Home Sweet Home

Hooray! A week of deadlines is over and us uni students have been set free to roam back home. I arrived here on Friday, totally ready for fluffy slippers (or in this case, giraffe slippers, see below), cuddles with my pooch and a whole lot of Christmas movies- just what the doctor ordered. 

It'll be another week until my friends get to return home as we're all studying in different cities, but I can't wait to catch up and have a few drinks. Mum has decorated the house with twinkling lights, baubles, wreaths and pinecones and the whole place smells of advent candles, laundry and home cooked food.

Here are the giraffe slippers. They belong to my sister but Mylo and I have claimed them as our own. He's been like a little shadow to me since I got back and I love it. Every morning I wake up and he's either already in my bed, or sniffing and scratching at the door waiting to be let in. Just the other day I had my dog, my nephew and my sister all in my bed before I'd even had chance to stretch!

Josh has been working in Preston where he stayed at my house (I've just realised I never had the chance to show you all my city home) three days a week instead of commuting. One of the only things I'll miss while I'm staying at home is the three days a week cuddles and comforts of having him around.

We do live in the same town though, so it's not like we're completely separated and I'm looking forward to seeing him on Christmas day. The photo's above were from our trip to the amazing Hotel Gotham in Manchester. Every year he's harder and harder to buy for because I've used up all my good gift ideas already! It's so much easier to buy for myself haha, damn you saaaaales!

So other than filling my days with blogging, dog walking, drawing and resting I'm looking forward to baking some gingerbread cookies and our annual christmas cake 'contest'. We're a creative family and every year we have a bake-off with my auntie, so expect to see some foodie photos in an upcoming post! Last year my friends and I just spent Christmas eve in a pub, typical British adult-stuff.

Mylo pup is enjoying the outdoors though the garden has been a little soggy from the downpour lately, unfortunately this means he has to wear his cosy red coat (one of his worst enemies), I can almost hear the scatter of his paws as I write about it. We had some pretty bad flooding in towns nearby- luckily our patch of land was unaffected. Ahoy!

If anyone needs me between now and January, I'll most likely be on the sofa with a cup of tea. Pass us your red coat Mylo, it's a bit chilly in here.

What are your plans for the holidays? Have you decorated your home yet?

You can follow me on Bloglovin' | Twitter 

Why it's Okay to Not be Okay! | Blogmas

A lot of us blame ourselves for our anxieties, we apologise for feeling sad or mopey and hide it in fear of not being fun to be around but this is just what we tell ourselves. We sit and wonder why we don't feel okay, we're taught that there always has to be a reason and you have to tackle it or there's something wrong with you- this isn't always true! None of us are a stranger to the feeling that is sadness, or anger. Or even just not being okay in general.

We try to fight it, pretend we're okay, make excuses but all of these things are just covering up what's lying underneath and will inevitably make an appearance later on- if you didn't know already, it's okay not to be okay!

Sometimes you can just feel sad, or alone, or empty and not know why. Do you know what the best thing to do in these situations is? Feel it.

Cry, scream, take yourself on a walk, write it all down in a blog post or journal, just feel it! Don't cover it up. If you deal with it in the now and you won't feel worse later on. Better yet, tell someone about it. No matter how big or little it is, there will always be someone out there willing to hear you out. If you just want someone to eat ice cream and watch re-runs of Friends with then there's probably someone out there waiting for you too. You don't have to pretend for anybody.

Be as honest with yourself as you would want a friend to be with you. Sometimes things get a little too much and we need a day off, a day away from e-mails and wearing a mask. Just let yourself feel mopey. It's okay not to be okay, it's okay to have a day off and watch every Home Alone consecutively under a fuzzy blanket and it's definitely okay to indulge yourself a little because you deserve it. Eventually, you'll start to feel better after getting all of this bad energy out of your system and you'll begin to feel motivated, happier all without any explanation why.

Everybody has down days. You're not alone in these feelings, ever, and you will feel better.

And if all else fails, resort to watching cute animal videos on YouTube. (always)

What are your thoughts on this? Do you have healthy ways of dealing with things? I'd love to know!

If you really don't feel okay and need some help, click here for a list of UK helplines.

You can follow me on Bloglovin' | Twitter 

Jewellery | DDxBSxRR Collection

2015 seems to have been an excellent year for Regal Rose. Among new releases, back in June the amazing Hannah Sykes collaborated with Regal Rose to make this beautiful line of jewellery. Lately, with winter settling in and layers upon layers of clothes, I've found it a super nice touch to adorn my hands and ears with rings and chains galore. 

The piece I chose (the range has five amazing pieces in total) was Bodhi. Bodhi means enlightenment, illumination and clarification. Inspired by buddhism and art culture in eastern Asia, each design is 14k gold plated and sterling silver. Which means no nasty infections and a delicate yet tough piece of jewellery! It arrived in a gorgeous drawstring black bag with the collaboration logo printed in gold foil.

Since the age of 14 I've had my nose pierced and used to only ever wear studs, until I became more comfortable with rings. Now I feel naked if I leave the house without one in!

After years of wearing nose rings I know that they can become brittle from shaping and snap- unfortunately, I wore this once and the nose ring snapped.

However, I sent an e-mail over to Drop Dead explaining the issue and was greeted by a fast response, friendly phone call and a new Bodhi for free in the post the next day. Due to hygiene issues they couldn't take the old one back (which I really don't mind!), so I've used the pendant and swapped the ring for a dangly hook. I could also put it onto a necklace if I wish.

My new Bodhi arrived and has been safe and sound ever since. Maybe I was rough with it or maybe it was just a brittle one-off, either way I absolutely adore it and would love to get my hands on the rest of the collection, Ananda necklace in particular! 

I'd say the price is reasonable considering they're gold plated and comfortable to wear, but if you're thinking of ordering this please check the gauge (0.6) to see if it matches your current piercing size. 

Definitely hoping to see more from DDxBSxRR, maybe they'll collab again soon! What's your favourite piece of the collection?

NEW POSTS EVERY WEEK ON BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Jewellery | DDxBSxRR Collection

2015 seems to have been an excellent year for Regal Rose. Among new releases, back in June the amazing Hannah Sykes collaborated with Regal Rose to make this beautiful line of jewellery. Lately, with winter settling in and layers upon layers of clothes, I've found it a super nice touch to adorn my hands and ears with rings and chains galore. 

The piece I chose (the range has five amazing pieces in total) was Bodhi. Bodhi means enlightenment, illumination and clarification. Inspired by buddhism and art culture in eastern Asia, each design is 14k gold plated and sterling silver. Which means no nasty infections and a delicate yet tough piece of jewellery! It arrived in a gorgeous drawstring black bag with the collaboration logo printed in gold foil.

Since the age of 14 I've had my nose pierced and used to only ever wear studs, until I became more comfortable with rings. Now I feel naked if I leave the house without one in!

After years of wearing nose rings I know that they can become brittle from shaping and snap- unfortunately, I wore this once and the nose ring snapped.

However, I sent an e-mail over to Drop Dead explaining the issue and was greeted by a fast response, friendly phone call and a new Bodhi for free in the post the next day. Due to hygiene issues they couldn't take the old one back (which I really don't mind!), so I've used the pendant and swapped the ring for a dangly hook. I could also put it onto a necklace if I wish.

My new Bodhi arrived and has been safe and sound ever since. Maybe I was rough with it or maybe it was just a brittle one-off, either way I absolutely adore it and would love to get my hands on the rest of the collection, Ananda necklace in particular! 

I'd say the price is reasonable considering they're gold plated and comfortable to wear, but if you're thinking of ordering this please check the gauge (0.6) to see if it matches your current piercing size. 

Definitely hoping to see more from DDxBSxRR, maybe they'll collab again soon! What's your favourite piece of the collection?

You can follow me on Bloglovin' | Twitter 

4 Steps to a Sound Night's Sleep*

Hands up if you've ever felt personally victimised by cold mornings! If you haven't experienced them yet then you're one of the lucky ones (especially if you're in the UK, like me). With the sudden drop in temperature here it's becoming harder to hop out of bed in the mornings feeling refreshed and ready to work. 

Personally, I'm one extreme to the other- just the other day I didn't want to get out of bed because I'd been awake and peeping at a screen until 3am the night before. I'm either that, or bleary eye'd at 7am with a coffee in my hand and wonky eyeliner from buzzing about too early. There's just no in-between! I've put together a short list of components for a better night's sleep, explaining how important these things are to help us look after ourselves and get a good nights rest.

Have a routine

My boyfriend has been staying over in the week as he's been working in the city, so him bustling about the room at 7am means that I've been slowly dragged out of sleep every morning around the same time too. The idea of setting alarms gives me the shudders but it's amazing how great it is now that my body has started to naturally wake up at this time all by itself! Getting into a routine (yes, even on your days off) means that your body isn't disturbed in deep sleep cycles. You'll feel more awake and refreshed come morning!

Clean your sheets!

There's not much better than drifting off, dreaming in soft, clean sheets. I've rifled through Yorkshire Linen's (below) website and spotted that they have duvet covers made from 100% cotton! Think; super-soft, feather down, affordable luxury. Something that always feels good on your skin will make you want to snuggle down sooner, so pop your sheets in the wash with softener around once a week to keep your skin (yep, skin too) and night's sleep in good condition.

Use calmer colours

There's so much science behind colours and the way the mind feels about certain rooms, people and places because of this, e.g: Yellow can make you feel stressed, blues and purples can keep you calm (and you won't even know about it!) My eye was drawn to a few sets in Yorkshire Linen's range of duvet covers: the gorgeous sets above and in particular, the one below. 

I'm all into warmer colours at the moment despite my blue hair as they give off a certain vibe of cosiness, making me feel super relaxed.  Exchange your crazy coloured duvet to a calmer one and you'll be able to drift from reality to sleep quicker than you ever did before.

Set the mood

Aside from taking yourself on dates to amazing fairs and galleries, it's important to wind down and set a tone for the night so that you can drift off. Wrap up in your favourite blanket, like this fluffy slice of heaven from Next, and put your phone or laptop down for the night. Draw mindlessly, read or have a bath, anything that draws your mind back in and keeps you relaxed until you go to bed. Have you ever tried to sleep after an argument?

I hope these tips help you! What colour do you find most relaxing? How do you get a soothing night's sleep?

NEW POSTS EVERY WEEK ON BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

4 Steps to a Sound Night's Sleep*

Hands up if you've ever felt personally victimised by cold mornings! If you haven't experienced them yet then you're one of the lucky ones (especially if you're in the UK, like me). With the sudden drop in temperature here it's becoming harder to hop out of bed in the mornings feeling refreshed and ready to work. 

Personally, I'm one extreme to the other- just the other day I didn't want to get out of bed because I'd been awake and peeping at a screen until 3am the night before. I'm either that, or bleary eye'd at 7am with a coffee in my hand and wonky eyeliner from buzzing about too early. There's just no in-between! I've put together a short list of components for a better night's sleep, explaining how important these things are to help us look after ourselves and get a good nights rest.

Have a routine

My boyfriend has been staying over in the week as he's been working in the city, so him bustling about the room at 7am means that I've been slowly dragged out of sleep every morning around the same time too. The idea of setting alarms gives me the shudders but it's amazing how great it is now that my body has started to naturally wake up at this time all by itself! Getting into a routine (yes, even on your days off) means that your body isn't disturbed in deep sleep cycles. You'll feel more awake and refreshed come morning!

Clean your sheets!

There's not much better than drifting off, dreaming in soft, clean sheets. I've rifled through Yorkshire Linen's (below) website and spotted that they have duvet covers made from 100% cotton! Think; super-soft, feather down, affordable luxury. Something that always feels good on your skin will make you want to snuggle down sooner, so pop your sheets in the wash with softener around once a week to keep your skin (yep, skin too) and night's sleep in good condition.

Use calmer colours

There's so much science behind colours and the way the mind feels about certain rooms, people and places because of this, e.g: Yellow can make you feel stressed, blues and purples can keep you calm (and you won't even know about it!) My eye was drawn to a few sets in Yorkshire Linen's range of duvet covers: the gorgeous sets above (1 & 2) and in particular, the one below. I'm all into warmer colours at the moment despite my blue hair as they give off a certain vibe of cosiness, making me feel super relaxed.  Exchange your crazy coloured duvet to a calmer one and you'll be able to drift from reality to sleep quicker than you ever did before.

Set the mood

Aside from taking yourself on dates to amazing fairs and galleries, it's important to wind down and set a tone for the night so that you can drift off. Wrap up in your favourite blanket, like this fluffy slice of heaven from Next, and put your phone or laptop down for the night. Draw mindlessly, read or have a bath, anything that draws your mind back in and keeps you relaxed until you go to bed. Have you ever tried to sleep after an argument?

I hope these tips help you! What colour do you find most relaxing? How do you get a soothing night's sleep?

You can follow me on 

Bloglovin' | Twitter

Week Journal #3 | A Night in Gotham Hotel #MCRChristmas

It's been slow and steady on the blog front for a few weeks now, even though I've been busy it feels good to have some awesome things to share with you all! On the 21st November my boyfriend Josh, his family and I went to Hotel Gotham in Manchester for the night to late-celebrate his 21st birthday. His birthday was back in the heat of August though I still remember being told what his present was (a night at the hotel and celebrations around Manchester) like it was yesterday. In fact, one of my favourite posts is about that awesome day!

We set off first class in the morning and arrived around noon, by then we'd already had a glass of wine on the train and I'd never been first class before so this was super exciting for me, haha! We were greeted at the door by bellboys taking our bags, a swift check in and gorgeous complimentary cocktails at reception. The staff were so, so lovely and super helpful.

After checking in, we headed out to the Christmas markets. Josh treated me to a beautiful raw cut crystal pendant- neither of us can remember the name of it but I think it means Moon in Greek!

Me with a llama, amazing

 We enjoyed a couple cups of mulled wine before lunch and cocktails at Revolution de Cuba. Tapas, woooooo! The tapas were incredible! If you ever get a chance to go to Revolution de Cuba, don't pass it up. The cocktails are bomb and everything had so much flavour. 

I went out searching for the Scallop dress on my November/December wishlist with no luck, but got to try on some £825 Louboutin (no, I could never afford these) and trot about in them for a while before I had to say bye. One day, one day *shakes fist*.

I had no idea that there was a bar in Selfridges until that day, when we were treated to a glass of wine in the extravagant Bottega, surrounded by shoppers and diners who were dressed to the nines. I was still in ripped jeans and my cosy parka so felt a little out of place but it was beautiful there none the less! After all the hustle and bustle of the city had taken it's toll we headed back to Hotel Gotham for some rest, to get ready then see the night life. This was our room.

le excite

Add caption

Rooftop view from Club Brass

The decanter lights in the photo above are from the bar, Club Brass which was so ambiently lit that I couldn't take any good photos in it. We ordered some cocktails (we were all about the partying this weekend) which took a little while to get to us but they were brilliant, Josh's auntie had a joker playing card in her Bramble, a super awesome touch considering the name of the hotel is Gotham. Ayy Batman!

Included in the cost of the room was a two course meal, anything more was added to the bill. The meal was brilliant! We all had different things, I can't vouch for the whole of the menu (obviously) but everyone seemed to enjoy their meals and the waitresses/waiters were again so lovely. After this we hopped out to a few local bars as a group.

Bottega and a photo in our room

Hotel roof

Bedhead!

On the 22nd we checked out at 11. I have never slept so well! The bed was the softest thing ever and came with the fluffiest, suede on one side rug. It could've easily nestled down in it forever! The hotel kindly kept our luggage for the rest of the day while we were out with a few places left to visit. The day before, we'd spotted The Botanist. Josh's parents had been there before but we hadn't and the with glittery lights, nobody could keep us away! 

If I had one thing to complain about, it'd be the train journey home. Hands down the saddest train journey ever. It was so nice having a taste of how the other half lives and knowing I'll probably never get the chance to go back is upsetting, haha. If you want to book Gotham for yourself head here.

It's not all doom and gloom though as Josh and I are heading to Edinburgh with a friend as you read this, to see Bring Me The Horizon. Drop me a line if you're there!

Have you been anywhere amazing lately? What do you think of Gotham?

You can follow me on Bloglovin' | Twitter 

Week Journal #3 | A Night in Gotham Hotel #MCRChristmas

It's been slow and steady on the blog front for a few weeks now, even though I've been busy it feels good to have some awesome things to share with you all! On the 21st November my boyfriend Josh, his family and I went to Hotel Gotham in Manchester for the night to late-celebrate his 21st birthday. His birthday was back in the heat of August though I still remember being told what his present was (a night at the hotel and celebrations around Manchester) like it was yesterday. In fact, one of my favourite posts is about that awesome day!

We set off first class in the morning and arrived around noon, by then we'd already had a glass of wine on the train and I'd never been first class before so this was super exciting for me, haha! We were greeted at the door by bellboys taking our bags, a swift check in and gorgeous complimentary cocktails at reception. The staff were so, so lovely and super helpful. 

After checking in, we headed out to the Christmas markets. Josh treated me to a beautiful raw cut crystal pendant- neither of us can remember the name of it but I think it means Moon in Greek!

Me with a llama, amazing

 We enjoyed a couple cups of mulled wine before lunch and cocktails at Revolution de Cuba. Tapas, woooooo! The tapas were incredible! If you ever get a chance to go to Revolution de Cuba, don't pass it up. The cocktails are bomb and everything had so much flavour. 

I went out searching for the Scallop dress on my November/December wishlist with no luck, but got to try on some £825 Louboutin (no, I could never afford these) and trot about in them for a while before I had to say bye. One day, one day *shakes fist*.

I had no idea that there was a bar in Selfridges until that day, when we were treated to a glass of wine in the extravagant Bottega, surrounded by shoppers and diners who were dressed to the nines. I was still in ripped jeans and my cosy parka so felt a little out of place but it was beautiful there none the less! After all the hustle and bustle of the city had taken it's toll we headed back to Hotel Gotham for some rest, to get ready then see the night life. This was our room.

le excite

Add caption

Rooftop view from Club Brass

The decanter lights in the photo above are from the bar, Club Brass which was so ambiently lit that I couldn't take any good photos in it. We ordered some cocktails (we were all about the partying this weekend) which took a little while to get to us but they were brilliant, Josh's auntie had a joker playing card in her Bramble, a super awesome touch considering the name of the hotel is Gotham. Ayy Batman!

Included in the cost of the room was a two course meal, anything more was added to the bill. The meal was brilliant! We all had different things, I can't vouch for the whole of the menu (obviously) but everyone seemed to enjoy their meals and the waitresses/waiters were again so lovely. After this we hopped out to a few local bars as a group.

Bottega and a photo in our room

Hotel roof

Bedhead!

On the 22nd we checked out at 11. I have never slept so well! The bed was the softest thing ever and came with the fluffiest, suede on one side rug. It could've easily nestled down in it forever! The hotel kindly kept our luggage for the rest of the day while we were out with a few places left to visit. The day before, we'd spotted The Botanist. Josh's parents had been there before but we hadn't and the with glittery lights, nobody could keep us away! 

If I had one thing to complain about, it'd be the train journey home. Hands down the saddest train journey ever. It was so nice having a taste of how the other half lives and knowing I'll probably never get the chance to go back is upsetting, haha. If you want to book Gotham for yourself head here.

It's not all doom and gloom though as Josh and I are heading to Edinburgh with a friend as you read this, to see Bring Me The Horizon. Drop me a line if you're there!

Have you been anywhere amazing lately? What do you think of Gotham?

You can follow me on Bloglovin' | Twitter