5 Days In Barcelona - Top Things To Do

Before lockdown started I was having a pretty good 2020. I started it off in Barcelona with my boyfriend and his family, then went to (a very cold and shut down) Ibiza for an induction week with my new job and finally, just before all the craziness happened my boyf and I headed for a lovely 5 day holibobs in Disneyland Paris. 

It just made sense for me to get back into the swing of blogging again by writing about Barcelona because it was beaut (I have to say I do really miss the days when doing a simple makeup review on your blog was a popular thing though). Hopefully this will be helpful for when all this craziness has stopped and people are able to go abroad safely and easily. 

What I found funny about Barcelona is that it is kind of a mini Paris? It has it's own version of the Arc de Triomphe, it's own version of Champs-Élysées - Las Ramblas, in a way it has it's own version of the Eiffel Tower - La Sagrada Familia - and then loads of beautiful architecture by Gaudi.  I do think that I would love to come back when it's warmer as obviously, it was not the warmest in December! So anyway, here are some of my favourite locations for pictures and just a little bit about what we got up to. 

La Sagrada Familia 

Probably one of the most stunning buildings I have ever seen? We didn't manage to get into this building as it was fully booked and very popular. But you can see why as it is absolutely stunning. If you head round to the side there is a little park with a lake which is a great spot for photos. Just make sure you do go a bit earlier as it's a prime tourist destination so you will end up with unwanted people in your photos! 

Casa Vicens

I believe this is one of the least popular and well known Gaudi museums. It is actually the first house Gaudi designed and it was so incredibly beautiful. Warm tones, loads of greenery and beautiful tiling. We went in the afternoon and it was really empty, although it is quite small though. I also had to wait for people to move so we could get photos, but nonetheless it was such a beautiful house. 

Park Güell

Designed by Gaudi for Eusebio Güell, this park has some of the most beautiful mosaic work and architecture (apparently). The park has two sections - the part with the mosaic work and architecture which you pay to get into and then the part outside that where you can still see beautiful views of Barcelona. We made the mistake of not booking a ticket so when we got there it was sold out (another reason to go back!). Instead we did the free part and did a super long walk around it and enjoyed the views. 

Casa Batlló

Another one of Gaudi's buildings which is so so stunning. Even though we arrived early to take pictures there was still a massive queue of people outside waiting to go in which sadly ruined it. However, it is still one of my favourite pictures as the architecture and design speaks for itself! 

Arc De Triomf 

Yes so believe it or not, this looks exactly like the one in Paris apart from the brick is red and not white. If you can get the angle right and there are no annoying people in the way it makes a great little photo spot! 

Other recommendations:

- Gothic Quarter 

- Olympic Stadium

- Barcelona Cathedral

- Casa Milà

- Las Ramblas

- Barcelona Zoo

- Columbus Monument 

The Instagram Guide for Walt Disney World & Universal Studios Orlando 2019

I cannot believe that just over three weeks ago I was sat basking in the glorious 30 degree heat in Orlando, strolling around the Disney parks and now I'm back in the UK waking up to cold and rain outside my bedroom window. Lovely jubbly. Don't get my wrong, I'm so excited for Autumn and Winter now but could have done with a bit more sunshine instead of rain. 

Before we set off for Orlando this year, as well as planning my outfits for the parks each day I was also planning where I was going to take pictures (you may think that's a bit sad but my Instagram feed says otherwise!). Even if you didn't want a killer Instagram feed then at least you'll have the cutest pictures to look back on from the trip, so really it's a win win situation.

Disney happens to be one of the prettiest and photogenic places in the entire world so I thought I would show you all some of the most instagrammable places to take photos while you're there. 

Magic Kingdom - The Cinderella Castle 

Obviously the Disney castle's are iconic, whether it is a picture of the castle itself or in front of the castle, it's still magnificent and makes the prettiest backdrop. If you're like me and my family and you're more concerned about getting on the rides as soon as you get to the park because it means less queueing time, if you head to the side of the castle by the green areas you can get a cute picture in front of the castle without all the people ruining the shot! These are actually some of my favourite photos ever taken and I'm so glad I coordinated my ears and my dress, don't even feel lame about it! 

Magic Kingdom - Main Street USA, Confectionary Store

One of the highlights of visiting Magic Kingdom is walking down Main Street USA and finally seeing the castle in the middle of the street. Obviously everything is beautiful but my fav store is the Confectionary Store which is pastel blue and pink, everything inside is adorable and looks delicious. Even though I didn't buy anything from here I'm still so obsessed with the exterior.

Epcot - The Italy Pavillion

The theming in Italy is so beautiful and actually has the best food at Via Napoli. Unfortunately my dad isn't the best photographer and cropped the head off Neptune so I wasn't best pleased but the photo still looks so cute.

Epcot - The French Pavillion

The French Pavillion is so cute as well. Round the back is L'artisan Des Glaces with the best ice cream and brioche bun ice cream sandwiches which are actually so yum. But how pretty, the walls inside are pastel blue aka dreamy.

Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard 

So basically, this is such a good location for photos if you're with people who are decent photographers - and my brothers are not. The Hollywood Tower of Terror and the palm trees look so cool, and the tower is pink so yano perfect for the gram. However, my pictures did not turn out so good as they think two pictures is enough to choose from.

Animal Kingdom - Mount Everest 

As you approach Expedition Everest there's the cutest photo location which overlooks everest and the lake where Rivers of Light takes place in the evening. The mountain makes for the most beautiful backdrop.

Universal Studios - Diagon Alley 

There's just something so magical about turning the corner and walking onto Diagon Alley. I had the most insane ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream - salted caramel with blondie chunks yum - and Gringotts Bank makes the best backdrop. Sugarplums Sweet Shop is also a pink dream, even though I didn't take a pic in front of it because Diagon Alley was rammed, it's still so pretty!

Walt Disney World Balloons

Of course, the Disney balloons will always have a place in my heart, they're so beautiful - on there own or as part of a picture. 

So there you have it, the best places for photos at WDW and Universal Studios Orlando. Let me know if there are any hidden gems as I can't wait to go back!

Getting Out Of A Toxic Relationship

Whether it be a family member who is toxic (which are seemingly difficult to shake and manage as sometimes you want to maintain some sort of relationship with them), or a friendship, I feel like the most common toxic relationship is a romantic one. The trouble is, when you're in that relationship it's difficult to tell that you're the one in it. Your friends and family can tell and most of the time won't say anything to you or when they do you're in complete denial. It might be familiarity that keeps you in it, or a fear that you won't be fine on your own, or maybe even your judgement is clouded as your feelings are so strong that you fail to see that you're actually unhappy. I'm not sure which one it was with me, but the happiness I feel not being with this person is extraordinary like a weight being lifted off my shoulders and an I can actually breath again.

I just wanted to write a post about my ex boyfriend of 5 years, in a hope that other women may feel empowered enough, have enough confidence in themselves and confidence in their gut instincts to do something about it and leave a toxic relationship. To be honest, I wrote this post over a month ago but when I initially wrote it, it came from a place of anger so I've chopped and changed a lot of what was written. I had found myself in an awful position where the guy I had been in a relationship with for 5 years, had been in a relationship with another woman for the last year of ours. Better yet, they had conceived a child while we were together and that child has now been born. While we have been broken up for quite some time and I've most definitely moved on, I can't help but feel betrayed. After all, he was official with another woman while he was sat at my dinner table with my family, showed me pictures from his holidays and bought us the exact same gifts.

To continue with the story, after finding out about the baby and after I posted on my blogging Instagram account about the situation, the woman who has had his baby ended up seeing. I never in a million years thought that she would have seen my post as my blogging name is entirely different from my personal private account where I go by my nickname, nor did I know that she knew of me as his ex. Of course, life has a funny way of working out and she did see the post and ended up messaging me. It was a nice message and we both ended up sharing details and I feel so enlightened knowing the truth.

On one of their many date nights, I had messaged like normal and she had seen. She asked him who I was and he said I was his crazy ex. He then saved his work phone number on his personal phone with my name and messaged it asking not to contact him again. He then proceeded to message back pretending to be me and showed it to the other woman. He also went on several holidays with her during the time we overlapped. Where ever they went he would still message me as if he was in the UK and would adhere to the UK time zone. I now know that he would message me while he was on the toilet so the other woman did not see.

After the other woman got in contact and I answered her questions and she mine, he messaged me. I have to say he had no right to do so and it was a horrible message where he said how all I was doing was getting revenge - quite laughable as karma already saw to that.

I do not particularly care what my ex is doing now or ever, nor do I wish him unhappiness despite how he has treated me and will continue treating women as I truly believe that he is a creature of habit. In fact, I do not wish him anything at all, instead I wish for others to be able to at least recognise they are in something toxic so that they can take the first steps in leaving.

However, my reasons for ending our relationship did not come from me finding out about his cheating and deceitful lies. It came from me because I realised that I was better than the relationship; he was not providing me with any happiness and I was wasting my valuable time and money on something that did not make me happy. It is so difficult to leave something when you are so familiar with it and as he was my first boyfriend I simply did not know any better. He was someone who was never happy for me or my achievements, who belittled me and discouraged me from succeeding.

I think people need to realise that you will be fine on your own. I cannot stress this enough. You do not need to rely on other people for your own happiness.

Anyway, this was quite a personal post so I hope you have enjoyed reading it and that it helps others who may be in the same situation.

Dress: Pretty Little Thing

Instagram: Amelia Lottie

My Night Time Beauty Essentials

Sometimes I feel like skincare doesn't get enough recognition. It might be because the packaging isn't as beautiful as a YSL compact, and maybe products just become so integrated into our routines that we use them by habit and forget how fab they are.

When I actually took a min to look into it, I use quite a few products before going to sleep, most of which I keep in my bedside table draw and apply whilst sitting in bed. Although, one of them needs a more accurate application but it's a life saver so while we're on the topic, my acne lifesaver products comes in the form of a tiny bottle which is the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. For anyone who is suffering from any form of break out, or simply one little pesky spot, this little magic product has you covered. It really does what it says, completely dries the spot out. You need to apply it with a cotton bud, and it's a pink sediment that then dries once applied. It's honestly phenomenal and I couldn't recommend it enough! 

Before applying any spot treatments I always moisturise. My favourite and go-to product at the moment is the Clinique Moisture Surge. It's a gel formula and sinks into the skin really nicely. I also use this in the morning before applying my makeup and it's just a really lovely product that leaves my skin feeling hydrated which is 100% needed. 

Speaking of hydration, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is a miracle life saver. I cannot explain how nice this is as a glorified lip balm. For anyone who has dry chapped lips, ditch the cheap lip balms, this will literally save you. I put this on before I go to sleep and my lips always feel soft in the morning without a doubt. I feel like it also sorts out the corners of my lips as they can get really sore in warm/cold weather, so it's just an essential at this point. (I'd also like to point out that I've had this one tube for a year now and it's still going strong!). 

Now onto the lavender scents. I always find that lavender is a really soothing scent and helps aid sleep and helps me to unwind. The Lush Sleepy Body Lotion isn't strictly a simple lavender scent but it's you can smell it amongst some other ingredients but it does smell lovely. I seem to be applying this a lot recently, especially because it's been so hot and I am very very pale so I like to fake tan, gotta keep everything nice and silky smooth! If you're in need of another moisturiser, the Lush Sympathy For The Skin which smells like vanilla banana custard, is incredible. 

Finally, I like to spray the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray or the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray Plus (which is just a strong scent) for when I'm feeling super stressed and need to chill out. I feel like the scent is very soothing and makes me feel like I'm at a spa so it definitely helps me to relax and zonk out. 

I don't know if these products just have a placebo effect or whether it's just the lavender scent in them working but they're all my night time essentials and I hope you've enjoyed reading this post! 

Til next time xxx

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Goals for 2018

Hola angels! Happy (late) New Year and welcome to my first post of 2018 which should come as no surprise, is all about my goals for twenty eighteen. I may have taken a little break with my blogging over December as I have been overrun with university deadlines so obviously you have to prioritise these things. It's actually really annoying because it means that I have to watch my lil blog take a little hiatus/a victim of neglect (sorry lil blog). So anyway on with my five goals for 2018! 

Number One - Get a first class honours in my university degree

So I put this one at the beginning of my list because I see this as the most important for me right now. I've worked really hard this semester and it's reflected in my grades (which included doing group projects by myself). I'd also love to be the first member of my family to get a first so fingers crossed for me and my brain. 

Number Two - Have a healthier outlook on life 

This is something I've really struggled with recently because my way of coping with stress is by binging and the amount of sugar I've been consuming just isn't healthy. So one of my goals for 2018 is actively trying to change this and have a healthier outlook on life where food isn't the be all and end all everyday. 

Number Three - Post more content on my blog 

Obviously, this stems into what was mentioned before about having to prioritise university work, but I'd love to be posting more frequently because I love the creative process that blogging entails. 

Number Four - Stop comparing myself to other people

I know this is really difficult because part of being human is that naturally we consciously and subconsciously compare ourselves and our achievements to other people. Obviously, this isn't any way to achieve happiness and that's something I'd like to work on this year even though I know this going to be one of the hardest goals from this list as I do it without even noticing. 

Number Five - Think more positively 

I think this one goes with the positive vibes only moral I want to adopt for this year and here on in. I can be quite dramatic about the smallest situation which, in a bigger perspective is actually nothing to be sad or worry about. So, 2017 you took all the negative vibes and drama with you because 2018 is the year of being positive. 

I think sometimes when you overcomplicate your goals it becomes too much, so for me I feel like these are quite doable by keeping them simple. I hope 2018 is amazing for everyone and you achieve all your goals! 

Til next time xxx

The Instagram Guide To Disneyland Resort California & 10 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Day

Okay, it's no secret that I'm a massive Disney fangirl but this place, while it is magical, is an instagrammers dream. I mean cmon, everything is so so beautiful. So here are my top places to take photos in Disneyland California main park (we didn't make it to the other one, maybe one day). So here are my top places to take pictures for those dreamy instagram pictures and tips for making the most of your day there. Be warned, this is such a long post but I lavvvv it! (Also how cute is the flatlay I took for this post - it's literally made of dreams). 

The Entrance

Yup that's right, as soon as you get into the park there's a great photo opportunity - but try and get one without people in the way because let me tell you, it's a prime photo spot. 

Main Street 

Main Street is an absolute dream for taking pictures of those cutesy little shop pictures as the exteriors are adorable. You will probably some of the characters walking around here, as you can see I saw Donald (very exciting) although I didn't get a picture with him - le cry. But I love how American looking the theming is and the attention to detail is incredible. 

The Castle 

I mean, it goes without saying that the castle is absolutely beautiful and is a gold mine for taking photos. I will say that this one is tiny compared to all the others, but it was the first one ever made so bare that in mind. I captured these cute little snaps of the castle from the side - i.e. where there are less people getting in my way hahaha - and I love the flowers and little trees as it makes it look even more magical. 

FantasyLand 

Obviously, FantasyLand is the place to be for those cute ride photos, in particular, the magic tea cups, Dumbo, It's a Small World and the Carousel look amazing for the gram (and I did see Belle on the carousel and had a lil fangirl moment, it wasn't Emma Watson but still).

The Balloons 

I believe the balloons come out towards the evening when the parades and fireworks are approaching and they look beautiful in photos. 

Cute Shops & Cafes 

I mean how cute are these little cafes and shops, can't be dealing. The only annoying thing is that trying to get a picture without people in it is such a challenge, I'm like hello excuse me, just trying to take some nice pictures and you're ruining them plz move thx. 

Walt Disney & Mickey

And finally, the iconic duo. No explanations needed for this.

'I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse.' - Walt Disney

So that's is for the first part of this post onto the next part... 

10 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Day

I come from a family who love Disney and we frequently visit the park in Paris so obviously a trip to California meant we had to head over to Anaheim and visit the original park. I think it's a must do thing anyway considering it's so close and obvs, why wouldn't you want to go?!

If you're going in the summer holiday months, we went in July, it's considered to be peak time. I wasn't really sure what to expect but on the day we went it was okay and it wasn't too hectic. I think the thing with this park is the streets are a lot smaller, compared to the other Disney parks, so it can feel a lot more crowded. So anyway, here are my top tips to making the most of a day trip to Disneyland Resort California.

No.1 Do one park 

If you're not going on a Disney holiday or you don't have the time to spend two days there I would recommend just doing one park instead of buying a hopper ticket and trying to do both parks. Obviously, California Adventure has some amazing rides and a life sized Cars Land/Radiator Springs and the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride (converted from the Hollywood Tower of Terror) but it if you're going for that classic Disney magic feel, go to the main park. If it's not peak time then obviously you'll probably get a lot done at both parks but don't push it. 

No.2 Buy tickets in advance

It goes without saying that if you buy your tickets before the day (even if it's the night before) then you won't have to waste time queueing up in the morning when you get there. 

No.3 Arrive before the parks open

I cannot stress this enough. Get there early so you have time to park or travel there etc. You want to be getting into the park just as they open so you can go on rides while there are no queues. You also avoid the security checks etc.  

No.4 Download the Disney App and pay for Fastpass tickets 

I think this is really essential for making the most of your day. Not only does it mean that you don't have to use the machines to get the fastpass tickets for free, but you can do it all from your phone which saves time as you don't have to walk to the ride. It literally means you'll get fast passes for almost every ride. You do have to pay per person but it's so handy. It also tells you the real life wait times for the rides and you can book restaurants as well. Just bare in mind there are a few rides you can't get a fastpass for which I believe is Peter Pan's Flight and Mr Toad's Wild Ride so obvs, if you want to go on those go first thing because the queues are always hella long.

No.5 Bring a portable charger

This is kind of linked with no.4, if you're using your phone for the app and obviously pictures (probably snapchat & instagram) your battery will die a death, which cannot be happening if you need the app for fastpass.. You see the tragedy in this right.

No.6 Be prepared to get soaked on Splash Mountain

So basically we went on Splash Mountain twice. The first time, everything was swell, just a little refreshing splish splash, no big deal homie. The second time, oh the second time. So we went back on in the evening cause we loved the ride and yolo why the heck not? Oh we got DRENCHED. My clothes were soaked through. This wasn't even from the main drop (there are a few smaller ones before) but oh ma daizzzz, it was like I'd come out the shower and also there was no sun to warm/dry me. So yeah, this is your warning.

No.7 Save souvenir buying til the end of the day 

I think this is self explanatory, but you don't want to be lugging around loads of gifts etc so save buying the majority until the end, it'll also be quieter if you go during the fireworks.

No.8 Bring water

Again, you will do a lot of walking and it's most probably going to be very sunny so bring water with you. There are fountains in the park to refill your bottles but buying them in the parks is extortionate. Please just bring some, you won't regret it. 

No.9 Wear comfortable footwear

As mentioned before, you will do a lot of walking. Do not make the mistake of wearing uncomfortable footwear because your feet will die. 

No.10 Figure out if you want to watch the fireworks

Everyone will start reserving spots to watch the fireworks in the evening. Literally they will start from the early afternoon just to see them and they fill up pretty quickly. If you're not that bothered you can virtually see them from anywhere in the park or you can use the time to go on rides while people are watching them. Also, if you've had a really long day you might want to use this time to grab your bits from the shop and head home while there isn't a massive crowd rushing out to get home.

Congratulations if you made it to the end of this post! I've really enjoyed making this post and it's been so nice to share all my Disneyland photos/advice because I'm such a massive Disney nerd and most of our time in the LA area was spent in Newport Beach where it was lovely to just chill out.

'We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths' - Walt Disney 

Til next time xxx