What's Up #9: Just a Chill Post

Hello everyone, and welcome back.
Today's post is going to be a very relaxed post as I'm currently not feeling well, but I still wanted to do a post.

Today's has been a day of quiet reflection for me. Typically, I try to set aside at least 5-10 minutes per day to reflect on my feelings and thoughts, in an attempt to keep track of potential mood triggers. My mental health has become a priority following months of being ill, which allowed my mental health to deteriorate.

Today as I was reflecting, one word constantly came into my mind. That word was gratitude. As a clinician, teaching and understanding the power of gratitude is an essential part of my practice with clients, however, within my own personal life, I allow it to be overshadowed by other events in life. As 2019 opened, I made it my goal to look for small moments every week that I was grateful for. From seeing beautiful butterflies fluttering in my garden, to hearing rain during our hot dry season here in Trinidad. Thus far, the results of this practice have been astonishing. I've noticed that I'm purposely looking for the good in everyday, rather than focusing on one event that may have been negative and dwelling on that negativity which would in turn greatly affect my mood. Rather, I would look for the lesson in that negative event, I take that lesson to heart and let the event go to rest.
While this is an ongoing process, and while my anxiety isn't miraculously cured, I've gotten a better hold on my anxiety, and I've experienced much fewer events of panic. I've been able to ground myself better because I've been practicing and learning to shift the focus from the event/catalysis to what I can learn or gain from this event.

Despite my profession, this isn't a help guide post. This post is legitimately just me pouring out what's in my brain at the moment. I'm grateful that I have this platform to allow me to speak freely about what I love and what I care about. I'm passionate about mental health and opening the door to discussions on mental health, just as much as I'm passionate about sharing my love for makeup. I'm grateful for each person who reads any of my blog posts; for you to willingly take time out of your day to come visit my blog means the world to me, and makes me very happy.
I'm planning on doing more posts like this one, where I pour my heart and brain out onto a keyboard. It's a personal touch, and as aforementioned I'm passionate about mental health, so it's important to me to speak openly about my own struggles.

Thank you all for coming by today. I'll see you all next time.
Bye guys (^_^)/

What's Up #7 - Chit Chat & Thank You :D

Hello lovelies,
Today, I'm doing a short chatty blog post mostly due to the fact that I tweaked my right wrist, so I can't hold my camera and I can barely manage to hold any of my makeup brushes.
Also, let this be a reminder to be very careful when exercising, especially when integrating a new exercise move into your regime.

It's been a super quiet week for me, I've been feeling down in the dumps as of late, and I've had no interest in doing anything but exercising. To be honest, exercising is just a temporary fix for my mood lately but I know myself well enough to know I should be back to some degree of normalcy by next week. Then again, what is normal? Normalcy is relative...and why am I turning this into one of my old psychology classes, I don't know.

Football this week (for me at least) = (T_T) </3 *sighs* Bayern you broke my heart!....
Liverpool, actually getting back into the winning form (I hope), after getting slaughtered by Arsenal *shudders*...dark times for us. YNWA!

Blog Stuff
Ohhh, I've been testing out a new moisturiser lately, well new to me, not new to the market, and I am planning to do either a full post here or a quickie review on my Instagram. I've been changing up my skincare products lately, because I've been hormonal as heck and my hormones and my skin don't get along nicely at all...(damn you PCOS!) I'm currently dealing with random breakouts/scarring and dark spots (post-breakout) + my pores are opened and so visible it's driving me nuts. What made it better, was none of my old faithful products seem to be helping, so I'm back to using a full Bioré cleansing routine and switching between regular moisturiser and oil, to keep my skin moisturised.

Winged Liner Tutorial - I'm still on the fence on whether or not to make one. There are soo many pictorials and video tutorials out there, that I feel as though mine would get lost in the masses, also I'm not a makeup artist, I'm not qualified to teach these things. My internal debate is still ongoing, but I will let you know if one will be made or not.

I've recently decided, to move all hauls strictly to my Instagram (@ladyjpsych). It's easier and most effective for hauls to just do them via instagram and then do a review on the products on here on the main blog. (See, I can make decisions! I've no idea who I'm trying to fool here.)

Thank You <3
A massive thank you to everyone who reads my blog post/visits my blog, close to 500 views, which to me is pretty crazy. I started my blog as a place to just post my babble, and to know that there are people out there who read and I would like to hope enjoy my babbling, it really means a lot to me! \(^w^)/ *Internet hugs all round*

I think I've babbled and rambled on for quite a bit now, so I will end things here for this week. Stay tuned though, next week I'm planning to post all about my go-to brushes (they're all inexpensive and cruelty-free!). Until then, stay happy, healthy and positive (I know I'm trying to!) and I shall see you all soon.
Bye-Bye (^_^)/

What's Up #6: Rough Week

Hey guys, today's post is going to be very different. I've had a whirlwind of a week this week, and it's left me with no gusto to play around with products, or to even come up with an idea for a blog post this week. I'm not going to go into what happened, but I know that there may be others going through a rough time and just need to know that they're not alone.

If you're having a rough day or a rough week or month;

1. You have every right to feel those emotions, it's okay to feel sad or angry, holding in emotions, burying emotions damages your emotional and mental health.
2. DO NOT let anyone make you feel guilty for feeling sad or for crying. It's healthy to express negative emotions
3. Take some time to yourself. If it makes holding up in your room watching old, funny YouTube videos or re-watching an childhood favourite series, then do it. Invest some time in yourself, doing something you know you enjoy, to give yourself a boost of positivity. 
4. Please do not turn to self harm or self loathing
5. If you have someone close to you who you trust, talk about it. Sometimes, talking about a problem with a trusted friend really does help to lift some of the weight off of your shoulders.

Also, if you haven't heard any of these recently,

1. You're amazing.
2.  You're loved.
3. You're beautiful, and don't ever forget that.
4. You are worth more than you can imagine. 
5. I believe in you.

I think this is where I'll leave things off for this week. I shall see you all next week.
Love you all!
Bye (^_^)/

What's Up #5: Rambley, Slightly Ranty, Just Keppin it Real

Today is the day I ramble! Well technically, tonight is the night I ramble, I spent most of the day hunting down information for my research proposal for my application for my Masters' program and I've gotten nowhere. What country doesn't research depression and suicide within their own population? Two days of searching for resources and I have found no local statistics...(-__-)" FAIL!
Sometimes I feel as though I'll end up going crazy because I chose the path of psychology and for research I always seem to choose the one area that has the least amount of local and regional research, so that should be a fun thesis to do. 

How has everyone been? I know I'll probably never get a response to that question but hey it's polite to ask. It's been a pretty gnarly week for me. I finally got around to applying for my MPhil in Psychology (hoping and praying I get accepted) but I still have some things to finish for my application before I start reaching for that. The university that I'm applying to here, University of the West Indies, has been in the news as of late. Seems that the professors haven't been given their back-pay so they're withholding students grades, during the registration period, and as I type this classes for those students start on Monday. Fail!

I know my blog is usually a space filled with positivity and happiness but I can't lie when I say that this week, I really wasn't feeling the happiness and positivity. From the terrorists attacks in Paris, to the massacre in Nigeria by the Boko Haram and let's not mention in Trinidad the murder toll is at 18 I believe...Happy New Year I think not! (Rest in Peace to all the victims of these tragedies.)

Sometimes I wonder, what goes through the mind of a person who can willing kill another but then again do I really want to know? It's questions like this that plague me, especially since my end goal is to become a Forensic Psychologist. I'm going to at some point in time interact with killers, kidnappers, rapists even pedophiles, and despite the fact that I am curious as to what goes on in these individual's minds, I'm terrified as to what I would discover. 
Sometime I wonder whether or not I'm mentally strong enough to handle becoming a psychologist and I hate doubting my abilities and my strength but at the end of the day I have to otherwise what's the point of continuing along this path if I'm unable to deal with the responsibilities that it presents me. It's all about baby step I guess, growing a little bit stronger and a little bit more confident everyday. It's about not giving up and remembering why I chose this path in the first place.

I'm not usually one to put my self doubt out in the open, but this felt good. I've always buried all my negative feelings until I implode but putting them out in the open, takes a small amount of weight off. I'm going to try and not make it a happen of putting out my fears and doubts on here because I really do want this to be a place of positivity, but I think a post like this makes me a feel a little more human. It's strange to say, but yeah that's how I feel. 

What's Up #4! At least I think it's #4: Update: End of Summer

Hello everyone. How have you been? It's been just about 2 weeks since my last post, yikes! I apologise for my absence but I decided that I needed to spend a little time away from the blog because I was just feeling really out of everything. I was in a bit of a glum slum, but now I'm back and I'm ready to go.
I have a few ideas for upcoming post. I'm definitely going to be posting an August Favourites, so look out for that one very soon. I'm also planning to do a lipstick post focusing on the L.A Colors Hydrating Lipsticks, I don't know when I'll be posting that one but I'm hoping it will be within the next week.

This week I signed up to take part in a makeup workshop and I'm super excited. We'll be learning some tips and tricks from a professional makeup artist and of course I'll be very willing to share some of what I learn with everyone. I'm also going to use this experience with the workshop to gauge if I really would like to look into makeup artistry as a profession. Although my heart belongs to psychology and my dream is to become a Forensic Psychologist, there's no rule dictating that I can't be a freelance makeup artist also. Who knows, freelancing as a makeup artist can help me pay for my Masters and I do love makeup, everything about it, which is one the main reasons I started this blog in the first place.

Now, most people love summer since it's a great time to go partying and hang out with friends or go clubbing. I love summer because of conventions. Now I've never been to a convention but I want to go so badly! Comic-Con and PAX Prime...I'll see you someday, I will find a way to you *sniffle*. I'm so excited for the announcement of new games, the launch of game trailers, I mean have you seen the Pokken announcement! A Tekken style, Pokemon fighting game....shut up and take my money! Also, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will be launching soon!!<---(Pokemon Nerd I am!) A new Saints Row was announced today and yes I want it! I'm also wanting to get my hands on Minecraft because believe it or not I've never played it but all summer I've been hooked on Minecraft thanks to a series known as Mianite (#TeamIanite for life!) If you've never heard of Mianite, I highly recommend you check it out, it involves a bunch of awesome YouTubers and it's just so much fun to watch.

The lasst thing on my mind is.....Doctor Who! DOooooooo Weeeeeeeee Doooooo! (yes I had to do that!) The new season/series has started and I honestly like the darker vibe of Capaldi's Doctor. I'm not going to spoil the episode if you haven't seen it yet, but I think it was a good introduction of the 12th Doctor and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. (Please Steven Moffat, don't have too many feels inducing moments, my fragile emotions can't handle it!)

Anyways, that's enough rambling from me for now, so until my August Favourites post, I'll talk to you all very soon and as always, stay positive, stay healthy and stay happy.
Bye (^_______^/)

What's Up #3 : Lil Update

What's up everyone?

It's been over a week since my last post...the World Cup withdrawal is real :'(.
However, it doesn't mean the football drama is over. Both Philipp Lahm and Steven Gerrard announced their retirement from international football </3. Transfer season has been hot with new signings every other day and the rumour mill running overtime. This upcoming season is going to be worth the wait.

Now for some updatey, type things:

1.  I did my last exam as an Undergrad student on the 14th, yay me! Feels odd saying that I completed my degree, 3 years over and done with in the blink of an eye. Now I get to start job hunting :/ , although I've been thinking of doing some makeup/cosmetology courses even some baking/pastry courses since I'm taking a year off before doing my Masters. I still have some decisions to make pertaining to doing my Masters, so I didn't apply immediately for the new semester.
2. I dyed my hair. I've been rocking a deep burgundy colour for a while now and decided that I wanted a change, so I dyed it purple. Yep, purple. It's dark so without sunlight you can barely tell that it's even there which I really enjoy. It's been very gloomy these days in Trinidad (what do I expect it's the bloody rainy season here) so it's been hard to get a good pic of my hair colour but once I do, I'm sure I'll put it up on my Instagram. *Link to my Instagram and other social media things are to the right if you want to follow me ;)
3. Caught a bit of a cold, so I've been under the weather for the past couple of days. I was supposed to post up a small haul this past Sunday but since I haven't been well, I've just been taking it easy, training and breeding my Pokémon (Yes, I play Pokémon!)

I will post my mini haul later on in the week, hopefully by Friday I should post it up. I have a butt ton of blog post ideas that I need to get working on. 

Anywhosie, that's all for this lil update post, I hope you all are happy, healthy and safe. Remember to stay positive and I'll talk to you all soon.
Bye :)

What's up #2: WC Finals Here We Come!!!!! Deutschland!!!!!

Germany is in the finals!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Can you tell that I'm excited?!!!!
Germany has gotten so close in the last three World Cups to hoisting the trophy but always fail to hit the mark in either the semis or the final themselves but after the display from the German side today, I have no doubt in my mind that 2014 can be the year this young and enthusiastic German team win the coveted World Cup trophy. 

Germany handed down the worst defeat in Brazil's football history, with their 7-1 trashing of the host nation. Yup I said 7-1. Now I'm going to be completely honest, never would I have thought that Germany would trump Brazil so badly. I was expected a 2-1, maybe even 3-2, I was expecting a fight between two of the greatest football nations in this land and what I got was a clean German sweep and I ain't mad.

I must congratulate Germany's number 11, Miroslav Klose on becoming the most prolific scorer in the World Cup. Today on top of handing Brazil their worst defeat ever, Klose became the top goal scorer in the World Cup. The previous holder of the title of Most Goals Scored in the World Cup was none other than Brazil's Ronaldo who had scored 15 goals total in all his World Cup appearances. Klose now holds the record having scored his 16th goal against Brazil, and I'm positive that he's already planning on having his 17th in the big final in Rio.

Thomas Muller netted his 5th goal of the World Cup thus far (still gunning for the Golden Boot), but it was Toni Kroos who opened the floodgate when he scored his first goal. That goal exposed the weakness in the Brazilian defense and the Germans made them pay.

Now I can give all the love I want to the goalscorers, however, the German defense deserves some massive love as well. This is the most solid and synchronised I've seen the German backline for this entire World Cup. They were strong, they were forceful but they were never crude or reckless in thier tackling or defending. Good job boys!!
However, I can't speak about the German backline without mentioning the big guy in the goal, the man in green, Manuel Neuer. Simply put, he's a beast. Quite possibly the best goalkeeper I've seen since Oliver Kahn. Neuer is always well poised and ready to pounce, and he also takes one hell of a penalty (Bayern Munich vs Chelsea, it's worth a watch). He's downright outstanding and I enjoy seeing him on the pitch.

My celebratory blog would not be complete however, if I don't mention Germany's amazing coach Joachim Low. After the last World Cup, I was petrified that Low would resign from coaching the German team but am I ever so grateful that he stayed put. I firmly believe that Low can lead the Germans to hoisting the trophy this time around. He's heavily involved in their training and from the pictures they post of the Germany National Team's Facebook page, he may even be running circles around them during training.

I believe in Low and his technical team, I believe in this bright-hearted and spirited German team. Off to Rio they go, this Sunday July 13th, will they be the ones lifting the World Cup trophy? I hope so, with all of my heart, I believe that 2014 is the year of Germany.

What's Up #1? World Cup Fever!

It's been awhile blog. How are you today? How has you week been? I've been away for a bit thanks to an assignment I had due, but hey a couple more weeks and I'll be a University graduate...yay!

I won't lie I've gotten distracted badly. I'm a huge football fan so the Brazil World Cup 2014 has been the locus of my focus (ohh such rhyming skillz..lol).
Now lemme just get this out of the way and say, I AM A GERMANY FAN!!! Yes Deutschland is the place that holds my heart every single World Cup. I've been supporting Germany since 1998 since that was the first World Cup I ever watched from Group Stages to the Final. I really want Germany to take it this year, they've gotten so close multiple times, but this time, is their time, but first we have to survive Group G. They managed to stun Portugal in their first match and a draw with Ghana (possibly the best game yet, imo), and the next task is the USA on Thursday. Win or draw we advance but I want a win to finish off the group stage in style.

This was supposed to be posted last night before the USA-Portugal match, but boy am I glad I didn't post this up. That last 30 second goal from Portugal was a beaut!
There have been some massive upsets in the World Cup thus far with the defending champions Spain getting the boot thanks to the Netherlands and Chile (good job guys!). France has been impressive in their first two matches, after the last World Cup, France became the joke of the football world, but this year they aren't making any jokes. Benzema and Giroud have been outstanding for France, and my eye is now trained to recognize Valbuena on the pitch, because let's face it, the guy is amazing! He has speed, and he sets up some of the most beautiful plays and goals I've seen in a long time.

Now let's talk about England. Oh boy England, oh boy. I don't hide the fact that I am a die hard Liverpool FC fan and a good few of the England players play for Liverpool so I was ready to support my boys and I can honestly say England why? What happened over the years? England used to be a power house in both European and World football, what happened? Sighs, it's bittersweet having to see them depart so quickly but that's football.

This World Cup is the ultimate thriller for me thus far, the biggest of the big are being sent home, and the "smaller" teams are the ones sending them home and I LOVE IT!!! I can't wait to see how this unfolds further. I'm hoping for a Netherlands-Germany final, but with the way things are shaping up you'll never know who makes it all the way to the end.

So guys please feel free to let me know how you've been and who you'll be supporting this World Cup. As always stay positive, stay healthy and I will post again soon....I might just have a review in the works ;) ;)

P.S. If you like football ranting, follow me on Twitter, where I post random burst of football excitement at your faces :D

Bye guys :)