2016, a year in review.

2016 has been undeniably the toughest year of my life. Its heartache, brutality, and unlimited amounts of stress really made me appreciate things, pushed me to my limits, and really made me try hard. However, despite the hardships of this past year it did not come without some of my greatest life achievements, and amazing memories that I would like to share:

Passed my teacher exams.
Had my last ever dance show.
Passed my driving theory test.
Went to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
Got a conditional offer from Hull university.
Got a conditional offer from Kingston university.
Got an unconditional offer from Canterbury university.
Got a conditional offer from St Mary's university.
Passed my practical driving test.
Went to see Wicked.
Went to see Guys and Dolls.
Had my last day of Sixth Form.
Went to Majorca on holiday.
Went to see Aladdin the Musical.
Had my 18th Birthday.
Went on a surprise trip to Paris!
Achieved above my predicted grades in my A Levels.
Got accepted into university.
Went on a family holiday to Sandgate.
Went on a Spa day with my friends.
Went to see The Woman in Black.
Moved into university.
Went to see Mcfly live.
Started my first school placement.
Went to see the School of Rock.

Each year, I set myself countless amounts of goals to achieve in the new year, only to usually completely forget about them come half way through January. I thought that I would reflect on last years goals and see how well I did.

1. Loose weight and eat healthily.
Now that... I definitely did not do! In fact I think if anything I actually put on more weight!

2. Pass my driving test   

Completed! I passed my driving test on the 21st April this year, first time with only 4 minors! I was very proud of this, and was very lucky to pass first time. I think it was a lucky day to pick, as it was also the day of my boyfriend's 18th birthday!

I passed!

3. Read 10 Books

Reading for pleasure is something I rarely have time for, especially now that I have to do so much academic reading for university. I did read 10 books last year, however many were academic books required for exams, coursework, e.t.c. and so I am discounting myself on that one. 

4. Get into University/Pass my A levels

I am very proud to say that after a long application process, including teacher tests, DBS checks, and interviews, I received an offer from all 4 universities that I applied for, including one unconditional offer. I passed my A Levels, and even did better than expected, and was accepted into my top choice university. This is by far one of my greatest achievements.

Moving into university!

5. Gain 30 followers on my blog

Since my blog was extremely neglected throughout 2016, this goal was not achieved! Perhaps this year I can try again!

6. Go to another concert

I did indeed go to another concert! I went to see Mcfly on their Anthology Tour at Kentish Town in September. After being the biggest fan of Mcfly since I was 5 years old, it was amazing to finally see them live, playing loads of my favourite songs. I would love to see them again!

Our view of the stage

7. Learn to play a musical instrument

Again another incomplete goal! Did not even attempt this one, as I never really had the time to sit down and teach myself. 

8. Take more photos, and use them! 

I think that I have definitely started to do this! I should definitely still carry on with this goal throughout this year, and throughout my life. I have printed many of my pictures out, and have stuck them onto my wall in my uni halls, which has created a huge photo collage. I have also put some pictures in frames at home, I am starting to make myself some photo albums online, and have bought myself a scrapbook to store my photographs in. 

9. Take better care of myself

This goal I feel like I did complete. I now have a simple facial skin care routine that I stick to, have tried to maintain my hair to a much healthier condition, and have taken better care of my body. I have also taken better care of my mind, for example I have been doing much more exercise, such as going to the gym, and have tried to give myself much more rest. 

10. Be confident and say yes! 

I have definitely pushed myself this year in many aspects, and have definitely said yes to many things that I never thought I would. 

This year I have not set myself any specific goals, only to work on me as an individual, spend time with my family, work hard, and enjoy life. The things you should do anyway, but sometimes don't. 

I hope that you enjoyed this post, as it helped me to reflect on my year, and I hope it made you think about reflecting on your year too!

Do you have any new years resolutions?

Thanks for reading, 

A fresh start...

I've been blogging on and off for around 4 years now, always getting wrapped up in something else, or forgetting to keep my blog updated. And to be honest, looking back at my old (now privated) blog posts.... they were utter shit...mainly consisting of terribly photographed hauls, fashion posts of me posing in my bedroom like I was a model (which I never was and never will be may I hasten to add!). What I really lost along the way, was the passion I had to write, and talk about what I felt. Blogging should be honest and true; not put in a perspective that makes you seem like you have a perfect life, and that everything goes your way. Because it doesn't. Life is hard and not everything goes to plan, things arise out of the blue that you never would have expected, and you have to deal with it.

I am starting a fresh on my blog, writing about what I feel, my opinions, and topics of my interest, that I feel might be interesting to you. 100% real. 100% reality. Not only have I realised what I want to talk about, but I have grown as a person. My interests have changed, and I have changed! I am a new person ready to show the world!

So let's start again! Let me introduce myself, and tell you about me. Everything you would want to know (and more!)

My name is Alice. I am 18 years old. I am currently a first year student in London, studying a BA Honours in Primary Education QTS (which basically means that I am training to become a teacher). I reside in London, but my home is in Essex. I refuse to call my halls of residence my home. I love all things disney and am a big kid when it comes to anything disney related... despite being an adult now! I love my family more than anything else in the world. From the age of 6-17 I took dance and drama classes, but sadly had to give them up to go to university. This is what blessed me with my love of theatre, in particular west end musicals; my favourites being Wicked, Made in Dagenham, and Matilda. I regrettably admit that I have now seen wicked 5 times. I have an amazing boyfriend of 3 years. In my spare time, I love to read books, watch youtube videos, exercise, (and now write blog posts!). I have a slight obsession with christmas... I just love how magical it is throughout the season! I love travelling, and can't wait to travel the world when I am older. I especially want to go to the Maldives, Australia, New York, South Africa, and Austria. One of my life goals is to teach children in the poorer areas of Africa or India.  I love fashion, and anything beauty related too..although I am still yet to get winged eyeliner right on both sides, first attempt...but can anyone?! I am a huge lover of music, in particular Ed Sheeran, and Mcfly, but would happily listen to pretty much anything. I have 3 cats, who all hate me equally as much, except for my beautiful fat cat Daisy. No but seriously when I say fat, I really mean morbidly obese cat. 

Since I have reached the topic of cats, I think that shows me I have written enough shit about myself for the world to see! 

I really hope I can keep up blogging this time, and that my small audience of readers enjoy the new blogger that I will become. 

Thanks for reading, 

NEW LOOK PICKS ♡

So today I decided to create 3 outfits from one of my favourite places to shop, which is New Look! I hope you enjoy!

For months and months I have been obsessed with this colour which I don't quite know how to describe other than calling it a pale pink. I picked this A-line skirt as I feel like it can look very flattering on any body shape, and the colour is perfect for spring, especially with the matching shoes that I have selected. I chose this white high neck top as I feel like it separates the blocks of pink colour and looks very put together when you add the bag too, which is almost a dupe for the Mulberry Lily bag (but just at a much cheaper price!). Finally I added this gold necklace to complete the outfit which I picked as it looked slightly similar to the Anna Saccone zodiac necklaces (just without the zodiac sign on!) which I think look so nice! I think this look would be great for any occasion, and can even be styled up with some heels.

This next look is quite possibly my favourite of the 3. It is great for any day out or casual outing, but at the same time keeps you looking stylish, and is great for any people out there like me who stick to monochrome no matter what the season. I picked this dungaree dress as I have one of my own which I wear constantly and I am absolutely in love with, and can be worn in so many combinations, no matter what the weather. I paired it with this fitted high neck striped top to keep in the black theme but again to break up the colour with some white. I added these really cute chelsea boots which look great with so many outfits, and the heel height is ideal so they are not to painful if you have to walk a long way. I chose this backpack as it is very classy and feminine, and yet extremely practical at the same time, especially if you are travelling, shopping, or are a mum who needs their hands free! Finally I chose these statement earrings to make the look stand out and look not to dull, as a 'pop' of colour (if you will), and a black watch with matching gold hardware that I absolutely love. The thing that I like so much about this outfit is that you can wear it in any season just by adding tights in the winter, or switching to some converse in the spring and summer. 

My final look I have created is a bit different to what I normally talk about regarding fashion, but I thought it would be a nice change, and really appropriate as its the time of year where people start realising that they should really get their arse in gear and start working towards that summer body! I picked grey leggings and sports bra, as I feel it looks slightly nicer and less dull than black, and added a pop of colour with the matching blue top. What I like about the top most is that it has a really open back so you can keep cool while going for a run or working out in the gym. I couldn't find any trainers I particularly liked or thought would be appropriate for sports in New Look, so I found a really cool water cup and sports bag as some cute accessories instead!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post!

What are your favourite outfits recently?

Thanks for reading!

♥

My New Years Resolutions and Goals!

So every year, I like to set my self some long-term resolutions, and some shorter goals that I would like to accomplish. This year I have set myself quite a few aspirational goals which hopefully I will achieve!

1. Loose weight, and eat healthily ♥
For the past 2 years, I have put on a sufficient amount of weight, which has affected my confidence as well as my health. As a start to the new year, (and to prepare myself for student living next year on value beans and pot noodles!) I have decided one of my main goals is to live a healthy lifestyle. I am going to try to cut down mainly on carbohydrates, as this is my weakness when it comes to pigging out and binging on those lazy days (and all the other days!) as well as cutting out the bad stuff and eating smaller portions. As well as this, I have neglected my gym membership for the past few months due to working part time, revision, and just pure laziness! I hope to regain my motivation to do exercise as I do actually particularly enjoy going to the gym, it is just the motivation to go outside in the rain and cold to get there which is the hard part! Hopefully, by eating healthily, going to the gym, and just being healthy in general (i.e. not sitting in my bed all day) will help me to loose weight, tone up, and be happy with the way my body looks, and feels. 

2. Pass my driving test ♥
I have been learning to drive now for about 5 months, and I really do enjoy it. I am on my 16th lesson, and my driving instructor's pass rate is an average of  25 hours, so hopefully there is not long to go! I really want to pass to prove to my self that I am capable of achieving good things, and just because I do enjoy driving and hate taking the bus. I also rely on my mum a lot to get me to work, friend's houses, e.t.c. and so I want to be able to not only get everywhere myself, but to drop her places when she needs it too! 

3. Get into University/ Pass my A levels ♥
Now due to my appalling AS level results, this goal is certainly going to be a huge ask for me and my brain! I have definitely started to work harder this year, as I know that going to university is something that I really want, especially after looking at some really nice universities. I want to study primary education, as my end goal is to become a teacher, and working with children is something that I really enjoy, but it also means that interviews are required for each application, which makes the chances of a place very slim. I think the key is to be optimistic, talk about what you know, and dress smart. Fingers crossed!

4. Go to another concert ♥
Concerts are a social event which I absolutely love, as the experience is just amazing, especially when it is one of your favourite artists. I think my favourite ever concert has to be front row at the O2 watching Ed Sheeran, just him and a guitar. The atmosphere was incredible.  I hope to go to another one with my friends this year. 

5. Read 10 books ♥
Reading is something which I really enjoy. It is an escape from reality and technology, and it develops your vocabulary too. There are so many books that I wish to read but have never got around to reading, and I hope that this year, especially in the summer, I can try and do just that and read 10 books. 

6. Gain 30 followers on my blog ♥
My blog is something which I tend to neglect all the time, and yet is is something I really enjoy to write, so this year, I really want to stay faithful to my blog, and hopefully gain a few followers! 

7. Learn to play a musical instrument ♥
I have always enjoyed the arts side of my hobbies, be it dancing, acting, singing, playing the drums, and playing piano, however most of these have seemed to fade in the last few years, especially musical instruments. My sister bought me a ukelele for christmas a few years ago, and I never really got the chance to learn how to play it, so I would love to do that. Failing this, I would like to return to my piano and see if I can get any better. 

8. Take better care of myself ♥
This goal kind of relates back to eating healthily, but I also mean on the outside too! I tend to neglect many beauty products and regimes which I see as 'too much effort' or 'too difficult', but I feel like sticking to regimes and routines would really help my hair and body. For example my hair is not at its best condition, but I have had a large amount cut off, and am hoping to grow it back in a better condition that it was before, and maintain its condition. Also my skin is very neglected, dry and unloved. I want to moisturise, exfoliate, and just generally take care of my skin more too. This as well as getting enough rest, eating healthily, and using more natural products will help me to better myself. 

9. Take more photos, and use them! ♥
I tend to do 1 of 2 things. Take loads of photos, and leave them on my phone until they are uploaded onto my computer and left alone, or just deleted or put somewhere I cant remember. Or I don't take photos- just bad quality blurry photos, half faced selfies, and shaky camera angles. So this year I really want to take more good quality photos, of me and friends, amazing places of the worlds, and moments which I love. I also want to do things with them. Print them out, put them on frames, into albums, onto canvases, e.t.c. so I can actually enjoy them and reminisce on memories and amazing times. 

10. Be confident and say YES ♥
I have huge confidence issues, and am extremely shy. I often look rude where I am untalkative and quiet in social situations, when I am actually shook with anxiety and insecurities. I often say no to social situations, to avoid these anxieties, and avoid people so that I don't have to feel pressured to talk. But this year I want to change that. I want to say yes to things, and try hard to boost my confidence. If I am always hidden away, avoiding situations, how am I every going to better myself and my anxiety. By doing this, I will hopefully be a happier, more confident person. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, as this has really helped me to reflect on my year, and I hope it has help you get some ideas of new year resolutions too! 

What are your new year resolutions?

Thanks for reading!

1

What I Got For Christmas!

Welcome to my what I got for christmas post! I absolutely love these posts so even thought it is a tad late, I thought that I would jump on the band wagon and do one too! Here goes...

                                                                       My mum got me a Dip sticks pot game which is great to play at the table before and after meals!

A large array of cosy socks, from my friend, and my boyfriend's parents. A student recipe book from my friend. This will hopefully come in handy next year!A Starbucks cup which I absolutely love from my mum and dad. A simple minis set from my boyfriend's grandparents, which will be perfect for travelling!A topshop fur gilet from my grandparents. A Baylis and Harding bath gift set from my next door neighbours.  A River Island bag from my boyfriend.Some hot chocolate's on a stick from my mum and dad. Topshop boots from my boyfriend which I absolutely love. An essence makeup brush from my friend, a benefit roller lash from my auntie, and a Stella McCartney nail polish from my Nan. A Rimmel London liquid eyeliner from my mum and dad. Another glass stacker jewellery box from my grandparents.

Some really nice DVDs from my mum and dad. The Lush The Comforter shower gel from my parents, and a lip gloss set from my Nan. Some Jack Wills Nail Polishes from my Auntie's brother. Some cute, cosy slippers from my Nan. A lush Golden Wonder bath bomb set from my great auntie which I cannot wait to use!Some cute christmas earrings, and an essence eye shadow from my friend. Some absolutely brilliant Olaf slippers from my parents. The cutest ever pug water bottle from my parents. A Jack Wills tracksuit. One half from my grandparents, and the other half from my other grandparents! An art therapy anti-stress colouring book from my parents, which will come in very handy when my A-Levels come around!Some funky hats from my parents!A frozen pen and pad, and yoyo from my parents!A new stay matte powder from my parents. An OPI nail set from my boyfriend. A stunning pandora bracelet from my boyfriend. A Pink body spray and body scrub from my boyfriend. A sticky note set from my boyfriend's Nan. Flash Perfume by Jimmy Choo from my boyfriend's parents which smells amazing!

There were also a few more presents which I completely forgot to take pictures of, or were too difficult to photograph which were: a cream h&m jumper from my sister, a tartan shirt from my sister, a turtle neck jumper and necklace from my friend, a personalised friend scrabble collage and x factor tour tickets from my other friend, Topshop, New Look, and Mac vouchers, and my main present from my parents which was some Adidas gym wear and a nike sports bra!(not my picture...or me... obviously..)

I am so grateful for all the other lovely presents that I received for christmas, and had a lovely time with my family despite having to work a lot too! I hope you had a wonderful christmas and thank you for reading!

Summer Thoughts and Pastel Shorts

My Spring/Summer Topshop picks!

So I have been absolutely loving Topshop's clothing at the moment, and so I thought as it is coming up to summer, I would do a spring/summer look-book for you! I love doing posts like this and I hope to do some more similar posts in the future! I hope you enjoy!

I picked outfit one because my absolute favourite colour to wear is this nude pink colour which I thinks look so lovely in this outfit. I also feel like tassels, crochet, e.t.c is going to be very in this year, especially this spring/summer. I picked one casual, and one more dressy pair of shoes to go with each outfit, and I am absolutely in love with both of these pairs, especially the black pair with the studs! I think they could be such a staple and go with pretty much anything.


 Pastels are always in come spring/summer, and let me just tell you know how much I love pastel/mint green! It is my go to summer colour to wear and I think the colour looks amazing on pretty much any skin tone. I feel like the floral headband I chose would be really cute for a festival, or even just for everyday as the flowers aren't too big or OTT. I also think the anklet I chose would look really nice if you wore this outfit to the beach, or anywhere really.

My favourite outfit out of the three I have created has got to be outfit three. I love how simple and pretty it looks, especially with the floral detailing in the shorts, which would match with the floral headband I picked out. I am absolutely in love with the platform sandals and I was even going to order them for myself, until the heartbreaking moment when I found they didn't have my tiny shoe size in stock! To make this outfit more vibrant, I chose a bright coral/orange bag, and some beautiful dangly earrings which I think are great for festival season.

What are your opinions on this look book?

What are your go to summer fashion items?

Thanks for reading!