Travel Diary - Weekend In Birmingham

Helloo,

It's been so long since I last wrote a post (I feel like i find myself saying this every time I go to write a post oopsies) but I thought I would write a little something about my recent weekend away as it seemed like some people wanted to see it from the result of my twitter poll. (twitter polls forever making my important life decisions) I don't know enough about the city to give many recommendations so it's a little bit more of a sort of travel diary.

So last weekend me and my family set off on a surprise trip to Birmingham that me and my mum had organised for my Dad's birthday. I had been once before but didn't get much chance to explore so to be able to visit again was a lovely opportunity.

Typical tourist photos obviously had to be taken of the famous Selfridges building

Firstly whilst my dad and brother went off for a day at the football me and mum went to do some shopping. We headed straight to the Bullring like any typical tourist. It's so huge and literally has every shop you could wish for. I was lusting over pretty much everything in Selfridges for ages but managed to some how resist. Instead I went for the beautiful Archive by Alexa Elsie dress from Marks and Spencer which i'm completely in love with! I had my eye on the majority of the collection ever since it was released earlier on in the week so i'm so glad that I managed to grab my favourite piece. I can't wait to get to wear it (let me know if you would like to see some outfit posts featuring it). And also hinted on a few little things for my birthday that is rapidly getting closer eek!

When we got a bit peckish we decided to find 'The Boston Tea Party'. I had never been before but I had heard many people say it was amazing. I was obviously not disappointed, the decor was gorgeous and so pinteresty and the food was amazing! Being typical Ash I eyed up the brunch menu straight away, my eyes being drawn to everything that mentioned 'avocado'. When the food came it was so yummy, mum loved hers too so I would definitely recommend heading there if you ever see one when you're out and about.

Avocado on rye bread with poached eggs and chilli
The Boston Tea Party
(heart eye emoji)

After we had finished a lovely day walking about and strolling round the shops we headed back to the hotel and got changed, I wore my new Zara blouse which i'm so in love with at the moment. Time flew past so quickly and it was time to go for the surprise meal we had planned at Jamie's Italian. One of my personal favourite restaurants. No surprise here but I ate all the carbs and had the best time, both the staff and food are always so lovely at Jamie's, I have never had a bad experience there before. Reminiscing all of the amazing food I consumed over the weekend is making me so hungry right now, I quite literally ate like a princess for the entirety of the weekend.

The lighting was rubbish for outfit and food photos
so this one of me enjoying all the pasta and prosecco
will have to be adequate.

On the second day we relaxed a little more as we were all exhausted after a busy day the day before. We went for another quick look round the shops. Me and mum also went for a quick coffee and lunch in a lovely independent cafe called 'York's Bakery' which was so nice, I would definitely recommend it as the food, drinks, decor and staff were all so lovely there. They had the best chai lattes I have ever had (I always think they taste like yummy mugs full of warm hugs) and I also took a cookie home and enjoyed the yumminess with a very necessary cup of tea after the long car journey back home. 

I hear you say 'Surprise surprise Ash is in another coffee shop again'
This one was so lovely. This time I went for another variation of the poached
egg with eggs portobello.

We also visited the Ikon gallery where there was an amazing Dan Flavin exhibition on, which I found so beautiful and interesting. His work is so simple but effective and I really love it. I also went to take a few photos because the architecture in Birmingham is amazing, and of course I couldn't not take some obligatory pretty photos of the pink blossom trees (i'm sure they will have to be instagrammed pretty soon). 

The Ikon Gallery

'The Dan Flavin - It is what it is and it ain't
nothing else' exhibition

Couldn't resist some photos with the pink blossom seen
as it was so pretty and definitely matches my bag!

So overall I had such a lovely weekend celebrating with my family, and would definitely love to head back to Birmingham at some point to explore some more of the hidden gems that are around!

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Ash x

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My Current Wish List

So recently i’ve accumulated a slightly lengthy list of things i’ve been lusting over whilst i’ve been having my regular online browsing time. There’s so many lovely things about at the moment that I thought I would share with you all!

So my first category is beauty bits that i am so bad for being drawn in to whenever I go shopping. I just can’t resist the pretty packaging and sparkly counters okay, nothing beats coming home with a new lipstick or nail varnish! I’ve wanted to try something from the brand Hourglass for so long as i’ve heard so much good stuff about them. I think the powders look incredible as well as the blushes, however i’m not too much of a blush user so i’ve been really drawn into their beautiful shimmery powders! Another brand I am yet to try is Charlotte Tilbury. I lust over the insanely beautiful rose gold packaging every time I'm in Selfridges but i’ve yet to splurge on any goodies. I’ve heard amazing things about the retoucher concealer so i’d love to give that a go but if you have any more recommendations please let me know because i’m up for trying anything that comes with the dreamy rose gold packaging! I’m still searching for the perfect highlighter, I love my Benefit ones but i tested the Nars illuminator in cococabana when I was in Space NK the other week and oh my gosh it’s like a little tube of shimmery heaven i need that stuff in my life! Finally for this category I think it’s time to try out something a bit different other than my trusty Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish, i’ve used it for so long and I just fancy a change. I’ve heard non stop incredible things about the Oskia cleanser so i think this will be the next cleanser on the agenda for Ash’s face.

Next is a few clothing bits i’ve had my eye on. If i’m honest there isn’t too much that’s caught my eye recently, I think it's that weird transition between seasons kind of time at the moment where nothing ever tends to really jump out at me. But… how could I ever resist another striped top for my ever growing collection? You can never have too many sriped tops! There’s also a couple of lovely knitwear pieces because it is still freezing cold and i’ve heard it’s going to snow soon what?? I am so not prepared get me all the jumpers quick! I love anything thick and cosy that i can cuddle up in so these fluffy cardigans and jumpers are right up my street. Also isn’t this constellation print shirt from the white pepper the cutest thing you have ever seen! I’ve had my eye on it for so long but i’m still undecided on if i should go for it or not. 

Homeware has become my new love, I seem like some kind of old lady spending all my days just sculling through homeware sites and subconciously looking through Pinterest for inspiration with my constant form of caffeine to fuel me! I'm basically loving anything copper, marble and pretty. The Pinterest is really getting to me can you tell? And i’m yet to mention my ever growing collection of cactus’ ( yes they are still alive i’m so proud of myself ). I’ve been searching for the perfect candle that smells good and has pretty packaging but isn’t crazy expensive, eventually I stumbled across the brand Clement and Claude and fell in love. Some of my favourite places to buy home things are Urban Outfitters, Oliver Bonas and Anthropologie, but I also can't resist a good day trip to ikea! I recently found this beautiful copper photo frame amongst lots of other lovely bits on the Urban Outfitters website which i think would look so cute on my shelves. If you'd like a shelf tour soon please let me know because i'm quite proud of how cute they are looking now!

I have tried to put links to everything mentioned in this post. I have also made a Pinterest board that should have everything i have spoken about and I will keep adding to it as I find more things I like if you fancy taking a look at that too. I've developed a sight obsession with Pinterest recently it so dangerous for procrastination I could spend hours just scrolling.

What are your favourite things in my wish list? And what little gems have you had your eye on or made a sneaky purchase for recently, i’d love to hear some more inspiration!

Travelling - past, present and future

Helloo, this ones going to be a bit of a lengthy one so go and grap yourself a cuppa’ and *yummy snack of choice* to get yourself through!

Travelling and exploring new places is something that i have always loved. A few years ago i decided that i didn’t appreciate the places around me enough. There are some really beautiful cities in the UK, i’d love to visit them all eventually so i’m slowly working my way through. In 2015 i visited some amazing places and there’s many more that i plan to visit or revisit this year too. I have also done snazzy (hopefully) clickable links to any of the places that I have mentioned to make it a little easier for you to navigate, so you can take a sneaky look and maybe visit a few for yourself. 

2015 Travels:

I won’t go into too much detail on every city just a few of my favourites and most memorable ones, mentioning just a few of my highlights from throughout the year and hopefully I won't ramble on for too long!
 So in February i went to Norwich, it was very quaint with lots of cobbled streets that you could get lost amongst filled with lots of lovely little independent shops, i know sounds like my kind of heaven already! Whilst i was there i took the opportunity to go to lots of little cafes and coffee shops, i would definitely recommend No 33, theres usually a queue but its worth the wait for the best pancakes! Strangers coffee house, Pandoras kitchen ( who sell the best salted caramel brownies oh my gosh ) and little red roaster which has a really cute stall on the market are also ones to visit. On the restaurant side i went for the safe bet with Jamie’s Italian and Bill’s, you can never go wrong definitely two of my favourites for any city! 

In April i took a quick trip down to London, although I didn’t have much time as I mainly went to watch the marathon. However I would love to go again in the future and spend more time exploring as I think the city itself is amazing and there is so much there that I am yet to see!

Moving on to May my parents took me on a surprise trip to Cambridge for my birthday, this was the second time i had been, I absolutely love it there, everywhere is so cute and historic. The boat tours are touristy of course but I would recommend them if it is your first time, they are so relaxed and a good way to learn a little about the city. I went to an amazing crepe place that i wish i could remember the name of! We also went for one of the best halloumi burgers i’ve ever had in a really cool restaurant with an industrial style decor which i loved called Smokeworks, hidden away on a little side street but well worth finding! 

In the summer me and my family went on holiday to the south of France and whilst we were there we visited the city of Perpignan. This is the only city outside of the UK that i am going to mention as I am yet to venture out of this country too much. However it was too gorgeous here not to give it a quick mention. It was nice to see somewhere that wasn’t completely commercialised, there was a lot of French culture and things that i would consider to be traditionally French which was nice to experience. The shops were also amazing , and yes a very necessary trip to Sephora obviously had to happen!

I’ve visited both Nottingham and Leeds countless times throughout the years but I love them both so much as cities that i thought I would still include them. Nottingham has lots of lovely places to visit once you get to know the good areas you can find some hidden gems down some of the little side streets! I love the cafe ‘Homemade’ , ‘200 degrees coffee roastery’ is also the perfect place to take a break from the shopping with a cuppa’! I also have to mention the ‘Jamie’s Italian’ here is so nice and you can never beat a trip to Yo Sushi what ever city you’re in! There’s also a lovely area called Cobden Chambers that has lots of little independent businesses, including a magazine shop I love called ‘Ideas on paper’ where you can pick up lots of independent magazines, zines, books and stationary. Moving on to Leeds, which I think I could say is my favourite city so far, I just really love everything about it, i would really like to go to Uni there eventually i think. I can’t go a trip there without going to the corn exchange, not just for the mandatory insta photos but also for the gorgeous little independent shops inside (you can pick up the BEST humous and falafel at ‘Humpit’!) For coffee and cakes i would definitely recommend ‘Laynes espresso’ as this is by far my favourite cafe in Leeds, but ‘Mrs Atha’s’ is also nice too. I have so many more recommendations for these two cities because I go fairly often, so if you want a more in depth post or anymore information on them just let me know in the comments.

My aspirations for travelling in 2016. 

I haven’t decided on too many places as it would be completely unrealistic, however there are a few places I have been desperate to visit for so long and this year i would like to explore these places to tick them of my list. I also invested in one of those scratch maps of the UK and Ireland so that i can follow and keep track of which places I have been to and decide where i want to go next, I think these are such a cute idea!

The first place I would love to visit is Brighton! I can’t believe i’ve never been as it looks right up my street with the lovely little beach huts and independent shops and cafes I'm pretty sure i’d be in heaven. I’ve been reading lots of posts and been very inspired by the lovely Viviannadoesmakeup and Charlottesweb who have both done amazing posts on Brighton, well worth a read if you’re also thinking on taking a trip.

Somewhere thats a little bit of a trek but i have been desperate to go to for so long is Edinburgh. After following whatoliviadid’s trip there i felt totally inspired and i’m so excited to go and explore! I think it looks so cute and historic! Definitely look forward to a blog post in the near future of me exploring the cobbled streets, little shops and cafes, and all my Scottish excitement!

Finally i would like to take a quick trip to Oxford. It’s been sat on my list of places to go for a while now but i just never seem to have got round to going. I’m not sure when I plan to go but it just looks very traditionally English and a nice place to explore for a day or two!

I’m sure there will be other places I visit this year too, however I like to decide on a few destinations at the beginning of the year so that I have things to look forward to, maybe it will motivate me through the struggles of sixth form a bit, or is that too optimistic?

Wishlist of places to visit abroad:

I thought i’d include a little section of places that i am currently lusting over visiting in the future that are slightly further away. When i’m older, a bit more settled, and have explored and appreciated my own country I would love to venture abroad. Going abroad makes me feel fairly anxious with lots of changes, new surroundings and the dreaded plane! However despite this I am determined to combat this in the future and try to say 'yes' to more opportunities that I am given, otherwise I know i will regret missing out on some amazing experiences and memories. Some of the places i’d love to visit include; Thailand, Holland, Berlin and Budapest. I've seen loads of people from some of my favourite blogs and people i follow on twitter travelling to amazing places this year and i have felt so inspired and envious of all their amazing trips! I’ve looked into them all quite a lot recently and I think I would love them all, i’d really love to experience all of the different cultures and traditions and just generally explore them all!

This post is getting super long i’m so sorry, but i’m pretty proud of you if you’ve managed to get this far and I hope at least part of this has been kind of useful or interesting for you. Let me know in the comments where you would like to visit this year or if you have any questions on any of the places i have mentioned!

Ash x

What I got for Christmas 2015

Hello again, I haven't blogged in so so long but I have decided that in the new year i'm going to get back on track. I did a little poll on twitter to see what sort of post you wanted to see first and this came out most popular, you all must be just as nosey as me!

So this Christmas I was well and truly spoilt by my family and friends and I received so many lovely gifts which I am so thankful for! I feel so lucky to have got such beautiful things this year!

First I got the Channel Coco Mademoiselle perfume which is one of my all time favourite scents. The packaging is so beautiful I just keep looking at it. I think fancy perfumes are one of those things that is so nice to receive as a gift as I would never buy them myself so it seems so special. 

I also got a gorgeous Astrid and Miyu ring which I have wanted for ages! They are so dainty and I love that this one has my birthstone in it, so it is really special, and of course it is rose gold my favourite! I love Astrid and Miyu as a brand, i've been visiting their website and lusting over everything that's rose gold for so long! They have such a gorgeous collection of jewellery, I would really love to invest in a few more pieces in the future. Along withe the rose gold obsession I got a copper/rose gold letter A from Oliver Bonas which I have wanted for literally so long but the A has aways been out of stock, but by mum managed to get me one finally which I was honestly so happy about when I opened, I love it and it looks so cute in it's new home on my shelves in my room now!

A few other things that my family got me were; the fluffiest, cosiest dressing gown from Topshop with really cute ears on the hood. (I'm not sure when I plan on taking this off i love it too much). And also a lovely grey marl t-shirt from the brand 'Tee and Cake' at Topshop that says 'Let's Avocuddle' on it with a  little avocado, which obviously i'm obsessed with. My avocado loving is obviously wee known amongst my family! They also got me some vinyl records for my little record player to add to my collection. And a couple of books, i've already been experimenting with my new Wagamamas cook book, watch out ash is cooking up all the noodles!

I got a few beauty bits and bobs. The YSL lipstick I got is so beautiful, although i'm so nervous to use it as it seems so perfect! I was also treated to lots of Bumble and Bumble goodies which I am excited to try out as I have never used anything from that brand before!

I feel like i'm just listing everything that I have photographed which i'm trying not to do as I know that will be boring to read! However I hope this was kind of interesting for you, personally I love these kind of posts around christmas time, let me know what you got this year i'd love to here all the lovely things you received too!

Ash x

Relax.

From many past experiences I am fully aware as to just how difficult it can be to ignore the stress of everyday life, and take time to yourself. Stress is constantly looming on us; deadlines, responsibilities, and thoughts. However there are so many simple things we can do in attempt to combat this horrible feeling.

I invite you to take five minutes to read this post, armed with a cup of tea, and a mind ready to relax. 

First put down that work you’re allowed a break. Sometimes I can spend so long working on something but it’s just not worth it as my brain is too tired and over worked to continue for such a lengthy amount of time. Going back to something with a fresh mind will benefit your work.

Make yourself a hot beverage. Usually my drink of choice will be a cup of tea, it’s so comforting when you’re stressed. I’d recommend the Tea Pig's chamomile tea its sooo good (and the packaging is gorgeous which is always a bonus!) And just because you’re so great treat yourself to a biscuit...or several, I mean how can you have a cup of tea without a biscuit to dunk!

                   

I feel like my creative juices all flood out when i’m stressed so I will usually draw for a while. This always seems to be when I come up with the best ideas. It’s so relaxing too. The shelves of Waterstones are full of ‘adult colouring books’ now so it must do something. I’d really like to invest in The Mindfulness Colouring book by Emma Farrarons it’s so pretty and beautifully made.

     

Another thing I like to do is read. I always have a large supply of beautifully illustrated and interesting reads at hand to flick through in my spare time.  I also have a lovely area in my room where I just like to sit, light a candle and relax. I also have this Neal's Yard remedies to roll, which is a lifesaver. I never used to think that things like this would actually work but they are so calming and comforting I would definitely recommend them to anyone who gets anxious or stressed.

I hope you now feel suitably calm and content.

Thank you for reading, I'd love to hear all your little ways of relaxing in the comments x

Hello

Hello

I’ve been debating starting a slog for a while now, and many of my lovely friends have been persuading me that I should give it a go as what’s the worst that could happen? Now I have finished school for summer and after months of copious amounts revision, I still feel the need to do something productive with my time, blogging is something I think I will enjoy and will help me to keep memories that aren't just through an aesthetically pleasing square photo or 140 sarcastic characters I am currently used to.

I’m currently sat sipping on a coffee the size of my face and several biscuits, and I guess this is where my blog begins. I’ve found that I often struggle to contain everything I want to say in just 140 characters, so be prepared for my rambling as I embrace the lack of character limitations.

So I guess I’ll start my telling you a little about myself... I’d like to consider myself as a creative person; I love to spend my free time drawing, and snapping the odd photo, hopefully this will be conveyed in the image I hope to create through this blog. I also have a slight obsession with hummus, cakes, and coffee, (my usual order is a hazelnut latte). I also love to explore. Whether it is a new city or just the countryside around where I live, new places always seem to interest me.

I hope to post fairly regularly whilst I have the time. If anyone happens to read this I hope you enjoy my content, I’m excited to explore and get started.

Ash x