Would you believe it, the first month of 2015 has already been and passed. The following playlist contains the music I've discovered and have been listening to this January. I hope that I can make these playlist a monthly post, where I can share my new discoveries with you guys. An artist that has caught my eye this month is BØRNS. His music is upbeat and catchy, and I frequently catch myself bopping to his music whilst on the bus. Also, James Bay's 'Hold Back the River' has been playing endlessly on the radio and well, for once I'm not complaining. His calming voice along with the strumming of his guitar immediately takes me to another place.
Blogposts. Gift ideas. Fashion and style. Recipes. Pinterest has it all. I always end up scrolling through Pinterest boards for hours, whilst bookmarking DIY ideas that I know I won't recreate. But hopefully that will change this year because one of my new years resolutions this year is do get more creative. Pinterest is a great place to organise ideas and bookmark favourite blog posts, so if you're interested in what I'm liking and planning, take a look at my Pinterest.
Here are 5 of my favourite DIY Pinterest boards:
Griottes
Cristina Ramirez
Irene Chang
Natalia Escano
I'm writing this post out of a sudden urge because I suddenly feel all the emotions coming to my mind and well, blogging when I'm feeling down is something that I find quite comforting. High school is a scary place. It may not be exactly how it is in movies, but at times it can really cause your emotional and self esteem level to drop drastically. Rumours, back stabbing, fake friends, the list goes on. Ever since entering high school, I occasionally get an extreme feeling of loneliness where I doubt everyone around me and well, it sucks. But after experiencing them so occasionally, I have accumulated a few tips when these feelings arouse that provides myself with a tad bit of comfort.
Switch off Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc these are places where people share their experiences and thoughts. But one photo doesn't sum up ones relationship. One tag doesn't strengthen ones relationship. It all just doesn't work like that. By turning off all social media, the pressure of being 'popular' and noticed doesn't at all seem important, because after leaving school, this all doesn't matter. I'm not saying having friends isn't important, because it definitely is. But having one close friend is better than having a group of fake friends.
Absorb Yourself Into Another World
Forget about your life, your problems and your unanswered questions. I do this by escaping reality. How? Reading a book, watching a TV show or listening to your favourite podcast. Everyone has their 'thing' that they like to read/watch/listen to whenever things aren't going their way.
Study
Sometimes when you tell sit yourself at a desk and tell yourself "okay, time to study," it just doesn't happen. Your mind is still thinking about all the more entertaining this you can do. But if you're a competitive person, like me, than studying now may be the perfect opportunity. I know that this may not be the case for everyone, but I'm just sharing my personal tips. Whenever I'm feeling friendless, I unintentionally compare myself with other people and when it comes to studying, having a little competition really motivates you to push yourself a lot harder.
Write
Every time I feel upset, all these thoughts come rushing into my head whether its emotions, tips or just ideas and I never realise how must content is produced in my mind. Ever since starting my own blog, I carry a notebook and pencil nearly everywhere I go, to jot my ideas down because a sudden idea in my head can easily be forgotten. And sometimes writing out your emotions, like what I'm doing on this blog post, can really elevate your feelings. Leaving me feeling more content, satisfied and productive than before.
Do you experience these feelings? How do you deal with them?

For me, new year is not only about making resolutions and having a fresh start but also about escaping. Seeing as its summer break here in Australia, the the new year is the perfect time to forget about work, school and all things stress related and just focus on refreshing my mind for the upcoming year. This is also the perfect time to make use of those gift sets received during Christmas, because it allows me to sample the product before I purchase it. When I went travelling this year, my makeup bag was smaller, but still as efficient because of Simple's Regime Set.
Simple came out with a 4 Step Regime for making skincare simple but effective. I think this is also ideal for those who are beginning to establish a skincare routine and new to skincare products.
The 4 Simple steps include: cleanser, wipes, toner and moisturiser
Kind to Skin Facial Wipes - surprisingly this was my first time trying out this product, even after reading numerous blog posts and watching monthly favourites on Youtube I finally gave in and it didn't let me down. One wipe can easily remove a whole face of makeup without leaving any oily residue on the face. It's 100% alcohol and oil free, with a light fragrance that leaves your skin feeling cleansed and soft.
Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover - if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to Bioderma, then would urge you to give this a go. It's free from any harsh chemicals and feels light upon the skin. It doesn't require harsh rubbing as you just apply some on a cotton pad and place it upon your eye and lightly rub it for a few seconds. For those with sensitive eyes, it doesn't leave them feeling dry or itchy.
Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner - I love a good toner because it really makes a difference to your skin. I love this because it feels cool against my skin and doesn't at all discomfort my skin. I apply this during the morning or night (sometimes both) by wetting a cotton pad with it and rubbing it onto my face.
Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser - this was one the first moisturisers that I purchased back when I was in my early teens. It isn't one of those moisturisers that leave your skin feeling sticky and heavy, but within seconds your skin feels light and hydrated.
So overall, would I recommend you to purchase this? YES.
Every year, it's always towards the end of the year when I finally realise how fast the year has gone. It feels like only yesterday when I put my Christmas tree up and began my Christmas shopping but now it's literally a less than a week until Christmas! Not only is Christmas nearing, that means the New Year is nearing too, 2015! As a grand finish to all the Christmas blog posts, today I've decided to do a relaxing Christmas tag to relax and ponder about all the things Christmas related.
1. Whats Your Favorite Holiday Movie?
This is probably the hardest question because as it nears Christmas time, pretty much the only movies I watch are Christmas related. I would have to go with Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and The Holiday.
2. What Are Your Favorite Christmas Colours?
Red, gold and silver.
3. Christmas Traditions?
I tend to spend the day in pyjamas as I lounge up while opening presents and watch Christmas movies. Then dress up all fancy at night for a festive dinner.
It's basically a day of laughs with my closest family and friends.
4. If You Could Only Buy One Person a Present This Year Who Would It Be?
That would have to be my mum. During Christmas time, I try to give back to her as much as possible for everything that she has ever done for me.
5. What Do You Like To Do On Your Christmas Break?
Christmas shopping. I just love roaming shopping centres, all the Christmas decoration and fairy lights. Choosing gifts for loved ones are one of my highlights of Christmas, it makes me really excited and grateful.
6. Any Christmas Wishes?
I really hope everyone stays safe during the Christmas break and return to school or work with joyful memories. I also hope that the upcoming year will bring lots of fun adventures.
7. Favourite Christmas Smell?
Gingerbread. Gingerbread men. Gingerbread candles. Just gingerbread.
8. What is your favourite Christmas song?
No matter how many times I listen to Michael Buble's Christmas album I still find myself playing it on repeat during the Christmas season. It just never gets old! My last blog post was my Christmas playlist, so check it out if you're interested in more festive music.
9. Favourite holiday food/sweet?
All baked goods and pumpkin spiced lattes.
10, What makes the Christmas holidays special for you?
Being able to spend time with family and friends. Personally, I love the idea of how so many people gather celebrate one occasion. But nonetheless, I think of Christmas as a time of appreciating, reflecting and giving back to people around you and to those not as fortunate.
Want a quick easy Christmas post without having to plan or prepare? Do this Christmas tag and leave it in the comments below!
Guys, there's only 2 weeks left until Christmas time! Time seriously does go by fast. Along with Christmas decoration, tree, mugs and parties, for me, music is one of the most vital elements for Christmas. Every year around mid November I find myself bringing out the festive music to get in the spirit. Singing Christmas carols always bring back memories of singing carols at church during the younger years and always put a smile on my face.
I can finally say that Christmas is nearly here! Christmas holidays are always my favourite time of the year, not only does everyone become super festive, but it's also a time of spending time with family and friends and giving back to them for all the support throughout the year. This probably leads to one of the most fun but stressful part of Christmas - buying gifts. Don't get me wrong, I love buying gifts, but sometimes it's a real mess if you have no idea what to get someone. This year, I've planned out my Christmas presents way beforehand, so I am sharing some gift ideas that I'm suggesting you to purchase for your mum, best friend or girlfriend.
Despite new technology advances, nothing can beat the good old notebook. Along with the amazing cover, these notebooks are perfect for writing blog post ideas or just keeping you organised in general.
This is for that beauty guru friend of yours. Festive packaging and gorgeous lip colour - this will be an amazing stocking filler.
Soon after Christmas, comes the New Year which is when most people set New Year's resolutions in order to help them become a more organised and healthy person. This journal will definitely help get them started on their healthy living journey. Motivation, planning and organising are all encompassed within this journal and will help them keep track of their progress and motivate them to continue.
04. Macaron Box
This is the perfect stocking stuffer - cute and practical.
05. Zoella Beauty Guinea Pig Bag
Zoella - my queen. This is probably the cutest makeup bag I've seen, I mean polka dots and guinea pigs.
06. Magical Thinking Geo Terrarium
This geo terrarium will spice up a study desk and bring a bit of life and colour when studying for an upcoming exam.
07. Travel Essentials Notebook
Traveling is the perfect time for recording down thoughts and current emotions, because it isn't all year round where you can go travelling.
What are you gifting this year? Leave them in the comments below!