Super Stressful

Okay, this past week hasn't been the greatest time of my life with the lead up to big deadlines, realizing the fact that I have lost; what once was a good friend, housing dilemmas and original homing situations; it hasn't been the easiest of weeks and I have found myself getting more and more worried; making my stress knot more tangled than before. One thing that I would say I am thankful for this week is having a pen and piece of paper at the ready to write down all my stresses and having a fabulous set of parents on the end of the phone, ready to hear my worries (thank you Mum and Dad - You are lifesavers!)

Stress is no ones friend. It creeps up on you when you least aspect it and its something that you can't just run and hide from (Believe me, I have definitely learnt that this week). In life, the word 'Stress' is used so often, people seems to forget how to get over it or just how to work through it; this week I have excluded myself from my friends social gatherings, had sudden anger outbursts at the ones I love and under-eaten but after putting down my technological devices down, my stressing workload aside (which was easier said that done)... ALL I REALLY NEEDED TO DO WAS THINK!

All thinking aside, just relaxing was a nice way to relief stress but here are a few inside tips that seemed to work for me when my stress levels, just got unbearable…

1. Talk to someone.
Don't be on your own! Believe me I don't know what I would of done if it hadn't been for my parents this week; they have been superstars (they always are to be fair) but talking to anyone, it can be a friend? A total stranger? Your parents? Your pet? It can really help to lift the wait off your shoulders in no time!

2. Have some YOU time!
Go for a walk, get a coffee, call a good friend or curl up with a good book... do something that interests you but hiding away and carrying on when your not getting anywhere isn't the answer.

3. Change Environment. Change Clothing. Change Thinking.
By changing into a different environment, into some comfier clothes like jogger bottoms (or pj bottoms are always nice!) and by thinking about something different, just changes your attitude to think more clearly as you aren't stuck on one piece of work.

4. Believe in yourself…

Don't let anyone or anything stand in your way of getting through something. Remember, no one actually has confidence or no fears but it's about learning to project it and being champion over your stress.

5. Don't follow the pack!
Stress can come from anything but it doesn't help when you compare yourself to others. If someone is going work and you can't bear to face yours, don't feel guilty and get yourself into a state, just think about something different or go off and come back to it; don't sit and state at it and stress yourself out because actually you aren't going to get anywhere fast as your not giving yourself a break!

6. Find something that works for you…

A lot of people say that meditation has helped them to relax, for me this isn't so true but listening to dolphin sounds or unwinding with a good book always help me to relax but you have to find something that works for you… This may seem like a type of procastination but its not; I am telling you to walk away and do something different and then go back to it because stressing over it won't get you any further with your work! (TRUST ME!)

Stress will never leave you and it's a horrible thing to have to deal with but being able to control your stress levels and find what works for you can help! Stress is an individual thing and no one can truly understand an individual’s problem not fully; overcoming stress can be more empowering and achieving than most things in life.

I hope this simple guide will help you like it helped me and hopefully you won't have as bad of week as me!

Goodbye Stress. Hello Relaxation.

All the best…

- Lauren xo

Calling all dog lovers

How many of you tuned in to watch the #SuperBowl game last night?

Well, if you’re anything like me, you would've just tuned in for the 30 second slots in the middle of the game which seem to capture the hearts' of the world every year… Yes, that’s right, I am talking about some of the most powerful advertising that can change a brands’ image forever in the space of 30 seconds. The #SuperBowl is a prime-time spot for any brand, who wants to pull on the emotional heart-strings of their target audience because over 75% of the US population tune in to watch the #SuperBowl every year and within less than 12 hours those adverts have normally gone viral and made their way across the pond! 

DID YOU KNOW?
(Siciliano, 2015) A 30-second slot during the event sells for around $4 million (£2.7 m)!

One advert in particular that pulled at my heartstrings and was an instant reminder of home was Budweiser ‘Lost Dog’ 2015 campaign. The advert tells us about #BestBuds love story between a Golden Labrador puppy and a horse; the ad shows a puppy living on a farm with horses – getting lost, travels with all his might back to the farm, confronted by wolves and later is rescued by the horses from the farm – who bring him home!

From Budweiser 'Lost Dog' 2015 Campaign

As a dog-lover myself and with a puppy at home with a face so similar, this campaign definitely ticks all the boxes for me (I’m still currently weeping writing this post!). I’m not a Budweiser user myself but if its brand awareness they want, its brand awareness they’ve got! It's one of those legendary ads, that people hear about and will spend hours searching for on the internet and later share with millions on social media. Within the first 10 seconds my heart was captured and it will be a brand that I recognize instantly through this emotional connection that they have now made between them and me. Budweiser is seen as a young gentlemen’s drink but they have connected it with more than that, they have used the power of love and emotion from the first second, when the pup's head pops up from the hay to the last second, where the pup and horse are #BestBuds; Budweiser have drawn in everybody’s heart to think only of one thing… Budweiser!

 Cheers! Budweiser on a job - Well Done!

- Lauren xo

 OH WAIT! Remember, I said I had a puppy with a face so similar, well its only fair I prove it…

Still not seen the advert?
What are you waiting for, check it out now!

Missed all the #SuperBowl adverts? Check them out here -
there are some pretty good ones this year! 

The 'Lauren Marie' Bucket List

WARNING! This is NOT your average Bucket List… 

I am twenty years old and in the past I've been told to write a ‘Bucket List’ but if I'm not mistaken a bucket list is something created when people want to achieve or accomplish something before they die...  But the idea of having some kind of goal-orientated, organized and purpose filled content, that would hopefully one day make me feel like I have got an achievement of success on my back and a life long list of memories rather than someone who doesn't dream, want to succeed or just can't be bothered with doing anything... Sounds just like something I need to do! So this bucket list of mine is about finalizing my life ambitions that float around in my mind all day, flow through my diary and come to bed with me every night; life slips through your fingers so fast that it can’t be stopped but you can hold onto the great things and memories that you do in your lifetime. So here it is, My Bucket List which is full of my simplest of dreams to those that are just waiting to prove everyone who said ‘you can’t’ wrong…

1. Own a MacBook
2. Graduate University
3. Let my hair get really long
4. Read ‘The Hunger Games’ trilogy. Twice.
5. Visit London
6. Visit Monsters University
7. Take my mum on the vacation of her dreams
8. Learn how to apply false eyelashes (it still amazes me how people do this!)
9. Go on a spontaneous road trip
10. Visit Walt Disney museum
11. Have flawless skin
12. Live life without regrets
13. Take a photo everyday for a year
14. Be the girl of someone’s dreams (cheesy, I know but it’s nice to hope!)
15. Own the car, I’ve always wanted
16. Shop on ‘Black Friday’
17. Spend an entire day watching Disney movies (in Pj's) 
18. Own a Dream Catcher
19. Write something in wet concrete
20. Have a wardrobe I actually like
21. Be kissed unexpectedly yet romantically
22. Stop eating fast food for at least a month (I've actually done more than a month!)
23. Save money (not so easy when your surrounded by super cute shoes and clothes all the time) 
24. Find my dream job
25. Go an entire day without using any technology (If social media could just shut down for a day, I would really appreciate it!)
26. I want to be (more) organized
27. Visit the 7 wonders
28. Grow old with someone I love
29. Visit the Walk of Fame in LA
30. Go to Winter Wonderland, London
31. Make a time capsule (Planning to do this after university!)
32. Be a good parent
33. Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef
34. Go skinny dipping
35. Meet an amazing guy
36. Be proposed to in a unique way
37. Have a romantic date under the stars
38. Go to a spa
39. Release a paper lantern
40. Start running
41. Feel great in a bikini
42. Write a letter on Juliet’s wall in Verona, Italy
43. Go on a road trip with friends (Bournemouth in 2013 was amazing… I think its time for another one girls – Louise, Eleanor and Charlotte don’t let me down!) 
44. Walk on the Great Wall of China
45. Live in my dream house
46. Fall in love
47. Have best friends who will never let me down
48. Kiss in the rain
49. Live to see cancer cured
50. Go to Atlantis Bahamas
51. Attach a lock to the love bridge
52. Kiss under the Eiffel Tower
53. Complete a scrapbook (I need to actually start one first) 
54. Go to Disney Land
55. Eat healthier
56. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
57. Visit Australia
58. Go on vacation with my best friends
59. See as much of the world as I possibly can
60. Go to California
61. Ice skate in Central Park
62. Own a pair of Ray Bans (I will be doing this after I learnt NOT to sit on my sunglasses)
63. Go to Hollywood
64. Get engaged
65. Experience Christmas in New York
66. Stand under the Hollywood sign
67. See a Broadway play
68. Go to Times Square
69. See the Statue of Liberty
70. Shop in New York
71. Have Children
72. Visit the Lourve, Paris
73. Go on an African Safari
74. Go in a hot air balloon
75. Say ‘I Do’
76. Pet a baby lion
77. Stay in touch with all my university friends
78. Fly 1st Class
79. Be someone that everyone wants to be friends with
80. Do everything on my bucket list (Cliché, I know!)

If lists aren't your thing; check out my Pinterest account 'Bucket List' pin board! {Bucket List Picture...} I hope one day, you will fulfill your dreams, just like I plan to with mine but just in case you don’t think I can do it; check back in 20 years time, when I will be writing my best seller about my high-powered, purpose filled, beautiful lifestyle when my ‘Bucket List’ is complete…

Remember Readers: Never stop dreaming!

- Lauren xo

This blog post is in loving memory and incredible honour of an old family friend, who was a loveable, friendly and a truly honest man, who was suddenly taken from us with such shock and upset 12 months ago today – Unfortunately he didn’t get to finish his Bucket List.

{This is for you H!} x

12 Things that every 3rd Year at University knows to be true!

So, I thought that I would try a funny post this week and because third year is a stress-testing, emotional rollercoaster but enjoyable time in my life, I thought I would show you some of the things that most third year will know to be true! After being in third year for the past 4 months, I've started to learn a few things and I think most  third years are likely to agree with me! (I am actually glad that only a few of these things have happened to me… Coffee being a best friend is one of them!) 

How many are true to you? Check it out…

1. The realization that you need to have more nights in than you do nights out.

2. Hangovers are now deadly bombs that you cant just disarm within 24 hours.

3. You spend loads of time reading 20th century novels and theories and you still don’t understand what your dissertation is going on about…

4. All your days seem to roll into one…

5. Coffee is your new best friend!

6. Although, you’re older and wiser than the fresher’s, you’re still envious of their late nights and party spirit.

7. You have more meetings with your dissertation supervisor than you see your friends… Awkward!

8. You constantly hear THAT
optimistic dreadful question that gives you a dry lump in your throat that you just can’t seem to get rid off….

“So, what are your plans for after you graduate?”

This is when most people (especially your parents) want to hear that enthusiastic answer of “I’m going to get a full time job, earn a living and stop eating you out of house and home, like I have done for the past twenty-one years.” 

- Sorry Mum and Dad!

9. When your brain reaches boiling point as you hear your friend has landed their first ‘proper’ job or internship and your still sat at home with the dog.

10. Trying to resist the urge to scream or cry when you look at your workload!

11. The intervals of relief you get when you have given an assignment…

But then you suddenly realize how much work you have to do, in so little time.

12. When the reality hits that your graduating and entering the real world of work in less than 4 months.

- Lauren xo 

New Year, New Me

The title of this blog post is probably one of the most cliché sayings that is spoken every new year, when the clock strikes twelve… 'New Year, New Me'. Every year, I promise myself new year resolutions that I can just never seem to keep; things like: lose weight, be a more confident person or blog twice a week (which isn't so easy when you have the biggest deadline of uni on the horizon!) So this year, I have decided that I am going to find 15 things that I want to achiee and don't worry this isn't going to be one of these Oscar-worthy style summaries where I say 2015 is going to be my year because actually nothing I say ever seems to go to plan. In place of the new years resolutions that I never seem to keep is going to be a 2015 Bucket List where I have one of the most memorable years to date because I have so much to look forward to already like: my graduation, turning 21st and a holiday with my lovely uni girls.

15 things I want to achieve in 2015:

1. Find my 1st (proper) full time job
   Since I'm graduating this year, it's probably time to start to thinking in terms of the real world and earning a living.
2. Drink more water
   I know this is a type of resolution but realistically I feel 100% happier with myself when I drink the recommended amount of water.
3.  Visit (at least) two different countries
   I think it's about time I see the world while I am still young.
4. Start to read more books
   Ever since my dissertation started, I've been reading 20th century novels that analyse theory after theory and I miss cosying up into my duvet with a good book.
5. Start saying 'Yes' to more opportunities
   I think this is self-explanatory really!
6. Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
   I've always talked about going but my uni schedule just seemed to get in the way but when I finally graduate I will have no excuse not to go.
7. Visit Harry Potter World
   I've waited so long and this will be acheived this year! (Don't let me down Louise, Eleanor and Charlotte)
8. Go on another spontaneous road trip with friends
   Being spontaneous is always super exciting and when it's with friends it's even better.
9. Start a scrapbook
   I will finally put all my photos from university into a scrapbook (I've only been saying it for the past two years)
10. Graduate
11. Visit all my uni friend in the summer
    Okay, maybe not all of them as that would be a lot! Just a few to begin with…
12. Take better care of myself
    Take pride in my appearance but looking after myself a little more.
13. Do a good deed for someone
    I wouldn't say I am selfish but it's always nice to put a smile on someone else's face.
14. Go a whole day without ANY technology
    Now, I already that this is going to be extremely difficult as I have grown up in an ages where technology is on our doorstop but I suppose having a whole day without technology has it's benefits…
15. Complete the 30 day abs challenge
    Now, I managed the 30 day squat challenge surely the ab challenge can't be that much harder… can it?

So, that's a wrap! Maybe check back at the end of 2015 when you can see if I have achieve my 15 things in 2015 and see what the next chapter in my life is going to be in 2016.

- Lauren xo

John Lewis makes the Brit’s cry again!

Wham, bam, boom! They have done it again and there isn’t a dry eye in the house!

John Lewis has swept the nation with a two-minute festive sensation, which creates a powerful yet emotional bond between a boy and a penguin. With last years, Christmas advert creating an enduring relationship not only between the ‘Bear and a Hare’ but the public and John Lewis; the only question to ask is whether the public’s love will grown even fonder this year?

With the perfect soundtrack (John Lennon’s song ‘Real Love’, performed by Tom Odell) and the love story of a boy and his penguin companion; viewers were happy to admit about the tears that rolled down their face when watching this two-minute advertisement as the young boy gave his penguin companion the best of all time… Mabel!

Every year John Lewis creates a theme to go with their Christmas advertisements, this year is ‘Give someone the Christmas they’ve been dreaming of’ opening up the eyes of millions to make sure that they give that extra special something to someone they love this Christmas. However, the clever thing about this uplifting experience that John Lewis brings every Christmas is how they show the desire, love and purity of the brand through a child’s eyes making it relate to every family out there, which just want that perfect Christmas.

Monty the Penguin, 2015 

John Lewis has spent £1million creating the ad, while £7million will be spent on the marketing campaign. With the digital world at its peak and still growing, John Lewis saw it best to share the ad on their social media pages before our television screens (which it will be doing on the first ad break of tomorrow nights Goggle-box, Channel 4). I have to admit, this was definitely an interesting move for such a big retailer pinning all its hope on whether consumers would share, retweet or take to it on a platform that people are still learning about. But whether you agree or disagree this is the best John Lewis Christmas advert to date and sharing on their social media sites first was a risky yet smart move because the buzz off social media is still growing and will continue no doubt through Christmas as well.

The £7million marketing campaign fund will be spent on the Christmas adverts merchandise. John Lewis always gives something back to its consumers and this Christmas they are creating ‘Monty the Penguin’ merchandise to sell in their stores; cuddly toys, umbrellas and even a book called ‘Monty’s Christmas’ will be sold; where proceeds will go to the Barnardo’s charity. If that’s not enough, consumers will be able to come visit ‘Monty the Penguin’ by going into store to check out ‘Monty’s Den’ which is fun for all the family.

Every year they do it bigger and better and every year, we as consumers don’t know how they will top it. Adam&EveDDB are the advertising agency behind the magic and every year, they find away that emotionally engages consumers to visit John Lewis at Christmas time. The creatives behind the magic are simply geniuses, who have learnt about the consumers wants and desires at Christmas and they play around with the power that is human emotions – Well Done to Adam&EveDDB!

As an aspiring advertising student I hope one day that I will be able to pro-create or help to make an advert that inspires so many people and creates such strong and devoted loyal relationship between brand and consumer.

Well Done John Lewis another heart-melting Christmas ad.

- Lauren xo 

You Haven't Seen It?Well... if you haven't seen this ad then get your tissues at the ready because its going to be an emotional one…. Check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iccscUFY860

#Bendgate KitKat tweet kicks back at Apple’s iPhone 6.

“Have a break. Have a KitKat” is one of the most iconic slogans and brands in advertising, definitely a Lovemark to some the KitKat is known for either its two finger easy break, and it’s chunky peanut butter centre or its four-finger delight. With KitKat being voted ‘Brand of the Year’ back in May 2014, JWT has taken every opportunity to make the brand, bigger and better than its fellow choccy competitors on the market. But it’s not only the choccy competitors that KitKat have been up against… With Apple’s latest baby, hot and ready to fly off the shelves on its launch day; it wasn’t long because consumers found out that the iPhone 6 handsets bent into a 45 degree angle when they placed them in their pockets. This gave JWT an idea!

With KitKats brand equity being “Have a break. Have a KitKat” they were the perfect fit to JWT’s new social media campaign idea that would give KitKat the edge. Soon after the bending iPhone 6 was common knowledge, JWT London creative teams got on the case in creating a KitKat finger snapped into a 45 degree angle with a witty yet simple tagline: “We don’t bend, we #break.” If that’s not genius, I don’t know what is!

The tweet took the world by surprise achieving 100 retweets in the first 10 minutes but now with the popularity of social media, the tweet has been retweeted over 28,000 times, favourited over 13,000 times and collected a few thousand followers along the way. It is now bigger than Oreo’s famous Superbowl 2013 campaign “You Can Still Dunk in the Dark which only reach 15,000 retweets. Let’s be honest, in advertising timing is everything and JWT London did indeed, strike while the iron was hot! 

As a follow up to the witty yet brilliant tweet, JWT London came up with a second tweet “So what else bends or #breaks?” which links straight to the KitKat Tumblr account where the consumers can decide what bends and what breaks. It wasn’t long before brands latched onto the #bendgate idea such as: Pringles and LG Mobile who made their own versions but it was KitKat that led the way in punking Apple on one of its biggest mistakes yet.

WHAT DO I THINK?
Genius, just genius. I don’t think that JWT London could have had their finger on the pulse any quicker than they did. It was so simple yet it drove the world wild, I mean to have over 28,000 retweets and become bigger than Oreo’s “You Can Still Dunk in the Dark” is an achievement in itself but JWT managed to collect thousands of followers along the way showing that consumers loyalty to KitKat is at an all-time-high. As many know KitKat has an extensive brand arrangement with Android as JWT worked on the famous Android KitKat 4.4 last year but after bending the Internet out of shape, I think that the great Apple VS Android debate is about to become very interesting. I think the brand loyalty and the Lovemark status of our beloved brands maybe at loggerheads soon with advertising changing every minute, consumer perception isn’t always far behind.

- Lauren xo