Walking In A Winter Wonderland

12.08.2017

Hello my beautiful readers! It's been a while, hasn't it? I apologise for my lack of posts during November and the only excuse I have is that college work and overtime at my job got a little on top of me and I had no time to write anything! Anyway, moving onwards and upwards! I don't know whether it's because it's currently snowing and I'm toasty warm watching Christmas films inside or it's because I feel like I've got endless posts to catch up on but I have really missed blogging! I adore writing and documenting what I'm thinking about or what I've been up to so I thought why not just turn on the laptop and get back to it! There's no time like the present as they always say. 

I've got so many posts on hold and loads of ideas for content at the moment, especially with Christmas just around the corner (HOW EXCITING?!) but today I'm here with a little photo diary of the wonderful snow we've had here in the UK! We've been so lucky to experience the snow and it's definitely made me feel very festive! There's nothing quite like a white winter and despite it being absolutely freezing in the UK, we actually don't see the snow as often as you'd think so it really is a special occasion. I've been lucky enough to have the day off college and so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to go for a walk and see the beautiful snowy scenery. And of course I just had to take my camera with me!




I thought this post would be a great way to get back into blogging again and I can't wait to upload more throughout this month! I hope you're all doing well and that you enjoyed this one. I'll be back again with a new post very soon.

Lots of Love, 
Meg X




















On The Road

10.17.2017

Today I wanted to talk about driving, from starting my lessons to eventually passing my test in the hope that I can offer reassurance or advice for those who are worried about starting or doing the test! For those who follow me on twitter, you're probably thinking to yourself "Okay, you can shut up now! All you do is talk about driving" and while that may be true, it's because to me it feels like it's actually a pretty big deal. I feel like I fought with my anxiety and found the confidence to accomplish something. I thought it might be interesting to talk about my personal experiences being on the road and hopefully some of you can relate and might just feel a sense of comfort and reassurance that you're not alone.


I started my lessons just before my 17th Birthday. My Grandad took me in his car and I drove around the smallest car parks after hours when the roads were quiet. I can remember the first time I got behind the wheel and as terrifying as it was, I felt the greatest sense of freedom and independence. The whole point of going with my Grandad before my actual lessons was to help me with my confidence. I wanted to learn the basics and settle my nerves before driving with a complete stranger. Once I turned 17, I booked my first lot of lessons and I was terrified. There was no more driving in car parks, I'd actually be out on the road. I doubted myself so much and I was so tempted to just cancel. But I convinced myself that everything would be just fine and luckily it was. If anything, I loved my lessons and being out on the road more than I ever thought I would. Over time, I felt more and more in control being behind the wheel and my driving improved in no time at all. And then I did the stupid thing of cancelling my lessons and not sticking with it. My excuse at the time was that exam season was approaching and I had to prioritise my A Levels which was the right thing to do but it was also frustrating because by the time I went to book my second lot of lessons, I'd completely lost all confidence in my driving abilities and I felt as though I was back to square one.

I continued to stop and start my lessons which looking back just meant that I spent more money and wasted a lot more time. I was driving overall for a year and a half by the time I booked my first test which meant that I had more experience on the road. I'd been in so many different situations and dilemmas that nothing (apart from causing or being involved in a collision) really scared me. I felt ready and prepared to deal with whatever came my way which I feel so proud of myself for because I had a habit in my first few lessons of panicking and getting myself into horrible situations. Passing your theory test also gives you the biggest boost of confidence so I'm glad that you have to complete that test before booking your practical. I passed my theory first time in August 2017 and the following week I booked my test.

The Test

My first test was booked for September 22nd and I woke up and thought to myself "today is not the day." I had a horrible cold, I'd pulled a muscle in my neck and I just felt so awful and unprepared. I didn't expect to pass but I went to the test centre anyway and I just made stupid decisions on the road. It just really wasn't my day and my mental health hadn't been great for the week leading up to it. I failed by one serious event which in all fairness even the examiner stated that it was only partially my fault and it was just a case of making a wrong judgement. It wasn't nice but if anything it fuelled my determination to pass even more. I booked my second test for October 4th and I woke up feeling so confident and happy. I was so determined but I had to remind myself to stay completely calm. I tried to be chatty and friendly with the examiner before we set off because that way I felt more calm on the test as I felt as though we knew each other a little better. Luckily I passed with only 3 minors which I was absolutely gobsmacked at. He told me he was really impressed and I was later told that the examiner I had on my test is usually a very strict and critical marker so that made me feel even better. It felt like such a weight off my shoulders and I could just sigh with relief that it was over.

It's so much easier said than done but with driving you've just got to stick with it. I'm so impatient and that certainly didn't help me when I was learning because I'd get so frustrated with myself when I did something wrong. But making mistakes it okay. You're learning and it'll take time, believe me. It was only after a LOT of mistakes, a ridiculous number of lessons and an empty bank account that I managed to pass.

Helpful Tips


  • I know it's difficult when you're driving at 40mph and there are a million thoughts racing through your head but do everything you can to STAY CALM. Take a deeeeep breath and remind yourself that everything will be fine. Just take your time, be patient with yourself and don't rush anything.
  • Talk to your instructor. I was always very open and honest with my driving instructors about how I felt and creating a bond with them makes you feel so much more relaxed. By the end of my lessons, it felt as though I was going for a drive with a friend which was lovely. It's also important to find an instructor that you get on well with. Trust me, I had countless driving instructors before I found the best one for me. I loved the way she taught me and she was so reassuring which calmed me immensely. There are so many driving schools and instructors out there, find one that brings the best out of you and makes you feel comfortable.
  • If first you don't succeed, try and try again. Luckily I passed my theory test first time but passed my practical second time. The first and second time I did my test were completely different experiences and I'm actually so glad I didn't pass the first time because it wasn't the right time. You'll know when you're ready to book your test so just be as patient as you can because you'll get there eventually. Take constructive criticism and advice on board and work your ass off to improve. No lesson is ever wasted.
  • Clear your mind before driving. Whether it's just before a driving lesson, your test or just a trip to the supermarket. Having a clear mind is so important because the slightest distraction can cause an accident. Have a warm drink, listen to music, do whatever it is that calms you down and just take some deep breaths. You'll be fine, I promise. 
  • Be positive. It's difficult not to overthink mistakes made on the road. I'm absolutely awful for doing it but it's important not to let the little errors spoil the whole drive. Everyone makes mistakes but it's great to be optimistic and think to yourself "at least I can learn from my mistakes." And remember, the more practice you have, the more confident you'll feel.
I'm so relieved that I managed to pass my test but that doesn't mean that I don't still get nervous on the road, especially now that it's just me and there isn't anyone sitting in the passengers seat. I feel so proud of myself and it feels like such a big deal because I've been driving for sososo long now because I just kept putting it off. Trust me when I say that it will give you the biggest boost of confidence and the greatest sense of freedom and independence. And remember that whether you've been driving for 10 minutes or 10 years, everyone makes mistakes. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. I wanted to share my story with driving and remember that my DM's are always open if you've got any questions or you're looking for advice. I'm by no means an expert but I'm still here if you need anything. I hope you've had a great day wherever you are.

Lots of Love, 
Meg X

Skincare Picks

10.11.2017

I've been wanting to do a post on my current skincare favourites for so long! Some of these products I've been using for months and others I haven't long purchased. Nevertheless, I absolutely adore them and I've seen such amazing improvements. My skin feels so hydrated and smooth. Plus, I can rely on these products when my skin is being problematic and I've got loads of blemishes. So, here they are! 



The Body Shop: Tea Tree Products


I recently did a cheeky Body Shop purchase because I absolutely adore their products! I wanted to update my skincare routine and I'd heard some amazing things about their best selling Tea Tree range. I bought the skin cleansing facial wash, anti imperfection daily solution oil (pictured below) and the night lotion. I use the facial wash around 3-4 times a week and use the other two every night and my skin is thanking me immensely. My blemishes are already clearing up and my skin feels so soft and hydrated each morning when I wake up. I'm not too much of a fan of the scent of the Tea Tree range but it's not too overpowering and it's completely worth it because I'm so impressed with the results! 



Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

I bought this a while back in the 30ml tube as an experiment to see if it was worth the hype and oh my goodness I'm obsessed. The flavour / scent takes a little getting used to as well as the texture (it's a bit like a gel formula) but I've never used anything that hydrates my lips as much as this does. It's not designed specifically as a lip balm and I have used it on burns and around my nose when I've had a cold, but my lips get so incredibly dry and dehydrated so this has been a miracle worker over recent months. I only ever use a tiny amount as a little goes a long way and I'm nowhere near close to finishing this. It's going to be my little life saver during the colder months and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who suffers with dry and sore lips!




Simple Micellar Cleansing Water

From my own experience I can safely say that you can't go far wrong with the brand 'Simple.' It was probably the first brand I bought my skincare from when I was younger and I've been trying out their products ever since. I spotted this in Superdrug and thought I'd give it a go to use on the days when I'm feeling a little lazy. I'll put some onto a cotton pad and it removes my make up so effortlessly. It's not too harsh on my skin and it does the job perfectly in my opinion. This is often the first skincare product I'll use in my routine and it leaves my skin feeling soft and completely refreshed. 




Garnier Nourishing Botanical Cleansing Milk with Honey Flower

The thing that caught my attention with this one is the fact that it's made from 98% natural origin ingredients. Similarly to the Simple Cleansing Water, I'd put some of this onto a cotton pad and remove my make up. It honestly feels so nourishing on the skin, I just absolutely adore this. It's kinda like a moisturiser in the sense that it gets completely absorbed by the skin and you can really tell the difference after only a few days. Plus it smells amazing which is always a bonus.




Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser

This smells heavenly and I'm in love with it. Oh my goodness. I received this a while ago as a free gift with a Feel Unique order and I've been obsessed ever since. It's definitely something that I prefer using in the Spring / Summer months just because the smell is so refreshing. I'd often use this as a facial scrub in the mornings because the scent really wakes you up. The zesty orange is gorgeous and it leaves the skin feeling sososo smooth. I personally saw a change in my skin only a few days later and I really want to try more products by Origin because I'm always hearing such wonderful things!




St Ives Oatmeal Scrub and Mask

I personally love to use this as a mask as opposed to a scrub but it is truly amazing. You can really feel it working almost as soon as it's been applied and the smell is heavenly! I don't use this one too often but I can always rely on it when my skin starts being problematic. It clears the skin and leaves it feeling so smooth and hydrated which is so lovely, especially this time of year!




Shower Gels

I didn't think I'd feel the need to talk about my favourite shower gels in a blog post but here I am! I've got a couple I'd love to share with you, specifically the Imperial Leather collection and the Vanilla and Pumpkin edition from The Body Shop. Starting with the Imperial Leather shower gel, I mean it's ridiculously cheap, you can buy it from pretty much anywhere and there are loads of different scents to choose from! Some of them are really fun for example I absolutely love the Marshmallow and Banana scents. They won't be everyone's cup of tea because they are quite sweet but it forms into a lather and leaves the skin feeling SO soft its unreal! The second one just screams Autumn to me. I love Pumpkin scents and the Vanilla and Pumpkin shower gel from The Body Shop is perfect for this time of year. 




Shampoo & Conditioner

I know these don't technically count as skin care products but imma talk about them anyway because who'd have thought that Banana scented hair products would be so amazing?!?!?! The idea of having Banana scented hair care products terrified me at first but they smell heavenly and my hair feels so silky soft afterwards. There isn't much else I can say about these other than the fact that I'm obsessed and they do the job perfectly! 




Hand Cream

Oh, look! Here I am with yet another product from The Body Shop. I promise I'm not sponsored by them, I just really love their stuff. I've had the Mango hand cream for a long time now and the scent is so strong but so gorgeous. I'm obsessed with it. I only recently purchased the Vanilla and Pumpkin one but they both have an amazing formula. They are absorbed by the skin instantly and the smell lasts all day. My hands feel so hydrated after I've used these which is so important at this time of year! Plus, they're only 30ml so they're the perfect size to carry around in your bag with you! I just bloody love the stuff!




And there we have it, my current skincare favourites! I don't use all of these every single day. Some days I'm feeling too lazy to do a proper skincare routine and other days I'll just use a couple of things depending on whether or not my skin needs it. I've got so many different products that I could talk about but these are the ones that have really stood out to me over the last few months. I hope you enjoyed this post and I'll see you soon.

Lots of Love,
Meg X



It's Cold Outside

10.04.2017

I mentioned in my 'Hello, Autumn' blog post (see here) that Autumn fashion is my absolute favourite - from oversized knitted jumpers to chunky boots, I love it. It's barely October and already I'm impressed with some of the Autumnal pieces I've seen around. Zara, ASOS, TopShop, New Look and H&M are already killing it this year and are becoming some of my favourite places to shop! I thought I'd run through some of my current favourite items in a little photo diary now that we have transitioned from what was left of our Summer to my favourite time of the year. I'll also try my best to link everything at the end of the post! 




1. The Classic Red Jumper

I've never been too fond of the colour red but I do think that it's a staple colour to have in your wardrobe. Regardless of the season or occasion, it just adds a bit of colour to my outfit which is why I adore this jumper so much. It's warm, cosy and I can wear it with so much. I'm refusing to let go of my fave summer purchase a.k.a the stripy culottes from Zara but I love this combo so much and it's perfect for this time of year! 




The Chunky Cardigan 

I discovered this during the Summer and despite it being the wrong season to buy an oversized cardigan, I knew I'd thank myself for buying it when the colder months began. I don't usually buy cardigans but I'm already on the hunt for more because you can't really go wrong with them. They're so ideal, especially since the weather is SO unpredictable here in the UK, and this one is gorgeous. I love love love the pattern on it and it's the cosiest thing I've ever owned. It takes up half my wardrobe because it's so chunky but I love it and it's one of my best investments. 


The Outfit that SCREAMS Autumn

This one is definitely a little out there but I can't help but love it. It's slightly on the more dressy side and it's perfect for going to the theatre (a possible outfit for when I go to the theatre this month maybe??) I just love the rust/brown/burnt orange shade and it matches the colour of the floral pattern on the skirt beautifully. It's not the outfit I'd usually go for and like I said it's not an every day 'I'm running late so I threw anything on' kinda outfit but it works and it's so Autumnal so hey ho it's a winner in my eyes!


Denim Denim Denim

Everyone is guilty of having denim in their wardrobe and I swear I have lived in this jacket since I bought it a couple of months ago. It's definitely an all year round piece but it's perfect for the days when it's not cold enough for a winter coat but it's too chilly not to have a jacket. It goes with pretty much everything and I love it. That's all I have to say. There are so many different denim jackets out there at the moment and with a whole variety of styles and shades, there is one for everyone!



The Ultimate 'You Can't Go Wrong' Pinafore Dress

I can't remember when I started wearing pinafore dresses but I feel like I'm associated with them because of how often I wear them! I realise that they make me look like a 7 year old but who cares?!? They're so easy to throw on over jumpers and shirts / tops  and they make it look like you've put a bit of effort in. I always feel so put together when I wear a pinafore dress and I think they kinda suit me. Throw on a pair of tights and boots and you're good to go. I'm definitely going to get a lot of wear out of this one this Autumn. It just goes with SO much and it's actually really comfy to wear which is always a bonus!




It's All About Comfort

The only shoes you'll ever find me wearing are my gorgeous green Doc Martens or my black classic vans. They're both sososo comfy to wear and they go with everything. I adore my Doc Martens especially for this time of year and they add a bit of colour to my outfit which I love! 





That's it for this one! I hope you enjoyed my little photo diary and I'll see you very soon. I've tried my best to link everything mentioned at the bottom of this post just in case anyone was interested. And if you're feeling kind, I'd always appreciate a comment! 

Lots of Love,
Meg X

(NOTE: I couldn't find everything mentioned / pictured online so I've just listed everything that is still available)












End Of Year Goals

10.02.2017

Yesterday was the first day of October and I’m sitting here completely baffled as to how we’ve only got three months left of 2017. I say this every single year but the year has flown by and I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. As each year goes by, I get more and more terrified that I’m wasting my time and I’m going to look back at my youth and regret not spending enough time doing more of what I love and more of what needs to be done. Like most people I set my New Year’s resolutions and I do try my best to achieve them. However with three months of 2017 still remaining, I wanted to remind myself of some of the goals I set at the beginning of the year, specifically the ones that I am yet to fully accomplish. This post was inspired by Poppy (click here to see her post) and I thought I’d write this to motivate myself to keep on track. So, here are just a few of the goals I'd love to achieve before the end of the year.



Apply to University
This has been one of my big goals this year. I’ve finally decided after about a year of being frustrated and unsure that I’m going to study English Language and Linguistics and after doing all the research in the world, I’m now completely set on my dream Uni and my equally amazing backup options. Woooo, go me! Hopefully I’ll get my offers by Christmas but sometimes you don’t hear back until the New Year so as long as I can apply and feel content with my personal statement and references then I’ll be happy.

Spend more time on my skincare
I feel as though compared to previous years that I’ve managed to do this for the majority of 2017. Of course I’ll have my days or sometimes weeks where I’m just not in the mood and I’m feeling too lazy to take my makeup off properly and karma comes for me the next morning when I wake up covered in breakouts, how funnnn (NOT). Having said that, I’ve definitely spent more time researching which products will suit my skin type more so I just need to stick with it and take care of my skin, especially during the next few months because the cold weather doesn’t make it any easier! I’m also hoping to upload my current skincare favourites in a post very soon! 

Choose healthier options / drink more water
This is always one of my New Year’s resolutions and even though I do try, I’m almost never consistent when it comes to healthy eating and drinking. I’m determined to try new vegetarian recipes this Autumn / Winter and as for drinking more water, I just need to remind myself that my skin will thank me for it immensely in the long run. I’m always guilty of drinking plenty of warm drinks during the colder months which means I’ll often forget that drinking water is sososo important! I'm tempted to download an app or something so that I can keep track of how much water I should be drinking each day so that way I'll have no excuses!

Pass my driving test
Another one of my big goals to accomplish this year and trust me I will be SO happy and relieved when I can cross this one off my list. I've been driving for well over a year but things always got in the way and I ended up stopping and starting my lessons more times than I can recall. This summer however I decided that enough was enough and I was going to pass my test as soon as I could. I bought my first car and not long afterwards I passed my theory. With my driving test soon approaching I really hope I can finally get my licence and get on the road.

Read more
I'm frustrated with myself because I definitely haven't been reading as much as I should this year and I haven't got an excuse other than I couldn't really be bothered. I've been rereading the Harry Potter series but as for new reads I'm definitely slacking. I'd love to read more towards the end of the year and what better time to do that than when it's chilly outside and all you want to do is snuggle up by the fire with a mug of hot pumpkin spiced tea. I've made a list of all the books I'd love to read and I'm going to do my best to put time aside to read as often as I can.

Get my head down and FOCUS
As some of you may know I'm currently in my third year in college after deciding to stay an extra year and study what I actually enjoy. After not performing so well in my first year, I was determined that I was going to do better in my second year and that's exactly what I did. It felt so good to see that my hard work was paying off and if anything last years results have fuelled my determination to do well this year. I really want to put in the effort because I genuinely love my subjects and I know I'll thank myself in the long run when I'm doing what I love. No excuses this year, I'm going to nail it! 

And there we have it! My end of year goals to hopefully accomplish before the New Year. I genuinely hope I can stick to these because I know I'll feel so much better and productive if I can get them done. I hope you enjoyed this post and I'll see you all very soon!

Lots of Love
Meg X

Hello, Autumn!

9.27.2017

Autumn. My favourite time of the year has arrived once again and I couldn't be happier to ditch my practically non-existent summer wardrobe for all things that bring me warmth and comfort. I love everything about this season - from the fashion to the food and we can't forget about those dark and cold nights where we're all snug in the cosiest pyjamas with a hot drink and Netflix. I've always said that I feel the most me around this time of year. I feel comfortable and content most days and that's down to many things, most of which will be included in this blog post today. I've decided to join the blogger train and write about the reasons why Autumn is in my personal opinion the most wonderful time of the year.







Fashion / Accessories 

Autumnal clothing allows me to feel so much more comfortable in my own skin and conforms to my own style way more than summer clothing does. I love the colours - mustard yellow, burgundy, dark forest green (my ultimate fave), orange, reds, golds, black. I just prefer the variety of shades and I'm definitely not the only one. Oversized scarves, bobble hats, layers (lots of layers), chunky 'throw on' jumpers that later on become far too warm despite the fact that they're super soft and cosy to wear, boots, tights, coats. I just bloody love Autumn fashion and if I could wear it all year (which in the UK is possible) then I definitely would! We haven't even made to October yet and already Zara are killing it with their Autumnal pieces this year! I just love it! I also prefer doing my make up during the colder months because I tend to be more adventurous. I love being able to do my dark purple / berry lip and golden eyes at this time of year. I just feel like there is so much more you can do and so many different looks and colours to experiment with (that's if I've got the time)!

Cosy Nights In

I love love love finishing college and walking outside to see that it's almost pitch black and the weather is gloomy and miserable. I personally love the rain and being able to wrap up warm. There's nothing better than putting your lounge wear or pyjamas on (I'm absolutely loving THESE at the moment that I got from Next the other week. Who doesn't want pyjamas with hedgehogs and squirrels in dressing gowns drinking tea on them?!) and making yourself a hot drink and snuggling up on the sofa with a film or your nose in a book whilst being surrounded by cosy lights and candles. Candles are another highlight of Autumn and Winter for me. There is such a variety of scents these days it's almost impossible to decide which ones to light. Pumpkin and Gingerbread scents always go down well with me. Christmas Eve by Yankee Candle is one of my faves too. I love cosy nights in and being able to do them often during the Autumn is heavenly.

Skincare

You might think that this is a weird one but bare with me! Naturally, my skin becomes way more problematic in the colder months than it would during the summer which means that I spend more time doing my skincare than I usually would. Even though it's way more effort (sigh) my skin thanks me immensely for doing it. Also tied into this category is LUSHHHH! My absolute fave. Their Halloween and Christmas range never disappoint and I've already started to stock up on old time classics and personal faves for a relaxing night in. I have way more baths in the colder months a) because I'm constantly cold and b) because they really help my skin when it's dehydrated and struggling. The Body shop also do an amazing collection at this time of year. The spiced apple shower gel is dreamy and instantly reminds me of Autumn and Winter. (Just an fyi but I might be doing a 'my current skincare faves' post over the next couple of weeks!) 

Food / Drink

Yes, I am one of those people who loves a Pumpkin Spice. Not because it's Starbucks or because it's the drink of choice at this time of year but because I bloody love pumpkin anything. Along with gingerbread and cinnamon, it's probably my favourite scent / taste for Autumn. It's not too sweet yet it's not too overpowering with spice and flavour either. Bluebirds do the BEST spiced pumpkin pie flavoured tea and it's the best thing I've ever 
tried. I also tend to live on homemade soup during these months - whether it's mushroom, butternut squash, classic tomato or winter vegetable, it's the nicest thing to have on those cold nights. M&S have also upped their game this year and they're apparently introducing a load of new vegetarian food for the Christmas period. Just an fyi to anyone who's veggie like me!

TV

I've always said that Autumn is when all the really great dramas are on TV! Not all of them, I mean loads of my faves have already aired this year but the point is that there is always something on! I'm currently watching at least 5 things and it's great to have something to look forward to during the evenings! I'd highly recommend Victoria (Sunday, ITV 9pm UK)! One of the best series I've EVER seen. Anyone who knows me will know that I bloody love my historical films and series (I'm well aware that a lot of what is shown has been included for dramatisation purposes but STILL). Safe House is brilliant and so gripping. I'm literally on the edge of my seat watching that show (Thursday, ITV 9pm UK). Doctor Foster which is also an incredible series starring the phenomenal Suranne Jones (Tuesday, BBC1 9pm UK). Strictly Come Dancing which is just a classic (Saturday, BBC1). And we can't forget about Great British Bake Off which just screams Autumn is coming every year (Tuesday, Channel 4 8pm UK).



These are some of the endless reasons why I adore Autumn so much and I'm so excited for the upcoming months! I've already created loads of new content for my blog and I can't wait to share it all with you. I hope you enjoyed this one and don't forget to stay hydrated and wrap up warm!

Lots of Love,

Meg X


The Importance Of Kindness

9.25.2017

I've always said that you should treat others as you wish to be treated. Kindness costs absolutely nothing and I strive to do acts of kindness as often as I possibly can. It's unrealistic to be nice every single minute of every single day. Sometimes our mood and things we're going through can influence the way we may treat other people and I'm definitely guilty of not always returning the smile. Having said that I'll always try and as humans sometimes our best is all we can manage. I was talking to my Grandparents the other day and they had been out for a meal together. They told me that there was a man sitting fairly close to their table having lunch by himself. Once he'd finished his meal, he went over to where they were sitting and struck up a conversation. He was friendly and polite, he offered his compliments and even gave them the free chocolates he'd received with his coffee. After a brief conversation, the man returned to his table, grabbed his coat and left the restaurant. My Grandparents continued their conversation, finished their meals and asked for the bill to which the waiter told them that the gentleman who had spoken to them and sat nearby had already paid for their meal. At first, my Grandparents thought it was some kind of joke but they later realised that the stranger had in fact paid for their three course meal and drinks out of the kindness of his heart. The owner of the restaurant later revealed that the stranger visits the restaurant every couple of weeks and he has been known to do this once before. The story left me speechless because it is so rare in today's world that a stranger would do something so unexpected yet so selfless and kind hearted. It made me wonder where he'd come from, if he had any family. I wanted to know why he'd do such a decent thing for two complete strangers. That man, whoever he may be, has inspired me immensely to do more good. Whether the act is small or not, kindness is never wasted and it's never overlooked. Somebody, somewhere, will recognise what you've done and appreciate it. I often think about this kind of thing when I'm in work. I work in retail and I'll often spend ages talking to customers and it'll cross my mind whether I'm the only person they'd spoken to all day. Perhaps they've had a really terrible week and the slightest compliment or smile could make their whole day so much brighter. You don't necessarily have to spend money, it costs absolutely nothing but a second of your time to make a difference to someone's day and it's such an important thing to do when there are so many less fortunate people than ourselves. Just yesterday I was sitting in a cafe and it was packed full of people so I ordered my drink and I sat down at the last available table. An elderly couple came in and they were absolutely drenched from the rain so I approached them and offered them my table and drink thinking that they needed it more than I did. I didn't mind of course, luckily I was in a good mood but they appreciated it and it made me feel better about my day. Even as I'm writing this, two strangers have started a conversation next to me and it's such a lovely thing to witness when you don't owe anybody anything yet you're willing to go that extra mile to make sure someone is okay. It's truly heart warming, especially when you can never really know what a person is going through or how they're feeling. Even if they're on top of the world, no act of kindness will ever go unnoticed. And I think that's important to remember.



I hope you enjoyed this little story. I wanted to mention it because the moral of the story is so important, especially in today's world where we seem to be caught up in all of the terrible things that are happening. I hope you've had a great day wherever you are.

Lots of Love,
Meg X

Why I Started My Blog

9.13.2017

I love writing. I love reading what other people have written. I love reading about what they're passionate about, how they view the world or what their unpopular opinions may be. I could never get bored of reading about something if the person who wrote it is passionate and enthusiastic about it. The world is such a dark place at times, and I find it uplifting and encouraging to read something that doesn't inject fear into my life. I love being inspired by people and their writing and that's why I wanted to start my blog. I wanted a little corner of the internet where I was able to talk about the things that I love, the things that spark enthusiasm and happiness but also the parts of my life that I don't share often because they're actually very personal. I wanted the ability to express myself through my writing and my experiences and topics that are of interest to me. I wanted to be able to reflect on the things I decided to talk about and the things I've done, almost like this is my very own online diary. I don't keep a diary. I've tried, like most. But sometimes there are days that weren't interesting enough to document or perhaps there are days that I'd rather forget than relive. Keeping a blog also gives me an excuse and the opportunity to work on my photography and I'm able to share photos that I love and photos that bring me joy and genuinely happy memories. By keeping a blog, I can share content that I want to look back on. I can discuss things that might be of interest to other people. I'm striving to upload content that I'm happy with, topics that I don't mind sharing with people online. And that can be difficult, especially when the post I've published is personal and it's something I've never really talked about before. But I honestly believe that the more we share, the more we can help one another. It's reassuring to read something that makes you feel as though you're not alone and other people are going or have been through similar experiences. My writing is far from perfect but it's an escape for me, to have that freedom to write whatever comes to mind and share it with other people. People who may be able to relate to what I'm saying, or perhaps disagree. I personally find so much comfort reading someone's blog. I've mentioned before about how I could spend all day catching up on all of the posts someone has published. I love it beyond words. Not in a creepy stalker like way. Just because I'm able to mirror my own thoughts and experiences to those of someone else and it's such a reassuring thing to do. Blogs are a means of being creative. There is such a wide variety of content and different types of blogs online these days, it's impossible not to be inspired. I've never considered myself to be creative, but that's okay. I'm determined and passionate about what it is that I want to write about. Of course, I love receiving feedback and knowing that people enjoy what I publish, but it's also a place I'm able to keep track of my thoughts. I'm so happy that I decided to finally begin my own blog just over a year ago. The amount of content I publish does vary depending on how busy I am, but I'm working on being more consistent with it. I really hope those who read my blog regularly enjoy it just as much as I enjoy writing it. And always remember, if there's something you'd like me to write about, I'm always open to new ideas.




Lots Of Love,
Meg X

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