A Summer Saturday in Cheltenham

Isn't my best friend beautiful? I spent the first half of the weekend with Bethan in Cheltenham. We both studied at the town's university, and she still lives there now, working as a teaching assistant while studying for a Master's degree.

It felt strange driving into a town I had known for three years. Those were the years of my life when I changed the most – when I made the transition from childhood to adulthood. It all looked different from the driver's seat. The trees, the pavements, the houses I had lived in. I felt so much older. It's not even been a year since I left, and while I don't miss living there, it felt odd going back – like bumping into a part of myself I had left behind in a familiar, yet distant setting.

The nostalgia I felt upon arrival was soon washed away by the happiness brought by sunshine and friends. It felt like the start of summer, and while strolling down the promenade, Bethan and I decided to do a couple of outfit shots. I think this was the first time I had worn any colour other than grey, black or white all year, and I was so happy to be sporting some bright pink lipstick, too.

Bethan's dress: Forever 21. Bag: Cath Kidston. Bracelet: Pandora. Necklace: Swarovski

The hot pink lipstick. It's a Chanel number, from 2010(!) I know I shouldn't still be wearing it after four years but it's just fantastic for when the sun is out.

My jeans: ASOS. Tshirt: New Look. Cardigan: H! by Henry Holland. Bag: ASOS. Sandals: Primark. Nail varnish: Essie Go Ginza

I bought this cardigan after seeing Emma write about it over on her blog Reverie Lane (a new favourite of mine – such gorgeous photography). It's something I probably wouldn't usually go for, but I was completely won over by it after seeing Emma modelling it, and although I don't think it suits me as much as it does her, I needed something to brighten up my wardrobe and the colours are so pretty – I can see myself wearing it all through the summer. It is such fantastic quality, too – the material is heavy, handwash only and super soft. I got it in the sale for about £22 reduced from £45!

When the sun shines, everything looks prettier, but I must have forgotten how clean and beautiful Cheltenham is anyway, as I was in awe of all of my surroundings. I am glad I chose to live there for those three years. I love going back to visit. I love spending the day wandering around the streets I know so well, but my time living there came to its natural end, and now it's a place I will just go to visit. A summer Saturday spent in a town close to my heart – Cheltenham.

Post Uni Life: Marriage

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When I was little I had this plan in my head. I was going to finish school, go to university and meet the one.

We would graduate, find great jobs and then get married, have kids and live happily ever after.

I'm serious. I had no plan for beyond the age of 21. I thought university would be the place where I would meet my husband(!), yet here I am, almost a year after graduating, single as a pringle.

So why am I writing about marriage?

Only recently have I come to the realisation that it may never happen. No one promises marriage, or children, but it's certainly expected of us. Where does that come from? Who says that's the norm? Why?

My whole life I have been certain about one thing – and that is to get married and make a family, but there's nothing set in stone to make sure that happens and that scares me slightly. But why? Is it so bad, being alone? I can do what I want, when I want, and it's fun (most of the time). But I'm a believer of not being alone in the long run, and as much as I'd like to write about defying society's expectations of getting married, I think that's expected of us for a good reason. We're not meant to be alone.

I was talking to my mum about this the other day. She simply said, "You're 21 not 51!" Implying I had no reason to be fretting about the prospect of never meeting anyone. That's the thing though. I'm not sad about it, I'm just acknowledging and coming to terms with the fact that it might never happen. But then again, it might.

Marriage is a scary thought, and, (I think), many years away. But who knows what will happen in the next year, month, week, day? Anything could happen. That's what makes life worth it - the excitement of not knowing what you'll think, feel, say or do in the future, no matter how much you plan, no matter how stubborn or determined you are in whatever path you have set for yourself. Falling in love is a surprise, and I'm not putting a date on it.

Being Human - New Year's Resolutions

December is a jam packed month. I love it. There is so much going on and it's always the most exciting time of year for me. There are now two days left of 2013 (what) and now that Christmas is done with, it's time to reflect on the year past and prepare for the new one coming.

Every year I buy myself a new diary and write a list of new year's resolutions in the crisp first page, but this year I have made a start in one of my old journals because I am feeling super organised. I start my new job a week tomorrow(!) and I want everything to go smoothly right from the start.

My new years resolutions are always the same: drink more water, eat more fruit and veg, do more exercise, read more, write more. This used to concern me - I shouldn't have to write these at the start of every year, should I? Surely after one year of keeping these resolutions I should be able to move on and not write them down again, year after year? But then I thought, I am never done with being fit and healthy. I am never done with reading and writing. These things mean a lot to me in my life. We always have room for improvement, and new years resolutions are important because they reaffirm that we are human beings with the drive and need inside of us to get better and achieve things, even if we never reach these goals.

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I see a lot of people on the internet going on about how New Year's resolutions are pointless. A new year shouldn't mean a new start - it's the same day as every other day. But it's not, really, is it? 1st January marks the start of a new year, and the opportunity to start afresh. As human beings we like that; we like to be given that chance, whether we see it through or not.

I remember browsing the shops last January and seeing a whole host of exercise DVDs on offer. Everyone knows after a few weeks of over indulging we try and get into a permanent routine of being fit and healthy, but it doesn't usually last. It made me laugh back then, but I'm considering getting one myself this year as I have avoided going out running for a good two months now. 

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The funny thing is, when it comes to making resolutions and keeping them, the enjoyable part is actually thinking of them and writing them down. Preparing for them. Getting that gym membership, going shopping for new trainers and a sports bra, writing this post, even. Sometimes, none of it comes to anything, but that's just human nature. Nothing changes remarkably when the clock strikes midnight on 31st December every year, but symbolically it does, and that's exciting - that is why we celebrate it every year.

January is a pretty depressing month. Thankfully, this one coming will mark the arrival of my sister's first baby and I am so excited. I hope the joy he/she brings will override the inevitable gloom that January usually brings, and I'll be even more determined to get better at reading, writing and looking after my body. What are your new year's resolutions?

The Best Non-Festive Christmas Films

Isn't Christmas the most nostalgic time of year? Memories of past Christmasses seem to serve better feelings than the actual events, and the phrase 'It doesn't feel like Christmas' crops up all too often for my liking. Christmas is what you make it - it isn't the same every year, but I think that's what makes it so special. I find it fascinating how in love so many people are with this time of year. It is around now that I think about all the Christmasses stowed away in my memory. From the most magical, loved up Christmas in 2011, to all my childhood Christmasses in Dover, and angst filled teenage years spent in the yellow house I am back in now with my parents, the good always outweighs the bad and my love for this time of year never diminishes.

One thing remains constant every year, and that is The Radio Times Christmas edition. As soon as it comes out, my mum buys a copy and it makes its way around the house. Each of us exclaim at what films are showing this year, and the excitement has not faded over the years. When I was little, I used to record my favourites on video for a later date. Below are the four non-Christmas films I remember being my favourites at Christmas. Funnily enough, I still love them all today, and make a habit of watching them every year at Christmas time to relive childhood memories, because nostalgia is fantastic. Going back to another time, another place, another person. Relishing in memories is one of the greatest pleasures we have in life.

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Uncle Buck is one of my dad's favourite films and we watch it every year. It's always better watching a film like this with someone else, rather than on your own. It is utterly ridiculous - kidnapping evil boyfriends in the back of his car, making giant pancakes for breakfast, John Candy is fantastically hilarious and every time I watch it I am saddened that he is no longer around.

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Matilda has been my favourite film of all time from the day I saw it at the cinema, aged just four. Seemingly every year after that it was on TV and every year I taped it... and every year it got taped over and I was devastated. Fortunately, one year my Uncle Andrew gave it to me on video and then while at University I bought it on DVD. Unfortunately I have since lost both... I am awful. I keep meaning to buy another copy of this fantastic film as it is rare that I see it on TV anymore, and it always reminds me of watching it at Christmas time. The soundtrack, Mara Wilson, Miss Honey, Bruce Bogtrotter's cake scene all bring timeless entertainment and joy. I know a lot of people think the musical is great - and I agree - but the film is so much better.

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Beethoven and Beethoven's 2nd are kind of brilliant in how awful they are. They serve a dose of my childhood when I, for some reason, loved these two films and, like Matilda, had to tape them every year. I bought them on DVD last summer and of course they were no where near as good as I remembered, but for a lazy snuggle Sunday these make for great easy watching and make me want a puppy really really bad.

Are there any staple non-Christmas Christmas films you just have to watch every year? I love how every year creates new memories for future Christmasses, and films play such a big part in that.

Perfume Memories

Have you ever dabbed an old perfume on your neck and wrists, and a sudden wave of emotion comes over you, and thoughts of people, places, events and stories flood into your brain all at once? This happened to me recently when I swapped my summery scents for my wintery ones. It made me appreciate each one of them, despite some of the bad memories.

When I go back to an old scent after a while of wearing something different, I remember all sorts of things. It can be a uncomfortable, sometimes even distressing, but also wonderful, exciting and heartwarming.

Winter Perfume Memories

Stella McCartney The Print Collection 2 EDP

Perhaps this is not a wintery scent. Perhaps that is what I associate the perfume with as my mum gave it to me last Christmas, and I wore it during the colder months. When I wear it I feel red and green and gold and silver. I feel the warmth of my home after a walk in the cold. I feel my woolen scarf and winter coat and black boots. 

Chloé by Chloé EDP

I first got this when I was sixteen for my Birthday after falling in love with the sample I found in a magazine. I have gone through a couple of bottles of this since then and I think it's a love that will last forever. Chloé makes me think of special occasions, and my sixteenth Birthday when I first wore it. I feel Christmassy and glamorous when I wear it. I feel pretty even on days when I feel ugly.

Summer Perfume Memories

SeeBy Chloé EDP

SeeBy Chloé reminds me of my sister, Sarah, because she had it first. When I wear this scent I also remember the end of the summer just past; new things and change. It's a fusion of sadness, anxiety, excitement and my Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter body butter lotion.

Tam Dao by Diptyque EDT

Although Tam Dao by Diptyque is one of my absolute favourite perfumes, has a unique, musky, I-can't-stop-smelling-this scent, ultimately, it reminds me of a bad time in my life. I got it for my Birthday this year and I was going through a really rough time. University was over, as was a two year relationship and I was feeling pretty lost. However, I refuse to let any of that ruin this gorgeous perfume for me, and will continue to wear it as it is stunning, but it is proving a lot more difficult to disassociate bad memories from beautiful scents.

Love of Pink by Lacoste EDT

Lacoste Love of Pink takes me back to the first year of University. I went to Bristol on my 19th Birthday and had a voucher to spend at a perfume shop that my Grandpa gave me. My sister had the Lacoste Touch of Pink perfume when she was younger and it reminded me of her, but now it makes me think of the Summer of 2011, writing to uni friends, traveling up and down the country on the train to see them, being young and falling in love. I only wear this in the warmer months, as a result, and it isn't one that I would choose first but I like it on a floaty dress and ice creams kind of summer's day.

What are your perfume memories? Have you got a favourite scent? Read more about smell and memory here.

The End

Day 30: The End

It was the start of the summer, and it was supposed to be fun. Everything was shadowed with anxious anticipation. We were leaving. Our time here was ending.

We knew it would come. We were always saying how ready we were for it. We were prepared. We had it all planned out. But we began to forget how quickly the time passes. We were happy and round faced, walking to Tescos in our gingerbread men pyjamas. And we pushed it far away, waiting for it to happen another day.

The third house we lived in (fourth for me, as I had lived in a beautiful ground floor flat with my then boyfriend in a nicer part of the town one summer) was empty. Our parents had arrived and packed our boxes into the boots of their cars. We hugged and said goodbye. I didn't care much for that house. It was full of tears and paper thin walls, and endless assignments and revision. I cried but my tears were cold.

It ended before it ended, you see. It ended around Easter time. It ended when we came back from the Easter holidays when we realised it was our last term together. And, naturally, instead of making the most of our time, we secretly dreaded each day, how time was slipping past us without a care for our welfare or futures, our relationships. It became a waiting game. Waiting for it to end. And when it finally did, I was glad.