Give Something More Than Presents This Christmas

Did you know that more than 1 in 3 families across the UK are just one pay check from losing their homes? (Shelter)

As I was walking to university the other day, I came across an all too common sight: a man, bedraggled and lonely, sitting on the side of the pavement with a cup placed in front of him.

No matter where you are in the world, countryside or city, so-called 'developed' country or 'developing', you can't escape the pervasiveness of homelessness. It's an issue with no borders, no end in sight, and for most people who struggle with this every day, little to no hope.

Why Beijing Should Be On Your Bucket List

When you think of must-see travel destinations, I bet there are a few destinations common to many others- Bali, Paris, New York, Rome, New Zealand....

Beijing probably isn't on the top of that list, or even at all.

But it should be.

If I'm honest, I had relatively low expectations of Beijing before I spent two weeks there this summer. I had pictures of somewhere grey, pollution so thick I could barely see the tops of buildings, and an oppressive atmosphere with the whole internet censorship.

I could not have been more wrong!

How To Style | The Statement Coat

Remember me? After starting the year with such high hopes about regularly blogging, it gradually petered out until I ended up posting nothing all summer.... I was definitely stuck in a blogging rut, and couldn't think of any posts I was desperate to write. I think after exams, the last thing I wanted to do was write and concentrate, and I was barely home this summer (although I will never complain about how much travelling I've done).

I'm back feeling ready to write, photograph and get creative again which is the best feeling, and I think living in London during Autumn/Winter helps, because it's definitely my favourite time of the year to live here. We've got it all- overpriced artisanal coffees which taste like Christmas, huge parks to crunch through all the fallen, burnished, beautiful leaves, lights and magical evening walks along the Thames, and ALL the food markets.

After being in Norway for six months, I'm back in London and I have to say, I've missed it. My first proper week back has been a wonderful whirlwind, reminding me of how much I love this city. 

This statement coat has been worth every penny, taking me from Summer to Autumn with ease- instead of chucking it on top of dresses during balmy evenings, I'm toughening it up and cosying up in it as I match my Autumnal surroundings.

What I've Learnt From Studying Abroad

I know... it's been a while! The last few months have been a whirlwind of exams, making sure I'd seen everything I'd wanted to in Oslo before I left, moving back home, and adjusting to life back in Blighty. Towards the end of my time abroad I'd felt like I was ready to come back home, but I found coming back harder than I thought I would.

It takes a while to get used to somewhere, and by the time I left Oslo, I'd really carved out a life for myself. Strangely enough, moving back home felt like leaving behind normality and what had become my main life. It was weird losing my independence, leaving my new friends and returning to old ones, getting used to another lifestyle, and just generally returning to my old life as a very different person.

Initially, I was terrified of moving abroad and having to start over again, but now I was scared of going back to my old life, when I felt that I'd changed and grown so much. Living alone, in a strange new country, really makes you aware of who you are, and I've learnt so much. It's taking time, but I'm slowly adjusting back to my life here, with memories which I know will last a lifetime. 

5 Hours in Copenhagen

Spontaneity is the key to numerous incredible experiences. Saying yes on a whim can be one of the best decisions- who knows where it'll take you? This weekend it took me on a free trip to Copenhagen on an overnight ferry (I use the word ferry extremely loosely, it was more like a floating amusement centre) from Oslo and back again in time for uni work on Monday.

Or at least that was my intention. The final instalment in one of my favourite book trilogies came out, but reading is educational... right?

I wrote a post about my trip to Copenhagen last February, but daym seeing this beautiful city illuminated in sunshine rather than muted by heavy clouds has given me a whole new love for it.

Why Tallinn Is the Hidden Gem You Should Visit

When you think of a fairytale setting, images of towering spires, winding cobbled lanes, colourful little houses and a bustling vibrancy to the place probably come to mind, right? Well enter the old town of Tallinn, a place I fell in love with in all of, ooh, maybe ten minutes.

A Weekend Break in Helsinki

Slowly, this blog has been becoming more and more of a travel blog, and I can't say I'm too gutted about that! The Erasmus student scheme has just turned 30 years old, and it got me thinking how grateful I am to have been able to study in Oslo as part of it. It's opened up places, people, ways of thinking and travel opportunities I would never have had- this weekend I'm going on a free (yes, FREE!) trip to Copenhagen with the café I volunteer with, and if that's not excellent payment for a few shifts I don't know what is... 

But enough about Denmark, this post is all about Finland, with a little bit of Estonia thrown in for good measure! I went on a lil mini-break last week with a friend, as it was a part of Scandinavia we'd both wanted to visit for a while. I wasn't really sure what to expect, Helsinki is a bit like Oslo in the sense that it's often overlooked by it's cooler Scandi neighbours, Copenhagen and Stockholm, but I would have to say it's a hidden gem!

What To Do On A Weekend Break In Bologna

Bologna probably isn't somewhere that's particularly high on your list of must-see places, but after having spent a weekend there, I completely fell for this quaint, charming little city. On a spontaneous whim, my mum and I booked a girls weekend there last week, and were immediately hooked when we got there. It's not as well known as Florence, or iconic as Rome, but it's stunningly beautiful, interesting and so unspoilt and untoursity.

It has three nicknames- the 'fat', the 'learned', and the 'red'. The first for its delectable range of restaurants, trattorias and food markets; the second for the oldest university in the world located there; and the last for the beautiful terracotta buildings stretching across the city. Amazing food, fascinating culture and history, and stunning surroundings- what more could you want in a holiday destination?

5 Things I've Learned From Regularly Working Out

I know, I know, there's so many fitness posts out there and incredibly toned people which make you wonder how abs can even look like that, but this isn't one of those preachy 'let's all go eat kale' posts. Side note- I actually really kinda love kale now when its stir fried with olive oil and salt sorry not sorry.

Before this year, I was always pretty active, but never really committed to consistently exercise, it was more of a oh maybe I'll go to a yoga class this week. Since coming to Oslo and joining a gym which includes classes in my membership, I've been going at least 4 times a week, and now I can't imagine not working out regularly.

I'm never going to be one of those dreamy bikini goddesses (looking at you Emily Ratajkowski you absolute dreamboat)- when I was a child my mum took me to the Doctor to ask why my stomach was so rounded only to find out that's 'just my shape'... Yay for genetics!! But my aesthetic has gone from 'might occasionally eat a salad and walks around but obvs polishes off family size bags of minstrels' to 'could still eat a giant bag of M&Ms in one sitting but has some form of muscle definition'. And tbh I wouldn't have it any other way.

5 Underrated (And Cheap!) Things To Do In Oslo

I just had one of those wonderful weekends which really made me appreciate just how lucky I am. Lucky to have the chance to live and study in a beautiful Scandinavian city. Lucky to have amazing people in my life. Lucky to have the chance to really make the most of my time in Oslo, and to experience everything I possibly can.

Having visitors always makes me fall in love with Oslo more. Seeing this incredible city through the eyes of someone who has never been here before, seeing the awe at the vast, sweeping landscapes, and general delight at the way of life. A quick google will give you a long list of things to do and places to see here, but I wanted to add my own suggestions. These are five of my favourite things to do in Oslo, and things which I'd say are supremely underrated, like Oslo itself really.

1. Tobogganing

Happiness Toolkit | What Makes Me Get Up Every Day

My yoga instructor is a bit of a babe, if only for the reason that at the start of every class, he talks about things which always get me thinking and contemplating, which then often leads to inspiration for a post. The other day he was discussing the concept that if we can identify what makes us happy, then we can replicate this every day and always be content in life.

Although I love the sentiment, this seems a bit simplistic to me. Life throws curveballs at us, or it may not be possible to recreate exact situations which brought you joy. A hedonistic lifestyle and simply living for pleasure may sound appealing initially, but we all know this is unrealistic and unsustainable. However, this got me thinking about what really makes me happy. Like an inner glow, little knot of anticipation and excitement within me, involuntary smiles and the contentment of my cat stretching out decadently on the sofa, bathing in the soft glow of the sun.

Lying on a beach, book in hand and a pina colada next to me; reaching the top of Machu Picchu in time to see the sunrise over the magnificent peaks; winter walks with my family in the countryside, far away from everything; dinners with friends where you talk about anything and everything; all of these are moments when I'm at my most elated. I realised that specific as these moments are, I could clearly see the things which complete my life.

(Side note: does anyone else find selecting pictures for your post far more difficult than actually writing it?! Like, is this relevant/interesting/aesthetically appealing? Idk, I just know I like this jacket and the fact that I'm smiling so much my eyes disappear, so there's a highly tenuous connection to this post)

My Weekend Guide to Tromsø in Norway

People come to Tromsø for the Northern Lights, but I'll stay, and return for everything else this special place has to offer. I went there purely with the intention of seeing the famous Aurora Borealis (we saw the green Northern cloud... it was definitely the lights but not quite on the level you see on the pictures), but I would have gone even with the knowledge that I wouldn't see the lights in all their glory. I do however have a rather lovely selfie of my friend and I with the lights, which is totally 100% real and definitely not just a picture of us in front of a large poster of them....

I've never been so far north before, and it was pretty special to get to visit the Arctic Circle. It's a place of endless wonders, of mountains smothered in snow, of sea so incredibly clear and vibrant the bottom was visible peering down from the bridge, of picture perfect houses, and the general feeling that you were living in a snow globe temporarily.

Monthly Challenges | March

Oh my days did March sneak up on anyone else super quickly?! It feels like Christmas was just a few weeks ago (but that might be due to the absence of Spring and the near continuous snow and ice here...)

I really enjoyed having challenges last month, and forcing myself to step out of my comfort zone a bit. Although some worked better than others (talking to you chocolate- definitely a fan of reducing sugar in other ways and still indulging occasionally), others, like talking to a new person every day was great.

This month, my challenges are slightly more relaxed and mundane, but I think will definitely help to keep up the great quality of life I'm currently enjoying in Oslo. So without further ado/rambling, I give you my March challenges!

What To Do On A Weekend Break In Stockholm

Stockholm has got to one of the most underrated cities I've ever been to. For some reason, it's rarely featured as a must see place, but having been there, I cannot imagine why. It's an intoxicating mix of different islands with their own personality, beautiful, traditional architecture, water meandering throughout, incredible food, and such a buzzy yet chilled vibe.

Having spent three nights there this weekend with a group of friends, I was itching to write post about my time here and share my photos- I was just a typical tourist this weekend snapping at everything! So here are my top things to do whilst exploring this city, although I feel as if I've barely scratched the surface of things to see here!

Vegan Chickpea Bowl | AKA The Post I Realised I Could Never Be A Food Blogger

Does me saying 'screw it' and just using an exceptionally mediocre photo after what feels like a million and one attempts make this post ironic or an ode to the majesty that is true food bloggers, or just a slightly rambling, self-detracting post with average, seemingly iPhone standard photography?

Before I started writing this post, I never truly realised just how impossibly difficult food photography really is. What I think looks all instagrammable on my plate suddenly looks like my cat vommed on my plate on my camera. Texture and colours may as well not be a thing, and I should probs kiss goodbye to the notion that I have some semblance of presentation skills.

I think the main issue is that rather than wanting to photograph it, I kinda want to inhale it when it's all hot and smelling awesome. Soz, I'm sacrificing lots of nice pictures for my tummy.

But this taste pretty awesome, work for a student budget, and are super healthy in my humble 'I study history not nutrition but I like food bloggers' opinion.

Living Life Compassionately | An Alternative Valentines Day Celebration

Today in yoga, the instructor began the class by telling us that the three things he would take from yoga onto a desert island would be breathing, meditation and compassion.

He talked about how as we breathe, we should take in things which enhance our life, like confidence, happiness, serenity, and as we exhale we should let go of the negative; anxiety, stress, guilt and the like. Rather than simply doing this for a few hours a week in class, we should try to bring yoga into our everyday. To remove things in our life which get us down, and to try to bring the sense of calmness from our practise into everything we do.

Monthly Challenges | February

With all of the New Year's resolutions flying about, I've decided to try giving myself monthly resolutions. Year long goals can seem intimidating and unattainable, but having five smaller goals to achieve in four weeks seems like a fun way to challenge myself and really push myself to make the most out of every month. I want put myself out of my comfort zone as much as I can, and having smaller aims seems like a realistic way to achieve this.

Plus, I love a good list. You may have noticed that from reading this blog and seeing the many list orientated posts...

(Before you think, 'is one of her resolutions really taking selfies?!', no, it's not. I'm just a little bit obsessed with these sunglasses and that seemed a reason as good as any to use this photo)

Tips For Adjusting To Life Abroad

Having lived in Oslo for three weeks now, I think I'm definitely qualified to dole out my advice for getting used to living in different country... right?

After finding it a bit weird and overwhelming for a little bit, which is completely normal I suppose, I'm now loving my life and have no regrets whatsoever about choosing to study here for six months. I had high hopes of moving into my accommodation and immediately finding an amazing group of people and becoming super close and my life basically resembling Friends except in Oslo and not New York.

But life isn't fiction, it's not always glossy and glamorous and easy, and making real friendships takes time. My dad once told me that you spend your first term of university trying to make friends, and the second term trying to get rid of them! 

When Life Gets You Down | A Love Letter To Blogging

I'm sure why, but whenever I'm feeling sad or a bit out of depth, and life keeps throwing curveballs at me, I immediately load up my blog. Writing is instinctively what I do, and I know that after I'm emptied my heart onto a blank screen, I feel so much better. With music on in the background, I cannot think of anything more therapeutic for me. There's something special about putting your unspoken thoughts into words, and truly understanding how you feel and why. It gets things sorted in my brain, and it's become my favourite thing to do.

It's not only writing, but reading other other people's posts, and being inspired by how you are all absolutely killing it with your writing and your pictures which make me want to pick myself up and feel better. Or realising that someone else knows how I feel and seeing their own thoughts, as if we're all part of a big, beautiful network of support, comfort, inspiration and wonder.

Living In The Now | Life's Special Moments

You know those times when at that exact moment, everything is beautiful and peaceful? When you're with people who mean everything to you, and suddenly you catch someone's eye and their smile warms your insides and time goes a little bit slower. Or when you're standing still, the only sounds the whisper of a breeze, and the sunset is so astounding that the sky looks like its burning up in beauty. Or when you're driving somewhere, with the windows down and your favourite song is playing, and you just think, if life was always like this, it would be pretty incredible.

My Makeup Must Haves

I, Honor Jane, am a makeup guru wannabe. I would like to be that girl on the street with the perfect flick on her eyeliner, precisely lined red lips reminiscent of the 1950s, perfectly popping cheekbones and a glow that comes from highlighter or some sort of magic. 

But I am not this girl.

I am one with contouring which sometimes looks like I've applied it in the dark (tbf, it's dark lots of the time in Oslo so I may have done), eyeliner which never matches, and I rarely remember to try an interesting lip colour.

(I do like my eyebrows though, I'll give myself that)

But with the following products, I have DEFINITELY upped my game. Watch out all you incredible makeup youtubers, I'm coming for ya....

Signature Scents | What Perfume Means to Me

I've only ever worn two perfumes consistently in my life, Chanel's Chance Eau Fraîche, and Yves St Laurent's Black Opium Eau de Parfum. I love the idea of having a signature scent, of someone catching a trace of that perfume going through their daily lives and immediately associating it with you. My flatmate once told me that she knew whenever I had left the house, because she could smell my perfume lingering down the stairs.

How To Make The Most Of Being On Your Own

I have never been one to binge watch series on netflix, or to relish a duvet day and the prospect of not leaving the house. I'm more of a 'how can I pack the most into today and not have any free time' kinda person, and to be honest, I actually find stopping still and relaxing really difficult. That's not to say I don't have those days where I just want to curl up in bed and not face the world, but normally my days are full of people and socialising, which is the way I like it. 

So moving to Oslo, where I knew nobody, and had a rather sparse timetable of classes, I figured I had to get better at being alone with my thoughts, and having some down time. So for you all you crazy busy people at there who'd rather run around rather than chill, this post is for you!

1. Go for a walk and get some fresh air

5 Observations From A Norwegian Night Out | Diary Three

After a minor whingefest the other day about settling in here, the last few days have been looking up much more! I finally met someone in my accommodation who I can chat to, which makes a huge difference. Plus, I've thrown myself in to everything I can, I've seen even more of Oslo, and got to know people far better. 

Student View Of London | Blog Changes

Yep, still me here! After a lot of thinking (/gentle encouragement over FaceTime from my bestie), I've finally got round to updating my blog a bit and making some changes. I'm definitely not a huuuuge believer in all that 'new year new me' shebang, but it seemed a good as time as any to finally shake things up in my blogosphere.

Sightseeing in Oslo | Diary Two

Today, a girl I've hung around with a bit over the last week mentioned how she was finding it weird settling in here, because she has lots of 'hi-bye' friends. At first I was like um is this a new trend I haven't heard of or something, but then she explained that it's people you know, you'll say hi and smile, but you don't really know where you stand. Like can you invite a 'hi-bye' friend for coffee? Discuss how much you miss your pet? Lust over furry bobble hats in shops with? (I'm a changed woman, the cold air got to me)

Life In Oslo | First Impressions

A change of scenery must have been what I needed, because since moving to Oslo, I've been struck by inspiration. Not just for my blog, but in all sorts of ways- from auditioning for a choir tonight (wish me luck!), to planning trips to other parts of Scandinavia, and just to be productive in many different ways.

Thoughts From An English Girl in Oslo | Diary One

If you read my last post, you'll know that I've just recently moved to Oslo, and even after 3 days here, it's been such an experience. I'm planning on doing a series of posts about living and studying in another country, and exploring this beautiful Scandinavian city.

Blog Changes | Student View of Oslo!

Yep, you read that right! Two days ago I left England and arrived in Oslo to study at the university here for six months... So expect to see less Waterloo Bridge and London, and more fjords, snow and puff jackets!

Leaving 2016 Behind | Highlights and Resolutions

2016 will most likely go down in history as one of the most miserable for the world overall, in a rather long time. It's easy to focus on all the negative changes that have taken place, and to forget all the incredible things that have happened. 

Personally, it's been one of the best years of my life, and I've enjoyed reflecting over what has made it so special, and reminding myself that it's not all bad! It's led me to base my resolutions about bringing the best of 2016 into 2017.