Travel Bucketlist: Europe

Anyone who knows me will know how much I dream about travelling and experiencing new places. For me a holiday isn’t just about lying by a pool on a sunlounger and making the most of an all inclusive hotel stay; I really love to get up close and personal with the country and it’s culture.

I thought I’d just compile a small list of some of the places in Europe which I am DYING to see. Some I’m hoping to get to this year, others are slightly less realistic. But let me know in the comments if there’s anywhere else you’d recommend for me to check out!

*Disclaimer- I don’t own any of the following images.*

Santorini, Greece


Looking at photos of this stunning blue and white design really reminds me of one of my favourite places in the world: Sidi Bou Saïd in northern Tunisia. I dream of the Mediterranean climate and delicious food that Greece has to offer as well as the secluded luxury of a cave pool or the peaceful bliss looking out from an infinity pool. Sadly this holiday is probably out of reach for the foreseeable future due to my student budget but I’m determined to get there one day!

Reykjavik, Iceland 



The northern lights. Utterly breathtaking. I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to experience these first hand but I’m sure it would be incredible. Funnily enough, a visit to Reykjavik has always been what I envisioned for my honeymoon (one day). I like how different it is and I feel like the romantic element is most definitely still there. I can picture myself relaxing in the blue lagoon spa and looking up at the most amazing sky. One day I hope! 

Amsterdam, Holland



Slightly more realistic and doable on a budget as well: Amsterdam. I am actually planning a weekend break to Amsterdam in the coming Autumn just to celebrate 3 years with my lovely boyfriend. I’m very excited to walk along the canals and visit the famous sights. I’m also curious to see what the nightlife has to offer so watch this space!

Salzburg, Austria



Another thing I’m very much excited about is the fact that come this summer, I’ll be just a stone’s throw away from the Austrian border. Austria is one of those places which I’ve always wanted to get to but never quite had the opportunity. It would be perfect because I speak German and it’s not too far away, so here’s hoping I’ll actually make it this time around! Salzburg is renown for it’s stunning scenery and magnificent castle which overlooks the city (much like Heidelberg- my old home!) I’m also positive that the Christmas markets there would be incredible. 

Vienna, Austria



Continuing with the Austrian theme, of course Vienna would have to be on the list as well! It’s always been a dream of my mum’s to take a trip here and see the concert hall, as she’s such a big fan of classical music. It’s my dream to go for the cakes and the cafes! I do love a good patisserie and I can only imagine how brilliant it feels to indulge in the home of cafe culture.

Rome, Italy



So I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m quite the foodie and where else would be on a foodie’s bucket list other than Rome; the heart of Italy and of course Italian cooking. I’m such a fan of Italian food, it’s probably the influence of one of my best friends having Italian heritage that I’ve become quite fussy about what is good enough but naturally a trip to Rome would satisfy every need in that department! 

Paris, France



I know, it’s completely predictable and maybe it’s the romantic in me, but I feel that this list wouldn’t be complete without including the city of love! Paris is somewhere where I think everyone who can needs to try and visit once. It’s so well known for its cool and chic vibes that I feel as though I need to experience it first hand. I don’t speak a word of French, but my boyfriend speaks it very well and I am quite excited at the prospect of going somewhere where he has to do all the talking for once because it’s usually the opposite way around! I also reaaallly want to try some freshly baked macarons.

OOTD! 

I’m in a good mood. I’ve just finished my last exam and I’ve gone home to see my family for the weekend before the new term starts on Monday. 

I thought I’d just share a super quick outfit of the day with you because I haven’t done a post like this in a while and hey, I guess I’m feeling positive today! 


The details:

Cardigan: H&M

I recently snatched this up in the H&M sale for just £7 and I love it! It’s so comfy and versatile and the extra layering helps so much with the cold weather we’ve been having here recently. 

Skirt: H&M

This is an old (and well-travelled) favourite of mine. I actually bought it back in 2015 while I was living in Germany and it’s so cute! You can’t really tell from the photo but it’s button up and patterned with tiny white daisies. It’s more of a summer piece technically speaking but I like to play around with things.

T-shirt: New Look

It’s a no frills black long-sleeved top, but it’s simple, versatile and very warm and it’s what I chose to pair with the skirt.

Tights: Primark

PRIMARK TIGHTS ARE THE BEST. 

Belt: Missguided

I feel like double-buckled belts are so in at the moment so I had to bag myself one from Missguided just before Christmas! It’s an interesting twist on what we’re used to and the silver gilding has a sort of retro vibe. It looks good with any high waisted skirts/trousers.

Boots: New Look 

I  don’t know if you guys will remember but I featured these in my last post and I’ve literally been living in them ever since I bought them. I feel like they actually go with almost everything?? 

Thanks for reading guys and have a lovely weekend! ❤️

Monthly favourites/haul: what I’ve been loving recently 

Following on from Christmas, my birthday and, of course, the January sales, I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on quite a few new items which I’d like to share with you guys. I guess that it would be a cross between a favourites and a haul.

I personally always find these types of posts really interesting, as i truly value people’s opinions and recommendations. I will be sharing some of my favourite items in the categories beauty, fashion, tv, music and more… I hope you take some inspiration from it!

Beauty favourites 

1. Kiko Milano: Ultimate Pen longwear eyeliner 

Ever since the new Kiko store opened up in the Bullring I’ve been really wanting to try out some of their products. I finally bit the bullet and went in a few weeks ago and I was very pleasantly surprised. Not only are the prices extremely reasonable, I’m also super impressed by the quality of the products. This eyeliner is so easy to apply and in my opinion, looks incredible. I love my eyeliner to be as dark as possible and also not too thick. For me, this product allows both. 

I’m definitely no make up expert, but I was more than happy with the results:


2. A’kin pure radiance rosehip oil

I, like many others, suffer from extremely sensitive and also quite dry skin. I’ve come to a point in life where I’d really like to invest in some high quality products and look after my skin. They do say prevention is better than cure! This rosehip oil is completely cruelty free and honestly gives the skin such a lovely glow and soft feel. Apply sparingly after cleansing and before moisturising.


3. Michael Kors Wonderlust

The last item in the beauty section is this amazing smelling fragrance from Michael Kors. I received this as a birthday gift after lusting after it for the last few months and it honestly smells so fresh and vibrant and lasts all day long. It is pricey, but if anyone is need of a new frangrance and doesn’t mind investsting a little bit extra, treat yourself!


Fashion

1. Mango white faux leather backpack 


I have been after a bag like this foreveeeer and finally I managed to get my hands on one in the Mango sale for just £20! I love the practical style, it’s not big and bulky but it manages to fit the essentials in for a day out. The fastening is nice and secure meaning that I don’t have to worry about things going missing while I’m out. On top of that, the off white/cream colour is really classy and manages to dress up any outfit; it’just super cute! 

2. New Look black ankle boots 


These were another gift (actually chosen by my boyfriend- wooo!) and I love them so much! I’ve always been a fan of ankle boots, and the gold zips paired with the slight heel just makes them look extra smart. I also love the leather-look/suede combination. I secretly feel very sophisticated whilst wearing these! 

These look best with either skinny jeans and a long coat for a chic daytime look, or a skater dress and chunky knit tights for a cute date night outfit.


Music/TV

1. Breaking Bad


Ok so I know I’m late to the party on this one, but I just finished binge watching Breaking Bad and my goodness it was incredible! I don’t think I’ve ever finished a series as quickly as this before but not I’m left with the issue of finding something new to fill the void with. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know! And if anyone hasn’t watched it, please do! And stick with it too, it’s worthwhile! 

2. Starboy- The Weeknd 


I’ve been a fan for a while and The Weeknd never fails to impress me! This album is perfect in so many ways and really sets the chilled out atmosphere which has been essential for the last few weeks of intense revision in preparation for uni exams. Keep doing what you’re doing, Abel!

Other 

1. Elpine 0.8L rice cooker 


I’ve been interested in this product for a few months now and when my dad asked me about what I wanted for Christmas I mentioned it. I know a few friends who have them and swear by them, and as a keen cook and lover of curry, I sensed that a rice cooker would be incredibly useful. I was right. I’m honestly so in love with it. It is so easy to use and cooks the rice to perfection. Obviously other brands and sizes are available, but for my own personal use (1 cup at a time), 0.8L is the perfect size. In fact, I also used it at my birthday party which was a kind of Indian-themed dinner party to cook 6 cups and it came through like a trooper. This product will hands down not disappoint! 

Thanks for taking the time to read guys and let me know what you’ve been loving lately in the comments so I can try it out. 

2017 Resolutions 

January is not everyone’s favourite month due to the dismal cold weather, the sinking reality of going back to work/uni after the holidays and, of course, the strain on your bank account after both Christmas and New Years.

I, however, happen to rather enjoy January. I did just turn 21 so that’s one exciting part of it, but I also just love the sense of new beginnings. I know it’s cliche to think of the whole “new year, new me” thing, but I always feel ready to refresh myself at the start of the year and also just motivated to achieve more.

So, with the beginning of a new year I’d just like to share my New Years resolutions with you all and hopefully by the end of 2017 I will have succeeded! 

1. Blog more! 

I’m relatively new to WordPress. I’ve had my blog for a few months now and I really really enjoy sharing my ideas and reading what other people have to say as well. For this reason I’d love to grow and develop my blog even more this year and hopefully up my posting content.

2. Read more books 

I used to be such an avid reader, but being at uni has really made it hard for me to find the time to curl up with a good book. At school I was really keen on English Literature and I would really like to get back into reading again. I’ve recently purchased some books including 1984 and Girl on the Train and I’m hoping to get through them and maybe even share a book review or two on the blog!

3. Travel 

I’ve never been one to shy away from travelling; in the last few years I’ve been back and forth to Germany multiple times (including spending a year abroad there when I was 18). This year is set to be really exciting, as I am going back there and have secured a marketing internship with a really great company in Munich. I’m so excited and can’t wait for the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture again. Hopefully I’ll also get to see more of Europe this time, with trips to Amsterdam and Salzburg potentially on the horizon.

4. Build on my savings 

Lastly, I really want to use this opportunity to save more money. Uni is coming to an end and something I really want to do when I’m back from Germany is pass my driving test and reach that milestone. There’s so much coming up which I really want to be prepared for and saving as much money as I can is the best place to start! 

I just wanted to take the time to wish my followers a Happy New Year and also the best of luck in 2017! Feel free to share your resolutions/goals for this year in the comments.