A word on Identity

Apologies for not updating this little space of mine for a long while…Revising for end of year exams and spending time with the family (after 6 months away!) has just been eating up my time. Anyway, this post today is going to be slightly unique as it is quite personal and I’ve never written anything of this sort on here before. Ever since I attended a TEDxWarwick talk on ‘Identity’ a few months back, I’ve wanted to share this – my own interpretation of ‘identity’ - but have never quite known how...

Inspiration // Re-vampin' your Bedroom

  Considering you spend most of your time in your bedroom, there's no doubt that it should be your space and reflect your personality! Being an university student living in university accommodation, you definitely do not want to go back to a bog standard plain uni room at the end of a long day! Somehow, with a bit of personalization and bits and pieces here and there, you can really make your small (well, my uni room is anyway) space really cosy and homely...

5 senses: February

  Another month, another 5 things that have tickled my senses this February and which I am super excited to be sharing! February has definitely been an eventful month and without further ado, here's what I've been loving lately...

InstaSnaps #20

  It's been a while since I've posted an InstaSnaps round-up...but that's because I've been relatively quiet on the Instagram front. Whilst being at Uni, I really have no idea what 'interesting' things to post about since I basically do the same things every single day!

  Anyway, life lately has been awesome. I'm gradually curbing my relentlessly spending habits, watched 50 Shades of Grey with the boyfriend for Valentine's Day (we both thought the movie was crap by the way...incredibly awkward and cringey), celebrated 4 years with him and right now, I'm just waiting for the last 2 weeks of Term 2 to be over so I can go back to Vietnam to visit the family for Easter break!

  Hope everything is well with you guys!

Follow me on Instagram (@infamoushearts)

'Twas a great night with my D Block homies <3 // January: Top senses // Asos haul...oops

Steak a la the boyfriend // Embellished details ft. Boohoo // Kinda obsessed with this shade

Snowwww ft. New Look boots // Valentine's Day is chocolate with boundaries day // Nutella & sugar crepes for #PancakeDay

Even though I'm halfway across the world, it's CNY so I'm wearing red // These little bottles of good stuff from H&M smell divine // Delicious sweet&sour teriyaki chicken 

4 years with this one ft. surprise trip to London // So much love in this picture ft. Daniel Wellington 

Recent steals & deals

Superdrug - Save £5 when you spend £50 or more (Code: MDAY5) 14/03

Urban Outfitters - Free delivery on orders over £30 (Code: 30FREEDEL) 

Boohoo - Free delivery on orders over £20 (Code: HIGH20)

Motel Rocks - 25% off full priced items (Code: MOTELMONDAY25)

JOY  - 20% off 20 online exclusives (C0de: PAYDAYYAY)

Missguided- Extra 40% off sale (Code: EXTRA40)

FeelUnique - 20% off ELEMIS, TIGI & bareMinerals // 10% off everything (Code: SMILES10) 02/03 midnight GMT

Forever 21 - up to 30% off dresses

Boots- 10% off selected luxury beauty & fragrances

Fragrance Direct - 8 Top Brands now in sale!

Charles Wilson Clothing - 60% off knitwear (Code: BLH60KW) 01/08

12 Lists // Number 2 - February

  As this is the last day of February (oh how time flies), it's time for another list! Last month's was based on favourite smells but this month it is: A list of things that makes you feel confident. 

Valentine's Gift Guide for Him/Her: Against Commercialised Norm

With Valentine's Day coming up in about a week, you might be stuck as to what to give your significant other. I know I am. After being together for a couple of years, what do you do when it seems as if you've given them everything known to mankind? That's where creativity comes in... 

5 senses: January

  Can you believe that the first month of 2015 is over?! Well I'm in shock. Just like how much I'm in shock that the weekend is over and Monday is upon us....but I am pretty proud of sticking (ish) to my blogging schedule this month! #organised Also, I apologize for ruining any New Year's Resolutions after this...

12 Lists // Number 1 - January

  So this is basically a fun New Year project/series that I actually saw on Mini Penny Blog, but first started at Clear the Way and Chez Gillian. It's super simple - there will be one list each month and you just simply write your own personal list according to the topic. I'm going to try and keep this up every month because it's a fun project that doesn't take up loads of time and let's you get to know the person behind the blog better! January's list: favourite smells.

Top 5 senses: December

  

I know we are in the middle of January now and I know that the last time I did a post like this was wayyy back in October...but hey, better late than never? December was a time when the weather got harsher and colder which means tons of layering, dark colours and of course, Christmassssss!

Insta Snaps #19

  It's been a while since I've last shared my 'Insta-Snaps' with you guys and over the Christmas break, I have accumulated quite a bit... Instead of going back home this Christmas, I actually went around the UK and did some pretty amazing things.   First, I went to London and went to the place of my dreams - The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios Tour. To say it was incredible is an understatement! I loved every single bit of it and found out a few little secrets - so cool. Definitely recommend for any Potterheads around. I went to the coveted Laduree for afternoon tea, went to Camden and sampled some amazing food, toured the Emirates Stadium (courtesy of the boyfriend of course), went to more Primarks than I can count, walked along Oxford Street numerous times and another highlight, the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It was my first time ever to go to any carnival thing of that sort and I loved every bit of it. The atmosphere was amazing, the food (mainly German sausages, churros, waffles, pancakes) was delicious, the games were really fun to watch and the rides were insane. I wanted to do everything. Seriously, no amount of adjectives can describe Winter Wonderland and needless to say, I had a load of fun.   Later on, I went to Durham to meet up with a few friends and spent a rather low-key and quiet Christmas Day with them before heading to Edinburgh for New Year's Eve! Edinburgh is a gorgeous city. The architecture is beautiful. I climbed Arthur's Seat (well, part way), went to Edinburgh Castle and climbed all the way to Calton Hill to see the fireworks, which was just behind us so we got front row seats! Loved my time there.   My touring the UK adventures definitely ain't stopping anytime soon. Follow me on Instagram (@infamoushearts)

Birmingham German Christmas Market was the bomb diggity // Never seen so many nutcrackers in one place before // There is never an excuse to not be a kid for a while

*heart eye emojis* // Officially the 1st of December! // These smell & look amazing

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree... // This is why England amazes me // Now which Christmassy top to wear...

Ear candy // Thank you to Sommy for being a great host! // Motorbike seats at Camden

First time having Chinese food in the UK // Oxford Street in all its Christmassy glory // Harry Potter Studios Tour was beyond amazing

A selfie in the Mirror of Erised? // Hogwarts, you're too fine // Emirates Stadium is so fancy

You don't realise how small you are until you're actually in the stadium // Winter Wonderland from afar // The view from below

*insert flower & car emojis* // Finally. // Missing Sommy's hot chocolate with mini marshmallows

Little present for the fambam 6,308 miles away // Celebrating Christmas Eve Tesco style // Shirt says it all - Merry Christmas!

Smiley, smiley // A plate of sweet, crispy heaven // Too cosy - I ain't getting out

View of Edinburgh from Arthur's seat // Blackcurrant & Vanilla tea smells & tastes heavenly // Japanese for NYE lunch

Here's to an amazing 2015 // New year, new sports gear (mini review here) // Shoes: New Look *insert heart eyes emojis*

2015: A New Year, A Fresh Start

Wow, it feels weird being back on Blogger, typing my thoughts out on the keyboard after being gone for so long... the main reason was trying to manage my time and get to grips with everything at my first year in University whilst fitting blogging in at the same time. Although I am more active on Instagram, I pushed aside the planning, writing and photographing process that is blogging. I will admit, it was hard. Procrastination has always been my enemy and time management was never my forté. There were times when I did think about quitting blogging for good because a) I couldn't find the time b) it was difficult trying to figure out how to take product pictures or outfit posts with the much smaller space I have (university accommodation ain't the biggest). So yea, this explains my sporadic absence...but I am determine to change that this year!

  But first, reflecting back on 2014, I would definitely classify it as a year of change. I made some amazing memories that I will cherish forever, went through some not so good times that changed my outlook on life a little and well, I also moved to the other side of the world...on my own. In 2014, not only was I pushed to my stress limits  during the end of year exams - the IB (International Baccalaureate - a high school qualification, equivalent to A-levels) is no joke, but I achieved results that were better than I expected. I graduated with some of the best people (#classof2014) that I have became incredibly close with and will no doubt stay good friends for life. I made some amazing memories and had one of the best times of my life during the Graduation trip. And on top of that, I was accepted into my first choice university. 

  Speaking of university, that was another huge change of 2014 as it was the first time that I truly left the comfort of home to go to a foreign country (England) that was literally on the other side of the world. From there, I was thrown out of my comfort zone and had to learn to be independent. To travel alone, budget my finance, cook, be out in the real world and of course, cope with the workload that the University throws at us. But I also made loads of new friends, got to travel and discover new places and even paid my first ever 'big' deposit - the house that I will be living in next academic year with 5 of my current flatmates, how exciting!

  Blogging-wise, there wasn't much excitement...which is not really surprising as it hasn't been my top priority and has taken a back seat lately. But I will be putting more effort into this little space of mine and hopefully, there will be loads of exciting things coming your way!

  Anyway, putting the whole 'new year, new me' cliché aside, I do have a few New Year resolutions. In previous years, I was never that bothered about things like these because come on, who actually manages to keep them for the entire year. But this time, I am determined to stick to them! When it comes to setting goals and targets, I find it's best to keep them measurable and realistic. That way,  you're more likely to stick with it!

1) Exercise at least 4 times a week This year, I want to get my fitness level up. I join the university's athletics and swim team so I just have to go to training sessions regularly! Also, I am determined to complete the 30 Days Challenge which I have previously started many times, but never actually finished...but it's okay, I've got them all pinned.

2) Blog consistently  I'm aiming for every other day and have an actual blogging schedule planned out.

3) Spend more time on Uni work Dedicate at least 2-3 hours a night for either note-making, reading or revising. After all, it's what you're here for

4) Healthy eating More fruits and vegetables and less 'treats' for that sweet tooth of mine. No food after 9pm - trying to cut down on my late night snacking

5) Sleep more, wake up early As of now, I am going to try to be in bed before midnight and be up by 8am

6) Less is more Stop hoarding things and online shopping - you don't need all that cute things you think you do. Even though this is very hard when various brands constantly have sales...I need to start saving more and declutter. Speaking of which, I'm selling a bunch of stuff on my Depop

7) Drink more water I so bad at this one that I often convince myself that I'm a camel. Going to try to drink one glass of water as soon as I get up to detox.

8) Step out of my comfort zone more and meet new people I am the kind of person that is completely fine with being alone and tend to not talk to anyone unless they start the conversation. But this year, I think I need to start getting to know more people better.


  Hope you enjoy this relatively long-ish post to start off 2015! What are your resolutions this year - are they similar?