University Buys.

As I said in this post a few weeks ago, I am returning to being a student again.

I will be moving back into halls, with a shared bathroom and kitchen, I will downsizing bedrooms and living off a budget.

To prepare for my new room, I have started shopping to make it as lovely as possible as the last time at uni my room ended up a mess with unorganised photos plastered over the walls, I will not be repeating this.

Thanks to Pinterest I have a few different rooms that I want.

They're unrealistic I know, I'm in a box room with a single bed and built-in furniture, but a girl can dream, right?

Back to reality.

I have purchased a few things so far and thought it would be cool to show you guys.

I have this cushion from Primark:

It cost a whopping £4 and I think will fit in with my Shabby Chic/Parisian/Country room, with a nude cushion either side.

As I was walking to the checkout in the store, I spotted this cute heart.

And again, this broke the bank at £1.50. I haven't thought of where I'll put this in my new room, but I'm sure I'll find somewhere.

Another little find I've bought, from a small shop in Hemel Hempstead called Dolly, is this garland.

Once again this cost me £4.50 and will be my attempt to prettify my shelves. 

The last thing I have bought, even though it's not for my room, and probably the thing that has bought me much happiness (materialistic I know) is from Sainsbury's and cost £4.50

 

It's a chicken-shaped chopping board. I love it. 

If only I had a big country house.

I'm dreaming again.

Let's stop, shall we?

I'll keep you upto date with anything else I buy.

Lydia

x

Prosecco & White Chocolate Cupcakes.

I woke up one Sunday morning and decided I'd love to try alcohol in a cupcake. After a few minute flicking through Pinterest I came upon the idea of Champagne, I've taken that idea and used Prosecco as a cheaper alternative.

I think I should give out a warning that these are very strong and definitely not for those under 18.

What You'll Need For 12 Cupcakes

 For the cake:

130g plain flour
140g caster sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
40g softened salted butter
1 egg
100ml whole milk
40ml Prosecco 

10ml vanilla extract
50g white chocolate

For the Icing: 

300g icing sugar 

80g salted butter 

20ml whole milk 

60ml Prosecco 

50g white chocolate

How to make the cakes:

1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 3 or 170'c and line a muffin tray with cupcake wrappers.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together with an electric whisk.
3. Slowly add in the flour, baking powder, in a jug measure out the milk and Prosecco and then add the egg, whisking well until combined.
4. Add this mixture into the the butter and whisk until you get a smooth batter.
5. Melt the White Chocolate over a double boiler, allow to cool slightly and mix into the rest of the ingredients.
6. Separate into the cupcake cases, bake for about 20 minutes, or until they bounce back up after touch.
7. Cool for 10 minutes in the tray, then transfer to a wire rack to fully cool. 

To make the Icing:

1. Beat the butter until pale, then add in the icing sugar (cover the bowl with a clean cloth to stop a cloud of sugar) alternatively with the milk and prosecco.
2. Pour in the remaining chocolate and continue to whisk for about 5 minutes, til light and fluffy.
3. Cover the cupcakes with the icing, and enjoy! 

 

 

Lydia

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March's Dozen.

Now, it's no secret that I am a fan of Country & Western Music, I may even be a little addicted! I love the authenticity of the music, so for March, I'm doing a Country-Style-Barn Dancing-Line Dancing-Musical Dozen. So get your Stetson on and dance the night away!

Banjo-Rascal Flatts

Why Don't We Just Dance- Josh Turner

The Wind- Zac Brown Band

Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine-Billie Joe & Norah

Beat This Summer- Brad Paisley

Perfect Day- Lady Antebellum

Merry Go 'Round- Kacey Musgraves

Mama's Broken Heart- Miranda Lambert

Redneck Woman- Gretchen Wilson

One Kiss Later- Ashton Lane

Stay- Florida Georgia Line

Bless The Broken Road- Rascal Flatts

Lydia

x

A New Chapter.

I have to warn you this may take a while to read, so grab a cuppa, and a few biscuits and read on.

In my 2013 review in photos, here, I shared a photo from June, I was sat in A&E and had just found out I had fractured my ankle. Whilst I was glad I didn't need surgery, I was worried, I knew this meant big change.

 

Source

To cut a long story short, I moved home, from Cambridge 2 days later and spent 8 weeks on crutches, being signed off sick for 3 months in total. As a nursing student, this was not good news, because of the numerous placements in the hospital, and very little holidays, being fit and healthy is paramount, so there was one option... to intermit for a year.

Whilst I quickly found and started a new job in a nursing home caring for the elderly, the past 9 months have been fairly emotionally tough, constantly wanting to turn back the clock and return to my great life as a student in Cambridge. I guess I want to share some reasons why this time-out has been good for me:

• I have got out of debt! 
• Working has given me space and time to develop professionally, hopefully making me a better nurse one day.
• I have spent 9 months with my amazing dog, which is never a bad thing!
• Meeting new people in my hometown is great for my university holidays.
• This blog was born! It has been one of the best experiences of my life!

I am moving back to Cambridge in May and it's needless to say I am very excited. As in all situations, there is always time to think and make positive changes. So here are some of the things I am determined to stick to compared to my previous time at university:

• I am going to work hard, putting my all into every assignment, exam, and placement. 
• My room in halls is going to be spotlessly clean, I hope.
• I will cycle instead of using the bus.
• I will join at least 1 Society, and get involved with the ARU Student's Union.
• I will enjoy every day of living in Cambridge, and have no regrets.

So that's my plan for returning to study children's nursing. 

Here's to a new chapter in the life of Lydia (pun inteded)

Lydia

x

Liebster Award.

Well, what can I say? I've been nominated for a Leibster Award.

I am so privileged to have been nominated, I honestly never thought I would have been when I first heard of the Liebster Awards.

The Liebster Awards is not stereotypical, instead, it is about creating a community and headlighting new, and small, but growing blogs, that you love to read. I love this aspect of the awards, and I love discovering new blogs to read!

 

I would love to thank Sarah, at Not Like the Movies for nominating me. And also reminding me what the rules of the awards are.

So, here are 11 random facts about me:

1. I am in love, not with a human, but with my dog, Tilly.

2. I find it very difficult to keep my house tidy.

3. I absolutely love to sing, and won't apologise to people when I do, even though I really can't!

4. I have a blue peter badge.

5. Cambridge is my second home, and I love it.

6. I wear glasses, but never wear them in photos for the blog.

7. My first car was (still is) a Mercedes called Nugget.

8. I am currently drinking my first ever Chai tea, and thoroughly enjoying it.

9. Nursing is my passion, and I am returning to studying it in May :)

10. Last year, I became slightly addicted to Instagram, not so much now though.

11. I love cycling, but my poor bike is too rusty and broken to ride anymore.

Here are 11 questions that I have been nominated to answer:

1. When did you start your blog and why?

    I started my blog in August 2013, I think I wanted a new way to share my life and get to nosy into       other people's lives through their blogs. 

2. How did you pick your blog name?

    After weeks of blogging under a different name, I changed to The Little Life of Lydia after my           sister creating it. 

3. What do you love about your current stage of life?

    Hmm. This is difficult, but I think I love spending more time with my family and close friends             before I move away.

4. What words of wisdom would you tell your younger self?

     Probably something like 'Carry on dreaming a life, but do not be dissapointed when these dreams 

     change, everything will be fine'

5. What are 3 things you can’t live without?

        - My relationship with God, so many ups and downs, but his love is eternal.

        - The dog.

        - The internet.

6. What are 3 things on your bucket list?

     I really really want to road trip Route 66 for a month, before that I am deternined that I will

     graduate from university. Number 3 is to explore the beautiful Great Britain.

7. Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner?

    Breakfast, I love waking up naturally and cooking myself something delicious to start my day.

8.  Dog or cat person? Post a picture if you have one

     Definitely a dog person, meet Tilly:

 9. Who’s your favourite band/singer?

     I'm going to cheat here, I genuinely don't have a favourite, though I am in love with my country   

     music.

10. What’s your all-time favourite movie?

      27 Dresses. I absolutely love it!

11. How would you describe your personal style?

      'Wear what I want, rock up in whatever style'

Now to the 3rd Rule, here are my nominations:

Lucy Loves To Cook

Our Live Are An Open Blog

Sarah's Suitcase

Brass Honey

A Girl and Her Sparkles

Girl Meets Globe

The Savvy Styler

Pennies For A Pound

Excuse Me For A While

Cover Shoot

Alice Finds

Now for my 11 Questions for my lovely nominees to answer:

1) What is your favourite part of blogging?

2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you pick?

3) What is you no.1 handbag essential?

4) What do you do for a living? Do you study, work, or something else?

5) Are you a tea or coffee drinker? 

6) What is your favourite type of tea or coffee?

7) What is the first thing you do when you get home from work?

8) What is your idea of a perfect day?

9) What social media site if your favourite?

10) If you were allowed only one beauty product, what would you choose?

11) Who are your blogging inspirations?

I hope you have enjoyed this post, I definitely think you should check out the blogs listed above.

I would love to read other Liebster Award posts, so send me your links!

Lydia

x

Is It Spring Yet?

I don't know about you but I am extremely bored of winter, the cold weather, the rain, the wind. The only good thing is the beautiful sunny days we get, but even then we have to wrap up in coats and gloves.

I have been dreaming of Spring for a while now, and have decided to share some outfits for the next season, and of course, I have made these outfits plus-size friendly! 

Outfit 1:

Perfect for a Sunday morning walk by the river, a busy afternoon in lectures, or for a casual day in the office. 

Plain white T-shirt, £4 by George at Asda.

Navy & White Striped Blazer, £14 by George at Asda.

Dark Blue Skinny Jeans, £12.99 by New Look.

Navy Espadrilles, £19.99 by Flossy at Office.

Navy Chain Necklace, £9.99 by New Look.

Taupe Leather Satchel, £104 by The Leather Satchel Co.

Outfit 2:

I love the simplicity of this jumper, it's great for a shopping trip, or for late spring evening.

Red And Navy Jumper, £28 by Junarose at Asos.

Handbag, £39.50 by Marks & Spencer.

Dark Blue Skinny Jeans, £12.99 by New Look.

Navy Espadrilles, £19.99 by Flossy at Office.

Outfit 3:

This outfit boasts class, filled with preppy essentials such as the beautiful London Tan Satchel, from the Leather Satchel Company. Perfect for a Spring lunchtime date away from the office.  

Belted Skirt, £17.50 by Asos.

Brogues, £54.99 by Clarks.

London Tan Satchel, £90 by The Leather Satchel Company.

White Shirt, £29.50 by Evans.

Cream Trench Coat, £45 by Marks and Spencer.

Lydia

x

A Saturday Morning's Walk.

Over the weekend I drove out to the Oxfordshire countryside with my sister & mum. I decided to take my new camera, the Canon 1100d, and share the photos with you.

The Aston Rowant Nature Reserve is placed just above the M40 at Junction 5. 

After parking the car, we headed down one of the many trails. This is what we found: 

The views are pretty incredible.

I wondered how many people travelled past us whilst we sat being blustered by the wind.

We headed back past car and through the woods. Tilly, the dog, had so much fun sniffing around the bottom of the trees. 

The sunshine peeping through the trees warmed our hearts. Dreaming of the summer.

 

 

We made full use of the split-trees from the recent storms.

 

The fallen trees had attracted people to chop up the wood, we were thinking of heading back to chop some up for the kitchen. 

We decided against it.

 

 

Tilly was hoping for some treats as a reward for being such a good model.

She got one.

 

We headed home, washed down the boots, the dog, and ourselves and cooked up some pancakes before settling down on the sofa for the afternoon. 

A pretty good Saturday in my opinion. 

Lydia

x