NEW YORK PHOTO DIARY

Ok, this is a longer post than normal, but I've kept it as brief as possible for you guys to read, as not to bore you! enjoy!

Monday

Met at the university at 3am to travel to Heathrow.
Flew from Heathrow at 8.30am, arriving at JFK 11.30 at local time.
Dropped our luggage a the hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania - not the nicest of hotels but the location was great as it was quite central.
Unpacked and checked out the area around the hotel.

Went to watch Brooklyn Nets Vs. Houston Rockets basketball game at the Barclays Centre, Brooklyn. JAYZ AND BEYONCE WERE HERE, I WAS BREATHING THE SAME AIR AS BEYONCE!
I don’t understand basketball at all, but it was an experience.
Headed home for an early-ish night to try and get over the jetlag.

Tuesday

Up at 9am for a fashion tour of Manhattan, visiting the ‘ladies mile’, Soho, Chelsea, Greenwich and much more.

Visitied the FIT Museum for the Faking it: Originals, copies and counterfeits exhibition.

Had to stop for some real American slices of pizza! They were so tasty it was unreal.

Went to Times Square, popping in shops like American Apparel, Sephora, etc along the way to pick up some goodies.

Explored Central Park, its such a peaceful place in the middle of such a hectic city, was so surreal.

Bought my first ever Wendys Burger meal, it was probably the best burger I have ever eaten!

Visited the Empire State Building that evening. Was an emotional experience, with beautiful views and an amazing aura. Definitely a highlight of my entire New York trip.

Wednesday

Up at 9am again, this time for a tour of Macy’s. Got to learn the insides of the store and how they work, very interesting.

Managed to get lost on the subway, ending up in the middle of Harlem!

Eventually found ourselves Downtown and took the ferry over the the Statue of Liberty.

I have never been so cold, as I was on the ferry to reach Liberty Island, it was horrible, but worth it.

Paid our respects at the 9/11 memorial, such a beautiful place for lost ones to be remembered. Was very emotional, but lovely to see.

Took a trip along Wall street before moving on to China Town and Little Italy.

Had dinner at a little place called the Food Center, a quaint restaurant with lovely staff and wonderful food, definitely worth a visit!

Thursday

Last day in New York, travel home this afternoon, so woke early to make the most of the time we had left.

Dunkin’ Doughnuts for breakfast, the most amazing doughnuts I have ever eaten.

Revisited shops to pick up last minute gifts and purchases.

Found the Alice in Wonderland statue within central park -I am obsessed with the story, so I was eager to find this!

Went to Times Square for once last glimpse.

Shared a 50 McNugget box at Mcdonalds between two of us - We just had too!

Sadly had to travel home after this!

I have to say I had the most amazing time in New York. Ive never found a city to be so inspirational and full of dreams as I did this one, I highly recommend visiting it at some point within your lifetime just to experience the amazing views, culture, attractions and definitely the FOOD! 

Have you been to New York, what did you think? Where else have you been on your travels?

Victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

THE WAY I BLOG

I think almost every blogger went through the phase where they would blog loads, then not blog for weeks, then write up an 'apology' post to say sorry to readers for not posting everyday. But I have finally come the realisation that I am blogging for myself just as much as everyone else, so I will blog when I want too, when I feel I have a good enough reason to blog and if I have the time! If I don't go by these rules that I have set myself it all becomes a bit of a chore and I don't want that at all. 

Ive come up with a few pointers that I follow, to try and help others:

Be in the mood.

Make sure you feel as though you want to blog, don't force yourself to write up a post or take some blog photos. If you're not feeling it, it really does show through the way that you write and through the quality of your photos. Maybe take an hour or two to do something you enjoy, or make yourself a brew and then go back to writing a post when you feel motivated. 

Get comfortable.

I usually blog from the comforts of my bed, or a cushions chair. With a hot cup of tea, biscuits and treats and light smelt candles around my room just to create a nice atmosphere around me while I write up my posts. Obviously this may not be the way that everyone else does it, but just make yourself comfortable and you will blog well!

Find inspiration.

Read other blogs, magazines, books, look at the world around you. Gain inspiration from everything! You can literally blog about anything that you want, your experiences, other peoples experiences, what you want to do, go, see, what you are wearing, what you are going to wear, what you wish you could wear... The list is never ending!

Map out your ideas.

I usually make a list of all my ideas, and map out what I want to include in each post. I have a little 'blog book' that I jot down all my thoughts that I want to write about. I don't plan out a blogging schedule because thats when I feel it all gets a bit difficult to keep up with my blog as well as an everyday routine (with me being at University, I have to give myself some time to do actual work as well!) 

Blog!

Once you feel ready, comfy and organised just blog away! Who knows where it will take you!

What is your blogging routine? Is it similar to mine?

Victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

HOLIDAY PACKING: BEAUTY

This is the followup to my 'Holiday Packing: Fashion' post, where I shall be sharing with you the beauty items that I am taking to Rome with me this Wednesday. There aren't a lot as I am only taking hand luggage so I have to take little sample pots of everything because of flight limits and things, also I shall be putting them in a small ziplock bag when I travel.

 Bourgois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation | Benefit They're Real Mascara | MUA Mosaic Bronzer

 Nivea Suncream | Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic | Witch Blemish Stick | Sanex Moisturising Shower gel

Nivea Firming Body Oil | Aveeno Moisturiser | L'oreal Conditioner | L'oreal Shampoo

- Rather than lugging bottles of body creams and shampoos across the world I have found some samples that I had lying around from events and things to take with me instead.

 Mouthwash Sample | Nivea Express Hydration Primer | Toothpaste | Nivea Essential Care Lipbalm | Benefit Its Potent Eye Cream | Perfume samples | Eyelash Glue 

- I have semi permanent eyelashes at the minute to save me sticking on false ones while I am away so the glue is incase they start to get messy

Hairspray | VO5 Instant Boost Powder | Mitchum Deodorant | Argain Oil

I am starting to get very excited for my trip now, only a few hours left until I travel up to Stanstead! I feel like a child before Christmas aha! All I need to do now is pack a few more items in my case and I am good to go.

How organised are you before holidays? Where are you off to this summer?

Victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

HOLIDAY PACKING: FASHION

As I mentioned in my Chit Chat post (here) I am off to Rome this Wednesday and I am so excited I could pee my pants! - but I won't, because I may get some funny looks from people. Anyway, I thought this would be a good opportunity to write up some holiday preparation posts as I love to read these types of things on others peoples blogs and it will help me get organised as I go along.

Within this post is the fashion items that I am going to pack for my travels. I am going from Wednesday - Sunday so I'm not taking an awful lot as it will have to fit in my hand luggage. Also, during my visit I am hoping to go to The Vatican and various other religious places within Rome so I will be taking a cover up to put on within those places but I haven't photographed this. 

 Playsuit: Urban Outfitters | T-bars: Topshop | Bag: Primark

 Crochet dress: H&M | Sandals: Primark 

 Smock Dress: Primark | Sandals: Primark | Bumbag: Primark

 Playsuit: H&M | Sandals: Primark | Sunglasses: Primark

 Playsuit: Urban Outfitters | T-bars: Topshop | Sunglasses: Topshop

Denim Shirt: Charity Shop | Kimono: Primark

Arrowhead Necklace: Unknown | Belt: Charity Shop | Hamsa Hand Necklace: Topshop | Choker: Ebay | Watch: Casio | Triangle Choker: Topshop

I'm just going to leave this short and sweet as it is pretty self explanatory. My next holiday post will be the beauty items that I shall be taking with me so make sure to check back to find out!

Where are you off too on your travels? What essentials are you taking with you?

Victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

CHIT CHAT #3

If you read my posts often you may wonder 'why is she posting so early, its normally evening time she uploads?' well this is the exciting stuff I was on about in my last post, I have finally found a job! I am now a sales consultant in Boots - Ok it's not the most fashionable job and not relatable to my studies, but its money right? Being a student, thats my main problem at the minute so I needed to take any job thrown at me. Before this I was cat-sitting for my auntie, not really a career aye? haha.

This has been why I haven't been able to upload as many posts lately as I have been settling in and been on the late shift, but I am adjusting to early mornings again so I can start posting at these times instead. I love blogging too much to just stop because of a job!

Also, next wednesday I am off to Rome until the following Sunday so I am planning on posting some holiday related posts over the coming days as I love those types of posts to help my own planning and I hope to help some of you on your travels and plans. 

I won't ramble on anymore, I hope you all have a lovely day in the sunshine while I'm working later. *sad faces* 

Where are you off to this summer on your travels?

Victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

photo taken from tumblr.com

CHIT CHAT #2

So I'm back to university now with only nine days until I hand in my last assignment - first year has gone so quickly! I'm knuckling down this next week and a bit to make sure all of my work is perfect, seeing as Im paying so much money for this degree! Posts may be a bit slow while I finish up things, but I can't wait to have summer off so I can upload loads and get really into blogging as I love it so much!

I hope you all had a lovely easter and a good break from school/college/uni/work and good luck to those of you taking exams and handing in work soon!

victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

CHIT CHAT #1

I think I may have consumed a tad too much alcohol this Easter Bank Holiday, resulting in a major lazy/pyjama day and leaving me feeling very sorry for myself! After tidying the whole house, eating lots of chocolate and being a couch potato, I am starting to feel a little more alive and am currently writing up some new blogposts for the week ahead - I can't wait to share them with you!

I hope you all had an amazing Easter, had fun with family/friends and got lots of yummy chocolates!

victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

WHAT'S IN MY UNIVERSITY BAG?

This is a follow up post to the 'Whats in my day-to-day bag' post (here) I made a few weeks ago. I thought I would give you an idea what I carry around with me on various days, depending what I am up too! Here is what I take with me in my University bag.

-A PukkaPad is a must have to take into lectures and seminars, so that you can jot down any notes or tips that lecturers may point out or help you with. Also its somewhere to doodle in if you're bored out of  your mind!

-I take around a magazine with me just incase I have a break in between classes or the lecturers late and so on as it just gives me something to read and do in the meantime.

-My prescription glasses are a life saver in lectures when I struggle to see the interactive board and they also save me from getting the worst headaches!

-I get so peckish so quickly, so I carry around a little snack with me just to give me a boost of energy throughout the day. Sometimes I forget to take one and it makes the day drag so much when Im starving!

-I seem to carry around lip products with me all the time! I'm obsessed with having some sort of product on my lips, otherwise I feel naked. I'm really loving this 'Famous by Sue Moxley' lipstick in shade8 at the moment as its quite a nude and natural colour, but still adds a different touch to my makeup look.

-Pen/pencil/highlighter to help jot down those important notes, or to doodle all over my pad!

-Lastly I like to take a bottle of water to uni as the rooms tend to be quite warm, so getting dehydrated is very likely otherwise.

What's in your uni/college/school bag?

victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

INSTAGRAM

instagram: @toria_adkins

A quick post to update you on where to find me on instagram! I post quite frequently, whether it be an outfit of the day, nails of the day, a snap of where I am/what I'm doing or an occasional selfie! I love instagram and I am always searching for new accounts to follow and so on so leave your names below and I'll check yours out :)

victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

WHAT'S IN MY DAY-TO-DAY BAG?

Bag - Primark £6.00

One of my favourite type of blog post and youtube video is a good old 'Whats in my bag', so I thought I would do one of my own to show you what I carry around with me. I also thought that I have a few different type of bags : a day-to-day bag, a uni bag, and a traveling home and back to uni bag. SO! over the next few weeks I'm going to do a post on each of these bags and what I take with me. Anyway, enough babbling! Here is what I take with me in my daily bag.

-Firstly my prescription glasses get placed in my bag, mainly so I don't forget them and because I end up with the worst headache if I don't wear them when I need too!

-Next comes my purse, obviously a must have as you never know when you need to spend or splurge some money.

-I get quite sore lips quite quickly at this time of year, so my Carmex helps them stay soft and smooth. However I do wear my MAC Up the amp lipstick majority of the time to try and keep my lips moisturised and look presentable at the same time! 

-Rather than carry a massive perfume bottle around for the day, I received a 'The perfume Shop' travelo dupe for Christmas last year and I use it all the time! Its so much easier to top it up with some of my favourite perfume to spray myself with throughout the day.

-I'm not an asthmatic, however the doctors prescribed me an inhaler since I can remember as I get short of breath easily, so this is a must have in my bag from day to day. 

-The amount of times I have been out and about and found myself in a situation where I need a pen but haven't had one is crazy, so I make sure I carry one with me all the time now. 

-Chewing gum, for obvious reasons - after food and drink, I hate nasty after tastes in my mouth!

-Paracetamol, incase I get a headache for not wearing my glasses when I need too!

-I take my iPhone 4s everywhere! Who doesn't? I don't know what I would do without it, I would feel as if a part of me was lost. Thats quite bad isn't it?

-I find that if I have my headphones, I can listen to music to pass the time quicker if I am on the bus/train, in a long queue, or to make me feel less awkward in those situations where you're by yourself and don't want to look like a total loner!

What's in your day-to-day bag?

victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr | bloglovin

ISABELLA BLOW: FASHION GALORE!

Yesterday I took a trip to London to spend the day with my mum, as I hadn't seen her in about a month! I had a bit of a crazy start getting there, due to the weather, trains being delayed and all sorts of other mishaps. But once there I had a wonderful time!

We went to the Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! Exhibition at Somerset house to start with, which was so good! I absolutely adore Alexander Mcqueen and all of his work, some of which was featured within the exhibition much to my excitement. Along with other designer pieces from Monolo, Givenchy along with many Philip Treacy Hats which are amazingly designed and constructed. Within the exhibition, many of Blows own works were shown, which as a styling student myself has inspired me greatly and I now have so many ideas floating around my head which I am dying to try out! At a cost of £12.50 or £10 concessions, it is definitely worth the money and worth a look around. You will definitely leave feeling very inspired and in awe of the work within!

Of course, a trip to London wouldn't be complete without a little sightseeing! Here are just a few snaps of places we had a wander round throughout our day and a cheeky outfit snap to show you guys what I was wearing yesterday!

Leather jacket - Topshop

Fur collar - Ebay

Black Jumper - Primark

Shirt - Primark

Jeans - Topshop

Boots - Topshop

Necklace - Primark

Bag - Primark

Just realised how Primark/Topshop heavy my outfit was! - oops!

Have you been to the Isabella Blow exhibition? What did you think?

victoria x | twitter | instagram | tumblr