Lately

Last month was a bit of a hectic/stressful month for me. A close family member of mine has been having some health issues, but thankfully they have been dealt with now. It left me with a little cloud of worry which had been following me around for the best part of month. It can be difficult trying to be positive and supportive to those closest to you when inside you are just as fearful as they are! I've had to be the stable, constant rock of reassurance which hasn't always been easy, but thankfully things have worked themselves out. I won't go into detail as it's quite personal. One thing I have definitely learnt from this experience is to never ignore things/symptoms. Even if it may seem trivial, embarrassing or not that big of a deal - it's always best to be safe. Fortunately things were dealt with swiftly otherwise it would have become a much bigger and scarier issue! 

After all of the worrying I really enjoyed some time away last weekend. I travelled back to my old home town, with the boyfriend, on Saturday up until Monday. It was so nice having time together, and being able to catch up with family and friends! On the Sunday we ventured out to an Italian restaurant. The food was delicious! We had bread, dips and olives to start and pizza for our mains. Yum.

I've had most of this week off work which has been lovely. So I've been trying to make the most of the time by getting into my studies and trying to get on top of things. As well as just having a bit of 'me' time. I finally managed to get around to getting my holiday pictures printed out... all 200 of them. There were so many pictures to choose from! I'm looking forward to sorting through them all and putting my favourites into frames. 

I have to say it's nice to be in a new month. Hopefully this one will be better than the last! 

p.s. I had to include this photo of Charlie - he looks so sweet and comfy! Not so sweet yesterday evening though, after he decided to use my cupboard as a toilet (TWICE!)

In A Nutshell

So the last month or so has been pretty hectic for me - a good hectic though. I've really missed taking the time out to mooch around the blogging world so I'm happy I've taken some time out this afternoon to write a little post. I thought I'd do a little update type post today. I can be a bit nosey and lifestyle posts like these are definitely my favourite to read and to write :)

At the start of June I went away with some of my family for a couple of weeks in Italy. I had an amazing time and enjoyed every minute of it. We travelled around and visited some beautiful places, it was a lovely adventure and I have lots of great memories from my time away. Once I'm feeling a bit more organised, and have sorted through the hundreds of photos, I'll be doing a post on my time away and sharing some of the pictures with you all. 

I've been back home just over two weeks now and aside from getting back to work, I've been trying to sort out various bits and bobs that I've been meaning to do for a couple of months now. Funny how time away can refresh your batteries and give you that bit of motivation! But in a nutshell here are some of the things that I've been up to, apart from the above of course.

Watching: Mainly Buffy. Netflix has given me the excuse to get comfy with a hot drink, relax and watch old TV programmes that remind me of my childhood/teen years. This morning I did just that.

Listening: Rudimental and Icona Pop - I Love It.

Reading: A Game of Thrones - A Song of Ice and Fire. A friend that I work with has been in the process of reading the AGOT books. I've recently heard a lot of talk about the TV series aswell. I downloaded the first book on to my kindle at the start of the month and started reading it on the plane. I didn't think it would be my kind of thing but it really sucks you in. I've been enjoying reading this book!

Eating: Wraps, fruit and salads. In Italy I consumed a lot of pasta, pizza, paninis and ice cream. Makes me hungry just thinking about it..

Seeing: Family, and the boyfriend. I was off work last weekend so after being away on holiday it was lovely to have the weekend catching up with him. On the Saturday we visited a few little villages around the countryside nearby. It was nice - we strolled around, stopped and had a delicious pub lunch and just enjoyed each others company. 

Debating: On whether or not to start a particular course in September. It's something I know I need to do but it comes with lots of little decisions, planning... and of course saving. 

Well that roughly concludes the month of June for me! This coming weekend is full of long shifts at work for me, but whatever you're all doing I hope you all have a great weekend :)

Lately

On  the bank holiday Monday me and the boyfriend made a last minute decision to make the most of our day off together go and visit a safari park! I worked all weekend but fortunately we both had the Monday off. The weather was absolutely beautiful so we picked up some snacks, packed some suncream and a camera and made our way to a safari park.

As it was a bank holiday it was super busy, the actual process of driving through the safari park was long! I'm talking hours. Most of the time it felt like sitting in a very long traffic queue. Normally this may have been irritating but the sun was shining and seeing all of the animals along the way made it worth it. In particular seeing the two beautiful elephants. I don't think I can explain how much I love elephants! Once we'd spent hours making our way around the safari part we parked up and had a little mooch around. This park also had amusement rides and other animals located within the park. We went on a couple of rides, which was highly amusing. My boyfriend isn't one for rides. He enjoyed them in the end but watching his reactions were hilarious. We ended the day by grabbing a bag of chips, sitting on a picnic bench and enjoying the sunshine before heading home. 

I loved our day out together, despite how busy it was. It was one of those fun, light hearted days. 

There was a nice week or so of rain-free days and sunshine. When me and the boyfriend had bit of free time together and weren't stuck in work we tried to make the most of it by getting out and about. This usually consisted of jumping in the car and finding nice places to have a mooch and a walk around. Below: the view by the docks and taking the dogs for a walk :)

                                                                                                                                                                    






I had last weekend off so me and the boyfriend spent a couple of days back home. Well back home for me anyway. I live a little way away from where I grew up so I often go back and visit some family and friends. This time around my boyfriend joined me. It was a lovely laid back weekend full of delicious home cooked meals, bowling, drinks and movies. You can't beat a catch up with loved ones especially when it's been a couple of months since your last visit. 

What have you all been up to lately?

Lately

I've been particularly impressed with myself for saving up those pennies. It was a NYs resolution of mine and I've surprised myself by how well I've managed to stick to it. Avoiding the shops and working most weekends has helped massively! In the last week or two I have treated myself here and there. But over the last couple of weeks I've mainly been taking it easy and pottering about with the boyfriend, getting in to a good book, working my way through my stash of Lush products and enjoying the odd bit of sunshine. 

{I love a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake, although in this case a Tiramisu in a teacup. Delicious!}

A hot bubble bath and a good book definitely can't be beaten after a long day at work.  Me Before You has been on my 'to-read list' ever since a good friend reccommended it to me. I've only just finished it and I loved it. It didn't take me long to get stuck in to the story.

Below: I had to include this cute little picture I took a week or two ago. The sun was shining, I was sat in my back garden and this little munchkin was bouncing in circles around me. She is so adorable. Although sunny days can be short lived, it makes a change seeing blue skies and sunshine instead of the usual wind and rain.  I guess I wasn't the only one enjoying the sunshine! :)

What have your last couple of weeks consisted of?

Catch Up

My laptops broken! It was slowly becoming more and more useless so I decided I should probably pop down to the little computer shop in town. So that's what I did, and was told that the hardrive was on its way out. SOB. Luckily everything was backed up as it's all getting fixed now. So whilst patiently waiting for it to be fixed I have been Internet free, well minus the usual bit of browsing on my phone! I've missed blogging so I thought I'd attempt a post from my phone. 

Trips

Despite wanting to chuck my laptop out of the window, prior to the computer shop visit, things have been good. It was the boyfriend's birthday a couple of weeks ago so I planned a secret trip to Cornwall. I love surprises and he had absolutely no idea. Although the weather was a bit temperamental (not at all surprising) it was a lovely little trip away and we had a great time. We travelled around most of Cornwall and stopped at various little places for walks, pictures, hot drinks and food. To name a few places - we stopped at St Ives, Padstow and Newquay. It was so relaxing and nice to have a change of scenery. I love being by the beach and Cornwall definitely has some really beautiful beaches! Carbis Bay in St Ives (top left and bottom right) has a lovely beach. After browsing around the town we walked back to the car, it then started to rain. By the time we got in to the car we were both absolutely drenched!

I also spent a week in my old home town catching up with some family and friends. It's always nice going back home and spending some quality time with loved ones. As its over a two hours drive from where I currently live I sometimes struggle to find the time to go and visit everyone, so sometimes months go between each visit. It was quite a chilled out week. I just enjoyed having the time off work and doing the simple little things such as having a cup of tea and a girly chat and catch up with my best friend or watching a couple of films with my Dad! Ahh the little things eh :)

Valentines Day

My boyfriend is the sweetest. We had nothing planned for valentines... to be honest I'm not a huge valentines day type of girl. A nice simple meal out would have been fine. But my boyfriend had planned a really special afternoon/evening. He'd booked us both in for a hot stone back massage at a spa hotel, a lovely meal and a room for the night. The hotel is a favourite of ours and one we often visit it when we can as a bit of a treat. It's in a really scenic location sat beside a beautiful lake. The hot stone back massage was a little slice of heaven. It was so relaxing and therapeutic. My work can be quite punishing on my back so I felt so much better for it. I can't recommend it enough if you're yet to try one.

Well in a nutshell that's it. Aside from all of the above I've been working like the busy bee that I am and trying to save up those pennies.  When I've had the chance to watch a bit of television my TV picks have been 'Nashville' and 'My Mad Fat Diary' (I love both of these, especially the latter) and a bit of 'Hollyoaks' on the side every now and then. Thankfully my laptop will be returned tomorrow all shiny and new, well kind of. I've missed catching up on my favourite blogs and being able to go on to my iTunes and update my music. Although you can do pretty much all of it these days on your phone, I much prefer my trusty laptop :)

Last Week I...

-Loved seeing all of the Autumn colours on the trees when out and about

-Spent a large amount of time in bed, with lots of tissues, hot drinks and olbas oil!

-Have been burning one of my favourite candles (Daisy Dip) I love the cute tin. I think this candle looks and smells beautiful


-Went to Chiquito's and had some yummy chicken fajitas

-Finished reading 'The Girl You Left Behind' by JoJo Moyes...a good read which I seemed to whizz through

-Found Belle looking so sweet and innocent, nestled on the floor at the bottom of my bed.  Love her


-Watched Hollyoaks every night during the week... it was all very dramatic and sad!

-Had a big declutter and tidy up in my bedroom

-Thought Charlie looked so adorable all snuggled up on my bed

-Enjoyed spending some time with my boyfriend who had the week off work. Although I was ill throughout most of the week it was still nice to see more of him :)

-Had lots of cups of coffee (with Baileys). This is definitely a wintery drink for me

What did last week consist of for you?

The Return

Hello everyone! I thought I'd post a little update today as I haven't been around for a little while. Last night I returned home from a lovely week away in the sun. It was a hectic rush with last minute packing and lots of working to save up the pennies before I went away but it was all worth it in the end. I had a lovely week away and I'm definitely feeling the holiday glow. Whilst away I missed blogging but I kind of enjoyed recharging my batteries, so to speak, and having time away from the computer/internet/work/phone etc. Sometimes it's nice to just focus entirely on having a good time and relaxing.

It's my graduation tomorrow... the last three years have flown by. I remember thinking how far away this day felt, but it's here now (scary). So the rest of my evening will consist of unpacking, painting my nails, having a nice soak in the bath and charging up my camera. Until next time x

An Update

Long time no post... or at least it feels this way! I just thought I'd do a little update post today. My last post involved a 7 things which I hoped to achieve throughout last week. As I mentioned in that post, I absolutely love making lists and do it on a regular basis as I find it's the only way to keep things fairly organised in my mind, without forgetting things anyway! I'm thinking now perhaps I was a little bit over ambitious as I only managed to achieve about 3 of those things but nonetheless I had a pretty productive week. Safe to say in future it will be a fortnightly or a monthly list as the weeks seem to just fly by sometimes. 

I've been on a bit of a high this week as I discovered my results from my degree, which I finished in May, and I'm pleased to say I passed (WAHOOOO!!). 'Results Day' was really lovely actually, the University arranged a little buffet and students came in picked up their results and sort of stuck around for a chat, food and drinks. For the last 3 years my course really did pretty much take over my life but I'm pleased to say it was worth it in the end. It feels pretty odd now that it's all over but it also feels amazing knowing that I can chill out and enjoy the Summer stress free. For everyone out there who is still in the process of completing a course of some sort - all the best and good luck :)

So as you can imagine I've been pretty distracted in the last week - not to mention that I also have work which leaves me pretty exhausted at the end of the day. But on the odd days/hours that I have had free I've been taking it fairly easy and spending time with loved ones, having early nights, finishing 'The Host' - (loved this book), and attempting to keep things organised and clean. 

So, until next time ... x

The Last Push

Just a quick little post today. I've been very busy recently but am relieved to say that within a month my studies will be over... well my current studies anyway! I've just got that final push of coursework and exam revision and then I can relax a little. I definitely can't wait. There is a few bits I've got planned in terms of blogging, so hopefully when I get some more time I'll be able to get to it!

But anyway I would like to wish everyone and anyone good luck if they're in the same boat - whether it's in school/sixth form, University, or whatever it is that you may be doing. Stay focused, it'll be worth it in the end :)

     x

A Random Update

So at long last I finally got around to finishing my dissertation!! I can't explain how lovely it felt to finish it, print it, bind it and to hand it in. Working on my dissertation had literally been so time consuming, I was so relieved to have it completed. The hard work isn't quite over yet as I still have an exam and an assignment or two in the upcoming weeks. After finishing my dissertation I took a well deserved break and enjoyed having time for the simple things such as, painting my nails, catching up with friends and family, and enjoying the beautiful sunshine (been nice and sunny at the moment here in England! Lovely).  

On Friday night me and a friend popped down to the cinema and ended up watching The Hunger Games. I say 'ended up' as it really wasn't planned. I've heard lots about this film as well as lots about the books by Suzanne Collins. But I personally really wanted to have read the books first. However, the film that we was planning on watching was fully booked so we agreed to watch this instead. 

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when watching this film, but I really enjoyed it. My friend hadn't heard anything about this film or the books but she also really loved the film. My only slight criticism is that I thought the background to the story could have been set up a bit more clearly. Maybe it's further explained in the books or maybe I just didn't catch it in the film. But all in all, I thought there was some really strong performances by the leading characters. I loved how different the story is to many others that are out there, it was quite thought provoking. Although the story showed bravery it was also quite tragic, if you want to know more information about this film click here (IMDb).

I know this film has been much anticipated as the books are very popular, and after watching this in the cinema I'm fairly certain that I will enjoy reading the books. 

Have you watched this film yet? Have you read the books? What is your opinion on The Hunger Games.

                          

Busy Busy Busy

This month for me has been extremely hectic, I'm in my final year at Uni and so I've been spending pretty much everyday doing research, reading, making notes etc. I have a huge dissertation due in... with two or so months left to complete it in. It's all very boring, repetitive and sometimes stressful, but not long till it's all over I suppose.

I think what gets me through weeks and weeks of work is learning how to 'manage' what you can. These are some ways that I manage to get things done:

• I try to set achievable goals - so for example by the end of the day write 200 words of an assignment, or have a few targets to complete within a few days.
• Give myself a break, I used to overdo it and not give myself a break (mainly because in the past I have left things to the last minute - which left me no choice). But I find making time for a break makes you feel more in control, refreshed and I find I get a lot more done!
• The above point leads me on to time management - sometimes people don't give themselves enough time to do things in.
• Timetables, okay I'm a list person. Telling myself to do 3-4 hours of work a day (if I can!), writing this down and ticking it off when completed honestly helps me more than you'd think.
• Something to look forward to. I make myself stop at a certain point, if I've been working hard all day I make sure that when the clock hits a particular time I'll stop, put the books down and chill. Sometimes its nice to either get away from where the works taking place, or just have a lovely hot bath.

Although, it's okay to:

• Have the odd day were you just feel really unmotivated, sometimes it's good to recognise this and just have a break. As long as you have enough time it's okay. There's been a few days were I've woken up and thought I really can't do this today, so I don't!
• To feel a stressed or a little worried. This is really normal, I do have days when I will be thinking that I don't have enough time to complete everything in.

I've had a few years experience, and these 'tips' have helped me. But of course everybody is different. Good luck to anyone out there who is in the same boat.

A New Year Is Here!

So 2012 is here! I can't believe how quickly 2011 went by. I hope a happy new year was had by all. I for one feel so relaxed and chilled which is a nice way to start the new year. December was a great month for me as it was nice to have a bit of a break from University and to celebrate my birthday and Christmas with all my loved ones! Back to reality now that the new year has arrived. I'm in my final year of University now and after a few months or so I'll be finished...hallelujah! So I especially enjoyed having a week or two off to chill out before I'm back to having my head buried in the books again! 

I haven't really got around to setting any new years resolutions so far, I suppose like everyone else I set them and then either forget or just don't end up sticking to them. But if I was to set any they would be as follows;

1. Stay focused - Uni wise. I haven't got long left now and it's going to be a busy couple of months ahead.

2. Worry less - I confess I can be a bit of a worrier at times. 

3. Take more photos

4. Be healthy

5. Make some more time to blog - I've only really just started doing this and there is something lovely about taking some time out to blog. 

It'd be nice if I could stick to at least one of these :) I think it's nice sometimes to take advantage of the whole 'new year - new start' concept and just motivate yourself to do or to achieve something.

A Slow Starter - Current Favourites

Since first creating this little space of mine I've noticed how I never seem to have any time to actually write on here. I'm always so busy (I'm in my final year at University - this doesn't help) I barely even have time to just chill out and have some time for myself to be honest. But that's life sometimes I suppose.

But anyway, here I am. A quick post just to list a few of my favourite things so far in this month of November. Random I know!

• Despite it being absolutely freezing, I must say there is nothing better than being tucked up in a warm bed listening to the rain and wind outside. Kind of relaxing I think.
• Shopping. Okay who doesn't. But... It's not all for me. I'm trying to be super organised and get some Christmas presents sorted nice and early. This is actually very rare for me. But I really have enjoyed walking around the shops seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations. And all the cute little gifts that are floating around at this time of year.
• Spending what time I do have with my family. So despite being quite busy I have had the chance to spend some time with my brother who I don't often see. Which of course was lovely. 
• Music... I think this one will always be a favourite of mine. So I do a fair bit of driving around and I often have my iPhone plugged in to my stereo so I'm usually always getting new music and playing around with my playlists. I've been listening to Katy Perry - The One That Got Away pretty much all  of the time. I've also just purchased Rihanna's - Talk That Talk album which will probably soon become a favourite of mine. I've had Farewell and We Found Love on repeat.
• That AMAZING feeling when you've completed a piece of work/assignment. Something that literally takes over for a few days or weeks. There is nothing better than that feeling when you've completed it and handed it in.
• Lush products, popped in here the other week to get some presents for friends, and I thought I'd treat myself to a Cinder's bath bomb and The Comforter. Lovely.
• Probably one of the greatest things ever - Cosy Pyjamas.