So don’t you worry your pretty little mind

Recently I made the decision to stop wearing make up to work each day.

Now you might be thinking “so what” - but remember, I’m a ‘millennial’ (ugh, I hate that term but I don’t know how else to describe myself for the purpose of this post) and I’ve been brought up in an environment that encourages me to wear makeup every day, even if it’s just to go to my local supermarket to pick up groceries.

I made this decision for several reasons; to give my skin a breather (literally), to save money on makeup, and to show society that I don’t have to follow the crowd and I can truly be myself.

I’ve reached a stage in my life where I care less each day about what others think of me. If you don’t like me for who I am then that’s okay – but I won’t change just for you. I’m trying to adopt a new approach to put myself first and look after myself more than I used to.

I was completely caught off guard by the reaction I received the first time I went to work without makeup on. I work in an open plan office environment so while I don’t see customers day to day I do have a “walk of shame” through the length of the department before I reach my desk. I lost count of how many colleagues said I looked refreshed and as though I’d caught the sunshine, and I realised that’s because my freckles were on show. My foundation and concealer usually hides this feature which is something I was never totally comfortable with so it gave me a boost of confidence to know that people noticed the difference and were reacting positively to it.

Remember, while I said I care less and less what others think I’m still not immune to the opinion of others and appreciate a compliment from time to time.

Fast forward several weeks and while I’ve had the odd day where my skin has flared up, I’m feeling pretty good about not wearing makeup to the point that I now feel strange when I’ve worn it to parties.

I’ve never been “good” at makeup and it’s something I’d like to work on so that when I do decide to put some on for a special occasion I can feel confident that I’m enhancing my features rather than hiding them. I guess this is the next step in my journey, to research which makeup suits my features.

Here’s hoping this is the way forward for me and I can continue to be comfortable in my own skin, quite literally.

I know, I know

I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to this blog.

That said, I'm so grateful for this blog as it's given me a total blast from the past.

I won't make any promises this time, but I will always aim to keep this blog a part of my life. Whether that means posting once a week, month or year.

Believe me when I say, a lot has changed since this blog began - I've just had to update the title from 'Hannah.23.Explorer.' straight to 'Hannah.26.Explorer.' for starters...

I'll try to revisit once in a while and keep this little nook of my mind going.

Wish me luck.

Here she goes again (again)

Way back on the 16th September 2011 I shared a little about myself. What better way to reignite my blog than by sharing that same post again but with updated answers...

Has anyone told you “forever and ever” then left?
Ah yes, silly little promises that people never intended to keep.

Your relationship status?
Content.

Where did you meet your crush(es)?
I haven't met Orlando Bloom yet...

Have you ever lost a close friend?
Sure, people grow up and with that comes change.

Do you smoke weed regularly?
I do not.

Think back to the beginning of 2011. Are you still dating the same person?
Nope.

Would you parents be mad if you were in a relationship?
Considering I am in a relationship I'm sure they'd be okay for that to continue.

When was the last time you really laughed?
At Abandoman the other evening. We were sitting in the front row and he kept picking on Killian.

Something is wrong. First guy you turn too?
Sirius, obvs.

First girl you’d turn to?
Mike, obvs.

Is there anyone who doesn’t like you because of something you did?
I don't know and honestly I don't care.

Angry at anyone?
Hmm nope.

What’s stopping you from going for the person you like?
Nothing! I don't have to "go for" them.

When was the last time you cried really hard?
Gosh, I don't remember.

Is there anyone you would do anything for?
Yes.

Who was the last person you talked to for more than 10 minutes on the phone?
"My gran I think." is what I said back in 2011. Ugh, this kills me because it's not possible anymore. I spoke to my Papa this morning and we had a pretty long catch up.

What is your favorite song?
Like, ever? My mind has gone blank. There's just too much pressure!

Do you like Red Bull?
I don't mind it, but I don't seek to drink it.

How many people can you tell just about everything to?
A teeny tiny little bundle.

Have you ever wished on a shooting star?
I've not.

Does the last person you held hands with mean something to you?
He sure does.

Do you have anything that belongs to your ex?
No, nothing I can think of.

Can you honestly say you’ve had a sleepover with the opposite gender?
Yes, I have. Shock, horror.

Do you rebound?
I wouldn't say so.

Ever cheated on someone?
No.

What would you do if you found out the person you like was in a relationship?
I'd be surprised if that person wasn't me...

Do you act differently around the person you like?
I think I do, not always for the best, but perhaps from being too settled. I can be a right grumpy bitch.

Honestly, what guy’s number do you have memorized?
Michael Kelly.

Is it hard to make you laugh?
If you're the Impractical Jokers, no.

Who was the last person to make you mad?
Gosh, I'm not sure.

Do you think your last ex will eventually want to be with you again?
No way!

Have you ever fallen asleep in someone’s arms?
Yes!

Has anyone ever called you scrumptious before?
Errrr naw.

Would you like to put a night on repeat and live it forever?
Yes! 8.30am.

Do you have a best friend that knows you inside and out?
I'm not sure anyone truly knows me anymore.

Is your best friend a slut?
Like the biggest - NAT.

Is hard drugs a turn off?
Oh yes.

Are you happy with life right now?
Pretty content!

Are you still in love with your ex?
No.

Have you ever been the “other person” in a relationship?
Does that mean I've been a bit on the side? I think I was, not through choice though as I was played.

Have you ever had your heart broken?
Puh-lease, no.

Have you ever broken someone’s heart?
Lol no.

Is there anybody you’re really disappointed in?
Yes.

Where is your best friend?
I don't keep tabs, probably in an irish bar somewhere.

Something you’re happy about?
Ma hoose.

How is your heart lately?
Weak and wheezy.