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.