Tuesday 28 January 2014

THEY SAY I'M CAUGHT UP IN A DREAM

Listening to: Wake Me Up by Avicii
 
I've been back in England for exactly 5 weeks, and my 13 month adventure seems like a distant memory. Every now and then, I enjoy reliving the year gone by and I have written a list of 50 things I learnt whilst travelling.
  1. Strangers really are friends you haven't met yet.
  2. It all starts with a simple "hello", don't be scared to make the first move.
  3. Remember that time you were by yourself when people take the time to talk to you.
  4. You will get homesick and want to go home. Don't leave, you will regret it.
  5. Accept people for who they are. Everybody sins differently.
  6. Your friends may not like who you do, but don't let that stop you building new friendships.
  7. At some point you will feel like you've hit rock bottom. Keep going, it'll get better.
  8. Strangers can be extremely generous. Be generous to strangers.
  9. You have a lot of time to think. Embrace it, you can learn a lot about yourself.
  10. Travel light.
  11. Remember; if you don't like something, you can leave.
  12. You have insurance for a reason. Don't put off something which involves your health.
  13. Don't work too hard. Remember, you are on a working HOLIDAY visa.
  14. Hair straighteners are also great at ironing clothes.
  15. Every bad situation has a silver lining.
  16. Think outside the box. A change of plan can lead to more exciting things.
  17. Living by yourself can be both the best and worst thing.
  18. When you travel long enough, you'll have people you miss all over the world.
  19. You may make the same mistake more then once, just make sure you learn from it.
  20. Consider renting, it could be cheaper then hostels.
  21. Don't mistake a lesson for love.
  22. You may get to the point where you question everything about your life. It may not be easy.
  23. Going home can be both exciting and terrifying.
  24. People will either love or hate your honesty, but speak the trust anyway.
  25. Rumours in a small town spread like wild fire.
  26. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
  27. You can leave a country feeling more lost then when you arrived.
  28. A fresh coat of nail varnish can do wonders.
  29. "Normal" people can have the most interesting stories to tell.
  30. You'll realise that the world is a small place.
  31. New experiences will give you new confidence.
  32. When you're travelling, you are what you are, right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you. Make the most of it.
  33. Drugs make you stupid.
  34. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
  35. Sometimes, leaving someone behind can make your relationship stronger.
  36. Working with a hangover is better then missing out on making new memories.
  37. Travelling can take away the feeling of loneliness.
  38. Money can stretch as far as you need it to.
  39. You'll learn who your true friends are.
  40. Travelling by yourself is the best thing you can ever do.
  41. Remember to keep in touch with old friends whilst making new ones.
  42. Anywhere can feel like home, just let it.
  43. Don't let your fears hold you back.
  44. You'll learn to appreciate the small things in life.
  45. You may realise the things you missed, aren't actually that important.
  46. Travel is not something you'll regret.
  47. Moving from place to place can be exhausting.
  48. It's hard when you realise you'll never have the exact same experiences, ever again.
  49. That moment you have to say goodbye to someone you care about can be most unpleasant.
  50. You'll notice all the small things your parents do for you and how you took them for granted for so long. You'll appreciate them massively and love them even more.
Everyone has different experiences, so different lessons will be learnt. But, there is one thing that all backpackers have in common: one trip is not enough.

Saturday 25 January 2014

YOU CAN'T GO ON THIS WAY, THINGS HAVE GOT TO CHANGE

Wearing: Shoes - Primark . Jeans - Topshop . Jumper - Zara . Necklace - The Bohemian Collective . Jacket - Topshop
 
Last week, I mentioned that I was getting my hair cut. As you can see, it wasn't anything too dramatic. I had 3 inches off the length and a side fringe cut in. Although it's only been a short amount of time, I have decided to grow my fringe out already. I like my hair to be effortless and my fringe is just too much effort.
 
Since coming home, I have decreased the contents of my wardrobe by about half. I want to invest in clothes that I love, that can be worn in all seasons and for years to come. The outfit I wore today made the cut.
 

Friday 24 January 2014

TO SEIZE THE MOMENT AND DON'T SQUANDER IT

Wearing: Hat - H&M . Snood - Primark . Coat - H&M . T-Shirt Dress - Topshop . Belt - Primark . Tights - Primark . Shoes - Primark
 
Today my dad had a rare day off work and just like always, we ended up watching Bargain Hunt together. Today was a little different as we decided to go and look for our own antiques at Battlesbridge Antique Centre.
 
Battlesbridge is a short drive away, yet I haven't been there for years. As it's Friday, there wasn't many places open but it was lovely to wander around to look for old treasures.
 
At the moment I am in the process of decluttering and, eventually, redecorating my room. As I spend so much time in it at the moment (job hunt... kill me), I am trying to make it as comfortable as possible. I am on the hunt for an old suitcase to store my clothes in and I saw plenty at Battlesbridge. I can't wait to go and buy one.
 

Wednesday 22 January 2014

#LDNBLOGGERMEET IS BACK

 
In the last few years I have been lucky enough to meet lots of bloggers. Not only have I met people that I wouldn't usually meet, but I have made amazing life long friends through blogger meets.
 
Back in 2011, when I blogged over at The Daisy Chain, I decided to organise my own blogger meet in London. I was inspired by other bloggers who I'd seen organise meets in different parts of the UK. In 2011, #ldnbloggermeet was born.
 
In 13 months I was lucky enough to organise 4 bloggers meets, all based in Central London. Now I am back in England after travelling for 13 months, I have decided it's time to bring #ldnbloggermeet back.
 
I have not yet made any plans. The date and location is still unknown but I am looking for numbers. If you are interested in attending a blogger meet, based in London in the next few months, please leave a comment with your blog and twitter name below, so I can contact you all when plans have been made. I am asking for a comment because it will be much easier then looking through old tweets. I hope you understand.
 
If you'd like to read about my previous blogger meets, or see what you're getting yourself in to, please click here.

Friday 17 January 2014

BUT I'M A 90'S BITCH

Listening to: I Love It by Icona Pop
Wearing: Shoes - Primark . Jeans - Topshop . Shirt - H&M . Jumper - Apricot
 
Whilst travelling, I lived in shorts, t-shirts and leggings. It's safe to say, I was excited to get back to England and wear something that didn't resemble the basics section of a shop. I was, however, surprised to see that fluffy jumpers were now a thing. I didn't get it! That was until I felt a fluffy jumper. When I wear mine, I feel like I'm wrapped up in bed being hugged.
 
I would just like to draw your attention to my head. This is the longest my hair has ever been and this evening, I am getting it cut. It won't be anything too dramatic. Maybe a few inches off and a cheeky fringe cut in. I love my hair this length and the only reason I'm cutting it is so my future self can have even better hair. My hair is all different lengths at the moment and so I'm sacrificing a few inches in the hope my hair grows at the same length.
 

Monday 6 January 2014

SNIPPETS | AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I have just returned from a 4 day trip to Amsterdam where I celebrated my friend's 24th birthday. I thought Amsterdam was a beautiful city, despite the rainy weather. I loved the crooked buildings and friendly people and I can't wait to go back.