Things to Remember for a Night Out Staying Over.

Lately I've been very non-active in the Blog world. I've had a million and one things happen and I've really not found the time. I'm back, back for good (I love Take That, ok?)

So here I am, basking in my fake tan ready for a night out tomorrow night for my friends birthday. We're staying over for the night which obviously meant I needed to make a list of things I absolutely must not forget.

Of course, there's the boring things, pants, socks etc that everyone almost never forgets... Accidents do happen. Once I'd started thinking about things I needed to take 'just in case' my list got longer and longer.

1) A shower loofah or a sponge. Hotels very rarely have these, and personally I  can't shower without one.

2) Flannel, face wipes and face wash. That morning after feeling will be made 100x better when you've got a clean fresh face.

3) The grandma in me is coming out now.  A plastic bag for these two things when they're wet. Nobody wants everything in their bag wet. Whilst we're on the subject of plastic bags, which is an exciting one I know, take one for your dirty clothes too.

4) Fake tan and your tanning mitt. Even though the majority of people will tan the night before, disasters can arise and you'll wish you'd taken your tan with you. Play it safe ladies.

5) Plasters, paracetamol and pills. Plasters are essential, there's no arguing it. Take some in your clutch bag, blisters are a sure fire way to ruin your night out. Paracetamol will be your best friend the next morning, if you're like me and get hangovers bad you're going to need to cure that headache if you're travelling home the next day If you take any other medication, then remember that too,

6) PJ's. Personally at home I don't like to sleep in much. At hotels however, you don't want to be in the nuddy when the fire alarm goes off or if you need to get out of your room in a hurry. I would definitely recommend taking some PJ's with you.

7) Clothes for the following day. Amidst the excitement of finding your outfit (don't forget to take that either) it has been known for some people to forget their clothes for the next day. It is not ok to leave the hotel in the clothes you went out in previously.

8) Hair dryer, straighteners, curlers, rollers.. All things HAIR. If there's more than one of you sharing a room you can organise who's taking what. Forgetting these things will stresssss you out. Hotel hair dryers, if there is one, are known to be as much use as somebody blowing on your hair to get it dry.

9) A back up outfit. If you have room in your luggage, I would 10,000% recommend taking a back up outfit. Make up spillages, rips, 'it just doesn't look right', zip breakages, a whole host of things can go wrong. Be wise ladies.

10) Your handbag should contain: 

• Your purse, including ID
• House and car keys
• Phone and phone charger
• Glasses, unless you're already wearing them
• Perfume (for day and night)
• Deodorant - some people will pack this in their luggage

11) All things MAKE UP: So your make up should be an obvious one. I have known people to forget though. Please ladies remember things like Vaseline, tweezers, nail scissors, nail file and polish for any chips just to name a few things you could need in an emergency. 

Illuminating York 2015

Illuminating York is one of the first festivals of it's kind in the UK! It is now in its 10th year and is one of the most magically beautiful events I have seen. Running between October 28th-31st, the beautiful city is illuminated in unique and breathtaking ways. The festival re-defines well known sites in York and brings to light hidden gems enclosed in the historic city. From illuminating works of art to fringe events across the city, Illuminating York 2015 is said to be one of the best yet and I couldn't agree more after witnessing the opening night.

My personal favourite was seeing The Shambles lit up by glitter balls running down the centre enhanced by strategically placed lights. The whole street glistened and was filled with sighs of delight by the many attendees.

The Museum Gardens were another luminous delight, filled with botanical themed lights and sounds. As everybody walked around York's beloved Museum Gardens, all to be heard were positive comments and gazes of awe... A truly impressive display.

Of course, after all of the excitement of the magical lights, what better than some crepes rustled up by a Come Dine With Me winner? This adorable crepe van was filled with West End classics and you're served by charming men in suits and bow ties!

With 2015 being the UNESCO year of light, Illuminating York truly represented that in full form. The works of art by students displayed in The Guildhall were a perfect representation of this spectacular festival. As usual, York hasn't failed to impress me. Illuminating York is a must see and I can't wait for 2016's festival.

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12 thoughts that girls have approaching winter..

1) I cant wait to get my winter jumpers out!

2) Did I REALLY look this fat in this jumper last year? Why did nobody tell me?! I look like a pumpkin..

3) This candle will look so good on my Instagram.

4) Whoever said layering was easy LIED TO MY FACE!

5) Oh these Starbucks and Costa Christmas cups are amazing.... for my Instagram

6) As soon as the snow turns into that gross slushy stuff I am BED BOUND 

7) Why have no shops realised that boots need to be nice AND have a good grip too?! I can't deal with slipping and sliding everywhere! 

8) Who cares if I eat my body weight in cake? Surely my winter woollies will cover it up, right?

9) Shit, it's Christmas very soon and I am very skint.. Looks like everyone's getting a hug this year, the gift that keeps on giving... 

10) How am I seriously expected to get out of my bed when A) it's absolutely baltic outside and B) it's still dark? Nope, not happening, not today.... Or tomorrow

11) This dress will look sooo cute with tights and boots... *steps outside*... Holy mother of God my legs are freezing!!!! Layer those tights ladies..

12) How do some girls pull of the bobble hat so well? I look like a rather obese male..

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What's been keeping me so busy?!

I've been pretty distant from the blogosphere for a fair old while now, haven't I? Here's what I've been up to....


Spending a lot of time with my friends!
From day trips to nights out and everything in between! We've had weeks full of food, fun, drinks and so much quality time!

Amongst all of the fun, me and my house mates from first year have moved into our lovely new house, still in the centre of York!!

We've also gained a house mate, Victoria! She's so lovely and I'm really enjoying living with her!

I've also had lots of fun with Jack lately, including a trip to Kendal for our 1 year and have been spoilt with flowers too! 

As it's reaching that Christmas period, I couldn't help but start my shopping! I also may have gotten a bit too into the whole thing and spent £25 in Paperchase on wrapping things too!

Since being back in York, I've been really missing my friends from home, we spent so much time together over summer it's been more than odd not seeing them daily! This called for a good old reunion with them coming to York for the weekend!

Another friend came to York for the day, and he had one mission - to get to Betty's fast!! As always we had a delicious time! Afternoon tea for two!

So along with Uni and a loooot of Uni work, that's whats been keeping me busy in my time away from the blogosphere!

University Checklist and Tips!

As you're getting yourself ready to move to Uni, there's nothing more stressful than wondering what to take with you! After my 1st year, I've come up with a list of the absolute essentials and the things which would be useful to take that you may not have thought of!

1) Two lots of bedding.... because who can really be bothered to wash, dry and re-make their bed all in one day?
Head to Primark, Tesco, Asda, Dunelm and The Range for cheap bedding and bedroom accessories!

2) If you're staying in halls, a mattress topper... If you feel like going all out, a memory foam one - 5* luxury in halls I tell you right now.

3) A blanket and some cushions for your bed.. You're going to want your room to feel as homey as you possibly can. Also remember your favourite comfy jumper, you'll kick yourself if you forget it.

I'd also recommend fairy lights to add to your homely effect.. 

4) Following from that, photos of everyone that you know you're going to miss, even if you think you're someone that won't get homesick, at some point, it will happen..
Ebay and Amazon sell photo string and pegs to display your photos! Its a really cute way of displaying them and uses less sticky stuff on your walls!

5) Stationary - this depends on when you move in. If you've got plenty of time in your new city before you start uni, I'd advise getting it there to save valuable packing space.
Wilko's and Staples are so cheap for stationary but Paperchase has some reaaaaally cute bits too!

• Paper - shit loads of paper. Lined, plain, big, small, post-its
• Pens. If you learn well having things in colour, invest in a good set of coloured writing pens.
• HIGHLIGHTERS - they will be your saving Grace
• Folders, dividers and plastic wallets. You'll work out your own filing system as you get into the swing of things.
• A planner/diary.. The amount of lecture changes and hand in dates you'll need to remember would be impossible without writing them down in one place. If you use your phone for your planning, make sure you keep on top of that!
• Hole punch - you'll get given ridiculous amounts of sheets..
• On that note, a stapler too!
• Printer and 1000% an extension lead! Sockets can be very limited!!
• USB stick and dear god use it because if your laptop breaks. You. Will. Cry. 

6) Coat hangers and a laundry basket! 

7) A weekend bag, you'll need it for coming home and visiting other places too! Preferably one on wheels.

8) If you enjoy reading, some books. Between the lectures and nights out you'll want time to relax!

9) White-tac. Most halls/landlords will only allow you to use this on your walls.

10) Depending on the size of your room, a pin board!

11) Toiletries.. I'd buy the essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, toilet roll, deoderant and shower gel) before, anything else I'd buy once I'd got there to save room..
If your town has a Savers then head there for cheap toiletries!

12) Cleaning products I'd also save for once I was there

• Bleach
• Bathroom cleaner
• Bleach wipes / antibacterial wipes
• Morrison's sell an every day shower cleaner for less than £1 which helps keep the shower clean through the week before you do a full clean!
• Glass cleaner, its amazing how dirty mirrors can get!
• You'll probably figure your cleaning product routine out with your flatmates once you've been there for a while!

13) Check with your landlord/university regarding the appliances provided; kettle, toaster, microwave, iron etc.. 

14) Towels, flannels, bathmat.. If you fake tan, I definitely recommend NOT getting white or cream towels.

15) Tea towels - more than one!

16) Cutlery - Wilko do really cheap sets!

17) Utensils - Get yourself to The Range!! 

• Ladle
• Fish Slice
• Tongs
• Spatula 
• Whisk
• Scissors

You get the picture dont you...

18) Plate, bowl, smaller plate - pretty much whatever you use at home.. If you're planning on having people visit/stay over then obviously get enough for that.

19) Mugs and glasses.. Take some shot glasses to contribute to drinking games!

20) A measuring jug - surprising how useful they come!

21) Food wise.. I'd get the bare essentials before moving and do a big shop once you've arrived (take your parents so they pity you for being all grown up and moving and they then pay)

Shop around when you have the chance and remember where is cheap for different things - it REALLY makes the difference when trying to budget.

22) First Aid bag. SO ESSENTIAL I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

• Plasters
• Paracetamol - Freshers is fuelled by these..
• Antibacterial wipes
• Cold and flu tablets - all the alcohol weakens your immune system.
• Tablets for if you're constipated, or the other way round... sorry to lower the tone
• Eye wash
• If you are frequently ill with anything, whatever remedy you usually use!

23) Hair dryer, straighteners, curlers...

24) A lamp, 100% needed when hungover and the bright light is something you absolutely cannot handle.

25) If you aren't getting a TV license, I'd definitely recommend a Netflix account, it'll be your best friend.

26) Spotify also do a student account which allows you and your flatmates to create playlists for pre drinks!

27) Talking of pre drinks, definitely take a bottle of something to share on your first night out!

28) If nobody else suggests it, suggest to your flatmates going to explore your new city together. It's a great way to get to know each other and to get your bearings.

29) When you get there, take photos of your room and any damage there is to ensure that you get your deposit back!

30) Air freshener, seriously it can get staaaaanky!

20 things for your 20's

As I quickly approach 20, I'm having a lot of thoughts about what I've done in my life leading up to this and what I want to do before I reach 20..

1) Have a spontaneous night with your friends
Even though pre-planned nights are fun, there's nothing better than having a crazy night that nobody expected to happen.. I'll always remember the nights when me and my friends have been out on a whim and them turning out to be some of the best times I've had with them. 

2) Take a trip.. 

Whether it be in the same country, or the opposite side of the world. I and a lot of other people my age have a huge desire to travel. See the world and experience different ways of life, it'll be something that you never ever regret.

3) Buy that investment piece

Everybody has that one thing that they've had their eye on for YEARS. Whether it be that Chanel bag or the reaaally expensive laptop that you just cannot justify... Or can you??

4) Have a cool car

Once you've settled down with a family, your car is going to have to be sensible.. So while you can, have a car that you've always wanted and that you're always going to remember. For me, it'd have to be a mini. They're SO cute and I know once little Lauren's arrive, there's going to be no chance of me having one.. Embrace your young years!

5) Do something whacky with your hair

While you still can get away with it, do something wild and crazy with your locks! Have the chop, change the colour, go wild! 

6) Make your place, your place

Same as the car, as soon as the mini you's appear, your home isn't going to be exactly how you want it so while you're young, buy funky things and make your house a little piece of you.

7) Eat well

What better enjoyment is there than good food? Explore different foods from different countries and cultures, try new things and enjoy them. Food is definitely the way to my heart, being Italian it's always been a huge part of my life.

8) Embrace your friends

During your twenties, you're going to have plenty of time to spend with your friends. Use the time wisely. By now you'll have got over the teenage issues of 'fake friends' and will have most likely worked out who your real friends are. Spend time with them, travel with them, make memories with them. Your real soul mate really is your best friend.

9) Do something you've always wanted to do

Whether it be tell that one person to shut the f up or skydive, whatever you've always dreamt of doing, do it.. 

10) Sign up for a charity run

This isn't specific to your twenties, but I still think this is something you should definitely 100% do! Whether it be a marathon or a little fun run. Do it. I've seen a lot of colour runs about lately and I'd love to do one! There's always some going on all over the country, just Google them and see what's going on in your area!! 

11) Don't settle

Relationships can seem like the be all and end all when you're in your twenties, but don't settle for anything less than what you deserve, be selfish and look after number 1. 

12) Don't be afraid to expand your education

Whether you've been to university or not, never be afraid to expand on your knowledge. Read things, explore, listen to others, take courses do things to make your brain grow. Intelligence is attractive.

13) Create a bucket list

If you haven't already, make a bucket list. All of the things that you want to do, plan to do them. Spend your money on making memories.

14) Wear something you'd never usually wear

Ok, so it's no 'travel the world' or 'meet new people' but seriously, it boosts your confidence SO much.. I recently wore something I'd never usually wear and got so many compliments and it made me so much more likely to wear something a little bit out there again.. Find your style

15) Get a cute pet

We all remember begging our parents for pets when we were young.. YOU'RE AN ADULT NOW, you want a pet? You get a pet!

16) Live with your best friends

Want to move out, don't want to live on my own.. Solution? Live with your friends - the best choice you'll ever ever make.

17) Have fun at festivals

As much as the shared with thousands of other people bathrooms may put you off.. Go to a festival, live music, drink and friends, its such a fun way to see live acts and have fun with your friends.

18) Keep fit

Despite the eating out and travelling, you'll enjoy it all the more if you're mind set is positive and keeping your body fit and healthy will help that. It can be so enjoyable, with outdoor and group fitness classes working out never has to be boring! 

19) Volunteer

Be that person. The person that travels abroad to volunteer. Everyone says that they'd do it, so be the one that does it. You'll grow as a person and help other people.

20) Don't forget your family

With all of these things to do, don't forget the people who helped you get to your twenties

My go to comfort meal

We all have those days when  you ignore the diet and crave a carb fest!

After a night shift, all I want is food that's going to make me full and sleepy, so after waking up at 2pm and being instantly hungry, I took a walk to Sainsburys and picked up some pancetta and a Dolmio tomato and bacon stir in sauce and came home and made pasta, pancetta and sauce. It feels like such a lazy meal but when you're that tired (and also pretty skint) it's a quick and cheap meal to make that satisfies the tum! Despite vowing that I'd eat more healthily, I think a little bit of what you fancy every so often is perfectly fine and stops you binging on sweets and chocolate! Even though I have a serious sweet tooth I find it easier to talk myself out of eating sweet things than things like this. 

Getting back to it | Back to the gym for me!

"Yes yes, I'll go back to the gym soon!" - if I had a pound for every time I've said that to myself I'd probably be able to buy the gym..

I've finally bitten the bullet and re-joined the gym! I have such a love-hate relationship with the gym. I hate the idea of it, but once I'm there I love it. I'm one of those people who's body isn't terrible but isn't great either. I find once I've been to the gym for a while I start to notice a difference but in the process of waiting for the toning and definition I get seriously seriously impatient! I'm not one of those people who respects the 'good things come to those who wait' attitude, I want a perfect toned bum, tum and legs immediately!

Being back at the gym today did remind me that I'm actually quite strong and made me want to improve on that. What it also made me realise is that I am not as fit as I used to be, running on that treadmill was seriously hard work!

One thing I love about the gym is definitely getting myself motivated with snazzy gym gear! Despite my boring bottoms, I am deeply in love with my gym shoes! They're Nike Frees and are now annoyingly in the sale! I feel like I'm walking on clouds when I'm wearing these and they also really support my feet in the gym too! I really like Nike gym wear, I love the patterns and colours and that it's always easy to match their individual garments up to create a fun gym outfit.

Being off uni for the whole summer, the gym also gives me something to do whilst I'm not at work and probably keeps me sane at the same time, always a bonus. After being really apprehensive about getting back into the gym, I'm so pleased that I did. I love the feeling you get after a workout and after a while, the gym really does help to keep a positive mental attitude too! I've already committed to doing spin classes too which I've never tried before! Today for my first time back in a few months, I just started with some light cardio and did a few sets of squats and went on to work mainly on my legs using the machines at the gym.

I'm a member of DW gym because it's really beneficial to me that they have gyms based all over the country! I love that they keep the gyms really well and they're always clean and tidy. They have a really relaxed but professional attitude and it makes you feel at ease when you're there.