Golden Hour

Wearing: Topshop coat (ebay); topshop shoe; thrifted jumper and skirt. 

For some reason, every time I write a post it tends to focus on the weather. Maybe that's because it's related to my studies. Maybe it's because i'm British. Who knows. Anyway, it's been pretty dang cold in my opinion. I get itchy feet when I stay inside too long and have been forcing myself to go on at least short walks each day. Snuggling up with coco and books is lovely but I often feel like I'll go crazy if I don't get fresh air. The other day we escaped the buzz a little by walking up to the canal just before sunset. This coat has lasted me well through this winter and I've worn it so much that it's probably due a trip to the dry cleaners. As much as I like wrapping up all snug, in  fluffy jumpers and long socks, I'm so ready for spring. I can't wait to bare my legs again, wear less than four layers and go on long walks without it getting dark so early. I know it's only January but is anyone else musing about spring already?

Guy's Cliffe

 Well, well. 2015. It sounds so very futuristic but where are the hover boards and space tours? Last year was probably one of my best. Hong Kong was definitely a highlight and I finally got to go to a wedding! I've got feeling 2015 is going to be a good one too. It's a multiple of five and they always tend to be good years. January alone is already set to be a busy month. For now, i'm going to enjoy going the calm and stretch out the period of relaxation for as long as possible. The agenda for the next week is some sewing, crocheting and more long strolls like this one to Guy's Cliffe. Hopefully the crisp air will help me to clear my head and form some realistic resolutions for once.

Have a great first day of 2015!

Friday was Red

Wearing: Topshop coat (ebay); Hunter wellies; F&F jumper; Vintage skirt

It got dark at 2pm today. No kidding. Up here in Scotland the weather is turning truly nasty and my walks on the beach remain brisk. Maybe it's the weather, the darkness closing in or pure fact that I am super busy that's making me so sleepy. This week I've wanted to nap every single day. Also, these days I also don't seem to even bother getting dressed. I appear to live in my sports gear and run from training to lectures to home. It's nice to put on some normal clothes for a change. 

I don't know about yourself, but I'm already getting that festive feeling (hence the red). Maybe i'll replace the ribbon with tinsel soon. Last night I had my first mince pies of the year and remembered just how good they are. This time of the season is always bitter sweet. Christmas seems so close but I have to get through many dreaded exams and deadlines first. Eughhh. If you are also bogged down with work, I highly recommend listening to some Mr Buble to calm you down. And if you think its to early to being talking about the festive season, then I apologise sincerely . 

Have a great weekend! 

Cairngorms National Park

 A few weeks ago now I was lucky enough to go on a day trip to the Cairngorms National Park. I only got to see a small bit of it but it was lovely to get out into the countryside for a while. My photo's really don't do it justice. The autumn colours were in full blaze and I could have spent hours just watching out for salmon in the river. I fear that now the weather's turned nasty there will be little more outdoorsy trips into the Highlands until the new year. 

To the Highlands

Thought i'd share a few snaps from my recent trip to the Highlands. It was the best weather for some hill walking and just what I needed. There's nothing better than eating lunch on top of a munro and watching the clouds move across the valley. Although you can see the trees beginning to show signs of fall, the sun was scorching and it felt like the middle of June. Before the northern winds start sweeping in, get out there and take a big breath of fresh air. 

Transformations

Wearing: Topshop coat (ebay); Primark dress; Character shoes 

Studying has begun again and I'm facing the facts that the long summer days are over. I had to buy bike lights the other day because cycling home at 10pm is no longer valid without them. That's always an indicator. As much as I will miss the long summer days and lazying about, I'm excited for fall. It's officially my favourite season. So far, I haven't noticed too many leaves falling off the trees but it happen very soon. I always find that if your not careful you miss Autumn. It seems like such a short season: the leaves all suddenly fall off and then there is suddenly a dark, grim array of bare trees covering the landscape. I therefore intend to get out into the woodlands as much as possible and watch the transformation from greens into searing reds and yellows. As the new season alters, I'm set for my own changes. This year is going to be one of the most important yet. Not only is my goal to do the best I can academically, but I also want to work on my character. When I come back university I always have a tendency to remain quiet and shrink into my shell a bit. I've known these people for a while now and I don't want to be a quiet girl in the corner. As much as I'll miss my friends back home, I need to start branching out and building strong relationships here. This means being bold even when I'm scared of the changes. 

Glasgow Green

Wearing: Topshop Coat (ebay); Dress: DIY, Shoes: Topshop

Most of this weekend was spent moping around feeling sorry for our poorly stomachs. We did manage to go for a short stroll around the green though. I was so glad for the fresh air too. Sometimes I feel all I need to feel better is a walk outside. Being cooped up never does me good and I inevitably begin stressing about small things. Outside I do some people watching in the park or run around some fields and everything gets put in perspective again. It seems that wherever I am I always need a place to go and clear my mind. Does anyone else find that? Back home I used to walk in my favourite fields whenever I was stressed and worried. Walking along the coast at university has helped me think through so many problems. Even in the city, I need a spot to be alone and weigh up the real scale of my worries. Before winter well and truly hits I pledge to get outside as much as possible.