What's been going on?

I can't believe that it's been six months since I've written up a post; how has this even happened?! I thought I would write a post to let everyone know I'm still alive, just. I felt so swamped down by coursework and countless other things. We all have times like that, when life just gets in the way and before you know it months has flown by. Just a little update, to keep you in the loop with it all.

My graded unit was due in April, and it took a lot of late nights and stressful days, thankfully now my results are all in and I achieved an A. I couldn't be more proud of myself, it has given me the grade needed to continue my passion for writing on a HND Journalism course starting in just a few weeks. It's been so rubbish, not being able to blog, with that being my main way of relaxing and enjoying my spare time. It's just that I haven't had any! 

Trying to figure out what I was going to do next year was the main reason I was so distracted. It's so competitive trying to get a place on any course whether it be college or university. I soon found out however, that leaping from college to university isn't as easy as it seems. Well, for journalism anyway. After going to an interview at Edinburgh napier, and discovering there was nearly two hundred interview places and only fifty course places, I realised this was going to be a lot more competitive than I anticipated. It's all about experience these days, and if you don't have it then you're screwed. It's rubbish really when you think about it, how can anyone gain experience without the opportunity to establish a knowledge for the industry first? They say you need experience to get a university place, yet you can't get a placement or work experience without a qualification. Makes sense. It can be really disheartening, when you feel like you aren't getting anywhere. You just think- what is the point of trying when you keep getting knocked back? It's hard, but I learned to shake off the negative points and continued to move forward with determination, something would come up eventually. It's taken time to mould myself into a positive way of thinking, but you do get there, and if you want something enough it will eventually come your way. 

I had been rejected from my current college for the exact same Journalism course I have been accepted for in another college. Their reasoning was I wouldn't manage the work, even though I achieved an A with them earlier this year!? Getting knocked back from somewhere I regarded as my safe option was a shock to say the least. I had trusted these lecturers all year and provided them with work which they themselves decided was at an "A" grade standard. I can now happily say a big f** you for the knock of confidence they gave me, as all it did was make my determination stronger and I got where I wanted in the end. 

If that wasn't a stressful enough event to happen, I also went through a very bad breakup. All breakups are bad of course, but the unexpected ones the worst. I've always found I go the extra mile for everyone in my life, and I guess some people just don't appreciate and reciprocate that in return. It's the most horrible realisation seeing a side to someone you never knew existed, and this more than always happens when you're in too deep. It effected me a lot, especially mental health wise. Being away from home didn't help me at all and it heightened every emotion I had. I got through the other end though with the support from amazing friends and family and that's the best you can get. I don't want to bore you all to death with breakup talk, maybe in another post. 

It has been a hectic few months, and I'm glad it's all calmed down for now. There's no point dwelling on all the bad things going on in your life, when so many great things around you are also happening and you're too busy moaning to notice them! sometimes you do get swamped down with these negatives, but you always come out the other side. There's so much pressure on bloggers to maintain posts frequently, but sometimes life really does just get in the way. Sometimes you have to put yourself first, and prioritise what's going on before anything else. I hope to get back to publishing content more frequently again now. 

Tasha Hall x x x  

Superdrug Haul & Review!

I used to be able to walk into Superdrug with £20 and come out with thousands of make-up products. Sadly, even Superdrug prices are up now. I went a trip back home to Fort William, for my birthday last week and decided to pop in for a "few" things. As you can guess, a "few" things turned into over £50 worth... oops??

Anyway, I guess we all have those moments. The moment you walk out the shop and your heart jumps into your mouth. Yup, it was one of those moments. Me being me though, I couldn't take anything back as I apparently needed it all. I thought I'd share with you all what I bought and a mini review on each item. 

Elegant Touch- Fake nails £7.49 (roughly)

I don't get to wear fake nails very often due to working in Morrison's bakery. It's so sad too because I love getting my nails done, sometimes it's too pricey though. So i opted for the "do it yourself" method. I'm used to doing my nails myself so that's cool with me. I thought I was saving myself money doing it this way, however, there was a 3 for 2 offer on and I ended up, spending double the amount. At least I got a third free I guess? I got a pink, green and dark blue/black set. I'm in love with them all! Elegant Touch have such a great variety of nails and designs, they're definitely my go to brand for nails. I used nailene ultra quick nail glue, which is absolutely amazing. I'm not a fan of the glue that comes with these nails and that's the only let down- so I used nailene. It costs under £5 on Ebay and your nails usually last as least 5-7 days, which is long considering you done it yourself. You can of course re-apply if any fall off. I usually buy nailene in Superdrug too, however, I was so shocked to find they had priced it at £13!? total rip off, definitely buy it online. These nails along with the glue are great for a night out, or even have a look at the more casual ones for everyday wear. 

Eyelure eyelashes £5.45

I don't wear eyelashes too often either, mostly because I am not the best at putting them on, and even if I do get them on, they tend to fall off. In saying that, from time to time I do like to buy myself some for a special occasion. Since it's my birthday and all! I got these for going out with some girls from my college course on Wednesday. On the odd occasion I do buy eyelashes I always go for Eyelure, they again, have such a wide variety. Not that I pay much attention to be honest, to me, eyelashes are eyelashes. In saying this I have found these to be really good quality and good for re-using. The glue as well, when I do finally fiddle with them to get them on, does last well. 

Maybelline master ink liquid eyeliner £4.99

I normally buy Rimmel London's liquid eyeliner but I picked these up to give them a go. I was quite disappointed to be honest. Maybe I got a dodgy bottle, the consistency of it seemed quite dry when I was putting it on, it was as if I was having to re-apply it and build on it a lot. I had to literally drag it on my eye. I got two of these one "matte" and one "satin" I normally always have a matte one so I opened the satin one first. It just looked exactly the same as any another eyeliner- matte. I won't give up all hope yet with this one until I have tried the matte version, however, I think for now il stick to good old Rimmel. 

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Sculpt £9.99

I had heard amazing things about this for ages and finally got it! I was not let down. I wasn't a massive cream contour and highlight person until not long ago. It annoys me not being able to use a brush, however, this leaves you with such amazing precision that powder contouring doesn't and I honestly don't think i'll ever turn back. The contour is so pigmented and that's why I like this product so much. It blends in well to the skin and you can even bronze a wee bit on top of it. The highlight on the other hand isn't that great but, for the quality of the contour I don't mind. A bit more pricey but definitely worth the money. 

Collection illuminating concealer £4.99

I usually go for the usual collection concealer in 01 Light. However, they didn't have it. I noticed this though which I assumed would be pretty much the same if not better, due to the "brightening" aspect. I can't say I'm a massive lover of this. It has a small brush on the end which already I wasn't over the moon with. I applied it expecting great things and it had such pink undertones, it made my face look so weird. I definitely think from now on i'll stick to my usual collection concealer and stay clear from their new one. 

MUA Velvet Lip Lacquer £3.00

At only £3 this is such a bargain! I really do love MUA cosmetics, it's so cheap and some of their products are amazing quality for the price you pay. I wasn't into liquid lipsticks before I bought this. I had only bought one once before and got it everywhere- I couldn't seem to get the hang of them. I picked up one of these in the shade "Harmony." It isn't too drying on your lips and it makes them matte. It's surprisingly quite long lasting and I love that I can wear it if I go out to eat. I always had the problem of not being able to wear any lipstick to dinner because it would smudge or come off. I definitely plan on stocking up with more shades and this you should definitely buy if you like liquid lipsticks! 

Sally Handsen hard as nails polish £4.95

I've always used this polish and I think I am probably on a fifth bottle or something like that. I've always had a problem with brittle nails and it I hated it. I would use this on days I didn't have any polish on and noticed my nails would grow and become stronger. They didn''t bend as much and became a lot healthier looking. It lasts ages as well so your money goes a very long way. For anyone in the same position I would definitely try giving this a go. 

Tasha Hall x x x

TV series- the must see's!

Before Netflix happened, I must admit, I wasn't a massive TV series fan. I think it was because I never had the time to sit down and watch a programme weekly. I had sky plus in my house back home in Fort William, however, my Gran isn't the best with technology, she ended up deleting my recorded programmes constantly. Yes, you can imagine my rage!

I don't exactly have much time now anymore either! With all my college coursework and the dreaded graded unit hanging over me- I'm pretty tied down with things to do constantly. However, when I did have the time I loved a good Netflix binge and I think Netflix is what made me love TV series so much. It was literally available 24/7 whenever you wanted it, a large choice, on demand. I do generally favour the American Netflix as it has more, however, they're both fab! I don't pay for mine as I sponge off my sister's but that's what sisters are for right?

I know how annoying it is when you're in the perfect mood to laze around and binge watch a TV series but you can't find any decent ones you haven't already watched! That's why I composed my list of a few favourites to maybe give someone an idea, even if people undoubtedly have watched these. Some I've watched countless times over, I have no shame. It just shows it must be good.

The Vampire Diaries

This is one of them ones I've watched countless times over. The story lines are constantly changing and it's so gripping, it leaves you eager to catch up all the time. It primarily follows the life of vampires, witches and werewolf's. The three main characters above, Damon, Elena and Stefan. Whom both of the guys are madly in love with Elena. There is all kinds of plot twists, dramatic deaths, appearances,  and crazy catastrophe's. I would be here all day trying to explain this series in full. If you like supernatural programmes, dramas and romance then this is for you. Even if you're not that into supernatural I would definitely give this a go. I wasn't really invested into the genre until I started watching this, It is completely gender friendly- guys will love it just as much too! So get watching, I promise you won't be disappointed with this one.

Prison Break

This is a classic for most people. However, you would be surprised how many people have still not watched it. With the next season looming you all better get a move on! This is really different to something I would normally watch, I'm not too big on prison dramas. This however, is honestly one of the best series I have ever watched. This, incase you haven't guessed, is also one I have watched countless times. It follows the story of two main characters- Lincoln Burrows and Michael Scofield. Lincoln was framed for a crime he didn't commit and sentenced to death row. Michael purposely lands himself in the same jail in hopes to save his brother and escape together. The show follows not only Michael and Lincoln's nail biting journey- but all the other inmates alongside them who have tagged on along the way. This series is full of tension, on the edge seat stuff and I would definitely recommend! 

Once Upon A Time 

This one is one for all the Disney lovers! It tell's the story of a world where the fairytale and "real world" collide. It's a hard one to summarise unless you've watched it. It basically consists of fairytale fictional characters who's memories have been robbed by a curse, they have been transported to the "real world" and it turns out, an ordinary woman called Emma is actually the long lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. It's full of drama and magical mishaps! flashbacks to the magical world and how all the characters pick up their life in the new world. I can't do it enough justice it deserves! if you love Disney or anything magical, you'll want to watch this!

Pretty Little Liars

The era of pretty little liars is soon coming to wraps- and I'm so sad! This is probably one aimed more for girls, although I definitely know guys who have watched it. I don't see why it's mainly girls who watch it because although it appears to be a chick flick- it certainly deals with dark topics. It surrounds the story of five bestfriends, one of whom goes missing. Ever since their friend went missing, the other four girls have been receiving threatening and taunting messages, all from someone called "A". It follows the tense journey of the four friends in discovering what really happened to their friend that summer she disappeared and the torturing games of "A". Between all this the four girls have to juggle relationships with their family and lovers too. It's packed with tension, suspense, drama and it definitely verges on thriller. Check this one out if you're looking for a chick flick alternative and feeling brave!

Bates Motel

This is something completely different to what I would normally go for. It's definitely taken "thriller" from my above recommendation to a whole new level. I am such a wimp when it comes to scary films or shows, so for many this probably won't even make you flinch. I certainly found it on the edge to what I could bare. It isn't to everyone's tastes, it's slightly twisted if I would say so. Based on the classic "Psycho" it follows Norman Bates and his mother, who have moved to a town and opened a motel for a "quiet life" after Norman's father dies mysteriously. It follows the twisted and crazy mind of Norman Bates and the relationship between him and his mother, unhealthy and bizarre as this series is, it's definitely something different. If you are looking for something more on the thriller side or horror- as far as my horror goes. Then this is perfect for you. Just be prepared to have many "what the f?" moments.

Gogglebox

Last but certainly not least! It wouldn't be a TV series recommendation without popping this in. Completely different to all the above but an absolute favourite! A British reality show which basically consists of different families sitting watching TV. Sounds boring? I promise you it's not! We see all types of personalities and reactions to them sitting watching TV and it is definitely the type of thing you need to watch to understand where I am coming from. It's absolutely hilarious, the commentary they all come out with. If nothing else above struck you- this comedy definitely will! right in the funny bone. 

I hope you found something above to now captivate yourself in for a while! Feel free to leave your recommendations below, I always welcome new ones to watch too. 

Tasha Hall x x x

It's OK!

Tonight's post is something many people don't like to talk about - well for me anyway. Everyone has day's when they feel down, when they don't want to get out of bed, they don't want to see anyone. Just generally can't be bothered with life, I guess. It's important to remember we are only human, we can't be happy and full of life everyday- can you imagine how exhausting that would be!? It's normal to feel fed up with life. You're definitely not alone and never will be.

For some people this stops at "simply having a down day" but for others down days is all they know- depression. It's a very touchy subject to discuss, however, I feel it's important to talk about. Especially for people who have it severely and need some reassurance. I, luckily, don't suffer from severe depression and I wouldn't class myself as having depression to anyone. In saying this, I do still go through days, sometimes even weeks, of feeling depressed and that's OK. I don't suffer severely, however, I have many close friends who do, and from personal experience I know how horrible it is to have it- even for a short amount of time. 

People seem to categorise depression as something stuck to you constantly. There's this crazy idea that if you're not depressed all the time you can't EVER be depressed. Well this is just stupid isn't it? Yes, you may not be down all the time and yes you may not be medically written down as having depression. However, this does not make you any less important than someone who is suffering daily. 

People get scared to speak out, talk to their friends, confess they're feeling depressed. People are scared because they will be told "Get over it" or "You're only having a bad day." The truth is, we don't know anyone's situation. We don't know what may have triggered someone to feel like that; to feel worthless, hopeless, empty. People who suffer both daily and have waves of depression all fall under the same bracket. They all feel the same. Whether it be temporarily, or for a long time. 

Not everyone deals with it the same either. Some prefer to shut everyone out and take time alone, and that's OK. Some people want to be around friends and family and seek reassurance and that's also OK. Some just want a mixture of both, they can't make up their mind, they talk to someone one day and not the next... That's also OK. Be proud of yourself for the little things. Be proud of yourself for even getting out of bed, even if you don't reach beyond the doorstep. Be proud of yourself for eating something, you're looking after your body! But more than anything else be proud of yourself for sticking around another day, that's what real courage is. You got past today, you can get past tomorrow.  

Next time you judge someone, if they tell you they are feeling "depressed" don't belittle them to the point they feel it is invalid, that they're invalid. All you are doing is heightening what they already feel and making them worse. They are speaking out in confidence. It is not something easy to do; they are looking for help. As a friend, co-worker, family member or anything in-between... be there for them! And for anyone suffering in silence always know you're not alone. There are people suffering with the same demons, people always willing to talk. However, know that it's OK to be quiet too... I understand! there's no pressure, but there's always ears to listen. 

If anyone feels like they would take comfort in messaging me I am always here to talk to people. You got this.


Tasha Hall x x x

" A New World " - monologue

“a new world”

“This is it, there is no turning back now; the skyscrapers shadow my figure dragging me into a new atmosphere, a new world. I am not in my familiar surroundings anymore. Unable to keep my mind steady, I long to be back amongst my own kind. Stuck in amongst the dirt and grime of the city, I question where I now inhabit. Freedom, change and new beginnings. This is what I always wanted but the overhanging fear of a new life ahead engulfs my sanity.

The stench of staleness rushes through my nostrils as I wander down the haunting alleyways, broken glass bottles of substances unbeknown to me are scattered on the ground like the stars spread across the sky by the familiar galaxies. How do these humans survive in this atmosphere? A chaotic environment; chanting and screaming sends my head spinning, I am not used to this noise like these humans are. I did not expect it to be like this:  perhaps I expected too much. Perhaps my hopes were too high for this world. I imagined happy, peaceful, joyful surroundings but life down here is perhaps not the same as life back home: for it appears life is much darker, colder and more mysterious down here.

I feel like I stick out amongst the crowds of people like a sore thumb, as I have heard the humans say, hiding my figure with the cape I brought with me, but I cannot hide my face. My slit-like eyes and pinpoint head seem to be rather alien to these humans; they have strange round heads and big round eyes – it is the strangest sight I have ever seen.

My legs buckle beneath me as I strain to keep on walking under the weight of this atmosphere. The sights around me, ugly and dull, they are not getting any brighter; the sun set long ago and the moon is at its apex. Booming sounds echo through the buildings, flashing lights seep into my eyes as I watch hysterical humans with strange coloured hair. Dressed in the most peculiar outfits they flee through the streets like wild animals. Oh, how I long to go home.

I find a quiet street somewhere away from all the hustle and bustle and I lie down in an alleyway nearby. I am filled with nostalgia while I think of home; my people, the atmosphere and the comfort of my own surroundings.

The sun is rising; the noise is fading into nothing; it must be safe now to continue my journey. At this point, I am no longer sure I wish to pursue it.

***

I am home now, there is no more waiting. My companions greet me with excitement as they eagerly await to hear the stories from planet earth; sadly, I do not have anything exciting to tell. Life is strange as an alien, it can be lonely. However, sometimes it takes an eye-opening experience to realise there is no place like home.

face make-up must haves

Everyone who knows me is aware that I own a little too much make-up, however, I am definitely ok with that. I used to be so stingy with brands and always wore the cheapest make-up but sadly my taste has escalated on the more pricey side. In saying that however a lot of make-up favourites I have are really affordable and I genuinely prefer them to some of the higher end market. I thought with it being just after Christmas and people looking to spend their money; what would be a more perfect opportunity to share some of my favourites with you all! From foundation to highlighters these are my favourite face products.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation £31 

I got given this Foundation at Christmas as I was dying to try it out and I have heard so many amazing things about NARS. I am one of those people who find it really difficult experimenting with foundation once they find one they like so this was a big step. I normally use MAC Studio Fix Foundation however I feel sometimes it's too heavy. NARS Foundation was my answer! It's coverage is full, however, it is very buildable. It is so light on your skin it genuinely feels like you've nothing on- they definitely didn't label it "weightless" for nothing. It's so smooth and not "cakey" at all which I find MAC can be if you over-use it. You can use a light layer for a natural look or apply more for fuller coverage. This Foundation is very much flexible and I absolutely love it, I would definitely grab for this foundation more than a MAC one now. I got the shade "Deauville" which is for pink/yellow undertones. It is suited to all skin types which is a bonus- Retailing at around £31 it is definitely on the more pricey side but I would consider it worth it. 

Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation £7.99

I have used this foundation for as long as I can remember. This is a great foundation for a cheaper option to the NARS one above if you don't want to splash cash but are looking for a good quality foundation; it is also buildable and provides great coverage. I quite happily wore this for years before I decided to experiment and I still use this now daily unless I am going to an event or somewhere I want my make-up to last longer. This foundation, again, is so weightless and light to apply to your skin. It feels so smooth and you feel like you don't have too much make-up on. The only downside to the foundation is that it doesn't last as long, however, I wouldn't consider that a downside really considering It's more than three times cheaper. In saying that It still lasts a good amount of time through the day and I definitely recommend this one to all. Retailing at £7.99 in most stores and some stores including Savers retailing the product at even less this is a beauty must have! A very good foundation for those who have slightly dry/combination skin. 

Collection Concealer £4.19

This concealer gets raved about so much! and for very good reason; It is amazing! I honestly have only ever purchased this and one other concealer throughout my years of using make-up and this is the one I always reach for first. It is so unbelievably cheap retailing at under £5 it is definitely a bargain. I have always suffered from really dark/baggy eyes and this is the only product I have found to mask it well. It is available in three shades and I always get the lightest (01) for extra brightening. It is amazing high-coverage and quality. You do not need to build the product up either so it lasts a lot longer than expected; a little goes a long way.

 Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator (Ballerina) £21

This is my favourite highlighter EVER. I only own this in the one shade though at the moment (Ballerina) and it is honestly so amazing. It is a powder highlighter but the texture is so smooth and creamy that is almost feels like a cream highlighter; it blends amazingly and the lasting power of this is so good. The shade "Ballerina" is a lovely dusky rose-gold and I especially love wearing this one on a night out- It's definitely my special "go to" night out essential. The pink sparkly shimmer just completes an outfit. 

MUA Highlight Shimmer Stick £4

This MUA highlighting stick is a fab buy if you don't want to spend as much on the likes of the Laura Geller one above. I had ran out of highlighter and picked this up completely randomly thinking "oh this will do for now" and now I use this daily. My Laura Geller one I prefer to save for special occasions so I use this one more often. It is a cream textured highlighter which is risky for me because I was so used to using powdered formula's. It is in a very light golden shade although all it appears is shimmery on the cheeks. It is so pigmented it is unbelievable; I find it really easy to blend and a little of this goes a long way. I don't find myself having to pack layer upon layer- one swipe on my cheeks and it's glowing. I do find I need to apply this more than once throughout the day, however, at £4 who can complain!? I am currently on my fourth stick of this and I will gladly go onto a fifth. Definitely check this one out! 

NYX Contour & Highlight Pro Palette £18

This palette got recommended to me by a friend. I wasn't so sure on contouring/highlighting so it was all quite new to me and I wanted to ensure I got a good product to try it with and I wasn't let down. The palette is very versatile with the shades so it would suit most skin tones, however, the contour shades are fairly dark and although I am pale myself if i was a couple of shades paler then this palette may be too dark. Everything is workable though and because they easily blend in I would say it is suited to anyone. The powders are very pigmented which is great, the highlighters also are very pigmented as well- although I don't really use them as much. They are all matte shades which suits me perfectly and I just find this palette to be very affordable and It's my favourite contouring make-up I have found so far. I don't find i need to re-apply throughout the day with this product unless I am doing something hectic- so that is a bonus!

Tasha Hall x x x 

Trip home for Christmas

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and New Year! I certainly over-indulged over Christmas on my trip home, however, sadly I was tucked up in bed new years night with the flu. I brought in the bells with Craig though so I couldn't of asked better company. I spent Christmas at home for ten days; it was short and sweet but it gave me enough time to see all my friends and family and that's what really matters at the end of the day.

The journey up was crazy! of course with everyone travelling back and fourth for the festivities it was chaos- I took the train up and let's just say I was very very glad to get off at the other end! It was so nice to see everyone after it feeling like SO long It just makes you appreciate the time you spend with loved ones even more.

Anyone that knows me knows I don't pack lightly, a suitcase would probably do me for one nights stay so I was pretty heavy packed. It was so nice getting home and having all the home comforts back. Having someone else cook you food 24/7 and not having to worry about buying in food was such a joy. The best part of home comforts was without a doubt a bath!!!! I am crazy on baths and living in halls definitely has made me realise even more that I have an obsession. I miss my baths so much and, honestly, I came out like a prune every single time- I just didn't want to get out! The only thing missing was some Lush bath bombs which I didn't manage to cram in my bag but I won't forget next time no way. My Gran had susprised me with new Santa bed sheets and I honestly think she was a bit overly excited about it all. It was so adorable though! she knows me too well, I will never really grow up. It was definitely a guilty pleasure "Yeah they're cool" when secretly I absolutely loved them and I felt like a massive kid on Christmas Eve all over again.

My Christmas day was a quiet one, it usually is. Just me, my Mum and my Gran. It's nice though and not completely hectic and stressful. I spent the day with them and went down to visit my Niece and Nephews to see what Santa brought them! There's something so special and sweet about kids faces on Christmas day that makes it even more magical. I'd asked for money for Christmas so I didn't have that many presents to unwrap, I did however get some: Perfume (lady million of course- staple for me!), lovely bath stuff, face things and new make up which I was all delighted with just to mention a few. Christmas to me though is not about  the amount of presents, money or gifts- although It's obviously a bonus! It's just such a nice atmosphere and you appreciate everyone and everything around you that little bit more. I genuinely mean when I say the Christmas dinner is my favourite part, I wait all year for those pigs in blankets! all drenched in gravy just the way I like it YUM.

I was working a lot of hours whilst home which I'm really glad for as extra money is always appreciated but it meant not seeing people as much as I would have liked. Of course I managed to squeeze in a night out with all my favourite girlie's in the world! It's so hard these days with us all growing up trying to find a time everyone is free. There's always either work commitments, family commitments or everyone is just busy! With some of us not living at home now either it makes it so much harder. Boxing Day was definitely the day everyone had to go out and It was honestly such a great night, I hadn't seen some of the girls in months so It was so nice to have us all back together again. 

It was strange not having Craig there to celebrate Christmas with me too. It would have been amazing to celebrate our first Christmas in the same place! four hours away made it even more shitty. People laugh when others are missing someone over the Christmas period- It's only ten days after all they say! However Christmas is such a special time and going from practically living with him to leaving him behind on our first Christmas together was pretty rubbish. I definitely missed that happy face a lot but it made me appreciate the time so much more. He had sent me a surprise package of flowers, a teddy and chocolates on the lead up to Christmas and it really was the most thoughtful thing. I really am a lucky person and I couldn't be happier walking into 2017 with him.

Christmas is such an amazing time of year, It's all about love really. You appreciate every single person that little bit more that's in your life and it put's it all into perspective. I am so grateful and thankful for everyone and everything I have in my life, to even be here and have health is more than anyone should ask for at this time of year. That is why (although you celebrate happiness) to think of those that, sadly, aren't with us anymore this Christmas or here for another year. Jamie is always in my thoughts through Christmas and New Year but like always we make him proud and have a ball, It's what he would want. Christmas is a time of happiness and although you can miss people around you, you make the most of it and have an extra glass for them too! Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year! I wish everyone a magical 2017 and the best of luck for what lies ahead. To friends, family and the angel in the sky. It will always be onwards and upwards.


Tasha Hall x x x