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

Payday Treats...

Hey everyone,

ITS PAYDAY. This means its time to have a little splurge on yourself to make yourself feel great. My other payday posts have been very music and film based, this month it is a little different and I am bringing you what I purchased today, Yes, my first fashion and beauty based haul.

(Images from Topshop)

With my university graduation just around the corner I have been looking high and low for an affordable graduation dress, after almost giving up (as my first choice was out of stock everywhere) I found this beautifully simple dress from Topshop. My graduation robes are dark grey and red so I didn't want to get anything patterned, bright or too over the top in case it clashed. This made this dress perfect, the plain creamy white will go perfectly with my robes and the asymmetric wrap of this dress gives it a unique edge so it isn't too simple. I also got these stunning platform sandals to go with the dress, the white on white is tres chic and gives me the opportunity to play with bright nails and lip colour. Also after reading the reviews these shoes should be comfy enough to walk around in all morning and not too high that I could potentially trip on the stage.

(Image from Forever 21)

I also have been thinking about an outfit for my birthday (which is three weeks today). I am planning a festival themed garden party so need the perfect festival themed outfit. I looked to Forever 21 as I never fail to find something I love on there, they also have really good festival wear. I didn't take me long to come across this beautiful maxi which is perfect for me. It flows and is open at the sides and back, this is perfect as if the weather is warm I wont be fanning myself to keep cool, or worse downing the frozen cocktails. It also has a grungey festival feel which suits me to a T as I am more 90's than 70's.

(Image from Lush Cosmetics)

I recently ran out of my favourite shampoo which means I have to buy more, obviously. It is one of the few beauty things I will splurge out for because I fall out with my hair so much. Costing £17.95 for a 500g bottle you must think I am mad. However, this shampoo has made my hair the softest it has been in years and it is naturally and gradually getting lighter and is currently the nicest colour. This is all due to the violet and lemon in the shampoo, it smells delicious. The shampoo also lasts a while, a 100g bottle lasted 2 months and my larger bottle almost 4. I personally feel its worth every penny and teamed with Garnier The Silky Smoother polishing scrub and Aussie's The Reconstructer my hair has never been better and its growing again. Despite still desperately needed a cut, my split ends have been smoothed and are not as obvious which is a little triumph until I do get my hair cut.

Have you spoiled yourself this payday? let me know what you got on Twitter or Instagram.

See you Friday,

Love Katie x

My Northern Adventure...

Hey Everyone,

So last week was half term which for me meant a week off. For christmas my mum planned a trip to Liverpool for me and my brother during this week to see Maroon 5. It was a rocky two day trip but it was lots of fun.

(Barburrito standard burrito pic, The docks outside the hotel, the little brother trying on jackets in Topman)

We started nice and early on our way up to the 'pool to attempt to avoid traffic but sadly it was everywhere we went. After 4 hours and getting lost around the city we arrived at our travelodge hotel on the Strand. The hotel looked out onto the Albert Docks and was simply stunning. After travelling over lunch time we both had worked up a bit of an appetite. Liverpool has lots and lots of options for food, obviously. We decided to settle for something we knew we would enjoy and would be quick (as I needed to get looking around the shops), Barburrito. This amazing burrito place is the number 1 burrito place I have ever been to. Mission Burrito does not even come close, I'm serious. They have lots of options meat/veg wise and serve Lipton's Peach Ice Tea (ultimate winner in my eyes). I went for a chargrilled chicken burrito, with lots of peppers, onions, Mexican rice and of course, GUAC! My brother got a steak burrito with very similar fillings, he also got a side order of tortilla chips. It is such a good price and they offer student discount, mine came to £8.

(Cool boats in the dock, excited before we found out Maroon 5 cancelled, the docks in the sunshine)

After our meal we did a spot of shopping, I was particularly excited as Liverpool has a Forever 21 and I love that brand. I had scouted the website the night before and had my heart set on a beautiful pair of mom jeans. Unfortunately, after dragging my brother high and low I could not find them anywhere but I did find lots of things I cant wait to buy next payday (hopefully). I also helped my brother pick out a new jacket and some stuff for his interailing trip this summer. My shopping wasn't too successful but I got a water bottle for work and a black mini skirt. My brother was a lot more successful. After heading to the hotel and spending time getting ready we walked over to the Echo Arena. We were greeted by men in high vis jackets handing out paper. After grabbing a bit of paper and being held up in the fuss, we unfortunately heard that Maroon 5 had cancelled due to Adam being to ill to sing. We were gutted but fully understand and we are just glad Adam is fine now and not in a pickle like Sam Smith.

(by Liverpool One shopping centre, Candid shot of my brother at mini golf, another dock pic)

This meant we had to make new plans. Being in a big city we had never been to before we were getting a little stuck. Luckily my brother remembered we saw a mini golf bar on our way to Barburrito earlier that day. We decided to give that a go and then head to the cinema. The mini golf was amazing, Jungle Rumble mini golf is a must for anyone in/near Liverpool looking for something to do thats cute and fun. It was £6.50 each for us to go which wasn't too bad. There is also a bar there (if you fancy a drink or two). We did the easy course as we didn't want to be too long and I won. It was very surprising but I feel the Jungle feel gave me winning energy, or it put my brother off. After that we went to the Odeon up the stairs and saw Mad Max: Fury Road. It was an incredible film, I will admit I was a little worried as action films aren't normally my thing. I won't ruin things for you but it was brilliant, Rosie Huntington-Whitley was looking beautiful and had some balls too. So impressed. There was moments of giggles as I kind of want a war pack lead by some man playing electric guitar, he seemed pretty cool. I would highly recommended this film to anyone though, truly expanded my list of favourite films.

(the heavenly cinnamon swirl with white chocolate, the cake counter at east avenue bakehouse, my beautiful lemon drizzle cake)

The next morning after a slight lay in we headed to a little bakery/restaurant my mums been banging on about for ages, The East Avenue Bakehouse. Situated up a side street with lots of other cafes and bars, it looked beautifully quaint even from the outside. The tall glass window full of freshly baked bread made me so excited to go in. There was a long wait to sit in the restaurant but we needed to hit the road so after staring at the beautiful display of cakes we opted for two to take away. I went for a slice of lemon drizzle cake and my brother went for a cinnamon swirl with white chocolate. I could have got a lot more, they had brownies and peanut butter cake all freshly baked. Our choices were definitely good ones we both are still going on about it even now. The interior was super stunning and one day I am sure I will come back and try more than just a cake, I promise. Their Instagram has me drooling, so go check it out. If you are lucky enough to be close to this establishment, become a regular, seriously, Its beautiful.

Despite Maroon 5 cancelling on us we still had a wonderful time in Liverpool and its such an incredible city. Would highly recommend it to people who want to explore Britain a little more. Stay tuned for more posts including festival guides. Also keep an eye on my Twitter and Instagram to see what I am up to.

Love Katie x

Cardiff Bucket List Part 1...

Hello everyone,

I have been super busy this week with exams and going home to vote so have been quite quiet. However that is all about to change, my final exam is Tuesday which marks the end of my university experience. Madness right? Having been in and around Cardiff for almost 3 years I realised I have barely taken in this beautiful city so created 'The Cardiff Bucket List' to do in my final few weeks. With the help of my wonderful housemates and blogger friends Eleven Oh Seven and Turner Turner we have almost completed it. Here's an insight into what we have done so far.

1. Picnic in the Park

(Left: Fountain appreciation, Right: Mustangs in front of City Hall)

Cardiff has lots of beautiful parks and with the glorious weather we had it would have been silly not to make the most of it. We packed up our usual lunches (saved us a couple of pound but a meal deal would have been perfect too) and headed for City Hall lawn. We decided to eat here as they have the fountains out now and we didn't think it would be too busy. If City Hall lawn isn't your thing Cardiff has many other parks to picnic in such as Bute Park, Roath Park and Sophia Gardens. All perfect pinicing locations.

2. Applejacks Diner.

(Left: White Russian, Right: Maid in Cuba ft. Knickerbocker Glory)

Whenever I stroll around town I always seem to find myself passing this cute little diner but never going in. After looking through the window and seeing the wonderful decor (including a camper van) I knew this diner had to be put on the bucket list. Being a student I often have a habit of being a little stingy however on Thursdays Applejacks do £4 cocktails. I told the girls and we all couldn't say no. Two cocktails and a dessert later we were all feeling more than merry and happy that we didn't spend too much, we even sat in the converted Camper van. I would definitely go to Applejacks again. The cocktail menu had something for everyone whether it be the unique absinthe concoction Maid in Cuba or your standard Cosmo, you wouldn't leave disappointed (or sober). The desserts we had were also great which means I will definitely have to come back at some point to try their meals.

3. Blue Monday.

(Left: Empty plates = happy stomach, Right: Prawn Nigiri and Chicken Gyoza, both yummy)

This year I set myself a challenge to try a new food each month and in January I decided to try sushi. It was only a small pack from Tesco but I was informed by S from Eleven Oh Seven that there is better out there. I had wanted to go and try some 'real' sushi for a while but couldn't find anywhere within a student budget until we discovered blue Monday's. Every Monday in some YO! Sushi restaurants they have selected items on their menu for the blue plate price of £2.70. We jumped at this opportunity and headed out. I was hypnotised by the conveyer belt of food and tried a range of things including; Chicken Gyoza, Spicy Chicken Rolls, Chicken Katsu, Prawn Nigiri and Custard Dorayaki. They were all stunning. I will definitely have another blue Monday trip in the near future.

4. Barker Tea House.

(Left: Butterscotch milkshake and banana and white chocolate cake, Right: The cute cake display and tea cups)

I only properly discovered the arcades in Cardiff earlier this year and realised how much of Cardiff I was missing. One of the places that really caught my eye was the Barker Tea House. I am not a massive tea fan but the decor and displays had me gasping for a brew. After doing some further research I discovered that their milkshakes had made it onto a list of best food in Cardiff (article here). I like to think of myself as a bit of a milkshake connoisseur (after years of nesquik loving) so I had to see what the fuss was about and I wouldn't need to touch a cup of tea. I went for a butterscotch milkshake that came in this adorable milk bottle with a butterscotch swirl inside. It was delicious and I can completely see why they made that list. They cakes are pretty tasty too, I had a banana and white chocolate cake while the Eleven Oh Seven girls went for a light lemon and poppy seed cake. We were all very satisfied with our choices. If tea or milkshakes aren't your thing but you are a massive coffee fan you should definitely try their sister store, Coffee Barker.

5. Grazing Shed.

(Left: The John Wayne, Right: The Philly with a bite already taken out of it, couldn't resist)

Voted the number one burger joint in Wales and the number one burger joint in my heart, I had to have one last Grazing Shed before moving away. I usually go for the cheese burger student meal with bacon as its cheap, cheerful and leaves me feeling satisfied. However this was going to be my last Grazing Shed for a while so needed to make it worth it. After seeing on their Twitter they were doing a buy on get one free on the beef burgers I knew exactly what I was going to do. As I hadn't tried many of their burgers before I thought I would get two burgers instead of a meal. I went for the John Wayne burger (cheddar, smokey bacon, BBQ sauce) and their limited edition Philly burger after a recommendation from K (Eleven Oh Seven), Grazing Shed's number 1 fan. Both burgers were incredible but the Philly burger won in my eyes as the garlic mayo just pushed it that little higher than the John Wayne (sorry).

6. Build a Fort.

(Part of the fort, who knew clothes horses made excellent pillars?)

Being students we often have to remind ourselves that we are supposed to be responsible adults. This is all more real with me moving out and starting a proper job soon. With all this growing up being so imminent I needed a night of being a kid again. This lead to us making a blanket fort in our living room. It was extremely fun and involved lots of imagination. After it was built we ate our Grazing Shed and watched Little Britain inside it. It seemed like a true flashback to our younger years. I would highly recommend fort building to any one, even if your in your 50's just do it and be a kid again. After all aren't we all just big kids?

This is a quick look at some of the items that were on my bucket list. If you are looking for things to do in Cardiff I would definitely recommended doing all these things, Cardiff is a real hub for great food and fun. Stay tuned for Wednesday's post which will include the second part of the bucket list with a review of the Street Food Circus. Follow other activities included on the bucket list by following the #BOTTBucketList on Twitter or Instagram.

See you Wednesday,

Love Katie x

Last minute revision tips...

Hey everyone,

Hope you are enjoying your bank holiday weekend. I for one am not living my bank holiday weekend to it's true potential due to exams being on the horizon. If you are in a similar position to me you will love this blog post. It is all on revision tips to help you through exam time.

1. Take regular breaks.

 (Image from Pinterest)
Staring at a screen or notes constantly for hours will not help you retain any information. If you are reading through notes aim for short sessions with a small break or if you are making notes from Powerpoints complete a whole powerpoint (if it isn't 100's of slides long) and reward yourself with a half an hour break. In this break scroll through social media, watch an episode of something on Netflix (friends is on there now, yay) or take a quick 10 minute nap. I say take a nap as this apparently helps you retain information. Anything for a bit more sleep ey?

2. Motivation.

(Image from Pinterest)
If you don't have motivation to revise you wont want to do it and that wont help you pass your exams. Something I do is buy a bag of sweets/chocolate that have lots of individual ones (crispy m&m's are perfect). Then every few slides you make notes on or pages of notes you read, treat yourself with one of your sweets or chocolate. Rewarding yourself every so often will keep you going to the next few slides just for the next reward. Just try not to eat the whole bag on your first treat.

3. Take it outside.

(Image from Pinterest)
There is nothing worse than looking out the window while revising and seeing people enjoying the sunshine but that doesn't mean you cant join them. Grab your suncream and head out in the garden with your notes and get cracking. This will make revision seem a little more fun. However, the weather has not been too great lately so lets hope it picks up so we aren't stuck inside all day.

4. Keep hydrated and eat well.

(Image from Pinterest)
BRAIN FOOD IS KEY. If you are stuffing your face with sugary motivational treats you need to be sure that you are being healthy in your actual meals. This will help you have the energy to do all your revision and help your brain retain all the information. I am awful for letting my diet go downhill during exam season so I ensure I am keeping hydrated with lots of water to make up for it.

5. Sleep well.

(Image from Pinterest)
This is key especially the night before the exam. As I mentioned before sleep helps you retain information so it is essential that you are getting 8 hours AT LEAST. I have also found that reading over some notes before I go to bed (instead of scrolling twitter) really helps and actually makes me more sleepy.

I hope these tips help and that you all pass the exams you have with flying colours. Unfortunately due to my exams I will not be doing my usual Wednesday post next week. I will however, be back on Sunday. Also on a more serious note just a reminder that Thursday 7th May (in the United Kingdom) it is election day. If you are registered to vote, please make sure you get down to your nearest polling station and vote. If you aren't sure who to vote for or where to vote all the information is here.

See you in a week,

Love Katie x