Holiday fever!

Not even spring yet and already most of us are having that holiday feeling. 

It isn’t long until the summer months when we can escape our day to day lives for a weekend, a week, or for the lucky ones, even longer.

For us students, there’s two weeks left until the Easter Holidays which is the reason I’m feeling slightly fed up and like I need a holiday!

Everyone loves a break away, whether it’s sightseeing a historic city, relaxing on a beach somewhere exotic or skiing in snowy mountains.

This has got me thinking about the memories I’ve had on holiday, and my favourite places which is why I have decided to share my experience with you!

During my two years at sixth form, I was fortunate enough to have various opportunities to travel to different countries experiencing foreign cities and new cultures.

Studying an Art and Design A Level took me to Italy, and the beautiful cities of Venice and Rome, while Business Studies offered an amazing trip to New York.

I remember begging for extra shifts during weekends and half terms to afford the spending money!

But it was worth it.

Venice, November 2009

To leave the drab school halls behind and embark on a journey to an incredible city like Venice was so exciting.

But the anticipation was nothing compared to the experience I look back on now.

Visiting numerous museums and exhibition was as unforgettable as walking the back streets surrounded by canals and amazing views.

Along with the sightseeing and eating yummy food, my coursework required me to actually produce some work whilst away!

In the environment, my studies seemed much less of a chore, and sitting amongst the bespoke buildings and landmarks made my work come to life.

Being out of the hotel and busy by 8am everyday was tiring, but it was stimulating to be creative during the day and be able to enjoy the company of friends and classmates in the evening at Italian restaurants and bars.

Who said you can’t burn the candle at both ends?

Venice, November 2009

My time in New York was also crammed full of activities from touring Wall Street to ice skating at the Rockefeller centre.

Only ever having lived in villages and small towns, I’ve grown up desperate to experience city life.

The atmosphere and buzz of a remarkable city like New York is something which can’t be explained.

The 13 hour flight and jet lag didn't faze us once we landed in JFK and stepped out onto the snowy streets. 

No matter how tired I was I couldn't stop looking out of the window for five minutes as we travelled over Brooklyn Bridge and into Manhattan. 

I loved every second of my five days spent in the Big apple. 

American style pancakes for breakfast in Soho, Times Square at night, shopping on Fifth ave, Liberty Island in the snow are just a few of my favourite memories.

New York, February 2011

Although I love visiting native cities, where you are moving at 100 mph, taking everything in as you speed past sight after sight, it is sometimes nice, when having time off from work or education, to relax in different surroundings, without having a jam packed itinerary. 

Whether it’s the coastal towns of the UK, or sunny beaches in Greece and Spain, it’s always nice to get away and make unforgettable memories.

Happy Mother's day!

Mother’s day is quite literally just around the corner (Sunday 10th), which is why I thought it was appropriate to blog about ideas and presents for the occasion! 

We all know how much our mums do for us, whether you’re still living at home, away at University, moved to another city or are married with a family of your own.

So show them how appreciated they are by putting some serious thought into the perfect gift!

Time is not on your side if you haven’t already bought a gift or sent a card. So here are some suggestions...

Paperchase have got the pretty, girlie and thoughtful cards covered with their selection this year, with plenty of intricate designs of flowers, hearts, butterfly's etc. to choose from!

Their gift collection is smaller than the cards, however they do have some pretty choices!

Known for their stationary, Paperchase stocks plenty of notebook and pen sets, Filo Faxes, photo albums, frames and other little trinkets.   

I was disappointed when looking at the website, as there isn't a display of their full range; but it’s worth a look, if you aren't lucky enough to have a store in your area.

 www.paperchase.com

If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, Clinton cards is a good place to start.

They have the biggest choice of cards, but they've brought out gifts especially for Mothers Day too.

The impressive gift selection accounts for all ages, with ‘Mummy’ ‘Mum’ and ‘Grandmother’ sections.

From teddy’s and figurines to chocolate and mugs, all these gifts are perfect for Mum’s and aren't too expensive either!

www.clintoncards.co.uk

Thinking of something a little different away from the usual cheesy stuff?!

Yankee candles make a fantastic present.

They’re great long lasting candles which smell almost good enough to eat!

The scents range from every fruit combination you can think of to fresh beach smells, and even Christmas themed smells!

There are tons from Fluffy towels to Hazelnut coffee coming in a choice of shapes and sizes.

The tea lights come in boxes of 12 and can be a cute addition to any gift or card, costing £6.75.

The small, medium and large candles come in jars which are lovely packaging as well as decoration, these start at £8.39 for a small jar.

Simply tie some ribbon around the lid and you've got a nicely wrapped gift!

Yankee candles are stocked online at www.yankeecandle.co.uk as well as in a couple of your High Street shops.

It’s always nice to add a personal touch to a gift.

Photo albums and frames are an ideal present for Mothers Day and can also end up being quite cheap!

Every store you pass these days have frames in stock, there is almost too much choice.

John Lewis, Next and Debenhams have pretty and slightly more expensive frames in their stores.

Matthew Williamson and Rocha John Rocha have a selection of frames from Debenhams which are lovely.

Stores like TKMAXX, Asda home, and The Range also have a variety, which are slightly easier on the purse strings.

This year I decided to go down this route for a present for my mum and after looking and browsing for a week or so in all of these shops, I finally found a set of three frames from The Range which was perfect (and a bargain)!

Some presents have more of an impression than buying any old thing to go with a card, and spending more time and effort on a unique gift with a personal touch pays off.

So have a think about what your mums will really appreciate this year, even if you only have a week to go...

Good luck!