As my university experience has officially wrapped up and I am packing the last of my belongings into my suitcase, I have really been thinking about what it means to be in higher education. Yes, it makes you more employable and yes, it makes you more qualified in your field. But really, what is university culture?


(Side-note: all the pictures of this post might seem random but they are actually photos of my lovely town in which I went to university)


There Are No '5-Minute Catch Ups'

There is no popping into your friend's room to see how they are. There is no quick chat whilst you make dinner. There is no going down to the pub for one drink only. I don't think a 5-minute conversation has ever occurred the whole time I have lived with my best friends - I always end up staying a few hours. 

 You Won't Remember What's Yours Anyway

When you first move into your 'spacious' university room, you want to make it nice and when you move out halls and into your student house with your friends, again, you want to make it nice. You buy all new plates, bowls, cutlery and mugs. You put up cute pictures and maybe, a couple of fairy lights. But I'll let you into a secret- No one remembers what's theirs when it comes to moving out.
Nobody remembers which plates they own and everybody thinks that one 'perfect' spoon is theirs. Your kitchen will be left with a couple of items which everyone swears they did not bring into the house and will probably end up being donated to the charity shop anyway. 

First-year doesn't count

I don't know if this is just England, but for us, the first year doesn't count. You simply need to pass it to get into the second year. So that means that a lot of lectures are attended half-heartedly. Usually, you turn up without a pen to take notes, still drunk from the night before or late because you just had to get a coffee prior to the lesson.


Your Planners and Diaries

Leading on from that, you will not, repeat, will not use a diary of a planner in the first year. Yes, I did the same. I bought a cute diary and covered it in cute pictures. I bought a plethora of coloured pens and highlighters. I got way too many notebooks and sticky notes and do you know what, I have finished university now and I still have the majority of them - unwritten in and unused.


Weird Habits 

I think developing weird habits is probably one of the most relatable things that happens whilst you are at university. However, your friends or housemates also pick up these habits and it isn't until you go back to your hometown that you realise that these new behaviours are actually quite strange.
It is not normal to nap at 11am or to make pancakes at midnight, that is unless you are at university. 



Your Milk & Bread

There is no milk or your bread, its everyone's milk and bread. Yes, someone will use the last of it and no, no-one will confess. But don't worry, that's what your loan is for - milk and bread.

Carry your university ID

You could go to your university every single day, attend every lecture and know every lecturer's name and life story. But somehow, the university guards will still need to see your ID and if you don't have it, you won't be allowed into the building you are spending nine grand a year on, just to attend.

Rent & The Library

Your student rent is extortionate but don't worry, you don't spend anytime there anyway. You live in the library.


All in all, going to university was the best decision I have ever made and it has been an honour to live in this beautiful town.
One final truth about University culture - All the friends you make, will be your friends for life.

Thank you for reading this post!

Periods appear to be a very strange conversation topic apparently. It is something nearly every woman deals with. 

When discussing periods, we tend to soften our words and actions.

We slip tampons or sanitary pads up our sleeves to avoid people knowing. We use the term 'women problems', to describe the immense period pains we can get. There is a light, rose-coloured tint painted over the topic of periods to make them seem more acceptable in society.

But in reality, why are hiding something that happens to roughly half the population? 

Personally, I think it is a way of dulling women's overall strength. 

Your period is healthy and not only that, your body is so powerful that it can physically grow and produce another human being. And sometimes you just need a little bit of blood to remind you of how strong and courageous you can be. 

This post might end up being super long because I have a lot to say about how the subject of periods and how it is dealt with. 

So let's talk about the sponsor of this post!

~Sponspered Content~

Pink Parcel is a period box subscription service, that delivers all the goodies you will need during your time of the month, start to your door. I don't know about you, but I am forever being surprised by my period. Luckily, I live with my best friend at the moment and she usually has some pads or tampons lying around which I can use, but when I start living with my boyfriend full-time, I am afraid that will no longer be an option. I am going to have to start fending for myself in the period department. 

So, there are three main boxes you can get your hands on. There is 'The Needs' box, which is £5.00 a month. This has all your basics, your tampons, pads and other feminine hygiene products. The next level up is the 'The Wants' and this contains little extras which will make your period that little bit easier. As well as having period products, it also includes skin products, to sort out those pesky hormonal spots and even some chocolate and herbal tea. When I am on my period, I find the best thing to drink is peppermint tea, it really soothes your period cramps! 

The box I was so generously sent was the 'All of It' box, which is £11.00 a month. 

What's in the 'All Of It' box? 

Well, I am glad you asked.  Inside the packaging (pictured above) comes these two smaller boxes, one labelled 'For You' and the other 'For Later'.

~Sponspered Content~

Insides of the 'For You' box was a range of tampons and pads. Now, it is not a secret that every woman has a preference in what period products they use. And Pink Parcel knows that. Pink Parcel allows you to pick and choose what you like and want. My box is only my first months, therefore it includes a range. However, when you want to switch it up, just hop over to their website (linked here) and tell them what you want. They also carry a range of brands like Always, Tampax, BodyForm and many more! 

~Sponspered Content~

Inside the 'For Later Box' is where all the goodies are hiding. In my box this month, I got the MudMasky for my hair. It is a shampoo that repairs your damaged hair and soothes it, to make it feel all soft. Fun Fact: When you are on your period, you are more likely to have bad hair days. Both your skin and your scalp can react due to the hormonal changes in your body. 
Also, I got a Tanatomicals Lip Balm (which has SPF in it) and a Floss Lip Gloss. When I am on my period, I always find myself feeling dehydrated. Thes lip products are definitely what I need.
Finally, I also received a Cocoba Milk Chocolate Block. On the packet, this is described as a 'Chocolate Spoon', which you just have to have in alongside a cup of tea.
Also, something that is not pictured is the Lyons Coffee sachet. If I am being completely honest, I got too excited and drank it before I remembered to take a picture of it. It was my favourite item, as I am, you probably already know, a true coffee addict. 

~Sponspered Content~


If you thought that was it, you were incorrect!
As well as the 'For You' and 'For Later' boxes, there is the 'For Night' box, which contains night time, thicker pads for long hours. As well as this bag which says 'Self-Love', which includes even more pads!
No matter, how long or heavy your cycle is, Pink Parcel has got you.





~Sponspered Content~

I posted a little late this week and as you can see, it was because I was working on this lengthy post.
Here are some of my final thoughts:

• Pink Parcel has been one of the best and most important brands I have worked with recently.
• Periods should never, ever be taboo. 
• Women are strong, magical creatures. 

*This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own. 

~23rd July 2019~

Hello, welcome back or welcome to my little blog.

Okay, let me be honest for a moment. I don't know if this is a stupid post idea and I really hope it isn't just me that finds this sort of thing interesting. I find peoples camera rolls really fascinating. I heard this quote one - 'If you want to learn what someone fears losing, look at what they photograph'. I think this is partly true. However, I also take a lot of photos of food...so, do with that information what you will.

I thought it would be a fun post idea to share some of my favourite snaps of July 2019. If you are expecting some feel fantastic photography, you have to wrong place. However, if you are nosy (like me) and fancy scrolling through my photos of this month (or last month), then stick around, give this a read.

Firstly, let's talk about the photo above. Most of my July has been spent working, so my camera roll is lacking an awful lot of 'fun' photos. However, this is a snap of my breakfast in Brighton. If anyone is interested, these pancakes are from Bills and they are hands-down, my favourite breakfast food. In the words of Leslie Knope - 'Why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food?' 

So, I was house hunting in Brighton with my other half and we both decided we needed a good, filling breakfast to make a fully informed decision about our future (and it worked, blog post about that coming soon.)

 ~2nd July 2019~

Thirdly, is this adorable photos of me, my dog (Flo-Monroe) and my boyfriend. We popped back to my home town to spend some time with my family and we took this photo whilst out on a good, old-fashioned dog walk. 

I don't know how many of these posts I am going to do, but if I do write multiple, my dog will pretty much be in all of them. She is outrageously adorable and more photogenic then I will ever be. Also, I love a good old, family photo. My boyfriend's love for my dog in this photo is too pure not to make it into my favourite photos for this month.

  ~3rd July 2019~

 ~3rd July 2019~

Both of these photos were taken on the same day, as you can probably tell from the outfit. Okay, so basically, I was just really feeling my outfit this day. I got the playsuit from a charity shop, it fit perfectly and was only £3.00. I also had just bought my Paula Urban shoes (linked below), and my little yellow, bumblebee handbag just completed the look, to be honest. 

The first photo was taken on the train whilst I was reading 'This is Going to Hurt' by Adam Kay and the second was taken in a little local boutique near my home town. It was also taken by my sister and definitely wasn't as candid as it looks.



~21st July 2019~

This photo brings a lot of feelings to my heart. I took this whilst shooting photos for my 'Come and Pack With Me' post and it's (very clearly) of my record player and some of my little cacti. The white, empty space around it reminds me of my little empty student house. Goodbye University, hello adulthood. 

~3rd July 2019~

Finally, is this flat-lay from my post 'My Mug Collection'. I love this photo. I love my F.R.I.E.N.D.S mugs and I think all the colours really compliment each other. I think one of the cons of blogging is second-guessing yourself. You are constantly thinking your writing isn't good enough or your photos won't spark interest (or maybe that's just me). But I was truly confident in this photo and I think it's cute!

Thank you for reading this post! Let me know your thoughts, do I make this a series or no?

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After people really loved my Mug Collection post (Click here, if you fancy giving it a read!), I thought, whilst I am still packing up all my belongings, I might as well show my collection of jewellery. 

So let's cut to it. Here are a few quick facts about my jewellery consumption (is that the right word?) that you need to know before reading this post.

So firstly, let's talk about this post's sponsor. 

This post was brought to you by Abelini Jewellery. This is a UK based Jewerally company which offer a range of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. All of their products are set with silver as well as a plethora of stones. 

Personally, I choose the Halo Diamond ring, which I didn't allow myself to wear all week until I took these blog photos because, as I mentioned before, I am a bit infamous for losing rings. It's lightweight, even though it looks like it should weigh a lot. Also, it makes me feel like I have put that little bit of extra effort into my everyday outfits, even when I am walking down to my local corner shop in a large jumper and no makeup, to get some milk. 

Matching Bracelet and Necklace

Finally, the pendant on the left actually matches with this bracelet below. My Dad bought these for me on my 18th Birthday from a local jewellery shop in my hometown called Crystal Clear. If they have a website, it will be linked below. I love these. This set has survived every jewellery throw out session, every move and I wear them on most special occasions.   

As you can see from this lengthy post, I really couldn't explore ALL my jewellery but get ready, you will be seeing plenty of these 'collection' posts. I am really enjoying writing them and as I am packing away everything, I might as well be writing about all my belongings. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. As usual, everything will be linked below so if you fancy something that you have seen, it will be available below.

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*This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own.  

Hi, yes. I can fit in a box, I am small.

I have started packing and let me tell you, it's stressful. 

Okay, so let me give you an update if you are new to this little collection of posts on my blog. This is my 'Moving and Improving' series, in which I document my journey of moving house.

I don't really know what this post is going to be. It started off as being a post about 'Top Tips when it Comes to Packing'. But to tell you the truth, I am not an expert. I am the 'throw everything in one box' kinda girl. Which suited me just fine when I was only moving to my student house and all I needed was a bottle of Peach Snaps and a couple of feminist books. But I feel there is a lot of pressure with packing up my belongings this time. It feels different, more intense. I  developed this strange fear, that if I started packing too early, then I wouldn't be able to move. That if I began putting my clothes, books and mugs in boxes, then for some reason, I would end up not leaving. I would somehow jinx it. I know that sounds weird and even a little...irrational.
But today marks the day of changing that. There is saying, 'don't stress yourself out with things you can't control or change'. I have been trying to embody this philosophy at the moment. Yes, I am in control of moving. I am the one who has to book the viewings, arrange the moving van and make sure I am secure. However, putting my books in a cardboard box is not going to prevent me from moving my life down to Brighton.


I know I said I didn't have any top tips, but I actually think I do.

1. Don't buy boxes.
I think this is one of the most ridiculous things I have heard of people doing. Please save some trees and steal them from work like I did.

2. Scribble the address out on the boxes, so your work doesn't know you stole them (very important).


So, final updates.

Firstly, I have packed away my coats. It is so hot and sunny, why on earth would I need them?
(update on that update: It's raining again, I love England.)

Secondly, I have seen four places and hated all but one, in which I got rejected. More on that in next weeks blog post, I think.
Thirdly, here is a playlist I made to help me pack. Listen, enjoy. Happy, upbeat songs only.


Fourthly, I am seeing a few more this weekend and I am excited!

Fifthly, I am no longer moving with my best friend - I am now moving with just my boyfriend.
(Don't worry, she will moving eventually)

Finally, I am optimistic.


I know this post is short and sweet, but don't worry, there is SO MUCH more coming. 

Thank you for stopping by.


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So, this is where I am currently at with my veggie journey, but I will keep you updated!

Anyway, let's get into the actual post.

So, yes, this post is sponsored by Quorn, which I am VERY excited about. Quorn is one of the main reasons I decided to actually start trying to be a vegetarian. My older sister was a veggie for many years when I was growing up and I knew she found it hard to keep a good amount of protein in her diet. This was a massive concern of mine. However, with products like Quorn, it's a lot simpler now to stop eating meat because there are so many alternatives.

Anyway, with this post, I have decided to share my cheap, student-friendly, meat-free meal that won't heart your wallet or your belly.

Okay, let's get into the recipe. I want to say this is a veggie take on Bolognese.

What you will need ingredients wise:

• Pasta (I am not going to measurements, treat yourself, put in loads of pasta)
• 1 bag of Quorn Mince!
• Mushrooms (Or not, if you hate them.)
• 1 Pepper (I like the red ones but it's up to you!)
• 1 Onion
• 1 Clove of Garlic
• Oil
• Some Cheese!
• Bolognese sauce

Personally, this is yummy! Thank you, Quorn for sponsoring this post. I will keep you updated on my part-time veggie journey. 

Okay, hello again. I haven't started packing up my house yet but I have started thinking about it. And truly, that's half the battle (or so I keep telling myself). So, as you can see by the title of this post, I will be talking about my mug collection. I know what you are thinking, what a weird thing to write about whilst you are packing. 

Firstly, I have these two F.R.I.E.N.D.S mugs that I actually brought from a charity shop in my home town. They are some of the cutest mugs I have ever owned. The green one has a slight chip on the rim, which I cleverly disguised in this photo. When I moved into halls in my first year of university, some of my mugs got chipped or broken in the process, but luckily I was able to save this pair of adorable F.R.I.E.N.D.S mugs.

Secondly, I have this bee mug from Arthouse Unlimited. It was a gift from my younger sister because I achieved a First on my dissertation (blog post coming soon). And every single time I drink out of it, it reminds me of to save the bees! It is also my favourite colour - Yellow. Thank you, Grace!

The other mug is from none other than my podcast. Didn't know I had a podcast? Check it out here.

On my 21st birthday, my co-host and best friend, Katie Thomas had this mug made for me and now, they are on sale! You can get your own one here (is this post sponsored by me?)

Next up, there is this mug that my boyfriend bought me. I was saying how I use a mug in pretty much all of my flat-lays and photos for my blog. He took the hint and got me a 'Queen of the Bloggers' mug. This is probably one of my absolute favourite mugs. 

*This item was gifted

I don't know if this counts as a mug but this is my reusable bottle from Simply Modern. Okay, so I have been in the market for a reusable water bottle, however, I had a few requirements it had to reach:

1. It had to be the same size as a regular bottle. I am addicted to smart water and it's mostly due to the size of the bottle. I usually carry a smaller, shoulder bag so I need to a bottle that is going to fit in there. 
2. It needs to look cute. I know this is a shallow reason and probably has nothing to do with many people's purchases 
3. It has to have no chance of leaking. I hate it when I buy a reusable bottle, trying to save the environment and everything and then it leaks. This has happened to me multiple times, so excuse me while I fill up my water bottle to the brim and shake it manically to see if any liquid comes out. 
4. Finally, it needs to be budget friendly. As I am moving, a reusable water bottle is actually at the top of my list of purchases (funnily enough). However, I am that person that carries a fabric bag and metal straws in their handbag, so I do think it is important to limit my plastic consumption. But money is something I, as a poor student, have to watch. This bottle from Simply Modern is only £9.99. That is incredible when you compare it to other, bigger brands which are selling non-disposable bottles.

Not only, have I not actually thrown away any mugs before my move, but I have even bought more. Shalieka and I were out, shopping, looking for our graduation dresses when we stumbled across this collection of three mugs from New Look. We instantly fell in love. Now, there is a bit of an inside/stupid joke that goes along with these mugs. I am allergic to citrus. You know, pineapple, lemon, lime and basically anything that has the tangy, sour flavour. As you can see from these tastefully picked mugs, one is a pineapple (of which I am allergic) and the other is a grapefruit (again, very allergic).  So joke heard, well received and these mugs will have a new home in my new home.

Thank you for stumbling onto my part of the internet yet again and reading yet another post. I don't know if this post is dumb but I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. There will be more in the 'Moving and Improving' series, where I document my moving experience. So get ready for some more, stupidly entertaining posts!

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Shop this post:

F.R.I.E.N.D.S Mugs - Thrifted

Bee Mug - Arthouse Unlimited

A Coffee And A Cry Mug - Our Site

Queen of the Bloggers Mug - Amazon

 Water Melon Mug - New Look

Grapefruit Mug - New Look

Pineapple Mug - New Look

Reusable Bottle - Simply Modern

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