Category: lifestyle

Long Distance Love.

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It’s been a week and a half since Ali packed up and headed off on a tour bus for two months. This is our first experience at long distance, it’s never been something that we actually had to do and while we were expecting it to happen eventually this came around a lot quicker than we initially anticipated.

So, what’s it been like so far? I think it helps that Ali’s been working a lot of lates and has been away over the summer. That said, it’s definitely not easy. We don’t get that long to talk on the phone which is tough, thankfully we can text and on his day off we can Facetime. We’ve been side by side since we were kids and I think the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other is a few weeks, it’s odd.

There’s definite loneliness and I think the thing I miss most is having everyday access to hugs. Which wasn’t something I thought I would be bothered about, but there we are! This is definitely a learning curve and every day I am so proud of the great job he’s doing, but at the same time I’m definitely looking forward to having cuddles when I next see him.

Typo Haul!

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I found a new shop to share my love for all things organisation, stationary EVERYTHING! I went back to my old stomping ground of Kingston a few weeks ago and I’d heard about this shop, looked it up online, nothing could prepare me for my excitement and wants to buy all the things! So, when payday came and so did a 30% off sale online I had to treat myself, just a little bit. So, how about a long overdue haul?!

First of all, can we please appreciate the packaging. This came and genuinely fooled my boss into thinking that I’d been sent this massive present (I wish). This is the most amazing packaging and I love it. It was also really well packed, a lot of protection. I’ll be ordering again.

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Doughnut cushion – £15

Ali and I saw this in the Kingston store and I fell in love with it, next on my list is the burger. It’s so comfy and bright. It looks awesome in my living room.

iPhone Lenses Macro and Wide Lens – £7.00 

Ali picked these up first and after seeing how cool they were and the detail you can get (on the right is my sofa using the Macro lens). I know that there are other sets available too so I’m hoping I can pick those up too!

Notepads – £2.50 

I could have bought so many more of these. They have amazing designs and even some of The Simpsons. As you all know I love a good positive quote and these were perfect.

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Varsity Laptop Case 13’3 inches – £20 

I’ve needed a new laptop case for so long, I saw this and fell in love with it. This is one of my favourite colours and it’s just such a beautiful design. I’ve seen a matching bottle too!

 

If you want to look at these or some of the amazing other stuff that’s in my wish list then you can visit the Typo website! I know where my birthday money is going to go!  This is not a sponsored post, I just wanted to share my love for a new brand I’ve found! I hope you guys love it too!

August Favourites!

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Let’s jump right in and see what I’ve been loving in August!

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Books 

This month it’s been quite a slow reading month I just really couldn’t get into it. The silver lining though is that I’ve loved the books I have read. I finally got my copy of Our Super American Adventure by Sarah Graley which is absolutely awesome, I’ve met Sarah before and love her artwork and stories about her relationship. I also finished what I think is going to be one of my top books this year, My Shitty Twenties by Emily Morris, an honest account of being a single mother in your twenties and still being badass, you can read my review here. I also kept seeing the Andrew Morton book Diana Her True Story and decided to download it on Audible it’s a tough book and I did think it was interesting but incredibly sad on the 20th anniversary of the princess’s death. And finally Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is just amazing, meant for children but should be read by EVERYONE! My gushing review is here.

 

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Watching 

Is there anything else to talk about this month? Of course, there’s not. Game of Thrones is over for another season and this one was everything I hoped it would be. I’m not going to post spoilers, because that just not cool. All I’ll say is the following for people who have watched the finale, they deserved that and oh lordy what a beautiful sight. Now I have to wait for the next season…my Dad has already tagged me in a countdown timer.

 

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Fashion and Beauty

I did a whooooole post about my little haul this month over here. So head over for all the info you need to know!

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Brighton Pride

I went to my first ever Pride and I can honestly say it was the best party I’ve ever been to. It was fun and flamboyant and there was glitter everywhere! I got to sit in a giant deck chair, dance in an 80s disco and I ended up sponsoring a dog…yep (wine may have been involved). I wrote a whole post about 7 reasons you should go next year!

General

This month started off on a good note with a trip to Pizza Express with my ‘spec squad’, that’s me, Abbie and Sarah to celebrate our new little group. It’s been a month of spending time with people I love. Ali went to Brighton and Scotland this month for work, and bought me home Charlie the Highland Cow from the latter, he’s adorable (the cow I mean, although Ali’s ok I suppose). It’s also had milestones with my little sister getting into college! I also went to see 80s super popstars Bros at the O2 in London, which was actually a brilliant laugh with my Mum, sister and mum’s best friend. I also may have gotten a new cauldron mug from the new Primark collection…maybe. And last but not least I’ve been spending as much time as possible with Ali, including on our 9 year anniversary, before he heads off on tour tomorrow!!

 

My favourite posts 

Feminist Friday with …. Jess Willby 

A new month, a new woman 

Nine years, new adventures 

 

What have your favourites been this month? Let me know in the comments below!

My Boyfriend’s Leaving Me For Two Months?!

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You may or may not know that my lovely boyfriend Ali is a Sound Engineer. Last year he graduated with a first in Creative Music Technologies and he’s been working various sound jobs ever since. Over the summer he’s been off all over the country doing live sound from our local Basingstoke Live, to Brighton Pride. Things have been going well, but we thought it would be a little while before he headed off on tour. Not so much.

On Sunday I’ll be waving him off on a tour months as he prepares to tour the UK as an engineer. Living his dream. We’ve been busy the past few weeks getting everything ready, replacing some of his equipment that was stolen and generally just spending time together.

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The weird thing though, people keep asking me if I’m ok. I understand it but I just brush it off. You see Ali and I have been together for nine years, in those nine years the longest time we’ve been apart is 2 weeks. We have our own lives but I like knowing I get to wake up next to him every morning. So the fact I won’t for 2 months is very weird to me.

It’s going to be a new challenge and adventure for us. I do get to visit the tour and see what he’s up to and I have a lot planned, especially on my birthday! I’m excited for him, nervous for me. I’ll be blogging throughout about my long distance love, so let’s see what I get up to…

Any tips for long distance? Let me know in the comments below!

Payday Haul! 

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Hello, hello, hello lovely readers!

The end of our last Bank Holiday Weekend of the year is here! That might get you down but just think, the next Bank Holiday is *Boxing Day*, which means Christmas fun! Anyway, back to the matter at hand. This month marked the first month I got my ‘normal’ paycheck since I lost my job back in April. Since then I was temping and then started my new job in the middle of the month. So this payday I was able to treat myself a little bit while also paying the bills.

So, let’s crack on with this haul.

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First off, some beauty. I waxed my best friends eyebrows last week and told her she needed to get some good tweezers for strays. While we were shopping we found these cute ones for £2.00 from TK Maxx!! I’ve also finally run out of blusher so picked this up from Superdrug for £2.50 and got myself some wax strips for £6.95. I still have eyebrows so I’ll call that a win.

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I also managed to pick up the most 90s kid pyjamas in Primark. I used to watch all of these shows growing up. I constantly watched Nickelodeon and Boomerang as a kid and Rugrats was my favourite! They were £10 for the set, not bad.

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Harry Potter 9 3/4 PJs. I really controlled myself with the new Harry Potter range. These are a nice mix for Autumn while there are trousers they’re still quite lightweight. Also, look at all the amazing little illustrations on it too. Beyond cute. BEYOND CUTE. Also, £10 for the set.

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Ok, the last pair of Pyjamas I promise! I’ve been eyeing these for about 2 weeks, need to rep my house colours! Go, Go, Gryffindor! The best part is that these were only £6. £6!!!

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Finally moving away from PJs and on to stationary! Now, I don’t do a bit back to school/uni shop anymore I don’t buy that much stationary, that was until I found Typo. All three of these notebooks were on an offer which meant 3 for £6. I’ve also got more bits coming this week so I’ll do a Typo haul for that! These are so cool and I’m a total sucker for anything motivational!

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A band I absolutely love, PVRIS, were playing Reading and Leeds this weekend, on Friday Ali and I got to see a small acoustic set of theirs live and pick up their new album All We Know of Heaven, All We Need is Hell. It was so good and made me fall a little but more in love with Lynne.

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Book time! Of course, I was going to buy books. For some reason, I ordered an edition on Amazon that said this wasn’t out for another year?! That was until Abbie told me it was out as Melanie was on book tour! I’m so excited to read a book by one of my favourite people to watch. Catch Melanie’s channel here.

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And last but not least, I really want to increase the amount of poetry I have and read. I completely understand the classics are classics for a reason but I want to read poetry I can relate to! So I chose Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately by Alicia Cook.

 Now I have the rest of the month and I’m trying not to spend unnecessary money! I’m making healthier lunches for me to take to work, trying to cook more from scratch as well as taking cash out and using that when possible. I’ll let you know how I get on!

 

Illumicrate August 2017 Unboxing!

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I absolutely love getting my Illumicrate every 2 months. I’ve been counting down until my next one came, something told me it would be a good one! I wasn’t wrong. As always, this is going to be an unboxing so if you don’t want to know what’s in this months box pop back later!

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Wonder Woman Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo and exclusive pin 

Our first book is an exclusive edition of a new YA novel surrounding Wonder Woman back when she was simply Diana, wanting to ‘prove herself to her warrior sister’. The copy has exclusive red edges and a pin. I’m really intrested to read this one!

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Nyxia by Scott Reintgen 

I picked this up and I cannot stop. This is an exclusive proof copy of a new YA Sci-fi novel. I’m calling it now that this is going to be HUGE. Think of a kind of Sci-fi Hunger Games vibe. That’s all I say, I love it.

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Promotional Bookmarks 

Three promotional bookmarks in this one. Some beautiful designs and interesting reads, I’m looking forward to getting hold of After the Fire.

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Personal Library Savings Jar & Sticky Notes from Blossom Books 

This is ADORABLE it’s a little money jar for savings for your own personal library, although this was hard to show in a picture. They also provided adorable sticky bookmarks and an adorable quote. I’ll definitely be checking out more.

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Exclusive Alethiometer Coaster, artwork by Hannah Hitchman Art 

I’ve never read His Dark Materials so I don’t really get the significance of this but I love the design and it’s really good quality.

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The Red Church Tea by T-Ology (exclusive) 

An Assasin inspired tea that looks like the blood of your enemies. What more could you want?

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Shakespeare Zip Pouch by Miss Phi (Exclusive) 

I’m not a huge fan of Shakespeare’s plays as a whole but I love this pouch! It’s so positive and a really great and versatile size.

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Wisdom Journal designed by Hey Atlas Creative 

Again, this quote isn’t from a book I’ve personally read but it’s a nice design and you can never have too many notebooks…

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Moxie Pin Badges 

I didn’t know this book was going to exist but now I need to read it. These are really cool, feminist badges and have got me super excited to read the novel when it comes out. Info about Moxie, here.

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This is definitely the Illumicrate I’ve enjoyed the most. There’s so much variety and top quality products that I can use in my everyday life. I’m so excited to see what comes in two months time!

[This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are my own]

A-Z Book Tag!

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One of my favourite people to watch on YouTube is Cece over at Problems of a Book Nerd and when I saw this tag, I just knew it was something I wanted to do! So here’s a fun tag all about books, reading and quite a few mentions of Harry Potter…sorry not sorry.

Author You’ve Read The Most Books From:

Probably, Jaqueline Wilson, I devoured all of her books as a kid. I think my favourites were Double Act and Secrets. As an adult Jodi Picoult’s novels. 

Best Sequel Ever?:

I don’t think I have one…so far! 

Currently Reading:

– The Best of Adam Sharp by Graeme Simison

– Nyxia by Scott Reigntgen 

– Diana: Her True Story 20th anniversary edition – Andrew Morton

Drink of Choice When Reading:

Tea, all of the tea. 

E-Reader or Physical Book?:

Both. I love the feel of a real book in my hand BUT I can’t carry loads because of my back. Also, all my ARC copies are on E-Reader. 

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Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated As A Teen:

Ron Weasley.

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. It made me feel so much better about myself because I’d never read a book like that before. It shaped my time at university. It made me think about how I felt as a woman and about my goals. So much love for this book. 

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Hidden Gem:

The Second Life of Amy Archer – R.S Pateman. Amazing.  

Important Moment in Your Reading Life:

Starting Harry Potter, even if I don’t remember clearly, it started something amazing. 

Just Finished:

Our Super American Adventure by Sarah Graley 

Kind of Books You Won’t Read:

Diet books. I read for PLEASURE. 

Longest Book You’ve Read?

I think it’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix or Game of Thrones. 

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Major Book Hangover:
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I’m still not over it. *sob* 

Number of Bookcases You Own:

Currently 1, I’m going to IKEA soon though…

One Book You’ve Read Multiple Times:

The Harry Potter books. I mean, who hasn’t? 

Preferred Place to Read:

In my bed, with lots of pillows and blankets. 

Quote That Inspires You:

“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.”

 

Reading Regret:

Not going to a midnight Harry Potter launch as a kid! 

Series You Started & Need to Finish:

I’m not really into reading a series of books, I’d quite like to finish A Song of Ice and Fire though because I love the TV show so much.

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Three of Your All Time Favourite Books:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 

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Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Harry Potter. Always. 

Very Excited for This Release:

It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne. She’s one of my favourite YA authors.  

Worst Bookish Habit?

Buying a pile of books when I have so many already to read! 

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X Marks The Spot; Pick the 27th Book on your Shelf:

Girl Alone by Cathy Glass. 

Your Latest Purchase:

Our Super American Adventure by Sarah Graley 

Zzzzz Snatcher Book (The Last Book That Kept You Awake):

Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls – Lynn Weingarten 

I tag ANYONE who wants to give this a go, let me know I’d love to see them!

Sunday Seven: Tips for a Good Work/Life Balance

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Now, to start this post I’m not claiming I have a perfect balance in my life (does anyone) BUT in the past year, I’ve learned a lot about having boundaries between work and home. If you’ve followed my blog for a long time, you’ll know that this started a long time before I was working full-time, I’m terrible at switching off. That said, I do have a few tips to make things easier. So, really, this is for any self-confessed workaholic whether you’re a student, working full-time, volunteering or anything!

Work hard, play harder. 

It’s absolutely fine to work hard, it’s a great feeling to achieve, however, you need to play in your own way. That doesn’t mean going out on the town every weekend, it means finding something that you enjoy! For me, it’s a weekend bookathon!

Plan time with your friends and family. 

If you make plans, you have to stick to them. It’s very easy when you’re at home alone or have nothing planned to sit on your laptop and continue working late into the night. By making plans you need to step away and not think about it!

Working late is ok, but not every day. 

Sometimes you have to have a late night, you have things to do. That’s not a bad thing, deadlines happen or things might go wrong. There might even be a period of late nights (I’m looking at you dissertation writers) but you shouldn’t have to do that every single night.

Switch off your work phone/PC. 

Once the working day is done I switch off my work phone and PC. I’m lucky because I can do that, I’m not on call. If you can do that it’s a great way to switch off and have your own time.

Go to bed at a reasonable time! 

There’s nothing worse than trying to get things done with sleep deprivation. Nothing. Worse.

Make sure you take your allocated holiday! 

If you’re reading this from a working perspective most companies are good at telling you to take your holiday, because they recognise you need a break at times. If you’re a student reading this, I know the temptation to work every hour of the university holidays, you still need a break though, just like everyone else!

If you’re struggling, talk to someone.

I’m really lucky that where I work is incredibly open. If you do feel that things are getting a little too much and you’re working every hour of the day, talk to someone. Just one helping hand could make all the difference!

 

A Typical Night Out

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As I write this I’m not a big party person. I usually try to have one big night out with Abbie once a month, normally on a Friday, but what exactly happens on those nights? Which I’ll admit have been getting a little more frequent recently much to our amusement. So, here’s what a typical night out looks like for me.

4.30pm – Finish work 

It’s the start of the weekend, you’ll normally see me with the windows down (if it’s not raining, we are in England after all) party music blasting as I leave the car park, I’m pretty sure my colleagues always know it’s me. The weekend has begun.

5.00pm – Time to start getting ready 

I don’t take an age to get ready, if I can help it I like to be able to take my time and enjoy myself. A long shower is my go to, with my phone still blasting music. For every emotion music is my go to. Sometimes I get a little anxious about nights out, the amount of people, lots of drunk people etc. so my music helps me battle that anxiety.

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7.00pm – Meet up and get some food, Wetherspoons special

I love a good Wetherspoons, it’s cheap with a good atmosphere and you can order alcohol on an app. We usually meet at 7 and get some food, Chicken Strips are a go to for me. Then we start on some drinks.

9.00pm – Cocktails and selfies 

Around 9ish we’ll move on to somewhere for 2 for 1 cocktails, it’s also the prime time for selfie taking…

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10.30pm – On to the Bar 

Which leads us on to go to one of the few bars in Basingstoke. More cocktails, a bit of dancing and a lot of laughing. We like going somewhere where we can sit and chill as well as have fun rather than stand in crowded spaces.

12:30 am – We usually give up

We’re not the kind of people who go out until 3am, we never have been! I’m more than happy to go home, get in my PJs in a nice tipsy state and get some sleep.

Nine Years, New Adventures

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I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to put in this post. A long post about the love I have for my boyfriend, something funny and quirky, just a simple I love you and a few pictures? Nothing seemed right. Even as I write this, I’m not sure. If you’ve followed this blog go

If you’ve followed this blog for any amount of time, or any of my Social Media channels you’ll know that he’s a big part of my life. It’s too simplistic to say he’s my best friend and leave it there, because it’s more complicated. For the past nine years, Ali has brought out the best in me time and time again. Without him and his gentle nudging I probably wouldn’t have even considered University or been in a band or even been in the job I am today.

It’s not that he makes me who I am, we’re both our own individual selves, it’s more that he’s been a good part of the growing process. I mean he’s literally seen me as a slightly awkward teenager to a less awkward and more confident adult. He’s carried me to the bathroom when I couldn’t walk. He’s cleaned up after me, cooked for me. Most importantly he’s told me no at times and not just instantly agreed with everything I say (although that’s a whole blog post in itself).

Now we’re at the nine-year mark, we’re finding new challenges and adventures. In a few weeks he will be going on his first tour for work, all over the country. This means he’ll be away for two months. It’s a huge opportunity and I’m so proud I could burst, for our relationship though it’s going to be new. I think the most we’ve ever spent apart is two weeks. So it’s a bit of a jump.

With each year that passes we’re going to take on new things as a couple and by ourselves. This time last year we didn’t think we’d both be doing so well at work that he’d be going off touring and I’d be so happy working in design. In the next nine years we’ll probably get married, we might start a family or move. We might be thinking about getting a mortgage or we might be doing something completely different.

Either way, I didn’t know when I fell in love with him at thirteen years old how our lives would map out. I still don’t. I’m pretty sure if we’ve got each other though, we can make anything into an adventure.