PRAGUE Travel Diary

Dobry den! 
Hello everybody, I'm really excited to write this post. I got back from a little city break yesterday, and I just couldn't wait to write it!
I took my boyfriend Ben to Prague in the Czech Republic for his 21st birthday and we both absolutely loved it there. Prague is one of those cities that has really boomed in recent years, especially for tourism. It is considered as the number 1 destination in the world for Stag Dos, but in all honesty, Prague is a city for anyone! We saw one group of 'lads' there and that was it (there were just being a pain in an Irish bar somewhere). There were a lot of couples, mothers and daughters, friends on shopping breaks and everyone in between!

Monday

Hotel Lobby

We landed late Monday afternoon and checked into the hotel straight away, and went out to a traditional Czech restaurant after about an hour. La Republica was such a warm and welcoming restaurant, we were instantly convinced that the Czechs have a shot before their evening meals, so, when in Prague ... Czech food is SO GOOD! But not good for you, it's a cardiologists nightmare, all meat and dumplings but it makes good comfort food.

Tuesday

Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock

Old Town Square and Tyn Church

Trdelik? It's soooo good!

View of the castle from the top of the tower

Close up of the castle from the tower

Christmas Markets from above

Rooftops of Prague are picturesque

The Astronomical Clock

The colours of the buildings are amazing

The Dancing House

A view of the Castle from the River

Prague's answer to Paris' Love Locks Bridge

Hard Rock Cafe

How beautiful is the square at night?!

After a few too many drinks and a lie in, we set out to explore the city. This started with a walk to the wonderful Old Town Square. This sight is actually breathtaking, as soon as you weave your way from the tight alleyways into the grand open space, you feel like you've been transported into a fairytale. We spent the afternoon mooching around the square, admiring Tyn Church and the Astronomical Clock, browsing the Christmas markets and we even went up the Clock Tower to admire the glorious skyline of the city. We then went for a walk down the river to look at the Dancing House (one of Prague's more famous recent structures), the National Theatre and look at the Castle from this side of the river. We headed to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner as it was Ben's birthday, and I don't think Hard Rock tends to disappoint. Beware though, the Local Legendary Burger is SPICY in Prague! Cocktails and Hard Rock shop ended the night.

Wednesday

Charles Bridge

Conquering the walk up to the castle

On top of the world

Starbucks with a view

Castle gates

St Vitus' Cathedral inside the Castle grounds!

Palladium Shopping centre

Wednesday started with a walk across the Charles Bridge to go and wander around the streets of the Lesser Town. We headed up the hill to Prague Castle and roamed around the grounds and in St Vitus Cathedral. I can't believe Prague Castle is one of the oldest in the world! It's incredible to think that parts of it are over 1000 years old! We had a late lunch in an underground cafe in Lesser Town (which I forgot to take pictures of). We then headed to the Palladium shopping centre right next to our hotel, which is FIVE floors by the way and has over 200 shops! Wednesday night was very chilled as I wasn't well so we went across the street for Asian food and then stayed in watching youtube videos.

Thursday

Statue in the Jewish Quarter

Bed Bar

What we lacked on Wednesday, we certainly made up for on Thursday! We started the day by taking a tour around the Jewish Museum, the Old Jewish Cemetery and some of the synagogues, this was so interesting, I knew of Prague's Jewish history but not to this extent, definitely worth a visit! We then walked all the way across the city to Wensceslas  Square to get a view of the Good King himself and the National Museum, and also to see the busier side of Prague. We then had a few too many drinks at lunchtime and took a few spontaneous visits on our way back to the hotel. This included Prague's Sex Toy Museum, which is a much better experience when you're under the influence, we also did a bit too much souvenir shopping and ended up spending a fortune! Dinner that night was at one of Old Town Square's overpriced but scenic outdoor restaurants (there were heaters and blankets, don't worry!) Later we headed to a few of Prague's best bars including Caffrey's Irish Pub (which had sky sports AND live music - what more could you ask for?) and Bed bar. This bar is absolutely incredible and a must-do when in Prague. It's basically like stepping into a dream, it's a bar full of beds and pillows instead of bar stools and provides such a dreamy atmosphere for cocktails.

And then we got on a plane and came home on Friday afternoon! After having one of the best airport experiences ever. Prague was such an amazing experience and definitely worth a visit if you fancy being transported into an Eastern European Fairy Tale. Actually, Sleeping Beauty's castle was based on Tyn Church in Prague so it really is the setting for a fairy tale! We used Lonely Planet's 2014 guide to Prague to help us plan our trip and it definitely gave us some helpful tips and insight. The localers were lovely too!
I hope you enjoyed all 50 of my photos from Prague! Let me know if you've been or would like to go! Prague, you were incredible.
CJ x

Gift Guide for Him

Following my gift guide for her, I thought I'd write a gift guide for him as men are SO difficult to buy for. Once again, I understand that not every man is in to these type of gifts and not every man will even appreciate these gifts (my boyfriend included - seriously, how do you buy for guys?!) Here's a quick and basic gift guide for the last minute Christmas scramblers out there.

Socks - Tompan (3 for £7)

  - Very standard Christmas gift here, but who doesn't love getting socks for Christmas? I personally love receiving socks, even Dumbledore saw himself receiving socks in the Mirror of Erised. EVERYBODY LOVES SOCKS. I especially love the Topman ones at this time of year, they're so Christmassy and cute

Gloves - Topman (£12)

 - Everybody has to have gloves in the winter, especially in these cold snaps! These topman gloves are perfect for Christmas/winter. They're fairisle print but still monochrome so they don't look too festive. They're also touch screen friendly, winner!

The party book(s)  - Drinking games (£5.99) and Never Have I Ever Book (£6.99) - Asos 

 - These are for the lad at university, or even the lad who just enjoys the occasional pre-drinking session with his mates (or indeed, wife and neighbours). These little books have endless laughs and games in them and would be great as stocking fillers!

Cards Against Humanity - Amazon (£20)

- To elaborate on the drinking games, this game brings out the sinister side in us all. The aim of the game is to be as offensive as possible (and intentionally). A definite highlight of any house party, you can't go wrong with this. (Unless you're giving it to your grandma).

Wallet and cardholder set - Ted Baker @ Asos (£45)

- This set is gorgeous! Matte black (and offered in brown too). It is 100% real leather so maybe not ideal for the vegans out there. However, it would make a great gift for a man of any age (unless they're prone to losing their wallets!) In my opinion, it's such a bargain too!

Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera (Black) - Urban Outfitters (£80)

- I LOVE polaroid cameras. There's something about taking a picture and then seeing it print out then and there, this mini polaroid from Fujifilm makes a great main present for a man. It's easily transportable, it automatically determines the best brightness and has automatic flash. It does require instant coloyr film and the print-outs though.

ClarinsMen Grooming Essentials Kit - Boots (£38)

- This is an essential starter kit for those men just getting in to high-end grooming. Comes with a moisture balm, an exfoliating cleanser, a smooth shave and an anti-fatigue eye serum. Buying the kit also saves you £30! Yes!

Happy Plugs Gold Headphones - Urban Outfitters (£25)

- These in-ear headphones are from the Swedish Brand Happy Plugs, and designed in Stockholm! Scandinavian brands seem to be taking the fashion industry by storm at the moment so I had to include one in the gift guide. These headphones come with a built in microphone and are suited to all phones and tablets, and this gold colour is to die for!

Paco Robanne Gift Set - Selfridges (£57)

- Everybody loves the signature 1 million scent from Paco Robanne, This gift set from Selfridges comes with 100ml of the original Eau de Toilette and 150ml of the deodrant. Last minute gift? Check!

Cufflinks - Ted Baker @ Asos (£45)

- For special occasions, or even everyday wear at work! These cream pyramid cufflinks add a little something extra to a shirt or suit. Once again, I think £45 from Ted Baker is an absolute bargain!

Jumper - American Apparel (£66)

 - There are cheaper alternatives, but I personally love the American Apparel Fishermans Pullover on both men and women. I think it's the ideal piece of clothing for these cold, cold winter months! My favourite colour is grey, but the burgandy and navy also make great additions to the winter wardrobe. 

Trainers - Vans @ Urban Outfitters (£52)

- Trainers are essential in a man's wardrobe and I love the style of the Old Skool Vans! Obviously, these aren't practical working out trainers but they make great casual wear and are good for walking too (once they've been broken in) These black and tan ones are great all year round!

1001 collection - Waterstones (on sale at £10 each!)

 - The 1001 collection is a fairly recent discovery of mine and they will make amazing gifts! Updated every year, there is a book for everyone. 1001 movies to see before you die, 1001 guitars to play, 1001 places to visit and my personal favourite, 1001 beers to drink before you die. A must-have this Christmas.

Game of Thrones Box Set (Seasons 1-3) - Amazon (£32)

- Almost every male is obsessed with Game of Thrones. This box set includes every episode of seasons 1 to 3, unfortunately not season 4 as it hasn't been released on DVD yet (WHY?! God only knows, it's Christmas for goodness sake)

IPad Air 2 - John Lewis (£399)

 - If you really want to push the boat out this Christmas, Apple's latest iPad is the way to do it! This is the thinnest and lightest iPad ever, and has boosted it's performance massively. It also now comes in grey in addition to the original black and white. 

Once again, there you have it! I hope I have fulfilled all of your last-minute shopping needs! Obviously, I'm not saying that every man will love to get these specific items, but I hope I gave you some sort of ideas to take away with you. If he's not into Paco Robanne, get him Viktor & Rolf's Spice Bomb, or the Burberry Gift Set. An Only Fools and Horses box set is a great alternative to Game of Thrones and what about the Xbox One instead of the iPad  air? There you go, EVEN MORE gift ideas!
Happy shopping everybody!
CJ x

Christmas Gift Guide for Her

Struggling to think what to get your girlfriend, friend, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, daughter, mother-in-law, or whoever for Christmas? Think no more, I have a quick and easy gift guide ready for you. 
I understand that not all women are in to these types of products, but these are all gifts that I would personally love to receive and I think they are universally loved products too, this is just a guide to help those who leave their Christmas shopping to the last minute (like me - ooops)

Sephora Favourites: Superstars (£50/$75)

-Sadly this isn't available in the UK and presumably anywhere that isn't in the US or Canada, it is however an amazing gift! At over $225 value worth, and priced at $75, you really can't go wrong with this! It contains 12 beauty related items from brands like Benefit, Urban Decay, Bumble and Bumble, Anastasia, Stila and Chloe. If I was on the other side of the Atlantic, this would be top of my wish list!

Soap and Glory The SOAPremes gift set (£20)

-Soap and Glory is always a winner in my books, with that signature scent and the way it leaves your skin feeling, there's no going wrong. This set comes with a full sized body wash, body scrub and body butter, a mini hand moisturiser and foot moisturiser and a body polisher and some super cozy socks! Amazing value and amazing products!

Urban Decay Naked on the Run (£37)

- Limited edition this Christmas, this palette is another item with amazing value, It comes with a bronzer, blusher, highlighter, 5 eyeshadows, eyeliner, lipstick and the perversion mascara! Designed for ladies on the run, this is essential

Zoeva Rose Gold Gift Set (65euro/£52)

- Just look at that Rose Gold Heaven, what beauty lover doesn't need an excessive amount of makeup brushes? I do that's for sure, these have been around for the past year or so, but I honestly can't get enough of looking at them. Comes with a powder brush, foundation brush, contour brush, blush brush, concealer buffer, soft eye definer, crease brush and a liner brush. I need them now

Lush Christmas Candy Box - £14.50

-How cute is this?! I can't get enough of the Snow Fairy scent, it's just so heavenly and sweet and makes me think of all thinks pink. This gorgeous little set comes with Snow Fairy shower gel, Rockstar soap, butterbear bath bomb and candy mountain bubble bar. I would also recommend the Snow Fairy Gift if your budget is over £20 (coming in at £22.50) Snow Fairy Shower Gel, Snow Fairy Sparkle shimmer bar, The Godmother soap and the Magic Wand reusable bubble bar

Ciate Big Beauty Bus (£15)

- This is a gift that I actually received myself this week. I am obsessed with nail varnish and obsessed with changing the colour (when I can be bothered) so this was the absolute perfect gift for me, in true British colours that work all year round, I'm in love (thank you Katie!)

Chloe Perfume Mini Set (£45)

- This Chloe mini perfume set from very is absolutely adorable! Contains 2 eau de toilettes, 2 eau de parfums and 1 eau de parfum intense. The original Chloe perfume is also a briliant gift, well done Very!

Olivia Burton Watches (£55-£125)

- Another product I already own, I got the mint green watch with the gold face for my birthday and I really do love it, it's perfect for everyday wear but still looks nice and expensive, and it adds such a feminine touch to any outfit - plus it's in my favourite colour!

Nike Free Run 5s (£80)

Perfect for the lady into her fitness! These Free Runs are fashionable and comfortable. I own the free run 3s currently and can honestly say their so comfy and versatile, can be used for running, aerobics, strength training, whatever! I've heard a lot of good things about the 5s and selected these for my wishlist

Topshop Hottie (£9)

- I bought the Polar Bear hottie for my friend last week and she absolutely loves it! I have a pig myself, and they are so useful and snuggly and warm. All you have to do is pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes and they keep you warm throughout the night! An essential for winter

Yankee Candle Christmas Eve (medium jar £17)

- any festive candle will do, but this is my personal favourite. Something about this scent makes me think of christmas time, candles are an ideal gift for a lady who you're not sure what they like! Or that difficult family member, aunt, grandmother, get them a candle!

Victoria's Secret Gift Voucher (variety of prices)

- This one explains itself. Let's them pick whatever they want in the size they want, no awkward thank you's for the underwear that's 3 sizes too small from your new girlfriend this Christmas!

Body Shop Cocoanut Festive Picks (£17)

- I love the body shop and they're bath and body care always smell so divine! This festive box comes with a shower cream, body butter, body scrub, soap and mini bath lily. Not in to the cocanut scent? This set also comes in shea, argan oil, mango and strawberry!

Girl Online by Zoe Sugg (£5)

- Got a girl who loves reading and loves bloggers? Get her Zoella's debut novel, if she doesn't have it already! Can't wait to read this throughout the holidays

Paris Street Style (£11.19)

- a guide to effortless chic. If you're like me and love the Parisian style, you are sure to love this book, with lots of handy tips on how to style your outfits. Not in to Parisian style? Try Berlin Street Style for more of a grunge inspo.

GHD V rose gold gift set (£130)

- Another product that I have myself, these are simply amazing. They heat up so quickly and this set comes with a heat proof travel bag, a heat protector and two clips! I got mine from lookfantastic and would definitely recommend this site as they arrived within a couple of days with no hassle at all (during Cyber weekend too)

There you have it folks! My quick and easy Christmas gift guide for her. I'm sorry there is no real structure to this, but I couldn't decide on a way to order it, price? product? age? I don't know! I hope this helped, I would most certainly love to wake up on Christmas with any of these items under the tree. I might do a gift guide for him too - let me know if you'd like to see this!
CJ x




All images are from google

What to expect in your 20s

So I turned 20 in October and as much as I was dreading having to say that I'm now in my third decade, I was actually really looking forward to my 20s. There just seemed to be this air of sophistication surrounding my 20th birthday that I'd never felt before, I already felt more mature in the months leading up to it. All of a sudden mums in public said to their children 'watch this lady' and I was like 'am I really classed as a lady now?' I imagined that my 20s would bring the most exciting times in my life, I will graduate, hopefully buy my own house, get married, maybe get a dog etc. But instead I am faced with these battles:

1. Cheekbone acne/dried up spots
So you know when you're a teenager and you go through that face for about 6 years where there's never a moment with clear skin? Well it carries on, but this time that  one single spot lasts 4 to 6 weeks and just dries up and creates a horrible rough patch of skin on your face, Not good. Also, all spots have relocated from your forehead and chin to cheeks and jaw. Whaaaat?

2. Under eye wrinkles/bags
Yep, I got my first wrinkle under my left eye two months ago and have never forgiven my face for it. I probably wouldn't mind having it if only they evened out! My face is already asymetrical and now it's even worse that I've aged more on my left side than my right. Saying that, I'm not wishing any more wrinkles upon myself.

3. Hangovers
WHY DID NOBODY WARN ME? In all seriousness, if you are 18 or 19, don't even bother working in a bar, spend all your time on the RIGHT side of the bar while you still have the chance to recover. Hangovers jumped on me all of a sudden and I can never get the years back where I could just get up the next morning and resume my normal life.

4. Lack of ambition and intelligence
I was WAY more clever as a teenager than I am now, I used to love maths and now I can't do any of it (and it's not through lack of practise - well, not that much). Also, I have no motivation to do anything, or if I do, it only lasts as long as my car journey. I really wish I'd put more of an effort in when I was younger and was more able to produce better outcomes because I'm really making up for it now.

5. All your friends are getting married?
Or buying houses. I have a group of friends where half of us went to uni and half of us got full-time jobs and I've got to say it's really unfair watching your friends buy brand new cars whilst I save up for weeks for a new foundation. I don't have any direct friends getting married yet, but loads of people I know are, when did I get so old?!

6. Yet you have no money  ...
As mentioned above, weeks to save up for a foundation. The money I get from my part-time job pays for petrol and coffee at uni, nothing else. Goodbye new Kurt Geiger dreams

7. No more birthdays to look forward to
Apart from your 21st which I suppose is a biggy, there's no birthdays in your 20s worth celebrating that much, now I have to wait until I'm 30 to get more than 4 cards.

8. No immune system, like seriously, can't walk into a room without catching pneumonia
Especially if you go to university, or even commute via public transport. Say hello to frequent colds, stomach flu, fevers and much more. They last at least twice as long as they did last year too.

9. The majority of people you meet are arseholes
Yes, children and teenagers are probably more cruel than adults are, but adults are so rude and obnoxious, not all. Chances are, unless you say hi to me, I instantly hate you

10. It's so hard to make friends!
An expansion of above and of my previous blog post on what uni has taught me, if it takes seconds for me to decide I hate people, then it takes seconds for them to decide they hate me too. First impressions are everything.

11. You have to look your best all the time
There's no more getting away with dodgy eyeliner or slightly knotty hair because you're young, every day counts now. I'm not saying you have to look like perfection all the time, but you at least have to make an effort if you're leaving the house.

12. Learning from your mistakes
You'll constantly be looking back to your teenage years and thinking 'WHY did I do that?!' but on the plus side, you're not likely to make those mistakes again, keep learning and growing. Onwards and upwards!

13. Companies see you as replaceable
As the moral theory goes, you are treated as a 'means to an end, rather than an end in yourself'. In other words, unless you've got something that no other person can provide, you are surprisingly easy to replace, and it will hurt to see that, but life goes on

14. You NEED a hobby
Trust me on this one, if you don't have something to focus on other than you're workload, you'll give up on that too. Recently I've been feeling the Work, Sleep, Uni, Read, Repeat thing and this is not healthy! If you have a hobby, you are more likely to have more focus in everything you do and you'll use those rare few spare hours productively

15. You'll grow apart from friends
Now's the time where everybody grows up and away from one another, if you've managed to cling on to the few childhood friends you had, well done you! But once you hit your 20s, your differences become more noticeable and sadly you drift apart from people, it just gives an excuse for catch up drinks though!

16. Loneliness is inevitable.
Even if you're surrounded by people, it's still possible to feel alone. It's not that you don't have people, but they don't get you, the ones that do moved away, or moved on, and you're just here, on your own. It does get better though

17. Your soul mate is probably your best friend, not your partner
You know it, they know it, and I know it. There are certain things you do with your best friend and only your best friend.

18. Everybody's having kids and you can't even look after yourself
You heard it. Facebook is now overcome with pictures of scans, baby showers, newborns, toddlers, you name it. How do they do it? I still can't get to the top shelf of my fridge without climbing and there are people with actual humans depending on them. I applaud you 

19. There's ALWAYS time for alcohol
Made a dick of yourself in work? ALCOHOL. Failed one of your university essays? ALCOHOL. Another friend is pregnant? TWICE AS MUCH ALCOHOL (because they can't have any). Fell over at the gym? ALCOHOL. (No? Just me then.)

20. The world's your oyster! Or is it?
Every time I go on instagram I have to look at travel pictures or even travel blogs! It seems so unfair that there's a whole lot of amazingness out there to discover but there is no way I can afford the time or money to explore! I'm getting there, but Bali is the dream!

This is everything I've learnt from the first couple of months of my 20s, I'm sure there's a lot more to learn but I thought these points pretty much summed up the decade! Let me know what you learned once you reached 20!
CJ x

What I got for my birthday

It was my birthday at the end of October and I got so spoiled! My friends and family really do know me so well and I am so appreciative and thankful of what I received, I have used every single item so far (apart from the gift vouhers and GHDs) so nothing has been wasted!

Beauty

Rose Gold GHD V (latest arrival - only came this morning!)
MAC lipstick in Pink Plaid

MAC lipstick in Up the Amp

Benefit's Bronze of Champions Kit

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Essie Nail Polish mini trio (Madamoiselle, Fifth Avenue and Mint Candy Apple)

Ted Baker Make Up Bag

Lush bag things - Sparkling Pumpkin bubble bar, The Wizard bubble bar, Butterbear bath bomb, Snow fairy shower gel, Star Light, Star Bright bath melt, the Christmas Hedgehog bubble bar, Candy Mountain bubble bar, 

Fashion

Olivia Burton watch
Marc Jacobs purse

White Old Skool Vans

Hollister Shimmering crop tee

Hollister long sleeve striped tee

Zara black bag

Hogwarts Tee
Accesorize every day earrings (not featured/currently wearing)
Accesorize scrunchies

Miscellanious

Handwarmer
Jamie Oliver's 15 minute meals

Kopparberg

Vouchers - Boots and Topshop eee!

So that's everything! I had a wonderful birthday and I'm so grateful for everything I received. I even bought a few of these items myself as a gift to me from me.

P.S. How amazing is the Frozen gift bag? I couldn't resist putting it on here, it's so cute!

CJ x

October Favourites!

Beauty

I can't believe November's almost over! Like where has it gone?! I apologise for a very belated favourites this month, I have had it done for ages I just haven't had the time to post!
I wasn't very adventurous with beauty last month, so some of these are rediscovered products and products that I've previously mentioned, but I've been so busy that I've not even used that many products. Here are my top buys for October -

Mac Lipliner in Subculture

Mac Honeylove (again - but it's so nice!)

Mac Rebel

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Metallic Pomegranate

Lush Lip Scrub in Bubblegum

Witch bursting beads scrub

Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Oil

Viktor Rolf Flowerbomb

Fashion/Home

It was my birthday at the end of the month and I did a lot of shopping so there didn't seem to be much point putting them in a favourites when I can put them in a haul! Keep a look out

Monki Jumper

Missguided Cardigan

Topshop Joni Jeans - Blue and Black

Black Old Skool Vans 

Toffee apples

Yankee Candle - Fireside Treats (as you may have noticed, my yankee candle favourites are usually more appropriate for the next month, as Candy Corn was a September buy, I used it as a favourite and I used it throughout October, which is the same with this one).

Books/TV/Music

All my law books (I haven't read much else)

Grey's Anatomy - sky living

Modern Family - sky one

Criminal Minds - sky living

The Big Bang Theory - e4

Wicked soundtrack (I saw this for the second time in October and it was AMAZING! My favourite musical of all time)

Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran) - single

Blame it on me (George Ezra) - single

Hope you all had a wonderful October and November too (now it's almost over), sorry this post is so late but I do have a few more schedualed so keep a look out over the next couple of weeks!
CJ x

What's in my Uni Bag?

Happy Monday!
These are my absolute essentials for going to university everyday, there are a few things that I would also consider essential but aren't on here (mainly because they can't fit in my bag), namely, my textbooks if I have a long day or an essay due in and a jumper because I get cold really easily. Here's the rest that can fit in my bag - 

10 subject notebook
Diary/Planner
Pens - multicoloured (obviously)
Highlighters
Post-it Notes
Tangle Teazer (not shown but always in there!)
Lipstick
Lipliner
EOS Lipbalm
Glasses
Tissues
Hand Sanitizer
Breath Spray
Chewing Gum (not on here - in my pocket!)
Inhaler
Mini post-its
Purse


Bag - New Look
Purse - Marc Jacobs
Lipstick - MAC Honeylove
Lipliner - MAC Subculture
2014/15 Academic Diary - Paperchase

Keeping this blogpost short but sweet, I don't know how I'd cope without all of these items on a day-to-day basis!
CJ x