If you had told me this time last year that I would own a house, I wouldn’t have believed you...
My thrifty home: Becoming a first-time home owner
Rolling forward: My skating journey so far
When I was younger, I wanted to do many things when I grew up. I wanted to be a photographer, a zoo keeper, an archaeologist, and eventually, a journalist. One thing that I could never hope to be was a figure skater...
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting University
Three years ago, I was preparing to move 169 miles from home for university. I was already social awkward enough in school; how was I going to cope in the adult world? How was I going to adjust to living with strangers?… Alright, actually. But I didn't know that. Every scenario went through my head, each getting worse and worse. I would worry about what my flatmates would think of me or that I would fail all my modules. Now, in the third year of my course- about to start my final one in September- I am happier than ever and a lot less anxious. However, back then I could've been doing with someone to give me some much-needed advice. Here are some things I wish I knew before starting university:
My Favourite Small Businesses
Who loves handmade jewellery, accessories and decor? I know I do. I love scrolling through Etsy, discovering new and unique small businesses. Mainly, I look for jewellery and other accessories but I know there's plenty of clothing, furniture and more to browse. You can find virtually anything on sites like Etsy and Depop - often upcycled and handmade items. Most Etsy shops I buy from are eco-friendly, using recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Let’s have a look at some of the small businesses I love...
Home for Christmas
After having a "mini Christmas" with Ryan in Aberdeen, exchanging presents and having a Christmas-y date, I headed down to Ayrshire to spend time with my family. Before leaving, I had 2 free, asymptomatic Covid tests given to me for free by the university. Thankfully, both of them were negative and I was able to travel 170 miles to get home for Christmas...
Make do and Mend
When I first stumbled upon The Closet vintage shop, hidden away down a small lane in a part of Aberdeen I had never been to before, I was pleasantly surprised. I was greeted with clothing rails tightly packed with vintage silk gowns, velvet and fur coats, floral embroidered skirts, leather and denim jackets, colourful swing dresses and smart three-piece suits. Delicate pearl necklaces dangled from jewellery hangers placed on top of drawers overflowing with beaded evening bags. Tall glittery 70s go-go boots sat proudly on a shelf next to the window, sparkling under the overhead lights. Hanging from the ceiling, handbags and hats vied for my attention. In the centre of the shop was a circular rail of shirts with every pattern you can think of printed on them. Sitting next to the door, beside a rail of brightly patterned dresses that were waiting patiently to be priced, was Elane, the owner of the shop. She was wearing blue jeans dungarees, a pair of silver high heeled boots with matching fur cuffs, teamed with an acid blue denim jacket and a cream woolly bobble hat on her platinum blonde head. She greeted me with a surprised smile, as if she was shocked to see a customer, and then a jolly "Hello". I've been a regular customer ever since...
How to Stay Warm without Sacrificing Style
Before I moved up North for uni two years ago, everyone warned me that Aberdeen is freezing- even colder than the rest of Scotland. With that in mind, I've been known to abandon wrapping up to focus on wearing stylish outfits that may not be the most practical. Back when I lived in student accommodation in my first year of uni, my flatmates would question my sanity as I strolled around Aberdeen in November. I would be wearing a skirt, top, and high heels- with nothing covering my legs. Thankfully, I soon realised that wasn't healthy or comfortable for me. So, I experimented with ways to stay warm without restricting my sense of style and fashion. Now that winter is approaching and the temperature is dropping lower and lower, I thought I'd share what I've learned with you all...
A COVID-Proof Halloween
With social distancing and limited household gatherings in public- parties can’t happen this year. Halloween 2020 won’t be going ahead for a lot of people, after all a global pandemic is enough horror for some of us. However, by being a little creative and with cooperation from neighbours, we may be able to arrange a safe Halloween for everyone. Here are some ideas that I’ll be using to make this year’s Hallows Eve something worth celebrating...
Tips for Studying at Home
Whether you're in a local lockdown, self isolating or even trying to get used to new covid guidelines, our lives are still being affected by Coronavirus. Universities are back in business, with some choosing to go completely online for this year or having one on-campus class a week. My uni, Robert Gordon University, has opted for the latter. After 2 years of attending in-person lectures and classes, adapting to online sessions is going to be difficult. Last semester, Ryan and I worked through coursework deadlines at home with some difficulty. We usually study on-campus even when classes stop so we had to learn how to study at home in the presence of each other. This is what I learned from studying in lockdown...
My Best Thrifty Finds
As some of you may already know, I love a good rummage in a secondhand shop. I love the unique nature of charity shops, every thrift shop is different each time you visit. I find it much more interesting than regular shopping as you can find retro and limited edition pieces. Now you may be wondering about some of the hidden treasures I've found while thrifting, so I've compiled some of my best secondhand finds for you...
Thrifty Mango 