23rd March

There are some days when I don't feel like writing anything, and some when I could write pages.

Today is the latter.

It is amazing what a bit of fresh air can do for you.

Last week I was really stressed with deadlines, and a thousand and one other things that I needed to do or that was going on in my head or around me.

If there is anything that I want you to take away from this post, is that:

'taking some time out for YOU is very important!'

I came back to Leeds last night with a negative mindset and didn't feel like doing anything today. University can be amazing and give you some of the best memories, but sometimes it can be a bit tough. 

I had an interview today, and I was slowly talking myself of not going, staying in bed with my head under the covers. I managed to snap myself out of it, get ready and leave my flat! Thank god I did! 

Whilst waiting to be seen, I got chatting to two lovely girls - who both ended up living not too far from me back at home. What a small world ay! We laughed and shared stories which kind of secretly all helped us with our nerves. I got called up and wished them well. 

I had nothing to worry about at all. It was a quick informal chat and I was out of there. So fingers crossed it all went well. I felt quite positive after that one.

On a high note, I thought I would take a wander into town for a little mooch round the shops. By this time my battery on my phone had run out, so I had nothing else to distract me. 

Taking some real time out for myself was just what I needed. And maybe a little bit of retail therapy also ;) 

Some bargains from Primark and a green tea later, I am now sat back at home feeling so much more happy and positive. 

I think the weather really helps me too. Even on a windy day, the presence of the sun and fresh air does absolute wonders for me.

I feel inspired and motivated for what feels like no real reason at all. But I'm in a great mood and thats all that matters. So even if its just going for a walk, sitting in the garden with a book or taking a trip to the shops to spend spend spend. Having 'me time' is a neccessity.

SB x 

We're not in Kansas anymore...

I went home for the weekend back to Birmingham, and got up to a lot of festive fun.

 

I mainly spent the week, catching up with my family and friends. I had such a lovely time, and it was just what I needed to finally get into the festive spirit. Over the past few months, I have slowly been sorting out everyones christmas presents, as I'm a bit of an organised freak! 

So on the one evening I got to myself, I decided to light a few candles (Christmas scented o'course!), stick on one of my favourite classics and wrap away!

The Christmas Rum Punch candle was definitely my favourite! But its nearly all gone now because of how many times I have used it! If I remember correctly its from Aldi, so I will definitely be making a trip there soon, to buy some more! 

After an evening of successful wrapping. I have nothing to do now in terms of buying presents - which I am slightly gutted about because I keep on seeing wonderful things in the shops, and being so tempted. I wish I could treat my loved ones to them all, but unfortunately the student budget just does not cut it.

* Spoiler alert for whoever this is for * 

I have become candle obsessed! Especially ones that are christmas related! 

Whilst working at Grand Designs Live, I strolled into the interiors section on one of my breaks. To my surprise and complete joy, I found the Yankee Candle stand. Of course I had to have a little mooch around. Unfortunately, I only had enough money for some lunch and journey home, so I couldn't stretch out to the beautiful Christmas limited edition gift sets, but instead I bought 9 mini candles for £11 I think it was. They had like dispensers of each scent from the wide range you could pick from. I literally picked each one up and smelt it probably about two or three times. The man on the stand must of thought I was mad! 

So I went for a few christmas scents as presents- they smell absolutely divine, then classics ones for myself like Clean Cotton. 

 

To end my week at home, I went for a girly bonding shopping session with my mom and sister, and ended it with a festive Starbucks drink - which I have never actually had before. Shock horror I know! I had the Almond and Honey Hot Chocolate, and I think Elena had a latte of some sort. We had gold sprinkles on our drinks also! I asked the man behind the till as to why this was and he replied "Selfridges are the only store that does it in the country, we make it more special". 

It was lovely to have some home comforts and spend some time with some of my favourite people. It really set me up for the festive period. I hope you are all starting to feel christmassy too and it's not just me! 

SB x 

    

HAPPINESS

I am currently very content with my life, for the first time in a very long while. 

I feel like I've learnt so much in the past couple of months. 

About life and myself. 

Where I want to go, and who I want to be.

 

University has taught me how to grow up. 

I already knew how to cook, wash and clean before I got there, so I wasn't completely clueless. However I was very much dependable on my mom for getting things done. 

Starting a fresh new journey on your own can be extremely terrifying, but luckily, I had a lovely bunch of flat mates to feel lost together with. 

I've always loved the feeling of independence and being able to make all my own decisions, which is what I can now do - although I will forever always turn to my mom for her great words of wisdom, but then again who doesn't?

I've just started an incredible journey for the next 4 years. 

They say uni days are the best days. And I really hope so, because this is this start of something new *breaks into song*.

I am studying something which I have a great passion in. Something that I've always want to do and be involved in. Something that has influenced me a great deal in life. I can't wait to continue into this career and explore the world doing so.

(I will do a separate post of university as a whole soon.)

I have goals and ambitions.

 They will never get handed to me on a plate. I have to work extremely hard for them. And as crazy as it seems, I can't wait to do so! I can't wait to achieve my aspirations, knowing i've worked my little butt off to get there. When I receive my first proper payslip, I can say 'I did that all by myself'. I can't wait to buy myself that designer bag I've always wanted - so I can say 'I worked damn hard for that'.

But one main thing I have learnt is:

 We are the creators of our own happiness. 

You choose the people who you want in your life, the people who bring out the best in you. Those who you can count on and be there for, through thick and thin.

I currently feel so much love around me, I couldn't be happier right now in time. 

And I thank those for staying in my life, and coming into it unexpected :)

SB x 

MOSTLY JAZZ FESTIVAL | MUSIC

On the odd occasion when the sun decides to greet us with its presence, here in the UK, we certainly like to make the most of the rays. What a perfect way to do so, but attend a festival with exclusive performances, from some of the most high profile acts from the 70s and 80s.
 Moseley Private Park welcomed the community with open arms for this yearly showcase for jazz, soul and funk fanatics.

I was lucky enough to attend 2 out of the 3 day festival. Slightly gutted that I missed Bonobo headlining on the Friday night, but was told how great he was.

So on Saturday morning, a group of us set out to Moseley Park - which, lucky for us was a mere 10 minute walk - with our chairs and picnic bags. When we arrived, we set up our pitch, and discovered our surroundings. The bands which played throughout the day were extremely good and created a great ambiance whilst people spectated, caught up with old friends and got their hair braided by the fabulous Nikki B.

As the sun started to set, Craig Charles hit to the decks playing everlasting tunes, it really set everyone off!

The evening ended with a beautiful performance from Candi Staton, as everyone sung along to her most popular hits 'You Got The Love' and 'Young Hearts Run Free'. I was really impressed with Staton's show, especially when I found out how old she actually is.

Saturday had been an energetic day, with painful feet from all the grooving, so we decided to take it slower on the Sunday. I think a lot of people thought the same as us, as everyone was a lot more relaxed. Some quite concerned they were going to miss the Wimbledon Final, but the organisers had taken all of this into consideration, and had a set up a TV screen at the bar, which allowed hundreds to go cheer crazy as Murray led us to victory after 37 years.

 As word got around, and happiness spread, it set the perfect atmosphere for London group Soul II Soul to head up on stage. Of course they sent the crowd going when they dropped their classic hit 'Back to Life' - which was the only song I really knew from them. Most of the headliner's prime time was before I was even thought about, but having grew up with soul music, I certainly knew the best ones.

Prior to the festival, I had watched Chic's performance at Glastonbury, and was super excited to see their set for myself.  Its safe to say they stole the entire show at Mostly Jazz. Headlining the final night, the legend that is Nile Rodgers invited a mass on stage to join them for their finale 'Good Times'. By this time, the whole park was on their feet, wishing that the group could stay and perform for longer, due to the euphoria they had created - which was indescribable. Rodgers couldn't thank everyone enough for attending as he got played out, by the whole crowd singing in unison to  Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' (which he features on).

The vibes of Mostly Jazz festival are truly unique, and by the end of it, everyone felt like one big massive family. The organisers should be really proud of what they have created and achieved this year, and I can't express my love for this festival any more. If you're a fan of Jazz, Funk and Soul music, or even just want an amazing weekend out with a bunch of lovely people, then Mostly Jazz Festival is definitely one for you!

Snowy Days

As you can all probably tell it's been snowing here in England.

Now I've never really been a huge fan of the snow. 

It's cold, dull and extremely inconvenient.

I'll do whatever I can to avoid venturing out of the house in the ridiculous climate.

However, one day in January - when Britain got it's first glimpse of snow for the year - I went out with a few of my friends to go sledging. Although I ended up just, watching them throw themselves down hills whilst I filmed them.

Prior to this, I had watched a Youtuber called JaackMaate post a video of his antics in the snow - which you can watch here. This inspired me to create my own montage of what we got up to in the snow.

So here it is, and I hope you enjoy!