First tattoo!

I had been wanting a tattoo for a good few years but there was one major obstacle: I was petrified of needles! I remember being in high school when we all got our class jags and my stomach would twist up in knots for days before and even worse on the day. The main worry for me was how jumpy I got whenever a needle came close to my arm- I hated it! It was such a dilemma though as I knew how badly I wanted a tattoo and I sucked it up and managed just fine. Iv'e always said to myself any tattoo's I get I want them to have a meaning; something special or a story to tell and that's exactly what my first tattoo captivates. I got the tattoo on 14th of October this year and it's very true what they say: once you have one you want more. I got my tattoo done for my brother Jamie who passed away five years now, he meant everything to me- I always got called his little "shadow" and I couldn't think of anyone better to dedicate my first tattoo to. 

He was very much into guitar so I knew the tattoo had to symbolise that, one of his very close friends Gus writes a lot of songs (Scottish-folk-blues) and he wrote one in particlar for me when Jamie passed away called "stepping stone" and I incorporated lyrics from that song into my guitar idea so that's what i done. I got Jamie's guitar tattoo'd on me with the song lyrcis wrapped around it "I am your shadow and you are mine." It's such a beautiful tattoo in general but it is even more special to me because of it's meaning. 
The picture on the right is just after it was done, still very red and tender. It was quite nippy getting the outline done but completely bareable pain I don't know why I was so worried! Getting it filled in with shading is almost relaxing, It just feels like a very light scratching on your skin and it is not sore in the slightest. I always thought people were lying to me when they said it's honestly not that sore, it really isn't though! If I can manage anyone can. 

The healing process was ok, I was completely paranoid the whole time I would ruin it! but as long as it is kept clean with non scented soap and kept moisturised with bepanthen it turns out fine. It does feel tender which I would say was the worst part through the whole process for me, It wasn't particularly sore it just felt very uncomfortable and you could feel whenever something touched that part of your skin that it was raw. My tattoo healed in just over a week but it depends on the person and how they have taken care of the tattoo, when all the redness was gone and the first "layer" had peeled off and it was all healed up i fell in love with it all over again. I got the tattoo done at "Lucky Cat" tattoo parlour on Great Western road in Glasgow, I would definitely go back there again; Rachel done an amazing job of my tattoo and made me feel completely comfortable, I found them very affordable. 

Overall I would definitely go back and get another tattoo as soon as I can! apart from it being a bit nippy and tender it was no where near the amount of pain I had imagined in my head and I love still having Jamie close to me in such a special way. Definitely check out some of Gus Munro's music I have linked below and the Lucky Cat website!

Gus Munro: http://www.gusmunro.com/
Lucky Cat: http://luckycattattoo.co.uk/


Tasha Hall x x x

Christmas is approaching!

My favourite time of the year!!! Glasgow is so pretty at Christmas time and it would be completely rude not to dedicate a new blog post to the city's lights and festivities. The Christmas market was held in two locations this year- St Enoch square and then in George Square, both of them had mostly the same stalls but I do think the George Square arrangement was a lot more impressive, however, it makes sense I guess with George Square being more central it probably attracts more tourists and locals due to it being right outside the train station. 

 The market at George Square definitely had more things for kids (or big kids if you're the same as me). However, in saying that, I was one hundred percent there for the amazing choice in food; I love my food a little too much sometimes! which is why I wen't to both markets on numerous occasions, every time I passed by I couldn't help but take a wee wander round and I would nearly always come out with food! typical me. There's something so uplifting about the energy of a Christmas market, no matter what mood you are in or how much of a shitter of a day you've had it seems to make you smile regardless.

One thing I definitely didn't expect at a Christmas market was a "Mac n Cheese" stall- what a genius of a man! I think you can tell I was pretty chuffed with my macaroni, I took about twenty photos of the stall and forced my boyfriend Craig to take one hundred photos of me holding my wee macaroni pot- now that's pure pride! I say a "wee" macaroni pot but mostly all the food stalls gave you massive portions so it's definitely worth your money. Only in Scotland would you find a macaroni stall at a Christmas market; absolutely brilliant! and I highly recommend, however, then again I would recommend any pasta because I genuinely don't think I've ever turned around and said "That was a shite plate of pasta". 

It's not a trip to a Christmas market without getting yourself a Nutella crepe, well for me anyway. A Nutella crepe is an essential on a trip to the Christmas market and you're missing out if you don't indulge; I honestly wish there was a permanent crepe stand In George Square- it would make a fortune and that's from me alone!

It's good to remember also that going on a trip out doesn't always have to cost you an arm and a leg. The first couple of times going I went on a mad food spree, however, It's just as nice walking around and enjoying all the smells, the atmosphere and looking at all the unique Christmas gifts- taking a wander round doesn't cost you a penny! Unless you're like me and have no self control money wise then maybe leave your purse at home. It's something to fill your day a little and trust me when I say a walk around a Christmas market really does boost your Christmas spirits- no matter how much of a scrooge you are! I definitely recommend George's Square Christmas market to anyone who hasn't been yet; or any Christmas market for that matter. I hope everyone has a fab Christmas and a great new year!! 

Tasha Hall x x x

5 tips moving away from home!

My experience moving away from home 

It is alway's a scary thought to be packing your bags and leaving all home comforts behind: no matter if you are moving five minutes round the corner or further. For me i definitely was not five minutes away- i was four hours. 
I was always surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountains at home and i was moving onto a very different scene (Glasgow) as you can imagine it was a massive change of scenery to say the least and a massive step for me to take.
I talked myself in and out of the prospect of moving away for not only months but over a year! as i took a gap year it enabled me to take time to get myself ready for it, i always knew i was going to do it one day- and i did. 
Saying goodbye to all my friends and family was definitely the hardest part of moving away; it was as if all your inner fears vanished and all you focused on was how much you were going to miss these people that put a smile on your face everyday.
It is a terrifying thought leaving everyone behind and essentially moving somewhere and you know nobody but it was the best decision i have made and i am so proud of myself for seeing it all through. Glasgow to me is very much a second home now and i wouldn't change that at all, i see myself being here for a very long time or possibly for good.
This experience taught me that sometimes in life you need to take risks and jump because if you don't you miss amazing opportunities! I have made friends for life here, found my boyfriend who i can't see myself without now and started off my dream to become a writer.
Some people never manage to take that step and it is out of fear "I'm not ready" they keep telling people- the truth is no one is ever one hundred percent ready, moving out is a risk that mostly always pay's off like you couldn't imagine and i urge anyone who has it in their mind to take that risk too and amazing things do happen!

None of this would have been possible without all the help from my friends and family and all the support, of course as you can imagine some people were upset by the idea but they supported me nevertheless- one person i couldn't have done this without is my big sister Mel. She put up with all my moans and tantrums and stresses through the whole thing, she pretty much packed my whole life into suitcases because honestly? i was absolutely useless! She made this whole thing a reality for me and drove me and all my belongings down to Glasgow and stayed until i felt comfortable. I couldn't ask for a better sister she really is a star! 

My tips for moving away:

1. know your surroundings and make them comfortable  It is really beneficial to know what you are stepping into and who with- the key is to research it all! or at least as much as you can, where are you staying? who with? what is there to do? what transport do i take? this tackles a lot of your worries and eases your mind. I also found it particularly comforting to adapt my room with things such as fairylights, photos from home and my old childhood teddy- this was all so comforting and it allowed me to take a little bit from home with me. 
   
2. Don't overthink it! It's very rich for me to say as a top overthinker myself, however, overthinking this type of situation only esculates your fears and worries the more you dwell on it. Make yourself a pro's and con's list and to help you decide if you can't come to a decision. Go to the root of the idea and decide what you wan't, take everything else of out the picture and focus on yourself and your aspirations- make the decision that is best for you! 
   
   
   
3. Make friends! this may seem stating the obvious but a lot of people struggle with communication and making new friends can worry many people, it is a lot easier than you think, especially if you are moving into halls there are so many opportunities to meet such a variation of people and it definitely makes your experience a lot more fun!
   
   
   
4. Keep in contact staying in frequent contact with all your family and friends back home gives you a sense of that home comfort when you need it most, even if it's just a two minute phone call at night- staying in contact frequently relaxes your mind and without you even noticing it, it does cheer you up. 
   
5. Have fun- but also me time! it's new and exciting and the best way to socialize and have fun is to go out, whether that be out exploring everything or hitting a club with your pals, do what you consider a good fun time and enjoy the company around you! However you need to ensure you balance it out and have some down time to yourself, it's okay to have days where you just want to stay in your room alone, have some time to yourself and a break away from all the madness! 
   
   
   

Tasha Hall x x x 

Very first blog post!

I finally started it!

I know what you're thinking- oh just another "wannabe" blogger, i guess that in a way is true; however i have been interested to start this for a very long time and have never found the spare time to do so and i can now FINALLY say that i have some spare time to get this started! What kind of cliche first blog post would this be without a rundown of myself and what my blog is going to be about?????!

About me:

I am eigtheen and currently a professional writing student at city of Glasgow college. I have always kept my life written in a journal so why not take it online???? My passion's include writing (obviously), mainly a short story enthusiast which circles around dark topics mostly but Journalism interests me too. I have a major passion for all things make up and beauty! My hometown is based in the Highlands and although it is difficult sometimes studying and living away from home, (missing friends and family) -  Glasgow is very much a second home to me now and i would be lost without it! I play guitar in my spare time and have a very crazy obsession with Ed Sheeran, pasta, panda's and inspirational quotes but apart from that- it's pretty much me in a nutshell. Like most people i have had struggles, down days (and amazing ones too) and i pride myself on making people happy and smile and i hope i can share every cry, laugh and smile with everyone and in turn help other people too.

My Blog: 

I want to make my blog interesting, realistic and more than anything fun! i want people to be able to read my blog posts and get something from it- whether they relate to my daily struggles and personal thoughts and opinions, find inspiration from my writing or find an amazing product through my recommendations. My blog posts will focus on writing, beauty and my daily life in general. That is my goal, however, i feel a blog naturally takes it's own lead and i am open to seeing where this all takes me; I know already blogging is going to be my new favourite hobby it's a writers dream! I feel a good blog has a good mixture of things and i hope my blog can achieve this! well if you have made it this far thank's for reading and i look forward to posting more soon. I have attached my social media links to my page so give them a wee follow if you like :)

Tasha Hall x x x