Never wonder where I am

I really don't know how I feel sitting back down to blog. Previously blogging has always been an escape, my place to share the good things in life with you, a new outfit, a new restaurant, my trips away...yet it takes a lot for me to sit down, write something and actually blog for myself.

I feel all bloggers appear confident sharing their life with the online world, yet behind the keyboard is a person with a life. A life which extends beyond word on a screen and staged photographs. In a digital world it's easy to portray any persona. In real life it's not always so easy to "be ok".  

August and July have been jam packed months and quite frankly ones that's really taken there toll on me. I don't think I've had a month in my life yet filled with the unexpected high's and lows to date. 

So what's been going on:

Dear blogger; 

The past few months I have experiences highs and lows. Laughter and tears. Butterflies and sunshine. I can't think back to any other time in my life which has felt like such a roller coaster, or a time which has felt so full on. I've said countless times I always feel constantly busy and enjoy this, but for now and at least tonight as I write this, glass of wine in hand and iPhone turned off, I'm enjoying the peace. 

Tonight I re-opened my laptop, got my camera and was prepared to share the best of the past few months, yet flicking through my calendar to plan posts made me realise how full on the past few months have been and for tonight I'm taking a time out.

The past two months I've attended two funerals, lost a family member, a very close family friend both taken too soon, ended things with a guy I was seeing as quite frankly he was annoying me to death and been single is far better forcing a fake smile, then unexpectedly started seeing someone new which I still have mixed feelings about, but enjoying seeing where things might go. In between the emotions of all these things life has gone on. I've had one of the luckiest years filled with the greatest memories and laughter, holidays to New York, Corfu, Croatia and on the early hours of Saturday morning I returned from touring around 9 cities in Italy and headed of to Leeds Festival Sunday with a last minuet ticket.

Forever I've seen the beauty in the uncertainties in life. Whether this be a few drinks after work turning into the party of the year, the way friendships form from the 1st meeting of someone who was once a stranger, or in the way there's always a silver lining after the heart ache.

SAMMIE

bloglovin . twitter . instagram

What am I expecting from 2015

If I'm honest I felt 2014 was a little bit of a let down. I didn't particularly achieve anything I had hoped for, didn't go on many adventures (although looking back through old blog posts I still had many brilliant days out with friends) and I feel a little like I'm in the same spot I was at the beginning of last January.

I don't really know what to make of last year or what I was expecting from it. When I wrote the post the truth about my 2014 I set myself the simple "resolutions" to be more positive, become healthier, get out of my over draft and plan more things to look forward too. I would say they were all achieved however looking back on the year I haven't done anything "life changing". I've not met anyone (always about boys!), not been on any amazing travel adventures (although there's been some brilliant girls weekends), not moved out or even learnt to drive. should that even matter? I'm happy. 

In fact the best thing about blogging is been able to look back on the year. A photo speaks a 1000 words as they say and looking back through old posts it's amazing that what is just a blog photo to my readers, is memories, laughter and emotions to me. 

For 2015 I don't have any big plans. Whilst I would like a holiday or two there isn't anything major I want from the year other than to enjoy each day as it comes. Whilst I'm hopeful this year will be the year I will start to seriously put effort into saving for my own house (although with the deposit I need It will take longer than a year) I've no set resolutions. I want to start going to gym again but I'm not planning on making it resolutions. I just want to go with the flow and stay positive. If there's one thing 2014 showed me it's how easy things can change in the matter of a day, week or month. 

As I'm looking back through 2014 on my blog now many of the days felt like they could of been years ago. Personally blogging reminds me of the personal changes in myself, though not in the way; my god i June I was a little chubby or in January I was looking tanned, but to be able to see changes in myself that only I can. 


For me 2015 will be the year of "who knows" and quite frankly that's the fun in it right?

Sammie

Let's all be a little nicer #ShareTheLove ( £60 resturant choice voucher Giveaway) | Jamies Itallian Leeds Review

As a blogger taking part in fun campaigns is always a highlight. Sharing the experiences with friends is even better. The #ShareTheLove is the idea behind intellicig in line with their share a starter kit, to help you and your bestie kick that bad habit together. 

Intellicig have the idea that one little random act of kindness and one small change in your day can really make a big difference to someone else's. Holding a door open, leaving a tip, a fun post it note at work, it's the little things we can do which can help improve someone else day. I'm quite a big believer in kama "what goes around comes around" and all that jazz, but I'd like to think there's some truth in the statement. Coincidently enough before I treated my bestie to a slap up meal (and me a night away from slaving over the cooker super noodles), she treated me to a drink and as such a random stranger gave us a  full bottle of prosecco on his way out the bar (this did look to be the end of some big business celebration) but still it was brilliant timing. 

The random act of kindness of from the generous stranger, did also get me thinking. My friends first reaction was to look shocked then imply he must have an alterer motive, mine was to simply think that was very nice of him. It did make me question though why as a nation we seem to question the generosity of others, I read a while back, there's no such thing as as a selfless act of kindness as we do these acts to gain satisfaction for ourselves by knowing we did something good for someone else (still with me?). I think it's all hoo-haa and been a little nicer to one and other should be welcomed with open arms. 

So let's add a few drunken snaps (wine eyes!) and talk about the meal at Jamie's Italian I treat the bestie too. 

Having already have a good few glasses of prosecco before I arrived at Jamie's Italian was pretty peckish. I choose the Italian Nachos £3.95 to nibble on (crispy fried ravioli stuffed with three cheeses and served with arrabbitata sauce)   

To start with I choose the fresh crab bruchetta, dressed with finely sliced fennel, lemon and chilli £6.70. This was the highlight of my meal and tasted light and fresh. The bestie went for the crispy porcini mushroom arancini £5.50. In the interest of blogging a review we shared both the starters, I wasn't too impressed by the arancini, it tasted a little dry and the sauce overpowered any taste of mushroom. A little disappointing.  

Moving on mains. It was a hard choice what to order as both of out first choices was the osso buco which happened to be sold out. Obviously must of been a good pick. In the end I picked a pasta dish. Obviously skipping the my fitness pal log on this evening. Laura choose a classic burger (I knew she would!). The Jamie's Italian Burger £10.95 a classic British beef burger topped with mozzarella, onions, tomato, pickles and chilli served with chips, looks mouth watering, I typically don't order burgers (in non burger restaurants) as I find it a dull option although it looked pretty good and I was impressed it came with chips. What's the deal with buying the chips as an extra now a days. 

I went for a pasta option of Jamie's Sausage Pappardelle £11.95 main £6.95 starter. A ragu of slow cooked fennel and free range pork sausage with torrione chianti, parmesan and herby bread crumbs.  As nice as the ragu tasted I felt let down by the dish, the pasta was overcooked and despite Jamie been the apparent king of school dinners the over cooked pasta seemed more suited to a primary school than a fine dining establishment. 

Now i'm going to shock you all when I reveal I had a desert. I'm a desert hater and hate the sweets but since I was sharing the love with my friend I thought I'd go all out and treat myself that extra mile too. 

The campaign really got me thinking how I can share the love with others more. A nice opportunity came about at work where a colleague has been collecting toiletries/beauty bits for young people in hostels and so I thought I'd use the opportunity to bring in all my unopened beauty bits (I've literally draw's full) and donate them as I know that small gesture from myself will have a huge impact for someone. 

How can you share the love? My suggestions:

The British classic...make someone a cup of tea

Hold a door open

Smile

Enter the give away below and treat a loved one

To share the love back I'm giving away £60.00 worth of RestaurantChoice vouchers for you to #ShareTheLove 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sammie

*campaign in collaboration with intellicig*

Let's talk about this tweet

Let's discuss this tweet. After the debate it sparked a few night's ago where twitter turned into a frenzy of bloggers left right and centre arguing with others, I was one of the bloggers in the thick of it. Who would of thought it, me getting into arguments on social media....#sarcasm. 

Now I know there has been a few blog post's on this topic already but I'm not going to discuss this in a way you are expecting. Now as everyone typically writes these posts and keeps other's nameless, however I'm not going to actually talk about Zoella, I'm going to discuss something a little different. 

To fill the rest of you in, Zoella is a blogger/YouTube star who has recently revealed she is launching her own beauty line. Been the holy grail of bloggers with a staggering 5.7 million YouTube subscribers, she sparked a riot on my twitter feed when she made the announcement. When the occasional tweet like mine and a few others popped up many were accused of been jealous, negative, nasty and accused me of been un-supportive to the blogging community. 

To quickly get this point out of the way, Zoella is a huge success, I'm sure she never expected the fame, she has achieved something with what will have been hard work but mostly a lot of luck, that many bloggers will dream of. She is amongst the few to shake and revolutionise social media and create a new generation of idols for many teenagers. 

However to explain the tweet in my own views. This firstly was nothing personal to Zoella, I will always respect the success of others, the deeper meaning of the tweet was my slight anger at the greed I am constantly seeing in bloggers. Sparking this post which for me, is somewhat of a retaliation against of the constant post's I keep seeing saying the community is becoming a negative place. 

I have read numerous post's about the community becoming bitchy, yet I only once have witnessed someone been called an outright bitch on social media in the blogger community and that was a comment at myself (evidently of the back of that tweet). 

The community is not negative, blogging as many forget in the hast to post the latest lipstick review is a platform for people to express opinions.Twitter is a platform for people to express opinions. Facebook is a platform for peoples opinions (and 1000 pictures of your baby and the occasional ex stalking). Blogs in their own sense are an extension of yourself, they are in there basic form a diary, a photo album, your opinion on the things you like. I nice fact for you 77% of  internet user's are blog readers. 

For many blogging and reading blogs is an escape. With probably many sociological reasons behind this, we all try and showcase the best of ourself on our blogs. The mask theory if you will. I know for one I want my blog to only showcase my best side. 

Yet do you really think I wake up at 7 am and cook pancakes that always have neatly placed strawberry's on top. That YouTubers permanently have Yankee candles lit in their homes, or that whenever a blogger goes on a picnic they have the perfect tartan blanket, wicker picnic basket and stripy paper straws to drink from their fashionable jam jar style glasses from. Obviously you know deep down this is staged but it's an escape, with the frequent demise of magazines, more and more people are turning to blogs for entertainment or for someone to idolise or be their role model and we expect perfection. Yet blogs are not glossy pages, they are 99% of the time someone's real life. Someone who is isn't perfect, someone with an opinion to express. 

Magazines are criticized for their use of skinny minnie models or for airbrushing celebrity's. Yet as more and more people turn to blogs for advice or fashion trends, surely we need to embrace what we wanted. Real life. Real life isn't a page from cosmopolitan magazine. With the increase in blogs surely people need to start embracing the increase in difference of opinions. 

My second point before this get's too long is blogging can have a negative aspect. Regardless of name calling and petty twitter arguments, I regularly notice one thing that no one seems to talk about. Greed. The greed to go to the latest restaurant first, the greed that no one seems to able to buy one lipstick you need them all to swatch and look pretty lined up together The greed to own more mac lipsticks than said blogger, the greed to have the biggest make up collection, the greed to want the latest fashion, the greed to own the latest camera. Yet this is not considered negative, it's becoming somewhat of an aspiration for many. This should be what is negative. 

I am in no way saying I am not in this category of bloggers, or blog readers for that matter. Beauty blogging, fashion blogger or even travel blogging like magazines did will always exaggerate the effects consumer happiness, however when did buying the latest beauty product in every shade, most of which will never be used, help anyone pursuit happiness? 

The average woman owns 13 make up items. 

Now how much make up does the average blogger own?

Thoughts in comments

Sammie

Twitter

P.S fully aware of how much of a ramble this is. 

Last week was, this week will be #1

I thought I'd start with a new blog series what I'm calling "last week was, this week will be", not the most adventurous name by all accounts. I'm basically wanting a way to motivate myself and a chance to share with you some highlights or thing's I've enjoyed from last week and jot down a few things I intend to do the following week. Kind of like weekly resolutions since I'm pretty sure my to do list for this year is failing badly.

I seem to be spending so much time day dreaming recently about the most ridiculous of things, I feel I'm forgetting to focus on what's going on right now. I'm sure we all have these moments where we daydream but I do feel too much time floating in the clouds, prevents us from building out lives right here. Check me out, going all philosophical on you. 

I will share with you however one thing I do regularly, I have no idea how I started this, but often on days that feel a little mundane I buy a scratch card and leave it in my bag for a while, that way I know that even if my day is bad there is always the chance I've won £100,000.00. A little weird perhaps but it's the small things that sometimes make Mondays much better. I'm also really starting to realise the benefits of having more get up and go. For example I can sit here and look at 1000 Pintrest images for inspiration on how to get the perfect body and why I will feel great clean eating (whatever that is..my diet is cheese and diet coke) but going for just one little run on an evening will always feel a 1000 times better than wishing to change. 

Last week was:

The Urban Decay Electric pallet. I have wanted this for so long and it finally arrived. I bought this when the pallet went live on Cohorted last Monday. Cohorted is a social shopping website, where products are request, when the item goes live the more people who buy the products, the cheaper they become. I will explain this in a separate post soon. However the reason I'm so happy by this purchase is it is something I have wanted for ages. when I saw the item on Cohorted this meant I had to wait for the item to go live, which took about a month I think. My point been I had to wait and it made receiving the item so much better.

It bought the feeling of when I was in college and I would occasionally see a pair of shoes in the window of Schuh. On my little supermarket part time wage I couldn't just afford to go out shopping like I can now, therefore I had to wait, save and I spent my money wisely. The excitement of finally putting my feet into my shiny new pair of shoes was so satisfying. I've talked in the past about how now I seem to have no satisfaction in shopping and have become greedy in some ways. So to have something I for once appreciate (even if that is an eye shadow pallet) and got excited about was nice. 

Contrary to the above statement, last week I took these beautiful trainers on their first outing. That outing been a very short lives 15 minuet jog but still. Despite sitting in my shoe collection perfectly boxed up for a few months amongst my other boxed up hardy worn shoes, I've really fallen in love with these trainers. It also made me feel a little bad taking them out of the box for the first time after 4 months. It really confirmed the above feelings, that I'm somewhat of a materialistic brat. Despite that my 15 minuet jog, made me appreciate the free things in life and the well-being feeling of a short jog (it started to rain...and I had a stitch). I do love been outdoors and I have notice that even completing the shortest exercise session fills me with a lot more pride and happiness than material possessions ever will. 

Last week (in fact all weeks) felt a little social media heavy. I seem to spent a lot of time, checking emails, Twitter, writing blog posts, sending texts, checking Facebook. As much as writing my blog feels productive, waking up to check twitter, or checking emails on my lunch break feels over the top and counter productive. I really don't need this much social media in my life and especially not 24/7. I wrote a post a while back called too much technology and I often wish it didn't exist to the extent it does today. Despite my love hate relationship I will never be able to give up social media but I feel I need to find the technology - life balance. 

Finally on a more positive note from last week, that all seemed a little depressing. I came across this song. It was the kind of song (for me any ways) you hear and fall in love with, I could sit and listen to this all day. Such a calming relaxing song and it sounds a little like my favourite artist Ben Howard.  

This week will be

I'm hoping to book a weekend break this week, when pay day finally arrives. I'm hoping a small trip away will give me time to relax fully and plus it's always nice to have something to look forward to, it keeps us going. I have my heart set on going to Rome, I'm not much the beach bunny I'm far more city chick when it comes to holidays. I like the chance to explore and actually see the world no matter how small a part of it. 

I have talked myself out of joining a gym for months. Telling myself instead I will go jogging as it's free, it's an unnecessary cost, blah blah blah. This month I've convinced myself I can't quite afford to join a gym and I won't have time to go as I will hopefully be in Rome. Firstly the holiday to Rome if it's booked, will last around 4 days and secondly I'm sure I will buy myself more than one new outfit which is the cost of the gym membership. Considering January I bought all the relevant fitness gear. I don't have many plausible excuses. So this pay day, no excuses I will be signing myself up and trying my best to go 4 times a week. I'm hoping if I stick to that I may splash out on an actual fitness plan next month. I'm really hoping that instead of splashing out on clothes and make up trying to look good, I'll mostly feel better from within. 

Not to spend money on anything unnecessary. I'm deciding to leave my bank card at home when I go to work, no more expensive lunches, coffees on the way to work and I really hate to admit I routinely use a cash machine what charges me out of convenience. From now on I will withdraw money at the start of the week and when it's gone it's gone. I'm not going to become "tight" but I need to start asking myself "do I really need this?". I've noticed towards the end of the month when I'm in my overdraft typically, I don't curb my spending at all, I just feel more guilty about doing so and tell myself next month I'll be better. It's a habit that needs to stop. I've decided I will allow myself money for a night out a week, some clothes (but purchases I've thought through) and defiantly no running through Primark like I'm on super market sweep. 

After watching UP sometime ago (yes I cried), it made me see we do actually need money to make us happy and assist us in our life experiences. Despite that not been the point in the film, from an "adult" perspective money goes a long way towards been able to lead a fulfilled life. I'm the grand old age of 23 and there are things I want to tick of the bucket list sooner rather than later, see some of the world, actually learn to drive, eventually buy a house and make it my home, are by no means going to come free. Unless the scratch card in my bag is a winner. 

Sammie

Updated version: What defines someone as a Blogger/YouTuber?

I've made a few amendments to this post since it was originally posted live yesterday. I've been questioning some of my own points since I posted this and feel I wrote the post, quickly and a little sloppy. So here are a few amendments. I just want to clarify my own views on this better. Also I feel some of the statements were taken out of the contexts and the original point to article was missed.  However to clarify the basis of my original argument still remains the same.

Where did the debate begin? 

So after Toya going into the Big Brother house on Friday night a big stir was created on twitter amongst the blogging community and some very divided opinions came out. 

Firstly the rumour mill was already in overdrive that a YouTuber was going into the Big Brother house and everyone was eager to see who this was. When the YouTuber star was revealed as 29 year old Toya a "who is she" broke out. When her YouTube channel was finally found and we all saw she had 173 followers (this has risen significantly after launch night) the question that caused a lot of divided onions was can she be classified a YouTuber. (I will also say now this is nothing personally against here, I quite like the girl. I'm going to look at the bigger question of what makes someone a YouTuber or a blogger). 

To some people the answer is quite simple:

"If you write a blog your a blogger, if you make a YouTube video your a YouTuber"

Obviously since the boom of blogging and YouTube it has only been recently the public and the media have classified certain well know high profile YouTube personalities under the word "YouTuber". However where do the smaller less know bloggers and YouTubers fall into the classification.  There's nothing that says x amount of followers gives you this credibility that we have come to associate with the higher profiled higher followed YouTube personality's.  

Even when I'm at events or have emails from PR companies I'm referred to as a blogger, I refer to my friends with blogs as bloggers or YouTubers, however I think all bloggers feel a little weird when refereed to by this term from other people sometimes. For me if a PR company is saying "This is Sammie, She's one of the bloggers" I start to instantly question my own credibility. I've had my blog for around a year and a half, work hard at it almost on a daily basis and have gained substantial traffic, yet I still feel a little wobbly as to what other people feel the term means. Are other people thinking I'm "bigger" than what I am by using the term blogger to classify me?

Hobby vs Occupation.

Most bloggers or YouTubers have probably been to an event where we have been asked what we actually do. Typically most of  us see this question as what we do when were not blogging or making YouTube videos. Typically I answer this question with what I do as my day time job and so do most other people, with the exceptions of full time mum, student etc which is just as creditable and just as time consuming as any full time job. My point is we answer this question with what we feel is best definition of ourselves. 

If you saw the few tweets last night that said blogger or YouTuber is a code word for the unemployed, you may think this isn't fair. However there is still credibility to the statement.

If you are unemployed and write a blog, you are unemployed with a hobby.Yet still Blogger is most likely the description of yourself that shows you in the best light. 
If you blog as your occupation (such as registered as a self employed blogger) than it's likely you would feel blogger is the best description of yourself also. 

We all know blogging can be a time consuming hobby for the smallest of blogger and if you've been lucky enough to make enough to make a living from writing a blog or making YouTube videos, you are clearly within your rights to call this your full time occupation and as such apply that same word "Blogger" or "YouTuber" to yourself. The difference been your success. I feel it's fair to assume anyone who is able to make a living from blogging has a successful blog. 

I'm sure anyone trying to be a full time blogger as their occupation or anyone who has started a self employed business will know this takes dedication. 80% of new businesses fail in there first year, if you aren't making enough money to pay your bills or overheads you would have to cease trading. You would no longer be self employed you would be unemployed. However blogging doesn't come with much cost, it's likely if your blog doesn't take of you wouldn't just pack it in, you would try harder. Yet it's likely you would still feel Blogger is the best description of yourself if that is your only focus. 


What gives a blog or a YouTube channel credibility? & What defines success?
I feel this is quite simple in some ways and falls under basic supply and demand. If people like your blog they will read it, if people like the videos you make they will watch them. If you are successful in say creating make up looks on YouTube and people learn from your videos and 1000's of people request more, it's hard to say the video wasn't a success. If you make a video showing people your £1000's of pounds worth of make up what mummy and daddy bought you and it gets 1000's of views yes that may be successful but what credibility are you expecting to gain..credibility of a spoiled brat? 

Obviously anyone would rather define themselves as a blogger as opposed unemployed. However just because you have a blog or YouTube channel and are able to devote more time to it than say someone working full time or someone with children isn't going to gain you any more credibility. The extra time you can devote to your hobby is likely to make it more successful, but it isn't automatically gaining any more instant creditability.  

If you make an appearance on Jeremy Kyle or You've been framed are you then going to call yourself a "TV personality"?

Credibility is always going to be earned buy the quality of the content you produce and success is never going to happen over night. 

If you aren't bored of reading lets me sum up my point?


Everyone is entitled to define themselves by how they see themselves best. I would define myself as a blogger depending on the situation I am in. When someone asks what I do I choose to answer this by my full time occupation. When someone asks what my hobbies are, I say I'm a  "Blogger". We are human and it is in our nature to always try represent ourself in the best light. 

However just because we define ourself by something doesn't make it creditable. If you define yourself as a "full time yummy mummy" (vom) and your child is 18 then anyone would question the credibility of this and assume unemployed. If you define yourself as a celebrity after your appearance on Big Brother 2007 and no one has heard of you, it's transparent there isn't creditability to the statement. 

Credibility in any occupation or hobby is earned. I know I could easily talk about this topic in much more detail all day and could easily touch on the rise of social media, the rise of reality TV star and the rise of the fame hungry but I'll leave that for another day. What are your views on the debate?

Remember to leave all your comments and views below, you can also tweet me at @LilBlondeSammie

Sammie

Birthdays and growing up (Thought on life)

So if you follow me on Twitter (@LilBlondeSammie) you may have notice I happened to mention a few times...It was my Birthday! Depending on when your reading this it was on Sunday the 11th May. In which I turned the grand old age of 23. 

Now at 23 you may have though I was going to have some sophisticated birthday when in actual fact I spent the whole day sulking at how miserable it was (due to the fact I had to cancel my actual birthday plans due to been rather ill). In fact I've never truly grown out of the "it's my party and I'll cry if I want too" attitude, hence why the birthday cake has a lot of holes in the top of him. As yes I did moan the candles were wrong and Percy looked less less a pig and more like hedge hog so I had to rearrange them. In fact this was after I had already glumly walked around 3 shops looking for a cake sulking that none of them had a minion birthday cake. 

Now before every one thinks what an absolute brat I sound like, I think today has been more the renationalisation that I am in fact growing up. 23 is a weird old age, I'm technically still young enough to do a lot of things but then it's mixed with the feeling "should I start making more long term life plans?". I've friends who have now started family's, bought houses or been travelling and yet what am I doing? Sulking over birthday cake like a child. 

I've been thinking over the past few weeks, what am I doing with my life? What actually makes me happy? What do I want to gain from the future?

After a long hard thing I've come to the realisation I don't actually have to do anything. (Well done Sammie...a long hard thing and you came up with that). In actual fact I enjoy the little things in life, going out with friends, socialising, laughing and generally been happy. Is been content such a bad thing?

I feel the main things that keep me going are simply having something to look forward too. A blogger event, pay day, meeting up with friends etc. I don't have to set crazy life goals as things change all the time. Plus I change my mind so frequently then most goals feel futile from the start. 

To clear my mind I have decided to plan things to enhance myself instead. I really don't mind any more that some friends may seen way ahead of me in the life game with their mortgages and starting family's already. Although the fancy holidays..humm a little jealous. I've decided all I really want to start doing is to prepare myself for what ever the future hold. I feel basic steps will help me feel better about my little stuck in rut feeling I seem to experience every other month. 

1. Start my driving lessons again. I spent so much money about 2 years ago on my driving lessons and then I ended up stopping my lessons when a few things changed and I moved back to working in the city centre. I still don't feel I would use a car but been able to drive is obviously invaluable. I'm not pressuring myself to pass but taking the steps to learn again is something I feel I need to do. 
2. Join a gym. A bit of weird one, but even though I'm not a gym person or very fit for that matter I love the well being feeling from going to the gym and doing some simple exercise. I have no goals for weight loss or any targets but for me going is actually something I'm looking forward to. 
3. Start saving. No one has any idea what the future holds. However it's a no brainier that lots of things we want to do often cost money. I've always had a second little job (I love it and I don't see the point in giving it up) so I've decided to simply start saving this money. I typically earn anything from £50 to £120 a month from working a few Saturday at a bar near me and since I never really notice the extra cash each month, it now seems a no-brainer to put this in a separate account and save it. I've been looking at into touring American next year or Inter-railing around Europe so at least whatever I decide then I won't have to worry too much about starting to save. 

(Images from Pintrest)

Sammie

x

The truth about my 2014

I've been thinking of this list for the last few weeks and given it quite a lot of thought to what I want to achieve and change this year. I find it really bizarre in a way by what is essentially just another day is actually the start of a whole new year. For some reason I never particularly enjoy the Christmas period,  I think this is mostly down to the feeling that the Christmas period seems to increase any feelings weather good or bad and for me once the party hangover subsides, call me a Scrooge but there always seems to be more lows then highs. The whole Christmas and New Year time seems to be filled with unrealistic expectations of the perfect day or perfect party what never usually goes to plan. 

Over the past month I've been thinking a lot of about what I want to achieve and change in 2014. Since I started my new job last month It's brought huge changes, it's forced me to leave my comfort zone and leave some good friends behind but as much as that terrified me it's made me realise taking myself out of my comfort zone won't kill me. The past few weeks setting of to work each morning has felt daunting, don't get me wrong I'm enjoying my new role and I couldn't ask to work with nicer more welcoming people but setting of to work each day feels a little like facing the world alone. I know that sounds massively exaggerated and especially since I always appear a rather confident person but it's made me realise If I want to change anything I need to do more things for myself. 

I really feel the new year makes us all a little more confident and for me one of my main goals will be to not dwell on negative things and work on becoming more positive. I think this year I've realised not to rely on other people for happiness and one of my main goals to set myself will be to stay positive.

I know my worst personality trait is to sulk or go in a massive mood as soon as things don't go my own way. I remember a few years back when I was with a group of close friends and we were pointing out what we didn't like about each other (not sure why). However I always remember one good friend pointing out as soon as things don't go my own way my mood massively changes. I'm still shocked that people have picked up on this, yet I understood completely. This can be as simple as friends changing plans and we don't end up going where agreed on a night out or things generally not going my way and feeling disappointed. I know as I'm writing this I'm on the verge of starting an argument with a friend what beneath everything boils down to not getting my own way. I know the core reason behind all this is a sense of disappointment but my biggest aim this year is going to be simply to accept life isn't perfect and make the most of all situations. 

I feel this year potentially holds the biggest changes for me yet, but my main aim beneath it all simply represents me becoming a nicer and better person. Wow I'm actually making myself out to be a right cow aren't I. Trust me I'm really not but some small changes defiantly wouldn't go a miss. Finally if you read all that here is my new years resolutions for 2014:

Be more positive. I'm old enough to realise life isn't ever going to be perfect. It's genuinely our own thoughts and feelings that can make the minor set backs 100 times worse. From now on I want to generally try and become more positive and not to dwell or sulk when things don't go my own way.

Get fitter/healthier. Ok so this may be the stereotypical resolution but I want to focus more on myself and I genuinely believe exercise is overall good for well being. I think I've accepted I'm not a gym goer and I don't expect to achieve a perfect body. I remember last year aiming to run a freaking marathon what was unbelievably unrealistic, so this year I'm simply aiming to join a gym, go regularly and gain a better sense of well being. Any weight loss or a slightly more toned body will be a bonus. 

Get out of my overdraft. I've wasted a stupid amount of money in the past on silly bank charges etc all because I'm pretty bad when it comes to managing my money. I really need to start telling myself it's ok if I miss a few nights out at the end of the month if I can't afford it and buying 10 pairs a shoes a month is no good when I can't afford to go out. I'm aiming to have a few good months and get myself back on track for good. I earn good money for my age and I know getting back on track is a must if I want to plan holidays etc later in the year.

Plan more things to look forward to. I tend to do this anyway and looking back over 2013 there was a lot of nice moments. I feel it's necessary to have something to look forward to no matter how small so this year I want to generally make the most of it. I'm aiming to have a few city breaks abroad and generally make more time to spend with friends weather this is a meal out or going to gigs etc. 

Sammie

How to cope with busy weeks

So last week was a rather busy week, Monday night saw me stepping back in time to see freaking S CLUB 7! Tuesday a fitness class, Wednesday and Thursday blogger events and maybe drinks plus revising for a job interview I had Friday (I didn't get it but hey ho), plus working Friday night, Saturday day, making time to see friends Saturday night then a family friends party Sunday. And breath! It's a little understatement to say I'm feeling exhausted. 

I always try and keep my weeks busy and always love having something to look forward to. People at work laugh when their Outlook calendars have the occasional team meeting booked and yet mine is colour coded with all kinds of of events and dates arranged with friends. Yet sometimes it's nice to do nothing. Although when I say doing nothing I'm probably working on my blog, having time to pamper myself hid away in my bedroom or still trying to keep busy. 

You all know by now I love been sociable yet it does take it toll. So here's my top tips for keeping on top of a busy week:

1. Be prepared: If your going from one event for another take time to plan your outfits, adding statement necklaces or a change of shoes can prevent full outfit changes.
2. Plan your meals, avoid energy drinks you will only crash later, instead try make time to eat a proper meal even if breakfast is a yoghurt or some fruit at your desk it is much healthier then a red bull. 
3. Remember leaving events or usually the pub early you first may feel like your missing out, but remember your leaving so your social life can continue the next day. Your not missing out at all. 
4. Keep your phone charger on you, phones now are lifesavers and they do keep our lives in order, there's usually always chance in the day to charge your phone, on the train or sneakily at work. 
5. If you find it difficult to sleep, keep a notebook at the side of your bed to write thoughts and plans down. It helps you sleep easier if your like me and lie awake panicking.

P.S about S Club 7 - There was only 3 of them, felt a little insulted, Bradley and Paul was swigging pints with massive beer belly's and I don't ever remember Jo telling me to "get the f**k up" back in the day. Yet after fulfilling one child hood dream all that's left to do now is bite the bullet and buy some Disney on ice tickets! 

How was your week?

Sammie

When you're having a bad day

So you may have noticed I have been a little quiet this week. It's been a week full of some personal ups and downs and blogging was put on hold. This also meant turning down some rather lovely event invites so I could spend some quiet time with friends. 

After a rather quiet week of daydreaming It dawned on me, summer is now coming to an end. Where has the year gone? One of the good things about writing a blog is I have some idea where all the time has gone, yet its still a shock to realise we're in September already. 

One of the first things I did when I started Little Blonde Life was to write a list of things I wanted to do this year and some things I wanted to change about myself. Needless to say looking through the list now, I've not done too great with regards to eat healthier drink less, join a gym, however I do sometimes go on small runs what's something for me. I saw a rather interesting quote today on Pintrest that said something like "Judging a fish on its ability to climb a tree is futile" what kind of made sense. At the start of the year I aimed to train to run half marathons etc, I'm not saying this is unachievable, but it was unachievable to me. So I realised I'm pretty happy with a few small jogs a week. 

In addition been able to look back over the year I can see exactly where it has gone: festivals, camping, day trips, meals out the most amazing birthday weekend. However from a personal view I can also see myself growing as a person. 

I realised this week that although we may all have our bad days, the bad days are simply a drop in ocean in comparison. I can not remember one single bad day this year, I'm 100% sure I've had bad days but the fact I can't remember them really shows just how insignificant they are. 

From now on instead of moaning where has time gone, I'm looking forward to what's in-store next. In the upcoming months I'm hoping to plan a mini break away, I have the joy of my favourite holiday Halloween coming up and I know a lot of you will curse me for saying this but I'm actually looking forward to Christmas (well actually the whole of December). There's also gigs and events I have tickets for, to look forward to. Most importantly I'm also sure that in-between all the upcoming plans the most memorable things will be life's little surprises what shape who we are. 

How was your week?

Sammie

The true meaning of YOLO

So if your a regular reader of  Little Blonde Life you will already be aware I like a good rant. One of the things that has been bugging me lately is the overuse of stupid phrases. The first of these phrases been "first world problem" for example "omg my mum won't buy me a new iphone #firstworldproblem" or "As if I have to wait 2 hour wait for a table at the Ritz #firstworldproblem". seriously get a grip. The second of the phrases that bugs me is: you only live once, or as is it is better known YOLO. Now if you're not familiar with the saying YOLO, you're probably thinking "that sure sounds like a motivating little phrase you kids today have going on" well yes it is motivating however it is used in the most stupid ways for example "go on, have that 10th Jager bomb you only live once" or "I just blew all my wage in Topshop but hey you only live once".

It fails to shock me that people now a days believe its worthwhile to moan about these kinds of things and with the increasing use of social media there is an audience who listens. It seems we don't  always use the rise of social media for the better so I aim to change that.

Therefore I'm aiming to bring back some true meaning to #YOLO #FirstWorldProblem

Who will be joining me? 

"I stopped smoking to improve my health #YOLO"

"It's such a shame in 2013 we still test on animals for cosmetic purposes #FirstWorldProblem"

Sammie

Too much technology?

Since i started blogging i have defiantly upped my use use of social networking. I'm not saying social networking is a bad thing as it does what it says on the tin and connects us with like-minded people. Not to mention its been amazing for helping me promote my own blog. However i sometimes feel technology is overwhelming us all. Do we really need it?

Ironically i wrote this post in two halves: the first half said this:

For example whilst i'm sat writing this on blogger my phone is sat happily buzzing away every second reminding me of my twitter followers, my emails, what my friends have said on facebook and telling someone made a bid on my eBay listing. I then have friends texting me, people messaging me on whatsapp and kik, its exhausting and i'm not even that popular. Not to mention i still haven't got to grips with instagram (i know mad right?).

The worst part is i feel i'm been left behind with all these sparkly new apps, i'm not LinkedIn and i find uploading to Pintrest a chore. 

I understand its my own choice to use these products, but i honestly feel as though i have to be using them to keep up to date with life. I often imagine living in a world without mobile phones the internet or social media sites. I imagine what it must of been like to live without phones, laptops tablets etc and i imagine a much more polite world. For example now before we go to meet our friends we have to send numerous texts to make sure were there at exactly the same time, god forbid we have to stand on own for a few minuets, then when we finally meet we check in on facebook.  

I imagine a world without phones and social media to go like this: 

We would have to arrange a time and stick to it! If your friends forget to turn up or was late for whatever reason it would be tough. However i imagine in those times waiting around no one would pity you etc they would understand you was simply waiting for friends and maybe even chat to you. If you wanted to find your friends you might have to walk into the local pub or usual hangout alone and simply see if they was there, they might not be but i imagine you would start talking to more people anyways as everyone would understand.

Then there's the other half to this post: On Sunday i lost Rosie (don't worry Rosie isn't a child or a puppy or anything she was my mobile phone, I named her that because of the panda phone case i had, i thought she looked  like a Rosie) !!

Other than having this song in my head all day! Its pretty stressful loosing your phone, I'm sure we have all done this once in our lives. Firstly having to have my phone blocked, await a new sim card, find a replacement, report it to the insurance company. Then there's loosing all my contacts, I'm pretty sure I just about got them all back from last time I lost my phone a years back. Yet despite everything I mentioned in the above post I'm lost without it. The worst part been there wasn't even a password on my phone so now someone has access to my twitter, Facebook, Blogger, eBay, emails, all my messages, photos, contacts... its a nightmare having to change passwords let friends know etc. I also miss all the social media! It is 2013!!

Love

Sammie