Love will turn the whole world into something greater than itself.

I just found this photo hiding away in the hidden depths of my photo library on my laptop, a beautiful sunset that I took on this date last year. Apparently we had a sugary, candy floss coloured sunset up in Scotland, and finding this photo was a nice reminder of all the lovely things that happened at University this time last year. I go back tomorrow after a really relaxing couple of weeks at home, and it will be good to get back into the swing of things for a final push before the Christmas holidays. I'm looking forward to the festivities of Halloween and Bonfire night, wrapping up warm in new gloves and mittens to keep me warm, sparklers and hot chocolates with cream and marshmallows. I can't wait for all the Christmas decorations to go up, and I'm even looking forward to starting my Christmas shopping, a first for me as I'm usually the most disorganised person when it comes to that kind of thing! Usually I never really look forward to going back to University after spending time at home but this time I can't wait, and it's nice to finally feel settled there (a home away from home ♥).

P.S. I started a little blog for all things book related, you can find it here. I hope you like it! 

Aslan is on the move

♥ Yesterday was about:
Alarms too early for a Sunday morning, lilac jeans and a cosy cream jumper (a cosy outfit for grey weather outside!), crunching through the Autumn leaves in Autumn boots, daydreaming of Narnia, a trip to Costa, a successful shopping trip, curling up on the sofa with a new book, excitement at Christmas decorations and gifts in the shops, a mince pie and a cup of tea, giggling at An Idiot Abroad, sister time, Mama's homemade Sunday dinner (the first in a very long time!), planning a party with friends, a full tummy, the latest episode of Homeland, sleepy eyes and a long, long sleep.

♥ Today was about;
Breakfast in pyjamas, the Kardashian's on TV followed by a helping of Shrek for nostalgia, tea from a Disney mug, grey skies and drizzle, too many sneezes, blogging confusion, Topshop lusting, wild kittens in the garden, helping in the kitchen, reading and reading and reading, warm cosy blankets on the sofa, doggy cuddles, making plans, nails the colour of the midnight sky (a lazy day)

Being a Bookworm

You know that horrible feeling you get after just finishing a lovely book when you just can't seem to find anything else to read as you fear it will just be a let down? Well, that's exactly how I'm feeling now, after a long train journey home transformed me back into a bookworm. You see, I go through phases with reading; one week all I want to do is get lost in a good story, and then the next that seems to be the last thing I want to do. I'm not quite sure why it happens, but now that I'm home for a week or so I'm fully embracing my desire to read as many books as I can get my hands on. I just finished off Delirium by Lauren Oliver, a magical book that had me close to tears on a few occasions! You really must read it if you ever get the chance, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next one when I visit the bookstore. For now I have been dipping into a few new purchases, a book full of fairytales and a book full of stars, perfect to read curled up in bed with a cup of tea. I am on the lookout for a few new books to see me through the rubbish weather though, so if you have any recommendations please let me know! I feel a trip to Waterstones coming on very soon...

Bunny

I'm ever so sorry that I haven't been writing much as of late, but the University work load has finally hit and I've recently been finding myself drowning in books and papers and essays and things, far too much to fit in to the very few hours we are given in a day. I've also started volunteering at my local Oxfam store, something I've been wanting to do for a while as it's such a worthwhile cause but simply never got around to doing it. I've met some lovely people so I'm so happy that I did! Another reason for my absence is I'm getting a bit stuck on what to write about. If you have any ideas, or if you'd like to see any particular posts, please let me know and I'll try to get it up as soon as possible! Anyways, I just thought I'd check in, and show you a snap of my new favourite hat - who doesn't love ridiculous animal ears?! I hope you're all having a lovely weekend ♥
P.S I have a new little project... take a peek here!

Fantastic Mr. Fox

It's getting colder here, much colder, especially on dark mornings where the sleep still fills our eyes as we wrap up in new coats and new boots to guard us from the blustery winds on the way to the bus stop. It's October now, and that brings with it lovely Halloween festivities, pumpkins and toffee apples in our shopping baskets and scary movies on the tv. If you're not a fan of scary films, I suggest you enter the magical world of Roald Dahl and watch Fantastic Mr. Fox instead, all curled up on the sofa with a blanket and a hot chocolate with lots of cream (this is what I did last night!). The animation is magical ♥

I bought a book from Waterstones yesterday and this was the quote I found on the carrier bag! A lovely idea, wise words from a favourite ♥

P.S. I made a new Tumblr for lovely photos and general ramblings, you can now find me here. 

Lovely reads (bookshelf wishes)

Even though my little bookshelves are already full to the brim, I can't but wish for these lovely reads to enjoy with a cup of tea. I keep picking them up every time I visit the bookshop, flicking through them and admiring them for a while and then putting them back on their shelves instead of taking them home with me. I have bought lots is important things recently, University books to study from and bus passes and a railcard to get around, I really do need to stop emptying my purse of coins and save them up instead! Gizzi's Kitchen Magic for making lovely treats in the kitchen, warming meals and sweet biscuits for dessert. The Vintage Tea Party Book has been on my wishlist for the longest time, I would love to host a beautiful tea party of my own! There is a second book too, The Vintage Tea Party Year, but I don't think it's out just yet (I might put this on my Christmas list!). Everything Alice and Everything Oz look wonderfully creative, two of my childhood favourites! Finally, Wildwood, because the illustrations are so pretty and it sounds like the most wonderful mysterious fairytale, and you're never too old for fairytales. My purse won't allow it just now, but perhaps one day soon.

How to live magically

1. Keep a daily diary
2. Always take a ride on each carousel you see
3. Stop to give coins to every violinist you hear
4. Never pass a lemonade stand without buying a glass
5. Always have a drawing book and pencil handy
6. Take tea every afternoon
7. Scribble down your dreams at dawn
8. Take yourself to the cinema
9. Give a name to all the bumblebees you spy
10. Sleep in pretty nightgowns
11. Read your favourite poetry out loud
12. Write and illustrate your fondest memory
13. Carry your favourite sweeties in your left pocket
14. Wear a locket with faerie dust inside
15. Tie your hair up in ribbons
16. Remember always to be Brave ♥

A list I found on Tumblr a while ago, and have scribbled down in the front of my journal and daily diary. A few words to live by. 

Away to Wonderland

It's been a busy week again, but that cannot be complained about! Cinema times with my Prince, we caught the afternoon showing of The Campaign, a silly film but a very funny one (it made me giggle lots!). Afterwards we walked into the city for lovely burgers for our tea, and even managed a pudding too! I think I'm still full. Rabbit nightlights to guide the way to Wonderland when our eyes are tired and full of sleep, the Hunger Games soundtrack on repeat and a rabbit necklace to wear with a bright pink jumper on miserable days. Yummy pancakes for breakfast and a few Essie treats I couldn't resist in Boots after an interview (I think it went well!). I watched Snow White & The Huntsman and swooned over Chris Hemsworth, wonderfully magical fairytales on dark cold nights ♥

Stardust

“You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn’t true. I know a lot about love. I’ve seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars... pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I’m trying to say, Tristan is...I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it’s trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I’d wish for nothing in exchange...no gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine.”

- Yvaine, Stardust ♥

My favourite scene from my favourite film. I'm really in the mood to watch Stardust today, all curled up in cosy blankets to guard against the cold and get lots in the magical mystery of Stormhold...

September Summary

September was the month in which I packed up my things, said another tearful goodbye to my family and little dog and headed back up to Scotland for another year of University. I've always been very much a "home girl", so having to leave my comfort zone and head out on my own is always something that's quite difficult and unsettling for me, at least for a while. It's not all been bad though, because I moved into a lovely little flat with my Prince! I love living here (and I love my little bedroom!), and he has been ever so lovely in cheering me up when I can't manage a smile, often with a bunch of flowers of two! I'm very lucky ♥

I discovered my love for reading again after a short break and made my way through Me Before You, The Woman In Black, Snow White and The Huntsman, Between the Lines and, because I wish Karl Pilkington was my friend, The Further Adventures of An Idiot Abroad! I also joined my University newspaper, and although I'm yet to write anything I have a notebook full of ideas I can't wait to start working on.

September was also the month that I really fell in love with writing my little blog, and I'm so overwhelmed with the lovely comments and support I've received lately! When I first started blogging I had no idea that so many of you would be interested in reading my little ramblings, so I just want to say, thank you all so, so much, you're all so lovely! ♥

In September I've also been watching: Lots of How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory, they make me giggle! listening to: Alex Goot and The Hunger Games soundtrack drinking: Ribena. Hot, cold, I'm just a bit addicted! wishing for: this Disney DVD player, too cute! reading: Charlotte's Web & Made Up Of Little Things  ♥

Little Treats: What I've Bought

Despite the fact that it's Monday today, it's cold and raining and I've been busy at University all morning, the day took a turn for the better when I got off the bus in town and decided to go shopping. This doesn't usually happen, and I was a little naughty today as I really should be saving my pennies, but I did buy some lovely treats so I thought I'd share them with you! First of all I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw Snow White & The Huntsman standing on display in HMV, I can't wait to watch it tonight. Lovely fairytales and lovely Chris Hemsworth...  ♥  Cosy jumper and socks for the cold weather from Primark, to keep my feet warm during the night and the jumper has lovely elbow patches that remind me of my Grandpa. Finally a few skincare bits and bobs from Boots, as I had a No 7 voucher and decided to take advantage of an offer on the Botanics range. My skin has been playing up lately, I think it is because of all the cold winds we've had here (fingers crossed these will sort it out soon!). Now I really must start saving, my poor little purse!

Oh, and I almost forgot, White Rabbits for the first of the month! I hope October is lovely for all of you ♥