Living up North

Hello beautiful people!

So as some of you may be aware, I am and always have been a Midlands girl. But recently, I have moved up North all alone to study for my Master's degree. It's actually quite a big change which I didn't expect! A great change though, I love it here and I still love the Midlands. It's just been a lot to get used to. Now that I have lived there for 3 months, I thought it was time to reflect upon my experience :)

For starters.. everyone (well, almost everyone..) has a different accent! Oh my goodness! This took a lot of realisation to start with, and everyone knew I wasn't from around the area as I didn't have the same accent. I'm well used to it now though, or so I think.. haha. The Northern accent is quite distinct and it's definitely a big change from the Midlands.

Some 'slang' terms/phrases that I use are not well acquainted here, and vice versa, I don't get some of the stuff they say. But that isn't THAT common of an experience, as I predominantly interact with students who are not all from here themselves. But even then, there is so much stuff that I don't get from them and people here don't get from me that I have to explain. For example, I recently learnt that 'having a brew' means having a cup of tea. Haha.

Weather wise - apparently it rains a lot here! It has rained quite a bit but not that much yet. I presume there is much more to come though.. especially as we are in Winter.. I hope it snows though, I loveeeeee snow so much! Seeing as I am only here for another 6 months (sad times), I want to see my Uni when it's snowed in!

As it's Christmas time, there were huge Christmas markets put around Manchester city centre. They were so beautiful, I absolutely loved them! I am a child when it comes to pretty lights and Christmas decorations. This is something that I adored and was so happy to see! Something they didn't have at my previous Uni, so that was definitely a good change.


Christmas Markets in Manchester
And as it's Christmas tomorrow, I hope you all have a fabulous day and take care of yourselves! If you don't celebrate Christmas, just have a good day anyway :D Eat lots and stay happy.

Lots of festive love,
Ayesha xxx

Why I don't do 'follow for follow'

Hello beautiful people!

I never started this blog to gain a high level of followers (and make profit from it). I wanted this blog to be a space for me to share my views, thoughts and spread some mental health awareness amongst people. Of course I like love it when people follow, don't get me wrong, but that's not my goal. I am still a novice when it comes to blogging, and I'm always learning and trying out new things. 

The 'follow for follow' comments used to confuse me a little at the start. People comment stating that they 'love' my blog and if I want to 'follow each other' then to let them know on their blog... Erm.. Sorry, what? I would have thought that if you like somebody's blog that much you would follow it anyway.. Because you want to see what they post (not as a way to get more followers for yourself). Secondly, if I liked their blog back I would also follow it; I wouldn't need to ask or find the need to let them know. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I thought blogging was about. I never thought it was a sort of 'competition' or race. 

For me personally, I want someone to follow my blog if they like what I post and actually read what I post. That's what blogging is about, RIGHT? What's so fulfilling about having followers that don't read what you post anyway?

As I post about mental health/sensitive issues, it bothers me when someone clearly without reading the content will comment to purely advertise their blog/giveaway/ask for a follow. Leaving a link to your blog is great, I love that, but, the problem arises when that's the ONLY reason for a comment. I always check out and often comment back on my commenters blogs anyway, so you don't have to worry about that. And naturally, I'll follow if I like it.  

Sorry if I have offended anyone, I was sharing my personal view.

Lots of love,
Ayesha xxx