Inside Bee's Sketchbook

Ever the slave to stationery and other thrilling goods, I found myself putting this gorgeous raspberry coloured leather sketchbook into my basket and not even feeling guilty about it. My various ideas and extensive lists had previously been scatter brained onto various bits of paper and hidden in the depths of various notepads. On my latest trip to Paperchase, I thought it was about time to put that right! I've got a lot of ideas to fill this beauty with and I hope that it'll get me more organised and allow me to blog more frequently around my studies. Studies, which ironically, I've ditched to complete this blog post. Naughty! Just because I purchased a 'sketchbook' it doesn't mean I fancy myself as an artist; my Grandma is an amazingly talented artist and, unfortunately, I didn't get that trait - I got her unbelievable clumsiness and capability to full over everything and anything. Damn you genetics! For those that may be wondering, the sketchbook and heart paper tape are both from Paperchase. 


*This post isn't sponsored. Sadly, I have to feed my own stationery addiction. Paperchase, help a brother out! LOLJK.

The first page of my book is for pretty little things I find that I think help to shape me as a person and scream elements of my personality/things I'm passionate about. All of the lovely things you see above (minus the tape) were gifted to me by the amazing Zoe. She's sent me some awesome things over time and she never fails to cheer me up because of it. All of my biggest passions are incorporated in this page (minus Kettle chips and other foods) - my love of music, femininity, reading/writing, travelling and floral print! Floral print is synonymous with Viva too so it's nice to have a little homage to her on my opening page.  I definitely need to add finishing touches to further explore other passions of mine such as, the Grint, everything HP, cats, owls and personal snaps. As I go along, I'm going to build upon this page - adding various ticket stubs and sentimental items until I'm completely happy with it. For now, I'm loving its, somewhat bare, organised chaos. 

I added a little title page to my book because, well, I bloody love them. I was always the kid at school that got mega excited about starting new topics because it meant I could wack out another title page design. (It's a wonder I survived secondary school!). I just wanted something simplistic because, as expressed, I'm not exactly an artist. I settled for a sort of wild rose garden motif and intertwined a few important dates between the vines to symbolise my nearest and dearest. Let me hear a big 'awwwww'. 

This third page is a bit text heavy! I decided to transfer my 'H is for Happy' list into this sketchbook - peppering pages with it along the way so as not to overdose on happiness. I cannot preach enough just how useful I've found this list. It regularly restores my faith in humanity and makes me realise that when the things closest to me don't seem that great, there's a world around me that I've grown to love. Please excuse my thumb in the photograph; I was showing my sister how to use her nail art pen but completely forgot I have no varnish remover in the flat. Oops. I hope you've liked being able to delve into my 'ideas' book, as sparce as it is right now. I'll be back imminently to show you various things that I've picked up from the high street recently (if the sky actually decides to give off any decent light!). I'm off to throw out some of my disgustingly old clothes (that got dyed black in the wash - boo) before settling down for a night of films, stir fry and such like. Have a lovely rest of your weekend!

P.S I keep getting the error code 'bX-h3bujr' whenever I click on 'Template Designer'. If anyone could help me work out what to do or have any advice as to get hold of Blogger about it, then please leave a comment! The forums are shit and a waste of time.

Received some bad news the other day. 

Rest in peace Robbie;

Man's best friend.

sensory season: things i love about autumn

*all photographs are my own. if you steal them, i'll track you down and sit on you.

darkened sky // cosy slippers to encourage toasty toes // bare trees

crispy leaves before they fall // woodland walks // hearty bowls of thick soup
snuggling up in my duvet // hot bubble baths // coffee dates
printed scarves // comfort food // hiding inside from the elements
family time // cosying down with a mug of milk and biccies // baking treats


'The autumnal canvas had become suffocated with rich reds, plums and burnt oranges; hues all fighting for dominance among the withered leaves. Brash perennial Dahlia’s lit up the flowerbed for a second season; their musky scent subtly flavouring the otherwise damp air. Upon their entrance, the grand Horse Chestnut trees embraced each individual visitor with their wide arms, luring them into a sense of security with every shaded step. Hedgerows rich with plump blackberries swelled on the neatly woven brambles, awaiting pairs of greedy hands to stain with their syrup. Those very hands were clinched around hot beverages; with each sip they took, the air filled with a comforting mist. The more adventurous amongst them enjoyed their picnics on the dewy grass; the smell of hot bubbling soup and crumbly sweet pastries wafted through the crisp clean air '. - descriptive extracts from an autumnal day by myself. 

In my opinion, autumn is the best season because it allows me to stuff my face before reassuring myself that it's solely for winter padding and inevitable hibernation. Everything becomes more atmospheric and cosy - perfect for those of us who can usually be found underneath their duvet with a good book. Summer always seems to be so hit and miss but with autumn, you know what you're getting. You know you're going to be walking to your 9am appointment with your breath misting the air in front of you. You know you're going to need those 25 layers that you've cleverly managed to hoist on top of the other. For me, my autumnal uniform consists of: oversized printed scarves, coloured skinny jeans, wine colours, a large coat, fairisle socks, high waisted shorts, crop tops, ridiculous hats, jersey tees and a standard pair of mittens.  

I'm hugely excited for Bonfire Night, anticipating the arrival of Christmas, snuggling up in my duvet, making a few cheeky autumnal purchases and movie nights. I'm easily pleased! I'm spending the next few days slaving away over an assignment. It's the story of my life! Thanks to those of you who have stuck around despite my posts being less frequent that usual. I'll be back soon xo

we're all going on a summer holiday: h is for happy summer edition

As you read this, I'll just about be getting off the plane to be welcomed by a warm breeze and sun filled sky on an island far from here. I'll be touching down in Paleokastritsa, Corfu for a week of relaxation, trance-like book reading and sun drenched fun. Sorry, didn't mean to rub it in! Whilst I was crazy excited for this holiday, I realised I couldn't leave Little V alone so I searched for some reliable blogsitters to keep her company. Thankfully, I found some of the best in the biz so prepare to sit back and relax as Viva welcomes a load of friendly faces this coming week. In dedication to my holiday, all this weeks posts are going to be surrounding various topics regarding jet setting so sit back, relax and put your sun cream on because it's gunna be a lot of fun! The week begins as it usually does with a dose of happiness, here, some of my favourite ladies discuss the 5 things they love about summer holidays. I even let the lovely Ayden explain her choices. Enjoy! Who do you agree with the most? What things do you love about summer holidays?



Lyzi from being little 

 
 

(photos c/o Lyzi)

Rosie from A Rosie Outlook 

 

(photos via weheartit)

Ayden from Little blog of horrors ♥

Ayden explains:
1) I am such a sucker in the fact that I LOVE the time chilling at the airport before going on holiday. Getting a Starbucks, a severely overpriced magazine and share size bag of crisps from WHSmiths never fails to make me smile. I love going through security, boarding the plane, inspecting what's in the pocket in front of me (even though its the same every bloody time) kicking my shoes off (sorry neighbours, my feet certainly stink) watching a movie or listening to my ipod, and turning my phone off for the flight. All these things just scream IT'S FINALLY HOLIDAY TIME, and all my troubles melt away as I know I am going to be disappearing away from the busy hustles and bustles of life for a short period of time.

2) Pretty self explanatory, but I only learned to swim 'properly' on this holiday pictured (Tunisia 2008) and so had never really ever made the most of pool time up until then. Lying by the pool is awesome, but every so often when it gets too hot, jumping in is the best feeling ever! Now that I can properly swim and tread water comfortably, I don't need to linger by the sides in the shallow end. A high school musical style jump right in there (without the fear of drowning) is definitely much more fun.

3) I'd say I'm more a beach girl rather than a pool lover. In this holiday pictured (Algarve 2009) myself and my boyfriend David had such a laugh down at the beach every day. Surfing, beach volleyball, and burying David in the sand are my top three things to do at the beach (he might beg to differ with that last one) We are going to be spending a lot of time at the beach on our holiday in Fuerteventura this month, and surfing in the (almost) warm water is going to be so good in comparison to Scotland's ice cold waves.

4) Last summer David and I went inter-railing around Europe for a month, and as well as seeing lots of big cities we also got to see quite a few gems just off the beaten track. This is one of my most favourite pictures from that trip, when we went swimming in Lake Bled, Slovenia. It was so quiet and calm, and really the most beautiful place I have ever been to.


5) I always feel a bit down when I come back from a holiday (who doesn't?) and I think it's mainly withdrawal symptoms from not getting to spend as much time with the person you were with anymore. I don't live anywhere near my home town these days, so getting to spend more than a few days at once with my family or closest friends is a real luxury. On the other hand, the month long trip I did with David last summer was the longest time we'd spent together as a couple. We live together now, and have been going out for nearly 3 years but at the time seeing each other every single day for 30 days straight was something we had never done before. The travelling was tiring, and stressful at times. It did test us as a couple, but also made us closer than we had ever been before. David took the above picture on one of our last few days of the whole trip when we were in Paris. I was a grumpy sod that day, and to wake up from a nap and see this picture on the camera made me feel like a very lucky girl indeed :)


Thanks for reading. What do you love most about holidays? I'll be back on Wednesday with some fellow bloggers' ultimate summer playlists!

h is for happy: week 42

Hello ladies and gents. Welcome to H is for Happy - the series that documents all the little things in life that put a smile on my face. It's been one of those nothing-to-report days today I'm afraid so this post should be thrilling! The weather has been bland as has the entertainment. Thankfully, it's a fortnight today til I'm off to Corfu. Oh god, I cannot wait. I need Sex on the Beach and I need it now! I meant the cocktail you dirty dogs! I turn 19 this week and I couldn't be less bothered about it. I have no idea how to 'celebrate'. Ideas in a comment would be welcome! I'm off for a Game of Thrones marathon at Luke's later but until then I'm stuck to the sofa watching episode after episode of Come Dine With Me. It's a glamorous life... I hope you like this week's picks. What's making you happy this week? I'll see you on Wednesday!

201-205; 

 all images courtesy of: weheartit unless otherwise linked

By writing my blog address on the images I am in NO way taking credit for them or the idea of this list. All credit goes to their respective authors. 

It's merely to protect my little 'H is for Happy' series.