A Quick Catch Up With Me...

The stunning Chandelier in the Jersey Opera House.

The past two months have been fairly eventful for me, and this time it's not all boring school work! So I thought its about time we had a mini catch up on the more exciting things that have happened recently.

I turned 18 a month ago now which feels really weird. I'm the oldest out of my friendship group, which meant that none of them could hit the town with me like with most eighteenths. However, I didn't really mind as I'm not really into big nights out on the town so I celebrated with a quiet night in with a few friends. Hardcore. Pizza, sweets and cheesy teen movies with great fiends is a far better party in my opinion. My friends were really cute with theirs gifts too; 18 for my 18th. I'm never going to be able to beat that for their birthdays! It was a really good evening and I think there will be more to come now that the weather has really turned wintery. 

Jersey Opera House stage from our competitors seats.

The view of the Jersey Opera House from our hotel room.

Last week, I hopped on the plane over to Jersey (a neighbouring island) to compete in the Jersey Eisteddfod with my dance school. I had never entered the eisteddfod before or performed at the events home, the Jersey Opera House, so I was rather excited as well as pretty nervous. It is a competition after all. Our first performance was the ballet group which didn't go as well as hoped. As we hadn't rehearsed on the stage before, we didn't know where any of the wings were and our spacing was off. The adjudicator picked up on this and we weren't placed. However, he did say he liked our dance and with a bit more rehearsal, it has potential to do well. So the next night we all upped our game for the modern group, which is a World War Two themed piece, and did the best performance we had ever done and it totally paid off. We came second with only one mark off first place. I am so happy with the result, I didn't stop smiling the whole night, and can't to perform these dances again and our tap group for dance festival in January. 

This is the Liberation Sculpture just outside Liberty Wharf in St Helier.

One thing I noticed about Jersey is that they have a lot more sculptures, or public art, on display in town compared to Guernsey. We will have temporary displays for events but things like this woman hanging by her toes off of an office building appears to be a little more permanent.

And I think you are just about caught up. All I have now is coursework and dance rehearsals till the end of the year. Thrilling, I know. A couple  of friends birthdays and Christmas is also really soon which is far more exciting! I've also got to finish my UCAS application by the end of the week. I haven't even finished my personal statement yet so it's not going very well. Oh well, better getting typing!

Tasmin x

*This was written on Wednesday so quick update on the whole UCAS situation, I've finally finished my personal statement but it's too big so I'm going to have to cut some things out. Argh! But also yay!*

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

Yes, it's tag time again! Thank you Sinead from the wonderful blog, Dreaming Again, for tagging me. There are a few rules to this tag so lets straighten them out before we get cracking.

Tag rules:

• Thank and link the blogger who nominated you.
• Include the award logo in your post.
• Answer the set of 10 questions that the blogger who nominated you has provided.
• Supply your own set of 10 questions.
• Nominate 10 other bloggers.

Sinead's Questions:

1. What advice would you give to your younger self?

That the opinions of others really don't matter. There are so many things I've not done because I was scared what other people would think or I have let comments made about someone else influence what I do in order not to be criticised in the same way. It's a waste of time and all it results in is your own unhappiness. The only opinion that really matters is your own. 

2. What is your favourite thing to do when you have nothing to do?

Sleep. It sounds really sad and unexciting but I often have late nights and early starts during the week so when it comes to the weekend, all I really want is a well deserved lay-in to fully recharge. However, if I'm not sleepy, this time is usually dedicated to blogging. 

3. Why did you decide to start a blog?

I guess it's sort of linked to the first question in a very loose way. I just found I was being ignored a bit when I tried talking to people and, as a fairly shy and quiet person, it was disheartening to try so hard to just have a chat and to find no one really cared. So I decided I was going to find people who did care what I had to say by making my voice available here.

4. If you could live in any other country in the world where would it be?

This is a really hard one as I currently live on an island which isn't technically part of the UK but is still British, so I can't really say England. I wouldn't want to live in a country that didn't speak my language as I find English hard enough, let alone any other language. And despite learning French for about half my life, recieving 3 qualifications in that subject in the process, I still can't speak a word of it. I'm also terrified of insects and any sort of mildly dangerous animal, which pretty much eliminates Australia (sorry Australia, I do love your beautiful country but not as big a fan of your dangerous wildlife). So, with these limitations, I guess I would have to go with Canada. It's a lovely, safe Country which would allow me to take beautiful landscape photography.

5. Would you rather spend €/$/£100 all on make-up or clothes?

Clothes. Although you don't get as much for your money as you would with make-up, I have a slight obsession with fashion and would deffinately make the most of that £100.

6. If you could give one piece of advice to a large audience what would it be?

The same advice as I would give my younger self in question one. Other people don't matter, do whatever makes you happy.

7. Would you rather have to eat Chinese or Italian food for the rest of your life?

Italian food. Think about it, who wouldn't want to eat pizza daily? Plus, I already eat tonnes of pasta so it wouldn't be a huge lifestyle change!

8. If you could go on a date with one celebrity who would it be?

You want me to only pick one? But that is an impossible decision! After thinking long and hard, I think I would go on a date with 5SOS. Can I date a whole band? Is that cheating? I just think they are all funny and a bit on the weird side, just like me, and they would garrentee me a fun and memorable date.

9. What specific character trait do you want to be known for?

Loyalty. That is the trait I prize myself on. I am an extemely loyal person, even to people who don't really deserve it.

10. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Spitting. Just no.

Time for my questions:

1. Have you managed to stick to any of your New Years resolutions this year?

2. What's your favourite blog/ who's your favourite blogger?

3. What's the last song you listened to?

4. Where's the best place you've ever been on holiday?

5. What is your favourite topic to blog about? 

6. Do you have any holiday plans for Christmas? (Is it still too early for a Christmas question?)

7. What is your favourite TV show at the moment?

8. Who/what inspired you to start blogging?

9. Where is your favourite place to go clothe shopping?

10. What's your best advice for anyone who wants to start blogging?

I read at lot of the same blogs as Sinead so I'll do my best not to nominate people twice, so I tag:

Lucille- Pretty Black and White

Chloe- Reality Leaves Lots To Imagination

Grace- A Bit Graceful

Madeline Rose- Ring-a-Round a Rosey

Mel- It's Me Mel

Hann- Adventures of Hann

Sarah- Silk & Kiss

Gaby- Don't Need Make-Up to Cover Up

Jennifer- Silly Little Pictures

Amber- ForeverAmber

Can't wait to see your posts!

Tasmin x

#14: Decorate My Bedroom

I only have two months left of this year and I there are still about eight items left on my summer to-do list. I am desperate to complete this list by the end of the year so lets start the final eight with a little room tour. *WARNING: this is a photo heavy post*

I have lived in my house for almost eight years now and my room has always been a sort of work-in-progress. However, enough was enough and it was time to finally complete my room and make it feel a little more like home. 

Lets begin this room tour is essence of the room, the bed. We brought this about four years ago but we only put it up a couple of years ago when we finally found a new mattress for it. I've rearranged this rooms layout so many times since getting this bed but having it in the corner like this makes the whole room feel more spacious. I occasionally can get a little claustrophobic so maximizing space is a necessity for me. 

I originally put this mouse here as a Christmas decoration and it's sort of stuck.

I like to keep my CD collection in these shoe boxes under the bed . 

My lovely friends gave me this sign for my Birthday the other week. It's so true and I love it.

Back in the days when magazines actually had decent free gifts, this was something I received free with a magazine when I was a child. I mean, look how cute those dolphins are. Magazines have really let their standards slip when it comes to free gifts. Anyway, I'll get back on track. When I was little, I liked the necklace so much I wanted to hang it on the wall and the only way I could do that was to hang it on the light switch in the room I shared with my sister. This kind of followed its way into my own room when we moved and has stuck ever since. It's a really simple way to add a little decoration to any room, especially if like me your not allowed to stick things like poster to the wall.

This is my old prefect tie from high school which first ended up here as I had nowhere else to put it.

Moving on to my dressing table. This is a new addition to my room and I am completely in love with it. It's truly stunning. I finally have a place to do my hair and make-up as well as draws to put all my belongings in. Up until now, all my stuff was piled in shoe boxes on the floor by my bed. Now I have a clear floor which, for someone whose not a huge fan of clutter, is one of the best things ever. 

Cd pile of 5SOS and Ed Sheeran

I'm actually not a huge fan of candles as I get terrified I'm going to set the house on fire. However, this was
a birthday present and it smells amazing so one day I'm going to brave it.

This cat lamp was a present for my birthday last year and it is quite simply gorgeous.

Apparently leaving perfume out in direct sunlight is really bad for them so I've been keeping mine
in this hat box at the moment. However, it's a little annoying so I may find a new place for them.

The little ballerina was a gift when I started ballet aged 4.

TFIOS: An absolute must have!

I thought it would be a cool idea to put my make-up brushes in this old vase I found in one of my drawers.

So there we go, a room tour and another one checked off of the list. I do love to have a nosy around other peoples homes so I hope you enjoyed.

Tasmin x

November Playlist

Thank you to my lovely friends who got me these for my Birthday last week.

Please forgive me for the lack of blogging, I have been completely swamped with school work and probably will be for a long long time. I hate to leave the blog for such a long time but I have to make school a priority at the moment. However, everyone needs a break and I will try to squeeze in as many posts as possible, starting with this one. After all, another new months needs a new soundtrack.

All Time Low- Weightless: The only song guaranteed to empower you after a tough day. You know when you listen to a song and every word describes exactly how you are feeling? Well, this song pretty much sums up me right now.

McBusted- Air Guitar: Finally, the inevitable happened. The McBusted boys have only gone and made an album and are releasing this as their first ever track this month (which sounds slightly weird as both bands have been around for over a decade). It's an instant classic celebrating the most rock n' roll of dance moves. Just the thought of it makes me excited. (Can you tell schools slowly starting to drive me insane?) 

5 Seconds of Summer- Heartbreak Girl: This months 5SOS track is one of the first songs I heard from the band and is easily one of my favourites. It makes my brain happy. I can just imagine this song being in one of those rom coms where the guy is friend-zoned but gets the girl in the end. I know that's a little cheesy but sometimes cheesy is what you need to cheer yourself up.

George Ezra- Did You Hear The Rain?: Again, this is the first song I heard from this artist and George Ezra's voice is on point (as per usual). It's a little bit more moodier than the rest of the music I've heard from George Ezra but I think that's why I like it. His signature deep tone matches perfectly with the slightly aggressive lyrics.

Ed Sheeran- Thinking Out Loud: I remember hearing this song for the first time live on the radio for Radio 1's Big Weekend in Glasgow in the summer and the track is still as magic now as it was then. In my opinion, every Ed Sheeran song is a hit, but this one knocks every other love song out of the park. The lyrics are beautiful; the video is beautiful; it makes everything around beautiful. Plus, there's a chance it might hit the number one spot in the UK charts this weekend which would just be the cherry on top for Ed. Please, Mr Sheeran, never stop making such beautiful music.

Sam Smith- I'm Not The Only One: Another lovely man with a beautiful voice, but this time the song has a little sadder message. Nonetheless, I could listen to this track on repeat for hours. The beat is so laid back and calming despite the lyrics meaning. Discovering someone is cheating on you should produce an understandably enraged song, but Sam decided to take a different and more dignified route which is far more pleasing on the ears.

Taylor Swift- You Belong With Me: Representing the girls this month with some classic Swifty. I don't know what it is but at the moment I'm not loving many female artists. The ladies have got to up their game! But staying with Taylor Swift, I chose one of her more country style songs as it's actually one of my favourites of hers. I don't know why she has decided to move on from country music as I feel that gave her that edge against every other artist around at the moment. I guess people change and I still like what she makes.

The Kooks- Naive: The wonders you rediscover when you tune into the radio. An absolute gold from The Kooks back in 2007/08 and I still love it. 

The Fratellis- Chelsea Dagger: I found this on the 59p list on iTunes the other week and knew I had to download it instantly. It's one of those songs where you've known it forever and every time it comes on you still get all the words wrong. Regardless, you bob your head/ jump around like a maniac perfectly in time whilst you sing along to the chorus. Major summer vibes too, which helps to forget about the unforgiving British weather.

SKATERS- I Wanna Dance (But I Don't Know How): Okay, so sometimes I download songs and instantly forget about them but then rediscover them and think "wow, where have you been lurking?". Come on, we've all done it. This is one of those songs. It sounds like it could easily be straight off an episode of Made in Chelsea which is probably why I like it. Also, I find myself dancing uncontrollable every time I hear it play. I guess SKATERS just know what they're doing.

Well, that has cheered me right up and I hope it makes you smile too. I've made this playlist available on YouTube again if you wanted easy access to any of the tracks which you'll be able to find here (Playlist). What songs are stuck in your head at the moment? Let me know in the comments.

Tasmin x