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.

How I Got My Dream Fashion Internship

Well blogging it's been a while... But for the best reasons I could think of, as for the last three weeks I've been one of Look magazine's fashion interns, and it's been one of the most incredible experiences.

I've always loved writing, and journalism has been a career I've considered for absolutely ages, but it's only been after reading people's blogs and starting this one that I've seriously considered it as a career.

I knew I wanted to get some experience in this field to see if it was for me, so last month I wrote to a few of my favourite magazines to see if they needed interns.

Birthday Trip | Galvin at Windows

When it comes to birthdays, I'm literally such a little kid. Like I've been looking forward to it for weeeeks, anyone who's met me is fully aware that yes it is my birthday and yes I will be 19 and yes I am super excited about it.

And boy it has been a good few days. Why have a birthday when you can have multiple days? I like doing things with all my groups of friends so that yay more celebrations and excuses to eat cake and drink too much prosecco and dance like no ones watching because HEY DID YOU KNOW IT'S MY BIRTHDAY.

What to do with 48 hours in Copenhagen

I can practically see the tumbleweed rolling across my blog, I know... it's been far too long once more since I've done a post. This one has turned out to be both picture and word heavy, so hopefully evens it out a bit. (Pls) Uni has been so manic recently, but I've finished lectures for the year which is just the strangest feeling. Cue manic revision time but also more chances for blogging yay!

Of course it hasn't been all work and no play, apart from making the most of what London has to offer, I've also been checking out another European city, the beautiful Copenhagen.

The Music To Watch For 2016

Festival season is approaching and omg I am So. Excited. They combine two of my favourite things, summer and music, and please can someone give me all the money so I can just tour Europe going to every single one? 

No takers? Damn.

I realised the other day that probably the only time I don't have music playing is when I'm asleep, and for someone as obsessed with music as I am, I don't have nearly enough posts about it.

I've gone through such an indie phase recently (I know, I'm so hipster lol), and have found some amazing bands I have playing on repeat. It's so bad, but whenever I find an artist I like they're on basically every day until I find something else. But hey, if it ever see them live or it starts playing on the radio I'll be see that super cool kid who knows all the words right?!

Blossoms

Spending An Afternoon Alone in London

I know, the title looks all cue the violins and sad music, but I've recently started spending time exploring on my own and have so enjoyed finding some hidden gems. 

Before, I'd be reluctant to go and do something by myself, but I've found it's a great opportunity to sort out thoughts and have some quality me time. Plus, there's so many free things to do here, I only spent £2.70 on my afternoon outing.

I'm not counting the 60p on a creme egg, because that's obviously a necessity right?

My usual walk to university is across Waterloo Bridge, and on a crisp sunny day the views are just gorgeous. It definitely got me in the mood to find some equally picturesque sights, so armed with my camera I headed to Monument.

(Guess who realised they hadn't charged their camera until too late... Excuse the iPhone quality pictures pls.)

OOTD | Camouflage Jacket

Everyone's got their fashion weak spot; and for me I'm a sucker for shoes and jackets. I think it's the fact that an eye catching shoe or a colour pop jacket can instantly elevate an outfit. 

When I was packing to come to uni in September, I was texting a friend about how many pairs of shoes she was bringing. 'Probably about 8, definitely no more than ten.' 

*cue me sitting on my suitcase to try and cram my 20 odd pairs of trainers, heels, boots, sandals...* 

Hey, there's got to be some advantages to being the same size/height since I was 13ish, means those once pristine boots are not artfully distressed, plus 5 years old is basically vintage right?

Monthly Misses | January

I approached January with the attitude of simply getting through it, since everyone knows it's probably the least exciting month of the year. But I've been so pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it's actually been I thought I'd do a round up of all I'm going to miss about it. I'm thinking about doing this every month- hopefully not another resolution I'll end up breaking!

(Genuinely don't think I've ever made it more than a few weeks into my resolutions- I'm blaming early Easter for the abundance of Creme Eggs screwing with my healthy eating...)

1. Brunch at The Black Penny

Investment Piece | OOTD

Without a doubt, my favourite Christmas present this year was an All Saints leather jacket from my mum, and oh. my. gosh. I never want to take it off. Gig? Born for this. Lectures? Why not. Going out? How practical. Lunch date with friends? Well it goes with everything.

Now these are definitely not a student friendly purchase, but my mum got this with a pretty substantial discount. Although expensive, All Saints do the best sales, 20-30% off makes all the difference when it comes to an investment piece like this. (I haven't even been sponsored to do this post I just love it too much!)

What I like most about this jacket is how versatile it is- I've been wearing it in all weather, for a variety of occasions, and with so many different outfits, but it never fails to nail the effortless cool vibe. Literally you can just throw it on with a shirt and jeans and boom. Cue sassy strutting down the street. (I wish I was joking).

Beat Those January Blues

I've seen quite a few posts about tips on how to banish the post- Christmas slump so I'd thought I'd add some of mine that never fail to boost my mood. I've just got back to uni and despite the yellow walls in my accommodation it's so lovely to be back. Just seeing my friends and being back in London has put me in the best mood, there's no place quite like it. 

Listen to your comfort music, and find something new

Last night I was snuggled up in my duvet, room pitch black apart from laptop glare, massive good quality headphones on and had a steady stream of music. Until a frankly stupid time of around 5am my friend and I sent music recommendations on youtube, and there's something so exciting about discovering a new artist you love. Plus, with no other light or sound, all you focus on is the music and I've found it's such a therapeutic way of forgetting all your troubles, even if just for a short time.

Foodie Loves | Chez Antoinette

Another food post... what is coming over me? I just couldn't not share this little gem I found in Covent Garden.

Tucked away in the lower ground of the Market Place in the Covent Garden is Chez Antoinette, a beautiful little French eatery. Inside it has a cute, vintage vibe that makes you feel immediately at home.

Foodie Loves | The Chelsea Ivy Garden

I love uni, but sometimes a little bit of home is what you need to get you feeling ready for the week ahead, and for me nothing beats a visit from my mumma. (And no that's not just because of the free lunch, I promise...)

Sloane Square and King's Road is one of my favourite areas of London for a mooch around, plus all the Christmas lights were up making me feel all festive! After trekking round Zara and all browsing through all the shops, I was definitely in need of a pick me up, and that was definitely what I got at The Chelsea Ivy Garden!

Saatchi Gallery | Chanel Mademoiselle Privé

A friend of mine texted me asking what I was doing at the weekend, and when I replied that I was seeing a Chanel exhibit at the Saatchi gallery, her response was something along the lines of how I'm not exactly living the student life... But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I completely adored the exhibition (plus it's free!), and I can think of few better ways to spend my Sunday than visiting it, and having a stroll and coffee along the King's Road afterwards.

(image from Italian Vogue)

Alternative Ways To Spend A Day | London

After finishing uni one day, I popped my headphones on a went for a wander to try and get to know London better, and maybe uncover some gems. It's one of my favourite things to do, as you get to know where you're studying better, and it's a fun way to get some exercise (which I needed after I discovered Snog...)

How To Survive Being A London Fresher

I have officially survived freshers week! *cue celebratory cheers from where I'm curled up in bed* And whilst I may not have succumbed to the infamous freshers flu, my body clock has definitely been messed around a little bit. On the way I've made great friends, brilliant memories, and come up with a few fail safe tips on how not only to survive freshers, but also to flourish!

On nights out, I've spent a maximum of £7.50 which I'm pretty impressed with. How? A few money saving tips which has helped me out enormously.

1. If there's a wristband available, get it.
Mine was £30 for the week which may sound a lot, but it got me access for 7 nights into some of London's top clubs, and people I know who didn't get wristbands spent up to £15 for entrance on one night, so I made the value back in just two nights! Plus, I got mine before I arrived, so if you can sweet talk your parents that's even better...

How To Live The High Life For Less | London

I like the good life, who doesn't?! But rather than being Blair Waldorf, an Upper East Side Manhattanite (I miss Gossip Girl...), I'm a slightly broke student in London. Sigh.

But there's always ways around this, and recently I've been living it up for less, so I thought I'd share some of these ways.

1. Competitions

I know it sounds cliche and unrealistic, but recently when I was watching TV one evening, I thought I may as well give some competitions a go- someone's got to win, right?! And for one of them, it actually was me!