15 Years And Counting

E D I T

I wrote this post on 22-04-13. It is today 06-01-14. I intended to post this nearly two years ago and then my blog grinded to a halt. As I approach my 18th birthday, only 6 months of childhood left(!), I can understand now my main reasons for posting this. I was in a sad place, friendship wise, and I was watching a lot of 'satirical' and quite frankly, depressing videos on Youtube commenting on life's little misfortunes. 

While I still feel like this sometimes, these occasions are fewer and farther between which fully allows me to enjoy life and most o the days for even as small a thing as my cat's purr. It is interesting to see how my writing has developed from my 15 year old and sarcastic-as-hell self to my *more mature* 17 going on 18 year old self. I hope that my posts this year will become more positive to truly reflect my personality now, even if I do have to admit things that I'm scared of every now and again. 

15 Kids and Counting sounds like the bad name of a family where the parents seriously need to invest in contraception. But what about 15 Years and Counting. 'You should never ask a woman her age' is one of those common tales that a man is typically told in his younger years. Confession time; I'm 15. I don't necessarily agree with the declaration above, but I do find my birthday a bit of a downer. Cake and presents are nice, but you will only be getting older.

Many people measure milestones in their life. This could be through celebratory meals, or just endless photos on an embarrassing Facebook photo album that you are trying to hide. The most common milestone celebration, in my opinion, is birthdays. MTV seem to have captured the epitome of birthdays with the likes of Sweet Sixteen clearly showing all teenagers that you need to have a lavish party and get a car that you can't even legally drive in order to be cool(ahem...no.)

Sixteen is that limbo age. You are old enough to have sex (haha- that won't be happening for a while), smoke (that either), get a student card, and pilot a glider plane (?!). However, you are too old to buy a child ticket at the train station, for it to be socially acceptable to go trick-or-treating at Halloween, and to have no worries.  Sixteen is an age that often gets overshadowed by the likes of 18th and 21st birthdays, but it marks one of the most prominent occasions in a teen's life- the first time that they will get drunk at a party. LOL, joke. Sixteen is the year of GCSE's, the year of first boyfriends (at an all girl's school? Yeah right), and the year of decisions.

I don't want to be a total downer, but we are all going to die, aren't we? We only have one life to live, and every minute of the day we will not get back, once it's passed. I realised this almost a year ago, and it made my birthday last year really miserable. My birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and I don't know whether to be excited or nervous. I think that it is because I have built up so much fear in my mind about what comes past aged 15 and that once I turn sixteen, I will not know how to deal with the pressure of exams, and life in general. But is the anticipation of fear worse than the actual outcome? Yes. We are not supposed to think of any danger before it actually comes. I mean, we should not anticipate negative things in advance before they have happened. It is a way of pessimism, but we are all guilty of it.

To me it seems that on the midnight of my 15-16 birthday, my life will change so dramatically. But it won't.  It's not like I will suddenly grow wrinkles all over my face and become some weirdo hag woman. But it won't. I know that now, after a year of worrying. To me, each day is something which should not be wasted, which makes y birthday all the more painful. However, if I was following my own advice, I would have realised by now that each day that I spend being miserable about my upcoming birthday, is one more day that I have wasted being miserable, and working myself up. And over what? The fact that I have to make choices and pass exams?

People also seem to measure their life by their achievements. Just the other day my sister wrote 'Congratulations, your 80' on a card for my Grandma. I think that we all need to realise just how quickly the time between the years will pass, and live each day sans worrying about problems that may never happen.

Cake and presents are nice, but you will only be getting older; you will have so many more opportunities to come, so enjoy them when they come, and celebrate the amazing year you've had rather than the fact that you are getting old.

Managing My Workload

Hey guys, this is a sad post, I'm afraid. I have barely any free time on my hands at the moment, and I have a feeling that in a couple of months, I will have even less. I am always studying and working, and it is sad to say that my blog is the thing that's getting neglected. However much I don't want this to happen, I know that I am not getting any sort of financial gain from this blog, or even that it is helping my studies.

This does not mean that I am going to stop blogging  by any means. I am simply going to work very hard at writing multiple blog posts at one time so that I'm able to publish them on a schedule. also, I am going to be dropping the amount of posts that I write down to about one-two a week. I know that this sounds really pitiful and like I'm not really trying, but this is the only solution that I could think of which enabled me to keep my blog.

I hope that you guys are OK with this, I just don't have the time to keep posting everyday, and for that I'm sorry.
Jennifer xx

2013 To-Do-List

I know that the thought of writing new years resolutions is one that scares some people. And, to be honest, it kinda scares me too! There is always so much pressure to achieve the certain goals that you set out, which I think is one of the reasons that so many people give up. However, I have come up with a solution; a new year's to-do-list. A to do list is such a great way to keep organized, and I just love writing them so that I get to experience that proud feeling when you can tick something off!

This fun little DIY project I made can 

be pinned up somewhere to inspire you all year round, and is totally personalized and custom to you. Here is how I made it;

Step 1; I wrote my list. This isn't my proper resolutions, but this list is just some fun things that I really want to do in 2013,e.g go to the zoo and (finally) buy a MAC lipstick!

Step 2; I wrote up my list on the computer. I used the programme Paint because I thought that it would be the easiest way to make the image. I used lots of bright colours and creative fonts, but you can really personalize your list here.

Step 3; Print out your list, and gather some coloured paper.

Step 4; You will need: picture frame, scissors, coloured backing paper, your list, a hock nailed into the wall.

Step 5; Assemble! Layer your coloured paper behing you cut-out list in the picture frame. Then hang the frame on the wall. Here is my finished project, and I'm sure that it will inspire me all year!

What would you like to do this year?

Jennifer xx

New Years Resolutions

The hype of setting New Years' Resolutions can be overwhelming around this time of year, but people have actually been setting them for thousands of years. Did you know that the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts; that the Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named; that in the Medieval era, the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

I have only three resolutions this year. They are much more simple than my past resolutions, and  I have also included one blog-o-lution, just as a little extra challenge.

I took this from the top deck of the Eiffel Tower in 2011, but I would love to go back.

To go to Paris. I have visited Paris 7 or 8 times before, but the last time I went was February 2011, and I miss it. Before when I've been to Paris I've always wanted to go to Disneyland or do touristy things, but this coming year I would love to really explore Paris. I would love to be dropped off somewhere in the city and wander around with some money and a camera and see what I discover. Also, I really feel that my beginner French could blossom with a long weekend?!

Eat Healthier. I know that this has probably made everyones list, but I really do want to eat healthier food in 2013. I eat rubbish and I know that it isn't benefiting my body or my already breakout prone skin. Some of my favourite foods are already fruits(um, watermelon, anyone?) and vegetables(see brussel sprouts and broccoli). I don't have a goal to lose weight or a plan to diet, but by eating healthier in the coming year, I hope to get my body to somewhere better than it currently is, like a fruit salad paradise.

Get moister! I know that this one sounds really weird, but my whole body has been feeling really dry lately, especially my face and hair. I don't know whether this is due to the fact that we are in Winter, or if my skin/hair has been dry for a while and I just haven't noticed. Anyhow, it has to stop. In 2013 I have made it a resolution to moisturise as often as possible and try and do a hair mask or a hot oil treatment at least once a week. However, as much work as this resolution sounds  I will have an excuse to try out as many hand and body creams as I like.

My Blog Resolution:
To take better swatch pictures. I really need to improve the quality of my swatches. Whenever I swatch on my hand and take a picture, it always ends up looking like a dodgy crippled hand, and the swatch is usually blurred or not visible, and not true to the product. I will be avidly googling and testing out different ways to take better swatch pictures for you guys, thus making it my Bog Resolution for 2013.

Have you made any resolutions for 2012?
Jennifer xx

2012, where did you go?

2012, where have you gone?   Literally filing a missing persons report.

I cannot fathom how fast 2012 went by. I can still remember what I was doing on certain days in 2011! But I must accept that the year is nearly over, so I thought that it would be great to document what I've been doing. Who knows, I might want to know this stuff in the future?!



I am going to share my favourite things about this year with you guys;
FAVOURITES
Beauty;
underdog beauty product of the year
Mua plumping gloss in 'Candy Pink'. These lip glosses are not really talked about a lot, but they really do plump your lips, and at £2 each, these are definitely an underdog that I've been loving.
favourite hair product discovered this year
GHD Obedience Cream for Frizz-Free Styling. I'm pretty sure that this product has been discontinued no, but I did buy it this year. I put it on my hair when it's damp, and it prevents my hair from going completely frizzy and spastic- total lifesaver!
best magazine freebie of the year
Benefit's Cha Cha Tint. This was such a bargain from a magazine, and it is the most beautiful coral tint for your cheeks. It stays for hours too!
overall favourite nail polish of the year
Nails Inc nail polish in St. James.

Life;
best thing you've done
Started this blog! I started this blog at the end of February, and wrote my first post on the 26th. I love writing on my blog soo much, and honestly don't know what I'd be like wihout it. Bored, probably.
what are you most proud of completing this year
In England, people from the ages of 14-25 have the opportunity of completing their Duke of Edinbourgh Award. This is basically an award which challenges yourself, and provides 'rewarding opportunities for personal development'. Some friends and I did our D of E in July, but we worked really hard at it for 9 months before then. It was really hard, but I'm glad I did it(looking back-I wasn't so happy during it!)
most proud of this year
In June I took some exams with my college, and I got result which I am sooo proud of. I worked hard, and I was thrilled when I finally got them and they were that good!
favourite trip
In July I went to the Warner Bros Studios to see the Harry Potter set with my family. Having visited the Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in Orlando in 2011, obviously the set tour couldn't compare. However, it was amazing to see how they filmed some of the scenes. I had a great time!

Pop Culture;
favourite tv show of the year(english)
Downton Abbey, Series 3. Call me an old bat, but this show has twice as much drama than about 10   episodes of Hollyoaks combined, and about a million times more class.
favourite tv show of the year(american)
90210. Aired in January, and I can't wait for the next season to start. Hunks and backstabbers are so entertaining, and Naomi is just hilarious.
film that you saw in the cinema that you liked the best
American Reunion. This film made me laugh soo hard! Hunger Games was a close second though.
best book you read this year
Divergent. This book is sheer brilliance; enough said.
favourite album released this year
Do I even need to say this? Red by Taylor Swift. Obviously.


And, just because good should be balanced by bad, I thought that I would include some of my 'hated' things about this year. Only a few though, so you don't get too depressed!
HATED
beauty product I spent lots on, then regretted buying
I paid about £10 on a Soap and Glory 'Thick and Fast' black mascara, but when I started using it, it was super clumpy and way too thick to use. I even tried heating the bottle with my hairdryer to make the mascara more fluid, but it was useless. I totally regret buying this product.
event that was way overrated this year
London Olympics. I am sick and tired of hearing about what heros all of the athletes are. Sports is not the only place where people can excell, you know.
tv programme 2012 would have been better without
Without question, X Factor. The hype and publicity around this show is completely out of control now. Whatever happened to people wanting to win because they were passionate about music?

How has your 2012 been? Tell me what your favourite thing about this year was in the comments!
Jenny xx

Midweek York Adventure

On Boxing Day I ventured up to the City of York to visit family that I had, unfortunately, not been able to see on Christmas Day. And while I was there, I obviously had to visit the sales in the city centre. For those who haven't been, York is an average sized city about 5 hours away from London. To be honest, the city is quite boring, but the architecture is amazing, and the shopping is just as good! When I walked to the main shopping streets, I had to pass thorough a huge Fenwicks(not dissimilar to Selfridges), and I was literally standing between a gorgeous collection of Mulberry Alexa bags and a massive MAC counter: heaven.

I thought that I would share some of my pictures of my visit with you guys;

 Have you ever been to York? What did you get in the Christmas sales?

Jennifer xx

Christmas Jumper Party

Hi guys! So, on Sunday I was invited to a birthday party with a 'Christmas jumper' theme!  I had a great time, and I wanted to share with you what I wore, clothes-wise, and beauty-wise.

FASHION;

Clothes Show Live 2012; Part 1

Hi everyone! On Tuesday me and some friends went to the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham(NEC). I had such a great day!

We got there at about 11, and went straight to the catwalk show, which was amazing. We weren't near the front, but we had a great view of the whole set-up, and we were still close enough to see the hot models! Haha!

After the show, we walked around in the actual 'clothes show' section. It was basically like an indoor market- lots of different famous and upandcoming brands were there selling clothes, make-up, and goody bags! I didn't gt any clothes, but I did buy a few goody bags(I'll show you guys in the 'part two' of this post).

It was so fun, and an amazing experience. I will definitely be going next year! Here are some pictures that I took of the day;

The view from my seat at the fashion show

My Recent Life #1December

Hi everyone! So, recently I feel like I haven't really been saying too much about my personal life, and I apoligize. This is supposed to be a lifestyle blog, but I obviously forgot the lifestyle!

I really enjoy watching people do tags on youtube where they talk about their life and other random stuff, so I thought, given that I don't have a youtube account, I would do a blogger tag. It's probably just going to be me answering a bunch of random questions, but lets get started!

100th Post!

Hi everyone! Guess what?

You are currently reading A Sprinkling of Euphoria's 100th Post!

YAY YAY YAY

I literally cannot believe that I have written one hundred posts already- it seems like only yesterday that I started this blog! Here are a few blog facts to celebrate my 100th post;

Out of Ideas?

Hey everyone !

On Sunday and Monday, as part of my Duke Of Edinborough challenge. Me and my fellow D of E-rs had approximately 24 kilometres, in 10 hours to walk, and to fill. We could have been very bored, but luckily we managed to find ways of entertaining ourselves. Here are a few ways to keep the boredom at bay for a few, or maybe twelve hours, if you ever need to;

• Chat
• Eat
• Play many fun and somewhat childish games, such as:
I-Spy
Word Association
Truth or Dare
The Alphabet Game (different adjectives describing something, in alphabetical order).
• Make up stories with a different people, each adding a new line.
• Think of a country or place for every letter of the alphabet.
• Braid each others, or your own hair. This is really fun, and can be totally hilarious is you do crazy styles.
• Act like completely different characters for half an hour- try different accents, different lifestyles, and that sort of thing. I normally act Scottish because it's the only accent i can do.
• Have a Something-a-thon; Basically a marathon but without the running. I like Mime-a-thons, Accent-a-thons, and Jokeback-a-thons (saying your best comebacks for the entire thing). The something-a-hons last for 26.2 minutes, and are a great way to pass the time.
• Pretend that you're in a ___holics anonymous meeting, and act as you would, if you actually were. Caffeine-holics are funny because you can act super hyper.
• Act out scenes from you're favourite movies. Disney musicals are particularly entertaining.
• Sit down and slob about (not that we did much slobbing. Ahem)

These ten ideas will hopefully relieve any boredom in your future. If they don't? Well, after a while, you'll be so bored that you start making up your own games. I hope these helped, they certainly helped the days go quicker for me.

Jenny xx