SUMMER 2017 ROUNDUP & A/W GOALS

I can't physically believe that Summer 2017 is officially OVER. (Well, officially on the 22nd of this month - which !! whhhy). Anyway, as you may or may not be aware, I have completely failed at my monthly updates (and I was doing so well!).. this is partly due to being unwell for the majority of Summer, but also because once I am well, there seems to be no stopping me. I suddenly become the biggest social butterfly known to man, and make time for nothing other than getting up and out of the house and trying to make the most of being able to do so! I thought I'd do a little round up of my Summer in general (considering I've missed out, what, like, 3 months pretty much?... oops

So obviously I started my Summer being pretty poorly sick in general (ref. photos below). After much determination NOT to give up my normal life, you know, of literally just going to work and occasionally socialising. I had to give in at the beginning of June and call in sick to work, miss friends 25th birthday parties, and once again, be bed bound for around 11 weeks (!!!).
HOWEVER, enough doom and gloom. I wanted to just share a few odd moments from this Summer that, although cut short for me, has been one of the best, since the oh so famous, 2013 (the Summer I will forever obsess with as being the very best of my life so far, bless me).

TYPICAL MADI TIME:
Obviously what with the time I had with being off work/not being able to get dressed properly etc, I've spent a good amount of this Summer trying to heal myself/keep calm/stress free etc (same old same old). I actually managed to finish an entire book during the time I was unwell (which is a pretty big deal considering I'm a very slow reader), I also surrounded myself with as much outdoors as possible, and must've visited 80% of the coffee shops in Bristol and consumed at least 50 soya hot chocolates. Me and Christina spent a morning walking around Bristol Botanical Gardens in Clifton, during one of the hot days we had, somewhere I would really recommend if you're wanting to escape the city, while still being in the city.. if that makes any sense.

FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD:

As the months of June & July went by, I began to gain my strength back up again and my new medication started to kick in (yaaas). This meant I was able to feel stronger, physically and mentally, and actually go out and see my friends. This year I've been really focused on trying to get the most out of every opportunity/situation. I've pushed myself to be the get out there and do things I wouldn't usually and become the social butterfly I once was back in 2008 (lol). When I look back now, I've actually done everything I wanted to! Travelled, met old friends, met new friends, got a pay rise, got a new car, exercised (twice..) - its all happened! 

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS:

As well as most of my other friends, I turnt 25 this year! (cry). I'm still not really sure how I feel about it. I almost feel like this is the first year I've actually felt like an adult. All of a sudden I feel super ready to fly the nest and take care of myself, by myself - if that makes sense. I suddenly feel a lot more grown up than I did and a lot more responsible. Maybe its because I've stopped getting so drunk? or maybe because I've been single for the entire year? either way, it feels pretty nice.. I guess!
I put a lot of effort into my birthday party, which was nice but it just all felt a bit anti climax in the end. I wasn't drinking any alcohol at the time so nothing got too crazy, and every one left for town after a few hours, as naturally thats what we would've done in the past. Fancy pre drinks followed by a boogy in town.. HOWEVER, I'm so thankful for my pals Austin and Christina for helping me organise such an amazingly decorated party, doesn't it look cool!? (and of course thanks to my mum for the food, my nan for the Pimms, and my dad for making me an entire Tikki Bar!!).

HOLIBOBS:

Not being funny, but how on earth have I managed to go away not once, not twice, but three times this year? I'm not even just talking about affording it! I mean the general organisation of such get aways. This year is probably the first year where I've used my initiative and sought out holidays to go on, I've booked hotels, booked flights, navigated the airport multiple times. I know these are such easy and simple things to do, but for some reason before this year, the thought of typing my card details into merely an online site of any kind would give me mild anxiety. Me and Christina kicked off the travel side of things by visiting Budapest in May, then for my birthday we went to Edinburgh in August, and me and my very oldest friend Maddie, went to Corfu in September. Year well spent - I think so.

NEW ARRIVALS:

This year presented a really new and some what eye opening situation to me. I've never had a close friend whose had a baby, neither have I had babies in my family since I was around 12, (when you're too young to understand or really give a damn about whats going on). However this year, my step sister had her own little sprog. While I was unwell, she was also unwell (and heavily pregnant), so we spent a lot of time together. We'd talk for hours about the future, what the baby would look like, days out we'd have with the baby etc. I think the new arrival to our family has really been one of the main reasons I suddenly feel so grown up this year. Even though Elly is not my full sister, without really knowing it, she's made me feel a big sense of responsibility as a new step auntie, and its made me realise more than ever that life is so very precious, and whatever we chose to achieve/strive for, whether it be to bring up a family, or excel in a career, life is way too short to not give your best shot. Am I right or am I right?

Apologies for this blog post being a little all over the place. Its safe to say it took me a good THREE sit down attempts to get my photos organised, edited, and the post actually written. I'm not sure why I've suddenly lost a little passion/urgency for editing and uploading as frequently as I was - I do love it though! So as from now, just because I'm getting better and have less free time, I promise not to let my blog slip again! (I was doing so well god damn!!!). All in all I've had such a good Summer. Its been really strange for me as I'm pretty sure its the first ENTIRE Summer that I've spent with out a partner since I was 17. I've definitely learnt LOADS about myself, what I want from the future etc. As well as gaining a new confidence of independence and not relying on anybody for anything. It feels good! PS I have loads more posts planned with a tonne more photos I have from this Summer - I almost have too many to cope with!! paha. I thought I'd just do this post in my classic little round up style.

AUTUMN/WINTER GOALS:

1. SAVE LOTS OF MONEY - I've spent A LOT of money this year. I've bought a new car, AND been on three holidays.. (As mentioned above). For the next few months I really want to try and save as much as I can, and only spend on the necessities/gifts.

2. TRY AND REUSE WINTER FASHION FROM LAST YEAR - Another thing I've done way too much of this year - shopping. And do you know who I blame? Instagram. (And Christina.) Instagram has been such a huge part of my world this year - I've felt really involved with bloggers through it and slightly increased my sense of networking. All good things! However the outfit envy needs to stop..

3. TRY REALLY HARD IN MY JOB - Due to being off sick for a while this year, I'm really focused on working my butt off as from now. I want to prove to not only myself, but my managers/colleagues/peers etc, that I'm not just the girl thats always ill. I'm the girl that will get the job done, and help you if you're stuck, and generally gain as much information as I can surrounding the working environment.

4. BE IN A STABLE PLACE FINANCIALLY TO MOVE OUT IN 2018 - It annoys me even typing about this.. I've been talking and thinking about moving out since I was what, 18? All I've ever wanted is a cute 2 bed flat with a mate, or a bedsit flat that I can decorate to my own taste and snuggle up in in the evenings. Next year is the year I have to take the leap. Yeah I may be skint, and yeah it may not be my dream place, but I feel as though if I don't now, I never will. Who wants to be that 30+ year old singleton still living with their mum - not me. 

5. DO ALL OF THE WINTER ACTIVITIES - I'm talking ice skating in London, Pumpkin picking, Bonfire displays, Christmas light shows, Christmas markets, Garden centers, Log cabin stays, etc etc.

Thanks for reading lovelies!
I'm not very proud of this post but hopefully the next one will be better!
Madi x

15 PERSONAL GET TO KNOW ME QUESTIONS

Ok so I'm getting frustrated. I'm also relating a lot to Alice, over at THE ALICE EDIT, what with her recently carried out knee operation and being house bound. There are SO many blog posts I have lined up that I want to write, I just don't have the photos to go with them! If you haven't guessed already, and without sounding too self obsessed here, the photos I have planned would be of me, or include me. After all this is my personal blog, so it would be nice if I could make it more personal in the way of creative self portraits/photography and of course outfit posts etc. 

Anyway, I thought I'd do a personal question tag, (the more personal, the more juicy, right?). I've seen things like this floating around on the Blogosphere for a while now so thought I'd give it a go - plus I don't really have too much else to write about for now, at least until I can get some photos done! (I started my new medication today, eee all fingers and toes crossed that it kicks in ASAP!). 

If you had my on Myspace, or even Facebook, way back when in 2007, you'll know I'm a big fan of a question tag ;) I can't promise this will be too interesting but I hope you are some what entertained anyway!

1. Where did you grow up? What was it like?

I was born and grew up in none other, than good old Bristol. I've always loved the city I live in. Growing up here was a whirlwind of excitement, drinking underage, and meeting tonnes of new people. Bristol is a good mix of professionalism and play & sophistication and creativity. I love the fact its big enough for plenty of adventure but small enough to feel safe.

2. Who do you admire the most right now?

Probably my friends. I look up to every single one of them. I always feel as though they are continuously achieving things and excelling in life. Also lots of other freelance bloggers/writers that I subtly envy, and people who have enough guts and passion to start up their own business'! 

3. How'd you meet your best friend?

We met at my first ever job, in a shop called Espirt. She was one of the only friendly faces that asked for my contact details and made me feel super welcome. It's crazy how close we are now considering we met in a work environment!

4. Whats the most important thing in your life right now?

Without a doubt, my physical and mental health. I'm hopefully on the road to recovery once more and its feeling good!

5. How do you express yourself romantically?

I like to describe myself as a slow burner, but once I'm a-light, boy do you know it. I take my time in finding out where my feelings are going with a person. If I like someone, they won't know it straight away. It takes me a good while to feel comfortable with showing my emotion and feelings. However, once I start to like someone, I involve myself in that person a lot. Maybe too much. 

6. What was your most embarrassing moment?

I'm sure there are a trillion that I can't remember but, I do specifically remember the one time one of my ex's announced to his whole family, that I'd been for a poo (I had), because I'd taken a long time in the bathroom. Cheers pal. More recently me and my friend were bidding farewell to some boys we met in a club, and they watched me fall down the stairs as they waved us off... yup. 

7. Whats your pet peev?

People who don't wear cycle helmets when they cycle on the road, or anywhere for that matter. People who tap. The general public. Late doctors appointments. Waiting for prescriptions. Out of date soya milk. When everyones eating cheese and I can't. Sweaty/clammy, naked cuddles. The feeling of being rained on. Bad weather on holiday. Uncomfy clothing... to name a few. 

8. What do you notice first in a person?

Probably their stature/general presence. Which sounds really weird, but I think I judge someone a lot by their body language - whether it be closed, open, slouched or proud. If they walk hunched or tall and if they make eye contact with me/attempt to make conversation or not. Aesthetic wise it's probably height & eyes in a man and makeup & skin on a woman (the things I would envy, lawl). 

9.  Whats a song that moved you to feel something?

Paolo Nutini - Loving You, reminds me of falling in love for the first time.

Maccabees - Toothpaste Kisses, reminds me of falling in lust for the first time.

Alt J - Every Other Freckle, reminds me of being in love.

Birdy - Light Me Up, reminds me of falling out of love and being interested in someone new.

Dua Lipa - New Rules, reminds me of 2016.

Naughty Boy - La La La, reminds me of the best Summer of my life so far (2013).

Of course there are a shit tonne more but, there ya go!

10. What random topic do you enjoy discussing?

Boys. No matter how much I try and detract myself away from the male species, they ALWAYS seem to crop up in topic of conversation. Whether it be memories or hes 'been a massive twat' or 'gave the best orgasm', there always seems to be something that provokes emotion and passion when it comes to boys. I think both me and my closest friends, can agree on the fact we just love talking about boys and their mystical, bellendish, wonderful ways. 

11. Whats your favourite thing to buy?

Well obviously that would without a doubt be food. A good Nando's or a tasty Waga's - you got me at 'Shall we get food?'. Second to that would probably be makeup or toiletries, I'm pretty sure Boots and Superdrug should know my name by now. 

12. What do you hope to grow out of?

I really hope to grow out of my lack of organisation and untidyness. I feel like I'm really good at initially organising myself, whether it be for a new job, a weekend away, making my room tidy, or even a night out. Yet I always end up in chaos. I seem to just lose all concept of keeping myself in check and remembering how maintaining organisation, will make the task in hand easier in the long run. (You should see my pants & socks drawers..)

13. What impression do you try to give when you first meet them?

What I try to give and what I actually portray seem to be pretty different. I think it also depends what mood I'm in. Sometimes I think I can appear pretty stand offish and shy/rude, not that I mean to be! Sometimes I'm shy and quiet Madi, and other times I'm loud, friendly, welcoming Madi. How comfortable I am in a situation usually determines which Madi I'll be that day/evening! Overall I'm a pretty friendly gal that will talk to anyone if I feel confident enough to do so. 

14. What are some things you'd like to achieve before you die?

I want to travel to as many places as possible. I don't mean travel with a backpack and see the world in a more rural and organic way (As much as I wish I could be that girl). More so that I want to have as many holidays as I can (heh). Ya girl can't deal with not having a wash or eating nice food for over 48 hours.  

15. Whats the best and worst part of your personality?

The best - I'm pretty loyal when it comes to friendships and relationships. If I'm in your life, I'm very much in your life. When I'm sad, I find I can always bring myself around in one way or another, sometimes it takes longer than others, but on the whole I'm pretty good at self healing. I like to think of myself as pretty fun, I'm always up for something new/different and I'm always wanting to experience and see new things. I'm also incredibly loving when it comes to the right people. 

The worst - I'm a pretty intense person I guess. If I get on with a certain person, I will cling to them. I'm a very personable person, I like to find out the ins and outs of that person and be by their side through pretty much everything - that goes for friendships as well as relationships! My decisions are also usually swayed by someone I admire or like, which annoys me, as I sometimes don't stand for what I want and get influenced by others! 

Phew!

Well done if you actually read that, you must be pretty nosy. (like me, don't worry ;))

I hope you enjoyed this little random post. Heres to hoping from this month my blog will start to take a turn for the more creative and exciting! PS, I kinda made this tag up myself out of a mixture of tag questions I found online - feel free to answer the questions and blog about them yourself! Tag me in them if you do. 

Thanks for reading, as always!

Madi x