Education Young and Old || Monday Insights #6

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Good Monday to you! This is our last week of Monday Insights until the new year and so I will need to think up a new Monday feature! I'm finding myself speeding up in YouTube world, rushing about in home and family world but slowing a little in blog world (somethings gotta give!) so it will hopefully be something short and sweet to start the week off. Does that sound good to you?

If this is the first Monday Insights you have ever read and you don't understand what on earth is going on, click HERE for the original post explaining the whole shibang. 

This week our topic is-

Education Young and Old

When you were in secondary school what did you think you wanted to study when you got older?

I had no idea. I spent secondary school focused on my GCSE's and the social politics that goes with most schools (unfortunately). 

When you were doing your A Levels and GCSEs did you have any idea what you wanted to do when you were older? 

By A-Levels I had a bit more of an idea because I was doing Psychology as one of my choices and really enjoyed it so decided to carry it on at uni. At about 16 I decided I wanted to be a Councillor or Psychotherapist. 

How did you manage to cope with friendship breakdowns (if there were any), hormones and boys whilst trying to focus on work in exam years when at school/sixth form?

With great difficulty. I went to an all girls school so boys weren't really and issue but bitchy girls certainly were. There were about 5 girls in my class who I socialised with but were awful to me (and everyone else). They made me miserable on a daily basis and really pushed my self esteem down. Looking back I should have just walked away and been confident enough to spend lunchtimes alone but I foolishly chose crappy company over solitude. Their behaviour effected me so much during my GCSE's that I moved to a new school to do my A-Levels. 

How did you make new friends at Uni? Do you have to join lots of clubs and societies?

Making friends at Uni came really naturally because everyone was in the same boat. Everyone was new and everyone was looking to make friends. I joined clubs and societies but most of my friends came from living in Halls of Residence. 

What was Uni like for you when you just started? Was it hard to make friends and did you feel at all homesick?

Amazing. I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom and relished my new found responsibilities. I made friends with the people I lived with an although the first week was a bit tricky in terms of homesickness, I soon overcame it and settled in. My advice to have a great start would be not to say no to things because you don't feel up to them, but to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit and go and do things. If you really hate them you can always say you feel poorly and go home.

Whilst you were at college/ uni did you ever get confused as to what you wanted to do and did you ever worry about the "big girl world" once you left? 

Yes, definitely, I think everyone did/does. It never worried me for too long though because I just thought, 'I'll cross that bridge when I get to it' and carried on enjoying what I was doing in that week. 

I had a bad time through secondary school and am now considering doing an adult learning course for GCSE's and A-Levels but most people say this is almost cheating, what are your thought on Adult learning courses to achieve A-Levels without going to college?

My thoughts are that they are fantastic. If you can stay in school and do your GCSE's or A-Levels then I would encourage you to take that route, but if you have already left the go for it. A friend of mine had a lot of home issues as a teenager and so missed a lot of her education. She has since gone on to have a daughter about Darcy's age, do her qualifications through adult learning and is now at university studying to be a midwife. 

I have also completed a few adult learning courses for recreation (they do all sorts, not just academic topics) and think they are a great option for people who want to do something extra. 

Did you enjoy university, and what were some of the best and also most challenging things about university?

I loved it. The best thing about it was the freedom to plan my own day without oppressive parents but the most challenging was budgeting and planning my money. I cut it pretty fine sometimes!

I'm in 9th grade now (I'm 15) and in 3 months I have to apply for 3 schools that I would like to go study at for 3 more years but in all honesty I'm so tired of everything that has anything to do with school that I don't know what to do. Any advice?

Firstly, you're not alone. Nobody skips through a decade or so of education and sings its praises the whole way through. There are times when it's a total slog. I'd say apply for schools and then if by the time it comes to actually going to them you really can't face it and you have made a well informed decision, don't do it. But, by then you might feel a bit better, might have spoken to more people and might decide it is the right option for you. Don't burn any bridges just yet. 

How did you decide what to study at university? What would you suggest for people like me who don't know what they want to do after school and are very anxious about finishing school because of this?

I didn't fully know what I wanted to do but I was leaning in the direction of Psychotherapist/listening to people. I really enjoyed Psychology and Biology in school so I picked those thinking they kind of fitted with my future plans. If I'm honest, I didn't give it as much thought as I should have but at 16 it's a huge task. Go with what makes you happy because you're the one that will be up at 2am finishing assignments. 

Would you recommend taking a gap year?

I'm didn't do one myself so it's hard to say. What I do know though is that if Darcy or my Sister wanted to take one in the future I would be really excited and supportive. I think if used properly they can really enrich your life and develop you as an individual. 

Do you have any tips for saving money when all you want to do is spend (how to budget during your school and uni life)??

Before I started uni my Dad and I sat down and made a spreadsheet of things I was likely to need money for. The obvious ones are food, socialising, travel, books etc but don't forget to include things like haircuts and birthday presents too. Try to stick to your budget by taking cash out each week and putting it in an envelope and only using what you have. So for example, if your £30 socialising envelope is empty by Thursday, don't be tempted to dip into your £40 food shopping envelope to cover it. You will live to regret little decisions like that! 

Now that you're out of school, do you ever find yourself missing learning and do you still find yourself learning new things each day?

When I first left I really missed learning and felt like my brain was dying a little bit. To combat this I did a couple of adult learning courses which I really enjoyed. Since then I have discovered blogging and the online world which keeps me thinking and makes me really happy. 

When does Darcy start school/nursery?

Darcy is due to start school in September 2015 and we are already looking at places we want to send her :)

Did you have a part time job when you were at Uni / would you recommend getting one to cover the living expenses? Did you have a timetable for Uni or where your lectures at different times every week?

You do get a set timetable each semester (term) and yes I did have a few little part time jobs. Have a job is great because it helps you earn a bit of money and keeps you afloat. At the time I resented missing out on a few social things but the financial benefit outweighed that and so yes, I would recommend looking for one. 

What was your most embarrassing high school memory?

Being in the changing rooms with my whole class after swimming and before I had put ANY clothes on, falling flat on my back infront of everyone. Serious cringe. 

How do you feel about the goverments new plans for education, and how this will effect Darcy?

This is absolutely a question for my Husband who is really into this sort of thing as he is a Teacher. I on the otherhand don't know enough about it to have a proper opinion but trust that the government usually want what's best for the nation. (And realise I might be the only person that thinks this haha). 

-------------------------------------------

And there ends the last Monday Insights of 2013. 

I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I have. I really enjoy having a specific thing on a Monday and so will think of another soon. I think the next one will be a little less labour intensive though as I said, things are crazy town round here at the moment!

In the comments today, please do let me know what kind of blog posts you like to see the most because I can feel my inspiration dwindling and I want this to still be a fun place!

Toodlepip!

xx

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE. 

Ultimate Advertiser - The City Rack. Click HERE for more info. 

The Everyday Mundane || Monday Insights #5

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Happy Monday to you! The start of a new week to turn over a new leaf and achieve your goals.

If you are confused as to what this feature is, hop on over to THE ORIGINAL POST where you can fill yourself in.

The topic for this week is -

The Everyday Mundane

What are the dynamics between you, Matt &  Darcy in everyday life? Do you ever worry you are spending too little time with one or the other or do YOU ever feel left out when they are together? I've often wondered if its hard to see your hubby giving lots of love and attention to the other girl in his life sometimes.

The dynamics in our family are quite traditional I think. I'm more feminine in my behaviour than Matt and am all about choosing her outfits and putting clips in her hair and Matt loves to take her to parks and on walks and do outdoorsy things. It's only ever wonderful to see Darcy and Matt get on so well. He is as much her parent as I am and plays an equal role in her life. It brings me joy to see them together. Smoosh-tastic answer there! 

I´ve always wondered what your opinion on feminism is? Because you seem like a really girly person with lots of glitter and pink in your life, and have you ever thought about that it might contribute to the "girly" society (you know that a girl is so petite and fragile and oh so weak, they only wear pink and they poop glitter etc). And you seem to dress Darcy very girly too, I´m not at all saying it´s a bad thing, it´s your own choice of course! I was just curious if your doing a deliberate choice, for example dressing Darcy in almost always pink(ish) and not so much "boyish" clothes? 

What a good question! My stance on feminism is this - it's about choice. I choose to be girly and wear pink and dress Darcy in a similar fashion and I am free to make those choices. If another Mother chose to dress her Daughter in more unisex or masculine clothes then I would respect her because she is making her own choices. I think the problem arises when women are forced to make choices or settle for options they are not happy with or that are out of their hands. I want Darcy to grow into a woman who can make her own free decisions and choose a life that pleases her and makes her happy. I want my little girl not to think that looking like a barbie doll is important but to place value on strength of character, good values and high morals. If we choose to do those things whilst wearing clothes that make us feel nice, then I don't think that's a bad thing. 

Choice and free will are key. At the moment Darcy is 2 so I make her choices but once she is old enough, we can reassess and go from there. 

Do you ever feel as if your life is becoming very monotonous and repetitive? What do you do when feeling like this? I know you must appreciate having Darcy and Matt and that you "love the small things in life" but do you ever just want to drive to see Zoe for a week and not have to worry about anything?

There are absolutely times when I would love to just jump in my car, fill up with petrol and drive off on my own and do whatever I like, but the facts are I can't do that. When I chose to get married and planned our family I knew that I would loose a certain amount of freedom and frankly, it's crap. I wish you could still be as carefree and adventurous. I do love the little things in life and I do obviously love having my family but yes, things can become repetitive. When I feel like that I plan mini adventures for myself. It's easy for me to go to London for a day or do things that don't involve overnight stays so I just have a lot of fun doing them. If I want to go away for a week (like for Playlist or Vidcon) I have to ask my inlaws if they will stay and help Matt with Darcy and basically, if they can't, I can't go. Fortunately they always jump at the chance of some baby-time (as they live far away and don't see her very much) so everyone is usually a winner. Lucky me!

How did you manage to keep track of homework when you were at school? I always get sidetracked and procrastinate and end up not doing well on the homework. How to manage those things now, like your youtube? 

Basically I didn't. I was rubbish at writing things down and was often in a pickle. I would advise you to get a homework diary and use it religiously, no matter how time consuming or boring it is. Nowadays I have a notes on my phone that I use or jot things down each day to remind me to do certain tasks. Saying that, I'm writing this in a hurry on a Saturday night because Zoe will shortly be here and I should've done this on Friday morning!

My boyfriend and I just got a place and it will be available later in the week. We are furnishing it ourselves and while we have a few days I'm already thinking about the dishes to buy how to style the place. He's pretty simple, and I'm very into modern, fashionable, current things. What's a great way to blend the two and how did you and Matt do it?

Erm I'm afraid I can be no help here because I just insisted on what I wanted and didn't back down! Haha! Matt is really easy going and just doesn't care, so that helps. He has a couple of rooms in the house (woah, rooms I haven't filmed in!!) that are completely his and he has decorated to his style so he is pleased with his 'man space' and I'm pleased with my girly bedroom. Sorry I couldn't help you more. 

What are some of Darcy's favourite games to play with you and Matt?

Darcy loves to play hide and seek (she always hides behind the lounge door), story books (where we read it to her and then she reads it to us), kitchens (where she makes us invisible food and we say how delicious it was) and babies. 

What is you favourite part of your day to day life? and how is it different to your "Youtube days" so to speak?

My favourite part of 'home life' is when Matt gets home from work, cooks dinner and we all just play together and mooch about. Then he puts Darcy to bed and I can hear him reading a story and I feel realllllyyyy relaxed. My 'YouTube days' are entirely different. They are very go go go and exciting. None are the same (as you may have seen from my vlogs) and they are full of a lot of laughter. I love having both kinds of days and enjoy the balance it brings me. 

What's your favorite thing to snack on?

All the things I shouldn't! Bad Louise. 

I want to ask, what are the house chores you, well, aren't too skilled at? for me it's definitely cooking! and which ones come easily to you?

House chores I enjoy are cleaning the kitchen and hoovering. The ones I HATE and am rubbish at are cooking and keeping on top of laundry. I'm over run by clothes!

Is it sometime difficult to have a job (I think it is your job hope I am not wrong!!!) Involving staying at home all day and not having any contact with colleagues or a boss etc? 

it's not difficult  but there are certainly days I would like a bit of company. On those days I just ring friends, go on Skype or arrange to visit someone. For all the downsides my job has, there are a hundred up sides :)

Do you cook or you prefer eating in a restaurant/have your food delivered/cooked by someone else on daily bases? If you cook, do you cook different food for Darcy?

I don't cook unless I absolutely must and when I do it's a shambles. I can just about microwave soup. Matt cooks all our dinners (I can make little lunches for me and Darcy of course) but we quite often eat out. Darcy is well behaved (mostly) in restaurants and we enjoy the social aspect of it. Most Friday nights we have our good friends Mark and Clare round and we have takeaway. Mmmm fooooood. 

Do you have a huge amount of glittery things in your home?

Hahaha yes! So many! I'm like a magpie. Anything that shimmers or twinkles catches my eye and I just think it's so beautiful. I never understand people who don't like glitter because really, look at it! It's mesmerising. If I could paint every wall in the house glittery and have sparkly carpet I totally would. 

--------------------------------

And that's us done for this week's Monday Insights. I hope some of that was new information or something you enjoyed reading. Next week is going to be the last in this year's feature (I'll bring it back for 2014) and the topic will be - 

EDUCATION YOUNG AND OLD

This is your chance to ask anything you like about nursery, school, collage, uni, adult learning course and everything inbetween. I will accept questions up until Thursday night and look forward to seeing what comments you leave!

Toodlepip!

xx

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE. 

Ultimate Advertiser - The Luxury Beauty Company. Click HERE for more info. 

Motherhood || Monday Insights #4

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Oops, I'm a little late to my own party aren't I? Apologies for that, I was prioritising. Despite telling myself off numerous times this year for allowing myself to stress so much over various things, it's not a personality trait I can change over night so I'm working on it. It was really hard to tell myself to keep the macbook closed and go to lunch with a friend or take a much needed nap, but for doing it I feel so much better.  So, here we have it, a Monday feature on a Tuesday. Heavens above! Will the world stop turning? No. Do I need to worry about this? No. Good. Glad we're all settled then haha!

If you have no idea what's going on or where you are, THIS POST explains what this feature is all about and might be worth a gander.

This week, our topic was- 

MOTHERHOOD. 

What books/websites/blogs would you recommend to a first time pregnant 26 yr old?

When I was pregnant I absolutely loved the babycentre.co.uk because it is full to the brim with brilliant resources, as well as the book 'What to expect when you're expecting' and a book Mylene Klass wrote about her pregnancy with her first baby, Ava. I now always feel very connected to her because i feel like I shared my pregnancy with her which is a little weird haha. 

I want to be a mother when I grow up but I'm terrified of the pain that comes with giving birth. Should I let it scare me out of having my own baby or am I imagining it worse than it really is?

Personally, I don't think you should let it scare you out of having a child when the time is right for you. Yes, it is very painful and yes, it's everything you see it as on TV, but then you are a mother forever. You have created new life and made the most amazing thing. Think of all the days you will be alive and then deduct 1-3 for labour and childbirth. It's worth it. 

I know about most of the changes to your body after pregnancy (ie boobies, weight gain, etc.) but how goes it "downtown"? How long does it take to recover? I know it can't be the same as pre-baby but is sex super different? SO AWKWARD!

Haha I feel weird about answering this but I'd tell my girlfriends so why not tell the internet? If you have a natural birth (like I did) then a few weeks. I had stitches so definitely a good few weeks/a couple of months. As for 'doowwwnnntooowwwnn' (and please God don't let me dad ever read this now we're talking about my sex life- ew)- everything is absolutely 100% fine. Without being really graphic, if I were to sleep with a new man (calm down, I'm not gonna), he wouldn't know I'd had a child. I can't feel ANY difference and nor can Matt. Happy days. Don't worry about it at all. Your body is magical. 

Were there ever times during pregnancy where you really struggled and wanted it all over with? If yes, how did you cope with those feelings?

If you mean wanted my pregnancy over and for the baby to be born, yes. Toward the end I was very fed up with being so huge and tired and just wanted my body back. I coped by knowing it would soon all happen. If you mean 'over' as in not have a pregnancy or baby at all then I didn't feel that way but my advice to anyone who does would be to contact their midwife and talk their feelings through. 

What were some of the things that maybe overwhelmed you about pregnancy/having a child, and what would you say to yourself beforehand to prepare or inform yourself? 

This is tricky because I still feel a bit overwhelmed or under prepared sometimes. Things that overwhelm me are mainly practical. Like is she getting the right nutrition, am I stimulating her mind enough with learning play, is she tall/heavy/strong enough etc. If you feel the same way, I can't tell you how mind-resting it is to go to your health visitor or dr. We recently went to ours and I had 30 minutes to talk about all the things I was fretting over and so she gave Darcy a good check and she was absolutely fine. I think as Mother's/carers/guardians we worry so much about things we perhaps don't need to but it's part of what makes us a mother. If you didn't worry at all, I'm not sure that would be a perfect thing either. Take solice in the knowledge that you are not alone. 

What was your biggest worry when you found out you were pregnant?

I worried that I would miscarry as it is such a common occurrence. 

Has the fact that you lost your mother young affected the way you are with your daughter? Was that a difficult thing to handle? I ask because I grew up without a father and I am afraid it will be difficult for me to be a parent when I lacked one. 

I can completely understand why you are asking this question. In short, yes, it does effect the way I behave as a Mother. Since my Mother died when I was quite young (7), I can't quite imagine what 'being mothered' feels like and so worried I wouldn't know how to take on the role. I look at other daughters and mothers and can't feel what they feel or understand their bond. I remember feeling very loved and cherished by my Mum but I can't imagine what that would feel like now. Would it be the same as mine and my Dad's bond but more feminine? Would it be like having an unconditional best friend? Would it be ever so comforting? You tell me. 

What I do know is this. I wish desperately that I could have a mother who makes me feel worthy, wanted, safe, loved and special. Because those are all the things I would want for myself, I will give them all to my daughter in abundance. To me, that is what a Mother is. 

Think of what qualities you miss from not having your Father around and apply them to your own parenting when the time comes. I think you'll do a great job. 

How do you tell your friends nicely that baby talk isn't interesting to you without hurting anyone's feelings?

Hmmmmm I think you're walking a thin line there. If you tell them you aren't interested they will be quite offended. Why not try and steer the conversation away gently and get them interested in something else for a few minutes or arrange to do something sans baby? Would you be able to ask the Dad/Grandparents to babysit whilst you and your friends have a night out or go shopping or have lunch? 

Failing that you could always try to be subtle and turn it back on yourself. Like, 'Ooohh I wish I had a baby too sometimes so I could be a bit more involved in these conversations. Sometimes it's a bit hard to imagine how you feel and what your life is like'. That way you're giving your point but not pinning any blame on them or making them feel bad (even if the wishing you had a baby might be a little white lie). Good luck!

Do you think going on nights out and things like that with your significant other is more fun and exciting before or after motherhood?

Errrm yes and no. Before motherhood you have no ties to things and you are free to be hungover the next day or come back late and not care. Once you have a child you need to be back to relieve the babysitter or you want to avoid feeling like a badgers backside after a few too many cocktails! Saying that though, because time alone with your significant other is so rare after motherhood, it's quite a novelty so you do enjoy it more than before. 

Since becoming a mummy are there any special life lessons you have learnt, as a result of raising Darcy?

Not yet but I've only been in the role 2 years so we'll see what crops up. Obviously I've learnt to put someone else before myself and to be a lot more loving and responsible but I think every parent feels that way so couldn't really say they are special to me life lessons. I'll keep you updated. 

I'd like to know if you're the kind of girl who knows what she's gonna name her child..and what made you pick Darcy? (I don't know if that's outta context, I'm just curious!)

Before I even met Matt I had chosen my baby names. I was all set when I was pregnant and had my heart set on a few things. Then, the day we got the results of the gender scan, we were driving home from dinner with my Dad and Matt said, 'What about 'Darcy'?' and it just hit me, 'That is my Daughter's name'. I can even remember the exact bit of road we were on and the exact way the sun was setting over the fields when I was hit with such certainty that Darcy would be her name. We have already decided on a girl's name for when we have another baby but boy's names are still up in the air!

What is the most gratifying part of being a mother?

Being a family. I now have my up, my down and my side to side (Dad, Darcy, Matt and my sister) and feel very secure and happy. Darcy completed that for us and we love watching her grow and be such a huge part of our lives. Awwww (feel free to be a bit sick at that).

------------------------------------------------------------------------

And that's all folks! I really enjoyed answering some of your questions and look forward to what you ask for next week. I think there are only going to be 2 more Monday Insights this year, so if you do want to ask something, make sure you get it in this week or next. 

Monday Insights #5 will be.... DAY TO DAY LIFE.

This is your chance to ask anything you like about the humdrum, mundane, daily bits and bobs that we get up to in Glitter World. If there is any small thing you have ever wondered, this is the time to ask it!

Toodlepip!

xx

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE. 

Ultimate Advertiser - The Luxury Beauty Company. Click HERE for more info. 

Physical Appearance || Monday Insights #4

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Merry Monday mon petite lovelies. So far, the Monday Insights feature has been really positively received so I'm happy about that. If you are not sure what this whole shibang is about, HERE is the original post to help you understand and join in.

Once again, I have narrowed it down to 15 questions so that this doesn't become too long and you don't miss your bus stop/get into trouble with your boss for reading blogs for too long!

Last week I gave you the topic PHYSICAL APPEARANCE and here are the questions you asked -

I know we all have days where we hate our bodies, but what are some steps I can take to learning how to love my shape and accepting it?

Find a style of clothing that suits your body. For example, if I tried to wear disco pants and crop tops I think I would feel pretty down in the dumps. Give me a skater skirt and a scoop necked top though and I feel great. Once you work out which shapes of clothing suit the shape of your body, life feels a lot better. 

What are some good ways to look presentable when you are feeling lazy or are short on time?

My biggest trick is dry shampoo, hair in 'messy' bun (oohh yeah, did that mess on purpose baby), sheer black floaty shirt over a black cami top (hides a multitude of sins), skinny jeans and pumps. You instantly look 'together' and it was minimal effort. If you have time, a swipe of liquid liner and pink lipstick will go far. Good luck!

I was wondering if you ever find yourself comparing yourself to everyone else - your friends, celebrities, random people on the street - and if you do, how do you stop yourself before it becomes super negative?

Absolutely! I think everyone does. When I find myself doing it excessively i remind myself that we are DIFFERENT. Whilst we are all human woman (unless you're a man obv) we are not all clones. My friend Zoe and I are both women in our twenties with a passion for clothes and makeup but we have completely different tastes, styles and shapes. Rather than looking at her and thinking, 'I wish I could be that petite/have blue eyes/have such a pea head (lol)', I think, 'yes Zoe is all of those things but I am a whole set of other things. I have green eyes and a great bum and a lovely hourglass shape and am sooo modest haha'. My point is, it's OK to be your set of things. Value what you are, don't wish you could be what someone else is. 

How do you start loving yourself and build confidence when appearance is important in today's social life and your personality doesn't pop up in order to make the appearance less important?

I think by taking the time to stop feeling the pressure of the media and are self imposed rules and love yourself as a person. Once you let go of all of that then you are free to see all your beauty. It's a tricky one I know and something I have spent quite a few years working on. I'm glad twitter, facebook and tumblr weren't around in my teen years. 

Everyone around me (friends, family etc) want me to change my physical appearance and become more attractive so that, according to them I can "get a boyfriend". I'm not particularly interested in boys and want to focus on school, how can I get them off my back?

Tell them firmly and maturely that you don't currently place importance on finding a boyfriend and ask them to respect your choices. If they aren't mature enough to do that, ignore them. Easier said than done I know but don't engage in conversations about it and try to leave situations (ie physically walk out of the room) that bring it up. You sound like a really smart person to me. 

My Mum wants me to get fitted for a bra soon, is it really as awful as it sounds?

Nope, not at all, but I understand your fears. Wanna know something crazy? I was so afraid to be fitted that the first time I allowed someone to measure me was 6 months ago. That's after 14 whole years of bra wearing, including a pregnancy!!! It was honestly so fine, NOT embarrassing and now I wear good bras and feel great. Let your Mum take you and get it done. 

Do you ever feel pressured to look good? I often feel under pressure to look the best! 

Yes, so much. In the last few months I have actually felt so pressured that on a few occasions I snapped. I feel like TV, media and even YouTube portray and unrealistic ideal towards woman that suggests to be successful we must be ALWAYS preened and beautiful. Do I really NEED to wear makeup to do my weekly grocery shop? No. Of course not, but have found myself doing a full face of makeup 'just in case'. The pressure became so great that I actually started cancelling going places (spur of the moment) because I felt I didn't look nice enough. How insane! 

I now force myself to have 'days off' and embrace the fact that I am free to be exactly how I want. If that means wearing a hoodie and no makeup, go me! If that means looking totally glammed up, yay for that choice to. The important thing is that it is a CHOICE and not something I or you feel OBLIGED to do. Success is choosing your own way.  

Do you ever have those days when you just feel fat/ugly/horrible? Do you have any tips on how to cope with those days?

Doesn't everyone? I cope by knowing that they are just a state of mind, not a fact and that those feelings will pass. 

I've never worn make up and people always tell me I'm weird. I don't have any idea how to put it on or anything, because I don't have anyone in my family who wears make up.. they're mostly boys haha. But sometimes I think I don't fit in, so should I start wearing it to fit in and not get tons of mean comments about how weird I am???

This is entirely up to you. What I will say though is that you are not 'weird' for not wearing makeup. The people telling you that are 'weird' for thinking it. I also understand how you feel about having nobody to teach you as I was in the same position as a young person. IF you do decide to try makeup out, why not ask a nice friend (not one that calls you weird) to come and help you look round the drugstores and pick out a few easy bits. Lipgloss and mascara are good starts. 

Please only wear makeup if you want to. 

Are there/have there been people in your life or around you that thought negatively about your appearance? How do you deal with it? 

My Dad has only in the last couple of years stopped making comments about my weight. He hates the fact that I'm plus size and would be overjoyed if I lost a few stone. I deal with it two ways. Firstly, I know he does it out of love. He worries that it is unhealthy to be bigger and would like me to lead the healthiest life possible (and really, he's right). Secondly, I told him that by making constant comments, I didn't motivate me to loose weight, it only created horrible feelings and resentment. You will never be perfect to everyone (not even your own parents sometimes) but by thinking logically (although it's often hard to remove the emotion from things regarding your appearance) and being honest with them, you can lessen the issue.

If it is people you don't know saying rude or negative things, ignore them. You are not obliged to take on board every opinion you hear. 

Most adolescent girls have hang up about their appearance, I know I did, and probably still do. If you could go back and say something to your teenage self, regarding your appearance, what would you say?

"You are not as fat as you think you are. The mary-jane shoes look great on you but the baby pink cropped trousers don't. Stop over plucking your eyebrows and enjoy having super pert boobs- motherhood is round the corner!"

I'm underweight and it just runs in my genes , but people are always saying I have an eating disorder like anorexia / bulimia , that I look sick, or something along those lines. I am perfectly healthy ( the doctor always says so ) and I eat a lot ( more than most of my friends ). How can I cope with this? Or what do I say / how should I react when others call me out like that?

Tell them exactly what you just told me, it runs in your genes and you are perfectly healthy. I'd also add on, 'so please mind your own business' haha. My friend Zoe is very slim and has the same problem so I empathise. She is constantly having to fight off, 'ohmigod you're so thin' comments which to her, are as offensive as calling a bigger person 'fat'. I think just explain to people that you are fine and healthy and hope that they eventually get the message. As long as you know you're alright, that's all that matters. 

Did you find it a struggle in the early days of your relationship with Matt to be totally open in a physical sense? Even the likes of getting changed in the same room - did you do that awkward changing dance of trying to do it so no one see's?

Ooooohhh that's a toughie. The answer is no because I have always been VERY comfortable with Matt but in the days pre-Matt when I had other boyfriends- yes! I basically just did all my changings in bathrooms to avoid the awkward modesty dance! 

I have quite long sideburns and I'm a really impatient person so I don't know whether I should grow them out or not. Is there any easy painless way of at least making them seem less obvious?

May I just ask you to google image 'Kelly Kapouski'. She was one of the lead roles in a 1990's teen programme and ermihgerd she rocked sideburns. She is a hair queen. Hope that was helpful!!

People constantly comment on how beautiful my sister is and it makes me feel really awful, any tips?

Find all the things that make you beautiful (inside as well as out) and focus on them. Also, you share the same genes as your sister so I bet you are beautiful too :)

--------

I hope some of those answers proved useful or amusing to you and that some of you have seen your questions replied to! If yours wasn't included, I'm ever so sorry and hope that it is next week.

For Monday Insights #5, our topic will be....

MOTHERHOOD

This is your chance to ask me anything you like regarding my experiences of Motherhood. I will say ahead of time that I am in no way a 'Motherhood Expert' and I don't believe that just by giving birth you are automatically an authority on the topic, it's just something I have a lot of personal opinions on and something that features pretty heavily on this blog. So, ask away!

Toodlepip!

xx

To find new ways to stalk me or learn about my disclosure policy, click HERE. 

Ultimate Advertiser - The Luxury Beauty Company. Click HERE for more info.