Lost in London...

Hey everyone,

As part of my self love summer I said I was going to be a bit more spontaneous and finally I did it. A few weeks ago I woke up checked my bank balance and decided I would head to London for the day. I had been dying to go to the Natural History Museum as I haven't been in years so what better of an excuse to head up on the train and go have a look.

(Left: Natural History Museum and Right: Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park)

The first real decision I had to make was whether I needed to top my oyster card up. It was a great day so I opted to walk around London and take more of the scenery in. It wasn't too long of a walk and I got to the Natural History Museum, although there were big queues I got in very quickly. I really wanted to see the dinosaur exhibition, as I am a massive dinosaur fan. However, with it being the school holidays and Jurassic World just being released (Thanks Chris Pratt) it was very popular and after a bit of a wait I got to go in. The exhibition was incredible with different dinosaur skeletons and animatronics along a walk way suspended above the information. I learnt so much about dinosaurs and I was really impressed with the giant T-rex.

(Left: WHALES, Right: My favourite dinosaur)

The dinosaurs weren't the only thing I checked out, I also had a look at the mammals exhibition. Just for the whales skeletons, sorry! It was really cool, lots of different whales and dolphins suspended from the ceiling and lots of other animals dotted around. I found out loads about different animals and walked away feeling very intellectual.

(Left: Carnaby Street, Right: My beautiful burrito from Chipotle)

After I spent some time wandering around the museum I decided to do a spot of shopping down Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. Some of the items I got feature in my payday post. I felt like a true London girl (I even got asked for directions so I must have looked the part too). After some shopping I was in desperate need for food and after finding out the Chipotle had UK branches I made it my mission for some burrito loving. It was everything I hoped for and more. With so many choices I opted for a chicken burrito with brown rice, pinto beans, medium salsa, cheese, sour cream and of course guac (YES I KNOW ITS EXTRA, sorry). It was heaven, I managed to finish every bite and was each one was just as delicious as the first. It is officially my favourite Mexican chain now and I cannot wait for my next one.

(Left: Just a spot of shopping, Right: Everyone really wanted to go to the dinosaurs)

Have you been on any spontaneous trips recently? Let me know on Twitter/Instagram. Stay tuned for my next post which is all about my home town.

Love Katie x

Landan Town...

Hey Everyone,

For Christmas my dad's girlfriend got my two brothers and I tickets to see Bend it Like Beckham the Musical and, finally after months of waiting it was time to go. We really wanted to make a day of it and there really is nothing better (in my eyes) than taking a stroll around London.

(The Phoenix Theatre shining in the sun)

Being so close to London (about an hour on the train) it is actually quite rare that I get to go to the fabulous city. Whenever I go to London I do dress up a little as you never know who you might meet so I popped on some liquid eyeliner (becoming a bit of a rare sight these days) and headed out the door. As the weather was great we decided to walk from Paddington to get some food. We decided on Five Guys on Argyle Street as it is a firm favourite in our family and was fairly close to the theatre. I went for my usual Little Bacon Cheeseburger with Cajun fries. It was delightful and as I have said before the drinks machine DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

(Why have one guy when you can have FIVE GUYS?! - Single Girl Mantra)

After stuffing our faces we headed to the theatre. Bend it Like Beckham the musical is based on the hit film that graced our screens over 10 years ago. It was a firm favourite for me when I was younger. When you go into the theatre you feel thrown into the two different cultures that Jess has to battle with. The set design on the stage was great and transformed for each place with ease (going from a football pitch to the front room doesn't sound easy at all). The cast were absolutely amazing, I was giggling throughout and they really suited their roles. A personal favourite for me was Paula, she was so clueless yet supportive and Sophie-Louise Dann played her brilliantly. The songs and choreography were also fantastic, I was still singing the songs during the week after the show. I would highly recommend people seeing this show especially if you were a fan of the film. It takes it that step further and it works perfectly on the stage.

(The curtain before the show, a mix up of cultures)

After we did a little shopping on Oxford Street which on a sunny Saturday was probably a death sentence but we got everything we were looking for (and maybe a little more). We had another little stroll around London (did I mention it was my favourite thing to do?) before heading home. London is probably one of my favourite cities as there is always so much to do and see.

(pre-show smiles from my brothers and I)

See you Tuesday,

Love Katie x

Self Love Summer...

Hey everyone...

This week marks an important start for me, the start of my self love summer. It sounds a little silly but having left uni and being thrown into the adult world it's about time I start to really appreciate myself. I have struggled with self love for a long while. Most people who know me would say I am a confident, bubbly person and I don't deny I am, but behind all that I have a lot of worries. I panic daily that I could be really annoying, or I'm being left out for a reason, maybe I'm not cool enough etc etc. I also have a lot of body confidence issues, I have never loved the way I looked in a mirror but I attempt to put up a confident front about it. I am determined to lessen this self-loathing if not abolish it for good. Here's what I plan to do to help me conquer my hatred and if you fancy jumping on the band wagon this will help you to.

(Image from Pinterest)

1. Exercise.

(Image from Pinterest)

I am all for being comfortable in your own skin and you should appreciate your body the way it looks, so I am not exercising to lose weight to love my body more. In fact I am going to start exercising because after I feel amazing, like I could conquer the world. Its this great feeling that I want to be part of my life everyday, ok, almost everyday. Also when I was at school I used to be pretty good at long distance running, I wasn't the fittest or fastest but I loved the distance. I want to be able to go for a long distance run again without having to stop every minute. I started couch to 5k Monday and I will keep you all updated on how it goes on my Twitter. Also dancing until the sun comes up counts too, cocktails in hand maybe not.

2. Diet.

(Image from Pinterest)

I am not dieting as such either. I am trying to eat better, try new things just to expand my mind and feel better. A plate full of veggies will make me feel happier than the chocolate in the long run. However, if I see that chocolate or cake and I fancy it nothing will stop me having it. You only live once and I don't want to be on my death bed regretting not eating cake that one time.

3. Spontaneity

(Image from Pinterest)

I am one of these people that have to plan every last detail of their day, and it is very restricting. This summer I am going throw out the to do lists (not for everything) and just go do something. Whether it be a cinema trip one evening or booking a trip away, this summer will be spontaneous, well after a double check of the bank balance.

4. Following your dreams.

(Image from Pinterest)

If there is anything that keeps me beaming it following my dreams. This summer I am going to do more to discover more dreams and to keep my self on the road to achieving current ones. One dream of mine currently is to be best friends with Taylor Swift but thats a bit too far out of reach (unless your reading this Taylor, get in touch).

5. Music.

(Image from Pinterest)

This summer will be full of sass and feel good songs. I will not actively be listening to anything that does not promote my happiness. Whether its some sassy Beyonce on my runs or some Alt-J to chill out to before bed nothing that makes me sad will pass into my ears (hopefully). This hopefully will keep the pep in my step and keep me motivated.

6. Be Selfish

(Image from Pinterest)

This one is a little controversial but I don't mean it in a mean way. Just put yourself first when you need to, don't hang out with people you don't want to, if you don't want to go for a drink with that guy from tinder who keeps nagging you, DON'T! Don't do things that bring you down just to make others happy, especially if they aren't (or you aren't) high on the priority list. It isn't worth your precious time. Remember this is SELF love summer, not love everyone else summer. Although if your mum/dad is asking you over to help them out, probably best you don't put yourself first too much, you may need their help sometime soon. This is also great if you are trying to avoid drama, if you don't want drama, walk away.

Is there anything you feel I should do to love myself this summer? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram. Also keep up to date with how my summer is going with the #BOTTSelfLove or #SelfLoveSummer. When I head back to work after summer I will be doing a post on how I feel the summer went and if my little experiment worked and I feel any better about myself.

See you Friday,

Love Katie x

Flashback Friday...

Hey Everyone,

This weeks post I am going to give you an insight into 3 months that changed my life. Why now? Why bother? Well I am addicted to the Timehop app and it recently reminded me (I didn't need too much reminding) it has been a year since I spent 3 months stateside. It really was the best experience and I wouldn't change a single moment.

(In New York living my American dream)

It all started in September 2013 when out of boredom I started researching into summers in America because I couldn't bare a summer sat at home doing nothing. So after hours of searching I decided I wanted to try the summer camp experience. There are many companies out there that help you with this experience so you can shop around. I went through a company called Camp Leaders. For me, personally, they were so helpful and tried their absolute hardest to get you hired and on your way to America and I loved that. One of the things they do to be super helpful and get you to America is that they organise job fairs for people to get hired by camps.

(Left: The camps bus, Right: My smore making wasn't too bad)

It was at one of these job fairs that I got hired by the best camp in the world (I'm serious, there is no better camp) Tamarack Camps. While I was queueing I got to talk to some previous international staff who were sussing you out to see if you were right for the job. When you got hired they got you in a circle and shouted welcome home. After that it was a long wait until I could finally get on my way 'home'. Like anyone would be, I was terrified to go. Travelling half way across the world on my own it was scary. I met two others going to my camp at Heathrow and we had our last bacon sarnie (Jewish camp problems) and got on the plane to Detroit. After a long flight we landed and after meeting more people from camp we were on our way. We left the airport on a Forrest Gump style bus. I was sold. American life would be easy and it only got better.

(a view of the lake from the flag poles)

Tamarack Camps is a large Jewish camp in Ortonville, Michigan with campers ranging from 5-16. The campers I worked with were special need adults (18+) in the Avodah programme. They never failed to keep a smile on my face and keep us all laughing for hours and hours. Being around your campers pretty much all day everyday was tiring and got to much, but camp knew this and gave us lots of opportunities to burn off steam or chill. Whether it was organising days off for the international staff, fun activities for us all to try like roller disco, or letting you have a period off if you were really struggling. I got the opportunity to go on a camping trip in Mio where we canoed and swam in the massive lake there. It was incredible. Everyday was different but so much fun. Towards the end of camp you forgot you were working as everyday was just so great. However you slowly came to terms with the fact you were leaving and soon travelling. I had made a little (or not so little) family with all the people there from fellow brits to Americans and Israeli's. I was devastated to leave them but I knew that I had 3 weeks of travelling that would be just as fun as camp and I would see some of them again soon.

(Left: the Chicago theatre, Right: Me on the SkyDeck, I was terrified)

In my 3 weeks of travelling I visited Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington D.C, and New York. Every town and city brought its own memories and adventures. Chicago there was a big group of us staying in hostels and we all met up again, which settled all our post camp blues. I also got to conquer my fear of being by glass at height (its odd, I know) on the Sky Deck. I was so nervous but after crawling onto the edge I sat there for a few minutes and managed to stand. I was so proud. I also ate at my first Man V Food featured restaurant, Giordano's, true Chicago style deep dish pizza. True heaven. Indianapolis had the best hotel of my travels by far. A massive bed, free cupcakes, and a bath. Something I had been craving for a long time. However, there wasn't too much to do in Indianapolis, we shopped, biked, and worked on our tans but that is all we could do really.

(Left: New Yorks number 1 tourist attraction, the Naked Cowboy, Right: the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry.)

I had a quick pitstop in New York for a week but only after a 20 hour Greyhound bus journey. Loads of people were warning me about Greyhound busses but they worked for me and I didn't have a bad experience on any of the ones I went on and would recommend them to anyone. While in New York I did all the usual touristy stuff. Times square every night, shopping, and the Empire State Building. It also brought some drama as the girl I was travelling with twisted her knee. Finding an emergency room in Brooklyn that would take her was so tricky. After all that drama I was glad to be escaping the hustle of New York to meet some of the boys from camp in D.C. I loved Washington, seeing the monuments all lit up at night was magical. It was so calm and I felt so safe (maybe because I was with 3 boys). We spent hours and hours walking and exploring the city and checking out the museums, I learnt lots about planes... fun? maybe. However I got to see a space shuttle, that was very cool. After that it was back to NYC to discover more of the city. We had all been before so wanted to see different things. This lead us to going on to Intrepid's Hangar Deck. It was more planes but also more space shuttles that made me very happy.

(Left: Monuments at night in D.C, Right: The White House, Hello Mr. President.)

It was super sad to be leaving America when September came around. I made so many memories I will hold dear to forever. If you are deciding whether to do Camp Leaders or a Camp America programme I would highly recommended it. Every camp is different, my camp was quite laid back and chilled, they also organised a lot for us at and away from camp. This isn't the same everywhere but from what I have heard, they are just as fun. Its not all like Beaver Fall's so don't go out just expecting to shack up with an American, its way more than that. Also if you cant see yourself in the camp way of life, I would highly recommend travelling America. It is stressful at times but it is so different everywhere you go. I definitely will head back someday, to camp to visit or to travel more. Michigan will always have a place in my heart and I will never forget those Ortonville sunsets.

(Left: the start of an Ortonville sunset, Right: The sun setting from the Empire State Building)

Stay tuned to things I am up to by checking out my Twitter and Instagram, see you Monday.

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