When you don't like change...

If you've read my favourites' posts from mid-2013, you'll probably know that I love Lauren Conrad and everything she's written/appeared in - her TV show, her fictional books, as well as her Style and Beauty books... Don't even get me started on her personal website and The Beauty Department! She's a very talented woman, who happens to have made some comments that have stuck with me. I won't mention all my favourites just yet (maybe in another post?), because I'd like to talk about one particular quote right now. I've included it below...

“And lastly…why did you move to L.A.? Besides your job, why L.A.?”

Jane thought for a minute. “To be uncomfortable.”

Dana and Wendell looked at her, a little confused.

“My whole life I’ve always been safe, boring…comfortable,” Jane explained. “I’ve had the same friends my whole life. I have a great family. I grew up in a beautiful place. I was really lucky, but I came to L.A. to get out of my comfort zone and do something different.” 

(Conrad, L. LA Candy, 2010)


It's a well-known fact that almost every human doesn't like the idea of change. And why would you? Things are (mostly) perfectly fine as they are, and it's quite common to become hesitant when it comes to changing things up. Things are familiar, routinely...comfortable for you. Which is why it's good to remember that stepping out of your comfort zone may be just what you need in life. I mean, how else will you get to see everything the world has to offer for you?

And as for stepping out of your comfort zone? Well, the choice is up to you! Just do whatever makes you feel uncomfortable (in a good way), such as changing jobs or taking up a new hobby. And I don't know if I should be asking this, but I'm going to do it anyway: Do you really want to have the exact same life in 20 years as you do now? If the answer is yes, then that's completely fine - actually, that's great! However, if your answer is no, then you may want to think about trying something different every now and then.

If you don't like something, change it. If you've decided what you'd like to try, but are scared, click here for a post I recently published that's all about making decisions.

No matter how much you deny it, you're probably hesitant when it comes to trying something different. But this is completely okay! The best thing to do is to accept that at some point, change is going to happen. Focus on the positives of these changes, and you'll be able to handle anything. xx

Valentines' SOS

So Valentines Day is tomorrow! I personally don’t have any plans (except for the usual), but I know a lot of you do. The key thing to remember when putting your look together for a Valentines date is to keep it as soft and natural-looking as you can. Here are some tips on planning your look with minimal stress...

Hair - don’t spend heaps of time on it. Today isn't necessarily the day for tight ballerina buns and multiple cans of hairspray (unless, you know, that's your thing). Braiding your hair then taking it out after a few hours will result in soft, touchable curls - a great Valentines' idea. Remember to try to have a relaxed look, so wearing your hair out with nothing done to it is completely fine, too!

Makeup - this needs to be really natural. This means minimal foundation, long eyelashes (If you have brown eyelashes, use brown mascara if you can), and soft pink lips and cheeks. If you can, red lipstick is a great idea. Also, I'd try to stay away from eyeshadow unless it’s mostly shimmery/nude colours.

Clothes - try to wear something that suits your everyday style. This could be a floral dress with flats, or a knitted jumper with jeans and heels (if it’s cold). If you don't like wearing pink, but would like to dress in traditional Valentines' colours, opt for something like a red bag, pumps or baby pink nail polish. Just be yourself - really!

Jewelry - wear your normal earrings/bracelets that you would any other day, but just add something a little different (a statement necklace? An over sized ring?).

Okay, so this is actually one of the prettiest Valentines' Day outfits I've ever seen...

[Photo Source: Windsor Store]

Don’t get upset if you don’t have a special someone to spend the day with. Valentines Day is all about spending time with your loved ones, not necessarily your boyfriend. After all, what’s better than watching rom coms with a bunch of your friends, with lots of popcorn and ice cream? Happy Friday everyone! ;) xx

Taken from: My second tumblr (I've added a lot more to this post since I initially wrote it last year)

Next Week: When you don't like change...

Making a decision (the right way)

No matter who you are, no matter how smoothly your life may be going at the moment... there will come a time where you'll need to make an important decision sooner or later. Don't stress, though - I've compiled a list of questions (with not-so-creative examples) you may need to ask yourself before making the all-important decision, ASAP.

Is this possible?
Let's say you were wondering whether to put medicine as one of your preferences on a university application. If it's obvious you don't have the grades to get into this particular course (doctors have to be unnaturally smart!!), you may want to consider another course. On another note, if your grades are just a little away from being doctor-standard, you could consider an external program or a training course to make your application really stand out and higher your chances of being accepted.
-> Before deciding to do something, just check if it's feasible before you set your mind to it. :)

If I go through with this, how will it affect everyone around me?
So you've just been offered an amazing job... that's halfway across the world. Your decision as to whether or not to accept this offer really depends on how settled you are right now. If you're really close to your family and are in a serious relationship with someone who can't move, maybe taking the offer just isn't right for you. However, if you're a pretty independent person and the people closest to you wouldn't mind (or may even move with you), taking the offer may be the thing that really kickstarts a great career for you.
-> Of course, at the end of the day it's your decision that matters the most - but it's probably best to consider the feelings of those closest to you before you decide on something potentially life-changing.

Is this what I truly want?
So you live in a relatively small town and your parents are expecting you to move to the city for university. Despite the fact that you think it's a good idea, think about what you really want to do. If you'd feel comfortable staying where you are for a little longer (or maybe you'll never really want to leave), then I recommend doing what you think will make you feel the happiest at the end of the day.
-> Try flipping a coin to decide whether you should leave town or not - while the coin is in the air, you'll suddenly know what answer you're hoping for.

Will this make me happy?
Your friend has decided that she's sick of your long hair and has suggested you get it cut a bit shorter - no, make that a lot shorter. Other friends and family members may agree with this idea, but you need to consider your own feelings towards this decision before the opinions of anyone else (and no, this isn't being selfish).
-> Focus on making yourself happy before dedicating your time towards helping other people find happiness.

Best/worst possible outcomes?
Okay, so you want to join a club/sports team, but you're worrying that it'll be difficult to make new friends/master the skill/etc, etc. Before you freak out, just take a moment to consider the best and worst possible outcomes from joining. The worst outcome would probably be that you hate the commitment and end up leaving after a few weeks. Not so bad, is it? However, the best outcome could be that you love your team/club and make heaps of new friends along the way.
-> Seriously, though - you'll never know if you never try.

Okay, so I accidentally posted this a week late... But I'll definitely try to keep up with blogging from now on! xx

Next Week: Valentines' SOS