SEPTEMBER - chloescorner

Happy first of October guys! I honestly can't believe how quickly the last month has gone... I probably say this each and every month but time just seems to be flying by recently. I'm not the most positive of people (I blame inheriting my Dad's pessimistic nature, tut!) however, I've decided that at the end of each and every month I'm going to do a round up of the things that have made me smile in the past 30/31 days just for something to look back on and have something to perk me up on the days I'm feeling down. Plus it gives you a little insight to my life and lets be honest, we're all a little nosy from time to time haha.

A few of my favourite moments within September:

1) The Start of September itself. I'm not too sure what it is about this month but I feel like it gives me a fresher start than January, strange I know.

2) Seeing little changes in my health and fitness since going to the gym and cutting down on the junk I eat (which you wouldn't guess with the amount of food pictures in this post hahaha!). I'm never happy with my appearance, I'm an unbelievable perfectionist but seeing even the tiniest bit of change gives me the motivation to keep going!

3) My new found love for Wagamama's Chicken Katsu Curry - yaaas! And the catch-up that was had with the lovely friends I spent the meal with.

4) Seeing Straight Outta Compton with my oldest best friend; although I don't see her all that often our friendship is as strong as ever! And the film is truly fantastic. I didn't have high expectations with it being a film based on the lives of some of the most iconic Gangster Rap artists (i'm not really all that into rap or rap history) but my assumption was proved wrong and it's possibly one of the best films I have seen this year so far.

5) Cuddles and lazy days with my little pooch, Maddie. I love her a lot.

6) Starting my driving lessons! FINALLY (which is explained in the rather nervous looking selfie haha). I'm doing so much better than I thought I would too which is always a confidence booster! I'm a very anxious and nervous person but somehow I'm already feeling comfortable and confident behind the wheel.

7) The many nights out with my favourite people - We always have such a good time when we're out together. It's all about the company when you're out on the town in my opinion.

8) Drunken selfies. Yes they make me cringe. Yes I look a complete mess but they make me laugh so so hard and it captures the fun I have with my girls.

9) Make-up; Autumn make-up looks are my fave hands down! It's all about the smokey eyes and berry toned lips.

10) Good food! I don't think this needs any more explanation.

I love reading other peoples more personal posts that give a little insight to their lives so I hope you've enjoyed mine! What've you done this month that's made you smile? Tell me in the comments!

All my love,

Chloe xo 

Sugar Junction, NQ Manchester - chloescorner

Apologies for the lack of posts guys! I've been trying to spend as much time with my friends before they all leave for Uni as possible which unfortunately meant my blogging taking a backseat for a lil bit.

I'm a massive sucker for cakes, chocolates... in fact anything sweet and I'm all over it! (much to the dismay of my figure - oopsy). So as my bestfriend is leaving for Chester tomorrow morning to start her course at uni we decided to head out to Sugar Junction in Manchester (Northern Quarter, Tibb Street) for Afternoon Tea. I've always seen posts of the delicious meals people have tucked into there but never really had the opportunity to try it for myself. Safe to say I've well and truly been missing out! 

PS - I do apologise for the not so great quality photos, I didn't want to be carrying my DSLR around on a casual day out although I don't think my Iphone did too bad of a job!

Right from the get go we knew that this place was something special which was evident in the small que that was forming on the outside although the tentative staff made sure we were seated as soon as possible. The little cafe has a vintage theme throughout. From pretty little glasses, intricate details on the napkins, beautiful china plates - it truly is stunning and unbelievably photogenic! There is a huge selection of different dishes so even if you're not particularly hungry they have light bites to eat too. 

The Traditional Afternoon Tea is £15.50 per person and comes with a selection of 3 sandwiches each (out of a possibility of 4), Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream and several other luxurious treats and cakes - the menu differs daily to the sweet treats they're serving that day. Me and Paige were given the options of the following; Sandwiches - Ham and Salad, Salmon and Cream Cheese, Brie and Cranberry (which I surprisingly loved!) and Egg Mayonnaise. A little Strawberry, Blueberry and Cream filled tart each. Cakes - A slice of Chocolate and Guinness Cake and A slice of White Chocolate and Raspberry Cake each. Each Afternoon Tea is served with your chosen tea out of the 17(!!!) choices although neither me or Paige like tea so we opted for the soft drinks which they included in the price instead.

To say that our eyes were bigger than our bellies was an understatement - I managed 2 Sandwiches and a Scone before I was ready to pop although you can ask the lovely staff for a box to take whatever you don't manage to finish home with you. As you can see I didn't manage to gracefully place mine in the box and ended up making quite a mess haha.

All in all I couldn't recommend this quaint little cafe enough! If you're local to Manchester or thinking of visiting I highly recommend giving Sugar Junction a visit even if it's only to indulge in a heavenly slice of cake.

http://www.sugarjunction.co.uk/menu.html Here is the menu for you to have a little nosey at! 

All my love,

Chloe xo

The on-going journey of a braceface - chloescorner

I've been a metal mouth since the age of 14. I have a really small mouth and at the time had really overcrowded teeth so was referred to an orthodontist at the age of 12 (the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are unbelievably long!). I was initially referred to an Ortho in Salford where the orthodontist had suggested that I would have a retainer for the first year on my top teeth and then traintracks on the bottom. After the first year the top would be changed to traintracks also. At this point I still had baby teeth so had to have them taken out at my local dentist which wasn't a problem. I had all my x-rays, moulds (the most uncomfortable experience ever!) and regular check ups and was pretty much ready to have my brace put on.

Before putting the brace on the orthodontist wanted 4 of my adult teeth taken out at the back of my mouth so that there was more room for the procedure so I went to my local dentist to have this done. My dentist refused to take these teeth out as they were 'healthy adult teeth' and he felt that the procedure could occur without the removal of these teeth - he claimed to have 'orthodontic experience' and suggested that he took over the procedure which at the time seemed like the better idea as it was closer to home and meant that I didn't have to have teeth removed - Bonus!

A few weeks later my dentist put on traintracks on the first 6 top teeth to align them. This meant that the metal was free on the ends and often scratched against my top lip causing uncomfort and a lot of bleeding - the wax given to help this was no help and often fell off within the first few minutes of application. The pain was honestly unbearable half of the time and I struggled to eat properly the majority of the time. This was evident in the amount of weight I lost during the process.. I think I've lost about 2 stone since having braces. I had this brace for almost a year and a half and it did eventually straighten my teeth (only the front ones baring in mind). In the summer of 2013 (aged 16) my dentist all of a sudden decided that he couldn't carry on my procedure, took off my brace without giving me a retainer, and referred me back to another orthodontist. You can imagine how annoying and disheartening this was at the time and despite my teeth appearing straight it didn't take long for them to move back to their previous state which made me even more self-conscious.

Aged 17 (very nearly 18) I was eventually referred to my current Ortho in Gorton who, alike the first orthodontist, told me to have the same 4 teeth removed. 4 teeth down, moulds and x-rays re-taken I finally got my top brace put on (the whole way round this time!). Over half a year later I then had my bottom brace put on which didn't take much time at all to straighten. I currently have one tooth slightly out of line to the others and a spring inbetween the two surrounding teeth to allow it the space to move into line with the rest. This time the pain was hardly noticeable, more uncomfortable after having them tightened but apart from that I don't really feel any kind of pain. No rubbing either.

I still have quite a while left with braces - I have that one tooth that needs to be aligned and then my terrible overbite will eventually need elastics to help fix. I'll then have retainers which I'll have to wear afterwards to keep them in their new state. My brace journey has been quite eventful to say the least and would have been over and done with if I hadn't been messed around in the first place but even so I'm thankful to have them as it enables me to smile confidently which I couldn't do in my younger years. Anyone who has the opportunity to have them should honestly go for it - A good smile is a major confidence booster!

Have you had braces? what're your experiences? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments! I'll try and do a follow up post as my treatment progresses so any questions or tips you want answering just leave in the comments below!

All my love,
Chloe xo

Beginners guide to nights out - chloescorner

Although I've only been 18 for 8 months I feel that I've had enough experience to be able to share some top tips for those first nights out on the town and with Freshers week fast approaching what better time to share them.

Tip #1 - I cannot stress this enough honestly.. wear COMFY shoes. If heels are compulsory then make sure they're something that you can comfortably dance the night away in. I've made the mistake of wearing heels out only to have completely mangled feet the next day - please learn from my mistake!

Tip #2 - Make-up setting sprays are your bestfriend - Urban Decay Setting Spray has been my absolute saviour during sweaty club nights.

Tip #3 - Wearing a lipstick? Try a matte liquid lipstick (my choice of weapon would be the Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipsticks) for a longer lasting finish that will outlast the many drinks that your lips will be meeting because that worn off lipstick look is not the one, lets be honest... Using a lipliner before applying your lipstick will also work a dream.

Tip #4 - PLEASE don't go out drinking on an empty stomach.. I mean I know you don't want that pot belly look in your bodycon dress, I completely understand and feel your pain girl, but you'll regret it later that night or early morning when your head is down the toilet - I'm talking from experience here ladies (or Gents...).

Tip #5 - Now I don't mean to sound like your Mother but honestly do stick together with your friends! It's not hard to get yourself lost in a busy club so always make sure you have your phone on you (again, be careful with personal belongings) just to be on the safe side. The last thing you want is to leave the club with no idea where your friends have gotten to or in an even worse scenario, wandering off with a complete and utter stranger.

Tip #6 - Be wary of your drinks people! There are such characters who like to spike innocent peoples drinks.. Not cool I know, but if you keep your beady eyes on your drink then you'll be good to go.

Tip #7 - Do know your limits. Fair enough it is nice to have a good night out and let your hair down but try and drink in moderation because you don't want to be that paralytic girl/boy who has completely no recollection of the embarrassing events of the night before. Plus if it's during freshers do you really want to leave that impression of yourself with new friends? Think about it.

Tip #8 - Take pictures - lots of them! Before, during, even afterwards if you want a good laugh when you're in a slightly more sober state. You'll look back at these pictures in years to come and smile at the memories you've made with your friends.

So there we have it, 8 of my top tips to enjoy a night out - safely and without making a complete embarrassment of yourself! Have you got any tips that I have missed? feel free to leave them in the comments!

All my love,
Chloe xo

Zendaya inspired make-up look - chloescorner

I really enjoyed the last 'inspired' look I posted on the blog and since following her on instagram I have been in complete awe of Zendaya's make-up looks so I decided to recreate one of her many looks to share with you guys. Zendaya is slowly but surely becoming well-known for her amazing fashion sense and stunning make-up looks such as these ones here:

Utterly flawless!

With the Summer coming to an end (whether it even started in the UK is questionable) I decided to re-create a more Autumn appropriate look with warmer tones on both the eyes and lips like the ones in the photo below. Plus I think that the Cranberry/Purple tones used really emphasise Blue/Green eye colours.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Pink Gold

Mac Pre-filled Eyes Eyeshadow Palette x9 in Burgandy Times Nine

Sleek Makeup Eye and Cheek Palette in See You At Midnight

I haven't included what I used for my base as I pretty much did the same steps as I did in my Cheryl inspired look (if you want the details for that then see them here on my previous post) although I made my eyebrows slightly thicker to mimic Zendaya's beautifully thick brows and bronzed up slightly more.

For my eye look I started by applying the Maybelline cream eyeshadow all over my lid as a base to ensure that the shadows used on top wouldn't crease - this also helps to make the colours appear bolder. I then applied the cranberry shade numbered one from my sleek palette all over my lid and to then create that darker purple haze that Zendaya has throughout her crease (in a sort of halo effect) I added the shade numbered 2 in my Mac palette to my crease, outer corner and slightly on the inner corner too. The slightly champagne-coloured shade in the Mac palette (the very first one) was then blended to the very inner corner of my eye and my brow bone just to make them pop. To make sure that the two main colours blended well I added a little of my Soap and Glory Solar Powder, I decided to blend this into the crease too to add a little more warmth to the overall look.

Mac Lipstick in Velvet Teddy

I didn't have a shade quite as brown as Zendaya has used in her look but Velvet Teddy is a beautiful brown/pink nude none the less so I added this to my lips to complete the look.

I can never be serious, think the majority of the selfies I took ended like this - oops!

And there we have it, my Zendaya, Autumn inspired make-up look! I really hope you enjoyed the post. If you do try to recreate it then feel free to tag me in your photo's! my username for Twitter and Instagram is @chloecotgrave. If you have any future post suggestions or celebrity looks you'd like me to re-create then leave them in the comments.

All my love,

Chloe xo

Drawing challenge #1 - chloescorner

I've kept to my word and been doodling a little... I've been wanting a tattoo for a very very long time now but I've never quite got round to designing something that I truly love until now.

I'm obsessed with mandala tattoos. The intricate detailing leaves me in awe every single time and I love how every design is different and unique to the person. I've incorporated my own take on the traditional moon and sun with a flowering lotus in the background. All three features in my design represent a fresh and new beginning to each day as a little self-reminder that every day has something new in store regardless of the previous day's events. 

It's a short but sweet post on the blog today but I hope you've liked it anyway! I'll be sure to keep you updated with the drawing challenge I've set myself. Why don't you give it a go?

All my love,

Chloe xo

Doing more of the things you love - chloescorner

I've always loved to draw. I don't think there was a time when I was a little girl that I didn't have a pencil glued to my hand, my tongue hanging out in sheer concentration as my little imagination ran wild on the piece of paper in front of me. Princesses, Mermaids and all of those good ol' things.. The natural girly doodles you can expect from most 5/6 year olds. 

(I'm a complete and utter disney fanatic and will doodle all of my favourite characters till my wrist is at breaking point and the pencil is stuck in between my steely grip - these are a few I have drawn over the last year or so)

As you get older I think you naturally loose interest in things. I can relate to that with many things such as swimming - I had lessons from the age of 3 up till 10/11 and received every badge and certificate up until my honours. Reading - I would always have my head in a book as a child and still would do now but I let other things prioritise my life such as working, spending time with friends and family and then doing what I do best and having lazy, bed ridden days to recuperate (in which I should probably grab a book but I've become far too lazy and resort to watching a tonne of YouTube videos - oops!).

Art and drawing is something I don't think I've necessarily lost interest in, I surely don't have much time for it but I think studying it at a-level and having such restriction in what you could and couldn't do honestly took all the passion I had for it away from me. So I've decided to rekindle my love for art and set myself a challenge... 

I have to doodle at least one thing a day (maybe every few days when life gets a little hectic). This in itself is difficult for me as I'm a complete and utter perfectionist and will pick my work to the absolute post but like I always say nothing is perfect and will never get anywhere near perfection without a little time and practice. I can then share what I've drawn with you lovely people and also to just prove a point to myself that anything is achievable when you put your mind to it. Is there any hobby that you have a huge passion for but never spend the time to indulge yourself in doing? Take my advice and make all the time possible for it, there's not enough passion in today's age. And hey who knows your passion may spark into something even more - there are tonnes of businesses that started out with a passion. 

Do feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments as always!

All my love, 

Chloe xo

Monday's girly day out OOTD/N - chloescorner

My Mum and Dad both have two weeks off work and with me only being part time I had some time off too and could think of no better way to spend it than a girly catch-up, food filled, shopping day with my Moma Bear in Manchester. We also headed out later that night, me my Mum and Dad, with family friends for a little pub lunch (well technically it was teatime but 'lunch' sounded a lot better lets be honest here). I was treated to a new pair of jeans and a shirt off my Mum for my exam results - She's a star! So I decided to wear them for the meal and if you don't take pictures of it, did you like, even wear it? hahaha. I thought I'd share my OOTD/N and FOTD/N - including some arty farty shots of some of the products worn, oooh la la! Enjoy lovely readers.

I'm a complete Pizza fiend! Mozzarella topped Garlic Bread and a Meat Feast Pizza with a BBQ Base - My mouth is honestly watering whilst staring at these photographs.

- NYX eyeshadow palette. This was a christmas gift last year so I'm sorry but I have no clue where its from!

- Loreal Paris Infallable 24 Hours Matte Foundation in Porcelain 10

- Benefit the Porefessional Primer

- Bourjois Velvet Rouge Edition in Personne ne Rouge! 

- Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polish

- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

- River Island Daisy Jeans

- New Look Blue Stripe Pocket Front Long Sleeve Shirt

- Soap and Glory Solar Powder

- Mac Prolongwear Concealer - NC15

Super posey and in need of my eyebrows being waxed - ah the struggles of being female! I just went for a simple brown smokey eye, my signature feline flick also known as eyeliner, a bright red lip and super highlighted cheekbones.

 I hope you enjoyed the post! It was nice to play around with my camera which I don't do often enough for a post photography student, tut tut! I'm still learning as I go along. Be sure to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment as always!

All my love,
Chloe xo

Day of nutty drama - chloescorner

After having what I considered to be a generally good month I rushed to hospital this afternoon with a swelling throat and unbelievable and extremely itchy rashes from head to toe. The culprit? Cashew nuts.

I've only ever had this reaction once previously and yet again it was due to a cashew nut I had eaten on a whim having never tried them before. Although at the time I was travelling with friends in London and being susceptible to quite bad Panic Attacks and anxiety I thought that this reaction was just due to travelling anxiety in a place that was completely foreign to me. That and the claustrophobic feeling of travelling via Tube at rush hour, one word - NIGHTMARE. It started with a tingling feeling in my mouth, then the back feeling quite rough and swollen leading to a struggle swallowing and breathing. I instantly alerted my bestfriend Paige and she gave me an antihistamine to take just to be on the safe side. The reaction slowly wore off and I began to feel faint and nauseous and when I eventually sat down to eat in the train station I threw up. Not the classiest of things I've ever done.. picture a girl vomiting into a Subway bag and having to be rush to the toilet by two of my friends whilst passers by looked on disgustedly. I wanted the ground to swallow me up whole. But once that happened I sat down and happily tucked into my Beef and Cheese Melt - ha!

Today's reaction was a completely different kettle of fish. As you will have gathered from previous posts I'm attempting to eat a cleaner and healthier diet and after eating a berry 'Nakd' bar I experienced the same tingling and swelling as I had in my previous reaction maybe just slightly faster and more severe this time. I assumed it would pass so went home and took an antihistamine although at this point my lips were beginning to swell pretty rapidly and I had to sit in the bathroom with the fear of throwing up which I did eventually do. I took another antihistamine and tried to rest but the swelling wasn't calming and I was started to get pretty bad rashes and extremely panicky so my Mum decided that it was best for me to go to A&E. 5 and a half hours I was there - the first just spent waiting after the triage decided I wasn't that severe a case as I could swallow. The second hour just being a general check up, then having to take 8 steroids and have my bloods taken to assess the situation. I was then put on a drip and assessed for 3 hours incase I had a second bout of an allergic reaction which could be even worse than the one I'd just had although luckily enough this wasn't the case. I've been prescribed to take 8 steroids a day for 3 days and 4 antihistamines for 5 days to be on the safe side - I'm also going to take myself to the GP tomorrow morning to enquire about an Epi-pen so I'm prepared for any possible reactions in the future.  

As a natural born worrier I don't think this helped me one bit but I'm truly thankful for the tentative staff at North Manchester General - You never truly appreciate the patience and knowledge that their job takes and often whinge that staff are rude, unreliable and often waste precious time but today couldn't have proved this to be any more different!

I'm sorry for the huge ramble, I don't expect anybody to have the patience to read this ramble but I wanted to share it so that the symptoms for allergies were more known of - it could truly save someone's life if worse come to worse so do please take this into awareness.

Keep safe my lovelies.

All my love,
Chloe xo

Guilt-free Lemon Drizzle - chloescorner

I'm a bad blogger, I know! I've been so busy with crazy overtime at work I've barely had time to think let alone blog although sometimes I think it's good to let off some steam and return to my little corner of the internet and what better way to do that with a delicious - yet completely guilt-free - cake recipe? Plus I'm currently obsessed with The Great British Bake-off and wanted to make something to satisfy my unbelievably sweet tooth.

My older Cousin and his girlfriend came round for tea earlier for a well needed catch-up and yummy food. I've recently gone on quite the health kick but decided that no family meal is quite right without a cake. After scanning a few of my Mum's healthy (mostly WeightWatchers) cookbooks I found the perfect, healthier version of a lemon drizzle cake recipe. (Recipe taken from the 'Fabulous and Filling' WeightWatchers book although original was a lemon and passion fruit drizzle - I adapted it to just lemon).

Ingredients:

- 100g self-raising flour

- 1 tsp of baking powder

- 125g of caster sugar

-75g of low-fat butter

- 150g of apple sauce

- 2 eggs (separated)

- the zest and juice of one lemon

1) Pre-heat your oven to Gas Mark 4/180 degrees. Grease your cake tin with a thin layer of butter or line it with parchment paper (non-stick) and then leave this to one side whilst you prepare the mixture.

2) Sieve your flour and baking powder into a bowl and then add 100g of the caster sugar, all of the butter, apple sauce, just the yolks of your eggs and the zest of your lemon and then whisk this together using an electric whisk (mostly for ease of use but do feel free to use a non-electric if needs be) for 2-3 minutes or until it is fluffy and pale in colour. Don't worry if the mixture seems a bit runny and thin as it soon thickens during the next step.

3) Add your egg whites into a separate bowl and whisk these until they create soft peaks. Once the peaks are forming you can then add this to the rest of the mixture, folding it in rather than beating - this makes the mixture thicker and even fluffier in texture.

4) Pour your mixture into your cake tin and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes or until it is golden brown and fully risen with a bouncy, firm middle.

5) Add the remainder of your sugar (25g) to a bowl and then squeeze the juice of your lemon in with it and stir till the sugar has dissolved. Be sure to remove the pips if any fall into the bowl in the process! You can then leave this to one side till the cake has baked.

6) Once the 25 minutes is up and the cake is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and leave to cool for a little bit (maybe 10-15 minutes). You can then prick the cake with a fork several times and then drizzle your sugar and lemon mixture over the top. Don't panic (like I did) if the cake starts to look overly moist (oh how I hate that word!) as when left to one side for an hour or so the cake absorbs the drizzle making the perfect lemony cake.

Et Voilà! An unbelievably tasty Lemon Drizzle with nothing but compliments all round. I highly recommend you to recreate this easy recipe! If you do then be sure to take a picture and tag me on Instagram or Twitter - my username is @chloecotgrave. 

I'm getting my arse in gear and getting more posts ready to share within the next few weeks so do keep your eyes pealed!

All my love,

Chloe xo

  

A-level Results Day - chloescorner

I've seemingly lost my blogging mojo. I'm struggling to find topics to talk about recently and I'm getting caught up in comparing my content to others which completely isn't the whole point of this... Although with it being Results Day for thousands of students, including me, I couldn't hold back my thoughts and opinions so what better way to share it than my little space on the internet.

Your grades do not define you - if you didn't get the grades that you necessarily wanted or needed to get onto your course for higher education/Uni this does not make you a bad person or a 'failure' there is always the option of going through clearing or possibly even redoing your year if the grades are something that mean so much to you. Following that, don't be scared of disappointing others - you've tried your best and you know that, that's all that matters. People should congratulate you regardless. 

In my opinion art based subjects aren't marked fairly. Tutors mark the work created by student based on what they deem to be good enough yet art is something that evokes opinion, what one person observes as an amazing piece of work another may see as complete rubbish which would differ the marks awarded. Academic subjects seemingly test your memory more than the amount you can learn which isn't fair considering that not everyone has an amazing memory and I know that tutors will argue that if you revise you should be able to memorise everything but sometimes the workload we're expected to remember is ridiculous. Writing based subjects are equally as frustrating because the majority of the time it depends on how fast you can write in a specific time frame. If you didn't get to finish your essay because you ran out've time that can drop your grades significantly which isn't fair - this persons work may have been remarkable but because they couldn't physically write quick enough they've lost out on several marks. Grading systems in general aren't always fair I don't think. Over the years the bars have been set unbelievably high making it almost impossible to get the grades that you want - i.e. most boards are increasing grade boundaries and therefore Uni's are raising their expected standards. 

Coming out've University with a degree up your sleeve doesn't always guarantee you a job anymore. I know a tonne of people who have come out've Uni with amazing degrees but because the competition for occupations has become increasingly harder, people have to just settle with whatever they can find at the time. I'm not saying this is always the case because I know it's probably not and people have found their dream job post Uni but I'm sure at least half of those with degree's do have to wait around for a while before being anywhere near starting their desired jobs.

With everyone receiving results today I've been swayed with what I think I want to do. Seeing so many people getting onto their ideal courses at their chosen Universities I'd be lying if I said I wasn't completely jealous - because I genuinely am. Although I do still stick with my choice to defer a year and try again next year. I can't afford to start a course that I think I might enjoy and then end up wanting to drop it and start another the year after, it's just not feasible and I know that this will be the most likely outcome if I force myself into it now. 

I realise I've just completely rambled on but it honestly feels so much better to get my thoughts down on a page and despite this being my negative outlook on the education system as a whole I hope you understand that these are just my opinions and I know that people are bound to think differently. I hope that those of you that have received results today have gotten the grades that they truly deserve! Feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments, I'd love to read them.

All my love,

Chloe xo 

Interior Pin-spiration #2 - chloescorner

Shabby Chic interior is completely up my street and the day I have my own place the better. My whole house will be Pinterest worthy, I'll make sure of it! But for now a girl can dream (or drool over images on Pinterest). I thought I'd share a few images with you lovely readers and let you have an insight to my dream home.

(All photo's taken from Pinterest)

I could've easily added more but I had to limit myself at some point, feel free to have look at my Interior Inspiration board on Pinterest! Do you have Pinterest? Leave your links in the comments and I'll most definitely have a nosey! 

All my love,

Chloe xo

18 things in 18 years - chloescorner

I wanted to write this post for something to look back on in years to come, and also to reflect on things I've learnt in my 18 years of life. Its a tad deep but hey, I think that the deep posts are usually some of the best.

18 things I've learnt in 18 years:

1) Not everyone is going to like you - as hard as it is to accept that, you just can't possibly be everyone's cup of tea but that's completely okay. This quote is pretty apt.

2) You can't possibly please everyone. In doing something to please one person you will more than likely annoy someone else or completely disregard your own feelings.

3) Following that last point; your happiness matters! its a simple as that.

4) You can put your absolute everything into something because you have that much faith in it yet this still may not be enough in someone else's eyes - realise that this isn't your fault, some things just aren't meant to be. 

5) There is no such thing as mistakes, just lessons. 

6) My Mum is honestly my bestfriend - and I shouldn't take that for granted.

7) Don't just expect people to understand if you're not willing to explain. And more so don't get annoyed at them for not understanding because chances are that'll push them away. 

8) Being shy gets you nowhere in life. Stop being so bloody scared of everything and everyone.

9) Perfection is a myth so stop pursuing it. 

10) How do you expect to get something if you're not trying to get it in the first place? 

11) Karma truly is a bitch. What goes around, comes around so treat others how you wish to be treated. Always. 

12) Surrounding yourself with negative people will inevitably increase your negative mindset - don't be afraid to cut negative people out've your life.

13) Sometimes you need to be a little selfish and put yourself first.

14) Comparisons are pointless because you'll never be a carbon copy of someone else. Instead work on bettering yourself as an individual. 

15) Reading, exercise, long hot showers and spending time with friends and family are the ultimate stress relievers so don't ever forget to make time for these things.

16) People only show what they want to show on social media. Don't go thinking and idolising certain people's online lives, making your own seem insignificant. There's good and bad in every aspect of life.

17) Never stop doing what you love.

18) Make the most of everything - life is too short to live with regrets so take every opportunity that gets thrown at you. 

What things have you learnt? feel free to add to mine or share your own thoughts in the comments!

All my love,

Chloe xo

*Sources taken from Pinterest. 

A blogpost on change - chloescorner

Change is often seen as a scary concept to people. We get so comfortable with certain routines in life whether that's something as small as the food we order in our favourite restaurants or a routine we've maintained in certain friendships but eventually we grow out of these comfort zones. I'm a complete and utter creature of habit - I like to have control over every aspect of my life and tend to feel very uncomfortable when things aren't going as planned. As of recently I've realised that I need to come to terms with the fact that change is completely healthy.

                                 

                                     (Source taken from Pinterest)

Things such as growing out've friendships and relationships is completely normal; as we get older our mentalities change. Our aspirations and goals become something completely different which can often result in the friendships we've maintained, fizzling out. This doesn't mean that I don't cherish the memories and moments that I have created with these people it just means that we no longer have some form of common interest that allowed conversations to flow and more often than not the changes that have occurred in our life have made it difficult to communicate as often as we used to. 

I've realised that letting go of things that no longer have so much of an impact on my life anymore shouldn't make me feel guilty - it's just a part of growing up.

Leaving education is another huge change in any students life, one I can particularly relate to having just finished my last year in Sixth Form. Going from college education to University is a huge step to finding ourselves as individuals, going from the comfort of our own homes to having to fend for ourselves. An even bigger change - and a change that I am personally making - is leaving education completely. After the past 15 years in education the thought of no longer having this to turn to is daunting to say the least. My decision to not attend Uni is not because I'm lazy or unacadmic but purely because I don't think that I know enough about myself to choose which career path to take and I don't want to end up having a degree that I have no intention of doing anything with. This doesn't mean that I'm ruling University out completely but I think that this year, or these few years, out've education will allow me to adapt as a person; allowing myself to stand on my own two feet, having time to travel and learn about other cultures, save up hard earned money... To figure out who I am and who I intend to be.

    

       (Source taken from Pinterest)

I take comfort in the thought that everything that happens, happens for a reason so embrace the changes that life throws at you and most importantly; make the most of it.

I hope that this post encourages you to do so too!

All my love,

Chloe xo

Pin-spiration #1 - chloescorner

When boredom strikes I often find myself resorting to a quick browse through Pinterest. Oh who am I kidding, I can get lost on this website for hours on end looking at whimsical interior, breathtaking places, mouth-watering food - the list is truly endless. So I thought it would be a nice idea to do a weekly 'Pin-spiration' post including some of the most recent things I have come across.

Santorini, Greece - As a child Greece was the top (possibly only) destination my family ever went to for that little bit of peace and serenity that the idyllic island is known for. I haven't personally been to Santorini but the views look utterly picturesque and it is certainly on my wanderlust bucket list!

Lily Collins - Her hair, makeup, style... She's just flawless.

Hairstyle Inspiration - I'd been growing my hair out for years and it was getting to almost bum length and wasn't in the best of conditions so having recently had it chopped to collar bone length (possibly the best decision I've ever made concerning my hair) I'm constantly searching for new yet easy ways to style it. 

Peanut Butter Smothered Banana - So I've recently decided to get my arse into gear and get healthy, both fitness wise and with my eating habits. This easy to replicate recipe looks very tasty, I couldn't resist re-pinning it. 

Shabby Chic Interior - I honestly can't wait to have my own place and can decorate it exactly how I want it. I love the white and wooden furniture combination in this living room.   

Summer Style - This basic, chic outfit would be the perfect summer go to outfit for day time wear.

Have you discovered the world of Pinterest? I highly recommend it for that little bit of inspiration!

All my love,
Chloe xo

'Where Rainbows End' The Review - chloescorner

So it started with a friends suggestion, followed by an amazing film adaptation; 'Love, Rosie'. I really don't believe in watching a film before reading the original source - In my opinion films tend to miss out the majority of the intricate details (which, fair enough has to happen for it to reach a time frame) which create a beautifully written novel. Despite this belief I went out on a whim (With Sam Claflin and Lily Collins being two of my favourite actors I couldn't resist!) to watch 'Love, Rosie' unbeknownst that this was the film version of the book 'Where Rainbows Ends' with an entirely different title. Although I was a little disappointed at the time, once I had read the book I can honestly say that they captured the majority of it better than I could've expected. I whole-heartedly recommend any hopeless romantic to both read the book and watch the film, they won't disappoint!

Ahern captures the possible blossoming relationship between childhood bestfriends Rosie and Alex charmingly. Torn apart during their teen years due to Alex's sudden move to Boston, the two friends keep in touch all the way to late adulthood through letters, emails and text messages. I have to admit I initially found it quite difficult to get to grasp with the flitting point of views and conversational form but once I had got through the first few chapters I was totally hooked. I was expecting it to follow true Romantic Comedy form where every twist and turn is utterly predictable although I genuinely didn't expect half of the obstacles that the two characters faced; from an unexpected teen pregnancy to many new love interests, the characters surely face a roller-coaster journey throughout their friendship.

This book made me laugh hysterically (out loud many a time much to my embarrassment) and cry like a complete baby (again, much to my embarrassment). The novel as a whole really allowed me to connect with the characters - the constant ups and downs that the characters faced were completely relatable to everyday life which engaged me so much that I struggled to put the book down and once I had finished it I was actually upset that it had come to an end.

Since reading 'Where Rainbows End' I have purchased more of Cecilia Ahern's books (I have quite the collection!) because I really love her writing style and the fuzzy feeling her touching tales give me as a reader. Of the other books I bought I've recently started to read 'P.s. I Love you', which is another film I hadn't realised was originally a book, and was even more surprised to find out that it was written by Ahern. So far so good! Alike the other book I'm struggling to put it down.

What books have you loved? Have you read this book and if so what did you think? I'd love to see your suggestions and opinions in the comments.

All my love,
Chloe xo

Festival Inspired - chloescorner

With summer (well you wouldn't think it with the typical English weather) in full swing and it currently being the festival season I decided to trawl the internet and put together what I would ideally wear to a festival and a few bits of hassle free make-up that I would take with me also.

Floral Dress - Light and airy, completely fuss free and effortlessly chic.

White Knee High Socks - Added comfort.

BB Cream or Tinted Moisturiser - That little bit of light coverage (you can see a pattern forming here) that is easy to apply - no brushes needed! 

Cream Blush - Once again fuss free and just adds the prettiest flush to your cheeks. It could easily double up as a tint for your lips too.   

Hooded Rain Mac - With English weather being so unpredictable its best to keep a jacket handy and this clear mac would ensure that the main focus of the dress isn't detracted.

Wellies - A must have for any festival. Have you seen the pictures from Parklife? my point exactly. I would rather not get my trainers full of mud thankyou! 

Other things I would consider taking with me would be: 1) Sun Cream. Even if the sun isn't shining its best to be protected from those UV rays. 2) Baby Wipes - Port-a-potties aren't exactly the cleanest of places and most probably won't have toilet roll. If its a festival that covers a few days showers will be very few and far between, disgusting I know, but a quick freshen up with baby wipes won't hurt. 3) Hand Sanitizer. Pretty self explanatory. 4) Waterproof Mascara - longer lasting and holds a curl very well so won't sweat off. 5) Dry Shampoo - along with my point about the lack of showering this is sure to take its toll on your hair. Spritzing this along the roots will help to instantly freshen up your locks although if all fails braids are your bestfriend! 

So this is my take on festival fashion! Are any of you attending any festivals this summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!

All my love,

Chloe xo