The Importance of Friendship

In the last two years I have realised the true meaning of friendship and how beneficial friendship can really be. Before I started university, I didn't understand how you could be truely reliant and completely trusting of another person who wasn't family. In both High School and Primary School, I suffered at the hands of girls who used me, didn't actually want me around and continuously teased me. I felt out of place, unwanted and did not want to be around these people. However I put up with it because I was stuck with these people for my entire school life and couldn't escape. I had a fear of being alone, of being the outcast. Of course I had other friends in the school and I loved them but I felt like I needed to accepted by these other people and struggled to understand why I didn't.

Friendship is hard, particular during those hormonal tween and teen years. People change as they grow up. Our interests change, we discover new things in this world (alcohol, drugs, sex) and some of us choose not to discover these thing. This was were I veered off, I wasn't interested in any of these things so I challenged them and it was disliked immensely.

Okay enough of the negative stuff, what I really wanted to talk about was my discovery of true friendship over the past two year, when I started university.

The best friends I have made in the last two years are amazing, they are some the most incredible people I know and it almost feels as though we were meant to find each other.

With each of them it was so easy, most of them I met on the first week of uni at our orientation and we just immediate clicked, or as we like to say fell in love. I was so terrified about starting uni, about not making friends after the hard time I had over the past 5 years, I was scarred out of mind. But the moment I met them all, I have made me realise I had found people who would completely accept me for who I am and would never make me feel the way I had previously.

Sure we have our moments and we often discuss that we are so different to some extents , its weird that we are even friends , but it works anyway.

I also love that all my friends even if we all don't hang out together, that we all have our different things that bond us, whether its musical theatre, movies, disney, make up or something completely different, we can always find a topic to laugh and talk about.

These new, amazing, incredible, loving friends have made me realise that true friendship exists that you don't have to feel as though you don't fit in or are excluded. That there are people out there that you can trust, love, lean on and be there for you in this world and they are  not going to turn on you.

I wanted to write this post not only to thank those amazing friends, if they read this, as well as hoping to help out some of you, if you having a tough time with your friends, if you are feeling lonely or used, or that your scarred of making new friends that it gets better. Somewhere out there are amazing friends who will love you for who you are and that you can trust completely.

Don't forget that you will always be loved and needed in this world, that you will find those people to complete your circle. Never think you are alone or unwanted. If I, the hyperactive, dramatic, musical theatre obsessed girl can find amazing friends then you can to.

I hope this post has helped just one of you if you were having a tough time and that if you need to talk to someone, this community is always there for you, so don't be afraid to reach out in the comments if you need to talk about something, I or someone else will be there for you.

I know this post was a little different than others but I hope you enjoyed it and stuck around until the end. Have a great rest of your day!

Love Louise xo

Never be ashamed of how you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion that you want and to do what makes you happy.

Demi Lovato

Nothing Like Summer in the City

So its finally summer here in New Zealand. If your from New Zealand you know that normally summer doesn't actually hit here until February when everyone goes back to school but this year we actually got summer while everyone is on holiday.

This was the first year I was actually looking forward to summer: the clothes, the sun, the fun and whatever else comes with summer.

So I thought I'd take a trip to my local park the other day and have a play with my new camera while shooting a few fun photos of some of my fav summer outfits that I thought some of you might like. 

So sit back relax and enjoy (especially is your not in the Southern Hemisphere and are experiencing the cold, you can live vicariously through this pictures)

This first outfit is one my fave summer dresses, its fun and floral, while also modelled on the 50's with its longer fuller skirt and a slight sweetheart neckline which is very flattering for those with a fuller bust like me. I paired it with a ballerina bun, aviators, a rose gold necklace and jandals for a flirty girly look.  Perfect for a summer picnic or just a day of summer fun.

This second outfit has a bit more of a relaxed feel, great for a quick shopping trip, a road trip with the girls and a concert in the park. I paired my black and white fringe kimono with a simple slouchy grey t-shirt and ripped light washed high waist denim shorts. Topped off with my rose gold slip ons a long turquoise coin necklace,layered silver rings my black cat eye sunglasses and natural hair. I love kimonos for summer, they are light and floaty, perfect for when you need something light to wear in the evening.

 

This next outfit is for those days where its still sunny but its a little on the windy side. I have recently loved pairing my high waisted blue jeans with a cute pair of sneakers and these silver and pink ones are my favs. This outfit is great when your running errands, out for lunch with friends. Its a super easy outfit to throw together and looks like you've spent time curating your look. I also threw on a few gold bangles, a fishtail braid and some black ray-ban styled sunglasses to complete this look.

This last outfit is by far my favourite. I recently purchased this playsuit and love the colours in it so much,  they screamed summer to me. I'm obsessed with playsuits at the moment, I have purchased way too many in the last few weeks but they are so effortless for summer. You can throw it on and go, but look totally put together. I mean they can be dressed up or down for any occasion. I've put this one together with some loose curls, a long silver leaf necklace, some delicate silver rings and my rose gold jandals, making it a bit more on a casual side. This outfit just makes me smile and is the epitome of summer to me.

 I hope you enjoyed this blog post as much as I enjoyed making it. I hope to do many more like it. (P.S thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda for the title which is a lyric from Hamilton the Musical)

So girls who are experiencing summer right now, what is your favourite summer trend?

and girls who are wading out the winter, what are you most looking forward to when the summer season hits?

Love Louise xo

Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.

Marilyn Monroe

The Notorious RBG

If you don't live in America or follow American politics like I do, you may not know who Ruth Bader Ginsburg is.

And if you do, you know how much of a bad ass she is.

I have just finished reading Notorious RBG: the Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Varmon & Shana Knizhnik and was flawed at how freaking AH-MAZING this women is.

RBG as she is referred to in the book popped up on my radar last year during the Supreme Court's ruling on Obergfell vs Hodges case which granted marriage equality in all 50 states of America. As the news spread and more was being said about the marriage equality ruling, I heard more about Ruth Bader Ginsberg the warrior Supreme Court Judge who as one of the only two women on the panel has stood for marriage equality since the beginning.

There were hundred of articles about how amazing this women was and how she fought for so many in her tenure as a judge.

But it wasn't really until this book that I realise how much of a fighter and glass ceiling break RBG really was.

This is a women who came of age when women were expected to be housewives and support the family but saw herself doing more. She was one of 9 women in her 500 student Harvard Law class, while also raising a young family. 

Despite all that stood in front of her because of gender assumptions RBG fought for what she believed in. She co-founded the Women's Right Law Reporter as well as the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, becoming their General Counsel in the 70's.  Through this organisation RGB fought for the cases she thought were right such as equal gender discrimination, abortion rights & pregnancy discrimination laws. 

Through all her incredible work defending women's and equal rights, RBG caught the eye of President Bill Clinton as his nominee for the empty seat as Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. This would make her the second women to sit on the panel at the time. She also was openly opinionated on her political positions and her male counterparts on the panel. Oh she was also the oldest judge on the panel at the age of 82 (You Go Girl!)

I mean just from that alone can you see why this women is extraordinary. She is a champion for the rights of so many deserving communities and serves her people so well. She is the epitome of grace and poise in politics, handling herself so well in this ever changing world.

The book all this information and love came from is also equality as extraordinary.  The way Carmon and Knizhnik have set it out mean it doesn't feel like a historical biography (which it is) and more like a friend telling another about this amazing person they know. Even the way it is presented doesn't make it boring in any sense of the word, the funny titles, quotes and images allow you to breeze through this book while learning so much about RBG and her life. The idea that is a historical book could be cast away in a heart beat if not for its timeline in the front and be seen as a inspirational book that should be compulsory reading for everyone in this world.

I was so inspired by this book and all the work RBG put into fight for what she believes is right.

It opened by eyes to a world before mine, yes of course there are still so many struggles in this world when it comes to women's rights but I can see how RBG paved the way for me being able to be the women I want to be and being able to live my life with my own choices.

I hope you all give this book and Ruth Bader Ginsburg a chance because you won't regret it one bit.

Love Louise xo

My Mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Taking Time For Yourself

Sometimes its really hard to find time just for yourself, we are all busy whether its work, school, family or other commitments. But it is also really important to take time out for yourself and have moment to focus on what is important for you.

For me I find it really hard to relax, I can't get my brain to shut up sometimes or I feel like I should be doing something more important. In the past 6 months I have learnt how important it is that I actually take the time to relax. It give my body the chance to take a break, my mind a chance to slow down and just allows me for a moment to forget out everything busy happening around me. I find that if I can take at least one chance to relax during the day whether its right before bed or another time. Whether its half a day or 15 minutes taking the time to just be is important.
I find that if I actually take the time to relax I often sleep better and am able to concentrate more in lectures because my brain isn't buzzing with a million things.


Everyone has their own ways to relax, It all depends on the person.
If you a person who is really into fitness, your probably more likely to go for a run, a swim or hit the gym as a way to relax their body and mine.
If working out sounds like your worst nightmare or not a relaxing activity, then maybe a cheesy comedy or romance film will set your mind at ease, or perhaps flick through one of your favourite magazines.

Here is a list I've complied of some my favourite ways to relax. Not all of them may appeal to you but I hope you might find something they will help or at least be inspired to find your own course of relaxation.




1.  Take a bath. Baths are a great way not only to relax to mind by taking 30 minutes or an hour to yourself but also great for you physical, allowing your muscles to relax after a hard day of carrying you around. Put in a bath bomb, light a candle (safely of course), put on some music or as I like to do throw on netflix, grab a magazine and just relax. Enjoy the peace. I love that you can kind of customise a bath, the smells you can have in it through bath bomb, bubble bars, oils, salts or candles. You can really make it about what you enjoy and what makes you feel relaxed.

2. Trawling through Pinterest. Whether its on your phone, laptop or other mobile device I find the motion of pinning so relaxing. Its almost like a mindless action, you can do it without a lot of effort and its also inspirational. Scrolling through Pinterest for however long I want is a way for me to relax and find fun ideas at the same time. Just choose a topic and rome free. Play some music at the same time if you want, get out of your busy brain and just pin until your heart content. Who knows you might just stumble across a tasty recipe or a make up hack that will change your life.

3. Pick up your favourite book. For me I don't purchase a lot of books and just use my library a lot. This is because I read through books FAST so there isn't a lot of point to in buying them if I'm finishing them quickly. The only time I do buy a book is when I LOVE one. If once I read it and feel as though I need to read it again, I'm going to go buy it. Rereading books is something I love doing, having favourite plot points or characters, something in the book that makes you smile. My bookshelf is my happy place. So if I need a moment to relax, I'll wander over to my bookshelf a pick a book I know makes me happy and just read a few pages or chapters, just to give me a break. Snuggle up in bed, just read for a moment and forget about everything else.

4. Find your favourite episode. Everyone has that tv show that make you feel happy or relaxed, that you don't have to think about when you watch it. For me I love throwing on an episode of Gilmore Girls, Friends or The Nanny when I need a moment to relax. I don't have to think during these shows, I can just sit back relax and laugh while enjoying Rory, Monica or Mr Sheffield.  Nothing makes me feel happier or relaxed than that 30 minutes or hour of tv that I don't have to think about the assignments I have due or the fact that I haven't worked out this week yet. Life can just happen around me for a little while as I just enjoy.


These are just four ways that you could relax throughout your week so you can take time for yourself but there are so many others ways; watching your favourite YouTuber, colouring in one of those adult colouring books, going for a walk or just hanging out with your friends.
Whatever it is as long as it makes you happy, brings you peace and makes you feel relaxed. As long as you a taking a moment for yourself that is all that matters.


Is there anything on here I missed? What would you say is your favourite way to relax? I would love to know


Love Louise xo

You don't need to look like everybody else. Love who you are.
Lea Michele

Make Up Is My Jam

I Love MAKE UP

I don't know about you but I love it!

As I've said before I am not artistically skilled in anyway but I do feel as though this is my art. My face is my canvas, I can experiment and perfect my craft. I love that there are communities I can join on Facebook or Youtube to discuss and listen to others about make up.

Make up makes me feel happy, I love getting ready in the morning, deciding what sort of look I'm going to do today. Make up is my confidence shield, it allows me to present myself to the world they way I want to be seen and how I see myself through my make up. Don't get me wrong I don't see make up as a way to alter my appearance or to get attention, its just a way for me to be myself and have an enjoyable activity to do. Make up is just something fun and exciting for me to do everyday and to allow myself to feel as confident.

Okay enough of a Make Up rant.... 

Lets get to today's make up topic.

I wanted to talk about My Go To Lip Colour.

As much as I like experimenting with lip colours. Pinks, Purples, Nudes or Reds

They all make me excited.. but nothing feels as good as finding your perfect lip combo. The one that you can wear everyday, don't have to think about, goes with everything and make you feel FABULOUS

well this little combination is mine

and I am completely in love with it.

Now there a three steps to this luscious lip look (I know this may see a little extreme but seriously I think its worth it :) )

Step One: 

Maybelline New York

Colour Drama Velvet Lip Pencil 

in Nude Perfection

This is the perfect colour on its on or as a base for another nude shade

its basically the same colour as MAC's Velvet Teddy

I put this all over my lips not just to line it so that there is a good base colour on my lips

These also retail for around $7.50 so a super cheap and amazing product to add to your collection.

Step Two:

Topshop Lips in Fawn

I just discovered this colour on a whim while walking through Toyshop

but immediately fell in love. On another plus is looks really similar to a MAC one I had my eye on but lacked the larger price tag.

Beware without something on underneath it doesn't appear super pigmented on unlined lips but with something on underneath it rocks.

This product retails for between $18 & $22 depends on whether you use the 10% student discount (GET GIRL!)

Step Three:

NYX

Butter Gloss

in Maple Blondie

I had heard so many things about this gloss from Youtuber and had been dying to try it

and it is perfect! Its the most gorgeous shade between pink and nude, adding just a little bit of shine to the lip.

Normally I edge towards matte lipsticks or stains but this one is just beautiful.

This lipgloss retails for $11.50 on makeup.co.nz

This combination is utterly gorgeous and all together is under $40. Each item on their own is also so amazing and worth being added to your collection.

So what do you think guys as you as obsessed with this lip combo as I am? Do you have your own lip combo that just makes you feel fab? 

If you give this one a try or have your own look, tag me in your photos on Instagram and use the hashtag #LALIPS so I can see all you amazing looks :)

Love Louise xo

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

Audrey Hepburn

Shonda Rhimes, The Queen of TV

I am obsessed with Shonda Rhimes

(warning this blog post is basically a love letter to everything Shonda Rhimes, so if your not a fan you might wanna give this one a miss)

 I think she is one of the amazing people ever to exist, not only is she one of the most powerful women in the television industry, she is a single mother of three daughters, she speaks out on what she believes in and has one of the brilliant creative mind I have ever witnessed.

She is someone I admire greatly and feel like I have grown up with. her shows were there to comfort me when I was having a moment and these when I was in a good mood.

I started watching Grey's Anatomy when I was was younger by watching in either by sitting in the kitchen while my mum watched it and I was suppose to be in bed, even when I got a tv in my room, I would watch it with the volume on so low that I couldn't actually hear but it didn't matter I knew what  I was seeing was special.

I think I was around 14 when I actually started watching Grey's Anatomy for real and feel deeply in love with it. I remember watching the season 6 finale and being scarred out of my mind (p.s you shouldn't watch this episode in the dark) or loving the musical episode so much (even though so many other didn't). I also at this time discovered Private Practice, and yet again thought that the way the shown was written was genius and that the characters were so interesting on so many levels.

Once I was hooked, I was totally and completely committed to Shondaland. As Private Practice ended I found Scandal and I spurred it my love of political shows and most the wonderful cast.

What I love about Shonda Rhimes and her shows is that her shows are so relatable, yes there are dramas and events that are completely unrealistic in reality but the actually world these characters live in and the characters themselves are relatable. The characters whether they are doctors, lawyers or fixer go through many of the same struggles that we as a society go through and by watching these characters on screen, I feel as though I can work through my own. Not only do these characters reflect emotions and experiences that I and many others relate to, they also physically represent the outside world. The diversity of race, sex, gender and relationships in the characters of Rhimes' shows presents a real world in time where so much of television conforms to a particular way society view it. Shonda as much as she doesn't like to discuss it pioneered this new diversity and change in television new golden age. This also means she is tackling such headline grabbing topics such as ethics, race, feminism & sexism and handling them in such amazing ways.

Shonda also has a knack with the help of her amazing producing partner Betsy Beers and casting director Linda Lowy of cast amazing actors & actresses in her shows, that are extraordinarily talented and inspiring.


Shonda on her own as I mentioned before is extraordinary and her new book, Year of Yes captures this completely.
The book follows Shonda through her quest to yes to all opportunities offered to her through out the year of 2013/14. This included saying yes to things that scarred her like her inspiring Dartmouth Commencement Speech and starting her weight loss journey.

The way Shonda wrote her book in this very conversational way makes it completely accessible to everyone and as though she is talking directly towards you, making feel entirely inspired.

Obviously I wanted to read this book because I love Shonda and everything about her, I soon realised that this book was the perfect thing for me to be reading as I approached 2016 and all the changes I planned to implement in my life. I realise that Shonda facing her fears and saying yes for a whole year is like me facing my anxiety head on, saying yes to help and facing other things that scarred me like dating and travel.

I can't recommend this book enough, my mum just finished reading and now completely understands my fascination with Shonda, and I will continue to pass it on to everyone. I feel as though anyone can get something out of this book even if you don't exactly know who Shonda Rhimes is, hearing the story of a women completely changing her outlook on life to better herself for both her, her family and career is empowering.

Shonda teaches us you should never be ashamed of, that you should fight for what you believe in, push yourself and find you passion.

Okay another long winded blog but I think its important to surround yourself in things that inspire you and this book is one of those things.

This year I am saying yes to happiness, yes to asking for help, yes to trying to new things & yes to supporting myself. 

I want to task you all to say yes to something that scares you or that your hesitant to do this year. Who know it might be the best decision of your life. First and formost though remember say yes to yourself being happy.

I would love to know what inspires you? Is there someone, a celebrity, athlete, intellectual that pushes you to go after your dreams?         

Love Louise xo


Everybody's got some greatness in them. You do. The girl over there does. That guy on the left has some. But in order to really find it, you have to own it. You have to grab hold of it. You have to believe it

Shonda Rhimes


P.S If you have time check out Shonda's Commencement Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuHQ6TH60_I                  

Top 15 of 2015

We maybe a couple of days into January but I thought I would do my list of my Top 15 of 2015. These a moments that happened this year that I loved, was grateful for or want to reflect on.

1.My girly trip to Wellington with one my best friends Jess,going to one my fav city's with one of my fav people

2. My university drama class, meeting so many awesome people, making brand new friendships and doing some kick butt performances

3. Reaching out to a old primary school teacher of mine and in return getting the best job I have ever had

4. I read some life changing and thought provoking books- included Polly Vernon's Hot Feminist and Roxanne Gay's Bad Feminist, to name a few

5. I made decisions about my future and began to make plans to have them happen

6. I asked for help about my learning difficulty and actually figured out how beneficial it is to ask for help

                                     

7. I completed all seven seasons of The West Wing 

8. While being so sick in the second semester of university, I also received the best grades I have ever gotten

9. I  am slowly opening up to my friends and family about my anxiety and what I am feeling

10. I really started to curate my own style in both clothes and beauty, knowing who I am and what suits me

11. Through one of my best friends, I met my friend Caleb, who has now become one of my favourite people to be around and talk to

12. I have listened to the Hamilton Cast Recording at least 25 times and counting

13. I fell in love with the colour Rose Gold

14. I bought the best hair curler I have ever used for $16 

15. I became very aware during my birthday how lucky I am to have the friends that I do. My best friends are amazing women who inspire me every day

 After years of bullying and being used,I found people who love me and care for me. That I would travel to the moon and back for, knowing they would do the same.

So there it is my 2015 in a nutshell. There was a lot of amazing, silly and tough times but overall I wouldn't give it up for anything.

So let the good times roll and bring all that 2016 has to offer.

What is your Top 15? I know I found it really hard to think of 15 but reflecting on this year is a great way to end it. Leave me a comment telling me your top 15, 5 or even 1 thing that happened in 2015. I would love to hear it!

Love Louise xo

So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable  and then, when we summon the will they will soon become inevitable

Christopher Reeves

DIY for the Creatively Challenged

Now I will be the first to tell you that I am not artistically creative in any way. Like my lack of art skills were a running joke in both primary and high school. So when it came to revamping my room, the idea of anything overly creative or labour intensive seemed like a bad idea for both me and whatever I was DIYing. But after watching MANY do it yourself room decor videos, I felt inspired to  attempt something in my room. But something that I could change easily if I screwed it up.

Well.. Washi Tape to the rescue!!!

For those of you who aren't in the know, Japanese in origin, Washi Tape is like pretty masking tape. However it is made of paper, comes in a million different patterns, colours and textures, it is also completely removable from most material (Paper, Wood, Plastic) which makes super easy to use for DIY tasks. Its also pretty cheap and is readily available in most craft shops.

I have a reasonably good sized wash tape collection because of my planning obsession so I had heaps to choose from when it came to brainstorming.

When I  started rearranged/ redecorated my room a got myself a new bigger bookcase which made the smaller two shelf I had used a little obsolete. To get it out of the way I placed it in the little crook I have by my wardrobe door and put a piece of artwork I had been given for my birthday last year but had no use for it on top. I realised that I loved the look of it but it still needed a bit of jazzing up to become a feature point of my room. I didn't need it for storage so why not make it inspiration shrine (I need a better word than that :P) so that when I see it I felt empowered.

So I set off Pinteresting and Googling ideas of what I could do. What I decided on was to use the rose gold washi that I had just recently bought and the silver one I already had to create the effect I wanted. Colours that both good with my room theme. 

The bookshelf had a lot of damage on the top so I knew I wanted to cover it up, so used the silver washi tape to completely cover up the top, with its watermarks and chipped paint. I then used the rose gold tape to outline the three shelving levels.

and VIOLA! my cruddy looking shelf had a new life and I didn't have to repaint it or pay a fortune to redesign it.

An interesting new piece of furniture for probably around $7.50

The next was to fill it with things that inspired me or made me happy. The biggest thing being inspirational quotes.

I already had that piece of New York art, a reflection of my love and dreams of New York.

I then got the 'You are Brighter than the Stars' plaque that again had colours that matched by room theme from the Warehouse for $5. I printed out photos from chicfetti and found different frames in colours and textures that matched, ranging from $2-$6 and used wash tape to cover up the back of the frames that were too big. My favourite frame is the rustic white peg frame from Red Current for $6. I also added a mason jar full of blue & gold stones (though this may change..) and the fake succulents in little white ice cream cones from Typo for $10 to give it another texture. 

I love how this shelf has turned out, it has become a point of interest in my room, catches my eye and makes me smile every time I see it.

I love that its not just a random shelf and that I had a hand in creating it, even with my lack of art talent.

Sometimes all it takes is a bit washi tape and a little hunting around the internet and shopping malls can make all the difference to an old piece of furniture.

Do you guys have any tips or tricks for easy DIYs? Or do you have a favourite quote hung up around you room that you love to look at?

Love Louise xo

Its Never Too Late-  Never too Late To Start Over, Never Too Late To Be Happy

Jane Fonda

Ready, Steady, Action!

Are you one of those people who makes resolutions every year but they only last like 5 minutes?

Up until now I would say I'm one of those people who only held on to their resolutions for two months of the new year. But this year I decided to make a change. 

2015 was a mixed bag, full of joyous and tough moments. I finally started finding steady footing in university and doing as well as I  had always hoped I would, I was actually surrounded by friends who loved and cared for me and found a job that was the perfect fit. 

However along with these amazing moments, there was also some really tough times. I found that my anxiety and stress that had always plague me was getting worse and that it was actually stopping me from participating in my life. I couldn't go shopping, go to parties or even perform (something that I have been doing since I was little) without feeling anxious, overwhelmed and getting hand tremors. It was also at this time that I started getting very sick and quite literally what it was just sick. I was run down, constantly nauseous and in pain. Having to miss classes, cancel plans and even have a terrible birthday because of how sick I was. No doctor could really tell me what it was. 'It's Stress driven' (which it has been at one point and now it was every day) 'It's just a virus' but I was in a constant state of unwellness for months. Finally I am starting to feel better thanks to an great specialist and amazing dietician who realised it's the way my body is reacting to food and environments that it making me so sick. Now after 12 weeks on the FODMAPs diet. I am finally feeling better and feeling like myself again.

Okay enough backstory, Let's get back to resolution.

I have vowed that this year that I will live a more positive, stress free, mindful and happy life. 

I know this is kind like a catch all resolution but to me it seemed like the right thing to do, throw away the past and everything that has happened and enter 2016 with a brand new out look on life.

I think the best thing about a resolution like this is that I am tailoring it to how I feel and what drives me.

So here is my list of the changes I am making to my life in order to complete my resolution.

1. Redecorate my room to create a calm and inspiring environment.

Now this something that I started doing before New Years, straight after Christmas actually as felt like I actually wanted to enter the new year with most of my room done. I gave my room a giant spring clean, rearranged it and planned out what I wanted to change. I have yet to purchase my new set of drawers or put up my photo wall but I wanted to show you what I have done already.

I wanted by room to my safe haven, a place where I could sleep, watch tv and study while feeling as though everything around me was empowering me.

So I added in the 'Be Inspired' banner above my bed as well as printed out inspirational quotes and pictures that I found out etsy, chicfetti.com or off my instagram. I have scattered these pictures around my room so that I can look at them at any time and feel inspired.

Another goal under thing is to maintain a clean room, something I struggle with A LOT.

2. A summer reading list.

The moment I finished uni for the year I got a heap of books for the summer. I am already halfway through the pile I have and have requested about 16 more. The first half of my list of books was complied of inspirational autobio's like Shonda Rhimes' 'Year of Yes', Hillary Clinton's 'Hard Choices', books of musical theatre greats, history books, diet books on FODMAPs and a few fiction  books like Zoe Sugg's 'Girl Online' thrown in.

The second half which I have yet to receive it more about self development, Mindfulness, Yoga, The art of tidying, that sort of thing. I think between all of these books I'm going to feel inspired, reflective, positive and find ways to improve my life for this year.

3. Get back into Yoga and Pilates

I tried yoga once and never went back. I didn't find it relaxing, I couldn't get out of my mind and stop think while I did the poses and was suppose to breathe slowly. But I realise all the benefits that yoga can bring in the way it helps stress and anxiety and I'm willing to give it ago again to better myself. Pilates however I did really enjoy I was just never consistent with it, I would go for 3 weeks and then wouldn't be able to make it for a week and just stop going. But I love pilates, it quite dance based and fits with my background perfect. These two things also link to one of the branch off my resolution about living a happy life which is is to tone up and loose weight. Since going on FODMAPs I have been slowly loosing weight and I can see the different, now I just want to tone and be happy in my skin. So its off to the gym I shall go.

4. Essential Oils.

I have been doing a lot of research into the benefits of essential oils on your your physical and mental health and have decided that it would be a great option to try and relieve my anxiety when a episode hits. I'm excited to give this a go and see what effect it has on me 

5. Drinking Tea. 
Okay I'm not the biggest hot drink person, beside the occasional soy caramel hot chocolate but I do like ice tea, so again after a lot of research about the benefits of tea, in particular stress relieving and sleepy tea. Ive decide that this is another route that i want to try. I have no idea if I'm actually going to like drinking tea or if Im going to hate the hot stuff and need to work out how make iced teas but its worth a shot right?

6. Asking for Help.
I hate asking for help, I hate asking for things pronto. If my order comes out wrong in a restaurant I won't send it back, if I need to return something I'll beg and plead with a friend or my mum to go and talk to the person for me. But this year I am asking for help. After numerous talks with mum and my wonderful doctor I realised that my anxiety can't just be cured over night by some pills and that not only to deal with my anxiety to but to get over it I needed help. So I have taken it, I have the names, I  have the number all I need to do it call. I'm still scarred out of my mind about talking to someone but I know this is something I HAVE to do. Anxiety is not just something should have to deal with every day, it something that you can work on getting over.

7. Planning and staying organised.

Last year I discovered the world of planning and feel in loved. I knew this was exactly what I needed to stay on track, maintain my life and achieve my goals. I saw a difference as well, i wasn't scrambling at the last minute to finish a assignment because I had timelines exactly when i was going to do everything for it, I could clearly see where I had appointments or reading and also found it a workplace for inspiration. This year I am planning on using the Plum Paper Planner, which is going to allow me to spilt my day up into three sections. I am also moving into more stickers and world of easy. I am very excited!

I customised my planner with my initial and name, as well as in my favourite colour Tiffany Blue

So thats it, this feels slightly rambley and VERY long but I wanted you guys to know what I am facing this year and how excited I am to move into the next chapter of my life with you all along for the ride.

So tell me what are your New Year resolutions? How are you planning on sticking to them? 

I would love to hear them

If you have any questions about anything I talked about here, like FODMAPs, anxiety, chronic nausea, even room decor or the books I'm reading. Drop me a line, I would love to talk to you.

Love Louise xo

I don't know what my path is yet. I'm still walking on it.

Olivia Newton-John

Links to Plum Paper Planner and Chicfetti 

http://plum-paper.myshopify.com

http://chicfetti.com

Let's Do This Thing

Hi There, 

Welcome to my blog.

Whether you actively came searching for it or if you just stumbled upon it, welcome.

I have created this blog on the second day of 2016 for so many reasons.

It's something I have been wanting to do for a long time.. I was scared, I am technologically challenged and wasn't sure how to do this. 

But I've finally decided that this was the year I was going to do it.

My New Year's resolutions are to live a happy, more positive, mindful and stress-free life. I am looking for the inspiration and empowerment in every day life, not to let the things that scare me or trigger my anxiety stop me living my life. So today is where is starts.

The first post of this blog marks that.

Let me tell you a little about me 

I'm Louise,

I am 20 year old university student, living in Auckland, New Zealand and studying a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Drama.

The goal one day is to become a High School Teacher and then eventually open up my own performing arts studio for kids of all ages.

I love movies (don't ask me to pick a favourite), television (the same here), books,  musicals and have a very eclectic taste in music.

I dream of New York and admire the Old Hollywood Greats

I suffer from anxiety and chronic nausea, two illnesses that have greatly impacted my life in the past year and I hope to use what I have learnt and am still struggling with to help you.

So that me, just a girl wants to spread and receive inspiration, wants to support and be supported by those around her. Hoping that by writing this blog I will not only be helping some of you out there but selfishly helping myself in the process.

This Blog is dedicated to everything under the sun, from movies to anxiety or room decor to broadway shows.

I am ready to write to my hearts content and share this journey with you all.

Lets do this thing!

Love Louise xo

Nothing is Impossible, The word itself says 'I'm Possible'

Audrey Hepburn