Maths, coffee, repeat.

Hello! 

I know, I know, I slacked, I'm bad, but life is currently a monotonous cycle of revision, Gossip Girl (oops!) and early nights.... Not the exciting life I wish to lead, but short term pain, long term gain, and all that! Now that summer seems to be creeping in, I'm finding it more and more difficult to glue myself to that seat in the beautifully airconned silent section of the library, and away from the sunshine joy and often find myself walking into the library with my soul pulling this face... 

OTT I know but I just love the sun!

Anyhoo, as a finalist (so scary), I have finally come to realise that I have few words of wisdom for all of you in a similar predicament to myself, struggling to motivate yourselves.

1. Tea/ coffee are your friends. Obviously not in huge amounts, but I have found a cup of tea in the early afternoon is really kick starting my work after lunch.

2. Get up and take 5 if nothing is going in. Arguably the most important thing I have learned in the last month. I'm a maths student and sometimes no matter how hard I try, my brain simply cannot find the answer. But after looking away for 5 minutes, getting up, and coming back to it, I can usually fix the problem pretty quickly.

3. Take that time off work. I can be a workaholic. I like working and I like earning money. I pained me to take 8 weeks off work to study and take my exams but I know the month or two of taking extra financial care will be worth it... Don't be scared to do the same too!

4. Early nights are for cool kids. I've always been known as the Grandma of the house, I'm not ashamed, but it's hugely paying off when it's come to studying. Be cool, be in bed early!

5. Classical music is underrated. YouTube has all sorts of lengthy classical and soothing playlists. I recommend them for and kind of revision, then you're not tempted to sing along!

What other tips and tricks do you guys have up your sleeves??

With Love,

Zoe 

x

100 Happy Days! || Week 2

Hello, hello, hello!

Loaded with cold and illness, but we are powering through, team! The rain is falling, my best friend is back in town for a week, and as promised, your mid-week dose of happy days is here!

7. 9th January 2014 - The gym gear is back on and we are back in business! 

9. 10th January 2014 - Happy Birthday Grandad! The big 7-0! The best!

10. 11th January 2014 - Alumni Sports Day. It was cold, it was fun, it was wonderful!

11. 12th January 2014 (late night/early morning photo cheat but I love this one so much!) - Two of the closest pals just being close pals!

I had hoped to take a few more snaps this week to fill up this post, so if you're disappointed, I'm truly sorry! Alumni beat me up, and then my cold jumped on the bandwagon and after almost three long days, my voice has returned, and the coughing is becoming less and less!

What has made you guys happy this week?

With Love, Zoe 

x

100 Happy Days! || Week 1

Hello there!

A friend I went to primary school with (and easily one of the most beautifully positive people I've ever come across) has been uploading the most fun pictures to her Instagram (find it here, or her twitter here) and hashtagging '#100happydays' I'm not sure if its a thing she just made up out of the blue of whether its a real thing but regardless, I think the concept is fabby! 

So with this in mind, I will be starting my own little mini-series of '100 Happy Days' right here on my blog. Basically, finding the positives in as many days and humanly possible! I'm probably not going to post them as 100 separate posts because it will bore you dry, but I think every Wednesday I'm going to upload up to seven (aka every day) 100 Happy Days pictures. It may not be exactly a picture per day, but I'm going to try my hardest to find something that makes me smile every single day!

So here goes!

1. 1st January 2014 - Fun in the Alps with Daddio. What could be better?

 2. 2nd January 2014 - Last day in France. Holiday blues but happy happy happy times!

3. 4th January 2014 - Enjoying the remainder of my time at home. Clearly smiles all round.

 4. 6th January 2014 - One of life's little pleasures, a good, British cuppa!

Fancy getting involved in #100HappyDays? I'll be posting and tweeting them day by day on my Instagram and Twitter! What has made you happy today?

Until next time, friends! 

With Love,

Zoe xx

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Bonne Anneé from France!

Helloooo out there! 

As some of you may know, I spent my New Year skiing in the French Alps, which was AMAZING. You give me a little snow shower and I'm going to return to a happy snowman building 10 year old.
(See Exhibit A)

Aside from the obvious little life pleasures that France has to offer, (bread, cheese, wine, repeat) it was wonderful to be able to spend some quality time with my Dad, Step-mum & Step-sister, which is a rarity these days and everyone is SO busy with clashing routines.

We also got to set off Chinese lanterns in Les Carroz town square in between Christmas and New Year which is something I've always wanted to witness, so seeing it in a snow topped setting was fantastic! (I also may or may not have turned a bit pyromaniac with the lighter - oops!). There was a massive tun out of both French and English tourists who delved in and went wild with their lanterns, and aside from us almost burning down the Christmas tree in the square more than once, it was an incredible sight to see- no photos I have seen do Chinese Lanterns justice!

 The view from our chalet was beautiful. Luckily the Boxing day snow came right in time for my arrival and I was ready and raring to go with skis in tow (oooh how poetic!)

 It also made a fantastic beer and wine fridge. Super Eco-Friendly Family! 

Now now, mulled wine, my old friend. Not only am I sure it is in the small print of the definition of 'winter' but it is best tasted on the side of a mountain with a side order of snow! I promise. I might have had cold tootsies by the time Vin Chaud O'Clock occurred but it warmed me nicely from the insides out every single time!

One of the highlights of the holiday, however, was the surprise Christmas present we received from my Step-Mum when I finally met them out in France. Ski-Joëring. Yeah 'what on Earth is that?'... Exactly my question when I opened up the little letter and miniature donkey figurine. Skis on, grab the reins and off we go! Basically skiing on the back of a horse, and SO much fun! A little family run business with 12 horses and the most adorable dog, Goliath, Cheval et Montange (found here) was perfect! Everyone seemed to chip in and although there was a minor language barrier, everyone was super friendly! As you can see, my horse Isabelle and I bonded like nobody's business and I effectively became a horse whisperer!

I know that Cheval Et Montage is open all year round for various different weather related horsey activities, so if you're ever near the Alps, hit them up!

All in all a very welcome holiday and the most perfect way to bring in the New Year!

What did you guys do to welcome in the new year?

With Love,

Zoe

x

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Morocco || Travel

Hello there and a very Merry Christmas to you all!

I've deprived myself of blogging due to some seriously stressful Uni times. Oh the woes of final year. Looking back, I can only imagine how truly boring any blog post I wrote would have been too, so I guess I saved you all there!

Anyway, after a stressful few months, my best friend and I booked a last minute 4-day break to Marrakech, Morocco and it may have been the best idea ever.

I highly recommend that if you get the chance to visit, you definitely jump at the opportunity. Such a beautiful city and as we went in the first week of December the temperatures were in the low 20s (Celsius) which was perfect for sightseeing, hiking up mountains and camel riding.

The people there are super friendly (maybe too friendly, one marriage proposal and an offer to be bought for 6 camels later) and all of the guides who showed us round were more than happy to tell you extra bits of information which was always welcome...

And now for the pictures!:

These are the super friendly women who make Argan oil! which actually I had only heard about recently but was mind blown with all the work it takes for each tiny little bottle!

And the mint tea... Mmmmm oh boy! Amazing, and their signature drink for guests.... Nearly bought a bag from the pharmacy to bring home but 1) it looked very much like an illegal drug and I couldn't be sure it wasn't that, and 2) I realised it is SUCH a faff to make... So huge thanks to anyone out there who made me any!

The general scenery and a classic "walking into the distance" shot - thanks Freya!

We were lucky enough to go camel riding through the palm grove...

...With these little fellas!

Then in true sporting style, hiked up to the waterfalls in the Atlas Mountains... Absolute must do!

And finally this was the view we had from the roof terrace of the little Riad we stayed in! Beautiful.

I am now on a skiing holiday with family but pinky promise to keep you all in the loop better than I have been! 

Zoe xx

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Dora Martin | NEW MUSIC

Hello there!!

"Dora who?" I hear you say! Well that's exactly what I thought about 6 weeks ago when my Twitter timeline became nothing but a mass of '#WhoIsDoraMartin' tweets. Alas, I'd know those two cartoon heads anywhere!! 

Introducing the very talented Jermaine Riley and Cherri Voncelle.

Jermaine started out as 1/3 of R&B super group FDM, the first international act to be signed to Ne-Yo's label, Compound Entertainment. Since the split in 2011, the singer/ dancer/ graphic designer has gone on to release four free conceptual albums for the fans, worked with the likes of Chipmunk, and penned a contract with a Japanese record label. And in the words of Muhammed Ali, 'Superman don't need no seatbelt'... Up, up and away!

Cherri is no different. Her E.Ps 'Shades of Red' and 'Good Morning Madame Rouge' ooze vocal strength, control and beauty. After travelling the country as support act to Jessie J in 2011 on her Heartbeats Tour, she was quickly snapped up to work with the pop star as Jessie's backing vocalist, and seems to be adored by fans everywhere!

Having now broken away from their solo careers, Jermaine and Cherri are ready to embark on a fantastic journey together, and Dora Martin's debut single 'Skyline' is no disappointment! (It can be purchased on iTunes here for a fantastic 79p! That's practically cheaper than a Freddo these days!)

Dora Martin : Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Oh and also, you can see them supporting BRANDY (What the hell kinda first gig!) on Tuesday 24th September!

What do you think?? Who else are you loving listening to lately?

With Love,

Zoe xx

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Autumn is here!

Hello there!

Although I love both the Summer sun and Winter snow very very much, Autumn is definitely my favourite season!! Yellow leaves, scarves, hats, big, snuggly coats and knowing that soon it will be necessary to have film nights at our house with the whole world bundled in our living room trying to keep warm- what more can you ask for?!

It also feels refreshing, new and shiny when September hits as it is the start of the academic year (my last one ever- waa!) so new stationary needs to be bought, that 'I'm going to get into a routine and sort my life out' thing sets in, and exercise runs and jumps at me like a bulldozer. (I'm excited for all of the above though!)

For now, I have two weeks before my last year of insane study and silliness begins, and I'm terrified and wild with excitement at the same time.

I also purchased my first jumper of the season last week, which is a sure sign that Autumn is upon us!

Are you guys Autumn fanatics too? What are your favourite Autumn purchases?

With love,

Zoe xx

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I'M 21!

I've made it! As of 5.31am this morning, I am 21!

I'm feeling massively overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who have taken the time out of their day to wish me a Happy Birthday! It is truly astounding! A current personal favourite message is the dreamy Snapchat from my very good friend Grace. (Also thanks for the present too lady!)

I normally get VERY excited for birthdays (and not necessarily just my own!). They're just so fun and filled with happiness and I absolutely LOVE buying presents. There is little more satisfying than finding the perfect gift for someone.

But this year I haven't been that excited for my own birthday... Not for any particular reason, just a general feeling of old and lacking a life plan. I should have been excited though! I've been SPOILED ROTTEN!

So many cards filled with kind words and some VERY lavish gifts! I could not be more overwhelmed and grateful!

So THANKYOU x 10000000000 to everyone who has dropped me a message wishing me a Happy Birthday and sent me beautiful cards and gifts! I could not be happier!

With Love,

Zoe xx

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Online vs On-foot

Hello there!

Today has turned my world upside down and everything I thought I felt about 'online vs on-foot' shopping has gone out of the window and I'm just not sure about anything anymore!

Due to being lazy/busy (slightly less of the latter) it takes a very rare and special mood for me to thoroughly enjoy clothes shopping (Take me drugstore shopping, however, and I am like a sugar addict in a sweet shop!). When it's all neat and tidy and out in front of my like a pop up catalogue, I love it, but when you're picking through untidy rails trying to find the bargains, I get fed up.... QUICKLY.

Today was a day when I thought my mood was spot on, and I was ready to take on the world, so with little Lexie in tow, and the promise of a new notepad so that she could 'write a diary about starting her new school on Wednesday', I thought it was going to be a breeze. After all, all I really needed was a dress and a birthday dinner appropriate outfit- not too much to ask for, surely?

After mooching around the usual Topshop, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, Next, etc. I was feeling wholly underwhelmed and had very few purchases under my belt and no idea what I really wanted.

3 hours and one Nandos later I admitted defeat and had managed to pick up a few basic bits post-food which I was pleased with. 8 year old fed up syndrome was kicking in and so I hadn't tried anything on but had full faith in myself and was feeling good. Student discounts here and sale items there. GREAT!

WRONG

Got home and at least half of the stuff I had bought didn't fit properly, so I opted to go online and re-order everything to be delivered to their respective stores in bigger/smaller sizes so I could go in and make exchanges later in the week.... I did, however, manage to prepare myself for winter with a super duper 'Mohair Bobble Hat' from New Look for £4.99 - WINNING

So now I'm just not sure how I feel..

Do we love online for it's ease and simplicity and lack of untidy racks, or do we love a mooch in the shop?

With Love,
Zoe x

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Nail Varnish heaven

Hello there!

As a holiday season approaches, I get SUPER excited to wear nail varnish... An odd concept, I know, but when you have the world's most un-glamorous job which (strictly no nail varnish), and you're netball-ing 4 times a week (strictly no long nails), the chance to pamper my hands and treat them to a delicious coat or two of nail varnish is rare and precious!

Aside from the fact that it helps to keep my painfully weak nails to grow strong and happy, being able to have jolly hands makes me a very happy lady!

So on a small shopping trip with Mama today, I picked up some little bargains in Boots!

Colour Show by Maybelline is always a favourite of mine anyway- it just seems to go on nicely and doesn't chip too quickly, which is all I really ask for in a nail varnish! And even better, ONLY £2.99!

From left to right, the colours I chose were:

150 Mauve Kiss

214 Green with envy

341 Orange Attack

110 Urban Coral

211 Tanned & Ready - VINTAGE LEATHER (Very excited to try this one out!!!!)

I also purchased a few of my old faithfuls, L'Oreal, still at a very reasonable £3.99 a bottle.

I bought the two colours below (503 Addictive Plum & 836 Scarlet Tinsel) in an attempt to do an accent nail which always looks snazzy!

(As you can see in the picture, little Lexie had her hands all over this glittery duo!)

I'd love to hear what nail varnishes you guys like! Bring me into your jazzy hand world!

With love,

Zoe xx



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Lauren Aquilina

Hello there!

I stumbled across the very talented Lauren Aquilina about 2 years ago, when a friend showed me some of her covers on YouTube. At the time, I was pretty impressed but soon got lost in life and it wasn't until very recently that I rediscovered her and WOW (that's me being speechless!).

Now that she is doing less covers and more of her own handwritten gems, I am loving her even more! I highly recommend purchasing BOTH of her EP's, (Fools, and Sinners) on iTunes, especially if you are a fan of flawless vocals and catchy melodies. (I have been humming 'Ugly Truth' from the new 'Sinners' E.P. for near enough a week now!)

To top off my Lauren Aquilina love, she is an 18 year old who seems to do nothing but thank the world on social media site, pull ridiculous faces (the quickest way to my heart) and shower her fans with love and affection. I don't ask for much more in an artist! You go, Lauren!

You can find her and tell her that you think she is great too either on Twitter: @LaurenAquilina or via Facebook: facebook.com/laurenaquilinamusic

With love,

Zoe xx



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We Heart It!!

Hello!

About a month ago my new housemate, Sophie came up to me with this wonderful app called 'we heart it'. 

And oh my lord I DO heart it! Definitely spending more time than is socially acceptable scrolling through their cute images, thought provoking quotes (and a few that are too cutest for my liking, but I'll embrace them anyway!) and GIFs, and 'heart(ing) it' left right and centre!

Here are a few of my favourites from today!!!

Source: www.winkandblush.com 

Source: www.myofficiaiya.tumblr.com 

Source: http://weheartit.com/david_le_gac

Source: www.ilove-pariss.tumblr.com 

Have you downloaded the 'we heart it' app yet?

What do you most like to see on there?

With love,

Zoe xx

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