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

Something To Make You Think.

Have you ever felt like things can get just too much sometimes? You get one of those days where you walk into things, forget things, a bird decides to poo all over you, you step in something you didn't think existed in this world or someone says something that gets you down? Almost like you are forever doing the wrong things....

Or are you having one of those MONTHS? A huge mammoth of bad luck has made its way into your life and you just want to curl up in a ball and stay there for all eternity?

We have all been there. All got to the point where life throws you things and you just aren't ready and its hard to cope with isn't it? Well here are a few motivations points that I found online a while ago with my own commentary ( I especially thought them relevant considering exam results are coming up) which will make you think and re-evaluate your glum thoughts.

1. At least five people in this world love you so much they would die for you. 

Think about it.... Even if its a few members of your family, those people respect you and your presence so much they would put their own self at risk if it meant you were okay. Their life for yours... because you make that much of an impact on someone. And that's a whole handful of people my dear!


2.  At least 15 people in the world love you in some way. 

That's right! AT LEAST FIFTEEN. There isn't even a limit on that! It could be a love for your eyes, the way you laugh, they could love the way you dress or the way you do your hair. No matter how, there is an element of love for you because of the way you are. Something you chose to do be it from the way you put your outfit together to the way you write your name, those people love you for the things you do. And love is a powerful thing.


3. If you haven't done anything to someone who dislikes you, its because they want to be like you. 

There is always a motivation behind someones actions. Sure, we've all been jealous of people right? But sadly, there are people out there who hold that against you. They don't hate you purely because of your presence. That wouldn't make sense, because they know NOTHING about your fabulous self. Its most probably because of your beauty, your outshining personality or it could be something as stupid as a nice clip you have in your hair. Don't take it personally...They like something about you and are afraid to admit that to themselves. Their problem, not yours. Keep your head held high and you prove to those people why you are so great.


4. Your smile can bring happiness to even a stranger. 

If you went out today, and smiled at someone unintentionally you most probably just made them think of you all day. They could have been having the worst day possible and YOU my friend just gave them a reason to turn their frown upside down. That's how powerful you and your happiness is. Just a smile can give someone the reason to keep on going, to motivate someone who doesn't even know you something to live for. Or on the down scale, it could quite simply just put a smile on their face for what could have been a long time or a short time. But what does that matter? You still had that positive effect on someone and still can.


5. You mean the world to someone. 

There is someone close to you, you may or may not know it, that would move heaven and earth for you. You have such a positive impact on their life, you are their everything and give them a reason to keep on going every single day and night. You are the light in their dark, the clearness in their fog and it is just because you are being you. A dear friend once explained to me I meant the world to them, because I was their "Safety". They explained that I looked past their imperfections, (in my eyes, they are purely unusual perfections), and they knew that no matter what I would always make them feel safe because they could one hundred percent be themselves to the core. We all have a friend who laughs at the wrong things, who cancels plans last minute, who forgets important events or who can't help but talk about themselves (These are just examples!!). But they wouldn't be them if they didn't have these qualities about them, and if you look past that without even realising you do, and you are still friends with people who have similar qualities... you are assuring them that no matter what you will be there without having to tell them directly. You are the centre of their world because you understand. And there is SUCH a beauty in that.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” 

[Smiling Snow White Sophie & A Dear Friend]

6. If it wasn't for you, someone may not be living. 

This may seem a little drastic, but if thought well it is most probably very true. Has someone ever asked you to randomly cheer them up? Or has a friend randomly hugged you and said "I needed that"? A smile can hide even the darkest of minds. Just because someone has a hard exterior, constantly laughing and smiling and looking as happy as can be does not mean that on the interior, they are not breaking. If you take a time to step back and think of all the times you gave someone a hug back randomly, invited someone over when they were feeling low or bought someone a little gift just because you thought of them when you saw it. Well, truth be known you saved their life. Something as small as a hug, or just a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen is enough to keep someone going through a difficult time. If they didn't have you, they may not have got through the dark days without extreme difficulty. Right at this second, someone is thinking of you and smiling at memories you have together, or wondering how you are. You are distracting them from something troubling them, and that is so commendable because ultimately, you are saving them. You are keeping them alive. (Or literally you could have saved someones life in your job if you're a doctor or a nurse etc. And if you are one of those people and you have saved someones life literally? Good on you my friend, good on you.)


7. When you tell someone how you feel, you'll feel much better about things. 

Don't keep things to yourself. I can't emphasise enough how untidy your mind can get if you capture all your thoughts and bottle them up tightly, suffocating yourself from any freedom. Talk to someone. Even if its to your pet or your teddy just let it out. Ranting about your thoughts especially to your friends are the BEST way to offload any negative emotions. Or even by writing it down, or expressing your thoughts in song writing or poetry it all really helps to let off some steam and gives you some empty space in that mind of yours for positivity!


8. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a good look: you most likely turned your back on the world. 

Just because things aren't going how they should, don't give up on the world. At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason and there isn't much that can be done about that. Dwelling on it, and hiding yourself away isn't a way to resolve things. The world is your oyster, and reoccurring bad events shouldn't give you a reason to turn your back on it because it won't determine your future or who you are as a person. There is a whole world out there waiting for someone like you to shine bright, don't hold yourself back from that.

[Drawing smiles on everything since '96.]

9. From every mistake you make, something good comes of it. 

Most of the time, its that you will learn from it in the future. Just because you've done something you shouldn't have, or made the wrong decision on something doesn't mean that you're going to continue to do so. Even if you make the same mistake hundreds of times something good coming from that is you are gaining experience. Everything in life is a learning curve, mostly rooting from mistakes. So don't give up just because of one wrong turn. Your path is still ahead of you, you just hit a bump in the road, that's all.


10. Someone you don't know exists, is going to love you.  

That is certainly right. Someone out there, walking this earth right now doesn't know you are here. But one day your paths will cross and they will love you unconditionally. Even if you are in a long term relationship or married right now..There is still someone who you are going to meet that will love you (referring back to number 2). They will love you in some way, and you can't give up now when that person is oblivious to your existence. I mean come on petal, you can't give them a life without your wonderful self can you?!


I hope I've given you a reason to think, and smile. I know times are hard, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel..walk through the darkness with your internal torch. It's in there somewhere, you just have to find it. And you aren't alone.


Soph x

Never let anyone take your sparkle away. 

You Are Invited To The Ball...

Hello fellow smilers, its me again!

Before I start this post, I want to say a HUGE thank you for the amazing support and feedback on my previous post and the creation of the blog. It has almost a thousand reads and its only been up a month! I have been so overwhelmed with kind words from many people; even if you read it and didn't share the fact you did, you still took the time out of your day to read my nonsense and that makes me smile! Literally like a crazy person staring at my computer screen right now….strange what can make you happy ay?

SO… BLOG POST NUMBER TWO IS AMONG US. Hello.

This is going to be a sort of 'diary entry' of my weekend, because it was so memorable and was the first time in ages that nothing could bring me down. (cheese..sorry!)

On Friday 20th of June, I stayed at the house of a dear friend of mine. I was her somewhat lodger for the weekend along with her boyfriend. Before you make assumptions, I was not left out, just merely joining in and pretending I was definitely part of the relationship…...

 That photo is completely staged, I promise. They made me feel so welcome and part of the family and they are amazing company so if you ever happen to spot these two around, you should just go right up to them and hug them. They both deserve all the happiness and love in the world. (Don't actually go up to them and hug them, you may get in trouble and I was just saying generally they deserve lots of hugs and things).

We went out to town on the Friday and I bumped into a few childhood friends which was so surreal! On the Saturday was Rose Day which is a church service to commemorate the school. Twas lovely!

In the evening is where the balling properly began. It was a Great Gatsby themed ball based on the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and the book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was the last event for the sixth formers as a final farewell to us, all organised by the year below. The decorations were beautiful about the grounds of the school, and everyone fully dressed to the theme looking sparkly and full of joy.

I had my hair done beautifully by Hayley a lovely family friend and INCREDIBLE hairdresser. Without her I probably would have turned up looking like I had just rolled out of bed, she seriously did an amazing job. I did my own makeup…whether that is good or not, well I will let you be the judge of that! 

(If you want to ask any questions about anything I am wearing or general queries about the ball then feel free to comment down below and I will get back to you.)

 The atmosphere was constantly buzzing, with people chatting, laughing, drinking and eating. A perfect combination wouldn't you say? The food was made by Head Chef Lisa (along with many others) and personally, I feel if everyone likes the food then everyone is happy am I right? And that certainly was the case!

 One of my favourite elements to the ball was the photo booth. That's right, I SAID PHOTO BOOTH. Ive never experienced one before, but seeing people post their snaps of them in the past on their social networking sites caused the green eyed monster to visit. But now it was my time to shine, and I certainly took advantage of the free booth. When there was a break in between courses, my friends and I made a run for it, awkwardly stumbling in our heels across the wooden floors into the empty dance room. And there it was. Standing tall in the corner of the room was the black box, an open curtain and a box of props. My heart began to pulsate, and my feet simply pulled me towards the empty booth by themselves! It was time.

We had around seven seconds to complete a snap, you got four snaps altogether and a numerous amount of hats, sunglasses, props and words to liven the pictures up a bit. I'm not too sure why it was so thrilling....I mean, in reality its just a box where you take photos! Like when you get your passport picture done and we all know that is very much dull as dish water! But the fact its so quick and there is no going back if you make an ugly face is quite frankly rather thrilling. In this one we thought we'd pretend it was like the passport booth because we are clear comedians in the making…..

Here are a few more snaps to entertain you! 

After my busy party weekend and before leaving home, I woke up and had a bowl of fresh fruit. If you are ever feeling partied out or very tiresome.. take this advice. FRESH FRUIT IS THE WAY FORWARD.  And a cup of tea. And if you don't drink tea, (you need to learn to, it's so beautiful) then a couple of slices of lemon in ice cold water is another good way to start the day, as it has many medicinal benefits such as speeding up the metabolism, and cleansing your body if its not feeling all that great in general. I am no health expert, but I do my reading so I hope some of what I am saying makes sense in the world of healthiness!

On Tuesday 24th (Mummy Miles' birthday) we both enjoyed a health smoothie from Pret a Manger, which can I point out is SO refreshing inside. A new one has opened up at the mall....I've never been in one before. It has a cool air, its spacious and has healthy food and drinks which is a huge bonus! Look at this little number I had! Now… it may not look all that nice, but it was DELISH (Delicious in Sophie language). 

It was spinach, ginger, celery, apple and cucumber flavour and tasted rather interesting! If you aren't much of a lover of fruit and veg and you are one of those people who scoops any healthy looking thing on the other side of the plate so it is not in touching distance of you; this is the kind of thing you could maybe have as an alternative. Make sure that the majority of the sweet things in the drink you like, and if the first sip isn't nice don't give up. It gets better the more you drink it! Not only that, but once you've finished it you feel like you're the worlds most healthiest person and you'll feel great about yourself.

After my busy weekend, and on Mums birthday, my body decided to catch a numerous amount of germs *cries*. Ive had a chest infection, tonsillitis and have a stinking cold. YUMMY.  I'm still fighting it off as I write this, by simply drinking lots of water and binging in rubbishy rom coms. Yesterday I rekindled my love for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, (which is not classified under 'rubbishy rom coms' before you tell me off). It is one of my most favourite films on this earth.
So that is my film recommendation to you of this week. It's not your usual chick flick, but you ll surprise yourself when you watch it. It made me compare this diary entry to their lives, and how something like a photo booth excites me, and to them a rich man making eye contact is enough to keep them chatting for a whole couple of months!
         
                                  I mean, does this look awkward or does this look awkward?

Anyway, I best be off before I bore you all silly! I hope you enjoyed reading my weekend fun, be sure to comment your thoughts or get in contact with me on my social networking sites! Share, smile and have a lovely weekend! I will be posting next week my 'July Favourites', so I will see you then I guess? Its a date.

Sending smiley vibes :) :) :)

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