The Winter TAG!

Hey all!

So since tomorrow is the first of December and winter is my favourite time of the year, I stumbled across this tag on another blog and thought it would only be very fitting to post it on mine too!

Lets get crackin'

Top 2 Winter Beauty Essentials

A good lip balm to keep those poor lips hydrated.

Charlotte Tibury's lip stick in Glastonberry - the most perfect winter shade.

Top 2 Winter Fashion Essentials

Typically my oversized tartan scarf and an oversized cable knit jumper.

 

What shoes do you tend to wear the most in winter?

My fur lined biker boots - never owned something on my feet so comfortable and warm in my entire life.

 

Favourite Winter Accessory?

Does a dressing gown count as an accessory?

Because it would definitely be my bear dressing gown from Topshop! 

Warmest thing EVER.

 

Favourite Winter Nail Polish

Essie's Wicked or Licorice.

However, I've been getting my nails done recently and I like them long, with a jet black gel overlay.

Keeping it in the Aadams family, obviously.

 

Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider

Easily hot cocoa! It's my all time fave drink, especially Whittards hot chocolate, mmm! 

 

Favourite Winter Candle

I haven't even bought a Christmas candle yet, however it is on my to do list!

The candle I burn the most is by Jo Malone and I think it's very musk and winter-esc. 

 

Have you ever gone ice skating? Are you any good or do you FAIL miserably?

I went very recently with one of my best friends Emma and we're serious Pro's!

 

Does it snow where you live?

Hmm, usually! Although two years ago it snowed on my birthday which is at the end of march - it's never usually on Christmas day :(

 Have you ever made a snowman?

I have indeed. 3-4 years back when it last snowed I lived with my best friend Vicki for 2 weeks and it was seriously one of the best and funniest times of my life.

Technically we made a 'snow minnie'.

 

What holiday do you celebrate?

Typically Christmas day, boxing day and New years are spent celebrating with family.

However I think the whole of December is a celebration, you meet up with friends you haven't seen for a while for Christmas drinks, there's your works Christmas do and you generally seem to spend the whole month surrounded by people you love and who make you happy. 

(And mostly very drunk)

 

Favourite Christmas Song?

'Step into Christmas' - Elton John.

 

Favourite Christmas Movie?

Terry Pratchett  - Hog Father 

 

What is your favourite Christmas treat?

Definitely Christmas pudding or the Elves Cadburies brought out with the popping candy inside!

 If you were to ask Santa for one thing and you were guaranteed to get it, what would it be? (even if you don’t celebrate Christmas)

Something for me to use, would be a desk top MAC however if I could have anything, it would be a return plane ticket to travel the world for a year!

 

Do you have anything fun planned for this winter?

Working my butt off, going the Trafford centre Christmas shopping, Emma's Christmas party, Christmas celebrations with the girls, spending Christmas day with Vicki and hopefully booking a holiday for early next year.

Thank you for reading!

x

Not a new year, but still a new you

Hey, you! 

Sorry it's been so long, I've had a pretty hectic month and I've finally just found some time to sit down and start sorting something's out for myself. 

It's around this time of year when the New Year starts looming and we start using the excuse in the back of our minds 'New year, new me'. We start putting change off because we're soon going to have a list and each year the resolutions are the same and so's the out come, usually (failed). 

This month I've had to make some pretty tough decisions and I've put myself in positions which could've been the best or worst ever. 

I decided that enough was enough with something's and came to the conscious decision it was about time I started looking after myself. 

I'm sure we all have our days when we decide we're in need for a change or a situation happens and that change becomes inevitable. But it's the adapting or finding the strength and cracking on with it that's the toughest part.

There's no rule on how many times you can turn over a new leaf for yourself and there's no expiry date on change.  

So if there's something on your mind you've wanted to do for a while, or a change you're wanting to make - then do it! I couldn't encourage people enough to do what they want to do. At the end of the day, you can't expect the people around you to be happy for you if you're not happy with yourself.

Some decisions are harder than others, but if you know in your gut instinct that you want it happen, make it happen. You may have to say bye to some people or to some things in your life, but when one door closes, another will open. 

I've decided to dedicate the end of this year and next year to getting myself better, my girls, going travelling, becoming fit and finally getting my paws on a pair of Christian Louboutins. 

If I can achieve those starting today, I can honestly say I'll be 100% happy with myself. 

So what's on your mind that you've wanted to change? Is there something that's been bugging you for a while but you haven't had the courage to go get it? Well, today's your day - so go get it!

Hopefully the gap won't be too long until I see you again.

Until next time my loves, 

Strive for happiness and keep smiling. 

TTFN 

xxx

Something short

Have you ever taken a deep breath so carelessly that nothing matters

There's not a worry on your mind and you're finally at peace with yourself

When did it become so hard to give yourself the benefit of the doubt?

When did your thoughts become so complex,

you've forgotten how to comprehend them.

When was the last time you looked in the mirror and appreciated the 

reflection looking back

Before you started imagining those dotted lines around your body

the physical elements you'd kill to change.

Have you ever looked deeper than the reflection

and stopped only looking skin deep.

When did making the mirror happy become such a priority and 

when did the acceptance of others become greater than the acceptance of

ourselves

Your inner strength is your outter foundation.

5 easy ways to feel good about yourself

Have you gotten yourself in that nasty rut which you know in the back of your mind you don't want to be in but for some reason can't pull yourself out of? High five, me too! 

I've gotten into that disgusting phase of 'letting yourself go' it tends to come with having a new boyfriend you feel comfortable around who's trying to fatten you up, or you just lack a bit of self esteem and energy to do anything about it (which happens to everybody, nothing to be ashamed of). 

Now Christmas is coming, winter is dawning in on us fast, layering clothes and big bulky coats are starting to become an every day essential.
I always find I get into an unhealthy fatty rut round this time of year, it's a little inevitable - all the best foods come out this time of year (I seen mince pies the other day), people buy you boxes of chocolate for Christmas and you just want to have a hot take away and stay in all warm and cosy every weekend.
However if all this is sounding familiar - don't fret pet; you don't have to drown your sorrows just yet.

What's that one thing you've always wanted to do but have given up on or made the lame excuse of 'haven't got the time'? Stop procrastinating and just do it! 

Even if it's something so trivial you'll feel better for seeing it through. You have nothing to lose, and it might be one of the most rewarding feelings of your life if you just get to it.
- So if it's rearranging out your bedroom, knitting a Christmas jumper for yourself or even sorting out some important finical issues.. Get it done and out of your mind, it's one less thing to think about! 

Keep/ get active - even though the 'slob' months are here, joining your local gym or going swimming for even an hour a week will make you feel a million times better about yourself.
We all need to stop being a bit lazy... A fit body, is a happy mind!
Only you know yourself how you truly feel about your appearance/ physique - but only you have the power to change that. It might be hard at the beginning but just keep thinking of the results! 

"Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands" - Elle knows! 

Stay social - I find it's more acceptable to stay home now it's getting colder especially of a weekend, the fire place seems more enticing that a bar and your dressing gown seems more intriguing than the new dress you just bought - however, you don't want to isolate yourself, keep your social calendar busy and your mind active. You can fall into a nasty pattern if you decide to keep yourself in all the time, it can become depressing. I understand not every body has money to go out all the time, and some weekends you just don't want to! That's fair enough, every body goes through this.
But if you're starting to notice a pattern in your routine, maybe getting out and changing it up a bit might make you feel a little better?

Hobby - a great way to keep your mind and physical self busy.
Try something new that you've always wondered about, what's the worst that can happen? Hobbies don't have to be completed and you're in control, however give something new ago, you might just surprise yourself.
I have a huge love for cooking but I'm quite lazy - however the days I do put in the effort I feel so motivated because I've done something for me, something I enjoy - there's no shame in being a bit selfish with your time and just doing something for you.

Everything in moderation - now I'm a lover of take away, chocolate, crisp and other junk food especially in the winter, but it can become a dangerous cycle which can leave you feeling rubbish about yourself inside and out.
Over the summer I was obsessed with fresh fruit juices which I made every morning and I don't know why/ when I decided to stop making them.
They're so quick and simple to make. Just because the sun isn't shining doesn't mean you can't make yourself some fruity drinking, they really cleanse your body.
The way I'm starting to see it - if I do a small work out (you don't want to push yourself too much) and eat quite healthy. Then I deserve that bar of chocolate or those crisp.
You won't feel so guilty for treating yourself if you've 'earned' it.

Let me know if you're in the same 'rut' as I am right now and what you're doing to try improve yourself! Do you have any tips for me that I haven't mentioned? I'd love to know!

Thanks for reading my loves - 

Never give up on yourselves. 

Change is acceptable and routine is admirable.

TTFN

xxx

A thank you from me to you

I want to keep this very short and sweet.

I would just like to say a massive thank you to everybody who's read my blog over the past couple of months - I checked my stats today and 5000 of you have taken the time out of your day to read something I've had an interest in writing about, and that's amazing!

Whether you've only read a couple, or all it doesn't matter - I am very grateful to anybody who's read it at all and I hope you know that!

It may not seem a massive deal to you, but I started this blog when I was in a very dark place and it was a personal outlet for me to use.

I did not think a couple of months later there would even be 5 of you who have read it.

Keep the views coming guys and I'll keep the posts coming, hopefully they'll get better and better each time.

But this was just a short post, to say thank you to the 5000 sets of eyes who've clicked my link and read what I've got to say. 

There will be more exciting posts coming I feel now the festive season is upon us, so keep an eye out for them if you're interested. 

Also maybe even a VLOG (video - log) or two. 

But until next time guys, thank you so much, really.

MWAH 

x

A guide to an awesome Autumn!

I'd just like to paint you a picture right now - it's a really miserable typical British day and I'm sat in my boyfriends bedroom whilst he's in work and I am singing 'Elton Johns - Step into Christmas' carol at the top of my voice, because it's my all time favourite Christmas song, and Christmas songs are now acceptable to sing I feel.

For the longest time I can remember my favourite seasons are Autumn and Winter, I absolute hate Spring and Summer. I don't know if it's because at one point I was convinced I was Wednesday Addams (anybody who went to school with me, will confirm that). 

And so typically I wasn't into colour, or sun for that matter. So the colder more dark times are definitely my favourite. (I'm well aware I'm Kirstie now though, don't worry).

I feel like you should put Step in to Christmas on too really loud and sing a long whilst you read this blog post so we can all be as happy as I am right now. 

So a guide to Autumn? 

It's not a hard one but something I definitely getting enjoyment writing about, first off the fashion - I might be being bias as I'm not one for bright colours but I'm sure some of you will agree the fashion (clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, etc) are a million times better and more exciting in the autumn, winter seasons. Plus I love layers - a good hat, scarf and gloves never fail.

The darker nights

Now when you were little I'm sure just like me it scared you when the days got darker sooner, also it was an absolute nightmare trying to get out your bed for school in the morning when it's still dark and cosy. But now I'm older I really appreciate the darker days - just cuddle up with a good film or a good book and a hot brew.

Another good reason to enjoy them; pamper nights! Now the day is getting darker sooner you tend not to go out as much especially because it's getting colder too. What a perfect reason to take a gorgeous Lush bath and just relax with some candles and bubbles. 

(The perfect pamper night - here)

Dark nails and dark lipstick

This is possibly the Wednesday coming out in me, but I enjoy darker nail varnishes over neons or pastels. As pretty as they are, I feel a lot cleaner/elegant with darker nail varnish. 

(Or maybe I'm just a closet goth)

MUST HAVE COLOURS:

Essie - Wicked 

O.P.I - Lincoln Park after dark 

Also a strong lip never goes a miss either - pale skin, winged eye liner, rosy cheeks and dark lipstick -perfecto! 

HALLOWEEN!

I've noticed girls go more ape shit over Halloween than boys, but who doesn't love a reason to dress up with their friends, get very drunk and if you can still get away with it - go Trick or Treating! 

Or even having a house party with your friends and playing all the games you used to play with your parents when you were little - they never get old. 

Also who doesn't love chopping up a pumpkin and getting frustrated when it's face looks stupid, just stupid. 

Have you got your costume sorted? Times ticking dear!

Hot Chocolate!

My all time fave drink (obviously it just had to be). Not long now before it's red cup season and Starbucks bring out their cups - however does anyone else feel they should up their game after Costa's last year? 

Still stupidly excited for it though! - I know you are too!

Bonfire night

Unfortunately this will only really apply to my Liverpool/Aigburth readers but who's excited to go to Sefton park this year and then get a bag of chips on the way home? I am!

I'm sure where ever you're watching them this year it will be magical. You can never get bored of fireworks and it's such a great excuse to wrap up cute and go out with all your friends and watch something that only usually happens once a year. Also trying to write your name with a sparkler! - Eeeeek!

The crisp leaves

Now I know this is the old woman coming out in me, however I adore a walk in the autumn when your toasty but your nose is freezing and bright red, and you just appreciate all the tree's looking bare but beautiful with your feet shuffling through the piles of leaves on the floor. 

I live very close to a massive park so I enjoy taking my camera out and taking some very beautiful photos and I'm sure most of my fellow photography students also enjoy this!

Winter films

Who doesn't love cuddling up in their fave onesie or over sized jumper, with some slipper boots on - a hot chocolate to hand with the fire roaring, candles lit, curtains closed and snuggling down to your favourite autumn/winter/christmas film?

My faves: The holiday (JUDE LAW PLEASE), Love actually, ELF, The Hogfather, Home Alone 1,2 & 3, The Grinch, Hocus Pocus, Polar express, the Harry Potter collection, Frozen, About a boy and many more!

What's your favourite? Please give me some to watch this year. 

"Buddy the Elf, what's your favourite colour"?

My instagram bio reads:

'Writing, blogging, hot chocolate, porridge, open fires, cups of tea and coffee, cottages, arm chairs & the country side - 20 going on 60' 

So that probably tells you a lot about myself. I've always been winter girl at heart, I don't like being hot or the sun. I prefer layers, boots, cute scarf and hat sets plus SNOW! Yes, give me some snow!

What's your favourite time of the year? Are you looking forwards to everything I've mentioned?

Keep your eyes open because I have a lot of winter/festive posts planned including winter wonderland, recipes, cute decorations and present guides. 

Hope you're well my loves - you now have permission to turn Elton off!

Until next time

TTFN

xxx

Email: kirstiesarah@hotmail.com

Twitter: @_kirstiehowarth

Instagram: Kirstie_howarth 

X

Gender equality

Before people start rolling their eyes and beginning to think I'm trying to become the next Emma Watson, brace yourself - I'm not. I think I've watched Watson's very emotional and inspirational speech twice now and even with that obvious nervous frog snug in her throat, the speech itself was very moving and powerful.

I wanted to keep this post short, we all know I like my rants!
I often try to keep my eyes and ears open a lot of the time, I'm generally inquisitive and curious and since I spend a lot of my time doing research for my blog or on other blogs, I have the pleasure to see and read a lot of things floating around the net.

Now I wouldn't say I am a naive person, I don't exactly live under a rock either. I have my wits about me - just like you too. However Watson's speech shocked me, more than I thought when I initially began watching it. I don't know if that's because here in the UK gender equality isn't as extreme as other place's such as China, India and Africa. I'd say we have it pretty good - it's our race equality this country needs to work on I'd say - but that's a different blog post, on different topic for a different day. 
Just her figures and research were so on point and dramatic (but true) is what I'm sure shocked me the most.

- However something that has upset me since Watson's speech is the way men have reacted. I got very angry because I was seeing very undermining status' on my Facebook feed such as: 

"Well done Emma Watson, well done... i fully agree with... whatever it is your sayin sweetheart, you just carry on with what you think is best. Youve clearly got alot of lovley thoughts rattlin around in that pretty little noggin of yours. Now you jus' get back to charms class and let Harry do all of the heavy lifting and dark wizard thwarting."

And "Emma your too attractive to be worrying about big boy issues"

I doubt the 'boys' who wrote those status' even read this blog let alone this blog post, however if you are reading: are you having a laugh? Please read over what you've written, think about it and then tell me you could stand up in front of the united nations and provide a better more moving speech with a powerful re-enforcement behind it. 

I'll try wrap this up, I don't want this to become me shouting at men and naming and shaming peoples status'; all you men who think women are beneath you and don't deserve equal rights - please remember it was a woman who brought you into this world. Created you and cared for you in her womb, raised you. Unless you're a homosexual - one day you're going to fall in love with a woman. 
If you have a wife and a daughter are you going to look at them in a way that you're better than them?

Obviously Watson made all the massive points, which I can't even come close to trying to write them some justice so I won't. I'm also not trying and make myself sound like a huge crazy, man hating feminist and have 4chan threaten me too.

I just urge you all to go watch the video and take on board what she is saying, I'll leave the link underneath and you can look in to it for yourselves.

I'll leave this post at that. I know nothing I said was very inspirational - it wasn't supposed to be, just a acknowledgement for something that's gotten to me recently.

I really hope #HeForShe makes the difference in the world that it's aiming to make and until next time my loves - take care and play nicely towards each other!

TTFN
xxx

EMMA WATSON'S SPEECH

Wake up and live! (Dealing with depression)

You're worth everything.

So since the unfortunate death of Robin Williams and his suicide; depression has come to light a bit more with the surrounding media and fortunately people are starting to speak up about it a little bit more than before.

What I've noticed from browsing social media and from doing some research recently is that a lot of people who are posting about their depression or just taking the first step and admitting that they suffer or have done in the past all seem to write: 'I'm not ashamed any more'. 

- First off depression isn't something to feel ashamed of, it's one the most common mental illness' in the world and it comes and goes in all of us. Some more than others, granted. But still all of us. Some times it can last for just a short period of time; for example, if something has happened in your life recently like the loss of a loved one. And sometimes it can hang around a little longer than we'd care for. It's like that bad smell in your fridge which you can never seem to find what food is causing it. 

I've written a post about depression before which can be found (HERE) so I'll try not to be too repetitive. In that post I spoke mainly about the facts of depression and looked a little closer to the figures.
I haven't planned this post in the way I would usually plan one, it's just come to mind and I'd like to regroup with you all a little bit.

Okay so with out rambling as best I can, I want you to see this post as I'm envisioning it in my head - two friends over a coffee and you've come to talk to me so we can have a heart to heart.

I suffer from depression. Yeah; if you hadn't of already guessed from my previous post I am now typing it out load. Back in June - June 30th to be more pacific I went to my doctor and cried my little heart out and left the surgery diagnosed with a series of illness' one of which being 'severe depression'.
Do you think I am a weaker person now for telling you that? I'd like to hope not.
A lot of people hide behind it and try and shove it into the back of their wardrobe, tip a load of clothes on top of it and pretend it's not there.
I did that too. It's taken me almost 3 months to be able to type that out loud and one of the main reasons for my blog was so that I could come here and get everything out of my head and into words for you guys to read - if you wish to.

However, those clothes will only last a certain amount of time before they get creased and have that funny clothes smell. You know when you can smell they're full of dust? So eventually you're going to have to take them out and hang them out to air one day.
That's how I see depression, not just in myself but in the others around me.
It's something we're all so afraid of, afraid of admitting, talking about, and even showing. But one day you've got to air it out - I'm sure you'll feel better for it eventually.

So why do people feel so ashamed to say they suffer? If you're asking me that question I'd say because it's a 'typical illness' a lot of people think anybody can get away with saying they have - just for some attention (which will bring me on to my next point in a mo!).
It's not plastered up in a cast, there isn't a massive bandage wrapped round it or an ice pack sitting on top of it to take away the swelling - ergo it's something you have to admit to people, it's something you have to bring up and actually speak about.
No one can sign your mind with a black marker pen and write 'Get well soon buddy'.
It's all in the mind, it takes up the space you let it inhabit.

"They're just saying it for attention, it's all bull" - this is one of my main pet peeves when it comes to this generation. Unless you can write on somebody's cast in that black marker pen, it mustn't exist.
But can I just stress as best I can without going off on a angry tangent - EVEN if somebody is doing it just for attention, that speaks volumes too! Why do they feel the need to create illness' just to get some attention? That's an illness' in itself and you have to tread very carefully when you're going to start pointing the finger and deciding you know somebody better than themselves.
Lets say it is just attention seeking behaviour that's a cry for help in itself. Step back and realise the severity of what they're saying.
I know people who do just come up with 'illness'' for attention - there is a massive difference in somebody claiming to have every illness under the sun to someone finally speaking up, even if they do generally seem happy - depression can still happen in the happiest of minds.

The road to recovery - This is the hardest path you're probably ever having to walk down, however there will be a time in your life when you reach the end of it. I can only give so much reassurance through a blog post unfortunately, but I just want to stress to the maximum - you're not alone lovely. It's a common illness and there is help available if you're willing to use it. "You can't help someone who doesn't want to help themselves" . 
Grab hold of what ever it is that makes you happy and cherish it - go for walks, take up a new hobby, spend more time with your loved ones.
Mainly, just appreciate your place on this earth, you're worth so much more than all your negative thoughts. You're beautiful from the core and outwards, you were brought in to this world to shine so do it and don't give up on yourself.
I understand you're going to have your bad days and everything might seem dark now but step back and look at what's around you, whether it's your other half, kids, best friends or just something you enjoy.
Take all that negative energy that's so tiring and channel it into positivity. It may seem hard at first but you'll find your feet soon enough.

Yes the world is big and scary, and it's so judgemental - understood. But you're better than anyone else's judgement. The only opinion that matters about you, is yours. So give yourself a break and work on that :)!

Thank you for reading. Just remember to keep smiling - you're beautiful!

Lots of love.
TTFN!
xxx

Let go of the bad to make way for the good

As human beings it's hard to be 100% happy all the time, if not impossible. We get bad news, sad news or just down right heart breaking news day to day or when we least expect it, no matter when it is, it's can some times feel like a constant struggle to perk yourself up. You're often sat asking yourself or someone near and dear when is it going to be over? When will the light at the end of the tunnel finally blind your eyes with happiness?

Happiness is a tricky one. It can come as easily as it can disappear, they're all types of happiness. Whether it's from your close friends and family, to having your dream job or even being spoilt by your other half with Christian Louboutins or just something cheeky like your favourite packet of sweets. It really does arrive in all shapes and sizes with a little bow on the top. 

And then there's something I've named minipulation happiness. It's the happiness that happens usually over a love interest or a 'close' friend and it's when you're in the frame of mind that they make you happy when actually all they do is make you a living misery and everybody around you can see it. They say love is blind, that I truly believe. 

-- This is the false sense of happiness which turns more into need. You feel like you need this person, or like they've cast a spell on you! Usually this type of false happiness/sense of need will happen after a break up or a certain incidences' depending on your situation. 

But no matter how much you think you need this person, ask yourself; are they really making me happy? 

Truly happy.. Do they have you crying of a night or turning your friends against you? 

I won't lie, I'm guilty of allowing this to happen to me. Sometimes you don't realise it's even happening until you take a step back. You need to put your happiness (solo happiness) first. Realise you don't need them and you're better off, trust me - - the world won't stop spinning, even if they're not around. 

Usually you can find happiness in the smallest of things, just the things you get nothing but enjoyment out of. It's helpful to remind yourself of this from time to time. Just so you don't leave yourself short. 

What makes you happy without relying on other people? 

Mine would definitely be; Horses, my cat Molly, animals in general, hot chocolate, The Sims, freshly painted nails, candles, duvet days, new pjs, log fires, long walks, slippers, the country side, arm chairs, bungalows, rich tea and reading Alice in Wonderland. 

Can you tell I'm 20 going on 60? Just call me Nana K! 

It can sometimes be the most simplistic which can make you happy and you just need to remind yourself. So if you're having a rough time or feeling a little low, do what makes you happy and puts a smile on your face, just for you. Without worrying about other people, just be there for yourself; you might even thank yourself for it afterwards. 

Always try and think of the positive even if you don't think you can. You've got to find the light even when you're at your darkest. 

Thank you for reading, until next time my loves 

TTFN <3 

Also.. 

How can you not look at this photo and just be happy? 

Bye now! Xxx