Graduation and moving on

This post was meant to be written on Sunday, and then on Monday but it was only today that I felt like I could get my head together and actually write something down.

It's official, I've graduated from university and might want to cry a little bit (both from happiness, and also because it's scary). I've entered the adult world and start work properly on 3rd August, although I've been breaking myself in gently with weeks here and there since I finished! Making the transition from student to working 9-5 five days a week will be tough but I think the routine will be exactly what I need.

Now that I've had my graduation, it all seems a bit more real. I got news a couple of weeks ago that I had actually gone and done it - I got a First Class BA Hons in English Literature! No one was more surprised (or relieved) than me. But it was only when I walked out to my family in my cap and gown on the day of my ceremony, and when I was personally congratulated on my First on stage, and when both my lecturers came to speak to me that it really settled in. My first year dream of having a first in English Literature had come true, and the pride I felt throughout the day for me and all my friends will be a feeling that will stay with me for a long time. It's proof that all our hard work and effort paid off, and was so so worth it.

With my lovely grandparents

But by far one of the best things about the day was that we were able to bring my grandparents down for the ceremony. I was so so excited to share my special day with them, and when they both teared up seeing me in my robes, I realised how much it meant to them too. My grandad turned 90 this year, and to be able to see the pride on his face and on my nana's was enough to know that I would do it all again in a heartbeat - all the stress, hard work and mountains of reading. We honestly just had such a wonderful day.

Our ball in the evening meant that our friendship group could celebrate together before parting our separate ways and beginning our careers. I think had it not been for mental exhaustion and the drinks we would have been far more serious and emotional. But actually, I'm glad it wasn't. We concentrated on having an incredible time in each other's company, knowing it was definitely not the end, but only a new beginning. It's true what they say about university - you make friends for life.

So with less than two weeks until I start work permanently, I'm taking some me time to focus on my achievements, some self-love and my future. Despite university having been the best years of my life (excuse the cheese), I do feel ready to move on now. I'm ready for this new chapter in my life and what it will hold for me.

With my brother, and he's even smiling!

Have you graduated recently, or started a new job? Are you feeling postive? Let me know below! 

Five Favourites: Summer Salads

We're coming towards mid-July and I've suddenly realised over half the year has disappeared. Um how did that happen exactly? Good thing is, we're well into summer and also into the (in my opinion) best season for produce. There are so many delicious fruits and vegetables in season in these months, it makes having salads an absolute treat that just isn't quite the same in winter. I've definitely been enjoying some recently so I thought I'd share a few of my favourites, some of which are even better going into autumn to use all the upcoming seasonal veg...

Photo and recipe from Deliciously Ella

1. Aubergine, sun-dried tomato and pine nut salad from Deliciously Ella
I love sun-dried tomatoes, and I go through regular phases of being pretty obsessed with roasted aubergine so this is a dream. The chunky veg makes for a surprisingly filling salad and the tomatoes and pine nuts give this the most amazing flavours. Very moreish!

Photo and recipe from Tesco Real Food

2. Crab (or prawn), mango and avocado salad from Tesco Real Food
I cannot describe how incredible this tastes. The first time I tried this, we made it as a starter for a dinner party and I absolutely feel in love with the flavours. Anything that contains avocados is always an instant hit with me but with the chilli, lime and mangoes? Absolutely heavenly! I've never actually done this dish with crab, I've used prawns but I've been assured both tastes incredible and so light. Perfect for summer.

Photo and recipe from BBC Good Food

3. Feta tabbouleh and aubergines from BBC Good Food
Sorry, it's the aubergines again! But combined with feta gives this dish a bit of a greek flavour. Maybe not a salad in the traditional leaves-sense, but definitely a delicious cold dish which can be enjoyed in the sun. 

Photo and recipe from Minimalist Baker

4. Kale salad with crispy chickpeas from Minimalist Baker
If someone said food porn to me, this photo is basically what I would imagine. Baked chickpeas are my fairly newly discovered favourite snacks and additions to meals. Add them to the superfood kale, and you automatically have a winner. So yum. 

Photo and recipe from Cookie + Kate

5. Caprese pasta salad from Cookie + Kate
I don't think there is actually a combination more heavenly than perfectly ripe summer tomatoes and basil. I actually prefer this pasta salad cold, and I've also tried feta instead of mozzarella which is pretty incredible. Either way is delicious though, and so simple and quick. Kate is onto a winner with this one!


What are your favourite foods in summer? Comment below if you know of any great recipes!

Returning to Paris

To say that my 22nd birthday in Paris will be memorable is probably putting in mildly. I'm not usually one to complain about heat and sun (because believe me, I love it!) but 40 degree heat in the middle of a busy city is pretty hard going. That, combined with a very ill mum and horrendous delays on the Eurostar to get back to England certainly made for an eventful trip!

Nevertheless, we did enjoy ourselves. I managed to go back to many of my favourite places and I enjoyed just being able to wander around Le Marais area again. 

Photo taken on my run as the sun was coming up. One of my most memorable runs!

It got up to 38 degrees on my birthday but I went out for a run at 6.30am before it got too hot. I was absolutely determined to go because I knew that running round Paris, past the Louvre, Hotel de Ville and Notre Dame on my birthday was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I couldn't miss! Then we went to Le Pain Quotidien (I know, I know it's a chain but I just adore this place) and had their delicious Crunola with a bread basket. I'm hoping to recreate the base of the Crunola which was banana, coconut and cashew nut butter and totally creamy and scrummy - I'll keep you posted if I'm successful!

We spent the morning shopping for a little present I could take home for myself and actually didn't find anything! But that wasn't a great loss as I got to spend my birthday creating the most incredibly memories in Paris. In the afternoon, the heat began to get to mum and we needed to get out of the sun for a while. Mum took me to the patisserie in BHV in Le Marais where, after cheekily telling them it was my birthday, we chose two patisseries (mine was the most incredible vanilla layered mousse) and the waitress brought them over with a candle and chocolate birthday plaque - in French! It was such a thoughtful thing to do and really made my day special. 

We spent the evening in my favourite bar that I fell in love with on my year abroad - La Favorite. My favourite cocktails there used to be the French Kiss but since they had changed the menu I tried the Peach Margarita and my failsafe, Cosmo (they do a mean Cosmo!). I would definitely recommend the Margarita though! Strong, but really good. I'd recommend going in Happy Hour between 7pm and 9pm to benefit from half prices (otherwise it's a fairly pricey place). It was great to have the hotel so conveniently located across the road from my favourite haunt, find it here because I'd definitely recommend it!

The Peach Margarita at La Favorite

Unfortunately, getting home put a slight dampener on our time in Paris. Mum felt ill on the Wednesday we were meant to go back, and with our train in the evening, we felt it was better to get to Gare du Nord early so at least we were there and wouldn't have to worry about her being able to get there if she worsened. However, the station was absolutely sweltering and we were waiting for an hour and a half before we were supposedly meant to board. But the Eurostar was experiencing delays on a huge scale that day so by the time we actually go on the train, we were already delayed by at least an hour, and then the train ended up stopping about 20 minutes after setting off and didn't go again for almost 2 hours. As you can imagine, with the heat, a lack of water and delays, we were feeling a bit fed up. But it really could have been worse. Yes, we got stuck in London but dad had booked a lovely hotel for us which was amazing when we finally got in and slept for 4 hours before getting the train home. Like I said - certainly a memorable trip!

Has anyone else been affected by the Eurostar/Eurotunnel problems recently? How have you coped in the heat this week? Did you love it or hate it? Let me know!

Five Favourites: Paris

It's pretty much a Paris-themed week on the blog due to my recent return so I thought I'd continue with this week's Five Favourites dedicated to my favourite places/things to do in Paris. So if you're planning a trip, here's five ideas for you:

1. Have a cocktail in La Favorite
Absolutely my favourite bar in Le Marais. It's been my haunt for a while, throughout my placement year and when I returned this week. It's a little pricey but Happy Hour (7pm to 9pm) solves that, plus they really are seriously good cocktails. I can also vouch for the mocktails being incredible too, and are also included in Happy Hour. Find details on their website here.

2. Eat Ladurée macarons

When people say they are the best in Paris, they're not wrong. I reckon there are a few independent patisseries that equal them but they are worth their name and, if you're going to try macarons while in France (which you should!) then they may as well be Ladurée with their many enticing flavours. If you can drag your eyes away from the pastel coloured rainbow of macarons then they also do other patisseries and bakes, as pictured above. Find the nearest shop here.

3. Cycle around Le Marais
I was persuaded by a friend to do this on my year abroad and was so pleased I did! I love Le Marais anyway but if you're brave enough to jump on one of the Velibs (find one close to Le Marais by Saint Paul metro stop) it gives a totally different view of this pretty area. The streets are far quieter too so you can worry less about traffic! 

4. Sit on one of the bridges
It almost doesn't matter which one because they all give a different but gorgeous perspective of Paris. Watch the sun go down, or come up and it'll be magical. Watching the sun go down the night before my birthday was truly memorable!



5. Visit Shakespeare and Company bookshop
If you're a Literature student, or just love books, you'll love this little bookshop. It is a bit of a tourist trap and there are other equally cute bookshops in Paris but this is easy to find, and is next to Notre Dame to just pop in. Its history and charming nooks, along with its dedicated reading spaces make it a book-lover's dream. Make sure to go as soon as it opens for a quieter experience. Click here for their website.


Hope I've given you some ideas for your trip to Paris! Do you have any favourite haunts? I'd love to hear them!

City Break: Packing for a weekend in Paris

I think it'd be pretty hard to have missed how excited I am that I'm returning. But allow me to clarify that I am UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED. It actually feels like I'm going home. Ever since I left, pretty much this same time last year, I've wanted to return and this summer finally provided me with the opportunity. What better way to spend my 22nd birthday (eeek!) in my favourite city in the world? Naturally, with such excitement came an epic planning/organisation explosion. I'm pretty sure I've driven mum insane. My packing list has been slowly finalised over the last month or so. Considering I'm going for a total of two nights, I actually do understand how ridiculous this sounds but in case you hadn't gathered - I'm excited. It's also meant to be hot when we're there. And I mean hot. Like currently an estimated 38 degrees on Wednesday, whaaaat! Amazing, but I also remember how sticky the city can be so forward outfit planning is a good idea. So here's a second post for this week (crazy, I know) about what I'll be taking along with me on my Paris summer city break...

Basics
3x tops, one of them striped (of course!)
2x skater skirt, one black, one denim
1x pair loose jeans for travelling
Comfy shoes (don't be fooled though, even Clark's can be comfy and stylish)
(I hope I don't need to say underwear here, I feel like that's a given!)

Special
Dress for the evening
Exercise clothes (if you're like me and can't resist the opportunity to go for a run while you're there!)

Extras
Sunglasses - do not forget those sunnies
1x belt to accessorise (mainly with the skater skirt)
1x scarf, also to accessorise and as a good wrap in the evenings
Across the body bag (think having it slung around your front to keep an eye on it) or one with a decent zip, I still haven't decided on the one I'm taking!

And here's some outfit ideas that I've got in mind...

By watching all the Parisians and their impeccable style for a year, I've learnt that it's good to stick to fairly neutral colours. Think blacks, whites, navies - all classics that can be mixed and matched. Also, make sure you're comfortable... You don't see Parisians wiggling about in their short shorts because they keep riding up - they just wear longer, looser, comfier clothes and exude that incredibly chic je ne sais quoi we all know and love.

Having spent time in Paris, I feel so much better prepared and have a fairly good idea about not screaming 'tourist' with my clothes! I'd like to think I'm not a tourist, but of course, in the eyes of the Parisians, I'm sure I am! If you're planning a similar city break and are struggling with packing, I hope this has helped! I'd love to know any other ideas/tips you have, comment below! :)

It's my birthday!

Twenty-twoooo

Okay so technically it isn't my birthday today, but it will be on Tuesday and since I'm leaving to go to Paris (eeeekk!!!) tomorrow, I thought I'd pre-empt the birthday post this year.

At the risk of sounding like a parrot, how quickly does time pass the older you get? It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was writing 'This is becoming a yearly tradition' in the post title box. Although I haven't been in an entirely different country this year, I think it's safe to say I've faced similarly difficult challenges and been on an equally emotional rollercoaster.

I've finished university! Boom, four years of my life gone. Poof. Over so quickly. The struggle of final year is real guys, both emotionally and work-wise. I've had to adjust to going back and studying again (intensely and under a huge amount of pressure), only to leave for the last time and get acquainted with the real adult world. That's been scary enough, but what's maybe more nerve-wracking is the thought of starting a new job. Nerve-wracking and so exciting at the same time because I do feel ready to move on now. Uni was great and was absolutely the best thing for me, but it's done it's job and now I can't wait to start creating a real life for myself, a real grown-up life.

This year has been both an end and a beginning, has brought massive highs as well as some lows but I'm going to see the next year of my life as a stepping stone in paving the way for my future. It's daunting, but I'm determined to make the most of every minute and begin making the life I want to live.

The positivity is currently overflowing (possibly something to do with the fact I'm going to Paris in less than 24 hours!!) but I'm aiming to make it stay! I'm feeling 22 ♪♪

Five Favourites: Blogs

It's Fridaaayyyy! For the first time in a long time I've got the genuine Friday feeling because I've just had my first full working week before I begin my job properly at the beginning of August. Even though it's nice to come home and be able to leave work behind, my supposedly completely free evenings have still been super busy this week. Exercise classes, riding and running have all figured and I have to admit, I'm loving having a bit of routine and purpose now that university has finished. I also have a nice slot in the mornings which allow me to mull over my breakfast and check out the latest on my favourite blogs... Which leads me nicely onto my Five Favourites this week! In no particular order, these are my go-to blogs for checking updates, finding recipes, or just generally seeking advice/comfort!

1. Cider with Rosie
I included Rosie's Instagram account on here a couple of weeks ago (post here), and thought it was time to recommend her blog because it's just an all-round great read. She includes restaurant reviews, beauty posts, outfit ideas, and generally lovely snapshots of her life. She also regularly features other bloggers who advertise on her site, and I've found some great new blogs through her.

2. Deliciously Ella
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Ella Woodward is incredible. I honestly believe she could be taking over the world. She's taken the internet by storm and is an Amazon bestseller since her first cookbook was published back in January (I'm a proud owner of a copy). It all started with this blog where she documented her food journey as she struggled to overcome an illness. She strives (and wholeheartedly succeeds) to create delicious but completely healthy and nutritious recipes designed to make you feel amazing. She partly inspired my diet transformation about a year ago, and I have never looked back. I cannot recommend this site enough.

3. Ashley Abroad 
This one is a relatively new discover of mine but admitting that three months after graduation she left to live in Paris for a year, I knew Ashley was a girl after my own heart. Her blog is a lifestyle and travel blog and she really does write incredible travel pieces and exudes the most wonderfully positive and refreshing attitude to life. Her posts on Paris and France are of particular interest to me, and they really are useful for those thinking of spending time over there.

4. The Wonder Forest
I turn to this beautifully designed blog for anything blog or tech related. Dana is a master of design and has given me such great ideas for building my blog in future and also how to get things working properly! Her graphics are great, and her photos gorgeous and those alone are enough to inspire greater things for your website. She also has a great tone to her writing, and her YouTube channel allows her bubbly nature to come across.Fit 

5. Fit Foodie Finds
Lee is my go-to for any exercises, quick and healthy meals and general motivation. She's a real fit-bunny whose positivity shines through her blog and just makes you want to grab your trainers and then recuperate with one of her yummy breakfast ideas. I discovered her website a while back, and it's recently undergone a bit of a makeover which I love. It's so much clearer and easier to navigate and makes the food look even more incredible. If you're into your healthy lifestyle, this is definitely one for you!


I hope you like some of these blogs and I have encouraged you to try something new! I love the blogging world because it opens up a world of completely new possibilities of meeting and interacting with incredible and inspiring people like those above. Are there any blogs you particularly like? Do you religiously check for new posts? Or do you prefer vlogging? As always, sound off in the comments below!

How to start running (and never stop)

Let me start this post by saying that by no means do I class myself as an excellent or highly experienced runner. I haven't run any marathons, or half-marathons for that matter, and I've only been running for about two years which is apparently quite a short period of time in the running world. However, I think what I am able to offer is a 'normal' person's view of the exercise and how I genuinely believe that anyone can start running and learn to love it. Sound too good to be true? Read on!

I think there's this assumption that to be a runner, you have to be naturally sporty and fit. I can tell you now that, in my case, that idea could not be further from the truth. I began running during my year abroad in France because with no internet connection and a lack of a social life, I needed to fill my time and also find an outlet for the stress and anxiety that came with moving countries. I found this in running. Sure, I'd tried to get into it in previous summers and loved seeing an improvement but I gave up pretty quickly. It was always easier to sit in and eat (because I've always loved food) rather than to get out running. Nevertheless, I kept at it in France. Probably driven by my situation, I started around October time and shortly I was going about three times a week.

Knowing that I had to run past the school children (including some of those I taught) or that I would have to get up early to avoid them almost hindered my motivation. But I think the key to combatting excuses and discomfort comes with routine. I organised my runs around my teaching days and knew I loved to run early on a Sunday morning because I was usually the only one around. After about three weeks, it became habit and gradually I felt my ability getting better and better until I managed to run for 40 minutes without stopping. Soon, I'd continued throughout the Christmas period when I had returned home. I'd even had to buy a new pair of trainers, and I was considering signing up for 5kms races when I came back to the UK.

And, unbelievably, I stuck at it. I stress that I am not a sporty girl (or at least, I wasn't!)- I was the girl who hated PE at school. But I think once I'd got myself into the routine and began to see a quick improvement which does happen when you first start, my motivation stayed and it became normal. Now, I can honestly say I love it. Sure I have bad runs, but I've never regretted a run and I think that's key. I'm always pleased I've got out, even if it's only for half an hour, and if I go for even a day or two without running I get a real itch to go again. It's a part of my life, and whenever I feel myself getting a bit reluctant to go, all I have to remember are some of my longest and best runs; absolutely nothing beats reaching the top of a tough hill and being met with the view of a sunrise. 

So if you take anything from this post, take these five points:

1. Don't think you can't run, because everyone can (unless you have injuries, in that case you're forgiven!). All you need is a pair of trainers and headphones. 

2. It's horrible to admit it to yourself but the voices inside your head that say 'go tomorrow', or 'it's a bit early' are excuses and if you really do want to run or exercise more, I promise you'll feel 10 times better once you recognise that and overcome them.

3. Get into a routine. Dedicate a certain time each week and stick to it for a few weeks and it'll start to feel normal.

4. Recognise and appreciate your improvement. You know that tree that you couldn't run to last time? Feel that pride once you pass it because even if it's only by a few metres, that's still an improvement and it'll make you feel epic.

5. Finally, if you ever feel like you 'can't' (the amount of times this word has been through my head is probably in its millions), remember some of my favourite running quotes:

I hope this post has been helpful, I definitely could have done with some reassurance when I first started. So go and get motivated!! And let me know below how you get on! 

Five Favourites: Smoothies

Happy Friday everyone! Today's Five Favourites are my top smoothie choices. I like to play around with recipes depending on what I actually have in the fridge/freezer but these are definitely firm favourites for me. All healthy, delicious and thick treats which are sure to get your day off to a good start! I love topping mine with leftover fruit, and/or seeds. Some of these don't require more unusual ingredients like chia or flax seeds, although I've found that buying these in means I have them on hand for a great breakfast boost and they last me ages!

Fit Foodie Finds

Creamy Strawberry Chia Smoothie from Fit Foodie Finds. Super creamy and yummy. The chia seeds can be left out, just be aware that they help to thicken it up a bit.

Simple Green Smoothies

Mango Green Smoothie from Simple Green Smoothies. Get your greens in with this one and you won't even taste it. Mango is one of my favourite fruits so this definitely brings a great start to my mornings!

Martha Stewart

Blueberry Banana Smoothie from Martha Stewart. This is incredibly easy and only has three ingredients. Quick, simple and failsafe with the perfect combination of blueberries and bananas.

Deliciously Ella

Cacao, Banana and Avocado Smoothie from Deliciously Ella. Always my go-to site for any kind of healthy recipe, Ella nails combining sweet, dessert-like flavours with a nutritious kick. 

Minimalist Baker

Summer Berry Smoothie from Minimalist Baker. Perfect for summer with all those berries coming into season. If I had a swimming pool, this is what I would sip on lounging in the sun.

I hope something's caught your eye here! All of these websites are great for finding other healthy recipes, whether you're looking for meal ideas or healthy snacking options. Do you have a favourites smoothie recipe? Let me know below! 

June wishlist

Summer always brings tempting new products in the shops which put my bank balance in danger. This year is no exception with gorgeous prints and feminine cuts, plus numerous other goodies that I would like to purchase immediately. So here's 10 things on my wishlist this month...

1. What Would Audrey Do from Oliver Bonas. 
Audrey Hepburn's fabulousness overwhelms me. I'm a huge fan and absolutely love to watch her. So imagine my excitement when I stumbled across this new addition to the collection of books in Oliver Bonas. I want to put on my pearls and flick through every single page aspiring to ooze the Hepburn charm.

2. Floral short wellies from Joules.
Summer showers? Preparing for festival season? Joules have got you covered. I love love love these ones in particular because of the floral print, but there are loads of others to choose from.

3. Branch rings from Pia.
Tried these on in the shop and instantly fell in love. So dainty, so pretty, so me. 

4. Floral frill duvet cover from John Lewis.

As you know, homewares are my weakness and I've got my eye on another duvet to go with my newly neutral room. This is particularly cute with the detailing.

5. Cap sleeve dress from French Connection.

I just love the colour and pattern of this dress. With a light coloured blazer and a pair of nude heels, it would just look so perfectly summery and elegant. Plus, it's in the sale! The temptation is real.

6. Run tank from Sweaty Betty.

Oh, Sweaty Betty... If only my bank account had the funds, I would repeatedly buy everything in your shops. For now though, this is a definite favourite for summer running in a bright colour (but not too bright, this is me after all!) but lose enough to benefit from nice evening breezes.

7. Molly skirt from Boden.

I originally saw this on Cider with Rosie (post here - definitely check out her blog, it's awesome) and got a lovely surprise because it's also got money off at the moment. Rosie pulls it off so well in her post that I was immediately tempted, even more so when I saw that Boden pair it with the striped breton I also have!

8. Stripe zip tee from Mint Velvet.

Speaking of striped tops... Here's one I love because the zip detailing makes it a little bit different. I also find Mint Velvet is a bit hit and miss - I normally love all the colours and shades but struggle to like some of the styles which aren't very flattering on me. This top, however, is a hit with me!

9. Scallop trim swimsuit from Topshop.

I think I'm probably with the majority of the population who love this swimsuit. I feel like I've seen it everywhere. When I finally tracked it down, I fell in love with it even more. Super cute with a retro vibe, I'd be perfectly happy if they wanted to design a similar top.

10. Alison shirt from Crew Clothing.

Perfectly cool for a summer preppy look, this shirt paired with white shorts or crops would be totally dreamy. 

Like anything you see here? Do you have anything that you're loving at the moment? As always, I'd love to hear from you!