As I mentioned in my previous post, 2017 has been an amazing year and I've achieved so much more than I thought I could when I made my 2017 goals.

I didn't manage all of them, but some of them I smashed out of the park so that makes up for it ;)

Money Goals

1. Replenish our savings

As I'm sure you can imagine buying our house has taken its toll on our savings so this year I want to try and help them recover a bit so we have a more adequate rainy day fund. 

2. Repay Kiera

My sister very kindly lent me some money to buy my new carriage when I had none. I have paid her back more than half now but this year I want the debt to be finally wiped out. 

3. Save enough for some sort of mini break

We might manage this or we might not as we have other priorities for our money but it would be good if we could manage a weekend away somewhere this year. 

Travel

4. Visit Rome

This was actually one of my 2016 goals and this year we are definitely making it happen because it's all already booked! 

Jared and I are going to Rome in late April for our five year anniversary. 

I've always wanted to go back and explore more and I'm really excited about it. Jared's Mum very kindly bought me a guide book for Christmas so looking forward to putting that to good use.

5.  Visit more local attractions on our doorstep

We made a good start on this in 2017 but there are lots more places to see in the immediate area that we live in. I want to make an effort to visit these before we head further afield. 

Development

6. Pass my first financial exam

This is a big one for me this year as I am back to studying. I am officially a student again and have a NUS card to prove it. 

I am sitting my first CII qualification and have started studying for the first module. I am aiming to pass this as soon as possible so hopefully I can get back to studying in the New Year.

Blogging

7. Sort out my domain name

I have actually owned the domain name for this blog for years but because I'm not very good with computers I haven't managed to successfully set it up.

This year I want to get this sorted as I think it will make my blog a little nicer, plus I am currently paying for something I'm not using which is daft.

8. Create some categories

I want to change the layout of my blog a little and make it easier to navigate. As I'm not the most tech savvy person in the world I'm not sure if I'll be able to manage this but I want to give it a go!

Home and Lifestyle

9. Spruce up the outside of the house

Now that we have redecorated the inside of our house, I want to give a bit of attention to the exterior. 

Our windows and fascias need repainting and I'd like to improve the garden a bit.

I've thought of a few small and easily achievable ideas that I'd like to try, more on that at a later date!

10. Grow more stuff

I've always loved growing things and I spend many happy hours in the garden with my mum and grandmothers as a child. 

As I've got older I always try and grow something at home, but I'm always a bit half hearted with it. 

Now that Jared and I have our own house I want to try and grow a few new things I haven't tried before. Thanks to Cider With Rosie for sharing her veg growing excitement and inspiring me to continue with my old lady hobbies ;)

Review of Waitrose Pure Shampoo & Conditioner

Having curly hair means that you are forever searching for the miracle product that will give you the perfect princess ringlets. I’ve tried countless products over the years and have found the best approach is to try and stop my hair from getting dry in the first place. 

On of the biggest changes I’ve made is to stop using shampoo with sulphates in as they can strip the hair of moisture. I made the switch about 3 years ago and have tried various different brands. 

While there are now quite a few brands on the market a lot of them tend to be quite expensive. Even the cheaper options can cost around £5-7 for a pretty small bottle. When you have as much hair as me you can get through them at an alarmingly rapid pace and the cost soon starts to add up. 

I’ve been looking for a more budget friendly option for a long time when I spotted these in Waitrose the other day. Honestly who knew Waitrose was such a treasure trove of own brand beauty products?

The shampoo costs £1 for 250ml which is pretty excellent value. 

I’ve spotted a lot of negative reviews complaining that this doesn’t lather well but this is often the case with sulphate free shampoos (and it even states this on the back) so I don’t think these reviews are very fair. The whole POINT is they don’t contain sodium laureth sulphate which is the ingredient that causes products to lather.
 

I found that this left my hair feeling clean and soft, without feeling stripped. It does produce a gentle lather but if you’re not accustomed to SLS free shampoos it might seem like a lot less than you’re used to. It rinses out well easily and hasn’t irritated my scalp.

Before I purchased this shampoo I had to make do with some normal shampoo that Jared was using for a couple of washes as I had run out. I noticed I had an incredibly itchy scalp with a lot of dandruff. I even had a few scabs in some places. The Waitrose shampoo has cleared this up in a couple of washes and my scalp is now back to normal. I can only assume that I was irritated by something in Jared’s shampoo. 

I picked the Dry & Damaged conditioner as I’m always trying to moisturise to prevent frizz. This is £3 for 250ml which is still excellent value.  This is a no frills conditioner that left my hair easy to brush and feeling soft. When my hair dried the curls were nicely defined with minimal frizz. In short this performed as well as some more expensive products I was using.

Both the shampoo and conditioner are free from fragrance, sulphates and parabens so they are ideal for those with sensitive skin. They are also suitable for vegans and are cruelty free so should appeal to a wide range of people. 

If you are looking for a good value shampoo and conditioner that is also kind to your hair I would highly recommend this one!

18 ways to save money on buying high end brands

1. Make the most of offers. Brands often try to tempt you by offering free gifts when you buy certain products or spent a certain amount. Take advantage of this and only buy products when you're going to get a little extra for free. Its also a great way to try things and then you know if a product is really worth the money.

2. Get savvy with the sales and sign up for email alerts to your favourite brands. Then you'll be the first to know about them and should be able to pick up some bargains. Also they often send emails with special offers and discounts so its a really easy way to stay up to date with any potential deals.

3. Make good use of sites like Pinterest. It helps you develop your personal style which saves you money long term. If you know what you actually like then you waste less money on buying stuff you aren't really that fussed about. That leaves you more money to spend on that really nice coat you wanted instead of buying five really average T shirts you'll never wear.

4. Get comfortable with the idea of second hand. Sites like eBay and Vinted are great ways to pick up a bargain. People often sell on high end brands at significantly discounted prices.

5. Make good use of blog sales as people often sell virtually untouched or new clothes and make up at massively reduced rates. A good way to find them is to search 'blog sale' on twitter.

6. And blogs in general. Look at swatches and make certain it is what you want. Read reviews and see what other peoples experience with a product was. Doing your research on an expensive purchase is essential because you need to know if its right for you before you part with your cash.

7. If possible try to look at it in person/try it on in the shop before taking advantage of a better deal online. Particularly with perfume as its impossible to tell what something smells like just from a description.

8. Always check if you can earn cashback on purchases with sites such as Topcashback and Quidco. In the past year I've made over £200 from doing this so its well worth doing.

9. Make good use of comparison sites if you can. If you really want the latest iPhone then make sure you are getting the best deal for your money. Also take a look at your current bills and see how much of your current package you are actually using. You might be able to cut back and save yourself loads of money.

10. Sounds obvious but if you really want something but can't justify the money then ask for it as gifts. If its really pricey then you could ask for a gift voucher or cash towards it instead.

11. If you really really want something but its just too expensive then a dupe is a great way of trying it and seeing if you actually get on with it. For example you really want MAC's Ruby Woo lipstick but you decide to get a Rimmel dupe instead. If after a few months the lipstick has been hardly used or you're not too sure if the colour suits you then you'll know not to bother investing in the real thing.

12. Always be on the look out for any loyalty or reward schemes and save your points up for luxury items.

13. Learn what you can save money on. So if you don't find there to be any real difference between Maybellines Lash Sensational Mascara and Benefits Roller Lash then stick with what's better value. Then use your extra cash for items that are worth the splurge.

14. Always check sites like FragrenceDirect.com to see if they have your desired product for less.

15. Choose your most used brand as your favourite on feelunique.com and then you always get 10% off. They also offer free shipping on orders over £10 so its a great way of ordering your staples. I also recommend choosing a high value brand e.g. Chanel because you hardly ever find discounts elsewhere for brands such as these. Then if you choose to invest you'll save quite a bit of money.

16. If you're a student buy makeup from ASOS as you get 10% off. They stock some really big brands such as NARS and Benefit so the savings can really add up. If you're no longer a student then persuade a student friend to order if for you and give them the money.

17. Sites like wowcher and groupon often have really good deals on make up. For example reduced MAC lipsticks, heavily discounted fragrences and gift sets. I've saved considerable money buying feelunique.com vouchers and on my BirchBox subscription.

18. Outlet shops are often full of bargains and always have a good look in TK Maxx. You'll never know what you might find if you have a good rummage in there. For every ten smashed up eyeshadows there is a hidden gem lurking at the bottom of the pile.

If you have any other tips or tricks I would absolutely love to hear them!

New year... new goals 2016

Ok, so I realise this post is about a million years too late and that I haven't blogged for ages. I'm aware its pretty much March already and this sort of post had its day about 2 months ago. But gotta get back on the horse at some point and today I just feel like everything I want to get done is jostling about in my head and won't be quiet so I can focus on things.

The best cure for that is writing so here I am, back at my laptop and typing my thoughts on the internet. Then once they're written down I can start putting them into action. 

2016 is going to see my life turning upside down as I prepare to leave uni and take my first steps into the world so I think I need to have some realistic goals in place to stop me losing sight of where I'm trying to go. 

1. Finish my dissertation. 

Hang on a minute I hear you say, wasn't that your goal for 2015? Well yes it was but because I was daft enough to study for an integrated masters degree I get the joy of not one but TWO dissertations. Ain't life a bitch. So here I am in almost exactly the same position I was in this time last year in science hell questioning all my life decisions. But, I really want to do a good job and get it done so I can move on and finish my degree.

2. Graduate.

Speaking of which I can't wait to graduate this year. When you do a four year degree you spend most of your summer of third year watching most of year friends graduate (and abandoning you) while also feeling smug you don't have to stress about getting a job just yet. I'm not quite sure where the past year has gone but suddenly I find myself in their shoes and I am both excited and relieved that uni is almost done for me. Four years of studying is a long time and looking forward to spreading my wings.

3. Get a job.

While this once seems very vague I'm not actually sure what I want to do yet. I'm really looking forward to a new challenge and being able to start shaping my life in the direction I want. Having full time employment and a reliable wage opens lots of doors. Being financially stable and independent is my overall goal and to do that I need that paycheque coming in every month. 

4. Pass my trailer test. 

This might seem like an odd one. I learnt to drive when I was still in 6th form and as the oldest of four children (three of which can drive) I am lucky to be insured on several of our family cars so have always had access to a car. Unless you are a country bumpkin like me learning to tow will probably never cross your mind but when you live in a rural area its a life skill. Now that I have a car that is a good tow vehicle I want to get that skill under my belt before too many bad driving habits can creep in and other life stresses start getting in the way.

5. Go on a girls holiday. 

This goal is already very much underway as my friends and I are going on a long weekend to Devon after we finish uni. I am already super excited about this one as it will be so lovely to just relax and have fun together. I plan to get moderately sloshed on prosecco virtually every night. Warning you now. 

6. Continue being a *bit* healthier.

One of last years goals was to try and eat more fruit and veg and just generally be a little healthier. I've tried really hard to stick to that one and have made really good progress. At the end of 2015 I even joined a gym and started going properly and I feel so much better about myself. So I want to continue rolling with that and seeing how much further I can push myself this year. 

7. Go to Rome.

I went on a school trip to Rome when I was in Year 10 and started what I suspect might be a lifelong love affair with the city. When my boyfriend Jared told me he really wanted to go there this year I felt like I might do a little wee with excitement. I've totally downplayed it to him about how happy I am about this. I'm not sure how we'll afford it, what with both of us graduating and needing to get a job but I'm determined that this year we are going there. 

8. Read more.

Before I went to uni I was an avid reader. I was never without a book I was engrossed in. Then I went to uni and discovered Netflix and binge watching a whole TV season in one day. There's always a distraction at uni and I find it hard to unwind enough to sit down and get lost in a book. I've got a big pile ready as well as an extensive list on Amazon so I can't wait to get stuck in.

Doing Life the 'right' way

So last week I finally finished the book I was reading called I want it that way by Ann Aguirre (free to download on iTunes just FYI) and I have to admit its not often a book stays with me for this long.

Although this is not a post reviewing this book I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good raunchy romance story. Its a seriously relateable book and I would would be a good read for anyone in their twenties who is stressing about their overall life plan.

The reason I wanted to write this post is the overriding theme of the book is there is no right way to live life. The book focuses around the idea that we have a predetermined path expected of us by society and it can be tricky to deviate from it. As young adults we feel a huge pressure to get our lives together and to start being a responsible mature adult. Slack on this front and you will feel the full force of everyone's disapproval but this can also happen the other way round. Grow up too quick and people will question if you have made a rash decision or bitten off more than you can chew as you are 'too young to know what you want'.

What I loved about this book was the way it encouraged me to pursue what I want and my own happiness. Life is complicated and the right way for most people may or may not be the right way for YOU. And that is absolutely fine. Only you can know what is right for you and by making that choice you also accept the consequences should it not work out. Having said this people mature at different rates and we should allow for this. You might be 30 and nowhere near ready to settle down but you might be 20 and totally in the right place mentally. We are all different and I think you are mature enough to do what you want if you are capable of dealing with any potential fall out.

 If there is one thing we have to accept is we cannot control life and the timing we have in our heads does not always match up to the reality. Sometimes opportunities do not come along at the right time but we should take them anyway as we all have to learn from our mistakes.

The other thing we have to remember is you are not a failure if you deviate from the predetermined path. For instance I originally applied to study Veterinary Science at uni and had dreamed of becoming a vet for a long time. I was a good candidate, my grades were good enough, I had done loads of work experience plus I grew up on a farm with a lifetime experience with animals. However after one interview I received no offers and it was probably one of the lowest points of my life. All around me my friends had their pick of 5 unis and I didn't even have one. I vividly remember the day I got my final rejection and when I told my friends I didn't get a single offer one of them replied "Yeah Amber, you think YOUR news is bad? I got rejected from Exeter today". I wanted to punch her as I knew she had 4 other offers from really good universities which included both of her top choices and had never had any intention of going to that uni in the first place. As I went to a highly competitive grammar school I was one of the few girls not to receive any offers and I had no clue what to do with my life.

But I had to pull myself back together and make some tough decisions. I've never been one for quitting and I desperately wanted to reapply. However there are only a handful of veterinary schools in the UK. Two of these are in Scotland and one is Cambridge and I didn't want to go to any of these. This only left with me with my 4 original choices (RVC, Nottingham, Liverpool and Bristol) and several of these were planning on raising their entry requirements or did not allow repeat applications. I decided that maybe this wasn't the career path for me and decided to change direction instead of giving up. The point is that this does not make me a failure just because I did not follow the expected path for me. Its made me who I am today and I do not regret the decision.

In conclusion: respect the opinions of those older and wiser than you. They probably do know better. But that isn't always the point. You have to learn your own way and we must be prepared to be flexible with our overall life plan as you never know whats going to happen. The right path for some is not always the right one for you. Know and trust yourself.

Also the book is a seriously good read. Check it out if you get bored ;)

Picture: Pinterest.

Six Month Anniversary Giveaway!

Hi everyone! Can't believe its been 6 whole months since I started this blog. I'm so proud of how far its come and how much its grown.

In order to celebrate I've teamed up with my talented sister Elena O'Neill to do this giveaway. She is currently studying to become an illustrator and she designed my beautiful blog header for me. You can purchase her original designs both as prints and as products such as iPhone cases here.

We are giving away a full sized Mac lipstick in a colour of the winners choice and a handmade pencil case in an original print.

To enter all you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below to comment on this post what lipstick colour you would like should you win. Additional entries can be earnt by using the widget to like Elena's Facebook page and to follow me on Twitter!

Best of luck everyone!

Rules

1. This competition is only open to people within the UK. Apologies to anyone else but gonna stick to just posting within the UK.

2. The winner may choose their shade but it may only be within Macs standard range. It does not apply to limited edition or specials shades.

3. If I am unable to source the colour of your choice (if its out of stock) then you may choose a replacement colour.

4. The design of the pencil case may differ from the one shown in the picture as all prints are original and some are one of a kind.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are high end beauty products worth it?

Over the last year or so my love for make up has increased ten fold. I'm not sure when this change occurred exactly but I suddenly realised how creative you could be with it and its gradually become the best part of my morning routine.
Since becoming a blogger I read a fair few blogs and a lot of these feature make up reviews. While this is not an area I personally want to get into I do find other peoples opinions and experiences of products to be extremely helpful. I'm much more likely to try a product if someone else has already bought it and loved it.
However one thing I have noticed is a lot of bloggers tend to focus on very high end brands and this has lead me to question are these products worth the money?
Generally in life I would agree with the statement that you get what you pay for. Those Primark shoes you got for £4 will probably fall apart but a £60 pair from Zara probably won't. But is it the same with make up?

Does a higher price equal a better product?

In my experience a lot of the time the high end product ends up being of better quality than the cheaper option, but this should be a no brainer. After all you are paying a lot more money, the product SHOULD be better. The question is more whether there is a significant enough difference to justify the extra cash. This is a tricky thing to decide and much depends on the individual product in question.
This is where beauty blogs come in handy for make up newbies like myself as the people who write these blogs have a passion for make up. By writing their blog they try a wide range of products and are better equipped to make a good comparison than someone like me with limited experience. Sometimes there are really good alternatives out there and you could potentially save yourself loads of money. Like most things by doing a little research you can make an informed decision as to which product is best for you.

Are you buying the product or the brand?

Like with everything fashions and trends change endlessly and it can feel like there is endless pressure from social media (including blogs) to keep up. Are you buying the product just because the brand on the packaging will make you look cool? Or because its a 'cult classic'? I actually don't think there's much wrong with enjoying something that lots of other people like. After all, its popular for a reason so there is a strong chance you will like it too. If wearing your Ruby Woo lipsticks makes you feel fierce and strut your stuff like the badass bitch you are then you should definitely get it. But I don't think you should buy it purely because everyone else has. Buy it because YOU like it.

Are you paying for the packaging?

A lot of high end brands have gorgeous packaging, ranging from girly and adorable to chic and sophisticated (looking at you Chanel). But are you forking out the extra money for the pot in comes in? The packaging is there to try and suck you in and could potentially house a substandard product. Equally some of the less snazzy looking drugstore versions can be amazing. There's nothing worse than buying something you really like but it doesn't work. If you love the actual product itself then buy it regardless of how it looks. If it happens to look stunning as well (no matter what it costs) then consider that a bonus.

Are you actually going to use it?

When it comes to choosing whether to splurge or save I personally think it depends on the useage you will get out of the product. Is it only ever going to get the occasional use or will you wear it everyday? Items that you will use day in, day out are worth investing in as you get good value for money. Make up has a shelf life and theres no point spending £30 on a lipstick you only wear five times a year. However if you invest that in a shade you wear twice a week that lipstick only costs you 30p each time you wear it.
You could argue its too expensive to wear these things everyday but I think its better value to treat yourself to your best products and get the maximum use out of them. If you never wear it then the product was a waste of money regardless of how much it cost.

So how do you make a good decision?

Over the years I think I have actually wasted far more money on cheaper products that I don't like than I have ever spent on more expensive ones. The lower price encourages impulse buying and I am guilty of just thinking 'What the hell, its only £3.99'. But this adds up if you consistently purchase items that don't suit you and that you don't actually like.
Sometimes taking a risk is good but I would never spend loads of money on a product I am unsure of. I never thought I would like a dark vampy lipstick so I dipped my toe in with a £5 Rimmel one and I love it. But taking a risk style wise is not the same as just buying stuff without considering if its right for you.
So far I have never purchased a high end product I don't really love. When I know that I am about to spend a fair bit of cash I make careful decisions. I research the product, I read reviews, I watch videos and most importantly I always try it first. If it doesn't make me feel like a goddess then I don't buy it.
Respect the need to experiment in order to learn. But you will make better decisions if you take your time to think about it regardless of how much money your are spending.

So overall are they worth it?

I believe make up is all about how it makes us feel about ourselves. It helps us put on a the face we wish to present to the world regardless of how we feel inside. That extra confidence is priceless and can truly change the way we are perceived by others. Buy the one that suits you, works for you and makes you feel good. You have only wasted your money if you buy it to please others regardless of whether you spent £5 or £50.

The Liebster Award

So I've been nominated for this by MakingLifeACamera which was such a lovely thing to find when I turned my laptop on this morning!A huge thank you for that, you should definitely check out her blog, her photography is lovely and I always read her posts.

The purpose of this award is to recognize the up and coming blogs that you personally enjoy and to share them with both your readers and fellow bloggers.

So the official rules are as follows (as stolen from MakingLifeACamera) 

1.Thank the blogger who nominated you
2. Answer the questions given to you by the nominator
3. Nominate 5-11 new blogs with less than 200 followers and link them
4. Create 11 questions for them to answer
5. Notify the bloggers you have nominated

So here are the questions given to me by MakingLifeACamera


1) What is your favourite type of food?

This changes literally all the time. I'm quite a fussy eater but I try really hard to combat this by trying new things when I get the opportunity. However my all time favorite has to be a roast dinner. Nothing can beat that.
 
2) Who is your celebrity crush?

Channing Tatum. He's funny, he's hot and he can dance. Tatum get in my pants. 
 
3) Where in the world would you most like to visit and why?

Since I've got a bit older I have a huge urge to travel. Luckily my lack of actual money quickly reminds me to calm the eff down. But right now I would really love to go to Iceland. I'm not sure I can be a proper geologist until I've been there. Pretty much everyone I know has been and they tell me how amazing it is and I've seen a blog post on NISHAANTISHU and dear god it looks incredible.
 
4) On an everyday basis, what puts a smile upon your face?

The little small things people do for me. Making me a cup of tea without being asked, a surprise bar of chocolate just because, cooking a nice meal. Its the small easily forgotten moments of happiness that create a happy life. 
 
5) What is your favourite quote?

I have loads but back when I was 13 and just about to compete for GB for the first time I went to a sports psychology conference where the guy said to us "Good sports people are like a horse with blinkers: always looking forward". 
I have that quote pinned up above my bed and I think it can be applied to all areas of life. In order to be successful we must learn from our mistakes and channel them into something positive. 
 
6) Who makes you happy?

My hilariously crazy family. I love them so much. I'm also lucky to have some amazing friends who make me laugh so much. And my boyfriend Jared who really understands me. They all make me incredibly happy.  
 
7) If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

It will all be ok in the end and everything will work itself out. Worry less, live more.
 
8) Any embarrassing stories?

Most of these are too awful to type. I embarrass myself on an everyday basis by saying stupid things. Unfortunately a lot of my cringy moments are recorded on home videos so there is no escaping the shame. 
 
9) What is your favourite scent?

Nina by Nina Riche. My Mum used to wear it and I got given it for Christmas a few years ago. It reminds me of my Mum whenever I wear it and it makes me feel powerful and strong. 
 
10) What song are your loving right now?

I'm currently loving Heaven by Amber Run. Such a great track! I love singing to it really loudly in my car.  

11) What is your favourite part of blogging?

I love the chance to express whatever I'm thinking and being able to do something creative. As I am doing a science degree I often end up having very little to show for my efforts. For instance weeks of work might culminate in a few pages of A4 paper which is unlikely to be something I treasure. By writing this blog I am producing something I am proud of and want to continue to work on and improve. 


I would like to nominate 

Laura Leanne

Eden Markel 

Oh So Daisy

The Hunt For Fabulous

Oh Boy Lola

Your questions are:

1. What made you start blogging?

2. If you had a whole day to yourself what would you do?

3. What is your goal for 2015?

4. What is your favourite thing about yourself?

5. If you had the chance to move abroad for a year would you do it and where would you go?

6. What is the best gift you have ever received?

7. If you won a million pounds how would you spend it?

8. Given unlimited funds where would you like to travel to?

9. What do you like to do to pamper yourself?

10. What is your favourite beauty brand?

11. Who in the world would you most like to meet?

Making decisions is hard

First off, apologies for not being so good with making posts. I've had a busy week with working and stuff and y'know life just got in the way.

I wanted to write this post because I've been feeling really on edge and stressed all day. I've been on the verge of tears a fair bit too and that's not my normal happy state. Its taken me most of the day to work out why I'm upset and I think thats because I'm feeling very conflicted lately.

I've written about this quite a bit on this blog before but its clearly still bothering me so I am going to to write about it again.

Without boasting, in general I think my life is great. For me personally I feel like I have pretty much everything I want. Now this might not measure up to other peoples standards but I'm not going to get into that in this post. The important thing is its my life and I am happy with it.

Oddly though I think that might be the cause of why I was feeling upset. Before you judge me and think WHY ARE YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT BEING HAPPY let me explain.

In general I would say its the people in my life who bring me the most happiness and the experiences I have shared with them are memories that I treasure. I am incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful people around me. But choosing who to spend time with and trying to justify my priorities to everyone can leave me feeling exhausted.

I know I should just do what I want. But life is not that simple. I have responsibilities such as work and uni that restrict what free time I have and a large amount of people to divide that limited time between.

Put simply I am fed up with having to choose. I am tired of having to sacrifice time spent with everyone and trying to calculate in my head who I should be prioritizing at the moment. Sometimes I have to make difficult decisions and I then spent a huge amount of time worrying I made the wrong one. Whatever I decide I inevitably end up upsetting somebody. But most of all I upset myself because I simply cannot please everyone.

Sometimes it feels like I am so busy trying to do what everyone else wants there isn't much time left for things I want to do. Perhaps I need to be firmer but I find it hard saying no to people I care about.

So yeah. This was a bit of a rambly post but I feel better for having written it down. I'm sure I can't be the only person who this affects so I would love to hear if anyone has any advice on how they cope with it.

Picture from Pinterest

Join me on Bloglovin!

So I have just become a 'proper' blogger and joined Bloglovin.
Feel free to come and follow me and I will follow you back! You can click the Icon on the side of the page in order to follow me (shameless plug I know).
Looking forward to seeing you!

Apologies about this random bit of HTML here. Apparently I have to do it order to upload my blog to Bloglovin. Who knows.

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