Reflecting On 2019

Tuesday 31 December 2019

Hi everyone
So this is my last blog post of the year. I wanted to write and fill out a reflections questionnaire to share my favourite and worst parts of 2019.
What is your favourite 2019 memory?
I have so many highlights of this year. But one of my favourite moments was creating my cruelty free beauty shopping series back in January (click here to view the video playlist). The first episode (which was filmed in The Range) was shared on their Instagram page. I felt as though it was a sign from the universe that I was on the right track so I made 10 more episodes in different stores across the UK.
What have you achieved this year that you are most proud of?
Not quitting making videos or blogging. I've struggled with my mental health on and off so I've not been able to post as regularly as I would of liked. Sometimes I've let the self doubt creep in which tells me that my content isn't good enough compared to other creators. I'm still working on rewiring my brain to focus on what I'm doing and my progression rather than looking at everyone else. But it's easier said than done when you are having a down day, log onto social media and everything appears picture perfect. It's important to remember that social media isn't real life and often just a highlight of the best parts.
Which day would you relive from 2019?
Making chocolate easter eggs with Bumble at Studio Chocolate on one of the hottest days of the year.  I released my inner artist and ate chocolate at the same time.  It was a good day.
What have you learnt in 2019?
1.Self care should always be a priority. Your battery has to be fully charged first before you help anyone else. You can't help others in the best way possible when you are on 2% battery yourself.
2. Don't compare yourself to other people (it's easier said than done as I'm working on it myself) Try and focus on your progression, how far you've come and the baby steps forward that you are taking. You matter and you do make a difference.
3. You aren't going to be everyone's cup of tea. Some people aren't going to like you and for absolutely no reason which is OK. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. Be polite and kind to everyone you meet as you don't know what they are going through.  
How have you grown in 2019?
In Vlogmas episode 1, I opened up about my struggles with mental health and reaching out for help which I've never shared online before. So many people reached out and told me they have felt the same way or they are also seeking help. Which made me feel less alone and supported.
What has been my biggest struggle this year?
Mental health, comparing myself to others, not being able to function on some days but that's OK. It's apart of being human.
What is my reflection for the coming year?
I hope 2020 is full of fun days out and events to vlog because I love taking you along with me to new places. I'd love to film more beauty and food reviews. 
What will I let go of?
Perfectionism
What are most looking forward to in 2020?
A fresh beginning and grabbing each and every opportunity presented to me.

I can't wait to see what 2020 has in store. What's going to happen in the next decade? Let's find out and make it a good one. Thank you everyone for your support this year. I'm wishing you a Happy New Year🎉
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley 
Xxx
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Vlogmas Week 3

Tuesday 24 December 2019

Hi everyone
The final instalment of vlogmas is now live on my YouTube channel.
Welcome to Week 3 (but not quite)
Last week I was unfortunately struck down by the flu and I wasn't able to film anything (well not unless you want to watch 10 minutes of me coughing which I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate). So I decided to film a long and chatty daily vlog including one of my favourite things to do which is shopping. It's one of the first videos that I created on my channel so I wanted to bring it back.
I received some PR mail from Slow Ageing Essentials they kindly gifted me a facial oil which I shall be testing out in the new year. Video or blog post? you decide!
When I visited Nottingham I popped into The Disney Store, Superdrug and Aldi. But what did I buy?Well you will have to watch the video below to find out.
If you would like some bonus festive content then why not head over to my Instagram and watch me unbox my Christmas Eve box. Click here to be redirected.
Thanks for all of your support in 2019. If you've subscribed, liked, shared, tweeted, dm'd, commented. Anything ending in "ed". It means so much to me :)
Merry Christmas
I hope you have a fabulous holiday!
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx
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Vlogmas Week 2

Friday 20 December 2019

Hi everyone!
Welcome to week 2 of vlogmas. This week I put up the Christmas tree, voted in the general election, shared my thoughts on the results, browsed local charity shops in Long Eaton for Christmas decorations and answered your burning questions. It was a jam packed week.
I've really enjoyed filming vlogmas so far. Although, I have found it difficult to film no matter what happens (fun activities are easy to do but it's the mundane ones like putting my bins out that I question. I've learnt to take a deep breath and film it anyway. Take that self doubt!).

At the end of the day it doesn't matter who you are. We all have to pay our bills, shop for food and put our bins out. In my vlog I mentioned that I always find the recycling bin a nightmare towards Christmas as it gets rather full quickly. Does yours? let me know in the comments below.

On the 12th December the UK had a general election and I don't usually share my political opinions online. However this week I shared my thoughts and disappointment with the result. Despite the outcome and what's next for this country. I think it's important to focus on the positives and what you can do to make the world a better place. We all have the ability to make a difference which leads me on to talk about a fellow online creator who is doing something fabulous for charity. The power of the internet is an amazing thing.

Ladbaby has released his second Christmas charity single "I love sausage rolls" and all of the proceeds will go to The Trussell Trust which is charity that stops hunger here in the UK. This money will fund food banks and it will help so many families and those who are unfortunately living in poverty,
So please download the single and support him or perhaps you could add a couple of canned items from your weekly shop to a food bank donation box. The other day I picked up a can of baked beans, rice, bread and bottled water to donate. In the words of Tesco "Every Little Helps!"
So anyway enjoy the video and I'll see you next week for the final installment.
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx
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Vlogmas Week 1

Sunday 15 December 2019

Hi everyone
I'm attempting weekly vlogmas this year. Hooray!
If you have been living underneath a rock and you don't know what vlogmas is. Vlogmas is filming and uploading a video everyday up until Christmas Eve. I've been put off filming previous years as I didn't think my life was entertaining enough to upload or share anything. One of my flaws (which i'm working on) is that I compare myself to other creators. However this year I've decided that I'm not going to compare myself anymore. I'm going to upload my everyday real mundane life.  I posted my thoughts to Twitter and a viewer got in contact and reminded me that the things which I find boring  could actually be really interesting to others to watch. Which was a great point and gave me the push to start filming. Thank you.

The reality of vlogmas is that all of the amazing things you see other creators do for the festivities are often the best bits. They don't necessarily show the struggles that they are facing behind the scenes. Christmas can be a hard time for so many people including myself. I think it's important to be kind and considerate to eachother.
I hope you enjoy my first week of vlogmas. I take a trip to feed the ducks at my local pond, browse Aldi for the latest beauty bargains, recommend my favourite ASDA beauty products which i'm loving currently and have a chat about my journey with counselling and coginitive behaviour therapy for anxiety.
Enjoy!

Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx

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