Thank God for Saint Nick

I recently undertook a test on alcohol awareness for "college" students for my sorority initiation.

I was mortified when I was asked to fill in the amount of units of beverage I consume in the space a three weeks fearing I would be thrown out due to my disgusting binge drinking... but I was more mortified to find out I had only consumed three units of alcohol in three weeks.

Where has my social life evaporated to?

Never fear, good old Saint Nick season has arrived and I'm more than happy to say I will be returning to the land of tea and crumpets for ten days over Christmas.

I have written a list of things I would like to achieve in this space of time:

1. Eat so much food I gain 10lbs (I can hear the Californian girls gasping in horror)
2. Drink so much I feel ill
3. Dance so much my feet bleed
4. Stay out so late I witness the sun rise
5. Have the messiest, most English filled night of horror that my face is plastered all over Facebook much to everyone's embarrassment but my own

All these things will come with added Christmas cheer and many, many, mince pies...

I was speaking with one of my English friends today who said something that really made me think. She said in America she feel like a lesser version of herself. - And I'm not agreeing this is true as I think she's fabulous, but I feel like California has sucked the life out of me too.

I spend a vast amount of time watching what I say for fear of dirty looks and offending people. And when I do say something that would be considered "banter" in England, I find myself apologizing for being so obnoxious.

Now it may be a bit too early for New Years resolutions, and we may all be too serious and sober for my selfish sentimentality - But in this next year I vow to not pipe down, not apologize for being myself, and will embrace any and all dirty looks that come my way.

Disgustingly I found myself wishing to apologize in advance for what is to come.

On this note and due to the end of finals and "welcome back social life" celebrations, I am going to embrace my "21" years of age and march my English arse to the bar to consume a binge drinking amount of French Martinis.

America the Great...

It has come to my attention that there is a vast difference between American and British social life - and social standards for that matter. Over this past month I've become disgruntled by the lack of night life that I am presented with. Actually, on a more accurate note, the standard of night life.

My English friends and I (those currently on the Year Abroad) had a conversation about this the other day. When asked - "How was the party??" my English friend would reply - "Yeah, it was alright". But when asking a "frat" boy how the exact same party was - "DUUUUUUUUDDDEEEE OMG sicket party ever!" So we conclude that American's party like we did when we were fifteen. Stuck in a house or attending a venue (in England for someone's Birthday) where alcohol is limited and fear of doing something illegal is high on the agenda.

I would also like to address American dancing. I first encountered this horrific cultural shock at my first venue party. At the beginning I was midly impressed with the club and chose to ignore the severe lack of alcoholic beverages. But then, to my horror I entered the dance floor to witness was looked like the biggest, most sober, orgy ever. Girls were literally "backing-it-up", down on all fours, assuming the doggy position for the "lucky" male behind them. I just wanted to hand out condoms to everyone, promote safe sex, and pray that each and every single one of them didn't contract an STI. It's safe to say I left after a couple of hours, being no longer able to 1. Keep a straight face. and 2. Was concerned for my own backside.

Now, I don't want this post to be entirerly negative. In fact I quite enjoy the free alcohol given to me as a female at one of the many house parties, and I am quite partial to not having to pay an entrance fee to the venue parties - even if it is Buffalo Wild Wings.

I just wanted to vent my feelings on a few of the differences between what I am used to, and what I now experience.

But it is safe to say turning "21" overnight has deffinatly made me feel more at home.

Pirate Nudity...

We spent two days at Alex's Grandparent's house, and set off for day three of our roadtrip to Kansas City! Common sceanery included the "Lions Den", "Nude Girls Here!", and multiple other signs offerring truckers numerous happy endings...



Day 3! In the car!






Lions Den...

The second part of our day we dub the Pirate day! Missouri's sceanary isn't the most entertaining, so we blasted some Flogging Molly and were very amused as we passed a sign for "Pirate Boonsville"...





It took us ten hours to get to Kansas City and Alex was exhausted from the long drive. We checked into a motel and Alex decided to use the pool...



Later that evening after checking our finances - we decided it would be "like the-most-coolest-thing-EVER" if we camped out in Colorado and Utah, so we headed down to Walmart and picked up the cheapest tent we could find. Naturally we needed to check it was in working order, so we set it up in the room...





We're such children...

That night was one of the worst and most terrifying nights sleep ever... but I'll fill you in on that drama tomorrow!

...Trust me, the roadtrip does get more interesting.

Day 1?

There's so much to say and I don't think there is enough time or will of any readers to read everything I've done and experienced in this last month.

Let's just say, it's been a much bigger and better culture shock than I'd ever have expected.

Over the next couple of weeks my plan is to update bits and bobs of what I've done this month, get up to date - and then fill you in a couple of times a week on the embarrassments and surreal experiences that my life has become.

Let's start from the beginning... the ROAD TRIP.

...Enter the temperamental Volvo...



...weighed down with everything that has become our life, with only enough room for my toes and Alex to drive - Oh! And Lola of course!



I almost feel Lola deserves her own post. Lola has a picture in every state, in front of every landscape and became our "good luck" charm over the trip. Something on the car sounds dodgy? Wiggle Lola! Don't think we'll make it through the mountains? Wiggle Lola! You get the idea...

The first day of the trip was kind of dull. Early morning start, long twelve hour drive, not to mention a lost mobile phone, a frantic stop in Indianapolis with a crazed phone call to an insurance company, another stop at the creepiest toilet at a place called "Pocahontas" that resembled the bathroom from Saw I, the beautiful view of the St Louis Arch - "gateway to the West",and finally getting near to Alex's Grandparents house only to get lost on the final stretch. So yes, not a very eventful first day...



In the car - Day 1.



Border of Indiana.



Just your average healthy American snack...



Illinois border.



Pocahontas. The scariest town in America.



Missouri border.



St Louis Arch.



Mississippi River.



Bridge over to Alex's Grandparents house.

Although not the most eventful day of our trip, it's defiantly one to remember. Only Alex could send us on an hours detour after leaving his phone on top of the car, driving off, and then proceeded to drive very slowly down the motorway thinking he'd find it...

We ended up spending two days with Alex's Grandparents. Some of the nicest people - and even though they totally didn't understand what to feed me as a vegetarian, I thoroughly enjoyed the "lovely salad bar" at Ruby Tuesdays... haha.

Updates!

I promise I'll update soon...

I'm currently in St. George Utah! We've been on the road trip for six days now and have had so many crazy experiences.

I'll get to California on Monday and will spend the week updating.

So many photos...

...So much to tell!

Audi Strike 1 ??

It's been an eventful couple of days...

I can't say it's been the best start to our road trip.

Day 1 the Volvo breaks down and we have to be towed (read below).

Day 2 the Audi feels the crunch of metal.

Alex and I were stopped at a red light on our way to what turned out to be a drunken whiskey filled evening. We were in the right lane going straight and as soon as the lights turned green a Honda came flying across from the left hand lane trying to make a right.

I wish I were lying when I told you we slammed on the breaks, blasted the horn but the guy just kept on coming, denting the front left hand corner of the Audi and smashing the headlight...

It was one of those moments where we could see it happening but there was nothing we could do... we sat hearts in our throats, screaming, swearing.

Luckily a police man saw everything, pulled us both over and fined "Xavier" for his gut-wrenching mistake.

The day after Alex and I picked up the temperamental Volvo and it's running better than I've ever heard it. But due to our two days of terrible luck we've decided to push our road trip back to Monday and spend 8 days travelling down. Same route, but they'll be more time for us to see things.

Every cloud?

Temperamental Volvo Stike 1

I finally made it to Detroit, after 12hours of travelling and way too much waiting around.



Yesterday was my first full day in the USA and Alex and I decided to embark on some retail therapy. It's kind of a tradition. Every time I visit we go to the supermarket and go to the "mall".

Ironically Alex and I were having a conversation about our luck - or lack there of, and how we had been so lucky up until now. Within a second the car shut off, the oil light came on and we were stranded on the side of the motorway.

The 1988 temperamental Volvo struck. Strike 1.




The car ended up being towed and is currently getting a new timing belt. (?!)

Luckily Alex's Dad was so kind to lend us his Audi A4 convertible. I felt like a film star all day. Driving with the top down, hair everywhere, Raybans on!



It was so typical though... Alex's family are now worried sick. His Grandparents are convinced we're going to break down on top of the Rocky Mountain or in the middle of Death Valley. Personally I still want to drive, but we'll have to see what is going to happen. There's a lot of talk or air fares, shipping, and new cars...

...I'll keep you updated...

Un día!!

I can't believe how soon it is until I leave.

I don't think I'm normal. Last week I held back tears of fear and nervs in China town as I chomped down dim sum, but this week - with only a day to go, I'm feeling fabulous about everything!

Having felt like I was going to throw up all week I'm more content than ever. I just feel like everything is falling into place.

Funny how with so much to do I suddenly got bombarded with work. - Extra pocket money for a mini shopping trip to the "mall" haha.

I've finally packed all my clothes, shoes, and handbags. It was easier than I thought choosing clothes - shoes on the other hand was a nightmare...

My Mum finally got to say "hi" to Alex's Mum - Kelly, face to face (or Skype to Skype!) this week. I nearly died. My Mum ran upstairs laughing and wanting to talk to Alex. Little did she know that Kelly was also on Skype, much to my Mum's embarrassment as she squealed "I've already had two glasses of wine!". But it was nice for them to get to finally have a chat.

I think I've discovered that leaving has its major ups. I've received more cards and presents in the past month than I did on my birthday; with the added hilarity of a girls night out which resulted in far too many bottles of wine, numerous amounts of unwanted attention, vomiting, a friend laying on the bottom of a taxi floor - stilettos in the air singing "Americano!!!" to my feet, and a spontaneous 3am 1hour walk across town only to be locked out as a very hilarious times.

I think my next update will be from Michigan! How crazy is that. I have my plane outfit planned and intend to take numerous photos in the airport, on the plane, and during my change in Chicago - yes I'm going to be one of THOOSE people.

I just can't wait!

Inspiration

It's funny how I always become inspired to write very late at night.

I've been meaning to write a meaningless (hah) post about shoes... Having sorted a small selection from my collection to begin the start of my packing. Now, however, this seems irrelevant and totally self consuming.

It's strange how the mind fails to make up it's mind, and mine in particular darts about tricking itself into thinking it wants one thing then throwing it back and deciding on another.

I recently read a very inspiring blog which consisted mainly of travels and art. A couple of years ago art was a huge part of my life and I miss it. I miss the sense of total personal creativity that can represent one thing for myself, but be interpreted differently from another point of view. Unlike fashion, creating art - for me, takes me away from the fear of judgement and replaces it with a sense of sercurity. Perculiar when both art forms are at risk of judgement just as much as the other.

Currently I spend my days waiting. Doing nothing of great use. Just waiting.

I'm hoping moving to Califorina will allow my burning desire of adventure to spill out. I want to see new things, embrace change, and soak up the unrestrained sense of freedom. I don't want to waste of thing, let a moment pass me by, or live with any regret.

From the start I was determined to use this blog to picture document all the experiences I have. But now I wonder if I will regret such a decision and end up viewing my own experiences from afar instead of embracing them and actually living what is happening...

Who knew!

Second music post in in month! Don't know what has gotten into me...

I'm really enjoying Noah and the Whales - 5 Years Time. I know it's not a recent song but I'm giving it major love. My friend came to visit less than a week ago and we spent some time on Spotify and it has opened me up to a whole world of music that's so easily streamed and accessed.



Noah and the Whale - 5 Years Time.

I love this song not just because of it's catchy tune and cutsie lyrics, but because it makes you think of all your own fun times and make me want to make the most of all the experiences yet to come. Live in the moment!

I'm also a huge fan of their outfits and dance moves. So old school geek. These are the only dance moves I could hope to execute...



Noah and the Whale - Shape of My Heart.

In this songs I particularly like the whale tambourine and Mr One Eye's wrestling outfit. Geek sheek perfection.

Perfect round trip music too...

?

It's been a while and I know I've been seriously neglecting this blog.

Surprisingly enough I've been busy. I'm slowly but surely saving some money - It's anything but glamorous, I clean, look after children, and generally pick up any (legal) work I can. But hey! It's money and it's going to get me where I want to be.

It's a funny thing. As soon as you are granted everything you want, you're suddenly filled with doubts, fears, and begin to question you're previous motives for wanting what you want.

It hit me last night whilst sitting on an alien sofa eating ice-lollies, watching mainstream telly, and praying a disgruntled 1 year old I was sitting would sleep through the night... I'm actually moving. I'm going to be thrown into a world that is foreign beyond anything I can ever anticipate. I was apprehensive to meet this new world of so called "perfection" where boob jobs are rife and money is thrown about with disarray. I neither possess big boobs or have money to spare...

However, whilst going through my morning routine of devouring the blogs I love, I clicked on a link to theseventeenmagazineproject.com. I'm not sure of how to credit this blog or what the general rules are for recognizing other peoples work, but this blog has really made me think. I highly recommend anyone who has doubts about themselves to scroll down and read the post "Hey main stream media...", it features people from around and about basically giving two fingers to what has been fed to them by teen magazines. There are lots of the photo posts on Flickr.com.

It's really helped jolt me out of my fear, it's sad and pathetic that I doubted myself. Now I aim to move to California with my own personality and try not to make myself conform to the stereotypes out there and just enjoy being me. Cheesy, I know but I am moving to the world of walking bumper stickers after all...


p.s. Visa interview next Friday! Final step - eeek!!

"....drunk boys leave their arms in the fireplace."

As I attempt to find a home for the mountain of pointless crap I've returned home from Uni with I rediscovered Dazed Digital playlist for April...

I don't know how I ever forgot. I'm once again in love.

I've been in love with these miraculous playlists since the very start of uni, waiting impaitiently for them to pop up on my screen every month. Somewhere inbetween exams and trying desperatly to find a summer job I forgot.

April's 2010 playlist is especially good. I'm particularly fond of Drunk Girls - LCD Soundsystem: lyrically hilarious and perfectly sarcastic.









I adore feel good music and this track has really hit the spot.

A Dazed playlist I never bored of is March 2008. I've loved it from the off and have never gotten annoyed of hearing it on repeat.

I'm not very good a writing about music. In everyday conversation I forget the artist and titles of every song. So in this rare moment I'm going to quit whilst I'm ahead! Go listen to LCD Soundsystem!!

"HEY! BARBIE!"

I've been back from Turkey for a week now. Things have been pretty busy. Turkey was amazing, the weather was beautiful and the people were hilarious.

It was our "last family holiday" with my Grandparents. I've never seen two people consume more eggs and tea in my life.

Over the two weeks I rode a camel, swam in the ocean and into a cave, and got harrassed by so many men I lost count.

The markets were amazing, tonnes of fresh fruit and veg and people were buying it in masses! We felt a little inadequet only buying six tomatoes when the man next to us bought enough the feed an army.



Spice market!

However, not only were the markets filled with mountains of produce, but heaps of Turkish men who set about nicknaming me "Barbie" and "Shakira". Safe to say I resemble neither of which, with the exception of my hair colour. I found myself not being able to walk three feet without a gentleman shouting "HEY LADY!!! HEY SHAKIRA!! Come buy my T-shirts, I give you good price!" To which I'd respond with an apologetic "No thank you" ...but, by this time they'd bagged the t-shirt and thrust the unwanted garment into my hand, and demanded ten lira. I could also walk the length of the fruit stalls having been gifted enough fruit to feed me for lunch. This matched with the "deals" shouted at us such as: "Cheap as Chips!", "Cheaper than Tesco!", "Cheaper than Barbie!". All this occurred every time we visited a market and it became very entertaining...

We did visit some touristy places way north of Bodrum. Ephesus, (one of the 7th Wonders of the World) was apparently one of the things not to miss. Personally I was unimpressed... This amazing ancient city has been ruined by tourism and the people swarmed around the ruins like ants. It destroyed the atmosphere you would expect a place like Ephesus to have.

...Following this we visited the last resting place of the Virgin Mary. Although not massively religious myself I found the experience calming and a far cry from the tourism horror that was Ephesus. Well, until my Dad decided to take pictures of my Grandma, my Mum, my Sister, and I coming out of the toilet... (No I do not know why he did it, and yes it was totally innappropriate at the last resting place of the Virgin Mary...) Unfortunatly for me I emerged first and had to endure my Dad standing there, camera ready, pointed at the door of the toilet, waiting to capture the moment the rest of my family emerged... I don't know who I felt more embarassed for - myself or he poor girl my Dad photographed accidently thinking it was my Mum...

Clothing wise in Turkey, admittedly, I wore maybe a third of the clothes I packed; but I managed to wear every pair of shoes I took except the red sandals. The weather was too hot for most the clothes I'd brought with me and I spent a large majority of my time in denim shorts, back less tops, and bikinis.



The above outfit is all H&M (dress and bra) except the gladiators which are Zara. This dress became my most versatile piece as I wore it as a dress and folded it down to wear as a skirt on our last night.

Geographical wise we were located just north of Gumusluk in Bodrum. It is a very beautiful place, clear blue waters, stunning islands and hills. Luckily some parts remain untouched by tourists, but it is obvious in a few years time Bodrum, and it's surrounding towns will be full of holiday makers.





The sunset in Gumusluk was stunning. It's like something off a post card (actually I'm pretty sure they had one...). This photo was taken from the restaurant "Limon". I strongly recommend it. This establishment is barely visible from the road, but once you enter the restaurant it goes further and further back, out in the open into a quirky, bohemian paradise. The eating areas are outside, but in place of your traditional table are chairs are thrones, elegant arm chairs, rickety mismatched dining room chairs, and long dark benches with plush cushions. The tables were a jumble of long coffee tables, pinic benches, dramatic solid wood, and small stylish tables for two. Adding to the atmosphere were floral prints, a crazy selection of old fashion single standing and smaller lamps and fairy lights that created a relaxing calm as night fell. It was truly beautiful. I really wish I'd taken more photos. The photos I have really do not do it justice.



My sister and I couldn't resist sitting in a couple of the chairs...



An amazing cocktail: Kurant Cosmopolitan. This was the perfect cosmo with a hint of blackcurrent.



Overall, Turkey was a stunning place to visit, the people were friendly - despite the harrassment, and the weather was gorgeous! The only thing I can think of now after returning to the dissappointing "summer" weather that is in England, is how amazing it's going to be to live in California in the blazing sunshine most of the year round!

I can start applying for my visa on Wednesday! After that all I have to do is book my plane ticket!! Only two months until the start of the real adventure and I really can't wait!

Freedom.

I'm free! Exams are over and summer is finally within reach. This time tomorrow I'll be in Turkey in the 30c heat. The only thing left to do is pack... I. HATE. PACKING. It really is my pet-peeve. Currently my room is stacked high with boxes, bags, and suitcases. It's a mess. I've moved my Uni room back into my old room at home. Yesterday I lived in my pj's to save the hassle of hunting through the mountain of stuff. I always wonder how I accumulate so many things. And in all honesty most of it is just stuff. Stuff I don't even need. I guess everyone slips into the mass consumerism without realizing it. On that note I went to a Topshop sale in Canterbury and stumbled upon these AMAZING sequin harem pants. They're actually my life right now. I never seen something so shiny, so inappropriate, but just so right. I'm in love.



I have a problem with buying inappropriate and ugly clothes and shoes. I think I subconsciously make it my personal mission to buy awkward clothes just to try and make them work. A personal challenge. I think I might have to refrain from taking them with me. I have no social boundaries. I just told my Grandma I was planning on wearing them to visit a Muslim temple in Turkey. Apparently that is not socially acceptable. On the same shopping trip where I found the harem pants, my housemate said in passing how most the clothes I own she would never pick out because they look so wrong. The same goes for my shoes. I collect shoes as pieces of art. Before I leave for California I'll have to post some of my favourites...

Naturally I've gone right off topic... back to packing. I think I've collected together the clothes and shoes I want to take to Turkey for the two weeks:






I still have a few more pairs of shoes to add, these are just the simple flip-flops and sandals that were lying around. I worry when I pack that I'm going to get to my destination and need a certain shirt or accessory to make an outfit work. Hence why I usually end up cramming everything into my suitcase - just in case! But today I think I've been reasonably selective. I still have more accessories to pack, but I think I'm good for now... Hopefully I'll be able to update from Turkey! Living without any form of normal communication for two weeks is going to be challenging!

I just can't wait to see all the colourful clothes and accessories at all the markets and wonderfully strange new foods. Safe to say I'll return with lots more "Stuff" to add to my mountains of boxes... I really need to sort my life out...

Hopefully update soon!

Day of Doom.

I guess it's been a while since I've written on here. Too long if you ask me. I think if your life is too busy to update a blog then it really is depressing. It wouldn't be depressing if I hadn't spent all my time studying in the library for 8hrs straight, every day, for two weeks now... Even less depressing if I've received good results.

Today was THE WORST exam of my life. THE WORST. Never before have I not been able to answer a question or at least feel like what I was saying wasn't totally off the chart (and not in a good way). Annoyingly enough I had remembered all 25 quotes, all critics, and historical backgrounds for my exam, but the question just was not there. I spent 3hrs of my life wanting the world to swallow me up just thinking "there goes California". Because California demands good grades. Grades that I've worked so hard for for my whole life.

Today was the day of doom.

I even prayed about it. Yes. Me. I prayed. Prayed the night before that my plays/authors would come up, and they did. One could say I got exactly what I asked for. Just not in the order I needed. I guess life's a bitch sometimes. You don't always get what you want.

That corralates with California I guess... I applied for San Diego and I got Irvine. Now I see that as a blessing in diguise. Alex and I have a beautiful appartment waiting for us in a stunning location, and I really can't wait to start my life there.

Maybe that's what today was. A blessing in disguise. Maybe it's taught me that no matter how hard I work I can't always do things right or get what I want. Or maybe things wont be as bad as I think they are...

Just maybe...

Plans.

I have a really bad tendancy to plan everything in advance. This could be a good thing, but I tend to do it to make sure things are actually real. I've spent the past 3 years living on hope and I can't believe I'm about to experience everything I've ever wanted. I guess you could say that's how this blog appeared. I need a place to explain, perhaps to myself what's going to happen within the next few months and be able to look back and say "wow, that really happened".

To start with I've been accepted to study English at the University of Irvine CA and will start there on the 20th August. I've never been to California. Sure I've been to the states from time to time, but I have never ventured as far as the West coast. I spend most of my time in Michigan with this boy:


Safe to say we spend most of our time together eating sushi and making trips to Chicago.

So moving to Cali is going to be a big step. We've been accepted for an apartment which scares and excites me endless amounts. I've never lived with a boy before - well apart from my rabble of housemates in my first year of uni, but they don't really count. It's going to be a massive change from the long distance relationship we have had to adapt to, to living in a studio apartment. Needless to say he's probably going to realise I'm crazy, self-destructive, and a walking mess. But I think we might just be ok.

Now! The plans for our road trip have been near finalized (with the exception of booking motels and actually packing haha). We're starting off in Michigan, driving through Illinois, down to Missouri and staying with Alex's Grandparents. I've never met them and am bound to make some horrific first impression that will be scarred into their memories. After this we're heading through Kansas (ANYONE know anything cool to see in Kansas and i'm all for it). From here we're headed to Colorado and the rockies, (i'm praying to the Volvo God's that we don't break down here) and then are making our way through Utah, into Nevada and onto the Las Vegas strip, and down into California. I'm predicting this is going to take us 6 days. 6 days of me chatting none stop and wearing myself out, whilst Alex puts on metal music and I fall asleep to the voice of a man who sounds like he really needs a strepsil...

Think I'm just going to put it out there... if anyone has been to, or knows of any cool things to see and do in the following states please let me know:

- Missouri
- Kansas
- Colorado
- Utah
- Nevada

Much appreciated in advance. I really want to use this trip to discover some really interesting things, take lots of photos, and have some crazy stories that I can write about... All I can do now is wait for August to swing around and try and restrain myself from packing already...

Hopefully I'll have some actual interesting things to write about soon! Visa day tomorrow, things are becoming so real. If you've stuck it out through this ramble - thank you! Promise once I'm out there I'll have something real to say... fingers crossed...

Cliche

Apologies in advance for the typically cliched introductory first post - but it had to be done...

I'm currently a lost and confused English student about to set out on a years "study" in California.

I've started multiple "fashion" blogs in the past and have tired of trying to keep up with the endless amazing blogs out there that I envy and devour. I think I'm going to use this blog to write down my thoughts and feelings that occur during my year away from normality as I throw myself into the world of "90210" as I'm bound to want to look back on this in years and laugh at all my mistakes and adventures.

The first thing on my list of adventures is a week long road trip across the states from Michigan to Irvine. Safe to say a 2,500 mile voyage in my boyfriend's tempremental Volvo is bound to come with it's fair share of hilarious tales. Not to mention my desire to stay clean, fresh, and presentable, and his typical mannly desire to not wash and sleep in a car for the week...

...Which leads me onto the name I have chosen for this blog. As much as I love fashion, I cannot claim to be the most stylish or glamorous. Far from it actually. Being a student I lack the funds to keep up with the ever changing world of fashion, not that that's ever stopped me gazing through Vogue telling myself that one day I'll have a wonderful job that will allow me to have all the shiney things I see.

When I move to California in August I am going to have to cram my whole wardrobe into two measly suitcases and that is going to be a challenge... To put it in perspective I own over one hundred paris of shoes, (before I hear the cries of hypocrite! Most of these were on sale, presents, or well saved for!). Another challenge for me is trying to keep up my own personal sense of Brit style when on this infamous road trip and when living in CA. As a Brit moving to America I almost feel obligated to bring a bit of English style across the pond.

So what better place really to document my adventures than in a blog that can be reached and read on either side of the Atlantic - although I do not claim to be an excellent writer, I will try not to bore you and hope to share moments in my life that might be the cause of amusement and entertainment. Just think of this as me facing my own embarassment head on.

So if amongst my ramblings I've somewhat caught your attention, do me the favour and check back in a week once this is up and running and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised...