The Hangover III Review

As a celebration of finishing my degree yesterday, me and my housemates went out to see The Hangover III. The reviews that I had heard were of a mixture between it was funny but not as good as the last two or it wasn't funny at all and ruined the whole franchise. I personally feel like it was funny but not as good as the first two, which is like the majority of films out there. The first one is new, exciting and the concept before has rarely been explored and so around every corner, there's something unexpected and it's hilarious. As the sequels go on, they get more and more predictable with very few novelty scenes and so this almost always equates to boring.

Even though you knew exactly where this film was heading, they still managed to put in one liners that had me cracking up. I can laugh at almost anything so it was awesome for me. Granted, the laughs were not every minute of the film but I expected a lot less from them when I went in. The one good thing about this film, in my opinion, is that they didn't go down the route of drugging them, which I thought would've made the film a lot worse. There's nothing worse than a repeated plot to the extent where you could be watching the same film.

My favourite part has to be the appearance of the Hangover baby Carlos. He was super cute, and probably broke loads of women's hearts at the very short time he was present. There's nothing else that can make a woman love a film than an adorable baby that makes her want to have one of her own. It tied the films together great and I love the flashbacks from the first two films that were littered throughout this one. It makes the film better because you could see the journey that they had all gone on, if that makes any sense.

Finally, Bradley Cooper is hot. There's nothing more to say and nothing less. That's a bonus in itself.

For Hangover III, I think I'm going to give it a 3.5/5 because it wasn't the best film but it was funny and I enjoyed seeing it. I personally don't really like sequels because of the notorious bad press they have of always being rubbish but this one topped my expectations, which were pretty low to start with. If you love The Hangover films, you have to see it just for the fact it's probably, and hopefully in some people's cases, the last that will be made.

Also, side note- don't rush out of the cinema the second the credits start rolling. There is a bonus clip at the end that I seriously suggest you don't miss.

Have a great Friday. It's finally the weekend!!

xxx

Throwback Thursday #2

I am officially done with my degree. I had my last exam at Cardiff University at 1PM today and now I sit here a free woman. To mark this momentous day, (aside from the pint of cider I had at the pub) I am bringing to you another one of my Throwback Thursdays; showing you some of the pictures of me when I was a little girl.

To start off this photograph show and tell, I thought I would show you a picture that encompasses everything there is to say about me. I didn't (and still don't) like pictures being taken nor did I like having to pose with a big orange, furry thing. Apparently, I still have trouble keeping my eyes open with pictures too. And as we can see, the return of the famous 90s belly tops makes an appearance in this one. I'm not sure I'm too thrilled about the white on white combination that I have going on. I think I might need a little more colour but yeah- not always adorable...

Secondly, I love this picture because it's just me and my Mum, aside from the goat that is totally in the way of our picture. With so many brothers and sisters, it's always a struggle to find a quality one on one time with parents and so I absolutely love that fact it is just us two. I also love the fact that we are matching in denim shorts and I actually have my belly covered in this one. I guess walking a goat is pretty cute too!

 This picture comes with a funny story because right after this one was taken; our cart fell over onto its side trapping us inside. Don't ask me how, or why it happened but it did. I can't really remember much about this but it was one of our much loved camping holidays when we were younger and there were 3 of us in each cart but apparently ours was slightly overloaded OR we were practicing being Michael Schumacher and took the corner too fast that we tipped ourselves over. I'll go with us pretending to be Formula One drivers... It's those silly stories that make you laugh later in life. Also, check out our matching clothes again- I told you it would be a recurring theme throughout this segment.

Finally, to top off this short but sweet Throwback Thursday- it's not complete without a full family picture showing our cuteness.

Everyone say awww!

Okay, so that's your lot of Nicole's old photographs. I'm definitely going to be continuing this segment onto the coming weeks, so remember to look out on Thursdays for Throwback Thursday.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! I'm enjoying the fact that I don't have anything to do from now on and will have the best lie in tomorrow knowing I'm free.

Love you all,

Nicole

xxx

For more Throwback Thursday:
Throwback Thursday #1

How To Cram A Day Before Your Exam

My last ever exam at Cardiff University is tomorrow and like a huge idiot, I've left the majority of my revision until today, which I never do. I don't know why this year is different but I haven't had any motivation towards uni work. I guess it has stuff to do with the great emotional upheaval that has been taking hold of my family for the last 12 weeks but I know that hasn't been the whole excuse. I've just not cared, which is really really bad. 

Here is what I am going to do today to cram the day before my exam...

1. Have a filling breakfast. 

One, it wakes you up; two, it gives you brain power and three, if you're full up less time will be taken by feeling hungry and needing to stop working to eat. Unfortunately, I only have toast so I hope that can get me through a couple of hours.

2. Organise how you are going to cram.

For my course, because I'm a nerd and pay attention to lectures, I generally know all the information that has been given to me during the semester. I only have to look over it once and I have my successful "yep, I know all that" face on. But regurgitating the lectures notes does not get you high marks and so I look for loads more references for each topic that I have found on my own to put in. These, in my eyes, are the most important and so I always set aside plenty of time to be able to recall these verbatim. They hopefully pull up my mark from waffling crap to this isn't half bad.

3. Read, cover, recall and check.

The magical way that you learnt when you were about 5 actually does work. I sit with my paper, read them all, and then try and recall them. Slowly but surely, after however many times you do this, it does stay in your head and that's the most important thing. It's tedious, yes but it's effective and you don't have time to worry about making things exciting because you're a doughnut who left things to the last minute.

4. Take ten minutes of your time and question your life choices.

I always end up with the same line by the end of the cramming day and sometimes multiple times a day. "I'll do better next year..." - this, however, doesn't help the sticky situation you have gotten yourself into today. The amount of times I have questioned my lack of motivation is beyond me; I always end up kicking myself and I hate it. This could also be a step called "rock back and forth in the corner for 10 minutes." Either/or, I don't mind.Recognise how much of a huge idiot you are for not starting earlier, and then move on because there's no point wasting away the last day of revision with things you can't control or go back and change.

5. Go back and reread everything.

No matter how many times you tell yourself you know it, you still need reminding. It's important to keep going back over stuff to reinforce your short term and long term memory to create a stronger mental pathway that will make it easier to access the information in the exam. It's all about giving yourself the best chance and so spend the whole day going over and over stuff you know as well as the stuff you don't know.

6. Fist pump when you manage to remember all that you wanted to.

It's always an achievement when you set yourself what seems to be an impossible deadline and then you go and surprise yourself by completing it. You deserve the fist pump for how hard you worked. It may not have been the best way to revise, but you make it work and sometimes the pressure of having no other choice helps us to work harder than if we had spent a week here and there revising.

I hate this day but I can't change it, I'm going to try my best and know that even if I don't do as well as I could, given the circumstances I tried. My family are proud of me for sticking to uni during these hard, emotional times and I'm proud of myself. I lost my Grandad and I'm still trying my hardest to achieve when all I want to do is be at home, crying for my Grandad to come back.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and I shall talk to you tomorrow when I am a free woman from the prison shackles that is University.

Love you all,

xxx

National Hamburger Day

Although this day started in America, we can extend it across the pond seeing as we have so lovingly adopted the hamburger and placed it smack bang in the centre of our culture. Such a simple beef burger/bread combination has been changed and adapted to have become an icon of BBQs, and is never far from a menu of any pub/restaurant. It's generally filled to the brim with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and not forgetting the love/hate relationship of the resident gherkin. I personally like them but I know the majority of people pick them out in disgust.

Despite the fact the burger is well known and thought of being American, the very first burger actually originated in Germany, Hamburg, which is probably where it got its name from. The very first burger didn't have the bun and therefore when America adopted it, they added in the burger bun to create the hamburgers we now all know and love.

To date, the largest hamburger was created in 2001 and weighed a whopping 8,266 pounds. Can you imagine? That's like 4 ton and considering a car weighs between 1.5 ton to 2, that's almost the weight of 4 cars... Is that even possible? 

Also, the most expensive hamburger originates in Las Vegas, Nevada from Fleur de Lys in Mandalay Bay with a staggering $5,000 price tag (roughly £3,325). This burger consists of foie gras, a special truffle sauce, and is served on a brioche truffle bun with black truffles on the side and is served with a bottle of Chateau Petrus 1990 poured in Ichendorf Brunello stemware. Have you got that kind of money to spare for such a grand hamburger. The crème de la crème.

I'm not having a hamburger today simply because I don't have any in the house nor do I have any money

to buy one but if you have some around, celebrate the day :)

Hope you all have a wonderful day, try and stay dry!

Love,

Nicole

xxx

Motivation Monday #6

Sixth week of motivation- even though this has been an extra day off given the fact it is Bank Holiday meaning you probably don't need motivation anyway but here we are...

Life is short as I've said a gazillion times before in this blog, I'm sure; but the fact is it really is true. We are only on this beautiful planet for a very short time and if we already look at the years we have spent, there have been times that we wish we had done something that we didn't. It's easy to demean yourself and think that you don't deserve as much as you actually do and that always translates into us never really expecting or striving to get what we do deserve.

My motivational message for today is simply to stop devaluing how much your happiness is worth and how much you deserve in life, and take every opportunity by the horns. The world doesn't owe you a living and nor should you possess such a viewpoint but I know the mentality of most good people and I know that you do deserve more than you think you do. Don't put yourself down. Your happiness may be something that you are willing to sacrifice just because you have a warped sense of your worth but I am not willing.

Never settle. Try and reach for everything that you can and sometimes even before. And if you don't get what you expected- it'll be more than you initially thought you would get. 

You deserve all the stars in the sky worth of happiness and love- grasp that, don't settle for imitative rocks :)

Hope you've all had a lovely and sunny Bank Holiday Monday. I woke up at 4:30AM this morning for a 6AM set up for a car boot sale. I spent 7 hours haggling and selling lots of old crap from our house and thankfully the sun was shining the entire day otherwise I would not still be fairly happy now.

Lots of love.

xxx

Motivational Monday #1
Motivational Monday #2
Motivational Monday #3
Motivational Monday #4
Motivational Monday #5

Would You Rather...

Here's a question that I thought I'd give you all to ponder this Sunday, to try and get those brains to keep working on our usual Sunday Bum-Day. You have to keep yourself on your toes...

Would you rather...

Be in a tank full of sharks with just your faith in God to keep you alive but the knowledge that you faced fear to your very last second, challenging yourself (at an age where you had fulfilled all your wants, i.e. dream job, had children etc)

OR

have nothing bad happen to you ever and stay alive forever (thousands of years) but it meant you had to constantly watch everyone you love over time die and leave you?

It's an interesting question and I'm not sure I prefer either but I definitely don't think I could handle the second one. As much as I don't want to die, I don't want to have to watch others die with the inability for me to go and join them. But at the same time, do I really wanna be ripped to shreds by hungry sharks? 

I think I'd choose the sharks.

What would you choose? And why?

Let me know because I'm intrigued to hear about what people would do. I hope you all have a wonderful, and fantastic day to mark the end of the week. And I shall see you tomorrow.

Love you all xxx

Almost Missed It!

As I spent the day helping my sister with her new cross-stitch project, the time dwindled away and I found myself sitting on the sofa looking at the time and realising that it was almost 12AM bringing another day and I hadn't blogged yet.

Could you imagine me throwing away around 160 days of consecutive blogging simply because I had a brain lapse and forgot to write a blog.

For the purpose of continuing on my challenge of blogging everyday for a year, you get this crappy blog and I apologise but I shall come back with a better blog for tomorrow.

Phew, glad I remembered!

xxx

How To Look Good Naked

Want to walk around in your birthday suit with untold amounts of confidence when you pass people in the street?

Want to never have to buy a new set of clothes for that "new wardrobe" of yours for whatever season it is currently becoming?

Want to save yourself a fair fortune by not being sucked into the money grabbing, soul destroying trends that are constantly plaguing our high streets?

I have compiled a list of how to look good naked that'll leave you never needing to go to the clothes shops ever again!

1. Shave your legs.

When you're in the buff, there is absolutely only one place people are looking and yes, that is your spidery, pale legs. There's nothing less attractive than unkempt legs when you're baring your naked breasts and private areas.

2. Don't diet.

Who needs to diet to refine that figure of theirs? Be proud of what God gave you and just showcase those lumps and bumps like you're a model on a catwalk that hasn't eaten in days. We're walking down the high street naked, not auditioning for Miss America. Be au naturel with everything other than your hairy legs- taming those bad boys is imperative. You don't want to embarrass yourself now!

3. Wear makeup.

When you're underdressed on your body, the only answer is to overdress on your face. Slap that orange foundation on your face and you won't even see the red blush of embarrassment that creeps up your face when you walk out in nothing but what you was born with. Don't forget the bronzer and mascara to top off your super sexy look. There's nothing that screams confident more than a layer of crap on your face.

4. Paper bag.

Although, don't worry too much about how well your makeup is done because the only way people can walk out completely naked and feel good is if you wear a paper bag over your head concealing your identity. Unless you are known for getting naked on a regular basis in front of a varied "fan base" and then I say, hold your head up high and strut your stuff, beautiful soul. I would suggest rethinking your life choices though ;)

5. Get a temporary tattoo on your arse.

When you're walking away from people with your head held high about being starkers, there's nothing more as a lasting impression than a very strong message on your arse. I personally like this one but you can choose whatever you want- just make it memorable...

And now I think you're ready to tackle the world in the buff. You go out there, and put my tips to good use and remember- no outfit is complete without a good smile even if you can't see it underneath the paper bag and cement of makeup on your face... It's the effort that counts I guess.

;) xxx

Throwback Thursday

Back in the old days, we didn't have the beauty of taking pictures, looking at them and deleting them if they weren't liked to take another. We had a camera roll that was placed in a cheap camera that was then sent off to be developed without you knowing what the picture was that you took. It was expensive especially given the fact that for some camera rolls there are about 10 photos of about 30 that had been covered by putting your thumb over the lens. Nevertheless, it was the only way that people could document their lives. 

For today and however many Thursdays to come that I can provide pictures for, I thought that perhaps it'd be nice to do a Throwback Thursday segment where I show you some of the pictures that my Mum and Dad took of me and my family from when I was young. I spent most of the morning looking around the house trying to find the physical albums that are stashed everywhere in this house and found some photos to share with you. Given the fact this was the 90s, the photo quality was and is not in any way, shape or form great, none of this HD crap so please bear with me and the photos.

Firstly, a couple of pictures of me that were taken around a month after I was born- July 1992. My Mum apparently liked setting us all up for photo-shoots with her trusty camera.

I have no idea what my parents did to make us all look so happy for this picture but it makes me smile because it just shows the very best of childhood- innocence and pure happiness. I feel like I was just laid across my sister's lap without them truly wanting me there (probably secretly hating that there was another baby in the house) but these are some of the youngest photographs I found of myself and I treasure them with all my heart. 

As always, I have been ahead of the fashion world, setting new trends and looking the very best of the bunch with my stylish clothes. I know as you all peer upon these wonderfully put together outfits, the green eyed monster is attaching itself to your back- just don't be jealous, not everyone can be as cool as I was in the fashion stakes.

The belly showing tops were the height of fashion when I was younger and apparently so was dressing your child in the same clothes as one another. You will see a LOT more of this trend as the Thursday's go along because there were so many of us and that meant that my Mum and Dad needed a way to keep track of us all. We rocked the synchronised outfit looks. Even my brother wore a fetching pink top to be part of the Ryan gang. We were so cool!

Also, it wasn't just old pictures that I found during my search for my past. I also found videotapes that I'm not sure children nowadays would know what they were. We have so many of the things with all our favourite films on them but we no longer have a tape player to ever use them again.. I feel like it's a relic from the stone age but I used to love and live for these ridiculously big tapes to play my films.

You've got to love reliving the past. I think I'm going to enjoy this Throwback Thursday segment a lot and I hope you like it too. You get to experience adult Nicole but never got to see young Nicole but here is your chance. I'll be showing pictures of me, my siblings but also a few snaps of my Mum and Dad/Nan and Grandad when they were younger. I'm so excited for next Thursday to share more of my life with you.

You don't remember this part of your life nor can you go back to relive it and so photographs are invaluable and I absolutely love these precious moments I get to see now that I am approaching my 21st birthday.

I hope you enjoyed the new segment and are looking forward to the next one. Hope you all have a lovely day and remember it's Friday tomorrow meaning the weekend is almost here.

Lots of love to you all as usual,

Nicole

xxx

Thorpe Park

Nemesis

I have two things that I wanna talk about in this blog. Firstly, we spent the day in Thorpe Park for my sister's boyfriend's 28th birthday. We woke up at 7AM, which was way too early for my liking to get to Thorpe Park on the dot when it opened. Although the weather was not the greatest, cloudy and slightly chilly, we made the most of the day and the fact that the queues were only around 5-30 minute wait as opposed to the general 45 minute wait for every ride. 

We started on Vortex, and given the fact that I don't like big rides, this was an accomplishment for me. It spun around and went completely horizontal god knows how high up from the ground. I don't even want to think about it. Later, I went on Colossus, and it felt like I was going to fall out of the seat, which freaked me out. Lastly, my biggest accomplishment, I went on Nemesis Inferno and despite my great fears of rollercoasters; it wasn't too bad at all. I even managed to keep my eyes open!

Vortex

I constantly preach to people about stepping out of their comfort zone and saying yes to every opportunity even if it makes you scared but I never really take my advice. Today, I did. Today, I scared myself and I loved it. I'm not saying I'll be the greatest rollercoaster rider, but I definitely know that I can do it without dying or hyperventilating. I'm proud of myself and I had a great day!!

The second thing I want to address is the insane, terrifying and deeply saddening news that reached our headlines in London today. It is unthinkable to believe that something with such inhumanity could happen just round the corner from us all. Especially given the pride that radiated from the attackers on video and the fact they stuck around after the attack to meet the police face to face. It begs us all to question who and what types of people are living in this world and how the hell they managed to cause such a violent, brutal and savage crime.

My thoughts, love and intense sadness goes out to the brave soldier that was innocently targeted for such cruel and merciless event as well as the man's family, friends and those that were forced to be witnesses. In a world where so much love occurs, the harsh reality of how many evil people out there bursts our bubble of happiness sending it tumbling down like a lead balloon.

I hope you all stay safe in everything that you do and take care of yourself in the big, bad world. It scares me that there are people capable of barbaric actions walking among us.

Lots of love being sent to everyone and I sincerely hope that the victim is at peace with those that love him

xxx

Terrifying Tornado

If you are like me and keep up to date with the news, you'll have already heard about the devastating tornado that ripped through Oklahoma without a care in the world. It didn't care who or what was in its path with the only mission of causing destruction and mayhem in an unsuspecting, and innocent city, Moore affecting more than 55,000 people. That's the thing about natural disasters, it doesn't care if you are rich or poor, young or old, sick or healthy; it takes away as much as it gives.

The tornado that tore through the city lasted a whopping 45 minutes on the ground has feared to have taken 91 lives, including those of 20 young, and undeserving children that had their whole lives ahead of them. The current death toll stands at 5 120 are being treated in hospital with many others supporting the scars, both physical and emotional, of the terrible disaster. 

Horrifying for us to hear about, a school was affected during the ordeal with teachers being the sole saviour for lots of children with their role being extended to having to lead children to safety. The tragedy is unimaginable to us, those that do not have tornadoes or hurricanes and we can't picture the devastation that was left behind in the wake of the tornado. There just wasn't enough time for people to get out of the way and take cover.

I woke up to the story and couldn't believe my eyes when I read the details. Mother Nature is a cruel mistress and as beautiful and wonderful as she is at times, she gives us a stern reminder of those we are not in control of everything in this lifetime.

One of the most heart wrenching videos that was sent to me just shows part of the devastation from the eyes of a survivor and the miracle that is finding a survivor amongst the rubble, let alone that of her own dog despite all odds. The physical cuts are visible to see on the elderly lady and as we watch, we view but we can't begin to internalise what must be going through her mind. It simply is amazing and heart-warming.

http://t.co/H4AJh9b4Ny

I hope that everyone in Oklahoma is safe tonight and those lost get reunited with their families. We must remember to cherish each day with those we love for we never know what is round the corner. All prayers and heartfelt thoughts go out to those affected. 

xxx

Motivational Monday #5

I completely and utterly forgot about this, I had begun to write a blog post for Monday talking about my journey home and then it dawned on me that I was missing a very important segment! How could I forget motivational Monday? I have no clue. Thankfully, the little man that operates my brain remembered and I could bring this message to you because I know you would have been lost without it... *insert sarcasm here*

Okay, down to this motivating malarkey. I always say no. I say no to things I don't want to do. But I also find myself saying no to things I really want to do. The same with food. I am way too polite to say yes to people who offer me food that I would much rather be in my tummy. I don't know why my automatic response is always no but I don't think it's a necessarily good thing to have. Especially when I say no to things that I want, but constantly say yes to helping people that I don't want to help or agreeing to favours that I end up hating myself for.

So, I found a solution:

It's as easy as stopping myself from uttering the word no, taking a little time to think about whether I really do want something or to do something and then saying yes. It's a scary thing to do because I know there's part of me that says no for a reason, and says no because it's out of my comfort zone and I don't know if I'll enjoy myself but I want to say yes because I know that I'll have a blast doing whatever it is. I'm a pansy.

I feel like so many people, me especially, miss out on so many amazing opportunities because they are too scared and say no automatically. I think we all need to say yes to things and to not worry about the little voice in our head that is saying we shouldn't do it because as cheesy as this is going to come across, we only live once. Without all the crap that teenagers nowadays have attached to that saying, it is true- there's no point denying ourselves of things that will bring us happiness because when we look back on our lives, it will be measured by the memories of amazing things and the level of happiness.

If you're a person like me that says no so much more than you say yes, I want you to set yourself a monthly resolution to say yes to as many things as you can- whilst still keeping yourself safe and your morals in tact. Don't do anything stupid, guys! But say yes, even the feeling of accepting makes you happier, never mind the actual activity etc.

It feels good, trust me. I've been saying yes to  more things and I have created some wonderful memories because of it. Just make yourself happy, do stuff that you want and don't let fear rule your life.

Just. Say. Yes.

Except for drugs, then it's always a no! ;)

Love you all, and have a wonderfully motivated Monday
xxx

Motivational Monday #1
Motivational Monday #2
Motivational Monday #3
Motivational Monday #4

How Far?

Just a quick thought from Nicole today. 

I know I always say this and you're all probably bored and sick to the back teeth hearing me say "ooh this is my xth consecutive day of blogging..." (yes, I did expect you all to read that in an old lady voice) but I'm just impressed with myself, okay?!

But seriously, I am sat here thinking about all the future blog posts I can write and I was just wondering for how long I am going to continue this for? I have officially reached 170 blogs everyday, which equals just a dozen shy of half a year with 139 more blogs that I ever thought I could do. But I really think that it may be possible for me to reach a whole year of blogging, 365 posts from December 2012-2013. 

Can I do it?

I'm sure as heck gonna try, and I really hope that all you guys continue with me on this journey from me turning 21, to me graduating and starting my new course and beyond. 

I love you all, and I thank you for silently supporting me. It means everything. You've been there with me during the happy times, and the bad, as well as all the sad times in between. Thank you.

xxx

Sunday Bum-Day?

Wait.. What? Check your calendar, it's only Saturday, right?!

I know it's not Sunday, but this day is definitely a bum-day for me. Whenever I go out, the next day is always the day where I lay in bed doing nothing. It's a ritual and I don't know whether that's because I feel like it's a great excuse to do nothing rather than actually needing to do nothing or whether I'm getting too old and the day after drinking is always a tough one to motivate myself to move.

Last night was great with the girls from my course and it really got me thinking about how much I'm going to miss being at University. For some people, they thought I wasn't going to survive past the first year here and I've gone and proved them wrong with finishing the entire degree having lost two grandparents along the way. I know some people have an easy ride with just having to contend with the demands of their course but for me it's been long and hard, and definitely emotional. I don't know whether some people would be able to carry on given the circumstances I have been handed. It made me proud and it made me thankful to University for changing me and making me stronger.

In a couple of weeks, my last exam will be done and I'll be back to living at home starting a new course that will lead me down a path that I could be walking down for many years to come and I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I'm scared to grow up and I'm scared of what life will throw my way. Will I make it as a teacher? Will I hate it? What would I do? Will I ever publish a book? Will I find the guy I want to spend the rest of my life with? There are so many unanswered questions that I have. If you know me, you know I like control; I like structure and I definitely like knowing what is going to happen and when.

But, life doesn't work by knowing what will happen and it scares me to death. I guess though that is what makes life so wonderful and magical because things happen to you that you wouldn't have been able to predict in your wildest dreams. 

Life is life. There's no other analogy that could be used to describe it. It is what it is and although at times we hate it, there's nothing more exhilarating and marvellous as living.

My head hurts from the alcohol and the thinking too hard. Hope you all have a super fantastic, awesome, splendid and amazing day! Enjoy the sunshine and play hard when you can because life sure does make you work hard!

Lots of love and hugs,

Nicole

xxx

Cosmetic Surgery

None of us can deny the kind of world we live in. The world where people are made to feel like the way they were born is not the way they should stay because they aren't pretty enough/their nose is too big/their boobs are too small etc.  It's a world where cosmetic surgery is readily available for everyday people given they have the money to pay for it. I've never been dead set against having cosmetic surgery, but at the same time- I've never really been too pro it. When I look in the mirror, there are parts of my face and body that I don't like and it got me thinking and challenging myself about whether I think I would ever opt for the easy option of getting surgery to "correct" my flaws.

On the positive side, surgery can increase someone's confident by a million miles. We all know that feeling of seeing something in the mirror that we wish we could automatically alter or delete but can't. It's undeniable that having that hang-up taken care of and removed would be marvellous and so uplifting for you outlook on the who you are. It can also make someone happier in ways that therapy and learning to love a flaw can't do. It's a superficial reason but we live in a superficial world and so it's no surprise that people choose this option. If I had something that made me not want to look at myself fin the mirror or hate myself everyday, would I seriously think about surgery? Of course I would.

The risks are a big factor that would make me think twice about getting cosmetic surgery. Who knows whether you'll look better after the surgery or if it'l go wrong? Nobody but that's the risk you take when going in. I don't think I would have surgery unless it was negatively impacting on my life so badly that I didn't feel happy at all. I do not want to come out of surgery and look like this:

I appreciate these are extremes...

The cost is also a major factor- it's so expensive to change something about yourself that I think it's stupid to have small minor surgeries that you can live with and potentially make you who you are. One the whole, I think for now, I would not ever have surgery but then again I'm still young and healthy. Who knows what will come my way in the future that could change my mind abut cosmetic surgery? 

That's the thing, you can say all you want about cosmetic surgery and call people that do have cosmetic surgery every name under the sun but until you have the feelings of hatred and depression, who are we to judge others? It's a personal reason that most don't understand but just because we don't understand does not give us the right to get up on our high horse and look down on people who are just trying to seek happiness in life.

Do whatever makes you happy, that's what I say and if that's cosmetic surgery then great! Just be happy!

What are your views on cosmetic surgery? For? Against? Want to get it done? Never would you dream of changing yourself? Let me know, I'm intrigued about how publicised and "normal" cosmetic surgery  has become in our society to how it has impacted on people's perceptions and beliefs.

Lots of love,

Nicole.

xxx

One Down, One To Go

One more to go.

I'm so excited to finish this whole degree. It's been a long 3 years, but it's sped by... If that's made any sense.

Today, I am going to kick back, relax for a bit and then have a much needed night in with pizza, chips, cider and a film. I love these nights in where I can take my duvet into the living room, eat half my body weight in crap and not have to think/worry about anything.

So what if I have one more exam? Tomorrow is the day for beginning to stress over that one.

Tonight is my night, my night of relaxation and relief. R and R.

Have a good night, love you all

xxx

I Can't Remember

It's the day before my penultimate exam at Cardiff University and whenever this day comes around, there's only one emotion that is prevalent- pure and utter terror. It's always that day that is taken up with the most stress of trying to cram in more revision whilst fearing that you haven't done enough.

My problem this exam period is that I just haven't got my mind in the right place to be remembering all the information needed. Granted, I know the basics and can probably waffle from here to Scotland but the nitty gritty references of names and dates always escape me when I'm trying to remember. For a kid, their mind is like a sponge soaking up all the information and storing it. But for me, at the moment, I'm like a slotted spoon that keeps the contents on the spoon for about one second before it all trickles out without the ability to grasp onto it and hold it. Who would have thought I would liken myself to a kitchen utensil?

This is my little space of last minute pep talking because all I can think of to tell you guys is what I am trying to believe myself and that's- "take a deep breath and remember you've tried your best and that's all anyone can ever ask for. Whatever will be, will be (Cue Que Sera song) and I'll all work out in the end whatever happens."

Eek, I definitely won't be missing exams once this year and next is done with.

Think positive. Think smart. Think success = Be positive. Be Smart. Be successful.

Equation of life.

See you on the flip side

xxx

How to Not Fail at Life

Terrific Tip Tuesday. I really do like the sound of alliteration in the morning!

1. Don't live.

If you don't live, you can't fail at life ;) 

Only kidding, but if you don't take life too seriously then there is less opportunity for you to feel like you haven't met expectations and ultimately you have failed at life. Even the fact we stand here, living and breathing means we are winning at life but I know that as a human race, we put such heavy demands on ourselves and then feel crushed with disappointment if we don't live up to what we wanted to. Chill. This moves on to my next point...

2. Enjoy it.

Rather than worrying and spending all your time telling yourself what you should be doing/what you can't do, just get out there and enjoy what you can do. It's a heck of a lot easier to be happy and feel encouraged when we look at our strengths and not our weaknesses.

3. Never compare.

Everything in life is a competition. Oh, so and so scored x on their exam and so I need to beat her or I'm not as smart or good enough. Oh, so and so earns x amount per month and has x amount to spend on anything they want. Oh, so and so had a baby last month. It's like a never ending cycle of trying to be one better than someone else and feeling the need to compete with everything. I'd like to see people competing at how high they can jump off cliffs and still survive because it's stupid to match ourselves against someone who is wildly different to us. 

The secret to winning at life is to stop competing with others and compete with yourself. If you had x amount of money saved one month, try and save more the next. The achievement of bettering yourself will definitely contribute to you feeling like you're winning. 

4. Don't worry about the small stuff.

Life is too short for people to hold grudges or hold things against yourself. What is done is done and you can't change that. What you can change is the outlook on your life ahead. If you worry and harp on about the small incident you had last year, you're never going to move on to brighter, happier things- you'll forever be stuck in the rut of hating yourself. Just let it go, don't worry and move on. 

5. Love.

Hating takes up too much energy, plus you'll mar your beautiful face with an ugly grimace at the person you're hating.

6. Try.

Just try at everything you do in life. You can't possibly fail at life if you give it your everything. 

"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." ~ William Shakespeare.

Love to you all, 

xxx