SIMPLE

Earlier this week, in the early hours of the morning, I had a sudden urge to make changes to my room. Since I've moved to University I've kind of neglected my bedroom at home. As I'm only there for holidays and the occasional weekend, I felt like it didn't really matter what it looked like as it was essentially just a place to stay so that I could spend time with my family and friends. But now that I'm back for an extended period of time this summer, I wanted to make it reflect me a little more. For a while now, it has been very much 'Daisy-circa-2011'; lots of pink, floral patterns, MAC lipsticks and expensive eyeshadow palettes kept in pretty glass dishes. All lovely things (which I'll probably still have in thirty years time cause I'm a massive hoarder) but not the kind of things that I love nowadays.

So, at 1am in the morning, keen for some change, I did a little room makeover. I realise this makes me sound slightly insane - crazy lady weilding picture hooks and bed sheets in the wee hours of the morning - but if I get an idea in my head I am the worst person ever at waiting, it has to be done immediately. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Recently, I have found so many gorgeous images online of bedrooms that are mostly white. I love this idea, as I like where I sleep to be a calm environment and think it's the best colour to create that kind of feeling with. There's also just something so stylish about all white bed sheets and I love the way it's turned out with mine. Above my bed, I wanted to create a kind of homemade dream catcher, and so used a beaded ethnic hanging that I've had for years and an old feather earring that I could never have worn because it's ridiculously huge (thank you 15-year-old Daisy and your obsession with wearing big, colourful earrings); and I think it's turned out quite well. Something a bit different for me, anyway. Also as it's my fail safe, I used an old mason jar and filled it with tea lights for my bedside. That idea just never gets old; when I have a house of my own one day it's going to be absolutely covered with jars filled with tealights. Seriously. 

There wasn't much else I did. Apart from get rid of any general clutter and clear surfaces, it was very easy and the work of about an hour. And, honestly, I love how it's all turned out.

It's funny how little changes can make such a big difference. Already I feel like my room is mine again and not belonging to the person I was before I left for Uni. I thoroughly recommend a little homemade makeover if you're feeling stuck in a rut like I was; it's good for the soul I think. And I mean, who needs retail therapy when you have early morning DIY anyway?!

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

I love brunch. There is just something so satisfying about it. Maybe it's because it involves breakfast food being eaten later than it would usually be, and that is kind of perfect to me because I think that breakfast food is the best food and would probably eat it all day if I could. But also, because going for brunch is always so wrapped up in lazy Saturdays mornings full of lie ins, and sun peeking through the blinds, and cups of coffee under the duvet. All of my favourite things.

A few weeks ago, I went to stay with one of my lovely friends Hebe, who is living in London. She definitely shares my views on brunch and so it was pretty much a given that we would head out in search for some good breakfast food whilst I was there. 

We decided on The Breakfast Club, and specifically the one just off Hoxton Sqaure in Shoreditch, as we didn't really wanted to go into Central and fancied a wander around East London in general.

It is safe to say that The Breakfast Club definitely lives up to it's hype. We did have to queue a little while, but nothing major - I would recommend maybe grabbing a coffee before if you're very impatient - but the staff were super friendly and once we were inside the service was quick and efficient.

They have a pretty extensive menu and something for everyone. Both Hebe and I went for the The All American as we knew if we didn't opt for pancakes then we'd regret it, but they also had some amazing looking Mexican Huevos Rancheros that I am definitely going to try next time I go. Their drinks are quite expensive, but worth it if you feel like going all out. We shared a pitcher of their Green is Good smoothie (spinach, mint, mango and apple; uh-mazing!) and there was so much left over that we could take it away for sipping on whilst we wandered around. For me, that made it worth the money; plus you feel a bit like you've stepped out of some kind of health café in LA clutching at a green juice whilst in reality you're hiding a food baby made mostly of sugar and bacon under your jumper.

Speaking of food babies, needless to say the breakfast didn't disappoint. The pancakes were super fluffy, the bacon was ridiculously cripsy, and all the other extras - although not what you'd think to usually go for with pancakes and syrup - were so tasty and tasted like they were such good quality. I also had a banging vanilla latte with my brekkie; and I'm pretty fussy about good coffee so that's high praise indeed.

Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience. The atmosphere inside is great and I've even heard some people say that it's the best out of all of the branches in London. It definitely had a trendy East London vibe going on - you could easily wander in in red lipstick and a top knot and not even feel slightly overdressed - and being in that part of the city means that the trip is definitely worthwhile.

Basically, I wholeheartedly recommend. If sleepy Saturday mornings full of delicious food are your kind of thing, then this is the place for you. Who needs lunch and dinner when you have breakfast food anyway?

beginnings

Hello and welcome to wherewithal.

Today marks not only the first post that I am writing on my new little space on the internet, but also the beginning of my summer break after finishing my first year at University.

I thought that it made sense to start writing this blog on this particular day, as it is the first time that I can really sit back and look at the last "year" of my life to reflect. And honestly, it has been amazing.

Around this time last year, I came very close to not going to University at all. I had become so comfortable in the life that I had created during my gap year, and so scared at the prospect of starting a new one, that it just felt easier to stay as I was. The thought of moving to a new place, making new friends and starting a new chapter felt too daunting to even comprehend. I have realised that I am someone who often lets fear of the unknown stop them from making new steps forward. And, in this case, the temptation to succumb to that fear seemed so much more desirable than the unknown.

In the end, though, I didn't succumb to the fear. And thank bloody God. Moving to University has meant leading one of the best years of my life so far. I've had more fun in the last eight or so months than I think I've ever had, I've met people who I hope to know forever, and I've learnt so much about myself and where I want my place to be in this life.

Somewhere through it, though, I think I've probably become a bit lazy. Not lazy in the pure sense - although I am pretty lazy but I'm going to carry on claiming that that is my prerogative as a 19 year old - but lazy in pursuing and cultivating my passions. University life is so much about waking up too late with a hangover, and late night pesto pasta, and days spent on the sofa watching thousands of re-runs of Come Dine with Me; that everything else that was important before seems to kind of slip away into a past you. Don't get me wrong, I have fully embraced the University life and loved every second of it. But I would like to try to continue to live it whilst also getting back the parts of me that I've maybe forgotten about; through too many vodka lemonades and episodes on Netflix.

This begins with writing. I love to write. Words, and the way that people choose to write, I think, is like a window to their soul. There is nothing more satisfying than something that is beautifully and perfectly written and that is what I hope to create here. I will write about all the things that I am interested in; fashion and beauty and lifestyle, but also what it is like to be a young woman today. The challenges it brings, and what is important to me as I grow up in this world.

So, here's to new beginnings. In every sense. I hope this marks the start of living a life that is more creative and that whoever reads my words, likes them.