Back to School...

Hey Everyone,

So Summer is almost coming to an end which means it's time to head to Uni or school. Which means time to knuckle down and get back to work. This post is all my back to school essentials that everyone needs to be prepared for the next academic year.

1. A diary.

(I love a good floral print)

This is my ultimate essential (well other than pen's, obviously) purely because I love being organised. With an academic diary I can write in all the important dates, like trips, term dates, appointments etc. so I don't double book and it also helps me budget my weeks.

2.  A lunch box.

(Perfect for left over pizza, haha)

If you are planning on saving money and have long days at uni or want to bring a snack to munch between lectures, or during, I don't judge) its perfect. I went for this Star Wars lunch box, as firstly I am a massive Star Wars fan. However, I love the style of it the fabric band ensures the lunch box is always shut so you, hopefully, don't spill your lunch over your bag/work/laptop.

3. Stationary Essentials

(You can never have too many highlighters)

Every year at the end of summer I go on a mad one and stock up on every possible stationary item there is out there. Some of these I don't really need (in my three years of uni I did not use a pencil, ruler or rubber). However for some courses these are essential. My current essentials include, black pens and highlighters. As I'm working in a school now anything else I need is already there. Just think sensibly about the course you are doing and if you really need that bumper pack of post-its.

4. Folders

(can you see I have a running theme in my stationary this year?)

I could not have enough folders, however like stationary I realised I didn't need half as much as I had. This is where you need to think practically again, not 'OH BUT THAT FOLDER IS SO PRETTY SO I NEED IT'. It happen to the best of us, I understand just if you are on a budget it is not ideal. Think about what you need it for as some people might need one for each module, others not so much. I current am using mine for all the planning I receive and to keep records in.

Is there anything you think I have missed? What is your stationary essential? Let me know on Twitter/Instagram.

See you Wednesday,
Love Katie x

July Top 10...

Hey everyone,

If you hadn't noticed (I was very quiet about it) I turned 21 last week. For this very special birthday I hosted a festival themed barbecue for me and my friends, which meant I had to do one of my favourite tasks PLAYLIST MAKING! So I have been dabbling in some new music as well as some birthday favourites to bring you my top 10 Birthday and summer songs.

(Birthday surprises, I have the best friends)

1. Happy Birthday - Stevie Wonder

I couldn't have a birthday related post without this stand out hit. It gets everyone moving and sounds way better than the usual happy birthday.

2. Birthday - Kings of Leon

As a massive Kings of Leon fan I could not leave this off. I listen to this every year on my birthday and although it has a more mellow vibe to it, it still makes me want to 'gather round like its my birthday'.

3. It's My Birthday - Will.I.Am feat. Cody Wise

This is the ultimate birthday song in my opinion. It gets you in the mood to hit all of the clubs and blow all your cash.

4. Lean On - Major Lazor feat. MO and DJ Snake

I am obsessed with song and listen to it at least 3 times a day, which normally spells trouble but I cant see myself hating this song at all. It is something I could listen to while partying on a beach somewhere but I'll have to settle for my garden for now.

5. Cant Feel My Face - The Weeknd

The Weeknd's song normally are uber sultry and saucy, this however has a funkier sassier vibe to it making it perfect for summer. It has a beat that will be perfect to strut to as well sing in the middle of the night about your closest friends or that special someone.

6. Body Talk - Foxes

I AM IN LOVE WITH FOXES. There I said it. Everything about her is amazing, she has great style, an amazing voice, what more could you want? Oh a song for the summer? CHECK. Body Talk is such a summer anthem, I could imagine this being played while dancing around a camp fire on a beach in America.

7. Oh My Love - The Score

Now it may just be because this song is on a particularly summery advert on TV but I feel like this is almost as good as Best Day of my Life - American Authors from a few years back.

8. Whisky Story - Example

Not your typical summer song but this is going to be a massive club hit this summer, Example you sir have out done yourself.

9. If You Ever Want to Be In Love - James Bay

I am ridiculously in love with James Bay's voice and music and this song keeps the pep in my step no matter where I am (yes even if it is raining...) in my eyes that mean its a great summer hit.

10. No Church in the Wild - Kayne West

I have been listening to this non-stop for the past week and I know its going to be my shower/cleaning/going to the shops song. Basically it will be my summer song without even trying, well done Kanye.

(My festival themed outfit for my barbecue)

Thats my top 10 for this month, have you been listening that you feel is going to be a massive hit this summer? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Tune in to see my payday post coming this weekend.

Love Katie x

Favourite Festivals...

Hey everyone...

As I mentioned before in my Hello Summer post June means the start of the UK festival season and this post (along with my next few) are all going to be based around the UK festival season. The reason I am sticking so close to home is because the American and European festival scene is so big it would take me years and years to pick favourites (maybe some time in the future... maybe). Today I'll be showing you 3 festivals that are perfectly tailored for me, that I am loving.

(Image from Pinterest)

The first is Glastonbury Festival. I have already mentioned this in my Hello Summer post but I really cannot get enough of this festival this year. With the line-up being the most controversial (I think) for years, I personally think its one of their best. Kanye West, Foo Fighters and LIONEL RITCHIE (yes I am a 20 year old who is excited about that) headlining it really is catering for everyones music taste. I haven't come across anyone who hasn't heard at least one song from either of those headliners and wont sing along to them. If you don't fancy those headliners (you must be mad) they have James Bay, George Ezra and Alt-J performing on the famous pyramid stage over the weekend too. I cannot wait to watch this on the tele 24-28th June, if you were lucky to get a ticket I am so jealous. Its not a bad price either at £220 for the weekend including camping!

(Image from Pinterest)

The next is Boardmasters. This is a festival I recently have come across but have fallen completely in love with. Set on the beautiful beaches in Cornwall this festival has been said to be the closest thing to Bondi beach in England. The line-up is perfect too, headliners this summer are Faithless, Rudimental and Bastille. All providing summer classics to fully enjoy beach life. Other artists performing that I am super excited about are Catfish and the Bottleman, Everything Everything and Sea Sick Steve. I will have to keep my eyes peeled for reviews and highlights as sadly I don't think this festival is televised (why not?). However, if you are around 5th-9th August and like the sound of Boardmasters pick up a ticket its only £119 for the weekend.

(Image from Pinterest)

The final festival I am crushing on this year is one very close to home, Reading and Leeds festival. I attended Reading festival religiously since the age of 16 before heading to University. This was partly due to the festival being moments down the road and the fact that I find myself falling in love with the line-up almost every year. This years headliners are Mumford & Sons, Metallica and The Libertines. It's Reading and Leeds doing what they do best, making each headliner a little different to cater for everyones likes. I was a little skeptical about Mumford and Sons as headliners but since hearing their latest stuff I am excited to see them rock that stage. Other artists on the line-up include Alt-J, Royal Blood and Kendrick Lamar. There are so many more that I could list as there are so many bands I like playing. Like Glasto I am so excited to see this on the TV. However if you want to go keep the 28th-30th August free and £205 spare.

The three festivals I am loving are very rock music based, if that isn't your scene check out New Look Wireless festival or V Festival. They are perfect for those who like a bit of pop/chart music. If you are heading to a festival this summer let me know on Twitter or Instagram, I'd love to know what made you want to go. Or are you loving my favourite festivals for this summer? Just drop me a tweet.

See you Thursday,

Love Katie x