In honour of the Miss World Oxford Debate

Recently, the Miss World contestants took part in a debate about Pageantry and Beauty With a Purpose. This inspired me to write about what Pageantry means to me as a teenager and as a young women!

I have been keeping up to date with as many pageants I can since Year 9 when I first realized that they have pageants in the UK. Since my acceptance into Miss Teen Great Britain in Year 10, I have been determined to make it to a final of a pageant and actually raise enough money to be able to compete!

But this is not because I feel like I can win, or I am full of myself. There is a lot more to pageants than your size and your looks!

"As a former contestant and now a judge and pageant author, I fully embrace the fact that pageants survive and continue to evolve.  At a time when political correctness threatens to snuff out anything joyous or fun, how great to retain an arena in which educated, ambitious young ladies can show off their talent, personality and beauty and be centre stage for a night" - Sally-Ann Fawcett, Author & former pageant contestant and now judge.

I, myself, have not yet competed in a pageant - my first will be Miss Bolton 2015! But, just by being accepted into a prestigious pageant; it has significantly risen my confidence in not only how I look but with who I am!

I am not the slimmest girl, with the perfect body and I certainly don't have flawless skin! I am a young girl from a tiny village, and I don't have the richest of backgrounds/inheritance - you could say I'm just the typical girl next door.

But what I do have is a heart! And pageants dig deep into your heart to bring out who you are and what you care about. Now there is often charity fundraising involved, and some of the prettiest beauty queens aren't the skinniest and some have the most perfect bodies you've ever seen! However, I can guarantee they didn't win their title because of their body, they won it because of who they are, inside and outside!

My argument here is that pageants are not bad like they are socially claimed to be - they give the chance for a young and old women (even men) to come together and feel beautiful and raise money for a charity that will help those world wide! This increases confidence in so many ways, if your child or a friend of yours lacked in confidence - you'd want to make them and show them that they are beautiful inside and out. 

THIS is what pageants do, this is what pageants achieve.

I'd like to end this post with my bid for Miss Bolton 2015 - and why I'd like to be your role model:

I am not the skinniest, I am not the tallest, I am not flawless, I am not perfect. However, I do have a heart - a heart not just to those who are my family and friends but a heart towards my community and my town!  I am quite young to be entering a Miss England heat, but that's one other thing I'd like to do - Represent the youth of my town. Teenagers my age and younger, even just a year older have a bad reputation these days. We find ourselves being watched when we enter shops, elderly are often afraid of us when we come near them. I'd like to represent the elderly, encourage them to come out of hiding more and meet the future generation. And most importantly, I'd like to represent my fellow contestants - If I should win Miss Bolton 2015, I would want each contestant to become an active part of my journey and to come together to show what being a true 'BOLTON GAL' is all about! As I said, I have a loyal heart, I wouldn't let anybody down. I would continue to raise money for Variety as well as Beauty with a Purpose along with any other charities that could do with a little love! It is not just about becoming a beauty queen, it is about becoming a role model and a true inspiration!

Nicole Lake
Miss Bolton Finalist 2015
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vote-Nicole-Lake-for-Miss-Bolton-2015/322705807932890
https://www.justgiving.com/Nicole-Lake/

Miss Bolton, in association of Miss England and Variety Charity

Hey Guys, I have some fantastic news for you all - which I hope you'll all support!

In September, I attended the Miss England Open Auditions to try and make the live voting heats for the Miss England Semi-Finals. However, I did not make it through this round therefore wasn't successful.

But! I have recently received text message and an email and I can now confirm that I am a Miss Bolton Finalist 2015! This is a huge deal for me, as it's my first pageant and it leads to Miss England if I make it through! So for the next 4/5 months I will be juggling sixth form, work and charity fundraising - but hopefully I can incorporate them in one way or another!

I have currently set up a Just Giving page to raise money for Charity - please note this is not a sponsorship fundraise - it is purely charity! (That's the best thing) I would be so grateful if any of my followers could support my bid to raise at least £200! It'll give me a great starting point:

Information from my Just Giving Page:

For those who don't know me, my name is Nicole Lake - I am 17 (turning on to 18) years old and I am currently a sixth form student. Charity fundraising has always been a passion of mine since a young age, me and my Mum used to take pride in adding extra details to things like the Shoe Box Appeal (we'd decorate the shoebox) and then as I approached High School - I was involved a lot in my 'house' charity: Macmillan Cancer Support. Breaching the end of High School, I wanted to do my own thing for charity - hence becoming 'blind for a day' in which I spent one full school day from 8:50 to 3:05 in a blindfold raising £100 in total.

I don't want my charity fundraising to just end there!

Recently, I have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Bolton 2015 - their chosen charity is Variety. I am happy that this charity is the chosen one as I've always wanted to help disadvantaged, ill children not only in other countries but in my own as well - they do just this! I have set my target to £200 but I am hoping to raise more money by March (The final) and maybe carry on raising money afterwards as like I said I am passionate in these sort of things.

If you could just take the time to donate any sum of money, it would be most appreciated - I will be doing different activities in order to raise the money as well but it would be great if I had somewhere to start.

https://www.justgiving.com/Nicole-Lake/  - Please donate now:) And also keep watch on the many fundraising events I will be taking part in!

Thank you for your support guys!

UCAS: A guide to applying!

Okay, as mentioned previously - I have had so many troubles with UCAS and applying to my universities. So here is my guide to getting it sorted if you are doing A Levels!



"Personal Details"


This is probably the easiest bit, it's quite self explanatory! However at one point you will get to the "Student Support" section. Selecting the 'FEE CODE' is very complicated, well it probably isn't but I found it was! These are the options:


01 Private finance
02 LEA/SAAS/NIBd/EU/Chl/IoM
04 Research councils
05 DH/Regional Health
06 UKL govt osea award
07 Training agency
08 Other UK govt award
09 Overseas Agency
10 UK Industry/commerce
90 Other Source
99 Not Known


Basically, to put it bluntly - if you are British and live in the UK, you select "02 LEA/SAAS/NIBd/EU/Chl/IoM" and then that sections done!


"Additional Information"


You shouldn't have any problem with this, it's easy!


"Student Finance"


Most of you will probably want to apply for Student Finance, so again this is self explanatory!


"Choices"


This is the easiest when you know what 5 universities you would like to select, unless like me and you liked lot's and have to choose! Always have your course details and University page up on another tab when completing this, it makes it so much easier! You may find when searching for some courses, that there is two - unless you are taking a sandwich year (Gap year in the middle of University) always select the one that ends in (QW34). If you are wanting to take a Gap Year before University then when it asks about 'Deferred Entry' click 'yes'


"Education"


This was easily the most hardest thing for me, considering today I was running all over college looking for answers but if you are entering an AS Level it is called: GCE Advanced Subsidiary (first award 2001)


You still HAVE to include your A2 levels that you are taking: GCE Advanced Level but just select the grade as "Pending"


"Employment"


Self-explanatory


"Personal Statement"


Basically, you are allowed up to 4,000 CHARACTERS or 47 lines - I can inform you now that Word is very much different to UCAS, I used my 4,000 characters but then it told me I was over the 47 line limit - now my personal statement fits it is "3732 characters with spaces" and 658 words. However, on word it is only 44 lines on UCAS it is 47. Just a warning.


"View All Details"


Don't ignore this page, check every little detail! If it's all ready then OFF YOU GO!






Good Luck! Hope this helped!

Do what You want, not what your parents want.

So, again it's been a long time since I've posted but I always come back! Like a dog, I'm not saying I'm a dog - though my hair can look like one sometimes. Wait, let's just rephrase that:


So, again it's been a long time since I've posted but I always come back like a boomerang!


That's better, anyway back to business.


Recently, I have been helping direct/block the staging for our college production "Chicago" and I got told something off one of the leads yesterday which shocked me quite a bit. It also reminded me of myself when choosing Year 9 GCSE options, which I think I may have spoke about before earlier in my blog posts.


This girl who plays one of the leads, is one of the most talented, dedicated, musical actors I have ever come across. She is also in my LAMDA class, but it came to my attention yesterday that she is not taking Theatre Studies. My initial reaction was how could this girl NOT take theatre studies with how talented she actually is?! I found out that she had a huge debate with her parents about it, and she wanted to stay focused on Law and therefore could not take Theatre Studies. Although Law is something she wants to do, I find it upsetting she couldn't have her hobby besides her ambition.


In Year 9, when I was deciding my options I wanted to do Art, Drama and then I had to pick a language as it was compulsory. However, my Mum and my Grandad really wanted me to do Triple Science as I had been selected to be able to do it and it would set me aside from others in the future. So eventually, I decided to pick it instead of Art - this had a huge impact on me in Year 10. Although my teacher was FAB, I could engage in the subject as I wasn't interested in it whatsoever, this began to show in my grades the first year. In my mock exams I continually kept getting 'E's'. As I hadn't ever received an E before, this really upset me, so much my teacher had to ring home to tell my mum that it was only a mock and everyone can't do well straight away. This was my wake up call! Although I really didn't want to do Triple Science, I didn't want to fail 3 GCSE's as a consequence - I bucked my ideas up and received a 'B' for all three.


The point I'm making is, I chose to do Science for the sake for my family wanting me to do it. It is now a big help in college but my future ambitions do not include Science, and neither does college apart from the Social Science: Psychology. When it comes to your future, please do not allow your parents, friends or anybody else change your decisions and beliefs because your ambition is YOURS and nobody should be able to take that away from you. Whether it's an actor or a lawyer, a musician or a scientist - do what YOU want to do.

Complete Utter Babble

Wow, It's been ages since I've wrote a post - sorry guys, had absolutely no inspiration.


Not much has happened recently, but just to let you know, Phoebe (post featured lower down the page: http://sheforeverdreamswithin.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/rising-star-and-eek-900-views.html) has recently gained her dream role of Eponine in Les Miserables at the Oldham Coliseum June 2015! Please, if you want to see this future broadway star in action, I'd buy tickets when you can!


I'm actually stumped on what else to say actually, or any advice to give. But can I just outline my frustration with UCAS - so I was writing my personal statement and for once was really proud of it then what does UCAS say? "You are 157 characters over the limit" Okay, so I sort that out and then it says "You are 2 lines over the 47 line limit" so now my personal statement seems ungrammatical but I seriously tried - no joke. 


Next things next, I'll hopefully have an exciting post for you all soon - something I am participating in this Saturday could probably change my low confidence levels (obviously if I succeed). Soon I could be titling a post "EXCITING NEWSS!" but it's just dreaming at the moment so lets just keep that under wraps!


My next piece of complete utter blabble, is about what I actually learnt in an R.E assembly last week - time is a very precious thing. At the moment my time is occupied with work (I did a 6:30am - 10:00am shift today and now I have college till 5, just saying) and  college (5 days a week, says it all), so I literally have no time for a social life or even family time:( This is why it is crucial to organise your week, making sure you have ATLEAST 8 hours sleep and eat 3 meals a day. I didn't used to eat breakfast, like ever. However, I now eat it quite frequently as it gets me prepared for the day and keeps me going through long days at work and college! Also making sure you have a lot of rest as we can't do anything without energy and we can't have energy unless it's been recycled and regenerated. We're all the literal definitions of superheroes, we can work, study and sleep - that's a very big deal.


I'd like to end this post just to say Good Luck to all my fellow drama/theatre enthusiasts at college who have gained a call back to Chicago (College production) and to my committed readers?

I seriously, do actually love you all - you make me feel like I'm being listened to! Thank You!

Curls without the Constant cost!

Have you ever paid so much money each time you have a special occasion, to have your hair professionally curled in different styles?

Well I'd like to introduce to you my curlers...

These are the Nano Titanium Miracurl by BabylissPro and these beauties can create any defined look you are after! 

The first wonder is what this terrifying looking machine actually does, is sucks in a bit of your hair and curls it inside - after a couple of beeps you release tight grip and slowly unravel your hair from the machine and a curl is made (That is the Miracurl)

The other features are what make these curlers astonishing:

3 Curl Settings: With the three curl settings, your curls can be curled to perfection - you can have the curls curling left, right or alternate!

3 Heat Settings: There are also three heat settings 1) 375F    2) 410F    3) 450, which are perfect for when you have thin or thick hair (like me)

3 Timer Settings: These are to clarify how defined you want your curls (loose, medium, tight)


I have created several different looks with these curlers: 

Both of us have used the curlers here^

Jazzin' it for A Levels!

We all know after having such a long glorious 'summer' holiday that going back to college can be quite daunting but you can turn this daunting feeling into excitement! After I had finished getting ready for College I was so excited to use everything! First thing I did was after work on Wednesday, I went shopping to buy some well needed stationary, which I'd recommend The Works and Poundland! At Poundland I found these really pretty jewelled stick-on letters, and a light bulb switched on in my head! I bought 2 silver sheets and 1 gold sheet (Came to £3) and when I got home I jazzed everything up until I ran out of letters. Above and below you can see my jazzed up pencil case and notebooks for each lesson - this made things quite cheap and boring look quite expensive!

One more thing to make yourself feel ready for college is on the first day, make yourself feel pretty - for example I had glitter eye shadow on and as seen above glitter nail polish. That day I felt refreshed and ready for college!

So as you can see not every boring, unexciting thing has to be the same, a glass isn't half empty; it's half full!

It's Okay NOT to be skinny!

If you're reading this and you know me from High School/early days of College then you probably noticed that I rapidly lost weight, and was very skinny to the point I couldn't find clothes that fit my height but didn't bag on my legs. Since then I have put on a significant amount of weight, and I couldn't be happier with how I look.

The reason why I brought this up is because I have these converse-style shoes that go up to just under my knee and I hadn't worn them since last year. I realized today, as I looked at them how skinny my legs used to be and I actually became sick because you get all this motivation these days about being skinny but what's the point of being skinny but being unhealthy?

My ex's dad once told me he used to be about 7 stone, and because of this obviously your internal organs slim down as well as you - so one day he was eating chocolate (harmless chocolate) and it ended up puncturing his oesophagus. This story is what made my eyes open up!

Now, you get some people who are naturally skinny, yet eat like a horse but they're just the lucky ones! In a way we can all be the lucky ones if we become proud of our weight, I'm not the skinniest anymore but I can say I am hell of a lot healthier. I eat my three meals a day and have started to walk a lot to keep my weight where it is. You can be chubby, non-skinny and be happy, and vice versa.

This post isn't to shame you if you are skinny, it's to warn those who are trying to become skinnier than skinny; it seriously is not worth it! If you can't take it from me, then take it from Demi Lovato - she became obsessed with how she looked weight-wise and now through rehab she is an ideal healthy role model and she isn't size 4! Not all models you see today are size 4, or have perfect teeth and perfect hair, it's about time we change this stereo-type of today's world.

Eat Healthy, Exercise regularly and let our metabolism deal with our weight - Not us!

Remember, our loved ones will love us if we're size 4 or size 40 - just along as we have a fat heart!

"The mirror is a lie, it doesn't show what's on the inside"

-Demi Lovato

New Life

So, I've been invited to a party-like/gathering next week, normally I don't usually go to these sort of things because I'm not up to it but this is different - and major.

To most people, they have these every weekend but this is the first time I'll be spending time with people from College, outside of College and most importantly my Theatre Group. As you know from my previous posts, I struggled to make friends and to trust people - consistently being told to take a chance but I never did and the last 2 weeks of College I became spontaneous and acted myself!

I always feel like I have to put a front on for everybody, as if I don't they may not like me or my personality - so next week is going to be the night where I am myself, where I don't care what they think of me! The holidays have been a mix of happiness and sadness, my confidence has shot down below what it even was, it's time to build it up again. It's time for a change!

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Remember what I told you about my Auntie Jackie, Nana Lake and Grandad Lake? Well they surprised me with a bunch of presents for doing well in my AS Levels and GCSEs (I recieved an A in Theatre - had to point that out!) Also, they have paid half of my Pandora Fish charm and also bought me a safety chain for my Pandora Bracelet! I'm being spoiled by them, and all I really needed was their love and acceptance which I have had all along regardless! My family is slowly expanding, soon one of my cousins is going to be having a baby - I'm actually so excited for her and she has stood by me since the day we found each other! 

Family-wise my heart is becoming complete, I love my family and recently my mum has treated me to things too! We've become so much closer, she's my best friend, my world and my everything!

My Pandora Earrings, me and my mum went halves on!

Face Of The Globe Update

So I don't keep much contact, but I do tend to nosy at the important dates such as Results and London Finals!

How did Chloe do, may you ask?

She did absolutely amazing, despite not coming first she came 3rd! She has also won her place at Disneyland Paris, subject to a sponsor - so if you're looking for a beautiful face with a smart personality then you know who would be perfect to represent you!

She is surely a pageant princess in everybody's eyes, especially her family!

She also won the Miss People's Choice Award and Miss Publicity which she worked her arse off to achieve, so that's a huge achievement on its own.

I don't doubt that this will be the last we see of her, soon well see her with a well deserved crown and glory - with all our support too guys!

Keep an eye out!♡

I love all you readers! ♡

Beauty with the Brains too!

So despite my feud with my baby sister, I am having these proud maternal moments with her absolute FANTASTIC results!

How amazing are they? Honestly?! It goes to show that you can have a beautiful person on the inside and out who also has brains!

Chloe will be competing in the Face of the Globe London Heat this weekend, so please support her and like her photo to win the public vote:

https://www.facebook.com/FaceOfTheGlobePage/photos/a.625067197612804.1073741903.315879388531588/625091280943729/?type=3&theater

Also, Please donate to the Rainbow Child Foundation (CHICOS CHARITY, js) through her sponsors page:

https://www.sponsorme.co.uk/chloelake/online-fundraising-prize-draw.aspx

It'd be such a big help, and you'd make me smile - and you all know I hardly smile :D

V Festival 2014

So last weekend I went to my very first festival in Weston Park: V Festival! When people say your first festival is one of the greatest experiences of your life, they weren't exaggerating!

Among the line up were: Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran, Example, Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers, Jason Derulo, Sam Smith, Aloe Blacc, Pixie Lott, Ceelo Green, Jess Glynne and lot's more...

It's not difficult to say that Justin Timberlake was beyond AMAZING! But even the acts that weren't headliners were absolutely mind-blowing!! Trust me, a festival is an experience that cannot be replaced, especially spending it with one of your best friends<3

I thought I'd do a packing list as there's not many around that give a full checklist at all, so here's mine (and some extras I forgot to bring)

- Tent: Preferably one person bigger than how many people are going for example, if 2 people are going it's best to get a 3 man tent if you're sharing! What we also found useful, was an extra tent to store all our things, it made it a lot easier for sleeping space. (If you use a pop up tent, ensure you know how to get it back down, because it's very tricky)

- Blow Up Mattress/Roll Up Mattress and A WORKING PUMP: To put it straight, the ground is probably bumpy wherever you camp, as the ground doesn't always grow straight - we had a blow up mattress but our pump failed to pump it up and despite using the deflated mattress on the floor it was still very uncomfortable. So a blow up comfortable mattress is an absolute must.

- Sleeping Bag+Extra Blankets: Extra assurance to keep you warm!

- Bug Spray: You are going to get bugs wherever you go, this can range to a variety of little beetles and money spiders - mainly in the daytime, bugs aren't a problem at night time.

- Clothes for all weather: this includes jeans, shorts, jumpers, macs and tank tops.

- Shoes: Wellies are all you need really, but converse are a good alternate/extra.

- Onesie: It can get EXTREMELY cold at night, a onesie is good for all weather and will keep you warm! 

- Alcohol: It's a lot of money for alcohol at festivals so bring your own- Just not in glass as glass is not normally permitted on campsites

- Snacky foods: Just goes by saying

- Dry Shampoo: Your hair can get greasy easily

- Tooth Brush + Tooth Paste: Again goes without saying

- Toilet Roll: Just in case the portaloo runs out

- Plenty of water

- Lights for inside the tent at night

Check out My Festival Piccys Page too...

About Me... ♡

Name: Nicole Jade Lake
Age: 17
D.O.B: 29/12/1996
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I live with my mum and see my Grandad and Grandma often, My dad lives in Leicester with his wife and my 2 younger half siblings Chloe + Carl. Also at Leicester are my other Grandparents, and my uncles and cousins and my Aunty/Godmother Jackie♡♡
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I have 4 cats, who live with me and 2 who live with my Nan and Grandad!
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My hobbies consist of Drama/Theatre, writing and working believe it or not.
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I work at a Hotel in the Conference & Events department and sometimes Breakfast!
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My favourite colours are hot pink and light blue, however my favourite colour combination is Black and Hot pink.
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My favourite series' are Charmed, Glee and Orange is the New Black.
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My favourite songs are:
You've got Time by Regina Spektor
You haven't seen the Last of Me by Cher
Money on My Mind by Sam Smith

A New Beautiful You!

So, since I was a child I have had such big problems with skincare and what products don't cause me an allergic reaction - that was until I discovered SOAP & GLORY which actually is a gift from heaven!

If you have sensitive skin, then the ingredients within Soap and Glory are absolutely perfect for you! It has made my skin, hair and body almost spot free.

My soap and glory checklist is being completed consistently and hopefully I hope to complete the collection despite new additions constantly being added!

This is only a short post, if you want good amazing skin - check it out; seriously you won't regret it and the scents are DEVINE!

Better to Cry or Better to Talk?

So recently I met my Uncle Kevin + his family including my cousin Shannon - who is absolutely stunning, and I also met my Auntie/Godmother Jackie and My Grandparents from my Dad's side. This had to be the scariest thing I have ever done, and even scarier things happened a few days later.

For over 15 years I have not had contact with my other family, things happened and my dad has a new loving family with two children other than me - so obviously you could think it's rude if I tried to come in between that. So a couple weeks ago I took the initiative to go meet some of my other family members! I came home with a HUGE smile on my face and my Auntie Jackie is becoming like my best friend!

But it seemed like everything had gone wrong that weekend!

Not going into detail but my Mum and my Dad's wife were basically having a Facebook War, and on the Friday I received a message from my half sister about this - so it started off being a feud and an argument. But then to emphasize how much I did want to meet my Dad one day, I told her that I'd met his family so of course I'd want to meet him - except my Dad took it as being behind his back :(.

The feud between me and my half sister and my mum and her mum has eased off now but this is why I wanted to write this post: The after effects!

I am currently on a Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor: Fluoxetine or more commonly known as Prozac. This is a type of Anti-Depressant I was prescribed and I am also on a waiting list for Counselling. 

Obviously, some suffering with moderate or severe depression are prone to stress and can become very down every so often, and also people often think someone who is depressed cannot be happy.

THIS IS NOT THE CASE!!

I can be the most cheerful person you can meet, or I can be the most miserable - that's down to my feelings and perception of situations. So I wanted to use this example to show how perceptions can be changed to gain a better outcome.

My Initial Reactions:

"I'VE RUINED EVERYTHING"
"MY DAD HATES ME"
"MY WHOLE FAMILY WILL HATE ME"
"THIS IS ALL MY FAULT"
"MY BIRTH JUST SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED IF IT CAUSED ALL THESE PROBLEMS"
"I'M NEVER GOING TO EVEN SPEAK TO MY DAD"
"THERE'S NO POINT IN ME GOING ON WITH THIS"

So for days, up until today I was consistently thinking these statements, that in the past could have led me to self harm. But there's ways of overcoming these statements and now my thoughts are this:

"I didn't ruin everything, I did something that mended a hole in my heart"
"Hate is a strong word, he wouldn't be the sort of person who'd hate his daughter"
"My whole family don't hate me, I have my Mum, Nan, Grandad, Auntie, Grandad Lake and Nana Lake - they all love me no matter what mistakes I pursue"
"This isn't all my fault, contributing factors added to this becoming a situation"
"My birth was a gift to my mum, and I don't think I should think bad of my mums decision to keep me - everything happens for a reason"
"Nothing's Permanent"
"I will continue being in contact with the other side of my family, as I do not want to upset myself or cause them to lose me again"

This is called CBT - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (The ABC Method).

This is where an action has happened, and belief has been made so a consequence is a result but by changing a negative belief to a positive belief you change a negative consequence to a positive consequence.

Remember, YOU ARE STRONG!

"Say what you mean and mean what you say" - Steven Winder

"Nothing is Permanent!" - Gary Lake

Why I love Drama...

As you've probably noticed readers and bloggers- my passion is drama and theatre. But it's not just because I love it, I have a reason why drama means the absolute world to me.

When I'm in Drama, my past doesn't define who I am. I am myself, when I'm under stage lighting I feel like nothings impossible and nothing will stop me from feeling amazing.

Although life has been truly hard this past year, it's theatre that keeps me going and my love for it. Although I'm still struggling to make friends to meet up with and to talk to, I know things take time.

I went to London a few weeks ago, and met up with Anna (from my theatre, + always been supportive) and some of her friends. And it's amazing despite all of them hardly knowing me they welcomed me with open arms. Lucy, Harriet, James, Gabe, Callum all of them made me feel like a part of something. So if you ever read this: I cannot thank you enough♡

Drama is not only a place where I can release all my emotions, it's a place where you can make friends based on your mutual love for acting. Where nobody judges you.

It's thanks to them people and people like Abi, Phoebe, Arlie etc, I am looking forward to going back to college rather than being afraid.

Bucket List for 2014/15

So I am currently very determined to make my last year in Bolton (hopefully) different to any year I have lived. So I'd like to invite you to read my summer list of goals, targets and things to do to make this year ultimate.

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My Summer Bucket List:

1. See Les Miserables in London
2. Be spontaneous and make plans
3. Be brave
4. Be independently mature
5. Have fun
6. Read Wuthering Heights and Lysastrata
7. Join a theatre company
8. Apply for Bolton Hospice
9. Become an Optimist rather than a pessimist
10. Spend time with the family. . . (Both sides)

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My Upper Sixth Goals+targets:

1. Not push away friends I have made - something I have worked hard for
2. Be myself
3. Look for the best in everyone rather than reasons why they'd dislike me
4. Be a friend to those who need one
5. Trust those who care
6. Don't be shy about asking someone to meet them
7. Work hard, be strong
8. Forget about the past
9. Create some self confidence
10. Be Happy

Rising star! AND EEK 900 views!

Hey Bloggers!

I have not been on in like weeks due to being on holiday and things. BUT I AM INSPIRED!

So, I came to college with hardly any friends, and I've left college meeting and FINALLY talking to some genuine people. Mostly from my enthusiastic theatre class... 

I'd like to introduce to you, the most optimistic, cake-loving and a big worrier when it comes to doing stunts in theatre: PHOEBE 

(And she's a massive theatre enthusiast like me!)

I'm going to give you two links, one for her blog as I guarantee you will laugh and just feel cheery for no reason. And one to her youtube video where she's singing Pulled (The Addams Family) and I also know she'll be uploading On My Own from the FANTABULOUS Les Miserables! (Her singing is amazing! Such a powerful voice)

Phoebe recently has been such a good friend to me recently, she is a social butterfly and leaves an impression on everyone she comes across. She's the kind of person to make you really laugh when you truly want to cry... (No Joke)

So Please check her out... (Her blog and youtube I meant btw) LIKE, SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJBGnUH6YfI

Blog!: http://www.unlimitedthoughtslimitedwords.blogspot.co.uk/

My Top 10 Favourite Musicals! (In order.. sort of)

1. Les Miserables

2. RENT

3. Phantom of the Opera

4. Blood Brothers

5. Burlesque... (Not staged yet I don't think but amazing film!)

6. Chicago

7. EVITA

8. Sister Act

9. Wicked

10. Mamma Mia

A Holiday Essential!

Okay, so summer holidays is coming up and maybe birthdays? Oh and don't forget results day!

I know an amazing yet perfect place to get something unique and most importantly PERSONALIZED!

Who loves personalised accessories?! I certainly do.

This is why I introduce you to VANITY SPARKLE bags (they do much other things too) they are simply sparklicious! I can't explain how amazing they are without showing you pictures but I will definitely try: I am currently saving up for a one big jupe bag to add to my quirky style, they are a very good price for amazing quality! It's just I always spend too much too soon, and with London and the V Festival coming up I'm running out of money.

But, that is why I am so desperate to show you these custom made bags either for holiday, when you go back to school, for a birthday present or mither your family to buy one for you for good results (whether they're good or not ;-) They are made with so much dedication and love+care. And they sparkle and most importantly they have YOU on the front! Not like a transferred photo but they create a cartoon of you to stick on the front!

  I can't emphasise how perfect these are so I'm just going to have to show you!

It is a serious must have for any season and put it this way - nobody can show up with a bag the same as yours! (That's the best part)

And for more check out:

Facebook: Vanity - Bags of Sparkle
http://www.vanitysparkle.com/

As they say on facebook: Each Jute bag is a unique creation that is designed to your specification, hand painted, hand finished, glittered and embellished. Unlike any other Jute, Vanity Bags have a delectable trim of lace and bold, coloured lettering!

You're never fully dressed without a Vanity Bag of Sparkle!

My absolute favourite!

CAL LIGHTMAN, PATRICK JANE & DR. SPENCER REID!

Lie to Me, The Mentalist and Criminal Minds

Just a small post to introduce my favourite crime shows with my favourite crime show men!

LIE TO ME

"Dr. Cal Lightman teaches a course in body language and makes an honest fortune exploiting it. He's employed by various public authorities in various investigations, doing more when the police etc. fail to go the extra mile. So he can afford to constitute a team of his own, which like clients and others has to put up with his mind-games." - IMBD, KGF VISSERS

Dr. Cal Lightman, a genius psychologist with an expertise in body language, predominantly microexpressions, and a founder of The Lightman Group, a private company that operates as an independent contractor to assist investigations of local and federal law enforcement through applied psychology. Though often confronted by people's skepticism, Lightman uses any psychological technique he deems necessary to reach the truth, however elaborate or confronting. He is divorced, and has shared custody of his teenage daughter.

THE MENTALIST

"A team of the Californian Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may officially be lead by haughty agent Lisbon. However, her mediocre intelligence and methods by the book are no match for 'mentalist' Patrick Jane. Formally, the ex-medium-hustler is just a police consultant. In fact the detectives soon learn to look to him for ever brilliant and surprising observations, deductions, ploys and traps. No criminal ever outsmarts Jane - except perhaps Red John, who unwillingly motivated Patrick to start fighting crime." - IMBD, KGF VISSERS 

Patrick Jane is a fictional character and the protagonist of the CBS crime drama The Mentalist, portrayed by Simon Baker. Jane is an independent consultant for a fictionalized version of the California Bureau of Investigation, and helps by giving advice and insight from his many years as a fake psychic medium. He uses his keen powers of observation, deduction, and knowledge of social engineering coupled with his genius to help lead the investigations.

CRIMINAL MINDS

"In this crime series, a crack team of FBI profilers fly from Quantico to the focal point of the criminal activity of various serial killers. There they investigate the evidence from the crime scenes, compose a profile and try to prevent the next fatal strike. Top brain was academic Jason Gideon who left the bureau after some difficult decisions. His more by-the-book operational right hand man Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner then took over the team. After Gideon leaves, David Rossi, previously retired, rejoins the bureau in an effort to make a difference in people's lives again and follow up on a case he worked years ago. The still juvenile Dr. Spencer Reid is an erudite on everything except real life, Penelope Garcia a brilliant computer whiz who gets access to any database etc. As they are mobile, cooperation with local police and FBI agents is important but often poses jurisdictional and other problems, as do some witnesses and suspects."  - IMBD, KGF VISSERS

Dr. Spencer Reid is a fictional character from the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler. Reid is a genius with an IQ of 187 and can read 20,000 words per minute with an eidetic memory. He is the youngest member of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit who has 2 BAs and 3 PhDs, and specializes in statistics and geographic profiling.

Don't Be Afraid Of A New Start

It's the end of study leave and now I have returned to College - the only difference is I'm single and scared of talking to everybody and anybody.

Throughout my first year of college, I have spent a majority of my dinners, breaks and frees with my now ex boyfriend. Due to this, and previous High School events, I have struggled very much to make friends and become comfortable at college. Now at the moment, I am feeling even more uncomfortable as I don't have the boyfriend to keep me company.

My problem is I am afraid of any sort of rejection, I'm afraid of being told people don't like me, I'm afraid of being left out and most importantly I'm afraid of being hurt.

I promised my Mum that when I returned to college, I would message people to meet with them and it's my first day and I still opted to go to the Library instead of messaging genuine people who have already offered a lot of times. I'm spending dinner with my Nan because I'm afraid of spending dinner with people who may dislike me or not approve of me.

The aim of this post is to learn from my mistakes. You need more than one person to depend on in your life, you need your friends! If I started college about 3 years ago, I'd be smiling and happily making friends and just being myself. College is supposed to be a new start - don't let anything ruin your new start for you.

Remember, stay strong & keep smiling!

Nicole xx

Dedication to Grandad Winder!

JUNE 15TH - FATHERS DAY

I always get nervous about Father's Day, I think part of it is because I haven't seen my dad since about maybe 2 or 3 years old ... I am now 17 almost 18- I feel like I'm hurting  his other family when I talk to him... But who I'm scared of hurting the most is my Grandad.

My Grandad has been there for me since I was born, he even claimed he wouldn't watch me being born but he ended up doing! He's been the one that I've needed, there to glare at potential boyfriends, there to help me with my hardest homework and most importantly there to tell you how it is. I have so much love for my Grandad, he is my world as are my Mum and my Nan. I know he's a man in my life that won't purposely hurt me or let me down. I don't think I've been closer to him than what I am like now.

Just want to thank my Grandad for the efforts and love he has put into bringing me up!