Wednesday, 30 May 2018

THANK YOU UNIVERISTY





To those of you even considering going to university, I would highly recommend it. Like with any decision in your life, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. One being, that you’re doing it for yourself, and because YOU want to go, and that you’re not only going because you feel pressured by whoever it may be – family, friends, boyfriends etc. Secondly, don’t feel as though because you say yes to university you can’t ‘un-yes’ it. University isn’t for everyone. There’s the distance, home sickness, independence, debt, and there’s A LOT of work. If you feel as though it’s not for you, you don’t have to live out the three years, simply drop the course and take another direction in life. However, amongst the few negatives that university offers, there’s a whole lot of positives that I’m forever grateful for.

It may sound cheesy, and cliché, but I truly discovered more about myself in the three years of university than I have during my whole life. Living away from my parents, not having my mum to cook and clean for me, or to have my dad to help with car troubles or anything else that may have suddenly broke, forced me into becoming an adult. You may cook for yourself now, or know how to change your own car tire without your parents, you may not even have parents to rely on, and therefore think I’m silly for having needing them for those simple things once upon a time. Even I look back at my lack of independence and think it’s a little ridiculous how much I relied on them – especially at a time when I thought I was very independent.

You don’t realise how much you rely on your family, especially your parents, when you’re faced to do the cooking, cleaning, laundry, travel and take care of your finances. Even balancing deadlines with part-time jobs on top of all this new found adult life proved difficult. But after six months or so, I soon got into the swing of things! And whilst it was a reality check, I wouldn’t change it for the world! I absolutely loved being in control of my daily schedule, having my own apartment and doing my weekly shop.

I learnt a whole load of life lessons by going to university that they can’t teach you in school. How to pay bills, what taxes are, budgeting -  you name it - I learnt it.

Another great thing I learnt was who I am as a person, and this was reflected in the friends I made. Before University, I was on medication for anxiety. I was the most anxious I had ever been, and the thought of going to a new place and trying to make friends killed me inside. I couldn’t think of anything worse. What if they didn’t like me? What if we didn’t have anything to talk about? What if I’m too loud or too quiet? What if they don’t understand my sense of humour? All these questions left me panicking. However, I can honestly say. If there’s one thing you should go to university for (besides the degree and independence of course!) it’s the friendships, you’ll make.

That being said, I just wanted to say a special thanks to a few special people who I met through-out University; and my experience wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Charlie & Sanne

I remember moving in on that very first day, and both your lovely faces were so welcoming! Both of you made me feel at ease and that I had nothing to worry about. Charlie, I loved singing McFly and Busted and let’s face it, all those terrible songs on your playlists in the kitchen. You were the only student that could afford to shop at Waitrose and have a three courses meal every night for dinner, oh and let’s not forget the glass of wine to wash it all down! You truly brought class to the table. And Sanne, thank you for being the best next door neighbour, and discussing cheesy Netflix programs with me every morning! Thank you for welcoming myself and Ryan into your lovely home in Holland, it’s a holiday I’ll never forget! To you both - my first year wouldn’t have been the same without you guys!


Chloe, Linh & Tom

Words can’t describe how incredibly lucky I am to have met you guys. We all gelled so well together. Living in that flat will forever hold some of the dearest memories in my heart!

Chloe, thank you for always believing in me. Making me lists and keeping me calm around deadlines. Thanks for the sleepovers when my window whistled at night. Thanks for all the late nights watching Once and 100. Thanks for all of the hospital trips. Thanks for the drunken kisses and midnight noodles. Thanks for all the Disney drawings and cleaning days. Thanks for the cheesy playlists and terrible harmonies. Thank you for all the heads up and rings of fire. Thanks for all the pink-panthers. Thanks for all the Facetimes. Thanks for the country walks. Thank you for the trips away. Thank you for putting out my hair when it was on fire.

Linh, thank you for always being there for me, no matter what time of day. Thanks for being my nocturnal buddie. Thanks for being the Nicki to my Ariana. Thanks for all the day time naps. Thanks to all of the beer pongs and drinking games. Thanks for all the late nights watching horror films. Thanks for all the drunken cuddles and heart to hearts. Thanks for reading all my writing. Thanks for all the make-up sessions before we went out. Thanks for letting me wear your wardrobe. Thanks for all the truths and dares. Thanks for all the candles. Thanks for making me feel better about online shopping because you’re just as bad. Thank you for the trips away. Thank you for opening the door when my hair was on fire.

Tom, thank you for putting up with me and my moods. Thank you for making me laugh when I needed it most. Thank you for all the late nights watching Hell’s Kitchen and Blue Planet. Thanks for all the toast and jam. Thanks for the midnight kitchen chats. Thanks for the summer BBQ’s. Thanks for the horrible metal music and band tees. Thanks for all the puns. Thanks for knowing every friends reference. Thanks for knowing all the Gavin and Stacey one’s too. Thanks for all the Sweet Caroline’s and Mr Brightside’s. Thanks for the trips away. Thanks for not getting with my cousin… Thanks for laughing when my hair was on fire.  

Kevin & Ellora

Honestly, how would I have made it through this course without you guys?

Kevin, you and your love for drag race gives me life. Thank you for being my little Troye Sivan. Thank you for teaching me about America, and letting me into your life. I’m sure in generations to come, kids will be studying your poetry. Thanks for all the bitching about life, and the love for Disney. Thanks for joining in when I talk like Miranda. Thanks for all the voice notes. I love you.

Ellie, you honestly have no idea how beautiful you are, inside and out. Your kindness and willingness to help others oozes out of you – and I do not deserve you as a friend. Thanks for all the bibliography help. Thanks for keeping me calm around deadlines. Thanks for all the words with friends. Thanks for all the subways. Thanks for all the musicals. Thanks for Hey Violet and Riverdale. I love you.

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Monday, 21 May 2018

BLONDE FOR SUMMER

Who knew the sun was coming back?! 

Just like me, I'm sure you thought our British summer was over, right? Are you just as surprised to see the sun making an appearance as I am? Here's a super simple but cute outfit for you to rock in the sunshine that still remains! Pair a white bodysuit with high-waisted mom jeans for a totes adorable look. Adding a headscarf adds a pop of colour! Accessorise with shiny trainers, a bulky belt and a small side bag. 





Photography by Becky as always, unless stated otherwise! 

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Monday, 17 July 2017

BOOK REVIEW


SAFE HAVEN
A must read over summer.

A must read book for this summer is, ‘Safe Haven’ by the one and only Nicholas Sparks. If you’re looking for the ultimate romance author, look no further. Safe Haven however has more to offer than your average love story. Sparks surprisingly introduces a darker side to this novel which I think will intrigue readers. Full of plot twists and mystery this book is a hard one to put down; making it an easy read round the pool.

Katie is on the run, and after a long journey she finally stops off at a little seaside town of Southport in North Carolina. The location is pretty, the people seem friendly, so she decides to stay. After landing a job as a waitress and buying a little house in the woodlands, things appear to be looking up. Katie is also pleasantly surprised to discover she has a neighbor named ‘Jo’ and the pair become great friends.

The character of widowed father Alex is soon introduced, as well as his adorable young children, Josh and Kristen. Katie and Kristen share a beautiful friendship after meeting at the local store where Kristen helps out her father while he works. After losing his wife to cancer two years ago it’s safe to say Alex has had a troubled past himself; which Katie can relate to. Alex soon plucks up the courage to ask Katie out on a date. Before you know it, an alluring romance is born, that will melt your hearts.

While the sun shines and waves crash in Southport. Back in Katie’s original home town a police officer named Kevin is on the lookout for her, doing anything in his power to find her. Kevin has demons of his own, suffering with a major alcohol problem. All he wants to do is find her, but are all of his intentions as innocent as they appear to be?

Alex understands that Katie is gradually letting her guard down, although he can’t help but feel as though she is hiding secrets from him. If their relationship is to move any further Katie can’t hide the truth any longer. When Alex discovers Katie’s real name is Erin, her heart breaking background is unraveled. The truth about Katie’s distressing background only brings the couple closer together.

One evening when Katie is looking after the children, Josh and Kristen, at Alex’s house, a deliberate fire is started; in the hopes that Alex and Katie will both die. Scared and panicked Katie saves the children from the flames. However, the children’s only memories of their beloved mother is burnt to the ground. Who is to blame for this intentional fire? Perhaps Katie’s past has come back to haunt her.

There is no doubt that the ending of this book will have you gasping ‘no way!’. This romance novel with a thriller element to it is a must read. If you’re a little skeptical of Sparks’ book’s and feel as though they’re a little too ‘soppy’, give this one a go; you won’t be disappointed.
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Tuesday, 21 March 2017

STEP INTO SPRING

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MARCH LOOK BOOK PART 3/4
What better way to step into spring with these gorgeous blood orange heels? Wearing colourful heels is a great way to embrace the sunshine. I’ve paired my strappy heels with a classic denim skirt and off the shoulder white top! Sometimes less is more!











TOP:  ORIGINAL TOPSHOP - DUPE HERE
SHOES: MISSGUIDED
CHOKER: ASOS
BELT: ASOS


Photography by Becky Alice-Louise 

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