The post with no title

(No relevance to post, just love the photo)

I get very excited at the thought of blogging and being able to produce amazing content which people enjoy reading. 
When my mind goes off day dreaming it normally goes a long the lines of, home, coffee and blogging. There really is something quite.. therapeutic and rewarding about it.

So where have I been? 
I believe the term most commonly used is writers block or being completely shit scared.
I've always been here, reading, even some odd bits of writing that haven't been 'published'. I've just never written something I'm 100% happy with to post, which explains lack of. 

I get a lot of questions in regards to this blog. Most people seem quite shocked if I mention that I do 'own' one, or that I've neglected one over the past year. 
It always amazes me how intrigued people can be and I have no idea why which is interesting because I live and breathe bloggers/ vloggers. I'm great at being nosey. 

I do have a lot of ideas when it comes to content, I have an idea of which direction I'd like my blog to take off, I admire so many people who have became successful just from loving their hobby and realistically creating themselves a business. If you choose to leave your 9-5 to make money off your own back, writing and working for brands - you're a business man/woman. Which I think is very admirable. 

Where did it all go wrong?
(This could get deep, apologies). So way back when I started this little gem as most of you will know or even if you were to look back now at the content I was sharing, I wasn't well. I had a lot of free time and needed something to do, to occupy myself if you like. 
I decided to sign up to blogger and just start writing about personal experiences, things I was or wasn't dealing with so well and try and just get them off my chest for a start but hoping it might help someone, even if it was just making them realising they're not alone. 

I started getting 5,000 views and I thought at most I'd get about 5 per post. I'm still so grateful to every person who's viewed or shared my blog, it does mean a lot. 
Once I started to get better and I was running out of issues to talk about (LOL) I started to panic. I started to worry that no body would want to read just about boring old me, and nobodies really interested in where I spent my weekend, or what I've bought from ASOS recently. 

So I stopped, I lost my mojo and I hated myself for it. I put a ton of pressure on myself and I panicked that people would start disliking my blog and quite frankly, think it's crap. 

Confidence is my main struggle (I'm sure I'll do a blog post soon, more issues to talk about, my fave).
I care too much about what others think of me than just being myself and enjoying my life. 
I wouldn't say I'm depressed, I have a support system of amazing people around me, but I do hold back from doing a lot of things I either know I'm good at or know I enjoy and that's my main problem.

So what to expect?
Nothing. Lol, jk. 
Hopefully something. This post doesn't have much of a direction, I sat down today and I just wanted to write, like I have done for the past few months - I just want to write, create and share.
So that's all I'm going to try and do. 
For those who do enjoy reading my blog and seeing what I can come up with, there should be more content coming soon so please stick around and keep coming back, I love having you here ;).

I hope I can make something of this blog, if not for the people who enjoy it at least for myself so I know I've tried and loved trying. 

Can't tell you when you'll hear from me next. Soon. 
But until then..
TTFN.

K x

Choosing happiness

"Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy" - Wiki

Side note: So before you start reading you're probably thinking is this real, I didn't know this blog still existed. However, here it is - it's on it's way back.
This post was written in January just never published. But I feel like all points are still relevant so why lets not waste it. Enjoy.

It's gone midnight and I'm looking up at my ceiling trying to figure out something I've been struggling with for the majority of 2014. Happiness.

However, recently I've been trying out new ways to find and appreciate happiness and here's what I've got:

Loving yourself -

God, how awful/cringey does that sound. That's the type of thing your parents sit you down to talk about when they can tell you're going through a hard time.

I'm not saying I love myself and all my flaws, but I am starting to accept the parts of myself that I don't particularly love and changing what I can and there's already a difference in the way I wake up in the morning.

Once you start accepting yourself, you will also start feeling more comfortable with the people around you. Confidence you didn't know you had starts shining out of you and you generally feel that little bit happier, not just in yourself and your environment but just in day to day life.

You can't expect people to accept you, if you can't accept yourself.

Health -

Not the obvious, oh I'm unwell therefore I don't feel happy. There are many things linked with health.

Your daily routine, your exercise plan, your diet and your state of mind.

I think having a routine, even if you work from home or you're not working at all can make you happy. I hate the feeling of wasting a day.

Exercise, even though it's not for everybody the simplest things like going for a run or even a walk creates endorphins which is known as the 'happy chemical'.

Your diet - This is a very personal choice, there are so many options now a days and fancy plans for you to follow and the one you show interest in might not work for somebody else.
You don't necessarily even have to have a 'diet plan' but if there are factors of yourself you are not happy with, it maybe linked to what you're consuming. If you're feeding yourself crap food, you're generally going to feel crap.

So maybe cutting down on certain foods, or picking up something healthier once in a while, will make you feel a little happier. 

The motivation you have give yourself to get that type of 'plan' is so rewarding, firstly because you've made it happen and you're doing it for yourself. 

State of mind - nothing changes over night. If you've struggled with depression or you are currently, I know the feeling of it never ending. But if you decided to view things differently, that's the starting point. Instead of thinking negative, try and seek the positive. 

Try and be grateful for the fact you're here, everyday can be a new start if you let go of the negative thoughts and feelings, stop holding on to whatever's happened. Forget living in the past - move forward, forget the thought of feeling like its never going to end and find the strength to finally end it, look past it and stop wasting your own time. You'll honestly feel better for it if you challenge yourself everyday to think this way.

Nothing stays the same forever. 

Contentment -

Finding comfort in yourself and allowing yourself to enjoy your own company is so important. 

Not only do you need to feel comfortable in your own skin but also in your mind. 

There's no shame in spending your night in your own company, at the end of the day you have to live with yourself so you may as well live with your happiest version. 

My goal is to be 100% content in my own mind and with who I am, I plan to motivate myself into a better life style.

Just some food for thought. If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten. 

So give yourself what you deserve. 

TTFN

A bit late on the band wagon (2015)

Welcome, welcome

If you're familiar to my blog, you might be wondering why I'm saying welcome - well did you notice the name change? Soon enough it will be called whereeverinwonderland.co.uk - it's just currently still being set up. This blog has had a fresh start; unfortunately late last year it got wiped down but I've finally got it back and I thought I'd give the blog a new start, for the new year. 

So welcome to: Wherever in Wonderland (tbc)

 I thought since this is my first post for the new year, it would only be fitting and appropriate to do this post about what I'm expecting to gain out of 2015. 

Now for anybody who knows me personally or if you have read my old posts (which are still live, so you can go back and re-read them) then you'll be well aware that 2014 wasn't a great year for my health or me as a person. There are a lot of personal aspects that I'll never go into on here or even with my friends. However - I'm fed up of, all of that now. No I'm not 100% and that's what I want 2015 to be - it's going to be a very selfish year for myself, and why the f^ck not. 

So I wrote down my list of personal goals, and I'm going to share them with you and see if you can relate/want to add to your own list: (these get deep)

1. Find out who I am

2. Become the best version of myself

3. Work my arse off to achieve everything I want to achieve

4. Weekly workouts

5. Up my blog game

6. Find happiness

7. Learn to accept love

8. Become more open minded 

9. Learn to love myself and others around me

10. Be grateful/thankful - everyday 

11. Laugh more

12. Finish writing my book 

13. Read 1 - 2 books every month

14. Practice on my creative skills

15. Travel to at least 3 places (outside the UK)

16. Save more money 

17. Start using a film camera again

Never give up or look back. Everything so far has been a lesson gained or a mistake made, and now it's time to take your knowledge and put it to good use.

I personally want to become the best person I physically can be, I want to carry myself well and be proud of who I am everyday. 

This year is the year of me.

"Beautiful things happen when you let go of negativity"

- unknown 

So what're your goals for 2015? Is it a year of personal development or a year of working with others? 

Which ever it is, I hope you find the happiness you deserve.

Until next time my loves, 

ttfn

x

Happiness. Health. Success

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 

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