96 hours in Amsterdam

At the end of January I went to Amsterdam for 4 days with my beautiful friend Alice, we explored the museums, cafes and canals. Amsterdam was incredibly pretty although a little sunshine wouldn’t of hurt! There was so much to see and do, so here’s what we did and a few things we didn’t quite get round to.

THINGS TO DO

• Van Gogh Museum – my absolute favourite artist of all time, Vincent Van Gogh’s life is played out through his paintings and letters in a heartbreaking way and really lets you see the meaning and inspiration behind his work.
• Stedlijk Museum – this is the modern art museum – it was really cool, I loved the rooms full of graffiti and propoganda.
• Rijksmuseum – I felt like I had my very own tour guide because Alice seems to know everything there is to know about random artists and paintings.
• Canal Cruise – we took the cruise whilst the sun was setting, experiencing the daytime views and the beutiful reflective lights appearing on the water. I would say this is one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam, in just enough detail to learn the rich history of Amsterdam and its culture.
• Bodyworlds – this is a exhibition in the centre (Dam). It is incredible and takes you on a journey of discovery through the human body, in search of what makes us happy and the impact of happiness on our health. Using real donated human bodies, life is explored in a completely new and fascinating way. I would not miss this, despite how morbid it sounds.
• Red light district – an interesting place to say the least, full of sex shops and half  naked women and condoms that look like rabbits or cartoon characters.

CAFÉS.

House of Natur. – this was probably the ‘healthiest’ cafe I have ever been in, gluten, dairy and literally everything free porridge (which was delicious) and smoothie bowls to die for. My only complaint was that they only sold herbal teas, I need a solid english builders tea of a morning.

Pancakes – Alice had a wonderful looking apple pie and ice cream pancake and I sat there quite jealous with my spinich and mushroom pancake.

Cat Café – cake and cats, what could be better! Pay a small entrance fee to help look after the cats and then sit in the calmest environment with super yummy red velvet cake.

OUTFITS – I wore all of these with a faux suede coat and either my purple DM boots or my brown DM shoes (the comfort is unreal).

day one –  red top and black jeans

day two – floral bodysuit with black skirt and docs

day three – striped dress over grey top

day four – black crop top and check trousers

Let me know if you’ve been to Amsterdam, and if there is anything you love that I haven’t mentioned!

A x

Moments to Live For

If you hadn’t already guessed, autumn is my favourite season, especially during November when Christmas decorations slowly begin to appear and its dark by 4:30. I love when the nights draw in and going inside feels warm and safe. Mugs of tea that steam like my breath in the cold and warm me up from the inside.

I can wrap up in layers of knitted, soft cardigans, turtle neck tops and scarves and not look strange. Hidden in plain sight when going for a walk in the cold (but not freezing) autumn air.

Rainy days filled with new episodes of the many shows I like to watch, curled up on my beanbag with a hot water bottle. Old favourites for dinner, like roasted root vegetables and halloumi.

It fills me with a warmth that I rarely experience anymore, when I see children in cute coats, with their rosy cheeks and cold noses, laughing with sheer delight at the red leaves falling from the trees –  who would have thought that leaves could be red and not green.

Dark evenings filled with blankets, warm porridge and spiced pumpkin candles. Somehow the darkness outside makes me feel calm, maybe it understands me somehow or maybe I’m just trying to be poetic. It’s comforting and that’s what matters.

These are the moments I live for.

Abbie xx

Inspiration for Autumn

Hello my lovelies!

I think its finally autumn, the days are getting shorter and the cold is drawing in and I love it! All the excuses for cosy nights in and warm drinks. Less nights out with friends that I have to miss out on because I am a mess and no fun lol.

I have compiled a few photos on what inspires me fashion and make-up wise for autumn.

I absolutely love the rusty ginger colours, I think they just look beautiful on anybody and go with so many of the clothes I usually wear. Another thing I’m loving at the moment (and always) is big chunky cardigans and jumpers – the sort you can just chuck on with some jeans or leggings and be super duper cosy and so snug!

I think smock dresses look wonderful with or without tights in those transitional months where the weather cannot decide what it’s doing. A pair of lace up boots and you are ready for anything.

Again with the chunky knit – big fluffy cosy socks are one of the most important things in my life. Who doesn’t love to snuggle up with a blanket, soft socks and a cup of tea in front of the TV.  A great idea for self care on those days where these things are manageable is painting your nails, I also find this can help with anxiety or as a distraction. I just ordered the orangey one in the photo and I am so excited I can’t even explain! Plus it was a bargain – reduced from £11 to just £4.50!

What goes better with a rust coloured coat? A rust coloured eye – I adore these shades anytime of year to be honest, but I really think in autumn it makes a lovely quick natural look. Just put one or two colours in the crease and its BEAUTIFUL!

What inspires you in the autumn time? Comment below.

Lots of love,

Abbie xx

August Faves

Hello my loves,

I’ve put together a little list of everything I’ve enjoyed in August and the beginning of September, in the hopes that maybe some of you enjoy these things too!

Apple and Blueberry Porridge – In august porridge was my absolute favourite breakfast, add a dollop of Biscoff, a scattering of chia seeds and a spoonful of vanilla yogurt and you have yourself a bowl of deliciousness. Perfect with a nice hot cup of tea to start the morning.

.

Hygge – The whole idea of hygge is cosiness, comfort and contentment – in my eyes this is totally encompassed by warm socks, fluffy blankets and a steaming mug of tea. It makes me so excited for autumn and winter I can’t even explain!

.

Doc Martins – Coming into the autumn months (yes I know its only September but….) a sturdy pair of boots are a lifesaver. I swear I literally wear these everywhere, days out in London, popping down to the local shop or taking my beautiful dog on.a walk. They are my favourites and so so comfortable. Even better because I got them in the sale!

.

Dear Evan Hansen – This is a musical I discovered just over a month ago but I literally don’t think a day has gone by in August where I haven’t listened to the album. It tells the story of Evan Hansen whose crippling social anxiety leads to a high school career low in friends and high in unrequited love. When a fellow student takes his own life, Evan takes a strange opportunity and finds the chance to live how he has wanted to when he is mistaken for a friend of the deceased. He gains internet fame, acceptance and even a love interest. I showed Lottie and Rosie and they both love it too! Its available on Spotify.

.

Poppy – My gorgeous puppy – well kind of, (she’s 2 at the end of September) – Having finished school and the holidays coming to an end I have really enjoyed taking Poppy for walks, attempting to increase my fitness levels after a year of not being allowed to exercise. She also gives the best cuddles!

.

Free Prints – This is an app and honestly its so so good! Basically you get 45 free prints a month (only pay postage), and if you refer a friend you get an extra 5 free prints per month. I definitely think printed photos are underrated and more rare than they used to be. I love going through photo albums and having a little reminisce over happier times. My code is ajones2463 if you decide to sign up!

.

Let me know in the comments some of your favourite things from August – or September because apparently I can’t post on time ever!

.

Love,

Abbie xx

Blurt Buddy Box – self care

Hey,

It was my birthday in June and my nana bought me a subscription to the Blurt Buddy Box. It’s a bit like a Glossybox or Birchbox but instead of makeup you get a little collection of self-care items. The Buddy Box is specifically aimed at those struggling with depression however everyone needs a little pick me up once in a while and it’s very exciting getting something through the post. I received my first box a few days ago and I thought I would share it with you because it is truly lovely!

It comes in this gorgeous box with gold embossing – and its recyclable.

This month’s box was called ‘It’s Not All Sunshine and Rainbows’, here’s a little sneak peek!

1. Believe in Yourself Cards – these are just incredible, little quotes and reminders which I think I might stick up on my wall or perhaps just keep them handy in my bedside table.
2. Choc Shot – this is a hot chocolate kit, I’m not a massive fan of hot chocolate but I will defo give this to a friend in need of a chocolate fix – probably one that’s off to university in a couple of weeks.
3. Coaster – perfect for your hot chocolate or warm drink of choice.
4. Happy Socks – anyone who knows me knows I love a good pair of socks almost as much as I love tea (not quite though).
5. Lip Balm – self-care at its finest, lips often get very dry when washing and drinking water seem like an impossible mission.
6. Postcard Print – these prints are postcard sized and have been beautifully designed by the incredibly talented Stacie Swift (Blog / Instagram)
7. Zine – Blurt Magazine

This would be an absolutely perfect gift for a friend who may be struggling or even for yourself.

Stay safe my lovelies,

Abbie xx

 

Website: https://www.blurtitout.org/buddybox/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblurtfoundation/

A Day in Cups of Tea – 06.08.17

no. 1 – So right now its breakfast, usually consisting of porridge with some sort of concoction of various toppings (who am i kidding, its mostly biscoff). I basically just stare  into space trying to fight off eating disorder thoughts, inevitable after breakfast, with this cup of tea. I make it really hot so it almost burns but not quite.

no. 2 – Today i’m meeting Rosie in town so my second cup of tea was in a cafe whilst i was waiting for her (lol to go to another cafe). I managed some toast for lunch on my own and i’m quite proud because the guilt is quite overwhelming today but its okay because i deserve food and nourishment and toast is yummy. I’ve done some bullet journalling to help distract me after and its starting to get pretty full of stuff so let me know if you want a post on it.

no. 3 – Cup of tea number three was at another cafe, its very cosy in here. My mind is a bit quieter now, mostly because Rosie is showing me pics of her new puppy ahhh! Its nice to talk to someone who almost fully understands my thought processes no matter how weird and messed up they seem.

no. 4 – I’m home and really tired, i usually have a cup of tea as soon as i get home and just flick through instagram and twitter and cuddle my dog whilst lounging on the sofa or on my beanbag. A bit of recuperation.

no. 5 – A cup of tea after dinner is so good, its a really good distraction after eating and always makes me feel less bloated after. I’ve been attempting to sort out my room since the end of exams but I’m lazy and never seem to get anywhere with it but i did one shelf of my bookcase so thats good. My OCD was going crazy when dinner was being made but i managed to only perform a couple of compulsions so yay!

no. 6 – Last cup of the day today, i’m about to go to bed but I’ve still got evening snack to go (that meal plan life) and i’ll usually watch something on netflix whilst eating it and finishing off my tea. Today it was criminal minds – its usually criminal minds!

Goodnight my loves, stay safe,

Abbie xx

Inspired Porridge

A few weeks ago, Rosie and I visited a very lovely café in a nearby town. We bought our teas and coffees (it was all very Instagram), and then ordered the ‘Porridge with spiced apple and plum compote, vanilla mascarpone and flaked almonds’ to share. They kindly split one portion into two bowls and they came presented beautifully on a wooden platter. It was a great moment when we each took a spoonful then looked at each other realizing how delicious it was, so I’ve decided to do my own spin on it.

Ingredients:

• porridge oats (I used Quaker Oats ‘oat so simple’ because its quick and easy but there are lots of options, it’s totally up to personal preference)
• milk
• banana
• flaked almonds
• chia seeds
• spiced apple and plum compote (homemade recipe coming soon!)

Optional:

• cream
• biscoff spread
• salted caramel yogurt (I use the YEO one)
• cinnamon

Method:

• Start by making porridge how you usually would, in the saucepan/microwave etc. I choose the lazy way by emptying the packet and then filling the milk up to the line, you can also choose to put cream in at this point or almond/soya milk – whatever floats your boat. I then put it in the microwave for 2 minutes.

• Whilst the oats are cooking, slice up a banana and get a portion of the compote to defrost/heat up.
• Then I like to put the slices of banana in an aesthetic pattern on top of the porridge, add the compote and sprinkle with all with flaked almonds, chia seeds and whatever else tickles your fancy!

Feel free to jazz it up with an ingredients you like, but some of my favourites are:

• • A dollop of Yeo’s Salted Caramel Yogurt – lovely and cool and super tasty (also not quite as unhealthy as it sounds).
  • A dusting of cinnamon – if you feel like christmassing (???) it up a bit.
  • Drizzle of Biscoff Spread – lol I just love Biscoff.

 

Enjoy!

xx