My Summer Bucket List

Today is the 4th of July, American Independence Day and all that jazz. I don't really know why but around this time it always starts to properly feel like 'Summer' to me. With that in mind i've been jotting down some things that i'd really like to spend some of my time doing this Summer. 
Some of these things listed are really not that 'out there' nor may they even be slightly exciting to some, but for me this Summer is all about the simple things in life and making the most of it.

This Summer I want to..

• Take a trip down to Brighton

• Learn how to edit videos (to the best of my ability!)

• Start and complete my scrapbook of my 2013 USA Travelling Experience.

• Go camping 

• Visit at least 3 different beaches

• Get a new tattoo

• Pay another trip to Liverpool 

• Find an amazing orange lipstick

• Go to a wedding fare with Ellis

• Make milkshake 

• Take plenty of picture and document my memories

• Go to the farm 

• Have an evening BBQ with fairy lights

• Go for a picnic

• Go strawberry picking

• Make lots of exotic cocktails

• Sit around a campfire 

• Build a fort out of blankets and pillows

• Go to 'The Harry Potter Experience'

Until next time, 

Lucy 

x

Engagements, Life and Hair Colours.

I've been slightly MIA lately, due to the busy going on's of every day life. However I am back and ready to start blogging regularly again. 

In order to 'catch up' here's 5 things that have gone on in the month of June.

1. My best friend Ellis got ENGAGED! Whilst she was on holiday in Turkey I was one of the very first people to received a little message informing me of the good news. As expected I was bloody ecstatic and cried, A LOT! It was just the best news that i've heard in a long time and it's really made June much a happy and exciting month! Although there won't be a wedding for a few years it's just so lovely to see Ellis so happy and optimistic.. with a gorgeous ring on her finger, plus i've been asked to be a bridesmaid which THRILLS me! Ellis and Shead are just made for each other and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for two of my favourite people! Exciting times ahead, i'm sure of it. 

2. I've made some pretty big decisions about what I want from my life and what my next move is. I won't go into too much detail as I feel another blog post brewing regarding this topic. However I am genuinely happy with my decisions and I cannot wait to just live my life.. happily. 

3. I changed up my hair colour. Gone is the jet black locks and hello to my new caramel highlights and chocolate brown hair. I was rather nervous about lightening up my hair as I've had very dark hair for a number of years now. It's always nice to have a change and i'd gotten to the point where I felt that my black hair was making me appear 'harsh' if that makes any sense? I'm booked in for more highlights and caramel goodness for the beginning of July so roll on beautiful golden locks! 

4. I joined the bone marrow register! Joining this register is something that's always been at the back of my mind but something that I never acted upon. It wasn't until my Mum told me about a local child named Hollie Clark who's family were actively encouraging people to donate, due to the fact that Hollie herself desperately needs a transplant. It got my thinking that if a simple few pages of questions could lead to ultimately saving someones life then why on earth wouldn't I do it, so off I went and signed myself up. 
Who knows I could potentially be a match for someone and wouldn't that just be amazing? 

5. And finally, I got to see my little cousin off to his school prom! I've adored my cousin Christopher ever since he was born and i've had the pleasure of watching him grow into such an amazing, talented, kind young man who I could not be any prouder of. It was so lovely to see him all dressed up smart and he even ended up winning 'Best Dressed Bond', of course.. 

So there's my five catch up topics for the month of June, as i've been slacking on the blogging front. 

Linked below will be an article about Hollie Clark and the Anthony Nolan website that allows you to join to bone marrow register. Joining may not be for everyone but I would definitely urge people to think it through. 
One simple act of kindness could have the potential to change somebody's life. 
Think it through and act on it. 

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/only-time-youll-see-sam-7302364

http://www.anthonynolan.org/8-ways-you-could-save-life/donate-your-stem-cells/apply-join-our-register

Until next time, 

Lucy 
x

My college family

I've never been a fan of college, there it's been said. It's been a bloody rough two years and in all honesty it hasn't been a 'pleasant experience'. When I finally finished college around a week ago, I happily waved goodbye and felt truly glad to never have to go back ever again. I didn't feel any emotional connection to the place like I did with high school and as far as i'm concerned it's just a few building merged together filled with books, computers and teachers. For me personally the only good things that i'll take with me from my college experience is some lovely tutors and three girls who I can add to my friendship list for life. 

Christina 
Probably the only person i've ever met in my life who thinks and feels in the way that I do. She completely understands me 100% and I never feel like I need to explain myself to her. 22 years old, happily engaged, a lovely caring family and will *hopefully* be popping out a little baba for me to spoil in the next few years. She's got such an amazing life ahead of her and i'm so grateful that i'll get the chance to be a part of it. She claims that i'm the 'mother of the group' but in all honesty she's always the one who looks after me.. literally always. Christina and I have the best kind of friendship, we cry laughing at the smallest of things, we talk in stupid voices and we make reference to the video of the kid falling out of a roller coaster (Janice i'm fallin') on a daily basis. I have so much fun with this crazy woman! She just 'gets' me and it's extremely rare that I find people who do. Forever supportive and always on hand if I need a push (shove) of encouragement. You always say that I don't need to thank you, but I do, I really do and I owe you a lot. You're as bonkers as me and at times I think we might actually be related (you never bloody know). I am incredibly proud of her, in the way that she's overcome so many challenges and more than ever now that she's just gone and landed herself a full time job! I will miss her terribly now that college is done and dusted but I know for a fact that whatever happens we'll always always be the best of friends. She's just a good person, in fact a great person. She puts herself before others all the time and I truly mean it when I say that I hope her life is everything that she's ever wanted it to be. She deserves the world and so much more. 
I'll wait patiently for the day I get to be one of your bridesmaids and until then you shall never be able to get rid of me. Thank you Chris, in every way imaginable. x

Aimee 
Aimee bloody Thomas, I adore her and I've truly never ever ever met anyone like her. She is without a doubt the most sarcastic, quit witted, humorous person ever and it's these things that make her one of my most favourite people. A lover of black clothing, beauty products and YouTube video's she's definitely a girl after my own heart and i'm so glad that i've been able to get to know this nutcase. She single handidly combined (daaaa-fuqqq) with falling into walls or random objects. Her sarcasm rivals mine ten times over and she never fails to make us all laugh. Thank you for two years of fun and laughter Aim. You've been that little bit of sunshine on the darkest of days.
Aimee's one of those with 100% attendance and although we've made our jokes over it, it'll eventually pay off for her.. she deserves everything that she gets for working so hard. We could spend hours discussing our favourite YouTubers, which makeup we'd like to try out and what we want to do next with our matching black hair. I'll miss my daily dosage of Aimee so so much and not just because of how much she makes me laugh, but just because I like to know that she's there just incase.. and of course telling us all about her latest 'diet'. You've got so many exciting things heading your way Aim and i'm so happy for you. You'll be starting your new job in September which we're all so proud of you for! You've got a bright future Aimaaay Tomo and lord knows you'll take full advantage of your soon to be wages.. of course in Boots and Superdrug! 
Thank you for making the worst of days fun and for always making me laugh when I thought laughing wasn't possible. x 

Abbie
My Abbie Ant. I've literally loved this girl since the first day that I met her when she sat in an ants nest and quite literally had ants in her pants. She's got a heart of gold and she's just the cutest little person. I'm fiercely protective of this little un' even though I doubt she needs it, she does just fine on her own two feet! We've just had the funniest two years and i've loved every single second of my friendship with you Abb. I'm going to miss how over excited you get, your little happy dances and the way that you somehow make me feel calm in my most stressful situations. She's just always been there, for every little thing, whether it's helping me through family dramas or being there to celebrate my milestone 18th birthday. I genuinely have so much time for this girl and no matter what we do or where we end up, I will always have time for her. If someone had told me in high school that we'd be have the friendship that we have now i'd have never believed them but i'm so very grateful that I had to opportunity to meet you. You've settled yourself in the last few months and i'm just glad that you've got something that makes you happy. At the moment you're probably confused with what you're going to do after college but whatever you choose or whatever path you end up on you'll succeed. You're a tough cookie Abb and people underestimate just how much you can do and what you can be. I believe in you completely and I can't wait to see what an exciting life you'll go on to lead. 
Thank you for always being my support system when I needed it most. x

All three of you girls are such amazingly kind people and I couldn't ever of wished to meet such lovely friends. Of course we'll still see each other and we'll go for our little outings but we know deep down that it won't ever really be the same. That's the hard part of life is moving on and going your own separate ways, but I will always try my very best to make time for you guys, always. I may not say it often but you truly mean the absolute world to me and you've been right besides me through two of the hardest years i'll ever have in my life and for that I will always be so grateful. Thank you for making me laugh, being my greatest support system and for just being you three wonderful people. We're all so so different individually but together we all just.. click. 

From the bottom of my heart, I love you three beautiful ladies and i'm incredibly proud of you all in whatever you choose to do with your lives. 

You never once gave up on me, and I will always love you for that. 

Momma Lu

x

5 Things that I bloody love lately.

1. Sam Smith's new album 'In the Lonely Hour'. First things first his voice is like a cup of hot chocolate, delectable and an absolute treat. It truly is goose bump worthy! I absolutely loved his voice the first time I ever heard it on Discolsure - Latch. I've eagerly awaited his first album and for me personally it did not disappoint. An album filled with, lets face it depressing songs that explore the sad reality of unrequited love. If you're looking for an upbeat, party album then this is definitely not for you. 'Not In That Way', 'Stay With Me' and 'Lay me Down' are some of my faves to name a few. For those who love a good depressing track or two then Sam Smith is the man for you! 

2. The second of my 'things that I bloody love lately' is something again music related. This is a complete no brainer for me right now.. Lily Allen's new stuff. I've always been a fan of Lily and i've found myself downloading her music, but my oh my, I am loving her latest releases! Her new album 'Sheezus' is cheeky, at times funny and sees Lily making fun of the modern internet age. 'Hard out Here' is without a doubt my favourite track on the album, not only is it witty but it's a real fuck yeaaaah for all women experiencing the difficulties and pressures thrust upon them within society. My favourite lyrics are without a doubt are "Forget your balls and grow a pair of tits". We salute you Lily.

3. Number three is a slight mundane one after my somewhat reviews ^ but never the less it is the colour MINT. I am bloody loving anything mint at the moment, whether it's clothes, bags, shoes, or even packaging. I am all over it lately. What more can I even say about it, I just love mint. 

4. Coming in at number four is Audio Books. Now I am aware that these marvellous creations have been around for quite some time and yes I am extremely late to the Audio Book party. However I have recently bought a few on my iPhone for A) when sleeping is impossible and sadly B) it's a hell of a lot easier than reading with my shitty eyesight. I'm in the middle of listening to the third Bridget (my Queen) Jones instalment 'Mad About The Boy'. I've already got the book but thanks to Audio Books i'm not sure i'll ever buy another book again. As sad yet wonderful as it is, these audio books of loveliness are just easier.. and I love them.

And finally last but not least is a little beauty fave and that is the NYX Butter Glosses. I'll just put it out there that these are hands down THE BEST lip glosses I have ever purchased. I initially only bought one as a 'tester', Maple Blondie is a lovely peachy shade that impressed my immensely. I went on to purchase a further six and my love for them has been confirmed. They glide on the lips, feeling like silk and smelling so so good that it's a task to refrain from licking off a whole application. I don't find them to be at all sticky and have lately been reaching for them to complete my every day makeup. NYX Butterglosses, 10 out of 10 every time. 

Thats it for my '5 Things that I Bloody Love Lately' i decided to do a post like this so that I didn't have to commit to writing a 'weekly favourites' or anything too specific. It's just a casual post discussing five of my favourite things at the moment from what could be a wide spectrum of things. I've enjoying writing this so maybe I might not just leave this as a one off. 

Until next time, 

Lucy 

x

The 'Wild' Night

This one photo mirrors my whole day to a tee.

Tonight I have nothing remotely exciting to blog about, just a little insight to one of my many 'wild nights'. During this post you may find yourself questioning my age, I am actually nineteen, not in my late fifties approaching retirement. 

Anyhow.. 

Today has just been one big mass of duvet. I've committed my usual crime of only leaving my bed for toilet breaks or feeding time. I've gotten myself into a right rut purely by not leaving my bed. I just felt a big 'fed up' today. When I get myself like this I always resort to shutting myself away from people (and daylight apparently) and rather enjoy being alone with my own thoughts. (iPhone, MacBook, iPod included, damn technology!) 

I started my day waking up at hermit o'clock and things were doomed from then quite frankly. A little while later I found myself alarmed when I realised that my nose ring was absent from my Casper the friendly ghost face. Now let me just start by saying that this is a regular occurrence and one in which PISSES ME OFF immensely. Anyone who wears a nose ring will understand the utter devastation at losing 'the perfect nose ring'. They're bloody rare to come by and when you lose your only good un' it's a right kick in the non existent balls. Needless to say I pulled my bed apart as per like a woman being exorcised. Unfortunately i'm sad to report that on this occasion I was unsuccessful in my mission to find it (at the moment!) After this little 'incident' my mind was made up that I was definitely having a 'fed up' day and that it was better to stay away from the general public, or just humans in general. 

I then proceeded to watch five, yes five films one after the other. I went from a comedy, to a thriller, to a rom-com, to a disney classic to then finding myself watching 'One Chance' starring James Corden as Paul Potts who won Britain's got Talent. What the actual fuck has my life become? I've stooped to new low's and i'm not sure how I feel about it. Not just that sat and watched a film based in Port Talbot about Paul bloody Potts, but the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it, oh lord help me. 

Payday was upon us today which managed to lighten my mood sufficiently. Orders on New Look, ASOS and Etsy filled my little heart with joy for a good half and hour before returning to my 'rut'. I decided that music may be the answer to lifting my spirits for good. I was wrong. I headed straight for my 'Oldies' playlist on iTunes and before long everything from Aretha Franklin to Elvis Presley was gracing my ears. I found myself at one point listening to 'Stand by Me' by Ben E. King on repeat for a grand total of 13 times whilst singing along like some sort of backing singer. (Just lost yet another cool point) 

After scrolling through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.. I discovered a few people discussing a particular bar in Cardiff. Being the average nineteen year old, you'd expect me to ring some friends and arrange to pay a trip to this 'oh so cool new bar' but no I found myself reading the bloody reviews on the place (which I shamelessly do with everything). After some thorough reading I said 'Nah' to myself and decided that I shan't be visiting soon. Fun thought whilst it lasted. 

The night finally became slightly more upbeat when my Mum said five glorious words, "Shall we have Chinese tonight?" Of course I accepted and here I am, currently sat writing this, feeling sick at the thought of eating one more grain of rice. Bridget Jones' Diary is currently being watched in the background as I find something comforting about watching my favourite fictional characters day being even more tragic than my own. 

I shall leave you with these insights to my tremendously boring, bed ridden, chinese coma day.. we can't always be on top form everyday and guess what? That is okay too. 

Until next time,

Lucy 
x

22 Things About Me

1. I am an obsessive doodler. It's a serious problem and i've filled so many books with my endless scribbles. 

2. Despite my best efforts to follow a somewhat 'strict' skincare routine, there are many a nights that I fall asleep in my makeup and wake up looking like i've been beaten. 

3. I think i'm one of the only people to walk this earth who doesn't seem the big fuss about 'Queen B'. When did she even become Queen? Beyonce's alright but I won't be bowing down, no. 

4. I have absolutely no filter when it comes to getting angry. It goes in exactly this order (Calm > Absolutely lost my shit) it's a bit of an issue but what can you do when the red mist appears?

5. I have never and will never be slim/skinny. Not only would it never in a million years suit me, but i'm more than happy to be an advocate for every bigger girl out there who isn't happy in her own skin. Life's too short to give a shit. 

6. I fucking swear like a sailor on a daily basis. Oops.

7. I'm a bit of secret nerd. I love nothing better than researching things, anything from the Vikings and WW2 to how many bear attacks happened in 2013. Yes its true, I once spent 3 hours researching Bear and Wolf attacks in the last 100 years. Should I even admit that? 

8. I love serial killers (in the least creepy way possible) 

9. I once went through a massive piercing phase and decided that having my face look like one big mass of metal was somewhat 'cool'. Oh dear. 

10. I am a massive over-thinker and I panic about pathetic things. 

11. My left hand is smaller than my right and it bugs me greatly. 

12. I use my left hand to hold my knife and my right hand for my fork. So bloody cack handed. 

13. Anything that smells/tastes of cherry automatically gives me a headache. 

14. I could seriously live on crisps. Any type, flavour, shape or size.

15. Until quite recently I was convinced that we all had four kidney's! 

16. I cried when I went to Graceland, because I just love Elvis Presley that much.

17. I watched almost 10 years worth of Criminal Minds in a 6 weeks. 9 series, 24 episodes a series, 45 minutes per episode. I love that shit. 

18. My natural hair colour is a dirty blonde and I can confidently say that I will never have this colour hair.

19. When I was a kid I always wanted to be a hairdresser. 

20. When I was younger I desperately wanted glasses an asthma pump and a hearing aid. Glasses because I thought they were cool, an asthma pump because they intrigued me and embarrassingly a hearing aid because I discovered that they came in pink glitter and I was ALL OVER THAT SHIT. If it's glittery, I'll want it. I'm mortified to say that I got my own way (god knows how because I never any of these things) Now at 19 my eyesight is dire and I feel it's a case of karma. Shit. 

21. I sometimes sit down and try to come up with a fool proof invention that will make me my millions. (No such luck!) 

22. Congratulations if you even made it to this number and these things listed have been completely boring, unnecessarily written and will add nothing to your lives so well done, I salute you. 

Until next time, 

Lucy 

x

Dream with your heart, not your head.

Why hello! 
I have been utterly crap with blogging lately, mainly down to the fact that I feel that I haven't even had five minutes to sit down with my laptop and just type! Roll on Summer when college is over for good (halle-fucking-lujah) the work is handed in, i'm working three days a week and I have the summer to just do whatever I please. My plans involve trips to Liverpool, Brighton, London, Cadbury's World and maybe a cheeky trip abroad.. who knows? Now this is all good and well but these are just the plans within my mind and although I have every intention of going about them, we all know that I'll spend a good 3 + weeks just sat out my back garden, sleeping in the sun (or most probably rain storm in Wales) complete with an unlimited amount of ice lollies. Oh the life I live, fun fun fun, too much fun. 

I am now completely going off track and what I actually want to discuss today is one word, six letter, a word in which I always refer back to. Dreams. No I don't mean the dream's that you have in your sleep, I'm talking about real life, real life goals, achievements, things that you want so badly it hurts. 

Now when it comes to Dream's, I am the world greatest dreamer. However the sad factor in all of this is that it's not very often that dream's come true. Over the last few years my life has been the definition of an 'emotional roller coaster'. Life has well and truly been rather difficult, it's been one thing after another and at times a tad unbearable. No it's a sob story, it's just life and life isn't always pretty. However if I know anything, life gets better, love heals heartache and you learn to forgive, forget, grow, pick yourself back up and come back stronger. It's a cliche but never has it been so true. 

For a long time I put my dreams on the back burner, always making the excuse that it 'wasn't the right time for me' or that 'thing's are too messy at the moment'. I don't have any excuses anymore, if I want something I've got to go and get it and put myself out there. I have nothing to hide behind anymore, nothing to drag me down and in fact that makes it all the more daunting. I've wanted to start living my life for a very long time now and i'm so so ready to do so. University has been my dream for such a long time and no matter how many times I try and talk myself out of it, it always manages to find a way back into my head and ultimately my heart. It's something that I want to badly and never did I think it could be a possibility. I'm not going to say too much too soon, but for once in my life I actually feel that it could be a possibility. I could actually do this. It's scary and exciting and makes me kind of want to be sick all at the same time but i've never felt more ready for anything in my life. It involves moving 4 hours away from home which is a massive deal for someone who once upon a time couldn't imagine life away from the comfort of her family home. I want this though and I will get it, at whatever costs. 

I'll leave my inspirational/rant/from the heart/rambling post there before shit get's even deeper and serious. 

Just remember that no matter what trials or tribulations life may bring you, if you want something badly enough don't be afraid of attempting to achieve your dreams. The fear of failure will only hold you back, God knows I know this to be true. 

Until next time, 

Lucy 
x

Do more with your time.

Tonight I came across a video that had been shared around on Facebook. Now for me to share this video is borderline hypocritical, seeing as I am one of the most internet obsessed people on earth. Any form of social networking site, i'm on it. Any latest craze apps, i've got them. I'm well and truly obsessed with this 'social networking world' that us younger generation now live in. 

This video encourages people to turn off the phones, shut down the laptop screen and just take the opportunity to physically do something. Have a conversation in real life instead of over Facebook, share your thoughts with those closest rather than make a tweet about it, you get the idea. There was one part during the video where it shows the life of two people who met simply by asking for directions. It goes into depth of the life that they led and then goes back to explain that all of these lovely things that they've done together may never of happened if they hadn't of looked up and talked rather than the alternative of going on a phone to find the directions. 

I guess i'd never thought of it that way, but now that i've watched it I will definitely be making a conscious effort to do more with my time than just sit around on my beloved MacBook all day. 

"When you're too busy looking down, you don't see the chances you miss."

Until next time, 

Lucy 
x

Links to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

Easter Weekend.

The weekend just gone was perfect. Simple, relaxed and spent with my greatest treasures, family and friends. I'm forever going on about how much I enjoy the simple thing in life and this weekend just confirms that it truly is the littlest of things that make me the happiest.. along with MAC lipsticks.. always MAC lipsticks. 

Friday evening kickstarted my Easter weekend with a trip to my family's favourite restaurant  Miller and Carter. It's become somewhat of a tradition to visit this place if there's a birthday to celebrate and this time was no exemption as my nan's 72nd birthday rolled around. My little nan has only come out of hospital the day before and needless to say we were all thrilled that we were able to celebrate her birthday with her and just to celebrate the fact that we're one big happy family. Nothing makes you appreciate someone more than when you actually feel that losing them could be a possibility. With this in mind we all had a lovely night, ate steaks and foodie goodness and washed it down with complimentary birthday champers, cheers to freebies! 

Saturday was my version of a 'chill day'. In actual fact I was suppose to be having a night out with a few friends but sadly I just didn't feel up to it, nor did I feel like spending money on my usual 20+ shots! However i'm 100% sure that this is just a temporary glitch and I shall resume my usual death by shots self soon! I ended up spending the day/night in pj's watching endless episodes of Criminal Minds, eating half a tub neapolitan, watching YouTube videos, scrolling through inspiring blogs and just chilling out.. Lucy style and I was more than happy to do so! 

Now for Sunday, Easter Sunday to be exact was just a splendid concoction of Lindt chocolate, Mum's Sunday Dinner, more chocolate, ice cream and scrumptious comfort food. My friend Ellis came round for dinner too and following dinner we carried out my family's tradition of wind up toy races - for money! Needless to say competition was fierce and game faces were on. After quality family time me and Ellis decided to go for a nice Sunday stroll, however typical British weather wasn't having any of it and decided to produce an ocean sized amount of rainfall, almost to the point of needing to borrow Noah's Ark.. shit was serious. Seeing as the walk didn't go to plan we instead stopped off at a petrol station, filled the car and bought some starbursts, fruit pastilles and orange lucozade. Quite the contrast to our 'relaxed sunday stroll' but after being fed sweets whilst driving to the beach 'for the view' I quickly got over the disappointment. 

All in all i've had a lovely few days! I've got a blog post coming up this week featuring 'My Favourite Red Lipsticks' so once i've actually edited the photos etc that shall be posted. 

Until next time, 

Lucy 
x

My cousin Chloe and I, out for Nan's birthday! Please excuse the slight bra flashing, oh dearrrr.

My Pinterest inspired 'Breakfast Bunny' that I made for my Dad.

Some of my lovely Easter treats!

Ellis and I feeling bunny-ish before dinner.

My mum's original desert. Half an easter egg, ice cream, crushed malteasers, strawberries complete with an edible flower. Amazing.

Bunny selfie to end the day! 

A letter to my sixteen year old self

Pinterest

Dear Lucy, 

Let me just start by asking, do you realise just how easy you have it right now? I highly doubt it. You're sixteen and little do you know it but in just one year you're going to leave high school, go to prom, have the summer of your life, find and ultimately lose love and above all else you're going to grow up a hell of a lot. 

Let's talk about high school, Rumney High School to be exact. Yes it's not perfect and it's certainly no 5* building but it's a place that holds a special place in your heart and a place that will forever be in your greatest of memories. The window's are made up of different types of plastic, the smell of damp is overwhelming and you can't walk down a corridor without thinking that the roof was going to cave in, but believe it or not it was your safe haven. It is so much more than just a school to you and once you leave you'll feel as though it's some sort of time capsule. You started in Rumney High as an eleven year old child who was scared of everything and everyone and look at you now, look how far you've come! You've made friends who will remain with you for the rest of your life and of course some who you'll come to find vanished as quickly as they came. No matter what people say about that school, nobody can deny that it wasn't full of characters, people who will stick out in your mind for their quirks, kindness and a few for their naughty streak, but you wouldn't have it any other way. You'll moan about the place and claim that you 'just can't wait to leave', but the truth is you're only saying that because that's what everybody else is saying. You didn't want to leave. That school gave you the absolute best five years of your life and without it you can't help but question whether things will ever be this good again. My answer to that is no, no it won't be. Dad once said that 'your school days are the best days of your life'. You didn't believe him at the time, but trust me as always he was so so right. What I can tell you is that you really did make the most of your time there and you accomplished what you set out to do. You left with probably better grades than you ever thought you'd get and to date it still remains your most loved achievement, so well done Luc. You owe a lot to that place and you know it, it made you the person that you are and it took away that fearful child and produced a strong willed, brave person so don't ever forget that a single environment can set you on the path to your potential. Don't ever forget where you came from and keep it with you wherever your life takes you. 

The Summer of 2011 
Two words to describe this Summer? Life changing. In all honesty it was the Summer that was never suppose to be as good as it was. You left school in a friendship group that you thought you'd have for life.. although it didn't even make it til' the Summer. However you still cherish every single memory with those girls and as always fate works in strange ways. So strange in fact that you actually re-built some of those friendships that you thought you'd lost, thankfully. Dealing with the breakdown of your friendship group you were actually quite pessimistic about this Summer.. until one evening, one discussion and one spur of the moment camping trip occurred. A camping trip that actually changed everything for the better. Off you went on a 4 day camping trip with let's face it, the most random bunch of people you could humanly find. Some of which you were not remotely close to in school, some who you were close with in the past and some who looking back were just meant to be there. It was a last minute camping trip to a simple field in Porthcawl that in all honesty should never have worked, but for some reason that I am forever grateful for.. it did. That trip changed everything. It gave you new friends and re-united you with old and bizarrely gave you a brand new friendship group overnight. You all enjoyed yourselves so much that you actually went back to the exact same location just under three weeks later, the friendships were sealed and you became a little mis-matched family. It didn't stop there either, we spent the whole summer as a group spending days at the lake, over each others houses for BBQ's, trips to the beach and just making the absolute greatest memories. You'll be delighted to know that even now, three years later you all still talk about the hilarious moment's from those camping trips and the Summer that without a doubt changed everyone for the better. Of course things don't always stay that good forever and currently we all have busy lives, work commitments and sadly we find it difficult to get together as a group. On a brighter note, we are hoping to arrange a camping reunion trip for this year, exciting stuff! Where ever we go and whatever we do, I know that no matter what happens in the future we will always be friends. We were those 16 year old kids who shared that one amazing Summer that would just be impossible for any of us to forget. 

And finally.. 
I wish I could come back to you my sixteen year old self. I would shake the life out of you and pop cocktail sticks in between your eyes to simply open them for you to see that he's truly not worth it! Yes, him, that bastard who you wasted a good two or so years on. Lucy stop being so blind, stop making excuses for him and finally stop thinking that you're going to be able to be his saving grace. You're not. He's a damaged person with a hell of a lot of baggage, so don't you dare for one minute even think of carrying some of it for him… too late.. you did. 
Above all else I wish that I could stop you from getting hurt in the middle of it all, because it's going to sting like nothing that you've ever felt before and it will take a hell of a long time for it to heal. He'll move on with his life and you'll do the same with yours once you stop going back and forth like a bloody yo-yo. On a positive note and even now I can't believe i'm saying this but it was all a great life lesson. It allows you to have something to compare future relationships with. It'll be a life long reminder that you never want to get yourself involved anything close to what this 'relationship' was. It toughens you up and you do get over it for good. As predicted you both move on, however you're given the opportunities to do something with your life where as his path took away any dreams that he 'once' had and I shall leave you with that. You had the last laugh Luc, you always knew you would. 

If you could write a letter to your sixteen year old self, what would it say? What would you change? What wouldn't you change? Would you not change a thing?
It's amazing to think that if you knew back then what you know now some of the drama, hurt, disappointment may have been prevented. However I know that personally I wouldn't change even a second of my past  because good or bad and no matter how cliche this may be, it's made me the person that I am today.. and i'm absolutely fine with that. 

'What defines you is how you rise after falling.'

Until next time, 

Lucy 
x

The simple things in life!

Rushing, racing, against the clock, stressing out, working hard. Sometimes life just happens and without even giving it a second thought a month has gone by and you sit and think, "what the hell did I do with my time?". It always seems to me that these days we're all so focused on 'the important things in life' that more often than not we forget to take the time to enjoy the simple things. The little things that often may seem irrelevant and time consuming, often leaves you with the greatest of memories believe it or not. I found this out for myself today. I've spent the whole day with without a doubt one of the greatest friends i'll ever be blessed with, Ellis. We decided to take the time to just relax, do something nice with our weekend off work and just have fun. This is exactly what we did. 

Firstly Ellis took me to the CUTEST little tea room called 'Selah' in Llanishen, Cardiff. Completely vintage inspired, with all furniture, trinkets, treasures and teacups purchased from boot sales and charity shops. It truly is just an all round lovely place. The owners/staff were friendly and genuine, a lovely array of food on the menu and not forgetting a mouth watering display of baked cakey, gooey goodness. YUM. Dribbling aside one of the things that I love the most is the 1940/50's music that is constantly played around the room, giving it an almost enchanting feel. Once you've finished sipping your tea and gobbling down your cake, you can't help but get that warm, cosy feeling that only a grandparent's hug can give you. Every little treasure within the room has a story to tell and whilst admiring their collection, you can't help but think who may have previously owned these pieces of loveliness. Overall truly one of the nicest places that i've visited for a long time. Lovely stuff. 

After out little trip to the tea room we then decided to take a little trip to Penarth Pier for a walk, following our 'enjoying the simple things' theme. Taking your camera on days out is just the best and you're left with photos that remind you of your lovely memories for years to come. 

Too much happiness for one person!

Blurry as hell but our failed 'jump' amuses me! 

And that's it.. As well as going on little adventures and going for a lurve-ly TGI Fridays. 

Days like this just remind me that when life gets hectic it's important to take the time to have days like today where you can just do the simple things in life. 

Until next time, 

Lucy 

x