Life. How Should We Live It?

As you can probably tell, my lack of posting has been as a result of a serious motivational problem that I have been feeling for the last couple of months. I've been up to various things, one of which packing up my first year of University (physically and metaphorically) which has taken SO much of my time. Now, I am back and settled in Bristol again; it really does feel good to be home. However, over this short period of time that I have been here, spending days at home on my own, really gives your brain the good opportunity to think like you've never thought before!

Personally, I have no idea how I am right now in terms of living. Yes, sure, my heart is beating pretty hard out of my chest, and my breathing is of a consistent rate. But am I really, living? Being a young twenty year old girl, a somewhat shining pearl in this big oyster of a world, it can be quite daunting thinking about life choices and how successfully I am doing right now, for me. I have numerous amounts of aspirations in life, dreams that I want to make a reality. It is my mission to be who and what I want to be, and live my life exactly how I think I should live it. Sometimes though, it can be hard to find the get up and go, as well as the right route, in order to achieve these things.

We are presented with a perfect world left right and centre; celebrities posting videos on endless amounts of social media of their practically perfect lifestyle. But that being precisely the point...Nobody is perfect in this world; we only see what those people want us to see. Why do I sit and scroll on my phone, admiring an unrealistic, picturesque perspective of the world, watching people live their life when I should be living my own? The majority of the time, these people don't make me feel good about myself. They just make me feel like a considerably dim pearl in our oyster of a world, without the pretty clothes and makeup and beautiful holidays and settings around me.

Are these people really, REAL people? They come from completely different backgrounds, lifestyles, families, and riches beyond the mind's imagination. Sure, its exciting to watch their experiences because it opens up our eyes to a completely different world out there. But don't forget who YOU are, and how incredible your life and experiences are right now. Most importantly, how incredible it could be in years to come if you work hard and put in the effort to be a bright shiny pearl. Do you want to be there in the future, gazing out the window contemplating the things you could have done, thinking "what if?". Look at yourself now, and be the person you want to be. You might not even know who that is yet, and that isn't a bad thing at all! There is no right or wrong in this world, the only person who can make a decision for yourself is YOU. Never let anyone prevent you from being the best you can be. If you have crazy, exciting, wild dreams for your future,  I SAY YOU GO FOR IT!! There is nothing, or no one, stopping you. Don't be afraid to take risks, be bold and be all you can be in this world.

The things I want to do are hard to reach, and I have been told so by countless amounts of people. But who are they to say what I can and can't achieve? Even if your goals are somewhat unrealistic, they are YOUR goals and the only person stopping you from reaching them is you. We have all had our knock backs in life, be it big or small, but it's what we do after these knock backs that really make the difference. It doesn't matter how quickly we get back up...It's the fact that we DO.

 But most of all? Believe in yourself. "Promise me you'll always remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you'll ever know."
(A.A Milne)

 And I really do stand by that!

Soph x

My First Time At Wimbledon!

This year I was lucky enough to attend one of the most famous sporting events, Wimbledon! Tennis I have always loved; I'm probably not the best at playing tennis (I mean, I could give you a run for your money on table tennis) but watching it is one of the most adrenaline pumping, competitive and tense sports you could watch on television. So for me, watching it in real life in front of me was one of the most exciting things I could ever do.

My sister and I travelled to London nice and early amidst all the train and tube strikes, and arrived at the venue. It was bustling with all kinds of people, we could feel the buzzing atmosphere as soon as we set foot inside. Here are the pictures from the day!

 

We were even lucky enough to watch Andy Murray training/warming up! I screen shot this from a video so the quality isn't great, sorry!

I had an unforgettable day! Thank you to my sister for accompanying me and well done to all the players!


Soph x

Bournemouth and Friendship!

Hello my sweet ones! I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine and getting excited for summer. This post is about my recent first visit to Bournemouth, and the importance of friendship.

My friend Isabelle lives there, and I have been meaning to visit her for such a long time now. I'm sure people can relate; your lives get busy, things are pushed aside. Nevertheless, you should always make time for those special people who make time for you. So, after what feels like one hundred Skype and FaceTime sessions I finally managed to see her in person! The train journey was surprisingly calm, I made friends with a man who was an interior designer and we chatted about the weather and all those other awkward conversations train buddies have! (Remember kids; stranger danger!) When I arrived at Bournemouth station I got lost and couldn't get out, I felt like Alice in Wonderland but instead of talking/singing flowers overcrowding me it was just people bustling about trying to make their trains on time! The sun was shining, and when we were reunited it was the most exciting moment! Hearts pounding, tears forming, big hugs, just pure joy. We got in our Disney pj's, had a mahooooosive catch up and a good nights sleep before the jam packed fun events we had lined up for the few days ahead.

(Isabelle is wearing Little Mermaid and I am wearing Frozen pyjamas!) 

The sea is a huge love of ours, so myself and Isabelle took a trip into town where they had beautiful vintage boutiques, crystal shops and of course the famous sea front. The weather wasn't brilliant, but despite this the beach was gorgeous.

                                                  

We realised after about twenty minutes of snapping random pictures that the Harry Ramsden's restaurant was facing right out to us, and the people inside probably had a bit of entertainment whilst enjoying their meals because we were flicking our hair and numerous amounts of nonsensical things in their view line. You're welcome people!

    

They had the most beautiful little mini garden with flowers, trees and an old wooden bridge. It looked like something out of a fairytale so I just had to take pictures. If anyone out there can paint and draw.. PRIME opportunity right there!

On the evening we made some super tasty lemon shortbread treats. 

I have written about the making of them on a previous post, click here to read it! 

We also tried out a LUSH face mask for the first time. It was called 'Catastrophe Cosmetic' and smelt like blueberries and violets. It was kept in the fridge so was freezing cold on the face, was really fresh smelling and soothing on the skin. The only downside is when it dries it flakes off EVERYWHERE. Hilarious to watch but pretty annoying to get out of carpet. It left our faces feeling smooth and revitalised and was pretty funny to look at. 

 On another day, we went to see Isabelle's book displayed in an art gallery. For those of you who don't know, she is the most talented artist you will ever lay eyes on. Her work is absolutely breathtaking and you can now view her portfolio online by clicking this link- Isabelle's Wesbite and even buy some of her work if you wanted. Her work primarily draws upon the mystical story worlds of fairytale, folklore and mythology, but also has a very strong meaning behind them. An example being her most recent book which made me ball my eyes out when reading. Being the incredible friend that she is, Isabelle based her book on myself and named it 'Flight to Wonderland'.  Everything was illustrated and written by Isabelle...awe inspiring if you ask me! The time, effort, thought, attention to detail, just absolutely everything put into this book is clear from the finishing piece. It's hard to put into words how much this means to me, and I will treasure it for the rest of my life. 

The book will be available to purchase in the near future, and I will be sure to inform you all when and how nearer the time because it'll be darn worth it!!  The art gallery had some amazing pieces in, and it made me realise how powerful it is that thoughts and opinions can be expressed in art form.

Isabelle if you are reading this, I want to thank you again for letting me stay with you in Bournemouth, I had a wonderful time! I'd also like to thank you publicly for everything you have ever done for me. You have stuck by my side through every bump in the road. You have been there when I have hit rock bottom, and you showed me the way back to the top. You saw the pain in my eyes when everyone else was seeing my pretend smile. Your bright light has shone and guided me through the dark times, and I can't ever thank you enough for helping me become the person I am today. I love you dearly, and I am blessed to have a friend like you in my life. Never let anyone dull your sparkle.

And to everyone else reading this, if you are lucky enough to have a friend like Isabelle in your life don't forget to show them appreciation and time. Because ultimately, friends are so precious to have in your life. They are just like stars, they come and they go. But the ones that stay are the ones that glow.

Soph x

"You Shall Go To The Ball!"

Greetings friendlings! 

I thought I would share with you my thoughts on a recent film that I went to see; a modern interpretation of Disney's classic tale Cinderella. For those of you who don't know the story behind Cinderella (Where have you been?!), it tells the magical story of a young girl who loses her parents and consequently is brought up by her evil step mother and two ugly step sisters. They treat her as a servant, forcing her to cook and clean up after them. She is even banished to the attic room after the step sisters complain their room isn't big enough. Harsh right?

Cinderella or 'Ella' was told by her mother one piece of advice which would evolve her into the kind and gentle being we see her as in the film; " I want to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. Have courage and be kind". So despite her evil in-laws, she keeps this in mind and powers through these 'trials' in her household. She encounters the Prince of the land, (who conveniently is looking for a wife) and when he invites the whole kingdom to the ball poor Ella is trapped in her home and forbidden to go by her evil step mother. EVEN harsher!! 

Helena Bonham Carter plays the Fairy God Mother, who appears to come to Ella's rescue in the back garden. She brings an excitable wit and charm to the role, and is beautifully encompassed in a sparkly gown designed by the film's costume designer Sandy Powell. The costumes look absolutely incredible, my favourite being Ella's blue ball gown and glass slippers. Downtown Abbey's actress Lily James conveys the pure innocence and kind nature to Ella's character, bringing forward the classic damsel elements from Walt Disney's 1950's version. I would recommend to any Disney fan, although there are some scenes I feel children could find slightly distressing. (Passing of her parents/ The animals morphing into coachmen but still looking part lizard...quite creepy!) 

(Photo credit tumblr,inc)

Lastly a quote which proves so true, I wish everyone would abide by this day to day. 

"Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is magic."

So please remember to be kind, be good, and most importantly stay magical. 

Soph x

Smiling Soph is BACK!

Hello lovely people!

It's taken me a while to get myself organised, but as promised I am officially back in action. Instead of putting up several posts of all the things I've been getting up to since the end of last year, I'm just going to do a quick summary of adventures. I still have a post regarding my reasons for abandoning my blog, but for now I want to keep things light and chirpy. Thank you to those people who have been messaging me to keep going with this, you are the reasons for doing so.

1. COMIC RELIEF!

On Friday 13th March my cousin and myself were lucky enough to attend the live recording of Comic Relief at the London Palladium.

             

 I didn't know what to expect what so ever.. We knew of a line up of general people but it was all an element of surprise for both of us. When we arrived at the Palladium the audience were greeted with Lenny Henry, a joyous and bubbly guy who got everyone's spirits high. If you've never been in a live audience before, I would recommend it to anyone. The buzz you get from people around you and the bizarre thought that you are aired to over seven million people is mind boggling and so exciting to be a part of!

HIGHLIGHTS


SAM SMITH AND JOHN LEGEND...
 I know Sam Smith is quite 'marmite', you either love him or hate him. But I for one LOVE him, and even more so after he proved he can sing absolute note perfect live. The goosebumps were REAL.

ORLANDO BLOOM...
 I actually saw THE Orlando Bloom in the flesh. I didn't even recognise him at first, I just stared for a while and suddenly the penny dropped that the guy off Pirates of The Caribbean was stood right in front of me. He is absolutely gorgeous in person guys, no sweat. Wasn't majorly impressed when Davina jumped on him though. Not cool.

Huge thank you to the the person who made this trip possible. You know who you are. 

2. WEDDING!

I promised a dear family member that I would write a post about this wedding day! It was magical, and there is nothing more warming than witnessing two people in love, and sealing it with vows in front of those closest to you. Weddings have always been a huge love of mine, the dresses, the themes, the colours, the flowers, the joy and general celebration; I could go on forever. So here are some snaps...Congrats Michelle & Dave! It was a beautiful day and I feel honoured to have been a part of it.

  Thank you Lipsy, this dress is BEAUTIFUL. 

                           

3. WICKED!

It was the first time in what feels like ages that I have seen a show at the Hippodrome. This production is one that I've heard great things about, I knew all the songs but didn't know of the storyline. In all honesty it was one of the best shows I have seen.

It is inspirational, gives you real thoughts about inner beauty and the strength love has and also that the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz isn't that evil. Intriguing right?
Favourite quote; "Whatever way our stories end, I know you'll have rewritten mine by being my friend."

4. X FACTOR TOUR!

I went with my Mum and friends to Cardiff for the X Factor Tour. I had a really great time and especially enjoyed Fleur East and Ben Haenow. The covers they did were AMAZING and they seemed to get the crowd really going, as the majority sat down for the duration.. *snores*. I didn't let you fangirls down though, of course I stood up and danced like no one was watching!!


Pre-show railway snap...

5. THE GLASS SLIPPER!

On a spontaneous trip to London, I came across this absolute gem in the Disney Store. IT IS REAL GUYS, IT IS REAL.

And I pretended that it was in fact me on my way to the ball in a magical pumpkin! (The Fairy God mother didn't give me a beautiful gown this time...)

Anyway, thus so far I have had some wonderful times since we last spoke, and now you have me fully for the duration. It is my birthday coming up, so expect to see a blog post next week.

Toodaloo me dears!

Soph x

How Graham Norton Are You?

Hello Smilers!!

If you are wondering why on earth Graham Norton is staring at you with his arms crossed at the top of my blog post...Well it refers to this very exciting opportunity which gives you guys the chance to get involved with something which you can forever brag about to your friends and family.. ESPECIALLY if you are a huge fan of the comedic and lively character. I, and I'm sure the majority of the nation spend a numerous amount of time chuckling and balling with laughter watching his hit television talk show 'The Graham Norton Show'. Not only that, but his effortless ability to bring a smile to our faces every year with his hilarious commentaries to the Eurovision Song Contest, making him one of the most likeable characters to watch and listen to. And now, we all have the chance to read about him too......

First.. WATCH THIS << And if you've watched and are now asking "But how do I let Graham know what I love?" HERE IS YOUR ANSWER:

 Graham Norton is giving you the chance to meet him for his upcoming launch of his new book 'Graham Norton: The Life and Loves of a He-Devil'.

 Graham believes its really the things you love that define who you are (which I completely agree with!); and so tells the story of his childhood to present day, describing just what and who he loved and sometimes lost. Not only that, but he shares his loves and obsessions big and small as he's grown older. It is written with incredible enthusiasm, characteristic humour and outrageous candour and will be a fantastic and honest memoir on the theme of love. Sounds like a great read, right? (If you fancy this and want to pre-order, you can on Amazon by clicking HERE.) 

All you have to do to be in with the chance of meeting him, is by taking (literally) a minute or two of your time to have a go at this quiz: CLICK HERE Its really quick, and fun to do and asks questions which really make you question who you are as a person and whether you really are a 'He-Devil'.

It took me less than a minute to do, and I have now discovered that Graham and I would in fact be the best of friends.....

The information in regards to meeting Graham will be at the bottom of your quiz results. Have fun, and good luck!!


Soph x

Smiling Soph Launch!

Why….Hello there!

Here I am, with a blank page and excited fingers to open up a new opportunity in sharing my life with people. Many of my friends tell me I have an exciting life,  always up to random new things and undergoing many a thing which a normal eighteen year old wouldn't normally be doing! So, after being pestered by them (you can stop that now!) I am going to be documenting everything I do for you guys to enjoy and take the journey of 'Smiling Soph' with you in case you ever wondered how on earth I end up in the kind of places I do. Ive always enjoyed writing, and am guilty of being that kind of person who cant just write 'happy birthday' or 'merry christmas' on a text or in a card, I have to write a massive mini essay, giving that person a running commentary on how I feel about them. Writing this takes a lot of self courage and a lot of motivation, so if you've got this far already… thank you for reading and know that it means a lot.

 I suppose I should tell you a bit about myself. Well, if you were a little Sherlock, you'd realise from my URL and in the previous writing that I'm Sophie and I'm eighteen years old. Pleased to meet you *shakes hand with computer screen*. My hair is ridiculously long, one of my eyes is green and the other is green verging on blue (I'm merely pointing that out to make myself sound a bit more interesting. Did it work?) How about I show you a picture?

JUST JOKING… Here is my face….

                       Had to add an over edited sepia one…..Sorry for the brightness.

There we go. So that's me. Hi!

I regard myself as a bubbly, random and loving person. Everyone has their flaws of course, myself having many which include singing loudly in supermarkets, messing up ANY room which I am in somehow after a few hours or even upon arriving (oops), loving One Direction (its not really a flaw is it girls?!) Oh the list continues! But one thing I pride myself in, and gave me the name behind this blog, is how no matter what I always always try and smile. And by that, I don't mean I'm one of those people who are constantly happy and smiling and jumping up and down like an excited bunny. I mean, that I merely prioritise doing things and being with people that make me happy. I've finished school, and to be frank I have absolutely NO idea what on earth I am doing in this big wide world. I enjoy far too many things, and being so young I don't want to pin myself down doing one thing and regret it in several years to come. So.. in the mean time I am merely going here there and everywhere to help find what I am meant to do.

So.. whats my past? Well.. I have been to school all my life, so that's pretty normal hmm? But in between that time, I spent four years on a television set acting as the character 'Sally Arless'.  The show was called Lark Rise to Candleford and it was a BBC period drama series which ran for four years.  I worked with some INCREDIBLE people, and I couldn't single out many because each and every one of the cast and crew were fab and there are too many to type out. But I will be loyal to my onscreen family and shout out to my on screen mummy and fantabulous comedian/actress Dawn French and older bro John Dagleish (who you may now know as Barry from E4's Beaver Falls). This is probably my first proper adventure in life, and it taught me many life lessons as to what I enjoy and what kind of person I am. It's probably one of the main things that has helped shape me into the person I am today. Here are a couple of snaps…..

 Talking of family! I have the most inspirational, idolising and wonderful family in the whole world.. Sheesh that was a lot of adjectives. My famalam consist of my incredible father Laurie, my mother (also known as moomy) Marcia, my older sister Hollie whom is at UNI in Southampton, and two younger brothers; Harry who is at school and wants me to inform you all he is 'cool' and little monkey Freddie who is three. I am so grateful to my family for always supporting me and being there for me to infuse my smile. Anyway, enough of the soppy stuff, lets carry on with the Smiling Sophie introduction shall we?  So… Here are a few past adventures for you to, in a way, catch up with what I have got up to. In pictures...because everyone loves pictures. Right?


So this is March 2013, where I went front row to a One Direction concert. This resulted in a gif of Harry Styles putting his thumb up to me and poking his tongue out going viral on tumblr. (We were both wearing the same t-shirt and it kinda happened from there really)

Soccer Aid last year, which has just recently happened again. Its a good excuse to make yourself look like you know the rules of football, when really you're secretly only shouting because your fave celebs are in tight shorts running around. Sorry, had to say it! 

Disney Land 2012. My most favourite place.. If you ever want to feel like you are a little one again, this is the perfect place to go!! 

I once bumped into Jacksgap. Me being me, I was really dopey and kinda just, didn't realise who he was until I walked away and my friends explained. I embarrassingly said to him "I don't know who you are, but I will have a picture with you anyway!"He is a really really lovely guy either way. (2012)

Ive bumped into George Shelley from Union J twice, and don't ask me how or if I followed him round the mall. I did not, it was pure luck and was very quiet out. He is so cuddly and very cute! (2013)

Tom Daley, 2012. I will write of this adventure at some point, but I didn't get to meet him without going through a lot beforehand! But either way, he is quite possibly the most adorable human bean. Ever.

This happened last week… I am so very proud of how good timing this shot is! This was at Niall Horan's charity football match. I spent the whole time in a bright red waterproof and looked like what can only be described as a wet dog. Sassy James Corden in the background there. Click here for more info on the charity it was in aid of. 

Halloween.. Ten years ago and then last year with the same friend. Incredible how quickly time can fly, yet people still stick around if they want to. Its nice, that. Also that is a mask on the left, in case you were wondering if I was that ugly as a child. In the near future, I will write of  little adventures I go on with my friends, as they are one of the main reasons for my happiness and mean very much to me. 

I, along with my friends, were once chosen to be a 'superfan' on X Factor. It was hilarious! We basically had to stand against the stage and scream and dance anytime a teenage boy act  or a boy band came on stage. I will share details of how you can do that in the near future, so keep an eye out people! 

Somerset House in London, Covent Garden 2013. I will go back there soon, lovely lovely place with really cute little stores in. 

TAXI SELFIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.. Before the Radio One Teen Awards, 2013. Last year of being able to go there! Sad times. Such a great event and some truly inspiring young people's stories. As well as great performances! My favourite blogger Zoella was also there!!

Brit Awards 2014! Popped along and it was MANIC. There were so many screaming people trying to bash down the metal barriers. It can only be described as a somewhat rabid species of fangirls eager to catch a glimpse of their lovers. CRAZY. A random lady in the park complimented me on my outfit that day, saying "I absolutely LOVE your tights" sneezing, and then continuing "In fact, your whole outfit is absolutely gorgeous!! Love it!" Bless her. 

Sports Relief 2014 was SO much fun. I went with my sisters boyfriend, and managed to meet one of my favourite Radio One DJ's Greg James. Greg even was the first person to like this picture on my instagram. A lovely lovely guy, even though he stole my head pom poms and tried to run away with them to the toilet! (It was an accident that he ran away with them, he really is VERY lovely).

Last one before I continue to babble! Me and mum being fangirls at her favourite programme live tour 'Dancing On Ice'. We were as she described 'groupies'  (that's a joke, please don't take that seriously) and got in back stage to meet Torvill and Dean.     

 So Naughty.

So there you have it. Welcome to my world! I know these are only a few adventures and a quick insight to who I am and my background, but hopefully you'll get to know me and my journeys a lot more along the way. I'm not an expert in makeup, hair products, fashion or music however I want to share with you the different opinions and experiences I go on to inspire you to be confident, healthy, happy and help you out in anyway I can. I will share with you my latest obsessions, be it from the latest hair trends to my favourite places, as well as the adventures that I go on. Please appreciate I have next to no idea what on earth I am doing! The design of this page is temporary until I get to grips with blogger so if the layout offends your eyesight I apologise, it wont be there for too long. (Apologies to Charlotte for constantly sending her my link to proof it.. blame her if you dont like it)

Sit back and enjoy reading the nonsense I post with a nice cuppa and biccy!

Thank you for taking the time to read!

Sending Smiley vibes...

Soph x