The Proposal

Most days roll on by for me, without really noticing much has changed.  However one that will stick in my mind.

 Saturday 25th of April.  The day I said yes.

Looking back I never knew when I would get married, I would always dream about a life with someone that I hadn't even met yet.  

Some people do say that when you know you know.  Whether that is true for you or not I couldn't say.  But with Liam, I just always knew.  I knew that I couldn't live without him.  Even imagining a world with him not being in my life, just wasn't even an option for me.

We had discussed where we wanted out lives to head, together, of course.  Endless discussions about when the right time to take the next step would be.  I'm a bit of a planner you see, always thinking about ten steps ahead of what I need to be.  So I knew the proposal was on the cards for me, and that was fine for me.  I just didn't need the big surprise, in fact I didn't want it.  I welcome being able to know what's around the corner, plus Liam hates surprises nearly as much as I do, so he was more than happy to be in it together.  

We decided together to go out on the Saturday, (the only free day it seemed in our week) and have a look a rings.  I really wanted to be involved in the choosing process as I'm not a massive girly girl, but I knew what style of ring I wanted.  

Luckily we live in Brighton in the UK, abundant with jewellery shops in the infamous lanes.  I had done some research on places to go, and settled on Fidra.

The ring came in this lovely box inside one of Fidra's bags.  It was a really nice added touch to be able to have the whole set to take away with us. 

I chose vintage over modern, but I liked that.  After a long deliberation I found one that was perfect, a 1960's solitaire diamond.  I also found out that I do have rather chubby fingers.  (slightly embarrassing when the ring fitter politely agrees!)

Of course we needed it re-sized to fit on my pork swords, but that was a perfect excuse for Liam to take me out for a posh lunch! It was lovely just to spend the day together, getting all excited about what the future holds for us.  Just simply being in love.

Once we had collected the ring and arrived back home to our lovely new flat, Liam got down on one knee, and proposed.  The words he used were so lovely and from the heart.  Its all I needed to hear.  Being in our first proper home together, it couldn't have been a more perfect location.  Somewhere hopefully we will share lots of happy memories together, starting with this amazing one.

All in all it was a perfect day.  It may not be to everyone's taste I'm sure, but it was ours.  The best part was telling all of our friends and family.  I have never felt so much love than I felt that day.  I love that happy news brings people together, and that's what is important.

I'm very excited to be Liam's wife and to spend the rest of our lives growing old together, so here's to the next chapter.  We have decided to get married in Greece 2016 (I am half Greek).  So be ready for all the planning posts and ideas.

What are your proposal stories, I would love to hear them?

Are you planning a wedding, any hints and tips?

Comment below, and I hope you're having a lovely weekend!

My Kind Of Love

 There's so many different ways of looking at love.  You can have love for so many things.  People, places, animals, objects, words, smells.  There is no right and wrong to say one person should love something and another should not.  That's what I love about love.  Its yours, yours to choose to give and yours to keep on giving, and should you be lucky enough to receive it back, well that's my kind of love, and I'm going to tell you about it.

I was lucky enough to meet the most special person in my life a little while back now.  Everyone's had the relationships that don't for one reason or another work out, and if you haven't well that's ok.  But if you happen to stumble (much like I did) across someone special, then hold on tight with both hands preferably, and don't let go.  

I could tell you the endless list that I used to have in my mind of who the right person would be for me.  Probably someone quite like Bradley Cooper (sorry Liam) but we all know that the illusions films fill us with are not ever the reality of which we live within.  Although saying that I much prefer my reality, its honest.  Maybe it doesn't hold the rosy tint of the Hollywood blockbuster romance, but its mine. 

So as you probably have caught on, the love of my life is called Liam.  

There are endless things that I love about him,  I could literally bore you all day.  He makes me happy in ways which I didn't think I ever could be.  I'm part of a team where we are equals, no one ever gets chosen last.  I love him because he makes me laugh, something so important in a world where we have to be so serious all the time.  I get to be completely myself (should probably shave legs more often) but he understands me.  I know that sounds cheesy, you know the stinky bishop kind of cheesy, but he sometimes knows something is upsetting me, even before I do.  Liam works endlessly hard to keep us afloat, even if it means sacrificing things that he wants to do.  Putting our needs as a couple before his own. 

Don't get me wrong, nothing is perfect.  Relationships take work, you will argue and fall out.  But the loves that last are the ones you are willing to work at.  Love is sacrifice, compromise and willingness, all rolled into one. We have had our fair share of these arguments, but we come out the other end just as strong.  I maybe even love him even more as he puts up with my mad ways!

So Liam if your reading this, I want to say thank you.  

Thank you for coming into my life when I didn't know that I really needed you.  Thank you for being you, and making everyday special.  Thank you for being there to help pick up the pieces, when it all seems to fall apart.  Thank you for all the adventures.  Thank you for all the love you give, and continue to give.

Thank you for being my kind of love. 

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Family

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I often sit and think about my family and how they have helped to mould me into the person that I am today.  Don't get me wrong I am only 25 and I know that life has many journeys in store for me.  

I come from a family of very strong women, and a loving father.   I've never really known my mothers side of the family for various reasons and my fathers family are Greek. (A language that I can't speak) So its really left my family to be a strong unit.  Only relying on each other when things went a bit off track.  

We have been extremely blessed to not have encountered any serious health problems over the years.  I always like to count our good health as a real importance, as not everyone has that.  I now live two hours away from my family with my fiance in a lovely flat, everyday I miss the fact that I can't just pop round and see them.  An ability that I have taken for granted over the years.  

When I was living in Australia you really do realise the important of family bonds.  I used to stare longingly at the families picnicking together in the park or just simply going out for a coffee.  A luxury that I could only obtain if I sat on a plane for 21 hours.  It is true you don't realise what you have until its not there right in front of you.  Hence our move back to the UK.  Australia was an amazing place, but our family ties far outweighed leaving all of our family behind.

My mum came to stay with us this weekend, and its so lovely just being able to chat and catch up on the goings on in everyone's lives.  We all seem to be so busy getting on with our own things, that we don't have much time left to see each other, which does make me sad sometimes.  Growing up and being in each others company all the time, creates a feeling of never having to be alone.  I will always be thankful that I have three sisters, a brother would have been nice, but it seems it was not in the plans for my parents! 

It is so lovely when I get these family visits as I've not got too many friends in Brighton yet.  I think having been on the move so much in the last 2 years that finally settling in one place, has taken over the making friends part. 

 It's that fleeting moment of pure happiness when you see them, embracing them in a hug, knowing that no one else on the planet could give you that same feeling.  The downside is the sadness that follows when you have to say goodbye.  But it comes hand in hand with these visits, and something I am getting used to.  Goodbye always seems so final to me, I much prefer see you soon, or take care.  Leaving you with that lighthearted feeling of being sure you will see them again soon enough. 

But as I sit here and tap away on my laptop, thoughts drifting in and out of my head, having just done the sad goodbye, I really appriciate my family.  Not only the family that I have, but the family I am gaining with marrying Liam.  I'm surrounded by so many people that love each other that I realise that is whats important.  

Not the cars or the houses or the clothes.  Its the people.

So if you have those people in your lives that are important to you, tell them you love them, hug them and enjoy every minute with them.  

Its the most amazing, precious and important gift that I was given.  

Family.

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Baby Fever

 

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Apparently, or so I've found, you get to a certain age in life and then your news feed fills up with proposals, weddings and babies! I don't know about you, but from an early age I have been dreaming of the day that I meet the man I want to start a family with.  Luckily this has now happened, panic over!

But there's always the same questions that everyone asks.

When is the right time? How do you know he's the one? Are you financially ready? 

I've asked a lot of people these questions that have had children, and the general consensus was that there is never that perfect time in your life that you are ever ready.  Who can tell you how you life will change when you have a baby, or how you will cope with the added financial pressure? I feel the only one who can really answer these questions is you.

I don't know what it is about the unknown desire to have a baby.  Its as if my ovaries are calling out to me to be put to good use.  Or the terrifying thought that if I leave it too late that I might not be able to have children.  I don't actually remember a day where I haven't ever wanted children.  Its like it was programmed into my genes.  Even when I was a child I use to sit for hours upon end watching birthing programmes, (my mum thought I was destined to be a midwife) so interested to know everything there was to know about labour.  Very strange I know!  That ache and longing to want to know what my child would look like, their personality and characteristics, the feeling of holding them in my arms.

The baby fever does come and go, logic usually kicks in pretty strong for me.  The fear of change and vulnerability vibrating through my core, shaking me to sense.  I would like to be married first and more financially stable, these are important to us as a family unit. 

 So I guess, until that time, I will reside to endlessly gazing upon instagram and blog feeds of those delightful squidgy hands and feet.  Precious moments captured by devoted mothers and fathers. 

I'll still be here delirious with baby fever.  

Dreaming of the day that I will join the mum club.

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Newborn Photography Workshop : After

At the ripe time of 5am, I was up with the birds and set off from Brighton to my workshop location in Weymouth.  I'm not much of a morning person so as you can imagine the struggle was really real for me, but I was so excited for the day that I didn't really mind.

The drive took me through lots of countryside and windy roads, which was a pleasant break from the motorway. I arrived just after 8:30am nice and early for the start time of 9am.  

The workshops are run by Shellie Wall and Maddy Rogers, two very respected newborn specialist photographers in the UK.  I had actually ordered a new camera a few weeks prior to the workshop, but due to backlog of orders Calumet couldn't get it to me in time.  Kindly enough Maddy lent me one of hers, a real life saver!  It really expressed how above and beyond they go to make sure people attending the workshops leave with a positive experience!

The workshop consisted of many different elements.  We covered dealing with clients, preparing them before the shoot, documents to send out, handling and posing the newborns safely, workflow, wrapping, soothing, props, admin, lighting and editing software.  There may have been something I have missed, but we covered so much!

It was really important for me to be able to understand the behind the scenes process of a newborn photography shoot.  Having specialised in fashion, it is like leaping into another world.  However the step by step instructions that Maddy and Shellie went through with us, were informative and constructive.  Enabling us to get a very strong sense of what our responsibilities would be as the photographer.  

There are many areas that with time and experience I will improve.  Mainly posing and handling the babies.  The ladies both worked with a comforting calm, quietly confident with what they were doing, reading the baby's body language and stages of sleep.  Putting the parents instantly at ease.  Something that was amazing to observe.

Maddy and Shellie spoke with an open honesty, trying their best to be as helpful as possible, answering all of our questions.  I can imagine this takes a lot of patience, there was quite a few!

 I can't recommend the workshop enough.  I felt the wealth of knowledge that I came away with was invaluable.  If you have been shooting newborns for a while, and want to improve on certain aspects of your business, then this would also benefit you.  

Overall it was a very enjoyable day, it felt really amazing to be back photographing something I am passionate about again.  Something that was always instilled in our minds at university, was that the photography world is small, help others and they will help you.  This has always stuck with me.  Maddy and Shellie are brave opening up with all of their knowledge and wisdom in these workshops, and this does not go unnoticed.

If your thinking twice about attending a workshop, don't, go for it, your investment will reflect in your confidence and in your business, you'll thank yourself later! 

To find out information on future workshops click here

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Newborn Photography Workshop: Before

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 I'm a firm believer in development and progression.  I would never like to think that I ever got too comfortable with what I know.  Photography started off as a hobby for me, 8 years later, one BA honours degree down (which I'm very proud of) and I still feel like there is more to learn.

I first specialised in fashion when I graduated from university.  I followed the path of internships, assisting photographers, setting up my own shoots.  However as time went on I never really found that sense of fulfilment I wanted. Working all hours under the sun, in a very superficial industry. 

 Knowing I hadn't yet found my place, and I'm sure you can agree, having to make life changing decisions at 16, defining where your life will take you is somewhat overwhelming.  I know that I loved all elements of photography, and it only took a short stint of working for a children's photography company that I felt I had found my calling.  

FINALLY, PHEW

So that brings me to here, about to embark on a newborn photography workshop, so that I am prepared, educated and informed.  I honestly can't wait to get involved with my creative side again, and working towards something I am truly passionate about.  I can thank my four years on a commercial photography degree, for making me technically sound and industry savvy.  Although there are some things that can only be taught from experience.  

When I did my research into which company to do my workshop with, (there are many that offer similar services) I wanted to go primarily for safety and knowledge.  

I booked my workshop through The Newborn Workshops.

I picked them for experience, and most importantly their core principle is posing and photographing newborns in the safest way possible.  

 I will be blogging about the day, the benefits of the workshop and what I take away from it.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

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My Top 3 Hostels in Thailand

So if your like me and absolutely love to read any and every review about somewhere you stay before you actually stay there then I hope that you'll find this handy.  I spent most of my time booking accommodation through trip advisor, bookings or word of mouth from other travellers.  This as you can imagine was a pretty simple process.  I think I've had more access to wifi in Thailand than anywhere else I've ever been, and there was me thinking that I wouldn't be speaking to people much back home.  (silly me I know)

Some of the places were slightly questionable and don't get me wrong trusting reviews are always based upon personal experiences, and some places might not be up to others standards!  But these were my top 3 for my few months in Thailand.

1. Pakup Hostel - Krabbi

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I found this hostel really clean, helpful staff and good recreational areas.  I booked a few nights here before island hopping to Koh Phi Phi for a few days, and stayed back here on my return.  Each room has a theme which I thought was a really personal touch.  All the beds inside the rooms were named within the theme.  Great idea whoever thought of that! 

There's also a cash point across the road, which is really helpful if you have just come from another island and need to get cash out to pay for your room or food.  

Down the hill from the hostel is the night market that I ate at most nights I was here.  We found a crazy lady (not literally) who looked after us when we ordered our food and shouted rather loudly if anything was forgotten.  But I tend to get on well with slightly odd people so I ate at her stall pretty much every night.  

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The beds in Pakup are so comfortable and a welcome haven from some of the metal, ricketty bunks beds I had become accustomed to.  They each had a lockable drawer under the beds for personal belongings and large enough to fit your whole backpack in.  Genius.

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The bathrooms were lovely and clean and there was hot water, hooray! Another luxury I had gotten used to living without, and not being too upset if I didn't have it! 

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All in all I've put this at number one as I really enjoyed my stay, had everything you could possibly want out of a backpacker hostel.  Thrown in with staff that were very helpful you can't go wrong.  I would recommend the four island tour I paid around 500 Bhat for the day trip and it was worth it to avoid the crowds going direct to Railay beach.

2. NapPark - Bangkok 

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This was my very first hostel I stayed in fresh off the plane from the UK.  As you can imagine having never been further than a three hour flight away from home, I didn't quite know what I was letting myself in for.  

Arriving at Nappark about a half hour drive from the airport, which cost me about 500 Bhat, (I split this with another traveller) I was pleasantly surprised.  It was a relaxed, informal hostel literally 2 minutes walk from Koh San Road.  I stayed here twice, on my arrival and before I flew out of Bangkok to Australia.  

The first time I stayed in the premium dorm and the second time in the 22 bed.  As you can imagine the premium dorm was much more spacious and less noisy, but the 22 bed dorms weren't too bad considering.  The only reason why I would go for the premium again is for the air con.  The cheaper rooms get turned off around midnight, and I got very hot during the night, not a win win situation. With 21 other bodies breathing the same air as you!

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Bathrooms and beds were clean and comfortable, and they offer a good shuttle service back to the airport if you don't want to spend the money on a taxi.  Wi-fi use throughout the building and computers to use in reception with lockers in your rooms.  All in all a good all rounder.

2. Deejai Backpacker - Chiang Mai 
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So this was one of the hostels that I spent most of my time in as I really fell in love with Chiang Mai.  I spent around £2 a night to stay here, I know what a steal! As you can imagine you get what you pay for.  The rooms weren't luxurious by any means, but you get a bed and bathroom.  What more do you need! The staff were really helpful and if you wanted to book extra nights this could be arranged easily.

There was an on site communal area with food facilities.  I wasn't able to connect to Wi-fi through the whole building but it was best in the communal area.  If you are a social butterfly they host bbq's and bonfires at their communal garden area 1 minute walk just along the road.  It was a great way to meet new people, and if you didn't want to go into the city for food then you could eat here.  I have to say the food was amazing!

They also have a swimming pool, hammocks and a pool table available for people to use.  This came in handy for the extremely hot afternoons after exploring the city.

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If you want to be able to explore the night markets then its an easy walk from the hostel.  We also hired bicycles from a nearby shop and cycled around the city for the day.  Not the easiest thing to do, as you have to be quite brave with the traffic! The hostel also offers an onsite motorbike hire which we drove up to the mountain temple, again not for the faint hearted, and always make sure you have travel insurance that covers you for this!

Overall good value for money if you are straped for cash and don't want to dip too much into those valuable savings!

Happy hostelling! 

Anyone else have their favourite hostels in Thailand feel free to comment below, I love to hear about other peoples experiences! 

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Thailand Travels

So here's the thing...Thailand stole my heart! I fell hook line and sinker. What a beautiful place full of beautiful people.  So I've summarised my time there by making you lovely lot a list of my top ten places to visit.  So here goes......

1) Elephant Nature Park

This was hands down one of the most amazing experiences of my live.  I booked it through STA as one of their tours and have to say I have never regretted spending the money.  It goes towards an amazing project to rescue and care for injured, mistreated elephants.  The lady who runs it called Lek is such an inspirational woman.  I want to dedicate a whole blog post to this amazing project so stay tuned! 

2) Chiang Mai

  

I took the overnight bus from Bangkok which took ten and a half hours (quite the experience) they even provided blankets on the bus which I was a bit wary about as I wasn't too sure what sort of bed bugs they had picked up in there time!  But it was well worth it.  If you want night markets, street food, good hospitality and an amazing city to walk around, this is your one. 

 

3)  Island Hopping

 I flew from Chiang Mai down to Koh Samui then started to Island hop from here.  I travelled to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Krabbi, Koh Phi Phi and then back to Krabbi.  My favourite island was definitely Koh Tao, I wished I would have had more time to explore all of the other islands.  My least favourite was Koh Phi Phi, not for its lack of amazing scenery, that was incredible, it was just swarmed by tourists and I wasn't so fond out the music blaring out all hours of the night...call me old fashioned but my bed literally vibrated from the noise!  But island hopping is definitely a must if you want the full experience of living on a beach and complete relaxation.

 

 

 

4) Pai

Pai is a small town in northern Thailand, so the thing here is that I didn't actually get to go.  But everyone I met said that its a must and I really regret not making it a priority to go.  If you love to live the hippy, at one with nature dream then go to Pai, by the sounds of it you'll have a blast, and I'll be very jealous.

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5)  Doi Suthep

This is a temple on the mountain in Chiang Mai, its very sacred to the Thai people and absolutely beautiful.  You have to climb a few stairs to get there but its so worth it once you reach the top.  It was one of the most beautiful temples I had seen, and was lucky enough to get blessed for the new year by one of the monks.

 

6) Lady Boy Show

 So not the most conventional recommendation but I went with a group of friends I had made at the nature park and I have to admit it was incredible.  We went to see the lady boys of Chiang Mai in all of their glory! We sang we danced we drank and had a very merry time! If you want to be totally amazed and have the best time doing so then head on down!

7) Local Cuisine 

 I know that some foods from the street markets were best avoided, but you should definitely get involved in Phad Thai, I think I paid about 60 baht, the equivalent to around 20p for a extremely tasty meal.  The locals are warm and friendly people and only too happy to explain what the foods are! 

 

8) Scuba Dive

 You can scuba dive on most of the islands. I went to Big Blue diving school and did my open water qualification.  I can highly recommend doing this over just a fun dive, you really get to experience diving and all the underwater adventuring that comes with it! You also get to make really good friends with your fellow divers!

  

 

9) Floating River Markets

One of Bangkok's attractions very touristy but worth a visit.  I did this on a day trip and felt a bit herded along with the other tourists but it was nice to see all of the lovely trinkets and the insane river traffic! Only in Thailand.  

 

10) The Grand Palace

This does deserve a spot on the recommended list.  I wasn't able to see it as the riots were on when I was visiting and they closed the Palace off to visitors for safety reasons.  But I met so many people that said how incredible it was.  So make sure you fit this in when in Bangkok. 

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Just say yes

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So my recent thoughts have been on needing to say yes more often.  (Within reason of course) Life sometimes holds you back from the most daring of adventures and all because we have a fear of really letting go and saying yes.  

So many things in life control our decisions.  What do people think of me? What will they say? Can I afford to do it?  I've really struggled recently with just saying a simple yes, battling with my own anxieties about things that could happen, or a certain way I could feel.  

I've had a lot of change happen in the last year for me all for the good but it takes me a while to really settle back into the swing of things and relax again.  I feel the older I get the more afraid of everything I become. 

Any tips on making it easier to say yes? Have you made positive changes in your life recently? Has saying yes taken you on an amazing adventure? Let me know in the comments!

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Don't give up the day job!

So being a creative person but then also needing to pay my bills can sometimes work out tricky to maintain.  I know I am not the only one to have put on hold those lofty dreams of walking straight out of uni and into a high flying dream job!

 But I've also had quite a good run of things in my life and have to be grateful for this.  Don't get me wrong in no way have I given up on being a full time photographer but I have had to put starting my own business on the back burner while I earn enough to fund buying equipment and studio space.  Which I know will all come in good time!

The start of something new

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Hello fellow bloggers! 

So I have decided to restart blogging again, it seemed to have taken a back seat after I finished Uni and went travelling.  The sensible thing would have probably have been to activate it while I was away but being me it didn't happen! But thats ok, I now have the delight of sharing with everyone things that I saw, did and ate! I want my blog to be a true reflection on me and things that I  have enjoyed doing, seeing and more often than not eating. ( If you haven't noticed I do enjoy food)  Not forgetting to throw my current life into the mix!

By trade I am a photographer, but lifestyle wise I am a slightly odd girl I'm guessing the word for it might be 'kooky?' who talks probably far too much, but who knows come and enjoy every minute of it with me!

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