Twenty things I learned being 20

I've almost completed the first year of my twenties. 

Tomorrow, I turn 21. I can legally drink in America and for the first time, I actually feel old. When did I get so...adult????

I remember being little and going to a family friend's 21st birthday party. I told my Mum that I couldn't wait to be 21 because 'I can do what I want,' and here we are. I'll be honest, I still look like I'm 16, I haven't grown since I was 11 and I'm convinced that I'm still 18. I'm like a real-life Peter Pan, I never want to grow up. 

If you're new here, welcome to the yearly tradition on my blog where I tell you all about the things I've learned in the past year. In this case, I'll be telling you about the first year of my twenties and I must say, it's been really lovely. Sure, I've had my ups and downs but maybe it's true what they say - your twenties are some of the best years of your life. 

Without further ado, here are twenty things I've learned in my first year of being, well, twenty. 

1. You don't need to be part of a Girl Gang

For years I was under the impression that I needed to be part of a girl gang. It was really nice at first. I had this huge group of friends who had my back through anything, who'd hold my hair back when I was drunk, listen to my endless boy dramas and the group chat was never quiet. Sounds great, right? However, what you don't see is the endless bitching. Who has time for it?

I don't need to be part of a girl gang to feel like I matter. 

2. Speak your mind

I used to be incredibly shy and to an extent, I still am. I had a tendency to let people walk all over me and whenever anyone did something to upset me, I'd tell them that it was okay and I'd end up being the one to apologise. But I've stopped that now. If someone is doing something that is upsetting me or making me feel uncomfortable, I tell them. How else will they know?

A lot of people told me that I'd changed when in reality they couldn't quite believe the fact that I was standing up for myself. If I don't, who else will?

3. People will leave and that's okay 

The first few months of being 20 saw me grow apart from two of my closest friends. It was hard but I know I've come out stronger and more confident because of it. I've learned that if you're not outgrowing friendships then you're not growing up. I barely talk to anyone that I went to school with and it's allowed me to re-invent myself and my confidence has been boosted massively. 

4. iPhone is sooo much better than Android

I finally switched from Android to Apple and it was potentially one of the best adult decisions I have ever made. Where has portrait mode been all my life?

5. If you work hard good things will happen

Being twenty saw me complete the last year of my degree. It was a year of hard work, breakdowns and many tears but I did it. If it wasn't for all the determination, encouragement and late nights in the library, I would never be graduating next month. 

6. I really like going to the Rugby

In September, my Dad took me to my first rugby match or should I say, he dragged me along. It was the Saints Vs. Wigan derby and I was adamant that I was going to hate it. Almost a year later, Dad and I haven't missed a home game and I really, really like going to the rugby. It's more the atmosphere than the game but Saints are doing so well this season! 

7. Being sedated is hilarious

Two weeks after I turned 20, I had a tooth extracted in hospital under sedation. Apparently, I was singing along to Rick Astley and told my dentist that I was a dentist. I don't remember a thing but I'm really proud of myself for facing my fears. 

8. I love Liverpool Airport

It's definitely the nicest airport in the country. 

9. A little bit of self-belief is all you need 

I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to quit. I felt like I wasn't good enough and like I couldn't do anything. But it's surprising what a little self-love and self-belief can do. I am worthy! I can do this! (And I did)

10. Be happy in the skin you're in 

I'm finally comfortable in my own skin. 

I have acne but that doesn't define me. It doesn't change who I am and if people can't look past that then they're not worthy of my friendship. Since I've accepted this, I'm so confident in my own skin and I'm the happiest I've ever been. 

11.  A relationship should be an addition to your life

It shouldn't be your WHOLE life.

12. I love wearing fake eyelashes

They make my eyes so fluttery and pretty. I don't feel complete without my lashes on a night out. 

13. Push yourself 

I've really tried to push myself this year, especially in terms of my fashion choices. I've been buying things that I wouldn't normally buy and when I pull a particular outfit off, I feel so good about myself. It's really helped to boost my mood. 

14. Don't allow yourself to be taken advantage of. 

I've encountered my fair share of assholes this year and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that I'm worth more than a guy who thinks he can belittle me, call me the worst names and make it all okay by telling me that he's joking. Prince Charming will come along eventually and until he does, I'm continuing to LOVE being single (because it really is the best!)

15. I'm basically in love with the Starlit Princess Waltz

Did I ever tell you about that time Snow White told me I'm her favourite Princess? 

In all seriousness, it's been a year and I'm still not over this gorgeous show. If you're visiting Disneyland Paris this summer then you have to go and see it! 

16. I love Festivals

In September, I went to Fusion Festival with my best friend Mitch. It will forever remain one of my favourite days and I'm a proper festival gal. Any excuse to put my hair in space buns and throw glitter all over my face and I'm there. I'm going to see Nile Rogers and Chic next month and I'm VERY excited. 

17. I hate public transport

Northern, I'm looking at you!

 If you follow me on Twitter, you'll be used to seeing my regular complaints about trains being cancelled and delayed. It's been the bane of my life for the past year and I will not miss my commute to uni every morning. 

18. Trying to please everyone is a waste of energy

Not everyone is going to like you and the sooner you realise that the happier you'll be. Let people like you for YOU and not someone you pretend to be. You really do not have to be friends with someone if you don't want to.

19. Supportive family and friends are everything

I don't know what I would have done without my family and friends this year. Their constant positivity and love have picked me up and inspired me every single day. They believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and I will never be able to thank them for everything they've done. 

20.  It's the little things

Like the smell outside when it rains, the smell of your favourite coffee and a McDonald's banana milkshake on a warm day. Happiness can be found in the smallest, most unexpected places. 

I'm so excited to celebrate with my family and friends tomorrow. 

Here's to 21!

Lots of Love,
Meg

xxx

My 20th Birthday

I'm finally 20. And after a fortnight of being in my twenties, I can finally confirm that I feel exactly the same, I don't have any grey hairs yet and I've realised that I really need to learn how to drive. As it's become a tradition on my blog, I thought that I'd share my birthday with you. I don't mean this in a literal way of course. I didn't do much on my birthday day because as I'm an adult now, I have to go to work and apparently, adulthood now means working on your birthday. Also, I'd like to make a disclaimer before I start; I am in no way bragging about my gifts, I'm extremely grateful for everyone's kind words and photos, every single one meant so much and kept me smiling on my lunch break. 

I started my birthday at midnight in the traditional way. At 23:57, I hit the play button on my iPod and 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA blared through my headphones as I danced around my bedroom whilst messaging Liv who was doing the exact same thing. Then I was going to go to bed, but the minute I put my head on the pillow I got a notification on my phone saying that Mum had tagged me in a photo. When I unlocked my phone I saw that she hadn't just tagged me in any photo, oh no, it was the most hideous selfie of me taken on her phone one night when I'd had a few and she'd left her phone on the table. I ran straight downstairs and after 10 minutes of negotiations, she decided to take it down. If that taught me anything, it's not to take people's phones and spam them with selfies because it will come back and haunt you. 

When I woke up in the morning, the dog came bounding into my room and jumped onto my bed. I followed him downstairs to find 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' banners stuck to the door and my cards and presents in front of the fire place. I don't ask for a lot on birthdays because June is a very awkward month but my family and friends never fail to spoil me and surprise me with beautiful things. I always open my cards first and I got some lovely cards with lovely words written in them. A personal highlight was the card I got from my dog. It said 'To my Sister' on the front of the card and then inside it read 'To Meg, Happy 20th Birthday. Thank you for all the cuddles, even though I don't want them. Lots of Love, your fluff Bro.' and I promise you that I cried for a good half an hour. 

As I previously said, my family and friends were so generous with their gifts this year and I feel so lucky. From my Mum and Dad I got a new purse, a Mac Highlighter, some foundation, Real Techniques eye brushes and an eyebrow shaping shaver. Then from my lovely friend Sarah I got the cutest Marie pyjamas and I am so obsessed with them. I then gave my parents a big hug and headed to work for what I was hoping would be a very easy day. 

The minute I stepped foot in work, my boss stopped serving a customer and serenaded me with my first 'Happy Birthday' of the day. I didn't expect my work colleagues to get me anything for my birthday but seeing as they know me so well, they got me a box of chocolates, a bottle of Woo Woo and a t-shirt that they thought summed me up as a person. It's a plain grey t-shirt that says 'Disney's Next Princess' on it and I absolutely love it. Fun fact, I'm actually wearing it right now. How lucky am I to have bosses who know me so well? 

 I wasn't looking forward to spending my birthday in work but it was so much fun and because my boss is so hilarious, I had an absolute blast. My day included the shop getting evacuated due to a fire in the shopping centre and my boss getting the whole stall to sing 'Happy Birthday' to me again.  However, the highlight of my working day was having my two friends Rach and Liv come in to surprise me. I wasn't expecting their visit so when Liv came up to the counter with some nail glue and asked how much it was, I had a complete excitable fit when I finally realised it was them. They stayed and chatted with me for a while, in between me serving customers, and they got me the cutest Marie teddy, a Rapunzel mug and some beautiful rose gold bracelets. There was a lot of Disney magic sprinkled throughout the day which made it just that little bit more special. 

When I finished work, I went straight to see my grandparents. I'd seen them briefly in the afternoon as they go for coffee in the cafe opposite the shop, but it was lovely to get to speak to them properly. My Grandad always looks at me with pride, but I saw the way he looked at me on my birthday and it was like he couldn't believe that his little pal had grown up. I've been around for 20 years, and I honestly don't know how they've put up with me. From my Grandparents I got a cute little suitcase to take to Disney and the Jimmy Choo perfume that I'd had my eye on for months. It was a lovely little surprise and I am so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people. 

I wanted to spend what I had left of my birthday with my family so I booked us in for a meal at our local country pub. The Stanley Arms does the nicest food with the loveliest surroundings and it was so nice to sit around a big table with everyone that I love. Family are so important and birthdays make me realise that more than any other time of the year. We chatted about every topic under the sun although any political talk was banned as I didn't want any arguments over the dinner table. The restaurant had been decorated for the night and we were sat on a big round table in the middle of the room so that we could all see each other when we were talking. 

I ordered the traditionally British fish and chips for my meal and it was potentially the yummiest fish and chips I've ever had. We all tucked into our meals as the sun set on the corn fields next to the window. It was so beautiful and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my birthday. I've also put some cute family photos up there too because I love taking photos on birthdays, as annoying as it seems, I'm always that person with the camera out telling everyone to huddle together to get in for the photo. I'm smiling just thinking about the day. 

After the meal, we went back home, drank prosecco and cut my birthday cake. I wanted to opt for a Disney cake this year however I wasn't impressed with them so chose this pretty pink one with a flower on top instead. Although my birthday wasn't as extravagant as previous years, I still had the best day ever. Seeing everyone's tweets, Facebook posts, Instagram photos and all the lovely comments meant a lot to me and kept me smiling for the whole day. I'd also like to say that being in work on your birthday isn't all that bad, especially when you have an amazing boss and friends to keep you company. 

So, here's to my twenties. Lets hope it's full of love, laughter, adventures and a whole lot of magic!

Lots of Love,

Meg

xox

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Nineteen things I learned being 19

If you've been reading my blog for a while then I'm sure you'll be used to seeing these yearly blog posts. If you're new, welcome to the yearly tradition on my blog where I tell you all about the things I've learned in the past year of my life. I love going back and reading the previous years post because it helps me to see how much I've changed and gives me a positive outlook on the year ahead. In last year's post, I said that I couldn't quite believe that I was turning 20 the following year, and now the day has finally arrived. June 9th isn't only general election day, but it's the day I say goodbye to my teenage years. I could actually cry just writing that.

My final teenage year has been a tough one, and it makes me sad to say that it's been a year that I'd much rather forget. I've been bogged down with mental health issues, stress and it's been one of the lowest points in my life so far. However, I look back at the unhappy girl I was a year ago today, and I look at the happy soul who is writing this blog post and I'm so proud of how far I've come as a person. My setbacks have only made me stronger and they've come with their positives too! I managed to get a job which I love (and which I'm still in a year later), I've made so many new friends and I somehow managed to make it into the third year of University (I don't know how that happened either.) 

So without further ado. Here are the nineteen things I learned in my final year of being a teenager. 

1. Being in a job you love is so important

When I left my job at Disney Store, I was unemployed for six months. Not having a job was really getting me down; five months away from University with nothing to pre-occupy my mind was something that had a big impact on my mental health. However, one sunny day in June I landed a job working on a hair and beauty stall, and since then I've never looked back. I absolutely love my job and the people I work with which has made me realise just how important it is to be in a job that makes you happy. I wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work, not many people can say that.

 2.  I really like gin.
I'm aware that the photo above is of me with a pint of cider, however, gin is where my heart is at. I've figured it's the perfect drink to make you sound sophisticated and older. I suppose that's how I need to sound now that I'm *gulp* in my twenties.

3. Dentists aren't all that bad.

My final teenage year saw me conquer my fear of dentists and have two fillings. I'm so proud of myself I think I deserve recognition from the Queen or something. 

4. Never allow me to make my own drinks

I will never know how much vodka is too much vodka...until the morning after. 

5. It's possible to get all of your Uni work done a week before Deadline.

And come out with a high 2.1 at the end of it all.
But be prepared for a lot of tears and a week without sleep. 

6. Toxic people walk out so that beautiful people can walk in.
I met these two lovely ladies in my last year of being a teen, both of whom I met through my new job, and I can honestly say that they're wonderful. I was so down last year because I'd lost so many friends and I felt so alone. But now I'm thankful for all of the wonderful people I have in my life. I don't think I'd be here without them.

7. It's okay to have your own opinions.
As my confidence has grown, so have my opinions. Whenever you voice an opinion, there's always going to be people who will disagree with you but it's so important to remember that your opinion is so valid even if someone else tells you that it is wrong. Never let anyone make you feel bad because you feel a certain way, we're all human after all.

8. I love piña coladas
But not getting caught in the rain

9. Treat Yo'self
I've realised that it's so important to have a goal to work towards and to treat yourself once in a while. If you've been working hard all week and you go into Topshop and see a dress you really like, get it for yourself! You've earned it!

10. It'll turn out alright in the end, you'll see
And it always does. I look at the girl I was a year ago today, so scared and lonely and unhappy. I don't even recognise her. I'm so glad that I told someone about the way I was feeling and made an effort to get help. I've pushed myself to do so many things that are out of my comfort zone and although I'm not fully okay, which I don't think I ever will be, I'm so happy in my own skin. I'm proud of myself.

11. Talk about the way you're feeling
And never feel like you're annoying someone by confiding in them. I can guarantee that they'll want to help you. I'm really lucky to have such an understanding family and close group of friends who are always there for me when I need them and won't judge me when I have a meltdown.

12. Karma will come back around
And it's the most satisfying feeling when you see it serving justice.

13. I LOVE GARLIC BREAD
It's pretty self-explanatory, but if I could live off that stuff for the rest of my life then I would.

14. Going on holiday with people you don't know isn't all that bad
I think that going to Disneyland Paris and making so many wonderful friends has definitely been the highlight of my final teenage year. I couldn't have asked for better friends to be starting my twenties with, I'm so lucky that they came into my life. As I said before, toxic people leave your life so those wonderful individuals can take their place. In my case, they came with a little bit of pixie dust.

15. Never be ashamed of loving what you love.
I'm a 20-year-old girl with a slight Disney obsession, but I'm in no way ashamed. I'm so proud of it because it's part of who I am and if people can't accept that then they're not worth the time.

16. A long distance friendship can work if you try
Liv moved to London this year which meant that we were apart for months at a time. It could have taken its toll on our friendship but I can honestly say that it's brought us closer than ever. That's the sign of a friendship that's going to last a lifetime.

17. I have some seriously amazing friends
I know I rant on about how amazing they are, but they inspire me and overwhelm me with their kindness every single day. I can't begin to tell you how blessed I am to have them in my life.

18. Family's stick together no matter what
A lot has happened this year in my personal life, and although I talk about everything on here, there are some parts of my life that I like to keep quiet. However, I've realised just how strong my family are. We stick together, it's all for one and one for all. You hurt one, and you hurt us all. I love my Ohana.

19. Being a teenager was pretty awesome.
Okay, so I think I've got through my teenage years okay. I mean I've passed all of my exams, never got a detention, never got kicked out of college, got a job, got into Uni and I've learned not to mix four cocktails and tequila. HOWEVER, I think that it's true what they say, as much as you hate them, your teenage years are the best years of your life. I just hope my twenties will be able to live up to them!

Here's to my last day of being a teenager!

Lots of Love,
Meg
xox

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