10 things every Brit will know and experience during "summer"

It's summertime! Or so we thought,.I'm pretty sure I haven't seen any sun since that super hot weekend in May. Sad times. However, this Summer it looks like it's going to be a pretty fun one, with a holiday to Spain to look forward to, summer camp, and many different parties to attend! Shame about the weather though really isn't it. While I was dwelling on the fact that its all grey skies and rain at the moment, I was thinking about how us Brits all have a lot in common throughout these so-called summer months; the sort of things we can all laugh about because they're all so relatable. Of course, my first thought was to write a post about it! So here are 10 things every Brit will know and experience during summer.

1.As soon as the sun is finally shining, everyone decides to have a barbeque. The shops stock up with coal and there are fights in the supermarkets about whose going to get the last of the beef burgers. Facebook fills up with pictures with their hot dogs, burgers, and glasses of beer. Oh and if you have twitter all you'll see is news on how many barbeques everyone managed to go to. Within a few days, the rain will come and everyone will stay indoors again.

2.As soon as it hits past 20 degrees mark, you'll see people posting the temperature on Snapchat and be greeted by people walking the street half naked. It's just too hot for us brits. We're most definitely not used to it.

3. Apparently, a lot of us believe that it's impossible to get a sunburn in this country, so often pass when in comes to protecting ourselves from the sun's rays. But that's always regretted once we manage to get sunburn within half an hour of being outside, and we get the most dreadful burn lines. Looking like a cooked lobster is not cool. Wear suncream people!

4.We complain about how the weather is rubbish every day, but as soon as the weather is actually pretty nice out, we complain even more about how it's too hot, even when it's not even that hot at all! We're a fussy lot but that's just the way we are.

5.Hot drinks are for winter and cold drinks are for summer right? Wrong, we'll go through endless amounts of tea and coffee all the way through summer without even thinking twice. No one can stop us.

6. Although deep down we all know how unpredictable British weather is, we'll always give it the benefit of the doubt and hope it doesn't change on us. So that normally means we end up getting caught up in the torrential rain without an umbrella, or we end up with sweat dripping down us because we dressed in dark, thick clothes. I always find myself in black jeans when it's hot, and I'm telling you now it's not good.

7. We're much more approachable and friendlier when the sun's out. Like we'll actually smile and talk to people rather than be our shy unsociable selves. Why? Because the weather has a strange effect on our personality apparently. 

8.Going to sleep becomes excessively difficult in the heat. The battle between being under or out of the duvet is definitely hard to win. Achieving the perfect temperature to sleep in takes a lot of patience, but we normally just end by giving. Even a room fan barely helps, and sleeping naked can often end up as a last resort. 

9. We set our expectations way too high when summer arrives. With dreams of barbeques every weekend, sunbathing in the garden, and a list of fun and amazing things to do. The outcome is very unlikely though and we're often felt a bit disappointed by the end of August and realise we've done nothing but lazed around during our free time.

10.As much as we all love summer and will miss it so when September arrives, we can't help but get excited for leaves to start turning orange and Autumn to be at our doorstep, and thrive in the weather we know best. 

Have a fabulous summer everyone,

Lauren xx

My top 10 favourite films

I'm not an avid film watcher myself. I'm not the sort of person that watches multiple films a week, and in all fairness, it's very rare for me to sit down and watch a film! My attention span doesn't normally last that long you see. However, that doesn't stop me  from having my favourites, the sort I can watch over again and still love to pieces. I think one of the great things about "favourite" movies is that you can go ages without watching it, but once you do watch it again it's like a rekindled friendship. You know what I mean right? These films may be right up your ally, or they might be the complete opposite, but I've narrowed them down to my top 10! So let me share with you the films that make my heart swell with happiness, and those that leave me in awe.

1.Romeo and Juliet (the 1996 version)
There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to include this film. Ugh, I don't even know where to begin! The soundtrack to this film is one of the reasons that I can't help but adore it! "Young hearts run free" during the party scene, "Everybody's free" during the wedding, and "Kissing you" during all the romance between Romeo and Juliet. *Swoon* It's my life goal to walk down the aisle of my wedding to either "Everybody's free" (the slowed down version) or "Kissing you." Imagining it makes me feel butterflies and leaves me all heart-eyed emoji. I've probably watched it over 5 times which is pretty impressive for me. I love the music, the actors *cough* Leo *cough* and since I've studied the play too many times for English, I can recite half of it while I'm watching. I LOVE IT!

2. Monsters Inc
Monsters Inc for me is a childhood classic. It was always put on for me because everyone knew I loved it, although some of the scenes did scare me quite a bit as a lil' child. I haven't met anyone who doesn't love Mosnters Inc; I believe that's because it can be appreciated by people of all ages. It's such a beautiful way of teaching small children not to fear the "monsters under their bed" and also share the important moral of not to judge a book by its cover. Not to mention the cuteness that is Boo!

3. Bridget Jones Diary
Oh my, oh my. Bridget Jones diary is such a hilarious film, and I feel like every single woman can relate to Bridget and her fight of trying to become a sophisticated woman and finding a man to make her finally happy.  *all by my myseeeeeeelffff* This is the sort of film you put on with your girls or when you're feeling down in the dumps, because you do get a good old giggle out of it. Also, Colin Firth is top notch in this film.

4.Mama Mia
My Nan and I were the biggest Abba fans. (I freaked out when I found out they performed together recently) We used to blast their songs out together in the car and her dining room, singing at the top of our lungs. Therefore, Mama Mia is just perfect and I'm hoping to go see it performed live. The location for the movie is just so picturesque and magical, and they couldn't have picked any better actors. I love how they managed to create a story that circulated around the different songs in such a clever way that if you didn't know that Abba existed, you'd think the songs were created for the movie! Colin Firth is once again top notch, but then again, when isn't he?

5.Guardians of the Galaxy
This is the first film that  my boyfriend and I saw together. I must admit, it wasn't exactly romantic as we were with a group of friends, and we were only "seeing each other" at the time, no official label or anything. But I think what made the movie even more memorable was the fact that he was sat there next to me, and we were watching a film I would never think of choosing to watch, yet I loved every second of it. I found myself laughing out loud at so many points. Also THE SOUNDTRACK! Once again a film with amazing songs played throughout, the first thing I did when I got home was listen to the soundtrack playlist on Youtube. Oh and I've got a bit of a crush on Chris Pratt who plays Peter Quill, but don't tell Josh that!

6. Scooby Doo
It's just a great movie okay? I really liked  it as a kid, and I really like it now. I used to watch the cartoons but the movie was just on a whole new level! Judge me all you want, but I blooming love that film, I can't help it! My favourite bits are when Shaggy tries to find the spirits of his friends in the weird cauldron, the scene where Shaggy and Scooby are eating loads of food in the caravan, and the "gang" have an identity crisis when everyone swaps spirits. Oh, and when Daphne kicked ass against an evil wrestler.

7.White Chicks
White Chicks is a film everyone can love and enjoy, and it just never gets old! Never! I honestly find myself laughing out loud in stitches every time I watch this, it's just so funny and so relatable at times too! (The girl playing with her "fat" in the changing rooms crying? Totally me.) And who can forget the dance battle, let alone the scene where "A Thousand Miles" plays in the car! They're such memorable scenes that everyone can recall.

8.Shrek
Somebody once told me the world was gonna roll me- wait you're still reading? Look you're probably judging me for this choice but I can't help it, I must have a rubbish taste but I love it! The music is great for starters, and I love the theme of fairy tales and all the noticeable characters from books recognised from childhood, like Pinocchio, the gingerbread man, the three little pig etc.  To be honest, I think you're lying if you say that you don't like any of the Shrek movies, let's be honest.

9.How the Grinch stole Christmas
How could I not include a Christmas movie? I think Whoville is the cutest little village and the "Whos" are even more adorable with their button noses, funky hair, and exaggerated features. Also, any film which includes Dr Seuss, Jim Carrey or Christmas is already great, so a mixture of the three just make the definition of perfection. Also, the Grinch's sass gives me so much joy. Like yes, sleigh. (Get it, sleigh? As in slay? Because Santa rides a sleigh? No? Okay that's cool too.)

10.Les Miserables
I normally can't stand a film that's over 2 hours long, I'm too impatient, fidgety, and I get bored easily. But this is my only exception. It's so beautiful! I don't really know how to explain it because I don't think I could ever do it justice. I've never seen a live performance of it, however, my mum wants to take me to see it in London, which I imagine to be amazing. Although I've only watched the film a handful of times, I still love it so much because it's so captivating and moving. It also fascinated me the first time I watched it how the majority of dialogue was sung, I didn't know what to expect from the movie at all, so I was completely surprised. If you haven't seen it yet I couldn't recommend it enough.

So that's it, my top ten films! I couldn't be more cliche if I tried. Oh well!! Are there any films that I mentioned which you love too? Also, what are some films that you love and think I should watch during my summer holiday?
lots of love,
Lauren xx

My summer bucket list

On the 17th of June, I'll be free from exams and free for the summer! That's a whopping 89 days! Okay maybe minus the days I'll be working, but apart from that, I'll be freeeee! And there are a tonne of things that I want to do to fill up those days with fun activities!! Every year I make myself a summer bucket list of fun things that I want to get up to, and I would  write them in the notes section of my phone or at the back of my planner. But this year I'm going to share it all with you!! I love reading other people's bucket lists as I can get so many ideas, so if you're going to be on summer holiday soon I hope you can take something away from this!

I found a quote on Pinterest that really inspired me to write this post which I want you guys to see:

The yearly bucket list oath:
I solemnly swear to create memories that last a lifetime.
I vow to make an impression on the world, not the couch.
I promise to dream about unrealistic goals.
And make them my reality.

1. Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows on it
2. Have a water balloon fight
3. Have at least 3 picnics, one with friends, one with family, and one with my boyfriend.
4. Go on a dolphin spotting trip while in Spain
5. Swim in the sea
6. Try a new type of food
7. Make homemade lemonade
8. Go to a waterpark
9. Get up early to see the sunrise
10. Go camping
11. Go swimming at night
12. Go on the new ride at Alton Towers
13. Read 5 books (because I need to get back into reading again)
14. Go to more yoga lessons
15. Write in my travel journal
16. Write letters to all my #teenageteam girls
17. Practice latte art
18. Go on a huge bike ride
19. Binge watch a tv series
20. Go or a run once a week
21. Try my hand at gardening 
22. Visit a farm
23. Do some sort of water sport
24. Make elderflower ice lollies
25. Buy fruit from the farmers market and make super fresh smoothies
26. Build a blanket fort
27. Try cook a fancy meal for the family
28. Make DIY colour powder and have a colour fight
29. Host a pizza party
30. Do yoga on the beach
31. Burn all my revision notes and old school books
32. Finish my old wreck this journal
33. Get a train to somewhere I've never been before
34. Write a short story
35. Celebrate my blog birthday
36. Do something to raise money for charity
37. Step outside my comfort zone and go to parties
38. Meet a blogger friend
39. Make some non-alcoholic cocktails
40. Make more art and explore my creativity

I really want this summer to be great and something to remember. I've always regretted not going out and doing more during the summer, but this time, I want to do my best to change that. Will I complete everything on this list? Most likely not, but at least I have something to aim towards right?
What're you going to get up up this summer?
Lauren xx

My first ever job!

So I started my first ever job on Saturday! As in I get money paid into my bank account kind of job. As in I work for someone and therefore have to be responsible kind of job. As in I  have a boss and co-workers and customers kind of job. I was very nervous, to say the least. I shouldn't have been, though. I'm working at one of my favourite cafes, which is only a short walk away from my home and I've already done 5 days of work experience for my school. I found it really fun, and not to blow my own trumpet, but I think I did a rather splendid job. However, it's a bit different now, because unlike work experience I will now actually get paid. Like I'm actually working for someone because they see my work as useful to them. I'll also get taught how to use the cash register which seems easy enough (even though at work experience I wouldn't have dared touch it) and I'll also have to learn how to use the daunting, scary coffee machine.

I don't know why but there's something about it that's just so intimidating! I feel like I'll have to spend the next few days practicing latte art so I can try to impress everyone. Either that or I'll have to try and learn how to sprinkle chocolate in the most aesthetically pleasing way by the time I'm back this Saturday.

 I'm pretty sure everyone gets nervous for the first day of a new job, let alone the first day of their first job! Picturing myself in that cafe that morning gave me terrible butterflies! And although I knew everything was probably going to be fine and go swimmingly, my mind still buzzed with all the numerous ways I could embarrass myself! I haven't even told you about how during my work experience there, I tripped up the steps in front of the whole cafe! My recovery was smooth though; I flicked my hair dramatically as if I was fine, laughed and carried on as if nothing happened, but inside I felt myself wanting to cry in a puddle of embarrassment. But now I know to watch the steps right? Right. Learning from my mistakes, one trip at a time.

 Although I'm not too excited about finding myself in that steamy and sweaty washroom again, I'm very much excited for my next shift this Saturday. It's such a beautiful cafe with great drinks, food, and such a lovely atmosphere. All the people I meet are so friendly especially my coworkers! I feel so lucky to find myself in such a great place for my first ever job. I really would love to know what your first job was, so tell me about it in the comments! However if you haven't had a job yet, what're you most excited and nervous about when it comes to working?

 Also, I hope you've liked my little illustrations! I wanted to have a go at something different that I haven't really seen any other bloggers do! And I know they're not masterpieces, but I kinda like the quirkiness of them and how they're not perfect at all, but quite cute and childish. I might do them again in some future posts, who knows! Anyways, have a beautiful week!
Lots of love,
Lauren x

The troubles of being a teenage blogger

I was recently discussing with a fellow blogger named Jade Millard (you can find her blog here and her twitter here) about what it was like to be a teenage blogger. All the good points, all the bad points, and the other things that fit in between. We had a lot to touch on and we both had many stories to share with each other. Since we both had so much to say, we decided to work together on a collaboration post, sharing all our thoughts and feelings with you! So make sure you go on over to Jade's blog to see her post too!

Now before I start, there's something we want to share with you guys! After talks about our first collaboration, we started coming up with even more ideas of posts we could do that would benefit the teenage blogging community. We had ideas bouncing off each other left right and centre! We are both so passionate about making a difference for us teenage bloggers and helping others out, that we felt like it was our calling to do something bigger and better to help those like us. To build a community for people like us!
We're thinking of doing a series of blog posts monthly, directed at teenage bloggers! Now, we hope that the more posts we make the further we go with this series, and we've already made some plans for the future if people are willing to join us! So stay tuned because we've got some great things coming!

Anyways, here's to the main point of the blog. I'm going to share with you 3 things that I struggle with as a teenage blogger.

Being 16, I don't think that people take me that seriously. The majority of bloggers I follow are quite older than me, and I also feel intimidated by that. I'm quite scared to voice my opinion because to a lot of people I'm still seen as only a kid and feel like I might be deemed to be uneducated about certain topics.

Furthermore, I feel like people may not want to read my blog purely due to my age. That may be completely false but I just cannot budge that feeling. People like readigng things that they can relate to but can someone over 5 years older than me do that? I feel that a lot of teenagers could enjoy my blog and benefit from some of my posts, but the thing is, not many teenagers actually even read blogs. None of my friends do, that's for sure. I'm even scared of making blogger friends because a twenty-something-year-old probably doesn't want to talk to a 16-year-old and there aren't many teenage bloggers out there.

One thing that I really dislike is all the opportunities that I miss. I've been invited to a couple of meetups before, but because I don't really shout my age from the top of the rooftops, people forget I'm sixteen; I would be totally out of place and mostly, totally unwanted. I mean I wish I could go but I'd look like an absolute plonker. Being younger does limit the things I can do,  can't just go on a train by myself for few hours to go to an event.  I don't think I've ever seen a blogging event or meet up directed towards teen bloggers, which I wish was something I could change. Like us teen bloggers do exist, and although we may be young, I know that we'd still like to meet likeminded people just like any aged blogger would!

Lastly with my age comes a fear. A fear of being ridiculed, of being told I'm "too young". I'm scared of people on twitter and twitter chats finding out my age because I can't nudge the fear of people not wanting to talk to me. The weirdest thing is that I'm self-conscious about my age when blogging. I mean it's just an age, just an amount of years I've been alive! But because so many older bloggers follow me there's always the voice in my head thinking "do they know?" or "what if they find out". It may sound stupid but that's just the way I feel. But I believe that us teen bloggers are great and fabulous and all derserve to shine!

Thank you so much for reading this post! If you're a teenager blogger yourself, can you relate to this post? On the other hand, if you're not what're your opinions on this post? Make sure to leave all your thoughts and social media below so Jade and I can find you, and also be sure to use the hashtag #TeenageTeam if you want to get involved!

If you want to talk to any of us you can find us here:
Our email: ttab@gmail.com

My contact details:
Twitter: @tstainedlauren
Instagram: tea.stained
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/tea-stained-lauren-14400811
Email: laurenjadeostler@gmail.com

Jade's contact details:
Twitter: @jademillardx
Instagram: jademillard_
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/jade-millard-13929405?referrer_context=blog_search_autocomplete
Email: beautyobsessedgirl@gmail.com

Have a great day!
Lauren xx