What I Did On My Holiday

I thought I'd share a quick post-Christmas update. I'm home in Finland at the moment and it's such a luxury to not feel guilty about just lazing around over Christmas, as I already had my exams earlier this month. I definitely prefer December exams over January ones.

I'm still not over my mum's decision to switch to a plastic tree. I grew up with real trees in the house and will probably never learn to like the plastic variety.

I've probably eaten my entire weight in gingerbread. It's simply the best thing ever. And I'm sorry Brits, but you just don't do them like we do. At all.

Food, glorious food! We got a goodie bag from family friends and it included so many delicacies. Here's a little sample of my favourites. Snow almonds (chocolate covered almonds dusted with icing sugar) and cinnamon almonds (same, but dusted with cinnamon instead) are my absolute weakness around this time of year. We had the "toast" with cheese and fig jam the other night and they were divine. The tin of chocolates is shaped like a book and while I'm not big fan of coffee flavours, the cappuccino chocolates inside were tasty as well.

My mum likes to cover every surface in the house with candles and I have no complaints. The pine cone thing is a candle holder as well — though you can't see this in the photo (oops). It is essentially a glass dish that you can fill with seasonal decorations and has a "lid" with a row of tea lights.

Christmas is prime time for reading for pleasure (being a literature student, I generally don't have time to read for pleasure during term time — two novels a week and secondary reading is generally all I can manage). I've already finished Fangirl (which I devoured in less than a day and absolutely loved) and The Five People You Meet in Heaven (which I liked). I've started Beyond the Glass Slipper, which is a collection of lesser-known fairy tales, and I'm enjoying it so far. I got it as part of my Secret Santa gift from my flatmate who knows me so well (she also got me a Cath Kidston teapot and a red sparkly nail varnish). I'm writing my dissertation on fairy tales this coming semester so this sort of counts as research, right? The only downside is that these are the only books I took with me and I still have over a week left in Finland. A visit to my local library may happen tomorrow.

What have you got up to over the holidays?

More musings about not blogging

12 days again, dear me.

I have no excuse other than that if I have nothing to blog about, I don't blog. I didn't want to post gift guides, gift ideas or wishlists — I'm all shopped out and the idea of browsing more online shops made me shudder. I've been frantically knitting Christmas presents, buying Christmas presents, wrapping Christmas presents and doing things in aid of one day securing myself a Career in my Chosen Field. I also flew to Finland a few days ago and after a grueling 10 hours of travelling, I slumped into my 7 year-old sister's bed (she took the sofa bed in my other sister's room so that I could have a room to myself — which is nice even if it means sleeping on her miniscule bed) and haven't done much since, apart from More Christmas Presents and going to a friend's graduation party.

I'm tired. Again, and already. The only positive things I can scrape up to my mind at the moment are snow and friends who I'll be seeing more of in the coming couple of weeks. I know everyone loves being home with their family at Christmas time, but being very much moved out (I own 4 boxes in the basement and generally do not call this place 'home' anymore), I find Christmas time far from relaxing. It's a busy and loud household with my two stepsisters (7 and 9 year-old) and being used to quietness and a lot of personal space, it's a little bit of a struggle.  It's been about 4 days and I still have 16 to go.

I was going to take outfit photos, but I couldn't take my tripod with me. I still have no one to help me with photos and I've been feeling pudgy (and hence uncomfortable and terrible on camera). I haven't been to the gym properly in a few weeks, and the mix of freezing weather and festive season has meant little exercise and too much indulgent food. To top everything off nicely, today my mother pointed out that I'd, as she put it, 'gotten myself a bit of a tummy'. At the moment, I wish that I'd packed my trainers despite the possibility of overweight luggage and icy roads. Too much sitting is accompanied by not only weight gain (which I can deal with), but also with restlessness, aches and frustration (which I cannot deal with). I just want to do something.

Apparently this blog is turning into my space of clearing my head of all the negative thoughts that whirl around in there. I didn't want it to, but it seems I can't help it. Sorry. Hopefully the new year will bring more positive thoughts in its wake.

'Tis the Season

Of cold and dark, of short days and 'under no circumstances will i wear anything less than 3 layers'.

On the bright side however... I am officially on holiday! Having spent the last 24 hours recovering from the stress of the past few weeks (particularly yesterday's exam) by re-watching Torchwood, knitting Christmas presents and catching up on my Bloglovin feed, I thought I'd try to be productive today. Cook, clean, do laundry... and write a blogpost!

What I wanted to do was up together an outfit post (especially because I like my outfit today). For a multitude of reasons, that's not working out too well at the moment, so I thought I'd write about why I'm not taking outfit photos instead. Makes sense, right?

First off, I'm not feeling too inspired by my outfit photos, as they are all taken indoors, in my dark bedroom that doesn't really have any suitable background (my bookcase?). Even my wardrobe doors (which span one entire wall) are mirrored, so I can't use them as background! Rest of the house...? Well, imagine a 6-bed student flat and add to the equation that the person who spends most time in the communal areas never cleans up after themselves (in other words, the living room is probably even worse when it comes to background material). Is it wrong to say that I can't wait for University be over, just because I hate student flats and people who don't clean up after themselves?

Though I finally managed to get myself outside to the back garden, now that is off limits as well, as the downstairs neighbours (who we share the garden with) are doing some big renovation project (including their bathroom) and the garden has become a dumping ground for everything that's being thrown out. And then there is also the workmen, who keep walking in and out.

I wish I had someone who I could go out to take photos with. But at the same time, right now... it's bloody cold! I can't even type for very long in my bedroom without my fingers getting numb, let alone walk around the flat without a pair of slipper booties (thick socks alone don't work anymore). Needless to say, it is much colder outside. I can't even send a short text message without my fingers going numb — how is anyone supposed to operate a camera, let alone stand outside without a thick coat?

Dear fellow bloggers, I have a question for you (particularly if you're a student). If you live somewhere very cold, like northern Scotland, do tell me how on earth do you cope with taking outfit photos during the colder months? If you have a beautiful, well-lit living room, please do not tell me, for I might die out of sheer jealousy.

A Collective Haul: Everything

Another haul. Whoops?

I've been shopping quite a lot lately, for some reason. Really good sales? Whatever the reason, there's certainly been enough stuff for little (or not so little) hauls from H&M, ASOS, New Look and Primark... but since I was far too impatient to take photos before putting them to use, they won't be included (expect for little bits and bobs which I either haven't used yet or had managed to snap a photo of before I started wearing them).

H&M

It seems that whenever I have a discount code, I suddenly have this urgent need to go shopping! The December issue of Glamour was full of great treats, including 20% off H&M, so of course I had to go and have a little browse to see if I wanted anything. Turns out, I did!

LUSH

I got a gift card from my boyfriend's parents as a birthday present and popped in to use the rest of it. I got the Godiva shampoo bar, which I've been wanting try for ages simply because it smells heavenly (I hope it'll work as well though) and Bûche de Noël cleanser which I missed last year.

Boots

I went into Boots with the intention of buying the pencil version of Soap&Glory's Archery (£8) after hearing so many good reviews about it (I'm always looking for ways to remedy the mess that is my brows). Since Soap&Glory had a promotion that got you a free Supercat Eyeliner (£6) when you spent £12, I naturally had to take advantage of it — especially since my old eyeliner had started to dry up. I'd recently thrown my old concealer away so I decided give Kick Ass Blur and Brighten Concealer a try in shade Light (£6). Liking all three products so far!

ASOS
Okay, so these were actually from the previously mentioned old ASOS haul! I haven't worn the Cath Kidston socks yet (I'm trying to figure out a way to wear them so you can see them because TEACUPS) and I had managed to snap a photo of my beautiful rose gold Olivia Burton watch before I started wearing it (fun fact, this is my first watch since I was about 7). PS. Do also note my matching CK cushion that my friend got me for my b-day in August (she knows me well)!

The Body Shop

The Body Shop had 40% off all items (including sale) fairly recently and I decided to take advantage. No Christmas products this time, I just went all out on things that were already on sale. All of this was just about £15! In my defence, only the Early Harvest Raspberry body butter and scrub are for myself, the rest will find their way under someones Christmas tree. It may sound quite cheap to be purchasing Christmas gifts from sale, but you know what, it's nice to get more for your money when you're buying gifts as well! And of course, I'm still on student budget.

Ebay, Vinted and Depop

Forever a lover of bargains, websites like Ebay, Vinted and Depop are my best friends. I've got some particularly good deals lately and I wanted to share them with you guys.
The shoes are from Chelsea Crew, and you can get the same style from Modcloth, where they retail at $69.99. I paid £11.10 with postage on Ebay! The shoes had been worn once (from the condition of the soles, probably for a short time) and were in amazing condition. They're incredibly comfortable (I taught 2 dance classes in them immediately after receiving them) and I will definitely keep my eyes open for any others chances for snatching up Chelsea Crew shoes in the future (sorely disappointed that Modcloth's Black Friday sales didn't include any pairs I wanted haha). Love love love!

A little Cath Kidston number that is actually a skirt version of a dress that I included in a wishlist over the summer. Brand new, and only £15 (postage included) via Depop! 

And from Vinted, I got THAT red Zara dress that Zooey Deschanel wears in the New Girl intro! I happened to have enough credit to cover the entire purchase (£11.90 with postage) so it sort of felt like I got it for free — win! I've been wanting it for ages but all the ones on Ebay seem to go for ridiculous prices when you consider that they are used.

and as a final little thing...

Primark

Dumbo socks! How cute are they? I actually did a bit of a sock haul (is that a thing?) from Primark, getting some cute tights and socks to get me through the cold times. Sadly I've used all of them except for these (since these are really thin and therefore not warm enough), so I haven't pictured those haha. I'm sure my new fox tights will feature in an ootd soon though!

Have you been shopping more than usual lately (not counting Christmas presents)? The shops just seem full of things I want... Might be time for a spending ban!

This Week I Love...

It's time for the weekly favourites! I know I haven't done a weekly favourites post in a while, but since I just didn't feel like I had anything new to share, it seemed pointless. So this probably won't be an every-Friday thing anymore (not Friday today either, as it happens!), but rather just a weekly favourites when the inspiration strikes.

Bellocq Tea via A Thought For Food

Tea
I am a major tea drinker. I love loose leaf tea like nothing on this planet. But lately I've been even more obsessed, since I just visited London (again) and I got some new teas which are beyond words. Christmas teas. Specifically, 'All About Christmas' from The Tea House (Neal Street, next to Covent Garden). Oh my god. I buy it every year and I always finish the full 100g within a few months (I always have at least 20 varieties in the kitchen, so it usually takes me a while to work through a 100g — testament to how good 'All About Christmas' is). It is Christmas in a cup like nothing else.

Stitch Block Cowl by Purl Soho (via Ravelry)

Knitting
As a result of quitting my job, I find myself with a little more spare time. I've been putting this to good use by knitting Christmas presents: productivity and fun in one. I haven't had time to knit in ages and it's lovely to just sit down with my needles and a skein of wool.

Photo via LundLund

Dancing
Despite my feelings of frustration at not being able to develop myself as much as I'd like, dancing still makes me feel incredibly happy.

Raquel by Minna Parikka

High heels
It's a weird time to suddenly put on heels when it's pouring with most days of the week. But ever since I bought a pair of (comfortable) heeled booties from Primark in the beginning of November, I've been loving heels. Maybe it's the gradual transition from flat to little heels to just slightly higher heel that made the difference. I received a pair of Chelsea Crew heels in the mail the other day, wore them in my dance class and now I don't want to wear anything else. Sadly the rain means I often have to choose wellies over heels when venturing outdoors.

Above Raquel heels by Minna Parikka are my holy grail — if (and when) I get married, that's what I'll be wearing. You just wait and see.

Gingerbread Houses by Vibeke Design (via Decordots)

Christmas
There, I said it! It's less than a month to go, so I'm allowed! Despite the fact that my spirits were considerably dampened by the unhappy news that my boyfriend will not be able to join me in Finland this Christmas (the joys of military, working Christmas and New Year with no say in the matter!), I am still looking forward to snow, spicy gingerbread, plum tarts, sauna, glögg and sharing presents with friends and family. And many other things. I spent last Christmas with my boyfriend's family in the UK, so it's nice to have a familiar Christmas this year.

What are your favourites this week?
 

Another ASOS Wishlist

Who doesn't love indulging in a little "windowshopping" at ASOS? I admit I do it far too much, and I thought I'd share some of my current favourites! I like a bit of symmetry, so I have 2 dresses, 2 skirts and 2 tops to share with you. Hopefully at least a few of them will find their way into my closet — I absolutely adore the blue bejewelled number and wish I had some excuse to buy it! Sadly my current social calendar looks like it would just sit in my closet looking pretty...

ASOS Off Shoulder Jewel Jacquard Bardot Prom £85

ASOS Tapestry Beaded Skater Dress £45

ASOS Scallop Hem Skirt in Check £25

ASOS A-Line Mini skirt with Pleated Detail £25

ASOS PETITE Long Sleeve Blouse in Mono Cloud Print £36

ASOS Jumper With Lace Inserts £35

Has anything caught your eye on my list? What have you got on your wishlist?

Outfit: Wearing Self-made

I realise it's been absolute silent over here for well over a month now, and I do apologise! My boyfriend finally came back from deployment, I had essays, too many hours at work etc etc. Life, in other words, interfered.

My last post was about how tired I was and in order to concentrate on myself, my studies, health and happiness, I decided to quit my job, take a step back and think about what I wanted to do. Yesterday was my last day and I actually feel much better already, knowing I have one less thing to stress about.  I'm trying not feel so guilty about taking time to do things I enjoy (no matter how "unproductive" they are), so I'm back to blogging! 

 Dress: Handmade, Belt: Boohoo, Bag: via Vinted (Swap), Booties: Primark

I wanted to make a post about wearing my handmade knitwear and accessories. You may not know this, but I knit a lot. Which is why I never buy knit scarves, mittens or hats (and if I had more time, I would probably hardly ever buy jumpers either!). I'll probably do a post about my favourite accessories at some point, but for today I have an outfit of the day. I wore my (oldish) handknit dress (with matching socks to keep my freezing toes warm in the house!). It was a nice and bright day for the first time in absolutely ages, but since I had a lot of boring things to get done and the sun set after half three, I missed most of the best photograph time and had to take hurried photos just before the light was gone.

 I really don't understand what happens to my face when there is a camera pointed at it.

Any fellow knitters/crafters on that side of the internet?

Until next time,

Jenni