#Blogtember Day Seven: Snapshots Of A Ginger Life

(Top L-R: A Sunny Summer Evening, Pretty Flowers, Homemade Cheesecake
Middle L-R: Sofa Time With Dave, Engagement Sparkle, Seeing Les Mis
Bottom L-R: A Magical Night, View From A Train, Champagne Flutes.)

Summer is starting to move over and leaving room for Autumn to arrive. Because this Summer has been so busy and amazing for me, I wanted to share some of my favourite photos from the past few months to look back, and reflect on all the blessings that came to me. 

Most of the photos are from my Instagram (my username is @Gingerjax if you want to follow me.)

What were your Summertime highlights? 

#Blogtember Day Five: University Decor

Because university is around the corner for some of you, and because it has been on my mind, I wanted to carry on the theme and talk about university decor.

If you are going into halls this year, it can be quite restricting in what you can do to make your room feel a bit more homey. I know in my uni halls we weren't allowed to put anything up on the walls, and personal kettles, and electricity-run fairy lights were a definite no-no (battery operated didn't seem so available back then.) I had two designated pinboard type things where I could pin up photos, pictures, and little bits and bobs, but the rest of the room had to remain clean. Room inspections happened once or twice a term, and if your room was a bit messy, you'd get a note telling you to sort it out.

There are way to make a uni room your own though. And it's all about the simple things. Choose a bedding set that you would have in your room at home, and accompany it with a warm, snuggly throw blanket that can double up as warmth-giver, and an awesome accessory. A row of scatter pillows will turn your bed from a place to sleep in to sofa for when you have friends over, and, although you may not be allowed naked flames, LED candles are a great option to bring some serenity and calm in to your room if you are pulling an all-nighter trying to finish off that essay before the deadline in the morning. A rug can also be a great addition, and make your room even cosier, and add a bit of colour of pattern (especially if you have walls that are a completely uninspiring colour.

Scattering pre-made vases filled with silk flowers, ornaments and photo frames around amidst all your books and files can be a gorgeous touch, especially if you're planning on bringing pictures so that you can remember friends and family back home. Moving out can be so hard (I know, I moved 3.5 hours away from where I grew up to go to university,) and if you start to feel a bit homesick, or miss your friends, seeing them dotted around your room will definitely pick you up.

And let's not neglect your choice of crockery. Now while you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on plates, bowls and mugs (things will more than likely do a disappearing act on you,) if you can find a cute set of plates, or a cool novelty mug, then this will really let you show your personality and provide a bit of a pick-me-up too.

And remember. Don't go overboard. Moving in to halls can be a really exciting time, but you are not moving in to a mansion. I remember my uni room was tiny. Between the bed and the desk there was barely room to swing a cat so bear this in mind and keep decor to a minimum. Stick to items that you love, and leave space to add to your collection. As you explore your uni and new local town, you may spot things that you want to get to brighten up your living space.

How did you/would you decorate your university room?

Ps: Here is me during my first year of uni in my room....Ahhh the good old days of grainy webcam selfies!

Ginger's Jollies: Weekend with Mama Ginger

This weekend, Mama Ginger came to visit me. 

Of course, I had to be ill for her coming up, didn't I? 

It was nice having my mum up. I live by myself, so when I'm ill, it's nice to have somebody in the house to perk me up. And Mama Ginger ALWAYS keeps me busy...She is the Queen of Lists/Jobs/Visits, and this weekend, I was very grateful for the distraction! 

On Saturday, we headed into town because I needed to find some new bedding. We stopped for lunch and had some sushi - this was a big step for me. I'm not a huge fan of the sushi that comes wrapped in seaweed, and seafood really freaks me out. But we found some amazing dishes, and I even ate some crab (although I had my eyes closed mostly through that experience)

Walking back through town to the car, we happened upon a market, and the most beautiful looking Italian sweets counter. We knew we had to get something, and went for a strawberry chocolate wedge as a naughty Saturday treat....I still have some left in the fridge...Although it won't be there for much longer... *sneaks off to raid kitchen*

After our trip to town, it was back home for food, a film, and flopping on the sofa! 

Bliss!

Instagram: @Gingerjax

FOTD/OOTD 30/03.....I'm in LOVE with my new coral coat from Primark. Such a sensational colour. It's funny how wearing bright colours can really lift your mood, don't you think?

Instagram: @ Gingerjax

On Sunday (Easter Sunday), we took a trip to Rufford Old Hall - a Tudor Manor in Lancashire - to have a look around. It was a gorgeous sunny day, but bitterly cold. But the fresh air put a spring in my step and cheered me up a bit. By this time, my cold had gotten even worse, and I was starting to look a little bit like Rudolph!

Instagram: @Gingerjax

Rufford Old Hall was absolutely stunning, with really pretty grounds. Colourful pockets of  flowers were everywhere, and made everything seem bright and cheery. There was an Easter Egg Trail taking place for Easter. I tried to convince my mum that we should try and blag giving it a go, but I don't think she was too convinced!

I really loved how romantic Rufford Old Hall looked. Walking round - especially outside - I kept imagining little stories that might have taken place there....all romantic tales of course, and with yours truly as the main protagonist, but regardless of that, it was definitely an inspiring place to be!

Looking back at the hall. It was set in such beautiful grounds that were well maintained. Even though we didn't take part in the Easter Egg Trail, you could tell it had been really well planned out, because there were families running around everywhere, hunting for clues. I really wish there had been an Easter Egg Trail for grown ups too....we like Easter Eggs too! 

Ginger x

p.s: I vlogged over the weekend about our days out. If you want to check those out, head over to my JustAddGinger  channel!