Lifestyle | Tips to try and relax

Hello there :) 

How is everyone today? Hope you are all well and jolly! Have you been up to anything exciting this week? Maybe jumped out of a plane (safely) or met someone famous or maybe just rowed a boat? I'd love to say I have done something exciting this week but, that would be a lie and lying is bad! I've spent a lot of time with a good friend of mine called bed! It's so comfy and cosy!

I've kind of lost a bit of my blogging enthusiasm recently but that's probably because I have lost a lot of enthusiasm with life. I'm going through a low phase at the moment, I know why but when your so down it's hard to get out of feeling like you do. I seem to cry all the time at the moment, I don't want to get out of bed or leave the house, I feel like I just don't know how to be happy at the moment and I'm fed up. So I guess when I feel like this it's hard to blog because I don't have anything to blog about! Anyone have any tips for feeling happy? Please send them my way if you do! 

FUN FACT : Prawns are not always a pink/orange colour, they are instead a blue/grey colour before they are cooked! They look much better when they are cooked, they look a bit creepy before hand! 

So my mum bless her has been racking her little brain at the moment for ways for me to relax and things for me to do to cheer me up so I thought I would share them with you in case you are feeling under the weather too, as it's all about helping each other right :) 

• Smelly Candles : Whenever I'm feeling a bit stressed I love to have smelly candles on in my room, I find them super relaxing and it makes my room smell nice and gets rid of any Barney fart smells. 

• Read a book: I love reading, well I do when I manage to stay awake to actually read a book, I find reading very relaxing and also a great way to help me sleep if I can't. I've also joined a book club recently which is great although I haven't managed to read any of the book club books yet! 

• Listen to music: Now this is one of my favourite things to do to relax, I love just putting my headphones on and forgetting the world and listening to music. I also find this a great way to calm me down when I'm feeling angry. 

• Face Mask: I find face masks so relaxing, although I did try one of those peel off ones the other day and that was lovely till I tried to take it off, I thought my whole face was going to come off! Anyway I think they are a great way to relax, it's always important to pamper yourself and it's a great way to destress. 

• Have a bath: Nothing beats having a nice relaxing bath, well a spa or hot tub would maybe, but annoyingly I don't have either of those in my house. Baths are so relaxing especially when you have a nice bath bomb to put in it or some lovely bubble bath! Bubbles are the best, I like to make a beard out of the bubbles to try and imagine what it would be like to be santa! Does anyone else do that?! 

• Watch TV: This is something I have always loved to do to relax. I tend to watch TV shows such as Friends and Big Bang as they are two of my all time favourites and watching them makes me feel like I'm there and I'm friends with them. I was in bed for most of year 11 with ME and Friends is one of the only things that kept me sane! I've recently become a massive PLL fan too so that's what I watch at the moment. Netflix was the best purchase ever! 

• Getting my nails done/painting nails: I love having nice nails, I instantly feel happier strange but there is just something so great about having good nails. I was lucky enough to be treated to getting my nails done by my gran this week, I love getting them done it's so relaxing and the people are so lovely where I go. The only annoying thing is that it costs money so I only get them done for treats or when I can afford it and if I can't I will paint my nails :) 

• Spending time with Barney: This is the best thing and always helps me to relax/calm down/destress. Spending time with my best friend is the best thing in the world. He is always there for me and I can tell him all my troubles and he doesn't tell them to anyone (he couldn't if  he wanted to though). He doesn't judge me and he loves me, he is always by my side when I need him even if I'm cross or upset. Taking him for walks in the countryside or playing ball with him is a great way to relax as I love seeing him so happy and it's so peaceful!  I couldn't ask for a better dog to own, he is one in a million. 

(this is his new favourite toy) 

What things do you do to relax?? 

The Barney picture today is one of him curled up on my bed with his pheasant. Poor Barney just wanted to sleep and then there was me putting a camera in his face! He just takes such pretty pictures I can't help it! 

Hope you are all well and jolly :) 

Anna-Louise

xx

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Aspergers | 2nd achievement of 2015

Helloooo everyone 

How is everybody today? I'm rather tired if I'm honest, tried to watch Finding Nemo today because well you have to don't you it's a Disney classic! Well for my era it is anyway, was incredibly popular when I was younger. I think they are bringing out a new Finding Nemo Or Dory soon, do you guys know anything about that? Anyway back to my point I fell asleep through the whole of it, silly me so am going to try and re watch when I'm awake in the next week. I hope none of you are feeling to tired today, hopefully you are happy buzzing bees :)

Tiredness is something I really suffer with, I'm not lazy please don't think that! I had M.E in my last year of secondary school and sixth form and although I've recovered from the worst of I still suffer with tiredness a lot.  I can sleep for England and anywhere, I fell asleep at the Olympics who does that right?! Also if I ever try and do to much I will start to flake and need almost a quiet week to recover, good job I don't work full time hey! Anyway I'm rambling and going off topic about what this blog is about as usual, just letting you guys know a bit more about me I guess and well I'm open and want people to read this feel like they know me and that we are friends and friends talk and share about things that are on their mind right? Let me know if I'm wrong, social things aren't my thing. 

I'm currently listening to Ellie Goulding's new song Love Me Like You Do. I'm in love with it already, now I'm a bit of an Ellie Goulding fan already but her new one is just amazing go check it out :) She has made this one for the new film Fifty Shades of Grey that is coming out soon, will be interesting to see how they have done this film without making it too saucy, as well the books, need I really say more about them! 

What song are you guys liking at the moment? 

Right better get started to what this blog is actually about hey! So today I achieved my 2nd aspergers achievement of the year. If you have read my previous blogs you will know I have aspergers, if your new firstly hello, and  secondly I have aspergers so now you know! I always want to put haha after certain sentences, but then I'm laughing at myself and what I'm saying (I do that a lot apparently people don't tend to do that) doesn't bother me though I love laughing who doesn't?! Just you guys might not always see the funny side that I'm seeing. 

Social situations have always been one of my major difficulties and struggles I really don't like them if I'm honest. However over this last year I've been working incredibly hard on my confidence and coping with social situations. Working in a pub has really helped me come out of my shell, not that I actually have a shell but you know what I mean, it's helped me enormous amounts with talking to people. The thing about working in a pub is that there is almost like an invisible script of things you say to people so if conversation isn't following revert to your script, you also have to take their order and things like that so you kinda have to talk to people. This is great for building confidence not only if you have aspergers but also if you struggle with your confidence or have anxiety etc. 

My mum and her friends have set up a Book club, some of you may be reading this thinking okay then, but I personally think book clubs are one of the best inventions ever. They are probably not for you if your not a fan of reading, well even if your not they you could always go along to one to listen and meet new people and socialise in a relaxing, un-pressureised environment. Anyway I don't really have that many friends, I'm not ashamed to admit that. I struggle to keep friends and maintain friendships that's a bit of aspergers for you though isn't it. Don't get me wrong I have a couple of great friends who I have had for years, all of which are older than me, I find it easier to socialise with people who are older than me. What about you guys? My socialising is working at the pub and going up to the stables. Exciting life hey, I love it anyway. I would like to have more people and friends to sociliase with if I'm completely honest but I have Barney to talk to everyday! What more do I need?! 

Anyway I thought that the book club sounded interesting, I love to read so thought why not go along and see what it's like get to meet new people too. A year ago I would not have even considered this going to a club and chatting with a load of strangers in an unfamiliar environment don't think so. However the new more confident me was like yeah why not. So off I went, I thought I would feel nervous but I didn't I was a little unsure to begin with but it was great I really enjoyed it, I even wait for it joined in conversation with people I have never met before. I was the youngest person at the book club but that didn't bother me it made it easier as these people where easy to talk to and have some interesting things to say :) I really enjoyed myself and am looking forward to the next one. I've got the job of making the cake for the next meet up :) 

I would highly recommend joining something like a book club if you struggle with confidence or just want to get out and socialiase in a quiet environment where no one cares who you are and excepts you for the person you are. I felt very welcome which gave me the ability to speak great hey! So that's my achievement going and doing something different that I usually would hate and enjoying it! Some of you may be thinking big deal so what but for me this is a big thing and I'm proud of myself and wanted to share it with everybody! Things like this should definitely be celebrated! Little things that count hey!  

The book we have to read this month is called The Curvy Girls Club! Looks like a bit of a laugh and a light hearted read, I'll let you all know how I get on with it :)

I really hope these help people in someone, I want people to realise it's okay to be different, being different should be celebrated!  

Barney's got a bit of a sore eye at the moment silly thing! Not sure what he has done to it so I'm going to keep an eye on it for a bit. Barney says hello to everyone, he is sulking at the moment as I'm sitting on my sofa which he has claimed, he doesn't like to share so has gone downstairs to find his own spot. 

Me and my best friend Barney! Picture quality may not be great but I just love this photo and wanted to share it with all of you :)

Hope you are all well and jolly 

Anna-Louise

xx

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5 things I'm loving this month so far....

Hey Everyone!! 

Sorry I didn't get chance to write a blog yesterday, time just ran away. I think that's a saying although knowing me I've probably mixed it up. Opps oh well. 

When I was younger my friend told me a joke about trousers and a jacket, and I found it hilarious so always wanted to tell it to everyone but always got it mixed up, in fact if I said it now it would still probably be a muddle. I think it goes like this.....How do you put a jacket on last? You put the trousers on first!! Hahahaa, makes me chuckle everytime. 

I'm thinking of doing regualr blog posts every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday as like I said time runs away sometimes, and then I will try and fit in some extra's as and when I can :) 

It will be kind of a shorter blog post today as I've been working all day at the pub and its rather late now, well it is for me but that's probably my age again. I'm not really a party girl at weekends would much rather stay in in my comfy cosy's and some fluffy socks and a good book or film. Oh and I would put some smelly candles on as they are so relaxing!

What do you guys get up to at weekends? What would your ideal evening be? Do you have a favourite smelly candle? 

Fun fact: If any of you where wondering or had forgotten finding nemo's dad is called Marlin. 

Finding nemo is such a good film, need to watch it again! Dory is the best....."just keep swimming" 

Now I thought for this blog post I would tell you guys the things that I am loving this month so far. 

1. Estee Lauder double wear stay-in-place foundation. Now I don't know about you guys but I'm always on the hunt for the perfect foundation, I love trying out new ones and I've herd a lot of good reviews about the Estee Lauder one so thought I would give it a try and oh my word I think I may have just found my favourite foundation. It's brilliant, when they say it lasts all day it really does, it does not budge, it also holds the colour of my blush really well throughout the day! I honestly don't have enough good things to say about this foundation, I think it may become one of my make up holy grail's! If you are looking for a long lasting high coverage foundation I definitely recommend this one! My only negative about this product is that it doesn't come with a pump, however the mac foundation pumps fit it, so I just brought one of those think it was only £4 or something. 

2. Daniel Wellington St Andrew watch. I have recently just purchased my first Daniel Wellington watch and I am so glad I did I am in love with it. I went for the St Andrew one with silver and it's truly beautiful. Go and check out their website, they have a variety of different ones, definitely worth a look. https://www.danielwellington.com/uk/ 

3. Listen to the Man - George Ezra. This is currently my favourite song, I can not stop listening to it. I love George Ezra anyway I think he has an amazing voice and have loved all his other songs however this is the current favourite. Personally I think it's a happy song, well one that puts you in a happy mood and make you want to dance and bob your head from side to side although not to much to make yourself unwell. Therefore it is my current happy song. 

What's your current happy song? 

4. Broadchurch. I am still so excited that this is back on our screens. I thought the first series was brilliant and thought the first episode back was brilliant too so high hopes for the rest of the series. I feel it's one of those programmes that has you glued to the screen the whole time. It's on on Monday's at 9pm on ITV. 

5. Toilets of the world. This is a book which shows pictures and tells you about lots of different toilets around the world. Now yes you make think this is weird, but I love weird facts like that, so I find it really interesting and let me tell you now there are some interesting toilets in our world. It was a present from my dad as he thought I would find it amusing. So thanks dad best gift ever!! :) 

Barney got on the kitchen table again today, very naughty dog! We had cracked this habit for a while, but he has cracked our defence mechanisms so it may be another visit from the dog trainer. Like I've said before I think he just things he's important, (which he is to me) so therefore he can lie where he likes. We have also not been gassed out yet this evening which is good! 

Turns out it wasn't actually a very short blog post in the end, that's my rambling for you!

Hope you are all well and jolly :)

Anna-Louise

xox

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Favourite Book (current)

Hello there :) Hope you have all had a fantastic day, if not smile its only 353 days till christmas!! Yay I hear you say just what you wanted to hear, well now you've herd! I even know some people that have brought wrapping paper already, now that is organised. I actually think it was because it was in the sale and super cheap, and who doesn't love a bargin right?!

I'm lacking a bit of inspiration today, well basically my mind hasn't had enough time to wander and think yet as I've been rather busy. I won't bore you all with what I've been doing, some of you who know me will probably be able to guess, those of you who don't I've been riding magical unicorns around planet spanner! I joke I'm just going to tell you now as I've started to ramble. I've been riding horses, and if any of you are horsey people you will know far to well that horses take up so much time, tears, energy etc yet we still love them stupid amounts! Maybe we are all just mad!! 

Fun fact: My brother is wearing tiger socks today!! Maybe he wants to become a tiger?!

Anyway back to my blog title! I absolutely love reading! Who doesn't?! I think it's a great way to relax and I think there is nothing better than losing yourself in a book!! Not literally though otherwise the world would be full of giant books, or we would be super cool and have the ability to shrink ourselves and get lost in the pages! Guess the second idea would mean you would be able to get out of doing jobs around the house, but actually thinking about it the first idea might mean we all get squashed! 

Anyway the book I am currently reading at the moment is Graham Norton's memoir, The Life And Loves Of A He Devil.  I Literally don't have enough good words to say about this book! If you haven't got it or already read it, I definitely recommend you to go and buy this! I got it on offer at WHSmith from £20 down to £8, I'm not sure if the offer is still on, but even if it isn't still go buy it. Personally I don't think you will regret it! I have literally never stopped laughing whilst reading this book! I'm currently still reading as I have a great habit of falling asleep after reading a few words, saying that I fall asleep whilst doing anything, even whilst I was at the Olympics!! My favourite paragraph so far is the dogs one (obviously). It was hilarious and I think pretty much every dog owner can relate to it. I love how he says If dignity is something that interests you never get a dog. I think he is so true haha! I love Graham Norton anyway, I always watch is programme! One of the things that I think a lot of people love about him is his personality, he does not at any point come across as being arrogant or better than others instead he comes across as a down to earth man, a hilarious one. If you haven't seen any of his shows, I also recommend checking them out! So yeah that's my favourite book at the moment!

Whats your favourite book at the moment? 

My brother has one of his first university interviews tomorrow, and it's for one of his top choices. Fingers crossed for him please everyone as he has worked so hard on his portfolio and is such a talented little bean (he might kill me for calling him a little bean so bye if he does :P ) 

Also forgot to say yesterday, I apologise if my spelling isn't great or my grammer isn't brilliant its never been my strong point, we are not all perfect so please no hate :) everybody is different a good at different things that's what makes us all different! Remember its all about celebrating difference not indifference. I love that quote, I found it on the autism website and its something that I never forget and remind myself when I'm feeling down or when other people put me down! So maybe say that to yourselves at times when you are feeling down or negative :) Remember positive thoughts are the way forward! Turn that frown upside down :) :) 

I wonder what it would be like if we where all the same? Who would we all look like? I reckon we would all be like the queen! Imagine how funny that would be! Hundreds of the queen walking round everywhere, but then there would need to be men to........who would they be like? Zac Efron maybe? Now that would be a good world, actually it would be really strange. Wait and would their even be a Queen or Zac Efron if we were all the same. I'm thinking into this far to much. 

Here is a picture of Barney on one of his chairs today :) He loves sitting on these, sometimes I think he thinks he is a human, he's not though he's a dog as he sniff other dogs bums and well humans don't do that! He pushed me off this chair today to, I only wanted to sit on the chair with him but no he gave me a right shove with his legs! Rude just pure rudeness!! 

Hope you are all well and jolly :) 

Anna-louise xx 

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