5 Things That Make Me Happy

So this blog post is about five different things that make me happy. The reason why I wanted to make this video was because for the past week I have been really sick and stuck in bed all day with a cough. Since I couldn't do anything I was becoming bored and a tad upset ! So I decided to make a list of a few things that make me smile ! 

These are in no particular order so I'll start off with travelling. I love travelling. Whether it's a week long vacation or even just a road trip I think that going somewhere new and seeing different cultures is really important. When I get away it relieves so much stress and also helps me to put my problems into perspective. 

Second thing that makes me happy are my pets ! I have a bunny, a cat and two dogs. When you come home and see you pets all excited to see you , that just warms my heart. They are also good companions to have when an unexpected scary movie trailer comes on when you are home alone.. 

The third thing that makes me happy is tumblr. I love tumblr.  A lot. When I first starting using tumblr I was thinking " What's the big deal about this?" But then when you start following blogs and reblogging photos, you are hooked. I love seeing all the pretty photos and it makes my day when I stumble across a really sarcastic post. Here's my tumblr if any of you are interested... :) sundaymorningelegance.tumblr.com 

The fourth thing that makes me happy are my friends and family. I have a few close friends that I trust my life with, one of them I've known for 11 years ! I feel like this helps with our friendship because we both know what each other have been through. I'm also really lucky to have a close relationship with my sister and my dad, as this is usually uncommon for teenagers. 

The last thing on my list that makes me happy is simplicity !! I do  not like when things get complicated or cluttered and it actually stresses me out. So keep things simple - at home and with your relationships!

I hope that these five things also make you guys as happy as they make me. I made a video of this post on my youtube channel if you guys want to check it out, I'll leave the link down below. Unfortunately exams are coming up soon so there most likely won't be a post or video until they are done, but you can always check me out on twitter or instagram ! 

youtube.com/alyshagillan

Girly Reads

Now for anyone that knows me, they would know that I am SUCH a girly- girl. I love anything girly, pink and yes, glittery. hehe. I have trouble finding books that are made for a girly girl ! As I find that they are either too cheesy, or just have been looking in the wrong section. I have four books I wanted to share with you guys because if you love style, princesses, cupcakes and perfume, they are for you!

The first one is Lauren Conrad's Style book. I love this book because not only does it cover fashion and beauty, but it teaches you what will be useful in your closet and includes some beauty tutorials. The part that I really liked about it was the Key Pieces section, as well the travel section. I am a huge pack rat and hate to leave things behind when I'm going on a vacation, so the "Strategic Packing" page was super helpful so I don't need to bring two suitcases for a weekend get-away. And also, who doesn't want to take any advice from Lauren Conrad? 

Ok so the next book I got when I was a bit younger, maybe 14 or so, but I think that it is one the funnest books! It's Meg Cabot's Perfect Princess book. It's from the Princess Diaries saga and I have read this front to back countless times. It's really fun because they talk about anyone from "Perfect Princesses" such as Anastasia, to "Should-Be Princesses" like the Powerpuff girls. Anyone who had ever wanted, (or perhaps still wants) to be a princess should pick this up for helpful tips to become an everyday princess. 

(Ariel has and always will be my favourite Princess! Who is yours?)

The third book is delicious. Looking at the pages could easily induce drool. It's called "Bake Me I'm Yours... Cupcake Love" by Zoe Clark. If you love baking you need this book. It shows amazing cupcake designs as well as the original recipe in the back. I actually haven't tried to make any of the decorations yet, but I have baked the "Chocolate Temptation" recipe. It was to die for. 

 

The last one is a very elegantly presented book. It is written by Jo Glanville-Blackburn , " A Passion For Perfume." It is such a pretty book containing pictures of perfume bottles, flowers from which the scents are based upon and classy displays. It talks about the different kinds of perfumes, such as oriental classics, floral, oriental and a few more. Something that I found helpful about this was that you could read this book to get a feel of what scents intrigue you, so the next time you go to the shop your trip could be much easier. 

I really suggest that you check out these books for a light, fun read. I want to know if YOU have read any of these and what your thoughts were, and also I am more than happy to receive and suggestions on YOUR favourite girly books. 

Xo.

Happiness

Happiness is simple, right ? For some, that may not be the case. We get so upset when someone says something mean to us, but is that really why we're upset? Now I'm not saying that it's normal to be happy if someone says something mean, as no one likes to hear those things. What I am saying is the reason that some things affect us so deeply is because we truly think them about ourselves. Just think about. Perhaps you have put on a few extra pounds than you would have liked. You already are upset about the fact that you are gaining weight and the last thing you needed was that rude comment from someone. This only saddens you even more. Or let's say that one day you wake up with terrible blemishes all over and someone comments on it. The reason that we get so offended by this, is because someone is simply taking the words out of our head, and using them against us. 

Now with that being said, we cannot change those around us. We can only try to change ourselves and the way we react to things. This can be a long, and difficult process, but with time happiness can yours.

What we need is to come to peace with ourselves. For some of you reading this, you might be thinking that this is impossible. Everyday girls and boys, including myself, point out something negative about ourselves. "Oh my knees are too knobby", and "my hair is too frizzy". Why is it that we always jump to the physical aspects in a negative approach? Learning to compliment yourself on your inner traits, such as kindness, courage, etc, are so much more important.  I bet you know those girls who are so beautiful, girls are always jealous and all the guys fancy them. But once you take a look on the inside, you can see that they are broken. Even though I blog about beauty, it isn't everything. When you are able to compliment who you ARE and not your appearance, so much beauty will shine through. 

I believe that we can only become at peace with ourselves if we are willing too. If you hold negative energy in from something someone will say, you always remain upset. So next time someone does or says something mean, forgive them. Do not forgive them because they deserve it, but forgive them so you can be at peace. So you can move on. With this being said, do not let others take advantage of you so always stand up for yourself. Even confronting the person who said a rude comment, is a way of forgiveness. It gives you that sense of closure, and then you can be happy within.

I am still on my way to become at peace within, but I can already feel the difference. I have started doing yoga which I try to do at least 3 times a week, and it can easily be done at home. Be in a room, or outside, with no TV or computer on to distract you, put the cellphone away, close your eyes and relax.

Of course you are going to get bad days, it's a part of life. But in general you should be happy. There are so many beautiful places and moments and opportunities in life to let ourselves get in the way of it. 

Clear Your Mind

Lately I have been so stressed. With tons of exams and presentations my anxiety has been off the charts. Surely I cannot be the only one. When I feel stressed I feel like I will never be able to catch up with what it is that I'm doing and also that I won't be as prepared as I need to be. Whew ! As if stress wasn't bad enough to deal with, it can also take quite a toll on the body ! Being stressed can weaken the immune system, leaving you feeling ill. When I'm ill I often miss school, but this only makes me more stressed. What a vicious cycle ! Throughout high school I have found different methods to de-stress, making life a bit easier :) 

One thing to do when you're stressed is take a bubble bath. Get out your favourite bubbles, a few candles and soak. Imagine that all the stress is being washed off your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the task.

 ( Sex Bomb Bath Bomb from Lush, smells so heavenly )

If you find that the bath method didn't work , as all you could think about is how much you have to do or whatever it was that was stressing you, try going for a walk or for a run. I know that we're told not to run away from our obstacles, but I find myself literally doing that. When I get stressed I run so fast and just imagine myself running away from all the stress. This method really does help me and at the end of my run I feel like I have left all my stress behind me. 

( Gorgeous view of a nearby park )

However, if you feel a bit lazy or would just prefer not to go for a run, try listening to music. Go into the most relaxing room in your house (preferably your bedroom), dim the lights, lie down and listen to some music. I find that Skinny Love by Birdy , Boyce Avenue or anything that has a piano in the background is very calming. 

Life can be very stressful , and stress is inevitable. A bit of stress every now and then is quite normal, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. I hope that some of these methods will help you to relax so you can continue on happily with the day. 

 Xo

Sweet Spun Sugar

So today while I was at target I wound up in the candle isle, who would've guessed. But I came across this cute little candle that smells as good as it looks ! It is the Sweet Spun Sugar scented soy candle by scent portfolio. It smells EXACTLY like cotton candy! The thing I like about this candle that I normally don't find in sweet scents , is that it isn't overpowering. It leaves a light, but noticeable aroma of sugar in the room. How sweet !