Hello Everyone!

With 2017 over and done with and having 2018 already underway, there is no time like the present when it comes to listing the things that I had the advantage of learning during last year, be it negative or positive. There were as many highs as there were lows during 2017, however I will not let that stop me from enjoying every moment of 2018!

5 Things 2017 Taught Me:

1.  Focusing on yourself isn't selfish, its a beautiful sign of self-love! There is nothing better than knowing the perfect time to place yourself first and taking your own care and health, be it mental health, or physical or emotional health. This year alone, I had feelings for someone for the longest time, but I let this cloud my judgement and I ended up neglecting myself in the process. Being at the end of the spectrum now,  it's painfully obvious to know that letting this happen wasn't the correct thing to do. So towards the end of the year, I began focusing more on myself, and I intend to carry on through this year too!

2. There is no time like the present when it comes to spending moments with the people that you love the most and hold closest to your heart. There are many times when we are feeling sorry for ourselves and want to hide away and shut down. And don't get me wrong, sometimes it's necessary for us to do so, in order to come out stronger and find the momentum to carry on. But with being an introvert myself, there are times when always being with people and do this and doing that is too overwhelming and I need to just sit down and catch my breath. However, I see 2018 as the year of being out comfort zones and going the extra mile to see improvements.

3. Planning is everything. There are many times when we need to throw the books away and just get lost in the moment as in times of spontaneity, some of the most incredible things happen to us. However, sometimes when we expect so much from ourselves and from the year, we need to have a loose plan in mind in order to keep us on track so we know we are hitting our goals. 

4. Save. Save. Save. We all plan to go to place A, B, C all the way through to Z, but simultaneously we complain about having no money and we 'cannot go'/ 'cannot do it'. This may have been my one-liner for 2017, but it definitely became a one-liner that I grew tired of saying over and over again. So this year, I plan to try my best when it comes to saving money, so I am able to do so many larger and better things in the future, rather than just repeating 'I have no money'.

5. Believe. Believe that you have it in you to achieve everything you want in life and more. Through the majority of my life, I've grown too accustomed to turning down compliments, self-sabotage or worse. Believe that I cannot complete something. However despite this, at university, I was able to achieve my first 'First'. Meaning I have it in me to achieve the greatest, and I'm thirsty to see what other greatness I'm able to achieve.

Millie xx

What I was listening to whilst making this post

Spitz - Kikaseteyo

All images are my own

After only being at University for the past 5 months, I still believe that I have somewhat changed as a person, and I believe that it was evident throughout my blog too. There have multiple changes; a new logo, layout/theme, and my consistency has improve and I just think that the overall quality has developed.

So in today's post, I wanted to basically write a letter to my pre-University/post-Sixth Form self, and just tell her the ins and outs of... well everything that I've learned in this short amount of time

1. Set Targets

Setting targets, having ambitions and dreaming about goals is what gives everyone that drive in life. Having your future target in the back of your mind, or preferably in eyesight, is definitely enough to make anyone want to change where they currently are in life. One of the main goals that I had during 2016, was to make it to University. I must say it was far from an easy road getting there, however with determination, a desired destination in mind (and a lot of sleepless nights) I can finally say that I'm a university student, who is currently happy and is studying the course that she thought of (and still enjoys) since she was a child. As before mentioned, with having something in mind, you too can do anything!

2. Writing It Down

This step goes hand in hand with the previous tip, however it's far from incorrect. Even if you already know them and know you wont forget them, it's still better to have everything written down, as seeing things in a physical form makes you more likely to complete the pending task. So grab anything, be it a pen and paper, your notes app on your smart phone or a voice note. Record, record, record and take another step closer towards clearing your head and getting to where you want to be/ the person who you want to be.

3. Never Assume

I can easily say that this saying gets mentioned at least 5 times in a week in my life. Nevertheless, despite it's repetition, it has the same meaning every time it's mentioned. There is no point in sitting back and waiting for things to magically fall into your lap... 'Never Assume'. There's no point in letting your health take a back seat and no longer taking time out for yourself... 'Never Assume you'll always be okay'. So focus on the now instead of trying to read the future, put your all into everything and then you can finally see all your hard work pay off.

(Everybody knows it, but...) " Never assume, It makes an ass out of you and me"


4. Try Something New
Even thought this happened towards the latter end of 2016, I started a YouTube channel (check it out here). Which was obviously scary, as its a new market. I had never fully made a video of my own before, let alone looked a camera in the eyes, and tried to tell it a story. However, I did it. I'm proud of myself and its another than I can check off of my list of things to complete. So, my advice to you would be to try something new; whether you'll be good at it or not. As, its better to regret doing it, than to regret not doing it.

5. Spend Money On What Is Important
Many Universities give students a large sum of money (also know as a Maintenance Loan/Bursary) to help with purchasing the needed books, equipment and travel for each course. This large sum of money is extremely helpful if you're a student who doesn't come from a very wealthy background, and it can be a major help to other students who are well off also. HOWEVER (as many students find out the hard way) this money IS NOT a one-way ticket to a shopping/spending spree. Sure, it's money that you've never had before, and ASOS and ZARA's sales are working in your favour. But think logically; what would serve you better? Getting the equipment needed for you to perform well in your course. Or having the new IT bag, that will unfortunately be out of season in 3 months? So just think logically and just plan/map out your finances and your future-self will thank you. Same goes to those of you who live in the US. Student loans are not a joking matter. However you can keep those monthly payments by, refinancing your student loans.

6. Look After Number One

It may seem very selfish to say, but there is nothing more important in this world than yourself. Sure many of us work for other people, or take time out of our day to help others, but as I've found myself saying a lot this year, whether it be to the people around me, or me yelling it at myself. 

"If people want you at your best, you have to look after yourself first."

Yes, it may seem harsh, but how can you put your all into something, if your health isn't 100%? It doesn't make any sense, it leaves you with some long term problems, for example; stress, anxiety, insomnia, the works. Believe me, I've had it all! So look after yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

7.  Be Open Minded
Like many things in life, having (and keeping) and open mind is easy, simple and most of all FREE. There could be a person who knows everything, however if they are still unable to listen to others in order to get an insight on situations and topics from a different perspective, then they'll forever stay in the same place. University is definitely the place and type of working environment that will force you out of your comfort zone. This step luckily links you to the next tip...

8. Have Fun
Overall, you need to remember that, you're only ever at University once in your life, you need to definitely make the most of it. Meet as many people as you possibly can, as they'll be able to help you grow inside and outfit of university. Take part in as many extracurricular activities as you can, as you'll meet people who have interests either similar or completely different from yours, which will you give you an insight to topics you would've otherwise ignored. Be a sponge and absorb as much information as you possibly can, as there are not many other places in the world with the same plethora of information readily waiting.



Millie xx
p.s if you think that you have a friend or know someone who could do with the same advice, why not share this post? The links to do so are below x

What I was listening to whilst making this blog post

Zapp - Computer Love

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I thought what better way to start off the new year, than with a kickass blog post, that I'm already in love with! The colours and everything included in this blog post bring me nothing but joy. Mainly because the images were taken at the best time of the day... Golden Hour! The warm glow of the sun just brings out the beauty of the yellow roses and this blue suit is everything I had wished for in an outfit! It keeps my comfortable, whilst being ridiculously stylish!

I decided to add in a symbol in this blog post, with the symbol being the bunch of roses. A bundle of flowers can easily mean a new beginning, a clean slate, somewhere to find your footing, or something new to invest your time into. Therefore being a symbol of fresh and new beginnings in 2017. I hope 2017 brings you everything you ask for. But remember one thing, there's no point in just wishing and waiting for something spectacular to fall into your lap, you need to go out there and work hard for it!

Best of luck in 2017!x

Millie xx

Blue Suit Jacket - ASOS | Blue Suit Trousers - ASOS | Coat - GAP | Turtleneck - CLUB L via ASOS | Tote Bag - EBAY | Nike Trainers - COW VINTAGE | Earrings - ASOS

Paisley Shirt Dress - Boohoo || Pointed Heels - ASOS || Black Denim Jacket - ASOS || Camel Bag - ASOS

Today was a very stressful day. From having to get up very early to travel over 80miles in order to make it a university interview, to having to rush all the way back home with enough time to take the pictures for this blog post before the sunlight escapes (damn you winter daylight!)

On a lighter note, how beautiful is this shirt dress? This was the other item that I was gifted from Boohoo, which I am very thankful for. The fit is perfect and can be styled either with or without a belt in order to decrease the length. I also feel that if styled with a dark coloured jacket, for example the denim jacket that I'm wearing, really emphasises the colours on the dress.

p.s Similar items can be found on the Boohoo website here

Millie xx

What I was listening to whilst making this post 

Chris Brown - Zero

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What I was listening to whilst making this post:-