What a year you've been, 2017.

2017... Where do I begin? 

Thank you. Thank you for being challenging to say the least. Throughout I have had good moments and not so good moments but let's just focus on what truly matters. So at beginning of the year, I set myself some resolutions and for once, stuck to them. Not going into detail every single thing I have achieved or what has challenged me so I'll just list a few. 

I Graduated from the University of Lincoln with a BA Honours Degree in Film & Television. It was a great opportunity to have, to walk across the stage within the most beautiful Cathedral, ever. I can say I finally have my degree & my best friend, alongside my family were there to witness it. Forever thankful. 

I met my other half and ever since we went on our first date, we have been together. 10 months down the line and we are about to move in together in our first flat! So exciting yet so scary!! 

If you told me at the start of 2017 I would be moving in with someone I'm madly in love with, I'd have laughed in your face. Look at us now, January 2018 we will be seeing each other every day (help) haha. 

First tattoo actually happened. I kid you not, I barely even flinched. I think this was mentioned in my March favourites but it's a fantastic memory to look back on due to the fact, I had broken ribs at the time and it was so spontaneous. "Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase" if you sang that, I'm proud.

I left a job that was destroying me as a person, literally. I didn't recognise who I became as I dedicated the best part of 16 months of my life to serve the community whilst being slammed to the ground. Let's just say, leaving was the best thing I ever did. Finally have my life back and definitely much happier, healthier and more relaxed.

Had my surgery and battled a tough recovery. As hard as it was, it has made me stronger for the better. I see it as an opportunity to keep myself healthy while still recovering and not to fall downstairs into a brick wall again hahaha! But no, the whole experience was definitely eye-opening and I'm ever so thankful to have gone through what I did.

Achieved amazing things. Such as taking part in a relay drive for Children in Need again for the second time. Although I didn't drive the relay, I drove home and had so much fun in doing so. On roads I've never been on the challenge was gratefully accepted and achieved. I am due to pass on 18th January 2018 after a previous cancellation (due to poor weather) and let's hope I nail it!

All in all, 2017 has encountered so many good memories I will cherish forever. Although going through harder times made me want to give up, I kept going and I'm glad because tonight is all about putting the difficult times to bed, embracing the amazing moments and looking forward to the future. 2017... again, thank you for being a whirlwind of good and bad, I've achieved more than I expected. 7/10 resolutions to be exact which is fine by me. Here's to 2018, let's make more incredible memories and kick ass!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! <3

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

September Favourites | 2017

Photo credit: myself. Edited on: befunky.com

September was a crazy busy month. I had no time to sit down and blog, which is honestly quite upsetting as I love writing. When it hits you that you abandon what you love, it's like a brick being thrown at you. Quite shattering. But anyways, I have a few very random favourites to share so here goes; 

Simple wipes & Vaseline Lip balm: I must've used these religiously since being in hospital mid-September as I couldn't bathe properly after my surgery so using wet wipes and creams helped keep my skin from looking dry and flaky.  

Vaseline cocoa butter became my best friend in recovery. Even more so when I was rushed into hospital during my recovery (I will do a separate post on this)

Dove Shampoo and Conditioner: Having long hair is great until you need to wash it and keep on top of the natural colouring coming back through. Usually, if I use a shampoo and conditioner for ages it will make my hair so dry and it feels horrible. Since using Dove for my hair as a trial, my hair has felt amazing. 

Photo credit: myself.

Favourite Youtube Channels: Recently I have been loving fitness channels. I want to get back into training in a gym as the last time I did, the only thing I benefited from it was a stronger body... I did lose weight but I gained it back. Ever since it's been up and down and watching these ladies have inspired me to track my journey. 

Meganfitmusic & Busybeecarys

Photos belong to @Megannfitmusic (left) & @Busybeecarys (right)

The Walking Dead: What can I say... my boyfriend is obsessed and has been trying to get me to watch this for the 7 months we've been together. Safe to say, I caved. Never thought I'd get so into a zombie apocalypse television show, but it happened. No regrets. It's so addictive, so well written and the plot/twists just leave my jaw dropping. It is quite gory but it's hard not to press "next episode" when one finishes. I'd highly recommend anyone who is wanting a new television show, to give this a whirl. You won't regret it!

Photo belongs to google.com

Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday - Football madness: Things you do for love... haha! I like to keep my other half happy, even if that means getting involved watching his favourite team play. During my recovery from my operation, we put the football on and more or less consisted of me screaming at the television. Not only did we have pizza, cuddles and quality time, but it was one of my favourite things to be involved in something my boyfriend is so passionate for. Was definitely one of my all-time favourite moments. 

Photo credit: myself

Fostering kittens: An opportunity came along at beginning of September. I fostered three kittens and their momma that had been abandoned. I do home-care for my job and came across these beautiful babies at a clients house who unfortunately is quite unwell. I and another carer, who is one of my closest friends, decided to act on the fact these kittens needed a temporary home until a shelter could take them. So that's exactly what we did, we took the kittens and their momma to my home and brought them back to health. The momma cat wouldn't stay in but she would always come back to check on her babies, it was adorable. I ended up naming them all, we decided to call momma cat Lola as it suited her personality well. The kittens were named; Milo, Max, and Harvey. I fell in love, it's no secret. It was devastating giving them to the shelter, but knowing they are all being rehomed makes me happy. 

Fostering an animal is such a rewarding experience. You receive unlimited cuddles & get to take photos, see below... Super cute. But knowing you're helping an animal is the best feeling in the world. I'd recommend fostering any type of animal as there is plenty that needs loving homes! Unfortunately, due to being in a shared housing property, animals aren't allowed although my landlord was pretty cool about having them stay a while. Everything happens for a reason right? Genuinely feel grateful for this experience.

Photo credit: myself

All the bright places, By Jennifer Niven: After the madness of kittens was over and done with, I had to go in for surgery. I will most likely do a separate post on this as it was definitely a wild ride. However, in the process of my recovery, being bed bound was proven difficult as I'm quite the active person and wanted to go anywhere and everywhere. Somehow, my boyfriend managed to make me rest & discovered a new book which is literally the best read, especially when you get lost in the plot... so engaging. Sometimes it's a struggle to focus on a book, or I put it down and don't finish it for ages. Won't lie, this has happened more over the last couple of years/months, terrible habit for sure. The book is called "All the bright places". Not yet finished it but it's made me realise a lot about mental health and how much I actually relate to it. I'll hopefully do a post on this too when I've read it all, definitely worth a read.

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

Summer Train Watching | August 2017

Hola, everyone!

Throughout this month, we have had some mixed weather. One evening I had off work, myself and my partner decided to go and watch trains. I was so excited because they kept waving and pipping their horn ha. But alongside, I managed to get some beautiful photo's, see above. 

**ALL PHOTOS ARE MY OWN, DO NOT TAKE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. If wanting to use any of these photo's then feel free to email me at jaydeekelly94@gmail.com for my permission.**

Doncaster ain't all that bad for capturing beautiful moments & it makes me happy knowing I have some well-captured photo's to look back on. They don't have nor need filters to visualise the beauty, the camera picked it up so well! It's become a regular occurrence to go to this little hideout for Trainspotting and quite frankly, it's amazing. Especially seeing my boyfriend beam at the fact he gets to see trains (he loves them) it's literally my favourite thing to do :) There's not really much to say, as the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy! 

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

June Goals & Achievements * round-up * | 2017

Hola, everyone! *waves* 

So after not blogging for a month or so, it's about time I posted again, so here we go. 

I always try to set myself some different goals each month. Throughout June I didn't have much on the list to label as a goal really as I'm still progressing on last months which you can find here: May Goals 2017

1. Going in for my theory test... again

A lot of people project a car theory test as 'common sense' and make digs at those who don't pass the first time. I, unfortunately, failed mine by 3 marks and the feeling of utter disappointment is a huge understatement. I revised a lot and did lots of mock tests and got a good score. When it came to the actual thing, Hazards perception was so unbelievably daunting but managed to somehow pass that with 60/75 which to me is an outstanding result. You can do all the revision in the world although remembering it is also hard to do, especially if you're me haha. I got 40/50 on the multiple choice and it encountered 43 to pass so you can imagine how crushing it was looking at my result. HOWEVER, it hasn't and will not stop me from trying again. In fact... I re-booked another attempt and hopefully this time my score will be better than ever. Gotta have a little faith, right?

2. Turning 23 
A new age, new me right? ha no, I'm the same boring old' Jaydee everyone grows to love. Jokes aside, It was my birthday at the beginning of June. I had the best birthday ever, my best friend from University who I spent the entirety of my third year with, drove 2-3 hours just to spend a few hours with me on my birthday! Had the chance to finally introduce my two favourite people to one another which made me indescribably happy. Although on the actual day, going into Meadowhall for some birthday dinner I dropped my 4-month-old iPhone and it smashed at the top corner. Might've been happy on prosecco and wine so oops haha. I could be the only person to see this as an achievement but I've made it to 23... I'll tell you why it's amazing news for me. 
At 4 years old, I had meningitis. If you don't know what it is, it's a bacterial infection which spreads around your body, affecting your hearing, sight and could experience a loss of limbs. Luckily before it could do any of that to me, my mum rushed me straight to the hospital and the doctors/nurses tackled the virus before it spread around my body. 
At age 10, I got knocked off my bike. I guess you can say it was a near death experience as I passed out half way through then woke up underneath a van after smashing my head against the pavement. I was lucky to walk away with a sliced open ear, cuts and bruising and a shattered ankle. So making it to 23 after nearly dying twice within my life, is an achievement and I'm very grateful to wake up every morning to carry on living my life. 

3. Getting back on my feet
It's been a long time coming but I'm just glad the struggle is over. It's taken me since the age of 19 to learn how to budget properly and making sure all my bills are paid on time instead of going silly with my money. My rent is £33 cheaper (was £433) as I have switched to paying weekly and it makes it so much easier. Finding a stable ground with work has helped too, making sure I'm getting enough hours while training for my new job to earn extra income. I'm so close to the end of my driving lessons, when I say close I mean... doing mock driving tests, close. It's such a good feeling to finally be in control of the things that were once brought me down. 

4. Losing weight
Let's be honest, it took me the majority of May to stop dining out. Even part of this month (June), guilty as charged. But, I have started to get more strict with eating better, along with exercising. This week alone I have had plenty bought in to eat throughout the busy work schedule and so far so good. I can continue my journey with slimming down. It's honestly the best feeling keeping your body fueled properly. I ain't doing it for anyone else, just myself - due to certain things started to eat away at my depression and anxiety which, if you suffer from you'll know how infuriating and difficult it is to maintain positive. Since May 29th up until around 15th June, remembered to keep a record of how much weight had been lost. 6 1/2 lbs lighter and it's made me realise that it is A LOT of body fat... see below to see what an average of 5 lbs looks like. It's kinda gross but seeing what you're losing is quite motivating, well it is for me anyways. I've gone from 164.4 lbs to 157 lbs - great achievement for sure. Still, a long way to go, but in order to see results change has to happen.

5. Booked time off work - finally
Never go 10 and a half months without annual leave. Biggest mistake of my life, but did my employer offer it me before? Unfortunately not which has sadly resulted in me losing last financial year's holidays. However, I've stood my ground and actually worked like a dog (lol) in order to book two weeks off which is in fact very much needed. Being a carer is so mentally draining so taking my annual leave for as long as I am should sort me right out as I'll have time to relax, blog, exercise & eat properly - all the things that are usually restricted haha.

6. Became a blood donor!
For a few years now I have wanted to sign up. Due to some health complications like having a low vitamin D deficiency, it restricted into me helping those in need until my levels were stable. Finally, my vitamin D levels are stable and have finally registered to be a blood donor! The first donation is while I'm off work on the 11th July & I'm beyond excited to finally achieve one of my biggest goals! It will most likely make next months favourites ha.  

The month as a whole has been so exciting from start to finish. Although towards the end of the month I did feel a bit run down but the best thing about June was achieving some goals, learning from mistakes and celebrating my 23rd year. All in all, it's been a good month and I'm so sad to see the end of it. Just hoping July is just as good :) 

What have been your highlights of June?

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

2 photo's from google.com - all rights reserved to them.

Unless stated otherwise all photo's are my own.

5 ways to improve your life | 2016

Firstly I am no expert nor am I portraying myself to be one, but throughout October I struggled with a lot of things within myself, mentally, physically, financially etc. & It was a draining month hence why I've objected to doing an October Favourites post, as I wasn't loving very much.
If you're open to change then continue reading as this is what worked for me, it may not work for everyone but I'm hopeful that it could impact someone's life at least.

1) Look after yourself 
It's very important to look after yourself, starting with you. Paint your nails, dye your hair or spend 3 hours in the bath until you look like a shrivelled prune lol, either way, do something that makes you feel good. I sometimes do my makeup different or position my hair a different way to boost my confidence if I'm having a bad day. Go running or walking for 2 hours a day to clear your mind, create a playlist on your phone of all the best songs you listen to and just lose yourself in it. Eat the correct foods that your body requires but also have a little cheat day to balance it out. I'm not food god, but it's what keeps your body going. Put yourself first and look after YOU. 

2) Cut toxic people out of your life
Why am I saying that? Because negativity is a strong and powerful drainer which consumes 99.9% of your energy and quite frankly it's horrible. Having people who are negative and toxic in your life changes the way you look at things and how you choose to live your life. Having a more positive mindset will help you achieve more goals and targets that you set yourself, rather than pushing good things away with a negative approach. Toxic people target the most vulnerable people and take advantage of them being in a low mindset, so making sure you're clear of them types of people is what will make your life more happy and free. 

3) Do what makes you happy 
Stop trying to please everybody, because you're not here for them. Ever heard of the saying, "You're here for a reason, find your own path" ? well, do exactly that and you can't go wrong. Find something that makes you happy, like blogging, exercising, dancing etc. Anything that makes you feel some sort of release and brings a smile to your face. You only have one life, so live it the way YOU want and make fantastic memories. 

4) Be a kind person
Whether it's helping a little old lady over the road or donating spare money to charity. Do something nice for someone else by being a kind person. This world lacks kind hearted people as there is so much hate surrounding it at the moment. So when you wake up be positive within yourself and make someone else smile that day. Even if you say good morning, it will make their entire day. OR better yet, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to something you've wanted for a long time, take yourself for a lovely chilled out run/walk or surround yourself with good friends and family. It helps, trust me. :) 

5) Love who you are 
Before anyone else can love you, you need to learn to love yourself. Accept your flaws, your imperfections and embrace them. They don't make you a bad person, they make you unique. Loving who you are is NOT vain, it's appreciating that you're happy with yourself and comfortable in being who you are, especially when around other people. Love your personality, body, mind and creativeness because one day you'll look back and wonder why you didn't. 

I hope this helps at least one person. It is a long process but absolutely worth it. These points have helped me take a step back from my life and remember the importance of it. Even if you include at least one into your life, it will make a great difference :)

Love Jaydee xo 

October favourites | 2015

I've never done a favourites before, so I thought why not as I've been enjoying a range of things throughout October. From nights out to candles, workout gear etc. **Most of my photos will be recognisable from my previous posts**

Primark candles are pretty amazing, this one happens to be one of my favourite christmas scents. It's a warm winter scent and it just makes your room area all cosy, if anything it helped me settle and complete some uni work. I got this in September but started burning it in beginning of October, I think, can't really remember but it was in my haul post. I would definitely recommend it, if anyone is wanting a new candle for winter! :) 

Lush is such a good store to get bath bombs, shower gels etc. BUT as I don't have a bath at University, I only have a shower, I decided to get a cleanser and toner. Now, I'm very picky with what I put on my skin, like.. Really fussy! The cleanser is amazing on my skin, it gives it the refreshed look it needs after a restless nights sleep, or to make my face look more cleansed after taking off my makeup. The toner, finishes off the routine with taking away unwanted make-up, clogged pores etc. I can't wait until payday, I will definitely be getting some more! I'm also OBSESSED with the face mask, Cupcake, but I shall do a separate post on that!!

No doubt some of you will recognise this photo, or this beautiful girl from a previous post of mine. Recently I brought my cat to university and it was the best time ever. She settled down really well and having cuddles every night was the best thing ever. I had to take her back home due to some unsettling circumstances within my university house, but I shall be bringing her back after the Christmas Break, once i have enough money for her too. Being a student sucks sometimes, not having enough money and all that, ha. But I get to see her again soon and I really can't wait!! She's in my favourites because all of October she lifted me when I felt stressed, upset etc. and well, she is the reason for my smile :)

These candles are also from Primark, no more than £5 each. The pink cased candle, well... It smells like sweets, a very sweet smell but I LOVE it, it's amazing. It's called "Red berry & Jasmine" and it's one of the best candles ever made. If you want more of a day candle, then I'd highly suggest this. As for the purple ones, After burning the little ones I got a HUGE one, like the pink cased. In fact, I got like... 3 more! (oops) It just smells so Wintery and Autumnal and it helps me relax at night when I just want to unwind :)) It's called "Blackcurrant and Forest Plum" (see below for more pictures)

Okay, I'm not much of a sport fanatic but I do follow Ice-hockey, it's my favourite sport EVER. My team, Sheffield Steelers are such a great team to support. They normally win every game they have, some they don't and thats fine!! They have such incredible energy. I did manage to capture this proud moment as a fan, they won 5-4 ! I think they played against Nottingham, can't really remember ha! Do add them on snapchat if you're interested: @steelershockey 

So throughout October, I got really back into my training. I joined the Athletics team at University and carried on with my personal training sessions. (Can I just point out, I'm the most unfit person ever!!) I decided one day I was going to spend all my money on work out gear, so I went to H&M and got this work-out top. Now when I go shopping I always get bigger sizes to what I am, but this top is a small and it's super big on me. It made me feel so happy to know all the training and eating clean I had been doing was doing me good in the long run. I got two sports bra's too and couldn't find my size, so i got the next number down and even that was too big!! Very comfortable and it just makes me feel so good knowing they aren't tight on me, they fit comfortably and even now, they're becoming too big, but thats a very good thing! Couldn't be more happier tbh! :)) 

I don't talk about this much on my blog but I am OBSESSED with Paris, never been but a girl can dream. I was browsing on amazon, as I had too much free time and came across this phone case. In October I also drank too much on a night out (oops ha) and smashed my phone into the ground, screen stopped working and I had to get a replacement and thought why not start fresh with a new case?! Thank you so much to a fab company "Headcase" for creating this phone case (not sponsored), it's my all time favourite thing. Ever! (I'm also aware of whats happened in Paris recently with the terrorist attacks and it absolutely broke my heart. #PrayForParis) 

Hangover food is great, but Nando's... Nando's is life. I always take photo's of my food whenever I go and to be honest, I don't know why as I always get the same thing! But this meal was the best thing ever. It tasted better than usual when I went and stuffed me right up. I guess I'm obsessed with Nando's ha! Especially on hangover days. It's in my favourites because Nando's is one of my favourite restaurants and well, it's great food!!! If you don't know what one is, then check it out!!

While everyone has been obsessing over Christmas throughout the month of October, It was me raving about Halloween and well... This is why (see above) I left my costume to last minute as I wanted to go home due to feeling home sick :( I went as a dead school girl and don't usually make an effort to dress up. But this year, that all changed! All I did for my costume was buy a black skirt from Primark (was about £6) and a baggy shirt (£4) and cut the shirt up, sprayed fake blood on it, cut it up and added a tie. As for my make up, it was latex, fake blood and black crayon (Yes, crayon) It was sooooooo painful getting off!! But the night out was incredible. For the first time ever, I went through a scare maze and left it laughing and crying with fear it was brilliant. Excited for next year already!! :))

Selena Gomez has been one of my idols since I was about, 14 years old. She's incredibly stunning, an amazing actor & her new album "Revival" is pretty decent :) She's made it to my favourites because of her strength. As many people know she's battled an awful time with a break up i presume? well, she's maintained herself so gracefully and I admire her for her strength. Selena is one of the strongest people I look up to, she's been through so much since becoming famous, some of which I've never experienced, but when I do, just looking at how she overcame her worries, pushes me to overcome mine. Selena, I love you. You've got so much going for you and I hope one day I meet you and tell you in person. Thank you, for being you :)) 

Who doesn't like Swifty?? HER NEW ALBUM IS GREAT. Well, I might have jumped on the bandwagon a year late but who cares ;) The two songs that are now on repeat is "This Love" and "Out of the woods" and I have no idea why. I guess they just chill me out and I admire her passion throughout her whole album. But these songs are the most played, Along with Wildest Dreams :P

So when my little princess was with me at University, the picture above is pretty much how we would spend every night together. All cuddled up watching Alfie Deyes on Youtube (@Pointlessblog) :)) Pepsi loves him as much as I do! It's so interesting in following people's lives. I love watching Youtubers, it chills me out and makes me happy especially when I've had a rubbish day! I'd love to be able to do what they do, but at the moment I'm way too shy!! But yeah, University life is more than stressing out writing essays, going out all the time etc. For me it's just chill nights watching Netflix cuddled up to my teddy or pepsi (when she was here) or catching up on Youtube :)

Being invited along to birthdays makes me happy. I get to celebrate with my friends and catch up with others when I see them out etc. We went to Revolution in Lincoln and their new menu is to die for!! Also, who doesn't like a cheeky cocktail?! This night in general was filled with laughter, good food and drinks & of course, great friends :)) If you're old enough to drink, do check out the "Pornstar Martini" It's well nice!! Hopefully I'll be making these when I attend Bartending school next summer!!

As I mentioned before I've joined the Athletics society for my final year at University and my first session was intense. If anyone follows my instagram (@jaydeekelly) you'll have seen this photo and the caption stating that it took me 4 years to get back onto the track. On my second session, I sprained my ankle... and currently have been out for 3 weeks so far, waiting for it to become strong enough to run on again!! It was a massive achievement to get my fitness back up and hopefully as the year continues I get to go on tour with the society, I get keep my fitness up and hopefully start competing.. I think it'll be quite epic. :))

One of the final things I have been loving in October (and every month of the year) is my all time favourite program, Criminal Minds. If anything it gives me inspiration for my university work and whenever I watch it, it makes me want to be an FBI agent so bad!! So for my final year project I decided to write a television program around the FBI units, not at all like this, very different and so far it's going great and I have this show to thank. I'm just hooked it's actually quite unhealthy ha!!

That's pretty much it for my favourites. The products I have been loving are probably going to be reviewed separately! Hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what you've been loving down below also!

(All photo's in this post apart from the Selena Gomez & Criminal minds photo, are all my own & screen shot by myself. Do not take them without my permission, thanks!)

Xo

Uni room | Final year

So it's my final year of University & I just wanted to share a few snaps of my bedroom. Next year, I'm moving to brighton before/after graduation, hopefully before, so this post will be definitely something I'll look back on :) I've just had my cat move in with me at university too, she's literally my everything! So glad we can have pets. 

My book/dvd collection is definitely growing!

All photo's are by myself, Jade Kelly. Do not take without permission, thanks :)

The first photo, is basically who i used to work for and now what i volunteer for. Unicef, is a good cause for anyone to be apart of, it's all about raising awareness for children and families in third world countries. I'm currently running a society which revolves around it, which is amazing. If you want to donate, go to unicef.org.uk :) 

If it wasn't obvious, I have a mini book collection with all the ones that make me happy. What are your favourite books??

These photo's in general, make me so so happy. 

Xo

Candle Heaven

As it's Autumn, I have tried so hard to stop buying candles. But I just can't. I am obsessed! So as per usual, when I was in Primark, I went straight to the homeware section and went crazy. 

All photo's in this post, were taken by myself, Jade Kelly. DO NOT take without permission. 

I think during autumn, I just obsess over the cosiness of the season itself, as I love being warm and cosy. These candles definitely smell too good!! Also, how cute is my desk set-up?? :P

Red berry & Jasmine candle - £3.50
Blackcurrant and Forest plum candle - £1.00 (each)

Xo