Driving Lessons: Tips, Tricks and Advice

I absolutely hated my driving lessons. I dreaded each and every one I had, as I just wasn't that keen on the whole thing and let's be honest here, I wasn't that great either. Mix that in with two of my best friends being soooo into cars, driving and everything in between - it was a pretty potent mix. I mean, while learning myself, I also heard how brilliantly they were getting on and how much they were loving it. That and car care tips... (Toothbrushes to clean the badges anyone? Furniture polish on the seat-belts?) This is what being friends with boys is really like, it's not as wild as people make out.

But, having passed my test (second time lucky!) I thought I'd post a few tips and tricks when it comes to driving lessons, and also just some reassurance that if I can do it anyone can. I wouldn't say I'm an appalling driver now, but my first few lessons certainly were abysmal and I definitely wouldn't have been my own passenger. So, the first point I want to make is; you're not the worst driver in the whole world ever, like I thought I was. Your instructor has probably seen it all, so a stall or few thousand is nothing to be ashamed of, plus things can only get better, right?

If you can, I'd definitely suggest having lessons during spring/summer as for me, with it being both pitch black and chucking it down with rain during winter, it didn't particularly help my mood. The lessons that I did have while it was light outside were considerably more enjoyable, as for one I could see more than 3m in front of me. 

When it comes to instructors, if you're not happy, move!! One of my friends had a really nasty instructor who shouted at him when he didn't do things right, and was known to slap the dashboard in front of him, which, let's be real here, definitely wasn't necessary. Not all instructors are like this!! If you've had a couple of lessons but aren't getting on with them, be polite, tell them you're not going to continue with them and find someone else. You haven't (or shouldn't have?!) signed a legally binding contract or anything, so you're more than entitled to find someone you get on better with.

My biggest piece of advice however, is to get on with your theory asap. Start reading and going over it once you've started your lessons and then just book it. As long as you've done some practice tests and had a go at the hazard perception, it's really nothing to worry about. The relief once you pass though is surreal, and for me, it really spurred me on to hurry up and take the practical test. It gave me a real surge in both motivation and confidence, I felt like I did know what I was doing and I wasn't so hopeless after all!

Have you passed your test?
TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

4 Things Working In Retail Has Taught Me

I've been working my little 8-hour florist weekend job for the last two years now, and it's fair to say I've had a good dose of working in retail. I mean, I've survived two Christmases, Valentine's Days and Mother's Days - I've experienced the full brunt of stressed, inconsiderate clientele. I work in a local supermarket, so nothing overly glamorous, but it's not been too bad at all. I mean, I wouldn't say I love working there, but I don't hate it either. While working there I've certainly realised a few things, so for today's post, I thought I'd share them with you...

PEOPLE ARE ODD

Now, I know this statement isn't overly revelatory but I couldn't write this post without including it. Yes, I understand that 'everyone is unique' etc but some of the things I've witnessed/been asked to do are definitely on the strange side. Take the other day, for example, I served a lady who paid for £90 of her £115 bill in pound coins and 50ps. NINETY POUNDS?! As you can well imagine, the customers queuing behind her weren't too happy, and neither was I when I realised this mountain of change was definitely not going to fit in my already-stuffed till.

15 MINUTE BREAKS ARE NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR ANYTHING

Aaaah, you're told it's time for your break and you're excited to get a cup of tea, a snack, check your phone and chat with your coworkers. Nope, by the time you've got upstairs, taken your phone out of your locker, sat down, it's time to get back to work again?! Why do those 15 minutes go faster than alllll the others?!

COLLEAGUES WILL GET YOUR NAME WRONG

Where I only work one day a week, and the staff turnover is pretty high, I always find myself being called the wrong name? One day it would be nice to have an entire shift being referred to as Becca. But, having been called Beth for the last 3 months it's kind of stuck, and I can't bring myself to correct them. It's waaaaay past the point of that and it looks as if I'll be sticking with 'Beth' for the duration.

IT'S EASIER TO SMILE AND NOD SOMETIMES

Some customers are rude. There are always going to be people who want to have a moan, whether it be valid or not.  But rather than cause a scene, it's much simpler to just smile and apologise, even if what they're saying is total baloney. Yes, this is the 'weaker' position and you'll hate taking it, but having a shouting match with an elderly lady, in the middle of the shop floor, is perhaps not the best for business. 

Have you ever worked in retail?
TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

Room Tour

I never know what to say in these sorts of posts, other than welcome to my room I guess? I spend waaay too long in here, not that I'm particularly ashamed of that, especially as I'm finally 99.87% happy with it, and all the decor. I wasn't sure whether to list where everything is from, under each picture, but a lot of what's featured isn't for sale anymore, sorry! 

That being said, you can read about the memo board here, and if you're super observant you may even be able to spot the bits I picked up from the Homesense event (post here) dotted around the place. A lot of the furniture in my room is from the mothership; Ikea, as well as quite a few of the accessories. I stuffed the blue cushion (featured on my bed) in my suitcase and it travelled all the way back from Florida with me last year. I spotted it in Target and just couldn't leave it behind.

The prints on my wall were all from Etsy, I just searched monochrome prints and bought the first four I liked the look of. They're nothing fancy by any means, but I like how they look on that otherwise bare wall. One other thing to note is, of course, the chairdrobe. What is a room without one?! If you're not aware, a chairdrobe is essentially just a chair that's stacked sky high with clothes, and I'm sooo guilty of having one.  

I was just trawling through the BF&L archives and just found two other room tour posts, and oh my. how my style has changed!! If you're interested you can view those here and here. 

Are you guilty of having a chairdrobe?

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

3 Gym Tips For Those Who've Never Been

I feel like a bit of a fraud writing this post considering I haven't been to the gym since way before Christmas, and I could come at you with a whole heap of excuses, but let's be real here, I've just been a bit (very) lazy. That being said, I did spend quite a lot of time at the gym last year and hence feel as if I can share a few tips for gym newbies.

YOU LOOK GREAT, DON'T WORRY.

During my first 'sesh' (am I a proper gym lad now? lol) I was so worried that everyone else was watching me and laughing at my feeble attempts at exercise. Nope, oh how wrong I was, no one cared, and still, no one cares. Everyone sorta does their own thing, and just gets on with it. So, go on, you do you while they do them. 

LISTEN AT YOUR INDUCTION.

Yep, this is one I really should have done. Don't get me wrong I listened to start of with, but as the instructor got to the 46387th weight machine I did sorta switch off. I thought I'd never use them and I was eager to get started and have a go on 'fun' stuff myself. Don't do that. Listen. Especially if they recommend techniques and what weight to use per set, it'll help when you attempt it for the first time yourself.

DON'T OVERDO IT.

The second we were released into the gym I felt I should have a go at everything, and see how long I could run for before feeling like death etc. Again, learn from my mistakes, don't do that, especially if you're not use to that level of exercise. My legs were a little (extremely) sore the next day, but what was I expecting having spent far too long on the leg press, doing weights that my spindle-legs certainly aren't used to...

What do you think of the gym?
How was your first ever session?
TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

This Week I... (#47)

Started the university shopping. In September I'm planning on being self-catered, and I seem to have compiled a list as long as my arm of kitchen things I'd like. (Let's be real here, how much cooking am I actualllly going to be doing?) But nonetheless, I've bought spatulas and antibacterial floor wipes ... Am I an official adult now?!

Realised I was better in the water than on it. The boy and I went to this sea water obstacle course, and let's just put it this way; I was abysmal. I mean, I have the balance of a one legged donkey so let's just say I spent more time falling off than actually on it. While we were there we also did zorbing, something neither of us had done before. This too required a good sense of balance, so you can imagine how great I was at this. Also, I had no idea how claustrophobic they'd make me feel? It was such a weird feeling being in a giant plastic ball, rolling around on the sea. 

Spent the day at Gunwharf Quays. I love this place. If you haven't been before, it's an outlet shopping centre in Portsmouth with loads of shops and nice restaurants. While we were there I actually enjoyed a free piña colada, as part of Malibu's National Piña Colada Day. Amazing. I also refrained from making any major purchases, as I'm hoping to do such when I go to America in a few weeks...

Bought blue jeans!!!!! This is not a drill!! For the past two years I've worn nothing but black Topshop Leigh/Joni jeans, so much so that it's become a standing joke between my friends. But, while shopping this week I bought these high-waisted blue ones from New Look. They're definitely not my usual taste but I think I'm slowly growing to like them. Thank you, Elliot, for persuading me to get them!!

Made the most delicious pancakes. These were potentially my best banana pancakes to date, they were soooooo delicious. I've written a full post about them here, and they're definitely worth making. I topped mine with fresh strawberries and agave nectar, and they were sooo good. 

What have you done this week?
TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

Banana Pancakes Recipe

These banana pancakes have been my go-to breakfast/brunch/lunch/snack you name it, for quite a while now. They're sooo simple to make, and quite frankly rather delicious. They contain three ingredients and literally only take 5 minutes to make. Compared to thick, fluffy, full-fat, American pancakes these aren't so great, but for a (kinda) healthy alternative, they get a big thumbs up from me.

So, to make these you'll need;

- 1 banana

- 1 egg

- 1 tbsp of self-raising flour

(Isn't that the easiest ingredient list to remember ever?!)

The method is very simple, simply mash the banana, add the egg and then fold in the flour. (I'd just like to point out here, that the more you mash the banana, the smoother the pancakes will be. ie if you'd rather they had chunks of banana, go easy with the mashing). And voila, your batter is ready to go. 

Once cooked, I like to add chopped strawberries and drizzle agave nectar on top. The pancakes on their own are pretty bland, so if you try these out definitely have a topping on hand. Natural yogurt would go well with them, or even ice cream if you've got some. I know these are meant to be healthy-ish, but one day I'd love to drizzle these with toffee sauce... aka banoffee pancakes!!

Anyway, enough of my pancake related rambles, I'd love to know if you give these a go!

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

This Week I... (#46)

Went to a waterpark.  Me and the boyfriend went to Splashdown this week and it was soooo much fun. Yes, it's probably aimed at a slightly younger target audience but we genuinely had the best time. Side note; the last time I went was coincidentally also the last time I wrote one of these This Week I post's, back in 2014. It's fair to say not a lot has changed there, which is marvellous, as it was just as good as I remembered. 

Drank way too many cocktails. One of my best friends is spending a month in Ecuador this summer, so on Wednesday we went out for drinks to see him off. We went to Turtle Bay, and it's fair to say we were all slightly worse for wear when we left. They were 2-4-1, how could we resist? If you ever get a chance to go, I highly recommend the Raspberry Reggae, and the Reggae Rum Punch.

Have got back into OITNB. I watched the entirety of seasons 1 and 2 when they came out, but only watched a couple of episodes in the third as I found it really dull to be honest. Butttt, due to the hype surrounding the newest season, I'm desperately trying to finish it so that I can get up to speed. Plus, where I'm no longer tied to revision, I've got more free time than I know what to do with, so it's been a great way to spend a few hours. PS if you've already seen it, please no spoilers! 

Discovered NYX at my local Boots. I've seen so many posts about this once, stupidly-difficult-to-get-hold-of-in-the-UK brand, and when I heard they were coming to the UK, it's fair to say I was more than a little excited. I've heard soooo much about the Matte Lip Creams, and I can't wait to give them a go, Stockholm I'm looking at you. If you've tried anything of the range, please do let me know your thoughts, as I don't really know where to start! (Besides getting one of everything, sorry savings!)

Have been doing GCSE geography. This week I've spent quite a lot of time helping my sister with her homework, and weirdly I've been kind of enjoying it. Geography was the subject I did best at at GCSE and it's scary how much you remember without realising. However, it's fair to say I'm glad those days are over as 'Longshore Drift' never was (and still isn't) that exciting. 

What have you done this week?
TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

The Homesense Haul and Event

Before last week I'd never once been in a Homesense store. Now, don't get me wrong, I love homewear as much as the next person, there just isn't a store particularly local to me. (But where I live nothing is particularly local, so that's certainly not a criticism). Anyway, last week I was invited to a bloggers event, held by the lovely Southampton Bloggers, at the Homesense store in Hedge End, and I certainly enjoyed my first visit.

On arrival, we were greeted with drinks and nibbles, and were very lucky to be given a £20 gift card to spend in store. While at the event I met some really lovely bloggers, and even caught up with Helen, who I haven't seen in agessssss. (Go and check her out if you haven't already!) The store was huge, and absolutely full of gorgeous homewear bits. They literally sell a bit of everything, so are definitely worth checking out if you're after some new pieces. I mean, I saw everything from gorgeous stationary to chilli sauces, pet toys and faux succulent planters.

Now, on to the good stuff, what I bought... As with the nature of Homesense, I unfortunately can't link any of the items as there tends to be very few of each item, and hence you can't shop online. But I thought I'd show you my buys nonetheless. My entire haul only came to £27, whatta bargain!

The larger wire basket was only £9.99 and the other was £4.99. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to use them for, but I just couldn't leave them behind. While wandering I also found the two plant pots which were only £3 apiece. I bought the fake flowers to display in one of the pots, and I still can't believe how well priced they were? The white blooms were £1.99 and the foliage was only £2.99, amazing.

I haven't posted an OOTD in soooo long, so I thought I'd include a little one in this post. I wore a stripy cropped Topshop tshirt, H&M trousers and Primark sandals. These trousers are my absolute favourite at the moment, so much so that I have them in both black and navy. The best part is that they're only £7.99 a pair!!

Have you ever been to a bloggers event?
TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

Prom & Graduation 2016

Friday was my prom and graduation meaning I have finally, officially left sixth form. Hooray. The event itself was held at a hotel, where we had both the graduation ceremony, and the dinner and dance afterwards. It was so lovely to see my entire year group all dressed up, and to hear their plans for the future as they graduated. But, with this came the realisation that we're now all very small fish in a very big pond, and we've now got to go out into the 'real world' and do 'proper adult stuff'. 

I think my favourite part of prom by far is getting ready. This year I spent a good couple of days leisurely doing so; painting my nails, tanning, doing my hair, planning my makeup etc. What I didn't enjoy so much, was trying to find a dress. I ordered sooooo many potential dresses, and spent far too long at the Post Office returning them. Incidentally. the dress I ended up wearing was one I was adamant I was sending back. At the time I just really wasn't loving it, but when I showed it to other people they absolutely loved it. (Life tip; get a second, third and fourth opinion, always). 

Dress - Forever 21

Shoes - New Look

Bag - New Look

As for makeup, I kept it pretty standard. I didn't want anything too garish, so stuck with my usual everyday look. I didn't even wear lipstick in the end? I wanted to keep it looking natural, Purely because I just couldn't be bothered to retouch it for the entire rest of the evening, let's be honest here. This year, I curled my hair using a curling wand (can I just say for the first time ever) and I really liked how it turned out. My hair is naturally very curly, but curling it just made it look a lot neater and put together. I think it goes without saying that I had to make use of copious amounts of fake tan, as my natural skin tone is pretty much that of the dress, and I didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb in in all our group photos. Luckily it went pretty smoothly, except for my feet, which were dodgy to say the least.

After prom, we all went to town and that was by far my highlight of the night. The entire club was pretty much full of our year group, and we had the best time ever. What I didn't enjoy so much was walking there. It took 30 minutes to walk from the hotel to town, and let's just say I've now got some of the meatiest blisters I've ever had. Lush. 

Anyway, enough of the rambling, I had a fab time at prom this year, and if you have the opportunity to attend one, definitely do. Finally, if you're interested, you can read about my year 11 prom experience here. 

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN 

Loving In June

What a busy month June has been. It's absolutely flown by. This month saw me finish my A Levels, and subsequently school, foreverrrr. Other things of note are of course the EU Referendum, which can I say is not one of my favourite things in June. To be honest, I'm just very disappointed, but let's not get into that now. In June I also attended a BBQ at my (now ex-) ethics teacher's house. Before I got there I really wasn't sure what to think of it all, but it wasn't awkward in the slightest, plus the food was really good. This month I also started attempting to 'workout' again, but more on that another day. Anyway, onto the favourites...

BEAUTY

- I recently picked up the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (veryyy late to the bandwagon I know) and I'm actually very impressed. It's less than a fiver and covers both dark circles and blemishes. Win win.

- I bought Milani Luminoso whilst on holiday in the states, and I still reach for it basically everyday. It's a shimmery peach colour, and I just love how it makes my skin look so glowy and healthy.

- Another recent discovery was this MUA Shadow in the shade Chamoisee, which is lovely lightly blended all over the lid. I haven't reached for this all too much this month, but it's been perfect when I've been in a rush eg before an exam when I've spent too long with my head in a textbook.

- Soap and Glory's Thick and Fast Mascara has been another of my most used products this month. Now that it's dried out a bit I absolutely love it, and am more than happy with how my lashes look after one coat. I certainly won't be switching to another mascara anytime soon.

- In June I really got stuck into my Mac Quad once again. I find I flit between this and my Naked 2, but this is the one I reached for basically everyday. You can read about the my quad here and here, but Satin Taupe is for sure my favourite shade in it, it's gorgeous.

WATCHING

- Love Island. I'm sure you're not surprised by that considering I confessed my love for it here. It's on everyday, and I just can't help but watch it. I genuinely don't know what I'm going to do with my evenings once it's over. (Saddoooo)

- The Conjuring 2. I watched this at the cinema after my last exam and I thought it was pretty good. I'm not usually once for horrow films, but I really got into this one and jumped at every jumpscare possible.

- Impractical Jokers. If you haven't seen it, do. It's always being shown on Comedy Central and I could quite confidently say it's the funniest thing on TV at the moment. I don't know what it is about it, but it always has me in stitches,

What have you been loving this month?
TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

A Country Bumpkin's Guide to London

If you've read my last post you'll know that Friday saw me venture to London. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't live in a field in the middle of nowhere, but my town isn't necessarily known for it's social buzz. I mean, we don't even have a Boots or Superdrug... (Is it me or does everywhere have one or the other, or both?) Anyway, I thought for today's post I'd compile a little guide to the big city

BLACK SNOT

I wasn't quite sure how to phrase this one in a more dignified way, but it is what it says on the tin. Blowing your nose after a day of tube travel always results in a tissue full of black sludge. Sexy.

THE MUSIC IS LOUD, ALWAYS

I don't know what it is, but every shop on Oxford Street always has reallllly loud music? It's almost like a daytime club, if you will, with its pounding bass. (Obviously minus the drinks, lights, pyro and dodgy drunk dancing)

CROSSING ROADS IS A NIGHTMARE

The amount of time I've stood on a kerb waiting for the road to clear, ready to cross, is crazy. London doesn't slow down, it's always busy, so if you see someone crossing, join them. I know that's certainly not the wisest of advice, but it's sometimes necessary.

GET AN OYSTER CARD

If you're going to be using the tube multiple times in a day I'd definitely recommend getting one. They're £5, and then you can just top it up with however much you'd like. It works out waaaay cheaper and it's just a lot easier than fiddling around putting a travel card in the gates. (This isn't sponsored, it's just that I've only just got round to getting one myself, and think it's a great idea)

ACT LIKE YOU'RE ON A MISSION

Do not show the slightest sign of weakness, this is especially true when waiting in a tube station. Focus at all times, and prepare to push. If not, prepare to wait for the next 3 trains, and you might just get on. 

'SPENDING A PENNY' IS NO LONGER A PENNY

Yep, we've all heard the phrase, but it's not quite true anymore. The charge for toilets, with inflation, is now basically a pound, so always have plenty of spare change, and not just of the copper variety. 

Can you relate to any of these?

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

My Trip To The Capital

On Friday, I felt like a proper adult. I travelled to London on my own, and spent the day wandering around the capital on my own. I know for some people that'll be nothing, but I live in a really quite small town, and my sense of direction quite frankly, is appalling. None of my friends were free to go with me yesterday, but they kept texting throughout the day to check I was alright, and hadn't managed to lose myself in the middle of London. Luckily I didn't and I had a fab day.

After the two hour journey to Victoria, I hopped on the Victoria Line and headed to Sloane Square. Here I had a quick wander round before heading to Brandy Melville. I love that shop. However, I was slightly disappointed by what's in store currently, and only came away with one top. The next stop was Pret for lunch, I wanted something quick before heading to The Blogers Hangout Event. I had the macaroni cheese with kale and cauliflower, and wow, it was really quite delicious. On the way to the station I nipped into Zara very quickly and almost 95% of the store was on sale, amazing.

Now it was time to head to the Strand Gallery for the aforementioned event. But just before, I popped into a tiny Oliver Bonas store in the station, to see what all the hype is about. Am I a proper blogger yet? Anyway, I arrived at the event and had a great time. I met some great brands and was introduced to some really interesting products and concepts. Whilst there, the lovely girls from United Beauty painted my nails in this gorgeous muted grey colour, and finished them off with a gel topcoat. And oh my, I was/am still impressed. Their gel kit essentially turns any polish into a gel polish, it's insane, but you can remove it at home like you would any other polish, there's no soaking off required. Amazing.

Sass and Belle were also at the event, and I've totally fallen in love with their cactus and tropical summer collections. I stupidly didn't take a photo of their stand, but trust me, it was cute, Having looked at their website, I'm pleasantly surprised by how well priced everything is, so that's a big thumbs up from me. I hadn't heard of Pink Parcel before the event, and it's basically a period subscription box. It's £10 a month, and as well as the necessities, you also receive a mini treat box also. This includes; chocolate, tea, makeup, nail polish as well as some skin care. (Don't quote me on that, but the ones at the event did!) The Perfume Shop had a stand, and I've genuinely fallen in love with so many new scents, especially tropical ones. Other brands at the event included KB Hair Extensions, T-tox and Nature's Wish. 

Once I'd finished at the Strand, I headed to Oxford Circus to do a bit more shopping. That Topshop is hugeeee and possibly the easiest shop to get lost in.I walked past the same rail of jeans about 6 times before finding the way out. (See, I said my sense of direction sucks.) Anyway, I picked up a few more bits before heading to Victoria, ready to head home. Overall I had a really great day, exhausting, but great. If you'd like, you can read about my last trip to London here.

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

FREEEEDOM

Wow, what a demanding two years sixth form has been. I know people alwaaaays say that the jump between GCSE and A Level / AS and A2 is tremendous, but I want to take a second here to reiterate that. A2 has been especially demanding, so if you're thinking of applying for Sixth Form in September, get ready to work your butt off! 

That being said, the last two years have been soooo much fun and I've met some of the greatest people ever. And the fact that we're all going to totally different parts of the country in September (hopefully, assuming we didn't all U it) actually really sucks. 

While on the topic of exams I thought I'd give you a quick insight into what study leave has really been like for me;

- pyjamas all day everyday
- 2836249 colour coded cue cards

- an obscene number of cups of tea

- snacking, a little more snacking, and yet more snacking

- the furthest I've moved is probably 5m

- and more past papers than you can shake a stick at. 

Anyway, I'm so glad it's all over now, and I am so ready for the summer holidays ahead. Graduation is next week, then after that the last time I'll ever have to go into school will be to pick up my results... eek

I have quite a few cool things planned for the summer, and it all kicks off tomorrow with a trip to London on my lonesome. None of my friends have finished their exams yet, so I'm braving it alone. On the plus side, I'll be able to do whatever I please and won't have to drag anyone else around the same shop 25837 times. I'm sure I'll take lots of pictures and have lots to report back, so a post about my adventures is very likely to appear on BF&L very soon. 

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN

Hi all! I'm alive, justttt. It's A Level season here in the UK, and it's fair to say things are rather hectic. In case you're new around here, I'm currently completing A2's in Biology, Ethics and Philosophy, and Psychology. So far I've completed two out of my seven exams, and I've never been more excited for a fortnight to pass. My last exam is the 23rd June, and I am literally counting down the seconds until then. Freedommmm. In September I'm hoping to study Psychology at university, and so I've got my fingers crossed that these exams don't go too horrendously.

 

Once I've broken up for summer I'm planning on jumping right back on BF&L, and starting posting regularly again! Also, I'd just like to add that I am currently 100% obsessed with Love Island. I've watched 9 episodes in the last 48 hours, and I think I'm finally all caught up. Which is your favourite couple? Also, can you tell I've been procrastinating?

 

Anywayyyyy, I better get back to looking like I'm revising, but I'll be back soon!

 

What have you been up to recently?

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN - INSTAGRAM

The 2015 Disneyworld Bucket List

In a few weeks' time my family and I will be jetting off on holiday to Florida, and now that school is finished for the year, it's fair to say that the holiday excitement has kicked in. We're going for just over two weeks, and of that time I think we'll be spending a fair chunk of it at Disney. Please don't hate me for saying this, but I definitely think I'm more of a Universal/Islands of Adventure kinda girl... I mean, The Hulk, Rip Ride Rockit and Harry Potter, what more could you want? Nonetheless, here's 10 things I want to make sure I do this year.

1. Have a photo with Mickey, obviously. I don't think this one needs explaining, it's a must.

2. Ride Summit Plummet, again. It's the third-tallest and fastest free fall slide in the world, and I love very second of it.

3. Try Jungle Juice. This is exclusive to Animal Kingdom and sounds delicious; orange, guava and passionfruit.

4. Go to DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney. It's an indoor interactive themepark which is included with your park admission, I'm just yet to visit it. 

5. Eat at the Rainforest Cafe, and buy another souvenir tshirt. I have one from each year we've been to Florida, and it's a tradition I don't want to stop. 

6. Go on the Buzz Lightyear ride. I've never ridden this one before, and I'm not sure why I haven't

7. Get henna at Animal Kingdom. Last year I got the prettiest henna on my hand, and I'd love to get something similar this year. 

8. Go on the Tower of Terror without screaming. I'm such a wuss, and this is something I'm yet to do. But I'm 17 now, I'm nearly an adult?!?!

9. Complete the Speedway successfully. It's fair to say the last attempt I had was abysmal, and my passenger, my Dad, wasn't too thrilled by my driving.

10. Play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. I'm not entirely sure what this will entail, but I've seen it mentioned a few times and I'd love to have a go. 

Have you done any of the above?

TWITTER / BLOGLOVIN

fleurs

I'm not sure how many of you will already know this, but I currently have a Saturday job working as a florist. I never imagined that my first 'proper' job would involve me creating bouquets for customers? It's fair to say I'm not the most creative of people, nor am I the most practical. Nonetheless, since working there I've learnt quite a lot about flowers and floristry, so when Appleyard London contacted me, and offered to send me a bouquet, I was so excited for it to arrive.

I must admit I chose the Bellini Bouquet purely for the roses within it, they are gorgeous. The flowers arrived in a block of oasis foam, already hand-tied into a bouquet. Including delivery, this bouquet retails at £41.99, which if I'm honest I think is quite good. The flowers themselves are of really good quality, and they're presently equally well. 

I've had them sat in a vase for quite a few days now, and they're still looking as lovely as they did when they arrived. Appleyard London have been kind enough to offer a discount for you all of 33% off with the code BLOG33, (although it does exclude the flowers by post range.)

TWITTER - BLOGLOVIN - BLOG DESIGNS

updates

Okay, so what's happened since my last proper update;

I turned seventeen, hooray. My friends and I all went out for dinner to celebrate, and it was lovely. I love my friends. They genuinely make me laugh so much, and it's fair to say that Ill miss them when we all move away next year. On my actual birthday I had my first driving lesson. It went surprisingly well, and I'm enjoying driving.

Guess who has tickets to see James Bay in October... Yep, that would be Elliot and I. I'm so excited. I've had Chaos and the Calm on repeat for a few weeks now and I love it. My favourite tracks include if You Ever Want To Be In Love and When We Were On Fire.

A couple of evenings ago I rearranged my room, and it looks a lot bigger and more minimalist. I like it. So I was perhaps thinking of doing a room tour of sorts...? 

I've recently got into watching documentaries?!?! I never thought that'd be something I'd say, but it's true. I've watched quite a few recently. but the Louis Theroux ones are my favourite at the moment.

We're currently midway through the Easter Holiday and it's fair to say I've been rather busy. Last week I went for a bike ride. Not a nice, calm stroll as I'd expected, but an offroad mountain biking track. It's fair to say I wasn't too well prepared and totally out of my comfort zone. It's fair to say Elliot and Billy enjoyed their morning, me not so much. I've never been so shattered. That evening I had a party to attend, and I was struggling to keep my eyes open by 11pm.

What have you done recently?

TWITTER//BLOGLOVIN//INSTAGRAM//BLOG DESIGNS

Our Easter Sunday

I'm sorry I've been rather absent lately, but I'm sure that at some point I'll update you on all that's happened. I wouldn't personally consider myself as a theist, but I had a lovely day yesterday nonetheless. 

My day literally consisted of food, family and laughing. It was marvellous. 

It all started with Mini Eggs for breakfast, can that please be considered a thing? Also, if for any reason Cadbury happen to be reading this post; I love your products a lot, especially the aforementioned Mini Eggs, please sell them all year round. 

The bouquet of flowers featured above, I actually made. When my grandparents came over they brought with them two bunches of freesias, so I decided to make up a bouquet with them, and the daffodils we already had. It's fair to say I'm rather pleased with how it turned out, especially as it's not my usual choice of flower combination. 

Anyway, more importantly, the food. I ate so much. To the point where it hurt to breathe, and that is not even an exaggeration. I had a genuine food coma. My sister made the most delicious three layer chocolate cake, so if she's reading this, well done Hols.

I hope you had a lovely Easter too.

TWITTER//BLOGLOVIN//INSTAGRAM//BLOG DESIGNS

London Discoveries

Last Tuesday my best friend Ed and I went to London for the day. It was lovely. We caught the coach up, and arrived in Victoria at about 12. Rather than an hour by hour account of the day, I think the highlights would be better...

So, when we arrived we headed straight to Covent Garden, as we fancied going to Bill's for lunch. (The 193 steps at the tube station never get any easier do they?)  But when we arrived we couldn't find it? And it's probably fair to say that we were verging on hangry* at this point. So instead we went to Spaghettihouse for lunch, and it was delicious. I finally tried that San Pellegrino Limonata that's been doing the blogger rounds recently, and it was lovely. Am I Zoella yet?

I also dragged Ed to the Brandy Melville on Kings Road, and I think I fell in love with 99.6857685% of the items in there. Other highlights of the day include; Lola's Cupcakes. I'd never had Red Velvet before, but I'm now obsessed. It's sooooo good. We also went to a really cool juice bar, where I had a green juice in an attempt to make up for the rest of the day's unhealthiness. That's my logic for you.

For dinner we went to Leon, and I'm still not sure what I think. I mean, it was just different. We ate in, and so were taken round the back to this low lit room where we were inches from the other customers. I had grilled halloumi and quinoa - am I hip and relevant yet? I mean, the food was nice, the atmosphere just wasn't quite what we were expecting.

Surprisingly I didn't do too much shopping while in the Capital, but I'm sure I'll show you the few things I did buy in the near future.

TWITTER//BLOGLOVIN//INSTAGRAM//BLOG DESIGNS

How To Survive Sixth Form

Okay, so the title of this post might be a little ambiguous, as unfortunately there won't be any miracle tips in this post. I wish I had some to share with you, but I feel like I'm still yet to discover them. Don't get me wrong, sixth form is sooooooooo much better than lower school, and if it wasn't for the extortionate workload, it wouldn't be too bad.

- Only be there if you want to. And by this I don't mean skive. Move, change courses. There is nothing worse than studying subjects you don't enjoy with a group of people you don't particularly like.

- Get organised. Honestly. I know everyone always says that, but seriously. Get on top of all your work. Write down all your assignments and deadlines. Do things before they're due. Make sure your notes are neat - you might actually need to be able to read them.

- Surround yourself with people you like. If my friends weren't at sixth form with me, I don't know how I'd cope. They're all so great, and they make long, boring days so much better.

- Have fun. Yes, it's boring and stressful, but just make the most of it.

TWITTER//BLOGLOVIN//INSTAGRAM//BLOG DESIGNS