4 TIPS TO THINKING POSITIVELY

Hey guys, I thought I should make use of some of the few pearls of wisdom I've picked up over the years. I have grown up with anxiety, depression and basically, being really negative about myself, my abilities and my body. I still struggle every day with all of these things, but what I am writing about today has helped me massively.

1. Tell yourself you are good enough:

This is something I really struggled with. I literally could not look in the mirror and see something I liked, or something I was proud of. Five years on, I still have trouble with this some days, but I have made myself believe that I am good enough for me.

The main thing I take from this, is that we don't need to be good enough for anyone, but ourselves! If you are feeling a bit rubbish, make yourself look in the mirror and think of something positive; ANYTHING! You will soon learn to believe the things you are telling yourself. After all, you spend the most amount of time with yourself.

2. Push out all negative thoughts:

When I was at my worst, in terms of being bullied and how I was affected by that, I used to have A LOT of negative thoughts, which led to negative behaviour. I have overcame these bad thoughts by literally, pushing them out of my head and refusing to think about them.

When you feel yourself thinking about something that makes you feel bad or upset about yourself, make yourself visualise or think about something else. I find that visualising a goal, or even a positive memory, can help to distract myself from whatever is making me feel negative.

3. Surround yourself in positivity:

It might seem harsh and horrible, but getting rid of the people that are making you feel negative about yourself is the first step to making changes for the better. Positivity is contagious, the cheery attitude and positive outlook on life will have an affect on you.

I know that this is probably the hardest step towards better mental health, especially while you're still in school, but it is the one thing that will have the biggest impact.

4. Get excited about something:

Having something to be excited to do can really help overcome negative thoughts as it can act as a distraction. Even having one thing that you look forward to can change your outlook on the day ahead. My blog is what does this for me as I know that every week I'm writing about things that excite and interest me.

I'm not saying that these things are the answer to all your problems, but thinking positively and blocking out negativity is half the battle. I hope this was of some use to you. Let me know what you do to help stay positive about yourself.

Love, Rach x

VALENTINES DATE IDEAS

Hey guys and gals! As Valentines is coming up, I thought I would do a post on some wee date ideas for you and your significant other to have some fun in the daytime, or have a romantic evening together. Me and my boyfriend, Mark, usually go out for dinner and spend the evening doing something together, depending on what we feel like doing.

Here are some of my all time favourite Valentines date ideas;

1. Go for a picnic ~ this is one of my favourite things to do because its so simple and easy, and kind of romantic.

2. Have a movie day ~ there is nothing better than cuddling up under a blanket and watching all the Harry Potter films with loads of junk food.

3. Go bowling ~ Me and Mark love getting competitive between each other, bowling is perfect for getting your game on!

4. Cook a meal for your partner ~ I love it when my boyfriend cooks me dinner, he's not the best cook, but its the thought that counts for me.

5. Go to a concert/gig/comedian tour ~ Mark is taking me to see Jack Whitehall in Belfast the week after next (how bloody exciting!). What better way to spend time together than laughing?

6. Go ice-skating ~ now this isn't for me (I broke my wrist the first, and last, time I went ice-skating) but it looks all cute and romantic.

7. Hire a tandem bike ~ team work makes the dream work, cringe!

8. Recreate a first date ~ this seems so cute! On my first date with Mark, he took me to WhetherSpoons and we had dinner, then I took him dress shopping.

9. Book a mini break ~ This obviously isn't possible for everyone, but getting a few nights away together can do the world of good!

10. Go to an arcade ~ Grab your pennies and start trying to win as many coupons as you can from the 2p machine!

These are my top 10 date ideas for Valentines, let me know if you and your partner have something you love doing!

Get out there and make some memories people!

Love, Rach x

MY BUCKET LIST 2017

I have always been an ambitious person, but I have struggled with gaining the confidence to do the things I really want to do. I am hoping that by writing my dreams and aspirations on my blog, it will finally be the kick up the bum I need to get myself out there and get stuff done this year!

1. Get into shape for my holiday this summer ~ Me and my boyfriend are going to Malaga this July! I am determined to get into shape with my packed FITNESS ROUTINE

2. Go scuba diving ~ Hopefully we can do this on holiday this summer!

3. Go to the Niagara Falls   ~ I went on a family holiday to Canada and I absolutely loved the little boat under the falls!

4. Travel across America ~ This is number one on my travel list! I think it would be the perfect way to spend a summer.

5. Go to university ~ It has been my (nerd) dream for so, so long to go to uni to study early childhood studies and work with wee ones! I absolutely love having an influence in the early stages of life.

6. Go to a drive-thru cinema  ~ We actually done this in Canada. We seen that movie "Evan Almighty", I was nine or ten and I thought it was just magic!

7. Learn Spanish ~ I actually done GCSE Spanish but we never learnt how to speak it properly, unfortunately. So, if any of you are Spanish speakers, please help me!

8. Climb loads of mountains ~ I have recently got into hill and mountain walking. There's something about being at the top of a mountain that makes me feel like I'm at the top of the world!

9. Adrenaline activities ~ This year I have really been loving doing stuff that gets my heart pumping! I don't know about you, but lying on the edge of a 214 meter cliff kind of ticks this off the list.

10. Go stargazing ~ There is this little place in Co. Fermanagh called "Finn Lough" where you can go into these wee dome cabin's that have a glass roof. It would be my perfect night away, even if its just half an hour down the road! I've been hinting at my boyfriend for months, but I don't think it has sunk in.

Comment down below what is on your bucket list to give me some ideas to add to mine!
Love, Rach x

LALALAB PRINT OUTS

My obsession for having cute prints of all my photos have hit an all time high! Since discovering this amazing app, previously known as Polagram, a couple of years ago, I have been able to print and cherish memories, that otherwise would have used up storage space on my iPhone.

Once you have selected your photos straight from your camera roll, or from your Facebook page, you can then select which type of picture you would like. My favourite is the Vintage pictures, which are only 29p! How can you miss out on that bargain? You can also get classes, regular or the cutest new range, mini-vintage!

These are also so handy for giving as gifts! You can get a photo book, calendar and magnets which are great ways of holding memories with your friends. I love these so much! I sometimes imagine myself and my friends looking back on our memories from summer 2016. Does anyone else do that?

An extra little addition to these cute pictures, is that you have the option to type a little message in under the picture. Although, I prefer to write something in with a sharpie once I get them in the post.

Postage takes a little longer than most other things, but its so worth the wait! Mine usually take around 10-14 days after ordering, but I live in Northern Ireland so that might have an affect on the length of time. They come in the cutest pink envelope with a small origami sample, although I've never been able to make mine look like much!

My favourite thing about getting prints from Lalalab is decorating my bedroom once they come. I have covered my whole door and, my favourite way to make my room look cosy, hanging them from my fairy lights! You can get a packet of tiny wooden pegs on Amazon for less than £3.

To start you off, you can use my DISCOUNT CODE and get money off your first Lalalab order! Enter PG5D7Q2K in the promo code section, and you can get loads of prints for very little money. This is a complete bargain, and you know I can't keep away from a bargain!

Comment below or send me a picture of your print outs on twitter or on instagram and hit me up with a follow!

Love, Rach x