FINDING YOUR OWN CAREER PATH - NOT CONFORMING TO THE NORM.

If I began to think back to the time when the career conveyor belt began I would say it was about year 9. Anything before this was deemed pipeline dreams of being an astronaut or a Hollywood film actress. But from about year 9 you are thrusted into the world of big exams, coursework and the beginnings of what us adults now know as stress! Despite this sudden need to begin making decisions I am sure I am not the only one who suddenly had to begin mapping out their career path – choosing the right GSCEs which will then allow you enrol on the appropriate A level courses to subsequently land your dream degree ….. which was ummmmmmmmm no idea!

I had gone from vet to teacher to wedding planner to celebrity manager back to wedding planner then back to celebrity manager with lots more in between then decided on a nurse- logical …. NOT!!!

I guess back then I was too naïve to follow my dreams and actually study what I wanted so went with what I deemed society thought I should be doing, and the fact I enjoyed helping people nursing seemed the appropriate thing to do!! How wrong the decision turned out to be.

After completing 12 months studying mathematical and sciency based subjects at AS level to get me to my end result of a nursing degree, I failed – Literally, failed every single one of my subject choices. As someone who refuses to be defeated I retook this whole year of painful studying on subjects that quite frankly different float my boat. They didn’t allow me to be in anyway creative and being swamped with formulas and equations just wasn’t me! I am happy to say I then passed these but then this prompted me to assess my situation and my ambitious/ freedom seeking attitude was reignited… it was time to follow  my passions and dreams and no longer conform.

Off to college I went ( Yes that meant I was about to embark on another 2 years of A levels). I studied business and photography based subjects and absolutely loved them – it was during this time that I began exploring a lot more about the industries I wanted to work in and that was where I fell in love with the world of PR!

After then gaining a first class honours degree in PR and Events Management I went on to working in

•      Wedding planning,
•          Celebrity management
•         PR
•          Social Media
•      Working in Disney World Florida

I loved every part of my journey so far as it also led to not only countless experiences and memories but also the development of Metallic Magpie xx

This journey has continued to where I am now – working in social media and also working part time in network marketing which is where I now feel my career has settled and will be focused on for the next part of my life journey!

So for anyone that is at the point in their lives when you are having to pick subjects or are thinking of embarking on a new career path then go do it, do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life again.

If you are unsure of what career you want to go into my advice would be to pick subjects for your pleasure and enjoyment as you will come out with fab grades and in the process allow you to explore what you want to do.  I have also believed there is more the life then a 9-5 grind and that life is truly for living and not existing to continue to explore all your options and absorb every ounce of knowledge and opportunities that are passed your way!

If you can relate to this post I would love to here from you and you may also enjoy reading a previous post of my all about choosing yourforever career!!!

Love Liv xXx

Mobile phones – The Killer of Conversation!!

The thought of a Friday off work at the end of July has you filled with warming thoughts of picnics in the local park, dipping your toes in the lapping, refreshing salty seas and licking your favourite ice cream. Well at least that’s how I planned to spend my day off! Upon awakening this morning these plans were rapidly changed when the pitter patter of raindrops on my window informed me it was more of a wet November day then the height of Summer.

However crisis was quickly adverted as my sensible head was popped on and instead of a lazy day in the sunshine I decided to my pack laptop and all into my bag and toddle on off to my local coffee shop for a productive morning of ticking off my to do list.

Image Credit:The Standard

Said location was what has led me to write this post and will hopefully remind myself not to be a convo killer when I am next accompanied in a coffee shop.

I set myself up on a little table and got straight to work on my task, enjoying the hub of chatter and activity that was going on around me. 

Shortly after I arrived two girls occupied the table next to me;

straight away as their coffees were placed on the table they quickly grabbed out their mobiles. A good 45 minutes to an hour went by and I can honestly say I did not see one ounce of conversation pass between the two girls as their heads remained engrossed in their phones. Now I am in no way pleading innocence here as I know I have been guilty of checking and replying to messages on my phone when i’m out, but seeing it first hand completely destroy a conversation was great confirmation to me to make more of an effort next time to ensure my phone doesn’t do the same. 

 

Image Credit:Here

Mobile phones have almost become some what of an necessity in our generations existence, where we could barely imagine being without them. But really on further thought what a wonderful and easier life it would be  if we went back to the days of having to knock on friends to see if they wanted to come out, or using the dreaded home phone to see if they were free!

So although this reliance is pretty much avoidable now in our hectic lives seeing these girls showed the really importance of not being a conversation killer. Instead, indulge in a little good old fashion natter with friends and family face to face this simple action creates such a warm and lovely feeling that can never be expressed through digital forms. Some of my best moments lately have been when I have put myself on a technology ban and delved into a good book or just spend quality time with those I love.

Image Credit: Vida At The Coffee Shop

Think of the hit US series Friends.... hours were spent in that coffee shop and think of all the memories that were created and the laughter spent x

Image Credit: Here

So taking this experience of mine of board i challenge you to try it and watch the magic happen...Life really isn’t going to dramatically change in a status update or an email refresh so take this opportunity to enjoy all of the fabulous things going on around you and not just on the screen of a hand held device.

Love Liv x 

Image Credit: Here

A BARBOUR'S PICNIC - MY SUMMER PLANS

Having grown up in the countryside I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Barbour and love all that they stand for!

On a little Twitter stroll  this week I came across a competition they were hosting across social media and it ignited a little bit of excitement in me! Firstly because the prize is just a bit fabulous.. stylish yet practical can it get any better? But more so for the challenge they are setting their follower!

 

Image Credit:Barbour

Using the #BarbourPicnicRug they are encouraging followers to share how they are making the most of their Summer. .. this is the part that made me squeal like a little girl, as for the first time in a while I am going to be filling my Summer full of the things that make me happy! Some may see this selfish but after a long old time of ensuring others are happy now is my chance for some me time.

For those of you who follow me on Instagram you will know by now that back in May our family grew by 4 paws! One of the things i’m really excited about this Summer is to enjoy sitting out enjoying scrummy picnics in the garden with the pup, sipping Pimms and getting lost into a good book… Utter Bliss!

A new chapter in my life will begin to be written in a couple weeks   when I move down to Bournemouth in my first ‘proper’ place of my own. Being a stones throw away from the beach will mean lots of time spent with the sand between my toes and the odd beach BBQ or two(or possibly 3!!).

My blog will also be taking a front seat over the next couple months as despite the likelihood of being arrested by the grammar police on several occasions I absolutely love writing and sharing my thoughts and experiences.

I will also be working on my side line business The Dream Body Project which I can’t wait to grow further and to help others build their dreams (ok despite a me summer I can’t help but sneak a little bit of helping others in there to).

This summer for me is all about the staycation and enjoying the delights that Dorset has to offer which I look forward to sharing with you here at Metallic Magpie. There are so many wonderful places and attractions to visit locally that I never really get the chance to explore.

Boscombe Pier 

Bournemouth Beach 

The cute Cath Kidston huts at
 Bournemouth beach

I am also really looking forward to simply taking a step back from the hecticness of every day life, and putting a few plans into place on what I want to focus on over the next couple months.

This will also include baking, finding new healthy recipes and a little bit of journal writing(I have wanted to start my project life for a long time but simply haven’t given myself the time!).

 I can’t wait to get cracking with my summer plans and I am sure you would agree they would be made that extra bit more perfect with the addition of a Barbour rug!

What are your summer plans? Are you going away or having staycation like me?

Love Liv xXx 

FOR THE LOVE OF READING - A SHORT STORY REVIEW X

In the past I have always skimmed past picking up short stories in the thought that they are perhaps more aimed at children (silly I know), but  the hectic lifestyle lots of us now live in they couldn’t really be more perfect for us book worms! 

When a lovely lady turned dear friend asked me to give her book a read I jumped at the chance … reading has always been a passion of mine as I love the tranquil places it can transport you to and the temporary journey you set on away from the hustle of daily musings.

Image Credit:Buzz Quotes

 Lots of things going on in my life at the moment has left me with little ‘me time’ and something I have been craving for for some time.. so what better excuse then now to set aside some time to delve into some crisp white pages!

The genre was a little dark then I am normally used to as I seem to opt for lighter reads such as 'Confessions Of  A Shopaholic!!! ( perhaps more so because I see a lot of myself in Becky Bloomwood!). 

Admittedly I was a little worried about heading to the dark side! As a sensitive soul I was assuming it would leave me with strange thoughts and sleepless nights. How wrong was I – The way in which each story was so incredibly well written and each character calved into each tale so exquisitely you couldn’t help but imagine that you knew the person! 

The beautiful colour illustration to the book 

Yes there is no shying away from that fact that several of the stories include topics of a sinister disposition but it gave me the scary realisation that related to news stories you hear, most of these stories could be nonfiction and happen in the real world!  There are several beautiful spiritual links that are entwined throughout some of the stories which I really did love. From start to finish the stories conjured up some many emotions where at times I wasn’t sure whether to laugh, smile or shed a little tear (which admittedly I did in several places). It’s hard to pick a favourite out of them all  where some of the stories themselves really captured my imagination and others whose characters felt so real it was like something from a Harry Potter film where at any given point they could jump from the page!!

One thing that really set 'The Auction House'  apart from anything I have read in a VERY long time is the extent to which every detail throughout, is so magically described that if you had a paint brush in hand  (and fortunate enough to be artistic) you could paint out the entire picture! 

Smells, sights and sounds were all conjoured up in such a charming way you couldn't help but fall in love with several of the stories. 

There is also a wonderful and well thought out link between the stories but if you are like me and one who likes surprises I will do my best to keep my lips tightly sealed from hinting at any spoilers! 

So before I give away anything else I cannot recommend this book enough – even if you have never thought to pick up a short story now is your time, they are so perfect for a busy lifestyle to enjoy whilst waiting for appointments, in your coffee break or a final switch off before bed time. 

Short stories are definitely something I’m not going to be ignoring in the future and will continue to view them as perfect little additions to enjoy at the end of the day with a cup of tea.

 I will start a little hunt for more short stories and also will sit patiently yet all rather eagerly for the next instalment/ follow up to The Auction House. 

Are you a lover of short stories? 

If you would like to check The Auction House out for yourself then you can do so here! 

Love Liv x 

TIPS/WARNINGS TO ANYONE WHO IS CRAZY ENOUGH TO RUN A MARATHON

Following on from my previous post I wanted to share my tips or more likely warnings from my marathon experience xx This post if very tongue in cheek so before all the running lovers out there come knocking at my door there are lots more reasons as to why running could be fun ... I will leave this points up to them to explain though ;)  

Enjoy :) 

1. The 'Wall" and yes it does exist and it will undoubtedly feel like the Great Wall of China but you WILL get past it... the re-feed after is so worth it ;) 

2. You will chafe in places you previously deemed in possible to chafe in - Vaseline at the ready!! Top tip from my first marathon Never EVER where a thong not matter how much you don't want VPL ... Bridget Jones pants all the way. 

3. Your really comfy trainers you have been running in throughout your entire training will suddenly turn into evil blister makers .. always wear comfy socks and DO NOT take this as advice to wear brand new trainers ... biggest school boy error you could make. You will just have to forgive your oldies after the race.

4. After about mile 13 you will question yourself every mile after if you can make it.... Answer is YES you can and you WILL.

5. The cheers of encouragement is incredible and will keep you going but ensure you resist the urge to punch the next person who shouts you are nearly there, when you jolly well know how far you have to go. 

6. Chances are ( if you are as slow as me anyway ) you will get overtaken by someone wearing a huge bunny suit or similar fancy dress attire .... Just Keep Going. 

7. Always remember it is ok to cry at some point during the race ... This does NOT make you a wimp.

8.  WARNING - Finishing a marathon is what i can only assume child birth is like. The second it's over and your medal ( or baby) is in your arms the pain and struggle doesn't seem as bad and you will want to do another one! 

9. You will however run alongside some of the most inspiring people you will ever meet so absorb the atmosphere xx 

10. You will adopt a best friend somewhere along the course who will feel your pain... and you will feel the need to discuss your intimate chafing problems but lucky for you you will undoubtedly see them again!!

11. No matter how fit you see yourself, do yourself a favour and book the day after off work.. put your feet up and wallow in your glory. 

12. Most of all after all this has been said and done remember to ENJOY IT xx 


What are your top tips? 

Love Liv xXx 

Image From Etsy 

WHY I RAN A SECOND MARATHON WHEN I HATE RUNNING !!!

Think of a time when you had to do something you really didn't want to .... Got it?

Now think of how you felt afterwards... 

- Relieved

- Content

-Elated

The list goes on, but the chances are is the results are never quite as bad as we first perceive - but you are now as sure as hell prepared for the next time, thus eliminating fears and doubts of future tasks. 

The more I have been adopting this F*** it attitude in my life the happier i have been. 

This leads me to the task in hand of explaining the title of this post. 

In 2011 I painstakingly crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in a lengthy time of 6 hours and 9 minutes ( mumbled quietly under my breath). The shuffling that took place over the days that followed and the 10 minutes that it took me to walk from the lounge to the bathroom were firm reminders as to why I hated running! 

For anyone who has trained for the London and other marathons around this time will also sympathise with me when I talk about those 'Wonderful' wintery training sessions you have to do when you have icicles hanging from your nostrils and your little frost bitten toes feel like they will fall off when you loosen your laces. 

So when in October 2014 I found my mouth involuntarily blurting out the words "Yes I would love to take part in the Manchester Marathon",  I quite honestly shocked myself. 

A brisk walk is right up my street (excuse the pun) but the second I have to quicken my pace my body feels the need to go into meltdown... my chest suddenly tighten and my calves decide to tighten so tight as if they are doing anything they can to root me to the ground----- Its official I do NOT like running! 

BUT .... for me completing my second marathon was not about the running at all! Yes it means I am slowly working towards a Victoria Secret's model physique ( one day )but it is about overcoming the I can't do something mindset ... It's about challenging my impossible and about standing so far out my comfort zone its a mere dot in the comfort zone distance ( similar  to that of the marathon finish line at every mile from about 13 !!!!!) 

It's about creating a transferable experience that when faced with a task in my life that I am fearful of tackling I can remind myself of crossing that line .. something I never thought of being able to do once let along twice... 

Understand that anything we put our minds to we can achieve x 

It is the reminder that as soon as you cross the line ( or overcome something, complete a hard task) all your sense of struggle diminish due to the overwhelming sense of pride and self accomplishment. 

So on that note I will now let you into a little secret ......... 

I have just entered the London 2016 ballot as having knocked 12 minutes off my London time at Manchester I may have slightly caught the PB bug and ready to chase another challenge. 

I would love to hear about your marathon experiences or something you have overcome x

Love Liv xXx 

My race day top with my favourite quote xx 

Race Day Fuel 

Delish Pre Race Day Salad From Giraffe 

Making our way to the start

RIP Trainers You have served me well 

This definitely felt like an Olympic Gold Medal x 

Finisher's Goody Bag 

Power Of Personal Development ...

Growing up I always noticed the humungous books that lined our bookcases yet always by-passed the name Tony Robbins in search of Jacqueline Wilson's latest...How different my outlook  could have been had i made different choices!

It wasn't until i hit my twenties ( which by the way no one prepares you for) that i began seeking for a better me. After a challenging period in my life i was recommended the book "Feel The Fear & Do It Anyways" by my friend and neighbour - GAME CHANGER!!! This almost instantly changed my entire outlook on my surroundings and I began understanding more of what I needed to do to better myself. The days that followed I found myself in our study meticulously  going through and pulling out every single one of those Tony Robbins  books that I had skipped past all those years ago! These small steps have had and are continuing to have such a huge impact on my life I cannot recommend them enough to anybody and everybody no matter what stage in life you are at. They have helped me through some pretty tough times... Alongside all my quote plaques and pictures that my boyfriend pointed out the other day are getting rather on the extensive side - But i'm all about surrounding myself with positivity :)

 

I have started to explore more and more into this genre  and find myself weekly in my local Waterstones store - Much to my amusement I often think the staff are worried for my sanity as i spend so much time in the "Self Help" section that they must be waiting on tenter hooks for me to have a breakdown right there.

Whether you are having relationship difficulties, problems at work, bereavement the list goes on, personal development/self help books can provide you with strategies of dealing with these situations and really allow you to grow in the areas that perhaps need developing.

For me it has not only taught me coping strategies to use when I am presented with opposing situations but is allowing me to fulfil even my biggest dreams by instilling the sense of self belief.

I think the 'Self Help' entitlement of this section of a bookshop holds a bit of a taboo feeling but honestly break that mould and get exploring - You never know how much it could help you.

If you are not into books then you can always opt for the audio version- These are also really good for when driving to work or long journeys etc.

If you really want to follow your dreams and achieve things that most deem impossible then you need to start on yourself - Work from within to develop yourself as a person and you will be astonished at the effects it has on your life xx

Have you read a great personal development book lately ?

Love Liv xx