WHAT'S IN MY BAG

This is my first time revealing what's in bag, so feel privileged. I didn't think that people would really be interested in stuff like this.

After removing old receipts and torn apart tissues. I dug up what's left in my sack. And realised that it could potentially make a fun post.

Obviously things like my phone or keys are left out, only because I prefer to keep them closer to me, in my coat pocket.

I slightly think this is a trivial kind of post, only because I'm not used to it. But if you are fond of this sort, let me know!

1. I used to be the "No. I don't wear hats" person. But after these blistering winters, I had to surrender. It says "On Wednesday's we were pink" 10 points to you if you got the film reference straight away!

2. Sorry, it's a bit dirty. Leftovers from my salad. It's a great sized portion for lunch. Given to me for Christmas from Urban Outfitters.

3. My A-Z multi-vitamins. Ideal if you get tired very easily, and strengthens your immune system when all these illnesses are floating around.

4. A notebook that was given to me from my friend, she obviously knows that I withheld "Great Ideas" that should be written down! This has been very handy when I'm learning new tasks in my internship. It will look good for your boss to see that you are keen to learn, and also to remember what they tell you! I walk around with this everywhere in the office.

5. My cute (very big) water bottle. I like to put lemons and mint in there too.  

6. This book is my life at the moment! I read it every day. You must google this book if you're thinking about turning your blog into a business. It's pretty funny too. And really relevant to my life right now.

7. I don't have enough time in the morning to sit and drink my tea/coffee. My little cup to-go accompanies me on my tube journeys.

8. Because it's England.

9. My mini Victoria Secret fruity spritz. If I could eat a scent, it would be that one.

10. You can't walk around without a pen!

11. I honestly forgot this was in my bag! I told you I had too many unnecessary stuff. Kiehl's hand cream - essential for the winter. 

12. Yeah, four eyes 'four'eva.

13. Because it's England.

14. Because I live in London, and without this sucker, life would be so expensive. (An oyster card / travel card for London only)

15. I like to play songs on my walk to the tube station to wake me up before I start the day.

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5 DATE NIGHTS IN LONDON FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

The day is coming, it's approaching pretty quickly. If you haven't already booked somewhere (I won't judge!) for Valentine's Day in London I have FIVE very different options for you and your loved one.

Have a scroll!

www.designmynight.com

LONDON COCKTAIL CLUB

Last year for Valentine's Day, my boyfriend surprised me to a boozy evening here. We lingered down dark steps, opened a heavy door into an even darker intoxicated room. It was so crowded and so loud. But after a few eccentric cocktails I didn't care about shouting across the table. 

Why I highly recommend it is because of the bartenders showing off their magic. They bang glasses, lip sync to the heavy rock music, and offer great advice when it comes to tackling the immense booklet of the drinks menu. 

If you can't be bothered to slide on that V-Day special red dress accompanied with the rouge lipstick, a very casual attire is welcomed here. 

Take a look at how I spent last year's Valentine's Day.

http://www.londoncocktailclub.co.uk/

bowes-lyonpartnership.co.uk

CLOS MAGGIORE

Try not to spend the whole dinner staring at the ceiling or taking snaps! I haven't heard incredible reviews on how spectacular the food is, people fall in love with the surroundings more. How can you blame them. This is a charming, top of the list, most romantic restaurant to spend your Valentine's Day at. I wonder how many people have been engaged here? Probably every day! 

http://www.closmaggiore.com/

www.designmynight.com

SPANIARDS INN

So your partner isn't the cocktail drinker? And doesn't fancy wear a suit or fancy dress just to eat? This year the 14th lands on a cosy Sunday. And what does Sunday mean in London? Roast! Don't go to your local pub, or make your mum slab you up a meal. The Spaniards Inn is the oldest pub in London. A country pub in the city, it is said Keats wrote Ode to a Nightingale here. All together that's historic, romantic and guaranteed a homely roast. If you celebrate Valentine's Day on the Saturday instead then this is a hangover remedy.

https://www.thespaniardshampstead.co.uk/

www.roofgardensclub.com

KENSINGTON GARDEN ROOFTOP

Unfortunately V-Day doesn't always fit into our budgets. Yes, we want our partners to understand how special they are to us. Sadly some special moments can mean £££.

Fear not my money-saving friends. Spend your Valentine's Day for free! 

Start the morning off by rustling up breakfast for your dearest in bed. Watch Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 (my fav). Then hop on the tube or bus to Kensington. Now, it's a bit weird to find this place because it is right at the top of the High Street Kensington shops! 

Once you'll find it, you'll never forget about this magical place. 

A Spanish, Tudor and a hint of Asian infused garden. Hunt for the flamingos and ducks that live there. Take a selfie - a couple selfie - a couple of couple selfies. Just take lots of pictures to share to everyone. I went here for my anniversary and it's insane how not many people know about this enchanting place above the hectic high street! 

Yes, it's free to visit the gardens!

http://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/the-roof-gardens

www.samphireandsalsify.com

MEATLIQUOR

This is for my foodies. The ones who forget to take a food photo for insta because they cannot resist. This is for second dates or further, as you'll be covered in BBQ hot sauce. It's not a pretty sight, but a delightful taste. If you and your partner have a mutual love for food, unite and love at MeatLiquor. 

They give you everything one big tray. So sharing is caring on Valentine's Day!

http://www.meatliquor.com/london/

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STYLE // I Need Advice: Skinny Scarf OR Velvet Choker ?

pinterest.com, areyouami.com

I'm torn between the two, so I need YOUR advice.

I'm thinking more about the skinny scarf, it's more trendy than grungey. I like grunge, but right now I want to buy things that are more work friendly - as I'll be starting my internship in a week and a half. Not saying that grunge isn't appropriate, but a choker (to some people) oozes sex appeal. Dirty minds.

I like the scarf idea, it reminds me of 80s rockstar, Mick Jagger walking out in slim jeans, a skinny scarf with scruffy hair. It reminds me of Kate Moss wearing her band-tee, ripped jeans, Chelsea boots and her signature leopard print coat.

I also think the way how it drops down but cuts off my neck will somehow elongate my frame. Ask me, how? I don't even know.

I do love chokers, I brought two tattoo chokers on eBay about two years ago when we got into that rewind back to the 90s phase. I don't think I'll wear it again. I think I'll leave that in my childhood. Or to music festivals.

I'll sliding toward skinny scarf now. I've encourage myself without knowing any ones evidence!

***

Let me know which one you prefer!

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How To Relieve Homesickness

It happens to the best of us, and at the best of times. 

You're finally embracing your inner wanderlust explorer. 

Then the dark shades of blue lingers into your mind.

You feel alien to your new surroundings. 

It doesn't feel like home, could you ever call this place home?

You see what your friends are doing throughout social media. Having fun - you're missing out.

You make plans to see them when you're back. But those weeks ahead feel like years. 

You begin to compare about what is so good at home and what is awfully dreadful here. 

That dream of coming back home gives you butterflies. 

Homesickness is the worst.

***

It's not that you hate the place you are in, it's the fact that home is home - and you aren't there right now.

It's a ok to have this feeling, it's ok to experience every kind of emotion once in a while. It's a human thing and a reflection of life.

I have a few tips that has helped me. 

1. APPRECIATE AND REMEMBER

"How lucky am I to have something so special that makes saying goodbye so hard."

Be thankful that your home or your hometown is a beautiful place. Many people don't miss home because they have a terrible life - bad memories, no family or friends, or it's in bad conditions.

Appreciate that you have an actual existing 'happy place', and you are able to wake up in that 'happy place' every morning. 

Bare in mind, you will go back home. You will.

2. TAKE A WALK

I'm not announcing that you should put your walking shoes on and take a hike. Go on a walk, and walk to a place that you don't have in your hometown. 

For instance, here in Malta I'm always next to the ocean. But in London, the grey Thames is all I have. When I feel homesick I take a walk by Sliema and view the waterfront. 

Telling myself that one day I'll miss this, so I capture the beauty. 

3. GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA

Stop comparing your lives with others. And to be honest your friends are only showing the fun things that they are up to. 

Instead of lurking, talk to your friends.

Because sometimes they may be feeling as low as you, but portray to others that life fun.

Pick up the phone and call a friend or family member. The more you do it, the more you will feel like you're at home because you've got all news and you're actually not missing out. 

4. MEET NEW PEOPLE/ HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS

There's nothing better than forgetting your woes by replacing it with great and interesting conversations. 

Netflix is not your best friend, save that for a rainy day!

You could even talk to people about your issues, because it's very likely that they feel the same.

5. GET OUT OF THOSE PJS!

OK, I'm a big culprit of staying in my house-clothes for the whole day. But as soon as you get up, showered, dressed, and even put on some make-up - you end up feeling more ready to get up and do something exciting. 

All dressed and no where to go? 

There's lots of places to go to - so explore!

6. MEDITATE

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.

I can't express how much clearing your mind feels your emotions so effectively.

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DAY IN THE LIFE: Selfridges & Window Shopping

It's always joy catching up with a friend. We buy one coffee, but stay for two hours in the cafe.

 There's so much to talk about when you have a great friend who is passionate about the exact same things.

***

I realised it has been some time since I stepped inside Selfridges. Everything has moved and aisles seem more like a maze.

So many memories of my mum and me strolling down the make up counters, designer bags and the toy section. 

Obviously as a child I didn't know much about make up, but I knew that it was very serious and special to women. I remember I wanted to work at MAC, because the make-up artists painted their eyes and lips wildly and boldly. To me now, that just seems like an exhausting job.

Many years on I still gaze at the unaffordable items spread across the department. 

I thought to myself, will I ever be able to afford the expensive items here?

Will I ever treat myself to a lace Valentino dress?

Will I ever think, "ah for dinner I'll pop to Selfridge's extravagant food hall and also do a weekly shop there!"

"This Creme De La Mer moisturiser, yes I need this, not too expensive! Not bad, not bad."

Because all those things sound terrifically pricey to me. Almost a waste, because there are cheaper products and produce out there. I know, a dress is not just a dress if it's Valentino. Nor is a moisturiser from Creme De La Mer. 

But will I ever be able to afford these luxury items as a casual pick-up and not a splurge?

And what do the passersby think? Do they think the same? Do they wonder like me, could I ever afford this? Or do they snatch the price tag, mouth out 'wow...ok..' and walk away?

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MY PRACTICAL NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

Welcome to 2016! 

Is it too late to still say happy new year? We're fully in the January blues now, that festive fun is over babe.

Briefly, in terms of Blogmas, can I just apologise for the lacklustre or badly edited or not proofread posts. I rushed myself to complete it before 12am on most nights!

Anyways!

Well let me start by saying happy new year to my blog. You are about a year and two months old now. Congrats! 

2015 was an alright year. Ups and downs. Ok times and good times. Blah blah. 

2016 will not be another blah blah year. 

2016 will be the year that will have an imprint on my life!

First of, let me announce that in February I'll be starting with a new internship! So crazy. 

I'll be a Social Media Intern at Urban Outfitters. Yes, Urban Outfitters. My job title should just be: Classified Hipster.

It's truly a dream knowing that I will have this experience. Humbling to know that a fantastic and well known company wants me to be a part of their team. 

I will also be completing my wonderful and strange semester in Malta. Ending on 29th Jan, less than three weeks away! 

And finally in September I'll be revisiting real university life. Finishing my final year. 

2016 will be a mouthful. Hopefully a tasteful mouthful. 

***

"Come on Kara, start talking about your resolutions!" 

*just wanted to say that these personal goals haven't commenced from the start of this year. I've been doing these things for a few weeks now. And if I don't successfully do it or successfully complete it - I won't feel disappointed. 

Let me finally begin:

1. Take blogging more seriously 

It's my hobby. But it's becoming my life. I dream about being a full time blogger/freelance writer/a courageous creative being a lot of the time. The thought of writing for a living, and people actually reading it gives me butterflies.

Blogmas taught me how fun it is writing frequently, and I learnt what kind of content I want to write about.

What's my niche?

Writing my true personal feelings about my lifestyle, with dabs of fashion, in a mindful and artistic manner. From some comments and a wave of new followers I think y'all will enjoy this.

I won't be blabbing on about my existence. Like 'I did this' or 'I love this'. 

It'll be more about the thoughts behind 'why do we do this?' or 'why do I love this?'

Think of the way how Carrie Bradshaw writes, she would talk about something cray-cray happening in her life, then she questions it, fortunately towards the end, she solves the mystery behind her thoughts.

2. Find a sports/active workout that I truly enjoy

I'm not stating that I want to lose weight or add some 'umph' into my backside. 

OK, if this is going to be an true and honest blog then, yes I actually do want those things. 

But I'm not craving for it.

I want to have an active lifestyle for my mind, body and soul.

I've learnt over the years how beneficial working out really is for us. I've spent too long sleeping or huddled on my sofa. It's time for me to find a new sporty hobby.

Question of the day:

Why is yoga so expensive?

I absolutely love how relaxing and spiritual, plus toning and fat-burning, yoga is!

But why do I have to spend the 'dolla-dolla' to enjoy it?

"YouTube!" You cry out. And I hear you.

I've found some great links, such as Madeleine Shaw and my old fitness pilates lover Blogilates to try out their workouts. 

3. Read more

This one is a little bit embarrassing. As an English and Creative Writing student I should be a pro at picking up a book and whizzing through it. But I am starting to lose 'reading for fun' as I am normally 'reading to study' nowadays.

What's my strategy to read more? 

Read before bed. 

STOP WATCHING SCANDAL BEFORE BEDTIME KARA!

I have to snuggle up to President Fitz every night. Even though watching two episode before bed is about 1h 20mins! I need to stop this habit and replace it with reading and sleep-time.

Did you know that the light produced in your laptops, tablets and phones causes us to stay awake more? It's the worst thing to do before bed, it makes us less tired and become addicted to staying on the screen.

4. MEDITATE 

It has to be done. I've been starting a few weeks ago and it's really open up my creative mind and has made me more calm and peaceful.

I suggest you should get the app: Calm. 

It does what it says, and it's a fantastic way to learn mindful meditation for beginners. 

On my way to my internship on the tube. Every morning I will (hopefully) find a seat, close my eyes, and listen to the guided meditation on the app. Fingers crossed that I won't pass my stop!

5. Learn a new musical instrument

Thinking back to my happy childhood, I had many hobbies - probably to find out what I was good at? And one of the many hobbies was playing a musical instrument. 

When was the last time I tried to learn a song? Years ago. 

This Christmas I was given a ukulele. Thanks Mum!

I'm really excited to learn something new, I've never played anything in the guitar family before, so my ukulele is a start-up to strumming some chords and learning what a 'tab' really is. 

A ukulele is a pretty easy instrument to carry, so it'll be a fantastic friend to enjoy whenever I'm in the mood. 

***

And that's all folks.

I think that's all, there's so many things I want to start up or be better at.

But I won't bombard you with my list.

Have a great weekend!

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