It's 2014, yes?

(Though a quick festive round-up first!) 

1. Our teeny-tiny Christmas tree surrounded by presents. 2. A mug of something that just has to be done nearly every night of the winter season: hot chocolate with marshmallows. 3. The AWESOME gingerbread house my boyfriend bought us. 3. One of the display windows at Harrods with gorgeous Mulberry bags. 4. Me eating a giant pretzel. 5. Another Harrods Christmas display dubbed 'The Harrods train'. 6. My lovely boyfriend and me after we put up the tree. 7. The Ferris wheel at Winter Wonderland. 8. My absolute fave: 

Lindt chocolate bears! 

And now to the present!

If I have any resolutions for the next year, it's get on the healthy train and to be happy. I know they say most resolutions are given up within the first few weeks of January but I'm determined. 

2014, I will be healthy!! 

I also look forward to another year with my baeu (the more the better tbh) 

And as for things I want to achieve: getting a job in my most desired field would be a plus but generally more editorial work experience, learning shorthand and finally enrolling on and NCTJ course is my aim.

2014, here's to you. 

Hola Chicas!

Alas I have returned from my too-short a trip to Malaga. As you could probably guess, the weather was lovely out there and I practically spent two days lying on the beach and roaming around the city. My friend, who is currently there for university, lives in the old town which is quite a central location, filled with history and bustling with shops, its own botanic garden and numerous restaurants. It also contains some rather beautiful Renaissance architecture and is centered around a massive Cathedral.

I was definitely in need of a little getaway after all my uni deadlines and this was just the perfect treat, lapping up the sun, sand and sangria...  I miss it already! That said, the weather here in Britain has somewhat improved as of late.

While I'm here, I thought I'd also show you something I picked up during my trip because it's always SO difficult to resist the temptations that come your way whilst browsing in the duty free section. That's all you really want to do- just browse until it's time to board the plane, because god knows you need to save every last penny for when you're actually at your desired destination, enjoying your holiday. At least that's what I wanted to do, until I saw this:

As a massive fan of the brand I just could not help myself, especially after wanting this for a whole year; the Urban Decay Naked Palette, numero 2. The shades are said to be perfect for everyday make-up and also brilliant for the more dramatic and smokey-eye looks. I finally have it and cannot wait to start using it!

OMG

So last Tuesday was my last ever hand-in AND THUS THE END OF UNIVERSITY AS I KNOW IT- *dun! dun! dun!*

3 years of hard-work has amounted to this moment.. 

I can't believe it's all over, I've had a brilliant 3 years and have met a bunch of really great people that I hope to be able to call my life long friends. My time at university has seen some serious highs and a fair share of lows- but that's the point of all, right?

I'm eagerly awaiting my results (eek!) and look forward to graduation! In the meantime, I have a trip lined up to Spain, only for a couple of days, to visit my friend whose taken a sandwich year abroad. I'm looking forward to seeing how she's doing out there and also to escaping this fickle British weather and getting some actual solid sunshine!

In other the news, the job hunt is on! Bring on LIFE!

Day Two: Proost!

From the early hours of this morning me and my fellow Top-deckers have been up and at 'em!

Starting the day with a bike tour with Mike's Bike's around the city at 9am, the group was brought to life with the chill of the bitter wind and the lovely views of the city before the bustle of the afternoon. The tour took us through the some of the main sights like the 'I Amsterdam' sign in front of the famous Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank house (which had a massive queue outside) and the (fake) lizard park. We cycled over a lot of canal bridges which was a work out in itself! And halfway through the tour we stopped off at this lovely little rustic cafe to grab some coffee. It was my first time ever doing a bike tour and I can safely say the company cater for all types of riders, like, say, the short novice... Also the guide was really knowledgeable and friendly with the tendency to crack jokes throughout the tour. It was really good fun.
On a general note, if it's one thing you'll definitely notice upon entering Amsterdam it's jut how much cyclists have a reign over the streets. According to urban lore they are at the top of the transport hierarchy, which probably explains why there are so little cars driving around and also why everyone around here seems to be a pro at riding a bike.

After that some of us went to the Heineken brewery which was pretty cool. Personally my favourite part was this 4D interactive visual experience where we were "brewed and bottled", becoming a part of the making process, with bubbles coming out from the ceiling and a trembling platform. All in all the museum was quite quirky and displayed the long history of the Heineken brand- I would say it's generally a good activity to do but great for beer lovers as you get a beer tasting session and then 2 free complimentary beers at the end of the tour! Awesome, right?!

The latter half of the day consisted of a tour through the red light district. Two of us decided to take up a tour with the Prostitution Information Centre who offer insider knowledge on the district. It was actually really informative and educational, shedding light on probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of the city. We were also given useful tips like to never stand in front of a window because it makes the workers angry as it could deter customers. Loitering could indeed result in pee, water, or even a dildo thrown at your head. Don't do it!
And then came the optional activity that no doubt everyone signed up for: the sex show. All I can say (and will say) is that it was a very theatrical type of show, probably one of the more accessible shows geared to attract more than one type of audience... There were several different acts which were all good, if not a little tacky, but overall the show was at times really funny and entertaining with some awkward parts. It might not be everyone's cup of tea but if you think you'd be up for it it's definitely a to do whilst at the red light district.

Tomorrow should be another fun filled day with yet more exploring and a trip to the flower fields lined up in the morning! I can't wait.

Post Holiday Blues: another food post.

So my last night in Lyon was mainly all about seeing the finish of the travel guide. After a long day of layout and editing the piece came together in the wee early hours of the morning, I think around 2.30am. It was a proud moment to see all the hard work of the CTR team materialized.
It was all such a learning curve and I met some really cool people who I hope to see again.
Now I am back in London Town and am trying to readjust my senses to the dull weather, the grey clouds, and work.  All reality checks are thoroughly underway; I've got loads to do.

I will blog properly soon, but in the mean time, here are some pictures from my last meal in Lyon. Me and the team went to a Bouchon in the old city, in the small time we had left, to celebrate the end of the project The food was delicious and it looked pretty good too:

A starter of chicken and lentil terrine with raspberry sauce 

Escargots!
We all tried one. They were surprisingly nice but that may have been because they were smothered in garlic and butter.  They tasted like fish. 

Duck a l'Orange with sauteed courgette, mash, and a few lettuce leaves in some vinaigrette 

Pertaining to the manner of the French palate all the dishes were pretty rich and full of flavour. The raspberry sauce surprising my taste buds on every mouthful of the terrine, the medium rare duck varnished in orange sauce... It was all so scrummy

I will most definitely miss the food!

For now.. au revoir! New post soon!
x

Je suis fatigue

I have had such a busy week trying to cram in as many activities in my days as possible, aside from my work. I don't want to miss a thing, I don't want to sleep. I just want to explore, and to explore, and to see as much as I can while I still have time.
To be fair, I am supposed to have an "authentic experience" of the city for the guide.. But this enthusiasm probably comes from the fact that I haven't had a holiday in about 4 years. I'm just happy to be away for a while.
Alas, I can't believe my second week here is over. The production of the travel guide is coming to a close and hopefully it will be produced within the next week if all goes to plan. I'm so excited to see the end product!

For now, here are some highlights from my week:

LOVE crepes: banana and nutella with cafe arabica icecream

The towering walls of the Cathedrale St. Jean

At the Musée miniature et cinéma

The set of 'Perfume' 

Cute little miniatures 

Sweeties! 

Awesome film props!

Travel guide layout planning

More crepes!

Breakfast omelette= proud self 

Beautiful tapestry in the making at La Maison des Canuts (The House of the Silk Workers)

A screaming Medusa at the Musée des beaux arts

 Gros bises!!

HARD ROCK 2K12

Ok so these photos don't actually give the festival itself any justice but they reflect the awesome time I got to experience as a VIP crew member throughout the festival!

I have also written a review of the Festival that is on the Digital Spy website, read it here!

Thanks guys!