Barcelona - escaping from reality

Hello lovely people, hope you are all well!

I have decided to share with you my little trip to Spain and just talk to you as if this is a little review of my holiday (it's funny because when I was younger, we always were asked in primary school to write a report of our summer holidays and I literally hated it, but look at me now voluntarily writing this down). I went to Barclona last summer but really wanted to talk about it so during the January blues I thought I would reminince. 

Right so first of all we arrived in Barcelona and there was the usual whoosh of heat as we stepped off the plane but sadly the sky was an ashy grey which was quite strange (it had been gorgeous crystal blue skies from where we were departing previously that morning) yet I was excited to be in a new place. To begin with I didn't know how close Barcelona was to the sea until we flew over the beach and landed straight after.

The first thing we did was go to a place called VEGETALIA for dinner and it was fabulous, because it a) had English translations which I will tell you now, is like a god send and b) was full of lovely meal options, I had a Thai green vegetable curry!

I also started to read a really good book which was laying on my bookshelf for years so decided to crack it open ~ 'Coco Chanel...The legend and the life', I really think if you are interested in fashion and how it has changed over the decades it would be a great read, also if you were just interested in Chanel and who she was as a designer. It is an eye opener as by reading it I found out that her life was actually quite dark and lonely - yet she had fame and money. Just shows money can't buy you love or happiness. 

So on our first full day we basically went all around Barcelona by foot, we firstly went to the Parc de la Ciutadella and then saw the Arc de Triomf of Barcelona and also managed to visit the outside of the La Sagrada Família and then La Pedrera and the Casa Batlló. It was a busy day but great for taking pictures and learning lots about Barcelona's culture. Did you know that the Sagrada Família has taken longer to build than the great pyramids?

Our second day was more relaxed but we still went to Parc Guell which was really lovely as we woke up early to get there before the crowds (top tip it gets busy by 9 o'clock in the summer holidays). By the afternoon we were knackered because we had walked all the way back to our apartment in the heat of the day alongside the beach (which is actually artificial and hasn't been around for a long time as it was built just for the Barcelona Olympics, crazy!) so we decided to have a siesta then went out for dinner a bit later.

On our last full day we visited Mountjuïc which had amazing views of the city, we decided to go up the cable car because apparently it was a long walk up the mountain. At the top of the mountain there were so many water features, we walked around jumping over stepping stones until we found a lovely place to get ice lollies and ice cream to cool off. We then trekked back down Mountjuïc to find a graffiti square that wasn't too far away. I was amazed by the whirlwind of colours and designs we stumbled across.

Barcelona was a lovely place to visit filled with good grub and so much sangria. I loved seeing the beautiful buildings as well as the colourful graffiti, the city was vibrant and lovely to spend a few days escaping reality.

All my love xxx

Just a little walk with nature

Hello once again! Today I went on a walk with my mum and it was so beautiful out and we had such a lovely time so I thought why not upload some of the photos we took! As I do Textiles at A level we went out and were on the hunt for fungi as my title was worn and weathered but I was so surprised we found so many, much more than I ever imagined of finding. There's nothing better than being surrounded by nature and even the tiniest things can be so beautiful.

'We ought to walk through our lives not looking for flaws, but looking for potential'

all my love

<3

Library Trip - if you are anything like me I recommend this book 100 times over...

 

We are all Molecules #No.1

Firstly this book was completely found on the off chance (which in itself was really cool as I had no idea what the book really was about until I started to read it) and it mainly caught my attention as it had the word 'molecules' on the cover. As I take Chemistry at A level I was curious why this book was in the fiction section. But it was the right choice to make, as I won't kid you I read it in 6 hours! (BTW that is unheard off for me as it is quite a chunky book as well) One evening this past week I got into my bed and just read non stop (besides dinner) If I'm honest I couldn't put it down.

Anyway let us get to the review - the story follows two teenagers Stewart and Ashley who are forced together due to their family situation - they essentially become stepsister and stepbrother. It is really a book about growing up in a scary new school for Stewart and how he learns that he can be smart and interact really well socially. Ashley on the other hand is a popular girl at her school and is trying to make her way to the top of the social ladder. She doesn't like it when Stewart joins her school and gets in the way. But the deeper reason lies with her feeling betrayed by her dad so takes it out on her new family, Stewart included. 

Overall this story made me laugh, made me cry and made me feel very attached to the main characters and their family. The main characters are complete opposites. And yet, they have one thing in common: they - like everyone else - are made of molecules. I would recommend it to anyone!

I picked up two other books that I am in the process of getting round to, one is about Edward VI the son of Henry VIII and who only lived for 15 years. It is really interesting but there are so many names of people used who I don't know anything about so have had to keep looking bits and bobs up. I also took a book out about Margaret Thatcher who I have been studying at sixth form so thought it would help to do some background reading. 

All my love

<3

Summer To - Do - List

Hey everyone!

As summer is here (unless you live in England as our summertime is always mega sporadic) I thought why not share what I am planning to get up to this holiday with you - which hopefully will either give you a few ideas of what you want to do, see or go (I decided to choose 20 things - so I would class this as a biggish list but still achievable and I will fill you in on how I do!)

1. go on holiday to a hot country or road trip around your area
2. swim in the sea (cold or warm - I'm not fussed)
3. read 3 books minimum (I'm a slow reader normally but sometimes can be a bookworm - so I  thought setting a small goal would be more achievable and easier to accomplish )
4. spend quality time with all my family
5. do yoga watching the sunrise
6. go ice skating
7. keep knitting the jumper I started

8. learn how to touch type 

9. do more embroidery - buy some little embroidery hoops
10. make some more clothes/upcycle
11. write my personal statement for university
12. ride a bike in a foreign city
13. play inflatable rounders
14. keep fit - swimming, running and walking
15. learn how to do the splits
16. progress my textile/fashion knowledge
17. write more blog posts
18. go to parties and see friends
19. have a picnic in the sunshine
20. feel ready for my A levels next year!

All my love and wishes for a fab summer holiday

<3

College Life and 5 ways to living life in general...

College. wow it has been a big step up from Secondary School for me personally and also as in the the change in work load. GCSE to A levels is a big jump! For a bit of an addicted workaholic like me that is okay usually but some days it isn't and I really feel there is never enough time!

However, everybody can feel like this so in order to combat these ugly stress levels and work loads together I felt it was time I sat down and wrote a new post...A SECRET WHISPERS' 5 TOP TIPS TO LIVING LIFE PROPERLY BUT WORKING HARD AS WELL...

1. MUSIC ~ I know it's sometimes the wrong thing to do but if you are sitting reading this I am sure

 you have a few extra minutes to go and listen to some of your favourite music tracks! here are a few that have helped me to feel upbeat and happier in minutes (plus they do say music calms the mind!)

Ed Sheeran - Castle of You

Adele - Water Under the Bridge

1975 - Someone Else (Cover) ~ this isn't a super happy song but it's one I haven't become sick of yet (which is rare and it's such a lovely song)

Ed Sheeran - Shape of You

2. DO SOMETHING FOR YOU ~ This is an important one because you always come before anyone else! (yes that is a tad selfish and I don't believe in being selfish to the extreme level but hear me out!) No matter who you are you are going to be no use if you aren't in a positive place yourself because you will just impact on people around you in negative ways if you feel under the grey clouds. So go on a walk with yourself or with loved ones, just take a break, go paint your fingers and toes, sew yourself a new outfit, do some painting. The options are endless but do what for feel you would like to do 'if you had the time' because you actually do if you get down to it :)

3. SMILE to strangers and talk to people you don't usually talk to, you will learn something new I guarantee it!

4. STAY ORGANISED ~ get a sheet of paper and write it all down! Everything you want to get done TODAY! because that way you won't be stressing about the whole week just one day and remember there is 24 hours in a day, 8-9 for sleep and 10 strong hours for work and bettering yourself!! (5 hours can be spent the way you wish - I know I haven't factored eating and travel buttt I just want you to see the outside perspective on your day!)

5. LEARN SOMETHING NEW EACH DAY ~ no matter how BIG or small make sure you go to bed knowing you have bettered yourself in one way or another because it will give you such a boost knowing you have improved even in the slightest of ways!

   Lots of love

        <3

P.s remember your life is yours and nobody else's!

Sweater Weather Tag

Hello you lovely lot!

Today I wanted to do something Christmasy so felt that this tag would be a good idea as it will help us to get to know each other a little bit more ...

1. Favourite candle scent? My favourite is sweat pea but in the winter there is a lovely scent my auntie bought me last year called Frankincense which is so lovely! 

2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? I don't like hot drinks but if I had to choose I would go for a home made hot coco - my grandma makes the best ones

3. What’s the best thing you have ever been given at Christmas? When I was around 4 or 5 we had Christmas at my grandparents and me and my sister were given a pink dolls house and it was the bestest thing ever

4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner? I love dark lips but hate that it makes me look unwell I think I need to keep searching for the right colour! 

5. Best fragrance for Christmas? I think my yearly fragrance which is Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci or Jo Malone Peony and blush suede (it is such a luxury but so bloody lovely)

6. Favourite Christmas food? The roast potatoes and chocolate log (am I allowed to say two things?)

7. What is autumn weather like where you live? Fab, it is crisp and sometimes icy but I love it because the leaves turn from green to yellow and then you get to spend more quality time with family and it's just a lovely time of the year

8. Most worn sweater? One from a charity shop which is maroon and is from Fruit of the Loom - it is so comfortable and cosy and cost so little

9. Must-have nail polish this fall? A light pink which is opaque enough that you can't see the lunula on your nail bed

10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles? I think both would be fun but I'll chose jumping in leaf piles 

11. Skinny jeans or leggings? Mom jeans?

12. Combat boots or Uggs? Converse?

13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype? I don't know but I love cinnamon 

14. Favourite Christmas film? This is a horrible question! But I of course love Elf and I also would say Serendipity 

15. What song really gets you into the Christmas spirit? I would say Santa Baby by Ariana Grande or All I want for Christmas is you by Maria Carey 

Love you all heaps 

<3

Sunshine is the best shine.

hello you lovely lot! Today I wanted to share a bit of Summer inspiration and have a little chin wag, if that's alright with you? ;) Basically this past year I've been in this horrible nasty on going slog of silly little things called GCSEs. (which I am sure you are all aware of, if you aren't they are end of secondary school exams, ergh right!) Anyways with that being said I'm back, I've found my mojo and want to spend this Summer writing and pressing publish on blog posts. Therefore, right now as a little teaser (just kidding, I have a guilty pleasure with Pintrest * and you NEED this app in your life) I shall share a few of my ideas and inspiration for the coming months, hope you enjoy!

Lots of loves and hugs 

<3

*btw it's not really a guilty pleasure, I just spend way too much time on it :)

How to de~stress? (Back to Work)

Being a part of society as it lies today, we will all have gone/are going through our own stresses, some bigger than others and some smaller. Today I wanted to share a few things we can do to reduce our burdens and appreciate our lives rather than wish it all away! 

 

Tip No.1 ~

Firstly remember you are never as alone as you may think. It can be as small as texting family/friend and asking if they want to meet up, or you could go on a walk and say hello to people you pass - humans need human contact so no matter what you decide to do. Spending time with people you love and trust to share your burdens can really help!

Tip No.2 ~

I would also recommend reduce your use of social media for a day or even a week just limit it down to an hour a day - trust me you will notice just how much time you have for work, social activities and happiness! Please don't take what I say to the extreme as this can have the opposite effect - social media is now an embedded part of our lives so by not being included we are essentially out on a limb. So find your personal balance and stick to your decision. Focus on you!

Tip No.3 ~

Read, knit, crochet, sew, watch T.V, play a board game, go on a run, go for a swim, climb a mountain. Do something/ Plan something to look forward to that will benefit you for the better. For example if you are passionate about kickboxing or football call up a friend and go and have fun ~ you are more likely to remember the fun you had trying out something new than the times you spent stressing out about something that won't matter in 24 hours!

My last but in my opinion the most important one is to inhale some oxygen and let it all out and put your head down and do the work you have to do  - the quicker it's done the freer you become

All my love 

<3

Product of the Month ~ No.1

Hey everyone, so today I'm going to start a new series called 'Product of the Month' and will be able to share with you one product each month that has changed my life, just a little fraction more than any others have. So do tell me whether or not you like these posts and also if you have a favourite product of the month. I'd love to find out what you have been loving and can't wait to try some new products out!

Are you ready? (let's get cracking)

 So my product of this month has to be: ...Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm...

... firstly it's so tasty (I have to force myself not to lick it all off because it smells and tastes AMAZING!) but it is also really refreshing and mega moisturising. I know this lip balm used to be talked about all the time yet here I am, once again late on the bandwagon, but anyways who cares right? I love using this product in the summer but especially love using it in winter because it is so calming and nourishing especially if you suffer from dry lips (which I definitely do in both seasons from going hot to cold, cold to hot). I would really recommend this if you have sensitive lips because it is honey based which is a fabulous thing as honey is widely known to heal and soothe due to its antibacterial properties. The lip balm contains special plant oils (for example Calendula officinalis also known as English marigold) and contains zero nasties - which is a big bonus these days! The price is therefore on the higher side for a simple lip product but I don't think that's a bad thing as it ticks all of my boxes.

Hope you all are well, and that this helped you even a tiny amount! I have missed writing blog posts but this year has been beyond cRaZy! I hope all of you who are now on summer are having a smashing time :) 

<3

Take me away - Summer 2015

Hello you lovely lot so today I wanted to share with you a snippet of my little adventure to Granada, Spain. It was such a lovely holiday and a much needed break as I am going into a hard exam focused year - so I was very grateful to get away for a few weeks.

lift off is my favourite part of the whole trip!

this is the outside of an old bullring that was used to film part of GofT in the little town of Osuna  

this was the view from our little room

the city was full of little intertwining streets it was easy to get lost 

palm trees!!

View from the Alhambra - it was well worth a visit (it was BEAUtiful)

Random man in the street holding a beautiful blue and yellow parrot 

I really hope you enjoyed this short but sweet post 

All my love

<3