How Are You? - Being True to Your Answer

Hello loves <3

     How many times has someone asked, "how are you?" and you respond with a false statement? You're not good, you're not fine, you're not okay. So why lie about it?

     Usually, this is just instinct. We respond out of routine without another thought. And sometimes, it's totally true. You are happy, you are good! And that's great! But what about the times you aren't?

     Why hide the truth? Why not share all those feelings bottled up inside? The obvious response is that, it's awkward and uncomfortable! "Oh, how are you?" "I'm actually not good. I have some personal stuff going on and I have so many thoughts whizzing around in my brain that I want to explode." Not the most pleasant conversation. And the person asking probably wasn't expecting an answer longer than a word.

     I remember watching one of Ingrid's videos not too long ago where she talked about this and I was inspired to write this.

     I am guilty of not staying true to the real answer, and I want to change that. As I've mentioned previously I don't like talking my feelings out; I get very nervous and my face goes all red and it's one of the worst situations for me. But I want to start...progressing. Of course, if it's a random person or someone you don't feel comfortable giving a whole spiel to, it's not bad to give a one word answer. But, I feel like if it's a family member or close friend, you should tell them.

     What's the point of keeping it all inside?

     My parents ask me often, "how was school?" How do I respond? "Good." I'm starting to hate that word. Good, good, good. No wonder English teachers always say to use something different. it's boring, it's annoying, it's unnecessary. I'm setting a goal, now, to be honest when someone asks how my day was or how I'm doing. And I think you should, too! We need to be more open and share what's going on inside those amazing brains we have.

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

When You Feel Alone

Hello loves <3

      My post today isn't the most happy, but it's something I got a sudden urge to write about and I feel as though I need to share.

     We all feel alone. Whether that is every day, once a year, one day throughout our entire life...we have all felt, or will feel, alone.
   
     To me, feeling lonely and feeling alone are different. When you're lonely, you're in need of someone, you just can't get ahold of them or they're not in your reach. When you're feeling alone, it's as though there isn't anyone out there to help you, you're isolated, it's just you. It's not that those people you'd usually turn to aren't in reach, it's that they aren't there.

     As we grow and as we age, we supposedly become wiser. We have more experience, been through a lot. I think part of growing is feeling alone. Because, through feeling alone, you find yourself. You find your power, you discover that yes, you can get through it - by yourself. You're stronger than you think, and when you're alone and there is no one to grab onto, you grab onto your own strength and pull yourself up.

     If you feel alone, don't cry, don't put yourself down, don't resort to drastic measures. You'll get through this...how do I put it...this, thing. What ever it is you're going through, it won't last, because you are strong(er than you think).

     Just remember that.

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

Get To Know Me Tag!

Hello loves <3

     Apart from my 'About Me' page, I've realized you probably don't know too much about me! So, I looked online and found this tag here. Hopefully once you finish reading you'll feel as though you know me much better!

Vital Stats:

• Name: Harel
• Nicknames: none really
• Place of birth: Israel
• Star Sign/Zodiac: Cancer
• Occupation: student ;)

Appearance:

• Hair color: dark(ish) brown
• Hair length: my hair is pretty long but it's very curly, so obviously it's much longer when I straighten it
• Eye color: hazel
• Best feature: If I did this a couple months ago, I probably wouldn't answer this question but I've realized it's important - no, vital actually - to love yourself, so I'd say my hair as it's the one thing I love most about myself.
• Braces: yes :/
• Piercings: just my ears
• Tattoos: none
• Righty or Lefty: righty

Firsts:

• Best Friend: she lives in California now, but we've been friends forever as we've known each other pretty much since we were born (we're a bit more than a month apart)
• Award: not sure
• Sport: soccer (I think?); lol I tried when I was really young, it's not my thing
• Real Holiday: my parents took me to the Dead Sea
• Concert: Miley Cyrus in either 2010 or 2011

Favorites:

• Film: Harry Potter! If I have to choose only one, Half-Blood Prince
• TV Show: Friends 
• Color: dark purple; almost black, but not (you feel me?)
• Song: Hey Soul Sister - Train
• Restaurant: The Cheesecake Factory & Oggi
• Store: Forever 21
• Book: Again, HP, but if I have to choose, Chamber of Secrets
• Magazine: Seventeen; it's so relatable and fun to read
• Shoes: heeled boots/booties, my all-black high top Converse

Currently:

• Feeling: content (laughy emoji)
• Single or Taken: single
• Eating: nothing; I just brushed my teeth, haha
• Listening to: Maz
• Thinking about: (trying to) listen to Maz and write this post at the same time
• Watching: Maz
• Wearing: zebra pajama pants and a t-shirt that I used a t-shirt transfer to put Ian Somerhalder on <3

Future:

• Want children: yes
• Want to be married: yes
• Careers in mind: besides a journalist, I haven't thought too much about it
• Where you want to live: New York City, Los Angeles, anywhere in Europe (lol)

Do You Believe In:

• Miracles: yes
• Love at first sight: yes?
• Ghosts: yes
• Aliens: yes
• Soul Mates: yes
• Kissing on the first date: when it's right, you'll know
• Yourself: hopefully

     I really hope you, you reading this, feel closer to me now! Hopefully you've learned something new about me! If you decide to do this tag, please let me know!

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

The Liebster Award (2)

Hello loves <3

     I was nominated for the Liebster Award by the beautiful and talented Sophie from SophieAliceInWonderland! This means so much, thank you! Go over to Sophie's blog (linked on her blog name) and leave her some kind and sweet comments; she writes about such relatable topics that I think everyone can connect to. Plus, her diction and way of writing is so intriguing.

       The rules are as follows:

• Copy & paste the award to your blog
• Thank those who nominated you and be sure to link their blog(s)
• I think this is optional, but write 11 facts about yourself (I did this last time)
• Nominate 11 bloggers you think earned the award (I only have 4, I'm sorryy)
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who tagged you
• Ask 11 questions to your nominees

Questions from Sophie!

1. What is your biggest dream?

Writing this I've realized I haven't really thought about this too much! But I'd have to say one my biggest dreams is to write a book. Not even be published, but have a work of literature that I've created (even though this blog is kind of that, haha). I feel like it'd be an indescribable feeling to hold a physical object created entirely by you. I don't know what that book would be about ... but we'll see ;) Another is to meet Troye. He is my love and has brought me so much happiness.

2. What makes you happy?

Nice transition from the first to the second question, but Troye definitely makes me happy. I can't watch one of his videos with out a smile on my face. YouTube overall just makes me happy. Seeing other people happy makes me happy, too. Writing as well.

3. What made you start blogging?

I started this blog soon after I started Girl Online by Zoe Sugg. I've had failed attempts at blogs in the past (lol) but this one has been the experience of a lifetime. I've also discovered that writing just makes me feel very refreshed and carefree so why not take advantage of that?

4. Do you have any big talents? If so, what?

Not that I know of ... I do like to sing, but I'm rubbish so that doesn't count :)

5. Describe your perfect holiday.

I actually answered this when I wrote my previous Liebster Award post (which you can find here.) My answer hasn't changed, but to add on I'd really like to go on a cross-country road trip with my friends or spend some time exploring Europe with my family.

6. Who is your celebrity boy and girl crush?

Boy - Ed Westwick (Chuck on Gossip Girl), Tom Felton, and Austin Butler (I know that's three but whatever)

Girl - Emma Watson and Jen Aniston 

7. Do you believe in true love?

I do.

8. Which Disney movie would you want to live in most? Why?

Hmm.. Either The Princess & the Frog because I want to be friends with Louis the alligator and meet Mama Odie <3 or The Little Mermaid as it's my favorite Disney Princess movie, I'm jealous of Ariel's hair, and I want to be a mermaid - plain and simple :P

9. What is your favorite thing to do at the weekend?

Stay up late watching Netflix ... and sleep.

10. What is a weird fetish you have?

I don't know, haha.

11. What are your pet hates/peeves?

Okay, bit of a rant here, but I CANNOT STAND when I get out of the pool or something and I put my towel on, and there's water trickling down my neck. Like, ugh, it's so prickly and weird and my hair sticks to my skin and, just ew. 

*realizes how truly weird I am*

Also, people who aren't loyal.

My Questions!

1. Did you dream last night? If so, please share!

2. What is your favorite school subject?

3. Which Disney character would be your best friend and why?

4. Is the glass half empty or half full? ;)

5. Best memory with friends?

6. Which do you find easier - talking out your feelings or writing out your feelings?

7. What song can you not get out of your head?

8. Favorite supernatural or mythical creature(s)?

9. If you had $1,000,000 what would you do with it?

10. Jeans or sweatpants? Dresses or skirts? Heels or flats? 3 parter ;)

11. This is the same final question as my last Liebster Award post, but I'm really curious to know your answers so I'll ask it again: What is most important in life?

I nominate:

Izzy K!

Love Heart Doodles!

Evelyn Talks!

Professional Daydreamer!

All the Beau Bloggers!

Anyone of you!

     I love this award as you get to know so many new people/bloggers from it and I'd love to hear your responses to the questions! 

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

PLAYLIST LIVE! - Day 3

Hello loves <3

     We wake up earlier than yesterday and head out at around 6. Zoë's meet-up is today!! The same process of waiting for security to let us through to the meet-up unrolls itself and we spend some time chatting with our friends <3 I get some tea from Starbuck's, passion tango to be exact, and it is delish!

     They let us through and we get pretty close to the front! We spend quite a bit of time talking to the people around us about how Playlist this year is so much better than last year (we didn't go last year, but we've heard that it was a lot more chaotic :/ ). After around 45 minutes they let us into heaven. We step into the room and are met with circular tables with balloons on top and 7 seats per. We're all smiling in awe, from ear to ear! This isn't some regular meet-up!
   
     We're seated with these amazing, amazing people who we also made friends with! I don't know how to describe them. Three girls, one boy. All of them are so fun and one of a kind. They are hilarious and we get their numbers, twitters, and snapchats! I mean, if that's not friendship, I don't know what is...lol jk. We have a dance party together and sing about beef!

     Someone then comes over and goes, "Zoella is going to sit in this chair, and you are going to be able to chat and take pictures..." (or something like that) and we're sitting here like...AH!

     And then Zoë comes in! She is incredibly stunning and gorgeous and beautiful and oh my god. She explains to us that last year, everyone's favorite part of Playlist was making friends and that's why she sat us at big tables, so we could get to know each other. She starts 4 tables away from us and spends around 7-8 minutes with them. AND THEN SHE REACHES US... I can't believe that actually happened, it doesn't seem real. We go around saying our names, she signs our books, I give her my letter and we take selfies and a group picture. She spends 14 minutes at our table! She is the sweetest person in the world; so down to Earth and thoughtful. I mean, she put a cap on the number of people attending her meet-up so she could spend more time with everyone! Walking out of there is sad, I want to stay! We find out later on that Louise, Jonathan, Emilia, Louis, Jim, and Alfie (I think?) joined her, but that's ok. Her meet-up lasted 7 and a half hours! - such dedication. Zoë you are an inspiring, beautiful individual.

     (I'm adding this in after I've finished this post, but you can see us in Zoë's vlog! So cool!) Playlist is coming to an end, but we have time for a couple of panels. We attend a panel hosted by a couple beauty gurus including Mylifeaseva, MakeupbyMandy24, and CutePolish. They tell stories of the first time a viewer came up to them and Sandi's was funny because her viewer recognized her by her voice as she hadn't shown her face in her channel yet.

     Next, in the same room, is Alfie's Q&A which I get loads of funny footage from. He is such a sweet person, just like in his videos. Plus his laugh will give you warm tingles it's so cute! I love Alfie so much, he is hilarious and so... I don't know... fabulous ;) (Having trouble with description words, lol)

     The final event we attend is a panel Louise is featured in, Haters and Health. The panelists give a lot of good insight on how to "deal with" haters and their personal experiences with doing so. All their comments are so interesting, it is definitely one of my favorite events throughout the entire convention.

     The final round of applause, and then we walk to the car. We go out to a Chinese buffet which is super yummy. I get a make-your-own stir fry and some extra rice, chicken, and veggies. There is a mousse thing as one of the desserts, but honestly it tastes like straight up toothpaste. Not the most appealing ...

***

     Wait, so that's it? Playlist Live 2015 is over? O-V-E-R? Here come the tears. Honestly guys it was an indescribable experience. One that I will cherish forever. The thing is, the whole thing felt like one big video. I wanted to rewind some moments and pause others to freeze them forever, but I couldn't. This was real life, I was actually there. I actually met these people, I actually hugged them, and actually talked to them, and actually got their merch :), and actually got their autograph. Seeing these people, seeing my idols, it felt like I'd already met them; I already knew them. When you've been watching someone through their life - for a long period of time or not - seeing them in person (to me at least) feels like seeing a close friend. And I am so thankful for that close connection. Even though they don't know me, these people mean more than the world to me; more than they will ever know.

     I felt at home at Playlist, and I hope it isn't my last YouTube convention.

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

     p.s. Super sorry if I changed tenses throughout, there was  a lot to say <3
     p.p.s. All creators' channels are linked with their name!

PLAYLIST LIVE! - Day 2

Hello loves <3

     Today is the day of Tyler's meet-up! We get to the hotel super early and have to wait behind a security thing until they let us through to get in line. And guess what?! WE MAKE FRIENDS! They are the sweetest girls and I am so glad to have met them; they made the experience THAT much better :)

     After endless hours (I'm exaggerating, lol) of waiting, we are able to get in line for Tyler. They let us into the room the meet-up is being held (the main stage room) and on the stage is TREVOR! Rehearsing for his performance later. He ended rehearsal with, "I'm going back to bed..." Talk about #relatable.

     After a couple more people rehearsing we are met with the familiar screams! Tyler has entered the room, I repeat TYLER HAS ENTERED THE ROOM! He is looking fab with his blonde hair and that perfect smile of his. We are 4 rows back from the front and when it is our turn to go up I don't think I've fully processed what is about to happen! I take a selfie with KOREY and then go up to Tyler and we hug! It was such a memorable hug, lol! I tell him my name but he hears me wrong and thinks it's Carel but I correct him and he asks me if I'm Jewish! I say yes and then we stand there talking about a famous Israeli singer called Harel Skaat and then go on to take a picture (Korey said we looked great, haha)! That's right, Tyler and I conversed! Conversed! About Harel Skaat who is ridiculously talented and oh my god he said he wished he had curly hair <3

     I turn around to look at hubby meeting Tyler and she's crying. We hug and have a really cute moment together, aw. (LOTS of hugs throughout Playlist if you can't already tell)

     After not being able to get over what just happened, we go to Marcus' Q&A! It is so much fun and you can't really see us but somehow we were in his vlog, lol. Again, I don't think it sunk in that Marcus is less than 50 feet away from us.

     Sacconejolys! They are having a hang out in the New York room that we attend. They have a small Q&A and then we get in line for pictures and autographs. Emilia speaks "good morning again" into the microphone and it is absolutely adorable. And Anna does her Bianca voice...can we just <3

     After leaving their hangout Chummy has an ocean of happy tears. She describes it as though she sounded like a donkey because her throat was quite sore so she was losing her voice while crying, haha. Bet you can imagine that.

     We attended a main stage thingy where Mikey Murphy, Dan, Phil, sWooZie (who by the way spent the entire day yesterday meeting fans, how lovely), Jenna Marbles, and Mikey Bolts talk about how they edit and come up with ideas which was really interesting to listen to and get some insight on the life of a YouTuber. Did you know Jenna films, edits, and uploads all in one day! Amazing :) Oh and somehow in the middle of all this the topic of Phenna comes up (Dan and Jenna) ... do you ship it?!

     We go to attend Alfie's hangout a lot earlier than it starts and notice that right next to the room was a huge line. I don't know who is at the end of it so I walk up a bit and see none other than JIM! We head to the back of the line, which actually goes by really quickly! Every time I get a glimpse of him I get a tingly feeling inside! And then it is our turn. I go up and give him a hug, and as he is signing my notebook, I tell him I'm excited for his baking video and he goes: "It's a good one!" Ahh, it was amazing! (btw, he smelled heavenly)

     Alfie's hangout ends up being around 500 people! He had just finished his 4 hour meet-up so he decides to get Marcus and do a Q&A! Louise comes along, too! They are so close to us, it is unreal. I can't explain the feeling of your idols being that close to you.

     Later that night is Kian's movie preview! His horror movie comes out in theaters this summer! From the sneak peek scene they show us, it seems like a great movie! I'm not going to say what the scene was about, you'll have to find out this summer!

     Trevor ROCKS THE STAGE. Excuse me, he SLAYS. All of his songs are sung so beautifully, he engages the crowd, he owns the stage and makes it his. Not to mention, his outfit choice: on point!!

     After a tiring day, we head back home. Tomorrow's Zoë's meet-up!

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

     p.s. Super sorry if I changed tenses throughout, there was  a lot to say <3
     p.p.s. All creators' channels are linked with their name!

PLAYLIST LIVE! - Day 1

Hello loves <3

     Long time, no talk! It feels so good to be back at the keyboard, typing away. And boy, do I have some things to tell!

     If you've read my previous post and the one I posted about Playlist in January, you'll know that my best friends - Hubby & Chummy ;) - and I attended Playlist Live Orlando this past weekend! Playlist is a YouTube convention where you can meet endless YouTubers both in meet-ups and just roaming around the hotel!

     We drive down to Florida Thursday night and end up getting there at around 2 a.m! We stay at my friend's grandparent's home (they were absolutely lovely, by the way) the entire weekend. We decide to leave at 8 the next morning so we can get in line for registration and be able to explore the hotel so we end up getting around 4 hours of sleep :/

     Today (Friday - I'm treating these posts as if it's the day of) is Business Day, so no meet-ups are being held but most of the creators are arriving today. When we get to the hotel/convention, we stand in line for registration which surprisingly doesn't take that long! We get our badges and our meet-ups sorted out ... there is a problem with the confirmation but it all works out in the end :)

     The rest of the day we spend walking all over the hotel, getting a feel of the place we will be spending most of our time in the next few days. We go to the lobby and we see our first YouTuber of the event, Alexis G. Zall! I don't watch her videos, but I am definitely going to start! She is so kind and super sweet, not to mention her outfit is gorg.

     After a bit, Chummy looks to me and goes, "It's Maz!" She'd seen the top of his head and recognized him, lol (she had quite the fangirling moment). So we go over and get a picture! Oh my, does he smell good! More than good, fantastic.

     As we continue walking around I spot Jon Cozart! (linked is his old channel, you can find his new one here.) I see him talking to a girl holding a guitar and I freak! Jon's the guy who wrote Harry Potter in 99 Seconds, just so you know. If you haven't heard/seen it, you definitely should! He's insanely talented and absolutely hilarious.

     Let me just say, as we meet all these amazing people my mind is racing with thoughts and question upon question. Wait...was that Jon? Did I just see Maz? Isn't Alexis in Andrea's video? And I just took a picture with her and hugged her twice?!

     As time passed, we get peckish and head into Starbucks for lunch. Call us idiots but it takes us 10 whole minutes to realize Rebecca Black is in the same line as us! What the?! She is even more gorgeous in person, even after a long flight! She is talking to her friends and I don't want to bother her, but we end up getting a selfie! My first selfie of Playlist to be exact! In case you were wondering I get the spinach and feta wrap, haha. Although, it is not my favorite... :/

     The next events are a complete blur. We hear screaming and I go outside and see ThatsoJack! Holy crap! He's even cuter in person <3 Everyone is crowding around him and I don't have the guts to charge in and get a picture, but my friend did!!

great view, right? (my picture, hubby got a selfie!)

     We continue upstairs only to find Jack there, still followed by a crowd! But next to him was Crawford flipping Collins! He is stunningly handsome and his beanie was adorable! Our heads are touching and my arm is around his shoulder... what a moment <3 <3

     For much of the rest of the day we sit outside waiting to see if any familiar faces will come out of the taxies, but to no avail :( When we go back inside we see Shelby Waddell! She is so bubbly and warm, her hugs are great! And close to her is Alex Aiono!

     Time to charge! Literally every you look there is someone by an outlet! And as we are charging FollowKevn and Will Shep (Minecrafters) walk past! Chummy and I start speed walking towards them, unsure of what to do. And then Will goes into the bathroom ... so we wait, lol. I accidentally don't press the button for Chummy and Kevin's picture so we go back and sheepishly ask again, omg.

yes, I do know my hairstyle changes multiple times, lol (it wasn't the best hair day)

     The day has come to an end and we go back home only to get 4-5ish hours of sleep as we wake up around 5! See you tomorrow for Day 2's post!

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

     p.s. Super sorry if I changed tenses throughout, there was  a lot to say <3
     p.p.s. All creators' channels are linked with their name!

See You Soon!

Hello loves <3

     I can't believe the day has finally come, and I truly can't believe I'm saying this, but tonight my friends and I are leaving for Playlist Live Orlando!

     We'll be taking loads and loads of pictures, and hopefully we'll be vlogging, too. I'll be back Monday or Tuesday with an entire post about what was hopefully a life-changing experience <3

     And happy, happy birthday to my amazing, lovely, gorgeous, unique friend! I hope it's the best birthday you'll ever have!

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

January Favorites 2015!

Hello loves <3

     As January has come and gone, I've decided to write a January favorites post! My first on this blog, actually!

• Not very many beauty-ish favorites but as I've mentioned in previous posts, my lips usually get the most chapped during winter so this lip butter is a life saver, and you can get it for really cheap, too! On the right is my beauty blender [please excuse my concealer ... I need to clean the sponge :/] which applies concealer/BB cream/foundation so flawlessly. You wet it under the tap and sponge in your makeup and I like it a lot better than brushes; it's quite soft, too.

• These two mascaras are the bomb.com. On the left is Covergirl's Lash Blast Volume Hydrofuge (waterproof) mascara. This is the mascara that everyone sees at the cashier at Target, the original, the first of them all (or at least to me it is). But even so, it is so great! It lasts all day and doesn't clump too much. On the right is Maybelline's Mega Plush Volum' mascara. I have it in Brownish/Black as I like brown mascaras a bit more than black. This really lengthens your lashes and isn't too heavy. 

• Skincare wise, these 3 things are my holy grail products. The Pore Refining cleanser from Neutrogena not only smells really nice, :) but also really does improve my skin. It says it's supposed to visibly minimize pores in about a week and I've certainly noticed a difference. The pink pad is just what I pump the wash on and it's just so much better than using your hands. You can actually feel it working as it has a rough, but not too rough, surface that really gets in there to get all the gunk out ;/ Lastly, Seasource Detox Spa - Body Gelee. My mom gave me this a while ago and I've come back to it this month as my skin hasn't been it's best. It is so refreshing when you put it in and it gets warm as it starts working. It doesn't dry out my skin and can be used anywhere, not just your face which is great!

• I've burned this candle from Luminessence (Black Cherry) quite a bit recently as it smells heavenly. It has a very warm scent that is just so likable and sweet.

excuse the messy bottle :/

• I've been very lazy when painting my nails, buuttt this color makes me really happy when I put it on. I've had it in my collection for awhile and every time I put it on I can't stop staring at my nails. Such a gorgeous, deep blue.

• TV favorite, GOSSIP GIRL! Holy crap guys I love this show so so much! I am watching it on Netflix right now and I'm on season 3 (NO SPOILERS pretty please)! I ship Chuck and Blair so hard ;) I have such a love-hate relationship with some of the characters, it's hilarious. Definitely check it out if you want a show filled with DRAMA, romance, you know the whole shabang.

• YouTube favorite is ThatcherJoe/Joe Sugg's gaming series, The Last Of Us. He started it in November and the final episode came out a couple days ago. I haven't watched it yet so if you follow along, please, again, no spoilers! The first episode is linked above if you'd like to watch (the first ep. doesn't really feature gaming rather it's introducing the storyline but it is amazing)! The game follows a man on a mission through a zombie-type apocalypse thing, lol. But that's all I'm gonna say as I don't want to spoil anything!! And Joe's narration/comments makes it the best experience! (Okay, I feel like I've used an illegal amount of exclamation points... Oh well!!!!!)

     

     That is it for my first ever monthly favorites post! I had a lot of fun writing this, please leave a comment if you'd like more of these, maybe every month?

     Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*