How have I changed over the last 5 years?

Five years ago I had just turned 17, I was in my first year of college. I had literally no idea what I was doing, and to be honest I still don't. I was surrounded by some really good people that sadly I'm no longer in contact with. I was very naive and my view of the world was very uninformed.

In Febuary 2013 I travelled to The Gambia. It was a really eye-opening experience and I saw the world in a new light. I got to try new foods, visit new places and spend time with people that I had never met before. Back in October 2013 my life took a turn, and I went through an experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone. It is only now that I have actually been able to come to terms with what happened and the effect that it has had on my life since.

I become extremely vigilant and scared of the world. I've struggled to trust anyone and closed myself off to the people around me. My confidence dropped and it left me feeling like I wasn't able to achieve anything that I wanted to. Even the simplest tasks became impossible.

Not long after that I started dating my current boyfriend, Luke. He through out everything has been my main supporter. I'm so grateful for him being there for me when I was unable to talk; as well as when  I was ready to. We have now been together for almost 4 years and I'm excited to see what the future has in store for us.

Now, I feel like I've learnt a hell of a lot since then and it's been a roller coaster. Only now do I feel like I am in a place where I can work towards the future. In the last few months I have started regular attending Church which is something that I have really come to enjoy and it gives me a sense of comfort. I am also hoping to start therapy to help me work towards rebuilding my confidence. I am determined to not let that horrible experience not determine who I am or my future.

The last five years have very difficult at times but also full of amazing memories. I'm excited to see what the next five years bring!

Summer Primark Haul

With the warmer weather approaching it only seemed right to get some new Summery clothes and where better than Primark? I have loved Primark since I was a young teen and they are definitely still my favourite when it comes fun seasonal fashion pieces.I went into Primark hoping to find new tops or shirts, new sandals and hopefully some new swimwear.  They didn't disappoint.

 I've noticed recently that embroidery has really been in style whether it be shirts or jeans and I think it's gorgeous. So when I came across this black and white Gingham vest-style top with pink embroidery I was in love. It's definitely the kind of top I can dress up or down. It costs £8. I also fell in love with this white flute shirt, with rose embroidery. Whilst it's not something I would normally buy I thought the design was absolutely beautiful and definitely something I could see myself wearing; for £10 it was a bargain too!

Next on my list was new swimwear. I really struggle to find swimwear that I love and that fits me well but when I saw this bikini I fell in love with the pattern. A lot of the Primark bikinis come in lots of different styles within the same pattern so you have the option to mix and match styles for your body type. After trying on multiple styles I decided on the Ruffle top with the bottoms with cut-outs.The top was £6, and the bottoms £4. I was unable to find any sandals that I liked but I did find a pair of flip flops. They are pink with gold pineapples and will be perfect for my Summer holidays. Since they only cost £2 I don't mind if they get super scratched or anything either. Lastly is accessories. I love to buy a new pair of sunglasses every year as they are so cheap and my last pair always ends up broken or scratched up. This year I stepped out of my comfort zone and instead of the normal aviators I got a pair that were actually the one on my Spring Fashion Inspiration post and more of a retro style.

I love everything I got and I hope to get so much wear out of it this Summer! Is there anything I should keep my eye out for next time I'm in Primark?

Afternoon Tea Party - On a Budget!

Every year my boyfriend and I hold a little gathering to celebrate his Mum's Birthday. Party planning is my thing and so as you can expect I like to go all out. This year I decided to do an Afternoon tea party. Since we have recently become super frugal and all about saving money we decided to do it on a budget. I actually think it turned out a lot better than other years when had spent more money, so it definitely shows you don't need to spend a lot of money in order to throw a good party.

 Poundworld have recently brought out the prettiest summer range and it was exactly what I had in mind, I love the pink ombre and the polka dots! Super appropriate for a tea party. Really good value too, you get 24 Cups, 20 Plates 12 Bowls and 24 Napkins and 20 bunting flags. So altogether it only costs us £5 and we have lots left over! There is also straws and ice cream bowls in the same range but I own way too many straws already, and I couldn't find a use for the ice cream bowls. The tablecloth was £2 and the confetti £1, they were both from Asda.

As for the food, for sandwiches we had; egg mayo, tuna cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese and cheese and ham. We also had sausage rolls, handmade quiches, crisps, scones, mini cakes, battenbergs, and french fancies. As for the Birthday cake I decided to something a bit different and made a giant scone filled with cream and jam. Party food can be really expensive but since we wanted to keep the costs as low as possible we took advance of things we already had in the cupboard or freezer. I'm also bought food from the Smartprice range; the sausage rolls were 50 for 88p, and the crisps 192g for 59p(  (you would never know they were that cheap!) The cakes were on offer, and altogether we were able to spend under £10 on it all. We had lots of leftovers too! 

I hope this helps if you plan on throwing a party, and gives you some ideas.