Don't worry, Be happy!!

Feeling anxious is a feeling that is not uncommon amongst us all, but for some anxiety can take on a whole new meaning of just feeling a little worried every now and again. Imagine a heavy pressure that constantly weighs down on you, a feeling of numbness that consumes your mind without you being able to control what is happening. A shallow shortness of breath along with overwhelming worry and confusion. A literal sense of feeling sick and tired day in, day out. You could compare it to a form of mental torture and that would be putting it lightly. 

The symptoms I've described above are ones of which I suffer from on close to a daily basis. I bet you wouldn't have guessed that, but here's the thing, how would you have? Of course, we are not all mind readers so it's hard to ever really know what's going on inside another persons head. I lack motivation in every aspect of my life and too often wish away a day before it has even begun. I'm self conscious and insecure like a lot of other woman but I don't always like to show it. I know it's easy to be presumptuous especially with the likes of social media these days but just remember the way you perceive somebody may not always be who that person is.

Anxiety is not something that is physical so we tend to overlook it as being an actual disorder when in fact that's  exactly what it is. In recent times I believe the stigma that surrounds mental illness has shifted in a hugely positive way. So many people speak openly about their experience and understanding of it but we can't overlook the ones who don't!! "You're just being dramatic" some may say as a dismissal of what YOU are feeling but never ever let such a small minded person make you feel like what you are going through isn't real or isn't important. 

I've learned that it's okay to talk and it's certainly okay to cry. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you and that will most importantly be there when you need comfort the most, whether it's lending an ear or a shoulder.  By having a strong support system like this around you, you will undoubtably feel your darker days seem light. You are who associate yourself with so if that is someone who is negative or dismissive then I really don't need to tell you twice what you need to do. 

I'm still finding myself getting to grips on controlling my breathing and learning how to de-stress in a way that works for me. I think taking up a hobby that relaxes you is a great way to distract your mind and help you unwind. I know for me I love to draw and swear by the book 'The Secret' when I need something positive to turn to. It's very hard to strive for great things when all you can do is focus on the bad. God knows it's tough to have a positive attitude all of the time but this book reminds you to always count your blessings and can put you in a better mood almost instantly.

So the moral of my story is that you never know what a person may be going through so never ever judge and always, always be kind. One of my favourite quotes says that "It's nice to be important but more important to be nice" and I truly believe that we all should live by these words a little more!!

Ashley x

Lashes on fleek!!!

It's no secret that us girls lust after beautifully long, full lashes but unfortunately the vast majority of us just aren't blessed with them. Sure, strip lashes can do the job just fine if it's for a night out on the town but the truth is that half of us don't even know how to apply the bloody things! Plus, who wants gorgeous eyelashes worthy of batting away for just a couple of hours anyways?

 

I've had semi-permenant lashes applied before and always found that they were just too damaging on my own lashes. I would be losing 2-3 of my natural lashes with every synthetic one and as a result I was left with virtually none of my own! I know that for a lot of girls this can be an issue and as a result has left you feeling apprehensive about ever having them applied again. This was also the case for me too, that is until I had my semi-permenant lashes done at Fabulosity Dame Street.

I couldn't believe the difference in getting my lashes done here, I didn't need refills for six whole weeks after having my first set applied!! Whenever I lost a lash it was very rare that any of my natural lashes would come out with it and in actual fact I felt my own lashes grew a great deal with them on!! Val caters for everybody too, so whether it's a dramatic full look you are after or a more natural looking set, she's got the skills along with quality lashes to give you the look that you desire.

Below is a before an after picture.To the left I've got eye shadow and liquid liner and mascara on my own natural lashes. To the right I simply have Fabulosity's lashes on and as you can see there's no need for any eye make-up to make my eyes pop!! The difference really is amazing don't you think?

Apart from the eyelashes not being harmful on your own and of course the fact that they are absolutely gorgeous on, I can't even begin to describe to you how lovely and bubbly Val is. If you haven't already paid her a visit you need to change that quickly. You won't regret it trust me!! I've been getting my lashes done with Val for months now and each time I go I fall in love with her work a little more!! With a full set costing only €40 there's really no other place that comes in close to Fabulosity Dame Street!! You can get in touch with Val through Instagram or Facebook.

After all, "eyes are the windows to the soul" so what better way than to have them framed by the best in the business!! 

You can thank me later,

Ashley x