#11 ~ Christmas, Prayers & Skins

Bonjour,

Did you all have a good Christmas?! I hope you did. Mine was lovely. We went out for a walk in the morning and then came home to a lovely breakfast. Then we played a game of Articulate before all helping to prepare lunch. After being stuffed we retreated to the living room to open presents. I got some lovely gifts as well as a lot of money as this was what I had asked for mainly!

I got my Reading Festival Tickets which I knew about of course from my parents as well as lots of chocolate, bath smellies and trinkets. My brother and I were also surprised with a cute little treasure hunt with clues by my parents where the prize was loads of gift cards each which I can't wait to hit the sales with! (And no, I'm not too old to play games haha!)

Treasure Hunt Gift Cards:

Accessorize

iTunes

Jack Wills

Yo Sushi

Starbucks

...as well as some others from other relatives. So happy!

What did you all receive? And were your relatives pleased with their gifts? My family were (I think!) although my brother is so hard to buy for so I gave him money and chocolate this year. Something I love about Christmas is the atmosphere. And Christmas crackers definitely add to it! Sorry it's so big but I want you guys to see how cute it is!

Anyway, sadly it is time to move on to something tragic that recently occurred. There was another school shooting in Colorado on December 13th where the 18 year old shooter, Karl Pierson, shot a 17 year old girl, Claire Davis, in the head. Allegedly he was annoyed with a member of staff/teacher at the school, Arapahoe High School, but could not find who he was looking for. Claire was hospitalised in critical condition and passed away on December 21st at 4:29pm. The shooter commit suicide after shooting Claire. This terrible event is deeply saddening an very tragic. I send my heart out to everyone who knew Claire personally and send my prayers to her friends and family during this hard time. Rest in Peace, Claire.

On a happier note to finish, I have recently started watching another new program (I really ought to cut down!) called Skins. It's a British program which no longer airs but an actor I like, Nicholas Hoult (dating Jennifer Lawrence an in Warm Bodies, X Men and more) is in the first two seasons. There are two seasons for each generation of characters which follow the two years of A Levels to students complete at Roundview Sixth Form College. It's so good and although it started off as quite funny, it's a lot darker than that. It's a drama and at times I can't control my crying! Anyway, you should all check it out! I'm on season 4 out of 7 so I'm on the second generation of characters. I think season 7 is a reunion or something? I really like the character Effy Stonem who plays Tony's younger sister (Nick Hoult) in seasons 1 and 2 before acquiring a main role in seasons 3 and 4! Anyway, I tried to copy her make up...

This is what she really looks like. It was hard to find a decent photo of her make up so here are a few to give you an idea of what I was going for. I've never done this look before though, so it's not very good, sorry!

 

 

 We all know my obsession with Blair  from Gossip Girl so when I found this picture and article, I was in love. It compares their lives - everything written is so true - check it out! http://wednesdaydreams.livejournal.com/13005.html

Speak soon. Everyone looking forward to the New Year? I'm still thinking of my resolutions. Looking forward to the New Year's Eve celebrations though!

Love, Lena xo

#10 ~ Men are from Mars (or are they?)

Bonjour!

So today I thought I'd talk to all you lovely ladies about those weird creatures from Mars...GUYS - and understanding them. I know I'm

a) only 16 &

b) not a guy

BUT I have a teeny bit of experience about what to do when you like a guy and also because I have a brother and have watched a few videos about this. So, here goes: are guys really all that confusing?!

• Guys like their space - just like girls. Most girls can relate to having that really clingy guy who won't stop bothering them and cannot take a hint so be respectful to guys too! Just like us, they don't like clingy people, so think about what you send or say before you do.
• Don't always be available. Lots of guys find it attractive when a girl is a challenge - in fact pretty much everyone likes this. Nobody wants someone who is always available because it makes you look like you're easy to get. Make the guy think he has competition and that you're not always free all the time. It makes you WAY more attractive because guys love the chase. 
• Make sure you're busy and enjoy yourself. If a guy sees you moping about on your own, he'll think you have way too much time on your hands and the idea of dating you will be out of the picture super fast. Show him you're good fun and you'll be a lot more appealing. A girl who is happy without a guy shows independence, confidence and is overall much more attractive. (Top Tip: Smile! Guys love a girl who is happy and not afraid to be herself).
• Having said that, don't play too hard to get. Guys can be a little slow so playing too hard to get can actually turn them off. If they think they have no chance with you, they'll probably give up as they'll see chasing you as a waste of time. It's all about balance. Be a bit flirty and let them know you like them but don't creep on them. On the other hand, don't act mean and ignore them. Especially, do not flirt out-rightly in front of them with other guys - particularly their friends. If will not only make you seem disinterested in them, but also a bit of a flirt who is like that with everyone. You want them to know you they're special.
• Be yourself. No guy wants to date someone who is completely different with different people or online or in person - it's confusing! It isn't cool if a girl has tons of personalities - it makes you look complicated and complications are not for the simple minds of guys! (I'm just kidding about that bit but you know what I mean!)
• Confidence is pretty important. Even if you're a bit shy, make sure you talk. Shyness can be cute but not to the point of silence and zero effort on your part. Try and make conversation otherwise they might think you're boring and not see you as worth the effort. Guys always say that they find confidence as one of the most sexy things about us ladies so try and show them how sexy you are!
• Don't be a "mate" to him. If you want him to see you as a potential girlfriend, don't act like one of the guys. Tomboys can be super attractive to guys but to an extent. So you like camping? (I do!) Cool. So you're up to get a bit muddy? Cool. But if you call each other "bro" and "man", stop now! That's not good if you want something more from him.
• DO NOT CHANGE YOURSELF FOR ANY GUY. No guy is worth changing yourself dramatically for. If you want to dye your hair and he suggests a new colour, that's one thing but telling you to change your style or not to wear a certain thing is never okay. He is not worth your time if he's going to change everything about you as soon as you're together.

I think that's about it but if you have any other tips, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Follow me for my posts and advice. Anyway, hope this helps and you never know, these tips may land you a boyfriend telling you to kiss him... Hope everyone has fun under the mistletoe!

ONLY 4 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

Love, Lena xo

#9 ~ Christmas Holidays Begin!

Bonjour!

On Friday 13th (spooky!) I broke up from school for Christmas! We had the first two periods - mine were double Chemistry (ew!) - followed by a form period where we chat and eat food (they call it a "party") and then a whole school assembly for awards and stuff. Our teachers always perform their version of the '12 Days of Christmas' but it goes like "On the first day of Christmas, my pupil said to me" so our year decided to do our own, "On the first day of Christmas, my teacher said to me"! It was great fun and the teachers and other pupils laughed too.

Then my friend and I, after being dismissed at 12:30, decided we should go for a run and then lunch so we met at 2:00, went for a run and then had a cute lunch at Starbucks - delicious and so cosy! We had a good old chat so I had a lovely day overall.

I'm so looking forward to Christmas but sadly I have to revise for my mocks so there won't be much time for fun! I made a cute, colour co-ordinated revision timetable which is harder than I thought to stick to! Watching TV and lying in instead of revising is MUCH more tempting!

Has everyone bought their Christmas Presents? Are you all looking forward to giving them? I've bought some but not all yet. Christmas has come so quickly!

I'm going to a few festive parties soon so I think I ought to buy some Christmas clothing. And, I'm sad to say, I don't own a Christmas jumper... I know! Shameful, right?! I will do soon though - I've been looking online and all my favourites are from Jack Wills. I adore some of them - so cute, cuddly and festive! http://www.jackwills.com/en-gb/ladies/knitwear So, I'll have to make a trip out to a Jack Wills store at some point and buy some.

Anyone else got any Christmas clothing recommendations? Leave them in the comments and I'll check them out! 

On another note, quickly, I recently started watching The Fosters. I instantly fell in love with the character Jesus - (how hot is he?!) - who is played by Jake T. Austin. For those of you who don't know, he played Max on Wizard's of Waverly Place on Disney Channel which I used to watch as a child. And OMG, Jake T. Austin is gorgeous now! He's 19 and wow... Puberty did well, let's just say that. I just have to show you:

Jake as a child:
Cute right? But not a guy you could really imagine ever fancying! (He's a kid for a start obviously but still haha!)

Jake now, aged 19:

Yeah, guess we were all wrong. Hot as...

Anyway, it's a great show (not just because of how hot Jake is but that helps (duh?!)) - you should check it. They were renewed for a second season in October this year - YAY!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!
Love, Lena xo

#8 ~ Bitstrips, Winter Wonderland & Condolences

Bonjour!

Recently I saw that there has been a craze circulating on loads of social networking sites: Bitstrips. These are cute little comics that you and your friends star in. You make an avatar - after making an account with Facebook and you can make really cute little comics. There are ready-made ones too which are pretty funny. I thought I'd make an account and join in. One of the first ready-made comics involving my avatar was this: 

It made me laugh because I'm pretty much exactly like that! I'm addicted to Instagram and take photos of practically everything - much to the annoyance of my family and friends. (Note: I do wear glasses - I'm shortsighted and wear them everyday for school. I don't wear them when going out on the weekend or if I'm going out in the evening on a school night! #rebel haha...not. I wear contacts. Oh! And my real name is Eleanor but nobody really calls me that - just teachers.)

I also have some exciting news - well it's exciting for me! I know you probably don't care and I don't want to brag but I recently received my first scholarship offer from a Sixth Form. I'm really happy so sorry to bore you with that haha. I was really worried I'd messed up the interview and wasn't sure about the exams but thankfully I didn't.

I only have one more week of school left and then I break up for the Christmas Holidays on December 13th! We have a Half Day on both the12th and 13th too so it will be nice to chill out. Sadly, I'll be revising for most of the holiday... But my parents have allowed me three days out of the three weeks off: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It's not that bad actually as I only have to revise for 2 out of the 3 sessions a day so I can go out for a bit each day if I want - or do one session on one day and three the next. 

I'm going to a Christmas House Party so need to buy a new outfit for that which will be fun as well. Plus it's my friend's birthday party tomorrow evening so we're going up to London which will be fab hopefully. We'll be visiting Winter Wonderland and then somewhere for dinner so I'm excited. Winter Wonderland is beautiful as I recently went for my other friend's birthday where we went ice skating. Here are two photos from the day but you can check more out on my Instagram: @EleanorMJackson (I told you I loved it!)

Not the best of either of us but still! 
I hope my friend doesn't mind me posting this haha!
It wasn't his favourite! Shh!

I would also like to send Nelson Mandela's family, Paul Walker's family and Roger Rodas' family my prayers during this hard time for them all. Nelson Mandella was an inspirational man who lived a long and very influential life. He was and always will be a role model to so many. Paul Walker was a much loved and appreciated actor whose success and dedication will also be admired for years to come. Roger Rodas was Paul Walker’s close friend who was driving the car at the time of the accident. Both we tragically killed. He was a former race car driver, Walker’s financial adviser and his friend. Both had been to a benefit for the Typhoon in the Philippines before leaving together and shall be greatly missed by many. 

Rest in Peace, Nelson Mandella, Paul Walker and Roger Rodas.

Anyway, have a good weekend lovelies! Speak soon.

Love, Lena xo

#7 ~ Advent Begins!

Bonjour - again!

Two posts in one day! Today is the first day of Advent which is the time leading up to Christmas. This means it is time to start out Christmas Countdowns and Advent Calendars of course!

This year my mum bought me a lovely Maltesers one - they're my favourite. I opened up the first day this morning to find a cute chocolate snowman and a little joke!

Be jealous haha! I'm so excited for Christmas even though I'll be revising for my mock GCSEs for the most of it. However, I'm looking forward to not getting up too early and not having to worry about applications for college and sixth form - I still haven't finished mine!

Today I also booked my Reading festival ticket. I am so excited because it will be a wonderful reward for all the GCSE work and revision I'll have to do. It's in August though so I have ages to wait. Are any of you guys going? It's a tradition for year 11s in my area to go when we leave so I'm going with lots of my school friends - should be fabulous! If you're interested in the event and who's performing, click this link for more info: http://www.readingfestival.com/ If Reading is too far for you and you live further into the North, the same acts will be performing on different days at the Leeds festival which is linked on the Reading festival website.

I'm most excited about Disclosure but we still haven't heard of loads of acts. The line-up is just starting to be announced so book while you can! There are tons of people performing and so many stages so make sure you check it out!

Maybe I'll see some of you there? I've already started thinking about all the lovely festival clothing I will be able to buy for it! But, for now, I must focus on revision and buying Christmas presents. Thankfully I have Hannah from the blog Student Life to help. She wrote some lovely posts or 'gift guides' over on Sprinkle of Glitter's gorgeous blog - you should totally check them both out! Oh God, not like that... I mean check their blogs out, sorry girlies!

Anyway, hopefully two posts in one day wasn't too much for you, haha!

Love, Lena xo

#6 ~ Catching Fire: Why I'm Team Peeta

Bonjour,

Yesterday evening I visited the cinema to see the new Hunger Games movie, Catching Fire. If you don't know about the Hunger Games, it's probably time to move out from your rock - seriously! It's an amazing franchise that started off as a book series which set in America in the future ruled under the Capitol. There are three books centered around a girl named Katniss Everdeen who lives under the strict rules of District 12. Every year there is the reaping where a boy and girl from every district (there are 12 in total, getting increasingly poorer further down the numbers) is reaped from a large pot of everyone's names. If you're between the ages of 12 and 18, you are in the pot and if you're picked, you're picked. But not for Katniss Everdeen. Her younger sister, Primrose, is reaped so Katniss bravely volunteers in her place - that's when the exciting story begins! 

The Hunger Games is an unusual concept. The 24 tributes are forced to find to the death in an arena full of deadly horrors. The Capitol is incredibly rich and those who live in it watch it as though it is a game. It's a fight for survival and there can only be one victor - the other 23 must die. The members of the Capitol sponsor different tributes depending on who they think will win and who they like the best - which is where the interviews come in before the games begin. The sponsors send helpful things to their tributes such as medicine or weapons.

Trailer for the Hunger Games:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S9a5V9ODuY

Trailer for Catching Fire: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkvUNfySGQU

If you haven't seen the first, watch it now! And then make sure you pop along to the cinema to see the second straight away. Don't think just because it's about a girl that it's a girly movie - it's far from it. There were so many boys at the cinema yesterday as well as girls - and people from all ages.

Katniss: Jennifer Lawrence                                      Peeta: Josh Hutcherson

   Gale: Liam Hemsworth                                          

Finnick, centre left, is also rather attractive. However, he only comes into the story in Catching Fire. He isn't part of the love triangle but he is pretty flirtatious towards Katniss.

There is a love triangle but it's a minor part of the storyline. Katniss is loved by both Peeta and Gale. Peeta and Gale are both from district 12 but Gale has been her childhood friend whereas Katniss properly met Peeta when they were brought together by the reaping.

I'm team Peeta because he's so giving. His primary concern is keeping Katniss safe and he always thinks of others before himself. We see this in both films - he is so loving towards anyone in danger and does his best to help them. This doesn't stop him from standing up for himself when he needs to though and is incredibly muscular and physically fit meaning he can take on his opponents well. Plus he's gorgeous!

Gale is a much smaller part as he stays back in the district during the games but his part gets bigger in the third book. However, he is incredibly good looking and protective of Katniss which makes him appealing to some people. I'm still team Peeta though!

I won't talk about what happens exactly in case I ruin it for some of you but I was so impressed. It made me cry tears of sadness as well as cry with love for the characters. There was some romance too but was action packed throughout. I honestly would give it 5 stars which I don't give often! It was everything I had hoped for and more - the best film I've seen all year.

If you have time, I would recommend that you read the books too. I was glad they kept to the storyline so well - particularly in Catching Fire. You can also buy lots of merchandise such as the mockingjay pin that Katniss wears as her good luck charm and symbol. 

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this little review.
Let me know your thoughts on the film and what team you're on in the comments!

Love, Lena xo

#5 ~ Afternoon Tea at Harrods

Bonjour!

On Saturday I celebrated my birthday up in London. Even though my birthday was back in September, the earliest reservation I could get for Afternoon Tea at Harrods was in November! (I also left the booking to last minute though!)

I brought five of my school friends and we did lots of shopping, drank bubble tea at Bubbleology in Harvey Nichols and of course ate Afternoon Tea at Harrods!

Here are some sweet sixteen birthday balloons my friend bought me! I carried them all around London - which annoyed several people who I hit in the face!

I'd never been to Bubbleology before so my friend, who adores it, made me try it out! It was actually delicious! I had apple flavour with passion fruit boba. So I'm no longer a Bubbleology virgin! Yay!

This is Harrods in the evening - all lit up with lights and look absolutely gorgeous.

And of course, here are several photos from inside when we were eating!

Harrods made me a beautiful cake with one of my nicknames, Elle, (that my school friends call me) written on it.

Eating mini macarons and feeling like Blair Waldorf. I visited Monte Carlo in half term for one of the weeks and my friend and I fell in love with macarons. (Also, Blair eats them all the time and visited Monte Carlo in Gossip Girl!)

A photo of me with the beautiful cake taken on my friend's polaroid camera.

You can check out more photos of Monte Carlo and Harrods on my Instagram - @eleanormjackson!

So, as you can see, visiting Harrods for Afternoon Tea is a must! It isn't cheap though - £29 per person as well as service tax. However, it was worth all the money. I also bought a gorgeous new blazer as well as a silk kimono.

I don't usually buy things like kimonos but I fell in love with it when I saw it. I bought it in a size 10 as I wanted it to be baggy. I am usually a 6 or an 8 on my top.

Buy it here from Topshop for £55: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTerm=kimono&storeId=12556&productId=12671768&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057#BVRRWidgetID

I also bought this cute checked blazer. I got it in a small as I thought the fitted look suited me more that the slightly larger and longer style. 

Buy it here from Zara for £49.99: http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/blazers/blazers/combined-checked-blazer-c498014p1605011.html

Found something cute? Tweet me to show me @lenamjackson!

Love, Lena xo