Nerves

Currently, I am meant to be doing some English homework for tomorrow, but instead I decided to write a blog post as I haven't in more than a month. As you can probably tell from the title, this post is going to be about nerves. I don't really understand the chemical process involved, but the basic non-science-y definition is that they suggest fear (you can tell I’m in an English frame of mind when I start using the word suggest.)

But, everyone knows that feeling, where butterflies are floating around in your stomach and you can't get rid of them until you have faced the fear or the task at hand. So, that is what you have to do, face the task. There is no point running away from it because it will just create more fear and even guilt, which are two emotions that aren't really the best to experience at the best of times. Hence, this is my advice to you; face the fear to get rid of the nerves.

The reason why I am writing this blog post is that I am currently experiencing that feeling of terror the night before my driving test. There are constant questions going through my head and I'm making myself more and more nervous by the minute. Therefore, I thought it was a good idea to write these feelings down. 

A situation like this should make you stop and take a step back. Firstly, what are the consequences? I bet I can guess most of them:

-         The fear of failure.

 This is only natural but reference to earlier post.

-         The fear of letting someone down.

Well, if they care for you they should forgive you and know that you tried you're absolute best. If not, let them cool for a little while.

-         Financial costs.

This is quite relevant for my driving test. If I fail, I will have to pay out more money. Therefore, it’s better to focus on this after the event and not before.

-         The attention.

When you fail at something and people know about it, it can be the worst feeling. However, if you surround yourself with the right people they will support you no matter what and help you get through it.

However, it must be remembered that none of the consequences include an unfortunate death, just a little perspective.

Therefore, when you worry about something, try to think rationally. It's no good making something bigger than it actually is. Irrational thinking is no good anywhere in life. So, to conclude this rather scatter-y blog post; stop worrying and being nervous, it is part of life.

Much love,

Harriet

Sunshine on Leith – A Review

Well, I didn’t think I would be ever doing one of these but it turns out I am now sitting down and writing one; a review! In the past half an hour, I have just got back from the cinema after watching a film with the family to celebrate half term (and also because my mother had vouchers!) and I just had the urge to write about how blooming amazing this film was!

Sunshine on Leith is a film set in the town of Edinburgh in Scotland and tells the story of how two boys who have just left the army coming back to re-integrate into the society. However, the story is mainly based around love and the ups of downs of long lasting love, new love and young love and how it works out in reality. The film starts with Ally and Davy in Afghanistan just before a road side bomb hits them. They both survive but decide to leave the army. This is when we get to see the close family relationships that are present when they return to their hometown together and all the ups and downs of love, which is what the film is predominantly based upon.

Normally, I am not the type of person to like romantic comedies, however this is actually a musical based on the songs of the Proclaimers. I don’t blame you if you don’t have any idea who they are but I think you would know: ‘I would walk 500 hundred miles, and I would walk 500 more’ and it has lots of ‘dadadada’ phrases in it. Yes, the son called 500 miles that is sung with a very distinct Scottish accent (Watch here: http://youtu.be/tM0sTNtWDiI) . Even though that was the only song I actually knew, all the other songs are pretty good – very upbeat which is something you need in life and the singing wasn’t half bad either!

My favourite part of this film was the fact that all the characters just started singing in the middle of sentences. I know people will disagree with me but it offered a sense of light hearted relief as well as another dimension to the drama due to all the emotions that can be expressed in song.

So, if you want to be cheered up and you are near a cinema, my suggestion this half term is to go and see this film because it definitely will put a smile on your face!

Here is the imdb link to the ‘Sunshine on Leith’ if you want to find out more: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2481198/

The youtube link for the trailer which is excellent:
http://youtu.be/74WEwUnmH-Y

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

Just Life.

This post is dedicated to all the lovely people that have recently started following my blog! This added motivation has suddenly made me start to write a blog post which I haven't done in awhile on a Saturday night when I could be watching TV or sleeping. However, I felt that this would probably be the best use of my time at the moment and I have forgotten what it feels like to type anything you want to say, rather than trying to answer a vague question for an essay. It feels good!

Anyway, so what has been happening in my life? Well, since returning from a dreadful Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition a few nights before, I returned to school, which wasn't one of the things that I would have like to be doing (for your information, I would have liked to be sleeping for days on end until my body had fully recovered from mental and physical damage - this is what Gold D of E feels like). After an 8 week summer playing with horses, swimming, tennis and family, I had no time for doing serious IB work that was on my list of things that preferably needed to be done before term starts, and preferable before my wonderful trip to Wales (D of E - so not wonderful in the slightest unless you count the free ice cream at the end). Well, as you may have guessed, work wasn't at the top of my priority list, so after returning back from mountains and sheep poo, I managed to do some but not all.

However, after returning to school at the beginning of September, I soon returned to my routine of constant work followed my interruptions of food, sleep and chatting withe IB lot which had been lost with the loss of structure to my days with the rigid school timetable). But, I have to admit, returning to school wasn't actually as bad as I thought. However, I have now realised that this is my last year in obligatory education, meaning that university or life will be next outside of this little bubble of free hot chocolate, sarcastic but hilarious teachers and amazing friends. Soon, I will have to face the world by myself without this security blanket, which truly terrifies me.

It hasn't helped with all the stress of applying to university as well as finishing off the ever lasting Extended Essay (16 pages and 4000 words later) that is the bain of any IB students life - which I did tonight (Yippee!). However, this month full of work and stress which has lead to pure exhaustion has put a lot of perspective on life. If I can get though this year scotch free (with a limited amount of mental breakdowns), then I will be pretty well set up for life with the attitude of wanting to get things done and not waste any moment of having time off.

Therefore, I leave you with this thought: how will you make the most of life. I also would like to dedicate this post to all the people that have been going through a difficult stage in their lives - we will damn well get through this and live to see the other side!

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

Peace One Day 2013

June Favourites

Hola peeps!

How is everyone enjoying the British summer! It is delicious and very rare!

Today, I thought I would attempt to write my Favourites blog post because I do actually have a lot to talk about!

1. 8 Tracks

http://8tracks.com/

So firstly, I am going to start with an app called 8 tracks. Now, this app is amazing if you just want to listen to music without having to keep finding songs you want to listen to on YouTube. It is basically a collection of playlists with lots of different genres made by users. There are so many different types - ones for studying, working out and ones for relaxing! It has really helped me concentrate when I have had lots of work to be getting on with!

2. The Great Gatsby

http://tinyurl.com/oq83qvq

Now, I had to read this book as part of my English course and be ready to have a speaking assessment, answering questions about it. Unfortunately, I got King Lear instead of this amazing book! It is quite rare for me to actually like a book, let alone still enjoy it after months and months of analysing it, writing essays on it as well as presentations! As it was written in the 1920s, it brings little things that we relish and treasure and want to develop and read into. After the film was released in May, I have seen it twice - one with my family and another as part of an English trip! It isn't usual for a film to tell a classic without changing it and ruining it. But the Baz Luhrmann one does. Therefore, it comes highly recommended! Also the soundtrack is amazing - another thing that you can listen to on 8 tracks.

3. Putting cookies in the microwave

Why haven't more people done this? It is an amazing thing to do as cookies come out all warm and squidgy with melted chocolate! They are also amazing with ice cream! So the next time you have a cookie, put it in the microwave!

4. Twitter

Normally, I was what people would call a 'twitter stalker', i.e. I wouldn't post anything but instead re tweet, favourite and read everyone else's tweets. However, in the month of June. I have become one of those people who will fill up your twitter feed! It has become so addictive, which is probably a bad thing but I do feel a lot more connected to people which is a good thing!

5. The White Queen

http://tinyurl.com/qgr2hf9

If you don't know what the white queen is, I suggest you go and watch it. It is a miniseries that has been released by the BBC this summer! It is fabulous! It tells the story of the relationship between Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, who latter becomes Queen of England. It is amazing thing to watch on a Sunday night, and I am afraid I have become extremely addicted to it! So addicted that I downloaded the book for the kindle and read it in less than 3 days - that was also amazing too! Philippa Gregory is an amazing writer, telling the story of the War of the Roses. So, if you are interested in medieval history, romance, women’s perspective or even politics and the way people react - you will enjoy this book!

Also, the guy that plays Edward IV, Max Irons is pretty hot as well!

If you have read to the end of this, I have a huge favour to ask! I would be eternally grateful to anyone willing to complete this survey for my Maths IA! Thank you so much!! 
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2M8VCSP

Much love!

Harriet,

xxx

30 Day Snap #30

I'm sorry this is so late guys, but this picture is entitled: 'The first Pimms of the summer'. basically, I had Pimms and it looked so pretty I decided to make it my final snap! I am very aware that this is late, but I have been rather busy this week with lots of deadlines, but I would like to thank Sprinkle of Glitter for coming up with an amazing idea to encourage us more to share our lives. I have really enjoyed doing it, and through the years, I hope I come back and visit the memory's that I have left for myself of what I did in the month of June!

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #29

I know, not extremely flamboyant but look at the size of this grape! Got them from a market stall in Durham! I went on a little road trip up there to check out the university which is amazing as well as the  beautiful city.

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #27

All my deadlines for the end of term - compared to last week I am a lot calmer!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #26

                  

An ethos that I have tried to live by in the month if June, especially this week which is full of deadlines. So, therefore I thought I would take a picture in this documentary of my life to remind me how I got through some really tough times.

What other joys of wisdom do you live by?

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #25

My working space for writing my extended essay, not really working but its comfy (maybe that's the problem!) Oh the IB, all I want to do is sleep but instead you give me 4000 word essays.

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much Love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #24

A nice supper of bacon, cheese and tomatoes because there were no eggs...

I feel this blog is becoming a look at all the food I eat thing! oh well!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much Love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #21

Politics Briefing is on my hand! 

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #22

A colourful cookie to brighten up your day!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #20

Well, today was a lovely day. It was the day where we could talk about the IB until our hearts content by answering questions and telling prospectus students how amazing it is! To tempt people to ask questions - our teacher gave us a sheet if ROSAs (they are basically meaningless stickers but they get you a house point). 

Now I have this many left and I suddenly feel all powerful! What should I do with them?

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love, 

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #19

My 2 weeks are planned - constant work and no free time. Fun fun fun!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #18

Everyone needs chocolate cake in their life if stress or work starts to catch up with you!

Much Love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #17

Because everyone needs a smiley face once in a while - even if the eyes are Jaffa cakes

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #16

What I woke up to this morning. I can already tell that today will not be a good day!

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #15

Well, In going to have a fun weekend! All the homework ever! Thank you IB!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #14

My favourite summer fruit - without sugar!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #13

Homemade sandwiches are always the best!! 

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #12

And yes, they did spell my friend's name wrong!

Today I went out for coffee with a few friends at Starbucks. It was lovely catching up with them since we don't spend time together anymore. One because my friend lives in Tanzania, and the other is we don't have much time any more. I really enjoyed myself, and it will definitely become a tradition! For this snap, I took a picture of the amazing mango and passion fruit drink - it was delicious and I recommend it to anyone!

So, my advice to anyone reading this blog post - go and meet up with old friends that you have lost touch with. It is the best!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #11

I couldn't rotate it, but it is Hugh Laurie's birthday today! One of my best friends made this for me as a parting gift as we used to take the bus together. There are several dates in it that I shall update the bloggerverse on in due course!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

Happy Birthday Hugh Laurie!
Source:  http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/double%20act

Flower Rainbow Tag

 So today, I spent some time in my garden. In doing this, I took in the wonderful array of flowers. After doing this 30 Day Snap, I could not miss the opportunity to take pictures when the weather is good!

Red

Yellow

Blue

Pink

White

I tag everybody who reads this post! By doing this, you are not only loving the environment (as Eco - prefect this has to be a reason), but appreciating the flowers and the bio diversity in our country!

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #10

Double figures!!

A picture of a biscuit, but not just any biscuit. A nice warmed up biscuit with squidgy chocolate in the middle, which is heaven after a school day!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much Love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #9

A pigeon trying to get lucky and reach the house, fortunately he flew away but not before I took a picture!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #7

A nice refreshing drink to celebrate the end of exams!!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #6

Last night of revision!!!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #5

This is a little simple but here is a picture I took sunbathing after a rather stressful Chemistry Exam: An artistic angle of some grass in the sun!!! I love summer - almost always puts me in a good mood!

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

See ya tomorrow!

Much Love,

Harriet

xxx

30 Day Snap #4

Hola peeps! So today I spent the day at home because I had no exams, but it was full of revision :(

However, to cheer myself up, I made some lovely couscous with peppers, onions and bacon. It was very scrumptious!

See you tomorrow!

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

30 Day Snap #3

This is a picture that I took on the way to school. It was a photogenic moment that couldn't be missed - my dog looking out the window into nothingness or catching glimpse of something exciting - I can't quite decide!

Much Love,

Harriet

xxx

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

30 Day Snap #2

Well, this is sort of cheating! I have 2 snaps for you today! I thought a snap of the work surrounding me wasn't exciting enough, so I included a view from my bedroom window when it was sunny with blue skies (something to remember). Well, today, I have been stuck at home doing revision for internal exams that are happening next week. So revision for me!

See you tomorrow with another snap or two!

Much love,

Harriet

xxx

P.S. Here is Sprinkle of Glitter's Post about the 30 Day Snap

30 Day Snap #1

Hola Peeps!

How is life in the glass full of pear juice? Well, thanks to he wonderful idea from Louise (Sprinkle of Glitter) I am participating in the 30 Day Snap, so I can record my life throughout the whole of June.  I think it is a wonderful idea and I am really looking forward to sharing my life, as well as looking at other people's photos!

P.S. Just to let you know, there will be a lot of pictures of homework as that is all I seem to spend my time doing! But, anyways, let the challenge commence!

This is a picture of my uncle's horse. They are staying in my grandparent's field at the moment. This is one of my favourite pictures, from all the pictures I took of both of them. We went to visit every day. It was all lovely feeling to know that horses you could touch were less than 100 metres from where I was living. And as you can probably tell, I am obsessed with horses!

Much love,

See you tomorrow!

Harriet

xxx

Savvy Spending : Some tips!

I've got a fetish about dresses. And today, I bought two, forgetting I bought the other one beforehand. I know, it just shows how silly I am and probably how tried I am! 

However, I am what-you-call a savvy spender as I hate parting with cash! But I have got a list of tips so everyone can spend as little money as possible for the summer ahead. (Hopefully!)

1) EBay

Black Polka Dot Dress

http://tinyurl.com/bqyg4jz

There are amazing things that you can find on eBay. From makeup, makeup brushes, dresses, shoes, bags, book, DVDs etc. And, I promise you will find something that you will love for half the price you would pay for it!

2) Asos Marketplace 

https://marketplace.asos.com/women

Yet another thing that goes unnoticed. It is an amazing place to pick up vintage pieces that are no longer available to buy on the high street from old designer stuff that is in fashion to wonderful vintage dresses, there is something for everyone.

3) Finish up some old makeup

We all have this problem; we feel that we need more stuff to cover up our faces. I bet we all have at least over 5 lipsticks or lip glosses, hundreds of eye shadows, lots of foundations and millions of nail polishes. However, to save a little money this summer, why don't you look back at your make up collection - try some different combinations and different styles and rediscover things that you used to use every day.

4) Go to charity shops

Charity shops are now actually quite cool. They stock millions of stuff that will suit everyone. Even though you have to look harder, and they may not have your size, there are sure to be some great finds there!

5) Scroll through the sales

There are so many pieces that you can find in sales, but you just have to spend some time. I have found some great stuff in sales. Topshop always has great sales!

6) Search on a lowest to highest price range

This is a great technique when you know you have a budget. It means that you cannot be tempted to buy something that you can't afford because you will see when the prices go past your budget range. It allows self control and also narrows down your search time.

7) Find coupons or deals

There are many websites that offer free vouchers and codes to designer places, shops, restaurants, the whole lot! If you just take a little time to search for the best deal, then you could save a heap of cash when you go out shopping!

8) Invest in a student card

http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/

Student cards are amazing! They have great deals from Topshop to pizza hut! You can even get free fries at McDonalds it also helps with train tickets, if you get the train a lot you can easily save a lot of money each week! And plus, it acts as ID as well, so you don't have to carry anything more important around in your pocket!

9) Opt for the collect in store option

Unless you live far away, collecting in store is normally free! Not only does it save you spending a lot on postage and package, but also you don't have to go home and find your products have been dropped in you bin because apparently that was the safest place!

10) Question: Do you really need this?

If you ask this question to yourself, it may just get you out of spending lots of money, and allows you to think of the advantages of getting the product, i.e. when will I wear it? (Actually think of an event not just a situation that may never happen)

Hopefully these top tips may help you to save lots of money this summer because it is always nice to think there is some money in your bank account!

Thoughts from a wood

My first vlog! Sorry for the rambling!

Much love

Harriet
xxx

My trip to Barcelona

So, a couple of weeks ago I went to Barcelona on a school trip. We went for a week and stayed in a host family which was a great experience. The week was full of laughs, lessons, good food and loving the Barcelona metro!

The whole trip was an experience. From finding our bearings on the first day (i.e. looking for the metro station) to exploring the city near the end, it was a blast. We visited lots of amazing things, like the Sagrada Familia, the beach, the Gothic City, Placa de Torres, the Ramblas and seeing the festival on Good Friday. It was brilliant.

 This is the famous Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudi. If you zoom in, you can see the detail which is breath taking. The most amazing thing that it still isn't finished even after Gaudi's death in 1926!

Chocolate con churros is an amazing Catalonian delicacy. Basically, it is pastry with sugar dipped in a thick and creamy hot chocolate. Es delicosa!

The beach was beautiful, especially in the sun!

Here is a picture from a market stall! As you can see there were lots to choose from!

This was the MNAC, an art museum with amazing art, but I don't think it beat the building!

Here is the view from the top, the whole of Barcelona!

Here is a horse that was on show before the Good Friday Processions. (I love horses too much not to take picture of them)

And here is all the food I bought back (I spent all my money on food...)

As you can see from the selected pictures above, Barcelona is an awesome place! If there is one thing that you can take away is that this city should be added to your Bucket List of places to visit!

Much love!

Harriet

xxx