Barcelona Photo Diary Part 2

Day 4| Beach Day

This day we made the 30 minute walk to the beach. Many people think Barcelona doesn't have a beach as it is a City, however the beach is a lovely long strip of sandy shores and clearly blue water. On our walk back after spending the morning there, we ventured through small streets of the city, captivated by the variety of shops and spotting the odd church along our way. 

Day 5| Bus Tour

On this day we decided to go on a bus tour where you can hop on and off at any destination you choose along the way. The sighs were breath taking, the combination of the old fashioned city combined with modern day is such a pleasing contrast. One of the destinations we stopped off at was the Palace which is an impressive feature, overlooking the rest of Barcelona. Sadly the foundation weren't working but the Palace itself was very remarkable. Afterwards we went to the Olympic Park which again, gave us great views of Barcelona. As temperatures rose to late 20's and us being British, couldn't take the heat much longer, we went back to the Irish Bar for cocktails. 

Day 6| Sagrada Familia

Day 6 was hands down my most favorite day from the holiday, Sagrada Familia. The cities most popular destination which, not surprising was very extraordinary. It is a cathedral which after 100 years has still not be completed, is it such a surprise from the amazing detail though? Nope. The outside is covered with details of Jesus and figures with different meanings. Inside is just as good. The tall stained glass windows are coloured in colourful and bright glass, reflecting a ray of colours throughout the center when the sun shines on it. The ceiling carries the detail from outside, inside and the staircases and patterned with Gaudi's style. 

After gawping for hours, we went for a walk back to the harbor to watch the sunset which is one of my favorite things to do as I am fascinated by the sky. 

Day 7| Final Day

Sadly day 7 was our final day, after having a hectic and tiring few days we chose to chill and relax on the beach front before going out for a lovely meal. 

I was very supersized at how much there was to do in Barcelona as I and I'm sure many others assume theirs just the odd thing to see. I could have happily stayed their for a further week, continuing exploring the cities high lights and cute little streets. Thankfully the weather was wonderful for saying it was September it sure carried on the Summer Holiday Vibe. 

Hope you enjoyed the pictures! See Part 1 here

Dealing with Exam Stress

Hello there! This post is focussing on anyone who has upcoming exams, whether that may be GCSE's, ALevels or others, I hope these tips will help you like they helped me last year. Last year I did my GCSE exams, which in the UK are main end of high school exams which determine what you can go onto next, educational wise. 

1. Organise

One of the most important things in achieving your goals, whether it is that C or an A* is planning your time wisely. The reason why I stress this is because you need to have a balance. A balance of work, social life and your own time. For instance a month leading up to the exams I wrote out a time table for me to follow out of school hours. This time table focused on the most current exams and/ or the exams I found hardest like science and maths. However my time table also allows me time to spend with my friends and family, so I did not go insane and time for myself, whether it was a walk or reading a book. 

2. Note Taking

As I am sure many of your teachers will stress that it is important to take notes for later revision. However what I found whilst I was at high school was that they did not encourage me to find a method that suited me best. Whether you like a spider diagram, lists, post-it notes or flash card, USE IT. Use the method you find helpful as everyone is different. I personal found that flash cards and speaking about certain subject e.g.e World War 2 for History helped me remember the kept points. Using different coloured pens and highlighters to make it more interesting also.

3. Maintain your health

It is very easy to get caught up in revision and stress during this tough time, however the only way you can really achieve these exams is by maintaining your health. Eat a well- balanced diet with lots of fruit and veg to keep energy levels up and drink lots of water to keep you from dozing off in lesson! Also sleep is really crucial, I would suggest to go to sleep around about 10 pm, that way you should get enough time for waking up at 7am or whatever time in the morning for you to function. If you have trouble sleeping then reading, writing a diary or even taking herbal tablets help.

4. Good Hobbies

I found that doing hobbies each week helped me greatly as it kept my anxiety down as well as stress. My hobbies include baking, I LOVE to bake, whether it's a cake or a pudding, it was a de-stresser for me. I also kept a diary to write all my emotions down when things got too much. One thing I would deeply suggest doing the night before an exam, before you go to sleep, is Yoga. Yoga is a great way of building your inner core as well as relaxing you. I had trouble sleeping, so by doing 20 minutes of Yoga each night really relaxed me whilst keeping fit. 

Lastly, Good luck with your exams, stay calm, cool and collected :)

-Amy

2015 Bucket List

As 2014 draws to an end this Thursday, 2015 opens up new windows and opportunities for a re-start. 2014 has been one of the most challenging years in my 16 years on this earth, from GCSE's, starting college, working life and battling my darkest demons of anxiety and grief, however I feel personally I have accomplished much more than I beckoned for this time last year. I have grown within myself, my ambition's have increased and I now seize the chance to do whatever comes my way. 

I have learnt the value of friendship and family as well as accepting that 'shit happens', I hope you all have learnt something valuable this year whether it's how to cook your favourite meal or something deeper. Roll on 2015!

1. Firstly I want to join a sports club. Growing up I always was included in sports whether it was dance, swimming or netball and now I feel it's time I stepped out of the house, away from my laptop for a few hours a week and start netball again! 

2. Learn and instrument. In my house we have a concoction of musical instruments which are collecting dust, piano, drum kit,guitar, violin and ukulele. So why not learn to play one? For Christmas my brother very kindly took upon my future hobby and brought me a ukulele starter book with strings and a tuner so there are no excuses for me not to start now! 

3. Meet old school friends every month. It's hard when you are so used to seeing your close friends daily at school and as soon as you leave college, things change. However me and my friends have remained our close friendship as we have met up monthly ever since we left school back in June. Whether it's a film night too shopping or a meal out, we all have promised to carry on our efforts in the new year. 

4. Eat healthier. Over the past few months my food source has mainly been chips, coke and chocolate, the three c's I like too call them. At college I will no longer have chips and chilli crisps every day but instead choose a healthier option whilst eating more fruit. I will drink more water as it helps your skin also, let's hope it works!

5. Finally I will keep a 1 year diary. I did this a few year's back and it's sooo interesting to see what I got up too in my early teen years and the comparison in writing now. I feel a diary is a great way of expressing how you feel when things get too much, which in college, can happen a lot. 

Hope everyone has a great New Years Eve and good luck for another year! 

Stay positive, focused and grateful for the little things in life! 

Love Amy x