Motivate Monday

Hello Everyone,

This is exactly what I try to live my life by: if something is easy, then it will probably not be worth as much as something that you have to work for.

Why do girls wear makeup?

Hello Everyone,

My sister and I were chatting the other day, and she posed this question to me:

Every single day, almost every woman gets up and puts on makeup. Some more than others, but most women will put some on at some point in their life. But why do we put use makeup?

This made me think, and so I decided to write a post detailing my thoughts on this. Feel free to comment at the end letting me know why you wear makeup.

In the 1950s, make up was worn to help a women attract herself a husband. This was their only aim. The ultimate woman would have a perfect family, a perfect home, and look perfect at all times. So makeup was used to attract the best husband they could by making themselves as beautiful as possible. However, it can’t be said that in today’s society that all a women needs is a rich husband, so why do we continue to wear make-up?

Some people wear it to feel feminine, myself included. Wearing make-up is one of the key differences between men and women (although the gap is getting smaller as men’s hygiene products become more feminised), apart from wearing skirts and heels, and long hair. I never feel more like a girl when I am doing my make-up in the morning, or for a night out. 

But if we stop and think about it, why do we girls feel the need to conform to this archaic idea of femininity? Women are not dolls, and should not be expected to look like one. This can be considered a metaphor for what women were expected to be in society, and this expectation has continued to an extent. Women are still mainly expected to do most of the childcare and housework, as well as having a career. They are expected to want to ‘have it all’, and if they don’t, then are a failure. 

A lot stems from our expectations of how people are supposed to look, and makeup is one of the biggest proponents from this. If someone looks professional, then they will be treated differently from someone who does not. If someone wears a lot of obvious makeup, or no makeup at all, they are generally not taken as seriously as someone who wears subtle makeup that emphasises their best features. So some people will wear makeup to look professional, and to be taken seriously.

Whatever reason that you wear makeup, if you wear it with confidence, then it doesn’t matter why you do. You’ll look fantastic.

Five on Friday

Hello Everyone,

It's time for Five on Friday (hosted by the fab girls April, Darci, Christina and Natasha, who you should go and check out, I love reading their blogs). This week is some new looks I am trying out with my make-up.

1.

This is a turquoise liquid liner from Sephora, paired with my new favourite mascara Kate Moss's Idol Eyes Rimmel Collection in Sapphire. I've done a simple cat-eye with the liner, just to make my eyes pop with a bit of colour instead of the usual black. I've left my skin bare because I was having a really good skin day when I was taking these pictures.

2.

This is a plain soft kohl kajal eyeliner in grey by Rimmel, rimming my eyes and the water line. I smudged it to stop it being too harsh a line under my eye. The mascara I used was Clinique's extreme impact mascara in black.

3.

Sorry about the weird angle of this picture, I was just trying out some new features on my camera. This again is a soft kohl kajal eyeliner, but I blended a black one and a white one in the middle to try and make a monochrome look on my eyes. I used the white eyeliner from the inner corner of my eye to the middle, on both the top and bottom of my eyes. Then, on the outer corners of my eyes I used the black one to the middle until it blended nicely with the white in the middle. I used the Clinique mascara on my lashes again. 

4. 

I didn't use any eyeliner on this look. I just used some No.7 blue eye shadow to cover my lid up to the crease, then I blended a slightly darker 2True eye shadow onto the outside and a little on the bottom lid. On my lashes I used the Kate Moss's Idol Eyes Rimmel Collection in Sapphire. 

5. 

For this look I used a blue shimmery eyeliner (I can't remember where it came from) to wing out my liner from the top and bottom eye lids. I used my Kate Moss mascara on my lashes again. 

YouTube Playlist of the Week

Hello Everyone, 

This week's playlist is one I listen to when I want to relax, or when I want to practice some ballet exercises. It has been written by Richard Maddock, and the link to it is here. 

1. Plies 3/4 from Ballet Studio Inspirations Volume Two
2. Dance A Story All In A Day's Work 4/4 (Music for Movement and Imaginations)
3. Walks on Demi-Pointe 2/4
4. Summer In Bloom
5. 1st Allegro 6/8 from Ballet Studio Inspirations Volume Two
6. 1st Adage from Ballet Studio Inspirations Volume Two CD
7. Run Like The Wind Music for Movement and Imaginations
8. Dance A Story (Day at the Circus) Music for Movement and Imaginations CD
9. 1st Adage
10. Battements Tendu Ballet Studio Inspirations Volume Three
11. Love's Reflections
12. A Winter Morning
13. WHO CHASES WHO? Doris and Lily 2011
14. WWF Puppy versus Kitty

These tracks are all lovely, perfect for someone who wants to relax, or some slightly faster tunes for those who want to do a little ballet workout. They also could be used to plan a ballet class round, if you so wish. 

Motivate Monday

Challenge for the week: find someone you love, and dance with them. 

Gracexxx

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone, 

Monday:

I spent the day relaxing with a good book. My mum was at home, so I also did some chores and errands. In the afternoon I met up with my friend Laura, and we chatted a lot, like normal for us.

Tuesday:

Tuesday was much the same as Monday, except I didn’t meet up with Laura. I spent the afternoon drafting some more posts. I sat out in the sun for a while, applying some liberal factor 30 while doing so, otherwise I would be burned to a crisp.

Wednesday:

I really had a lazy day, watching TV, reading in the sun and doing some errands. I didn’t even go onto the internet, it was that sort of day. In the afternoon I met up with Laura again, and then headed out to visit the Brownie pack that I used to volunteer at. They were going on a trip to the park, which it was a perfect night for.

Thursday:

I was up early for an appointment, and then I had a lovely leisurely stroll back to my house, stopping in the local second hand shop on my way of course, along with a quick nip into Boots for some essentials. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon in the sun.

Friday:

This was a really good day. I got all my grades back finally for first year, and I passed! And I got the required grade average for the University of New Mexico, so all I need to do now is book my flights and pack! This really excited me, so of course to celebrate I had to read another book!

Saturday:

A perfect day. I spent the morning at my old dance class, which was lovely. I love being back, especially as I am given some more responsibility with a small teaching role. When that was over, I met up with Laura (again) and we went to the local ‘bungo in the back lanes, where there were stalls and tea and beer tents run by locals. We also ended up at Queens’ Park Arena (Banstand) where there was a fundraising event for the bandstand to be regenerated. In the evening, my sister and I curled up on the sofa and watched the Hunger Games together. It was very cute. 

Gracexxx

Five on Friday

Hello Everyone,

It's time for me to get back the link-up Five on Friday (hosted by April, Darci, Christina and Natasha, go check them out, they're really great). I thought I would share with you some of the new pictures that I will be using to head up my post series, so you know what you will be reading.

1.

This is what you should see on a Monday, along with another image with a motivational quote on it to help you through the week. If you read on, there will also be a Challenge of the Week, a way of getting myself, and you perhaps to look at the world a little differently. 

2. 

This is the series that will describe all my travels, including my exchange year in the University of New Mexico. Photos, stories and reviews will hopefully become part of this series, as I discover the perils and delights of travelling. 

3.

The Weekly Update will keep you up-to-date with all my news and events throughout the week. I will try to post this every week, but if my week has been particularly boring, I won't bother with it. One change with my weekly update is going to be the day I post it on. I used to post this on a Wednesday, but I have now decided to post this on a Sunday instead. 

4. 

YouTube Playlist of the Week is one series that I love. I am often looking for new songs, or videos to watch on YouTube, and playlists are the best way to do this. I can just put it on in the background while I do other things. So depending on what I have been listening to, I will choose a playlist that best suits the theme. 

5. 

This is my new blog series. I will try to post every two weeks with a chapter of a book that I have been attempting to write. This is my first attempt at something like this, so please let me know what you think, and what I can improve on. This is by no means exclusive to just the one story, and if it is enjoyed, I may try some other shorter stories throughout the week. But I will need to see how I do with just this one. 

Gracexxx

A quick trip to London

Hello Everyone,

Brake: my blogging break

Again I apologise for not blogging as often as I promised. However, I have not stopped this week, and when I did stop, it was to allow myself to recuperate (or no access to the Internet.) But now I am sitting down and writing all the posts for the next few weeks, so there is no excuse.

My travels this week have not been too far (compared with how far I am going at the beginning of August, it is nothing), just a flying visit to London. In order to get my Visa allowing me to study in the US, I had to visit the US Embassy in London for an interview and hand in my documents and passport to be processed. The whole thing took just about 2 hours, but as I have relatives living in and just outside London, we (me and my dad) had to visit them. Despite all this, we still managed to fit in some time to do a little sightseeing.

Hotel outside King's Cross

Lovely painted building near King's Cross

Not entirely sure what this building is for, but it looks pretty

I love visiting London, and have done on a number of occasions where I have frequented most of the main tourist attractions. However, there was one that I haven’t gotten to yet: Kings’ Cross Station, home of the infamous Platform 9 ¾. So finally this week I managed to get to it, and my dad kindly took some pictures of me.

I am very excited about waiting in line

Still waiting...

The first picture of me

We walked by St. Pancras Station as well. I just love taking pictures of old buildings.

We stopped by the British Library, and had a look in at the new Comic exhibition. Then a coffee outside in the sun, of course.

The highlight of the trip had to be finally seeing Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre. I cried the whole way through it, but would happily relive it all again.

Sorry about the building stuff in the way, it was the best we could do

Quick selfie with Dad before it starts

I am so excited!!!

Finally to finish, a picture to sum up London.

What's more London than the London Underground?

Gracexxx

I am off on my magical journey, see you!

Motivate Monday

Hello Everyone,

Challenge for the week: get to know someone a little better, perhaps by just asking them about their day, or asking them for a coffee.

Gracexxx

Travelling the World

Hello Everyone,

As part of my Exchange Year, I sat down with my friend and made a list of things to do once I got there, things that we think are quintessentially American (or things that I just want to do). 

1. Attend an American Football Game
2. Attend a Fraternity party
3. Witness a Keg Stand
4. Shop in Walmart
5. Visit L.A.
6. Visit the Grand Canyon
7. Attend the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival
8. Visit Santa Fey
9. Visit Pheonix
10. Make friends with a 21 year old
11. Visit New York
12. See a celebrity, talk to them and take a selfie
13. Visit Harry Potter World
14. Find a designer piece in a thrift store
15. Have a meal in the Olive Garden
16. Attend the Day of the Dead festival
17. Attend Mardi Gras
18. Have an American Thanksgiving
19. Imitate the New Mexican accent
20. Take a picture of a sunset in the mountains
21. Actually tan
22. Visit a diner bar
23. Go to McDonald's and supersize a meal
24. Go to a mall
25. Visit Washington DC
26. Learn some American slang
27. Go to Barnes and Noble
28. Visit a gig
29. Attend a karaoke night
30. You decide!!!

For my last aim, I would like suggestions from you guys. What is something I should do that is quintessentially American? Comment, tweet, or leave suggestions on my Facebook wall with your ideas (please be sensible ones, not illegal or anything). I will choose either the most suggested idea, or my favourite. 

Gracexxx 

Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Last week I didn't do a Weekly Update as my week was fairly boring, I spent it in the library studying for most of it. However, I did go to a really nice restaurant with some family members for which there will  be a review coming soon. 

Wednesday

I spent the day in my kitchen snacking on biscuits and tea, while writing essays plans and committing them to memory. I made my notes lovely and colourful because that is how I study. I will try and do a study tips post, although it is a bit late for some people, perhaps for those of you starting the journey into exams.

Thursday

Pretty much as the same as Wednesday. Not much else to say really.

Friday

This was an eventful day. I had an exam from 3-5pm, then I had to run to catch a bus at 6 o'clock. It was a bit stressful, but I got on the bus home eventually. That was my first year over! All my exams are done! I am free for summer!

Saturday

This was a nice relaxing day with the family. I didn't really do much, just chilling and reveling in that I didn't have any studying to do. My sister and her friend and I watched Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters in the evening.

Sunday

I spent the morning relaxing again, and then met up with my friend Laura in the afternoon for a coffee. That was a lovely day. We got some coffee, then did a bit of shopping, then back to the coffee shop. 

Monday

I spent the day doing some blogging stuff, some posts and the lovely make-over. Hope you like it. 

Tuesday

I spent the morning relaxing, and then in the afternoon, I met up with Laura again and did a bit of shopping. Then, an early bed in time for my train to London in the morning.

Gracexxx

The Best Friends Episodes

Hello Everyone,

After a huuuuuge break from blogging for my exams (sorry guys, my studies have to come first) I am back, and am going to try very hard to get back to blogging as much as I can. Recently I have been watching A LOT of Friends. Now, I know there are only a few people who do not know what this is, so I don’t think I need to explain (if you don’t know, then google it). I thought I would share with you my top three Friends episodes, and some reasons why.

1           The One Where No-One’s Ready

This episode is just hilarious because it just reminds me so much of what happens when my friends and I arrange a night out. There are wardrobe malfunctions, a personal crisis, emergency cover-ups, and of course that one person who is ready trying to usher everyone out of the door. The one thing that we don’t normally have is someone wearing someone else’s clothes with no underwear on because frankly it’s a bit disgusting.

            The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate

This is where it all started. Without this episode, there wouldn’t be the starting point for all ten seasons. I have seen this episode so many times that you can put it on mute and I can recite the lines as they say them! The only thing that annoys me about this episode is Rachel’s voice in it is very high and squeaky, not like her normal voice at all. However, by the next episode it is sorted out, and is way more natural.

            The One With the Proposal Part I and II

This is the ultimate for any Friends fan. I actually found it more emotional than the last episode, just because I love an engagement. When Monica gets down on one knee, I am lost, it is just such a perfect proposal. Although it isn’t what either of them plan, it is perfect because they are just a normal couple. Things don’t always go to plan, but they don’t let that stop them from appreciating the good times.

What’s your favourite Friends episode? Are there any you think I’ve missed? Leave your comments below sharing your thoughts.

Gracexxx

Motivate Monday

Hello Everyone, 

This is just such a true quote, we learn more from the bad experiences than the good. The most rounded people are the people who has experienced the most, not people who have just had an easy life. 

Challenge for the week: find a bad experience and think about how it helped you become who you are today. Tweet about it using the hashtag #lifenegatives. 

Gracexxxx