A Few of My Favourite Things: January

So blog post ideas have been lacking recently, probably due to the fact that final year project mindset has kicked in so that's all I can think about at the moment. Plus I seem to be spending all day everyday in the laboratory which makes it hard to find the time to write a blog post.

So I thought I would round off, in my opinion, the worst month of the year with the things I've been loving!

Here goes...

1. Lidl Nutrimixer

Yes that's right, it's from Lidl and it only costs £30. I can't compare it to the Nutribullet or other higher priced machines, but from using this, it is amazing! I only use it occasionally for making soups, baking and attempting to be healthy by making smoothies, and it does the job perfectly. If you don't want to spend a fortune on expensive makes, this does the same job for half the price and is perfect if you are like me and will only use it occasionally.

2. 24 Hours in A&E

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a doctor but have never had the courage to apply to it. By watching this programme, it feeds my obsession with medicine and genuinely engrosses me on what actually happens in A&E. No one wants to end up there, so the people you see on here display their raw emotion when a loved one is sick, and it really puts your life into perspective. It makes me realise that this could happen to anyone, and you really never know what's around the corner. That's why I try and live by the motto, live every day like it's your last. It's hard, but watching this programme reiterates why it can be important.

3. Crumpets with Jam and Peanut Butter

Another breakfast discovery, in a previous post I discovered jam and peanut butter on toast, but it just got a whole lot better when spread on crumpets. Top tip, microwave your crumpets before toasting to make it fluffy!

4. Lighter evenings

As soon as Christmas is over, my next time of year to look forward to is Spring. I love seeing the nature bloom and as the evenings stay light for a tiny bit longer each day, it is so nice start to see flowers start to blossom and the sun staying out for longer. I notice a massive difference in my mood as well.

5. Metcalfe's Rice Cakes

Wow, these are amazing as a snack, and so filling! Plus, they're sort of healthy! But I love dark chocolate, so these layered rice cakes are the perfect little sweet treat. The only downside, they're pretty pricey!

6. Uniqlo Disney Collection

How amazing is this Disney collection? I've never bought anything from Uniqlo before but as soon as I saw their collection of Disney sweaters, that soon changed. They aren't pricey at only £20, and they have the perfect choice of cosy sweats to wear on any occasion. I went for the navy blue one, but they have a good choice of colours and styles including hoodies, sweatpants and t-shirts. Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/feature/uq/disney-magicforall/women/

7. Benefit Porefessional Primer Balm

I don't usually join the hype for high end, expensive facial creams and primers, in fact the most expensive skincare product I own is a Mac primer, but I received this in the Benefit beauty advent calendar and boy does it do wonders. I'm not sure if it is actually doing what it says in the fact that I don't tend to address the issue of pores and blackheads (too many better things to think about), but I love the way this feels so silky and smooth, the way a primer should feel! I apply this before any make-up and it means that applying foundation and concealer feels so much easier to blend in than my usual moisturiser. It's also nude in colour which means it kind of acts as a tinted moisturiser as well, so spending £25 on a primer, tinted moisturiser and something that's gonna minimise the appearance of pores is not too bad!

Review: Royal Opera House Backstage Tour

Amongst revision and exams, it was nice to have a day out in London to experience something different. This weekend, I ventured to Convent Garden to experience something completely new at the Royal Opera House.

Royal Opera House Auditorium

This is home to many ballets and operas and although I've never been to see a performance there, I have had a look at the foyer and always wanted to go.

This time, I went to the Royal Opera house backstage tour. I spotted this whilst on their website and looking for a present for my sister. The ticket prices for performances are cheap anyway, but this was something different and at only £12 per person, very inexpensive.

We booked on to the 12.30pm tour and when we arrived, we were handed a lanyard so we could access the backstage areas which made us feel very exclusive!

The tour lasts around an hour and 15 minutes and takes you into the auditorium, the backstage areas, rehearsal areas and to the costuming departments. Our tour guide was very good and explained in detail all aspects of the opera house, including the history and aspects of how a production is put on. for someone who used to dance, this was very interesting as the productions put on here are internationally world class and you were able to see dancers actually rehearsing for the matinee performance.

For anyone looking for something different to do in London, I thoroughly recommend doing this tour, it will take you to places that no one else is able to access and is great to do before watching a performance on the same day. An additional benefit is your ticket enables you to have 10% discount in the shop and restaurant on the day of your tour. 

Here is the link for more information, definitely check it out!

http://www.roh.org.uk/tours/backstage-tour 

Four Days in Barcelona

I've just returned from 4 days in Barcelona, and it was the most beautiful city I have ever visited in my life.

I went with 2 of my friends, and when deciding where to go away, one thing we were looking for was the price, and a place that people our age didn't go to just to go clubbing or smoke weed (a.k.a Amsterdam).

So when a good deal in Barcelona cropped up, we thought, why not?! I've always wanted to go to Barcelona but never actually considered it, so I was excited to explore the city for the first time.

When arriving there after an early morning flight, we were met with warm sunshine and the most chilled out city I've ever seen. As soon as you arrive you feel relaxed and everything is so quiet and calm. Once we got to our hotel (Hotel Condado, highly recommended!), we freshened up and headed off to explore.

Our first stop was the Sagrada Familia. I thought we could walk there, but it was a long walk from our hotel! But the sun made it all the worthwhile and once we were there, we were in awe of the amazing architecture! Obviously this is very touristy, so expect lots of people surrounding it.

Because the weather was so nice, we sunbathed a bit outside before making the long trek back (stopping for ice cream of course). Day 1 was filled with chill time as we had only had about 4 hours sleep, and was finished off with a lovely meal in the evening, followed by a 1 euro bottle of wine which was soo nice! Although having the wine sent me to bed, but it did give me a full 10 hours of sleep!

La Sagrada Familia

Day 2: We woke feeling refreshed and ready for a busy day of sightseeing. Our first trip was to Barceloneta to see the beach. It was very overcast at the time so when we got there, it was quiet and there didn't seem like a lot to do. 

So my advice would be to visit when the weather is nice to sit on the beach. We walked all the way up the beach and visited Parc de la Cuitadella. This place was so lovely for a spot of lunch, and we explored the various statues and buildings located in the park. The sun decided to come out, just in time for a next stop to the cable cars that head up to Montjuic! This view was breathtaking, make sure you do this! The cable car only costs around 11 euros for a round trip, and the view from the cable car is just as good as the view from the top. 

An overcast Barceloneta beach

Parc de la Cuitadella

View of Barcelona from Montjuic

There is a castle at the top of the mountain, however you have to pay and although it was only 7 euros, we decided not to as we were on a student budget. This meant we didn't see the fountains but we weren't bothered about it, instead we sat around the back where we got an amazing view of the harbour. After a little walk around the gardens and so many pictures taken of the whole of Barcelona, we headed back to our hotel to chill before venturing to Las Ramblas for our evening meal.

For dinner, we stumbled across this tiny mexican restaurant around the backstreets, and I really wish I had remembered the name as it was so nice! I would recommend it to anyone. After some Sangria and more wine, we headed back to get some rest before day 3!

Day 3: We headed to Las Ramblas to explore the gothic quarter. Las Ramblas is very busy and touristy, so beware of pickpockets. Visit La Boqueria food market, your senses will come alive with the sights and smells of all the fresh food. Make sure you have a fresh smoothie, I had a Mango and another fruit which I didn't actually know what it was, but it was the freshest most delicious drink I have ever tasted.  We then wandered down to the harbour to eat lunch, before exploring the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. For anyone that has seen the Cheetah Girls 2 movie, this is where they filmed the song 'Strut', so it was amazing to see the tiny shops and local cafes that were in the film.The streets are so beautiful, you feel enchanted by them. We also came across Barcelona Cathedral, and by this time it was so hot we had to take a break on the steps for a drink. This mean that I actually got sunburnt!

La Boqueria

Las Ramblas

Barcelona Cathedral

 

From all the walking, we headed back to the hotel to rest our sore feet and chill before our last evening. By this time we had figured that we loved eating in Las Ramblas, so we headed back there for traditional Spanish Paella, Tapas and Sangria! The flavours were exhilarating and the price was so good! to finish off our perfect last night, we headed to a bar for, yep you guessed it, more wine! It was the most perfect ending to the perfect holiday.

Day 4 consisted of wandering around and buying souvenirs before a flight back to the UK.

For anyone that hasn't been to Barcelona, don't even think about it, just go! You will discover what a magical city it is, and it will take your breath away! I will definitely be returning as I didn't have to chance to visit Parc Guell, and I would love to see more of Gaudi's architecture. But we did most of the city in four days and I wouldn't have changed a thing!

A Few of My Favourite Things (Spring Edition)

Another week has gone and it feels as if March is almost over! It's scary how quickly time flies.

So this week has been one of those stressful, hard and exhausting weeks and I am so glad that it's nearly over. I have had copious amounts of coursework due in, with 3 pieces still left to go. As I have been in the library most of the week, I haven't really given much thought to what I would blog about today (do I ever?) 

Flowers are blooming outside my house already!

But the weather was so warm this week that it got me really excited for spring. It's not long now till the clocks for forward and the mornings and evenings will be lighter, yay!

So here are my favourite things about spring:

1. Warmer temperatures and Sunnier days

There is nothing better than being able to sit outside with a cup of tea and not be freezing your arse off! As already mentioned, the weather has improved a few days and it's been warm enough to sit outside. It's still not warm enough to venture out without a coat, but its sunny and bright enough to wear sunglasses and to feel warmth radiating from the sun. All this vitamin D seems to put everyone is a better mood and I cannot wait for the days to be like this most of the time.

2. Easter treats everywhere!

If theres one thing I love more than sleeping, it's eating! Especially chocolate. Which makes Easter one of my favourite times of the year. And I love the fact that supermarkets have got walls full of any easter egg you could possible think of. For those who give up chocolate for lent, I do not know how you do it! Creme eggs, mini eggs, Lindt bunnies, hot cross buns, easter sweets uhmm it's making me hungry even typing about it! 

3. Brighter Colours

The shops are bringing in their spring/summer collections and I love seeing brighter colours everywhere. It is such a change from seeing the classic winter monochrome look that is so boring. Spring makes me want to dig out all my dresses, skirts, white clothing, wear bright coloured lipsticks everyday and to add something extra to my outfits. I instantly feel more stylish and summery and this improves my mood.

4. Flowers!

Similar to the warmer weather, but I love seeing the pretty flowers bloom whilst walking to uni every morning. Next to my house we have lots of daffodils growing and seeing them instantly makes me happy. It's depressing when you think how most plants die over winter so its a breath of fresh air to begin to see flowers and sprouting leaves on trees. When the sun's out, it can make where I live look so pretty compared to looking at it on a grey and dismal day.

5. Longer Days

My final point relates to when the clocks go forward, and the days are lighter! This makes it seem like there are more hours in the day even though there isn't, but keeps you awake for longer as when it gets dark, I instantly switch to bed mode. This means I can now go for a run in the evening and not have to worry about having to do it in the dark, or make more evening plans that can go on for longer. Also early mornings are now easier to get up for as it will be lighter. I also feel peoples mood's improve when they feel more productive from longer daylight hours. It helps with communication on early mornings if the sun is shining and generally makes a long day that tiny bit better.


So as we head into spring, one thing I will make sure I am doing is enjoying the English country. As I'm away all summer, I don't have the opportunity to experience British summer, although I will be experiencing US summer so I'm not complaining. But it's the little aspects of spring that makes living in England seem so lovely and nice. We may not have the hottest temperatures or be the country with the most iconic locations, but we do have a unique way of living that makes it so quintessentially British!

FOMO, the new YOLO? Not quite...

This week's blog post comes from me watching a video about FOMO. No it's not the new YOLO, but it stands for the 'Fear of Missing Out'.

The video I watched was Ingrid Nilsen's youtube video which I will link below for you. I watched it and thought, I totally relate to this feeling. Coming from a family where I am the youngest, I have two older sisters. We are all completely different which is a really good thing. However, it does mean there has always been a thought in the back of my mind of having to be like them, have done the things they did and there is some expectations to be like them. Of course, these expectations have only come from myself, not from other people, but it still makes this FOMO feeling relevant.

I am a quiet, yet outgoing person. Basically I'm both, I enjoy going to parties, going out clubbing, visiting friends and meeting new people. However, I also enjoy my own company and nights in where I put on a cheesy movie or have a cup of tea with only my own thoughts. I don't think this is at all a bad thing, but I always think it is when I choose me time over social time.

This didn't become apparent until I came to university. During sixth form, I focused on A levels and getting good grades so it didn't bother me that I wasn't very sociable, as I felt I had an excuse for it. 

In first year I went out 2-3 times a week and loved it. I partied hard! I met so many new people and felt like I was really making the most of the university lifestyle. Second year, things changed. I suddenly started to prefer nights in over nights out. Now most people in second year do wind down a bit and crack on with work, but recently I chose to have a night in my house all by myself whilst all my housemates went out, and I felt so guilty about it. And I shouldn't have felt guilty about it at all. I feel like I had to justify to myself and others about wanting to stay in by myself, and I made up excuses to people when they asked why I wasn't coming out.

Then after watching this video, I realised that its completely fine to want to do what you want to do. Just because everyone else is doing something, doesn't make it fun for you and doesn't make it the right thing to do. Everyone is different, people who constantly go to parties and are surrounded by friends enjoy the feeling of constantly being surrounded by friends and prefer this, whereas others enjoy times where they can reflect on life and connect to themselves. It sounds deep and like some sort of meditation ritual, but I believe being alone is important for a healthy mindset and wellbeing for me personally. There will come a time when there is no one around to socialise with because they are busy or preoccupied, and people who constantly have company may struggle. But then they are usually the type of person that seek comfort from others, whereas some people prefer to be left alone. It's all about individuality and it is not helped that some people are judgemental over they way other people are (only a small minority).

My advice is to ignore it. Do what you want to do. Like the phrase YOLO, I would rather have spent my life being happy doing something I wanted to do, rather than forcing myself to try and like doing something else.

After staying in by myself, I felt content watching TV and having a cup of tea to myself. The guilt went away and the next time I want to stay in, I will. There will always be people who have so many friends and are constantly surrounded by people, and doing things with a different person each day. But I like the fact I have a small amount of friends that are true friends and I have a balance between seeing them and spending time by myself. 

Next time you have a decision and you prefer the 'staying in scenario', then do it! Your friends won't mind one bit and you get to be happy with your decision.

Spring Staples /15

An inspired blog post that came from my recent visits to New Look and Topshop. I noticed that they are just beginning to bring in there spring wardrobe and thought I would post my spring staples for a wardrobe. These are items that I think should be in everyone's wardrobe and keep coming back into trend every year, so they will not be a waste of money. They're not so much 2015 trends, but I based them around the practicalities of spring, where it starts to get a little warmer and sunnier but is still cold. Here I've tried to address the same dilemmas I have, like should I wear a coat? Will this be warm enough? And wanting to add a little more colour to spruce up your wardrobe.

My first staple item is a biker jacket. Not only does it go with tons of outfits, its also perfect for days when the sun is out and it's warm (we're talking end of march/mid April). It's also a worthwhile investment as you can wear it in any season and it will never go out of style. Team this with a floral dress for a pretty spring outfit, or tone is down with jeans and a plain tee for a more casual look. This one is from New Look.

£49.99 New Look

My next item is a patterned skirt. I think the style can be bodycon, skort or skater, it doesn't really matter but I tend to stick to the bodycon style as usually there is windy weather in spring so this avoids flashing everyone you see, which is totally embarrassing. This is great worn with tights, or without depending on the weather. It can be casual when paired with a plain tee or it can spruced up for a night out by teaming it with a bralet and heels. Patterned skirts will never go out of fashion and they are still wearable in winter (and obviously summer). It's great with the above biker jacket along with black boots, but is also ideal with heels, flats and trainers. Here is a selection of monochrome skirts from New Look and Topshop that caught me eye. Brighter colours tend to come out nearer to summer but these can be worn year round.

£14.99- New Look

£17.99- New Look

£35 Topshop

One trend that will always keep coming back is stripes. It's here for this spring this year but I know I will always own and wear at least one item of clothing that is striped. Great for a more casual look when paired with jeans, but it can also be tucked into a plain skirt or worn with shorts (if it's warm enough). They also come in many styles. You can find striped crops, tees, skirts, jumpers and many other forms, so you're spoilt for choice. For a current trend, I picked a striped crop from New Look.

£9.99 New Look

A denim jacket is a must for spring. It tackles the same dilemmas as the biker jacket but is more suited to warmer weather, plus the lighter colour are perfect for lightening your spring wardrobe. It's perfect for chilly summer evenings and to wear in the day in spring. A staple that will never ever go out of style. Pair with trainers and leggings for a casual day look, but it looks great when paired with floral shorts/skirts which can be worn with tights. Just be careful when teaming with denim. This perfect jacket below is from Topshop.

£39 Topshop

My final piece of clothing that's perfect for spring is a knitted jumper. I like to go for lighter knits due to the weather warming up, but its still pretty chilly. This is a great casual weekend look when paired with jeans/leggings, whatever! Lights colours such as pastels will be perfect for adding colour to your wardrobe. It will ensure you don't get cold on nippy days, but you won't sweat as much  if you were wearing a chunky knit. The denim jacket would be perfect over this jumper from Topshop.

£38 Topshop

To round off my spring staples, I've included a big trend over the last two years, a Fedora hat to complete a spring look. Perfect worn in all seasons, but spring is the season where you can wear it the most. For sunny days team with sunglasses for a casual yet sophisticated look. Just be careful the wind and rain doesn't appear! It has the added advantage of keeping you head warm as well!

Check out this amazing one from Topshop. Perfect with any of the above items.

£25 Topshop

I hope this has helped you spruce up your spring wardrobe, or given you ideas where you could use clothing that you most probably already have. This only includes items from Topshop and New Look, both affordable high street stores. I will definitly be making some of these worthy buys.

Now, time to plan my spring outfits...

Thoughts of the Week

Blogging is hard!

This is what I've noticed so far. Deciding what to write about and then finding the time to write about it is difficult when you have uni and general day duties to attend to. I've also found that it's fun to think about what to write about, then actually do it when you have a brilliant idea.

This week's post is a weekly round up as I have not had any inspiration about a certain topic, so apologies if this post is very general.

So this week was the first week of February, and here's a few things I've discovered:

1. February does not automatically mean spring will arrive

I am sick of this cold weather and throwing on a jumper everyday. I want warmer weather where I can venture out without freezing my butt off and not having a thick coat/hat/scarf/gloves. I don't handle the cold well, I am much more suited to warmer climates. With the arrival of February, I kind of assumed the weather would warm up straight away seeing as next month is March and therefore it will be Spring. But I quickly realised that we are very much still in deep winter and it's still cold enough to snow. Cool for school children, not cool for summer lovers.

2. February 1st equals Valentines Day bombardments!

Us singletons loathe this time of year, and it makes it worse that the first two weeks of February means getting soppy cards and chocolates shoved in our face every time you enter a shop. It is hyped up a lot and lucky for me, I get to celebrate my friends birthday every valentines day. But every other email I receive is Valentines related. And, if you're like me and lead a complicated love life (a.k.a not entirely single but not at the relationship stage), it means I have no clue what to do. Do I get him something, a card? Or do I face leaving it and giving the wrong impression? So many dilemmas...

3. 2015 is going way too quickly already

Its already the second month of 2015 and I feel like it was only Christmas last week. It has made me realise that this year will not slow down for anyone, and that before we know it, Christmas will be here again and we'll be welcoming 2016! Scary! Also, the fact that I graduate next year is terrifying. But I do find it difficult to appreciate time at the moment as I'm so busy with various errands, and nothing particularly exciting has happened yet which means time passes by so fast without me even realising. One thing I will try to do is slow down and reflect on the year. Whether this be taking time out for a walk or having a cup of tea without checking my phone, but just thinking about life. Sounds deep but it's those moments in life that you wish you had appreciated more when looking back.

4. I have managed to achieve quite a few of my New Years Resolutions already

Looking back at my new year post, I have managed to become healthier and this has improved my mindset drastically! I have noticed that I have a whole new outlook on life! Also, I have spent my money wisely but in exciting ways (also covers the 'grabbing more opportunities'). I am off to Barcelona at the end of March (and I cannot wait!!!). I got accepted to work in USA for a whole 3 months which covers my travelling more resolution, and I even regularly update this blog! Pretty good going. The only thing I haven't been able to achieve yet is learning a new language, but I still have plenty of time for that to happen.
If you want to look back at my new year post, here is the link:
http://thelottiediaries.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/happy-new-year.html

Comment on this post if you have achieved any of your resolutions, or what you are looking forward to for 2015 still!