TRAVEL DIARIES: EDINBURGH, FT. MY FIRST EVER VLOG

This year I had the pleasure of spending my 25th birthday in Edinburgh, during the Fringe Festival. Technically speaking, me and Christina didn't really know the festival was in a swing as full as it was. We're not the biggest fan of crowds (and I have to admit, it made taking photos and recording videos so bloody hard!), so navigating a new city while trying to wade our way through the crowds wasn't the best. However, I absolutely loved Edinburgh and the snippet I got of its cute little town centre. I love architecture that has a medieval/gothic feel, so Edinburgh topped one of the most aesthetically pleasing places I've visited so far.

FIRST OFF...

On the first day we decided to mooch around and get our barings (would we be truly British if we didn't?) I definitely took the most photos this day (be prepared for a heavily infused photo post) - but I did get to take my new camera with me! I'm literally in love, (Panasonic, Luimx G DC-GX800). So a lot of these photos are me just playing around (don't expect the profesh photographer in me to come out just yet.)

Our first taste of Edinburgh architecture was just as beautiful as expected. I'm a sucker for all things gothic/medieval looking so getting to walk through the cobbled streets and winding paths was a treat for the eyeballs. The only thing we weren't such fans of was the incredibly steep hills that we seemed to find ourselves walking over/up, every single day. (Also, as you can see, Edinburgh was PACKED the entire time we were there due to the Fringe Festival!). We stopped in a cute little cafe/restaurant called 'Hula', which claimed to have tonnes of Vegan and Gluten free options so obviously we had to have a gander. When I was in Edinburgh I kind of forgot how the prices would be similar to London, considering its the Capital of Scotland, this small bowl of salad cost us nearly £8! Tasty all the same though.

Next we decided to walk to Edinburgh Castle, to immerse ourselves in some true Scottish culture to kick of our trip. We came across this wicked restaurant, which of course I had to stop and take photos of. I kinda wish we ate in there now! Peering through the windows the decor looked just as cool as the exterior. 

I feel like these are the photos that really gave the true detail of my new camera. I. am. obsessed. literally every photo I took I'd be like 'Christina, LOOK. HOW.', I was pretty much like a grandma with a new camera phone. Bless me. Although the pretty hefty entry fee, Edinburgh castle didn't fall short of things to see/learn about. There were tonnes of different rooms you could explore, history to read up on, whiskey to taste, and views for miles and miles. 100% Recommend a visit!

BIRTHDAY DAY!

We decided to visit the 'Whiskey Experience' considering it just felt right, considering the fact me and Christina have both been to the Guinness factory in Dublin, and the Heinekin Museum in Amsterdam! Again, pretty pricey, but awesome all the same. The 'experience' was fairly short, but it did include a ride, a free glass, a little education session, and of course a big taste of Scottish whiskey. (Christina hated it, I finished hers). All very impressive, just wish it was longer! 8.5/10.

The day of my actual birthday was super cute. Christina woke me up with a Youtube special version of the 'Happy Birthday Song', a peppermint tea, and a card & presents. We got ready, had some breakfast, and headed out.. for some more breakfast - naturally. We had to be out of our accommodation for 11am (pretty early for the Christina, Madi duo when we're on holiday), so we ended up visiting an awesome cafe called 'Lutons' (I think?), they had soOoOo many vegan options. Including these AMAZING pancakes, that were made without egg/milk/wheat, had chocolate chips in, were covered in a strawberry sauce, topped with bananas and strawberries. I was in heaven. Christina opted for the Vegan breakfast, which she also said was smashing. (Again, pretty pricey, but legitimately worth it, for a birthday treat especially.)

PS - I actually made my first little vlog of this trip! Its nothing special, and it was SO hard to film considering there were people EVERYWHERE at ALL times. *rolling eyes emoji*
However it was my very first time editing such content, and I hope you enjoy! Heres to improving my skills and posting more videos in the future!

Thanks for reading, as always!
Madi x

HAPPINESS LEVEL, 100%

How did I not realise that it was International Day of Happiness, until the very end of the day? Seeing the odd post on Twitter is what spurred me on to write this post this evening. 

I love thinking about what makes me happy. It almost makes me want to experience it all at once and relish in the feeling. My nan always speaks to me about happiness, and that ultimate moment where you feel and think to yourself, 'this must be it, this is happiness'. Feelings I get when singing (shouting) with Christina, lyrics of our favourite song in the car, when Theo actually snuggles himself into me and presses his nose against mine, or when I'm surrounded by my nearest and dearest, tucking into a glass of Prosecco. 

Heres a little list of things that make me the most happy:

I. Waking up to sunshine. 

Who doesn't love that? my favourite days are when I've had an exhausting week at work, the weather has been dull and miserable and I've spent the best part of the week dashing too and from my car - Sloshing my travel cup of Earl Grey absolutely everywhere, trying to put my hood up and trying to fish for the pound for my locker in my pocket, all at the same time. 6.50am multitasking at its very finest. Waking up to sunshine beaming through my window, makes me not bothered to get out of bed early, it makes me inspired, creative, excited for the day. Please stay forever Mr Sun :( 

II. Good Breakfasts.

I have to admit, I am one of those people that actually wakes up dreaming about breakfast. Especially if I've bought something new to try/have a current favourite. At the moment I'm loving Coconut and Cocoa Nib porridge from Sainsbury's. Add in a little extra oats, (come on, who are those small packets actually big enough for), toss in some Blueberries or Pomegranate seeds, add some Chia seeds & honey, and you've got yourself not only an Instagram worthy treat, but something healthy and wholesome to kickstart the day.

III. That fresh shave feel.

Come on ladies, you know what I'm talking about here. N O T H I N G (ok maybe some things..), feels better than freshly shaved, freshly moisturised leggums. Slipping into some soft cotton PJ's, or roaming free/starfishing/one leg in, one leg out, in my Egyptian cotton bed sheets - UH. HUH. HONEY. 

IV. My friends.

I don't have a lot of friends, I never really have! Unless you count Myspace in 2008... However, the friends I do have, I really do adore. I have friends from when I was 4, 14, 17 and 21. Each and every one, special in their own unique way, have helped me without even knowing it, and made me feel good when I've felt my worst. LOVE YA GUYS AND GALS <3 

V. Buying new shoes, that are actually comfortable.

Best. Thing. Ever. I have the WORST feet when it comes to fitting shoes. They're narrow, slim, small, and all kinds of AWKWARD. Can I wear cute slip on shoes? no. Can I wear saucy stiletto heels? no. 

My best buys are heels that I can wear all night, or trainers I can wear with no jip. Shout out Vans Mono ISO 1.5. You da bestest.

VI. Having good skin days.

Those who know me, will know my change in mood/goals/aspiration/life, when I have good skin. When I went to Rome last year, the sun cleared my eczema up entirely. Its a kind of bliss I can't even describe when my skin is good. Don't get me wrong its pretty good majority of the time, now I'm on my medication, but being completely clear, able to wear a spot of fake tan,  frolic freely in any item of clothing I want to wear, showing any part of my body I want - is just awesome. 

VI. My pooch, Theo.

If you follow me on any form of Social Media, you'll know I am completely besotted with my pup, Theo. I got Theo when I was in a really bad place, and he seemed to turn everything around for me. I love watching him run around on walks, receiving his gentle puppy kisses, and letting me carry him around the house like a baby. 

VII. Perfectly constructed roast dinners.

You know the ones. Perfect fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside roasters. The perfect ratio of solids to gravy. A good array of vegetables, and of course a decent amount of sauce options. 

(My personal favourites are Racks, The Badminton Arms, Fox and Hounds, and a couple of my ex's mums. BANTER.)

VIII. Travelling.

Ah, that feeling of stepping off an aeroplane and into a different place to where you started. When people say pretentious things like 'travelling feeds the soul', or 'travelling has changed me' etc. I have to agree. The best way to get over life's stresses, or if you're feeling at a stand still. Opening your eyes to new culture, experiencing new foods, people, and adventures. An addiction I wish I had more funding for!

IX. Good quality clothes.

100% organic cotton? perfect cut? snug in all the right places? lose in all the right places? flattering? expensive look and feel? Soft to the touch? SOLD.

X. Youtube.

Youtube is my escape. Every single night without fail I watch some of my Youtube favourites. I'm a sucker for daily vloggers, travel vloggers, beauty guru's and style documenters. 

XI. Driving through the country.

This has to be a new found love. What with my snazzy new car, being able to put my foot down and it actually MOVE. Driving through the winding roads of the countryside is so freeing, especially when the appropriate music is playing and the weather is the perfect mixture of blue skies and flashes of bright sunlight through the trees. 

What makes you happy? 

Its humbling to know I could actually make an even longer list than this - but if you made it even this far - well done. I'm not the biggest fan of a big rambly post with minimal photographs. (PS The photo for this post was taken last Summer in the Longleat House flower garden!)

Thanks for reading, stay happy!

Madi x