5 Things // April Edition

That time of the month has rolled round once more, where I share with you all my top 5 moments of the month. If you want to see what my top 5 of previous months have been, you can see all my "5 Things" posts here.  But for now, without further ado, here are my 5 Things from April:

1.  Really started to enjoy blogging again.

I've published 10 (11 now!) posts this April which is actually quite a lot for me! I've been feeling really inspired recently and have genuinely loved writing my thoughts down online. I feel like May won't be as blogging filled, as my final year dissertation is due in, but I'm hoping to schedule a few posts in! Although saying that, I think I'm going to do a blogger > wordpress migration soon and change the layout of my blog a bit, which excites me! I've also decided to save up for a nice camera, but in the mean time, I can still take fairly good pics on my phone!
I don't know why this month I suddenly started to blog loads more, but i'm not mad about it.

2. I got to get all dressed up and go to a fancy ball.

Earlier in the month, I attended "The Broadway Ball" which was in The Grand Hotel in Brighton, and it was so lovely! The ball was set up by the performing arts societies at my Uni, and obviously where I've been a part of the Musical Theatre Society this year, I was able to attend.

It was such a nice evening, and I haven't properly dressed up in a really long time! We got fancy food, drank free alcohol, and danced a bit too much. I wore a fancy dress and some heels, and I even made an effort with my hair for once, which is really unheard of.

3. I turned 21!

Couldn't really do a post about my top 5 moments in April without mentioning my Birthday! On April 22nd, it was my 21st Birthday- which is crazy, and can life slow down a bit please. 

I have a whole post detailing what I got up to, if you're interested. But genuinely had a really lovely time, and it was nice to take a break from uni stress / life stress / and work! 

4. The weather was glorious, and I spent time with great people!

We had a bit of a heatwave here in England this month, and it was the week before my Birthday which was niceeeee! I feel like I definitely made the most of the sunny weather, and most evenings were spent sat on the beach with some fruity beverage in hand, watching the sunset. I absolutely love living in Brighton when the weather is nice! 

Everyone, I feel, was in a better mood, and it was just nice to sit in the sun for once and chat with friends. Also discovered Iced Coffee, and now there's no going back. When I say "discovered," what I actually mean is, watched "Love, Simon" with Dan, saw the main characters addiction to iced coffee, got intrigued myself, and decided to try it. A great discovery. Would recommend. 

5. I got accepted onto my Masters!

Last month in my 5 things, I mentioned that I had decided to apply for an Msc in Human Resource Management, and I just found out yesterday that I've been offered a place! It's really exciting but also kind of scary at the same time! 

At least now I know that I have something to do next year though, which is always nice! 

So, that just about rounds up my 5 Things April post. I've had a lovely month, and I hope May will be just as nice, but deep down I know May probably could be the worst month to date, but I'm gunna try to stay positive!

How was your April, and what was the best thing that happened to you?

Thanks as always,

Lauren xx

21st Birthday Celebrations! // Lifestyle

Hi guys!

Thought I'd pop up a little picture heavy post about what I got up to over the week-end to celebrate me turning 21! I had such a lovely relaxed week-end, and the sun was shining, so it was lovely! I figure this will be a nice post to look back on one day, and if you're feeling nosey, I hope you enjoy!

Friday 20th April

Friday was a  b e a u t i f u l  day here in Brighton and I was in such a great mood all day! I wrote a blog post in the sunshine, tried Iced Coffee for the first time, and then myself, Adam and my friend Eddie decided to go and get an Ice Cream and have some drinks on the beach!

Good times in the sun!

Got my standard Lemon Sorbet, but also got blue candyfloss flavour! Was soo good!

Saturday 21st April

So, on Saturday, Adam took me out for breakfast at Bills, and we both got some pancakes and they were so damn tasty. I also got a Coffee milkshake, which was nice, but I couldn't finish it all! 

We then went on a walk to try and find this bluebell forest we'd read about online. The directions really weren't clear so it was a cute little adventure, and we did manage to find the bluebells! I think because of the hot weather though, they were starting to die a bit, but it was fun to go somewhere new, and just walk and talk! 

In the evening, a few of my friends went to a cocktail bar in Brighton and had one too many cocktails, and then went to the 24hr restaurant in Brighton for some food! I don't have any pics because I forgot to look at my phone to be honest, but it was lovely! Also, discovered I like Espresso Martinis  v e r y  much!

I was wearing sandals, but thought they probably weren't the greatest shoe choice to go on a walk!

If only I remembered I had sunglasses on my head...

I need my haircut so bad!

Bluebells!

Sunday 22nd April (My Birthday!)

You can see my insta story about what I got up to on my birthday in my highlights on Instagram!

Click the "21" little bubble on my insta profile! x

But, the day started by me opening my birthday cards and presents in bed, and then I got ready, picked my friends up, and went to meet my family at a restaurant in Brighton! 

My Mum had decorated the table with loads of bubbles, with stickers of my face on them which was so cute! Also, she had made one with my blog logo on which was really adorable!

We had so much food! And it was so cute, because Mum had decorated the table with loads of "21" related things! Also, everyone in the restaurant sang happy birthday to me (you can see that on insta) which was embarassing, but I feel like I dealt with it pretty well! hahaha- why am I so awkward!

After lunch, we were going to walk to the beach for an ice cream, but the lovely weather had now dissapeared, and was now really cold and windy. Instead, we went to a nearby pub for a drink, and then took a few photos!

After my family left, my friends and I decided to go bowling! Also, I came second, which is decent for me! After bowling, we had some drinks in the bar, and went in the arcade for a bit like the true kids we are. I also won a slinky! Crazy times people, crazy times.

Blurry photo, and the sun blocks out the fact this says "Happy 21st" but this picture just makes me laugh

So, that was my 21st Birthday in a nutshell! It was so nice and I had such a nice week-end! Thank you to anyone who wished me a happy birthday on Instagram by the way, that was quite cool! It may not have been overly big or flashy, but honestly I didn't want that, and it felt like just a really enjoyable, no pressure weekend! 

Thanks as always for reading,

Love, Lauren xx

20 Lessons in 21 Years // Lifestyle

It's my birthday today! Woohoo! I am scheduling this post to go up on my birthday, and all things going well, I will have had a lovely weekend with family and friends! I will update you all soon.

In celebration of me turning 21, I thought I would make a list of 20 things I have learnt in the 20 years I've been alive. I know I've technically been alive for 21 years today, buuuuut I'm writing this before my birthday sooo sssh....

1. Don't worry so much about what other people think about you.

I used to be, and still am sometimes, so conscious about how other people think of me, but it's just not good for me. At the end of the day, people most likely don't care, and are more concerned with themselves!

2. Stand up for what you believe in.

I hate when I see something happening out in public that I know is wrong, or when I have to bite my tongue at family events because someone says something I don't agree with. I want to try and stand up for myself, and others, a bit more, because I know I would appreciate having someone stand up for me.

3. Try not to be so self conscious. 

Along a similar line to my first point, I really want to try not to be so self conscious. I still find it really difficult to go out with no makeup on, because I think everyone will stare at me and ask if i'm ill about 1000 times, when really, I wish I just wouldn't care. I also hate when the weather gets warmer, because I suddenly have no idea what to wear because I have such low self esteem and confidence that the thought of getting my arms and legs out literally makes me want to crawl into a hole. This year though, I feel i have definitely gotten a bit better, and I hope I can continue to stop caring a bit more!

Cheers to turning 21... also thanks Dan if you're reading for the pic! x

4. You don't need loads of friends to be happy, only a few great ones.

Something I've definitely learnt and come to terms with, is that a large friendship group isn't always a great thing. I only have a handful of really close friends, but that's so fine by me. I feel like when I got to uni I thought I would be so lonely and boring if I didn't make 100 new friends, but as it turns out, that was not the case, and I've made some of the best friends i've ever had at uni!

5. People can't read minds, tell them how you feel.

Sometimes, I can find myself getting frustrated that they aren't doing something which to me seems so obvious. I forget sometimes I think, that people cannot read my mind, so won't always be able to tell how I'm feeling. If somethings on my mind, it's best to just let it out and then go from there.

6. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be terrifying, but great things happen when you do.

Some of the best moments in my life, have come from me pushing myself out of my comfort zone. For example, coming to Uni. No-one in my family had gone, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for, but it's by far the best decision i've ever made in my life, and I have no regrets at all.

7. Little things matter.

Small things are important to people, including me. (lol) It's so important to just remember to check in with family and friends you haven't spoken to in a while. Just sending a text, or giving someone a phone call once in a while can really make people's days sometimes.

8. Don't be rude to people.

It's kind of common sense, but sometimes, I'm genuinely shocked at how rude people can be- especially having worked in retail since I was 16! Don't be rude!!

Cats would never be rude... also look at the pure joy on my face from being surprised by another cat jumping down to join the fun...

9. You are entitled to say no to things you don't want to do.

So many times I've just done things because I thought I had to, or didn't want to feel as if I was letting someone down, but i've come to realise that I just don't need to do this! If I don't want to do something, I can say no, and it's not that big of a deal.

10. Wear whatever you want.

This links back into the not being so self conscious all the time, but I can wear what I want, and if I like it, and feel good in it, that's all that matters! I have a bright yellow coat, and now a multi coloured pink jacket, and usually i'd be like ooh noo it will attract too much attention to me, but now, I really don't care. Plus my new pink jacket is really bloomin' cool.

11. Take lots of photos.

I love taking photos! And I really love looking back on old ones. My best friend at school and I would meet up after school and do "photoshoots" all around where we live. It was so cringey, but now I look back at them and I can remember the time so well and it's just a good laugh!

12. Keep a diary.

I've had a diary since 2011, and although I don't write in it everyday anymore, it's still funny to read old entries. I'm going to keep it going until I fill up the entire notebook, but even if you just write in it whenever you can remember or be bothered, one day it will be interesting to look back on!

13. In a relationship, you can still have your own life.

I feel like in previous relationships, I've always just done what the other person wanted, their friends were my friends, etc etc. Since coming to uni, and becoming more confident in who I actually am, I am definitely no longer like this at all. I still have shared friends between me and Adam, which I love, but he also has his friends, and I have my friends as well. I don't feel bad if I spend time with my friends etc etc. Adam, I know you'll be reading, and you're pretty great- I love you.

14. Let people help you if you need.

I hate asking for help. But when I do ask, I usually always feel better, and it's never as bad as I make it out to be in my head.

15. Change is usually always a really great thing.

Change can be so scary, but I've found it usually all works out okay in the end. Friendships change, life changes, things happen! Let them.

16. It's okay to take a day out occasionally.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed sometimes, and just want a day to yourself where you do nothing but watch netflix and eat snacks, that's okay. Sometimes it's needed.

My happy place

17. Try to be as organised as you can.

I stress myself out way less, if I'm organised with my time, and plan out my weeks. It might seem like a chore, but going into a week knowing what you need to get done by the end of it, always helps me stay motivated. (Most of the time.)

18. Although you hate it, tidy your room more, it's so much nicer.

My room is literally a mess as I write this, so now I'm going to tidy it as soon as I finish. It's just so much nicer coming back to a tidy room at the end of the day, and also it's easy to be productive if the space around you is clean!

19. Don't bury your head in the sand when it comes to money problems.

I absolutely hate worrying about money. I always feel as if I'm the only person in the world with money problems and I get so stressed out! My Dad always says if you try and ignore things, they get way worse, and it's true. I've tried to be a lot more sensible recently and to confront things head on.

20. Stop trying to be like other people, be yourself.

And finally, to end on a cliché (this whole post has been cliché really) but I need to stop comparing myself to everyone, and what they're doing, and just focus on me, and be myself!

So, 20 lessons/things I've learnt in my now 21 years alive. I hope this post wasn't too rambley (i did have to write it out twice because it somehow vanished... lesson learnt... back up my work) I'm sure I'll pop a post up soon about what I got up to over my Birthday weekend!

Now, I'm going to go tidy my room!

Thanks for reading,

Love, Lauren xx

Getting Out of a Slump // Life Update

Hey girls/guys/humans,

I haven't planned to write this blog post at all, but I'm currently sat outside on my campus, and am feeling the need to write some thoughts down. I guess we could call this a life update, but at this point, I have no idea where this is going to go.

I'm currently sat in the shade mostly, because I'm ginger so burn even if I look at the sun,  and I'm drinking an iced coffee (which tastes amazing and is a new discovery of mine) and i'm just thinking about life. Probably to avoid doing uni work, but also just because I think I need to just step back and reflect a bit.

My current set-up, also I have my legs out for the first time this year, and they're so pale, and I forgot to shave them but hey, living my best life...

I'm in such a good mood today which honestly makes a welcome change. I don't know if it's just because the weather is beautiful today, and it's my 21st Birthday this week-end, so I have a lovely weekend ahead of me, but all of a sudden i'm feeling very positive.

The last two weeks I haven't felt like myself at all to be honest, and people keep asking if I was okay, and I'd say I was fine, because that's what I always say, but somethings just been off and I can't put my finger on what. I think its probably that I feel very stressed out, but I'm trying not to show it too much, and to just deal with it all on my own, which clearly, does not work. Also i'm really not enjoying my living situation this year, which piled on top of third year uni stress is probably not helping me out either. All of this alongside the stress of trying to save for car insurance, MOT's and rent and bills, i'm just one big ginger ball of stress at the moment.

I have my Dissertation due in less than a month now, and another assignment which is due the same day, and in a weird turn of events, I'm not actually leaving everything until the last minute at the moment. I am determined to avoid an all nighter in the library again. I actually made the effort to go and talk to my tutors at uni this week, because I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and lost and felt like I just needed someone to shake me out of this weird funk i'd gotten myself into.

Luckily, my dissertation supervisor was so lovely and let me just ramble on at her for about 30 minutes, and she just made things seem way more easy and simple then I was making them out to be in my own mind. I need to get my head down now and actually write it, but in a weird way, I'm kind of looking forward to it. My dissertation is all about the use of targeted advertising on Facebook, and because FB is in the news at the moment, I actually have quite a bit to talk about.

In terms of living situations, I just keep reminding myself it's not for that much longer, and next year I'll be living in such a nice flat, with a lovely view, with people I actually like, and want to spend time with. Yes, it's a bit more expensive, which is freaking me out a bit to be honest, and it's a bit further out than I currently live now, but I'm feeling positive about it, and am trying to organise things ready for next year. I'm also waiting to hear back from my masters application, so I'm crossing everything I have that I get accepted for that, because I really really  r e a l  l y  want to do it!

I just feel like recently i've been so down, and in such a slump, and I just don't want to feel like that anymore. I've been trying to wake up earlier so I can get more done in the day, I'm planning out my days one day at a time, so I can set myself realistic goals, and I'm still finding time to spend time on the beach with my friends. Which is amazing, and when the weather is nice, I feel like I fall in love with Brighton all over again. I think sometimes it just helps to just take a step back, and not try to do so much all at once.

Can't beat a sunset on the beach!

Usually, I'll plan out the week ahead in advance, but recently where there is so much to do, I've been just taking it one day at a time, and I think that's working better. There are still things I need to figure out for next year, like a job, money situations etc etc, but I feel i'm in a much better mindset to do that now.

In less than a month I will be finished with Uni, which is so crazy, scary and exciting at the same time. Hopefully in a months time I can update you again and everything will be fine and dandy, but we will have to see about that one.

My new discovery of caramel iced coffee is probably dangerous...

In terms of my blog, I'm really loving it at the moment. I have a few posts scheduled, so when I'm in the midst of dissertation stress I can still have some new posts going up for you, and also for my Birthday I have asked for a new camera, so hopefully if I get that, I can really up the quality of the photos on my blog, which I've been wanting to do for so long!

I feel like this post was really rambley, but I needed to get some things off my chest. If you're feeling really stressed and in a slump yourself, I'd say take some time out, re asses what needs doing, and just take things one day at a time. Set realistic goals as well and try to stay as organised as you can! Also tell your friends or someone you trust about what you're worried about, and they can try to help you as well!

I'd better get back to actually writing something productive now (also the sun has moved so now I'm not in the shade and am probably already burnt), so thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed!

Loads of love,

Lauren xx

Why I Love Spring // Lifestyle

I think that Spring is one of my favourite seasons, despite the fact that here in the UK, Springtime isn't necessarily a given, it can vary every year. Some years, we have a really nice Spring, but sometimes it feels like there's no in between and we go straight from Winter to Summer. 

That being said, when the clocks go back, it's kind of like a breath of fresh air. Bit dramatic, but true! I feel like especially in Brighton, everyone seemed a lot happier and things were less doom and gloom! Now I finish work and it's still daylight outside, the weather is warming up slightly, and everyone generally seems in a better mindset- they may not be of course, but it does feel as if everyone is slightly happier!

I thought, as it is springtime in Brighton, I'd share three reasons why I love the Spring. 

1. It's my Birthday Season!

My Birthday is April 22nd, so every time I see the Daffodils come out again, I know it's close to my Birthday! If you know me, you'll know I actually hate being the centre of the attention, so Birthdays can be tricky when you're as awkward as I am, but they're still exciting, and if nothing else, I just love spending time with everyone I love! 

2. Everything is colourful!

I have extremely bad hay fever, so I don't really like the smell of flowers, but I love how they look! It makes such a welcome change to the dull greyness of winter to see loads of colourful flowers on the side of the road! When I think of Spring, flowers- especially daffodils and bluebells, are one of the first things I think of!

3. Everyone seems happier!

That first day of Sun, after what feels like the world's longest winter is such a great day. Here in Brighton, we recently had a sunny day, so me and Adam headed to this cute bar on the beach for some chips and it was so b u s y! But it was so nice at the same time! Everyone was in a good mood, and smiling and talking to each other. It's just a nice change! The weather definitely does impact people's moods, and I know I definitely feel happier when the sun is shining. 

Don't get me wrong though, I do really love being tucked up in bed listening to the rain- but that's where spring showers come in!

I'm excited for hopefully more sunny days on the horizon, and I've also just got a really cool pink denim jacket- it's definitely way too cool for me- but i've got it anyway, and I love it, so I'm going to pretend I'm cool and wear it anyway. Fake it till you make it. 

Hope you guys enjoyed reading this!

Thanks as always,

Lauren x