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!