My 'Sweet Sixteen'

Since I was born on the 27^th of August 1997, I have to wait the entire school year for my birthday to come around. The rest of my friends have been 16 for months and I’ve just been tagging along as a 15 year old. First of all, I only noticed that it was my birthday a few days before because I was so focused on getting my results that I didn’t even realise my birthday was only 5 days after. I had a few friends around for a sleepover and we basically just talked about the most random things the entire night. We listened to the Spice Girls and played Mahjong Titans for a few hours- it got #cray, just sayin'.


My mom bought me the Real Techniques brushes that I asked for and I really loved it; I also got money, gift vouchers for New Look, jewellery, mascara, eyeliner and nail varnish.

She also bought me my favourite perfume EVER: Paul Smith Women. I used to use hers before school because it smelt AMAZING and she would always tell me off. Oh well, what's hers is mine and what's mine is mine, right?




You can get the Real Techniques brushes here: http://realtechniques.com/

You can get the Paul Smith Women perfume here: http://www.theperfumeshop.com/fcp/product/fragrances/-/Women/2475?sku=1009497

You can get the Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Retro Glam Mascara here: http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-London-Scandal-Eyes-Retro-Glam-Mascara_1364903/

You can get the Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Thick and Thin Eyeliner here: http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-London-Scandaleyes-Thick-Thin-Eyeliner_1359808/

You can get the Barry M Croc Nail Effects here: http://www.boots.com/en/Barry-M-Instant-Croc-Nail-Effect_1247460/

Oh, Memories..

This week I went out with one of my best friends of all time and I had an amazing time. It's probably one of the first times since leaving school that we've actually hung out together because we're so busy with life and all. I've been friends with her longer than anyone and we went to nursery together and our moms were pals and it was just cool. Then we went to different primary schools and sort of drifted apart even though we only lived 5 minutes away from each other. We were REUNITED in year 7 and we've been the greatest of friends ever since.

There have been so many memories that when we tell them to other people, I sort of get the sense they think we're lying but we're actually not. Crazy stuff and crazy people especially, just seem attracted to us; it’s unbelievable the amount of times we've almost avoided people we hate and then saw them later. We did this thing where on Friday nights we would go to town and not even buy anything, like at all. We would go after like 5, after all the shops have shut, just to escape crowds which sounds insane and guess what? It is. But who cares? We are so incredibly similar in our personality, I mean, we're both socially awkward which doesn't go well where we live because people want to interact with us all the time.

This one time, we got on the bus and the driver started allowing drunk people on and then started speeding down hills, we honestly thought we were going to die and I, of course was panicking whereas my friend couldn't stop laughing. It was just ridiculous. We got to town and all we wanted to do was go home and relax. Did that happen? NOPE. This weird woman got on the bus with her kids then started having an argument with a different driver about allowing 2 girls with bikes on. Now this wasn't just some woman who was on a mission to "make a stand", she was definitely CRAZY. She's started shouting and screaming about her life and insulting another woman on the bus. She was making her kids cry at the back of bus, I mean some of the stuff she said was so personal, you don't shout it out in front of a load of strangers and your young children. This bus driver called the police and the woman was escorted off after about 40 minutes off ranting and raving. The people on the bus were arguing so me and my friend just turned around and shouted at the "adults" for getting into such a pathetic argument. Needless to say, we caused the entire bus to go silent for a few seconds; I think they were a bit shocked that we had said something because we just sat at the front observing the drama. The woman was then allowed back on the bus after about a 20 minute interview with the police. I felt so sorry for her kids, they did see her have a mental breakdown and then almost arrested so they were obviously pretty traumatised. As were we, we only went to town for a quick visit, we didn't expect to stumble into that but it was just another moment that we can now look back on and laugh at.

That was probably the weirdest thing that I can think of now but she did once leave me to talk to a man who looked lost while she ran off laughing, thanks for that. We also skipped school one day during the snow (urgh, the snow, I’m so thankful I’ve left school and don’t have to walk that route of death ever again) and were going to tell our parents that school was closed but she got caught out by her mom and had to go back to school, I actually wasn't caught out for that, hm. The amount of times we've complained about the weather is just countless; we've been seen wearing our blazers on our heads more times than we care to admit because of the rain, and walking the slowest pace humanly possible to avoid slipping over on the ice. We've been late for school so many times just to avoid snowballs which also makes me think about when we stayed in my biology teacher's classroom (more like a hut now that I think about it) after school; I don't even remember how long we stayed there but I know that there were still people outside the gate when we left. Damn it.

I think one of the reasons why we get along so well is because we sort of come from similar families, our moms are very similar in the way they have raised us and in our characters I guess. We also were raised on the same estate meaning we have pretty much had the same experiences of things so, we understand each other. She's one of my best friends and I know that I could tell her anything; she's an absolutely beautiful person inside and out and even though it does make me sad that we're not going to the same school in September, I know that we'll both be there for each other forever cause I'm telling you, you don't forget some of the stuff we've been through together.

GCSE Results 2013

Yesterday I went to my school to collect my GCSE results; now I remember going last year with my friends and didn't feel the slightest bit nervous. This might have been because I didn't have enough time to think about it, we finished school and a few weeks later I went and collected them. Also I walked with my friends so we talked the entire way there and it wasn't really a big deal. However this year, I had a 15 minute walk by myself where my brain was swimming in fear that I would fail. My heart was pumping so fast, I thought it might burst out of my chest.
I finally arrived at the school and met my friend, however, she wanted to wait for her boyfriend who was late because he was talking to his friend who had just got his results. I was so desperate to get them and just find out; we walked towards the exam hall where we found a sea of people outside, some crying and hugging. I went up to my friend Alice and found out that she was got the best results in the year and I was so proud of her. The noise of the courtyard was just overwhelming but the minute we walked into the exam hall, it became silent. I was given the envelope and I actually found it hard to even open them, my hands were trembling so much. Finally, I looked inside and was immediately confused with what I saw: two pages of marks, exam boards and grades. One of the teachers helped explain what I had gotten and it suddenly became a lot clearer.

I got 7 A grades and 3 B grades; the thing I was most surprised about what that I got an A in Spanish! I managed to get the same grade in English which confused me because I've been speaking English my entire life and I've only learnt Spanish in the last 2 years but I think it was down to my teacher who I cannot thank enough! Honestly, he was a genius.

I went home and told my mother; she was so proud of me. I told my Nan and she almost started crying on the phone, how cute. I told my aunty and uncle and my cousins, who congratulated me and said how happy they were for me. My mom bought me a card, a cake and gave me money which I honesty wasn't expecting. We sort of had a little talk and she said that I should be proud of myself but to be honest, I'm happier that I've made HER proud.
I've been looking forward to this for so long; the day I finished high school. I went to my Sixth Form that I'll starting in September, and officially registered. I'll be starting in a week and a half, and even though I'm really nervous, I'm more excited for this next chapter in my life.

Well done to everyone :)

My Nan, Patricia

Even though I'm only 15 years old, I do forget a lot about my age because I feel a lot older than I am. This might be because I am one of the middle children in my family. I don't mean in my house because I'm an only child (fun, right?) I have a lot of cousins but they are all either years older than me with their own families or a lot younger. Whenever we have family gatherings or meals, I am trusted to feed and look after the kids; I don't mean they just dump the children on me, I love my younger cousins a lot, they're funny and strange and I notice things they do that I used to do. I'm so influential, no wait, that's not good..

Another reason why I feel older is because I spent a lot of time with my Nan when I was little. Before I was old enough to go to school and while my mom was at work, my Nan would look after me. She'd often taken me to town where I'd sit in her favourite café and she would talk to her friends. Her and Marge, her best friend for almost 50 years, would order a pot of tea to share, Marge would get a bacon sandwich and my Nan would get a toasty. I would usually get some toast and a bubble-gum milkshake; its still so good but so sugary, I don't even know how I still have teeth considering I had it every single weekday, Monday to Friday for YEARS. We spent so much time just doing this and it became the norm. When I started school, I would often visit my Nan on the way home; high school was the same, seeing her every Wednesday (I honestly have no idea why I chose that day because I had P.E. on a Wednesday and I'd have to carry bags of things an extra 15 minutes, urgh).
I try to go and visit her every Monday and Friday now because I understand that she's getting older, I mean she's 73 years of age.

It absolutely breaks my heart that she won't be around for much longer and I honestly don't know what I'm going to do; she's one of the most important people in my life and fundamental in the way I think, act and behave. It's funny because she still calls me Hayley, my mom's name even when I correct her. She calls me "Pat" when I call on the phone, even when I say who I am, don't ask me why she does. She forgets things all the time but just when you think she's finally going loopy, she says something so witty and genius that you just think 'has she been fooling us this entire time'? I mean, she's absolutely BRILLIANT. She called Will.I.Am and I quote- "ace" - not only did it shock me that she knew who he was, but she knew the word 'ace' AND used it in the right way. What a woman.

Guilty Secrets Confessed: Music

I like so many different types of music and if you were to look on my phone or my iPod, you would find an entire glossary of sound. I admit that I did once ask my mom to buy me the soundtrack to Camp Rock and I played it on repeat. I'm not even kidding. REPEAT. I did this with Justin Bieber as well; I went through a sort of phase, right back in 2010, when I thought he was kind of good. I have a few of his songs that I still listen to and I think they're pretty decent, to be honest. Please don't judge me.

Even as a child, I have always listened to music; my mom used to play different CD's when she was cleaning or cooking. She played things like Destiny's Child, ABBA and Shania Twain (she takes great pleasure in telling my friends that I used to walk around the house singing Man I Feel Like A Woman - to my defence I was only 2 years old when the song came out, like I said, no judgement).

Now I have a really varied taste of music; I did used to love Chart music the best but now I feel like music in the charts isn't really that good lately so now I just sort of listen to whatever I want. Whether it's One Direction (who, as you know, I love intensely) or Eminem, I really love them. I sort of have no shame when it comes to admitting what music I listen to; I still listen to the Spice Girls every now and then because I used to absolutely idolise them as a child. I wished I was THEM. Wannabe is my favourite Spice Girls song and I don't care.

I often download songs that are from adverts because they have been stuck in my head or the theme song of a TV show. It's strange as well because apart from One Direction, I don't really have full albums because I usually only like a handful of songs from that particular artist or group. I don't mind admitting that I like We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus and I do still like Taylor Swift even though I'm a Directioner, so sue me.

Lately I've been 'expanding my music comfort zone' if you will, by listening to songs by YouTubers. I really like Shane Dawson's songs and I have a few on my phone, I love Sweet Sweet Melody by Katie Sky as well, if you don't know who she is- look it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GPbV7Nl6s4

I also listened to Rebecca Black's covers and I have to say, she's a really good singer. I know people still give her hate over Friday but that was a long time ago now, get over it.

Music is subjective because its emotive. Its supposed to invoke something inside you that makes you want to embarrass yourself, whether its through your stupid singing or silly dance moves. So to all the people hiding their guilty secrets when it comes to music, I say EMBRACE IT.

Dear Mother

I decided to write this blog post because I found a letter I wrote to my mom years ago after we'd had an argument. I read it through and it made me think about our relationship generally. She raised me as a single mother and didn't complain once. This post is for all the moms or dads out there who are working and studying and looking after their children through difficult times.

Dear Momma,

First thing, I just want to say thank you for making me. I LITERALLY wouldn't be here without you, so cheers for that. I know we joke all the time about your grey hair or my frizzy hair but I love that we have that type of relationship. We make each other laugh and you don't treat me like an idiot (only when I'm being idiotic anyway). You've always been there for me and I will always appreciate everything that you've done for me. I was so proud, and still am, the day you graduated from university top of the class. The fact that you had a job, me, and still managed to get a First Class Degree with Honours shows how frickin' awesome you are. I can remember the day we got the phone call that you had the job and I remember us standing in the kitchen in our pyjamas crying because it was your first application and we didn't expect the news so quickly. I know that you did that for me and for us, so that we could have a good, stable life. It was hard before you became a teacher, we didn't have a lot of money but you always managed to plan days out and holidays that I look back on now and smile.

I think the reason that I try my hardest in all things is because you instilled a strong work ethic and I only want to make you proud, like I am of you. I love you so much and I know we do get into a few fights but I never mean anything I say at all. We're very similar you and me, even if we look completely the opposite. I wish that I was as kind and caring as you because you, my mother, are my inspiration. I know graduating was one of the most difficult things that you have ever had to do; when you bought the house, I know it was important for you but I never really realised until writing this. It makes me laugh when you decide to do DIY and even though you always get it a little wrong at the start, you research and practice until it's perfect. Even as I write this, you're in the kitchen sanding and plastering the walls and ceilings. I know that you always moan at me for not helping but I think that if I did, then it would take twice as long. Just like when I "helped" to build my furniture. It took me 30 minutes to screw one nail whereas you had almost completed the entire drawer. I supplied you with countless cups of teas and made dinner while you did all the work (story of my life right?)

It's been very difficult getting where you are now and I understand everything. I now understand why I went to nursery, after-school clubs and play schemes in the holidays (even though I hated them at the time). I understand why I spent a lot of my time with family members like Nan, Kim or Aunty Claire. In these last few weeks, I've come to appreciate you so much more than I did before. I don't know what triggered it, maybe because I know that in 2 years time I'll be leaving home to go to university. Even though I am nervous about starting year 12, I know that if I just be myself, I'll be fine. That's one of the most important things you've taught me. You've never been afraid to stand up to people (remember on holiday when you shouted at the shopkeeper for shouting at me when she thought I was trying to steal that lolly). You started dancing at Brooke's birthday and managed to get all the little kids on the dance floor - I almost died of embarrassment by the way.

I wanted to write this to you because even though I know you won't read it or even fully understand what I blog is. I just know that I feel a lot better knowing that people know that I love and appreciate you as much as I do because I don't think you really believe me when I say it.

Love from the proudest daughter ever, Tayla xx

My Favourites

I've decided to write this blog post so you can get to know me a bit more :)

Favourite movie?
My favourite movie is probably John Tucker Must Die, its one of my favourite films to watch because it makes me laugh so much. I love chick-flicks and rom-coms the most; I absolutely hate horror films because they make me scared and I just want to cry. I remember watching The Mummy with my friend Lauren, her older brother and his friends; I was only young and instead of them babysitting us, like he had promised our mothers, he let us watch the film and we cried for about a week afterwards.

Favourite song?
I have 3 favourite songs that I absolutely love and its really surprising because I am more of a pop person and I like chart music the most.
1) Wonderwall by Oasis - me and my friend Katie love Oasis so much that we always say we wish that they would get back together, such a shame.
2) Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls - I love this song because of the acoustic guitar and I don't know, its just a really good song. This song is one of the main reasons why I wanted to play guitar when I was younger; my mom bought me one but sadly, its not for me.
3) How To Save A Life by The Fray - this song always makes me cry because its so beautiful and romantic.

Favourite artist/band?
I love so many artists and bands; I probably listen to Pop music the most but I do like Rap music as well. I'm a big fan of Eminem and I can rap along to a lot of his songs because I do think he's an amazing songwriter and his lyrics are always really important. My mom used to listen to R'n'B music when I was little so I grew up listening to things like Destiny's Child and things like that. I was also a big fan of boybands like N*Sync, Backstreet Boys, Blue, Take That, and New Kids on the Block. My cousin Claire was actually a major fan of Westlife and because she was 12 years older than me, I pretty much followed her around like a little puppy dog just wanting to be her cause I thought she was so cool. I remember crying and refusing to go to sleep when I was about 3 or 4 because I wasn't allowed to go to a Westlife concert (I was such a weird child).

Now I like One Direction (typical 15 year old girl right?) and I was lucky enough to go to see them in April this year with my friends Katie and Beth, with tickets courtesy of Katie's mother who stayed up to order them for Katie's birthday. It was so good and I took loads of pictures and I screamed and shouted and cried. It was one of the most amazing days ever because we had fantastic seats and I swear Harry waved at me more than once (he's my favourite, just saying).

Favourite fizzy drink?
I love Dr Pepper, it tastes so good and yummy. I also like Cherry Coke because that's nice too.

Favourite TV show?
Now, it depends because if the question were to say current TV show then I would say The Big Bang Theory because its so funny and I love Sheldon so much. I've basically been watching it from the start and my friends were mocking me and now they're obsessed. But my favourite show of all time has to be FRIENDS, my mom bought me the boxset and I don't even know how many times I've seen it. I also watch it on Comedy Central and can even quote the show. I love it so much!

Favourite colour?
I don't think I have a favourite colour, when I was younger it used to be pink but now its probably peach, purple or red.

Favourite meal?
My favourite meal is either pizza or Chinese. I only have sweetcorn and onion on my pizza because it just tastes the best and because I'm a vegetarian, there isn't really much choice. I love Chinese as well and I usually order chips, prawn crackers and egg fried rice. It's not really adventurous but my local Chinese makes it so amazingly yummy.

Favourite holiday?
I really loved Bulgaria in 2007 and I went there for 2 weeks with my mom, aunty Tasha and cousin Oscar, aunty Emma and cousin Jade. It was really good, we stayed in a small hotel that only had 30 rooms or so. I also enjoyed the holiday because I spent my birthday there where we went to a really cool water park. My mom organised it all before I woke up and when I went into the main restaurant, there were balloons and a giant chocolate cake. It was so yummy and rich that even the smallest slice made me feel a bit sick. The weather for the first week was brilliant but for the second week, it rained so much that we weren't allowed out of the hotel. We spent the rest of the holiday upstairs watching TV eating Cheetos and putting those fake tattoos on our arms. The good old days :)

Favourite chocolate or sweet?
I have a major sweet tooth so I like pretty much all chocolate and sweets. I don't like mint chocolate at all because it just smells weird and tastes strange. I do like Terry's Chocolate Orange but I only eat it once a year because my mom buys me one every Christmas and puts it in my stocking. I also love Chocolate Fingers and Magic Stars because for some reason, it just tastes better in finger or star form, I don't know why. I love loads of types of sweets apart from liquorice and sherbet things.

Favourite fruit or vegetable?
I don't really like vegetables at all, my favourites would have to be sweetcorn, cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. I love fruit though: strawberries, bananas, apples, satsumas, watermelon, grapes, pineapple all sorts really.


Hope you've enjoying reading this post :)