Blogclaim

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13702627/?claim=x24jm8zjeu5">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

A Few Favorites

I decided to post a few things that I enjoy using or just generally love, not to promote the product as such, but merely to share my favorite objects and why. 

My Owl Hand Mirror

When I opened this on Boxing Day I was so touched by the thoughtfulness that had gone into this gift: every time I receive a gift from Jamie's parents it's always something owl and I loooooooove it!

The Mirror itself is actually quite delicate as it is made from some sort of metal (come on guys, you should be use to my vagueness now!) and it's just shiny and so pretty! Honestly I don't know what else to say about it, I mean just look at the photos and see for yourself!

Nintendo 3DS

Ah my trusty companion...you have helped me through boredom many a time. For those of you who had one of these in one hand wherever you went in your childhood and are still in love - look no further! I'm so in love with mine; from the little things such as game demos you can download and try out, to big things such as the full games themselves. I'll tell you a secret - Ocarina of Time looks amazing 3D!

 My Baby Owl Candle

Behold! Not only is this small Owl a cute little ornament, but also a candle! And it has a sweet scent of Vanilla, too! I need to learn how to use lighters so I can try this baby out...

Lip Butter

I guess with this item I just really love the scent and the softness. Whenever I went round Steph's I'd use her's and one day I was shopping in Morrisons and found them lingering around waiting to be bought...I'm a sucker for sweet smells!

My Beautiful Rings

As I may or may not have mentioned in previous posts, I'm devoted to my rings! And I'm picky too: real silver, natural semi-precious stone - or it's a no-no.
Starting from top-left: 1. (Amber) Flower ring.
Properties: balances emotions and clears stress
From: Crystals
2. Silver leaf ring.
From: Silver Scene
3. (Labradorite) ring.
Properties: enhances self-esteem and said to be 'the stone of magic'
From: Silver Scene
4. (Malachite) Vintage Indian-style ring.
Properties: 'Green is good for the heart' 'Green is the color of love'
From:Crystals

Books

In this photo are books I've read, in the process of reading, or have not read. But in general, you can't beat a long relaxing read in a bubbly hot bath. For those who can't make out what books are there, here is the list from top to bottom: To Kill A Mocking Bird - Harper Lee
Goodnight Mister Tom - Michelle Magorian
His Brother's Wife - Val Wood
The Color Purple - Alice Walker
Katherine - Anya Seton
P.S. I will start doing book reviews on the books I have read! 

Birthstone - Dedicated To My Stephanie

'You have to wait here,' Steph said. It was one of our many trips into town and we were in Waterstones having a browse. 'Why?' I queried.
'Because - because -' She sighed as she usually did when I pestered about something she was obviously trying to cover it up. 'I'm getting you a presant.'

'Oh!' Finally I understood. Grumbling to herself, Steph stalked off for ten minutes abd returned with a small paper bag. 'Open it!' She inisted.

Myself and Steph are actually quite sweet like that. We'll buy each other small gifts to remind the other that all the hateful banter is to hide our true loving feelings.
So, as you've probably guessed, it was this stone, hence why the title is dedicated to my Badabajja. It's the birthstone for Aquarius from Evolution, one of my favorite shops. The stone is called Aqua-something (no surprise, but I can't actually remember - will have to get it re-identified!) however unlike my other gemstones I tend to wear on my fingers, I think this one is not natural - although I could be wrong...

A Few Photography Favs

One thing I really regret about A-levels, is the fact that I never took photography. There's something therapeutic and relaxing about taking photos of something or someone and then editing them - or so I find, anyway. Therefore, I decided to share a few of my favorite photos taken rather than edit my history coursework. Enjoy!
P.S. All of these photos are taken by iPhone 4S, so the quality up close may be a little blurred - we don't all have the money to buy a Nikon! 

**DISCLAIMER - ALL PHOTOS BELOW ARE TAKEN BY ME, MYSELF AND I**

Fields, fields, fields - Whitchurch Summer 2014

More fields around my area - Summer 2014

Ruins in Penzance, Cornwall - July 2014

Beautiful view, so relaxing - July 2014 (Holiday)

Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford-Upon Avon - March 2014

Ozzie cuddled up with his bone - strangely quite adorable!

Trafalgar Square, London - Nov 2014

My pooch Ozzie - snoozing on my leg

Talent! - Trafalgar Square

Labradorite ring

Bunny Selfie - Lionhead

Ozzie waking me up in the morning

Every rose has its thorn

Hi all, this is one of my more depressing posts. If you want more jolly stuff then scroll down or sit back and wait for some more joyful blog posts coming your way!

Losing the closest person to you (in some cases) can be the most heartbreaking and hardest period of your life ever! Especially if that person has been through the pleasurable times as well as the oh-my-god-kill-me-now times with you.

I have recently lost my best friend and it has been horrible. I have lost many best pals in the past but it really doesn't make it easier every time someone who was once that close to you has left you. Honestly, in some cases, I think losing your best friend is equally as severe as a break up.

I know it's hard to trust others, especially if you have been betrayed or let down by this once important person to you, but there are way better people out there who will treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve. This can be applied to general break-ups or friendship break-ups, and I know you're probably thinking 'oh god Charlie,you sound just like my mum -.-!' but trust me, there are strategies to help you sit & wait for these angels and here are a few of mine:

1. Keep yourself busy. 
Go out with your other friends and try and keep your mind from thinking about that person and the good times you had. Try new things, go to new places! Avoid at all costs going somewhere that once held a lot of importance between you and that person. If you don't feel you have many friends or that you're not that close to others - take this time as an opportunity to get close to people and start again - build your life back up and be the person you want to be with these awesome new people. They don't need to know anything of your past and that's the beauty of it. Learn from the mistakes you made with the other person and change things this time around. Treat the past as an experience, not a regret!

2. Block, block, block!

I feel this is very important: the amount of people who still have issues with their exes or ex-best pals due to not blocking them completely, whether they're giving you grief or not...just do it, OK?
Even if they haven't done anything wrong, if you're struggling to fight the urge to see what they're up to on Facebook or Twitter then this is only going to worsen how you feel. The best thing to do is distance yourself from the stimuli and focus on other things. Remember that coursework due this Monday? Get it done! Remember that book you never actually read throughout? Finish it! Again try different things to take your mind off of things, and thus push that person to the back of your mind. It is unlikely you will forget (especially if they were a big part of your life) but it will ease the pain and sooner or later you will realize & accept the person they are and find people to replace who will make you happy, people who will treat you much better than the previous stimuli.

3. Lose ties with those who are part of the situation.
Just cut out anyone involved in the situation in a negative way. You know, interfering exes or people who are just making everything 99% more difficult. Add them to the block list!

4. Delete/remove any pictures or posts which resemble or remind you of the stimuli.
Again, like the blocking method, this can also help prevent your feelings from worsening. You don't necessarily have to delete them as such (hypocrite, I know) but put them somewhere you won't look or move them onto a memory stick and give that memory stick to your friend or family member if it takes that much. It'll ease the pain an awful lot and will stop you dwelling on what was and what is no longer.

I hope these strategies work for you, please let me know any other methods to ease these sorts of feelings either in the comments or feel free to message me!

Outfit of the day

Finding what to wear when having a catch up with your friends can be one of the largest First World girl problems. I'm usually scowled at by my mother for decorating my bedroom floor with mountains of clothes until I find something I think is half decent to wear. 

Well a few weeks previously I had this exact issue; too many clothes but no decent ones to clothe myself in. Until I found this cute polka-dot shirt hiding in my over-crowded wardrobe. 

Originally from Select, I actually was given to this when my bud Steph (who purchased it from a charity shop) was sorting out all her old clothes. I've always been a sucker for shirts - I feel they really bring an outfit  to life, giving it that casual - formal look. 

I'm not actually sure if you can even buy this shirt anymore as I know my friend had it for quite a long time, but the best places to shop for clothing I feel, are charity shops. For those of you who want to know what charity shops I shop in, I will be doing a blog post about it at some point. 

The material of the shirt is soft and actually quite see-through (note: when I do wear this shirt I always make sure I have a vest on underneath or a crop top!), feeling quite light weight, yet unbreakable. 

I decided to put this shirt with some Primark legging, choosing to tuck the shirt in rather than loose but either still gives the same affect. I also decided to wear my thick pink winter socks also from Primark with my DMs - which I am absolutely in LOVE with at the moment! I am a firm believer that shoes really enhance an outfit and honestly Doc Martins dress up any outfit. Due to having second day hair, for the final touches, I decided to give my hair a half-up/half-down style - which is a really good look if you blast it with plenty of dry shampoo beforehand to give it extra volume and texture. I felt this hairstyle really gives a casual outfit that carefree, old-school feel and enjoying sporting this hairstyle an awful lot more than I should. Finally, I finished this hairstyle with my floral scrunchy from Loot (which I'm not sure is even visible in the photo - bad quality soz guys!) 

Prices - 
Leggings - £3
Socks - Under £2
Floral scrunchy - £2.50 
DM - £95 (Schuh)

Jock - Reviving my confidence in riding

Back in September of 2014, I went to a horse yard which held the pony that Leanne was renting. His name was Jock, and I wish I knew my breed of horse - but I don't so sorry to disappoint.

(If you can spot what breed he is, please let me know!)

Jock was beautiful and so easy to ride. For someone who hasn't rode a horse in 10 years, Jock took things at a slow pace for me - almost like he knew how nervous I was. The first time I rode him, Leanne walked me around on the rope and took the rope off when I felt confident enough. I never knew how tough it was to direct a horse, finding a fine line between being stern yet listening to him. 

I bonded so much with Jock and really started to look forward to taking a trip down Yate to ride him with Leanne. However, there was one horse who was a youngster called Billy who I fell for instantly.

He was gorgeous - once again I can't recall the breed he is and I really need to ask Leanne for this info. I never rode him as he was too young - but I had never felt so at ease with a horse. He had the most beautiful temperament, he was so playful and friendly. I honestly felt such a connection with him.


Both Billy and Jock lived on this cute secluded yard just down a country lane in Nibley. Nearing the autumn, myself and Leanne would stroll down the lane and spend hours upon hours just brushing Jock or taking turns riding him or playing with Billy. I've had some really lovely memories there, although sadly I haven't seen Jock or Billy in so long as Leanne doesn't rent Jock anymore. However, in the summer months I will persuade her to go and visit him with me just because of the memories and how much we bonded with them.


Honestly, this experience really changed my view on horses. Before I went and saw Jock for the first time I was petrified of them, although when I was younger I used to ride horses every Saturday and it became my hobby. I grew close to a small dark brown pony whose name I cannot recall (sorry guys, my memory's crap!) but after a while I just stopped doing it and I slowly became more and more awkward and anxious around them - although I had never been extremely confident to start off with. The amount of times Leanne tried to get me to ride Molly, the mare she loaned before Jock and I chickened out last minute with is ridiculous. One time, I went to my Aunt & Uncle's yard where they sat me on a pony identical to Jock called Bounty to ride and I just froze up in shock and was removed off him immediately.

I wouldn't say I am completely over my nervousness of being around horses, but I have definitely improved, all it takes is the right horse and a little time! You can apply this to many things and I guess the message I'm trying to portray here is a cheesy one -
Just try everything at least twice. And if it doesn't work out then know that you put your heart and soul into that last chance and you gave it a good go.

Perfect Penzance

If you're looking for a quiet get away, Cornwall is your calling!


It was my first holiday ever away with my boyfriend and his family - I know, scary! The verdict: amazing!

For those who are questioning whether or not to go on holiday with your current partner and have any worries, then my advice to you would be - what are you waiting for! GO FOR IT!! Honestly, if you feel it will be awkward as you don't know his/her's parents very well, then that's even more reason to go. Get closer, get to know each other more! By the end of the week I knew Jamie's family a lot better than the first day we arrived and it has only enhanced my relationship with them since.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand; so this was the first time I've ever been to Cornwall on a holiday (my parents are all for 'going all out' when going on holiday, which resulted to some beautiful holidays abroad when I was younger) and it was everything people told me it would be: relaxing, charming, a slower pace of life...and I fell head over heels for it.

 

The car rolled up to the intimate drive behind the vintage cottage and we stepped out with bundles of luggage gathered in our arms, the salty warm breeze hitting us like a strong scent of Chanel perfume. It really was paradise - the cottage was a 10 minute walk from the cliffs which overlooked the turquoise sea smashing into the worn rocks below.

The cottage was located in the most minuscule village I have ever seen, next door to a local inn and opposite luxury, white washed detached houses. The cottage itself was cosy, the living room complete with a burgundy snug armchair and two comfortable sofas lined against the stone walls; Paintings possessed by boats and beaches ran along them and a large mirror hung just above the log fire mantelpiece. The kitchen had a wooden polished family table, with a platter of fresh scones, tubs of whipped cream and a home-made jar of strawberry jam carefully set down in the centre. A small breakfast bar with small compartments beneath them, cloaked with checked blue and white cloths, where cream platters and plates were hidden. Opposite the front door was the narrow staircase, leading up to the bedrooms and the bathroom. There were two double bedrooms and one with bunk beds, each room decked with wooden floorboards. The bathroom had a cerulean blue theme, with a walk-in shower and a small window facing the fields from behind the cottage. The entire home felt as if we were in a beach house - and as I fell more and more in love with the cottage as I inhaled and smelled the salty sea air.

One of my favorite days on holiday, was the first day we all went to the beach as the weather was promising. We had to be specific with beaches as my boyfriend's family had bought their Border Terrier Ella along, so we had to find a dog-friendly beach. Luckily we found one - £2 entry (bargain!!) and dog-friendly. It was perfect! Located right next to St Ives' local beach and small town, this beach (which I THINK is Porthmeor Cove although I may be wrong so don't hold me to my word) was littered with the clearest rock pools where me and my boyfriend would chill in as they were much warmer than the sea.

On this day, me, my boyfriend & his dad went in the sea as soon as we arrived - which, can I say, was the first time I've ever properly been in the sea, I mean I've paddled but Jamie and his dad went out really far. The waves got bigger and bigger and crashed into everyone. I was beginning to get a little nervous and we went out so far that I couldn't feel the sand beneath me - which panicked me. I told Jamie my concern with which he responded: 'okay, we'll head back,' and just as we began making our way back to the shore, the sea grew larger and larger into the biggest wave yet. I called out to Jamie before I was swallowed up and dragged beneath the water.

Now, you're probably thinking what the hell Charlie? Why go in the sea if you can't swim? Well as a matter of fact, I can, I'm just not an amazing swimmer; I'm used to swimming pools, not the sea! So anyway, I was dragged under and i pushed and swam my way up to the top of the surface - which appeared much more difficult than first planned - finally I reached the surface and went to yelp out but before I could even catch my breath I was pulled under again and, once again, I swam the hardest I've ever swam before to the surface and shrieked out for Jamie; I was petrified! Luckily, Jamie's an awful lot taller than me and a much better swimmer, and as I was dragged under again he came to my rescue and picked me up. The vicious waves perused once again, but this time Jamie fully went under and my head was just above the water, in courtesy of Jamie lifting me up.

We finally made it to the shallow shore, at which point I was shaking uncontrollably and nearly in tears about my near-death experience. Jamie kept banging on about my boob hanging out of my bra and when I looked up I saw Jamie's dad looking over to make sure I was OK. I awkwardly adjusted my strap quickly in haste, praying to GOD that his dad didn't see my naked bosom. However, in the words of my great friend Mr. Thacker: Sod the boob! Even if Jamie's dad did catch a glance, he never brought it up, but came over to make sure I was all right which was sweet. But ever since that experience I have been far too terrified to go further into the sea than my waist.

Penzance was the definition of gorgeous and it had so much to offer - from sandy tropical-like beaches to cute high streets with non-mainstream shops. It really brought me and my boyfriend closer together as a couple - we even cooked dinner together one night to say thank you to his parents for letting me come along (although it was VERY stressful having him in the kitchen!) It was a holiday I would definitely never forget and I would 100% be willing to go back there again - which I'm planning to do this summer: camp for 4 days in Cornwall somewhere near one of it's breath-taking beaches - as long as the waves aren't towering over me!