lots of time outside enjoying the festive markets and fairs! 

I quite like the idea of a fur coat (FAKE FUR DON'T FREAK OUT) something chunky and snug! 

Although this year I'm also loving these fur hooded duffle coats!

Fur Hooded Duffle Coat

2. You're going to notice a trend with my next few items-

Firstly a fur headband, doesn't crush your hair like a hat does, but still keeps your ears warm!

Fur Headband

3. And matching gloves of course! This year I'm loving mittens! I know they're impractical but you can't deny they are very cute.

Fur Mittens

4. I already own a tartan scarf which I adore, a red and navy one. But this autumn I'm on the look out for a navy and dark green tartan patterned scarf..one a little like this...

Tartan Scarf

5. Honeycomb hot chocolate is a craving this year! Theres nothing better than being tucked up in bed with a nice warm drink and a good film (filmaholic of course!)

Costa Honeycomb Hot Chocolate

6. This autumn I am going to read Looking for Alaska by John Green

This was my plan for the summer but I ended up getting absorbed into the Hitch-hikers Guide To The Galaxy books! Oops...

Looking for Alaska

7. I am desperate to see Love, Rosie at the cinema, so that is definitely on my to do list this month fo'sho!

Love, Rosie Trailer

8. I am obsessed with patterned skirts and this year I am going to attempt to sport cotten and wool tights with them....

Cotton Tights

9. As the days get darker, so does your make up! I'm being adventurous this year and therefore need to invest in a darker lipstick. I am loving deep cherry reds. I'm not a fan of lipgloss so this year....

Revlon Matt Balm

10. I'm a proud fan of Jack Wills and everything British, so the last thing on my wish list for autumn is going to prep me for this autumn and winter and many to come...

Chisbury Cable Crew

Aside from this list, I'm going to embrace the weather with lots of blankets and warm drinks and enjoy the run up to Christmas! 

I hope that this list inspired you for things to buy this autumn, I will keep you updated with how far I get with my wishes!

'till next time!

Hannah xox

Easy Hairstyles For School

I've had my heart set on having ridiculously long hair for a good few years and I'm finally there!

So this September I decided that I'd take advantage and try and do some more interesting styles with my hair this new school year.

But at the same time, they needed to be quick and simple so that I can manage them with one eye open and no strength at 7am. 

So...after spending a while trying out some styles inspired by beauty geniuses such as Zoella and some ideas of my own I came up with these....

9 Easy Hairstyles for School

1. Milkmaid Braid

 

For this style you will need: Hair grips (x4)

                                              Small hair bands- clear elastic if you have them (x2)

First of all you need to split your hair into two halves and plait each side, fasten each plait with a small hair band so that the plaits don't come undone during the next step.

Secondly you'll need to take one plait over the top of your head and fasten it with a hair grip to the side of your head just behind your ear. (Hold this in place when positioning the next plait).

Then take the other plait and do the same overlapping the two plaits so that it is secure, then fasten that plait on the other side of your head behind your other ear. Then with the other two hair grips add them where they are necessary to ensure that the style is secure.

2. Messy Grip

For this style you will need: A large claw clip

This style is really simple. All I do is take the top half of my hair up as if you were going to tie it in a top half ponytail, and then grip it. I'll usually pull some pieces of hair forward afterwards to mess it up slightly.

3. Messy Side Bun

For this style you will need: Hair bobble (x2)

For this style you will need to pull all of your hair back into a messy bun and then let it fall to one side and secured it with a second bobble. I would also then again just pull the front of my hair forward slightly so that it isn't flat and is messier.

4. Side Plait

For this style you will need: Small hair band- clear elastic 

                                              Hair grip

Firstly, pull all of your hair round to one side (usually the side where your parting is fullest).

I then take a bunch of my hair from the front and leave it out when plaiting the rest. Keep plaiting your hair until you reach the very very bottom and then fasten with the small hair band. Then take the rest of the hair from the front that you previously left and loosely fasten it just behind the base of the plait. (Again I'd then pull forward some pieces at the sides- are you noticing a theme yet?)

5. Messy High Bun

For this style you will need: Hair bobble (x2)

                                              Small hair band-clear elastic

                                              Hair grip (x4)

First of all take all of your hair up into a high ponytail at the top of your head but instead of securing it, twist it loosely so that you create a hoop shape and secure the hoop shape with one bobble. Then adjust the position and secure with another bobble. Then pull the front of your hair and the sides and the bottom out slightly to make it a bit more messy and then secure finally with the clear bobble. Then use the hair grips to tidy the bun and make sure that it is the right shape and is strongly secured where you want it.

6. Low Ponytail

For this style you will need: Hair bobble

Before I had hair this long I would never have managed to sport a low ponytail but here we are.

Pull all of your hair back into a ponytail at the middle of the back of your head, then grip either side of the hair and the base of the ponytail and pull forward until your parting is visible again. Then tighten the ponytail again, repeat this until you're happy with the position. (AND GUESS WHAT I DID NEXT!?)

7. High Ponytail

For this style you will need: Hair bobble (x2)

Leaving the front (fringe I guess) section of your hair out, pull the rest of your hair right up to the top of your head and fasten into a ponytail with one hair bobble. Then holding the base of the ponytail pull your hair forward slightly to position it and secure with the second bobble. Then taking the rest of the hair you left out previously, loosely pull it back and tuck it underneath one of the bobbles. (You know the rest..............)

8. Twisted Half Do

For this style you will need: Small hair bands- clear elastic (x2)

Take two small sections from the front of your hair and twist them loosely until they meet at the back of your head in the middle. Then create a messy bun with the end of the sections using one of the clear bands. Then pull your hair forward slightly to mess it up a bit and then secure the messy bun further with the second band. 

I've always felt this style is unbelievably simple but looks like you've made an effort (always the best way ehy!!)

And finally.......

9. Au Naturel

My hair is naturally quite curly as you can see in many of the other photos, I sometimes straighten my hair completely but as you can see....thats going to take a lot of time and effort, which I don't have!

So more often than not I will use my hair straighteners and straighten the top of my hair from my roots to about half way down just to calm it down a bit when it gets very curly!

My parting is very hit and miss and I don't usually make it through the day without changing my parting at some point so I just go with it. 

I hope these descriptions actually help, it made sense in my head but yanno, that doesn't always mean its ok!

I'm not a hairdresser I'm a teenage girl, don't forget it.

'til next time

Hannah xx

Hair products I use:

Herbal Essences Shampoo

Moroccan Oil

Hair grips

Clear Hair Bands                                          

Spotty Teens

SPOTS.

We all hate them.

We all have them. 

Dealing with spots is probably one of the most irritating things to have to do as a teenager. 

They destroy your confidence and make you feel disgusting and there's nothing you can do about it. 

Or is there?

Here it goes...

Top 5 Ways To Prevent or Treat Spots:

1. Try and eat healthily- I know the feeling when all you want to do is curl up and eat chocolate, everyday right? Chocolate and other foods such as crisps, pizza, cake and burgers are all bad for your skin. They make your skin greasy which can lead to spots. DISAPPOINTING- I KNOW.

2. Don't squeeze, pick or touch your spots- despite how tempting it might be to just quickly pop the head off one that's caught your eye in the mirror that morning, don't. Touching and squeezing moves the bacteria within your spots that causes them to be transferred around your face resulting in more.

NOOO NOT MOREEEE.

3. Don't cover with thick concealer or foundation- this only blocks your pores and makes it difficult for the spots to heal and will result in more.

4. If you do wear foundation, take it off properly at night- I recommend getting make up wipes and toner to thoroughly ex foliate your skin before bed allowing your skin to breathe at night. This will prevent grease building up and therefore prevent the dreaded zits.

And finally...

5. Blemish sticks (witch hazel) and other brands, ARE GODLY- after removing my make up at night I apply this God sent remedy to troubled areas (hair line and T zone mainly) and within a few days the worst has cleared up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I hope these tips helped and remember..

When you're staring in the mirror wondering 'Why me?'

Just remember one day, they'll go and you'll be even sexier.

'til next time

Hannah xxx

Confessions Of A Filmaholic

I am a self confessed film addict.

If I could sit and watch movies all day everyday I would. 

From Disney classics to psychological thrillers to comedies..I AM OBSESSED. 

I don't think I would be the person I am without the things I've learnt from films and the influences that movies over the years have had on me. 

For a long time now I've been interested in acting and writing, so observing some of the incredible work of other people inspires me even more to get involved in that industry.

Ready for my Top 10?

Here we go-

My Top 10 Favourite Films (so far):

1. Pulp Fiction- I do not know how I lived for 16 years without watching this film. A Quentin Tarantino  classic, full of violence, drug abuse and other wonderful elements which make the whole thing incredibly inappropriate but all the more fantastic. Along with some golden comedy moments which you can't help but laugh at! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

2. GoodFellas- This film has made me want to be part of the Mafia. Following the risky yet rewarding life of a first class gang of gangsters. Action packed from start to finish and gives an awesome insight into the world of gangsters.

3. The Little Mermaid- Slight change of genre with this one. My favourite Disney princess is Ariel therefore this is my all time favourite Disney classic. I know all of the words to the songs and I could watch it over and over again. I want to be a mermaid. No shame. 

4. Leon- This film is underrated and not well known enough for my liking! A top class assassin trains a teenage girl to be like him..WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?! Again..pretty violent, but an amazing love story too! 

5. An Officer and a Gentleman- Speaking of love stories..this 80s classic makes me cry every time. A beautiful love story with twists and heartbreak. Nothing like a man in uniform!

6. Tangled- Yes, another Disney one! I can't remember how many times I've watched this film, I know the fill dialogue and all of the songs off by heart. Rapunzel's hair is truly fabby. 

7. Forrest Gump- If you haven't seen this film you must have been living under a rock for your whole life. One of the best films ever made in my opinion. A heart wrenching story of the incredible story of a mentally challenged man, all told by him,on a bench, at a bus stop, to the general public!                                                                                                                                                                                                  

8. Love Actually- This is one of my favourites to watch at Christmas time! Love, sex, romance, heartbreak..everything that makes Christmas wonderful..just kidding! But its a great film to sit down and get into the Christmas spirit with!

9. Harry Potter- Yes, I am guilty of adoring every single Harry Potter film! I want magic to be real so badly that watching the films makes me overwhelmingly happy! If you haven't yet watched them, I would highly recommend exposing yourself to the magical world of magic!

10. The Game- This is one of the biggest plot twists in a film I have ever witnessed! A man is encouraged to take part in a 'game' of which he doesn't know anything about, and things start getting weird. Amazing psychological thriller.

Now obviously only a few of these films are appropriate for young children, but I would highly recommend all of these films to everyone. 

And if you're also obsessed with movies, I'm sure you'll agree..they're not a waste of time, but an educational experience that no one should miss out on! 

WATCH FILMS!

'til next time..

Hannah xxx

10 Things To Do This Summer

I've seen a few videos on YouTube with this theme and I've decided it could potentially be helpful to a lot of people.

Summer is a time for relaxing and making memories with your friends in the nice weather with no worries about school on your shoulders.

But one of the worst things about summer is not knowing what to do.

There has been many a time where I will text my friend,

'Wanna do something today?'

and get the reply,

'Yeah sure, where?'

and reply,

'Uh..I dunno?', another day wasted.

So, HERE WE GO!

10 Marginally Productive And Enjoyable Things To Do This Summer:

1. Go to a theme park with some friends- I did this yesterday, and it was by far one of the best decisions I've ever made.

2. Spontaneously choose a city and take a train there and explore for the day with friends.

3. Have a BBQ with your friends.

4. Go camping with your friends.

5. Go to a music festival.

6. Go on a long walk with your friends and take HUUUNDREDS of photos.

7. Make smoothies and milkshakes of all different flavours.

8. Learn a musical instrument.

9. Stay up for 24 hours watching all of your favourite movies.

10. Sleep outside under the stars (check the weather beforehand).

These are just a few possible ideas, to keep up with what I'm going to be doing this summer visit my YouTube channel where I will be posting vlogs regularly (I'll add a link at the bottom).

Let me know how it all goes!

Until next time...

Hannah xo

MannaH YouTube Channel

Handling GCSE Stress

One of the most daunting elements of growing up especially during secondary education has got to be exams. 

From the moment you enter Year 7 all you hear is,

'This will prepare you for your end of year exams' 

From the moment you enter Year 8 all you hear is,

'If you thought last year was difficult, this will prepare you for your end of year exams'

Year 9 is where the pressure is piled on as you begin studying your 'option' courses. Thrilling. 

And from Year 9 onwards all you are faced with is the realisation that everything that you will do for the next 3 years will ultimately determine the REST OF YOUR LIFE, right?

Well, that's what we're led to believe. I can assure you that the pressure doesn't stop there. 

I have just finished my GCSE exams and I am awaiting Results Day. Help. 

In January I was given a 'Revision Timetable' a booklet allowing me to track every hour of every day for the next 4 months in order to plan my 6 hours a day of revision efficiently. And did I use it? Not once. Ok, I have to admit, now that I am filled with such dread and anticipation to find out my exam results I do wish I'd tried harder-BUT, despite that, I know that if I had worked any harder, I would have been even more miserable than I already was. 

Some days I managed to force myself through 3-4 painful hours of what I guessed was activity academic enough to be considered 'revision'. I came to the conclusion that the only way to handle exams and be happy with my life at the same time was to strike a BALANCE. If I've learnt anything over the last 5 years, its that life needs to be lived with balance. Compromise is a goddess.   

Without further ado I present to you..

My Top 10 Tips For: How to handle GCSEs

1. Don't over work yourself- Find out how long you can concentrate for, and never force yourself to work more than that, despite whatever hours your school may set you.

2. Organise yourself, but not with a strict timetable- Don't commit to a timetable or I guarantee you will restrict yourself and your motivation levels will be z-e-r-o. Write a list of the work you need to do, and the time you need to do it in, and make time on the days that you're motivated. 

3. Eat and drink frequently- You will not be able to concentrate on your revision if you're daydreaming about the chocolate biscuits that you KNOW are in the cupboard...go fetch them and munch away whilst working. 

4. Don't listen to music- As much as everyone loves music, me especially, if I listen to music whilst working I end up singing or getting distracted browsing Spotify, trust me..its a trap.

5. Free time- Give up one day a weekend or an evening to spend time with your friends or any other leisure activity you're interested in, yes work is important but so is relaxing.

6. Try and get a part time job- For me, having my job was a God send. This gave me a solid few hours where I was out doing something productive, therefore not feeling guilty for just relaxing, but it still gives you time away from school work. 

7. Revise with friends- Testing other people on facts etc enables you to reinforce your knowledge.

8. Give yourself things to look forward to- For example..revise for an hour, and then make cake! Everyone's happy!

9. Start revising early- When your school tells you to start revising, yes it may be 4 months until your exams, but get into the routine sooner rather than later and the rest becomes easier.

10. DON'T PANIC- Yes exams are important and you need to work hard, but ultimately failing isn't the end of the world, you can always retake.  

So, I hope these tips are somewhat helpful, I guess theses won't fit everyone's taste. But on reflection, they kept me happy and hard working simultaneously. 

Until next time.

Hannah.