A heart to heart...

Hello dolls!

Well it's been quite some time eh? Well that's what this post is all about, where I've been and when I'm coming back to the land of bloggers!

Firstly, thank you to all the lovelies who noticed I wasn't posting and checked up on me through twitter!

 It has been a hard few months and writing had to take a back seat. The root of this comes down to a topic that is very current in blogging and online lives... Anxiety. Yep, nothing new. 

Well it kind of is for me. I'll try to explain as best as I can, but it may get a little chattery so bear with me ok? 

Just over two months ago I was officially diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder and I am undergoing treatment in the form of medication and CBT.

 I have always been something of an internal worrier. Very much not giving a crap on the outside but inside, I found it difficult to forget about things. And my anxiety times this by 100.

 So if I say anything awkward, I regret it and play it back for hours. If something major is coming up like a deadline, I'll stress and stress until my brain can't handle it anymore and will shut down. They are just some of my bigger triggers.. I also have a problem with answering my phone, overcompensating just in case I've messed up, sleep problems... The list could go on. 

It's possible I've suffered with this for over a year without realising!

A small amount of worry and stress is normal in life, but mine had taken over. 

Asking for help was the hardest part, I had no idea anything was wrong with me. My brain just thought I wasn't good enough and I was failing. 

That was never true. My amazing Dr explained it as my anxiety being like a car alarm. The alarm should only go off when there is a break in. But when it is broken it keeps on going off until the battery dies. So my alarm/anxiety kept going off for no reason until it couldn't anymore and stopped working altogether, meaning I just couldn't deal with any stressful situation. 

Like I mentioned, I am in treatment for this and it really is working. I can handle my work again, I'm more social. But it really is a long road. Slowly, I have to retrain my brain to handle all of the factors in my life. 

Anyway this isn't a 'boohoo woe is me' post! Its a positive post for me because I finally feel able to share it with you all and I'm so pleased that my inspiration is slowly coming back and I feel like writing again! 

Thank you all for reading and being so patient! 

Much love,

Gabriella

x

Letters to sixteen #7

Hey beauties, and welcome to the 7th and final installment of the 'Letters to sixteen' series! It has been so surprising how well recieved my first series has been and no doubt it will return later in the year! 

Today's post is written by the lovely Paige who can be found over at {A Paige at a Time}

Dear Paige, the 16 year old who is about to embark on entering life as more of an adult, moving on to new and more important things. Here are 16 things that you should know as a 16 year old...

1. Friends will come and go, but the best ones are yet to come

2. Listen to your Mum, she's always going to be right

3. Stick with your boyfriend, there will be hard times but he's a good egg and treats your right

4. You will get good GCSE's

5. Deciding to go to college to do Sports will be scary as hell and at first lonely, being the only girl, but you will make some hilarious memories and some good friends. They will also be there through the tough old times

6. If you want it, you WILL get it. So those top grades that you didn't think you'd get in first year, you'll smash it in second year

7. You WILL also make it to uni with those good grades

8. You'll also prove people wrong and get 5 offers from uni's

9. Create a savings account and actually stick to it, rather than 'needing' a tenner here and there for that top, that dress.....

10. Invest your time into things that matter

11. Read more, because in 4 years time you will have wished you had read more now you've got into it

12. Stop caring what people think, you are you, you are amazing and you should showcase that to everyone

13. You will have a truly amazing year at university, make the best friends, find an awesome house for second year and will want to relive it every day

14. You may not do that great results wise in your first term, but second term you will do bloomin' amazing!!!

15. You will have some amazing opportunities and experiences that you must put your all into!

16. And finally, be happy, don't worry, keep smiling and be you.

Paige x

Check out Paige's links:
{Blog}
{Twitter} 

Le Tour Came to Cambridge!

So in July 2014 Le Tour De France passed through Cambridge! I have always watched the Tour with my Dad, so it was a huge honour to see it in my favourite city! Here are just a few snaps I wanted to share with you all from an amazing, sunny day! 

Letters to sixteen #6

Hello everyone, I'm Courtney and my blog is over at brokebutnotbasic. I am now 22, so 16 was a long while ago and I have learned so much since then. If I could go back and tell myself what I know now this is what I would say...

Dear Courtney,

Stop trying to grow up so fast. These are the best and easiest year of your life. Slow down and take it all in.

Find your passion and stick with it. Keep using that sewing machine your mom bought for you and don't get frustrated about that first ugly little purse you made. Just keep going.

Speaking of your mom...treat her better, talk to her, ask her advice, and stay connected to her. Do not run away from home. Yes, being a teenager sucks sometimes. But don't runaway from your family and responsibilities.

Stay away from boys. All of them because all of them are jerks and you will think that they are so sweet. It's all lies. concentrate on school and make the honor roll and get ready for college. Study more for your SAT's and just study in general. Think about your future but don't let it worry you.

Don't be so angry at the world. But stay strong and stay good.

Love, Courtney

P.s. Always have a plan B,C, and D!

Check out Courtney's links:
{twitter}
{blog}
{instagram}

Letters To Sixteen #5

Well it's July already.. Where is the year going? So lets kick off the month with a great post from as part of the 'Letters To Sixteen' series! Today's letter is written by the lovely Jess who can be found over at {That Curly Girl}

Dear Jess,

First off, please, just please, do something to your hair so you don't look like a toilet brush head it is seriously not a good look at all.

Secondly, why on earth would you bronze your cheeks to the point where it looks like you have

rolled around in mud in the park, I mean who told you that was a good look?!

Everybody says to you, 'your school days are the best of your life', believe them. It only gets

harder and although at the time you will cry and hate doing the work, when you achieve your

dreams, it will all be worth it.

Boys. Do we need to say much more? Your friends might have them right now, but in 3 years time are they still together...no. They aren't important, they are just idiots who end up breaking your heart, and its still the same when your older.

 The right one will come along when you least expect it. 

Oh and don't mix work and pleasure, and by that I mean a job and a boyfriend, it never, EVER

ends well.

Spend time and choose subjects that you like, don't try and please other people. It only leads to

long term misery and no one wants to be miserable.

Be yourself, stop trying to be like other people and appear cool. Be you, people will like you a lot more for yourself and not this person you are attempting to be.

Listen to Miss Jones, she's right about everything.

Your parents will piss you off to a tee, and it feels like they never understand anything, yep. But

they have your best intentions at heart, remember that, they aren't trying to hurt you, they just want what is best.

Don't worry about every little thing in life, s**t happens. Just move on and enjoy yourself.

Love

Jess

X

Check out Jess online:

{Blog}

{Twitter}

Letters To Sixteen #4

Today's guest blogger is the lovely Philippa.

Philippa is mum to two boys (3 and 6 months) and can be found at {Letters to Elliot}

To 16 year old Me,

Hi. Rather bizarrely this is 33 year old You talking. Thought I'd write to let you know a few things and to enlighten you on what's important, and what's really not important, over the next few years.

Before I start I think it's good for you to know that my (our?) mindset has always been that everything happens for a reason, so all the stuff coming your way is just stuff you need to ride out. Ok? You'll have lots of fun along the way so it's really not all bad, honest.

If I can offer some advice though, it would be the following:

- don't worry about not doing so well in A levels, you'll get a good Uni place anyway, and do well there too, though maybe not where you first thought (remember everything happens for a reason..) 

- you'll do French at Uni so start practicing those verbs now. You'll get to spend a year in France. Please make the most of this year, you'll regret it aged 33 if you don't (believe me!)

- you'll make friends that will last forever, and some that won't. Don't beat yourself up about this. Some people just come into your life for a short time for a specific reason. Be grateful for their friendship but don't drag it out if it's not making you happy. 

- on a similar subject, you don't meet the man you'll marry until after your MA, so don't let anyone else make you think otherwise in the meantime. If I were you (or me?) again, I'd not be worried about meeting someone. You'll meet your husband through a friend so invest in your friendships.

- exercise. It makes you feel good. Honest. You won't think this sometimes but it's true and your future self will appreciate the effort!

- you are beautiful. Please believe this. There will be times when your body gets put through things (pregnancy, labour, c-sections!) that will make you feel a bit yuck and leave you in a different state to where you are now. Make the most of your beautiful self now. I know you think your tummy needs toning but honestly, it's amazing as it is. Get that bikini out at any possible opportunity!!

- spend time with your family. Especially grandparents. You'll miss them when they're not there. 

- eat healthy and drink lots of water. Oh, and wear sun cream also.

Most of all remember to call your mum!

Love, 

You (aged 33)

Xx

Check out Philippa's links:

{Twitter} 

{Blog}

The Instagram Issue

Are we putting a filter on our lives?

Do we share those perfect snapshots to save amazing moments or to show others what they're missing?

Are we spending more time getting the perfect angle than looking up and savouring the world around us?

Right now, the general answer to these is yes. Instagram has become such an important part of our lives. I know it has for me! But it seems the pictures we share are now causing more harm than good. Celebrities sharing perfectly edited shots. One second glimpses into the 'ideal' life. 

After speaking to friends and fellow bloggers, it seems we are all guilty of wanting to give a certain look to our lives online. Whether it be having a go to filter, or obsessing over the latest trends in celebrities and having to have a picture doing the same! 

We're a generation in love with instagram. My little words won't change that. But for me, I think its time to spend less time looking for the perfect photo, and focus on making memories. If I live my life, how I want to and focus on my loves.. 

Well, the pictures will follow!

Letters To Sixteen #3

Hi everyone, I'm Kirsty!
 I study teaching English as a second and foreign language and writing is my passion.

My blog is a versatile blog, which basically means I blog about anything and everything that comes to mind! You can find me over at {Kirsty's Notebook} 

Dear 16 year old Kirsty,

The best advice I could give you now, is don't wish to grow up so fast. It's a trap.

Yeah, things will get pretty great when you're in your twenties (you'll have a new found confidence you never had as a teenager and let's face it, you will be far more awesome) but don't wish your life away so fast you idiot!

Things may suck just now, but it will get better. 

Forget the crap boyfriends and poor judgement because I hate to break it to you honey, it doesn't improve over time. You'll have worst choice in men and even more poorer judgement. (Speaking of poor judgement, do not drink a straight bottle of vodka when you're 21. You'll look and feel like death warmed up - just DON'T!)

Don't fret about all the stupid mistakes you make now.. Like skiving school and getting into trouble all the time, because I guarantee you, you'll be laughing about it in years to come.

These stupid choices you make are going to be the best memories you have.

I can't stress this enough, whatever life throws at you, you are going to be happy.

All those insecurities won't completely go away (I'm sorry, please don't hate me!) but you will start to feel more confident in your own skin.

You'll wear what you want, say what you want and think what you want and not give a crap what any says in the process!

Chin up kiddo, it's all going to be okay,

Your future 22 year old self.

x

Check out Kirsty's twitter:

{Twitter}

MUA Undress Your Skin love or hate?

Hello lovelies!

So I'm no beauty blogger and reviews aren't a frequent thing for me, but I was just so baffled by this product that I had to say something about it!

'Covers imperfections and blemishes whilst maintaining your skin's natural glow with light-diffusing particles of shimmer that creates instant radiance.'

Well lets just say I don't quite agree with that statement! 

{The packaging - Under natural light - Under flash}

Love: 

- Great packaging!

I love the shimmery tube design. Compared with Mac glass bottles, you're really going to be able to get all the product out.

-The colour matched well.

This is purely based on my skin tone. Others may not have this as there is only a very small range of 3 shades. I'm very pale with freckles so I went with {Porcelain} which balanced out my redness well and didn't mask my freckles. 

{Products used for full face}

Hate:

-Very thin consistency!

Squeeze out too much and you're in serious trouble. That stuff runs everywhere!

-Poor coverage! 

It's said on the packaging that this product will ''cover imperfections and blemishes''. Nope. There is so little coverage in this. Well there is. But not in the places you want it, leading me to the next point...

-Patchy!

No measure of blending, or methods of application (trust me I tried them all.. fingers, beauty blender, stippling brush! I could go on!) will make this foundation sit evenly! Even with primer, there's no name for this other than patchy! Think in parts but zero coverage where you want it!

-Easily transfers! 

I have the horrid habit of touching my face when nervous or bored. Most other foundations I've used can stand up to this but within a couple of hours my hands were completely covered in this product! I looked like a panda gone wrong with foundation only left on my cheeks and forehead! Not a good look for anyone!

-Flat face!

The promised illumination is definitely missing! My face looked so flat and matte that it requires some serious work with highlighters and bronzing! 

So for a product I was excited to try, I'm feeling more than a little let down! :(

This product is a definite hate and I won't be rebuying! 

Below is the finished look if I wore this foundation on a normal day! 

{Full face with foundation and primer - Finished look}

 Note - This is not a sponsored post. All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own. 

MUA Undress Your Skin in Porcelain - £3 at Superdrug. 

Letters to sixteen #2

Hello there, my name is Rebecca and I blog over on the tiny corner of the internet known as  {Rebecca Alice}. 

I met the lovely Gabriella on UK Bloggers when she asked if anyone wanted to write a letter to their 16 year old self. Now, only being 19 years old, 16 wasn’t a very long time ago for me, but in those few short years, I’ve learnt a lot that I would like to tell my past self, so here it goes!

Dear Rebecca,

It’s alright for people to call you Becca. You’ll go through stages where you are Becky (which only three people in the entire world call you now, and that’s you’re two best friends and your boss at Vision), but you will settle on Becca. 

Trust me, it suits you better.

You still won’t have a boyfriend, and that’s ok. You will learn that sometimes, being single is better than being in a bad relationship. You need to learn to love yourself first before you can love someone else.

Your last two years at Upper School will feel like hell, and some days they will be but trust me, A-Level Music is not as bad as you may feel like it is and you will pull through it. Mr Thomas is not there to be your enemy and in time you will grow to love him and appreciate his style of teaching and he will become the one person from school you miss most.

 He will help you through the stress of juggling five essay subjects, a school concert, a magnificent production of Les Mis (which people still talk about now, two years later!) and applying to Uni/Drama School. He does care for you,  he may not show it but he does. (I saw him today, and he gave me the biggest hug and asked me how uni was. Trust me, he’s a good guy).

A lot of the friends you thought you had at school won’t be there once you’ve gone to Uni, but there are people who will (Zoe, Indi, Corrin, Lauren and others). They are true friends, and just wait until the London Trip with Zoe and Indi, then you’ll realise just how much you love them. Even though you now live 145 miles away, they are only at the end of the phone and they will be there to help you. But you’ll meet new friends, new crazy friends that you’re currently planning to move with at Uni and they’re amazing.

1950’s fashion suits you. You’re not going to be a size 8 any time soon. You’ve got boobs and a bum, and curves like a women should.

Uni is going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. It’s nothing like you’ll expect it to be. Stick at it. It’s going to be shit for the first few months, and it won’t get better until the end of the first year, when you get two firsts!

You’re going to be fine and I know that you are a worrier and think everything’s going to be fine.

Love,

Rebecca

Check out Rebecca's links:

{Instagram}
{Twitter}

Letters to sixteen #1

Hello lovelies, and thanks for checking out the first post in my new series 'Letters to sixteen!' Todays letter is brought to you by the lovely Sophiia from {Beauty By Sophiia}

Dear Hannah,

Ditch the nickname please! Squidge is NOT a very attractive name, and you shouldn't let people make you out to be who you aren't.

You may not like your name now, but give it a couple of years and you'll change it - Sophiia is much prettier, and you'll like it way more. Its a nightmare having to correct everyone when they spell it wrong, but don't let it get you down too much (its your fault for spelling it so oddly in the first place!). Also don't get annoyed when people call you Sophie - its wasted effort.

College isn't the end of the world. You won't get fantastic grades unless you study harder, I know its hard with what's going on at home at the moment. But try not to let her get to you, she won't be around for much longer (Dad is getting sick of her). I know life feels hard right now, but it'll get way tougher so just try and take it in your stride. You'll get a decent job, so try not to worry.

Stop hanging around with those so-called "friends". They're not really looking out for you, you can do way better. Please don't get all those awful piercings! You'll regret the scars you're left with when you're my age, and I'm only 22.

You will get somewhere in life. It won't be where you thought you'd be headed, but in a few years you'll meet the man of your dreams and give birth to an absolutely beautiful little boy. Its worth the wait - but PLEASE take a pregnancy test when you're 20! It was a bit of a shock, but our little man was born with very little warning.

Most of all, don't ever feel like you're worthless. You're going to do something utterly stupid when you're 19, but literally a week later you'll meet Liam, and he'll make life worth living again. Trust me, you'll be glad you had this information.

Lots of love,

Sophiia.

Check out Sophiia's links:

{Beauty By Sophiia}
{Twitter}
{Instagram}

Blogger challenge: The next 30 days!

Well it's finally here... The end of the 30 day challenge!

So I didn't manage to do it for 30 days straight, but I'm pretty darn proud that I answered every single question. I have loved doing the challenge. Through it I've learnt a lot about my blogging style, met some amazing bloggers and been inspired for many posts to come! 

Inspired by {day 22} I am pleased to let you all know that from the 25th of June I will be hosting a new series...

The series will feature letters by some brilliant bloggers, sharing memories and advice with their 16 year old selves.

The first post will be next week and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have!

Day 29: I'm excited for...

Hello lovelies!

There is a lot I'm excited for right now, there's a lot of new things coming up over the summer and into the new university year.

The next big event is moving house!

After living with the same people for the last two years, there's a big change coming up. I decided to move in with people from my course for various reasons.

My favourite thing about moving has to be decorating!

 I get to paint in my new room, but I think I'm going to stick with white just to brighten the room up! In my current house and my room back in Cheshire, I have a lot of windows and I find a light room really helps with concentration and sleep habits! 

Im going with a purple and white theme I think and here are some of my inspirations on pinterest...

Can anyone suggest any pinterest boards I should be looking at for more inspiration?

Day 28: My dream dinner party...

Hello lovelies,

Hosting a dinner party is not something I've ever done but if I could invite anyone here's who and why...

- Dame Jane Goodall. For the why, check out day 25 about the reasons she is my inspiration!

- Charles Darwin. His theories on evolution fascinate me and I'd love to be able to talk to him about how it felt seeing all those amazing species in Galapagos for the first time! 

- Kim Kardashian. This is a bit of an odd one, as I'm really not a huge fan of her. I feel like she's famous for not a great amount but I would love to speak to her away from cameras and see if she's any different.

- Sir Winston Churchill. Our Prime Minister during the 2nd world war. I love history and think it would be fascinating to talk about how it was to lead a country through a war and towards D-Day.

These seem like a completely odd group of people, but in their own way they are all interesting and would be great to chat to! 

If you had to pick one person to invite, who and why?

Day 27: A quote to live by?

This quote needs no explanation, but I feel it's one everyone (bloggers especially) could benefit from remembering. If it makes you happy, do it. Dont worry about it being 'wrong'.