WHAT I'VE LEARNT FROM CANCER

On the 17th February my family received the news that Mum had another primary Cancer. We had been expecting something to arise around Christmas as something always does, but Christmas had passed and we thought we'd made it. I suppose we're in a better position than many due to this being the fifth time of hearing news like this however it was more serious than we first thought and this time it was terminal. I thought I would write this post for those of you who may be in a similar position for the first time and don't know what to expect or for others who may feel alone or confused. If I can help others in similar situations or those who want to learn more I will in any way possible.

1) It's okay to be scared

It's probably one of the scariest things you could ever experience but you can't let that stop you from carrying on. One of the best things I've ever heard my Dad say is 'Instead of dying, you've got to start living'. I now live by this and it really helps to make a positive out of every scenario.

2) The word Cancer doesn't always mean death

Take my mum for example, she's beat it 4 times! It's the luck of the draw. Doctors and Nurses work their hardest to ensure you'll get the best and most personalised treatment. I only learnt recently that chemo has a shelf life of only a couple of hours and each bag is individual to that person, made from blood tests the day before.

3) Every case is different

Every time someone is diagnosed whether it's the same diagnosis or not, it's different. The speed of its growth, side effects, treatment etc. There's no way one can compare to another so just because someone else lost their fight from the same diagnosis, doesn't mean another will.

4) You realise the real priorities in life

I've come to learn that people have very different priorities. I would like to be at every appointment but my parents priority is to make sure me and my sister go to school. But family must always come first and in some cases it takes something like this to realise that. When it all comes to it school isn't important, grades aren't important, nothing is. It's the people you love who are important. Don't take anything for granted.

5) Friends matter

Friends always matter but times like this they really do. I've seen how much support my mum has received and I really believe this helps her stay positive. Sometimes it's easier to talk to people that aren't in the family but just because they're not as forward doesn't mean they're any less of a friend. Some people aren't good when talking about emotions or they may not understand.

I hope this helps and if there are any questions comment them below or send an email to amyhall1998@hotmail.com


'Instead of dying, you've got to start living'.
Amy x

JANUARY FAVOURITES

I decided to do a favourites post to share what I've been loving over the past month and a bit. I've not had time to finish this post before now but it's better late than never. During the month of January I tried out new products and items I got for Christmas as well as using items I've loved for a while

Mac's mineralize skinfinish (Lightscapade)
I'd been wanting to try this for ages but just hadn't gone out and got it. I love how subtle this highlighter is as it sits perfectly on the skin. I chose the lightest one (as I'm very pale) so I'm guessing the other shades would show up slightly more. I have Topshop's cream highlighter (Glow) in the shade polish which I feel doesn't blend as well with foundation and sits on top like an extra layer even when blended out. Lightscapade is perfect for everyday make up so you'll definitely get a lot of use out of it. 

Benefit's Brow zings
I wasn't sure this product was worth the money so decided to try a cheaper alternative as I'd never used wax and powder to do my eyebrows. I was running low and luckily received this for christmas. This is definitely worth the money compared to cheaper alternatives. The quality of the product is so good and defines the brows perfectly. The brushes in the set also make application so much easier because they're so small. This product stays in place a lot better than cheaper alternatives and the packaging is also fab. Gimme brow is the perfect combo for this product and I would definitely repurchase both.

Topshop mum jeans
These are so comfy and go with everything! I decided I needed an alternative to my skinny jeans and fell in love with these ever since my sister got some. These are definitely my go to pair of jeans at the moment and they'll be perfect as the weather gets warmer too.

Nike flex 2015 ladies running trainers
My old ones were falling apart and my boyfriend saved the day with these Nike running trainers. These are a teeny bit too big for me as I'm in between sizes which is very annoying but they support my feet perfectly. The arch is slightly raised so adds cushioning and the soles are super flexible so they're comfortable to run in.

My dressing gown and cosy socks
I live in both throughout the year but especially in the winter. I love being cosy as I'm always freezing and these both target that problem straight away.

Nutribullet
I have also been loving my Nutribullet. It's quick, easy and very clean, so making smoothies isn't such a chore. It's so versatile meaning you can make nearly anything you want with it but I tend to just stick to smoothies and milkshakes.

Eastenders
This has been so good recently and I look forward to it every evening, even on wednesdays when I forget it's not on! Stacey's storyline has been so intense and gripping that I've looked forward to every episode.

Craig David
I've never payed attention to his music until recently and I'm now obsessed. His music is really chilled and laid back, perfect for revison. I try to not to listen to the same songs constantly because then I know I'll end up hating them so I'll definitely have to add them to my iTunes and hope they come up on shuffle.

Amy x

Tips for revising

Mocks are just around the corner so if you're in a panic like I have been, this should help

1) Make a revision timetable

You don't need to spend ages making one but put your lessons and frees on it as well as evenings and weekends. Plan revision around lessons, work, hobbies etc to make an achievable plan for each week or do one week at a time. If this doesn't work for you, you could write a list of things to do that week and work through them planning each day as you go along. 

2) Get pens and paper ready to start

I use flash cards but I know a lot of people make mind maps or type it up. All of my revision material is out ready to go so it's quick and easy to get going. If I can always see it I can't forget what has to be done. 

3) Don't buy loads of revision guides

I did for GCSE but haven't bought a single one for A Level. I personally think class notes are detailed and thorough enough but I like to write everything I can down. If you prefer to listen a revision guide may fill in gaps you can't remember. They don't hold all of the relevant info at A level so you'll have to research into somethings whereas for GCSE if you learnt the book you'd know everything that would be in the exam. 

4) Turn your phone off

Harder said than done but if you can't hear it going off you may not get distracted as much. I still get distracted by anything and everything but if I can prevent this as many ways as possible I will try. 

5) Listen to music

I find listening to music helps me concentrate for some subjects and not others. It's easier to listen to music when doing practical work but it's said that classical music really helps with revision. 

6) Take regular breaks

This can be to have a snack break or just a break in general but you have to stay disciplined if you want to get anything done. I'm definitely very hard on myself when it comes to having time off but you must do it to stay sane!

7) Eat healthily and drink lots of water

A healthy body means a healthy mind so the professionals say. I think it does have an impact on how alert and motivated you are and I try to keep to the same routine when revising so my body isn't hungry at inconvenient times.

Hope you've found this helpful in some way, if you have any other tips please let me know

Amy x

Favourite inspirational quotes

So to keep up the motivation from our New Years resolutions I thought I would share with you some quotes which help me keep motivated and will hopefully help keep you motivated through the tough month of January too!

'Remind yourself that it's okay not to be perfect'

'Life is too short to wait'

'If it makes you happy, do it. If it doesn't, don't.'

'Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right'

'Every moment is a fresh beginning'

Amy x

New year resolutions / 2016 goals

This is a massive opportunity for everyone to think about the year that's past and the year that's to come so I thought I would share with you what I want to achieve in 2016. I have tried to keep some broad so they're more achievable because many goals are very specific and I know I'll be disappointed if I don't achieve them. So here goes..

1) Maintain a healthy lifestyle

I know everyone says this one but I really need to turn my lifestyle around. It's not awful but it could be a lot better. I need to keep to a routine so it becomes second nature and learn to say no to unhealthy food and yes to the gym. I have got out of the habit of going to the gym, before christmas last year I was doing so well but never got back the motivation I had before. Hopefully I can this time round.

2) Start eating healthier food and less food in general

As well was the gym I've got into the habit of feeling I need to eat all the unhealthy food so it's not in the house but my mum then goes and buys more so it's a never ending circle. I got a nutribullet for  christmas so this will help me make tasty alternatives. I also snack so I eat more than I need to. By having better meals hopefully this will help me keep track of what I'm eating.

3) Drink more water

I can go a day with one glass of water which is crazy but my body is used to it. I have never been a big drinker and just don't think about it. If I can improve my water intake then hopefully this will reduce the amount I'm eating too. 

4) Stop procrastinating

I have done this everyday over christmas, it's what I'm doing now as I'm writing this post because I just get stuck on social media instead of doing work. If I plan what I'm doing and set myself achievable targets and breaks hopefully I can be more productive in the new year.

5) Save

I'm looking to buy a newer car than my 14 year old fiat Punto so 2016 is the year of the upgrade. I wanted to wait until the weather becomes warmer so I can save a bit more and practice in icy conditions (if we have some) so I don't crash a newish car.

6) Finish sixth form with 3 a-levels

I just need to work hard to achieve what I need to progress. It would be nice to have three so I can keep my options open but I need to stop focusing on the grades and just get things done.

7) Get into the Fashion Retail Academy

Teachers push you to go to uni and it's something I've never been interested in. When I discovered the Fashion Retail Academy I knew that's where I wanted to go. I have applied so we'll have to wait and see what happens.

8) Build my blog

I have realised recently that I need to push myself to achieve more. I think it's achievable if I work hard and stay consistent. Hopefully I can somehow figure out how to improve the layout with the guidance of many bloggers posts on this topic.

9) Stop caring what others think

I really need to stop caring about what others think. It may just be the fact that I'm in sixth form and that is what school environment is like but I guess we'll see in September. It happens nearly every day and I need to start focusing on myself rather than others because it's not getting me anywhere. 

10) Reduce Stress

I get way too stressed on things I don't need to stress about and I definitely need to reduce this. I need to learn to just go with it. I have definitely got into the habit of thinking if something isn't perfect it's failed or it's not good enough. I want to plan an evening every week to just relax, do something I enjoy and treat myself.

11) Learn to control my emotions 

I do get so wound up and it doesn't help that my family and boyfriend take pleasure in this. I need to think in the moment and appreciate what I have.

12) Become tidier

My room builds up, then I tidy it and it builds up again. Putting things away would help but I don't always have time. I need to spend 10 mins each day putting things away or tidying a bit to keep it more manageable. I have recently moved rooms and am trying to find homes for everything. Whilst sorting through everything I need to have a massive clear out of things I don't need and don't use. This will help my room stay tidier whilst also helping local charities.

13) Get organised

I have an organised exterior but I never ever feel organised. I like to have lists and tick things off but when it takes a while it frustrates me a lot! I would really like to keep on top of things this year so hopefully the pressure won't get to me too much. I got a dodo pad for christmas so this will definitely help me with keeping organised. It also has note pages opposite each week which will be fab for lists and notes.

14) Stop being late

This is kind of a jokey one because I'M ALWAYS LATE!! It's something i'm kind of known for now but since i'm now driving I can't rely on my mums driving skills and shortcut knowledge.

15) Read more

So I was reading Twilight for about 2 or 3 years with the odd book taking over in between. I recently finished it and have moved onto New Moon. I feel the need to finish the series because I remember getting them the christmas after they came out and I was so excited. I don't want them to be a waste of money and am going to make sure they aren't! I hope to finish the last 3 this year and start working my way through the many books I own.

16) Hopefully finish a draft of my book

I started writing a chapter for a book on my mum's life for my English coursework last year. Her life has been so packed with events that few have experienced them all. I think people need something to relate to, someone who's been through similar things and are still going. I would love to have a draft finished by the end of the year.

17) Show my appreciation more

I know I don't thank people enough and show my appreciation so I am going to try to give something back to the people who help me out so much just so they know how thankful I am.

Amy x

Favourite Festive Nail Polishes

I love to keep my nails looking good over the christmas season because it's the time of year to go all out. It is definitely the time to whip out those sparkly colours and experiment with designs. Here are a few of my favourite colours to use around christmas and new years.

From the left is SNP 2 Black 315 by Barry M.  This is the most subtle of the 4 and could also be a good shade for the transition in and out of the festive period. It could however be worn at any time of the year but I like to keep sparkles for christmas time. 

Then there's Red Glitter 037 which is the most christmassy colour ever! This sparkly red shade is my all time favourite nail polish and is so festive. This without a doubt gets me in the christmas mood.

Next along the line is Aqua Glitter 402 which is very very bright and looks so good when matched with the perfect outfit. It's personally not my favourite because it stands out so much so if it clashes with your outfit you can't hide it but if you like bright colours this is definitely one for you.

Last but by no means least is Yellow Topaz Glitter 350. This definitely comes close to the red shade but it doesn't win for the most festive colour for me. Although it's called 'Yellow' I wouldn't say it is overly yellow, it's the perfect gold shade. If it wasn't as yellow I don't think it would look gold at all.

I do apologise for the lack of light in the photo. Due to the weather my house is constantly gloomy so getting a decent picture is seeming to be quite a challenge

Merry Christmas!!

Amy x

The Riverside Grill - Bedford

I went out for a meal to the Riverside Grill with my family and it's safe to say we were very impressed. Each of us had a meal that we liked (this doesn't happen very often) and at a very affordable price. Looking at the restaurant, menu and presentation of the food  yo wouldn't think this is an affordable place but it is. Check out their website:  The Riverside Grill . Although there were numerous christmas parties and birthdays taking place, this didn't effect our service at all. 

The food was fab and was loaded with flavour. The top plate is the Giant King Prawns which my sister had. I have never in my life seen prawns this big, it's crazy. 

Below that is the grilled goats cheese and penne which was really tasty. It had so much flavour and the cheese definitely did it justice. It came with olives which I bravely tried but I'm still not too sure about them. They're definitely something I'd have to eat with something else. 

On the top plate of the middle picture are the fishcakes of the day. These were huge so mum ended up sharing. They were not bland at all which some tend to be and were perfectly cooked. The chips  they came with were really good. They weren't smothered in salt but still had an amazing flavour.

The Three Smoked burger on the bottom plate was very very hot so don't underestimate it! It was too spicy for me as I couldn't taste much after trying some but my dad thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. 

Last but not least is dessert!! My favourite course and the one I look forward to the most. 9 times out of 10 I look at the dessert menu first. The dessert on the top left is rhubarb crumble, on the right is the Belgium chocolate and raspberry tart and the bottom is the warm cookie and ice cream sandwich. My mum and sister enjoyed theirs however the one and only criticism I would have about mine (warm cookie and ice cream sandwich) was that the cookie wasn't warm so I was a bit disappointed about that but it still tasted amazing and was beautifully set out. 

I would definitely recommend visiting and I will definitely be returning

Amy x