A Best Friend is the One Who Swaps Shoes With You When You Get Blisters...

It is a truth universally acknowledged (fav phase at the moment...) that after any amount of time apart, best friends are the people who you can see and feel like you've never left them.
This truth has never been more evident than in this past week. After a precedent set last summer, (our last summer before going our separate ways for University) one in which we were sure that our lives would be forever split and we would all fall out of each other worlds with nothing left behind but memories, a reunion was just what the doctor ordered... we were back off to the SEASIDE!!!
In defiance of the classic student destinations of 'Napa' and 'Malia' we were back off to the sleepy seaside town of Torbay in Devon, the perfect British setting for relaxation, recuperation and reunion.
Boat Trips, Pub Lunches , Pony Trekking and Private Jokes made sure that the whole week passed too fast and by the end we realized how lucky we were to have found friends like this.

And now for the photo dump...

 (10 cans of Diet Coke later we finally reach our destination...)

 The Girls (minus Nat)

 The Boys (minus Nat- teheehee one of said private jokes)

 Only in Torbay...

 The Happy Couple...

 You know you're too close when you all paint your nails a matching color...

 Steph and her Margarita...

 Jem and he Banana-something-or-other...

 Myself and my beloved vin rouge...

 That's right its a bath bomb that looks like a cupcake OMFG! WTF! ITS SO CUTE!!!! *ahem* ...

 Once again... Only in Torbay...

 AKA...

 Only acceptable with friends who love you unconditionally (or merely accept your nuttiness) -These are olives btw...

 Said 'Homo-erotic tenancies...'

 and again... combined with said need for Nap's and the result of a missed snack time...

Friendship bracelets never go out of fashion...

After a year following our own paths and exploring the big wide world, coming back to the people who know you best and shared the years of your growth proves that you can never be lost if you have found friends like these. (even if that includes the following... Ike farts, Pile-ons, Homoerotic tendencies (much to the discomfort of a said girlfriend), the realization that a day IS planned around a man's stomach, the student budget is never enough, however much Diet Coke you buy it is never enough and sometimes the only cure is a NAP!)

I couldn't ask for better people to complete this voyage with...

Peace and Love x

The Daily Grind (Ridiculous Shoes, Ridiculous drinks and a Tiki Bar)

So the lack of posts has been mostly to do with life restarting and reality hurtling back with force, coming back to earth with a bump. It' is inevitable that the world seems slightly less sparkly when you leave the dreamy romanticism of the perfect holiday and are faced with the harsh realization that you actually have to fund this lifestyle somehow and so a job is ones only option. Nevertheless the bump was (and has) been cushioned by many an exploit aided by the best-est and most sparkly friends anyone could ask for. A mixture of Cocktails, Bowling, Immature babbling conversations about the most entertaining aspects of 'random crap', Nandos, Red Wine and a little Soul Music has let the magic continue.

The discovery of a Tiki bar has made coming home all the more worth it. A night out with the epitome of sparkle, Miss Stephi Thomas, truly proved that home is where the heart (and rum) is... Note the outrageous shoe choice (resulting in many a bruise the next morning) and the gradually declining quality of photography, definitely the sign of one of the best nights out in a long time!

 (How can a night not be perfect when you leave with Poloroid evidence!?)

Along with feeding my body and hedonistic pleasures, a return to the dusty pages of literary genius has also fed my (slightly hung-over) mind. A quote from Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (p92 for those of you who have been drilled in correct footnoting as much as I was in my first year of a History degree) i'd like to share with you, it is the perfect end to this post and I hope it resonates and inspires you as much as it has me...

"No you will not escape us and will not be different, but will remain such as you have been: full of dissatisfaction with yourself, and of vain attempts at improvement followed by failures, and continual hopes of the happiness which has escaped you and is impossible for you.' That was what the things said, but another voice within his soul was saying that one must not submit to the past and that one can do anything with oneself. And obeying the latter voice he went to the corner..."

Peace and Love x

Happy Birthday Katie!!!

A post dedicated to the most perfect little sister in the world.... 

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY!!!

You fill up my world like cotton wool,

With comfort protecting sharp edges. You glow in the darkness, a trait so rare, Radient skin, a woman's touch and GOLDEN hair! You are the ligthouse to my stormy sea, guiding me into port. Lighting my way through clouds of grey, I thought i'd lost my battle, but you fought. You saved my sanity by doing no wrong; You blossomed in my absence, bringing music to a song that I could never write,about love and life, About maturity and womanhood. You're the apple of my eye, my madonna, my muse, You brought me back from the brink; you win, I lose. I could never be more proud as I am of you today. You're the perfect woman, a diamond, you shine in every possible way. Keep living for me, doing all that you crave. Make up for my mistakes and never be enslaved By monstars in the darkness, know that they are no match for you. You can conquer all lifes challenges and see the night through. Know that I love you, never shall we part. You are always going to be the biggest and most beautiful element of my heart. You're a blessing on the world, on your family and friends, The world will never forget you, even when your life ends. But for now live it joyously, as you always have; Never look back, never regret and show the world what i see.

...After a surprise trip to Disneyland Paris, Diamond necklace and lot of tears we mounted a mini-bus, complete with mini-bar, to continue the celebrations... i.e. BRING ON THE BOOZE!

...Champagne, Red Wine, Cookie Dough cupcakes and AMAZING food at 'Jamie's Italian'.

She is truly an asset to her family and friends, I love you so much!!! 

Peace and Love x