Why I Took A Blogging Break

Bloody hell, why are white pages so scary? Especially after having been able to avoid them for over two months I feel like it has become a lot easier for me to keep avoiding them.

Even though my blog is yet to reach the point where it attracts a wide range of attention, I still feel kind of bad for not posting anything in the past two months.

The last time I uploaded was during my Greece holiday at the beginning of August. Shortly after coming home I went back to school and started my final year of school. A-Levels are getting closer and closer every day, and I did not think year 13 could be more stressy than year 12. Well, turns out it is. Or I've just forgotten how much pressure and stress was hanging in the air last year. Could be both, who knows haha.

But I don't want to say school was the only excuse for why I didn't blog at all since August. I kind of just  lost the spark. I found myself thinking about writing a new post, but somehow I couldn't get myself to open a new page and start writing. I just completely lost the motivation to blog, if I am honest with you, and the load of school work on top of that didn't really help that either.

So I just wanted to say that I am really sorry for being so quiet, although I am probably correct when I say that every blogger needs a break from blogging from time to time.

I wish I could promise you that I will be blogging more in the sooner future, but I know better than to do that. Autumn break is just about to start but so does starting to study for my A-Levels and school is only off for two weeks before we are blown right back into it.

I'm not going to promise anything apart from the fact that I am going to try and post whenever I can and feel ready to do so. I am no longer going to force myself to post something every week because I really feel like that puts a lot more pressure on this hobby than it should.

There is still a bunch of pictures left from going to Greece and our school trip to England, so maybe I'll share those with you soon. There's not a properly planned schedule though, so I am open to any suggestions of topics you would like me to talk about. So for now, that's it. See you back on my blog, hopefully very soon.

Until then, have a wonderful time! :)

Love,

Jacqueline Xx

Haul of the Holiday: Geeking Out in Greece

Welcome to a new post!

While you're reading this, I should hopefully be sitting on a beautiful, sunny beach in the gorgeous country that is Greece. I've been looking forward to this trip for a while, as I have never been to Greece before. But as I love reading, and I also can't just spent the whole time on the beach by sleeping, because I hate being unproductive, I thought I would at least treat myself to a few new books for the beach times. Yes, that's not technically being productive, but at least I feel like I'm doing something haha. Let's hope I'll kind of find a way of actually relaxing by reading. Usually that works...at least for a little while.

I picked up three books, which might be a little over ambitious for such a short amount of time and depending on how much time we'll actually spend at the beach, but I like to be prepared. If I only end up finishing one of these, because we're having so much fun that's fine too. I'm not there just to read after all. At least I am hoping that I can persuade my fam to do a little bit of exploring around the area we're staying in. 😊

Dunkirk: The History Behind The Major Motion Picture - Joshua Levine

You might have seen the trailer and adverts for the new Christopher Nolan film named 'Dunkirk' (featuring the gorgeous Mr. Harry Styles). I really want to go and see the film, but before that, I really want to learn something about the actual historic events that the movie talks about. If, like me before I heard about the film, don't know what Dunkirk is about (we don't learn about that in school over here), here's a small summary from the back of the book. I'm really exited to find out more about what happened back then.

" The Battle of Dunkirk, in May/June 1940, is remembered as a stunning defeat, yet a major victory as well. The Nazis had beaten back the Allies and pushed them across France to the northern port of Dunkirk. In the ultimate race against time, more than 300,000 Allied soldiers were daringly evacuated across the Channel. This moment of German aggression was used by Winston Churchill as a call to Franklin Roosevelt to enter the war. Now, historian Joshua Levine explores the real lives of those soldiers, bombed and strafed on the beaches for days on end, without food or ammunition; the civilians whose boats were overloaded; the airmen who risked their lives to buy their companions on the ground precious time; and those who did not escape."

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Joanne K. Rowling

Why the hell is she buying a Harry Potter book, shouldn't she already own one if she's a Potterhead? Well, yes she does own this book already but she has never read the whole series in English, although many many MANY times in German. Don't know why the hell I was talking about myself in third person there haha.

Basically, I feel like it's finally time to re-read the whole series again, after not having re-read it completely in about three years, which is a long time for me not to re-read Harry Potter, let me tell you. And this time I'm finally doing it in English.

I just finished re-reading the Philosopher's Stone again, so now it's time to explore the Chamber of Secrets again...although, to be fair, it's my least favourite book of the series...Sorry, if that sentence just broke any hearts, it's just the truth. 🙈😃

Unfiltered - Lily Collins

Finally I got this book in my hands. I've been exited to read Lily's book, basically since the day she announced that she was writing one. (Can we also please talk about her gorgeous British accent in "Love, Rosie"?) I don't know exactly what she is talking about, apart from the fact that it has some autobiographical bits and life tips included, but otherwise it's going to be a complete surprise. But as Dunkirk is quite the heavy book, I felt like it would be perfect to take this one with me as well, as it's a much lighter and easier read. I mean, it's all about balance, isn't it?

If I somehow manage to actually get through all three of these books, which I don't think I am, I have also got the book "The Circle" waiting for me on my Kindle, just in case. I really want to read that one since I saw the trailer for the film with Emma Watson and thought it sounded awesome, so that's definitely on my TBR list, whether it's for Greece or later in the year.

Do you have any recommendations on things to do or places to go in Crete? Definitely share them with us in comments below. I'm open to any suggestions, because I really want to do some exploring  whilst we're over there (my mum will hate me for this haha).

Also, any other book recommendations - just leave them below, if you like. :)

Have a gorgeous week! ♥

Love, Jacqueline Xx

Stylish Duchess On A Budget

Welcome to a new post!

It's no secret that I have a slight (okay, maybe not so slight) obsession with a certain Duchess of Cambridge. But honestly - look at this woman - how can you not love her? I do have to say that I don't always love every single outfit that she wears, but they are more than a few that I am absolutely in love with. However, if you have ever checked to see how much any of the dresses that she wears cost, and you don't own a shit load of money, or a money growing tree, you probably know that it's useless even dreaming about getting one of her gorgeous dresses.

The idea to do a series, where I decide on a certain person and try to find pieces to recreate their looks for less money has been on my mind for a while, and I couldn't resist any longer, when I saw Catherine in that stunning red Summer dress in Berlin.
I feel like three outfits is the perfect number for a blog post like this, but if you would prefer more or less outfits in one post in future posts of this series, let me know.

Also, just as a little note, she wore all three of these outfits on her's and William's tour to Germany (and Poland), because otherwise there would have been no way I could have decided on just three outfits.

I get that not all of these are perfect replicas of the things she was actually wearing, but then again, not everywhere sells the same pieces. I tried my best to find really similar ones though. Some of them are still not very cheap, but they were the best that I could find, I hope that's alright with you.

#1 Berlin

Let's start off with my favourite outfit of all of them. This one's from Berlin. A casual but also elegant, cherry red, maxi summer dress.

Vero Moda/ASOS - £36/41.99€

ASOS - £25/33,99€

Billabong/ASOS - £41/55,99€

ASOS - £25/33,99€

ASOS - £25/33,99€

#2 Heidelberg

Next up, the one from Heidelberg, which I would have nearly gone and seen live but my schedule was a bit full, and sadly Heidelberg is still over two hours away on a train from my where I live. It's such a beautiful city though. This time, Kate wore a beautiful, floral, yellow and white dress. It was hard to find anything similar, but I tried my best to find the closest "copy", as it's such a pretty dress.

Boohoo - £15/23€

Boohoo - currently on sale for £18/27€

Boohoo/ASOS - £35/52,99€

ASOS - £30/40,99€

New Look - £22.99/29,99€

Dune London/Zalando - 80€

Parfois/Zalando - 29.95€

Menbur/Zalando - currently on sale for 41,95€

ASOS - currently on sale for £28/47,99€

#3 Hamburg

Last but not least, Kate's very basic but pretty lavender, almost midi dress. It's very bright, but somehow she makes the colour work so well.

Boohoo - £15/24€

Boohoo - £30/45€

Boohoo - £25/38€

Y.A.S./ASOS - £60/69,99€

New Look - currently on sale for £6/8€

Topshop/Zalando - currently on sale for 48,95€

Topshop - £46/64€

Boohoo - £8/12€

New Look/ASOS - £15,99/21,99€

ASOS - £25/33,99€

ASOS - currently on sale for £38/64,99€

ASOS - £25/33,99€

Sooo, that's it. How do you like this type of post? Do you want to see more of it?
Is there anyone else you would like me to create a little 'on a budget' post with? I am open for any suggestions, as I really loved putting this post together.

Have a nice day ♥

Love, Jacqueline Xx

P.S. This post is not sponsored. The rights for the pictures used above go to their rightful owners! I do not claim any copyright etc. for them! The pictures above have been part of this blog post for fun and inspiration only, not to gain money.

BACK TO SCHOOL HAUL 2017: Stocking Up For A-Levels

Welcome to a new post!

If you're reading this and are actually still going to school, it's likely that a school haul is still pretty early for you, but here I am, still throwing stationery pictures at you because, to be honest - who doesn't enjoy stationery? (Seriously, if you don't, how do you do it?). I'm already almost half way through my summer break, and as I want to have everything sorted out before I go on holiday (be prepared for a ton of pictures), and I get way to exited about buying this stuff, I decided to do it now. Yes, I didn't buy the cutest and most instagramable stationery, but honestly, stationery is already expensive enough without being overly fancy. Also, you can always DIY stuff, which, very likely, I will do.

As I am going into my last EVER year of school (unless you want to count uni), which is absolutely mental, and I've got my A-level exams coming up in March, I really want to set up a proper study space on my desk this time. If you want to see a blog post on that, or how I am planning to study or anything else that has to do with school, definitely let me know. (It makes me more exited than it probably should oops).  

To start off, I got some new folders. I got two plain ones, although not in the prettiest colours. I decided before starting Sixth Form that I would not buy a folder of one colour twice, not realizing that there aren't that many pretty colours available. But oh well, I'll be fine. We also managed to have a browse through the dollar shop recently and I saw this Despicable Me folder. I think it's just so freaking cute. Call me childish, but I just needed to get it. I'm very much a visual learner, so having stuff like this motivates me so much more than those plain folders so I just could not resist!

Then I got a bunch of other folders, which are the ones I'll actually be taking to class with me (the ones in the last picture are for revision files etc. at home). I love how colourful they all are together! Way to aesthetically pleasing! 😍

Does anyone know what you call these things? I tried finding pretty ones on Amazon but just couldn't find the right title for them. These are going to be containing loose and/or important papers for class and for the actual A-level exams.

I love being organized when it comes to my school stuff (it usually only works for a few weeks but I guess the thought counts haha), so I also got a bunch of dividers for my folders. We also found these cute and super cheap cups at some dollar store - perfect to put any pens, highlighters etc. in, and make a study space even cuter.

There are also a bunch of things I needed to stock up on. So I got a new tipp-ex, some erasers for the end of my pencils, a new set square/triangle (no idea what's the right term, let me know), some post it notes and these lilac clips, which I saw people using for their index cards, which seems like a really good idea to keep them together. Last but not least, a bookrest, as I kept wanting, but not finding my old one during last exam season, so I picked up a new one.

Let's be honest - who doesn't love highlighters?? There's just something so pleasing about having a whole bunch of different coloured highlighters and making your notes look pretty and full of colours. I also got some overhead markers, as we often need them now, some new pens and a new pencil as well.

~

There are still a few bits and bobs missing, but that's the main overview, I guess. There are two huge, fancy folders and a lovely new notebook currently on their way to me, but I guess we'll all be okay if I don't show you every single thing.

I honestly don't know what makes buying school stuff and stationery in general so exiting, but you just can't deny the fact that it motivates you at least slightly to go back to school, just to make use of all of them. I can't believe I just did my last proper back to school haul, where I'm actually going to go to school with this stuff ahhhh - I'm getting old. That hopefully won't mean that it's my last stationery haul though hehe, already can't wait to stock up for university...although, that may take a little longer than just a year, who knows. :)

I really hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you did, definitely leave me a comment below. Also, let me know what type of stationery you love buying the most and where you get it from!

Lots of Love ♥

Xx Jacqueline


P.S. If anyone is buying their school stuff in Germany - I got all of these things at Müller, Tedi and Aldi.

London's Beauties: Exploring Camden, Primrose Hill & Shoreditch #TheBrighton Diaries

Welcome to a new post!

If you've seen my last blog post (if not, click here to read it), you'll know that I recently went to London for a day, during my time in England. But I also spent a second day there throughout my stay. This time though, we decided to look around some other spots of London that we hadn't seen before, or had only been to very briefly.

We decided to explore Camden, Primrose Hill and Shoreditch and had a great time, even though the weather wasn't the prettiest. Oh, and we also had a quick stop at King's Cross, which obviously is a must see for any Potterhead. I didn't take any pictures there, but in the end, there's not that much to see. I'm still not over the fact that a picture in front of Platform 9 3/4 literally costs £10. I might have ended up buying a key ring though...oops. Honestly, that shop was literally heaven.

The first stop was Camden, which a lot of you will probably have heard about, whether you're English or not. It's very well known, hence why you can basically barely move most of the time. But there are many cute little shops and people selling almost every fan or touristy shirt that you could want. There are also many many different cute little stands selling lots of nice food. The only downside is that most places that have nice food you just don't want to stop at cause there are sooooo many people. In the end we still managed to get some though haha. Lucky us.

Fries and feta.

Off to our second stop: Primrose Hill. Don't think without Mr. Harry Styles I would have ever gone to the place, but I am just so glad that we did because I literally fell in love with it. You know you're in London, but it somehow doesn't feel like London. It's just as pretty, but soo much calmer. I wish the weather would have been nice enough to take some more  pictures of the actual streets, but oh well. Also, the park is literally so beautiful and you have a perfect view over London and lots of popular sights. If I could I would move to that part of London straight away, honestly. So nice! I definitely recommend going there if you're in London, even if you just end up sitting on top of the hill in the park and make your way through a whole package of chocolate hobnobs...;)

Using the Overground instead of the tube for once.

Arriving in Shoreditch.

Despite everyone always raving about how much they love Shoreditch, it wasn't really our thing. I'm pretty sure we must have landed in the wrong parts of it and probably missed out on the good stuff, but oh well. One day someone who knows something about London will need to show me around there. They do have a few nice bits of graffiti there. We ended up spending quite a lot of time in front of the LIKEtoKNOW.it wall, which is just so cute. If you want your own pictures in front of it, be quick, because it'll probably be gone soon!

After enjoying a Mushroom & Halloumi wrap at Nandos, we then made our way back home to Brighton.

And that's where my second London adventure ends. When I first went to London, over two years ago, I immediately fell in love with it and knew I would love to live there. Going there again within the past month just proved that once again. It's no secret that London is an awesome city, though. I can't wait to go back.

Leave me any tips you have on places to see in London, if you like! :)

Have a beautiful weekend ♥

Love, Jacqueline Xx