we'll always have Paris

Paris. the most magical city in the world, where high fashion mixes almost seamlessly with the fakes and tat hawked by the street sellers on every corner. where islands exist right in the heart of the city, and even the pigeons seem classier than those in England.

I was lucky enough to be there for two short days including la fete nationale last year, and on searching through my old camera roll, stumbled across a few of my favourites. It took me right back to breakfast on a street cafe on the enchanting Saint Louis-en Isle, and climbing the arc de triomphe, and I had to share.

1 year

Hello internet! I must say, it's been a while...

Although it feels as though I may be shouting into the void a little here, I just wanted to touch base on where I'm at in life. And, as of today 18th June 2016, I am all moved out of university halls, so I guess life as a fresher is pretty much over. All being well regarding my final exam, I've finished my first year at medical school - and what a year it's been!

There's definitely been ups and downs, with low points including having a nervous breakdown over at the recycling bin, but the ups have by far superseded the downs. It's been a fab year with a great bunch of people, and every day I spend here reminds me how lucky I am to be working towards my dream!

I've learnt so much this year; not only in a medical situation but about myself as well. University is more than just getting a degree; it's learning how to live independently. It's been a bit of a learning curve, but I think I'm getting there!

Of course I've discovered some pretty cool medical related things as well! From understanding the naming behind an epi-pen, to being able to spout causes of steatosis, my knowledge has expanded more than I realised was possible, and I'm simultaneously thrilled and terrified at the prospect of another four or five years of this. Witnessing healthcare from a student perspective has also been fascinating, and I can't wait for another year of clinical placements in hospitals and GP surgeries! 

So that's me. One year down: older, somewhat wiser, and definitely a whole lot wearier. All for the better though - I cannot wait to see what the next year brings! 

Prom 2015

So, last night marked my final event as a member of my school: our sixth form leavers prom. It was a great night; the school looked so beautiful and it was lovely to see everybody so dressed up. The free bar, buffet & music all set up for an amazing evening dancing and socialising, although I was definitely yawning my way through work today!

I thought I'd do a quick outfit, hair & make up post just explaining how I achieved my look - hopefully you'll agree with me that it was simple but elegant. 

My dress itself was this green number from Phase Eight. As you can see from the photo, it had a cut away skirt and the bottom was sheer, so it was simultaneously short and long, which I loved. To me, it felt very Grecian so I teamed it with gold sandals from New Look and this long golden pearl necklace. I wanted to keep it simple, so I wore small gold earrings that had been a christmas present.

My hairstyle

Close up of the front of the dress, and my make up

In keeping with the Grecian style, I did a mid-placement bun, separating out a segment of hair on each side of the bun. I then french-plaited these back, and wrapped them around the bun. This photo was quickly taken by my mum to show me the back, so we made sure to hide the pins after this!

I then used Half-Baked from the Naked 2 palette all over my eyelids, and used a thin layer of black liquid eyeliner to create the illusion of thicker lashes. I had hoped to do more of a golden smokey eye for a more dramatic effect, but unfortunately I ran out of time. I still liked the end result though! My brows were defined using the Nars brow mascara in mid brown. I always feel vaguely clownish in even the most subtle of lipsticks, as knowing me it will inevitably end up halfway across my face. So, I settled for my Nars 'Anita' lipstick, which is a natural looking pinkish nude. 

To finish off, I just thought I'd show you a couple more photos from the night. The first is my twin brother and I (my shoes failed to make any appearances after ten o'clock...ahem), and the second is a group photo with my friends! It was such a lovely evening and I am so excited to share these photos!

Has anyone else been to a prom this year, or maybe their graduation? I'd love to see some photos! I'm off to Prague soon, so keep an eye on my blog for a travel diary from my visit.

Helena x

MIA

So I've been pretty missing in action for the past couple of months... It was my eighteenth birthday at the end of February, and after that work's just been piling up at school. Exam season's getting closer and closer and I'm trying to contain my freakout and failing miserably...roll on the 17th June!

Despite all the cramming for revision I've had something pretty amazing happen - I got my second offer for medical school! I was so surprised and happy, although this means I've got to try my best to get in now...eek! It's gonna be a tough ride but hopefully I can get there.

The top few pictures are from my birthday... I don't know if I've ever mentioned it on here, but I'm actually a twin! My brother and I had about three birthday cakes, and honestly that was all I ate for about a week, but who's complaining?

I also headed out into Brighton for my first legal night out a couple of weeks ago! I'm a bed at 10o'clock, every day PJ day kinda girl so it was definitely out of my comfort zone haha. I may have two left feet but I loved dancing around!

Before getting my head stuck in some revision, I also popped out to a friend's birthday party. The theme was 'Space 90s', and I was (theoretically) the 'dark side of the moon'! On a side note - I absolutely LOVE this dress from Asos that I wore, it's super cute and easy, and everyone needs an LBD in their wardrobe.


That's all from me today, but hopefully I'll manage to get back in the blogging scheme of things soon. I've got a super exciting summer lined up so fingers crossed I'll be able to share it on here!

Helena x

Current Favourite Songs

So all in all I've had a pretty good half term. I've been up to London a couple of times to see two amazing shows - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and the Woman in Black, went to Southampton for a university offer holder day, and managed a few outings with friends as well, which was nice. 

I thought I might share some of my current favourite songs with you - these are the things I've had on repeat all week!

Since last summer I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Last Five Years film, and finally, last week it was released! As soon as I could I listened to the soundtrack and fell in love with Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick as Jamie and Cathy. A Summer in Ohio is hilarious and Anna Kendrick sounds wonderful singing this - it's already crept up my iTunes 'most played' in less than a month! Catch the trailer for this film here.

I have two left feet but I still love to dance around, and Gravity (DJ Fresh ft. Ella Eyre) definitely makes me want to do this! It's not super new but it's a great one to really not take too seriously.

A more chill song I'm loving is Nina by Ed Sheeran - his new album is gorgeous and so great for long drives! It's super catchy and if you've not heard it then you should definitely check it out. 

February also heralded the long-awaited Fifty Shades of Grey movie, which brought with it a pretty sweet soundtrack. It's not really my sort of film but Love Me Like You Do is great and so much fun to belt out when you're home alone!

I do have one or two guilty pleasures that I'm also loving at the moment... I'm not usually a boyband kinda gal but Good Girls by 5 seconds of summer and Night Changes from one direction are pretty catchy songs that I've been really enjoying recently. Don't judge me!

Finally, what playlist would be complete without one from Taylor Swift?! Those who know me know I'm a MASSIVE fan - I'm loving 1989, but especially Style. I am SO excited that it's her latest single - it's bound to be a huge hit. The new  music video is pretty cool - you can catch it here. 

The best high school movies

Now, I don't mean to brag or anything, but cheesy high school movies are kind of my forte. I watch them ALL the time - they're perfect for background watching when you're doing your homework, or on a duvet day. 

So, I decided to compile a list of my all-time favourites. It isn't exhaustive by any means, but next time you're feeling down or looking for a classic to watch, try one of these!



Heathers
This is probably a bit of an unheard one - to tell you the truth, I only watched it after listening to the musical, but I was instantly in love. It's a bit of a cult classic, about an outsider who manages to infiltrate the most popular clique in school - the three Heathers. But it all takes a bit of a U turn when her enigmatic boyfriend begins a murder campaign...
It's absolutely hilarious and brilliantly quotable - 'how very' is my new fave catchphrase, and it's definitely worth a watch.

Heather, Heather, Heather...and Veronica

John Tucker Must Die
Also known as the ultimate girl power movie. Three girls being screwed over by the same guy decide to take their revenge, and it's hilarious. Added bonus: the soundtrack is pretty great as well. Who doesn't like the All American Rejects?!


The Breakfast Club
This is the classic teen movie - 5 kids from different cliques with 5 different reasons for being stuck in detention on a Saturday morning. It's a brilliant coming of age movie that resonates with the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess and the criminal. 

Clueless
I don't think I can even begin to explain my love for Cher. Her facial expressions are my facial expressions, and her driving skills...probably surpass mine! This is such a funny film, and I love that it's based on Emma by Jane Austen. 

She's All That
This is a bit of a random one - I don't really know how well regarded/known it is? (I looked it up and apparently it's pretty popular?!) I stumbled across it one evening on Netflix and it's just a really sweet film. Freddie Prinze Jr was pretty hot in the 90s as well though!


So, I guess this is my random post of the week! Hopefully expect more up - I'm on half term this week so maybe I'll be able to write another blog post.

Helena

My New Year's Resolution...a month later

I was thinking some stuff over this weekend, and I realised that I want to make a few changes to my life this year! Not necessarily big changes, but things to help myself feel more confident. And then I figured that these all fell under one big, umbrella resolution. Better late than never, eh?

For me, it's taking a risk. I need to be more assertive and stand up for myself to get what I want! I also need to take a chance and wear something a bit out of my comfort zone, or use a bolder lipstick once in a while. 

I guess the risk taking also extends somewhat into my personal life as well; I need to be braver when it comes to meeting new people and getting to know them. It's important not to be too afraid of what others think of you, which is a lot easier for me to say than to act on. Send that text. Wear red lipstick! Ask questions you want to know the answer to. 

So yeah. That's my somewhat random resolution this year. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big one, but it's one that I'll do my best to adhere to in 2015! Have any of you got any resolutions this year? How's keeping them going?