#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

    

Apologies for my absence! There have been exams and reading and working which have all gotten in the way of me writing a new blog post BUT I'm back for the summer and really excited to share my summer in Falmouth with you. 

For this post I want to share my initial thoughts on founder and CEO of Vintage online store Nasty Gal, Sophia Amoruso's new book, #GIRLBOSS. This book appeals to me in so many ways from the get go; written by a woman with drive who created her own business from nothing and skyrocketed in a mere 7 years. Sophia is very down to earth about her success and emphasises hard work and determination at all points of the book. I find her witty tone charming and interesting to read alongside her appreciation for the people who have helped her along the path to her present situation. 

I'm only a quarter of a way through the book but I am struggling to put it down. It's so inspiring and motivational, particularly for young women aspiring to be business leaders. I love her honesty about the business world, especially with regards to the 'boring' stuff AKA finance which she still keeps in mind and values the person sorting this out for her. Even though I'm only part way through I would urge anyone to go out and buy this book simply for the magical, charming, witty voice of Sophia and her inspiring but extremely honest story. 

Thanks for reading xo

Turning 20

I saw someone post on twitter this morning that turning 20 counts as 'growing up'. WHAT?! Nobody informed me of this when I turned 20 last september and I know it's a little daunting not being a teenager anymore but I can't help but look forward to how much better my adult life is going to be in comparison to my teenage years.

These are the years of university, jobs, careers, parties, travels, engagements, weddings, maybe even children if you're quick enough haha. These are the years when independence actually means independence rather than living away from home but still getting your parents to pay the bills. Quite frankly I love the prospect of really making the decisions which build the rest of my life, I like being in control of that. 

Let's not lie though, it is difficult to be independent. I have experienced the difficulties of trying to find a part-time job at university, trying and constantly failing with budgeting, balancing working for money and working for my degree, and most of all the struggle of buying something you love but you just can't afford. These are the things which can really drag you down and make being independent much harder but we have to remember that these things take time. Time and mistakes are very good at making you learn and change your habits which is what your 20s are about. Make the mistakes and learn from them to develop into the person you are going to be. At the end of the day, you need the difficulties in life to really appreciate the best times. 

Enjoy turning 20 and take everything in your stride!

K xo

Music: Lorde

Okay, so it's been a while. I understand that. I'm sorry, is that okay? 

I have definitely been slacking on writing recently. It's been a busy term and sometimes I neglect some parts of my life in favour of others (namely my extra-curricular activities for my degree, it's important and all that) but now I'm back with a vengeance, well almost.

Today, I have to share my love for a new artist on the block. I can't get enough of her dulcet tones and witty lyrics on life. Namely, Lorde. A young lady from New Zealand who has been involved in the music business since the age of 12 and rocketed into my musical awareness a couple of months ago. Lorde was propelled into the spotlight as unknown 16 year old when she was featured on the Spotify playlist 'Hipster International', being described as "the antidote to disposable pop" by the owner of the playlist (here).

I am loving the music this girl is making, it's moody yet catchy, punchy, and easy to listen to. I don't feel as though I'm listening to a glimpse of teenage angst against the world but something that is well-thought out, considered, and then clean cut into these pieces and then matched perfectly with videos that reflect the world which Lorde inhabits and invites the listener to join in for those three minutes. But don't take my word for it, have a listen for yourself...

K xo

On Living Away from Home

For university, I decided to move over 300 miles south and live in a little place called Falmouth in Cornwall. It really is the most enchanting place but a stark contrast to Derby (where I was born and lived for all of my life until this point) and a huge decision to make at the age of 18. I chose to move away from most of my friends and my entire family, of course I'd see them all again but I knew that it would be very difficult to see them as often as I might like to. 

A week before I was due to move down to Cornwall I got cold feet and suddenly decided that I didn't want to leave my little bubble in Derby that I knew so well. It was the biggest upheaval of my entire life but I didn't realise until this point and started to panic a little. I was worried about not being able to cope with university life and not having the support around me that I was used to. 

As it goes, I moved to Cornwall. I've completed my first year of uni and can't wait to get back down there tomorrow after only a week at home. Now that I've tasted what another place can offer me I get bored of my hometown very quickly. I'll always come back to see my friends and family, I can't go THAT long without seeing them and I love a good catch up but I know now that they'll always be there to support me, no matter how far I go.

This year away has taught me that I am capable of doing things outside of my comfort zone and pushing those limits can open up a whole wealth of opportunities. Although living away from home has been hard at times (running out of money, missing home, etc.) it has been the best experience of my life. So to all those on the brink of university life, relish the feeling of the unknown and embrace the amazing experiences coming your way.

K xo