Sunday, May 28, 2017

current wishlist // june

Heeeey everybody! Again, I've been slacking on updating the blog (because I've been ridiculously busy!), and I'm now actually going to post more.. promise. Since my last post in March, I've finished my last classes in London, vacationed to Florida, and then finally made it back home to Ohio where I'll be interning and writing my dissertation as I finish up my Masters degree this summer. Of course, I have a wishlist amidst all of this.. check out my most wanted items for June below!
june // wishlist

hidden jeans distressed bootcut jean
anastasia beverly hills modern renaissance palette
quay australia 'my girl' sunglasses
adidas originals cap
river island cream dobby mesh cold shoulder dress

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

travel // getting to the isle of skye

It has been about seven months now that I've been living across the pond in London, and I've had the opportunity to do some amazing traveling since I've been here! For spring break, I wanted to go somewhere that I'd never been before - and after doing some online research, I settled on traveling up to Edinburgh, through the Scottish Highlands and eventually to the Isle of Skye.

Upon first deciding to travel to the Isle of Skye, I realized that I didn't know much about it at all. I'd heard of it, of course, and was immediately interested at the thought of seeing 'fairy pools' (yes, please!), but other than that I didn't really know what to expect. Let me just tell you that all of my expectations were far exceeded! The Isle of Skye is absolutely STUNNING, and I didn't even go during the summertime when apparently everything turns a beautiful bright emerald green. I went in the middle of chilly March, and it was still every bit as stunning.

Getting to the Isle of Skye from London was much easier than I had anticipated, so if you're thinking about traveling there or just curious as to how it all happened - continue reading!

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLE OF SKYE FROM LONDON / EXTRA TIPS

- book a guided tour in advance: Getting to the Isle of Skye is very difficult without a car. This is why I booked a three-day, guided tour through the Isle of Skye with the company Rabbies. Rabbies Tours have locations starting in Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow -- and provide VERY quality tours! I was so, so pleased with my tour and the tour guide, Mac. Mac was from Scotland and was so knowledgable about his country -- he even showed up on the third day wearing a kilt! I couldn't have asked for a better tour guide. Our tour started early in the morning in Edinburgh, where we got picked up by a luxurious mini-coach. The seats were so comfortable! The tour groups are very small too, my group had only about ten people in it. When you book the tour, accommodation in the Isle of Skye is included in the final price, which makes everything super easy. Rabbies has tour options for three day, six day, or even longer.

- take the train to edinburgh early: once you've booked your tour, I would recommend getting to Edinburgh (or Glasgow/Inverness, wherever your tour is starting) at least a day early, since the guided tour starts very early in the day. from London King's Cross station, train tickets to Edinburgh are pretty afforadble. I used trainline and I think I only paid about £45. The ride only takes a few hours, and the views outside are beautiful!

- where to stay in edinburgh: I cannot recommend Castle Rock Hostel enough, especially if you're a student or on a budget like I was! I had stayed at Castle Rock on a previous Edinburgh trip and knew I wanted to stay there again. You simply cannot beat paying only £15 a night! The hostel is in the Old Town part of Edinburgh, right at the base of the Edinburgh castle. Super convenient, and the rooms are clean and nice. If you book early enough, you can even get a private room for very cheap prices.

- pack lightly & bring rain gear: the Isle of Skye was beautiful, but also rainy when we went (and in certain spots, EXTREMELY windy!). Bring a hat or a rain coat, and also some hiking boots. You'll be seeing a lot of beautiful places, but to get to some of them, some hiking is definitely required!

We travelled up through the Scottish Highlands and stopped for photo ops:

Then, we made it to the Isle of Skye:

The second to last photo is the 'fairy bridge' where I washed my face in the water for eternal beauty! ;) If you're interested in traveling to the Isle of Skye, definitely do it. The Isle of Skye felt nothing less than magical!

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

life in london // via photos

A NIGHT OUT IN LONDON as captured by my good friend jocelyn

i know this isn't a real full post.. promise there will be a full blog post up soon! xx