My word for 2014 is time.

Making time for things that I want to do, dedicating enough time to my work, finding time to relax, taking my time and not rushing through the day.

I could have had a whole host of words; calm, changes, positivity, brave, embrace, thrive but this year I want to focus on time.

I learnt a lot in 2013, I also changed a lot. And these changes haven't particularly come in my habits and routines but in my attitudes and the thoughts inside my head.

It's not something I have particularly talked about before, probably because it took a while to admit it to myself, but I have struggled with anxiety and stress for many years. I am a natural worrier and to me little things can become big problems very quickly. I could ruminate for hours, days, over something trivial that someone said or didn't say. I would worry about whether I had planned things well enough for the future. It could be little things like 'would I make my train and have time to get lunch and pop into a certain shop?' that would make me feel physically anxious, or it could be bigger things like 'where am I going to live next year? What if I never get it sorted before I have to move?' that just roll around in my mind. I also found that my anxiety began to increase in social situations and I could seem withdrawn when in groups. And sometimes I can still feel these worries, but that is normal.

I think what I found hardest was saying I had anxiety meant that I wasn't in control, and I hated not having control. So I decided to make a change. I decided that I didn't want to let my mind be in control and instead I wanted to be.

Since then I have taken a number of steps to help myself. I started to go to mindfulness mediation sessions which were put on several times a week by my university, and they are the best thing I have ever done. It teaches you how to take a step back from the busyness of life and the busyness of your own mind. It has taught me how to live in the now. Even though I only go once a week I have been able to apply this to areas all across my life. I feel calmer and more relaxed because of it. I would recommend it to anyone.
I have also been more open and have started to share how I feel with others. This was a big step for me but it has helped me to feel more comfortable and confident. I am lucky to have the family and friends around me that I do.

So back to my word. I want to give myself time to carry on with the changes that I have already made. This may mean taking a few moments each day just to breath and relax or it may be sitting down with a book to inspire me or maybe even taking up yoga as a way to focus. I want to take time to appreciate what I have now. Stop worrying about the things in the past that I cannot change and keep learning to just let things happen in the future.

I also think I might buy something as a little reminder to myself of how far I have come with the changes I have made and the journey I still have to go through. I love the simplicity of these bands and may get the 'Live In The Moment' or 'Breathe' quote.

I was inspired to write this post by a number of things. Firstly this post that Rosie wrote a few days ago which really struck a cord with me and I have already bought Eat, Pray, Love onto my kindle to read. And then I came across a post on Stephanie's blog which she had written as part of #making2014count and I decided to use one word rather than a list of things I want to achieve this year. You can find more details and get involved in the link up on Kelli's blog.
I would love to know if you have written a post like this or to hear about your journeys.

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Is It 2014 Already?

I love new years, new beginnings. But at the same time I believe that if you want to make changes you can do them at any point in the year.
This year has been another big one for me, I think I will be saying that for the next few years as I have been for the past few as well! University is such a big change and life just doesn't stop, there is always something going on, always something to do. I have also done plenty with family and friends whenever I get the opportunity.
When I think back on 2013 I have some great memories; I went on a short family break to a lovely house up on Hadrian's Wall, I went to Wembley twice to see my football team play, I passed my first year of medical school and met some amazing people along the way, I went to Parklife with one of my best friends and had the most relaxed weekend ever, I attended a trial shoot to model for Asos and, although I haven't been back since, it was great experience,  I went on two amazing family holidays to the Outer Hebrides and Copenhagen, I volunteered at Leeds festival with my two best friends, I saw Vampire Weekend and The Fratellis live in Manchester and to top it all off I spent a wonderful Christmas and new year with all of my family.

Looking down Hadrian's Wall

My dad and I at Wembley (round 2!)

Sunny Parklife

Driving up to the Outer Hebrides

One of my mums snaps when I got back from the Asos shoot

My beautiful mum and I at christmas 

The traditional Christmas day walk!

I set myself 13 goals for 2013 this time last year and although I haven't 'completed' them all I feel very happy. Goals were just that, goals, and not something that I wanted to force myself to do over the year. Also things change as the year goes on and I actually decided that I didn't want to complete all of them. For instance for now I am happy just with the tattoo I have got and don't want to add any more just yet. Also, as much as I would have loved to have continued blogging all the way through the year I got so busy around exam time that it just wasn't possible. But this did allow me to complete my other goals of passing my first year, making time to see my family and keeping in touch with friends.
What I do wish I had had the opportunity to do is travel more. I definitely didn't manage to visit 20 new places and didn't road trip around the UK. However this year will be different! I have dates in my diary in summer for an interrail round Europe with my two best friends which I am so excited for. It would be great if anyone has been before to link me to posts or give me a few tips!

I have many more times to look forward to in 2014 but think I will write another blog post about what I want to achieve, although it is going to be a little different to last years post.

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Yearly Book Round-up

As I wrote about in my blogger book swap post I love reading, but often find that I don't have time to just relax with a book because I am so busy doing other things. So this year, after setting myself a reading challenge on Goodreads, I decided I was going to read at least 20 books.

I am the kind of person that, once I start a book, I will read the whole thing in a couple of days. I just cannot put a good book down! I also race through series because I need to know what is going to happen next! 

I am not going to review them individually, ain't nobody got time for that! But the ones I enjoyed most have probably got to be those by John Green. The Fault In Our Stars was my favourite of the ones I have read and I can't wait for it to be released in the cinemas next year. I hope it lives up to the standard of the book!

I got several books for Christmas including 1984 by George Orwell and Kafka On The Shore by Haruki Murakami which I can't wait to read. Do check out Goodreads though to follow what I am reading and find great new books.

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Manicure Monday #2

Ok, so it may have been two months since i last posted my nail art, but better late then never right?
This week I have gone all out christmassy! I think this time of year is just an excuse to have glittery nails. Even though it is an absolute pain to take off. Unfortunately I still haven't found an easy way and spend a good half an hour rubbing at my nails with nail polish remover.
So I have gone for shiny blue with little polar bears picking out all topped with a splash of glitter! Its really simple to do and, as much as i recommend getting nail art pens, it can be done with something as simple as a cocktail stick or a pin with a round end stuck into something.

Topshop 'Cosmic Karma'

Models Own nail art pens in white and black

Barry M 'Rose Quartz Glitter'

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The Fratellis

These guys have been one of my favourite bands for as long as I can remember. I was 12 when they released their first album and my dad used to listen to it. A lot of my early music taste was influenced by my dad! Except maybe Maroon 5… not sure he listened to them.
Since then The Fratellis have released two new albums with a very big gap in the middle. But during their hiatus I had Costello Music and Here We Stand on my ipod and learnt the words to pretty much all their songs. So when my housemate asked if I wanted to go see them because they were playing at manchester academy you couldn't have paid me to stay at home!

Sorry for the not so great quality phone photos!

They played about 50% from the new album and the other half were old classics. I did wish that they played a few more off the first two albums, I hadn't had a chance to properly listen to We Need Medicine yet, but it was still a fantastic set. They mixed it all up a bit and didn't play then exactly like on the albums but it just added to the charm! I loved that they came back on at the end to finish with Chelsea Dagger (surely everyone has heard this song!?) followed by A Heady Tale.
Last month I also saw Vampire Weekend supported by Noah and the Whale who were both pretty awesome. I absolutely love going to see live music, nothing can beat that feeling when you're in the middle of a crowd singing along with the lyrics of your favourite song.
What has the best gig or concert you have ever been too? Mine has to be Coldplay. I mean I have been to some amazing smaller gigs to watch some of my favourite bands play but watching Chris Martin and the rest of the band play on the stage at Etihad, with the whole crowd wearing flashing wrists bands, as the sky got dark, with my mum was pretty perfect I have to admit.

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#bloggerbookswap

A couple of months ago Rosie from A Rosie Outlook came up with the wonderful idea to host a blogger book swap. Her idea was:

"I gather names and email addresses of people interested.  You then spend a couple of weeks trawling your local charity shops, second-hand bookshops, car boot sales, Amazon used - whatever - for two amazing books that you love. They must be good, clean copies - they don't have to be brand new but they have to be in what I would call 'very good condition' - not something that looks like it's been dropped in the bath! You then post both copies out to your allotted swapee, maybe with a little treat for them to enjoy their books with, just a suggestion!"

As soon as I read it I wanted to be involved! I have always loved reading. What is better than being completely immersed in another world where there is so much imagination and emotion? So I posted with my email address and blog and not too long later got an email telling me who I was swapping with.

My blogging partner for this little swap was Beth from The Cobalt Chaos and also The Granger Article. I have to admit that when I saw she wrote a book review blog my immediate thought was that I would never find a book that she hadn't read! But after a little thought about some of the books that I have really enjoyed and have made an impression on me I chose and sent off my two.

At the same time I received my parcel from Beth. I might have got a little bit giddy, I just love receiving post too much! Inside were two books, a small penguin book by George Orwell, a very pretty Barry M nail varnish and a lovely little postcard with her message on.

The first one I read was The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time. Now I have read this book before, but it was a long time ago and, actually, I couldn't remember what happened. But I do remember loving it so couldn't wait to read it again. It is such an interesting book. It is told in first person by a young boy with Asperger's syndrome or high end autism who finds a dead dog in his neighbours garden and decides to play Sherlock. He has a talent for maths and sees the detail in everything, but lacks insight into many simple things. Because it is in first person the writing style reflects this and that is the first thing I love about the book, it is so unique. The story itself is sad, funny, moving and heartbreaking all at the same time, it also feels so real. This is the kind of book that I could read again and again and still enjoy, I think I would find a new detail everytime I read it. I am very glad that Beth chose this book and reminded me of a childhood favourite.

The second was very different, but again had a unique writing style. It is written as a conversational monologue, it is simple yet effective. It is about a young Pakistani who went to the US to study went on to have a very impressive job and fall in love with an American women. He details the events of his life chronologically and the twists that happen to him post 9/11. The conversation is back in Pakistan between the main character and an American man and he meets, and has tea and food with. At first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. The narration seemed slow but it definitely builds as the story goes on, and the way you get a personal view on such a national disaster left me feeling quite 'curious'. As you go through the story you feel like you have experienced so many new situations yourself because of how articulate the story teller is. On of the aspects I loved most was the detail of the square in Lahoré where the whole conversation is set. This is a book I would not have ordinarily picked out of the shelves to read but I fell in love with the story in this book and all the feelings behind it.

Have you read or reviewed either of these books?

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

University got the better of me again. Since I last posted I have watched Catching Fire, been to Manchester's christmas markets, seen the Fratellis live, spent a weekend at home, had a number of christmas meals and socials, been to a christmas ball and a panto and finally come home for christmas! I wish I could say coming home for christmas means a lovely holiday off university and away from work unfortunately it's not. I have 4 exams in January and the revision has already begun!
Over the next month though I am really hoping to write some posts about the things I have been doing each week. I love reading back about those things myself in the future, but it also makes me happy that I can share my experiences with others.
But to start with here are a couple of quick festive snaps. I cannot wait for christmas!!

Models Own - Pukka Purple with a top coat of Ibiza Mix 

Santas grotto in the Arndale! 

Elfie selfie! (credit to my mum for that one) 

Our house christmas dinner - very proud we managed to cook this!

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Unwind Trilogy: Unsouled

Kindle - amazon. Case - waterstones.

This is the last book is the Unwind trilogy. I started the trilogy last year and read the first two in a matter of days! They are the kind of book that you just can't put down. The final book came out this week and I ordered it straight onto my kindle and read it within 24 hours. I was not disappointed. All of these books fall into the young adult dystopian genre which seems to have taken off lately.

This book is set a few generations in the future where a new law has come to pass that, between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. The first one follows 3 main characters and their journeys against unwinding. As the trilogy goes you meet a number of other characters, each with their own background story, that entwine with the main characters.

The first thing I love about the book are the characters. Each one felt relatable. Each was unique and had their good and bad qualities. Each had relationships with the other that made me really feel for them. 

A second thing about this trilogy is the pace of it. I get hooked so easily into a fast paced novel. It leaves you feeling a little breathless. This one does that but at the same time is constantly make you think. Always tugging on those heart strings.

The ethical questions raised throughout the book may sometimes seem a little unreal, but when you take a step back I don't think that they are that far fetched from some of the problems we face today and have faced in the past. This book definitely raised ideas that made me think twice.

So if you haven't started the series yet I recommend you do! You will not be disappointed. I even enjoyed the ending of this book which is something that doesn't normally happen at the end of a series!

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My Life In Photos #4

This past month I have been madly busy with second year university work, training and playing a lot more cricket and social activities one after the other and it feels like I haven't had a moment to stop. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it when I have things to do and I have really enjoyed playing lots of sport and going out with friends. But sometimes you can't beat a good night in with a film or a book.
I find that when everything gets so busy I start to distract myself and my concentration just slides, which only makes getting work done even harder! So this weekend I had a break and it was lovely. And now I am getting back to working super (is that an acceptable word to use?) hard.

I said back when i started blogging again that I knew I wouldn't be able to blog all the time and that has been true. But it's still frustrating when I have a list of blog posts I want to write and not enough hours in the day to write them. Hopefully I will find time soon to show you my new purchases and christmas wishlists. For now you can look at my 'what i've been up to' photos.

1. Night out with my housemate

2. Bonfire night!

3. My facepaint for halloween

4. Celebratory meal for Diwali

5. My new hat

6. Fancy dress for an Alice In Wonderland themed night out

7. Waiting for the train when visiting my grandad

8. Trains getting involved in movember!

9. Sneak peak at a future post #bloggerbookswap

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What time is it Mr Wolf?

If you've read my blog for a while you will know that since I got my watch about 3 years ago for christmas it has never been off my wrist! I used to always check the time on my phone but having a watch just makes it so much easier. Plus it makes for some great arm candy.
Loads of high street shops have started selling branded watches now but the prices can be really high. The best place I have found is The Watch Hut which has the biggest range of watches and all the popular brands! And the best thing is the prices are so much cheaper. I have picked out a few of my favourites.

Casio - Daniel Wellington - Seiko - Michael Kors - Tissot

The casio is the watch that I have, except I have picked it out in a different colour for this because it wouldn't be a wishlist if I wanted it in the same colour! I think the burgundy face gives it a unique twist.   Two very well known watches are the DW and the MK. Rose gold may have had its moment but I still love it and think it adds a softer tone to a winter outfit. At The Watch Hut this Michael Kors watch is 16% off! The final two are fairly similar and are in the style I am lusting over. I would really like a classic leather strap analogue watch to mix up with my digital casio. I really think they have a timeless (get it?!) look and could be worn in years to come.

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* This is a sponsored post, but reflects my opinions completely.

DIY: Photo Board

I found this idea originally on pinterest and immediately had it down as one of my to-do projects for over the summer. Quite often I will find DIYs like this to do and never get round to doing them. Usually because it means going out and buying supplies which I just wouldn't know where to get from. But this time was different! I found a great craft shop in Manchester called Fred Aldous which had pretty much everything I needed (although I got a few bits from amazon because they were cheaper).
What I used:

Foam board

Mod Podge

Double sided tape

Tape measure

Ruler

Pencil

Sponge/foam brush

Your photos (I got free prints from Photobox)

Not included in this photo is the sponge I used. Rather than buying a pack of brushed I just used the foam part of a kitchen scouring pad. Much cheaper! 

The bit that took the longest was deciding on the layout of the photos and then measuring everything out. It was difficult to be able to include a mix of landscape and portrait photos but there were 2 portrait ones I really wanted to include so I made them the centres. I would suggest just choosing whichever photos you want and then having a rough play around with the layout.

Next, after measuring everything out and making small pencil marks for the photos, it is time to stick them down. I put a small piece of tape on each corner of the photo and then laid it onto where I wanted it. What I wish I had done is put tape along the entire edge of each of my photos! The problem I had after is that some of them lifted up off the board between the bits of tape.

Once all your photos are stuck down it is time to cover them with mod podge (instructions are on the bottle). This was the scary bit because I felt like I was going to ruin the photos! But it does dry clear after several hours so don't panic. My biggest tip would be to make sure that it is all spread flat because I have a few blobs of it over some of the photos.

And this is the finished product! I am still yet to put it up on my wall at uni because I need to buy some sticky pads that are none damaging (not sure the landlady would be too happy otherwise). But it makes such a great decoration and a way to display lots of photos at once. Would love to know if you ever have a go so leave links below!

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My Life In Photos #3

1. Why are there christmas things in supermarkets already?!

2. A beautiful 7am sky

3. Listening to the football and eating chocolate

4. Fancy meal my housemate cooked us

5. Impromptu shoe shopping

6. Never too old for crayons at pizza hut

7. My latest nail art

8. Summed me up one evening

9. Sneak peek of a future post

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Manicure Monday #1

Since I last stopped blogging back in February my nail polish collection has only grown and grown. I still love doing nail art, although often don't have enough time. But I though I would share on here when I did create a pattern or use a colour I like. My latest attempt is inspired by Caroline's nails from last month.

R-L: topshop 'green room', models own white nail art pen, seche vite dry fast top coat

It definitely takes a steady hand, and doing my right nails needs a bit more practice, but I love the finished look. I have had quite a few people compliment me on it the past few days. I went for one larger print on each nail and then filling in around it with dots or little patterns. It made it easier to fit everything onto each nail.
I am also loving the seche vite topcoat! I got it for my birthday over summer and use it all the time now and it has definitely helped to make my polish last longer.

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Recipe Inspiration

 Grown-up grilled cheese sandwhich

 Grilled halloumi salad

 Lentil and cauliflower curry

Broccoli and cheese bites

Halloumi and couscous stuffed roasted peppers

Since moving into my new house in september and actually having a nice kitchen I have been looking for new recipes everywhere! I have been a vegetarian since I was 8 and my favourite things to eat definitely have to be any cheese based dish and pasta. But lately I have started to use a lot more lentils and vegetables as the main part.

Pinterest is one of my favourite places to find great recipes and then I often adapt them to suit my tastes and budget. All of these photos look mouthwatering! And I seem to have developed a thing for halloumi.. I am doing a version of the salad recipe tonight and then think I will try the peppers next week. The lentil curry will be a perfect winter warmer in the next few months.

What are your go to dishes? And do you have a place where you keep all your favourite recipes to try?

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A Gift, This Park

Yesterday was a really beautiful autumn day. It wasn't too chilly, there were only a few clouds on a blue sky and the sun was shining. I might have had a mountain of work to do but it would have been a shame to stay inside all day! So I took a little wander through the park which is a minute from my house.

I went with the intention of finding conkers to fill up an empty jar. I thought it would make a unique little decoration. But either the squirrels or other children beat me too it (pesky kids!). So instead I just have these pretty pictures.

 Love all the colours of the different leaves at this time of year. Would love to try this idea that I found on pinterest!

 What a cool way to get around!

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