wild wood

I mentioned that last Friday me and the boy went for a walk in the Dell near my house, so this is pretty much a post with pictures from that. I really want to show you all what it's like, because I absolutely love it down there! It really is like a whole different world down there.

Dan xxx

a piece of my heart

This weekend's gone so fast! Hope everyone's had fun :)

My boyfriends been spending a lot of time 'down in the celler', and this is what he came up with! I really love it, and can't wait to have it hanging in my new flat soon. I hate how talented he is sometimes! He's an amazing singer/guitar player, a really great drawer, and now aparantly he's some sort of carpenter haha! I've now made a long list of things I want making, he'll be busy for weeks ;).

My weekends been spent chilling out mainly! On Friday we went for a walk in a place called Healey Dell which is down the road from me, and had a such a lovely time. Last night I just spent time with my dad and brother, and we watched the Kings Speach. I loved it! I've got to admit I wasn't too sure about it, but I really enjoyed it. I'd definately recommend it!

Today I' making brownies, then catching the train back to Leeds. Enjoy your Sundays'!

Dan xx

none of us heard her coming

Skirt and belt-Newlook, top and cardigan-Topshop, tights-Primark

Thursday tomorrow! That means one seminar, 2 lectures then weekend! I think I'm heading home for the weekend, so happy! Feels like foreverrrr even though it's only been 2 weeks. I'm such a homegirl.

Today's been a good day! I had a meeting with my personal tutor, and was really happy with the results I got back, which was for academic essays which are not my strong point! She even said she's like to show one of my essays to other students as an example of good first year work! I was really pleased.

After that, me and a friend decided to make use of orange wednesday and go to the cinema. 'Just go with it' was our choice, mainly as it was the next film on, but I really enjoyed it. I do love Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore is one of my favourite films. The film was actually quite funny, if a bit strange at points.

After crushing on Jennifer Aniston for the length of the film I've decided (after debating for around 2 yrs. Yes, 2 yrs) to go blonde. My natural colour is a darkish blonde, but I've been dying it brown for years. I'm still quite scared though. What do you think? Will it look completely stupid?

Dan xx

smile like you mean it take 13

1. Some nice pampering. Today I got up early, went for a run and did a yoga workout, then took some time for some pampering! You really can't beat a long shower with nice hair products and a body scrub! I also painted my nails and used a facemask. So good!

2. Being productive. I feel I'm really getting things done at the minute, including little extra's that I don't really need to! This make me feel so good, and like I've really achieved something.

3. Little suprises. I mentioned that my boyfriend suprised me by coming to Leeds with wine and food, and it really made my week! I was expecting a dull weekend on my own, and the fact that he came up with my favourite food was so lovely.

For some reason everytime I try to upload an image it's saying server rejected? Has anyone else had this problem?

Dan xx

weekend in food

Yes kids, that's right. My obsession with food has hit new levels: it now recieves its very own post, pictures included.

My boyfriend suprised me by turning up on friday night with all the ingredients for peppercorn steak veg + roast potatoes and a bottle of my favourite wine. Definately a nice suprise. It was seriously good! For breakfast on saturday we then had some amazing scrambled egg on toast, then pasta bolognaise and homemade garlic bread (made from the most beautiful bread from Waitrose ever!), and a helping of brownie cupcakes! Possibly not my healthiest weekend ever, but I've had such a nice time just chilling out and cooking with my boy.

Hope everyone's had a good weekend!

Dan xxx

one night to be confused

top, ring, foundation brush: topshop shirt + purse: primark

This week I got a Uni bursary, so I decided to put half in my savings and then have a little shop! I didn't get much, just a few bits, so still have a bit of money for when I see nice summery clothes! I have an idea in my head of how I want my summer wardrobe to look, so hopefully I'll find some nice bits!

Really glad it's the weekend, this weeks felt like a killer even though I've not done much! My boy says he has a suprise for me tonight, so no idea what that'll be! No plans really though, just a big list of reading and writing to do.

I'll definately be trying to stay away from the internet as much as possible this weekend, as everywhere I look people are talking about LFW. So jealous! I hope everyone who's going has an amazing time though, and I can't wait to see pictures when my jealousy dies down ;).

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Dan xxx



I haven't seen you in a couple of days

shirt-new look shorts- asos cardigan- topshop

Some of you eagle eyed people out there might notice these are the shorts I posted about here. I bought them with 20% student discount and free next day delivery, and I love them! They really are the perfect colour, exactly what I was looking for.

Uni's going well at the minute, I'm quite pleased with all my grades I've had back so far, epsecially my portfolio grade. I've got a ton more things to do before hand in for semester 2, but I'm feeling quite motivated! I just wish I could find a placement somewhere. I don't know what else to do, I've emailed and got no reply, and even went round some consultancies and handed in my CV in person last week. If anyone knows of any PR placements I'd love you forever!

Hope everyone's well!

Dan xxx

smile like you mean it take 12

1. Walking. I've recently got back into walking in a big way. I actually love my walks to and from Uni, ans they allow to me just be alone with my thoughts, with no distractions (except when crossing roads, never a good time to not pay attention!). I also love the way it's exercise but without noticing.

2. Family. I spent the last weeknd at home as it was my Grandma's birthday Friday, and it's my Grandads today. I've missed my family so much! I'm definately a family person, I loved spending time with everyone. This included having tea at my Grandparents followed my the most amazing lemon meringue swiss roll thing ever, and playing along to million pound drop with my dad, stepmum, brother and boyfriend. Not the most exciting weekend ever, but I loved it.

3. Butterkist toffee popcorn. Because it would be wrong if I didn't include some form of food ;). AMAZING stuff, seriously.

image from weheartit

Whats making you smile?

Dan xx



back to basics

Hi everyone, I just thought I'd do a quick post on the basic items of clothes I couldn't live without. Everyone seems to be going on about having a 'capsule wardrobe', and whilst I couldn't live without a couple of 'on trend' pieces every season, good staples are great to back these up! Obviously I'm no fashion expert, this is just what I like to have around.

1. Black bodycon skirt: These are great for creating two different outfits out of the same clothes, and the whole look can be changed by either tucking your top in or leaving it out. I also tuck in certain dresses (if they're not too long!) as it completely changes it! They're also really good for shoving under those just-too-short dresses to make you feel more comfortable.

2. Slouchy cardigan: I'm not really a fan of coats as I always feel massive in them, but cardigans are great for adding warmth, even allowing summer dresses to live on through the winter! A black or creamy one would obviously go with everything, then to make it more on trend you could opt for seasonal colours.

3. Denim shorts: I couldn't live without a pair of denim shorts, they really are perfect for all seasons! They look amazing layered up with tights in winter and bare legs in summer. You can took in loose shirts and tops, or leave them over so the denim's just peeking out. Definately one of the most versatile items of clothes out there.

4. A nice, simple tunic. I think a plain tunic is perfect for them days when you really can't be bothered. Shoved over some leggings or tights, they make an effortless, simple look, and with more time and effort they can be styled up to look different and personal. It's a win-win situation!

Skirt: New Look

Cardigan: Topshop

Shorts: Topshop

Tunic Dress: New Look

Yes, this is a bit of a Topshop/New Look lovefest haha. Anyone else really impressed with what New Look have been bringing out recently?

What are your wardrobe must haves?

Dan xxx

Zumba!

It’s fair to say that my exercise routine leaves something to be desired. I’ve never found something that I like and want to keep doing religiously. Running: well, a. I look like an idiot when running, b. for some reason I can’t seem to run for very long, or very far. I wouldn’t say I’m massively unfit, but I’m simply not a runner. Team sports: there is nothing I want less than to be catapulted back to the horrible days of school P.E lessons, thanks. Pilates: I’ve done this a few times, and while I quite like it, for some reason I’m just not convinced it’s making a whole lot of difference to my body.

Then I tried Zumba. Zumba is a dance based exercise class, focusing on Latin and International music. I LOVED IT! And from someone who exercises to stay in shape, whilst secretly hating almost every second, ‘loved’ says quite a lot.

When I got there and saw the amount of people attending I was ready to walk straight back out the door, but I’m incredibly glad I didn’t. I’m not exactly the most coordinated of people, and having people watch me exercise is my worst nightmare! However during the workout I had to keep focused on the instructor at the front in order to keep up, and hardly paid any attention to anyone else in the room, so I’m pretty sure people weren’t looking at me!

Zumba truly didn’t feel like a workout, the dance aspect of it seemed to mask the fact it is, but don’t let this fool you into thinking it’s easy, because it’s not.  The whole hour I was there was spent working almost every part of my body, and that’s what I love about it. Let’s just says there’s a lot of hip-shaking whilst feet-stamping and arm-waving going on! I was definitely ready for a rest by the end of it!

If you’re looking for a way to stay in shape, I would definitely recommend checking out your nearest zumba classes, as it’s a great way to have fun whilst getting fit. Definitely beats an hour in the gym in my books!

Has anyone else tried it?

Dan xxx

smile like you mean it take 11

1. Pasta and pesto with brocolli and mushrooms. Yes, food once again makes it onto my list is things that are making me happy. I can't help it, I really do love food!

2. Spring is on its way. I've been getting seriously bored of the dark, windy days we've been having recently. today, the weather was actually nice! I love days that are cold, but bright and sunny. Definately looking forward to the days when I can go out with bare legs though!

3. Getting on with things. I always seem to leave everything til the last minute, but this week I've actually been really good! I've been doing extra reading for uni, I've made a start on assignments that aren't due until May, cancelled something that would have saved me about £40 if I'd done it earlier, handed out my CV to hopefully get work experience and written a blog post on zumba for one day this week. Phew!

Pictures via weheartit

look of the day take 3

Tjalda-F



The first the I noticed about this when I saw it was the colours. I really like the way they all go together, and they're perfect for spring! Not quite dark enough to be too wintery, and not bright enough for the dark, dreary days we often have in spring. The colour of the cardigan is gorgous!

As I mentioned in my last post I'm seriously wanting some shorts atm, and these would do nicely! Also I can't believe she's only 14! I was a seriously cool 14 year old ( ok I wish I dressed like that when I was 14..)

Right because I have the worst memory ever I managed to leave my camera at home, and as its ran out of battery there's gonna be a lack of things I can post about till I get it back! I'm sure I'll think of something though.

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend, I did!

Dan xxx

lust of the week

£30 ASOS

I saw these when browsing the new in section yesterday, and I want them so much! I have a massive lack of shorts in my wardrobe. I have several pairs of denim, and some black roll up ones, but I want something a little different. I think these would look perfect with the sheer shirts that are everywhere you look at the minute. I think I'm going to have a look around Leeds tomorrow to see if there's anything I like, and if not I'll buy them.

Eeshh this has been a long week! It's basically been full of introductions to new modules, which is fine but I really just want to get started! There's a few aspects of my new modules I'm looking forward to, and some I'm not, but thats just how it goes! What I really want is some work experience, but I'm finding it incredibly hard, and getting literally no replied from hundreds of emails I've sent out.

My boyfriends coming up tomorrow, and we have a flat viewing, excitement! Hopefully it'll all get sorted, I'll be so happy if it does! Not sure what else is on the card this weekend as I'm still trying to save money, so it'll probably just be staying in and watching random tv online!

I'm off to a zumba class in a minute (I know, me at zumba, funny right?). Hope I dont embarrass myself too much! What is everyone lusting after this week?

Dan xxx

smile like you mean it take 10

1. Reading. My auntie lent me the true blood series the other day, and I'm hooked! I've not watched any of the series, but now I really want to. It's always a shame when the actors don't match how you pictured the characters in your head though! I'm getting through these books so quick, it's crazy!

2. Winning a giveaway. I woke up this morning to find out I'd won the lovely Stefany's giveaway! I had a really tough weekend, and this cheered me up so much! I've never won anything before, and this came at exactly the right time. If you've not checked out her blog, you really should as it's one of my favourites.

3. My boyfriend. For no other reason than him being himself. Pass the sick bucket, right ;)

Righttt now its goal time! I completed 3/4 of my goals for last month! I completed all uni work, and was pretty happy with what I produced, I read a total of 8(!) books when my goal was to read 2, and saved £60 when my goal was £40. The one I didn't manage to do was take a day trip to York. I'm pretty pleased overall :)

Goals for February
1. Save £40
2. Take a day trip (anywhere, being less specific might be easier)
3. Get a flat for next year
4. Help out 3 strangers

Dan xxx