8 Things To Try That Might Make You Happy

We all need a pick-me up at times right? Whether you've had a rough day, an unexpected expenditure or maybe even a breakup, sometimes we all just need something that will make us feel good again. Here are eight ideas to try when you're feeling a little down...

1. Dance It Out

Have you seen Grey's Anatomy? If not then you really need to! I've watched Meredith and friends dance it out many a time. Whether it's because of a bereavement, a bad day at the hospital or even a break-up, she will put on a tune, crank up the volume and make her friends jump to their feet to join in. I've tried this one and it really does make you feel better. Choose something happy and with a good beat. If you've tried this already then I want to know! ;)

2. Pour A Glass Of Wine

I'm not an alcoholic (honest) even though I have a tendency to tweet every time I pour a glass of vino. It just helps me unwind and relax after a long, hard day. Maybe you prefer a good cup of tea and cake? Whatever your tipple is, make time to put your feet up and enjoy.

3. Watch A Feel Good Show

Initially I was going to say watch a feel good movie, but then I changed my mind. I rarely watch movies at the moment. I'm instead addicted to particular shows - I blame my mother for this - such as Grey's and Supergirl. My brother would suggest Sex And The City post breakup and I would have to agree. Friends is another great one if you need a laugh. There are literally so many fantastic shows to choose from that you can have your pick.

4. Eat Chocolate

Fact: Eating chocolate makes me feel better. Someone once told me that this is because chocolate increases your levels of endorphins. It also tastes divine! What other excuse do you need? Eat and feel happy I say! 

5. Splurge on Affordables 

Treat yourself to items that won't break the bank such as pretty notebooks and stationery. My biggest vice happens to be collecting any and all notepads with inspirational quotes splashed across the front. So when this little beauty dropped on my doorstep you can imagine how thrilled I was! This one was kindly sent to me by Sarah of small independent design company, Two Little Boys, but if you fancy grabbing one of these for yourself then check out their website. Home of unique gifts since 2002, you're sure to find something to put a smile on your face! :)

6. Go For A Walk Somewhere Different

I love the great outdoors, but sometimes doing the same old trek can become tiresome and boring. So why not mix it up a little? I like to try new places in the Lake District. It's simply beautiful there. I know that many of you don't live in the North West so you can't just pop over to Windermere or the likes, but find somewhere in your own vicinity that is quiet and picturesque. 

7. Plan A Road Trip 

The most important part in planning a road trip is choosing your company well! For me I tend to go on little jaunts with my sisters and nephews or specific friends. We put on some tunes, drive out into the country and stop off for lunch somewhere nice. A little bit of sunshine is always a plus too. Make sure you fill up the tank and pack some sun cream just in case!

8. Write A List

I'm not sure why, but writing lists always makes me feel better about things. When it's about self improvement, I'll often jot down extreme things such as plastic surgery! I'm not saying I'm going to get plastic surgery, it's actually more the act of writing the list and contemplating the possibilities that makes me feel okay again. When it's about blog related things, I'll assign myself little goals to work towards. If it's about a guy I'm trying to get over, it's a pros and cons list! Trust me this one really helps! Especially if your cons list is four times longer than your pros! ;)

Obviously there are plenty of other things you could try to lift your spirits and make you feel happy but I hope you find some of these ideas helpful. How do you cheer yourself up when you're feeling low? What makes you happy? 

Sending you all lots of love xxx

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A Must Read Lifestyle Blog - Jorlaska*

If you're on the lookout for new blogs to follow then I highly recommend you pop on over to Jorlaska. Taiba started this lifestyle blog in September 2015. I love that her posts are often raw, honest and so very personal. Here she tells you a little bit about herself...

'Hi, I'm Taiba. I'm a nineteen year old college student, inspiring others to explore the hidden secrets of the world.
You will often find me in the corner of some random coffee shop, surrounded by endless coffee cups, books and pens.
When I'm not blogging (or trying to get those A's)  I'm usually either working at the local Subway, co-running a social space with other women or trying to escape reality by losing myself in a stream of words.
Jorlaska is not just a lifestyle blog but rather an expression of my inner creativity and how I feel about the turmoil of the society we live in.
I spent almost a year searching for something worthwhile to do with my time, the outcome being Jorlaska.
One year later and Jorlaska has now grown to include controversial topics and content aimed to inspire others. You'll also find Coffee with Jorlaska and some personal letters written to myself.'

Here are three of my favourite posts by Taiba.

1. '11 Facts About Me.'

2. 'You Can Achieve Wonders Alone.'

3. 'It's All Personal.'

You can find Taiba on most social media avenues including Twitter and Instagram. You can also follow her blog on Bloglovin.

Thanks for reading. Who are your favourite bloggers? 

Justine xxx

Images not my own. 

*Jorlaska is one of GirlGoneDreamer's March Advertisers

5 Must Read Blogs

Hello lovelies! Today is all about sharing some blog love. If you follow me on Twitter then you'll have noticed that I like to share my latest favourite blog reads with everyone. Of course I'm also aware that not everyone uses Twitter so I thought I'd use GGD to share five must read blogs that I've come across in the last few months. Curl up with a brew (or glass of wine) and enjoy.


1. thirteenthoughts

Paula's blog is now one of my regular 'go-to' reads. Whether she's talking beauty, lifestyle or blogging tips, her posts are always spot on and I love her use of photography!

2. HannahGale

I honestly think I must have been hiding under a rock not to have discovered Hannah's blog before now. She posts about fashion, blogging, beauty and life, (in fact just about everything) but the reason I love Hannah's blog most is because she always keeps it real.

3. poppiesinoctober

Erin's blog is simply gorgeous to look at. I love the layout, the photography and just like me, she loves to write. I was super excited when I read that she is writing a novel. She blogs about lots of topics including mental health, lifestyle, literature and motivation.

4. Flourishing Freelancer

Dani writes about writing. Literally. Her website is full of useful posts on how to be a better blogger and freelancer. If you're a writer, blogger or aspiring writer, go give this one a read.

5. Girl Untold

Girl Untold is so much more than just a blog. Created by Sarah who has suffered from various things such as mental illness, addiction, eating disorders and self harm. GirlUntold is a movement to share her story, empower women and tackle society's pressure to be, look, act and think a certain way. (Sarah's own words - how can you not love a motto like that? Go show your support and give her a follow.)


Have you any recommended blog reads to share? Please leave any links in the comments section below.


Justine xxx




Image via Pexels

Something A Bit Different

Dear Blogger Friends... Five Years From Now

Who knows where we'll all be five years from now. I often contemplate the possibilities. Will I be a successful writer? Will I have even sent my novel to a literary agent? Maybe I'll be a mother, or maybe I'll be a recluse with a collection of fifty cats ha ha. Of course a lot can happen in a five year period. Rewind sixty months and the one and only Zoe Sugg was probably only just starting to make a name for herself in the blogsphere. February 2009 saw her gain 1000 or so followers. Fast forward to September 2015 and she'd received over 540 million visits. Sprinkle of Glitter was a phrase more likely linked to an art student. And Tanya Burr was a name I'd never heard of. How things change.
Any blogger worth their weight in gold has heard of these three women. Let's face it, seeing their success makes us all that more hungry for some of our own.

I think it's fun and exciting to imagine where we'll be and what we'll be doing in the future. With that in mind I decided to write a 'letter' to three of my favourite bloggers set five years from now. If you enjoy reading it and it inspires you to do something similar, feel free.

Hello my lovely blogger friends, how is life treating you? I cannot believe how quickly five years has gone by. Who'd have thought we'd all be where we are now.


Jordan, as Craig Revel Horwood would say, you were FAB.U.LOUS in your West End debut. Wicked is my favourite all time musical. Maybe you might get invited to do Strictly next! Fingers crossed hey? I also heard that you achieved your dream of becoming a Victoria's Secret model?! You're going to be AMAZING! Not jealous in the slightest. Not one little bit. Pah, Who am I kidding? With a figure like yours, we're all jealous! Huge congratulations. Looking forward to reading your debut novel. I'm currently writing my second and sales are doing well on the first. Don't tell anyone yet but they're talking movie rights! Hugely excited to see where this journey takes us all next.

HelloMissJordan

Hi Jemma! Hope you're well. Firstly I have to say how much I ADORE your new stationery range. Who'd have thought this time five years ago you'd be collaborating with WHSmith for an exclusive line? Actually I always had a sneaky feeling that you would do well. You've been talented and determined since day dot and if anybody deserves success it's you! I just know your dad will be watching so proudly over you. Secondly it was fantastic watching 'Who Are You Really?' your latest YouTube video. Zoella and you seemed to hit it off really well. She's just so down to earth despite her 'celebrity status.' Then again, so are you. That's what I've always loved about you Jemma! No matter what, you've always had time for others and will try to help where you can. I think you should do a Q&A with Louise Pentland next! I heard the next Girl Gang event is to be held in the Manchester Apollo this year? I hope I can get tickets this time. They always sell out so fast!

DORKFACE 

Hey Flo! How are things? One of these days I'm going to have to catch you for lunch when you're actually in one place for long enough. I can't keep up with you lol! Jet-setting from one country to the next. You look like you're having an AMAZING time though! And huge congratulations on getting the DJ job for Radio 1's Big Weekend! I knew you'd do it. Maybe you could write about it in your next column for Look magazine? I predict even bigger things from you this next twelve months! I finally bit the bullet and bought my own Bridal shop. Better late than never hey? I'm currently working on an eco friendly line so watch this space!

LoveFromFlorenceGrace

Lots of love

Justine

xxx

So there you have it. Of course this was just for fun and I couldn't possibly have included ALL of the bloggers I follow. That said, each and every one of you deserves every success and I can only hope that we all get to share in each others success and spread the joy along the way. There's always a risk that one of us might get bored and fall off that old blogging wagon but I doubt it. We all enjoy it too much! Happy humpday. Now go BE that flamingo in a flock of pigeons. Dare to be different. Dare to be yourself. We each have our own unique gift to share with the world. Go forth and kick some blog ass! 

Love to you all xxx

All photos except header image taken from respective blog owners. Header imagine FREE stock photo from ColorUBold.

Zoe Sugg facts found from Wikipedia

Taking Inspiration from Zoella

Hello all! Sorry for my lack of posts this last fortnight, I've been crazy busy. Got lots of things in the pipeline including a new book blog which I can't wait to share with you all! Meanwhile you can keep up to date with plenty of book related stuff by following @BloggersRead over on Twitter.

Yesterday I bought Cosmo magazine for the first time in ages. Now I'm going to be honest here, I don't usually read it. In fact I probably won't for another year - sorry Cosmo! The only reason I picked up the current issue was because Zoe Sugg aka Zoella was on the cover and I wanted to read the article.

To me, Zoe is the queen of blogging. I know there are countless other talented bloggers out there, and yes I love you all too. But Zoe has managed to achieve something that most of us can only dream of and has remained just as down to earth in the process.

I have lost count of the times I've had to explain to my non-blogger friends and family just what it's all about. Some look at me with puzzled expressions and clearly just don't get it. Others nod along encouragingly and give me motivation as and when required. I hope they read Cosmo this month and that the penny drops. Because this girl is living my dream!!

I started this blog as a way to put myself out there a bit. Also to start building an author platform. I didn't expect to love it so much or to take it all so seriously but here we are, over a year down the line and I have BIG plans for GGD! I'm not at the point of creating videos - yet. (Give me a paper bag to wear over my head and I may consider.) But I'm working on lots of different projects all blog related. Some of my goals may never see the light of day, but I'm sure as hek having fun trying. It's because of Zoe and others like her that I feel like I CAN achieve these crazy feats.

Reading how far Zoe has come makes me wonder where we'll all be in five years time. Will any of us have our own beauty or lifestyle range? I hope so. Maybe I might finally see my novel published too. Finishing it would be a start! I hope that whatever happens we all continue to have lots of fun along the way.

As some of you may know, this hasn't been the easiest of years for me. However, for the first time in ages I feel like I want to say the future is looking bright. Or brighter at any rate. I hope yours is too.

Love to you all xxx







Header Image taken from Zoella post: https://www.zoella.co.uk/2016/09/fell-in-love-with-edinburgh.html Copyright not my own