ABC of Me

I saw this on another blog, and it seemed about time that I say more about myself. I don't really like talking about me, so here are a few simple facts for you to build up your own perception.

A. Age: 19
B. Bed size: Single, though when I get back to uni next year I will be in a bed comfy double bed for the first time ever!
C. Chore that you hate: Washing up, even with the radio in the background
D. Dogs: None unfortunately. Though hopefully someday in the future
E. Essential start to your day: Cleaning my teeth - wakes me up and makes me feel fresh for the morning ahead
F. Favourite colour: Yellow. And Blue. And Pink.
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: About 5"9, but it feels like I'm already shrinking
I. Instruments you play: Flute, and attempts at singing
J. Job title: Officially a student, but also a friend, a daughter, a sister
K. Kids: I volunteer with children
L. Live: England, but whereabouts seems to be disputed (university town or hometown?)
M. Mother's name: Mummy
N. Nicknames: Apricot, Emmybear, Snugglepot/Cuddlepie (a childhood book of mine)
O. Overnight hospital stays: Maybe one or two as a child, but mainly just A&E!
P. Pet peeves: People who say "you should've done this" or "you could've done that". Loud chewing. People judging something when they haven't even given it a chance.
Q. Quote(s) from a movies: The first one that comes to mind "If you're a bird, I'm a bird" from The Notebook, but there are so many amazing lines in so many films it's impossible to write them all.
R. Right or left handed: Left
S. Siblings: A sister
T. Time you wake up: Completely varies, but naturally is never usually later than 8/8:30 (though a lie in is always welcome!)
U. Underwear: Yes
V. Vegetable you hate: Mushrooms. I can eat them, but the texture is awful
W. What makes you run late: This year has been my reliance on buses, but there is usually something I remember as I walk out the door!
X. X-Rays you've had: None. Apart from my teeth.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Cupcakes, brownies, spaghetti bolognaise, cobbler... I do love baking though!
Z. Zoo animal: Elephants I guess, I'm not a big animal fan, and definitely not of birds or creepy crawlies!

Music to Your Life Pt. 3

This is another selection of soundtrack songs, they are wordless but can still create powerful emotions simply by listening. Put them on and open your mind up to the wonders of music.

New York, New York

 The Flatiron Building on a cold bright morning.

 A perfect blend of Britain and America.

UnValentine's Day

Today is the day farthest from, and until, Valentine's Day. But even when there is no official expectation and no tacky cards in exploitative shops, love and affection must still be acknowledged and expressed.

Ancient Greece had four words for love: agápe, éros, philía, and storgē.

The Value of Hair

Having dyed my hair for the last few years, back to the colour it was as a child (though it's a shame I can't get those ringlets back), I have finally decided to ditch the bottle and go au naturale. There were two main reasons for this: one, it took a lot of upkeep; two, it was ruining my hair. Now, I have long thick hair which has become dry and limp from the layers of chemicals. So I got to thinking - how about ditching hair products all together? This may seem a bit radical, but .............

One summer I spent a month hiking in the middle of nowhere, with no shampoo. And apart from the first few self-conscious days, my hair was glowing naturally simply from ducking my head under gushing waterfalls of fresh mountain water. Although I am not going to revert back to that elementary way of life, I have been trying out an alternative to the 'poo. And apparently leaves your hair in better condition than ever!

I Want To Be Able To Say That

I want to be able to say that "I have learnt how to live…how to be in the world and of the world, and not just to stand aside and watch.” (Audrey Hepburn, Sabrina,1954)

Snippets of Italy

 Lush green hills rolling out from the villa.

 The view of the town square from the little cafe we ate bruschetta at.

Music to Your Life Pt. 2

Having already listed entire film soundtracks, I just briefly wanted to include some of those individual soundtrack songs.

Music to Your Life

I *love* the Juno soundtrack. It is impossible to choose only a couple of the best songs, so here are a few tasters:
'So Nice So Smart' by Kimya Dawson
'Tree Hugger' by Kimya Dawson & Antsy Pants
'Expectations' by Belle & Sebastian

Time for Tea?

Tea is one of the most social (and cheap) drinks I know. Yet it is perfect just to sip at whilst lazing away those long afternoons with a book or a blog. And in these circumstancs who wants to be hanging around the kettle, when in those precious few minutes you could be doing something really useful. And have a steaming hot mug of tea to look forward to at the end.

So I have come up with a list of little, but important, things to do instead of waiting. Here it is so far, but feel free to come up with any more suggestions!

How Do You Live Your Life?

Dianna Agron once wrote that she is "trying to live her life with a sharpie marker approach. You can’t erase the strokes you’ve made, but each step is much bolder and more deliberate."

I think this is a great approach - no regrets, learn from yourself and become more confident.

What do you think?

Disney Lessons

I grew up in the '90s, the heyday of Disney animation. I was a little blonde girl with dreams of finding my prince. I did chores and I had a step-father. In my eyes, this made me a real-life Cinderella. Cinderella was, and remains, my favourite Disney princess.


There are gems of advice scattered throughout the film:

A Cute Little Video

A cute little video.

Tea

I absolutely adore tea.

For the past few months my favourite has been Rooibos, or Red Bush. I was introduced to it one warm slow-motion morning as I was sat on a shaded veranda overlooking the beautifully rugged terrain of a foreign country. The moment is carved into my memory and I can picture those ancient blue mountains lazily jarring into the swathes of heat, the air buzzing and humming under the sun's morning intrusion. The lady who brought out the tea gave a personal recommendation, due to its ability to refresh the palate and cleanse you inside: she used to be a regular coffee drinker, which, debatably, caused her to argue with her children and be overly irritable, yet now she is drinking Rooibos she is happier and healthier. And it tastes delicious.

A Couple of Holiday Snaps

 A beautiful beach just off the road, colder than it looks but such pretty colours.

A Splash of Colour For the Summer

Having always admired my friends and their decorated nails, which could easily give peacocks' feathers a run for their money, I felt it was time to give nail painting a serious try for myself. Due to the recent outburst of summer warmth and sun, I was inspired to indulge and add a splash of colour as a little pre-season taster.

So having fallen down the rabbit hole and into...

So having fallen down the rabbit hole and into the wonderland that is the internet (and this blog) you are welcome to take your time and explore any future posts.