Nadine Alex

New Year, New Decade, Same Me

Hey guys,

Happy new year!

So I am the most unorganised person when it comes to blogging. But in my defence my dad did break my laptop for a few weeks and then December came around and I was so busy. Plus, I know its the 12th December but I did start this post on New Years Day.

I can't believe its actually 2020. We haven't started a new year but a new decade! In work I have felt lazy writing the short date as /20 as I feel like I am missing the last 2 digits after 20 (if you get me). These years are flying by... There's been a lot of tears, a lot more of laughter and even a lot more hard work. When I think of the years that have flown by since I thought 2015/16 was a pretty good year. Then 2018 came by and it was the worst year going. But 2019 was somewhat amazing. And I am sure 2020 is gonna be even better. Instead of doing New Year's resolutions (because I never follow them tbh) I am going to set myself some goals.

Summary of 2019

So I started the year drunk and loosing my purse but realising it and finding it. Luckily yet standard. I ended up out New Year's Day out with some friends and bar staff and was such a good way of starting the year off.
I got another 4 tattoos...I might do a post where I show off my tattoos and the meanings behind them. We'll see.
I had my first Christmas Do at my new job.
Me, my mum and sister had our first spa day.
My cousin had a beautiful baby girl, Katie Sue on 22nd April weighing only 4lb 13oz. Such a dot.
Liverpool came 2nd in the Premier League (by 1 point) but 2019/20 season is their year.
Went to see Zara Larsson in Manchester and my friend announced she was pregnant. She is due her baby boy next week.
Went to see Olly Murs and Westlife.
Liverpool won the Champions League against Tottenham.
I became an auntie for the first time to my beautiful, gorgeous, amazing nephew Arthur George. He was born 4th July weighing 8lb 6oz. I am literally besotted with him.
Me and my friends climbed Moel Famau.
I went on a big family holiday to Gran Canaria.
Liverpool won the World Champions Cup.
Conquered my fears and actually went ice skating for the first time in 9 years.
Me and my brother got a lot closer. If you have been following me for a while you may have read about how my brother suffers with high testosterone levels in which he suffers with angry outbursts and depression and quite a lot I took the brunt of it. But this year he has been so much positive and has achieved so much.

Goals for 2020

Drink more water
Save into my savings & ISA each month
Driving lessons & tests! - High importance
Be more committed to blogging
Eat more healthily - cut down on sugary drinks, alcohol, and junk food
Cut down on amount of nights out and do more adventures and outdoor activities
Exercise more
Get up half an hour earlier to do a proper skincare routine
Use Bloglovin & Twitter a lot more but also get off my phone a bit more...I am addicted

Have you sent any goals for this year?

Nadine Alex x

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, by Nadine Alex

In health, lifestyle

How I Deal With Migraines

Hey guys,

As most people know I am a chronic migraine sufferer. I have suffered constant migraines for about 4 years now. They all of a sudden started when I was in university and working part time as well as living the usual student night life. My migraines usually affect my temples, forehead, back of the head and hurts one of my eyes to the point where I become sensitive to light.

Over the 4 years I have become a lot better in controlling my lifestyle and triggers I think could be causing my migraines. I found that it's literally trial and error and can be completely different for every person. I still sometimes have to cancel things out with the doctors to find the right selection; they've changed my medication quite a few times. On the good days, the pain is just a normal headache or a mild throbbing sensation. But on the other days, there is a really intense tightening pressure, in which I feel like my head is going to explode. Some days, I actually struggle to get out of bed. Not even being dramatic...

Paracetamol/Sumatriptan | I tend not to take tablets unless it's a necessity as I like to try and ride the migraine out without putting anything into my body. If it's a really bad migraine I'll take my prescribed sumatriptan as it usually kicks in within 2 hours and if it doesn't your allowed to take the second dosage.

Water | Water is an essential to daily habits anyways and everyone knows the benefits of drinking water. But I've found that when I get the early signs of a migraine it will be when I haven't drank that much water. Dehydration is a massive trigger.

Photo Cred: Pexels

Sleep | I always find that putting myself to bed, especially in a dark room, even if it's for a little bit can help massively. It's quite difficult if I'm in work or out and about when I get an attack but if I'm at home or near my home then this is my go to.

Kool 'n' Soothe Migraine Head Strips | These are a god send! At first when I saw them being advertised and in the shops, I was very skeptical. They are soft gel sheets which provide an instant cooling relief (a bit like an ice pack you was given in school for a bump - they were never that cold ahah). They usually last 8 hours which is more than an enough for a migraine attack.

Photo Cred: Google

Ease pressure on your head | I always find if my ponytail is too tight it can cause a lot of tension - God knows how Ariana Grande copes with her ponytails. I also find if I wear headphones instead of earphones they can create unnecessary pressure.

Regular sleep hours | Okay... I'm still learning this one. Im useless. I used to work in food retail so used to work all kind of hours which could be early's to day shifts to night shifts so never gad any pattern. In this job I now work 8:30-4:30pm so should be in a routine. But I'm still a sucker for going to bed late and getting out of bed 20 minutes before I suppose to leave. I tend to get tired easily after work so have naps. Maybe I should cut the naps out and then I wouldn't go to bed so late haha.

Photo Cred: Pexels

Unwinding and switching off | I always like to get a hot bubble bath after work and sometimes include lush products. Once or twice a week I like to use face masks to help my skin and have a detox. I like to try and not go on my phone half an hour to an hour before bed and try and read a book. If I'm not in the mood for reading I'll put an easy tv show (e.g Friends of Fresh Prince) that can help me fall asleep.

Photo Cred: Pexels

Limit chocolate and salty foods | I have found that if I'm having one of the days where I'm craving chocolate ands salty foods I am more likely to have an attack.

I have my Daith pierced as I heard that quite a lot of people who have migraines believe it can relieve the pressure - similar to acupuncture. A daith piercing is a piercing in the fold of the cartilage that is just a move the entrance to the ear canal. I've had it done for a year now and although I still I get migraines I have noticed that I don't get as many attacks. They say (even though there isn't any scientific research) that the piercing 'activates' a pressure point which relieves tension on one of the impulses that is connected to the brain. I used to get about 3 a week whereas now I get 3 a month, if that.

Photo Cred: Google

Nadine Alex x

_______________________________________________________________________________

Treat yourself over at Coconut Lane - www.coconut-lane.com

Use the code 'nadinealex20' at the checkout for 20% off

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, by Nadine Alex

In lifestyle,

My Favourite Female Characters

Hey guys,

One of my favourite things to do is watch movies and binge watch TV series' so I think it's about time I did a review on a few of my film and TV favourites - in particular my favourite female characters and how they have been strong advocates for empowerment.

I love my nights out but I would choose a night in with a good film/series with a takeaway and munchies, snuggled up on the couch with a blanket. I've always been that kinda girl. I even do a club in high school called 'Film Club' which ran on a Saturday. Yes Saturday you read that right...We would to school on a Saturday and watch a different film each time in the school hall and then would go to the ICT room and write up a review. I felt that this started my Saturday's off right as it was 9:30am start (includes breakfast beforehand and popcorn and sweets throughout the film) and would be finished by 1pm. Then we had the day to be productive. Nowadays, people would be lucky if I'm up by 1pm because of my nights out haha.

Fallon Carrington - Dynasty

Fallon Carrington has got to be up there as one woman I inspire to in TV as she is an independent, fiery, intelligent, business savvy and knows what she wants. Fallon ends up standing up to her millionaire dad when she disagrees with his morals and decides she is strong and powerful enough by herself to create her own dynasty. Although she can be manipulative and use people's feelings against them for her own benefit, she shows that even when they get revenge she still has a strong willpower and nothing will get her down.

Photo Cred: Google

Princess Leia - Star Wars

Princess Leia is a strong minded and intelligent woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind even when she was confronted by the biggest villains (Darth Vader). She was quick thinking, headstrong and fierce which led to her determination to succeed in every task she set. Even though she was a Princess she never used her royalty to gain respect and basically showed that the name Princess was just a tile. Her main priority was to help those who needed her the most. She actually showed more braveness than her twin brother Luke. She definitely wore the trousers there and the trousers in her relationship with Han Solo.

Photo Cred: Google

Elle Woods - Legally Blonde

Well firstly, our first impression of Elle Woods is that she is a spoilt sorority sister who is looking to be engaged to her posh/rich boyfriend. However, the date didn't go to plan as he was actually breaking up with her instead of proposing. Then what I did initially think made her character worse was the fact she was changing herself and her personality to win him back. 10 out of 10 for efforts though. However, once she was accepted into Law school, Elle actually saw the other side to herself and recognised that she didn't need to win a man over as she was actually capable herself and she just needed to find herself. Elle Woods was pushed to her limits a few times but showed that nothing was going to stop her and she used her knowledge and confidence to help others. Although she was ditzy (and slightly guliable), she was still very thoughtful (even to those who pushed her to her limits) and intellectual. She solved a murder crime and found a guy who is way better than her ex...how can she not be up there?!

Photo Cred: Google

Olive Penderghast - Easy A

I love Olive just for the reason that she doesn't care what people think of her but when it does get too much she stands up for herself. She doesn't care who the bully is. At first she allows them to take advantage of her as she is helping them out in tricky situations (with their partners and to become popular etc) but it gets to the point where she becomes unhappy and is slut shamed by everyone so puts a stop to it. She's clever, funny and remembers to put her happiness first.

Photo Cred: Google

Kat Stratford - 10 Things I Hate About You

This is one of my favourite films. I loved Heath in this. Julia Stiles is an amazing actress. Why her character is my favourite in this film is because she isn't your typical high school student. Her younger sister, Bianca, is a girly-girl who is popular amongst everyone whereas Kat is the kinda girl who doesn't care what people thinks, and is very snarky towards people. Kat is smart yet rebellious and stubborn but is only like that due to past issues and trying to be the productive sister to Bianca. Kat comes across as a know-it-all (even to the teachers) but she actually is vulnerable and kind, but its just getting past that guard.

Photo Cred: Google

Matilda & Miss Honey

This film never gets older! Matilda is one of my favourite characters because she is so young and has such a lazy, conning and mean family (and headteacher) yet she is such a sweetheart. Matilda's family comes across toxic and she realises this and very young age and disconnects herself away from them so that doesn't have the negative influence on her life. Matilda is a strong, feminine protagonist. She is very independent, bright and clever little girl and puts her friends needs above her own. As I watched Matilda when I was young myself, she actually promoted reading and I have that as a passion since. I hope I have a child like Matilda some day.
Whilst on the topic of Matilda, can I just say I love Miss Honey too. Since I was a child I have wanted to become a teacher and she is one of my inspirations. Yes she's an actress and isn't actually a teacher but the acting of a teacher is an inspiration. The way she teaches the children through fun activities (songs, poems & colours) and the way she cares for the children like they are her own. I pray one day I can be a Miss Honey when I become a teacher.

Photo Cred: Google

Bridget Jones

Everyone can relate to Bridget Jones. We've all been there with doing something embarrassing and feeling that dread. Bridget is awakard, cringey yet hilarious and loveable. Bridget never lets herself get down and if she does, she picks herself right up. She has a lot of fun in which she would be a ball to hang around with. We need a Bridget in our life.

Photo Cred: Google

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) - Avengers

To be honest I never gave Black Widow a thought in Avengers, even though she is a main character. I think I was more into Thor, Captain America and Iron Man. But in Avengers Endgame, my mind completely switched. Sorry for spoilers if you haven't seen it* - Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow was the only character to have not given up on hope of finding the missing people. In one scene she sacrificed herself in order to help bring back the missing people. Black Widow outsmarted Hawkeye for the greater good of saving half the universe. She sacrificed herself as she explained that Hawkeye had a family he needed to get back. Natasha was also level-headed and strong willing woman. She was also an intelligent and flirty yet vulnerable woman who had a sarcastic sense of humour but tried her hardest she show that she had no emotion.

Photo Cred: Google

Nadine Alex x

_______________________________________________________________________________

Treat yourself over at Coconut Lane - www.coconut-lane.com

Use the code 'nadinealex20' at the checkout for 20% off

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Instagram: @nadineealex_97

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, by Nadine Alex

In lifestyle,

She's Off It Again

Hey guys,

These past few weeks I have been suffering so bad with having emotional breakdowns and having bad days. Although my sister gave birth to my gorgeous nephew (a blog post will follow) and he puts a smile on my face everyday, I still get some moments when I switched. Nothing to say but feeling like utter sh*t.

When I feel like utter sh*t, there is no speaking to me unless you want me to upset you. I don't feel like doing anything, don't want to be around anymore, or anyone to touch me. I'm not really a hugger and I'm not very good at opening up with my emotions and tell people 'I'm fine' when I will actually be in bed wiping the tears off my face. Even on bad days I won't cancel my plans as I don't want to sound 'anti-social' or 'rude' so I go out and sometimes it can help distract me but sometimes it can make me worse.

Phones are such a distraction - I'll be doing something productive whether its mediating through my colouring book, blogging, reading, and taking photographs etc - yet I'll go on my phone for a quick scroll and I'll still be on it 10 minutes + later - and usually it will be for nothing important. So this time around I have decided that I am actually gonna do a social media detox. I've set myself a timescale for now as Saturday I have a busy day with some friends so I have taken myself off social media Sunday to Friday to see how I feel within the week. I have decided to limit my Twitter use as I need this for my blogging and I have kept my Instagram as I use this to message quite a few people and use it for inspiration for certain things. But Facebook, Messenger and Snapchat - I've Offloaded and turned notifications off on my iPhone. Social media detoxing has become more of a thing as I've seen quite a lot of people post about detoxing and how it has been beneficial to them and their mental health.

People who know me, know I am obsessed with social media. I post so much on Snapchat that my friends laugh that some days my story can be 5 minutes long and that people could actually write what I do daily. I love posting all my pictures on Facebook and tagging friends in memes. I rarely post statuses - trust me you know the 'On this Day' memories thing on Facebook, I cringe everyday at what I used to post when I was younger. God knows why people liked them statuses too haha. I post so much on Instagram too but I'm sticking by this rule - Keep Instagram but DO NOT post anything until I feel ready. I have become aware that I am more of a scroller. Scrolling through social media has became a big thing in what I and I think everybody does, but it has got to the point where I feel low in self-confidence, self-worth and I find myself doubting myself and feel demotivated and worried of what people think compared to what I think. I struggle to say No so I don't disappoint anyone. I see so much of what people around my age post and sometimes it makes me feel like I haven't accomplished much in my life. I still need to realise that people move at a different time scale.

I'm exhausted. And I know it's just that inner voice in my head not giving myself a break and is constantly questioning what I am doing and how people would react to what I am and am not doing. I am also questioning myself on whether or not my family and friends would be proud of what I have achieved or are they disappointed? Especially as I graduated last year in Early Childhood Studies yet work in Accounts in a Car Hire place. I get constant questions off people (who I do know they just want the best for me) of why I'm not using my degree and if I am ever going to etc. I literally don't have any answers for them. And when I'm getting constantly asked I then go into a little breakdown inside because I sound like such a disappointment.

I think having a social media detox will do me some good as I won't be feeling so negative when I wake up or when I'm going to bed. I won't feel anxious or set any high standards. I know you may think 'But isn't Instagram the worst for it yet your keeping it?' - Yes I'm keeping it but I get sent daily positivity quotes which I love waking up and smiling to and I get inspiration for certain things on there. So I'm keeping it to a bare minimum. I'm keeping the scrolling to a zero so I don't come across any of the Social Media Influencers. I'm basically just using my messages and the Explore page for Inspiration on food, travel, quotes and style/decor.

So I'll give yous all an update on how the detox goes after the weekend and if it did me any good. Also, make sure to keep updated when I will finally announce my amazing nephew :)

Nadine Alex x

_______________________________________________________________________________

Treat yourself over at Coconut Lane - www.coconut-lane.com

Use the code 'nadinealex20' at the checkout for 20% off

_______________________________________________________________________________

Twitter: @beauty7products

Instagram: @nadineealex_97

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