2015 review - The good, the brilliant, and the very fabulous...

Well 2015 was quite something! I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that it has been the busiest year of my life so far. Everything I set out to do, I did, and boy did I set out to do a lot. I don't like to mess around, I'm very much the type who makes the most of the time I have, and I grab life with both hands. All of this makes my 2015 year review pretty exciting to write, and remind myself of just how much I've managed to squeeze into one year...

 

 

Travel - Last year I was extremely fortunate to have been able to travel a fair bit, and experience travelling as a group, with a friend, and on my own. In April I embarked on a crazy two-week trip stateside around Utah, Nevada and Arizona with my uni, which was so much fun and I made so many memories. It was a life changing experience and I wish I could do it all over again. At the start of June, Emily and I ventured to Edinburgh for a couple of days of castles and crazy pubs, before we headed to Brighton for a festival. The end of September to the start of October was spent in New York City with my Mum as I celebrated my 21st birthday. It was easily the highlight of my year, I had so much fun being there with Mum, and I'm longing to go back. Finally, I travelled to Parma, Italy, a couple of weeks ago on my own, to visit my good friend Steph for a few days. It was such a busy year. I've been on 10 flights, crossed the Atlantic four times, and been on an inconceivable number of trains. I wonder what my personal mileage for the year would be...

(Me at Zion National Park in April)

 

Music - 2015 has been a very good year for music. Picking a musical highlight for me would be impossible, I've seen so many incredible artists live this year. From being front row for my absolute favourite band in the whole world, Florence + The Machine; to seeing Disclosure close their debut festival Wildlife in Brighton, there's been so many memories. To name but a few more of the bands I'd seen in 2015, among the best there's The Script, Twin Atlantic, Eliza And The Bear (who I've seen three times already this year!), and the wonderful Megan Washington. I'm already lining up gigs for 2016, and hopefully a festival or two!

 (Being at Wildlife summed up just how incredible a year for music 2015 was)

 

 

Landmark Moments - Firstly, I hit the grand age of 21! The last 'celebrated' age before 30, which from where I am now, looks a long way off! I also started my last year of uni, of which I am currently halfway through completing. My university adventures seem to have flown by already, and I can't believe that in less than a year it'll all be over. I got another tattoo, the insignia for Florence + The Machines latest album, on my wrist. I often forget it's there, but I absolutely love it and all the personal meanings I have behind it.

(Turning 21 in New York City with my mum was one of best moments of my life, yet alone my year..)

 

 

The not so brilliant - The painfully obvious submission for this, was putting my faithful companion of 11 years, Lucy, to sleep in September. It was a heart-breaking decision, but that's life for you. What also may not shock you, considering all the adventures I'm constantly embarking on, I've been pretty broke all year. All of my money seems to be split between what I want to do (travel, travel, travel!!), and all the adult responsibilities I have to do (rent, rent, rent, and food.) Hopefully in 2016 I'll be able to strike a good balance between funding the two.

 

(My little Lucy was my world, I miss her so much)

 

I have had a very memorable year, which really wouldn't have been anywhere near as fabulous without my friends. They've been brilliant, and we've got upto many things, mostly stayed out of trouble, and had multiple drunken antics! My family are the absolute best, I've been spoilt this year, especially with my birthday, and I'm ever-so grateful for everything they've done for me last year, and throughout my life. Ah, the New Year makes me a reflective, emotional mess...I just love everyone in my life right now, and I wouldn't change it, or who I am, for the world!

 

Thank you all for sticking with me and reading my blog this year. I hope you have had a magnificent year, and that 2016 is bloody wonderful for all of you.

 

Much love ♥

 

Under pressure and looking forwards...

2016 is going to be one hell of a year.

 

I've been saying it for ages, that eventually I was going to have to get my act together and fully become an adult, but officially that time has come. To be honest, I am freaking out a little bit. It feels like yesterday I started my degree and moved to Winchester, but now in 6 months time I will have completed my degree, and will no longer be living there. Just where has the time gone? So I need to make a plan of action, and get myself organised because this time next year, my life is going to be very different. There's so much I want to do, and do well with justice, that I'm putting the pressure on myself big time.

 

 

• I want to finish my dissertation and university, and come out the other side knowing I did the absolute best that I could.
• I want to travel and have adventures in places I've never been to before.
• I want to find an incredible job and career that will make me incredibly happy and fulfilled with life.
• I want to finally be able to drive so I can stop relying on other people to taxi me around.
• I want to be financially stable by this time next year.
• I want to make my family, and myself incredibly proud of everything I've achieved in the last few years, and prove that it's all been worth it.

 

So now it's crunch time. I've got to sort myself out, and enjoy every step of it. I've never been more sure or determined about anything.

 

Much love ♥ 

 

Ciao Italia...

Last week, I travelled to another country by myself for the first time.

 

I got on a plane to travel to a country where I definitely did not speak the language, and boy, was it an adventure. I went to Parma, Italy, to stay with my friend Steph for a few days, and then fly back with her.

 

I left Winchester at 10am to get two coaches to Stanstead Airport, where I was 4 hours early for my flight. This gave me the chance to sit and write some of my dissertation, as well as make friends with some lovely people whilst consuming many lattes in Starbucks. The flight itself was definitely something. We were due to land in Parma, but after taking off an hour late, we were met with very thick fog. Therefore, the pilot decided to divert the plane! To begin with, we were told Pisa, the Ryanair website said we were in Milan, but we actually wound up in Bologna about an hour away. This meant we had to get a coach in the early hours in order to find our way back to Parma!

(The Cathedral and the Christmas tree in Parma)

 

After a well needed sleep, Steph took me out for lunch in Parma, where we had tortelli, which were really tasty. We took a long walk around Parma, where Steph pointed out all the main sights for me. There was the Cathedral, the Piazza Pilotta, and the Parco Ducale. Italy is such a beautiful place, everywhere is so old and rustic, but in a beautiful and traditional way. The park was a juxtaposition from the busy heart of the city, a quiet place to relax and for contemplation. It felt similar, if very different from Winchester; grand, but less gothic.

(The statue on the island in the pond in Parco Ducale)

(The architecture in Parma is so beautiful)

 

I was introduced to a few of Steph's Erasmus friends, who took me on a night out in Parma. Many One Euro shots were consumed, and I ended up pretty drunk and hungover the next day, but it was such a good night! Admittedly, I wasted the next day of my Italian adventure because I was pretty hungover. But it was actually quite nice just to chill with Steph in her super awesome flat, and meet the Erasmus guys later for crepes.
 

(Steph, a few of her lovely Erasmus friends, and I)

 

On my last day, we took a train to Milan for a few hours, to sightsee and grab lunch. Milan is just over an hour away from Parma via the train. We took the metro to the Doumo di Milano in the centre and walked around the Christmas market, before meeting a girl Steph knew for lunch nearby. The Doumo, or Cathedral, in Milan is absolutely stunning. The architecture is outstanding, a complete work of art, and being in the presence of it truly takes your breath away. I'm really glad I got the chance to visit there, and should I ever return, I will definitely opt for a tour inside.

(Doumo di Milano, such a beautiful place!)

 

After my adventure, I'm beginning to think that travelling is about the journey more than the destination. Just getting there and meeting so many new people made the experience much more memorable for me. If anything, my time in Italy has made it very apparent to me that my life is not meant to be lived in one place, and that I'm definitely a traveller at heart. I hope I get the opportunity to return to Italy so I can continue to explore the magnificent country.
 

(Me outside the Doumo, by the Christmas tree)

 

Much love ♥ 

 

 

Defending my degree...

I'm a proud American Studies student at the University of Winchester UK, and I absolutely love my degree.

 

However, If I had a pound for every time someone raised their eyebrows or gave me a funny look when I told them what my degree is, I'd be rich enough to pay off my student debts.

 

Usually this gesture is followed with the insincere concern of "What are you intending to do with that degree?", to which my reply is always, "Whatever I want." You see, I honestly don't know what my future holds for me, but I know that with my degree it's about the skill set I inherit and all the many doors this could open. I feel in no way limited to what I could do, my opportunities are vast and varied.  

 

 

American Studies is a multi-disciplinary subject, meaning I get to do a little bit of everything. I get to look at literature, films, culture, history, politics, you name it, I've probably studied a bit of it. One morning I could be in a lecture about American Conspiracy Theories, and then the next I could be learning about African American culture. I've looked at Americanisation through corporations such as McDonald's and Disney. I've learnt about the Black Atlantic and the Transatlantic slave trade. I've even looked at the portrayal of the American Gothic as well as adaptations between books and films. And that's only a small sample of some of the modules I've had in my three year adventure. It's so varied, I could never get bored.

 

 

I strongly argue that I will be leaving university with the same skill set as any other student, whether they're studying English, History, or whatever it may be. I can interpret data, source relevant material, think critically about work, and so much more. My degree hasn't restricted my learning in anyway, and I feel I'll be leaving university very much equal to my peers. Choosing my subject does not make me dumb, it's not 'easier' or 'simpler' than any other degree, there's still the same amount of work required. And it certainly does not make me any less able to achieve as well as any other student.

 

In essence, what I'm trying to say is that although my degree should not be valued above anyone else's, it should definitely not be valued as any less.

 

I could never regret choosing my degree. It's been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I've learnt so many fascinating things, met some incredible and inspirational people, and got to experience the trip of a lifetime travelling around Nevada, Arizona and Utah with some fabulous people.

 

 

So yes, I did take this subject because I "clearly love America", but I chose it for so much more. Therefore, please stop looking down on me thinking I'm an idiot, or even pity me for my choice, because taking this degree has proved to me that I am capable of doing well in higher education, and that my future will be bright because I'm determined to work hard doing something that I love.

 

 

Much love ♥ 

How to (not) write an essay....

It's that time of the semester again. The library is full of students having panic attacks. Much junk food is being consumed. You can never get hold of the book you need. And it's all because for many, essays are due. Ask any student, no matter how prepared you think you are, it's still one of the most stressful moments of the academic year.

 

 

So here are a few of the struggles I go through every single time I have to force myself to sit down and concentrate on writing an essay. It's never easy, and as a third year I should know so much better by now...

 

 

Leaving your essay to the last minute

 

 

Procrastinating to the max

 

Realising you have to psych yourself up to sit down and study

 

 

Skipping the plan stage completely

 

 

Having absolutely no idea what your essay is on

 

 

 

Throwing in fancy phrases just to sound intelligent

 

 

Having a little breakdown

 

 

Deciding to get drunk to cope

 

 

Not being anywhere near your word count

 

 

Finally finishing your essay and being all like..

 

 

 The struggle is so real.

 

Much love ♥

 

 

Englishman in New York...

So earlier this month I got back from a truly incredible week away in one of my favourite places in the entire world; New York City. To say I was completely spoilt is an understatement, my parents joined forces to pay for the trip for my 21st birthday present, and I was treated beyond belief. So much good food, many little adventures, and plenty of my favourite activity - shopping.

 

So to subtly brag about how much fun I had, and so I can reminisce about how much I love New York (please take me back, I'm a New Yorker at heart!), here are all my favourite pictures from the trip as well as some little anecdotes and short summary's of what I got upto.

Day 1 - Arriving, Top of the Rock.
 

On the first day, after being awake for too many hours to count, I dragged my acrophobic mother up the Rockefeller to the 'Top of the Rock'. The view was incredible, and it was so warm that even though we were so high up, I was only in a tshirt!

 

Day 2 - AMNH, Central Park, Times Square, Planet Hollywood
 

After a good nights sleep, I hailed us a cab (One of my proudest moments!), and we went up to the American Museum of Natural History. It was huge! So many animals, so many exhibits, so much walking. We were there for hours, but it was a day well wasted. We then went on a long walk around Central Park, where I managed to get us completely lost. Luckily, thanks to a Park Ranger we managed to figure out where we were (we were stood next to the castle I was looking for...I'm such an idiot!), and I even managed to get us to the Alice In Wonderland statue, which is one of my favourite spots in the whole world. Later on in the evening, we ventured to Planet Hollywood for dinner, and enjoyed an evening in Times Square (and mostly in the MAC store!)

 

Day 3 - My birthday, SATC, Wicked, Ellen's
 

The third day was my 21st Birthday! I dragged mum on a Sex & The City tour, which was absolutely hilarious and incredible. One of the *highlights* was having my skirt tucked into my tights whilst on the tour for a good 20 minutes before some woman put me out of my misery and pulled my skirt out. So embarrassing! Mum bought me birthday cupcakes in Magnolia Bakery and I wished to come back. I took mum to Ellen's Stardust Diner, somewhere I'd been before on my last visit to the Big Apple, which is a diner where all the staff sing and dance whilst you eat. It definitely set us in the mood for Broadway! Later in the evening we went to go and see Wicked on Broadway, which completely blew my mind! It was such an incredible show! I would definitely go and see it again...and again, and again, and again!
 

 

 

Day 4 - Empire State, Madame Tussuad's, Times Square Again
 

On a slightly greyer fourth day in the City, I dragged mum up another skyscraper, this time the Empire State Building! We could see for miles, and even though it was incredibly windy, we got some great pictures. As the heavens began to open, we ran for shelter in Madame Tussuad's for the afternoon, and had a great time 'celeb spotting', and taking pictures which our future husbands... Then it was back to Times Square again to finish the shopping we started earlier in the week!

 

Day 5 - Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, Grand Central, Fly Home
 

On our last day, we went for a walk up Fifth Avenue, stopping to take pictures at iconic spots such as the Rockefeller where the ice skating rink and Christmas tree is usually put. We walked up to Tiffany's where mum quite rightly treated herself! Stopped by Grand Central for a spot of lunch, before we sadly had to leave the city to catch our plane back.

 

I miss New York so much, I really felt like I belonged there, hailing cabs and running along the sidewalk in heels. If anyone would like to pay for me to go back it would be greatly appreciated!

 

Much love ♥ 

Go with the Flo...

I've been running around all over the place in the last few weeks, and I think it's probably time for a little catch up! So just what have I been upto recently?

 

I went to go and see Florence + The Machine (again), and it was one of the best nights of my life.

 

I was one of those people and went early to queue up for the front row, which was a whole saga in itself, and met up with the ever so lovely Katie and her mum. After a mad dash through Ally Pally, we managed to get exactly where we wanted, just off centre at on the barrier, and it was just absolutely incredible. Florence came out, walked along the front and greeted everyone, holding my hand (!!), then went up onto the stage to give us the best show I've ever seen. She really believes in and feels the passion of the music, and it completely connects with the audience. Every soul in the room felt they were experiencing a personal moment with Florence, which was outstanding considering how packed out the venue was. I got to help hold her up in the crowd as she sang Rabbit Heart, and got completely showered with glitter as she poured an entire bag of it over our heads. Best. Night. Ever.

 

(Katie and I on the Front Row)

(Florence pouring glitter on us)

(The view from where we were..)

 

 

I went to go and see Eliza And The Bear in London.

 

You're probably thinking, who? But you should check them out. They're a little bit indie (think Mumford and Sons), crossed with a little bit of rock (think Twin Atlantic), and you'll get their sound. The venue was a beautiful place called KoKo in Camden, which wasn't very big, and felt very personal. The support acts were also really great, Viola Beach and especially The LaFontaines, who blew the roof off the place. After the gig we got to meet the lead singer of The Lafontaines, as well as some of Eliza And The Bear, whom we got some brilliant pictures with...

(Em, Jess and I with some of Eliza And The Bear)

 

       

(Em and I with the lead singer of The LaFontaines)

 

I went and saw Micheal McIntyre in the O2 arena.

 

Em and I had had these tickets booked for nearly a year and a half, but we finally got around to going to see Michael McIntyre in London. He was absolutely hilarious, some of the jokes he told were so funny I was on the brink of tears. They filmed the night for the DVD, so I can't wait to relive it all over again. I was definitely in need of a good night out with lots of laughs, and he didn't disappoint!

(The view from our seats, so high up!)

 

 

New York City.

 

Lucky little me got completely spoilt with a trip to NYC for my 21st with my mum, which was one of the best weeks of my life. So much good food, shops, shows, trips, I don't know how I'm functioning now I'm back. I wish I could be a New Yorker for life. I'll fill you in with all the stories and pictures from this next time (I'll try not to brag too much).

 

Much love ♥