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!

Review | The Breakfast Club

Queuing up for the Breakfast Club is like waiting for Christmas when you're young.. The anticipation was killing me, waiting to enter the BC where it all began was torturous. Expecting a much longer wait than 10 minutes, I was ecstatic when the friendly waiter invited me and my sister in, seated us and talked us through the menu.

I chose to have an iced coffee and the veggie all american breakfast, mostly because I couldn't decide what to have on my pancakes..

The iced coffee was the perfect strength and was just what I needed to wake me up.. The. Breakfast, Was. Amazing..

The poached eggs were possibly the best I've ever tasted, the is nothing more satisfying than the perfect runny egg.. The huge stack of pancakes were delicious, even more so when they were covered in maple syrup. The fact the syrup was separated means than anybody who doesn't want it doesn't have to have it on  their breakfast. 

Moving on... I'm  not a massive fan of meat sausages, but I love vegetarian sausages so I took the chance to try one at the BC. Did it disappoint? No it did not, at all. Perfect - I'm not 100% what was in the sausage but I'm pretty sure I detected a hint of sweet potato in there which for me was great 

because I love sweet potato!

To help with the already laid back, calm atmosphere of the cosy little place, there's lots of sweet little signs and decorations..

I really enjoyed my BC experience and would 100% recommend it to anyone, as the menu really does accommodate for everybody! 

A Weekend in the Capital

At 8:54am me and my sister caught the train to spend a couple of days in my favourite city in England, London. After walking from Kings Cross to Convent Garden, where our hotel was located, we. were. starving.

After making it to 12:30 without eating, we were in serious need of a big old brunch! Whilst walking through Covent Garden we stumbled across Le Pain Quotidien and oh my gosh did it deliver. 

I ordered baked egg with chorizo and sour dough bread accompanied by and iced mocha to wake me up. It was exactly what I  needed at the time and the presentation made it extra enjoyable!

After our gorgeous brunch, we headed on to do what we do best.... Shop and drink. I love Covent Garden as there's always something different happening and it has such an uplifting atmosphere!

After a look round the shops and picking up some summer pieces, we headed to Soho for drinks and found ourselves at Cookhouse Joe, and oh what shame, it was happy hour. Bellini's for all!

After a really really hard day of shopping and drinking.... We headed to a Japanese restaurant we'd heard so much about and were dying to try! Inamo is a chic restaurant with an interactive menu which possibly has to be the coolest dining experience I've had to date.. Greeted by a friendly waiter who talked us through how to order via the interactive menu we ordered our food, and wine of course, and had a play with the interactive menu. 

After we'd once again filled ourselves with food and alcohol, we went back to the hotel to get ready and head back out for food..

After a unanimous decision, we decided to eat at The Burger and Lobster. The 1 hour wait didn't phase us as it meant being able to cram another bellini into our day. The wait was more than worth it, the food was amazing and so was the service by the attentive waiter.

 I'll be doing a review of the Burger and Lobster very soon!!

The morning after, after a lot more wine, meant only one thing... The Breakfast Club.

The veggie all american didn't disappoint.. worth every single tiny calorie.

The guilt of the many, many calories consumed at breakfast soon disappeared after walking a total of nine miles during the day. We went to Leicester Sqaure and walked along to Trafalgar Square, which is absolutely stunning, especially in the sunshine!

After our little photo shoot, it was off to Southbank!

If you hadn't already gathered, food has been the main theme here.. So where better to go than a food market? Borough market to be precise...

Of course, after our looong walk, we needed something to bring us back to a reasonable level of liveliness, and what better solution the gelato? 

With our little trip away coming to an end, we though why on Earth not sit in Bankside Mix, drink Pimms, eat and watch Wimbledon at The Refinery.. 

That's it, my two days in London with my favourite person in the world.. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute (and calorie).. I'd love to know where everyone's favourite places are in London! Already got so many things I want to do on my next visit! 

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. 

Wanderlust

wanderlust

ˈwɒndəlʌst/

noun

1. a strong desire to travel.

   "a man consumed by wanderlust"

I think I've reached the point in my life where I need to travel.. Seeing friends, family and every other person apart from me embark on adventures around the world. From New Zealand to Cannes, people are exploring the world and I seem to be wedged between York and Lincolnshire. Me being me, I've created a list of places I absolutely must visit!

1) New Zealand

Seeing my cousin fly the nest and move to New Zealand has made me extremely jealous! It looks so beautiful and as a sun worshipper, would be perfect for me. The relaxed culture and lifestyle of New Zealand appeals to me so it is definitely top of my 'to travel list'.

2) Italy

My mum's family are from Sicily so I'd really love to see where my family came from and to explore Sicily! Although the touristy parts of Italy also appeal to me, and lets be honest Italian food is AMAZING. I'm lucky enough to have old family recipes at home to cook up our own Italian delights but nothing beats Italian food in Italy in a cute little restaurant. 

3) New York City

With my 21st birthday approaching next year, numerous hints have been dropped to parents, family, friends, boyfriend, anyone who is willing to take me.. The Big Apple. There is SO much I want to do in New York and would probably need a year to do it all in.. As a huge Friends fan I would literally die to see Central Park and Monica, Rachel, Chandler and Joey's apartment buildings! I'd love to explore the city that never sleeps with my Mum, Auntie Liz and my best friends. However a nice week there with my guy wouldn't go a miss... Hint hint Jack.....

4) Dublin

My plans to visit Dublin are further along than any of my other wishes. Jack's 21st is coming up this year so a long weekend in Dublin is on the cards! I love the Irish people, they're so friendly and welcoming and Dublin City looks incredible and I'd love to explore it! The 360 degree Sky Bar in the Guinness Factory looks amazing too! I think our trip to Dublin will consist of shopping, eating and drinking.... Perfect!

5) Paris

I don't know any girl that doesn't dream of a trip to Paris! After seeing pictures from two of my friends trip to Paris earlier this year, it made my want grow. I love Parisian fashion, French food and shopping.... I MUST GO.