2016

Reflecting: 2016. A year in words.

December 31, 2016

Hi Lovely Readers,

 I hope you had a wonderful, magical Christmas. 

 How quick has 2016 gone? I can so clearly remember writing my goodbye 2015 posts as if it was just last month, but it was 12 whole months ago. How is that? I often find that it is nice at this time of year to reflect on the past year, whether there has been; crap times, happy times, sad times, memorable times or even just boring times. It is all relevant, as in time it is these little pieces that shape us as individuals. This year I realised (as stupid as this sounds), a year is just a year. It is like a month, a week, a day, an hour, a minute, a second; a measure in time, however we place so much great emphasis on new years resolutions and becoming a "better person" because for many a new year is like a new slate. A fresh start. Personally, I believe we should look at each day in this manner, we have the ability every single day to have a more positive outlook, a better attitude, a kinder heart etc and we should remember that, but I can see how a new year can be such a refreshing outlook on life and the people we are against the people we aspire to be. Now, before I go looking at my hopes for the new year, I thought looking back at 2016 would be something quite nice. 

~

I wouldn't praise 2016 as being my best year, however in no way would I claim it has been my worst. It is safe to say, I've grown this year. It sounds really cheesy, but I have. I have done a lot of blossoming this year (that's how my mother likes to see it), and that has been extremely interesting, challenging, inspiring and emotional. 

One thing I'll thank 2016 for is giving me a thicker skin. Yes, I still cry at Super Vet on TV and when Alan Rickman appears in a film, but I can honestly say 2016 has made me stronger. Prior to 2016 I feel I lived a lot of my life within a comfort zone and it was very rare that I'd step out of that comfort zone, however embarking on a new chapter of my life meant that I had to toughen up pretty quickly, it was this year I began my new job; an aerobics instructor (fitness class instructor), Zumba Instructor and gym instructor. I can honestly say, I love my job and doing this job has given me a vast amount of great opportunities, grown my confidence and independence, made me feel as if I'm having an impact and let me meet so many fantastic, inspiring people (customers and colleagues). However, it is fair to say it isn't all fun, you do come across the odd challenge where you are really pushed; whether it be someone with bad manners or just plain rudeness, but this is all okay - this is life. You have to learn the hard way that no matter how hard you try, not everyone is going to like you or like what you do, and that's ok. You just have to suck it up, be polite and get on with it. It can be hard, but you have to move on. I can safely say I am so thankful to have my job and look forward to see what the next year holds as far as that is concerned. 

 Zumba, Zumba & more Zumba - 2016 has been a big year for me in terms of my passion of Zumba. Of course I started teaching classes this year and oh my, it has been a blast! You meet so many inspiring individuals; all of different lifestyles, backgrounds and personalities, and they are all coming together to do one simple thing: Zumba. Seeing their smiles as you do a new routine, or an old classic just brings a huge smile to my face. It's refreshing, amongst all the hate and crap that goes on in the world to come somewhere where everyone accepts each other and enjoy with each other. Being a Zumba instructor is amazing!
This year I've been lucky enough to work on special Zumba events, attend the ZIN Academy in London (amazing experience!!!! And I even got to meet Beto, Loretta and Marcie!!) and attend my B2 Training with the ever so wonderful Sandra Bayliss (who is by far one of the greatest people ever!) 

 Relationships - Crikey, relationships with people can be tough, but when you find a good one, hold onto it. This year I truly enjoyed the company of the wonderful people in my life. You should only surround yourself with people who make you feel happy and comfortable, and this is something I hope to carry on through to 2017.
Education - I love working but at times, work in this area has been very challenging this year, but I am doing my best to succeed and that's all you can do. (P.S the Geography field trips were some of my highlights! :))
Mindset - I truly and firmly believe that life is too short, and you should try to enjoy each day as if it's your last, sometimes this can be easier said than done when things get too much, but it's something we should all consider. 
Blog - I have been a tragically bad blogger this year and I can only apologise. I feel I took a break from the blogging world to focus on my world. I will try harder next year. 

 Highlight - A day spent at the National Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2016 - What a day. Best day ever. (Fondest of memories)




Want to see more pics from my 2016 and follow my 2017 journey? Follow my instagram: @evejohnson15 

There is so much more to talk about, but I'd hate to bore you. Maybe another day, huh? In short, here are my hopes for 2017: to work hard, to enjoy, to take opportunities, to take risks, to do things that make me happy and to continue to appreciate the great people in my life. Let's make 2017 a happy one. 

 I can't wait for 2017, as I'm leaving 2016 with some exciting possibilities. 
Thanks for another year of love & support - you are all wonderful. I hope 2017 is fantastic for you all. 


Love always, E xxx

advice

How to Stay Positive...

October 16, 2016

Hi my lovely readers -

 How are you all? Firstly, might I address how quickly this year is going; I cannot believe we are now half way through October...like what? 

 Anyway, today's post is about staying positive, keeping happy and not letting "bad" things have a huge influence on your life.
I think I am a quite a positive person on the whole, however I'll be the first to admit; sometimes it all gets too much.
 I actually experienced that overwhelming feeling of 'oh my gosh, why is all this happening?' last week, but after a little cry and a big chat (...and lots of tea) I took a deep breath and thought "okay, you've got it out of your system, now get over it!". This is hard. It's hard to move on sometimes and put on a happy face, but we have to do it or we'll live our lives always feeling sad and always with a glass half empty.
I'll be the first to admit, everyone has bad days. Everyone. No one is 100% happy 100% of the time, but you have to pick yourself up and brush it off. Feeling happy is the best feeling of all! =)

Here are some of my favourite ways to stay positive (I hope they help if you sometimes find it difficult)...

 - Talk about it - the saying "a problem shared is a problem halved" is very true. Sometimes it is hard to speak about things as you feel vulnerable, but it is so important. It stops you from having to constantly keep it bottled up inside. Even if you aren't looking for advice, just saying the things that are getting to you/worrying you out loud can really help.

 - Remember that it's okay to feel down sometimes. Totally okay. Everyone feels down. However, you have to try and find a way to feel better. Try looking at a situation in a different light or from a different angle/perspective - this can help.

 - Take a break. Take a break from whatever it is that is making you feel negative. Take a break from work, from a friendship, a relationship, a project...whatever it is, sometimes it is good to take a break.

 - Do something you love/enjoy to make you feel better. Chat to a friend or listen to music; do whatever floats your boat!

 - Remember how amazing life is. Appreciate whatever it is in your life that makes you feel happy and filled with love. That's what matters.

 - Maybe it's time for a change? Okay, this is maybe the hardest. Buuuuut if things don't get better and you are continuing to feel down, maybe it's time for you to make a change. Whether it be giving up on an activity, finding a new project or cutting ties with someone who makes you feel down. 

picture credit!!

KEEP POSITIVE!!! :-)
I hope these helped!

Leave me a comment below sharing your tips or tweet me @haiaeve 

Thanks for reading - Have a great week.

BEST WISHES X

Lots of Love,

      

Hello for the 100000000th time

October 11, 2016

Can I really call myself a blogger these days? I'm not quite sure. I hope so, but I can appreciate my blog quality of late has been close to pathetic. Apologies. 
I am annoying myself by apologising for the 100000000th time for not posting in what feels like years, but I am sorry and I didn't want it to be this way, but I feel like my life recently has been bonkers. Absolutely bonkers. I must admit that fitting anything 'extra' in has proven extremely difficult. So yes, I am sorry and I am going to try harder. 

CREDIT: CLICK HERE!

 The above picture of Jess Day/Zooey D (someone who is one of my biggest life inspos btw) I feel is fitting...YOU (being my blog/blog readers) deserve love and I haven't been able to give it to you (via posts) over the past few months. I do feel bad. I will try harder. (Does anyone else feel like I am writing as if we're having a relationship that isn't working?...uhhhh this just got odd and awkward. I'm sorry!!!! hehe)

I feel like so much has changed in the time that Haia Eve was "born" (I kind of regret comparing my blog to a child, but uhhhh it's my baby..) and I need to appreciate that.

 When I first writing Haia Eve I was 15, I hadn't even done my GCSEs. I had a lot more time on my hands, more time to do things, more time to blog. 
Nowadays my life is more like a conveyer belt (impressed by my metaphor? Sadly I pinched it from someone ;))- I feel like I constantly have something to do, like there is never time. 
Please, don't get me wrong I am absolutely LOVING my A-Levels (I am lucky to study English literature, Geography and History, also Welsh bac) and I really do adore studying generally, but sometimes it can being crazy and overwhelming. 
I do feel very guilty that I can't find the time to sit down and type away on here- my excuse has been 'time is precious', any minute off is dedicated to learning a Zumba routine or I'm not gonna lie, watching housewives;). 

 I must admit, I think that part of me doesn't know what to write about on here either. My interests always change. My inspirations change. But that's okay? Isn't it? I think so. My blog should be somewhere I can write about anything and everything, it should be. I need to remember this. 

 Anyway, I feel like I've rambled a bit too much here (and maybe went a bit off track? It's been a while, so GIVE ME A CHANCE!) - I am going to be giving a full-on update soon on different things, so stay tuned.
Thanks for sticking by me.
I am the first to admit I've been a rubbish blogger, but I am going to get better.


Thanks for everything. 

xxxx
Eve

Lots of Love,

      


Back to school

BACK2SCHOOL - Stationery Haul!

August 09, 2016

Hands up who is obsessed with buying new stationery? (My hand is up btw). Who buys more stationery even though they probably have more than enough already? Yeah, my hand is still up. I can't help it. I love buying stationery...even if it leaves a small (but TOTALLY worth it) dent in my bank. So, I went stationery shopping and bought a few items (beware...there could be a part 2 to this haul as I didn't manage to get everything I wanted!)
This is my fave thing about BTS season PLUS seeing as it's my last school year I thought WHY NOT!?!?!?

 Do you want me to share the items with you?? Well, I'm going to regardless to whether you nodded with glee, shrugged your shoulders or rolled your eyes (btw..a tad RUDE if you did roll your eyes...what's your problem with stationery, huh?)

 I don't even want to add up how much I spent, but I think it's only fair that I do share the prices, just in case you fancy going on a little shopping stationery splurge too! 


The first thing I want to mention is the pencil case. Okay, so I may have bought another one of these pencil cases, despite already having this from when I bought it for BTS about 3 years ago, but I feel like I can justify it as the other one was starting to show it's age. Forgiven? Thanks. Anyway, I LOVE this pencil case because it's COLOURFUL AND BIG!! That's all I ask for in a pencil case! 

 Rainbow Flat Pencil Case A5 - £2.99 - Ryman

Pens, Pens & MORE pens!! (RYMAN'S PENS WERE PURCHASED ON 3FOR2 OFFER)

 Staedtler Noris Club Double - £3.99 - Ryman
Papermate 4 inkjoy (black) - £4.99 - WHSmith
BIC Briteliner (highlighters) - £4.99 - Ryman
Helix Oxford Handwriting pens (Blue) - £2.00 - The Works
Papermate inkjoy ballpoint (colourful) - £2.99 - Ryman

Notepads...Diaries....

 Flamingo Notebook - £3.00 - The Works
World Map Notebook - £6.00 - Paperchase
'Make Things Happen' Academic Diary - £1.00 - Poundland
Ombre Academic Diary - £1.00 - Poundland

 ...As much as I love my academic diaries (OMG how are they so lovely for only a pound?) I am still on the hunt for the perfect academic diary, any suggestions? P.S Don't ask why I've bought 2 diaries and don't plan on using them, I don't have a clue!? I think I'll use them as 'At home diaries'

Random bits and bobs...

 Safari Page Markers - 99p - WHSmith
Post-It 3 mini - £2.24 - WHSmith
Ruler - £1.09 - WHSmith
...and a sharpener/rubber (forgot to take a pic, sorry!) - Milan Capsule (green/yellow colour) - £2.49 - WHSmith 
There we have it! Where are your favourite places to buy stationery? Oh and where is the best place to get pretty A4 files? I am on a hunt for some pretty ones!

Thanks for reading!! 

xx

Lots of Love,

      

Fitness

My Fitness Challenge | Push Yourself!

July 30, 2016

Hello everyone!

 Happy Saturday, I hope you're all okay! 

 Today I wanted to have a quick chat with you all about my new fitness challenge and motivation. I have loved all things fitness for the past few years and adore regularly working out, however I have been doing the same routine for TOO long, meaning I am not seeing as many results as I'd love to (although Zumba is the BEST thing ever and will definitely be a central part of my workout routine!!)

 I am on the road to getting fitter, stronger and healthier. Why? Zumba have brought out a fantastic new programme called STRONG by Zumba (it is amazing...so much different to the average Zumba class) and I am hoping to train to be an instructor in it, which means I need to get a heck of a lot fitter and STRONGER! It has to be done. I am terrified because honestly I have stayed within my fitness comfort zone for WAY to long and now it's time to pull up my socks and get working. I have a goal in sight and I am going to get there...and I am taking you lot along with me! Look out for LOTS of fitness journey posts, workout videos (I am starting up my channel again) and VLOGS (my fave videos to watch!)

I can't wait! It's time to get fitter!!
IMAGE SOURCE
Lots of Love,

      



LIVE LIVE LIVE LIVE | DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!! | RAMBLE

July 26, 2016

Hi! 
....if you hate rambles, don't read on;)....

I have been going through a bit of a "WHAT THE FLIPPING HECK AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE?" phase. All the decisions such as which degree to do, what job do I want to do and will I truly be happy doing it? I have so many passions. So many things I want to do. I sometimes wish I could split myself in four. 
I wish I could further my career in fitness, especially Zumba and one day work myself up to reach the ZES position (something I know may NEVER happen, but something I'd LOVE to do), I always wanted to be a Blue Peter presenter (something I actually still would love to do), I'd love to be an English teacher and I'd love to be a full-time blogger/youtuber. Why oh why can't I do all? Who says I can't do all? ;)....okay, perhaps a tad enthusiastic/ambitious/unrealistic. However, I've made a big choice (for myself personally), to GO FOR IT, to give it a go. I want to make a positive change or have some kind of positive influence on someone. I want to spread positivity and happiness. I'm going to LIVE and do whatever makes me happy RIGHT NOW. Maybe in 5 years I'll want to do something completely different and that is fine. So, yeah. I love Zumba and my ABSOLUTE dream is to be a ZES, but that might not ever happen or it might, I will continue to LOVE Zumba and work to be the best instructor I can and the best fitness instructor I can, because I LOVE IT. I have decided also (due to my want to be a BP presenter, full-time blogger AND fitness instructor) that it might be cool to try out Youtube a bit....a few fitness/health/lifestyle vlogs maybe? I want to start a little channel and share a positive message, and hopefully inspire others. I know some people might judge me, but whatever!! Haha!

Anyway, that's enough of a ramble!!!!! Moral of the story - DO WHATEVER MAKES YOU HAPPY AND LIVE, LIVE, LIVE!!!!!

LOTS OF LOVE ALWAYS,

EVE XXXXX

(follow me on twitter for daily rambles....@haiaeve)


Lots of Love,

      



Fitness

"I've reached my goals, what next?"

July 24, 2016

So many people embark on a fitness journey in order to reach a certain goal...


"I want to lose a stone"
"I want to run a mile"
"I want to tone up" ...

but suddenly, when they reach those goals or get closer to reaching those goals they hit a bit of an exercise slump, where they are unsure of where to go from there. Honestly, I think it's so important for you to sit back and pat yourself on the back for achieving so much, and then ask yourself, what is next?  

In order for us to continue to develop as humans, we must set ourselves attainable goals, in order for us to continue to achieve and change. 
As fitness instructors we usually use the SMART goal approach, this ensures you've almost mapped out what it is you want to do and HOW you are going to do it. It is a brilliant way to look at what, when and how you are going to reach your goal.

PIC CREDIT : SEE SOURCE HERE!! :)
Changing your eating habits slightly, adding a bit more resistance and speed to your workout and setting yourself some SMART goals can ensure that you continue on the path to developing. Rushing into an unrealistic goals is dangerous, as you are more likely to make big and quick changes (meaning it's harder for you to continue to change in the future, leading to you hitting a plateau...which in the long term can backfire), however it is also dangerous to your confidence as you will feel disappointed/disheartened if you don't attain those goals, thus setting smaller and achievable goals will not only benefit you in the long term, but will also boost confidence as you achieve them. Does that make sense?

Constantly setting yourself new goals to achieve IS A GREAT THING. Even if your initial goal was to improve your body strength, your next goal could be to run 5 miles. Many people think that once they've reached their goals they can return to old habits, unfortunately this isn't the case, you'll just be going around in a circle. You must also ensure that when you reach your goals that you continue to make small and realistic changes to avoid hitting a plateau.  Keep pushing yourselves, but be kind to yourselves!!

Any questions? Please comment or TWEET ME @haiaeve

Lots of Love,

      

Fitness

UPDATES | LIFE & THE BLOG.

July 19, 2016

Yo peeps!

 I'll be honest, it feels like I only posted a week ago, but it was actually almost a WHOLE MONTH ago! I am getting a bit sick of myself apologising constantly and then doing the same again. I am SORRY! Maybe, it doesn't make a big difference to you (as there are some AMAZING bloggers who post so often), but I just want to say sorry. I feel like I've let you all down.

 I still LOVE my blog, honestly it kills me to see myself deserting my blog and not giving it the love it needs...unfortunately LIFE HAS BEEN CRAZY this year. Absolutely bonkers. Between exams, working, practicing Zumba routines, travelling, signing up for a level 3 course, saving up and other things (maybe a bit of binge watching Netflix;D), it feels like this year is flying by. 

 QUICK UPDATES (recent news)
I am currently working towards achieving many goals. As many of you know, last year I became a Zumba instructor (it's actually my year anniversary today) and also I trained to be a gym instructor. I am fitness/Zumba obsessed. Therefore, to keep myself busy (I am mad), I signed up to do my Level 3 PT qualification AND BOY IT'S FULL ON, BUUUUT BOY I LOVE IT.
I also recently bought my first car...I can't quite believe it! After years of saving up, I finally did it *eeeek*.
Oh yeah.....I've cut my hair (don't know if that's an update?)

 It makes me SO sad that I haven't stepped back and documented it all on here, but I feel like I haven't really had the chance. I didn't want to write a post that I thought was okay, as I pride myself in always putting my all into my blog, content quality is important to me and truthfully I haven't really had the motivation to dig for that extra effort. :( 


ANYWAY....
I have decided, I need to PULL UP MY SOCKS. It's time to GET A GRIP. I am back. HAIA EVE is back. Look forward to lots of new fitness, health, fashion and lifestyle posts soon!
I am so excited!

LOVE TO YOU ALL. XXX

Lots of Love,

      


favourites

My TV Binge-Watch List

June 21, 2016

Hi! I'm back!

I lost my blogging groove, but now I'm finally back. I've missed you. I'm sorry I was gone for so long.

Today, I wanted to get back into the groove by posting about one of my favourite topics; TV SERIES', so I can share with you my top picks for favourite TV programmes. Please feel free to comment your favourite shows too.

source: here - I do not own.

1. Orange Is The New Black - Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! This is one of those shows that I thought I'd hate, but watched it to see what all the fuss was about....and man, I love it! I'll be honest, it's not the type of show I'd watch with my parents, but regardless it's brilliant! I am only on season2 (despite starting season one last year and taking a break), but I can see myself getting through this show very quickly.

2. Pretty Little Liars - I have loved PLL for years! It's just brilliant! YOU NEED TO WATCH IT! Despite being slightly disappointed by season 6B, I am so excited for season 7 to start back today!

3. Once Upon A Time - I love this show. I love the idea behind it and how the fairytales/stories all have connections - it's brilliant. Give this show a go (if you want)!

source - here - I do not own.

 4. How To Get Away With Murder - OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG. This is the BEST show. THE BEST. WHY?? Reason 1: The storylines. Reason 2: Annalise Keating. Reason 3: The rest of the cast. Reason 4: It just is.

5. The Real Housewives of Cheshire - RHOCheshire and RHOrangeCounty are my guilty pleasures! I have really been getting into the RHOCheshire especially recently. They give me so many laughs...especially Tanya.

6. Friends - .....does this need explaining??

7. Call The Midwife - This show gives me all the warm and fuzzy feels. It's such a lovely BBC drama. I love it.

source - here - I do not own.

8. New Girl - OKAY THIS IS THE BEST SHOW TOO. I feel as if I am best friends with the characters - I have grown to love them so much (plus, I have a major girl crush on Zooey and Hannah, can I look like them??...please??)

There we go! I had so much fun expressing my feelings with regards to TV shows. As you can tell, I am extremely passionate about them!!

Thanks so much for stopping by...

Lots of Love,

      


I've Missed You All...

May 07, 2016

Hello my lovely readers. It has been a while.

 Every time I have visited my blog in the last month I have felt extremely sad. My blog is something I take great pride in, thus seeing it looking so glum recently has been extremely disheartening. I am sorry to have been a while for a little while. BUT......I am happy to be back (waaaaay before I was planning to come back). I have really missed it. I am really looking forward to posting weekly every Sunday (in June there will be more!)



Love you all! Speak to you tomorrow.

Lots of Love,

      


lifestyle

Please Bear With Me - I'LL BE BACK.

March 27, 2016

Hi!

 Unfortunately (trust me I'm very sad to have to do this), due to me having so much going on at the moment, I have had to decide that it's likely that I won't be posting on here for the next month or so. 

 Full time (2-3 post a week) blogging will resume in May, but until then you'll only get a few posts. I am sorry about this. I really hope you all can understand. 

SOURCE - I DO NOT OWN!

Lots of Love,

      


Birthday

2 YEARS OF HAIA EVE

March 22, 2016

Today I thought I'd write a quick post to celebrate the 2nd birthday of Haia Eve. 
I can't quite believe it has been two whole years since I first set up and posted on my blog. It has gone by so quickly, yet somehow I can't imagine my life before having a blog. 

 I by no means think I am at all a "great blogger" - I sometimes go weeks without posting, but I do my very best and I really, really enjoy it. 

 The thing about blogging is; you can't be in it for the success. Blogging is hard work. It is. If you really care about your blog, you work so hard on it, so actually enjoying blogging is essential. This is something I've really been able to appreciate over the past two years. I feel that putting a personal stamp on my blog has made it that little bit more special to me, because it's like a little online diary. 
For me, writing a blog has opened my eyes to a different world and it's so lovely. I sometimes pinch myself and think 'Oh my goodness, how the heck am I so lucky?' 

 I am so thankful for all that writing my tiny little blog gives me. It has been an amazing two years. Let's hope we'll be here a year today celebrating H.E's 3rd birthday!

Thanks for all of your love and support!

source
Lots of Love,