Date Nights

Hi Everyone

When you're in a relationship you need to ensure that you make time for one another.

Don't get me wrong I love nights cuddled up on the sofa watching rubbish TV but you sometimes need a change of scenery as monotony can be a relationship killer.

I know that because my ex never took me out we never stepped outside the box and openly said he doesn't like going out to eat. Plus he was such a bum that he never had money whilst he was claiming job seekers and I was working full time.

Now things couldn't be more different with Toby. We've been together nearly 2 years and I'm far from bored.

Don't get me wrong he doesn't take me out constantly and we do have nights on the sofa because lets face it, couples in their early 20's spend all their time working for not too much money so we're wise with our date nights.

So here are a few things we like to do....

1) NANDOS DATE!!!!

Our first "date" was at Nandos where we were initially meeting up as old school friends and as many might say the rest is history.

It sounds silly but it's such an easy date. I can finish work and pop into the same town and go for dinner. It's not overly expensive and you know you're going to have a tasty meal. Plus there is nothing funnier than watching your other half think he's man enough for the extra hot sauce and crumbling in his chair from the pain.

2) Cinema Date

This is a textbook date! Who can go wrong with a good film and sweets. Not going to lie Toby is the kind of guy who isn't into movies as much as me but he puts up with watching some of my crap and we love nothing more than a scary film.

If we want to really go all out there's a cinema chain near us called Everyman Cinema where they have a restaurant and sofas where you literally feel like you're at home (I don't know if that kind of negates the whole date night thing?!?!)

3) Any Other Meal date

Pretty much speaks for itself. Just make sure you don't force your tastes on the other. For example Toby loves curry but I can't stand it, I love sushi but he hates fish. So he saves that for his lad nights out and we stick to an Italian or one of our favourites GBK!

4) Shopping Date

This is more for me..... Luckily for him I'm not a scour the rails girl, I can be in and out of a shop in a couple of minutes if nothing takes my fancy. It's not about the outcome on the shopping date but it's nice to browse and get and idea of what the other likes or dislikes of like typical me try on the most ghastly things and act like I'm about to go straight to the till.

5) The Activity Date

Now these are more of a rarity due to scheduling, money and in some cases weather. These are overall the most exciting and fun dates. One thing we've done is Go Ape. This is a tree top obstacle course where you're harnessed in and climb, jump and crawl to the end.

Such a good day out and one thing we're hoping to do in the new year when we've got the time is go to Air Hop, a warehouse full of trampolines! I'll do a post once I've gone!!!

6) The Weekend Away Date

Now this is something we're yet to achieve. This is not because neither of us can be bothered, it's unfortunately my fault! My job requires me to work Saturdays and because Toby only has the weekends off it's purely scheduling. Plus money is a slight factor...... I think we're more save up for a week long holiday in the sun but hopefully one day we can do this.

People need to take the time for one another and make an effort be it going on a weekend away or even going to Nandos. Monotony can be a relationship killer and whilst it's tough for young couples when it comes to money, a little can go a long way.

Mybs xxx

Feeling Festive

Hi Everyone

So it's a Wednesday the 19th November and it's official...... I've got that Festive feeling!

Now I've been denying myself to get excited for Christmas since the end of halloween. It's not that I'm a scrooge but I feel you can only allow yourself to get into the spirit as early as the 1st December.

But I just couldn't help myself. The more I shop, watch christmassy adverts and sign for those all important deliveries destined for my loved ones the feeling just overwhelms me.

Now because I think it's a bit silly going all out in November (I'll start the decorating on the 1st December) I've started by adding hints and preparing for it.

I found these adorable festive sheets in Primark for £16. Now these we're essential, they're a luxury as I could only use them for a certain season but they'll last me years

I also spotted this cute tree decoration in Wilkos for £4. I love anything rustic looking so it went straight into my basket. It's now on my window sill until I get "fully festive" in December.

In terms of clothing I spotted a couple of bits in Primark I just couldn't resist. Firstly this cute bobble hat! I love that it's neutral so will go with a majority of stuff and with wavey or curled hair it's beyond cute. Decided to have a cheeky instagram moment with it!

Finally I needed a new christmas jumper. Only reason being is my current one isn't really PG rated so thought this one was cute. The hat bobble and holly berries are sewn on for a 3D effect so I couldn't resist. 

Once December hit next week I'll be well and truly "decking my halls" and I can show you what my mum does with the whole house. 

I love how us Lawson's decorate for Christmas so I'll show you once it's done!

MYBS xxx

Positivity

Hi Everyone

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks or even months where everything is just rubbish!

Well I've had an awful time recently.

Not particularly in my personal life but in my working life.

I work in a tough sales environment where I had a rubbish month and a half where I was getting NOTHING! 

No matter how many viewings I booked or how much time I spent with my customers I just couldn't get a sale!!!!

Now my livelihood depends on selling otherwise I don't get paid so I was spending hours at work then coming home and literally balling my eyes out and hiding my emotions at work but there's no denying my positivity died.

I was putting on a front at work where I'd walk through the door with a fake smile and putting in so much effort but without much substance.

This all came to a head last week. It started with my 1 to 1 with my manager where I broke down. I was sitting out in the back office balling.

They had noticed I would be sitting at my desk and the negativity was palpable. A girl I work with said on a few occasions that it looked like I was about to cry..... which I was. Luckily she knew what kind of person I am. I keep my mouth shut and plod along feeling unhappy. So she spoke to my manager about how I was feeling because she knows I'm a big scaredy cat.

My problem is I'm so hard on myself that I feel I'll be moved or fired like I've heard many people in my industry have suffered and been forced to do. But with the support of my manager we pinpointed my issues and from that have hopefully solved the problem.

I'm not going to lie I had another good 2 cry's that day and from that my attitude has changed. I feel I'm more positive and from that am now achieving.

So I feel I've learnt that I have to be more honest because positivity is something you can lose by letting the things that are making you feel down fester.

So speak to your friends, your family or like I did my boss to put your mind at rest and bring back your positivity.

Stay strong

Mybs xxx

My Piercings and Tattoos

Hi Everyone

Let me begin by saying this post is just showing people my tattoo and piercings and all of these we're thought through and not done on the spur of the moment. Make sure if you want anything done you think it through carefully.

When it comes to piercings you can just take them out if you're not happy, but when it comes to tattoos you need to really think hard about it. I thought about mine for over a year and I haven't regretted it for a moment.

One important thing is get recommendations from your peers who have a tattoo or piercing to find a reputable shop near where you live. I've been lucky and gone to the same place for everything and never once had an issue. My sister on the other hand got a piercing when she was 14 from a known dodgy place (as they did them for under 16's without consent) and it got infected. It was not pretty!

Finally keep up with the after care the piercer or tattoo artist gives you. They do know best and it will make the healing process alot faster. So let me show you what I've had done.

First lets start with my tattoos. Now you're probably thinking "stars.....everyone has stars". To some extent you're correct but for me and my sister Anna these stars have a deep significance. After our dad passed away we wanted to have something as a little reminder for us but not make it so obvious to others so it can be special just for us. The largest star represents our dad and the slightly smaller one overlapping is our mum. the 3 stars to the left are my sister, me and whoever our significant others are. As my sister was married at the time and we wanted the same tattoo I decided to get the extra too. But it won't be fully assigned until someone "puts a ring on it" :-P

Next and more recently I got this arrow tattoo on my ribs. Again this has a substantial amount of significance in my life. Another great man, my Morfar (Mums dad) passed away in early 2014. It was a great loss to my family because next to my dad he was the only significant male figure in my life. Now he taught me how to shoot a bow and arrow. I wanted something to represent the great impact he had on my life and I also read something about arrow tattoos which I felt was very fitting about my life which I shall repeat now.

"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming."

 Now onto the piercings.  I got my first hole done when I was 7. These are the earrings I always change up.

My second hole I got when I was 11. There was a huge hoo ha in my school about it, they almost expelled me as it wasn't lady like enough! My mum ever the awesome lady she is told them they were being silly and as long as I only wore small stud and taped them up for P.E. what's the issue? So they let me keep them. I usually have a small clear jewelled stud in this hole.

My next piercing I got when I was 19. This is called a Tragus piercing. You can have a 2 balled bar, ring or like me a flat back bar called a labret. The flat back makes it easier for headphones to fit.

When I was 20 I got what I'd say was my most painful and slow healing piercing. It's called a rook. It fits snugly in your ear and is not very common compared to all my others. I actually have an eyebrow bar in this hole as it's slightly curved and fits better than a straight bar, but you can also have a ring.

Now getting my belly button pierced is something I wanted since I was 16 but my ex was quite vocal saying he would not like it so I never did it. But after I dumped him I walked straight into the shop and got it done. The piercer lover the story and thought it was a perfect "F you" to my ex. I personally prefer the banana bars for my belly button and there are lots of more ornate pieces you can have, but I like to keep mine simple.

Last but not least is my Pinna/Helix piercing. I got this last year. Up until only a couple of weeks ago I had a bar in it but I much prefer the ring.

So what's next? With piercings I might have a 3rd ear lobe hole done but I'm not to sure so this might be it for me, but with tattoos I'm not done.

Even though they hurt like hell I will be adding to my star tattoo once I have my own little ones in the future and if something significant happens in my future I feel I want to represent I will do so.

Remember if you are wanting a tattoo or piercing make sure you think it though as there is nothing worse than regretting it. Also take to the piercer or tattoo artist as they're there to help and give you the best advice.

Mybs xxx

Hello Again!

Hi Everyone

Wow so it's been quite a while since I've been on here and there is a reason for it.

I GOT A NEW JOB!!!

So I'm finally out of the financial world and into the world of Estate Agency.

So all those people who told me it would be something I'd be good at were right. I'm really loving the job, but oh my gosh it's sucking the life out of me with the ridiculous hours!

I'm basically working an average of 10.5 hours a day and for a girl that suffers with chronic fatigue it's really taking it out of me.

Now is it worth it?

I'm not sure yet....

The money is terrible at the moment but everyone in the office says to me if I really get me head down, get as many sales as possible the money will start rolling in. Someone in another branch earned £5,000 in one month!

I'm lucky if I get £100 commission on top of my below minimum wage for the hours I do salary but that's because it takes months for something to exchange.

So why put myself through what can only be described as employment hell? It's simple...... The money. Me and my boyfriend Toby are frantically trying to save for the future and to be specific to buy a flat.

Now if I were by some magic chance earn 5 grand in one month the amount I could put into saving would be amazing and get me a step further to what I really want. A grown up life.

Now as I'm sitting in my bedroom in my mums house I'm just wishing myself in my own space.

So I'm taking this fantastic opportunity and going to run with it. I'm going to learn as much as I can from them and take that knowledge into my future whatever it may be, but there is no denying I have found my vocation.

So watch this space and let see how it goes!

Mybs xxx

Brighton Hen Do

Hi Everyone

I was very lucky to be invited to Toby's (the BF) sisters Brighton Hen do!

It was an action packed weekend and I enjoyed every minute which was filled with giggles and fun. Alot of my photos are with my friend Saira. We took way too many selfies!

So what did we get up to?

Well the day began with a pole dancing class! Millie started pole around the same time as me but with a different company so it was great to show each other new moves and experience a different type of pole to what I'm used to. The bridesmaid got this cute T-shirts made up which we all wore during the class.

We took this amazing group photo at the end. I'm on the pole on the right at the very top. Below is my friend Saira and bless her I was so exhausted ans sweaty I started slipping and she got my bum on her hand :-P In the middle at the top is the bride to be Millie!!!

After pole we took a minibus to Brighton. I took a few arty farty photos of the peirs and the veiw from our room which was right by the main pier and wheel. We felt so lucky looking outside at it whilst recovering from the heavy pole session.

Saira and I decided to go for a wander as we had a couple of hours to kill and needed to get some food and hair clips so we took a couple of silly photos along the beach and a few selfies with our "willy whistles"

After our little adventure it was time to get our glad rags on.

So what did I wear.....

I got this stunning ribbed fitted dress from Missguided
Coral peep toe heels from New Look

Finally to top it of a coral statement necklace from Forever 21


All our party were wearing black so we all looked really sophisticated next to some of the other hen parties. One party came as old ladies?!?!?!?! So sashes and badges on it was time to PARTY!

Now for the show. We couldn't take any pictures and quite frankly it wouldn't be legal as we went to see the Dreamboys.

For all those who don't know they are a company of strippers who put on shows around the country and they show it ALL! We were in the front row so we all got quite the eyefull and a couple got splashed too (DON'T ASK!!!) But it was hilarious, I think I spent half the show doubled over almost wetting myself with some of the "stunts" these men performed. Below is a picture of the whole party with the men.

Show over ow time for a boogie! We all headed off to Prysm along the sea front and danced until most of us girls, me included exchanged our heels for the flats hidden in our clutch bags.

Me and Saira finished off the night with a walk back to the hotel with heels and chips in hand.

Next morning and due to me not being a big drinker I felt quite fresh and ready to go. It was such beautiful weather that we got dressed, ate breakfast and headed down to the beach whilst it was still quiet.


Now I was wearing the same shirt I had worn for a couple of hours the day before so don't think I'm a dirty tramp for wearing it twice. But it's SOOOO cute. It's a loose fitted parrot print shirt from Oasis. Quite pricey at £40 but I had a voucher left over from my birthday.

We sat on the pebbles chatting about the night before and even had a cheeky Ice cream at 10am :-P

Last but not least we went for a little paddle. Now Saira found this hilarious but after us both getting hit by a huge wave we walked up the beach. But as my feet were soaking and I've got no pain thresh hold I crawled on my hands and knees. She couldn't resist taking a photo of me in this typical Louise moment!

I had such a good weekend and wish the future Mrs Holmes all the happiness in the world!

Mybs xxx