Despite the title this is not a mushy post about a man, it's a mushy post about one of my best friends. I think taking a girl as your date is completely under-rated. I had a wedding this weekend and instead of having an awkward conversation with the girl I'm seeing, I decided to bring my lovely friend Hannah. One of the best decisions I've ever made.
From what I can tell these are the advantages to taking a girl:
1. It's easier to talk to people when you're not in a couple, I feel it's less intimidating.
2. Good dance partner, especially when I comes to cracking out the dad dancing.
3. Discussing the details of the wedding only a girl would notice e.g. place settings and wedding favours.
4. Planning your own wedding while your there, yes we know we're single but every girl does it so no girl will judge you.
5. You're not judged for ordering a white wine spritzer.
6. Someone to share a bottle of wine with once you are drunk enough.
7. You get to leave the wedding with one of the best people in the room.
So next time I'm panicking who to bring I'm turning to one of my girl friends because they are the new hot date!
I always love it when you get to catch up with friends you haven't seen in ages. Firstly because you always have so much to talk about no matter how much you talk between visits and secondly it gives you an excuse to do things you wouldn't normally do.
The weekend just gone was the perfect example of this, one of my best friends Anna was down from Scotland so it was our duty to cram in as many Devonian/Cornish things as possible.
For us this meant a trip down to St Ives, cream tea and no trip down to Plymouth would be complete without seeing one of our favourite bands, Mad Dog Mcrea.
St Ives is one of my favourite places in the world and I've always said if I win the lottery I will buy a house there...a girl can dream. Property dreams aside, St Ives is one of those places where it never seems to rain, the sun is always shining and the sea always look so inviting (beware it's freezing).
One day this will be the view from my bedroom window....
It's just such a picturesque town with loads of lovely shops to potter round and a wide choice of cafes to take refuge in and have a cheeky cream tea.
I don't know what it is about cream tea, it's not something I would ever normally have but something about being in Cornwall makes me want to shove a cream and jam covered scone in my face.
One we were stuff full with Cream tea and cider (an odd combination I know) we sat on one of St Ives many beaches and tried to get some colour on our very pale faces. No luck yet.
After a lovely day down in Cornwall, we decided to have a break on Saturday before our evenings activity. Whenever Anna comes down we try and see Mad Dog Mcrea. Not only are they one of our favourite bands but she took me to my first Mad Dog gig when I was 16, I've been as least twice a year ever since.
I don't know what it is about them, possibly it's all the jigging and the cider or the fact that I know I will always have a good time. Whatever it is, I love them.
On Saturday they were playing at the donkey's sanctuary in Ivybridge. I was a little dubious about the venue but I was so wrong. It was the most Devonian night I've ever had, I jigged in a barn, dancing on a hay bail, fell off a hay bail and drank cider under the stars. It was amazing.
If you are ever in the South West I recommend you go and see them but wear comfy shoes because you'll be jigging the night away. I've posted a link to their website below the video, which contains all their gig info.
Today was one of those days where gossiping with your co-workers proved useful. I was all set to go on my first online dating date tonight, when it turns the guy who I was meant to go out with has hit on my co-worker a lot despite her telling him she's married. Once you go through all the possibilities that no there must be two men with the same name and job in the same town, you realise it's the same guy. Despite people telling me not to let me put it off him it does. I will have judged this guy before I went in (and lets me honest I wasn't that sure anyway) so I have done the honourable thing and cancelled.
It just shows that sometimes having a chat about things saves you from a horrible mess. So for once thank you gossip. Onwards and upwards to the next date.
You know that feeling that you get mid-week and all you want is to jump forward in time and for it to be Friday? Well I have a solution. A play-list of all the song you associate with that Friday feeling. Play them mid week to cheer you up, or on a Friday to celebrate it being the weekend. It doesn't matter what the songs are, don't pick them because you think they are cool, pick them because you love them and they genuinely make you happy.
To give you some inspiration here is my Friday feeling playlist:
Online dating has always seems to be a bit of a taboo in your twenties, with people asking themselves: "Why can't I meet someone naturally anymore?' From what I can tell from my own experience there is nothing wrong with us. We are all very normal people just looking to meet people, it's just the society has deemed it more acceptable and convenient to do it in a modern way and lazy way - the internet.
From talking to people it seems that people in their twenties are using two main apps/sites to use are Tinder and POF (plenty of fish) and I'm not ashamed to admit it, I've tried both. At first I was just being nosey and wanted to see what all the fuss was about, especially since Tinder has had an elevated profile after it was featured on a channel 4 programme and on the Scott Mills show. You know what, they aren't that bad. Sure at the moment I don't take Tinder too seriously and use it slight more like a game (as I'm it a lot of you do!) but it actually a great way to meet new people. Sure I haven't been on hundreds of Tinder dates but I have been on a few and lived to tell the tale.
I'm now single again and tempted to "get back on the horse" and move my Tinder app out of it's hiding place on my phone and give it a go again because lets face it what's the worse that can happen?! POF is a little harder to commit to, you have to write a vaguely witty profile and invest some time in searching through peoples profiles. However, this does mean that when you do start talking to someone you probably actually have some common ground. I don't know about you but I have quite built up the courage to commit to POF quite yet, maybe it will be my March goal.
What I'm trying to say if you single and in your 20's it's ok to give it a go. I mean sure it make not be how you planned to meet Mr Right but since when did anything go according to plan? You've got nothing to lose, except maybe an evening trying to write a profile. So next time you're bored and feeling a bit flat I recommend taking the why not?! attitude and trying it, you could meet the man of your dreams.
This is a hashtag I can get on-board with. I originally tried to do this in January, you know new year new start but fail. I think the probably was I was doing it for all the wrong reasons. I was trying to trump each days photo and ran out of stuff to post, which I now see isn't actually that wasn't the point. After having a bit of a wobbly on Sunday, I want to prove to myself that I do have something everyday to smile about. So I apologise in advance if I bombard you with some of these "happy things" on my blog/instagram but here is it - I challenge myself to #100dayshappy.
It's time to stop the use of the word bossy. As a girl who is drawn to leadership rules, I think this campaign is amazing. I have recently gained a place on a PGCE programme but I don't want to stop at being a teacher. I want to go further and strive to be a headteacher or even a lecturer in education. I want to do this without being put down by people, being called controlling or bossy.
It's time to ban bossy and let everyone have a fair chance at gaining leadership roles.
I'm not normally someone who likes London. I do like living in a city like Plymouth but I also like the fact I can get to the sea in 20 minutes. Having said that, I have been to London 3 times in the last month so thought I'd share some of the photos from my many trips.
Every time I go to London the main focus is always food. On my third visit I was very lucky that my mum treated me to breakfast at The Wolseley for my birthday, it was incredible. If you are ever in London and want a fancy breakfast I can't recommend it highly enough - I strongly recommend you book in advance http://www.thewolseley.com/
This was my breakfast. A smoke salmon and cream cheese bagel with a chocolate chip pastry for dessert, it is as good as it looks.
No trip to London is complete without a visit to a Museum. The museum of choice during my second visit was the V&A. The V&A has to be my favourite museum in London and if I ever moved that I'd definitely get a membership. Since I went with Em as part of a joint birthday celebration it was only right that we spilt our time equally between what we wanted to see. For me that meant South-Asian Art and for Em we went to look at 18th Century England. I have to admit I have the mentality of a child in museums and if there is a chance to interact or try something on I will do it, luckily Em joined in too.
Aside from the amazing dress up, the V&A itself is just beautiful and I could happily spend days wandering around looking at all the art and artifices, even the lights are stunning.
It has always been a tradition that whenever I go to London with my mum we go to Liberty. My mum used to work there when she was my age and I couldn't be more jealous, it is the most beautiful shop.This time I couldn't resist taking a touristy photo of the flora display. Looking at it you forget your in the hustle in bustle of London and imagine yourself in a village in the Cotswold.
The main thing I love about London is the West-end. Living in Plymouth we don't many of the great shows coming down here so as a Birthday treat my mum took me to see The Book of Mormon. I'd heard so many good things about it and they were all right, it was hilarious. Admittedly, some parts are a bit rude to watch with your mum but we both embraced it and laughed along. I can't say more that go and see it, you won't regret it...unless you don't enjoy jokes about religion, God or Sex then maybe sit this one out.
As much as I'm starting to enjoy London more and more I think it's time for me to spend some quality time in the South West by the Sea.
It finally happened, I have seen Beyonce live and she was Flawless. I saw her at V festival in the summer and I hate to say it she wasn't great. Too many costume changes and not enough time on stage. When I heard she was coming back to England I did everything I could to get tickets, I needed her to be incredible live so I could prove to myself I had idolised for so many years for a reason. She did not disappoint.
After getting into the area with 10 minutes to spare (we had a mix up with dinner), it all started a 2 hours show case of new and old songs, with some serious dance move. The big surprise of the evening was when the great Jay joined the lovely Beyonce on stage for Drunk in Love. I think we almost had a fit we were so excited.
I have to say what surprised me the most was the fact she can actually move. I don't know why this came as such a shock but I guess expected her to tone down the dancing, since she was singing for 2 hours! She didn't and got did she look hot. I think every man who was originally reluctant to go with their girlfriends were glad the came....especially during partition. WOW- Jay Z is one lucky guy.
This was the best money I have ever spent and exactly what I needed with everything that is going on at the moment. I don't know why but Beyonce makes everything better. I could go on about her till the cow come home and in fact spent my Saturday night watching Life is but a dream. All I can say is that if you get the chance go, you wont regret it.
It's strange to think a year ago today, I was preparing to go on the biggest adventure of my life with two of my favourite people. Looking back on it now it's so weird to think how stressed and upset I was getting over the thought of going away, whereas now I'd give anything to be getting on the plane tomorrow.
So much has changed a year on, I remember laughing at people when they said "travelling will change you", they weren't lying. No only did I change as a person but everything I thought I wanted changed to and if I'd know that stepping on that plane would effectively end my three year relationship and changed my whole "5 year plan", I'd still have gotten on that plane. I regret nothing.
One thing I wish I had been told is how addicted to travelling you get. Within 6 months of being home I'd booked my next trip away and I'm not mentally planning another trip just in case I don't get into PGCE, it's like a curse. I just can't stay at home for this long.
I have to say this is the best curse anyone could I have and I wouldn't change it for a minute. I do love being a home don't get me wrong and the fact I'm seeing Beyonce tomorrow instead of going on a plane is a pretty damn good substitute. It is the little things I miss, like not know what each day would bring, sitting outside in shorts for dinner and teeth cleaning time with this two lovely ladies.
Hopefully in another years time I will still have travelled and regretted nothing. Plus home isn't all bad, it's so nice to be around all my friends again, trying new things on my doorstep. Plus England is the only place you can get a decent cup of tea and who can life without that?!
Remember me saying I was going to treat myself to something...well this is what I brought. I technically only went in for the Primer but I'm such a sucker for bareMinerals that I could no especially when it was on offer....
I waiting till my birthday next week to hopefully finally get the Urban Decay Naked palette 3 but I wanted some other basic shades to cover me till then. It also comes with a blusher, illuminator and 2 lipsticks, all for the bargain of £19.50 (on sale in boots). Who can say no to that?!
I don't know what it is about Tuesday's but I always feel so sluggish and meh on them. I think it's because the fresh start that Monday brings has gone and you realise you still have 3 days left to go before the weekend.
If you feel like this....
Today, I'm going to attempt to turn my frown upside down and try to embrace this Tuesday. I've put on my Friday feeling playlist gone for a walk in the sun at lunch and later I may even buy myself a treat to make this day a bit better. I'm even going to try something new tonight, Yoga with my mum. In an attempt to get "goddess" like for Bali...this will never happen but a girl can try.
My happy song at the Moment - Move by Little Mix not even sorry
So yes, it may be Tuesday but you are on day closer to Friday and at least it's not Monday, so grab yourself a cuppa turn on your happy song, smile and enjoy.
After a long long week I had a weekend of exactly what I needed; fun and rest! I had a quite Friday night in complete with Cava,baking, nail painting and a good old chick flick. Saturday night was a slightly different. After a busy day of bonding with my Mum and Grandma in Devon, it was time for Em's birthday night out. We went to see one of our friend's band and we danced the night away. Despite not drinking (much) I feel terrible today and am sporting a sexy limp. If this is what 23 is like, I'm not excited.
Bring on the new week.
P.s. I have officially purchased a lot of Friday night's wishlist....I should not be left alone with a laptop.
It's come to the time of the month where I start planning how I'm going to spend my next pay slip. So here is a list of things I'm trying to justify to myself I NEED not just want.
I just love this, it has that hippy vibe I really like in an outfit. With a pair and jeans and a plain T, I think it will add a certain laid back attitude to any outfit..
I already have 3 necklaces from this website and I have to say I'm addicted. There are already another 2 online I need in my life. I may need to limit myself to one a month....
Yes, this is over priced and I do resent buying stuff from Jack Wills but i'm such a sucker for liberty print. I'm lucky enough that my mu kept 5 of her liberty scarves from when she worked there and I think this will be a nice addition to my collection...maybe next month.
Another necklace from Ever Ours, I did say I'm addicted. This necklace just reminds me of summer and will just give some of my spring outfits the pop of colour they need.
At £12.75 these are just a bargain and god they look comfy! After a winter of jeans, jeans, jeans I feel I need something different to wear on my bottom half and I think these trousers are just that.
7. Forever 21. Tapestry print shirt - £24.75 (on sale today for £19.90).
Ever since my faithful denim jacket died after 7 years of service I've been looking for something to replace it and I think I have found it. I love this shirt but it's a bit different from your basic denim shirt with the add print and may just be there thing I need for cooler nights in Bali. I think I may have talked myself into it....
Total: £87 (without the Jack Wills Top) £143.50 (with - maybe that one can wait a while)
I'm sold on 6 out of the 7 items....buy buy money. Can you tell what I'm doing with my Friday night?
It is my best friend's birthday, therefore I thought I dedicated a blog post to best friends and how much we need them in everyday life. Although, we might not be as glamorous as the ultimate BFF Blair and Serena they helped us bond over our love of Gossip Girl and showed us what a healthy friendship we have - I think we fallen out for the whole of 30 minutes over the course of our 7 year BBFship.
She is being a good sport and testing out being 23 for me to see what it is like, since I'm not ready to leave the world of 22 yet. Now it might sound cheesy but I genuinely don't know what I'd do without this girl. She has help me through some of my worst times and been with me to share some of my best. What I love most of all though is, if we spend the day slobbing around with a hot chicken, kettle crisps and Gossip Girl I know I will have an amazing day because she is there.
There are times when I worry we spent too much time together but we are yet to run out of stuff to talk about and are worryingly morphing more and more into an old marry couple everyday. We got big plans when we grow up, we will have a Pug and a Frenchie who will brunch with us a weekends and one day when we are old and grey we will live in an apartment with our Tortoises, Esio and Trot. What did I tell you for big plans! For now all we need is food, a milkshake by the sea, brunch on a Sunday and of course Beyonce! (our birthday present to each other this year!)
Well I could gush for ages about how awesome this girl is (one day I will write a post this this about a man) but for now this is girl is better then any man! Love you Em.
I have received some bad news this week that someone really close to be has the big C. Thinking to myself seriously?! how can this be happening? It was meant to get better in 2014. Well after an evening of a lot of crying and having a blotchy face, I seriously don't know how anyone is a pretty crier, I decided that now more than ever is the time to PIBE it.
It is time like this that PIBE come into it's full effect and I'm going to try and embrace all of life's good parts and do things I love. I'm trying my best not wallow on what could be. On Wednesday this meant forgetting what was happening and part-taking in full on ogling of hot men, in this case Zac Efron. I have a continuous text conversation with on of my friends who our top 5 men would be and I have to say Zac Efron is up there for me. Hello no.3. Once my full line up has been decided I will blog my full list.
The film itself "That Awkward Moment" was only so so, although there were some funny moments it did portray some of the characters to be the d***s we thought men were and did not make me love the characters until the last 20 minutes of the films. If we take the film as what I wanted it to be, a treat for my eyes. It did not disappoint, let's just say hello Zac's arms!
I think when life gets you down it's important to indulge in some guilty pleasure, for my ogling at famous people. I think I will bring out Crazy Stupid Love this weekend because who can say no to Ryan Gosling my no.1. If I add some wine into that evening then you've got the perfect evening in.
I believe this may be one of the best things I have recently discovered (since lounge eggs anyway). It combines two things which make me happy in this world, Pugs and Penguins. May I introduce to you the Puguin, a brilliant piece of Photoshop it might be but it have vastly improved this cold, slow and generally rubbish Monday.
As I'm sure most of you are aware today is Valentines day and this year I'm approaching this day with my more mixed emotions than usual. This is my first "single" Valentines day since I was 15, so this year is uncharted territory for me.
Don't get me wrong even when I was in a long-term relationship with S, my favourite valentines was when stayed in because I was ill and watched films. I'm not convinced by all the heart, hallmark cards or the over priced set menus. I've never been a fan of forced fun so why should force romance be any different? I did see this card which I saw in Urban Outfitter and loved it, it's the little things that make you smile!
This year I'm embracing the things I love: my bed, Maccy d's and a good film. This is what I have in store for myself on this disgusting Friday, and you know what I can't wait! One thing that has made me smile today is all the single motto's people have been posted on Twitter, I have included some of my favourite in this post, this one being a particular favourite:
I have this year discovered something worth celebrating this year - 1 billion rising for Justice. A charity which is trying to end violence against women by giving them a voice. On this day they are asking everyone to dance, even just for two minutes to create a chain to get women noticed, to make politicians realise we have a voice and this has to stop. Please have a look at their website http://www.onebillionrising.org/ or follow them on twitter https://twitter.com/VDay, just to see the amazing work the do and have a dance today not just because it's the weekend or because your having a kitchen boogie but because this is a worthwhile cause.
Definition: A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel.
This is a feeling a experience on a weekly sometimes a daily basis. When I left for Nepal just under a year a go, I thought I was making a huge mistake, Oh how wrong I was. I can honestly say those four months were the best decision I ever made and completely re-defined who I am and what I want, Unfortunately, one of the major side affects of travelling is that you never want to stop doing it - hence the wanderlust. I have now been in England solidly for 7 months and I'm itching to leave. There is so much I want to do and see and places I want to live, I don't know how I'll fit it in. Bali in 6 months seems like such a long way away, I think I may need to plan another trip just to make the time go faster....I'm thinking a like trip to New Zealand is in order soon.
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