There is NOTHING more horrendously frustrating than wanting to write something, anything, but not having a clue how to. It's time to grab those fragments of sentences, vague ideas, and a pen. Piecing together a good story is not as hard as it looks. Here's how to do it...

-A good starting point would be to decide what your narrative is going to be about. Come up with a genre, and possibly a few themes you would like to include in your story.

-This could then give you an idea of the setting. What era will your story be set in? Where? Will it be set in an alternate reality? It's all up to you! If you have a particular time period in mind, maybe it would be a good idea to do a little background research on it, so your writing can be realistic (if, of course, that's that you're aiming for). If it's set in a fantasy world, get creative and make sure your are descriptive, so that the readers can picture the setting themselves.

-It's time to think of a main character, a protagonist. It might be a good idea to write down a quick description of them- their qualities, habits, interests... Also, try to picture them. Drawing them might help bring them to life. Once you have a protagonist, you might want to consider thinking about an antagonist- the character opposing your main character. This is optional, but if you decide to include one in your story, think of their relationship to your main character and maybe how you could create contrast between the two. After you've done this, you might find it easier to come up with secondary characters. Think of a narrator and decide what tense you want to write in.

-Now, write up a vague plot. This can easily be changed as you work through the narrative; the story might begin to write itself, but create a quick summary beforehand so you don't find yourself banging your head against the desk in sheer frustration. Think of a beginning, middle and end for your story. If you want to go into more depth, follow this structure: exposition, rising action, crisis, climax, falling action, and resolution. However, structure isn't always set in stone- this is just a guide.

-It's almost time to start writing. It's a good idea to note down a few words you'd like to use, just so you don't find yourself giving up due to a lack of vocabulary. And a piece of advice- THE THESAURUS IS YOUR FRIEND.

-Now, WRITE! If you get stuck, power through- you can edit it once you have finished. Think about getting some second opinions too, be open to constructive criticism- it will only make your work better.

There you have it! Remember: You can do this in any order. It's completely fine if you find yourself picturing the perfect setting for your story before you can think up a main character. Also, narratives are all different. You might not want to focus on one particular character, or setting. It's all up to you. Happy writing!


-Barista Ria-

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No matter how hard we try to avoid them, life will slap us in the face for no apparent reason in the form of what I like to call a 'downer day'. I am referring to one of those days where you find yourself repeatedly asking the question- "what's the point?!". One of those sucky, unnaturally long days where the only thing you want to do is curl up and forget everything. It would be misleading to suggest that there are ways of avoiding these moments, but here are a few ways to cushion the blow...

1) Take your mind off things (If nothing in particular is bugging you)

If you feel the way you do for no particular reason, distract yourself. Maybe watch a movie or series, throw together a playlist which will lighten your mood. I often find that lighthearted conversation with friends is a brilliant solution to feeling glum. We all need a break from constantly thinking, sometimes.

2) Face whatever is on your mind

I recommend doing this when some unresolved problem is causing your mood to be this way. If this is the case, it's best to face whatever is bugging you. I'm sure you've guessed it, but talking it out really does help. Tell someone how you feel, rather than keeping everything bottled up inside. If you honestly don't know who to turn to, keeping a diary or even an anonymous blog can really help. You can always email or comment too, I'd be happy to help or even just listen! Just don't ignore the problem, if there is one. Unfortunately, I can only speak in general terms, but i'm sure this piece of advice stands true in most cases.

3) Remain optimistic!

It's easier said than done, I know but looking on the bright side really reduces the frequency of these bad days.

Hopefully your suckier (I know that's not a word) days won't suck as much now, and remember- they're just a part of life!


-Barista Ria-

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Sometimes you've gotta work against yourself in order to get stuff done. There aren't always enough hours in the day so the only way to get by is to cheat your own body. Whether you are stopping yourself from dozing off at work or trying to survive a sting of nights out, it can be done.

If you are one of those superhumans who is actually able to take power naps, I envy you (seriously, how do you wake up?!). If you can do this, you are pretty much saved. There is also an alternative polyphasic sleep cycle you can develop, consisting of only four hours of unconsciousness, allowing you to optimize your time. You have to train your body to take four, hour-long naps throughout the day. This is of course, a long term solution and adapting to it is apparently torture. But hey, if it works, your waking life is extended significantly.

However, if you are unable to fall asleep without drifting off into dreamyland for multiple hours, all is not lost! Espresso does work, along with fresh fruits such as bananas and apples- healthy snacks can also help keep you more alert. You may not realize, but your mindset makes a big difference to how awake you are too. If you have something to look forward to, chances are, you will wake yourself up a little out of excitement. I often find that if I feel guilty about dropping off (for example, if I had to complete homework before sleeping) I am less likely to do so. This is because it is so much harder to nod off whilst feeling guilty or agitated- knowing something unfinished and unpleasant will be waiting for me when I wake up... Finally, awaken your senses and keep moving. Cold water does work wonders, along with bright lights, and loud noise. Yes, it is painful but consciousness is what you get.

Fighting sleep is not always the answer, but sometimes it's just a necessary evil w must all encounter. Good luck!

-Barista Ria-

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"Loner." I'm pretty sure you're all familiar with the word, whether you've been called it yourself, or jokingly yelled it at a friend who was sitting alone. In all honesty, it seems as if the lighthearted insult grows increasingly meaningless each day. It also makes me question- is being called a 'loner' really insulting?

When you're a teenager, one idea people seem to be obsessed with is surrounding themselves with friends and ascending up this ladder of social hierarchy. I'm definitely not saying all of us think that way, but it's an urge we simply can't control. It's arguably in our nature. Therefore, when someone is seen alone, some people view it as them failing to climb socially. However, in reality, some people actually enjoy their own company and don't feel the need to surround themselves with the presence of others all of the time. It's not failing, it's just being different and possibly more comfortable in your own skin. Unfortunately, sometimes we are pressured to go against the preference of being alone, because of the expectations. You see, when we're around our peers, school in particular, we're in a mini-version of society itself. You go against what's normal and expected, and people notice it and comment on it. It's not always fair, but that's just the way it is. I've been called 'loner', or at least variations of the word, on multiple occasions. Even my friends think it's kind of weird if I choose to sit alone, but that's the thing- it's a choice for some people. I understand the concern, because unfortunately some find themselves unable to find others to be with, but even then, it doesn't make them any less of a person for it.

What I mean to say is sometimes, alone time can be glorious. It's good for you. I'm sure if you attend a pretty populated school, you'll understand what I mean- after all, you're there for several hours a week, often surrounded by the same individuals. Don't be afraid to escape sometimes. I'm certainly not telling you to bunk off lessons, but you know; during break, free periods and lunch, it's not weird to take some time to organize your thoughts. Some days, words on a page or some lovely melody coming through from your iPod can provide better company than most people. And that's fine! For example, during my mid-week free periods, I find that getting lost in a good book while sipping latte is bliss.

People shouldn't be condemned for spending time in solitude. After all, it's beneficial, making it easier to concentrate, increasing productivity, enhancing relationships... It simply helps you bloom as a person, and allows you to get to know yourself a little better. Just remember- the term 'loner' is trivial, taken seriously only by those who don't understand the art of flying solo.


-Barista Ria-

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The quickening arrival of Valentine's Day is likely to either fill you with excitement or... well, the opposite. Some people very much enjoy being single, I mean, you get to be fairly independent and of course, you don't feel guilty every time you notice an insanely attractive boy or girl (and it doesn't matter if you take an obvious glance). However, sometimes, on this day in particular, you just can't help but notice the lovey-dovey couples and feel a slight surge of what might be envy or desire. Don't worry though- you don't have to spend this Valentine's Day moping, or even alone for that matter!

If you have some single friends who are also free on February 14th, why not spend it together? Friends are important, arguably just as much or even more than a boyfriend or girlfriend. So have a party, a sleepover, a night out... Maybe watch some soppy films or extremely non-soppy films (if you intend on avoiding the romantic theme altogether). Show your friends just how important they are to you, because after all- this is a day of love.

Speaking of expressing feelings of love, show your parents (or any other family members for that matter) just how much you appreciate them! Whether you decide to cook them something delicious for dinner or buy a well-thought-out gift, whatever you do will go very much appreciated. Remember, February 14th is a day to celebrate love, whether it be platonic, romantic or just love between family members.

You could also make this day a You-Day. By this I mean seriously pampering yourself. Buy (or even send) yourself chocolates and make sure you have stocked up on ice-cream. Treat yourself to something, and don't feel guilty, because after all, this day is all about you. Do everything you enjoy, and be sincere about it! It is important to love oneself, just as much as it is important to love others.

So don't fret as Valentine's Day looms ever closer. Instead- celebrate it!

-Barista Ria-

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There are some days where the mere thought of going to school is painful. We are human, after all. Repeatedly going to the same building and forcing yourself to think and to absorb information can grow tiresome, so sometimes, a little motivation is required in order to get yourself to face the day.

Firstly, remember why you're there. What you learn in school benefits you. Sometimes it can feel like you're there against your will, but really, the stuff you learn now will most likely come in handy in the future. Plus, who doesn't want to be more intelligent?

I also find that sometimes, it's little things that both help time pass by and make my day more interesting. For example, something as minor as awesome new stationery can motivate you to write more or take organised notes and even highlight unnecessary words. It might increase the amount of idle doodling, but hey, some may argue that doodling helps concentration or memory. So it's all good. Also, having something to look forward to at lunchtime can help too. Maybe throw a little muffin or a chocolate bar into your backpack in order to boost your mood a little. Another important thing to consider for days where you just can't be bothered is what you wear. It is something that can really influence your mood. Wearing something you know you look good in can have a huge effect on your confidence and just your outlook in general so put some thought into it. However, make sure that you are comfortable because there is nothing more frustrating than leaving the house and then immediately regretting your choice in attire.

There are also some days where you just can't be bothered to converse with... anyone really. Schools and colleges can be difficult places to avoid social interaction because, well, they're often buildings crammed with people. If you're feeling like this, the best thing to do would be to find a spot, maybe in the school library or a bench outside, and lose yourself in a good book or throw on your headphones and escape reality for a bit. We all have days where we can't be bothered, but there are ways of making them more endurable. Good luck!


-Barista Ria-

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At the start of each year, there will always be more than just a few individuals obsessed with the idea of recreating themselves. There will always be thousands of people tweeting the words "New year, new me" or posting them on Facebook as midnight strikes on the first of January. But- honestly, how many of them really stick to it? A tiny weeny fraction, usually. Probably because it takes more than a minute or a couple of weeks to recreate your entire self. Really, you don't even need to start all over again. You just need to at least try and be the best you possibly can be. Here are a couple of ways you can do just that...

1) Be Healthier!
Ah, the obvious one. After the festive season, a substantial amount of us are left with feelings of guilt along with a couple of extra, unwanted pounds. I mean, who can blame you for gorging? Chocolate is abundant, along with fluffy cakes and cute decorated biscuits and whatnot. However, as glorious as they may taste, they are not so glorious to the skin, the arteries and various other parts of you. If you are wincing a little while reading this, maybe you should make it your mission to become a slightly healthier version of yourself. Whether it means joining a gym, changing up your diet a little bit or simply leaving the house more in order to get some fresh air, it's all beneficial!

2) Let Your Creative Side Out
Life can get monotonous, and sometimes we need an escape from our boring routines. Sometimes just a simple new hobby can provide exactly that. Repetition can sometimes suppress imagination and creativity, so maybe an interesting way to begin the new year would be to unleash whatever ideas you have already lying somewhere in the depths of your mind. For example, if you don't feel up to writing an entire novel or even a short story, why not attempt to write poetry? Or if you can't seem to manipulate words, you could attempt to create art or learn to play a new instrument. Even doodling idly is a starting point...

3) Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
Today, many young people tend to live their lives indoors or on the internet, just sticking with what's familiar. Probably because it's easy. However, it doesn't really allow you to bloom as an individual. Things are not the same online and although it is much easier to be open, it isn't exactly reality. As a socially-awkward internet addict, I can safely say the internet has not exactly helped me put myself out there in real life, and i'm sure many people feel the same way. So maybe it's time for some of us to do things we wouldn't normally do, because who knows- new hobbies, interests and relationships could arise form doing so. Why not try and work up the courage to talk to that person you kind of have a crush on (and I don't mean messaging them on Facebook). Or even apply for a new job, possibly one which allows you to interact with new people and do things which you aren't used to doing. Or simply join some kind of society, or perform. All you need to do is give yourself a push and it will definitely be worth it!

I am aware that new years resolutions are almost impossible to keep up, so here are a couple of tips which might help you make it through 2014 and maybe even through more years to come... Firstly, set yourself a goal, for example- you might have a target weight for the summer or you might just want to be able to play a specific song on the piano in a couple of months time. You could also motivate yourself by creating a mood board. Finally, of course, be positive about whatever you are trying to do and don't fill your mind with doubt. Also, remember, although it is a good starting point, you don't have to wait for the beginning of a new year to make a change. Good luck!


-Barista Ria-

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The Desolation of Smaug. I had been awaiting its release for a year or so, excited and a little bit scared. I booked my tickets in advance for Friday the 13th, which did result in some bad luck as the seats were terrible. However, that was pretty much forgotten once the film started. It launched straight into the plot, without any pointless, over-the-top scene setting. Everything included in the film was pretty much vital and I think it's unfair to say that Peter Jackson has dragged out the short book into three films because he has added so much more (the White Orc, The Necromancer, Tauriel, etc were not in the book itself.) It stays true to the plot of Tolkien's novel, as well as including additional ideas of his, and what Gandalf was occupied with whilst the quest took place. There was a lot more going on in The Desolation of Smaug as opposed to An Unexpected Journey which is understandable but some may argue that this film is better than the first because of the insane amount of action. It's difficult to compare but both films are most definitely not disappointing, possibly living up to the brilliance of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

One of the main things I was concerned about was the animation and voicing of Smaug. It was something that would either make or break the film. However, he couldn't have been more glorious or terrifying. And he was portrayed pretty much perfectly by Benedict Cumberbach. His lair was equally impressive, in fact, it required all of the gold paint in New Zealand (plus more) to paint every gold coin on the set. This is actually believable when you see it for yourself, it's hard to take in. Anyway, unsurprisingly, the settings throughout the movie were beautiful. I can't cover everything in the film and comment on it as I cant stress this enough- SO MUCH HAPPENS. SO MUCH. Missing even two minutes of the film makes a huge difference. If you felt there was a lack of females in the previous film and the book, you will feel better after seeing this one. Not only are there more women, but there was more romance and the suggestion of a little love triangle (personally, I wasn't too bothered about this but I realize it might excite a lot of people). We also get do know the Dwarves a little bit better, Thorin and Kili in particular. Thorin's brave, stubborn and withdrawn character is captured well, and he barely differs from how he is described by Tolkien in the book. As for Kili, well i'm sure I speak for most people when I say he is my favourite dwarf. It's just impossible not to love him! Also, not forgetting Bilbo. Of course. In the book, he was shown as a fairly simple hobbit, whose adventurous side is brought to light as he is snatched out of his comfort zone. In the  movie, both movies in fact, Martin Freeman gives him something a little bit extra, an amusing awkward element which makes him arguably more interesting. There are no characters who could be faulted, we even got to see a different side to Legolas too (and it was damn good to see Orlando Bloom again). His character has always been a little bit of a mystery, even in LOTR, and in The Desolation of Smaug he is even more of a question mark. We are also introduced to Bard, an interesting, heroic bargeman. Again, there is much more focus on his actual character than there is in the book.

There are tonnes of scenes in this film that stand out. You are bound to be left with your mouth gaping at one point at least, or even a tear in your eye. Fights, romance, orcs, elves, surprises and witty remarks are all plentiful throughout the whole thing. And it ends perfectly, leaving you wanting more, I simply cannot wait to see what the next movie has in store for us. Peter Jackson is truly a genius and has managed to capture Tolkien's world flawlessly. My only concern with the film is the length (I reaaaally don't wanna fault it because it's a masterpiece). In all honesty, I think you'd have to already be a fan of LOTR or have at least seen the first movie in order to last through the whole two hours and forty minutes. But because I am horrendously in love with the whole franchise and the book, I freaking adored the whole thing. All of it. I was left speechless after experiencing a rainbow of emotions.


-Barista Ria-

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Dreaming can sometimes suck. It can make things seem so distant, and far into the future. But there are some things you don't have to wait too long for- like visiting your most desired locations, depending on where you want to go. With the right mindset, you could be surfing on the coast of Spain or photographing the insanely beautiful architecture in Florence.

The trick is to stay positive and be practical. Firstly, where do you want to go and realistically, would you be able to travel and survive there for a week or two? Commonly, the more popular tourist locations tend to be pretty pricey so maybe it's a good idea to choose somewhere other than a major city (I'm not suggesting somewhere entirely remote, unless you are into places like that), you're also more likely to catch a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle. Sometimes, living more like a local and being on a tighter budget actually allows you to appreciate a place on another level, and brings with it a sense of excitement, as opposed to going all-inclusive and only really seeing the hotel/resort and not much more. There are few things in this world more exciting than exploring the streets of a beautiful, foreign place.

The main costs you will need to take into account are travel- initially getting there and back as well as transport once you are there; accommodation and finally; living costs (food, drink, etc). I think I'd be speaking for most here when I say it would be difficult to spend every night sleeping on a feather stuffed king sized mattress in a five star hotel close to the city centre. Some of you might be a little repelled by the idea, but youth hostels are always an option. They are extremely cheap, and you're likely to cross paths with many interesting fellow travelers. If you don't like the idea, two star hotels aren't a bad way to go either. I mean, they are no five star hotels (obviously) but most are perfectly clean and possess all of the bare essentials. They just lack the fanciness of more pricey accommodation. Anyway, if you're likely to be exploring, it shouldn't matter if your hotel room is a little plain. As for buying food and drinks, simply ensure you don't go overboard spending your stay lingering in extravagant cafés. Many locations have wonderful street food, so use it as an opportunity to expand your palate. Finally, flights. Unfortunately this requires a bit of organisation and responsibility, but it's all worth it. The best thing to do is to plan and book these beforehand, so long as you are sure you want to go and will have saved enough by then. Flights are often more expensive in the summer, and closer to the time so keep this in mind when booking. You might be able to save a little if you don't bring excessive luggage.

Hopefully your dreams of exploring the globe won't be mere dreams forever. Just remember that it's not impossible so long as you are motivated!


-Barista Ria-

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Winter is a season where most of us pretty much can’t be bothered to do...  anything really. Well, besides maybe snuggling up with a hot water bottle and a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream a fatal amount of marshmallows. As comforting as that can be, it’s important to not neglect your skin.

1) Face masks!

Some of the oddest, most unexpected ingredients can make your skin feel softer than a baby’s butt. Before mixing anything together, take a moment to determine your skin type- dry, oily, normal or do you maybe have a lot of blemishes? Combine certain ingredients depending on your requirements...

Dry skin *sigh*. It makes everything just ten times worse, especially applying makeup. Two great natural moisturisers (that won’t worsen your situation) are banana and yoghurt (this also tightens pores); both of these are a good base for any face mask no matter what your skin type is. Extra virgin olive oil is fab for dry skin too and works as a surprisingly effective makeup remover. Aloe vera is also extremely effective for treating flakiness.

Despite the numbingly cold weather, many people still have oily skin. Most of us have been there, I mean, it feels gross, it makes your pores look colossal and it’s just... ugh. You might be relieved to know that oily skin actually ages better than dry skin, however, you’re probably not concerned about that at this moment in time and you probably also want to get rid of the damn problem, like, now. One way to do this is to apply lemon juice to the skin, or combine it with other ingredients, as it is a natural astringent. Additionally, ground oats work wonders if you want to get glowing skin within a matter of minutes. You can also use them as often as you wish. (I’m not usually a tree hugger or anything, but this natural stuff actually works!).

Last but not least: blemished skin. Whether you have acne or have had a small constellation of zits suddenly emerge out of nowhere, you can put something together to reduce the redness and make them disappear faster. Tea tree oil is a magical substance which is helps fade blemishes and reduces pimples. In addition to this, applying a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water can also help acne prone skin, however doing this too often can cause drying, so be careful.

2) Don’t over scrub

Most of us are guilty when it comes to over-exfoliating. I mean, it makes sense; your skin gets dry so you scrub away the dead cells to make it cleaner, right? Except- that isn’t really true. Over scrubbing can actually damage your skin and dry it out even further. You see, you need to allow time for your skin to regenerate after the process. So it does work, but in moderation. You should exfoliate around twice a week, depending on your skin type. If your skin is more sensitive, it would be a better idea to give it more time to recover. A simple scrub you can make at home consists of just honey and sugar (please use it on your face. It’s edible, but not recommended...)

3) Replace caffeinated drinks with water

You’ve probably heard this a million times but water is soooo much better for your skin than things like coffee or sugary, fizzy drinks. It may be a little difficult to reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks, but when you start to see results (and you will), you’ll want to soldier on. Coffee isn’t just bad for your skin, but also your teeth and various other things that I won’t go into. You don’t necessarily have to gulp over two litres of water a day and nothing else. There are an array of different flavoured herbal teas available which can actually taste as good as any sugary, unhealthy beverage. Green tea is pretty much a magical elixir filled with antioxidants and provides us with an endless list of other health benefits. Chamomile is an ingredient which not only known for aiding relaxation but also has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce puffiness and dry skin.

Incorporating these three simple steps into your routine won’t require too much effort and I can assure you, they will save you time and money as well as preventing those all too common (and all too stressful) ‘bad skin days’. Since you can’t physically embrace your skin, show it some love by taking care of it this winter.


-Barista Ria-

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1) Old-school sleepover

This is a perfect way to recapture the good old days, when everything was simple and crushing on some guy was the worst of your problems. Simply invite a couple of friends over, morph into your twelve-year-old selves and slip into a world of ‘truth or dare’, boys, and ‘would you rather’. You don’t need any money, maybe just a sufficient amount of girly movies or horror films, food and possibly some makeover stuff. The trick is to not plan the night out too much, as you don’t want the fun to seem forced.

2)Cooking/baking

You’d be surprised at the amount you could bake with just three or four ingredients that you probably already have lying around in the kitchen. You can either attempt to create something wonderful and edible, or try to come up with some of the grossest concoctions physically possible. Here is a simple biscuit/cookie recipe that you can adapt and basically go crazy with (makes about 30).

1. Whip together 200g softened butter with 200g caster sugar until fluffy. 

2. Add one lightly beaten egg, and a few drops of vanilla extract and mix well (at this stage, you can add any other ingredients you may want, such as cocoa powder, dried fruit, etc). 

3. Sift in 400g of plain flour, and combine everything until you have a ball of dough. 

4. Place this in the fridge for half an hour, allowing it to solidify a little so you can then easily roll it out on a floured surface, till it is about 7mm thick. 

5. Next, use cookie cutters of your choice to cut the dough into shapes. Lay these out on a tray lined with grease proof paper.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4, for 10-15 minutes.
7. When the cookies are golden, remove them from the oven and place on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes.
8. In the meantime, you can make some icing by mixing together 75g of icing sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons of water (and a couple of drops of food colouring if required).
9. Once the cookies are cool, you can drizzle, smear the cookies in icing, or simply dunk them the bowl.
10. Let them set and decorate them however you wish, or simply enjoy them.

3) Cheap nights out

This one may require a little bit of money, but it does go a long way. It’s shocking how much is actually going on, that you may not be aware of, and concerts don’t have to be expensive. There are actually tons of small, unknown bands and musical acts out there and chances are their gigs are extremely cheap or even free to attend. Look online to find out if there are any small, intimate venues near you. Go on to their website, and see what’s occurring. You might even find that the most unlikely performances are the best ones, so don’t be afraid to venture outside of your musical preferences slightly. This is a great way to expand your tastes too. 

4) Be one with nature

This is probably the cheapest option. With the presence of the Internet and various kinds of technology, many of us forget what the physical world is actually like. And no, following a nature blog on Tumblr doesn't provide you with your daily share of the world outside. Most of you don’t really have an excuse to not explore further than your bedroom. With GPS readily available on your phone, there is (supposedly) no real way of you getting completely lost and even if you do find yourself in an alien environment, finding your way out is all a part of the fun. You might even find yourself capturing some wonderful photos, not to mention, walking is a great way to catch up with friends. There are so many ways in which you can learn to appreciate nature, whether it means going to the beach, taking a long hike through the woods, building an igloo or simply reading a book under a tree.

-Barista Ria-

Images:  Mark Sebastian, GlennFleishman, Jase Lam, Arturo Avila

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