Nadine Alex

Things I Should Stop Spending My Money On

Hey guys,

So this year I have decided that I need to stop spending so much money that isn't worth while as I was looking at my spends and it is ridiculous. I can spend so much money on drinks on a night out and then ended up spending even more money on food and taxis. I can go through a £100 on one night out. I am also a fan of cinemas which can also add up. So this year I have decided I am going to take a look at what I can do to stop spending as much money. I am 23 soon and should really use the money to start saving for driving lessons and my own place.

Dining Out & Ordering Takeouts

I go for so many catch ups with my friends and we end up dining out. Although its lovely to have a catch up and eat out at our favourite restaurants, it does add up. When I worked in the city centre I was prone to dining out quite a lot but know I work with my mum til 4:30pm each day I tend to just go straight home and cook. Also, I don't work Tuesdays so I tend to go for lunch each week with my Auntie whether its an actual meal or treats like brownies or waffles. But she's had her hours increased so we tend to just do it once a month now. This makes our days out more special too.
My cousin basically lives at ours on weekends and we have a habit of ordering a Chinese and when she isn't here and my dad doesn't want to cook he tends to order Pizza. So either way we are constantly having takeaways on weekends. I have decided to not buy as much fast food to help my skin as well as saving myself money. I mean with my dad buying the takeaway I don't actually have to spend any money but I do want to improve my health and skincare.

Makeup & Skincare

Omg I actually didn't realise how much I actually spent. New Year's Day I decided to have a massive clear out of my drawers and I couldn't believe the amount of stuff I ended up binning or giving to my little sisters. You would think I was a professional MUA or something. I had 6 of the same Collection concealers... in the same shade too. I had 1 in my day handbag, 1 in my most used town bag and the 4 in my drawer. Some were near enough empty. Then I had 3 moisturisers - 2 of the same with 1 near enough empty and 1 that makes my skin a bit greasy but I like to use this for night time. I decided to move the near empty ones to the front so then once they've been used I can then shorten my drawers down. Think I like having the big collection, who knows ahah?!

Cinema Tickets

I am a sucker for movies. I can actually spend the whole day in bed watching film after film after film and not get bored. I have actually been the cinema to watch a film, come out and purchase a ticket to see another film straight afterwards. Its just such a chilled vibe and gets me out the house. But this year I am going to start limiting myself and maybe doing something more active and outdoors. Plus Netflix or Amazon Prime over cinema.

Food Crawl On A Night Out

I am shocked I am not fat. Forget bar crawls I love a food crawl. When we decide to end our night and head for taxi we usually go get some food whilst we wait. When I say 'some' food the girls will either go for a Subway or a McDonalds. On the other hand, I go for a Cheesy Chip Wrap in a Pizza place, then I head to Subway for a meal deal then I go to McDonalds for another meal deal. Seriously!! I'm definitely going to kick that in the bud and not be as greedy and just opt for the one meal deal ahaha.

Gym Membership

I wouldn't actually mind spending money on it if I actually could commit to going. I go through phases where I go a few times a week but I haven't been since August so I should really cancel it or get back into it. This will save me at least £30 each month. I also find I get bored or anxious at the gym so don't usually stay in there for long so prefer to go for long walks or exercising at home using non-equipment based routines or Youtube and Instagram videos.

Nadine Alex x

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, by Nadine Alex

In lifestyle, new year

What 2019 Taught Me

Hey guys,

2018 broke me. 2019 gave me a fresh start and taught me a lot of lessons. And now I am excited for what 2020 will bring. I have decided to write a post of what I learnt in 2019 and how it helped me develop and grow into 2020.
2018 was suppose to be one of the greatest years - I turned 21, graduated with a 2:1 in a subject I was very passionate about, booked a girls holiday to Barcelona, got a really good job, etc. But there was a lot of blocks in the way which was such a BIG struggle.

Breathe & Let it Go

As much as I say I'm not a fan of Frozen (my sisters played it too many times) I do love the song 'Let It Go' - "I'm never going back, the past is in the past". I have had to learn this lesson quite a fair bit. Not even going into detail about how I learnt my lesson. But this lesson made me realise that you may think people have changed but they may not have as much as you would have liked (or none at all) and that I shouldn't get hung up on that they hadn't changed. The first time I learnt my lesson was beginning of July and I felt I got closure with that certain person. (Well I thought I had). The second time I learnt my lesson was end of September when one of my close friends showed that she wasn't as close to me as I thought we were. She showed me that she wasn't happy for me and turned into my problem. We still speak and are civil but we are not as close anymore. But anyway...I have learnt that I don't need to please people and just focus on myself. I was also able to have strength and gut to have my own voice and walk away. I was able to let go of the feeling of hurt and disappointment. This links in with trusting my gut too. Onwards and upwards is what I say!

Get Out The Comfort Zone

I can suffer with major anxiety and overthinking when it comes to getting out my comfort zone. And although I graduated with a BA in Early Childhood Studies and was going to do an extra year doing the PGCE qualification, I was too 'comfortable' in my workplace. I worked in Subway for just less than 4 years. I was one of the originals who still worked there from the beginning. My mum works in an Accounts office and heard a job was going and knew that although it wasn't teaching I was good at Maths and Computers and put my name forward. I eventually left Subway (which to be honest I do actually miss, think it was because I had a really good social life there and I had the best co-workers/friends) and went to work in Accounts. I really like this job and I like how I have a structured routine with 8:30-4:30pm Monday to Friday and better pay. Plus weekends off. I am starting to push myself more to get out my comfort zone. I hate picking phones up and I still do need to improve on this massively but it is a necessity in my job so thats pushing me. Whenever I have had a good phonecall and haven't frozen I feel a sense of achievement (just a little).
My friends and I went to climb Moel Famau. We got 85% of the way but that was our first try. Who knows next time we may get all the way. There are 3 routes depending on people's abilities and time you want to spend. We went for the medium route which took roughly about 2 hours. We were all knackered but we all felt so good, refreshed and pleased with ourselves.

Use My Spare Time Productively

I am a known sleeper. 15 minutes spare - I'll be asleep. I still need to learn to control my naps as I am known to have naps and then still be wide awake at 1am when I have to be up for 7am to leave for 8. Half 7 and I'll still be in bed. I used to put so much pressure on myself and make sure I accomplished things within a short period of time but it cost me my happiness as I was getting very frustrated, stressed and less patient. 2019 has taught me that this year I need to do short realistic goals and maybe focus on one thing at a time.
This year I am going to do my driving lessons so I am going to reduce the amount of nights out and maybe sacrifice a big holiday in order to pay for the lessons and tests. After completing this I might go and do my Numeracy & Literacy skills test, as I feel this will push me to go back into teaching. On my phone I have a motivational quotes album and when I feel down or have no energy I tend to scroll through this photo album to give me some inspiration.

Stop Searching For Love

A lot of people rely on apps nowadays and although I have had a nosey I want to be on my wedding day telling people a romantic story of how I met my partner instead of saying 'Yeah I thought he was good looking so swiped right not knowing his personality'. I'm old schooled. I have found that people who I have spoken to for a while have come unexpectedly and have made me feel happier (even when it didn't work out). This year I actually want to focus more on myself and what I actually want as well as focusing on my driving. Sometimes I do envy people who are in a relationship (especially with my sister & her fiancé and their son) but I actually like being single too as I enjoy my nights out and being independent and doing things for me. My mates don't like being single and use the apps and yes they do find people on there but thats what works for them. It's different for everybody. I believe the right person will come at the right time.

Work Hard, Play Harder

Work hard always pays off. In September 2018 I left my job in Subway and became an Accounts Assistant and I am so much happier physically, emotionally, socially and financially. I have been motivated and such a hardworker that they have extended my roles and responsibilities knowing I can handle it. The staff have also told me I'm not allowed to leave until they retire ahaha.

Nadine Alex x

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, by Nadine Alex

In lifestyle, new year

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

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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

_______________________________________________________________________________

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, by Nadine Alex

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Things I Should Stop Spending My Money On

What 2019 Taught Me

New Year, New Decade, Same Me

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