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