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