July

Over the past few weeks I have realised what I should be doing at this point of my life. I have also come to the realisation that i'm going to be doing these things for a while. This is because I'm taking a gap year. Sure this means I'll be going to University two years late (as I also had to re-take my first year) but it's all good... When I do finally go I will be the older, slightly more wiser student that couldn't care less about freshers and seeing who can do the most shots without wanting to be sick everywhere.

I have been working in my parents boutique mens store in north London for a while and it's nice. I don't really have to do much when I am working so it mainly consists of watching films on Netflix and wondering into that weird part of Youtube every once in a while. And i get paid for it... How does that work? I have also spent a lot of time catching up with old friends which has been nice and somewhat strange to see how people change...

It was my 19th birthday on the 17th of July and it was lovely. I had a BBQ with some friends and a few vodka jelly shots. Classy. But it was a really nice evening and there were lots of bubbled involved... Happy happy happy.

Two days ago my boyfriend and I decided to book a spontaneous last minute holiday to Spain... Bring it on.

Post Exam Blues

The months leading up to my exams were filled with the anticipation that once my exams were over, I would feel like a free woman. Able to do what I wanted, when I wanted. Sure my last exam was only yesterday, but the overwhelming happiness I was so sure would hit me, didn't...

I think this is to do with the fact I am taking a gap year. Yes, I'm going travelling and doing all the exciting stuff that young people get up to on their year of freedom... but it all feels so far away. 

Another reason I expect I'm feeling like this is due to the fact that my boyfriend, who I have now been with for a year and a half, has a full time job and works extremely long and tiring hours. I should probably get a job too but I want to experience the complete and utter freedom that is doing nothing. 

Last night Jake (my boyfriend) and I went out to eat and had a few celebratory cocktails. It was a lovely evening and there's nothing more I love doing than spending time with him. However today I was woken up by his alarm at 5:30, kissed him goodbye and fell back asleep. I woke at around 10 which is rare for me as I am an early riser, and was filled with a feeling of emptiness. After being in education for 15 years of my life I almost felt as though i'd been released from some kind of prison. 

I think it's hard to know what direction to go in once you finish school. Obviously, in a few weeks I will get more of a routine and get a job but it will then be that job that my life revolves around... And you begin to organise seeing friends and loved ones based on what time you can get off. Isn't life funny.

I think i'm just worrying about what the future has in store for me a bit too much. Haha i'm fine, i promise. I'm content. I'm happy. 

How could I not be with a boyfriend that looks like this?!

Summer

This has definitely been the best summer ever and i'd like to quickly thank everyone that has made it amazing for me. 

I know i haven't posted in absolutely ages, i have been a busy, busy bee. I did a lot this summer. Went on holiday to greece and ireland (not really a holiday, more of a family event), went to a few music festivals and spent some time with my friends, larking around in the sunshine... not that there was that much of it. The weather this week has been hotter than any day i can remember in summer! 

My summer consisted of jumping off 60ft cliffs into the middle of the greek ocean, fishing off the irish shores, dancing until i couldn't feel my legs at music festivals and pottering about the garden with glasses of wine with friends. 

Here are a random selection of my favourite pictures from summer:

 

Lipstick

I've noticed I do seem to ramble on quite a bit about lipstick... This is the last time (this season), i promise! Last year i was given a lipstick as a present by my godmother and as she knew i usually wore quite subtle colours, i was shocked to lift the lid, twist, and see a chunk of fuchsia pink lipstick before my eyes. Not sure when i would wear it, i kept it on my dressing table. Although it was far too bright for daily use to college, i longed for the day i could smother my lips in it's pinkyness. It just looked amazing. A bullet shaped bright purple capsule with silver sparkles and unicorns on the outside... I decided i would try it on. No harm in that. However, once it was placed perfectly upon my lips i fell in love. Who cares if it's waaay to bright for any average day..? I am going to wear this fuchsia pink with pride whenever i feel the need! It had a brilliant texture, not sticky or gloopy in any way. A perfect consistency. And it would last all day. I knew it was the lipstick for me.

That was over a year ago and i'm still crazy about this lipstick! They has the wackiest colours and i have nearly collected every single one of them. I would really recommend the brand as it is extremely high quality lipstick for a decent price that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd this summer!

http://www.limecrimemakeup.com/

Oh June, you do spoil us!

A few snaps taken earlier today of my garden. I was shocked at how quickly everything is blooming this year! The rose bush has literally about 200 roses on it...

(oh and do try and get hold of some westons perry... Mmmmm...)

Birthdays

Finding presents that people like is one of the hardest things. Especially if you are buying one for someone of the opposite gender... Whenever it begins to get close to the time of either my brothers or my dads birthday i switch to panic mode! What do you buy for boys?! Flowers..? Chocolate..? Socks..?! It is tricky... but this year i've had an idea. I am going to make all of the presents i give to people. For my dads, i've decided i'm going to do a drawing of the family and get it printed onto a canvas. However for my brother's (which is in 11 days!) i have no idea! What on earth do 13 going on 14 boys like?! I have designed a little card for him though... (click to enlarge if you want to see it in it's entirety)

For girls it's a lot easier. I have made people scarves that they have loved, jewellery that they were on a daily basis and cakes and lovely foody stuff that they found yummy so it's not that hard. I always think it's nicer to make things for people - especially if they are close to you. It's a lot more intimate. I know that it's a lot easier to just go to the local shop and buy them something that they might like but i always appreciate a gift so much more if the person has spent time making/looking into the gift they give me. 

Another thing that i can't get over is the fact that my little brother is turning 14! It seems like only yesterday that he looked like this...

Ahh, time flies...

 Ella xx

England.

Now, i'm not usually into the whole folk music thing.. at all. But this evening i went to a music event my dad organised in a pub down my the canal and surprisingly, i actually enjoyed it. It was full to the brim with people that were there to enjoy great, live music. The evening kicked off with some morris dancers... One was dressed like a woman.

A morris dance is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers. Implements such as sticks, swords, handkerchiefs and bells may also be wielded by the dancers.

Sounds weird, right? But it was actually a pretty good night. I met some amazing people that you would never meet in London, drank some gorgeous local cider and listened to some great music. I sure have learnt one lesson tonight... That you shouldn't turn down an opportunity if you think you don't like it. You should always try out new things. Because you never know, you could get home after and be searching up folk music... haha. I'm feeling rather optimistic at the moment as i have had a few pints too many but hopefully i'll feel the same way in the morning!

Night!

xx