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

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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

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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

Bluegrass BBQ.

A few friends and I went out for dinner to celebrate a birthday.

We headed to our favourite new restaurant in town: Bluegrass BBQ, where meat is slow-roasted for up to 18 hours. And the atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back with Folk and Country & Western music playing in the background.

The team in the kitchen include the only 'non-American Grand Champion of the Jack Daniels Invitational BBQ contest.'

Oh Yes.

It sounds good, doesn't it?

We headed straight to the burgers, I ordered the BBQ Chicken Hot Deli Sandwich.

 

The stripped chicken is placed in a toasted Brioche bun on a pile of lettuce & tomatoes, topped with Bluegrass's own cheese. 

It tastes seriously good.

Matt ordered the Pulled Pork.

 

 

All of the meals come served on plastic trays with handfuls of chips thrown on. 

Each table has its homemade, special sauces, no ketchup here!

 

These include my favourite, the Carolina, an amazing, sauce with hints of mustard.

Now, back onto the meat.

 

Lisa and Tim both ordered the Bluegrass Burger, topped with cheese.

The chips are cooked skin-on with plenty of seasoning. 

 

I think I'll stop with all these food photos, before I get too hungry!

If you're ever in South Buckinghamshire, I definitely recommend taking a trip to Bluegrass BBQ. 

 Lydia

x

 

In The Jungle.

Over the weekend I headed over to a friend's house for her '21+1' party. As you may guess by the title of this post, the theme was JUNGLE.

I love fancy dress.

Unfortunately I was running late (as usual) so was unable to get an outfit photo. However, I did wear a leaopard print dress, black heels, and leopard print make-up. 

 The house was really relaxed, with dark rooms, with plenty of disco balls.

 

One of the many outfits on display. I think onesies were a God-send for a few people! 

David, one of 2 Giraffes, and Hannah, the wonderful birthday girl!

 We were loving the pair of Giraffes. So easy!

 

I think these guys may have had practice of their posing, or it may be slightly worrying!

After a few hours of dancing, games, posing, and much more it was time for the cake.

Hannah was looking lovely as a jungle girl.

  I loved this, writing birthday wishes on a large canvas, something I'd love to have and read years on.

We finished the evening on large sofas, playing mind-twisting games before heading home, and straight to bed.

I'd love to thank Hannah for such a lovely night.

Lydia 

x

The Best Coffee & Walnut Cake.

Ever since she came on BBC, I have loved Nigella Lawson and her cooking, a lot! During a very busy week, I had an afternoon off and decided I would try her Coffee & Walnut Cake, and I am glad I did.

I have changed this recipe slightly so the cake is milder. 

Start by pre-heating your oven to Gas Mark 4/180°C/350°F, and greasing/lining two 8 inch tins.

Blitz 50g Walnut Pieces and 225g Caster Sugar in a food processor to a fine powder.

In a bowl, mix 225g Unsalted Butter with 200g Plain Flour, adding in 2 Teaspoons of Instant Coffee dissolved in 1 Tablespoon of Boiling Water. 

Continue mixing and slowly add in 2.5 Teaspoons of Baking Powder, 1/2 Teaspoon of Bicarbonaate of Soda, 4 Large Eggs, and 2 Tablespoons of Milk.

Mix into a smooth batter.

Divide this mixture into 2 tins and bake for 25 minutes, or until they bounce up after gently touching them.

To make the icing, whisk 175g of Unsalted Butter until smooth. Slowly add in 350g Icing Sugar, to avoid a cloud of powder add 2-3 tablespoons at a time. 

Towards the end, add in 2.5 Teaspoons of Instant Coffee in 1 Tablespoon of Boiling Water. 

Spread the Icing on the cakes, and layer, decorate with 10 Walnut Halves.

Enjoy!

Lydia

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