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,