Still Funny

Too True

Never Liked It Anyway

I can't decide if this is just depressing or morbidly funny...

It's simple enough, you get bought sparkly lovely love things when you're in love, and eventually things go down the drain. So what do you do with all the bits and pieces that remind you of someone you'd rather not think about? Here people are selling off the pieces they once loved from the people they once loved, and as if that wasn't sad enough, you get the whole story behind each piece! How very Sex and The City. There's everything from a teddy bear, to necklaces, bracelets, engagement rings, wedding dresses and even a hotel wedding package in New York. Owch.

Naturally I had a browse; there's some good bargains! If you could get past the superstition of having an engagement ring that never made it up the aisle first time round for whatever reason then I say go for it! 

Personally I'm a tad too superstitious and I wouldn't want a piece of jewellery that reminded me of somebody else's heart ache, and for the most part, I think it's nice to keep trinkets, maybe that's weird, but my ex-jewellery reminds me of the happy times and people who were  important at some point in my life.

For that reason, even if, massive fingers crossed, touch wood, cross your heart etc etc things go up in flames with Tom and I, you won't be seeing my beautiful new Swarovski bracelet up there.  

 

Afternoon Tea at The Tower, Edinburgh

Last week my birthday treat from the lovely Mia was a very civilised, absolutely adorable afternoon tea for two, with champagne at The Tower restaurant.

"Open and closed sandwiches, home-baking, scones with clotted cream and deliciously indulgent cakes are piled high on tiered cake stands. Enjoy with a glass of Perrier Jouet Champagne and the Tower’s speciality teas."

It was completely lovely and only Mia would think of such a luxurious little treat like that! Big thank you again Mims. xoxo

It's the first time I've been to The Tower which is situated on the top floor of the Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street and I will definitely be going back for four reasons...

 Firstly, the food was delicious, I suppose you don't expect afternoon tea to fill you up so much but we didn't even get through everything and were happily filled to the brim!  The highlight has to be the sweetest miniature crème brûlée on the top tier. Secondly, the view was breath-taking, it's possibly the only time I've been grateful for the sun setting early as we got to see the castle lit up from up high; magical. Thirdly, on top of all the that the service was impeccable. My fourth and final reason is that after some investigation, given the quality of what you get combined with the overall experience, the value of going for afternoon tea or lunch is surprisingly reasonable. All in all, it's well worth a visit if you're looking to treat someone special, or simply looking for something nice to do! (Just remember to book first, no walk-ins!)

Mia and I both said it's the perfect place to take parents for lunch/drinks when they next visit, my mind typically went straight to Graduation day, which I can now officially tell you is the  27th June!

Tear Jerker

Nightfall By Holly Sharpe

I'm asking a cheeky favour today as it's the last day of voting in a competition to design artwork for Florence and The Machine no less. This is for a very talented designer Holly Sharpe, please please click on this link and vote for her.

http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/show/submission/detail/2CM5DQ

It only takes a second and she really is wonderful, see...

Holly: "This is set in a dream-like world where things don't quite make sense, colours are more vivid and intense and everything has an ethereal quality. I wanted to attempt to capture the passion and drama of Florence and the Machine's sound. While retaining a looming darkness that threatens to block out the light...."


Urban Outfitters have already made some of her designs made into covers for Apple products. Can't wait to get my mac so I can get the cover!  

Some more of my favourites from Holly just to prove the point...

Winning

Recently I got to thinking about the things I've achieved since I've been at Edinburgh University. Obviously my big one is co-founding Express LD, something that if you saw this post you'll know I'm incredibly proud of! And what if we eventually become a registered charity!? That would be ridiculously awesome. 
But enough about me, I'm almost overwhelmed by some of the things I've seen my friends and colleagues achieve in the last few years, so much so that I've decided they need shouting about. 

• Cesca started her own business Vintage Rings and Things selling beautiful vintage jewellery.
• Ellen started her blog Hand Drawn Heart and in less than a year got invited as a member of the press to cover the Manchester Fashion Show!
• My cousin Ben started working at Aldi after getting onto what might be the most competitive graduate scheme in the country. 
• Vicki started an engineering placement at none other than Jaguar Land Rover!
• Danielle became co-owner of Joze School of Dance.
• Rob near single handedly converted 4 bare walls into a beautiful flat for two. 
• Chris got promoted to Assistant Manager at Revolution Edinburgh and Rosie got made Duty Manager at the Meadows Hotel.
• My sister Georgia got accepted and started at Cardiff University, Mia got accepted to study law at Copenhagen and Tom got accepted to do a PGCE at Leeds.  
• Jacky founded the only student Dyslexia Society in the country at Edinburgh University.
• And on a different but equally amazing note Dom and Vicki bought their first house only a few days ago and in May last year Daniel and Amulree got married! 

That's not even close to everyone, I could honestly keep going. Literally the only point to this list is that I'm so proud of my friends and just amazed at what we're all doing, have done and are yet to do. I'm going to look back at this when I'm knee deep in dissertation and verge of tears for some inspiration and a dose of 'go get 'em' attitude. At the very least maybe I'll think 'do you know what, if all these people can do all these things, then I can damn well graduate'. 
And because I don't like doing posts without pictures here's some thrown together very quickly that are hopefully relevant enough to illustrate my point..

The Reality of Room Mates

When I started uni I was given so so much advice about Fresher's week and about what to expect in my first year. Everyone had something to tell me and I had plenty of student aimed 'I-work-for-the-government-but-I'm-totally-down-with-the-kids' style leaflets with advice like 'name your house plant Boris' (seriously). Granted those first few weeks were daunting in many ways, and I valued the advice I was given, although I never actually bought a house plant. I bought a lot of other rubbish, remote control flying eagles and a hamster for instance, but no Boris.
One  thing that I wasn't given guidelines was how, who with and where to live next. All at the same time it can seem like a HUGE decision or a tiny thing you don't pay much mind to. To me I didn't think it was such a  big deal. I loved all my new friends so I wasn't fussed, although I wanted to take my new best friend with me that wasn't a question. In hind-sight I should probably of thought a little harder about it. But there we go there isn't much point regretting these things now. I actually really enjoyed 2nd year and living a beautiful big flat in Lauriston with 4 girls, for the most part. That other part was heart braking and pretty soul destroying at times. Girls can be cruel.
I think some of the problem is we watch TV shows like Friends and think that when we get our own flat it'll be like the opening scene montage, purple walls, everyone laughing and hugging and jumping around having hilarous moments. Yes some bits will be like that! We had many days/nights of ridiculousness and lots of laughs. On the other hand, it doesn't matter how many tea lights you buy, how many cushions from poundland, or posters you put up, more than likely your flat won't be beautiful and problem free, and neither will your flatmates. The bit you won't think about when you're getting ready to move in is eugh that one hasn't done their washing up again, oh but I cant be bothered doing mine, what the hell I just cleaned the kitchen and her friends messed it up, I want to sleep but someone just came in hammered and woke me up, so and so said this about me, so and so did this, and I swear to God if I see ONE MORE BITCHY POST IT NOTE on the fridge...and so on. That's the daily grind of it all. If your lucky you won't have that all the time, but it will happen. Even the happiest bunch of flatmates I know (a 6 bed of 4 boys and 2 girls) have their moments.
Even thinking back over the worst times I've had living with room-mates I don't think I'd change anything. The biggest thing I've learnt whilst living with friends at uni has been to simply chill out. Not everything has to be the biggest deal in the world, and the little annoyances are just that, little.  I wish I hadn't let those things bog me down as much as I did way back when, I imagine the fall out would of happened regardless but I might of felt differently about it. I live with two boys now so the little things are very different to what they used to be when I was with girls, and aside from our inability to afford heating and the occasional appearance of Mighty Mouse I'm very happy. Having said that, I did miss having girls around until Mia was back! 

And Then She Turned 22

This isn't as vain as it seems I swear, my Dad is extremely anti-facebook and wont get to see it otherwise! Also, yeah a little bit vain, I love my red dress. Thank you ASOS. 

Top Pins

For those of you don't use Pinterest, first off you're missing out big time, but also, it's kind of to blame for me not blogging as many photos as I used to, I've been 'pinning' everything instead! To make up for it I'm bringing some of my favourites of the last few weeks over here. All picture sources and many more amazing ideas, pictures and inspiration can be found on my pinterest boards at http://pinterest.com/beccastephaniej/
As it stands you still have to request an invite to join pinterest, however if you get invited by a member it's a lot faster so let me know if you'd like to me send you an invite!

As you can see there's a bit of all sorts. These pictures are taken from all my different 'pin boards' which include...

• Giggles
• Quotes & Inspiration
• Wedding Wonders
• When I Grow Up (home & family)
• Just Love It
• Dreamy Looks
• Gift Ideas
• Film Inspiration
• Craft Create Cook
• Life's To Do List

Wish List Numero Uno

I've been saving my Christmas and Birthday pennies from wonderfully generous relatives for one of these beauties. Yes yes I'm not a DJ or photoshop genius I don't strictly speaking need one but damn it look how pretty!

Adorable cover from etsy, they make all kinds of patterns/sizes.

Disney Wisdom

Pic from faithtrustdisney

Pic from faithtrustdisney

Happy Birthday To Me!

 I am officially 22 today! It's OK though I've done a thorough check and so far no wrinkles or grey hairs, phew. 

In a few hours time my wonderful girlies Jess & Hannah are arriving at Waverly all the way from God's own country (Yorkshire) and I am so excited!!!

Then I imagine we'll grab a bite to eat and begin the 'glamourise-me' process for tonight. It's not very imaginative but I'm doing exactly the same thing I did a year ago, pre-drinks at mine with lots of lovely people then meeting a fellow birthday girl out in Lulu to dance the night away. Hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it!

Unfortunately I didn't have time to open all my cards this morning, but as I was downing a steaming cup of coffee and charging out of the door I did open the one from my boyfriend Tom, simply because it said on the envelope "inside this envelope is a masterpiece, you're welcome". And I wasn't dissapointed. 

I also got the best birthday voicemail of all time from Mia this morning, unfortunately she's in London and it's like missing a limb, between her and my sister I'm basically armless! 

But anyway, imagine this song with a croaky 'I literally just woke up and haven't opened my eyes yet' voice plus a Danish accent...

Happy Birthday to you

You live in a zoo

You look a monkey but a pretty one

And you smell like one too but you smell delightful

And so I began my 22nd year on earth laughing. I've got a feeling there are good times ahead! 

Soul Mates

“A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave. A soul mate’s purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, and make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert

I first came across that quote about a year ago and it got me thinking. As someone who thinks too much it had already dawned on me once or twice that the person I am in love with is probably not my soul mate. No offence at all to him though, I have never been happier in my life. We are just two completely different people who miraculously balance each other out, but I wouldn't call us soul mates. As someone who is also a bit of a romantic it might of been easy for me to start wondering but what if there is such a thing as soul mates? Even worse what if my soul mate is someone else? Even worse than that, what if I know who that person is? 
After careful consideration and with the help of the above wise words I put that minor/potentially major issue to rest. I'm taking the above quote to heart, it's nice to read something and go wow, that actually makes sense. Quite a while ago now, I got heart broken, shaken all about, and came out of it ever so slightly stronger with some life lessons learned. And what do you know it wasn't the end of the world after all? I got up, brushed myself off and fell in love all over again even deeper than before. I was almost going to say something patronising like 'love is hard when you're young' but that would diminish how strongly I felt, or make it sound like it gets any easier, both would be lies. I suppose the point I'm making in a very round about (you'd think I was trying to pad out a 5000 word essay) way is that if I do believe in soul mates it's by the above definition, and thankfully I've been there, done that. My wise Mum always says 'People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.' The tricky part is figuring out who's meant for which. 

Ooo Sparkly

Domestic Goddess

Today I'm playing house wife. It wasn't exactly intended but I find it difficult to focus on important things when everything around me is a mess, focus in one area of my life tends to ripple and affect all the others. Around exam time it's a crucifying focus on revision etc that means I have a perfect bedroom, eat really healthily and exercise. But that's when the pressure is highest. Other times, my rooms a mess and take yesterday as an example the flatmates and I ate chinese food and watched films all night (Hook, Superbad and Knocked Up - all amazing choices if I do say so myself). But that's meant today I was still in the eugh I really can't be arsed mood. So I'm taking a leaf out of Tom's book and going to the library this evening having organised my life during the day. Washing towels, bedding, washing up pots AND for the first time in my life I've made a massive cottage pie! (It's also a thank you to Mia for girly-fying our humble abode). Anyway, I'm not the most skilled cook, and we have no potato peeler, so it's not been easy. But hey presto... maybe there's hope for me to live up to my Granny/Nana/Mum's cooking yet. Maybe. 

Speaking of being a domestic goddess though, and because I need an excuse to post these photos I've been collecting. Lately I've been thinking about what my dream kitchen will look like. Why on earth have I been thinking about that? Well if you haven't already seen it, watch Russell Howard's new DVD 'Right Here, Right Now'. The whole thing is on youtube, and it is chuffing hilarious, but honestly now let's not be pirates it's definitely worth buying. There's a bit in it when he mentions the joy of seeing the look on your girlfriend's face when you suggest buying kitchen ware that doesn't match. "There is a dream kitchen in my mind and you will not ruuuin it!"
Lollage. 


So I present to you just a snippit of my dream kitchen inspiration...

I'm not 100% sure about the pattern on this anthropologie chair but I do think every kitchen should have two comfy seats for having a cup o' tea and a catch up in. 


All of these pictures and their sources can be found on my Pinterest 'When I Grow Up (home)' board if you want to know where anything came from! 

Express LD Launch Workshop

I've mentioned it before here and here but just in case you missed it, one of the things I do with my time is act as Project Manager for a volunteer-run charity project called Express LD. We are devoted to helping young people with dyslexia and other learning difficulties achieve their full potential by providing support and practical study tools. We do this by running workshops for students that involve revision and study activities that make learning not only more interesting but effective.
I say this with complete confidence as we finally ran our first ever workshop in December at Telford College and it was awesome. It was incredible to see all the ideas we'd been working on for months and months finally come together and the learning techniques we used worked better than I could possibly of imagined. One of our volunteers Alex was demonstrating Spiral Learning by using a smoothie menu (just a fake one I made for this purpose) and despite literally never having seen it before he learnt the specs for 3 smoothies in under 5 minutes right in front of the whole group. I bet he could even tell me them now. It was incredible! I'd read about it obviously and knew that it must work to some extent but having not actually seen it done before it was amazing. The students, teachers, myself and even the volunteers themselves were all so impressed and on my part at least; relieved - how awful would it of been if after months of designing the workshops the techniques we taught didn't actually work!?


We also did a mass group activity of World Mapping which was really effective. So much in fact I will 100% be using it myself in my upcoming final exams. I say 'we', I should probably point out that I sat at the back snapping pictures and frantically attempting to make notes the whole time grinning like a Cheshire cat!

Before going to Telford College I did explain to them that the workshop was a trial for us and we'd appreciate any feedback they could give us, it was lovely of Sam and Julie over at Telford to let us do this and they were so helpful before, during and after. The nicest part of it was actually we were helping each other out, they were just as keen to learn and improve their learning support techniques as much as we were, and after such a successful workshop they have kindly invited us back this year to do a series of workshops! Now that's a successful trial run! 

Well This is Awkward...

So, remember my emotional post from  just yesterday? Yes? Well this is awkward, but scratch that.
I'm sorting of touching wood as I say this but Mia has basically decided she doesn't want to go back after all. Hurrah!
Although I should point out it's not just for me, and it's not just for a boy or her many wonderful friends, when we went through it with a fine tooth comb it didn't add up as a good career decision. The new job was in a restaurant, nicely paid but no experience that goes towards a legal career like her current job as a court runner and receptionist at a law firm. So it's win win, although, eek her mum is going to be maaad. The thing that was most striking I guess is that as soon as she decided to stay she said she felt relief. Not happiness like she'd gone from neutral to 'yey good decision', but relief like going was something she was actively unhappy about and now she's calm again. That must be a good sign, surely? 
In terms of where that leaves me, obviously ecstatic, I'm not an idiot I know we're going to have to say goodbye eventually in just a few short months, but a few months with your best friend are of huge value I'd say. 
In my eyes she can't leave now anyway, we just ordered a mammoth food shop. The kitchen is literally going to overflow. 

'Like Stars'

Ok deep breath. This is going to be a tough one.

On New Years Eve my best friend Mia got offered a new job, since she currently lives with me I heard the girlish squeals of excitement from a mile off. Before I go any further let me say I am so proud and happy for her and I will only ever want the best for her. She deserves absolutely nothing less. But like I said it's a tough one, the new job means she's leaving the UK and returning to her home in Denmark. It was always going to happen, I knew that, and even if she wasn't the first to go I know I'll soon be leaving Edinburgh too. I was expecting that. But I wasn't ready for it to be so soon, I thought I had several months to deal with it, that it was still a while off and I'd be fine. She leaves in one month. Just one lousy month. I wasn't expecting that.

How do you say good bye to your best friend?

It's not good bye forever, but it is still good bye for I don't know how long. How do I even attempt to explain why this hurts as much as it does? She is my voice of reason whilst simultaneously saying exactly what I need or sometimes want to hear, she is beautiful, funny, caring and one of a kind. It's rare I go a day without seeing her, rarer still that we go a day without speaking. I've told myself all the sensible and comforting things I'd tell anyone else in the same situation, it's not the end of your friendship, don't be silly, don't overreact, the world's a much smaller place now, you'll see each other still. It doesn't work though. How lonely will life be without her? I'm wallowing, I'm scared and I know I'll have to go 'chin up and carry on' soon but whilst my adult head is saying all the right things my heart is begging please don't leave me, I still need you.

If I was forcing myself to play the Glad Game, which I'm going to have to because I can't carry on like this much longer welling up every two minutes, then I'd say how insanely lucky am I to have met someone like her? I have countless happy memories with her that aren't going anywhere. And I guess the world isn't so big after all. She'll be there for me and I'll be there for her.

'True friends are like stars, you might not always see them but you know they are always there'.

There I did it, played the Glad Game, meh. I don't know what else to say. I'll miss you Mims. So much more than I'll be able to explain without breaking down in a heap on your shoulder, and I'm sorry if I can't deal with it well or with dry eyes. You are a wonderful friend and amazing things are going to happen to you, I hope and have faith that I'll be there for all of them, even if only at the end of the phone.

Some Changes

With the new year I've made some pretty big changes to the blog, firstly the name! It also looks different but not only that, I'm going to change the way I use it. Not drastically as I've always written about things important to me, or that I like and posted photos that made me smile. That won't change. I'm just going to aim it more at, well, aim it more at me. It's hard to explain but I like the fact its a mish-mash of things, and in the last few weeks before Christmas I found myself avoiding certain topics that people might not find interesting or get as many views. But no more! This is for me, and for my friends and family who bafflingly care what I waffle on about of course, so it might not always be pretty but there'll be a little more uni, job searching, charity and not so airy-fairy thoughts.  On the other hand there's also going to be more weddings, Pinterest finds and interior design (sorry Mum & Dad you might not enjoy those so much!). Like I said, me me me.

About the new name: 'Half Way There' is a line from one of my favourite songs Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi that reminds me of my best friends from home, but there is actually more sentiment behind it. That song lifts my spirits even when everything feels far too overwhelming like I can't possibly do it all, which given that I'm taking on the last few months of my final year at Edinburgh now is particularly relevant. I hear it and I feel on top of the world, like I'm not as far away from my dreams as it seems, my friends and loved ones are there to hold onto anyway and somehow we'll make it (I swear).

That's all really!

2012 - Bring It

I've been completely absent over the Christmas period which wasn't really intentional but hey-ho. I trust you all had one as lovely as mine was! I happily rang in the New Year after a luxurious meal at Amicus Apple standing on Princes St watching the fireworks with the one I love, followed by sipping on bubbles with some of my best friends, it could not of been better! Also how wonderfully happy is the photo above from HeyGorg!?

So in returning to the blog world I took a bit of time trying to round up what 2011 consisted of for me but it turned out to be virtually impossible to summarise. So much happens in such a relatively short space of time; I was honestly a different sort of person back in January. I won't go through everything that happened, I don't think it's necessary, I know how blessed I was and I know what I learnt and that's all that matters. Instead lets look to the future!

My new years goals are simply to graduate university and continue to nurture relationships with the people closest to me. That will do just fine and dandy, everything and anything else I'll count as bonus points. Bonus points will come from keeping to any of the following...

Happy New Year everyone, I hope it's filled with love and happiness wherever you may find it! 

x