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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How I Fake Confidence

When it comes to my job there's no hiding, you have to be confident and outgoing to make an impression on those thousands of guests who pay good dollar to be on holiday, after all, they're after the high quality service. However, anyone who really knows me would have gone through this life journey with me and in actual fact most of the time, it's a total facade. I'm self-conscious, anxious and often quiet around new people. That's right people, I'm a total fake but I'm going to let you into the secrets of how exactly I completely blag my way through life.

• Make an effort with yourself. This is such a materialistic way to start but I believe that if you take that little bit of time to do your hair and make-up and even tan yourself up, you're already half way there because looking good makes you feel good. Am I right? Not many girls can say they feel 100% confident with their hair in a top knot, joggers on and Au Natural.

• Put on your favourite outfit. Of course this applies if you don't have work or a uniform but even so just style it to suit you with your favourite accessories. You can tell when someone feels comfortable in and enjoys what they're wearing as apposed to over-dressing or wearing something not your style, you aren't fooling anyone we know you feel awkward and conscious. Of course I'm all for taking risks but ensure you feel happy before stepping foot in public.

• Walk with your head up. Put that phone away for a change, we all are guilty of clinging onto it as a safety guard to avoid awkward eye contact or conversations but when you look and feel good, show that off. People may disagree that they hate being noticed but walking past someone with your head up will make them take a second look, you look more approachable and I don't know about you but knowing someones acknowledged you or your effort will boost your confidence that extra step.  

• Smile. This fits in with my previous tip. As much as you think your resting bitch face is doing you favours, it doesn't. Simply smiling to whoever you walk past, whether they smile back or not will actually also put the other person in a good mood aswell. After all, smiles are infectious. The only downside is I'm so used to smiling in my job that when I'm that friendly out of uniform I get a few odd looks but trust me, it works.

• Don't overthink. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that 9 times out of 10 we rehearse what we want to say in our heads beforehand even if it's for an appointment, a phone call or what you're ordering for dinner. But sometimes it's beneficial to drop that filter in everyday life. Letting your words run free tends to reflect more of your personality even if you are a bit shy. Say something cheeky, be sarcastic, make a joke because actually you will have more of an impression on that person (good or bad) that if you kept your mouth shut. Obviously this is only to an extent, don't be inappropriate or rude and know when to be quiet (word vomit is a genuine disease for me) but it definitely helps the conversation flow that little bit more.

And that is pretty much it. I hope this will help you fake confidence as much as it does me. Of course, there are days I do none of the above but trust me, all this tips will have an impact on your confidence overall, you just have to take a chance and embrace it.

Love Pook x 

How To Stay Safe On Dating Sites/Apps.

Eharmony, Tinder, Grindr, POF, Love Match, even social media sites are being infamous for finding dates!

Gone are the days where you bump into a handsome stranger in the street, he spills coffee over you and you both fall madly inlove.

Okay, so even the most cliche Rom Coms are dated now and I expect even if they did make a film about 18/Female/UK seeking 40 year old millionaire, they'll leave out the part where 90% of the people you find online are NOT NORMAL.

This is why Catfish is also one of my favourite TV shows because they show the reality of meeting someone online and how a fantasy can be crushed by one (or in most cases a few!) lies. Because it's so easy to lie on the Internet right? How many of us got a social media account before we were 13 and changed our DOB, or clicked the "I Have Read The Terms and Conditions" box? At the time we had no idea how much that one lie can escalate.

As a single girl, of course I have experienced going on dates with someone I have met on social media and I've recently signed up to Plenty Of Fish to see whats out there because I've found having Tinder and swiping right if I like what I see is so degrading and how am I going to tell what kind of person they are by their Profile Pictures on Facebook?

This is what our society has come to, modern technology has reinvented the way we communicate with new people so here are a few tips from my own experience to help you:

• I'm all for giving everyone a chance, so treat it as if you're meeting someone for the first time in person, if they were in your opinion "ugly" you wouldn't just ignore them if they said hi would you?

• Flirty banter is the current phase but know your boundaries and retain your dignity. If the conversation becomes uncomfortably inappropriate too soon, get rid! You aren't going to find The One by recieving a d**k pic are you?

• If you do find you are liking him/her, protect yourself. Don't go all Nev and Max on the poor thing but before you get in too deep, know who you're talking to. It's a very small world, 9 times out of 10 someone you know is bound to know them or of them but just to be sure, double check it's not psycho Derek down the road luring on you.

• Meet them before committing to them. Someone's personality written down is far too generic. It's a fact of life, not everyone gets along even if you're consdered a "perfect match" online who enjoys long walks on the beach and napping; so does a dog!?

• IMPORTANT: When meeting for the first time, day dates are perfect or even going for a drink in a public place. That way you're in a secure environment and it's preventing yourself from any danger.

If I've missed anything out, you don't agree with something I've said or you have any further tips, please let me know. I think it's our responsibility to look out for eachother these days.

Katie x