WHAT A YEAR!

I can't quite get my head around the fact that the last day of 2016 has been and gone, how crazy!?

When I think of 2016 as a year my brain seems to conjure up a complete blur of things, experiences and emotions that have taken place throughout the year.

 For me this all comes across as such a blur as 2016 feels like several years have passed rather than just one- simply because of how significantly my day to day life has changed:  how I have developed and changed as a person, how my surroundings have dramatically changed and also how I occupy my spare time differently, I've also visited and explored so many different places over the last year which I have absolutely loved and it just makes me want to travel more!

The biggest change

Obviously It is completely normal and part of life to experience changes throughout a year, however this year really has tested me and pushed me right out of my comfort zone and I am so grateful for it!

I would say the biggest change that I have gone through in 2016 was leaving school and practically entering the working world by starting an apprenticeship at the council! When I started considering my post 16 options in year 11 I did not imagine that I would be sat at my own desk, in a fully functioning office, with a job to do -as staying at school was my plan.

Trusting my gut and taking a leap of faith was definitely a giant step forward for me at this time as throughout year 11 I definitely struggled with anxiety and self confidence... but little did I know that I would develop so much through doing the apprenticeship!

 Yes this was me on my first day of my apprenticeship- why so serious? haha

Some of the adventures

In 2016 I visited quite a few new places:

Camber/Hastings 

This holiday sticks vibrantly in my mind as it was in the middle of when I was revising for my exams, I took my revision and did a little bit each day however I definitely allowed myself t relax and did lots of photography!

Volendam/Holland

I honestly had no idea what to expect from this holiday as I had never been to Holland or anywhere like it. I loved this holiday and everything about Holland but in particular Volendam- I feel like I could easily have stayed there- I love their ways of life; almost everyone travels by bikes, everyone was so friendly and also the town is so calm and beautiful- full of colour, lots of boats and happiness!

If you want to see more of my Volendam/Holland holiday then go over to my youtube channel as I daily vlogged whilst I was there, I'll link it HERE

Majorca!

Unfortunately when I was in Majorca I didn't take a lot of photos or vlog (I did one vlog I'll link it HERE) but although I didn't really document this holiday it was a really nice holiday- the weather was insane and the place we stayed in was beautiful! We went to some beautiful beaches, jumped of some big rocks and went to an awesome waterpark! I would definitely like to go back!

Camp de Marr was definitely my favourite place in Majorca and it has a lovely restaurant there!

Blackpool 

Most recently I went to blackpool for the first time, with my dad, Shona, Morgan and Liam! We went for a long weekend which gave us enough time to see some of the main attraction there: including Blackpool tower, the illuminations and a visit to Blackpool dungeons. I managed to vlog this holiday and I will link it HERE for you! I would definitely recommend Blackpool for a fun weekend away!

My firsts!

There have been a few firsts in 2016: 

Mine and Chad's first ever concert! Yes it took us that long to go to one, but typically they're really expensive or really far away etc. so when I saw that Jack Garratt was performing at the Engine Shed I had to get tickets! Not only did we get to go but we were literally right at the front! Me and Chad both love Jack's music and the atmosphere was insane. HERE is the vlog with the concert in.

Starting the gym! I use to be so scared of the thought of starting a gym- I thought everyone would look at me and that I wouldn't know what to do... I was so wrong and I should have started before. Me and Chad now go to the gym about 4 times a week and we love it, it helps me physically and also to wind down mentally. 

Starting youtube!

I was so skeptical about starting youtube at first, but when I trialled it out when I was in Holland- I absolutely loved it! It has definitely become one of my hobbies and It allows me to use some of my creative side. Since starting youtube I have 100% gained more confidence and discovered my love for film making/ being behind and in front of a camera. I was so surprised to reach 100 subscribers, the support means a lot! If you haven't had a look already then I will link my youtube channel HERE

I could go on and on about 2016 and the good and bad parts of it- but I don't want to make this post any longer so I will leave that for another day! I hope each and every one of you has a happy and prosperous 2017, make it a good one.  

Wandering Tupholme Abbey!

Recently my dad has moved house to Wragby and along with many others, this has the advantage of being closer to various places; one of them being the intriguing ruin of Tupholme Abbey, this has lots of historic background and is interesting to look at- not only this but it has beautiful, tranquil surroundings and is a lovely place to go to for a peaceful walk and also great for photography!

This ruin is the remains of what once was a house of Premonstratensian (I don't really understand this concept haha) and it was founded before 1190, so it is extremely old! I love the arch ways built into this structure!

I couldn't resist but to have a little pose in one of the arches, I admit I am a bit of a poser haha...

I love this outfit by the way I'll link it down below for you!

I just had to do this, I probably wasn't meant to but it was so much fun!(the inner child of me came out) I might have done this several times... To be honest it was the easiest way down.

I love bridges; don't ask me why- I find them so cute and interesting!

Little roxie loved her walk around the Abbey and was looking extra cute so I couldn't resist but include her in my blog post! She really didn't want to stay still though.

Once me and dad had crossed the bridge we saw something in the distance and as we approached it we realised it was a giant structure of a man, made out of sticks- it's quite impressive and I think it's great!

My dad wanted a picture so here it is haha, this was before we realised this was the back of the man! (I think dad had the sun in his eyes.)

This picture really does emphasise my smallness! Oh and another pose...I did have fun though, I wonder who made this- it's so cool.

Can you tell I'm slightly obsessed with b&w photographs, I love the dramatic element it adds to pictures.

It kind of amazes me how something can keep it's structure for so long- either I'm easily impressed or it is quite amazing...

Me, dad and the dog had a really nice walk; the weather was beautiful and we had the whole place to ourselves- it was nice to have some time with just us, I really enjoyed it and for anyone wanting to go on a nice scenic walk or to do some photography I would definitely recommend it and it's free!

It was really stunning, the bright sky was gleaming through the gaps, the weather really was on my side today(for once)

                           Thanks dad for being my personal photographer haha, you probably have better things to do...

More arches that I photographed.

My outfit: |Mom jeans |Pink body suit| Loafers|

That's all for today, I hope you've enjoyed your weekend as much as I have mine! Keep smiling:)

Living in Lincoln!

I live in the town of Lincoln and i have to admit i don't always appreciate it; i find myself complaining about how boring it is most of the time, but really it's just me forgetting what a beautiful town it really is- after visiting the Cathedral at the weekend to do some photography i was reminded how beautiful and historical Lincoln really is!

I came across a group of protestors against Fracking which i thought was quite interesting as they were stood there the whole time i was there! The scene made quite an effective photograph, especially with the castle in the background.

As i was trying to capture a picture of the protestors i didn't realise i was pointing my camera at a group of lads and they all posed which i found so funny!

I always forget how amazing and authentic the cathedral is and it sure is great for photography!

The detailing is so intricate and intriguing!

As well as the impressive Cathedral there are also some really authentic, old styled shops such as old fashioned sweet shops and clock repair shops- which i love, it brings back a vintage feel!

Whilst being uphill i couldn't resist going into one of the little café's . as they're so traditional and lovely. Of course i got a hot chocolate with cream and mini marshmallows, it was so delicious! I can't remember the name of the café but it was so nice and had an old vintage feel to it.

I also took a few pictures of the castle as i think it's quite an impressive structure and you can walk all around the top- with an impressive view.

If you are wondering what i was wearing (if you're nosey like me) this was my outfit- unfortunately i didn't take a proper picture but you have an idea.

I wore my new Khaki green trousers from river island (i can't find them online) and my new high neck pastel pink body(linked here) as well as a pink gem pendant (linked here) This has to be one of my new favourite outfits, especially now we're into Spring!

That was my little insight to Lincoln, i hope you are having a good week!