Why I chose an apprenticeship

So, at current a lot of people will preparing to go to uni and others are looking for their first job out of college a good percentage of which very well might be an apprenticeship. I might have touched previously on the fact I was one of the latter but in this post I'm going to talk through my decision.

Firstly, I went through the entirety of my A Levels intending to go to uni. My courses were generally picked with criminology/forensics in mind as that was my end goal. I absolutely loved my college courses and gained so much from them regardless of the outcomes so even though I picked them to get into my uni course, I don't feel I wasted my time having done any of them.
I got good enough grades to build up enough UCAS points to get into the course/uni I applied to and I was buzzing but then the closer and closer it got, the more I felt terrified about the whole scenario. It literally got to my registration day and I was like, NAH. Now, I know most people will read that and be like, you're not the only one Hayley, we all felt like that but carried on. For some reason, I just couldn't. That same day, I emailed my tutor at uni and told her I wasn't going to go and I re-did my CV and got applying for jobs. Before long, I realised without little experience, no where that I wanted to be would take me on which quickly drove me to the apprenticeships website. The thing that attracted me most to apprenticeships was the whole idea that not only did you get the experience in the role, you have a qualification at the end to prove you have that experience too and of course you get paid as you do it! I have both my level 2 and 3 in business admin which I completed at 2 different jobs and if you didn't know level 2 equates to a GCSE level and 3 equates to an A Level. I'm still at the job where I completed my level 3 and I'm really happy in my role and the workplace itself.

Another part of the reason I was happy to give up the idea of university so easily was that I can go back to it at any point, just because it wasn't for me back when I was 18, it doesn't mean that in time I wont decide to do a course via the open university or anything like that, it's always something I'll be open to revisiting when I'm ready, I may wear the mortarboard and gown one day!

To summarise - I decided late in the game I wanted to do an apprenticeship because you gain experience, a viable qualification and money to do so in one. I'd never not advocate uni though, if/when I have kids, I'd hope they would like to go to uni and I wouldn't be like well I didn't go so you don't need to, uni will always be the first path they should head to until they decide otherwise for themselves just like it was for me! Never think that there is only one way to get where you want to be in life or that there is a set timeline to do so... there is always more than one way to make a mai-tai and it is ALWAYS 5 o'clock somewhere x

Hayl xo

You can also find me on

Facebook| Twitter| Instagram

I Can Drive?!

First of all, let me take you back to just over 2 years ago, I was 20, working in a busy town with fantastic transport links that dropped me as close as a 5 minute walk away from my office and was able to spend my wages on whatever I wanted. I had no real reason to be driving and had little to no desire to begin either. Flash forward to when I started my job in a small village and things became extremely different! Not only are the transport links between where I live and where I work quite poor, they're slow and expensive! where I was paying £7.00 per week for a train ticket, I began paying £95.00 per month for a bus ticket, a huuuge contrast. Throw in a bus that only runs every hour and is quite often late and you'll get an extremely fed up Hayley! After a year of working at my current job, I finally gained enough courage to get behind the wheel and learn to drive and after a few weeks of learning, I wondered why I'd never wanted to start! 

All in all, it took me around a year to pass my test, I reckon this is partly because I put off doing my theory test for a long time out of fear that I'd fail. I started lessons around the end of September and then passed my test just two weeks ago on the 25th of October. I was surprisingly lucky on both occasions and passed both of my tests first time which was so so unexpected, I didn't feel at all like I knew enough to pass the theory and I certainly didn't feel prepared to pass the practical test. 

The weekend after the weekend that I passed, I went down to my local Citroen dealership and bought my first car, I got a C1 Elle in nude and I'm completely obsessed! The car is on Citroen's Simply Drive package where you get the car, insurance, road tax, roadside assistance and servicing for one monthly price which is a LOT cheaper than any prices I found when getting quotes for other separate cars. The car insured with a telematics scheme because I'm a brand new driver and 22 I only installed the device yesterday and have been obsessively checking my score after each journey since! so far I'm not doing too bad but it is put together over an average based on ALL journeys so I'm hoping I can keep the good driving up! 

Getting in a car on your own for the first time is weird and definitely takes a lot of getting used to but I'm starting to get used to it now and the first day I must've stalled 200 times while getting used to my car and driving to and from work was crazy but I'm definitely getting used to it now.  

Hayl xo

You can also find me on

Facebook| Tumblr| Twitter| Instagram

Hospital Appointments and HRT

Since the last (only) time I wrote about my Turners Syndrome a lot has happened, I still don't know too much in terms of it's effects on me but the check ups and treatments are well underway so I just thought I would go over that here for anyone that may want to know the kind of tests/check up us turners ladies have.

Medication

There are only 2 types of medication that I take currently

• 3 vitamin D supplements in a high strength in the morning. These are due to a deficiency in Vitamin D which has affected my bone health. I was diagnosed with osteopenia meaning I have weak bones but not so weak that they would break with ease just through a fall etc. 
• 3 oestrogen tablets (ethinylestradiol) on a night. This is my hormone replacement therapy which is standard for girls with turners syndrome as well as lots of other women that have issues with their hormone regulation. This currently is purely oestrogen for now until my doctor sees fit to transfer me to the combined pill with progesterone in.

Tests/Screening

As you can imagine, I've been subjected to a lot of prodding and probing in the past year and a bit just to make sure I'm in tip top shape. Some of the tests I have had done are:

• Enumerable blood tests to diagnose any deficiency or abnormality in the blood. As mentioned above the only deficiency right now is Vitamin D however in my last set of tests, my ferritin levels came back as low so my doctor has decided if they are any lower by my next appointment, I will be put onto supplements for that too.  
• A Dexa scan to check my bone density levels - this was the test that discovered my osteopenia.
• An MRI scan for my uterus to see what shape it was in, this came back normal
• A healthy heart test to ensure my heart was working as it should be - this was just an ECG which came back fine
• A cardiac ultrasound - this was just to see what my heart actually looked like and to make sure there were no problems with my aortic valve - weirdly, this was my favourite of all the tests as I got to see my heart on the screen in the same way an expectant parent see's their child both are fascinating to see.

I can't actually think of any other tests I've done but aside from that I have regular check ups at the hospital to discuss my general well-being, plans for parenthood and my extremely terrible food habits (I always get a telling off about that last one)

In general, I'm very happy with my progress since diagnosis both personal and physical, a lot of things have begun to make sense, I joined the UK Turners Syndrome Support Society and often interact with the other TS ladies and parents which is always helpful and full of support where needed. 

Thanks for reading, 

Hayl xo

You can also find me on

Facebook| Tumblr| Twitter| Instagram

My stay at Wynyard Hall

Back in April (I drafted a lot of posts ready to come back!), I went with two of my friends to stay at Wynyard Hall and have some time at their spa. If you've not heard of it, Wynyard Hall is a beautiful country hotel in (would you believe...) Wynyard in Teesside.

So, on arrival, we were greeted at the welcome desk, given our key and taken to our room, we were staying in the Mount Stewart Suite which is one of their junior suites to fit up to 4 people. Our room had a nice view of the front of the grounds as it was just above the entrance to the hall. The room was gorgeous sadly I didn't take any photo's to upload, it had 1 double bed and a double sofa bed too. Also in the room was the standard tea and coffee provisions (complementary) and an array of bathroom goodies to sample too. there was also a tv and dvd player which was handy as we had wanted to watch a film whilst we got ready for the night. I took a handful of DVD's although they did have a their own library that you could loan from should you have wished to do so.

On the night, we decided we would go to a local pub for tea called The Stables. The food was to die for and the portions were HUGE! We got potato skins as a starter and the waiter recommended we get 2 between the 3 of us rather than each get 1 and even then I don't think we ate it all! I then got a trusty Chicken Parmesan 'Parmo' for my main, it came with chips but they were about an inch thick and wide again it's safe to say, I did not finish that! We were all far too stuffed for dessert so we went into the bar for drinks. The atmosphere was lovely and we had a fantastic night (and of course it wouldn't be a trip to any pub without me leaving v. tipsy).

The next morning, we went down for breakfast at around 8am and each got a full english as well as a few bits from the continental spread they had. Once full, we then headed to the spa. None of us really fancied an actual treatment so we just spent our time trying out all of the facilities - the hot tub being the clear winner for us all I believe!

Overall, it was a lovely stay and I'd love to do it all over again

Hayl xo

You can also find me on

Facebook| Tumblr| Twitter| Instagram

Baking With Hayl - Tanya Burr's Lemon Drizzle Loaf

Last year, I bought Tanya Burr's - Tanya Bakes, in an effort to bake more and I'll not lie - it was a while before I put it to good use! My absolute favourite recipe from the book would be the lemon drizzle loaf, it's just so quick and easy to prepare and tastes absolutely amazing! It's a huge hit at the office too, especially with my boss!

For the cake:

• 3 eggs
• 170g self-raising flour
• 170g caster sugar
• 170g butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• zest of 2 lemons*

For the icing:

• 150g icing sugar
• juice of 2 lemons*

*Through trial and error, I've found its a lot better to use 2 smaller sized lemons, I once used 2 larger lemons and there was far too much juice to icing sugar ratio making it slightly too tangy for my liking - if you prefer the tangy taste just do what you think but I definitely prefer using the smaller lemons.

Lets bake!

Pre-heat your oven to 180℃. Mix the eggs, flour, sugar, butter, baking powder and the zest of two lemons into a big mixing bowl. line your baking tin with a bit of butter or use a non-stick baking tin and pour mixture in. Bake for 35-45 minutes - the cooking time depends on the size of the tin and your oven. To check your cake is ready, slide a knife into the centre and if it comes out clean, it is ready to come out of the oven.

Mix together the icing sugar and juice of the two lemons to make the drizzle. Stir it together - it should be quite quite a watery consistency. While your cake is still hot, poke it all over with a skewer or sharp knife and then pour over the drizzle so it can soak in.

Hayl xo

You can also find me on

Facebook| Tumblr| Twitter| Instagram

Guess Who's Back - Back again...

Hiiiyaaa... it's been a while, no? Well it would seem that we have a lot of catching up to do then ey? Since the last post, all I've thought when it comes to blogging is, what is there to follow a post like that? Where do I go from there? The answer, as it would seem, is wherever the hell I want and since I've had such a long break in between what I'd classify as 'proper blogging' as in me having a schedule etc. I thought I really can write anything, if there is ever a time to give my blog a new feel it would be now hence the new theme. 

So now for where am I going with my blog? 

Pretty much as I used to - I'm gonna write what I feel like writing but this time, I'm going to do it better! this means that If I want to write a beauty post about a facemask I'm loving... I'm gunna! If I've been binge watching a show on Netflix and I think you'll love it - I'll let ya know!

I really want to give the whole blog thing a go one more time and if it goes back to square one, I'll pack in (maybe) and just forget about writing all together but for now, I constantly think about how I can come back to the blog and what I can write that will make me happy and what better to make me happy than whatever I want?

Thanks for reading possibly my rambliest post ever! 


Hayl xo

You can also find me on

Facebook| Tumblr| Twitter| Instagram

Why are you so little Hayley?

Before anyone reads any further I would just like to say that in no way do I write this to gain sympathy, there are people that have life way worse who are deserving of sympathy and while it's nice to know people care, I really don't need it, I've had my time and I'm slowly coming to grips with everything. I've been in 2 minds as to whether I should post this at all, I hate when people put their entire lives everywhere for people to see because personally, I don't need everybody else to care as I have all the people I could possibly need. I'm purely intending to raise a little bit of awareness.
Here goes...
Growing up, I'd always been a bit behind the rest in the growth department, you could say a head and shoulders behind.. badum chhh! Until late last year, I'd never had a factual explanation as to why I was short, I used to think it was because I'd been premature or because I have Italian genes on my biological dads side neither were right of course. Another thing that was odd was that I hadn't started my period at all. When all of my friends had and I hadn't I demanded to go to the doctors which my mum refused because (and quite rightly so) I was only 14 and there was still plenty of time, then when I was nearly 16 I went to the doctors to see if they had any answers but they just told me to return when  was 16. I naively thought things would start on their own which they didn't so when I was 17 I went back and had some blood tests and was sent off for an ultrasound which I didn't follow up because I was terrified at the thought of having a physical examination so I just left it. Last year in march time, after a lot of nagging from my mum, I went back to the doctors and was sent back to the hospital for more blood tests and the physical examination I was so terrified about which if anything was just mortifying and had been nothing to worry about what so ever! I then had another blood test which was sent off for karyotyping to look at my chromosomes and whatnot. 
Finally after all of my procrastination, in September, I was diagnosed with Turners Syndrome which is a genetic defect that happens to around 1 in every 2,000 women, there's no known cause and the best was to describe it is like a little hiccup as my genes were forming. There are two types Classic, where an x chromosome is damaged or missing in every cell and Mosaic where the chromosome is missing or damaged in every other cell, I have mosaic which I believe means my case isn't so bad which I imagine is why it took so long to be known as I've only suffered with some of the symptoms and the rest I'll be tested on in the next couple of months. I still don't know the ins and outs too well as I've only had one hospital appointment since my diagnosis however this is what I know up to now. According to the mayo clinic website, these are the known screening stages/symptoms of Turner Syndrome:
Before birth

• Large fluid collection on the back of the neck or other abnormal fluid collections

• Heart abnormalities

• Abnormal kidneys

At birth or during infancy

• Wide or web like neck

• Receding or small lower jaw

• HHigh, narrow roof of the mouth (palate)

• Low-set ears

• Low hairline at the back of the head

• Broad chest 

• Short fingers and toes

• Arms that turn outward at the elbows

• Fingernails and toenails that are narrow and turned upward

• Swelling of the hands and feet, especially at birth

• Slightly smaller than average height at birth

• Delayed growth

In older girls, teens and young women

• No growth spurts at expected times in childhood

• Short stature, with an adult height of about 8 inches (20 centimeters) less than might be expected for a female member of her family

• Learning disabilities, particularly with learning that involves spatial concepts or math, though intelligence is usually normal

• Difficulty in social situations, such as problems understanding other people's emotions or reactions

• Failure to begin sexual changes expected during puberty — due to ovarian failure that may have occurred by birth or gradually during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood

• Sexual development that "stalls" during teenage years

• Early end to menstrual cycles not due to pregnancy

• For most women with Turner syndrome, inability to conceive a child without fertility treatment

I don't believe this list is exhaustive but this is what is known so far. Of course as I've explained, I've only ever suffered with my height and the fact I've not had a period (supposedly, I have a webbed neck too but I think the nurse was chatting rubbish quite frankly) and I'll be screened for any of the others such as heart and liver function in the coming months. Oh and as my height goes, can we just discuss the fact that I am taller than the average girl with turners... that's right I, hayley louisa elliott, who is 4"11... am TALL for a girl with turners syndrome without growth hormone therapy!

When I first read the letter I got in the post, I cried my eyes out, I think I cried for a good hour. I've always thought about my future and it always included me being a mum and although it isn't out of the question, it's going to be so complicated, while spontaneous pregnancy is more likely in mosaic turners syndrome, it's not 100% and there would still be a lot of risk factors as well as the chance of not carrying to term. I just hope that the man I end up with will have the patience of a saint cause he'll need it just to handle me, never mind when it comes to starting a family with me. 

I think the biggest thing to come out of the diagnosis was the relief I felt, just to have an answer! While it wasn't the one I'd hoped for, I'm happy to know what's been going on. Because it's genetic, there is no cure just a treatment. I'll go through Hormone replacement therapy which will supply me with the hormones I've been missing and I think I'll go for various checkups to make sure everything is as it should be and to make sure that I've not developed any of the symptoms above. 

I would just like to thank the people who have known as long as I have and have been supportive throughout, you know who you are and you've been my absolute rocks! I don't think I'd have handled this as well as I have up to now without having such amazing people around me. Also, if I didn't tell you personally but could've (if you're family or friends) please don't take it personally if this is how you're now finding out, I wanted as few people as possible to know until I knew enough and had been able to process everything because there's nothing worse than people asking questions about things when you don't have a clue. 

I'd like to round this up Aesops Fable style with a few morals to learn from my post. 
1. Always be your own advocate, if you feel something is wrong with yourself, push to find out, until you know for certain, don't always take a doctors word for gospel. 
2. do not procrastinate when it comes to your health, while I was hindered by doctors at first, I should've gone back when I was meant to, things would've been a lot easier I'm sure.

 I've thought about posting this for a while and I decided that now would be a great time as it is actually turners syndrome awareness month, if you do want to know more have a look at:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/turner-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20032572

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Turners-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

tss.org.uk

Or of course if you'd like to ask me then that's okay too

I'm sure these websites will offer a lot more comprehensive information than I could right now but hopefully I will know a lot more about myself what everything means for me as time goes on! In the meantime, rest assured that I am happy, healthy and still the exact same Hayley that I've always been, I still laugh and talk way too much, I still make terrible jokes and I still love a good tipple (or topple.. am I right though.. I'm right!) basically, I'm like a cocktail you've always loved just with an ingredient you didn't know was in it... is that a good analogy? :')

thanks again,

Hayl xo

You can also find me on

Facebook| Tumblr| Twitter| Instagram