Sunday, 31 December 2017

My 2017 Favourites

This is my first ever favourites post, I'm very excited to show you guys what I've been loving this year! 

It's also noted that these are cruelty free brands.


Make Up


I haven't used many foundations in my life, but when I came across Barry M's I fell in love with how smooth it was, and how easy it was to apply. I also love how when you're using up the product, it pushes it up to the top. In the picture above you can see this frosted part behind where it says 'Barry M' as you use up the product the frosted bit gets larger. This makes it super easy to use up all of the foundation, and I love it!



As I had chosen Barry M for my foundation, I thought that having the same brand concealer would be a good choice. Again, it's easy to apply and I feel it does the job at covering my tired under eyes and blemishes.


You can start to see a pattern here with my make up...I had zero highlighting experience when I picked this up. I love that you can just roll on the cream and then blend it in with a brush (at least that's how I do it) it makes it so easy.


When I kept seeing people go on and on about Kylie Jenner's lip kits, I wanted to find my own affordable dupe. I came across Barry M's, and they have lots of shades and even a metallic range. But, I keep reaching for the Matte Lip Kit. I find that it's simple to apply, and is long lasting.


I am a huge lover of Barry M's nail varnishes, the majority of my varnish collection is Barry M. I've only recently discovered the Liquid Chrome range, and I love it. It has a lovely shine to it with a silvery pink tone, and it dries like a dream.

Barry M Eye Define Liquid Eye Liner

I am so happy with the eye liner that Barry M have produced. It took me a while to find a suitable cruelty free replacement from my previous liner. But I was a bit forced to make the leap a bit sooner than planned, when the previous brand didn't make that liner anymore. And I needed on the morning of my Graduation as it'd run out. I was livid. As I was so happy with the rest of Barry M's make up range I thought I'd give their liner a go.

Admittedly, it took me awhile to get used to the shape of the brush as it was a bit smaller than my previous one. I'm honestly not a fan of the really long pen type eye liners, I just struggle so much to apply the liner.

I believe I own two of these liners and they've lasted me months, this isn't with every day use but I'm impressed with how much liquid liner you can get out of one of these.

The Body Shop Eye Colour Stick - Nevada 

I came across these Eye Colour Sticks browsing a TBS store and thought all of my eye shadow prayers had been answered. I'm not that experienced in eye shadow, so I was happy to see an easy to apply eye shadow stick. There's a whole range of colours, and this one has a subtle glitter to it which is lovely paired with my dramatic eye liner flick. You can also twist the stick to produce more product.

Skin Care



Superdrug often have a three for two offer on their face masks, which makes it easy to experiment with different types. This one was so lovely to apply, it smells gorgeous and it was a little bizarre when my face started to warm up, but it left my skin feeling amazing.



I picked this up out of curiosity earlier this year, and it became a god send when I had a horrible period of dry skin on my face. It comes out as a white colour but it becomes transparent, and soaks into your skin. I usually put a fair amount on before I would go to bed and let it do it's thing.

Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment 




This year I've started to venture into Lush's other departments. I tend to have quite problematic skin, so thought this would be worth a try. I absolutely love it. Again, I tend to use this before I go to bed or if I'm having an indoors day. I find that the gel type product dries out and you can either use water to smooth it, or kind of peel it off. So it's not a good look when you turn up for work.

But, I do find that it helps calm down horrendous spots, and helps get rid of them quickly.


Bath






I only recently got given some of TBS bath products for Christmas (I did get to see them in action at the VIP Body Shop Christmas Event). I had just un-wrapped my presents, and fancied a bath. Admittedly, I didn't read that this one was to be held under running water, so I had already chucked it straight into my bath.

When I saw that it wasn't bubbling I immediately pulled it out and thought I was a right idiot for not reading the packaging. I didn't have to use much of the product to turn my bath blue with bubbles, so I've got plenty left over for another bath or two!




This summer TBS released this amazing range with citrusy scents. At the time I really needed a scrub, and picked it up. Little did I know that this was just a limited range and it's not available to buy anymore. I hope they decide to bring it back for 2018, as this is my favourite scent! It's also isn't harsh on my skin as it was a gel scrub, which is good as I can have quite sensitive skin.




When I saw the new Christmas range, I knew I had to go to my nearest store and immediately sniff them all. The Vanilla Chai scent was right up my street, aside from citrus scents, vanilla is my favourite as well. This scent is like a spiced vanilla so it smells very Christmassy. The scrub is amazing, you don't have to use much at a time as it's quite thick so you don't waste any product. I'm sure I have the whole range of Vanilla Chai now and I couldn't be happier!

Hair


For my birthday this year my lovely friends (that's you, Charis and Lily if you're reading this), made me a cruelty free pamper box. Inside it was a Banana scented shampoo and conditioner. I wasn't sure about the scent at first, but it smells like those foam bananas you can get from sweet shops. And I love it. I love the thick consistency as I'm usually used to slightly runnier shampoos.


Same as above. 

I've been using hair products differently recently. As these products are thick in consistency it means I can portion off bits of product at a time to evenly cover my hair without it slipping through my fingers and onto the shower floor.

Perfume



Even though it's been about a year and a half since the release of the Sweet Inspirations range, I'm still hooked on the vanillary/macaroon scent. I didn't think I'd like a sweet scent, but Zoella's range turned me! I love the bath products from this as well, and recently topped up my collection with the Bath Latte and the Sugar Dip.



I don't tend to use body sprays very much, I usually just stick to deodorant and perfume. Then I came across Body Fantasies in Superdrug and loved this scent. It's very affordable and is a good size to fit in my hand bag.

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I have probably forgotten a few things over the year that I absolutely loved, but these were the main things that stood out from the rest. I'm hoping to get more bath and beauty reviews on my blog in 2018, as it was something I used to post about originally back in 2015!

Let me know what your favourite things were in 2017 in the comments!

Love Saffron x

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Friday, 3 March 2017

How Cruel Is My Make Up Bag?

This post is inspired by some YouTube videos, mainly from Hannah Witton's (I love her, her channel is amazing if you haven't checked it out!). This year I have been looking into cruelty free make up and beauty products, as I feel it's something that I have ignored and it's never really in the forefront of the media.

It's an issue I've done some research into, and I've found other likeminded bloggers and it's something we need to stop being ignorant about. I can't help but think of the poor animals who didn't choose that life, and it's forever going to change my choice when purchasing beauty products.

For this post I've looked on the cosmetic company websites, and a site dedicated to noting cruelty free brands and brands to avoid; Logical Harmony.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of what I might say might be incorrect, I've struggled with some of the research as some companies and sites clash opinions and facts and it's all a little vague. But, I will give my honest opinion to what I believe is true.



I've looked through my make up bag, to see what things I use regularly that are or aren't cruelty free.



Collection Eye Definition Liquid Eye Liner

VERDICT: ?

On Collection Cosmetic's website it says that they don't use animal testing on any of their products, yet on Logical Harmony it's on the list to avoid. Now, this eye liner is my favourite, I swear by this as I get on so well with the application brush and it gives the effect I'm look for with a cat eye/flick. Before I looked on their website I did assume that they weren't cruelty free, because on the packaging it does say "Made in China". Although I have had this one for quite awhile now, and I can't find this version on their site any more.

I had to message Tashina Combs herself (creator of Logical Harmony) as I would be so relieved if this was cruelty free. She replied: "They told me that they do not test finished products, but they may be tested by 3rd parties." In essence their products may not be cruelty free? I might have to conduct further research, and perhaps look into a replacement as I would love to have a complete cruelty free make up bag.


Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

VERDICT: ?

This would be the same as before, I had been wondering recently if this is the correct concealer for me anyway, as I don't feel like it blends in with my skin. This one will not be further purchased already.



Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

VERDICT: N

I knew this one would be a no because the company is so huge. It's noted that when I asked around about why there aren't a lot of big companies that are cruelty free, what I found was that the companies need to test on animals if they want China to make and sell their products, as we all know it's cheaper to make things in China. This broke my heart a little, that because companies want to make more money they test on animals. The law in China is that they have to test on animals, and I believe it is against the law in Europe to use animal testing, hence why a lot of beauty companies have "Made in China" on the packaging. Even though this has been one of my favourite mascara's I'm go to have to part ways with this product once it's run out.


MUA Volume Mascara

VERDICT: ?

When I bought this mascara I was under the impression that it was cruelty free, as I wanted to start converting my make up bag. But, since double checking my facts before writing this post I can't actually find where it says it doesn't test on animals. This is a huge issue I'm dealing with at the moment is deciphering what is and isn't cruelty free. When I first started picking up products and analysing them I couldn't see the PETA approved logos, but then when I looked closer the company had it written on the product. Does it mean the same thing if they don't use the logo? I haven't a clue. When I tested this product it wasn't the best for my eye lashes, it didn't seem to add any extra volume as my lashes can appear quite short and not visible.


MUA Intense Eye Colour Eye Liner

VERDICT: ?

Obviously this is the same as the previous product of MUA. It's just a shame, as these affordable brands are perhaps only affordable because they test on animals and get made in China (although I am still a bit confused by testing in Europe). The lid of the liner is pretty handy as it has a sharpener built in for when it's getting blunt, but like most pencil liners for me it didn't last long. This is because I like to have eye liner on my lower lash line and sometimes liners can fade quite quickly in that spot.


Barry M Bold Black Waterproof Eyeliner

VERDICT: Y

Oh my gosh, you have no idea how thankful I was that this was cruelty free. Literally this is my favourite eye liner pencil. Barry M you guys are life savers! On both Barry M's website and Logical Harmony, they are listed as cruelty free. It is noted on certain products whether they are 100% vegan so that's something you'd have to check online before purchasing. But, my god! This liner has lasted through naps and emotional breakdowns, I'm not even kidding, I'm so impressed with how long this liner can last and how BOLD it is. Considering Barry M are quite a big brand, and I've been a huge lover of their nail varnishes for yonks, it was a relief to know I didn't have to give up this brand!


Eco Tools Brush

VERDICT: Y

I've had an Eco Tools brush set for ages now, and it was a happy surprise that they are 100% vegan! These little brushes are so handy to pop in your make up bags and work like a dream!



Superdrug Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes

VERDICT: Y

I believe that Superdrug's own brand are all cruelty free, they will have the bunny logo on if they are. These make up wipes are super affordable which is great!


Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturiser and Deep Cleansing Lotion

 VERDICT: N

Clean and Clear is listed as testing on animals on both the PETA site and Logical Harmony. I am truly gutted about these, as I have sworn by both of these products to keep my skin clear and smooth (when I remember to use them). So I will take any cheap alternatives that work wonders! Please I really need the help.


Nair Argan Oil Glide On Hair Removal Cream

VERDICT: N

There are no words. I did have a feeling that this product might get tested on animals. And I am correct in that thinking. I've used this since I was THIRTEEN. I always carry it around, because well I am a woman and I have imperfections, so yeah I use it. Again, if anyone can help me find alternatives I AM SO OPEN. I need another decent removal cream that isn't tested on poor animals.

So that's it! That's the majority of the make up/beauty products that I use regularly. I wasn't surprised at some of the big companies, but my highlight of this was finding out that Barry M are ok! Once I've used up my make up products I am so up for switching over to their products!

I know a lot of the blogging community praise non cruelty free products, but I do honestly think that perhaps it's time we all start looking at the truths of the beauty industry. Especially when bloggers love LUSH and they stand against animal testing and even help against the fight.

Let me know your opinions on animal testing, and if you are cruelty free or if you've tried the "How Cruel Is My Make Up Bag" challenge, I'd love to know either in the comments or tweet me @SaffronWatson_

Saffron x
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Wednesday, 7 December 2016

SIGNED GIRL ONLINE GOING SOLO GIVEAWAY!

That's right, you read correctly!

I am giving away two signed copies of Zoe Sugg's newest addition to the Girl Online series; Girl Online Going Solo.

I planned to do this when I pre-ordered my signed copy, in case some readers weren't fortunate enough to buy one, I thought I'd host a giveaway. What I hadn't intended was getting two extra copies?! I somehow ended up in total with three signed copies and one unsigned copy. I have no idea what happened! But, I thought I could giveaway two, and have the unsigned one just for reading and the signed copy can look pretty on my shelf!

The giveaway starts right now! It's running up until 31/12/16, so don't forget to enter as soon as you can, enter by following me and retweeting my pinned tweet, good luck!

https://twitter.com/SaffronWatson_






Love Saffron x

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Sunday, 3 January 2016

Good Bye 2015! Hello 2016!

Hello everyone!

This is my first blog post of 2016 exciting isn't it!

Last year a lot happened to me, especially in the last six months of 2015. In a short space of time I'd realised I had anxiety and very quickly tried everything I could to try and shift it! I thought that I could blame it on a friendship that had been upsetting me since last christmas as it was the only slightly traumatic thing to happen when I started getting anxiety moments. I tried different breathing exercises, started playing more games on my phone to distract me from getting anxious, to completely having to walk out of rooms or outside to get fresh air and let it blow away the anxious-ness.

Of course there's no quick remedy as I've come out of denial. I'm gutted that this could be a more permanent aspect of my life, as I get held back from what I used to be able to do. In the short while I've had this I've created coping mechanisms, as before mentioned in my "Why blog?" post blogging and reading have been making my life much easier! Especially by coming out officially to Twitter and Blogger about my anxiety, I found people who are just like me, and it makes me feel so much better that there are others out there! 

My most recent read is Zoella's "Girl Online" I tried to start reading it before Christmas when I was at Uni but Uni takes over my life in more aspects than I'd like it to. It's so refreshing to read about a characters anxiety, and you'd think that reading about anxiety might remind me that I have it and I'd get an anxious moment. But no, it's such an easy and relaxing read and I can relate a lot to Penny (not the embarrassing or humiliating aspects) the way that she feels and how she tries to cope with panic attacks. 

I'm fortunate that I was a strong person before my anxiety, I've dealt with a lot more things than I would've liked in my short lifetime. So I have more strength to keep away panic attacks. I think I've only had about two proper panic attacks in my life, the most recent when I got trapped in the Isle of Wight festival crowd. My lovely friend dragged me through the crowd almost beating people up to get us out, as she too was having a panic attack. I would never dramatically say that my anxiety is like having panic attacks all the time, because having a panic attack is awful, it's vile! There are some people who genuinely get bad panic attacks, so it frustrates me when people claim they have it all the time! A panic attack for me, is where I am no longer able to see in front of me anymore, I can't think and I'm not in control of my own body, I can't breathe so I start uncontrollably hyperventilating so much that I might be close to being sick. Never would I claim to have this all the time. It's horrible and I do everything in my power not to let the anxiety take over.

I think a lot of the time we take ourselves for granted, we don't pat ourselves on the shoulder enough when we've been crawling through life's struggles. I'm genuinely really proud of myself, mostly for the latter part of the year. How quickly I actually opened up to my peers and family about what was wrong with me, and seeking counselling too. It's so much better to find and ask for help, you might think that no one will understand or no one can help you, but that's just the demons talking. There's so much out there now to help, you just have to look for it, and talk to someone, anyone!

I grew out of New Year's resolutions a long time ago, instead I write down each year the things I want to do. Last year I made a list of improvements to my life:

It wasn't be all and end all if I didn't do these things, I didn't do a lot of beehives, or got my ear pierced (but it's imminent as my boyfriend is paying for it!) I just think it's healthier to have some goals set for the year ahead. And here are mine:

  • Go to cognitive behavioural therapy to try and find the root of my anxiety
  • Pass my second year of university with at least a 2:1
  • Go on holiday with my boyfriend over the summer
  • Go on holiday with my friends again
  • Make my own short film in my spare time
  • Start vlogging to boost my confidence
  • Actually have a savings that I don't dip into all the time
  • Pass my theory and driving test
  • Get an awesome car with an equally awesome name
  • Make more time for friends and family

I will keep you guys updated over the year on which goals I've reached, as now I have a small group of readers to help influence these goals! I do also need to exercise more but I'm not being so strict on it as I don't want to force myself to do it, I want to enjoy exercising and find my love of running again in my own time.

Now for you guys, it's your turn. Plan some events this year and get one of those countdown apps to show what you have to look forward to, I've been doing this for the past three years (I have a monthly countdown to pay day because I'm sad) and it really helps me cope with the year to know I have such exciting things ahead of me! But also I want to know your goals for this year, what are you going to set out to fulfil, or if you do New Years resolutions comment on what those may be!

I will reply to all of you, also comment if you deal with anxiety or anything that takes control on your life!

I'm here for you,

Saffron x


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Thursday, 31 December 2015

What's in my make up bag?



As a Christmas present to myself I bought this "Zoella Lace Collar Purse" from Superdrug for £6.00, I picked this one up as I know everyone has the guinea pig ones and the eye ones. I also have a top that looks exactly like this and the bag is just the right size for the (little) amount of make up I own.


Inside my bag you will find my four essential items: firstly the Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner for  £3.99. The first time I picked this up I was in a hurry to find a cheap eye liner, and little did I know what I had stumbled upon. The most amazing waterproof eyeliner I have ever owned! I didnBa't realise it was waterproof, but it really does what it says on the tin, this bad boy has survived 12hr days, and full on crying sessions! I am so impressed with this product, my only beef is that you can't sharpen it, so once it goes blunt you have to buy a new one.

Next on the right I have Collection Lengthening Mascara Black 1 for £2.99, I don't really have very many eyelashes and they aren't long and they are more defined from my profile, which is useless. Pretty much any mascara works with my lashes, but I do have a soft spot for any Collection mascara as they don't charge an arm and a leg for decent mascara.

Bottom on the left we have Barry M Lip Boss 3- Office Romance for £4.49 I previously had Barry M lipgloss which I loved but I have misplaced [insert sad emoji] so I went straight over to Barry M. I prefer light pink lip glosses, I don't know why I just prefer my lips to look slightly more pink and glossy. The container is a decent size and it lasts forever for me.

I have previously mentioned in another post how much I love my final product. It's only Collection Eye Definer Ebony 1 for the small price of £2.99 it's a total steal, I can be using the same one for up to three months depending on my variation of use and how big I make the wings on my eyes. I don't get along with any other eyeliner, I've tried felt tip liners and Collection must've known I was cheating as I could not get the same effect I wanted with the felt pens. Look out for a tutorial in the near future on how I do my eyeliner, it took me a few months and hundreds of tutorials to get it right! Eyeliner is the only make up related thing I am actually good at!

Now you've seen what's in my make up bag!

All products are from Superdrug and prices were correct as of 30th December 2015.

Saffron x
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Wednesday, 30 December 2015

Why blog?

Hello everyone!

As I have just picked up the blogging baton again, I thought it might interest some of you as to why I am blogging. Why now? Well I used to blog a lot when I was younger, when I was in secondary school. That was mostly cringey rants, movie or book reviews, nothing special.

Last year I noticed one of my best friends started blogging, so I looked at my blogs....and decided I better start a new one as my old one's (as previously mentioned) where uber cringe worthy.

I know I'm not a beautician, hair dresser, stylist, fashion designer, baker, cook or skilled in any particular way. However, I thought I had an advantage point, I know pretty much nothing about any of the before mentioned topics (I know somethings, but not much) and I found my angle:


"NORMAL IMPERFECT GIRL ATTEMPTS MAKE-UP, BAKING ETC"

One thing I do know is, that I am imperfect, I have blemishes like everyone else, I have scars and stretch marks, my teeth aren't straight and my eye's change colour in different light. One thing I have always dreamed of being is a role model for younger girls who might be too afraid to talk to their female relations. I've never had my eye brows waxed/threaded, I've only plucked them, and badly because I had no idea what shape my eye brow was meant to be and plucked too much and now they aren't thick enough -_-.

My point being is that being an in-experienced twenty year old I can try things for the first time and write/film it for others entertainment and maybe one day make a difference to some one's life. I know I'm not going to become the next "Zoella" but blogging also helps me, I don't get as stressed and ragey, and I'm not having anxiety attacks as much. 

Today is the first day I realised how much better I actually feel, despite my usual sleepiness, I feel quite refreshed. Blogging fills up time that I used to freak out about random things, and let the anxiety take over.

So as much as it'd be nice to become a famous blogger, I am quite happy with who I am, I'm feeling relatively happy for one of the first times this year! It excites me when I think of things I want to write about, I'm even going to buy a pretty notebook to put my ideas in. Plus it will make me do things I've only dreamt of doing, I'm going to try out more make up, and flex my (lack of) baking and cooking skills.

Saffron x


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Friday, 25 December 2015

Just Breathe

Merry Christmas everyone!

I have a present for you all, a little bit of insight!

Some where in the middle of July something happened to me. To which I have no clue, nothing traumatic happened, there's no explanation. I didn't realised until a couple of months later what I had. What I still have. I was feeling ill all the time, I wasn't going to work, and would often not call in sick as I hate making phone calls. Then I dodged calls from my work place as I had no idea what to tell them.

I was ill at least three or four times a week, having to live on shop bought medication so that I could try and get on with my life. I was constantly ill when I went on holiday to Turkey with my friends, I thought maybe I had caught a bug or something. I knew I was just overthinking things, and making myself ill so I tried to chill myself out, by sun bathing, swimming in the pool, and having cocktails with my friends. I started avoiding certain foods for fear that was what was making me ill.

But food doesn't make your heart beat out of your chest, and disrupt your breathing. I came to the realisation that I have anxiety. I was in denial and was hoping it was something more medical that doctors could sort out, but this is something within me. 

It's been about five months living with this. Almost everyday I have to take myself physically out of what I'm doing, going for a walk, getting fresh air. I get panicky about various things that are stressful; university work, going out with friends/family, going on holiday, days out where I won't be back home for a whole day. The were all things I enjoyed-maybe not the university work. I don't understand why these things now bother me and make me so ill and anxious? I have to partake in breathing exercises to calm myself down.

I never knew much about anxiety before, I usually only had temporary anxiety for a job interview, first day at school/college/university, or exams. But I have unexplained anxiety attacks, I can be sat in the comfort of my room watching Netflix, and I'll suddenly have to pause and breathe in and out deep breaths.

I just wanted to let anyone know who might be possibly reading this that you aren't alone, of course every always says that. But I felt alone when I didn't know what was wrong with me. Then I started opening up to my loved one's around me for some support and understanding. I actually found out that they understood and my friends and family are there for me now, not that I always tell everyone when I'm having an anxiety attack as it makes it worse to admit I'm in one to people around me. They ask me how I am, and check in on me, and I'm ever so grateful to have them in my life. I used to be closed off and wouldn't let anyone in and know my problems, but I enjoy being able to be open to people now.

In the new year I'm seeking further help with cognitive behavioural therapy, to hopefully try and find out what's at the root of this. As I've tried to put blame on various things, and help myself get out of this, but I'm too far into this now. I'm afraid of how long I will have to deal with this, how it will affect me next year; when I go on holiday, when I have deadlines at university and just waking up every day wondering when it's going to happen again.

Before I realised what I had, I found out that the YouTube vlogger "Zoella" has anxiety, and I think it's admirable for someone with so many fans and younger girls looking up to her that might have the same sort of issues, or even if they don't. That someone who's partially in the lime light still makes videos each week, can go to award ceremonies, and can have a book published that breaks selling records.

I'm obviously not in any sort of lime light and don't get invited to awards ceremonies, but I'm proud of myself for so far not dropping out of social engagements, I force myself to go. I'd rather go and not enjoy myself, than sit at home wondering how it was and looking at photo's of my friends having a good time. I go home earlier than usual now, I don't drink an awful lot, and I'm not my usual self on most days. I'm quieter now, I blend into the walls on most occasions, not that I was the centre of attention from the beginning. Anxiety has changed me, I prefer to stay in bed and watch Netflix than socialise, I love the days where I don't have to talk to anyone and I can just lie there and stop any anxiety attacks.

I know I haven't had this for very long, but it's taken over my life in more ways than I would've thought. I never had an opinion on anxiety before, as I've had panic attacks in my life but very rarely, so I guess I kind of understood anxiety a little bit.

I hope that next year will be a better year for me, and that there is a reason for the way I am, if there's no reason whatsoever this is a cruel world to go through this almost everyday. Overtime I open my laptop to do university work, every time I'm getting ready to go out to every time I even eat now.

I just wanted to reach out to others like myself, that are taken over by what they have. And to inform others of what it's like, as some people use anxiety as an excuse when really they are just being dramatic, the same with depression, some people just want attention. I hate having attention, I don't want this at all, if someone else wants it feel free to take it! 

I just want to be a normal twenty year old again.

Saffron x

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