I have a Jolly Rancher Hard Candy addiction...

Everyone always talks about Jolly Rancher sweets, but I've never seen them in England! When I was in America I picked up a packet in New York and they were SO good that I grabbed another bag before I left to fly home.

MMMMN.

They are so yummy. They're basically hard boiled sweets that come in five flavours and they taste amazing. My favourite is definitely the watermelon (I'm obsessed with anything watermelon) grape and the blue raspberry. I find the green apple too sour so I kept giving those to my Mum (she liked them so it was fine)

I need to find out where they sell these in England, I think you can buy them in Selfridges according to my cousin, and I know of an American shop in Guildford so I may have to look there...

But for now they're all sitting in my disney princess mug from Disneyland Paris that my lovely best friends brought me on my desk for whenever I get hungry!

If you haven't tried Jolly Rancher sweets yet, I highly recommend you do and if you're in England and know where you can buy them please tell me!

xxx

Wicked on Broadway

When I was in New York, I was lucky enough to see Wicked on Broadway. I've seen Wicked twice in London, and I love it so much. However, Broadway was a whole different experience. It was so much better, the talent on Broadway really is the best in the world. The acting was sharper, the dancing was better, the singing was more passionate...I could go on. The theatre was huge, the atmosphere was just insane. I cried...a lot. I feel so sorry for the people beside me. There was a lot of tears, from For Good (that always makes me cry) to the Wizard and I and Defying Gravity. If you ever get a chance to see something on Broadway- 100% go to this. I need to go back and see it again. 

Books read in America

Saw this in The Strand bookshop- I love it!

Whilst I was in America, I got a chance to catch up on my reading. These were the books I read and enjoyed :) 

The first book I read was My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. Sam has always been controlled by her mother and told not to mingle with the family next door, but when she meets Jase, she can’t help how she feels towards him. I loved this book! It was the perfect romance YA to read in summer, and the characterization of Tim, Jase and Sam. The “secret” comes late in the book which was kind of annoying as I just wanted to know, but I loved it so much when it happened. The ending left quite a few questions, but a bit of mystery is always good! 5/5

The second book I read was Written in the Stars by Ali Harris. I first picked this up because I saw “Stars” and thought of TFIOS (pfft no I’m not obsessed). It’s about a woman who slips on her wedding day and splits into two lives, one where she leaves her husband at the alter and the other where she marries him. When I first started this I was like “oh I know what’s going to happen” but as the novel progressed I was really surprised! I can’t say too much without giving anything away but it’s definitely not the plot and the ending I expected. I really want to read more Ali Harris books now! 4/5

The third book I read was If I Stay by Gayle Forman. This was so highly recommended to me, and it definitely lived up to the hype. It tells the story of Mia who when she’s in a car accident, is able to see her body in the hospital. I feel like it was more philosophical about life/death and living etc than actually about the storyline. The characterization was really well done, I particularly liked Adam and Teddy’s character. I wouldn’t rush to read the sequel, but I did really like this. 4/5

On holiday, I also took to using the Kindle app on my phone a lot, as it was easy and convenient. I re-read one of my favourite books, 19 Minutes, by Jodi Picoult about a school shooting in a small town in America. I first read this years ago, and I love it so much. It’s so chilling and haunting and well written, and the characters are just incredible. I just went back and forth, reading my favourite chapters again and again, until I’d probably read it about three times and decided it was time to read another book! 5/5

Let me know what books you’ve been reading this summer!

xxx

Coping with Anxiety Whilst Travelling

I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for four years, and I had believed until recently that I had it relatively under control. However, being abroad in America has shown me that anxiety is something I will probably have to live with for the rest of my life. The constant anxious thoughts, and frequent panic attacks have made this holiday slightly harder than I anticipated but I managed! I also think that all the media coverage of the various conflicts and attacks in the world made me more anxious than usual (hearing that a plane got shot down is never comforting when you know that a plane journey is between you and your safe haven- aka home)

However, here is my list of tips and suggestions- I hope it helps or gives your some ideas!

Number one- this only applies to hot weather, but I find myself much more likely to have a panic attack if I’m hot, whether abroad or at home. Obviously there are many ways to keep yourself cool, but a trick that I used is to get some mints (like tic tacs or polos) and then drink water with a mint in your mouth. It will cool you down instantly and is really refreshing. This should lower your body temperature, which may help you feel less anxious or panicky.

Number two- control your breathing. When you have a panic attack, your breathing is all messed up and you’re taking in too much oxygen. Breathe in for 7, breathe out for 7. A paper bag is good, even if you have to get someone to run into a store and grab one for you.  Honestly, when it comes to breathing you’re probably gonna have to figure out for yourself what works for you because it’s different for everyone. Focus on something, your pulse, the wind, anything. Just something steady and regular to help yourself come back to the moment and calm down.

Number three- be prepared for things to be different. You’re not at home, in your normal environment anymore.  That doesn’t have to be a scary thing, so long as you accept it and go with the flow.  Read signs, guidebooks and websites as these will let you know what the local norm is, but if in doubt asking locals is the best way to get out of a confusing situation, as they’ll know what to do. You’ve travelled to a different place for a reason it’s to explore! If it was identical to home then there would be no point going away.

Finally, number four and personally the most important for me. If you don’t like a situation, remove yourself from it. I know this is sometimes easier said than done, but honestly, don’t force yourself to remain somewhere if you feel anxious or panicky. Whether this be on a form of transport, for example a train or a taxi, or in a museum or theatre, or even a public space like a park. I was in the Newseum in Washington in the iMax theatre, which featured a 4d experience through news, one of these was in an asylum which I found incredibly triggering and upsetting. I got up, walked to the exit and said to the lady “I need to get out”. My mum had followed me, and we went to the café and got a cupcake. I felt shakey and sick, but I was much better outside the iMax and I soon calmed down. Don’t worry about how this is a “once in a life time” experience or how much money you’ve spent, it won’t be worth it if your memories of the place are of having a panic attack in the corner. Just quietly, calmly, leave. Even if you’re somewhere you can’t leave, such as a train, get up and go for a walk, go to the toilet or a different carriage. Change up your environment, remind yourself you are free to move and to escape. You are not trapped.

I hope this helped someone, even just to let them know that they’re not alone. It’s hard to admit on holiday, which is meant to be perfect and magical, that you’re feeling a bit rubbish and need to get out a situation before a panic attack occurs.

Sending lots of love and hugs to anyone with anxiety/panic disorders

Alex

xxx

Quick update..

I am currently in America, having just spent four days in New York, we are now in Williamsburg. After three nights here, we will fly to Washington for a few days before returning home to good old London.

I have soo many blogposts to write when I'm home from things I've brought, to places I've been, but at the moment I just want to enjoy my time here and try and spend as little time online in a hotel room as possible.

That's why my blog has been so quiet, but I will be posting again in a few days time!

xxx

Day Out: Legoland

My little cousin is 7, and he is in that phrase that every little kid goes through where he is obsessed with lego (I remember this time of mine and my brother's life fondly, some of the best memories I have are of us playing with lego.)

My cousin and his parents live in Bahrain, due to my uncle's job, but they come to spend a few weeks in England over summer to see everyone and to get away from the sweltering heat! Yesterday (8/7/14) was their first full day and so before school's break up, my mum and I thought a trip to Legoland Windsor with my cousin and aunt would be a nice treat!

If any of you eat Kellogg's, they have vouchers on the side of their cereal boxes for 2 for the price of 1 tickets to many attractions. We had two of these, and I am so glad we did as otherwise tickets would have to come to just under £200 for the four of us (three adults, one child) but instead it was only £94 (still blimming expensive but not as bad!) so look out for those vouchers on your cereal!

I went to Legoland a few times as a child, but I haven't been since I was four so I was excited too! My cousin wanted to go to the driving school area and drive the cars first, so we headed over there. It was about 11:40 when we got there, and the queue was still about 20 minutes. Typical, the moment my cousin got on the car to drive off, it started pouring with rain! The minute he was done I asked one of the staff what the best indoor activities were, and got sent off to the ride Atlantis.  

This is basically a submarine ride where you get in and your submarine has windows. There's a lego voiceover with some story which I didn't really pay attention to- but you get to see some awesome fish! The whole thing is really pretty and has stingrays and sharks. (The little ones...the lego man did tell me what kind but I can't remember). Just before you get off there's a bit where you have to push buttons which my cousin loved! He liked it so much he wanted to do it again, and it's a really calming ride. Highly recommend!

Then we went over the knight bit, which has the dragon roller coasters. We rode the train one first which was very tame, and basically just goes round in a circle. Then we took my cousin on the tiny dragon one which he loved- it really doesn't go fast at all (my mum was still scared...oh dear) and is perfect for kids who want to go on rides but are too scared of the big ones.


Yes I took a sneaky photo of our ride photo...I'm a rebel.



Then we were getting hungry (well I was) and so we headed into the castle to the Chicken Rotisserie.  This basically serves chicken with a choice of sauce, a kids menu, jacket potatoes, that kind of thing. I got chicken with bbq sauce and chips and it was deeelicious. The restaurant wasn't too busy and it was pretty good value for money.

Then I wanted to go to LazerQuest which I saw on the map as a shooting type game. We headed over, and outside it said wait time 45 minutes. I assumed it was "from that point" as it wasn't that busy. The queue inside was pretty big, and Legoland are also sneaky in that they made it look like you were at the front of the queue and then you got led through another area for another ten minute wait! The ride itself was a lot of fun, you have to shoot things to get points but it was over soo quickly considering how long we waited. Sigh, it's always the way isn't it? Ah well.

Just outside there's a shop (as there always is) but also a drop ride, one of those ones that goes up and then drops? It was called Scarab Bouncers (or something like that) and it had no queue! It was very kid friendly and a good laugh.

After this my cousin wanted to go shopping, so Mum and I headed for one of the other little rides, which looked a bit like a ferris wheel (but a very small one). It was a bit jolty as the first time round you stop to let everyone on, but then you get two full rides round. Side note- can I just apologize to the guy running it who heard me say "oh crap are we going round again?" and said "yep, one more round!" I didn't mean it in a bad way! Oops :P 

                                         

Then we got on the train, which we thought would take us to a different point of the park. It didn't it took us round in a circle, but it was nice to see the whole park. Also, spoiler alert- this ride sprays water at you which I was NOT expecting. I had my iPhone in my hand. Not cool Legoland :|

Once we got off the train (where we started) we walked towards the pirate area, where their show was going on. It was actually quite entertaining, with lots of running and slapstick comedy. I was most impressed with the actors who jumped off the massive lighthouse into the water below. 

 We were heading to the exit when we saw the Firefighter ride which my cousin wanted to do- there was no queue so got on straight away. You basically have to work as a team to pump your fire engine to the end of the yard, then two people have to pump water whilst the other team mates put out the fire (shooting water through a hole) and then it's a race to the finish (more pumping). It was all very fast paced and funny and silly and very entertaining.

Finally we left, feeling absolutely shattered, but it was honestly a great day :)

I just thought it would be nice to document the day and share some photos!

xxxxx

Cute Travel Kit

The other day I was in Primark, having a quick browse. I find Primark's clothes are a bit hit and miss, sometimes I'll go in and want everything but other times I'll not find anything I like. This was one of those times...

However, I did spot this little travel bottle kit. I just thought it was so cute and handy, and perfect for travelling (which hopefully lots of you will be doing over summer) that I thought I'd write a post to let you all know to go out and grab one!

The kit comes with three bottles and one little pot. They're all screw lids so are really easy to remove and put back on, and no risk of spills. Two bottles come with a normal cap and the other is a pump. There's a little bit of plastic to put underneath the pump to stop it compressing and spilling your lotion out, how clever is that?! (Or maybe I'm just easily impressed). The pot is so small that I'm not sure what I would use it for..possibly lipbalm? I'll have to wait and see! It also comes with a little funnel to make it super easy to pour all your toiletries into the bottles.


I also love these stickers that it comes with so that you can remember what you've put put in each bottle! It's such a cute little touch.

This whole thing was only a pound, which I think is a complete bargain.

Definitely grab one of these if you're about to go on holiday next time you're near a Primark!

xx

The Summer Tag

Today was the warmest day of the year so far in London so as I thought this would the perfect time to do the Summer Tag!

What is your favourite thing about summer?

I love the freedom. I love how in summer I can make last minute plans with my friends and still have the best day, or spend long summer evenings out before crashing at my friend's with the knowledge that there's nowhere that I need to be

Do you have a favourite summer drink?

I do love a decent milkshake, but I also love Pimms

Is there a location you like to go to each summer?

I love going to the beach, especially the one near my grandparents in Worthing

Favourite make up look for summer?

I like really natural looking bronzer/highlighter to look glowing and radiant

Dresses or skirts?

Tough choice, but probably dresses

Sandals or ballet pumps?

Ballet pumps! I live in ballet pumps all summer long

Do you prefer to have your hair up or down for summer?

I hate my hair being up anytime of the year so down!

Deep smokey eyes or bold lips?

Hmmm probably neither if I'm honest!

Favourite perfume for summer?

I really love my Hollister one (not sure of the name, sorry)

Favourite music for summer?

At the moment I'm loving 5 Seconds of Summer, but I think All Time Low have a perfect sound for summer

Let me know what your favourite things about summer are and enjoy the sunshine!

xxxx

Summer make up essentials

I''ve been meaning to write this post for a while, but I haven't had the time until today. Plus, I've been doing so much shopping over the last few weeks that I keep discovering new goodies! However, the shopping has ceased now (my bank statement shot me back to reality) and I've got my summer make up bag sorted. So, these are the products I've been using and loving to create a light, radiant summer look!

Firstly is the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in light. Wearing foundation just feel too thick on my face in summer, and I can literally feel myself melting (not a nice feeling). I was looking for a lighter coverage foundation when I started browsing BB creams. This one claimed it would do all kinds of wonders, as well as having SPF 30. I brought it and started using it instantly, and I love it! I apply it either with a brush or a sponge, but it is so like a moisturiser that you could use your fingers to blend it in. It is so lightweight that it doesn't feel like your wearing anything, and obviously it doesn't have such a good coverage as a foundation would give, but it still covers blemishes and radiates your skin. It makes you look so glowy, that combined with highlighter and bronzer you look like you've spent all day out in the sunshine! I normally prefer the matt look with foundation, but with this BB cream I've been experimenting with the dewey look, as I think it looks much nicer to be glowing and radiant in summer than to be mattified.

Secondly is my Sleek Face Form Pallette in light, which is a blush, bronzer and highlighter in one. I've been using this for a while now, but it's recently come back as a staple in my everyday make up routine, particularly the blush and highlighter. The highlighter is really pinky, which makes your skin look lifted and glowing. The blush I haven't used much in the last few months, but it's perfect for when you don't want to look like you're wearing blush at all. It just gives a subtle pinky shimmer to add a bit of colour to your face and I love it.

Thirdly is the Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze. This is a beautiful little box with four shimmery bronze colours. The top colour is a really nice highlighter, that you can blend with with the second colour for a gorgeous colour. The colours are shimmery so for contouring etc I wouldn't really use them because no one wants shiney cheekbones (or maybe they do idk) but I just tend to put a light wash of this on my face and it makes me glow and look really bronzed!

Now for eyes. I like to try and keep my eye make up quite subtle and light, with no harsh tones or dark colours as I think summer is the time for paler, brighter colours! For eyeshadow, I have been using the Sleek palette in Au Naturel. These yellow and browns are perfect for creating a subtle everyday eyeshadow to lift and brighten your eyes. There's a mixture of matte and shimmery tones, and the eyeshadows are so pigmented it's unreal considering each palette is only around 7 pounds.


I also picked up the Maybelline Colour Tattoo cream eyeshadow in Pink Gold. This eyeshadow is the most beautiful colour ever. I apply it with my finger and it is sooo pigmented. It's not cheap, but for a good cream eyeshadow it's quite a good price. It stays on all day and is so easy to blend. I love this and I really want to buy some more!

I love my pencil eyeliners, particularly the body shop ones. For a softer summer look, I use the Body Shop eye definer shade in 02 which is "Rich Brown". This is amazing for any everyday look as it isn't too harsh. I would recommend any of the Body Shop eyeliners as they are amazing!

Finally, I use the Body Shop Born Lippy in Pomegranate. I do not suit red lipstick..at all. My two best friends will vouch for that! But using this makes your lips really soft, and gives a subtle pinky tone to your lips. I also love the pop art casing! Would definitely recommend any of the born lippy range from Body Shop.


So those are my summer make up essentials! Let me know if you've used any of these products and what you thought of them. Enjoy the sunshine!
xxx

Stephanie Perkins- I love you!

A while ago I was browsing on Twitter and saw that an author I follow retweeted Stephanie Perkins' tweet saying that her book "Anna and the French Kiss" was free on iBooks. I had never used iBooks but I quickly downloaded it and got Anna and the French Kiss. I had seen this recommended before and I couldn't resist the chance to read it for free!

I read this book in a matter of days, it was that good. It's set in Paris, where Anna who is originally American, goes to boarding school and meets a new group of people. It is a romance story, but it's also about friendship and growing up. It has such a good storyline and honestly some of the best characterisation I've read in a long time. I won't say too much to avoid spoilers, but it would be a perfect summer read for anyone! (Warning- You will want to go to Paris after reading this...)

Almost as soon as I'd finished this, I picked up Lola and the Boy Next Door, which is the second one in the series. The two are not directly related, as Lola is about a girl called Lola (obvious but yeah) however, Anna does feature quite heavily in it (I love Anna as a character, so I was so glad to see her come back!) I read Lola and the Boy Next Door in a few days as well, and enjoyed it just as much. I would say that the characters in this are just as amazing, Lola is quite a quirky character which I liked because the conventionally "standard" female protagonist in YA fiction is just so overdone. Also, can I just say how brilliantly I think Stephanie Perkins incorporated Lola's gay parents- it wasn't massively overstated and it actually was a plot/character device instead of just being thrown in for the sake of it (as some authors tend to do)

Stephanie's third book comes out in August 2014 and is called "Isla and the Happily Ever After" and features both Anna and Lola! I'm so excited for this book.

I just had to write a post to gush about these books, I love stumbling across a new series, and these books just left me feeling so warm and fuzzy I had to write about them! Pick up Anna if you get a chance, I promise you will love it (if you love YA/romance type books)