My Natural Highs

Hey guys!

So before I discuss my own natural highs I want to tell people what a natural high even is.

Urban dictionary describes them as 'A state of being in an extraordinarily happy mood or being 'high' without drugs or alcohol.' It's the fact that doing things you enjoy releases natural feel-good chemicals in the brain like dopamine, which regulates movement, emotion, motivation and pleasure.

Basically it's feeling good without drugs or alcohol and it's easier than you think.

Reasons that natural highs are better than artificial ones;

-There are no side effects- there are no harmful consequences like there is with artificial highs, making you and your body feel better. In fact natural highs actually give a positive effect on your mental health in the long term too!

- Natural highs last longer- As I said in my previous post, whats the point of a few hours of feeling good using artificial highs, when you spend the next day feeling like you're at deaths door? Natural highs last as long as you want them too and you can also replicate this again as many times as you want. Whereas with alcohol and drugs replication to feel good can lead to severe addiction. So natural highs can be reproduced easily without addiction.

- Chemicals in drugs and alcohol drop functions in the brain and body meaning you're not in control anymore. It also loses mental control which in the long term damages you both emotionally and physically.

So now onto my Natural Highs. I did a lot of thinking about this and realised I have more than I thought.

The first one is very broad and it's simply creativity. I've always been really creative and it's something that I still love doing. Whether it's through drawing and DIY or through my photography and making my YouTube videos, I still get the same feelings. When you are proud of something that you've created you get a warm fuzzy feeling, a euphoric feeling and there's nothing better. It gets even nicer when you get compliments on something that you made, making a natural high.

The second one is music. It's such a simple one yet so important to me. I don't think I go a day without listening to music and I have such a varied taste in music because if I hear a song where I like the music or the lyrics I'll keep on listening to it no matter what the style. It goes from pop music, dance music, punk music, old music, and all in between. When you are down and listen to that one song that lifts your spirits, it's amazing how great it can make you feel. I don't know how it happens but it just makes you feel good. When I went to V-Festival I experienced a natural high myself. I was on top of my friends shoulders, above a crowd of thousands of people, listening to my favourite music being sung. My friends were laughing and singing around me and even though it was freezing, it was one of the best feelings of my life.

Obviously one of the easiest natural highs is hanging around with the people that make you smile, whether that's friends or family. There's no better feeling than when you're laughing with the people you care about and it can cheer you up so easily when you're down. I know being around people when you're in a bad mood doesn't appeal to people but it really does make you feel better. Or the warm feeling of have a deep connection with someone, you just can't beat it.

And lastly is quite a strange one that I haven't really seen before but it's visiting beautiful places. I've stood in front of a view before that's so mind blowing I just stand there with my mouth open. And somehow it makes me feel good inside. Taking in your surroundings and visiting new places is so important when finding your natural high and I guess just looking at a beautiful creation makes me feel this way.

The remarkable part of natural highs is that they come from inside. You are the originator of your own personal exhilaration and you are the sole one who can experience this high.

I hope this gave you a better insight into natural highs, and how they can actually effect you for the better.

As always join us at Natural High or keep up to date with our social media sites by using the tag #TheNaturalHighProject. Also tweet me 0SarahHelene0 for a chance to be featured in my next blog post!

Stay Happy

Sarah

Saying No || Natural High Project

Today's theme is Saying No.

Peer pressure is so common now a days because it's the social norm for teenagers to drink or do drugs. But I'm one of the few individuals that says no to both.

Peer pressure started for me when I was about 15/16. My brother is two years older so I just knew that going out and getting drunk was quite a regular thing. The pressure came from my year group at parties and gatherings where everyone thought they were cool because they drank and they were underage. That's when I first felt it because I did used to drink then. I never got drunk but I made sure I had a bottle in my hand and occasionally drank from it to make it seem like I did. I guess I just wanted to fit in and not for anyone to ask me any questions about why I didn't drink.

But then I realised that I didn't like the effect it had on my body. It makes my head feel weird and some people might feel good that way but I most certainly didn't. 

But as I turned 16 I realised that what's the point in even pretending, it doesn't do me any good, in fact it ruined my night because it made me feel worse and sick so really I was having bad times just to please the people around me. So I stopped. And when people asked I just said, 'I don't drink.' And at first of course I got people calling me or asking me why not but I just kept repeating myself. And growing up doing that, you realise that it does get easier and easier to say no to peer pressure and not care what people think of you when you say that. I had one comment where they said, 'how can you not drink? I'm really boring when I haven't had a few.' And I just looked him in the eye and said, 'That just shows what your personality is like.' 

Because not drinking will never stop me from going out. I'm out every single time my friends are and I always have a great night. I'm always the first and the last one dancing and I don't need any alcohol to make me be this way. I sometimes get people telling me I'm drunk and when I tell them I'm completely sober they don't believe me, so I just leave them to it because if they want to think that then let them. I know now that I don't need to give excuses as to why I don't drink. 

I'm not against people who actually do drink, I won't give someone a hard time unless it ruins their night, because I know they brought it on themselves. For myself I've realised that there's more important things in life than getting so drunk I don't remember the amazing night I had. 

Luckily now the people I actually care about know that I don't drink so they have the respect to not pressure me and the people I don't care about just get a polite decline. That's all from just saying no, eventually they just gave up trying so if you are going through peer pressure then just know as long as you keep just saying no, it does get easier.

I didn't get properly introduced to drugs until recently in university. Drugs like weed, cocaine and MDMA are popular, but just like alcohol, drugs just didn't interest me. I recently saw a guy nearly overdose on many different drugs and he was throwing up everywhere and not able to stand up. I just don't understand why you would want to be like that. What's the point of a few hours feeling great when you spend the next day feeling the worst? It is really worth it? It's the same with alcohol, it only lasts a night and I love waking up in a morning feeling fresh whilst all my friends around me have hangovers. 

What I'm saying is that it gets easier. Take a deep breath, politely say 'No thanks,' and move on. If they carry on just keep replying with the same thing. And if they become forceful I think you really need to reconsider the people you hang out with.

And as you get older it does get a lot easier, people care less what you do and leave you to yourself. Trust me.

As always join us at Natural High or keep up to date with our social media sites by using the tag #TheNaturalHighProject. Also tweet me 0SarahHelene0 for a chance to be featured in my next blog post!

Stay Happy you beautiful people,

Sarah

The Natural High Project

Hello guys and Happy New Year!! 

Today I wanted to talk to you about this amazing campaign I'm involved in, along with many other bloggers, teens and even celebrities. 

So what is The Natural High Project you might ask?

Natural High is a substance abuse prevention organisation that inspires young people to find their natural highs (rush of adrenaline, something that makes you smile) through living their dreams and aspirations without the use of drugs or alcohol. So I've teamed up with The Natural High, along with some other awesome bloggers, to show you how to find your own love for something.

The other bloggers include:

Mallory from Chromo Beauty

Christopher from Christopher's Fashion

Courtney from Courtney's Voice

Over the next 5 days me and the team will be coming to you with a series of different themes about finding your own natural high and the benefits from a life without drug and alcohol abuse. We're all teenagers ourselves and so we feel that it's better to come from our mouths than those of adults who don't understand us as much.

We want to help you find an alternative way to keep a smile on your face, having fun and staying safe.

Join us at Natural High or keep up to date with our social media sites by using the tag #TheNaturalHighProject. Also tweet and share this picture on other social media sites to join in on all the fun!

and most importantly don't forget to stay happy!

Sarah

Autumn Lookbook!

So my newest video is my Autumn Lookbook including affordable clothes from Primark, New Look and Boohoo. I was so excited to film this video!

Check it out here>> Autumn Lookbook

So I'll get started on the looks.

The first one is a cute girly one, with the dress and the long socks, but also has an urban look to it with the checkered shirt and chunky winter boots.

The dress is a new purchase from Boohoo and it's a soft black material with a turtle neck to keep you warm. I've only worn it for this shoot but I've fallen in love with it immediately, I might even have to get it in different colours!

The shirt was actually given to me but it's bigger than my normal size so it looks baggy. I wear this shirt with most of my clothes, with the sleeves rolled up and it makes a great jacket. I do know that it's from New Look though where there are some amazing shirts at the minute.

The knee high socks are just everyday ones that you can pretty much get from anywhere. I think they're good with this outfit because you can keep yourself warm whilst also looking good. I think they look great with the boots too.

The boots are another new purchase from New Look. I wanted some winter boots for ages and fell in love with these ones. They're a bit pricier at just under £30 but I think they're worth it for the winter months because they keep my feet nice and warm and are really sturdy and comfortable too.

The next look is a more casual one that I'd probably wear to a lecture or to go shopping in. 

My top is actually from Primark and it was an incredible £3! So I bought one in black and grey. Even though they're cropped tops and look thin they actually keep you really warm. It must be the material they're made of.

My jeans are also from Primark and they're just plain black ones that were £7. I added the rips in the knees myself making them look more expensive than they actually are and I think that's a better idea than buying some with rips in. I've done this to a number of my jeans myself.

My shoes are another new purchase from Boohoo. They're chunky loafers that have quite a high heel on them but I think they'll go with a lot of my clothes and I can't wait to wear them out.

And lastly is my scarf which is also from Primark. It was only £6 and it's reversible, so each side has a different thing on it. I love the dark colours because I think they match my clothes the most. This is also one of the warmest scarves I've ever owned, I'm forever wrapping it round me when I'm out and even when I'm at home.

And this outfit is probably one of my favourites.

Firstly the top is from Primark again (I'm in love) and it's the perfect autumn/winter cropped top. The sleeves are long and warm and the material is super soft, I'll be wearing it a lot this winter.

And these jeans I'm also in love with. I've wanted a pair of boyfriend jeans for ages and I finally bought these ones from Boohoo with huge rips in. These are so comfy, and I feel I could wear them in the day but also if I was to go out at night with a really nice pair of heels. 

And lastly the heels I actually bought from Manchester Market in the Arndale. I shop there a lot for my shoes because they're not that expensive and they're great quality too. They're easy to walk in and they're really comfy too so I feel I could wear them for a full night out. 

And my last outfit was an unplanned one so I don't have any pictures but you'll know what I'm talking about if you've seen the video. This is my comfy outfit and I wear this every time I'm in my room or halls.

The top is from New Look and it's just a simple high neck black top with no sleeves. It's so comfy and I can lounge around in it all day. 

The joggers I grabbed in the sale at Forever 21 because I haven't actually got a pair. These are lined inside so they're super soft and comfortable and they were also a bargain so I'm happy!

My favourite slippers are only £3 from Primark and they're the softest thing I've ever felt. They also have little sticky pads of the bottom so I don't go sliding down the corridor when I wear them.

The headphones that I wear in my video are some I bought from Urbanears and they're the Plattan ones in white. These have great sound quality which is great for editing or listening to music.

My dressing gown I've actually had a while so couldn't remember where I got it from but I've found out it's from a shop/brand called Camille which make super soft and comfy night wear and it must be good quality if I've had this one for a few years!

So that's all my outfits from my Autumn Lookbook.

If you haven't already, you can check it out here>> Autumn Lookbook

Thanks for watching/reading and let me know which outfit is your favourite?

Stay Happy!

Sarah

New Autumn Beginnings!

So it's been a while!! Actually it's been over a month! So disgraceful of me and I'm actually ashamed because I've had so many things happen in my life. 

Obviously I'm still settling into my university environment so that's taken a while to get used to, my schedule and living alone but I think I'm getting the hang of it.

I also feel as though I've sort of had an epiphany this week. I feel refreshed and like I can achieve anything. Blog and video ideas have been spurting out of my head so quickly I've hardly had time to write them all down. I feel as though I needed a small break from my blog and YouTube because I'd run out of ideas and lots of things got in the way. I had a few off weeks where I stayed in bed for most of it due to my anxiety and a horrible cold and I also started seeing someone so I spent most of my time with them.

But now I've been able to divide my time between my work and my hobby because I'm so determined not to give this up! Because I enjoy doing it so much. And yes I have a lot of work due soon but I think it's possible to balance my work and my relaxing time very well. 

So I am back on the scene so you'd better watch out for more blog posts and videos to be up soon because I'm so excited to get back into it!

Also if you have any promoting tips for my blog and YouTube, I'd be very grateful for your help!

As always, Stay Happy

Sarah

Fall/Autumn Make-up Look

 So I filmed a quick makeup tutorial the other day. It's a fall/autumn makeup look with a gold eye and a bold lip. I've also used all drugstore makeup so that it's affordable for everyone. You could also wear it with a less bold lip and use it for an everyday make-up because it's so quick and easy to do.

So the first thing I do is apply my foundation. I use the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory and used my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to blend it in to my face.

I then used the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer to cover up any blemishes I had left.

And finally for my base I used my Rimmel Clear Complexion Powder to set my foundation. I love using this powder because it's translucent so doesn't give my skin a different colour. I used my Real Techniques Buffing Brush with my powder.

 For my brows I've been using the L'Oreal Paris Superliner in Brunette 03. I love using this because I have quite defined brows anyway so I use it to fill them in slightly.

For eyeshadow I used the MUA Undress Me Too Palette which is one of my favourite make-up palettes. It only costs £4 and I must use it every day for my casual make-up. 

Firstly I put the colour Shy (1) over my lids which is a shimmery light colour for a base. I then used Devotion (2), which is a really nice gold colour, for the outside of my lids going about 3/4 of the way in. And finally I used Obsessed (3) for the crease of my eye lid to add definition.

I then used the MUA Intense Colour Eyeliner in Rich Brown to line the bottom of my lash line. I then just used a simple brush to blend it to make it look a bit more smokey. And finally I curled my lashes and used the L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara which is quickly becoming one of my favourite mascaras. It works really well with my eyelashes, making them long and full of volume.

For my cheeks I used the Make-up Revolution Baked Bronzer in Ready To Go. I use this bronzer nearly everyday and for £4 it's amazing quality. And finally for highlighter I used my favourite one, the Mememe Beat The Blues Highlighter in Pearl Pink. I applied little blobs to highlight my brow bone and also on my cheekbone.

And finally for lipstick I used my new favourite autumn colour which is the Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Lipstick in #30. It's a really pretty dark plum shade that looks amazing in autumn/fall.

So that's all the make-up I used in my tutorial, if you haven't checked the video out, watch it here!

Thanks for reading,

Stay Happy

Sarah

Spy Love Buy Wishlist

So this is the first wishlist of a few because I've been doing lots of window shopping at the minute for Autumn clothes! So there will be a lot of wishlists on here soon. 

The first one is from Spy Love Buy and I'm in love with pretty much all of their shoe collection but these are my favourites.

Firstly are these tan coloured heeled boots that have my favourite cleated sole on them! I fell in love with these soles when they first came out and I still love them just as much! These shoes are also only £32.95 with free UK delivery which i think is amazing for the quality of shoes that they look! I think these will look perfect with a pair of boyfriend jeans and a leather jacket in autumn and winter.

http://www.spylovebuy.com/boots-c1/ankle-boots-c27/rugged-block-heel-cleated-sole-platform-ankle-boots-tan-nubuck-leather-style-p2598

Next are the cute little black dolly shoes. These remind me so much of my old school shoes and I never thought they would ever come back into fashion, but I find myself really wanting a pair! I think these will look so cute with a pretty girly dress or even a pair of leggings and a cute flowy shirt! Also can be worn with nice frilly socks in autumn and winter when it's colder!

http://www.spylovebuy.com/shoes-c3/flat-shoes-c25/nicely-flat-cut-out-geek-shoes-black-patent-p2217

And on the bottom are a pair of patent black boots. I recently bought some like this but not as low, so I've been looking for some that I can wear out shopping instead of really high ones for a night out! I really like these shoes and I think they'll look nice with any kind of jeans or leggings and a nice leather jacket for autumn,

http://www.spylovebuy.com/shoes-c3/flat-shoes-c25/nicely-flat-cut-out-geek-shoes-black-patent-p2217

And last are these knee high boots that I fell in love with as soon as I saw! I've wanted knee high boots for so long but didn't know whether I would pull them off so I'll have to try some on this autumn. There was a girl in college that wore a pair of these regularly and I never asked her where they were from but I'm so glad I found a pair! That's why they're on my wishlist. I think they will look great with jeans tucked in and cute quilted coat in the colder weather.

http://www.spylovebuy.com/boots-c1/riding-boots-c96/zara-block-heel-knee-high-riding-boots-black-leather-style-p1106

So that's my autumn wishlist from Spy Love Buy and you should check them out because I'm obsessed with their shoes at the minute!

Stay Happy

Sarah