Trek America Wish List

With the evenings getting lighter and the temperature slowly creeping up, I can't help but get excited for summer.

I'm not going to America till September, but I still am getting prepared by drawing up to-do lists of what I want to buy.

I thought I would compile a wish list for the USA, which is taking inspiration from other peoples travels. Hopefully I will have the money and I can treat myself to these things to take with me on my travels.

1. Go Pro

This is every travellers dream camera, which can be used underwater and films the most amazing videos to cherish those memories forever. It does come with a hefty price tag, with a typical Go Pro costing around £94 for the cheapest model. Cheaper versions are available which I may have to resort to if I can't save the money, but this is the perfect camera to film those amazing moments, such as the helicopter ride I will be taking over the Grand Canyon, or travelling across the Golden Gate bridge in San Fransisco. This is my must have item.

2. Bum Bag

This is what I've grown up calling them but essentially its a fanny pack. I've found some funky ones with cool patterns on, and this will be perfect for walking around the cities. It holds just enough for the essentials, like money, phone and camera, and keeps it safe in front of you. Check out this cute one I found on amazon!

3. Backpack

Essential for hiking in Yosemite or for a day around Disneyland. I use backpacks when I need to carry more than the basics, such as water and a rain mac. It's so much better than a one shoulder bag and helps with the backache as well. You can also make it look fashionable, with most high street stores like Topshop, New Look etc. offering cool bags that will suit all types of outfits.

4. Iphone Charger

My phone contract needs upgrading soon, so I will be resorting back to the iPhone. The reason I ditched an iPhone last time was the disappointing battery life, but after having a Sony, it's made me miss it and this time I will prepare myself with a portable charger. This means I can charge it whilst on the go and still the able to use it for connecting with friends/family and taking pictures. I'm going for the Anker Astro E4 for around £20, but there are loads on the market for a range of prices.

5. Ray Bans

A must for traveling around sunny California with. I've never invested in a real pair, I actually opt for the fake ones. As I will be visiting Turkey this year, I will no doubt be utilising my bargaining skills to buy a new pair at the markets. That way I don't mind if they get ruined or broken.

6. Nike Air Max Trainers

Perfect for walking around and seeing the city sights, plus they can make an outfit casual and comfortable. Although they are pricey at £90, these will last a long time and can be used for exercise, worn with jeans or to dress down a going out outfit. They are also available in loads of varieties and colours, meaning I can wear them with pretty much any outfit. The classic white are my favourite and I can just picture myself wearing these with denim shorts in the American heat!

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!

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...