Questions from Tash

A crazy long time ago the beautiful Tash from Wanderlust and Babble tagged me for the Leibster Award. As I have been nominated before, I can't again, but I really liked the questions so I thought I'd answer them anyway. I've just found this post in my drafts as I'd completely forgotten about it. Sorry it's taken so long Tash!

1. What are your main reasons for blogging?

It started off as an experiment. I wrote just for me and it was fun. I enjoyed the commitment and having something that was all mine. Slowly I have gained a few followers, and even a few of my friends know this blog exists (which is the scariest part). But fundamentally my blog is still all about me. I write about what I want or what I find interesting, and as much as I try to keep to a schedule, if I don't, then I don't get too caught up about it.

2. What are your plans for the next few years?

Nothing is set in stone yet but at the moment I'm thinking of doing a masters after I've finished my degree. After that I'd love to get a job in London.

3. What is your favourite song right now?

Either Dirty Paws by Monsters and Men, or Plasters, Glitter and Glue by Emily Burns

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Source

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope you all have a fantastic day, and that you eat massive amounts and drink yourselves merry. For me, Christmas is definitely all about family, but however you spend your day, I hope you have a brilliant time. I'm excited to have a day where I don't have to think about university work, and just relax and have fun. Loads of love to you all!

Georgia x

Follow me on Bloglovin by clicking here

Yesterday, I had the worst luck

Yesterday, well yesterday was not a great day for me. It was in fact, horrible…but at least it gave my housemates something to laugh about…

Yesterday, I went to put something in the recycling bin outside, when a gust of wind slammed the front door shut behind me. I was locked out. With no keys, no phone and no one to let me into the house, I was in trouble. I was also freezing as I had no coat and no shoes (which in December is not fun!) The first thought that went through my head was to grab the spare key from the box in the back garden (actually, that was the second thought, the first one was a 'whole lotta' cursing). So I scaled over the fence and into the back garden only to find that the spare key wasn't in the box as it should have been, great :( 

My new obsession: Topshop Boots

For my birthday in November I received some new (and much needed) boots. They're from Topshop and I'm in love with them! They're black with a small heel and are a combination of leather and thin hair/bristles (I think it's called pony skin? - you can see it clearer in the pictures below.) 

Little loves

This is going to be one of the easiest 'Little Loves' I've ever written because I had the most magical weekend. So here are some of the things I've been loving recently:

Source

Weddings

My cousin got married on Friday. She looked absolutely beautiful, and a fantastic day was had by all. It was very family orientated, meaning there was copious amounts of jokes and laughter, heckles during the speeches and some rather odd family traditions. Her new husband, Ross, is a fabulous guy and their two children are just adorable. Tom and I both had the best time, although there were a few too many jokes about us being next for my liking (don't get any ideas yet Thomas!)

Whilst on the subject of weddings, Jess from The Stroke got married this year and she has just put up some posts about it. Another beautiful wedding, see her posts here.

Recipe: Red Wine Risotto

Risotto. Perfect in the colder months to provide a warm comforting meal, and great in summer to have packed full of garden vegetables. I enjoy eating risotto all year round, the only problem is, the recipe isn't all that student budget friendly. Especially if you're like me and like to add lots of parmesan cheese.

My usual risotto recipe is very similar to this butternut squash one here, however if I've run out of butternut squash I tend to add whatever ingredients I have lying around in my fridge or cupboard (another good thing about Risotto, you can add pretty much anything)

Whilst I was In florence I tried a different type of risotto I'd never had before. It was Tuscan sausage and red wine. I'd never thought of using red wine before, I'm not sure why because it was delicious! Since then I've tried to make my own version, and with resounding success (read: housemate approved!)

BBC Recipe for Red Wine Risotto

Bits and bobs from Florence

I am so excited for the weekend. Not that I have anything particularly exciting planned but it will be nice not to have to get up early, and just stay in bed all day, with tea and work. Perfect! (well if it really was perfect, I wouldn't have the work to do, but we can't have everything can we)

Anyway, as promised here are some pictures of the pieces I bought for myself whilst I was in Florence :)

Little Loves (including the cutest video)

Uni has been a tough one for me recently.  With tons of deadlines approaching, I've been working every spare minute I have. Although, I feel bad for complaining when I've only recently come back from Florence and had a wonderful birthday. But I feel like I just need a day of doing nothing rather than being constantly rushed off my feet, to recoup. Not that I will be getting one any day soon (damn assignments) so until the Christmas holidays I need to find little things to keep my spirits up and find pockets of time to relax. 

Here's what I've been loving recently:

Hollyoaks

My housemate are entirely to blame for this one. They are both huge lovers of the program and have got me hooked.The story lines are awful and overly dramatic, but I just can't get enough of it!

Birthday Food

Both the amazing meal that my boyfriend took me out to, and the lunch that my housemates made it. They all know me so well and served up some of my favourites.

Autumn

I know we're well and truly in Autumn now, but I've been particularly enjoying it recently. I guess I just love wrapping up in one of my all time loves, scarves. Though I did not enjoy being caught out by the rain today without an umbrella. Thank goodness for friends with cars, is all I can say!

Florence pictures

Surely there is not a single person in the world who likes exams. Bleurgh! Thankfully my one is now out of the way. I think it went well but it was one of those exams where it's very hard to tell. Guess I'll just have to wait until I get my results back. Eeak!

As some of you know I spent last week in Florance (can I now tick go on a spontaneous holiday off my bucket list?) and had an amazing time. I'm planning on putting up a Florence haul as I managed to fit some shopping around the site-seeing and food-eating (and boy was there a lot of amazing food that was eaten). So let me know if you'd like to see my purchases. 

In the mean time I thought I'd share some pictures of my holiday with you :)

Lucy, Me

I'm going to Florence, Italy!

Hey guys.

Sorry for the lack of blogging but my week has been hectic. I received the nicest text from a family friend on Sunday asking if I wanted to go to Italy this weekend. Her daughter Lucy is one of my closest friends, so whilst is was sad that her son William had to drop out, I wasn't complaining about the chance of a free holiday.

When I rang my mum excitedly to tell her I was going to Florence, she decided that she didn't want to be left out either and promptly bought herself a ticket too.

So this week has been stuffed full with library visits, report reading, lecturer meetings and copious amounts of coffee to make sure I'm caught up enough to cope with a weekend off.

However I have managed to upload part 2 of my holiday vlog, so please head over and have a watch :)

I've never been to Florence before so if anyone has any tips or hints, I'd love to hear!

Georgia x

Follow me on Bloglovin by clicking here

Tartan: My newest obsession

Recently I have been spotting tartan everywhere, and I love it. The combination of autumn/winter colours is perfect for the colder and darker months, whilst the pattern reminds me of my days in school (in a good way). I'm not sure of the exact reason why I love this pattern so much, but I do!

Here's some of the high street tartan items I've had my eye on.

1. Coat: Urban Outfitters
2. Dress: New Look
3. Jumper: Urban Outfitters

4. Top: New Look
5. Shirt: Topshop

6. Skirt: New Look
7. Skirt: Topshop

One of my favourite tartan items are the Zara scarves. I'm definitely asking for one for my birthday. The only problem is, they're all so beautiful so I don't know which one I prefer. In fact, my mind changes on almost a daily basis. Which of the three below do you prefer?

Zara Scarves

What do you think of the new tartan craze? Do you love it, or is it a little too school girl for you?

Georgia x

P.s. Don't forget to help me out and let me know which is your favourite Zara scarf

Follow me on Bloglovin by clicking here

Road Trip in France (and a SURPRISE)

So I know this post is a little late, but to tell you a secret, I'm pretty rubbish at time keeping, so it's no wonder that I'm a little behind schedule. But better late then never right?

In September, my boyfriend and I went on holiday to France. We drove from my house to Folkestone where we got the train over to Calais. We then drove to my friend's house who lives in Mortagne-au-Perche near Le Mans. This was followed by an amazing day trip to Paris, and then we finished our holiday by spending a week in a Gite on the West Coast near La Rochelle.

We had an amazing time, and because we went in September we were able to get a great deal on the price, which included a BBQ area, swimming pool and wifi.

Here are some pictures of the holiday:

On the train over to France

The Eiffel Tower

Cathedral of Notre Dame

Le Louvre

A fantastic meal at Le Fumoir, sorry for the blurriness 

Our Swimming Pool

My delicious starter from one of the nights out

Catching dinner at the evening market

Is it just me, or does France have some beautiful architecture!

At the beach

And, as promised, here is the surprise. I vlogged the holiday. This is mega scary for me, but I figured I should just dive right in and show you guys. So I hope you enjoy it. It's my first time ever filming myself so it's not perfect, but I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please subscribe. If people like it maybe I'll be brave enough to film another.

Here's part one of my holiday

Georgia x

Follow me on Bloglovin by clicking here

PARIS, Restaurent review: Le Fumoir

Whilst in Paris, the boyfriend and I went out for lunch to a restaurant called Le Fumoir. Located just opposite the Louvre, it's easy to find and set in a beautiful part of Paris.

Food
The food in Le Fumoir is mostly French style, with a good selection of starters, mains and desserts.

Recommendation: Sliced beef with potatoes cooked in bone marrow

Price
Being in such a popular and beautiful location, the prices aren't cheap but the food with worth every penny. The dinner set menu prices are €32 for either a starter and main, or a main and dessert, or €36 for starter, main and dessert. The Lunch set menu prices are €21 for starter and main, or main and dessert, or €24.50 for starter, main and dessert.

Inside
Inside is decorated in a classic French style with a luxurious feel. There is a beautiful library room through the back which is a great area to have lunch or a coffee. The service was great and incredibly friendly. All the waiters and waitresses spoke very good English.

Tom and I loved our meal at Le Fumoir and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to go somewhere a little bit special without completely blowing the bank balance. When I next go to Paris, I would love to return.

Website: Le Fumoir

Georgia x

Follow me on Bloglovin by clicking here

My last freshers

Sorry this post is late but it's been freshers week this week, and 10 nights out in a row tends to get in the way of blogging (and almost anything else). But now that the hangover has finally subsided I thought I should get back on schedule.

I have a few posts lined up. One including the review I mentioned before, and they should be up soon. Until then, here's a sneak of how my freshers has gone this year..

Georgia x

Follow me on Bloglovin by clicking here