Hello!

Honest to god I was using the word 'bae' ironically. Okay, maybe I wasn't. In 2017 it will not even matter so let's just move past that.

Anyway, the lovelies over at Quotebooks (check their Etsy store out here) got in touch and asked me a very serious question: what would I write in one of their notebooks? Naturally, with me starting a PhD and all, I decided that I would save them for that and keep one by my side at all times. You never know when you're going to have that eureka moment right?

LIFESTYLE // I GRADUATED

Hello there!

Apologies for being quiet for the past week or so. Life has been super hectic and, finally, I graduated! I had spent so much time looking for the perfect dress and shoes and all of a sudden I was walking across a stage, trying not to fall over or cry. When they say that graduation really is a great day I was a bit sceptical but, honestly, I had the best time! It was nice to get dressed up, be the centre of attention for a while, and be given limitless free Prosecco and Pimms.

FASHION // WISHING I WAS JAMES BAY

Hey there!

Last weekend I decided it was a fantastic day to go to London. The sun was shining, trains were running almost on time and I wanted to search for a specific dress in River Island (that didn't work out too well). Anyway, who better to spend time with on a Sunday than my chem bestie Sam and like the babe he is, he took some outfit photos for me! We strolled through the streets just off of Oxford St. and found some pretty houses that I could pose in front of and *hopefully* avoid strangers who would inevitably judge me.

So, short story: met up with Sam, acted like complete losers, got amazing pizza, shopped, took photos.

LIFESTYLE // I'm graduating!

Hello there!

I just thought I'd write a little post to exclaim my excitement that I will be graduating this summer. Even better, I'm graduating with a first class honours MChem (in Chemistry obv) and I could not be happier right now unless I had an unlimited budget to spend on ASOS.

LIFESTYLE // Paper Princess (The Royals Book 1) by Erin Watt

Hello there!

Now that the weather has gotten significantly worse over the past few weeks, I have gotten myself back into reading. It's something about rain clouds that makes me want to snuggle up on the sofa with a good book and cup of coffee. This week I had a browse on Amazon in search for my next read. I don't like to spend too much on a book because they generally last me no longer than 48 hours and for £3.49 (more than I wanted to spend but hey!) I picked up the first book in The Royals series by Erin Watt (who appears to be a pen name for two authors who write together it seems...)

BEAUTY // The summer beauty haul

Hello there!

Is it just me, or when the sun is shining (or not shining 6 out 7 days) it becomes increasingly tempting to buy more make up? I have gone a little crazy these past few weeks with my beauty buys but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I liked every piece I purchased. With new products being released and a need for my make up to last an 8.5 hour shift/graduation I haven't been afraid to get a few high end bits. Just a note - when you get paid weekly 'pay day treats' cost far more than they should. I need to cut down on those.

BEAUTY // Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (1C0 Shell)

Hello there!

I feel like the last person jumping onto this bandwagon but yes - I finally bought Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation. My skin has changed dramatically in the past few years and, whilst it was the worst foundation possible for me 4 years ago, I have found now that it is exactly what I need. It's strange how that happens right? Way back when (ahem, a month ago) I got the trial size of both the original and light formulas and decided that they both had to be mine. Of course, I'm a poor student who doesn't start any graduate work for a few months so I just bought the original (#priorities). Don't worry, there's a comparison post to come!

LIFESTYLE // So we're out

That's it. The votes have been counted and the UK wants to leave the EU.

Honestly, and personally, I am very upset with this result. I went out and voted. I talked to customers and colleagues at work. I was tweeting about it quite a lot in hopes that it would reach even a few more people. I did all I could and evidently that was not enough. I am worried about my future. I am worried for the future of my friends. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about this now. We live in a democracy and the votes have been cast. There is a petition here which you can join (arguing for a 2nd referendum where a majority will equal 60% unless 75% of the population vote) which I feel are fair terms. Is it fair to hold a second referendum? Perhaps not. However, with a campaign which I felt was very rushed and did not give any certain fact maybe it is required. It was very irresponsible for the referendum to have been announced but we're here now so I guess we'd best deal with it.

LIFESTYLE // I'm trying to make better choices

Hello there!

I currently write this as a sweaty mess after one hell of a body combat class. Is it just me or is it quite satisfying to sit in a puddle of your own sweat like YES, I EARNED THIS I WILL SIT IN IT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE BEFORE IT GETS DISGUSTING before eventually realizing that was a massive mistake and scorning yourself for not showering earlier? Anyway, I thought it was time for a change and so I have decided to up the amount of exercise I'm doing, cut down on junk food and increase the amount of fruit and veg. It's as easy as that right?

LIFESTYLE // My Bullet Journal 2.0

Hello there!

I started a bullet journal at the beginning of the academic year and in just 2 weeks saw a serious increase in productivity. I then got to the end of my book, got a beautiful standard style journal, and it just didn't work for me. No matter how beautiful my planner was, it just didn't suit my needs in the way that my bullet journal did. All over my Instagram and Twitter I saw multiple bloggers had turned to the Bullet Journal using a Leuchttum 1917  notebook and I got seriously inspired to start by BuJo up again. I have been using it solidly for a month now and I thought I'd share with you guys how I set up my layouts and my opinions between the minimalist and more creative layouts.

FASHION // The wedding guest edit

Hey there!

Is it just me or is everyone getting engaged or married right now? I'm loving the abundance of happy couples filling my social media and, although I'm not fortunate enough to be invited to a wedding this year, I know a fair few that have. I've had multiple people ask me for advice regarding what to wear to a wedding this summer and I thought it was worth doing a post on it. I think the high street has so many options for every budget and there is no reason to not feel your best on your friend/families big day. Just make sure you don't outshine the bride okay?!

LIFESTYLE // Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera

Hello!

Recently I treated myself to an Instax mini 8 camera as a reward for doing well in my Masters thesis. I got it in time for PMB (see post here) and I am well and truly in love. It's a completely frivolous spend but, for me at least, it is completely worth it.

BEAUTY // The little NYX haul

Hello!

It's sad but true, but my favourite thing about living in Norwich in May was the fact that my local boots had a NYX stand come in. I had a snoop and ended up picking up a couple of items because I cannot say no to a lip product. I had heard so much about the Matte Lip Creams and so picked up a couple at just £5.50 each. I want a good 5-6 of them, especially the dark reds, but with my limited student budget I tried to be responsible and choose colours I can use now and not in 6 months time.

LIFESTYLE // Pimp My Barrow 2016

Hello my lovelies!

This weekend I hopped on a train back to Norwich for the annual Pimp My Barrow (bar) crawl. 10 years ago a couple of UEA students decided to begin a fundraiser for the local charity Big C and now it is an event which sells out every year, ending up with 1000+ students walking around Norwich with a decorated wheelbarrow in tow. I knew I had to take part before I graduated and was lucky enough to get my paws on a group ticket (thanks to a military style operation which ended badly but we got a ticket none-the-less). We decided to have a tropical theme with our wheelbarrow turned into a massive coconut, complete with cocktail umbrella. It was such a fun day with plenty of laughs and I am so glad I got to take part this year. What a way to go out!

STUDY // Thoughts after the end of exam season

Hello there!

It has been just over a week since my exams finished and I finished my degree. I've been lucky enough to go straight into part-time work but I remember vividly what it is like to have absolutely nothing to do once exams are over (I did have a whole 5 days of that this time round!). So, I thought I'd share a few of the thoughts I have had recently since I have finished exams for the summer.

LIFESTYLE // Pinterest is seriously interior goals

Hey there!

I'm going to come right out and say it - I'm an idiot. I have a list as long as my arm of posts I need to take photos for and I completely forgot to take it home. I know right. I apologise for this week's posts not being with my own photos but I'd rather post other photos than nothing at all. 

Anyway, since I have finished my degree I have spent a crazy amount of time on Pinterest. The thought of moving to a new city has gotten me super excited about how to decorate my new room and I've gone just a little overboard with my interiors pin board. On my list for my new room is going to be pink, grey, blue or monochrome bedding and a desk to die for. Pinterest has definitely given me a lot of inspiration recently so I thought I'd share some of it with you guys!

LIFESTYLE // Summer Essentials Wish List

Hello!

Yesterday I had my first shift back at work for the summer. It's strange working in retail again - and my feet are killing after that 8 hour shift - but my heart started beating at 200 bpm when I realised I'd have a pay check coming in again. It really is the small things isn't it? Anyway, it got me thinking about what I could potentially buy in a month's time and, of course, I decided to make a wish list. New season, new wardrobe right?

LIFESTYLE // My exams are over, I've finished my Masters and I'm back!

Hello there!

What happened to those posts I said I'd write during exam period? They definitely did (not) get written because I underestimated entirely how much work I had to do and how little time I had to do it. However, after spending the past 2 months in the library all day every day, I have finally given in all of my coursework and completed all of my exams. It's absolutely crazy to think that I have finished 4 years of hard work and I'll come out with a Masters degree in Chemistry! (Fingers crossed - nothing is confirmed yet!)

So, this is just a short post to say hello and announce that I am going to come back to blogging! I have so much I want to write up so keep your eye crossed for those!

It feels so good to be back!

LIFESTYLE // Life lately, and a career defining decision

Hello there!

I'm sure you can all agree that I have been a little quiet of late. I was in such a routine of posting 2 times a week (actually on schedule) and was super proud of myself for balancing study, a life and my blog. However, like every pending graduate, there comes a point when work takes priority and everything else just slips away. I want to start this post with YES I WILL KEEP POSTING THOUGH EXAM SEASON but PLEASE DO NOT EXPECT THE POSTS TO FOLLOW A SCHEDULE WHAT-SO-EVER. I finish exams super early so come June, expect posts galore from this girl.

Well, now that we've got that cleared up, I guess I should give you guys a little update!

BEAUTY // The brow collection

Hello!

I think it is fair to say 2016 is the year of the brows. I had not touched mine since the age of 16 and got them tamed for the first time in the new year. Since then, I have been utterly obsessed! I cannot leave the house without some sort of product on my brows because for something so insignificant, they make such a difference. So, here we are 3 months later with a little bit of a brow product collection. I thought I'd give you guys a little review on each one because products for blonde brows are not the easiest to find!

STUDY // How to pack up your life after your year abroad*

Hello there!

With all of the huge decisions I've got going on right now I started procrastinating and reminisced about my time in Vancouver last year. I can honestly say that doing a year abroad is one decision I do not regret making one bit. From the people I met, to the places I saw, and experiences I had, it was such a great decision to go. I looked back at some of my past posts and whilst I have written about what to pack when you leave to go abroad, I haven't yet spoken on how to pack up your entire life at the end. As it just so happens, I have recently been contacted by Uni Baggage who have got a great deal for you guys who need to ship stuff home. If you'd like to hear a  few tips from a girl who has been there and done that, and receive a pretty discount, feel free to read on!

LIFESTYLE // Instagram Update

Hello there!

What can I say? I've had a mad few weeks. Between interviews, writing up my Masters project, gigs, birthdays and socials it feels good to finally start my Easter break. Sure, it actually started on Monday and I have spent all week at my desk in the dark looking at spectra. Now almost 12,000 words are written and I've reached a crazy 63 pages so feel that I can take a couple of days off and read a book or two without too guilty. 

LIFESTYLE // Current Obsessions

Hey there!

It has gotten to that point in the semester when work is starting to take over. I've got coursework, the write up of my project, a show to rehearse, a show to perform, university visits and interviews, exercising, ballet, birthdays and that is just the start of it. I hope that explains why I have been a little quiet recently (and will be for the next couple of months) although I'm trying super hard to get one post up a week for you guys.

Today I thought I'd share a few of my current obsessions that are keeping me sane during this crazy time. When a girl's got work to do, that means she has to up her procrastination too afterall.

TRAVEL // Melbourne, Australia Pt. 2

Hello there!

Here is the final post on my trip to Australia. I love doing these posts because it gives me an excuse to finally go through my photos and look at how much I saw and did. I'd like to say I saw everything I wanted to this time round but spending time with family was a priority. However, I did get to see lots of exciting things and beautiful places - not that it's hard in Australia!

FASHION // The ASOS wishlist

Hello there!

Who doesn't love spending an afternoon trawling through the ASOS website looking for beauty to add to their wardrobe. I have been trying my hardest not to but sitting at home (alone and singing Tay Tay) on Valentine's Day led me have a cheeky peek. Why oh why did I do that?

TRAVEL // Maru Koala and Animal Park, Victoria, Australia

Hello there!

Here is my second to last post from my trip to Australia. Considering it was only 3 or so weeks long, I'm impressed I managed to get it to this many posts. Anyway, after my three day drive from Adelaide to Melbourne, I spent New Years will family. Drinking champagne, BBQ food and spending time on the beach was all that happened but that's all you need right? 

On this trip, I decided the one thing I wanted to do was meet a koala. I held one when I went to Brisbane about 14 years ago but it had been a while and who can resist their little faces? Considering that it is not legal to hold koalas in Victoria (it stresses them out) I had to go on one hell of a search to find somewhere who would even let me get a photo with one. However, the Maru Koala and Animal Park was just 2 or so hours away and fit the bill entirely. 

BEAUTY // The Benefit Brow Bar

Hello there!

Following my vow to take part in more exercise, take more time for myself and make healthier choices I decided that something had to be done about my brows. Sure, eyebrows don't exactly fit into the whole 'healthier lifestyle' thing I've got going on but, if you take into account I was moaning about my eyebrows between 1-5 times a day, you could say that getting them done is a bit of stress release and therefore contributing towards a healthier lifestyle. Okay, that's what I'm telling myself to warrant getting them done on a complete impulse.

Story aside, about a month ago I took the plunge and got my eyebrows done by one of the girls at my local Benefit counter. There are plenty of places which offer much cheaper services (I paid £12.95 for just a brow wax) but for someone whose dream was to have a brow arch, Benefit do put on a good show. Their website promises to make even the most untamed brows perfectly flawless and I cannot say no to good advertising.

TRAVEL // The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Hey there!

In the next instalment of my travel diary across Australia comes my drive down the Great Ocean road. We picked up a bright yellow hire car and drove all the way from Adelaide to Melbourne to see as many beaches as we could on the way. First up we stopped for a night in Kingston, one of the smallest little towns I have ever come across. It had a couple of pubs, a couple of small supermarkets and few small shops and that's it! From there, we stopped off in Robe before making it over to Mount Gambier as our final stop before reaching Melbs. It was a bit of a long trek, but really worth it - honest!

LIFESTYLE // What I got for Christmas

Hey there!

Okay, I get it - this is a little late. Between these Australia posts, trying to welcome 2016, trying to exercise and a 4 week late family Christmas...well my timing has hardly been impeccable lately. Anyway, just in case anyone is interested, I thought I'd do a little post showing off the little bits and pieces I got for Christmas this year. I'm really nosy and like seeing everyone else's so why not post my own?

 

 

TRAVEL // Adelaide, Australia

Hey there!

After Perth, I hopped on a fight to Adelaide to spend Christmas with some family. It's just a little bit crazy how long that flight was as Australia is just such a large country. I know that sounds ridiculous to say, but it really is. I went a little over half way across the country and it took about 4 hours. It only takes double that for me to drive from Essex to Scotland. I just cannot wrap my head around it #sorrynotsorry.

 

 

LIFESTYLE // Hello 2016

Hello there!

I'm not sure I have actually welcomed 2016 on here yet so...here it is! I guess it's better late than never. It was very strange being in Australia over Christmas where I had absolutely no track of time. All of a sudden my phone started with '2016' and it felt completely insignificant. Now that all of my work from last semester is due in I feel like the new year is finally starting and it felt like now was the right time to write this post. It's better late than never right?
 

TRAVEL // Perth, Australia Pt. 2

Hello!

It's absolutely crazy how long it takes to edit 1000 photos. I have never had to edit this many in one go before in my life. I usually do it as I go along but not this time! I think this is a mistake I will never make again - that's for sure! Anyway, the second half of my trip to Perth involved lots more beach, paddle boarding down Swan River (ha! You're not seeing that!) and seeing the city. I think it may be one of my favourites. It's so new and clean with lots and lots of water. How can you say no to that? 

TRAVEL // Perth, Australia Pt. 1

Hello there!

It has been a long time since I have been able to post on this old blog of mine. Between research, an interim report and travelling across Australia with intermittent wifi writing blog posts was the last thing on my mind. Now my report is given in and all is good in the world, I can finally share some of my snaps with you. My first stop on the trip was Perth, which as it turns out, it absolutely beautiful. I think I'll forever be a Melbs girl but my God Perth is beautiful.