The joys of penpalling...

I began penpalling around 6 months ago however- as I said in recent post, due to my life being utter craziness the past month (and it is set to continue right into September!) I have had little time to give over to other commitments and, when I noticed that the pile of unreplied letters was growing rather large I decided to take some quality time to compose my replies.

 I totally rediscovered my love for penpalling! I don't have that many pen pals (around 4/5) and with some living as far away as Malaysia (and the crappy postal service) it can be a good 2 months before I recieve replies but boy is it worth it! They put so much time and effort into each letter and it is so fun thinking of your reply and telling them everything that has been going on in your life! I often like to include extras in my letters, sometimes bought items (often ones that sum up Britain e.g tea!) but I often slide in coins, stickers or even recipes to make it more interesting!

I know penpalling is considered 'old fashioned' (its often nicknamed Snail mail haha) but there is something kind of nostalgic about it and you can meet people across the world and share everything about yourself with them. I just love the designing,you can put so much time and effort into a letter,covering the envelope with washi tape,stickers, drawings and patterns. Plus- who doesnt love a good old handwritten letter?
I know there are sites such as this that have taken a more modern view on it, essentially being sites to communicate on (without actually sending letters haha) and others that allocate you a pen pal (obviously be careful when giving over your address!) but I found mine through instagram.

@mygreencow  is a instagrammer that has a lot to do with penpalling- and often(ish) uploads photos titled "find a penpal below" and you are instructed to pop your name, age and country below and then connect with others to find your penpal- this is how I did it- I think its a great way as the chances are the people won't turn out to be dodgy (touchwood) and you also have something in common and will most likely like similar things! So keep your eyes peeled for more of those posts if you're interested in finding a penpal!

Do you like writing letters? Do you have a penpal?
Katie x
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Currents: Listening: not much // Reading: The Help-Kathryne Stockett // Loving: Pyjama days // Lusting: 90s style crop top

100 Happy Things Part 1

I wanted to compose a list of some little things in life that make me happy. This list really made me think beyond the obvious things (e.g family- which of course makes me super happy and i'd never take them for granted but they obviously arent the only contribution to my happiness) and pull apart the things that add to making day great. So this is a list of all the small things that are often not recognised, that add to my everyday happiness- of course there are hundreds but trust me- when put on the spot its excpetionally hard to think of everything that makes you happy or put it into words that don't sound like gobbledygook.

Source: Pinterest

1) Joking with family

2) Spending quality time with friends

3) Decorating my room

4) Looking through photos and memories 

5) Deep conversations

6) Baking (and eating) cakes

7) Clean bed sheets

8) Completing a goal+those who recognise/celebrate this acheivement 

9) Laughing 

10) Having things to look forward to

11) Sunsets 

12) Cute gift shops

13) Crafting 

14) Waking early to the beautiful light streaming in my windows

15) Unstructured days

16) The beach

17) The way my best friends can cheer me up

18) Writing 

19) Late summer evenings

20) Walks with friends 

21) Surprises 

22) Making others happy

23) Summer rain

24) Compliments/complimenting

25) Feeling free

26) Reading
27) Skyping friends
28) inside jokes
29) Long hugs
30) Sitting at the bottom of my garden with the fire and candles, toasting marshmallows
31) Summer
32) Candles
33) Late night conversations
34) Long baths
35) productive days
36) Blogging
37) Fairylights
38) Sherlock
39) Making others proud
40) Writing (and receiving) letters
41) Decorating anything (e.g the letters I send  to Penpals)
42) Cute stationary
43) Raspberry sorbet
44) People remembering little facts about you
45) Achieving something
46) Tea
47) Taking photos
48) Chocolate fingers
49) Pinterest
50) Raspberry lemonade

What are some little things that make you happy? I will be doing the other half at some point in the near future so keep a look out for that.

Katie x
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London Adventure (and Haul)

Last weekend, I and my two closest friends embarked on a rather exciting adventure to mark the end of the school term. We visited London for two nights, staying at my uncles and trying to cover as many of the touristy activites as possible in our very short stay. It was quite an adventure; three 15 year old girls trekking across London alone is quite a recipe for disaster if like us, you don't know London that well but everything ran super duper smoothly and we even felt pretty confident in navigating ourselves around the city by the time we had left. I planned to do a whole lifestyle post but you know how it is, you forget to actually take photos and then end up with some hideously weird mug shots that will be deleted straight away. So I thought, instead of paining you all with some exceptionally attractive photos of me upside down, I would combine a haul and lifestyle post and see what (moderately) adequate photos I had.

 First, on the Saturday it was boiling so we decided just to go to Greenwich park which, if you ever get the opportunity to go is lovely. It has a maritime museum, cafe, observatory (connected to the GMT where the Greenwich Meridian line runs) and other great features but as it was so warm, we just sat in the park and sunbathed. It was lovely.

 Sunday was then our shopping day. First we headed to Camden (excuse the awful photo) where we had a little look around. We didnt particuarly like Camden market as it was very touristy however a little up the way is another market called Camden Lock which we much prefered that was more arty and had a photo booth etc. Camden market is always super lively and fun and definitely worth a look around to get a different side to London.

 We then caught the tube to Covent Garden. I think this was probably my favourite place and, although we didnt spend as much time here as I would have liked, it made me definitely want to come back.

We then strolled from Covent Garden, through Soho up to Oxford street (and Regent street) which of course are a must. It was super busy as always but I loved the vibe and shopping there is always so good.
On the Monday, we caught the Clipper from Greenwich (a boat that goes along the river Thames) to the Tate modern and then wondered around and did some sites (unfortunately however my camera had died and I cleverly had not packed a charger...)
I was thoroughly impressed by my direction skills over the weekend, I have been to London a lot of times however never on my own so, along with an A-Z and some very patient friends, we found our way around with no bother and had a wonderful weekend.
Now onto the haul...
I was actually surprised with how restrained I was a bought a lot less than I thought I would. Unfortunately, there are still a few pieces I wish I picked up (that you cannot get hold of in Newcastle) and a few places I wish I had spent longer but I am thoroughly pleased with all my purchases.

H&M-£12.99

 The first thing I bought was this dress from H&M. I cannot tell if this is deep navy or black but it has tiny ditsy white flowers on. It is a skater shape but is made from a chiffon-y material so isnt too figure hugging. It is quite short but I did get a smaller than usual size so I am sure it could be longer. Overall, I love this dress. Its super easy to wear and will be perfect for summer.

Topshop-£30

 I have been lustering over these sandals (well any sandals) ever since I found out that my dad had thrown awaay my old beloved ones. The great thing about these is, not only are they real leather and super comfy, they also cover your toes which makes them a lot more practical and easy to wear. I love the sort of tribal look of them and I can't wait to wear them!

Forever 21- £13.50

 The next place we went, after a long trek down Oxford Street was Forever 21. This was probably the main shop I wanted to visit however, after a long and very hot day walking around, none of us really had that much energy to look so I only came out with one thing.
I was really worried these shorts wouldnt fit as the queue for the changing room was way too long so I just threw them over my shorts (not a good idea people...) but surprisingly they are fine! I am in LOVE with the dusty pink colour- Its really flattering and tan enhancing and hopefully, makes the shorts look a little unusual.
These were really good value, its just such a shame we don't have Forever 21 in Newcastle!

 The final clothing item I purchased was this really light, cropped sweater from H&M (a different H&M to the dress). I thought this would be great for summer evenings and, as the sleeves are quite tight but the rest is loose, will look really casual with the shorts above or even over the dress.

I picked these earrings up from Camden Lock. They are handcrafted and their simplistic design is so beautiful, I will definitely be wearing these a lot. I was also in desperate need of earrings-I have a whole jar full and probably only own 2 pairs- I loose them like there is no tomorrow...

These are finally just some polaroids we took on the trip.
 I am so lucky to be able to experience such great adventures with my best friends and I just hope we can do it again soon!
Congratulations if you got to the end of that uber long post!
katie x
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Fujifilm Instax Mini 8

I had been lustering over a Polaroid camera of any type for years but has always been put off as a supposedly 'modernised' version had not yet reached the markets and I was always wary of the quality of the older Polaroid ones. When my birthday came around, I had no idea what to ask for so decided as a bit of fun I would hope for a Fujifilm camera.

I know these are quite common and I am not usually one to follow such trends however I could not resist the pretty pastel and novelty surrounding these cameras.

 These cameras aren't cheap for what they are, there is nothing special about the picture quality and the prints are totally over priced but something about the surprise and nostalgia of these is so exciting. Admittedly the pictures are about £1 each which, when you somehow decide to do one for everyone at a party, can end up costing a lot (I really need to learn to say no...).These cameras can be found in places such as Urban Outfitters however if you are looking into purchasing one, I would definitely recommend Amazon (the one I found is here) as you can find some great offers along with the prints.

Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with this camera. I have taken some absolutely awful pictures but I guess that's all part of the fun and I really still haven't grasped the light filter changing thing in the camera as my pictures always end up too light or too dark but hey, they are still make nice memories. I love the idea that the pictures slide out (you do have to shake them for a good 10 minutes-it isn't instant) and at the end of the day, there is no point in saving the prints. There is also something that makes these images much more special than ones taken on the big camera-I don't know if it is their extortionate cost or the crappy quality (that admittedly we all love) but a Polaroid really is something to treasure.

Do you have one of these cameras?

Katie x
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Peach blossom

As a treat for finishing my exams, I decided I would purchase myself another MAC lipstick. I, along with almost every beauty blogger, love a good MAC lipstick and with there being so many options, I found it incredibly hard to choose.

I wanted something very neutral and glossy /creamy but all the usual nudes (e.g creme cup, hue) wouldnt suit my complexion.I had had my eye on Patisserie but my store didnt seem to stock it (or maybe I'm just rubbish at looking haha). Instead, I went for Peachblossom, a gorgeous 'my lips but better' shade with a little shimmmer. I really am not a shimmer girl, but in this it makes it look extra glossy and creamy on this lips. It super easy to wear and very appropriate for school. The only slight issue I have is, due to it being so creamy, it doesnt stay particuarly well and I often end up with the awkward lipstick line. These are, however very minor issues and seeing as it so wearable, you dont need a mirror to apply so its a great one for your handbag.
What are your favourite mac lipsticks?
Katie x

Things to do this summer...

I feel I have been very neglectful over my blog recently, my life has been utter madness with exams, trips, work experience etc so anytime when I haven't been revising or seeing people, I have been taking a well deserved break. 

Last week marked my first blogiversary, I had semi planned a post celebrating my past year but when it came down to it, I once again had little time. I do have some very exciting things in the works though including a new blog design, and hopefully, with the summer holidays being a mere 3 weeks away, it will give me more time to dedicate to my blog. The 6 week holidays are definitely the best part of school, they feel like you have forever to spend doing what ever you want- no school, homework or revision. This glory soon disappears when you realise the weeks are dramatically dwindling and you only have a few days left. That is why I want to make the most of this summer and to do this, I have decided to come up with a "Things to do this summer" list...

1. Spontaneous adventures 

This is one of my favourite things about summer, spending the day out getting lost on a train or in a park. I love anything spontaneous, I often make the best memories out of them. Even if this is in my local park, just spending the day with friends, playing games until the sun sets.

2. Camp out in Teepee

For what feels like every year, myself and my friend have attempted to camp out in my garden. There is a public country lane/footpath that runs between the house and main garden so we always get terrified and have to run back inside. This year, I am determined to do it, and I would especially like to sleep in the Teepee myself and my mum made last year.

3. Take hundreds of photos

This is pretty self explanatory but I want to collect all the best memories to display on my wall and look back through in winter. 

4. Go to the beach in the evening

I don't live too far from the beach, its about a 15 minute train ride but I really want to go with friends in the evening and have a BBQ and play beach games.

6. Do a craft project

Being so busy, I have had almost no time to do any form of crafting but I always love to set myself a big project to get on with in quiet days in the holidays.

7. Write a short story

Writing is one of my favourite things and I hope that this summer I will have enough time to dedicate to writing a short story. I just need a plot...

9. Read more

I bought quite a few books a month or so ago and have had almost no time to read them- I am now going to save them for the summer where I hope to spend a lot of time relaxing in the garden with a book...

10. Go on a bike ride

Last year, I and a few friends went on a bike ride. It was one of my favourite memories of last summer and I really hope we can do it again!

Who knows if I will complete any of these let alone all of them? My main goal of summer is to relax and have fun- what is  on your summer to do list?

Katie x

Top 5 books "That Changed My Life"

Today I thought I would run you guys through my top 5 books that "changed my life". Most of these books are YA (young adult), I just find that they cover current issues in a very clever way that I also find I can relate to as I fall into that catergory! Of course there are hundreds and I have only just touched the surface, if you have any additional suggestions leave them below, I'd love to find more!

To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee

I love this book, the way Harper Lee captures typical events of the 1930s but puts them through the naive eyes of young Scout Finch really makes the book relatable. She tackles some pretty prominent and tough issues (e.g racism) but as it is seen through such a young perspective, it is humorous and a thoroughly great read. 

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower- Stephen Chbosky

I cannot get over how cleverly this book is written, it is written in the perspective of a teenage boy who clearly has some form of mental illness but it totally captures all his thoughts and feelings, making the book really relatable and allowing you to completely empathise with Charlie's position. There is so much love and warmth in this book, and while it isnt all simple and straight forward (and despite it being a very heavy topic) it is quite 'feel good' and leaves you thinking " wow". This book really helped me to understand more about the issues relating to mental illness and totally changed my perspective on life

The Fault In Our Stars- John Green

Wow, I couldn't really write a post about books that changed my life without putting this in could I? But I do feel this book has an extra special place in my heart as it was quite a big deal to read it. Call it cliche, but this book did change my life. It caused me to think totally differently about something that terrified me and also sort of reduced my fear. But that aside, it is an amazing book about strength, love and loss; if you haven't read it (where have you been?!) I strongly urge you to do so!

Ketchup Clouds- Annabel Pitcher

This book is composed from a set of letters sent between a teenager (Zoe) and a man on death row, Zoe has a terrible confession to make and finds peace in these letters of correspondence. The thing I find most magical about this book is the sympathy you feel for Mr Harris (the man on death row) and the relationships you build with the characters. It has such beauty about it and is written so cleverly that you feel real empathy for Zoes position and I just couldn't put it down.

The Book Theif- Marcus Zusak

This one kind of ties in with The Fault In Our Stars in the sense that it gave me a whole new perspective on a scary topic. Once again this story is told through a young girls eyes but what I love most is the portrayal of death. He isnt shown to be scary or horrid, but caring and an almost loving character. It really made me rethink the idea of death and totally took the fear away. I love how in depth Death tells the story, describing scents and colours of people, it really adds to his character and I felt after reading this book I could take sigh of relief.

A few other suggestions:

-The shock of the fall

-Room

-Noughts and Crosses

I hope you like this post, something a little different. If you arent keen on these book type posts, don't worry- I have a beauty one coming up next week!

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

Katie x

DIY scrunchies

There's no denying it, whether you love or loathe the 90's craze, scrunchies are back. This cute and super easy DIY injects a perfect floral freshness to any outfit

It feels like it's been an age. I've changed my blog URL and haven't posted for two weeks, not that long really but it feels years. Something feels odd about changing my URL, I got Bloglovin to transfer all my followers etc and although I still have that icon that reads 149 followers, they feel ghostly and undeserved. It feels like my blog has gone back 6 months to when it all began.

I thought as a way to ease me back in (yes it really does feel that long) I would do a DIY. I have been planning this for weeks- I'm really excited for it so I hope you like it. 

 You will need:

A piece of floral (or other print) cotton fabric measuring 60cm x 14cm

A length of strong slim elastic- about 30cm  (I picked mine up in John Lewis- I think it was about £3) 

A matching cotton thread

A sewing machine (it is possible to do it without)

Fabric scissors

A pencil

A ruler/tape measure

Pins

Knitting needle- not essential but very handy 

An iron

 Step 1:

First, iron your fabric to ensure it has no creases in then using a pencil, on the back of your fabric mark out a 14x60 cm rectangle and cut it out.

 Step 2:
With the wrong side of the fabric facing you, fold over the edge of the right hand short side by about 1cm and pin (or press flat with an iron). Then fold the fabric over horizontally (along the length) and pin along the open edge.

 Step 3:

Sew along the open edge of the fabric leaving about a 1/2cm seam allowance. When finished you should have a nice tube.

 Step 4:

You need to turn the tube right side out- this can be quite difficult and involves quite a lot of flapping! I just start by trying to pull on end through and flap it a lot and eventually it works! The knitting needle can sometimes be helpful. Once you have done that iron the tube flat 

Step 5:

Take your knitting needle and tie the elastic around the end (this helps pull the elastic through). Once you have done this you should have two ends- you can either sew them together (I did this because you are then left without a knot in your scrunchie- just run over the ends a couple of times) or you can tie them. Push the knot/seam into the fabric tubing.

Step 6: 

I hate this part, mostly because I suck a hand sewing...

Overlap the ends of the fabric, with the folded edge on top. Carefully stitch (I'd recommend slip stitch) these two sides together. By stitching carefully into the fabric, your seam will be almost invisible.

as you can see my sewing is awful but it doesnt really matter as it is all pleated together

Step 7:

Wear with pride!

This makes a relatively wide scrunchie but if you wanted to make a thinner one (which looks nice with a top knot) you could use 50x10cm instead.

I have a few other hair DIY's so it could become a little series. I hope you've enjoyed this and that you try to make them! If you do send me a picture!
Have a lovely weekend,
Katie x