Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
I can't believe I can finally say I've graduated! I. Aoife Caitriona. Have. Graduated!!!!
I was so nervous and scared in my first year of uni especially as I moved to a new town and knew no one there. If I could send a message to my past self, here's what I would say...
Dear Aoife,
You are about to embark on one of the biggest journeys you'll make in life; University. And you'll smash it! I know this because you graduated today with first class honours and in true style, at the top of your class with 76%. And you won best student on your course!
I am so proud of everything you have done to take advantage of this opportunity and follow through on your dreams. You never once gave up on your focus or what you're passionate about. Oh, and those Jimmy Choo's you're lusting after? You got them and strutted across the stage looking like a woman who's got her sh*t together. Just a heads up, you're almost there!
You will have the most adventurous three years of your life. Sorry, that was the nicest way I could phrase it. I won't sugarcoat anything but you'll spend your first year feeling alone (but receiving your first piece of blogger mail!), second year living with a psycho (and spending all your money on train tickets home) and third year *finally* feeling confident in yourself.
All those nerves you are feeling are completely normal but find excitement in them. That feeling of loneliness you feel I'm sorry to say is one you'll get used to but it get's easier. Use that time to create. To blog. To film content. To have fun and make friends. The last one might take a little while to do but at the end you'll have a gang of girls who'll stick by you.
Nothing in life comes easy but you've been working hard all your life. Just remember to enjoy it and live in the moment! Make the most of the not-so-good times and turn them into a positive. Be passionate and stay true to yourself.
Love, Aoife xo
* * *
I have never been prouder of myself for not only completing university but graduating with first class honours and at the top of my course! I'm not much of a boastful person but I'm going to give myself this moment to celebrate my achievements.
The day itself was wonderful and it felt great to finally be able to celebrate. I wore a stunning baby blue Reiss dress with the pair of Jimmy Choo's I promised myself I'd wear when I graduate on my feet. We travelled down to Portsmouth for the ceremony and to take pictures before finishing the day at The Ivy in the Lanes in Brighton.
Some of my favourite moments at university:
- Getting dressed up to go to the Chancellor's ball at Portsmouth Guildhall in first year. This was my first official outing at university and we went with the magazine society. My friend and I dressed up for the event and kept ourselves entertained by creating stories for the people in the pictures placed along the Guildhall's corridor.
- Taco night with my flatmates in third year. We made our own fresh salsa and put the leftovers in a tub in the fridge. Despite it being in a somewhat airtight container, the fridge stunk of onion for the next week. Even the red velvet cakes we baked had a weird onion aroma.
- Going to the gym for the first time. During first year, I would go to the gym in my friend's building. I went a little hard in one of the sessions and my body ached the next day. I sent a very dramatic text to another friend complaining I couldn't move and go on anymore; she still hasn't let me live it down.
- Appearing on BBC Radio 4's Today show. I only managed to say about ten words but hello, I spoke on national radio!
- Getting an internship at Marie Claire and then working as a freelancer. Some of you may know working at a fashion magazine has been a dream since I picked up my first issue of Glamour. I started off as a summer intern and was asked to come back to help over Black Friday. I loved the team I worked with and I learnt my value as a professional here too.
I can't believe I can finally say I've graduated! I. Aoife Caitriona. Have. Graduated!!!!
I was so nervous and scared in my first year of uni especially as I moved to a new town and knew no one there. If I could send a message to my past self, here's what I would say...
Dear Aoife,
You are about to embark on one of the biggest journeys you'll make in life; University. And you'll smash it! I know this because you graduated today with first class honours and in true style, at the top of your class with 76%. And you won best student on your course!
I am so proud of everything you have done to take advantage of this opportunity and follow through on your dreams. You never once gave up on your focus or what you're passionate about. Oh, and those Jimmy Choo's you're lusting after? You got them and strutted across the stage looking like a woman who's got her sh*t together. Just a heads up, you're almost there!
You will have the most adventurous three years of your life. Sorry, that was the nicest way I could phrase it. I won't sugarcoat anything but you'll spend your first year feeling alone (but receiving your first piece of blogger mail!), second year living with a psycho (and spending all your money on train tickets home) and third year *finally* feeling confident in yourself.
All those nerves you are feeling are completely normal but find excitement in them. That feeling of loneliness you feel I'm sorry to say is one you'll get used to but it get's easier. Use that time to create. To blog. To film content. To have fun and make friends. The last one might take a little while to do but at the end you'll have a gang of girls who'll stick by you.
Nothing in life comes easy but you've been working hard all your life. Just remember to enjoy it and live in the moment! Make the most of the not-so-good times and turn them into a positive. Be passionate and stay true to yourself.
Love, Aoife xo
* * *
I have never been prouder of myself for not only completing university but graduating with first class honours and at the top of my course! I'm not much of a boastful person but I'm going to give myself this moment to celebrate my achievements.
The day itself was wonderful and it felt great to finally be able to celebrate. I wore a stunning baby blue Reiss dress with the pair of Jimmy Choo's I promised myself I'd wear when I graduate on my feet. We travelled down to Portsmouth for the ceremony and to take pictures before finishing the day at The Ivy in the Lanes in Brighton.
Some of my favourite moments at university:
- Getting dressed up to go to the Chancellor's ball at Portsmouth Guildhall in first year. This was my first official outing at university and we went with the magazine society. My friend and I dressed up for the event and kept ourselves entertained by creating stories for the people in the pictures placed along the Guildhall's corridor.
- Taco night with my flatmates in third year. We made our own fresh salsa and put the leftovers in a tub in the fridge. Despite it being in a somewhat airtight container, the fridge stunk of onion for the next week. Even the red velvet cakes we baked had a weird onion aroma.
- Going to the gym for the first time. During first year, I would go to the gym in my friend's building. I went a little hard in one of the sessions and my body ached the next day. I sent a very dramatic text to another friend complaining I couldn't move and go on anymore; she still hasn't let me live it down.
- Appearing on BBC Radio 4's Today show. I only managed to say about ten words but hello, I spoke on national radio!
- Getting an internship at Marie Claire and then working as a freelancer. Some of you may know working at a fashion magazine has been a dream since I picked up my first issue of Glamour. I started off as a summer intern and was asked to come back to help over Black Friday. I loved the team I worked with and I learnt my value as a professional here too.
When I was younger, I used to wake up at 6:30am every day for school and leave the house by 7:45am. I'm not entirely sure why I would get up so early or why it took me so long to get ready but I would occasionally find myself running a little late. I kept this up throughout secondary, sixth form and up until second year of university.
These days, with working at home, I drag myself out of bed around 8am. My typical morning routine involves waking up (begrudgingly), heading to the shower, getting ready, reading, making breakfast and starting work at 9am. I keep it relatively straightforward and simple but without needing to wake up super early.
Here are some tips to help create a morning routine that will have you ready and feeling positive about the day ahead:
01 // Work out what you value.
First off, before you even think about what your morning routine is going to consist of, ask yourself what do you value the most? Is it time? Sleep? Food? Working this out is going to form the foundations of your morning routine. If you value time, you might choose to wake up a little earlier to ensure you have enough time to do the things you want to do. If it’s sleep, then your morning routine is going to be about making sure you get enough sleep and waking up a little later. If it is food, then it might be giving yourself time to make breakfast. Either way, it will help to form the foundation of your routine and let you know why you’re really creating one in the first place.
02 // Find out how to wake up happy.
Waking up on the right side of the bed can make a massive difference in your day. Of course, this is just an expression but the first step in a morning routine is waking up. Therefore, waking up to the shrill of the classic Apple alarm sound doesn't sound appealing - unless you prefer to wake up like that. I’ve switched my alarm sound to ‘Slow rise’ because I can’t cope with such a shock first thing in the morning. Some people also enjoy waking up with an alarm that gets brighter to help wake you up naturally. Since, I prefer sleeping in a lighter room that won't work for me.
03 // Go with the flow.
Every day is different. Therefore, your morning routine doesn’t need to be a rigid regime. Some things change and it’s okay. For this reason, I don't like to set times for each activity. I might have had a late night and want to sleep in a little longer or someone might be spending too long in the bathroom. If you set times for everything and one of those things don't work out on a particular day, that can mess up the whole schedule and the running late mindset follows you through the day.
I hope these tips have helped. How do you like to start the day?
Love, Aoife xo
When I was younger, I used to wake up at 6:30am every day for school and leave the house by 7:45am. I'm not entirely sure why I would get up so early or why it took me so long to get ready but I would occasionally find myself running a little late. I kept this up throughout secondary, sixth form and up until second year of university.
These days, with working at home, I drag myself out of bed around 8am. My typical morning routine involves waking up (begrudgingly), heading to the shower, getting ready, reading, making breakfast and starting work at 9am. I keep it relatively straightforward and simple but without needing to wake up super early.
Here are some tips to help create a morning routine that will have you ready and feeling positive about the day ahead:
01 // Work out what you value.
First off, before you even think about what your morning routine is going to consist of, ask yourself what do you value the most? Is it time? Sleep? Food? Working this out is going to form the foundations of your morning routine. If you value time, you might choose to wake up a little earlier to ensure you have enough time to do the things you want to do. If it’s sleep, then your morning routine is going to be about making sure you get enough sleep and waking up a little later. If it is food, then it might be giving yourself time to make breakfast. Either way, it will help to form the foundation of your routine and let you know why you’re really creating one in the first place.
02 // Find out how to wake up happy.
Waking up on the right side of the bed can make a massive difference in your day. Of course, this is just an expression but the first step in a morning routine is waking up. Therefore, waking up to the shrill of the classic Apple alarm sound doesn't sound appealing - unless you prefer to wake up like that. I’ve switched my alarm sound to ‘Slow rise’ because I can’t cope with such a shock first thing in the morning. Some people also enjoy waking up with an alarm that gets brighter to help wake you up naturally. Since, I prefer sleeping in a lighter room that won't work for me.
03 // Go with the flow.
Every day is different. Therefore, your morning routine doesn’t need to be a rigid regime. Some things change and it’s okay. For this reason, I don't like to set times for each activity. I might have had a late night and want to sleep in a little longer or someone might be spending too long in the bathroom. If you set times for everything and one of those things don't work out on a particular day, that can mess up the whole schedule and the running late mindset follows you through the day.
I hope these tips have helped. How do you like to start the day?
Love, Aoife xo
If it doesn't feed you, don't water it. Plain and simple. If something doesn't contribute meaningfully to your life, it's not worth wasting your time on it. There are so many habits that we unconsciously develop that don't really serve a purpose for us. And for most of them, they encourage us to feel stress, anxiety, frustration and impact negatively on other aspects of our lives.
Here are 5 toxic habits to look out for and kick to the curb to live a happier and stress free life:
01 // Negative people
01 // Negative people
We all know that negative people do not belong in our lives. They don’t bring joy and more often than not, their negativity can bring us down and get in the way of enjoying our best self. The hardest part of cutting negative people out of our lives is making the decision to do so. If you have a friend, work colleague or partner that is energy draining, then to put it politely, they need to go. My friend once told me that the difference between a good friend and a bad one is a good friend will always have your best interests at heart. That includes supporting you and making you feel good about yourself. There's no point in associating with people who don't make you feel good about yourself.
02 // Procrastination
This is one toxic habit I dip in and out of regularly. Procrastination often stems from tasks that seem to difficult. It can often cause stress, worry, anxiety among other things. Some people say diving in the deep end is a great way of kicking this toxic habit. Personally, that always makes me want to run in the opposite direction. I’ve found completing other tasks, eliminating all the things I can procrastinate with, helps and even splitting it into smaller tasks.
03 // Stressing about things that are out of your control
Arguably, the root of all my anxiety issues. I think it’s a natural human trait to stress about things beyond our control. One thing I've been doing (successfully) lately is taking a step back and not getting so involved into things. By that I mean, I'm still engaging in what's going on but I've realised that the weight of the issue doesn't belong on my shoulders and therefore, I shouldn't feel the need to act like it does. It's hard but once you understand that not everything is reliant on you, you can feel 10 times better.
04 // Ignoring yourself (where's your self care routine, hun?)
We spend so much time caring for others, that we can sometimes forget to care for ourselves. I don't mean sitting on your phone for two hours, I mean moisturising after your shower or trimming your nails. The little details that we often overlook in a rush. Working a full time job can make it harder to stay on top of looking after yourself but I recommend setting up a morning routine or, if you’re fortunate to do so, dedicate a couple of hours at the weekend or even a day for yourself. I decided when I started my job, to dedicate Sundays to doing something that I wanted and would help me prepare for the week ahead. This could be spending the day reading, going grocery shopping, doing the cleaning you've been putting off or meeting with friends.
05 // Underestimating yourself
Are you aware of just how amazing you are? No seriously, are you aware of how much you’ve accomplished? How beautiful you are? How much you make a difference in people’s lives? It’s very easy for us to underestimate ourselves, which in turn leaves us with a strong case of imposter syndrome. Some helpful tips include pausing to acknowledge how far you’ve come, using positive affirmations and learning to be kinder to yourself.
Love, Aoife xo
If it doesn't feed you, don't water it. Plain and simple. If something doesn't contribute meaningfully to your life, it's not worth wasting your time on it. There are so many habits that we unconsciously develop that don't really serve a purpose for us. And for most of them, they encourage us to feel stress, anxiety, frustration and impact negatively on other aspects of our lives.
Here are 5 toxic habits to look out for and kick to the curb to live a happier and stress free life:
01 // Negative people
01 // Negative people
We all know that negative people do not belong in our lives. They don’t bring joy and more often than not, their negativity can bring us down and get in the way of enjoying our best self. The hardest part of cutting negative people out of our lives is making the decision to do so. If you have a friend, work colleague or partner that is energy draining, then to put it politely, they need to go. My friend once told me that the difference between a good friend and a bad one is a good friend will always have your best interests at heart. That includes supporting you and making you feel good about yourself. There's no point in associating with people who don't make you feel good about yourself.
02 // Procrastination
This is one toxic habit I dip in and out of regularly. Procrastination often stems from tasks that seem to difficult. It can often cause stress, worry, anxiety among other things. Some people say diving in the deep end is a great way of kicking this toxic habit. Personally, that always makes me want to run in the opposite direction. I’ve found completing other tasks, eliminating all the things I can procrastinate with, helps and even splitting it into smaller tasks.
03 // Stressing about things that are out of your control
Arguably, the root of all my anxiety issues. I think it’s a natural human trait to stress about things beyond our control. One thing I've been doing (successfully) lately is taking a step back and not getting so involved into things. By that I mean, I'm still engaging in what's going on but I've realised that the weight of the issue doesn't belong on my shoulders and therefore, I shouldn't feel the need to act like it does. It's hard but once you understand that not everything is reliant on you, you can feel 10 times better.
04 // Ignoring yourself (where's your self care routine, hun?)
We spend so much time caring for others, that we can sometimes forget to care for ourselves. I don't mean sitting on your phone for two hours, I mean moisturising after your shower or trimming your nails. The little details that we often overlook in a rush. Working a full time job can make it harder to stay on top of looking after yourself but I recommend setting up a morning routine or, if you’re fortunate to do so, dedicate a couple of hours at the weekend or even a day for yourself. I decided when I started my job, to dedicate Sundays to doing something that I wanted and would help me prepare for the week ahead. This could be spending the day reading, going grocery shopping, doing the cleaning you've been putting off or meeting with friends.
05 // Underestimating yourself
Are you aware of just how amazing you are? No seriously, are you aware of how much you’ve accomplished? How beautiful you are? How much you make a difference in people’s lives? It’s very easy for us to underestimate ourselves, which in turn leaves us with a strong case of imposter syndrome. Some helpful tips include pausing to acknowledge how far you’ve come, using positive affirmations and learning to be kinder to yourself.
Love, Aoife xo
This is my first official 9 to 5 job and also the longest I’ve ever had. Before this, I’d done one and two week internships or had part time roles which is completely different from working full-time. I've learnt a lot about myself and wanted to share 5 things with you I've discovered as a graduate:
01 // You’re still a newbie. Yes, to some degree you’ve been hired because of your experience and potential but don’t forget you’re still new to this. Despite knowing that this is my first proper rodeo, I still feel pressure to be the best and act as though I’m more advanced than I am. Which is great but it’s important to remember I’m still fresh out of university and I need to allow myself room to grow.
02 // Time management is bullsh*t. I think one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is working and getting my work done between the set hours of 9 to 5:30. I’ve been told this is normal when you’re working. I've also been told that as a journalist, managing time is a regular challenge but you've got to work it out somehow.
03 // Make time for yourself. At university, we went from having all the time in the world to manage studies when we wanted and for extra curricular. As a newly working graduate, a big chunk of your day is spent working. One thing I’ve learnt is to make an effort to set aside time to work on myself and my wellbeing. I reserve Sundays as my "special" time to do whatever I want. It normally involves tidying my room, reading, watching Netflix and not really socialising.
05 // This is just the beginning. I have a habit of stating the glaringly obvious but this is just the beginning. We have our whole world in front of us and how exciting is it to think of all the possibilities where we could end up. The first job we get isn't going to be the last and we're going to switch paths all the time. As daunting as it is settling into working life and having all these responsibilities, it's truly exciting to think about the future.
What's something you've learnt as a graduate?
Love, Aoife xo
This is my first official 9 to 5 job and also the longest I’ve ever had. Before this, I’d done one and two week internships or had part time roles which is completely different from working full-time. I've learnt a lot about myself and wanted to share 5 things with you I've discovered as a graduate:
01 // You’re still a newbie. Yes, to some degree you’ve been hired because of your experience and potential but don’t forget you’re still new to this. Despite knowing that this is my first proper rodeo, I still feel pressure to be the best and act as though I’m more advanced than I am. Which is great but it’s important to remember I’m still fresh out of university and I need to allow myself room to grow.
02 // Time management is bullsh*t. I think one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is working and getting my work done between the set hours of 9 to 5:30. I’ve been told this is normal when you’re working. I've also been told that as a journalist, managing time is a regular challenge but you've got to work it out somehow.
03 // Make time for yourself. At university, we went from having all the time in the world to manage studies when we wanted and for extra curricular. As a newly working graduate, a big chunk of your day is spent working. One thing I’ve learnt is to make an effort to set aside time to work on myself and my wellbeing. I reserve Sundays as my "special" time to do whatever I want. It normally involves tidying my room, reading, watching Netflix and not really socialising.
05 // This is just the beginning. I have a habit of stating the glaringly obvious but this is just the beginning. We have our whole world in front of us and how exciting is it to think of all the possibilities where we could end up. The first job we get isn't going to be the last and we're going to switch paths all the time. As daunting as it is settling into working life and having all these responsibilities, it's truly exciting to think about the future.
What's something you've learnt as a graduate?
Love, Aoife xo
It's my 100th post on Aoife Caitriona! To mark the occasion, I thought I'd do a Get To Know Me tag but in the style of Vogue's 73 questions. Enjoy x
01. What’s your usual Starbucks order?
An iced green tea peach lemonade in the summer and soya hot chocolate in the winter.
02. What does your workstation look like?
A mess. I don't know how it happens but there are notebook everywhere.
03. Favourite Food?
Any pasta dish.
04. Favourite Author?
That’s a tricky one but I’ll read anything by Sophie Kinsella and Jodie Ellen Malpas.
05. What do you think of open relationships?
It’s not for me but you go ahead.
06. Favourite guilty pleasure treat?
Buying a new book.
07. Favourite movie?
I have two- Notting Hill and Confessions of A Shopaholic.
08. Favourite book?
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.
09. Twitter or Instagram?
10. Desktop or Laptop?
Laptop.
11. Best advice you’ve ever received?
No one cares. I used to be really self-conscious and someone told me that no one cares about the little things like how you eat, what you eat, how you dress etc.
12. What project are you working on right now?
My life.
13. Favourite colour?
Blush pink.
14. Why pink?
It’s a happy colour. It has positive energy and I love it.
15. Did you get good grades in school?
Yep, I did alright.
16. What's your dream job?
My dream job is to work for a fashion magazine. The ultimate goal? Editor :)
17. Do you play any sports?
I used to be on the Netball team until my friend told me I was rubbish and I should quit the team. Thinking back, I probably shouldn't have listened to her.
18. Do you have a degree?
I do, I graduated with first class honours in Journalism last Summer.
19. What's something you learnt about yourself at uni?
That I don't know much about life.
20. What’s your favourite kind of blogpost?
Something that's fun to read.
21. What do you collect?
Postcards or bags, if you ask my mum.
22. Describe yourself in three words
Passionate, fun and loyal.
23. What do you value most in a person?
Accountability. I think being self-aware of your actions and how that impacts others is a very valuable trait to have.
24. Who was the last person you DMed?
My friend.
25. What’s on top of your wish list right now?
A pair of Jimmy Choo's; they're a graduation present to myself.
26. What are you most grateful for this year?
Being alive.
27. Favourite place you’ve travelled?
Cote d'Azur in the middle of Summer. It was magical!
28. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?
My work gave everyone a week off so I've just used it as an excuse to do whatever I want.
29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?
Publishing this blog post!
30. What’s the best thing ever?
The warmth.
31. Favourite Season?
Summer. Is there any other season?
32. Favourite Holiday?
The summer holidays.
33. What fictional character do you relate to the most?
Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood.
34. Do you like surprises?
Only if they are good.
35. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?
I don’t think I’ve ever had one.
36. What surprise made you cry?
The surprise I gave my Mum.
37. What’s the best surprise you’ve given someone else?
I threw my Mum a surprise birthday party and invited all her friends, old and new. She didn’t suspect a thing.
38. Do you like muffins?
Doughnuts are better.
39. Do you cook often?
All the time; I love it.
40. What’s your favourite thing to cook?
I enjoy making a lot of tomato-based meals so pasta and chicken dishes.
41. What’s your favourite dessert?
CAKE!
42. What’s your least favourite food?
Fishy fish. I’d rather not taste the sea, please.
43. What's the last book you read?
Playing Nice by J.P Delaney.
44. What are you currently reading?
Essays in Love by Alain de Botton
45. What's your biggest weakness?
Not feeling good enough.
46. What's your biggest strength?
Getting on with things.
47. What has a guy said or done to impress you?
One guy took me to a restaurant on our first official date. It felt really special. Speaking to my friends, I get the feeling that doesn’t always happen
48. Best thing to do on a first date?
Something physical like crazy golf or bowling so the awkward silences aren't so awkward.
49. Worst thing to do on a first date?
Go somewhere too loud that you can't hear each other.
50. What’s the best pick up line?
I’m not sure there is a best one, but I’ll laugh at them.
51. What podcasts are you listening to at the moment?
The BOF podcast keeps me on top of the fashion industry and The Receipts.
52. Name three things that can always be found in your purse?
Keys, money and a random sanitary pad.
53. Favourite drink?
Iced green tea.
54. If you could play a character in a movie, who would it be?
It's not in a movie but I’d play Blair Waldorf.
55. Who’s on your current playlist?
Toni Braxton, Summer Walker, IAMDDB, Tinashe and Teyana Taylor.
56. What lipstick do you use?
Spanked by Fenty Beauty.
57. What foundation do you use?
Either a Tom Ford stick foundation or Estée Lauder Double Wear.
58. Blow dry or air dry
Air dry and use Bumble & Bumble styling creme.
59. If you had to wear one fashion brand for the rest of your life, who would you wear?
I love Dior.
60. Who is your fashion icon?
Dakota Johnson.
61. What is your go-to outfit?
Jeans, a cute top and either a pair of white trainers or heels.
62. What are you doing tomorrow?
I'm meeting up with a friend and going to a local market to buy baked goods.
63. Movie you laughed the hardest through?
It was either Bridesmaids or Girls Trip.
64. Movie that made you cry?
Remember Me.
65. If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose?
My best friend.
66. What’s would your autobiography be called?
About a girl.
67. What’s your favourite animal?
Giraffe.
68. Favourite singer?
Does anyone have a favourite singer?
69. Person you’d like to have coffee with?
Dakota Johnson.
70. What country would you like to visit?
I'd love to visit Japan during blossom season.
71. What's something you can't live without?
My skincare.
72. Best way to decompress?
Chilling in my comfy clothes, watching a film or TV show with some good food
73. What's a song you listen to on repeat?
Peaches by Justin Beiber is on repeat all the time at the moment.
Love, Aoife xo
It's my 100th post on Aoife Caitriona! To mark the occasion, I thought I'd do a Get To Know Me tag but in the style of Vogue's 73 questions. Enjoy x
01. What’s your usual Starbucks order?
An iced green tea peach lemonade in the summer and soya hot chocolate in the winter.
02. What does your workstation look like?
A mess. I don't know how it happens but there are notebook everywhere.
03. Favourite Food?
Any pasta dish.
04. Favourite Author?
That’s a tricky one but I’ll read anything by Sophie Kinsella and Jodie Ellen Malpas.
05. What do you think of open relationships?
It’s not for me but you go ahead.
06. Favourite guilty pleasure treat?
Buying a new book.
07. Favourite movie?
I have two- Notting Hill and Confessions of A Shopaholic.
08. Favourite book?
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.
09. Twitter or Instagram?
10. Desktop or Laptop?
Laptop.
11. Best advice you’ve ever received?
No one cares. I used to be really self-conscious and someone told me that no one cares about the little things like how you eat, what you eat, how you dress etc.
12. What project are you working on right now?
My life.
13. Favourite colour?
Blush pink.
14. Why pink?
It’s a happy colour. It has positive energy and I love it.
15. Did you get good grades in school?
Yep, I did alright.
16. What's your dream job?
My dream job is to work for a fashion magazine. The ultimate goal? Editor :)
17. Do you play any sports?
I used to be on the Netball team until my friend told me I was rubbish and I should quit the team. Thinking back, I probably shouldn't have listened to her.
18. Do you have a degree?
I do, I graduated with first class honours in Journalism last Summer.
19. What's something you learnt about yourself at uni?
That I don't know much about life.
20. What’s your favourite kind of blogpost?
Something that's fun to read.
21. What do you collect?
Postcards or bags, if you ask my mum.
22. Describe yourself in three words
Passionate, fun and loyal.
23. What do you value most in a person?
Accountability. I think being self-aware of your actions and how that impacts others is a very valuable trait to have.
24. Who was the last person you DMed?
My friend.
25. What’s on top of your wish list right now?
A pair of Jimmy Choo's; they're a graduation present to myself.
26. What are you most grateful for this year?
Being alive.
27. Favourite place you’ve travelled?
Cote d'Azur in the middle of Summer. It was magical!
28. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?
My work gave everyone a week off so I've just used it as an excuse to do whatever I want.
29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?
Publishing this blog post!
30. What’s the best thing ever?
The warmth.
31. Favourite Season?
Summer. Is there any other season?
32. Favourite Holiday?
The summer holidays.
33. What fictional character do you relate to the most?
Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood.
34. Do you like surprises?
Only if they are good.
35. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?
I don’t think I’ve ever had one.
36. What surprise made you cry?
The surprise I gave my Mum.
37. What’s the best surprise you’ve given someone else?
I threw my Mum a surprise birthday party and invited all her friends, old and new. She didn’t suspect a thing.
38. Do you like muffins?
Doughnuts are better.
39. Do you cook often?
All the time; I love it.
40. What’s your favourite thing to cook?
I enjoy making a lot of tomato-based meals so pasta and chicken dishes.
41. What’s your favourite dessert?
CAKE!
42. What’s your least favourite food?
Fishy fish. I’d rather not taste the sea, please.
43. What's the last book you read?
Playing Nice by J.P Delaney.
44. What are you currently reading?
Essays in Love by Alain de Botton
45. What's your biggest weakness?
Not feeling good enough.
46. What's your biggest strength?
Getting on with things.
47. What has a guy said or done to impress you?
One guy took me to a restaurant on our first official date. It felt really special. Speaking to my friends, I get the feeling that doesn’t always happen
48. Best thing to do on a first date?
Something physical like crazy golf or bowling so the awkward silences aren't so awkward.
49. Worst thing to do on a first date?
Go somewhere too loud that you can't hear each other.
50. What’s the best pick up line?
I’m not sure there is a best one, but I’ll laugh at them.
51. What podcasts are you listening to at the moment?
The BOF podcast keeps me on top of the fashion industry and The Receipts.
52. Name three things that can always be found in your purse?
Keys, money and a random sanitary pad.
53. Favourite drink?
Iced green tea.
54. If you could play a character in a movie, who would it be?
It's not in a movie but I’d play Blair Waldorf.
55. Who’s on your current playlist?
Toni Braxton, Summer Walker, IAMDDB, Tinashe and Teyana Taylor.
56. What lipstick do you use?
Spanked by Fenty Beauty.
57. What foundation do you use?
Either a Tom Ford stick foundation or Estée Lauder Double Wear.
58. Blow dry or air dry
Air dry and use Bumble & Bumble styling creme.
59. If you had to wear one fashion brand for the rest of your life, who would you wear?
I love Dior.
60. Who is your fashion icon?
Dakota Johnson.
61. What is your go-to outfit?
Jeans, a cute top and either a pair of white trainers or heels.
62. What are you doing tomorrow?
I'm meeting up with a friend and going to a local market to buy baked goods.
63. Movie you laughed the hardest through?
It was either Bridesmaids or Girls Trip.
64. Movie that made you cry?
Remember Me.
65. If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose?
My best friend.
66. What’s would your autobiography be called?
About a girl.
67. What’s your favourite animal?
Giraffe.
68. Favourite singer?
Does anyone have a favourite singer?
69. Person you’d like to have coffee with?
Dakota Johnson.
70. What country would you like to visit?
I'd love to visit Japan during blossom season.
71. What's something you can't live without?
My skincare.
72. Best way to decompress?
Chilling in my comfy clothes, watching a film or TV show with some good food
73. What's a song you listen to on repeat?
Peaches by Justin Beiber is on repeat all the time at the moment.
Love, Aoife xo
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Its rich descriptions took my breath away and is a truly an unforgettable read. No wonder it was one of the most popular books last Summer! It’s not the type of book that I’d usually pick up but it caught me off guard and I soon found myself hooked on every word.
What's it about?
The book tells the story of a young Kya Clark, the so-called ‘Marsh Girl’, living just outside of Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. The book is divided into two parts; the Marsh and the Swamp. The chapters alternate between 1952, where we meet a young Kya, and 1969, when the town discovers a local boy has been murdered and a trial ensues. The town suspects Kya but as the book flickers between the two, and as the years get closer, you get the feeling that Kya’s world and the town’s world are complete opposites.
My favourite thing...
One thing I love about Kya Clark is her independence and strength. I think those qualities made it easy for me to connect with her and by the end of the book, I felt like Kya’s number one cheerleader. She came from a childhood overshadowed by trauma and as the reader, you can’t help but sympathise for Kya. However, her resilience and utter contentment, makes her truly remarkable. She was dealt with a shit hand and made something spectacular out of it. I wish I had her courage!
Where the Crawdads Sing is a combination of a coming-of-age narrative and a murder mystery. If I’m honest, the murder mystery provided a thread through the novel but I found myself focusing more on Kya’s story. I loved how she developed as a character and blossomed into a remarkable young woman. Kya’s story was wrapped in eloquent and poetic descriptions of nature. Despite Kya’s bleak childhood, Owens pays close attention to the vibrant and sometimes muted colours of the marsh.
This book reminded me of when I was in secondary school reading books with heavily detailed descriptions. We were always taught to pay attention to the significance of the setting in relation to the characters and story. This book is almost solely centred around the marsh and the relationship between the nature and humans.
Final review...
Where the Crawdads Sing is a surprising but delightful read that will be at the top of my recommendations list for anyone looking to see the world from a different perspective. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s not the book I usually pick up but it was refreshing to read a story about something other than fame, fortune and the urban lifestyle.
Have you read it yet?
Love, Aoife xo
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Its rich descriptions took my breath away and is a truly an unforgettable read. No wonder it was one of the most popular books last Summer! It’s not the type of book that I’d usually pick up but it caught me off guard and I soon found myself hooked on every word.
What's it about?
The book tells the story of a young Kya Clark, the so-called ‘Marsh Girl’, living just outside of Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. The book is divided into two parts; the Marsh and the Swamp. The chapters alternate between 1952, where we meet a young Kya, and 1969, when the town discovers a local boy has been murdered and a trial ensues. The town suspects Kya but as the book flickers between the two, and as the years get closer, you get the feeling that Kya’s world and the town’s world are complete opposites.
My favourite thing...
One thing I love about Kya Clark is her independence and strength. I think those qualities made it easy for me to connect with her and by the end of the book, I felt like Kya’s number one cheerleader. She came from a childhood overshadowed by trauma and as the reader, you can’t help but sympathise for Kya. However, her resilience and utter contentment, makes her truly remarkable. She was dealt with a shit hand and made something spectacular out of it. I wish I had her courage!
Where the Crawdads Sing is a combination of a coming-of-age narrative and a murder mystery. If I’m honest, the murder mystery provided a thread through the novel but I found myself focusing more on Kya’s story. I loved how she developed as a character and blossomed into a remarkable young woman. Kya’s story was wrapped in eloquent and poetic descriptions of nature. Despite Kya’s bleak childhood, Owens pays close attention to the vibrant and sometimes muted colours of the marsh.
This book reminded me of when I was in secondary school reading books with heavily detailed descriptions. We were always taught to pay attention to the significance of the setting in relation to the characters and story. This book is almost solely centred around the marsh and the relationship between the nature and humans.
Final review...
Where the Crawdads Sing is a surprising but delightful read that will be at the top of my recommendations list for anyone looking to see the world from a different perspective. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s not the book I usually pick up but it was refreshing to read a story about something other than fame, fortune and the urban lifestyle.
Have you read it yet?
Love, Aoife xo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons