My Last Blog Post Of 2013: Things That 2013 Has Taught Me And New Years Resolutions!

Hey!

It's New Years Eve and I am doing nothing. I have no plans and will probably spend the night having a bath with my lush goodies, painting my nails, eating crap and watching a film, all before hopping into bed and having an early night. I know, my life is so exciting.

If I'm honest, I would rather spend my night like that. I'm only 15 and feel like I have loads of time ahead to spend New Years Eve getting completely wasted (i.e drunk) and spending the first day of the new year with a hang over. New Years Eve is meant to be magical and, to me, that sounds everything but magical.

Anyway, as it is New Years Eve, I decided that I would reflect on 2013 and then tell you my goals for 2014.

Things 2013 Has Taught Me:

-Just because you're nice to someone, doesn't mean they have to be nice back.

-No matter what you do, some people are just never going to like you.

-You should appreciate those around you now because they won't be there forever.

-To get what you want, you have to work for it (or, as Britney Spears puts it: You Better Work Bitch).

-Being skinny won't bring happiness.

-You only live once.

-Everything is beautiful but not everyone sees it.

My New Years Resolutions:

-Get fit and healthy.

-Drop 3 dress sizes (hopefully before July. I know it's a tough one).

-Take more pictures with friends and family/make more memories.

-Get a part-time job.

-Appreciate what I have and the people around me more.

-Give back.

-Document my life/keep a diary.

-Save money.

What are your New Years Resolutions?

Happy New Year!

-Jess<3

Christmas 2013: Farmer Parrs, Meeting Santa And Frozen!

Hey!

I have a younger brother. He is 6 and, like all 6 year old's, believes in Santa. That means that every Christmas we make this whole big show of going to see Santa the weekend before Christmas and going to bed early on Christmas Eve. For the past 4 years, we go to 'Farmer Parrs' to see Santa. It's about 2 hours away from where we live but it has a small farm, museum and cafe. It is a nice way to spend a 3 or 4 hours. We went yesterday (22nd of December 2013) and, just like every year in the barn Santa's Grotto's in, they have a Christmas display and a little walk trough bit. I thought this year was really pretty so I took some pictures. They are not great quality but oh well, I like them!

Today I went to see 'Frozen'. I loved it! It was a supper cute, all singing, all dancing Disney film. I recommend everyone sees it as it is the perfect Christmas/Winter film!

This will probably be my last post before Christmas so, if your celebrate it, Merry Christmas! If you don't I hope you have a great few days and I will speak to you all soon.

-Jess<3

Christmas 2013: Mock Exam Results And Surprise Presents!

Hey!

Last Wednesday (11th of December 2013) I got my mock exam results back. In late November I had taken mock exams for each of the subjects I'm taking for GCSE. They say that between now and June (when I take my actual GCSE's) most people go up by at least one full grade (e.g if you got a 'B' grade in the November mock, you should get an 'A' grade in your actual exam). As I am pretty happy with my results and the effort I put into the mocks, I thought I would share my results on my blog.

My Mock Exam Results (November 2013):

English - B

Maths - B

Science - C

Catering - B

French - C

History - B

Religious Education - B

Travel and Tourism - A

If what they say about going up by a whole grade is true, I feel pretty confident about the June exams now!

I help out in the Learning Support team at my school. Twice a week I go in for form time (20 minutes in a morning) and help out by listening to people read or going and collecting people from classes. It is something I volunteer to do as it will look great on my C.V and gives me great experience as I want to become a primary school teacher. The teachers in there are so lovely and have really took my under their wing. I went in today in form time (I go and help out on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and they gave me a wonderful surprise. They gave me a little Christmas gift and card to say thank you for helping them. It made me feel all warm and put me in a great mood for the rest of the day. I go and help because I enjoy it, not because I have too but, by them giving me a gift, it made me feel appreciated and like someone had noticed the work I have been putting in to help out. They got me a cute little Christmas card and a Moroccan Rose 'Gift Cube' from The Body Shop. It is a really sweet little gift and I am very grateful that they made the effort to buy me a gift. 

-Jess<3

Christmas 2013: The Jingle All The Way Tag!

Hey!

As I am in a Christmassy mood, I thought I would do the 'Jingle All The Way' tag.

Hope you enjoy!

The Jingle All The Way Tag!

1. What are some of your favourite Christmas traditions?

One of my favourite Christmas traditions is or Christmas Eve baking and movies day. Basically, our whole family gets up on Christmas Eve morning and we bake all morning. Sausage rolls, mince pies, jam tarts: you name it, we make it. Afterwards we spend the whole afternoon watching Christmas movies, playing games and eating what we have baked. Such a perfect, relaxed, family day.

2. What is one thing you hope to get for Christmas this year?

I am actually not hoping to get much this Christmas. I haven't really asked for anything apart from a few bits, which are pretty boring and basic things if I'm honest. That said I guess I am hoping for surprises and family time this year for Christmas.

3. Favourite Christmas drink/food?

I love mince pies at Christmas. I know, it's an obvious one but I really do love them.

4. Ice-Skating or Christmas Shopping?

Christmas shopping. Partly because I love to shop, but mostly because I hate ice-skating.

5. It's snowing outside. Do you stay in side, drinking hot chocolate, or go outside and play in the snow?

I stay inside and drink hot chocolate because I'm not a big fan of snow.

6.  Favourite Christmas movie?

It's a draw between 'Elf' and 'The Grinch'.

7. Favourite Christmas song?

Either 'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues or 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)' by Mariah Carey.

8. Real or fake tree?

Fake tree. I've never actually met anyone who has a real Christmas tree.

9. What is your favourite winter/Christmas beauty trend?

I love the bold/dark lip trend in the winter.

10. What is your favourite thing about the holidays?

I love the mood/atmosphere around Christmas time and the quality time you get to spend with the ones you love.

What is your favourite Christmas song and movie?

-Jess<3

Christmas 2013: Mini November Favourites And Nail Polish Haul/First Impressions!

Hey!

I love anything mini. This is mostly because I believe that if things are mini they are cuter but also because I rarely get through a full sized version of something. To me, mini's are perfect in ever single way. That is why, today, I am giving you a 'Mini November Favourites' and a 'Mini Nail Polish Haul/First Impressions'. Well that and the fact I have a face mask on that needs washing off in 15 minutes!

Mini November Favourites:

-Inecto Pure Coconut Heat Protecting Leave-In Conditioner. 

-Schwarzkopf Got2b Oil-Licious Tame And Shine Styling Oil.

-Skin Therapy 3 In 1 Fragranced Facial Wipes.

-Boots Skin Clear Oil-Free Mattifying Lotion.

-Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash.

-Jumpers.

-Riding Boots.

Nail Varnish Haul/Review:

-Rimmel London Metal Rush Nail Polish in 100 Pearly Queen (£1.00 at B&M's).

I saw this polish at B&M's today and fell in love. Not only was it a bargain but it was also an amazingly unique colour and I knew I couldn't leave without it. Once I got home, I put it on straight away and have been admiring my nails ever since. In some lights, the colour is what you would imagine it to be, a pearly cream. In others, it is a slightly darker more nude brown colour. At times, it looks like a silver colour and, at others, it is more of a light lilac colour. But, no matter what colour it looks to be, it has this gold almost green undertone and shimmer. The polish is sheer, which is annoying as it takes 3 to 4 coats to get it a nice, opaque colour. Overall, I am in love with the colour already and think that it's a perfect, mulit-seasonal colour that would go with any skin tone.

-Jess<3

Christmas 2013: Being Grateful For The Things You Take For Granted!

Hey!

I, like many people these days, have 'Facebook'. To me (and my best friend, V) it is a source of our daily entertainment. People's statuses are funny (in an ironic and pathetic kind of way) and the jokes we can make from them are funnier but, sometimes, 'Facebook' shows us that people can be ungrateful and, sometimes, cruel.

We have all witnessed our fair share of internet wars/fights. They provide amazing entertainment and give us a nice chunk of gossip to discus with friends. I'm a gossiper and these fights (especially the ones between the girls at school) give me at least 30 minutes worth of gossip to talk about with V. I know it's a bad habit but we all do it, I'm just honest about it. People tend to be crueler online than face to face, which makes the fights funnier but also extremely harsh and horrible. Some of the things people say to each other are unnecessary and, however hippy and cliche this sounds, people need to learn respect for each other and learn that if you dislike someone you should just avoid them. This has nothing to do with what I want to talk about today, but I felt the need to say it. You're welcome (people who watch 'Awkward' will get that reference).

 Anyway, back to the topic of today's post. I was scrolling through 'Facebook' and I came across a status by someone who is nice and respectful. The status shocked me, not because of who wrote it, but because of what it said. ''FUMING! The coat I want for Christmas is out of stock because my parents didn't buy it when I asked like 2 weeks ago''. Now I get it, we have all really wanted something and not been able to have it, we have also all had times when we have been annoyed at our parents, but most people don't write a status about it. Mostly because it is just a fucking object (in this case a coat) but also because your parents deserve more respect than that and you should be more grateful. Yes, the coat you want is out of stock but it will come back in stock in the 3 weeks there is until Christmas. To some people, the thought of even having 1 present at Christmas, even if it is just a pair of socks, is exciting and makes them happy. To others, the thought of fresh water, a hot meal, a bed and a shower makes them jump for joy. People loose sight of how lucky they are sometimes. I'm not saying you don't have the right to complain because you do. I understand that their are people worse off then me but I believe that I have the right to complain about my problems. If you want to go on 'Facebook' and complain that's fine, but just think about what you are writing. Some people are not getting anything for Christmas this year, others won't even get a hot meal that day, some don't have parents to celebrate with this year and others have no one at all. This Christmas, while your tucking into your Christmas dinner or opening your expensive and thoughtful gifts, spare a thought for those who are less fortunate than you. 

Not because you should, but because they have no one else thinking about them on Christmas day.

-Jess<3

Jess's Jabbers: Mock Exams, Growing Up And Weight Loss!

Hey!

I feel like I say I'm sorry for the lack of blog post's every time I do a post. Actually, scrap that, I do say that every time I do a post. 

School is killing me... you have no idea. Last week (18th-22nd of November 2013) was study leave/mock exam week. That basically means we get the week off for study leave but we don't because we have to come in every day to do mock exams. It was actually a really useful week for me. I got to experience what my actual GCSE exams will be like in June but I also got to experience the freedom that comes with being in sixth form or college. Overall, I think my mock exams went pretty well and, with the exception of a couple, I feel pretty confident that I will get good grades.

I won't lie though, the fact I am doing my GCSE's in June scares the crap out of me. I feel like I am growing up to fast sometimes. I'm 16 in just under 2 months and that seems un-real to me. I'm approaching 16 and, as cringy and pathetic as this sounds, I feel like I haven't 'achieved' the things others my age have. I'm all for people moving at their own speed but I feel like I have not marked off as many 'mile-stones' as others my age have. I've never gotten drunk, never had my first kiss, never had my first ever 'serious' relationship and never really got in any real trouble. I'm whats considered to be a 'good girl'. I stay in at night doing homework, watching films and snuggling up in bed keeping warm. I know, I live life on the edge.

Over the last 2 and a half weeks, I have been on a 'diet'. By diet I mean eating healthy and working out. So far, I have lost 3 pounds. This is a big achievement for me as I am constantly going on 'diets' and I have never stuck to one for this long before. Yay, snaps for me (name that movie anyone?).

What's going on in your life?

-Jess<3

My Favourites of October 2013!

Hey!

Today I am doing my October favourites. This is gonna be a mixture of make-up, skincare, fragrance, nails and hair products, as well as a book I have been loving this month and some music I have loved as well.

So, lets get crack-a-lacking! 

My Favourites of October 2013!

~ Maybelline New York Pure Cover Mineral Anti-Cernes Concealer in shade '02 Natural'.

~ Benefit They're Real Mascara.

Just as a side note: Although this mascara is expensive, I 100% recommend it. It is the best mascara I have ever used and is completely worth the money. I own at least 10 mascara's at the moment but, no matter what, this is the one I always reach for. It's amazing.

~ NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm in  shade '355 Applelicious Pink'.

This is an amazing dark, berry pink colour. It's a perfect bold, darker lip colour for the Autumn.

~ Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub.

~ Asda Skin System Young Skin Matte Finish Moisturiser.

This is amazingly cheap but a really nice matte finish moisturiser and works really well to help prevent shine.

~ L'oreal Studio Matt & Messy Shine-Free Salt Spray.

~ Playboy Play It Rock Perfume Body Spray For Her.

~ Collection Hot Looks 60 Seconds Nail Polish in '56 Electric Dreams'.

~ OPI Shatter Polish in 'Shatter The Scales'.

~ Panic Attacks by Christine Ingham.

Great book for anyone who suffers from panic attacks. Really helps you understand all about panic attacks and how you can try to prevent/control them.

~ Drakes 'Nothing Was The Same' Album (linked).

My favourite songs from the album are 'Just hold on we're going home', 'Come Thru', 'From Time' and 'Too much'. Overall the whole album is amazing and I have been listening to it non stop all throughout October.

~ 'Trust Issues' by Drake (linked).

~ 'Pursuit Of Happiness' by Kid Cudi (linked).

What did you love during October?

-Jess<3

Jess's Jabber's: 'Moments'!

Hey!

I am trying to decided whether it's 'right' to blog about this. If I am honest I need somewhere to sort through my feelings about the events of tonight, so this is the place I choose. 

It's a Saturday night and I just came back from a really awesome party. There was no alcohol. Instead there was a DJ, a sticky dance floor, a buffet and some extremely cheesy but slightly awesome music. It was my friends 16th birthday party and, if I am honest, it is one of the best nights I've ever had. So, why do I feel so... deflated?

There's this guy. I know, typical teenage girl right here. I never really... noticed him before. I never really spoke to him I guess. We shared some... moments, for lack of a better word. You know the 'moments' that only ever happen in movies. He wasn't about to kiss me and someone interrupted, no, my life isn't that dramatic. We just shared these moments, well I think we did. There was two 'moments' and they were interrupted. By non other than his 'best' friend/the girl who really fancy's him. The girl is lovely and she's my friend so this is not going to be a bitch about her. No, this is going to be a almost 'what if?' post.

Don't get me wrong, I am a very c'est la vie type of person. I firmly believe that 's**t happens' and 'if it is meant to happen it will' but, tonight, I really wish it had happened. I am not 100% sure what I mean by 'it'. I guess some kind of sign. But, lets be honest, life's never that simple. The moments were interrupted and that is what it is but there were other signs too. He was just... errr I can't describe it. My friends have warned me that he is someone that lots of people like and I get that, really I do. But I have never liked someone like this before. I know, that's a really cliche thing to say. I get it but it's true. I kinda think he likes me too but maybe I am wrong. Maybe this is me reading into things to much or maybe it's me being an over emotional b***h but, I honestly think, that something happened between us.

He hugged me when I left and said some really sweet things about us never really 'knowing' each other before tonight. I high-fived him and he kinda grabbed hold of my hand and held it for a bit. Is that me reading to much into it or are the signs really there?

I am super confused.

-Jess<3

My 1 Year Blogiversary!

Hey!

Today, one whole year ago, I decided to start my own blog. If I am honest, I don't really remember why I decided to make a blog but I do remember telling my mum about it. I remember her being in my parents bedroom and telling her I wanted to start my own blog. My dad and my mum talked about it and said I could as long as I didn't give out any personal information. I think I have done pretty well and not given out any personal information, snaps for me. I am proud to say I have blogged for a year. No, my posts have not been consistent but I have blogged and, to me, that is a big achievement.

Just as a side note, I made this picture myself. So proud considering how much of a technology fail I am.

I thought it would be a good idea to do my 'Top 5 Blog Posts of the Past Year'. These posts are not going to be the most popular posts or the most viewed posts, they are going to be the ones I enjoyed writing the most. These are in no particular order. So, without further ado, lets get crack-a-lacking.

1. Quotes I Love: Beauty, Love and Life!

2. Blogmas 2012: Day 1- 'Jess's Top 10 Things To Do In December 2012'!

3. The Top 5 Things 2012 Has Taught Me!

4. My Dreams!

5. My Top 7 Pet Peeves/The Top 7 Things That Annoy Me!

What was your favourite blog post of mine from the past year?

-Jess<3

Jess's Jabbers: Falling Behind!

Hi!

Do you every feel like your falling behind? Like everyone else is on the train and you've not even made it to the station yet? Call me cliche but, when I was 10, I thought that by the age of 15 I would have a boyfriend and be going to party's every weekend. However, 5 years on, I have done non of those things. I have never been to a party, hell I have never even been invited to one. I have never got drunk and I most certainly have never had a boyfriend. I have yet to experience my first love, first kiss, first relationship, first party and first hangover and, although I know that they will all happen, I can't seem to shake the feeling that I am falling behind. 

It's a Saturday night, my Facebook news feed is being taken up with status about party's and what am I doing? I am sat at home, ill, in sweatpants, watching 'Awkward' and writing on my blog. I know how cliche this must seem; a 15 year old girl writing about her lack of social life and the feeling that she is falling behind, but it's true and, sometimes, the truth is a cliche.

I am not one of those girls who are like 'my crush doesn't like me so I am going to die alone with 50 cats' but I understand how they feel. As far as I know, a guy has never been 'interested' in me. This is not a fact that necessarily upsets me but it is a fact that makes me think: 

In less than 4 months I turn 16 and, as I sit in my room listening to people, mostly couples, walk past my house making their way to whatever party they're going to, I can't help but wonder if that will be me this time next year or if I will still be sitting here wishing it was?

-Jess<3

Back To School: Motivational School, Learning and Achieving Quotes!

Hey!

I always start off the school year with loads of motivation but, after the first term or so, my motivation lacks. The problem with this is that I need that motivation the most towards the middle and the end of the school year. By the middle of the school year, the end seems nowhere in sight and exhaustion, stress or both have started to take over. This is when you need the motivation to continue and not give up. By the end, your happier because the school years nearly over but big exams start to appear and you need the motivation to study and do well. 

I think motivation is a big part of school life and that's why I think this post would be a good part of my back to school series.

Next time your in a lesson and you have no motivation to learn or to work, remember these quotes!

Motivational School, Learning and Achieving Quotes!

Whats your motivation for getting through those tough school days?

-Jess<3

Back To School: What's In My School Bag?

Hey!

Although I don't go back to school till next week, I thought now would be a great time to show you whats in my school bag. 

First of all I would just like to explain a few things to you. In UK primary and high schools, you get given exercise books in lessons. You get new ones every school year and you use them to do work and take down notes in. These are given to you for free. Because I get these free exercise books, I don't have to go out and buy notebooks, binders, files or folders. Also, school own textbooks for each subjects. This means that if we need to use a textbook for subject, they are given out at the start of the lesson and collected back in at the end. This means I also don't have to buy or carry textbooks with me. Because of this, I have no exercise or textbooks in my bag. I also don't have any notebooks, binders, files or folders. We are also given a homework diary/planner from our school which means I also don't have one of those in my bag either.

Anyway, with that being said, lets get on with the post.

Back To School: What's In My School Bag?

My Bag:

-Bag: from Primark £10-£12.

Whats In My Bag?

 My Lunch Box And Water Bottle!

 -Water Bottle: from PoundLand £1.

-Lunch Box: 'Sistema Lunch Cube' from Wilkinsons £2.

My Pencil Case!

-Pencil Case: from Tesco £0.10 (I know, bargain).

-Maths Set (contains: Compass, Set Square, Ruler and Protractor): from Supermarket (can't remember which one, sorry) £2-£3.

-Rubber and Pencil Sharpener: 'Set Of 6' from local Pound Shop £1.

-Berol DryWipe Whiteboard Pen: I think I got this from school... I think I put it in my pencil case by accident after an art lesson and never gave it back. Whoops!

-Glue Stick: 'Set Of 5' from PoundLand £1.

-2 Cath Kidston 'Kensington Rose' Print Pencils in Pink and Green: 'Set of 4' got as a birthday present.

-1 random Staedtler Pencil: found in my pencil holder at home.

-3 Bic Round Stic Medium Black Ink Pens: 'Pack of 10' from PoundLand £1.

-3 Blue Ink Pens: 'Pack of 20' from PoundLand £1.

-Highlighters (in colours: purple, green, yellow, orange, pink and blue): 'Set of 6' from PoundLand £1.

My Scientific Calculator!

-Casio fx-83GT Plus Natural-V.P.A.M Calculator in Grey: from Morrisons £10.

My Colourful Pens!

-Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3mm Pens: 'Set of 10' from Tesco £4-£5.

 My Make-Up Bag!

-Make-Up Bag: from Primark £1-£2.

-2 Refreshing Wipes: got free when I ordered from an online store.

-Britney Spears Curious Write On Perfumed Shimmer Stick: got as a birthday present a few years ago.

-Tiama Body Spray in Celeb: from B&M's £0.49.

-Vaseline Aloe Sensitive Roll On Deodorant: from Tesco £1-£2.

-Goody Folding Brush with Mirror: from Morrisons £1-£2.

-Pink Knot Elastic Hair Tie: 'Pack of 10' from Primark £1-£2.

-Spearmint Colgate Wisps: got from a store when I went to America.

-Plasters: took from first aid kit in my house.

-Andrew Barton Black Circle Mirror: got in a Andrew Barton hair kit I got for Christmas.

-Mint Tic Tacs: from HomeBargains £0.29.

-Mountain Dew flavored Lip Balm: from B&M's £1.

-Collection Cover Up Stick in shade 13 Natural Beige: from Superdrug £2.

-Revlon Custom Eyes Mascara: no idea where I bought this or how much it cost, sorry.

-Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Balm in the colour Pink Crystal: sorry, no idea where I got this from or how much it cost.

-Beauty Formulas Active Oral Care Mint Waxed Advanced Dental Floss: from Savers £1-£2.

My Umbrella!

-Keep Calm and Carry On Umbrella: from local shop £3-£4.

In the side pocket of my bag:

-Sanitary Towels.

-Tampons.

-Paracetamol.

-Ibuprofen.

-Hand Sanitizer.

-My Phone.

-My I-Pod .

Whats in your school bag?

-Jess<3