looking glass girl

Fudge

2011-07-25T21:44:00.000+01:00

Yesterday my beloved cat, Fudge, died. I am distraught. She was so lovely, so friendly and so loyal. Her character shone through in everything and that is what I'll miss the most about her. That and the mass of fur she left everywhere; on the sofa, on my bed, on my clothes. I joked that Fudge had travelled everywhere that I had, since even whilst on my month's travels, I had still managed to find her fur on my clothes. I'll miss that.
Yet, she died in the most peaceful way imaginable, by falling asleep. She didn't go away to die; she came home. She was the best cat I could have asked for. Her loyalty to me was her greatest strength and I know that she truly loved me, and I her.

Whitesands Bay

2011-07-12T15:25:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I count myself really lucky to be living in Wales, close to the sea. This past weekend was one of those times. It is not far at all to get to my nearest beach and, in fact, there are quite a few to choose from.
My Summer holiday this year was a venture to Whitesands Bay, near St Davids (the smallest city in the country), a mere two hour drive from home. However, the atmosphere in this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire is always so very different and even though it isn't too far from home, it almost feels like you're in another country.
Though we only went for two nights, it is always nice to get away and we spent our time eating lots of food, exploring the cathedral and the city, sunbathing on the beach, reading, strolling along the beach at nightime and generally relaxing.
And the camping? It was fun, even though one night I woke up so, so cold. I suppose that's Britain for you though.

Flowers in my hair

2011-07-08T11:50:00.023+01:00

The dress that I'm wearing in the above photo is from good old H&M and only cost me £7.99. What a bargain! H&M only recently opened in my local town and I am pleased to say that I have had my fair share of looking around it already. I'm making up for not living anywhere near a Topshop/Primark/H&M throughout my teenage years.
This salmony-pink cotton dress was one of my first purchases there and is so simple that it can be paired with anything. Plus, as it's such a good piece of clothing, I have indeed been in to H&M once again and bought the same dress in navy blue.
My days have been busy lately, but today I am enjoying a luxurious day completely to myself. Tomorrow, I am going camping in a beautiful location. Though I'm a bit wary of the weather (it's raining outside as I type), I am sure that it will be an interesting experience nonetheless.

Loveliness

2011-06-28T10:55:00.010+01:00

Wallpaper Rose is a website that steals my heart. Having raved to everyone I know about the wonderful Jen tee I bought from them them a while ago now (blogged about here), I stumbled upon their blog the other day which is one I will be adding to my ever-growing list of blogs.

In other news, I've realised that this blog is becoming less of a style blog (was it ever?) and drifting more and more towards inspiration-based posts. Although I've always been one for inspiration blogging, I've resolved to change this slightly, for the time being, and go out there today and take some photos of all the new things that I've bought. When I start my course in September, we are required to start our own niche blog with a distinct theme and lately I've been wondering about the theme of mine. It seems to me that if I am to carry on with this blog for the purpose of the course (I plan on carrying it on regardless), then I am going to have to find my voice. What are your thoughts on this?

Talking of the course, it is all getting very exciting right now. I have found my house, am about to sign the contract and will hopefully be living with other Journalism students. We are all getting to know each other right now via facebook and the time, I'm sure,will go very quickly.

Fishtail braids

2011-06-12T10:55:00.000+01:00

(All images from Weheartit- I am so going to try number three)

Lately, I've fallen in love with fishtail braids. It's just a pity that I can't successfully create one on my own hair. I mean, the results are ok, but my hair is so naturally thick that it doesn't really look the way I imagine it to and bits keep falling out.
I had my hair cut last week. I'm not entirely happy with it though. The fringe is too short and I swear the hairdresser didn't cut one piece, because it's definitely longer than the rest of my hair. Have any of you ever experienced anything like this?
I'm so excited for Summer holiday plans, because I'm going camping no less than twice (and possibly a third time too). Having not been camping since I was a child, I reckon one evening this week I may end up having a camp-out in my back garden, as a practice run.

Time off always flies

2011-06-05T13:45:00.002+01:00

I've had a busy week, one way and another. Having booked some time off from work to get housing for the course sorted and attending the wonderful Hay Festival, I've also been catching up with old friends and generally having a lot of fun.
Last weekend, I spent some time painting part of my house, which is now looking a whole lot fresher. On Monday, I went to the festival to see Lynn Barber interviewing India Knight and ambled around the festival site and town a bit.
Thursday was spent perusing possible places to live for September and generally walking the length of the city to see them. I'm still not sure whether to settle for a room that I saw, which was cheap and adequate, or to keep looking. The reason I'm mulling this over is because there's this house-hunting event in August, where potential postgraduate students get to meet each other and have the chance to search for houses together. I think that this might be better for getting to know people, making friends and living with people I might actually want to live with. However, I am quite anxious to get a room sorted and I did quite like the first room that I saw, the one that is liveable, but not perfect. However, it is affordable and that is important to my budget for next year.
Then yesterday, we ventured up to Hay again and it was amazing. I saw an event called 'Women in Journalism' where a panel of women gave their views on the industry and why it was dominated by men. Very insightful, to say the least.
And today. Today is a day of relaxation, before I finally go back to work next week.

Lazy days always make me smile

2011-05-18T13:10:00.003+01:00

(All images courtesy of weheartit)

I'm having a lazy day today. Sometimes your body just needs to relax and take it easy for a while. These images are perfect for portraying the laziest of days, when all you want to do is to curl up in bed, with a good book or a comforting dvd.

Books and things

2011-05-11T21:20:00.000+01:00

The literature geek in me has just squealed in excitement at this website: http://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/. Can you believe it? A whole site devoted to gifts to buy for readers and writers, including clocks made out of novels, jewellery made out of words, as well as the more traditional book journals.
Some of my favourites (I say some because I literally want everything on this site) are these beauties:

1. The Emma Secret box (here)

2. The Mills and Boon confetti (here)

3. Gift Tags (here)

4. The Virginia Woolf pin (here)

5. The "She is too fond of books" tote bag (here)

6. The "Go away, I'm ~~writing~~ editing" mug (here)

7. The "If found" notebook (here)

I know what this month's pay will be spent on.

It's Friday!

2011-05-06T18:40:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of Lauren once again.

1. What I love most about my home is... The location. I live in a truly beautiful place.

2. I'm excited because... I'm starting my dream course in September.

3. My preferred method for blowing off steam when I'm frustrated is... I'm very much a "fight or flight" person. I either shout or walk away.

4. Currently I'm craving... The delicious looking vegetarian cottage pie in front of me.

5. The thing I love most about my Mum is... That I can talk to her about anything at all and she wouldn't judge.

6. If I was going to write a book about my life, the title would be... "Always dreaming, yet to achieve", or something like that, because I seem to have lots of dreams and seem to feel stuck at the moment.

7. If I were to eat one thing for the rest of eternity it would be... Cheese!

Let's start this again, shall we...

2011-05-05T15:16:00.000+01:00

I seem to take so many photos of flowers. I think that this is a result of where I work. The workplace which is depressing me now and is the place I least want to be. Though come September I am moving. I got myself a place on the Journalism course I wanted. I'll finally be able to learn the skills I have been wanting to learn for ages and build up a list of contacts and experiences to start a career. The one word that I wanted to scream out when I read the email was: Yesssssssssssssssssssss! I am so happy and proud of myself, but it is an expensive course and I cannot jump for joy until I know that I will be able to afford it. I'm a worrier.
Yet, I am so excited to move somewhere new and I am going to embrace this new challenge. I will officially be able to call myself a Trainee Journalist and focus on the kind of writing and features that I want to write about.
Last post I wrote about itchy feet and now things are changing. My feet seem even itchier now though because I'm just eager to start.

Beside the sea

2011-03-29T21:15:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I spent the day at my Grandmother's and we went out for a long lunch, to the national library and to visit some relatives. It was a nice day out and I took some lovely photos.

Apologies for the long hiatus once again, but I had some deadlines which couldn't be avoided and my life just got crazily hectic all of a sudden.

However, the deadlines will lead to some very exciting opportunities for me and in some ways my life seems full of these opportunities.

On the other hand, though, there's this constant niggling feeling of escape in the back of my mind lately. I'm not really enjoying my job at the moment. I just think that it's time my itchy feet and I started a new challenge.

Is this the better way to spend the day?

2011-03-05T15:00:00.014Z

Sometimes a walk is all you need to clear your head.
The other day, instead of just jumping in my car like I usually do, I walked to town. I went to get things for baking and to vote in the important Welsh referendum, but walking instead of driving enlightened things for me.
I was able to take in every view, every scene, play with my camera, listen to music and generally just take my time.
I think you miss that sense of ambling when you stop walking and taking public transport. I had the chance to remember what it was like, to daydream like I used to, when I could take time to think about things and use my creativity.
Then, yesterday, I went for another walk. This time I really looked at the colours of plants and things and played with my ipod camera a lot. Again, I felt awakened by the beauty outside.
So, what I say to you is the next time you need to go on a short journey, don't take the car, walk instead. You'll notice more and feel better for it.

Blank Friday

2011-03-04T13:05:00.000Z

Haven't done this in a while.
1. The phrase or punctuation that I overuse most is...
"No worries." I say it ALL the time.
2. Today I am thankful for...
Sunshine and a day off.
3. My best friend is...
Always there to give me advice. I can talk to her about anything.
4. A quirky thing about me is...
I HATE mushrooms. Enough said.
5. This weekend I...
Am going to relax, bake some shortbread, go to work on Sunday and hang out with my friend on Sunday evening.
6. Something that worries me is...
Money.
7. On my night stand you would find...
My lamp, my ipod dock, emollient cream, a photo frame snowglobe, an itunes voucher, a mirror, a dirty mug, a receipt with coffee stains on and a menu for Frankie and Benny's.

Just Smile..

2011-02-27T15:06:00.000Z

Sometimes there are things in life that seem like they are kicking you while you're down.

Sometimes it seems incredibly difficult to get where you want in life.

Sometimes you are left wondering why it is that you are being walked all over.

Believe me, I have felt like this many times this week. I have even written an angsty blog post about it all, which I may or may not post (probably not, because when things are fresh, they always seem worse).
For all of you who are feeling like this today, just take a minute to smile. Things will get better. They always do!

(The picture is of my cat)

Unicorn/Dream issue 5

2011-02-24T13:25:00.001Z

This has taken a while to post, but I am happy to let you know that my first interviews as a writer for Unicorn/Dream magazine have been published.
Here is the link to check out the issue. I wrote the Flickr and Etsy features, on pages 32 and 88. I was given the chance to interview the lovely Snaphappyraa and also the wonderful Amanda Whitelaw about what inspires them and generally just delve into their lives. I really love the process of interviewing people. I guess it's because I'm nosy.
Anyway, take a look at the magazine as well as the Flickr and Etsy links and, hopefully, this is only the beginning of a beautiful collaboration between myself and Unicorn/Dream.
The reason my posting is so late is because of doing my applications for the course in Journalism that I applied to last year. I guess I've been so stressed out lately with trying to complete it, but now that it's in the post, I can relax.
I also wanted to blog about Sarah's giveaway, so head over to her blog before the 28th February and find out how you can win some great things.

The Jen tee

2011-02-13T10:26:00.001Z

Although I am technically on a spending ban this month (and probably next month too at this rate), I found the most delightful t-shirt online here. It's called the Jen tee and doesn't cost too much, therefore all the better for my miniscule budget. I suggest you get yourselves one if you too adore Peter Pan collars.

I went out for cocktails Friday night, which was lovely. It's nice sometimes to be able to just let your hair down sometimes and have a little fun.
Now, I'm planning on spending my Sunday relaxing, going for a little walk and writing a blog post for my place of work. There is something special about a day off, one which is truly yours.

Save your Library!

2011-02-05T10:54:00.000Z

Hey guys,

This is just a quick request for you UK based people to go and save your local library today. It's just literally a case of setting foot inside your local library and taking a book out. Now, come on, surely we can all find some time to do that today. If you don't have a library card, now is the time to go out there and get one.

For me, personally, libraries were a sanctuary after school, where my Mum would leave me lurking by the teenage books while she went off and looked at her own books.

It was where I discovered so many of the books that made my teenage life and now the government are thinking of taking away this free resource that helps encourage everyone to read.

Please help this cause. It will take ten minutes out of your day.

Thanks.

Blank Friday

2011-02-04T10:56:00.003Z

Courtesy of Lauren once again. The theme is Magazines this week. Can you believe it? It's like it's screaming out for me to do it! So, here goes...

1. If I could only read one magazine publication for the rest of eternity, I would choose...
A very, very hard question. Although I'd love to say Lula, I need articles to read, so probably Elle or Oh Comely.

2. If I were to run my own magazine it would be...
A mixture of cultural things that interest me. Fashion, literature, travel, with reviews of places to see and things to do.

3. I buy my magazines (at the grocery check stand or via subscription)...

Usually in shops, but my lovely Mum gave me a subscription to Oh Comely magazine at Christmas.

4. I prefer my magazines (in print or online)...

Both. I like to read magazines while relaxing, which you can never quite do on a computer screen. However, I am all for the branching out of magazines online, as I think that that's the natural progression of the media. Plus, it gives us all the chance to read worldwide magazines which might not be available to us otherwise.

If this question were to ask me how I prefer my news intake, then I actually read the news online a lot more than I buy a newspaper or watch it on TV.

5. The number of magazines I buy each month is...

Less than I used to. I used to buy Elle religiously and Lula every six months, as well as Nylon sometimes. Ever since Borders closed though, I have to travel further to get Lula or an international magazine, so I just tend to stick to what WH Smiths has to offer. However, I do read Oh Comely bi-monthly and I also read a lot of magazines online.

6. My favorite magazine genre is (lifestyle, gossip, home, etc...)

Mostly fashion-based, though I secretly devour home style magazines and I like to dream about future holiday/travelling plans with a travel magazine or the travel section of The Guardian.

7. The magazines I read regularly are...

Oh Comely, Cellardoor, Unicorn/Dream, Elle, Brikolage.

There you go, my magazine dreams. I've loved the theme this week.

Snaps

2011-01-30T11:50:00.001Z

I've been playing around with the lomolomo app lately and, oh my, it is amazing. How have I never discovered this before?

Bad news about my Diana. I finally got the film back and it must have been too dark to take photos, because only two came out. So, the lomolomo will help me practise what I want from my lomo pictures and then I can take them using my Diana.

Do you ever get those days where everything seems to go wrong? This week, that's how I've been feeling, but I'm feeling more positive now. I just need to push myself harder sometimes, but it's not something that you want to do when your confidence takes a knock. Though it's somehow all the more important then.

Today's plans are to relax, catch up on some Friends episodes, perhaps bake a little and embrace the outside with a walk or something. Do you guys have any nice Sunday plans?

I've been tagged...

2011-01-20T12:39:00.006Z

By the lovely Kat. So, here goes....

1. What is your dream job?

To be the editor of my own magazine, focusing on fashion, culture and the arts.

2. What is your favourite fragrance for winter?

To be honest, I just stick to Body Shop's cheap versions for everyday. Other than those, though, I quite like Miss Dior Cherie.

3. How do you take your tea/coffee?

I don't drink tea. I like my coffee weak. At Starbucks, I go for the Caramel Machiatto; at Costa, a latte with a flavouring, usually caramel or gingerbread.

4. What is your most important beauty secret?

To cleanse, tone and moisturise. I always know when I haven't.

5. If you had an all-expenses paid vacation anywhere, where would you go?

I would go travelling again. I'd definitely head back to Florence and see Tuscany as well, maybe a bit more of southern France, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Basically, I'd go to anywhere I'd like to tick off my list.

6. If a genie popped up in your lap right now and offered you three wishes, what would they be?

1. Health and happiness

2. A dream job, with enough money to keep me and my family secure

3. To have my writing be in demand

7. If you could only have breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert foods for the rest of your life, which would you pick?

I would love to choose dessert, but I don't think that's practical, plus I think I'd get sick of eating puddings constantly, so I'd choose dinner. That way, you could choose from many different foods. I don't think I'd ever be able to give up eating out.

8. If you were Hello Kitty, what colour hair bow would you wear?

Purple.

9. What is your biggest make-up pet peeve?

Not washing make-up off in the evening and waking up with it streaming down your face (Yes, I do this too).

10. If you could wear only one piece of jewellery for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My typewriter necklace. It's a constant reminder of my want to be a writer.

11. What one talent do you wish you had?

The talent to play the violin. I secretly love folk music and hearing a violin played in a pub.

12. Which product will you continue to purchase?

I'm very fussy with shampoo, though I always alternate between brands. I do, however, keep coming back to John Frieda's Frizz Ease.

13. If you could look into the future, would you? And what would you want to know?

I wouldn't want to know, because it would spoil the present and ruin your dreams.

14. Who is your biggest celebrity crush? Include pictures

Hmmm, I've always had a crush on Richard Armitage, ever since Robin Hood.

15. What made you start a blog?

I wanted to write about my life when I was away at University, going through some stuff. I always admired the fashion blogs I read and wanted to emulate them, so I decided to start my own and see where it would lead.

Now, I'm going to tag:

Sarah

Betsey

S. Ellen

All photos from Weheartit.

In the Pink

2011-01-18T17:20:00.005Z

I got myself a new dress. Isn't it absolutely perfect, with its Peter Pan collar and the essence of Alice in Wonderland?

I'm feeling quite excited about career stuff lately. I'm trying to put my all into writing and just hoping it'll work out.

Lately, I've been lusting after satchels once again. Yes, I know I already have a perfectly functioning one, but I want a smaller one in brown (gosh, how shallow am I?).

Anyway, Urban Outfitters have plenty for me to choose from, as do Topshop. However, not being able to save, I am attempting (I use the word loosely) a spending ban in February. I've decided that it will not include spending money on food and coffee, because surely a social life is good for the soul. Anyone want to join me?

How are you all doing with your resolutions? Mine are going ok, but there's still some way to go. Well, we are only in January, after all.

My new baby

2011-01-11T12:05:00.003Z

This is my wonderful new Diana camera. Isn't it so pretty?

I have sent the film off to be developed finally, so I'm just waiting to see the fruits of my efforts.

Today, I have plans to go to Costa once again. I think I have an addiction to their coffee and black forest cupcakes (have you tried them?!) and to get my hair cut. For now, though, I'm drinking yet another coffee and eating last night's homemade carrot cake. It was my first effort at a carrot cake and I found the wonderful recipe from here. The icing is divine, since it contains cream cheese and oranges, so I literally piled it on my cake. I'm fussy like that, though. I must have enough of a ratio between icing and sponge, otherwise the sponge feels too dry. Just another of my weird food habits.

Blank Friday

2011-01-07T21:49:00.006Z

1. Winter is... comforting, cosy and cold.

2. Summer is... beautiful and bright.

3. If it were summer instead of winter right now I'd... go on lots of day trips, go to the beach, hang out with friends.

4. My favorite thing to do in winter is... to sit in front of a warm fire, reading a book, or watching a dvd.

5. My favourite thing to do in summer is... to go for a long walk in the evening.

6. The ideal outfit for a sunny summer day is... a dress (or a t-shirt and skirt), a cardigan and comfy, slip-on shoes.

7. The ideal outfit for a frigid winter day is... a jumper, a beret, a warm scarf and gloves and a thick pair of socks.

From here.
I'm still keeping up with the resolutions, slowly. Looking back at what I wrote, number three seems a bit adventurous, but however, it's never to late to learn to play an instrument.
I will post soon, but for now this will have to do, as I'm so beyond tired right now that I can't think straight.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

2011-01-04T10:16:00.001Z

(Here)

The title of this blog post is my motto for the year. In all honesty, I've been adhering to it for quite a while, but I want to draw upon it more this year.
I hope you've all had a wonderful new year. Mine was fun. Now, I have lots of plans and I hope I can achieve some of them, if not all.
My resolutions are as follows:
1. To go out of my comfort zone more often.
2. To work hard at my career and get something else published.
3. To learn the violin.
4. To complete my learning of British Sign Language and Teeline Shorthand.
I have chosen some lovely images from Weheartit again, but I do aim to take some more pictures. Before Christmas, I bought myself a new memory card and my present to myself was a beautiful Diana Dreamer Camera, so I'm learning to use that and experimenting with using film, which I've never used before. So, I'm a bit apprehensive until I see the results of the film.

Happy New Year guys xxxx

Narnia

2010-12-30T19:48:00.003Z

This is what where I live looked like earlier this month. It was truly beautiful, but I'm glad it's gone now, simply for the fact that the snow isn't restricting us anymore. I had an enjoyable Christmas and most of my parcels came on time, for which I was very glad. I hope you all had a good time too.
I have also been very productive today and I go back to work tomorrow, to earn some proper money.
Have any of you watched the wonderful TV that's been on over Christmas? My favourites included Upstairs, Downstairs, Come Fly With Me, Just William and Doctor Who, of course.
I've also had some lovely presents, including many books, so I literally have a list as long as my arm, which is how I like it.
Now I just need to make some resolutions.

Have a happy Christmas.

2010-12-23T17:49:00.001Z

(Here)

The snow is still here and my Christmas holidays have started early. That doesn't mean that I have plenty of free time though. I'm trying to push myself to work hard on articles and things so that I have a head start.
Christmas is just around the corner and I'm just hoping that my parcels arrive on time. I have actually bought myself a little something, which arrived yesterday (thank you Urban Outfitters), so I'll put that under the tree until Christmas day.
My plans for the holidays are lots of coffee times, eating my body weight in Quality Street and junk food, having a lovely Vegetarian Christmas lunch, boxing day drinks, visiting my Uncles and Aunts, visiting my Dad and Grandmother and falling asleep to Christmassy films,
Currently, I'm listening to Sufjan Stevens' Christmas album on Spotify. I love listening to the lesser known Christmas songs, or carols that have a little something different. Check it out if you like that sort of music too.
Have a happy Christmas x

Christmas Wishes.

2010-12-17T14:59:00.004Z

These please?
All from Urban Outfitters.

Blizzards

2010-12-17T09:50:00.002Z

There is currently a small snow flurry outside, which has prevented me from going to work, so it looks like we may have a white Christmas, which will be quite fun, except for the fact that I have done NO Christmas shopping whatsoever. That includes food and a Christmas tree too. Uh oh! So, anyway, in the spirit of Christmas, here's my attempt at Fill-in-the-blanks Friday, courtesy of The Little Things we Do:

1. Giving is... Better than receiving, in my opinion. I love seeing people's faces when you give them something that they want and the fun of choosing something especially for them.

2. Receiving is... Also wonderful, especially when the present is a complete surprise, or something you want, but never realised, or something that's completely 'you'.

3. The best gift I ever received was... My cat, who I had when I was 11.

4. The best gift I ever gave was... I don't know. I have fun buying them all. This year's present to my family is extra special.

5. Something intangible that I wish I could receive is... Patience.

6. Something intangible that I wish I could give is... The belief that everyone is equal. It's something that I think everyone should adhere to.

7. The one gift I always wanted as a child, but never got was... A proper, old-fashioned, dolls house. I still want one, to this day. It would be grand and exquisite and have lots of details and accessories.

It's cold outside...

2010-12-05T15:14:00.008Z

... But I've been spending most of my time indoors, drinking copious amounts of coffee, attempting to write articles and discovering new music.

The snow has been falling here over the past week and a half, so it's starting to feel like Christmas. I don't get excited about Christmas too early, but it is getting closer and closer. Last night, I went out for my first Christmas meal of the season and tonight I'm going out for another one.

I feel like a shopping trip soon. I think I'll try and get up to London in the new year, if I don't make it before Christmas. I might even get to Cardiff pretty soon. They've just opened an Urban Outfitters there, which I'm very excited for.

I've got a plan, I've got an atlas in my hands....

2010-12-02T09:53:00.007Z

I feel the pull to have an adventure constantly. I feel it more than I ever did when I was younger. I guess that's what comes of moving back home after a couple of years of living away. I really felt the need to move back when I did, in fact that's partly why I started a blog, to document my experiences, though now I'm older, I feel that there are things that I haven't done yet, that people who are younger than me have already experienced.
I am also in a really strange predicament, boy-wise. Trust me when I say that this never happens to me, but everyone seems to be offering advice, which is not always a good thing. I think I need to follow my heart.
The title of my post comes from this beautiful song, which I found via a blog, so I'm just passing on the love to you all.
Today has been a day of trying to write articles to send off to various magazines and basically just trying to do research for them. I've also just been for a walk and tonight I plan to relax in front of the tv, with a warm mug of hot chocolate.
Thank you all for the comments on my previous post. Education is an important issue in today's economy and I just feel so sorry for all those out there who won't have the same opportunity as I have had. It's a truly sad time for some.

Education Woes

2010-11-22T12:05:00.008Z

(Here)

My week has consisted of working quite a bit, catching up with work friends, finishing a really good novel, treating myself to a little something, lounging about and watching dvds.

I've been thinking more about life for graduates these days. I'm a graduate of English Literature, which can be quite a vague degree to have, though on the other hand, it could take me into many careers. I graduated two years ago now and, for a while I didn't know what to do with my English degree. (I've known from the age of fifteen that I wanted to write, but narrowing it down has been the problem). Firstly, I went travelling and then concentrated on earning some money, so I didn't put too much pressure on myself, because I was enjoying the break. Now, though, I've figured out that I want to be a Magazine Journalist and it seems that it's all about experience. I'm catching up slowly, because, whilst at Uni, I wasn't really interested in writing for the student paper, except for attending one meeting, and I worked in the summers, so I didn't do any relevant work experience either. I guess what I'm getting at is that I'm typical of the graduate who is not in their chosen career, yet there are more and more of us every year, with the build up of about four years (I'm guessing).

So, yes, this situation angers me, because there are people in the world who want to work hard in their chosen career, but it seems to get harder and harder every year.

However, what angers me more is the fact that now students are going to have to pay more than I did to get an education. I guess it will help to clear the backlog, but it will also prevent many people from getting a degree. I also don't think it's fair to penalise the younger generation for the mistakes that have been made with the economy.

This post has become quite opinionated, but I really do care about the state of education in this country. In fact, the first article that I had published was about being a graduate.

What are your opinions on this issue?

Fill in the blanks.

2010-11-14T19:39:00.003Z

(Weheartit)

I found this via Lauren's blog at http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/.

I really like the idea of filling in the blanks and it seems perfect for what I'm looking for at the moment, for the blog.

Go and check out her blog, because she has some great ideas and follow if you want to keep up with all her fill-in-the-blanks.

So, alongside listening to The Smiths and the soundtrack to Les Choristes, here goes.

1. The most spontaneous thing I've ever done was... I'm not spontaneous in the least, so I guess it would have to be when I decided one night, whilst out, to get my nose pierced and the next day, I actually did it.

2. The best gift I've ever received was... I've had lots of lovely presents, such as baking stuff, Cath Kidston stuff, but I guess something simple like a teacup and saucer or a set of plates from the charity shop were one of the best.

3. A time that I was truly and genuinely surprised was... Yesterday, while shopping. Somebody bumped into me and it was a family friend doing it on purpose, but I was so annoyed at the time that someone had bumped into me. Luckily I forgave her when I saw that it was her.

4. I can't leave the house without... A spare pair of shoes.

5. My favourite day of the week is... Sunday, if I'm not working, because it is a day of relaxation and reading the Sunday papers.

6. Something that can always make me laugh is... My cats behaving badly, or when they miaow at the neighbours because they always want food.

7. My perfect day would include... A bit of shopping, a nice lunch or coffee out with friends, then watching a DVD or something.

An Apple a Day

2010-11-05T20:08:00.007Z

Having been interning today, I've had quite a productive day. Being an intern sometimes means that I don't get the writing jobs, but recently I've been in charge of social networking for the magazine, so have set up a twitter and updated the facebook page.
As well as that, I sometimes have to sell advertising. I am not a good seller, but I'm learning and today I was a little more confident and yes, people still said no, but I felt able to ask if I could ring them again. That's a good sign.
Tonight, I've been mainly watching clips of Whose Line is it Anyway. I really love the show and it's great to watch when you want something to laugh at.
As for ideas for this blog, I wrote a list of things I'd like to write about and I'm going to follow it for a while. I think it'll keep me focused on what I want from the blog and that's got to be a positive thing, right? Keep any suggestions of links to blog projects coming. I'd love to have a look at some more.
My next plan is to go out and take a lot more photos. I just love the days where you spend hours ambling around with a camera. I know that's likely to give me some ideas.
Have a great weekend.

The Mean Reds

2010-10-30T10:27:00.007+01:00

This weekend I have the whole two days off. It feels nice. I have been so burnt out lately, working quite a lot and not really resting on my days off. I just can't seem to relax, like I'm always on the move, even when I'm trying to do nothing. I guess I'm just stressed out, but I'm trying to conquer it.
So yes, the weekend is all mine. I don't have any concrete plans, but still, this morning, when all I wanted to do was to catch up on sleep, I managed to wake up at the normal time.
My problem is that I put too much pressure on things; What to write in my blog posts, what to do with my days off etc, when really I should just be doing and not thinking too much.
So, now it's over to you guys. Firstly, do you have any ideas for winding down? I spend far too much time on the internet, but I have no TV at the moment, so I even end up watching dvd's and programmes online. I used to read, but now I can't really do that for long. The same with writing. I think I might try exercising, such as going for a run or a walk. Does this work for any of you?
The second thing is I need a project for my blog. I think this will really help me write more frequently and concentrate. This is what I found online, but if you have any other links like this, then I'd like to have a look.
Finally, this is one of my favourite quotes from Audrey Hepburn, whom I have admired since I was young. I remember buying a card with this quote inside it one day and it's stuck with me ever since.
Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No, the blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak: Sure.
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it, the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away.
Don't you just feel like that sometimes?

Stratford

2010-10-14T11:51:00.005+01:00

First of all, sorry for the long hiatus again. I have been under the weather lately, with a horrible infection in my wisdom tooth.
I just realised that I never posted about my Birthday trip to Stratford.
I had a great time. It really was the break that I needed.
We visited all five Shakespeare properties and we came back via The Cotswolds, where we visited a National Trust property.
We took lots of photos, did lots of walking, drank lots of coffee, ate quite a few cakes and ate our lunch beside the river one day. It was magical.
Isn't it too bad that I feel like I need a holiday once more?
In all honesty, it's taken me a while to write a new blog post. I simply haven't known what to write about. I think I may introduce a theme, a lot of blogs seem to have one, or should I keep it as it is?
I guess I'm just not feeling great lately.
Isn't it great news about the Chilean miners? I've been watching the footage and it really is something worth celebrating.

Ramblings.

2010-09-24T12:59:00.006+01:00

Today marks the start of a new day. I am in the middle of a week long holiday from work and I have not really achieved what I wanted to achieve this week, apart from the lovely holiday I went on and my baking marathon yesterday. However, I have hardly done any writing. This week's plan was to edit the piece I wrote for the blog for my place of work (I am now one of their bloggers), write up my trip to Stratford and write TWO articles to send off to online magazines. This has not happened so far.

Today is the day that I will achieve at least one of these things. From now on, I will try to be more organised with my time; I will try to reply to emails more quickly; I will try to do productive things with my time, rather than spending more time than I'd care to mention on the internet.

The mini-break to Stratford was a wonderful way to escape and to celebrate my birthday. I had a lovely time and I felt that it was well needed. A holiday always does some good, don't you agree?

Things I am dreaming of....

2010-09-20T08:52:00.000+01:00

I do a lot of dreaming. I always have. I like to imagine my future house with rooms that I have decorated, china that I have bought, things that scream "me". In this instance, I am thinking of things I'd like to own, that I can actually imagine myself having and using.

1. A satchel: I'd really like a satchel. I think the vintage feel of it would suit me and I see myself, as a writer and journalist carrying one around with me everywhere.

2. A cake stand: For my abundant lot of cupcakes and the macarons which I will, one day, hopefully master. The prettier the better.

3. A cute plate:

4. A teapot: I don't drink tea, but the thought of a teapot always appeals to me. Who says I can't drink my coffee from it?

5. This cup: Doesn't it look so cute? I would adore this.

My first day as an intern

2010-09-02T18:53:00.007+01:00

Today I started my side job as an assistant to the Editor for a Welsh magazine. It was truly amazing. I love writing and editing articles, I got to speak to a Journalist who works for the magazine and do some research. The Editor is a lovely woman and I know I will enjoy working for her. It is a pity that I can only do one day a week, but it is really all I can commit to at this stage, since I need to earn some money somehow.

I baked blueberry cupcakes the other day. Apparently blueberries are good for giving you that rush of energy or something. I'm on a real health kick lately as well, so they tied in nicely with that (although the cake content did not). I think the influence of watching too much of 'The Great British Bake Off' made me want to bake. Now I want to master macarons. The last time I tried, they didn't turn out so macaron-like.

Anyone else watching the programme? I need to catch up with the third one, which I will tonight. I watched 'E Numbers: An Edible Adventure' too the other day. That didn't thrill me so much, especially with the talk on how they make cochineal food colouring. It definitely doesn't follow my Vegetarian principles.

I cannot believe that it is now September. It feels like Autumn some days and yet I still want to hang on to Summer. I went out into the garden the other day with my copy of Far From the Madding Crowd and lingered in the heat for a while.

White as Diamonds.

2010-08-27T11:33:00.004+01:00

Discovering new music, or music that I've never encountered before is one of my favourite things to do on a day off. Right now, I'm into an eclectic mix of different music: Operator Please, First Aid Kit, Diane Birch, Laura Marling, to name but a few.

Last night I spoke to my friend on the phone, who told me of two other Diane's, Alela Diane and Diane Cluck. Now having listened to these two briefly, I have a slight preference for Alela Diane and her cover of 'White as Diamonds' (Link here). Her enchanting melody feels like it is absorbing me into the scene.

I also have some good news. I am starting work next week for a local magazine. It'll be a mix of writing and editing, some admin work and selling of advertising space. I won't get paid, but I'll still work at the Gardens to fund my lifestyle. Exciting, yes? It's a start in the right direction and I'll be getting some much-needed experience.

So now I'm off to discover new music and maybe do a bit of charity-shopping. Oh, and the photo is because my brother took my beloved geek glasses on a night out, lost them and bought me some more, which are slightly too big for my child sized face. I am saddened by this, although touched by his thoughtfulness.

Greens and Blues

2010-08-11T11:47:00.001+01:00

I had a dream I cut my hair last night. This fringe obsession is getting too much. I think I must take the plunge and do it. It's not that having a fringe is a big deal, but I have never actually had a proper fringe and at the last minute I always chicken out.

Thank you for your encouraging comments. I think the key is not to over-think the blog and not to worry about what you're writing so much.

Saying that, though, this is what I want from my blog:

1. More of my own photos (and not to be too lazy to go out and take them)

2. More writing (maybe some journalistic-style articles)

3. Photos of different locations.

4. More photos of what I wear.

My plans for today include writing up some articles, buying a new mascara and generally chilling out. What are your plans for today?

Lost words.

2010-08-08T20:36:00.006+01:00

(Here)

I know I've been away a while. I really don't know why. I think it must just have been one of those things that happen once in a while. The blog didn't seem such a priority. I will try to rectify that, because I value you reading my blog and I do value having new readers. Besides, having a blog is a way of releasing emotions, like a diary. It IS important and I do want to write frequently.

I guess I'm having a crisis of words, because I want to write something worthwhile, but it doesn't come to me.

I am reading Eclipse right now, in the hope of finishing it before the film finishes in the cinema. My brother is home from South Africa and my sister has been home also lately. I am the only one who really needs to get out into the world now.

I have dreams of new dresses and sewing once again, but maybe I'll be too lazy. Who knows? I have written some drafts of articles to send off, but I need to edit them before I do that.

I am still thinking about fringes. I had a side fringe cut, but it's grown quite a bit and I get envious when I see pictures of celebs and models with blunt, thick ones. Diane Birch has one of the best I've seen. I'm tempted to try, to see if I can pull it off. Hmmm....

So, that's about it.

Thoughts.

2010-06-15T08:21:00.002+01:00

(not mine)

A blog should be a kind of diary, revealing your innermost thoughts. Don't you think? I keep a diary also, one for my personal feelings, but this is more public, more open to other people's views and criticisms.

Life doesn't go your way sometimes. I feel so stuck, so in a rut. I need to get out. I really feel like escaping. For that reason, I cannot write very much. I don't feel inspired. I should be writing though, letting out my feelings, not keeping them in.

I really want a new hairstyle, for a start. My long hair just seems so plain and boring now. Here it is, for you to see. Suggestions please? I'm thinking either a blunt fringe, or a side sweeping one, getting lots of layers to thin it out and a change of colour.

I really hope I am able to write more legibly soon and actually make more sense. I see many blogs that really make an impression on the blogging world and I want to be one of them!

Novels are a girl's best friend.

2010-05-25T20:20:00.003+01:00

(A few stills from the BBC version of Sense and Sensibility)

I am a literature girl at heart. I love delving into a book and not coming out until I've finished. There's something about classics that really get to me. The other day I re-watched Pride and Prejudice (the Keira Knightley version) and found myself wanting to be part of their world once again. The first time I read the novel was equally as special, in A Level English Lit, when I first met Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. This was the first time I encountered Jane Austen's writing as well. It was in University that I next encountered the brilliant world Austen creates once again, through Northanger Abbey, and this time I found myself empathising with Catherine's crazy imaginings.

I have also watched adaptations of Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park and Persuasion that ITV1 showed a few years ago, as well as the BBC's recent adaptation of Emma (although I never got around to finishing that, as Emma quite annoyed me by the end, though I have seen the 1996 film).

It seems, therefore, that we all have an obsession with Jane Austen, with the many recent adaptations.

The novel I consider my favourite, however, is Sense and Sensibility. The first time I read this book through was before and during the time I went travelling. It has special associations for me and I simply love the story. I was in a nostalgic mood the other night and so I began re-watching the TV adaptation. It constantly occurs to me every time I watch the programmes how much I imagine myself as Elinor or Marianne. I'm more of an Elinor, with a slight pinch of Marianne's romantic ideals.

So, there you go, a few of my literary passions.

Minus one tooth

2010-05-19T17:57:00.003+01:00

So, I changed my blog header. It just felt like time, you know. The photo was taken by a friend whose photography skills are amazing.
I've had a tooth out today, so I'm just planning on relaxing for the rest of the day, eating soup and catching up on Glee and Parenthood. Also, I've got rather a lot of catching up to do for 90210, but sometimes that show is like Marmite. It's either enjoyable or it annoys me.

Random things have been occupying my mind lately, like Facebook groups such as this one or this. I guess it's showing me that the people of this world can do nice things occasionally. It restores the belief in humanity.

I'm still trying to figure out my path in life. I know what I want, so there's a start. Not getting into Cardiff has obviously thrown my plan, but there's still hope and I am trying to look at the positives.

My friends and I really want to go to a festival this summer. The only plausible ideas I've had so far are Secret Garden Party and Vintage at Goodwood. Beach Break Live is happening near me, so that's always a possibility, but the idea of something a bit different really appeals to me. Failing that, we'll go on a road trip somewhere and camp out. I recently found a great article on The Guardian which praised smaller campsites and got me thinking.

Tonight's post is really random, but that's how I think lately.

Lusting after....

2010-05-11T19:35:00.006+01:00

Topshop has a new range of make-up (I was told of this courtesy of my adorable sister, who rang me to let me know). I am greatly, greatly excited by this, though I have no money to buy anything, but isn't it all so beautiful.

This is what I really want. I will however settle for this, this, this, this and this. Don't they remind you of 6os Mary Quant or 90s Miss Selfridge (not that I ever experienced the first and neither was I was old enough to appreciate the latter)?

Time to run away...

2010-04-27T21:17:00.004+01:00

Sometimes you open yourself up like a flower and it all seems so pointless.

Life is hard for graduates these days, I reckon. I found out that I haven't got onto a placement for a Press Assistant that I so badly wanted. Neither did I get into Kingston Uni. I'm not so gutted about that, because Cardiff is my first choice, but I doubt I've got in there either, because they haven't contacted me. Literally every job I went for was closed to me (I've given up for the moment) and now, if Uni and placements aren't happening, what does that mean for me? A minimum wage job until the economy is better? It's so disheartening. I really don't mean to moan, but sometimes you just can't help yourself, you know? You give so much of yourself and nothing is rewarded.

I heard about someone in London who put on a sandwich board and literally tried to get a job by advertising himself. What is this world coming to? I really want to get on in life, but every year a new set of graduates overtakes me and I am left behind. Well, that's how it feels anyway...

(All images taken from Weheartit- The last one I found by accident)

On my travels.

2010-04-23T13:14:00.000+01:00

It was exactly a year ago that I set off on my travels around Europe. It feels like so long ago, yet so near also. It makes me feel quite sad to know that a whole year has passed.

Travelling was something I really enjoyed. It took me out of my comfort zone, but in a good way. The places I went to really inspired me and their beauty made the trip worthwhile. It was a way to blow off steam and have a bit of fun, which doesn't happen all that much, plus I also got to see countries I'd never been to before, such as Italy and Switzerland.

I really would like to go travelling again, to see other places, or to travel back to the places I loved, such as Florence and Paris. It is something I've thought of again recently, but with plans to become a Journalist, I think it has to wait for a while. That's ok though, because I have new plans now and those are just as exciting as travelling. I may even get to be a foreign correspondent or a travel writer at some point.

When the first sign of summer comes, the beach calls.

2010-04-10T20:05:00.001+01:00

My friends and I headed off to the beach on Wednesday, which is almost the only thing you can do on a sunny day if you have a day off and live quite close to one. We chose a typical tourist place and parked the car, headed into town for some lunch and went for a walk on the sand. The weather stayed beautiful and it was quite warm, so we sat for a while, cloud-watching and catching up. The best thing was that it was a genuine rare moment for the three of us to be together at the same time, what with full time jobs and the final year of my friend's degree, so it was quite special.

Later, we went back into town for an ice-cream and ventured home, where we played our own mixed-up version of pictionary for hours.

I can't wait for summer to come, when every day off will be filled with summertime adventures, where we'll go the beach countless times, go on day trips, picnics and drive for hours with music blaring out of the car. Summer evenings will be filled with walks and barbecues and reading novels in the garden and a blowout holiday which is still in the planning.

Things that matter.

2010-04-03T10:18:00.000+01:00

Wow, it's been a while since my last post. I think I'm slipping into my old habits. I'm not sure whether I mentioned it, but I have finished my job and started the new one a few days ago. It seems that that is quite an important fact and one I kept moaning about, so yeah, I'm finally free of that horrible workplace. I still work in the same place overall, but I don't work in the restaurant any more and that is an amazing feeling.

Last weekend I went to Kingston, for the Journalism interview. I don't want to be negative, but I don't think it went as well as it could have. That was partly my own fault, because I'd resigned myself to the fact that it was a back-up option and didn't give it the full treatment it deserved, by not swotting up on news issues and not really trying my hardest.

So, yes, I'm quite annoyed with myself, but things will work out. After all, everything happens for a reason, as cheesy as that sounds.

Kingston was lovely though, a place I could really imagine myself living. The Uni was a typical University and reminded me of Worcester, which was strange cause it really made me feel at home. It all depends on the result of the interview, but now I feel like my mind's shifted again (which it has seemed to do a lot lately).

Starting the new job meant that I didn't have any money to go to Oxford Street or anywhere else, but it's all ok, because I still had a good time.

So, today I have a day off and I plan to spend it with my sister, who's home for the weekend.

Oh weheartit, I've missed you.

2010-03-20T08:18:00.000Z

I feel like I've been away from Weheartit for a long time. I have expressed my love for the website for a very long while now and each time I go on there, about a hundred new images catch my eye.

Here are some of my current faves:

Currently Coveting..

2010-03-17T19:24:00.003Z

The vintage chestnut brown satchel from here. I love classic shoes and bags. They somehow make an outfit all the more vintage looking. It even fits a laptop, though the one I have in mind if I had the money to replace my current one is so tiny it would probably fit in a handbag.
I had a lovely day today, reminiscing. I have finally given up on the novel I've been trying to get into for the last three months, The Bronte's went to Woolworths, in favour of one I picked up in a charity shop today, The Land Girls, thus re-igniting my passion for literature set in the wartime. I suppose it goes with the classic bag and the brogues that I wore today really.
I'm keeping to my more frequent blogging attempt at the moment. Let's hope it lasts.

Mumbles at sea.

2010-03-16T17:53:00.006Z

The Mother and I are going out on a day trip tomorrow. It's a sort of delayed Mother's Day treat, where I treat her to lunch.

The Best Friend is coming back at the weekend, after two months. Yey!!! She is bringing me my discounted Liberty fabrics.

The Sister is coming back the weekend after too, for her birthday. Another yey!

Lots of things are happening.

Oooh and this is on the way to me. It's a notebook based on a Penguin book I had when I was little. I couldn't resist.

I am still trying to sort out the job down in the ticket office. It's annoying that my current bosses don't want me to move, so I'm trying to fight for the job.

The photos are from the day that I went to the Vintage Fashion Fair. Afterwards we went along the sea, in Mumbles, and I got the chance to wear my Topshop dress.

So I am going to try to write my blog more often. It seems to be at the back of my mind lately, not intentionally, but I seem to be very busy and preoccupied with other things. All being well, this will soon change.

The caged bird.

2010-03-02T20:06:00.000Z

The free bird leaps

on the back of the win

and floats downstream

till the current ends

and dips his wings

in the orange sun rays

and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks

down his narrow cage

can seldom see through

his bars of rage

his wings are clipped and

his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings

with fearful trill

of the things unknown

but longed for still

and is tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze

an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees

and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn

and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird

sings of freedom.

(I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou)

I watched The Secret Life of Bees the other night. It is a wonderful film, yet ever so sad. It made me think of Maya Angelou and how in school we read part of her autobiography. It's lovely to think what my English teacher opened my eyes to, in regard to things happening in the world. I recently saw her in town and got all nervous speaking to her. I couldn't tell her that I had a passion for literature because of her, so instead I mumbled something about wanting to get into Journalism and went away.

I've sorted out some shifts in another department at work, so hopefully I'll have another job soon. I feel like I need a good holiday. I'm trying to organise something for the summer, kind of a girly, relaxing adventure. I just have to tell my boss that I'm leaving now.

Busy times ahead...

2010-02-18T21:36:00.005Z

I've returned from the big city with not one, but three, purchases. Oops! The first is a nautical jumper which I have longed for since my travels in Paris last April. The second is a pair of mini hair crimpers from Topshop and the third, and almost the best, is a pair of beautiful, purple brogue heels from Clarks, which I got on sale. I had a great time with my sister and my best friend and I got to explore the parts of the city which I may be living in soon.

So, I went up there for an exam and interview for a short course in Journalism. In fact, during my interview, when I was asked whether I'd had anything published/what experience did I have, I was able to say I had a blog. They liked that and said it was very modern.

I found out on Tuesday that I'd got in, after gaining a high pass in the exam. I'm so happy, but I'm still applying for Kingston and Cardiff for the full course, as I want to keep my options open at the moment.

I have to finish my applications asap, as the deadlines are fast approaching.

I have also applied for a new job in another area of my workplace. I don't know whether I will get it, because my boss doesn't really want to move me, but I am keen to get out and trying to be forthright in getting the job. The job is more suited to my degree and out of the main area where I work, so I will feel much happier there, I'm sure. It's not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction.

So, I'd like to draw your attention to a lovely blog to check out: http://www.puddlegum.no/. She wrote me the loveliest comment and I'd like to return the favour. She likes books and her blog is ever so pretty.

Another one, for your interest, is my sister's: http://superfluouseleri.blogspot.com/. She has started to blog again and I think she is a funny writer, so I urge you to check her out.

Pink cakes.

2010-02-08T14:59:00.004Z

Some cupcakes I made the other day, from the essential Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook. I used my new plates to display them, a lovely Christmas present from my Mum.
I'm trying to get things organised today; applications for Uni, brushing up on grammar and punctuation, composing personal statements and searching for internships and jobs. Life seems a bit stressful, but I'm sure I'll get there.
This weekend I'll be in London, visiting my friend and sister, and I may just allow myself one purchase. It'll be hard to keep to just one though, most likely to be spent in Urban Outfitters.
Until then, though, I have to work.
For the rest of today, I'm going to watch some more shows. I've finally finished Glee and I have Skins to catch up with now.

Blue nails

2010-02-01T18:30:00.001Z

(Weheartit)

Sorry for all the negativity in the last post. I just feel that sometimes it creeps into what I write and what I do, but I am trying to stay positive and not worry too much.
Today was a day of painting my nails blue, having a long soak in the bath, compiling a list of magazines and newspapers in London to email, searching for jobs, thinking about a friend who is having a hard time, watching snow from my kitchen window, eating creme eggs, writing, listening to music, watching the first episode of the new series of Skins and generally relaxing.
I will start taking some of my own photos again soon. My camera literally drains batteries lately.
The party on Saturday was great. I knew I wouldn't know that many people there, but I just kind of threw myself into the situation, because I hate being that shy person who finds it awkward to talk to people. My friend is also glowing with happiness. I think engagement suits her.
Incidentally, my nails are pretty much the same colour blue as above. Don't you just love it?

New Experiences.

2010-01-28T20:36:00.000Z

(All images from Weheartit)

Something exciting may be coming my way, hopefully.

These days it is so hard to get a decent job with not much experience that many people have to opt for unpaid internships, for months upon months. Then you have to allow for rent, travel, food and bills expenses, ll to be paid for with savings. Don't get me wrong, it opens up doors and gives you amazing experiences, but it's all a little unappreciated, except by yourself, of course. It would be nice for internships to be paid. After all, I figured my days of slaving were over.

Gah! I need to get out of my job. It's negativity is creeping into my character, my world and I don't like it. It feels like it's changing me and I'm holding on so tightly to myself, who I am outside of the job. I'm in a rut and I need to get out of it.

So, on Saturday night, I'm going to an old friend's birthday/engagement party. It's lovely to be invited. Though it's so strange to me that this girl I've known since I was eight, who is the same age as me, is engaged, suddenly to embark upon a new life. Wow! I'm trying to convince another friend to come too, so it will be a kind of reunion.

Other than that, I am still planning for the Journalism course, applying for new jobs and wishing for more money to buy pretty things.

An Education

2010-01-22T13:54:00.005Z

(Images found via Google Images)

With a great cast, a Nick Hornby screenplay, pretty dresses, memoirs of the sixties and a bad boy, how could you not want to watch this film?

The Rise of a King and the Fall of a Queen

2010-01-13T15:22:00.003Z

(All photos found on Lookbook)

I've been baking again today, using the new electric whisk that I bought yesterday. I'm so pleased with it. It seems silly to get excited about such a trivial object, but I am. I have been coveting many, many beautiful items of clothing online recently. The ASOS sale and Topshop are my worst enemies right now. I particularly want a leather jacket and a pair of Dr Martens, which is strange, because usually I am a flowery and pretty dresses kind of girl. However, I am looking forward to making my outfits more edgy with the addition of a jacket or a pair of clumpy boots. The above pictures are my inspiration.

Another music love of mine at the moment is Marina and the Diamonds and the song Seventeen. It's just one of those songs you can listen to over and over again.

Much love monday project

2010-01-07T17:41:00.005Z

Anna from Much Love has created a photography project, so here's my heart photo. I'm currently loving Fireflies and Vanilla Twilight by Owl City. The songs are so mellow and perfect for my mood at the moment.

There is still snow here, so I will have had a week off work if I go back in on the weekend. It's not so good for the bank balance and the saving but it's certainly been pushing me to do some thinking and researching into my future. So, I have decided to apply to do a Masters in Journalism, which I had thought about previously, but I have learnt that some courses offer NCTJ exams, which is the qualification Editors look for when they are hiring. As well as applying to do a Masters, I am also going to apply to do the short course for just the NCTJ certificate. I am keeping my options open, because I know that it will be expensive either way. With the Masters, I may have to pay for the course fees and have to work a part time job on top, whereas with the short course there's no chance to have a job, but I may get a fund to help me out with the fees. So, I need to save, save, save. I'm excited, but I need to decide and apply.

A few pictures from my day

2010-01-03T12:50:00.005Z

A walk in the park,
Baking cupcakes,
Homemade pizza,
Cuddles with my cat.

(These were all taken from my phone, so please excuse the bad quality)

This is how I spent my day yesterday. The snow came out in force and we were snowed in, so I took advantage by going for a walk and doing some baking. Also, I am really getting into Greek lately. I have only watched two episodes so far, but I always seem to catch on to a TV show really late, or one that doesn't show in the UK. If you have any ideas for any great TV shows, please let me know, because I love to discover new programmes. Now, I'm going to watch episode three.

Resolutions.

2009-12-31T21:08:00.000Z

(Images found on Weheartit)

A new year, a new start. Having finally conquered my repeated new years resolution which was to stop biting my nails, my first resolution for 2010 is to stop swearing. My Grandfather apparently used to say to my Mum that if you had to swear, it meant you didn't have any better words to use, so I'm using that as my new years mantra and am, therefore, elaborating my vocabulary.

The other resolution is to stop worrying so much, because sometimes I feel like I am such a hypochondriac that I worry about everything.

Tonight is a chilled out evening in front of the TV, with a takeaway. I am working tomorrow and don't want to feel rough in work.

Happy New Year!

Pumps and dresses

2009-12-11T11:19:00.006Z

Isn't it exciting that Christmas is almost upon us? My prezzie buying is going alright, but I still have a few things to get. I found a skirt yesterday, in a charity shop, for £2.45, which I am going to alter into a high-waisted skirt. It's such a beautiful fabric that I'm not sure whether to keep it for myself or give it away as a present. I'm thinking of going to Swansea today to get a few things. The other day I went to Borders, which will be closing soon, and picked up a lovely cookbook for a bargain. It was so sad to see the shelves emptying and the many sale items. I will be sad to see it go.
The problem with shopping for other people is that you always seem to find things for yourself as well. In my case, a lovely pair of purple pumps (1,2) in Dorothy Perkins (actually the ones I saw were slightly different- just plain purple suede). Also catching my eye are these dresses (1,2) from Topshop, but I cannot decide on a colour. There was also a skirt there the other day, which is not usually my style, but it's girlyness struck me as wonderful and, although it's sold out online, it may still be in the shop. Wish me luck!

My new boots

2009-12-06T21:12:00.001Z

Ok, technically they're shoe-boots, but aren't they lovely? The only thing is, they're slightly too big. It's always awkward buying shoes for myself, because I'm a six and a half and my size varies in different shops, so I'm never sure whether to go for a six or a seven. I erred on the side of caution with these, as I bought them online, but now I'm not so sure. I'm scared that my feet will look like I'm wearing clown shoes.
I'm listening to Sufjan Stevens's christmas album currently on Spotify. It's amazing and so refreshing to hear the same, recognisable songs sung a different way. Check it out.
This is a really nonsensical post. I'm not feeling particularly inspirational at the moment. Work is getting me down as usual and I just need a new challenge.

More wonderfulness

2009-12-01T12:47:00.004Z

(Pictures from Weheartit)

One day I will upload the photos from last week, but for now, here's some wonderfulness from Weheartit. Everytime I go onto this website, I end up hearting pages upon pages of beautiful images. I wish I were as talented as any of the photographers who take the photos, but I'm not, so instead I have to dream about the beauty of the images and pin them on my wall, taking inspiration.
Also, I was very sad to hear last week that Borders stores in the UK are in administration and will probably close. I have heard that our local store is definitely closing and feel a sense of nostalgia and sadness at the thought that we will not be able to pick up or books and magazines and then sit upstairs with a nice cup of Caramel Macchiato. Where else will I pick up my obscure magazines and my copy of Lula? Click here for info. So yes, another end of an era.

Pink nails and a new dress

2009-11-24T17:21:00.000Z

I have bought myself a new dress with barely any money in my account. But hey, life is about the finer things sometimes, right?
I am going to Bristol tomorrow, for my sister's graduation and I am so proud of her. I won't get to see her in the actual ceremony though, sadly, as there aren't enough tickets.
The dress was bought in Dorothy Perkins and was in the petite section. I have never been a petite in my life, but sometimes their dresses still fit. I haven't actually tried it on yet so I must do that now.
Instead, I have been painting my nails and lounging about in a hoodie and leggings and doing not-so-fun things like washing. I am also planning what to do for the next few days. Catching up with friends is likely, but trying to organise that takes a lot of time.

Interning

2009-11-19T20:39:00.002Z

I have so much catching up to do with your blogs and comments, but I will. Next week, I have a week's holidays. I cannot wait to say the least. For this week, however, I have been doing a placement with the local paper to gain some experience and it has been thrilling and really insightful. I've been writing press releases and event news and yesterday I got to interview a local artist and arrange for her to have a photoshoot. I've learnt a lot over the week so far, but tomorrow's my last day and I'm quite sad that I have to go back to my ordinary job then. I've looked into doing a masters in Journalism, but unfortunately the course fees are ridiculously high and I doubt I'd be able to afford it, but I'd love to do a masters in the future. Hopefully I'll win the lottery in the meantime.

Hot Chocolate and Toffee Apples

2009-11-07T16:32:00.002Z

(All pictures from Weheartit)

I had the brilliant idea of taking my camera and newly charged batteries into town with me, in order to capture the beautiful Autumn day spent having a hot chocolate out, but naturally, my batteries decided to fail on me and so I was unable to take even one picture. So, these beautiful pictures from Weheartit will have to do. Still, it was a beautiful day and I did indeed buy a reduced toffee apple, left over from Guy Fawkes night no doubt.
Tonight is reserved for watching a film, sitting by an open log fire and eating my toffee apple. Bliss!

Goodbye long hair

2009-11-02T17:27:00.000Z

Haha, not really. I just went in for a trim, which resulted in my hair being cut slightly shorter than I'd planned, but nevertheless, it'll grow back and it's still long. I'll show you a picture sometime. These pictures were taken before the cut. Oh, and I bought the coat from Monsoon. I love how it makes me feel, as though wearing it solves all my problems. I think I've always enjoyed shopping. I'm currently looking for some new winter boots. They have to be flat and comfortable, ankle boots, preferably in a brown or black colour. Any ideas? I've thought about these and might possibly go for them, in black, but they only come in a UK size 6 and I'm usually a 6 and a half. Well, we'll see anyway.
Oh yes, and the picture below was taken last Friday night, when myself and a friend went out to a Halloween party, which turned out to be a letdown, so we then went into town. As you can see, I went as a female Superman, not really deciding on anything other than superhero until the night before. The wig was because I was originally going to go as a redheaded character, but I decided to wear it anyway to go with my persona and my friend wore a purple one.

Anyone want to hire me? Anyone at all?

2009-10-21T19:59:00.001+01:00

I am having such a tough time at my job right now. So is everyone else, as another of my colleagues has just found a new job. I am happy for her, but I just wish that was me. I am searching for anything right now and printed many copies of my CV to take into town, but in the end I found out that everywhere is hiring online and so only managed to give out one CV. I keep wondering should I be aiming higher, since I have a degree, or will anything do for now?
Then, I went shopping, where I found a pretty coat, but didn't buy it. I think I may go in on Friday and get it instead. I did buy myself lots of make-up though, because I seemed to run out of everything at exactly the same time.
Tonight is planned out. I am going to be watching last Sunday's Emma and catching up on the latest 90210.

Crunchy leaves

2009-10-16T09:28:00.000+01:00

This time of year reminds me of the time, probably exactly a year ago now, that my Mum and I went out to an Abbey near us and took photos of ourselves crunching amongst the leaves. Then I found out that my memory card had managed to reformat itself and I had lost the photos, without uploading them onto my laptop. There is, however, one photo that my Mum took on her older-than-me camera (I'm always being reminded of this), that remains on our fridge to this day. This is Autumn.
I am working on my future job opportunities right now. I have applied for an internship starting next year and a Graduate Academy, which will involve a course and then a placement which you are paid for. The placement can be undertaken in your current place of work, so I can be paid more for the work I do now.
As well as that, the other night, I applied to be a Research Writer on Gumtree, which is something that you can do alongside your job and I was accepted, given that I write a piece that pleases them. It's only up to £150 a week, I think, but that's still something.
This morning I should be getting ready for work, but alas, I would rather spend my time here with you. Today will be quite sad as it is a colleague's last day and we are going out for goodbye drinks tonight. It seems sad, but I hate it when friends leave work, as it means not seeing them in the same situations again, everyday, as you would have. I must use it as an excuse to get myself out there, though, and explore all these career opportunities.

Taggings.

2009-10-12T10:20:00.000+01:00

I have been tagged by the lovely Becky of Teacups, Teacakes. Thank you. So, here goes.

1. What books are on your favourite shelf?

I love reading, so my all time favourite books are Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (although it did break my heart), Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Atonement by Ian McEwan and The Railway Children by E. Nesbit.
2. What DVDs are on your favourite shelf?

Hmm, I suppose, Pride and Prejudice (the Keira Knightley version), The Duchess, An Affair to Remember and The Chorus.
3. What are your two favourite cookbooks?

The Big Book of Pasta and Delia Smith's Vegetarian Collection.

4. Select 1-3 recipes you will cook for your special guests:

I suppose, if I were to have a dinner party, then I would make a macaroni and three cheeses pasta bake, with a lovely set of cupcakes, in assorted colours, for pudding.

5. What will we be drinking that's available?

Oh, it would have to be cocktails.

Now I tag some new favourites:

Sher
Helena
Sarah

Thank you for all your get well soons. I am feeling much better and will get back to your comments today.

Macaroon love

2009-10-05T12:33:00.000+01:00

(Weheartit, of course)

I'm still feeling rough, but a little better. I just hate being inside when you'd rather be anywhere but your bed. So, I'm going to the doctors today to check myself out and going to dose myself up on flu tablets. I'm just catching up on watching TV shows really and becoming increasingly bored. The picture above just screams love, doesn't it? How I would like a macaroon shaped like a heart.

This October

2009-10-02T13:37:00.003+01:00

I'm wishing for Autumn colours in my wardrobe, a deep purple evening dress, black woolen tights, a new pair of boots, a thick Winter skirt, a new book to immerse myself into, a new and exciting job, a meal out, a shopping adventure, a visit to a dear friend, a homemade dress, a Liberty print diary, a trip to see Fame, a little bit more money, a day trip exploring a new place, some new, undiscovered music, The Hummingbird Bakery cookbook.

So, London and Bath were lovely. They were both distractions from my life at the moment. I am trying to figure out in which direction my life will go next. We explored many areas of London; Greenwich, Notting Hill, Camden and tried to imagine which house we would live in one day. In Notting Hill, we went to the Hummingbird bakery, which produces the most delectable cakes, as shown below. I really want to get the cookbook now, in order to try out the recipe myself.
I am off work ill today. I had to pop out and get some honey and cough sweets earlier and I felt quite excited at not being at work, as though one of my bosses would catch me and accuse me of skiving, even though I would have been holding the cough sweets. This feeling reminds me of staying home from school, when you get all excited because it's a day that you should be doing something else, but your plans have changed. I feel quite rough though, so I am staying in bed, watching silly teen dramas online and reading Vogue and Lula. The cats have been lovingly giving me all their attention though, so all is not bad.

Quintessentially British.

2009-09-22T21:59:00.000+01:00

I'm going to London and Bath for a few days tomorrow, a little birthday treat for myself. I really can't wait. I can't wait to go to Liberty's, Franks, Laduree (possibly), Topshop Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Camden. Then on to Bath, a place heavily associated with Jane Austen (my friend told me it was Jane Austen day the other day and I missed it!), to see the Roman Baths, the pretty Royal crescent and, apparently, Johnny Depp's house! I have told my friend in Bath that I am going to take her shopping and share my expertise (Ha!)
Also, if any of you out there see a new magazine called Blown (I know they should be selling them in Borders in Britain), then have a quick glimpse, because a family friend of mine is the Editor and Founder. Actually, I have asked him if he wants me to do any articles for him and I hope he'll allow me to, but he's a bit scatty and tends to forget (though a lovely guy!)
I finally received my new camera in the post (a Canon Powershot A1100) and have been practising. In the end, I went for a digital rather than a digital SLR, mainly for the price and the fact that I didn't really need a digital SLR.

The pictures above are a few images taken yesterday, with my new camera. We went to this tiny beach in an unoccupied, windy place and it really was beautiful.

I want hair like this....

2009-09-16T21:24:00.001+01:00

Should I go for the chop (and the dye)?

My Lovely Weekend

2009-09-14T18:49:00.001+01:00

(My sister and myself)

I had a lovely weekend. Saturday, I went to a family wedding, which my sister came down especially for. It was so lovely to see my cousins and spend some time with them, catching up and having a little moan about our Aunt. Because it was my Uncle's second wedding, he and his new wife let us have a party and stay in their house overnight, so Sunday morning, we all got up and cleared away, then made a massive amount of toast, tea and coffee and went on our seperate ways. Myself and my family took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to the beach, before dropping off my sister and coming home to sleep.
Unfortunately, being overworked and underpaid recently (these past few weeks and for the next few, I have been expected to work six days a week), the lure of a day off was overwhelmed by a need for my body to rest. So I was not feeling great for most of the weekend, with a weird rash covering my whole body, which was either viral or an allergic reaction to something. As well as that, I was lethargic and just wanted to sleep.
However, I am trying to forget about the nastiness of being overworked and to concentrate on the time I spent enjoying and seeing family members. I do not mean to moan, honestly. It's just that it's all that seems to come out of my mouth at the moment.

My new faves

2009-09-03T19:35:00.000+01:00

I can't seem to find the time to blog these days, though my heart is still in it, I promise. To begin with, I was kindly given this award a while ago, by Inside the Cabinet of Wonder, which I will pass on to these lovely blogs: Pansieberry, Much Love and My Brouhaha.I'm thinking of buying a new camera and I'm unsure whether to go digital SLR or simply a better digital camera. Any thoughts? My friend has a digital SLR and I envy her, though she can't bring it on nights out with her and so, maybe, having a digital camera would be more compact. The main reason is to get myself a better camera to take better pictures, not to delve into photography or anything. Hmmm, it would save the pennies to buy a more compact camera, though I've recently been interested in buying a digital SLR.

My life lately has been made up of (in my spare time) dreaming about one day owning my beetle;

(http://weheartit.com/entry/559836)

Wearing lots of pretty, flowery dresses;

(http://weheartit.com/entry/664372)

Organising my dresses exactly like above, by hanging them on my wall so that I can see them all;

(http://weheartit.com/entry/659539)

Reading The Time Travellers Wife;

(http://weheartit.com/entry/660390)

Spending time dreaming about my future house;

(http://weheartit.com/entry/644516)

Plaiting my hair

(http://weheartit.com/entry/661221)

And lying down with my cat for company.

(http://weheartit.com/entry/624772)

I will get back to your comments and find time to take some pictures soon. It's been too long.

In my garden

2009-08-19T21:42:00.001+01:00

Sorry about the lack of communication. I have been extraordinarily busy, which is good in one way, but not in the way I've wanted. I recently made the decision to try to blog more, but it seems as though I go through stages of blogging quite frequently and then not for a while.
A few days ago, I went into town and bought two novels, something I haven't done in a while. Immediately, it brought me back to one of my favourite feelings, being in a bookshop, with a whole library of novels, plays and poetry books to peruse upon. I need to buy books more often! The two novels I bought were The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and Love All by Elizabeth Jane Howard. If you've never read anything by Elizabeth Jane Howard, you really should. She takes the thirties, middle-class, English country house novel and makes it her own. At least that's what she did in the Cazalet series, those being the four novels of hers I have read.
I started The Time Travellers Wife last night. I knew I'd love it immediately, though I've glanced at it many times before and never bought it. I think it's the tie-in with the film and the fact that I simply cannot wait to see it (it comes out tonight!) that makes me so excited and so, I've done what I often do, bought the novel of the film that I plan to see. I'm not giving myself any deadlines this time though, because the novel is quite long and I cannot wait all that time to watch the film. So, in my head, I am imagining Henry and Clare to be Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, in preparation.
The funny thing is, last week, I actually watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for the first time and found that there are small similarities between the ideas of the stories. I think that once I get into the novel properly and watch the film, these similarities will disappear. I really do recommend reading the novel though. I am a fan of novels over films, but it seems that, this time, the film has actually drawn me to reading the novel.

I miss Paris!

2009-08-05T18:25:00.004+01:00

(I heart Paris top- bought from a stand in Paris, high-waisted skirt- Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop, Tights- Urban Outfitters)

I really do miss Paris. I'm thinking of going there with a few friends to celebrate my birthday this year, but realistically, I don't think it'll happen. The main reason is that we all work in the same place and for at least four of us to take time off toegther is going to be unlikely. I think I may have to bring Paris to Wales instead.
I've decided that I'd like to go to Australia for a while. Not straightaway, but maybe in a few years or something. I have always had a little ticklist in my head of places I want to go to and I sometimes obsess about these places. Often the stories I write are set in those places as well. So yes, Australia is my new place crush. Their beaches seem so beautiful and it always seems to be hot there. I should also admit that my obsession with Australia was first formed when I first watched Neighbours, back in the day. By the way, I think the plan I had for this post went way off topic. Oops!

New obsession: Shoes

2009-07-31T20:06:00.005+01:00

After getting my fill of dresses for a while, with my two new purchases of rose printed dresses, I've now moved onto shoes.
Firstly, a new pair of heels, for those nights when I simply must go out and dazzle everyone with my height and elegance.
These, in particular, take my fancy.
One Two
Next, for that beautiful pair of boots you imagine yourself wearing on those long and cold winter nights, traipsing the shops.
Three Four
(Yes, I know they're very, very similar, but I crave them both so much!)
Finally, for those dance-style shoes you've always wanted, but never had a reason to buy.
Four Five Six
Oh, I love shopping, particularly when you've just been paid. Who cares about saving up when you're desperate for shoes?

Opportunities

2009-07-31T10:16:00.000+01:00

Hello... I'm trying to make myself apply for jobs at the moment. I must, must, must sit down and re-write my CV. The funny thing is, I printed it out the other day, scribbled notes all over it and then lost it. I know it'll turn up soon though, under a mass of papers or a book or somewhere. Tidying up is something else I need to do.
Being a graduate, I am fully aware of feeling the need to get a job suited to my degree and the family pressure on you to get that job, but it's so hard. I look back on my time as a student with envy now and wonder why I ever thought it was a hard life and why I was actually desperate to start working.
Sometimes I wish the perfect job would come my way, without me having to lift a finger, but I know that's never going to happen. I suppose I had the perfect chance to gain some experience with the Florence placement that was scheduled for September, but that fell through, so I'm stuck at my job for now.
However, on a positive note, a video script that I edited for a friend of a friend is being shown at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea for a few weeks. So, that's an amazing opportunity and something I can attach my name to.

The lure of the macaroons

2009-07-15T14:01:00.005+01:00

I had a dream about macaroons last night. They were really big ones, like triple the size of ordinary ones, situated on a counter in my place of work, of all places. I really felt like eating one then, when I woke up. Perhaps this symbolises the fact that my pleasuring experiences, such as my trip to Europe, are taking over my worklife and maybe it is really time to leave. I don't know. I do want to leave, to get another job, one that I'm more suited to, but I haven't found anything yet and to be honest, it's proving harder than I imagined.
I long to go back to Paris, of course. I want to show my sister the sights. I rang her today and she was in work. It really seems as though her new life in London is taking off. I am happy for her, but I miss her. Even though I've literally just been on a month long journey abroad, I feel like I need another holiday, whether it's to London or Paris. Anywhere will do really. I simply feel the need to escape. To eat macaroons.

Flowers and stripes

2009-07-03T11:25:00.003+01:00

I feel like it's been a while since I've done a post on clothes that inspire me. So, here we are, again. It's a shame that I'm totally skint at the moment, otherwise I would buy every one of these beauties. Alas, that is the way life goes.
Firstly, from Modcloth.

Secondly, from ASOS.

Thirdly, from the shop that always gets me, Topshop. (For these, the web link will have to do)
One
Two
Three
I know I have a thing for flowers and sailor stripes, but a woman cannot have enough flowery dresses or skirts. Now, if only I were rich enough to buy all these.

Smiles in the air

2009-06-27T20:19:00.000+01:00

I have the biggest smile on my face today. My day was literally made at work. Tonight, though, I'm going to settle in with a bottle of wine and some chocolate, the perfect companions to a saturday night in. Before that magical moment, my work day was quite monstrous. We had many people in and all seemed to be doing more than our fair share of work. Oh well, I'm not going to complain. This morning, way before work, I was up at around 5 o'clock and saw the beauty of where I live at that time. One day, I'm going to purposely get up at that time and take a sunrise walk. I just think nature is divinely beautiful in the early morning and want to explore it fully. It always seems to me that when one of my cats has snuck in during the night, they always wake me up around that time. So, if it's good enough for them, I shall give it a try.

Part Seven: Paris

2009-06-17T23:04:00.000+01:00

So, for the start and the end of our journey, we went to Paris, mainly because it was easier to get across from the eurostar and stay there for a couple of nights. Paris, towards the end of our journey, was a place to revisit things we'd previously liked. The Sacre Coeur, for example, which was right by our hotel. Having been there at dusk, we now wanted to explore the area at night, so went there a few evenings. They have entertainment outside, so we sat there once just taking in the vibe, while we watched dancers and a footballer do their stuff. Other than that, we went to the Musee d'Orsay, which we missed out last time as well as to the Moulin Rouge.
Then our adventure was over. Though it was sad, it was also nice to go home, especially knowing that we'd achieved something and done it all on our own. I know now, for example, which places I'd like to revisit as well as those I'd like to explore for the first time and those I don't need to go back to.
This is the last post to do with my travels. I will revert back to normality tomorrow or in the next few days, when I have a chance to take some outfit pics. I hope you've enjoyed. I always feel that it's nice to have a little memento of a trip or holiday.

Part Six: Lyon

2009-06-16T12:02:00.000+01:00

Having only stopped off at Lyon on our way back to Paris, we were pleasantly surprised with it and, personally, I would love to go again. I had a pre-judged idea that it would be just like another city, but it was much prettier than I imagined. If only we weren't absolutely shattered after travelling on trains, we would have explored it more. As it was, however pretty it was, we were desperate for a good meal and a decent sleep before the next part of our trip. So, that is why I am almost resolved to go back there, to be able to explore it fully and see the sights that we only partly saw last time.

Part Five: Turin

2009-06-15T21:12:00.000+01:00

So, Turin. It was at Turin that I felt like I was beginning the journey home, though we still had a while to go. Florence was our most southerly point, so after leaving there, we were just heading back towards Britain. It was a pleasant surprise if I'm honest. Turin was planned simply as a stopover point and a place to see on the way, but it was pretty in its own right. Again, the city had a river, so we spent a while walking by, observing and taking photos of it. Turin seemed bigger than Florence, if only for the tram system. However, I think we were staying on the outskirts, so there were a lot of tram stops to take to reach the centre.
Our highlights included the Medieval village in the middle of the Parco del Valentino and the castle and main square. The amount of street performers in Turin was exceptional and they were all truly amazing. It was a delight to watch. So, again, in the end we left, though Turin was a nice place to visit.

Part Four: Florence

2009-06-10T10:04:00.000+01:00

Florence was, by far, the BEST place we visited. I had a great time there and it was hard to leave. We arrived there on Thursday 7th May and it was our second longest stay. It seemed as though it was quite a religious city, with it's vast amount of churches and cathedral. The first night, in fact, was spent viewing the church near us and looking around the streets nearby. The thing that surprised me about Florence was its size. Everything was walkable and there wasn't a metro or tram system (that I knew of). I think that made it more special for us, as we don't come from a city and therefore to constantly catch a metro or a tram, when usually we'd walk a lot, was quite frustrating. Having arrived at Florence, we knew we had already done half of our trip, so it was getting to that stage where we weren't settling in anymore, but getting used to living out of cases and the excitement was building up. The first full day in Florence was spent in just exploring the city and taking in the atmosphere. The cathedral was a place we often went to, as it was right in the middle of the city and a nice place to sit outside. To make the most of our time there, we went out as often as we could, so every evening, while it was still hot, we walked a bit. One evening, we went to a nearby park, where a woman was feeding the ducks. She saw us amongst the pigeons and enlisted our help in feeding them. We were given the task of feeding the ducklings, while she tried to feed the ducks, thus separating the two from each other. So that was a bit of a random adventure. That same evening, we found various statues around the park and posed to take pictures by them. We also visited the Palazzo Pitti, where there were various galleries and museums. Being the skint tourists that we were, we only visited one, the Gallery of Costumes. The gardens and park outside were beautiful though and well worth the visit. We walked to the top of the gardens and sat down for a while, admiring the view over the whole of Florence.
The Uffizi gallery was another highlight of our trip, though waiting in line for almost two hours to get in, wasn't. However, ignoring that, we saw some amazing pieces of art, including The Birth of Venus, by Botticelli.
The street markets in Florence are well worth a visit too. On our last day, we visited practically every one, haggling our way to find the best deals. We managed to find some bargains too and some souvenirs to remind us of our time in Florence. On our last night, we went out for Lasagne and Gnocchi at a restaurant, but found that the amount of food we were given was not enough to fill our food cravings. However, our time in Florence was truly spectacular and wonderful, so our disappointment at small servings of food didn't ruin our stay.
I would say that I would definitely love to go to Florence again. It was beautiful and amazing there and we really didn't want to leave.

Part Three: Milan

2009-06-04T19:29:00.001+01:00

Milan is widely known as the city of designer shops and fashion. For us, it was no different. We spent a vast amount of time looking around the many shops, feeling awkward for the way the shop assistants looked us and everyone else up and down. The clothes in some of the shops were amazing and truly wonderful to see, though others were a bit blah and lacked nothing special. Having an interest in fashion, the city was incredible, but in comparison to everywhere else, I would say that I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped to and for that, I'm not sure whether it would be a place I would particularly want to go again. This was our first taste of Italy ever and I guess we felt disappointed, though I don't regret going there. That was one of the joys of our trip. We were able to visit so many places and make a recommendation as to where we'd go again and where we wouldn't want to go back to. The first night we were there, we treated ourselves to a proper Italian pizza. I had the four cheese pizza and it was delicious. Though, if you're vegetarian like me, to constantly eat out means you will be eating a lot of pizza, pasta and cheese, so watch out for the temporary aversion to cheese you may experience, like me. The first full day we were there was the day we spent looking around the Golden Quad, where the designer shops are based. The late afternoon, then, was spent sitting outside the cathedral, since we were refused entry inside as we were wearing dresses that were above our knees. To be honest, I felt insulted by that, but there was nothing we could do about it, except to come back in jeans, which we did, the next day. Another place we visited was the Castello Sforeszco, a castle with surrounding gardens. I remember it being incredibly hot that day, so an Italian ice cream was required. If you've ever experienced proper Italian ice cream, then you won't ever want to go back to regular ice cream. The flavours are widely-ranged and so diverse and the ice cream itself is so creamy and delicious. They even have the ingredients on the top so you can see what flavour it is. For example, the banana flavoured ice cream had real bananas lying on top and the pistachio had pistachio nuts both in the ice cream and on top. This was the day we also visited the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church, where Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper is held, but unfortunately we were unable to see it, as you have to book days in advance.
For our last full day in Milan, we went outside the city, to Lake Como, where, as well as the famous awe-inspiring lake, there was also a silk museum and shop that my friend wanted to explore. The lake itself, though, was beautiful and was set in a valley looking all around at mountains and hills with houses dotted around them. I had found out too that my Grandparents often visited Lake Como years ago, so that made it all the more special to me, as it was somewhere I know they loved and that they'd walked the same paths that I now was. There was graffiti on the railings on the walkway over the water, with people's inscriptions of their love for each other. It was completely tasteful and so lovely to see that I ended up taking a lot of photos of it. As well as this, there was also padlocks chained to the bottom of the railings, with people's love written on. Lake Como truly was a special place to visit and made coming to Milan all the more special.

Part Two: Strasbourg

2009-06-02T17:30:00.000+01:00

Strasbourg is one of the prettiest cities we visited, though it didn't have that much to offer in terms of tourist attractions, so four nights were plenty. The buildings and bicycles are what makes it beautiful and it has this whole air of quaint prettiness that it's hard to escape from. The days we were there were beautiful and sunny, so this added to it's loveliness. The river and canals too gave it a special sort of feeling and it was much more relaxed than Paris. So, for us, it became a place for us to chill out for a few days, before heading off to a bigger place.
Strasbourg, therefore, was a place we simply explored and took our time looking around. The first full day was spent eating ice creams by the river and taking lots of pictures of buildings. We were there on the 1st May also, which is a public holiday for the whole of France (it's weird to think that we were there a whole month ago- the time has gone so fast!), so that day we ventured to the outskirts of the city, to the Parc de l'Orangerie, a pretty park with lots of old buildings and pretty arches. I took the time to read a lot of Sense and Sensibility while lounging about the park, as well as to write my travel journal and little snippets of pieces about the people around me and the beautiful park. The weirdest thing about Strasbourg was that, on two separate occasions, people came up to me while I was writing and started speaking to me, asking me what I was writing and so on. The last day we were there, we went to the Musee d'Art Moderne and looked around at the modern art. Along the way to the Cathedral afterwards, we were caught in a storm and had to shelter under the shops for a bit. We did find a delightful gift shop though, selling typical Strasbourg items. I wanted to buy everything in there.
Ok, so I'm going to try and post one post a day for the next few days, before I get too lazy to post about my travels. Strasbourg is well worth a visit for its historical beauty, but I really wouldn't recommend going for more than a few days if you're more into exploring everything a place has to offer for tourists. Saying that, though, it was a relaxing and lovely place to spend those three days.