FOMO, the new YOLO? Not quite...

This week's blog post comes from me watching a video about FOMO. No it's not the new YOLO, but it stands for the 'Fear of Missing Out'.

The video I watched was Ingrid Nilsen's youtube video which I will link below for you. I watched it and thought, I totally relate to this feeling. Coming from a family where I am the youngest, I have two older sisters. We are all completely different which is a really good thing. However, it does mean there has always been a thought in the back of my mind of having to be like them, have done the things they did and there is some expectations to be like them. Of course, these expectations have only come from myself, not from other people, but it still makes this FOMO feeling relevant.

I am a quiet, yet outgoing person. Basically I'm both, I enjoy going to parties, going out clubbing, visiting friends and meeting new people. However, I also enjoy my own company and nights in where I put on a cheesy movie or have a cup of tea with only my own thoughts. I don't think this is at all a bad thing, but I always think it is when I choose me time over social time.

This didn't become apparent until I came to university. During sixth form, I focused on A levels and getting good grades so it didn't bother me that I wasn't very sociable, as I felt I had an excuse for it. 

In first year I went out 2-3 times a week and loved it. I partied hard! I met so many new people and felt like I was really making the most of the university lifestyle. Second year, things changed. I suddenly started to prefer nights in over nights out. Now most people in second year do wind down a bit and crack on with work, but recently I chose to have a night in my house all by myself whilst all my housemates went out, and I felt so guilty about it. And I shouldn't have felt guilty about it at all. I feel like I had to justify to myself and others about wanting to stay in by myself, and I made up excuses to people when they asked why I wasn't coming out.

Then after watching this video, I realised that its completely fine to want to do what you want to do. Just because everyone else is doing something, doesn't make it fun for you and doesn't make it the right thing to do. Everyone is different, people who constantly go to parties and are surrounded by friends enjoy the feeling of constantly being surrounded by friends and prefer this, whereas others enjoy times where they can reflect on life and connect to themselves. It sounds deep and like some sort of meditation ritual, but I believe being alone is important for a healthy mindset and wellbeing for me personally. There will come a time when there is no one around to socialise with because they are busy or preoccupied, and people who constantly have company may struggle. But then they are usually the type of person that seek comfort from others, whereas some people prefer to be left alone. It's all about individuality and it is not helped that some people are judgemental over they way other people are (only a small minority).

My advice is to ignore it. Do what you want to do. Like the phrase YOLO, I would rather have spent my life being happy doing something I wanted to do, rather than forcing myself to try and like doing something else.

After staying in by myself, I felt content watching TV and having a cup of tea to myself. The guilt went away and the next time I want to stay in, I will. There will always be people who have so many friends and are constantly surrounded by people, and doing things with a different person each day. But I like the fact I have a small amount of friends that are true friends and I have a balance between seeing them and spending time by myself. 

Next time you have a decision and you prefer the 'staying in scenario', then do it! Your friends won't mind one bit and you get to be happy with your decision.

Jumping on the 50 shades bandwagon...

Yes that's right, I have succumbed to the 50 shades fandom and hopped onto the trend. Around 3 years ago, when the books were at the height of their popularity, I stopped myself from following the fanbase and chose to read the hunger games on my holiday to Turkey instead of the 50 shades books. While I was lounging around the pool, all I saw were black 50 shades books read by women of all ages and I thought I made the right choice.

Back then, I was only 17 so the idea of reading a book about S&M didn't appeal to me at all. Now I'm 19 years old so the idea of seeing the film seemed like a good idea. So on Tuesday, I bit the bullet and went to see the film. Without reading the book, I knew nothing about the storyline, only that it was about sex.

So when I walked out of the cinema, I was pleasantly surprised! After reading some bad reviews, I didn't expect it to be good. But it was! It was one of those films that was so easy to watch (not for the porn, for the acting and storyline!) and the story was enjoyable. I had no predetermined standards as I hadn't read the books, so I wasn't disappointed. 

Of course, watching Jamie Dornan was a highlight. I have now developed a crush on him and he is gorgeous!! And I thought Dakota Johnson was brilliant as Anastacia. Yes there were some cringy parts, but from what I can imagine, these came straight from the text of the book. And oh my god, that ending! Talk about cliffhanger! I have never left a film wanting to watch it again straight away, and watch the next one (which will seem a long wait now!) 

I also thought how clever the filming was to show more than the usual rom com in terms of sexual scenes, but still keep it kept back so not too much was seen. It was raunchy and sexual, perfect for any adult.

If you haven't watched it, I advise you to give it a go. It may not be your thing, but don't hate on it without seeing it for yourself. If its not your cup of tea, then fair enough, but I for one will most certainly be watching the other films when they come out.

And if anyone is reading this who can get me premiere tickets for all the next films then feel free to get in touch (its worth a try ;)!)

That Friday Feeling

Hello and Happy Friday! With the return of my favourite program; the Great British Bake Off, I thought I'd share one of my all time favourite things to do.

One of my favourite hobbies to do in my spare time is baking. I absolutely love it and when I can find the time to do it, I feel so much better! My mum loves baking and taught me how to do it when I was younger, but now its nice to bake for my friends and family. Only problem is, being at university means we have a small shared kitchen and there's no room or time to do it, plus baking ingredients are expensive to add to a weekly food shop. It's not practical, so when I come home from university, its the one thing I make time for.

I love the me time I get from it, as I go into my own world whilst baking sweet delicacies. I also love being creative and adventurous. One of my dreams when I'm old and retired is to own a bakery or maybe work there as a small voluntary job. My first paid job was actually working in a bakery, and although I didn't enjoy the 'make sure we make a profit' side, I did enjoy talking to people about our cakes and seeing their faces as they scan the vast array of cookies, pastries, cakes etc.

Another thing about baking is tasting it! Trying the finished project with a cup of tea is the best part. As a little weekend treat, I find time to have a cake and coffee with friends for a good catch up, and its the perfect thing to do on a winters day. Summer brings the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine with some cake and a summer refreshment. 

My advice for keen bakers out there is to avoid baking recipe books as much as possible. Yes they are pretty to look at but most of them don't work, or don't taste as well as they should do. I have a look online from time to time for ideas, but the best cakes come from recipes from my mum and grandma, as well as a little creativity of my own. That way you can bake it how you like, adding your own personal quantities of ingredients to tailor it to your own tastes. 

This week I fancied going back to basics and made some fruity flapjacks. A classic that will be enjoyed by all generations and in all seasons. I've uploaded some photos (not the best quality) for you to enjoy .x

Spring Staples /15

An inspired blog post that came from my recent visits to New Look and Topshop. I noticed that they are just beginning to bring in there spring wardrobe and thought I would post my spring staples for a wardrobe. These are items that I think should be in everyone's wardrobe and keep coming back into trend every year, so they will not be a waste of money. They're not so much 2015 trends, but I based them around the practicalities of spring, where it starts to get a little warmer and sunnier but is still cold. Here I've tried to address the same dilemmas I have, like should I wear a coat? Will this be warm enough? And wanting to add a little more colour to spruce up your wardrobe.

My first staple item is a biker jacket. Not only does it go with tons of outfits, its also perfect for days when the sun is out and it's warm (we're talking end of march/mid April). It's also a worthwhile investment as you can wear it in any season and it will never go out of style. Team this with a floral dress for a pretty spring outfit, or tone is down with jeans and a plain tee for a more casual look. This one is from New Look.

£49.99 New Look

My next item is a patterned skirt. I think the style can be bodycon, skort or skater, it doesn't really matter but I tend to stick to the bodycon style as usually there is windy weather in spring so this avoids flashing everyone you see, which is totally embarrassing. This is great worn with tights, or without depending on the weather. It can be casual when paired with a plain tee or it can spruced up for a night out by teaming it with a bralet and heels. Patterned skirts will never go out of fashion and they are still wearable in winter (and obviously summer). It's great with the above biker jacket along with black boots, but is also ideal with heels, flats and trainers. Here is a selection of monochrome skirts from New Look and Topshop that caught me eye. Brighter colours tend to come out nearer to summer but these can be worn year round.

£14.99- New Look

£17.99- New Look

£35 Topshop

One trend that will always keep coming back is stripes. It's here for this spring this year but I know I will always own and wear at least one item of clothing that is striped. Great for a more casual look when paired with jeans, but it can also be tucked into a plain skirt or worn with shorts (if it's warm enough). They also come in many styles. You can find striped crops, tees, skirts, jumpers and many other forms, so you're spoilt for choice. For a current trend, I picked a striped crop from New Look.

£9.99 New Look

A denim jacket is a must for spring. It tackles the same dilemmas as the biker jacket but is more suited to warmer weather, plus the lighter colour are perfect for lightening your spring wardrobe. It's perfect for chilly summer evenings and to wear in the day in spring. A staple that will never ever go out of style. Pair with trainers and leggings for a casual day look, but it looks great when paired with floral shorts/skirts which can be worn with tights. Just be careful when teaming with denim. This perfect jacket below is from Topshop.

£39 Topshop

My final piece of clothing that's perfect for spring is a knitted jumper. I like to go for lighter knits due to the weather warming up, but its still pretty chilly. This is a great casual weekend look when paired with jeans/leggings, whatever! Lights colours such as pastels will be perfect for adding colour to your wardrobe. It will ensure you don't get cold on nippy days, but you won't sweat as much  if you were wearing a chunky knit. The denim jacket would be perfect over this jumper from Topshop.

£38 Topshop

To round off my spring staples, I've included a big trend over the last two years, a Fedora hat to complete a spring look. Perfect worn in all seasons, but spring is the season where you can wear it the most. For sunny days team with sunglasses for a casual yet sophisticated look. Just be careful the wind and rain doesn't appear! It has the added advantage of keeping you head warm as well!

Check out this amazing one from Topshop. Perfect with any of the above items.

£25 Topshop

I hope this has helped you spruce up your spring wardrobe, or given you ideas where you could use clothing that you most probably already have. This only includes items from Topshop and New Look, both affordable high street stores. I will definitly be making some of these worthy buys.

Now, time to plan my spring outfits...

Thoughts of the Week

Blogging is hard!

This is what I've noticed so far. Deciding what to write about and then finding the time to write about it is difficult when you have uni and general day duties to attend to. I've also found that it's fun to think about what to write about, then actually do it when you have a brilliant idea.

This week's post is a weekly round up as I have not had any inspiration about a certain topic, so apologies if this post is very general.

So this week was the first week of February, and here's a few things I've discovered:

1. February does not automatically mean spring will arrive

I am sick of this cold weather and throwing on a jumper everyday. I want warmer weather where I can venture out without freezing my butt off and not having a thick coat/hat/scarf/gloves. I don't handle the cold well, I am much more suited to warmer climates. With the arrival of February, I kind of assumed the weather would warm up straight away seeing as next month is March and therefore it will be Spring. But I quickly realised that we are very much still in deep winter and it's still cold enough to snow. Cool for school children, not cool for summer lovers.

2. February 1st equals Valentines Day bombardments!

Us singletons loathe this time of year, and it makes it worse that the first two weeks of February means getting soppy cards and chocolates shoved in our face every time you enter a shop. It is hyped up a lot and lucky for me, I get to celebrate my friends birthday every valentines day. But every other email I receive is Valentines related. And, if you're like me and lead a complicated love life (a.k.a not entirely single but not at the relationship stage), it means I have no clue what to do. Do I get him something, a card? Or do I face leaving it and giving the wrong impression? So many dilemmas...

3. 2015 is going way too quickly already

Its already the second month of 2015 and I feel like it was only Christmas last week. It has made me realise that this year will not slow down for anyone, and that before we know it, Christmas will be here again and we'll be welcoming 2016! Scary! Also, the fact that I graduate next year is terrifying. But I do find it difficult to appreciate time at the moment as I'm so busy with various errands, and nothing particularly exciting has happened yet which means time passes by so fast without me even realising. One thing I will try to do is slow down and reflect on the year. Whether this be taking time out for a walk or having a cup of tea without checking my phone, but just thinking about life. Sounds deep but it's those moments in life that you wish you had appreciated more when looking back.

4. I have managed to achieve quite a few of my New Years Resolutions already

Looking back at my new year post, I have managed to become healthier and this has improved my mindset drastically! I have noticed that I have a whole new outlook on life! Also, I have spent my money wisely but in exciting ways (also covers the 'grabbing more opportunities'). I am off to Barcelona at the end of March (and I cannot wait!!!). I got accepted to work in USA for a whole 3 months which covers my travelling more resolution, and I even regularly update this blog! Pretty good going. The only thing I haven't been able to achieve yet is learning a new language, but I still have plenty of time for that to happen.
If you want to look back at my new year post, here is the link:
http://thelottiediaries.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/happy-new-year.html

Comment on this post if you have achieved any of your resolutions, or what you are looking forward to for 2015 still!