Ah there is nothing better than sinking into the familiar comfy sofa in your home whilst sipping a cuppa that your mother made you. God, it's so good to be back home.

Its been a hell of a few months to say the least- at uni and also in the news- so much sadness! But I'm hoping, along with the rest of the world, that things will start to get better. I want to take this moment to just say how sorry I am for the lives lost and the families of the people who lost their lives in the German Wings crash. My father flies that route with them all the time, so I feel incredibly lucky that he wasn't flying that day. I cannot imagine the pain they are all going through, and my heart goes out to them all.

Now I won't ponder over sad things too much, this was not supposed to be a sad post. However I have definitely darkened the mood. But it really does put emphasis on just how precious life is.

So I have finally finished ALL my university assignments, I have one exam in May but I'll have plenty of time to prepare for that. I think I have been more excited for Easter break than I was for Christmas. I think it's because I've had so much on and I have just felt physically and emotionally drained.

So my parents picked me up yesterday (Saturday) and I was so relieved to be back home in a clean, tidy, non mouldy house (ah student life). My golden retriever puppy was happy to see me too and I was so excited to give him cuddles again. I have missed all my family and friends so much. In fact I think I am going to end the post here with these words:

Never take what you have for granted. People are less fortunate than you and life is too precious to waste. So please love your family and friends unconditionally.



Much love to all in these hard times X

There are so many cruel things happening in the world, and one thing that really gets to me in animal cruelty. Being someone who has constantly been around animals and pets and who has been brought up living beside them, I cannot imagine or comprehend a reason for anyone wanting to harm an animal. I makes me feel physically sick.

I have had the pleasure of owning two dogs. Both golden retrievers and both beautiful and lovely dogs. Anyone who has dogs or cats or any kind of pet for that matter, will understand the bond that forms between our species. I always get the heart wrenching pain when ever I read or see something that highly suggests animal cruelty. Not only is this because I think of my own dog and think about the pain I would go through if he were to go missing or someone steal him, but also because I cannot understand how anybody could be so evil to something so innocent. Dogs are wonderful creatures who will love their owners' unconditionally (something WE could learn from), so it is inexcusable for anyone to dismiss cruelty to animals of any kind- using dogs as my example.

I recently read an article through Facebook about a dog who was abandoned at a train station and tied up with a suitcase full of his belongings. And I wanted to cry. He had a suitcase! If that doesn't upset you I don't know what will. Animals may not be human, but they certainly are people- in my opinion. Just because they don't speak our language does not mean they are less important to our world or have less worth.

It needs to be sorted out. People who abandon or hurt poor defenseless animals need to be found and prosecuted.

So originally I was going to blog about Christmas, and I do still plan on doing that, but a recent thought has gotten me thinking and thus me wanting to write about it.

So, it's occurred to me lately just how much I think about others. And I'm not calling myself a saint, nor am I saying that by thinking of others I am never thinking about myself. Of course it is good to think of others- more people should do so. It's just sometimes, along the way, some of us get so caught up in other people's lives or problems or needs, that we forget to stop and take care of our own. Sometimes we run from the things we know we have to do by using other people's issues as diversions from our own.

I, myself, tend to focus greatly on what others are doing and how it effects me. Or planning my life around other people. This often includes waiting around for people, and listening out for answers from them. In the process of constantly waiting, I could have done several things- but because my mind is focused purely on them, I feel like I cannot possibly get on with my life, until they have arrived, or answered for example. Does this make sense?

So I thought about my own life. My goals, my ambitions and my feelings. And although I love thinking about others and putting their needs before my own, I rarely get time to think about myself and plan what I do. My life is constantly controlled by other people, whether they know it or not. My actions are always influenced my other people and when I am by myself I often find myself thinking about what others would think or how they perceive me, or even what they may be up to. And although it is a very tricky habit to shake, I think it is important sometimes to be a bit selfish- not in a nasty way, but by loving ourselves and giving ourselves attention, we should begin to feel more at peace with our lives.

We shouldn't have to worry or plan our lives solely on other people. Having people in our lives should be seen as a gift, not a burden on our lives. We should care for others for sure, but sometimes it is acceptable to put ourselves first. To be able to forget all our queries and worries or stresses about family or friends, even for just a few hours to focus on ourselves, would truly be refreshing. So many people spend their lives looking after others, when really they should be looking after themselves.

So from now on, always remember to take time to treat yourself, pamper, or spend some time just being you. And if you are the type of person who always seems to be being looked after- maybe take some time to think about the people looking after you and thank them for being so selfless and loving.

Hello, me again.

Recently it's occurred to me, that I don't look after myself enough. And by this I mean I always worry too much or care too much about others or what others think, that I don't have time for myself. And to be honest it does no good to be like that. For once in my life I want to do things for myself and focus on MY life and MY future and MY present.


I think a lot of people are like this. Although it still shocks me how many people aren't and how many people have cared about themselves ONLY all their lives. To be honest I believe it to be a selfish life, but in the end they probably end up happier. Like Billy Joel says in his song 'Vienna' (my favourite song) ' Only fools are satisfied'. These lyrics are starting to appeal to me more and more. I'm fed up of always focusing on others and negativity.

Now I'm not saying we should stop caring about others. Not at all. I'm saying it's good to take a step back once in a while and focus on what we want and what we want to do. People who this post speaks out to might feel as though they think everything through too much and worry about the 'what ifs' or the 'maybe this means this..' when in reality it probably doesn't. So we all need to relax and let things play out more rather than playing them out in our heads first and assuming that is how things are.

I am currently in the process of doing this. I still care and love the people around me but I'm trying to learn to love myself more. My best friend recently brought me a wonderful book called ' You Can Heal Your Life' by Louise Hay. She writes about how all our problems in our lives can be linked to the lack of love we give ourselves and if we all start to love and appreciate ourselves more, then the issues we have or see will gradually become less powerful. I love this idea don't you?

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who feels like this!!

Speak soon loves X

Good day to all you beautiful blog readers! Today I thought I'd write a little bit about beauty itself. What is beauty? How do we become beautiful? And really the answer is simple. Everyone holds beauty within them. You probably don't believe me and have heard it said a thousand times, but it's honestly true.

So this is just my opinion, but I've chosen really wisely. And it's hard, it's very hard to choose only 5. Why do this blog post you may ask? Well I feel like people need a little uplifting every now and again, and who wants to read pages and pages of serious stuff? Let's face it, Disney is magical- all that disagree are ... wrong. And music can really relax and cheer people up. So I've picked of my top five inspirational and motivational Disney songs! Enjoy :)

At number 5...
Go The Distance- Hercules
Sometimes, I think Hercules gets a bit forgotten. I'm not sure why because it's brilliant. This song for me, tells those who listen to it that you really can do anything you put your mind to. When listening to this song I for some reason think of climbing a mountain through storms and reaching the top with dignity, and as I reach the top, the clouds part and I can see a beautiful sun rise! It could happen!
Go The Distance

Number 4...
Can You Feel The Love Tonight- The Lion King
I'm sorry but this song makes me want to stand under a waterfall and run through a jungle in a 'happily in love' kind of way! I can't help but mime this song in a sort of slow motion, head swaying, arm gestured way.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight

Number 3...
You Got A Friend in Me- Toy Story
This song always makes me feel lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. Whether it be family or friends, this song always reminds me that sometimes the person who is the most loyal, is someone you may least expect. It also reminds us that someone who stands by us through thick and thin, must never go unnoticed as a friend. It's also a really chirpy, happy tune that gets everyone singing and bobbing along!
You Got A Friend in Me

Number 2....
Let It Go- Frozen
This goes without saying. It didn't win an Oscar for nothing. It is amazing. But seriously guys, let it go. Just let it go. This song makes us remember to be ourselves and let our person inside us be free. No song has ever made me want to live in a house made of ice, more than this song does.
Let It Go

And finally...
Number 1.............................
I'll Make a Man out of You- Mulan
Words cannot, they just cannot, express my love for this song. I think everyone would agree that this song has such power that after listening to it, we feel we too are ready to defeat the Huns. I always like to listen to this song whilst running. It really helps motivate me, with its beautifully sculpted lyrics.
I'll Make A Man Out of You

Wasn't being a child just the most fun you've ever had? Wasn't it so easy and magical? Now, as you're speedily growing up faster than your body promised(dear body, I thought we had a deal?), things are being revealed to you as harder than they once looked. Being 20 and having finally turned into an age where I no longer can use the excuse' I'm a kid' or 'i'm still a teenager', I'm having to come to terms with the fact I actually have to do things now! 
2.) Cleaning. The floor was wonderfully soft and clean, the coffee table had no rings on it and the bathroom always sparkled. Now it feels like an on going chore that never ends. You wash all the dishes up then have to re-use them for having a cup of tea and slice of toast and so on-it never ends!! Not to mention the amount you have to spend on washing up liquid. It never ran out when you were a kid, why now that you're an adult does it seem to disappear before your own eyes?!

3.) Laundry. Ever wondered how your dirty clothes ended up back in your wardrobe? It's because your mum cleaned them in something called a washing machine ( I know right, who knew?). Now, if you're a student or someone who isn't able to buy their own machine yet, you have to lug all your dirty washing to the nearest laundrette and save and collect your pennies for weeks just to do one load of washing, only for the tumble dryers to not fully dry your clothes. Absolute madness!

Dear Readers,

                      Okay, so I know I previously wrote a blog post called 'Be YOU', and this post may seem similar, but I want to stress something that i've noticed. It is something that everyone knows, but nobody really notices. And that is how different we all are. I know, that sounds like the most obvious thing to say, but its true. We are all conceived in the same way, yet the results (us) are so unique and special. Each and every person has their own body, their own heart, brain, soul, bones, skin. Nobody is the same. I think we all need to take a few seconds, or minutes or how ever long you want, to stop and think about that. Why is it we judge others for being different, and why do we judge ourselves for not being the same.
I've realised recently that nobody understands you, better than you. So if you don't want to do something- only you can justify why. Some people drink, others don't. Some people smoke, others don't. Some people play Dungeons and Dragons, whereas others play Football. And that's okay- I promise. There is nothing wrong with being different!
I know there are a lot of people out there who feel lost, who feel they don't belong, and I want to let them know that they are not alone. Right now, I could be out partying but instead I'm sat at my laptop listening to the calming music a mystery person from another floor is playing. It's got me thinking: how many other people are doing the same thing right now? How many of us feel like we are wandering through life without a clue, or perhaps too many clues that others don't see. In this world, with so many people, it is so very easy to feel on your own. But just knowing that other people feel this, allows us to know that as long as the world keeps spinning, we will never be truly alone.
And for those who like being alone, that's okay too. Relaxing by yourself can be a great way to reflect. I know that I am one of those people who has always enjoyed being by myself. That doesn't of course mean I don't like meeting up with friends and family-because of course I do.
I just think people need to accept who they are and more than that..

. accept who others are.
Our lives are like a story book. If all the characters were the same then you'd have no story. But the different characters, ah well they just make for a fantastic read. And I think our stories- I think they're going to be the best!
So be silly, act crazy and be spontaneous, fall in love, enjoy anything and everything and most of all never forget that without you, this world would be a little less different and unique.


Lots of Love
Laura
X

As a young woman of twenty, I feel responsible enough to take this matter into writing. Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with some ridiculous lecture or anything of the sort, but what I feel is necessary is a good talking to. Since being at University, this matter has become more and more apparent to me. And that is ladies and gentlemen * clears throat* the matter of virginity. Losing it, keeping it, throwing it at people, whatever.
 Growing up for everyone is hard, hitting puberty is not the best time of your life putting it nicely. But with all the stress of this, with school, college, University etc on top, I don't understand why we pile more upon ourselves. And yes, I am talking about the need, or shall I say, obsession with losing virginity's.
From my point of view, and I am in no way saying it is the only point of view, as of course thousands of you out there may disagree, your virginity is something special. You are letting a person into your life both emotionally and physically, and I personally don't think that is something that should be thrown around willy nilly (if you'll pardon the pun). Our bodies are all beautifully sculpted, each individual and each different, and that's what makes the world so special, I think we owe it to ourselves to respect our bodies. After all, they have been with us since birth- otherwise we'd just be a floating head!
When I was a few years younger it seemed majorly important to lose your virginity. Whether this was because it was seen as uncool if you didn't or because in fact everyone was scared that they'd never lose it, and wanted to get it out the way. Either way people should never feel pressured to do anything if they aren't ready or comfortable with it. The truth is when you get older you begin to regret the choices you made. Not all, but for sure some. And often the way people lose their virginity's is a regret. Whether you're 16, 18 or 25, what ever your age, never think it is acceptable for people to make you feel rubbish about whether you've had sex or not or force you to do it. Please never feel like you have to have had sex to fit in with a group. If that's the case, then those people aren't cool enough for you- for someone who is strong enough to say 'Hey, when I'm ready, I'm ready, not when you think I'm ready!'
Truth is, it doesn't matter when you lose it, the only thing that matters really is how you lose it. And I'm sure when you're 70 years old you'd prefer to look back and say you lost your virginity to someone that you truly wanted to be the one to take it. Unfortunately, we don't all choose that option, and that doesn't make us bad people. It just means we didn't think it through as much, and perhaps we, sadly, felt the pressures of society and our peers put too much strain on how we approached the matter. But for those of you reading this, you DO have the chance to think.
Sex is a very personal thing and we should take care of our decisions around it. After all its our bodies we are using. I'm sure you'd prefer to put your body in the hands of someone you love and trust! SO be brave and stand up for yourselves. Be ready for it when you want to be!

Another matter I thought I'd touch upon, and I won't go on for too long as I've already kept you a while, is about numbers. And no, I don't mean maths. Although that seems to be coming into it. Whilst being at University one of the most common things I hear being talked about, and this seems much more apparent in males( though not always) is how many people they have slept with. Apparently this matters? I see boys proudly admitting how many they've 'had' and 'bigging' themselves up to each other. I would just like to say a few words to those people:
Not only is it highly disrespectful to the other gender- thinking of them as objects or pieces of meat- but if you ask the opposite sex if they'd prefer a relationship with someone whose slept with one person or someone whose slept with 25... Who do you think they would choose?
Its not cool guys.
For those people who aren't counting, just enjoy sex, and are embracing it and aren't hurting people in the process- fair enough! Enjoy your life, I'm not hear to say don't have sex, or don't explore- go forth and do that!
My point is, sex to some people is an intimate beautiful thing and that needs to be accepted by more people! 
I'd much prefer to sleep with one person I was madly in love with for the rest of my life, than someone new each day, wouldn't you?!
After all- you only have one chance to lose your virginity! Lose it wisely!

Relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Some can be long, some can be quick, and some can good and some can be bad. When you're a young teenager, they seem like the most important thing in the world. And at some point in your life they will be. But at that age they are not. There are so many young girls and boys who are losing out on so many important things because they are focusing too much on relationships. I'm not going to say they aren't important; relationships with friends are extremely important growing up! But when you're 15/16 years of age you have so many important things to think about without the distraction of a adult relationship. Of course i'm not saying don't have one, sometimes they can teach you valuable lessons. They definitely taught me not to trust everyone at first, which is good as it stops you befriending the wrong people. It made me realise how much I was missing out on, all the fun and happiness my friend were having- I wasn't. It made me realise I could have gotten such better grades in school and sixth form. It makes you understand men more, or women more, depending what gender you are. It makes you realise that you should never go near people like that again, and to avoid getting into relationships with similar people.
At first it made me feel like it was my fault, like I was the one causing the problems- when in fact it was the other way around- Don't ever let anyone tell you you aren't worth being treated well. You deserve the best and nothing less. Do not settle for what you think you deserve because chances are you have set your bar too low and they won't treat you right. I did this, I was cheated and lied to and I felt like I didn't deserve better. What can I say, I was young and naive. 
On the bright side it made me realise that the sun will shine again, and when things are tough you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and surround yourself with people who love you. You'll make it through to the other side. Now I am over the moon with happiness. I have found someone who is more than amazing and treats me like a princess. Now the past is the past and I realise that it was just my young self that didn't know what it was doing. So for all you young folk who think their relationship is the 'bomb', remember to focus on friends and family and hobbies as well. Sometimes there are more important things. And if you have had your heart broken or you've been torn apart by a relationship, please don't feel like giving up- things honestly DO get better!!