My Christmas Wish List 2015

Christmas is probably my favourite time of year. 

Aside from the outrageous amount of food that becomes acceptable to consume, I love the Christmas atmosphere. 

For that reason I don't know how well I'd cope spending Christmas in a hot country, there's something so cosy and snug about winter in England, despite the rain and wind. 

(And the lack of snow).

Something I love more now than I ever have about Christmas is the excitement for seeing other people open the presents that you've bought them. Since I've been working, buying presents is always such a rewarding task. 

People always seem happier at Christmas. 

Anyway, I thought I'd put together a few of my favourites that are around at the moment and some of the things I'm hoping for this year! 

My Christmas Wish List 2015

1. Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner - for someone who is hopeless at make up, this eye liner has been a God send. It is so easy to use and stays on really well. 

2.Barry M Gelly High Shine Nail Polish - gel nail varnishes, aside from being gloriously soft and shiny, stay on for so much longer than others. I highly recommend Barry M nail varnish. 

3.Candy Cane Yankee Candle- I'm a sucker for a good candle. I have two next to me as I'm writing this! Christmas scents are always something I get excited about. Yankee candles are a little pricey but luckily there are some amazing affordable alternatives out there, woop woop! 

4.Roll Neck Short Sleeve Jumper- I'm really loving chunky roll neck jumpers recently. I'm also loving poncho style jumpers. For me there's nothing like snuggling up in a big knit jumper with tea and chocolate at Christmas time.

5.Oversized Scarf- I've seen these oversized scarves on a few people recently and they just look so mega snug! 

6.Metcalfe Skinny Popcorn- Christmas time is a time for snacking. Lots of snacking can often lead to lots of guilt. Popcorn is a way around this, I find anyway! 

7.Costa's Christmas Menu- I AM OBSESSED. Caramel Fudge Hot Chocolates are the most delicious and warming thing ever. There are also so many other yummy things on there so go check it out! 

8.Christmas Bedding- one day I will own festive bedding! I love the colours and patterns on some of the bedding that's around. 

9.Chelsea Boots- I feel as though these would go with anything. I also find these boots so comfy and perfect for winter. 

10.Fairy Lights- Christmas isn't right without twinkly lights! 

I have seen a lot of comments recently that it's too early for Christmas. 

If decorating early and listening to Christmas songs makes you happy then why not do it?

I certainly won't be getting in the way of anyone's happiness! 

Let's start the countdown! 

23 days & counting. 

'til next time, 

Hannah xo

Autumn Positivity

After a stressful few months for everyone with a new school year, UCAS applications for some and various other decisions for others, school-wise everything is beginning to calm down ready for Christmas! (breathe...)

The festive season is rolling around and despite the world not being quite at peace we can all do our bit to make sure it keeps spinning.

SO wrap up warm, keep strong and stay happy this autumn/winter/ CHRISTMAS!

Today I decided to go for a walk and see what lovely autumnal scenes I could find!
Here are some photos I took!

 

 

I hope you enjoyed browsing these photos.

Don't forget to keep smiling.

Now more than ever is the time to embrace each day and enjoy it to the full. 

Some Thoughts

I've been meaning to make a YouTube video about this for a while now but I'm yet to do so, therefore I am going to try to express this in writing. (Which is also sometimes easier!)

Due to recent world affairs, discussion of racism, discrimination and equality has become a very common. 

In school we have had assemblies and watched videos on these issues and it has really got me thinking about where I stand with it. 

It really frustrates me when I see people sharing blatantly racist posts and photos that are supposedly supporting 'British Pride'. 

What does it really mean to be British? 

I think that the answer to that question has no solid answer. Each person who considers themselves British has a reason behind it, whether you were born here or whether you are now a citizen here, everyone has their own reason. 

However, discrimination stretches further than racism. 

People are discriminated against because of their race, their sexuality, their religion, their weight, their job, their class, their interests, their clothes, their gender, their age. The list goes on. 

Society has created so many different categories for people and so many different labels that it is almost impossible not to be associated with a stereotype in one way or another. 

Why should a person be defined by a stereotype that society has created for them? 

I watched a video the other day of a TED talk by an amazing woman that has made me think a lot. 

She spoke about 'unconscious biases' and how without even thinking we assume things about people with no proper reasoning to just because of what we know about their race, religion, gender or sexuality.

We judge people based on their labels, without even speaking to them. 

We develop preconceived ideas of people just by the stereotype associated with the label society has given them.

Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, interests, opinions and ways of life. 

What gives anyone the right to get in the way of that? 

People shouldn't be defined by their 'labels'.

Just because I like watching Pretty Little Liars doesn't mean I have an identical personality to everyone else who likes it too.

Just because I like pizza doesn't mean I'm exactly the same as everyone else who likes pizza. 

Just because I like listening to Bring Me The Horizon every now and again doesn't mean I'm their biggest fan and that's all I listen to. 

So why should people with certain beliefs, interests and ways of life be automatically generalised to fit the stereotype of what you've heard about other people with the same beliefs, interests and ways of life. 

As soon as people are put into categories, there will be conflict. 

Let's remove the labels.

Let's try and take people for who they are rather than who we think they are. 

Just a thought. 

'til next time, 

Hannah xo

Here's a link to the TED talk I watched : What does my headscarf mean to you?