I Did What?!

Where Have You Been? I hear you cry.

Well it's true I've had a complete hiatus from blogging and I haven't really had any excuses really but what I can tell you is I've definitely spent this time wisely (or not so wisely some may argue after this post) 

If I've learnt anything growing up it's definitely that life is short, you never know how much time you have so why not make the days count ey? Whether it's planned events or a last minute booze-up, I can guarantee when we're old and grey, they are the memories we will cherish no matter how much we may regret them at the time. Which brings me to the theme of this post; Spontaneity.

Here are my top spontaneous/random moments so far (most of which actually include the same 2 friends; bad influences maybe?)

1. Travelling over an hour at night to get dessert.
Because noone wants just plain old ice-cream from a supermarket to satisfy their sweet tooth right? We decided to go from Minehead to Yeovil to go to Kaspa's dessert place. So I may have exaggerated a little, my friend is actually originally from Yeovil but a little drive around escalated into going to his hometown to get chocolate covered waffles and cookie dough. But this is just the start of our driving adventures ....

2. Deciding to travel to MANCHESTER the night before for a 'casual' day trip.
Yes .. Manchester, as in North of England, as in at least 4 hours away from where we live. We are surrounded by mainstream cities like Bristol, Birmingham, Plymouth, yet those just didn't tickle our fancy. Instead, we wanted somewhere different to go shopping (baring in mind we were all semi-broke at the time) so we thought it was the best option. Was it? Well, Trafford Centre is INSANE. I just wish I had longer to get my head around how massive this place was and explore properly, it was definitely a culture shock to the shopping centres we are used to. Also, the boys got some pretty decent suits for our upcoming awards night so all in all a successful trip. However, we did do one more thing whilst we were there ...

3. Getting our Nipples pierced whilst in Manchester.
Now, don't get me wrong, nipple piercings has always been something I said I'd love to get but it was one of those things where I didn't think I would actually go through with it. Well, after the tiniest bit of peer pressure and finding a studio at last minute on Google, we all decided to bite the bullet and get it done. Only the one mind, which I'm actually glad about because that trip home was painful! Seatbelts and sore nips are not a good combo boys and girls especially having to travel home 4 hours!

4. Booking + flying to Tenerife in less than a week.
I don't know if you've picked up on this or not but I do struggle with last minute plans at the best of times but a holiday with no notice spared gave me complete anxiety! This actually was back in January 2017 and my first holiday away without my parents which was a big deal to me. My good friend Katie literally texted me not suggesting but TELLING me we were going to go with our other pal Dan, and sent me the cost and details, at least someone had it planned out! And it was all because of a passing comment that we should get away somewhere. I never thought I'd ever have the courage to do that but it turned out to be exactly what we needed.

So the point I'm really getting at is, life is really short and although our credit cards take an absolute beating, often the most unexpected days, trips, moments are the ones we will remember in a few years time, not the ones where we are stuck in work, stuck with the same daily routine. So do something out of blue, you never know it could be the best thing you do this year.

Love Katie x

Organisation Is Key.

Do you know my favourite thing about a new year beginning? The excuse to buy a diary. Now I don't know if it's just me but I must buy at least 10 notebooks throughout a calendar year and matching stationary in an attempt to look like I've got my shit together but in reality I soon lose interest and I just end up with a pile of half used bits of paper and pens coming out my ears. 

I always have the ideal scenario in my head aswell that when I'm out and about, on a train or bus that I'd be sat jotting down ideas whether it's for blogposts, planning appointments or shopping lists when the majority of the time I have my headphones in trying to conceal my inner Beyonce. 

But here's Take 235 of organising Katie Pook's life and this is how I'm going to do it.

Buying an visually pleasing Diary. The obvious first step but as someone who loves colours and pretty things, these bog standard doctors appointment style books just does not cut it. It does not give me the motivation to plan at all however on the other hand I'm too coward to spend too much just incase I don't stick to my word and add to my unwanted collection. I was delighted when I found this cute diary in Poundland with a pink and teal palm tree design. What's great about this is the plastic overlay too because this weather defintiely isn't paper friendly and in the past my notebooks have gotten water damage when the heavens open and who wants soggy notes? Eurgh.

Being aware of significant dates. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Working Hours. Keeping an actual record of these instead of guessing or relying on Facebook will allow me to not only plan for these days but also give the illusion I'm well prepared without worrying last minute and having to send a Moon Pig card or rushing to get to work. It is so easy to lose track of days working in a seasonal job so it will just give me a bit of a reality check. I've written in upcoming breaks to also mentally prepare myself what level of work I'll be doing. 

Having things to look forward to. Scheduling in compulsary days like above will leave space for freetime and although I love having my downtime, nothing compares to the feeling when you know an event is coming up that you're excited for. Currently other than my birthday, I have no plans for 2018 but I think it's vital especially in the type of career I am in, to take a break, go on holiday, go to a festival. This is a major motivational tool to have something to work towards, counting down the days. As much as you don't want to wish your life away, sometimes that excitement can get you through the toughest times. And of course, a more exciting life means more exciting content to post about!

Discover Inspiration. As corny as it sounds, in terms of blogging there is inspiration all around us and my goal is to know how to utilise that in my favour. Whether it's a guest who has made an impact in my day, a product I've come across, a distinctive smell perhaps? I need to open my mind a little more as I love blogging but can get caught in a rut pretty fast. I need to stop feeling so anxious about expressing my passion.

I want this year to count. I want to make an impact. I want to make myself proud and being organised is just the first hurdle.

Love, Katie x

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Rant: Encourage The Future Generation

I have spent about an hour trying to think of a way to begin this post, maybe something witty, cute but to be honest I don't have one. This is just something I need to vent and get off my chest. I was going to put it on Facebook or Twitter but I thought, I can guarantee most, if not everyone can relate to this.

When you're younger all you think about is what it's like to be an adult, there's so many remarkable adults surrounding you that you couldn't wait to grow up and see what living life in adulthood feels like, it must be this amazing adventure, all this freedom. Then you reach that point and it's definitely not all it seems. You stress more about little things, you sit in bed worrying about your job or your family and friends and you're constantly tired. Am I right? But that's not what I'm talking about, that I can deal with to an extent. 

What I really can't get my head around is that these "adults" you once admired are like high school teenagers. They moan, they bitch, they're sly and their two faces even put Professor Quirrell to shame. But the funniest thing about it is it's not people my age, not even people my sisters age, but people in their 40's are the ones that are the worst for it. They constantly nit pick everything, they talk to you degradingly and they bitch bitch bitch because it makes them look superior. 

I don't understand it? Surely at 40 you have lived your life, you have been in my shoes and you know exactly how hard and daunting it is to find your own purpose in this world but you still go ahead and try and make things more difficult for me. Instead of judging everything how about actually support me, give me the encouragement to succeed in life. Praise me on the things I'm doing right rather than tell everyone what I do wrong. 

Of course, it's not everyone at 40 who are like this but that vast majority who make daily life that bit more stressful need to step back and realise, we are the present, we are the future and if you continue to put us down, how does that prepare us for other obstacles we will face just around the corner? There's enough pressure on us from society, we don't need it from you aswell.

I think some adults are just so cautious of being replaced but that's the circle of life, we all get replaced at some point, we don't live forever so why don't we just all make our lives count. 

Be kind, be happy, be supportive, because if you're unable to do it, what hope do the rest of us have going forward?

{I apologise I got a tad carried away and this is entirely unfiltered, I just felt I needed to raise this issue that I have been a victim of lately}

Lots of love,

Katie x

REVIEW: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes +

Today is going to be a beauty rave my loves since I haven't done one in a long time.

Have you ever wanted long lashes but absolutely loathe applying fake lashes? Then I highly recommend this product.

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes + claims it increases your lashes by up to 400% with its micro-fibers and it couldn't be more true.

See I was lucky enough to be blessed with long lashes anyway so I was a bit sceptical as to whether it would be any good for me but it really does give that false lash effect and volumises amazingly. 

AND it's so easy to use;

First you apply your normal every day mascara onto your lashes, then you coat on the Transplanting Gel and then apply the 3D micro fibers straight away to create that lengthy look. It can be a messy job and you can repeat this step however many times you desire but just get a clean mascara brush and comb your lashes to remove the excess and seperate your lashes.

It originally is a bit on the pricey side if you purchase from the Younique website for £23 but you can get it for an absolute bargain price from £4.99 (sometimes cheaper if you bid!) on Ebay and it's the actual legitimate product.

If that doesn't persuade you, what will?

Katie x

Day 9 of #Blogmas | DIY Decs

So I put my tree up at the end of November but I've been so tied up sorting everything else out for Christmas, I'm slacking in putting up actual decorations!

I always love the thought and that personal touch of doing DIY decs (how many times did you make paper snowflakes at school?!) that I picked up these cutesy packs from Wilko for £1. Bargain!

Here we have paperchains, make your own star and "glass effect" (but actually just tissue paper) decorations. Each pack comes included with everything you need and instructions. It's such a good idea to sit down and create if you have younger children or not! I'm the youngest in my family and I still enjoy it just as much (with the odd stress and swearing) however they aren't straightforward to do. They are so fiddle and time consuming but they add that perfect touch of DIY to your Christmas, it's worth it!

I also picked up this gingerbread bunting it's absolutely adorable and the easiest thing out of them all, very therapeutic. I couldn't resist them!

I'm nowhere near the most creative person in the world so making these make me feel like I'm not completely useless!!

Oh and you can never have enough tinsel everywhere can you?!

Do you have any DIY decs this year?

Which Pill Would You Take?

It's midnight and I'm laid in bed doing my usual routine of scrolling through Social Media until I can't keep my eyes open whilst trying to put the world to rights in my head and it just so happens that I come across this.

Most of the time I just ignore these kind of things that come up on Facebook and this is the first and last time I will admit Facebook inspired a blogpost but this one actually made me stop and think for a minute. Imagine if you were given that decision; having the opportunity to go back and change your past or $10 million cash?

The quick and easy choice would obviously be take the money and run. Who cares about the past!? it's all about the future! YOLO! Then I actually thought properly about it.

The reason we are where we are today is because of the decisions we made in the past both good and bad, imagine having that opportunity to fix those regrets, mistakes, decisions to see if they really did impact your life. They say that the littlest things can make a person's day so what about the bigger things making someone's life?

Yes, a lot of issues and worries in my (and several other people's) life concern money but there are so many situations I wish I reacted differently to, things that I worry about in this very moment and to be honest, being able to fix that, to me, is worth alot more than $10 million.

It does make me wonder is money really does make us happy or if it's our mindsets and the way we live our lives that makes it all worth while.

Money runs out, but our lives last a hell of a lot longer, think wisely.

Which pill would you take?

{yes this is an insight to the daily debates that occur in Katie Pook's brain when she should be asleep!!}

Katie x

This Week's Primark Bargain Revelations.

So I decided to take a little trip to Primark and pick up a few bits and bobs since I hadn't been there in a while and I was so impressed with their A/W range I wanted to buy the whole shop! I will go back and buy everything but I resisted and sticked to the basics I needed to get.

Okay, first up I picked up a 5 pack of Silver (White) hoops. 

I live and die in hoops to the point where they literally rust to my ear but I never feel the need to splash out on them. I am a huge fan of Primark jewellery, eventhough it's all plated gold and silver it doesn't green stain on your body, it doesn't look cheap and nasty and although they don't last forever, you can afford to replace them easily (plus I am prone to losing jewellery.) I thought I'd push the boat out and buy 5 so I can switch it up and they will last longer and the best bit is they were £1! Incredible, when I was going to spend £1.50 on one pair. (Disgraceful, I know!)

Keeping on the subject of earrings I bought these flower earrings in pastel pink. 

They are studs with a slight drop and they were super pretty and are the type to make any hair/make-up/outfit look that slightly bit more elegant. I also have my Nan's 90th coming up so I've bought a boho type maxi dress in the same colour so they match perfectly. They were only £2 and can wear them with anything. 

Next up, I bought the egg make-up sponge. 

Now, I purchased this for a reason. Everyone has hyped about the beauty blender for so long and at £1.50 this is a very similar, bank account friendly version. I have and will never comprehend paying out for the real one and as someone who has never got on with make-up brushes and use my hands, i thought this was the time to try it out. I've seen so many bad reviews and beauty snobs dissing it but personally, it might be because I've never used anything before, it applies my make-up evenly and so much better than I ever did and I can't complain. It doesn't absorb the water very much, which I find a plus because who wants a soggy face? The only thing I would say is the sponge does stain a little and it is harder than a sponge but I think people expect far too much considering the price. At £1.50 I will be repurchasing when needed. It's a major revelation for me.

It's Halloween next week so I had to end this post with the theme and my favourite purchase. Black, glittery, spider-web fashion nails.

I have to admit I squealed a little when I saw them, they were so cute and were only £1, I just had to buy them! Unlike some cheap nails, these actually contain nail glue instead of the crappy adhesive stuff which is a major plus. I've heard good news about Primark glue and it didn't disappoint. The nails were simple to apply, they immediately stuck and literally do not budge. (I only lost a few because they got stuck in my jean pocket!) The pointed edge are manageable and overall just add that subtle touch of Halloween spirit without going overboard. With 24 nails you can use them multiple times and even if one pops off theres enough glue to re-stick! Again, incredible for £1 and look at the quality!

So that's it. My satisfactory haul! 

Oh Primark, you never disappoint! 

Katie x

Dear 12 Year Old Me ...

Beaut Year 11 School Photo.

Dear 12 year old me,

You've just started your first year at Secondary School, to put it bluntly it's going to be an emotionally draining, rollercoaster ride and that's on a good day! But eventhough I came out alright, I survived, there are a few things I'd like to give you hints and tips on to make the school experience just that bit more bareable. 

• It is NOTHING like Primary school, not everyone is your friend. Just because they said hello to you doesn't mean you're suddenly in their clique, oh god no. Those "popular" groups you secretly want to impress and be a part of, they don't last long by belittling everyone. By Year 9 the majority of your year group would have integrated a bit like High School Musical so they are virtually unheard of by Year 11. Concentrate on the real friends you have made.

• Do not do that dreadful Bebo chav pose when you make your profile. Honestly, it is not worth the stick or hype. You will definitely regret it. HAHA.

• Brands you wear do not define you as a person. Without sounding like a middle-aged woman, this isn't a fashion show no matter how much everyone makes it one. It's school, we all wear the same uniform just in different ways, BE COMFORTABLE. Do not splash out on an ugly Helly Hanson coat or Nike trainers that will apparently go out of fashion within a week. Trust me, Primark will open soon in Plymouth and 90% of girls in your year will be rocking £3 envelope bags that you can't fit anything into. (WHO REMEMBERS THOSE BEAUTIES?)

• I'm all for being yourself but girl invest in some tweezers and stop shaving your monobrow, you will soon regret it and end up spending the rest of your teens trying to even out your brows, I wish I was told this sooner!!

• Girl, foundation and lippy will change your life but please you are pale as a snowflake, you need to use 000 or 001, don't raid your mothers or use 3 different Miss Sporty liquid foundations, absolute no no! And don't get me started on that pastel-pink-mixed-with-foundation lip shade.

• Hair. Now everyone suffered with the last little bowt of headlice in the first year but to prevent this, use Full Marks Mousse and wash your hair frequently WITH conditioner. Also your natural hair colour is bland and it needs taking care of but here's a little spoiler; by the time you are 16 you will be that dream blonde you've wished for. Maybe even invest in the colour sooner to avoid the ginger stage.

• Be more outgoing. Stop being so insecure, it makes you an easy target. Be comfortable in your own skin and if you know the answer to a question, girl put that hand up high! If some girl starts on you, don't be a push over, you are more intelligent and worth a million of that little wannabe. Rise above it, these girls and boys are not intimidating at all, they are no different from you they just have a gob on them and think it's big and clever to disrupt a class. FYI it's not at all. 

• Work hard. Doing all your homework, listening to the boring bits, even doing the "optional" classes will prove very beneficial in the future. Take every opportunity and choose your subjects wisely.

It's going to be okay. Life will give you obstacles and there will be rough times throughout but stick with your friends and be yourself and you can't go wrong. It's a long 5 years but it truely is the best days of your life so make the most of it.

20 year old Katie.

[Disclaimer: This is based on my experiences and lifestyle choices throughout school. All my own views and opinions.]

Time To Face The Chop

 

Over the past 3 years, I have become infamous for having the bleach blonde long hair but recently I have been getting bored and fed up with it. I have to use literally half a bottle of shampoo and conditioner to even make it feel smooth, it gets caught in EVERYTHING, it takes too long to dry and even more effort to style. As you may know, I can be very lazy but I think the final straw for me was when I was casually eating my dinner a few days ago and spaghetti sauce got stuck in it, I mean HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?

Don't get me wrong I love my hair and the colour but I think it's time for a change, to get rid of my split ends and to give my hair a tone down and rest. It's also the perfect transition from teens to adulthood since in 21 in 4 months! Christ that's scary!

I think every now and again it's healthy to make a change so goodbye my long blonde mane, it was nice knowing you, it's been emotional! And hello my look. Debuted on my blog eeeek!

A massive thank you to my best friend Becky for braving the chop and change with me, you did an incredible job what a talented girl!

I haven't had shorter hair in such a long time and I'm searching for products that will really give it a boost and make it feel lush so any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Tweet me: @kayteepook

Email me: lifebeyondthetill@outlook.com

or leave a comment down below!

What do you think???