As I sit here listening to a playlist named "Spotlight on 2015" I feel ready for the year ahead more than I have ever done before. Maybe it's because I'm going into it, after just turning 18? Or maybe because I have a lot of exciting ventures planned and in preparation? What I do know is this; that 2014 grew into the year that I became my, as cliché as it sounds, true self.

When it reached the final day of 2014, it felt like it had approached too soon (like always) but now looking back, a freaking lot has happened this past year. It began on a very low. I was left not knowing what I was doing, where I was. I'd drifted from friends, a best friend and a set path I was meant, or made to feel like I was meant to be on.

But in the end, fortunately, 2014 proved me wrong. I wasn't in a dead-end year as much as I persuaded myself I was. I began living a healthier lifestyle by introducing a more balanced diet and a regular exercise regime. I initiated making myself a happier self, caring less about others opinions of me, concentrating on the good people in my life and for once being that little bit selfish. And God, did I need it. I can very comfortably say I have reached a point in my life where I have been able to admit I was immensely happy with my appearance, my interests: me as a whole.

My year continued to get better when I met some of the loveliest people I have ever met through getting back into education and finally making a decision to study live events. Hand on my heart I have never felt as comfortable with a bunch of people than I do with what we call "the college lot". After only knowing them for a few months, even after a few weeks, I knew I'd met my life-long friends here.

Overall, I've learnt that you can't go a year without something drastic happening within your family or your friendship group; you can't get through a year though without trying to see the best out of every single situation, and this is something I'll keep with me for many years to come.

So I ended the year how I plan to see through 2015; full with friends, laughter, plans, and a few drinks of course... and a few more.

And finally.. yes this does mean I'm blogging again. And I'm planning to do so a lot more than last year (I say it every year I know but give a girl a break). I hope you can all see your positives of 2014 as small as they may be and wish you a very Happy New Year.

Chloe

My nails have always been something that I don't know what to do with. After trying many options, I end up leaving them well alone. 

My trouble: 
Painting them is a pain, it's never long lasting and takes up so much time.
Nail extensions become expensive if you keep having infills, and nail beds can get ruined.
Do-it-at-home fake nails are the MOST IRRITATING THINGS EVER. I won't even begin to tell you how many things I get the glue over. Too much.

Until recently, I steered clear of the whole DIY fake nails because of the mess they leave behind. Of course there are the "ready glued" nails, BUT DO THEY EVER WORK? NO.
I believed that until I tried imPRESS nails. They've been around for a while now and I'd be surprised if you haven't heard of them before, but it wasn't until recently that they became my go-to manicure fix.

imPRESS nails come with adhesive already applied to the nail. This adhesive technology was 6 years in the making and has been produced to last up to one week of wear (if applied correctly). It's not harmful to your nails, and can be easily removed, leaving your nails in the same condition prior to application. The top coat of the nails is shiny, giving that gel effect. Unlike glue they are very easy to apply, leaving you able to put them on, on the go.

Before applying imPRESS nails you need to remove any polish you're wearing beforehand. You then take the prep pad that's included in the pack (This will be stuck onto the paper part in the box, so don't miss it) and cleanse your nails with it. This will maximize the duration of your manicure so don't forget this part. Leaving this part out will dramatically change how imPRESS works for you - I learnt the hard way! After choosing the correct size nails to use for your natural nails you simply place them on and then smooth down, and to the sides, firmly. And that's it! 

imPRESS really are as easy as that and they look great too. You can buy them in Boots for £7.99, and they're often included in 3 for 2 offers.



These actually do last nearly a week every time I have used them, and stay in perfect condition for the duration.

When I say "your skin" what comes to mind? If it's something positive, lucky you! 
Without knowing how to work with, and get our skin to it's best possible condition, many of us can easily pick faults in our own skin. I for one still do this from time to time, but after finding ways to look after and treat my skin better everyday I'm finally OK with that. 

No one has perfect skin, or at least I don't know anyone whom has perfect skin. All these people you see with flawless complexions are more than likely to have had problematic periods when it comes to their skin, especially during their teens (the "WHY DO I ALWAYS WAKE UP WITH A MASSIVE ZIT ON MY CHIN THE DAY BEFORE I HAVE PLANS" stage). Right? 
Not even my Dad who tries to avoid me educating him on skincare by telling me his skin is in fact perfect, does not have perfect skin. When it comes to skin there really is no perfect. This is because everyone has different complexions/skin tones/problematic areas to the next person. 
It's about learning and finding your own skincare solution and then turning that into your skincare secret! Here's mine...

I'd thought that my skincare solution would be filled by an expensive, high-end product for a long time before realising this wasn't going to be the case. For some? maybe. For me? The exact opposite. 

Green Tea is my skincare secret. 



Something so simple like Green Tea is surprisingly beneficial to your skin, as well holding many other health benefits. Aside from it containing water that you're told you must drink everyday for your own benefit, I'ts packed full of antioxidants that will act as an anti-inflammatory, helping to calm your skin. Since drinking more and more green tea (If I listed all the flavours you can buy, I'd be here all day, so maybe another time), I've noticed a complete difference in my skin tone and condition. 
As a result:

• My complexion has become more even.
• Redness on my face has reduced.
• My skin appears more radiant.
• Skin breakouts have become fewer and less red.
• I can now leave the house without feeling like I want to cover up with make up (being able to say this one makes me happy :) )

I think my family and friends may well know that I enjoy a nice cup of green tea too. It's not like I tell them how good it is for you ALL THE TIME or anything! Of course, alongside green tea I use skincare products to treat my skin that bit extra, but Green Tea is my thing - my skincare secret. 

Whats yours? 

Cancer is a word that sits very heavily on my heart, just as I'm sure it does many of yours.
When anyone hears a mention of the big "C", negativity surrounding the word rushes to their minds, or has done at one point. Cancer is a negative thing of course, but the work completed aside it is far from. And, to be a part of that alongside inspirational women is something I will always remember and is something I will continue to be a part of for as long as I can. 

Each day that someone is diagnosed with cancer is still a day when we're fighting it. Sometimes we forget this, I even do. Cancer Research and awareness is not a 'one day' thing. It's not a week thing, nor is it a month or a year thing. The research for Cancer is ongoing, the effects it has on people can be lifelong, and for some, the time they first hand-idly experience cancer is short. 

Cancer Research don't receive any government funding. All the money used within this charity is funded by the works of people who have dedicated their own time and effort into raising money to help others and quite possibly ourselves. That's why events like Race for Life are so important because they are the building blocks to Cancer Researches ultimate goal - that one day people won't fear Cancer for the reason that we have a cure.


This year my family and I will be taking part in the fight against cancer for the third year running in the event of Race for Life. This takes place every year at many locations around the UK in which women come together to walk, jog, or run a 5k or 10k distance in sight of raising money to contribute to the ongoing research and treatment that is involved with Cancer. Families and friends of those women fighting cancer, who have beaten it, and those who want to raise money in order to help these people all come together on the day they've chosen and walk the route with their own stories. After experiencing it first hand twice before I can honestly say it is one of the most overwhelming experiences and situations I've ever been in. 

This year, like many that have passed, and many that are yet to come, we'll be walking, jogging, or running side by side in an attempt to show cancer that we'll continue to fight back.
If you'd like to contribute to this life-changing project or find out more you can still enter here into an event near you or you can visit mine and my lovely Mums fundraising page to find out more on why we're both doing it and what it means to us.