Sunshine Blogger Award!

Around a week ago, I was nominated for my first award by the lovely Caroline. The rules are pretty simple . . .

Thank the blogger who nominated them and link back to their blog

Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated them

Nominate 11 other blogs and give them 11 new questions to answer

Notify your nominees and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post

Here are the questions I have been asked:

Why do you blog?

I blog not only because I’ve always wanted to or because I’ve been writing since I learned how to, but most especially to spread awareness on the stigma on mental health. To enjoy life and spread peace and love, one must be in love with his inner self, and that is what I advocate for.

What is your first memory?

Wow, um… I honestly have no idea. I never really thought about it, but I think it would be when I was still in Year 6 (9-10 years of age) and it suddenly hit me that in Year 7 I’d be separated from most of my friends, especially the male ones since I was going to an all-girls school. What can I say? I was a bit of a boy magnet!

If you were a painter, what would you paint?

I would paint something that makes people feel relaxed and at peace and loved, and they get the urge to spread those positive feelings everywhere they go. If I had to choose a painting that, in my opinion, represents that to me, it would be Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh.

If you could live in any book, which would it be and why?

Many would say Harry Potter, but would you really want to live in a world where Umbridge was alive?! I think not! I’d probably live in the world of Coraline by Neil Gaiman, because it is so beautifully written. It’s a perfect example of a horror book appropriate for children.

What was your dream job when you were 5?

My earliest memory of talking about a career was when I was at a bank with my mother when I wasn’t even eight years old, and the nice lady banker asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I immediately replied, “A mummy.” She smiled and explained that anyone can be a mum. This was also a time where I thought babies were made when a man and a woman kissed.

After that, I think I’ve always been into jobs which required travelling: a tour leader, air hostess, museum curator, journalist, writer.

What is one thing you will never do?

Start a war. Literally, figuratively, hypothetically or metaphorically. War is never the solution to anything, but unfortunately not everyone agrees.

In an alternate reality, which country are you born/raised in?

Merseyside, Liverpool since the 1940s. I used to live in an area known as Speke, where my good friends George and Paul also lived. You might know them, they went on to became half of the very legendary band The Beatles.

If you could create a new food, what would it be and why?

A cake made entirely out of chips (fries for the Americans) and chicken and pizza. My mouth is currently watering at the thought!

What is your favorite smell/scent?

Tea and gasoline, the latter which I aware is really bad for my health, but I still love it.

What would be your superpower if you had one?

The ability to heal anyone and anything.

At some point in your life, would you like to know the future? (never, only under certain circumstances, absolutely, etc.)

Absolutely never! What if I turn out the opposite of who I am? I’d be devastated for sure! So no, I’ll live my life with lots of questions about my future, thank you very much.

---

My nominees are! . . .

1. Alexandra
2. Fiona
3. Lyndsey
4. Kezia
5. Kelly
6. Svetlana
7. Caroline
8. Yvonne
9. Pavli
10. Deborah
11. Lara

---

My questions are! . . .

1. What inspired you to blog?
2. If you had to stick to one make-up brand for the rest of life, which would it be and why?
3. Which is your favourite blog post?
4. If you had to be one person – dead or alive – who would it be and what would be the first thing you did as this person?
5. What’s your favourite place in the whole world?
6. If you had to travel to the past in a particular decade, which would it be and why?
7. What advice would you give to your younger self?
8. Name three people you look up to.
9. What is the one thing you never leave home without?
10. What is your all-time favourite song?
11. What advice would you give to beginner bloggers?

Bloggers you need to follow… like, now.

Welcome back to my blog, beautiful creatures! Hope you’re all doing as well as I am. As you can tell by the title, this post is about bloggers which I follow and so should you… right. NOW.

Now I follow a LOT of amazing bloggers, both local and international, but I wrote a list of 4 local and 4 international bloggers which I chose at random (which is important to point out because it doesn’t mean I don’t like the other fellow local bloggers. I love each and every one of them!)

Helen Anderson

I’ve been subscribed to Helen’s main channel for YEARS now – probably over three or four years – and have only recently subscribed to her vlogging channel, on which she uploads daily. She is not only a trendsetter, but also studied film and moving images before she became a blogger. She is also a singer in the band Box of Lights.

Helen is also known for her bomb-ass tattoos and constant hair colour changes. I. Freaking. Love. Her.

Currently living in Norwich with fiancé Matthew Taylor.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

Marzia Bisognin

Where do I even begin to describe this blogger? She inspires me to embrace my weirdness while still loving fashion and re-inventing myself. I’ve been subscribed to her since before she hit her 1 millionth subscriber on Youtube.

Her blog features the most amazing sceneries and fashion pieces, with the random pug here and there. (I think it should be noted that she actually has two pugs, Maya and Edgar).

She’s not only a blogger, but also a fashion designer and author. Seriously though, is there anything this girl can’t do?!

She is currently living in Brighton with her boyfriend Felix, a.k.a PewdiePie.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

My Life’s a Movie

I found out about this female travel blogger when I read an article about how she was judged for travelling solo and was in awe at her courage to just ignore the judging and move on with her life. Her only companion? Her GoPro.

Her Instagram account is all about the places she has visited, and will give you serious wanderlust.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

Naturally Stefanie

This article is just about everything you need to know about the pint-sized Scottish beauty. Form her accent, to her face, hair and body to DIE for, she is the epitome of veganism.

Instagram – Youtube

Arguably Kelly

I haven’t known her for a long time – just a few months or so – but I’ve heard of her blog a while before I made contact with her on Linkedin. She’s witty, open-minded and we have the same tastes… only she’s a better writer than me. Fact.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

Lyndsey Grima

I’ve known Lyndsey on Facebook for years, but we’ve never met. She is probably the first Maltese blogger I’ve ever started following, and still do. Not only does she post tips, hauls and amazing beauty reviews, but she is also chronicling the biggest step in her life: moving to Glasgow. And I love reading about this new step in life.

Facebook – Instagram

Cruelty Free Malta

The only cruelty-free blog hailing from my home country, I’ve started talking to Fiona, the amazing bomb woman behind the blog, over the last few months. She’s probably the nicest (and only blogger) I’ve talked to on a regular basis. I look forward to her next posts in aim to lead a more animal friendly life.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

Alexandra Butters

Beautiful and equally smart, Alexandra’s blog consists of make-up tips, beauty, lifestyle and reviews. I remember during my first event, I had to make a double take when I saw because I thought I was seeing double (really… don’t judge me please!) and then found out I was a sane person and she actually has an identical twin. By identical, I mean a 100% photocopy of herself.

Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

---

Stay tuned for a very special and emotional blog post coming up tomorrow evening!
x x x x x x x x x

It’s OK to…

• … doubts but still choose to go after what feels right to you.
• … give up something other people say is really important that is no longer important to you.
• … love people who are still trying to learn how to love you the way you should be loved.
• … refuse to worry about tomorrow.
• … believe even though you can’t explain why and what it is you believe in.
• … choose inner peace over proving your point.
• … to completely reinvent yourself.
• … be confused and patient.
• … quit doing something that drains your positive energy.
• … only see the good in other people.
• … spend the day dreaming.
• … take time away from the things you “have to do” in order to have more time to yourself.
• … look at things from a different perspective.
• … forgive everyone – even those who don’t deserve it.
• … admit you need to improve things about yourself.
• … learn by making wrong turns and mistakes.
• … change your mind.
• … treat yourself to indulgences from time to time.
• … take the day off, the month off or even years off.
• … explain to people exactly how you feel.
• … not know the answer.
• … need and seek help.
• … start over.
• … desire “Something More” out of life.
• … be vulnerable.
• … go through a tough time.
• … slow down.
• … search for your purpose.
• … embrace uncertainty.
• … take baby steps.
• … believe anything is possible.
• … have to figure out who you really are.

---

• credit – The Possibility of Today

Letter to Alice (Anxiety) and Dina (Depression)

Alice, Dina… we need to talk about some things. Well, it has been a while since we’ve last spoken to each other. I hope you two are comfortably sat down because this might be a long one.

Things I Would Like to Do In The Future

Psychology Course

During my year-long stint at University, I studied Psychology for two semesters. I enjoyed every second of it… well, I love Psychology in general; I spent more time outside reading or surf-shopping with my classmates from my course than actually paying attention to the lectures since all the notes were sent to us by email.

Just a few days ago, I was looking for some things and I stumbled upon these Psychology notes, and it made me feel nostalgic of the one-year stint.

In a forum for the local MHA, someone wanted suggestions on Psychology courses, and a friend of mine said that she is attending one and that is is really interesting. And that triggered my sudden interest in sitting for a Psychology course… at least on Intermediate level… for now.

The brain is a fascinating thing isn’t it?

Voluntary Work

I’ve always been a keen voluntary worker, but never really found the time to do much voluntary work. Last time I did any type for voluntary work was for a school project which was worth almost half my grade. I once did voluntary work at the Notarial Archives in Valletta.

But other than that, nothing.

Now that I have three whole months in summer of not working, I decided on doing more voluntary work if I don’t manage to find a job for the summer, and decided on two organisations to give  helping hand to:

• MSPCA – Malta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Everyone knows I love animals, particularly dogs, and I want this experience to serve me for a future of owning a dog myself)
• Richmond Foundation – a nonprofit dealing with mental health (now you know why I want to volunteer with them).

 

Make-Up Course

I buy lots of make-up. I actually made a post about my make-up collection, which has since expanded spectacularly… and yet I have no clue how to apply eyeliner without looking borderline Panda.

So that’s why I think a makeup course would be good for me. I know several make-up artists who make the most BEAUTIFUL make-up, and I want to be able to do that too!

(Just nothing too extravagant. As if I want to look like the Mad Hatter!)

I mean, LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL MAKE-UP!

UPDATE: I WILL BE DOING A 3-DAY MAKEUP SEMINAR TAUGHT BY ONE OF MY FRIENDS, WHO WAS HERSELF TAUGHT BY LOCALLY RENOWNED ARTIST SHASHA FABRI AAAAAAAAAAAA!

BONUS: Have her beautiful features

Start a Nonprofit for People Without a Voice

I don’t mean people who cannot talk, but who think they are alone in the world with their problems, no matter how little or severe they are. It could be on mental health, traumatic experiences, eating disorders, sexuality… anything the world exploits and tosses aside.

Write a Self-Help Book

The goal of all future goals. I’ve alway been keen on literature and the skill of writing. I remember my earliest memory of writing a story. It was about a boy whose toys come to life and — no, not Toy Story — they take over his family and hold them hostage. Now before you say anything… I was actually around eight years old when I wrote this. EIGHT. And already writing about hostage situations! I know, I know… weird, and sad… but I always had a wild imagination ahead of me.

(It still precedes me to this day, but anyways).

But this time I don’t want to base myself on fiction, but more of a first-hand experience type of writing.

A self-help book.

With a LOT of first-hand experience to write a freaking saga, I want to put all my life together in a book to help people of all genders, ages, religions and sexual orientation. No judgement. Just guidance and illumination through writing.

And guess what…?

I’VE ALREADY STARTED IT! Yes, that’s right! I’m in the process of writing my first (and hopefully not last) book! I already have a photographer and illustrator on board… and they’re both survivors like myself! Couldn’t have asked for anyone better than them!

So stay tuned for a book with my name written on it! AAAAAAAAAA!

---

So these are my future goals. I might update this post if the need arises. Let me know in the comments what YOUR goals for the future are.

That’s it from me, stay strong beautifuls x

Bio Poem

This is a bio poem which I wrote with my Year 5 students today, and thought I would share it with you all 🙂

Hope you enjoyed reading it! I had a ball writing this with my students, as it helped us get to know each other (even though I’ve been with them since January 2016).

See you in the next one!

PS. I JUST SPENT SOME TIME CREATING A BANNER FOR THE BLOG! HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE IT!

A Letter to my 30-Year-Old Self

Dear 30-Year Old Me,

… Hi, hey, hello! I sure hope I’m not as awkward in 2024 as I am in 2017 when this is written. This letter itself is awkward because, let’s face it, we both know that… I mean I know… I meaning my person not the past self… so including my future self…

Okay. Back to the main point.

2024… I have a lot of questions about this year. Like who the President of Malta is, if Paul McCartney is still alive and performing, if Betty White was cloned, if the war in Syria came to an end in a peaceful way… you know, normal stuff for us.

I always wonder, year to year, if the world has improved to the better or if it is getting worse. Remember when Trump was elected President of the United States? How we shook our heads and felt sorry for the population? Ah, fun times. And how–

I think I should stop, because this letter should be about me–I mean us… future me… whatever you get the jist–and not what is going on with the world.

What does it feel like to close the 20s chapter and start a new one named 30s? Is it as bad as people make it? As in, we’re not getting any younger now… I hope you’re not scared of this transition. But not to worry, future self, you’ll have me. Every step of the way.

Even though now, at 22, I’m still not sure of who I am, what my favourite food is, what character traits you changed and what remained the same. But one thing’s for sure… I will be you.

And I will be so damned proud of that. Always and forever.

Don’t you dare think otherwise. If you want to improve yourself, then just d it! I’m 100% in support of that, but don’t you ever try and change yourself for anything. Or anyone. Remember how that turned out? We don’t want The Incident to repeat itself, right?

I hope you’ve embarked on some type of adventure, solo and not. Have you travelled back to Paris yet? I hope you still love France and its culture! I hope also that you’ve picked up French again and became fluent after over 15 years of not speaking it! If you’re not, try Spanish… me gusta *wink wink*

Wherever you are in life right now, be it your home country or some other, I only hope for one thing: that you are HAPPY. I hope you still believe that life has so much to offer, and that it is beautiful and cherishable. Here’s to praying that nothing in the next 8 years will change this. If you somehow get distracted in any way, I hope you find the right way out, with the help of your friends and family… and maybe your boyfriend/fiance/husband?

Speaking of him, I hope you’re still together and having as much fun as you had during your first year of your relationship! I wonder if you adopted two dogs and had a child along the way… And are you still BFFs with Marty? That would mean you’d spent more than half your life as friends. That is incredible!

But if some people come and leave, that’s fine too. None of them owes you anything.

Nothing really wrong with people leaving. Things happen for a reason. And remember that people come and go. Relax. Inhale. 1. 2. 3. Exhale. 1.2. 3. And repeat.

And what about your goals? I hope The Goal (the big one) has been achieved, or at least is in the process of being. But if you didn’t, I won’t be the least disappointed. Because what matters is that you tried your best and fought your way to achieve said Goal. You WILL, however, get to it in time, because it was lifelong dream since you were a little girl.

I hope that no matter where and what you are, I want you to always surround yourself with family, friends and past memories, both good and bad. Because they are the reasons why I am 30-year-old you. Live through each memory with a proud smile worn on your face, and grow into the person past you would dream of becoming.

With so much love sent to you from 2017,
Your 22 (almost 23!)-year-old self

PS. I hope you’ve kept all your Beatles memorabilia, because otherwise I would have to build a time machine, travel to 2024 and kick your ass… or would that me kicking my ass?

2017 Goals

Happy new year to all! Well, for being the first post of the year anyways, as it’s been over a week since the new year began… so… But anyways, hope everyone is doing well, and celebrated the new year in style just like myself! So as usual, the start of the year comes with new goals to reach by the end of the year, and I have listed mine below…

1. Publish my first article – ACHIEVED 8-1-17 (was so tempted to write 2016 like you would NOT believe!)
2. Publish my first paid article – ACHIEVED 3-1-17
3. Travel with best friend – SOON ACHIEVED
4. Buy a professional camera
5. Get off my meds
6. Celebrate my first anniversary with my boyfriend
7. Finish my TA 10-week course
8. Reach 20 followers on my blog – ACHIEVED 29-1-17
9. Reach 250 Instagram followers – ACHIEVED 29-1-17
10. Learn a new language
11. Lose weight
12. Eat healthier (BIG JOKE!)
13. Read all HP books – 2/7 as of 8-1-17
14. Watch all Star Wars movies
15. Take part in the school panto… again

If I can actually think on any others I will add them. My brain is so friend right now I can’t think straight!

See you in the next one!

2016: A Summary

2016 was probably the most eventful year of my life…

Starting from the downs…

I was in and out of hospital for a whole week due to depression and severe anxiety.

I lost the people I considered my family during that time.

I was arrogant and hard-headed towards my family. This cost me a lot.

I had such low self-esteem I was unable to get out of bed, and would sleep at 5pm, waking up the next day.

I was dumped by a person I thought loved me during this difficult time.

… and ending with the ups 🙂

I met Chris, the most amazing and bravest man I’d ever met my whole life. He accepts me for who I am, supports me in every decision and… well, he’s proper badass to be honest.

I got a new job as an LSA in an all-boys school, which I love with all my heart and introduced me to new, great friends.

I started this blog, which is doing quite well if I may say so myself.

I realised my family loves me more than anything in the world.

I went to Rome with two friends, and my hero from my favourite show ‘Supernatural’, Jared Padalecki, who himself overcame depression, and also some amazing people. You guys rock!

Me with Jared Padalecki, who also battled depression

I went to Budapest with my sister – only our second bonding trip!

Looking for our third bonding trip sestra!

I took part in the school panto to overcome my stagefright, and boy was it fun!

The amazing Panto team of 2016

I got a C in my secretarial course, thanks to the best teacher, SJ!

Proud moment

What does 2017 have in store for me?

I will be going to London with my BFF, our first bonding trip after 11 years of friendship, where we will be watching Cursed Child.

This girl stood by me through thick and thin for over a decade

I will be celebrating my one-year recovery in March

I will be collaborating with fellow Maltese bloggers (so watch this space!)

∼

So you can probably tell my 2016 was an eventful one, with both good and bad things. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. The bad led to the good, and it helped shape me into a better person.

 

From all this, I can tell 2017 will be a good one 🙂

Happy New Year from me to you 😀 xxx