Reflecting on 2014 & My New Years Resolutions!

Pinch, Punch, First of the month and a very HAPPY 2015 FOLKS! What's New Year without a few resolutions, ey?! I know that not everybody likes the whole 'new year new me' rubbish but I'm all in favour of new beginnings and reflecting upon what you might like to do differently in future - it's the perfect excuse to change things you aren't happy with, wipe the slate clean and think about what it is you want to achieve for the year ahead. 2015 really does mark the start of something new for me - I start my new job on Monday (wish me luck!) which is the perfect new beginning and I cannot wait to start doing something I love for a living - I feel extremely lucky to have such a passion for something and to be able to call it work, and I cannot wait to see what happens over the course of the next 12 months. 3 years ago, I made a decision to change something I wasn't happy with and I feel like I'm finally reaping the rewards - it's blooming' fantastic!

2014 was a pretty successful year when I actually think about it.  I finished my degree, graduated with first class honours and I managed to get a placement at an amazing company I've wanted to work with since forever.  Seriously, that sounds a bit corny but it was a big focus of mine throughout my entire degree and I really wanted to satisfy my curiosity.  Not only that, but I ended up going back later on in the year and created my very own card/wrapping paper range which will be on the shelves of a major retailer in 2015 (for those of you who don't know - i studied graphic design/illustration). Its something I've always wanted to do but I never thought it would actually happen - I've ticked something off of my list that I never thought I'd get the chance to accomplish.  I also came away with some new friends - I was so lucky to live with the most lovely bunch of girls for the entire time and it just made it even more of a positive experience for me. Top that off with an amazing week in London with my uni bunch and it was a spiffing year when it came down to that side of things.  Admittedly, 2014 wasn't the best below the surface. It's amazing how a person can have such an effect on your own wellbeing and a lot of rubbish was bought to the forefront for me.  However, I really don't want to focus on the negative so I'll just flip it into a positive - I can honestly say that I really did learn how strong I really am this year and I'm relieved to say that things seem to be getting better and better.  Like I said, what with my new job - I finally have something new to focus on and I really have learnt so much these past 12 months.  I've learnt a lot of life lessons - some of which I wish I didn't have to learn but like they say - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!  Here's my new years resolutions for 2015:

// Take more photos & document the little things more //

I realised the other day that I really haven't documented the past couple of years all that well. I used to be such a sucker for taking photographs and although I've taken a fair few, in this day and age where you genuinely question whether things even happened if you haven't taken a picture (thanks Instagram), I actually haven't taken many whatsoever in the grand scheme of things.  I have some holiday photos and that's about yer lot.  I really want to start Instagram-ing in 2015 and just document the little moments more - like random evenings out and meet-ups with old friends.  I feel sad that I didn't take the time over the past 2 years to do that - at the end of 2015, I'd love to make a little photobook up of my year and be able to remember all the little things.

// Concentrate on my career //

I'm so excited to start my new job!  It's something I've wanted to get in to for a very long time and I'd love to see where it goes this year.  I've never been one to do things by halves and I've always been quite career driven - so it's the perfect chance for me to start pouring some energy into work and hopefully setting down some foundations for the next few years ahead.

// Build my savings back up // 

By heck did my savings take a battering this year.  I saved money like a trooper at my last place of work but I ended up having to use a little bit of it this year whilst I was job hunting after finishing uni.  2015 is the year of savings for me - fun! I have a rather ambitious figure in mind but i have no doubt I'll get there if I go about things the right way.  I'd love to get some solid savings back in the bank for 2016 as I have a lot of things I want to do over the course of the next 2 years. 

// Up my blog game & branch out a little...//

Uni really did knock me off course with my blog slightly.  I managed to keep posting but I just wasn't as in-tune with it as I wanted to be.  December saw me fall back in love with blogging and as a result, it's been rewarding to watch my blog start growing again and I'm feeling more motivated than ever.  I'm hoping I manage to keep it up throughout 2015 - and I'd love to start typing up some more life related rambles.  My 'Expectations of a Twenty-Something' post was one of my most popular to date and I really enjoyed writing it. 

// Squats, Squats, Squats //

Oo - typical new years resolution right here! During the summer, I really did concentrate on toning up my body and I kept it up for a good few months. I noticed such a difference and then as soon as the darker nights started rolling in I let it slide.  I'm not going to totally kid myself and promise to join a gym - because I know the chances of that are pretty slim - however, I would like to get back into home exercise. It's amazing how much better I felt both physically and mentally - and I felt the happiest I've ever felt with my body. In 2015 I'd love to get back on the health kick!

// Stop trying to force things to happen //

I'm often guilty of trying to force things or rush things that I believe to be the right thing for me.  This year,  I've spent way too much time worrying over every little thing - trying to control every single aspect of my life and I think that in 2015, I just need to let things be and stop worrying.  Everything turned out just fine this year and wish I'd spent less time worrying and more time just enjoying situations for what they were. 'What is meant for you will not pass you by...'

// Make more plans - because I finally can!! //

My university days are over and although they were some of the best days of my life, I have to admit I'm so relieved to be earning money again and I'll be glad to have some routine back.  This year, I really want to make some more plans with friends and family - I'm going to make an effort to do more fun things, be a little more spontaneous and just enjoy whatever time I have off.  I'm thinking days out, weekends away and maybe a holiday or two. I just feel as if i'm finally able to really grab life by the horns and do whatever it is I want to do with my spare time.

So there we have it - some new year's resolutions.  On the whole, 2015 is about laying down the foundations for the next few years of my life.  It's always good to have a plan - and I have to say I'm quite proud of myself for always being one step ahead - I'm constantly thinking about what I want to achieve and where I see myself in the future - it's served me well so far and I've never been the type to sit back and rest on my laurels. But more than anything, my main aim is to just be happy and healthy  - to me, that's more important than anything. The past 2 years have been very hit and miss for me but I have to say I finally feel like things really are turning out for the better. I cannot wait to see what this new year holds! New year, new job and a brand new beginning! Here's to 2015 fellow bloggers and Bird's Words readers *raises imaginary champagne glass* - I hope you have a good one!

What are your 2015 resolutions? Let me know if you've done a similar post!

A Little Bit of... The 'TMI' Tag

Howdy folks. So, it's no secret that I've been struggling to keep up with my usual blog schedule at the moment. Uni work has had to take priority over most things in my life the past couple of months and as a result, I've had to spend less time typing my life away on Bird's Words.  However, I had a few spare moments the other day and quite fancied branching out from my usual beauty related jibberish. I don't often share a great deal of my life on my blog - I rarely dip my toe into more personal posts unless I really do have something useful to say, but after seeing the 'TMI Tag' pop up on blogs and after the lovely Laura-Beth tagged me to do it, I decided to give it a go.  Let's face it - we all like talking about ourselves and we all enjoy being complete nosey parkers in other people's lives, right? I haven't answered every single question - I feel as if I've answered a few of them in past 'get to know me' typed posts and some of them just seemed a little pointless or weren't overly relevant to me so I've just selected a few of the more 'meaty' ones (I also ramble on quite a bit - I'm definitely not your one word answer type so 50 questions in one post would equal quite an essay that would rival the likes of my dissertation...) If you want to do the TMI tag in full then it's easy to google and come across (or hop on over to Laura-Beth's blog who tagged me - she's a beaut!)  But, if like me, you're a fellow chit-chatter-er, then feel free to just answer the ones I've chosen. Who makes the rules, eh?! It's ok to pick n' choose! I tag all of my fellow bloggers...

Have you got any tattoos?

Nope. I'm far too indecisive to get one and I'm so fickle when it comes to things like that.  I know for a fact I'd get it and regret where I'd got it or what I'd had done.  If I had one though, it would probably be bird-inspired or have something to do with a family member - I'd want it to have a meaning behind it and I'd want it to be fairly small.

Piercings?

Here's an interesting fact about me - I have none! I never saw the point in getting my ears pierced because I almost always wear my hair down and it's rather difficult to spot my ears amongst my mass of hair. I reckon it would annoy me having them in. I'm stuck without them done now because I'd look a right twerp going to get them done aged 23 wouldn't I?! 

How tall are you/How much do you weigh?
Funnily enough, I actually get asked this quite a bit through email! I believe I'm 5"4/3ish but I could be wrong.  I'm quite the little elf really...  And as for how much I weigh.  I haven't got the foggiest.  I never weigh myself as quite frankly, I'm just not bothered.  As long as I feel healthy and I think I'm alright then I couldn't care less what a set of scales say to me.

Have you ever been in love?

Oh how I hate this question. Because you always think you are until you look back and realise it was probably a case of the rose-tinted spectacles don't you? I've had 2 long term relationships but I'd say I truly loved only one of those people.  I was quite young(ish) and the time and I didn't really appreciate it like I would do now.  Love is hard to find.

Have you ever had a terrible breakup?

I wouldn't say a terrible breakup, no.  We all have to go through the whole Bridget Jones 'woe is me I'll never find another man again' stage don't we?  I'd say my last breakup was pretty crappy to be honest - but if we're being totally honest here I was probably more upset about leaving the cat behind...

Something you miss?

At the moment, I'm seriously missing having some routine in my life! I'm really struggling with sleep and I'm often tossing and turning until 5 or 6 in the morning... I've put it down to the fact that I just have no routine in my life now that I'm in my final year of uni.  I actually miss the 9-5 of being at work.

Zodiac Sign?

Leo. Yep - that's right. The stubborn one ;) I have to say, if you google Leo characteristics, I'm SO spot on it's unreal - it actually amazes me how close the descriptions are. There must be some truth to the whole star sign thing...

Quality you look for in a partner?

Oh flippin'eck where do I start?! I guess all the typical things - well dressed, well groomed, someone who quite clearly looks after themselves.  The main thing is having someone who's on my level and who I can be 'Beth' around without having to feel like I have to impress them all the time.  Someone with a bit of banter, as they say! I won't lie and say looks don't matter, but if I can't have a lark around and a giggle with someone then they're off the cards. I think somebody trustworthy is important too - after all, you can have the looks, the personality and everything in between but if you can't trust them as far as you can throw them, what's the point in that?!

Turn off?
I'm not drawn to 'plodders' - those who just plod along in life and are happy just cruising along... I much prefer the 'grab the bull by the horns' type.  I also hate arrogance, bossiness, cockiness and 'typical lad' types - NO NO NO. Get away.  You know the ones - the little sleazeball creatures out in town on a Saturday night, prowling the tiles looking for this weekend's bit of prey (since when did this post turn into a David Attenborough spesh?!) If i meet someone and I can tell straight away they're even slightly 'like that' - no matter how many boxes they tick, it's a case of sling yer hook. 

Favourite Quote?

'Everything will be ok in the end. If it's not ok, it's not the end'.  I've had quite a few tough times the past few years and this has always been at the back of my mind. Everything always turns out alright in the end no matter how long it takes. I also like 'Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle'. I often feel as if I'm a step behind some of my friends who are all settled down in jobs and are either engaged or getting very close to being married off (even though we're all around the age of 23-25...apparently that's old now?!).  I'm hoping I'll find my dream job after I finish uni, and as for being left on the shelf? Well, I'm seriously hoping I'm not still fishing around in the singles pond when I'm getting towards the edge of my twenties *shudders*

What are your fears?

At the moment - I'm terrified of not being able to find a job after I finish uni.  I'm the type of person who won't take a job for the sake of it, and after being in a job i hated for 5 years, I'm not taking any chances. I hate uncertainty.  I'm definitely not one of these 'happy go lucky' types - I like some stability and I like to know I'm all good in life. I've been worrying no end about everything the past month or so and this has to top the list.

Favourite Show?

Oh it has to be Prison Break doesn't it?! I could watch it over and over and over again and I can guarantee I'll still be watching it with baited breath as if I'd never seen it in my life. I'll also openly admit I bloody love TOWIE. I love all that sort of crap. I'm also partial to a bit of 'Don't Tell the Bride' - I'm addicted to it and I get ever so excited when a new series comes on.  Did you see the one where he wanted her to jump out of a plane before she said 'I do'?! Goodness me, I'd have a fit!

Favourite Bands?

Err... One Direction? ;) I jest... I jest... Obviously I'm far too old to be a 1D fan... *cough* I quite like The 1975 at the minute, though!

Favourite Flavour of sweet...
I love those little jelly strawberries you find in Pick n' Mix sections. The really chewy ones that nobody else ever seems to pick out. You're missing out, by the way.

Favourite Song?

There's far too many to mention.  I have a playlist on my iPod full of all the songs that remind me of one of the best holiday's I've ever had in my life - I can't reel them all off but if I'm ever a bit glum, I'll pop it on and I'm instantly reminded of good times with my friends. I also love Snow Patrols 'Just Say Yes' and Justin Timberlake's 'Mirrors'. 

Do you have a crush?

Oh yes. Who doesn't?I have to say I'm not one of these people who's tempted with a load of celebrities - I hardly ever have 'crushes' (i hate that word...) on people I can't have. That's just setting yourself up for disappointment isn't it?! I prefer focusing my attention on people much closer to home. I like an actual challenge.

The last song you sang?

I've just been in the car and was singing along to a bit of Whitney's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' on Gem106... I don't mess about when I'm in the car on my own... You's can't beat a bit of Gem106 at full whack when you fancy a sing-along!

Where do you go when you're sad?

Sometimes I'll go for a drive in my car and I'll park up somewhere quiet and have a little cry.  I hate people seeing me cry or knowing I'm upset so I try and hold off the water-works until I'm on my own. I can hide the fact I'm feeling upset very, very well - I'm one of those people who bottles everything up and pretends they're happy til the point where I sometimes even forget I'm feeling sad.

A place you want to visit...

I love to travel (although I hate flying) but I can't think of a specific place that I have an overwhelming urge to visit.  I've always fancied the Maldives or Hawaii for some reason.  And I'd love to go to Santorini and Skopelos in Greece.  I really want to pretend I'm Sophie from Mamma Mia and go about my daily life singing Abba songs in my flip-flops with my hair in beachy waves... I have a lifetime goal to visit all of the Greek islands. But we shall see how that one goes.

The last sport you played...

I shan't lie. It was probably back in the day at school.  I was always the one who got picked last for teams and 'PE day' always put me in a horrible mood.  I've knocked over high jumps, twisted my arm rather badly attempting to get over a vaulting horse, hit myself in the face with a rounders bat and I've given myself a black eye and a swollen cheek from running into a log.  Yep. You couldn't make it up really could you? I'll stick to writing essays and putting on lipgloss in class, thanks!

Favourite Colour?

As much as I do like a dash of pink (i'm such a girly girl), believe it or not, my favourite colour is blue. Let's get specific here though - it ain't just any old blue! I love the really bright 'summer ocean' typed blues... the ones that instantly remind you of being on holiday in sunnier climes!

Have you ever been in a physical fight?

Nope. I'm just not the type of person to get myself into situations like that.  I'm sure we've all had a few sharp words now and again - i certainly have - but I've never, ever thrown a punch in anyone's direction.  To be honest, I'd be daft if I did - I'm such a weakling. I struggle to win a thumb war.

The reason you started blogging?

I cut my full-time hours at my place of work and had a lot more spare time on my hands - I found myself getting so bored on all my days off and wanted something worthwhile to get my mitts into! There's only so many times you can watch repeats of Friends on Comedy Central, ya know! I'd been reading blogs for about a year and really wanted to start my own. 

The meaning behind your blog name?

I explain more in my FAQ! But it basically derived from my nickname amongst my group of friends (Bird) - hence 'Bird's Words'. To be honest, I often wonder about my blog name - it doesn't sound very beauty-related at all does it?!  Anyone who arrives here expecting reviews about various species of bird is gonna be disappointed to say the least... Sorry, if that's what you were after. Maybe try National Geographic...

The last time you were insulted?

I can't remember to be honest! I shall tell you a story about a little girl I spoke to at work though because I will forever remember it. She was plaiting my hair whilst we were waiting for her mum and we were talking about Disney Princesses.  She said 'but your hair is like a princesses'. I thought 'oh how lovely'. But then she continued and said 'It's a bit orange though'. Kids don't hold back at all do they? I'd recently had my hair stripped from black to light brown and in all honesty, it was a little on the brassy side. I spent the rest of the day catching glimpses of my ruined barnet in all of the shop mirrors and asking my colleagues if it really was 'that bad'.  Bless that little girl, she wasn't half lovely but she really did kill me off that day. I have nothing against orange hair, by the way! But it looked bloomin' awful on me and it was clearly obvious I'd had a dye-mishap. When your work shirt is a dashing shade of bright red and your shop lights have the power to blind you with their brightness - orange probably isn't the best way to go.

And there we have it.  My take on the 'TMI' tag. If there's something in here I've missed that you would really like to know the answer to then fire away, but I tried to pick the more interesting ones of the bunch! From now on, I vow to post more random little tag posts like this... It's good to throw one into the mix now and again after all.  

If you've done the TMI tag over on your blog, do let me know and I shall hop on over and have a stalk...

50 Random Facts About Me | Tag

Hiddely-ho folks! So. I've seen this '50 random facts about me' thing going on just recently and I thought it was about time I got my teeth into a little personal/life related post! I really struggled thinking of 25 let alone 50! But nevertheless I persevered, racked my little brain and I got there in the end.. You may have also seen on Twitter that I got to the end of this post and accidentally deleted every single word of it like the complete clumsy little elf I am.. So I've had to think of 50 facts about me, twice over! A task and a half I'm sure you can imagine..

1.  My hair is naturally poker straight.

2. I've always had fairly light hair and I had white 'barbie' hair up until the age of about 10/11.

3. I love watching prison documentaries. Or anything with Louie Theroux in. If a programme has a title containing something along the lines of  'the world's worst prisons' then the record button is most certainly pressed. And well, if Louie Theroux is presenting said programme then Oh My Goodness it's a dream come true.

4. I have a teeny-tiny mole underneath the ridge of my bottom lip that always gets mistaken for a biro mark. 

5.  I used to really want to be an air hostess. Up until the age of 11 when i decided half-way to Florida that I was actually scared of flying.

6. Which brings me on to my next point... I'm fascinated by all things travel related. If I hadn't gone to uni to study graphic design I would have probably pursued a career in travel & tourism. There's just something that's really captured me about travel from a very young age - I even went to great lengths to get a work placement in a travel agent at 15! I think working abroad would be an amazing experience.

7. My favourite colour is blue.

8. I love ice hockey. Watching it. Not playing it.

9. I'm an only child. Although I wouldn't describe myself as a 'typical only child'.

10. My lucky number is 4.

11.  I made my best friend watch 'Bend It Like Beckham' with me over and over again when we were younger simply because Jonathon Rhys Meyer's accent made me swoon.

12.  I love elephants. I adore them. I think they're beautiful. I'd have a pet one if it was physically possible.

13. When I was a very young child I used to carry a toy hoover around with me everywhere. (wahhh strange..) I used to love my wooden toy farm and Polly Pockets were the best thing since sliced bread!

14. My first crush was on Leonardo Di Caprio and me and one of my school friends used to sit and watch 'The Beach' everytime we had a sleepover. What a dish.

15.  I'm terrified of cockroaches. The way they move, the way their little whisker things flail around in the dark and how evil they look. They disgust me.

16.  I hate it when people speak in overly posh accents like they're the queen or something. It's almost like they put it on and it really annoys me. Unless of course they are actually the Queen. That's fine...

17. I love cats. All of them. Even the grumpy ones.

18. I have a weakness for Chinese takeaways.

19. I have a massive sombrero hat underneath my bed. I bought one thinking it was hilarious when on holiday. I obviously didn't think about the practicality of bringing it home again..

20.  I love cheesecake. Any kind but vanilla is best! The Cheesecake Shop is my favourite sweet treat.

21. I could watch the TV series 'Benidorm' on repeat. I don't know why I love it so much. I guess it's because it's easy watching!

22. I can't wait to have my own place to decorate. Going to IKEA is my idea of a smashing day out.. even if it is for the free pencils and a hot dog at the end.

23. I love airports. When i was little I remember my parents taking me to the airport cafe so I could sit and listen to the 'airplane' noises for a little while.

24. I kept a diary every day when I was in year 8. I still have it and sometimes have a read back through it for jokes and giggles. Every single page is either about boys or my hatred of PE lessons as I was completely useless at it (i once twisted my arm attempting to do a 'vault' over a tiny little stool and I knocked down the entire high jump and landed in a heap on the gym floor - PE was definitely not my forte!) Funny how not being able to hit the ball in rounders was the only thing I had to worry about back then...

25.  I'm a bit of an art geek. I could happily spend a whole afternoon trawling round art galleries and having arty-farty conversations with strangers...

26. I really want to get into Graphic Design or Illustration when I finish uni. I want a job I enjoy doing for a living.

27. I don't drink a lot of alcohol. It just doesn't agree with me. I stop drinking once I feel tipsy and move onto soft drinks! I just can't take my drink very well... who says you can't have a good night out on Sprite!?

28. I hate mayonnaise. I cant eat anything with it on. Even if it's just a little droplet of the stuff.

29.  I collect children's books as I love the illustrations in them. My favourites being 'Where The Wild Things Are' and 'The Tiger Who Came To Tea'. 'The Rainbow Fish' doesn't go a miss either...

30. I hate people listening to me on the telephone if I'm having a full blown conversation!

31. I hate horror movies. Or anything overly 'jumpy' - they bring on my panic attacks! Give me a rom-com any day...

32. I loved English Language at school and I used to look forward to any creative writing lessons. Actual Swot.

33. I once dyed my hair black on a whim because I love Mila Kunis' hair. It looked effing awful and I kept it for all of 12 hours. It took ages to get it back to a half decent colour.  One of the worst beauty mistakes I ever made.

34. My car's name is Mirabelle. Whenever I go anywhere I tap her on the steering wheel before I get out as if to say 'thankyou' for being such a good car! Ahaha.. weirdo..

35. I love crisps. I'd eat them over chocolate anyday and will happily sit and scoff packets one after the other.

36. I am so forgetful. I forget everything and anything. I have post-it notes all over my bathroom mirror and I even have to put them on the back of my iPhone so I remember things.  I almost always still forget. I've heard it gets worse as you get older.. so at 22 I have no hope!

37. If something annoys me I find it very difficult not to speak up. I'm not a confrontational person at all.. in fact - I hate arguments. But if I'm really against something or if I have something to say I like to speak up for myself.

38.  I'm addicted to buying bikinis! I buy ridiculous amounts of them and as a result now have to dedicate a whole drawer in my bedroom to them.  It's silly really seeing as I only ever wear them when i'm abroad.. but they're something I enjoy buying and I have one for every single mood and 'level of tan' possible!

39. I used to ask Santa Claus for a donkey every year when I was little. Never got one.

40. I love summer and sunny days put me in a reet good mood in an instant!

41. I hate coffee. I hate the smell of it on people's breaths and I find the taste awful! I like the smell of it when it's in the mug though..

42.  I love perfumes. I have a drawer full of them!! and yes.. i use them all!!

43.  I struggle to say the word 'squirrel'

44. I am the biggest home bird you will ever meet.  I love being cosy at home and it's very rare I will venture out of my house once the pyjamas have gone on. I much prefer nights in to nights out!

45. I've become a secret fan of watching Question Time. But it often gets my back up!

46.  I love Greece. I love it's simplicity and the whole culture surrounding it. I think it's very endearing and it holds a special place in my heart.

47.  I have a fascination with abandoned places. There's an abandoned theme park near me and I used to go there when I was a child. There's not much left of it now - it's being built on in the near future but there's something a bit spooky about places that used to be full of people that are now completely deserted. I'm still yet to find someone who wants to go with me. Suppose it is a bit strange though .. 'oh hey.. fancy taking a trip to that huge expanse of un-used land with me?' hmmm..

48. I'm crap at maths. But i'm pretty snappy with percentages! I must have been very selective with what I learnt in Maths lessons.. I'm a whizz when it comes to working out how much discount i'll get off something in Topshop. Sod algebra! 

49.  I love reading books about crime and grisly stuff! I think I secretly want to be a member of CSI...

50.   I love wearing heels. I wear them most days.. even if it's just a little one... I lack in the height department so an extra bit of tall-ness allows me to feel like I mean business!

A massive pat on the back to you if you actually made it to the end! Do i share any of these random things in common with any of you?!

 ♥