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It's that time of year again where January blues are the most common feeling upon many. Children and teenagers are going back to school, ready to face the homework, and adults are going back to work to face the music. Most of these people aren't looking forward to going back to reality, but there are a few who are. For these people work isn't a job because they enjoy it and love what they do (Celebrities are a great example!). But going back to work or school after the Christmas holidays is tough, especially if your motivation hasn't come around yet. Christmas was a time full of laughter, happiness and relaxation but reality might not be all of that. Once you've been out of your routine for a while, it is a struggle to get back to it - I know! Children have it easier than adults. Whilst they probably want to stay at home, eat lots of chocolate and play with their presents, they don't mind going back to school and seeing all their friends and favourite teacher. Although this part of education is fun, the work...is not (sometimes!). January blues are a pain but the going back to work part of them actually has a bright side - it pays the bills, or helps you achieve what you want in life! I hope you all had a Happy New Year and a lovely Christmas! Now, work hard and dream big! Until next time...

2019, what a year it’s been, Blockbuster movies, new songs were seen. Politics was trouble, Shawn and Camilla became a new couple. Their track Señorita caused a stir in the crowd, Ed Sheeran is taking a break from singing out loud. Robbie Williams produced a Christmas album, Singing well, and still looking handsome. England got to the rugby final, But didn’t beat their last rival. Superbowl 53 saw the Patriots again, I don’t think their wins will ever end. Cameron Boyce passed away, As did George Michael's sister on Christmas Day. ... Many deaths sadly occurred, Both in reality and fiction, Luke Perry was one, But none were predictions. London Bridge was a victim, Another terror attack happened, Second time this decade, Where many were saddened. Australia has fires, Continuing to grow, Nothing can stop them, They have a powerful flow. Boris Johnson was elected, Back into power, Trump was impeached, Yet he did not cower. ... Star Wars returned for its final installment, George Lucas’ work catching people’s enthrallment. Avengers returned, ready for battle, Thanos defeated, nothing they can’t handle. Will Smith as Genie in Aladdin’s debut, The actors were great, and so was Aboo. Beyoncé was Nala in the Lion King, Dumbo a remake, flying without wings. Disney really wowed us this year, Creating a happy, childhood atmosphere. ... 2019 has been great all around, With a mixture of lows and highs, Let's focus on the positives, Now we've finished the mince pies. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Raise your glass and cheer, Hope you enjoyed this read, And I’ll see you next year! ...

It’s December 24th and that can only mean one thing: It’s Christmas Eve! Tonight is the night when good ol' Santa comes down our chimneys. Tonight is the night when families are filled with joy and excitement ready for next day. In my family, we have a tradition that we follow every year on the eve of Christmas. My sister and I help lay the table (mainly by doing origami with the napkins) and then we play Sims and create a Christmas family - The Clauses every time lol! In the evening of Christmas Eve, I have my annual bath (I know how it sounds, but trust me I have showers everyday too!), then we order Domino's for dinner and watch a Christmas movie. Christmas Eve is the day before families come together and enjoy a feast of a dinner and share presents. Christmas Day is a day that’s merry and bright where memories are made. Christmas is my favourite time of year, not just for giving and receiving, but for the memories made with family and the laughter shared. It’s a lovely time with festive songs and films, and festive foods and treats. Everyone comes together and the worries of life are somehow removed from the Christmas atmosphere, so that everyone can relax and enjoy. I hope you all have a merry and bright Christmas. And that Santa brings you all that you want. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I spent most of this weekend in London, at UCL where I took part in a Young Journalist programme, organised by InvestIn. Previously, I attended the Young Doctors programme (also by InvestIn), where I learned to suture a banana, and diagnose patients. But this was before I learned that I was in fact far more squeamish than I had anticipated! And so my plan to become a surgeon flew out the window, and then my focus turned to my passion of writing. I love writing, and hope for a future related to this, but for so long I’ve had no inclination as to what area of the media industry I’d like to work in. So, I registered for this taster day, and I must say what a fantastic day it was. I went to the university, with low expectations of the world of journalism, and came out with a completely different view that painted a smile on my face. Throughout the day, I met loads of new people, including inspiring professionals such as Francesca Ebel and Minnie Stephenson, who have opened my eyes to journalism. We participated in several interactive exercises as the day went on, including writing an article for a fictitious story, in a real life format (quite stressful I must say), and also having to do a broadcast of a similar story! My group, for the broadcast, decided to go and ask the public their views, which was stressful, very stressful, but actually rewarding once we’d done it! Our story in which we needed to report, was about the political chaos in 2022! Boris Johnson was in fact a robot, and Nigel Firage stormed parliamentary buildings, causing upheaval about Brexit. It was an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable activity. The information provided to us in all the different sessions (Print, Broadcast and Investigative) was very useful and helpful in that it has broadened my options for my future! Each professional from the industry that I met, have all achieved so much and are great journalists in their fields. All my questions were answered, but now I have a harder decision to make! I was skeptical at first as to whether I’d enjoy journalism as a career, and this taster day has given me a lot of insight into what it would actually be like – more so than Kara Danvers on Supergirl! Journalism is a rewarding, yet challenging job and I must say I am considering this more so than before – despite the stress it brings. Both the taster days I have been on run by InvestIn have been fascinating, informative and very useful! I definitely recommend taking part on one of these days, if you have the opportunity! Until next time…

The countdown to Christmas (and no work!) has officially begun with today being the second day of December! The beginning of December is generally stressful for every house, everywhere – you should’ve seen my house this weekend! This time of year is supposed to be magical and joyful but when the beginning of the month turns up, the only things we typically have are stressed out people and hectic houses. It’s at the start when we realize that Christmas shopping has yet to be completed, Christmas food is still on the shelves of the supermarkets (not in our freezers), and we are nowhere near ready! Every year, we all know that Christmas is coming. We know when it is, we know what we need to do, and yet do we do it early? Do we do it so the week before Christmas, we can relax with a cup of hot chocolate and Polar Express on the telly? No, we don’t! We wait till the month of Christmas arrives, which is pretty silly if you think about it. If we know that Christmas is coming, then why don’t we go shopping in, say, January? I think this every year, and I am one of those who plans ahead but when it comes to Christmas, I plan but wait till November-December time to shop. I have one Christmas present sorted. That’s it. Others I know are far more organised, and oh do I envy them. My family have traditions that we do on Christmas Eve and so everything must be bought, wrapped, stocked up on and in its suitable place (the freezer, or under the tree). If these things aren’t sorted, then the traditions can’t happen and that makes me sad! I absolutely love Christmas! I love the smells, the sounds and the sights. Each year I can guarantee you that, (you may not like this) I listen to festive music occasionally in early November. There’s something about Christmas music which gets you in the mood for the festivities and brightens your day, even though the songs are pretty much the same each year, just sung by different people. I can’t tell you the number of versions I have on my phone of All I Want for Christmas! I’m a music lover, much like my dad, and so Christmas music is a big part of my festivities for this time of year - my dad prefers music for the rest of the year, lol! This year I was surprised to find that two artists I listen to have released Christmas albums, and my favourite is The Christmas Present by Robbie Williams – Tyson Fury’s singing on Bad Sharon is just great! This album is one of many for this time of year, so if you like your music then check it out. Christmas is a time for laughter, happiness, and quality time with family and friends, and I wish you all a merry countdown to Christmas! Until next time…

It was the night before Christmas Eve. Soft snow was hugging the streets, hiding the sheet of ice underneath, fooling everyone. Trees were empty. Robins snuggled in their nests. It was a typical winter night, with the breeze brutally blowing past, freezing tips of noses. Street lamps lit the paths, and car lights shone on the road. People were walking their dogs, whilst children came running out, ready to build snowmen. She knew that this time of year was supposed to be happy. But that’s not how she felt. Smoke billowed out of chimneys, up into the opaque sky, obscuring the stars further. Her glasses shielded her eyes from the frost, but she felt it still. On her face. On her neck. Everywhere. Last month she thought Christmas was the best time of year, the pinnacle of twelve months, but right now that feeling had changed. She tried to ignore the reason why. Ignore the fact that they came back. They came back after six years, without any communication at all, and expected everything to be okay. She knew better than to trust them again. Their history was all the reason she needs to distrust them. To distrust everyone really. Ever since that night, she had never trusted anyone again; never let her feelings show. She was very good at pretending – even her closest friends didn’t know when she was lying. She used to be a carefree spirit, one of happiness and joy, but that girl was history. Now, she was an independent, strong woman whose nose was about to fall off. As the children built the snowmen, and dogs barked, she crossed the road once it was clear. Her destination was in sight, as clear as a summer’s day. The tree was large, and deep green, with the decorations already hung. The last thing it needed was for a light switch on. Families were already gathered, and couples were huddled together, all drinking hot chocolate. Everyone smiling made her feel warm inside, and a slight smile spread across her face. Maybe this year wouldn’t be too bad. The mayor came out, and walked onto the stage, a button readily under her foot. The countdown had begun. 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1 Cheers could be heard, as the lights turned on, illuminating the sky. Her eyes grew wide, as she scanned the crowd, searching for them. She knew they loved Christmas too. They all did once. Suddenly, she spotted the cream hat among the crowd, and made her way over. They’re here, she thought, actually here. She felt a mixture of emotion, mainly worry and anxiety, but perhaps also joy. She would never admit it but she did miss them. She was disappointed and angry over what they did; angry that they had lied, and then fled. But blood is blood. And in the end, she could never really hate them. Especially at Christmas. In fact, their return made her realise how much she missed them and loved them. Her family. Her home. They were all that she needed.

It’s that time of year again, where the famous duo full of hilarity and laughter take to our screens from down under in the jungle. Ant and Dec are here again, with a camp of celebrities ready to take on the infamous Bushtucker Trials. It’s great to have Ant back for this series, cracking jokes with Dec, drinking from their ‘I’m A Celeb’ mugs on the aerial platforms! The perfect setting for a Sunday evening. In last night’s premiere of the series, we saw the 10 celebrities for the first time. The episode saw Kate, Nadine, James, Miles, and Ian swim from their yacht to the other 5 celebrities on the shore, all aiming to get first pick of a partner. Unfortunately for four of them, Miles won and had first pick. He decided to choose Roman because “he has some nice salmon trousers on”. As for the rest of the pairs, they are as followed: James and Caitlin, Nadine and Adele, Ian and Jacqueline, and Kate and Andrew. A Bushtucker Trial did not make our screens last night, however the contestants did take part in challenges. Miles and Roman, Kate and Andrew and Ian and Jacqueline had to walk across the infamous planks, over the edge of a very tall building. Thank goodness they weren’t petrified of heights - or at least didn't show it! The duos had to compete against each other, by reaching the end of the plank, and tapping a button as quickly as possible when the green light showed. The couple with the fastest time would become the first powerful couple. And this title went to….Miles and Roman. Next up was the challenge for the other couples. Caitlin and Nadine were whisked away in a helicopter, to sky-dive, whilst their partners, Ian and Adele, went on a lovely canoe around a lake to a treasure chest! Nadine had a rocky start, with jitters for sky-diving, whereas Caitlin went straight for it, wanting “to do it again”. But Nadine didn’t give up, and took the plunge bravely. Nadine and Adele triumphed and beat Ian and Caitlin with 3 minutes 21 seconds at completing the challenge, earning their place in the better camp with Miles and Roman. These two couples may be the power couples that’ll succeed in the trials! The defeated couples took a drive in a rather dirty truck, with unexpected surprises. As the six entered the vehicle, getting ready to drive, Jacqueline let out a well-justified scream, causing all of them, but Caitlin, to leap out – a reaction that most of us would have, I'm sure! Eventually all couples reached their camps, with Miles and Roman, and Nadine and Adele arriving at the main camp, whilst the others arrived at the lovely, comfortable Snake Rock – the one we’d all want to go to, right? After their scrumptious dinner, and a great night’s sleep (which must have been great!) the camp mates in Snake Rock awoke to a delightful visit from Ant and Dec, and were told that the first Bushtucker Trial, Bugged Off, had its contestants. Kate and Caitlin were voted by the public to participate in the trial. So how will they do? We’ll find out in the next episode! Until next time …

Every now and then, we all love to snuggle up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa, but sometimes it’s a struggle to find the best book. I’ve read many books, from a variety of authors in different genres. But, like most, I have a select few from each genre. Fantasy is J.K. Rowling, whereas Young Adult is Jamie McGuire. In the genre of heart-warming, feel good romance I have one ultimate preferred author, however that isn’t to say I don’t like others. This blog shares with you, some of my favourite authors who write heart-warming romance novels that are bound to cheer you up, or put even the slightest smile on your face! So…… My favourite author is Sarah Morgan. I have several books written by her, whether it be on my Kindle or actually paperback. My favourite novels include the trio of Christmas books which includes: Angel in the Snow, Wish upon a Star and Once upon a Christmas. I’ve had these books for several years, and when ‘tis the season, they come off my bookshelf and I read away. Many times! Debbie Johnson is, also, an excellent author who writes books that have you engrossed until the end. Her series of the Comfort Food Café is one of the best I’ve read. I’m currently reading the latest installment in the series (A Wedding at the Comfort Food Café), not being able to put it down – unfortunately it doesn’t help me with my A-levels! Both aforementioned authors, create compelling story-lines and intricate characters that pull you in. Their books never fail to make you smile, laugh or feel happy. Seriously, I’ve considered living near Dorset and the Lake District for Christmas, because of the books! There are many authors, within this genre, who create a spectacle of writing throughout their novels. Heidi Swan, Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Miranda Dickinson are just some authors who I’d say, along with Sarah Morgan and Debbie Johnson, are some of the best authors I’ve read. This genre has so many great novels, but these are my preferred authors whose books I have several of. Heart-warming romance is a genre fit for any time of year, where you are guaranteed to thoroughly enjoy the books you read. If heart-warming romance doesn’t quite float your boat, then stay tuned for the future as more recommendations will come! As of now, maybe you’ll pick up a book by these authors, or perhaps not. But if you do, message me via my blog through the contact form, or via social media links at the top of the page, to let me know what you think! Until next time……

Hey everyone, sorry for not posting a blog last week but I was a little preoccupied with turning 18, and getting ready to visit my sister in Granada. My family and I travelled to the city to see my sister for a few days, after my birthday, and whilst we were there (my first time on mainland Spain!) we managed to explore the city. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to have a tour around the Alhambra (it’s so popular that you have to book in advance) but we did have a city tour on a quaint little train, which was very fascinating and also informative for me! I study Spanish A-level so our trip helped a lot. Whilst on the train, we took a ride round all the different streets (all cobbled and historic), saw the outside grounds of the Alhambra and saw many old, historic buildings. Many pictures were taken (I often take a lot) and we thoroughly savoured the sights, despite the lack of leg room and bruised knees! My sister had already ventured around Granada on the train, and our views highlighted one difference between us – I love architecture, and the history of cities. My sister loves the modern aspects of cities. As well as exploring on the train, I saw the river of Granada which is actually more like a long stream due to the minimal water present. It was interesting to see, and it made a lovely backdrop for pictures. Again, my taking! The river’s next to this lovely pathway, (called Jardínes del Salón y Bomba) lined with trees, which looks beautiful at night, and along the other side there are many cafes and restaurants, and at the end there is a wonderful fountain which is spectacular. The city is beautiful in its own way, very different to London. It has its own spark that entices people to explore, and search for things they didn’t know before. The city has several perks, like its food for example, which is very Spanish but also delicious. The churros are especially nice, and I had the pleasure of having them twice! The first time they were normal churros with sugar in the department store, a bit like Debenhams, but the second time was different. We went into this bar and ordered, and out came 12 churros with 4 mugs of a liquid which was practically a cup of melted chocolate! We had just had dinner at this restaurant and safe to say we were stuffed! It was like eating two Christmas dinners! Our time in Granada was amazing and definitely a time to remember. Maybe this post inspires you to visit the city, or maybe just to try some churros! But either way, I hope you enjoyed reading it. Until next time…..

1. Make a plan of what you need to do 2. Take 10 minute breaks between studying topics 3. Make a variety of revision resources - therefore you won’t get confused of what resource is for what topic 4. Don’t study on your bed – you might fall asleep! 5. Use a multitude of colours when writing 6. Set a reward after each topic is studied - chocolate perhaps! 7. Don’t just read, write - if you write something it is the equivalent of reading it 7 times 8. Move around - research shows studying the same stuff in a different place makes us less likely to forget 9. Keep hydrated and eat brain food! 10. Space it out - break up the information into small chunks and review them over a long period of time

I’m at that stage in life where you move on from sixth form and college, onto the next stage. This means researching my options, writing a personal statement and visiting universities. But not many people my age actually know what they want to do as a career, and so the aforementioned activities can become quite stressful, and difficult to complete. This weekend I went to a university open day, and it was really good. By far the best university I have visited. However, this was the second time I’ve visited this university purely because one: I couldn’t do all of what I had wanted too the first time, and second: I really liked the university. When you’re at an open day, there are key activities that you need to do, for example you need to go to your chosen course talk, or information stand, you need to go on a campus, and accommodation tour to get a feel for the university as a whole, and you need to see the facilities and activities they have to offer - especially if you have a main hobby! The thing is, timings clash. Your course talk may clash with the student life talk, and you might run out of time to see accommodation and everything can become quite stressful. I remember the first university I looked round, and at this point I didn’t know what I wanted to study, so I had four course talks to go to. In the end I had to sacrifice three because I didn't have time to get between the buildings to go to the talks and do everything else in between. That day was quite hectic, especially since it was a university that my family had never looked round before. It was hard to determine what activities were the most important because I didn’t know specifically what I wanted to look at; especially with the courses, so we received lots of information that day. One of the stands we went to, Forensic Science, helped me a lot because the professor there gave me advice to help determine which course I wanted. Unfortunately, my dream course isn’t at this university, but it was still helpful! All open days are designed to help us potential students, by providing lots of information from lively, friendly students and staff. Plus, you can get lots of freebies! The information you can get from an open day, is invaluable because you can get a feel for the university, and receive lots of information from people, who are actually working or studying there. This allows you to ask any question you have and potentially make contacts for the future! I know that this point in life is quite daunting, especially when you know people who have their life sorted out (not me!), and despite it being stressful, visiting universities is incredibly helpful because it can help you make up your mind. And so, it is okay if you don’t know what you want to do, but there are steps out there that can help you decide! Until next time ……

We’re in a time where more and more books are being published, whether that be fiction or non-fiction, but there are always books and plays that remain a classic and a page-turner, and one of these is Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. I have just studied this play as part of my A Level, and I have to say that it wasn’t what I expected. From the title alone, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate with regards to the plot, but for one I didn’t think it would be the story of a woman, in search of an escape leading her to a cataclysmic battle between fantasy and reality. Blanche DuBois, portrayed by Vivien Leigh in the film, was a southern belle living a life of luxury and grandeur, but after a traumatic past, she takes a ride on the streetcar named Desire to Elysian Fields to stay with her sister Stella, and her brutish husband Stanley Kowalski. Blanche’s downfall is a consequence of her unpleasant and lonely past brought about her desire for companionship and security, which Stanley exploits without any regard to her fragile state of mind. The confrontation between Stanley’s lewdness and Blanche’s delicacy becomes the climax of the play. This play is beautifully crafted by Williams, with complex characters and an engaging plot that surprises you. One can never really determine the true protagonist of the play, or a clear antagonist, highlighting how the play isn’t a typical tragedy as one would expect; Williams has created realism within a tragedy as all characters, including sensitive Mitch, are both good and bad. There is a pull between good and bad, and reality and fantasy for the characters, creating the true calamitous plot. As the New Republic Magazine says the play’s fable is: “Beauty is shipwrecked on the rock of the world’s vulgarity”, and this adequately defines the play as one of beauty and poetry yet disaster and realism, and so Williams has created a work of art that demonstrates a realistic tragedy with a twist.