The Next Chapter.

Unless you follow me on social media, you wouldn't know that next weekend I move into my university accommodation. I wrote a blog post back in May all about where I had been applying to, where I'd been interviewed for and also where I eventually got into! I was indecisive back then as to whether I wanted to go to Southampton University or Kings College London.

Opening my results was the scariest thing I have ever had to do. I had put a lot of pressure on myself because studying Paediatric Nursing has always been my dream and it was as though these grades got to decide for me.

I told my mum to wait downstairs while I opened up the school intranet, I couldn't have anyone around while I was waiting to find out! As soon as I saw the screen I was worried I had picked something wrong..

I had gotten exactly the grades that were required and was accepted into both my first and second choice universities. I remember starting to cry and shout for my mum, who at first was worried my results weren't as we had hoped because of my reaction!

So I guess I'm off to The University of Southampton! Next weekend when you're reading this (the 22nd of September) I will finally be settling into my halls ready to start that next chapter in my life.

Although a lot of what has been on my blog before has all been beauty or fashion with a slice of lifestyle and travel, I'm going to throw another category in there and create some content about applying to university, nursing and all the strange and wonderful things I encounter over the next 3 years!

I hope you've had a lovely summer and if you're back at school now then the best of luck!

- Abigail x

Travel Diary | New Jersey'18

If you haven't already read my blog post about my trip away this summer then you wouldn't know that while I was out in Florida I booked a surprise trip up to New Jersey to see Chloe, who I have infact surprised before.

This time I truly thought Chloe had caught on and would be suspecting that I would surprise her because we'd been talking for months about me flying up. Originally I was going to fly straight from London to New Jersey for Chloe's graduation party (without her knowing of course, who doesn't love a surprise!!) but when the flights doubled in price that plan soon changed! So last minute why not book a cheap flight with United up there!

We departed 2 hours late, oh boy do I love when planes have technical faults and they have to change the parts. Definitely puts me at ease for the whole flight! After sitting on the plane for quite some time before departing I was starting to get desperate to use the ladies. As soon as the seatbelt sign went off I was ready to leap out of my seat to go.... Except the two gentlemen in the middle and the aisle had both fallen into a deep sleep and I felt too bad waking them up. So for the whole, 2 hours 58 minute flight through storms... I sat crossed legged hoping for the best. You can imagine I ran like my life depended on it off that flight.

After getting to Chloe's house quite late I was worried she would be asleep now it was a lot later than expected. When I walked in Clifford and Bailey (Chloe's Dogs) knew who I was instantly and were both excited to see me. When I walked around the corner Chloe was sat in her Pj's watching the telly with her cup of tea. She was shocked to say the least. I had a lovely time in New Jersey, getting to see the beach, where Chloe is going to university, one of Chloe's friends Graduation parties and the biggest milkshake, candy extravaganza you ever would have seen!

As always here are all of my favourite photos from my mini trip away!

-Abigail x

Travel Diary | Florida'18

What now seems like yesterday was actually a rather long time ago. Back at the beginning of July I flew out to Florida with my step-dad right before the rest of the family turned up two weeks later. During that time we explored many more beaches than usual and went on a boat tour called 'The Jungle Queen' getting to see the incredible houses. How the other half live!


When the rest of the family turned up my best friend Chloe's (who I've mentioned on my blog a few times) parents were also in town so they come over to dinner at our house. While sat with them I was talking about how much I missed Chloe who hadn't been able to make the trip down due to work and the idea that I wouldn't see her again for quite a long time stuck in my head. Well if you've read my blog for a while now then you will know that I'm rather fond of surprising her. So while sat there I booked a flight to go and stay with her the following week.


I spent the next couple of days sunbathing, shopping and eating food before it was time to go and fly up to see Chloe. I don't know how, but I did manage to surprise her for a long weekend up in New Jersey, which was absolutely lovely. I was over the moon to get to see her before we both went off to university in September.... You can read more about that trip Here!

Anyway once I was back in Florida I had a day left to top up my tan before flying back to the UK. As always with my trips I love to share my favourite photographs here on my blog.... If you don't follow me on instagram then you may to have seen my highlight on my page which shows you all the random, un-edited things I got up to. You can follow me Here!

Things I'm Loving This Summer...

Summer for me started back on June 8th when I sat my last exam at sixth form. I had officially left full time education. With my summer starting so early, I have such a long period of time to do so many things. I've already been away to Rome with my friends which I talked about in my previous post but I'm now away in Florida with my family. I've already been soaking up the sun and eating as much food as humanly possible but I thought to why not share what I have been loving over summer so far.

The first thing I have been loving is my new suitcase which I actually picked up from TKmaxx. I couldn't not have a pretty white suitcase. I say pretty white... It is now an off white with black scratches all up it from being in the luggage hold... but it is still pretty in my eyes!

Another thing that I have been loving this summer is the Dr Paw Paw Original Multipurpose balm. The balm can be used literally anywhere, I've been using it on my lips after a day in the sun; on my eyebrows while I'm at the beach to keep them under control and even on patches of my sunburn (right down my nose) that otherwise stings with aftersun. This product has become a staple in my makeup bag.

Another thing that I have been loving this summer is the Tarte Tartelette in Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette which I bought a while ago and had neglected because I am always buying new palettes. Then when I was packing for Rome I wanted a palette that was small but had a good mirror so I grabbed the Tarte palette forgetting how much I really loved it. Now I'm wearing it all of the time.

Another thing that I am loving this summer is Bandeau tops, specifically the ones from Toyshop. I have literally every single colour now because they are so easy to wear and go with everything! My favourite pairing has been with a denim skirt so I can show off my attempt at a sun tan!

Leaving Full Time Education.

It has finally come to that time of year where exams have taken over my life (hence the blog taking a back seat). As of yesterday (25/05/18) I finished Sixth Form, so no more second year teaching for me. I have two exams left to sit now both in English Language.

However with half term now upon us I can take full advantage of an extra couple of hours where I would normally be chatting in class to write blog posts that I haven't had the opportunity to in what feels like forever! I thought coming back online I would start with what has prevented me from being online and talk about what college was like.

On a break from revision I went
for a walk around a lake
near my house and it is full of beautiful flowers.

I studied three subjects at sixth form: English Language, Medical Science and Health & Social Care. If you've been following my blog for a while then you will know that I am hoping to go to university in September and study to become a Children's Nurse which has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I might do a blog post soon talking about how I found this love and passion for wanting to care for other people because thats a whole other story.

When I first started college I loved all of my subjects, everything I did I enjoyed and I looked forward to going to class every week. As things started to get harder I started to struggle a lot more and wasn't seeing the outcome in my grades that I had wanted. I started to realise that the way I revised for GCSEs was not going to work for A-Levels and I took a new approach to learning everything.

I wrote a letter to myself after my AS exams last year because I felt like I had done absolutely terrible and it is saved as a draft blog post... Every time I started to feel as though I was struggling I would read this letter and it motivated me to work harder. I was very surprised at my AS grades because they were a lot higher than any grades I had had the whole year, one of my subjects increased by 3 whole grades which was ridiculous to me! I was so proud of myself for managing to set my mind on something and eventually achieve it and so I've tried to have the same mind set this year.

I've worked so hard towards my exams that I have had so far I just hope that this work pays off and I can get into university to pursue the dream I've always had.

Thank you to any of you that have stuck by me on this journey through my GCSEs and now my A Levels. Here's to you hopefully sticking around to find out if I get into university.



-Abigail x

February in Photographs.

I haven't done one of these posts in a long, long, long time but I was going through my camera roll late one evening looking at all my photographs and found so many things that had happened last month that I absolutely loved.

1st - I got up at silly o'clock to go for a walk around a lake local to me with my best friend.
6th - I finally got a Teddy Bear Coat
10th - I went for Brunch with some lovely bloggers.
17th - I went to my Bosses wedding in the countryside with some of the lovely ladies I work with.
27th - WE GOT SNOW
28th - WE HAD MORE SNOW

1st February

6th February

10th February

17th February

27th February

28th February

- Abigail x

Travel Diary | New York City '17

I mentioned in my previous blogpost that I had been away in October '17 (I know it is such a long time ago now but I love the photographs!) and would soon be uploading a travel diary, well here it is.

Back in October I flew to Newark International Airport to go and see my best friend Chloe who I surprised at the same time just the previous year! We did lots of tourist things things in her area such as explore New Jersey, Princeton University and spend a day in New York City with her family. We got to have a mini photoshoot everywhere we went, which I loved because I adore nothing more than taking photographs. Anyway... here are my favourite pictures from the trip!

(and if you want to be nosey at Chloe then here is her Twitter and Instagram)

-Abigail x

Let's Call This Post.... Hello Again.

So it has been a little while  since I last came on my area of the Internet and wrote something... just under four months to be exact. A lot has happened in this time it is crazy to think I haven't shared much of it on here. I do share a lot on my Instagram stories because it takes two clicks and is super easy but I haven't even been posting on social media as much and only last week as we came into the new year have I started to post onto Instagram again. If you don't watch my Instagram stories or follow me on social media I am going to fill you in on what I've been up to and where I've been!

Starting all the way back in October I flew to New York City to see my best friend Chloe who I also saw at the same time the year prior (2016). I do in fact have a rather late photo diary going up soon because as you’ll know if you read my blog I love to photograph my trips!

I have also been completing lots of different pieces of coursework - okay I say a lot but really its been two for English Language and then probably about fifteen pieces for Health (but health is a 100% coursework based subject after all). These have kept me super busy over the past couple of months and my hands have been so tired from typing so much I haven't been motivated to type for my blog even though it’s what I love doing.

Something else that has been going on which you’ll know about if you follow me on twitter because I got very very excited about it after being so scared is applying to University. I sent off my application at the start of October and I have since been offered interviews at all five of my choices! I attended my first two interviews which were at the places I wanted to attend the most. Firstly I had my interview at Kings College London, which if you follow me on twitter you would know I was accepted the day after my interview! I was so shocked to be offered a place at KCL however it was my next interview that meant the world to me. For a long time I had wanted to go to Southampton University and even getting offered an interview there was a huge shock to me because I truly didn’t believe in myself that I would get one! My Southampton interview was the day after my KCL interview and so I found out about Kings while travelling home on the train. A week and a half after my interview at Southampton I was worried that it was taking so long and persuaded myself that I hadn’t gotten in. Until one lunchtime at college I received an email that literally made my dreams come true! All my hard work and I now had a place to study at Southampton. I am extremely excited for university now, I just need to make sure I keep pushing myself to get the best possible grades as my opportunity to study there is dependant on them. If you have followed my blog for a while you will know I was hoping to study Paediatric Nursing which now I have the chance to is absolutely crazy to me and I cannot wait!

Finally.... Just yesterday I turned 18! I don’t feel anywhere near responsible enough to turn 18 but it’s happened and that too brings so many more things for this new year. I can’t wait to bring my blog along with me on that journey.

 It feels like it has been too long and I can't believe I have put it off for so long but hello again and here’s to a fabulous 2018.

If you have been applying to university or are planning to study something similar to me then let me know in the comments or over on social media, I’d love to have a chat!




-Abigail x

Jim Chapman - 147 Things | Review*

Now that we are in the full swing of autumn there is nothing I love more than sitting under a blanket with a cup of coffee and reading a good book. Last week I was sent a copy of Jim Chapman's new book - 147 Things, now I am normally a big fan of crime and thriller books but having been watching Jim's videos for at least 4 years I thought I had to give his book a read.

147 Things is hilarious. The stories Jim shares about all the random things that he has done and thought about as well as all those theories you've thought might possibly be real, are now answered by Jim! There is countless 'things' in the book that I have never even thought about before but now I have read all about them I want to keep learning more.

My favourite theory Jim explains is 'Thing 113: Coffee doesn't sober you up but it does make poop happen.' The reason for thing 113 being my favourite is because I am capable of having one too many drinks and then trying t recover the next day. The one thing I always turn to is coffee because I think it will wake me up and keep me going through quite a long day. I never thought to link my toilet antics to drinking coffee so I'm rather glad Jim talks about it because I've learnt something new that I didn't even know existed before this! As well as this Jim also had the intellectual description of how coffee works with all our cells and bile ducts and what not, so it's going to help with my biology work at college!

I would recommend Jim's book 147 Things to anyone that doesn't like to read. Now you probably think I'm crazy but because each little theory is only 2/3 pages long it makes it so much easier to read and its not like if you stop reading you have to try and remember what happened. I'd even say to you if you like reading to also check out 147 things because once you've learnt one random thing you want to learn more and the cycle just keeps going!

You can purchase 147 Things online at Amazon or you can go into your local bookstore and I'm sure they'll have it! Here is also a link to the audio book of 147 Things with an exclusive Q&A with Jim.

Also don't forget to check Jim's channel out here if you're not already subscribed: https://www.youtube.com/user/j1mmyb0bba

If you've read Jim Chapman's book already let me know in the comments what you thought or tweet me!

-Abigail x

My Top Three Travelling Essentials*

Now that I have been on quite a few holidays where I have been responsible for sorting out my own things and then packing my own bag, I have come to learn there are a few things in life that are necessities when going away.... and others that really need to stay at home.

1. To kick start my list I am going to begin with Ziplock Bags. These sound crazy but trust me, they are so handy. I have small, medium and large sized bags all with cute patterns on of course but they are perfect for travelling. The small ziplock bags can be used for your carry on toiletries because you can sort them all out at home and have them in the bag ready. The medium sized ziplock bags are perfect for your shampoo and conditioner, your sun lotion and even your moisturiser because you can zip them all up and not have to worry about them getting on your clothes if they leak. Finally the large ziplock bags are perfect for your dirty laundry when coming home. If you separate your laundry out of the clean clothes then unpacking will be so much easier! If you are on a sunny holiday and are using a swimming pool or going to the beach on your last day you can then easily rinse your swimwear and pop it in a medium bag as to not get your other clothes wet. Who knew ziplock bags where such a life saver!


2. The second item I completely recommend you take on holiday with you whether it is somewhere hot or cold, is a small waterproof makeup bag/wash bag. You might be thinking why on earth would I need this.. let me tell you. The bag is perfect for popping inside of your beach bag with your phone and car keys in, not only are they easy to find they are also easily protected from getting sandy or wet. If you're on a cold holiday then it is just as perfect because  you're out all day in the cold, pop your keys and your phone in a sock or too to keep them warm and insulated, then into the bag and voila. Your keys and phone won't be wet from rain or snow and are also kept warm so they don't stop working!


3. Lastly I am going to mention something that stays at home... but is a travelling essential in my eyes. The Smarthome Panasonic* is a home security system that can do many things including: track if any windows or doors have been opened, it also has an indoor camera as well as an outdoor camera (which is weatherproof of course!), you can turn appliances on and off... the list is endless! Everything I have mentioned you can simply track on your phone or tablet anywhere in the world, even while you're sunbathing on the beach or hiking up a mountain. This is a travel essential to me especially with how our current world is and the ever changing weather conditions it would be great if while you were away you could have peace of mind knowing everything was going to be okay.

If you want to find out more information about the Smarthome Panasonic* then you can click HERE!



-Abigail x

Penclic, Does it really work?*

Can you imagine a mouse... thats a pen? Well neither could I until i tried it, and now I'm OBSESSED.

Whenever I edit my Instagram photos I use my MacBook because I have multiple softwares on there that I much prefer using and I can do quite a few images in one go. To sum up how it goes, my hand gets very tired because of the angle that I am sitting at and how the trackpad is positioned on MacBooks.

A couple of months ago now I was ever so lucky as to receive the Penclic R3 which is a wireless pen mouse if you like. It simply is a pen on a computer mouse. I struggled before when using a computer mouse because my fingers are double jointed they didn't sit properly over the shape. Due to the Penclic being the shape and size of a pen it is incredibly easy to use as I do write a lot of notes in class and so am used to holding a pen! As you can see in the image above you even use it just like a pen, except it is on a little square block which helps to move it around easily.

I have even been using the Penclic R3 for completing some of my college work which usually takes me a long time, especially doing all my annotations and labelling, but being able to use something that is just like a pen has literally halved the time! I used to spend hours on homework but now I don't because it is so much easier and comfier to hold the Penclic R3 I whizz straight through it all!

So the mouse itself has a battery inside of it which you charge up using a cable which plugs into the mouse. I have only charged mine up once and it has lasted such a long time while I have been editing away into the night so I am rather impressed.

If you struggle with holding a mouse or find yourself in pain using a normal mouse then I recommend you try out a Penclic because once you have you will never want to go back! Well... I don't want to anyway. For a wireless mouse that is like no other on the market it is a lot more affordable than I ever anticipated it would be, you can check them out HERE!



- Abigail x

Summer Travelling... Gone Wrong?*

If you follow me on social media then you would've seen that back in May I passed my driving test! I am now on the roads in my little car driving around... sensibly I might hope. I am partnering with Point S for this blog post (which is a website in which you can purchase car tyres from) to tell you some dangers of driving around in the summer!

Exploding Tyres
Can you imagine you are just driving along enjoying the views of the ocean over the edge of a cliff,  when you suddenly hear a loud bang. You're losing control of your car and unsure on what to do. This is what it is like when your tyre has exploded. When the wheels are constantly turning they are creating a lot more heat (hot air takes up more space than cold air causing your tyres to expand), add in the warm weather on the tarmac your tyres are going to be very hot. All the mix of friction and heat will cause them to explode! Now don't worry, this isn't going to happen to you whenever you drive but just make sure you are checking your tyres regularly when the air is cold.

Engine Failure
There are many different ways that engine failure can occur, trust me - I've done my research. The one way that I think is most likely to happen while travelling is flooding your engine. If you're driving around and drive through a deep puddle or even a couple can really damage your engine. The water can find its way to the spark plug and suddenly, you're pulled over on the side of the road with an engine that no longer works. Another side note... Don't avoid any leaks, always get them checked out!

Laws about Tyres
Do you know the legal tyre depth for the tyres on your car? Well if not you're in the right place because I know. Having recently passed my test one of the questions I had to be able to answer was the legal minimum tyre depth, which is 1.6mm all the way around in different places! If you find your tires are not 1.6mm then head on over to Point S Website and you can get yourself some new car tyres or just the one!

Sleep
With the nights being lighter everyone is out later, meaning less time to sleep. Now I know that if I am not in bed by 11, I will be grouchy and spacey the next day. Getting in your car tired can cause the same effects as driving under the influence of alcohol. Your concentration and reaction rates are incredibly reduced causing not only you but also everyone else on the road in danger. Make sure you have had enough rest before you next get into your car and drive because you are putting everyone else you in danger too.


Make sure you go and check out Point S because you may be able to find some good deals on tyres for your car!


-Abigail x

Lets Talk Periods | BetttyBox*

           

There is seemingly some stigma online around talking about periods and it is an uncomfortable topic for some to talk about. Well I guess not me! When the time comes around all you want to do is stay in bed eating as much food as possible while watching every film under the sun. 

A week ago I was lucky enough to receive the July Betty Box, which is a monthly subscription service aimed at young teens to help make that time of the month a little bit easier. Your first box is only £6.99, an absolute bargain when you think about how expensive tampons and pads are! After your first box the price increases slightly to £10.50 which is incredibly affordable for everything that is in your box!

In July there was so many goodies that I absolutely adored! I am a big fan already of the Hairon bands because they leave no kinks in my hair and to see them in the box I was very impressed, as these alone are normally just £3.99!   I know of this because in the box as well is a little booklet of not only the costing of the products individually but also stories about topics based around that month. With July being a month of holidays there was a story on '7 Myths about Sun Protection You Really Shouldn't Believe.' which I found not only helpful but such a good touch!

As well as the box 'for you' there is also a box 'for night', 'for later' and a drawstring bag 'for now'. The lids to the boxes easily come off so you can stand them in a draw to grab one or on a shelf to easily get to. The drawstring bag 'for now' is a great disguise for hiding your supplies in your school bag. When I was in school I was always worried about someone seeing my stash in my bag so always stored my pads and tampons  in a little makeup bag. Well the lovelies over at Betty Box have got you covered!

You are able to decide on what supplies come in your box when you place your order. There is a wide range of brands and different types that Betty can provide you with. There is different absorption types and different sizes over on the website and if you like a mix of tampons and pads then you can! The box is so flexible and allows for you to have whatever you like so there is no worry that it won't suit you. You can then order your Betty Box to come on whatever date suits you so you can get it a week before your period is due on or a couple of days, whichever suits you best!

Let me know if you have ever ordered a Betty Box and what you think of them, I now love the idea!

- Abigail x